Ring the Bell

Chapters

Settling Down
A Place to Crash
First Times
Dashing Through Ponyville
Buckshot Roulette
Tensions Rising
Flying for Dummies
Fright or Flight
Jumping to Conclusions
Wine Me and Dine Me

Settling Down

Author's Note

So I strained my back and I'm out of work for the next few days. I've been writing nonstop and I've heard the positive reviews, so since you've been a bunch of good noodles, I'll give you the second chapter a little early, but don't worry, you'll still get your next chapter on Saturday. I've got a few days yet to write before I must return to work :moustache:

Settling Down

Hammer Hoof took a steadying breath as he pushed open the heavy door to his (hopefully) new boss’s office. The room was impressive, if a bit imposing—walls lined with framed accolades and newspaper clippings from past victories, championship belts in gleaming cases, and faded, photos of battles fought and won. He felt his heart hammering in his chest. This was it: his shot at the Equestria Wrestling Alliance, the dream he’d chased for as long as he could remember.

Across the room stood Diamond Deal, a massive stallion whose very presence radiated authority. The unicorn’s black and gray mane was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, streaked with silver that showed his age. His face was chiseled and his broad build seemed to towered over Hammer, who was a tall stallion in his own right. He wore an expression of studied intensity as his cold, appraising eyes turned toward Hammer Hoof they were the color of steel.

“You must be Hammer Hoof.” Diamond Deal greeted in a deep, gravelly tone that seemed to shake the walls as he sat.

Hammer Hoof nodded, a little awkwardly, dipping into a slight bow. “Yes, sir. I’m… interested in starting here.”

Diamond Deal didn’t smile or even nod in acknowledgment; he simply looked Hammer Hoof up and down as though assessing him for weaknesses. “You're big. But I’ve seen bigger. I’ve seen ponies twice your size get crushed in the ring and not come back up,” he stated, “what’s gonna stop you from the same fate?”

It was a jarring question, and Hammer Hoof took a moment to find his footing. His family name didn’t carry as much weight here. As he mulled the question over briefly, Diamond Deal’s hard gaze didn’t waver. It was almost as if he were daring Hammer to falter. Hammer Hoof straightened himself, drawing on his own experiences in the indies to answer.

“I can’t guarantee I won’t.” He said, steady and measured, his voice filled with conviction. “But I’ve been in death matches. I’ve gone toe-to-toe with the biggest stallions you’ve ever seen, with bulls, with bears, yaks… I know how to handle myself against tough competition, sir.” He said, snippets of these grueling encounters flickering through his mind. “I’ve faced actual monsters just to make enough to get by. I know this promotion is gonna push me further than I’ve ever gone, but I’m ready for it. I’ll make it.”

Diamond Deal’s stony expression softened—just barely—as he leaned back, something like nostalgia softened those steely eyes, his hoof resting on the stack of papers in front of him. He adjusted the reading glasses balanced on his snout, giving Hammer Hoof another long, assessing look. “What makes you think you deserve this spotlight?” he asked, his voice still cool. “You’ve had other chances out there, from what I’ve heard. There’s a line of stallions and mares a mile long who’d do anything for this shot. What makes you hungrier than them?”

Hammer Hoof glanced around, his eyes falling on the various awards, the accolades, and the framed photos of Diamond Deal in his heyday. One picture, in particular, caught his attention—Diamond Deal and Starlight Stunner, one of the ponies who had inspired him as a foal, standing victorious with belts over their shoulders. Seeing that, he felt a pull. A carnal desire. This was more than a job. More than a sport. It was a lifelong passion, and he felt his resolve harden.

“Because I love this.” He replied, his voice firm. “I’ll push myself every second of every day to make it. Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I will be EWA Champion in the future. This has been my dream since I was a colt, and I’m going to achieve it, sir. One way or another.”

Diamond nodded, his stern gaze held for a beat longer, then he lowered the papers in front of him, studying Hammer Hoof carefully. Unexpectedly, he rose from behind his desk and strode toward him, towering over him, his intense eyes never leaving his. Hammer Hoof stiffened as Diamond Deal came close, his heart pounding as he forced himself to hold his ground.

“When you’re done with a match,” Diamond Deal said quietly, his voice low but unyielding, “when it’s brutal and you’ve been beaten to within an inch of your life—when you’re staring at yourself in the mirror, your coat matted in blood, win or lose—what do you see?”

Hammer Hoof met his gaze, the answer coming naturally to him. “I see a stallion who would give his body night in and night out for the ponies in the crowd.” He replied. “I see a hard worker. And I see a future champion.”

At this, Diamond Deal’s hard-lined expression shifted ever so slightly, a small smile breaking through his usually unreadable face. It was a cold, intense smile, but Hammer Hoof knew what it meant: respect.

“You sound like a fit to me.” Diamond Deal said, his voice a bit warmer. “What’s your gimmick?”

Hammer Hoof hesitated, feeling a little sheepish. “I don’t… really have one? I mean, I like playing cocky characters, I guess.”

Diamond Deal raised a brow, giving him a once-over. “You?” he said, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “I heard you were one of the most pleasant ponies to work with.”

Hammer Hoof shrugged, trying to hold back the grin that threatened to break through his nerves. “Well, I try to be. But… everypony’s different in the ring. Look at Starlight Stunner—he’s a legend, and he was intense in the ring, but I’m sure he’s cool behind the scenes.”

Diamond Deal regarded him thoughtfully, still appearing skeptical but more intrigued than before. He returned to his side of the desk and, after a moment of rustling through his drawers, levitated a file toward Hammer Hoof. A contract. Hammer Hoof’s heart skipped a beat as he skimmed over it. A modest starting salary, merchandise proceeds, dozens of matches per year in this territory—it was a rookie’s contract, but it was fair, with the promise of bigger things if he proved himself.

Diamond Deal levitated a pen toward him, and Hammer Hoof grabbed it in his teeth, signing with a firm stroke. He looked up, and Diamond Deal extended a hoof for a shake. Hammer Hoof accepted, feeling the power in the stallion’s grip—a firm, professional shake that sealed his place in the EWA.

“Welcome aboard, kid.” Diamond Deal said, releasing Hammer Hoof’s hoof and taking the contract. “I think you’re going to make some good money here.”

Hammer Hoof felt a surge of excitement, his chest swelling with pride. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”

Diamond Deal gave a curt nod, returning to his papers. “You have a match tomorrow with somepony I think you know. Let’s see what you’re made of. Be here by midday and come in full gear.”

“Yes, sir.” Hammer Hoof replied, his voice steady. He turned, heading for the door, but just before leaving, he stole one last glance at his new boss, hunched over his desk, his magic working steadily as he scrawled notes. He felt a surge of gratitude, knowing this was just the beginning of his journey. He stopped at the door and turned. “Thank you, sir.” Hammer said softly. It wasn’t just for the job, it was for everything—the inspiration, the drive, the chance to be here. He thought of all the matches he’d watched of legends like Diamond Deal and Starlight Stunner, of the sacrifices they’d made in the ring. Of his own father’s sacrifices.

Diamond Deal looked up, catching the awe in Hammer Hoof’s eyes. A faint smile crossed his face as he nodded. “Don’t thank me. You’re the one who made it.”

With those words still echoing in his mind, Hammer Hoof walked out of the office, a new member of the Equestria Wrestling Alliance.

Hammer Hoof glanced up at the sky, taking in the position of the sun. He estimated he still had a couple of hours before he needed to head over to Sugarcube Corner. This was his first day in Ponyville, and he wanted to make the most of it. A big marketplace had caught his eye on the way to the inn, and he decided that would be his first stop.

The market was busy and colorful, with stalls stretching down each side of the street, each dedicated to specific products. There were booths for carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, fresh honey—even a few carts selling flowers and jars of homemade preserves. His eyes settled on an apple stand near the center of the market, where a steady crowd had gathered. Behind the stand was a sturdy orange pony with a golden mane tied up in a red band and a well-worn cowboy hat shading her eyes.

Must be the Apple family’s apples, he thought, impressed by the sheer size and vibrant color of the fruit on display. Curiosity got the better of him, and he made his way over.

The mare noticed his approach, her bright green eyes welcoming him with a friendly spark. “Well, howdy there, stranger!” she greeted, her voice carrying a warm, Southern drawl.

“Hello, ma'am,” he replied with a small nod, feeling just a bit out of place but returning her kindness. “How much for an apple?”

“One bit apiece.” she answered cheerfully.

Hammer Hoof fished a bit out from his bag and placed it on the counter, reaching for a particularly glossy red apple. He took a bite, and his eyes widened as an explosion of sweetness and crispness washed over him. The apple was better than any he’d ever tasted—far beyond the typical fare of market fruit he’d grown up with.

“This apple is amazing!” he said earnestly, his eyes alight with surprise.

The mare gave a pleased chuckle. “Well, thank ya kindly! We grow ‘em fresh on Sweet Apple Acres, our family farm just outside town. You must be new ‘round these parts.”

Hammer Hoof nodded, feeling a little more at ease now. “Yep, just moved in. Name’s Hammer Hoof.” He extended a hoof in greeting.

“Applejack.” she replied, giving him a firm, friendly shake.

He blinked in surprise, putting two and two together. Applejack—the Element of Honesty? He was meeting yet another Elrment of Harmony. He shook his head. Ponyville really must be smaller than it seemed.

“Well, welcome to Ponyville, Hammer Hoof.” she said with a grin, tipping her hat slightly. “Hope ya like it here.”

“Thank you. And, uh... I think I’ll take a few more of these apples.” he said, reaching into his bag for a few extra bits. He dropped five bits on the counter and picked out a small bunch of apples, enough to last him a while.

Applejack beamed and tossed one more apple into his bag as a bonus. “On the house. You let me know if you need anything else, alright?”

“Will do. Thanks again, Applejack.” he said, nodding in appreciation as he moved along. With his bounty in tow, he spent some time weaving through the rest of the market, stocking up on vegetables, bread, and a few jars of preserves to last him the week. Ponyville’s market had a charm he’d never seen before in the cities he’d grown up bouncing between, a sense of community woven into each stall.

By the time he’d finished, the sky was beginning to darken, casting warm shades of orange and pink across the town. He hurried back to his hotel room to stow away his haul, feeling that excited anticipation bubbling up again. With a quick glance in the mirror to check his appearance, he set off at a trot toward Sugarcube Corner, eager for what the evening would bring.

From the outside, Sugarcube Corner looked like a delicious daydream brought to life. The building seemed to be made entirely out of cake, with frosted roofs and walls decorated like a gingerbread house, complete with cupcake towers on top. Hammer had to fight the urge to just take a bite. He paused at the door. Silence. He heard nothing inside. With a frown, he glanced up at the now-dark sky. Had he taken too long at the market? Was he too late?

He knocked lightly on the door, which creaked open, revealing a dark, quiet interior. He peered inside, brow furrowing. “Is anypony home?” he called out, stepping into the bakery. Silence answered him, and he wondered if perhaps he’d misunderstood the invitation.

Just as he began to turn back, the lights suddenly blazed to life, flooding the room with warmth and brightness. “Surprise!” A number of voices exclaimed at once. Before he could react, a blast of confetti erupted into the air, accompanied by a shower of streamers. A bright, colorful banner unfurled above him with a magenta glow, reading Welcome to Ponyville, Hammer Hoof! in vibrant, cheerful letters.

Hammer Hoof’s surprise melted into a wide grin as he took in the bustling room. Sugarcube Corner was packed with ponies, all gathered to welcome him. He spotted Pinkie Pie first—her unmistakable bouncy pink curls, infectious smile, and, of course, her confetti cannon. Applejack stood nearby, waving at him with a hearty grin. There were other ponies he didn’t recognize, a few of whom looked vaguely familiar from around town, and then his gaze fell upon a pony he knew without needing an introduction.

“Princess Twilight?” he said, slightly awestruck as he dropped into a respectful bow. The crowd chuckled, and his cheeks heated a bit, but he stood by his formality.

Twilight Sparkle waved a hoof dismissively, smiling warmly. “You don’t have to bow, and please, just Twilight.” she reassured him, her tone warm and unassuming. “Welcome to Ponyville.”

“Thank you.” he replied, feeling his nerves ease in the presence of the friendly princess.

“So, what brings you here?” Twilight asked, her gaze curious yet open, inviting in a way Hammer couldn’t quite describe.

He nodded towards his cutie mark—a simple championship belt gleaming proudly on his flank. Her eyes lit up with recognition.

“Oh! You must be part of the new EWA branch that just opened!” Twilight beamed, a touch of excitement in her voice. She didn’t really understand wrestling that much, but being around professionals in their field was always the best place to learn.

“Yep! Just got hired.” he said, excitement flickering in his eyes. Talking to a princess felt daunting, but her genuine tone helped him feel at ease.

“I couldn’t imagine how exciting that must be.” Twilight says, “That’s a big deal, right?”

Hammer Hoof nodded, thoughtfully. “Yeah. It’s run by a foalhood hero of mine. Starting out an expansion here was a great opportunity to join them. I’d been jumping around the indies for a few years there.”

Twilight smiled brightly. “Well, best of luck, Hammer Hoof. Ponyville is lucky to have you!” Her tone carried more weight than just a greeting; it felt like the best wishes of a good friend.

“Thank you, Princ– uh, Twilight.” he said, bowing his head slightly still. He’d never met an Alicorn, so it was difficult to describe exactly how she affected him. She almost a radiated positive energy that just made him feel, in the barest terms, welcome. He couldn’t imagine what being in the same room as Celestia must've felt like. Before long, he was mingling with the other ponies, the party starting strong.

After a bit of chatting, he spotted Rainbow Dash lounging in a chair, her eyes closed, looking comfortably relaxed. A mischievous grin tugged at his lips as he crept up quietly, hoping to catch her off guard.

“How was practice?” he asked with a casual tone, leaning just close enough to startle her. Her reaction was priceless—she jolted upright, wings flaring slightly as she spun to face him.

“Ah!" Her wings fluttered to life and she lifted out of the seat before she realized who it was, "Oh, Hammer, hey.” she stammered, a hint of pink creeping into her cheeks as she tried to play it cool. “It went well… no crashes this time.” She smirked, clearly proud of herself.

He chuckled, settling into the seat across from her. “Good to hear.” After a brief pause, he asked, “So, I've gotta ask, I've seen a bunch about you guys performing in the papers. I'm curious, what’s it like being a Wonderbolt?”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up as she leaned forward, unable to contain her enthusiasm. “Oh, it’s awesome! We tour all over Equestria, putting on trick shows, races—basically the coolest performances you’ll ever see. And when duty calls, we suit up to save ponies and protect Equestria.” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, and she let out a prideful laugh. “Pretty awesome, right?”

“That does sound like a pretty awesome job.” he admitted, impressed.

She nodded happily, then tilted her head, sizing him up. “But hey, what about wrestling? You’ve gotta have some crazy stories.”

Hammer Hoof considered her question carefully. The world he performed in and the world they were a part of seemed so different, but he didn’t really know if they were. Explaining it was a big responsibility though. He took a deep breath before speaking, the passion evident in his tone.

“I’ve loved it since I was a foal.” he began thoughtfully. “My dad was a wrestler too, so I grew up around the ring. Used to take me to all of his shows. It’s... well, it’s a difficult sport. I’m sure you know by now that it’s scripted, right?”

Rainbow Dash nodded, “Yeah, it’s f-” As soon as Hammer heard that, he knew what was coming. The ‘f’ word. Fake. The word, while not entirely inacurate, was more than an insult. It was a slap in the face to every wrestler who bled, sweat, and endured to make the sport what it was.

He quickly cut in, his voice firm but sincere. “Not fake.” he corrected, making sure she felt the weight of his words. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but yes, it is scripted and the winners are predetermined. But every hit? Every move? Every risk we take? That’s all real. The physical toll, the bruises, the broken bones,” He gestured to the collage of scars across his body, “the scars—that’s no joke. There’s this brutal honesty in the ring that’s hard to describe.” He paused, looking her in the eyes in an effort to convey the full truth. “I know you get it. You’ve pushed yourself beyond your limits. All of those crazy stunts you pull off? Wrestling… it’s the same. It's planned, it's thought out beforehand, but the pain’s real. The victories? Even more so.”

Rainbow Dash’s lips curled into a genuine, almost impressed smile. “Whoa. You don’t mess around.”

“I don’t.” he agreed, a glint in his eye. “I take it seriously. The fans can turn on you in a heartbeat, but for the ponies who stick with you? Wearing your merchandise, following you all over Equestria, the goosebumps when everypony out there gets behind you. Every pony in the audience on their hind hooves, you feel the cheers vibrating through your bones.” He got goosebumps just thinking about it, “It makes it all worth it.”

She nodded, intrigued. “That really sounds… kinda awesome.”

“It is.” he said simply, letting her feel the quiet pride that came with his dedication. She’d understand that, he knew.

“But are you any good?” she challenged, a smirk forming on her lips.

Hammer Hoof couldn’t help but grin back. “I like to think I’m the best.” he replied, it was earnest, clear and full of confidence.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes gleamed, her smirk widening into an approving grin. “Now that’s an answer I can get behind. Maybe I’ll have to come watch you in the ring sometime.”

He chuckled, leaning back comfortably in the seat. “Maybe you will. My first match is tomorrow, you know?”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, he could tell she was challenging him. He knew that he had one shot to really hook her. The thought didn’t bother him one bit. Then, without a word, she zipped off in a rainbow blur, leaving Hammer momentarily stunned.

"Uh... did I say something wrong?" he wondered aloud, mostly to himself.

In barely a second, she was back, holding two cookies stacked on a plate in her mouth, her grin both mischievous and satisfied as she set the plate down. "Nah." she said with a chuckle, sliding one cookie over to him. "Just had to make sure I got one before Pinkie and the others swiped ’em all. Grabbed one for you, too."

He felt his cheeks warm as he took the cookie, grinning as he bit into it. The cookie was freshly baked, its soft and chewy texture giving way to a rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of vanilla. The chocolate chips melted in his mouth, adding just enough gooey warmth to make it feel like a hug in edible form. He swallowed, letting out a pleased hum. “Wow, that’s… incredible. No wonder you had to snatch one up.”

Rainbow just grinned, finishing her own with a satisfied crunch. Before they could continue their conversation, a smooth, refined voice interrupted.

“Rainbow, darling, do introduce me to the guest.”

He looked up to find a striking unicorn with a pristine white coat and expertly curled violet mane, studying him with a graceful and curious gaze.

“Oh, hey, Rares! Didn’t mean to hog him all to myself.” Rainbow said, as she stood. She flew over the table towards Hammer and nudged him playfully. “Hammer, this is Rarity. Element of Generosity and the fashionista around here.”

Rarity tilted her head, a polite smile lighting up her expression. “Charmed, I’m sure. Miss Rarity, if you’re feeling formal.” She extended a delicate hoof, which Hammer took, returning a respectful shake.

“The pleasure’s all mine, Miss Rarity.” he replied with a nod, keeping just enough formality in his voice to make her smile. “I’ve read a lot about you, well about all of you guys.”

“Only good things I hope.” Rainbow joked, kicking her hind hooves onto the chair beside her.

“I don’t think there’s anything bad that’s come out about you guys.” Hammer shrugged, “I mean you’re the Elements of Harmony, after all.”

Her eyes sparkled with appreciation. “Why, a gentlecolt! And a wrestler at that? I must say, you’re quite the surprise. Most wrestlers I’ve met don’t carry themselves with such… refinement.”

Before he could answer, Rainbow jumped in. “Hey, hey—this guy is definitely not ‘most wrestlers,’ Rares. He saved my tail this morning.”

Hammer chuckled, feeling the need to clarify. “I wouldn’t say saved. More like… helped her dodge a crash landing by… well, crash landing into my luggage.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, flipping her mane with exaggerated flair. “Psh. It was strategic maneuvering, okay? If I’d missed those bags, I’d have hit a tree. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

Rarity smiled at her friend’s recounting, then turned back to Hammer with a nod of approval. “Well, any friend of Rainbow’s is a friend of ours. If you ever need anything—a suit for a formal event or just a touch of style advice—my boutique is always open to you.”

A playful idea sparked in his mind, and he couldn’t resist. “Do you… work with spandex? I could use some new wrestling attire.”

Rarity’s eyes widened slightly, as though the idea of designing wrestling gear was both unexpected and intriguing. She lifted her head with a look of determination, her eyes twinkling. “Oh, darling, I have tackled everything from satin to sequins. Wrestling attire may be a new venture, but I’m certain I could craft something… dazzling for you. Just imagine it—an ensemble with elegance but ferocity! Why, Ponyville will have the most well-dressed wrestler in Equestria!”

Rainbow snickered, “Careful, Rares, or you’ll make him start thinking all wrestlers need a fashion upgrade.”

