The Wild Stallion
The cheers of the roaring crowd resonated throughout the stadium, their sights focused on huge hexagon ring before them. The energy, the thundering of thousands of hooves, the bright lights sweeping across the ponies, all showing the popularity of this event. Those same lights that were sweeping the crowd changed course as they focused on the three ponies in the center of the arena.
A mic dropped down from high above as the center pony with a thick dark grey mane dressed in a fine tuxedo reached for it and brought it to his muzzle. "LADIES AND GENTLECOLTS, FILLIES AND COLTS, WELCOME TO TONIGHT'S CLOSE QUARTERHORSE COMBAT MAIN EVENT AIRING IN LAS PEGASUS! THIS IS THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! THESE TITANS OF PURE EQUININITY THAT ARE HERE TO PROVE THEIR SKILLS AGAINST EACHOTHER TO SEE WHO IS READY FOR TO FACE THE CHAMP! IN THE RED CORNER, AN UP AND COMING ROOKIE WITH AN IMPRESSIVE RECORD OF 10 WINS, 0 DRAWS, AND 0 LOSES. THE ONE THAT HAS ALL OF THE LADIES IN HIS CORNER! CLOUD POUND!"
A large light blue attractive Pegasus stallion with orange and yellow flaming hair raised a hoof to the crowd. His confident smirk displayed for all to see as he ignored his opponent and blew kisses to the crowd. His cutiemark a block of cloud shattering into pieces like rock.
"AND IN THE BLUE CORNER, A VETERAN WHO HAS SEEN THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN AS MUCH AS HE HAS SEEN THE BOTTOM WITH A RECORD OF 38 WINS, 0 DRAWS, AND 3 LOSSES, THE NUMBER 1 CONTENDER AND THREE TIME HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, TRIPLE CROWN!"
The named individual was a large turquoise Earth Pony thoroughbred with a black buzzcut mane and blue stripes patterned all the way to his bobcut tail. His face bore a few small scars from his many fights as well as the 5 o'clock shadow across his strong muzzle. Unlike most stallions with square and solid builds, his was pure chiseled muscle from extensive years of training that was sculpted and specialized for combat. The cutie mark of a crown on a championship belt symbolized his talent and calling in life.
Unlike the crowd and the opponent before him, the look in his emerald green eyes were blank and dull that was compounded by the stoic expression on his face. There were cheers for him, but the crowd was audibly in Cloud's favor by a large margin.
"NOW LETS GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEE!" The announcer shouted as he was replaced by a referee as the two fighters approached.
"All right ponies, I want a good clean fight. Not biting unless it's to grapple, no hits below the flank, and nothing dirty. This match is 3, 5 minute rounds so make them count. Now touch hooves and return to your corners."
Cloud chuckled as he sneered at the larger pony, who stood a full head taller than him. "Don't break a hip, old-timer. You're my stepping stone to being the next champion."
The stallion simply answered with a grunt as they touched and separated.
"Cloud, don't lose focus. You've got a lot of talent, but he's got experience and was the former world champion. Don't take him for an easy win." His second advised.
"Don't worry. I've got this. He's a has-been who can't hold onto the crown once he's got it. A crown I intend to take once I show him what the next champion is capable of." He said confidently as he glanced over his shoulder.
The turquoise pony walked up to his corner as an old green craggy unicorn with a thorny bush cutiemark handed him his mouthguard.
"Alright Triple, this colt may talk a big game, but he can back it up. Being a Pegasus means he has an advantage since they are allowed the use their wings within the ring. Unlike most who prefer to outbox and use their speed to keep their distance; he however, is aggressive and likes getting in close to finish his fights quickly, so it could be that he's got a stamina issue."
"I know, Briar Patch. He's not the first Pegasus I've fought." Triple replied.
"Just trying to keep your head in the game. Now give them a good show." His coach said encouragingly.
"I just wish he could." The fighter sighed as he put in his guard and faced his foe as the bell rang.
Cloud didn't waste time as a quick flap of his wings launched him forward. Trying to seize the round early, he dipped low to the ground and rose up into a flip-kick for Triple's chin. Triple was ready as he raised a hood to block, but Cloud pressed with the offensive, focusing on his back legs into a bicycle kick against the giant's guard.
