Meanwhile, in different quarters of the Canterlot Castle, in the archive room, Twilight along with Spike, Sunset and Felicia were sitting around the library table, being literally surrounded by a mountain of a wide array of books and scrolls, some of the being open as ones lying on the floor, evident that the mares and dragon had been studying for a while in hopes to find some lead or clue in Equestrias history that might give them more info and background about Grogar and the Elementals so it would give the Avengers some aid against the villains. Twilight took a care by listing through various books and scrolls treating about Equestrias ancient history, Spike had his attention fixed on the book treating about magical artefacts, items and gemstones, as Sunset was studying the books of symbols and markings in an attempt to decipher and make a sense of those odd symbol parts puzzle their mysterious cloaked pony left them, yet Felicia though on the other hoof was reading a book who knows about what.
But yet, the heroes didn’t have much luck so far, by finding much anything.
“Got anything, Twilight?” Spike asked as he was studying one of the books, bearings a wavering blank look on his scaly face, evidently failing to find anything useful so far.
“Not much, Spike….” Twilight sighed exasperated with her face tired and slightly frazzled like not sleeping for days, evidently not having much luck either by finding something peculiar. “I have been listing throughout various books treating about Equestrias history, as I managed to find out something about Grogar, the Elementals as well as the Elemental Gem Stones and so called Elemental War, but no matter what I have learned, it just all seems to be the same stuff and all over again.”
“Three thousand years ago, before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, a two royal sisters of Equestria themselves, during so called pre-classical era of Equestrian history, at times of a legendary powerful and wise unicorn wizard Star Swirl the Bearded, the Equestria or so called the “Ponyland” in that era, there was a longstanding period of harmony, peace and welfare among all ponies and others species.”
“However, those moments were no supposed to last for ever, for the ancient forces of evil, old as time itself, hidden from the world had been slumbered for eons. Than at last awakened, those forces emerged from the depths of the earth to plague the Ponyland in its dark and malicious grasp.”
“Therefore, there were four malevolent and evil rulers, a race of incredibly powerful beings, each of them possessing with their own unique abilities and ruling their own domain, so called “Elementals”.”
“Lavan, a cruel and powerhungry lava demon, once ruling a land of volcanos. Squirk, a horrible sea creature, ruling seas, two oceans of Ponyland and everything underwater. And Arabus, a malicious cloud demon and an absolute ruler of the skies, air and storms.”
“Each of these tyrannical rulers posed a very special and incredibly powerful gems, each representing their own elemental power: Fire, Water and Air. Than a longstanding “Elemental War” occurred for many decades between Lavan, Squirk and Arabus. Four sides fighting and struggling for an absolute power and rule over entire Ponyland.”
“However, there was also a powerful empire known as a Tambelon ruled by an evil demonic ram known as Grogar the Necromancer. This malevolent, cruel and ruthless tyrant had his own different intentions aside from the Elemental War. In secrecy, via a powerful mystical bell collar, which proposed him a vast magical abilities beyond of any unicorn pony and matching even a magic of an alicorns, he created his own very special stone in order to control other four elemental stones: The Gem of Darkness. He put all of his cruelty, malevolence and his will to rule the entire Ponyland and all living beings all by himself into that gem. One gem rules them all.”
“However, according to ancient prophecy, the Ponyland was supposed to be saved by a group of mighty heroes. And so it happened that a group of mysterious yet mighty heroes with amazing super powers appeared in Ponyland and engaged into battle with evil.”
“With their combined might, they battled together that darkness of malevolent evil lords, Grogar, Lavan, Squirk and Arabus and the terrible menaces and dangers there were unleashed that threatened the ponies, the other species and the entire world.”
“In order to defeat that evil, each of the heroes must had obtain seven legendary and powerful mystical relics of great power. By the fulfilling their mission they underwent serious danger when they faced Elementals malicious and dangerous minions. However, the brave heroes eventually prevailed.”
“Eventually, the heroes faced the most powerful, malevolent and the worst of all evil lords: Grogar the Necromancer himself in his own domain Tambelon in one last final battle for Ponyland.”
“Later, together with their combined might they eventually defeated the demonic ram as well and they reached a great victory. By that, Grogar was banished into dark dimension known as Shadow World, Tambelon sung into ground, disappearing out of the face of the Ponyland and the other beaten Elementals, Lavan, Squirk and Arabus exhausted from their long time struggle and after a great Elemental War felt into a deep slumber, hidden and locked away from the outside world. And the powerful elemental stones, including Gem of Darkness were lost, scattered throughout the Ponyland and they had never been heard about again.”
“The Ponyland was saved, freed from evil and darkness. The harmony was restored and once again a great era of peace and hope prevailed among ponies and the other species for the next several hundreds of years.”
