As the sun shined into the tent, Twilight and her friends slowly made their way outside after noticing their new friends were not in their beds. Several of the girls expected to find the same setup they saw when they first arrived. But we're quickly surprised to see a line of Tables where most of their friends sat to one side of the tent and an open field where Phoenix stood facing down a Fox with blood red fur.

As the girls took a seat at the table, Rainbow and Scootaloo sat close to their respective clan elders. "What's going on here?" Rainbow asked.

"An overdue rematch." The wolf laughed before passing her a bowl of mixed berries. "Don't worry. They're forbidden from lethal strikes during the trial of honor."

"I don't get it." Scootaloo sighed as her friends listened in to the conversation.

"Our tribes have a belief that for a man to show they are ready to be a husband. He must show his skills to his chosen mate, potential rivals and those who care for their partner." The old fox set a bag of gold on the table. "Those watching have come to make wagers on who'll win. Of course a potion of the wager goes to the couple. But it keeps things interesting and lets the mate know how many of the guests her lover has impressed and who had faith in him."

The old wolf tossed a bag of his own onto the table. "Normally a male rival would start the ceremony before other males seeking to fulfill their own right of mating may compete. It's actually rather fun for the different classes to see each other compet."

Twilight looked at the bags as Phoenix's other friends tossed smaller bags onto the table. "Who do you keep track of who the bets are for?"

Psy tapped her nose. "Sorry. It's easy to forget sometimes that you guys aren't from our universe. Seeing most of us have heightened senses, we mostly use our noses to tell the difference. But it's only fair to give you guys some visual aid." She laughed before tying a blue ribbon on one of the large bags and a red one on the other. "There, blue for Phoenix and red for the other guy." She explained moving the bags so they were in two groups.

Twilight nodded and noticed a bag tossed next to the red pile. Twilight blinked in shock at the ribbon and turned to see Rarity looking nervous as she watched the two guys as they placed their respective swords in the middle of the ring of weapons. "Consider it incentive, darling." Was all she said in response.

Sighing, Twilight set a bag next to the wolf's stack. "Then consider this, my faith in Rainbow and Scootaloo's choice."

As the bets were placed, the two males got in a ready position as they slowly circled each other. The moment the old wolf banged his ax on the ground, the two rushed to the nearest weapon that sat on the outer ring before charging at their opponent.

The group watched in wonder as weapons and styles they hadn't heard of was used… that is… other than Rainbow, who acted as commentary as she listed each style and weapon was used.

It wasn't hard for the girls to actually picture how or why she knew all this. In fact, Twilight found it a nice change of pace to be the one being taught by Rainbow.

"What do you think the likelihood is that they might accidentally deliver a lethal blow." Fluttershy asked nervously.

"Knowing those two, and how these matches are normally done? Rather high actually." The old wolf replied calmly as the two disarmed each other for the tenth time.

"What kind of history?" Applejack asked.

"Let's just say… you're not the only one who grew up without parents." The wolf sighed.

"And let me guess." Spike gulped. "The fox is the reason?" His response was a silent lower of the head. To his surprise, Rarity looked away.

"What's the matter?" Twilight asked.

"Now I understand." Rarity sighed. "They're holding back."

"What?!?" Everyone asked in shock as the two men stopped and looked at her then each other.

A few moments of silence later, the wolf and fox laughed. "You still couldn't do it after all these years?" The fox laughed.

"Look who's talking. What? Did getting released make you soft?" Phoenix laughed.

The fox shrugged and sheathed his sword. "Not quite." He glanced over at Rarity and smirked. "Let's just say. I finally understand what mother ment." Kneeling down he presented the sword. "My gift for your big day."

Phoenix took the sword and walked over to Rainbow as Silver got up cracking his knuckles. "My turn."

It was clear that the fox was going to need some attention later. And as the guys talked about their match, or when they weren't getting treated by their mates. The fox surprisingly put up a rather good fight.

Rainbow and Scootaloo blinked as several large bags were pushed towards them. "Seriously?" Rainbow asked.

"We all agreed that you two should get the majority of the money." Applejack shrugged before questions about kids were quickly brought up, causing not only Rainbow and Scootaloo to smile and put a hand on their belly, but Sweetie and Fluttershy as well.

Blinking, Apple Bloom looked between Walker and her sister before placing a hand on her belly in thought.

"I reckon there'll be a few more weddings by the time we get home." Applejack laughed as the group enjoyed the tests of strength and skill the guys put each other through.

Author's Note

Yeah... not much I can really say about this one. Thoughts?