Triple threw out a few jabs and straights, but Cloud nimbly avoided them with a smirk, ducking and weaving attacks easily as he darted around, getting to his opponent's side and driving a punch into the opened ribs, sending the larger pony sideways. Triple received the blow as he pushed off the wall to recover, but Cloud didn't give him room to breathe and unleashed continuous blows upon him to whittle down his defenses.
XXXXX
Sitting outside of the arena, two ponies were commentating the fight. One a female yellow Pegasus with a microphone cutiemark and the other a male light magenta earth pony with a POW symbol.
"Well it looks like Cloud Pound is really putting on the pressure to the former champion. His in-your-face style can catch a lot of fighters off guard. Will this spell the end of Triple Crown's climb to the top? Any thoughts, Wind Screen?" Asked the purple pony.
"Well Cloud Pound has shown a lot of flare in his fights, Onomatopoeia. Not to mention a flare for the mares out there. Of course, a pro like Triple Crown is famous for his tenacious streak, his loses always coming down to decision, showing his struggle to maintain his title. But maybe the Rookie will find a chink in his armor. Only time will tell."
XXXXX
Several minutes of exchanges has Cloud keeping Triple on the defensive, his barrage of blows not slowing as his hits were getting cleaner with every passing moment. It looked as if the younger stallion had control of the fight since the bell rang. Just like he wanted.
"I hope you can do better than this, old timer. I'm not even warmed up yet." The younger pony laughed as he dropped to the ground and charged like a ram, driving his and Triple's body into the wall. Now to prevent him from escaping, he forced his way in and started to work the other pony's body. "Come on, at least make this fight not be completely one-sided."
A shadow caught Cloud's eye as he looked to see a large hoof coming down. At the last second, he narrowly dodged the blow as it struck the ground, sending a small shockwave that caused the arena to shudder.
"Was that it? Were you waiting for me to slip up and get me with a counter? Get real. What was that? If I hadn't noticed it at the last second, that might have taken my head off. How does he have that kind of power after taking all of those hits? In fact, how does he have that kind of power at all? No Earth Pony I've fought could hit like that." That single blow had enough power to shake Cloud's confidence just like it had shaken the ring.
Triple stepped out from the wall and simply raised a hoof to goad him. Getting back his fighting spirit with a burst of anger, Cloud answered the challenge as he took to the air to the highest point that the ring allowed and flew into a high speed dive kick.
Triple raised both hooves to intercept the attack as the force sent his large form sliding on the canvas, but Cloud didn't want to lose his momentum from and redoubled his efforts. He refused to give this former champion another chance to counterattack. He needed a decisive victory. He needed to prove that he was the best.
He flapped his wings to get some altitude and catch the pony from behind in a rear-naked choke and used his wings to lift the pony off-balance as they fell to the ground together. Their combined weight shaking the arena from the fall.
"Now I got you. It's not my style, but just because I'm a Pegasus doesn't mean I don't know how to grapple." He grunted as he continued to squeeze with all of his might.
He felt a hoof touch his foreleg and for a moment, he thought he had caused Triple to tap out. When he opened his eyes, his jaw dropped in shock as the pony was scratching his shoulder absentmindedly as if it were itching.
No, his choke was clean, but this pony's neck was like an iron pillar, unyielding to his strength. How was this possible? It didn't make sense.
Cloud returned to what was working before as he climbed on top in a dominant position and proceeded to hammer blows on the pony, who covered himself in a loose guard which allowed some blows to get through.
"Don't think just because you were once the world champion that you'll get the better of me!" The pony's face slowly receding into an angry scowl. "I'm the next generation of fighters and I'm taking the crown so get out of my way! You got it?!" He declared as he continued to rain blows down in frustration.
After a few moments, his assault ceased as he saw the look on the other's face, the look of somepony that's… bored. In disbelief and possibly a little bit of fear, he leaped off to get some distance.
