GLADIATORS

“It’s the final minute of the Gladiator fight for the title of “King of the Arena” and so far the fight between Sharpshooter and Maze “The Lunatic” Runner has been very close, neither of them has left an opening, their defenses have been on point and their attacks too,” exclaimed an excited commentator

“I agree with you Maximus. I’m enjoying this battle, not only because it’s for the title of Champion. But also because both Sharpshooter and Maze Runner are seasoned pros, fighting to see who wins the cup for a record 10th time since this competition was inaugurated 20 years ago,” said another commentator

“Well, Steel, let’s take one final look at these fighters before the fight ends, shall we?” said Maximus.

“Please do,” said Steel.

“Well, Sharpshooter, age 47, born in West Heighburg, father of three, with a height of 6’3”, and weighing in at 90 Kg of muscle. He used to be a sniper during the great war for the Kingdom of Canterlot and honorably discharged 1 month after the peace treaty was signed. his official death count is of 300 confirmed deaths, but there is a rumor that he killed even more; Also I should mention that he was the first-ever winner of this championship and till this day he has a win-loss record of 250-160,” said Maximus

“Those numbers surely are impressive, unfortunately for him, I believe age is taking a toll on him, of the last 20 fights he has been involved he has lost 17 of them, 10 of them by knock-out. I spoke to him before the match and he told me that this is his final season as a pro. However, he will continue to train the future generations of Gladiators somewhere in town,” replied Steel

“Well that is something I’m looking forward to, now, let’s talk about his competition, Maze “the Lunatic” Runner, I should warn you, “The Lunatic” isn’t his original nickname, oh no, during the war he was known as the “Skullcrusher”, and I mean, we can all see why. This man is the definition of strength! 6’5”, 210 Kg of pure muscle, not even a drop of fat in this guy's metabolism, 43 years old and used to be an Army captain during the war. He participated in over 1000 battles from which he only retreated once. His kill count is unknown, as, for his love life, he has admitted to being married and to have 2 sons. But so little is known about them, the only evidence is a picture that was taken 2 years ago during a party, he says he does this for them to live a normal life in anonymity and not feel afraid of going into the streets, what a noble act, wouldn’t you agree?” asked Maximus

“Of course, my family and I never thought that I would become famous. Trust me, every time we go to the supermarket we are bombarded with fans asking questions, I got to say though, that I kind of enjoy it,” said Steel

“I’m gonna cut you off there Steel as something is happening down in the arena,” said Maximus

Maze Runner and Sharpshooter had been at each other’s necks this whole time, fighting for dominance in the battle, but their ages were getting in the way and they were both out of breath.

“Time to end this, don’t you think old friend?!” said Maze Runner

“I wouldn’t like anything but that,” answered Sharpshooter

And with that Maze Runner started to charge towards Sharpshooter at full speed. Sharpshooter answered by firing his guns towards Maze Runner who using his speed and agility easily evaded the bullets as they hit the ground

“You’ll need something new to stop me,” said Maze Runner as he neared Sharpshooter

Sharpshooter looked around but he had unconsciously placed himself between the “Wall” and the “Lunatic”

“Nowhere to go old friend, but don’t worry, I will make sure people remember you as the greatest that ever lived,” said Maze Runner as he got ready to strike

“On the contrary my dear friend, I will tell everyone about my legacy,” said Sharpshooter as he charged at Maze Runner and jumped over him at the last second.

“What?” was all Maze Runner could say before Sharpshooter aimed his gun and struck Maze Runner in the head, neck, and back, falling to the floor.

“AND THE WINNER, FOR THE TENTH TIME IN HISTORY, IS THE LIVING LEGEND, SHARPSHOOTERRRRRRR!” screamed the narrators as the crowd went wild

“Ouch, how the hell did you do that?” asked Maze Runner as Sharpshooter helped him to his feet

“My dear friend, you’ve been in this arena for almost 18 years, but you still have the impulsivity of a rookie,” said Sharpshooter as he and Maze Runner hugged

Then two very curvy women walked into the arena and gave Sharpshooter a big golden trophy and a belt that said “Canterlot’s arena champion”

“Well, that’s all folks, we have a new champion today and this brings the season to a close, and boy, was it a thriller to the end, we had rookies defeating pros, pros showing their guns, and even some old dogs learned some new tricks, I am Maximus Ace,” said Maximus

“And I’m Steel Mustang, and we will see you next year, for the start of the new season, good night everyone, and remember, fight responsibly,” said Steel Mustang

