Season Z, Episodes R-S: Karate

by Flame Runner

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure
Length: 11176

The CMC get fed up with Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara and enter a karate tournament to take them on

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon have started taking karate and have entered in the Junior Karate Tournament. When the Cutie Mark Crusaders find out, they plan to enter the tournament and defeat the two snobby fillies. Sweet revenge will be theirs! Or will it?

If you enjoy this story, please check out the other Season Z "episodes".

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-03 05:54:02 UTC

Karate (Part 2)

Karate (Part 2)

(By: Flame Runner)

Rainbow Dash was taking it easy and sipping some punch in the fine establishment of Sugar Cube Corner. On the table before the athletic cyan pegasus lay a half eaten muffin. She clacked her punch onto the table and sighed with a satisfied “Ahhh…”

Other partially eaten treats lay on other plates: A strudel here and a cherry tart there. Two other cups of punch went along with these other delicacies. Each tasty drink was owned by a different pony. One was Rarity. The elegant white unicorn was looking just as gorgeous this morning as usual. The other was Applejack. The hardworking earth pony had on her regular cowboy hat and was busy munching on her cherry tart. All three mares were gathered around the table and talking about the weather, the news, and anything else that mares tended to talk about.

“So I heard that the spa is getting a new facial treatment,” Rarity was explaining. “It’s supposed to be on the cutting edge.”

“Boring!” Rainbow Dash sang out loudly.

“Hmph,” grumped Rarity.

The unicorn levitated her cup up to her mouth so she could take a sip of her punch.

“Alright, alright,” Applejack broke into the conversation. “I think we’ve done hit near everythin’ there is to talk ‘bout save what we all actually came here to talk ‘bout.”

She paused and took a breath, making sure that she had the attention of both her friends.

“So, what’s up with our sisters doin’ this whole karate thin’?”

Rainbow Dash swallowed a bite of muffin before responding.

“Don’t really know. They just sort of asked if I could train them for a tournament or something. I said ‘yes’ and that’s about it.”

“I’m personally not one to go off fighting for no reason,” Rarity chipped in, “but it is useful to know how to defend oneself…even if it means getting a little sweaty.”

The prissy unicorn flinched a little at the mention of sweat.

“Well I showed them a few moves yesterday and then had Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle spar. All in all, it went fairly well for their first day,” Rainbow Dash informed the two.

“So why ‘xactly did you want to tell us this? I mean, our sisters could’a told us themselves,” Applejack pointed out.

“Well, for starters, they are your sisters and I wanted to make sure that you two were ok with it. I mean, karate can be a bit dangerous. I also wanted to see if you’d like to come and cheer your sisters on at the Junior Karate Tournament this weekend. Plus, I was hoping to learn why they were so keen on entering the tournament in the first place,” explained Dash.

“Thank you for your concern Rainbow Dash,” praised Rarity. “I have no major qualms with my sister trying out karate. Trust me, she can handle herself. I would also love to go to the tournament and cheer my sister on as I have no other plans for the weekend, but I don’t know why they would want to enter the tournament. Perhaps they want to be Cutie Mark Crusader karate champions?”

“I know why they want to enter that there tournament,” Applejack spoke up.

“Yeah? And why’s that?” asked Rainbow Dash.

The pegasus then took another swig of punch.

“My sis said they were goin’ there to beat Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon at the tournament.”

“Oh! That would make sense,” Rarity agreed with a nod of her head.

“Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?” pried Rainbow Dash. “What makes them so important?”

“Sweetie Belle has spoken to me many times of those two little fillies. They are always giving her and the other Crusaders a rough time,” Rarity replied.

“Mm hmm,” Applejack agreed.

“Ok, ok, standing up for themselves,” Rainbow Dash thought aloud, “Oh snap! I’ve got to go and fake a nap on the clouds or those three won’t know where to find me for our practice today!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes flew open wide and she bumped the table as she dashed out of the bakery.

“Well, go and enjoy your ‘fake’ nappin’!” Applejack chuckled a goodbye.

(Insert Theme Music Here)

* * * * * * * * *

“RAINBOW DASH!!!” a chorus of three fillies sang into the bright blue sky.

Above, on a cloud, Rainbow Dash was lounging around. She bolted into action and flew down to meet the three fillies, finally landing on her hooves instead of her face.

“You girls ready for some more karate?” asked Dash.

“Are we ever!” replied Scootaloo.

“I jus’ need to hit somethin’ after my day at school,” Apple Bloom stated.

“That’s the spirit!” Dash gave Apple Bloom a loud pat on the back. “Come on! Last one to the dojo has to spar with me!”

Rainbow Dash took off at hyper speeds, leaving a blurry rainbow trail behind her as she flew off. The three Crusaders took off after their teacher as fast as their own feet could take them.

* * * * * * * * *

The dojo was just as busy as the day before, which is to say, nopony was even in sight. Rainbow Dash was just tying her black belt around her white outfit when the three stumbled into the dojo at exactly the same time, practically crawling over each other.

“I wasn’t last!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Well neither was I!” stated Apple Bloom.

“I’ll be last! I want to spar Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo declared.

“Alright Scoots, you can spar me. But you’ll also be taking on Apple Bloom today,” Rainbow Dash told the three. “Get on your karate outfits and then we’ll get started.”

The three fillies pried themselves off of the floor and off of each other. They opened up their saddlebags and each pulled out a bright white outfit. In the blink of an eye, the clothes were on and the fillies were ready to get started.

“Scootaloo and Apple Bloom come on into the sparing ring and we’ll get started,” commanded Rainbow Dash.

The two in question both trotted merrily over to have their spar. They each gave a bow to the other.

“You ready to lose?” Scootaloo whispered to Apple Bloom.

“In your dreams,” Apple Bloom shot back.

They both reared up onto their hind legs and took up defensive positions, with their front hooves held out in front of themselves, ready to block. Scootaloo was the first to strike. The orange filly lashed out with a quick punch followed by another and yet another. The strikes may have come fast, but Apple Bloom was able to deflect or dodge them. The earth filly dodged one quick swipe with a duck and then turned a full 180 degrees and struck Scootaloo with a powerful buck. The young pegasus was unprepared for such a comeback and the kick knocked her cleanly in the chest. Scootaloo was flung into the air and landed on her back.

“Oof!” wheezed the pegasus as she collided with the hard floor.

“That’s worth two points in a tournament,” stated Rainbow Dash. “You’ve still got a whole minute left. Scoots, if you’ve been knocked down, you need to get back up and do the whole bowing thing again or forfeit the match,” explained the cyan mare.

Scootaloo took in a deep breath and then flipped herself back onto her feet. She and Apple Bloom came back to the center of the sparing area and bowed again.

“Are ya’ ok?” asked Apple Bloom.

“I think the better question is if you’ll be ok,” teased Scootaloo.

The two regained their defensive positions and began to circle the other, looking for any weak points. This time Apple Bloom stuck out first. The young earth filly let fly a hard punch at Scootaloo. The orange pegasus crossed her front hooves and absorbed the blow, grunting and gritting her teeth. Apple Bloom launched into another powerful buck, but Scootaloo jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. The young pegasus jumped at Apple Bloom with a flying kick. Apple Bloom was only just regaining her composure after missing her own kick when Scootaloo stuck her on the side, making the earth filly fall over.

“And two points for Scootaloo!” announced Rainbow Dash. “You’ve only got fifteen seconds left, make them count.”

