Games Ponies Play
Pony's Log Number 312: The Equestria Games have always left a bad taste in my mouth, being part of the welcoming committee doesn't help, plus with everything going wrong...I'll be crying in a corner now...
As the train waited at the station a short distance away, the Mane seven made their way out of the Great Oak Library. Mario, with a sour look on his face, took the lead while the rest of the girls were behind him with Twilight taking the back end.
"You absolutely sure you can do this?" Twilight ask as she turned to Spike, who was holding a measuring cup loaded with gems on the tip of his tail.
"Of course," said Spike as the critters all sat behind him and put his chiefs hat on, "Wouldn't have agreed to it if I couldn't. Piece of cake. Speaking of cake. I got a little something I need to attend to." Spike looked at his cookbook as Twilight glared at him.
"Yeah, like keeping an eye on a house full of critters," Twilight remarked. Spike licked his lips but quickly recovered when he heard Twilight.
"Uh, yeah, uh, that was totally what I was talking about," said Spike, "Relax. Go to your welcoming thing at the Crystal Empire and help Mario get over those bad memories. Spike's got it all under control." Twilight just gave Spike a weary smile as the two waved goodbye. Spike then shut the door. Twilight then took a deep breath when she flinched at the sound of all the ruckus going on behind her. Twilight was about to turn back when Rainbow grabbed her tail.
"Hurry up, Twilight!" Rainbow shouted as she pointed at the station, "We can't miss our train!" Rainbow and Twilight rushed to the station. The rest of the group was already there. Mario was just sulking to himself, not speaking to anypony for the moment.
"Tickets," said the conductor as several ponies handed him their train tickets to get on.
"Oh this is gonna be a real treat," said Applejack excitedly, "Princess Cadance said she'd never seen the Crystal Ponies so excited."
"Duh! Of course they're excited," said Rainbow as she hovered over to Applejack, "They're up for the Equestria Games. It's only the biggest sporting event in all of Equestria." Rainbow then flew to the top of the train station roof with her fore-hooves in the air.
"Didn't Cloudsdale host the Equestria Games one year?" Rarity asked curiously.
"No. Cloudsdale should have hosted the game one year," Rainbow replied as she flew up and hovered back down the group, "I'll never forget when we got the bad news."
Flashback
A young Rainbow was standing on top a stallion that had a rainbow colored mane and tail. Some say his name was Rainbow Blaze, others could say it was a younger Bow Hothoof, her father. Anyway, young Rainbow and several other Pegasi were eagerly awaiting for the announcement for who would be hosing Equestria Games. It was then a pony named Laurette stood at a Podium before the crowds.
"The Equestria Games go to..." Laurette announced in a dreary tone, "the city of Fillydelphia."
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Young Rainbow screamed in anguish as she jumped into the air and landed with a sad and disappointed look on her face.
End Flashback
Back in the present, Rainbow was just sitting with the same disappointment on her face and the verge of tears. Mario, to the shock of the group, snorted.
"That's your biggest disappointment of the Equestria Games?!" Mario exclaimed angrily, "Try having an accident at one of the Games and being told you'll never race again. Overcoming the odds in time for the next Games, expecting a warm welcome, and then you get told that you're history and heckled to the point that you don't even wanna get out of bed in the morning because everypony calls you a failure and quitter and just won't stop! Make it stop! Make...(sob) it...stop...(sob)." Mario just crouched to the cried. The six girls just looked at him sympathetically.
"Mario, it's okay," said Twilight gently as she rubbed his back, "And I'm sorry that I yelled at you earlier. I just really believe that you shouldn't let what happened all those years ago ruin your right to enjoy the Equestria Games."
"I...(sniff)...know," said Mario in a cracked tone, "I often wondered if it's the Games Inspector that's got me so upset. But...it's not bitterness towards her that's the problem...I mean...everything happens for a reason after all. I mean I'm still upset she prevented me from having my chance to redeem myself. But...it's all the heckling that hurts the most. This was my Flight Camp everypony." Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie looked puzzled. Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight gave him sympathetic looks.
"Oh you poor thing," said Fluttershy sympathetically, "You really did understand how I felt when I was afraid to help with that tornado."
"Mmm-hmm," Mario whimpered as Fluttershy helped him to his feet.
"Everything is going to be okay," said Twilight, "No matter what the Games Inspector has to say about you, we won't let her tear you down. You've got a marefriend and five best friends who are here for you." Twilight gave him a kiss, making Mario giggle as he sniffled.
"Thanks everypony," said Mario bravely, but he was still feel worried, "I needed that."
"Good, 'cause we need you to be on your A-game for this, Mario," said Rainbow, "These Crystal Ponies lost a thousand years to an evil king's curse. They've had enough bad news. No way we're letting them experience the pain of losing out on these games." Rainbow then walked between the five mares and walked up to Mario as she spoke. Mario just looked rather nervous.
"Exactly," Twilight replied as she stood beside Rainbow, "Princess Cadance is counting on us to do our part to convince the Games Inspector to choose the Crystal Empire. And we're not gonna let her down. Are we?" Pinkie then slid forward on her hind knees.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Pinkie shouted as the rest of the mane seven minus Mario gathered around her, "What? I was just answering Twilight's question." The other mares just smiled as Twilight rolled her eyes. She then noticed that Mario was working on something with his sketch pad.
"What's up, sweetie?" Twilight asked curiously.
"I was coming up with an on-the-fly choreography routine for the welcome," said Mario as he finished his drawing, "How's this for an idea?" Twilight and the others looked at the drawings.
"Ooooh," the six girls all said impressively as Twilight began to figure out how they could actually do the routine.
(Main theme)
As the train chugged and whistled along its way to the Crystal Empire, the mane seven were working on their cheer for the routine Mario had come up with for the welcome. Mario and Pinkie were the head cheerleaders.
"Four, three, two, one! The Crystal Empire, that's the one!" sang the main seven.
"Okay everypony, great job!" said Pinkie through a megaphone, "Sounds like we're ready!" Everypony cheered, except for Twilight who was looking rather nervous.
"One more time from the top," Twilight suggested, getting groans from the other six ponies.
"Oh, please!" said Rarity indignantly, "I think that was perfect."
"But we've run this, like, twelve times already," Applejack added with a irritated sigh and glare at the purple pony, "I think we've got it."
"Cadance said the Games Inspector really puts folks through the wringer on her visits," Twilight added as Fluttershy hovered nearby, "there's no margin for error here. And this time, we need to practice the steps." Twilight stood on the backrest of her seat and leaned towards them as she spoke. Some of the passengers on the other side of the car were glaring irritably at the seven ponies.
"I just hope Ms. Harshwhinny doesn't bringing up the past when she sees me," said Mario, "She's not exactly cruel, but she's very stern, blunt, and critical. I wouldn't be surprised if something goes wrong that she finds an excuse to blame it on me."
"Now why in Equestria would she do that?" said Twilight, Mario just shrugged his shoulders.
"Just a dumb fear of mine I guess," Mario replied honestly, "I'm just nervous since this is the first time I've seen Ms. Harshwhinny since that faithful day I was...humiliated." Twilight nuzzled his head and kissed his cheek.
"I know ponies like that tend to point your faults out more than you would like," said Twilight, "but as long as we follow the plan and perfect your routine. We should be okay. Now let's practice!"
"On a train car?" Applejack asked puzzled.
"No offense, sweetie," said Mario, "but I don't think it's tall enough to..."
"You heard the pony! On your hooves!" Rainbow ordered as she shoved Pinkie and Applejack off their seats.
"Wanna bossy," Mario muttered before Rainbow started shoving him forward, "Hey stop it! Just 'cause you push Fluttershy around doesn't mean you can do it to me!" Regardless Mario stood behind the six girls as Pinkie and Applejack stood at the bottom with a foreleg raised into the air so that Twilight could teleport both herself and Rarity so they were standing on Pinkie and Applejack's forelegs respectively. Then Rainbow and Fluttershy stood on Twilight and Rarity's backs respectively. The two Pegasi then held a fore-leg into the air so Mario could stand on them in a handstand position. Mario was still worried if there was enough space for him to fit on top when the group began.
"Two, four, six, eight-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Just as Mario went to spin jump up to the top. The train came to a stop at the Crystal Empire train station, causing the group fall over as the train's breaks squealed loudly to a stop.
"Crystal Empire, ladies and colt!" said the train conductor, "Watch your step leaving the train!" Rarity and Mario just groaned as the rest of the group was scattered about the seats and looking dazed. Poor Fluttershy was pasted to the wall. Some others ponies just glared before walking around them, not even bothering to help the Mane seven back on their hooves.
