The New Kid

The two guys were still standing over Rainbow. Rainbow was glaring back up at them, but I could she she was in pain. I noticed I was still hiding behind the corner, and willed my body to go to something about these two jackwagons. As I left the corner I began to hear them talking.

"So Rainbow Dyke you think you can beat us?" The taller one spoke.

"Yeah... we always kick your butts!" The smaller, fatter, and obviously stupider one said. Seriously this was getting way to comical.

Looking back to Rainbow I could see her grinding her teeth in anger. She slowly pushed herself up off the ground "Oh yeah? Well we're tot-" The taller one hit her with his shoulder, sending her back to the ground. Seeing her get pushed to the ground made me pissed. No one pushes my friends around, especially not these two jokers.

"Hey asshole!" I shouted, curling up my hand into a fist.

"Wha?" The taller one turned... only to get a face-full of fist. I had thrown it at him as hard as I could. His head snapped back and he lost his balance, falling to the ground. "The hell?!" He slowly regained his senses and stared back up to me. The instant his eyes met mine I could see fear, and suddenly he didn't seem as tall and tough as he did a few seconds ago. I didn't know what it was and it didn't matter. His goon of a friend started approaching me, only to be stopped by him. "Don't, he's not worth it" He got to his feet "This little shit'll get his on the field." With that him and his friend walked off, both giving me what could have passed as death glares. I could see his left eye starting to swell, I smirked, this game might be fun after all.

"Storm?" I heard Rainbow call from behind me. Turning around, I saw her still sitting in the dirt.

"Yeah, you good?" I asked, offering my hand to her.

She grimaced a bit, and took my hand. "Yeah I'll be fine" I pulled her up, but once she took a step she stumbled forward. I put a supporting hand on her shoulder to balance her.

"Rainbow...." I said again, the look I was giving was enough to tell her I in no way believed her.

She sighed "Yeah, they roughed me up a bit, but i'm fine." I rolled my eyes at her stubborn antics. I suppose I wouldn't be able to stop her from playing the game anyway.

"What was that all about?" I asked as we began walking back towards the field.

  "Let's just say those Bulldogs really want to win" She chuckled "Fat chance of that!"

I gave her a little smirk "You can say that again" Then, I remembered what that guy had said when they were leaving. "This little shit'll get his on the field". "Uh.. hey Rainbow. You think they'll actually try anything on the field?"

She gave me a confused look "What Sar? No that guy is a huge coward! You saw him after you decked him didn't you?"

I remembered the fear in his eyes as he lay in my shadow, but then I remembered the pain in Sheldons face. I grunted, why couldn't things just be normal? Does there have to be some completely unoriginal cowardly bully trying to kick my ass? Why of course Storm! Why wouldn't there be?!

"Stooooorrrmmm?" Rainbow yelled into my ear, snapping me out of my internal conflict.

"What?" I blinked and looked at her.

"You faded out for a second or something?" She asked. When I didn't answer she looked at me with concern "Hey Storm, you alright?"

"I'm fine" I replied. I looked forward and noticed the girls were all sitting at the bleachers "Hey the rest of the girls are here, let's head over" I said quickly and walked towards them.

"Howdy Storm" Applejack spoke as I approached. She looked over to Rainbow "Whoa girl, you been crawlin' around in the mud or somethin'?"

"Nah, just some Bulldog jerks trying to get me to forfeit" Rainbow replied with a roll of her eyes.

"WHAT?!" Fluttershy literally shot up from the bleachers "Oh my gosh! Are you hurt Rainbow?" She immediately begain stalking Rainbow's body for any signs of injury.

Rainbow flinched away "Whoa whoa, calm down Flutters I'm fine!"

Fluttershy reluctantly backed up "Oh s-sorry. I was just so worried they hurt you!"

Rainbow smiled and patted Fluttershy's shoulder "It's nice that ya care for me Shy, but you should know that it'll take more than that to keep me down!" I smirked a little at her signature smugness.

"Those Ruffians" Rarity spoke up from the bleachers "Well... I suppose we'll just have to beat them back even harder"

"That's the spirit Rarity!" Rainbow fist pumped. "Oh, hey Storm I almost forgot. I gotta introduce you to the team!" She grabbed my hand and rushed off, with me struggling to keep my balance behind her. We ran a little ways from the bleachers to what I assumed was the players bench. There was five people sitting around it. One of them, a girl with red hair, turned to look at us.

"Hey Rainbow!" The girl said and gave us a smile.

Rainbow smiled back and waved "Hey Roseluck, whats up?"

