Episode 32:

Buckball Season:

It was a quite day in the Apple Farm today, so that left Applejack some time to do some practicing. Practicing outside of training for battle and the war against Scar’s army is what she is doing.

“Okay, you ready?” Ono asked Applejack while flying from above. After seeing her nod in response to indicate yes she is ready. “Then do it.”

She locked her eyes on a small target in the distance. She spit on her hoof and then raised it to get a good feel for the winds in the sky which seemed to be blowing her way. So she then bucked a nearby tree to knock an apple off of it.
She prepared to give the apple a good buck...

“Hey, Applejack!” Rainbow suddenly greeted throwing the earth pony’s concentration out the window.

“Whoa! Oof! Ugh!”

“Whatcha doin'?”

Applejack groaned before explaining. “Well, I was practicin' my distance buckin'.”

“At least until you showed up and distracted Applejack.” Ono added.

“Didn’t mean to, sorry.” Rainbow quickly apologized before asking. “Uh, distance bucking? What for?”

“Because Cousin Braeburn and the rest of the Apple family in Appleloosa seem to think that their team can beat Ponyville at buckball.”

“It takes one game for another Apple pony in the Family to gain an ego out of it. And he really is starting to act the part.” Ono also said with a shake of his head as he watched Applejack perform the exercise again and was able to hit the target exactly on the bullseye this time.

With what she heard, Rainbow already voiced her disbelief at that statement. “What?! Ha! That's ridiculous! Nopony beats Ponyville! I mean, I could beat the whole town of Appleloosa at buckball with one wing tied behind my back!”

Applejack then moved to buck loose another apple from the tree before sending it upward, Rainbow then quickly flew up to bat back down to her friend who then bucked on right towards the target. The power and intense speed from both moves caused the apple to plow right through the target right on the bullseye.

“Wow! Nice shot and nice teamwork!” Fuli complimented having witnessed this just as she arrived. “What’s the name of the game you’re playing here.”

“Buckball’s the name.” Applejack answered. “And I was just starting to tell Rainbow Dash all about it along with asking her to join the Ponyville buckball team…” Turning to her friend. “...that is of course you are interested.”

It didn’t take much thought to give her answer. “Oh, yeah! I am so there!”

“Glad to hear it.” Fuli said before adding with an eager grin. “Think the team’s got room for one more player?”

Applejack positively replied always open for another player. “I’d thought you never ask.”

Sometime later, the three friends would make their way over towards another part of Sweet Apple Acres where they plan to meet up with the rest of the ponies. Said meetup is a tryouts event in order to pick out the best ponies they need for their team in order to compete with Braeburn’s for the big match-up in Appleloosa. On the way over, they are joined by Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Beshte who are all curious to see how this sport plays out along with assisting with in ensuring the event goes well. All while listening to Rainbow Dash go on and on about it.

“So, basically, buckball is the coolest game ever. Offense, defense, teamwork, nonstop action! It's got it all!”

“Wow, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy spoke up feeling happy for her best friend’s excitement. “You sure seem to know a lot about this game. I've never even heard of... buckball.”

“Yeah, I'm kind of an expert.”

Both Applejack and Fuli could only scoff in response with the former speaking up to downplay the ego growing in her friend’s head before it could turn out like her cousin. “Hmph. An expert who hadn't heard of the game either until I told you.”

“Well, it's a new game. I probably know more than most ponies, so that makes me an expert.”

“Wanna bet that with a serving of humble pie?” Fuli asked which is met with the pink pony handing her said pie.

“Thank you, Pinkie.”

“You’re welcome.” Pinkie happily replied thinking nothing of it.

“It’s a bet.” Rainbow quickly shook the cheetah’s paw to cement it.

With the deal making all said and done, Pinkie then said. “I don't know anything about it at all. But it sounds like there's a ball and bucking, so I'm betting it's super duper fun!” She held up another pie ready for another bet in the making.

“I’m sure it is from what we’re hearing about it.” Beshte commented already looking forward towards to today’s excitement.

Applejack then continued wanting to get her point across to her friends. “The point is, my cousin Braeburn somehow convinced a Pegasus and a unicorn to come play with him on the Appleloosa team, and he can't stop braggin' about how his team is gonna beat ours! Which is exactly why I’m telling everyone here now so they don’t get the game all in their heads, Rainbow Dash.” She added with a frown that had the Pegasus laughing nervously as if she just realized her mistake just now.

“But, um, we don't have a team.” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Not yet.” Ono reminded. “So far between Applejack, Rainbow, and Fuli, we've got three-fourth’s of a team. All we need is a unicorn. That's where you three come in.” He said with his keen eyes directed at both Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Beshte.

Both ponies looked on in confusion with the former whispering loudly to the latter. “Uh... they know we're not unicorns, right?”

“Uh, obviously.” Rainbow returned to assert they know. “You and Beshte are gonna be on my team, and Fuli and Fluttershy are gonna be on Applejack's team.”

“All right.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Both Fuli and Beshte accepted the team assignments without questioning it since the pairings are very compatible with their unsure and inexperienced teammates.

“We'll play against each other along with whatever unicorns want to try out until we find the best one.” Applejack added much to the party pony’s great relief.

“Ohhhh! Phew! That's a relief because I left my unicorn costume at home!”

Fuli giggled in response while the others look confused in response to her bizarre reply. “Don’t worry it isn’t Nightmare Night yet.”

