//------------------------------// // Monday Night Magic II // Story: Equestria Wrestling Federation // by chillbook1 //------------------------------// Starlight Glimmer strolled through the backstage area, her new championship resting comfortably on her shoulder. She was very pleased with herself, having stolen a win from right under that embarrassment’s nose. That should teach Pinkamena Pie a lesson she'd scarcely forget. Starlight grabbed the door to the locker room, pausing when she saw the General Manager approach from the right. “Congratulations, Starlight Glimmer,” said Trixie. “If there's anyone in my company that deserves that championship, it's you.” “Thank you. To be perfectly honest, the championship is almost inconsequential, if for nothing else than to pin Pinkamena Pie in the middle of the ring,” said Starlight. “But, by that same token… the gold is an added bonus.” “Speaking of bonuses… I wanted to talk to you about something. An idea that came to mind after seeing you take that championship.” “Hm?” “Well… You have a rematch with Ember Torch this Friday on Ascension,” said Trixie. “And… Well, how about we continue this conversation inside?” Starlight nodded, then disappeared into the locker room. Trixie followed behind her with a devious, dastardly grin. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Magic!” said Celestia. “The most enchanting part of your Monday night! I am Celestia Regal, joined as always by my colleague, Discord Redrum.” “And what we have for you tonight is nothing less than the greatest displays of professional wrestling in the world!” exclaimed Discord. “First, a meeting of the two most ridiculous women in this company, Sonata Dusk and Pinkamena Pie!” O! M! G! A bright, bubbly pop theme marked the arrival of the first competitor. Sonata Dusk danced down the ramp to the sounds of unanimous cheers. Sonata all but skipped her way up the steel stairs and into the ring, waiting for her opponent. “Introducing first, from the Black Sea, weighing in at 135 pounds, SONATA DUSK!” The funky sounds of Pinkie’s accordion gave way to The Outrageous Pie herself. She bounced halfway down the ramp, cartwheeling the rest of the way and flipping into the ring. Pinkie extended her hand, offering it to Sonata. She looked at it for a moment before batting Pinkie’s hand away and jumping in to hug her opponent. Pinkie smiled, returning the embrace, then broke apart to prepare for the match. “And after that beautiful display of sportsmanship, we are off!” said Celestia as the bell rang. “These two have the potential for a very exciting match, don't you agree?” “I may not care much for either of these competitors, but I know that when you take two freaks and put them together, something interesting is bound to happen,” said Discord. “Quick collar-elbow tie up here, and I want to mention that Sonata’s partners, Aria Blaze and Adagio Dazzle, are nowhere to be found. No doubt preparing for their imminent tag team championship defense later in the night.” Sonata slipped under Pinkie’s arm, kicking her firmly in the back of the knee. Pinkie buckled, and could do nothing to defend herself from the swift flurry of kicks to the side. Pinkie pushed her away and returned to her full height, gingerly rubbing her side. She grinned with determination, hopping in place to get into a groove. Pinkie ran forward, easily hoisting Sonata up and bringing her down to the mat. She grabbed Sonata’s legs and flipped forward, bridging over Sonata and pinning her shoulders to the mat. One! Two! Sonata kicked out from the sneaky pin attempt, rolling to her feet. She kicked Pinkie firmly in the leg, barely causing her to flinch. Another kick to the thigh, this time with slightly more visible results. Pinkie slapped her thigh, urging Sonata to do better. Sonata suddenly leapt into the air, driving both feet directly into Pinkie’s face. They both scurried to their feet, and Sonata connected with another head-rattling dropkick. “Sonata Dusk building up a head of steam here,” said Celestia. “It's good to see that she can handle singles competition, despite predominantly being a tag-team combatant.” “I've been trying to tell you, Regal, the Dazzlings are some of the most elite competitors in this promotion or any other,” said Discord. “Even the worst of them are better than average.” Sonata dropkicked Pinkie a third time, laying her flat on her back. She bounced off of the ropes, cartwheeling and dropping a sharp elbow onto Pinkie’s chest. “Cartwheel elbow from Sonata Dusk,” called Celestia. “Lateral press…” One! Two! Pinkie brought her shoulder up with little time to spare. Sonata dragged Pinkie’s body closer to the corner, then climbed the turnbuckle. With her back to Pinkie, she leaped off and flipped backwards. Pinkie suddenly jumped up, snatching Sonata right out of the sky. She carried the much lighter acrobat to to the center of the ring and slammed her firmly onto her back. “The power on display!” said Celestia. “Incredible! Pinkie for the pin! One, two, and