“But, the rest of it however remains rather bleak and unspecific, not providing enough details or any preserved records to learn more about the history, where did the Elementals come from, the Gem Stones properties or even Grogars himself or his origins or background either, being rather and somehow forgotten in history…..” Twilight lectured, her voice sounding a little sceptical bearing an undercurrent of suspicion about this. “What about you, Spike?”
“If only I could say to have some luck.” Spike sighed slightly dejected. “I looked into various books treating about an array of magical artefacts, items along with rare gemstones as well as taking and listing though the books about gems from Rarity, bud no matter how profoundly I listed through it, there was no mention or lead about so called Elemental Gem Stones that Laven, Squirk and Arabus were using and that Uatu mentioned, including that Grogars Gem of Darkness….Like, somepony would forgotten to mention those on the first place.”
“Sunset? Got anything about those symbols?” Twilight asked by shifting her attention to Sunset who was meanwhile still studying and deciphering those symbol markings by evidently making some progress.
“Well…” Sunset stated as she glanced upon to the book she was studying as well as with the papers of all the strange unique symbol marking parts printed on it lying around. “I have been listing through some books of symbols, ancient markings as well as semiotics to learn something more about the markings that our mysterious cloaked so called ally left us, as I learned that the markings indeed belongs to the same class just like runes from pre-classical era, being usually used in the ancient times for leaving an important message or sing.”
“Have you actually made something out of it, what does it mean?”
“They are peculiar and though depending on interpretation, yet quite understandable for those who knows how to understand and work with semiotics. As I have actually managed to decipher some of the markings transcript.”
“In the ancient times, in the land of Ponyland, by ancient forces of evil being as old as time itself, roaming and threatening the world, yet wherever is life there is hope. On the place….……….. Enter to be a hero and unlock the secrets hidden from world. The evil shall beware, with the forces of good being far stronger and justice shall prevail.”
“That’s all I could decipher so far. The rest however is still yet to be completed, with one more piece of those symbol puzzle is missing in order to make it sense.” Sunset Shimmer declared her progress with her voice being a little tuned down by amazement, still not being much sure about the transcript.
“Sounds like really like some sort of cryptic code alright.” Twilight guessed thoughtfully unable to avert her gaze from a nearly completed symbols like puzzle yet mentally analysing the translated transcript in an attempt to make a proper sense out of it. By concentrating her magic through her horn, Twilight managed to cut or rather literally remove all four symbols right from the papers, glowing with a yellow light as Twilight puzzled them all together with though one more piece missing indeed.
“Or….” Sunset stated thoughtfully as she had her light blue eyes fixed on the magically torn out glowing though incomplete symbol puzzles, checking it carefully. “More like a puzzle, all those symbols could actually takes a form of a sigil to be more precise.”
“A sigil?” Spike murmured not understanding the meaning.
“You see, Spike….” Twilight replied, trying to explain. “In magic and as Princess Luna put it, sigil is term used for various symbols each with magic properties. In the ancient times, the term also referred to a type of pictorial signature of a demon or other entity, like the Elementals, Grogar or those so called “Heroes” for instance, yet in modern era it more likely refers to a symbolic representation of the magicians desired outcome.”
“It is just like Peter put it several times…..” Spike trailed out yet however baby dragon couldn’t finish the statement as suddenly the cracking sound echoed as the door of the archive room opened, prompting everypony and dragon to shift their attention whoever came in, though for their relief as well as for Twilight joy and feeling her heart to warm up by seeing Peter himself entering the room.
“Like what have I put several times, Spike?” Peter asked nonchalantly as he closed the door.
“Peter!” Twilight cheered out as she got up from the table gracefully trotting her way to invite herself with Peter, giving her husband a warm hug and affectionately brushing their muzzles, once again for both Spikes and Felicias quite a disgust, the cat burglar snorting hardly hearable, feeling a bit of jealous. “Have you taken care of all you needed to do?” Twilight asked as she parted from Peter.
“Yeah, honey. It has all worked like a charm.” Peter replied although with a faint hint of sheepishness by also trying to hide a faint blush forming over his cheeks by recalling his little audience moment with Luna, though young stallion tried to push those flustering thoughts out of his mind so he could focus at matters at hoof right now. “Anyway? How about you guys? Haven't you all drowned in the studies?”
“Almost, Peter….Almost….” Spike replied in more sarcastic like manner sighing and glancing upon the mountain of books lying on table as well as around the floor.
“Yeah, I can see that…Ow!” Peter scoffed sarcastically back, only yelping as he earned a sharp bump into his guts from Twilight as young princess shot her knight an annoyed glare.
