The warm Friday afternoon buzzed with excitement as students of Canterlot High cheered and competed in various events for Field Day. The track was alive with pounding footsteps and enthusiastic shouts.

Rainbow Dash tore through the course like a streak of lightning, easily crossing the finish line ahead of the pack. Behind her, Scootaloo was giving it her all, her determined face flushed with effort. But despite her best attempt, she couldn’t keep up. By the time she crossed the finish line, Rainbow was already catching her breath under a nearby tree.

Scootaloo trudged over, her head hung low. "I… I didn’t do so great, did I?"

Rainbow grinned, ruffling Scootaloo’s hair. "Hey, you gave it your best shot, squirt! That’s what matters."

Scootaloo forced a smile, but her eyes betrayed her doubt. "It’s just… I wanted to be fast like you, Rainbow. But I’ll never be good at sports."

Before Rainbow could respond, Flash Sentry and Pinkie Pie approached, each with a reassuring smile.

"You kidding, Scootaloo?" Flash said. "You were awesome out there! It’s not about being the best; it’s about pushing yourself and having fun."

Pinkie bounced in place, her curls bobbing. "Exactly! And guess what? You had fun, right? Oh, I know you had fun because I saw you smiling during the three-legged race earlier!"

Scootaloo managed a weak chuckle. "Yeah, I guess."

Suddenly, a mocking voice interrupted. "Guess it wasn’t enough to actually win," sneered Diamond Tiara, strolling up with Silver Spoon in tow.

"Yeah," Silver Spoon added, smirking. "Maybe next time, you should try a little harder. Or, you know, give up before embarrassing yourself."

Scootaloo flinched, her cheeks flushing red. Rainbow Dash immediately stepped forward, her fists clenched. "Hey! Back off, you two!"

Pinkie frowned, crossing her arms. "Yeah! Scootaloo did great and you’re just being meanies!"

Diamond Tiara snickered. "Oh, please. We’re just telling the truth. Can’t handle it?"

"That’s it!" Rainbow growled. "If you think—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Flash Sentry stepped between them, holding up his hands. "Calm down, everyone. Fighting isn’t going to solve anything."

"But they started it!" Pinkie and Rainbow said in unison.

Flash sighed, turning to Scootaloo. "How about this? After school, why don’t you all come over to my house? I’ve got an idea that’ll make everyone feel better."

Diamond Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Your house? Why would we go there?"

"You’ll see," Flash said with a sly smile. "Trust me, it’ll be worth it."

Once they arrived in Flash’s house, they find out his idea: they’re going to Dragon Land.

Diamond, Silver, Pinkie and Rainbow were excited as they put their dragon badges on, but Scootaloo is still feeling down.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Rainbow asked.

“Diamond and Silver are right. I am not sports material and never will be. You guys just go without me.” Scootaloo replied with her head low.

“We can’t leave you here and have you miss out on all the fun. Besides, whatever is going on with our dragon friends, it’ll make you feel better about yourself.” Flash explained as he put his dragon badge on.

“You’re right, Flash. I’m ready to go!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she put her dragon badge on.

“Now that’s what I want to hear!” Rainbow cheered before the group went to Flash’s cupboard, held his dragon scale and they recited the code rhyme to Dragon Land.

“I wish, I wish, with all my heart, to fly with Dragons, in a land apart!” The group recited in unison as the dragons on Flash’s wall flew off, swirled around them all and off they went.

After they arrived in Dragon Land, everyone heard their friends laughing and having fun.

“Wow. It sounds like a great party.” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“It smells like one too.” Pinkie said as she smelled the food. Cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, etc.

“You mean, there’s a fair happening?!” Rainbow asked just as their dragon friends suddenly appeared to the others.

“Hi, everybody. What's going on?” Scootaloo asked.

“Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Pinkie Pie, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Flash Sentry, today's the Dragon Land fair and there's all kinds of great stuff to eat and things to do. And it only stops here once a year and that's where we're going right now.” Ord said.

“Wow. Reminds me of the Spring Fling back at home” Flash said.

“Come on, guys. I don't wanna miss anything.” Zak said.

“Yeah, Zaky. Let's lead the way.” Wheezie said as all they went to the fair.

A few moments later, the others have arrived at the fair, where all the fun is happening here, games, socializing, etc...

“Wow. This is cool.” Flash exclaimed.