a kickout at two.” Sonata zipped from beneath Pinkie, shoving her down to the ground. She grabbed Pinkie’s foot, planted her own knee in the small of Pinkie’s back, and wrenched the whole leg. “What's this?! An ankle lock?!” demanded Discord. “I've never in my life seen Sonata Dusk lock in a submission, let alone such an expert ankle lock! Pie’s in the middle of the ring, nowhere to go!” Pinkie slammed her fist against the ground, her leg in blistering agony. She clawed her way forward, inching closer and closer to the ropes. Sonata loosened her hold and dragged Pinkie back to the middle of the ring. She wrapped her legs around Pinkie’s, then reached forward and grabbed her opponent in a facelock. “Sonata Dusk is just full of surprises!” cheered Celestia. “Taking a page out of Aria’s playbook, Sonata flawlessly transitioning from an ankle lock to a perfect stepover toehold facelock!” “Let me tell you something, Regal, that hold is not a fun time,” said Discord. “Dusk might be a scrawny little thing, but to be able to stretch Pie’s legs, her neck, her back! Pie's in an insane amount of pain right now, and she doesn't have long in that STF before there are permanent effects on the body.” Pinkie howled in pain, her hand hovering over the mat. She wasn't far from tapping out, it seemed, and Sonata wasn't letting go anytime soon. Pinkie pushed the pain to the back of her mind, focusing on how she'd get out of the submission. Pinkie punched the mat, slowly pushing herself up. Sonata held on tightly, even as Pinkie fully regained her vertical base. Sonata adjusted quickly, wrapping an arm around Pinkie’s throat and clutching her head in a sleeper. “Sonata trying to cut off the oxygen going to Pinkie’s brain,” said Celestia as Sonata wrapped her legs around Pinkie’s middle in order to stabilize herself. “We’ve seen matches end by this very hold, just sapping the life from a competitor.” Pinkie reached back and threw Sonata over her head, hoping to fling the much smaller girl away. Sonata held on, wrapping her arm underneath Pinkie’s jaw. She ran forward and jumped, bouncing her legs off the ropes with the intent of flipping over Pinkie and driving her head to the mat. Pinkie, using her impressive strength, caught Sonata and held her straight up. Pinkie flipped Sonata so that her back was to her stomach, then lowered her down, bent at the waist and with her head between Pinkie’s legs. “And an Equestrian Destroyer!” cheered Celestia as Pinkie drove Sonata’s head into the ground with a thunderous boom. “Sonata tried to hit that modified shiranui, the Taco Tuesday, but Pinkamena Pie stunningly reverses! And the pin!” One! Two! Three! Pinkie leapt to her feet, raising her fists above her head in victory. She scaled the corner, cheering with the crowd. Sonata slowly worked her way up, clutching her head in pain. She met Pinkie in the middle, hugged her, then raised the victor’s hand. “What a display,” said Celestia. “Doesn't it just warm your heart?” “It makes me want to throw up, just a little,” said Discord. “This isn't the place for warmth and affection, this is a place for violence and destruction, two things the next competitor is very familiar with. Tirek Crimson is up next, and my only question is who the hell they tricked into fighting this beast!” “We'll be finding out soon, only on Monday Night Magic!” Sonata tiredly strolled through to the backstage area. Though she had lost the match and was thoroughly exhausted, she was happy to have the opportunity to compete with an athlete like Pinkie. She opened the door to the locker room, walking in and taking a seat next to her partners, who were glaring at her angrily. “What?” she asked. “You seriously fought tonight?!” demanded Adagio. “And, to make matters worse, you lost!” “Sorry. She's really good. Besides, I don't have anything to do tonight.” “Are you brain dead?!” snapped Aria. “Me and Adagio have a tag match tonight!” “Uh… I know?” “You're not supposed to burn yourself out! You need to be there to help us win!” “But… it's a two on two. If I helped you, that'd be cheating,” said Sonata. “Sonata, we've been over this,” groaned Adagio. “The Dazzlings are champions under the Fire Phoenix Rule. That means that all of us are champions together. And it's not cheating for a champion to be involved in their own title defense!” “I don't know if that's how it works, Dagi,” said Sonata. “But it shouldn't matter if I'm there or not, right? You two are the best partners anyone could ever have!” She wrapped and arm around each of her partners. “Adagio, you're the greatest striker in the business! Stronger than anyone! You could throw Sunset around like it's nothing! And Ari, even though you kicked me by mistake, you're still the best technician around! I learned everything I know about submissions from you. Did you see my STF earlier?” “It was sloppy. If it were mine, Pie would've tapped,” grumbled Aria. She glanced at Sonata and smirked in spite of herself. “But I guess I've seen worse. And I guess you're right. I am the best damn technician in the company.” “See? What did I tell you?” said Sonata, grinning widely. “Just look at this team! We're gonna do great!” Sonata held up both of her arms, smiling at both of her partners. After just a bit of consideration, Aria and Adagio bumped forearms with their fellow Dazzling. “Alright, Aria,” said Adagio. “Game time.” Discord stood in the ring with a microphone, standing beside a small, scrawny competitor in grey tights. He bounced nervously, his eyes trained on the ramp. