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...

137. The Cart Before the Ponies

The Cart Before the Ponies

Pony's Log Number 614: The thrill of go-kart racing is enjoyable no matter how old you are. Even the adults can get a little...too enthusiastic...

It was another day at the Ponyville Schoolhouse. All the students were chattering excitedly with each other when Cheerilee made her presence known.

"Good morning, Miss Cheerilee!" said all the students together.

"Good morning, everypony!" said Cheerilee, "I hope you brought your thinking caps, because today we're going to learn about physics!" The students all grew silent and looked at each other.

"Physics?" said Scootaloo.

"Mm-hmm!" Cheerilee replied, "Specifically, the use of force in energy conversions! In this case, using mechanical work to convert potential energy into kinetic energy!" The others just looked puzzled.

"The what now?" said Apple Bloom in confusion.

"All this talk about energy conversion reminds of me of pushing and pulling freight cars for some reason," said Diamond Tiara and then blinked, "Oh right! Twilight was talking to me about this the other day. She said that since I'm pulling the train instead of a locomotive, I replace the mechanical component that is doing the energy conversion!" Diamond Tiara then noticed everypony was staring at her in shock.

"Since when are you such an...egghead?" Snips asked. Diamond Tiara snorted as a few other student minus Silver Spoon and the Cutie Mark Crusaders snickered.

"Now, now class, being smart if nothing to tease a pony over," said Cheerilee and then looked at Snips before continuing, "Considering how much her grades had gone up, maybe she could teach you a thing or two about improving your own?" Snips just smiled sheepishly then snuck a glare at the tiara-wearing filly. But he was surprised to see that Diamond Tiara wasn't snubbing or making faces at him. In fact, Diamond Tiara looked uneasy.

"Umm...I don't know if I could be a good tutor, Miss Cheerilee," said Diamond Tiara, "I'm no egghead like you or Princess Twilight. And I don't claim to know everything there is about physics either. I just knew an example."

"I understand and it is a very good example of physics at work," said Cheerilee as Diamond Tiara smiled and felt better, "and it's okay not to know anything about it. That's why I'm here after all."

"Um, Miss Cheerilee? That sounds a bit over our heads," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, "Why would we even need to know that stuff? It's not like we're all going to be pulling and pushing trains."

"Oh, it's very important and can be used for more than just trains, Scootaloo," said Cheerilee, "In fact, you'll most likely end up using it tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? What for?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Why, for participating in the..." Cheerilee then made her blackboard spin about until it revealed the blue prints for what looked like a race cart, "Applewood Derby!" The students all gasped and then cheered excitedly.

"Oh, phew!" said Snails as he wiped his brow, "For a second, I thought we were gonna have to, you know, learn stuff." He then cringed at the idea.

How he and Snips even managed to pass school at all is still beyond me.

(Main Theme)

The students continued to cheer excitedly.

"We get to race in the Applewood Derby tomorrow?" said Scootaloo, "That is so cool!" She then did a hoof-pump into the air.

"My family's talked about it for years," said Apple Bloom as she clapped her fore-hooves excitedly, "and now I'm finally old enough to race!"

(Cue "Super Mario Kart" title theme)

"As you can probably hear," said Cheerilee, "The pony in charge of the Applewood Derby has arrived to help with today's lesson. You can come out Prince Mario and please turn the music off."

"Okay, sorry," said Mario as he walked inside holding a boom box with one fore-leg. He turned the music off and set the boom box down as he walked up to Cheerilee, "I always get excited when the Applewood Derby come around."

"I didn't know you were the head sponsor and in charge of the event, big brother," Apple Bloom said in surprise.

"Me neither, master," Diamond Tiara added.

"Well after my win at the Equestria Games," said Mario, "I officially announced my retirement from racing, but let's face it, everypony. Racing is a part of me. I wasn't going to just walk away from racing completely. So I took charge of the Applewood Derby."

"Mario's been a big help in making the Applewood Derby even more popular than it already is," said Cheerilee, "Plus his background music additions have made the races more exciting."

"Nothing pumps up a racer than good background music," said Mario, "But I will say that all the credit for the music does go to Sweetie Belle. She helped made compose the race theme that's been used the last couple of years."

"Oh wow!"

"Cool!"

"Awesome!" said several students as Sweetie Belle blushed.

"In addition," said Mario, "After some research and studying on how to built race courses. This will also be the first year the Applewood Derby will feature TWO races!" The students oohed.

"The first race will be the traditional race through town," said Mario, "but I've been working on a brand new racetrack on the edge of Sweet Apple Acres for the second race. Still got a few more tweaks I need to take care of until tomorrow, but it will be ready." The students cheered excitedly once again.

"Now hold on to your horseshoes, everypony," said Cheerilee, "You've got alot of work to do before you're ready to race."

"Indeed," Mario added, "You gotta learn the components you'll need to assemble the best cart you can possibly make. After all, a cart must be functional as well as cool looking...or cute looking...even both!"

"Yeah, but...not schoolwork, right?" Snips asked.

"Oh good grief," Mario muttered and rolled her eyes. Even Cheerilee didn't resist rolling her eyes either.

"They'll be a block of applewood just like this one waiting for you at Sweet Apple Acres," Cheerilee explained as she pulled down a shade that had a picture of what the applewood chunk looked like, "and you've got one day to turn it into a race-ready cart." The student's groaned.

"Oh, yeah...That is a lot of work," said Scootaloo.

"Mm-hmm," said Cheerilee, "Luckily, you'll each get to pick an older pony to help you! But choose wisely, because they'll also have to ride in that cart with you during the race."

"And you don't have to limit yourself to just family either," said Mario, "any adult that you know and trust can be your partner to help you create your cart."

"Did they have a Derby in Canterlot?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"They sure did!" said Mario, "In fact, this was one occasion where Twilight was involved. We actually competed against each other. And here's the funny fact. Since I couldn't ask Princess Celestia for help, Twilight's mom was my partner while Shining Armor partnered with Twilight."

"Cool!" said Silver Spoon.

"Yeah, Mrs. Velvet is really nice," said Diamond Tiara, "and quite adventurous."

"Hmmm...I think I know just the pony to ask," said Scootaloo.

"Me too!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Me three!" said Apple Bloom.

"Just remember that I can't be chosen everypony," said Mario, "I've got a second race and track to finish by tomorrow. Not to mention the prize for the winner."

"And that brings up another good point," said Cheerilee as she walked up to her desk, "Just remember, everypony. Your cart has to be able to finish the race if you want to win one of the awards." Cheerilee then presented a case with three different blue ribbons in it.

"Fastest - for winning the race, naturally," Cheerilee explained, "Most traditional - for the best working replica of an original Applewood Cart."

"The most popular model known as the Model A," said Mario, " A for apple of course." He gave a light chuckle.

"Right," said Cheerilee with a smirk and an eye roll, "And most creative - for the cart with the best overall design."

"Hoo-wee!" said Apple Bloom dreamily, "Those ribbons are the bees' knees!"

"Uh-huh..." said the rest of the class in the same dreamily tone.

"Did you go for fastest prize I suspect?" Cheerilee asked Mario.

"Twilight and I both did," said Mario, "And Twilight won!" The other students gasped.

"How did Twilight beat you?!" Scootaloo asked.

"Twilight Velvet and I got disqualified despite finishing first and Twilight second," said Mario, "Apparently it was against the rules for race-carts to do drifting mini-turbos despite the fact we actually made a cart that could even do 'em without magic! And I might add that the cart caught fire during every test run and we still raced with the mechanic installed. Seesh. Their wasn't even anything in the rulebook that said you couldn't build a cart that could do that either...critics..." Mario snorted as Cheerilee just chuckled.

"Well, at least you all know not to install drifting mini-turbo mechanics to your carts," said Cheerilee, "All right then, class! You've got a lot to learn if you want to build a race cart."

"Indeed," said Mario, "You can't just slap together a seat, steering wheel, and four wheels to your Applewood and expect it to race!" The students groaned.

"Aww...I knew there was gonna be a catch!" said Snips as he slumped forward in his chair.

Fortunately, most of the students were able to understand the physics needed to assemble a race-cart. Mario was also there to answer a few questions as well for a bit before he took his leave. He still had a racetrack to finish and another surprise that will be revealed later in this story...

After school, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were walking together as Scootaloo was on her scooter and waved to the two fillies as she rolled by. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were walking side by side a short distance away as the latter was using her magic to carry and read a book as they walked together.

"Wow!" said Sweetie Belle, "Have you seen what the carts used to look like in the olden days?" Sweetie Belle asked. She then showed a picture of some ponies wearing attire that looked like from the close of the 19th century. They were driving what looked like the Model A cart Mario had mentioned earlier in class.

