The day had come.
Alex woke up; he had a good night of sleep. He took a shower and got ready to leave. He wanted Fluttershy to come with him so he went to her room for her, when he arrived she gave him a warm hug and a kiss.
Both of them were a little hungry so they went to the kitchen where they met Rarity.
“Good morning guys! Are you ready for an awesome day Alex?”
“Yeas ma’am!”
The rest of the gang gathered in the kitchen so they could enjoy a delicious breakfast together. After a while, the Princesses came to the kitchen.
“Hello my little ponies! Human and dragon – Princess Luna said - I hope you are all excited and ready for a great day!”
All of them nodded.
“Alex, I’m looking forward to see you in action. I’ll be cheering for you and Rainbow Dash”
“Thanks Luna! - Alex replied - I promise you we will do our best, right Dashie?”
“You bet Alex!”
“Now if you excuse me, I have to go to the train station to pick up Proud Hammer. Anypony wants to come with me?” – Alex asked.
Fluttershy, Spike and the CMC volunteered; Alex decided to go as a Pony so he put on his Metapendant. This was because he wasn’t in the mood to deal with other’s curiosity.
The group left the Palace. Fluttershy was walking next to him while he carried Sweetie Bell on his back. They had to wait for a few minutes at the train station for the Train to arrive; when it did, Proud Hammer was warmly welcomed by his good friend Alex.
“Howdy kiddo, been a while!”
“How are you old pony?!”
“It’s so nice to see you again!” - Proud Hammer noticed the way Alex and Fluttershy were too close together - “I see you two have finally realized you look good together!”
The whole group started their way back to the Palace where Proud Hammer was welcomed by the Royal Guard. Rainbow Dash had the opportunity to thank him for the armor and weapons he crafted for her.
“Guys, can you please come with me for a second?” - Lyra needed to speak to Alex, Rainbow Dash and Proud Hammer. She took them to a private room in the Palace so they could have a private conversation.
“Alexis, when you managed to qualify for the finals, I noticed something.”
“What was it Lyra?” – Alex asked a little worried.
“Neither of you have faced a Minotaur, right?”
Alex and Rainbow Dash looked at each other – “No.” – it was a short but sincere answer.
Lyra’s expression changed a little - “I can see you think it is not a big deal, but let me tell you it is. Proud Hammer, would you please?”
Proud Hammer nodded and got between the three of them – “You see kiddo, your friend Spike faced a young Minotaur yesterday, I believe you noticed how he matched and even surpassed your friend’s strength, he surpassed a DRAGON’S Strength! Even though he was a youngling, I know you noticed he was as strong as you or maybe even stronger. So now think for a second, if he is that strong, how much an adult Minotaur could be?”
“I get it!” – Rainbow Dash said.
Proud Hammer smiled – “Let me show you something” - He then levitated a box and placed it in front of Alex and Rainbow Dash.
“That’s why I brought you these! Lyra asked me to craft them just in case you needed them. It took me all night, but I must say it was worth it.”
Alex and Rainbow Dash opened the box and saw what was inside. Their faces were a little disappointed.
“Proud, I’m really grateful and all – Alex said - but in case you didn’t know, I have a decent amount of copies of these already and they are in good shape.”
“Me too! – Rainbow Dash was a little confused – What is this for?”
Proud Hammer looked inside the box too - “I know they might look the same as the ones you have but trust me! Alex, grab one.”
He took off his Metapendant and turned back into a human. He reached for one of the things inside the box.
“Wow! It’s…”
-----
Once they were ready, everypony started their way to the Coliseum, Alex and Rainbow Dash were carrying their gifts inside their saddle bags. The human turned to Proud Hammer who was trotting next to him.
“Once again, thank you for being my coach! This was something I could not ask Zecora or Lyra to do for me, and Fluttershy was definitely out of the question.”
“No problem kiddo, I want to thank you too for giving me this chance! I must admit I’m excited about it. Being able to be inside the Arena is something I’ve never dreamed of!” – They both shared a laugh.
Applejack met them as soon as they arrived to the Coliseum – “Are you ready to do this Rainbow?!” – She asked.
Alex turned to Rainbow Dash who was hugging her friend.
“So you had this planned! Nice to see you Applejack, or should I just call you COACH?”
