Chapter 64: Fall Weather Friends
It was almost a week, about five days to be precise, since Spyro went out and got what he needed from the Armorer, which was instructions and detail on how to use the forge and how to craft his own armor and some blank molds for which he could use to make the armor and some molds which had signets on them so that he can pour some Beskar into the molds and create his own if he wished. He was working in the garage, setting up the molds to make the pieces of armor he needed for himself and his herd, but getting the exact measurements for how to make the armor was going to be difficult, but thankfully Rarity was with them on that mission and asked her if she had those measurements, wanting to make make sure the armor was made correctly and without any kind of complication of incorrect measurement. While he was busy taking care of the molds, he heard what sounded like horse shoes hitting a metal spike and spinning around them, looking out the garage door to see what was going on when he saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash were playing a game of horse shoes and by the look of it, Applejack had won the game with a ringer, celebrating her victory.
"YEEHAW!" She exclaimed. "It's a ringer! That's how we do it down here at the farm."
"I... lost." Rainbow Dash said, her eyes wide in surprise.
"Aw, don't ya'll feel bad Rainbow." Applejack said. "It's all in good fun. Besides, it's not like those training sessions Spyro is having us do."
"Well you girls need to work a bit on your stamina." Spyro said, walking out towards them. "I noticed that some of you girls get exhausted when int he middle of a fight, so I figured that a bit of exercising and a few rounds of sparring will help you girls get used to fighting large crowds of enemies."
"Whatever you say chief." Rainbow Dash said. "Besides, it's a silly game anyway. Everypony knows I'm the best athlete."
"Oh no ya ain't." Applejack said, smiling to herself. "Ya may be a mighty fine athlete, but I'm better."
"Now hold on there Apple smack." Rainbow Dash said. "You think you're the best athlete in all of Ponyville, then how about we have an Iron Pony Competition."
"An Iron what now?" Spyro asked.
"A series of athletic contests to see who is the best athlete!" Rainbow Dash answered. "Unless Applejack is too scared to do it."
"Ya know what Rainbow, yer on!" Applejack replied. "Ah'll prove to ya and everypony else that Ah'm the best athlete in all of Ponyville."
The two mares spat in their hooves and shook, agreeing to the competition to see who the better athlete was. Right as they shook hooves, Twilight walked up to them, seeing the two mares shaking hooves and walked up to Spyro.
"What's going on here?" Twilight asked.
"Applejack and Rainbow Dash are going to have an Iron Pony competition." Spyro replied. "They're going to see who the better athlete is by competing in different competitions to test strength, agility, speed, and whatever else they have in store."
"You think it's a good idea to let them do that?" Twilight asked. "They're both pretty competitive."
"Not entirely." Spyro said, looking back at the two mares. "But they're both very stubborn, so trying to talk them out of it might not work. Best thing to do is let it take its course and let it unfold."
"Oh, hey Twilight." Rainbow Dash said, doing some stretches. "Glad you're here. We need your help."
"What do you need my help with?" Twilight asked.
"We need somepony to help judge the event and to keep score of who wins which competition." Applejack replied.
"Yeah, somepony needs to record my awesomeness for the history books." Rainbow Dash said, continuing her stretches.
The three ponies looked at each other, all rolling their eyes at the cyan Pegasus. After a little while, they finally managed to set up all the challenges and events they had in store, some of which were trusts of strength and others were tests of agility, which Twilight and Spyro both volunteered to be judges for the competition.
"Hello everypony!" Spike said. "And welcome to the first annual Iron Pony competition!"
"Um, who are you talking to?" Twilight asked.
"Um, uh, them!" Spike said, pointing to the dirt road.
Both Spyro and Twilight looked in the direction that the baby dragon was pointing in and saw the rest of their friends coming in their direction.
"Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, what are you doing here?" Spyro asked.
"We heard there was a competition going on, sop we came to watch." Rarity replied.
"Let the games begin!" Spike shouted.
The group, besides Spyro and Twilight, all cheered as the competition got started, starting off with running between barrels as quickly as possible. Starting it off was Applejack, who knelt down and rushed forward when Spike told her to go, zigging and zagging between the barrels as quickly as possible, but at one barrel, she ended up nicking it, which she wasn't happy about as she crossed the finish line.
"And that's time." Spyro said. "What's the time Spike?"
"Seventeen seconds." Spike replied.
"Yer kidding me." Applejack said, walking up. "Why, that breaks my record from last year's rodeo."
"BUT, you got a five second penalty for nudging the barrel." Spike added.
"Ugh, nuts and shoes!" Applejack exclaimed. "But, that does bring my time to Twenty-two seconds. Not too bad." She then looked over to Rainbow Dash, seeing she was a little nervous. "Hey, don't be nervous now. Remember, it's all in good fun."