"Such kind ponies on the train," said Mario woozily as he got back on his hooves, "UGH!" Then Fluttershy fell onto his back, knocking him off his hooves.
"Thanks for catching me, big brother," said Fluttershy cutely. Mario rolled his eyes.
"I'm always the fall guy," Mario muttered. Applejack just sighed as she lifted Pinkie's flank off her head.
"Probably should've watch our step while we we're still on it, too," Applejack remarked.
"You can say that again," Mario remarked annoyingly. The Mane seven quickly recovered and made their way off the train as it pulled away from the station. As they all walked across the platform, Pinkie ordered herself a treat from a local sweets vender and quickly gobbled it up.
"Wow!" Pinkie exclaimed as she saw the Crystal Palace and the main gate in the distance, which sparkled in the sunlight, "The Crystal Empire looks crystallier than ever!"
"Looks the same to me," said a voice when the seven ponies all turned to see a familiar Pegasus stallion, out of uniform, waiting for them. Fluttershy was beaming when she saw him.
"Shenran!" she exclaimed as she zoomed over to him, nearly knocking the stallion over if he hadn't opened his wings in time.
"I missed you," said Fluttershy with a smile and eyes full of tears.
"Same here, my princess," Shenran replied as they shared a brief kiss and nose nuzzle. The others just awed at the sight, except for Rainbow, who just gave the couple a disgusted look on her face.
"Got a problem with us, Rainbow Dash?" Shenran asked sternly. Rainbow blinked since she hadn't expected the stallion to notice.
"No, just jealous is all," Rainbow replied before her eyes grew big for a moment and she ducked behind Mario to avoid anypony seeing how deep red her face was.
"Well, at least she was honest," said Shenran to Fluttershy, who just giggled to herself.
"What brings you here, beside your "princess" I mean?" Rarity asked with a smirk, "I thought you were captain of the Crystal Royal guard." Shenran and Fluttershy both blushed.
"Shining Armor really wanted to remain Captain of the Royal guard so he asked me if I could be his and Princess Cadance's personal guard," Shenran replied, "so I am in charge of special or emergency missions in which I'm in command second only to Shining Armor. Though I often wonder if Princess Cadance stretches what exactly my job implies though. She was more than happy to have me escort you all to her and she requested that I offer you my assistance with welcoming the Games Inspector. Refusing, in her words, would be disloyalty to the crown."
"Sure she didn't just make up an excuse for you to see Fluttershy?" Mario teased. Shenran glared but then sighed to himself.
"I think Princess Cadance has mind reading magic or something," Shenran answered sheepishly as he gestured for them all to follow him as he and Fluttershy flew above the group holding hooves, "She knew of my feelings for Fluttershy before I ever told her. I think she assigns me these missions on purpose so we can spend time together." He then smirked at Fluttershy, "Not that I'm complaining." Fluttershy giggled bashfully. Rainbow made another face, but managed to avoid being seen as she hovered just slightly ahead of the Pegasus couple. As they continued down the streets of the main city and headed toward the crystal castle. The Mane seven all noticed how the crystal ponies were hard at work, washing, cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, and polishing every part of the empire.
"They must have everypony in the Empire out sprucing it up!" Applejack remarked.
"This must be why we were asked to handle the welcome committee routine," said Twilight.
"And it's probably also because we'll be awesome at it," Rainbow added.
"That and Cadance did say something about missing her favorite little brother," Shenran pointed out. Mario chuckled.
"I'm looking forward to seeing her again," said Mario as Shenran hovered beside him.
"Glad to see I could perk you up," said Shenran, "I was worried you might be feeling a little down because of...you know..." Mario had told Shenran all about the Equestria Games situation and the Pegasus stallion was well aware of what Mario was going through. He knew Mario was not found of the Games.
"Yeah," Mario replied with a sad sigh, "I'm hoping for smooth sailing, but when do these procedures ever run smoothly?"
"That's why I'm here, buddy," said Shenran, "we'll pull through this together."
"I like your team spirit, Shenran," said Twilight as she gave him a grateful smile. It was then they passed by the Crystal Heart in which a nearby crystal pony was polishing the pillars holding the relic into place. Then two crystal foals ran by holding flags in their mouths for the games. Rainbow rushed over to them.
"Yup, I remember that feeling," said Rainbow as she scooped one of the foals up in her arms, "but not as much as I remember the crushing wave of disappointment that came when things didn't work out." The poor foal was on the verge of crying when Rainbow put a fore-hoof to her face, "That right there. That is the face I do not want to see." The crystal foal looked stunned until the rest of the group minus Twilight gave her a sympathetic look as they muttered in agreement. Twilight and Mario were annoyed, at Rainbow specifically, as Mario walked up to the little foal.
"Don't worry, the Equestria Games will be held here." said Mario kindly, making the foal smiled as Twilight used her magic to hand her the flag back. Her friend returned and they ran off happily into the distance. Mario sighed.
"At least you'll have some happy memories about the games," said Mario sadly to himself before recomposing himself and facing the group, "So, where is Cadance, Shenran?"
"She's waiting for us at the Crystal Spa," Shenran replied. Rarity gasped excitedly.
"The Crystal Spa!?" Rarity exclaimed, "Well, let's not dilly-dally and get moving!" Rarity then zoomed off. The rest of the group smiled before they went to catch up with her. In no time at all, they arrived at a particular crystal building that was covered with crystal hearts on it. The eight ponies happily entered inside.
"We're here," Twilight announced. Cadance had been in the middle of a treatment when she stood up excitedly and giggled.
"There are my girls and favorite little brother!" Cadance said excitedly as she walked up to Twilight and Mario.
"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!" Cadance, Twilight, and Mario sang as they did their dance. Rarity just gasped in awe as she looked around the spa area, "Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Twilight and Cadance giggled as Mario just chuckled. Mario then gave the others a glare when he heard some snickering behind him, but they all smiled innocently. Mario just rolled his eyes.
"Oh, my. This is spectacular," said Rarity as she walked around and saw one crystal pony getting their mane washed and another was getting a back message, "Please, everypony, stand back! I need air!"
"Easy, Rares," said Mario, "I know you love the spa, but no need to lose your head."
"It's alright, little brother, " said Cadance and then walked up to Rarity, "Go ahead and try whatever you like. It's all complimentary for the welcome committee."
"Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo!" Rarity giggled excitedly.
"Sw-eeeet!" said Mario happily as Shenran smirked.
"Never knew you were a spa lover," he teased.
"When you suffer anxiety like I do," said Mario, "This is the best place for stress relief."
"He especially likes the waxing," Fluttershy added to Shenran.
"I heard that!" Mario retorted as the others all laughed. Cadance chuckled as well.
"I'm glad you like being at the spa, Mario," said Cadance, "It means we can have treatments together next time I'm available to visit Ponyville." Mario nuzzled her side in agreement. Cadance smiled, but she also pondered for a second since she could sense something was off. She just shook it off for the moment as all but Pinkie gathered around her.
"That over there is a crystal mud bath," Cadance explained as she pointed toward a pool filled with a green colored goop in it. A crystal pony climbed out of the pool as a crystal spa pony handed her a towel, "which relaxes your body and rejuvenates your coat. Now, I realize it can be kind of strange to climb into mud, but if you'll just give it a chance. I'm sure-"
"Woo-hoo!" said Pinkie Pie as she swing on a rope that randomly appeared out of nowhere to swing for the pool.
"Pinkie, no!" Twilight and Mario shouted as Pinkie let go of her rope and cannon balled right into the mud.
"Shields up!" Mario shouted as he created a magic barrier around the group. Twilight and Mario held each other as Shenran and Fluttershy did the same. Pinkie landed in the pool. Surprisingly, instead of a big splash or splat. The mud was so dense that it just broke Pinkie's momentum without injuring her. Pinkie just laughed.
"Ahh, so relaxing!" said Pinkie as she slowly sank under the mud.
"Pinkie Pie! Honestly!" Twilight scolded.
"Do we always have to tell you to behave like a mare instead of a little filly?!" Mario added angrily. It was then Cadance arrived with a smirk on her face as she tilted Mario's and Twilight's chins. They both gave her sheepish and apologetic looks. Cadance then placed a fore-hoof on her chest and breathed in and then slowly extended her fore-leg to breathe out. Twilight and Mario each copied her breathing technique to relax and calm their minds.
"Thanks, Sis," said Mario, "I had forgotten about the breathing technique after we lost touch."
