Apples and Cinnamon

It was now the day of the running of the leaves Applejack decided to take part of the race this year as well as Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. Aj wanted to show Cinno a good time during the festival, but Cinno had to refuse simply saying that he had an appointment to keep and he already rescheduled twice prior and it would be rude to do it again. So Aj slightly disappointed relents her plans and made a mental note to make it up him later. Sugercane runs up to Aj with a candy apple stuck in her mane.

"Sugarcube! How'd ya get that stuck in your mane?"

"Huh? What?! Where?! Did some pony put something in my mane?! Get it out!" Sugarcane cries prancing in place.

"Ok ok hold ya britches!" Applejack pulls out the candied apple.

"Thank you miss Applejack. Hey do think I could join in yall's race?"

"Well I don't know sugarcube it's usually for grown ups but let me see if I can speak with the judges." Sugarcane's eyes shine bright. Applejack does as she said and the judges agreed much to the filly's delight.

The runners line up at the starting line and sure enough Sugarcane is the only filly. Most of the runners were mares from around Ponyville like Rainbow Dash and Applejack, but there were a few stallions as well like Caramel.

"Nervous?" asks Twilight Sparkle as she walks next to Sugarcane.

"Nervous? Me? Hardly just wish uncle Cinno could watch me leave every pony in the dust."

" Confident aren't we? You'll need it if you think I'll take it easy on you. Just because your a filly." says Rainbow Dash as she lines up next
Twilight Sparkle on the line.

"My mother says that is better to be confident rather than arrogant. Besides I wouldn't want you to take it easy on me anyway. I don't want you to spoil my victory." smirks Sugarcane which makes Rainbow Dash smirk.

"That's the spirit sugarcube. Just give it your all." says Applejack who takes her place on the otherside of Rainbow Dash.

"Oh I intend to." Sugarcane states as the rest of the runners take their places on the line.

"Runners on your mark" all of them get in a ready position. "Get set" Sugarcane smiles as she stomps the ground with her right forleg and lets out a snort. "Go!" All the runners burst off Rainbow Dash and Applejack lead the charge. All except for Twilight Sparkle and Sugarcane who take up the rear. The leaves were amazing like dancing flames Sugarcane marveled at their beauty both her and Twilight Sparkle take their time galloping through the race making sure that they are not left too far behind the others. Soon enough came the home stretch and before you could blink an eye Sugarcane and Twilight bolt. Rainbow Dash was leading the charge with Applejack right on her tail. It looks like it could be a close call between the two rivals. When a pinkish white blur passes both of them and crosses the finish line with the rest of the group several meters behind. Suragercane is panting hard when the rest of the runners finally cross the finish line she gives a victorious smile towards Rainbow Dash.

"What took ya so long? Slow poke." says Sugarcane

"H...ow can you move that fast?" asks Rainbow Dash as she pants out of breath

"My uncle isn't the only one who can run really fast. Thanks to his training regime that he puts me through I can make quick bursts of speed like that. However I can't maintain it as long as my uncle." answers Sugarcane as she rolls over; her chest rising up and falling as she tries to catch her breath.

Once all the runners had a chance to catch their breath the winners take their place on stage. Applejack placed 3rd, Rainbow Dash 2nd and Sugarcane 1st; soon the princess of the sun princess Celestia herself comes to present the medals. Surprisingly Cinno is with her a somber expression on his face as he struggles to keep pace; his limp is now much more noticeable as tremors could be seen by all in attendance. The town ponies who saw him looked at him with sympathy and one nurse in attendance giving him a sultry look. While the guards that were there saluted him acknowledging him as a hero and his bravery to overcome his injuries. When princess Celestia reaches the stage she gives a warm smile seeing the young filly on the first place stage.

"Your majesty may I present you my niece Sugarcane daughter of my sister Lemon Tart." Cinno states as he bows Sugarcane also bows.

"Oh so this is the niece you spoke so highly of sir Cinnamon Snap? I must say she is promising." Celestia smiles as she places the first place medal around Sugarcane's neck making her beam with pride.

"Thank you your majesty." Cinno bows again.

The festival ends and the ponies slowly disperse; several of the younger guard that were there swarmed Cinno talking up a storm about all the stories they heard of him. While the more seasoned guards keep watch over the princesses. As the sun begins to set Applejack, and Cinno walk side by side back to the farmhouse. While Applebloom and Sugarcane playfully race their way back leading the group. They walk in silence enjoying the piece of nature when they get back to the farm Applejack breaks the silence.

"So your meeting was with the princess huh?"

"Well actually no. I had a meeting with the mayor and met with the princess prior."

"Why did ya have a meeting with the mayor? If ya don't mind my asking."

"Ok just don't tell Sugarcane but her mom's spice farm isn't doing so well. She's had a run of bad luck recently: lost a lot of contracts
with the local businesses, a swarm of insects ravaged a huge section of the fields, and I recently received news that there was a fire that burned down a good portion. All she has left is a small patch. I came to Ponyville to talk with your mayor to see if we could open up some sort of trade agreement, but Ponyville already has enough local growers. I'm going to have to go to plan B."

"And what is plan B?"

"I'm going to a remote island tomorrow to gather rare spices. Can you look after Sugarcane for me? I'm going to be gone for at least a week."

"Ofcourse I can look after Sugarcane for ya. Is the island dangerous?"

"Not before that little incident in the forest now it will be a bit more complicated."

"Could ya do with an extra pair of hooves?" smiles Applejack

"It would help." smiles Cinno

"Well why don't I come along?"

" But what about your farm?"

"Big Mac can hold down the fort for a week. Besides I've seen how hard Sugarcane works the farm will be fine."

"Well how can I say no to having a lovely mare all to myself for a week." smiles Cinno. Applejack smiles in turn.