Hello readers and welcome to a new folder with adaptations and own stories of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. This first one you're about to read is one of the Season 6 episodes, Number 14 to be exact. Now in case you're wondering, I don't know when I'll be posting another story for this folder. The next one could be an adaptation, or it could be a new story, you'll just have to be patient. In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this story, and I love to hear what you think of it. Oh and one more thing, see if you can spot the references I wrote into this adaptation.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cart Before the Ponies

Based on the Original 2016 Episode, and Adapted by: ThomasZoey3000

Apple Bloom was at the kicthen table eating breakfast with Granny Smith. Strangely though, there was no sign of Applejack or Big Mac, "Granny, where are Applejack and Big Mac?"

"Oh they'll be here soon," Granny Smith answered. "They're just getting something very special."

"Very special?" Apple Bloom asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes indeedy," she nodded. She picked up her now empty plate and brought it over towards the kitchen sink. She looked out the window and smiled, "in fact, they're back now."

With her breakfast nearly complete, Apple Bloom ran outside to see what Big Mac and Applejack were bringing in. She was surprised to see them hauling long carts full of blocks of wood.

"Are we building a new barn?" Apple Bloom was confused at the sight that was before her.

Big Mac and Applejack stopped to regain their breath, "nope," replied Big Mac with a shake of his head.

"Nah, this wood isn't for a barn Apple Bloom, all these blocks of wood are for the Annual Applewood Derby race," explained Applejack. "Each of these blocks will be used to make racing carts of any type, then a team of two ponies will race them through Ponyville and the surronding area."

A frown came to Apple Bloom's face, "oh, that's nice."

The tradition of the Applewood Derby race had been around for as long as Ponyville been around, but Apple Bloom had never been allowed to race in it as she had been too young.

"Oh cheer up honey," smiled Granny Smith as she stepped outside. "We haven't even told you the best part yet."

"What? Am I going to be a judge?"

"Nope," Big Mac answered.

Applejack smiled and walked up to her sister, "you're going to be racing in the Applewood Derby this year. You're finally old enough to race in it."

A big wide smile came to Apple Bloom's face, and she jumped into the air with joy.

"I get to race in the Applewood Derby!"

It wasn't just Apple Bloom that was allowed to race this year. As the day wore on, they found that many of Apple Bloom's classmates were entering too. Diamond Tiara turned up with Starlight Glimmer.

"Howdy you two, why are you racing together?"

"Cause daddy's out of town for the next few days," explained Diamond Tiara, "and my mother..." she paused, "well let's just say she finds this sort of thing beneath her."

"So she asked for me," said Starlight, "and since I've never been part of a race before, I'd thought it'd be a good idea to try it out, and work with a new friend."

"Well alirghty then, just sign your names, and follow Big Mac to your tent."

Both Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer signed their names, and followed Big Mac to their tent. There, they found not only the block of wood, but plenty of tools and paper so they could work on a design plan together.

"By the way Apple Bloom, have you thought up what you want the cart to be like?"

Apple Bloom gasped to hear that question, "you mean, I get to come up with the design too?"

"You betcha," Applejack nodded.

Apple Bloom once jumped into the air with joy, "this is going to be the best derby race ever!"

"Indeed it will be my dear," said another voice. Both ponies looked in surprise to see Rarity and Sweetie Belle walking up to sign up. Sweetie Belle was beaming while Rarity was all smiles.

"Rarity? You actually want to join in on the derby?"

"But of course Darling, it's a fun event for the whole family, and there's nothing like the wind blowing through one's mane. I love everything to do with derby racing, but I'm going to love it even more this year."

"That's because Rarity and I are going to build a cart together, and race it!" cheered Sweetie Belle.

"And since this is going to be Sweetie Belle's first race, I decided to let her design it and later drive it."

Applejack smiled, "well now, that's certainly different from a pony who didn't want to join in the Sister Hooves social at first."

"Er yes well..." Rarity blushed in embarrassment.

Sweetie Belle just giggled and signed both sister's names down. Granny Smith then lead them to their tent. As they left though, Apple Bloom was concerned, "we got almost everypony here, but I'm not seeing Scootaloo. Where is she?"

"Oh I wouldn't worry about Scootaloo, I'm sure she's already asking Rainbow Dash if she wants to join her in the race."

Applejack was indeed correct. Using the hot air balloon, she went up towards Rainbow Dash's house to speak with her about the derby race, "are you kidding? Of course I'll help you Scootaloo, I love Derby racing!"

"Have you entered the Applewood derby before?"

"No, but I have been in the Cloudsdale Derby, five times to be honest." She pointed a hoof over to a picture frame, which had five blue ribbons, all of which had a '1' on them. "I'll never forget it, the excitment of the crowds, the wind in my mane, and my super cart racing at great speeds."

She thought back to when she was a filly and remembered that feeling, "This is awesome!" she remembered cheering years before.

"That's what I'm looking forward to experiencing too," smiled Scootaloo. "But first, we need to sign up."

"Then let's go."

They were almost out the door when Rainbow Dash stopped, "hold on a second, I'll go get my old blueprints for my race-cart. I'm sure the design can still work for the Applewood derby."

"Oh okay." Scootaloo was a little disappointed, "I was actually hoping we could use a design I made. Oh well, I'm sure Rainbow Dash will allow me to make the cart look smashing. Yeah I'm sure she will."

It didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to find her old blueprints and once outside, she grabbed hold of the rope for the balloon, and flew both herself and Scootaloo down to Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Sweetie Belle was drawing up a design for her cart. It didn't look like it would be the fastest, but it still looked fastastic, "What do you think sis?"

"It's lovely Sweetie Belle, and I'm sure, even if you don't win the race, you'll still win a prize for the most stylish cart."

"They actually have prizes for that?"

"Oh yes indeed. I almost won one myself when I was a filly. It looked grand, but the judges gave me second place."

Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear this, "you won second place? Then who won first place?"

Rarity looked over to one of the other areas and saw Derpy, the grey pegasus with wonky eyes. She was there with Dinky, a little unicorn pony from Sweetie Belle's class.

"She won first prize. I felt disappointed that day..." she paused as she thought back to when she was a filly, crying out her eyes as Derpy took home the prize, "but now, we're going to beat her and take that ribbon."

"Uh Sis, I just want to have fun here."

"Huh? Oh right, silly me. Can't let my pride get in the way, this is suppose to be for fun. And we will have fun," she smiled, "Cause we're doing this together."

"Together," smiled Sweetie Belle and gave her big sister a hug, to which she got a hug back.

At that very moment, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo arrived, "you're lucky Rainbow Dash," said Applejack, "the sheet's nearly full, there's only enough room for the two of you."

Rainbow Dash grabbed a pencil with her mouth and quickly wrote down their names, "I'd say there's no more room now."

"Alrighty then, we'll lead you to your area."

As they walked past the other tents, Scootaloo took the time to look at all the other carts. She was amazed by many of the sleek designs, and interesting concepts being thought up.

"They're fine I guess," said Rainbow Dash, "but our's will be the fastest."

"Actually Rainbow Dash, I've been thinking that I want to win the prize for most unique looking cart," said Scootaloo. "We'll still use your design on it, but I was thinking on...hey, are you listening to me?"

"Yeah yeah, unique and fast, got it."

Applejack and Apple Bloom looked to each with worried looks. They knew from past experiences that Rainbow Dash sometimes didn't listen to other ponies' ideas, and this would lead them and herself into trouble.

Once they reached their area, Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash aside.

"Look Rainbow, I know you're excited to be entering into this race, but try and work with Scootaloo on how to design your cart. Don't let your desire to win get the better of you."

"Yeah yeah, we'll be fine." But Rainbow Dash wasn't really paying attention.

Normally Applejack would just give up on trying to convince Rainbow Dash another way, but since Scootaloo was partnered with her, she was concered for the little pegasus.

"It's not about speed and power Rainbow Dash, it's about having fun."

"Yeah I got it, speed and power."

Applejack sighed and walked over to Scootaloo so she could whisper to her, "Rainbow may not listen to you, so if you can, try and put in your own ideas without her knowing."

"Okay, I'll try," said Scootaloo a little worried.

That however was easier said than done. Scootaloo tried to present her own ideas to Rainbow Dash, but she would take no notice and go on with her original design plans. Scootaloo then tried to add things to the cart to make it more original, but they were barely on there before Rainbow Dash kicked them off, or threw them away.

"Hey, this is a team effort! It's not just your cart!"

"But we are working as a team, I build and you will race it."

"What?! That's not how this is suppose to work, look at everypony else." Scootaloo pointed to Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who were working together to build Sweetie's design, and were smiling the entire time. The same could said for Applejack and Apple Bloom as they were building a fast sleek cart. Pretty much everypony was working like that, even Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer. "Now see, that's how we're suppose to be working. At least let me add some wings on the sides for a unique look."

"Sorry Squirt, but you can't mess with perfection. However, you can get me something."

"And what would that be?"

"A glass of Apple Cider, I'm thirsty."

Scootaloo growled loudly and stormed off angerily. This caught the attention of everypony nearby, except for Rainbow Dash. She just continued working on her cart.

"For Pony's Sake Rainbow Dash," groaned Applejack, "you're certainly not being loyal now."

The carts took a couple of days to build and complete, but soon they were finished. Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer were the last to finish, but they were proud of their cart. All the ponies were proud, except Scootaloo. The cart was nothing like what she wanted, it was Rainbow Dash's design all the way.

"Alright everypony, listen up!" Applejack called to the ponies. "You have all done great work on your carts, but with twelve hours to go, as per tradition, you are not allowed to do anymore work on the carts, and this year, as a special treat, the youngest members of the team will get to be in the driver's seat."

"YAY!" cheered the fillies and colts.

Diamond Tiara looked nervous, "I don't know if I can drive, I haven't had much experience."

Starlight gave her a reassuring smile, "You'll do fine Diamond, just remain calm and remember to have fun."

Diamond Tiara smiled, "I'm glad you're my partner Starlight, you're the best."

Starlight's smile grew even bigger at that moment. That smile however faded when she saw Rainbow Dash sneaking back into her area, "what is Rainbow up to now? I hope she's not planning on cheating."

Sadly, Starlight was right on the mark. Rainbow Dash was planning on cheating. Once ahead, she wanted to stay ahead, and with a saddlebag full of tools, she was able to do just that.

The next day came. A special track had been placed around the streets of Ponyville, through the outskirts and even into the Everfree forest. It looked to be an exciting race this year. They even brought in three commentators to comment on the action.

"Good afternoon fillies and gentlecolts, and welcome to the annual Applewood Derby," said one of them, who was called Hoofson. "This year, we're in for a special treat."

"Yes indeed Hoofson," said Hamburger, the second commenting pony. "This year, with many young fillies and colts joining the race, they will be racing in the driver's seat."

"And the track this year is even longer than ever before," added the third pony, who went by the name of Mayflower. "It's about 3 and a half feet longer than last year, which breaks the record for the longest derby track in the history of..."

"Yes thank you Mayflower for that," interupted Hoofson. "And now, can the racers please come to the starting line?"

Starlight and Diamond Tiara were first to the line, then they were followed by Rarity and Sweetie Belle, and with Applejack and Apple Bloom following close behind.

"Nice carts," smiled Diamond Tiara, "you guys are definetly going to win prizes this year."

"I don't know about that," said Apple Bloom as she watched the other carts come to the line. "We'll be lucky if we're in the top five. But the important thing is to have fun."

"You got that right Little Sister," smiled Applejack.

Rarity was proud of her little sister, "You sure do know how to make a good looking, and quite functional cart Sweetie. I better watch my job, or I could be forced out of business."

Sweetie Belle giggled, "you don't need to worry about that Rarity, cause I can never make dresses as good as you. Besides, this was a team effort."

"Speaking of team effort," said Applejack, "Where are Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo?"

The last cart to come up to the start line was their cart, but to everypony's surprise, Rainbow Dash was in the Driver's seat, and Scootaloo was in the back.

"Rainbow Dash, that's Scootaloo's seat, not yours!"

"Oh chill AJ, Scootaloo's got a good seat, so she can experience all the action."

Applejack shook her head. The announcers called down, "the race cannot begin until young Scootaloo and Ms Rainbow Dash switch places. That's the rules for this year."

"What? When did that come about?"

"Last night, I told everypony. What were you doing?" asked Applejack.

"Oh I was...daydreaming I guess."

"Uh-huh. Well you heard 'em, get to the back Rainbow and let Scootaloo drive."

"Fine."

So the two pegasi switched places. Rainbow Dash was not happy about being in the back, but it did at least bring a smile to Scootaloo's face. Applejack whispered to her, "I know this isn't what you wanted, but at least you get to be in the Driver's seat. Have fun Scootaloo, and good luck."

"Thanks Applejack."

Applejack turned and walked back to Apple Bloom's cart. She climbed into the back seat and buckled up. Miss Cheerilee was at the starting line, ready to signal the beginning of the event.

"Racers are you ready?" she called out. They all nodded happily. "Good. Now on your marks...get set...and GO!" she cheered. She blew on a horn, and the race was on.

They raced down a big hill and past long lines of ponies, and even a couple of griffons.

"Alrighty fillies and gentlecolts, the racers are racing down the so called Ice Cream lane, why is it called that anyways?" asked Hoofson.

"Cause it leads to Sugarcube Corner before making a sharp turn," explained Mayflower.

"Oh well that explains everything then."

"And at the front so far," cheered Hamburger, "we have young Diamond Tiara and her partner; Miss Starlight Glimmer. You know fellas, I have to say that all these carts this year are quite amazing in design, I'm at a loss of words."

"No you're not," joked Hoofson. "If you were really at a loss of words, you'd be quiet and clearly you're not."

Mayflower rolled his eyes, "and ignoring my partners, we're getting back to the race as they speed towards the corner leading away from Sugarcube Corner."

The carts ran round Sugarcube Corner and down another street.

By now, Scootaloo was starting to enjoy herself, "your design or not, you sure do know how to make a cart," she commented Rainbow Dash.

But she shouldn't have said anything as it only inflaited Rainbow's ego even more, "if you like that Scootaloo, just wait till you see the extras I've added in."

"Extras? What are..."

Scootaloo was cut off as Rainbow reached to the front and pulled on a lever. Moments later, a rear spoiler appeared on the back.

"Hey, that wasn't in the original design!"

"I know, I just added some extra bits," smirked Rainbow Dash.

Mayflower had seen this, "uh that shouldn't be allowed right? Pulling on a lever to bring up a rear spoiler?"

"Are you kidding?" asked Hoofson, "it helps you to stay closer to the ground, and to make you go faster."

"Yes, but Hoofson," interupted Hamburger, "we have on good authority that the rear spoiler was not in the original design. Do you think one of the two ponies added that on during the 12 hour ban?"

"It's possible," said Mayflower.

Applejack had seen this, and both she and Apple Bloom were not happy, "I know she wants to win, but there's nothing wrong with coming in farther back," said Apple Bloom angerily.

Applejack was quick to agree, "We'll win through honest racing, just do your best Apple Bloom!"

"You got it Applejack!"

The race continued on without any further surprises. That was until they were reaching Courasel Boutique. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were now side by side with Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer.