"Well, try not to this time," said Cadance, "No mare likes a hot head."
"I...know..." said Mario, feeling very guilty and just looked at his hooves. Cadance blinked.
"Mario, is something wrong?" said Cadance, "You don't seem as happy to be here as I had hoped..."
"It's not you!" Mario replied quickly, "it's...something else..."
"Want to talk about it?" Cadance asked sweetly.
"Do you...have time?" Mario asked, knowing they had a busy schedule, "it's a long story."
"I'll make time," said Cadance firmly as she gestured for Mario to follow her as she looked at the others, "Go ahead, have a good time while I talk to Mario and get my ceremonial headdress done. And that includes you Shenran." Cadance gave her personal guard a wink. Shenran just blushed a bit as Fluttershy snuggled into his side as he held her with a fore-leg. It was then Rarity realized what Cadance had said as she was getting her fore-hoof filed.
"Ceremonial...headdress?" said Rarity excitedly.
"When meeting with important guests," Cadance explained as she reclined on a lounge chair and Mario sat beside her, "it was tradition for rulers of the Crystal Empire to weave crystals into their manes in a very specific way. The Games Inspector is known for doing her homework. She'll certainly be expecting my look to reflect the importance of her visit." Rainbow and Twilight exchanged worried looks with each other as the latter pondered to herself. It was then the doors to the spa burst open and a messenger mare appeared by the name of Mercury.
"Princess," Mercury replied as she rushed up to Cadance and bowed before her, "if I may have a word...I-I have two pieces of news for you. First, your mane stylist has the flu and won't be able to make it for fear of you catching it, too."
"Momma mia!" Mario exclaimed in shock. Rarity, Rainbow, Twilight, and Applejack exchanged worried looks with each other. Shenran and Fluttershy did the same with each other.
"Oh. Well...I hope she's better soon," said Cadance as she turned to the other crystal spa ponies, "Do any of the other stylists here know how to do the traditional royal ceremonial headdress?"
"Um...well...uh...no..." they all mumbled to each other.
"Oh," said Cadance as she used her breathing technique to keep calm as Mario just watched her quietly with interest. Rainbow and Twilight exchanged worried looks with each other, "Just a...small detail."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Rainbow exclaimed as she hovered over to Cadance, "You're trying to land the Equestria Games here. There is no such thing as a small detail!"
"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight scolded and glared at the Pegasi.
"You're not helping!" Mario added sternly.
"I suppose...I could give it a shot," said Rarity.
"Oh, Rarity, you would do that for me?" Cadance replied gratefully.
"Way to step it up, Rare!" Rainbow cheered.
"And I can help as well," Mario offered.
"You just said that 'cause you don't want to meet with the Games Inspector!" Rainbow retorted indignantly. Now Cadance was more concerned as ever. Mario looked at the ground when Rarity put a fore-hoof on her shoulder.
"Actually Rainbow, if you recall," said Rarity in Mario's defense, "Mario is my right hoof assistant at my boutique. Mario and I have had tough tasks with short deadlines before and we have always come through by working together. We can most certainly get this headdress done in time with two ponies working on it." Rarity gave Mario a smile, which he returned.
"Fortunately, I have all the precise instructions right here," said Cadance as two crystal spa ponies presented a chest, which the pink alicorn opened with her magic and presented a scroll that unfurled itself from the ceiling to nearly the floor of the spa.
"Oh, my!" said Rarity as she examined the steps wearily. Mario just narrowed his eyes in determination as he looked at the instructions.
"You sure you're up to this?" Cadance asked worried.
"It's complicated, but not impossible," said Mario bravely, "as I recall, you taught me how to handle a mare's delicate mane when I was just a foal. It comes in handy when Twilight let's me brush hers." Twilight blushed as the others snickered to each other. Shenran was jealous.
"Lucky," said Shenran, "He gets to brush his girl's mane."
"If you wanted to brush my name, you only had to ask," Fluttershy remarked as Shenran blushed a deep shade of red.
"Working on the hair of royalty on such an auspicious occasion is the opportunity of a lifetime!" said Rarity as Rainbow looked at her and Mario with concern, "Mario and I will give it everything we've got!"
"And while you two get to work," said Cadance, "Mario and I can have our little talk." Mario nodded in agreement as she and Rarity looked over the instructions more carefully, though the latter looked more nervous about it.
"See? No worries!" said Twilight confidently.
"Besides, the Games Inspector isn't expected for several hours," Rarity remarked to Mario, "We'll have plenty of time to figure out exactly how to...do...this..."
"Well, my specialty is doing a job right and doing it quickly," said Mario, "we'll get this done together...just like we've done before." Rarity smiled.
"Oh Rarity, Mario, that's wonderful!" said Cadance gave them both a supportive pat on the shoulder each before heading back to Golden Hooves, "You said you have a second bit of news?"
"Yes, quite," said Mercury nervously, "The Games Inspector, Ms. Harshwhinny, will be arriving on the...next train." Everypony gasped as Pinkie jumped out of the mud.
"I just knew something like this was gonna happen!" Mario bellowed as he started to hyperventilate. Cadance was left stunned and agape.
"What?!" said Rainbow angrily as she flew into Golden Hooves face, "You couldn't have told her that news first!? That's fifteen minutes from now!" Soon even Rainbow was hyperventilating. Applejack rushed for the door and opened it.
"Oh, my goodness!" said Fluttershy frantically.
"It's okay, my love," said Shenran as he held her close, "We'll figure something out...somepony figure something out please?" Rarity was just nervously looked at the instructions again. Twilight just stood in the middle of the chaos when she quickly did Cadance's breathing technique to calm herself down. She quickly rushed over to Mario.
"Wah!" Mario yelped as Twilight pulled him over to Rarity.
"How long before Cadance is ready?" Twilight asked in a calm but firm demeanor.
"Hmmmm..." Rarity pondered, "I'm sure to find some shortcuts."
"Or we'll move as quickly as we can," said Mario, still feeling a bit winded from his panic attack.
"Can you two have her back at the castle when we're done?" Twilight asked next.
"Done," said Rarity and Mario together. Cadance just smiled, glad Twilight was getting everything under control.
"Fluttershy, can you help get Shenran up to speed on our welcome routine?" said Twilight.
"Right," said Fluttershy as she held the paper with the routine and started showing Shenran what to do.
"Okay, we'll be fine," said Twilight as she grabbed a note from Mercury and everypony minus Mario and Rarity left the Crystal Spa, "Everypony, just be on the look out for the pony with the flower print luggage."
"Easy peasy, pudding in the freezy!" said Pinkie.
"Wait!" Mario shouted as they left, "are you sure you don't need any more information about-"
"No time to waste!" said Rarity sternly, cutting Mario off, "We've got a headdress to assemble. Now!" Mario wanted to protest but Rarity was right. They needed to get started and he knew Cadance still wanted to speak to him while he worked. He just had to hope the group didn't accidently greet the wrong pony.
"Okay, so I think I've got the routine down in my head," said Shenran as the group made their way to the train station, "so what's the master plan, Twilight?"
"We bring the Games Inspector back to the castle, put on our big welcome committee how-do-you-do and then..." said Twilight.
"Put the pudding out to thaw before you eat it or you'll crack a tooth?" Pinkie finished as she bounced along side the purple pony.
"Wait...wuh?" Shenran asked in confusion.
"We'll just ignore that," said Rainbow quickly, "We need to remember that the Games Inspector coming early is probably part of a plan to psych us out."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked as she glared at the blue Pegasus.
"You said it yourself," said Rainbow before them, "She's got a rep for trying to catch us off-guard, just to see if we can handle the kind of massive pressure that comes with hosting the Equestria games."
"Oh, no..." said Fluttershy fearfully, "we're gonna blow it..."
"Not if we always say one step ahead and don't fall for any of her mind games," said Rainbow, "Anything she throws at us, we just need to remember she's testing us and roll with it."
"Rainbow, for once, is right, everypony," said Shenran, "We need to just remain calm and try to be ready for anything and expect the unexpected!"
"We can do this you guys!" said Twilight, "For the Crystal Empire!"
"Yeah!" the rest of the ponies cheered as they shared a group hoof bump and headed to the train station. It was then the train arrived, a pony with a light tan coat and green mane and tail arrived wearing a pink shirt with a blue neck scarf around her neck and red glasses on her nose. She was carrying a rather worn and scratched floral luggage with her.
"That's her!" said Rainbow once she saw the luggage. Shenran looked skeptical.