"Yeah, I know all about them," said Apple Bloom, "When Ponyville started the Derby, they decided to use the wood from the apple trees for the carts. The race has been part of Sweet Apple Acres ever since."

"I just think these old carts look so cool!" Sweetie Belle remarked as she put her book away, "But I guess you and Applejack will probably win the award for the most traditional, huh?"

"The Apples usually do, but honestly, I'd rather build the fastest cart there is and win the race," said Apple Bloom. It was then Scootaloo zoomed past them on her scooter.

"But...I'm pretty sure Scoot and Rainbow Dash'll take that award," said Apple Bloom.

"You know," said Scootaloo as she walked, "I race around so much on my scooter, being the fastest isn't such a big deal. Maybe I'll try to make the wildest looking cart I can think of!"

"Really?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Sure!" Scootaloo replied, "If I win the most creative, you can totally win the award for fastest!"

"And I can win the award for most traditional!" said Sweetie Belle excitedly.

"Sounds like we're all gonna try somethin' different," said Apple Bloom, "I can't wait to tell Applejack!"

"Let's get to it!" said Scootaloo.

"Go, Crusaders!" the three fillies cheered and shared a hoof bump together.

It wasn't long before Scootaloo had somehow managed to get up to Rainbow's cloudominium and was telling the cyan Pegasus all about the Derby. So say Rainbow was interested was a huge understatement.

"Are you kidding?!" Rainbow exclaimed, "Of course I'll help with the Applewood Derby! I want you to have as much fun as I did when I was a filly!"

"Wait, Cloudsdale has a derby too?" said Scootaloo in surprise, "I know Mario said Canterlot had one."

"Sure!" said Rainbow, "Practically every town in Equestria has one!" Rainbow sighed contently, "I still remember racing my cart!"

Flashback

"This is so awesome!" Young Rainbow shouted happily, wearing an aviator's hat and goggles, as she zoomed about the cloud racetrack in her cart and then went through a loop-de-loop, "Woo-hoooooo!"

End flashback

Rainbow then opened her eyes as she came back to reality.

"And lemme guess," said Scootaloo, "You won fastest cart."

"Heh, obviously!" said Rainbow as a matter of fact and waving her fore-hoof off in a dismissive manner.

"So what do you say?" said Scootaloo, "Will you help me make my race cart?"

"Help you?" said Rainbow, "I'm all over it! I've got tons of ideas." She then rushed behind her sofa and pushed out a chest.

"Don't worry, I've got a lot of-Whoa!" Scootaloo was cut off when something flew over her head, "Ideas of my own. Um..." It was then another object flew over head and then a soccer ball bumped and knocked over a nearby flower vase.

"What are you looking for?" Scootaloo asked.

"The blueprint for my derby cart, of course!" said Rainbow as she held a gold trophy with a blue ribbon on it, "I'll have to change it a little 'cause this race is on roads, not clouds. But trust me, your cart is gonna be amazing!" Rainbow then ducked back inside of her chest and tossed out a book, a dumbell, and a suitcase. Scootaloo did her best to dodge the items since they all came flying at her.

"Um, okay, Rainbow Dash, thanks!" Scootaloo nervously as she turned to leave, "How awesome is this? With Dash on my team, how could anything go wrong?"

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was telling Applejack about helping her at the derby.

"Well, I'm mighty flattered you wanna work with you big sis you cart," said Applejack, "I mean, the Applewood Derby did-"

"-start on our farm," said Apple Bloom, "I know."

"Well, I couldn't be more proud to help my little sister take the prize for most traditional," said Applejack.

"Actually, I was kinda thinking of somethin' else," said Apple Bloom, "Like...fastest?" Applejack scoffed.

"Fastest?" Applejack retorted, "Apple Bloom, things aren't like they were in the old days. The fastest cart now has gotta be slick and modern and-"

"Exactly!" said Apple Bloom.

"Not Apple at all," said Applejack sternly as she got into Apple Bloom's face.

"But Mario-" Apple Bloom tried to protest.

"Mario doesn't no nothin' about tradition," said Applejack angrily, "He didn't grow up this farm so he's got no right to tell you what to do for the Applewood Derby!"

"Listen to her," Apple Bloom muttered.

"The Apples win the most traditional," said Applejack, making Apple Bloom wince, "We have since the Derby started! Why would anypony want to win anytthin' else? Mario clearly doesn't understand that! Now why don't you head off and get some chamomile vines, hickory sticks, and some apple barrels, and I'll show you what an Apple family cart should look like." Apple Bloom just looked rather disappointed but still tried to put on a brave smile on her face.

"I guess I do have a family tradition to uphold..." Apple Bloom said sheepishly.

At the Carousel Boutique, Sweetie Belle was surprised to see Rarity's reaction when she told her the news.

"The Applewood Derby?!" Rarity gasped and then giggled excitedly as she bounced on all four of her hooves, not even caring that she had several upper class ponies starting at her in a snooty fashion, "Of course I'll help!"

"Wow," said Sweetie Belle in surprise, "Uh, Rarity. I didn't know you'd be this excited."

"Me?" said Rarity, "Oh, why, I'm just itching to right an old wrong from long, long ago!"

Flashback

Young Rarity smiled as she watched the judge come to see her creative cart, which was white with a purple feathery accents on it.

"I designed my own cart when I was just a little filly," Rarity narrated, "and I was positive I was going to win the prize for most creative, hooves down! But I came in second. Second!" Young Rarity was then shocked to see her cart got a second place ribbon. Young Rarity looked devastated and on the verge of tears.

"You? Second in most creative?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, "To whom?!"

Young Rarity then looked to see that the blue ribbon has gone to young Muffins, who had build a cart that looked very amaturish, to her at least. The other ponies cheered for young Muffins as she stood on her hind legs. Young Rarity watched as a large dark cloud appeared over her and poured rain on top of her.

"But I learned a valuable lesson," Rarity narrated. Young Rarity's had tears creeping in her eyes as she glared at young Muffins jealously and angrily.

End Flashback

"I learned to know my audience," said Rarity, who also had some tears at the bottoms of her eyes, "and the race cart audience wants big! They want bold." Rarity then noticed that Sweetie Belle and the other customers were all just staring at her. Rarity then glared at them.

"Chop! Chop! Everypony out!" said Rarity importantly. The upper class ponies all chattered indignantly as they left, "We've got work to do!" Rarity then closed the door.

"This will take all of my considerable skills..." said Rarity as she marched into the foreground with a notepad in her magic grip and she started to scribble and hum to herself, "...but I will fashion the biggest and boldest Derby cart to ever win the prize for most creative!" Sweetie Belle just gave Rarity a worried look as Rarity continued to scribble her notes.

"Actually, I was sorta thinking of something more...traditional?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

"Oh!" said Rarity with an annoyed look on her face and laughed haughtily, "Please, darling, leave tradition to the Apples. We're doing big, we're doing bold!" Rarity then hummed some more, "Soon the prize for most creative will finally be in my hooves!" She then smiled with determination as Sweetie Belle gave her a skeptical look.

"You mean my hooves," said Sweetie Belle, feeling a bit indignant.

"Yes, that's what I said - my hooves," said Rarity and then added sternly, "Darling, I hope you're ready to get an early start tomorrow." She then trotted off importantly.

"Uh...how early?" Sweetie Belle asked worriedly.

The little filly soon got her answer the next morning. It was still dawn when Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash led the Cutie Mark Crusaders to the area of Sweet Apple Acres where the foals and their adult partners would go to assemble their race carts. The three fillies were each pulling a kart loaded with building the supplies and all had very drowsy looks on their faces. It was then they reached an area of the farm that had some very tall walls surrounding it. The six ponies could hear some construction sounds from inside the walled area.

"This must be where Mario is finishing the final touches to his special racetrack," said Applejack. Rainbow, who was hovering like she usually did, decided to take a peek over the wall.

"Whoa!" Rainbow gasped, "This track is even cooler than the one they use for the main race!"

"Yeah, and if you tell anypony about it," Mario shouted from the other side of the wall, "I'll use my magic to remove your wings for a month!" Rainbow squeaked and lowered herself down nervously as the group continued on their way. Fortunately for Rainbow, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were too sleepy to be interested about Mario's special race track. It was then Sweetie Belle let out a tired yawn and then groaned.

"Rarity, the sun's not even up yet," Sweetie Belle complained as Scootaloo walked past her in the background with a cranky look on her face.

"Oh, apples, quit complainin'!" said Applejack as Rarity and Rainbow turned around to face the three fillies, "In my day, we were up even earlier!"

"Hey, I'd get up in the middle of the night if it meant my cart crosses the finish line first and wins fastest!" said Rainbow.

"And my cart wins most creative!" said Rarity.

"And my cart wins most traditional!" said Applejack, "Hoo-wee, it's gonna be a good day!"

