The Simple Life Chapter 41

   

     Twilight had to appreciate what Shining was able to accomplish in the months he had to improve the field they had planned to host the Equestria games in She wasn’t sure how, but now it was massive. She had reviewed the dimensions prior and before, and before it could only house one hundred and fifty four thousand, however, with the addition of an all-encompassing upper deck. Shining had managed to transform the stadium formally known as the Crystal Downs into something truly to gawk at and aptly renamed it ‘The Superdrome’. For now it sported the ability to comfortable seat two hundred and sixty thousand screaming ponies. Their excited cries easily sending a wave of nervousness through the small alicorn’s body forcing her to ruffle the feathers of her new wings and the thick as the concreate they walked through reverberated.

     “You alright Twi?” Foxtrot asked as he walked alongside her.

     “Yeah…” she lied. “I’m good.”

     “Don’t worry,” Flitter assured her as she sidled up beside the new princess. “Just follow our lead and do as we practiced and you’ll do fine.”

     “They’ll love you,” Cloud Chaser joined in as slipped in between Foxtrot and Twilight to take up residence on her other side. “Isn’t that right Cheerilee?”

     “Of course they will,” The magenta earth pony spoke up, quickening her pace to catch up to them as she continued. “I still think it’s a fantastic gesture, the new princess cheering on Equestria’s team. It shows full support as well as humbleness to be with the common pony. I can’t think of a better way to show the citizens the day after your coronation than to celebrate with the ponies you’re in charge of. I think it’s wonderful that you convinced Celestia to let you do this for the good of the solidarity of Equestria.”

     “About that…” Twilight mumbled.

Four weeks earlier…

     “Thanks for coming with me to Rarity’s,” Twilight said as she and Foxtrot  entered into the boutique. “I gotta pick up this dress, but I didn’t want it to get in the way of us spending time together.”

     “No problem,” the wolf replied as he pushed open the door to Rarity’s house where she also ran her business. As they entered, they spotted the powder white unicorn speaking with three other mares, Cheerilee, Cloud Chaser, and Flitter, the three of them wearing tight, form fitting cheer uniforms comprised of majestic blue and glowing gold. The three were giddy with excitement as they looked at themselves as well as each other and it was quite easy to tell they were pleased with Rarity’s work. The white unicorn looked up at them as they entered and smiled.

     “Just a minute dear,” she spoke, “ I just want to make sure everything is perfect with these outfits,” she explained.

     “They’re totally perfect!” Flitter cried out happily as she raised to her hind legs and twirled.

     “While I appreciate the praise, you don’t think the skirt is…” Rarity began, but stopped to search for the right words. “Perhaps a little too short?”

     “They’re cheerleader outfits,” Cloud Chaser chuckled, “They’re supposed to be short.”

     “We’re supposed to inspire and excite the crowds,” Cheerilee added, “this certainly give us the edge in exciting a stallion or two,” she said with a giggle.

     “Well I can’t argue with that,” Rarity replied.

     Twilight shook her head at their conversation before turning back to Foxtrot, “Guess we’ll have to wait a little bit, hope that’s okay with yo-HEY!”

     “Hmm,” Foxtrot mumbled as he turned from looking at the three mares back to Twilight.

     “Glad I got your attention back,” she said with an accusatory grin. “Oh, good news. It took a little doing, but I managed to get your records completely wiped clean,” Twilight boasted proudly, “I guess being a princess does have its benefits.”

     “Thanks Twi,” Foxtrot said with a hug. “I’ll let Spitfire know next time I see her, I’m sure she’ll be happy to have that cloud out from over her head. I guess something like aggravated assault can really put a damper on a military career.”

     “I can imagine,” Twilight chuckled, “So how you holding up? The training followed by football practice has got to be killing you.”

     “Nothing I can’t handle,” Foxtrot said with a sigh. “Keeps me busy at least, plus this way you don’t have to worry about me while you’re figuring things out.”

     “Good news and bad news on that front,” Twilight said perking up, “Since there isn’t really anything for me to rule over, and my ascension came as a bit of a surprise, I don’t think my life is really gonna change that much. I have a few extra duties for her, but when all is said and done, I think I’ll be able to live in Ponyville. I have to commute to Canterlot a few times week, but Celestia says I get a pegasus carriage. I guess she is trying to slowly integrate me into royalty annnnn….” Twilight trailed off as she saw Foxtrot’s gaze had turned from her. She followed his eyes and landed upon Cheerliee who was alternating between tugging her skirt down and hiking it back up as it appeared she was trying to get to cover only about half of her cutie-mark. Twilight fumed as she realized keeping the wolf's attention might be a tad harder than she thought. “FOXTROT!”

