It was a bright sunny day in Ponyville. School was out for the week and business was booming in the Ponyville Marketplace. In the center, Lil’ Cheese and Sweetie Belle were walking together.

“Ah, the international aisle,” Lil’ Cheese said. “the perfect place to find a gift as exotic as Joystick. Then she’ll finally be ‘Mi Amore’, ‘Mine Alleva’, ‘Numba-lumba-lumba-lam’!”

“Um, I’m pretty sure that last one’s not a language Cheese.” Sweetie Belle pointed out while she and Cheese went down an alley.

“Uh-huh! It’s the international language of love.” Cheese argued.

“You mean French? Look Cheese, if you want to go out with my daughter you’re gonna have to start making more sense.”

“So does your sister's job!” Cheese laughed at his burn.

“For your information young colt, Rarity’s job makes a lot of sense.” Sweetie Belle scolded while Lil’ Cheese gave her a look that said ‘whatever’. “Sheesh! This alley gives me the creeps!”

Cheese just shrugged. “Oh don’t be such a scaredy belle! It’s completely safe.” Just after Cheese said that, a trio of alley ponies jumped out and pulled out some weapons.

“Well well well, what do we have here?” The gang leader said. “A couple of ponies who think they can just walk into our domain. Give us your stupid wallets!”

“I don’t deal with expired sprinkles!” Lil’ Cheese declared confidently. “Come on Sweetie Belle, we can take them!” He then turned and noticed that Sweetie Belle wasn’t by his side anymore and was running in the other direction.

“No no no no no no no no no no no no no no AAAAAAHHH!” Sweetie Belle screamed while running away. Cheese nervously turned back to the gang.

“L-Listen, about that ‘expired sprinkles’ comment. That was a joke.” Lil’ Cheese stammered.

“Get him!” The gang leader shouted, but then out of nowhere an orange elderly stallion in a martial arts vest jumps in. He started attacking the thugs and dodging their attacks. After about a minute all the thugs were beaten down, and the stallion ran off leaving a stunned Lil’ Cheese.

Later at Sugarcube Corner, Lil’ Cheese was telling his gang what happened in the alley. The gang consisted of: Pound Cake, Pumpkin Cake, Talonflame, Joystick, Gold Nugget, Sweetie Belle, Button Mash and Silverstream.

“And he was like ‘Ha-Cha!’ and they were like ‘Ow! Oh!’ and I was like ‘Wha?’” Lil’ Cheese explained to his friends.

“Hmmm, it sounds like he was using the ancient art of ‘Carrot-tay’.” Talonflame said. “My Aunt Twilight told me that art was made when Celestia was a foal and they named it after the founder.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay. You could have been seriously hurt! Mommy too!” Joystick said with relief.

“Pfffft!” Cheese responded. “Not your mom, she ran away.”

“W-What!?” Sweetie Belle stammered. “N-No, i-it’s just… I’m a lover. Not a fighter!”

“I love lovers! YAY!” Silverstream exclaimed.

Joystick ignored the others and continued the conversation. “Cheese, you must’ve been really scared.”

“Nah, I could’ve taken them.”

“Yeah right!” Gold Nugget said as he shoved Lil’ Cheese. “This filly-boy couldn’t defend himself if he tried!”

“Could too, Gold tooth!” Cheese protested, but then Gold Nugget pushed him out the door.

“In the toughness test Cheese fails horribly!” Gold laughs.

“In the jerk test you get an A+.” Joystick told Gold.

“And you like smarty boys do ya?” Gold Nugget asked trying to get Joystick to notice him.

“Oh I do.” Joystick says but then turns away. “Let me know if you find one.”

Outside the bakery, Lil’ Cheese was recovering from his fall. “Man, if I knew how to fight then Gold Nugget couldn’t pick on me!” Cheese cursed as he began to think. He thought back to that stallion who saved him earlier. Apparently the stallion's name was ‘Old Carrot’ and was a fighting exper- wait a minute… “I got an idea! Which is usually bad, but in this case maybe not!”