“Of course not!” Pinkie then replied with previous nervousness thrown out the window before displaying her calendar by briefly pulling her calendar out of her mane. “It’s still a couple months out but still close enough to start prepping up treats for the autumn early birds!” Said birds happily chirped while flying by all while everyone else could only shrug it off as another random Pinkie Pie thing that is better off not questioning.

Sometime later, the group had arrived where the ponies who showed up for the tryouts ready to give the sport a shot with Granny Smith serving as the referee while Big Mac serves as the apple supplier (ball carrier). Both relatives were wearing a black and white referee uniform and a dark grey and green sports jacket and cap respectively while the other ponies and accompanying members of the Guard all wore colored and sleeveless vests for the sport. Applejack, Beshte, Fuli, and half of the unicorns and Pegasus ponies all wore green vests. Pinkie, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and the other half of the unicorns and Pegasus ponies all wore red vests.

After getting everything and everyone all settled in, Applejack moved to explain how the game works for those trying out. “I know a lot of you are here because I told you what an amazin' game buckball is. And even though it's already an Apple family favorite, most o' you probably don't know anything about it. So I thought we'd give you a quick demonstration.” Her brother pitched a ball to Granny Smith while she and Pinkie got lined up at center court. “The two Earth ponies are on offense. They meet in the middle of the field for the buck off. They both try to be the first one to kick it.” Her grandmother bounced the ball in between them where Applejack is the first to buck at it.

Rainbow Dash floating over the goal caught the ball bucked in her direction with a swift wing slap before catching it in her hooves. Once she secured it she took her turn to explain the rules of the game. “And the Pegasus is on defense. She tries to keep the ball from going in the goal and passes it back to the Earth pony on her team.” Before tossing it over she said to the pink pony. “Just give it a little kick, Pinkie.”

When she moved to toss the ball over, Pinkie proceeded to do just that and give a pretty strong kick that managed to land right in the bucket much to Fluttershy’s fright as evident by her shielding her head to avoid the ball hitting her.

“Ohhh. I get it.” Pinkie realized.

Then Fuli took a turn to explain the rules herself. “And all the unicorns have to do is float these here baskets around the outside of the field and catch as many balls as possible for their team while passing it to their teammate who meditates between offensive and defensive.”

Beshte then asked both Pinkie and Fluttershy. “You two get the idea?”

“Absolutely!” Pinkie quickly answered now fully confident.

Fluttershy however still didn’t feel completely sure about it. “Oh, I don't know. That ball moves pretty fast.”

“Well, just do your best to catch it. That’s all we ask of you.” Beshte advised to which left the timid Pegasus feel a lot more relaxed than before.

“Okay, I’ll try.”

With the rules all laid out and fully understood they were ready to get started with the tryouts.

“All right. Now let's see which of you has what it takes.” Rainbow said while handing the unicorns their buckets for them to catch the balls with.

Though one of the ponies still felt confused when handed the bucket. “Um, what do I do?” The crimson red coated pony with a sky blue mane, green eyes, a three red hearts cutie mark asked.

“When the ball comes towards you, catch it.” Rainbow answered before retaking her position.

“Are we ready?” Ono, while wearing a referee uniform too, asked of everyone who all nodded. “Then let’s play ball.”

With a blow of her whistle, Granny Smith motioned for the players to get ready as she prepares to toss the ball into the center of the field.

“Okay, just try your best, Pinkie. I have been doin' this a lot longer than you.” Applejack told her friend before her Granny Smith tossed the ball into center court. But then to her surprise Pinkie powered up a fast and swift kick the very split second it entered the court. “Nice kick.” She quietly commented in stunned surprise.

The ball moved really fast headed in Fluttershy’s direction who briefly looked on nervously once more.

“Okay, Fluttershy…” Fuli called out from above. “...you know what to do?”

“Mmm-hmm.” Fluttershy returned before reacting on instinct this time. “Oh. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.” Amazingly, she managed to catch the ball with her long pink tail before returning right back to Fuli. “Whee!” She then giggled.

“Great save, Fluttershy!” Fuli complimented before using her tail to pass it on over to Applejack who then bucked it on over towards her opponent’s goal.

The unicorn holding the bucket found herself ducking to avoid getting hit by it before Rainbow Dash managed to catch it.

“Coming your way, Beshte!” She called to the hippo on the ground who managed to use his back to bounce it on over to Pinkie Pie.

“Heads up, Pinkie!”

“Somersault kick!” Pinkie shouted while sending the ball right towards the opposing unicorn.

Terrified, the red coated pony found himself turning the bucket around just before it could land inside the bucket.

Ono then blew his whistle with a wing pointed in favor of the team who scored. “Point. The Red Team.” Said red pony still found himself stumbling aimlessly due to the bucket on his head. “On account of the goal being tipped inside out.”

Already both Pinkie and Fluttershy were finding the sport itself relatively comfortable like they have natural talent and adrenaline flowing through their systems now.

“Hey, this game is easy!”

“Ooh! It actually is kinda fun!”

The two happily giggled as they played around with the balls like it’s a game they have already played before even though it’s their first time playing it. All while their friends look on surprised and amazed with what they are seeing.

“Where did Pinkie Pie learn to buck like that?” Applejack spoke up of her surprise and shock and asked first.

“And Fluttershy's spinning tail catch is pretty amazing.” Rainbow commented equally surprised and shocked by their natural talent.

“It sure was.” Beshte agreed finding it impressive. “They’re both naturals for a couple of first timers.”