Hammer laughed, glancing at Rainbow. “Well, maybe she’s onto something. Who knows? Might be a good gimmick, gives her a chance to advertise. I could see a win-win partnership.”

Rarity gave him an approving look, resting a hoof on his shoulder. “I have no doubt you’d wear it splendidly, Hammer Hoof. Anypony who can make such an impression on Rainbow Dash is certainly worth a bit of extra polish.”

Rainbow elbowed him, a playful glint in her eyes. “Well now that you’ve got Rarity making clothes for you, I guess I have to drop in. You’d better be able to back your words up.”

He grinned, feeling his confidence lift with their encouragement. “Wouldn’t dream of letting you
down.”

A Place to Crash

Travelling through the Murihara Woods was a tough task for anypony, just an endless cascade of autumn leaves and shadows stretching endlessly in all directions. Dense trees with moss-covered trunks and branches tangled overhead, blotting out much of the sunlight and casting deep shadows across the narrow path. Hammer Hoof’s hoofsteps crunched over the leaves already fallen, making each step feel like a broadcast to any of the creatures out there of where he was. His brown coat bore a few fresh scrapes and bruises, a result of several run-ins with various creatures he’d encountered along the way. New cuts mingled with old scars, each telling a tale about his journey.

Eventually, he came upon a fork in the road, where two winding paths diverged ahead. Both were narrow, overgrown, and dimly lit. Hammer Hoof paused, glancing down each trail, taking a moment to weigh his options. One path seemed to twist away into an even darker part of the forest, while the other led slightly uphill. He squinted at the dim light filtering through the branches overhead and took a few tentative steps forward, feeling the weight of the wagon behind him shift and pull. This way felt right. As he walked, a rusty squeal followed him, the wagon wheels groaning under the weight of his belongings piled high, nearly five feet above him.

Moving out of town wasn’t easy – no shocker there, he thought. Tugging a wagon filled with everything he owned for the past two weeks had felt like a battle in and of itself. He had spent days hauling it over muddy trails and rocky hills, his muscles were aching from the constant strain. But finally, as he took a few more steps, he saw it; a clearing up ahead. Sunlight pierced the shadows, golden and inviting, spilling onto the path with inviting warmth.

“Finally.” he muttered under his breath, feeling a wave of relief. He picked up his pace, stepping into the clearing and poking his head out to take in the view.

There it was – Ponyville, nestled cozily in the valley below, with its quaint thatched roofs and bustling streets. Hammer Hoof grinned, a sense of triumph washing over him. After two long weeks of travel by hoof, he’d made it. Somehow, despite lugging his life’s possessions on a rickety wagon through wild terrain, he hadn’t been mugged, mauled, or lost. He was here, just outside of the little town that he hoped to call home.

As he started down the worn path toward Ponyville, his mind was already ticking off the essentials. First, he needed a place to stay for the night. Hammer Hoof took in the view of the small, friendly-looking town, spotting a few ponies milling about in the distance. The path led into the town’s main street, where houses and shops with bright signs and friendly storefronts lined either side. He gave a few nods to the ponies who passed him, receiving curious looks and occasional polite smiles. A bit of friendly chit-chat later, he found himself in what appeared to be the town square.

His eyes scanned his surroundings, quickly spotting a modest, old-fashioned building with a sign reading Whinny Winks Inn. Hammer Hoof was just about to take a step forward when a strange sensation prickled along his spine – a split-second instinct that urged him to look up. And that’s when he saw it; a streak of sky blue with a rainbow trail hurtling down toward him with the speed and resolve of a meteor.

“Whoa!” was all he managed to utter before he felt the jarring crash.

His wagon lurched, its contents spilling out and scattering in all directions. He flinched, wincing as he turned to survey the damage. There, tangled in his bags, was a sky-blue pegasus with a vibrant, rainbow-colored mane, her chest rising and falling as she lay on her back, clearly dazed. A sturdy tree stood a few feet away from her, seemingly in the path she’d been on before colliding with his luggage.

Hammer Hoof sighed, quickly brushing himself off as he approached the fallen pegasus. Her mane looked like something out of an action comic – bright, flashy, and undeniably attention-grabbing. He watched her for a moment, checking to make sure she was breathing steadily. Then, as he observed her stirring, her eyes flickering open, he leaned down.

“Hey there,” he said gently, with a note of concern. “You okay?”

She blinked, her gaze drifting over him as if trying to piece together where she was and what had happened. Her eyes flicked to the scattered bags around her, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. Then, as she looked past him toward the tree, her face paled slightly, realization sinking in.

“Uh… hello?” Hammer Hoof prompted again.

“Huh?” she mumbled, her thoughts clearly still somewhere else.

He took a small step back, offering her a patient smile as he repeated, “Are you alright? What happened?”

The pegasus gave her head a quick shake, her colorful mane bouncing slightly as she regained her composure. “I, uh, kinda got a little… cocky on a dive.” she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. “Pulled up a little too late. Sorry about… all this.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Hammer Hoof replied, chuckling as he began gathering his belongings. “Honestly, I’m just glad you’re okay.” He tried to ignore the pang of envy that crept into his thoughts as he watched her wings flutter slightly. Flying seemed so effortless for pegasi. Meanwhile, he was left on the ground, walking or running, almost trapped on his hooves. Wings were so elegant. So cool. The pegasus knelt down, and started helping him reload his scattered bags and supplies onto the wagon.

“So, I’m Hammer Hoof. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What’s your name?” he asked as they worked.

She perked up at the question, a spark of excitement lighting up her eyes. “I’m Rainbow Dash! Only the coolest, awesomest, radicalest—” she started, only to pause as her gaze caught on something among his things. Her eyes widened as she reached toward an open bag, her hoof pulling out a golden-plated belt with a massive, shining centerpiece. “What’s this?”

Hammer Hoof blinked, surprised. He hadn’t expected her to be so intrigued by his wrestling gear. “That’s, uh, a championship belt.” he replied. “Won it in a deathmatch out in Fillydelphia. Boss let me keep it.”

Rainbow Dash’s face lit up with childlike wonder. “Wait – you’re a wrestler?”

“Yep,” Hammer Hoof said, amused by her reaction. “And you’re the Rainbow Dash? Wonderbolt, daredevil, general badass?”

Her grin widened, her wings giving a small, proud flutter. “You got it! Welcome to Ponyville, Hammer Hoof!”

He extended a hoof, which she eagerly shook. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash,” he said warmly. As they finished loading up the wagon, she took a quick glance skyward before looking back at him.

“Well, it was nice meeting you Hammer Hoof, but I’ve gotta get back to practice.” she explained, nodding to the sky. “Big show on Saturday, you know?”

“Of course. Be safe, Rainbow Dash!” he called after her, watching her take off in a flash of color. He stood there for a moment, eyes tracking her as she ascended, shrinking to a blue-and-rainbow dot in the distance. With a grin, he hitched himself back to the wagon and headed toward the inn.

Inside, the innkeeper was a pleasant-looking yellow pony with a cheerful smile. She waved him over as soon as he entered. “Hello there! I’m Little Flitter!” she said brightly. “Welcome to the Whinny Winks Inn!”

“Hammer Hoof.” he replied, nodding politely as he set his wagon down. “Pleasure to meet you.” With a practiced motion, he reached into one of his bags and retrieved a small sack of bits. “I’m looking to rent a room for a while.” he said, glancing around the cozy interior of the inn.

Little Flitter gave a nod and opened her logbook, pencil poised. “All right, do you have a preference? We have full or queen beds available.”

“Queen, please,” Hammer Hoof replied. “And… smoking, if you don’t mind.”

Little Flitter raised an eyebrow, but jotted it down without comment. She calculated the rate, adding, “We also have a ten-bit insurance fee if you’re planning on staying more than a week.”

Hammer Hoof counted out the bits and handed them over, and with a warm smile, she passed him a key. “Room 112. It’s just down the hall, to the left and around the corner.”

“Thanks.” Hammer Hoof gave her a polite nod and started down the hallway, his eyes taking in the rustic decor of the inn as he headed toward his room. Finally, he could rest, unload his things, and hopefully find his new employer.

After setting his belongings down in his room and taking a moment to unwind, Hammer Hoof left the inn and stepped back onto the bustling streets of Ponyville. The sun was still high, casting a warm glow over the quaint town, and he could feel the energy of the locals going about their day. It was a strange contrast to his homes in various cities—this place was quiet, but in a lively, inviting way that made him feel almost at ease. But there was no time to waste. He had a full day ahead, and first on the agenda was finding his new employer.

Hammer Hoof pulled out the letter he’d received, reading it for what felt like the hundredth time. It mentioned a "new complex," though every building he saw looked well-worn, oozing with rustic charm rather than modern efficiency. As he strolled through the narrow streets, glancing between his letter and the unfamiliar buildings around him, he realized just how little direction he had. A new complex… in a town like this? It was a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.

After a few minutes of wandering in circles, his attention snagged on a flash of vibrant pink bounding toward him. He blinked in surprise as he spotted a bubblegum-pink pony with a springy mane, her eyes wide with an uncontainable excitement. She radiated a cheerful energy, so he decided to take a chance, extending a hoof as he approached her.

Before he could say anything, her eyes went even wider, sparkling with excitement. “Ohmigosh! Hi! Who are you? Are you NEW?” she gasped, practically bouncing in place as she spoke. Words tumbled from her mouth like water from a broken dam, each sentence crashing into the next. “Wow, I knew I felt a new-pony-tingle today! Oh, this is so exciting! You’re like the eighth this month! What’s your name? Do you like cupcakes?”

Hammer Hoof staggered a bit, mentally trying to keep up with the rapid-fire questions. “Uh, hello.” he managed, taking a step back to steady himself. “I am new, yeah. Name’s Hammer Hoof.”

“Oooooh! A new pony!” she squealed, now practically vibrating with glee. “That means I get to throw you a Welcome to Ponyville party! You just have to come by Sugarcube Corner tonight! I’m Pinkie Pie, by the way!” She thrust her hoof forward, giving him a friendly shake with a strength that belied her size.

Hammer Hoof blinked, trying to absorb what she’d just said, but his mind was still reeling. “Uh… okay, sure.” He chuckled, taken in by her enthusiasm. Then something she’d said clicked. “Wait… did you say Pinkie Pie?”

“Yup! That’s me! Super-duper pleased to meetcha, Hammer Hoof!” She giggled, releasing his hoof.

Of course it’s her, he thought, feeling a twinge of disbelief. He knew the Elements of Harmony lived here, but to meet two in one day? And Pinkie Pie was, well, just as… enigmatic as the rumors suggested.

“It’s an honor to meet you.” he said, giving her a respectful nod. “Actually, you might be able to help me. I’m, uh, a little lost.”

Pinkie’s face brightened even more, if that was possible. “Lost? Say no more! I’m the perfect pony to ask when it comes to navigating Ponyville! Just tell me where you’re headed, and I’ll point you there with no delays and no extra detours… unless they’re fun, of course!”

Hammer Hoof smiled, already feeling his spirits lift a bit. “I’m looking for the new wrestling—”

“There!” she interrupted, pointing a hoof off to the side before he could finish.

Following her gesture, Hammer Hoof’s gaze fell upon a building he’d somehow overlooked. It was a fair-sized complex with a clean, modern look, standing out starkly against the older buildings around it. Its whitewashed walls and sleek lines practically screamed “new,” and he could imagine a few hundred ponies easily fitting in the open space inside. He felt a surge of relief. Guess I just needed to keep walking, he thought with a chuckle.

Hammer Hoof turned back toward Pinkie Pie to thank her, but his words faltered. She was gone. Vanished without a trace, as if she’d never been there. He glanced around, half-expecting her to pop out from behind a building or a bush, but no, she was truly nowhere in sight.

“...Weird,” he murmured to himself, scratching his head. But he quickly shrugged it off. She really lives up to the rumors, doesn’t she?

Hammer Hoof took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders, and made his way toward the building. He stepped up to the large doors, taking in the smooth, polished surface, which reflected his own face back at him. With a hoof, he pushed them open and crossed the threshold, greeted by the cool, clean smell of new paint and polished floors. The hum of activity filled the air, ponies hustling back and forth, setting up equipment and arranging furniture.

This was it – his new beginning. As he crossed into the lobby, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. He was ready to meet whoever was in charge and finally start this new chapter in Ponyville.

First Times

Author's Note

First match! I think I did well, but I know it can be improved upon. Next time, I'll do a few exercises and improve upon this next time. Y'all enjoy!

First Times

Hammer Hoof entered the arena with his usual air of confidence, his classic white spandex bodysuit snugly fitted and his black mane cascading down his shoulders and framing his face. His four black wrestling boots gleamed under the lights, the same ones he’d worn in arenas across Equestria. No matter how many came, he made a promise. He told Rainbow that he was the best. And he was. He would prove that to her and everypony else in town, and nothing was going to hold him back.

His first stop was Diamond Deal’s office, where a familiar sea-green stallion pegasus with golden blonde hair sat across from the boss, looking casual but confident. Seastar Slammer, his oldest friend and frequent in-ring rival.

“Look who it is!” Seastar grinned, standing and pulling Hammer into a quick, forceful hug. “Where have you been?”

Hammer chuckled and returned the embrace, “I carried all my luggage myself, no thanks to a certain somepony.”

Seastar pulled away, separating the hug, “I can’t help that you horde so much.” He grunted, a little mocking. Hammer gave Seastar an exaggerated eye roll and opened his mouth to retort.

Diamond Deal cleared his throat, prompting both of them to silence and straighten up. The boss’s expression was serious, though a glint of excitement flickered in his eyes.

“Now that you're both here, I have something to discuss.” Diamond Deal began, fixing Hammer with a sharp gaze. “Pinkie Pie’s party last night made you popular among the locals. You seem to be the talk of the town, Hammer, so we’re expecting a solid turnout tonight. I’ve got even better news, big news for us—Princess Twilight’s coming to watch.”

Seastar’s jaw dropped and his face fell into awe as he asked, “Princess Twilight?”

“Yep, she’s gonna be here,” Diamond Deal confirmed, “and we need to make sure we put on a show she won’t forget. The crowd’s gonna get riled up, but you two need to knock the pins down, so to speak. I want this to go off without a hitch.”

Seastar grinned, already thinking ahead. “Then let’s make it count. How about a No Holds Barred match?” he suggested with enthusiasm. “That’ll definitely turn some heads, especially with the princess in the crowd.”

Diamond Deal shook his head firmly. “That’s a bit much for tonight. It’s her first show. We need to play it smart.” He started pacing, thinking on the fly. “Alright, Hammer, I’m winging it. You’re gonna be slotted as the face tonight, and Seastar, you’re the heel.”

Hammer blinked, taken aback. “Wait, hold up. Are you sure about that? I’ve always been the heel—switching it up like that feels a little... off.”

“The princess is here to see you, Hammer,” Diamond Deal replied with an even tone, not missing a beat. Seastar’s face fell a tad as he said that, “I can’t have her cheering for the villain. That’s bad press two ways.”

Hammer’s eyes met Seastar’s, and for a moment, they both seemed unconvinced. But they’d been in the business long enough to know when to trust the boss’ instincts. And their boss was the Diamond Deal, he knew what he was talking about.

“Alright, I guess that makes sense.” Hammer said, shrugging. “What’s the plan, then?”

“Simple,” Diamond Deal said, a satisfied look crossing his face, “you’ll start the show with a promo, introduce yourself to the crowd, really get them behind you. Seastar, that’s when you jump in—attack Hammer, get some strong heat. I’ll come out and break it up and that’ll set up the main event. Hammer, you’ll take the win with a roll-up, and we’ll send them home happy.”

Seastar nodded, though he still didn’t look entirely thrilled about being the heel. “Sounds easy enough.”

“Good. I don’t repeat myself.” Diamond Deal said, clapping his hooves together. “You two punch out the details of the match. I’ve got a show to book.”

The two wrestlers left the office and headed down the hallway toward the locker room, their minds already working out the finer points of the match ahead.

The buzz in the arena was electric as Hammer Hoof stood just behind the curtain, steeling himself for the performance. Peering through, he could hardly believe his eyes—every seat in the arena was filled, with ponies from all across Equestria packed shoulder to shoulder. The roar of the crowd, even muffled from backstage, sent a thrill through him. He bowed his head, closed his eyes, and murmured a quick prayer. Then, as his entrance music thundered through the speakers, he glanced back at Diamond Deal, next to the producers, further into Gorilla. The promoter gave him a steady nod. This was it.

Hammer took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and strode through the curtain. A spotlight hit him, momentarily blinding him to the sea of faces around him, but the deafening cheers told him everything he needed to know. As he made his way down the ramp, he soaked in the energy, waving to the crowd as he approached the ring. Partway down, he caught sight of a familiar trio in the front row: Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. Rainbow Dash shot him a playful salute, while Twilight and Rarity smiled and waved. Hammer’s heart swelled; he gave them a quick nod before breaking into a sprint, sliding into the ring with practiced ease.

The announcer, a tall unicorn, stepped forward, his voice booming. “Introducing, from West Manehattan, weighing in at 872 pounds—Hammer Hoof!” The audience exploded with cheers again, louder than before. The spotlight dimmed as the announcer levitated the mic towards Hammer, scanning the crowd as silence fell.

The roar of the crowd faded into the back of Hammer Hoof’s mind as he lifted the mic, letting the anticipation build for just a moment longer. He looked out over the packed arena, feeling the energy rolling off the ponies around him, especially from the trio of mares in the front row. This was the moment he’d been waiting for, and he was going to make it count.

“Welcome, everypony, to the EWA!” he shouted, his voice booming. The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the arena. He grinned and continued. “This is the first night of something big, and I’m honored to be here, making history with all of you. But understand this—I didn’t come here just to make friends.” Hammer paused, letting his gaze sweep over the crowd, his tone turning sharper. “I’m here for greatness. I’m here to be the champion of this territory. But that’s just the start. Because one day, I’m going to climb even higher and take my place as the EWA World Champion, standing in front of every fan in Equestria at the Cloud Dome in Stratus Bay, and I don’t care if I have to sprout wings to get there!” He continued pacing the ring. Adrenalin was firing through his body.

“My father gave everything he had to this business, but the day he got his shot… it was stolen. As it has been for pony after pony, I promise you, someday soon, I will be your first Earth Pony champion and I will do that belt the justice it deserves!”

The crowd’s cheers hit a fever pitch, the thought of him completing his father’s legacy, becoming the first Earth Pony champion, it made the crowd anticipated. Rainbow Dash pumped her hoof in the air, and Hammer could see Twilight nodding approvingly, her excitement barely restrained. They were hooked.

He continued, “Because, you see, there’s one thing I’ve got that no one else does—you can break me over your knee, you can knock me out, you can do whatever you want, mutilate me to your heart’s content, but unless my heart stops beating, I will never quit! I will grit my teeth, bow my head and charge anypony that challenges me.” He turned to the ramp again, “So if anypony back there is stallion enough to try me, get in my ring! Now!”

The crowd erupted again, ponies stomping their hooves and chanting his name. Hammer Hoof soaked it in, feeling the energy surge through him as he lowered the mic. But before he could continue, Rainbow Dash’s voice rang out from the front row.

“Hammer Hoof! Look behind you!”

He turned just in time to see Seastar Slammer launching through the air, his hoof extended as he battered Hammer with a brutal clothesline. The impact sent Hammer sprawling to the mat as the crowd erupted in boos. Seastar stood over him, grinning smugly as he drank in the heat from the furious audience. Hammer tried to roll over, but Seastar stomped him back down, delivering a savage kick to his side before a referee rushed to the ring, shouting for Seastar to back off. As Hammer got a brief reprise, courtesy of the ref, Seastar looked to the crowd, quickly finding Rainbow, Twilight and Rarity. Three real heroes.

Rainbow and Rarity were verbally tearing him a new one, meanwhile, Twilight seemed transfixed on something. They locked eyes. Twilight blushed and looked away.

“Get him outta here!” one pony shouted from the audience.

“Hammer deserves better than this!” Rarity shouted, fuming along with the crowd. But Seastar didn’t care, as he shook his head loose of thoughts about his and Twilight’s brief eye contact—he drank in the anger and let it fuel him. Seastar pushed the ref aside and pounced on Hammer, throwing rapid, vicious hoof strikes to the Earth Pony’s head. Hammer absorbed two hits before he found an opening, throwing his own hooves up in defense. He braced himself, raising both forelegs to shield his head. He blocked a punch and kicked Seastar away with his hind legs.