     “Yep,” the wolf replied as she snapped his attention back to Twilight.

     “Are you listening to me?”

     “Of course,” he said with a grin, “why wouldn’t I be?”

     “Because you’re checking out Cheerilee,” she accused.

     “What? Pfft! No!” Foxtrot retorted, “I’m totally not.

     “Uh huh,” Twilight said, disbelief rife in her voice. “What did I just say?”

     “You got some extra duties from Celestia,” Foxtrot said smoothly, “Which by the way, you haven’t told me what they are.

     Twilight eyed him warily, but let him off the hook as it appeared he had been paying attention.

     “So that’s the bad news,” she continued on with a sigh, “I guess she’s making me a secretary, which wouldn’t be so bad, since I can learn the ins and outs of things, but I’m apparently, I’ll be working with Blueblood.”

     “Who’s that?” Foxtrot asked. “You’ve mentioned him before.”

     “He’s a jerk that’s who he is.” Twilight grumbled. “He’s nothing more than a spoiled brat and he’s super sexist to boot. Like every time I’ve ever seen him, he’s got some new pretty mare hanging on his fore leg that he treats like crap, but he’s got the money and influence to get away with it. I gotta be honest, I’m not looking forward to working with…” she paused as again as she saw that his attention had dwindled. She turned to see that Cloud Chaser was now hunched over, forelegs buckled with her flank risen as she had begun swishing her tail back and forth in front of a large vanity mirror as she was checking herself out over her shoulder while she was in the uniform. She probably didn’t realize that Foxtrot a full view of the reflection as well. “SERIOUSLY!” Twilight badgered as she jabbed at him.

     “What?” Foxtrot asked, but was unable to hide a guilty look that he had been caught.

     “Seriously?” Twilight asked again.

     “Look,” Foxtrot tried to explain. “I got eyes don’t I?”

     “True,” Twilight reasoned, but then came up with a wonderfully stupid idea. “Then how about I give you something to look at.” She declared as she spun around and marched over to where the other mares were standing.

     “Cloud Chaser? Flitter? Cheerilee?” She asked as she garnered their attention. “Do you guys still need mares for your cheer team?”

     “Sure, there’s only the three of us, so yeah,” Cloud Chaser answered. “Did you have anypony in mind?”

     “I know one,” she said with a smile before turning back to her unicorn friend, “Rarity, can you do me a solid?”

     “Anything Twilight,” Rarity smiled.

     “Think you can take me in back and fit me for one of those?” she said pointing at the Equestrian Cheer team.

Present…

     Twilight gulped as she decided saying the whole reason she decided to go through with this stupid plan she concocted at a moment’s notice was to get Foxtrot drooling over her instead of the rest of the cheer team was bad idea.

     “I mean, you know me, just trying to do what’s best for Equestria,” she eked out meekly.  

     “If thou dost claim, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna spoke up haughtily as she couldn’t help but over the conversation, “But We surmise thou hast underlying reasons that lie far closer to home to don this uniform.”

     “Better than yours,” Twilight scowled.

Three and half weeks earlier…

     “So how do I look?” Twilight asked as she now wore the Wondergirl, as that was what they called themselves, uniform.

     “Adorable,” Cloud Chaser exclaimed.

     “Cute and sexy,” Flitter added.

     “I think it brings out your eyes,” Cheerliee praised.

     “Hot!” Foxtrot chimed in as is eyes danced over her.

     “Utterly ridiculous,” Luna sighed, her voice panache and bland.

     “What’s wrong with it?” Twilight asked defensively at the cobalt alicorn’s criticism.

     “There is nothing wrong with the ensemble,” Luna admitted as she approached the lavender alicorn, “rather, the one who wears it is the cause of concern.”

     “What’s that supposed to mean?”

     “You move oddly, as if you’re embarrassed to wear such a thing. Your gait is clumsy and you are fidgeting far too much. We shudder to think of the display you’ll put on the games if you act as you do now.”

     “Cut me some slack,” Twilight spat back as she turned and looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, since she put it on she had been fighting a losing battle for modesty. It was such an odd thing, she mulled. She normally wore nothing, but for some reason, this outfit made her feel… she sighed as only one word stuck in her mind…slutty. “Okay, I’m not used to wearing something like this,” she admitted, but it was then she picked up on the young wolf’s gaze not leaving her, she felt a bolster of confidence flow through her. “But you know what, I think I’ll do just fine!”