“I’ll say.” Fuli spoke up equally impressed. “It’s almost if they somehow played something similar to this a while back. Question is what games were they played back then?”

“Good question, Fuli. But I’m sure we can find that out later. But in the meantime...” Applejack commented before focusing on the ongoing tryouts for now. “Okay.” She spoke to those who have yet to try out the sport itself. “Well, let's see what the rest of you can do.”

After calling upon two new ponies to hold their buckets, both earth ponies moved to take their positions on center court as they prepared for tip off again.

Applejack trying to play it off as her getting lucky that time then said to her friend. “Now, don't expect to be able to beat me twice in a row.” But no sooner that she said it and the ball was swiftly bucked away in Fluttershy’s direction who looked on like it was nothing to be afraid of.

“Well, hello there, Mr. Ball.” Fluttershy nonchalantly greeted before grabbing with her tail and spinning it away. “Whee!”

Much like before Fluttershy tossed it to Fuli who likewise used her tail to pass on over to Applejack who bucked it on towards the goal on the opposite side of the field.

“Hiya!” Rainbow is quick to bat away and on towards to Beshte who bounced on right back towards Pinkie Pie who then bucked on towards the bucket.

The group of Lion and Pony Guard looked on in concern and worry when Fluttershy got distracted so she could guide some butterflies away from where they are playing,

“Hurry along, butterflies, before that ball comes and hits you.”

This distraction caused the ball to head straight towards the bucket, where the pony holding it got cold hooves before dropping the bucket and ducked for cover.

Ono blew his whistle again. “Point. Red Team.”

“Okay…” Fuli spoke up having seen enough before turning towards the other ponies. “Let's see what the rest of you can do starting with the next pony.”

The next pony in line is on the opposite goal post who found himself knocked off of his hooves when the ball hit his hooves.

“Point. Green Team.” Ono called out after blowing his whistle again.

At the same time, Rainbow saw it as another reject candidate. “Nope.”

“Sorry.” Beshte apologized before helping him off of the field.

The next pony on the opposite side actually made an effort to move around but he ended up losing control of the bucket when his magic gave out.

“Point. Green Team.”

“Definitely not.”

“Nope.”

“Sorry.”

Applejack, Fuli, and Beshte all commented after seeing another reject candidate.

The next pony tried to get fancy by spinning the bucket like a hypnotic wheel only to get dizzy herself complete with throwing up and dropping her bucket just when the ball was coming her way.

“Point. Red Team.”

“No.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Sorry.”

The next pony was too busy giving herself a manicure to actually give the game she was playing any attention as the ball floated right past her.

“Point. Green Team.”

“Not a chance.”

“Obviously.”

Both Applejack and Fuli only commented due to the obvious reasons.

At this point the four players on the court could only sit down and watch as the following ponies could and fail to make an impression that they are talented at the game enough to qualify for the Ponyville team.

“Nope.”

“Not happening.”

“Sorry.”

“Aaaand... no.”

By the end of it both Rainbow and Applejack could only look on in disappointment as they are surrounded by the tired and winded out reject candidates that have tried out for the team.

“This didn't go how I thought it would.”

“It sure didn’t.”

“Sorry, girls.” Beshte apologized feeling sympathetic for the two.

“At least Pinkie and Fluttershy managed to pick it up very well. In fact, more so than both of you combined.” Fuli pointed out while eyeing the two ponies who are having the time of their life when playing with the ball.

“Whee! Yeah! Ha! Whee! Ha ha!”

“This game is a whole lot more fun than I thought it would be.”

Both ponies giggled with delight.

“It's exactly as much fun as I thought it would be! A whole bunch!”

While the two were playing around, having fun, and giggling, Snails just so happened to be walking by with two buckets of water balanced on a pole on his back. All while singing...

“Carryin' my water

My water, my water

Carryin' my water

On my shoulder pole.”

“Snails! Look out!” Pinkie shouted after accidentally sending three balls his way.

“Hmm?” Luckily for them, Snails was quick to catch all three balls that came towards him with a spinning maneuver with his magic.

Seeing this caught the other’s eyes as he just managed to do so like it was another day in the park for him.

“Amazing!”

“Poa!”

“No kidding! And this coming from Snails of all ponies?! Guess he’s picked up a few tricks along the way.”

“I’ll say.”

“You should be more careful with these. You could lose them.” Snails told the group before returning the balls to them.

Upon seeing potential, Rainbow Dash was quick to seize the opportunity to test his abilities so more. “Hey, Snails, can you float one of those baskets over here?” She asked.

“Hmm?” Although he didn’t understand at first, he did so anyways. “Sure. What do you want me to do with it?”

“Catch!” Applejack alerted before sending three more balls right at him with the bucket held with his magic.

Snails proceeded to easily catch them all nonchalantly. “Anything else?”

“Wow, Snails. You're a natural at buckball.” Fluttershy complimented.

“It's a good thing, too. We were running out of unicorns.” Pinkie Pie added.

“Do you think you'll be ready to play with Applejack and Rainbow Dash against the Appleloosa team?” Fluttershy then asked.

“I guess I'll find out.” He replied already moved to give it a try. “Plus, after I deliver this water, I don't really have anything else to do.”

“Well in that case, congratulations, Snail.” Fuli moved to shake his hoof. “Welcome aboard.”

“And with you on the team, Ponyville is one step closer to crushing Appleloosa!” Rainbow then added.

