//------------------------------// // Chapter 59: The Equestria Games Part 1 // Story: Children of Harmony // by Pinkie Pie Sweets //------------------------------// On a sunny morning, today is the day of the Equestria Games in Ponyville. All the ponies of Equestria who want to see the event are waiting in line of so they can get in. Meanwhile, all of the contestants who are going to be in the games are entering the stadium. Ace, Eeden, Sakura, and the other Ponyville athletes are getting into the stadium. Sakura happily asks, "So guys, are you ready to compete in the games?" "I am," Ace says with full confidence. "I guess, but I'm willing to try my best," Eden shyly answers. "That's the spirit Eden. As long as you have a good time, it doesn't matter if we will or lose," Sakura says. But Ace says with confidence, "But let's put all of our strength and power on reaching to the goal! Let's win for Ponyville!" "Yay!" Sakura and Eden cheer, but Eden does it quietly. Then the three friend enter the stadium like the rest of the ponies who are competing. Everypony and griffon are excited that they are going to be competing in the Equestria Games. Later in the day, all the ponies in Equestria are in their seats waiting for the games to start. Twilight and the kids are sitting with the others. They are very excited for the game to start and see the ponies compete with each other. Pinkie happily cheers, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" "I can't wait for the games to start," Applejack says. "Me too. Although, I don't know whether I should be excited or nervous," Twilight replies. "What you got to be nervous about?"Applejack asks. "I guess knowing my daughter competing is getting me mixed feelings about it," Twilight answers, feeling a bit concerned. "You got nothing to be worried about. Sakura has been practicing a lot I think she's ready to compete," Rainbow says. Then she playfully says, "And she along with Ace and Eden are going to win!" "I just hope Eden doesn't get too nervous. I know that Sakura and Ace are going to be with her, but still a bit worried," Fluttershy says. Rarity signs and explains, "I know what you mean. My daughter Ruby has been chosen to light up the torch this year. I'm just wonder if she can handle it. I know she's been in front of the crowd before, but this is for one of the biggests event of all of Equestria." "Sounds to me like you three are worried on how the kids will be able to handle being in the games," Applejack suspects. The three worried mares nod their heads in reply. Applejack says, "Look y'all I understand you're worried. But remember, our kids are growing up and we still worry about them and the best we can do is try to support them, and make sure they're put on the right path." Twilight smiles and says, "You're right, the kids have been thouh much In act, it's been almost a year since they became friends." "Yes. they all been through so much together, and some involves with that scary shadow and that awful Naga," Fluttershy worriedly adds. "There will be a time that their friendship will be put to the test, and mayb their friendship will be able to stop Naga and hat ever he is up to," Twilight says. "I still can't believe that aga wants to marry your daughter. I mean she's smart, athletic, and beautiful, but she's too young for marriage. Also he wants her to marry him against her will," Rarity firmly recipes. "Uh? Ace said that he wants Sakura to be his queen, not his wife?" Rainbow says with a confused look. Twilight says, "Either way, akura and others are no going to allow that to happen. As long as they stick together, I'm sure they'll do just fine." In the locker room, Ace and Eden awaiting for Sakura to finish getting ready. Ace thinks it's a bit of pain that he has to wait until Sakura is fully ready. Ruby is in the room with her t help with her hair and make sure the clothes she fits Sakura. Ace groans, and says, "Come on, the games will be starting in twenty minutes! We need Sakura out with us, and you need to light up the torch!" "Aerial Ace, you have to be patient. I'm just fishin fixing Sakura's hair so it won't get in her face." Ruby's voice sternly says. In the fitting room, Sakura is wearing her light purple shirt with dark blue shorts, and purple sneakers. On the shirt is Sakura's cutie mark. Ruby has just finished putting Sakura's hair in a high ponytail and in braid. The top an bottom of her hair is tied in pink hairbands. Ruby smiles after putting hair tie on the bottom of Sakura's hair to keep the braid from falling out, and says, "Wa la! Your hair all ready for the event." "Thanks Ruby, I sometimes forget that my hair has become