Equestria Rumble

Chapters

Ch. 2: Ready to Rumble Part 2
Ch. 3: Ready to Rumble Part 3
Ch. 4: Rise of the Iron Heart
Ch. 1: Ready to Rumble Part 1

Ch. 2: Ready to Rumble Part 2

Within the great indoor colosseum where the hundreds upon thousands of wrestling fans from all of Blazer City and beyond stand or sit in the seats reserved after months of waiting, the wrestling ring liesat the very heart of it all; It is here in this very arena which has stood for around two-hundred years, where the many great battles have taken place...including the one that is happening at this very moment.

This very ring, where three lines of red rope on each of the four corners, was where the very first wrestlers from long ago fought that began the legendary wrestling matches and tournaments that would continue onward for generations. It is also here where the famous Masked Mare fought for her right to wrestle...especially on the behalf of all mares who desired to wrestle in a sport that was made for stallions only. So many fighters from all over Equestria would come here to battle for the chance at the title...and now in the middle of new summer year, the thousands gathered all around now turn their attention to the center where all the action shall soon take place.

At the moment, only two stallions stand within the ring: The one that dawns a white and black striped shirt that signifies him as the referee, while the other wearing a fancy suit and tie of grey and blue stands at the center where the words "Equestria Rumble" are imprinted upon the mat; The latter is none other than Rough Hoof: The Voice of Equestria Rumble.

With his microphone tight in hand, the one stallion of white and earth brings it forth close to his mouth...readying himself to begin his opening announcement.

"Ladies and Gentlecolts!! Welcome...to the MANE EVENT!!!!" Rough announces loud and clear into the microphone gripped tight within his right hand...with his voice carrying all throughout the stadium and out the very speakers placed all over...allowing for nopony to miss a single word he speaks. "This is Rough Hoof coming to you live here at the Equestria Rumble Wrestling Stadium in Blazer City...and I have only got one question to ask all of you lucky wrestling fans who are gathered here today: ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE?!!!!!"

A great uproar from the crowd of wrestling fans of all ages echo all around the stadium; Their responses are loud and clear in response to the question asked by the one who speaks for all of their most beloved sport.

"I can't hear you!! I said...ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE?!!!"

Raising the volume ever higher than before, every pony and more scream and cheer their cries of utter excitement...eager to get the final match of this year's Championship Tournament underway; After waiting for so long and watching all the fights that have led to this moment, no fan within the indoor stadium holds back as they continue to cry out with such expressions of eagerness.

"Now THAT is more like it!!!" The Voice of E-Rumble known by the name of Rough Hoof responds with to the eagerness of the hungry crowd of wrestling fans; The roars of the ponies about radiate such a hunger that can only be satisfied...with the sight of a grand and glorious battle. Rough Hoof can see it in their eyes from where he stands, and a wicked grin forms upon his furry face of white before speaking once more. "Today we have a special wrestling match for you all!! After many grueling battles fought in this ring over the course of this year alone...we now reach the FINALIE: The Fight that will determine who will recieve the title of "Champion of Equestria Rumble" as well as the grand prize of them all: The Double-Alicorn Belt!!!"

Once more, the crowd cheers with such desire to see just who it will be that will take home the golden belt with the two alicorn princesses imprinted upon its smooth surface of gold.

"Who will win the Double-Alicorn Belt this year, Ladies and Gentlecolts?!!" Rough Hoof asks the very question all have come here to find out, "Who will it be: Our current five-year straight champion Senior "Might" Tauro...or this year's top-ranking contender Downstrike?!!!!"

Without hesitation, the entire stadium chant the names of either wrestler they support; From one side, most cheer for the regining champion...while the other side scream Downstrike's name. Both sides even hold up their own hand-written signs that show just whom they support in all of this: One sign would say something like "I hate you, Downstrike" while another would say "Show no mercy, Downstrike!". In the end, it seems as if around half of the stadium is on Tauro's side, while the rest are on Downpour's.

Rough Hoof expresses a delightful chuckle and holds out his arm high into the air in front of him, only in the slightest manner in hopes the eager young wrestling fans will calm down...only a little, "Worry not, Ladies and Gentlecolts!! The match you have all be waiting for will start in just-" A sudden pause falls upon the famous announcer, which brings his finger to his right ear; The ear-mic within feeds him information and apparrently is informing him of something, "-and I may have spoken too soon, wrestling fans!! Our two star wrestlers are on their way out as I speak...and will be here any moment now!!!"

The excitment of the gathered fans grow even louder to near max when the announcement of their favorite wrestlers and possible idols will soon be out into the ring before they know it. The moment they have long awaited is mere moments away.

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"That guy has some voice...!" Gunpowder admits while sitting upon the edge of the red couch she and her friends are all gathered upon, "I remember listening to him on the radio and television...but now seeing and hearing him live in person...." She shakes her orange head while her golden eyes gaze upon the announcer all of Blazer City knows as Rough Hoof and smiles, "So incredible...!"

"He sure is!!" Rocki admits as well, "Can't wait for the day he will announce me when I walk out onto the ring~" With such pride in her heart, the young minty-coated zebra smirks when she turns to the right where Courageous sits only a few mares down, "I can imagine how he will describe myself and Courageous...walking out there as tag-"

Hearing his name being called, Courageous turns to the zebra mentioning him...and blushes when he notices the winking being directed at him.

"WhoaWhoaWhoa! Time-out there, stripes!" Iris interupts the moment Rocki brings up "Herself and Courageous" together in the same sentence, "Whoever said you were going to be Courageous's tag partner?! If anypony is gonna to be his partner, it should to be-"

"M-Me...?!" Despair mutters out when the time seemed right...only to cower when the three pairs of glaring eyes from Gunpowder, Rocki, and Iris all focus on her.

"Okay, that is enough you four!" Rainy turns to the four teenagers to her right and crosses her arms, "The real fight has not even started...and you four are starting a pointless one...again! I mean...you all need to remember that if you continue to act like this, I will personally escort you all downstairs to the Equestria Rumble Meeting Room and leave you in there until the match is over."

Sensing such seriousness in the Mrs. Skies's voice, and wishing not to risk it again, the four mares who all share the same feelings for the one stallion they hold in their hearts bow their heads and nod, "We understand...and...we're sorry."

Satisfied once more, Rainy nods her head and turns her attention to the glass before her...with a perfect view of the audience and the wrestling ring below them. Courageous smiles too, feeling thankful to the purple mare of great beauty and parenting is always there to help break-up a fight like this whenever Downpour and Edited are not around.

Now free of yet another fight over him, the young teenager of brown fur and feathers can resume his eager glancing upon what will soon take off in only mere moments.

"Hey there, everypony! Sorry for being late!" A warm and exhausted voice greets the young ponies within the VIP room the moment she appears beside the couch they are sitting upon.

Turning their attention from the front to the left, the six teenage ponies and one adult all feel their lips forming warm smiles upon their faces when a familiar orange earthpony mare stands before them...wearing an "Equestria Rumble" t-shirt that holds tight around her large chest and short blue-jean shorts that show off her legs in qute an attractive way.

"Brandy Kiss!!" Everypony shouts with such excitment heard by all others within the room.

"Yeah, that is my name~" The beautiful mare teases, running her hand through the long blond and pink streak mane residing upon her head...showing how silky smooth it is after the short duration it takes to move her hand across the long strands.

"Glad you could make it, Brandy!!" Rainy greets the young wrestler with a warm smile, happy to see the foalhood friend of Downpour and Edited Edition here at last to now only watch the championship match...but to help watch over her daughter Misty and the other five. One which includes Brandy's younger sister.

Iris is the first and only pony to hop off of her spot on the couch to rush on over to embrace the one pony she looks up to as her big sister. "Heya, Brandy!! I am so happy you made it!!"

"Of course I would make it, Kiddo!" Brandy replies while she returns the warm embrace of the sweet little unicorn she loves the way any big sister would, "I wouldn't miss this match for the world; My best friend Downy is fighting the champion today...and I closed up the cafe early so I could be here to watch it with you: My one and only little sister~"

"Awwwww....!" Iris expresses with a blush to her little brown cheeks and continues to hug her dear sister, who smells so rich with the scent of coffee beans from the cafe she and Brandy run together.

"So...since it looks like there is not enough room for me on that couch you and your friends are sitting at, how about we sit on the other couch and watch the match from there?"

Iris smiles and releases Brandy, rushing herself on over to the other soft couch just resting upon the other side of the glass wall facing the front, "You betcha I would!~"

"Great!!" Brandy smiles at her little sister and walks on over to sit beside her, crossing her legs while she leans back into the soft back of the sofa, "So comfy~"

"Sure is!~"

Brandy smiles ever more so to her little sister and leans her head back to relax further into the soft and desirable softness felt upon her back and sexy ass, "After all that work today at the cafe...plus closing early, cleaning up, changing, reapplying my makeup, and then rushing on over here at a pace where I would not sweat so much...is quite a lot to do within an hour or two!"

Iris giggles and notices a little sweat on Brandy's arms and face, "You sure do look just a tad sweaty, Brandy. I understand all those things that made you exhausted...all except for the makeup part. I don't understand why you wear it all." She questions, noticing her big sister's black lips from the lipstick she wears...plus her nails which are black too.

"Sweetie...all of us mares wear make-up, even while we wrestle." Brandy explains to her tomboy of a sister, "Besides, it helps us look ever more beautiful for any particular stallion we may wish to notice us~" She whispers, refering to the one pony Iris has have a crush on for years.

Iris's only reaction is a great shade of red upon her cheeks, "M-Maybe...but I don't need makeup to be beautiful; I am already pretty as I am, and will never wear anything of the sort."

"We shall see on that one~" Brandy giggles and smiles onto her sister, "I thought the same way once long ago when I was around your age...but here I am, wearing whatever beauty products I feel will make me look ever more prettier than I am. I get the feeling you may do the same someday."

"Nnope...."

Admiring how rebelious the little unicorn is, Brandy leans down and plants a kiss upon the cheek of her little sister...giggling as if she too were that age. "Like I said: We shall see~"

"It's starting!! ITS STARTING!!!" Courageous Heart shouts to his friends, all while standing up and pointing downward through the glass and towards the Equestria Rumble Walkway where all the great wrestlers from before and today walk down when they make their grand entrance.

The mares of various ages from fifteen to twenty and thirty-six all gaze down to where the excited alicorn is pointing...and notice the fireworks and lights going off down there at the entrance stage. Such can only mean that the two wrestlers fighting today are about to make their grand entry as from the stage and onwards to the ring. Everypony within the VIP Box all turn their eyes to the stage...ready for their dear friend Downpour to make her entrance.

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"LADIES AND GENTLEPONIES...COLTS AND FILLIES OF ALL AGES!!! THE TIME OF EQUESTRIA RUMBLE...HAS COME!!!" Rough Hoof announces with all the spirit from within he can muster. With his left arm stretched out and pointing towards the south end of the stadium, he directs every fan from far and wide to where the two wrestlers shall make their entrances.

Already the crowd is in an uproar of excitement and determined rage for battle both in their eyes and in their voices. With everyponys' attention towards the square arc with the big bold and bright words "Equestria Rumble" mounted atop, dozens of colorful lights flash all around the sides while a few fireworks go off...only to witness the first wrestler appear.

"It looks like our first wrestler has arrived, folks!!" Rough Hoof announces when the sight of a red pegasai mare appears from out of the fog, courtesy of the fog machine located underneath the walkway, with her short black and silver mane waving in the air vents nearby. Right then and there, Rough knows just who it is that shall recieve the first introduction, "Introducing...our very own top-ranking contender: The mare who is known for her incredible strenth, speed, and beauty; She is the one that brings the pain to the balls of any stallion she fights...leaving them crying!! The one...the only...DOWNSTRIIIIIIKE!!!!!!"

A mixture of cheering and jeering for the top-ranked contender of Equestria Rumble scream out with such volume that only those with weak constitution would have to cover their ears. All while this wrestler may be popular, there are those who dislike Downstrike and perfer the champion over her.

Walking her way on down the walkway, waving and flexing her muscles and wings to the crowd, Downpour clutches her fist and raises it high to the air...showing every ounce of determination she has within her body. All while she poses for each and every fan she admires the way they do her, Downy's beloved coltfriend...Edited "Upgrade" Edition...joins by her side as a form of support in more ways than one. Together, they walk on down the ramp towards the stage.

Arriving just a few steps to the ring itself, Downpur comes to a halt before the fighting ring that will be her battleground for this war that she has fought for most of her life: After so many battles against worthy adversaries, she now feels her heart pounding like a fist onto her chest; The fight for the title of Champion will take place here...and only one will walk away with the belt. "This...this is it...." She says to herself within her own mind, feeling her body shivering from both excitement and fear. Suddenly the warm, familiar palm touching her shoulder brings Downstrike to turn her head to the right and notice her beloved stallion standing beside her, "Edited..."

"I am here for you, Downy...and so are all our friends." The masked stallion in both silver and green known for his style of improving his moves during each fight reminds his marefriend, pointing upward to the VIP Box where the sight of Brandy Kiss, the teenagers of six they love so much, and so many other wrestlers and more are cheering for their best friend. "They are all here supporting you...as am I."

The eyes of the red pegasai mare in the orange, thong bikini turn upwards to the box she would once watch the wrestling matches from, and she can see how correct her coltfriend is: All her best friends, wrestler and otherwise, have come to support her...much like her fans are all around her. At that moment, the fear within her begins to dissipate and vanish...leaving nothing but courage and determination.

Returning her eyes of yellow, Downpour steps forward to spread her mighty wings out for all to observe. Leaping into the air straight up, Downy flaps her wings a few times...hovering in the air with such grace. Within seconds after, she twirls forward, performing a few somersaults for all to witness...before sticking a perfect landing onto the corner pole of the ring.

The majority of the gathered wrestling fans eat it all up and applaud for the stunning and graceful entrance and performance of the young but powerful wrestler who has made it this far...and who just might prove herself in this ring, whether she loses or wins.

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"Alright, Downpour!! That is the way to show them!!" Brandy Kiss applauds and shouts in support for her best friend that she has known since their foalhood days. "You go, girl!!!"

"That's our mare!!" Rainy Skies stands up and applauds for the one mare she knows can take on and defeat the reigning champion...hopefully.

The rest of the wrestlers and supporters behind those applauding ponies all join in and cheer for the young wrestler who they are proud to be here supporting today; Knowing how young Downpour is and how quickly she rose to become the top-ranking contender of this year makes them all the more eager to support the young pegasai.

The six young teeangers, made up of one young stallion and five young mares around the age of fifteen, all share a round of applause for the wrestler they have come here to support...and hope for the best.

"Wow...." Despair admits when her clapping comes to an end, "Downpour is so amazing...and determined; She seems so brave and ready to fight. I...I doubt I could...ever amount to her or...any other wrestler."

Rainy ears pick up the words of discourage from the one young mare sitting beside her, and sits herself back down in order to give her full attention to the nervous little brown pegasai, "Oh sweetie...you would make a wonderful wrestler. You only need to believe in yourself...much like we do with each other."

"But...But how can I compete with you or even Downy?" Despair questions herself and her weak nature that always seem to cause her to mutter and have others protect her. "You both are...so brave...and I am...not."

An amusing chuckle escapes from the throat of the full-grown mare of dark blue, and brushes back her long mane of light pink and purple, "Oh Despair...you have a lot to learn about what it means to be a wrestler: For one, we are not always as brave as you think."

Despair turns her sights up from her lap to the eyes of the mother of her best friend Misty, "You...You are not?"

"Nnope!" Rainy shakes her head while replying to the curious little mare of brown, "If you had been watching those screens closely as I have...you would have seen Downpour's expression right before she entered the ring." She points her finger to where the giant TV screens hang above the wrestling ring; A total of four, one on each end, show live footage from the cameras controlled all over the stadium by ponies who record all for those viewing at home to watch...and allow anypony in the back of the stadium to see the action without having to look from a great distance.

"You...You did? Well...what did...you see?"

The beautiful mare wearing her blue bikini wrestling attire smiles and places her hand upon the shoulder of the one mare wearing a blue t-shirt with "Equestria Rumble Fan" imprinted on it; The other teeangers wear different colors depending on what they love best, "Downpour may be the best of us, but even she is known for being nervous and frightened when times are tough. When the camera moved in on her just a short moment ago, I could see how scared she looked: She has made it this far to the fight of her life, can really make her feel afraid. But...knowing that she has good friends like us to be here and support her, I know Downy will give it her all before this day is over."

At that moment, Despair feels both herself moved by such words and her frown turning into that of a smile, "That is...I never imagined something like that."

"Its okay, Despair. Just remember that while you may always have a timid nature, when you enter that ring...you are a whole new pony: You dawn a mask to hide your true self, and become one who will fight...and never give up." Rainy Skies explains that which is what wrestling truly means, "Being a wrestler is all about who you are when you enter that ring, whom you have supporting you outside and inside the ring, and what you are fighting for."

"R-Really...?"

"Yes. For myself, I fight for my friends and for my chance at glory...much like Downy is doing today." Rainy reveals to the little mare, "So...if you wish to be brave, Despair...never forget why you want to become a wrestler: For friendship, glory, or even to prove yourself...is all you need to have in your heart to help see you through!"

At that moment, Despair could feel her heart rising out of the pool of fear it would sometimes sink into...and now feel as if it were a whole new heart beating within her chest: The thought of how even the strongest fighters can feel nervous when such battles arrive...make this little pony feel no different than they are. Realizing that she not only wishes to be a wrestler like her friends, but also fight alongside a certain stallion she cares for very much, allows her courage to rise within her heart and feel ever more ready to pursue her dream of wrestling.

"You okay, Despair?" Rainy asks when she notices the slight determined expression upon her face...which she believes to be a good thing after that little chat.

"Yes...I feel much better now." Despair smiles big at her foalsister and hugs her, "Thank you...for helping me see the truth of what it means to be a wrestler."

Rainy returns the hug and kisses the top of Despair's head, "You are welcome, sweetie. Know that your friends and myself will be there for you when you train hard towards your wrestling career."

The two mares continue to embrace...until the sounds of the crowd applauding and chanting the name "Tauro" over and over brings their little hug to an end. From the sounds of it, the champion had arrived...and ready to make his entrance.

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"And Now...Ladies and Gentlecolts!! Our champion HAS ARRIVED!!!" Rough Hoof announces, drawing everypony's attention to the Entrance Stage once more...where a giant, muscular minotaur stands at the very top. From the way the four mares in such tiny bikinis cling to his muscles that appear rock hard, this monster of a beast already seems to send a chill down the spines of some in the audience who appear intimidated by his very presence.