“Look over there. Those are the prizes you can win by playing the carnival games.” Ord explained.

“Pinwheels.” Scootaloo exclaimed as she pointed out the pinwheels where Quetzal was standing. “Look, Cassie. Aren’t they beautiful?” she asked.

“Yes. If you want, maybe we can win one together.” said Cassie.

“Aw, yeah! Count me in!” Scootaloo said.

A few moments later, Quetzal appeared and instructed everyone about the games.

“All right, my friends. For everyone who wants to play, here are some rules. First of all, I want
each of you to choose a partner.” he explained as Pinkie was right next to him, clearly having enough fun. She just wants to watch the action, so she has given herself some popcorn to enjoy the show.

Everyone picked their partners:

1. Rainbow Dash and Ord
2. Scootaloo and Cassie
3. Flash Sentry, Zak and Wheezie (considering the fact that Zak and Wheezie are a two-headed dragon)
4. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon

There will be four games:

1. The relay race
2. The ball toss
3. Water Blast (4 players; 1 player per team)
4. Bobbing for Apples

“In each game, the winning team will get two pinwheels. So line up and let the games begin.” Quetzal said.

“Come on. I just know we can win those pinwheels.” Scootaloo said as she grabbed Cassie’s arm

“Yeah. Me too…” Cassie said reluctantly as they head to the first event: the relay race.

“In this race, one team member runs to the tree then runs back and tags his or her partner. Then that partner runs to the tree and back again. Whoever crosses the finish line first wins.” Quetzal explained the rules of the first game, the relay race.

“Oh, boy. I love running.” Scootaloo said

“Same here.” Cassie replied.

“Are you ready? On your marks, get set and go.” Quetzal instructed.

Everyone ran as fast as they could, Scootaloo ran back and touched Cassie while catching her breath.

“Run, Cassie. Run.” Pinkie cried from the sidelines.

Then, Ord tagged Rainbow while she ran as fast as she could while Zak and Wheezie were tagging themselves, alongside Flash. Cassie tried to catch up, but Zak and Wheezie had already caught up to her and won. Flash Sentry followed behind them and was instantly proud of the 2-headed sibling duo for their victory.

“We did it! Ha! We won the race!” Wheezie cheered in victory.

“Way to go, sis.” Zak cheered.

“Wow. good job!” Flash said in impression.

“Great try, Rainbow.” Ord said.

“Thanks, Ord.” Rainbow replied.

“You were great, Diamond!” Silver cheered as she hugged Diamond in excitement.

Scootaloo gave her a smile to Cassie, but she didn’t feel very happy about this.

“To the winner, Zak and Wheezie, including Flash. Good teamwork, you three.” Quetzal congratulated the three as he gave them the pinwheels.

“Don’t worry. We just have to try a little harder and maybe we’ll win the next game.” Scootaloo said.

Moments later, another game was happening and it was the 2nd game.

“All right, everybody. The next game is the ball toss. The first team member, throw the ball as far as you can. Then your partner picks up the ball from the spot where it was thrown and throws it again. Whichever team throws the furthest distance wins a pair of pinwheels.” Quetzal instructed.

“We both know how to throw.This should be easy.” Scootaloo said in determination.

“I hope.” Cassie replied reluctantly just as Quetzal gives them the balls.

It was Rainbow and Ord’s turn. “Come on, Rainbow. You can do it.” Ord cheered in determination.

“Rainbow Dash decides to throw her famous fastball.” Rainbow exclaimed as she threw the ball. Ord felt very happy for what he saw how far his friend threw.

Then, it was Zak, Wheezie and Flash’s turn.

“One, two, three.” Wheezie counted as she threw the ball, but it wasn’t good enough.

“Whoa. Nice try, Wheezie.” Zak said.

“Yeah. very nice.” Flash cheered.

Then, it was Scootaloo’s turn to throw the ball and she threw it farther than Ord and Rainbow Dash.

“Wow, Scoots, that was great.” Cassie said.

“Very good. Now, teammates, pick up your balls. Quetzal instructed as the partners did just that. “All right. Everyone ready?” he asked.

“Go, Cassie. You can do it!” Pinkie cheered from the sidelines as Cassie threw a ball before it landed on the ground.

“Great throw. I know we're gonna win.” Scootaloo cheered. However, Cassie sighed in disappointment.