The girl, or Roseluck, turned back to the field and shrugged her shoulders "Nothin much, just waiting for you. What happened on the phone? You talk to Flitter?"

Rainbow groaned and sat down on a cooler by the bench "Yeah I talked to her, she's not gonna be able to make it"

Roseluck gasped and turned back to Rainbow "Shes what?! How will we be able to play?"

Rainbow threw on a smirk "Storm here's got that covered" She said, pointing to me. Roseluck, who had seemed oblivious to my presence until now, finally looked over to me.

"Oh!" Her eyes widened "Sorry, guess I didn't see ya there" She scratched the back of her neck. Her mouth formed a smile "So you're gonna be filling in for Flitter, huh?" I nodded and smiled. I have her a little wave as I walked closer to the team. "Yeah, you're that new kid right? Well nice to meet you! I'm Roseluck."

I sat down on the cooler next to Dash "So Rainbow you just gonna sit there or are ya gonna introduce me" I asked motioning to the rest of the team who were still scattered about the players bench. I raised my eyebrows and motioned for her to get going.

"Oh yeah, sorry" She got up from the cooler and cupped her hands over her mouth. "HEY GUYS OVER HERE, TEAM MEETING!"

The rest of the team started getting up from their seats and walking over towards us. They all stood in a circle... around me. I didn't know how they knew I was somehow the subject of the meeting, but I didn't have time to think about it. "Alright girls" Rainbow began "And guys" she added, the one guy on the team smiled and nodded "I'd like to introduce you to Storm, one of my friends. He'll be playing for Flitter. And yes, Flitter's not able to be here, but I'll explain that later" everyone looked at each other for a second, but then shrugged nodded their heads. "Oh, and by the way. Storm's kinda new here so help him out a bit if he needs it"

I held a finger up "I don't think being new here affects my soccer ability" I looked at her with a playful smirk.

Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smile and continued "Anyway I'd like you guys to introduce yourselves to him. I'll be right back, I gotta go clear up some game details with the refs"

With that she strolled off and the team began their introductions. I learned all of their names: Roseluck, who I already knew, Sparkler, Bon Bon, Lyra, and Caramel. I thought Caramel was especially happy to see another guy join the team. I'm not sure what it was like for him to play on a all-female team, but it probably had a few downsides. After the introductions, the rest of the team started to drift off to their own conversations. I had been talking to Caramel about the other sports teams the High school had.... and the countless amounts of video games we both seemed to play.

Eventually our talk was cut out by a loud shrill whistle.

"Alright team" I heard Rainbow say. "I've got a few things cleared up with the refs about our new player, that was the pregame whistle. We have ten minutes before it starts."  I turned and saw the rest of the team heading over to her. I looked over to Caramel.

"Cmon Storm, we gotta get in the huddle. She'll probably give your position there" He said as he stood up. I shrugged and followed suit into the huddle.

"Alright so, positions" Rainbow said once we were all in the huddle "Caramel, Lyra, Sparkler and me are gonna be on offense. With my usual awesomeness, added with your skill we'll be scoring goals like there's no tomorrow!"

"Wow Rainbow, didn't take you for the egghead type" Lyra quipped

"Whatever" Rainbow smiled "Anyways, Bon Bon and Rose are gonna be on defense. Which leaves you" She pointed to me "As goalie, which is what Flitter played" I raised my eyebrows a bit. I hadn't expected that, I figured she'd just put me in as defense or something. It's not that I was worried about playing goalie, in fact I was pretty confident I would do great! The thing I hadn't expected is that Rainbow would trust me with guarding the net, the most important part of the game in my opinion. "she really does trust me doesn't she. She really is my friend". I felt my heart rate quicken, and a pressure filled my chest. It really wasn't that big of a deal, but something about me having her trust really made me feel.... awesome.

"You good with that Storm?" She asked, cutting of my thoughts.

I gave a confident smirk "You bet! No balls gettin' past me!"

She nodded and clapped her hands together "Well that's it then! Get in your positions! Time to teach this dog whose boss!" She then put her hand in the middle, which everyone else copied. I hesitated, was this a team only thing? I didn't really know of they considered me an actual part of it, or just a sub.