Rainbow Dash gave a confident smile and went tot he starting line, running through the course as soon as Twilight shouted go, so the cyan Pegasus started to weave through the barrels and avoided hitting the one Applejack nudged, passing by it as she weaved through the rest without any issue at all, crossing the finish line.
"Woo, that was some fact hoof work there Rainbow." Applejack said.
"Thanks." Rainbow Dash replied, flying down to them. "But, I'm pretty sure my time wasn't as good as yours."
"We'll see about that." Spyro said. "Hey Spike, what's Rainbow Dash's time?"
"Eighteen seconds." Spike replied.
"Eighteen seconds?" Applejack asked, smiling at Rainbow Dash. "Dang Rainbow, ya sure yer not secretly a rodeo pony?"
"Who knows." Spyro answered. "But what I do know is that Rainbow Dash wins the Barrel Weave."
As soon as he said it, Fluttershy immediately took the scorecard off the board and replaced the zero with a one, but when she did replace it, the score card appeared to be in the shape of an apple, why he didn't try and find out and just went with it. The next event they went to was a carnival like game where you kicked the target to ring the bell. Rainbow Dash went first and she kicked the target hard enough to send it flying, ringing the bell on the first try and making everyone cheer.
"Not bad Rainbow, not bad." Applejack said, walking up to the event. "But, let me show you how it's really done." She then got into position and kicked the target, but not only did it hit the bell, but it broke the whole machine, sending the bell flying into the air, which left the cyan Pegasus completely stunned and speechless as she fell on her butt under an apple tree. "Years of apple bucking."
She then lightly kicked a tree and caused a few apples to hit the Pegasus in the head right as Fluttershy put up a point for Applejack. As they moved onto the next event, Spyro noticed that a crowd was forming, finding a few of the towns residents had come to watch as well. he didn't pay it much mind as they moved on to the Bucking Bronco, which Spike was the unlucky volunteer to try and hold onto Applejack as she tried to buck Spike off, successfully doing so in record time and sent the poor dragon into the air and into a hay bale, but Rainbow Dash was hiding in it, so when it was her turn, she just jumped up and down very fast, seemingly looking like she was vibrating before launching him into the scoreboard. Rainbow Dash won that one, but when it came time to catch the bull, Spike got picked again, wearing a helmet with horns on it and looked miserable while Rainbow Dash and Applejack did some tricks, but in the cyan Pegasus's case, she was fumbling around trying to do something, but ended up hog tying herself up in a tree while Applejack just effortlessly did her tricks and hog tied Spike.
"And Applejack takes the Bucking Bronco." Spyro said, Fluttershy putting up the number two for Applejack. "Hey Spike, you ok?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Spike said, struggling to get free. "But how do I get roped up into these things?"
Spyro just chuckled, helping to free the baby dragon from his bondage before helping Rainbow Dash. The events kept on going, moving to something involving keeping a ball in the air to hay bale tossing, kicking a ball and even hoof wrestling, which each winning their respectable events and tying the score at four for both competitors.
"Phillies and Gentlecolts" Spike said. "At the half way point, our competitors are tied at four and four!"
"Spike, who are you talking to?" Twilight asked.
"Them." Spike replied, pointing to a whole crowd of ponies who came to watch.
"Geez, the whole town is here." Spyro said, looking at eveyrone. "Guess this is going to be a bigger event than I originally thought."
After the break was over, they got back to the different events, and up next was push ups and the first to one hundred won, but as they were reaching he climax, Rainbow Dash used her wings to help her get the final push up, annoying the orange farm pony, but she just let it go. They then moved onto the next event, which was the long jump and when Applejack jumped forward and landed pretty far, but when Rainbow Dash jumped, she used her wings to get farther, annoying the farm pony even more as they kept on moving into more and more events, helping to move some chicks through a massive trail of mud, but the chicks on Applejacks back flew off, but Rainbow Dash used her wings to keep them clean, continuing to annoy the earth pony throughout the other events until they came to the final event, Tug-O-War. Both of the ponies were using their mouths to hold onto the rope, the farm pony glaring at the rainbow Pegasus as they were ready to go, which they started pulling when Twilight shouted for them to go, both ponies pulling with all their might to try and drag the other into a massive mud pit, but when it appeared Rainbow Dash might loose, she pulled a fast one and used her wings to fly above the mud pit, dangling Applejack above as she held onto the rope with her teeth, angry at her friend.
"HEY!" She shouted through her teeth. "That's not fair! You can't use your wings to help you win!"
"What was that?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"You're cheating!" Applejack replied.
"I can't understand you with that rope in your mouth Applejack." Rainbow Dash said.
"Ah said..." Applejack said, spitting the rope out, but realized her mistake. "Oh poodoo."