It was Zak and Wheezie’s turn. “Here goes nothing.” Zak said as he prepared to throw the ball.

“Yay, Zaky. Go, go, go.” cheered Wheezie as Zak threw the ball with all his might and it went far.

It was finally Ord’s turn. “Okay, Rainbow Dash. I'll do my best. Stand back.” Ord said as he threw the ball very hard, due to his strength, very far.

“Wow. Look at it go.” Rainbow exclaimed as everyone started to cheer.

“What happened? Did we win?” Cassie asked

“Nope, Rainbow and Ord did.” Wheezie explained.

“Oh. I was afraid of that.” Cassie groaned.

“Congratulations, Rainbow and Ord.” congratulated Quetzal as he gave them the pinwheels.

“Thanks.” Ord said. “Boy. All these exercises are making me hungry.” He continued as he heard his stomach growling.

“Same here!” Rainbow said. “Let’s grab some grub!”

“Okay. So we didn't win, but I know we'll win the water blast game and bobbing for apples. There are four pinwheels left, right? We just have to really, really try our hardest and then…” Scootaloo said as she tried to explain to Cassie who is not here! “Cassie? Where'd you go?” Scootaloo cried.

Outside the fair, Cassie is sitting under a tree, feeling very sorry for her performance.

“I feel so bad I let Scoots down. Not just once but twice. She was counting on me to help her win those pinwheels and I wanted to win one too.” she sighed just as Cassie and Pinkie showed up.

“Cassie. I thought I heard you.” Quetzal exclaimed, relieved to see Cassie was safe.

“Yeah, we thought you went home. What’s the matter?” Pinkie asked, eating some cotton candy.

“I can't seem to do anything right today. Maybe Scoots should find a different partner.” Cassie replied.

“Oh, dear.” Pinkie whispered, feeling sorry for the pink dragon.

“I don’t think Scoots wants a different partner, Cassie. She chose you because you're her friend. Don’t forget, there are many things you're good at, aren'’t there?” Quetzal asked.

“I am good at lots of things. I know how to make people feel better and I know how to figure things out, but how will that help me and Scoots win our pinwheels?” Cassie asked, still feeling sorry.

“I know how that feels. One time, I messed up on setting up a spring party I was putting up for Fluttershy. I just tried again until everything got better. In the end, the party was a big success in my book.” Pinkie said as Cassie started to feel better just when Quetzal headed back to the fair to announce that the next event was about to start.

“You’re right, Pinkie. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I know I'm gonna try!” Cassie exclaimed, getting her confidence back.

“That’s the spirit! Come on, it’s time for our next event!” Pinkie cheered as she headed back to the fair with Cassie closely following behind.

Back at the fair, Scootaloo was still trying to look for Cassie with Rainbow Dash helping her, but no luck.

“Well, I can’t find Cassie either, squirt.” Rainbow said in disappointment.

“Maybe she went home. I should just give up and head home, too.” Scootaloo said in sadness as she grabbed her badge until Flash stepped up and stopped her.

“Whoa, hold up! We can’t just give up on something like this. Don’t let a missing friend get you down. Just think of what Cassie would do in a situation like this.” Flash whispered, getting in eye level with the tween.

“Well, she would show up and talk to me about how she’s feeling. Maybe she’s ready to come back and talk about it. Thanks, Flash!” Scootaloo cheered, hugging the teen boy. Just at that moment, Cassie came back with Pinkie by her side!

“Oh, Cassie! I was so worried about you! Where were you?” Scootaloo said in relief, hugging the pink dragon.

“She went to the tree where she was doubting herself and was about to give up. Luckily, Quetzal and I found her and we helped gain her confidence back. All she had to do was to try, try again.” Pinkie explained as she grabbed some more popcorn from her hair and started to eat away.

“I am ready for the next event, Scoots!” Cassie cheered.

“That’s the spirit, Cassie!” Scootaloo cheered.

Just like that, the third event (the Water Blast race) is about to start. Cassie, Diamond Tiara, Ord and Flash lineup next to each other in front of their own sections of the attraction.

“Okay. Each one of you has a water gun. All you have to do is to blast enough water into the target in front of you. The more water it gathers, the higher the meter gets. The first team to fill their meter to the top wins.” Quetzal explained as he began the countdown. On go, the players started spraying away as their partners cheered them on. Pinkie was holding a sign showing Cassie’s name and was wearing a cheerleader uniform as she cheered Cassie on (we don’t know how she got it, but she’s Pinkie Pie, so what did you expect?).

