Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

141. Buckball Season

Buckball Season

Pony's Log Number 618: Just because a pony is good at a particular sport doesn't mean that they are meant to play in the competitive circuit...

Deep within the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was staring down a red target that she had set up just a few minutes ago. With a determined look on her face, Applejack looked up a nearby apple tree, eyeballing some apples that sparkled in the sunlight. She then spat on a fore-hoof as a gust whistled past as she tried to measure the wind. She gave the tree a hard buck. Time slowed down as the apple fell from the tree. Applejack then went to give the apple a good buck with her hind legs when...

"Hey, Applejack! Whatcha doin'?" said Rainbow as she appeared out of the blue.

"Whoa! Oof!" Applejack yelped and groaned as she missed the apple, went into a tailspin, and plopped onto her back and sending her hat floating into the air. Another apple fell from the tree and bonked her on the head before her hat floated back into place.

"Ugh! Well, I was practicin' my distance buckin'," Applejack replied once she had recovered and sat up.

"Uh, distance bucking?" Rainbow asked, "What for?"

"Because Cousin Braeburn and the rest of the Apple family in Appleloosa seem to think that their team can beat Ponyville at buckball," Applejack told the blue Pegasus as she bucked the tree again, making another apple fall, and then bucked apple at the target and got a bullseye.

"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed, "Ha! That's ridiculous! Nopony beats Ponyville! I mean, I could beat the whole town of Appleloosa at buckball with one wing tied behind my back!" Applejack gave a small smile and nodded in agreement. She then bucked the tree a third time, and then bucked the fallen apple high into the air. Rainbow then flew up and smacked the apple back to Applejack. Applejack then gave the apple a hard buck, sending the apple smashing through the target and making the target fall over.

"So can I count on you to join the Ponyville buckball team?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, yeah!" Rainbow replied as she landed before the orange pony, "I am so there! I've just got one question."

"Hmm?" Applejack asked with a smile.

"Uh...what's buckball?" Rainbow asked with a puzzled look on her face. Applejack just groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Did somepony say buckball?" said a voice. Applejack looked up to see a familiar Pegasus stallion make a landing.

"Howdy, Shenran," said Applejack, "What brings y'all here today?"

"I was just taking a relaxing flight when I heard somepony asked what buckball is," Shenran replied, "What did you wanna know?"

"You've heard of buckball?!" said Applejack and Rainbow in surprise.

"Oh yeah," said Shenran, "We used to play buckball in the cadet academy. Each division had their own team and we had little tournaments and such. I'll admit I wasn't a good player, but I knew all the rules and regulations inside and out, so I eventually got to be our division's team coach. I guess you could say I'm an egghead on the sport. So, what do you wanna know?" Rainbow and Applejack smiled excitedly. But they weren't just excited about having a buckball expert.

They may have found themselves a buckball coach.

(Main Theme)

It wasn't long before Rainbow and Applejack had convinced Shenran to be their buckball coach. Shenran had also put on a polo shirt and sports cap to show his new official status. He had also managed to convince Fluttershy and Pinkie to try out for the team. Rarity was too busy with her orders. Twilight and Mario were at Canterlot for the day. While they still made time for one-on-one dates during the month, it had been a long time since they had just taken a day off from their duties and spent the day together having fun as a couple. The rest of the Mane Eight certainly agreed the hard-working couple had earned it. As the group made their way to Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow couldn't stop talking about buckball.

"So, basically, buckball is the coolest game ever," Rainbow told Fluttershy and Pinkie as she hovered before them, "Offense, defense, teamwork, nonstop action! It's got it all!" Rainbow couldn't help but fangirl over the sport as she talked, even appearing upside-down between the yellow and pink pony with a wide smile on her face.

"Wow, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy, "You sure seem to know alot about this game. I've never even heard of buckball." Fluttershy and Pinkie both shared looks with each other. Shenran was surprised.

"Really, honey?" said Shenran in shock, "I never told you how I was on a buckball team in the academy?"

"Not really, dear," said Fluttershy, "but it's pretty cool to know you and Rainbow share a sport you both like. And that Rainbow knows so much about it."

"Yeah, I'm kind of an expert," Rainbow boasted.

"Hmph," Applejack remarked as she and Shenran glared at the blue Pegasus, "An expert who hadn't heard of the game either until I told you."

"She's also an expert who fell asleep three times when I was telling her about all the rules and regulations," Shenran added indignantly. Rainbow just chuckled sheepishly as she made a landing before the group,

"Well, it's a new game," said Rainbow, "I probably know more than most ponies, so that makes me an expert."

"Uh, hello, Dashie?" said Shenran, "If anypony deserves to be called an expert, it's me!"

"Honey, quit bragging," Fluttershy said firmly.

"Hey! You let Rainbow brag all the time!" Shenran complained.

"Yes, but bragging doesn't suit you, dear," said Fluttershy, "Plus I like you better without a swelled head."

"Ha!" Rainbow chuckled and then blinked, "wait...did Fluttershy just say I have a swelled head?!"

"I don't know anything at all," said Pinkie, getting back on the subject of the game itself and before anypony could answer Rainbow's question, "But it sounds like there's a ball and bucking, so I'm betting it's super duper fun!" Pinkie stood on her hind legs to emphasize her point and Fluttershy just looked at her.

"It can be, Pinks," said Shenran, "if you've got some skills in the game."

"I thought you said you were the expert?" Rainbow asked with a smirk.

"I know how to play and all the rules, but when it comes to actually playing, I wasn't exactly a pro," Shenran admitted annoyingly, "but I can pull my weight on the team if necessary." Applejack just glared at the two Pegasi impatiently.

"This point is," said Applejack walked up to speak to them all, "my cousin Braeburn somehow convinced a Pegasus and a unicorn to come play with him on the Appleloosa team, and he can't stop braggin' about how his team is gonna beat ours!"

"But, um, we don't have a team," Fluttershy pointed out.

"Applejack?!" said Shenran in shock, "Did you...lie...about Ponyville having a buckball team?!"

"Not if we assemble one right now," said Applejack firmly.

"Meaning you did lie," Shenran muttered under his breath, earning himself a hard shove from the orange pony.

"Well, between Applejack and me, we've got two-thirds of a team," said Rainbow as she appeared between Fluttershy and Pinkie, "All we need is a unicorn. That's where you come in." Fluttershy and Pinkie leaned forward from the blue Pegasus.

"Uh...they know we're not unicorns, right?" Pinkie whispered loudly to the yellow Pegasus.

"Uh, obviously," said Rainbow since she heard Pinkie, "You're gonna be on my team, and Fluttershy is gonna be on Applejack's team."

"What about Shenran?" Fluttershy asked.

"He's gonna be the Ponyville team buckball coach," said Rainbow.

"Ta-da!" said Shenran with an excitedly smile and posed, which made Fluttershy giggle.

"We'll play against each other along with whatever unicorns want to try out for the best one," said Applejack.

"How come Mario isn't trying out?" Pinkie asked.

"He's an alicorn, not a unicorn," said Applejack bluntly, "alicorns aren't allowed to play because they'd have an unfair advantage."

"That's a shame," said Fluttershy, "I'm sure Mario would have been a big help to the team. He's usually really good at most sports and he's super agile too."

"Don't we know it," Applejack and Rainbow said annoyingly.

"So we're gonna have to find an actual unicorn to join the team," said Rainbow.

"Ohhhh! Phew!" said Pinkie with relief, "That's a relief because I left my unicorn costume at home!" Rainbow and Applejack shared confused looks with each other. Shenran just chuckled to himself.

It wasn't long before a regulation buckball court had been set up. For the moment, poles were being used to hold up the buckets being used to score points. Granny Smith was in a referee outfit. Big Mac had put on a sports sweatjacket and backwards baseball cap. Shenran was just outside the court behind Granny Smith in his coaching attire. Rainbow and Pinkie were red team, and the latter had put her hair in poofy pigtails with a sweatband. Applejack and Fluttershy were the blue team. In the fore-ground, several unicorns were lined up to try out for the third player position.

"I know alot of you are here because I told you what an amazin' game buckball is," said Applejack to the group of unicorns, "And even though it's already an Apple family favorite, most o' you probably don't know anything about it. So I thought we'd give you a quick demonstration." Big Mac then grabbed a ball and gave it Granny Smith as Applejack and Pinkie stood opposite of each other.

"The two Earth ponies are on offense," Applejack explained, "They meet in the middle of the court field for the buckoff. They both try to be the first one to kick it." Granny Smith bounced the ball on the ground as Applejack then gave a grunt as she bucked the ball into the goal bucket, but then Rainbow appeared and blocked the shot.

"And the Pegasus is on defense," Rainbow explained as she juggled the ball with her wing, "She tries to keep the ball from going into the goal and passes it back to the Earth pony on her team. Just give it a little kick, Pinkie." Rainbow then tossed the ball to Pinkie.

"Yaah!" Pinkie cried out as she kicked the ball to Fluttershy, who was the defense for Applejack's team.

"Aah!" Fluttershy yelped as the ball came at her and she hovered out of the way so the ball landed in the bucket to score a point.

"Ohhh, I get it," said Pinkie with a smile on her face.

"You alright, honey?" Shenran asked with concern.

