"FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS! MARES AND STALLIONS! WELCOME! TO THE GREATEST SHOW TO EVER GRACE EQUESTRIAN SOIL! WELCOME! TO THE PASTURE! OOOOFFFFFF! PPPAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIINNNNNN!!!!"

As the announcement ended, the lights came on, followed by intense music and a fireworks display. The crowd was going wild with anticipation...all but three.

One of a certain trio of fillies who was not as excited for the upcoming events as her Pegasus and Earth Pony friends, a World Eater who was unimpressed with the theatrics, and an alicorn who could've sworn she had heard that announcer's voice before.

"Welcome, one and all to the P.O.P., I am your host, Michael Colt, and joining me today is our local sponsor, the strong speaking motivater who made our appearance in Ponyville possible, Iron Will." The Pegasus with a pale coat, brown mane, and strange W for a Cutie-Mark, confirmed Twilight's suspicions as the minotaur made his way to the announcer's table and took his seat.

"THANKS MICHAEL! IT'S GREAT TO BE HERE! NOW! WITHOUT FURTHER ADO! LET'S SHOW THE CROWD SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE! THEM! PPOOOOOOPPP!" Iron Will flexed his obnoxiously large muscles as he spoke, making Twilight fearful that this was another sham...it was.

While the crowd and the fillies became immersed in the show, yes, even Sweetie Belle, Twilight and Aries could easily see that the 'fighters' were pulling punches and throwing themselves when touched.

Twilight explained her unfortunate history with Iron Will and getting pulled into his shenanigans, and apologized for wasting the warrior's time.

"It is alright Twilight, as I said, I expected this to be a waste of time. And while the fights may be fake, the strength and acrobatics are not, so I at least have a hint of how ponies fight." With that, Twilight and Aries stuck around to allow the fillies to enjoy the show, one enjoying the fact that they were having fun, the other making mental notes of different pony martial arts while discerning what was plausible in a real fight and what wasn't.

"And now, without ado..." Began Michael Colt. "THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!" Continued Iron Will. "The main event." concluded Michael Colt as the lights dimmed and the speakers started playing music for the next fighter.

The crowd booed as a farmpony just smaller than Big Mac with a bit of blubber on him with a black coat, a white main, a scar over one of his brown eyes, and a Cutie-Mark of a watermelon slice, made his way to the ring.

Aries dismissed him almost immediately after he had entered the ring as he just flexed muscles hidden beneath his fat and foreshadowed that his fighting style was based on power without skill, a grenade rather than a bolter.

As soon as the overweight Earth Pony's music stopped, another song started...the champion...was a bolter.

All eyes fallowed the Earth Pony who gave no show of bravado or gimmick other than his body. Muscular yet flexible, with a nut-colored coat, a black mane and eyes with a thin mustache and goatee, and a Cutie-Mark of a pony silhouette kicking another pony silhouette the way a human would.

The crowd was impressed by his Cutie-Mark that even Aries knew meant that fighting was his destiny, but Aries was pleasantly surprised to recognize his sub-breed. As impossible as it (and everything else thus far) was, the champion fighter was a cross between an Equestrian Earth Pony...and the war horses of the Attilan Rough Riders.

Fillies and Gentlecolts, please give an appropriate applause to the reining, defending, P.O.P. champion." Michael Colt began. "BBBUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!!! WWWWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLDDDDD!!!!" Iron Will concluded as Buck Wild climbed into the ring, ignoring the cheering crowd as he stared down his opponent.

His opponent charged as soon as the bell rang, attempting to slam into his opponent with his massive weight, but Buck Wild flipped over him and landed on his powerful neck before spinning with his hind legs outstretched...or so it seemed.

Aries was disappointed to see the promising fighter pull back his leg just enough that a mortal would think his opponent had dodged it.

However, the other pony's counterattack was not fake. Buck Wild was dodging full strength attacks and only feigning counterattacks that his opponent reacted to as if they were bug bites, and the crowd was falling for it.