Applejack then continued with something else in mind after the tryouts. “And after today, it's pretty clear who the other two players should be alongside Fuli.”

Hearing this sparked confusion to both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

“W-What do you mean? I thought you and Dash were gonna play alongside Fuli.”

“Yeah! If you're not crushing Appleloosa, who is?”

Fuli laughed before answering their question. “Obviously, you two are.”

The two looked on staring in shock with what they are just told to the point it took a minute before they could speak their minds until Fluttershy first broke her silence. “Um, you want us to play buckball against Appleloosa instead of you?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Yep.”

Both Rainbow and Fuli nodded.

“That's "uncredible"!” Pinkie uttered in astonishment. Though said word she used earned some blinks of confusion which merited her to clarify. “Unbelievable and incredible?” She then scoffed when no one still gets it. “Come on!”

Fuli then spoke up to explain why they don’t get it. “No offense, Pinkie. We get it but the word you used sounds like something when wanting to discredit something and someone. Like saying the team is bad or terrible or something like that.”

“Really? Huh? I guess I never thought of it that way.”

“Anyways…” Applejack continued with the reason why they are choosing both Pinkie and Fluttershy to represent Ponyville. “I can't explain it, but you two are really good at this game. And if it means beatin' Appleloosa, I'll give either one of you my spot on the team quicker than Granny Smith can core an apple.”

And it was a decision that Rainbow was willing to humble herself to do the same. “Me, too. I'd normally be so pumped all of Ponyville was counting on me to win, I'd run right over the competition. But you still flew rings around me.”

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Fluttershy then apologized. “I was just having fun.”

“Fluttershy.” Fuli was quick to ease the tension that was forming under her skin. “You have nothing to be sorry for. It’s okay to have fun.”

“And you can have all the fun you want as long as it's while you're beatin' the hide off of Braeburn's team.” Applejack added.

“I do like fun!” Pinkie happily said.

Fluttershy then admitted. “Honestly, the game was a little scary at first, but once I got the hang of it, I had a pretty good time.”

“And that’s good to hear!” Beshte complimented.

Like her friend Pinkie was also on board. “Let's get this party started!”

“All right.” Applejack then said. “But if we really wanna beat Appleloosa, we're gonna have to get serious.”

Both ponies looked on confused and a bit worried.

“Serious?”

“Serious how?”

“Nothing to worry about.” Fuli assured before eyeing Applejack to choose her next words more carefully. “Right, Applejack.”

“Of course!” Applejack asserted before directing their attention to an obstacle course she had set up the other day for those who made the team. “Just a little serious practice!”

Fluttershy gulped at the sight of what she is seeing. “Wow. This looks pretty intense.”

“Maybe so…” Fuli admitted. “...but if it’s something I can do in my sleep, then I pretty sure it’s something you both can do.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

“Great!” Rainbow then declared. “So let's hop to it! Snails already has a head start on you!” Snips was already using his magic to make the balls bounce in and out of the baskets with ease which started to worry the trainees again, if it weren’t for Fuli beside them to calm them down.

“Just follow my lead, and it’ll be all fun and games.” She gently advised which helped ease their nerves for the time being. She then turned to both Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “And you both won’t be training the girls too hard, right?”

Both were quick to reply positively and without hesitation.

“Of course.”

“Have we ever trampled their feelings before?”

“Rainbow.” Fuli repeated with a raised eyebrow. “When I say you won’t…” With emphasis on that last word. “...be training the girls too...hard. You say?”

“Of course we won’t.” Rainbow also added. “You have our word.”

“I’m going to hold you both to it, because there are certain things that don’t click for those who don’t think like you and I, and it would be a shame to see a good thing squandered over something that could have been easily prevented.”

“We wouldn’t even dream about of wanting to happen.” Even still Fuli would personally see to it that training goes way it should happen even if she has to throw a curve ball along the way.

Rainbow Dash managed to pull Fluttershy and Fuli aside so she can train them her way. "Okay, if you wanna win, you totally gotta get this drill down!”

“I-I-I do?” Fluttershy asked with her knees shaking to the point that Fuli had a place a paw on her shoulder to get her to stop.

“It’s just a simple drill that’ll make it seem like it’s an easy fly around through the park with the butterflies.” Fuli clarified and that’s what got her to ease up in a little. “Just watch and learn.”

Fluttershy did and couldn’t help but gasp and whimper at the sight of how difficult it was from leaping up the steps, flying through the hoops, and flying down the slide shoot before returning back to her friends.

“It's all about ball control.” She told her before handing her the ball to which had the Pegasus now struggling to maintain control over it.

It was there Fuli acted once more to take control of the situation. “Maybe I should take control of things from here.” She advised before turning to the struggling Pegasus. “It’s okay, you got this. Just think about flying and playing with the butterflies. Ready?” Fluttershy nodded. “Go!” ” It was there Fluttershy started to replicate what her friend Rainbow was able to do. And she was doing well with her training now until…

“Come on! Faster! You don't want Ponyville to lose because you can't get into high gear, do you?!” Rainbow shouted which caused her to trip up in her performance.

“Whoa! Ugh!”

“Butterflies, and other birds flying south for the winter.” Fuli then said which helped Fluttershy calm down once more before turning to Rainbow Dash. “Probably better not to push any harder, though.” While Rainbow looked on confused why she is telling her this, she reluctantly obeyed out of respect. Turning her back to her friend who once more got the hang out of it she said. “You got it, keep thinking about the birds in the park.” She then turned back to Rainbow to say this. “I’m going to check up on Pinkie and Applejack.” Rainbow nodded as Fuli went over to do just that and appeared just in time to see the latter begin her training with the former.