longer since I came here," Sakura says, getting up from the chair. "It's no problem darling," Ruby says. The two exit out of the fitting room to see Ace and Eden. Ace says, "Finally." "I like your outfit and how your hair is done," Eden complements with glee. "Thank you," Sakura says. Just then, Ms. Checkered Flag comes in and says, "Five minutes till we star the games! All athletes report to the entrance. Ms. Dragon Ruby, you'll be coming with to the torch." "Yes Mam," Ruby says. As Ruby walk away, Saura happily say, "Good luck Ruby." "Good luck to you too darlings, Play your best," Ruby says. Ruby and Ms. Checkered Flag leaves the room so they can go to the torch. Sakura and her two friends, along with the other pony athletes leave so they can compete. At the stadium, Twilight and the others can see that the games are about to start, and are very excited. Baked Apple and Raspberry are also here at the seats with the kids. Pinkie happily cheers, "This is so exciting, the games is going to start," "Yeah. This year's games will be funner than last year," Cheese says. "Can't wait to see the others to come out," Raspberry says. "I can't wait to see them from there. We got to see Sakura and the others competing. Let's hope they handle with these competition," Baked Apple says. In the hallway, Ms. Checkered Flag is escorting Ruby to torch. Ruby is excited, yet a little nervous at the same time. Ms. Checkered Flag asks, "So you know quite certain that you understand what you need to do, Ms. Ruby." "I stand whee you tell me until you give me the signal, and then I'll walk up and light the torch," Ruby replies, remember what she needs to do. "Couldn't be simply," Ms. checkered Flag calmly says. The two walk over to see that they are at the location where a giant statue like bowl that has swirly and long wires on it. What surprises Ruby, is to see so many ponies here. Ruby is feeling a little nervous, but remember that she has a job to do. So she shows her brave face and continues to walk with Ms Checkered Flag. Meanwhile, he ceremony is starting and all the pony athletes goes to to the middle of the stadium by town they live in. The one who is calling out is the Mayor of Ponyville, Mayor Mare. Finally they are going to final town. Mayor Mare calls out, "Please welcome, the delegation from Ponyville." Two ponies who are dressed in cheerleaders wave their pom poms and cheers, "Go Ponyville! Go Ponyville!" With that the young pegasus filly carrying the flag and flies out along with all the athletes including Sakura, Ace, and Eden fly out to the center of the stadium as well. The young filly puts the flag on the ground wit the rest of the flag of the cites. After that, all the ponies are standing in the stadium facing the torch, waiting for it to be lit. At the torch, Ms. Checkered Flag stomps her hoof to give Ruby the signal. Hearing the signal, Ruby climbs up the ladder and reaches the torch. Ruby reaches the top, and see the millions of ponies waiting for the torch to be lit. Ruby then changes to her dragon form. She looks like a pony, but her hair and tail are more scaley, and her ears looks like spike's ears. Ruby takes a deep breath, and blows a huge amount of fire on the torch. The fire burst onto the torch and it's finally fired up. Everypony cheer on the stands are cheering with excitement. Spike giggles next to Rarity and says, "That's our girl." After the opening ceremony, Ruby is with her parents and the others who want to congratulate her for firing up the torch for the games. Sakura, Ace, and Eden walk by to see Ruby and the others before their turn on the flying relay. Sakura says, "Hey Ruby, that was a great job you did at the opening ceremony." "Thank you, darling. I was a little nervous, but I'm glad I was able to get through it," Ruby replies. Rarity hugs Ruby, and says, "And you made us so proud." "Yeah. you did a great job with your fire breath," Spike adds. "So what do you want to do until the first game start?" Twilight asks. Just then, Raspberry, Pinkie, and Cheese's stomachs begin to growl very loud. The baby triplets beings to laugh hearing the sound of the stomach growling. "Oh, I see that your stomach says that we should get something to eat," Eden replies. "I agree. I'm going to need some energy before we start flying at the relay," Ace agrees. Then Applejack suggests, "Let's go to Sweet Apple Acres so we can chow down." Agreeing to the idea, everypony are starting to make their way to Sweet Apple Acres so they can have something to eat. Just then, some pony asks, "Excuse me, but which one of you would be Twilight Sparkle." Everyone turn to see a light pink unicorn mare. She has purple mane