Landing a few steps back, Seastar didn’t back down; instead his wings flared as he hunched into a stance, challenging Hammer the ref was trying to push Seastar out of the ring all the while, getting him out onto the apron. Hammer flipped over, onto his hooves and with a quick burst of speed, he shot forward, leaping through the ropes to spear Seastar off the apron and onto the floor below. The crowd exploded as Hammer mounted Seastar and began raining down blows.

Security guards rushed down the ramp to break them up, but Hammer wasn’t refused to take no for an answer. He struck the first in the head, then hit a lariat that floored the guard. The second ran into a fallaway slam from Hammer. He was tossed like a ragdoll, landing right on the edge of the apron before dropping limp to the floor below. Hammer stood again and pounced on Seastar, the speed helping him deliver a hard right hoof across Seastar’s jaw.

A second, larger wave of security ran down the ramp. A dozen stallions and mares that grabbed the two stallions and tore them apart. Both stallions kicked at each other and yelled. “You want to attack me?!” Hammer roared, then he threw back an elbow, catching a guard in the jaw. The guard staggered but another took his place. “Get your hooves off of me!” He barked to no avail.

Seastar wasn’t faring much better, his wings flapping hard, but the guards kept him grounded. “Do you know who I am?!” He shouted.

The crowd had started to boo by now. “Aw, come on!” Rainbow groaned, “Just let them fight!”

They struggled more and more against the security, both trying to buck them off, until Diamond Deal's music hit. He earned a Road Warrior pop, it was so loud, the building shook. Some ponies held bewildered looks, Rainbow, Twilight and Rarity among them. Chants erupt, “WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!” Diamond used his magic to raise a mic to his mouth.

“Stop it! Stop it, both of you!” The audience quiets down slightly. Seastar broke free from security, headbutting one guard and biting another. That gained just enough time for his wings to flutter to life, propelling him off the ground and lift him into the air. He got high up and then dive-bombed, an attack that could be devastating. Hammer Hoof pushed the security back as well, two well-placed elbows, a headbutt and an Irish Whip into the ringpost was enough. He turned, prepping a buck. “I SAID ENOUGH!!” Diamond Deal roared into the mic. Hammer Hoof froze, as did Seastar. They were an inch from collision, Hammer still mid buck and Seastar outstretched. They looked at the boss. “You two want to fight? You want a match? Well you've got a match! Tonight, your main event will be Seastar Slammer versus Hammer Hoof! Get them in the back.” Security apprehended the stallions and carried them to the back. Hammer groaned, waiting first for Seastar to be dragged away, then heading back himself, ushered swiftly past the group of mares that came to see him.

As they neared the exit, he glanced over his shoulder to catch a final glimpse of his new acquaintances. They looked excited. Rainbow was cheering. “Oh yeah! Hammer’s totally gonna stomp that cheater.” She was excited. Good.

Hammer grinned as looked back, locking eyes with Rainbow for just a moment before the curtain fell between them. His heart pounded with adrenaline. He walked into Gorilla and saw Seastar waving him over. He grinned and joined his friend.

There was a big fight feel in the Ponyville Arena. The audience was buzzing with excitement as Hammer and Seastar faced off in the ring. Both were face-to-face. “Come on! Start the fight!” Rainbow whined.

The ref looked between the two of them before she squeezed between them and pushed them to either side of the ring. Hammer and Seastar separated, but their eyes were locked. The ref signals for the bell.

DING DING DING!

The ref moved away from the stallions. Hammer's eyes narrowed at Seastar, almost daring him to make a move. Seastar took the opportunity, wings flared, launching himself into the air. He dove down for a pounce, but Hammer dodged with a jump left.

Seastar smashed into the mat empty-hoofed. He turned back towards Hammer with grit teeth, only for Hammer to bulldoze him with a stiff clothesline. Seastar hit the mat and rolled as Hammer resumed his beating earlier that was broken up. He rained strikes down onto Seastar, landing four good boots, until Seastar surged forward with a headbutt. Hammer backed away, staggered and disoriented.

Seastar flew forward for a tackle but ate a spinning elbow from Hammer instead, popping the crowd. Hammer locked in a headlock, slowing the match down to his pace. After holding the lock for a few seconds, Hammer struck Seastar in the head twice more. Seastar groaned and fell forward. Hammer shook out his mane and stood. He eyed the crowd, pumping himself up as Seastar started to stand himself.

Hammer pulled Seastar back by his mane, up onto his hind legs and exposing his chest, then Hammer dropped his elbow, driving Seastar to the mat, hard. Seastar looked at Twilight in the crowd and briefly, their eyes met. She turned hers away with a blush, but Seastar’s lingered just a moment. Then he looked back at Hammer. Hammer gave him a short nod.

Seastar kicked him away. He flapped his wings hard and lifted off the mat. He turned in the air and hit a fast enziguri. Hammer fell. He quickly rose back to his hooves and saw Seastar approaching, hoof extended for a strike. He threw a hoof at the same time and both stallions fell.

Seastar rolled out of the ring onto the floor at ringside. He shook the cobwebs loose as Hammer recovered in the ring. He looked at Seastar outside of the ring and took off, towards the opposite end of the ring.

And then, just as Seastar turned back towards the ring, Hammer rebounded off the opposite ropes, leapt over the top rope and splashed down on Seastar, flattening him with a cross-body.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened in awe. "Did you see that? That was awesome! It’s like he was flying!"

Twilight clapped her hooves, excitement growing. "I can’t believe he can jump that high! He’s stronger than I thought."

Hammer grabbed Seastar’s mane in his teeth as the ref restarted her count. “One!” Using the hair as leverage, Hammer threw Seastar into the ringside barricade, Seastar bounced off his side and fell to the mat. Hammer, then started stomping a mudhole with his hind hooves.

“Oh dear, that looks painful!” Rarity gasped, watching wide-eyed. Twilight nodded, wincing. Rainbow watched the stallions fight with a grin.

As the ref’s count made it to four, Hammer left Seastar outside the ring and rolled in and back out to break the count. Seastar, now almost upright, braced himself, and when Hammer struck again, he blocked it. In a flash, Seastar spun and struck with a massive buck to Hammer’s jaw, sending him staggering.

Hammer reeled from the hit, turning away for a split second. Seastar, seizing the opportunity, flew behind him and lifted. His wings strained under the weight, but Seastar just about managed to hoist the Earth pony up and execute a flying belly-to-back suplex. The two slammed into the floor as the ref began counting again.

“One… two… three…”

“Come on… come on…” Rainbow Dash muttered, barely able to sit still.

“Four… five… six…” Both stallions began to stir, each grabbing at the ring apron to pull themselves up.

Rarity cringed. “That floor… it’s just wood, isn’t it? The poor dears!”

Twilight nodded, her face full of worry. “This is brutal. I hope Hammer’s alright…”

“Seven… eight… nine…”

Both wrestlers stumbled to their hooves. With a second to spare, they dove back into the ring. Hammer reached for the ropes in the ring, pulling himself up, he turned and looked out at the crowd, catching Rainbow Dash’s eye. A determined gleam entered his gaze, and he pulled himself up with renewed strength.

“You’ve got this, Hammer Hoof! Woo!” Twilight shouted, joining in the cheers. Then, noticing his intense eye contact with Rainbow Dash, she gave her friend a gentle nudge. “He’s looking right at you, Rainbow.”

Rainbow’s gaze stayed locked on his, taking it as a challenge. She ignored Twilight's comment. Twilight shrugged and turned back to the ring.

Beside her, Rarity bit her lip. “Oh, it’s so intense… they're just maiming each other!”

Twilight nodded. "Oh, but don’t worry, Rarity,” she responded quickly. “I read up a lot on it last night! It’s all fa—”

“Don’t say that, it’s insulting!” Rainbow Dash snapped, Hammer finally dropped his eye contact, waving his arms around to pump up the crowd. Rainbow grinned triumphantly as she turned towards her friends. “It’s scripted, not fake.”

“My apologies.” Twilight replied, “But either way, it's all planned out. They'll be fine. Probably.”

Meanwhile, as Hammer Hoof drew strength from the crowd, Seastar rose, closing the distance between them. Before Hammer could react, Seastar wrapped him up and lifted him high into the air, going for his finisher, the Seastar Drive.

In midair, Hammer bit down on Seastar’s arm, breaking the hold. Seastar cried out in pain and released him, clutching his arm. Hammer twisted mid-fall and stretched out, landing a cross-body that crushed Seastar under him, flattening the pegasus in the ring. The crowd erupted as Hammer stayed on top, pinning him.

The ref dropped to the mat, her and the crowd counting in unison. “One! Two! Th—!”

Seastar rolled a shoulder up just in time, and the match continued, both stallions lying prone as the crowd chanted, “This is awesome!” Over and over, the chant grew, with Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Rarity joining in.

Twilight pumped her hoof, barely able to contain her excitement. “This really is awesome! I've never been to anything like this!”

As the crowd’s chants echoed through the arena, Seastar struck the ground, trying to muster his last reserves. He clutched his midsection in pain, while Hammer slowly stood, using the turnbuckles for support. Seastar, recovering, charged toward Hammer, but Hammer sidestepped, and Seastar’s head bounced off the turnbuckle.

Dazed, Seastar stumbled back, and Hammer rolled him up. “One! Two! Three!”

The bell rang as Hammer’s music blasted through the speakers. Seastar yelled at the ref, but Hammer Hoof was already grinning, heading toward Twilight and her friends.

Hammer looked first to Rainbow Dash. “So, did I back up all my talk?”

Rainbow grinned back. “Definitely. You were incredible out there!”

Hammer chuckled, then turned to Twilight and Rarity. “How about you two? Enjoy the show?”

Twilight beamed. “Absolutely! You were great, Hammer. You had us all on the edge of our seats.”

“And you had me worried, dear!” Rarity added, relieved that he'd survived, “But I must admit, I'm quite the showman.”

Hammer gave a grateful nod. “Well, no need to worry, Rarity. I’m all good. Thanks for being here, all of you.”

With a last smile, he headed backstage. The crowd buzzed with excitement behind him.

Dashing Through Ponyville

Author's Note

So, I have a personal project I'll need to work on next week, but I'll make it up to you all the following week with two Chapters. You all stay safe. Happy New Years!

Dashing Through Ponyville

Hammer Hoof woke up slowly, a groan rumbling from his throat as he sat up in the stiff motel bed. “I really gotta get my own place here soon.” he muttered to himself, rolling out of bed with a big, cat-like stretch. Pops and cracks rang up and down his spine, coaxing a small sigh of relief. He could still feel the soreness from his match yesterday. Luckily, he had the next few days off, so he figured he could take it easy.

He grabbed an apple from the bedside table, giving it a quick polish before biting into it as he left the inn. Little Flitter, the innkeeper, waved cheerfully from the front desk. Hammer Hoof waved back and made his way out onto the street, pausing briefly to look up into the sky.

The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, dotted with a few puffy clouds that seemed to float lazily in the cool autumn breeze. A gentle gust stirred the air, carrying the fresh scent of crisp apples through the air, likely wafting straight from Sweet Apple Acres. Hammer took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to let the breeze flow around him. When he opened them again, he noticed a small blue speck on one of the larger clouds above.

The speck shifted, then seemed to leap off of the cloud, diving now, fast enough to make his heart jump. Within moments, Hammer realized what it was: a blue pegasus with a rainbow trail following her like a comet. It was Rainbow Dash. Just like she’d done the other day, she was plummeting toward the ground, only this time, her dive was even closer, streaking down until she was mere feet above the ground. At the last possible second, she pulled up, soaring right over Hammer’s head with a gust of wind that made his mane stand on end.

Hammer Hoof’s jaw dropped as he watched her tear through the sky. She shot upwards and began looping, spinning, and rolling in the air like she was painting the sky with her every move. She bobbed and weaved between the treetops, twisting in tight barrel rolls and flipping over herself in a way that seemed effortless. Nopony else seemed to be paying her much attention, but Hammer Hoof was absolutely spellbound.

She shot higher, heading toward the clouds she’d jumped from, and began circling them at dizzying speeds, becoming a rainbow blur. One by one, the clouds started spinning like tops, twirling in her wake. She left them spinning and dove again, executing a massive corkscrew motion that trailed a thick, swirling braid of rainbow. The vivid colors lingered in the air, spiraling gracefully until they faded.

Hammer couldn’t help but smile, a feeling of admiration washing over him. “She’s the best flier in Equestria, hooves down.” he thought aloud, mesmerized by the performance. "I wish I had wings." From high above, Rainbow spotted him and grinned, then swooped down with a few powerful flaps of her wings, hovering right in front of him at eye level.

“Hey, Hammer!” she greeted him with a confident smile, her vibrant violet eyes sparkling with excitement. “How’s it hangin’?”

Hammer smiled back, slightly flustered by her energy. “I’m good. That,” he said, gesturing to the fading rainbow braid still lingering in the sky, “was… incredible.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. “Psh, thanks! And hey, you were pretty awesome last night too! Especially that dive over the ropes—and then when you totally crashed into him after he picked you up! It’s like you were flying!”

Hammer rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it, Dash.” He watched her blush deepen as he continued, “So, was all that just practice for your Wonderbolts show on Saturday?”

Rainbow’s eyes gleamed, and she nodded eagerly. “You know it! Gotta stay on top of my game if I’m gonna keep blowing everypony’s minds.”

“That show’s gonna be awesome.” he said with a grin.

“About that…” Rainbow reached behind her with a sly smile and pulled out a ticket, holding it in her teeth. She passed it to him, and as Hammer took it, he realized it wasn’t just any ticket—it was a front row ticket to the Wonderbolts show.

Rainbow grinned at his surprise. “Since I saw you in yours, I thought you might like to come see me totally crush it in my element.”

Hammer’s eyes widened. “Wait, are you serious?” He flipped the ticket over, hardly believing it. “This is amazing! But… wait, what time is it? I’ve got a match Friday night.”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “No sweat! I can cover transportation. I’m heading to Canterlot tomorrow anyway to get some extra practice in with the Bolts, so I’ll just zip back here Friday night, pick you up, and we’ll head out. Easy peasy!”

“You’re sure? I don’t want to mess up your schedule or anything…”

She just rolled her eyes, giving him a playful nudge. “C’mon, Hammer, you think I’d let a schedule get in the way of bringing a friend to my show?” She gave him a smirk and a wink. “Besides, it’s gonna be way cooler with you there watching.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, if you’re sure… Then, yeah, I’d love to go.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow’s grin widened, her excitement contagious. She glanced around and said, “So, what’re you up to right now? ‘Cause I could totally show you around Ponyville. Y’know, the real tour, Dash-style.”

Hammer looked around the quaint town. He’d been planning to take a look around by himself, but he wasn’t about to turn down the chance to hang out with a freakin’ Wonderbolt. “That sounds great.”

“Awesome! I know exactly where to start!”

The first stop was a bit of a walk away, but Rainbow Dash assured Hammer that it was worth the trek. They strolled through town, passing the foals’ schoolhouse with its cheerful red paint and then following a winding dirt path lined with wildflowers. Soon, rows of apple trees stretched before them, their branches were heavy with ripe, red apples that dappled the trees in spots of vibrant color against the green leaves.

“Okay, so this is where the best apples in Equestria are grown. Sweet Apple Acres!” Rainbow Dash announced proudly, gesturing with a hoof. “Oh man, wait till you get a taste of their cider! It’s seriously the best. But you gotta be quick if you want some—lines start way early.”

Hammer grinned, catching a glint in her eye. “Early, huh? Is that tough for you?”

Rainbow huffed, nudging his shoulder. “Pfft, I could totally wake up whenever I want if I really needed to.” She replied, her tone seemed insisting, though Hammer just raised an eyebrow it was past noon and she’d only just woken up. Then again, he wasn’t much better. He wisely kept his mouth shut, hiding his amusement. “Anyway, trust me, it’s worth it.”

As they continued, a bright red barn came into view. Out front, Applejack and a tall, muscular stallion were loading up a wooden cart packed with fresh apples. Applejack lifted her head, spotting them first, and a curious look crossed her face.

“Well, well, if it ain’t Ponyville’s newest star and his number one fan.” She wiped a bit of sweat from her brow. “Got Rainbow showin’ ya the sights, huh?” She gave Rainbow Dash a look that threw Hammer off. One he couldn’t read.

Rainbow just shrugged. “What can I say, AJ? Cool ponies attract other cool ponies.” She flashed a grin, nudging Hammer playfully.

Applejack raised an eyebrow with a slight smirk, but those eyes were still oddly cold.. “Well, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Hammer. Ah’m guessin’ Rainbow’s real keen on givin’ ya the grand tour.”

“Absolutely. Had to make sure he gets the full Ponyville experience, you know, the right way?” Rainbow replied, puffing her chest out a little.

Hammer extended a hoof toward the big red stallion, who’s looking him up and down with a slow, assessing nod. “And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

Applejack gestured to the stallion. “This here’s my brother, Big Mac. Mac, this is Hammer Hoof, that wrestler I told ya about.”

Big Mac gave a quiet “Eeyup” and met Hammer’s hoof with a firm shake. Hammer couldn’t help but feel the raw strength in the stallion’s grip. “Pleasure to meet ya, Big Mac. You are built. You ever want to consider a match, just come find me.” Hammer joked, nodding approvingly.

Big Mac chuckled softly, his response short and understated as he released Hammer’s hoof. “Eeyup.”

Applejack cleared her throat, reclaiming Hammer’s attention. “Sorry Ah missed your show last night.” she said, casually adjusting her hat. “Ah wanted to come, but Ah got roped into watchin’ the kids.”

“Kids?” Hammer raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t take you for a mother, Applejack.”

Applejack snorted, shaking her head. “Heck no! Not mine! Ah’m talkin’ about my sister, Apple Bloom, and her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Granny was busy bakin’ pies, and Big Mac here was out for a guy’s night, so it was up to me ta keep ‘em outta trouble.”

“Gotcha.” Hammer said, nodding as he took in the sprawling fields of apple trees stretching as far as he could see. “Looks like you’d need all the help you can get around here with this many trees.”

Applejack chuckled. “It’s a lotta work, alright, but we manage. Keeps us strong.” Her green eyes flicked back and forth between Rainbow and Hammer, her expression softening slightly as she turned to Hammer, getting just a little too close. “Ya know, Rainbow doesn’t usually spend this much time showin’ folks around. Guess she must think pretty highly of ya.”

Rainbow's cheeks turned a bit pink. “What? I’m just bein' friendly, AJ.”

Hammer chuckled, feeling his own face warm up. “Well, I am pretty lucky to have Ponyville’s top flier showing me around.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes playfully, though her expression seemed to carry just a hint of protectiveness as she watched Hammer. “Just remember—Rainbow here may be Ponyville’s top flier, but she’s got her limits too. If anything happens-”

Rainbow groaned and rolled her eyes, “Please spare us the mom lecture. I’m not a foal anymore, you know.” Applejack blushed and averted her eyes.

At first, her protectiveness put Hammer off. Then that thought melted away quickly, he decided that he’d heed Applejack’s advice, to the best of his abilities. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for lookin' out.”

Big Mac chuckled, giving Hammer a polite nod as he picked up another crate. “Good meetin’ ya, Hammer. We gotta work, but you enjoy yer tour.”

Rainbow Dash led Hammer towards the Apple family home and gestured expansively at the wide fields around them.

“Alright, so first up is the orchard, which you've already seen, but yeah. This is where Applejack and her family grow most of the apples they sell in Ponyville and beyond.” Rainbow explained. She swooped a hoof around to indicate the vast rows of trees that seem to stretch endlessly. “It might look like just a bunch of trees, but there’s actually a system here. Applejack has different areas for different apple varieties. She’s really particular about it—typical AJ.”

Hammer’s eyes widened as he took in the fields. “This is… a lot. I can’t even imagine harvesting all these.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Yeah, tell me about it. Applejack goes at it for hours too. She's tougher than she looks.”

They continued on, passing a few stacks of empty wooden crates and baskets ready for filling. A large chicken coop caught Hammer’s eye next, and Rainbow grins. “And over here, Applejack’s got her chickens. She’s got all the animals trained up—they practically run on a schedule thanks to her.”

A faint clucking sound came from the coop, and a few curious chickens peered out, tilting their heads at the newcomers.

“She’s a hard worker, huh?” Hammer observed, watching the chickens go about their business.

“Absolutely.” Rainbow replied, a touch of admiration slipping into her voice. “She’s always out here from dawn till dusk, especially when it’s harvest season. I’ll help her out every now and then—when I’ve got time, that is.” She added that last part a little hastily, puffing up a bit as if to make sure he knew she’s still the more adventurous type.

She led Hammer around the back of the barn, pointing out the storage shed where they kept equipment and supplies, as well as a patch of freshly tilled soil next to a modest vegetable garden.

“Even got some veggies here. They’re mostly about apples, but they grow a little of everything,” Rainbow explained. “The whole place is like one giant machine. Everypony’s got their role, and they all work together to keep things running.”