“Hey Beshte…” She greeted said hippo who just so happens to be here for the same reasons. “How’s training coming along here?”

“It’s going all right. It could be better.” Beshte honestly answered. “How’s it coming along for you and Fluttershy?”

“I’m doing very well, but Fluttershy isn’t quite getting the hang of it now. Because it seems that Rainbow is applying a training tactic that’s already getting her stressed out already. I’m taking it, you’re seeing the same problem here?”

“Yeah…probably better you see it for yourself.”

To further cement they got to see Applejack training Pinkie her way. “All right. Bein' able to buck a ball into a goal from any direction is the most important thing in the game.”

Pinkie simply shrugged. “Eh, if you say so.”

“Okay.” Fuli mentally said to herself as she sees the pink pony in action. “So far so good.” And it proved when Pinkie was able to carry out the exercises, bucking the balls into the goal buckets with ease like she is bouncing around in a playground. Though what happened next validated Fuli’s concern...

“Keep it up! Just one miss'll ruin the Apple family's buckball reputation forever!”

And that threw Pinkie off of her game. “Whoa! What?!” She ended up tripping and falling down to the ground after losing her balance. “Whoops.”

“It’s okay.” Beshte assured as he appeared on the scene. “Just keep thinking you’re in that playground in the park that comes once a year.” She then advised which got her groove back on to performing the exercises flawlessly.

But even with Fuli’s attempts at coaching them the right way along with Beshte’s positive support, Rainbow Dash and Applejack still didn’t quite get it before proceeding to put pressure on their training friends whenever Fuli isn’t around to rein them in.

“Come on! Push! Push! Push!” Rainbow barked at Fluttershy while flying around the poles which caused her to hit one face to face and said pony to have imaginary birds circle around her head.

“Come on, now! Every shot is for Sweet Apple Acres! And me! And Dash! And all of Ponyville!”Applejack barked at Pinkie once more tripped up as a result.

“Whoa! Uhh! Ow.”

And the trip ups, slip ups, and fall outs continued from there...

“Faster!”

“Whoa!”

“Come on now!”

“Wh-Wh-Whoa!”

“Come on!”

“Aah!”

“Keep it up!

“Whoa!”

“Come on!”

By the end of it both Pinkie and Fluttershy were thrown off of their game to the point they ended up hitting each other’s heads by accident when they try to concentrate.

“What in the apple happened to those two?” Applejack asked the others clearly confused with what she just saw.

“I don't know.” Rainbow replied first equally confused. “They mopped the field with us before.”

“Maybe they have a different groove that works for them.” Fuli suggested.

“Maybe hardball isn’t their style.” Beshte added.

“Maybe…” Applejack considered before shrugging it off. “...but we can worry about that tomorrow.” Turning back to the other girls she told them. “All right! That's it for today, y'all!”

“Phew!” Both girls sighed in relief.

“I thought practice was supposed to make us better.” Pinkie wondered out loud.

“Maybe we just need a little rest.” Fluttershy suggested.

“Or a whole lot of it.” Rainbow commented in clear disappointment with their performance today, earning her a scolding frown from Fuli’s face.

“Just be sure to get your heads in the game before tomorrow.” Applejack then assured and advised. “All of Ponyville is countin' on a win.”

After practice, Fuli along with Beshte was able to walk along with both Pinkie and Fluttershy who are both already starting to have second thoughts about wanting to play in the upcoming game.

“Everything okay, girls.” Fuli asked once they were alone and away from the ponies who gave them a hard time recently.

“Yes…” Fluttershy replied before admitting. “… and I really don't want to let Applejack and Rainbow Dash down, or anypony else, but after that practice, I'm not feeling very confident.”

“Maybe we weren't that bad!” Pinkie tried to say otherwise trying to write it off as just an off day though Fluttershy’s groaned did little to help matters. “I guess I was hoping you saw something I didn't.”

“Same here.” Fuli commented feeling concerned for them both. “Along with hoping that Applejack and Rainbow Dash would pick up on how well you two work with the groove that works for you. It’s like I’m the only one who sees what clicks for you both.”

"You're not the only one, Fuli." Beshte said in agreement.

“And judging from how you two look I don’t think you both want to play anymore due to how much Applejack and Rainbow Dash have been stressing you out with their hardball style of coaching.”

Fluttershy then said next. “I know our friends want us to win, but how can the whole town be counting on us if most ponies have never even heard of buckball?”

“I know!” Pinkie said in equal agreement. “How can we disappoint a pony who doesn't even know we have a team?”

“Or that we're gonna play Appleloosa?”

“Neither of you can.” Fuli said as if it’s nothing to worry about. “And if you ask me it’s nothing to worry about. And worst comes to worst you just tell both our friends that you don’t want to play anymore.”

“Surely, even as stubborn and competitive as those two are they can’t force you both into doing something against your will.” Beshte added. “They’re better than that.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie spoke up already feeling better for the moment. “I'd be surprised if anypony in this town cares about this game at all.”

“Of course anybody and anypony can be wrong…” Fuli whispered in disbelief what they are seeing now.

A crowd all cheering for them along with Snails with banners with their faces on them along with purple jerseys, and confetti surrounding them.