"Yes, dear," said Fluttershy timidly, "Thanks for asking."

"I love you," said Shenran sweetly.

"I love you too my prince," Fluttershy replied cutely. Some of the unicorns began to awe, making the Pegasi couple blush.

"Alright, let's focus y'all," said Applejack to the unicorns, "All the unicorns have to do is float these here baskets around the outside of the field and catch as many balls as possible for their team." She then looked at Pinkie and Fluttershy, "You two ready?"

"Absolutely!" said Pinkie as she bounce into air and made all four of her legs vibrate.

"Oh I don't know," Fluttershy winced, "That ball moves pretty fast."

"Did you want to swap out, sweetheart," said Shenran asked. Fluttershy was tempted but firmly shook her head.

"It's okay, honey," said Fluttershy, "I wanna try." Shenran nodded but secretly, he planned on giving anypony who beaned Fluttershy in the head with the ball a stern talking to. Rainbow then hovered over to the crowd of unicorns.

"All right," Rainbow told the unicorn group, "Now let's see which if you has what it takes." Two unicorns then walked up as the buckets on the poles were removed. The stallion headed behind Applejack and Fluttershy while the mare headed over to Pinkie and Rainbow's side of the court.

"Um, what do I do?" the stallion asked nervously.

"When the ball comes towards you, catch it," Rainbow told him. The unicorn mare was looking just as nervous as Rainbow got into position. Granny Smith then blew the whistle.

"Okay, just try your best, Pinkie," said Applejack, "I have been doin' this alot longer then you." Granny Smith then bounced the ball into the air. Applejack was then stunned when Pinkie beat her to the punch and bucked the ball first.

"Nice kick," said Applejack in a dazzled tone. Fluttershy whimpered as the ball came at her.

"Oh. Whoa, whoa, whoa," said Fluttershy as she spun about and caught the ball with her tail, "Whoa! Whee!" Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle as she tossed the ball over to Applejack.

"Great save, Fluttershy!" said Applejack as she bucked the ball to their bucket. The unicorn mare ducked and covered her eyes at the ball came at her. Rainbow simply blocked the shot and sent the ball back to Pinkie.

"Somersault kick!" Pinkie called out as she bucked the ball to her team's goal. The unicorn stallion whimpered and used the bucket as a shield. The ball ended up bouncing off the bucket and knocking him down.

"Hey, this game is easy!" said Pinkie as she bounced the ball with her hind legs.

"Ooh!" Fluttershy giggled as she juggled some balls with her tail, "It actually is kinda fun!" Shenran was most impressed.

"I had no idea my wife was a buckball natural," said Shenran before adding with a teasing smile, "You've impressed me, Fluttershy."

"Oh honey," said Fluttershy, blushing as she giggled again. Rainbow and Applejack were shocked at Fluttershy and Pinkie's performance.

"Where did Pinkie Pie learn to buck like that?" Applejack asked.

"Maybe Mario?" said Rainbow, "I'm wondering if he helped Fluttershy's learn a thing or two about being more agile. Her spinning ball catch it pretty amazing." In the background, the unicorn stallion was wobbling about in the background with a bucket on his head. Then he fell down off screen.

"Um...okay," Applejack stuttered as she recomposed herself, "Well, let's see what the rest of you can do." Two more unicorns then took their positions on the field.

"Now, don't expect to be able to beat me twice in a row," Applejack warned Pinkie, who was just bouncing up and down. Granny Smith then bounced the ball into the air and Pinkie got the first kick again. This time, Fluttershy wasn't afraid of the ball coming at her at high speed.

"Well, hello there, Mr. Ball," said Fluttershy, "Whee!" She then used her tail to block the shot and tossed the ball to Applejack. Applejack went for the buck. Rainbow swatted it back to Pinkie. Pinkie quickly went for the kick. Rainbow and Applejack then began to sweat. Fluttershy was currently distracted.

"Hurry along, butterflies, before that ball comes and hits you," Fluttershy told the butterflies and escorted them off the court.

"Honey, heads up!" Shenran called out, but then saw that Fluttershy was out of harm's way. However, the unicorn goalie, named Sea Swirl, was at the mercy of the fast approaching ball.

"Aah!" Sea Swirl screamed and ducked to avoid getting beaned by the ball as it zoomed over her head.

"Nope," said Applejack as a sign Sea Swirl wasn't a good fit for the team, "Um...okay. Let's see what the rest of you can do." It was then Applejack and Rainbow started testing out unicorns to be a goalie for the Ponyville team.

Another stallion then took his turn, only to get hit in the chest with the ball, tip over, and the bucket was now stuck to his flank.

"Nope," said Rainbow.

"Next!" said Shenran. Then another stallion ran about to catch the ball and missed it by a long shot.

"Definitely not," said Applejack.

"Next!" said Shenran. Then a mare, named Sweet Biscuit used her magic to hold and spin the bucket about. But she made the mistake of staring at her spinning bucket, making her very dizzy and a little sick.

"No," said Rainbow.

"Next!" Shenran called out. It was then a unicorn mare came up to try, but she was so busy holding the bucket and using a hoof-held mirror to apply some lipstick. She didn't even pay attention to the oncoming ball.

"Not a chance!" said Applejack.

"Why'd she even show up for?" Shenran asked irritably, "NEXT!"

Later, as the three ponies sat on the middle of the court as the ball zoomed over to the right.

"No," said Rainbow and Shenran. Then the ball zoomed to the left.

"Nope," said Applejack and Shenran. Then the ball bounced against the ground and Shenran sighed in exasperation.

"Aaaand...no," said Rainbow. Eventually, Rainbow, Applejack, and Shenran were feeling very dejected.

"This didn't go how I thought it would," Rainbow groaned as the outer edges of the court had a large spread out group of worn out and exhausted looking unicorns.

"Is there any unicorn besides Mario that has just an ounce of hoof-eye coordination here?!" Shenran exclaimed. All he got was lots of groaned in reply. Shenran just face-hooved himself. It was then he noticed that Pinkie and Fluttershy were still full of energy as they passed balls to each other. Shenran smiled as he saw Pinkie and Fluttershy giggling and having fun. It certainly lifted up his spirits a bit seeing them so happy.

"This game is a whole lot more fun than I thought it would be," said Fluttershy.

"It's exactly as much fun as I thought it would be!" Pinkie added, "A whole bunch!" She then did a handstand and bucked three balls in the air with her hind legs. Just a short distance away, Snails was walking down a path carrying some water with a shoulder pole, singing to himself in what sounded like a tone deaf manner.

[Snails]

Carrin' my water
My water, my water
Carrin' my water
On my shoulder pole

"Snails! Look out!" Pinkie shouted as Fluttershy and Shenran watched worriedly as three balls came raining down on the unicorn colt. Snails looked at the oncoming balls and twirled his shoulder stick and easily caught the balls inside his water buckets. He then casually walked over to the group.

"Wow..." said Shenran in a droned out tone as Applejack and Rainbow were left stunned. Fluttershy and Pinkie just smiled.

"Amazing!" said Applejack.

"You should be more careful with these," said Snails, "You could lose them."

"Says the pony who's already lost his marbles," Shenran muttered but then got jabbed by his wife.

"Be nice," Fluttershy warned, "Snails can't help it if he's slow witted."

"Right," said Shenran bluntly.

"Hey, Snails, can you float one of those baskets over here?" Rainbow asked.

"Hmm? Sure," said Snails as he used his magic to pick up a bucket, "what do you want me to do with it?"

"Catch!" Applejack called out as she bucked three balls at the unicorn colt. Snails easily used his magic to capture all three balls with the buckets.

"Anything else?" Snails asked. Rainbow, Applejack, and Shenran were all dumbfounded. Applejack's mouth hung open.

"Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-ugh?!" Shenran whimpered as Fluttershy giggled at him. Rainbow and Applejack recovered and exchanged smiles with each other.

"Wow, Snails," Fluttershy remarked, "You're a natural at buckball. Isn't he, sweetie?" Shenran just looked frozen in shock. Fluttershy then waved a fore-hoof over his face, but Shenran didn't seem to notice. She then pecked his lips.

"Huh? Wuh? Huh?" Shenran stuttered as he regained his senses.

"Welcome back, handsome," Fluttershy replied, "Don't you think Snails is a natural at buckball?" Shenran then blinked.

"It would appear so," said Shenran wearily.

"It's a good thing, too," said Pinkie, "We were running out of unicorns."

"Do you think you'll be ready to play with Applejack and Rainbow Dash against the Appleloosa team?" Fluttershy asked.

"I guess I'll find out," said Snails, "Plus, after I deliver this water, I don't really have anything else to do."

"Well, Snails," said Rainbow as she hovered over to the unicorn colt, "with you on the team, Ponyville is one step closer to crushing Appleloosa!"

"Huh," said Applejack as she walked up to Rainbow and Snails, "And after today, it's pretty clear who the other two players should be." Both Rainbow and Applejack smiled...at Fluttershy and Pinkie.

"Wait...you don't mean..." said Shenran in surprise. Fluttershy and Pinkie were stunned once they realized who Applejack and Rainbow were talking about.

"W-what do you mean?" said Fluttershy, "I thought you and Dash were gonna play."

