Enemy or Frenemy?

It was a peaceful Saturday morning at the Belle house and Sweetie Belle was enjoying a relaxing day off from school. The sweet smell of freshly baked muffins filled the air as Sweetie Belle hummed a little tune, content in the quiet. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the calm.

"Sweetie Belle, could you get that?" Rarity called from the next room, her voice tinged with the elegance she always carried.

Sweetie Belle bounded to the door, but before she could reach it, Rarity herself appeared in the doorway. She opened the door to reveal a mailman, his hat slightly askew and holding an envelope.

"Excuse me, miss," the mailman said, "I'm looking for a Sweetie Belle."

Sweetie Belle perked up and ran right over. "That's me!"

The mailman handed her the envelope with a smile. "Looks like you got some important mail."

Curious and excited, Sweetie Belle tore open the envelope. Inside was a letter with shiny, bold lettering at the top: Congratulations! You’ve been invited to compete in the Best Young Singers Awards in Los Angeles!

Her eyes widened. "Oh my gosh, Rarity! I've been invited to a singing competition in L.A.!"

Rarity, always proud of her sister, gave a delighted gasp. "Oh, Sweetie Belle, that's marvelous! Perhaps we could find someone to look after the house while we’re out."

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment before a hesitant smile spread across her face. "I guess I could call Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to house-sit. I mean… they’re my best friends and we can trust them, right?"

"That could work," Rarity said, though her eyes held a hint of uncertainty. "But do make sure they follow all the rules, darling."

After a quick call, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo agreed to come over, excited at the opportunity to help out. An hour later, they arrived at the house, full of energy.

"Alright, y'all!" Apple Bloom said as Sweetie Belle opened the door. "We're ready to house-sit!"

Sweetie Belle welcomed them in and gave them a serious look. "Okay, but this is really important. I’ve got a list of rules you need to follow." She pulled out a sheet of paper. "First: no playing ball in the house. Second: don’t touch any of my stuff. Third: you’ll have to fill in for me when it comes to chores, like washing dishes and cleaning the rooms. Got it?"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo nodded, trying to take the rules seriously. Sweetie Belle then handed them the list and a slip of paper with her phone number. "If anything goes wrong, just call me, okay?"

"Got it, Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo saluted, and Apple Bloom gave a thumbs-up.

Satisfied, Sweetie Belle grabbed her bags, and with one last glance, she left with Rarity as they head for the airport to book their flight to Los Angeles.

As soon as Sweetie Belle was gone, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked around the house. It felt like they had been entrusted with a grand responsibility.

"Well, let’s get started on them chores," Apple Bloom said with determination. They spent the next few hours washing dishes, scrubbing the sinks, tidying up the rooms, and dusting every surface. It wasn’t fun, but they felt good knowing they were doing their job right.

It’s been a few days since Sweetie Belle and Rarity left for Los Angeles. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were done with today’s chores and they collapsed onto the couch, exhausted.

"Whew! We earned this break!" Scootaloo sighed.

Apple Bloom nodded, catching her breath. "Yeah, I reckon we did good."

Unfortunately, that peaceful moment didn’t last. Scootaloo spotted a ball lying in the corner of the room—a small, soft one she’d brought with her. Without thinking, she grabbed it and started bouncing it lightly.

"Uh, Scootaloo… remember what Sweetie Belle said? No ball in the house," Apple Bloom warned, sitting up.

Scootaloo waved her off. "Aw, come on. We did all the chores! What’s a little bit of fun? I’ll be careful."

Apple Bloom frowned but didn’t press the issue. Scootaloo continued bouncing the ball, and for a while, it was fine—until it wasn’t.

With one particularly strong bounce, the ball flew past Scootaloo’s reach. It hurtled through the air, and in that split second, both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo’s eyes widened in horror. The ball was headed straight for the TV.

"NOOOO!" they both yelled, scrambling to catch it, but it was too late.

CRASH!

The ball collided with the TV, and the screen cracked before the whole set fell forward onto the floor with a loud thud. Silence followed as they both stared at the broken TV, their mouths hanging open in disbelief.

Apple Bloom groaned. "Sweetie Belle's gonna kill us…"

Scootaloo winced. "Maybe we can fix it before she gets back?"

But deep down, they both knew this was something that couldn’t be hidden or fixed so easily. To make matters worse, tomorrow was supposed to be the day Sweetie Belle and Rarity returns home!

They glanced at each other, unsure of what to do next. Whatever it was, it better involve a phone call to Sweetie Belle.

The phone rang, echoing through the house, and Apple Bloom hurried over to answer. Her heart raced. Who could be calling?