“Whatever….” Twilight exhaled as she tried to fill her husband in. “We had tried and been listing through lots of books and scrolls treating about the ancient history of Equestria we could find here in the archives as well as some more info about those so called Elemental Gemstones, but unfortunately not having much luck by doing so.” Twilight sighed solemnly and in quite an exasperated like manner as she glanced upon the mountain of books lying on table. “All the date and notes just seems the same all over again, remaining rather unspecific with not much preserved records to give in more info.”
“Not that much, really?” Peter murmured in quite an awe that Twilight, the mare that was usually that much devoted to her studies and rather bookworm or egghead in Peters eyes and usually getting on the bottom of lots of complicated mysteries and puzzlements along with help of Spike, Sunset and Felicia so far could find out just a little info.
“Yet…” Twilights demeanour though lightened up a bit hopefully. “Sunset Shimmer at least managed to decipher some of those symbol puzzle parts that our mysterious cloaked ally pony left us, as it indeed appears to be a sort of cryptic code. Though….More likely sounding like some sort of riddle.”
“Really? Let me see that?” Peter asked curious as he took a look of all assembled yet still incomplete symbol markings puzzle as well as translated transcript from Sunset, studying it carefully.
“In the ancient times, in the land of Ponyland, by ancient forces of evil being as old as time itself, roaming and threatening the world, yet wherever is life there is hope. On the place….……….. Enter to be a hero and unlock the secrets hidden from world. The evil shall beware, with the forces of good being far stronger and justice shall prevail.”
“Sound like a riddle to me.” Spike dully pointed on.
“Mmm…” Peter thought deeply by trying to make a sense out of that riddle or cryptic code, whatever which quite didn’t matter in that while at all. “As much as I see it…..With still one piece of puzzle is missing to complete the puzzle. With the ancient forces of evil arguably regarding the Elementals as Lavan, Squirk and Arabus along with Grogar himself in the ancient times. There is also the mention of hope and indication on some place hiding the secrets from the world, with forces of good and justice prevailing on the end.”
“Like some sort of fairy tale.” Felicia dully added, which though wouldn’t sound that weird at all.
“It would actually make a sense….” Twilight stated by analysing the transcript as well as trying to understand Peters judgement. “In indication on that so-called place, whatever it is, hiding some sort of great secrets, it must be definitely something important. And as I think, could frankly be the key how to learn more about or some sort of force to defeat Grogar and the Elemental actually might be indicating of forces of good and justice prevailing on the end.”
“That make sense….” Peter stated as he agreed with his wifes opinion, massaging the underside of chin thoughtfully.
“Just like and how you Peter put it…” Sunset Shimmer once again indicated where she left off. “Like that mysterious individual really wanted to help us. Using those symbols to guide us on the place via those symbols and show us something there…..” Sunset stated considering, yet the mare still couldn’t help herself but wondering about the so called sigil and the whole meaning of it.
“I agree, Sunset. But, what…..?” Twilight added by empathizing with Sunsets concerns thoughtfully analysing and trying more a better sense of all this mysterious magic stuff.
“But, what or where exactly is that place?” Spike asked as he added more on the mystery.
“Guys. Check this out.” Out of the sudden, Felicia called out by breaking the silence of both mares and dragons contemplating attracting everyponys mutual attention, the azure blue mare with snow white mane was sounding quite promising as evidently something peculiar caught her interest in the opened book she was studying so far.
“What is it, Felicia?” Peter asked, curious what the Cat Burglar have found.
“Have you found anything peculiar.” Twilight asked, also unable to keep up with his curiosity
“Well….” Felicia replied a little sheepishly. “I haven’t exactly found anything more peculiar about the ancient history of Ponyland in that time, those Elemental duds, Grogar the tyrant or those so called “Heroes”, but…...I found some peculiar story about this handsome….” Felicia spoke off as she took the book she was reading and showed it to others, as there was an image of strong yet very elegant stallion knight printed on it. “So called Sir Egamor The Goldenmane.”
Really. The stallion of a very firm and rather muscular physique, as it was actually an unicorn evident by a long horn exposing from his forehead, having a very beautiful long mane and tail of a light orange colour with light yellow streaks as it nearly shined like a real gold itself, a snow white fur, a deep ocean blue eyes shining like a pair of diamonds and having a very peculiar cutie mark on his flank of an emblem of folded orange wings down, an org above it with blue crescent and an orange spot in its centre, having a second pair of blue extended wings on both sides, a bolt rising from the crescent middle and the shining star on top of it.
Yet the stallion was also calved in an armour, quite of a similar design like of Elite Royal Gaurds style, though the armour looked like to be crafted and made of the first class, being very peculiar and stylish nearly shining, indicating and giving away to be a highly ranged knight officer or commander.
“Sir Egamor….” Twilight, Peter and Sunset exclaimed simultaneously gasping in an utter astonishment by hearing the name as they stared at the image of so-called Sir Egamour the Goldenmane on the picture.