"Yeah!" Pinkie added, "If you're not crushing Appleloosa, who is?" Rainbow laughed as Applejack just smirked.

"Uh, you two, obviously!" said Rainbow, now smirking as well.

"What the...huh?!" Shenran squeaked as Fluttershy and Pinkie were completely speechless.

A few seconds passed as Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Shenran were still in shock as they shared looks with each other.

"Um, you want us to play buckball against Appleloosa instead of you?" Fluttershy asked.

"You'd rather they play instead of yourselves?" Shenran asked skeptically.

"Mm-hmm," said Rainbow as she and Applejack smiled.

"That's "uncredible"," said Pinkie as she, Fluttershy, and Shenran walked up to them. Applejack, Snails, and Rainbow all gave her funny looks.

"Unbelievable and incredible?" Pinkie scoffed, "Come on!"

"Pinkie, you're the only pony I know who can take any two words in the dictionary and put them together to make a brand new word," Shenran remarked.

"It's what I do," said Pinkie smugly. Shenran just rolled his eyes.

"I can't explain it, but you two really good at this game," said Applejack, "Even Shenran would agree to that." Shenran finally recomposed himself.

"Y-y-yes, you two are," said Shenran, "You two play buckball like pros!"

"And if it means beatin' Appleloosa, I'll give either one of you my spot on the team quicker that Granny Smith can core an apple," said Applejack.

"Me, too," said Rainbow as she took off into the air, "I'd normally be so pumped all of Ponyville was counting on me to win, I'd run over the competition. But you still flew rings around me."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Fluttershy apologized as she tapped her fore-hooves together, "I was just having fun."

"And looking really cute," said Shenran added. Fluttershy stuck her tongue out at her husband playfully.

"Well, you can have all the fun you want as long as it's while you're beatin' the hide off of Braeburn's team," Applejack told them. Fluttershy looked a bit worried.

"Winning isn't everything you know," said Shenran.

"It's the whole reason we're making a team in the first place," Applejack protested, "so Ponyville can have a team that can beat Braeburn's."

"And Fluttershy and Pinkie have a far better chance of doing that than either of us," added Rainbow, "Even you can see that."

"True," said Shenran.

"Honestly, the game was a little scary at first," Fluttershy admitted, "but once I got the hang of it, I had a pretty good time."

"And that's what having a buckball team should be about," Shenran concluded, "having fun!"

"I do like fun!" said Pinkie as she wrapped a fore-leg around Fluttershy's shoulder.

"Duh!" said Rainbow, "By crushing all the competition!"

"Exactly!" Applejack added. Shenran gave them a blunt look and rolled his eyes.

"You two are too competitive for your own good," Shenran remarked.

"Nevermind dear," said Fluttershy, "I don't mind being on the team. It's nice to be a good at a sport for a change."

"Let's get this party started!" Pinkie added excitedly as she did a back-flip and started dancing on her hind legs.

"Okay," said Shenran, "As much as I want to promote having fun, a good coach needs to get this team ready for its match against Appleloosa."

"All right," said Applejack in agreement, "But if we really wanna beat Appleloosa, we're gonna have to get serious."

"Serious?" Fluttershy asked as Pinkie winced and stopped dancing.

"Serious how?" Pinkie asked skeptically.

"It means that we needed to get you girls physically conditioned and optimize your buckball skills," said Shenran firmly, "it's gonna require me to give you both tough love and intensive training."

"Intensive training?" Fluttershy asked curiously. It wasn't long before she got her answer. Fluttershy gulped as she and Pinkie saw the obstacle course Rainbow had set up for them herself.

"Wow," said Fluttershy, trembling a bit, "This looks pretty intense." Shenran took notice.

"Well, duh!" said Rainbow Dash as she wrapped a fore-leg around each of them, "You two are gonna be representing all of Ponyville. And, more importantly, us!"

"Thank maybe you overdid it?" said Shenran, "As much as I want my wife to challenge and push herself, this course seems more built for you than it is for her. Remember, she's not as athletic as you are, Dashie."

"You put her though more intense exercises when you're teaching her kung-fu!" Rainbow shot back, "we only have a day to train them so we can't use baby steps when it comes to the difficulty of the course!" Shenran sighed sternly.

"Good point," said Shenran, but deep down he still felt like Rainbow made the course a little too difficult.

"That's why, before we leave for Appleloosa tomorrow, you two are gonna practice just as hard as we would," said Applejack as she walked up to rest of the group.

"Maybe not that intense," said Shenran sheepishly.

"Grrr!" Rainbow and Applejack growled.

"Stop it!" Shenran scolded, "I might not train them as intensely as I would the two of you, but I'm not gonna go easy of them either! Fluttershy would tell you that I show her no mercy when I train her in kung-fu. You asked me to be the team coach and I'll make sure they're good to go by tomorrow."

"And we're gonna help you out!" Rainbow interjected as she hovered into the air and go in front of Shenran, "So let's hop to it! Snails already has a head start on you!" Rainbow then pointed to a short distance away. Snails was sitting mantra style as he appeared to be mediating and rotating buckets around himself with his magic.

"How in the world is Snails smart enough to meditate?" Shenran asked himself, "The key component to any kind of meditation is emptying your..." Shenran then blinked and had a long face, "...I think I just answered my own question..." Fluttershy and Pinkie, who hadn't been listening to Shenran, just winced and shared nervous looks with each other.

TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!

"WAH!" Fluttershy and Pinkie winced as Shenran blew a whistle.

"Alright, ladies, less gawking, more trotting," Shenran said sternly, "Let's jog in place everypony! One, two, three four! One, two, three, four!" The two girls timidly stared jogging in place.

"Come on, lift those knees and follow me," said Shenran, "No falling behind!" Shenran then led the group around the outside the obstacle course for a jogging session. Rainbow and Applejack watched them head off.

"Guess Shenran will make a good coach after all," said Applejack as she watched Shenran push the two ponies to keep pace.

"We're still gonna jump in and "assist" right?" Rainbow asked.

"Of course," said Applejack calmly, "They need to be pushed to their limits just like if it was us training." The two shared a hoof-bump with each other. A few minutes later, Fluttershy and Pinkie were panting and sweating from the jogging session. Rainbow wasted no time rushing over.

"Alright, break time is up!" Rainbow called out.

"Hey! I decide when..." Shenran asked indignantly.

"No time for that," said Rainbow as she pushed Fluttershy over to the obstacle course.

"What?! Hey! Dashie!" Shenran snapped as he flew off after her. Pinkie just stared until she heard somepony whistle to her.

"Hurry up, Pinkie!" Applejack called out, "Quit a wastin' time and git over here!" Pinkie just sighed before heading off the join Applejack. Rainbow had already placed Fluttershy at the start of the course and was dribbling a ball.

"Okay, if you wanna win," Rainbow explained as Shenran sternly hovered next to her, "you totally got get this rill down!"

"I-I-I do?" Fluttershy asked as her knees started shaking.

"Well, since you're such an expert at it," Shenran remarked, still irritated over Rainbow's attempt at taking over his job as coach, "Show us how it's done ya big show off!"

"With pleasure!" said Rainbow as she zoomed off, startling Fluttershy and leaving her feeling a tad annoyed. As some epic rock training montage music began to play in the background, Rainbow then stood on her hind legs as she stepped through some rings that were laying on the ground while using her fore-legs to juggle a ball. Fluttershy gasped in shock. Rainbow then zig-zagged between several vertical poles while holding the ball in front of herself. Fluttershy gasped loudly. Rainbow then did a few handstand jumps up some rising platforms while bouncing the ball at the same time. Fluttershy gasped a third time as she bit her lower lip. Rainbow then zoomed through some open hole wooden suns. Fluttershy just whimpered and bit her fore-hoof. Rainbow then entered a small slide tunnel and come out the other end and made her way back to Fluttershy, which made the background music stop.

"How's that coach?" Rainbow asked in a cocky tone.

"Sloppy and stand-offish, like always," Shenran remarked sternly as Fluttershy just looked rather nervous and overwhelmed.

"Oh, what do you know," Rainbow remarked, and ignored the fact Shenran was very offended, and looked at Fluttershy, "It's all about ball control." Rainbow then quickly tossed the ball at her.

"Whoa!" Fluttershy gasped as she stumped a bit and finally caught the ball. Shenran went to speak.

"Ready?" said Rainbow asked, cutting Shenran off. Fluttershy nodded timidly, "GO!" Fluttershy flew away. Shenran just snorted and then saw that Fluttershy was struggling through the rings.

"Come on! Faster!" Rainbow shouted at the yellow Pegasus, "You don't want Ponyville to lose because you can't get into the high gear, do you?!" Fluttershy then lost control of both the ball and her hind legs.

"Whoa! Ugh!" Fluttershy gasped as she faceplanted another ring. The ball then bounced over to Snails, who caught it without missing a beat. Shenran winced before he grabbed Rainbow by the tail and pulled her over to him.

"Will you let me do my coaching job and stop taking over?!" Shenran yelled sternly.

"Ugh! Fine!" said Rainbow, "but if you hadn't noticed, we've got a long way to go! And no time to fix things!" Shenran just rolled his eyes and snorted.