"Having fun so far?" asked Diamond Tiara.

"I would be if Rainbow would stop..."

Suddenly without warning, Rainbow pushed on a button and a big block flew out and bashed into Diamond Tiara and Starlight's cart. They started losing control.

"I say, that's not right, that's down right cheating there," exclaimed Hamburger.

"Well it is Rainbow Dash," said Mayflower. "Remember how she cheated during one of the Running of the leaves?"

"Never mind that guys, we got a bigger problem out there," said Hoofson.

And indeed there was. With lack of control, Diamond Tiara and Starlight's cart flew off the track and smashed through a couple of bushes before bumping into a tree.

"Oh my, now that's gotta hurt."

Starlight got out of the cart and used her magic to lift Diamond Tiara out, "Are you alright?" she asked.

Diamond Tiara nodded and raised a hoof to say she was okay. This was met with cheers and sighs of relief from the crowds. Diamond Tiara wasn't happy though about the bash they got, "they did that on purpose."

"On purpose yes, but both of them, no. Scootaloo had nothing to do with this."

Moments later, Applejack and Apple Bloom raced past, determined to get to the front.

"If that's the way Rainbow wants to play, then we'll just have to remind her that cheaters never win," said Applejack.

Getting to the front though was difficult, as Rainbow Dash showed off her latest cheating tactics, wings that could fold in and out so she could block the other racers.

"Now nothing's going to stop me from winning that ribbon," she cheered.

"You mean we," groaned Scootaloo.

"That's what I said, me." With all the excitment, Rainbow Dash thought Scootaloo was agreeing with her.

Soon the race went into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy called out to them, "Be careful in there!" But Rainbow Dash heard nothing, and pulled on another lever, which pulled out another spoiler, thus making them go even faster.

"Now isn't this fun?" she called to Scootaloo.

"No!" the little pegasus cried out.

Meanwhile Applejack and Apple Bloom were closing in. They tried again and again to get past, but Rainbow just wouldn't let them. It was clear, her desire to win was now blocking her common sense.

"I say, the Apples sure are having a difficult time in this race," said Hamburger. "If only team Dash would play fairly."

"That's funny coming from you Hamster," chuckled Hoofson.

"You're one to talk, you cheat everytime we race."

"And getting away from my partners once again," interupted Mayflower, "it looks like Rainbow Dash's tricks aren't working anymore as the Apples have now taken the lead."

"Sorry Scootaloo, but this has to be done," called Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo nodded in reponse.

"Oh no you don't!" cried Rainbow Dash. Her back legs start to move, and surprisingly, the cart was going faster. Scootaloo was confused, that was until she looked back and noticed extra peddles.

"You're cheating!"

"No, just being creative."

Scootaloo began to wonder at that point if Rainbow won her races fair and square, or did she cheat in all of them too.

The speed however was soon to become a problem. A sharp bend was up ahead and had to be taken lightly. Applejack and Apple Bloom made it round, but stopped.

"Slow down Dash and Scoot!" they cried, "you won't make it!"

But Rainbow Dash still wouldn't listen. Scootaloo had had enough at this point and tried to apply the brakes, but they didn't work.

"Uh Rainbow, we got a problem."

"No we don't, we're fine."

"And for once today you can hear me perfectly. And we do have one, we got no brakes!"

It didn't hit Rainbow Dash until it was too late. By that time, the cart flew off the track and spun around and around. Rainbow had managed to get herself free from it, but Scootaloo was still trapped inside and remained in there until the cart finally stopped.

"Oh my goodness, a major crash in the Everfree Forest!" cried Hoofson. "I repeat, a major crash in the Everfree Forest."

"And it was Team Dash and Scootaloo!" added Hamburger.

The other racers slowed to a stop and ran to help Scootaloo. Applejack and Apple Bloom tried to flip the cart over since it was upside down, but it was heavy with all of Rainbow Dash's extra features. Rarity, Derpy, Sweetie Belle, Dinky and all the other ponies joined in and helped to flip the cart over.

"Scootaloo, are you okay?" cried Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo cried in pain, "I think I broke my hoof!" Tears could be seen falling from her eyes.

Rainbow Dash gasped, she hadn't meant for this to happen.

"We got to get her to the hospital," said Applejack. "Sweetie Belle, can we use your cart?"

"Of course, it's got enough room for two more ponies," she answered.

Rarity offered to ride in the back to calm Scootaloo down. But since Sweetie Belle's cart wasn't the fastest, she tied it on with a vine to Apple Bloom's cart, and together, they dashed off to the hospital.

"The race is off!" called Applejack. "We can't race when there's been a serious injury."

The other ponies agreed, but Rainbow Dash was shocked. Before she could say a word, Applejack interupted, "and you are disqualified for your cheating and breaking the rules. Was it worth it to hurt one of your friends?"

With all the eyes looking to Rainbow Dash, she was left speechless. However, she did feel bad for what she did.

Later in the day, she went to Ponyville General Hospital where she found Scootaloo in her room with one of her back legs in a cast. She didn't look too happy to see Rainbow Dash.

"Hey Scoot, how are you feeling?"

"Lousy. Doctor says I'll be in this cast for the next three weeks, which means I can't ride my scooter till then."

Rainbow Dash felt even worse than she did before. "I'm sorry Scootaloo, I guess I went overboard a little bit."

"Will you quit saying that? You went WAY overboard this time."

"Okay I did, and I'm sorry. It's just I love to win, and I thought it would be nice to do so again, but instead I just ruined the fun for everypony, and got you hurt. I am really sorry."

Scootaloo huffed.

"And I'm sorry for not using your ideas, and sorry for cheating too."

Scootaloo said nothing more.

Rainbow put on a kind smile, "next time around, I promise, if you'll let me be your partner again, that we'll use your ideas and your ideas alone, and I promise not to add extras during the 12 hour ban."

Scootaloo looked over and saw Rainbow do the Pinkie Pie Promise. That was enough prove to show that she meant what she was saying.

"I'll except your apology, on one condition."

"Name it."

"That you have to help me to school, and help me carry my homework home after the day is done."

"Okay, you got a deal."

Scootaloo sat upwards and held out her hooves. Rainbow walked forward and hugged Scootaloo back. From outside the room, the announcers; Hoofson, Mayflower and Hamburger had seen everything.

"What a beautiful moment," smiled Hamburger.

"It certainly brings a tear to one's eye," added Mayflower. "And on that bombshell, it's time that we left."

"Hey, that's what I say!" cried Hoofson. Mayflower laughed as he ran away, "Mayflower, you get back here! Mayflower!"

The two stallions ran off. Meanwhile, Hamburger seemed to break the fourth wall and say; "see you again soon, Goodnight!" Then he ran off to chase after his friends.

Well I called this a short story, I wasn't kidding, this really is one of the shortest stories I've written up in a long time. Normally I would be writing up longer chapters, but I wasn't really coming up with ideas for ponies to break Equestrian records, except for what you're about to read, so that's why I chose to write up the short, and just in time before the Christmas season. :) This follows along right after Season 6. Also, if any of you are railfans, see if you can spot the numbers of locomotives included in here.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Short Story #1-Equestrian Record

Written by: ThomasZoey3000

The sun was shining brightly as Starlight Glimmer walked around Ponyville. She had done several days of studying, and only finished her latest test with Twilight Sparkle. Now she had a chance to relax and meet up with some of the ponies around town. As she walked along, she spotted Rainbow Dash standing under a tree and bouncing a ball on top of her head.

"Hello Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" she asked curiously.

Rainbow didn't answer for a moment, she seemed to be focusing. After a minute though, she finally answered, "sorry Starlight, but I'm trying not to lose my count. 765, 766, 767. I'm trying to break the Equestrian record for the longest amount of time a pony can bounce a ball on top of their head. 785, 786, 787."

"Oh I see, but do you know the actual number for the Equestrian record?"

"798, 799, 800. Nope, I don't, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting close to breaking it. 810, 811, 812."

"Well if you want, I can go find a copy of the Equestrian book of records and tell you how long a pony's bounced a ball on top of their heads for."

"834, 835, 836. Sure go ahead, but I bet it's not as high as the number I've got right now," Rainbow boasted, then continued counting; "847, 848, 849."

Starlight went off to the bookstore and asked Plot Twist, the owner of the store, if there were any copies of the book.

"Nope, sorry Ms Glimmer," she said, "but I just sold the last one two days ago. We're due to get more copies three days from now if you don't mind waiting."

"Normally I don't mind waiting, but I need to see how long a pony's been able to bounce a ball on their head for. Thanks anyways."

She decided to go back to Twilight's castle, hopefully she had a copy of the book. On the way, she met up with Trixie, "hello Starlight, what are you doing out and about today?" Starlight told Trixie about Rainbow Dash's attempt to break the record, and that neither of them knew how long a pony had bounced a ball on top of their head for.

"I got a copy of the book, you could borrow it to find out."

"Really? Oh thanks Trixie, you're the best," smiled Starlight.

"Of course I am," Trixie boasted.

Of course, the book was underneath a pile of boxes and as a result, many of them went flying past Starlight's head as Trixie threw them out of the wagon.

"Ahh! Here it is, the big book of Equestrian Records."

Using her magic, she passed the book over to Starlight, who took it up in her magic.

"Thanks again Trixie. Oh and before I go..." she paused and using her own magic, lifted all of Trixie's books and boxes back into the wagon and piled them up into a few neat piles.

"Impressive as always Starlight."

Starlight said good-bye to Trixie, then made her way towards where Rainbow Dash was.

"1206, 1207, 1208. So how long has a pony bounced a ball on top of their heads for?" she asked Starlight. "1218, 1219, 1220."

Starlight flipped through the pages. There were many different records in there, and many were quite interesting to read about. Finally though, she found what they were looking for, "record for number of times for bouncing a ball on one's head."

"And that is? 1333, 1334, 1335."

Starlight gasped, "One billion, seven hundred thousand nine hundred forty two times."

"What?!" Rainbow Dash gasped and stopped. The ball bounced on her head, then flew away from her. "That's impossible, no pony can do that, not even me. Who was the pony that pulled that off?"

The answer soon came into view as Derpy, the little grey pegasus with wonky eyes passed them. Rainbow Dash's ball had bounced on top of her head and continued bouncing, without her even looking up. Starlight looked to the book while Rainbow Dash gasped in shock.

"Yep, that makes alot of sense."

Hello again readers, and welcome to my first MLP story for 2017. That's right, the first one. Originally I wanted to do this back in January, but...well, I think by now you can take a wild guess of what held me back. If you're saying 'Chores and Life', you're bang on. :) Anyways, when I saw the Season 6 Episode 22, I was left quite stumped when it finished, but afterwords I knew I wanted to try and make an adaptation of it. The idea stayed in my head until Mid January when I finally got around to writing the following story down, and it's taken me till February 23rd to get it all edited and ready for your viewing pleasure. Oh and in case you're wondering, yes there will be an appearance by Starlight Glimmer.

One more note I would like to point out is that sometime after this adaptation is posted, I will be working on a special winter themed two or maybe three parter which features one of the most recent reformed characters. That's all I'll say for now though as I don't want to give spoilers.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Adaptation

Written by: ThomasZoey3000

(Based on the Season 6 Episode "P.P.O.V. Pony Point of View")

Never a Dull Moment

Celestia's sun had just barely risen over a small little village. It's a quiet place where ponies go about their lives in no big hurry, and doing the jobs they love to do. For many of them, it involves working at the docks. It was these docks that Applejack was walking on as she made her way towards a big ship. Today, she, along with her friends Rarity and Pinkie Pie were going on a little boat trip to simply relax. After the Crystalling, the Buckball game and that misadventure at Twilight's castle, the ponies felt some quiet time away from Ponyville would do them a world of good.

"Is that boat all set for us?" Applejack asked a dock worker.

"She is indeed all set," nodded the dock worker. "But be aware lass, there are fierce storms on the way today." Applejack raised an eyebrow in confusion. The dock worker pointed out to the open water, "do you see the color of the sunrise?"

"Yes I do, and it looks beautiful."

"Aye, but don't be fooled by it. Red sky at night brings Sailor's delight, but red sky in the morning brings Sailor's warning. So you best be careful as you sail out there."

"Don't worry, I brought along a map to help find our way to safe locations." She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a map of the open waters.

"Good to know, but there's something else you need to be careful about."

"Oh, and what would that be?"

"Beware of pirates. Even to this day, there are still pirates out there, searching for lost treasure from sunken boats or looking to steal from unsuspecting ponies. So keep both eyes open and don't wander off course, or you'll be in their grasp." And with that, the dock worker set off to attend other matters.

"Oh don't worry, I'll make sure to avoid all that," Applejack said to nopony in particular.

As she waited for her friends to arrive, she looked over the map to make sure they would be heading in the right direction. She had just finished looking it over for a second time when Pinkie Pie arrived. As anypony would expect, the party pony had packed way too much into her saddlebag, yet she wasn't struggling under it's weight, somehow.

"Geez Pinkie, you look like you packed everything but the kitchen sink."

"No, I'm sure I got a kitchen sink in there."

Applejack rolled her eyes. Having known Pinkie for as long as she, or the other ponies have, AJ knew better than to question how Pinkie Pie does anything anymore.

"It's a shame everypony else couldn't join us," said Pinkie. "I'm sure they would've had a wonderful time out on the water."

"They probably would, but Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had to attend their flight school reunion, and I believe Twilight is giving Starlight a few more lessons on friendship." Applejack looked around, but couldn't see any sign of Rarity, "hey Pink, you haven't seen Rarity anywhere have you?"

"She was back at a bakery getting some treats for our boat trip. I bet you she'll be arriving any minute now."

Right on cue, Rarity arrived and walking along behind her was a gruff looking pony, carrying her bag in his mouth. This resulted in another 'rolling eyes' gesture from the two ponies.

"Well my dears, I am ready to go," Rarity said proudly. "Oh and I hope you don't mind, but this fine chap wants to join us on our boat trip."

Applejack raised an eyebrow at this, "but why?" she asked.

"Well you know what they say, many hooves make light work. Besides, he's always wanted to go out on the ocean and I thought maybe he could join us and live his dream."

"Well in that case, welcome aboard matey."

But the pony didn't say a word, he just walked behind Rarity as she walked onto the boat. Pinkie Pie looked to Applejack, "I got a bad feeling about this guy. He's up to something."

"Well if he is, let me know right away okay?"

Pinkie Pie nodded. Ever since the para-sprite attack on Ponyville many moons ago, the ponies had learned that if Pinkie Pie says something is wrong, they better listen to her.

Pinkie and Applejack climbed onto the boat and after raising the anchor, they set off towards the open waters.

"The harbour certainly looks pretty," Rarity said as she stood at the back of the boat. "It almost looks like a model set you see in toy stores you know?"

But the sailor she had been talking to wasn't listening to her. He was instead looking at a map of his own.

"Uh, Salty Dog, is everything alright?"

The pony, known as Salty Dog rolled up his map, put it away and turned back to Rarity, "aye, everything is fine Lass. Everything is just fine." He seemed to show a smirk as he walked off down the stairs and into the main cabin of the boat.

"Okay, that was weird."