The two friends faced each other once again and bowed.

“I’m gonna win this!” smirked Scootaloo.

“No, I’m gonna win!” replied Apple Bloom.

The two competitors jumped back into action. 15. Apple Bloom set herself into a defensive posture. 14. Scootaloo forwent defense to lash out with a flurry of blows. 13. Punch. Block. 12. Punch. Block. 11. Punch. Block. 10. Punch. Dodge. 9. Scootaloo was thrown off balance as her next punch flew through thin air. 8. Apple Bloom jumped around to Scootaloo’s side. 7. Scootaloo used her wings to prop herself back up and face her opponent. 6. Apple Bloom lashed out with another powerful buck. 5. Scootaloo again defended herself by blocking with her front hooves crossed. 4. The pegasus may have held off the attack, but she was still sent sprawling to the ground from the sheer force. 3. Scootaloo began to jump to her feet. 2. Apple Bloom was faster and landed on top of Scootaloo. 2. The young earth filly held down Scootaloo’s front legs with her own back legs. 1. Apple Bloom punched at Scootaloo’s neck, but held back the blow at the last moment.

“Time!” Called Rainbow Dash. “And that’s three points for Apple Bloom!”

Apple Bloom released Scootaloo and then helped her friend back to her feet.

“What?!” Scootaloo called foul. “But she didn’t even hit me!”

“Nope, and that’s the rule. It would have been a solid blow, but she held it back so that you wouldn’t get hurt. Still counts and in fact hitting somepony when they’re down like that is considered illegal in competition because they wouldn’t be able to keep fighting after taking a hit like that,” explained Rainbow Dash. “Apple Bloom is the winner!”

“Wow! That was a great match!” Sweetie Belle ran up to congratulate her two friends with a beaming smile.

“Yeah! That was a lot of fun!” Apple Bloom held out a hoof for Scootaloo.

Scootaloo accepted the outstretched hoof and shook it.

“All right, good match Apple Bloom. With moves like that, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara don’t stand a chance,” the pegasus praised her friend.

Rainbow Dash sauntered casually over to her three students.

“So, who are these fillies, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara?” Dash asked.

All the Cutie Mark Crusaders turned their attention instantly upon Rainbow Dash.

“Who are Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara?” gasped Apple Bloom.

“They’re only the most stuck up, obnoxious, and rude fillies in the entire school!” spat Scootaloo.

“Yeah! And they’re always mean and they call us names!” Sweetie Belle followed after her two friends.

“Yikes! That sounds serious,” replied Rainbow Dash. “And they’re both in the tournament?”

“Yep! And we’re goin’ to take ‘em down!” stated Apple Bloom confidently.

“Well you’ve all still got a long way to go if you really want to compete in a tournament, even if it is only a junior tournament,” Dash told them. “So, I’m going to teach you all about the three basic karate styles today.”

“Karate styles?” asked Sweetie Belle as she turned her head to an awkward angle.

“That’s right! The three basic forms of fighting. There’s the earth style, pegasus style, and unicorn style,” taught Rainbow Dash as she paced back and forth. “Each style is named after the three types of ponies because each form originally came from those ponies. Earth style uses powerful hits and kicks to take out an opponent. They move around at a decent speed to block and avoid strikes. If you take a blow, you ignore it and move on. The main motto behind the earth style: If you get hit, hit them back twice as hard.”

Rainbow Dash stopped in front of Apple Bloom and placed a hoof on the little filly’s shoulder.

“Apple Bloom, from what I’ve seen during your sparing matches, you tend to use the earth style.”

Apple Bloom’s face lit up and nodded happily. Rainbow Dash lifted her hoof off Apple Bloom and began to pace back and forth again as she continued to speak.

“Pegasus style uses super fast movements and lightning fast attacks. The style originally came from pegasus propelling themselves quickly across the battlefield with their wings. They don’t tend to hit as hard as the other fighting forms, but they don’t need to. They just need to wear their opponent down with lots of strikes. The pegasus style motto is: It doesn’t matter how hard your opponent hits if they can’t hit you.”

Rainbow Dash stopped in front of Scootaloo this time and placed a hoof upon the little pegasus.

“Scoots, you seem to follow after the pegasus style.”

Scootaloo looked like she was about to burst from excitement. She literally jumped back and performed a quick karate chop into the air with enthusiasm. Rainbow Dash chuckled at the orange filly’s antics and then finished her lecture.

“Finally, we have the unicorn style. It tends to be very difficult to concentrate on magic while on the move, so unicorns tended to move slowly in combat. That’s why the unicorn style doesn’t move much. They instead rely on their ability to deflect blows and use that deflection to manipulate their opponent to open themselves to counterstrikes. They hit solidly, but not as hard as earth style. The unicorn style motto: Let your opponent make the first mistake and punish them for it.”

Rainbow Dash stopped lastly in front of Sweetie Belle and placed a hoof on the young unicorn’s shoulder like she had done for the others.

“Sweetie Belle-” began Rainbow Dash.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! I’m unicorn style! I’m unicorn style!” Sweetie Belle bounced around excitedly.

The three Cutie Mark Crusaders all came together and stood in fighting poses.

“Earth!” yelled Apple Bloom.

“Unicorn!” shouted Sweetie Belle.

“And Pegasus!” screamed Scootaloo as she leaped high into the air and launched into a flying kick.

“Together we are the CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!” they all yelled in unison.

They had all stopped in front of Rainbow Dash in their fighting poses.

“Now that’s what I’m takin’ about!” Rainbow Dash encouraged as she clapped her hooves on the ground. “Now all we need is one of those cool backdrops and a camera.”

Suddenly, a colorful movie quality background set crashed through the roof and landed just behind the Crusaders along with a camera which also so happened to land in Rainbow Dash’s hooves. They all looked up to see Derpy blushing and holding her front hooves nervously behind her head. Those in the dojo shrugged.

“Alright, say cheese!” stated Rainbow Dash as she pointed the camera at the three fillies in combat stances.

“Cheese!” they said as the camera flashed off.

Rainbow Dash then flew up to Derpy and handed the camera back.

“I’ll help you take care of all this stuff when we’re done practicing today,” stated the cyan mare to her wall-eyed friend.

“Thanks Rainbow Dash,” said Derpy, a grin replacing her nervous expression.

Dash flew back down to her charges and landed with all the grace of a martial arts master. The three fillies surrounded their teacher.

“Hey Rainbow Dash?” asked Scootaloo with big eyes.

“Yeah?”

“What style do you use?”

“I use every style,” replied Dash without thinking.

“Whoa! Every style?” Sweetie Belle questioned.

“Well sure. A black belt has to be able to adapt to any situation so I learned every style,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“And ya’ never entered a competition?” Apple Bloom queried.

“Nope. Too many rules for my tastes,” Rainbow Dash then turned the conversation to another subject. “Say Scoots, didn’t we have a sparing match to do?”

“Yeah! Let’s do this!” roared Scootaloo with passion as she propelled herself into the sparing ring.

Rainbow Dash chuckled as she let her own wings propel her to the sparing area and landed, battle ready, in front of Scootaloo. The two bowed. Rainbow Dash looked calm and composed but Scootaloo was jittery with energy. They didn’t say a word, but knew when the match had begun. Scootaloo struck out first with a quick one-two punch. Rainbow Dash blocked each attack expertly and threw them to the side, leaving Scootaloo defenseless. Dash threw a blow at Scootaloo’s chest and it landed solidly, knocking the little pegaus to the floor.