Well Flutters won't improve if you keep making her feel bad Shenran thought to himself. Fluttershy just winced as she removed a hoop as Rainbow just gave her a disapproving glare. Meanwhile as this was going on, Applejack was getting things ready for Pinkie at the buckball court.

"All right," said Applejack, "Bein' able to buck a ball into a goal from any direction is the most important thing in the game."

"Eh, if you say so," said Pinkie. Applejack then gave the ball a good buck into a nearby bucket. Applejack then gasped when she saw Pinkie balancing on top of a ball with ease.

"Whee! Whee! Whee! Whoopee! Woo-hoo!" Pinkie cheered, then grunted as she did a handstand kick to send the ball directly into the bucket. Applejack's jaw dropped, but then she smirked as she bucked another ball to Pinkie.

"Whee! Woo-hoo!" Pinkie cheered as she used her flank to send the ball into the bucked, the second she used her head, and the third she used her tail to stay in the air and used a single hind leg to kick the ball into the bucket. Shenran had just arrived to check up on their progress and he was very impressed.

"That's the kind of accuracy we're looking for Pinkie!" said Shenran, "Keep it up!"

"Yeah, keep it up!" said Applejack as she continued to buck balls to Pinkie, "Just one miss'll ruin the Apple family's buckball reputation forever!" Pinkie had just done another sitting single kick when she heard what Applejack had said.

"Whoa! What?!" Pinkie exclaimed as a ball sent her into a tailspin by a ball and grunted as she landed on her stomach. The ball went high into the air. Snails, still doing his meditation, used his magic to move a bucket under the ball to catch it. Pinkie got up once she recovered, looking a little surprised as Applejack and Shenran walked over to her.

"Whoops," said Pinkie sheepishly. Applejack just glared at her. Shenran...glared at Applejack. And the orange pony took notice.

"What?" Applejack asked.

"Ever consider that you telling Pinkie she'll let the whole Apple Family down might have messed her up?" Shenran asked sternly. Applejack snorted.

"I'm only speaking the honest truth," said Applejack bluntly.

"Yeah, well, as much as I believe honestly is the best policy," said Shenran, "You still gotta consider how others are going to feel being told that."

"Just go check on your wife and let me handle Pinkie!" Applejack barked.

"Excuse me?" Shenran said angrily, "I'm the coach of this buckball team and I give the orders!" There was a brief pause before adding quickly, "Get Pinkie back on course while I go check on how Fluttershy is doing, alright!"

"Yes...sir," said Applejack reluctantly. Shenran just huffed and stomped away. Shenran had barely arrived back at the course, only to see that Fluttershy was still having a hard time doing the obstacle course. Plus some more rock training music was playing again.

"Come on! Push! Push! Push!" Rainbow yelled as Fluttershy tried to weave between the poles. Then...

CLANG!

Fluttershy smacked headfirst into a pole, leaving her dizzy.

"Ugh! Fluttershy used headbutt," said Shenran, "And it wasn't very effective."

BONK!

"Fluttershy used tail throw and it's super effective!" said Shenran in a dorky tone when a fast moving ball clocked him hard in the head, "I faint!" Shenran then tipped over.

(Lose a life fanfare)

And he literally did faint. But was quickly revived a few seconds later.

Back at the buckball court, Pinkie was trying her best to get back into her buckball flow, but was having a hard time doing so. It didn't help that Applejack had completely ignored Shenran's advice.

"Come on, now!" Applejack yelled, "Every shot is for Sweet Apple Acres! And me! And Dash! And all of Ponyville!"

"Whoa! Uhh!" Pinkie yelped as she stepped on a ball and fall down again, "Ow!"

Back at the obstacle course...

"Faster!" Rainbow yelled.

"Whoa!" Fluttershy yelped as she dropped her ball.

"Dashie! Let Fluttershy concentrate for two seconds before you start trying to motivate her!" Shenran yelled.

"There's no time!" Rainbow yelled back, "I know what I'm doing!"

"No you don't!" Shenran yelled but Rainbow wouldn't listen.

Back at the buckball court...

"Come on now!" Applejack shouted as Shenran arrived to check on their progress. Pinkie nervously walked up to the ball for the kick.

"Wh-Wh-Whoa!" Pinkie yelped as she completely missed the kick, spun about, and landed on her back. Shenran gave Applejack a fierce glare.

"You disregarded my advice didn't you?" Shenran asked angrily.

"I know what I'm doing!" Applejack snapped.

"No you don't!" Shenran yelled back, but, like with Rainbow, Applejack wouldn't listen.

Back at the obstacle course...

"Come on!" Rainbow yelled.

"Ahh!" Fluttershy gasped as she sat inside one of the platforms, quivering in fear.

Back at the buckball court...

"Keep it up!" Applejack yelled.

"Whoa!" Pinkie yelped since she was so stressed out that she couldn't even balance on the ball anymore without panicking.

Back at the obstacle course...

"Come on!" Rainbow shouted as Fluttershy zoomed through the open hole sun banners. She then bonked the inside of the long tube tunnel and tumbled out of it headfirst, dropping the ball. Shenran winced at the impact.

Later on, Fluttershy and Pinkie were trying to work together, but they ended up bonking headfirst into each other. Then they were continuously tripping and falling over one another. Shenran just sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, especially at the stunned looks Rainbow and Applejack were making at them. He wasn't surprised to see his wife and Pinkie playing so badly. He hadn't really been able to coach them or help with the training since both Applejack and Rainbow were constantly talking over him and taking over. He ended up just taking a step back and watch them do the coaching instead. The fact Fluttershy and Pinkie both were doing far worse was a clear sign that their coaching methods were no good. At least, it was obvious to him.

"What in the apple happened to those two?" Applejack asked Rainbow.

"I don't know," said Rainbow as Pinkie went for another kick and fall on top of Fluttershy, causing them both to plop to the ground, "They mopped the field with us before." They both gave Shenran a glare.

"Can I help you?" Shenran asked in a cool tone.

"What kind of coaching is this?!" Rainbow complained.

"You were supposed to be getting this team ready for tomorrow," Applejack added angrily, "Look at 'em. They're a complete mess!"

"Was I?" Shenran replied in a bored tone, "Because I was under the impression you knew better than I did when it came to coaching a team. It's not like you were letting me coach anyway, always talking over me and disregarding my advice." Rainbow and Applejack kept glaring when they saw Fluttershy and Pinkie collide with each other again and cringed.

"Okay then, coach," said Rainbow in a rather hasty tone, "What do you think we should do next?" Shenran just glared and then sighed.

"I think we should call it day," said Shenran calmly, but then asked bitterly, "Unless you two have any objections?" Rainbow stern look softened as Applejack sighed to herself.

"I think it's a good idea," said Applejack before turning to Fluttershy and Pinkie, "All right! That's it for today, y'all!"

"Phew!" said Fluttershy and Pinkie together. Then the two ponies, along with Snails, walked up to Shenran, Applejack, and Rainbow.

"I thought practice was supposed to make us better," Pinkie said in confusion.

"It's supposed to," said Shenran, giving Applejack and Rainbow a death glare.

"Maybe we just need a little rest," said Fluttershy.

"Or a whole lot of it," Rainbow remarked irritably.

"Just be sure to get your heads in the game tomorrow," said Applejack, "All of Ponyville's counting on a win." The two mare then walked away as Fluttershy and Pinkie shared nervous looks with each other. Snails was the only pony remaining calm...or clueless...who could tell. Shenran growled inwardly.

"Could you three excuse me for a minute?" Shenran asked in as calm of a tone as he could before he hovered over to the still stern looking mares.

"We need to have a little chat," said Shenran firmly.

"Don't you have a team to prepare?" Rainbow asked rudely.

"Are you gonna let me coach the team?" Shenran snapped, "Because like I told you both before, all day today you've been overstepping my authority and having been disrespecting me too! And I'm just about had enough of it! I'm the coach of the buckball team and you're the second string players! You two asked me to coach this team and I'd like to be given a fair chance before you start taking over behind my back!" Shenran wanted to add the reason why their coaching methods had made Fluttershy and Pinkie play so badly, but he was hoping to show them what he could do first. Plus Mario had warned Shenran that actions tended to get the message across with these two ponies more effectively than just outright telling them what they were doing wrong. Rainbow and Applejack both winced at being called the second-string players, even if it was true, and just sighed.

"I guess we weren't giving you a fair chance," said Rainbow.

"We just wanna make sure this team can beat Braeburn," said Applejack.

"And they will," said Shenran in firm but more calm tone, "Just let me work my magic and they'll be good to go." Applejack and Rainbow shared worried look but then conceded.

"Alright," said Applejack, "We'll leave the coaching to you."

"Sure, and sorry for being so rude," said Rainbow, "Guess we got a little carried away."

To put it mildly Shenran thought to himself.

"Good," said Shenran firmly, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta work on a game plan to fix this mess and only tomorrow morning to do it! If you two really want to help, how about try finding a way to lift Fluttershy and Pinkie's spirits a bit. I can tell you right now that reminding them of what happened today isn't gonna motivate them to play better."

"Right, coach!" said Applejack and Rainbow as Shenran hovered away. Applejack and Rainbow went into deep thought for only a few seconds before Rainbow blinked excitedly. She quickly whispered her idea to Applejack, who smiled as well before they rushed into town.