"Hello?" Apple Bloom said, her voice unsure.

"Hey, Apple Bloom! It's Sweetie Belle," came the cheerful voice on the other end. "Just checking in! Wanted to make sure you two are still being responsible while I'm gone."

Apple Bloom froze. Her eyes darted to the shattered TV screen, the remnants of their ill-fated scooter trick still fresh in her mind. She was about to confess when she noticed Scootaloo frantically waving her arms. Scootaloo pointed at her mouth and made a zipping motion. Keep quiet.

"Uh… w-we’re doin'… good!" Apple Bloom stammered, struggling to sound confident. "Yep, no problems at all! Everything’s… just fine."

Sweetie Belle sighed in relief. "That’s great to hear! I was worried, but I’m glad you’re both keeping it together. I'll be back tomorrow, so I guess I’ll see it for myself soon!"

"Y-yeah, okay," Apple Bloom muttered, gripping the phone tighter. "See ya then!"

As she hung up, her face turned pale. "Tomorrow…"

Apple Bloom spun around and immediately grabbed Scootaloo by the shoulders, shaking her. "What are we gonna do, Scootaloo? We broke the TV! Sweetie Belle’s gonna be back tomorrow! How are we supposed to replace it by then?!"

Scootaloo shrugged off Apple Bloom’s grip, clearly not as panicked. "Relax! We’ve got time to think. There’s gotta be a way we can fix this."

The two of them slumped down, thinking hard. Several minutes passed before Scootaloo’s eyes suddenly lit up. "I’ve got it! We’ll enter a game show!"

Apple Bloom blinked. "A game show? You mean like on TV?"

"Exactly!" Scootaloo said, standing up excitedly. "There’s this game show called Double Dare and they’re having a live show here in Canterlot City! If we win, we can earn enough money to buy a new TV!"

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. "That’s genius!" she exclaimed, her anxiety fading away. "We’ll enter Double Dare, win the prize and no one will ever know what happened!"

Scootaloo grinned confidently. "Exactly. We’ve got this. Tomorrow, we’re going on Double Dare!"

And with that, the two Crusaders rushed to make their plan a reality, determined to fix their mistake before Sweetie Belle returned.

The lights of the Double Dare set glistened overhead as the contestants arrived for what promised to be an unforgettable episode. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and their surprise rivals, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, stood at the center of it all, each sizing the others up in a mixture of surprise and competitive fire.

Apple Bloom looked across the stage, eyes locked with Diamond Tiara. "Can't believe you're here after all those times you were bullying us," she muttered under her breath. Her memories flashed back to the time when Diamond Tiara had bullied her, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo at Canterlot High. It had been the spark that led them to compete against each other in Double Dare at one point.

"Well, I’m here to prove my family’s legacy of winning," Diamond Tiara said, flipping her hair dramatically. "Besides, this game show is just another place to show off what it means to be a Rich."

Silver Spoon chimed in, adjusting her glasses. "I'm just here for the prize money. I've got plans for some new fashion supplies, maybe even a custom wardrobe."

Scootaloo snorted from across the stage, already imagining the possibilities. "Well, when my team wins, we're getting that sports equipment. We’ll finally be able to upgrade the clubhouse!" She cast a sideways glance at Apple Bloom, shaking her head. "And it'll feel good to win it against you, Bloom. You always did have a thing for breaking equipment back at school."

Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Scoots. Besides, it was your crazy stunt idea that broke our first basketball hoop! Besides, we’re only here to get a new TV for Sweetie, remember?”

“Oh, yeah. I guess I got carried away.” Scootaloo said, sheepishly.

But the most surprising twist came when the teams were revealed.

• Red Team: The Rich Apples – Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara.
• Blue Team: The Silver Sports – Scootaloo and Silver Spoon.

Each of them gasped, staring in shock at their unexpected partners.

Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara stood there in silence for a beat. "Great," Apple Bloom mumbled. "Guess we're a team now."

Diamond Tiara groaned. "You better not mess this up, farm girl. I’ve got a reputation to uphold."

Across the stage, Silver Spoon blinked at her own partner, Scootaloo. "This feels... wrong," she said quietly, casting a nervous glance at her best friend on the other team.

Scootaloo grinned wide, determined as ever. "Hey, no hard feelings, right? May the best athlete win!"

Silver Spoon sighed, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I guess..."

They all quickly realized this competition wasn’t just about prizes anymore—it was about best friends now facing off, trying to win for their respective causes. A rift seemed to crack between Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Apple Bloom was thrilled to be teamed with Diamond Tiara (her rival), while Scootaloo plotted out every possible way to beat her old friend Apple Bloom.