“Go, Ponyville! Go, Ponyville! Win, win, win! Woo-hoo! Ponyville! Way to go!”

While both Pinkie and Fluttershy were shocked to the point of gasping once more, Fuli looked on while guiding the girls on by with a smile. At the same time, Snails just carried on like it’s another day for him.

“Whoa. The whole town really seems to care about this game a lot.”

“Umm…” Beshte then spoke up already quick to block off the crowd with Fuli accompanying him. “...why don’t you three go on ahead while we deal with these ponies here.”

“We’ll catch up in a bit.” Fuli added before approaching the group of ponies ready with cameras. “All right everypony, party on the Ponyville express is over break it up, time to go home!” Everyone all moved to do so when Fuli started to sheath her claws and moved to get ready to pounce on them if they didn’t back off.

Upon entering the train first, they were both greeted by their eager pony friends here to talk to their friends unaware of what they are really feeling inside.

“Heh. We kinda went around town and talked up the team a little.” Rainbow admitted.

“Yup! We wanted to make sure you two knew that all of Ponyville was behind you!” Applejack added as said crowd waves from a safe distance just as both Fuli and Beshte board the train before it departed from the station.

“Greaaaaat…” Pinkie returned with a forced smile.

“I hear the whole town's already plannin' a parade for when you get back after whuppin' Appleloosa! That should feel pretty good!”

“It should...?” Fluttershy returned equally uneasy and nervous as Pinkie Pie.

“Totally!” Rainbow happily said directly to her face. “Just spend the whole ride to Appleloosa thinking about everypony cheering for the victorious Ponyville buckball team!” She then gasped in delight with another thought that occurred. “I bet Princess Celestia and even King Simba comes to congratulate you! If that doesn't get you in "the zone", I don't know what will!”

Fluttershy then whispered to Pinkie. “I don't know what zone Rainbow Dash is talking about, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to be in it. Do you?”

After sometime relaxing on the train ride over, the two ponies decided enough is enough before moving to break the news to them.

“Hey!” Rainbow snapped. “You two are supposed to be in the zone!”

It was there Pinkie Pie tried to break it to them, albeit nervously and struggling to say the right words. “You see... the thing is... thinking about everypony... thinking about us...! Aah! There's just no way to...!”

From there Fluttershy moved to do it for her all while showing a display of rage she rarely showed to anyone before. “There's no way that we can get in the zone, because the zone sounds like a horrible place since we are terrible at buckball and we are going to lose and let everypony down and we don't want to play anymore!” [ Said outburst left both ponies shocked and taken aback by what she just said.

The two ponies now bawling their eyes out of stress then ran away, bypassing Fuli who nearly got run over by them to the point she had to dive and spring her body sideways to avoid the head on collision.

“Whoa! Pinkie! Fluttershy! Where are you two going?”

“Out!”

“And away from here!”

Just then Snails appeared in between the two ponies still smiling and acting casually. “I'm still okay with playing, in case you were worried.”

Turning back to the three who are still looking on stunned and shocked with what just happened she then sternly asked. “All right. Applejack, Rainbow, what happened and what did you two do?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary…”

“...expect for somehow managing to get Fluttershy of all ponies to yell at us.”

The two honestly answered after recovering from the shock.

Just then Beshte came inside their cart while looking back in worry and concern. “Hey girls. Any reason why Pinkie and Fluttershy were running away in tears towards the back of the train?”

Fuli moved to answer the question while glaring at their pony friends. “Because apparently someponies got them both so worked up to the point they don’t want to play anymore. Any idea why?”

"I honestly don't understand." Applejack could only say in response.

“Yeah!” Rainbow asserted still trying to understand why too. “They're naturals! Why wouldn't they want to play anymore?”

“Maybe telling them how much everypony was countin' on them messed them up somehow.” Fuli further suggested. “Because they sure seemed pretty pressured just thinking about it since we left Ponyville.”

Rainbow was quick to insist that can’t be it. “What?! That's crazy talk! Having ponies depend on you is exactly what you need to focus! And—“

“Get serious and play hard and—“ Applejack then added.

“Get ready to totally smash the competition, and…” It was there the two realized why and what they have done. “... and... none of that sounds like Pinkie or Fluttershy, does it?”

“Doesn’t sound like it.” Beshte shook his head along with Fuli.

"Nope."

Applejack sighed as he admitted and realized. “Guess not. We got so wrapped up in what's important to us, we went and ruined what was fun about the game for them.”

Rainbow could only groan upon realizing their mistake. “What do we do now?”

“Maybe you could try to talk to them and get them to ease back into the game. You like me when I try to get Mtoto to learn how to ride a skateboard. By starting off slow and working up the pace until he feels comfortable going fast.”

Said idea, felt like it something they could work with.

“Yeah…”

“...I guess we could do it that way.”

“Never hurts to try as long as you pace it right.” Fuli added liking the suggestion herself. “But it’s gotta be you two to do it.”

“Fair enough.”

“You don’t have to tell us twice.”

“Good. Now let’s get to it.”

Since they knew where both Pinkie and Fluttershy had retreated to, it was easy to find out where they ran off to. After knocking on the door only to get no answer, the two ponies moved to open the door where all the luggage is being kept with said ponies taking cover in said luggage.

“Pinkie? Fluttershy?”

“We know you're in here! We've looked in every other car on the train!”

Both ponies called out as they entered the cart.

Likewise both ponies responded in an attempt to deny their current whereabouts.

“Maybe you need to look again!”