"You mean our carts, right?" Scootaloo asked rather indignantly.

"Yes, that's what we said, darling," said Rarity quickly.

"Yup," said Applejack in agreement.

"Our carts," Rainbow corrected. The three older ponies walked away as the Cutie Mark Crusaders just shared worried looks with each other.

"Their carts?" Apple Bloom said a few minutes later to the other two fillies, "It almost sounds like they're planning on building them without us."

"Think we should tell Mario about this?" said Scootaloo, "I'm getting the feeling we're about to be ignored again."

"Let's not jump the gun so soon," said Sweetie Belle, "I'm sure they meant "our" carts. Like, the team cart, right?"

"Of course!" said Scootaloo, "I mean, they're all our older sisters. Practically. And I wouldn't want to bother Mario since he's still working on that special race course. Plus, our sisters have done this before. I'm sure they know the best. Let's just buckle down and get to work!" With determined looks on their faces, the three fillies pulled their wagons toward the wooden fenced areas that were considered their team's top-less cart garage.

As the sun started to creep into the sky, the other fillies and colts with their respective adult partners were busy working on their own carts. In addition to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their respective older sisters, Diamond Tiara had partnered up with her butler Randolph, Snips and Puppydog Tails, Train Tracks with Crimson Skate, Sugar Stix and Winter Lotus, and finally Crackle Pop and Muffins. Applejack had covered hers and Apple Bloom's cart with an apple red tarp and Rainbow didn't resist putting up an entrance sign made of cloud towers and a rainbow banner. One thing to notice was the fact that the adults were busy working on the carts themselves while their filly partners hadn't even arrived at their garages. Scootaloo was already tiring out having to pull her wagon loaded with supplies alone. Rainbow showed her no sympathy.

"Scootaloo, where have you been?" Rainbow snapped as she examined her old blueprints, "I've only got 'til noon to make the fastest cart ever!" She then zoomed away as Scootaloo recovered.

"Uh, about that," said Scootaloo, "I was really thinking of going for the most creative prize. I mean, I know all about speed already so..."

"Exactly!" Rainbow replied, but wasn't listening at all, "It's all about speed! You've gotta get across the finish line to win a prize, so we might as well get there first, right? Hey, I left a bunch of paint cans by the road. Being them up here, would ya? Nothing as fun as painting racing stripes on the winning cart!"

"Right...Fun..." Scootaloo sighed and agreed reluctantly as she walked off the collect the paint. At Applejack and Apple Bloom's garage, Applejack was under the tarp working on the cart while Apple Bloom was forced to sit nearby and hadn't been allowed to do much of anything.

"Spendin' time buildin' a cart with my big sister?" said Apple Bloom, trying to stay optimistic, "Why, this is just tee-riffic!" She then smiled sheepishly and then noticed that Applejack wasn't listening. '

"Um...how can I help?" Apple Bloom asked as she leaned in toward her older sister.

"You can feast your eyes on...this!" said Applejack excitedly as she removed the apple red tarp to reveal the kart. Apple Bloom gave a wide smile and then it quickly turned into shock. There before her was an apple red traditional cart.

"I-I mean, it ain't quite finished yet," said Applejack.

"Oh, good," said Apple Bloom in relief.

"But don't it have the makin's of the best cart you ever did see?" said Applejack excitedly, but then noticed that Apple Bloom looked a little sad.

"Uh,...is somethin' wrong, Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked with concern.

"Actually, I was kinda thinkin' of somethin' a little more modern," Apple Bloom suggested, "And less rickety. Maybe with a chance of winning?" She then poked one of the pole holding the cart roof up, making it wobble about.

"Bless my hooves," said Applejack annoyingly as she slammed her stenson hat on the ground, "I thought we covered this! Tradition is all that counts!"

"Mario-" said Apple Bloom.

"Mario doesn't know tradition like a real Apple does!" Applejack snapped sternly, "And who knows tradition better than real Apples? Nopony, that's who! So are you an Apple, or are you an Apple?" Applejack glared at her little sister and snored. Apple Bloom winced.

"I'm an Apple," said Apple Bloom slowly, "but...what if I just take off this fringe?" Apple Bloom then went to step into the front part of the cart.

"No, not the fringe!" Applejack protested.

CRASH!

The front part of the cart broke off completely.

"Ugh! Why, shoot! Now I've gotta start all over from scratch!" said Applejack angrily, "and it's almost race time!"

"Oh. So, maybe we can redesign it then?" Apple Bloom asked, "Just a little."

"No time!" Applejack snapped, "And who'd want to redesign somethin' that's already perfect?"

"Right...Perfect..." said Apple Bloom dejectedly.

At Rarity and Sweetie Belle's garage, Sweetie Belle was using her magic to hold a clipboard as she approached her older sister.

"Okay, so I sketched out some of my ideas," said Sweetie Belle as the sound of wrench was being under underneath a tarp that Rarity had put over the cart, "How about a nice yellow fringe on top?"

"Oh-ho-ho-ho, darling," Rarity chortled as she peeked out of the tarp, "the fringe is not exactly big. And that yellow is the least bold color I can imagine!"

"But it's Mario's favorite color!" Sweetie Belle protested, "And it's slowly becoming my favorite color."

"Darling, everypony knows about your crush on Mario," said Rarity as she ducked back under the tarp, "You don't need to keep showing it off." Sweetie Belle snorted but quickly recomposed herself.

"Well, it doesn't have to be yellow," said Rarity, "But I really do love the old timey-style. Like this." She then showed Rarity a picture of what she wanted her cart to look like. Rarity looked at the picture with large eyes and then quickly recovered.

"Sweetie Belle, precious face, "old-timey" is just another word for passé. Remember, big and bold! I do have a reputation to uphold! It was one thing to lose as a filly, but can you imagine if I didn't win most creative now? Ponies might stop buying my couture!"

"But we're supposed to be doing this together!" Sweetie Belle protested.

"Yes, of course we are, darling," said Rarity as she walked up to the filly, "In fact, we just finished." Rarity then removed the tarp. Sweetie Belle went agape at what she saw, "Voila! I know. You're speechless." There before the two sisters was a cart in the shape of a swan that had a crown and necklace just like Celestia's.

"Well, if that isn't big and bold, I don't know what is!" said Rarity, "Isn't it wonderful?" Sweetie Belle just gave Rarity a skeptical look, but it went unnoticed as Rarity walked up to the cart and hummed to herself.

"Right...Wonderful," Sweetie Belle said dejectedly in agreement.

As some montage music began to play, Rainbow continued to work on hers and Scootaloo's cart. Scootaloo then thought it would be a good idea to put a giant chicken head on the front for a hood ornament. Just as she rushed away to get a pair of chicken wings to attach to the sides, Rainbow shook her head disapprovingly and took the chicken head ornament off, leaving Scootaloo shocked and annoyed. Later on, Rainbow had flew away and come back to find that Scootaloo had put the chicken wings into the sides of the cart. She looked at them disapprovingly. Scootaloo then returned holding a chicken head on a stick when she saw Rainbow fly above her with the removed chicken wings. Scootaloo was left disappointed and ignored.

At Applejack and Apple Bloom's garage, Applejack was working on the large wooden wheels for the cart. Apple Bloom then tried attaching spoiler to the back of the cart and then quickly walked away. Applejack, holding a garland in her mouth, bucked the spoiler off just as Apple Bloom came back. Apple Bloom was shocked and a little hurt. She then tried to paint some flame decals on the sides and then walked off again. Applejack wasted no time painting the flames off and walked away, leaving Apple Bloom sad and ignored.

At Rarity's and Sweetie Belle's garage, Rarity was adding a fresh coat of paint to the cart. Sweetie Belle rushed up and tried tying her yellow garland around the top. Rarity was taken aback and Sweetie Belle smiled. Rarity then smirked as she removed, gave Sweetie Belle the brush, and walked away. Sweetie Belle felt most annoyed. A little note of interest was that while other carts had steering wheels, Rarity's and Sweetie Belle's cart used a pair of dual sticks that had gems on them to control the steering with a third stick for something else. Rarity then walked away, but when she came back, Sweetie Belle had replaced the control sticks with a rustic steering wheel. Rarity glared. Sweetie Belle then rolled her eyes and put the control sticks back into place. While Rarity was pleased, Sweetie Belle felt annoyed and ignored.

As the other pony pairs were excitedly finishing their carts, Sweetie Belle was just sitting alone at the top of a nearby hill when Apple Bloom came up to her.

"Hey, Crusader..." said Apple Bloom in a tired tone, "How's it goin'?"

"Rarity's definitely made the biggest, boldest cart anypony's ever seen," Sweetie Belle sighed as she pointed to the swan cart that Rarity was shining.