The stakes were set.

• Red Team wins? Sweetie Belle gets a new TV.
• Blue Team wins? They get new sports equipment and let Sweetie down.

NO exceptions

As the contestants were called to the set, tensions ran high. They all agreed silently, locking eyes from opposite sides of the stage: their rivalry would play out through the whole show. Friends or not, Double Dare was a battleground now.

The first round began with a messy challenge—fishing flags out of buckets filled with whipped cream. Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara exchanged a quick glance before they dive into the cream together, their spirits igniting. On the other side, Scootaloo and Silver Spoon were equally determined to beat the other team, even though the awkwardness between them was palpable. In the end of Round 1 after all the trivia questions, The Rich Apples are in the lead.

• The Rich Apples - 45 points
• The Silver Sports - 25 points

Round after round, the trivia questions became more hard, challenges more chaotic, and the rivalry more intense. The friends-turned-competitors began pulling out all the stops, each team determined to outdo the other. The challenge (a tug-of-war match with a kiddie pool full of slime in the middle) saw Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo going head-to-head, each gritting their teeth, refusing to give up. Apple Bloom was more fired up than ever, pulling her weight alongside Diamond despite their differences. Meanwhile, Silver Spoon struggled to keep her usual composure, torn between wanting to win and her loyalty to Diamond Tiara. In the end, they are both going to the final round, since they ended the challenge/questions rounds in a tie!

• The Rich Apples - 70 points
• The Silver Sports - 70 points

By the time the final challenge came—a daunting obstacle course—they were all covered in slime and sweat and they had gotten their own fair share of wins for their prize deal, but the competitive fire still burned bright.

"Don’t mess this up," Diamond Tiara warned Apple Bloom.

"You just focus on getting through those monkey bars," Apple Bloom shot back, wiping the slime from her face.

1. Garbage Truck (Silver Spoon) = Flixiplex Cinema gift card
2. One-Ton Human Hamster Wheel (Scootaloo) = ION Audio Karaoke Star
3. Blue Plate Special (Diamond Tiara) = PS5 and the collection of games
4. Gum Drop (Apple Bloom)= Roku TV 4000 series LED-LCD TV (The Rich Apples’ goal)
5. Pick It (Silver Spoon) = A new laptop computer
6. Sundae Slide (Scootaloo) = A sports package (basketballs, hoverboards, tennis racquets, etc.) (The Silver Sports’ goal)
7. Monkey Bars (Diamond Tiara) = $1,000 IKEA Bedroom Makeover
8. Soda Jerk (Apple Bloom) = a VIP pass to the Equestria Land theme park.

As the buzzer sounded, they were off—climbing, sliding, and scrambling through the gauntlet. It was a really close run until the buzzer blared. They won ALL the prizes at the very last second They all tumbled to the ground, exhausted but triumphant.

Scootaloo slumped beside Silver Spoon, still catching her breath. "Well, this was totally worth the sports equipment," she said with a wry smile.

Silver Spoon sighed, looking over at Diamond Tiara. "Looks like we all won the new TV for Sweetie as well,"

The best friends, now on opposing teams, glanced at each other, their feud dissipating in the aftermath of competition. It had been a wild ride, but in the end, the bond of friendship proved stronger than any rivalry—Double Dare included.

The next day, hours before Sweetie and Rarity got home, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon worked together to set up Sweetie’s new TV just before she got back. They were all pleased with the work they did.

The Best Young Singers Awards

Rarity and Sweetie Belle stepped off the plane at Los Angeles International Airport, the warm California sun greeting them as they made their way toward the car waiting to take them to their hotel. Sweetie Belle could barely contain her excitement. The Best Young Singer Awards were tonight, and she had been nominated! It was a big moment, and the bustling city of Los Angeles felt like the perfect backdrop for her big night.

"Are you sure everything's ready for the awards tonight, Sweetie?" Rarity asked, her voice laced with sisterly concern. "You've rehearsed, prepared—"

"Yes, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle giggled.

"Everything's set. Let’s just get to the hotel so we can relax for a bit."

Soon they arrived at their luxurious hotel, and as soon as they stepped into their suite, Rarity immediately went to work. With a keen eye for detail, she transformed the room. Rich, flowing fabrics draped over the furniture, cushions in hues of deep purples and golds were scattered perfectly around, and a series of chic, minimalist flower arrangements appeared on every surface. The once-basic hotel room was now a glamorous haven of Rarity's signature style.

"There we are! A temporary home fit for us!" Rarity said, admiring her handiwork.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes sparkled as she looked around. “Rarity, this is amazing! I love it! But... how about we explore the city for a bit before the awards?"