The orange filly quickly hopped back up and the fight resumed. For the next two minutes Rainbow Dash showed why she was a black belt. The cyan mare went through each technique that she had recently taught about against Scootaloo. The young filly never got a blow in against Dash, but didn’t seem to care. Each time she was knocked down, she would get back up more thrilled than the last time. Finally, the training session ended and Rainbow Dash had to say good-bye to the Crusaders.

“Great practice today guys!” stated Rainbow Dash. “You’re going to start feeling all this work turn into soreness, but you’ll just have to muscle through it if you want to be tournament worthy by the weekend. Keep practicing at home and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye Rainbow Dash!” the three waved as they raced out of the dojo with excitement.

Rainbow Dash turned around to find Derpy standing behind her.

“Alright Derpy, now where did you say you got all of this background stuff again?”

* * * * * * * * *

The week had gone by quickly, each day the Cutie Mark Crusaders would come to practice and spar at the dojo with Rainbow Dash. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara had still not stopped their rude behavior toward the three and the Crusaders were finally ready to take them down. Today was Saturday, competition day, and they were standing with Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity in front of the competition building in the town of Hoofington. The tournament was in a large, square cement building. It was very tall and had many banners hanging down from it announcing the Junior Karate Tournament along with other major events that were to happen later that year.

“They need to hire another pony to do the decorations next year, this is just so drab,” mused Rarity.

“‘Nuff ‘bout decorations Rarity, we’ve got to get in there and sign these three up or they won’t be able to compete,” Applejack stated.

“She’s right,” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Come on, we don’t have much time to sign in before the matches start.”

The group entered the large building to find it just as plain on the inside as it was on the outside. Rarity nearly had a heart attack as she gagged at the décor.

“Dreadful! Simply dreadful!” she murmured under her breath.

But the three were soon signed in and were led away to the competition area. A large board sat in front of the Crusaders with many names and brackets drawn on it.

“Aw rats!” Scootaloo said in disappointment.

“What?” asked Apple Bloom.

“It says that me and Sweetie Belle have to fight each other first,” Scootaloo explained.

“Not only that,” Sweetie Belle chimed in, “but Diamond Tiara is in the other bracket. The only way we’ll be able to fight her is if she makes it all the way to the final round.”

“We can still fight Silver Spoon though, right?” Apple Bloom asked eagerly.

“Yep, she’s in our bracket,” Scootaloo said.

“Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle,” an announcer called.

“Guess we’re up Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo said. “Good luck out there.”

“Yeah, you too,” Sweetie replied.

The two walked out to the competition area. There were other fighting mats and other matches taking place. Only one fighting area was open. This is where Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were to fight. The two hopped into the fighting arena and took their respective positions. They both bowed respectfully to each other.

“Good luck!” said Sweetie Belle.

“There is to be no talking during the match,” stated a referee from the sidelines.

Sweetie Belle blushed a little.

“You too,” whispered Scootaloo as she gave a wink at Sweetie Belle.

The young unicorn brightened up instantly.

“And…BEGIN!” announced the referee as she pressed a timer.

The two minutes for fighting had commenced. Scootaloo came in fast with a one-two punch. Sweetie Belle was able to deflect the blows and open Scootaloo to a counterattack just like Rainbow Dash had shown them. But Scootaloo had learned from her mistakes and jumped backward just out of Sweetie Belle’s reach. The small pegasus used her wings to propel herself at the confused unicorn. Scootaloo slammed a kick into Sweetie Belle’s back legs and knocked Sweetie to the ground. The orange pegasus then went for the same neck attack that had won Apple Bloom three points in their first spar.

“Three points!” declared the referee.

“Come on Sweetie Bell! You can do it!” cheered Rarity from the sidelines.

“Nice move Scoots!” encouraged Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo helped Sweetie Belle to her feet and the two resumed their original positions. They bowed once again and then flung themselves back into combat. Scootaloo shot a kick at Sweetie Belle, but it was deflected. With Scootaloo off balance Sweetie made her move. Sweetie Belle came in with an uppercut. Scootaloo swung a front hoof to block the punch, but that’s what Sweetie was expecting. Scootaloo was now trying to right herself, but the momentum of her own defense caused her to lose balance. Sweetie Belle struck for a three point shot, but Scootaloo managed to somehow deflect the blow into her chest instead.

“Two points!” exclaimed the referee.

“That’s the spirit Sweetie Belle!” Rarity shouted.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo set themselves into a bow once again. Only thirty seconds remained on the clock. If Sweetie Belle wanted to win, she would need to score a hit quickly. As soon as the clock resumed its countdown, the young unicorn leaped into action. She opened with a strong side kick which Scootaloo easily dodged, but then Sweetie Belle launched into a flurry of quick punches. Scootaloo moved back until she was eventually forced off of the fighting mats.

“Stop!” commanded the referee. She turned her attention to Scootaloo. “You can’t leave the combat area. If you jump out again, I’ll have to disqualify you.”

Scootaloo nodded her head in acknowledgement. She and Sweetie would have to bow and restart once more. Only fifteen seconds left.

“Come on Sweetie Belle!” pleaded Rarity.

“You’re doing great Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash said.

The fighting resumed. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle began to circle each other, looking for a weakness in the other. The clock was ticking down for Sweetie Belle and the unicorn began to sweat a little. Both fillies were panting, but remained composed.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up and she attacked. Scootaloo met the blow with a hoof of her own. Blow after blow, kick after kick, and punch after punch Sweetie Belle was either met with a solid defense or was left to hit empty air.

“TIME!” called the ref. “Scootaloo will advance to the next round against…Silver Spoon.”

The two tired filly hopped off of the mats and went to join Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Apple Bloom.

“Nice work Scootaloo. I’m impressed,” praised Rainbow.

“A very good try Sweetie Belle,” Rarity comforted her sister. “And it was a match well won Scootaloo.”

“Yeah, good fight!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

Scootaloo smiled.

“It was a good fight. Sorry I had to knock you out of the competition Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo stated, both proudly and apologetically.

“But now ya’ get to go against Silver Spoon, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom said excitedly.

“That’s right! I do!” Scootaloo’s smile turned a little mischievous.

“Give her a proper kick for me,” Sweetie Belle said.

“You got it. Hey, what about you Apple Bloom? When do you fight?”

“I already fought. When you two were busy kickin’ the suffin’ out of each other I was called out,” replied the little earth pony happily.

“And she won hooves down,” praised Applejack good naturedly.

“Scootaloo and Silver Spoon!” called the announcer.

“That’s me! I’ve got to go. Wish me luck!” Scootaloo said as she took off for her match against Silver Spoon.

“Good luck!” Apple Bloom shouted after her friend.

Scootaloo arrived on the mats to find Silver Spoon waiting.

“Hmph, so you’re fighting are you?” Silver taunted. “I didn’t even know you took karate.”

“Just started,” replied Scootaloo confidently.

“Oh, then this will be fun! Blank flank,” teased the snobby filly.

“Contestants, are you ready?” asked a referee.

Both Scootaloo and Silver Spoon nodded. As they bowed, Scootaloo shot daggers at Silver Spoon, but Silver met her gaze and gave back a haughty little chuckle.

“BEGIN!” yelled the ref.