The harbour soon became just a dot in the distance as the boat sailed on. Applejack was at the wheel and looking to her map, and at times, looking to the skies.

"Hey Applejack, do you want something to eat?" Pinkie called up to her. "Rarity and I are just bringing out the food."

"Oh I love to Pinks, but somepony has to stay at the wheel, but save some food for me okay?"

"You got it!" she called out.

Somehow and someway, Rarity managed to get a tray with three shelves full of food out of a tiny bag, and she placed it right in the middle of a small table. Pinkie Pie, as one would expect, brought candy and all kinds of junk food aboard.

"Want some cotton candy Rarity? They were just sponged before we left."

"Oh thank you Pinkie Pie," she smiled and accepted one with her magic. "Why don't you try one of these cucumber sandwiches? I got them from that little shop in the village."

Pinkie Pie was just about to grab one when Salty Dog came over, and shouting in anger, "get those off me ship!" and he smacked them off the boat. They sank into the water.

"Well, how rude!" snapped Rarity, "there's certainly no call for that!"

Salty Dog didn't apologize for his actions, he just walked off back to the top of the deck. Pinkie's suspicions on this pony were now only growing with every second.

Applejack came down, "What happened down here?"

"Salty Dog just threw the cucumber sandwiches over board, for no good reason."

"They attract attention more than any of your other food!" came the cry of Salty Dog from the wheel. "I've seen many a sailor's fall victim to creatures attacking, and all because of cucumber sandwiches."

Pinkie's eyes narrowed on him.

"Never mind," said Applejack. "We still have other food here, and I brought some fresh apple pies from Sweet Apple Acres. They always bring a smile to anypony's face, right?"

Rarity nodded, "I guess you're right Applejack." Her stomach gave off a grumbling sound, "and it'd certainly satisfy my hunger right about now. Well that and Pinkie's cotton candy."

Applejack reached into her saddlebag and pulled out the freshly made Apple pies. They started eating, but Pinkie was still watching Salty Dog like a griffon. What none of them noticed was that at the spot where the sandwiches went over, several bubbles appeared from under the water.

Some time later, Applejack was back at the wheel and she could see storm clouds rolling in, "We'll need to get to shore soon," she told Rarity and Pinkie. "But I think we'll go around it instead of going threw it."

"Good call," nodded Rarity.

As Applejack took the boat away from the path of the storm, Rarity and Pinkie Pie went back to the lower deck where the pink pony brought out some of her games.

"It's P.W.T!" she cried.

"P.W.T? Uh Pinkie Darling, what's that suppose to mean?"

"It's Piñata Wacking Time of course!" she beamed. Within an instant, she got a Piñata into place and brought out a long stick, "care to have the first whack at it Rarity?"

"Of course Darling, I love nothing more to break open a Piñata."

"That's the spirit!" Pinkie smiled.

She pulled out a piece of purple clothe and used it to cover Rarity's eyes. Then she spun the fashion pony around a bit, then gave her the stick, "break a leg Rarity." Rarity swung it, but nearly hit Pinkie, "uh, you might want to go the other way before you hit me."

"Pinkie Darling, I don't know which way is the other way, I'm blind right now."

"Oh right, silly me." She guided Rarity a bit towards the Piñata, then the rest was up to her.

"I will hit it, I will hit it, if it's the last thing I do," she giggled.

She swung the stick three more times before a loud boom made her stop in her tracks. She lifted up her blindfold and noticed they were not moving away from the storm, they were heading straight for it.

"Applejack, we're going the wrong way!" Rarity called out, but got no reply. "Applejack?"

Rarity dropped the stick, and went to the top deck, wobbling a little bit from the spinning she just did. Pinkie went with her, and soon it was easy to see why Applejack wasn't replying back, she was in a struggle aganist Salty Dog.

"What do you think you're doing?" Rarity snapped. She and Pinkie went to help Applejack as Salty Dog was wresting to get the map from her.

"That map be the only way to find me treasure, now give it here!"

Despite being confused as to what he could be talking about, the three ponies refused to let Salty Dog take the map. They struggled aganist him for almost a minute before Pinkie finally realised something.

"Somepony might want to grab the wheel, we're drifting further into that storm!"

Applejack let go and tried to get to the wheel, but at that moment, Salty Dog won in the struggle and tripped Applejack, allowing him to get to the wheel.

"We're going where I want to go!" he shouted. "Arr-Arr, I'll find that treasure and become the richest pony in all of Equestria!"

But he was busy monologuing, and hadn't noticed a giant wave heading stright for the boat. The three ponies tried to warn him, but it was no use. The wave crashed down onto the boat, flipping it over till it was upside down. Despite the flip-over, Applejack was able to swim to the surface for fresh air, and a face full of rain water.

"Rarity! Pinkie Pie! Where are you?!" she cried out loud. But she got no reply from either of her friends. She called out to them again, "RARITY! PINKIE PIE!"

"Applejack!" called another voice. She looked to find the source of the voice, but couldn't see anything. "Applejack! We're over here!"

"Where? I can't see you!"

"Swim towards the sound of our voices Darling!"

Applejack swam, and soon something came into view. It was Pinkie Pie and Rarity, and they were sitting in a very big kitchen sink, with the drain hole being plugged up by Pinkie's tail.

"See, I told you I had a kitchen sink," Pinkie smiled.

Rarity helped Applejack into the make-shift boat, "are you alright Darling?"

"Yeah I'm fine, though I got some water into my ears." She pounded on her ears and soon got the water out, "whew, that's better."

Rarity looked up and saw the storm clouds moving away, "oh sure, now they move away!" she groaned. "I wish the weather ponies could make up their minds for goodness sakes."

"Never mind the weather, what happened back on the boat?" Pinkie asked.

"I was trying to get us away from the storm when Salty Dog tried to take my map. Apparently he has an old map that shows the location of lost treasure from a ship that sank many moons ago, but the map isn't up to date, so he wanted my map and our boat to find it."

"Well he can't use it now," said Rarity, "thanks to him monologuing, the boat sank."

All three ponies watched as their boat sank to the bottom of the open waters. Rarity huffed unhappily, "and now we're stuck out here, honestly can this day..."

"Rarity, don't say it!" Applejack snapped. "Everytime one of us says that pharse, something bad always happens. Now let's just calm ourselves down and see if we can find land. If we can find any, maybe we can find a boat to use to get back to Ponyville."

"Or we can use this map," said Pinkie as she held out a map.

"Pinkie, you actually got the map away from Salty Dog?" Rarity asked in surprise.

"Uh, no I didn't. I got his instead."

She gave it to Applejack and she looked at it, "it's no wonder he needed our map, this one doesn't show much of the lands I saw on my map. However, it does show a small island heading South." She removed her hat and pulled out a small compass, "inspired by the way Pinkie stores things, I figured on putting a compass in my hat, just in case."

"Good thinking," smiled Rarity.

With Applejack's compass, and Salty Dog's map in hoof, they set off to find the Island. However, as they headed on their way, Pinkie could've sworn she heard some sinister laughter in the distance, followed by a small splash from somewhere close by.

"I don't think we're alone anymore," she thought to herself.

Despite the map being completely outdated, the three ponies were able to find a small Island with a small worn, but still with a roof, hut. As they headed for it, the sink scratched up aganist something.

"What in tarnation was that?" asked Applejack.

"I don't know, but we're not at land yet," said Rarity.

Pinkie placed her head into the water and looked around. She brought her head back up moments later and said in surprise, "there are pieces of a boat down there."

"A boat sank this close to land? That's not possible," said Rarity.

"Actually, I didn't see a boat, just pieces."

"Then the currents must've washed those pieces here," commented Applejack. She pulled out the map and saw the X was far off from the spot where the Island was, "those must've been some strong currents."

They finally reached land, then Applejack went back into the water to have a look for herself. It was hard to see down there, but she could indeed see pieces from a wrecked boat. She swam back to the surface for air and to call out; "Pinkie's right, there are pieces down here, lots of them!"

"Do you think the treasure was brought over here too?" Rarity called out.

"Only one way to find out." Applejack took in a deep breath and went back underneath the surface.

Less than a minute later, she returned to shore with a long chain. With Rarity and Pinkie Pie helping, they pulled on the chain until at last, a big wooden chest with rusty metal all around it came into view. Applejack bucked the lock off and pushed the lid open, revealing the contents inside were gold coins, silverware and even a crown.

"Oh my, what a treasure," gasped Rarity.

There was also a note inside, which was covered in laminate to protect it, "to our old friends of Mare-Is Prance, from Princess Celestia of Canterlot."

"No way, it was on it's way to Mare-is, but what could've caused the boat to sink and leave this at the bottom of the ocean for moons?"

"I don't know Rare, but I bet more than anything there are ponies out there that want this treasure for their own selfish needs. That's why Salty Dog wanted our boat, and that's why he wanted our map."

"Well at least he won't be able to find it now."

"Uh, actually he might be able to," said Pinkie. "As we were heading towards shore, I heard some sinister laughter and it sure sounded like Salty Dog to me, and I know he still has your map Applejack."

"Then that means it won't take him long to find us, and the treasure," said Rarity. "What shall we do?"

Applejack thought it over, then came up with an idea. "Let him come find us."

"What?" the two ponies exclaimed.

"Hear me out, if we try to float back to Ponyville in our sink with the treasure, we'll just sink again. I'm sure Salty Dog took one of the life boats our ship had, so when he arrives, we'll take his boat and get away from him. Once we're back in port, we'll alert the police and they can come get him."

The two ponies agreed to the plan and began talking on what to do upon Salty Dog's arrival. All the while, they were being watched by something in the water.

Night came, and the ponies had to go to the hut to keep themselves warm. Pinkie kept a watchful eye open for Salty Dog's arrival while Applejack kept a small fire going, and Rarity provided them with light by her horn.

"So much for some peace and quiet, it just never ends," sighed Rarity.

"I know, but to be honest, I do like some adventure every now and then," said Applejack. "It at least gets us out of ruts, and allow us to see such wonderful places. Like how Flutters and I went to Las Pegasus a short while ago."

"Or when Pinkie and I went to Canterlot after the map got fixed."

"Yes, adventures may be exhausting from time to time, but they can be fun."

On that note, Rarity and Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement. Then Pinkie whispered, "he's here, he's come for the treasure!"

"Lights out everypony!" Applejack put the fire out, and Rarity put out the light of her horn.

Salty Dog's boat landed on shore, and he growled just as the mere site of the pathway made in the sand. "I know you mainlanders have my treasure, and I want it now! Give it up, or I'll take it from you by force!"

"We'll see about that," Applejack whispered. She timed everything perfectly, then shouted: "CHARGE!" And she charged at the door. It hit Salty Dog in the face, and made him faint. Rarity and Pinkie Pie brought the treasure chest out of the hut, and once on the boat, all three ponies made their escape.

Salty Dog groaned as he got up, "darn mainlanders!" he shouted. He then smirked when he noticed a nearby object. "That treasure is as good as mine." He jumped into the sink, plugged it up and reached for the map, but discovered he didn't have it. As it turned out, when Applejack charged and hit him, she managed to get her map back. He growled, shoved his sink into the water and hurried to catch up.

"Uh oh," groaned Pinkie.

"Uh oh what?" asked Applejack.

"I forgot to sink the sink."

Rarity looked back and groaned, "uh Applejack, you might want to go faster! He's after us!" Applejack looked back and saw that Rarity was indeed correct. Salty Dog was catching up, in spite of having no ores.

The three ponies hurried as fast as they could, but then they stopped.

"What now?" groaned Rarity.

"We must've landed on more wreckage," groaned Applejack.

Pinkie placed her face into the water and looked down. A big smile came to her face. She lifted her head out of the water and looked to her friends, "it's not wreckage, we just found a friend; a tri-horned bunyip."

"A tri-horned what?" Applejack asked.

Rarity was at a loss of words as she saw a big head pop up in front of their boat. Applejack looked and gasped, "what in tarnation is that?"

"That is a tri-horned bunyip," Pinkie explained. "Friendly creatures of the sea, and they love cucumbers. I bet you he ate the sandwiches that Salty Dog threw overboard." The tri-horned bunyip nodded in agreement. "Well you're very welcome for the sandwiches Bunyip Sir, but now can you help us out? We need to get away from that meanie."

The tri-horned bunyip nodded again and put on some speed, back to the harbour. Salty Dog gasped, "you got to be kidding me."

A couple of times, one of the ponies or the treasure nearly fell out of the boat, but the tri-horned bunyip made sure they never fell. In no time at all, they reached the docks, much to the surprise of the dock workers there.

"Thank you Bunyip Sir, we appearcite you doing this for us," Pinkie said kindly.

The tri-horned bunyip rolled around happily, then dove back into the water.

"Pinkie, how did you know what that creature was?" asked Rarity.

"I looked it up in a book on sea creatures just yesterday. I borrowed it from Twilight's library."

Applejack and Rarity looked to each other and in unison said; "makes sense."

"What is going on here?" asked the harbour master. The ponies quickly explained everything. "Right, we'll put a stop to his plans." He looked to one of the dock workers, "go get the police and have them come here."

"Aye-aye captain!"

By the time Salty Dog reached the docks, the police were there waiting for him. They arrested him on the spot for endangering lives, theft and piracy. He growled unhappily as he was led away.

"What about the treasure?" Applejack asked the police chief.

"We'll make sure it's delivered to Mare-is Prance on the next boat," he said.

And they did too. The next boat leaving was going to Mare-is, so they loaded the treasure onto it, wrote a note explaining the situation that just happened, and sent the boat on it's way.

A few hours later, Twilight, Starlight and Spike were making their way to the train station, though Twilight seemed to be more excited than the other two, "will you slow it down Twilight?" Spike called, "we can barely keep up!"

"Sorry you two, but I'm just excited to hear of how their trip went."

"I'm sure it was fine," said Starlight. "I mean, what kind of trouble can three ponies get into while travelling on a boat?"

"Well we're about to find out, cause I can see the Friendship Express coming this way," said Spike.

Using her magic, Twilight lifted Spike onto her back and the two ponies ran to the platform. They got there just as the train slowed to a stop, steaming hissing from the cylinders. The doors opened, and many ponies stepped out onto the platform. The last to walk out were Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, all soaked and covered in seaweed and mud.

"Okay, that's what could happen," gasped Starlight.

"What happened guys? Was there any problems?" Twilight asked.

The ponies looked to each other and in unison said; "have we ever got a story to tell you."

That's right fellow readers, I'm back with another short. Originally I had planned the next short story to be about everypony's favourite pink pony, but I've been having trouble working on the ideas for it, and lack of desire to write it up, so it's on hold for a while. Happily, my desire to write has been coming back and a few weeks ago, I decided to write up a little story to show when Sunset changed from the look she had in the first two movies to the look she has now. Now to the obvious question of why this tale is set in between the novel 'Sunset Shimmer's Time to Shine' and 'Friendship Games', well Sunset was still learning in the novel and I thought that maybe at the time, she would still be looking like her old self, and only sometime afterwords does she change to the current look. Anyhow, that's all I have to say till the next story.