Hammer nodded, clearly impressed. “I can see why you’d think highly of Applejack. She and her family put in serious effort here.”

Rainbow grinned, giving him a playful nudge. “I may be the fastest flier in Equestria, but AJ’s definitely got the ‘hard work’ thing down. We’re kinda like two sides of the same coin.” She paused, as if catching herself, and then quickly added, “And hey, anypony who doesn’t appreciate how awesome this farm is? They just don’t get it.”

By the time they circled back toward the barn, Hammer looked around with fresh appreciation.

Hammer waved as they said their goodbyes. “You both have a great day—and thanks for letting me check out the place.”

Applejack just tipped her hat, though there’s still that faint, thoughtful glint in her eyes as she watched them leave. “Y’all come on back anytime.” she called after them.

As they walked off, Rainbow couldn’t resist giving Hammer a nudge. “See? Told you it was worth it.” she said, looking pleased.

“Definitely was.” Hammer agreed. Rainbow lifted into the air and grabbed two apples from an apple tree. “Are you allowed to-”

“What AJ doesn't know can't hurt her.” Rainbow Dash shrugged, passing an apple to him. He looked back, then around at the thousands of others around them. He shrugged and took a bite.

These really are the best apples in Equestria.

Rainbow Dash led him next him towards Twilight's Castle. It was a massive ornate tree building that stood tall over just about everything else in Ponyville, all the way on the opposite end of town.

Hammer went to knock on the door, but Rainbow Dash stepped ahead of him and just swung it open, politeness be damned. Hammer smiled a bit at this brashness. Rainbow has a moxie that simply can't be described in words.

“Twilight! Spike!” Rainbow Dash called out, trotting through the castle. Slowly, Hammer Hoof followed.

“Uh, you're sure we can just walk in like this?” His eyes lingered on the expensive decor, the stained glass windows and lavish rugs. It almost looked like Rarity designed it.

“Yeah. She has the library in here, so we can just kinda come and go.” Suddenly, Twilight teleported in front of them.

“Hey there, you two!” Hammer jumped back a step, startled.

“Hey Twi, I'm just showing Hammer around town. I was gonna show him the library.” In a flash, they're all teleported into the library room. Hammer staggered slightly afterward. He blinked and looked at Twilight. He thought teleporting was a myth and she pulled that off with ease. A brief thought struck him about just how strong Twilight was. He shook it away. A gigantic shelf stood holding rows and rows of books stacked up to the ceiling. Immediately, Rainbow Dash started scanning the shelves. “Come on, where is it?”

As she searched, Twilight struck up a conversation with Hammer. “So, how are you feeling?”

“Pretty good, all things considered. That bump I took at ringside still hurts.”

“I’m sorry, I think I have a pain relief potion somewhere.”

“It’s cool, Twilight. All part of the job.” Hammer said, grinning.

“Right. Part of the job.” Twilight said, with a nervous chuckle, trying to work up the nerve for something. She took a deep breath and got serious as she said, “There's something I don't get about wrestling.”

“Shoot.”

“So wrestling is fa-” she stopped, remembering Rainbow Dash's scolding at the show and correcting herself, “Sorry. Staged. Scripted. Predetermined.” Hammer nodded, “You’re not really fighting for anything, yet you still do all that crazy stuff. Why?”

Hammer thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Because I love it.” He said simply, “We all do.”

“You love it?” she pressed.

“I'm a second-generation wrestler. I grew up around this, watching it since I was a little foal. I knew from the second I heard the bell ring and I saw those stallions lock it up in the ring, I knew that it was what I wanted to do with my life. I love it.”

Twilight took a second to digest that. That rich, life-long passion. He probably had so much to pick at. As she went to ask further questions and really understand this, maybe even write a report, but just as she opened her mouth-

“Aha!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, retrieving a book and stealing Hammer’s attention. Twilight put a pin in her curiosity momentarily. She flew back down, in front of Hammer. “Look, I know that reading is totally lame-”

“Hey!” Twilight shot back, offended.

Hammer smiled and stepped forward. “Well, I'm not a strong reader, but I can try. Watcha got?”

Rainbow broke into an even wider grin as she raved about the book, “Well it's about the coolest, awesomest, radicalest hero ever, Daring Do! She's so cool, she's always trying to find these important artifacts, but something always gets in the way, and then she has to beat bad guys and avoid traps and then–” she went on for a while, Hammer listening with a smile as she told him everything about this book that she had yet to let him read. That passion is infectious. Eventually, she slowed down a bit, blushing, “Uh, sorry. Here, tell me what you think.” She handed Hammer the book, Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone.

As he took the book, Hammer said, “Don't be sorry, I'm glad you enjoy it so much. I'll definitely read it and fill you in.”

He offered the book to Twilight to check it out but she shook her head, “Just bring it back when you're finished.” She said.

“Of course.”

With that, Hammer and Rainbow Dash headed back out.

Rainbow Dash led Hammer through the busy streets, pointing out landmarks with casual pride. “So, there’s the post office, the bowling alley, Quills and Sofas—they sell quills and sofas. Kind of a weird combo, right? But hey, it’s Ponyville.” She gestured up ahead. “Alright, almost there. Now, this next place may not scream 'awesome,' but trust me, you’ll like it.”

They approached a boutique that looked more like a carousel than a shop. Hammer paused, letting Rainbow step ahead, and again, she confidently swung the door open without so much as a knock. “Hey, Rares! You got a minute?”

Rarity stepped out from a nearby workroom, her mane tied back, wearing her work glasses. “Rainbow, darling, I’m on an awfully tight schedule, I thought we rescheduled our spa day—”

Rainbow’s cheeks went bright pink. “No! I mean, it’s not—well, kinda. Look, I was just showing him around and…” She gestured to the stallion behind her, as if that explained everything.

Rarity's eyes lit up as she saw Hammer. She immediately trotted past Rainbow, her face breaking into a warm smile. “Hammer Hoof! Just the stallion I’ve been waiting for!”

Hammer returned her smile. “Hello, Miss Rarity. Rainbow was kind enough to show me around town.”

“How lovely of her!” She lifted a rolled blueprint with her horn and unrolled it with a flourish. “I’ve been sketching up some ideas for your outfit, and I think I have something simply marvelous!” The design she showed him was particularly elaborate: a pristine white spandex bodysuit with a hammer logo, an ornate, feathered coat lined with shimmering gems, along with matching shades and boots.

Hammer nodded, taking it in with a critical eye. “I'm not sure if I can compete in all that. It's pretty heavy… all those feathers and gems would get everywhere…” He looked at Rarity who's face started to fall. It's clear that she put a lot of work into this. It isn't my gimmick though… he looked at Rainbow Dash whose face was in a wincing expression. She sensed his hesitation. They both did. Hammer sighed, Guess we'll compromise. “I can wear the coat and glasses coming into the ring. I can't wear them wrestling but it’d make a pretty cool entrance look. But for the actual wrestling, I’d have to stick to the spandex.” He tapped the design approvingly. “I could definitely work in that.”

Rarity’s face lit up again, and she gave a delighted nod. “Oh, I’m so glad you like it, darling! And don’t worry, I’ll make the coat light enough so it’s easy to remove.”

“I do have a couple requests, though. First… no glitter.” He chuckled. “Not really my style and it gets everywhere. Diamond would have a fit if I glitter-bombed his ring.”

Rainbow snickered, nodding. “Yeah, glitter’s more of a Pinkie thing, anyway.”

“Understood.” Rarity said, making a note. “And the boots?”

Hammer tapped the sketch. “If we could swap out the feathers for some faux fur, that’d be perfect. Feathers are messy.”

“Consider it done!” Rarity said, nodding as she sketched a few adjustments. “Now, I’ll just need your measurements.”

Rainbow groaned. “Do we have to do that now? It’s gonna take forever, and we’re not even done with the tour.”

Rarity gave her a knowing look. “Rainbow, this needs to be ready by Friday.”

“Don't worry, I've memorized them.” Hammer said, “I've kept this shape for years so… shoulders are twenty eight inches across, my chest is fifty inches. Barrel is a good fifty-eight inches around, my ah, my flank, is about forty six inches. Front legs thirty-six around the thickest, thirty-eight on the back and… my neck is twenty four inches around.” he thought for a moment, trying to find any more measurements, then nodded, “That should cover it, right?”

Rarity blinked, a bit taken aback, but she quickly jotted them all down. “My goodness, you certainly know yourself well!”

Hammer chuckled. “I’ve spent my whole life in spandex, Miss Rarity.”

She grinned, satisfied, and nodded. “Alright then. I’ll make sure it’s ready in time.” She turned to Rainbow with a smile. “And I’ll see you at the spa on Sunday?”

Rainbow’s face went pink again. “Y-yeah. Sure.”

Rarity gave them both a wave as she headed back into her workroom. Hammer followed Rainbow back outside, unable to resist a grin. “So, a spa day, huh?”

Rainbow grumbled, looking embarrassed. “Yeah…”

“Nice. Need one myself.” he said with a smirk. “You should show me where it is next, let me index it.”

Rainbow’s ears perked up. “Really?”

“Absolutely. Little self-care never hurt anypony.” he said, taking the lead for a second, and turning back to face her. Then he backed into a pole and jolted, turning back around and slowing down for her to catch up.

Rainbow gave a laugh, the embarrassment fading. “You know what? You might actually fit in here.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rainbow.” They laughed amongst themselves as Rainbow continued the tour.

As they passed by the Ponyville Spa, Hammer Hoof briefly considered stopping for a massage but decided against it. Instead, he opted to continue with Rainbow Dash to Sugarcube Corner. He'd only recently been there for his welcome party, but another visit couldn’t hurt, especially with Rainbow Dash as company.

Flying a little ahead of him, Rainbow glanced back, noticing his gaze lingering on the brightly decorated bakery. Hammer cleared his throat, getting her attention. “So, what’s your go-to here?”

“At Sugarcube Corner?” Rainbow Dash hovered in place, considering the question. “Oh, I love everything there. The cookies are awesome, the cupcakes are perfect, the cake is super moist, and the pie… well, the pie’s just, you know, pie.” She scrunched her nose. “I’m not really big on pie.”

Hammer chuckled. “Fair enough. I don’t mind a good pumpkin pie myself… maybe a cheesecake if that counts.” He shrugged, grinning at her.

“Cheesecake, huh?” Rainbow quirked an eyebrow. “Do you have a favorite dessert, or are you just a ‘whatever’s in front of me’ kind of pony?”

“Actually, cheesecake's probably my favorite.” he admitted, “But a good pumpkin roll might give it a run for its money. Any chance they’ve got that here?”

“Maybe a little closer to Fieldsworn.” Rainbow said as they reached the door. She pushed it open and waved to Mrs. Cake behind the counter. “Hey, Mrs. Cake! I’m showing Hammer Hoof around Ponyville. Is Pinkie around?”

“Not at the moment, dear! She’s out running some errands.” Mrs. Cake smiled warmly at them. “But I’m happy to help you two. What can I get for you?”

Hammer Hoof studied the bakery case for a moment, eyes scanning over an assortment of treats. He nods at a loaf of golden-brown banana bread. “Two slices of that banana bread, please.”

“Of course!” Mrs. Cake took a knife and carefully cut two generous pieces. “There you go, that’ll be four bits.”

Hammer slid six bits onto the counter. “Thank you, ma’am. Keep the change.” He picked up the plates, passing one to Rainbow Dash. “For the tour guide.” He said with a grin.

Rainbow Dash took it, smiling despite herself. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Wanted to.” he replied with a shrug, leading her to a table. “Besides, you’ve been showing me around all day. Least I can do is treat you.”

She sighed but couldn’t hide her grin. “Well, thanks, Hammer. I appreciate it.” She took a bite and her eyes widened. “Whoa, that’s really good!”

Hammer took his own bite, nodding in agreement. “Holy cow, that’s some good banana bread.”

They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the treat, until Hammer broke it. “So, you live around here?”

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Nah, I’ve got a place in the clouds between here and Cloudsdale. Best of both worlds, you know?”

“A cloud, huh?” Hammer looked up thoughtfully, “Must be kinda… quiet, though, right? Not like you can invite everypony over for company. Unless they’re a pegasus, I guess.”

Rainbow chuckled. “It’s not so bad. I’ve got Tank to keep me company. He's my pet tortoise. That little guy’s pretty much my shadow.”

“Tank?” Hammer raised an eyebrow and a grin spread over his face. “You got a pet turtle?”

Rainbow Dash corrected him quickly, “Tortoise. And yeah, he’s the coolest pet I could ask for.”

Hammer chuckled, leaning back. “A tortoise is a type of turtle, Rainbow Dash. Besides, Turtle’s way more fun to say.” He winks.

Rainbow shook her head, though she smiled. “Yeah, yeah. But he’s still a tortoise. Got him from Fluttershy, actually. I was looking for… something else, but he, well, he kinda won me over.”

“Sounds like he’s got some charm.” Hammer grinned, glancing back toward the door as evening shadows deepened outside. “Speaking of Fluttershy, weren’t we going to stop by her place next?”

Rainbow looked out the window, eyes widening slightly. “Aw, horsefeathers! I didn’t even realize it was getting this late. I really wanted to introduce you to her today.”

Hammer shrugged. “Eh, no worries. I’m sure I’ll meet her soon enough. I’m just glad I got to spend the day with you.”

Rainbow Dash smirked, puffing her chest out just a bit. “Well, of course. I am pretty awesome, you know.”

They both shared a laugh, the lightness of it lingering between them. After a beat, Hammer looked at her with a warm smile. “Hey, we should do this again sometime.”

Rainbow’s eyes gleamed, “Another tour?”

“No, not a tour. Just… hanging out.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Maybe after you’re done with your Wonderbolts stuff.”

Rainbow’s usual confidence faltered just a bit, and she blushed, looking down at her empty plate. “Yeah, uh… yeah, I’d like that.” She managed a small, almost shy smile. Totally out of character.

Buckshot Roulette

After Rainbow left, Hammer spent the next few days lounging around at the inn, getting lost in the pages of Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone. It was action-packed, intense, and so much more captivating than he’d expected. He can see why Rainbow loves it so much. Daring Do reminded Hammer a lot of Rainbow.

By the time Friday rolled around, Hammer was already nearly finished with the book. He carefully placed a pencil between the pages to mark his spot and set it aside as he gazed out the window. The sky was mostly clear, with some weather ponies busy clearing out the remaining clouds. Soon there wouldn’t be a cloud that wasn’t inhabited in the sky. He looked up at the few that were untouched and wondered which one was Dash’s. Hammer sighed, stretching his legs with a series of satisfying pops and decided it was time to pick up his order from Rarity’s boutique.

As he approached Carousel Boutique, he considered bursting in the way Rainbow Dash might, that thought was brief as he thought better of it. Instead, he gave the door a polite knock. A moment later, it opened to reveal a small filly with a white coat, bright emerald eyes, and a pink-and-purple mane. She looked like a younger version of Rarity.

“Uh, hello, sir! What can I help you with?” The filly asked with a bright smile.

Hammer cleared his throat, feeling a bit awkward. “Hey there. I’m, uh, looking for Rarity—she was working on some gear for me.”

“Oh, I gotcha! One sec.” She said cheerfully. She turned and called out, “Rarity! There’s a big stallion here waiting on an order!” Then she giggled and looked back at Hammer, waving him inside. “You can come in, sir.”

Hammer hesitated but stepped inside, looking around at the bright, frilly decor that filled the boutique. Mannequins dressed in elegant gowns lined the walls, and various fabrics were neatly stacked along the shelves. He was still taking it all in when Rarity herself entered, her mane perfectly styled and looking freshly brushed.

“Ah, Hammer! Lovely to see you,” she greeted him with a welcoming smile.

“Miss Rarity.” he greeted, offering a slight bow. Rarity’s horn lit up, and she wheeled in a cart draped with his new attire. His eyes widened as he took it in. Somehow, the outfit looked even more extravagant than the sketches she’d shown him. Gleaming white feathers lined the coat, accented with sapphires, emeralds, and garnets that shimmered in the light. Even the shades had an elegant frame encrusted with small gemstones, while the spandex bodysuit and faux-fur-trimmed boots completed the ensemble.

“Wow…” Hammer said on an exhale, clearly impressed.

Rarity’s eyes sparkled with pride. “Isn’t it exquisite?” she asked, clearly hoping for his approval.

Hammer nodded, though he was a bit overwhelmed. “It’s… striking, to say the least. You’re sure the spotlight won’t reflect off these too harshly?”

Rarity waved off his concern with a smile. “Not at all, darling! Here, let me show you.” She dimmed the lights and grabbed a small spotlight, aiming it at the coat. Instantly, beams of red, green, and blue light scattered across the room, giving the coat an otherworldly glow.

Hammer watched, a smile spreading across his face. “Miss Rarity, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

Rarity beamed, clearly delighted. “I’m so glad you like it!” She turned the lights back on, her magic gently folding and packing the attire for him.

As she handed him the neatly packed bag, Hammer reached for his bits. “How much do I owe you? I know this must’ve taken a lot of time.”

Rarity shook her head, waving him off. “Oh, please. Think of it as a gift! I’m sure I’ll make plenty on future commissions, especially with a glowing review from you.”

Hammer hesitated, genuinely touched. “Thank you, Miss Rarity. I’ll make sure to do it justice.”

Rarity chuckled. “Just make sure you dazzle the crowd, darling.”

Just then, the little filly reappeared, looking up at him curiously. “So, you’re a performer?” she asked, eyes wide with interest.

Hammer chuckled and nodded. “That’s right, I’m a wrestler. I’m heading down to the arena after this.”

“Wow, that’s so cool!” Sweetie Belle said, her eyes sparkling. “Do you get stage fright? Or are you, like, super brave?”

Hammer grinned. “Everypony gets nervous.” He shrugged, “I just think about my dad getting in the ring and… well I remember what I was born to do.”

“Maybe I’ll get to see one of your shows someday!” she exclaimed, a little hop in her step. “What kind of tricks do you do?”

“I’m not much of a trick guy. I can jump over the top rope, stuff like that, but I like letting my hooves do the work.” Hammer said. “And I’ll be wearing this snazzy outfit your sister made, which should make it even cooler.”

Sweetie Belle giggled, glancing back at Rarity. “You really went all out, huh, sis?”

Rarity gave a proud nod. “Of course! Only the best for Hammer Hoof.”

Hammer smiled warmly. “Thank you both. I’ll make sure to give it my best shot.”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes brightened. “Good luck, Hammer Hoof! I hope you win!”

He chuckled, giving her a wink. “I’ll do my best, just for you.” He stepped outside, looking up into the sky. There was a contemplative longing in his gaze. After a moment, he started off.

Hammer Hoof stood in his locker room, tugging his spandex suit into place with a bit of a struggle. After a few hearty tugs and adjusting, it finally fit snugly against his frame. “Alright, step one down.” he muttered to himself. Next, he slipped on the boots, which fit like a glove—secure enough to keep him steady in the ring but were still incredibly comfortable. Finally, he reached for the shades and jacket. The coat gleamed with jeweled detail, a bit flashier than his usual style, but as he caught his reflection, he found himself nodding. “Not bad… Not bad at all,” he murmured, a faint grin crossed his face.

Just then, a voice sounded from the doorway, dripping with skepticism. “What the hay are you wearing?” It’s Diamond Deal, eyeing him up and down.

“My gear for tonight.” Hammer replied confidently, turning to give his boss the full view.

Diamond Deal raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. “You sure about that, kid?”

Hammer nodded, giving the coat a little flourish. “Positive. It’s got flare. Rarity made it.”

This caught Diamond Deal’s attention. “Rarity? As in the Element of Generosity? The biggest fashionista in Equestria?”

Hammer shrugged, acting nonchalant. “Yep, that sounds like the one.”

Diamond Deal chuckled, sounding impressed. “You’ve got some good connections. The princess, the biggest designer in Equestria, and Rainbow Dash herself? That’ll take you far, kid.”

Hammer gave a modest shrug, though inside, he couldn’t help but feel a little pride at the thought.

Diamond Deal levitated a packet in front of him, flipping through the pages until he reached the last one. “Alright, now to business. Tonight, you’re matched with Buckshot Blaze. You’ll be taking the win by pinfall.”

Hammer nodded. “Got it. Where is he?”

Diamond Deal chuckled, shaking his head. “Nope, you’re not seeing him before the match. Buckshot likes to keep things fresh and feel out his opponent in the ring.”

Hammer grinned, the challenge sparking something in him. “Alright, a little improvisation never hurt nopony.”

Diamond Deal nodded approvingly, heading for the door. “That’s the spirit, kid. You got this.” He used his magic to shut the door behind him.

