The Cart Before the Ponies
See if you can spot some references that I included in here.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
The Cart Before the Ponies
Based on the Original 2016 Episode, and Adapted by: ThomasZoey3000
Apple Bloom was at the kicthen table eating breakfast with Granny Smith. Strangely though, there was no sign of Applejack or Big Mac, "Granny, where are Applejack and Big Mac?"
"Oh they'll be here soon," Granny Smith answered. "They're just getting something very special."
"Very special?" Apple Bloom asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes indeedy," she nodded. She picked up her now empty plate and brought it over towards the kitchen sink. She looked out the window and smiled, "in fact, they're back now."
With her breakfast nearly complete, Apple Bloom ran outside to see what Big Mac and Applejack were bringing in. She was surprised to see them hauling long carts full of blocks of wood.
"Are we building a new barn?" Apple Bloom was confused at the sight that was before her.
Big Mac and Applejack stopped to regain their breath, "nope," replied Big Mac with a shake of his head.
"Nah, this wood isn't for a barn Apple Bloom, all these blocks of wood are for the Annual Applewood Derby race," explained Applejack. "Each of these blocks will be used to make racing carts of any type, then a team of two ponies will race them through Ponyville and the surronding area."
A frown came to Apple Bloom's face, "oh, that's nice."
The tradition of the Applewood Derby race had been around for as long as Ponyville been around, but Apple Bloom had never been allowed to race in it as she had been too young.
"Oh cheer up honey," smiled Granny Smith as she stepped outside. "We haven't even told you the best part yet."
"What? Am I going to be a judge?"
"Nope," Big Mac answered.
Applejack smiled and walked up to her sister, "you're going to be racing in the Applewood Derby this year. You're finally old enough to race in it."
A big wide smile came to Apple Bloom's face, and she jumped into the air with joy.
"I get to race in the Applewood Derby!"
It wasn't just Apple Bloom that was allowed to race this year. As the day wore on, they found that many of Apple Bloom's classmates were entering too. Diamond Tiara turned up with Starlight Glimmer.
"Howdy you two, why are you racing together?"
"Cause daddy's out of town for the next few days," explained Diamond Tiara, "and my mother..." she paused, "well let's just say she finds this sort of thing beneath her."
"So she asked for me," said Starlight, "and since I've never been part of a race before, I'd thought it'd be a good idea to try it out, and work with a new friend."
"Well alirghty then, just sign your names, and follow Big Mac to your tent."
Both Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer signed their names, and followed Big Mac to their tent. There, they found not only the block of wood, but plenty of tools and paper so they could work on a design plan together.
"By the way Apple Bloom, have you thought up what you want the cart to be like?"
Apple Bloom gasped to hear that question, "you mean, I get to come up with the design too?"
"You betcha," Applejack nodded.
Apple Bloom once jumped into the air with joy, "this is going to be the best derby race ever!"
"Indeed it will be my dear," said another voice. Both ponies looked in surprise to see Rarity and Sweetie Belle walking up to sign up. Sweetie Belle was beaming while Rarity was all smiles.
"Rarity? You actually want to join in on the derby?"
"But of course Darling, it's a fun event for the whole family, and there's nothing like the wind blowing through one's mane. I love everything to do with derby racing, but I'm going to love it even more this year."
"That's because Rarity and I are going to build a cart together, and race it!" cheered Sweetie Belle.
"And since this is going to be Sweetie Belle's first race, I decided to let her design it and later drive it."
Applejack smiled, "well now, that's certainly different from a pony who didn't want to join in the Sister Hooves social at first."
"Er yes well..." Rarity blushed in embarrassment.
Sweetie Belle just giggled and signed both sister's names down. Granny Smith then lead them to their tent. As they left though, Apple Bloom was concerned, "we got almost everypony here, but I'm not seeing Scootaloo. Where is she?"
"Oh I wouldn't worry about Scootaloo, I'm sure she's already asking Rainbow Dash if she wants to join her in the race."
Applejack was indeed correct. Using the hot air balloon, she went up towards Rainbow Dash's house to speak with her about the derby race, "are you kidding? Of course I'll help you Scootaloo, I love Derby racing!"
"Have you entered the Applewood derby before?"
"No, but I have been in the Cloudsdale Derby, five times to be honest." She pointed a hoof over to a picture frame, which had five blue ribbons, all of which had a '1' on them. "I'll never forget it, the excitment of the crowds, the wind in my mane, and my super cart racing at great speeds."
