Author's Notes:

Oh Sword Master allowed me to speak to all of his loyal readers. He's sorry this chapter took so long, but his college work has been slapping him in the face hard. He wishes he could write more, but college comes first for him. Not much else to say, except to enjoy. S.M. and I hope to see you in the next chapter of Solar Sun. Oh and as S.M. says: comment, like, follow, share and tell. Bye bye, for now, you strange people of internet land.

Fall Weather (Edited)

Fall had finally fallen over Equestria. Solar, Twilight, and Spike were walking in the crisp fall air. The leaves had yet to fall off the trees since Ponyville hadn't yet had the Running of the Leaves. Solar always remembered the times he watched it with his mother after he became the prince of Equestria. But he also had memories of watching it as a little kid protected by his mother. Fall and winter were always his favorite times of the year. Twilight loved winter more than any season. Spike liked fall and winter, but he would always be a summer kind of dragon. Winter brought cold and a lot of layers for him because he was cold blooded.

The trio was walking to pick up Art and Night from Applejack's farm. With fall, came fall break for school. The girls had spent it with their friends, doing plenty of fun stuff. Art and Night had spent the last two nights over Sweet Apple Acers with the Apple family. Of course, Applejack never minded having them over, since they were well behaved. They also helped around the farm and were just a load of fun. But they had to come home. So they had decided to go and pick them up.

As they entered the farm, a strange object came barreling towards Spike and struck him dead in the head. He fell right over on the ground with Twilight and Solar looking over his body.

"You ok, Spike." Said Twilight

"I think." He said

"Should we get you to a hospital. That looked like it could have caused a concussion." Said Twilight

Solar walked forward and looked Spike over and used his magic on him. He smiled as he returned his hands to his pockets.

"No need Twilight. He's perfectly fine." Said Solar

"When did you become a doctor?" Asked Twilight

"Never, but medical magic can do wonders for those who understand the complexity of it." Said Solar

She sighed as Spike, still rubbing his head, bent down and grabbed the object that nailed him in the head. He looked to see he was holding a metal horseshoe.

"Well, whoever was trying to knock me out sure picked a good item to do so." Said Spike

Solar and Twilight looked at the horseshoe in his claws. Solar took and began to look it over.

"Well Spike, this is standard horseshoe for playing the game of horseshoes. If I had to guess, I think somepony can't throw one of these for the life of them." Said Solar

"I'll say." Said Spike

"Well, its Applejack's horseshoe. Maybe she can tell us who threw it." Said Twilight

The trio continued onward till they found Applejack and Rainbow Dash butting heads again. Twilight sighed as she couldn't understand what made those two butt heads so much.

"Hey, Applejack and Rainbow Dash." Said Solar

The two looked to the see the trio walking up to them.

"What's up guys?" Asked Applejack

"Oh, we were coming over to pick up Art and Night when Spike was nailed straight in the head with a horseshoe. Mind explaining that one." Said Solar

"Yeah, if you wouldn't mind." Said Spike

"Sorry, Spike that might have been my bad." Said Rainbow

"Hey, no problem but watch where you're throwing horseshoes." Said Spike

"Ha, yeah." Said Rainbow

"So what were you two arguing about this time." Said Twilight

"Who the best athlete is?" Asked Rainbow

"Solar, since ya seen your good at solvin' problems. Who in your mind is the best athlete?" Asked Applejack

"Hm, the best athlete out of Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Man, this one is a tough one. The better question is why you want me to tell which of you is the better athlete." Said Solar

"Well, Applejack thinks she's the better athlete. Clearly, I'm the better athlete." Said Rainbow

"Sure Rainbow." Said Applejack

Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other with a death stare until Solar broke them up. He stood in the middle keeping the two competitive ponies at ease.

"It seems like you two aren't going to drop this, so I guess I'll have to solve it." Said Solar

"How?" Asked Rainbow

"Easy, a simple competition. I once ran this contest against Shining when we wanted to see who was the best stallion around. I, of course, won, but that's not the point. The point is that you two should compete in the Iron Pony Competition." Said Solar

"How about it Applejack?" Asked Rainbow

"You're on." Said Applejack

The two shook hands as Solar smiled. Twilight just sighed, and Spike just went along with it all.