Equestria Girls Short

Sunset's New Look

(Set In Between Sunset Shimmer's Time to Shine and Friendship Games)

Written by: ThomasZoey3000

Sunset was enjoying a small ice cream cone from Sugarcube corner when she heard her cell phone buzzing. She picked it up and looked to see a text message from Rainbow Dash, and by the looks of what was written, she was excited about something.

Principal Celestia has just informed me that the new team uniforms have been ordered and will be arriving real soon. None of this would've happened had it not been for you and your brilliant mind Sunset. Thank you so much.

Sunset smiled and chuckled as she replied back, it was a team effort Rainbow Dash, but you're welcome anyways.

Less than a week ago, Canterlot High had a big fundraiser to help raise enough money for new team uniforms, as the original uniforms were just too old to be of any use anymore. Sunset had come up with the idea while at a slumber party with the girls and pitched the idea to Principal Celestia, who said if it could be pulled off, the fundraiser could go on. Despite some hiccups along the way, the fundraiser turned into a big success.

"It sure does feel good to have helped others," Sunset thought to herself. "Of course I wouldn't be experiencing this feeling had it not been for Princess Twilight and my friends." She suddenly realised she had forgotten to mention the events to Princess Twilight. She reached into her backpack, pulled out the journal and a pen and started writing away.

As she wrote away, Flash Sentry walked into Sugarcube Corner. He waved to Sunset, "did you hear about the new team uniforms?"

"I sure did," she answered. "I just got a text message from Rainbow Dash, and she seems to be the most excited about this."

"I can imagine she would be," he chuckled. "Personally, I don't think anyone can wait another minute to see those uniforms. It'll make the team look different compared to before."

He then walked off to get some ice cream. Those words though repeated in Sunset's mind. She looked into the window beside her, she could just see her reflection and she sighed unhappily. She didn't look like someone who had changed and learned a great deal about the magic of friendship. She instead looked like the old version of herself, the evil one that destoryed friendships and ruled the school with an iron fist, sort to speak.

"You know what Flash, they're not going to be the only ones who will look different."

Flash was confused, but before he could ask what she meant, Sunset had cleaned up her spot and after giving Mrs Cake a tip for good service, she walked out into the city. She was a girl on a mission, to change her appearance from the bad girl she was, to the helpful girl she is now.

Bells rang as the spa's front door opened. Sunset looked around to find there weren't many people in there, just two waiting on a nearby couch and a person with pink hair and a white head-band at the counter.

"Hello and welcome to Canterlot Spa, how can I help you?" she asked Sunset.

Sunset walked up to the counter, "I have a question. Can you guys dye hair colors?"

The pink haired woman; Aloe nodded, "we sure can." That was a sigh of relief to Sunset, "what would you like? Different colors? Lighter tones?"

"Lighter tones sounds really good to me. It certainly would be better, and new to see."

"Very well, we'll take care of you in a short while, please have a seat."

Sunset waited, but she didn't wait too long as she was soon called in.

Some time later, Sunset came out smiling. Instead of bold red and yellow colors in her hair, she instead had a lighter shade of red and a lighter shade of yellow. She took a look in a nearby mirror.

"This is perfect," she said happily. "Everyone's going to love this."

"Glad we could help," said Lotus Blossom, which Sunset knew was the twin sister to Aloe.

She payed for the lighter hair colors, and left a tip for a job well done. Then she left to attend to the next big change; her outfit. Her black jacket, which had some stitches in it, purple shirt and orange skirt, as well as her boots with the purple design at the bottom just would not fit well with the new hair colors.

"I could always go to Rarity's shop and get something from there, but then I would be spoiling the surprise for her. And what if the other girls are there too? But I don't know..." she trailed off from her thoughts as something caught her eyes. It was a light blue shirt with a tan skirt underneath and blue leggings to go along with it. They seemed to scream "BUY US!"

Sunset looked at her reflection of her old outfit, then back to the clothes in the store window.

"Those will do nicely." And she walked into the store.

A short while later, she walked out smiling once more. Now there was only one thing left, replace the boots and jacket. But she barely walked a block before seeing the perfect replacements. High heeled boots with orange stripes at the top and metal buckles in the middle. The jacket above them had the same design. Smaller than her actual jacket granted, but it did look good. There wasn't any thought, she went in.

The next day, the five girls were gathered by the soccer field. They had recieved text messages from Sunset to go there and wait for her arrival.

"I wonder what she wants us to meet her here for," said Applejack.

"Beats me Darling, but I'm sure we'll find out when she gets here," said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash though was getting a little impatient, "The new uniforms will be arriving any minute, and I want to be one of the first ones to see and get them."

Applejack rolled her eyes. As she turned to speak with Rainbow Dash, she saw the other girl's jaws drop open, "What? What's going on?"

"It's Sunset. Look Darling," gasped Rarity.

Applejack looked and gasped too.

Sunset stood before her friends with her lighter hair colors, new jacket and high heeled boots. Added with them were her blue shirt, tan skirt and jean blue leggings.

"So, what do you guys think? I personally like this new look."

The girls walked over towards her with smiles, "cool jacket Sunset, though it's a bit small," said Rainbow Dash.

"Perhaps smaller in size, but it still fits like a glove and doesn't have the small of burnt concrete, and it certainly goes with the boots. Though I will admit it's going to take a while to get used to walking with high heeled boots."

"I know that for a fact," said Rarity. "I tripped the first thirty times I wore high-heeled boots."

"And your hair, it's lighter than usual, but it still shows the beautiful colors of a sunset," commented Fluttershy.

"Thanks Fluttershy. It was the first thing I had changed last night."

"And I have to admit, the outfit certainly does look great on you Sugarcube," commented Applejack, "and you don't normally hear me talking about fashion like that."

"Yeah, that's suppose to be my job," said Rarity.

"You look great Sunset!" cheered Pinkie Pie.

"Thanks, I'm glad you guys like the new look. I just hope this new look will show the whole school that I've changed, just like how the new team uniforms will make the teams look different."

They were due to find out as an annoucement was made "Would all teams please report to the Principal's office, the new uniforms have just arrived."

The six girls made their way into the school. Right away, they found lots of students, mostly team players near the front enterance way heading for the principal's office. Many looked to Sunset and her new look.

"Hey Sunset, nice look," called Lyra Heartstrings. "Looks stunning."

"Great combination there Sunset," called one of the soccer players; Kick Start.

The other team players all complimented her too, and even Vice Principal Luna had to admit the new look was fantastic. Flash Sentry was quite surprised when he saw her, "you look different."

"I know, and it's thanks to what you said last night."

"What I said?"

"Yeah, so thank you Flash."

"Uh, no problem," he said nervously and blushed a little.

After that, Sunset's life did change for the better. Of course it wasn't all because of the outfit, her new and improved outlook on life and friendships were playing a key factor, but pretty much no student looked to her with worrying faces or angry stares. Instead, they were filled with cheerful smiles and on occassion, a wave.

Yes, it was clear that the old Sunset Shimmer had left for good, and in her place was a new Sunset Shimmer. A better version of the girl from Equestria, ready to help any one. Little did she know that she would soon be playing a big role in changing another person's life in the upcoming Friendship Games.

Well my friends, Christmas is coming up fast and man, we've had quite an interesting year for My Little Pony. From an awesome season, to Equestria Girls and of course, the Movie, which is beyond Awesome. Anyways, as we get closer towards the end of the year, I have here part 1 of 3 for a winter themed story. I had no ideas for novels this year, so I decided to go with a three parter, and to also build up the hype for the 2018 winter olympics. This does count as my Christmas special since it's being released before Christmas, and at the time of the posting of this episode, I have part two written down with part three yet to be written and completed. The inspiration for the most part comes from Disney Pixar's Cars 1 movie. One more note here before we begin, if you're going to ask about Lilymoon, just remember she's part of the Ponyville Mysteries series of novels, which are awesome too. When Part two will be coming out, I can't say cause I don't have a set date, but I'll be sure to post an actual date on my profile page.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Equestria Winter Games-Part 1

Written by: ThomasZoey3000 (Inspired by Disney/Pixar's Cars)

"Wow, this is more snow than I've ever seen before in my entire lifetime," commented Apple Bloom as she, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Lilymoon made their way towards the Ponyville schoolhouse. All around the fillies were giant mountains of snow that went almost to the top of their heads, "I like a little snow, but this is too much for Ponyville, not to mention it'll be a hassle to clean up during Winter Wrap Up."

"What's Winter Wrap Up?" Lilymoon asked curiously.

Sweetie Belle looked back to her friend, "you mean you don't have Winter Wrap Up in Trotslvania?"

Lilymoon shook her head, "no. Unicorns just melt the snow and it goes away, anyways, what is Winter Wrap Up?"

"It's a day when ponies of all tribes come together to clean winter up from Ponyville," answered another voice. The four fillies stopped and saw two other fillies walking over towards them. It was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, decked out in heavy duty winter clothes, "and unicorns are not allowed to use magic," Diamond Tiara continued.

"Though judging from this year's amount," said Silver Spoon, "the unicorns may have to use magic."

"Perhaps," said Scootaloo. "But you never really know. I mean, Ponyville's been through worse in the past. Remember, the para-sprites, Spike going all wantie, and Tirek attacking. I think snow isn't going to be a problem."

"Hope you're...whoa!" cried Diamond Tiara and fell over. Her right hoof got stuck in the snow and she fell face first into the snow.

A couple of fillies walked past the CMCs and snickered at Diamond Tiara. She sighed, it wasn't the first time she had been teased, it was after all, some ponies' way of getting back at her, while others insulted her.

Sweetie Belle was quick to defend her friend, "stop that snickering, it wouldn't be funny if it was you!"

"Perhaps, but it's not us now is it?" asked one of the fillies, and carried on laughing.

"It's okay Sweetie Belle," Diamond Tiara said as Apple Bloom helped her to her hooves, "I'm getting used to it."

"Well you shouldn't, they have no right to be mean like that. I have a good mind to bring it up with their parents."

But at that moment, she couldn't as the school bell was starting to ring and they had to hurry. Using magic, Lilymoon and Sweetie Belle melted the snow and got them to the school house, just in time. As they walked up the steps, some unicorn ponies came by clearing snow from the pathway.

"Oh sure, now they come out," grumbled Scootaloo.

The fillies wiped their hooves, removed their winter gear and took their respective seats. As she sat down, Diamond Tiara could feel all the eyes of the classroom watching her, it made her feel nervous.

"Good morning My Little Ponies," called Miss Cheerilee as she came into the classroom. "We have alot to learn today, but before we begin, I'd like to welcome a special guest who wants to speak to you all." The ponies were surprised to hear this, they haven't recieved guests in a long time, other than the one time Rainbow Dash and her parents cheered on Scootaloo for getting a B minus for her report. "You've met this pony before as she came here to announce a contest to carry the Ponyville flag, so please welcome back; Ms Harshwhinny."

The students looked to the doorway and saw Ms Harshwhinny standing there, looking as serious as ever.

"I wonder what she's doing here," whispered Coconut Cream. "The Equestria Games weren't that long ago, and we've still got some time before the next games."

"Shh," whispered Toola Roola. "She's going to tell us now."

Coconut Cream went quiet as Ms Harshwhinny took center stage, sort to speak, in front of the classroom, "Thank you Miss Cheerilee, and hello students, it's good to see you all again, and to see new faces. Now as you are well aware, I am the head of the Equestria games, and while the games were not that long ago, it's come to our attention that we've never had games in the winter. So, as per requested of Princess Celestia, sort of a little surprise to Princess Luna, this winter will mark the very first winter games."

The young eyes of all the ponies popped wide open in surprise.

"And since this is a first for all of us, we've decided to include you younger ponies into the games. There will be ski jumps, only for the fearless ponies, figure skating and of course, hockey games. If any of you wish to join in on the games, you can sign up on a form I'll be leaving with Miss Cheerilee. I will come back in two days to accept it. If you do not wish to join, then that's alright, it is your decision. For those of you that do join in, remember to train at your best and do your best out there. That is all."

Ms Harshwhinny placed the forms down on Miss Cheerilee's desk, turned and walked out of the classroom.

Snips and Snails jumped down from their seats, but were stopped by their teacher, "not so fast boys," she said firmly. "Lessons first, sign up for the games later."

The boys sulked, but went back to their seats.

"Well one thing is for sure," whispered a filly, "Diamond Tiara won't join in on the games."

"Oh for sure," whispered another. "After all, these games are below her family's standard. I'm surprised she even tried out for the flag carrying compitation."

Apple Bloom could hear them, and after staring at them firmly, she whispered to Diamond Tiara, "Don't listen to them, you can do whatever you want to do. Heck, you could probably show them all during the Equestria Winter Games." Then she and the rest of the class went silent.

"Yeah, I could," Diamond Tiara thought to herself. And as Miss Cheerilee began her lesson, Diamond Tiara thought about what she could do.

It seemed like forever, but finally the end of the day arrived and the young ponies were more than excited to go up to the front of the classroom and sign up for the games.

"If only they would get this excited about lessons," sighed Miss Cheerilee.

Apple Bloom was first to write down her name, then it was Sweetie Belle's turn, Silver Spoon followed and then Scootaloo.

"What did you sign up for?" Sweetie Belle asked Silver Spoon.

"Figure skating."

Sweetie Belle gasped, "no kidding?! I signed up for that too, oh now I know this is going to be fun. What about you Scootaloo, what did you sign up for?"

"I'm going for the ski jump." Her friends looked to her with worried looks. "I'm sure with some training with Rainbow Dash, I'll be fine."

"Right, like how she helped you with your Applewood Derby cart that sent you to Ponyville General?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Rainbow Dash promised, no Pinkie Promised not to do that again, so I have faith she'll help me to be ready for the ski jump." Lilymoon walked up beside them, "what are you going for?"

"Ski jump," she answered.

"Whoa now that's daring of you," said Apple Bloom. "Then again, you've faced a bogle and a candy eating timber wolf with us, so I guess we shouldn't be too surprised."

"Speaking of not being surprised, I'm guessing you're going for the hockey team?" Sweetie Belle asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You betcha."

Suddenly, there came a lot of gasps from the other students. The crusaders looked to see Diamond Tiara walking up to the forms. She picked up the pencil with her mouth and wrote down her name, and what she wanted to play.

"What did she write down?" Coconut Cream asked.

Toola Roola walked up to the front of the classroom and gasped, "it says here she wants to join the hockey team."

"What?!" exclaimed many of the young fillies and colts. "Diamond Tiara, on our hockey team? Now those are words I never thought would ever come together." Other students started talking in hushed tones, but still kept a firm glare on Diamond Tiara.

She looked nervous as they did. Apple Bloom walked up to her and nudged her on the right shoulder, "excellent choice Diamond."

A short while later, Diamond Tiara returned home to see if her father could supply her with hockey equipment. Her mother; Spoiled Rich, would never go along with the idea, but maybe her father would. Luckily for Diamond Tiara today, her mother was away in Canterlot and her father was in his study. She reached the door and knocked on it.

"Come in!" called a voice.

Diamond Tiara pushed the door open and walked in to find her father at his desk with a book sitting to his right.

"Hello Diamond Tiara, what can I do for you?"