Lil’ Cheese began his search for Old Carrot. He looked all over Ponyville and was about to give up when he saw a familiar looking stallion watering his plants at a house close to the Everfree Forest. ‘There he is!’ Cheese thought as he began to trot towards Old Carrot. “Hey! Hey Old Carrot! Hey!”

“Go away kid.” Old Carrot responded, but Cheese continued talking.

“Can you teach me Carrot-tay? I wanna chop salad and pastries! Or mainly, you know, just defend myself.” Cheese explained

“I don’t teach anymore.”

“How about a trade? I’ll promise to stop annoying you if you teach me Carrot-tay!” Cheese offered.

“You’re not annoying me.” Old Carrot said in confusion. Lil’ Cheese immediately started making terrible noises. After just two seconds, Old Carrot spoke up. “Okay! I-I’m annoyed! Stop! And I’ll teach you the art of Carrot-tay.”

“So when do I learn to do backflips and explode hearts? If that’s a real thing.” Old Carrot just sighed at Lil’ Cheese’s question. Later, Old Carrot and Lil’ Cheese were in a dojo room and Cheese was wearing a black martial art uniform with a white belt.

“First we must practice mantra. A word for focus on meditation.”

“Okay, but what the hay is meditation?” Cheese asked.

“Meditation is the engagement in mental exercise for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.” Old Carrot answered.

“Ooooookaaaaaay. But I want to bring the pain all over my enemies faces!”

“Carrot-tay is not about violence. It is about Inner Peace. Now pick a word, something meaningful to you.” Old Carrot instructed.

“Snap-per-fil-a-gus-tri-us? Nah, a little blah” Cheese said, then gasped when he turned around. “Yellow Belt!”

“Yes, that is very-” But then Old Carrot saw Lil’ Cheese taking a yellow belt off a hanger. “Give me! That was my old students!”

“What happened to him?”

“Are you going to pick a word or not?” Old Carrot asks as he hung the belt back up.

That night, Sweetie Belle was in bed with Button Mash having nightmares. “No, I don´t wanna! I can't!” Sweetie Belle said in her sleep. In her dreams Sweetie Belle was a filly sitting at a piano with her parents watching.

“Go on.” Sweetie Belle's mother said. “Play for us Sweetie. Play.”

“Or are you too scared?” A familiar voice asked. Sweetie Belle looked down to see the gang from the alley laughing at her. Sweetie got scared, fell off her chair and landed in the street in a white mark shaped like a pony. It was then that Sweetie was approached by a familiar looking yellow colt covered in bruises and surrounded by smoke.

“Ch-Cheese!?” Sweetie Belle said in fear. Lil’ Cheese had tears in his eyes, and a look of betrayal on his face.

“*sniff* I needed your help and you just ran away.” Cheese sobbed.

“I-I'm sorry Cheese!” Sweetie panicked.

“It’s too late for that!” After Lil’ Cheese’s ghost made that claim, the dream showed Sweetie Belle in her old classroom without any fur, and her classmates were laughing at her including the other crusaders. Sweetie screamed in embarrassment and she woke up panting heavily.

“Sweetie, are you okay?” Button Mash asked.

“Uh, yeah. Just a nightmare.”

“Well, it’s 7AM. We should get going to see the others at Sugarcube Corner.” Button said as he got out of bed.

Later at Sugarcube Corner, Lil’ Cheese was showing off his new Carrot-tay skills. “That’s right! You’re looking at a bona-fide Carrot-tay master! Gotta problem, I’m the solution.” Cheese then did a few moves and flips.

“Cheese, please, I’m trying to read.” Pound Cake complained. Lil’ Cheese then round-house kicked the book out of Pounds hooves and out the window.

“No, you’re finished! Hahahaha! Sorry, I’ll buy you a new book.” Cheese Apologized. Then they all heard panting and turned to see Ocellus run inside.

