//------------------------------//
// 18. Test of Strength 
// Story: EqG Tales: G.L.O.W. Edition 
// by Brian Sheil 
//------------------------------//

The sun sets over Canterlot City as a carnival is in town. Rides, food, attractions, and shows get everyone’s attention. Applejack and her family enjoy the festivities.
“Now, ain’t ya glad we came to this carnival?” Granny Smith asked.
“We sure are.” Applejack replied. “This atmosphere is just what we need.”
Big Macintosh agreed. “Eeyup.”
Apple Bloom happily eats a corn dog. “Especially the food.” She wipes some ketchup she drizzled off her face. “We should distribute our own products to a place like this.”
Applejack gave a small smile. “May not be a bad idea.”
The family see a crowd of people watching something fascinating. They soon saw a shocking sight. It turns out to be a big woman with curly brown woman, wearing a black leotard and black boots. She lifts a barbell weighing about 450 pounds.
“That’s Matilda the Hun!” Applejack shouted, recognizing the woman. “This should be interesting.”
“As Big Mac would say,” Apple Bloom added, “Eeyup!”
As Matilda place the barbell down, she has a couple of carnival workers to set up an arm wrestling table. The crowd watches as Matilda has a microphone in her hand. 
“And now, ladies and gentlemen,” Matilda announced, “it’s time for another demonstration of my strength. I am challenging one of you to an arm wrestling contest. No prizes. Just a friendly competition.”
“First time she does anything friendly.” Granny Smith whispered.
Suddenly, the powerhouse looked into Big Mac’s direction. “How about YOU, big boy?”
Big Mac started to get nervous. “M-m-me?”
“Why not? You look like a strong young man.”
The Apple family nodded to Big Macintosh, as he steps up to the table.
“Good luck, Big Mac.” Applejack cheered.
As Big Mac prepares himself, Matilda soon figures out the name called out. “Big Mac, huh? So, you’re part of the well known Apple Family. Ja?”
“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied. “Full name, Big Macintosh.”
“I thought as much.” Matilda said as she gets her arm on the table. “Let’s get it on.”
Big Mac gets his elbow on the table, clasping Matilda’s hand.
“Ready,” One of the workers, acting as a referee, said, “GO!”
Big Mac and Matilda got into the match, each trying to push the other’s hand onto the table. The crowd was cheering for both competitors.
“Come on, Big Mac!” Applejack cheered.
“Show Matilda the Hun your strength!” Granny Smith added.
Big Mac soon gained an advantage as he pushes Matilda’s Hand close to the table.
This boy is stronger than I anticipated. Matilda thought. But, I shall prevail.
Getting her second wind, Matilda starts pushing back. Big Mac struggled, but was eventually overpowered as Matilda pushed his hand to the table. The crowd cheered as Matilda slowly lifted her arm off. Big Mac soon rubbed his arm, relieved that the contest is over.
“The winner is,” the makeshift ref announced, “Matilda the Hun!”
Everybody clapped and cheered as the winner turns to her competition. “Good work, lad. You almost had me.”
The Apple Family watched as Matilda and Big Mac shook hands. Later, the family sat at a picnic table, enjoying the food they got from various stands.
“Are you sure y’all okay?” Apple Bloom wondered.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied, enjoying a hamburger. “My arm maybe sore. But, not broken.”
“Thank goodness.”
Suddenly, Matilda approached the table.
“What brings ya here, Matilda?” Applejack asked.
“Just making sure your sibling is okay, Miss Applejack.” Matilda answered.
“You know of me and my family?”
“Of course. Who doesn’t know about the Apple Family? I would like to visit your home at Sweet Apple Acres.”
“If that’s the case,” Granny Smith said, “we would gladly welcome ya. It’s not often that one of the strongest women from GLOW would visit us.”
Applejack nodded, knowing that Granny is right.
“Before I go,” Matilda said as she pulls out something furry, “say ‘Hello’ to my Fritzy!”
Matilda kisses the furry thing, making the Apple Family uneasy.
“You still carry that dang fox with ya?” Granny Smith asked.
“He’s always by my side in and out of the wrestling ring!” Matilda laughs as she leaves. “Farewell.”
Applejack watches her leave with a small smile. Auf Wedersehen to you too, Fraulein.