DOWN IN THE SEATS AROUND THE ARENA

“THAT WAS AWESOME, I TOLD YOU ALL THAT SHARPSHOOTER WAS GOING TO WIN!” screamed a very excited teen Shining Armor

“Ok, Shining, calm down, we don’t want you to fall and break your neck,” said Twilight Velvet

“Mom, I’m going to join the royal guard next year, I have to toughen up my body so that I can fight,” said Shining

“You play, Rugby, Football, Soccer, boxing, and Karate, you even go to the gym and lift weights; JUST HOW MUCH MORE TOUGH DO YOU WANT TO BE?” asked Night Light

“As tough as I can be,” said Shining with a smile

“Oh, you are impossible,” said Twilight Velvet

“What about you Twilight, you’ve been quiet this whole time,” said Night Light

Everyone turned to look at Twilight, her eyes were wide open, full of wonder, the books she had brought along were now in a massive pile in the floor, in a “normal” situation regarding books, every time Twilight found a book on the floor she would start complaining and ranting none stop, one time, she found an almanac on the floor in her dad’s office, she didn’t get over it for days.

But today that was different, she had completely disregarded the existence of the books, and her eyes were fixed on the arena, not missing one single detail during the whole fight.

“I take it you liked the show,” said Shining

“I loved it,” said Twilight jumping up and down

“Ha, it’s the first time I see you so happy over a sport,” said Night Light

“I know right, but this is amazing, the level of strength, the strategies, the… glory, I love this sport,” said Twilight

“Well, this is one new development, you sound just like me,” said Shining

“I know, but it’s just… WOW, I wonder if there is a place I can join training for this type of events,” said Twilight

This made everyone look at her in disbelief and worry

“Twilight, dear, I love the fact that you’re interested in a sport, but…” said Night Light

“This isn’t the type of sport or career for you,” said Twilight Velvet

“What do you mean?” asked Twilight

“Well, to be honest, Twilly, you’re more of a Brainiac, not the muscle type, and to be honest, training for these for events, is no joke,” said Shining

“What does that mean?” asked Twilight

“He means, that if you want to be a Gladiator, you have to be ready for everything, blood, broken bones, concussions, hate, and even, in the worst-case scenario, death or murder,” said Sharpshooter as he walked up to Twilight and her family overhearing the conversation.

“I can be ready for all that, trust me,” said Twilight

“Says the girl who is afraid of Spiders, Snakes, roaches, rats, mice, and who has no stamina whatsoever,” said Shining

“No, I don’t,” said Twilight

“Twilly, you even believe that the ghost in those books you read are real,” shining continued

“Not true,” said Twilight

“Yeah, right… TWILIGHT THERE’S A SNAKE!’ said Shining pointing at the ground

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!” screamed Twilight as she jumped into her mom’s arms

“Shining Armor, that was not nice at all,” said Night Light

“It proved my point,” said Shining

“Don’t be too sad Twilight, not everyone is built for this, trust me, a lot of the gladiators in the arena, are really troubled individuals, all of us are still trying to relive or glories during the war, it’s no place for someone as pure as you,” said Sharpshooter as he leaped over the wall, and sat down next to Twilight

“But I want to be a gladiator,” said Twilight getting sad

Sharpshooter looked at her and felt pity for her

“Tell me, what’s your biggest strength?” he asked

“I’m really smart,” said Twilight

“Really, so tell me…” Sharpshooter said as he reached into his backpack and grabbed some pictures “These are different tactics used in team matches, I’ll put two of them together and you have to choose which one is the best for victory,” he said as he aligned them

Twilight looked at the first pictures and said “This one, the wingers have a lot of space to flank the enemy and create a diversion from behind pinning the enemy down,” she said

“Correct, this was the tactic used by Griffinstone during the first world cup, they didn’t win the tournament but they were the runner up, what about these two?” asked Sharpshooter

“This one, The Tankers and Paladins are standing in a very defensive-offensive style, making them almost invincible,” said Twilight

“Correct once again, this is the Dragonlands famous “Wall of Fire and Death” move to this day, there hasn’t been a single team to break through it,” said Sharpshooter

“This final one is tricky,” said Twilight

“Take your time,” said Sharpshooter

“I’d say… that this strategy will be the best for the battle, but this one too, in the end, it falls to whoever wants it more,” said Twilight

“You are correct Twilight, you truly have a gift,” said Sharpshooter

“So, do you mean I can be a Gladiator?” said Twilight

“Well, maybe not an outfield Gladiator, but your ability to read tactics and your knowledge makes you prime material for the position of Field General,” said Sharpshooter