“Um? Sir…Ega…Mor…?” Spike however muttered in quite an confusion struggling to speak the name right and not exactly sharing Twilight and Sunsets amazement.
“Sir Egamor The Goldenman.” Twilight corrected Spike by repeating the name right, though earning a rather baffled blank look Spike bore, seemingly not having any idea about so called Sir Egamor at all.
“A Golden Flame of Justice, the protector of innocent a conqueror of evil?” Sunset Shimmer declared more about Sir Egamor as his reputation perceiving him, yet unfortunately it didn’t seem to give Spike any clue at all, as still evidently having no clue with a blank expression on his face intact, blinking dully.
“Have you ever read that book I gave you about “Obscure Unicorn History?” Twilight asked pointing her hoof to Spike yet shooting her number one assistant a stern glare, being quite disappointed that Spike actually had never heard about Sir Egamor on the first place, as he was evidently somepony very important.
“Um…Well…” Spike was stuttering unnervingly feeling the beads of sweat forming over young dragons forehead, feeling somewhat like being about to be executed as Twilight was staring at him intensively.
“I sure do remember reading something about that guy….” Peter though spoke off, knowing it would be better to break the ice. “According the old records, in the ancient times, Sir Egamor was once a chivalrous and powerful knight, who was well known and respected throughout the entire Ponyland as being a national hero in that time.” Peter stated in an attempt to make some light on the subject so Spike could get some idea.
“He wasn’t just any ordinary knight. He was a paladin.” Twilight explained a bit further as young princess actually heard and knew something further about so called Sir Egamor.
“A paladin?” Spike asked by being dumbfounded about the title that was perceiving Sir Egamor.
“A paladin is a term used or awarded to a knight or a champion who accomplished the most peculiar heroic deeds, being renowned for his courage, honour and strong sense of justice. Its actually quite like an equivalent for the title in modern era as Knight of Equestria as Peter aka Spider-Mane is.” Sunset Shimmer explained a little further to Spike, hoping for him to understand.
“As I have said and as Peter also put it….” Twilight went on. “Sir Egamor the Goldenmane, was a chivalrous paladin, a champion and great hero of the kingdom in the ancient times, being renowned for his courage, honour and sense of justice, protecting the Ponyland and its inhabitants from foreign invasion as well as policing it as well, dealing with major threats like opposing tyranny and fighting off evil forces.”
“Like those Elementals or Grogar for instance in that time.” Spike added thoughtfully by giving an example.
“Actually….” Sunset Shimmer went on where Twilight paused, the unicorns voice being filled with amazement and admiration. “The deeds and feats of courage and valour Sir Egamour achieved in his lifetime were of literally legendary proportions, with his honour, moral compass and strong sense of justice giving him the credentials to be one of the greatest heroes in history.”
“Wow!” Spike exhaled in utter amazement by hearing all this. “That guy sure was a hero in his time.”
“Well, I guess he was to be rather a legend itself, Spike.” Peter declared in a way more respectful and rather admirable tone. “Just like back on Earth legendary kings or warriors were, like King Arthur, Saint George, Hercules, Robin Hood or…..Thor the God of Thunder himself for instance.”
“Yet…” Felicia spoke off. “By according this book, there is also the mention of interest, that the Starswirl the Bearded, the greatest magician of his time knew Egamor well, as they were apparently a very close friends and they both also protected the Ponyland together, fighting off evil forces threatening the land as both experienced many adventures being through a lot. They were actually more like a brothers-in-arms.”
“Like Riggs or Roge were in Lethal Weapon franchise?” Peter playfully although more humorously pointed on Lethal Weapon movie, the Mel Gibson and Danny Glover playing the roles of cops, being partners yet eventually becoming the best of friends.
“I have also read about it.” Twilight agreed with Felicias mention about Starswirl the Bearded being associated and friends with Sir Egamor, evidently paying no mind to her knights playful remark. “Yet, there is also a mention in old scrolls that Egamor was also very charming and having a soft spot and affection to mares, as well as being deeply in love with chosen one, being also the maid of honour named Rosanna, both being engaged.”
“Well, he is quite some stallion alright…” Felicia declared by taking a proper look on Sir Egamors image, checking it carefully as the noble and handsome knight was indeed some stallion alright, although the cat burglar huffed slightly contemptuously. “But…Not exactly my type.” Felicia scoffed yet glancing upon Peter, throwing a young stallion a flirty look and winking her eye, making Peter to start feeling sheepish yet Twilight on the other hoof slightly infuriated, with you princess though managing to keep her emotions at check.
“Yet, however.” Sunset then stated the tone of her voice though sounding warily. “According the historical records, once, the Ponyland dealt and was threatened by an invasion of evil demon hordes from Tartatrus itself, as Egamor himself along with Starswirl and Royal Guards army were sent to battle the hordes. The battle was fierce, with lots of pony soldiers perishing during the fight, yet eventually yet for a bloody cost, Sir Egamor, Starswirl along with the rest of surviving Guard members emerged victorious.”