As the door clicked shut, Hammer glanced at the mirror again. Tucked in the corner of the frame was a worn photo of him and his dad from when he was just a little colt. His dad was in full wrestling gear, grinning ear to ear with a hoof around young Hammer.

Hammer’s face set with quiet determination, his eyes reflecting his father’s same fighting spirit. He took a deep breath, clenching his jaw as he adjusted his shades one last time. With a nod, he told himself that he was ready.

The first out was Buckshot Blaze, a grizzled pegasus with a jet-black coat and a mane streaked in yellow and red. Though smaller than Seastar, he radiated the intensity of a seasoned veteran. Hammer watched him from behind the curtain, feeling a rush of nerves mixed with excitement prickling down his spine. It was his first real shot at a big-time opponent, but a small doubt crept in. What if he’s too green for this? What if he screwed it up? He shook those thoughts away as soon as they came.

Then, his music hit. He bowed his head and took a steadying breath, letting thoughts of his father and his new friends fill his mind. When he stepped through the curtain, the arena lights hit him, reflecting off the jeweled details on his coat and casting glimmers of blue, red, and green across the crowd. For a moment, there was silence as everypony stared, captured in the glamorous light show his attire provided but then claps rippled through the arena, growing louder until the whole place was on its hooves, whooping and cheering.

“And his opponent, from West Manehattan, weighing in at 872 pounds—Hammer Hoof!” The announcer boomed, his voice carried just over the pop of the crowd.

Hammer lowered his head and charged toward the ring, sliding smoothly under the bottom rope. He rose in one fluid motion, pausing for just a moment as he scanned the front row. Twilight was there, her face alight with excitement as she stamped her hooves on the ground. Rarity cheered loud and clear, pride etched into her eyes at the crowd’s reaction to Hammer’s new look. Then there was Applejack, who looked a bit… tense, her brows furrowed slightly as she watched him. And finally, his gaze fell on Rainbow Dash, cheering the loudest, a broad grin on her face. He couldn’t help but grin back as he caught her eyes.

Hammer swallowed hard, feeling a rush of warmth under his coat as he turned back toward his opponent. Buckshot stood on his hind hooves, leaning casually against the turnbuckles with a smirk.

“Nice getup, princess.” Buckshot sneered, his wings flaring out.

Hammer stood tall, keeping his voice cool. “It was a gift.” He reached up, slipping his sunglasses off with a hoof and then pulling his coat off with his teeth. Handing them to the ref, he squared his shoulders, preparing to lock eyes with Buckshot.

As soon as the ref turned his back to hand the coat off to ringside, Buckshot rocketed forward, slamming into Hammer’s side with a fierce, stiff headbutt. The crowd erupted in boos as Hammer staggered, the blow taking him by surprise.

“Hey! Ref! Do your job!” Rainbow Dash’s voice rang out in particular, fierce and indignant.

Twilight gasped, “Oh, that was a cheap shot!”

Rarity's face fell, looking appalled. “Outrageous behavior!”

Hammer keeled over, clutching his side as the ref pushed Buckshot back to the corner, giving him a warning. Still, the sneak attack left Hammer in a bad way, but he grit his teeth and did his best to shake off the pain. Straightening up, he stepped forward to meet Buckshot in the center of the ring, the two locking eyes as Hammer tried to ignore the throbbing in his ribs.

The bell rang, signaling the official start of the match. Hammer braced himself, determination hardened his gaze as he squared up with Buckshot. It was time to show him what he was really made of.

With a fierce roar, Hammer charged Buckshot, lunging forward to grapple him. But Buckshot was just too fast; by the time Hammer reached him, Buckshot had already sidestepped, delivering a brutal kick straight into Hammer’s damaged ribs. Hammer stumbled, his breath hitching as pain flared up, but he kept his footing. His right side fell against the ropes, and he saw Buckshot rebounding off the ropes ahead, wings flared as he picked up speed, clearly aiming to deal more damage.

Hammer narrowed his eyes, waiting until the last moment. Then, with a quick leap, he dodged and Buckshot flew through the ropes, crashing into the barricade at ringside. The crowd erupted, and the ponies in the front row cheered wildly.

Rainbow Dash was right in front of him, pumping her hooves in the air. "That’s right, Buckshot! You deserve that, cheater!"

Applejack rolled her eyes but tried to keep her tone light. "Shouldn’t yah be savin’ all that energy for yer show tomorrow?"

Rainbow scoffed, tossing her mane. "Puh-lease! I’ve been practicing all week. I need to let loose a little!"

Hammer, now in motion, ran the ropes, using the momentum to launch himself over the top rope in a graceful leap. He spread his limbs wide, diving onto Buckshot and crashing him against the barricade once again. The impact was thunderous, and the crowd roared in excitement as Hammer looked up and caught Rainbow’s eye. He gave her a cool smile, flicking his mane back as he said, “Hey.”

Rainbow’s cheeks color slightly, and she cheered even louder. Applejack groaned, forcing a smile.

The referee’s voice rang out. “One!” He began from inside the ring.

Hammer gripped Buckshot’s mane in his teeth, yanking him up to his hooves. "Get up, big guy, we’re going for a ride." With a powerful throw, he slammed Buckshot against the ring apron, then grabbed him again, intending to hurl him back into the ring.

But Buckshot had other plans. He caught himself mid-throw, twisting around and flapping his wings to lift himself high into the air. The referee was at “four!” when Buckshot dove down at Hammer, driving himself into the Earth Pony with a spear that sent both stallions hurtling backward, crashing through the barricade and into the fan walkway on the other side. The impact drove straight into Hammer’s injured left side, and he went limp.

Rainbow’s gasp was the loudest, her face a mix of shock and fury. "What?! Come on, Hammer, get up!"

Twilight leaned forward, her expression worried. “Oh, this doesn’t look good…”

Rarity covered her mouth with a hoof. “How dreadful! That brute…”

Applejack was stone silent.

Buckshot stood, sneering at the boos from the crowd. He taunted them, “What? Is this your hero? You want him?” The jeers grew louder, filling the arena with scorn.

“Seven!” The referee called, his voice barely cutting through the noise. Buckshot grabbed Hammer by the mane, hauling his limp form up and rolling him back into the ring. He slid in after, going straight for the pin. The referee dropped down, counting, “One!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes were wide, and she whispered to herself, “Come on, Hammer. Kick out. You can do it.”

“Two!” The arena held its breath; hope felt faint as the referee’s hoof hovered for the third slap. But just as he was about to bring it down, Hammer’s foreleg shot up, his shoulder rising defiantly from the mat, and the audience exploded with jubilation.

“YEAH!” Rainbow flew out of her seat, pumping her hooves as Hammer breathed heavily, his eyes fluttering open and shut as he clutched his injured side.

Buckshot glared at the referee, barking, “That was three! Are you blind?”

The ref stood firm. “Two, Buck. Deal with it.”

Frustrated, Buckshot turned back to Hammer, who was still struggling to gather his bearings. The crowd, sensing his spirit, began clapping in unison, chanting, “Ham-mer! Ham-mer! Ham-mer!”

Buckshot grunted and turned back towards his wounded prey. “Listen to them. Ten thousand clapping for you, kid.” He stomped Hammer in the ribs. Hammer cried out in pain, writhing on the mat. The crowd booed, but continued clapping. It's all they could do. Buckshot pulled Hammer into a tight seated headlock, trying to choke the life out of him. Buckshot leaned in close, he whispered, “You really wanna send the princess home sad? What about your little fillyfriend there?” Hammer looked out at them. At Twilight, who’s visibly nervous, at Rarity, at the edge of her seat, even Applejack, despite herself, was glued to the match. His eyes locked again with Rainbow’s.

Suddenly, there was a crack of electricity inside Hammer, who started to show signs of life. The claps got louder and so did the crowd’s chants. Hammer started to fight back, his muscles bulging as he forced himself slowly to his four hooves.

Buckshot turned the hold into a side headlock. “That's it, kid, eye on the prize.” He whispered. Then batted down again on Hammer’s back, continuing to target those injured ribs, this time, though, Hammer didn't budge. Hammer grit his teeth and lifted Buckshot up in his hooves and slammed him down hard with a Sidewalk Slam. The crowd was screaming their lungs out.

Buckshot was back up quickly, only to be yanked up into a belly-to-belly suplex. Hammer tossed him across the ring with ease. Buckshot staggered as he rose again, leaned back with his hoof and connected with a haymaker, throwing his weight behind it. It connected hard and Hammer staggered in turn. The crowd booed. Hammer returned the favor with a massive right hook of his own. The crowd cheered.

Buckshot attacked Hammer again with a foreleg to the chest. Boos. Hammer returned the favor once more with a chop. Cheers. They went back and forth a few times, until both were on spaghetti legs, they hit the ropes and ran toward each other. Double cross-body as they collided like a car crash and landed in a heap. Hammer immediately favored his left side as he fell, pulling himself towards the corner to stand, trying to use just one foreleg to pull himself up, the other still protecting the damaged ribs.

Buckshot was on his hooves first, though he’s visibly rattled. “This is awesome!” chants echoed throughout the arena, and Buckshot groaned.

“Shut up! All of yah!” His shout only fueled more boos.

Hammer raised his head, leaning in the corner with one hoof clutching his ribs, his other held behind him. He called out, his voice hoarse but steady. “Come on, coward!”

Buckshot snarled, speeding across the ring with his head down, aiming for another vicious headbutt. But Hammer moved at the last moment, pulling off the middle turnbuckle pad to expose the steel underneath. Buckshot slammed head-first into it, stumbling back with blood streaming down his face.

Seizing the moment, Hammer rolled Buckshot up from behind. The crowd counts with the ref, “One! Two! Thr—No!” Buckshot kicked out with a millimeter to spare.

Hammer rose on three legs, still cradling his injured side. He panted, shook his mane out of his eyes and stood straight. Buckshot slowly rose and turned, only to be grabbed and hoisted onto Hammer’s back in reverse fireman's carry position, setting up his finish, the Hammer Drop. Thank Celestia he's so small. Hammer thought, wincing at his injured ribs as they tightened under Buckshot's weight. He held Buckshot there for a moment, milking the audience reaction for just a second longer.

Then, in one smooth and brutal motion, Hammer Hoof bucked back, which relieved him of the weight on his back as he kicked forward and fell onto his back, legs extended. The force of the buck sent Buckshot up, flipping over in the air, only adding to the momentum when he crashed down, his back arched across all four of Hammer’s hooves, which were positioned in just the right spots to dig into Buckshot's ribs and spine on impact. The sound of the impact resonated through the arena as Buckshot fell to the mat beside Hammer, blood matted in his mane as he writhed in pain for a few moments before flopping limply to the mat.

The arena went silent at the impact. Both stallions laid still for a moment Hammer weakly covered Buckshot, rolling onto his stomach and draping a foreleg over his chest. The ref dove down, and everypony counted, “One! Two! Three!”

The bell rang, and the noise was deafening. The referee raised Hammer’s hoof, and Hammer stumbled out of the ring, his chest heaving but his spirits high. He limped over to his friends, everypony cheering as he approached.

Rarity gasped. “Oh, darling, you were splendid! Though… your suit may need a bit of attention after that.” She eyed the bloodstains critically.

Twilight grinned. “That entrance was amazing! I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Hammer chuckled, then turned to Rainbow Dash, who was still buzzing with excitement. “How’d I do?” he asked, the faintest glint of nervousness in his eyes.

Rainbow was practically bouncing. “You were incredible! I mean, when you went through that barricade? And then you kicked out?! I couldn’t believe it!”

He smiled, savoring her excitement, his gaze lingered on hers. “We’ll talk about it more after the show, okay?”

“Okay!” she beamed, and Hammer nodded, feeling warmth bloom in his chest. He caught Applejack’s eye, and for a fleeting moment, her expression was hard to read—somewhere between frustration and… something else. But she quickly masked it, tipping her hat and offering a warm, if somewhat forced, smile. Hammer made a mental note to see if they were okay the next time he went to the market.

“Good job there.” She said, Hammer studied her face curiously. It didn't seem like she meant it.

“Thanks, Applejack.” He said, regardless.

Tensions Rising

After the match, Hammer headed backstage and peeled off his ring gear. He gave the blood-stained spandex a sad look and tossed it into the garment bag. Rarity will probably clean it for me. Right? He didn’t give the thought much discrepancy, turning the body suit inside out so the blood wouldn't get on anything else and folding it neatly as he set it inside the bag, he dropped in the boots on top of that. And then he realized he left his coat and shades at ringside with a groan, knowing he'd have to go back out and grab them. He started to stand when there was a knock.

“Come in.” He grunted, grabbing KT from a shelf.

The door opened. It was Buckshot, the coat and shades set neatly over his back, his wound already patched and bandaged up. Thankfully, Hammer saw no blood on the coat. “Missing something?” He questioned.

Hammer scoffed. After that cheap shot, he's being nice? Hammer shook his head, pulling the KT tape over his ribs. “Thanks.” He grunted, tearing the tape and applying another layer. “That headbutt before the match was uncalled for, by the way.”

“Made it more dramatic, didn't it?” Buckshot shrugged, “And, just so we're being clear, pullin’ off that turnbuckle pad was uncalled for too. You got your receipt.”

“You hit me with a cheapshot first.”

“That's not the point.” Buckshot grunted, “Look, I just wanted to tell you that you did a good job tonight. You reminded me of your dad out there. You handled everything like a vet.” Buckshot looked up, thinking about Hammer’s father. A smile spread over his face. “You're gonna make it, kid.” Buckshot extended a hoof that Hammer took and shook.

“Thanks, Buckshot.” Hammer said, finishing with the KT tape and taking his jacket and shades. He put them in the bag with the spandex and the boots. He sighed as he stared at the others, debating on asking what he did next, “Did you happen to see a blue pegasus with rainbow-”

“Your fillyfriend?”

Hammer scoffed, he was worried Buckshot would say that, “She's not-”

Buckshot pointed towards the door he entered. “She's hanging back by ringside. I told the ring crew that her group was with you.”

Hammer’s gaze softened a little, turning to some curiosity about Buckshot. There's this intensity about him, but he genuinely seemed nice. Nice enough at least, he was definitely an old head. Hammer’s brows furrowed. “Thanks.”

“Don't mention it, kid.” Buckshot turned and exited. Hammer took a moment longer, slinging the bag over his shoulder and checking to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Shortly, Hammer followed Buckshot out.

Hammer made his way back down the ramp, his hooves clicking against the floor. The arena was mostly empty now, the usual hustle and bustle replaced with a quiet calm. Near the exit stood three mares: Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. The air between Rainbow Dash and Applejack was thick with tension, the two of them in the middle of a heated argument, and Twilight stood off to the side, looking clearly exasperated. That clearly wasn’t their first argument that night.

“All Ah’m sayin’ is that you just met ‘im!” Applejack’s voice was tinged with frustration. “Why’re yah runnin’ off with ‘im?”

Rainbow Dash scoffed, her wings twitching in irritation. “I’m not ‘running off’ with him! I’m just taking him to a show!”

Applejack’s nostrils flared in frustration. “It’s the same thing!” She groaned as she tried to find her words, “Yer flyin’ off to Canterlot with ‘im Rainbow! That’s a big deal!”

Rainbow Dash bristled, her wings snapping open. “No it’s not! It’s a ride, it’s not like we’re gonna sleep together, AJ! You’re not my mom, you know. I’m a grown mare!”

“Really? Cause you’ve been hollerin’ like a filly all night! You barely know this guy, Rainbow! Sure he seems nice enough, but what if he chopped ponies up an’ turned them inta cupcakes!” Applejack’s voice cracked a little at the end, her frustration building. “Ah’m just lookin’ out fer ya!”

Hammer stood awkwardly at the edge of the conversation, frowning. He didn’t want to interrupt, he didn't want all that directed at him to his face, but this didn’t sound like something that could be ignored. “Hey, guys, what’s up? Is everything okay?” he asked, stepping in gently.

Applejack shot him a tight-lipped smile, though it barely hid her frustration. “It was…” she muttered, her gaze flicking to Rainbow Dash.

Twilight sighed deeply, her horn glowing as she intervened. “Okay, you two, can we just get this done? We have a schedule to keep.” Her tone was firm and exhausted. Hammer couldn’t help but wonder how many times these two retreaded the same argument.

Rainbow Dash nodded quickly, flashing a bright smile at Hammer. “Gladly. Come on, Hammer.” She turned sharply, leading the group toward the exit, her tail flicking behind her. She was clearly trying to move past the argument, though Applejack didn’t look as eager to let it go.

Applejack watched them walk off, taking a while to follow her friends. Twilight shot her a concerned glance but said nothing, sensing that pressing Applejack would only make things worse. The sound of their hooves echoed through the empty arena as they stepped outside, the cool night air greeting them.

Rainbow Dash didn’t waste a second. She took off in a blur, soaring into the sky with practiced ease, her long, athletic wings cut through the air effortlessly. Hammer watched intently from below, a dopey smile on his face. “Wow. I could watch that mare fly all day.” He murmured, awestruck by the grace and speed with which she flew

Twilight smiled softly at his reaction, though she noticed Applejack didn’t share the same enthusiasm. Applejack’s ears were pinned back slightly, her lips pressed together in a thin line. She was quiet, uncharacteristically so, as she watched Rainbow Dash’s ascent.

“She’s definitely a great flier, right Applejack?” Twilight said, trying to bridge the gap. She was met with only a nod from Applejack, her gaze fixed firmly on Rainbow Dash above them.

Rainbow Dash came back around, her hooves kicking a cloud that had been shaped and compacted into the shape of a seat. With a playful grin, she nudged it toward Hammer. “Here we are. Your cue, Twi.”

Twilight let out a resigned sigh and stepped forward. Her horn glowed, and Hammer felt a strange sensation wash over him. He blinked, but before he could ask what was happening, Rainbow Dash pushed the cloud beneath him, making him fall down onto it, seated. Hammer blinked in surprise as he sank into the cloud— it was like sitting in the most comfortable chair he’d ever imagined. “Oh… wow.” He said in awe, his front hooves sinking into the softness of the cloud.

“I know, right?” Rainbow Dash beamed, hovering in front of him. “Aren’t clouds awesome?”

Hammer grinned, finally able to relax. He hadn’t expected this at all. “This is amazing.”

Applejack let out an exasperated grunt. “Ugh.” she muttered under her breath, clearly not impressed by the display. “If y’all don’t mind, Ah’m gonna head home.” She turned, her steps a little heavier than usual.

“Suit yourself.” Rainbow Dash said nonchalantly, not even glancing at Applejack as she prepared for takeoff.

Applejack shot Hammer a long, lingering look before turning away. Hammer frowned at that look. He knew that their short-lived friendship, as it was at least, was done. Shame he got no explanation as to what her deal was.

Twilight’s expression was softer than Applejack’s. She didn’t ask questions. “See you, Applejack.” she said gently, watching the earth pony walk off.

Hammer turned his attention back to Rainbow Dash, who had a wide grin on her face. “Are you ready for your trip to Canterlot?” she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Hammer smiled in return, feeling his heart pick up a little speed at the idea of what was to come. “I’m more than ready.” He told Rainbow with a grin, then turned to the princess walking behind them, “Goodnight, Twilight.”

“Yeah, g’night.” She waved and turned back to Hammer, “And good, just relax.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes sparkled as she flew around him, her wings flapping faster with anticipation. In a moment, Rainbow was in position beneath the cloud. “Air Rainbow Dash preparing for takeoff! In three! Two! One!”

With a sudden burst of speed, she shot up into the sky, lifting the cloud beneath him as if it were nothing. The force of the lift caught Hammer off guard, and he scrambled to hold onto the cloud as best he could with those feeble hooves as the world around him blurred. The sudden change in velocity felt like his stomach had taken residence in his chest. “Rainbow, slow down!!” he shouted, his hooves gripping the cloud desperately as the wind whipped at his face.

Rainbow Dash, realizing how fast she was going, immediately petered to a stop, the speed vanishing quickly. They were now floating calmly in the air. Hammer was gasping for breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he heaved in gasps of air.

Rainbow Dash hovered nearby, her face flushed with embarrassment. “Oops—sorry! You okay?” She asked, concern in her voice.

Hammer took a few deep breaths before giving her a shaky nod. “Yeah… yeah, I’m fine.” he said, still trying to catch his breath. He looked down, his breath catching in his throat as he saw the vastness of Ponyville spread beneath him. The town looked so small, like a little model city, lit up with the glow of the streetlights. He was in awe. “Wow…”

Rainbow Dash hovered next to him, her grin returning. “Pretty cool, huh?”

Hammer couldn’t stop staring at the view, his mind still trying to process the experience. “This is… unbelievable.” He’d never been up that high before. It was exhilarating.