“Awesome, I can be a Gladiator, I can be a Gladiator,” Twilight sang

“Are you sure she can be one?” asked Twilight Velvet

“Well, she’s got potential, but she will have to learn how to fight, and work in a team, and most importantly, how to be a leader,” said Sharpshooter

“So then, can you teach me, please,” Twilight begged

“I’d love to Twilight, but I can’t I already have a contract with someone else,” said Sharpshooter

“Oh,” said Twilight getting sad again

Sharpshooter saw Twilight's face and felt even worse but then he thought of something

“You said, your ability was being smart right?” he asked

“Yes,” said Twilight

“Well, you see, my contract is with the Canterlot Royal Academy, if you study hard, and manage to get accepted I will be your coach and teach you how to fight, deal?” said Sharpshooter stretching his hand forward

“Deal,” said Twilight shaking his hand and running off to study

“She is one energetic girl,” said Sharpshooter

“That and the fact that she is a 7-year-old, with the brain of a 30-year-old genius,” said Twilight Velvet

“Well, I hope she makes it in, there is nothing sadder than a kid with a broken dream,” said Sharpshooter

“Trust us, she will,” said Night Light

A FEW MONTHS LATER

“Today is the day, the entrance exams for the Canterlot Royal Academy, I have to ace this, if I do, I can make my dream come true,” thought Twilight as she walked into the test room

“Hello, kids, welcome to this year’s entrance exams for the Canterlot Royal Academy, My name is Cheerilee, I’ll be your teacher today you will be tested in the 8 major subjects of study English, literature, math, science, social studies, PE, foreign language, and computer science, the passing grade is 70, but don’t worry if you don’t manage to pass this test today, there will be a retest next month, and then again next year,” said Cheerilee

Everyone in the class started to get ready, including Twilight, she had everything ready, pencil, pen, calculator, eraser, and spare sheets of paper just in case

“Bring it on,” thought Twilight

“Uhm, excuse me, may you lend me a pencil?” said another girl sitting next to her

Twilight looked at her, she had shoulder-length hair with red and yellow stripes in it, moderate cyan eyes, and seemed to be Twilight’s age

“Sure, what happened to your?” said Twilight handing on to her

“This,” said the girl as she showed Twilight the fully used pencil

“Let me guess, you tried to sharpen it but the tip continued to fall off?” said Twilight

“Yeah, then I just lost my patience,” said the girl

Twilight started to laugh with the girl also bursting into laughter “My name is Twilight Sparkle,” said Twilight

“Sunset Shimmer, nice to meet you,” said Sunset Shimmer

“Why are you joining this academy?” asked Twilight

“I want to be a gladiator or an instructor whatever happens first,” said Sunset

“Me too, what position do you like to take?” asked Twilight

“Paladin or winger, what about you?” asked Sunset

“Field General,” said Twilight

“Ah, the brains in the operation, cool, hope we can be in the same team,” said Sunset

“I would love that,” said Twilight

“Ok kids, the exam starts… now,” said Cherilee

A FEW HOURS LATER

“Man I’m exhausted, what about you?” asked Sunset

“Same, but I’m confident that we passed,” said Twilight

“Yeah me too, but we’ll find out tomorrow,” said Sunset

“Say, wanna come to my house?” asked Twilight

“Sure why not,” said Sunset as the 2 girls ran off

THE NEXT MORNING

Twilight and Sunset stood in front of a big board with the names of all of the students that had passed.

“YES!!! WE DID IT!!!” said Twilight as she and Sunset hugged

“This is gonna be awesome,” said Sunset

“My… our journey begins now,” thought Twilight

20 YEARS LATER

Twilight and Sunset had successfully entered and even graduated from the royal academy, but unfortunately, they had gone their separate ways after graduation, Twilight had tried to compete as a Gladiator following everything Sharpshooter taught her during her 11-year stay at the academy, but in 8 years in the tournament she had barely been promoted to the 3 division of fighters, and she always ended up in the midsection of the table, never winning promotion to the second or the glorious first division.

Due to this, Twilight had to take another job just to pay the bills, luckily for her, during her time in the academy, she had impressed and even befriended her majesty, Princess Celestia, to the point that Celestia begged her to be her apprentice.

Twilight accepted in a heartbeat, she loved to always be learning and that was one of the main things she did with Celestia, she learned new magic spells, combat skills, and diplomatic tricks, Celestia even let her compete as a Gladiator from time to time, but Twilight didn’t have the success she wanted to have.

