“Boy howdy, this year's event is gonna be fantastic!” Apple Bloom chimed, managing tor each the same high pitched tone as her cousin Braeburn.
She wasn't wrong on her statement, Sweet Apple Acres was looking better than ever, all filled with banners and flags for today´s Sisterhooves Social competition. It seems like half the town was either on the stands or getting ready to race.
“Yes sir, we even got us some new events this year! Competition is gonna get rough, sure you can handle it, lil sis?” Applejack said, poking Apple Bloom.
“You bet I am!”
“I´m so excited. I missed last year even but this time I not only get to watch, but I´m opening the ceremonies,” Twilight Sparkle said, approaching them.
“Well, color me surprised, you usually don't like to do that kind of Princess stuff,” Applejack said.
“Well, usually I don't. But this is for one of my best friends and I got a speech prepared for the occasion,” Twilight said, flapping her wings on excitement.
“And I get to wave the flag!” Spike said, holding the too big for him flag and almost tripping when moving it, causing Apple Bloom to giggle.
“Sure looks like everypony is gonna have a good time on the events!” Applejack said.
“I do hope you´re competition, darling. I mean, fun is important but don't forget for a second this is a competition,” Rarity said, coming along with Sweetie Belle, both wearing matching sport outfits.
“I don´t but you´re the last pony I thought will say those words to me.”
“Well, I had a great time last year with Sweetie and this year, we´re not gonna accept second place! Right, Sweetie Belle?”
“Right!” Sweetie said, mimicking her sister´s pose.
“You´re gonna have to settle with the silver, Rarity, because this year the gold medal is going for us!” Rainbow Dash announced, appearing along with Scootaloo.
“You two are gonna compete too?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Rainbow agreed to be my big sister for the day,” Scootaloo answered.
“I´m sure that´s not against any rule, right AJ?” Rainbow said, glaring at both Applejack and Twilight.
“Of course not. The more the merrier,” Applejack said, dismissing the issue.
“Do remember your wings gave you an unfair advantage, darling. I´m not going to let you take advantage of that liek you did at that Iron Pony contest,” Rarity said.
“Please, like I need my wings to make you eat dust! Besides, that was Twilight's fault, she never told me not to use my wings and she was the judge there.”
“Hey, I wasn't told you couldn't use your wings. I assume it was just your natural talent,” Twilight said.
“I thoguht it was implicit. it would have been like letting an unicorn use magic,” Applejack said with a glare.
“Well, there´s a difference. We cannot use our magic to give us a boost,” Rarity said.
“Yeah? I bet there´s a speed spell somewhere in those magic books,” Rainbow said, suspicious.
“There is but no unicorn would use it on a fair contest. And certainly not me or Rarity,” Twilight said, offended.
“Oh really?” both Applejack and Rainbow said.
While the four mares argued with each other and Spike tried to regain control of the flag, the Crusaders got together for a meeting.
“Guess this year we'll be competing against each other,” Apple Bloom said.
“Yeah, I wanna race with Rainbow Dash but, to be honest, girls; I rather like us three racing together,” Scootaloo said.
“Me too;” Sweetie added.
“Hey, don't look so down! Just because we're competitors doesn't mean we´re enemies. Let´s all put our best and that the best sister duo wins!” Apple Bloom said and the Crusaders bumped their hoofs together.
“Oh please, you honestly cannot compete with each other? With that attitude you'll never reach the finish line, not that you could on the first place, of course.”
The three girls recognized that snotty, full of herself voice right away.
“What are you doing here, Diamond Tiara?” Scootaloo barked.
“Ignore her, girls. She´s just trying to get on our nerves,” Apple Bloom said turning around and Sweetie followed her lead.
“How rude. Is that way to treat the competition? I thgouth your sister taught you better,” Diamond said.
“Competition?” Sweetie asked.
“Yes, I´m joining the race this year,” Diamond said.
“Uh, you don't even have a sister!” Scootaloo shouted, hovering a few centimeters on the air while yelling.
“Look who's talking. You had to beg Rainbow to play along with you just to have a chance,” Diamond said and Scootaloo repressed another yell. “Besides, I do have an older sister.”