Scootaloo surged forward with a mighty roar and lashed out at Silver Spoon, only to have Silver dodge the blow and reply with a quick gut punch of her own.

“Two points!” announced the referee.

Scootaloo was puffing angrily through her nose as the two bowed again.

“Blank flank” mouthed Silver Spoon.

The pegasus charged at Silver once again. This time harder and with an even louder scream. Once again, Silver Spoon nimbly avoided the blow unlike last time however, Scootaloo was able to turn her forward momentum into a quick sidestep and Silver Spoon missed her attack against the pegasus. Scootaloo turned back to face Silver Spoon and the duo began to circle each other. It was Silver Spoon’s turn to launch into attack mode. The young earth filly let loose a volley of rapid kicks and punches that made Scootaloo back off. The young pegasus closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and began to block randomly. When she reopened her eyes, Silver Spoon was smiling smugly. Scootaloo was standing outside of the fighting area.

“Get back on the mats. You move out again, you get disqualified,” informed the referee.

“You can do it Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom cheered from the side.

“Come on Scoots! Use what I taught you! Find her style and figure out a defense!” commanded Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah! What she said!” shouted Sweetie Belle.

“Fighting style?” mumbled Scootaloo under her breath as she stepped back to bow and restart.

She had just under one minute to score and win.

“Let me make it easy on you,” taunted Silver Spoon quietly as they bowed.

The two began circling once again.

“Make what easy?” whispered Scootaloo.

“I use the pegasus style and I know that you use pegasus style. I just happen to be better,” gloated the little brat as she flipped her hair nonchalantly around her head.

“Bad move,” mumbled Scooatloo.

The orange pegasus dove at Silver Spoon when the snob of a filly flipped her hair and landed a solid gut punch.

“Oof!” cried Silver Spoon.

“Two points!” announced the referee.

Silver Spoon recovered and looked incredulously at her orange competitor who was smirking giddily. The match was tied. Silver’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks as the two bowed once more.

“Nice goin’! Scootaloo!” cheered Applejack.

“A clean blow indeed!” Rarity chimed in.

The two snapped into defense immediately. Time was ticking and neither wanted a tie. Scootaloo swung herself into a punishing flurry of strikes against Silver Spoon, just as the snobbish filly had done to Scootaloo earlier. Instead of looking frightened though, Silver Spoon just dodged the charging pegasus. Scootaloo propelled herself to the edge of the arena with her own attack and Silver Spoon came up behind her.

“Blank flank,” Silver whispered into Scootaloo’s ear as she tapped the pegasus gently.

Scootaloo lost her balance on the edge of the mats and then fell. She groaned, expecting Silver Spoon to be at her throat for the three point shot. But the bratty filly wasn’t there; instead she was standing behind Scootaloo and generally looking smug. It wasn’t until Scootaloo actually looked at her surroundings that she found out why. She had fallen off the mats.

“I’m sorry,” stated the referee mare, “but you’re disqualified. Silver Spoon is the winner!”

A crowd cheered all around the two fillies. One filly was happy, the other slowly trotted toward her friends with her head bowed low.

“Nice try Scootaloo,” Rarity smiled sheepishly at the downcast filly.

“But ‘nice try’ doesn’t win,” replied the orange pegasus.

“…and Apple Bloom!” the ponies caught only the last half of what the announcer said.

“Oh! That’s me! I’d better get goin’!” Apple Bloom stated as she left to go and fight in another match.

“You really did try hard,” Sweetie Belle encouraged her friend with a weak smile of her own.

“I know. I just wish that I had tried harder,” Scootaloo declared passionately. “Now Apple Bloom is the only one left.”

The fighting continued all around Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. They were all cheering for Apple Bloom and keeping a close eye on Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara whenever they fought. Apple Bloom was able to just barely defeat her next opponent and move on to the semi-finals, but Silver Spoon wasn’t quite so lucky. Apple Bloom had been robbed of her chance at fighting Silver Spoon and claiming revenge for her friends. Diamond Tiara, however, was still going strong. The posh filly knew what she was doing and deftly defeated her opponent to make it to the semi-finals herself. Apple Bloom had a chance at fighting Diamond, if only the farm pony could make it to the finals.

The fighting continued on both sides, Apple Bloom gave out solid blows and took in strong hits as well. Through sheer willpower and quick thinking, young Apple Bloom was somehow able to defeat her last competitor and make it to the final round. As fate would have it, Diamond Tiara also won her match. The two would be facing off for the victory, but it was worth much more than a trophy or ribbon.

Apple Bloom was catching her breath with her friends and family just before the final showdown.

“You’ve got this Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo was saying.

Apple Bloom was slowly regaining her breath and also rubbing her head a bit. She had taken a good number of blows, and it was showing.

“I’ve never seen anypony do so well after just a week of training,” Rainbow Dash praised. “You might even win this thing.”

“That’s right sis,” Applejack nodded her agreement while putting an icepack on her sister. “Ya jus’ keep your head out there and the match is yours.”

“Thanks sis,” sighed Apple Bloom, glad to have the refreshing relief of an icepack on her sore body.

“Apple Bloom,” began Rarity, “we’ve been watching Diamond Tiara and-”

“-and we know that she uses earth style like you!” interrupted Sweetie Belle enthusiastically.

Rarity gave a disapproving glace at her young sister, but it quickly turned into a smile and a small chuckle.

“At least I know what I’m up against. Thanks,” replied Apple Bloom.

“And now…for the final round of the Junior Karate Tournament…” the announcer declared to those watching. “Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom!”

“That’s your cue sis.”

Applejack gave her sister a small and comforting nudge as the young filly walked up to the centermost fighting mats. Coming from the other side, head held high and proud, was Diamond Tiara. The crowd erupted with whoops and hollers.

“You’re goin’ down!” Apple Bloom declared when Tiara got close enough to hear.

“Ha! In your dreams maybe…blank flank.” replied Diamond Tiara.

Apple Bloom growled as the two took their positions on the floor. They both bowed, never taking their narrowed eyes off the other, and then the final round began.

“BEGIN!” announced a ref.

The two fillies instantly struck defensive poses. Apple Bloom was the first to lash out. She struck out with her front hooves for a strong opener. Tiara blocked the attack easily and then chuckled.

“That the best you can do blank flank?” Diamond Tiara sneered.

“No taunting!” commanded a referee but it was too late, the words had already been spoken.

“Hiya!” yelled Apple Bloom as she turned herself for a powerful buck directed at Diamond Tiara’s head. Tiara was able to block the move, but the force still sent her reeling backwards. Apple Bloom turned back around and sent forth a relentless punch. But the punch hit nothing but air as Diamond Tiara deftly dodged the blow and sent back one of her own toward Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom pulled up a hoof just in time to knock the attack away.

Diamond Tiara was not finished yet though, it was now the snooty filly’s turn to pummel her opponent with blow after blow. It took everything in Apple Bloom arsenal to stay fast enough for Tiara’s attacks. One wrong move could give Diamond a point advantage which the farm pony didn’t want to give up. Somehow, Apple Bloom managed to hold her ground until Diamond Tiara relented.

They both stared at each other, breathing in heavily and visibly shaking from their exertion. Only one minute had passed.

“Ya’ got this Apple Bloom!” the young earth filly heard her big sister yell from the sidelines.

“Come on! Remember what I taught you!” Rainbow’s scream mingled with the rest of the crowd.