"You know this isn't going to end great." Said Twilight

"Yeah, but at least it will be fun." Said Solar

***

Solar finished up setting things up as a few ponies had heard that Rainbow and Applejack were going to compete in an Iron Pony Competition showed up. They sat in stands that were set up around the area that Rainbow and Applejack would compete. Solar had set up a bunch of competitions that would test Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"So you want me to judge and keep score." Said Twilight

"Right honey." Said Solar

"But I don't understand what you and Spike are going to be." Said Twilight

"Yeah, what are you two going to do." Said Rainbow

"We." Solar and Spike disappeared into a smoke of orange and came out in sharp suits. "We're the sportscasters."

"Alright, I look handsome in this suit." Said Spike

"I do have to thank the seamstresses at the castle for teaching me sewing. It sure does come in handy at times." Said Solar

"Who are you going to report to?" Asked Twilight

"The ponies who apparently came to see this competition. Plus this happens to be a dream of mine since I was a little colt." Said Solar

"Mine too." Said Spike

"Oh please." Said Twilight as she rolled her eyes.

"Please honey, let me and Spike have this moment." Said Solar

"Alright, I guess you let me do my crazy dreams. So I should let you two do yours." Said Twilight

"Thanks, honey now Applejack and Rainbow Dash. You two ready." Said Solar

"Ready." Said Applejack

"Ready to show Ponyville how awesome I am." Said Rainbow

"Then let's get started." Said Solar

"Wait, we don't have a reporting station." Said Spike

"Yes, we do brother." Said Solar

Solar snapped his finger, and a broadcasting booth appeared in front of the crowd. Solar snapped his fingers again, and Spike and Solar were now sitting in front of the crowd. Papers in front of them. They picked them up and cleared their throats.

"Welcome everypony, I'm Spike, and this dashing stallion next to me is my older brother, Solar." Solar waved his hand. "Today we are broadcasting straight from Sweet Apple Acers for the first ever Iron Pony Competition between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. To talk about this competition, I give you Solar."

"Thank you, Spike. Now the Iron Pony Competition is a set of games to test each mare. Now let's get right to it." Said Solar

The two turned around, so that faced the competition area. Twilight still just sighed as she watched her husband and assistant. Solar cleared his throat again and spoke.

"First up is barrel running."

"That's right Solar. Each mare must run through a set of barrels without hitting them. If they touch a barrel, they gain a five second plenty added onto their time. First up is Applejack, so Solar what do you think about her odds." Said Spike

"Applejack sure has this in the bag. I mean, she is country and rodeos love this sport like crazy. So Applejack has the advantage here. But let's see who well she does." Said Solar

"But before we begin a quick overview of our crew here for this competition. The lovely pregnant wife of Solar, Twilight Sparkle, will be our judge. Fluttershy, modeling Rarity's newest aquamarine dress will be keeping score. Carousel Boutique would also like to mention that they are having a sale this week. Buy one dress, get the second half priced. Solar I don't remember that in the original notes." Solar looked them over and his before scratching his head. Rarity giggled as she walked back to her seat with Pinkie Pie. "Moving on, that's our crew, now let's get into the games."

"Twilight would you please get the games running." Said Solar

"Ready. Set. Go." Said Twilight

Applejack ran from the starting line dodging all the barrels, but her butt hit one of the barrels. She crossed the finish line.

"Applejack passes with a time of 17 seconds. A very excellent time." Said Spike

"I'll say, that breaks my record at last year's rodeo." Said Applejack

"It would Applejack, but you nudged a barrel there in your run. Sadly that puts a five-second penalty which makes your time 22 seconds. Let's see if Rainbow can do any better. Spike, what are your thoughts about the one and only Rainbow Dash." Said Solar

"Rainbow Dash is known as the speedster of Ponyville. This mare can clear the skies in ten seconds flat, but she takes risks. If anything, she'll have to watch those turns with her speed. Now it seems she ready to go, Twilight." Said Spike

"Ready. Set. Go." Said Twilight

Rainbow shot from the starting line making it through the barrels without touching one. She passed the line.