"Wow," said Apple Bloom, "Well, Applejack's built somethin' so traditional, it's practically an antique." Sweetie Belle looked agape at the apple red Model A kart with green garland along the rooftop. It was then Scootaloo arrived and sighed loudly.

"No matter what I say," Scootaloo told the other two fillies, "there's no talking Rainbow Dash out of making the fastest cart in Equestria."

"Doesn't look like any of us ended up with what we wanted," said Sweetie Belle.

"Maybe we should tell Mario about this," said Apple Bloom.

(Cue "Mario Kart 64" title music theme)

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" Cheerilee announced from a megaphone and wearing a cheerleaders outfit, "Welcome one and all the this year's annual Applewood Derby. And how here's the host of today's races. Prince Mario Star!"

"Welcome to the Applewood Derby! Wa-HOO!" Mario called out, wearing a yellow racecar shirt and yellow backwards baseball cap, as he zoomed off a nearby hill driving a the standard pipeline model race cart from Mario Kart 64 and Super Circuit. The only difference was that the engine had magic sparkles came out of the exhaust pipes instead of smoke. (Thus the self-powered cart was eco-friendly.) As he went airborne, he did a stylish trick by rotating the cart 360 degrees and then landed on the ground with the back pipes letting off some yellowish sparkles to show he got a short burst of speed. He then zoomed down a separate dirt road parallel to the Applewood Derby's main track then took a hairpin turn at high speed, drifting through it like a pro.

"Yeah-hoo!" Mario cheered as he did a mini-turbo down the straight away before coming a stop just as he reached the starting line. The other ponies, including Cheerilee and the Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.

"Thank you! Thank you!" said Mario as he got everypony to settle down and used an amplification spell to speak, "As you can see, I love a good cart race as much as you do. In fact, this is the first year we will be having two races instead of just one! The first race will be the traditional derby race with three different prizes. The second one..." Mario then used his magic to make the construction walls disappeared. The ponies all oohed and awed as the rather large racetrack Mario had created for the second race. For Mario Kart fans, the track layout was the same as the original Ribbon Road track from the Game Boy Advance (and now on the Wii U/Switch), but had the dirt, grass, and multicolored block aesthetics of the SNES Donut Plains racetracks.

"I built this second track, called the "Apple Acre Circuit", from the ground up," said Mario, "and all participants will be able to race on it after the first race! And there will be a prize, which I will reveal later!" The others all cheered excitedly.

"That racetrack looks so cool!" said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah, I can't wait to race on it!" said Scootaloo as she noticed a large ramp at two particular points of the racetrack, "It's even got ramps!"

"Just too bad we won't be racing what we wanted on it though," said Sweetie Belle sadly, dampening the groups mood.

"But...I'm sure our older sisters know what they're doin', right?" Apple Bloom asked sheepishly. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked at each other.

"Right..." said Scootaloo.

"Right," said Sweetie Belle, both of their tones filled with doubt.

"And even if our carts aren't exactly what we had in mind," Apple Bloom continued, "it'll still be fun to drive them to the finish line." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo smiled.

"Sure!" Sweetie Belle agreed, "The race is the best part!"

"Yeah!" said Apple Bloom, "CMCs behind the wheels!" The three fillies cheered and then did a quick high-hoof together.

"And now for the moment you've all been waiting for!" Mario announced from off screen, "It's time for the first of two races!"

"Derby racers to the starting line!" Cheerilee shouted from off screen as well, "Derby racers to the starting line!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders were excitedly heading toward the racetrack when they were given the shock of their lives. There were Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack, wearing helmets for safety, driving the carts themselves to the starting line.

"The race is about to start, Scootaloo!" Rainbow called out, "You better shake a leg if you wanna ride in the winning cart!" Scootaloo only winced in reply.

"You, too, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity, "There's only one seat belt left aboard this masterpiece, and it's just for you. Woo-hoo!" Sweetie Belle winced in reply.

"Whoa, ponies!" Applejack called out, "Wait for me! This traditional cart handles at the exact perfect pace - slow! And I got the passenger seat all warmed up for ya, Apple Bloom!" The yellow filly not only winced like her friends, but was also in shock.

"Passenger seat?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in shock. All three fillies shared worried looks with each other.

As Cheerilee and Mario were waiting at the starting line, the other carts were lining up at the starting line for the first race. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were still recovering from what they were seeing.

"They're the only older ponies driving!" Scootaloo grunted.

"First they built the carts," Sweetie Belle added, "Now they're gonna drive them?!"

"I know they were all excited to help," said Apple Bloom, "but I don't think they're really helping anymore!"

"We better hurry if we wanna be a part of this race at all!" Scootaloo added as they rushed off to find their helmets and get onto "the older pony's" carts.

"I think we should tell Mario about this," said Sweetie Belle.

"I agree," said Apple Bloom, "He can at least make sure we get to drive them!"

At the starting line, the fact the three adults were in the driver's seat and alone hadn't gone unnoticed by Cheerilee and Mario.

"Um, aren't you all missing somepony?" Cheerilee asked as Mario gave them a suspicious look.

"They'll be along," said Applejack quickly as she, Rarity, and Rainbow avoiding any eye contact with Mario at all costs.

"I'm surprised they let you get their carts to the starting line without them," said Mario skeptically.

"And uh," said Cheerilee in a hushed tone, "usually the young ponies drive the carts."

"Darling, do these look like usual carts to you?" Rarity replied. Cheerilee simply rolled her eyes as Mario kept glaring at them.

"It's not against the rules per say for the adults to drive the carts," said Mario, "but...usually it's at the requests of young ponies. Did they ask you to drive for them?" Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow began to sweat and said nothing. Mario deepened his glare, ready to demand what was going on when...

"Mario!" Twilight appeared hovering behind him, "The dash panels for the second ramp are going out again!"

"Oh for pony's sake," Mario grumbled, "if both ramps aren't working properly, there goes the second race!"

"You go fix the problem," said Cheerilee, "I'll get the first race going."

"And what about..." Mario asked.

"I'll get to the bottom of it once the race is over," said Cheerilee firmly, "You go on. We've got a schedule to keep!" Mario then gave the three mares, who were still trying to smile innocently, a death glare before he flew off with his wife to fix that speed panel problem. Cheerilee then headed over to the other side of the starting line. It was then the Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived, wearing their helmets, as they rushed up and saw Mario take off.

"Oh no!" said Apple Bloom, "We're too late!"

"Where's Mario going?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Nothing of your concern, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity indignantly, "Not get on!"

"That goes double for you, little sister," said Applejack sternly.

"Just our luck," Scootaloo muttered bitterly as the three fillies headed over to their older sisters. Scootaloo climbed into the racing cart, giving Rainbow an ignored glare. Sweetie Belle just pouted as Rarity used her magic to put Sweetie Belle in a passenger seat that was a few feet above the older pony. Apple Bloom just climbed into Applejack's cart, buckled her seatbelt, and rolled her eyes at Applejack, who like the other older sisters, didn't notice. Cheerilee then blew a trumpet and then pushed a button on a nearby stereo as some music played from some speakers nearby.

(cue favorite Mario Kart "course intro" music)

"Now that's how you get racers pumped!" said Rainbow excitedly.

"If you say so," said Scootaloo, feeling too upset to enjoy the music.

(cue favorite "start your engines" fanfare)

"Racers!" Cheerilee announced as the screen split in three ways to show Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack with determined smiles on their faces,

"On your marks..."

"...get set..."

"...GO!"

A checkered flag flashed across the screen as the racers took off down a hill.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" Sweetie Belle screamed since the high momentum and being so high above the ground scared her.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" Scootaloo screamed since the speed was a little too fast for her comfort zone.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" Apple Bloom screamed...at the fact the cart was way too slow! So slow that even Cheerilee was glaring at the cart from the background.

"Can't we go any faster?!" Apple Bloom complained.

"Faster?" Applejack exclaimed, "Don't be silly. This is perfect!" Apple Bloom just groaned as she leaned over the front edge of the cart. The other races were making their way down the hill, leaving the Apple siblings far behind. Rainbow Dash's cart then started to surge ahead.

[Ponies - they cheered as the racers drove by and one racer then ran through some mud and splashed it into the foreground. Then a profile view was shown of seven racers. Rainbow and Scootaloo were in pole position. Diamond Tiara and Randolph were in second. Rarity was in fourth. And Applejack and Apple Bloom were far behind and in last place.]

Go, go, go!

[Applejack]

Check me out, racin' the Derby
Check out my old-fashioned cart

[Rarity - she zoomed in front of Applejack and Apple Bloom.]

Check me out, racing the Derby
In my original work of art

[Rainbow Dash - she and Scootaloo launched into the air and took a few sharp turns at high speed past a few more spectators.]