"HA! LOOKS LIKE THE CHAMP HAS BIT OFF MORE THAN HE CAN CHEW!" Announced Iron Will. "Unsurprising, Melon Slice is one of the most physically dominant competitors in the P.O.P., talent can only carry you so far against an opponent of a much higher weight class" Agreed Michael Colt, making Aries want to rip the pony's limbs off, considering how many of his brothers have proven that wrong when facing Ork Nobs and Warbosses in 1 on 1 melees.

Fortunately for the ignorant Equestrian, Aries attention turned back to the fight as Melon Slice wrapped a foreleg underneath Buck Wild's own and threw him out of the ring. Only for the champion to grab the top rope with his teeth and rocket back into the ring in a front flip that ended in a double ax kick on Melon Slice's head.

The larger stallion fell like puppet whose strings had been cut, but Buck Wild took his time making the cover, and the referee made the count a lot slower than he had for past matches, but this went over the crowd's head.

The bell rang, and the crowd cheered the champion's victory, but the annoucers seemed to be late.

Aries turned to them and isolated their whispered conversation from the white noise around him. "I thought he was supposed to lose." Muttered Iron Will as quietly as possible.

"He was, I guess it's kinda hard for a natural fighter to throw a fight, Mr. McMane isn't going to be happy about this." Replied Michael Colt.

Suddenly, the Earth Pony put a hoof to the headset around his ears. Aries could a voice emitting from the device, but not what was being said.

"Uh, F-Fillies and Gentlecolts, I am delighted to tell you that our champion is not finished yet." Declared Michael Colt.

Buck Wild composed himself well, Aries was the only one who could read the telltale signs of surprise as he looked to the announcer and saw him mouthing words that Aries couldn't quite read on account of the difference in mouth and jaw structure.

"Th-THAT'S RIGHT! MELON SLICE WASN'T FOR ENOUGH FOR SO! I-I AM OFFICIALLY DECLARING AN OPEN CHALLENGE!!" Buck Wild declared.

Aries knew what was happening, he was being stripped of his title for entertainment's sake, it wouldn't be long before his next opponent arrived.

"Get their attention."Aries said to Twilight.

"Huh? why?" She asked confused.

"Because I'm taking that challenge." Twilight got the message loud and clear.

Another entry began to play when Twilight took to the sky and shot a flare to get everypony's attention.

The music stopped and the newcomer stopped flexing for the crowd as he and the annoucers and the spectators all turned their attention to the princess.

"Uh, if I can have everpony's attention, um, I have a challenger for the champion." Twilight's awkward statement caused a wave murmurs among the crowd.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS IS! AN OPEN CHALLENGE!? THIS COMPETITION IF FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ONLY!!" Iron Will declared while Michael Colt ran the situation by his boss.

Twilight deadpanned at the minotaur. "As a matter of fact, he just said that it is an open challenge, and the fighter I have in mind is a professional athlete, a warrior to be precise."

"Uhh, Mr.McMane would like to see this fighter if you don't mind Princess." Michael Colt stated.

Twilight pointed to where the World Eater was seated, a spotlight trailing her hoof as Aries stood up.

Everypony that hadn't noticed the astartes from the more distant areas from him in the crowd let out gasps of amazement. Michael Colt went slack-jawed, and Iron Will looked from his muscles to the armored giant trying to determine which of them was bigger.

Aries ignored them all, and locked eyes with Buck Wild. The Earth Pony showed no fear, in fact, he looked excited.

"Mr.McMane doesn't usually allow this, but he isn't going to turn down a request from the Princess of Friendship herself. But he can't fight in a full suit of armor of course, and since I don't know anything about him, we need you to announce him when he comes down the ramp." Michael Colt stated.

"That is acceptable." The robotic voice made the Earth Pony jump out of his skin as he had not noticed the astartes descend from the crowd.

"Twilight, I will need your assistance in removing my armor, it was not meant to be equipped by hand." Aries said as he made his way to the back of the arena in search of a dressing room.

20 minutes passed from when Aries and Twilight left to get the World Eater ready to when Twilight returned to relieve Michael Colt of his headset.

"Ahem, Fillies and Gentlecolts, Mares and Stallions, stranded in our dimension, hailing from a world engulfed in war, a proud servant of the Imperium of Man, a Tactical Marine of the World Eaters legion of the adeptus astartes: ARIES!As Twilight finished announcing the World Eater, an entrance song clicked on as the crowd questioned each other about the astartes.