She then fell into the mud and got covered in it as she splashed down, the crowd cheering for the rainbow Pegasus while Applejack was fuming, looking over and glaring daggers at her as she put up her score, which was now fifteen to five, thanks to an event Applejack one involving rounding livestock. Spyro walked over to Applejack and helped her get out of the mud, shaking it off as she continued to glare at Rainbow Dash.
"Aw yeah, won this by a landslide slide!" Rainbow Dash shouted, flying into the air as a banner appeared behind her. "I am the Iron Pony!"
"That's because ya cheated!" Applejack shouted. "Ya used your wings for more than half of this events!"
"Sounds more like sour apples." Rainbow Dash replied. "I mean, there wasn't a rule that said I couldn't."
"Ah didn't think there was the need for one to play fair!" Applejack shouted.
"Well I would have won, even without my wings!" Rainbow Dash shouted back.
"Oh yeah, wanna prove it?" Applejack asked.
"Gladly." Rainbow Dash said. "How you wanna do it?"
"Tomorrow is the annual Running of the Leaves." Applejack answered. "We are going to run the race in it to see who the true iron Pony is."
"Easy schmeezy." Rainbow Dash replied, flying up.
"Hold on there!" Applejack exclaimed, pulling her to the ground and standing on her tail. "There is one condition, no wings allowed. This is all about running the race, so no flying allowed."
"No wings, no problem." Rainbow Dash replied, knocking Applejack off her tail. "I'll prove that I am THE Iron Pony."
The two mares then spat in their hooves again and shook, agreeing to the competition as they went their separate ways, leaving Spyro and Twilight alone as everyone else dispersed and went back to doing whatever they were doing.
"This is not going to end well, is it?" Twilight asked.
"You're learning to listen to your instincts, that's good." Spyro said. "And yes, this will not end well."
"Any chance to stop them?" Twilight asked.
"Afraid not." Spyro replied. "Those two are more stubborn than a mule." He then heard what sounded like a mule next to him and looked over, seeing the same mule he saw before. "Uh, no offense bud."
"None taken." The mule said, walking away.
"Where does he keep coming from?" Spyro asked. "Anyway, they're kinda at odds with one another, so I'll put training on hold for a couple of days."
"A couple of days, why?" Twilight asked.
"Because how they are right now, they'd probably kill one another during training." Spyro replied. "And because tomorrow is the fourth Thursday of the month."
"And what does that mean?" Twilight asked.
"Thanksgiving." Spyro replied, confusing her. "It's a holiday where I'm from. It's where family come together for a big feast and give thanks for all the blessings they have. And since this is the first Thanksgiving in Equestria, I'm inviting my herd to it and you can bring your own dishes so everyone can enjoy it."
"Huh, sounds interesting." Twilight said. "Any dish we want?"
"Any dish." Spyro replied. "Even the princesses will bring something."
"The royal princesses are coming too!?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Of course." Spyro replied. "Luna agreed to come after I asked her during Nightmare Night. She wanted to give it a try, so I need to get busy making some old family dishes."
He then walked back to the farm house, leaving a very surprised Twilight alone in the field while he went back to the farm house and got the list of things he needed for the banquet tomorrow, heading into town to collect the ingredients he needed when he ran into Zecora looking into some of the stores to see what was available. He snuck up behind the distracted Zebra and gave her a peck on the cheek, spooking her, but then she laughed as he wrapped a wing around her.
"Spyro my love, you gave me a fright from above." Zecora said. "Tell me, what brings you to town today, if you don't mind to say?"
"Oh, I'm just in town to pick up some ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow." Spyro replied.
"Thanksgiving? I never heard of such a thing." Zecora said. "What is this Thanksgiving you speak about? Is it something that when giving thanks you should shout?"
"No, it's a holiday from where I'm from." Spyro replied. "It's a day where you give thanks for the blessing you have and to enjoy a nice hot meal with your loved ones. I was going to invite you to attend it as you are apart of the herd."
"A HOLIDAY!?" Pinkie asked, smiling from ear to ear.
"Why am I not surprised you heard that and popped up?" Spyro asked. "Am I starting to get used to it?"
"Might be." Pinkie replied. "And don't worry, I heard everything. I'll get the invitations ready for the rest of the ponies in the herd."
"Thanks." Spyro replied. "Oh, and make sure you put down that everypony is allowed to bring a dish of their own. Something for everyone to enjoy."
"Okie dokie lokie." Pinkie replied, rushing off.
"Having a meal with friends is always good. I shall make sure to bring some of my lands tribal food." Zecora said.
"Alright." Spyro said. "The more food, the better. See you tomorrow night."