Next morning, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Shenran were walking down the road to Sweet Apple Acres while making their way to the train station. Earlier Shenran had Pinkie meet at his and Fluttershy's cottage for a little exercise warm-up. While Shenran told them and they had done well in all of the exercises he made them do, neither pony was feeling any better.

"I really don't want to let Applejack and Rainbow Dash down," Fluttershy told the group, "or anypony else, but after that practice and my husband's warm up session. I'm not feeling very confident."

"Maybe we weren't that bad!" said Pinkie. But Fluttershy groaned and even Shenran had to look away.

"I guess I was hoping you saw something I didn't," said Pinkie.

"I'm sorry to say that I didn't, Pinks," said Shenran, "but it's not your fault entirely that you're not playing so well."

"What do you mean dear?" Fluttershy asked.

"If you girls hadn't noticed, but two particular ponies had taken over your training," said Shenran, "when it was supposed to be my job to train you and get you ready for the game."

"I was wondering why I didn't see you actually coaching yesterday," said Pinkie.

"Did Rainbow and Applejack shut you down, dear?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes, they did, honey," said Shenran before adding bitterly, "and you threw a ball at my head!"

"You poked fun at me for hitting that pole head first!" Fluttershy retorted.

"I was not!" said Shenran, "I was just making a remark. And...I clearly upset you. I'm sorry I offended you, honey." Fluttershy's glared softened as she sighed to herself.

"Well, I'm not sure if you're coaching would have done much good," Fluttershy remarked, but then bit her lip when she saw Shenran looked hurt.

"I...I didn't mean to say you couldn't have helped us," Fluttershy corrected.

"We're just no good at buckball," said Pinkie.

"But you are good at buckball," said Shenran, "the problem is that Applejack and Rainbow kept taking over my coaching job and they kept overdoing it with the tough love. Even I know you two don't take very well to that kind of coaching, especially when they keep saying over and over "don't let them down" in one way or another. Even I know that kind of talk can have an affect on a person's psyche, and usually not in a good way." Pinkie and Fluttershy shared looks with each other.

"That actually is what we're most worried about," Pinkie admitted.

"And I did say earlier that I didn't want to let the others down," said Fluttershy, "and...I was having nightmares about it."

"I saw you getting a drink of water last night," said Shenran, "and that you were crying. I tried to reach out to you last night but you turned me down. Why didn't you wanna tell me?"

"Too embarassed," said Fluttershy as Shenran wrapped a fore-leg around her so he could hold her close.

"Look girls," said Shenran gently, "I know things don't look too great right now, but I've spokne to Applejack and Rainbow yesterday after practice was over. They said they were gonna back off and let me coach you guys. So if you're willing to trust in me and give me a chance. I can help you two find your confidence again." Pinkie and Fluttershy just looked uncertain.

"It is because I'm not Mario why you so hesitant to trust me?" Shenran asked.

"Of course not," said Pinkie sadly, "We stink, Shenran! We rather not waste your time."

"You're not wasting my time at all," said Shenran as he hugged them both, "I wanna help you guys. You two are good at this game and I can help find your skills again and gain your confidence back. Just trust me. Trust me when I say everything will be okay." Fluttershy and Pinkie smiled.

"Thanks for believing in us dear," said Fluttershy.

"Yeah," said Pinkie, "I feel a lot better now. Wow, you really are a good coach, Shenran." Shenran chuckled as the three ponies continued on their way for a bit when Fluttershy hummed to herself.

"What's up, honey?" Shenran asked.

"I just realized something," said Fluttershy, "I know our friends want us to win, but how can the whole town be counting on us if most ponies have never even heard of buckball?"

"I know!" said Pinkie, "How can we disappoint a pony who doesn't even know we have a team?"

"Or that we're gonna play Appleloosa?" Fluttershy added.

"Pfft. Yeah," said Pinkie, "I don't think we need to worry. I'd be surprised if anypony in this town care about this game at all."

"You have a good point there, Pinkie," said Shenran, "I might not have lived in Ponyville as long as you two have, but I've never really seen any real sportsponies that gather around town. Despite Rainbow's bragging, she knew nothing about buckball until Applejack and I told her about it. So I agree, Applejack and Rainbow can't go saying you'll let the whole town down when the whole town knows nothing about buckball."

"So we're probably worrying for nothing," said Fluttershy with a smile.

"Pretty much, my love," said Shenran, "The only ponies who have any interest in the game besides Applejack and Dashie are just us and Snails after all."

But when they got to the train station. Fluttershy, Pinkie, Snails, and Shenran were given the shock of their lives to see a large crowd of ponies wearing sports shirts and face paint and holding various sports flags in their hooves.

"Go, Ponyville! Go, Ponyville! Win, win, win!" the crowd cheered, "Woo-hoo! Ponyville! Way to go!" It was the Lyra then tossed some confetti into the air.

"What the hay?!" Shenran exclaimed as Pinkie and Fluttershy's jaw just hung open.

"Whoa!" said Snails as he headed toward the train, "The whole town really seems to care about this game alot." Fluttershy and Pinkie gasped dramatically and shared fearful looks with each other. Shenran just groaned and face-hooved himself.

It wasn't long before Snails, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Shenran quickly boarded by the train. The train then hissed and whistle as it chugged its way out of the station. The crowds continued to cheer. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Shenran sat in one section of the train watching the crowds for a moment. Then Fluttershy pulled the curtain over the window as she and Pinkie shared worried looks with each other.

"I thought you said nopony in Ponyville knew about buckball?" Fluttershy asked Shenran in frustration.

"They don't, or they didn't," Shenran replied in his defense.

"Then how do explain the giant cheering crowds of sportsponies!?" Pinkie snapped.

"It wasn't me," said Shenran and then blinked, "Oh sweet Celestia...I think I know who brought the crowd..." It was then Rainbow and Applejack showed up with smiles on their faces.

"You got it," said Rainbow with a chuckle, "Heh. We kinda went around town and talked up the team a little."

"Yup!" said Applejack, "We wanted to make sure you two knew that all of Ponyville was behind you!" Shenran face-hoofed himself as Fluttershy and Pinkie had worried looks on their faces.

"Greaaaat..." said Pinkie nervously.

"I hear the whole town's already plannin' a parade for when you get back after whuppin' Appleloosa!" Applejack continued, "That should feel pretty good!" Fluttershy winced as Pinkie began to tremble nervously.

"It should...?" Fluttershy said timidly.

"Please stop talking, please stop talking," Shenran pleaded wearily, but was left unheard.

"Totally!" Rainbow replied, "Just spend the whole ride to Appleloosa thinking about everypony cheering for your victorious Ponyville buckball team!" She then gasped excitedly, "I bet Princess Celestia even comes to congratulate you!"

"Or to scold you both for being over-competitive and inconsiderate," Shenran muttered again and inwardly considering going to Celestia, or at least telling Mario, about all of this.

"If that doesn't get you in "the zone"," said Rainbow, "I don't know what will!" Then she and Applejack walked back to their seat in another train car. Shenran just groaned loudly.

"When I told their girls to help encourage you two," said Shenran, "This wasn't not what I had in mind!"

"It's not your fault dear," said Fluttershy, "but...well..."

"What it is, honey?" Shenran asked.

"I don't know what zone Rainbow Dash is talking about," Fluttershy replied, "but I'm pretty sure I don't want to be in it. Do you?" Pinkie just stared at Fluttershy with wide eyes, saying nothing. Pinkie's then began to tremble nervously and then a tear left her right eye. Shenran then narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth.

"Alright, this is gone far enough," said Shenran, "Excuse me, ladies, I'm going to give two specific ponies a piece of my mind."

"Don't bother, Shenran," said Fluttershy sadly.

"What?!" said Shenran, "Flutters, there's no way I'm going to let those two stress you out anymore!" Fluttershy then felt her eyes water.

"I can't..." Fluttershy said quietly.

"Huh?" Shenran asked puzzled, "You can't what?"

"I can't do this, Shenran," said Fluttershy as a pair of tears left her eyes, "I can't play buckball. I don't want to play. I don't want to let anypony down..."

"Me neither..." Pinkie croaked and sniffled. Shenran just stared for a moment but then he gave them a gentle smile.

"That's perfectly okay," said Shenran calmly.

"It is?" Pinkie and Fluttershy said together in surprise.

"Yes, they are the ones who want to win against Appleloosa and yet they are dumping all that expectation on you," said Shenran, "That isn't right. I think you should let them know how they're making you feel. Don't let them keep treating you like this to the point that you're ready to have a nervous breakdown." Fluttershy and Pinkie just shared sad looks with each other.

"Shenran's right," said Pinkie sadly, "We need to tell them how we feel. I don't think I can just here feeling this...awful inside..." Fluttershy just sighed.

"You're right," said Fluttershy, "Come on." Fluttershy and Pinkie slowly made their way to Applejack and Rainbow with Shenran following behind them. Snails was sitting with Applejack while Rainbow was reclining lazily on her own seat. The blue Pegasus was the first to notice Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Shenran approaching them.

"Hey! You two are supposed to be in the zone!" Rainbow scolded, making them wince.