"Well Daddy, I was wondering if you could supply me with hockey equipment." Flithy Rich raised his eyebrow at this. "Well you see, this year's going to mark the first Equestria Winter Games, and since this is a first for everypony, they're allowing young ponies to play too."

"And you signed up for the hockey team."

"That's correct, yes."

Instead of looking angry like his wife would be, Flithy Rich was smiling, "you don't know how long I've been wanting to hear you say those words Diamond Tiara."

"Really?"

"Oh yes, for you see, we have hockey in our blood. While your grandfather; Stinking Rich never played hockey, he did have a brother and he was one of the best in all the land. Slap Rich was his name, but he soon earned the nickname of 'Slap Shot'." Flithy Rich walked over to one of the book shelves and pulled out a photo, "this was during his last season. He loved playing the game, as you can see."

Diamond Tiara looked and sure enough, she could see a big wide smile on her uncle's face.

"For some reason though, he never returned to the ice after an accident he had during a game, and the idea of a member from the Rich family playing went out with him. I wanted to join," he sighed unhappily, "But your mother removed any equipment I got, plus I wasn't really that good. So to hear you say you want to play hockey, well it brings a smile to my face."

"Well I'll do my best Daddy."

"I know you will," he smiled. "My book can wait, let's go get you that equipment right now."

Diamond Tiara nodded and they went off to get the equipment she needed.

Two days later, the training periods began. Lilymoon and Scootaloo went off to practise with Rainbow Dash on a home-made track made by herself, and a few of the Wonderbolts. Rarity was placed in charge of coaching Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon and any other ponies on figure skating. As for the hockey team, the coach was none other than Applejack.

"Don't tell me," said Coconut Cream, "the apple family has a great history when it comes to playing hockey?"

"Actually no," answered Applejack. "But I do know enough to help you young ponies to be ready for the games coming up. There's just one thing I will say before we begin."

"What's that?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Remember to have fun of course. Without any fun, then the game would be dull, as Pinkie Pie will tell you." There came a loud agreement from over the hill, and judging from the shout, it was coming from Pinkie Pie.

"Alright now ponies, let's see who's up for goalie."

Two young fillies tried out for the role first, but failed to keep the puck from getting in. They were, as Applejack would put it, sloppy and all over the place, but not where they needed to be. Then came Snails. Like Buckball, he was able to block many of the pucks.

"Not thinking about it again?" Applejack asked.

"Do you need to ask? I don't think of anything. Ever!"

"Okay Snails, you're the goalie for this team, now let's see everypony else and see who has what it takes to be Captain."

To see who had the best position as Captain, Applejack split up the groups into two teams. Apple Bloom was on one, and Diamond Tiara was another. Many of the fillies and colts on Diamond Tiara's team were not happy.

"It's clear who's going to be captain, and it's not Diamond Tiara," whispered a colt.

"Unless her dad pays off Applejack," whispered a young filly.

Applejack blew on the whistle and the game began. As they played, it became clear that many of the players needed alot of work while others were doing quite well. Apple Bloom was superb on the ice and worked well with the ponies on her small team. But the biggest surprise came from Diamond Tiara.

It happened when the puck went her way after being passed by Toola Roola and ended up on her end of the stick. She lifted it up, thinking she could pass it to another member, but instead it went past them and right into Snail's net.

"Whoa," he gasped.

"What in Equestria?" gasped Applejack.

The other filly was not impressed, "nice shot Diamond, hogging the puck like you do with everything else!"

Diamond Tiara sighed unhappily and skated back to the bench to allow another member to play. Needless to say, the remaining ponies on the bench moved away from her.

"Alright Ponies, it's clear who should be Captain, it's Apple Bloom, and not just because she's my little sister. She has the skills to be your captain." All the fillies and colts nodded in agreement. "And for assistant, I've chosen Diamond Tiara for her increible skills."

"Why her?" asked Coconut Cream. "She'll just ruin everything like she's done so in the past."

"You should kick her off the team and let us pick the perfect assistant," added Toola Roola.

"Oh shut up," snapped Apple Bloom. "If my sister says Diamond Tiara is to be assistant, then that will be her position. And I will hear no complaining about it, got it?"

The fillies and colts nodded, but grumbled once out of Apple Bloom's ear shot.

Unknown to the group, a lone elder pony watched on from a high hill. He seemed to shake his head, "stupid little kids, it's a waste of time." He turned and walked away.

The next few days of training were pretty much the same. Applejack kept watch over the young ponies and giving them pointers on how they could improve their skills. Diamond Tiara though seemed to surprise her and Apple Bloom everytime. Sadly, like before, there was still grumbling behind her back and the others avoided her if they could.

Close to the end of practise on Day 4's practise run, Diamond Tiara had the puck and shot it a little too hard. It went through Snail's net again and into the distance, only to be followed by the sound of a loud crash of glass.

"Nice going Tiara!" snapped another filly. "Are you going to get your..." but she was cut off by Apple Bloom.

"Diamond Tiara, why don't you go get the puck? And maybe apologize to the pony who's window we broke."

Diamond Tiara didn't need telling twice. She skated to the edge of the ice, removed her skates and went off in the direction the puck went. As she climbed the hill, she noticed an old worn down cottage, "where did that come from?" she asked out loud. "I've never noticed it before."

As she got closer to it, it became clear why she and the other ponies have never seen it before. It was covered in fake plants and old leaves, making it blend in with the rest of the scenery. The only noticable things on this cottage was the snow on the roof, and the broken window. Diamond Tiara walked up to the door and knocked, "Hello? I've come for my puck, and to apologize for breaking the window! Hello?" But there was no reply.

Diamond Tiara knocked again, but this time, the door opened up, "hello?" she called out again.

She walked inside, cautiously in case the owner was nearby and not friendly. Then again, creepy houses don't always have scary ponies as Lilymoon's house on Horseshoe Hill proved.

"Ahh, there it is," Diamond Tiara smiled as she found the puck. As she was about to pick it up, she noticed something shiny. She moved closer to see it and realised it was a big tall cup, the types given out during the final hockey games of a big season. However, there seemed to be more than one there, there was four of them, "what would four hockey cups be doing out here?"

She was so busy looking at the hockey cups that she didn't notice an elder pony coming in through the front doorway.

"What are you doing in here?" he shouted angerily.

Diamond Tiara jumped and looked behind her to see the elder pony, "uh, I'm sorry mister, I didn't mean to come in, it's just I accidently chucked my hockey puck too hard, and broke your window. I was just getting it back and to apologize."

"Apology accepted, now get out!"

"Uh yes Sir, sorry sir. Uh, were you a hockey player at one time?"

"Was, now get out!"

Before Diamond Tiara could ask another question, she was shoved out of the cottage, dropping her puck in the process. Noticing this, she lifted up her right foreleg, which forced her to go sideways, and much to her surprise, as well as the elder pony, she did a few spins before stopping next to the puck with all four hooves on the floor-boards.

"Whoa," gasped Diamond Tiara. "I never knew I could do that before."

"Float like a pegasus, sting like a unicorn," said the elder pony. He looked firmly to Diamond Tiara, "who are you?"

"Diamond Tiara, of the Rich Family."

The shocked look disappeared and the elder pony stormed angerily over to a desk, "no, not one of them, not one of them."

"Sir, who..." but faintly, she could see photos on the wall. They were of old newspaper clippings, and they all showed a familar looking pony in hockey attire. It was her uncle; Slap Shot. It suddenly hit Diamond Tiara, "you're Slap Shot, the greatest hockey player in all of Equestria."

He sighed as he looked down to the floor-boards, "I was one of the greatest, so they said at first, but not anymore."

"Well what happened, why did you quit?"

The elder pony, known as Slap Shot turned to face Diamond Tiara firmly, "you think I actually wanted to quit the team? I did not, they forced me out." He hit a switch and on popped a light, which lit up a newspaper clipping.

Diamond Tiara walked over towards the newspaper and read the message, Slap Shot Injuried, the end of an era. Local hockey legend Slap Shot was injuried in a match aganist Manehatten, and following a conversation with his coach; Tail Wind, it was determined that his hockey days are over and that a new team player will take over his spot. When asked if they spoke with Mr Slap Shot about this, they failed to comment.

"They pushed me aside for the next rockie in line. Despite my injuries in that game, I was willing to get back on the ice, but they said I was of no further use. As time went on, I saw players playing more for bits than for the fun of the game. That's why I walked away, and since I was a disgrace to the hockey world, as well as my family, I've hidden myself out here for all these years. Never meant to be seen or heard from again, but I never thought that one of those worlds would come looking for me."

"Well I'm sorry that you were pushed aside, but that's..."

"Don't even say it's not like that today. I still come out of my house, and I still see that happening, even with your so called team." He looked Diamond Tiara firmly in the eyes, "do yourself a favour and get off the team, hockey is a waste of time. Plus it's no game for a Rich Pony. Stinking said so himself a long time ago."

"But I..."

"Oh and don't tell anypony of where I am. Do you understand me?"

"Uh, yes Sir."

"Good, now get the puck, and get out of my cottage!"

This time Diamond Tiara didn't resist. She picked up the puck and walked out. No sooner was she out of the cottage than the door slammed behind her. Diamond Tiara didn't look back, she just continued walking.

All the while, Slap Shot watched her go. He sighed as he leaned up aganist the wall and slid to the floor, "she may have the skills, but doesn't have the heart. Don't fool yourself into thinking times have changed," he said to himself.

Diamond Tiara made her way back towards the ice. As she got close to Applejack, she overheard words that hit her hard.

"Who does she think she's trying to kid? Diamond Tiara is the nastiest pony we could ever know, other than her own mother of course."

"I agree with you there," said a second filly, "honestly, I don't care what Apple Bloom says, she doesn't deserve the position she's got, and she doesn't deserve to be on this team."

"Nope, she does not. I bet you more than anything she's only doing this to make her family look more important than ever."

"Yeah, it's all about her than anypony else. I wish she'd just stay away from the ice."

"Or better yet," said the first pony, "why don't she just leave us alone forever. Her family's got the money, why not hire a teacher for her, then she can be alone and we can be happy."

"Yeah, who needs her?"

Those words seemed to hit Diamond Tiara moreso than actual punches and kickes. To hear them say that made her question everything.

"Ahh Diamond Tiara, did you get the puck?" Applejack's words snapped her back to her senses. "Are you alright Sugarcube?"

Diamond Tiara sighed, "yes I'm fine, and I got the puck, here." She gave it back to Applejack.

"Is something wrong Diamond Tiara?"

By now, all the ponies were looking over towards her, and the hurtful words came back into her head. A small tear appeared in her right eye.

"Acutally Ms Applejack, I...I...I don't want to be on this team anymore. I quit."

"What?" Applejack was stunned to hear this.

Diamond Tiara turned and walked away with tears rolling down her cheeks and onto the snow underneath her. Apple Bloom walked over to the two fillies closest to her, "alright, what did you two knuckle heads say to her this time?"

"Nothing, other than we don't need her on the ice."

"Or at school," added the first filly's friend.

"Well it's no wonder she's walking off crying."

"Those tears are fakes," said the second filly. "She's probably glad to be away from us, and you should be glad too considering everything that pony has said and done to the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"The past is in the past, and she's my friend now. I just wish you two knuckle heads would think before you say or do anything."

"I quite agree on that one. Apple Bloom, why don't you go after Diamond Tiara, I'll have a little chat with all these ponies here."

She didn't need to be told twice. She skated off the ice, removed the skates and ran off towards Diamond Tiara's house, leaving Applejack and the rest of the team to have that chat.

To Be Continued...

Your patience has payed off with this, the second part for the Equestria Winter Games. Again as a reminder, Lilymoon is a character from the Ponyville Mysteries book series and as an additional note, this story is set after Season 7 as shown with various season 7 characters being shown in here.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Equestria Winter Games-Part 2

Written by: ThomasZoey3000 (Inspired by Disney/Pixar's Cars)

Apple Bloom ran through the snow covered streets of Ponyville until at last she reached a big house. The house, as everypony in the town knew, belonged to the Rich Family. Apple Bloom, along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had only ever gone there once before, and that was during the 'Twilight Time' mess they created. However, this visit was different, she had to talk with Diamond Tiara.

She walked up the pathway and up to the door where she knocked, and waited for a reply. Moments after her knocking, a pony answered the door and it was none other than Flithy Rich himself.

"Ah Apple Bloom, so good to see you. Mind telling me what happened at practise? Cause ever since she got home, Diamond Tiara's been up in her room and crying."

Apple Bloom walked inside and wiped her hooves clean on the carpet, "some kids were making fun of her again, but don't worry, my big sister is dealing with 'em buggers. As for me, I want to try and get her to come back to the team."

Flithy Rich smiled, "that's what I'd expect from an Apple." He then told Apple Bloom of where to go.

Apple Bloom followed the instructions until she came up to a bright pink door. It was partly open and from the tiny bit of light shining into the room from the hallway, she could see Diamond Tiara on her bed. She wasn't crying right now, but she was looking miserable. Apple Bloom pushed the door open and walked inside. Diamond Tiara didn't even look.

"Hey Apple Bloom, what are you doing here? You should be looking for a new assistant for the team."

"We already got one, and that's you," she said firmly. "Look, I know those mean kids were talking badly about you again, but you shouldn't let their words get to you."

"It wasn't just them," she sighed, then went quiet.

"Then what was it?"

But Diamond Tiara remained silent.

"Come on Diamond, tell me. We're buds after all, and friends don't hide things from their friends."

Diamond Tiara sighed and looked away, "how can you even call me your friend with the way I used to act? I said even worse things than what those kids said, yet here you are, talking to me like we'd always been friends."

Apple Bloom sighed, "look, I'll admit your words used to get to us, like when you teased Scootaloo for not flying, but since the day Silver Spoon voted aganist you, we've learned to look past the words and hurtful gestures you used to do, and look to the pony we've become friends with, and come to call as a Cutie Mark Crusader. After all, it was your research that brought Sweetie Belle home, remember?"

"I suppose," Diamond Tiara sighed.

"Now come on, tell me, what happened? You were so focused on playing at practise."

Diamond Tiara sat upright and wiped some tears away from her eyes, "I went to get the puck, and discovered it crashed into the house of an elder stallion..." she paused. She wasn't sure if she should mention that it was her Uncle Slap Shot. "And he said that Rich ponies don't play hockey, and he went on to say how bad the game has gotten. Added with the insults from the other ponies, it was enough to get me off the ice for good."

Apple Bloom's expression changed from a firm stare to a soft compassionite look, "Diamond, there will always be ponies that will say of what you can and can't do..."

"But this guy was a former hockey player," interupted Diamond Tiara.

"Really?" Apple Bloom was surprised to hear that, but then shook her head, "doesn't matter, cause not even a former hockey player can tell you that a pony from the Rich Family can't play the game. You don't allow your mother to tell you who can hang out with, or what you can do, right?"

"Yeah."

"So what's different now?"

Diamond Tiara opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She thought about it, but there was nothing different.

"Ponies will say what they want, and make you feel down in the dumps, but you need to push their words aside and show them, as well as all of Equestria, that you do have what it takes to be a great hockey player. So what do you say Diamond, want to give it another try?"

Diamond Tiara was silent for less than a minute, then a smile came to her face, "let's go kick some puck!"