Spyro then left the zebra alone to continue shopping and looking for what she needed while Spyro went straight for the vendors and market area to pick up some potatoes, flour, and other ingredients for what he had planned for dinner tomorrow night, though he couldn't get a turkey or else he'd risk getting a kick in the no-no's by a certain yellow Pegasus. So he picked up some other main course items that he believed might work as a suitable replacement for the turkey, heading back to the farm house after picking up everything he needed, then he explained what he was planning to Granny Smith before setting everything out for tomorrow. The next day however was a little more active, Applejack was quickly doing her chores so she could go and race against Rainbow Dash while Spyro and Granny Smith were busy getting everything ready for dinner tonight out of storage so they can get started after lunch, but Spyro couldn't help but watch as Applejack seemed to be letting this race get to her chores done, making a few mistakes as she went.
"AJ is really letting this get to her." Spyro said.
"Eh, little Applejack has always had a competitive spirit." Granny Smith said. "And stubborn to boot."
"That's true, she is very stubborn." Spyro said. "Then again, that's one of the things I like about her." He then watched as she walked to the dirt road to head into town. "Looks like she's heading to the Running of the Leaves. Better go make sure she doesn't go doing something she'll regret later."
He then walked out of the farm house and flew towards town, following her to where the race was being held at when he noticed Twilight and Spike were heading in the same direction, so he glided down until he landed next to the two of them.
"Morning you two." Spyro said.
"Good morning Spyro." Twilight said. "Heading to watch the Running of the Leaves?"
"Sure am." Spyro replied. "And hopefully I can run the race as well."
"Sorry Spyro, I think you might be the one exception to the tradition." Twilight said. "With your speed, you'd win the race in a heart beat."
"Hmm, I guess you're right." Spyro said. "Hey, you coming tonight for Thanksgiving dinner?"
"Sure I am." Twilight replied. "No way I'm gonna miss this."
"Especially when there's going to be some food involved." Spike said, licking his lips. "Wonder what all is going to be there."
"Some of my families recipes for starters." Spyro replied. "And Zecora said she'd bring some of her tribal dishes to it as well." As they got closer, they could see a whole crowd of ponies gathered around the town square where banners and decorations were hung while outside of town there was what appeared to be the starting and finishing line and a line of ponies signing up for the race. "Looks like we're here. So, what's the purpose of this?"
"The running of the leaves is where ponies run across the land around Ponyville to shake the leaves off the trees." Twilight replied. "It's a tradition that has been going on for generations."
"Huh, interesting." Spyro said. "Where I come from, the leaves fall on their own after all the chlorophyll breaks down due to the change in the length of the day, halting the food process within the leaves that trees need to survive and allowing the trees to go into a state of hibernation until the leaves regrow back in the spring."
"Dude, how do you know that?" Spike asked.
"Took courses on Local Flora and Plant Systematics in school." Spyro replied. "Never know when it might come in handy."
"Wow, and I thought Twilight knew everything." Spike said. "Anyway, I can't wait to be the announcer for the race."
"I think that position has already been taken." Spyro said.
He pointed up into the sky to see the hot air balloon and in it was Pinkie Pie with what appeared to be a megaphone on a stand, connected to the basket of the balloon.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts, welcome to the annual Running of the Leaves!" Pinkie announced. "This is Pinkie Pie, your official 'pie' in the sky announcer!"
Spike watched as Pinkie's balloon flew into the air, throwing his stick to the ground and pouting.
"Oh, don't worry Spike, I'm sure you can be the announcer next time." Twilight said. "Anyway, I better get going or I'll miss registration."
"You're going to compete?" Spyro asked.
"Of course." Twilight replied. "Besides, I want to test out what I learned about pacing myself and conserving my energy for the long run."
"Well, good luck little bookworm." Spyro said, causing her to blush.
"And in the meantime, I'm going to ask Pinkie if I can be her co-announcer." Spike said, getting off Twilight's back.
Spike walked in the direction he saw Pinkie's balloon fly off to while Spyro and Twilight went towards the starting line to see who all was going to race, which he recognized a few ponies from town while others seem to have come from Cloudsdale, which he didn't see the three bullies, which he was thankful for because if he saw them, he had a score to settle for picking on Fluttershy when she was a filly. The racers got ready at the starting line, stretching out and loosening their limbs when he saw Applejack at the starting line, stretching out her legs to get ready for the race.
"Hey Applejack." Spyro said.
"Howdy Spyro." Applejack said. "Ya gonna participate in the race?"
"I don't think so." Spyro replied. "With how fast I can run, I might end up winning the race in the blink of an eye."
"Guess ya got a point there." Applejack said.
"Pardon me, excuse me!" Rainbow Dash said, walking to the starting line. "Make way for the Iron Pony."
"More like the Iron Phony." Applejack said.
"So Applejack, ready to win second place?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Ah'm ready to run a good clean race." Applejack replied. "And ya'll are certainly not allowed to use your wings!"