Check me out, faster than ever
There's nopony can catch me now

[Cutie Mark Crusaders - the three fillies looked mildly cart-sick as they sang. Neither of them noticed that Mario had already returned and was hearing them sing with a stern look on his face.]

Let me out, I'd do it over
If I only knew how!

[Ponies - They cheered as the racers turned a corner, then as they past another house, then a third time as the racers crossed a bridge, then a filly cheerleader appeared, along with a colt cheerleader, and finally Cheerilee herself in the middle of them. Then four karts raced from left to right and the other four racers drove from top to bottom. They had created a checkered flag.]

Giddyup, derby racers
Giddyup, derby racers
Giddyup, derby racers
Go, go, go!

[Rarity]

My cart's the most original
Designed with imagination

[Applejack]

My cart's the most traditional
Just plain, no complications

[Rainbow Dash - she slammed two race carts away from her.]

Look at me, I am the ace
Might as well give up the chase

[Cutie Mark Crusaders - the three fillies looked miserable. Mario, who was now using a cloud to watch the action, blinked in surprise and then gritted his teeth.]

Wish we could stop this race
Start again and do it our way

"Having any fun yet?" Scootaloo asked as Rainbow zoomed away into the foreground and Applejack and Apple Bloom were left behind in the background.

"Nope!" said Apple Bloom, "Maybe if we could go a little faster!" Applejack just ignored him. Mario then hovered over to the driver's side.

"Did you three actually..."

POW!

Mario was cut off when Applejack use a fore-leg to slug Mario away so he was left dazed on top of a hay bale barrier.

"Applejack! Why'd you do that?!" Apple Bloom cried out.

"Cause nopony, not even Mario, is gonna stop me from driving my cart!" Applejack snapped.

"It's supposed to be our kart! Our kart!" Apple Bloom yelled but Applejack wasn't listening.

[Ponies -They cheered as the racers drove by, then again as four ponies did a wave, then again a third time as the racer drove past, and three ponies popped out from behind a hay bale, including Bulk Biceps wearing a soda hat. Then the racetrack itself was painted in a checkered flag pattern as three carts raced across it.]

Giddyup, derby racers
Giddyup, derby racers
Giddyup, derby racers
Go, go, go!

[Rarity - She then used her controls to open the wings of her swan cart, which prevented two racers on both side of her cart to pass.]

Gotta get some attention
If I want that ribbon

[Rainbow Dash - She pushed down on her steering wheel to make the cart go even fasters, which made Scootaloo lips flap about.]

Gotta push the limit further
Blow away the competition

[Applejack - As she sang, Apple Bloom was glaring at her and then noticed that a pony walking past the cart was faster than them.]

Gotta coast on through
Just relax, we're gonna cruise it

[Apple Bloom]

Guess I don't really care
Since we're clearly gonna lose it

[Rarity - she continuously opened the side wings of her cart as the expense and annoyance of the racers beside her. Even Sweetie Belle winced at the glares Rarity was getting, but Rarity was too busy showing off to notice.]

See, everypony's watching
Presentation is a glory

[Rainbow Dash - Her cart then passed two racers and Scootaloo noticed that they were going to fast that one of the back wheels was wobbling, which was a sign that it couldn't handle their current intensity.]

Just passed you, even faster
Speed is king, end of story

[Rarity - drove down the racetrack.]

Bigger, bolder down the track

[Applejack - the continued moving very slowly and Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.]

Love the view from the back of the pack

[Rainbow Dash - She eyeballed the finish line in the distance.]

Won't stop, we're on the attack

[Cutie Mark Crusaders - The screen spilt horizontally in three strips to show all three fillies together. A top overview of the track showed that starting from the top of a hill, the racer zoomed through three wide loops in town. All three loops intersected in the middle. Apple Bloom and Applejack entered the intersection from the right as Rainbow and Scootaloo zoomed past them along with the other racers.]

Too late to take it all back!

[Ponies - The ponies cheered as Rarity opened the wings of her cart again, the second time, Applejack and Apple Bloom entered the intersection as Rainbow and Scootaloo and the other racers past perpendicular to them. The third time, the back wheel of Rainbow's cart broke off as she fought for control. As the audience and the cheerleaders shouted and Mario recovered from being knocked out and sat up. The three adult racers all approached the intersection at the same time. With all the other races behind Rarity!]

Giddyup, derby racers
Giddyup, derby racers
Giddyup, derby racers
Go, go-

"LOOK OUT!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders shouted at once. Mario gasped in horror. But it was too late...

CRASH!

Everypony has crashed into each other in a large heap of ponies and broken up carts in the middle of the intersection. Everypony groaned, but fortunately, aside from a few scratches and bruises, nopony was seriously hurt. Mario hovered over the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who weren't in the large pile of ponies or broken carts. They had all jumped clear, but still had gotten slightly battered and scratched up from the landing.

"Are you girls alright?" he asked worriedly.

"No! We're not alright!" Apple Bloom cried out angrily.

"And it's all their fault!" Sweetie Belle added in the same tone.

"Not like they care!" Scootaloo added, "Just look!" Mario did look and found that the three older sisters were too busy checking their broken carts and hadn't even bothered checking on the three fillies at all.

"Oh! My beautiful swan cart is an ugly duckling!" Rarity complained dramatically.

"And my old-time cart is a rootin' tootin' wreck!" Applejack said in a sad tone. Rainbow Dash then passed the two of them pushing the remains of her cart.

"It still counts as a win if I push my cart across right?" Rainbow asked as one of the wheels bounced forward after it broke off completely. Mario was furious. The Cutie Mark Crusaders just looked at each other. They were furious as well. Before Mario could say anything...

"THEY'RE NOT YOUR CARTS!" The three fillies screamed loudly and angrily. Everypony else, including their older sisters looked at them.

"Huh?" Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity asked cluelessly.

"We were supposed to design them!" Apple Bloom snapped.

"And we were supposed to drive them!" Scootaloo added.

"The Derby was supposed to be for us, not the three of you!" said Sweetie Belle sternly, "Now you've ruined it for everypony!" The three older sisters shared sad looks with each other. Then they looked back and saw that everypony else was giving them glares or upset looks.

"Uh-oh..." Diamond Tiara said nervously as she looked at Mario. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow looked and winced. The sound of a kettle whistling could be heard as Mario gritted his teeth. He was red in the face and seething with fury. The three older mare nervously braced themselves for a major scolding, but to their shock, Mario just panted heavily a few times, took a long and loud breath and glared at them. His message to the three mares was brief and very, very blunt.

"I'll shall talk to you three later!" Mario told them sternly before turning around to walk away without another word.

"Mmmh..." Rarity whimpered as one of the wings to her cart came off completely, "Yes, well, I suppose we might have gotten a teensy bit carried away..." The three fillies glared.

"We're telling Mario everything," Apple Bloom whispered to the two fillies, who sternly nodded in agreement.

"But I thought you all wanted our help," said Applejack.

"We did!" Apple Bloom replied, "We wanted you to help build our carts. But we all ended up with carts that are what each of you wanted!"

"Mm-hmm!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hummed in agreement.

"But why didn't you say anything?" Rainbow asked.

"You've all done the race before," said Scootaloo in her defense, "I just figured you knew best."

"Plus it's hard to speak up to older ponies who aren't Mario," said Sweetie Belle, "especially when they make you feel like your own ideas would disgrace the family...or their business!" Applejack and Rarity winced. They thought of begging the three fillies not to bring that up, but they knew either Mario already knew or he knew now. He was only a few yards away with Cheerilee trying to calm down from his rage.

"Oh, I certainly understand that," said Rarity, "But you mustn't think older ponies automatically know best."

"And we probably could have done a better job of listening to you," said Rainbow, "EEK!" Rainbow then dodged as an ultra hammer just missed clocking her on the head.

"Okay, a lot better job of listening to you," Rainbow remarked as she corrected herself, "I bet we're gonna get it from Mario for this!"

"Oof. I guess we owe all three of you an apology," said Applejack.

"Maybe not just us," said Apple Bloom. The three mares turned to see that the other racers were still glaring at them. Cheerilee then stomped up as well, looking just as angry and upset.

"Mario is so furious that he's considering canceling the Derby altogether," said Cheerilee sternly, "And that would be a real shame considering how much work he put into that new racetrack he and Twilight built together." Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow felt ashamed.

"Um, how do you feel about a do-over?" Rainbow suggested with a nervous chuckle.

"I think that's a wonderful idea," said Cheerilee, "It would certainly lift Mario's spirits and I would really like to see what he's got planned for that second track." She then smirked, "But maybe the older ponies should sit this one out. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow just smiled sheepishly.

Later, Rainbow was wearing a red cap and purple pit crew outfit as she finished painting Scootaloo's cart. Scootaloo now had her very own cart designed to look like a fire phoenix.