Despite that moment of weakness, the young stallion psyched himself up again as Triple got back to his hooves. "So you're pretty tough, I'll give you that, but lets see if you can handle this!" He set himself into a stance as he spread his wings and began to flap, using his legs to brace himself as they beat faster and faster until they blurred like a hummingbird's.
"Be careful! It looks like he's going for something big!" Briar shouted.
"I can see that." Tripled replied, cracking his neck as he prepared to receive the attack.
The gale-force winds was upsetting everything behind him, blowing away everything not nailed down as the spectators struggled to stay in their seats.
"Here I come!" The pony launched like a bullet, his front hoof reared back for his signature move. The two were lost in a brief flash of light erupted from the impact as ponies clambered to stay in their seats from the torrential force.
Several long seconds passed as everypony was in shock at what they saw. Silence rang throughout the stadium to reveal Triple Crown had intercepted Cloud Pound's attack with the simple act of putting his hoof out in front of him. The blue pony's eyes were glazed over against Triple's hoof, already unconscious. His body suspended briefly before collapsing in a heap.
The referee ran up and checked Cloud's condition. After a quick inspection, he waved his hooves to signal the end of the fight.
The silence was broken by the cacophonous shouts of excitement and anger. Tickets were ripped in half and tossed into the air like confetti from those who were in Cloud's corner.
"And the victor of the Main event, TRIPLE CROWN!" The announcer shouted as the referee raised the stallion's hoof as medical ponies ran in and carried Cloud Pound off in a stretcher.
Triple Crown gave a wave to the crowd as a courtesy before exiting the ring as Briar ran up to him and placing a silk golden boxer cloak on him. "Great show out there. You really had the crowd going. What was your take on him? Any promise?"
Triple sighed a bit as he thought about the question. "He's capable of becoming World Champion as he is. With some more experience, he might go down in history as an amazing fighter. It's just a shame that he had to run into me on his way there."
"Quite literally, too." The old pony laughed. "In his rush for the finishing blow, he didn't take into account that you had the reach advantage."
"True. He probably was banking that his speed would be enough to win. But such an obvious attack doesn't work if the opponent knows it's coming." Triple critiqued. "Calling me 'Old-Timer'. I'm not even 30 yet."
The unicorn opened the door to a small room that was furnished with some wooden benches, a corner shower, some clothes and a few small bags. "Here's your cut of the earnings. That should cover you for a while."
"Thanks, you're a pal." Said Triple, taking a large bag of bits as he walked behind a curtain as water poured down on him. "So are going out to blow your earnings on cider and gambling?"
"You know it. I gotta see if my luck is turning." Briar stated. "If I can make it big, I can retire."
"You waste too much and always have poor luck. At this rate, I doubt that you will ever retire. Ever thought about investing?"
"Well what good are Bits if you don't spend them? Besides, I hardly see you spend any of your money."
"I've got responsibilities. I can't just live from fight-to-fight. Plus I've got a day job."
"Yes, the joys of parenthood. Glad all I have to look out for is myself… and you of course."
"Well you are my promoter so it goes with the territory. So I'm assuming the next fight will be with the current World Champ?"
"Yeah, Stone's Throw has held the title since your loss to him, but it won't happen until after Winter Wrap Up. You know how it goes."
"Yeah, I know, but I can't keep doing this forever. This gig is getting old so I'm thinking of calling it after this one. There's just so much a pony can handle."
Briar took a moment from counting his Bits. "I can tell that your heart's not in it. I just wish there was more I could do."
"I know, but these past 6 years haven't offered what I've been searching for. I just want the feeling of holding my life in my hooves. To not know if I'm going to win a fight or even survive it. These hyped-up pony shows just feel, empty. Not to belittle those I've fought, but… you know."
With a sigh, he walked over and grabbed a hardhat and put on an orange construction vest. "Anyways, I've got to get home. Let me know when you get the date set up."
"No problem. Tell the little one I said hi."
"Sure thing. Catch you later, Briar."
XXXXX
Triple Crown walked through the cool autumn night of Las Pegasus. Of course, with all of the lights and casinos, it almost looked like day. It was something that he was used to so he barely noticed the chaos around him. His only thoughts were on getting home. The occasional congratulations on his victory could be heard as he waved at fans and passer-bys; stopping momentarily if pictures were requested before moving on.