"Yeah, Yeah, I know the rules." Rainbow Dash said. "I can easily win this race with my wings tied behind my back."
Applejack thought about it for a moment and took her lasso out and tied it around Rainbow Dash's barrel and over her wings, preventing her from even using them for this race.
"Looks like she took your word literally." Spyro said. "She tied your wings behind your back."
"You can say that again." Applejack said. "She's now dressed up like a turkey. Well, a turkey that can't fly."
"It's not going to change the outcome of this race." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm still going to win this race."
"Racers, take your positions!" Pinkie announced.
"Guess that's your girls cue." Spyro said. "Good luck you two. And play nice."
Everyone who was participating in the race walked up to the starting line as he walked to the crowd when the balloon flew over head Of Spyro, landing in front of him.
"Hey Spyro." Pinkie said. "Can I ask you something real quick?"
"You just did." Spyro replied, making Pinkie snicker. "But in all seriousness, what do you need?"
"Well I noticed that you aren't participating in the race, so I wanted to ask if you would like to be our Co-co-announcer." Pinkie said.
"Really?" Spyro asked. "You want me to be a third announcer and commenter on the race?"
"Of course!" Pinkie replied. "It might give the author something else to write about besides what you're cooking because no pony wants to be stuck reading half a chapter about what you're cooking. BORING! Unless they really enjoy reading about what somepony is cooking so they can try it out and-"
"Pinkie, you're breaking the Fourth wall again." Spyro said, holding up his hoof. "But I do want to see what happens during the race, so why not?"
"Great!" Pinkie said, tossing him a microphone. "Hop in!"
Spyro immediately hopped into the basket, finding it to be quite spacious as the balloon rose into the air, floating above the starting line as the racers got ready.
"Alright ponies, are you ready?" Pinkie asked, speaking through the megaphone.
"Get set!?" Spike said, everypony lowering down to get ready to bolt out of the starting line.
"GO!" Spyro said.
As he said it, all the racers immediately running as the bell rang for them to begin the race.
"And they're off!" Pinkie said. "Welcome to the official of the Running of the Leaves. I'm Pinkie Pie, and with me today is the little baby dragon you all know and love, Spike. And also guest staring in this commentary is the Prince of Light and Darkness himself, Spyro. You know you two, despite the name, the leaves don't do any of the actual running. That's actually left to the ponies who are doing the actual running."
"Why... yes Pinkie." Spike said. "As the ponies run past the trees, it shakes them up and causes the leaves to fall."
"Ugh, those leaves are SO lazy." Pinkie said. "What do you think Spyro?"
"Can't say I can comment on that Pinkie." Spyro said. "But the falling leaves aren't what seems to have drawn such a crowd today as we go live above the racers."
The balloon then flew above the racers and allowed the three of them to see that Applejack and Rainbow Dash were tied for first place.
"You said it Spyro." Pinkie replied. "This year, it is about the race to the finish between two runners who are in it to win it; Applejack and Rainbow Dash."
"You said it Pinkie." Spike said. "These two have had a bit of a grudge match going on right now, trying to prove who's the most athletic out of the two of them."
"Yes, and grudge rhymes with fudge." Pinkie replied, confusing the two of them. "What, it does. And I like fudge, but if I eat too much I get a punch and I can't punch.
"Ok..." Spyro said, looking down at the runners. "Let's get back down to the action and check in on the two most competitive ponies, Applejack and Rainbow Dash." He then looked over the edge and saw they were neck and neck. "Looks like our two most competitive ponies are neck and neck right out of the starting gate."
"But what is this?" Pinkie asked. "Applejack is making a move and is ahead by a nose. But Rainbow Dash pulled up a bit and takes the lead, being ahead of Applejack by half a nose, or maybe three quarters of a nose, no, about 63.7% of a nose."
"Pinkie, we get it." Spyro said. "But look, Applejack just pulled ahead, taking the lead of the race. Looks like she..." He then watched as Rainbow Dash then started t catch up, but then saw as Applejack ended up tripping on a rock and falling to the ground, letting the other runner run past her. "Oh, that's gotta hurt. Rainbow Dash managed to catch up to Applejack, but AJ tripped on a rock, loosing the lead and ending up second to last place. Knowing her, she probably thinks Rainbow Dash tripped her."
"I wouldn't be surprised." Spike said.
The balloon went on ahead of the racers, watching as the runners kept up the pace right as Rainbow Dash slowed down to trot along, but a moment later, Applejack managed to catch up with the rest of the runners, passing Rainbow Dash.
"I don't believe it." Spike said. "After a huge set back caused by that rock, Applejack has pulled head of Rainbow Dash, taking the lead, back at the head of the pack."