"Are you sure that's her?" said Shenran, "She dressed very...casual...for a Games Inspector."
"Remember Shenran, she's trying to psyche us out!" Rainbow muttered before rushing over to the pony who she thought was Ms. Harshwhinny, but her true name was actually Ms. Peachbottom. Shenran still looked rather uncertain.
"One would think a Games Inspector would dress more professionally for something like this," Shenran remarked to himself as he flew a short distance behind Rainbow as she got Ms. Peachbottom's attention.
"Excuse me, ma'am?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes, what is it?" Ms. Peachbottom asked sternly as her red glasses slid down her face and put down her suitcase.
"Oh, no!" Fluttershy exclaimed as Shenran held her fore-hoof and gave her gentle smile to calm his marefriend down.
"Be cool," said Twilight to the others annoyingly as she approached Ms. Peachbottom, "Well, I know you're not expecting us, but we're here to personally welcome you to the Crystal Empire."
"The whole lot of you came to do that?" Ms. Peachbottom asked skeptically.
"Uh, well, um...yes!" said Twilight with a slight stutter as the six ponies all gave her warm, but rather over the top smiles. Ms. Peachbottom lowered her glasses a bit before she made them go flying off her face.
"Well darn tootin'," she replied in a very cheerful tone, "ain't that the cat's meow!" Y'all didn't need to do that. Why, I hardly expected anything like this." She excitedly shook the hooves of Twilight, Pinkie, and Applejack.
"Whew! The Princess wouldn't have had it any other way," Applejack replied.
"The Princess?" Ms. Peachbottom said in shock as she spin about twice and then jumped on her suitcase and jumped off of it, "Princess Cadance?"
"None other!" said Twilight. Shenran then flew over to Ms. Peachbottom.
"My name is Shenran, Princess Cadance's personal guard," he told her formally, "if there anything we can do to make your stay enjoyable please let us know."
"Well, tie me up and throw me down!" said Ms. Peachbottom, "This just keeps gettin' better and better! Hello handsome..." She fluttered her eyes at Shenran.
"Uh...heh...um..." said Shenran nervously, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable when Fluttershy pull him away from the "Games Inspector" by his tail and addressed her.
"Can we help you with your bags?" Fluttershy offered.
"Don't mind if ya do!" said Ms. Peachbottom.
"Ooh, I love flower print!" said Fluttershy as she tried to pick up the bag but struggled to pick it up, but finally does so, "Sorry." Shenran then flew up to Fluttershy.
"Thanks for saving me back there," Shenran whispered to her and kissed her cheek. Fluttershy giggled and Shenran took the suitcase since he could tell it was very heavy. The group than made their way toward the crystal castle.
"Our first stop is the castle, where we got a big razzamatazzy welcome planned for you!" said Pinkie.
"Is that even a real word?" Shenran asked quietly with his voice muffled holding the suitcase handle in his mouth.
"Sugarcube, it's Pinkie Pie, don't question it," Applejack told him.
"The castle?" said Ms. Peachbottom excitedly, "Are you kidding?! Hot-diggety-dawg!" Together she and Pinkie Pie bounced towards the palace together.
"See that?" said Twilight, "We just gotta roll with it until the Princess gets there and we'll be just fine."
"If you say so, Twilight," said Shenran wearily.
"Is something wrong, my love?" Fluttershy asked as she held his fore-hoof.
"I guess...I just thought the Games Inspector would have acted a little more...professional," said Shenran, "I wasn't expecting anything like this from her!"
"None of us were," said Twilight, "But like Rainbow said, we just gotta be ready for anything." Little did the six ponies know that Shenran may have been right to be suspicious. As the train left the station, there was a dark orange pony with a hay colored mane and tail, orange and pink earrings, wearing a purple formal jacket and a lighter purple scarf. She was looking at her hoof-watch and next to her...
...was luggage with floral print on it! This was the real Ms. Harshwhinny!
Back at the Crystal Spa, Mario and Rarity were hard at work trying to get the Ceremonial Headdress assembled together. They were both having a hard time doing so, especially since Mario was crying. However, it wasn't because of how difficult the headdress was. Despite the time crunch, Cadance has asked Mario to speak up about what was bothering him. Mario did his best to try and keep things as brief as possible, but he was in tears once he got the end of his little story. The crystal spa patrons were shedding tears as well.
"I went to the next Equestria Games expecting a warm welcome," Mario sobbed as he finished up his story, "but you know what they told me! You're history! I was not allowed to redeem myself and I was literally heckled right out of the stadium. All I wanted was a chance to redeem myself, especially after what I went through to learn my lesson about not getting an ego over being the best and getting back up to speed, but I was denied the chance." Cadance looked at him sympathetically, if it weren't for their work on her headdress, she would have hugged Mario close.
"So...that's why you're not exactly looking forward to the Games," said Cadance, "too many painful memories."
"It's doesn't help that there are ponies who still heckle me over what happened to this day," Mario added sadly as he gave Rarity some more crystals, "Am I going to be branded by my mistake for the rest of my life?"
"No," said Cadance sternly but also sympathetically as a crystal spa pony gave him some tissues to dry his eyes, "There are just cruel ponies out there who simply want to make you feel miserable. Don't let them do that to you anymore, Mario. You have a marefriend and lots of friends who see how wonderful you truly are."
"I'm sorry I let you down, Sis," said Mario sadly as he continued to scan the instructions, "but they did break me. A pony can only take so much bullying and criticism before it's just too much..." Cadance then gestured for Mario for step forward, which he did so he was in hoof's reach. Cadance lifted his chin so she could give him a loving smile.
"You could never let me down," said Cadance, "You made mistakes and you learned from them. You have accomplished so much Mario Star and I'm very proud of you. Those who try to tear you down are just jealous over how special you are. So whenever you feel sad or doubtful, always remember those who love you to give you strength. Let this Equestria Games be a chance to make new memories that can erase the old ones." Mario smiled, feeling much better as Rarity finished trying to use the styling drill and started stretching certain parts of Cadance's mane.
"So, uh...how's it going so far?" Cadance asked curiously since she had been letting Rarity manage on her own. Mario had to do the same once he had started crying.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Rarity tensely and was sweating, "I can fix it. It's just...oh so complicated." She gave a nervous laugh when she observed the current results. Mario cringed. He hadn't exactly been paying too much attention to the actual construction of the headdress herself. The consequences were clear as day.
"Fix what?!" Cadance asked worried.
"Well, I-I was looking for shortcuts and I thought step twelve was optional," said Rarity as she grabbed a mirror, "But it's not!" Cadance's eyes widened and her eyes showed just how worried she was. Her mane looked like she was ready to attend a 1980s rock n roll concert...to put it politely.
Meanwhile, the six ponies had guided Ms. Peachbottom inside the mane hall of the crystal castle.
"My golly, the crystal castle!" said Ms. Peachbottom in amazement as she looked around and gasped, "Why, I've seen pictures, but I never expected to see it with my very own eyes!" She looked up the ceiling but then suddenly felt a little dizzy and gulped.
"From the inside," she added wearily.
"Oh, my gosh," said Fluttershy as the three pegasi hovered nearby, "She's so nice!" Shenran smiled and nodded in reply.
"You're letting her lull you into a false sense of confidence," said Rainbow as she got into Fluttershy's face, "Watch it. It's all part of the game." Rainbow then flicked Fluttershy's nose for good measure with a smirk on her face.
"You know there is a fine line between being ready for anything and just being paranoid," said Shenran to Rainbow before adding sternly, "And don't flick my marefriend's nose!" Rainbow just rolled her eyes.
"Oh, my, I'm so excited," said Ms. Peachbottom as she continued to walk around the area, not noticing the little quarrel among Shenran and Rainbow.
"Please, have a seat, won't you?" Twilight offered as she teleported toward a nearby sofa.
"Mind if I take a quick run outside first?" said Ms. Peachbottom as she pranced in place a bit, "It was an awfully long train ride and my legs could use a stretch."
"Oh well..." said Twilight, a little surprised by the request, "We were just about to start."
"Oh! Never your mind," said Ms. Peachbottom as she took a seat on the sofa, "you go on ahead. I'm listening."
"She was probably testing us to see if we could remain in control of a complex situation," Rainbow whispered to a nervous Fluttershy, "Looks like we passed."
"Since when is wanting some fresh air a complex situation?" Shenran asked annoyed and rather confused.
"Look, are you gonna help us out or not?" Rainbow snapped. Shenran flinched at her tone but rolled his eyes.
"Okay, sorry," he replied.
"Bump-" said Rainbow as she held a fore-leg out to Fluttershy.