Rainbow Dash laughed after hearing this - “Yeah, after thinking about it for a long while, I decided she was the best choice!”
“Agree – Alex answered - I honestly can’t imagine Rarity or Fluttershy being next to you inside the Arena, it actually gives me the shivers!”
The two competitors and their coaches went together to the Light Room in order to copy their weapons and the new gifts.
“Proud – Alex asked - this is little heavy; Do you think it will be necessary?”
“Just use them in case you face a Minotaur.” – The old pony answered.
“Ok.”
After they finished putting their gear on, they heard the announcer calling all the competitors and coaches to the Arena. The place was full. It seemed as if every creature in Equestria was inside the Coliseum, chanting the names of their favorite warriors. Alex looked around and noticed the rest of the competitors, and some well known faces among them:
Maximus Heart, Tyras and Zaxel – “This is beautiful, really beautiful…” – He said to himself.
“Alex, I’m glad you came!” – Zaxel shouted.
“Yep, I’m here and I am ready for everything!”
“Glad to hear that!” – The Zebra replied.
Alex walked towards Zaxel - “Let me introduce you to my friends, Rainbow dash, Applejack and my coach, Proud Hammer!” Zaxel greeted them with enthusiasm.
Suddenly, the crowd went silent. The princesses had arrived to the Arena.
Celestia was the one to welcome the crowd.
“CITIZENS OF EQUESTRIA AND FELLOW GUESTS. AFTER THE INCREDIBLE YOUTH TOURNAMENT WE HAD YESTERDAY, IT’S TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT!
THE COLISSEUM TOURNAMENT FINALS!”.
“THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE! NOW, WE WILL DECIDE WHICH FIGHTERS WILL COMPETE FIRST. COMPETITORS PLEASE, AS WE CALL YOU, COME AND TAKE A RANDOM NUMBER.”
“Maximus Heart! – The Horse walked past Alex, ignoring the human completely. He got his number - “I got number 5!”
“Rainbow Dash!” - “I got Number 1”
“The defending champion, Bright Courage!” – “Number 3.”
“Zaxel” – “Gee, I got number 7”
“Tyras!” – The Griffin extended her claw and picked a random number. After staring at it for a second, she turned around and showed the piece of paper to Rainbow Dash.
“I got Number 2, I’ll show you no mercy little Pegasus!”
“I don’t need it – Rainbow Dash replied - you are going down today!”
The crowd started cheering for them. It was certain that they would have a great match.
“Alex, the human!”
He put his hand inside the box and grabbed his piece of paper - “I got number…, Hehehe! I got number 6!”
“You are really out of luck maggot! – Maximus Heart said – I will crush you!”
“We’ll see that!” – Alex answered.
“Next, Quartz Light!” - A Cristal Pony took his number.
He was excited - “Oh boy! I got number 4, I’m fighting the champion, and I’m fighting a Legend!”
“So that leaves number 8 to Iron Horn the Minotaur!” – Princes Celestia said. She then turned to the crowd:
“WE HAVE THE ORDER OF OUR FIRST MATCHES AND IT WILL BE LIKE THIS!”
“MATCH NUMBER ONE, RAINBOW DASH VERSUS TYRAS!”
“MATCH NUMBER TWO, BRIGHT COURAGE VS QUARTZ LIGHT”
“MATCH NUMBER THREE, MAXIMUS HEART VS ALEX THE HUMAN”
“YEAH! Go Maximus!” - The horses cheered - “Kick that freak’s ass Maximus!”
“AND FINALLY, ZAXEL VS IRON HORN!”
“EVERYTHING IS SET, IN FIFTEEN MINUTES, THE FINALS WILL BEGIN. WARRIORS, GO AND GET READY!”
Rainbow Dash was already warming up; Alex, Applejack and Proud hammer were watching her.
“Easy Rainbow – He said - you’ll need your energy for the fight you know.”
“I know Alex, don’t worry, I have plenty. I’m just focusing in kicking Tyras’ butt. I really don’t like her!”
On the other side of the Arena, Maximus Heart and Tyras were having a conversation.
“That freaking Pegasus is going down today!” – Tyras said.
“I agree with you my friend – Maximus replied - too bad after you finish her, you’ll have to face the Champion, don’t get me wrong dear but there is no way you can defeat Bright Courage!”