The fiery maned unicorns demeanour then slightly darkened while she kept her interpretation . “The rest of Egamors story and his ultimate fate after that, however, remains though obscure and rather unspecific. Yet there is only mentioned something about tragedy, loss and perdition as Sir Egamor right than by mysterious circumstances and somehow, just disappeared. Like being rather forgotten in time lapse and or more likely shrouded in mystery.”
“Yes. I have also read about Sir Egamors rather vague story, with his end not being that much specific either….” Twilight stated thoughtfully yet inwardly also not feeling quite right about Sir Egamor rather vague and unspecific ending of his story.
“I don’t know you guys. It's all pretty weird.” Peter declared his voice sounded warily and his demeanour darkened with thoughts as all mares and dragons faced the stallion. “I mean….All these missing parts and gaps in history of ancient Equestria, being rather unspecific and not giving in much info or background….It is almost like….”
“Like what, Peter?” Spike asked quite tenaciously.
“Somepony didn’t mentioned that part of history in the records on purpose….Like some sort of conspiracy….” Twilight although completed her husbands suspicion by deducting the entire rather odd case with some missing pieces in Equestrian history with her suspicion gradually increasing yet young alicorn tried to analyse and find a sense of this arguable conspiracy, much for Spikes slight confusion.
“Apparently…..” Felicia right then spoke off. “If it really had been for such a long time, for three thousand years I mean, that most ponies in modern times already and more likely forgot most of the ancient Ponyland history. Or….The records of Grogar, The Elemental and the Elemental War had just been a way too menacing or scary for being documented or to get on public at all. So, the monarchs of that time arguably had just wanted to hush all that stuff up in the matter of state not to rise a panic and maintain the national security.”
Felicias very unique opinion earned a couple of collective gazes of both Twilight and Spike as they both looked at each other like thinking exactly the same. “That’s really some way how to put it, Felicia.”
“That is indeed an extraordinary view at the matter, Sunset…” Twilight acknowledged Sunset thinking in amazement as Spike merely nod his head in approval. “But yet, it is still strange though…..”
“Actually, that wouldn’t be that surprising.” Peter declared as young stallion didn’t appear that much astonished at all. “Back on Earth, as there was a mention of UFO alien ship landing on Earth along with other extraterrestrial matters as US government tried to hush all that stuff up, making a secret from public in order of national security. So, I guess, this just might be similar scenario with Grogar, the Elementals and Elemental war alike.”
“Well…” Sunset Shimmer broke up the silence, with her voice bearing a hint of a slight positivism pointing on the printed symbol puzzles. “At least we got nearly all these marking symbol puzzles assembled as well as being able to learn something more by deciphering them. Yet, there is one more piece of those puzzle missing to complete it, before we find out about the sigil true nature and purpose.”
“Guess it is only up to Mr. Enigma to show up again to leave us that so-called last piece of puzzle for time being then.” Peter proclaimed in quite a submissive, if not even rather defeated like fashion shrugging his shoulders, yet frankly young stallion was quite right as right then there was nothing much for him and his friends not much left to do, by obviously not learning much from most books about the history of ancient Equestria, which details were rather a strangely unspecific, as the Avengers could.
“Guess you are right, Peter. But anyway, it is still strange though…..” Twilight agreed with Peters opinion on the matters, but still young princess couldn’t help but still have her suspicion about this all missing parts, gaps in history and possible hush up of details about the ancient Equestria history.
“I wonder though…..” Peter though murmured, sounding somewhat uncertain if not even rather slightly worried.
“What is it, Peter?” Twilight asked in a little concern with her knights sudden change of mood.
“I wonder how Logan is doing right now?” Hope he didn’t get himself in much trouble.” Peter replied mentioning Logan, the concern for his gruff Canadian friend being vocally present in young stallions voice.
“Oh, come on, Peter. I guess he is probably doing well as ever.” Spike replied and playfully bumping Peters side with his elbow in a more positive like manner, yet inwardly, baby dragon was wondering as well how Logan was doing right now by having his day off.
Back in the Ponyville, the situation in bowling alley so far gained some momentum inside, as the bowling match of the finals started really heating up, with three player teams, one with Letroski teaming up with Walter, Donnie and Logan as their backup player, second with Piny Lane, Sassflash and Strike and third one consisting of Jesus Pezuna, Big Hair and Sea Swirl.
All three teams were playing on the top of their abilities and with a great determination, as they all played, each players were regularly taking their turns with a shorts pauses and finishing ten rounds of the game and having their score nearly perfectly fifty-fifty matched, when it eventually came a time for one final round to play, as the result would ultimately judge about the entire match and decide which team will emerge as a winner.