She thought back to when she was a filly and remembered that feeling, "This is awesome!" she remembered cheering years before.
"That's what I'm looking forward to experiencing too," smiled Scootaloo. "But first, we need to sign up."
"Then let's go."
They were almost out the door when Rainbow Dash stopped, "hold on a second, I'll go get my old blueprints for my race-cart. I'm sure the design can still work for the Applewood derby."
"Oh okay." Scootaloo was a little disappointed, "I was actually hoping we could use a design I made. Oh well, I'm sure Rainbow Dash will allow me to make the cart look smashing. Yeah I'm sure she will."
It didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to find her old blueprints and once outside, she grabbed hold of the rope for the balloon, and flew both herself and Scootaloo down to Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres.
At Sweet Apple Acres, Sweetie Belle was drawing up a design for her cart. It didn't look like it would be the fastest, but it still looked fastastic, "What do you think sis?"
"It's lovely Sweetie Belle, and I'm sure, even if you don't win the race, you'll still win a prize for the most stylish cart."
"They actually have prizes for that?"
"Oh yes indeed. I almost won one myself when I was a filly. It looked grand, but the judges gave me second place."
Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear this, "you won second place? Then who won first place?"
Rarity looked over to one of the other areas and saw Derpy, the grey pegasus with wonky eyes. She was there with Dinky, a little unicorn pony from Sweetie Belle's class.
"She won first prize. I felt disappointed that day..." she paused as she thought back to when she was a filly, crying out her eyes as Derpy took home the prize, "but now, we're going to beat her and take that ribbon."
"Uh Sis, I just want to have fun here."
"Huh? Oh right, silly me. Can't let my pride get in the way, this is suppose to be for fun. And we will have fun," she smiled, "Cause we're doing this together."
"Together," smiled Sweetie Belle and gave her big sister a hug, to which she got a hug back.
At that very moment, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo arrived, "you're lucky Rainbow Dash," said Applejack, "the sheet's nearly full, there's only enough room for the two of you."
Rainbow Dash grabbed a pencil with her mouth and quickly wrote down their names, "I'd say there's no more room now."
"Alrighty then, we'll lead you to your area."
As they walked past the other tents, Scootaloo took the time to look at all the other carts. She was amazed by many of the sleek designs, and interesting concepts being thought up.
"They're fine I guess," said Rainbow Dash, "but our's will be the fastest."
"Actually Rainbow Dash, I've been thinking that I want to win the prize for most unique looking cart," said Scootaloo. "We'll still use your design on it, but I was thinking on...hey, are you listening to me?"
"Yeah yeah, unique and fast, got it."
Applejack and Apple Bloom looked to each with worried looks. They knew from past experiences that Rainbow Dash sometimes didn't listen to other ponies' ideas, and this would lead them and herself into trouble.
Once they reached their area, Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash aside.
"Look Rainbow, I know you're excited to be entering into this race, but try and work with Scootaloo on how to design your cart. Don't let your desire to win get the better of you."
"Yeah yeah, we'll be fine." But Rainbow Dash wasn't really paying attention.
Normally Applejack would just give up on trying to convince Rainbow Dash another way, but since Scootaloo was partnered with her, she was concered for the little pegasus.
"It's not about speed and power Rainbow Dash, it's about having fun."
"Yeah I got it, speed and power."
Applejack sighed and walked over to Scootaloo so she could whisper to her, "Rainbow may not listen to you, so if you can, try and put in your own ideas without her knowing."
"Okay, I'll try," said Scootaloo a little worried.
That however was easier said than done. Scootaloo tried to present her own ideas to Rainbow Dash, but she would take no notice and go on with her original design plans. Scootaloo then tried to add things to the cart to make it more original, but they were barely on there before Rainbow Dash kicked them off, or threw them away.
"Hey, this is a team effort! It's not just your cart!"
"But we are working as a team, I build and you will race it."
"What?! That's not how this is suppose to work, look at everypony else." Scootaloo pointed to Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who were working together to build Sweetie's design, and were smiling the entire time. The same could said for Applejack and Apple Bloom as they were building a fast sleek cart. Pretty much everypony was working like that, even Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer. "Now see, that's how we're suppose to be working. At least let me add some wings on the sides for a unique look."
"Sorry Squirt, but you can't mess with perfection. However, you can get me something."
"And what would that be?"
"A glass of Apple Cider, I'm thirsty."