Ord was spraying all over the place (some of the water getting Diamond soaked), Diamond was concentrating really hard as she perfected her aim and sprayed at the bullseye. Flash and Cassie were neck and neck. It wasn’t long until the bell rang. The bell seems to come from Diamond Tiara’s meter.

“Congratulations, Diamond! You and your partner get pinwheels.” Quetzal cheered as he handed them the pinwheels.

Diamond was hugging Silver Spoon as they all enjoyed their pinwheels already. Cassie was beginning to feel doubtful again, but suddenly remembers what Pinkie tells her (try, try again until you succeed). Just like that, she feels better again. Just in time for the last event: Bobbing for Apples.

They were all standing in front of the wooden tub that was filled with water and a golden apple was floating about.

“Each team must lift this apple out of the top, but you may not use your hands. You can use any part of the body you want, except your hands.” Quetzal explained as he held up an hourglass.

“Boy, it's just like eating. This should be easy.” Ord exclaimed as Rainbow nudged him lightly.

“Rainbow and Ord, would you like to go first?” Quetzal asked before the duo replied with a yeah, clearly showing that they’re ready to play.

“All right, then. When all the sand goes to the bottom, your time is up. On your marks, get set, go.” Just like that, the hourglass starts running and Ord and Rainbow begin their attempt to bob and grab the apple as Pinkie stood by Quetzal and cheered them on. However, the apple keeps slipping away. Just a minute later, the hourglass ran out and time was up.

“I almost had it, then it popped out of my mouth.” Ord complained.

“Oh, come on Ord. It’s just a game. Besides, we have our pinwheels already.” Rainbow said as she hugged her big dragon friend.

Zak, Wheezie and Flash went next. They were so close to getting the apple just as the hourglass went out. The trio took their loss kindly and they shared a laugh. Diamond Tiara and Silver have their turn as they barely got the apple. In the end, they hugged and were proud of each other. It was time for Scootaloo and Cassie’s turn. Just then, Scootaloo had an idea.

“Uh, squirt. What are you doing?” Diamond asked, weirded out as she and everyone saw Scootaloo take her shoes and socks off.

“Oh, you’ll see.” Scootaloo replied as she gave a grin to the rich tween.

“Ready, set, go.” Quetzal began the countdown and started the hourglass.

Scootaloo knows what to do. She puts her feet against Cassie’s feet and adjusts them under the Apple. On the count of three, they lifted their feet in unison and they got the apple! Everyone cheered, especially Pinkie as Quetzal gave them all pinwheels.

“Congratulations to our winners: Scootaloo and Cassie!” Quetzal cheered just before Cassie’s badge was glowing. She has learned that teamwork makes the dream work and practice makes perfect.

“I should’ve never doubted you, Scootaloo. You are a great sport after all.” Diamond said as she hugged Scootaloo.

“That’s okay. You learn something new every day.” Scootaloo replied as everyone joined in as they formed a group hug. Even Pinkie was happy to see that everything worked out perfectly!

With that, it was time for the girls and Flash to head home. “I wish, I wish, to use this rhyme, to go back home, until next time.” The group recited in unison as they finally went back to Flash’s house.

“Whoa! That sure was fun!” Silver Spoon exclaimed.

“Yeah, I couldn’t agree more.” Pinkie agreed.

“Oh, you’ll have more fun in Dragon Land whenever I call you and ask you to come.” Diamond smirked, clearly promising that her BFF can join the adventures indeed.

“I am proud of you, squirt!” Rainbow cheered as she gave Scootaloo a high-five.

“Maybe next time we have a field day, Scootaloo might win the events.” Flash said.

“Yeah! I’m gonna practice first before the big day next time.” Scootaloo replied as Rainbow hugged her in appreciation. Diamond, Silver, Pinkie and Flash were happy to see the two girls’ friendship.

The End

Author's Note

Flash and Silver Spoon’s dragon badges are the following symbols:

• Flash Sentry: a 2-shade blue knight shield with a yellow lightning bolt held with a gold ribbon.
• Silver Spoon: a piece of silverware held with a silver ribbon.

Artist: parclytaxel