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Discord Redrum,” said Discord. “And I am standing besides a fellow who wants to attempt to topple the Monster Amongst Men, Tirek Crimson! Tell me, son, what is your name?” “Diesel Delta,” said the competitor. “And tell me, Diesel, what makes you think you'll be the one to slay the beast that is Tirek Crimson?” “I've got heart. I don't stop fighting until I've won.” “And how do you expect heart to help you against this beast? Seven feet, nearly four hundred pounds of sheer destructive mass!” “W-wait… he's how big, exactly?” A cannon fired, preceding the sound of drums and one of the most dominating figures in the EWF. Tirek stomped slowly down the ramp, pulling himself up and stepping over the top rope. Discord immediately rolled out of the ring, replaced by a referee. The bell rang, and Tirek came barreling out like a semi-truck. He raised his boot, smashing his massive foot against Delta's nose and sending him across the ring. Tirek lifted his opponent’s limp, unmoving body and rested him on his shoulder. He raised his fists and gave a mighty roar before slamming Diesel Delta’s back thunderously to the mat. Tirek dropped to one knee, placing a single finger on Delta's chest. One! Two! Three! “And the winner, TIREK CRIMSON!” “Damn it!” groaned Discord, returning to his place at the commentator’s table. “The match was over before I got back!” “Yes, Tirek made short work of that competitor,” agreed Celestia. “Someone check on that young man, he might be… Oh no, what's this?!” Tirek grabbed Diesel by the hair, dragging him like a child with a toy. He pulled Delta to his feet, then smashed his giant fist against the top of his head. Tirek stomped on Delta's unmoving body mercilessly, kicking him out of the ring. “This is just unnecessary,” said Celestia. “The match was over! What does this prove?” Tirek let out a massive, beastly roar, then climbed over the ropes and stomped up the ramp. Diamond Tiara paced in the locker room, her phone to her ear. She had had it up to here with Twilight Sparkle, and she was determined to do something about it. “Hi, Daddy,” said Diamond in her best, most sugary, manipulative little voice. “I needed to talk to you. It's about my position with the EWF. Mh-hm. I know! I should've been champion ages ago!” Diamond rolled her eyes, a bit annoyed at how easy her father was to get wrapped around her finger. “Sparkle refuses to give me the opportunity that I clearly deserve! And I told her, if I'm not happy here, there are plenty of places that would be more than happy to give the hottest young star in wrestling the opportunities she needs. So, I wanted to ask you if you could talk to your people at Crystal Empire Wrestling, maybe ECWF, and—” Diamond dropped her phone, but was unable to defend herself from the hooded figure who rushed into the room and introduced a steel baseball bat into Diamond’s middle. The hooded figure smashed the bet against Diamond’s ribs twice more before clonking her over the head and dropping her to the ground. The assailant battered Diamond, stomping on her middle remorselessly. When Diamond stopped moving, the assailant dropped her bat and pulled back her hood. “You just made an enemy, Tiara,” said Scootaloo. “Next time, try and beat me fair and square.” She kicked Diamond one last time before turning and stepping out of the locker room. “Tensions are growing here in the EWF,” said Discord. “Scootaloo, the nerve of her, attacking the hottest young competitor in the EWF!” “While I don't personally agree with violence begetting violence, I can most certainly understand what drove Scootaloo to this,” said Celestia. “After that heinous assault on Ascension last Friday, Scootaloo was out for blood, and she decided to get it when she could.” “Diamond was on the phone with her father, for God's sake! The nerve of that little runt, attacking a professional wrestling princess while she had no way to defend herself!” Yee-haw! The hard rock of the challengers’ theme cut through the air. As soon as the two stepped out onto the ramp, the crowd exploded into cheers. Applejack and Sunset jogged down the ramp, interacting with the crowd despite the intense focus on each of their faces. “The following contest is a tag team match, scheduled for one-fall, and it is for the EWF Tag-team Championships! Introducing first, the challengers, at a combined weight of 355 pounds, AJ AND SUNSET SHIMMER!” The two rolled into the ring, pointing to their waists to