For a few moments, they just floated there in the sky, the night was calm around them, and the only sound was the wind brushing gently over them. Rainbow Dash glanced at him, her eyes softening a little as she watched him take it all in. It was clear she enjoyed showing him this new world.

“So, this is what it's like for you?” Hammer asked, his voice a mix of awe and curiosity as he looked out over the vast, moonlit landscape below.

Rainbow Dash nodded, a proud smile tugging at her lips. “Pretty much. Gotta admit, it’s hard to beat the view up here, huh?”

Hammer turned, leaning back slightly against the cushiony cloud as his gaze settled on her. He nodded and said, "It's perfect.” The sincerity in his voice made Rainbow Dash’s heart skip a beat. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks, and, trying to hide it, she ducked behind the cloud and began pushing it again. This time, she didn’t floor it.

They drifted along in comfortable silence for a while, watching the night-draped scenery roll by. Eventually, Hammer cleared his throat. “So, uh, back at the arena…you and Applejack. You were arguing. That was about me, right?”

Rainbow Dash let out a sigh, sounding both annoyed and a little defensive. “Yeah. Apparently. she thinks I'm being ‘reckless,’ and ‘childish.’ Says I barely even know you.”

“Well…” Hammer gave a small grin. “She’s got a point there, doesn’t she?”

Rainbow scoffed, folding her forelegs. “What? I know you!”

Hammer raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah!” she insisted, sounding just a little defensive once more.

He chuckled. “Alright then, smart mare. What’s my favorite food?”

There was a pause, the kind of silence where you know someone’s thinking hard. “Uh… burritos?” she guessed, trying to sound confident but not quite nailing it.

He laughed. “Nope. It’s spaghetti.” He turned around on the cloud to watch her fly. He hugged the fluff close to protect his ribs against the stinging wind. He grinned as he watched the mare’s wings stride, how her wing bases rose and fell. It was fascinating.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and snorted, keeping on the lookout. “I was close. Kinda.”

“Oh really?” He grinned, pushing his luck. “What about my favorite color?”

“Pffft, easy—white.”

“Wrong again,” he said, smiling. “It’s blue. Specifically, sky blue.”

Rainbow blinked, realizing she’s staring right into his eyes over the back of the cloud and getting a little flustered. “Like me?”

Hammer nodded, his eyes warm. “Yeah, exactly like you.” He looked back at the stars, lost in thought for a moment, before asking softly, “Do you know why I came to Ponyville in the first place?”

Rainbow, still recovering, scoffed. “That’s easy—to join the EWA, duh.”

“Nope.” He chuckled when he saw her expression shift to surprise again.

In a blink, Rainbow Dash was in front of him, hovering with a mixture of shock and curiosity. “Wait, what? If not for the EWA, then why?”

Hammer hesitated, but then gave her a soft smile. “They opened a branch where I was trained at the same time as this one, up in Manehattan. They wanted me, but the truth is, I came here to meet you. Well, I wanted to meet all the Elements of Harmony, but you… you’ve always been my favorite. I just didn’t expect to meet everypony so soon. I always figured we’d make quick friends.”

Rainbow’s face flushed, but she tried to play it cool. She settled down next to him on the cloud, gazing out at the stars. “You were right about that at least.” She said, her face falling into one of contemplation. “Maybe AJ was right about that…” she murmured, glancing at him, then looking away. “But you know what? I don’t care. I’m having a good time, isn’t that what matters?”

Hammer shrugged but gave her a warm smile. “I think so. And don’t worry—I’d never do anything to hurt you. Applejack would probably kick my sternum in if I did.”

She snorted, a playful grin lighting up her face. “Try your face.” They shared a laugh. The sound just felt right against the quiet of the night.

Rainbow’s expression softened as she studied him. Her wings flared a bit, she landed on the cloud and sat beside him. “I don’t know… it’s just, you’re different from a lot of other wrestlers and sporty stallions I’ve met. You’re nice, to start.” Her voice lowered a little. “Like, really nice. Outside the ring, anyway. But in the ring? You’re tough, fast… it’s like you become some totally different stallion. It’s kinda cool. Is that weird?”

Hammer smiled, shaking his head. “No. That’s kayfabe. We act that way in the ring, sometimes out of it… What I think it really means is you're good at spotting what makes ponies special. I think Applejack’s just trying to look out for you, in her own way. Either that or… maybe she’s a little jealous.”

Rainbow nodded, looking thoughtful. She floated back up, ready to start pushing the cloud again, but then she paused, looking over the back of the cloud again. “Oh, and by the way—pasta and potato sandwiches. On sourdough.”

Hammer raised his brow. “Huh?”

Rainbow Dash blushed, grinning sheepishly. “You told me your favorite food. That’s mine.”

With that, she turned, propelling the cloud onward, leaving Hammer to savor the warmth spreading across his chest as they glided together through the night sky.

Soon, they were gliding into Canterlot, the city sprawled like a painted canvas against the mountain on which it rested. Hammer’s gaze was transfixed, his mouth open slightly as he took it all in. The crisp autumn air swept through his mane, carrying the faint scents of pine and distant wood smoke. Canterlot was every bit as breathtaking as he’d heard—if not more. Nestled on the mountainside, the city looked timeless, its golden spires catching the moonlight like a dream, while the castle towers rose above everything, regal and grand.

The castle itself was immense—a combination of purple and white stone, gleaming in the moonlight. Compared to Manehattan’s towers, this felt like something from another world. Down below, the city lights sparkled like fireflies scattered across the mountain.

“Pretty amazing, huh?” Rainbow Dash remarked, grinning as she started to descend.

Hammer nodded, barely able to tear his eyes away. “Yeah, it’s… incredible. Never seen anything like it.”

As they neared the ground, Rainbow slowed, and they finally touched down. Hammer hopped off the cloud, stretching carefully, keeping an eye on his ribs, still sore from the recent bout.

“So, welcome to Canterlot! First time here?”

Hammer laughed softly, “Yep, first time. Can’t believe I’ve never made it out here before.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Guess I get to be your tour guide again, then.” She glanced up at the sky, noting how high the moon had climbed. Midnight had passed a while ago. “So, I’m staying at the Canterlot Hotel. And there, unfortunately, new guests aren’t accepted after midnight…”

Hammer raised a brow, curious as to where she was going with this.

“So, uh…” she hesitated, a hint of color touching her cheeks. “Do you wanna stay with me tonight? I mean, in my suite?”

Hammer’s eyes widened a little, and he scratched the back of his neck, looking away. “Oh, I… uh, I dunno… Applejack would probably flip out.”

Rainbow Dash yawned, waving off the concern. “To hay with that! What AJ doesn’t know can’t hurt her.”

Hammer grinned, giving in. “Alright, alright. I’ll crash with you, then.”

Rainbow Dash brightened, maybe a bit too much, then cleared her throat to play it cool. “Great! I mean, yeah, cool. Follow me.”

She led him into the hotel, a cozy yet high-end place with plush carpets and polished stone walls. They climbed a spiraling staircase up to the second floor. Rainbow explained, “The Wonderbolts stay here every show we bring, so they always give us a good deal on rooms.”

She pushed open the door to her suite, revealing a room that’s both inviting and spacious. It had a cozy bed, a small kitchen area, a soft-looking couch, an oak wood table and even a bookshelf stocked with novels and comics. Hammer’s eyes went wide when he spotted a round object on the bed that resembled a turtle’s shell. Before he could ask, out popped its little head.

“Oh my goodness, is that Tank?” he exclaimed, positively delighted.

The tortoise’s propeller whirred to life as he glided toward Hammer, who couldn't resist reaching out to pet his head. Tank closed his eyes, clearly enjoying the attention.

Rainbow Dash watched with an amused smile. “Looks like he likes you already.” she remarked, patting Tank’s shell as he flew around the two of them.

“Good.” Hammer said, beaming as he pet Tank’s head, “I’ve always loved turtles.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a smile. “He’s a tortoise.”

Hammer shrugged, unfazed. “You realize I’m never calling him that, right?”

“Stubborn as a mule.” she muttered under her breath, but she couldn’t help a grin.

Hammer started scratching Tank’s shell, cooing, “Who’s a good turtle? You are! Yes, you are!” He used a playful tone, and Tank just lapped it up.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. You gonna baby-talk him all night?”

Hammer chuckled. “Maybe.”

She shook her head, amused, then gestured to the bed. “Alright, you take the bed.”

He frowned. “Nah, you’re the one with a show tomorrow. I’ll be fine on the couch.”

Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves, looking stubborn. “Your ribs are still sore. Just take the bed.”

“My ribs are fine.” As if on cue, Tank bobbed in midair and accidentally nudged Hammer’s taped ribs. He winced, sucking in a breath through gritted teeth.

“‘Ribs are fine,’ huh?” she said with a smirk. “Take the bed.”

Hammer laughed through the pain. “Still not gonna happen.”

“Look, I'm not gonna argue about this all night.”

“Neither am I.” He headed over to the couch, sat, and then lied back with a dramatic flop, his head hanging over the arm of the couch. “Guess it’s settled.”

She sighed, rolling her eyes. “Stubborn.” she muttered again, trotting toward the bed.

“Oh, by the way—” Hammer’s voice stopped her. She turned to find him watching her with a soft smile. “I started that Daring Do book you showed me. Gotta say, it’s pretty great so far.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up, and in a flash, she was hovering over him, practically buzzing with excitement. “Did you get to the part with the room full of crocodiles?! Or where she escapes the pit of lava?!” Hammer nodded, smiling as she listed every epic moment he’d read so far, with an enthusiasm that only made him smile wider. “Yeah, and the cats in the jungle?! That one was wild!”

Just then, a loud bang came from the door. “Quiet down! Some of us are tryin’ to sleep!” a muffled voice shouted from the hallway.

Rainbow Dash gasped, and her wings froze. She landed with a thud right on top of Hammer, her elbow fell right into his bruised rib. He bit his lip to hold back a yelp.

“Oh, shoot!” she whispered, blushing furiously. “You okay, Hammer? I didn’t mean to…”

Hammer grit his teeth, managing a strained chuckle. “Yeah… just fine.” As the pain subsided, he realized just how close she was. Her wide eyes met his, her face barely inches away. He felt the heat rise to his cheeks.

Rainbow quickly pulled back, clearing her throat as she flapped up and away. “So… yeah, um… goodnight!” she said, her voice slightly too high.

“‘Night, Dash.”

She flew into bed and was just about to cuddle Tank when she realized her trusted companion wasn't there. Rainbow sat up, rubbing her eyes and saw Tank hovering above Hammer’s head, getting his belly scratched with a satisfied smile. Rainbow Dash grinned from ear to ear. She sat up and watched for a while, happy with their bonding.

But as she reached for the light switch, Tank looked over at her and slowly floated back to the bed, nestling by her side as usual. She flicked the switch and laid back down. There, she stroked his shell, whispering, “So, you like him, huh?”

Tank nodded, and Rainbow Dash gave a soft smile.

“Yeah. Me too.”

With that, she let her eyes drift shut, her last thoughts lingering on the night’s unexpected warmth.

Hammer woke up first, feeling a familiar stiffness in his ribs. Maybe he should’ve taken Rainbow Dash’s offer to take the bed. He rolled himself off the couch with a groan and stretched, popping his back along his spine. Wincing slightly, he glanced over at Rainbow Dash, curled up on the bed with Tank nestled beside her, his head tucked inside his shell. She snored softly, looking peaceful, and Hammer couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Maybe sleeping on the couch wasn’t so bad after all.

Trying not to make any noise, he tiptoed to the nightstand, grabbed the room key, and headed out the door, stealing one last glance at her before leaving.

The lobby was mostly empty, with just a stallion at the front desk and a few guests. Outside, the early morning sun was rising over Canterlot’s rooftops. Hammer scanned the quiet street until he found what he was looking for: a small market just a few blocks away.

Inside, he grabbed a basket in his teeth and set off down the aisles. First, he picked up a dozen eggs, then some butter, shredded cheese, and a handful of fresh spinach. He tossed in some salt and pepper and then paid for everything with a few bits before making his way back to the hotel, feeling satisfied with his haul.

By the time he returned, the hotel was a bit livelier, with ponies starting their day. He slipped quietly back into Rainbow Dash’s room, setting the bag on the kitchen counter. Glancing over, he saw that she was still curled around Tank, breathing evenly in her sleep. Smiling, he set her key back where he’d found it, then got to work in the kitchen.

He pulled out a bowl and whisk, cracked two eggs into the bowl, and sprinkled in some salt and pepper. He whisked the eggs into a pale yellow, then melted some butter in a pan over the stove. Once it was sizzling, he poured the eggs in and let them cook, filling the room with the scent of breakfast.

The sizzling sound and smell of cooking eggs finally stirred Rainbow Dash. She yawned, stretched, and blinked a few times before spotting Hammer in the kitchen.

“Hey,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. “Whatcha making?”

“Omelettes.” he replied, holding out a piece of spinach for Tank, who happily took a bite.

She shuffled over, watching him as he expertly flipped the omelet in the pan. Rainbow Dash was still waking up, but her eyes lit up as he plated her omelet with a sprinkle of cheese and spinach on top. She sat down at the table, practically drooling as he set the plate in front of her.

She took a big bite and grinned, talking with her mouth full. “This is really good!”

Hammer chuckled. “Glad you like it.”

“I don’t get many home-cooked meals.” She admitted, already halfway through her plate. “I’m, uh…not the best cook.”

Hammer smiled, taking a bite of his own. “I haven’t had much of a chance to cook since I came to Ponyville. No stove in the inn.”

Rainbow Dash shook her head in mock disapproval, swallowing a big bite. “That’s a crime. These are, like, the best-looking-and-tasting omelettes I’ve ever had.”

“Well, thank you.” Hammer said, pleased. “What time’s your show tonight?”

“Evening, but I've gotta get to practice.” she said, finishing up and carrying her plate to the sink. She glanced at him, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. “Thanks for breakfast.”

“Of course.” he replied, grinning back. He shoveled the last couple bites into his mouth and followed behind her.

Rainbow set out a small bowl of spinach for Tank, who lazily nibbled on it, before she led the way out into Canterlot.

Flying for Dummies

Rainbow Dash led Hammer through town, weaving between buildings and finally stopping at the large stadium where she’d be performing. Though “stadium” was a bit of a misnomer, Hammer thought as he took it all in. Rows upon rows of bleachers curved around a steep cliffside, forming a semi-circle with an impressive view of the sky and mountains beyond. He could already imagine the Wonderbolts’ formations against a backdrop like that.

A large security guard blocked their path, standing in the archway entrance and sizing Hammer up with a glare. “Wonderbolts only.” He said, flatly.

“Oh, come on, he’s with me.” Rainbow Dash protested, rolling her eyes.

“The answer is no.” The guard repeated, firmly.

Before Rainbow could argue further, Spitfire, the leader of the Wonderbolts, stepped up to the entrance, her gaze fixed on Hammer as if evaluating him. “Let them in.” She said with a short nod.

The guard turned back, startled. “But you said—”

“He’s the exception.” Spitfire interrupted, her tone final. The guard sighed and grudgingly stepped aside, allowing Rainbow Dash and Hammer to pass.

As they walked through, Spitfire turned to Hammer. “So, you must be Hammer Hoof.”

Hammer blinked, pleasantly surprised. The leader of the Wonderbolts knew his name? “Uh, yeah, that’s me. Are you a fan?”

Spitfire snorted, a smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth. “Nope. Crash here hasn’t stopped talking about you all week.” She nodded toward Rainbow Dash, who looked like she’d rather be anywhere else at that moment. Her cheeks flushed.

“Not all week…” Rainbow mumbled, trying to downplay it, but Spitfire arched an eyebrow in response and Rainbow quickly fell silent.

Hammer chuckled and held out his hoof. “Well, it’s an honor to meet you, Spitfire. This is my first time actually at a Wonderbolts show, so I’m pretty excited.”

Spitfire took his hoof, shaking it with a firm grip. “Well we’re glad to have you. Go ahead and take your seat. We’ll be running drills in just a bit.”

Hammer nodded and headed toward the bleachers, heading down to the front row which hung over the cliffside, providing great view from above and below. As he settled in, he could vaguely hear the sounds of two voices, one of which belonged to Rainbow Dash, just a little too far away to form coherent words.

“So… I can see why you’re obsessed with him.” Spitfire remarked, an amused grin spread over her face.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes went wide. “I’m not obsessed!”

Spitfire gave her a knowing look. “You left training two hours early yesterday to catch his show.”

Rainbow huffed, trying to keep her cool. “Well, yeah, but—”

“And then you brought him back to your hotel room.” Spitfire’s smirk grew as Rainbow Dash’s face grew redder.

“It’s not like we shared the bed or anything!” Rainbow protested, her voice just a little too loud. “He slept on the couch.”

“Poor stallion.” Spitfire said with mock sympathy, shaking her head.

Rainbow let out an exasperated groan. “Ugh, can we just start training?”

Spitfire chuckled, clearly enjoying her teammate’s discomfort. “Thought you’d never ask, Crash. Get changed and meet us at starting position in five.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Rainbow Dash saluted before dashing off towards the dressing room.

When Rainbow Dash came out in her Wonderbolts uniform, Hammer’s eyes instantly locked onto her. She wore the same blue spandex uniform as the rest of the team, with a yellow lightning design that streaked down her neck and stomach and separate ones stretched around her legs just above her hooves. Though identical to her teammates’ outfits, there was something about the way she wore it that made it stand out to him. The deep blue of the uniform perfectly complemented her natural coat color, and her violet eyes seemed to pop against it. How it clung perfectly to her… Hammer felt a blush creeping up his face; she looked incredible. And when she pulled down her goggles, her look of pure focus was magnetic.

The Wonderbolts took to the sky, Spitfire leading the formation as their seasoned captain. One by one, the wonderbolts - Soarin, Misty Fly, Rainbow Dash and the others followed, gliding into the air with synchronized ease. Hammer’s gaze lingered on Rainbow Dash as she powered upward, looking entirely at home. She radiated confidence and focus, a side of her he hadn’t quite seen to this level before.

“All right, Wonderbolts!” Spitfire’s voice rang out sharply. “Start with a basic split formation. I want tight turns, and let’s see some polish out there. Crash, you’re on the left flank. Keep it steady.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Rainbow Dash’s voice was strong and determined, and she didn’t miss a beat as she angled to take her position on the left. Her gaze was fixed, her movements sharp, and Hammer couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration—this was something she'd worked her entire life for and he could clearly tell. He understood that more than anypony.

The Wonderbolts kicked off their drills with a series of smooth maneuvers, gliding through loops and forming a tight V-pattern as they weaved through each other’s paths. Hammer marveled at their precision; each move was calculated yet seamless, their wings barely brushing as they passed each other. He couldn’t help but lean forward in his seat, captivated by the elegance and control in their flight.

“Stay tight, team!” Spitfire commanded. “Don’t let those lines get sloppy!”

Rainbow Dash’s wings snapped into position, and her gaze sharpened, making her focus even more intense. As they executed a wide arc in perfect formation, she adjusted her angle with slight but deliberate movements. Hammer just watched in awe of her, seeing how calculated she was as she flew, especially in comparison to her usual brash speed, only made him more captivated.

After a few passes, Spitfire called out again. “All right, diamond formation! On my mark, and... go!”

The team shifted into a diamond shape, with Rainbow Dash at the front-right position. She dropped and fell perfectly in sync with Soarin beside her, the two pegasi holding the line steady as they picked up speed. They maintained the formation through a steep climb, then banked hard, each member peeling off in a timed sequence before regrouping seamlessly.

Hammer found himself grinning, barely able to contain his excitement. Watching her in this setting, with such precision and as part of an elite team, was something else. He knew how much passion and love she had for the Wonderbolts, long before she was a member, and he could see why.

After a few more drills, roughly an hour and a half of flying, Spitfire called them down for a quick break, and the team circled back to the cliffside. As they landed, Spitfire walked over, pointing at each of them as she gave feedback.

“Crash, you’re holding the angle on the turns, but don’t overshoot. I need cleaner re-entries.” Spitfire said.

Rainbow Dash nodded, wiped her brow. “Got it. I’ll tighten it up.”

“See that you do.” Spitfire replied with a faint smirk, a glint of approval in her eye. “Otherwise, good work. Just don’t go trying to race ahead, all right?”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. “Hey, you know me... but yeah, I got it.”

She glanced over at Hammer and their eyes connected, her face lit up with a quick, genuine smile before she turned back to Spitfire. Her confident stance wavered just slightly, a tiny blush appearing beneath her goggles.

Spitfire seemed to catch it, smirking as she looked between Rainbow and Hammer. “Glad to see you’ve got a little extra motivation.”