“Ladies and gentelcoats!” The announcer once again spoke off in microphone. “The match so far has been settled, as all player teams finished up all ten rounds in row with their score being set at nearly perfectly matched, with one last final round remaining. Whatever team manages to strike all remaining pins, wins the game.”
“Yet though…..This should be indeed a very interesting round, as there is a Seven/ten split on Letroskis, Walters, Donnies and Logans side of the foal line. Lets see how they deal with that….” The announcer stated in a way more promising if not even somewhat theatrical tone, as there were truly two remaining pins standing at the end of Letroskis, Walters, Donnies and Logans foal line, standing in a so-called Seven/ten split position, each pin on a different end of lines edges.
“Seven/ten split man. Harshest of the harsh.” Letroski declared addressing Logan slightly waveringly as he took a sip of bear from his can, sitting on a sofa along with Walter and Donnie sitting by his side, yet though surprisingly despite the rather peculiar and complicated situation with their Seven/ten split situation, the stallion remained calm and calculated without losing his cool, not visibly showing any sign of worry or nervousness at all, just like Walter and Donnie seemed that way. “But, if you pick this up, we will win the whole shebang.”
“Ain't worry, bub. We ain't stumbled yet.” Logan stated as the gruff stallion stood in straddled position at the edge of the line and holding this time a blue bowling ball with darkish blue stripes, smirking deviously as like having some sort of daring plane. “I may have a little trick that might surprise ya.”
Taking a couple of steady breaths Logan stared at two split pins at the end of the foal line trying to judge the distance by aiming his ball, concentrating himself before making his final move, taking a couple of sharp steps forward before swinging and throwing the bowling ball on top of his abilities, yet strangely a very well familiar SNIKT sound echoed in the process, as the ball hit and was rolling itself on the line in a full speed.
However, right then something very unexpected and peculiar happened. The ball out of the sudden and literally split itself in half on two pieces while still rolling, much for Letroskis, Walters and Donies along with other players and everypony spectators present in the bowling alley utters awe and amazement.
Logan, by taking a momentum before sharply throwing the bowling ball, the X-Men swiftly drew his central adamantium claw out of his hoof and slicing the ball in the process in a full speed as he threw it, yet as well as again just as fast managing to sheath his claw back without anypony seeing or realizing it. Logan though knew it might be a risk to attract everyponys attention and to give himself out, yet however, with his naturally enhanced combat speed and reflexes, the X-Men was convinced that he just could manage to make his little trick without arousing any suspicion or attention, as he evidently did.
The split bowling ball pieces were both kept rolling on foal line although taking a somewhat wavering momentum, before though and eventually both pieces hit and stroke both split pins each, as everypony around who witnessed the phenomenon burst into a simultaneous gasps of awe and amazements.
“Wow! We haven’t definitely seen that move coming!” The spectator declared, though his amplified voice via microphone sounded wavering, being filled both awe and astonishment alike about a very peculiar and unusual move that Logan had just performed to strike both split pins, as the gruff stallion eventually won the entire game for his team.
“Wow….” Letroski mumbled incoherently, unable to supress is astonishment and still unable to believe what he had just witnessed, with traces of drool escaping from stallions mouth. “I just mean….Wow….”
“Close that mouth, bub. Yer droolin'.” Logan chuckled by the looks of Letroskis hilarious facial expression.
However, Pinny Lane who couldn’t stop wondering, by using her telekinesis via her horn the mare bowler levitated both parts of split bowling ball out of the pit closer so she could check it out along with other bowler players came closer to take a proper look. “The ball….” Pinny Lane murmured as she checked the bowling ball that was literally cut in half, much for everyponys around mutual ever-lasting awe. “Its….Its literally sliced in half…..”
“Logan….” Letroski, who already recollected some of his senses murmured as he edged closer to see the bowling ball sliced in half, which apparently was Logans doing, yet the stallion failed to understand how and why. “How did you do that, man?”
“My little secret.” Logan however replied in a rather simple and modest manner, better not want to go on with the subject. “Though, I haven’t compromised the game by doing so?”
“Lets just hear that verdict, man…” Letroski though by recuperating himself from his awe scoffed and shrugged his shoulders in a way more lighthearted manner evident as his usual easygoing nature returning, seemingly oblivious about the final verdict of consequences.
“Ladies and gentlecoats!” The announcer in the microphone proclaimed, the tone of his voice though sounded a way more excited and cheerful. “The winners of this match are Letroski, Walter, Donny and Logan! In an addition for Logan performing an unexpected yet peculiar move, that would surely be a bit unorthodox yet nonetheless quite original, winning the round for his team!”