with teal shaded streaks, her bang splits on her horn. Her cutie mark is a purple and white start with teal shimmering stream of magic. She is holding a notebook and pen with her magic. Everyone are a bit confused, and wonder why would she be asking for Twilight. Twilight walks over, and answers, "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Who might you be?" "I'm Starlight Glimmer. I'm part of doing a report on the families of the ponies who are competing in the Equestria Games. I've been giving the job to interview you. It will take ten minutes, and we'll call it a day. " The mare explains as she tells them her name. "Um sure," Twilight reluctantly agrees. She turns back to her friends, and says, "I'll catch up at the farm. This won't take to long." "If you say so," Applejack says. "Bye mom," Sakura says. "Bye," Twilight says. Applejack then escort the others while Twilight and Starlight walk down the road so they can find somewhere to talk. Sakura looks back to see her mom walking with Starlight somewhere. She doesn't fully understand it, but there's something off about this Starlight Glimmer. Something is a miss, but Sakura can't put her finger on it. In the middle of the park, Twilight and Starlight are sitting at one of the picnic tables so they can talk. Starlight asks, "So Twilight, how was it when your daughter is now competing in the games?" "I do feel glad that my daughter get to participate in the games. At first, I was a little worried on how she will do, but Ace and Eden have helped her practiced. Over time, Sakura has been doing well with her flying and magic," Twilight answers. "Sounds to me that you are lucky to have a special daughter," Starlight replies. Twilight giggles and says, "Well, I'm lucky to have all of my children with me." She sighs sadly and says, "I only wish Seiichiro could be here to see how much our children are growing up, especially Sakura." "Who Seiichiro?" Starlight asks. "He was my husband. You might have heard that over twenty years ago I was sent to another world where I was turned into a human and magic doesn't exist," Twilight explains. Starlight gasps and asks, "You mean like… no magic at all?!" "No. Although people like to make their own magic with high tech stuff. Either way, when Seiichiro found me I was hurt, and he got me to the hospital. Over time, we both fell in love, got married, and have children of our own. Sadly, months after my youngest son was born, he died in an accident and he was trying to save innocent lives at the time." Twilight adds as she begins to shed a few tears. Starlight is also watery too. Starlight wipes a tear from her eyes and says, "I...I had no idea you all went through something like that. I'm… I'm sorry about your husband." "It's okay. It's been hard, but my kids and I were able to get through it," Twilight calmly says. She then smiles and says, "I'm glad that my children were able to be happy here, and they were accepted by everypony." "Sounds nice. I can't believe that Sakura is so different and she is able to win everypony's affections, "Starlight says, seems amazed. "Well, Sakura is different because she's half pony half human, but everypony loves Sakura because of what's in her heart. She's smart, athletic, and a very generous person. She also be able to make great friends with the children of my own 's also Princess Celestia's student just like I was, even though she wasn't expecting it," Twilight says. Starlight sighs, and says, "It sounds very nice. It makes me wish I have a friend like her." Seeing the sad look on her face, Twilight asks, "What do you mean?" "Um, I don't really want to talk about it. It's a long story and…" But before Starlight can say anything else, her head begins to hurt. Her head hurts so much, that she is practically clutching her head with her hooves. Twilight asks in concern, "Are you okay?" "I'm… I'm fine," Starlight struggle answers. Twilight comes over to her, and says, "I can help you get some medicine or maybe a doctor." "No, no, i'm fine. I just… need to get to the hotel I'm staying in," Starlight says feeling pain in her head. She then gets up and says, "Sorry to cut our interview short, but I… I need to get going. Bye!" Starlight then walks away as she holds her head with one of her hooves. Twilight can see that Starlight may need some rest, and can't help but wonder what could be wrong with her. She wonders why she ends up with a sudden headache, and why she gets the feeling that something is wrong. What Twilight is not aware of is that glowing yellow eyes are watching her from a distance. She then begins to follow Starlight back to the room to have a 'little talk' with her.