"Now you're talking my language!" cheered Apple Bloom.

Once she had her hockey gear on, she hurried with Apple Bloom down the stairs and out the door, rushing past a smiling Flithy Rich, "yes, show them what you got my daughter."

They soon returned to the ice and found Applejack still talking firmly with the other team players, and judging from the tone of her raised voice, some were still not willing to give Diamond Tiara a chance.

"Don't let them bother you," Apple Bloom whispered to her. "Show them what you got."

Diamond Tiara nodded and together, they walked down to the ice, and soon they could hear Applejack's firm talk.

"I've already said this once, I don't care what Diamond Tiara did in the past, I only see the pony who's willing to try and be a team player, and I wish for all of you to see this." She stared them firmly in the eyes, almost like Fluttershy with her stare, "and I won't be repeating myself again. Should any of you decide to be mean to Diamond Tiara or anypony else on the team ever again, then you can go sign up for another event, cause I will kick you off the team. Do I make myself clear on that?!"

"Yes Applejack," they all said miserably.

"Good, and I hope this is the last time we have this talk." She turned and smiled when she saw the two fillies, "welcome back Diamond Tiara, have you come to rejoin the team?"

From the corner of her left eye, Diamond Tiara could see Slap Shot overlooking the ice and shaking his head. She put on a firm look and said, "Coach Applejack, I'm more than ready to get back out there!"

"That's what I like to hear!" smiled Applejack. She grabbed Diamond's skates and gave them back to her, "put these on and get back out there, Assistant."

"Yes Ma'am," she saluted.

She dawned on her skates and one by one, the players went back on the ice. Slap Shot watched from above, "foolish child, I told her that hockey is not a game for rich ponies, so why is she not listening to me?" He thought to himself.

The puck was dropped and play resumed. The ponies worked together on one side to keep the puck from going to the other team, then it happened. The puck went to Diamond Tiara, and there were two ponies skating towards her. Remembering what she did in Slap Shot's cottage, she lifted up her front foreleg and turned away from them, nearly going to the edge. Then she lifted her left foreleg and went the other way so she was on target with the net. She raised her stick and shot the puck, right at Snail's net.

"Okay, that's impressive," said Toola Roola.

"Unbelivable," gasped Applejack. "Hey Diamond Tiara, impressive move! Got a few more tricks up your sleeves?"

"Guess we'll have to find out," she called back, feeling much better now.

Slap Shot continued to watch the game down below and see Diamond Tiara play with all her heart. She was now smiling, and every so often, she would surprise Applejack and the others. Like using her skills to spin and at the last second, shot the puck right at Snail's net far down the other side of the ice, which went through again.

"Float like a pegasus, sting like a unicorn!" cheered Diamond Tiara. "Now that's how you do it."

"Perhaps the younger generation can change...no, what am I thinking? Hockey isn't what it used to be, and...oh why am I bothering?" Slap Shot turned to leave for his cottage, but took only a few steps before looking back to the ice.

Soon the game came to an end, and Applejack gracefully allowed the players to go home for a good night's rest.

"I think I'll be sleeping for days," groaned Coconut Cream, "that was quite the intense game."

"Yeah well just imagine how intense the games will be at the Equestria Winter Games," said Toola Roola.

Coconut Cream looked back towards Diamond Tiara, who was talking with Apple Bloom, "I never thought I'd say this, but with Diamond Tiara on our team, we have a good chance of winning the games."

"She sure surprised us all. Guess we were wrong about her."

Even from a short distance back, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom could hear them. Apple Bloom nudged Diamond Tiara on the left shoulder, "see, that's what happens when you don't listen in to their hurtful words."

Diamond Tiara smiled, and it definetly answered how the Crusaders managed to continue on in spite of her own teasing words in the past. Suddenly, she remembered, "I forgot my helmet, I'll be right back."

She turned and ran back to the ice. However, she stopped when she spotted an older pony on the ice. It was Slap Shot. He had an old beat up helmet on his head, and an old hockey stick in his mouth.

"What are you doing with those?" she whispered quietly.

Slap Shot looked at the puck, sighed for a moment, then started skating, heading straight for the net Snails had been in before. As he reached the halfway point, he suddenly lifted up his right legs and turned to the left. He dropped them, then lifted his left legs, allowing him to go to the right. He lifted his stick up and shot the puck hard, sending it flying through the net.

He sighed as he stopped, "that felt good."

"Whoa," gasped Diamond Tiara, but she gasped too loudly.

Slap Shot heard her and quickly got off the ice. Diamond Tiara hurried after him to the cottage. He got inside and tried to push the door to close, but Diamond Tiara got in the doorway, "you were fantastic out there, could you teach me some of your skills?"

"No I will not, now go away kid!"

"But then, how do you expect the next generation to learn how to play like you?"

"It's clear the younger generation wants none of the knowledge I have, now please, go away kid!"

"It's Diamond Tiara."

"I don't care. Hockey has changed for the worst, and I'm not getting drawn back into the game. Besides, I still stand by what I said about how Rich ponies shouldn't play the game."

Diamond Tiara looked firmly to her uncle as she continued to stand in the doorway.

"Well you're wrong, cause this Rich pony is going to play hockey." She turned to leave, but stopped and said; "my dad told me you were the greatest hockey player in all of Equestrian history, but how can you be great when just give up?"

"Just get out!" snapped Slap Shot.

Using her mouth, Diamond Tiara grabbed the door handle and slammed it shut. "It's too bad, I would've loved to learn from a legend," she said out loud to herself, but of course, Slap Shot overheard.

He looked over all his own equipment, and the newspaper clippings from his glory days, and the one that showed his accident. He said nothing for the longest time.

Days went by and the training continued. On the last day, much of Ponyville gathered for a test run hockey game. It was Applejack's way of making sure nerves weren't going to act up and make them act sloppy. She even got Spike and Starlight Glimmer to act as announcers, since neither one was going to play the games at the Equestria Winter Games.

"Hello Ponyville, are you ready for some hockey action?" Spike called out to the crowd, to which they cheered. All but one, Spoiled Rich had returned and was not too thrilled to see her daughter on the ice. Flithy Rich on the other hoof was pleased to see this game, "make sure you cheer loudly so they can hear you!"

"Yay Ponyville!" cheered Pinkie Pie, "show 'em, uh...Ponyville players what you're made of. Geez, that's weird to say."

"Okay, and let's get on with the game," said Starlight Glimmer. "Coming to the middle of the ice is the team captain; Apple Bloom from Sweet Apple Acres, and Assistant; Diamond Tiara of the Rich Family."

Both young fillies skated over to where Fluttershy was, ready to drop the puck.

"Hey, break a leg, and may the best pony win," Apple Bloom whispered.

"Thanks, you too."

Fluttershy raised the puck above them, then dropped it and the game was on.

"Alright, Apple Bloom's got the puck and is now skating down the ice, she passes it to Toola Roola, and now she passes it to...hold on, Coconut Cream took the puck and is now skating down the ice," Spike was saying into the mircrophone so ponies could hear him, "and now she's passed it off. And now the puck is being passed to Diamond Tiara."

Diamond Tiara lifted her right legs and started moving a bit to the left to get herself in the middle.

"Whoa, now that's an awesome move there fillies and gentlecolts," said Starlight Glimmer. "She's heading for the net..." Diamond Tiara had two ponies skating up behind her, but she lifted her left legs and moved to the right, "again she moves away, she shoots..." Diamond Tiara lifted her stick and shot at the puck, which sent it flying towards another goalie's net as Snails was in the other net. "And she scores! She scores!" cheered Starlight, and much of the crowd cheered too.

Except for Spoiled, "She shouldn't be playing this silly game, it's not..."

"Oh be quiet," snapped Flithy Rich. "If she wants to play the game, then we're going to let her play, and there's nothing you can say that will stop her."

Spoiled Rich snarled, but went quiet as the game continued on.

"Toola Roola has the puck, and now she passes it over to Apple Bloom," continued Spike, "she's skating faster than Pinkie Pie, and I didn't think that was possible."

"That's not the same as Pinkie's speed," said Starlight, "but it's still fast. She's reached the other side of the arena, she shoots..." Apple Bloom lifted up her stick and shot. But Diamond Tiara knew what to do. Again, she lifted her left foreleg and began her spinning, allowing her to go faster than Apple Bloom. She caught up to the puck and at the last second, she caught up to the puck, stopped spinning and shot it down to another team-mate, who shot it into the net and scored.

"I don't believe it!" gasped Spike, "did you see that?"

"If anypony missed it, I'd be surprised," said Starlight, "that was amazing."

In the audiance of ponies, Grand Pear was thinking. Granny Smith noticed this, "what's on your mind now Grand Pear?" she asked.

"I've seen moves like this before, but only from one pony," he said. "But could this kid be his niece?"

It suddenly came back to Granny Smith. Although she had never been a hockey fan, she did remember a pony that had the same skills Diamond Tiara was showing, "you're referring to Slap Shot aren't you?"

Grand Pear nodded, and started looking around, but couldn't see him anywhere.

Slap Shot wasn't anywhere near the ice, he wasn't going to risk being spotted. Though secretly, he wished he was there.

When the game ended, both sides were tied. The residants of Ponyville cheered loudly for the players. Applejack gathered them all together, "I am impressed with how well you played today," she said, "now if you can continue to show that kind of performance in front of all of Equestria, we'll have a good chance of going far. Just remember, it doesn't matter if we win or lose, it's all about having fun."

"Understood Coach," they all said in unison.

The next day, the Ponyville teams set off towards the Crystal Empire. They were all on board today, with the residants coming much later in the day. Throughout much of the ride, Diamond Tiara felt like she had butterflies in her stomach. It was one thing to play in front of the entire town of Ponyville, but it was another to play in front of all of Equestria.

"Don't you worry about them," said a voice. She looked to see Lilymoon on the seat across from her, "just pretend they're not there, and you'll be fine."

Diamond Tiara took in a deep breath and sighed, "thanks Lilymoon, is that how you're dealing with this right now?"

"Yes, and it helps in other situations from time to time," she answered, though she never did say what those situations were.

Finally, after some time, the Friendship Express pulled into the Crystal Empire. They were greeted by Princess Celestia, who thanked them for helping to make this little surprise for Princess Luna a reality.

"She's going to love these games," she smiled. "She deserves it."

"She sure does," Diamond Tiara nodded as she bowed in front of the princess.

During their stay in the Crystal Empire, they were given some of the best hotel rooms with four ponies staying in each room.

"This is nice," smiled Apple Bloom as she, Diamond Tiara and two other fillies walked into their room. "These crystal ponies have gone all out to make these rooms spectular."

"Well these are known as Suites for a reason," said one of the other ponies. "Though I'm sure you're used to them, right Diamond Tiara?"

"Actually, these rooms are better than what I got at home. I must make sure to tell those crystal ponies that they do such great work."

As hours went by, more and more ponies arrived at the Crystal Empire. They were greeted either by Princess Cadance, or Princess Celestia. The princesses also explained that Princess Luna would come later and be given the surprise then.

Finally, evening rolled around and inside the crystal stadium, the ponies were gathered, ready to give Princess Luna the surprise, as well as witness the beginning of the games. Apart from the ponies, there were also Griffons there, and some Yaks.

"Quite the turnout tonight," Scootaloo whispered to Sweetie Belle. "Hope your nerves don't get to you."

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow at Scootaloo, "I think you got me confused with another pony, I'm perfectly fine with this."

Nearby, Ms Harshwhinny was talking with Spike, "now Mr the Dragon, are you sure you'll be able to light the torch, or do we need a pony to do the job for you?"

Spike stared firmly at her, "first off, my name is Spike, and second of all, my nerves are not going to get the better of me. I'm ready when I'm given the signal."

"We shall see."

At last, the moment arrived. Coming in with her own bat-ponies, Princess Luna arrived with a blind fold over her eyes, "what's all this about?" she asked, "why can't I see anything?"

"You'll find out Princess."

"Cadance, is that you?"

"Yes it is," nodded the Princess as she flew beside her carriage. "Just place a hoof on my shoulder and I'll lead you down."

She did just that, and with wings out, Princess Luna followed Cadance down to the throne area. This was Spike's cue. He walked up to the torch and climbed up the ladder. Celestia nodded and as Twilight undid the blind fold, Spike blew his flame out and lit the torch. Luna gasped, then gasped again when she saw the whole stadium lit up.

"What is all this?" she asked.

Princess Celestia smiled as she flew up, and using her magic, made her voice a bit louder, "welcome fillies and gentlecolts to the first ever Equestria Winter Games." Luna gasped hearing that. "As you know, every few years, we have our own Equestria Games, now known as the Summer Games, but like how we never had a celebration for Princess Luna till recently..." she paused and winked down at the Crusaders, since it was their idea for the Festival of the Winter moon, "we never had games that my dear sister would like. So this year, as a way of saying thank you for all the amazing work she does, and all she goes through, we're going to host our first set of Winter Games. The games will include Ski Jumps, Figure skating, sleding and of course, hockey."

Princess Luna's eyes lit up. It was no secret that hockey was her favourite sport.

"And to help make these games possible, we have teams from across this beautiful country of ours, ready to play, both old and young. We wish them all good luck during their games and remember to do your best. And now, our national anthem."

As the Anthem started, ponies and creatures alike stood up and sang along with it, while the players walked out to the middle of the stadium.

"Wow, that's alot of ponies and creatures," Diamond Tiara thought to herself. She took in a deep breath and exhaled, "don't get cold hooves Diamond, you've come this far, you can do this."

Once the Anthem had finished, Princess Luna finally spoke, "thank you dear sister, and all citizens of Equestria for this great surprise, and I for one can't wait for the games that lay ahead. Also, nice job on hiding this from me, I had no knowledge whatsoever." This got a bit of a chuckling from several ponies, including the Crusaders. "And now, let the games begin!"

And on that note, the fireworks went off and the cheering resumed. Diamond Tiara cheered too, though she wished Slap Shot was here to see this, but instead she believed he was back in Ponyville, sitting in his cottage doing nothing. Unknown to her, a set of eyes watched from the top of a set of stairs while in disguise.

To Be Continued...

Well we are my friends, we're at the last part of my 2017 Winter/Christmas Special for Fanfiction. For this one, three things helped with my inspiration, one which is obvious is that this story is inspired by Disney/Pixar's 1st Cars movie, the second from the Red Green Show. It's really funny, just so you know. The third inspiration came from a Corner Gas season 1 episode. Now returning in this special are the announcers; Hoofson, Mayflower and Hamburger, which I'm sure many of you can guess were inspired by former Top Gear, now Grand Tour hosts; Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, and also there's one more character from last year's Christmas special I wrote up, but I won't say who it is, you'll have to find him yourselves. Now granted, this story isn't as long as 'Sunset's Hearth's Warming' from last year, but for the catagory of stories that are not novels, this has been the longest, at least for me, and it was fun to write up. Now before we begin, I will say that before Christmas, there is one more story coming to this folder for you to see, but you'll have to wait till December 18th to see it, and as Rarity would say 'No Spoilers!'