“You do? You never mentioned her before,” Sweetie said.
“She's been out of town for quite some time and just recently returned from Manehattan. There she is, big sis!”
A mare with basically the same coat and mane combination as Diamond approached them, snickering at the smell and sight of the race track.
“Ugh, this town keeps getting worse and worse. No wonder I left it. Oh there you are, Diamond.”
“Girls, meet my big sister, Suri Polomare. She is famous fashion designer,” Diamond said with obvious pride.
“Yeah, whatever,” Suri said, not really paying attention to the little girls.
“Hey, I know her! I have seen her face in many fashion magazines!” Sweetie said and this did caught Suri´s attention who struck a pose.
“Of course you have heard of her! I bet even some uncouth ponies like you have a t least a passing knowledge of what's trending!” Diamond said.
“Trending? Are we using ropes this year?” Apple Bloom asked confused.
“She means that Suri is really popular and all the ponies in the big cities are using her designs,” Sweetie explained.
“Well, I don't know about that but if she´s such a big name making clothes or something, I bet she isn't fit for getting her hooves dirty on the mud,” Scootaloo said, crossing her arms.
“Ha, you'll be surprised about how competitive my sister can get. She'll have no problem passing all your little mud piles and pig catching contest!”
“Woah, wait a minute there, stool! This is why you dragged me here?” Suri suddenly said, almost yelling at Diamond.
“Ye-yes, it´s the Sisterhooves Social event, sis.”
“Oh, that thing still exist? Dad used to force me to watch it every year before I managed to get away from this...ugh filthy town!” Suri said, making the Crusaders frown at her words. “I thought I got rid of these type of things for good. I´m going home.”
“Wait, you can't!” Diamond pleaded.
“Yeah, watch me.”
“But but, but you promised!”
“I did not! I´m going home, okay?”
“But sis!”
“No but sis, Diamond Tiara! I´m not gonna get my hooves all muddy and my risk my permanent to get ruined just so you can play with your dirty little friends over there!” Suri yelled and for the first time, the Crusaders saw Diamond back away.
“Gosh, you´re gonna cry now? You're still such a child! When I left I thought I told you to learn to stand up and take things for yourself, but I see you're still a crybaby who goes running to dad whenever she needs something! When are you going to learn to do things on your own, Diamond?”
“Jeez, she´s pretty mean,” Sweetie whispered to the other Crusaders.
“I feel kind of bad for her. I mean, if this what she grw up with, no wonder she's usually so mean,” Apple Bloom said.
“It doesn't excuse her but yeah, her sister is a big bully,” Scootaloo said.
“Now, let´s go. Unless you wanna stay here and waste time with your, what you called them again? Goof-saders,” Suri said and Diamond, amazingly, blushed when her sister shared one of her usual insults. “Whatever, I don't care.”
“...and that´s the final item. I think we´ve come with perfectly balanced set of rules,” Twilight said, placing her notes and quill back to her saddlebag.
“I still think you´re overreacting, Twi. I´m not going to use a Sonic Rainboom on a race!”
“Better safe than sorry, Rainbow.”
“Everypony ready for the main event?” Applejack asked and then gasped when she recognized the mare behind Diamond Tiara.
“Sweetie dear, remember to put sun block. Safety always come fiiiiiiii-SURI POLOMARE!!” Rarity yelled when she recognized her too.
“Oh, look at that. So you did came back to Ponyville after all. No wonders, after you rejected the grand prize Prim Hemline offered you,” Suri said with a smug.
“I did not rejected it. It´s resting on my shelf, along with my other prized possessions. What I did was reject the job offer she gave me so I can stay here with my friends in Ponyville,” Rarity said.
“Big difference, you´re still stuck in this ugh, filthy town.”
“I see you haven´t changed one bit since our last encounter.”
“Why would I? I´mperfect like I am,” Suri said, playing with her mane.
“You guys know her?” Scootaloo asked.
“This no-gooder stole all of Rarity´s designs and then lied to her to try to get the prize for herself,” Applejack said.
“Not to mention how she used Coco and never thanked her for her work,” Rainbow added.