That’s when it struck Apple Bloom that to win she would have to change fighting styles, just like a black belt. A strategy formed in the young earth filly’s brain as she began to grin evilly at Diamond Tiara. The farm pony waited for Tiara to strike and when the punch came, she deflected the blow like she had seen Sweetie Belle do. The punch was twisted so as to leave Diamond Tiara vulnerable to a counter strike. Apple Bloom struck at the opportunity with a fake punch. Tiara was counting on the counter and brought up another hoof to defend herself, but the blow never came. Instead, Apple Bloom swished out a quick leg sweep and took the prissy filly by surprise. Down fell Tiara and Apple Bloom jumped at her chance. She pinned down Diamond Tiara’s front hooves and went for the neck, making sure to not hit it full force.

“Three points!” declared the referee.

The crowd went wild.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” Scootaloo danced and screamed from the sidelines.

“Nice job Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle yelled her support.

Apple Bloom couldn’t have looked happier in that moment, but Diamond Tiara still had plenty of time to recover her losses. Tiara snorted as she got back to her feet. The two faced off once more.

“Bet ya’ ain’t so high and mighty now, are ya’?” taunted Apple Bloom quietly.

“Not bad, for a blank flank,” is all Diamond Tiara whispered back.

Apple Bloom’s face flushed with rage as they bowed. The each got back into the spirit of the fight soon, with Apple Bloom knocking off some steam as she sent punch after punch at Diamond Tiara, like she’d seen Scootaloo do.

“Blank flank,” whispered Diamond Tiara haughtily after each blow.

This only caused Apple Bloom to strike harder and faster as the farm filly growled with rage.

“That…all…you’ve…got…blank…flank?” Tiara managed to breathe out between each punishing blow.

Apple Bloom was growing restless, sporadic, and tired and that was exactly where Diamond Tiara wanted her. Then something totally unpredicted came after the next taunt.

“Enough!” roared Apple Bloom as she lost all self control and tackled Diamond Tiara to the ground.

Apple Bloom crushed Tiara’s hooves into the ground and began to pummel the taunting filly in the face.

“Stop! Stop! Illegal maneuver! Stop!” shouted the referee as she rushed in to break up the beating.

Apple Bloom didn’t stop; however, instead she started hitting harder.

“That’s for callin’ me names! And this one is for trippin’ Scootaloo! And this one-!”

Apple Bloom was suddenly wrenched off of Diamond Tiara by a strong ref, still kicking, punching, and screaming. The crowd gasped in horror until the entire room became silent except for the sound of pitiful whimpering coming from Diamond Tiara before the snooty filly finally broke down into tears.

“Disqualified!” roared the announcer. “Diamond Tiara is the winner!”

Nopony clapped. Not a sound was to be heard in the room except for Tiara’s painful wailing. The referee set Apple Bloom down with her friends and sister.

“You might not want to bring her back next year,” stated the ref before heading off.

Apple Bloom didn’t really care; she was still huffing and had a manic look in her eyes.

“I got her! We got our revenge! We got her!” gloated Apple Bloom.

The earth filly looked at her two friends for support and compliments, but saw only expressions of confusion. Scootaloo opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it.

“What’s the matter?! Isn’t this why we came here? For revenge?” Apple Bloom demanded.

Her two friends looked over to the crying Diamond Tiara, who had a trophy by her side. The pitiful filly hadn’t noticed it nor did she care. She was bawling into her dad’s shoulder and whimpering. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at each other.

“Is this really what we wanted?” Scootaloo asked the little unicorn.

Another voice broke the scene however, it was Applejack.

“Apple Bloom!” she said sternly. “Now I’m surprised at ya’! Doin’ somethin’ like that to another filly. I don’t care if it was Diamond Tiara or not, look at the poor thin’. Go on; take a good long look at her.”

Apple Bloom finally looked over at her handiwork and she was horrified by what she saw. Apple Bloom’s manic expression turned to one of absolute sorrow.

“Is that really what ya’ wanted?” Applejack pried. “It sure doesn’t look like it.”

“N-No. That’s not…I mean…I didn’t…” Apple Bloom looked back at her big sister with tears forming in her own eyes.

“Revenge,” stated Rarity disdainfully. “What a nasty word. Sweetie Belle, you were in on this whole revenge plan?”

Sweetie Belle hung her head low. “Yes.”

“And you too Scoots?” asked Rainbow Dash. “I was training you so you could take revenge?”

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash! It wasn’t meant to end like that!” pleaded Scootaloo.

“Well girls, that’s jus’ how revenge works,” Applejack stated sternly, but lovingly. “Ya’ see, when somepony tries to take revenge, in the end everypony ends up hurt. Ain’t nopony can win a game of revenge.”

“Quite right,” agreed Rarity, “revenge will always take you further than you ever meant to or wanted to go.”

“Yep,” Rainbow Dash added, “you would have won the tournament Apple Bloom, but instead you humiliated yourself in front of hundreds of others, beat up another filly, and lost.”

All three Cutie Mark Crusaders looked up sadly at their friends and family.

“We’re really really sorry,” Sweetie Belle spoke for them all.

“Is there anythin’ I can do to make it right?” Apple Bloom asked.

“It won’t fix everythin’ sis, but you can start by apologizin’ to Diamond Tiara,” Applejack stated.

“But she actually deserved it!” protested Scootaloo.

“She probably did,” commented Rainbow Dash, “but that still doesn’t make what Apple Bloom did right. It takes a strong pony to not only admit that they were wrong, but to also apologize to those they hurt…even if they deserved it.”

“You’re right,” Apple Bloom agreed slowly and softly. “What I did was wrong, even if it was Diamond Tiara. I’m gonna apologize right now.”

Apple Bloom took a big gulp and willed herself over to the sobbing Diamond Tiara. Unsurprisingly, Silver Spoon was with her friend.

“You want to rub it in?” Silver spat at Apple Bloom.

“N-No,” Apple Bloom replied shakily. “Actually, I wanted to say that I’m sorry. What I did was wrong. You may be mean to us, but that doesn’t give me the right to hurt you back. If we kept that up, then we’d both end up cryin’ on our families’ shoulders. So, I’m sorry Diamond Tiara.”

Tiara finally looked at Apple Bloom to reveal red, tear heavy eyes and a bruise over her left eye.

“You should be,” was all she said before turning away again.

Apple Bloom looked pained at the damage she’d caused and turned to leave, but Silver Spoon held her back by placing a hoof on Apple Bloom’s shoulder.

“Thanks, Apple Bloom,” Silver whispered in the farm pony’s ear before letting her go.

Apple Bloom walked away with a few wet eyes of her own, but also with more confidence in her gait.

“I’ll bet that you three learned a valuable lesson today,” Applejack stated as Apple Bloom came to rejoin her group.

“Did we ever!” Scootaloo sighed.

“Then I think that the Princess might like to know about it,” reminded Rarity.

“You got it sis,” Sweetie Belle said.

* * * * * * * * *

Princess Celestia,

Hi Princess! It’s the Cutie Mark Crusaders! And boy, did we ever learn one tough lesson. We got really upset with some bullies at our school and decided to take matters into our own hooves, we wanted revenge. But when the plan was all said and done, we had wasted an entire week that we could have spent earning our cutie marks and instead ended up with a bunch of bruises. We also really hurt another pony in the process, even if she deserved it, we still felt terrible about what we had done. Not only did we hurt ourselves by trying to take revenge, but we hurt her too. Nopony can win a game of revenge; it’ll only hurt everypony and leave nopony happy. Now we’ve got a whole week of crusading to catch up on! Wish us luck!