"Introducing...one who never needs much of an introduction based on how well he is know: The one creature who has conquered each and every challenge thrown at him for the last five years; He is the one the ladies apparently love as he crushes bones with his mighty horns! He is the Minotaur of Might...the Master of Disaster...SENIOR "MIGHT" TAUROOOOOOOO!!!!!"

"RRRRAAAAAAAAWWWWWRRRRR!!!!!" Senior "Might" Tauro roars with the very bellow of a bull itself; His eyes glare with the burning sensation of rage and passion: The rage towards the mare he plans to crush good and hard tonight and leave her with a few broken bones...while the passion going towards the four sexy mares surrounding him, who just happen to be his cheerleaders, major fan-mares, and lovers.

Finding both Tauro's powerful pressence and his lucky ways of having four mares at once like this bring the entire crowd...mainly the stallions and some mares...to raise their voices and cheer for the one wrestler they all admire and look up to who may soon be the first Six-Year Straight Champion. The applauding does not stop as the champion minotaur makes his way down the ramp with two mares clinging to his arms...while the other two walk around the sides, showing off their sexual appear and blowing kisses to those who will never have them.

Senior "Might" Tauro

Although nervous of his well-known strength and power, Downpur gags in disgust to the four mares who are blindly following a single guy they all seem to share.

"Damn...." Edited mutters, "Not sure whether he is lucky or just a pervert...."

"Definitely a pervert...and more!" Downy snorts in response to her coltfriend's question, turning her sights from Tauro to said stallion she loves very much...who stands below and outside the ring. "But I am thankful you and everpony else is here to support me. Thank you, my Edited Edition~" She smiles, feeling her anger change into passion for the moment...and smiles at her handsome stallion.

Edited smiles back and blushes bright red, "You are welcome, my sweet mare. Now...get in there and kick his perverted ass and balls, sweetie!"

Smirking to those choice of words, Downstrike returns her focus to the large minotaur approaching the ring and cracks her knuckles, "You got it, honey!!!"

"We love you, Tauro~" The green unicorn mare whispers with such sensual passion in her voice, while she clings to the strong muscular arm of her wrestler and lover.

"Kick that bitch's ass for us, sweetie~" The grey zebra mare pleads to her lover.

The earth mare of pink with a white streaked mane embraces her lover from behind, then leans up and presses her black lips to Tauro's cheek...kissing him, "For luck~"

The one pegasai mare to his left, whom many know to be named Black Icicle, looks up at her beloved minotaur and whispers, "I love you, my handsome fighter. Win this for us...all of us~" She blushes and leans up towards him to kiss his lips with the same black lipstick upon her lips that the other mares all wear...along with the same skimpy, black bikinis.

Tauro returns the kiss and blushes upon his four marefriends, "I promise this will be quick and easy; This mare is going to learn her place...and once I finish with her...we can go back to my place for some...fun!~"

The four mares all giggle and are delighted by the thought of having a hot and erotic night in bed together after this all ends.

Grinning at how loyal his mares are to him, no matter what, Tauro leaps up into the ring and crosses over the three ropes, lands firmly upon the mat...causing it to tremble a little; The build of his muscles and size give him the ability to cause such quakes with his mighty hooves...even so much as a step is enough to make all him shake.

"Looks like we are ready to begin, Ladies and Gentlecolts!! But before we start, let us first honor the presence of our two esteemed rulers of all Equestria: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!!!" Rough Hoof announces with a great deal of respect for the two alicorn princesses sitting upon their own throned built for their vieweing pleasure.

The audience all turn to the western part of the stadium, around the upper part of the bleachers where a wide open area resides. There, with only two thrones at the center surrounded by almost a dozen Royal Canterlot Guards, sit the two mighty and all-powerful mares who rule all of Equestria...as well as the Sun and the Moon.

Everypony within the audience, the ring itself, and the two VIP Boxes above all rise and bow before their most esteemed rulers.

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Hoof." Princess Celestia sits upon her throne while she express her gratitude. Her outfit comprises of a golden dress that covers some of her body...but allows for her massive cleavage and her long legs to show, especially when she crosses them. With her long flowing mane and perfume so strong that anypony, mare or stallion, nearby can smell it and quickly fall in love, Celestia smiles at her loyal subjects and awaits for the Final Match of the Championship Tournament to begin.

"Yes...we are pleased! Now...kindly begin the match, so that we may enjoy the final battle of this sport!" Princess Luna commands, while she sits beside her sister...dawning a similar outfit, only more of a two piece. She turns to her sister and whispers the next set of words she wishes to speak, "This may be our first time to see this in person since after my return, but we do find this to be...interesting."

"I am happy you think so, dear sister. It should be fun to watch and admire those fighting for our entertainment today," Celestia expresses and giggles, "Maybe after this, we should have a wrestling match with a random pony of our choosing~"

Luna merely shakes her head in response, "We are uncertain of such a thing, sister...but...it would be fun to try it someday." She blushes and hopes to find a handsome, lucky stallion to wrestle with...dressed or nude...sometime in the future. "But for now, we wish to see just what makes this sport so entertaining...then we shall think on it."

"You ready to lose, you weak little bitch?!!" Senior "Might" Tauro taunts the mare of blue and yellow...all while he flexes his rock hard muscles. With a black and red mask and speedo upon him, along with the Double-Alicorn Belt around his waist, the minotaur of little manners snorts at his challenger, feeling ready to charge and ram her with his horns.

"Enough talk, you bastard! Let's fight!!" Downstrike retorts...snorting right back at the minotaur she dislikes to a great degree...and balls up her fists, ready to wrestle him for his belt.

With both wrestlers in the ring and without any need for further words, Rought Hoof leaps out of the ring and sits himself down upon his little station where he will broadcast his voice for the whole night; For those sitting and watching or listening at home, this proud announcer feel ready to give his all for what may be the biggest wrestling match of this career.

"Just look at those two, ladies and gentlecolts: They look ready to give their all for the right to win or keep the Double-Alicorn Belt!" Rough Hoof admits to the sparks he can see flying all around the one pony and minotaur within the ring, "Well...without further adieu: Ladies and gentlecolts...its time...TO RUMBLLLLLLLLEEEEE!!!!!"

The moment the referee is the only other pony into the ring to monitor the wrestlers and ensure they follow what rules there are in this sport, the bell rings...beginning Round One. The Championship Match of Equestria Rumble...has officially begun.

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"Here...I...COME!!!" Tauro shouts with a raging voice, determined to crush the mare before him. Lowering his horns at the right angle, pointed directly at Downy herself, the muscular minotaur locks on to the pegasai in front of him and charges...determined to ram her and end this entire match in one go.

While the average wrestler may be unable to react to this one attack that has been known to end in a One-Hit KO, Downstrike's eyes and her swift wings are able to counter with ease: She leaps up just as Tauro approaches her, planting her hands upon his shoulders...flipping her legs up and over his entire body...landing upon her hooves right on the other side of him.

"And how about THAT, folks: Senior "Might" Tauro starts off with his famous "Horns of Hell" that are known to knock an opponent out in one hit...but will it hit- Ooooohhhhhhh...it misses thanks to Downstrike's quick and flexable counter! I will tell you folks, this mare has the quickness of a cat...or more!!"

Angered by the miss of his best move, Tauro continues forward into the ropes...turning himself around and charging with his side going straight at the mare in blue.

Downstrike turns herself around as quick as she can and gasps when the charging minotaur is approaching her fast. Unable to react fast enough with him only a hoof away, she brings her arms up to her body to block the side-shoulder attack...which hits her hard into the ropes.

"Ooooohhhhh...and she is unable to counter that one!!"

Tauro knocks her into the ropes, and the moment she springs back towards him...the rock-hard biceps that give him such strength take hold of the mare: One hand grabs her neck, while the other takes hold of her left leg. With only half of his full strength into it...Senior Tauro lifts Downpour high above his head and holds her there. "RRRRAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWRRRRRR!!!!" The mighty minotaur roars like the proud bull he is.

The audience cheers for their champion...ranting for him to throw her good and hard. Their requests are answered: "Might" Tauro swings with all his might and throws the pegasai down towards the mat.

Reacting quick to this, Downstrike spreads out her wings behind her...allowing for a last-second cushion.

"And it looks like "Might" Tauro has Downstrike tight in his grip...but not for long!! Oooohhh...and the champ throws the top-contender onto the mat like a sack of oats! But wait...what is this?!!"

The audience is shocked yet in awe when they see Downstrike land upon her back...but not quite all the way: Her great wings are acting much to if they were springs breaking her fall and keeping her body safe from that harsh throw. With her arms crossed and a grin upon her face...which without a doubt is a taunt towards the confused minotaur, "That the best you can do, sweetie?~"

Enraged by this, Tauro snorts and falls down onto her...shoulder first, "EAT THIS, BITCH!!!"

With plenty of notice to react to this, Downpour rolls over to the right...just before Tauro lands onto the mat. The moment she feels the shockwave of his impact beside her, the clever mare of red leaps back up onto her hooves then falls back downward...only this time on top of her opponent; Downstrike puts all her weight down into this attack...body slamming Senior Tauro.

"This is such a surprise, ladies and gentlecolts: Downstrike has survived Tauro's mat slam without taking damage; Those wings of hers are something special- Now what is this?!! Damn!! The Champion tries to body slam the top contender...but misses...and now Downstrike is body slamming Tauro!! Once...no, twice...NO! Three times!!! Oh this is too much!!!"

Upon her third body slam, Downy rises up again to slam down onto the minotaur with more power into it this time...but her confidence and focus causes brings leads to her downfall: The moment she bodyslams "Might" Tauro, the minotaur rolls off his front and onto his back...grabbing the irritating mare and wraps his arm around her neck and his legs around her body.

"Choke on this...YOU PATHETIC BITCH!!!" Senior Tauro roars and squeezes his arm around Downpour's neck, choking her just enough to let her breath a little...but not for long.

"OH WOW...!!! Looks like the tables are turned and Senior "Might" Tauro has the upper hoof this time: He now has Downstrike in a choke hold...and seems to be squeezing tight! If she cannot get out, then she may have no choice but-"

Unable to breath or escape, Downpour taps Tauro's arm three times...signalling her surrender.

"-and Downstrike has tapped out!! Round One goes to the champion: Senior "Might" Tauro!!!"

So many fans applaud and cheer for the champion...impressed to how much damage he took before striking back and winning the first round out of three. With such an easy win, all the champ will need is one more to win the title for the sixth year in a row...and almost everypony in the stadium is hoping he will succeed.

"Downy!! Are you okay?!!" Edited asks of his marefriend, while watching her slowly stand back up.

"I'm...okay....."

Edited just shakes his head in response to those words of both truth and lies, "No...I can't let you do this! If you are in pain-"

"I said I am okay, sweetie!" Downpour snaps, feeling angry and more determined than ever. "I...won't let...that perverted...bastard...win that easily!" She pants and returns to her corner, right where Edited is standing below. "Believe me: This is not over yet."

Placing his hand upon her back, the earth stallion of sandy-yellow smiles and rubs her back, "I believe in you, Downy We all do. Go get him!"

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"Oh no...." Courageous Heart mutters upon seeing Downpour lose the First Round. "She was doing so well...."

"Yeah...." Rainy agrees with the young teenager, but places her hand upon his shoulder and smiles, "She lost the first round...but it is not over yet. Downpour still has another chance to turn this around."

Misty Skies, although saddened by the result of the first round, smiles when she hears her mother's reasuring words, "I agree, Mom: Downy still has a chance to win this."

"That is correct, sweetie!!" Brandy Kiss concurs, "Still...Downy is gonna have to try a new tactic to bring down that giant pervert of a bull!"

"You said it, sis!" Iris concurs too, "I cannot believe he is so powerful...and has all those mares clinging to him like...ugh!"

"Yeah!!!" Gunpowder, Rocki, and Despair all gag along with their little unicorn friend.

Brandy giggles at first before shaking her head at the thought of all those bikini mares being Tauro's lovers. In her mind, the thought of puking comes close, "Just promise me you girls will NEVER turn to those brainless mares! Love or not...so many sharing the same guy is disgusting!" The maid-themed wrestler snorts and tries not to think about it more, "Its okay if it is two mares with one guy...but more than two...gimme a break!"

"We promise...no questions asked!!" Misty, Iris, Gunpowder, Rocki, and Despair all reply together; While they share the same feelings for Courageous, they would never agree to share him all together. Only one, or two at the most, can have him...as they believe.

********************************************

The bell rings once more...signalling the beginning of Round Two:

"And now we move into the next round, everypony and wrestling fan alike!! Will Senior "Might" Tauro win yet again and be heading home early with the Double-Alicorn Belt once again...or will Downstrike be able to turn this around and have a chance towards that very title and belt?!! I guess we will have to just find out NOW!!!!"

"Come on, little mare!!" Tauro taunts the sweaty mare before him, sensing she is both tired and in some pain, "Just give up! You know you cannot defeat me!!"

Downpour's only reponse is giving him the middle finger, "Eat it...."

The sight of such a common, yet foolish return insult only brings the minotaur's eyes to turn blood red...while his face changes colors to match, "I'd rather bite it off and spit it out, you bitch!!!'

Smirking upon the realiziation that such simple insults and taunts anger the great minotaur before her, Downpour tries once more, "Yeah...why dont you bite your own off...if you have one!~"

"Oh...and it looks like they are throwing taunts at each other, folks!! Yikes!! It seems this is becoming a battle of words more than wrestling!!"

"Watch your tongue...before I rip it out of your filthy mouth!!" Tauro shouts back with plenty of rage still building up within him.

"Filthy mouth...?" Downpour retorts, feeling herself chuckling at that remark.

"What is so funny?!!"

Even while she may realize how her actions are angering the minotaur further, which seems to be the plan, Downpour takes one step forward...stomping her hoof upon the mat near where the words "Equestria Rumble" are imprinted within the center of the ring, "What I find funny is how dirty you and your four lovers' mouths are!! I mean, after all what you guys do together in be-"

"RRRWAAAARRRR!!!" Tauro roars with the fury of ten rampaging bulls, finally reaching the end of his limit: With his slight cracked, yet sharp horns aimed at the mare he now despises more than any other he has ever fought...and charges, "NOPONY INSULTS MY MARES...OR ME!!!!"

With her back at the corner of the ring, Downpour changes her stance to that of one who seems prepared for what is coming: Her target...who happens to see her as a target as well.

"Holy Celestia...sorry, Your Highness...but those were some harsh words!! Even I would get angry over that one...and what is this?!! Oh no...it looks like the "Horns of Hell" once more folks! This might be the end...!!"

"DIE, YOU BITCH!!!" The raging Senior Tauro screams while charing with all his might towards the mare he will see broken more than a glass window before the end of this round.

Only so close yet still not close enough, Downpour leaps and flips backwards...doging the attack and setting her hooves down upon the pole of the ring right after the minotaur with blind rage strikes it with his horns and head.

Tauro snarls upon ramming the pole, and now has a massive headache; He had charged in without thinking with a clear mind...and is in a daze.

Realizing her plan has succeeded, Downstrike leaps towards her enemy and spreads her legs wide open...landing upon his shoulders, facing him, and wraps them around his neck. Using all her strenth, Downpour performs a perfect Frankensteiner...forcing Tauro to land upon the mat hard.

"Oh, I dont believe it, folks: Downstrike has dodged Tauro's strongest attack...even with all of that rage...and is- what?!! Oh, She just performed a perfect Frankensteiner attack...and the Champion is down on the mat! What a strike back!!"

"Damn...you...." Tauro mutters and feels his head in such pain from the hard ramming and throw he just recieved. Laying upon his front, he rubs his head and begins to wish the top of his mask had some armor plating upon it.

"I am not done yet, Asshole!!" Downpour states while standing before him. Bending down and wrapping her arms around his waist, she forces him up onto his hooves. "Time for some payback...for hurting my coltfriend!!!" Downy shouts in remindance of what Tauro had done before to Edited Edition and others in the ring. With her mighty wings flapping to give her a boost, Downstrike performs a backdrop.

The minotaur feels unable to free himself from this hold...and lands upon his head when Downstrike performs the Backdrop upon him; This marks the third time he has been hit in the head: The rage, the charge, the landing after the recent Frankensteiner, and now this. With his headache growing, Tauro cannot thing of a way out of this...and can only feel the coldness of the mat as his head presses into it.

"I dont believe it, Wrestling fans...I don't Freaking believe it!! Downstrike has just performed a Backdrop on the Champion...and she is holding him there! Tauro does not seem to be fighting back; All those blows to his head must have finally gotten to him!!"

Downpour holds him there tight, arching her back while awaiting for the referee to count down before Tauro gets his head back into the game. Slamming his hands down upon the mat one by one, the referee counts from one to five...and calls it: Downstrike has won Round Two.

From this shocking moment when seeing, for the first time, Senior "Might" Tauro losing a round to another...especially in the Championship match...most within the audience and the two VIP Boxes above cannot believe what they have just seen. Only seconds later do the fans of both Downy and Tauro jump and chant the name of Downstrike for reaching the point where she and the champion are tied...and either one can win the title and belt from here.

"Downstrike has shocked us all, ladies and gentlecolts: She has won the second round, tying with Senior Tauro for the first time in all of his wrestling career!! I, myself, am truly shocked by this and can only imagine what the THIRD and FINAL round will bring us!!!"

Releasing the minotaur and allowing him to fall flat upon his back, laying there with a daze still, Downpour walks back to her end of the corner where her coltfriend resides...greeted with a bright and praising smile.

"You did it, Downy!! You did it!!!" Edited chants with such praise and joy in his voice, "I knew you could do it!! Only one round away from winning it all!!!"

The sweating pegasai mare smiles down at her coltfriend, too tired to talk...but turns her attention to the crowd of many fans chanting her name, and raises her fist high into the air...displaying her determination to win this.

"Only...one...more round...to go!" Downpour says to herself within her mind, "I can do this...yes...I can. My heart...and the friendship of my many friends...will see me through this...."

TO BE CONTINUED....

Ch. 3: Ready to Rumble Part 3

"She...She did it....!" Courageous mutters in complete and utter surprise upon what his own eyes of blue have just witnessed from beyond the clear glass before him. All the young stallion can feel is the urge to rise upon from the couch that comforts his rear...and leap for joy into the air, shouting such praise for the mare who has earned such a merit few could ever hope to come close to, "DOWNPOUR WON THE SECOND ROUND!!!!"