“I don’t care about this tournament anymore, and I’m not afraid about that old timer. If I have to face him he is going down too, but for now, I only want to make sure these two get broken!” – Tyras said aloud. Making sure Alex, Rainbow Dash and their coaches could hear her.
Applejack wanted to say something but Alex stopped her – “Please Applejack, just ignore them!”
After a few minutes, Rainbow Dash and Tyras were called to the Arena. Ponies and Griffins inside the Coliseum were chanting their names. Rainbow Dash started flying and landed in the middle of the Arena making her Sonic Rainboom. It was an incredible entrance, the crowd cheered even higher. Alex had to admit it, she was something else; maybe the second most incredible Pegasus in the world for it was obvious who was in the first place for him. Tyras made her entrance too, as Rainbow Dash did; she flew to the middle of the arena so fast making a sonic boom of her own which even impressed Rainbow Dash.
“You see Loser! Whatever you do, I can do it better – Tyras said – do you think I became Captain of the Royal Griffin Guard just because of my beauty? You are so out of my league!”
“Whatever you say!” – Rainbow Dash replied.
Princess Celestia and Luna were the ones to cast the Faker Barrier Spell. This time the Barrier was higher than normal so the competitors could fly freely inside it. As with the previous matches, the number one hundred appeared over the competitors head.
The referee got in the middle of the Arena.
“Competitors, you already know the rules. Give the crowd a match they won’t forget in ages. Now, FIGHT!”
Tyras the Griffin drew her two swords and readied herself to attack.
“Being able to use those claws as if they were hands will be problematic.” – Alex said to Proud Hammer – “Boy, I thought you had more faith in my armors?”
“What do you mean?” – Alex asked.
“I’ve always liked your hidden blades, their design is incredible. Unfortunately, I never managed to make it work for somepony without having to use magic or hands to make the blade come out. So I heard about that Pony that fought against Spike and how her spiked armor worked. You’ll have to see what my armor can do.”
Alex turned to Rainbow Dash, who slammed her front hooves together activating the armor mechanism. Making the blades inside her armor come out. She was ready to fight – “That’s really impressive!” – Alex said – “Thank you kiddo, now let’s focus on watching her match.” – The pony replied.
Tyras was the one to attack first; she jumped towards the Pony who did the exact same move. Swords and blades clashed mid-air; both fighters were amazing, their movements were so fast it was difficult for the untrained eye to keep up with them.
The Griffin knew this was no regular opponent so she started flying as high as the Barrier allowed her to. Storm clouds started gathering around her – “You see, I have some special techniques I want to show you!” – The Griffin said.
Rainbow Dash looked closer; she saw how the Griffin was using her wings to gather the moisture inside the barrier to form these clouds. It was fast, as soon as she realized, there was a big cloud on the higher part of the Barrier.
“Ready?” – The Griffin pointed her sword towards the cloud and pressed a button on its grip. It sent an electric charge turning it into a storm cloud.
“I’ll show you why I am the leader of the Royal Griffin Guard!” – She screamed.
Lightning bolts stroke her sword as if it was a lightning rod. Then she pointed it at Rainbow Dash – “Now LOSE!”
A lightning bolt was sent from the tip of her sword at Rainbow Dash who barely dodged it. The crowd went wild.
“Really? Do you think you can hit me with those Tyras? I’m really disappointed!”
Tyras smirked and sent another lightning bolt at her, Dash dodged it but this one hit the ground at a few meters from Applejack.
“Hey! What was that?” – Rainbow Dash asked. She was worried for her friend.
“It was a gift for you, but you dodge it. It is not my fault if your little friend gets hit by it…”
Tyras sent another one, Rainbow Dash dodged it but it hit the ground even closer to Applejack, she even had to jump aside this time to avoid getting hit.
“Are you okay Applejack?” – Rainbow Dash asked, she was worried for her friend. And without realizing she turned her back on Tyras.
“Don’t worry about me! I can take care of myself.”
“I know but… - Rainbow Dash was barely able to turn around and block his opponent’s attack with her blades. Unfortunately, the speed at which Tyras flew at her and the strength she used on that attack was enough to break Rainbow blades and knock her off balance and then Tyras started a brutal attack against Rainbow Dash, clenching her claws as fists and hitting her on her face, chest and neck. Rainbow Dash tried to cover her face with her hooves but Tyras used her claws to scratch them, causing deep wounds. The pain from the wounds made Rainbow Dash open her guard leaving her face exposed for another hit. A strong kick from Tyras that knocked her out.