"-cha!" Fluttershy replied as she returned the gesture to return the fist bump. Shenran smiled. He knew only two best friends would have a special hoof bump before following them.
"Ready for the routine sweetheart?" Fluttershy asked gently as the three Pegasi landed next to Pinkie.
"I...I hope so..." said Shenran nervously, showing his timid side. Keep in mind he only knew what to do and what to say, but had zero time to practice. Twilight then began the formal welcome.
"We'd like to thank you for this opportunity to introduce you to this wonderful kingdom!" said Twilight proudly.
"Oh, why, the pleasure is all mine," said Ms. Peachbottom.
"And since we're not even from here ourselves," said Twilight, "who better than us to let you know just how welcoming this place can be!" Twilight then moved closer to the group.
As they began, the started with the tower from before, except Pinkie and Applejack held Twilight up alone as Rainbow and Fluttershy both stood on Twilight's head. Since Shenran had never done a handstand. The two Pegasi held up a fore-leg each so he could stand on his hind legs, keeping his wings open to reduce his weight (He is a stallion after all), as he raised his fore-legs into the air.
Two, four, six, eight!
Name the place that's really great!
Next, Twilight stood tall with Pinkie and Rainbow to her left and Applejack, Fluttershy, and Shenran to the right.
One, two, three, four!
Keeps you coming back for more!
Then while standing in single file, Pinkie dived to the right, Twilight dived to the left, and Applejack dived to the right. Fluttershy and Rainbow then flew side by side low to the ground with Shenran flying in the middle just above them before the three Pegasi flew upward.
Two, seven, nine, three!
The place that we all wanna be!
Then Rainbow began moving about fast enough to create a streak of rainbow behind her. As the view zoomed out. Pinkie stood on the left with Applejack crouched to the right. Twilight stood with her back legs on Pinkie's head and the front legs on Applejack's propped up tail. Fluttershy stood at the top on her hind legs with one fore-leg in the air. Shenran then landed gently on his marefriend's fore-leg, keeping his wings open to lighten his weight as he posed dynamically, while Rainbow zoomed in a heart shaped formation around the group.
Four, three, two, one!
The Crystal Empire, that's the one!
As they finished the cheer, Pinkie launched her party cannon, making the tower topple over. Shenran managed to break his momentum and catch Fluttershy before she could hit the floor as he hovered just above the ground.
"Oooh, yeah!" Ms. Peachbottom cheered and whistled as Pinkie, Applejack, and Twilight were on their stomachs out of breath as Rainbow hovered low to the ground in the same condition. They then noticed that Fluttershy was also out of breath but was being held bridal style in Shenran's fore-legs as he hovered nearby.
"You can set her down now," Rainbow remarked annoyed.
"Why?" Shenran asked, "Fluttershy's comfortable." The yellow Pegasus blushed as she hid her face inside her mane.
"Ooh, I tell ya!" said Ms. Peachbottom as she hopped off the sofa and stood before them, "I have traveled far and wide, but I have never, ever been welcomed any place in the fashion that y'all have done here today."
"That's fantastic!" said Twilight with a warm smile, "Princess Cadance would be so glad to hear that!" Ms. Peachbottom blinked.
"Honestly, I'm surprised she knows anything about me at all!" she replied. There was a long pause as Shenran, Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow gave her funny looks.
Either she's really trying to psyche us out or...no...we couldn't have gotten the wrong pony...right? Shenran was feeling a little uneasy until Twilight spoke up.
"Of course she does!" Twilight remarked, quickly recovering, "She's been looking forward to your visit for weeks!"
"Oh, goody!" Ms. Peachbottom replied, "Is she here?"
"Uh..." Twilight stuttered as the three Pegasi looked worried. By now Fluttershy was hovering on her own. As much as she loved Shenran holding her, she still liked her personal space.
"Where the heck is she anyway?" Applejack asked Twilight in a hushed tone, "Wasn't she supposed to be here by now?"
"Oh, that's all right," said Ms. Peachbottom as she looked up at the ceiling against and gulped nervously, "Maybe I-I-I'll just take my little run outside now." Ms. Peachbottom rushed out to the balcony and was trying to steady her now panicked breathing. Rainbow then zoomed up to her.
"Or, if you like, we could give you a tour of the castle!" Rainbow suggested, "That way you could be learning and stretching all at the same time!" As Rainbow was speaking, Twilight slowly approached with the four ponies right behind her.
"Ooh, a tour of the crystal castle..." said Ms. Peachbottom, "I'd love that a whole heap." Twilight then rushed over to the blue Pegasus.
"Dash! We've hardly ever been here before!" Twilight protested in a hushed tone.
"It's just another test!" Rainbow answered, "We gotta roll with it, remember?" Twilight bit her lower lip nervously. Twilight was starting to wish Mario was with her at the moment.
"Besides, Twilight," said Shenran as he approached the two ponies, "This royal guard has to patrol the entire castle regularly so I know every..."
"Oooh! Lemme give the tour!" Pinkie offered bounced up to Twilight and shoved Shenran out of the way, "I'lldoit, I'lldoit, letmeletmeletme!" Twilight then did her breathing technique.
"Fine," said Twilight as she headed off the balcony, "You all start giving her the tour, and I'll go see what's keeping Cadance." Just below them, the real Games Inspector, Ms. Harshwhinny, was dragging her suitcase down the street.
"Oof!" Ms. Harshwhinny grumbled as she lost her grip on her suitcase and fell hard on her flank. It was then Twilight excited the castle.
"Hello there!" Twilight said cheerfully.
"Hello yourself," said Ms. Harshwhinny bluntly before muttering, "First hello of the day-"
SLOOSH!
Then a pie wagon went by. As it rolled past a nearby puddle of water, the water splashed right into the mare.
"Oof!" Ms. Harshwhinny groaned, looking even more irritated than ever.
Back at the Crystal Spa, Rarity was still struggling to do damage control.
"I'm so sorry, Rarity," said Mario sadly, "I thought if I let you handle the construction part on your own for a bit while Cadance was speaking to me, things would be okay."
"Well, as you can see, it's not!" Rarity snapped. Mario groaned and covered his eyes.
"It's alright Mario," said Cadance, "I was the one who told you to tell me what was going on, even when I knew we were short on time. Don't worry. We can fix this...I hope..." Even Cadance wasn't to entirely sure. Mario looked at her and then narrowed his eyes in determination.
"No, we will fix this!" said Mario sternly, "I'm not letting you down, Cadance. It's time I stopped feeling sorry for myself and did what I was supposed to do, help you get this headdress together. Neither of us have ever done this before, but I do know how to follow instructions and do them quickly." It was then he noticed Twilight approaching from outside the window. The purple pony was just humming a happy tune to herself to stay calm. He then turned to see that Rarity was still panicking.
"Time to take control," Mario told himself as he put on his work glasses on and turned to the marshmallow pony, "Rarity, you distract Twilight and tell her we need more time. I'm gonna take over."
"W-w-what?!" Rarity stuttered,
"Just go!" Mario ordered as Rarity saw the doors opening and rushed up to Twilight in such a hurry that she startled the purple pony.
"W-what are you doing here?" Rarity asked with a gasp.
"We finished the welcome committee song and we just wanted to introduce Ms. Harshwhinny to-" Twilight tried to explain but was cut off.
"No, no!" said Rarity in a panic, "Princess Cadance isn't ready. Something's gone terribly wrong!"
"I need to speak to the Princess," Twilight replied with a glare, "and I thought my Schmoopy was supposed to be helping you."
"Umm, Princess Cadance gave a royal decree that Mario discuss with her his "Equestria Games" problem," said Rarity, "I kind of had to manage alone for the most part." Twilight groaned.
"Then let me speak to her and Mario now!" Twilight demanded.
"You can't! You mustn't!" Rarity replied dramatically with her fore-legs raised in the air to block Twilight's view of Cadance, "She's in the middle of a delicate conditioning rinse that must go perfectly if there is to be any hope for her hair!"
"Rarity, chill out!" Mario shouted as he continued to examine Cadance's mane, "It's not that dire. I said I was going to fix it and I'm gonna do it!" Twilight tried to get pass Rarity, but the marshmallow pony refused to step aside or stop blocking her view.
"Come on," said Twilight, "how bad can it be? Even Mario says its fixable and he can fix just about anything!" Rarity then used her magic to make Twilight's hair stick out and upward above her head.
"Imagine her mane turned into a porcupine," Rarity suggested.