"Thanks for helping us fix up our carts," said Scootaloo to Rainbow, "Pretty creative, right?" Rainbow smiled in reply.

At Apple Bloom and Applejack's garage, Applejack, now wearing a green cap with a blue pit crew outfit, was testing out the spoiler on Apple Bloom's kart. The yellow filly now had her own honest-to-goodness race cart.

"I know it's not traditional," said Apple Bloom, "But it sure looks fast, don't it?" Applejack just smiled in agreement.

At Rarity and Sweetie Belle's garage, Rarity, wearing a light blue cap and cerulean blue pit crew outfit, was adding the yellow garland to Sweetie Belle's green traditional cart.

"You know, darling," said Rarity, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but that yellow fringe is bold after all. And it's a nice dedication to Mario too." Sweetie Belle giggled happily. It wasn't long before the three fillies were heading toward the starting line with their new carts.

"Thanks, everypony," said Sweetie Belle, "We couldn't have done it without you." Rainbow and Scootaloo shared a high-five before the three fillies drove away.

"Yup, I sure am glad Miss Cheerilee agreed to run the race over again," said Applejack.

"Well, it isn't every year I get to say this twice, but..." said Cheerilee, "Derby racers to the starting line! Derby racers to the starting line!" As the racers, not single seats instead of two, lined up. It was then the fanfare music began to play once again.

(Cue favorite "course intro" music)

(Cue favorite "race intro fanfare" music)

"Racers!" Cheerilee announced, "On your marks..."

"...get set..."

"...GO!"

The racers then took off down the ramp for the second time. Apple Bloom to an early lead with her speedy apple race cart. Mario had also installed some crossing fences at the main intersection so their wouldn't be any more risks when carts entered the main intersection. Lyra and Bon Bon had willingly volunteered to be crossing guards.

"And it's probably best keeping all the grown-ups on the sidelines," Rainbow added, "But what are we supposed to do now? I'd rather not just stand her waiting for Mario to come and talk to us." All three ponies shuttered fearfully.

"Well, rather than just standing here waiting for the inevitable," said Rarity, "I think I have an idea."

It wasn't long before the three ponies were sitting in wooden lounge chairs and each of them were wearing sun shades.

"Ahhh!" Rarity sighed as she sipped some juice through a straw, "Much better! Honestly, I'm not sure why we wanted to race those carts in the first place."

"Seriously!" Rainbow sighed in agreement, "This is the most relaxed I've been all day." It was then some spectators cheered as the carts zoomed down the track. Of course, Sweetie Belle was far behind, but she was enjoying her low top speed traditional race cart and waved hello to the spectators. Apple Bloom was in the lead with Scootaloo not too far behind.

"Go, Scootaloo, go!" Rainbow cheered excitedly, "Woo-woo-woo-woo!" She then looked to see Applejack was glaring at her while Rarity had a huge smirk on her face.

"Uhh, I mean...," Rainbow stuttered and laughed nervously as she went back to reclining on her lounge chair, "This is the life, right ponies?" Rainbow just sighed contently but still lifted her shades and smiled as she watched the race. While Scootaloo wasn't going for the fastest cart, she still placed in third and Apple Bloom successfully took first place. Sweetie Belle scored the most traditional prize and Scootaloo had managed to get the most creative for her phoenix cart. The ponies surrounding the three fillies cheered. Everypony had enjoyed the first race as Mario walked up to them.

"Well done, everypony," said Mario, "let's give a heart round to all our participants today." Everypony cheered, including Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity, but Mario ignored them for the time being.

"Now it's time for the second race," said Mario, "And to keep things as fair as possible, I'll be providing the race carts. But I've given them a paint job so each of you can figure out which cart is yours. You can go check them out whenever you're ready. The next race starts in an hour. See you all soon!" Mario then handed them some hoof-made brochures that showed the course map as well as a crash course about a gimmick Mario had added which allowed racers to toss items at each other or use them on themselves. Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity shared looks with each other.

"Think we should check it out?" said Rarity to the others.

"Why not?!" Applejack replied, "I've been curious about this special second race Mario's been talking about. Might as well see what the fuss is all about."

"Totally!" said Rainbow excitedly. It didn't take long before they reached one of multi-colored block boundaries. Since they had arrived early, they had set up their chairs near a triangluar shaped section where the racers landed from the first jump ramp and headed toward a second ramp. Plus it was in the middle of the track for the best view of the race. Not too many other ponies had tried watching the race there so the three older sisters didn't have to worry about it being crowded. The outside walls however, were packed with spectators. At the starting line, the eight young ponies were admiring the carts Mario had built for them. While they were standard pipe-frame race carts, the pipe part was painted the same color as the racer's fur with a large decal on the front of the steering wheel had their cutie mark on it. Some magic sparkles coming out of the engine at the back of the cart emphasized that they were all magically powered and eco-friendly.

"This is gonna be so cool," said Diamond Tiara excitedly, "Master has been hard at work on these carts for weeks now and I'm so glad we'll actually get to drive them."

"Me too," said Scootaloo, "Plus with everything fair, that means anypony has a chance of winning the race."

"True," said Sweetie Belle, "Plus nopony has been able to practice the course either so nopony had an advantage racing on it."

"Well, I wasn't going to have you guys race the track blind," said Mario as he and Twilight appeared wearing racer tees and matching caps.

"I'm gonna let you little ponies take a couple of practice laps around the track now," said Twilight, "That way you'll have some course experience."

"Since the carts are all the same, Twilight," said Apple Bloom, "does this mean it's all about how well you drive?"

"That is correct," said Twilight, "The race will be five laps around this special track. The top three finishers will get a trophy, but first place gets a very special prize. Right, honey?"

"That is true," said Mario as he held a gold trophy that was shaped like a golden apple, "The winner of this second race not only gets this gold trophy, but...gets to keep their Mario-made race cart." The young ponies gasped and cheered excitedly. Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack, who had been listening, were surprised.

"Now that would've been a nice prize when we were racing the Derby as fillies," said Rainbow, "Those carts look so awesome!"

"Indeed," said Rarity as she looked at Sweetie Belle's cart with some fancy binoculars, "While the pipe-frame design is a bit rustic, I love the personal touch of painting it Sweetie Belle's complexion, which is also mine as well." It was then Twilight guided the eight racers around the track for the first lap and explained about the large jump ramps and some rather slippery red and yellow stripped panels that gave you a quick speed boost. She also explained further about the floating boxes placed about the track and that your position affected what item you could get. Then the purple alicorn let the racers drive the rest of the first lap and second one alone. It was exactly ten minutes later when Cheerilee and Mario arrived. It was time for the second race.

(cue favorite Mario Kart "course intro" music)

(cue favorite Mario Kart "race start" fanfare)

The spectators cheered as the Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow all cheered for their siblings. Mario then used a small cloud to hover before the racers as he used a fishing pole to hold up a traffic signal.

"Okay, everypony," said Mario as Cheerilee stood on the sidelines with the staring flag, "Since Cheerilee got to do the countdown last time...twice...I get to do it for the second race. Good luck out there!" As Mario counted down, a yellow light appeared until he shouted the starting phrase and then the yellow lights all turned green and Cheerilee waved her flag.

"...3..."

"...2..."

"...1..."

"...GO!"

(Cue "SNES Mario Circuit" music)

The eight racers took off at high speed down the straight away and everypony cheered. As the racers neared the first turn, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara started fighting for pole position as Sweetie Belle stayed toward the back of the pack. Those at the front were able to drive through the first set of floating boxes. Since Apple Bloom was in the lead, all she got was a single banana peel. But the yellow filly wasn't too worried.

"I know just what to do with this," said Apple Bloom as they raced through the first hairpin turn and headed toward the first speed ramp. But as Apple Bloom dropped her banana peel onto the track. Sugar Stix then tossed a green turtle shell at her and it hit the banana instead, making both items poof away.

"Dog-gone it!" said Apple Bloom as she sped up the ramp into the air and landed the other side to continue racing. The rest of the racers did the same. Sweetie Belle took advantage of the extra speed panel before the jump ramp, which sent her higher and farther into the air so she was right behind Apple Bloom. But then Crackle Pop tossed a red turtle shell at the marshmallow filly and it homed in on her for a direct hit. Sweetie Belle spun around twice and came to a stop. She felt a bit dizzy but recovered and continued racing.

"All of today's sponsored racing was done with the young ponies safety in mind," said Twilight, using an amplification spell to project her voice, "All racers are wearing helmets and are using safety belts for their own...uhh...safety."

"Plus all the red and green shells used in today's race are made out of cardboard and paper mache," said Mario, using an amplification spell as well, "No turtles were harmed or deprived of their shells for this race. Fluttershy would have our necks otherwise."