Rainbow Dash’s cheeks flushed deeper, and she gave an embarrassed groan. “Can’t a mare just do her drills without getting teased, Spitfire?”

Spitfire chuckled. “If it gets you flying like that on the regular, Crash, I might start recommending coltfriends for every member.”

“Not my coltfriend!” Rainbow shot back, her voice a little too quick, earning a raised brow from Spitfire and a muffled laugh from Soarin.

Hammer knew they were speaking about him, out there in the air. Something in his heart told him that. Watching Rainbow handle herself so skillfully—and seeing her blush like that—he couldn’t help but smile, and his heart did that strange little flutter again. There she was, this military mare, a rough-and-tumble Wonderbolt at that just shot him a glance and got flustered. It made him feel unexpectedly proud. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but for now, he was happy just being here to watch her do what she loved.

With practice finished, ponies began filing into the stands, the murmur of excitement growing as hundreds gathered, eager to witness the Wonderbolts’ performance. Hammer found himself among the crowd, his gaze drifting toward a special booth above the rows of seats. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were seated there, their regal forms easily visible from below. Celestia waved gracefully to the cheering ponies surrounding her, while Luna nodded, in greeting. Hammer took a deep breath, feeling a surge of awe at both the royal presence and the spectacle he was about to witness.

The Wonderbolts launched up with smooth, confident wingbeats, forming a precise V-formation as they climbed. Spitfire led the way, her eyes sharp and focused, calling out commands with the poise of a seasoned leader.

“Wonderbolts, break into a staggered arc! On my count—three, two, one, now!”

With a flawless burst of movement and color, the team split into an arc shape, each member spacing perfectly apart. Rainbow Dash held her position on the far left, adjusting her angle as they flew in a massive circular path around the stadium. It was a warming-up exercise but showcased their skill, each pony working in harmony, their wings beating hard against the wind. Hammer watched, captivated by Rainbow’s controlled wingbeats.

“Great work, Wonderbolts!” Spitfire called. “Now, into the Windstream Drill—Crash, take the tail!”

With a quick nod, Rainbow Dash dropped into the back position as they transitioned into their next trick. The Wonderbolts formed a spiraling vortex, layering themselves in a tight, synchronized loop that swept through the air in an upward corkscrew. Hammer could see the effort it took to maintain their formation as they sped up, seeing the grit teeth of the performers involved. A whirlwind of blue and yellow uniforms blended seamlessly as they twisted higher into the sky. Rainbow’s speed allowed her to push the rotation even tighter, and her spiraling motion trailed a prismatic streak that added a glimmer of color to the effect. The crowd gasped in amazement as the Wonderbolts tightened the corkscrew even further, then broke formation just in time to scatter into individual loops, each member arcing out and reconnecting on the other side.

“All right, team! Let’s show them some sharp rolls—keep it tight and fast!” Spitfire commanded.

The Wonderbolts pulled into a barrel roll pattern, each pony matching the timing of the pony in front of them, rolling one over the other to create a zigzagged, layered effect. As they sliced through the air, Hammer watched Rainbow Dash deftly control her speed to stay perfectly in sync with her teammates. Each roll was tight, precise, and flawlessly in rhythm as they zigged and zagged in perfect coordination.

“Diamond Burst, on my count!” Spitfire called out. “Crash, you’re point on this one!”

Rainbow flew up front, her wings slicing through the air as she took the lead. At Spitfire’s mark, she angled into a dive, leading the team in a sharp downward formation before banking left and looping back up. The Wonderbolts followed, their paths crossing so close it seemed they might collide, yet they held the diamond pattern with absolute accuracy. As they climbed, each member spiraled outward, creating a massive diamond shape in the air, before coming back together with pinpoint precision.

“Good work, Wonderbolts!” Spitfire’s voice rang out. “Ready for solo routines—Misty Fly, you’re up first!”

Misty Fly veered off, ascending with a burst of speed. She demonstrated her agility with a complex series of flips and quick loops, her light blue and white mane whipping through the air as she spun. Her routine was an intricate ballet of twists, each movement fluid yet powerful, drawing cheers from the audience.

Next, Soarin took his turn, soaring higher and diving into a daring nosedive, pulling up just in time to loop into a roll that had the crowd gasping. He executed a series of powerful, daring twists that showcased his strength, using his wings to create impressive spirals of wind that left wisps of cloud trailing behind him.

Fleetfoot, Blaze, Fire Streak and the others all do unique moves, inducing awe in the onlookers, the last solo goes to the one Hammer was waiting for.

“Your turn, Crash!” Spitfire’s voice broke through the applause.

Rainbow’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she took to the sky alone. She darted forward, her speed apparent as she arced into a smooth, controlled dive. Pulling up sharply, she spiraled upward in a rapid series of spins, then transitioned into a series of intricate flips. Each twist and turn was faster than the last, building up momentum with a breathtaking intensity. She cut tight, crisp turns, her movements sharp as a razor, showcasing the combination of her speed and precision. Hammer’s jaw drops. That's easily the best flying he's ever seen in his life.

Without hesitation, she dove toward the ground at a dizzying speed, leveling off just before reaching the stands and skimming low over the crowd. Gasps and cheers erupted as she rocketed back up, wings tilted in a controlled ascent that left a faint trail of prismatic color. Hammer held up a hoof and she connected with a hoof-bump.

Spitfire then called the team back together. “Formation three! Let’s show ‘em what the Wonderbolts can do as a team!”

Rainbow Dash took her place on the left as they grouped into a stacked formation. The team banked left, then right, twisting into a large spiral that gradually tightened as they ascended. Then, in a sudden move, they split in a burst, with each member darting in different directions like a firework in mid-bloom. From his seat, Hammer watched in awe as they arced and weaved, reconnecting in perfect timing.

“Wonderbolts, line up for the finale!” Spitfire’s voice carried over the wind. She turned to Rainbow Dash, her eyes gleaming. “All right, Crash—your time to shine. We’ll circle the sky to back you up.”

Rainbow Dash’s heart raced as she shot Spitfire a confident nod, then sped off toward the clouds, climbing higher and higher as the crowd watched. She ascended until she was just a blue dot against the vast sky. For a moment, everything was still. Then, with a fierce burst of speed, she angled downward and began her dive, wings tucked close to her body.

Below, the other Wonderbolts formed a wide, spiraling ring in the sky, each pony tracing a circular path in perfect synchronization, creating a spinning pattern that acted as a frame for her descent. The audience watched, transfixed, as Rainbow Dash picked up speed, a cone forming around her as she neared the ground. Faster and faster she dove, until—

BOOM!

The Sonic Rainboom exploded in the sky, a brilliant ring of color expanding outward from Rainbow Dash as she shot forward in a blazing rainbow trail. The audience erupted in cheers, and the Wonderbolts added to the spectacle by shifting their ring into a pinwheel formation, each member spiraling around the rainbow ring, their contrails weaving into the expanding colors. Hammer's jaw dropped again. The Rainboom, the Pinwheel around it… he'd never seen anything so incredible.

The finale was a riot of light and movement. Rainbow Dash’s rainbow trail left a long, vivid arc across the sky as she banked upward, circling back to rejoin her teammates. The Wonderbolts finished their pinwheel, converging into a final V-formation with Rainbow at the point. Together, they looped downward in a victory dive, pulling up at the last second and stopping in a hover with perfect timing.

The roar of applause shook the stadium as the Wonderbolts lined up, each member bowing to the crowd. Rainbow Dash was beaming, her wings fluttering slightly with exhilaration. As she turned to glance at her teammates, her eyes caught on Hammer’s face in the crowd, his look of awe and enchantment was evident even from a distance.

Spitfire gave her a hearty slap on the back. “Well done, Crash! That’s how you make an impression!”

Rainbow Dash laughed, her cheeks flushing as she removed her goggles, her eyes gleaming with joy. She’d pulled it off, Sonic Rainboom and all, with her team right there with her. And for just a moment, her gaze lingered on Hammer, on his hooves, joining the ovation. A warmth blooms in her chest and a goofy smile stretches across her face.

“Not your coltfriend, huh?” Spitfire teased. Rainbow Dash groaned and rolled her eyes. “Let's get changed!”

Rainbow Dash led the way towards the locker room.

Rainbow Dash found Hammer Hoof right where he'd been seated, in the very front row of the Canterlot stadium. Hammer’s eyes were wide with wonder and a grin was plastered across his face.

“Sweet Celestia! That was incredible! You were incredible! I mean, I’ve never seen anything like that before! And that rainbow explosion at the end? What even was that?”

She laughed, a little blush creeping across her cheeks. It was rare for her to be on the receiving end of this kind of enthusiasm—at least, from anypony not named Pinkie Pie. "That, my friend, was a Sonic Rainboom." She said proudly, puffing out her chest. Then, a bit softer, she added, "I'm really glad you liked it."

Hammer let out a breathless chuckle, looking at her in awe. “Liked it? Dash, that was beyond anything I could’ve imagined. I didn’t think anypony could fly like that! You were…” He stared at her, seemingly at a loss for words, before finally managing, “You were perfect.”

Her blush deepened as she tried to play it cool. “Thanks, Hammer. You know, it’s… kinda my thing.”

He glanced up at the setting sun and remembered Twilight's warning that the spell would wear off in a day. “So, uh, any chance this cloud-walking spell wears off soon? Not that I’m, you know, scared of heights or anything…” He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Rainbow grinned and gave him a playful nudge. “You’ll be fine. Besides, we can take the train back tonight. I wanna show you something first!” She grabbed his hoof and, with an excited grin, dragged him away, out of the stadium.

They wove through the busy, winding streets as the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city. Rainbow led him towards a particularly vibrant area of the city known as the Enchanted Lantern District. The lanterns above swayed softly, glowing in shades of amber, lilac and teal, their light casting an almost magical aura over the market below. It’s known for being one of Canterlot’s most picturesque—and romantic—neighborhoods.

“Welcome to the Lantern District!” Rainbow said, trying to sound casual, though a hint of excitement snuck into her voice.

Hammer’s eyes widened as he took in the sights, his gaze finally resting on her, the lantern light softening her usual bold features. “Wow… This place is… amazing.”

She smiled, glancing around. “Glad you think so! C’mon, let’s grab some food—my treat.”

They wandered through the bustling district, past stalls selling all kinds of goodies: caramel apples, flower garlands, glimmering jewelry, and treats from all over Equestria. Finally, Rainbow steered him towards a cozy little food stand run out of a painted trailer, named “Stormy Sweets.” The vendor, a friendly mare with a bonnet and a warm smile, waved as she spotted Rainbow.

“Well, look who it is! Hey there, Dash! Getting all ready for Nightmare Night?”

Rainbow grinned sheepishly. “Eh, it’s still a few weeks off. I’m still workshopping the costume.”

“Oh, I’ve had mine planned since June!” Mrs. Gust chuckled. “I’m going as a Windigo this year. And who’s this?” She eyed Hammer with a wink. “Somepony special?”

Rainbow’s face flushed a little as she stammered, “Wha—no! He’s just a friend. I’m just showing him around, that’s all!”

Mrs. Gust chuckled, her eyes betraying her amusement, “Sure, sweetie. The usual?”

“Yeah, thanks, Mrs. Gust. Two boxes this time.”

With a nod, the vendor disappeared into her trailer and reappeared with two small boxes, each filled with Pegasus Poppers. Rainbow dropped some bits on the counter and handed one of the boxes to Hammer.

“Follow me.” she ordered, leading him through the stalls and up a winding path that brought them to a quiet hilltop spot overlooking the Lantern District below. A single lantern hung overhead, casting a gentle light over a small picnic table where they settled in with their treats.

Hammer peeked into his box, looking a little confused. “So… what exactly is a Pegasus Popper?”

Rainbow grinned, popping one into her mouth before answering. “Okay, so, it’s kinda like a doughnut hole, but with a twist. It’s filled with stormfruit jam and rolled in sour sugar. Trust me, they’re awesome.”

He raised an eyebrow, then took a cautious bite. His eyes widened as the flavor hit him, and he grinned, quickly finishing off the rest of the popper. “Whoa. These are… really good.”

“Aren’t they, though?”

They continued eating, both of them quietly enjoying the peaceful view and the sweet treats. After a moment, Hammer glanced over at her. “This whole place is pretty incredible. Thanks for bringing me here.”

Rainbow chuckled, looking out over the lantern-lit streets below. “Yeah, it’s one of my favorite spots. Nice to have a change of pace from the usual high-flying stuff, y’know?” She glanced at him, a little self-conscious. “So… you think the Lantern District’s pretty cool, huh?”

Hammer looked at her, his expression softening in the gentle light. “Yeah. It’s beautiful.” He caught himself, his cheeks turning a little pink as he quickly corrected himself, “Uh—I mean, it’s… neat. With the lights and everything.” He laughed nervously, looking away, but she noticed the faint blush on his face.

Rainbow bit her lip, feeling her own cheeks warm up. She took a deep breath, building up the nerve to speak. “Hammer… I’m really glad you came along. I don’t usually… do stuff like this.”

Hammer smiled, the soft, genuine kind that made her heart skip a beat. “Me neither.”

A comfortable silence settled between them as they sat together under the lantern’s glow, sharing their treats and a quiet, almost magical moment. They didn’t need to say anything; in that little corner of Canterlot, it feels like it’s just the two of them.

Fright or Flight

Author's Note

Diclaimer: This chapter contains some gore, it is all staged and fake in the story and its not described in detail, but just a fair warning in advance :moustache:
Happy Spoopy Season guys! Shut up, this isn't four months late! You are! Oh wait...... Enjoy chapter

Fright or Flight

It had been a few weeks since Hammer first arrived in Ponyville, and the town was beginning to feel a lot like home. His friendship with Rainbow Dash had grown stronger throughout his stay; they spent a lot of time together, their banter and mutual admiration built an easy camaraderie between them. Lately, however, there were moments between them—shared glances and fleeting touches—that hinted at something beyond that friendship they’d built. Hammer interacted more and more with the others, but one mare had more frequently cut their conversations short with him and, at times, outright ignored him. Applejack.

Despite that, Hammer’s career in the EWA was skyrocketing. With a 10-0 record, he was an undefeated fan favorite. Now, Nightmare Night was just around the corner, and the buzz around the special event, Moonlit Mayhem, was electric. Hammer had made it to the finals of the tournament for the inaugural EWA Ponyville Heavyweight Championship, and anticipation for his performance was at an all-time high.

The day before the show, Hammer trotted to the Carousel Boutique to pick up his latest order. He knocked politely, and the door opened almost immediately, revealing Rarity, a bright smile spread over her face.

“Oh, hello Hammer! Do come in.” She greeted with a graceful wave of her hoof.

He stepped inside, glancing around at the meticulously arranged boutique. Rarity disappeared into the back room, her voice trailing as she spoke. “Now, I must say, darling, this particular commission was an absolute delight to create. A touch unconventional, but I do enjoy a challenge!”

Moments later, she returned, wheeling out a mannequin dressed in his new costume. Hammer’s eyes widened at the sight.

The outfit was unlike anything he’d worn before: a massive green and black overcoat, covered in shimmering emeralds that reflected the boutique’s light like fractured lightning. On the back of the coat was an ominous green skull, designed to glow eerily in the dark. She even made him a mask, which was equally striking—a black skull with piercing ruby eyes that seemed to burn with their own fire. Beneath the coat was a black spandex bodysuit with an accurate pony skeletal design, the detail on which was astonishing. A pair of sleek black boots completed the ensemble.

“Whoa…” Hammer muttered, taking a step closer to inspect it. “This is insane, Rarity. It’s like something straight out of a Nightmare Night tale.”

Rarity beamed at the praise, brushing her mane back with an air of satisfaction. “Thank you! I don’t usually work with such… ominous motifs, but I must admit, it was a fun experiment. I wanted something that would both terrify and dazzle your audience. That is what you are aiming for, right?”

“Definitely.” Hammer said, a grin spreading across his face. He reached out to run a hoof along the coat’s fabric. “Looks incredible, Rares.” He caught himself using Rainbow Dash’s nickname for her and chuckled inwardly.

“I appreciate that, darling,” Rarity said, her smile softening. “Now then, as much as I’d love to gift it to you outright, I’m afraid I must charge something for the materials.”

“Totally cool. How much?”

“Oh, let’s say… fifteen bits.”

Hammer blinked. “Fifteen? For this? Are you sure? This looks like it cost way more.”

“It’s a discount,” Rarity replied with a nonchalant shrug. “I always offer them to my friends.”

The word “friends” made Hammer pause. His grin returned, warmer this time. “Thanks, Rarity. That means a lot.”

“Think nothing of it. Besides, you’ve brought quite a bit of excitement to Ponyville with your matches. Sweetie Belle and her friends can’t stop talking about them.”

Hammer hefted the costume, now carefully packed in a bag, over his shoulder. “I’m glad they’re enjoying it. Wish you could make it to the show tomorrow, though.”

“Ah, alas,” Rarity said with a sigh, “I’ve got to take Sweetie Belle and her friends trick-or-treating. Nightmare Night is practically sacred for them, you know.”

“Totally get it.” Hammer said. “You and Applejack going together?”

“Yes, as always.” Rarity replied. Her tone was light, but she couldn’t help but notice a flicker of something in Hammer’s expression—it was hard to say, but it seemed negative. Rarity knew Applejack and him didn't really get along that well.

“Well, wish the kids—and her—my best.” he said, his voice friendly, with a pinch of contempt.

“I certainly will!” Rarity replied.

With that, Hammer gave a small wave and headed for the door. As he left, Rarity returned the wave and went about her day.

Hammer left the boutique with his eyes on the clouds, scanning the horizon for a streak of blue and a flash of rainbow. Ever since meeting Rainbow Dash, he'd developed an uncanny ability to pick her out in a crowd or a distant sky. But today, he saw nothing. She’d probably still be at the Wonderbolts Academy, and while he understood, a small part of him wished she were back in Ponyville already—even if just to wish him luck before the big match tomorrow. He wouldn’t see her until Monday though. When he’d tell her all about it.

Hammer returned to the modest room he'd been renting at the Whinny Winks Inn, setting his new attire carefully on the bed. With nothing else planned, he picked up the book he'd been devouring for the past few days: Daring Do and the Griffon’s Goblet. It was gripping enough to take his mind off the world for a while.

Time slipped by as he got lost in the adventure, Daring Do’s exploits and fights reminded him of his own experiences in the ring. A knock at the door pulled him from the story. He blinked as he glanced out of the window to gauge the time—had it been hours already? With a quick stretch, he marked his page and headed for the door.

When he opened it, there she was—Rainbow Dash, a sly grin lighting up her face. Without waiting for an invitation, she slipped inside, glancing over her shoulder before closing the door behind her.

“So this is where you’ve been staying?” She questioned, glancing at the small bed, the cramped desk, and the clothing bag in which his new attire was kept. “I’ve seen gym lockers bigger than this.”

Hammer chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, well, it’s cozy. Keeps me humble.”

Rainbow flopped onto the bed with zero ceremony, next to the bag and looked at him, her eyes playing to her amusement. “You really need to win tomorrow and get yourself a real place.”

“I’m working on it.” Hammer replied, leaning on the doorframe. “Thought you were at the Wonderbolts Academy this weekend.”

“I was.” She shrugged, casually brushing a hoof through her mane. “But I told Spitfire about your big match, and she let me off early. Said it sounded important.”

Hammer grinned, unable to hide how much that meant to him. “Nice! I wasn’t sure if you’d make it back in time.”

“Are you kidding?” Rainbow said, puffing out her chest. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“So… you’re free tonight, then?”

Rainbow shrugged a little too nonchalantly. “AJ needed help on the farm, but… well, she doesn’t know I’m back yet, so yeah—I’m all yours for now.”

Hammer raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his face. “All mine, huh?” He mused briefly, considering the thought, then he had an idea, “Alright, tell me this—have you ever been to a haunted house?”

Rainbow squinted at him, put off slightly by the idea. “Haunted house? Like ghosts and stuff? Nah, I don’t really do the whole spooky thing.”

Hammer chuckled and sat on the bed next to her head, making sure to gently brush her rainbow mane out of the way. “It’s not ghosts. It’s more like a funhouse. Ponies jump out at you, try to scare you. It’s all scripted.”

Rainbow leaned back, considering the thought with less disinclination. “Huh. That actually does sound kinda awesome.”

Hammer’s grin widened. “Good. Applejack’s stand still set up by the square?”

“Yep.” Rainbow said, her voice a little quieter, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. “Saw her talking to Filthy Rich earlier. I… kinda slipped past while she was busy.”

Hammer arched a brow but said nothing, his grin softening. “Well, if she sees us leaving together, she's gonna put two and two together and figure out you’re not at the Academy.” He whispered with a conspiratorial tone. “We’ll have to sneak out the back.”