"Ew," Twilight remarked as her mane went back to its traditional, and beautiful, mane style.
"I say she looks cute!" Mario pointed out.
"Mario, I'm going to recommend you see an eye doctor after all this!" Rarity retorted sternly.
"I did that before we came!" Mario retorted indignantly, "I've got 20/20 vision and he recommended that I only wear glasses for jobs like this to prevent eye strain!"
"Nevertheless!" Rarity burst out dramatically as she shoved Twilight out of the spa, "We will bring her back from the brink of tragedy, but you got to buy us some time! There's no other way!" With that Rarity slammed the doors shut, leaving a very worried Twilight outside the Crystal Spa. Rarity was then looking very panicked and overwhelmed.
"I got it!" said Mario excitedly before he cracked his fore-hooves and started moving his fore-hooves about in rapid fashion and using his magic to summon as many crystals and tools at once. The sound of rapid shuffling and drilling could be heard as Rarity just watched as her jaw slowly dropped. The other crystal spa ponies watched in awe as Mario got all but the final couple steps of the headdress assembled in just ten seconds flat! Even Cadance was most impressed.
"When I'm good, I'm really good," said Mario confidently as he showed Rarity the nearly completed headdress, "Think you can manage from here, Rares? Final touches are more your strength." Rarity began to cry, but they were tears of joy as she hugged Mario happily for saving Cadance's hair.
Back at the castle, Pinkie was trying her best to be a good and informative tour guide, despite the fact she had no idea what she was saying and completely ignoring everything Shenran was telling her every time he told her what to say. They had just arrived in another room when Shenran told Pinkie what to say by whispering it into the pink pony's ear.
"So, you see this here?" said Pinkie, "This, um, this is, um..." Shenran whispered into her ear, "...a big, round room. It's known for its roundness and brightness. And did I mention that it's round?" The others just looked at her wide eyed as Shenran slapped a fore-hoof over his face.
"That's not what I told you to say!" Shenran said in a hushed tone.
"Hey, who's the tour guide here? That's right! It's me," said Pinkie sternly, "So let me do my job!"
"B-but P-Pinkie..." Shenran stuttered.
"I'm sorry I wasn't listening did you say something, Shenran?" Pinkie asked in one breath and smiled. Shenran just whimpered as a goofy smile appeared on his face as he trotted over to Fluttershy and was ready to cry.
"It's okay, my love," said Fluttershy as he buried his face into her shoulder in defeat, "the sooner you accept that truth that Pinkie never makes sense, the sooner you'll feel better."
"I think they call it a rotunda?" Ms. Peachbottom remarked to Pinkie, "A small, confining, rotunda..." Ms. Peachbottom looked rather uncomfortable. Pinkie just blew an indignant raspberry.
"Whatever. Round is round, am I right?" Pinkie replied. Applejack rushed up to her.
"Easy, Pinkie, let's play it safe!" Applejack suggested, "We got her in a good mood, so let's not do anything to ruin that."
"You know..." Ms Peachbottom said as she looked around, "I love this sort of architecture. I-I-I detect a neo-Gothic inspiration in the design, yes?"
"You would be correct, ma'am," said Shenran as he recovered from his little mini-mental breakdown, "The castle was designed by..."
"Hey! Look at me!" said Pinkie and started making funny faces and noise as Ms. Peachbottom. Shenran groaned as the other three ponies looked rather worried.
"Now I understand why Mario says he feels like banging his head against a wall when he puts up with her," He said to himself. It was then Applejack noticed Twilight return and sighed with relief.
"And not a moment too soon," said Applejack as she approached the purple pony, "Where's Cadance? Please tell me she's right behind you. Mario, too, I hope?"
"Hey, I'm helping as much as I can!" Shenran protested indignantly as he stood beside the orange pony.
"You just had a mental breakdown being around Pinkie Pie," Applejack remarked bluntly.
"I'm not used to her...randomness okay?" Shenran spluttered in embarrassment.
"There's a bit of a problem with her headdress," Twilight replied, "How it's going in here?"
"Boingy, boingy, boingy!" said Pinkie as she wibbled her tongue about.
"Does that answer your question?" Shenran remarked wearily.
"Well, I thought you were...oh wait...mental breakdown...never mind!" Twilight replied, figuring out why Shenran had stopped helping Pinkie.
"I, uh, hate to be a bother," said Ms. Peachbottom as she hopped in place a bit, "but the legs are cramping up on me with all this standing around..."
"Huh?" said Rainbow puzzled.
"She's getting bored," said Twilight, "and we have to buy Rarity and Mario some more time." Twilight then used her breathing technique to calm herself down.
"I'll see if Shining Armor can come help," said Twilight, "Can't one of you other ponies take over in the meantime?"
"I would be honored to..."
"I got this," Rainbow replied, cutting Shenran off, and they watched Rainbow head over to Ms. Peachbottom.
"Wanna stretch your legs, huh? Well, whatever you need, I'm sure we can provide," Rainbow replied as she headed out of the hallway as Twilight headed out again, Rainbow checked several halls before deciding on a particular area with a giant crystal in the middle of two sets of stairs. Shenran peeked out of the room.
"Uh, Rainbow," Shenran asked worried, "where are going?" Rainbow ignored him as she landed inside the other room.
"Let's make our way to the castle's gymnasium," Rainbow told the group as Shenran's jaw dropped, "Our tour will now be headed...this way. And we're walking, and we're walking..." Rainbow then flew backwards as she gestured with her fore-legs for the group to follow her.
"B-b-b-but, Rainbow. Rainbow? Rainbow!" Shenran called out before sighing in defeat as Fluttershy grabbed his fore-legs to pull him along.
"Having a hard time asserting yourself my love?" Fluttershy asked gently, "I know how that feels." Shenran just kissed her cheek but still wondered if he should let Rainbow know about the gymnasium the easy way...or the hard way.
Not too far away from the group, Twilight was making her way through a tunnel toward what was the Crystal Empire stadium. Twilight just walked into the main area, humming her happy but relaxing tune as saw Shining Armor, donning a whistle and sports cap, busily training some Crystal Ponies in some exercise and conditioning. The crystal ponies were just chatting with each other and stretching when Shining Armor noticed Twilight approach.
"Twily!" said Shining Armor.
"Hello there!" the purple pony replied, "Shining Armor, you've gotta help me." It was then Shining Armor blew his whistle and the crystal ponies took off down the track.
"Everything okay?" Shining Armor asked.
"I left the other ponies behind giving the Games Inspector the worst castle tour ever," Twilight replied when..
"Come on, gang! Are we gonna gallop, or are we gonna trot!" Shining Armor shouted at the crystal ponies, making Twilight flinch. He glared at some crystal ponies trying to jump over some hurdles before turning to speak to her, "I thought Cadance said Shenran was helping you guys out?"
"He's trying to," said Twilight in a rather sheepish tone, "but with Mario helping Cadance out, Shenran is the only boy in the group among us girls...and...he's not getting heard as much as he should be..." Shining Armor chuckled.
"He always did have trouble asserting himself in front of the mares unless there was a dangerous crisis at hoof," Shining Armor replied, "I'm pretty sure I can give you a hoof with that." He then turned to the crystal ponies, "Let's move, move, move!" Twilight just smiled despite that last shout was right in her face. Shining Armor leaned close to Twilight.
"Everything's going to be okay," Shining Armor said assumingly.
"I know, I'm not worried," said Twilight calmly and then smiled when she realized she really meant it, "I'm not worried...it worked!" It was then some doors burst open and out stepped Ms. Peachbottom.
"I'm outside!" Ms. Peachbottom exclaimed as she laughed joyfully, "Feels so good to stretch the old legs!" She began to gallop about, even bashing through some of the other runners as she raced down the track.
"Uh, what the-" Shining Armor exclaimed
"Turns out the crystal castle doesn't have a gymnasium," Rainbow told Twilight as she hovered over to her. The rest of the ponies were behind Rainbow as Shenran snorted.
"Even I could have told you that," Shenran muttered to Fluttershy as the yellow Pegasus just nuzzled him sympathetically.
"Watch it!" Shining Armor shouted as Ms. Peachbottom continued to charge down the track, knocking the other ponies out of the way.
"Woo-hoo!" Ms. Peachbottom shouted with glee. Shenran rushed over to Shining Armor.
"My apologies for the disruption, your highness..." said Shenran with a quick bow.
"Don't apologize!" Shining Armor retorted, "Make her stop!"
"Yes, sir!" Shenran replied and went to take pursuit when Rainbow hovered beside them.