"She's the head of the pack alright!" Pinkie said. "The pick of the litter! The cat's pajama's! Wait, why would Applejack take some poor kitties pj's? That's not very sporty of her."
"Okay, let's get back to the race." Spike said.
"I agree." Spyro said. They then watched as Rainbow Dash started to catch up with Applejack, but a second later, the cyan Pegasus tripped over a stump, falling to the ground the same way Applejack did. "Oh boy, history just repeated itself. Now Rainbow Dash tripped over something, but it was a stump that tripped her up, making her loose ground the same way Applejack did."
"And knowing her, she's going to blame Applejack." Spike commented.
"Afraid so Spike." Spyro replied. "Now this simple little race is going to become a cage match between these two competitive ponies. Each one is probably going to try and sabotage the other to win."
"You really think that" Spike asked.
"Trust me Spike, it's more than likely." Spyro replied.
The race continued right as Rainbow Dash got caught up with the rest of the racers, continuing as they reached what appeared to be a waterfall with a bridge over a river.
"And welcome back Ponyvillians." Pinkie said. "It's me, Pinkie Pie."
"And Spike." Spike added. "Along with our resident royal prince, Spyro."
"Thanks for the introduction Spike." Spyro said. "We bring you an update on the current standings of the race. And from what I am seeing so far, Rainbow Dash is trying her hardest to catchup with Applejack."
"I don't see how ketchup is going to help her in this race." Pinkie said. "Now in a hotdog eating competition, that's different as it will make those doggies nice and slippery, but personally, I prefer mustard."
"You guys have hotdogs?" Spyro asked, wondering why they had hotdogs. "Anyway, looks like Applejack is keeping a strong lead, but Rainbow Dash seems to be catching up, and no Pinkie, I don't mean the condiment, taking the lead."
They then ran into the nearby forest, far away from the village, watching from above the tree line as they watched the racers enter.
"And the two racers have just entered Equestria's Whitetail Wood, Rainbow Dash taking the lead." Spike announced.
As they watched from the sky, Spyro used the Force to move the tree's branches a bit so they can see what was going on, but what they saw made them flinch as Rainbow Dash took a low hanging branch and pulled on it as she ran forward, releasing it to smack Applejack right in the face and on her back, spitting out some leaves as she got up.
"Ooh, now things are starting to get nasty." Spyro commented. "Rainbow Dash took a branch that was hanging from the tree and smacked Applejack with it."
"Well that's not very sporty of her." Pinkie said. "That's just downright mean of her."
"Unfortunately Pinkie, these two are playing by a whole new set of rules now." Spyro said. "To them, it's winner take all, all rules out the window." They then watched as Applejack pulled back on the branch and jump up, flinging herself and flying past Rainbow Dash, taking the lead again. "But it looks like AJ's using the branch to her advantage, pulling back on it and flinging herself to the front."
They watched as Applejack ran as fast as she could, staying ahead of Rainbow Dash when she looked up and saw something, giving a malicious smile as she stopped underneath a tree.
"Huh, wonder what Applejack's up to." Spike said.
A moment later, Applejack kicked the tree and something fell down, upon closer inspection they saw it was a Beehive and it was falling right in front of Rainbow Dash.
"Really AJ?" Spyro asked. "A Beehive? Knocking down a beehive right in front of Rainbow Dash so she can be stung by them? Now that's just low." However, when it landed, the hive cracked and the bees came out, buzzing mad as they chased the rainbow maned Pegasus, who was screaming in panic as she ran past Applejack to get away from the bees. "And it looks like it backfired on Applejack. Instead of getting stung or running the opposite direction, Rainbow Dash overtook Applejack, taking the lead, if only to get away from the bees. And I can't say I blame her, I hate bees."
Rainbow Dash then dove into a nearby bush, which happened to be next to the sign that points racers in the direction they needed to go, so when the bees flew off to find Rainbow Dash. A moment later, the cyan Pegasus poked her head above the bushes and saw the sign, smiling as she spun it around to point in the opposite direction and towards the mountains, Applejack falling for it instantly as she made a left turn up the mountain while Rainbow Dash just laughed.
"And that's Rainbow Dash flipping the sign." Spyro said. "She just made Applejack go the wrong way while fixing it for the other ponies. Pinkie, think we can fly over to AJ and tell her what happened?"
"You betcha we can." Pinkie replied.
Pinkie piloted the balloon up the mountain side, flying along the path until they found Applejack, who was looking around wondering where she was when they showed up.
"Hey AJ, you do realize there aren't any trees up here, right?" Spyro asked.
"Ah know, but the sign pointed this way." Applejack replied, but then realized what happened. "Rainbow Dash! Uh, do ya mind giving me a lift?"
Spyro tossed down a rope to Applejack, which she grabbed with her mouth and then held on with her legs as the balloon flew downward towards the runners, which the farm mare waved to Rainbow Dash as she flew by.
