Chapter 1: Applejack's News
One day Rainbow Dash woke up in her cloud castle. She got up and stretched a bit before walking into the kitchen where she found her best friend Gilda the griffon. The brown and white griffon was making breakfast for herself and Rainbow Dash.
"Morning G!" Rainbow Dash called out.
"Morning Dash!" Gilda replied cheerfully. The two were always happy to see each other.
Gilda placed two plates of hay fries on the table in front of them and the duo ate in silence for a while.
"So G got any new moves to show me?" Rainbow Dash asked her friend eagerly.
"Not really." Gilda replied. "There is one but it's not a stunt."
"If it's not a stunt then just what the hay is it?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"It's more of a fighting move." Gilda replied. "I made it when I tried to return to Grifforia after . . ." her voice trailed off and Rainbow Dash knew exactly why.
"Come on G." she said in a reassuring tone. "I already forgave you for that. So what's this new move of yours like?"
"Maybe I can show you?" Gilda replied mischievously. "But not here. Maybe we can go to the stadium if it's empty."
"All right let's do this!" Rainbow Dash yelled in excitement.
The duo got up and left Rainbow Dash's house. They walked through the streets of Ponyville and greeted the familiar faces of friends they knew. Along the way they met Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. Gilda asked her new friends if they wanted to see her new fighting move and all of them agreed.
"Hey have you guys seen AJ?" Rainbow Dash asked. She hadn't seen the cowgirl all day and, judging by their facial expressions, her friends hadn't either.
"She's probably busy." Gilda said. "Come on Dash do ya wanna see my new move or not."
The group went to the stadium which was completely empty at the moment. Rarity had let Gilda use one of her old mannequins as part of the demonstration.
"You sure you're okay with this Rarity?" Gilda asked. "You're probably not gonna get this back in one piece."
"Oh it's perfectly fine." Rarity replied. "I have plenty more and that one is falling apart anyway."
"Then I might as well send it off in style." Gilda said with a grin. "All right guys watch and learn."
She stood up on her hind legs, grabbed the mannequin around the middle and took off into the sky. She held the mannequin upright so that its head was touching her chest. Gilda soared high into the air and began making circles that were perpendicular to the ground. She flew faster and faster and faster. Then she flew straight towards the ground and slammed the mannequin down with tremendous strength. The force of the impact created a huge dust cloud that covered both Gilda and the mannequin. When the dust settled, the ponies saw Gilda standing triumphantly next to the shattered remains of the mannequin.
"And that's how it's done." she said proudly.
"That was awesome G!" Rainbow Dash cried out excitedly.
"Such grace and elegance." Rarity whispered in awe. The unicorn wasn't a big fan of fighting but she was impressed at how effortlessly Gilda flew during her performance.
"Where'd you learn that?" Fluttershy asked.
"I made it up." Gilda replied. "All it needs is a name."
"The Mannequin Mangler?" Pinkie Pie suggested.
"The Troublemaker Toss?" Twilight Sparkle chimed in.
"The Seismic Slam?" Spike suggested hopefully.
"Ya know what Spike that doesn't sound bad at all." Gilda told the young dragon. "Seismic Slam it is."
The group walked out of the stadium and Rarity was left carrying a bundle of broken mannequin pieces. She sighed and placed them into the nearest garbage bin as the group walked on. Along the way they saw Applejack kicking trees with enthusiasm.
"Hey AJ where were ya?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You missed an awesome show."
"Ah did?" Applejack asked. "Ah'm sorry but Ah gotta keep training." The cowgirl went back to kicking trees with all her strength.
"What's going on?" Gilda asked in a confused tone. "Are you practicing for a fight?"
"A fight?" Fluttershy squeaked. "Applejack are you okay?"
Instantly a babble broke out and Rainbow Dash gave Gilda a pointed glare.
"Note to self." Gilda muttered. "Never mention the word fight around these guys ever again."
Applejack gave her friends a calming smile before she spoke in her country accent.
"Ah'm not fightin' anypony." she said. "Read this." She reached into a nearby saddlebag and pulled out a letter. Twilight Sparkle took it and read it aloud.
To the owners of Sweet Apple Acres,
You are hereby invited to compete in the first ever Applebucking Competition. Apple farms from all over Equestria will be competing in the event. The prizes are two thousand bits for third place, five thousand bits for second place, and the grand prize of ten thousand bits for first place. Each farm may send one representative to compete in the event. The competitor must be a relative of the owner or must work for the farm. The competitor may also bring four guests of his or her choosing. We hope that you will be able to join us. Transportation shall be taken care of. Please send a message if you are unable or unwilling to attend. Best of luck to all who wish to compete.
Sincerely, Princess Celestia
"An Applebucking competition?" Spike asked. "When did they start that up?"
"This year." Applejack replied as she kicked yet another tree. "Ah gotta train real hard for this."
"Well good luck Applejack." Twilight Sparkle said.
"She's gonna kick tail out there." Rainbow Dash declared proudly.
The group left Applejack to her business and they continued on their merry way.