“Guys! T-There’s a new stallion at the School of Friendship, and I think I’m in love with him! What should I do!?” Ocellus asked worriedly.

“Go talk to him!” Cheese shouted. Cheese started doing Carrot-tay moves of Ocellus to make her get a grip. “You. Can. Act. Like. A. Mare!” He said finishing the moves.

“Thanks!” Ocellus shouted running out of the bakery.

“Wow! Ocellus isn’t shy anymore!” Winona cheered.

“Ha! Is there any problem Carrot-tay can’t solve?” As if to answer his question, Gold Nugget came in wearing glasses and approached Joystick.

“Hey sweety lipps. I was ju-”

“Give it up Nugget! She’s too good for you.” Cheese interrupted.

“Well, if it isn’t Cheese. Actually, if you ask me, you’re more like tofu!” Gold Nugget laughs and turns to Joystick. “Got any sugar for me, baby? I got these glasses, seeing how you love smarty-boys and all?”

“What?” Joystick said with worry.

“The only reason you need any sugar is ‘cause you’re so sour!” Cheese said.

“You think you’re some big colt ‘cause you know Carrot-tay?” Gold Nugget asked. “Well, I’ve been trained in Ninjutsu!”

“More like fat-jutsu! *laughs*”

“An insult to Ninjutsu can’t go unanswered! Whoa-ah!” Gold exclaimed as he got in a battle stance.

“I’ve got your answer right here.” Cheese got into a pose as well

“Guys stop!” Joystick said. “The last thing I want is both you boys fighting over me. Awww, who am I kidding? Kinda flattered.”

“Joystick, please.” Button said

“Why don’t we settle this thing like professionals, in the cage? Winner takes all!” Gold declared.

“Ew, for real?” Joystick asked

“Cheese, don’t!” Sweetie Belle tried to say but was interrupted by Lil’ Cheese.

“You’re on!”

“Absolutely not!” Old Carrot wasn’t happy when Cheese went back to the dojo to give him the news.

“Why won’t you let me fight?” Cheese asked in confusion. Is it ‘cause I’m not ready, ‘cause I’m too wild? What is it, just tell me!” Old Carrot sighed.

“Many moons ago I had a student. He was my best, full of life, confidence, and courage. Until one fateful day during training. We were ambushed by a Roc. It snatched him and swallowed him whole. He’d still be here if not for Carrot-tay. That’s why I live far from other creatures now.”

“It’s not your fault! Maybe you couldn’t help him, but can help me.” Cheese pointed out. “Please, I need you!”

“Hmm, we have a lot of work to do.”

(Training Montage) We begin with Lil’ Cheese attempting to chop cinder blocks. He bounces off and falls on Old Carrot.

Next, Cheese is on a treadmill and starts going too fast that he slips and crashes into Old Carrot.

Then, Cheese is beating a pony dummy. He kicks it super hard and it soars to Old Carrot knocking him down.

Cheese tries the cinder blocks again but this time hurts his hoof.

Cheese is now pulling a wagon up a hill with Old Carrot inside. The handle snaps causing Old Carrot to roll down the hill.

Now they’re both on a boat in the river while Cheese is trying to balance on one leg. The boat tilts and Old Carrot falls out.

Cheese tries the cinder blocks one more time, and finally breaks them. Old Carrot walks to him covered in bandages.

“Hey, Old Carrot, I’m ready!” Cheese said.

“I have something for you.” Old Carrot then pulls out a Yellow Belt surprising Cheese.

“A Yellow Belt? Uh, I couldn’t!”

“Put it on.” Old Carrot laughs.

“I think it’s time you moved back with the other ponies. Back home.” Cheese said

“After all these years?”

“You don’t have to be alone anymore.” Old Carrot smiled in response. Later on, Lil’ Cheese and Old Carrot were at a house on the edge of Ponyville.