     “Oh I’m certain you’ll do fine,” Luna couldn’t help but laugh, “For a clumsy newborn giraffe.”

     “Oh like you could do any better!” Twilight shot back.

     Luna cocked an eyebrow and grinned, she then turned to look at the twins, “It would seem our new princess has forgotten to whom she addresses. Would thou wish to have a proper alicorn in your midst?”

     “Wait,” Cloud Chaser gasped, “Are you saying you want to cheer?”

     “TWO ALICORNS!! The crowd will go nuts!” Flitter piped up giddily.

     “Now wait just a second!” Twilight tried to interrupt as she truly did not believe Luna would have taken her up on the offer, but given that not only the cobalt Alicorn seemed to relish pointing out she was still the better alicorn in all walks of life after her ascension, Luna’s prowess in all things mare-like was sure to put Twilight to shame, but Luna had already made her way over to Rarity.

     “If I may trouble you, Element of Generosity, would thou be as so kind and fashion me a uniform as well. We do so love your design.”

     “Why, yes…” Rarity answered, happy at the business and elated that Luna liked her design. “I’m honored that you like the uniform.”

     “We do indeed, however we feel it is high time that this one shows that one just exactly how to wear it.”  

Present…

     “Thou still carry thyself about with the grace of a freshly birthed giraffe, weak and still afraid of its own ankles,” Luna teased playfully.

     “Well maybe if this thing didn’t ride up so much,” Twilight complained.

     “Tell me about it,” Rainbow Dash cut in, going as far readjusting the material that clung tightly to her backside with a forehoof, “This thing is bunching in places it shouldn’t bunch.”

     “Quit your whining, we’re all in the same boat,” Spitfire grumbled as she two sported the Wondergirl outfit.

     “Well,” Soarin’ who trotted beside, unable to hide his amused grin as he was thrilled to reminder her that all of the males present were wearing the football unifoms. “Not all of us.”

     “Shut it,” Spitfire hissed.

     “Well if it makes you feel any better, these shoulder pads are itchy and the wing band I have to wear during the game kinda chafes,” he offered.

     “No Soarin’” Spitfire replied. “No it doesn’t.”

     “I still wanna know how you two got talked into this,” Sonic mentioned, “I never figured you two would be the cheerleader type.”

     “Yeah,” Soarin’ agreed, “how exactly did that happen?”

Two weeks earlier…

     “Soarin’ you’re a life saver!” Thunderlane admitted, “First Big Mac and now you, I’m telling you, you guys are saving my flank over here!”

     “No problem,” Soarin’ smiled. “I played wide receiver in high school, and when I heard you were down a pony, there was no way I would pass up this chance. You should really thank Spitfire, she’s the one letting me take the time off to play.”

     “Of course,” Thunderlane answered before turning to the fiery mare that stood beside Soarin’ “Thank you again Captain, I’ve had so many injuries from out of shape ponies that I was sure we were gonna have to forfeit. If it wasn’t for you allowing Soarin’ to play, Apple Jack convincing Big Mac to step up, I don’t what I’d do. Heck, I had to put myself on the team as quarter back after Grid Iron, came down with serious case of tennis elbow. Still can’t figure that one out, how does a guy with a name like Grid Iron gets tennis elbow?”

     “Don’t mention it, you know,” Spitfire replied. “I actually used to play quarter back. I was Soarin’ quarterback actually.”

     “Dude,” Soarin’ jumped in, “she’s got a cannon.”

     “And I’d love to play you, Celestia knows I’m only decent at it, but I can’t, girls can’t play,” Thunderlane explained.

     “Why not?” Spitfire asked, a bit offended at the comment.

     “Were playing Earth Pony Football, mares aren’t allowed.”

     “But wolves and hedgehogs are?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

     “Apparently,” Thunderlane admitted guiltily. “Sorry rules are rules.”

     “Eh, not your fault, but actually, I wanted to talk to you little bit, after you practice of course.”

     “Uh… sure,” Thunderlane answered.

     “It’s nothing bad, just that I’ve heard a lot about you, and, well…” Spitfire allowed herself a smile, “I think you should try out for the Wonderbolts again. You know, next year.”

     “What?”

     “You don’t want to?”