Rarity, never one to shy away from a bit of adventure, smiled. "What a splendid idea, darling. A bit of inspiration from the City of Angels might just be what we need. Let’s go!"

The two sisters headed out, taking in the vibrant streets of Los Angeles. The hum of the city filled the air, with palm trees lining the roads and the iconic Hollywood sign in the distance.

As they strolled down a lively boulevard, Sweetie Belle’s ears perked up when she heard familiar voices. "Sweetie Belle!"

Sweetie turned around, her face lighting up at the sight of Babs Seed and Button Mash hurrying toward her. “Babs! Button!” she squealed, running to meet them. The three friends embraced warmly, thrilled to be together again.

“Can you believe we’re all in LA at the same time? It’s so awesome!” Babs grinned, her New York accent as thick as ever. “I couldn’t wait to see you, Sweetie. And Button’s been talkin’ ‘bout this trip for weeks.”

“Hey, Sweetie Belle!” Button Mash added, his excitement palpable. “We’ve got to hit up some cool spots while we’re here.”

Before Sweetie Belle could respond, Babs’ older sister, Sunflower, approached with a warm smile. She gave Sweetie a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you again, Sweetie Belle! Welcome to LA!”

Sweetie Belle smiled brightly. “Thanks, Sunflower! It’s been forever since we last hung out.”

Sunflower ruffled her sister’s mane playfully before turning back to Sweetie. “We’ve got the whole city ahead of us. What do you say we all explore together?”

Babs grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Yeah! I figure since we’re all here, we should make the most of it. Let’s hit up some spots before the big awards show tonight.”

Rarity, who had been quietly observing the reunion, gave an approving nod. “It sounds like a wonderful plan. A little sightseeing will be just the thing to inspire us all!”

With that, the group set off to explore the wonders of Los Angeles together. From strolling down the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame to visiting the breathtaking views at Griffith Observatory, the day unfolded into an adventure they would never forget. The city was alive with possibilities, and Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement. It wasn’t just the awards tonight; it was being with her sister, her friends, and creating unforgettable memories.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky and the evening drew closer, Sweetie Belle felt ready for whatever the night held, surrounded by the people who mattered most.

It was a sparkling evening in the heart of the city, lights reflecting off the buildings as the excitement of an upcoming event filled the air. Babs Seed, always the one with the latest scoop, leaned over to Sweetie Belle and her friends with a grin.

"Guess what? The Best Young Singers Awards is being held at Universal Studios Hollywood this year!" she announced, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "And me, Button, and Sunflower are all going to be there watching you perform!"

Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened in awe. "Universal Studios?!" she gasped, practically bouncing in her seat. The thought of singing in such a famous theme park sent a thrill down her spine.

"Yup! Big crowd, big stage, and big opportunities!" Babs added, nudging Button Mash, who was fiddling with his gaming console. Even Button Mash cracked a smile at the news.

When the day of the awards show arrived, the grand stage at Universal Studios Hollywood was set up with all the glitz and glamour the park could muster. Rarity stood backstage with Sweetie Belle, brushing a bit of hair from her sister’s face.

"You’ll be brilliant, darling," Rarity said, her voice soft but full of pride. Sweetie smiled nervously, but her heart was pounding, especially when the hosts announced that the singers would be performing in front of a live audience—right there at the theme park!

The crowd, already gathering in anticipation, was huge. The lights were bright, and the stage was massive. Sweetie felt her nerves spiking as she peeked out at the sea of people.

"I... I don't know if I can do this, Rarity," she whispered, voice shaky.

Rarity wrapped her arms around Sweetie Belle, holding her tight. "You’ve got this, Sweetie. You always do. Just think of it as singing in front of friends. Besides, you’re not alone out there."

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment and suddenly, an idea lit up in her mind like fireworks. "You're right! I'm not alone!" She turned to Babs and Button, her eyes alight with excitement. "What if... we sang together? Like a trio?"

Babs perked up. "I'm in!"

Button Mash, who wasn’t much of a singer but loved being a part of everything, gave a thumbs up. "Let’s do it!"

As performances from big stars like Kelly Clarkson with her iconic “A Moment Like This,” Ruben Studdard with “Superstar,” and Carrie Underwood with “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” lit up the stage, the pressure only mounted for Sweetie Belle. But now, with her friends by her side, she felt ready.

When their turn finally came, the trio stepped onto the stage, the lights shining down on them. Sweetie Belle stood in the center, standjng by Babs Seed and Button Mash, and as the music for Life is a Runway from Rainbow Rocks started, she took a deep breath.