Rising from the same couch, the little orange pegasai pony feels her voice releasing such screaming with a thrill for the excitment that has been witnessed before her eyes, "Oh my Celestia and Luna...SHE DID IT!!!"

"Not so loud, Gunpowder...." Whines the timid brown pegasai named Despair while she sits next to the over-excited mare, "But...yes...Downy won the second round and-"

"And with only one more to go...and she will win the title!!!" Rocki states upon her leap upwards into the air from off the couch, balling up her fist and raising it up high, "HOT DAMN!!!"

Rainy, who stands just beside the excited little mint-green zebra, is able to pick up the sound of swearing thanks to her strong sense of hearing...and turns to Rocki, giving her a small glare while crossing her arms; Despite the sounds of the cheering behind her from the other wrestlers, the loving but strict mother of Misty ceases her own in order to give strict attention to the little pony who has used such mild language.

"Uh...sorry." Rocki apologizes, shallowing in fear of a possible and inevitable trip to the E-Rumble Meeting Room downstairs.

The first thing that is released from the blue mare's mouth...is nothing more than a sigh and a smile to go with it, "Honestly...if I was not too excited right now, I would send you down to the meeting room...but...I think I am gonna let it slide; I mean, after what I just saw down there....I have to say the same thing: HOT DAMN!!!!" Rainy Skies shouts with the same expression the other ponies around her share.

Surprised beyond reason that Rainy would use the same language in front of her, Rocki can only smile in return to this and join her to continue cheering for the one mare down below in the ring they all love and support. With every other fan and wrestler about applauding Downpour for her amazing performance and skill with such awe, there may not be a pony sitting for the remainder of this Championship Match.

"That was so amazing!!!" Iris expresses to both her friends and her big sister...who stands beside her while they both cheer for Downpour below the VIP Box they all reside in, "I cannot believe Downy was able to pull it off!"

"I can't believe it either, kiddo!" Brandy Kiss admits to her precious little sister...feeling the need to hug her to express how happy she is that her best friend has beaten that bastard of a bull-creature in the second round. Turning herself to the right to face the young unicorn, Brandy wraps her arms around Iris and hugs her close to her chest.

Iris giggles in delight for the soft, warm hug by the mare she loves so much...who smells of the sweet, roasted coffee beans that she brews in the cafe down the street.

"She only has one round to go!!" Courageous states the obvious, but adds more to it, "If she plays her cards right...she will win it all!"

"I agree!!" Misty agrees with young stallion she cares a great deal for, "This was SOOoooo worth coming here to watch...especially from up here in the VIP Box with all my friends!!"

"Yeah...!!" Courageous agrees with the little blue mare beside her...only to frown a little when Misty brings up the subject of "all my friends"...that it brings him to sigh with a sad heart beating in his chest, "If only...If only Blaze and...Flare...were here to see this with us. Guinevere too...."

The moment the teenagers hear the names of their three best friends...the twins and one other that use to be apart of their tight group...the loud cheering from their voices come to a brief end...and all feel the same emotions Courageous feels. "We wish they were here too...." Rocki, Gunpowder, Misty, Despair, and Iris all say together, realizing only now just how much they miss those that could not be here here today to witness this awe-inspiring event.

"Don't feel bad, everypony." Rainy attempts to cheer up her daughter and best friends she loves, "Guinevere, Blaze and Flare loved wrestling as much as the rest of you do...and they loved you all as much as you do each other."

Courageous and the teenage mares all turn their attention to the one mother here today, with expressions of such sadness still upon their faces.

"I am sure right now, this very minute, they are watching the match from their new home...and are cheering for Downpour much like we are." She claims, reminding them of the bond of friendship they all share, "I am also sure the those three, who loved their foalsitter Downpour as much as you do, are recalling all the times they spent with you all...and are wondering what you are all doing right now too."

"Mrs. Skies is right." Brandy adds in to help lift the sad spirts of her own sister and friends, "It be best not to feel sad on this historic-ish moment in all of Equestria Rumble History. So wipe those sad faces off your...faces...and lets enjoy the final round of the match!"

Realzing then and there how correct both Rainy and Brandy are, the group of six teenagers remove their frowns and lowered eyebrows to that of smiles and heightened brows...returning their expressions to both excitment and joy for the moment they are in: Watching the Championship Title Match, up high within a very high-class VIP Box for wrestlers...with only one round to go; Knowing all of this will bring a great story to tell someday, especially of the Firestorm Twins and Guinevere they hold in their hearts, the young teenage ponies return their attention to the ring below...ready for the last round to begin.

Satisfied that they could help the little ponies smile again, the mother and sister to two special little mares turn their own attention to the below where the final round is ready to start. Even the wrestlers and more behind them all move in closer to watch and see who it will be that will take home the title and the Double-Alicorn Belt.

**********************************************

"And now, Mares and Gentlecolts...peasants and princesses...it is time to move to the FINAL ROUND!!" Rough Hoof announces upon the whole two minute break in-between the previous round and the approaching one. "With the score tied at One-to-One, this last fight will determine who will walk home with the Double-Alicorn Belt...and who will walk home empty-handed!! Who shall win it all: The Champion Senior "Might" Tauro...or the Top-Contender Downstrike?!!"

Chantings of the two very names mention fill the stadium all around; Almost half of the wrestling fans continue to cheer for the mighty minotaur...while more than half are now applauding for the one mare who has become the first to defeat the former in ONE round; No wrestler in the last five years has come close to such a small victory...and the many ponies and other species gathered here all give their support to Downstrike for her amazing accomplishment...plus the possibility of her chance to rise to the top.

"Hehehehe, looks like everypony have placed their bets and are ready to see just who it is that will take come the Grand Prize!! Well then...I guess it is time to see just which wrestler will win it all!! So...lets get this last round of the Championship Match underway!! ITS TIME...TO RUMBLE!!!!"

All while the crowd of excited and eager wrestling fans cheer for their favored wrestler for this very match, Downpour and Tauro leave the corner of their ring and move to the center.

"Get ready to lose, you pathetic wench!!" Tauro insults the mare of blue and gold before him, blowing the rage through his nostrils in the forms of snorting.

"You first, asshole!!" Downstrike snaps back at the minotaur...hoping to deliver pain to every area of his body in this last and final round. "I have had enough of this damn bull and his shit!! If I have to, I am going to give him everything I've got in this...even moves I have never done before; After the way he hurt my friends in previous matches, I am going to make him pay!!!"

"Just look at those sparks fly, folks!" Rough Hoof informs the many excited wrestling fans all around him from what his eyes behold within the wrestling ring, "After two grueling rounds, it may appear that neither wrestler is going to hold anything back!! Let us see just what each fighter will give us as they fight for the Title and the Double-Alicorn Belt!!!"

With glaring eyes of rage upon each other, fists gripped tighter than the grinding of their teeth, both Downstrike and Tauro stand at the ready...and charge in as the sounds of the bell ring: The Final Match of the Equestria Rumble Championship Match...begins.

"Here...I...Come!! Ready...or...NOT!!!" The raging minotaur Senior Tauro roars, scraping his right hoof onto the mat...and charges forwards with another "Horns of Hell" attack. The very stomping shakes the entire wrestling ring around him.

"Then come and get me...YOU BASTARD!!!" Downstrike taunts, spreading out her left wing to use as both a shield and a form of cape...turning this final round into something of a bullfight; Ironically, yelling the name and word "Tauro" out at the charging minotaur...creates the entire setup for this fight turning into another traditional sport. "COME ON!!!"

"RRWWAAARRRRR!!!!" Tauro roars yet again and charges in...horns first...into Downpour.

The keen senses in her eyes send a quick message to her brain, which then send an even greater one to the rest of her body: Downy twirls around and avoids the frontal attack by the larger opponent. Plus, she manages to move her wing out of the way just in time too. "Missed me!!~"

"And there you have it folks! Just look at that: Downstrike tried to taunt the champ in towards her...and she has managed to dodge the "Horns of Hell" in a split second!! I tell you now, wrestling fans: This mare is unlike any other we have seen in the last one-hundred years!!"

Tauro ends up running into the ropes at the west-end of the ring...only to turn himself around and bounce right back towards the the mare that he knows cannot dodge this attack a second time, "DODGE THIS, BITCH!!!"

"Tauro!!~" Downstrike replies right back with a taunt of the very minotaur's name, and twirls to the side yet again while performing yet another

"Bullfighting" stance...avoiding Might's second attempt at this best attack that continues to miss it's target. "Missed me again! That all you got...Might Tauro?~"

"SHUT UP!!!" Tauro snaps back and bounces back on the ropes at the opposite end...charging yet a third time at Downpour.

"MAKE ME, ASSHOLE!!!"

"Just look at that!! Tauro is trying to ram Downstrike with his horns, but she is able to dodge each attempt with little effort!! Wow...just WOW!!! I tell you this, ladies and gentlecolts...this is turning into more of a bullfight than a wrestling match!! One can only tell if the champ can land a blow before he runs out of energy!"

"Thats...IT!!!" Tauro informs himself within his mind hearing that insulting announcement by Rough Hoof...and feels ready to bring this joke of a match to an end. Balling up his fists and spreading out his arms wide, Tauro straightens them up tight and once he bounces back upon the ropes...he twirls around to perform a tornado fist attack that should be bound to hit his target...which it does:

Downpour once again dodges the attack of the towering minotaur, but does not expect the double-fist swirl attack...and feels the force of Tauro's knuckles slam into the side of her face. This brings Downy to become stunned from the blow and feels herself spinning the same way her head is doing so; Such a surprising attack knocks her off balance...inabling perparations to counter the next move done by the minotaur.

Witnessing his attack a success, Might Tauro bounces back upon the ropes once more...for the last time...and charges forward with his shoulder and side aiming right at the mare...with one corner of the pole the very spot to ram her into, "DODGE THIS!!!"

Unable to avoid this attack in time, Downpour suddenly feels the frontal pressure of the minotaur slamming into her...with the force of the push ramming her back right into the pole of the ring; Such a blow to both sides stun the injured pegasai to a great amount...and she becomes trapped and unable to move; Gasping for air while her back rests up against the pole, Downpour sets her sights facing forward to where the great minotaur stands before her. The sight of rage and pride in his eyes...with his fists all clutched up tight for eventual blows to come.

"Oooooooh!!! Looks like the tables have turned, wrestling fans: Senior "Might" Tauro's spinning attack has successfully stunned Downstrike just enough to strike back- OOOOoooohhh...that had to hurt!! Looks like the mare is trapped between the corner of the turnbuckle and the champ himself!! However will she get out of this one...?!!"

****************************************************

"Now...you will pay for humiliating me!! TAKE THIS!!!" Senior Tauro bellows with all the rage built up in his lungs. Pulling his bent arm back, the mighty minotaur throws a punch straight forward...striking the face of the lovely masked pony. After one successful punch, Tauro goes in for another...and another.

The feeling of the heavy fist pressing hard into her face drives Downpour to shed a tear...which soon rolls down the side of her mask and her face; The pain is intense, and hurts harder than a piece of wood striking with a vengence.

"Awww...does it hurt?!! GOOD!!" Tauro roars, small traces of spit spashing down onto the mare's face. "ONCE I AM FINISHED WITH YOU, YOUR FACE WILL NEVER BE LOOKED UPON AGAIN BY YOUR COLTFRIEND THERE!!!" He swears to her, refering the Edited below...and resumes punching Downstrike hard on the side of her face, all while using his other hand to grip the lightning-bolt design upon her top...ensuring she does not move from the corner he holds her in.

The moment the audience catches wind of what Tauro uttered loud enough within the audience around them to hear, the majority of all wrestling fans...whether on the champion's side or not...jeer at him: Such an act of damaging a mare's face, even in wrestling, is all but a selfish and cowardly act for revenge; To harm a mare's beautiful face will only leave even more harm to the one who brings such pain.

"DOWNY!!!" Edited Edition cries for his beloved marefriend, taking hold of the lower ropes before him and shaking them while his voice rises in volume, "GET OUT OF THERE!!!"

"TAURO!!!" Black Icicle screams, "KEEP AT IT!!"

"TAURO, PLEASE!!!" The other three bikini mares cry out, hoping their pleas will bring the minotaur they love to cease his relentless beatings on Downstrike

Cries from just outside the ring continue on, all while the audience themselves jeer more and more for this moment: To watch a stallion...of sorts...beat up a mare so hard only brings them to hating on the minotaur; Never have they ever seen him so enraged to where he would attack a mare...in the face. Even high above in the VIP BOX, the many friends and fans of the unfortunate mare cry out in shock as they watch in horror as she continues to recieve blows to the face.

"NOOO!!!" Brandy screams, wishing her eyes would not have to watch such violence. "DOWNY!!!"

"SOMEPONY CALL IT OFF!!!" Rainy Skies yells with such concern for the young mare. Despite how high her screams may be, they cannot overpower the roaring of the crowd below.

Everypony else, wrestler and young fan alike, cannot stand the sight of what they see through the glass before them. No matter how many cries they may utter from their throats, it is but a few of thousands that cry out even greater.

"Well...looks like many fans of all kinds are not liking what they are seeing: Senior "Might" Tauro is really putting the thrashing upon Downstrike- DAMN!!! Anothter punch to the face...which makes it the ninth one so far!! Any more...and not only may this knock out the top-ranking contender...but may damage her face permanently!"

*************************************************

After the ninth punch is delivered hard onto the precious face of the little mare of red, Tauro pulls his fist back...ready to give onto Downpour one last blow that will leave her face brusied for a long time. However, the loud uproar of jeering being thrown at him the same way pieces of garbage would be halts his final blow.

"You dare?! YOU DARE "BOO" AT ME?!!!" Senior Tauro roars in anger.

"That...is...cor...ect...." Downstrike mutters at the minotaur, spitting into his face. Instead of spit that shoots out of her mouth, it is blood; After all the blows she has just taken, Downy can feel the aweful taste upon her tongue...and can only remove it from her mouth onto the one wrestler she despises, "You are...just...nothing more...than a...brute!"

Feeling the wad of blood land upon his cheek, the shocked minotaur of such great rage can only grow angrier at the mare whom he is ready to thrash hard...caring not for what the audience thinks: The only thing that matters in his eyes are the title, the mares he sleeps with, and the fortune he has built. "YOU...STUPID...BITCH!!!"

Despite how much her face hurts from the previous blows, Sky finds it in her to move her eyes about...scanning for a way to counter the next punch that Tauro is preparing at this moment to strike her with. Thus far, any attack on his upper body of face would not do so much with what strenth Downpour has left...and can only spot one perfect area to attack below. "Time to unleash...my SPECIAL MOVE!!!"

"Well...looks like this may be the end, ladies and gentlecolts...fillies and colts of all ages!! The champ looks ready to deliver the final blow to Downstrike...."

"TAKE THIS...AND FALL!!!" Senior Tauro bellows onto Downpour, spitting in her face when he does...and throws his punch.

"NO...TAKE THIS!!!" Downstrike roars back, and throws a hard kick right up in-between the legs of the strong minotaur holding her against the turnbuckle; Jamming her rock-hard hoof right up his balls, Downy takes satisfaction in striking the minotaur in the one place most wrestlers have failed to target...but thanks to his uncontrolled rage, the clever mare is able to deliver a perfect blow.

"AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!" Tauro yells when the hardness of the mare's hoof presses up right up into his balls, causing his entire body...plus his incoming fist...to freeze up and cease any and all further movements. His free hand and the one holding Downstrike against the pole move from their previous positions...and down below to where his injured private parts reside; He clutches them tight...all while glaring at the mare with a tear in his eye, "YOU...FU........CKING BITCH!!!"

"HOLY SHIT!!! DID YOU ALL JUST SEE THAT?!!! DOWNSTRIKE JUST DELIVERED HER SPECIAL MOVE...THE CLOUDBURST...ONTO SENIOR TAURO'S NUTS...AND NOW SHE HAS BEEN SPARED THAT FINAL BLOW!! THIS MATCH IS STILL ON...AND NOW IN THE MARE'S FAVOR!!!"

Everypony all over the stadium leaps up and cheers Downpour on for such a move that few can do with both quick-thinking and injuries to the face.

Realizing she has a moment now to recover before Tauro may attack again, Downstrike grabs hold of the ropes and lifts both her legs up...bringing them to her chest; From the look of it, the mare is perparing to kick him off of her and far out into the ring, "NO...FUCK YOU!!!" Downstrike roars and launches her strong kick.

Senior "Might" Tauro is launched across the ring and onto the middle of the ring, falling onto his back...laying there while he continues to cover his balls. "DAMN...IT!!"

Downpour shakes off the daze that surrounds her head, and ignores the pain Tauro inflicted upon her a while ago...and stomps up towards the middle of the ring. Upon arriving there, she places her hands upon her hips and glares down at the fallen minotaur...and spits on him yet again, "I ALWAYS fight dirty...and in your case... I MAKE NO EXCEPTIONS, ASSHOLE!!!"

"YOU...FU-"

Before Tauro can finish swearing at her, Downpour raises her leg and brings it down onto the minotaur's nuts once more...stomping hard enough to shut him up, "NOT ANOTHER WORD OUT OF YOU!!!!!" She orders, feeling her own controlled rage building up within her body...and gives Tauro another stomp onto his balls.

"AAAGGHHH!!!" Senior Tauro yells when the pain of the mare's powerful kicks continue to bring him pain; Despite his massive size and bulky muscles, his nuts being struck are his one weak spot that have brought him down, "How...How can this be happening?!! I am...losing...to a fucking mare!!!"

*********************************************

"AND JUST LIKE THAT, FOLKS...DOWNSTRIKE HAS THE UPPER HOOF!! SHE IS DELIVERING SOME POWERFUL STOMPS ONTO THE INJURED MINOTAUR!!! DAMN...WITH THAT BLOW TO HIS NUTS...THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT- HOLY HARMONY!! WHAT IS SHE DOING NOW?!!!"

"This to put you down hard...ON THE MAT!!!" Downpour yells, grabbing hold of Tauro's mane with her two hands. Yanking him up onto his hooves, she holds on tight and rushes towards the ropes at the far end of where she stands...pulling the minotaur all the way.

Throwing the injured champion into the ropes, Downpour leaps uo into the air...with her hooves aimed at Tauro. Once he bounces back into her direction, she kicks his chest with both hooves...forcing him back into the ropes where he is bound to bounce back yet again. However, thanks to the great red wings she possesses behind her, Downpour lands upon her hooves without falling onto the mat, only to leap up into the air again and this time wrap her legs around the neck of the incoming minotaur.