"Wait, that's the Games Inspector!" said Rainbow, "Let her do her thing!" Shining Armor looked a tad skeptical while Shenran just looked worried.
"That's the Games Inspector?" said Shining Armor, "She's...not what I thought a Games Inspector would look like...or behave for that matter."
"I feel the same way, sir," Shenran replied, "But Rainbow and your sister are pretty sure that's her."
"Good. Oh, these hooves!" Ms Peachbottom chanted as she rudely charged through two ponies having a conversation with each other, "I'm outside!"
"Why would she do that?" Shining Armor asked puzzled.
"I have no idea," said Rainbow, "But that's why she's in charge of choosing who gets the Games, and we're not."
"I'm so confused, sir," Shenran replied wearily.
"Same here, Shenran," Shining Armor replied, "Same here."
SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!
Ms. Peachbottom started plowing through the hurdles instead of jumping over them, smashing them to smithereens. She then body checked into a nearby potted plant, knocking the contents out of the vase and sending the pot on her head.
"Oh!" Ms. Peachbottom exclaimed, "Oh, get me outside for a run!" She then galloped away. Right for the main gate!
"Look out!" Shining Armor called out.
CRASH!
Ms. Peachbottom ran right though the main doors to the stadium and headed straight into the city. The six ponies and Shining Armor were left agape.
"Yeah, okay, we need to stop her," Rainbow remarked.
"Ya think?" Shenran remarked sarcastically.
"Save the sarcasm for later," Shining Armor ordered, " and get after her!"
"Yes, sir!" said Shenran quickly before flying off alongside Rainbow as the other followed behind them. Ms. Peachbottom continued to venture forward giving off muffled and hysterical yelps. She unknowingly ran through a puddle of water again, splashing Ms. Harshwhinny, who had unfortunately been in the wrong place at the wrong time. By now Fluttershy had caught up to both Rainbow and Shenran.
"Where's she going in such a hurry?" Fluttershy wondered aloud as Ms. Peachbottom continued to yelp hysterically in a muffled tone.
"Well, considering she seems to have an issue with enclosed spaces and that pot is making her think she's trapped inside of a dark enclosed area," said Shenran, "She's just flat out running amok and panicking."
"Oh the poor thing!" Fluttershy replied. Rainbow then zoomed ahead and tried to catch up with Ms. Peachbottom. But the mare was much faster than Rainbow had anticipated and she found herself struggling to catch up with her to get the pot off her head.
"Closer...closer...I think we've got her..." said Rainbow as she tried to position herself right above the frantic pony. Rainbow then got a good grip on the flower pot and pulled it off Ms. Peachbottom's head.
"Yaaaaaaah!" Rainbow yelped as the momentum sent her flying into the distance.
THUNK!
And smacking into the glass rooftop of the Crystal Spa. The glass squeaked as Rainbow slid off of it. Mario and Rarity were hard at work finishing the final touches to the completed headdress.
"Did you hear something?" Mario asked.
"No, darling," said Rarity simply as she focused on her work.
"Strange," said Mario, "I thought I heard the sound of someone smacking into glass. Reminds of the time Rainbow tried to fly into my house through one of the windows, but ended up smacking into it because she couldn't tell that the window was just clean and not open." Rarity giggled.
"I remember that," Rarity replied as Mario chuckled in agreement. Back outside, Ms. Peachbottom had come to stop in a grass area just outside the stadium where some small crystal clusters could be seen scattered about. Fluttershy and Shenran came for a landing.
"Hoo-eee!" said Ms. Peachbottom, "Oh, that felt good! Nothing like a great run to shake the cobwebs off these old bones." It was then Rainbow arrived, dragging herself on the ground looking battered and out of breath. Shenran kindly helped the winded blue Pegasus to her hooves.
"Thanks," said Rainbow.
"Hey there, speedy," said Ms. Peachbottom, "Ah, this wide open space y'all got here reminds me of home. This is great!"
"Oh!" said Rainbow, still out of breath, "So you're...(huff)...enjoying your visit? (huff) Well, I'm so...(huff)...glad."
"Oh, good golly, yes," Ms. Peachbottom answered, "I just love to travel and see new places. Such a beautiful spot here, too!"
"Why...thank you so much!" said Shining Armor arrived to introduce himself, "I'm Shining Armor."
"The Prince!" Ms. Peachbottom gasped. It was then Twilight arrived.
"What's going on?" Twilight asked.
"From the looks of it, just locking up the games for the Crystal Empire is all," said Rainbow as she regained her confident nature, "Ain't no thing." Shenran discreetly rolled his eyes at Rainbow.
"My, oh, my..." said Ms. Peachbottom, clearly star struck, "I never met a Prince before..." Shining Armor chuckled.
"I'm surprised," Shining Armor replied, "I'd think in your line of work you'd meet princes all the time."
"Hardly," said Ms. Peachbottom, "Just an ordinary wild mustang from Mustangia here to enjoy a little vay-cay. Never thought I'd also be meeting royalty to boot." The six ponies looked at each other. It was then Ms. Peachbottom batted her eyes at Shining Armor, making him both uncomfortable and annoyed.
I know how that feels, Shenran said to himself sympathetically.
"You...are Ms. Harshwhinny, the Equestria Games Inspector, aren't you?" Twilight asked with worry and curiosity. Ms. Peachbottom blinked.
"Inspector what-now?" she asked. Twilight and Rainbow were left in deep shock. The latter's lower eyelid twitched.
"We got the wrong pony?!" Rainbow exclaimed to Twilight and the others.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Pinkie exclaimed, "I mean, YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!" Rainbow just cringed with worry and dread as Twilight tried using her breathing technique to remain calm, but instead it only helped her to hyperventilate.
The six ponies quickly rushed to the train station.
"Oh please still be here..." said Applejack frantically, "Oh please, oh please, oh please..."
"I told you she probably wasn't the Games Inspector!" Shenran snapped at Rainbow.
"Why didn't you say so before!" Rainbow snapped.
"I told you twice you airhead!" Shenran replied angrily.
"Wanna take me on, soldier colt?" Rainbow challenged.
"Both of you stop this fighting at once!" Fluttershy scolded in a motherly tone as pushed two Pegasi apart.
"Sorry," they both muttered at once before they headed inside of the train station building.
"There's got to be another pony with flower print luggage around here somewhere," said Twilight with Pinkie and Applejack standing beside her as they looked around the area.
"Except that there isn't!" said Rainbow as she, Fluttershy, and Shenran finished searching the baggage claim area.
"We've gotta find her before Cadance finds out what a mess we've made of things," said Twilight. Applejack just cringed as Shenran groaned.
"I guess I should get ready to resign my position," said Shenran sadly, "I failed in my duties."
"Don't talk like that, Shenran," Fluttershy retorted sternly, "We're not giving up yet!"
"She's right, Shenran," said Rainbow, "Okay, here's what we do. We split the Empire up into six sectors."
"Each of us search a sector," added Fluttershy.
"Well except for the spa," said Pinkie as she held a half eaten cinnamon roll in her fore-hoof, "What's the point of checking there? That's where Cadance is. If Ms. Harshwhinny is there, well, then, game over, right?" The five ponies all gasped. They knew exactly where they were going to search first.
Back at the spa, Ms. Harshwhinny was at the Crystal Spa. She was currently getting a treatment and Ms. Peachbottom was right beside her!
"Every city and empire wants to host the Equestria Games," Ms. Harshwhinny vented, "So, I have to go through all the big phony-baloney song and dance, though of course, I'm never getting the real inside scoop."
"Oh golly," Ms. Peachbottom answered, "I've been having a swell time since I got here. I'm actually think of extendin' my stay."
"And what exactly has made your visit so special?" Ms. Harshwhinny asked Ms. Peachbottom, using her fore-hooves to make air quotes.
"Oohohohoooh, gosh, where to start?" Ms. Peachbottom replied as she began to tell about her experience. It was then Rainbow flew down to the outside of the Crystal Spa and peeked into the window.
"Oh, there she is!" Rainbow told the group as she saw Ms. Harshwhinny inside and then noticed that Rarity was standing just beside a screen where Cadance was putting on her outfit and opening her wings. Mario was standing on the other side of the screen chatting with them happily.
"We're in luck!" Rainbow added, "I don't think either of them knows yet that the other one's here! On the bright note, Mario certainly looks way happier than the last time we saw him."
"Well, at least one thing was done right today," said Twilight as they all headed into the building. The bell ringing as they opened the door and walked inside, trying to smile and keep things casual.