"Rainbow Dash, you made it in 18 seconds." Said Spike

"That's a fantastic time. I wonder if Rainbow is secretly into rodeos." Said Solar

"Yeah, but that means that Rainbow wins this one. If we all turn to the lovely score keeper Fluttershy, we can all watch her placed up the first score of the games." Fluttershy smiled with a one painted onto an apple and placed it up. "Simple the best pony to keep score. But we have only started this competition. We still have plenty of games to go."

"That's right Spike, from barrel leading/running. We now move towards the power leg competition. In this game, the girls will use one leg to send a heavy dumbbell up to the bell. Rainbow Dash will go first. Remember, they can only use one leg in this competition." Said Solar

Rainbow walked up and kicked the target striking the bell. The ponies cheered for her. She walked away as Applejack came forward. She hit the target breaking it and sending the weight and the bell into the sky. The ponies went crazy.

"Clearly, folks Applejack win this one." Said Spike

"Those years of applebuckin' sure did come in handy. The only thing we all need to fear is where that weight and bell will land." Said Solar

"Yes, so folks watch your heads for those items as we continue to our next event, which is bull riding. Wait Solar we have a bull." Said Spike

"Yes, we do." Said Solar

"Where did you get one on such short notice?" Asked Spike

"Um, I just found it." Said Solar

"Ok, for this competition, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash most hold, for dear life, on a raging bull with one hand. The one who can last the longest will win. First up is Applejack, and it seems the Apple family has gotten into this." Said Spike as the Apple family did the wave with Art and Night.

"Yes they are, Twilight, please begin this round." Said Solar

"Go!"

The door opened, and Applejack came in riding the raging bull. She was holding on with all her might. The bull bucked and kicked and finally was able to throw Applejack into a pile of hay. Solar used his magic to put the bull back in its pin.

"You found that." Said Spike

"Yes, now it seems Applejack was able to hold on for exactly five seconds. All Rainbow Dash has to do is go just one more second more than five to win." Said Solar

"I'm not sure if the daredevil Pegasus can do it Solar. She doesn't seem to have the arm strength that Applejack does." Said Spike

"Well, that's why we do this. Twilight, if you would be so kind as to start the round." Said Solar

"Go!"

The pin opened again, and Rainbow came out holding onto the raging bull. She smirked as she still held onto the rope as the bull bucked around. They all watched as Rainbow did flexing exercises as the male cow continued to buck her around. Solar tapped the table, and Spike spun his papers until the bull fell exhausted to the ground.

"That was incredible and sadly dull at the same time. So with amazing feet of fifteen seconds and wearing out the bull, Rainbow wins. A strange turn of events if somepony asked me." Said Spike

"I'll have to say, but moving on to our next event, roping. A simple enough game. The first one to rope over the dummy wins. Both contests will compete at the same time. Twilight, you may begin the round." Said Solar

"Begin." Said Twilight

Applejack and Rainbow took their ropes and began to spin them. Applejack was easily able to get her rope going, even doing a few tricks for the ponies in attendance. Rainbow was just having a hard time getting hers to spin. Applejack sent out her lasso and caught the dummy and pulled it towards her. She stepped on it as the ponies cheered.

"Applejack wins." Said Spike

"At least Rainbow caught something." Everypony looked to see Rainbow tangled up in a tree. "It seems she has roped herself."

"Does this count?" Asked Rainbow

"Sorry Rainbow, but we were looking for you to rope the dummy, but good try." Said Solar

"Well were now going to take a small break before returning to our program." Spike looked down at his notes before looking at Solar. "Wait, why are we taking a break? We aren't even filming this."