"No, dear," said Twilight, "Fluttershy would only hurt you." Mario rolled his eyes.

"Please do not try this at home," Mario finished rather annoyingly as Twilight giggled to herself. It was then most of the racers were now driving off the second jump ramp. The landing was a bit uneven, which made some carts bounce about. The racers fought for control since there was a hard right turn just after the bumpy strip of racetrack. Some racers managed to stay on the track while a few, like Apple Bloom and Sugar Stix, were off road as they tried to take the turn too late and got stuck in the grass.

"Gotta get back on the track!" said Apple Bloom as her cart slowly got back into the dirt road. Meanwhile, Snips had just picked up a green shell. He smirked evilly as he tossed it right at Scootaloo. Scootaloo winced and then used her item, which was a bird feather. The feather made her cart jump over the green shell as it passed underneath her.

"Awesome!" said Scootaloo excitedly, but then saw the green shell hit the rainbow colored blocks and headed right back at her.

"Yikes!" said Scootaloo as she swerved to avoid being hit. Snips had been right behind her when the green shell hit him head on and made him spin out.

"Whoa...I hit myself," said Snips dizzily, then Sweetie Belle threw a red shell as she drove by, which targeted the unicorn colt and sent him spinout again.

"Oh cut it out!" said Snips in annoyance. Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes and got another lucky chance for an item. She then found that she had gotten a red and white mushroom.

"Ooh! A speed boost!" said Sweetie Belle as she noticed that there was a quick S curve that lead to the finish line. But Train Tracks and Crackle Pop were jostling for position in front of her.

"Gotta time it just right!" Sweetie Belle told herself as she lined up her kart to drive straight through the S curve and rocketed ahead for a couple of seconds and right between the two racers and found herself in third as she finished her first lap.

"You can do it, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity shouted.

"Go Scootaloo!" Rainbow shouted.

"Give it all you've got littl' Sis!" Applejack called out. The other spectators cheered as well. The three fillies smirked as they continued to fight for first place. But they also had the over five foals to deal with as well. The most aggressive were Snips, Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. Crackle Pop, Train Tracks, Sugar Stix and Sweetie Belle were less aggressive, but they were being more strategic with their driving, but tended to stay behind the more aggressive racers. In general, Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara, and Scootaloo were mostly in the top three spots for most of the race. Crackle Pop, Train Tracks, and Snips, were in the middle and sometimes one of them would get into the top three using a red shell or star, but were soon knocked back with a banana or green shell or they didn't take a turn properly and ended up off road. Sugar Stix and Sweetie Belle tended to stay toward the back of the pack, which allowed them to take advantage of getting better items like mushrooms, invincibility stars, and even...

KA-BOOM!

During the fourth lap, Sugar Stix managed to get an ultra rare lightning bolt. She used it immediately, causing everypony except herself to shrink half their size, which also made their carts slower as well.

"Hey! What happened to us?" Scootaloo asked in a squeaky voice.

"What happened to my voice?" Diamond Tiara asked in her squeaky voice.

"I think we got shrunk!" Apple Bloom replied in her own squeaky voice.

"I sound like a girl!" Snip cried out, getting glares from all the fillies nearby, and a green shell from Apple Bloom who tossed it backwards so the colt ran into it. Before Sugar Stix could reach third place, the other racers returned to normal size and continued racing, which eventually made Sugar Stix lose her lead since she didn't like jostling other carts to keep her position. Sweetie Belle had just sent another red shell at Crackle Pop and managed to get into fifth place as Scootaloo and Apple Bloom crossed the finish line.

(Cue "Final Lap" fanfare)

"THE FINAL LAP!" Mario and Cheerilee announced and made the ponies cheered.

"Go! Go! Derby Racers!" Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack cheered.

(Cue "Final Lap version of SNES Mario Circuit" music)

The eight racers were now all looking very determined as they started fighting harder than ever to take the lead. Even the more conservative racer found their inner confidence and managed to create a fight so positions were changing to much that nopony could keep track of who was in the lead. But that changed as the racers entered the first S bend. Poor Snips got forced into the back of the pack since every time he tried to take the lead, he kept getting pelted with items. Diamond Tiara also was getting overwhelmed with items as well and soon couldn't stay in contention for the lead. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were the only ponies fighting for first place since they had been smart enough to use their items to keep everypony else away.

"I'm gonna win!" Apple Bloom shouted as they exited the final turn toward the second S bend and the finish line.

"No, I'm gonna win!" Scootaloo taunted back as they raced side by side. Suddenly...

BASH!

(Cue favorite "Incivility" theme)

Sweetie Belle suddenly bashed right between the two fillies, making them spin out and then zoomed across the finish line as she and her cart sparkled in rainbow colors.

(Cue "1st place" fanfare)

"Sweetie Belle takes first place!" Mario announced from above, "Followed by Crackle Pop in second, Train Tracks in third, and Apple Bloom in fourth!" The spectators cheered excitedly.

(Cue favorite "results" music)

Sweetie Belle couldn't help but giggle as she waved to the other ponies and took a victory lap. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were in shock after the victory lap was complete and everypony climbed out of their carts. Rarity was the first to reach her little sister as she used her magic to put the filly on her shoulder so they could cheer together. The other ponies gathered around to celebrate Sweetie Belle's victory. But plenty of ponies gave Crackle Pop and Train Tracks congratulations too. Applejack and Rainbow both gave their respective sisters a hug as well.

"Y'all did great out there, Apple Bloom!" said Applejack.

"I'm sure if Sweetie Belle hadn't gotten that star, you totally would have won, Scoot," said Rainbow. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were still recovering from their shock to reply.

"I didn't know invincibility stars could make you go that fast!" said Scootaloo.

"Remember our physics lesson about wind resistance?" Cheerilee asked. Apple Bloom blinked as Scootaloo gasped silently.

"I remember!" said Scootaloo, "That happens during flying as well. When Pegasi fly behind each other. The ponies in the back have to reduce their speed because they don't have to deal with wind resistance. Same happens with carts as well if you get directly behind them!"

"Exactly Scootaloo," said Cheerilee, "Since everypony was racing so close together, Sweetie Belle used the speed boosting star and drafted behind multiple racers to increase her speed even more, giving her the momentum to pass everypony and win the race!"

"This physics stuff is really cool!" said Apple Bloom, "Any more physics we can learn in class, Miss Cheerilee?" Cheerilee chuckled.

"I'll see what I can do," said Cheerilee, but deep down, it made her very happy seeing her students so eager to learn.

(cue favorite "award ceremony" music)

It wasn't long before Sweetie Belle, Crackle Pop, and Train Tracks were each given their trophies. Sweetie Belle then got her picture taken beside Mario in what was now her "Mario" cart. Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack applauded for Sweetie Belle as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo cheered for their best friend. The three older sisters also took notice that Mario looked much more cheerful as he and Sweetie Belle shared a hug and the little filly kissed his cheek to say thank you for the new cart.

"Well, Mario is certainly looking much more cheerful," said Applejack.

"You think he'll forget about speaking to us?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh Rainbow Dash," said Rarity, "This is Mario we're talking about. But maybe he'll go easier on us since the Applewood Derby still finished with success."

"Plus we did apologize to everypony," said Applejack, "I'm sure he'll just give us a simple slap on the hoof."

Later that evening at the castle. Mario had the three ponies inside the library room.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THE THREE OF YOU!"

Mario wasted no time speaking severely to the three ponies. The three ponies cringed as Mario paced back and forth before them.

"Your little sisters have told me everything!" Mario continued angrily, " It's bad enough that you three, once again, have disregard your little sister's ideas and opinions. Not only did you take over their carts and make them your own, but you were so focused on yourselves that you didn't even bother to check and make sure that you're little sisters were okay after you all made everypony crash. Cart accidents are nothing to laugh at and the fact one of the foals could've been seriously hurt and you only cared about your stupid carts really, really angers me! That's just selfishness on a whole another level!" The three ponies just looked ashamed.

"Tuning out your sisters and taking over their carts is one thing," said Mario, "But that's not the only issue I'm having about all of this!" He then glared at Applejack.

"Applejack! I do understand the importance of honoring traditions and you have no business telling Apple Bloom or any other ponies otherwise," Mario snapped, "the fact you made Apple Bloom feel like she would be the family disgrace if she didn't do things your way is unacceptable! If you think being stubborn is going to continue family traditions, you're gonna find out the hard way all those traditions are gonna be ruined because you tried forcing them on Apple Bloom and other ponies. And if you don't want me or Apple Bloom in the family, let's seal the deal: We like strawberries more than apples!" Applejack let out a strained whinny as her jaw hit the floor and her left eye twitched uncontrollably. He then turned to Rainbow.