"What the...!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "You said no flying!"
"No, Ah said no wings!" Applejack replied, running on the ground.
"I must say guys, this has been the most interesting Running of the Leaves in all of Equestria." Pinkie said.
"Or the most interesting announcing." Spike whispered.
"I have to agree with you Pinkie, these two are basically at each other's throats right now." Spyro replied. "I'm just surprised they haven't broken out their Keyblades yet and tried to fight each other." They then came to another section of the woods where some of the trees had sap buckets with funnels that are draining sap from the trees. "They're now coming to some of Equestria's Maple Trees where the sap is being collected to make into syrup. And knowing these two, they're going to try and knock the buckets onto the ground to slow one or the other down." Just as he said it, Applejack kicked one of the sap buckets and created a puddle of sap, which Rainbow Dash ran into and got stuck. "Called it."
"You certainly did Spyro." Pinkie said. "But what makes this the most interesting race is the lack of running. I mean, those two are going at it, trying to one up the other and not focused on any of the actual running."
Rainbow Dash watch as the other runners ran past her, struggling to get free as she walked forward, but the sap stuck to her like glue, stretching out with each step she took until she tried to pull herself free of the sticky sap, but she was then flung backwards, flying the opposite direction until she stopped, smiling as it then sent her forward, flying in the direction Applejack was until the sap snapped, allowing her the freedom she needed to catch up, but in the process of it, she spun Applejack around and into a twister, but as Rainbow Dash was running, Applejack spun into her and the two of them were caught in the same twister, spinning around until they went up another cliff side, only stopping on the platform of a cliff.
"And looks like Rainbow Dash managed to get the lead, before being taken down my an out of control Applejack twister." Spyro said. "Now the two of them are on a cliff side and are glaring at each other. Wish there was a betting booth to see who would come last." A moment later, the cliff started to crack and the entire platform them slid down the slope, just barely missing the other runners. "Because I'd probably get my money's worth by a landslide."
"Hehe, hahahaha, landslide." Pinkie said. "Good one Spyro." The two mares then started running again. "Once again, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are neck and neck, jogging for the lead. Applejack inches ahead, no it's Rainbow, now Applejack, now Rainbow..."
"They're neck and neck!" Spyro exclaimed.
They then saw the finish line dead ahead, so Rainbow Dash then side slammed Applejack, trying to get ahead.
"Oh no she didn't!" Spike said.
Then Applejack returned the favor, slamming into Rainbow Dash.
"Oh yes she didn't." Pinkie responded.
They kept it up until they got close to the finish line, which was the moment Applejack then pulled on Rainbow Dash's tail, pulling her behind and moving up, but Rainbow Dash did the same thing, pulling ahead.
"And now they're resorting to tail tugging." Spyro said. "Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash's tail, then Rainbow Dash pulled Applejacks, and... hold on a moment folks." He then saw as Applejack bit down on the ropes to try and pull Rainbow Dash back again, but inadvertently freed the cyan Pegasus's wings. "Rainbow Dash's wings have been freed. Looks like all bets are officially off."
Everyone then watched as Rainbow Dash tried to fly away, but Applejack then jumped up and tackled her, the two mares going into a full on brawl as they rolled around and pounced on one another to stay ahead, kicking up a cloud of dust, continuing to move along the track until they crossed the finish line, stopping the brawl to see they crossed it.
"I won!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"No, Ah did!" Applejack said. "Ah won!"
"I won!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"You tied." Spike said, the balloon floating down.
"Tied." Applejack and Rainbow Dash said at the same time.
"For what?" Applejack asked. "For first?"
"For last." Pinkie replied.
"Last!?" Applejack asked in shock.
"Then, who beat us?" Rainbow Dash asked.
As she asked the question, Twilight walked up to them and was wearing a medal, shocking the two beat up mares.
"You!?" Applejack and Rainbow Dash asked.
"Oh no, I didn't win first place, I won fifth." Twilight replied. "Which is rather good as I haven't run in a race before."
"But... how?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You were going so slow!"
"Simple, she paced herself." Spyro replied, hopping out of the basket and next to Twilight. "She might be a bookworm, but she's a smart bookworm."
"What do you mean?" Applejack asked.
"Well, Spyro has been teaching us how to pace ourselves." Twilight replied. "Conserve our energy for the long run, meaning we shouldn't waste our energy on attacking or running, but preserve it for when we really need it. Like in this race. When everypony else was exhausted from all the running, I sprinted to the finish line."
"Hey, nice going." Spyro said. "And just for that, you get first dibs on dinner tonight."
"I still can't believe it." Rainbow Dash said. "Twilight beat us."
"Well it was quite easy with how you two have been horsing around." Twilight said.