-The Cutie Mark Crusaders

Karate (Part 1)

Season: Z

Episode: R

Karate (Part 1)

(By: Flame Runner)

The school bell rang as class was dismissed at Ponyville’s elementary school. A noisy group of fillies and colts were walking through the hallways. At the front of the group were two fillies in particular. Their names were Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon had a grey coat with two-toned, light grey hair. Her mane fell down her neck in a braid and she wore a pair of blue glasses. The other filly, Diamond Tiara, also had dual toned hair, however, her hair was purple and white and her coat was pink. She wore no glasses nor did she have her hair braided, it simply fell down in elegant swirls. Diamond Tiara was turned back toward her and Silver Spoon’s followers and talking about recent events.

“And so my dad signed both me and Silver Spoon up for the best karate class this side of Canterlot,” bragged the pink filly. “After all, when you’re rich you need to know how to defend yourself.”

“That’s right,” agreed Silver Spoon. “We’ve been going on the weekends and next weekend they’re holding a junior karate tournament. Me and Diamond Tiara are sure to win.”

The group came up to three fillies who were gathered around and talking excitedly.

“So I’ve got our whole week planned out with new things to try. Maybe this week we’ll finally get our cutie marks!” stated one of the fillies.

She was an energetic orange pegasus named Scootaloo. Scootaloo’s pink hair fell down in spiky curls from both her mane and tail. Standing with the small pegasus were her two best friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom had a pale yellow coat and red hair which fell down in rounded lumps. She had a tendency to wear a large bow in her hair and she was most certainly wearing it today. Sweetie Belle was a white unicorn. She had pink and purple hair which fashionably curled around like fluffs of cotton candy.

“Yeah! Cutie Mark Crusaders!” piped in the southern accented voice of Apple Bloom.

“Let me see what you’ve planned,” asked Sweetie Belle excitedly.

As the large group passed by the three friends, Diamond Tiara leaned suspiciously close to Scootaloo and shot out her back hoof quickly. Scootaloo bounced over to hand Sweetie Belle her list when she tripped over Tiara’s pink hoof and landed face first into the floor. The group laughed at the unfortunate filly until they were out of earshot of the three friends.

“Ooo! That Diamond Tiara!” raged Scootaloo after picking herself up from the ground. “She and Silver Spoon never stop picking on us. I just wish that there was some way to get even!”

“Well, maybe there is,” stated Apple Bloom.

“What’s that?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“If we enter that tournament, we could humiliate them both in front of hundreds of ponies when we beat ‘em,” stated the one with the large bow.

“Let’s do it!” agreed Scootaloo happily.

(Insert Theme Music Here)

* * * * * * * * *

The three Cutie Mark Crusaders had left the school and were now in their personal clubhouse. The clubhouse was actually a tree house on a secluded portion of Sweet Apple Acres. The three were busy planning Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara’s demise.

“And that’s when I come in with a leg sweep and take her down!” Scootaloo was describing her sweet victory over Diamond Tiara.

“Yeah! That’ll show her!” cheered Apple Bloom.

“I-I don’t know,” Sweetie Belle muttered unconfidently.

“What do you mean?” asked Scootaloo.

“Well,” began Sweetie Belle, “it sounds like a great plan and all, but do you even know how to do a leg sweep? I certainly don’t.”

“Hmm…” Scootaloo placed a hoof to her chin. “You might be right about that. We don’t know any karate.”

“Oh! Rainbow Dash showed me a few moves one time!” piped in Apple Bloom happily.

“Yeah! Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo sounded very enthusiastic. “She could teach us!”

“Yeah! Cutie Mark Crusader Ninjas!” Sweetie shouted happily.

“And this time of day, I know exactly where Rainbow will be,” stated Scootaloo with a grin on her face.

* * * * * * * * *

“RAINBOW DASH!!!” a cacophony of yells penetrated a low hanging cloud.

“Gah!” screamed a cyan colored pegasus.

She flung herself into the air with a startled jump and then fell face first onto the ground. Her rainbow streaked mane and tail swished around in startled bursts. She managed to pick herself up from the dirt and found herself surrounded by the three beaming faces of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Uh, H-hey guys. What’s shakin’?” asked Rainbow Dash.

She placed a hoof behind her head and blushed ever so slightly at her own antics.

“We want to learn karate!” Scootaloo’s voice spoke first.

“So we can enter a junior karate competition!” Sweetie Belle said next.

“And win!” piped in Apple Bloom.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” Dash replied back.

She shook her hooves out in front of herself.

“I know I showed Apple Bloom a few moves, but I’ve never really taught karate before.”

“Aw, come on Rainbow Dash!” encouraged Scootaloo. “If there’s anypony in all of Equestria that could teach us karate, it’d be you!”

“Yeah please?”

“Please?”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle asked with big bright eyes and in their cutest voices. Rainbow Dash looked at the three pleading fillies and broke into a smug grin.

“Alright, I’ll teach you karate for this tournament of yours.” Dash said.

“YAY!!!” all three Crusaders cheered happily and bounced around energetically.

“Thanks Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo declared.

“No problem,” Dash replied. “Now follow me! We’ll get started right away.”

The three couldn’t contain the excitement evident on their happy faces as they bounced after Rainbow Dash.

* * * * * * * * *

“Fluttershy’s house?” asked Sweetie Belle. “How are we going to learn karate here?”

The small group was standing in front of a quaint little cottage near the Everfree Forest. Many birds and other little critters were flying or skittering along the ground near the cottage.

“Hold up just one sec,” Rainbow Dash stated.

She flew away with one quick burst of her powerful wings. She left eyesight but came back only a few seconds later laden with tarps, paint buckets, and brushes a plenty.

“I saw this in a movie once,” Dash explained to the three giving her questioning looks. “You paint the house and then you can block pretty much any attack thrown at you. Plus, I kinda promised Fluttershy I’d paint it for her.”

“You sure this’ll work?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Come on! If Rainbow Dash says it’ll work then it’ll work!” declared Scootaloo. “Let’s get to it!”

They each grabbed a paintbrush and hoisted them together so that each brush was touching.

“Cutie Mark Crusader black belts! Yay!” they all yelled then dipped their brushes into the paint.

Rainbow Dash watched the three get to work and then flew up to find another cloud. She landed on the white puff of fluff and lay back with her hooves tucked comfortably behind her head. She closed her eyes.

“Oh yeah, now this is the life.”

* * * * * * * * *

“RAINBOW DASH!!!” shouted the fillies a good while later.

Dash shrieked and leaped out of the cloud just as she had done earlier. She also landed face first again.

“What?” Rainbow Dash mumbled with her mouth full of dirt.

“We’re done!” stated Sweetie Belle happily.

“Yeah, what do you think?” asked Scootaloo.

Each of the fillies was coated in splotches of paint here and there. Dash picked herself up from the ground and looked at the cottage. The house looked fine…until she moved around to inspect the other sides. Each side was painted a different color except for one side which was painted a mixture of all three.

“We couldn’t decide on what color to use, so we each chose a side and painted it!” said Scootaloo happily.

“Except for the back wall. We each painted one third of it,” Sweetie Belle piped up.

Apple Bloom planted a hoof into her forehead and cringed at the work.