"TRY GETTING OUT OF THIS ONE, ASSHOLE!!!" Downstrike yells and squeezes tight around his neck, then performs another Frankinstiener...causing Tauro to fall onto the mat...on his head.

"GAH!!!" Senior Tauro grunts from the impact that as of now has given him a splitting headache. However, the one sound he hears that disturbs him the most is that of something upon him cracking; The sound is hear so clear to his ear...because it comes from just above his ear. "My...horn?!! No...please NO!!!"

"HOLY HARMONY!!! DOWNSTRIKE IS GOING ALL OUT ON THE CHAMPION...AND SENIOR TAURO CANNOT SEEM TO GET BACK UP TO FIGHT!!! ALL THOSE BLOWS SHE CONTINUES TO DELIVER TO THE UNFORTUNATE MINOTAUR MAY JUST- WHAT IS SHE DOING NOW?!!!"

Rising up from the mat after performing that last move, Downstrike stands upon her hooves once more...only to glare down at the weakened minotaur laying down before her. "HAD ENOUGH, YET?!!"

"N-N-NO....!!" Senior Tauro mutters, trying with all his remaining strength to push himself up with the use of his hands. All his dazed eyes can see as he struggles off his front is the mat before him...and the small traces of blood he can taste in his mouth. "D-Damn...Y...YOU!!!"

"So be it....!" Downpour exclaims, realizing that the only way to defeat Senior "Might" Tauro...is to knock him out. Grabbing hold of his mane, she forces him up onto his hooves, "Time...TO FINISH YOU!!"

"N-NO....!"

"YES!!!" Downstrike snarls, pulling back her right leg and swinging it forwarc up into his balls once more...crushing them so hard with her polished hoof that the sound of them bursting may be possible.

"GAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!" The beaten Champion cries out, gasping for air.

With a strong, final blow to his nuts to weaken the minotaur beyond recovery...at least for now...Downstrike releases his mane and leaps up onto him, wrapping her soft yet strong legs around his neck once more...preparing to unleash yet another painful throw. "Your reign...ends here!~" She teases and winks, pulling her rage and teasing nature into one.

"Let...me...go...you...you whore."

A devilish smile forms upon her little pony face, followed by a nodding of her head, "As you wish~"

Fliping back to where the palms of her hands come in contact with the mat, Downstrike uses all the might in her body to pull one last Frantinsteiner on Might Tauro, slamming his head down...horns first.

"Damn...Damn you....bitch." Senior "Might" Tauro swears in a weak voice at the mare he will forever despise beyond this day...feeling the hard impact of the mat upon head and horns; The right horn hits first. The same horn that Downpour's recent attack caused it to crack...and now the full force of the crash landing onto the mat causes the entire sharp pride of any minotaur, especially Tauro's, to break off in half.

The rest of Tauro's body falls back onto the mat the moment Downpour's legs release his neck, right in the very center where the words "Equestria Rumble" are imprinted upon it. Such force of the impace brings Tauro to flinch only just...and collapse.

The mighty minotaur...a Five-Year Straight Champion...Senior "Might" Tauro...has been knocked out by the superior challenger.

Exhaused from the pain inflicted upon her, plus the strength used to perform this final assault has tired out the young mare...Downstrike finds what strength she has left to saddle the minotaur's chest and places her hands firmly upon his shoulders...performing an offical pin in order for the countdown to commence.

The referee, who has been just outside the ring the entire match...due to the intense charges and attacks Tauro has thrown around all over...leaps on inside and falls onto his knees, slamming the palm of his hand down onto the mat. "ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...." With the first four counts down, he raises his hand high in the air and slams it down for the last time:

"....FIVE!! YOU'RE OUT!!!"

The match had ended...and Downstrike has won.

Downstrike's Victory

*********************************************

The entire stadium...with every wrestling fan within from Blazer City and beyond...are dead silent. What everypony has just witnessed...has shocked them beyond measure; Nopony can believe the victory of one mare over the loss of the once undefeatable minotaur. But in mere seconds, such shock changes the voices all around from that of silence to something much louder:

Cheering!

Shouts of high praise and admiration fall upon the ears of the great and powerful Downstrike...for every wrestling fan within the stadium are scream her name with utter joy; Since the roar of the crowd has become louder than it was at the beginning, this can only mean that those who were once great fans of Senior "Might" Tauro have changed sides...especially after this dishonorable attacks on the new Champion of all Equestria Rumble.

"I DO NOT BELIEVE IT!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!! I AM STANDING RIGHT HERE, STARING AT IT WITH MY OWN DAMN EYES...AND I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I HAVE JUST WITNESSED THIS DAY, LADIES AND GENTLECOLTS!!!" Rough Hoof announces with sheer surprise and wonder in his eyes that lay upon the ring and what he has seen in the last half-hour or so. "BUT MY EYES ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVE SEEN IT: THE EYES OF THOUSANDS GATHERED HERE TODAY, PLUS THE ONES OF OUR BELOVED PRINCESSES, HAVE ALL SEEN IT!! SENIOR "MIGHT" TAURO IS DOWN AND OUT...WHICH MEANS WE HAVE A BRAND NEW- I REPEAT, A BRAND NEW CHAMPION OF EQUESTRIA RUMBLE!!!!"

Even while the Voice of Equestria Rumble announces the defeat of the former champion and the rise of the new, the audience of many wrestling fans all continue to cheer in such a high volume of shouts and praising...all while they spill their drinks and popcorn all over the place; The excitement drives them nuts from the performance that they may never see again in their generation.

Princess Celestia herself rises from her throne to applaud the victory of the young mare, all while keeping the excitement building up inside her at bay in order to keep a graceful appearance in front of all her loyal subjects.

"We can understand thy need to scream and cheer for the victor, dear sister." Princess Luna informs her big sister once she rises onto her hooves to clap her hands alongside the white alicorn dressed in such fine golden silks, "We feel the same too~"

Giggling in a delightful manner, the kind and beautiful Princess of the Sun and co-ruler of all Equestria turns her head to the left to smile down onto her sister, "You are quite right, little sister. Perhaps tonight during the victory celebration dinner with Downpour, we may express ourselves however we please~"

"We agree with you completely, dear sister."

"SHE DID IT!!! DOWNY WON!!!" Courageous Heart shouts with a high amount of excitement within his voice and body. He jumps up and down, raising his fists up into the air...unable to control himself.

Misty shouts and whoops alongside the handsome stallion she cares for very much, "She won the Championship match!! The whole freaking Championship Tournament!!!"

"THAT WAS ONE HELL OF A FINISHER MOVE ON THAT STUPID BULL!!!" Rocki screams and curses just a little, unable to control her mouth and the volume of her voice.

Gunpowder is already upon on her hooves and embracing Rocki, completely filled with joy and happiness to no longer care about her small rivalry she has with the minty zebra, "THAT SURE WAS!! DOWNPOUR IS THE BEST WRESTLER EVER!!!"

"She...She sure is!!!" Despair expresses her feelings without any need to act like her old timid self; After witnessing Downpour winning the championship without fear and fighting with unbeatable determination, Despair feels her down courage growing within her heart underneath all her soft coat of brown. "She really is the best wrestler I have ever seen!!"

"You got that right, Despair!!" Rainy concurs with the young pegasai, only to turn to her daughter and embrace her.

"Downpour won, Brandy!! I knew she could!!!" Iris says to her big sister with utter joy and excitment that she shares in common with all her friends and everypony else in the VIP Room.

Brandy Kiss's only response at first is lifting her little sister up and embracing her in her arms, kissing her cheek and giggling with the same expression upon her face and the similar feeling in her heart, "She sure did, little sis. We all knew she could!! That's our Downy!!~"

Wild Dream along with the other wrestlers and fans gathered together in the VIP Box, all cheer for their good friend Downstrike and her unbelieveable victory she has earned this day. In their minds, they did not doubt one bit that Downy could have gone the distance in this new historical wrestling match...even when it seemed hopless.

"NOoooo!!!" Black Icicle cries out while everypony else around the stadium cheers, climbing up on into the ring to rush to her beloved's aid.

The other three mares all scoff and walk away...not only because Senior Tauro lost his title in such a humiliating way, but because of how he attacked his rival in such a brutal way in the last round; To bruise a mare like that...to damage her face that may affect her beauty and image, is insulting.

Rushing to his side, the young mare who's heart is known to be as cold as ice itself holds her precious minotaur in her arms...kissing his cheek and nuzzling his cheek, "Oh, my darling Tauro...please...please be alright."

All the former champion can do is moan in pain...while his strength remains in a weakened state. However, his mouth moves a little from what his marefriend can see...and he mutters a few words, "I...lost. She...took...my pride...from me."

"Yes...she did, my love." Black Icicle whispers to her beloved lover, saddened by what has happened too, "She will pay for this someday. I swear this to you, my sweet...sweet Tauro."

"I'll be taking...THAT!~" The stallion of sand and green, known by many as Edited "Upgrade" Edition, states while standing before the fallen minotaur and his marefriend. Kneeling before Tauro without any need to look at him or the mare holding him, Edited removes the Double-Alicorn Belt from the former champion's waist, stands back up upon his hooves, and walks away, "Thank you~"

With his back turned away from the asshole that once caused him a great amount of pain in a match from long ago, Edited's sights gaze upon the red mare with the black and silver mane...and smiles with great warmth. He waltzes on up to his beloved marefriend...giving to her the one and only prize for her victory in this match today, "I believe this now belongs to you, sweetie~"

"Awww...thank you." Downy expresses her deep appreciation of her coltfriend retrieving that which belongs to her now from the minotaur she does not wish to be near again...ever.

"Anything for you, my love~" The handsome, muscular earth-stallion flirts with his beloved marefriend, all while noticing the brusies on her face, "We may wanna get you some Equestrian Elixer before dinner tonight; It may be the only thing to fix you right up in a jiffy."

"I agree." Giggling to the handsome stallion's sweetness on her, Downpour moves her hand behind his head...and pulls him in towards her, pressing her lips to his. After the longest and hardest fight of her life, she wishes nothing more than to share this moment by giving a loving kiss to the stallion she loves with all her heart.

Edited blushes ever a bright shade of red upon his cheeks much the same as his marefriend, and returns the kiss.

Once the kiss comes to an end, Edited steps back to allow Downpour her moment of fame...as the cameras all around the stadium by the adoring fans and the press just outside the ring itself...snap their shots of the mare who has claimed victory and the title of Equestria Rumble Champion. "Go get em', sweetie!"

Satisfied with the kiss she has bestowed upon her handsome stallion of a wrestler, Downstrike stands before the audience and the press...removing her mask so that they may have a good look upon her without anything covering her image; Even as much as the Laws of Wrestling prohibit removal of wrestling masks in any way, due to the great dishonor it brings, this one moment is where it can be allowed: When a wrestler has gone the distance...and claims victory in the Title Match.

Downpour smiles onto the crowd before and all around her...and holds the Double-Alicorn Belt high up in the air. With her redgreat wings spread far and wide, the young mare admires the moment of great pride and victory...one that she will forever remember this day and beyond.

"AND THERE YOU HAVE IT, FOLKS!! AFTER A LONG, EXCITING AND POWERFUL MATCH...WE HAVE OUR NEW EQUESTRIA RUMBLE CHAMPION OF THE PONY KINGDOM!! WINNER BY KNOCKOUT...DOWNSTRIIIIIIIIKE!!!!"

***********************************************

ONE HOUR LATER....

"Well...it looks like most of the stadium has cleared out." Brandy informs her friends while staring down through the glass from the VIP Box she and the rest are relaxing in, "Took them a while, but I guess everypony just wanted to stay and listen to the speech and take more pictures."

"Seems like it, sweetie." Rainy concurs, standing behind the young maid wrestle, "Well, once Downpour gets out of the shower in the locker room, we can all spend a few minutes here before we head on out to that special dinner with the Princesses of Canterlot."

"Yeah!! Still...I thought she would have been out sooner. Shouldn't take THAT long to wash oneself."

"Honey...." Rainy sighs with a giggle, "She is probably sharing the shower with Edited...if you know what I mean~"

"Hehehe, probably right."

"Come on, sweetie. Let's go join Courageous over by the buffet." Rainy suggests, "Might as well have a small snack before dinner later...since there may be no telling how much longer we will have to wait."

"Sounds like a good idea to me~"

"Well...that was BY FAR...the greatest wrestling match I have EVER witnessed in my life...in person." Gunpowder informs her friends all sitting around the couch with her...showing a hint of pride and happiness for this day she feels so lucky to have witnessed.

"I think you mean the FIRST match you...or any of us...have ever witnessed in our lives~" Rocki teases, correcting her best friend and group leader of their collection of friends.

The annoyed pegasus of orange, save for her black shorts and tank top, sighs at the green zebra's correction...and shakes her head in response, "Yes...it is the first, but still the best."

"I agree...." Despair mutters, hoping they can hear her.

"Same!" Misty mentions, taking a bite into the crackers and cheese upon the plate she holds in her hand, "Although my mother is a wrestler, she never wanted me to see this kind of violence...so it was only until now I was able to attend a wrestling match here."

Iris places her hand upon the shoulder of the sea-blue unicorn and smiles, "Wow...you are very lucky to have a wrestler for a mother. I mean, Brandy is a wrestler and my big sister...but she would never take me to a match unless she felt I was ready."

"Yeah...same here." Gunpowder, Rocki, and Despair all reply together...revealing that their own parents feel the same about Equestria Rumble, even though these three wish to become wrestlers.

The mention of this brings the group of five best friends to all share in a delighful moment of girl-ish giggling; With all the things they have in common, it makes their friendship that much tighter. However, the though of one particular topic they also share brings Gunpowder to speak up, "Yeah...well, speaking of violence and things we have in common...."

"Yes...?" Rocki, Misty, Iris, and Despair all reply...turning their attention to the one they see as the leader of their tight group of best-friends-for-life.

"Well...its about Courageous...and how we acted around him today...."

The other four mares of fifteen years, minus Misty, all fall silent when such a mention is recalled...bringing shame and embarrassment to themselves inside.

Gunpowder releases a breath of air, and sucks in a new one...needing it to make her speech, "Lets face it, girls. We have been best friends for years since Elementary School...and we all have been friends with the one stallion who has always been their for us; The one colt would look out for us and help out whenever he could: Courageous Heart."

The very mention of his name and the feelings each mare sitting upon the couch hold dear in their hearts brings this collection of friends to listen with their eyes at their full attention on Gunpowder.

"I know we have always had fun playing with Courageous when we were younger, but ever since we became teeangers...we have been competing for his attention all the time: Clinging to him, flirting, and trying to get him alone so we could each talk with him or even attempt to kiss him...once the mood became right, of course."

Rocki and Iris blush when they recall the times they have tried. Misty and Despair however...do not; This is due to their shy nature that makes them incapable of matching the others.

"But anyway...what I am trying to say is: Even with all our attempts, we have always argured and fought over him in some ways." Gunpowder reminds her friends of the past...and of today, "Even this morning until before the whole wrestling match began, we were continuing to fight over him...and honestly, I hate fighting with you girls; You are my best friends...and ones I could never replace."

"Awwww...." The girls are all moved by those heartfilled words from their leader, and all share in a warm group hug.

While the five teenage mares all hug each other, showing how much they love one another as the best of friends ever could, Gunpowder holds them close to her and moves her eyes all around the circle, looking into each of their own eyes, "Let's make a vow right here and now: Let us promise to never risk our friendship over a stallion; While we strive to become the best wrestling mares we can ever be, let us play fair towards winning the heart of Courageous...and should he someday pick one of us to spend the rest of his life with, we will always remain friends. Do you guys promise to me...and to each other?"

Without a second to think about it, Rocki...along with Misty, Despair, Iris, and Gunpowder all put their hands into the center of their little circle on top of the other...swearing to their new vow. "We promise!!"

"...AND...sorry, forgot to mention...and if any other mares come along who may develop the same feelings we have towards Courageous...and if they refuse to take the same oath as we are, then they are considered our enemies; Any mare who refuses to take a friendship vow to compete in a fair way...is no friend of ours."

"AGREED!!" The four mares reply, concuring with their best friend and leader Gunpowder...ready and willing to stick together against those who may try to steal their crush without a fair fight.

Sworn into an oath that can never be broken, Gunpowder returns to embracing her best friends in all of Equestria, "I love you girls...so much! Best friends forever...even as we train and fight towards becoming the greatest wrestlers the world will ever know!"

"BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!!!" Iris, Rocki, Despair, and Misty all return the warm hug...sharing the loving friendship that will last for as long as they are together...or apart even.

***********************************************

"We're here, everypony!~" A voice announces upon entering through the front door of the VIP Room. It is none other than Edited Edition, all dressed up in a fancy suit. "Presenting, the mare you all know and love, my special mare and champion of Equestria Rumble: Downstrike!!~" He steps back, allowing the Wrestling Star of the Year to make her grand entrance.

Wearing a lovely, long formal dress of black with silver lining to match her mane, Downpour steps into the room...with an expression of grace and beauty upon her face. Not to mention the way her long mane is tied up; With both earring and slippers to match with the fancy outfit she dawns this evening. Plus, the bruises on her face have disappeared...thanks to a special elixir made for the E-Rumble wrestlers themselves to use after each match. "Hello, everypony~"

Everypony in the VIP Room is in awe at the sight of the beautiful young champion of wrestling, and her formal outfit for the dinner with the Princesses this evening...which is part of winning the title. Each and every wrestler who has come here to support Downpour this evening approach and compliment here...and Edited too, of course.

"Wow, Sky...you look...so beautiful. I am feeling a little jealous~" Brandy Kiss compliments before admitting to how lucky her best friend is for everything she has achieved this day...and all that will follow after.

"Thank you, Brandy. That means a lot coming from you." Downpour expresses her graditude, giving her best friend a warm hug.

t the Newly-Crowned Champion of Equestria Rumble with a warm smile. While they are calm on the outside, inside they are filled with such excitement to meet the greatest wrestler they have ever had the pleasure of watching her rise to the top.

Courageous and the five mares already present rush on up to the beautiful formal mare and champion...embracing her with whatever room is available to throw their arms around her. "CONGRADULATION, DOWNPOUR!!~"

Feeling the tight hugs of the young wrestlers-in-training, and the love from each one given, Downpour smiles and tries her best to wrap her arms around them all. "Awww...thank you so much, my little wrestlers. And...thank you for cheering me on while I fought my hardest; Your support is one of the most special reasons I made it this far."