"Wait, did you just make a pun there?" Spyro asked. "Anyway, the way you two were acting throughout this whole race, you two were acting like a couple of little fillies trying to win, no matter who got hurt."
Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other, sensing that they were ashamed of their actions and behavior throughout this whole race.
"Yer right Spyro." Applejack said. "You both are right."
"Yeah, we weren't being very good sports." Rainbow Dash said.
"Sounds to me like a very important lesson was learned today." Princess Celestia said, walking to them.
"Princess Celestia." The four of them said at the same time.
"What are you doing here?" Applejack asked.
"Fall is one of my favorite seasons." The princess replied. "So I came to watch the Running of the Leaves."
"Ah'm mighty sorry ya had to see being poor sports." Applejack said.
"That's quite alright Applejack." Princess Celestia said. "Anypony can get swept up in the excitement of competition."
"Which happens a lot with these two fighting fillies." Spyro said, making everyone laugh.
"But they one thing you need to remember is that the friendship is more important than winning the competition." Twilight said.
"Exactly." The princess said. "Now, unfortunately, since the two of you were more focused on tricking and tripping each other, many of the leaves on the beautiful trees across Equestria haven't fallen yet."
"Leave that to us princess." Applejack said. "We'll have them shaken down before night. What do a say friend? Ready for another run?"
"Hey, I'd love to stretch my legs." Rainbow Dash said.
The two competitive ponies then ran the course again, this time giggling and laughing along the way as they enjoyed being able to run without having to try and one up the other or win a competition as the fall leaves were shaken up, falling from the trees that were now hibernating. As the day went by, it was getting close to night time, and along the dirt road, Twilight and the rest of the mane six, along with Zecora and the two princesses, were approaching Sweet Apple Acres for the Thanksgiving Dinner that he said they'd have, but when they got there, they were all stunned. Outside there was several tables filled with food from stuffing, mashed potatoes and home made noodles to common Equestrian foods like dandelion salads, Hay burgers and then some. At the head of the table was Spyro, who was bringing out the desserts, which included Pumpkin pie, jello, just about every kind of Thanksgiving dinner dessert anyone could think of, leaving the group speechless as they saw what appeared to be a whole mountain of food along the table.
"Hey everypony." Spyro said, setting the desserts down. "Hope you brought your appetites because we got a whole bunch of food to go through."
"Oh... my... sweet... Celestia." Twilight said, looking at the food. "Look at all that food!"
"Maybe I should have invited some of the royal guard." Princess Celestia said. "They'd probably liked to have some of this."
"I agree because this is more food than what I believe I can handle." Princess Luna said. "Might need to get some of this to go."
"And I thought of that as well." Spyro said. "I also stocked up on to go boxes if you want to take some of this food home with you. Because, heavens know, the fridge in the Apple House can't store all this. Come on everypony, dig in!"
Without waiting for someone to say otherwise, everybody rushed forward to get themselves a helping of the food on the table, some of them putting a little bit of everything on their plates while others, like Rainbow Dash and Applejack, immediately went for a single dish and put as much of it on their plates as possible on it, immediately going to the dinning table as soon as they loaded their plates up with whatever they wanted. Spyro just shook his head, understanding they'd be the hungriest after running all day and while they started to chow down, eveyrone else walked to the table with their plates, sitting down at whichever seat was available while Spyro got the head of the table, next to the two princesses.
"Oh my star apple Spyro, ya'll out did yerself!" Applejack exclaimed, wolfing down a Hay burger. "This is by far the best thing Ah've ever tasted."
"I must agree with Applejack." Princess Celestia said, taking a bite of her food. "I have never had nor tasted this kind of food before in my life."
"Far better than what the royal cooks make in Canterlot!" Luna said, wolfing down some Mashed potatoes and noodles. "This is, by far, the best meal I have ever had."
"Well it is some of my family recipes." Spyro replied, taking a bite of his food. "The recipes and the way they're cooked have been passed down from generation to generation, from parent to child, keeping the tradition alive throughout the years."
"And let's hope it stays that way!" Twilight said, eating some of the salads he prepared. "Because this is far better than what I have tasted."
"You said it." Spike said, devouring some of the rolls he baked. "I think we might make this a tradition with everypony here. But maybe next time, we can bring our families along as well."
"That's a great idea Spike." Twilight said. "Maybe we can make this holiday apart of Equestrian holidays as well."
"I think about it Twilight." Princess Celestia said.
"And while you do, I'd like to make a toast." Spyro said, everyone raising their glasses. "A toast to all my friends, my family, the herd, and to the many blessings we have been given and to many more ahead of us."
Everyone cheered as he made the toast, everyone reaching over and using their glasses to hit one another's, making a chinking noise as they all enjoyed their meal and the great company after an exhausting and very hectic day.