“Thank you, Cheese-san.” Old Carrot said. “You restore honor. I can finally begin life again now that I am-” Suddenly a Roc flies in and attacks Old Carrot. Both Old Carrot and Cheese screamed. Cheese in shock and fear, and Old Carrot in pain. After the Roc finished his attack he flew away, and Lil’ Cheese ran to his side.

“Old Carrot! Old Carrot!” Cheese said fearfully.

“That Roc… is… a… m-menace” Old Carrot said before his eyes closed forever.

“NOOOO!!!!!” Cheese sobs.

Lil’ Cheese was sitting in Sugarcube Corner mourning over Old Carrot’s death. Pumpkin Cake tried to cheer him up but nothing worked. Later, Gold Nugget came in.

“So the student is now the master, and the master is now bird feed.” Gold laughs while Cheese groans.

“You better watch it, or I’m gonna-”

“What? Face it, without anyone in your corner tomorrow, you’ll be kissing dirt, and I’ll be kissing a special filly.” Gold Nugget said as he exits the bakery. Sweetie Belle felt bad for Cheese, so she went over to comfort him.

“Hey.” She said.

“Hey.”

“I’m sorry about Old Carrot.” Sweetie apologized.

“He spent so much time alone. Now he’s gone. Who’s gonna be there for me?” Cheese asked sadly. Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. She then knew what to do.

“I’ll be in your corner for you.” She said. “It’s the least I could do.”

“R-Really?” Cheese asked tearing up. He then jumped onto Sweetie Belle hugging her. “Thank you!”

“No problem.”

It was time. Lots of ponies, griffons, hippogriffs, kiren, changelings, dragons etc were gathered around the outdoor ring. Pipsqueak, a white stallion with brown spots walked to the center wearing a referee uniform and holding a microphone to start announcing.

“Mares and gentle-colts, it’s time for the rumble of the Ponyville Arena. Our first contender, weighing in at 27 lbs, Lil’ Cheese.” The crowd cheers as Cheese and Sweetie Belle enter the ring.

“Oh, I hope he knows what he’s doing.” Pound Cake says.

“I think it’s nice that your mom is there for Cheese.” Talonflame told Joystick.

“And his opponent, weighing in at 36 lbs, Gold Nugget.” Gold Nugget walked into the ring wearing a blue belt. He then turns to where Joystick is sitting in the audience.

“Hey, SugarPie! As soon as I’m done beating the tar out of Fillyboy here, I’ll be ready for our first date. Kissy kissy, smooch smooch, kissy kissy!” Gold then laughs

“Just ignore him!” Button told his daughter. Then a cage was lowered and the starting bell rang.

“Begin!” Pipsqueak shouted. Cheese starts attacking Gold Nugget for 10 seconds, but his attacks didn’t seem to do a thing.

“So, you ready to give up yet?” Cheese pants worriedly. Gold responds to his question by kicking Cheese into the wall of the cage.

“CHEESE!!!” Joystick shouts in shock.

“That has to hurt.” Talonflame said. The bell rang as Sweetie Belle rushed to Cheese with a First-Aid kit.

“We gotta get you out of there!” She said. Cheese began to pant heavily.

“He’s so powerful! I-I can’t.”

“Yes, you can.” Cheese looked to his right to see an image of Old Carrot surrounded by smoke.

“Old Carrot! You’re alive!” Lil’ Cheese said in surprise.

“Nope, just a hallucination. Remember, Carrot-Tay is about Inner Peace. Not about violence.”

“Of course! Thank you Old Carrot!” Cheese then closed his eyes. “Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle.”

“What is it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Nothing. I’m just saying my mantra.”

“I’m your mantra? Awwww.” Sweetie Belle said flattered. The bell rang again as the fight continued. Gold Nugget climbed on top of a ladder and looked down at Cheese.