"Dashie, I don't know what it's going to take for you to realize that there are more important things than speed," said Mario, "It's nearly gotten you thrown out of the Wonderbolts and yet here you are so focused on speed that you could've landed Scootaloo in the hospital! I saw your kart falling apart just before the crash. The fact you didn't consider Scootaloo's safety when you built your kart really gives me the impression that you love your need for speed far more than that little filly!"

"That's not true!" Rainbow said in a broken tone, fighting back tears, but Mario didn't listen as he went to speak to Rarity.

"Rarity, you're the last pony I'd suspect to tune Sweetie Belle out," said Mario, "But then again, I guess your resentment over Muffins must have really cloud your judgment!" Rarity said nothing as her eyes began to water.

"Did you ever ask why the judges picked Muffins' cart for most creative?" Mario asked. Rarity blinked as a hint that she didn't.

"You know that Muffins has an eye condition that affects her coordination," said Mario sternly, "That makes also being able to construct something very, very difficult. It also didn't help that nopony was willing to be her cart partner. She was forced to build that cart alone and she spent all night making it too."

"But it looked so shabby!" Rarity protested, "How could a bunch of slapped pieces of wood be considered the most creative!?" Mario darkened his glare at her, making the marshmallow mare gulp nervously.

"Rarity, what goes into a creating the best creative projects?" Mario asked bluntly.

"Well...heart and soul of course...and a good idea," Rarity replied.

"Exactly," said Mario, "That cart might not have been the prettiest cart on the racetrack. But Muffins spend all night pouring her heart and soul into it and she did it alone! She even told me that it fell apart seven times during her test runs. Yet the fact that her cart managed to get from start to finish in one piece was a huge accomplishment for her! And the judges took notice of that. Muffins gave it her all despite, in your words, a lackluster result. That's why she won first place for most creative." Mario then pulled out a blue ribbon from his mane. Rarity saw how faded it looked and gasped silently.

"This is the ribbon Muffin's won," said Mario sternly and then threw it on the floor before Rarity, "She said you can have it. You obviously need it more than she does!" Mario then stomped away and stood before the front door.

"You're little sisters may have accepted your apology," said Mario sternly with his back against them, "but I hope you figure out a way to make sure that this doesn't happen again. Because you nearly caught several other pones, innocent bystanders in this circumstance, in the crossfire and you could've hurt them severely." Mario slammed the door to the room and left. Rarity then picked up the faded blue ribbon and started to cry before letting the ribbon fall out of her magic grip.

"Oh, Rares, I know you feel bad but...there's...no...reason..." Applejack soon found she couldn't hold back her tears either.

"Who are we kidding!" Applejack sobbed, "We're awful sisters and that's all there is too it..." Applejack couldn't say more. All she and Rarity could do was hold each other and cry. They suddenly stopped when they saw that Rainbow was also crying as well. Rainbow looked at them with eyes full of tears.

"What?" said Rainbow, "Just got something in my...I mean..." Rainbow then gave up trying to cover up her tears since they had increased as she tried to talk, "Somepony hold me because I feel so horrible...I could've hurt Scootaloo and I promised...to keep her safe...and I...I failed!" Rainbow wailed as Applejack and Rarity pulled her in for a hug and the three ponies held each other and just let themselves cry. Even when they ran out of tears, they continued to hold each other close for what felt like hours before they heard the door open again. This made them pull away when they saw Mario had returned. He was holding a tray with some glasses of water. Each pony didn't waste any time grabbing their own glass and taking some slow sips and then they looked at him with red eyes and checks sticky from un-wiped tears.

"We know we failed alot of ponies today," said Rainbow sadly.

"And we know saying sorry isn't enough," said Rarity in broken tone, "but we are truly are."

"And I didn't mean to make you or Apple Bloom feel like you're not part of the family," sobbed Applejack, "I...I can accept if you two like...strawberries...more than apples." Applejack's left eye twitched saying that. Mario just sighed slowly.

"In all honesty," said Mario, "That only applies to me because I grew up on strawberries since Mom loved them. But I did fall in love with apples the first time I ate my first slice of Sweet Apple Acre pie. Apple Bloom does like strawberries, but I'm not sure if she prefers them over apples." Applejack sniffled.

"I can live with that," said Applejack with a few sniffles, "I love you."

"We all do," Rarity croaked. Mario then took a deep breath.

"Listen you three, I don't mean to be cruel," said Mario, "I just want you three to learn to listen to your little sisters. How can you expect them to come to you for help if they feel like you don't care about what they say? You've seen just how much damage being tuned out and ignored did to me. It's why I get so upset when stuff like this happens. I don't want any of those fillies to ever feel that low and helpless. Bottling up their anger to the point you end up getting the explosion over something minor."

"We understand Big Brother," said Applejack quietly, "I hope you know we never mean for this to happen."

"But you still tuned them out," said Mario, "I guess I wanna know why? I mean what went through your minds when you did that?"

"Well...I think we can all agree that we just have fond memories about the Derby," said Applejack but then looked sadly at Rarity, "Well, most of us did."

"I actually do have found memories about the Derby," said Rarity, "it was just getting second for most creative was the only damper, but...Mario did make a point. I never asked the judges why they gave Muffins first place. I just let myself feel bitter and jealous about it. Even blaming myself for not understanding my audience."

"I may have never been a racer like you Mario," said Rainbow, "but I just love the thrill of riding a race cart at high speed. And I like winning...a little too much for my own good. Heh...yeah...I guess..."

"I guess what we're trying to say is that it's a shame the Derby is only for young ponies," said Applejack, "Even thought we did step over our sisters to do it...We enjoyed being able to drive a race cart again."

"I would certainly agree with that," said Rarity, "Even a fashionista like me enjoys a good race from time to time, especially when you can design a cart that emphasizes yourself."

"Yeah," said Rainbow, "Flying races are fun in all, but nothing beats a cart race." Mario started and then he laughed.

"Is that what this was all about?" Mario chuckled, "You didn't have to step over your little sisters for that!" The three mares shared looks with each other.

"What do you mean?" Applejack asked curiously.

"Well, I did design this racetrack for the Derby," said Mario in an over the top casual tone, "and now that the Derby is over...there's nopony else going to be using it..." Mario gave them a smirk. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow stared and then huge smiles appeared on their faces.

The next day, Fluttershy, Shenran, Twilight, Pinkie, Starlight, Spike, Mario, Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack were all lined up at the starting line of Mario's racetrack. Each of them had created their own carts for the race.

"Using my new magic engines will allow Applejack to drive her traditional cart and keep pace with everypony else," Mario explained, "Each cart is designed to reflect their driver. And the race carts are fast enough to give you the thrill of a good, speedy drive. No prizes this time around. Just a good five lap race with all our friends." Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow smiled.

"It's everything we've ever wanted, darling," said Rarity, "Thank you for doing this, Mario!"

"Thanks Big Brother," said Applejack.

"Yeah, thanks Mario!" said Rainbow, "Now let's get this race started."

"Alright," said Mario as Scootaloo hovered down on her own little cloud. Apple Bloom was holding the starting flag. Sweetie Belle was wearing her own cheerleader's outfit with pom-poms on her fore-hooves.

"Pony cart racers, start your engines!" Sweetie Belle announced.

(Cue favorite "Race intro" fanfare)

Scootaloo just smiled as she held the traffic light. Apple Bloom then did the countdown.

"...3..."

"...2..."

"...1..."

"...GO!"

And the Mane eight were off, racing down the track as the Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered them on.

In the end, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow got their chance to enjoy the cart racing with their very own carts.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders got the carts they wanted, won the prizes they wanted to get, and got another apology and promise from their sisters that would do a better job listening to them. Plus Sweetie Belle got her own Mario-made race cart, but wasn't sure where she could drive it...for now at least.

But they all had learned one lesson together.

Derby Racing isn't about the carts, or the prizes, or even the thrill of the race.

It's all about having fun with your friends.

And that's why Mario loved cart racing so much.

And there you have it! A "Mario Kart" inspired chapter. I hope you enjoyed all the bonus content. There was a second race that is a near throwback to the original Super Mario Kart races. I always felt like Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity got away too easy after causing such a mess. But I hope I found a balance between Mario's being stern with them and that he's only stern because he loves them and wants them to take the CMC seriously. And we got an alternate ending that allowed the three older sisters to do what they had wanted with the rest of the Mane Eight. Race with their own hoof-made carts. Plus I'm still hoping to see the Mane Six as DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe...but it's a long shot...

I wonder if I surprised anypony with having Sweetie Belle win first place, especially since she was mostly in 7th and 8th place for most of the race. Either way, it's a nice throwback to all Mario Kart racers who have actually managed to pull off that comeback victory on the last lap!

Next time; Get ready to experience the first and only appearance of Zombie Mario! You might want to hide your...cookies...

Peace Pony Fans!