“Yeah! Because... we're totally not in here!”

“And we're definitely not in here if you're gonna try and make us play against Appleloosa!”

“Or anypony else!”

The two ponies could only smirk before following the sounds of their voices leading straight to the two frightened ponies sitting and hugging each other tightly.

Applejack then cleared her throat to get their attention and upon realizing they have been found they were both quick to keep up the attempted denial in the face of the pony of honesty.

"Oh... we're sorry to let you down.” Fluttershy apologized. “But it's better to do it now than during the game against Appleloosa.”

“It’s okay.” Rainbow assured there are no hard feelings. “You don't have to play against Appleloosa.”

Both ponies looked on in surprise by what Rainbow just told them.

“We don't?”

Applejack shook her head to assert it’s the truth. “Nope. We're gonna take your place. So you don't have to worry about that at all.”

Immediately the two ponies, especially Pinkie felt relieved. “Why didn't you say so?” She asked with an equally relieved sigh.

“But…” Rainbow then spoke up to tell them there is something more to it. “...we can't take on Braeburn and his team without any practice. So we need you to play just one more time.”

“Against us.” Applejack added much to the two ponies confusion and concern.

Although they both still seemed unsure, both Fuli and Beshte watched on outside of the cart while smiling knowing full well that the plan is working accordingly.

Upon arriving at Appleloosa, they managed to get to a practice field nearby from the stadium the game will be held. Upon getting the court set up, Applejack, Rainbow, and Snails all put on purple sports jerseys that will be worn during the game while both Fuli and Beshte watch from the sidelines.

The earth pony then moved to have both Pinkie and Fluttershy standing together face to face with her and Rainbow before explaining why. “Now I know we mixed up the teams before, but since Dash and I really need the practice, we'll play against the two of you.”

“Oh, I don't know how much practice you'll get against us.” Fluttershy expressed still nervous and worried. “We've been playing just awful.” “Don't worry about it.” Rainbow assured it’s no big deal. “Applejack and I just need a little workout.”

“Yup. You two just do your best.”

“I can do that.” Pinkie said ready to give it a try.

Already, Pinkie felt at ease as she and Fluttershy got in their positions before Applejack began with a simple tip off. Though both ponies got cold hooves before dodging the bucked ball when it flew into the bucket.

Next time around, Applejack moved for a simple toss right towards Fluttershy knowing how she will react. Surely enough, on instinct and this time she managed to catch it with her tail before spinning around and then tossing it to Pinkie. Once she caught she managed to buck straight by Rainbow and into the other goal.

“Looks like you two really do need practice!” Fluttershy giggled to which both had the other ponies smiling seeing that they managed to get them to regain their groove. A sight that both had Fuli and Beshte looking on and smiling approvingly.

As the practice session went on, both Pinkie and Fluttershy continued to find their rhythm together. They kept playing like it’s the time of their lives before moving to keep both Applejack and Rainbow Dash on the defense. Initially, Rainbow was able to catch the early attempts of the ball going into the goal until the two were able to send the ball into the bucket multiple times in a row. In fact, it got to the point that Snails took a nap nearby the bucket he was holding during all of this. And by the end of it, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash came like they were roughed up quite a bit as evident by the messy manes and dirt and scratch marks on their bodies.

“If you need more practice, we can keep going.” Fluttershy then offered while she and Pinkie kept giggling and playing like they weren’t even trying.

“Yeah! I could do this all day!”

But that was enough for the two ponies who’ve already accomplished what they really wanted as Rainbow shook her head as she panted. “No, thanks. Playing against you two is just as humiliating now as it was when we weren't trying to show you how awesome you are.” Hearing caused Pinkie along with Fluttershy to freeze in their tracks.

“Wait... what?” Pinkie asked in confusion causing her to drop the ball she was bouncing on her mane which rolled on towards Snails.

Hearing the ball caused Snails to wake up from his nap. “Finally!” He then used his magic to place the bucket over it.

“You must've noticed how you aren't bad anymore.” Applejack then said to the two ponies who suddenly realized it themselves.

“Oh, yeah! Weird!” Pinkie commented.

“But, um, why were we so terrible before?” Fluttershy asked trying to understand how and what clicked and didn’t click for them.

“I guess some ponies thrive on pressure and some ponies don't.” Rainbow explained. “And even though we weren't playing, we were treating you like us, which totally stressed you out.”

“And that just sucked the fun right out of the game for you.” Applejack added.

“And having fun is what makes you really, really, really good!” Rainbow said next.

“But being good doesn't matter if we're too afraid of letting ponies down.” Fluttershy expressed still feeling unsure about playing still.

“Yeah!” Pinkie agreed. “What about all those ponies back in Ponyville counting on us to win?”

Even still Applejack had solid advice and comfort words for that. “I'm sure folks want you to win, but not if worrying about it makes you miserable. Winning's never worth that.”

“But how do we keep from worrying about it?” Fluttershy asked.

It was there Snails broke his silence on the matter. “You could do what I do and not think about it. Seriously. I don't think about anything. Ever.”

“That's…” Fuli spoke up in astonishment before admitting. “...actually good advice.”

“Thanks.”

“Huh? That’s very poa!” Beshte himself admitted delightfully surprised. “And this coming from a pony we’d least expect to hear it from.”

And that was advice Pinkie could work with along with Fluttershy. “Hm. Works for me!”