"I don't know. I read whatever's in the script, and it says we take a break." Said Solar

"Huh, well alright then." Said Spike

***

"Now I don't even understand why we are doing this. We didn't even go anywhere. If anything we just sat here for a second and now we are back at it." Said Spike

"Yeah, we didn't even get to see all the other sports. We're just skipping them because we need to speed this chapter up." Said Pinkie

"Where did you even come from Pinkie?" Asked Spike

"Under the table." She said

"And what are you talking about." Said Solar

"The author of this story who goes by the name of Sword Master or S.M. for short. Is making this chapter short by not including all the events. I know you can hear me S.M., how dare you skip those contests. Your readers are going to be heartbroken with you. I better hope your not going to skip overwriting the Running of the Leaves." Said Pinkie

She bounced away with her head held high in the air as Spike and Solar watched her. They looked at each other and shrugged.

"So where were we, right now I remember. Welcome back to the Iron Pony Competition between Rainbow Dash and Applejack. We are here to see who the best athletic pony is. While we were on break, for some odd reason, we watched a few more sports. Spike, please recap us on those sports." Said Solar

"We had ball bouncing, which I'm not sure what that exactly proved. Rainbow Dash won that one with ease. Next was hay throwing, I still think Applejack was gunning for us in that sport because of that comment we made about her, but she still won. Hoof wrestling was the next sport and in a twist of fates, Rainbow Dash won. So I guess she would have won the other Grand Galloping Ticket when she and Applejack were fighting over it. Last was punting, which Applejack tried to nail Fluttershy with her punt, which means she won. Now we are right now in the process of watching which mare will reach a hundred pushups. Let's get right into this action.

"Did you know Spike, I can do a hundred pushups without breaking a sweat." Said Solar

"Yes Solar, you make that clear every morning with your training regiment. But we are tied at five to five as we move towards finishing up those pushups.

"95, 96, 97, 98, 99... a hundred." Said Twilight

"Rainbow wins this round." Said Solar

"Solar didn't Rainbow use her wings to win that round." Said Spike

"Yeah, that is true." Said Solar

"Shouldn't we check the rules for such a thing." Said Spike

"I wish we could brother, but we are moving to the next round. The long jump. Each mare will take a running start and leap as far as they can. Applejack will go first followed by Rainbow, let's get to it." Said Solar

Applejack ran on the track till she reached the end. Once she reached the ending line, she leaped high into the air. She landed happily against the sand. She hopped up leaving a set of hoof prints. Applejack smirked as Rainbow took her running start and leaped when she reached the line. Rainbow could see she was going to lose, so she used her wings to move past Applejack's hoof marks. The crowd cheered for Rainbow as she won, while Applejack growled.

"Solar that time Rainbow did use her wings." Said Spike

"I'm looking up the rules as we speak. This book is like one of law books that my mother made me read." Said Solar

"In the meantime, we move to the chicken crossing." Said Spike

"What in Tartarus is section C123-45 Appendix W-0009." Said Solar

"As I was saying, our next sport is chicken crossing. I know somewhere right now, somepony is popping out a 'why did the chicken cross the road' joke somewhere in this audience. In this contest, Applejack and Rainbow must cross a muddy field to get a set of four chicks to their mother. Fastest pony with the cleanest chicks wins." Said Spike

"Applejack and Rainbow take your marks. Go!" Said Twilight

Applejacak and Rainbow began to cross the muddy field, but Applejack's chicks began to leave her. She looked to see Rainbow walking with her wings out, blocking the chicks from getting dirty. The crowd cheered as Rainbow won again, especially the pegasi who were in attendance.

"Rainbow Dash wins yet another one with her wings. Um, Solar have you found anything yet." Said Spike

"What do you mean I have to get whole another book. This is impossible! Law books aren't this crazy." Said Solar

"Um, I think we're going to take a break. Will be back with an update. Solar, maybe I should come over and help." Saif Spike

***

"Welcome back, it seems we have reached our final match. The score is currently 14 Rainbow Dash and 5 Applejack. Our last event is tug of war. It is currently going on as we speak. Now about my co-star. Well, he's um." Said Spike

"Yes burn you stupid books. Burn and die in the deepest darkest parts of Tartarus." Said Solar

"Yes, my co-star is currently burning the manuals to the Iron Pony Competition. So we will be moving on without him." A large splash sound echoed around the area, and Spike turned to see Applejack in the mud and Rainbow in the sky. "It seems Rainbow as won 15 to five. But it also seems Applejack is calling out Rainbow, and they are heading this way."