Rainbow Dash started falling to the ground. The crow was silent.
“Hahahaha! That’s what happens when you care for others – Tyras screamed - fall and lose like the weak you are!”
Rainbow Dash fell heavily on the ground. She couldn’t stand up. Rainbow opened her eyes and looked at Alex, her friend was static, his jaw dropped.
“I’m sorry everypony. Alex. . . I tried my best.” – She said while closing her eyes.
“Rainbow! C’mon! You can do it! Didn’t you say you wanted to face me! Remember, you are AWESOME!” Alex shouted.
Applejack ran to her but was stopped by the referee – “Don’t get any closer, it would be considered as interference!” – He said.
“Rainbow! – Applejack said - Yah were the winner of the Young Flyer competition! This is nothing for a strong pony like you! You even saved us from death once!”
“RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH!” – The crowd started chanting her name.
“Shut up everyone! – Tyras shouted – She is a loser and I will defeat her right now!” She started charging her sword and threw another lightning bolt at her.
The pony heard them. They were right! She was AWESOME! Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and looked up, she saw the thunderbolt coming at her. She extended her wings – “They really hurt!” – Using all of her strength she dodged the attack and started flying – “Faster, faster, fasteeeerrr!” – Rainbow Dash said to herself. Tyras was speechless; she could barely keep an eye on Rainbow Dash who was flying across the Barrier in the blink of an eye. The Griffin was only able to see her opponent when she used the Barrier walls to bounce from one side to the other.
Suddenly, a sonic boom made the Coliseum tremble. The only thing Tyras could see was a ray of light, a rainbow coming directly at her; she didn’t even try to dodge it, it was too late. A powerful kick from Rainbow Dash right in the middle of her chest made her spit some blood. Tyras couldn’t even move. She was about to open her eyes when she felt another powerful kick on her back.
“This can’t be happe… - another kick, this time hitting her neck which almost made her faint.
Tyras was falling to the ground; she was unable to use her wings to change direction as the pain on her body was unbearable. All she could do was watch Rainbow Dash flying at her from below one more time. One last time.
“Curse you!” - Tyras said.
Rainbow Dash hit her on the stomach; the strength on this last kick was incredible. Rainbow Dash herself was sent flying to the ground but was able to land safely by opening her wings before hitting the ground.
The pony was tired, her hooves, wings, neck, her whole body was hurt. It hurt. But that was it. She didn’t need to do anything else. Rainbow Dash smiled as she saw her opponent flying towards the storm could.
A powerful electric discharge finished Tyras in a second. The flash of light was so intense that everypony in the place had to cover their eyes. The life counter on top of Tyras’ head went straight down to zero.
“Smells like fried chicken.” – Alex said to himself.
After been almost cooked alive, Tyras fell to the ground; every creature looked at her falling. It would be deadly for any living creature to fall from such height. The Griffins started yelling at her – “Open your wings Tyras, please!” – But it was no use, she was knocked out. Rainbow Dash looked down and opened her wings. She couldn’t let Tyras die in front of her. She was able to catch the Griffin at some meters above the ground.
“The winner, Rainbow Dash! – The referee shouted as the Barrier disappeared.
The crowd went wild and started chanting her name. Everypony stood up as a sign of admiration and respect for the pony, including the Griffin King and Queen.
Applejack and Alex rushed to her and hugged her.
“How you did do that? - Alex asked - I couldn’t even see you! The Rainboom kick was awesome, and the way you used the Barrier to bounce into all directions was perfect. I bet you practiced that for weeks!”
“Being honest, I just made that up. Pretty cool wasn’t it?” – Rainbow Dash said before fainting on Alex’s arms.
Applejack called the pony doctors so they could take a look at Rainbow Dash. When they arrived, they used their magic to levitate and carefully place her on a stretcher. The Griffin doctors arrived to the Arena too, they picked up Tyras from the ground. Every member of the Royal Griffin Guard was there, crying for her beloved Griffin.