The questions fell silent when the warrior god among mankind came down the ramp. Where everypony else was gaping at the scar that fixed his face into a permanent snarl, Twilight was analyzing his other scars, some of which appeared surgical in nature.

Aries ignored the crowd, his eyes locked on Buck Wild, as he climbed into the ring and stared him down, the Equestrian never flinched. "I will follow the rules of this tournament, but I expect a real fight. Do not restrain yourself against me."

Buck Wild smirked at his opponent. "I had a feeling that's what you wanted

You're on...Aries." The stallion even spoke with an Attilan accent, Aries wondered if one of their horses was somehow transported to this world and bred with a local mare. There were many ways that didn't make sense, and yet...

Aries put the thoughts from his mind as he and his opponent took to their conrners.

Ding Ding Ding

In true World Eater fashion, Aries went on the attack, charging the stallion.

Buck Wild waited in a stance, and then turned around for a simple buck.

Aries caught both hooves, but the kick was strong enough to force the back of his hands into his chest and make him release his hold. Had he not grabbed Buck's hooves, that attack would've been strong enough to knock him down.

Aries jumped back to close any openings for a follow-up. Buck Wild turned to face him. "You were testing me with that, weren't you?" The stallion asked.

Aries actually smiled "Indeed, I was expecting you to dodge rather than challenge a stronger opponent with strength, but it appears that the arrogance was mine." With that, Aries entered a proper combat stance, his body turned to the side, his arms guarding his head.

Buck Wild smirked amusingly and walked towards the astartes.Aries recognized the tactic immediately, a slow, unthreatening advance into striking range to make your opponent lower their guard.

As soon as he was close enough, Buck Wild sprinted and jumped, coming down in a spinning double ax kick.

Aries ducked and threw his arms out, catching the kick without being struck then he slammed the stallion down, causing the crowed to pop.

Aries let the stallion rise to his feet, but kicked him in the head before he could get his bearings.

Buck Wild stumbled. Aries went to follow it up, but the stallion was faking, as he turned in his stumble and bucked at the astartes again.

Aries saw it coming and, in payback, flipped over the pony, landing in front of him and sweeping all four hooves out from underneath him.

Aries tried to stomp on the stallion's head, but Buck Wild rolled out of the way, flipping onto his neck and spinning with his legs outstretched.

Aries caught the first leg, but Buck locked the second leg into the arm that held the first and, with amazing leg and core strength, pulled his body up and reached with his front legs in an attempt to lock in a choke-hold on the astartes.

When Aries realized his opponents intent, he dropped, knocking the wind out of his opponent.

Aries rolled off the stunned Earth Pony, grabbed his back legs, and threw him into the air.

Aries prepared to kick his opponent as he fell, but Buck Wild righted himself in midair and bucked as he fell, both hooves connecting on the space marine's face.

The crowd went wild as Aries fell down and spat blood and shards of shattered teeth from his mouth. Aries himself felt delighted, as the collision to his skull gave relief to the Butcher's Nails.

The clopping of hooves told Aries that Buck Wild was pressing the attack. Aries rolled to his back and kipped up before turning with a spin kick.

Buck Wild was too shocked by seeing a creature that large move that guickly to see it coming, and the kick connected all of the World Eater's shin with all of the Earth Pony's head.

Buck Wild hit the ground like a puppet that had it's strings cut, but he immediately started trying to get up.

Aries backed off, wanting more of a fight, as the Earth Pony got on two hooves and two knees. The crowd started chanting and stomping their hooves.

Buck Wild was on his hooves proper, but he stumbled uneasily, his vision blurring.

Aries knew it was finished, but the fact that his clearly beaten opponent was trying to keep going brought a smile to his face. "You've fought well Buck Wild, if you wish to yield, no one would think less of you."

Buck Wild smiled at the World Eater. "Thanks but...I would...think less...of myself."

Aries nodded and prepared one final blow when- "OH GET OFF YOUR HIGH-HORSE! THAT ALIEN MUSCLE MONSTER BEAT YOU LIKE A GRAPE CRUSHER MAKES WINE!! JUST FALL DOWN AND GET OUT OF THE RING, WE'RE ALL TIRED OF WATCHING YOU ACT LIKE SOME FANCY CHAMP WHEN YOU'RE JUST ANOTHER SHOW PONY!!" Melon Slice shouted from ringside.