     “No! I mean, yes! I mean…” Thunderlane floundered.

     “Take it easy,” Spitfire chuckled. “We’ll talk more after practice, I just think you didn’t get a fair shake, that’s all.”

     “Wow. I… I don’t know what to say…I… Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

     “We’ll talk after practice.”

     “Sure, absolutely, say, if you want, you can stay and maybe throw some passes to the guys. Help ‘em out.” He then muttered under his breath, “Equestria knows they need it.”

     “Sure, sounds fun. Let me clear my schedule,” she said before turning her head around. “DASH!!”

     “Yes Ma’am,” Dash quickly blurted out as she trotted beside the too senior Wonderbolts. She had been standing by awaiting instruction as she found herself under Spitfire’s direct charge after she had joined Soarin’ in helping train the pony’s and Foxtrot that made up her Bronco initiative.

     “I want you to head back, and complete today’s training, I’m gonna hang around here for a bit and hel- what the?” Spitfire’s train of thought waivered as she caught something swooping in from overhead. As she craned her neck she caught sight of another pegasus circling in and angled for a landing. She wasn’t sure of who it was, but she did notice that was mint green and had a sandy blonde mane and tail. As she came closer she also took notice of the outfit she wore. Dark purple and black with thin streaks of gold shaped like lighting, once more it looked remarkably similar to the cheer outfits that Rarity had designed for the Equestrian team. Upon landing, the pegasus looked up and shot them all a cocky smile that screamed ill intent and cruel tidings. Spitfire recalled this pegasus, last she saw of the mare was kicking her out of the Wonderbolt Academy. “What are you doing here?

     “Sup losers,” The mare replied, addressing all of them, “miss me?”

     “No pony in their right mind would miss you Lightning,” Dash scowled.

     “Don’t worry, I’ll make this quick,” Lightning Dust assured as she tucked her wings against her side. “Don’t wanna be stuck in this mudhole hick town any longer than I have to be anyway, just got some official Equestria games news for the little liar,” she mocked as she turned towards Thunderlane.

     “What news?” Thunderlane asked angrily.

     Lightning removed a envelope from her garment and passed to Thunderlane who tore it open immediately and began to read it.

     “Oh you gotta be kidding me!” Thunderlane moaned loudly.

     “What’s wrong? Spitfire asked.

     “Bulk Biceps,” Thunderlane explained. “Turns out he played for the Manehattan Manticores like four years ago as a third string. I can’t use him. This is terrible, he was supposed to be my center linemen!”

     “Oooh, tough titties,” Lightning dust chuckled. “That’s gonna be quite a blow.”

     “All right, you delivered your message now get lost,” Rainbow ordered. “Knowing you, you wanna spy on us.”

     “Please, why would we need tips on how to lose?” Lightning laughed.

     “Beat it,” Spitfire aid with finality. “Or else.”

     “Or else what?” Lightning quickly interrupted. “You gonna sucker punch me with another cheap shot? Or maybe sick that little throat ripper of yours on me? How is he anyway?” she asked coyly as she eyed up Spitfire. “Still got him on a tight leash? Wrapped around your little hoof?”

     “I don’t talk to Wonderbolt wash-out trash like you,” Spitfire replied coldly.

     “Wonderbot wash-out? Pfft! I got myself a waaaay better gig than anything your little two bit operation could ever offer me.”

     “What’s that, being Crystal Empire team floozy?” Dash mocked.

     “Oh, you’re referring to this?” Lighting asked as she turned struck a pose for them all to see in her uniform. “No, this is just a little side job. The Empire needed hot mares for the job, so naturally I was chosen.”

     “You? Hot? Don’t make me laugh,” Dash shot back.

     “I’m the one in the hot girl uniform Dash, not you. Besides,” Lightning pointed out. As she flexed her wings wide in preparation for takeoff. “I doubt either of you fat sows could fit in one of these.”

Before Spitfire or Dash could respond, Lighting flapped her wings and swiftly took off, quickly picking up speed and heading away from the stadium.

     “I hate that jerk,” Dash commented as she watched her fly away.

     “Dash,” Spitfire called out angrily as she quickly began to march off, “Change of plans.”

     “Wait,” Dash called out as she headed after her and quickly fell in line beside her. “Where are you going?”

     “Where are we going,” Spitfire corrected her.

     “And that is?”

     “Rarity’s.”

     “Are you doing what I think you’re doing?”

     “Yep.”

     “And why are you bringing me?”