Scootaloo growled loudly and stormed off angerily. This caught the attention of everypony nearby, except for Rainbow Dash. She just continued working on her cart.
"For Pony's Sake Rainbow Dash," groaned Applejack, "you're certainly not being loyal now."
The carts took a couple of days to build and complete, but soon they were finished. Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer were the last to finish, but they were proud of their cart. All the ponies were proud, except Scootaloo. The cart was nothing like what she wanted, it was Rainbow Dash's design all the way.
"Alright everypony, listen up!" Applejack called to the ponies. "You have all done great work on your carts, but with twelve hours to go, as per tradition, you are not allowed to do anymore work on the carts, and this year, as a special treat, the youngest members of the team will get to be in the driver's seat."
"YAY!" cheered the fillies and colts.
Diamond Tiara looked nervous, "I don't know if I can drive, I haven't had much experience."
Starlight gave her a reassuring smile, "You'll do fine Diamond, just remain calm and remember to have fun."
Diamond Tiara smiled, "I'm glad you're my partner Starlight, you're the best."
Starlight's smile grew even bigger at that moment. That smile however faded when she saw Rainbow Dash sneaking back into her area, "what is Rainbow up to now? I hope she's not planning on cheating."
Sadly, Starlight was right on the mark. Rainbow Dash was planning on cheating. Once ahead, she wanted to stay ahead, and with a saddlebag full of tools, she was able to do just that.
The next day came. A special track had been placed around the streets of Ponyville, through the outskirts and even into the Everfree forest. It looked to be an exciting race this year. They even brought in three commentators to comment on the action.
"Good afternoon fillies and gentlecolts, and welcome to the annual Applewood Derby," said one of them, who was called Hoofson. "This year, we're in for a special treat."
"Yes indeed Hoofson," said Hamburger, the second commenting pony. "This year, with many young fillies and colts joining the race, they will be racing in the driver's seat."
"And the track this year is even longer than ever before," added the third pony, who went by the name of Mayflower. "It's about 3 and a half feet longer than last year, which breaks the record for the longest derby track in the history of..."
"Yes thank you Mayflower for that," interupted Hoofson. "And now, can the racers please come to the starting line?"
Starlight and Diamond Tiara were first to the line, then they were followed by Rarity and Sweetie Belle, and with Applejack and Apple Bloom following close behind.
"Nice carts," smiled Diamond Tiara, "you guys are definetly going to win prizes this year."
"I don't know about that," said Apple Bloom as she watched the other carts come to the line. "We'll be lucky if we're in the top five. But the important thing is to have fun."
"You got that right Little Sister," smiled Applejack.
Rarity was proud of her little sister, "You sure do know how to make a good looking, and quite functional cart Sweetie. I better watch my job, or I could be forced out of business."
Sweetie Belle giggled, "you don't need to worry about that Rarity, cause I can never make dresses as good as you. Besides, this was a team effort."
"Speaking of team effort," said Applejack, "Where are Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo?"
The last cart to come up to the start line was their cart, but to everypony's surprise, Rainbow Dash was in the Driver's seat, and Scootaloo was in the back.
"Rainbow Dash, that's Scootaloo's seat, not yours!"
"Oh chill AJ, Scootaloo's got a good seat, so she can experience all the action."
Applejack shook her head. The announcers called down, "the race cannot begin until young Scootaloo and Ms Rainbow Dash switch places. That's the rules for this year."
"What? When did that come about?"
"Last night, I told everypony. What were you doing?" asked Applejack.
"Oh I was...daydreaming I guess."
"Uh-huh. Well you heard 'em, get to the back Rainbow and let Scootaloo drive."
"Fine."
So the two pegasi switched places. Rainbow Dash was not happy about being in the back, but it did at least bring a smile to Scootaloo's face. Applejack whispered to her, "I know this isn't what you wanted, but at least you get to be in the Driver's seat. Have fun Scootaloo, and good luck."
"Thanks Applejack."
Applejack turned and walked back to Apple Bloom's cart. She climbed into the back seat and buckled up. Miss Cheerilee was at the starting line, ready to signal the beginning of the event.
"Racers are you ready?" she called out. They all nodded happily. "Good. Now on your marks...get set...and GO!" she cheered. She blew on a horn, and the race was on.
They raced down a big hill and past long lines of ponies, and even a couple of griffons.
"Alrighty fillies and gentlecolts, the racers are racing down the so called Ice Cream lane, why is it called that anyways?" asked Hoofson.
