A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Map Lessons: Appleoosa's Most Wanted

S5 E6 everypony! Make New Friends But Keep Discord is up next!

.....

It was a hot but rather cheerful day in the western town of Appleloosa, Malibu trotting alongside Applejack and the CMCs just on time for the rodeo, Applebloom grinning.

"Aren't you glad y'all came with me to see Applejack compete in the Appleloosa rodeo?" She asked, her eyes filled with excitement.

Malibu felt himself nod. "Yeah, could use a change of pace from saving the world from evil magic." He said jokingly, the CMCs giggling a little.

"Totally!" Scootaloo added in, glancing about in excitement and eagerness. "Totally! This place is a cutie mark goldmine! There's barrel racing..."

The teal gargoyle clone turned to see a group of mares running around a couple barrels. "Roping contests..." His eyes turned at the sight of a stallion tossing a rope around a barrel. "Rodeo clowning...." He next saw some of them rehearsing their tricks. "Steeplechase!" Scootaloo finished, two mares leaping over some bars.

Applebloom hopped up and down. "If we can get into some of these events, we could all three walk off the train back in Ponyville with brand spankin' new cutie marks!" She said in hope. Malibu's ears twitched, feeling like she was getting her hopes up a bit too much. "Are you sure about all this? These don't look exactly... foal friendly." He commented.

However his words went unheard as Scootaloo gazed at her flank. "Wouldn't a barrel look good here?" She asked.

Applebloom shook her own. "I wanna lasso!"

Sweetie Belle, to Malibu's surprise, seemed to agree with him. "I-I'm kinda with Malibu. These events look a little... well, dangerous." She admitted, Malibu grinning gratefully at her.

Applebloom gave a shrug. "No risk, no reward!"

Before Malibu could speak back about that, the voice of the sheriff named Silverstar spoke from nearby. "Alright, everypony, listen up! We need a big presence at this here rodeo, so make yourself plenty seen! I want that low-down varmint to know we mean business!" He ordered, his deputies nodding, Malibu's heart thudding a little at the thought of an outlaw interrupting the events.

The three fillies though looked excited with the exception of Sweetie Belle. "I hope nothing bad's going on." She said nervously, Applebloom grinning again. "A cutie mark-apalooza and a low-down varmint? This is shapin' up to be the most exictin' rodeo ever!" She squealed.

"Yeah, come on!" Scootaloo exclaimed, as they all went to find more fun, Malibu though spotted what looked like a silhouette shadow, and an upside down horseshoe hoof print in the sand, frowning before going to join the three, knowing he would have to keep watch.

......

After having explored quite a bit of the carnival, Malibu and the CMCs all go to find Applejack and  Braeburn (who had been supposed to be watching the three fillies as well). The teal alicorn had to keep a tight leash on them since the CMCs kept wanting to try every little event.

He arrived at a penned area right on time to see Applejack kick a final hay bale onto a really large stack, Braeburn watching, his front hoof in a sling down below, cheering. "Woo hoo! Yee-haw! That's my cousin! Go, Applejack, go!"

Applejack hopped down, wiping her forehead. "Whew! It's been a dog's age since I got to compete. All the rodeos 'round Ponyville are closed down for some reason." She said.

Braeburn gave a grin. "Well, I guess havin' injured kinfolk in Appleloosa sure paid off then, huh, cuz?"

"Jus' doin' my best to fill your horseshoes, Braeburn." Applejack said while tilting her hat. Braeburn did a little laugh. "Keep tossin' like that and I'll be out of a job!"