The trio sang their hearts out. Sweetie Belle’s voice soared through the air, Babs added a fun, edgy vibe, and even Button Mash contributed his charm. The audience loved it.
Even Simon Cowell (one of the judges) was very impressed! The energy was electric, and the crowd at Universal Studios cheered them on, clapping to the beat. As the last note hit, the trio struck a pose, and the audience erupted in applause, cheers ringing through the park.

Backstage, Rarity watched with tears of pride in her eyes, a huge smile on her face. She knew her little sister had found her confidence and shined like a star.

Later, at the awards ceremony, the hosts took the stage to announce the winners. "And first prize goes to... Sweetie Belle, Babs Seed, and Button Mash for their performance of 'Life is a Runway'!"

The crowd went wild, and Sweetie Belle could hardly believe it. Rarity, along with Sunflower, rushed forward to congratulate her. Before she knew it, she was being lifted up by Sunflower and her sister, carried like a star above the crowd.

Sweetie Belle laughed as she was practically crowd-surfed over their heads, the rush of victory and happiness filling her heart. This was a moment she’d never forget—singing at a famous theme park, winning first prize, and sharing it all with the people she loved most.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle had been away for what felt like ages, and now, with everything wrapped up, it was finally time to head back home. Sweetie waved goodbye to her friends, standing near the gate with her suitcase in hand.

“Thank you so much for everything!” Sweetie called out, her voice full of gratitude as she smiled at Babs Seed, Button Mash, and Sunflower. They stood in a small group, waving back at her with bright smiles. “You guys were the best help ever!”

Babs, ever the confident one, gave a thumbs up. “Anytime! Don’t be a stranger.”

Button Mash adjusted his hat, trying to look cool, though his grin gave away his excitement. “Yeah, see you soon, Sweetie!”

Sunflower, with her quiet grace, just nodded but smiled warmly. “Safe travels, Sweetie Belle.”

With one final wave, Sweetie followed Rarity toward the plane. The sisters boarded, and soon, the hum of the engines and the soft murmur of passengers filled the cabin. Sweetie leaned back in her seat, letting out a contented sigh. It had been a whirlwind of an adventure, and she was glad everything had worked out. The plane ride passed quickly, and before she knew it, the familiar landscape of home came into view as the plane touched down.

When they arrived back at Canterlot City, Sweetie and Rarity made their way to their house, where they found an unexpected but heartwarming scene waiting for them.

Through the window, Sweetie could see her friends—Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon—all busy with house-sitting duties. Apple Bloom was dusting shelves, Scootaloo was rearranging fabrics, and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were carefully organizing some of Rarity’s more delicate pieces, even the “new” TV is set up BEFORE she and Rarity even arrived. They were all working together, something Sweetie hadn’t always thought she’d see—especially from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who had once been anything but helpful.

Sweetie’s heart swelled with happiness. These friends of hers, who had grown so much, were now working as a team. She pushed the door open and ran inside.

“Hey, everyone!” she called out.

The group turned in surprise, their faces lighting up as they saw her.

“Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom shouted, dropping her duster to run over to hug her. Scootaloo followed, quickly wrapping Sweetie in a tight embrace, and even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came forward, all joining in a big group hug.

Sweetie laughed, hugging them back just as tightly. “I’m so happy to see you all working together! It means the world to me.”

Rarity, standing in the doorway, chuckled softly as she watched the scene unfold. “Darling, I must say, you have some wonderful friends. I couldn’t ask for better help while we were gone.”

The sight of all her friends together, working as a team, made Sweetie’s heart soar. She was home, and everything was just as it should be—filled with love, friendship, and laughter.

As the sisters settled back into the comfort of their home, Sweetie smiled, knowing that no matter how far she traveled, this group of friends would always be there, ready to help and support her. And that was something truly magical.

The End

Author's Note

Guest stars:

1. Marc Summers as himself
2. Carolyn Lawrence as Sunflower
3. Bryanna Drummond as Babs Seed
4. Blake "ShadyVox" Swift as Button Mash
5. Kelly Clarkson as herself
6. Ruben Studdard as himself
7. Carrie Underwood as herself
8. Simon Cowell as himself

Double Dare belongs to Nickelodeon, FOX Television Studios, Viacom and Marc Summers.

The properties of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Carrie Underwood are owned by RCA, Columbia Records and American Idol.

Songs

1. ### "Life is a Runway (Rainbow Rocks song; Sweetie Belle Cover)"

• Performed by Claire Corlett as Sweetie Belle, Brynna Drummond as Babs Seed and Blake "ShadyVox" Swift as Button Mash.