"Cause it leads to Sugarcube Corner before making a sharp turn," explained Mayflower.
"Oh well that explains everything then."
"And at the front so far," cheered Hamburger, "we have young Diamond Tiara and her partner; Miss Starlight Glimmer. You know fellas, I have to say that all these carts this year are quite amazing in design, I'm at a loss of words."
"No you're not," joked Hoofson. "If you were really at a loss of words, you'd be quiet and clearly you're not."
Mayflower rolled his eyes, "and ignoring my partners, we're getting back to the race as they speed towards the corner leading away from Sugarcube Corner."
The carts ran round Sugarcube Corner and down another street.
By now, Scootaloo was starting to enjoy herself, "your design or not, you sure do know how to make a cart," she commented Rainbow Dash.
But she shouldn't have said anything as it only inflaited Rainbow's ego even more, "if you like that Scootaloo, just wait till you see the extras I've added in."
"Extras? What are..."
Scootaloo was cut off as Rainbow reached to the front and pulled on a lever. Moments later, a rear spoiler appeared on the back.
"Hey, that wasn't in the original design!"
"I know, I just added some extra bits," smirked Rainbow Dash.
Mayflower had seen this, "uh that shouldn't be allowed right? Pulling on a lever to bring up a rear spoiler?"
"Are you kidding?" asked Hoofson, "it helps you to stay closer to the ground, and to make you go faster."
"Yes, but Hoofson," interupted Hamburger, "we have on good authority that the rear spoiler was not in the original design. Do you think one of the two ponies added that on during the 12 hour ban?"
"It's possible," said Mayflower.
Applejack had seen this, and both she and Apple Bloom were not happy, "I know she wants to win, but there's nothing wrong with coming in farther back," said Apple Bloom angerily.
Applejack was quick to agree, "We'll win through honest racing, just do your best Apple Bloom!"
"You got it Applejack!"
The race continued on without any further surprises. That was until they were reaching Courasel Boutique. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were now side by side with Diamond Tiara and Starlight Glimmer.
"Having fun so far?" asked Diamond Tiara.
"I would be if Rainbow would stop..."
Suddenly without warning, Rainbow pushed on a button and a big block flew out and bashed into Diamond Tiara and Starlight's cart. They started losing control.
"I say, that's not right, that's down right cheating there," exclaimed Hamburger.
"Well it is Rainbow Dash," said Mayflower. "Remember how she cheated during one of the Running of the leaves?"
"Never mind that guys, we got a bigger problem out there," said Hoofson.
And indeed there was. With lack of control, Diamond Tiara and Starlight's cart flew off the track and smashed through a couple of bushes before bumping into a tree.
"Oh my, now that's gotta hurt."
Starlight got out of the cart and used her magic to lift Diamond Tiara out, "Are you alright?" she asked.
Diamond Tiara nodded and raised a hoof to say she was okay. This was met with cheers and sighs of relief from the crowds. Diamond Tiara wasn't happy though about the bash they got, "they did that on purpose."
"On purpose yes, but both of them, no. Scootaloo had nothing to do with this."
Moments later, Applejack and Apple Bloom raced past, determined to get to the front.
"If that's the way Rainbow wants to play, then we'll just have to remind her that cheaters never win," said Applejack.
Getting to the front though was difficult, as Rainbow Dash showed off her latest cheating tactics, wings that could fold in and out so she could block the other racers.
"Now nothing's going to stop me from winning that ribbon," she cheered.
"You mean we," groaned Scootaloo.
"That's what I said, me." With all the excitment, Rainbow Dash thought Scootaloo was agreeing with her.
Soon the race went into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy called out to them, "Be careful in there!" But Rainbow Dash heard nothing, and pulled on another lever, which pulled out another spoiler, thus making them go even faster.
"Now isn't this fun?" she called to Scootaloo.
"No!" the little pegasus cried out.
Meanwhile Applejack and Apple Bloom were closing in. They tried again and again to get past, but Rainbow just wouldn't let them. It was clear, her desire to win was now blocking her common sense.
"I say, the Apples sure are having a difficult time in this race," said Hamburger. "If only team Dash would play fairly."
"That's funny coming from you Hamster," chuckled Hoofson.
"You're one to talk, you cheat everytime we race."
"And getting away from my partners once again," interupted Mayflower, "it looks like Rainbow Dash's tricks aren't working anymore as the Apples have now taken the lead."