“Well um…” Rainbow Dash muttered. “Uh…Well, I guess you painted it. So I suppose that’s that then.”

Dash turned around happily. “Alright, now it’s time to head off to the dojo and see if it worked.”

“Yay!” the Crusaders yelled happily and ran off ahead of Rainbow Dash.

* * * * * * * * *

The four ponies were all now inside of Ponyville’s martial arts dojo. No other ponies seemed to be there that day. Hanging from the ceiling were a few punching bags. Some other equipment was spread out on shelves or lying against the walls. Each filly had on a white karate outfit and Rainbow Dash stood to the side with her outfit on, the cyan pegaus was wearing a black belt.

“Now let’s see if this worked,” opened Dash. “You should be able to block my attacks after painting Fluttershy’s house. Get ready.”

The fillies took up defensive stances and readied themselves for an onslaught. Rainbow Dash reared back one of her front hooves and then slung it forward. The punch smacked Apple Bloom clean in the gut. A quick leg kick then shot itself at Sweetie Belle. This blow too landed cleanly on the filly. Then a second punch was fired from Dash. This one was aimed at Scootaloo and slammed into the orange pegasus’ noggin. All three fillies were flung against the back wall and then landed with a thud upon the floor; first Apple Bloom, then Sweetie Belle, and finally Scootaloo.

“Oof!” they exclaimed as they smacked the wall.

They all became piled up in a large bunch of hooves and hair, with Apple Bloom on the bottom of the pack.

“Hmm…well that didn’t work,” stated Rainbow Dash thoughtfully.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders groaned.

“Hey, when is this tournament of yours anyway?” asked the cyan pegasus.

“Next weekend,” huffed a winded Scootaloo, still piled with her friends.

“Next weekend?!” shrieked Dash.

The three fillies picked themselves off of the floor and off of each other to wobbly stand before their teacher.

“I’ve never been one for doing things the boring way, but that’s speed worthy of a Sonic Rainboom! I suppose it’s a good thing I can do those,” Rainbow Dash spoke to her students with a grin on her face. “Alright, here’s the plan. Experience is the best and fastest teacher. So we’re going to skip the boring punching and kicking training and just jump right into sparing. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, you’re going first.”

The two students nodded and then walked into the sparing ring in the dojo.

“Now here’s how we’re going to spar. We’ll play tournament rules so that you three get to know what you’re doing,” explained Rainbow Dash as she walked over to the sparing area. “It’s pretty easy actually. No excessive attacks on a downed opponent, no illegal techniques such as breaking an opponent’s leg, and nothing below the chest counts for points. Scoring is as follows: Head or face counts for three points, chest and side counts for two points, and any other legal position counts for one point. You are allowed to leg sweep an opponent and matches last for two minutes. Alright, I think that’s it. Have at it.”

Apple Bloom glared at Sweetie Belle. Sweetie met the gaze with one of her own. The staring match was not to last forever though, Apple Bloom yelled and then charged at Sweetie. The pint sized earth pony tackled the little unicorn. They both went down and then hooves started flying. Grunts and screams came from inside the tussle of flailing punches.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Break it up! Break it up!” yelled Rainbow Dash as the pegasus came in to separate the two.

Dash grabbed them each and yanked them off of each other and then shoved them to opposite sides of the mat.

“That was fun!” commented Apple Bloom with a big smile on her face.

“Yeah! Let’s go again!” agreed Sweetie Belle.

“Did you two not hear a word that I said?” Rainbow Dash asked a little harshly. “If you want to enter that tournament, not win but just ENTER that tournament, you have to play by the rules or you’ll get kicked out. That’s why I never entered any tournaments, too many rules. Still, I saw so many illegal maneuvers out there that you’d both be expelled from ever entering one ever again. Got me?”

Dash gave the two a proper looking over, moving her head to face both fillies with dead serious eyes.

“Now I’m all for having fun and even pulling a dangerous stunt or two, but if you want to do karate then you have to do karate the right way. However, those were some pretty sweet brawling moves you two pulled.”

Rainbow smiled at the two fillies in front of her.

“I didn’t know there was a difference,” responded Sweetie Belle with wide eyes.

“Yeah, isn’t karate jus’ a fancy word for fightin’?” asked Apple Bloom.

Rainbow Dash looked over the two thoughtfully then turned around to face Scootaloo.

“Hey Scoots! Mind helping me with a quick demonstration?” Rainbow Dash asked the orange filly.

“Sure!”

Scootaloo came down to the sparing mats with Rainbow Dash.

“Uh, you two might want to back up a bit,” Dash cautioned Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle with a wave of her hoof.

The two brawlers stepped back a couple of feet to allow Dash the floor.

“Now,” Rainbow started in her ‘coach’ voice as she paced back and forth a little, “anypony can rear back onto their hind legs and throw out a punch or two.”

Dash actually stood on her hind legs and shot out a quick one-two punch at the air.

“But karate is much more complicated than that. You have to search for your opponent’s weak spots and then strike quick, hard, and fast. It takes a lot of concentration and discipline, but when you do it you’ll have the upper hoof in almost any kind of hoof to hoof combat.”

Dash turned her attention from the two fillies in front of her and toward Scootaloo.

“Scoots, take up a defensive position,” commanded the cyan pegasus.

Scootaloo stood up on her hind legs and put out her front hooves like she was defending against a boxer.

“Now defend,” stated Rainbow Dash.

“Bring it on,” goaded Scootaloo.

Dash looked her competition over with one glance and then leaped to action. She reared up onto her back legs and faced Scootaloo with a much more controlled defensive posture. Suddenly, Dash struck out at Scootaloo with a lightning fast leg sweep and the orange filly yelped as she felt herself falling to the ground. In the blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash was standing over Scootaloo with a hoof to the filly’s throat. Scootaloo looked at Dash with a look of both wonder and fear in her eyes.

“Whoa,” whispered Apple Bloom just loud enough for the others to hear.

Rainbow Dash let up on her hold and then reached out a hoof to help pull Scootaloo to her feet. The orange pegasus grabbed hold of the offered hoof and jumped back up.

“I didn’t get you too hard, did I?” asked Rainbow Dash with compassion.

“That…was…AWESOME!” screamed Scootaloo happily.

Dash laughed.

“Now I hope you see what the difference is between karate and just plain fighting,” Rainbow voiced, back in full ‘coach’ mode. “Fighting is just throwing punches and kicks but karate is fighting with a strategy…and with a few fancy moves for good measure.”

The three fillies bobbed their heads up and down in understanding. They seemed very eager to try out what they had just seen.

“Ok Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, let’s try again. But this time, you have to follow the rules. Remember, try to find your opponent’s weak spots and strike there,” Rainbow said.

Dash moved off of the floor and motioned for Scootaloo to do the same. Once again, the two friends faced off. They both bowed their heads to the other and the match started up. This time, they began to circle each other, looking for an opening in the other’s defenses. Apple Bloom struck first once again. She let loose a strong jab aimed at Sweetie’s chest. Sweetie Belle blocked the punch with her own hooves. The white unicorn then spun her body around and retaliated with a powerful kick. Apple Bloom tried to move her hooves back to block and even tried leaping out of the way, but the kick came to fast and too unexpectedly. It landed cleanly in Apple Bloom’s face and knocked the small earth filly to the floor.

“Nice hit Sweetie Belle!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “That’s worth three points!”