“Great!” Fuli spoke up before turning to her teammates now wearing the purple Ponyville jersey. “So what you both say? You both up in joining me and Snails in this upcoming match-up now?”

It didn’t take even a split second for the two to make up their minds on that.

“Sure!”

“Absolutely!”

So with the newfound resolve and rhythm both Pinkie and Fluttershy were ready to play buckball alongside Fuli. With the cheetah’s coaching and meditating the two along the way the three paved way along with Snails for a perfect team and it showed in their performance.

“And with another bouncing goal from Pinkie Pie, the score is tied!” The announcer of the game called out as said event just happened for all eyes of the cheering ponies to see.

“You guys are amazing!”

“Way to go, girls!”

Both Rainbow and Beshte complimented as the girls as they all took a breather before taking the court again.

“Braeburn is really good!” Pinkie panted.

“So is that Pegasus.” Fluttershy also pointed out as she panted then briefly worried. “Oh, I don't know if we can win.”

“You know what I would do?” Snails asked her again.

“Not think about it?” Pinkie replied.

“Not think a…” He realized that Pinkie already answered it. “Oh, yeah. That.”

“Once again, very good advice.” Fuli complimented before chiming in with her own advice. “Also, I believe we can do it as long you both keep your heads up and keep up the groove that’s been working for both so far.”

Then Applejack added repeating Fuli’s earlier advice. “And as long as you're havin' fun, it doesn't matter if you win or not.”

Just then the referee blew the whistle to indicate that the timeout now is over.

“You girls, ready?” Beshte asked the girls as they get back on the court.

“Uh-huh.”

“We’re ready.”

“Totally, ready.”

“Then go get them.”

“Okay, this is it. Match point.” Fuli said to the girls as they huddled before taking their positions. “One play at a time. Throw it deep, find an opening, and hope it sticks. Got it?” Both girls nodded. “Then let’s do this! Huwezi!”

With a blow of her whistle, the game is underway once more. Before tipping off Pinkie Pie giggled while turning herself upside down. Braeburn looked on with an awkward smile “I think it's more fun this way!” Like before Pinkie managed to be the first pony to buck the ball away.

“And Pinkie wins the buckoff! But her shot's rejected!” Said shot is blocked by the muscular Pegasus guarding her goal before sending back to Braeburn. “Back to Braeburn, whose kick's stopped by another Fluttershy save!” With ease, Fluttershy managed to stop it like it was easy to her before passing it on over to Fuli who then passed it on over to Pinkie Pie. “Next point wins. Lots of tense back and forth here.” Pinkie attempts another shot at the goal only for the ball to be caught by the Pegasus’s chest. She then sent it back to Braeburn who then takes another shot at the goal. Only for to be deflected and redirected with ease by Fluttershy again.” “Fluttershy unleashes her patented spin move, but Braeburn's there to— No!” She then passed it to the pink pony again who just managed to outmaneuver Braeburn again. “It's Pinkie with a somersault kick! What a move!” The ball is suddenly caught and redirected, right at Fuli who was quick with the rebound and a somersault tail spin kick herself that sends it right into the bucket. “And that's the game! Ponyville wins!”

The crowd then chanted. “Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville! Ponyville!” All while the two ponies and cheetah get together for a group hug and soon to be joined by the accompanying Lion and Pony Guard along with Snails.

Applejack then complimented first. “Huh. Looks like you three made quite an impression!”

“They all sure did!” Beshte happily stated. “Way to go, girls! And nice coaching, Fuli.”

“Thanks.”

Even in defeat, Braeburn handled the surprise they gave him very well. “Well, cousin, I have to admit. Your Ponyville team played a pretty good game.”

“Hah! Good game? We bucked the hooves right off of you!” Rainbow returned unable to resist saying that.

Even still Braeburn tipped his hat to them while his teammates smiled to show they’re humbled good sports about it. “Yup, you sure as shootin' did. I'm gonna have to get real serious about a strategy for our rematch.”

“Oh, I wouldn't get too serious.” Fluttershy then advised.

“Yeah!” Pinkie chimed in. “Everypony knows the secret to good buckball is just having fun!”

The whole group of friends shared a good laugh over it much to the other team’s confusion.

And after the group laugh, Fuli spoke up to voice her thoughts about it to at least try to explain it to them. “Hard to believe, but it’s true to them and to me it’s also a matter of managing to balance the two out like I did for them.” She then added. “And if you want, feel free to give me a call, we’ll talk.”

Braeburn still didn’t get it but still was open to the advice given to him. “I’ll consider it, Fuli. And who knows maybe I’ll pick it up as quickly as the Guard’s Fastest.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see.” The two shared a knowing wink as they both are already eagerly looking forward to the upcoming rematch. But that’s of course a way’s away to which earn another group laugh from the others. “Seriously.” She then told them. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

Author's Note

In this episode it's that time of the season for the Apple Ponies and that's Buckball Season, only in regards to those playing in the upcoming match up coming up. And believe it or not, both Pinkie and Fluttershy along with Fuli are chosen to represent Ponyville as they all just happen to be naturals at the sports.

While Fuli is able to keep cool under pressure, Fluttershy and Pinkie however don't, and only when they treat it as it's all fun and games which created some issues when Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to go on with that approach. Thankfully, after realizing their mistake it was nothing more than a quick fix where everything played out in their favor from there.

Up next the Friendship Map is making another call, this time to Las Pegasus where they find themselves up against some dirty dealings, not only that a certain pair of con artists too, so stay tuned for that next week...