"You be quiet!" Shenran yelled back angrily, "Pinkie and Fluttershy have something to say and you're going to listen!" Pinkie was the first to approach, but she still felt too nervous to speak properly.

"You see..." Pinkie squeaked, "the thing is...thinking about everypony...thinking about us! Aah! There's just no way to...!" Poor Pinkie was having a hard time speaking up. This actually motivated Fluttershy to find her voice and her courage as a stern look appeared on her face.

"There's no way that we can get in the zone," Fluttershy said sternly, her voice growing louder as she spoke, "because the zone sounds like a horrible place and we're terrible at buckball and we are going to lose and let everypony down AND WE DON'T WANNA PLAY ANYMORE!" Rainbow and Applejack were too stunned and taken aback, especially after Fluttershy yelled at them at the end of her little speech.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Pinkie bawled as she and Fluttershy ran out of the train car. Shenran was the only pony left. He then removed his coach shirt, whistle and sports cap and tossed them between the two chairs.

"I tried to warn you that you were stressing those two out with all of your expectations, but all you could do was make things worse," said Shenran angrily, "and for what? Some stupid victory against Appleloosa! For some stupid bragging rights?! If you want that win so badly then get it yourself! And don't expect me to coach two stubborn mules like you because I QUIT!" Shenran then stomped off before Applejack or Rainbow could say anything. All they could do was share worried looks with each other.

"I'm still okay with playing in case you were worried," said Snails, but it didn't nothing to relieve the worry on both Rainbow and Applejack's face.

Once Applejack and Rainbow had finally recovered from what had happened, they set off to go find Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Shenran.

"I don't get it," said Rainbow as she and Rainbow walked across the train, "They're naturals! Why wouldn't they want to play anymore? And then Shenran just outright quit on us! Saying we made them want to not wanna play anymore!"

"Maybe Shenran was right," said Applejack, "Maybe us telling them how much everypony was countin' on them messed them up somehow."

"What?!" said Rainbow in disbelief as she turned around, "That's crazy talk! Having ponies depend on you is exactly what you need to focus. And-"

"Get serious and play hard and-" Applejack continued, feeling a smile appear on her face.

"Get ready to totally smash the competition, and-and..." Rainbow then came to a realization, which made them both wince, "none of that sounds like Pinkie or Fluttershy, does it?"

"Guess not," said Applejack and then realized something, "So this is why Shenran was so upset when we didn't let him coach and train them. He knew that they aren't competitive like us and that if we did things our way, we would only make things worse."

"You're...right," said Rainbow sadly, "And whenever he tried to get us to listen, we were rude to him and ignored him."

"Worse than that," Applejack added, "we got so wrapped up in what's important to us, we went and ruined what was fun about the game for them. Guess Shenran wasn't just disregarding our desire to win when he told us that having fun is what mattered the most." Rainbow then groaned to herself, know all of this was true.

"What do we do now?" Rainbow asked. The two ponies pondered and then Rainbow gave a loud whimper.

"What's up?" Applejack asked.

"What are we gonna do if Shenran tells Mario about this?" Rainbow asked timidly. Applejack shuttered.

"Oh...boy..." said Applejack nervously, "Mario doesn't hold back whenever our competitive nature causes problems. I still remember the last time we got so competitive that we destroyed his tennis court and broke two castle windows."

"No kidding!" Rainbow remarked, "I normally don't let ponies scare me, but that look of disapproval and disappointment he gives us..." Rainbow shuttered, "...I break down in tears every time in tears. I just don't get why." Applejack sighed.

"Because we keep making the same mistakes over and over again," said Applejack, "and you can tell as well as I am that it's really getting on our friend's, and big brother's, last nerve."

"Yeah," said Rainbow, "What's wrong with us, Applejack? Why can't we get that being stubborn and over-competitive is only gonna get us into trouble?"

"Because your ego and my stubbornness are our personal flaws," said Applejack, "Just be grateful that Mario loves us enough to put up with it. It's also why he gets frustrated with us. He wants us to overcome those flaws. Just like we want to help him overcome his hot temper and self-esteem issues."

"I am grateful," said Rainbow, "And I know Mario can overcome his flaw, especially that gloominess. He's so totally awesome! But knowing that he loves us so much, makes me feel ten times worse when I let him down."

"You and me both, Rainbow Dash," said Applejack, "And I also know that Mario would be even madder if we kept thinking about ourselves and didn't try to fix what we did wrong."

"Right," said Rainbow, "We owe two ponies an apology."

"You mean three," Applejack corrected.

"Oh...yeah," said Rainbow with an embarassed chuckle, "honest mistake on my part. And what about the buckball match against Appleloosa? I don't think we have any right to make Fluttershy and Pinkie play after all we've put them through."

"Hmm, I think I might have an idea," said Applejack. She then whispered her plan to Rainbow as they continued to search for the three ponies.

While Applejack and Rainbow were still recovering and starting their search, Shenran had followed Pinkie and Fluttershy inside the train luggage car. He had just stopped to catch his breath when he heard the sound of two ponies crying.

"Honey! Pinkie!" Shenran called out, "Where are you?" He soon found out that the two ponies had hidden themselves amongst the piles of luggage.

"Go away!" Fluttershy and Pinkie sobbed.

"Hey, don't be like that girls!" said Shenran as he started searching about, "I wanna help! Mario's not the only stallion in this group who's looking out for you!"

"You can't help us!" Pinkie sobbed.

"We don't wanna play anymore!" Fluttershy added as the two continued to cry heavily. Shenran's heart broke when he saw just how much they were crying as they held each other close for comfort. They just looked at the stallion with tear filled eyes.

"Please don't make us play!" Fluttershy pleaded.

"I'm not going to," said Shenran softly, "I told Applejack and Rainbow that I quit being coach."

"What?!" Fluttershy and Pinkie exclaimed in shock.

"They're the reason you feel this way," said Shenran firmly, "And all because I couldn't stop them from trying to coach you themselves and putting all these expectations on you. Now that I think about it, it's my fault too you feel this way because I didn't try harder to speak up..."

"No, honey," said Fluttershy, "Rainbow and Applejack are two very outspoken ponies."

"Yeah, even Mario has a hard time getting to them to not overstep him," said Pinkie.

"In the end," said Fluttershy, "they were expecting us to play, and now we can't do it. We're still letting others down."

"No, you're not," said Shenran sternly, "The only ponies who want that victory is Applejack and Rainbow. It wasn't right of them to expect you to get them what they wanted. If they want to win that badly, they should just play the match themselves. They can take the fall if this team loses, not you."

"That still doesn't make us feel better," said Fluttershy sadly.

"We still wanted to meet the challenge," Pinkie added, "even I knew that just because you have to work hard for something doesn't mean you can't have fun doing it. But..." Pinkie's voice broke, "That wasn't fun at all! It was awful and the pressure was just...too much..." Pinkie could speak anymore as her crying took over. Fluttershy broke down as well. Shenran wasted no time pulling Fluttershy close as she buried her face into his chest and let her tears flow. Shenran kissed his wife's mane to help her calm down. Then he used his other fore-leg to gesture for Pinkie to come over so he could comfort her. Pinkie just winced and shook her head.

"Pinkie," said Shenran gently.

"I already get jealous glares from Twilight whenever Mario holds me," Pinkie sobbed, "I don't need another..."

"Pinkie, do you have a crush on my husband?" Fluttershy asked in a soft but serious tone.

"No," said Pinkie immediately as well as honestly, "I love him as a big brother."

"Then let your big brother comfort you," said Fluttershy. Pinkie sniffled as she slowly scooted over to Shenran. Once he was holding her, Pinkie let to rest of her tears go into the other shoulders. It was a couple of minutes later that the two ponies finally pulled away and started to calm down.

"Feeling better?" Shenran asked gently. Fluttershy and Pinkie gave him sad smiles to reply. It was then they heard some loud banging on the door. Fluttershy and Pinkie scooted over to hold each other fearfully as Shenran peeked up from the mountain of luggage they were hiding in to see who it was. He quickly ducked down when he saw that it was Rainbow and Applejack.

"Pinkie? Fluttershy? Shenran?" Rainbow called out.

"We know you three are in here!" Applejack added, "We've looked in every other car on the train!"

"Maybe you need to look again!" Fluttershy said in a muffled tone before Shenran could tell them not to speak up.

"Yeah!" Pinkie replied in muffled voice as well, "Because...we're totally not in here!"

"You heard them," said Shenran, deciding to play along since he knew Rainbow and Applejack were probably gonna find them any second now, "Nopony here but us kitty cats. Meow!" Fluttershy and Pinkie just gave him funny looks as Shenran just smiled sheepishly. Rainbow and Applejack just shared knowing smiles with each other and followed the muffled voices to where they were hiding.

"And we're definitely not in here if you're gonna try and make us play against Appleloosa!" said Fluttershy.

"Or anypony else!" said Pinkie. Applejack cleared her throat to get their attention. The three ponies saw Applejack and Rainbow just a few feet away. Shenran stood between Fluttershy and Pinkie protectively.

"Leave them alone!" Shenran barked angrily.

"Honey, stand down," said Fluttershy, "We can handle this." Shenran looked back and then conceded as he stepped aside. Fluttershy and Pinkie pulled away from each other.

