//------------------------------// // 246. The Equestria Games - Part 2 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// The double doors opened and in walked Team Ponyville, led by their steadfast coach Midnight Blaze, as he declared, "Welcome, Team Ponyville, to the Equestria Games gymnasium!" Technically speaking, it was a gymnasium located just across the street from the Crystal Empire stadium, where the Games Committee had established where the competing teams would standby until the games commenced in just over an hour. Looking around the gym, Team Ponyville marveled at all the other teams and participants who had come from far and wide to be here. To win gold and glory, and to bring honor to their hometowns in and out of Equestria. Besides pony teams from Canterlot, the Crystal Empire, Manehatten, Vanhoover, and other cities and towns across the nation, there were also teams comprised of different beings, like the Horses of Saddle Arabia, zebras from Zebrabwe, Dogs from the western country of Bargos, yaks from Yakyakistan in the mountains north of the empire, and of course griffons from the Griffon Kingdom across the Eastern Sea. Hay, there were even some drakes on the Fillydelphia team because of Fillydelphia's Dragon Town district! "This. Is... AWESOME!!!" Rainbow Dash rose up to take it all in, becoming the center of attention, as was her natural right... only to feel Midnight's long tail reach up and yank her down to his side so he could give her the stink eye. "Tone it down, Dash," Midnight raised a stern brow, "and save that enthusiasm for the Aerial Relay." "Indeed, it ought to be a an intense race!" The team looked and were glad to see Blueblood, wearing his team uniform, accompanied by Twilight and Spike. Smiling to see his Twily, Midnight went over and said hello with a soft kiss, which she happily returned. "I see the team's already psyched up for- Wait..." Twilight saw something wrong with this picture - Instead of a large and beefy white pegasus with a penchant for yelling the word 'yeah', she saw Soarin. "Soarin? What're you doing here? And where's Bulk Biceps?" "Bulk couldn't come, so I'm here in his place," Soarin rubbed the back of his head, feeling a little guilty. "Out of nowhere, Bulk's son, Featherweight, came down with a bad case of the Feather Flu," Midnight explained, "and he had to stay behind to take care of him. So Soarin stepped up to race with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy for the Aerial Relay." "Is that allowed?" Twilight worried Ponyville might get disqualified. "Not to worry, Twilight," Blueblood assured her, "I've studied the game rules enough to know that if a teammate has to drop out for some reason or other, a pony who was given official team reserve approval can step up as a substitute. After Soarin quit the Wonderbolts, I personally signed him up to be on Team Ponyville's reserve should something like this happen." "In other words, I'm here to compete in the Aerial Relay for Ponyville, alongside Dash and Fluttershy," Soarin tried to look excited but couldn't shake how bummed he felt. "Soarin, what's wrong? I'd think you'd be happy to have this chance," Twilight wasn't the only one looking concerned, as Rainbow Dash nuzzled up against her stallion, which made him smile apprecitively at her but still. "I am, it's just..." Soarin sighed, "Bulk Biceps worked so hard to be a part of this team, to have this chance! I... I just feel a little lousy that I'm here and he's not." "Oh Soarin, it's sweet of you to feel that way," Fluttershy spoke up, "but I know Bulk and there's no where he'd rather be right now than with Featherweight. Family matters far more than any competition." "And besides, Soar," Rainbow playfully shoved Soarin, "you can do Bulk proud by doing your best in the Relay." "Well, well, if it isn't my old squire!" That big and rich voice caused Team Ponyville to look and gasp at the two griffons coming their way. The one who had spoken was a tall and powerful example of his species, with a plumage and pelt of golden brown while the feathers on his head were steely white, his eyes the color of molten gold, and his talons were mighty and sharp, and he had a few unsettling scars, one over his beak, another resembling claw marks raking from his throat to his left shoulder. He stood much taller than even Big Mac and he was giving a smirk to a particular sapphire blue alicorn. Walking beside him was an equally large griffon, albeit somewhat shorter and obviously much younger. His lion pelt a brownish-red with a golden sheen while his head was covered with gleaming golden feathers, his eyes were the blue of a nice summer day, and the way he smiled reflected Midnight's own as he laughed, "I don't believe it!" He went over and gave a respectful nod to the older griffon as he and the younger nodded back, "Don't tell me you guys are here to compete!" "To say otherwise would be a stain on my knightly honor," the older griffon chuckled, the younger rolling his eyes with a smirk. "Pardon me, but... you know each other?" asked Twilight, looking between Midnight and the griffons. The three of them shared a familiar smile and Midnight looked to his friends, "Everypony, I'd like for you all to meet a couple old friends of mine, this is Sir Godric of the Knighthood of the Sky, and his son, Galador." "My friends call me Doran," added the younger griffon with an amused shrug, "Galador is a little... show-offy for my tastes." "It's a proud and revered name in our family, boy," Godric gave his son a teasing shove when an unsettling squeal caught their attention, and everyone saw it was coming from Twilight, her eyes