     “I’m not about to let a mare like her say that about me. You gonna let her talk about you like that Ensign?”

     “No Ma’am,” Dash replied. “Nopony calls me a fat sow and gets away with it.”

Present…

     Spitfire and Dash looked at each other for moment before both looking back at Soarin’

     “Long story,” they replied in unison.

     “Is there a reason you’re walking all the way back there?!” Twilight asked angrily, startling most everyone as she craned her head back to address the pony that trailed the group. “Or do you just like being a creep?!

     “I paid for all these uniforms,” a stallion’s voice, strong and haughty, chuckled, “I think it’s fair that I should get to enjoy them.”

     “I’m pretty sure Thunderlane letting you play is more than enough compensation! You choosing to fall back so you can ogle us in these uniforms is you being a sleazy degenerate perv!”

     “Hey!” the stallion argued back, but wore a smug grin as he did so, “I am not a degenerate. And for the record, Glitter Butt, Thunderlane begged me to join.”

     “That’s Princess to you!” Twilight barked.

     “And here I thought you wanted to be like the common pony,” the stallion teased.

     “I do,” Twilight confirmed, “But not to you, to you, I’m a princess!”

     “As you command,” the stallion smiled even wider, “Princess Glitter Butt.”

     They all erupted in a quick fit of laughter at the insult with the exception of Foxtrot who was doing his best to hold back a snicker and fuming Twilight.

     “Shaddap!” Twilight bellowed, “I gotta deal with you like three times a week, so this is just torture!”

     “You gotta deal with me? Don’t make me laugh, you don’t know a mast from a masthead. So don’t get it twisted, I gotta deal with you.”

     “Yeah, well you don’t have be such a jerk twenty-four-seven…uh… umm….” Twilight floundered as she tried to think of something to call him. “Uh…Compass Butt!!”

     “My ears are burning from that one,” Spitfire called out sarcastically. “Easy Twilight, you can’t go around tossin’ out heat like that unless you’re carrying a fire extinguisher.”

     “Yeah, I might need some ointment for that burn,” the stallion chuckled.

     “You okay back there?” Spitfire cooed playfully, “You might not make it if Glitter Butt has another one of those gems up her sleeve.”

     “Oh you hush up!” Twilight scowled as she glared hard on Spitfire’s barely visible cutie-mark. “Firebird Butt!”

     Hey,” Spitifire perked up, “That sounds kinda cool, Soarin’” she quickly called the stallion’s attention, “I think I’m gonna change my call sign from Phoenix to Firebird, what do you think?”

     “Sounds pretty cool,” Soarin’ agreed.

     “No! You can’t do that! You can’t turn my insult around like that! It’s supposed to be degrading and scathing an-”

     “Firebird,” Spitfire hissed with a smile as she began to experiment with the word by rolling it offer tongue in different ways, “Firebird, fya-berd, F-bird These are all awesome!”

     “Look at that,” the stallion spoke up once more, “Twilight Sparkle’s plan backfires in her face again.”

     “I hate all of you,” Twilight grumbled. “And I still don’t know how anypony managed to get you to volunteer for this.”

     “The right mare asked Twilight Sparkle,” he chuckled.

     “And what kinda mare is that?” Twilight shot back, “Last I checked you don’t respect any mare!”

     “This wasn’t just any mare, Twilight Sparkle…”

Two weeks earlier…

     “So long story short, between the Baltimare Crisis and other projects, we’ve been informed that it isn’t in the royal coffers to sponsor the team. Which sucks, because they’re hurting, they only got a couple hand me down practice equipment donated from some local teams and they don’t even have the money to buy uniforms.” The mare stated as she leapt, twisted and sat on the large oak desk before her. Her back to her audience she crossed her legs and with a forehoof reached out as and flicked a decorative mini ship helm that sat on it, causing it to spin freely.

     “And how does this involve me?” A stallion’s voice came from behind her, strong and cocky. “Oh wait, let me guess? You want me to fork over the cash?”

     The mare turned and smiled at the stallion seated behind her in a large leather chair. He was large, at least the size of Big Macintosh if not a slightly larger. His coat a pristine white and his eyes as blue as the ocean on a sunny day. A magnificent specimen of unicorn by any standards with a well groomed blonde mane that dripped casually over his brow.

     “Why Blueblood,” the mare began with a mischievous smile, “I’d thought you’d never ask.”

