(So this is another idea that I had floating in my head, and it is probably VERY cliche, but please work with me. I'm not a strong writer, and this is still very new to me. But please try to enjoy this, because I had fun writing this first chapter!)
*Nine years ago*
"Holy shit!!!", I screamed as I ran toward the limp body of my teammate. The last game of our sophomore year, utterly the worst day of my life. I arrived next to my best friend and just collapsed to my knees. I threw off my helmet and screamed for help, and was soon joined by my coaches and and his parents. Why did he step in front of that shot? Why couldn't he just leave it to the goalie? Why did he have to be a damn hero? In one second I lost my best friend in the world, the guy who was practically a brother to me. It seemed like an eternity before the trainer rushed onto the field, and it took my teams first and second line defenders to pull me away as he shook his head, and announced that his heart had stopped beating. I couldn't fucking believe it, he was gone. The guy who stood like an immortal in my world, was dead. My best memories had been with Slim "180" Harrow, the first time I ever smoked a cigar, first joint, and hell he was the only one I told that I had slept with my mare-friend. Harrow wasn't just a teammate, or a best friend, he was family. Although we looked nothing alike, I being eastern lands and him being a native of Equestria, and honestly we didn't always get along, but he was truly, and utterly my brother.
*Present day Ponyville, Theta's Lax*
It was another slow day, and in all honesty, I didn't mind the lack of business. It had been almost a year since I relocated my shop and life to Ponyville. Although it took most of the winter to cut down, and form the lacrosse sticks, and another two months to make the leather and string them, so overall I spent around five months to fill my inventory. However lacrosse wasn't a large sport around here, and unfortunately there was a decline in the sports growth. It was hard advertising a sport only two or three ponies had actually heard of, and the fact that I wasn't the best speaker made it worse. The only time I ever got loud and could actually articulate my thoughts into words was on the field, and it had been a few years since I played an actual game. Today was the ninth year since I last saw Slim, alive that is. It was a little after noon, and I decided to sneak out the chest I kept under the front desk. The large wooden container held his signature stick, along with his jersey, a list of tips on how to string a stick, and...and the our first team picture.
"Uhhh, howdy? You there partner?", a southern accent rang into my ears.
"Oh, hi there. Is there anything you need help with today?", I responded, quickly shoving the picture back into the chest.
"No, just lookin around. Ah was just wonderin', what in the hay is lacrosse?", the blonde haired mare asked in a quizzical voice.
"Lacrosse is a sport that was started by the native people of Equestria, and was first seen by earth settlers. To the natives, lacrosse or tewaaraton, was both a way to become closer with him in the sky, and practice war. Honestly, you'd have to see a game to really understand it, but today's field lacrosse has ten players on the field from both teams. One goalie, three attack, defense, and midfielders. However you also have the designated "x" on attack, crease defender, FOGO(Face Off, Get Off), and LSM(Long Stick Middie). The object is like every other sport, score more points than the other team.", I said in a giddy manner. Talking about lacrosse always made me happy, and it made me happier when somepony else asked me about it,"And yeah that's basically it, anything else you want to know?"
"Hmmm, well my friends and Ah would love to learn about it, and I need to prove us earth folk are twice as sporty as them pegasus! So if it wouldn't be a bother could you maybe teach us, and allow us to borrow the necessary gear?", She asked.
"Well, I usually don't let others just borrow my gear, but for a pretty mare like you, how could I say no.", I hesitantly replied. There was something about this mare that was just...different. Not bad different, but something set her apart from the others I had met in Ponyville. And it was true, my gear was for sale, not to borrow. But I couldn't resist to give in to such beauty.
"How about later today, say 5 O'Clock? That is if it ain't too much of a problem for you...uhh sugarcube, what did ya say your name was?"
"My names Theta Gait, and yours? I'm sorry about my manners its just that I preoccupied when you came in."
"Howdy Theta, mah names AppleJack!"
"Wait, you're THE AppleJack? Element of Honesty?", it hadn't clicked, mainly because I wasn't all there, and when i looked up i was entranced by her emerald green eyes.
"Well Ah dont like ta toot mah own horn, but yes Ah'm that AppleJack.", she replied modestly.
"Oh, and Five is great for me, how many ponies will be there?" I asked blandly.
"Well lets see...Ah'd say ten ponies. That wont be a problem will it?"
"Not at all, however we might have to run Brave Hearts to determine anything." I said with a chuckle.
"Whatever that means, and thank ya kindly for doin this on such short notice, and if y'all ever need anything apple related, don't hesitate to visit Sweet Apple Acres.", the mare blushed saying this, and I couldn't wait until five.