One day, Twilight was in the palace library arranging the books and royal records, her favorite pastime as of late, when a guard walked into the library

“Ms. Sparkle!” she said

“Silver Bullet? How can I be of service?” Twilight asked

“Her majesty Princess Celestia wants to have a word with you,” said Silver Bullet

“Oh no, is she angry at me?” asked Twilight getting nervous

“That I can not answer, now please follow me,” said Silver Bullet

Twilight did as she was told and followed Silver Bullet to the royal court

“I hope she isn’t going to kick me out, this is my only job where I earn money, I hope she’s not angry about what happened yesterday,” Thought Twilight as she entered the court

She quickly walked towards Celestia and kneeled down

“Oh God, she looks angry,” thought Twilight

“Twilight Sparkle, I believe you and me need to talk about something important,” said Celestia in an angry voice

“Is that so your highness,” said Twilight

“Yes, Twilight this is unacceptable, I am so angry right now that I don’t even know where to begin,” said Celestia

“Oh dear, here it comes,” thought Twilight awaiting the worst

“The Canterlot Royal Gladiator Team once against lost in the world cup, this was our worst participation yet,” said Celestia

“I KNOW YOUR HIGHNESS, PLEASE FORGIVE ME… wait, what?” said Twilight

“There is nothing to be sorry about Twilight, it’s not your fault,” said Celestia

“You’re not going to fire me?” asked Twilight

“Why would I?” asked Celestia

“For the failed experiment from yesterday that burned of your eye-brows and your dress exposing your body to everyone,” said Twilight

“Of course not, Science is all about the failures, plus I didn’t mind the nudity part, It was a very… funny result, though,” said Celestia

“So then why do you need my services, your highness?” asked Twilight

Celestia got up and walked towards Twilight helping her up from the floor

“You see Twilight, I’m putting together a new team for next years world cup, and I want you to be the leader of it,” said Celestia

“Wait, WHAT?!” said Twilight

“Yup, we’ve heard nothing but praise about you from Sharpshooter,” said Luna walking into the room

“Princess Luna, good morning,” said Twilight

“Good Morning to you too,” said Luna

“Going back to your request, I don’t think I’m the best person for the position, I’m barely surviving the third division,” said Twilight

“You’re not a fighter Twilight, you’re a thinker, with the bonus that you can hold your own against others, you’re perfect for the position, plus you’ll be in your element,” said Luna

“If you say so; so who are my teammates?” asked Twilight

“That’s for you to choose, we want you to go out and find your “Dream team” and lead us to victory,” said Celestia

“Ok, so, that means…” said Twilight

“You’re going on a trip around the world to find the best fighters you can,” said Celestia

“But, don’t the members of the team have to be all from the kingdom?” asked Twilight

“Not necessarily, as long as they haven’t been selected to represent their kingdom before at the highest level, and they are willing to represent us, we’re good to go,” said Celestia

“Ok,” said Twilight

“Oh and Twilight one last thing, don’t hire anyone that belongs to a guild,” said Luna

“Why?” asked Twilight

“If you do, you’re not only going to have to pay them, but also the guild, for using their “services” and it’s annoying,” said Luna

“If you say so, when do I start?” asked Twilight with happiness

“Immediately,” said Celestia

“You have to have the team ready before the last day of the register, in 9 months, you need to find 7 players to join you in the field and 3 more to be substituted in case of injury,” said Luna

“Here is a list and a contract, once you find them, give it to them, and that would be it,” said Celestia

“Also, don’t worry about money, we’ll take care of it,” said Luna

“Now, go and make this city and us proud with this team,” said Celestia as he hurried Twilight out of the room

“You think she’ll do it?” asked Luna

“I trust her judgment, we should get ready to welcome our new players,” said Celestia as she headed to her room

OUTSIDE THE CASTLE

“Let’s see, I think this is the best lineup I can come up with, that means I need to find 2 wingers, 3 paladins/warriors, and 2 tanks, but where should I start searching?” thought Twilight as she started to walk down the street

Then a T.V in a store caught her attention

“Today marks the end of the Highschool Gladiator cup, and once again, Canterlot High had won the cup, for the 5th time in a row,” said the anchor

“If only our city squad was this talented,” said the other anchor

“Well, the secret for their success has to be their coach Sunset Shimmer, ever since she took on the role as coach they have been unstoppable,” said the anchor

“I think I know where to start, I just hope she still remembers me,” said Twilight with a smile as she ran off towards Canterlot High.