Luckily my worries were cut off "Come on Storm you're part of the team too ya know!" Rose said. The others nodded happily. I smiled as I put my hand into the pile. It felt good to be apart of something again, even if it was only temporary. Although they could use more players... maybe I could join the team officially? You know... I think I might do that. "first things first though"

"Ready?" Rainbow said We all nodded. "Wondercolts in 3.....2....1 WONDERCOLTS" We all yelled as we shot our hands up into the air. I smiled as I saw the teams hands held next to mine. With that we all ran to our respected positions, mine being in the net. I watched as the rest of the team settled into the positions along with the opposite team. Surprisingly they weren't all comically jerks out to kill us. Most of them looked like normal kids, a few even wished us good luck. However when I reached a certain player on their team, my smile left my face. It was Sar, and he was looking pissed. For some reason he would avert my gaze when ever he looked up at me. His anger seemed to be directed at Rainbow for some reason, maybe not, I couldn't really tell from here. What I did notice, and fully made out, was the aura of fear he created for his team. Any Bulldog near him had a fearsome look on their faces, and would never look him in the eye. I couldn't understand why, sure he was one of the taller ones on his team, but he wasn't all that intimidating. He had blue skin, his hair was a simple yellow, and hardly combed. He was pretty lanky as well, if I hadn't started lifting weights I might have still looked like that. Soccer didn't do to much for upper arm strength.

A whistle erupted into the afternoon and the players sprung into action immediately. Our offense took the ball almost immediately. Some of the kids too terrified to dribble that ball, although I still didn't know why.

Seeing that our offense wouldn't be giving up the ball anytime soon, I decided to observe the opposite team more. The players were pretty average. When I say that I mean have good, half bad. It seemed the players skill had to do with how they were affected by fear, or that's what I'm thinking. Seeing as whenever they screw up they look over to Sar with a look over complete fear. Whenever they did something that was beneficial to the team, a look of extreme relief crossed their faces. For some of the players, the fear being instilled on them seemed to motivate them to play harder, while others seemed to trip over themselves all the time.

I was confused. My face must have shown it too, cause Roseluck saw my look "Something up Storm?" She asked.

I shook my head. My confusion still present "I dunno, it's just... look at the other team" She did so for a bit, but looked back to me with a cocked eyebrow "Don't they seem... scared?" I asked

She looked again, and this time her eyes widened "Oh hey yeah... whats up with that? They scared of us whipping their tails outta here?" She joked

I looked to the scoreboard 5-0, we were winning. Wait how did I not see us score? I looked back just in time to see Rainbow hit the ball into the goal, right in-between the goalies legs. Once it happened, I saw the same fear cross his face that I had observed earlier. Suddenly an idea popped into my head.

"I don't think so" I replied "I....have an idea. But let me think about it for a bit".

Before I could think about it Bon Bon shook my shoulder "No time Storm, look" She pointed to the field. Looking out where she was pointed I saw the other team had somehow managed to strip the ball away from our offense. One of the opponents, a girl, had the ball and was rushing towards me. We all dropped into our game stances. As she neared though I could see emotion in her eyes. That same fear... and she's looking right into my eyes. She almost looked like she was pleading me to let her score. I didn't have time to think more. She clenched her eyes shut and kicked the ball, it went sailing right towards me. I didn't even have to move, as I let it bounce off my raised hands. Once the girl opened her eyes and saw the ball had failed to enter the net I could see her eye widen. The ball was kicked away by Rose, and Caramel took it as he and the rest of our offense rushed forward. However, the girl, who was obviously younger than me just stood there. I could see tears in her eyes, I was about to ask what was wrong but she shut her eyes and ran back into the game.

"What was up with that?" I heard Roseluck say

"I dunno" Bon Bon replied "She looked kinda young, maybe she was just upset she didn't get the goal?" They both shrugged and went back to watching the field.

I on the other hand, turned my eyes to Sar. I saw him standing at the sidelines with his tubby buddy. He was taking pictures? Wait... Is he? Yup, he was taking pictures of that girl. She was still running back to the field, a few lone tears visible from the side of her face. This really sparked my curiosity, the players obviously feared him for something, and I think they had something to do with the pictures he seemed to be taking. I suddenly realized they weren't afraid of what he had physically, but digitally. He was blackmailing them, the whole team. I narrowed my eyes at him, sure I thought he was an ass an all, but I didn't think he blackmailed his team. That's not right, not right at all. I clenched my fist, I wanted so badly to go over there and punch his brains out. Then promptly take a picture and upload it to a few social media sites. I restrained myself, in the long run it wouldn't do me any good.

Ridding my sight of him, I turned back to Rainbow. She was currently going toe-to- nope, nevermind she just juked him. I watched as Rainbow kicked the ball around countless players and finally reached the goal. She kicked the ball to one side of the goal, before kicking the ball back causing to goalie to lose balance as he tried to catch the fake. Then she slowly nudged it into the goal and fist pumped.