show where the belts would be resting by the end of the match. Now, you’re under our spell… Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh Sonata bounced out, to the cheers of all. She waved to the crowd, then gestured to the back to signal the arrival of her fellow Dazzlings. Aria and Adagio twirled around Sonata, bumping forearms before strolling to the ring with the boos ringing in their ears. “And their opponents, from the Black Sea, they are the EWF Tag-team Champions, THE DAZZLINGS!” Aria and Adagio climbed into the ring, while Sonata stayed at ringside. The Dazzlings stared down their opponent, never breaking eye contact while giving the belts to the referee. He showed the belts to the challengers, then the champions, then finally the crowd. He passed the belts to the timekeeper, and called for the bell. “And we're off, tag team championships on the line in this match,” said Celestia. “Starting us off here, Aria Blaze and The Demon herself, Sunset Shimmer. Shimmer just coming back from an injured shoulder, as you can tell by the black tape on her shoulder. That’s to stimulate blood flow and help ease the pain.” Aria and Sunset strafed one another, looking for an opening. Sunset crouched slightly, reaching testingly for Aria’s legs. “Smart move from Sunset here,” said Celestia. “Keep that center of gravity low, it becomes harder for Aria to take her down to the ground, which is good news for the team of AJ and Sunset.” Aria rushed forward, sliding to the ground and grabbing Sunset’s leg in an attempt to take her down. Sunset stood her ground, and Aria returned to her feet in time to catch a series of quick rights to the head. With her opponent stunned, Sunset grabbed Aria’s legs and threw them up, slamming her onto her back. Sunset leapt forward, pushing Aria’s legs up with her shoulders and pressing Aria’s back against the mat. One! Two! Aria kicked out of the quick pin, then found her opportunity. She brought a knee up to Sunset’s face, then grabbed her injured arm, wrapped her legs around it, and dropped to the mat. “Aria Blaze, quick on her feet as usual,” said Discord. “Fantastic transition into armbar! And she has it locked in on that injured arm, no less. It’s only a matter of time before Sunset taps!” Sunset howled in pain, feeling as if her shoulder was injured all over again. She wiggled and squirmed, fighting to get out of the hold. She pushed herself up and leaned over, pressing Aria’s shoulders down while keeping her own shoulder elevated. One! Two! Aria easily kicked out, but, in doing so, had no choice but to break the hold. They both scurried to their feet, though Aria a bit quicker. She nearly took Sunset’s head off with a quick lariat, dropping her to the mat. Sunset quickly recovered, only to be taken down again, then again. Aria turned to the crowd and raised her arms triumphantly, clearly annoyed when all she received were boos. While Aria was distracted, Sunset quickly crawled to her corner and tagged in her partner. AJ slowly stepped into the ring, smiling as the boos from the crowd morphed into “Hell Yeah” chants. Aria had enough of the crowd, and ran back to finish off Sunset. She collided with Applejack, who barely moved as Aria nearly tumbled to the ground. Applejack grinned, then grabbed Aria around the back of the neck and chucked her clean across the ring. “Would you look at that strength!” called Celestia in awe. “She tossed Aria like a toy! She’s making it very clear whose ring it is tonight.” Aria sat up, staring at the massive woman before her. She crawled backwards, slapped Adagio on the thigh, and quickly rolled out of the ring. Adagio glared at her partner, then stepped into the ring. Applejack barreled forward, running Adagio down with a simple shoulder block. Adagio leapt to her feet, then was grabbed and tossed into the corner. AJ ran forward and jumped into Adagio, crushing her against the turnbuckle. “Big stinger splash from AJ,” said Discord. AJ lifted her opponent onto her shoulder then ran, slamming her down onto her back. She pressed Adagio down for the pin. One! Two! Adagio powered out of the pin, though with very little time to spare. AJ stood up and grabbed Adagio by the hair, pulling her to her feet. Adagio quickly thrust an elbow into AJ’s gut, staggering her. She elbowed her again, and again, and one last time before breaking free. She grabbed AJ’s head with her left hand then, with her right, swung up and smashed her forearm against AJ’s chin. “Adagio, back in the fight with a stiff European uppercut,” said Discord. “She calls herself the best striker in the EWF, and judging by how she’s turned around a match with a few choice blows, I’ve gotta agree with her.” Adagio connected with another European uppercut, sending Applejack stumbling back. Adagio grabbed AJ by the wrist, attempting to throw her into the ropes. Applejack stood her ground, reversing the Irish whip and sending Adagio into the ropes. She rebounded and jumped high into the air, twisting and thrusting her hips back. She