“That traitor? Thankfully I got rid of her. She was completely useless and I bet now she´s wasting some other pony´s time. good riddance, I say.”
By this point all the ponies present, and a dragon, wanted to kick Suri out of there. All but Diamond Tiara who quickly came out with a way to keep her sister with her.
“So Sweetie Belle, I see your sister is going to compete with you this year, you know, for a change!”
“Umh yeah, we´re doing it together again…” Sweetie saiid, nervous.
“Too bad! Yo should have stayed home and save me and Suri the effort of beating you to the finish line, right sister?”
“Ha, effort? I can finish this race with one hoof tied to my back, although I will look silly if I did.”
“Ha, you sure about that, Mrs. high cautor?” Rainbow said making air quotations.
“Please, I´ve been watching this event since before I got my Cutie Mark. And it´s rponcuend couture, not that I expect you to know how yo say it,” Suri said, making Rainbo growl.
“So, we´re going to compete, right?” Diamond asked.
“Yeah, why not. It'll be another thing I beat Rarity at,” Suri said.
All the ponies, and a dragon, turned to look at Rarity, who simply said:
“I expect a fair competition.”
“Ha, yeah, whatever you say. Let´s go, Diamond.”
Diamond followed her sister, taking time to make a haughty gestures at the Crusaders.
“I don't like those two not one bit,” Sweetie said.
“Me neither,” Rarity added.
“Are you sure about this? You know Suri isn´t above cheating to get her way out,” Twilight asked Applejack.
“I don't like having her around either but it'll gone against the spirit of the event to forbid them to compete,” she said. “Still, we should keep an eye on them.”
“Don't worry, AJ! Scoot and I will watch them like a apir of hawks, without the flying part of course!” Rainbow said and the other just raised an eyebrow.
“Attention, everypony! The Sisterhooves Social event is about to begin!” the Mayor said from the speakers.
“Oh I have to go! My speech! Let´s go, Spike!” Twilight said and rushed, followed by Spike tumbling with the flag.
Once she took teh stage, Twilight levitated a set of papers in front of her.
“Dear Ponyville friends, like every year, we´re gather together to celebrate one of the strongest type of friendships, sisterhood! Because what better friend a girl could ask for than a big sister?”
A few of the ponies hugged their siblings at this, except Suri of course, who wasn't even looking at Diamond, who in turn looked quite sad.
“Of course, that didn't stopped me to forcing him into a few tea parties,” Twilight joked.
All the ponies laughed, except Suri who rolled her eyes and Diamond imitated her.
“But I do have friends who are sisters and they have showed me the strength that comes with caring for your sibling. I have seen how big their hearts are and how far they can go for their little sisters.”
“Oh please, I heard the new Princess was corny but this is ridiculous,” Suri said out loud, making sure everypony heard her.
“Yeah, totally,” Diamond backed her.
“So without further ado…” Twilight said, trying Suri didn't get on her nerves. “Let´s begin with the main event!”
All the ponies cheered.
“But first and explanation of the rules for this year event!”
All the ponies groaned.
“This year the competition is a bit different because every event requires sisters to work together. The first event is the loose bridge, where sister require excellent balance in order not to fall into the mud. Not that it will matter much because the next event will get them dirty trying to catch the runaway pigs. Then they they'll get a chance to clean, trying to climb that wall covered in soap. The hay pushing even has been changed for pulling a cart event, where the point is not speed but to keep the apples inside the cart. And then the event finishes with the classic pie eating contest!”
Twilight added a magnifying glass created with her magic to showcase every event and the ponies cheered, Suri being the only one sulking the Princess was so popular and Diamond stopped cheering to join her in being smug.
“With nothing left to say…”
“Finally!” Suri said out loud.
“Let the games begin! Spike, wave the flag!”
Spike tried to wave the giant flag but still ended up tumbling some more.
“I thought the dragon was going to wave the flag, not the other way around,” Diamond said and only she laughed.
“Good one, stool,” Suri said and Diamond looked a mix of proud of herself, happy of her sister´s compliment and sad she still was using that insulting nickname.