“Alright Fillyboy! Prepare for ‘The Gut Buster!’” Gold jumped off and crushed Cheese. Then he attached Cheese to a windmill. “The Whirlybird Dizzifier!” Gold then got in a catapult. “The Cata-Colt!” He launched off onto Cheese.

“I can’t watch!” Joystick said covering her eyes.

“Kill him! Murder him! Put him in a bag! Yay!” Winona cheered. Talonflame then gave her a look that said ‘seriously!?’ Gold Nugget started spinning Cheese around.

“The Hurricane!” Then Gold put on his glasses and pulled out a dictionary. “The Smarty Boys Special.” Gold smacks Cheese with the book. Next he actually picks up an apple cart. “The Fruit Cart Smash!” He throws the cart on Cheese. Pipsqueak decided he’d had enough and tried to stop the fight.

“That’s it! That’s it! I’m calling!”

“Get outta my way!” Gold Nugget shouted as he grabbed Pipsqueak by the tail and slammed him into the ground.

“Gold Nugget is disqualified!” Pipsqueak yelled. But Gold began to advance on Lil’ Cheese.

“I don’t care! I’m finishing this!” Cheese began to whimper at this.

“Oh no! He’s out of control!” Pound Cake yelled.

“Someone has to stop him!” Joystick said.

“PREPARE TO MEET YOUR MAKER! AND I DON’T MEAN LAUREN FAUST!!!” Gold said as he got closer to Cheese.

“Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle.” Cheese repeated.

“WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING THAT!?!?” Gold yelled.

“I’ll tell you why!” A familiar voice said. Sweetie Belle jumped into the ring, put her hoof on Gold’s chest, turned it slightly and gently pushed. Gold Nugget fell over. “BECAUSE CARROT-TAY. IS NOT. ABOUT. VIOLEEEENCE!!!!!!!!” Pipsqueak got up and blew the whistle.

“The winner is-”

“SWEETIE BELLE!?!?” Lil’ Cheese said in shock as Pipsqueak handed Sweetie Belle the trophy. The audience cheers.

“Sweetie Belle, that was amazing! But how did you-” Cheese stopped when he saw Sweetie Belle was wearing a martial arts uniform. “Wait, what are you wearing!?”

“You’re not the only one who studied Carrot-Tay. I was once Old Carrot’s student too.”

“Old Carrot’s WHA!?!?!?” Cheese said in shock.

“But I learned the hard way that violence only leads to more violence. I couldn’t control the power of Carrot-Tay, so I swore I would never fight again.” Out of nowhere Sweetie Belle grabbed Pipsqueak and threw him.

“Sweetie Belle! What’d you do that for?” Cheese asked.

“I dunno. I couldn’t stop myself” Joystick and Button came down from the bleachers.

“That was awesome mommy!” Joystick said. She then turned to Cheese “I was so worried about you! Such Bravery.” Suddenly, Sweetie Belle shouted and performed a flip-kick on Button Mash sending him flying and screaming.

“Sweetie Belle! Down girl! Down!” Cheese said.

“S-Sorry Button! Nothing personal!” Pound Cake got up and flew to Sweetie Belle.

“Sweetie Belle, get ahold of yourself!” Pound yelled. Sweetie just karate chopped him sending him rolling away and Joystick followed him to comfort him. Silverstream went over to Sweetie Belle smiling.

“I love violence!” Sweetie Belle grabbed the hippogriff and tossed her. “Yay!”

“Sorry!” Sweetie Belle said. Old Carrot’s ghost then appeared in front of her.

“Carrot-Tay is about inner peace, not-” but before he could finish, Sweetie Belle placed the trophy on him and looked at Cheese.

“S-Sweetie Belle, remember, we’re best friends.” Lil’ Cheese said nervously.

“No we’re not. YAH!” Sweetie Belle sent Cheese flying.

“SWEETIE BEEEEEEEELLE!!!”

Author's Note

Please comment what you thought about certain scenes and if you have an idea for an episode, go to the top and mail me.