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Equestria Winter Games-Part 3

Written by: ThomasZoey3000 (Inspired by Disney/Pixar's Cars)

The sun had barely risen the next morning when the Winter Games began. As the hockey games would be played later in the evening, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom had time to look around at some of the other events and cheer their friends on. Diamond Tiara had to admit she still had butterflies in her stomach, but she kept reminding herself, "I've trained for these moments, I'm not going to let nerves take me down."

"You'll do fine," said Apple Bloom. Diamond Tiara looked over to her and saw a reassuring smile on her face.

"With friends like you by my side, I know I will be," she replied back. "Speaking of which, why don't we check on them before getting over for one last practise?"

"Sounds good to me," smiled Apple Bloom. She pulled out a piece of paper, which showed of the timing for all the events. "Scootaloo and Lilymoon's ski jump is up first, then we can just catch Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon before meeting up with Applejack and the team."

And so they made their way to the ski jump. As they arrived, they could see young ponies, mostly a year or two older than them, jumping off the slope and gliding in the air before coming back down. Some landed perfectly, but then again, there were one or two injuries from not getting the moves right.

"Ouch," Apple Bloom gulped as she and Diamond Tiara made it to the front of the crowd, "that looked like it hurt."

"And according to doctors, Peachy Storm has broken her front left leg," said the announcer over the speakers. The crowds groaned hearing that.

"Yep, I'd say it hurts," muttered Diamond Tiara.

"Up next are the players from Ponyville. First up is young Scootaloo." No sooner was her name mentioned than two loud voices could be heard. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and looked far to her left. Sure enough, she found the sources of the cheers; Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles, Rainbow Dash's parents. Only this time, they were wearing Custom made Scootaloo attire.

"Wow, they sure like to be super fans don't they?" Diamond Tiara asked in surprise.

"Perhaps, but I don't think either Scootaloo or Rainbow Dash mind that at all." She looked up to the top of the slope, "look, there's Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash now."

Sure enough, young Scootaloo was at the top of the slope with her skis on.

"Okay Champ, remember our training, and don't worry, I have not cheated by adding anything to your skis. Yours are just as the same as Lilymoon's and everypony elses."

"Thanks Rainbow," she said with a somewhat shaky voice.

"You want a hug from your big sister before you go down?"

Scootaloo nodded and hugged Rainbow Dash. After the hug, she got into position and waited for the signal. It was soon given and with a small push, Scootaloo started off down the ramp, going at break-neck speeds. Ponies in the crowd seemed to go quiet, even Bow Hotfoof and Windy Whistles were silent. Scootaloo focused as the edge came close. Keeping her head down, back legs together, she jumped off the ledge and soared through the air. Unlike the last pony, she landed perfectly, to which she got thunderous cheers from the crowd, while one judge pony painted a mark for Scootaloo's landing spot.

"You were awesome Scootaloo!" shouted Bow Hotfoof, "way to go!"

"Were you great sweetie!" shouted Windy Whistles.

Scootaloo blushed as she moved away from the bottom of the slope. As she made it to her safe spot, she could just see Lilymoon getting ready to go down, and see Rainbow Dash giving her some encouragement. When given the signal, Lilymoon slid down the slope, jumped through the air and like Scootaloo, landed perfectly.

"Awesome landing by recent residant of Ponyville; Lilymoon!" cheered the announcer, and he wasn't alone. The crowds were cheering too, but none moreso than Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom.

"Come on," Apple Bloom whispered, "let's find Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon."

As much as she wanted to keep watching, Diamond Tiara didn't want her friends to think she wasn't going to support them. She nodded and both walked away, not knowing of a single elder pony watching them.

The two fillies reached the ice rink in time to see Sweetie Belle getting onto the ice. Her music played over the speakers and she skated along the ice like a pro. She even did a few spins in the air, getting some whistles from Princess Luna and Princess Cadance. To the two fillies watching, it was as if Sweetie Belle was dancing on a stage and not on ice.

"Rarity sure is a good coach eh?" Apple Bloom whispered. Diamond Tiara nodded.

After she finished, Sweetie Belle left the ice to a thunderous cheer from the crowds. Next came Silver Spoon. Even from afar, Diamond Tiara could see her oldest friend was nervous.

"You got this Silver!" she called out, "you can do it!"

That seemed to take the nervousness away and Silver Spoon performed nicely on the ice. Even doing some controlled spins about five seperate times before coming to a graceful stop. She also recieved a large amount of cheers from the crowd.

"My word," gasped Princess Celestia, "it's going to be hard to pick out just one winner."

"There you two are," said another voice, which made the fillies jump. They looked to their left and saw Applejack standing there, "it's time to practise, and get ready for tonight's game."

"We're not running late, are we?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No, I was just wondering when you two were going to show up, now let's go."

Since they had seen their friends do their runs, they nodded and followed Applejack to the ice.

Night soon fell over the area and the first hockey game of the season was to begin. Applejack was with the fillies and colts in the locker room, going over ideas for the match. Meanwhile, Diamond Tiara was helping Toola Roola with her knee pads as they were broken.

"Guess I played a little too hard during our game," she said.

"No worries, it can happen," said Diamond Tiara with the duct tape in her mouth. "Now hold still, I'm almost done here." She wrapped it around a few times and tore off an end piece, "there we go, another problem solved with the handypony's secret weapon."

"Handypony's secret weapon? Where did that come from?"

"Uh, you know I have no idea. I think I must've heard it somewhere, just can't remember where."

"Alright ponies listen up!" called Applejack and all eyes looked to her, "no matter what happens tonight, and no matter if they cheer or not, just remember when you go out there to have fun and do your best. Also," she narrowed her eyes, "no more in-fighting."

"Understood coach!" they all said in unison. There was no arguments aganist that.

"Good, now let's get out there!"

"Uh Coach!" called Snails, "my stick is broken!"

Sure enough, Snail's goalie stick was broken. Applejack was going to ask how it got broken, but shook it off. She started walking over towards him, when Diamond Tiara stopped her, "I'll help him, you and the others get out there."

"You got it, Assistant."

With that, the ponies left for the ice. It took only a minute to fix the stick with the handypony's secret weapon, "there you go Snails, good to go."

"Thanks Diamond Tiara."

"Please, you can call me Diamond."

"Okay then Diamond. Let's go!"

Diamond Tiara nodded and was about to follow when she remembered that she almost forgot her stick. She grabbed it and followed a short distance away. As she walked, she heard an angry voice coming from behind her; "DIAMOND TIARA!"

She sighed and called out to Snails, "go on ahead, I'll catch up!"

Snails nodded and carried on towards the ice. Diamond Tiara turned around and saw her mother; Spoiled Rich walking up towards her.

"You get out of that stupid outfit and come home this instant!" she snapped at her daughter. "Rich ponies do not play hockey, especially with low-lives like those other ponies."

"Well this Rich pony does! I will return to the locker room, after the game. As for right now, I am going out on the ice."

"You'll ruin our image!"

"Ours, or yours?" Diamond Tiara raised an eyebrow at her mother. "This isn't about you, it's about finally showing the world that I'm not a smaller version of you. I am Diamond Tiara, and I'm a hockey player. Now why don't you be a good little pony and sit down in your seat?! Maybe then you'll learn to appearcite the game."

Diamond Tiara turned and walked towards the ice. Flithy Rich was just down the hallway, but unlike his wife, he just smiled.

"Go show 'em what you're made of kiddo."

"You bet I will," she smiled and picked up the pace.

Spoiled Rich walked over and stared firmly at her husband. As she opened her mouth, Flithy Rich interupted, "Spoiled, just shut up." That silenced her.

As she came into the player's box, Diamond Tiara was amazed by the large number of ponies in the seats. There was even a small area for announcers to comment on the game, and not surprising to her, it was the same announcers from the Applewood Derby race; Hoofson, Mayflower and Hamburger.

"Welcome fillies and gentlecolts to the first ever hockey game for the first ever Equestria Winter Games," said Hoofson. "It's an honor to be here, and to see so many young ponies playing tonight."

"Yes indeed Hoofson," agreed Mayflower, "now let's meet the teams."

"First up, the young ponies who deal with Para-sprites, creatures from the Everfree forest and manage to do it all before Bedtime, please welcome the Junior Ponyville players!"

The young ponies skated onto the ice and recieved cheers from everypony.

"All before Bedtime?" Mayflower asked. "Hamster, this isn't a children's comic book."

"Hey give me a break, I don't normally do this," he retorted.

"And ignoring these two morons," interupted Hoofson, "these young players are ready to play, lead by Captain Apple Bloom and assistant Diamond Tiara."

There was quiet discussions from the ponies when they heard her name, except for cheers from four ponies; Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon, Scootaloo and Lilymoon.

"And tonight," continued Hoofson, "they will be going up aganist a hard hitting team, so please welcome, the Junior Manehatten Skaters!"

Another group of young ponies skated onto the ice, and one surprisied Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara.

"They are being lead by Captain Babs Seed and Assistant Gruff McColton!" finished Hoofson.

Diamond Tiara gulped. She remembered the last time she and Babs had spoken, back when she had been a bully. Babs Seed skated over towards Apple Bloom, "Hey Cousin, I had a feeling I would be facing you tonight, but I never thought you would have her on your team."

"Hey, she's changed, and she's better now than before. You'll see, cousin."

In the stands, Starlight Glimmer whispered to Twilight, "I've heard of that name for the Assistant on the Manehatten team. Sunset Shimmer told me about how he had a fight with her cousin during the Hearth's Warming festival." She looked down to the young pony, who looked annoyed, "and by the looks of it, he hasn't changed since then."

"I guess not, I just hope he doesn't try any dirty tricks out there," Twilight whispered back.

For tonight's game, Fluttershy would keep watch over the players and drop the puck. "Play fair and good luck," she said. She raised the puck high and dropped it. She backed up as the game began.

In the stands, the lone elder pony watched as it began. He was still in disguise, but it didn't fool one pony.

"Hello Slap Shot." He looked behind him and saw Grand Pear standing there, "it's been a long time old friend, it's good to see you out and about again."

"This isn't an outing for me, I'm just curious that's all."

"Right," he said, rolling his eyes. "You're curious about your niece out there aren't you?" He got no response, so Grand Pear continued, "listen old friend, I know hockey was ruined for you by your former coach, but that doesn't mean you have to hate it forever and avoid it."

"Of course it does."

"Oh listen to you, stubborn as always. Look, we all know that coach of yours wasn't very bright, and that was certainly proven when he got rid of his best players and went with rookies instead, but hockey has changed over the years, as proven with the younger generation."

"Oh really?"

Both ponies looked down to see that Gruff McColton had gotten the puck away from Coconut Cream and was skating towards Snails. Toola Roola tried to stop him, but he just shoved her aside and went for the net. He shot and he scored the first goal of the game.

"Ha! Beat that losers!" he shouted.

"See, nothing's changed," grumbled Slap Shot. He started to turn and walk away, when he heard some words coming from his niece.

"Come on guys, we can't give up. We may be down by one goal, but we can make a comeback, after all, we've trained for moments like this, remember?"

"Sounds an awful lot like what you used to say back in the day," said Grand Pear. He looked firmly at his old friend, "you know it's not too late to get in there and help them."

"Help them? I can't play at my age."

"That's not what I meant," chuckled Grand Pear. "I meant, help them in a different way. Your advice."

Slap Shot was silent after hearing that. He looked down to see Diamond Tiara and Coconut Cream trying to get the puck down to the Manehatten net, but lost it to Gruff McColton again, who scored the second goal.

"These Ponyville losers have got nothing on me, I'm the best out there!" he boasted.

"It's not just you on this team Gruff," Babs Seed said firmly.

"Whatever, you guys are useless to me. Why I could beat this team alone and with my eyes closed."

Babs Seed rolled her eyes. Diamond Tiara sighed as she skated towards the centre of the ice, "can't give up, we trained for this, I know...maybe we're not ready for this," she thought unhappily to herself.

"Come on, put a smile back on your face!" shouted a voice. "I didn't come out of hiding to see you sulk!"

"Huh?" Diamond Tiara looked to the player's box and saw her uncle standing next to Applejack, "Uncle Slap Shot, you came!"

"Of course I did, and it's a good thing I did, you ponies are in serious need of help." Applejack called for a time-out, and all the players came over. Many were surprised to see the hockey legend as they had heard stories about him, "you've been good in training, but here you're acting sloppy. Yes they are two goals ahead, but that shouldn't get you down."

"So what can we do?" asked Toola Roola.

"Simple. That boy; Gruff McColton thinks he's the best and seems to be the main muscle of the team, so if you were to put some slippery moves on him, you got a chance to get past him. Also, it'd be best to have three of you going down the ice, so it'll be easier to pass the puck. As for you," he said, pointing to Coconut Cream, "you need to stay on your side of the ice, close to the net and help your goalie out. Don't leave all the work for him to do."

"What about scoring?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Try getting the puck past the goalie, and I'll let you know of what to do. If that's okay with you missy," he said looking to Applejack.

"Not at all, you can be the assistant coach for us, and we'd be grateful for your teachings."

"Alright then, now everypony, get some lumber out there and show them what you're made of." The young ponies nodded and skated back onto the ice, "hot snot, we're back in the game now. Miss..."

"Applejack."

"Right, Miss Applejack, keep an eye on the fillies, if one looks too tired, get them off the ice and switch them out. It's better not to overdo it."

"Yes Sir."

As play continued, many ponies started looking to the Ponyville player's box and gasped, "it's Slap Shot. It can't be, but it is. The legendary hockey player returns."

Word soon got to the three stallions commenting on the game, "uh fillies and gentlecolts, it seems that Ponyville has an assistant coach and look who they have there," said Hamburger, "it's Slap Shot."

The crowds started cheering, which surprised Slap Shot before he regained focus and watched the team.

"Nopony has seen the hockey legend in many moons," added Mayflower, "I wonder where he's been hiding."

Gruff McColton wasn't impressed, "so they got an old timer to help them. It won't change a thing." He charged towards Apple Bloom, ready to take the puck, but at the last second, she slid in a different direction, "what the?!"

"Apple Bloom's gotten away from Gruff McColton and now is passing the puck over to Toola Roola, who's skating towards the net. She shoots, oh she misses." The Manehatten goalie had blocked it from the right side and sent it back down to another team-mate. "Now the puck is being passed to Babs, and now to Gruff again." Gruff skated quickly towards the net, but Coconut Cream was ready. She sped down the ice and as he shot, she got hold of the puck and sent it back to Apple Bloom, "now Apple Bloom's got the puck, she's skating down to Toola Roola again."

Slap Shot now had a good idea on how to score aganist Manehatten, but he wasn't alone.

"Toola, pass it to me!" shouted Diamond Tiara.

She nodded and passed it to her. Gruff McColton skated past her and went straight for Diamond Tiara. "Uh oh, will she get smashed into the wall?" asked Hamburger. Diamond Tiara skated forwards, and at the last moment, lifted her right legs up, sending her to the left and away from Gruff. She turned once more, "no, he missed, she's going for it. Diamond's going for the net, she shoots, she..." the puck shot away from the stick and went for the left side of the net, "SCORES!"

The crowds started cheering loudly for Ponyville.

"Way to go Diamond Tiara!" shouted Coconut Cream.