The doctors arrived to the Coliseum clinic with Rainbow Dash who was regaining her consciousness. They treated her wounds and applied magic bandages to the scratches on her hooves. Once they were done, Alex and Applejack got into her room.
“Hi Awesome, how are you feeling?” – He asked.
“Not that good, everything hurts!” – she answered.
After some minutes, a doctor arrived.
“Rainbow Dash – The doctor said - First of all, I want to congratulate you for your victory.”
“Thanks doctor! I know it was diffi…” – Rainbow Dash answered before being interrupted by the doctor.
“Considering it was your last match.”
“What?” – Rainbow, Alex and Applejack couldn’t believe what they just heard.
“Rainbow Dash – the doctor continued - You put your own body under a lot of pressure in there. Your wings were hurt badly. You are lucky they didn’t detach from your body; right know we managed to fix some fissures on them but even your muscles have great damage. What you did was very dangerous, I am sorry Rainbow Dash but I have to inform Princess Celestia that you MUST forfeit the Tournament. Your body is in no condition to continue fighting.”
Rainbow Dash was silent for a moment. She wanted to cry, but she didn’t.
“Doctor, you have to be kidding me, there is no way a will forfeit the Tournament. I will keep on fighting even if I – Alex smacked her in the head – Hey?! Why did you do that for?” – She asked.
“Because you were about to say something stupid, that’s why. Dash, we all love you and wouldn’t like you to risk your life. Please, listen to the doctor.” – He answered.
“But…” – She replied.
“Listen to him sugarcube. Yah want to be a Wonderbolt, you won’t be able if you lose your wings. You managed to get this far, that’s already an achievement, just let it go!” – Applejack said.
“Ok, I will forfeit the Tournament. But I’m doing it just for you guys!”
“Thank you! – Alex and Applejack said before hugging her. They didn’t notice the tears that came out of her eyes.
After hearing the news from the doctor, Princess Celestia announced to the audience that Rainbow Dash would forfeit the Tournament. Everypony was sad after hearing these news but they all understood that her life was far more important. Meanwhile, Alex and Proud Hammer went into their dressing room.
The second match started, Bright Courage and Quartz Light. The Crystal Pony was giving it all; he used swords and spears to attack his opponent. Quartz was strong but Courage was stronger than him. The Minotaur used his battle axe to block every single attack from his opponent.
Quartz Light realized his weapons were doing nothing against Courage so he threw them away and charged towards the Minotaur, hitting him in the middle of the chest with his forehead. It was a clean and very powerful attack. Quartz Light smiled – “I can’t believe this attack landed, it wasn’t that fast. Maybe it’s because the Champion is a little old…” – He said to himself.
Bright Courage opened his eyes and smiled – “Right where I wanted you!” – He said while grabbing Quartz Light by the neck. His grip was so strong Quartz was unable to escape from it.
“Being honest, I’m getting a little tired – He said to Quartz, who was beginning to feel the lack of air in his lungs – I’m not as fast and strong as I used to be. Honestly, I get tired if fights last long enough so I always try to end them quickly!”
The Minotaur clenched his fist. It looked like a mace; Maximus Heart (who was watching this match) remembered the pain he felt for hours after being hit by Bright Courage – “Poor bastard.” – He said referring to the pony about to get hit.
The Champion put all of his strength in his punch and hit Quartz right in the muzzle, sending him flying through the air and landing heavily on the other end of the Arena. The referee ran to him and noticed he was knocked out. Bright Courage picked up his battle axe and walked towards Quartz Light. He lifted his arm and let the axe fall on his opponent. Zero points left.
“The winner and defending Champion, Bright Courage!”
Everycreature cheered for him. The Champion helped Quartz stand up while the doctors arrived to check on him.
While in his dressing room, Alex was able to hear the crowd cheering for the Minotaur.
“Well, that was fast as I expected it – He said – Ok, now I’ll face Maximus Heart. It’s time to make him pay for what he did to my friends.”
The announcement for the next match was made. Alex and Proud Hammer left their dressing room and started their way towards the Arena. Maximus Heart was already there, a lot of creatures in the crowd including horses, ponies and griffins were cheering for him. He stood there waiting for Alex to arrive.
“Are you ready to lose maggot?” – The horse asked.
Alex drew his Katana pointing at Maximus Heart. His opponent got ready to attack.
“Competitors, you know the rules!
FIGHT!”