     “Now why in Equestria would I do something crazy like that?” Prince Blueblood asked, grinning back at the mare as he propped his head on both forelegs as he leaned them on his desk. He knew full well he would, he couldn’t say no to her. Any other mare, even the Princess herself, he would decline, but not her. Never her. But he did so enjoy the games she played.

     “Because I know you’re a good stallion.” She replied flippantly, “And because you know that I know you’re a good stallion. And you’ve got the money to spare. Besides, from what I hear, they’re looking for a center linemen. Who better to represent not just Canterlot, but the Equestrian Royal Navy other than you.”

     “Oh don’t bring the Navy into this,” he chuckled.

     “Flash is playing, he’s in the Royal Guard, we’ve got an ex-Heavy Calvary stallion playing as well. You wouldn’t want us not represented now would you?”

     “I hear we’ve got a stallion on the team already? One of your boys if I’m not mistaken.”

     “Alright,” she sighed, “guilty as charged, but still I think you’d be a good fit. Think about it, you get out of this stuffy office, get break some bones in front of thousands of screaming mares chanting your name. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t count the amount of tail you’ll be able to pull from doing it.”

     “So get out of the office, play some smear the queer, and get laid. That’s your angle?”

     “Do I need another? Last I checked that was your forte.”

     “I played Lacrosse, not football.”

     “Please, you didn’t play Lacrosse,” the mare chuckled, “You played hurt ponies and get a trophy for it.”

     Blueblood smiled again as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his forelegs behind his head as he reminisced to his glory days on the Lacrosse field, fondly remembering driving his Lacrosse stick into some hapless stallions chest so hard that he flipped him over, the time his charged another so hard he literally ran him over, swatting another in the stomach before tackling the winded stallion to ground. His personal favorite was shouldering a stallion so hard that the poor fool went flying and took down a nearby referee in the process. He laughed, as he turned and glanced at the oversized Lacrosse trophy in his office. “Yeah those were the days.”

     “So you’ll do it?”

     “You already knew the answer to that before you walked in here didn’t you?”

     The mare smiled, but then noticed a pamphlet marked confidential on his desk. She reached her hoof for it, but before she touch it, Blueblood slammed his hoof down over it.

     “Outta your pay grade,” he teased. “I’ll play, but right now I gotta get ready. That half-wit Librarian is due in about thirty minutes and I gotta get some real work done before she gets here.”

     The mare shrugged, and hopped off his desk and began to trot away. “Take it easy on her Blue,” The mare replied. “She’s a friend of mine.”

     “Spitz?”

     The mare turned.

     “When you gonna let me take that bird off and put a star on those shoulders?”

     “Not gonna happen, Blue.” Spitfire grinned. “I like my job too much.”

Present…

     “She’s the best mare I know,” Blueblood finished.

     Spitfire turned slightly and gave him a knowing smile that he returned.

     After a few more paces the entire team reached the end of the long tunnel and before them were two doors that once opened would lead them onto the field. The crowd had grown antsy and was screaming out chants in their excitement. So loud was the cacophony in the tunnel that they could feel the very concrete rumble beneath them and their ears stung slightly from the noise. They all stood at the entranceway for a moment in silence before Thunderlane turned to face them.

    “Okay guys, Team Captain’s in back…” he began, “this is what we practiced for. I don’t know about you, but I wanna win today. You guys wanna win?”

     “I sure didn’t come here to lose,” Blueblood answered him. “I came here bring the pain!”

     “I don’t know how well you know me,” Sonic added in, “but I don’t do losing. Besides, this is gonna be a piece a cake. I’ll run laps around them.”

     “You ready Mac?” Thunderlane asked.

     “Eeyup.”

     “Good,” the black stallion looked at Soarin’ “Easy day right?”

     “Easy day, all day,” Soarin’ boasted.

     “Foxtrot?” Thunderlane asked.

     “Hell yeah,” Foxtrot affirmed.

     “LADIES AND GENTLECOLTS…” and deep booming voice rang through the entire stadium as the announcer took to the podium.

     “Alright, you guys get ready to go,” Thunderlane ordered. “Captain’s stay back. Girls?” Thunderlane asked as he grabbed their attention. “You’re up.”

     “Art thou ready, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna asked as she peered down at the smaller Alicorn. Twilight could only reply with a loud, nervous gulp. “Relax,” Luna assured as she placed a reassuring hoof on her back. “Just remember to smile.”

     Twilight swallowed hard again and put on a nervous, ridiculous ear-to-ear smile.

