//------------------------------// // Chapter 96- Striking Action Pt.3 // Story: Reformed Unicorn Group Podcast // by Quoterific //------------------------------// “Welcome back to another day of sports at the Equestria Games,” Sunset welcomed every listener to the city of Manehattan, “We are partnered with Good Morning Equestria so that you don’t miss a single bit of action, and today, I am joined by the one and only Pinkie Pie, along with her sister Marble Pie.” Pinkie was practically buzzing in her seat, though Marble just gave a small wave. “Thanks, Sunset,” Pinkie answered with her usual large smile, “And goodness what a day of sports we have in store today. we are at a different small arena in Manhattan today as we talk about fencing.” “I’m part of a fencing club at Canterlot High,” Sunset chuckled at Pinkie’s enthusiasm, “Though Applejack may have got the wrong idea of the type of fencing when we did our club president photos.” Marble actually gave a small snicker at what Sunset was implying. “So since you are so knowledgeable at fencing,” Pinkie suggested, “Why don’t you tell us the rules of the sport we are about to see?” “Fencing is only ever contested one against one, although team events exist. The most important piece of equipment is of course the weapon itself,” Sunset explained. Marble passed around the three swords so Pinkie and herself could see them. “These are from the club that I borrowed to show you,” Sunset carried on explaining, “There are three kinds: the epée is the heaviest sword, the foil is a lighter thrusting weapon, and the sabre is a cutting and thrusting weapon derived from the cavalry sword, the type you can see in Canterlot’s armoury display.” “Shiny and pointy,” Pinkie said as she played around with a sword a bit to playfully, much to Sunset’s and Marble’s horror. Sunset was quick to return them with her magic, much to Marble’s appreciation. “In order to register the scores, players’ swords are magically sensitive to the suits that they wear. The judges therefore have to be unicorns that pick up the signals and score where the opponent manages to get the other’s body. The best scores come from targeting the flank, back or neck depending on what sword is used,” Sunset quickly explained. “Why thank you for the round up on the background and rules, Sunset,” Pinkie rounded up, “That was a really good explanation of the sport. Marble, why don’t we see who is against who?” Marble nodded and passed a scroll with all the competing teams. “This is a knockout. Each round will take three minutes, which is how long they must strike at the opponent,” Sunset explained as she looked down at the list: 1. Canterlot vs. Appleloosa 2. Rainbow Falls vs. Stratusburg 3. Chicoltgo vs. Horsolulu 4. Shire Lanka vs. Applewood “Quite the list of competing cities,” Sunset scrolled down the list, “The winner after three minutes will progress onto the next round is the winner the other match. It will continue upwards until the two best out of the following cities will go head to head in a final match. Scores will decide who will be placed first, second and third.” “Any players we should look out for?” Pinkie asked Sunset, who looked onto the stadium. “Canterlot has a long history of chivalry and swords, with many young guards taking up fencing as a past time and became athletes. Rainbow Falls, though famous for their traders exchange, are well rehearsed in fencing as well, so they will be Canterlot’s main rival in this.” “Well, we wish every city competing here the best of luck, as it’s time for the fencing to begin,” Pinkie said to the listeners as the hosts turned their attention to the to area where the opponents met at the middle to bow and present their swords to each other and referees. A timer was seen at the centre of the arena and the players took their positions. At the sound of the horn, the fencing commenced. “Canterlot are absolutely amazing with their sword skills as you said,” Pinkie looked down in excitement, “They target the opponent’s body with precision and swift skills with their sword there. Appleloosa sems to be doing little damage there.” “Turning our attention to the other matches, Rainbow Falls seems to have the upper-hoof against Stratusburg. It’s Horsolulu that seems to be getting the better of Chicoltgo, and Shire Lanka is showing Applewood how it’s really done.” Sunset continued. Marble was looking down with fascination, practically at the edge of her seat, looking at the matches in fascination. Then three minutes counted down to zero. The referees tallied the scores and pointed a hoof at the winner of the round. There was an applause as the winners of the matches were announced. “So the next round will be Canterlot against Rainbow Falls, and Horsolulu against Shire Lanka,” Sunset announced to their followers. The players bowed in respect and the losing player left the area, leaving to the winner of the other match to join. Three minutes were again set to a countdown as both players bowed and began to play it out, touching their opponent’s body in swift movements with their sword. “You can feel the tension in the room now,” Sunset admired, “They know what’s at stake here to get into the final. It all rests on hitting the right targets, and patience in waiting for the time to strike.” “You really know your fencing,” Pinkie complimented, “And it seems that Canterlot is the better of Rainbow Falls, and Shire Lanka being the better player of Horsolulu. It all depends on seeing who will be on top now as the final seconds clock down. Who knew three minutes can seem so long. I think Rainbow Dash can’t handle witing that long. That could be the next triple pony dare!” “What is a triple pony dare?” Sunset asked Marble, who shrugged and shook her head. It was then that the clock gave a ring to indicate that the time was up. It was Canterlot again that was victorious over Rainbow Falls, and Shire Lanka for the final match. Both players met at the final stage, bowed for a final time and went ahead with the match ticking down. Both players gave it their all, duelling with precision only a master fencer could do. Hits and misses were taken left, right and centre as they hit back and forth. The referee was on standby, using her magic to get an accurate reading of the hit targets. Soon, the final ticked away to zero, a final ring rang out around the arena. “The winner of the match is Canterlot!” The referee called out, earning a cheer from the audience, “Second place goes to Shire Lanka, and according to the scores of the previous match, Rainbow Falls takes the bronze!” “There you go, listeners. we have a winner from this Game’s fencing. A big congratulation for those in Canterlot for winner their first gold medal of the Games!” “That was a fun-tacular match!” Pinkie jumped in her seat, Marble simply giggling at her sister’s antics, “Hope you enjoyed the games as much as we did. That is all from the R.U.G. and G.M.E for now. Be sure to tune in next time for more sporting action!”