"You're Welcome, Downy!!" The six young teenagers all reply while hugging Downpour close and tight, "We love you...so much!!"

"I love you all too...and cannot wait to see you all rise up the way I have someday."

Once the hugs all come to an end, Downpour smiles to the teenagers and the loved ones all gathered around her. "Come on, Everypony!!" Downpour calls out to all her fans and fellow wrestlers, "Let's go enjoy ourselves a fancy dinner with the Royal Sisters...AND CELEBRATE!!!~~"

Chanting the name of their champion and dear friend they will forever honor for years beyond this, the fans and wrestlers walks out of the VIP Room and make their way downstairs and out of the stadium...and on their way to the most fanciest and high-class restaurant in all of Blazer City. For tonight, they would feast in Downpour's name.

But while everypony makes their way towards the restaurant where the Royal Sisters and a feast fit for such await, the six teenagers look back at the stadium...realizing their destiny will be right there in the years to come. Someday, after training and preparing for the next few years until they reach the age of twenty, these little yearlings will someday stand in that ring at the center of the stadium...and wrestle their way to the top, just the same as their beloved foalsitter has done this day.

Their destinies of becoming great and powerful wrestlers has become, and when that day does come when they stand in that ring...they will soon be ready...to rumble!

Ch. 4: Rise of the Iron Heart

Equestria Rumble: Known by all as one of the most popular sports in all of the pony nation.

Founded within Blazer City, which rests upon the shores of Northeastern Equestria, it is here at the E-Rumble Stadium where so many mares and stallions come to compete for the chance at the grand prize: The title of "Greatest Wrestler of the Year" and the Double-Alicorn Belt. Every young wrestler who dreams of winning it all will spend all year training hard in order to fight each and every competitor until the end; The pain and struggle towards the Championship may seem difficult...but it is worth it all in the end.

Over the years, many have earned the title of Champion of Equestria Rumble until the next tournament...but only a few have been able to keep their title for more years than one: The Masked Mare was the first female wrestler to not only win a title match against the reigning stallion champion, but to hold the rank of "Equestria Rumble Champion" for five years straight; She was and has always been the inspiration for all mares that were given the right to wrestle from that day...despite the mystery around her that nopony had ever come to discover the mare behind the mask.

The next wrestler to hold the title for five years straight...was the brutal and prideful minotaur Senior "Might" Tauro. However, despite all his power and popularity, so many would see him as nothing more than a pervert and a jerk...who knew nothing of true honor. However, others would admire Tauro for all he accomplished and his all-powerful style of wrestling.

But...it would not last.

When the next championship match arrived the following year, where another victory would crown Senior Tauro as the first wrestler in history to win six in a row, the top-ranking contender...Downstrike...claimed victory in the final round with her special attack that not only knocked the champ out, but caused part of his right horn to break off...shattering both his pride and his place at the top.

From that day forth, Downstrike became the new Champion of Equestria Rumble...and it was all thanks to her determination and the support of her friends and loved ones; Thier presence is what gave Downy great inspiration to keep movig forward through the match until the end. Downpour earned the love and admiration of many wrestling fans...including that of Princess Celestia and Luna. From then on, Downpour would continue to give her all to keep her title and inspire other young wrestlers and fans out in Blazer City, for she had become the new face of Equestria Rumble due to her spectacular performance.

FIVE YEARS LATER....

Equestria Rumble continues to remain the most popular sport in all of the pony nation...especially with Downstrike still the reigning champion; After the last few years, any mare or stallion challenger strong enough to make it to the finale of the Equestria Rumble Champion Tournament lost to the far stronger wrestler; Even while the battle was fought well, Downpour triumphed in the end and defended her title with both honor and dignity for a total of five years straight.

Now with the recent Championship Tournament completed and Downstrike winning her fifth title defense, the start of the new year has begun: wrestlers preparing for the next tournament for the following year, but continuing to participate in scheduled matches to prove if that have what it takes to win enough matches in order to be allowed to fight for the championship... and win the love and admiration of all the E-Rumble fans from all over Equestria.

But besides the preparations for the next tournament, the time has come for sponsors to seek out new blood for the ring: Newcomers around the age of twenty fresh out of high school and wrestling training. Every young mare and stallion now have the chance to fight in the preliminaries and win themselves a spot in Equestria Rumble...along with sponsers to help build up their name and make it known all over Equestria, plus having them pay certain required fees. This may be the one chance this year to make it in and go the distance all the way to the final round against the reigning champion.

Thus far, a large number of young wrestlers are signing up for the Equestria Rumble Preliminary Matches. Dawning their own masks and attire they either made or bought themselves, the young rookies all await their turn to fight for the chance to earn themselves sponsors and a place within the wrestling league. However...should any lose or forfeit, the chance to join will be lost to them until the next year.

One by one, wrestlers enter the ring and only one walks on out as a welcomed member of Equestria Rumble. After the first hour or so, more than half of the newcomers have taken their turn...leaving as winners or failures. Some even stick around to watch their own friends compete... and to cheer them on.

Soon the next match is to start with those competing preparing to be called on....

***************************************************

"Hey, Courageous...you in here?!" Connor, a good friend of the stallion he refers to, shouts upon entering the stallion locker room, "If you are in here, your turn is coming up! Courageous?!!"

"Stop yelling, Connor...." A voice replies from over in the corner of the locker room...right within the shadows where the lightbulb above has gone out; The entire area where the light cannot reach is covered in darkness...hiding the one stallion within that small area upon the bench he sits upon, "...I heard you the first time, dude."

"Well, sorry...." Connor replies with sarcasm hinted in his voice, along with the rolling of his sky-blue eyes while walking towards where his friend is sitting. "The last fight ended just a while ago and they will be calling the next wrestlers out to fight...which is you!" Once he stands before Courageous, Connor points holds up his bandaded wrists and points onto the stallion with the similar brown coating as his own.

With a slight annoyance at finger pointing in his face, Courageous raises his hand to swat away the hand in a gentle manner, "Alright already! I get it...!"

Instead of the sound of Courageous's hand smacking Connor's, the only thing heard is that of laughter...coming from the latter, "Missed~" He teases after a successful whip away of his hand, "Too slow there, Courageous~"

"Yeah...Yeah...."

Satisfied with that simple tease, Connor places his hand before his best friend...offering to help him up from the bench. "Come on. You don't wanna miss your big match that may set your entire career in motion. I mean, you can always try again next-"

Courageous, refusing to listen to another word of Connor's mocking words, takes hold of Connor's hand and uses it to pull himself up onto his hooves. "Too slow that time~"

Connor gasps to the sudden force of his friend pulling himself up; Luck for this stallion of earth that he was able to keep his balance steady and not fall over towards him. "I wasn't trying to trick you that time, dude. But even if I was attempting such and you caught may hand there, it would only be because you-"

"-Got lucky?~" Courageous teases, using Connor's own ring name to mock him right back.

"Very funny...." Connor scoffs with smile in amusement. "So... we just gonna stand here all afternoon and mock each other... or are we gonna head to the arena, where all our friends are waiting to see you fight for your chance at entry and sponsoship?"

Picking up the blue and red mask from the bench he previously was sitting upon, Courageous Heart and his best friend Connor...who is known by his ring name Lucky Strike...head on out of the locker room. Pushing through the doors, the two young twenty-year olds head on down the hallway towards the inner stadium...where the hungry crowd of gathered fans await to see the next rookie rise into the ranks of Equestria Rumble Wrestling.

Walking as fast as each of their two legs can carry them, Courageous Heart and Connor move with haste in order for the former to make it to his preliminary match. With only minutes to spare, the duo increase the pace but while walking so neither use up too much energy that the alicorn, or unique breed as most come to call those who are not of royalty, needs for the fight ahead.

"So...two questions: Why were you sitting in the dark like that...and why were you not already in your outfit before you got here? I mean, the preliminary matches started hours ago...." Connor questions his best friend while walking beside him.

Sensing that his best friend may not let this question go, Courageous turns to his left in order to face the stallion in the black wrestling mask... and answer, "Well...first...the lighting in that area went out when I sat down to change; It was only out for around a minute until you showed. As for the second part, I was having lunch with my parents...and I didn't have time to change before I got here to watch our friends wrestle in the ring; Just when Despair won her match against that other mare, I rushed to change...and I take it you came looking for me when I suddenly dissappeared from the seats we were assigned for this, huh?"

Connor's only reponse to the answers he has recieved is a nod of his head, but then releases a snort with a smirk to show that he finds the last part funny. "I see. At least you made it in time for Gunpowder's match... since she was the very first; I can only imagine how upset she and the other mares would have been if you were late...so I understand waiting until my turn would come before changing so I could at least watch everypony fight and hopefully win."

"Well...they did from what we have seen: Gunpowder, Rocki, Iris, Misty, Despair, and many others from school have won their matches and now have their own sponsors; The girls sure have been very fortunate for aquiring victory in the preliminaries thus far...and now have a place among the other wrestlers in Equestria Rumble," Courageous praises his best friend and those who await him out in the audience. "Plus, you guys will be getting represented from now on for each and every match that will help make your name known throughout all of Equestria...so long as you win more than you lose."

"Mmmhmmm...that is the downside to it: The sponsors will only support us and pay our fees so long as we win matches more than lose." Connor states that which all wrestlers must know. "Not to mention that more victories in Equestria Rumble help us to gain a spot in the Championship Tournament."

"True that," Courageous agrees without hesitation, "Not only do we have to win this entrance exam, so to speak, we have to train hard if any of us plan to make it to the championship for a chance to face Downpur herself. Damn...that would be one hell of a dream for any of us: To face the five-year reigning champion wrestler in all of Equestria Rumble."

"Yeah...that would be one hell of a dream!" Connor concurs, "Still, you and the girls got to watch Downpour in the championship tournament years ago from the VIP box...even had dinner with her and the Princesses. I had to sit among the out fans, and damn were they loud!"

Courageous gives only a shrug to those complaining words spoken by the earth stallion trying to keep up, "Sorry dude...it is just how it happened: Downpour was our foalsitter and she not only got us into the VIP box to watch her fight...but she invited us to dinner. So...that was a bonus."

"Don't have to rub it in...."

"Wasn't trying to, Connor."

"I know. It's just...." Conner mutters with a heavy sigh, "You just seem more lucky than I am...and my ring name is Lucky Strike!"

"What do you mean, dude?"

"What I mean is you have had it easy for years: You have many hot mares for friends...all whom have feelings for you; I have been lucky to have one mare interested in me while you have around five to six...with who-knows-how many more to come.; You have parents who are rich-ish and have bought you your own apartment to stay in...while I still live with my parents; They even hired sponsors for you while I had to work hard...er...for mine. I don't mean to sound jealous but...damn, you are just one lucky stallion. How do you do it?"

Coming to a complete stop just before the doors that lead into the inner stadium where the audience can be heard from within, Courageous turns to face his best friend...crossing his arms before speaking. "Connor... I don't see myself as THAT lucky. I mean, yes...I have many mare...friends...who all have feelings for me and try in their own way to get me alone to kiss me or such...which has made it hard to decide which one to date in the last few years; My parents have a career that earns them a very hefty paycheck...especially enough to buy me my own place to live in from now on and sponsors to represent me so long as I win this entrance exam. But..."

"But what...?"

"Well...when it comes to friendship, I value yours a great deal, Connor. You are pretty much the only true stallion friend I have; Gunpowder and the others may be tomboys, most of them, but they still talk too much on sports, makeup, and going to the spa. With you, I can actually hang out with you and talk the way stallions do," Courageous admits to the one stallion who's friendship means more to him than anything else. "You are my best friend, Connor. I may have many things that most do not...but I value our friendship, even to the day we have to face each other in the ring. I really mean it...."

"Courageous...I...." Moved by those words that he never expected this luckier-than-him stallion to say, Connor balls up his fist and holds it up to his best friend, "Thanks, dude. You have been my best friend since middle school...and I am happy you treasure our friendship."

Courageous Heart clutches his fist and bumps Connor's with his own, "Anything, dude."

"Buuuuuut...I am STILL jealous you have all those mares after your heart. I may be Lucky Strike...but you...are a Lucky Bastard," Connor teases with a rolling of his eyes, "Maybe that should be your name~"

"Uh-huh...not happening."

The two stallions share a hearty chuckle to this little conversation, and then smiles onto each other. Suddenly, the sound of a bell can be heard from the other side of the door: It is the ring that is to give the signal that the next two rookie wrestlers must enter the ring in just a few minutes or they will be disqualified.

"Come on, Courageous...your future awaits," Connor says with such a drama... teasing his friend once more.

"Yeah yeah...I know: The first, real fight of my life." Courageous agrees and marches towards the double doors...knowing that his entire future will be decide in this upcoming match against another nopony just like his. Taking a firm grip upon his mask, Courageous places it upon his head...and walks on through the doors, "Let's rumble...!!"

Courageous "Iron" Heart

*********************************************

"And there you have it, Ladies and Gentlecolts!!" Rough Hoof, the Voice of Equestria Rumble, announces through his microphone for all within the audience to hear...while resting his rear in his chair near the foot of the very wrestling ring where his eyes never miss a moment. "After a long battle that lasted three whole rounds, Despair the Wing Breaker has won her preliminary match against Neon "The Kid" Parkour-Apple! Well done!!"

The entire staduim of fans, which add up to around half-full due to this being the preliminaries, rise from their seats and either applaud for the young mare who has achieved victory...and risen to the ranks of an official member of The Equestrian Rumble Wrestling League. But the spirit of cheering the fans that have come to witness the rise of possible new members are nothing compared to the one standing in the front row section:

"YEAH!!! YOU GO, GIRL!!!" Gunpowder, tall and full of the same fire from so long ago, screams out in praise for one of her best friends she loves along with the rest standing beside her. While her muscle tone makes her seem very athletic for a tomboy who works out a lot, Gunpowder's outfit is that of a black sport outfit of sorts...with fire patterns all about to show just how hot and fast she can be.

"YOU SURE SHOWED HER!!!" The beautiful mare in the egyptian-themed wrestling attire named Iris cheers for her best friend. Taking a moment from her applauding, the little brown unicorn leans down to reach into her small purse-bag... grabbing her makeup kit. "Damn! Need to buy some more eyeshadow...." Iris mutters upon realizing she is short of her makeup.

Brandy Kiss, dressed up in her sexy brown and white maid-themed attire for wrestling purposes, turns to her little sister standing right beside her and smiles, "Need more more eyeshadow you say, kiddo? We can go shopping after Courageous's match...since he is the last one to go."

"Really? Awww...thank you, big sis!!" Iris praises the one mare she can always look up to for support and love.

"Of course, sweetie. You are my precious little sister after all: All grown up, beautiful like me, and officially a member of Equestria Rumble." Brandy says with pride to the one little mare she loves, "Not to mention you are wearing makeup...even when you said you never would~" She teases with a delightful giggle.

Iris's brown cheeks become all puffy, with a red blush to cover them, "Only when I wrestle... since it goes with my egyptian outfit. Any other time, I never wear it."

"Mmmhmmm...right~" Rocki, the musuclar mint zebra in the brown bikini, teases the mare beside her, "I find it hard to believe you turned from a tough and adventurous tomeboy...into an egyptian princess who loves getting all prettied up. I also find it quite funny~" She snickers before holding up her left arm and flexing it, ""Then again...I don't find it hard to believe how big my muscles have grown. That stallion I fought could not even land a good blow on my perfect body~"

"Maybe that is because you kicked him in the balls...and hard too; The moment you did that, he was on the mat...unable to continue fighting." Iris corrects her tall and powerful friend, "Wasn't much of a fight anyway...."

Rocki's prideful smile changes into that of a smirk, to show how amused she is on Iris's choice of words, "You're right, Iris: It wasn't. Any stallion that cannot take a kick to the nuts and get back up...like how Courageous does when we wrestle...is not much of a stallion: He would be inferior to his gender and so on~"

"Hmph...!"

"Okay, you two. No need to fight here in the audience when all manner of fighting is to be done in the ring." Downpour, or better known as Downstrike...the Champion of Equestria Rumble, lectures the two fully-grown mares that stand beside her, "We are all adults here...so act like it, please." She crosses her arms, hoping they will listen to her...even though she has outgrown the need to be their foalsitter. However, this sexy mare dawning an orange-thong bikini will always look after these young wrestlers for as long as she lives. "Okay...?"

"Yes, Downpour...." Rocki and Iris submit to their former foalsitter's orders, daring not to challenge the one who has defeated so many, including Senior "Might" Tauro, in the ring before.

Edited Edition, who cannot help but look down and eye his wife's sexy ass that shows so well through her thong, blushes and growls like a tiger at her, "I love it when you take charge~"

The blushing red pegasai mare smirks and leans back into his husband's body, grinding her ass against his now-growing erection in his silver speedos, "And I love you...my BIG sexy stallion~" She continues to grind him, blushing to how Edited wraps his muscular arms around her body, kissing her neck with such passion; Out of the years they have spent together, Downpour cannot help but feel completed... knowing she has the one stallion in her life that is her destined soulmate.

"And nowwwwww... we move on to our final preliminary match!! The next two that shall take on one another in order to earn a spot in Equestria Rumble...will be The Green Spectre against Courageous "Iron" Heart!!!" Rough Hoof announces to both the wrestling fans and wrestlers gathered about this day, "Calling both wrestlers to the ring!!"

Appearing upon the E-Rumble Entrance Walkway, the first to appear and strike a pose is none other than the stallion of green...dawning a full face mask that hides all but his eyes and mane. He is known to be The Green Spectre: A young wrestler known for fighting without a word...which few wrestlers do.

The audience applauds for this young and mysterious wrestler that already appears to looks as tough as the glare he gives to everypony his eyes turn to meet.

"Hmph... he doesn't look so tough!" Gunpowder says to her friends while crossing her arms across her chest...covering her cleavage, "I know our Courageous can take that bastard down in one round."

"I agree! Courageous is the best stallion wrestler we have ever known...personally, of course~" Iris claims, hinting at her foalhood crush on said stallion still held deep within her heart.

"Not to mention the cutiest, most handsome, and the one whose heart I plan to win...and have all to myself, in bed~" Rocki states, blushing bright red when she mentions a future she hopes will come true.

"WHAT?!!!" Both Gunpowder and Iris blurt out to Rocki, finding those choice of words to be fighting words... where they can only be settled in the ring itself.

Brandy Intervines the three mares, breaking them up before things get out of hand, "Alright, that is enough out of you three...seriously! Courageous is about to walk out onto stage and you three are trying to ignite another fight over him...which I am surprised has lasted this long after five years." She sighs and shakes her head, "But I guess this is something you mares do not plan to give up on anytime soon...correct."

