Equestria Rumble

by Sir-WritesALot

Ch. 4: Rise of the Iron Heart

Previous Chapter

    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....

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  "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

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"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.

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  "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.

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  "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.