"Spike, Rainbow cheated using her wings." Said Applejack

"Your just a sore loser." Said Rainbow

"Ladies lets calm down. Oh here comes Solar. He has the answer for you all." Said Spike as he slipped away.

"Solar, Rainbow used her wings. She must needs to be disqualified for cheatin'." Said Applejack

"Sorry girls, but I got frustrated with the rule book for this competition, so I burnt it. Wait, now thinking about it, I should probably be running for it, but why." Said Solar

"SOLAR IGNITION FLARE!!!" Shouted Twilight

"Oh, that's right. Sorry girls, but I have to book it before my wife claws my eyes out." Said Solar

Solar began to book it out of the farm with Twilight hot on his tail with anger in her eyes.

"How dare you burn books!" Said Twilight

***

The next day was the day of the Running of the Leaves. The family was on their way to watch the festival. Solar rubbed the spot on his face where his wife had struck him yesterday. It still was a little sore. He was happy he could still sleep in the bed with her and not on the couch downstairs. But she was still mad.

"I still can't believe you burnt those books. They were library property. Now we have to pay for them." Said Twilight

"Sorry honey, I said I'd pay for new copies." Said Solar

"I still can't get what got in your mind to burn them." Said Twilight

"You know how I hate how books make it complicated to get what you want. That's why I stick to books I know I can easily find what I need. Not a book that tells me to get another book, which tells me to get another, which leads me to a pamphlet that isn't even in print anymore." Said Solar

"Some days you are a handful." Said Twilight pinching the bridge of her nose.

"But I know you love me for it." Said Solar

"I guess I do." Said Twilight

Solar gave Twilight a quick kiss on his wife's cheek. She rolled her eyes as they continued to walk.

"I can't wait to see my first running of the leaves. Dad, you did bring my art supplies?" Said Art

"Sure did." Said Solar

"Yeah, this is going to be fun." Said Spike

"Why are you so happy Spike, the run is for ponies only." Said Twilight

"Because I've been working on my broadcasting. I think I can nail it this time." Said Spike

"If you do brother, and you land yourself a high-paying Manehattan broadcasting job. Always remember the little ponies who helped you get up there." Said Solar

"Ha, I'd never forget this family. You're all too crazy not to remember." Said Spike

"Nice to know that's how you look at us, Spike." Said Twilight

Spike just shrugged his shoulders while they kept walking. After a while, they saw a stallion running up to them. It was Shining Armor. They ran towards him they all greeted him.

"Brother what a surprise." Said Twilight hugging Shining

"Yeah, I know." Said Shining

"Hi, Uncle Shining." Said Art

"Oh, hi girls. Man, you two have grown, or maybe I'm shrinking. Either way, you look like you've grown since the last time I saw you. Gosh, when was that, oh this old brain of mine isn't working as it used to." The girls giggled at his antics as Shining knocked on his head. "But since I haven't seen you two in such a long time, I guess I have to make sure you still remember your old Uncle Shining and Auntie Cadance. So Cadance had me bring over some gifts. From us to you."

Shining teleported in two small boxes. He handed one to both Night and Art. They instantly started to open them. Inside were snow globals of Fillydelphia.

"Now what do you girls say to your kind old uncle." Said Solar

"Thank you, Uncle Shining." Said Art and Night giving happy smiles.

"Your welcome girls." Said Shining

He got up and ruffled their manes as Twilight looked at him.

"When did you got to Fillydelphia?" Asked Twilight

"Oh, I got some time off. So I decided to take Cadance as I decided we should get out of the castle for a while. So I took her to Fillydelphia. We saw those while we were touring the city and knew our nieces had to have them." Said Shining

"Well thank you for doing that. Oh, and Solar and I will be holding the Hearth Warming Eve party at the library this year. I hope you and Cadance can come." Said Twilight

"Wouldn't miss it, sis." Said Shining

"Make sure to tell mom and dad. Solar did you ever tell your mother and auntie." Said Twilight

"Yes dear, I already sent her a letter. She told me they would be there." Said Solar

"So what brings you to Ponyville other than to spoil our daughters." Said Twilight