Rocki, Iris, and Gunpowder look onto each other... then all turn to face Brandy with a giddy smile upon their faces, "Nnope!!~~"

Brandy Kiss's only respose to that is a smirk and shaking of her head, "Thought so. Well... you ladies better remember that oath you took a long time ago...and play fair in your quest to win Courageous's heart, especially before another mare attempts to take him."

Just then, the audience begins to cheer once again...only louder...when the sight of a muscular brown stallion appears upon the walkway. Posing for the audience and flexes his muscles...bringing a few fangirl screams all around him...especially in the front row where he spots the few special friends he holds dear to his heart. All immediately shout the stallion's name:

"COURAGEOUS!!!!" Rocki, Gunpowder, Iris, and some other random mares in the audience scream out the one they admire and desire.

Feeling he has had his fill of cheers, Courageous strolls on down the ramp and to the ring...where he spots Despair nearby; Since the one brown mare in the blue wrestling attire has just finished her match, she is allowed to stand outside of the ring below and watch the next one from there. He waves at her and smiles.

Hopping on into the ring where his opponent awaits, Courageous "Iron" Heart stands tall and ready for the first real fight of his life: The very match that will grant him entrance into the Equestria Rumble Wrestling League...for life.

***********************************************

"Alright... move on up, both of you!" The referee orders the two stallions both standing in the ring...motioning with his hands for them to approach so he may go over what rules there are.

Courageous "Iron" Heart pounds his right fist into his left palm...showing just how ready he is the kick some tail and ass. The Green Spectre however places his hands together...and cracks his knuckles; The fierce look within his eyes behind that mask that covers the rest of his face, look just as determined as the stallion before him.

Once the two arrive in the middle with only a little space in between them, the ref stand before them both...and begins:

"Now...I am only going to say this once...so listen well!" The earth stallion of white, dressed in his white and black striped shirt, says in a strict tone, "Fight however you like, fair and dirty! No removing of the masks from either side, or you will be disqualified! Since this is an entrance match, there will be only ONE round...so the first one to tap out or get knocked out will lose! Do you both understand?!"

"Yes, I do!" Courageous nods his head upon answering.

The Green Spectre just nods without a word.

"Very well, then!!" The ref approves and steps back, "Good luck to you both!"

"And now we move on to the next match: The Green Spectre VS Courageous "Iron" Heart!!!" Rought Hoof announces to everypony in the audience, showing such interest and excitement for the 20th entrance match this day, "Let us see which determined stallion has what it takes to win and earn a spot in the wrestling league!! Now... Ladies and Gentlecolts...fans and wrestlers alike...LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!"

With that, the bell rings... and the match begins.

"Get him, Courageous!!!" Despair cheered for her best friend and foalhood crush, standing before the ring below with her hands firmly upon the ropes; While this strong-willed mare cannot interfere, she can cheer for him this close up...since she was the last wrestler to fight in the ring, this gives her to right to watch up close.

"KICK HIS ASS, COURAGEOUS!!!" Every friend loyal to the great brown stallion of courage shouts...supporting him all the way.

Feeling his determination strong and the support of his best friends even stronger, Couragoeus Heart pounds his fist into his palm once more and charges in...throwing a left punch, "Eat This!!"

The one green stallion shakes his head to where his long blue mane moves out of his eyes...clearing his line of sight...and reacts to the punch being thrown at him by ducking down, grabbing hold of Courageous's arm and flipping him over and onto the mat.

"Oooohhh!!! Looks like The Green Spectre was able to counter such a common attack!! Just look at how fast The Green Spectre reacted...and oh no!! Looks like he is gonna put the Iron Heart into a leg twister of sorts!!!"

Laying upon his front after landing from that sudden and unexpected throw, Courageous grunts and shakes his head...trying to end the dazed feeling he can sense rotating around his head. However, before he can so much as move himself up from the mat...the unlucky stallion feels the weight of the other stallion upon his back: The Green Spectre is now sitting upon him...grabbing hold of his leg to bend it back to force Courageous to surrender.

"AAAAGGGHHH!!!" Courageous "Iron" Heart yells when the searing pain of his leg getting pulled back beyond the limit fills the rest of his body with agony.

"Courageous...!!!" Despair cries out to the one stallion she loves...wishing nothing more than to jump in and help him. However, to do so would disqualify both herself and him without a warning. All she can do is watch...and pray that her beloved can get himself out of that hold before the pain forces him to tap out.

"Oh no!!!" Gunpowder, Iris, and Rocki all gasp and scream when they watch their beloved trapped in a painful hold that they themselves have both experienced and used in all their training.

"Damn, how is he gonna get out of that?!!" Edited mutters and bits his lip...fearing for the worst.

"Come on, sweetie!!" Brandy Kiss whispers, balling up her fright fist and clutches it tight, "You can do it!! Don't give up...!!"

"Get out of there, Courageous!!!" Downpour calls out to the young stallion...hoping her voice and those of the others with her can reach him, sending the encouragement to never give up.

*****************************************************

"DAMNIT!!!" Courageous yelps while pounding his fist upon the mat...unable to take the pain much longer.

"Grrrr...!!!" Green Spectre snarls at Courageous, attempting to reach for his other leg and put twice the pain on him.

Unable to break free, Courageous's eyes look up from the may and notice the ropes before him...only an arm's reach away. Realizing that taking a firm grip on the ropes will force the Green Spectre to release him, Courageous stretches forth his arm and hand...desperate to grab hold of the one thing that can save him.

Within only seconds, Courageous succeeds and takes hold of the rope.

"Clear it up!!" The ref shouts, moving in and ordering the Green Spectre to release Courageous...due to the rules of taking hold of the rope.

The Green Spectre obeys and releases Courageous's legs...followed by leaping up off of him and standing at his own corner. Once there, the mute menace brings his finger across his neck...indicating what he will do harder the next time.

"You did it, Courageous...!!" Despair expresses how happy and relieved to see her beloved stallion and friend safe from being eliminated...and moves on over to where she can face him alongside the ropes, "Come on... get up, Courageous! Show that bastard just how strong you really are!! Show all of the fans out there you belong in Equestria Rumble!!"

The remaining pain from the fall and hold still ache through his leg and body, but Courageous obeys his best friend's orders and uses the ropes to hoist himself back up onto his hooves. "You...You are right, Despair. I...I didn't come this far to lose here!" He would then turn his attention from one of the mares he values most with the circle of friends he holds close, and glares upon the green stallion that is already goating him into attacking. "This match is not over yet... NOT BY A LONG SHOT!!!"

"Looks like the Iron Heart is still in this, Ladies and Gentlecolts... but...is he charging in again?!!" Rough Hoof announces with a disappointing shock to a second chance being wasted. "Not sure if that will work a second time...."

"Courageous, No!!!" Despair and the other mares all shout when they witness Courageous attemtping the same attack again, especially when they know such a move will never work.

"EAT THIS!!!" Courageous "Iron" Heart shouts onto the Green Spectre, coming in so close and throwing a punch towards him with full force.

An unseen grin forms underneath the mask of the green stallion wrestler, with his hands launching forward to take hold of the incoming fist and perform yet another planned throw and grapple that will not only force Courageous to tap out... but leave him with a broken arm that only a drink of Equestria Elixer may cure.

The Green Spectre reaches in to take hold of the Iron Fist coming at him...but for some reason he misses....

"Whoa!!! I have no idea what I just saw bu- Holy Harmony!!!"

Courageous's fist indeed aims for the Green Spectre, but it takes a surprising detour: It flies downward and lands with ease onto the mat; Courageous moves from a standing and charging position to a crouching one...and spins himself thanks to the support of both his hands and hooves. With his wings wide open and brought together from behind, Courageous "Iron" Heart uses his wild card and clashes his wings into the legs of his rival...forcing him to trip and fall flat onto his arm.

"ARRRGGGHHH!!!" The Green Spectre yelps in pain from the sudden form of trickery that has landed him onto the may...with his right arm his pain due to him landing on it.

"Gottcha!!~" Courageous Heart states in amusement to how his repeat-yet-redirected attack has succeeded. Rising up from his crouched position, Courageous aims himself and bodyslams himself onto the stallion laying upon the mat before him. With his elbow leading the way, he lands ontop the back of the Green Spectre... injuring him.

"AAAAGGGHHH!!!"

"I don't believe it!! Courageous "Iron" Heart's new attack has succeeded and the tables are now turned- but wait, what is he doing now?!!"

All while the announcer can be heard by the stallion himself through the roars of applaud and cheering from the fans and friends all around him, Courageous moves off the body of his opponent... only to climb up on top of the nearest corner pole. There, he raises his arms into the air as a form of pride for all to look upon. At that moment, with the side of his pointed towards the Green Spectre below in the center of the mat...Courageous leaps off and performs the one move he has been saving for a moment like this:

The Iron Bomb

With his elbow aimed at his target, the one stallion with the heart and body strong as iron decsends faster than a falling tree... and lands hand onto the Green Spectre's back.

"GRAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" The stallion roars in pain from the heavy blow that may have broken a bone or two in his body.

After a success with the "Iron Bomb" attack, Courageous Heart sits upon the back of his rival and wraps his hands around his neck...pulling upward and back, "TAP OUT, NOW!!!" The brown alicorn, or unique breed, demands... showing no mercy to his yanking.

Too far to reach any of the ropes in any direction, his back in great pain, and now the force of his opponent's hands yanking around his neck, leaves him no other choice. Too weak to escape or fight back, the Green Spectre slams the palm of his hand onto the mat...tapping out, "I GIVE!!!!" He yells, not only giving up the match but his vow of silence while in the ring: Two defeats at once.

The Ref raises his arms to the air and calls it, "The Green Spectre is out!! Courageous "Iron" Heart wins!!!"

"Aaaaaaand the match is over, ladies and gentlecolts...fans and wrestlers alike!!! The Green Spectre has tapped out after that devestating blow...and Courageous "Iron" Heart is our winner and one of the many who has now earned a place in within the Equestria Rumble Wrestling League!! Congratulations!!!!"

"HE DID IT!!! HE FUCKING DID IT, YEAAAHH!!!!" Rocki screams at the top of her lungs, caring not for how much she may swear...for the sight of the stallion she loves so much as a friend and crush has achieved victory just like she and the rest of the mares around her.

"THAT'S OUR COURAGEOUS!!!!" Iris screams, leaping up into the air and applauding the stallion she cares for very much.

"I KNEW HE COULD DO IT!!!" Gunpowder claims with such pride, never feeling so proud for Courageous in all of her life: After all the hard training he has been through with her and alone, she has now witnessed his entry into the wrestling league they have all dreamed of joining.

Misty Skies, who resides not too far away from the rest of her friends, cheers for the stallion she admires and feels so happy to have seen won this day. "GO COURAGEOUS!!!"

"WAY TA GO, SWEETIE!!!" Rainy Skies, Misty's beautiful mother and retired wrestler, shouts in support to the stallion her daughter has had eyes on for years...proud that he has won a great victory.

"YYYEAAAAHHH!!!" Edited Edition roars in pride for the young stallion he has been proud to have helped train to this day.

Downpour feels too excited to scream out any form of praising words...and embraces her husband tight. She then kisses his cheek and blushes, feeling so proud of the young colt who has become a stallion this day: His victory has shown how strong and grown-up he has become.

"YOU ROCK, COURAGEOUS!!!" Connor shouts onto his best friend, smiling with approval to his number one best friend and the victory he has surely earned this day.

"YOU GO, COURAGEOUS!!!" Brandy Kiss screams out the name of the victor...unable to hold back a warm smile and small blush upon her face.

"THAT'S OUR BOY!!!" The proud parents of the victorious stallion, Stoutheart and Elegancy, scream in pride and joy for their son's victory. They embrace each other, so satisfied and thrilled to see their little stallion all grown up and now fullfilling his dream of becoming a wrestler among many others.

"YOU DID IT, COURAGEOUS!!!" Despair screams the same way many fan-girls all around the stadium are doing so at this very moment. She climbs on into the ring and races on over to the stallion...embracing him in a warm hug, "You did it...!!"

"I sure did... thanks to you and the rest of our friends!" Courageous whispers in appreciation for the support he recieved during the entire match, "Thank you... Despair."

Her only reaction is a warm, red blush upon her little brown furry cheeks... and smiles with content once she feels the strong arms of the stallion she cares for very much wrap around her.

Standing tall with Despair in his embrace, Courageous Heart turns his attention to the audience all around him... and cannot help but smile to the flashing cameras and applauding for his victory. Even though this was but his entrance exam, Courageous knows that real matches against real opponents will arrive soon enough... but for now, he basks in the warmth of the light of victory.

***************************************************

LATER....

"You did wonderful, my son!!" The light brown pegasus stallion named Stoutheart praises his son for his victory, hugging him a little... so the sweat from Courageous's coat does not soak his fancy blue suit. "Sorry I cannot hug you tight. I have to wear this for the meeting tomorrow and I will not have time to change after the day-long flight."

Courageous chuckles onto his father once the light hug is broken in a gentle manner, "Its okay, Dad...and thank you for being here this day to watch me fight to earn my spot in the wrestling league."

"Oh sweetie...we wouldn't miss this for the world..." Elegancy, the beautiful and well-dressed business mare, places a dry towel upon her son's shoulder so that he may wipe up the sweat that can be seen from her point of view, "...even though we are going to be traveling around the world for the next year."

"That is true, my love." Stoutheart compliments his beloved wife, wrapping his arm around her to pull her in close...winking at her in a flirtatious manner.

Elegancy giggles in delight...and winks in return to the stallion she has loved for these last twenty-ish years...and still loves to this day.

"Well, I am glad that you both postponed your flight to watch me wrestle. That means...a lot to me." Courageous states with such joy and content in his heart; His parents have always been there for him, and supported him all the way...even today before they set off on a long business trip.

"Oh Courageous...." The warm, caring mother of this victorious young stallion embrace him and plants a kiss upon his cheek, "Like I said: We wouldn't miss this match of yours for ALL of the places we will be going and stay at for the next year. We love you, Courageous...and we will always support you in every way we can."

"Awwww... thanks, Mom."

Stoutheart's smile widens just a little more, and he places his right hand upon the shoulder of his son. "We will not return for a whole year, my son...but we hope to make it back in time for the Championship; If we don't make it, we will be watching it all on television."

Courageous's head leans down just a little to where his eyes stare onto the floor below their hooves; News of the possibility of his parents unable to show for the upcoming Championship Tournament next year, where he may go far and all the way, saddens him quite a little. "I...I understand."

"Don't fret, Courageous." Stoutheart says with a firm voice to help him be the stallion he has proven himself to be this day, "You are a proud wrestler of Equestria Rumble...so be strong for us, yourself, and your friends. We will be watching your matches from wherever we may be on our year-long business trip...so never feel that we are not watching."

"Listen to your father, Courageous. He is right: We will be watching each and every match always." Elegancy concurs and looks into the eyes of her son that is about as tall as his own father... standing about an inch shorter than six feet, "Besides, with your new apartment with the wonderful view of the ocean from the distance, your sponsors representing you and paying most of your fees for the rest of your wrestling career, and of course your dear friends supporting you all the way...you are in good hands and can make it far without us present all the time."

Feeling the embrace of both of his parents once more, only this time at the same time, upon him...Courageous Heart returns the hug with his own and smiles with approval of his mother and father's words: He has become a stallion this day and will have to be strong for the challenges to come; Ever since that day years ago when he witnessed Downpour win the Championship, Courageous has sought the same and now he has his chance to fight towards it until the next tournament... next year. "You two are right: I am a stallion now and a wrestler...now and forever. I promise you both I will give it my best."

"That's my boy." Stoutheart expresses his pride as a father to such a wonderful and strong young stallion he has had the pleasure of raising up until this point.

"My little colt is all grown up...and...and...." Elegancy mutters, unable to finish her sentence due to her pride as a mother now at an end; Her once young colt is a stallion now...and ready to make his way into the world as she and Stoutheart have together.

"I love you both...so much." Courageous admits with all his heart in it...and into the last hug he will give before they depart.

"We love you too... our little wrestler~" Both Stoutheart and Elegancy reply, squeezing their son tight to show their love for him that will always be with him as they travel the world on business.

"COURAGEOUS!!!~~~" The voices of so many young mares call out to the young stallion behind him a ways down.

Hearing his name being called out by a few familiar voices that he has known almost all his life, Courageous turns himself around after releasing his parents from the hug...and spots all his friends down yonder waving out at him: Gunpowder, Rocki, Despair, Iris, Downpour, Misty Skies, Edited Edition, Brandy Kiss, Connor, and Rainy Skies.

"Looks like my friends are waiting for me." Courageous informs his parents with a delightful chuckle in his voice, "I did promise them a celebration party at my new place...with pizza, music, and fun." He blushes with a nervous grin to the parents who bought him that apartment.

Turning their attention to each other, the two parents' reaction is but a mere smile and nodding approval; Since that apartment they gave to their son is his...he may do as he wishes, so long as he does not destroy it. "Have fun~" They both reply with a smile.

"Thank you!! You two are the best parents ever!!"

With one last hug, Courageous breaks away from his mother and father...bidding them a fond farewell for the long trip they must now depart for. Now, on his own but with support from his parents while they are away, Courageous Heart rejoins his best friends as they set off to his new apartment. After a long day of wrestling into the league itself, the young rookies are now ready to celebrate their first victory...before the real challenges arrive.

Courageous and all his friends are official members of Equestria Rumble...and their journey to the top as only begun.

Ch. 1: Ready to Rumble Part 1

Blazer City: A city of bright lights and towering buildings that rise high to where they almost touch the clouds in the sky.

Nestled along Equestria's northeastern shores, it is here in this city...built by pony settlers a few hundred years ago...that a form of entertainment and competition was discovered and would become perhaps one of the most admired in all of the pony nation; A sport that involves two ponies and a form of fighting where both would engage in combat until only one was left standing...while the other was either knocked unconscious or had surrendered: Wrestling.

For over the many years that followed and into the next century, Blazer City Wrestling would become a sport that so many would come to revere: A chance of a lifetime to rise up and face many different challengers...all for the hopes of making it to the top. All manner of pony, minotaur, dragon, or otherwise of the male gender would give it their all...just for the chance at fame and the grand prize that they would wear across their waist for an entire year: The Double Alicorn Belt...which would be presented to them by Princess Celestia herself.