He traveled to a residential district with well kept lawns and near identical houses. A very suburban style of arrangement of dwellings. All a nice neat series of… boredom. He reached the front door to his house and pulled out a key and proceeded to open it just as it swung open to see a small turquoise bright-eyed unicorn filly with a yellow ponytail.
"Daddy, you're home." The young pony hugged his massive leg even though she couldn't completely wrap it. "You were so cool today."
"Thanks, Crown Jewel. Uncle Briar says hi." He said, rubbing her head, the dimness replaced with a brighter light as he laid his eyes upon her. "How was school?"
"I'm learning about how to make paper-machete statues. It's fun, but messy."
"Great, so is your homework done?"
"Yes and I even checked to make sure she understood the subject." Said a tall, slender, cyan pegasus with soft violet curls, and a cutie mark of a twirling butterfly.
"Thanks, Dancing Butterfly. You're a big help."
"No problem, you've done the same for me before. It even lets Mayfeather have a friend. He's not as shy around Crown Jewel." She said as she looked at a small brown Pegasus colt, who was covered in sticky newspaper before a half-made project.
"Crown, help. I'm stuck." The colt cried out, almost mummified by newspaper.
"Coming." The filly said, running over as Triple Crown came in.
"So how was the fight?" Dancing asked.
"Challenging. He was strong rookie."
"I'm sure he was. We watched the fight after their homework was finished. Crown Jewel was so excited to see you win. She calls you the strongest pony in all of Equestria." The mare teased.
"Don't all foals call their dads that?" He laughed, scratching the back of his head with embarrassment.
"You have to admit that she may be more right than most." She commented. "Well I won't keep you. I'm sure you want to spend some time with Crown Jewel before it gets too late. Mayfeather, we're leaving."
"Aw, we gotta go now?" The colt whined, but was now uncovered by the newspaper.
"Yes, you gotta take a bath and you have school tomorrow so you can't stay up too late." She said.
"Ok, see you tomorrow Crown Jewel."
"See ya tomorrow, Mayfeather." The two waved goodbye.
"Thanks again." Triple said.
"My pleasure. Of course, you owe me next time." Dancing Butterfly winked as they left the house.
"That I can do." He chuckled.
"Oh, and your mail is on the table, bye." She said as she closed the door behind her.
Triple walked to his large cushioned chair before a large TV and sat down as Jewel climbed into his lap.
"Anyways, you were so awesome, Daddy. You were like POW-POW! " The little filly made little punches excitedly, which made her father chuckle.
"Yes I did, sweety."
"He looked strong. I was worried about you." The little one said with some concern in her voice.
"Indeed he was, but I had something that he didn't." Triple said mysteriously.
"And what's that?"
Triple's muzzle grew into a wide grin. "A little monster like you!" As he began to furiously tickle the foal as she shrieked and giggled as she tried to cover her ticklish spots.
The tickle fight continued for a few moments before the scene calmed down.
"So are you gonna fight again soon?" Jewel asked.
"Not for a few moons, but there's a new construction site endorsed by the Flim Flam brothers. They need a lot of ponies to build it so it's taking up a lot of my time. But don't worry, I have some time off so we can spend the next few days together. Just you and me."
"Awesome!" The little filly cheered with glee as she hugged his neck.
As she did, he sorted through his mail until his eye settled on an odd one without a return address. Curiously he opened it and read its contents.
"Challenge of a lifetime… Test of skills worthy of a World Champion… Castle of the Two sisters."
As farfetched as it seemed, this letter stirred something within him as a flicker of emerald light glowed in his eyes. "How about we go on a little trip? Does that sound fun?"
"Where?" Jewel asked.
"How about Ponyville? We'll go after school tomorrow and watch the Running of the Leaves at the White Tail Forest and then spend the entire weekend there."
"Ok, as long as I'm with you, Daddy."
"Me too, Sweety. Me too."
XXXX
A/N
This was an interesting one to work on. As I love to write fight scenes, I definitely needed to get it done the way I wanted it to.