“Whut….?” Logan grumbled slightly in awe and disbelief only for everypony spectators that watched the entire match till the end burst into simultaneous applause, stomping their hooves into floor cheering out aloud, as well as other bowler ponies around also started cheering out for Letroski, Walter, Donny and Logan victory being the winners, not obviously minding at all or being envious in the slightest for loosing at all, knowing it was all just a game after all.
“Congratulations, Logan! How do you feel, man?” Letroski cheered out and congratulating Logan for a great job done as both Walter and Donny joined Letroskis and Logans side, both stallions though with an exception of Donny, Walter as usually grim and stone faced stallion bore a happy and cheerful look on his face.
“Hurm….” Logan murmured quite sheepishly not quite knowing what to say, yet as he saw all those ponies around him cheering out in applause for him, with cheers of praising and appreciation filled the gruff stallions ears along with these three stallions, Letroski, Walter and Donnie, though being a stranger and hardly knowing each other, yet the stallions treated Logan with respect like he would be one of them, a strange yet a very familiar sensation started echoing within Logans chest, also feeling the same strange tingling like feeling of joy and happiness, as the X-Men somewhat couldn’t help and like against his will actually enjoying this one moment among ponies.
“I am proud of myself….” Logan finally replied, although still sounding a little sheepish and indecisively yet the X-Men tried to recollect his stoic and no-nonsense demeanour when an idea came into the gruff stallions mind. “But anyway…..Whut exactly have we been playin' fer?”
“Just wait for it, man….” Letroski chuckled in response, assuming the prize would be something promising.
“The winners, Letroski, Walter, Donny and Logan now receive the first prize for the match! Golden First Prize ribbon along with a year fruit vitamin drinks collection!” The announcer announced in microphone.
“So, Logan, what do you think, man?” Letroski chuckled nonchalantly, as the announcers assistant mare being stylishly dressed in a white sleeveless shirt with yellow tie tied around her neck carried a small table trolley, as there much for Logans awe was a big plate on it with a wide array of white big bottle like cans, each with colourful images of fruit on it, indicating that the drinks indeed were some sort of vitamin drinks composed of various kinds of fruit, yet there was also a medium sized golden prize medal with a number one insignia on it, decorated with a pair of elegant blue ribbons.
“Ain't git me wrong, bub, but…..” Logan muttered to be a slightly confused and failing to comprehend the sense of the so called first prize for finning the match. “All this hard work just fer such a trinket and a drink?”
“Sure, why not man?” Letroski simply replied not being seemingly offended by Logans rather offhanded reaction. “Yet, they are not just like any drinks. They are special type yoghurt mixtures, good for cleaning up stomach and good for digestion as well as boosting immune system. Besides….We all came here to roll so we have some fun and hanging out with everypony, as bowling is not much about winning at all, but rather taking a part on it instead. It is all just the game as it is.”
Letroskis words, although were sounding simple yet on the other hoof also bore a ton of meaning, quite stunning Logan a bit by doing so, as Letroski was actually quite right, as all the ponies around present in the bowling alley all came to bowling for fun and hang out with each other more than actually winning any competition or getting the prize, which evidently and moreover was also Logans intention at all on the first place, coming to bowl only for fun and enjoy his day off, or at least trying to do so.
“If ya say so, bub…..” Logan replied in a slight indifferent manner, shrugging his shoulders not intenting to mistreat Letroskis judgement yet on the other hoof frankly respecting the stallions words, although nonetheless, the gruff stallion couldn’t stop wondering and still not knowing what to think about first prize consisting of fruit drinks and one golden trinket at all. However, by trying to come up with something else, Logan felt his throat getting dry after that bowling match. “Hurm, I need a drink.”
And just like reading the X-Mens mind, Letroski reached out into the cooling box as he pulled out another can of bear and casually tossing it over Logan who managed to caught the drink with a way better skill by finally getting a better grip how to use his hooves, opening the cans opener with foam coming out.
Yet before the X-Men could take a sip of the beverage, Letroski though was about to make a declaration. “I would like to toast to us, the bowlers of the year…..And you too Logan. The best pony I had ever met.” Letroski declared in way more festive tone holding his own can of bear along with Walter and Donnie, prompting Logan to have a drink with them to cheer their victory, as everypony along with other pony bowlers started hanging out with each other, chatting and evidently having a good time of their own after the match. “Cheers!” Letroski, Walter and Donny cheered out simultaneously as they were expecting Logan to toast with them.
“Cheers.” Logan though hesitating for a second, he eventually just cheered with Letroski, Walter and Donny, tapping their cans together, although not so much excited as his companions were, yet nonetheless the gruff stallion couldn’t help but somewhat growing attached to those three stallions by enjoying their company even further as Logan as well as Letroski, Walter and Donny instantly took a couple of gulps drinking the bear, before finishing off the entire cans.