"Wonderful news, look!" said Rarity as Cadance walked out with her mane in the completed headdress and an ice blue dress with purple gems studded trimming on the bottom of the skirt.
"Once I was able to stop feeling sorry for myself," said Mario, "I was able to help undo the damage from before and we got the headdress completed in record time. I hope you like the dress because I actually designed and assembled it myself...all in a few minutes!"
"Indeed," said Rarity, "Princess Cadance, better than new!"
"Princess Cadance?" Ms. Harshwhinny exclaimed as he cucumber slices flew off her eyes. She then marched up to her sternly, "So, this is where you've been! I will have you know that this is by far the worst welcome I've had in all my years!"
"Wuh?" Mario exclaimed in shock as the other six ponies exchanged worried looks with each other.
"I-I can't believe it..." said Cadance, "What was wrong with your welcome?"
"Please don't tell me Shenran used his swords during the performance," Mario wondered aloud.
"No!" Shenran replied bluntly and most annoyed as Fluttershy gave Mario a glare, even though the look on Mario's face showed that he wasn't joking.
"There wasn't one!" Ms. Harshwhinny snapped angrily.
"Again I go...Wuh?!" Mario replied in shock.
"What is going on?" Cadance asked the six ponies. Shenran took a deep breath and then went to step forward, but Fluttershy held him back and shook her head. Twilight then went to step forward, but Rainbow put a fore-hoof to stop her and stepped forward instead.
"Princess, we gave our welcome to the wrong pony," said Rainbow sadly, "left the right one waiting at the station, and completely ruined everything." Cadance as shocked as Mario groaned.
"I knew that description was too vague," Mario said to himself.
"Why didn't you say something?" Cadance asked him. Mario felt his throat dry up as he tried to find his words.
"Um...because when he tried to provide more information," said Rarity slowly for Mario, "I...cut him off so we could get to work on your headdress. I had no idea what he had to say could have helped avoid all of this." Cadance just looked at the others, who just lowered their heads in shame, except for Pinkie.
"Cinnamon bun?" Pinkie asked nervously and gave a squeaky smile.
"When I was a little filly, I wanted so badly for Cloudsdale to win the Equestria Games," Rainbow explained sadly, "But it didn't happen. So I thought I could make up for that disappointment by helping the Crystal Empire win the chance to host the Games. But it looks like I ruined your chances instead. Shenran even tried to warn me that we might have had the wrong pony, but I didn't listen to him. I was too focused on just trying to impress the Games Inspector. If the Crystal Empire doesn't get to host the games, the blame is all mine."
"Not so fast, speedy," said Ms. Peachbottom as she stood beside Ms. Harshwhinny. To everypony surprise. Ms. Harshwhinny was smiling.
"I just finished hearing about how this pony was just treated to the warmest, finest, most fabulous reception she ever had," Ms. Harshwhinny told the group, making six ponies smile.
"Darn tootin'!" Ms. Peachbottom replied.
"Courtesy of these fine ponies right here," Ms. Harshwhinny continued, which Cadance stared at the six ponies before a warm smile appeared on her face, "Which, in my expert opinion, amounts to the first ever unvarnished, unrehearsed, and unbiased appraisal of a potential host of the Equestria games. Which can only mean one thing..." Rainbow, Pinkie, Twilight all smiled hopefully.
A few minutes later, Cadance stood on the balcony of the Crystal Palace as Shining Armor, Shenran, Mario, and Ms. Harshwhinny stood behind her. The crystal ponies crowded the area below.
"The next host of the Equestria Games is...The Crystal Empire!" Cadance announced through a microphone. The crystal ponies cheered.
"We did it!" said Rainbow excitedly as she held the crystal foal she met before in her fore-legs and hugged her.
"Congratulations, Crystal Ponies," Cadance replied with the microphone. All the happiness from the crystal ponies made the crystal heart spin and power up, causing the castle tower to give off its colorful beam of light and hope into the air. Mario just smiled as he looked at the sky.
"Well, Mario Star," said Ms. Harshwhinny as he turned to face him, "It's been a long time hasn't it?"
"Yes, yes it has," said Mario calmly, trying to mask the uneasiness he felt speaking to her again.
"I know you may never fully agree with my decision to have you dismissed from the Games," said Ms. Harshwhinny as she got right to the point, "But please do understand that everything happens for a reason. I hear that you've still had plenty of success since then. You've become known as the seventh Element of Harmony. You've helped save Equestria. You've found success as a children's book author and have your own delivery business. I've also heard that you're the assistant to the one of the rising stars in the fashion world. As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Mario, you are doing very well for yourself. Keep up the good work." Ms. Harshwhinny gave him a smile and Mario returned it.
'Thank you, Ms. Harshwhinny," said Mario, "That means alot coming from you." His heart felt so much lighter knowing that, despite one disagreement, the one pony he expected to critized him had nothing but positive things to stay about him. Any bitterness or resentment he had with her had melted away. If only his worries about being teased and heckled would go away too...
...but that's another story...
Soon the mane seven were back at the train station, Shenran and Fluttershy were finding it hard to say goodbye. In fact, they were both crying as they pulled away from a long embrace.
"Until we meet again, my princess," Shenran replied as his tears streamed down his cheeks.
"I'll miss you, my prince," Fluttershy croaked, "I love you."
"I love you, too," Shenran replied as they shared a kiss and Shenran waved goodbye before heading off the platform and back to the crystal castle. Fluttershy was still crying when Mario wrapped a fore-hoof around her.
"Don't worry," said Mario gently, "You'll see each other again." Fluttershy let out a sob as Mario held her gently to help her calm down. Rainbow just sighed as she stood next to Twilight.
"You know, it feels good to help others get something you always wanted but never had," said Rainbow with a smile, "Almost as good as getting it yourself. Almost." Rainbow then looked a bit dejected.
"We'll still be able to come back here and watch the games when they're played," said Twilight.
"You're right," said Rainbow as she waved her fore-legs in the air, "That'll rock!"
"You are going to come watch the games with us right, my sweetie?" Twilight asked as Mario just stayed quiet for a moment before nodding with a soft smile on his face.
"Would be nice to see the races again," said Mario, "even if I'll never get a chance on the track myself. Just promise me you guys...you'll help me deal with the hecklers?"
"Of course bro," said Rainbow, "Nopony is gonna tease you while I'm around."
"Darn tootin'," Applejack added.
"Absolutely!" Pinkie added.
"We'll fight those harsh words together!" Fluttershy added.
"You pay no attention to those loud mouths, Mario," Rarity told him.
"Yeah, you're very special and you don't need to prove that to anypony," said Twilight.
"Thanks everypony," said Mario, "I love you guys."
"We love you too, Mario!" the six girls said at once before they began to board the train one by one. As Fluttershy went to head to the train, a green gem came flying at the buckle of a strap holding a cart loaded with luggage, causing it to unclip and the pile collapsed.
"Oh, my goodness," said Fluttershy as she went to examine the pile of luggage.
"All aboard!" shouted the conductor as Fluttershy ran for the train. The mane seven entered an empty passenger car. (or so they thought was empty!) Applejack was already sitting down rubbing a hind leg with a fore-hoof as Rarity looked at her with disgust.
"Huh, bummer Spike had to miss out on all this," said Rainbow as she and Fluttershy walked into the passenger car, "he woulda had fun here."
"I'm sure he's having a great time watching all the critters back home," said Twilight as she went to look outside a window and Mario took a seat next to her, wrapping a fore-leg around her.
"I sure hope Charlie was able to help Spike out when necessary," Mario added.
"Think he's got a handle on things?" Applejack asked, "Spike I mean."
"If he's staying calm and collected," said Twilight as she did her breathing technique, "I bet he's doing a terrific job as a leader." The others just smiled in agreement when a loud grumble was heard.
"You all hear that?" Applejack asked curiously, but nopony answered. Little did they know that Three very familiar fillies, a little dragon, and seven critters were hiding fearfully under their seats.
"And they think nopony sees them," said Mario with a wink.
But he said that only to himself.
And that concludes my first ever two sided story chapters. I'll try to go back and fix any inconsistencies later. If you see anything that happened in the last chapter that I forgot to mention here. Let me know so I correct it.
Hope you all enjoyed the return of Shenran as well. He certainly got a much larger role in this chapter but I hope I didn't make him too similar to Mario. They are alot alike, but I hope you readers can see some differences in their characters.
Now fillies and gentlecolts...the time has come...
The moment you've all been waiting for...
The most memorable season finale yet! And my first time writing a musical chapter!
Until next time...
Peace Pony Fans!