"Oh...we're sorry to let you down," said Fluttershy, "But it's better to do it now than during the game against Appleloosa."

"It's okay," said Applejack, "and there's no need to apologize. We should be apologizing to you."

"Really?" said Pinkie in surprise.

"Yeah," said Rainbow, "we're sorry for upsetting you. All three of you. And if it makes you feel better, you don't have to play against Appleloosa."

"We don't?" said Fluttershy in surprise.

"They don't?!" said Shenran in the same tone.

"Nope," Applejack answered, "We're gonna take your place. So you don't have to worry about that at all." Fluttershy and Pinkie smiled.

"Why didn't you say so?" said Pinkie with a sigh of relief. Shenran still had a skeptical look on his face.

They're up to something Shenran thought, There's gotta be a catch to this.

"But...we can't take on Braeburn and his team without any practice," said Rainbow, "So we need you to play just one more time."

"Against us," said Applejack. Fluttershy and Pinkie just shared worried looks with each other.

"What are you up to?" Shenran asked suspiciously.

"Shenran, I know we kind of overstepped you before," said Applejack, "But if you are willing to be the team coach again, we promise won't interfere."

"You have full control of how to manage the team," said Rainbow, "and we'll hope you won't tell Mario about this." Applejack sternly nudged Rainbow's side and gave her a glare. The blue Pegasus clearly wasn't supposed to mention that...yet. The two just smiled sheepishly as Shenran gave them a glare.

"Alright," said Shenran, "but the only way you two are getting a practice session is if Fluttershy and Pinkie want to play. You've pretty much killed all their confidence." Applejack then leaned into Shenran's ear.

"That why we want them to practice with us," Applejack whispered, "We won't make them play against Appleloosa, but we can at least restore their confidence." Shenran hummed.

"Very well," said Shenran, "Fluttershy, Pinkie, do you feel up to helping them practice? It's up to you." The two ponies just looked rather insecure, but seeing that they didn't have to play the big match against Appleloosa did ease their minds a little.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to help our friends," said Fluttershy bravely as Pinkie gave a smile on agreement. Applejack and Rainbow both smiled.

Once the group had arrived at their stop, Applejack and Rainbow set up a practice court on the outskirts of town. Shenran was back to wearing his coaching outfit while Applejack, Rainbow, and Snails were wearing blue shirts. Since their wasn't a second unicorn, Rainbow put the bucket she was guarding on a pole while Snails held the bucket with his magic behind Fluttershy.

"Now I know we mixed up the teams before, but since Dash and I really need the practice, we'll play against the two of you," Applejack explained. Fluttershy and Pinkie still looked worried.

"Oh, I don't know how much practice you'll get against us," said Fluttershy, "We've been playing just awful."

"Don't worry about it," said Rainbow.

"She's right," said Shenran, "Every athlete has their off days. Right, Dashie?" Rainbow cringed.

"R-r-r-right," Rainbow replied sheepishly before recovering, "Besides, Applejack and I just need a little workout."

"Yup. You two just do your best," said Applejack.

"I can do that," said Pinkie as Fluttershy hovered into position.

"And while Dash and I probably should train having Shenran coach us," said Applejack, "We're gonna let him coach you guys."

"Huh?" Shenran exclaimed.

"Confidence boost your way," Applejack said discreetly in a hushed tone. Shenran blinked and then smiled.

"Gotcha," Shenran said discreetly with a wink before standing where the referee would stand and announced, "Are you ready for some buckball?" Applejack and Rainbow cheered as Pinkie and Fluttershy chuckled nervously.

"Okay...so how would Mario do this...oh yeah," Shenran pondered as he bounced the ball high into the air and shouted:

"START!"

As the ball started to descent, Pinkie just stared at the ball with wobbly legs as she whimpered nervously. Applejack then gave the ball a hard buck. Fluttershy then whimpered nervously as the ball came at her. She then ducked out of the way to allow Applejack to score the first goal. Snails than hand the ball back to Shenran.

"Come on girls," said Shenran, "It's just one whittle bitty ball. Don't let it scare you. Show that ball who's boss! Even I can face it head on!" Shenran then tossed the ball into the air and bounced on his head and let the ball land on a fore-hoof.

"Ow!" Shenran groaned since he wasn't used to using his head to buck the ball. This got Pinkie and Fluttershy to giggle, even Applejack and Rainbow cracked a smile. Shenran smiled back. Surprisingly, that was the reaction he was going for. Shenran then bounced the ball into the air for the second face-off. Pinkie the gasped and flinched at the incoming ball.

"Look at me scare the ponies because I'm the ball!" Shenran taunted, pretending that the ball could talk as he used a more childish voice.

"Ahem," said Applejack simply swatted the ball toward Fluttershy.

"I'm gonna beat the Flutters! I'm gonna beat the Flutters!" Shenran taunted in his high pitched voice. Applejack and Rainbow were a little stunned at the fact Shenran was taunting his own wife. Fluttershy looked at the ball nervously at it came at her again.

"I'm gonna beat the...hey!" Shenran continued, still pretending to be the ball as Fluttershy grunted and spin about as she caught the ball with her tail.

"Huh!" said Fluttershy when she realized she had caught the ball.

"No fair! I was supposed to get past you!" Shenran remarked in his high pitched voice, "You're afraid of me!"

"Not anymore Mr. Ball," said Fluttershy happily as she tossed it back to Pinkie.

"Ooh!' said Pinkie, now feeling more confident as well.

"Give it a good kick, Pinks!" Shenran called out. Pinkie did just that and gave the ball a hard buck.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Shenran cried out in his high pitched voice. Rainbow reached out to block the ball, but missed and Pinkie scored. Pinkie giggled.

"Think you could do that voice a little higher?" Pinkie asked.

"Maybe a little more...girly?" Fluttershy added.

"Forget it!" Shenran retorted indignantly, "I'm not Mario!" Pinkie and Fluttershy laughed. Rainbow and Applejack were stunned. Not only had Pinkie and Fluttershy regained their confidence, but Shenran coached them into finding their confidence by being silly. They certainly hadn't ever seen a coach motivate his team like that. In the end, Applejack and Rainbow were impressed.

"Looks like you two really do need practice!" said Fluttershy.

"Now there's the confident and sassy Fluttershy I know and love!" Shenran remarked. Fluttershy just gave him a raspberry.

"I've benched players for less than that, Fluttershy!" Shenran retorted, but still smirked since he was glad to see his wife looking much more confident. Even Rainbow and Applejack smiled.

"Think we can push ourselves a little more, coach?" Applejack asked. Shenran gave a nod and they continued their practice session. He then bounced the ball into the air once again.

"Go for it, Pinks!" Shenran called out. Pinkie did and bucked the ball first. Rainbow quickly caught the ball and tossed it to Applejack, who went for a buck.

"Ready that tail, Flutters!" Shenran told her. Fluttershy hovered up, grabbed the ball with her tail and tossed it back with ease.

"Put your flank into it, Pinks!" said Shenran. Pinkie then used her flank to buck the ball for the score. Rainbow caught the ball and tossed it to Applejack. Pinkie started hopping up and down as Applejack went for the buck.

"That's it, Pinks, stay loose and light on your hooves!" said Shenran. Fluttershy then caught the ball with her tail and tossed it back to Pinkie.

"Give it all you've got, girl!" Shenran shouted. Pinkie then gave the ball a hard buck, but Rainbow jumped up for the back and tossed the ball back to Applejack.

"Put some spin into it, Flutters!" Shenran called out as Applejack went for the buck. Fluttershy not only caught the ball, but spun about proficiently and tossed the ball to Pinkie with her tail.

"Show 'em what you've got, Pinks!" said Shenran as Pinkie went for a handstand kick. Rainbow blocked it and tossed the ball back to Applejack, who went for another buck. Like before, Fluttershy had no problem catching the ball and sending back to Pinkie.

"Use your head!" Shenran shouted. Pinkie did, literally, and sent the ball into the bucket for a score.

"That's what I'm talking about! That's what I'm talking about!" Shenran shouted excitedly as Rainbow tossed the ball to him and their practice continued. The blue and orange pony were no longer holding back, but that didn't seem to phase Pinkie or Fluttershy at all. While they knew Fluttershy and Pinkie were really good at buckball, Shenran was really good as a coach. He was guiding and motivating Fluttershy and Pinkie every step of the way. He was tough and firm, but he was never overly brash. And the team seemed to follow his guidance easily. Shenran even teased them from time to time and let the two ponies tease him back. Rainbow and Applejack were a little confused about why Shenran did that, but then they found that the light teasing allowed Pinkie and Fluttershy to stay relaxed and keep having fun. They were doing so well that they were literally shutting Rainbow and Applejack out from scoring at all. Soon Pinkie was just giggling as they continued to play and Snails fell asleep since Rainbow and Applejack couldn't score against Fluttershy. Eventually Rainbow and Applejack called a break as Fluttershy and Pinkie continued giggling and passing the ball to each other.

"Keep it going girls! Keep that rhythm going like you're dancing at a party!" Shenran told them. Pinkie and Fluttershy then stopped tossing the ball and were now dancing on their hind legs while holding the ball with their fore-hooves.

