It’s rivalry time! This is a fairly short scene, but I think y’all will love it ^{^}

Without a doubt, it was Appleberry Jam’s favorite time of year. Summer was just kicking off and it was time for Canterlot’s Annual Sweets and Snacks Competition. His blueberry-apple jelly, which won AJ a ribbon in last year’s contest, was the talk of Canterlot for weeks and he was more than thrilled to be back and try to win again. His station had been prepared earlier this morning and he had nothing else to do, so Appleberry decided to take a small stroll through the area surrounding the competition space. He waved to a few familiar faces, saying hello to sisters Zapple Pie and Berry Dairy before having a short conversation with a vibing Pop Rocks as she set up her prep station, who told Appleberry his aura was absolutely radiant. Appleberry Jam spotted a couple of his cousins, who were waving frantically to get his attention, and started to rush over to thank them for coming to support him, before an unknown stallion slid directly into his path, blocking his way.

“Sizing up the competition? Hope you weren’t planning on leaving me out.” The bat pony sneered, looking Appleberry up and down with an over-confident gaze.

“Do I…know you?” AJ asked, trying to sound as polite as possible while glancing over to his cousins with a ‘be with you in a sec’ look in his eyes.

The stranger scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Everyone knows me. At least, anyone who’s anyone around here.” When Appleberry Jam continued to give him the same clueless stare, he started to frown. “Passion Fruit. I had a 5-part article written about me. My father is Trenderhoof, professional journalist extraordinaire?”

It took a moment, but AJ’s face finally lit up with recognition. “Oh, you’re the stallion that rents one of the biggest gardens next to the palace! You made those delicious star-fruit tarts for Canterlot’s Winter Formal at the palace! Gosh, it’s so nice to finally put a face to the name!” Appleberry lifted a hoof to shake Passion Fruit’s, but realized a bit too late that with only one leg, Passion had no way of conventionally shaking hooves. Passion Fruit took little notice to it, while AJ’s face turned red.

“Does this usually work for you? Being all cute?” AJ opened his mouth to respond, but Passion Fruit just kept on talking. “You won’t be able to butter me up like you do everyone else. I see past that ‘oh look at me, I’m so sweet’ act.”

“But it’s not an act. It really is nice to meet you…” Appleberry Jam’s smile was faltering and it seemed Passion Fruit could read him like a book.

“Oh, I’m sure. Just get ready, berry boy. Once that competition bell rings, I’m going to crush you.” Passion leaned in closer, as if trying to rattle his opponent. But AJ simply bristled up at the stallion’s bold statement, his brow furrowing and cheeks still red as the two stared each other down, neither one dare back away first.

“Fine. May the best creature win.”