The race began and the team Applejack and Apple Bloom quickly took the lead, struggling a little with the loose planks but managing to keep on the track.
“COme on, Sweetie Belle! Just like we practiced! Style and balance!” Rarity said, striking poses to keep on place.
“O-okay, woah!”
“Rainbow, this is really difficult!” Scootaloo admitted.
“Use your wings to steady yourself!”
“Can we do that?”
“...I don't know. can we do that, Twi?!”
“Yes,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. “Just keep your hooves on the ground!”
“Great! Follow my lead, Scoots!”
“Right behind you!”
“Oh look at the Princess, playing favours for her friends! I bet she doesn't let everypony take the easy way out!” Suri mocked but Twilight chose to ignore her.
“Sister, I´m..falling down!” Diamond pleaded, having trouble staying on the planks.
“Move forward! If you stay in one place of course you're gonna fall!” Suri shouted and Diamond tried to rush but almost bumped her sister.
Once they got down, Suri continued to yell a bit more at her.
“You're such useless! Can´t even do one thing right? No wonder you only hang out with one filly, I bet nopony wants you around with that attitude! Now, you wanna win this contest, yes or no?”
Diamond Tiara just nodded, fighting back a few tears.
“Then stop wasting my time and move!”
By then the pig contest was in full swing and it was causing all ponies to do exactly what they should, have a good time. Applejack and Apple Bloom got no problem with their pig while Rainbow and Scootaloo keep crashing. Not that they cared, they were having so much fun trying to catch him.
“I got him!” Sweetie cried jumping over a pig.
“Sweetie Belle, hang on!” Rarity cried, chasing after her sister who was holding the pig's tail.
“Look at those two, pathetic. Now, follow my lead, we´ll get the smallest pig, that one won´t give us any trouble,” Suri said.
“No!”
“Excuse me? Did you just say no?”
“No! I mean, yes, i said that. Going after the smallest pig is a dumb idea because it's the fastest one, it'll slip right out of our hooves!”
Suri approacher her little sister who trembled a little but didn't move despite Suri´s glare.
“You sure about that?”
“You haven´t been around in a while, big sister. I know how this uncouth farms work.”
Suri smirked and asked, “Then what pig should we take?”
Diamond looked around until she pointed at a big, dirty pig who was just resting, “That one!”
“Ugh, that one? Is the dirtiest of all!”
“Yes and also the fattest and oldest, meaning he won't get away anywhere.”
“I like how you think. Maybe there´s still hope for you, little sis.”
Diamond liked the compliment and followed her sister over to the big pig. When he saw them, he tried to run away but only managed to roll on his side and squeal some, he seemed to be enjoying himself thought. Suri and Diamond rolled their eyes and then rolled the pig to the finishing line.
“Finally, a chance to get rid of all this mud!” Suri said upon looking at the wall covered in soap.
The other ponies didn´t shared their enthusiasm since the wall was the first real obstacle of the race.
“Honey, have you put in some weight?” Rarity asked trying to lift her sister.
“Hey!”
“Come on Scoot, use your wings!”
“It´s no sue! They're covered in soap!”
Applejack and Apple Bloom were having similar problems when the young sibling got an idea.
“AJ, kick me!”
“What's that?”
“Buck me all the way to the top!”
Applejack realized what she meant and smiled. “You bet!”
And Applejack kicked her sister, rather lightly but with enough strength to send her to the top where Apple Bloom safely landed on the mattress put on the other side of the wall.
The other ponies followed their examples making their little siblings slide upwards on this improvised ride. Diamond actually got excited on this idea and looked at Suri who rolled her eyes.
“Whatever, let's finish this…”
Despite her protests, she couldn't help a smile when looking at her sister cheer like any other filly at being tossed into the air. She coughed to hide it and joined the other mares for the cart race.
“Now remember everypony, this event is not about speed but teamwork. Try to keep the apples inside the cart, otherwise it may cause quite a mess,” Applejack said.
“No need to remind us, dear,” Rarity said.
“You seem to be having a good time, Rarity,”
“Well, yes, I am,” Rarity said, smiling.