While the years continued on after each and every tournament held, the most strongest and determined would be standing in the ring while claiming the title of Champion along with the belt to wear until the next championship wrestling tournament the following year; Most wrestlers would lose it the next title match, while some would be fortunate to hold the title longer thanks to their ongoing resolve to fight.

However, while the sport itself attracted so many...even to the Royal Family of Canterlot...the official rules banned mares from participating due to reasons that would seem sextist to said gender. It was not until a mysterious mare wrestler stepped forward to challenge the reigning champion for not only the title, but to prove to all of Equestria that mares could wrestle the same as any stallion could. Princess Celestia allowed this when she herself had enough of stallions denying mares to participate in a sport that should be loved and enjoyed by all. With that order given, the champion and the mare fought a long battle that ended with the latter victorious.

From that day forth, all forms of female species were given any and all rights to wrestle in a sport that would soon give way to various mixed wrestling tournaments and events throughout each and every year. While some would never except mares as wrestlers, the world saw they had what it took to go all the way as the Masked Mare did.

Even after the time when mares were given the right to participate in a former stallion-only sport, along with the right to wear whatever attire they desire and the right to fight dirty in the ring, the Blazer City Wrestling League...also known by all as Equestria Rumble...every qualified wrestler of all species and genders would train their hardest to eliminate their competition in order for the chance to rise up in the ranks for the chance to face the current reigning champion.

But now during the middle of a new year...the next Equestria Rumble Championship Tournament...has begun!

********************************************

Just a block away from the Blazer City Wrestling Staduim, a group of five young teenage ponies stroll their way down the sideway...with two slightly older ponies following close behind. Reaching to a halt upon the edge of the street to wait for the crosswalk light to change and allow all pedestrians on either side to cross onto the opposite, the eyes of the younger ponies become fixed upon what lies just a short walk across the street.

"The Blazer City Wrestling Stadium...!" The brown-coated teenage colt mutters in absolute awe; From the way his eyes of blue glance at the magnificent structure, along with his mouth hanging open without another word spoken, is all that is needed to explain just how impressed and excited his entire body is feeling.

"That's right, Courageous," The taller, sand-colored stallion concurs with the young colt almost half his size, "This is where ALL the action takes place: Here is where all the wrestlers come to fight and win..or lose...depending on who is the stronger and the weaker-"

"Edited...!" The red pegasai mare squeezes the hand of her coltfriend when she hears him blabbing again; Even while wearing short shorts and a tank top, this sexy mare seems to have great strength... which allows her to apply great pressure with ease to his hand, "I think Courageous already knows how wrestling works; Have you forgotten already that we taught him and the girls here a couple moves ourselves?~"

"I didn't forget...!" Edited Edition retorts in a gentle manner...all while grunting at how his marefriend and tag partner continues to squeeze his hand...crushing it a bit. "...I just didn't remember the other day on account I got hit in the head hard yesterday evening during my wrestling match. Now...please...let go. I give!!"

Downpour giggles to the recalling of said event, and smiles at her coltfriend's surrender...releasing his hand, "I remember that, sweetie. I was there...after all~"

Edited nods in agreement and rubs his hand with his undamanged one, "Damn! You are one strong mare...."

"Thank you, sweetie~" Downpour replies, pressing her red lips to his cheek...giving her beloved stallion a passionate peck. "I have to be if I plan to make it to the top in today's match~"

"I remember that match too!" The green-coated zebra standing just in front of Downpour speaks up, "It was such a great fight...until he got kicked in the nuts hard!!" She giggles and grins, "That always seems to work a lot when mares fight stallions. Maybe I should try using that move when I become a wrestler~"

"Perhaps you should, Rocki~" Downpour replies, supporting perhaps the toughest member of the five little ponies, "I kick below the belt most of the time too...hence why my ring name is "Downstrike". Maybe I can teach you a few moves that will help bring a stallion to his knees."

"Yeah...like Edited when he lost to that mare the other day?~"

"Hey...!" The annoyed stallion complains, feeling his sandy colored cheeks turning a shade of red, "I didn't know that mare would fight dirty...."

The only response his marefriend gives to those poor choice of words is but a rolling of the pretty, yellow eyes. "That is a sad excuse. You wrestle with me almost everyday...and I fight dirty ALL the time!" She crosses her arms, turning to face her apparently idiotic coltfriend, "One would think all those sparing sessions and learning from my attacks would help prepare you for mares such as whom you lost to~"

"Well...uh...."

Rocki snickers to the hopeless reaction of the tall, muscular stallion, "I bet he loves getting his ass...or in this case his balls...kicked by mares~"

"Rocki!!" Downpour turns herself to face said mare the moment such language is heard from the mouth of the little fifteen-year old, "We do NOT use that kind of language, young mare...especially in front of your friends!!"

Hanging her head in shame for speaking the same way the wrestlers do on television, Rocki's eyes only stare down upon the concrete while her chocolate colored mane hangs down in front of her face, "I'm sorry...." Rocki apologizes, realizing that she had been watching too much wrestling...and speaking like them may not have been the best move, "I didn't mean to...."

All while feeling the need to be strict to one of the five young teenagers she has been given privilege to watch over, Downpour also feels the need to resist taking away this one special day she and Edited have planned for them over something like this. With a small sigh, the caring foalsitter moves her right hand onto the head of the little zebra and rubs her mane, "Look...I will let it slide this one time...if you promise to NEVER swear like that again. At least not until you become a wrestler like Edited and myself. Okay?"

"O...Okay...." Rocki replies, noding her head to show she will be good on her promise and never talk trash again.

"That's my little wrestler~" Downpour approves and praises the little zebra, and the attitude that mirrors her own when she was at the same age.

"Look!!" Gunpowder, the only one of the five teeangers who seems to be paying attention to the crosswalk, "The light says we can walk now...!"

Turning her head to glance upon the other side...Downpour notices how the little orange pegasai is correct: The crosswalk light has changed from "Don't Trot" to "Trot". She smiles and turns her sights on down to ther left and right sides...where two little brown ponies stand by her side: Iris and Despair, "Hold on to my hand, you two. We are crossing now~"

"Y-Yes...Downpour," The darker brown pegasai replies; Such a timid nature displayed makes it that much more difficult for her to gaze up at the adult mare, even as kind as she. The clasping of her hand onto the red hand of her foalsitter indicates she wishes not to let go...for now.

"Sure am!" Iris, the lighter brown unicorn replies with a smile, "Also...do I have to hold your hand like this? I am not a filly anymore...." She complains with a small pout.

"Just until we are across the street~" Downpour responds in the usual sweet tone she uses in the presence of the five young teenagers she loves as if they were her own siblings, "Besides, you ran off that one time when you saw something in a store display window...and I almost lost you. Not having a repeat of that, sweetie."

"Awwww...." Iris pouts, showing the very expression of frustration upon her face. "It was one time...."

Downpour gives the pounting little unicorn a reassuring smile and takes a step forward...walking down off the sidwalk and into the main street towards the other side where the Blazer City Stadium lies. The other young ponies plus Edited follow close behind...until the grinning orange pegasus moves a little faster towards the end.

"Race ya'll!!~" Gunpowder calls back to anypony wishing to race her.

"You're on, Gun!!" Rocki accepts the challenge and changes her speed from that of walking to running, using the hooves and leg strength that her long line of ancestors have used to run the plains of ancient Equestria.

"Same here!!" Courageous Heart joins in, dashing forward passed Downpour and the others...trying to keep up with the two mares who already have a great headstart.

"Hey! Dont go running off, you three!!" Edited shouts to the the one pegasai, zebra, and non-magical alicorn...but already figuring they have already ignored the words yelled forth at them. "Ugh...kids."

****************************************

"I win!!~" The little orange mare chants in absolute victory the moment her left hoof makes contact with the sidewalk...being the first one to arrive it to the other side before the others even come close, "I, Gunpowder, win again thanks to my awesome speed!~" The prideful tomboy grins and poses...flexing her muscles just a bit.

Rocki catches up and leans forward to place her hands upon her knees...desperate to catch her breath, "I...will never...know...why...you are...so fast...Gun...powder."

"Y-Y-Yeah...." Courageous concurs, panting so hard it feels though he has completed a long line of laps around his high school track, "...but...I guess that is why...you are...one of the best...athletes in school."

"You got that right, handsome!~" Gunpowder winks at him...flirting a little with the young stallion, "Just you wait and see: I am going to become the fastest wrestler ever! Nopony will ever keep up with me!~"

Both Rocki and Courageous find Gunpowder's bragging to be quite annoying, but let off a sigh once they regain their breath...realizing that they have a long way to go before they can match the agility of this young speed-demon.

"Okay, Okay...." Downpour says to the three teenagers upon arriving onto the sidewalk with Despair, Iris, and Edited Edition, "Gunpowder wins the race. But now, lets get ourselves on inside~"

"YEAH!!!" Gunpowder, Rocki, and Courageous cheer upon hearing those words they have been dying to hear all month long. The moment they turn around to see the great indoor colosseum in all its glory, their spirits fall into disappointment when their eyes gaze upon the long line at the front; Many ponies citizens of Blazer City and beyond seem to be standing and waiting to be let inside...where the match of the year awaits to be seen.

"Oh no...." Despair fusses upon what her innocent eyes behold, "Do we have to wait in line with them...?"

"Awwww...this is gonna su-" Rocki pouts, right before stopping herself from using language that might get her into trouble again, "-gonna stink!"

Gunpowder stomps her hoof and crosses her arms in frustration, "We came all this way...to have to wait in line?!!"

Noticing how upset his three friends are, Courageous Heart tries to calm them down with some of his own comforting words...at least the first thing that comes to his mind, "Well...at least the line is moving...a little." He points to how the great many ponies are walking towards the entrance...in a very slow pace.

"Not helping, Courageous...." Iris retorts with a rolling of her eyes.

"Sorry...."

"Alright, calm down all of you...!" Downpour speaks up when she has appearently heard enough complaining, "Yes, it does get crowded at the staduim when there is a wrestling match going on...and only official wrestlers can get inside via the VIP Entrance on the other side~"

"REALLY?!!!" All five teenagers shout in utter shock and surprise; The very mention of an easier way into the greatest fighting arena ever already excites them all the more.

"That's right, kids!" Edited Edition steps up to continue where his marefriend leaves off, "While visitors and any other pony have to go through the main entrance, we wrestlers ALWAYS get to enter through one of the two side entrances and watch from the VIP Box...and Downpour and I just happen to be wrestlers~"

"So...you mean?" Courageous asks the obvious question, hoping for the answer that will answer all their hopes.

"YES!!~" Downpour says with a smile most assuring for the five little teenagers, "While everypony else has to watch the match from the many seatings with all the loud noises and such, we wrestlers get to sit up in the VIP Boxes and watch from there...with good food and more comfortable seating to keep us comfortable and entertained as we watch the fights that take place."

Already the five teenagers cannot bring their mouths to put together the correct form of words to describe just how lucky they are: Even though they are aware of their own beloved foalsitter and her coltfriend being proud wrestlers of Equestria Rumble, they never imagined they would not only be taken to see this years Championship Match...but get to watch it all in a VIP Box. Realizing just how fortunate they are, all five rush up to Edited and Downpour...embracing them.

"You guys are the best foalsitters EVER!!" Courageous, Rocki, Gunpowder, Iris, and Despair cling to the two twenty-year old ponies...thanking them with a warm, tight hug.

"Awwww...." Downpour leans down just a little to hug the little ponies in return, "You five have been the best yearlings I have ever had the privilege of looking after for your parents. I love you all so much...."

"So do we!~"

Edited gives the one zebra and alicorn a pat on the back with a smile, "Yeah! We may not be your foalsitters forever...but we still hope to be friends for as long as can be."

"Well said, sweetie," Downy says to her handsome stallion, "Now...shall we get ourselves on inside and prepare for the greatest Equestria Rumble wrestling match EVER?!!"

"YEAH!!!" Everypony cheers without a second thought...and follow Downpour and Edited Edition, who are both wrestlers and foalsitters, just around the corner of the stadium to where the VIP Entrance awaits.

A pair of double doors rest on the other side of the black-brick building of Blazer City Stadium; Bushes of green planted along the walls, decorating the outside with such beauty and peace where the inside is all about pain and rage. Despite how incredible and powerful the outside may look, this one of two side entrances remains guarded by two muscular stallions...dressed in the same color as the stadium to match it's strength as well as their own.

"Sorry...no entry allowed!" The blue stallion guard on the left snaps upon holding up his hand.

"The entrance is around the corner!" The white-coated stallion on the right retorts, pointing towards the direction the group of ponies came from.

"But we-" Edited Edition tries to speak up, only for the feeling of a soft hand of his beloved mare touching his own.

"Honey...let me handle this~" Downpour whispers to her sexy stallion, kissing his cheek upon finishing, and leaves him with the kids...waltzing on up to to the guards...and all while shaking her hips as she goes; Such a sexy way of walking is in the hopes to have a certain sandy-coated stallion behind her watch with great interest.

"Did you not hear us, sweetheart?!" The blue stallion snaps at Downpour once she is standing before him, "Only wrestlers are allowed to enter! Leave now, or we will get rough on you!!"

"Oh really?~" Downpour crosses her arms while teasing the two apparently stupid stallions, "Because I happen to be a wrestler myself: Downstrike."

The two guards look at each other and then back to the mare who stands only a few inches shorter from them, "Look, we happen to be new here...even though we do know almost every wrestler here. If you really are the mare that will be taking on the champion today, prove it!"

"Yeah...and...you do look familiar," The other guard mentions, blushing at the sexy mare and the outfit she dawns. "Damn! Short shorts and a tank top that exposes her belly? I hope she is not with that loser stallion over there~"

"Well...if you are who you say you are...then show us some ID or proof you are the wrestler "Downstrike"~"

"Proof? Okay, tough guy...you shall have your proof~" Downpour flirts with the one white stallion guard, walking up to him to run a finger across his chest.

"Oh hell ya!!!" The guard thinks to himself and blushes, "This is gonna be so damn hot!!"

Taking a few steps back, the red pegasai mare grins and flips backwards a little with her arms and hands behind her. Within a second of time, Downpour lands upon her hands to allow herself to remain balanced...and kicks her legs upwards. Each hoof aims for the target in between the legs of both guards...striking their "two little friends" with such untapped strength.

The pain reaches the two stallions within seconds...and their eyes become wide while their voices feel so high pitched upon the pain that brings them both to whimper like little fillies. With their hands now moving to clutch their lower areas, their legs loose ballance and they fall onto their sides...unable to overcome the agonizing pain; Despite having such muscular bodies, their private area is perhaps their one weakness...and the allowance of an attractive mare to have caught them off guard down brings a great deal of shame and pain to their pride...and nuts.

"So...you boys need more proof?~" Downpour teases with a wicked smile upon her face, rising back up onto her hooves and smiling down in pride at the two stallions easily brought down by her world-class ballbusting.

The two guards' only answer is a shake their heads; The pain is too great and has made them unable to speak for the moment...plus they dare not risk getting kicked again by the mare they now know it to be Downstrike: A mare who is known for her powerful ballbusting techniques.

"Good~" She says and giggles, blowing them both a kiss and turning around towards where her coltfriend and the five teeangers are standing. She motions her hand to let them know they can enter.

From what they just witnessed their foalsitter do to those unfortunate guards, Courageous and the four mares are shocked but at the same time impressed to how Downpour was able to bring them down with just one blow each. As for the tactic used, only three of them approve while the rest do not:

"Wow!!" Rocki admits, "That was awesome!! I am definitely gonna make that my signature move when I become a wrestler!!" She then winks at the brown stallion beside her, grinning wickedly.

Courageous shrugs and gulps a little to the hint given, "Well...if so, I guess I am gonna have to protect my nuts from you."

"Probably, hot stuff!~" Gunpowder flirts with the stallion she finds cuter than any she has known...which is not many, "While I prefer speed, ballbusting might come in handy at times."

"Not me!" Iris claims with such firmness, "I prefer fighting fair...and not have to resort to that!"

"S-S-Same h-h-here...!" Despair mutters, finding such dirtiness to be below her idea of wrestling.

Edited Edition walks past the five young ponies and wraps his arm around the body of his beloved mare and whispers, "Damn, I love you!"

Downpour blushes at how her muscular stallion embraces her from behind and compliments her ways of taking care of the "trash". A delightful giggle escape her throat for him to hear, "I love you too, sweetie. Maybe later tonight when we are alone...we can have ourselves a little fun on the mat...and in bed~"

Edited blushes with such red covering his face, followed with a bulging in his pants. He cannot find the right words to describe such a hot and sensual activity his naughty mare has mentioned...and tries to hide his excitment so the kids dont see it.

Downpour notice it and blushes...and turns her head around to look upon the the kids behind her, "Come on, my little ponies! You've got a championship tournament to watch me win!!~"

"YAAAAY!!!" Courageous, Gunpowder, Despair, Rocki, and Iris all cheer together and rush on through the double doors and into the Blazer City Stadium...which the greatest day of their lives await. Downpour and Edited follow behind the five teeangers, making sure they don't get too far ahead of them.

"Wow...did you see that, Chloe?!" Whispers the shocked teenage earth pony hiding in the bushes near the side entrance, "That was...Downstrike! She just just ballbusted those guards down onto the ground like that...in one blow! She is even more incredible...than I ever thought her to be!!!"

"Yeah!!" The teenage pegasai named Chloe agrees with the other earth pony beside her, "Damn...maybe we should try something like that the next time we wrestle somepony in the Underground Wrestling Ring, Painty!"

"I guess we could...but with the guards down and out...sort of...perhaps now is our chance to sneak in and see Downstrike fight?" The light pink pony reminds her best friend, pointing upon the guards still laying down and clutching their private areas.

The mare of blond hiding beside her best friend nods her head and grins, "We should sneak in now while we have the chance! We barely made it in the last time without getting caught, and this can be our only chance!" Chloe, pulling her beany down upon her blue and pink streak mane tighter, nods and smirks, "Lets go then...and if they try to stop us, we can claw their eyes out!~" She flexes her hands, showing off her sharp and manicured nails.

Painty nods in agreement...still feeling a little nervous "Yeah...I guess."

The two street mares sneak through the bushes carefully along the wall and then past the two guards laying on the ground, facing away from them. Successful, the two ponies named Painty and Chloe manage to sneak their way into the VIP entrance and into the stadium...and hope they can make it to the center of it all where the match of the year will be taking place.

***********************************************

After walking inside the VIP entrance, the excited group of eager wrestling fans and wrestlers alike arrive into a hallway where dozens upon dozens of pictures rest upon the walls in such perfect formation...as if they are meant to be seen with honor to the faces within said portraits.