connected, driving her pelvis across the bridge of Applejack’s nose. “AJ down after the Vivacissimo!” said Celestia. “And the cover!” One! Two! Applejack brought her shoulder up, massaging her nose gingerly. Before she could recover, Adagio grabbed her leg and dragged her into the Dazzling corner. Adagio tagged Aria, who stepped into the ring to stomp firmly on AJ’s nose. She dragged the larger woman to the center of the ring, wrapped her legs around AJ’s arm, then grabbed her face and stretched. “Aria, with a flawless crossface!” said Discord. “The Siren Submission Specialist is trying to claim another victim here, and I think AJ might just tap!” Applejack struggled in the hold, clawing at Aria’s fingers to break the submission. Aria’s grip was too strong, and Applejack quickly decided that she'd need to find another option. AJ pushed herself to her knees, disrupting the hold slightly, but not enough to break. She slowly stood up, Aria still clinging to her arm and neck. Once AJ was at a full vertical base, she fell back, driving both her and Aria against the mat. “And Applejack powers out with a Samoan drop,” said Celestia. “This could be the opening AJ needs!” Applejack crawled to her corner, reaching for Sunset’s waiting hand. Aria leapt onto AJ and pulled her back to her corner. She tagged in Adagio, who slid into the ring and dropped a knee onto the back of Applejack’s neck. She flipped Applejack onto her back, positioning her near the corner. Adagio jumped to the top turnbuckle, bouncing off and flipping backwards onto AJ’s chest. She hooked Applejack’s leg for the pin. One! Two! Applejack kicked out, which very much annoyed Adagio. She kicked Applejack firmly in the side, smashing her foot against her ribs. She pulled Applejack to her knees, then ran for the ropes. She rebounded and jumped for another Vivacissimo, hoping that it'd be enough to finish her off once and for all. Applejack ducked under it, which caused Adagio to firmly hit the ground. As she recovered, Applejack crawled forward and lunged for her eager partner, tagging The Demon into the match. Sunset rushed into the ring, tackling Adagio to the ground and raining down fierce strikes on her head. She hopped up and slapped her own shoulder, screaming “Hell yeah” at the top of her lungs. The crowd joined in, developing a solid rhythm of chants. Sunset slapped her shoulder to the beat, waiting for Adagio to aimlessly stumble into her hands. Adagio slowly pushed herself up to her knees, clutching her head gingerly. This was just what Sunset was looking for; She ran to the ropes, rebounded, and dove down, driving her shoulder into Adagio’s jaw. “Sunset takes The Low Road, the move that injured her shoulder to start with,” said Discord. “I wonder how wise that was of her here, with so much on the line!” “Sunset Shimmer is the sort of competitor to bet it all, to be willing to give their bodies to win,” said Celestia. “An admirable trait, without question. Sunset, going to the high-rent district, and it looks as if she might be trying to finish this!” Sunset balanced on the top rope, looking down on her opponent. She took in a deep breath, then turned to face away from her opponent. She jumped backward, twisting horizontally and flipping vertically, dropping directly onto Adagio’s chest. “Phoenix Splash!” called Celestia. “And the pin!” One! Sonata ran around the ring as Sunset hooked Adagio’s leg. As the referee started the count, Sonata pulled Adagio’s other leg on top of the rope. Two! “Rope! Rope!” shouted Sonata, pointing frantically. The referee looked up, stopping his count just before three when he saw Adagio’s leg. Sunset looked over to Sonata, walking over to her side of the ring. “What the hell, Sonata!” she shouted. “Sorry, Shimmy,” said Sonata. “Gotta look out for my team.” “You're supposed to be better than—” Sunset felt a hand grab her tights and drag her to the ground, pressing her shoulders to the mat. Adagio rolled up Sunset, tugging on a fistful of tights for extra leverage. One! Two! Three! Adagio quickly rolled out of the ring, running to the timekeeper and snatching her titles. She held both belts over her head, a devious grin spreading across her face. “The winners, and still EWF Tag-team Champions, THE DAZZLINGS!” “Adagio Dazzle, again, cheating to win!” complained Celestia. “Sunset Shimmer had The Dazzlings dead to rights! She was going to win!” “But she didn’t, because Adagio Dazzle is too smart to be defeated by competition like this,” laughed Discord. “And that is why her team will be holding onto those championships for the foreseeable future!” “Not if AJ and Sunset have anything to say about it,” said Celestia. “You can bet that they’ll be gunning for a rematch at the next available opportunity. Perhaps that opportunity would be the one that Ascension General Manager Twilight Sparkle was talking about. We’ll have to wait until Friday for that.” “Until next time, EWF Universe, this has been Discord Redrum and Celestia Regal, wishing you a good night!”