"I came to talk with Solar about classified information." Said Shining

"Twilight, why don't you Art, Night and Spike go ahead. I think this talk with Shining is going to take some time." Siad Solar

"Really dad." Said Night

"Sorry girls, but my duty to Equestria comes first. But I promise I'll try to get their as fast as I can." Said Solar

"Alright, dad." Said Night

"Then let's get going girls. See you at the Hearth Warming Eve party, BBBFF." Said Twilight

"Bye sis, girls and Spike." Said Shining

"Shall we walk brother." Said Solar

***

"Hm, yet another dead end." Said Solar

Shining and Solar walked down a deserted dirt road far enough away from ponies. Shining had recounted everything that had happened in Fillydelphia. Solar was happy that they made it out alive, but felt bad for Cadance. He couldn't imagine the pain she went through killing the New Blood Assassins using steel pipes.

"How is Cadance?" Asked Solar

"Ok, she has a few nightmares from time to time. But I've started to train her in combat. This fight has seemed to make her realize the threat we face." Said Shining

"But still, we lost our primary lead." Said Solar

"Not exactly, Professor Kiser was kind enough to hide a copy of his work. I can only show you it, as we need to keep this under lock and key." Said Shining

"Show me." Said Solar

Shining pulled out a blank envelope and handed it over to Solar. Solar opened it up and pulled out the contents and began to scan over the work.

"It seems to be a liquid spell to pull up old blood in Eques and then empower it with magic. Then at some point, it can be activated to do something. But we have no idea what it can do." Said Shining

"Interesting, it seems this spell needs more components to use." Said Solar

"Huh." Said Shining

"This is only a piece of a bigger puzzle. If we are to figure out what this spell can do, we have to find the other pieces that fit with it. Once we have all of them, then we can figure out how this fits in." Said Solar

"So we are stuck." Said Shining

"For now, but if we can track down more New Blood members then maybe we can get the other pieces to the puzzle." Said Solar

"Well, thanks for looking at it." Said Shining

"Sorry, I couldn't be of any better help to you. I need at least a few more pieces before I can put a theory together. I'll keep deciphering Dr. Heart Pulse's notes. Maybe it will have a clue." Said Solar

"Well, remember to spend time with you family." Said Shining

"yeah, one more thing Shining." Said Solar

"Yeah." He said

"We need to be careful from this point on. We are starting to step into New Blood territory. You know what happens with those who step too close to the truth." Said Solar

"Yeah." Said Shining

"Just keep your eyes open." Said Solar

"You got it, brother. I'll keep mine open, and I know you will. Well, I have to get going. See you this Hearth Warming Eve brother." Said Shining

"You too." Said Solar

"Hey, you don't mind teleporting me to the castle. I drained most of my magic teleporting in those gifts. Cadance teleported me down here anyhow." Said Shining

"No problem." Said Solar

Solar charged his magic and it surrounded Shining. Shining gave a quick salute to Solar before disappearing in a flash of light. Solar smiled but lost it as it looked up at the sky. He watched the blue sky as he heard the sound of hoof steps in the background. This just keeps getting weirder and weirder. What are the New Blood planning to do with a spell like that? Still too many questions and not enough answers. Solar sighed as he scratched his head. He looked back at where the stands were for the Running of the Leaves. He turned around and began to walk back to his family. But in the back of his mind, he was scared of what was happening around him and how this would affect his family. The mystery of the New Blood just continues to deepen right in front of our eyes.

***

"Wait there one minute there S.M. This can't be the end of the chapter. You didn't even show the Running of the Leaves." Said Pinkie

"Pinkie I have deadlines," I said

"You and your deadlines. what am I going to do with you, S.M. Well, at least you gave an exciting chapter." Said Pinkie

"Well thank you Pinkie," I said

"You're welcome S.M. I should let you get back to your work. But first, can I do the sign off, please." Said Pinkie

"I see no reason why not," I said

"Oh thank you, Sword Master." Pinkie cleared her throat before speaking up. "Bye, for now, folks. See you all next time on Solar Son."

"Couldn't have said it any better Pinkie," I said