"That's my girl!" cheered Flithy Rich from the stands. He was cheering so much that it caused a few ponies to look to him, but he didn't care.

Slap Shot nodded, "smart kid that one." The players all came over, "well played kids, you kept that Gruff McColton from doing what he does best, and you found the goalie's weakness, his weak left hoof."

As play went on over the three rounds, the Ponyville players did their best to keep that puck away from the Manehatten team. It was difficult thanks to Gruff McColton playing rough, and Babs Seed's fantastic hockey ability, which resulted in them scoring three more times. But thanks to Slap Shot's advice and tricks of the trade, they managed by the third period with ten minutes left to even the score.

"They are really good," sighed one of the Manehatten fillies, "they could win this round."

"Not on my watch they're not," grumbled Gruff.

"Gruff, watch that tone of yours," adviced his coach. "We don't need you starting another hoof-fight on the ice like you've been doing lately."

But Gruff McColton took no notice and skated back into position. Babs Seed sighed, "come on then guys, let's at least give it our best shot."

Play continued, but now Gruff had some bad ideas on his mind, "they can't win if they're hurt," he thought to himself. Instead of going after the puck, he went after Diamond Tiara and slammed her into the wall. There was a crack, loud enough to be heard. Fluttershy blew the whistle and pointed to the penilty box. Gruff skated off, smirking.

"Kid, are you alright?" Slap Shot called.

"Yeah, but my skate is broken!" she called back.

"Alright, come on over and we'll fix that skate of yours." Applejack went to get another skate, but Slap Shot stopped her before pulling out some bubble gum and started chewing, "watch and learn youngster." He also grabbed some duct tape and tore some off.

Diamond Tiara skated over towards him and removed her skate. He then spat out the gum onto the skate, then used the duct tape to stick the skate back on. He gave it back to Diamond Tiara, who excepted it, placed it on her hoof and skated back onto the ice.

"Nothing like gum and the handypony's secret weapon," he smirked.

Applejack was stunned, as were many of the ponies on the bench.

The game continued, "now Babs Seed has got the puck, and...oh wait, now Apple Bloom's got it," said Mayflower, "she's skating down the ice, passing it to Diamond Tiara." Not wanting to hog the moment, Diamond Tiara passed the puck to another member of her team, and allowed her to score the goal, but she missed.

"Dang it!" she groaned.

"Don't worry, you'll get it next time," encouraged Diamond Tiara.

They played on, but the players soon got worried as Gruff McColton was allowed out and once again, instead of going after the puck, he went after Diamond Tiara. She saw him coming, but didn't move away, just yet. She waited for the right moment, lifted her left legs and spun in circles to get away, while he slammed into the wall.

"Sweet Celestia, uh sorry Princess," said Hamburger. Celestia just smiled, "anyways, that was one of Slap Shot's old tricks back in the day."

"Indeed," nodded Mayflower, "I bet his old coach now feels stupid for replacing him with the rookie."

Slap Shot laughed, "ha-ha, float like a pegasus..."

"Sting like a unicorn!" finished Diamond Tiara. She finished her spin and accepted the puck from Apple Bloom. She skated on towards the net with the intension of scoring.

"I will not be beaten by these fools," grumbled Gruff McColton. His focus then went to Apple Bloom. He charged at her, for reasons known only to him and slammed her aganist the wall. There was another crack, but this time, it wasn't her skates. Apple Bloom yelled out in pain, which meant one thing.

"Oh no, it's happened again," gasped Slap Shot.

Fluttershy blew the whistle and play stopped. Diamond Tiara looked back and gasped to see Apple Bloom down on the ice with tears coming down from her eyes, while Gruff McColton looked proud of what he did. To her, it almost looked like that picture she saw in Slap Shot's cottage. Fluttershy threw Gruff out of the game, quite literally. She picked him up and took him back to the player's box, where the coach took over and escorted the disgraced hockey player out.

Diamond Tiara skated over towards Apple Bloom, "are you okay?"

"It hurts, but I think I'll be okay to skate over to the bench."

Diamond Tiara looked to see Applejack looking to the other players, then she looked to the clock. There were only two minutes left in the game. She looked back to her captain, "not just yet Captain, you're finishing this game."

"But I can't with a broken leg."

"Then lean on me, we'll finish this one together."

"But isn't that aganist the rules?"

Fluttershy had just returned and overheard that question, "let me check the rulebook." She grabbed a nearby copy and looked it over, "it doesn't say anything about that. Let me ask the Princesses of what to do." She flew up and explained to the four princesses, as well as Starlight Glimmer and Spike. Princess Luna spoke for all of them and said to let them continue.

So it was arranged, Apple Bloom placed her broken hoof on Diamond Tiara's shoulder and they skated to the middle of the ice.

"Hang on a moment, is that allowed?" Hamburger asked.

"Doesn't say," said Mayflower.

"Well either way, the Princesses are allowing it, so the game continues," said Hoofson. The players went back to their areas, and Fluttershy dropped the puck to continue play. Babs Seed got hold of it, "she's now skating down the ice, she's easily going to...no hold on, one of the Ponyville players got the puck. They now pass it to Toola Roola, now to Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara."

"You got this," Diamond Tiara whispered.

Apple Bloom nodded and with stick in mouth, she and Diamond Tiara skated down the ice. The Manehatten team tried to get the puck away from them, but Diamond Tiara's tricks prevented that from happening. Apple Bloom passed it back to another team-mate, who got it away from the other team, then passed it back to the duo, "now Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara have the puck," said Hamburger, "they're going for it with twenty seconds left on the clock, they shoot..." everypony seemed to hold their breath as the puck slid down the ice towards the net. The goalie tried to stop it, but it was no use, it went past him and into the net. "And they score! Ponyville wins!"

The crowds cheered loudly, even the Manehatten fans cheered for Ponyville's win.

"That's some mighty fine hockey play there," smiled one of the Manehatten fans, "that Diamond Tiara is a real team player, her parents must be so proud of her."

Spoiled Rich just looked away, but Flithy Rich was all smiles.

Diamond Tiara helped Apple Bloom back to the bench where her sister had the first aid kit all ready. Working together, the two ponies got Apple Bloom on the bench, "thanks for the help."

"Hey, it's what friends do, am I right?"

"Right," Apple Bloom nodded.

Slap Shot spoke to her, "you did good out there kid," he smiled, "and you proved me wrong, there is still hope for this game yet."

"Thank you Uncle Slap Shot," she smiled and after removing her skates, gave him a hug. He was stunned at first, but then he hugged her back.

"Diamond Tiara, can we have a word?" Applejack asked. They let go from the hug, and Diamond Tiara walked over, "I have to admit, you were fantastic out there. You've certainly come a long way from the filly who used to bully my sister and her friends."

"Thanks, I try to make up for my mistakes."

"Well you've been doing quite well. So well that I want you to become Captain until Apple Bloom heals."

But Diamond Tiara declined, "Apple Bloom earned her place, and I wouldn't feel right taking the role. I rather remain as assistant, if that's okay. Besides," she added, looking to Apple Bloom, "I'm sure she'll make a full recovery in no time."

"Well alright then, if that's what you want."

"It is what I want, but only if Uncle Slap Shot helps train us too."

Applejack looked to the old pony, "What do you say Sugarcube? Care to join the team?"

"I...I...I'd be honored," he said, once he got over the shock. He raised his hoof and shook Applejack's hoof back.

As the Winter Games progressed, the Ponyville hockey team continued to play like a well oiled machine, before and after Apple Bloom was healed and allowed back onto the ice. Sadly, they didn't win the entire series, the honor went to Fillydelphia, but they did get third place. Still, that didn't bother the young ponies and even after they went back to Ponyville, they continued to play hockey, with Slap Shot teaching them.

"You youngsters learn fast," he smiled as he skated with them.

"We sure do," smiled Diamond Tiara, "and now I know all your old tricks Uncle."

"Do you now?" he smirked. He suddenly skated away from them and jumped off the ice. They raced to the edge to see if he was hurt, and were stunned to see him jump through the air, land on the ice and score a puck through the net. "Ha, not all my tricks rookies!"

Diamond Tiara laughed and she, along with her friends carried on playing their new favourite sport in all of Equestria; hockey.

The End!

Well my friends, I bet you weren't expecting this eh? Well here's one more short story from me for 2017, and the last one for this year. I have to focus on one other story, and then that's it for 2017. Don't worry, there's plenty more coming in 2018. Anyways, this little short story came about after watching 'A Little Birdie Told Me', and the one line said that left me going 'Where Did That Come From?'. It's set after that short, in case you're wondering, and yes there will be illustrations coming out for this one too.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls

Short Story #2: The Best Shot

Written by: ThomasZoey3000

"Oohhh, I don't feel so good," groaned Rainbow Dash as she sat down on a bench in front of one of the fastest rides.

The girls were at Canterlot High's latest fair and all night, they had warned Rainbow Dash not to eat so much food before getting on the rides. As guessed, she didn't listen and now she was paying the price for it.

"Well maybe you wouldn't be feeling this way if you hadn't eaten that cotten candy," said Rarity.

"Or that small tub of popcorn," added Twilight.

"Or those three slices of Cheese Pizza," finished Applejack.

Rainbow Dash groaned as she tried to keep herself from getting sick on the school lot, "please, don't mention food in front of me for a while, otherwise I can't promise anything."

Just then, Pinkie Pie came up, "hey guys, I got some fries, anybody want some?"

That did it. Rainbow Dash got up from her seat and ran to a nearby garbage can. The girls groaned hearing her. As she looked to the others, Sunset Shimmer noticed they were missing one girl.

"Has anyone seen Fluttershy?" she asked. The other girls shook their heads, except for Rainbow Dash. "Well maybe I should go look for her. You guys don't mind do you?"

"Not at all Darling," answered Rarity. She winced hearing Rainbow Dash, "though maybe I should join you in looking for her."

"Great idea Rare, two heads are better than one."

And with that, the two girls left to find Fluttershy, while the rest stayed with Rainbow Dash.

Rarity and Sunset searched areas they knew Fluttershy liked. The petting zoo, a get the duck and win a prize game, and the arts & Crafts tent, but she wasn't at any of them. After a while, they stopped and sat down on a bench.

"For a girl with the ability to talk with animals, she sure is hard to find," sighed Rarity.

Sunset was about to reply back when they heard, "care to have a try little missy? Shoot all the targets and win a big prize."

"Sure, I'd love to try," said another voice, which sounded sweet and not too loud. Only one person they knew had a voice like that. They looked behind them and saw Fluttershy at a game called 'Barnyard Shooting', where players shot at moving bottles of liquor, which were only metal pictures. Fluttershy picked up the rifle and muttered, "Go on, make my day."

"Whoa, since when does Fluttershy say stuff like that?" Sunset gasped in surprise.

"Never mind that, since when has she been interested in games like this?" asked Rarity.

Both watched as the game began and within seconds, Fluttershy was shooting off the rifle and hitting every one of the moving targets, knocking them all down. Rarity and Sunset couldn't believe it as shown by their mouths being wide open. The targets themselves were moving fast, yet Fluttershy was matching their speed and hitting them all, including the last three, which were going really fast.

"Winner!" cried the booth operator. He reached behind him and pulled out a cowboy hat, "here you go little lady."

"Thank you very much," smiled Fluttershy.

She accepted the hat and placed it on her head. It fit her perfectly. Finally, Sunset and Rarity snapped out of their daze and walked over towards her, "Fluttershy, where did you learn to shoot like that?" Rarity asked.

Fluttershy smiled, "when we were younger, my parents used to take us to see our grandparents, and my grandpa would allow Zephyr and I a chance to shoot empty pop cans with paintball guns. Zephyr wasn't really good, but according to my grandfather, I seemed to have a natural talent for this sort of thing."

"Do you often use guns like that, or for paintball?" Sunset asked curiously.

Fluttershy shook her head, "not really, but on a rare occassion, like tonight, I can pick one up and fire. Though I won't play some of those games in the arcade, have you seen the graphics?" She shuddered just thinking of them.

At that moment, the other girls arrived, including a slightly sick Rainbow Dash.

"There y'all are, we were wondering where you got to." Applejack then noticed Fluttershy's new hat, "very nice Sugarcube, did Sunset win that for ya?"

"Actually, Fluttershy won that all by herself," said Sunset. "You should've seen her. The targets were moving fast, but she got them all."

"Fluttershy? Really?" Rainbow Dash asked, sounding like she didn't believe Sunset.

"It's true Darlings," said Rarity, "both Sunset and I saw it, and so did the booth operator."

"Now that I would like to see," said Applejack with that look in her eyes. It was the kind of look she would give when she was challenging someone, as Rainbow Dash knows all too well.

"I except the challenge," smirked Fluttershy. "Why don't you start, then I'll go in for the next round. Unless, you're scared I'll beat you."

Again, Sunset and Rarity's mouths dropped wide open in shock.

"And here I thought only pony Fluttershy had gained an attitude like that," Sunset thought to herself.

"Oh I ain't scared," smirked Applejack and she walked over to the booth. She payed for a round. The man set up the game, and once the gun was reloaded, Applejack took aim and fired.

The other girls had to admit that Applejack was a good shot, though it has to be said that she didn't get all of the targets as three were still left standing. Applejack kicked the ground.

"Oh well, three left isn't too bad," said Pinkie Pie.

"I guess so," nodded Applejack as she excepted a stuffed bear. She turned back to Fluttershy, "Care to try now?"

Before Fluttershy could speak, someone else put down money on the counter, "after me, I want a try," said Rainbow Dash. Despite her stomach growling at her, she was still willing and able to play. The man reloaded the gun and after setting up, Rainbow Dash began. She was also a good shot, but missed two of the bottles.

"Dang!" cried Applejack and kicked the ground.

Rainbow Dash smirked as she put the gun down and excepted the prize of a stuffed lion, "if my stomach wasn't acting up, I'd have gotten the rest. Your turn now Fluttershy."

Instead of looking scared, Fluttershy confidently walked up to the booth, payed for another round, waited for the man to reload the gun and once in her hands, she took aim.

"Locked and loaded," she muttered to herself.

"Ready?" asked the man.

Fluttershy nodded. With a flick of a switch, the game started. Applejack and Rainbow Dash watched with interest, while Pinkie, Twilight and Spike the Dog looked on worried. This could affect Fluttershy's confidence if she lost. Sunset and Rarity though could only smirk, they knew what was coming.

Sure enough, Fluttershy was hitting the targets quite easily, it was as if they were moving in slow motion. Then came the final five targets; the hardest ones. Without breaking a sweat, Fluttershy fired and knocked them all down. Bells rang and the man shouted; "Winner!" Applejack and Rainbow Dash both fell to their knees in shock.

"Here you go young lady," said the man and gave her a brown cowboy hat.

"Thank you so much good sir," she smiled and saluted him. "I'm sure my mom will love wearing this, especially when she has to work in the garden."

As she started walking away, Rainbow Dash finally found her voice and said what she and Applejack were thinking; "What just happened?"

Sunset giggled, "I think you two just met your match, from the best shot of Canterlot City; Fluttershy." As if she was on cue, Fluttershy stopped, turned a little and tipped her hat before walking off to see more of the fair.