"Sorry Scootaloo, but this has to be done," called Apple Bloom.
Scootaloo nodded in reponse.
"Oh no you don't!" cried Rainbow Dash. Her back legs start to move, and surprisingly, the cart was going faster. Scootaloo was confused, that was until she looked back and noticed extra peddles.
"You're cheating!"
"No, just being creative."
Scootaloo began to wonder at that point if Rainbow won her races fair and square, or did she cheat in all of them too.
The speed however was soon to become a problem. A sharp bend was up ahead and had to be taken lightly. Applejack and Apple Bloom made it round, but stopped.
"Slow down!" they cried, "you won't make it!"
But Rainbow Dash still wouldn't listen. Scootaloo had had enough at this point and tried to apply the brakes, but they didn't work.
"Uh Rainbow, we got a problem."
"No we don't, we're fine."
"And for once today you can hear me perfectly. And we do have one, we got no brakes!"
It didn't hit Rainbow Dash until it was too late. By that time, the cart flew off the track and spun around and around. Rainbow had managed to get herself free from it, but Scootaloo was still trapped inside and remained in there until the cart finally stopped.
"Oh my goodness, a major crash in the Everfree Forest!" cried Hoofson. "I repeat, a major crash in the Everfree Forest."
"And it was Team Dash and Scootaloo!" added Hamburger.
The other racers slowed to a stop and ran to help Scootaloo. Applejack and Apple Bloom tried to flip the cart over since it was upside down, but it was heavy with all of Rainbow Dash's extra features. Rarity, Derpy, Sweetie Belle, Dinky and all the other ponies joined in and helped to flip the cart over.
"Scootaloo, are you okay?" cried Rainbow Dash.
Scootaloo cried in pain, "I think I broke my hoof!" Tears could be seen falling from her eyes.
Rainbow Dash gasped, she hadn't meant for this to happen.
"We got to get her to the hospital," said Applejack. "Sweetie Belle, can we use your cart?"
"Of course, it's got enough room for two more ponies," she answered.
Rarity offered to ride in the back to calm Scootaloo down. But since Sweetie Belle's cart wasn't the fastest, she tied it on with a vine to Apple Bloom's cart, and together, they dashed off to the hospital.
"The race is off!" called Applejack. "We can't race when there's been a serious injury."
The other ponies agreed, but Rainbow Dash was shocked. Before she could say a word, Applejack interupted, "and you are disqualified for your cheating and breaking the rules. Was it worth it to hurt one of your friends?"
With all the eyes looking to Rainbow Dash, she was left speechless. However, she did feel bad for what she did.
Later in the day, she went to Ponyville General Hospital where she found Scootaloo in her room with one of her back legs in a cast. She didn't look too happy to see Rainbow Dash.
"Hey Scoot, how are you feeling?"
"Lousy. Doctor says I'll be in this cast for the next three weeks, which means I can't ride my scooter till then."
Rainbow Dash felt even worse than she did before. "I'm sorry Scootaloo, I guess I went overboard a little bit."
"Will you quit saying that? You went WAY overboard this time."
"Okay I did, and I'm sorry. It's just I love to win, and I thought it would be nice to do so again, but instead I just ruined the fun for everypony, and got you hurt. I am really sorry."
Scootaloo huffed.
"And I'm sorry for not using your ideas, and sorry for cheating too."
Scootaloo said nothing more.
Rainbow put on a kind smile, "next time around, I promise, if you'll let me be your partner again, that we'll use your ideas and your ideas alone, and I promise not to add extras during the 12 hour ban."
Scootaloo looked over and saw Rainbow do the Pinkie Pie Promise. That was enough prove to show that she meant what she was saying.
"I'll except your apology, on one condition."
"Name it."
"That you have to help me to school, and help me carry my homework home after the day is done."
"Okay, you got a deal."
Scootaloo sat upwards and held out her hooves. Rainbow walked forward and hugged Scootaloo back. From outside the room, the announcers; Hoofson, Mayflower and Hamburger had seen everything.
"What a beautiful moment," smiled Hamburger.
"It certainly brings a tear to one's eye," added Mayflower. "And on that bombshell, it's time that we left."
"Hey, that's what I say!" cried Hoofson. Mayflower laughed as he ran away, "Mayflower, you get back here! Mayflower!"
The two stallions ran off. Meanwhile, Hamburger seemed to break the fourth wall and say; "see you again soon, Goodnight!" Then he ran off to chase after his friends.