Sweetie Belle hopped over to Apple Bloom and looked at her grounded friend.

“I didn’t hit you too hard, did I?” asked Sweetie compassionately.

“Nah,” Apple Bloom assured her friend. “But now it’s my turn!”

From the ground, Apple Bloom swept her own leg around which knocked Sweetie Belle to the floor. The two began to giggle uncontrollably.

“Alright, I think that’s enough for today,” stated Rainbow Dash.

“Awww,” whined the three in unison.

“I didn’t even get to spar!” complained Scootaloo.

“I promise that we’ll have plenty of time to spar and practice tomorrow, but it’s starting to get late and I don’t want your families getting worried about you three,” Rainbow Dash explained. “Oh! Speaking of family, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, I’d like to meet with your sisters tomorrow at Sugar Cube Corner. Would you mind letting them know?”

The fillies in question nodded their heads with an “Mm hmm” being mumbled.

“Great! I’ll see you girls after you’re done with school tomorrow then. Scoots, you know where to find me.”

“Bye Rainbow Dash!” said Apple Bloom with a wave.

“See you tomorrow!” Sweetie Belle followed Apple Bloom’s example and left.

“And tomorrow I’m gonna spar!” Scootaloo reminded Dash as she vacated the building.

“And I’ve got a date with my bed,” sighed Rainbow Dash happily as she too left the dojo and flew into the clouds.

* * * * * * * * *

“Rarity! Rarity!” a small voice called from outside of the Carousel Boutique.

The Boutique was a custom dress shop owned and operated by Ponyville’s own, Rarity. Rarity was a beautiful white unicorn mare. Her elegant purple hair was always fashionably curled and, at this moment, she was wearing her seamstress’ glasses. She also happened to be Sweetie Belle’s big sister.

The front door to the Carousel Boutique opened up and Rarity stepped outside.

“Sweetie Belle?” asked Rarity. “What are you doing here at this hour?”

The older unicorn looked up at the sky. The sun was already beginning to set and the moon was nearly out.

“Rainbow Dash asked me to tell you to meet her at Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow,” replied Sweetie Belle. “Oh! Can I come in? I want to see what you’ve been working on!” added the young unicorn, noticing Rarity’s glasses.

“Oh, I suppose so. Just be-”

Rarity stepped aside as Sweetie Belle rushed into the shop before her older sister could finish.

“-careful.”

“Whoa! Look at all of these jewels!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she gawked in wonder at the new gem studded dress before her.

“Yes, Sapphire Shores wanted a new wardrobe for her latest tour,” explained Rarity. “Now, why did Rainbow Dash want me at Sugar Cube Corner again?”

Sweetie Belle was running around each of the sparkly dresses with enthusiasm, examining each work of wearable art. She popped out from underneath one of them to answer Rarity’s question.

“I don’t know, but me, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo are taking karate from Rainbow Dash and she told me to let you know to meet you there tomorrow.”

The playful filly went back to frolicking around the dazzling dresses.

“Karate?” asked Rarity.

Sweetie Belle popped from underneath a different dress to address her sister once again.

“Yup!” she said happily with a smile as wide as a mile on her face.

Then the clock struck the next hour and a lovely chime played.

“Oops! I’d better get home. Bye Rarity!” sang Sweetie Belle as she bounded out the door.

“Well, I shall certainly have something to talk about with Rainbow Dash tomorrow then,” Rarity spoke to herself after Sweetie Belle had left.

The older unicorn began to close down her shop and double check her dresses to make sure Sweetie hadn’t damaged them in any way before turning in for the night herself.

* * * * * * * * *

“Applejack! Big Mac! Granny! I’m home!” called Apple Bloom as she pounded open her home’s door.

The door flung open and in stepped little Apple Bloom.

“Wha-? Whozzat?” Granny Smith, an elderly green colored mare asked. She had been sound asleep in her rocking chair when Apple Bloom banged the door open.

Applejack, Apple Bloom’s older sister, came out to greet her little sister from one of the side rooms. Applejack was an orange earth pony mare with straight blond hair. She tied both her mane and tail with a bright red beret and always seemed to be wearing a brown cowboy hat.

“Howdy Applebloom! You and the other Crusaders been out lookin’ for your special talents again?” Applejack greeted her sis.

The orange mare came over and gave her sister a loving squeeze.

“Not exactly…” said Apple Bloom.

The little filly then began to sniff the air.

“Hey, what smells so good?” asked the little sister.

“I’ve been bakin’ up a storm of apple pies this afternoon. How ‘bout I give you a slice and you tell me what ‘not exactly’ means?” the older sister bargained.

“Deal!” Apple Bloom agreed heartily.

They both took a walk into the kitchen. The counters and tables were full of delicious and freshly baked apple pies. From the main room, Granny Smith’s snoring could be heard. Applejack cut out a slice of pie for both her and her sister and placed them on a couple of pie sized plates. The elder farm pony set the slices down on an open space by Apple Bloom.

“So?” asked Applejack.

Apple Bloom had been eyeing the pies voraciously until Applejack clanked the slice down in front of her. She shook her head and then looked at her big sis.

“Right! So, me and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders are takin’ karate lessons from Rainbow Dash. Oh! Speakin’ of which, Rainbow Dash asked me to tell you to meet her in Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow,” said Apple Bloom just before she threw herself at her scrumptious looking pie.

“Karate?” Applejack stated with a confused expression. “Didn’t cha’ already try that one?”

“This is different!” mumbled Apple Bloom between bites of pie. “We’re doin’ this to beat Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon at a karate tournament this weekend.”

“This weekend? As in this weekend, this weekend? Doesn’t beatin’ them seem a tad bit…unlikely?” questioned Applejack.

“We’re sure to win with Rainbow Dash teachin’ us. She is a black belt after all.”

“I suppose so,” mused Applejack as she finally took a bite of her own pie. “Well, guess I know what I’ll be talkin’ to her about.” She mumbled with pie in her mouth. “Hmm…needs more cinnamon.”

* * * * * * * * *

A bell rang out, announcing the official end of the school day. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were strutting their way down the hallways with their posse following close behind. Standing in their way, yet again, were the three blank flanked fillies who dared to call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The Crusaders were all jabbering excitedly and gathering up their school books and placing them into their saddlebags.

“I can’t wait for the karate lesson today!” stated Sweetie Belle happily.

“I know! I finally get to spar!” added Scootaloo.

Silver Spoon was passing by the three when she swayed slightly to the side and bumped into Apple Bloom, who happened to be loaded with a heavy stack of books and papers. The stack came crashing to the floor and Apple Bloom fell over.

“Hey!” yelled Scootaloo at the snobby filly.

“What? I can’t help it if your friend can’t keep her books together,” replied Silver Spoon with a smirk.

“You bumped me on purpose!” claimed Apple Bloom.

“Did not,” said Silver Spoon.

“Did too!” Sweetie Belle entered on her friend’s behalf.

“Hmph,” snorted Silver Spoon.

The rude filly turned from the three and she, Diamond Tiara, and their posse kept walking.

“They are so going down!” Scootaloo vowed to her friends.

“Yeah, and in front of hundreds of other ponies too. That’ll teach ‘em a lesson,” agreed Apple Bloom as she and the others picked up the fallen papers and books.

“Sweet revenge,” giggled Sweetie Belle.

The Crusaders left the school with full packs and headed off to grab Rainbow Dash. They were more than ready to punch something and punch it hard.