     “That’s it,” Luna replied with a smile of her own.

     “FILLIES AND COLT’S OF ALL AGES… WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU TO THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE AND THE TWENTY SIXTH EQUESTRIA GAMES FINAL EVENT… THE EQUESTRIAN WONDERCOLTS VERSUS THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE IMPERIALS IN AN EQUESTRIA GAMES FIRST…EARTH PONY FOOTBALL GAME… AND NOW… EQUESTRIANS… PLEASE STOMP YOUR HOOVES FOR YOUR VERY OWN WONDERCOLTS ACCOMPANIED BY THE WONDERGIRLS!!!”

     The stadium roared their excitement as the doors swung open and blinding light flooded the tunnel and completely obscured their vision as the Equestrian cheerleaders galloped out and took their spots on either side of the tunnel, followed by the rushing out of the rest of the team to the sound of ear splitting applause.

     Sonic, Prince Blueblood, Soarin’, Big Macintosh, Foxtrot, and Thunderlane were now all that remained they could only make out Twilight Sparkle and Luna who were positioned at either side of the entrance, both of them smiling, though Twilight was sweating bullets, and vigorously shaking blue and gold metallic colored pom poms.

     “That’s a looooooot of ponies,” Twilight nervously muttered through her teeth that were clenched in a wide smile.

     “AND NOW INTRODUCING…THE TEAM CAPTAINS OF YOUR VERY OWN WONDERCOLTS!!!

     Thunderlane shook his head slightly as he allowed himself a smile. The name was suggested by Princess Celestia, as was that the team follow the color scheme of the Wonderbolts. It made sense, they were famous and everypony in Equestria knew them, so it was something the pony nation could easily rally behind. However that didn’t keep Thunderlane from feeling it was a tad ridiculous. He looked down on his jersey at the large golden number four, the same as the number he wore back in his earth pony college days. It may have just been a number on bit of fabric, but it was familiar and he drew courage from it. He turned back to the five players left.

     “Let’s win this thing.”

     “REPRESENTING PONYVILLE, SWEET APPLE ACRES, AND THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF EQUSTRIAN HEAVY CALVARY EVERYWHERE…”

     Big Mac sighed. Such a big event for such a small town pony, he couldn’t believe he let Apple Jack talk him into this.

     “BIIIIIIIIG MAAAAAAAAAAC!!!” The announcer boomed, and with it the crowd cheered madly.

     The large red stallion took this as his que and galloped out of the tunnel onto the field until the light from stadium engulfed him and the others could no longer see him.

     “REPRESENTING NEIGHBRASKA…”

     “Looks like I’m up,” Soarin’ sounded off matter of factly, as a Wonderbolt he was used to large crowds and this one was no different for him. He flapped his wings and prepared for a big entrance. He had decided on corkscrewing out of the tunnel and flying into a kulbit before landing to applause… ponies always loved the kulbit…

     “ONE OF HER MAJESTY’S ELITE FLYERS AND HEROES TO PONY’S EVERYWHERE, THE WONDERBOLT FLYING ACE… SOARIN’!!!!”

     The navy maned pegasus took off and the rest saw him being to spin mid-air as he too disappeared into the limelight to the sound of thunderous applause.

     “REPRESENTING THE KINGDOM OF CANTERLOT, HE IS NONE OTHER THAN THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ENTIRE EQUESTRIAN NAVY, THE HANDSOME… THE STOIC… AND THE UNIDISPUTED MOST ELIGIBLE BACHOLOR IN ALL OF EQUSTRIA… LADIES PLEASE CONTAIN YOURSELVES… AND SAY HELLO TO THE STALLION OF YOUR DREAMS…PRRRRRRINCE BLUUUUUUEBLOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!” As soon as his name was announced the stadium erupted once more, however cries from females practically deafened them as the feminine cheers easily drowned out the males.

     The white stallion sauntered out casual as he chuckled, “I can’t believe he actually said it.”

     “Really classy douchebag,” Twilight muttered through her strained smile as he approached. “Reeeeeeal classy.”

     “What’s that?!” Blueblood asked as he faked hardness of hearing as he raised a hoof to his ear. “I can’t hear you over all the thousands and thousands of mares screaming my name!” he mocked as he too left the tunnel.

     “I should be next, get this,” Sonic announced as he elbowed Foxtrot in the rib. “This is gonna be epic.”