“Just remember which sisters team is going to take the gold,” Rainbow said.,
“That would be ours, right Diamond Tiara?” Suri said and Diamond nodded.
The race began and all the competitors were mostly head to head, teams Suri and Diamond and teams Apple soon taking the lead.,
“Careful! Sweetie, slow down, you almost make us fall on that curve!” Rarity said.
“But we're getting behind!”
“It's not important! Our safety comes first.”
“But I thought you wanted to win,” Sweetie said.
“Well, I do,..”
“It's my fault. I´m slowing you down. Even after all that training, I´m still not a good athlete.”
“Oh Sweetie, I'm sorry I have you the wrong impression. I don't care about winning, I came here to have a good time with my favorite sister.”
“Heh, I´m your only sister, Rarity!”
“And my favourite one!” Rarity said, nuzzling Sweetie who giggled.
On the other hoof, Rainbow and Scootaloo were having problems avoiding the apples that keep falling from Suri an Diamond´s cart right in front of them.
“Hey, watch it, Mrs. High...whatever!” Rainbow sohuted.
“Sorry, no time to slow down! Let's hurry, Diamond!”
“ye-.yes!”
The sister rushed the pace and they start pushing the Apples cart.
“Hey, it´s supposed to be a friendly competition!” Applejack said.
“Exactly, a competition!” Suri said and pushed against.
They moved forward but their victory was short lived since a falling apple rolled over and got stuck on their wheels, making their cart tumble and in turn, crash against the Apples one. Both carts fall down but luckily, nopony got hurt. A group of ponies rushed to see if they were all right.
“Auh, watch were you going, Diamond…” Apple Bloom said, caressing her head.
“It´s not our fault, you should have see where you´re going blank flank!” Diamond shouted and waited for Apple Bloom to make a comeback but she said nothing. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Apple Bloom sighed and said, “Granny Smith always says that bullies are just scaredy cats but you have always been so mean to me and my friends, I never believed her. Until I saw how your sister treats you. Suri doesn't care for you like a big sister should, Diamond, she treats you just like you treat us”
Diamond took a look at Suri arguing with Applejack and her face went for several emotions, finally setting for rage.
“And what's that supposed to mean? You feel sorry for me? Well, you shouldn't! Yo think my big sister is a bully? She is not, she´s the best pony in the world! She didn't stayed here in this boring town, she told dad she was going to become a famous designer and guess what, she did! I'm not afraid of my sister you dummy, I wanna be like her, I wanna make her proud, so don't tell me you're sorry for me!”
This outburst was heard by everypony,including of course Suri.
“Diamond Tiara…” she said and Diamond slowly turned to face her. “Let's win this race!”
The final event was the messy pie eating contest, the pies this year being particularly large so nopony could gulp them in one go like last year. Everypony ended up with their manes and faces dirty but they didn't cared, not even Diamond and Suri. WIth a big goofy smile, they joined the others for the final push of the race, going head to head against Applejack and Apple Bloom, both teams giving their all to reach the line.
Once the dust settled in, Twilight announced the winners.
“And this years the trophy goes to...Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo!”
“We win?” Rainbow said holding Scootaloo who was flapping her wings but got her hooves on the ground and stopped as soon as Twilight approached.
“I'll say she just gave you the winning push. Applejack, you agree?”
“You won fair and square, sugarcube” she said.
“This year, “ Apple Bloom added and both sister laughed while Rainbow flew upwards, carrying Scootaloo with her.
Suri and Diamond looked at each other, and instead of arguing or yelling, they smiled and they shared a hug,
Rarity and Sweetie approached them and Rarity said, “I must say darling, well played.”
“Ha, not get so cocky, next year we're going to win the trophy, okay?”
“I´m looking forwards for next year.”
“Same thing goes to you, Sweetie;” Diamond said.
“Okay!” was all the happy filly replied.
Diamond sighed, face-hoofing while their big sisters laughed at the scene.
“I hope everypony got a wonderful time. I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, declare this year's Sisterhooves Social event a success!” Twilight declared, creating a few fireworks with her magic.
And Spike finally got to wave the flag properly and happily closed the ceremonies.