"I didn't mean to literally start dancing!" Shenran retorted with an eye roll, "Now come on, let's get back to ball tossing rhythm you two got going here!"

"Yes, coach!" said Pinkie and Fluttershy with a giggle. Shenran just smirked. Rainbow and Applejack chuckled as they approached the group. They both looked battered and their manes were messy. Even Applejack's mane tie had fallen off from trying so hard to keep up with Pinkie and Fluttershy.

"If you need more practice, we can keep going," Fluttershy offered, showing that she and Pinkie were not the least bit tired.

"Yeah!" Pinkie added as she bounced the ball with the tip of her mane, "I could do this all day!"

"No, thanks," Rainbow panted as she and Applejack smiled, "Playing against you two is just as humiliating now as it was when we weren't trying to show you how awesome you are. And...okay, coach, you're enjoying the fact I said that a little too much." Shenran was just smirked widely.

BONK!

Fluttershy threw a ball at his head.

"Ow!" Shenran yelped and glared at Fluttershy, who just smiled innocently. But then what Rainbow said clicked in Fluttershy and Pinkie's minds.

"Wait...what?" Pinkie asked as she dropped the ball she was dribbling. The ball rolled over to a bored looking Snails.

"Finally!" Snails exclaimed as he dropped the bucket over the ball. The group looked at Snails for a moment when Applejack spoke again.

"You must've noticed how you aren't bad anymore," Applejack pointed out. Fluttershy and Pinkie looked at each other, realizing that the orange pony was right.

"Oh, yeah! Weird!" said Pinkie as she and Fluttershy exchanged smiles.

"But, um, why were we so terrible before?" Fluttershy asked.

"I guess some ponies thrive on pressure and some ponies don't," said Rainbow, "And even though we weren't playing, we were treating you like us, which totally stressed you out." Fluttershy and Pinkie shared looks with each other again.

"And that just sucked the fun right of the game for you," said Applejack, "Shenran tried to warn us that we were doing that to you, but...it wasn't until you told us how upset you were feeling for us to realize it. Again, we're really sorry." Fluttershy and Pinkie just smiled.

"It's alright," said Fluttershy, "I remembered that Shenran said that being stressed out was affecting our ability to play. At least now we know we aren't terrible at buckball anymore."

"And we can have fun playing the game again! Whee!" Pinkie added.

"And having fun is what makes you really, really, really good!" said Rainbow Dash, "Plus Shenran really is a good coach. He was able to motivate you guys in a way neither me or Applejack could. He's awesome!"

"Of course Shenran is awesome," said Fluttershy, making the Pegasus stallion blush, "But being good doesn't matter if we're too afraid of letting ponies down."

"Yeah!" Pinkie added worriedly, "What about all those ponies back in Ponyville counting on us to win?"

"I'm sure folks want you to win," said Applejack, "But not if worrying about it makes you miserable. Winning's never worth that."

"Well, said AJ," said Shenran in agreement and then turned to Fluttershy and Pinkie, "But in the end, it's up to you to decide if you wanna play or not. Otherwise, Rainbow and Applejack will take your place." The blue and orange pony nodded in agreement.

"Well...Shenran," said Pinkie slowly, "You're gonna still be our coach if we play, right?"

"Of course," said Shenran, "we work very well together as a team. Wouldn't you agree?" Fluttershy and Pinkie both gave him a warm hug.

"But, if we do play," said Fluttershy as she let Shenran continue to hold her, "how do we keep from worrying about it?" Pinkie had a worried look on her face.

"You could do what I do and not think about it," suggested Snails, "Seriously, I don't think about anything. Ever." Shenran had an unamused look on his face.

"That explains so very, very much," Shenran remarked as Fluttershy lightly swatted his side.

"Hm," said Pinkie, "Works for me!" Pinkie then bounced the ball into the air.

Soon the match between Ponyville and Appleloosa had begun.

"Give it all your got, girl!" Shenran called out as the ball came down for the face-off. Pinkie gave the ball a hard buck and scored.

"Woo! That's what I'm talking about!" Shenran shouted and gave a hoof-pump for a job well done.

"And with another bouncing goal, from Pinkie Pie, the score is tied!" said the announcer. The pony adjusted the scoreboard to show that the current score was now five and five.

"Time out!" Shenran shouted as he called the team over to him. Applejack and Rainbow also approached since they had been watching the match from the sidelines. Fluttershy and Pinkie looked exhausted.

"You guys are amazing!" Rainbow told them.

"Indeed they are," Shenran added, "You're doing great out there you guys! Keep it up!"

"I don't know if we can, coach," Pinkie panted, "Braeburn is really good!"

"So is that Pegasus," said Fluttershy worriedly, "Oh, I don't know if we can win."

"You know what I would do?" Snails suggested.

"Not think about it?" Pinkie guessed, leaning over to him.

"Not think a-" Snails then blinked when he found Pinkie had answered his question, "Oh, yeah. That."

"Ha," said Applejack, "And as long as you're having fun, it doesn't matter if you win or not."

"That's right," said Shenran, "You've already won by showing Braeburn that you can keep up with his team. A loss by one point is nothing to walk away feeling disappointed about. I'm very proud of you both." Fluttershy and Pinkie smiled, feeling better.

"Thanks Shenran," said Fluttershy, "or should I say, coach." The group chuckled as they heard Lucky Clover blow a whistle to signal their time out was up.

"Now get out there and have fun!" Shenran told them as Pinkie and Fluttershy took their positions. Pinkie then giggled as she faced Braeburn and stood on her head.

"I think it's more fun this way!" said Pinkie.

"That's it Pinks!" Shenran called out, "Show 'em that you don't need to be right side up to be awesome!" Shenran then blinked, "I never thought I hear myself say that." Braeburn just smiled sheepishly as Pinkie got the first buck.

"And Pinkie wins the buckoff!" said the announcer as he described the rest of the match, "But her shot's rejected! Back to Braeburn, whose kick is stopped by another Fluttershy save!" Fluttershy had just used her tail to grab the ball and handed it back to Pinkie.

"Don't hold back girls," Shenran called out, "You've got this!" Pinkie then used her flank to buck the ball. Braeburn's Pegasus teammate caught the ball with her chest muscles and shot it back to Braeburn, who used a single hind leg to kick it.

"Lots of tense back and forth here," said the announcer as Fluttershy smiled and caught the ball, "Fluttershy unleashes her patented spin move, but Braeburn's there to-"

"Get it, Pinks!" Shenran called out.

"No!" said the announcer as he continued to describe the action, "It's Pinkie with a somersault kick! What a move!" Braeburn's Pegasus teammate tried to block, but missed and the ball landed in the bucket for the score.

"YES! WHOOOOOOOO!" Shenran cheered excitedly as he did a fist pump.

"And that's the game! Ponyville wins!" said the announcer as the score pony changed the scoreboard.

"Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville!" The crowds who supported the team cheered. The rest of the Appleloosans that had come to watch the game remained respectfully silent, but the disappointment was on their faces. Shenran then meet up with Pinkie and Fluttershy so they all shared a group hug. Of course, Fluttershy kissed Shenran's lips. Pinkie then gave Snails a hug as he, along with Rainbow and Applejack joined the group. The rest of the Ponyville supporters continued to cheer.

"Great job out there team," said Shenran.

"Huh," said Applejack, "Looks like you three made quite an impression!" It was then Braeburn and his team walked up to them.

"Well, cousin," said Braeburn as he removed his hat, "I have to admit. Your Ponyville team played a pretty good game."

"Hah! Good game?" Rainbow boasted, "We bucked the hooves right off of you!"

"A little humility there, Dashie?" Shenran said annoyingly.

"Sorry, coach," said Rainbow sheepishly.

"It's alright there, Shenran," said Braeburn, "She's right. You're team sure shootin' did buck the hooves off of us. I'm gonna have to have to get real serious about a strategy for our rematch."

"Oh, I wouldn't get too serious," said Fluttershy.

"Yeah!" said Pinkie, "Everypony knows the secret to good buckball is just having fun!"

"And having a good coach!" Fluttershy and Pinkie said together. Shenran smiled as the group laughed. Braeburn just gave them funny looks and looked at his own team, who shrugged since they didn't understand what was so funny. But deep down they were actually rather embarassed.

Why?

When they had first arrived in Appleloosa, Braeburn and his team had teased the group about having a coach. They had said only foals needed a coach to guide them on how to play buckball.

But after seeing how well the Ponyville team played and Shenran's coaching style. Braeburn's team wasn't gonna tease the group about having Shenran for a coach now.

They wished they had a coach just like him!

And that concludes another chapter! I hope you enjoyed seeing Shenran as a buckball coach. Plus I hope nopony thought Shenran was a pushover when Applejack and Rainbow kept overstepping him at first. After all, most pony fans know by now how ridiculously competitive Applejack and Rainbow can be.

Plus I hope you enjoyed seeing that Pinkie and Fluttershy can confide in Shenran as well.

Kudos if you caught the Pokemon joke.

Next time: Mario returns to help the Cutie Mark Crusaders with what has become their own little non-profit counseling business. (Details will be explained in the next chapter.) Plus we get to meet one of the sweetest griffons in Equestria! It's a shame she's been reduced in cameos only in future seasons...

Peace Pony Fans!