Yet naturally, that wouldn’t be typical Logan finishing his drink without making a trademark or in some cases rather disgusting burp in the process. “Nice one, man.” Letroski chuckled, once again complimenting Logans effort although somepony around didn’t quite shared the stallions enthusiasm as some of ponies stared at Logan with unfortunate and rather disgusted looks.
However, by having a good time, hanging out with his newly found companions and being fully concentrated and on the bowling match, Logan quite lost track about time, as right then the X-Men glanced upon a clock on the wall with his brow slightly widening in an realization, as well as glancing out of the window with twilight was apparently and already falling, it was getting late.
“Oh crap! Look at th' time.” Logan grumbled in a slight shock, realizing that he had stayed a way too long, judging that it would be the better for him to be on his way home, so Parker, Sparkle, Spike and otherpony wouldn’t be worried. “Well….It has been fun, guys. But I really git ta be goin' now.” Logan said goodbye to Letroski, Walter and Donny and being on his way to the exit.
“Wait as second, man.” Letroski though called out stopping Logan in his tracks. “You just wanna to leave just like that, without taking some of the credits?
Although being quite stunned by Letroskis offer, realizing the stallion mentioned some of the first prize they all had just won like the fruit drink collection or first prize medal ribbon, Logan although snorted lightly. “I ain't need anythin', bub. I have always been way more fer a beer and besides, whut am I supposed ta do with th' trinket like that. Keep it.” Logan politely, or at least pretending so declined Letroskis offer to take something from the prize.
“Well. Logan….” Letroski murmured in awe. “We are truly thrilled by your modesty, man…..But, you can't leave with empty hooves just like that…..” Letroski insisted, feeling astonished by Logans modesty and rather odd attitude not to take much credits, yet insisting for giving Logan some gift with an idea sparkled within stallions head as Letroski reached out into his bowling ball bag and pulled out a very peculiar bowling ball of a very pure emerald colour, bearing a mixture of light aquamarine and pale yellow colour shade rays paintings all over the ball, making it rather very unique and pretty.
“I will give you this bowling ball of mine. It is the prettiest one of our collection.” Letroski proudly declared as he offered a very pretty looking bowling ball to Logan as a gift.
“It’s a nice one…..” Logan got to admit as he stared at the emerald coloured bowling ball in awe and admiration of its beauty, yet with his rather sceptical side taking over and somehow Logan felt that he just couldn’t accept it just like that. “But seriously, I just cant accept it. Really, its yours….”
“Oh, just take it, man. It is just a bowling ball. There are just plenty of them coming from.” Letroski retorted back half quite serious yet also with the same happy go lucky attitude, prompting Logan not to be ashamed of taking the ball. “And besides, a good bowler isn’t judged by a pretty fancy ball, but rather by the attitude and the skill he got. Or do you think, that by doing otherwise, the bowling wouldn’t be soon played at all?”
“If ya insists so, bub…..” Logan murmured by analysing and trying to get the sense out of Letroskis words, as the stallion was apparently quite right as well as both Walter and Donny merely nod their heads in agreement with Letroskis statement, and although still hesitating a bit, Logan just couldn’t help himself but eventually accepting the bowling ball from Letroski as a gift along with the bag. “Thanks….” Logan thanked in a somewhat sheepish yet honest manner while putting the ball into the bag and throwing it over his back
“Hey, Logan.” Letroski though once again addressed Logan before he could leave. “If you would ever want to hang out sometime or need something, just call or come to us anytime.” Letroski chuckled as Walter and Donne were watching with serene and honest looks as Letroski playfully punched Logans shoulder.
“I will keep that on mind….” Logan replied somewhat sheepishly yet the gruff stallion decided to humour Letroski back and he punched the stallion into his shoulder in return, though unfortunately with a little greater force causing Letroski to flinch a bit. “Geez. You really got the steam, man.” Letroski jerked out as he was cringing and caressing his throbbing shoulder, but surprisingly, he didn’t seem to be upset at all managing an honest smile.
Denying a ghost of yet a honest smile of his own, grinning in response, Logan departed from Letroski, Walter and Donny as he made his way out of the bowling alley.
However, as Logan was on his way home, with a bowling ball gift from Letroski as a gift, the gruff stallion was once again brooding in his thoughts, trying to register and comprehend what had just transpired today, going to bowling alley to roll so he could enjoy his day off, meeting up and actually making a new fried ponies Letroski, Walter and Donnie, playing along with them and even winning the bowling match, earning the respect from his newly gained “friends” as well as just like that receiving a gift as a sign of friendship.
“Okay….That was quite weird….” Logan grumbled himself inwardly, brooding in his thoughts, still failing to believe and comprehend what had just happened today. Yet although his cynical side being slightly present, the X-Men somewhat managed to tune it down, somewhat feeling pleased or rather really happy for today, while nonchalantly trotting his way back home.
To be continued……