"Wow...." Courageous Heart admits to what his eyes of blue gaze upon the hallway they walk down at a slow pace, "Are these...other wrestlers from...before?"

"They sure are, Courageous!" Edited answers upon glancing at the dozens of pictures lined perfectly across both sides of the walls, "This here is the Hallway of Heroes...where those who have been recognized as some of the greatest wrestlers of all time reside. Each and every wrestler that walks through here will always remember those who have gone the distance and won it all!"

"R-Really...?" Despair asks with such fasination to those that have earned the right to have their pictures placed upon the wall, "So...what are they famous for...exactly?"

Downpour smiles with pride whiling holding the hand of the timid, yet inspired, little pegasai...and answers, "Well...most of these ponies here have done more than what other wrestlers have accomplished...."

"And what might that be?" Rocki questions.

"Well...all that you see here are wrestlers who have earned at least one or more title matches in the championship tournaments held each year." Downpour explains to the five young ponies while walking at a slower pace in order to talk and explain everything, "It is one honor to participate, make it far, and come close to the Double-Alicorn Belt...but only those who have managed to earn that belt will earn the right to have their pictures mounted here."

"That is correct, sweetheart," Edited Edition butts in with respect for the intelligent and cunning mare he loves more than anything else in all of Equestria today, "You see, kids...winning the title is a BIG challenge for anypony who compete in the ring: Some may come close and some may not...but those who make it all that way earn their own individual portrait upon this wall...in the proper section."

Iris tilts her head, feeling a slight confusing question in aching at the tip of her tongue that tastes of something she wishes not to swallow...but spit out, "So...what are the proper sections?"

Realizing the best way to answer that is to come to a halt, Downpour stops dead in her tracks and turns herself around...pointing her finger over at the start of the hallway to their left, "Well...the first wall on the left we passed holds all those who won the Championship at least once; The ones across on the opposite sides are those who won it at least twice...either in a row or years later; The next one are those with three years cross across on the other side...with the four years upon the next across-

"And these here, I take it, are the five year winners?" Gunpowder points out at the wall that stands upon the end of the Hallway of Heroes before entering the interection of the corridor; Whichever way they lead beyond this hall that honors the many generations of wrestlers since the beginning is beyond her.

"Indeed they are, sweetie."

"And...these three?" Courageous asks upon coming across the three larger portraits of three different wrestlers: A griffion, an earth mare, and a minotaur.

"Oh those...?" Edited mentions when he notices what the young alicorn is talking about, "Those happen to be the three most-famous wrestlers who have been known to win the title and belt five years in a row!"

"Five Years in a Row?!!" The five teenagers blurt out in utter shock and surprise at such an accomplishment.

Downpour can only chuckle to the reaction of those little ponies...and moves on up to the wall to explain things to them, "Indeed! No wrestler here has ever won the title five years in a row...except these three: Griff Van Dar was the first. Some time during the first one-hundred years of Equestria Rumble, this prideful and powerful griffin won five straight years thanks to his superior agility."

"Sounds like my kind of style for wrestling~" Gunpowder mentions, giggling in admiration of such a similar trait used to win at wrestling.

"Possibly~" Gunpowder giggles yet again before resuming, "According to Equestra Rumble History, Griff would have won his sixth year, since there was hardly any challenge, but unfortunetaly his pride caused him to injure his leg outside the ring...and he had to forfeit. Lesson in that one is you should never let pride get the better of you...or it will lead to your downfall."

The five teenagers listen well to this lesson...and find it hard to believe that the legendary wrestler Griff Van Dar lost his chance at a sixth-year win over pride. But in their minds, they hope they don't follow the same fate when they become wrestlers.

"The next one is, as any mare in all of Equestria would know, is the Masked Mare!" Edited points to the picture below Griff's portrait...showing perhaps the greatest legendary wrestler in all of Blazer City...and one of the most cherished in all of Equestria.

Downpour holds her coltfriend's hand and blushes, "That is correct, sweetie. She is perhaps the inspiration of all mare wrestlers...since she won the championship match about some time less than one-hundred years ago...and earned the right for all mares to participate in this sport. Since then, she held the title for five-straight years...but lost to another mare on the sixth; Not sure if she truly lost or purposely did it to allow the next mare the title, but either way she lost that day and disappeared...leaving behind such inspiration that we mares today carry in our hearts as we compete in the ring."

"Wow...." Gunpowder, Rocki, Despair, and Iris all admit in awe: Although they have heard the stories of the Masked Mare and her legend, never have they seen her picture like this and the story behind her victories in the ring.

"Yeah...but...if you think the next guy, Senior "Might" Tauro, is somepony greater...you are wrong!" Edited mentions with the sound and taste of disgust in his mouth, "He is by far...the worst! He is a brutal, selfish, sextist, and self-centered bas-" He halts his language and changes it to the next best word...for the kids' sake, "...jerk!"

"Wow...." The four teenage mares mutter in shock and disgust too.

"...and he is also the current reigning champion whom Downpour will be facing tonight." Edited concludes, rubbing his arm...which indicates he once had an injury there. "I just hope she gives him what he deserves...for all of us who were hurt hard by that...freaking monster!!"

Downpour comes closer to the side of her stallion and rubs his arm, "Don't worry, my love. I will give Tauro plenty of payback for us all...so long as you and the kids are up there in the VIP Box cherring me on."

"I agree...." Edited smiles to his marefriend, feeling such inner pain fading away. "Come on, kids! Let's get ourselves up there and watch what may be perhaps the best wrestling match we may ever see in our lives!!"

"YAY!!!" The five little ponies cry out in such a cheerful mood, anxious to see what else may lie ahead.

"Follow Edited, kids~" Downpour instructs the young and eager wrestling fans. "I need to go change into my attire and get ready for what may be the greatest match of my life. I will be sure to wave to you all once I get into the ring...so be good and obey Edited~"

"Yes, Downpour~" The five yearlings of fifteen reply with a smile.

Satisfied, the top-ranking contender departs down the right hallway towards the mare locker room...leaving Edited to guide the teenage ponies out of the Hallway of Heroes and down the front passageway straight ahead. Only a set of stairs before them just a little ways up...and the one place they all plan to watch the Championship Title Match above the crowd of everypony else attending.

"Are they gone...?" Painty whispers to her best friend, hoping that it is safe to move away and sneak about.

Peaking from behind a table up against the wall not far from the VIP entrance, Chloe notices the group of teenagers and two adult ponies walking away...giving them the perfect chance to walk out and enter the Hallway of Heroes, "Yeah...they are gone. I guess we can move on now."

"Okay...." Painty whispers in a hushed tone.

"Good. You ready for the next part: Sneaking around in here to find the best seats to watch the match?"

Painty gazes upon the many great wrestling heroes to realize her best friend is talking to her.

"Painty..!!"

"Huh...oh sorry," She whispers nervously while scratching the back of her head, "Not sure where we go now. Never been down this way before...so...I am guessing either follow those ponies, or take our chances left or right?"

Chloe sighs and walks with haste down the hallway, only taking quick glances at the famous wrestlers before coming to a halt at the intersection with the three possible choices. "Well...looks like we have three choices: Straight for the VIP Boxes, Left towards the Stallion's Locker Room, or Right for the Mare's Locker Room where Downpour went?"

Both mares look at each other and already know what answer to go with. "Right...!" Painty and Chloe reply in unison, giggling a little to how they think alike in more ways than this.

Once their little moment of giggling comes to an end, the two teenage tomboys move with caution down the right hallway towards the mare's locker room and anything else that may lie in wait. Wherever they may end up, hopefully it will be a secret spot to watch the wrestling match and see who will win it all this year.

************************************************

Walking up the flight of circular stairs to the top, Edited continues escort the young teenagers into what is best known as the "Best Seats in the Stadium." Walking in a western direction as the ponies ascend further up the spiraling staircase, the top seems so close...yet still so far.

"Why couldn't we have taken the elevator...?" Iris complains outloud to her friends.

Edited shakes his head and scoffs, coming to a halt and turning himself around to face the complaining little mare, "What...? I thought you wanted to be a wrestler?"

"What? What does that-"

"Last time I checked, wrestlers don't complain about how far they have to walk, climb, or lift heavy weights." Edited Edition informs the little unicorn with a very understandable point, "How ever do you expect to overcome any and all opponents, if you cannot even overcome a spiral staircase?"

Iris's cheeks puff up, displying her pounting attitude returning...followed with a sigh, "Fine...point taken. Sheesh...."

"Good," Edited grins and turns himself back around to continue upward, "Besides, the elevator on this side has been out of order for some time...so if you want to take the easy way up, you can walk ALL the way around the stadium to the other side, take the working elevator there, and then walk around the upper walkway all the way to the VIP box here."

Iris and the rest just shake their heads as a response.

Chuckling while continuing on up, the top appears in sight and finally reached, "We are here."

Once the five teenagers and Edited arrive at the very top of it all, the little ponies all gasp to how high they are; With the audience and the wrestling ring all around below them, they rush up to the railing of the upper-walkway and gaze below upon the hundreds if not thousands who have come to watch this event live.

"WOW!!!!" Rocki exclaims with such awe, "THIS IS...AWESOME!!!"

"It...It sure is...!" Despair admits, finding not only Rocki a little loud when screaming, but that of the many below her that make it hard to hear herself talk.

Courageous looks out into the distance, watching each and every pony sitting down in their seats...or standing up in their seats; Some are even holding up signs...which is a common thing for the more excited fans cheering for their favorite wrestler, "We are so high up! It is incredible!!"

"I agree, Courageous!!" Iris smiles, only to blush as she stands close beside the young stallion she likes very much.

"Move aside! I wanna see!~" Gunpowder pushes her way in between Iris and Courageous...hoping to stand next to the cute stallion beside her. Her grin indicates how she does this on purpose.

"HEY!!!" Iris snaps, "I was beside Courageous! Wait your turn!!"

"You had your turn, shrimp!" Gunpowder snaps back at the mare a few inches shorter than her.

"Excuse me?!!"

Courageous gulps and blushes a little, sensing another catfight coming up; All while these four tomboy mares are his best friends, the understanding of something beyond friendship exists in them all...as he can see and sense with his eyes and heart. However, what might seem as an argument may turn into a fight soon.

"Okay, knock it off!" The stallion-in-charge demands. "I know I may not be Downpour, but I know she would not want to see you all fighting like this...so knock it off before I take you all back downstairs and make you sit in the break room throughout the entire match!"

The one orange pegasai and the other sandy-brown unicorn face their foalsitter and hang their heads in shame. "We're sorry...." They both apologize at the same time...wishing not to be forced away from this moment they are so close to witnessing.

"Very good," Edited says and crosses his arms, approving of their apology when their words reach his ears...sounding that of sencerity. "Now let us get going! Right down that way lies the VIP Box we will be watching the entire match from."

The four teenage mares follow...with the relieved teenage stallion following close behind, happy that fight came to an end before it would have become worst.

******************************************

"Hey, everypony!!" Edited calls out to all the wrestlers and few young ponies within the VIP Lounge...once he and the group walk in through the double doors, "Edited "Upgrade" Edition...and company...have arrived!!~"

The moment this surprise greeting reaches the ears of each and every pony, young and middle-aged, within the VIP Lounge...the dozens of eyes turn away from where they were previously fixed on to glance at those who are now entering. At first...the expressions upon everyponys' faces seem to be surprised by the sudden interuption...but soon change into that warm smiles that display how welcome Edited and the five young ponies are.

"Welcome, you guys! So glad you all could make it!" A griffin wrestle of the male gender greets his fellow wrestlers, shaking the welcoming hand with his talons.

"Yeah, glad you could show up!" A zebra wrestler says as she smiles to her friend and rival, only to release a joyful gasp to the cute little ponies standing behind them both, "Awwwww...who are these cute little ponies?~"

"These here are the five young ponies Downy and I foalsit quite some time; A few years since before we became wrestlers." Edited Edition explains to his friends and rivals...then introduces each one of them from left to right, "This here is Iris...Rocki...Despair...Gunpowder...and Courageous Heart. Each one of them is not only a fan of Equestria Rumble...but are aiming to become wrestlers someday, just like us."

"Really?!~" The cheerful zebra questions with a smile before turning her attention from Edited to the teenagers before her, "Well, we hope all five of you will strive to be the best you can be...and I myself, hope you enjoy the Championship Match today. Should be so exciting!~"

"Thank you!" All five reply, returning the smiles given to them by the taller and more muscular wrestlers with their own.

Courageous, Rocki, Gunpowder, Despair, and Iris are soon guided through the VIP Lounge towards the couches that rest near the wide windows that have a grand view of the entire inside wrestling stadium. But all while they traverse passed the around a dozen or so wrestlers...who are currently partaking in fine food and conversation...the teenage ponies admire how beautiful and awesome this room is:

Pictures of what appears to be famous wrestling moments from the past hang up upon the walls in some areas; Potted plants and some flowers rest upon the ground or the tables...probably to give a more feminine display for the female wrestlers; Two large buffet tables that are loaded with food that they cannot quite see as they pass by it...but the scent smells heavenly. But the one thing that catches the teenagers' attention are the voices of the announcers heard over the speakers that reside up upon the ceiling; From what they hear thus far, it sounds as if the match is close to start.

"Alright then. Just head on down these steps and you five will have the best seats in the entire stadium." Edited informs with a smile.

Once the five teeangers walks on down the two steps to the lower part of the VIP box, they now see a pair of blue couches...that face the windows and the great view of the ring and the audience all around it.

"Wow...." Courageous and the four mares all mutter in awe. Never in all of their lives have they been to a wrestling match live...and never like this; To have the best view in all of the stadium, with great food and friends, makes this all the greater.

"Okay, you five. Make yourselves comfortable while I head on down to meet up with Downy. Since she will need me there to cheer her on, I will leave Mrs. Rainy Skies in charge of you...but mind her and behave, okay?." Edited Edition informs, hoping that the orders given will be obeyed.

"Yes, Edited." The five little teenage ponies of various species all answer.

"Good. See you all later." Brushing back his short mane of bright green, the earth stallion wrestler makes his way back towards the door leading back out from wence they all arrived from...anxious to see his marefriend out onto the ring for the biggest fight of her young life.

*****************************************

"This is already so exciting!!" Courageous admits to his four tomboyish friends, "This is gonna be the best day of our lives! I may have said that before...but this time I mean it for sure!!"

"YEAH!!!" Gunpowder, Rocki, Iris, and Despair all admit to their one stallion friend...expressing the utter joy in this wrestling match they are here to witness and cheer on.

"Um...Courageous? Is...that you?" A timid voice is heard from over on the other couch: A sky-blue unicorn teenager appears to be sitting there, only to rise up and turn to the brown stallion her eyes are fixed upon.

"Misty? Misty Skies...?" Courageous replies, surprised to see another of his best friends here, "By Celestia, it is so good to see you!"

"S-Same...here." She studders, feeling her cheeks turning red as she eyes the one young stallion she cannot help but blush around.

Some of the girls smile to the best friend they know from school...but inside they glare at the one who may be yet another potential rival in their quest to make Courageous Heart their own coltfriend...and theirs alone. Wishing not to seem rude, they swallow their defensive natures and smile, "Hiya Misty~" They all greet together.

Misty, at first felt a shiver go up her back when the four mares greet her, but then smiles back and returns the warm welcome, "Hiya Gunpowder, Rocki, Iris, and Despair!~"

Courageous continues to smile at this kind, yet timid friend from school and tries to keep the conversation going, "So...here to watch the final match of the championship, I take it?"

Unable to hold back her giggling, the lovely little unicorn of bright blue twidles her fingers a little, trying not to stare at Courageous as they talk, "Well or course, silly. My mother, Madame Massage, has access to here after all." She explains and turns to the back, pointing over at the dark blue mare by the buffet, "She is over there talking with her old tag team partner Wild Dream."

"Cool!" Courageous replies, "Well, you are free to join us here on this couch...if you want to watch the wrestling match with your friends."

A light gasp escapes Misty's lips when a kind offer is given to her: The chance to sit with Courageous...and the rest of the girls too. "I...I...well, I would...love to."

Rocki, unable to allow this, shakes her head, "Actually, while you are welcome to sit with us, I am planning to sit next to Courageous."

"Who said you were?!" Iris snaps, "I already called to sit next to him before we even got here!"

"Um...actually...you didn't, Iris," Despair corrects, a little nervous to be muttering such, "I was...actually hoping...to be the one who can-"

"Nuh-uh! I am the leader here...so I get to choose who gets to sit with him!" Gunpowder states, "It will be me and-"

"Actually...." A familiar voice from behind the couch suddeny speaks up...revealing to be none other than Rainy Skies: Misty's mother, "As of now, I am in charge, and I say none of you four will be sitting next to Courageous if you are gonna argue like this."

The four mares cannot believe what they are hearing and while inside the urge to refuse such an order is present...the courage to do so will only land them on the lower floor in a room without any way of watching the wrestling match. In the end, the four obey the dark blue pony who is far older than Downpour and Edited...and a true parent.

"You four will sit next to me, while Courageous will sit next to Misty...who may sit next to him." Rainy states while she decends down to the couch with a few trays of food, "Do I make myself clear...young mares?" She raises an eyebrow and awaits their answers...which better be the ones she expects to hear.

Realizing that they cannot defy the sweet, yet strict mother and wrestler, the four teenage mares nod their heads as the spa earth mare and, "Yes, Mrs. Skies...."

"Good~" She smiles and accepts their obedience, "Now...lets enjoy ourselves for now...because I know for a fact the match is about ready to start~"

All of a sudden, the sound of the bell is heard down below in the center of the stadium; Such a signal means one thing and one thing only: The beginning of the final match of the year has come at last.

"Ladies and Gentlecolts!! Welcome...to the mane event!!!" The announcer in the center of the ring says into his microphone to all the roaring and applauding wrestling fans.

"Oh wow!! Its starting!!!" Courageous Heart informs the obvious upon the sounds of the bell and roaring crowd reaching his ears.

"Indeed~" Rainy Skies concurs to the teenagers sitting to her left and right, "This here...will be a wrestling match...you will remember for the rest of your lives!!"

Moving to the edges of where each of them sit, Courageous Heart...along with Misty Skies, Gunpowder, Iris, Despair, and Rocki all gaze out the window and below to where the wresting ring resides...awaiting the big moment when the wrestler they all have come to cheer on, Downstrike, will make her big entrance and take on the current reigning champion for a chance at the title.

TO BE CONTINUED....