starry with delight as she gaped at Godric. "You're a member of the Sky Knights?!" Godric chuckled as he stepped forward and gave Twilight a bow, "It is an honor and pleasure to be so recognized by royalty, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I am indeed a Sky Knight, and so live by the chivalrous code of my order." Midnight stepped up beside Godric, "Sir Godric here was one of my mentors when I was younger. He trained me in some of the fighting techniques and battle tactics of the Sky Knights, and I can't tell you how helpful those lessons were in dealing with Hellfire." "Wait-wait, hold up," Rainbow jumped in, "Who are these... Sky Knights?" "Oh... you did not just say 'Who are the Sky Knights'?!!?" Twilight gave Rainbow a look that read 'Are you kidding me', somewhat freaking the rainbow-maned pegasus out, but thankfully Doran came to her rescue. "The Sky Knights are the most elite fliers and warriors in griffon society, living by and standing for a code of honor and chivalry," Doran explained, "I guess, you could somewhat consider them the griffon equivalent to the Wonderbolts." Rainbow Dash and Twilight both got up in Doran's face, unsettling him by their fan filly expressions as they both exclaimed, "Tell us more!" Godric couldn't help but chuckle at his son's predicament when he noticed someone standing apart from the group, specifically someone short, a little pudgy, and covered with light purple scales. Checking to see the others were preoccupied by Doran explaining more about the Sky Knights, Godric subtly stepped over towards the little dragon and said, "Good day, young one. Are you a part of the Fillydelphia team?" Spike startled to see the BIG griffon talking to him and grasped his tail like a security blanket, "Uh! No, I... I'm Spike! Princess Twilight's Number One Assistant, heh-heh! I'm not competing in the Games, I..." Spike shifted his eyes nervously, and Godric smiled kindly before asking, "Is something troubling you, young dragon?" "Well.... kinda," Spike gave a wary look towards his friends, relieved to see they (especially Twilight and Rainbow Dash) were listening to Doran talk about the Sky Knights. "Earlier today, Twilight and Princess Cadance nominated me to light the pyre that signals the start of the Equestria Games." "A grand honor," Godric nodded approvingly, even giving Spike a salute with his wing, "and one of which I am certain they feel you are deserving." "Well, yeah! It's... a big deal, I..." Spike hesitated, unsure what to say, especially to a stranger. "You are afraid." Spike looked at the big griffon but saw understanding, when he'd almost expected derision, and Godric smiled kindly, "There is nothing wrong with being afraid, young dragon. But tell me, what exactly is it you're afraid of?" "Well..." Spike wrung his tail so much he gritted his teeth from the discomfort until finally he forced himself to say it, "When I think about it... I'm gonna have to go out there in front of a whole stadium of spectators to light a fire! I- Ugh, what if I can't do it? What if I can't light the fire?! The games will be ruined, and I'll have let everypony down!" "Hmm, you fear failure," Godric gathered, "and the intensity of such an event feels like a great weight baring down upon your shoulders. The pressure becoming so great that you fear you won't be able to ignite the fire within yourself." The little dragon gazed up in awe of Godric, realizing the griffon was describing what he felt to a T, "Young Spike, I see in you the spark that could ignite into a blazing glory! But that spark cannot burn if you do not give it the fuel it needs to do so. As I said before, young one, there is nothing wrong with being afraid. In fact, anyone who claims themselves to be fearless is either lying or they are foolish." "What do you mean?" Spike gave Godric a confused look. "Only a fool has no fear, young dragon," Godric explained, "because they do not appreciate the trials and adversities they face out of arrogance. Arrogance can make you careless, cause you to make mistakes, and if you're not careful, it can get you killed... I've lost a few friends because they didn't heed their own fears out of some foolish aspiration to be fearless. Arrogance caused me to make mistakes as well, some that had consequences on others... "That said, true courage is not facing a challenge without fear, Spike. To truly be courageous is to face the challenge and that you do not let your fears stop you from doing what you know must be done. The fact that you feel the way you do about the task that has been bestowed upon you shows that you appreciate its importance. What matters is not so much that you succeed but that you carry out the task without letting your fears stop you. If you can do that, you will feel what it truly is to be brave." Those words resonated in Spike as his eyes widened with understanding, that Godric couldn't help but chuckle. "I hope I was able to help, Young Dragon." As Godric stepped past Spike to speak with his son and Team Ponyville, Spike considered what he'd just been told and furrowed his brows. Cheers of excitement echoed throughout the jam-packed stadium! Flags and hooves and claws and paws a'waving, as Shining Armor, in full uniform, approached the vomitorium where the teams of competitors and their flag-bearers all stood, ready and waiting with building excitement of their own. "Places for the procession, everypony! Two minutes!" Twilight and Midnight both made their way up to the exclusive box seats where sat visiting dignitaries and ponies of interest, with Celestia, Sombra, Luna, and Cadance at the top row. Upon arrival, Twilight noticed her