"Rainbow sure is amazing isn't she Storm?" Rose spoke up, noticing me gazing at her. "But... you think she's more than just that, don't you?"

I widened my eyes in surprise. Did my stare really look that noticeable? I mean I didn't think of her that way... or did I? I always had a certain feeling whenever I was near her, I mean I've dated before, but I'd never felt like that. I straightened my face quickly "I-I don't know what you're talking about" I stammered out.

Rose rolled her eyes "Whatever you say"

I contemplated what she said as I stared at her. Her beautiful rainbow hair, that awesome smile and personality. "Maybe... Maybe I do have a little interest in her.... but not like that! I thought to myself.

I quickly buried the thought. This was a game, not the time to be thinking of that. I noticed Sar had decided to actually help his team. More likely because he wanted to win, not cause he actually cared for his team. Something else was up with him though, I could barely make it out from here. As he got closer though, I noticed the mischievous smile on his face. "Whats he thinking?

I saw him heading for Lyra, who was currently dribbling the ball. I stood there for a moment watching him slowly gain on her. Only when he was right behind her did I realize what he was planning to do.

Before I could speak up he used his foot to kick on of her legs behind her other one, causing her to trip over herself. she wasn't prepared for the sudden fall and fell face first into the ground, the ball rolled quickly out of bounds. "The hell?!" I immediately yelled out. I looked to the two girls "You girls saw that right?"

Rose had her eyes widened "Yeah! He just tripped her! Why aren't the refs calling him out?!" She yelled.

"H-hey guys?" Bon Bon spoke. We both turned towards her and saw her worried look. "I don't think she's getting up" She pointed to the still fallen Lyra. My eyes widened as the ref's whistle paused the game.

I started running out to my fallen teammate "Cmon! We gotta help her" I heard their footsteps behind me as we raced to her. She was in the middle of the field so it only took about ten seconds. Once I got their I saw Rainbow heading towards us too, along with the rest of the offense. "Hey Lyra. You good?" She was on her side holding her arm. I also noticed a nasty bump on her head. Looking down I saw she had fallen on a small rock that had been thrown out onto the field. "I know this is a huge dick thing to say... but you gotta commend this guys accuracy".

"Whats up?" I heard Rainbow ask as she approached "Lyra you still good?" She slowly shook her head

"N-not really" She tried to push herself up into a sitting position, but yelped and fell back to the ground. "C-could you guys help me?"

I nodded as I grabbed the her good arm, well... she wasn't holding this one so I assumed it was her good arm, and pulled her up. She immediately started to lose her balance. I quickly grabbed her arm again and slung it over my shoulder. "Cmon, lets get you back to the benches" I said as I began helping her to the player benches. The team followed suit, helping steady her whenever she stumbled. Eventually we had gotten her to the bench, and carefully set her down. She had recovered enough to sit without our support.

"Lrya you ok now?" Rainbow asked, her eyes showing concern.

Lyra nodded slightly "Yeah, I'm not sure if I'll be able to play though"

Bon Bon shook her head "You definitely wont be able to play, you couldn't even walk back here without Storm's help" She smiled at me and nodded.

Lyra let out a long sigh "Well, then I guess we have to for-"

"No" Rainbow cut her off. I looked at her confused. There was no way we could play with only six people, and there was no way she'd make Lyra play...

Bon Bon looked at her, shocked "What?"

"There's no way I'm forfeiting this game!" Rainbow said "Lyra come on you still gotta have some fight left in you!"

"There's no way Lyra can play without hurting herself more!" Sparkler yelled

Rainbow was about to retaliate, but then slumped down. "Yeah you're right. I just don't want to forfeit and let that jerk win again!"

Rose but a hand on Rainbow's shoulder "No one wants to leave the game to them, but Lyra is a bit more important than a soccer game and some lost pride."

Looking at Rainbow's saddened form, my brain went into overdrive trying to find a solution. "Wait!" I suddenly yelled out and everyone turned to me. "Hear me out, what if we found a place she could play that she could play without getting hurt?" They all looked at me confused "Like the goal! I'll go on offense and we'll make sure the ball never crosses into our side of the field!"

Bon Bon scratched the back of her neck "I dunno, it's not one hundred percent..... but I suppose nothing ever is"

"Well I think the choice should be up to Lyra" Sparkle spoke. We all nodded, it seemed pretty fair.

Everyone looked to Lyra and awaited her choice. She looked to be in deep thought for a few moments, looking at her various injuries. Finally she took a deep breath

"I'll Do It"