     “AND NOW… STALLIONS AND MARES… WE HAVE A RARE TREAT… SOMEPONY…OR RATHER I SHOULD SAY SOME ONE THAT YOU ALL PROBABLY DON’T KNOW, BUT YOU’LL SOON BE NEVER ABLE TO FORGET…” The announcer proclaimed. Foxtrot glanced over and saw Sonic mouthing the words as the announcer spoke them and rolled his eyes. “HE’S KNOWN AS THE ORIGINAL SPEED DEMON…THE BLUE BLUR…THE KNIGHT OF THE WIND…HAILING FROM PARTS. UN. KNOWN.” The announcer continued, making her to paus and annunciate every syllable of the word unknown that was promptly accompanied by flashy hand gestures from Sonic as he faked dramatics to fit his lip synching which drew a snicker from both Foxtrot and Thunderlane. “HE IS THE FASTEST THING ALIVE… SOOOOOOOONIIIIIIIC THE HEEEEEEEDGHOOOOOOG!!!!” The crowd cheered, but not as loudly as it did for the others which prompted Foxtrot to take a shot at his not quite so humble cohort.

     “Not as popular as you think,” he said with cruel smirk. “Are ya?”

     “Yet,” Sonic replied confidently, but then Foxtrot was nearly blown off his feet as ears rang out from the sound of a Sonic Boom erupting as Sonic tore out of the tunnel at high speed. After a moment or two of what both he and Thunderlane could only assume to be showboating, the crowd began to cheer again, this time just as widely as they just learned of their team’s newest weapon.

     “That’s,” Foxtrot sighed, “Gonna be tough to follow.”

     “AND NOW… REPRESENTING NOT ONLY PONYVILLE BUT ALSO OUR ALLIES ACROSS THE SEA AS HE HAILS FROM THE FENRISAN FIELDS… AND HAVING PERHAPS THE WIERDEST NAME FOR A WOLF…”

     “HA! He said it!” Rainbow Dash’s voice could be heard from outside the tunnel as she laughed. Telling Foxtrot she definitely played a hoof in his announcement which prompted the wolf to drag an exasperated paw down over his face in embarrassment and ire.

     “FOOOOOOXTROOOOOT!”

     The wolf took a deep breath and sprinted outwards on four legs to moderate applause as he entered the grandest show the Crystal Empire had ever thrown.

     “AND NOW….”

     Thunderlane was alone as he looked upwards into the light… for the briefest of moments he felt his stomach twist in fear and all he could hear was the sound of his own breathing.

     “LADIES AND GENTLECOLTS OF EQUESTRIA… PUT YOUR HOOVES DOWN FOR THE PONY WHO WILL LEAD YOU TO VICTORY TONIGHT… BORN IN CLOUDSDALE… RAISED IN PONYVILLE… HE’S YOUR STARTING QUARTERBACK… NUMBER FOUR… THUNDERRRRRRRRRRLAAAAANNNNNEEE!!!”

     Thunderlane froze in place. He couldn’t move as he heard his voice from the announcement. The sounds of the stadium came rushing back and flooded his senses. He felt sweat bead on his forehead as he heard the crowd begin to chant.

     Thun…Der… Thun…Der…Thun…Der…

     His pupils shrank and weight of what was being asked of him came crashing down all at once and he found himself wishing it fell on to some other stallion’s shoulders.

     “Thunder?” a voice called out… but it wasn’t of the crowd. “Thunder?” it was familiar and comforting. He shook his head and focused and found the source, a head poking out from the side of the tunnel, with the small face of his brother.

     “Thunder?” Rumble asked, but then smiled when he saw his brother had snapped out of his stupor and saw him. “They’re calling your name.”

     Thunderlane nodded and trotted up the ramp, if Rumble believed he could do this… then Goddammit… he could do it in spades. As he reached the top of the tunnel the light blinded him briefly before his eyes adjusted. Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of screaming and cheering ponies packed the stadium whose height seamed to scrape the very sky above them. He saw the Wondergirls and their confident smiles as they shook their pom-poms. He saw the rest of the team looking at him, waiting for him to lead them. And he saw the proud faces of both Flitter and Cloud Chaser looking upon him with adoration.

     “You will do great things out there, Stallion,” Luna’s voice called out to him. He turned to face her and saw she was smiling at him and he felt a twinge of regret for yelling at her the way he had as her smile was genuine. “And We cannot wait to see them.”

     Thunderlane nodded and stepped forward, bold and confident, and above all else, ready to seize immortality.