and Midnight's seat, right next to Celestia and she gave her old mentor a bow, which Celestia responded with a kind nod. Twilight made for their seat but sensed Midnight hadn't moved, and looked to see him gazing longingly out to the field, and she understood. He wanted to be out there, with their friends, psyched and ready to compete. But Harshwhinny had red taped him and gone on an on about how 'improper' and 'biased' it would be of a monarch of Equestria competing for a specific team, the sorts of wrong impressions it would send, and so on. She stepped over to her beau and gave him a nuzzle, which he returned with an appreciative smile before stepping over to join Twilight on their seat next to Celestia and Sombra. "...and you're quite certain you also understand exactly what you're supposed to do?" Ms. Harshwhinny quizzed Spike as she led him down the hall towards their destination. "I stand where you tell me until you give me the signal," Spike repeated what he'd been told earlier, "and then I walk over to light the torch!" "Mm. Couldn't be simpler," Harshwhinny seemed satisfied as she led Spike out the doorway, the light temporarily blinding Spike as the applause echoed loud enough to irritate his eardrums for a moment... And the full overwhelming weight of the Equestria Games fell upon the little dragon as he felt what confidence he'd mustered go up in smoke! "Mr. the Dragon, are you coming?" Harshwhinny sounded impatient, but even her stern severity failed to spur Spike forward. "Honestly... Would somepony help him walk?" Spike didn't even seem to register the two Crystal Guards come up behind him and gently push him forward, his feet dragging along the floor of the balcony, upon which stood the torch he was supposed to ignite. "Now please welcome," Shining Armor announce,d having already introduced the delegation of Cloudsdale, "the delegation from Ponyville!!" "Ponyville forever! YAY!!!" The Cutie-Mark Crusaders cheered as Team Ponyville made their way out into the stadium. "Awesome!" Rainbow flew out first. "Yay." Fluttershy followed in her special demure way. "Whoo!!" Soarin came next, showing his dedication, as did the rest of the team: Applejack, Blueblood, Thunderlane, Helia, Ditzy Doo, Big Mac, Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich, Lucky Clover, Comet Tail, and once Scootaloo and Rumble placed the Ponyville Flag alongside the flags of all the other teams, the Crusaders proudly stood by their team as everypony gazed up with anticipation. *Clop-Clop* Spike stood there, frozen as the pressure was getting to him. "This is the signal!" Harshwhinny spoke as her patience was tested and stamped her hoof twice a second time, and looking at Spike, who looked up with a nervous shiver at the torth. She stamped her hoof again, her voice sharpening its edge, "I am giving you the signal now." Spike continued to shiver in fright when Harshwhinny got in his face, "Mr. the Dragon!!" Snapping out of it, Spike started climbing the ladder up to the torch and upon reaching the top, it proved to be no better. Just take a deep breath and get it over with...! He took a deep breath.... and blew, only to release a tiny wisp of smoke and coughed, "C'mon, Spike! Calm yourself! C-count to 10! 1! 2... 3- Thousand. Fourteen thousand! Twenty thousand!! Thirty thousand!!!" In the exclusive box seats, the spectators and alicorns were beginning to notice the delay, Cadance wondering aloud, "What's wrong?" Spike tired and blew it again, "Tell me this isn't happening...!" The crowd was beginning to notice too, as an air of worry began to befall the stadium, and Spike took another deep breath and tried again, only for his nerves to razzle him into a coughing fit. "Mr. the Dragon, would you light the torch already?!" Harshwhinny snapped. "I don't know what it is, but, I just don't have the stuff today!" Spike fretted before he asked lamely, "Did you bring a match?" "You're a fire-breathing dragon," Harshwhinny reminded him. Hacking, Spike asked, "Then some... cough drops maybe?" The look on Harshwhinny's face caused Spike to meekly say, "Never mind! I'll keep trying..." Realizing something was wrong, Cadance looked to a nearby guard, "Somepony go down and help him!" Spike tried sparking his teeth, pulling his head back like a lighter, "Light, light!" Afraid Spike was about to fail, Twilight began to light up her horn when she felt Midnight place a hoof on her withers, "Give him a chance." "But he's losing his cool!" Twilight worried, "He's getting too worked up to-" "Twily," Midnight gave Twilight a firm look, and then looked on towards Spike, "Believe in him." Moaning with worry, Twilight looked on as well. Whaddoo I do?! If I can't light the torch...! Spike's mind raced until Godric's words echoed from his memory. I see in you the spark that could ignite into a blazing glory! Those words somehow helped Spike calm down just enough to remember the rest of Godric's encouragement, Courage isn't about being fearless... it's not letting your fears stop you! "Mr. the Dragon!!" Harshwhinny's patience had just about run out. "Light the torch or get down!" Spike blocked it out. Harshwhinny. the stadium, the Games, and closed his eyes as he took a deep calming breath and exhaled out the stress though the pressure remained. Only this time, it was not so heavy, as he then took a second deep breath.... and blew! The torch roared with fiery spirit, igniting cheers throughout the whole stadium, and Twilight phew'd with relief while ignoring the smug brow of the stallion beside her. And a certain Sky Knight looked on with pride as he thought, Well done, Young Dragon. "Let the games... begin!!!!"