Twilight prepared to retort...Buck Wild prepared to retort...the crowd showered with boos...but they all went silent when Aries leapt from the ring and attacked the loud mouthed pony.

A bell rang furiously, but Aries blanked it out as he viciously beat the disrespectful Equestrian.

The beating didn't stop until a lavender field of energy engulfed him, he could hear Twilight straining to hold his fury in check as Aries fought his restraints until- "STOP! He isn't worth it... I've dealt with his kind ever since I got this Cutie-Mark." Buck Wild confessed.

Aries ceased his efforts to turn Melon Slice into a red paste, but he stared into the beaten pony's eyes. "If you were in that ring with me, you wouldn't have lasted two seconds you worthless scum. Don't ever make light of someone who failed if you can't do better you filth." With that, he turned away from Melon Slice and back to Buck Wild. "Shall we continue?"

Buck Wild laughed at this. "Actually, your assault on Melon Slice caused you to be disqualified, I won."

Aries nodded in recognition. "Ah, so that's what the bell meant. Very well, you are the winner...the champion."

"You don't approve of my line of work?" Buck Wild could see it in his eyes.

"I fight for Blood and Honor, not amusement. I was seeking distraction while your rulers make the preparations for the coming war." Aries stated, confusing Buck.

"War, what war?" The fighter asked.

"Word has not reached you yet? Enemies from another dimension are attempting to invade Equestria. The Royal Sisters are gathering volunteers for me to personally train to fight them." Rather than terrify the fighter, the news made him excited.

"Really, heh, I left the Royal Guard because their wasn't enough action for me. I joined the P.O.P. because it was the best that I could get. Where do I sign up?" Buck Wild inquired.

"The word will reach you eventually, along with the information you seek. I was told to expect the first recruits within a week, I'll see you there." Aries smiled at the Earth Pony with whom he had bonded through blood and battle.

Aries parted ways and blocked out any protests of his actions from those that had not earned his respect. He learned from Twilight as she equipped his power armor to him that he was banned from the Pasture of Pain forever.

However, as he and the others left, something did bother him. The Cutie-Mark Crusaders all hung their heads in shame. They and the Princess were not punished for the World Eater's actions, so their shame confused him. "What guilts you young ones, you had no hand in my actions and were not scolded as such, is there some other reason for you to feel ashamed?"

The three fillies looked at him as though the answer should've been obvious. "Well..We failed, we came here to help you find a place in Equestria, but you just got kicked out, and none of us have any ideas about where to go next." Scootaloo explained, the others nodding in agreement.

"You may not have succeeded in the manner that you expected, but as I told Twilight, I was all but certain that this would be nothing more than a waste of time to begin with." Aries explained, the children not feeling much better. "However, you've proven me wrong in that belief."

This caused the three to look at him in utter disbelief. "Huh, but yah didn' like it, an got thrown out, how was it not a waste o time?" Asked Apple Bloom.

"Because I recruited Buck Wild to the Planetary Defense Force, and thus came to the conclusion that any other areas you previously thought could've worked for me may also hide potential recruits that I can scout myself, testing them before they even arrive for the first day of training. And even if I find no more than this one, it is one that I may not have found without the three of you. So congratulations Crusaders, you've allowed the warrior known as Buck Wild to find his place as your first line of defense."

The three fillies cheered and congratulated each other, thanking Aries and giving him locations where he may find other potential recruits as the sun set on the first day.

Author's Note

I am just going to say this now, I am NOT making seven mini arcs about this, there will be time skips for two or three days where Aries finds nothing, but yeah, I thought that seeing an unarmored astartes go against an Earth Pony who was destined to fight was a good filler chapter.

Anyone whose curious about Aries' entrance theme needs only to go to my YouTube channel and see my tribute to him, you may also enjoy my ten (at the time of writing this chapter) videos that compare a character from My Little Pony to a faction in Warhammer 40,000. (I take requests)

Welp, that's all I got for this one, see you all next time.