Rainbow smirked, her eyes sparkling. She loved this game they were playing. “Alright, lead the way, big guy.”

Hammer guided her down a few hallways in the inn, finally stopping at a heavy metal door that groaned in protest when he opened it slightly. Before stepping out, he glanced back. “Quick question—clowns, mental hospital, or zombies?”

Rainbow blinked, “What?”

“Those are the haunted house themes: Cursed Circus, Seven Floors of Carnage, and Shambling Shadows.”

Rainbow shuddered at the mention of clowns. “Yeah, no way on the clowns. Zombies sound pretty awesome, though.”

“Good choice.” Hammer pushed the door open a bit wider, peeking out to make sure Applejack was still distracted at her stand. The orange mare did indeed have a customer she was tending to. “Okay, Dash, here’s the deal: she can see us crossing the street here from her stall, so we have to make sure she’s distracted, okay? I’ll signal when to go. You’ll need to run across fast.”

Rainbow grinned, flipping her mane back. “Fast? Puh-lease. Speed is my thing.”

Hammer suppressed a laugh, glancing back at her. “Alright, hotshot. On my cue.” Hammer said, watching Applejack's stall from behind the building. Applejack sent off the customer at her stand with a wave. “Wait for it… wait for it…” a new patron stopped in front of Applejack's stall. “Now!” Hammer felt a big gust of wind blow past him, in the time it took him to blink, Rainbow Dash was already on the other side of the road, a triumphant grin stretched over her face. Hammer couldn’t help but grin back as he shook his head with a chuckle and glanced again at Applejack, who was still distracted. Hammer bolted forward himself, making it across quickly. As he made it, he gave the mare an amused grin, “I'll never get over how fast you are.”

“Good.” Rainbow said, beaming as she brushed imaginary dust off her shoulder. She grinned as she added, “Now let's go!”

“But wait. The haunted house doesn’t open until tonight. We’ve still got a couple hours to kill.”

That changed plans. Rainbow tapped her chin, thinking hard about how they’d pass the time. After a moment, her grin returned. “Alright, I’ve got an idea. Come with me.”

Hammer followed her lead, his curiosity piqued. As her wings twitched with anticipation for the night ahead of them, Hammer couldn’t help but smile—whatever Rainbow Dash had planned, he'd readily accompany her.

Rainbow Dash led Hammer through Ponyville with purpose, her eyes darting around like a hawk scanning for prey—or in this case, anypony who might recognize her and tell Applejack she was back. Hammer trailed behind, matching her brisk pace with a mix of curiosity and mild confusion. Finally, he couldn’t help but ask, “So… where are we headed?”

“You still haven’t met Fluttershy yet, right?” Rainbow asked without turning around.

“Not yet, no.” Hammer said.

“Well, that’s where we’re going.” she explained, glancing around again. “She should be back from her tea party with Discord by now.”

“Discord?” Hammer asked, stopping in his tracks. His voice rose slightly with disbelief. “You mean the Discord? The Lord of Chaos? That Discord?”

Rainbow turned, clearly amused by his reaction. “Yeah, him. Why?”

“And Fluttershy’s just… friends with him?”

“A little more than friends, I think,” Rainbow said with a conspiratorial smirk. “But you didn’t hear that from me.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying she and he…” Hammer trailed off, his brain struggling to connect the dots. “Wow. That’s… not what I expected. Any other couples I should know about?”

Rainbow chuckled. “Well, Pinkie has a thing for this party pony named Cheese Sandwich. They aren’t official or anything, but he’s, like, the only pony who can keep up with her. And Twilight? She’s been on a few dates, but nothing’s really come of it yet.” She shrugged, “She needs to find somepony that can handle her even when she goes off the rails.

“Huh,” Hammer said, falling back into step beside her. “I guess I thought you’d all be settled down or something by now.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “What, like one big happy family? Yeah, no. Applejack’s married to her farm, Rarity’s sworn off dating entirely after her fiasco with a stuck-up prince and, right now, Twilight’s too busy trying to run Equestria with checklists.”

Hammer laughed, shaking his head. “Fair enough. So, where does that leave you?”

Rainbow hesitated for a split second before answering, “Looking for the right stallion.” Her tone was softer than usual, and she glanced away, as if embarrassed to admit it.

Hammer caught the change in her demeanor and couldn’t help but press a little. “Think you’re getting close to finding him?”

Rainbow shot him a sidelong glance, her cheeks turning faintly pink. “Maybe.” She said, though her voice was quiet. Before Hammer could ask anything else, Rainbow’s eyes widened, and she grabbed his foreleg. “Get down!” She hissed, yanking him behind a nearby fence.

Hammer crouched awkwardly, his size making it difficult to stay hidden. “What are we hiding from?” he asked in a low voice.

“Shhh!” Rainbow peeked over the edge of the fence, nodding toward a trio of fillies zipping by, one on a scooter and the others on their hooves. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo chattered excitedly as they passed, completely unaware of the two ponies ducked just out of sight.

“Seriously?” Hammer whispered. “You’re hiding from the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

Rainbow shot him a glare. “If Apple Bloom sees me, she’ll go straight to Applejack and I’ll never hear the end of it. You know how she is!”

Hammer held up his hooves in surrender, keeping quiet as the fillies disappeared around the corner. After a moment, he glanced at Rainbow. “Okay, we’re clear.”

Rainbow stood, brushing off some dirt as she glanced at Hammer. “Good. Let’s keep moving.”

But Hammer wasn’t ready to let it go. “So… you said you might’ve found the right stallion?”

Rainbow scoffed, her wings fluttering nervously as she avoided his gaze. “I said no such thing!”

“Oh, you totally did.” Hammer pushed, grinning as he caught up to her.

Rainbow groaned, her wings twitching. “I said maybe! You’re the one making it weird.”

“I don’t know, Dash. Sounds like someone’s got a crush~” Hammer teased, his grin widening he leaned closer and asked, “Do I know him? Or her? I don’t judge.”

Rainbow shot him a flat look. “Keep talking, and I’ll tell the Crusaders where to find you next time you’re working out.”

Hammer blinked, suddenly imagining a mob of excitable fillies pestering him with questions about wrestling. “…You win this round.”

Rainbow snorted and turned away, clearly loving her small victory. Hammer smiled at her for a second longer, before focusing ahead once more. He just couldn’t stop smiling around her.

Fluttershy’s cottage was nestled at the edge of the Dark Forest, the trek took them far away from the hustle of Ponyville and into the quiet hum of nature. Birds chirped overhead, various creatures chittered throughout the woods and the path beneath their hooves was soft with fallen leaves that crunched with each step. As they approached the cozy little house, Rainbow Dash slowed her pace, throwing a glance at Hammer.

“So, uh, fair warning-” Rainbow began, flicking her tail behind her. “Fluttershy’s, well... shy. You’re, uh, kind of massive, so maybe dial it back a little? Y’know, try not to look like you could squish a pony with one hoof.”

Hammer snorted a laugh, bowing his head and slouching dramatically. “Gentle giant mode: engaged.”

Rainbow giggled, a genuine, warm sound that made Hammer’s ears perk. “You are so weird.”

Hammer shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Just for you.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, though her grin lingered as she knocked lightly on the door.

After a moment, it creaked open just a crack, and a soft, familiar voice greeted them. “Oh, hi, Rainbow! I wasn’t expecting—” Fluttershy froze mid-sentence when her gaze landed on Hammer’s towering frame, even while slouched. For a second, her wings flared ever so slightly before she tucked them back in, offering a small, polite smile. “Oh, uh... wh-who’s your friend?”

Hammer, unsure if a hoofshake was too much, opted for a casual wave instead. “Uh, hi. I’m Hammer Hoof.”

Recognition flickered in Fluttershy’s eyes, and her smile grew. “Oh, hello Hammer. Rainbow’s told me a lot about you.”

“Ooh, a lot, huh?” Hammer asked, raising an eyebrow at Rainbow.

Rainbow’s wings twitched, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. “Well, not that much.” She muttered, shooting Fluttershy a look.

“Oh, yes,” Fluttershy began answering Hammer innocently, “Right after she got back from her last show, she told me all about—”

“So!” Rainbow cut in, her voice pitched a little higher, “I know you missed his welcome party a few weeks ago, so I wanted to stop by and introduce him.”

Fluttershy tilted her head, her soft pink mane falling over one eye. “Oh, yes, sorry I missed it. My little Angel got sick.”

“Don’t even worry about it.” Hammer said with a dismissive wave.

Fluttershy stepped back, opening the door fully. “Would you like to come in? I can put on some tea.”

“Sure.” Hammer said, stepping in, his gaze immediately drawn to the array of animals in the cozy space. Birds perched on rafters, squirrels chittered from tiny nooks, and even a bear lounged contentedly in the corner. Hammer blinked when a particularly grumpy-looking white rabbit hopped into view, tapping its paw impatiently.

“That’s Angel.” Fluttershy explained with a fond smile. “Don’t let him fool you—he’s my little puffball.”

Angel shot her a glare, crossing his arms as if to say, Don’t you dare.

Rainbow Dash stifled a laugh. “Yeah, puffball. Sure.”

As Fluttershy disappeared into the kitchen to prepare tea and Angel let Hammer know he had his eyes on the stallion, Rainbow spoke up so Fluttershy could hear her. “Hey, uh, if you see Applejack, could you not tell her you saw me? Kind of... avoiding her right now.”

Fluttershy peeked back from the kitchen, her expression concerned. “Oh no! Is something wrong between you two?”

“No, it’s just... I had plans with Hammer, and you know how she gets.”

Fluttershy nodded, her tone understanding. “Of course. I can keep your secret.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy.” Rainbow relaxed a little, flashing her friend a grateful smile. “We're going to a haunted house after this.”

From the kitchen, Fluttershy’s soft voice floated back. “A haunted house, huh? Sounds... scary.”

Rainbow grinned. “That’s the point! It’s supposed to be this big show with actors and everything. It'll be fun!”

Fluttershy returned with a tray of tea, setting it down delicately. “Well, I hope you both have fun. I’ll stick to my tea parties, thank you.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You mean dates?”

Fluttershy paused just long enough to let the teasing land before responding with an unexpected, calm retort. “Like the one you’re on now?”

Rainbow froze, nearly choking on her tea. “It’s not a—! I mean, we’re not—!”

Hammer bit back a grin, stirring his tea. “This tea’s great, by the way.” he said, deciding to rescue Rainbow from the awkwardness. “I love mint.”

Fluttershy smiled softly, her eyes twinkling. “Thank you. I grow it myself.” It was as if she hadn’t said a thing to Rainbow Dash at all.

Rainbow, still flustered, glared half-heartedly at Fluttershy before sipping her tea in silence, trying to regain her composure. Hammer, on the other hoof, simply enjoyed the quiet moment, his gaze occasionally flicking toward Rainbow when she wasn’t looking.

When they finished their tea at Fluttershy’s, Rainbow Dash and Hammer Hoof set out for the Shambling Shadows haunted house, which was a bit of a trek from Fluttershy’s. As they arrived, the dimly lit attraction loomed ahead, its exterior a collage of flickering lanterns, eerie fog, and ominous creaking noises. Unfortunately, a long line of ponies already snaked around the venue, their chatter occasionally punctuated by shrieks from within.

“Aw, come on! You didn’t tell me there’d be lines!” Rainbow groaned, flopping onto her haunches dramatically.

Hammer chuckled, leaning casually against a nearby post. “My dad always says, good things come to those who wait.”

Rainbow shot him a look. “Ugh, that sounds like something Applejack would say. You’re not winning points with me, buddy.”

He smirked, gesturing toward the line. “Relax, they’re packing ponies in pretty quick. We’ll be inside before you know it.”

Rainbow didn’t look entirely convinced. She shifted from hoof to hoof, her wings twitching against her sides. If Hammer didn’t know any better, he’d think she was nervous. He tilted his head, studying her. “You okay there?”

“Huh? Me?” Rainbow straightened up instantly, her wings flaring as if to emphasize her confidence. “Yeah! Of course I am!”

Hammer’s eyes couldn’t help but drift to those wings. Pegasi wings had always fascinated him—their structure, their grace—but hers were on another level. They looked powerful and refined, yet soft, with feathers so pristine they practically glowed. He especially loved how they accented a pegasus’ emotions and hers were easy for him to read. When Rainbow noticed where his gaze had wandered, a flush crept across her cheeks, and she quickly tucked her wings back.

“What about you, tough guy?” she shot back, deflecting. “Are you scared?”

Hammer grinned. “Me? Scared? You must be thinking of somepony else. I don’t get scared.”

“Oh really?” Rainbow teased, arching an eyebrow. “You expect me to believe that?”

Hammer nodded confidently. “Absolutely. I mean, I know I’m way braver than you.”

Rainbow barked a laugh, stepping closer. “In your dreams, Hammer. I’m the brave one here.”

“Guess we’ll see about that, won’t we?”

They bantered like that for a while, the playful back-and-forth making the wait feel much shorter. Every so often, Rainbow would nudge him with her shoulder to emphasize, and Hammer found himself grinning wider than he had in ages.

Finally, they reached the front of the line. A pony dressed as a zombie shambled toward them, their makeup eerily realistic. Half of their neck looked like it had been gnawed away, and fake blood oozed down their tattered costume. Rainbow took an instinctive step back, her wings twitching again.

“Welcome to the arms of the undead.” the zombie pony groaned, its voice raspy and hollow.

Rainbow hesitated for a moment before puffing out her chest and stepping forward. “Piece of cake.” she muttered under her breath, though the slight quiver in her voice didn’t go unnoticed by Hammer.

He followed close behind her, his eyes widening slightly when her wing brushed his side. The sensation of her soft, silky feathers made him freeze for just a split second. How are they so soft? he wondered, his chest tightening unexpectedly.

Rainbow glanced back at him, catching his expression. “What’s the matter? Zombies getting to you already?”

Hammer blinked, shaking off the moment. “Not a chance. Just keeping an eye on you, you know, in case you faint or something.”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes but couldn’t hide her smirk. “Ha! You wish.”

As the zombie pony ushered them towards the door that seemed to tower above them, the sound of distant screams and rattling chains filled the air. Hammer moved closer to Rainbow, his large frame almost brushing against her. He didn’t say it out loud, but he was determined to stay by her side, no matter how many scares awaited them.

Rainbow Dash and Hammer Hoof stepped through the heavy wooden door into a dimly lit hallway. The air was thick, a mix of stale mildew and something vaguely metallic. Flickering sconces cast eerie shadows along the cracked walls, and cobwebs draped from the corners. A distorted voice crackled to life over an unseen intercom, making both ponies jump slightly.

“Welcome to Mourning Hollow.” the voice rasped, distorted as though it were coming from deep within a grave. “Once a thriving town, it was cursed by a foolish alchemist who sought to cheat death itself. Instead of saving his loved ones, he unleashed a plague upon the town. The residents became... something other.” A low chuckle echoed through the hallway, sending chills down their spines. “Be wary, newcomers, for the alchemist’s experiments never ceased, and he’s always looking for fresh subjects.”

“Creepy much?” Rainbow muttered, her wings fluttering against her sides.

Hammer smirked, nudging her lightly. “What’s wrong, Dash? Too scared to keep going already?”

“Pfft, as if!” she shot back, though her eyes darted to every dark corner.

They moved cautiously down the hallway, the sound of their hoofsteps amplified in the eerie silence. Rainbow was walking a bit closer to Hammer than she normally would, her feathers occasionally brushing against him. She wasn’t scared, of course. Just... alert.

Halfway down the hallway, a shadow moved. It was sudden, darting across the wall like something—or someone—was following them. Rainbow gasped, jumping into the air. “Did you see that?!”

Hammer glanced around, trying to suppress a grin. “See what? The shadow of your ego? Yeah, hard to miss.”

Rainbow punched him lightly in the shoulder. “Very funny.”

When they reached the end of the hallway, a large, rusted door awaited them. A sign above it read in jagged, blood-red letters: The Alchemist Awaits. Hammer reached out, pushing the door open with a loud creak. A wave of fog spilled into the hallway, accompanied by the faint sounds of bubbling liquid and muffled groans.

They exchanged a quick glance before they stepped inside the alchemist’s lab, and the atmosphere changed immediately. The room was filled with twisted, makeshift machinery, shelves of glowing potions, and cages lining the walls. The cages held animatronic corpses that twitched and groaned, their movements unnervingly lifelike. On a central table, a skeleton lay partially dissected, glowing green fluid oozing from its chest cavity.

“This is... kinda cool.” Hammer admitted, though he kept his voice low.

Rainbow nodded, eyes wide as she took in the macabre scene. “Yeah, cool. Totally not creepy or anything.”

As they moved deeper into the lab, a series of loud bangs erupted from one of the machines. Rainbow yelped, her wings flaring and carrying her into the air—straight into Hammer’s forelegs. The impact nearly knocked him back, but he managed to catch her, his strong forelegs wrapping securely around her midsection.

For a moment, everything froze. Rainbow stared at him, her face heating up as she realized what had happened. Hammer blinked, taken aback but not exactly unhappy about the situation.

“Uh, comfy?” he asked, his voice teasing as a grin spread across his face.

Rainbow’s face turned even redder. “Shut up!” she barked, punching him lightly in the shoulder again before flying out of his grip. She landed a few feet away, brushing herself off like nothing had happened, though the blush lingered.

“Hey, no complaints from me. You had great form—for falling into my arms, I mean.”

She glared at him, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward in a reluctant smile. “Keep talking, Hammer, and I'll make sure you're the next test subject for one of these machines.”

Hammer feigned a wince. "Ouch. I'll zip it -- for now."

They continued through the lab, staying side by side despite Rainbow’s flustered attempts to put some space between them. More scares awaited, from zombies lurching out of cages to sudden bursts of smoke and strange sounds erupting from the alchemist’s contraptions.

“Okay, maybe this place is a little freaky.” Rainbow admitted, her voice quieter now.

“Don’t worry,” Hammer said, stepping a bit closer. “I’ll protect you.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, like I need protecting.”

Still, as they approached the next door leading out of the lab, their shoulders brushed, and neither made an effort to move away. The unsettling atmosphere hung heavy around them, but somehow, being side by side made it a little easier to keep going.

Rainbow Dash and Hammer Hoof exited the alchemist’s lab into what could only be described as suffocating darkness. Mourning Hollow stretched before them like a nightmare brought to life. The air was damp, heavy, and still, as though the town itself were holding its breath. Without streetlights or moonlight to guide them, their visibility was reduced to shadows and faint outlines of derelict buildings.

Hammer nudged Rainbow’s side, gesturing to a nearby bucket filled with dusty flashlight helmets, the kind miners might use. “Convenient, huh?” he said, trying to sound casual, though his eyes darted nervously to the surrounding gloom.

“Super convenient.” Rainbow quipped, donning one of the helmets. She flicked on the light, which cast a weak, flickering beam across the cobblestone street. “Real state-of-the-art stuff.”

Hammer chuckled, sliding his own helmet into place. “Well, unless you’ve got night vision, I’d say this is an upgrade.”

As they moved forward, the town revealed itself in unsettling detail. Boarded-up houses lined the street, their shutters sealed tight with jagged planks. Despite their appearance, each house emitted an ominous thumping noise, as if something—or someone—was trapped inside, desperately trying to escape.

Rainbow slowed her pace, ears swiveling toward the nearest house. “You hear that, right? Tell me I’m not imagining it.”

Hammer stopped, his expression unusually serious. “Oh, I hear it. Doesn’t mean it’s not in your head, though.”

“Ha-ha.” Rainbow replied dryly, her wings twitching at her sides. She glanced at the nearest house again, the rhythmic pounding echoing through the silent street. “Okay, this is officially creepy.”

They pressed on in uneasy silence, their hoofsteps echoing against the cobblestones. Rainbow kept her light trained on the path ahead, while Hammer scanned their surroundings, his jaw set in a determined line.

“I’m just saying,” Rainbow finally broke the silence, “if you want to admit you’re scared, I won’t tell anypony.”

Hammer smirked, though the corners of his mouth were tight. “Scared? Nah. Concerned for your safety? Sure.”

“Pfft. You wish.” Rainbow shot back, though her bravado was undermined by a slight tremor in her voice.

As they ventured deeper into the town, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to thicken. The pounding grew louder with each step, and a faint, guttural moaning began to accompany it. Rainbow glanced at Hammer, her feathers brushing against his side as she moved closer.

“Okay, I’ll admit it.” she muttered. “This place gives me the creeps.”

“Same here.” Hammer admitted, his voice low. “But hey, we’ve got these handy flashlight helmets. Nothing can go wrong, right?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes but didn’t respond, her attention snapping to a shadow darting across the street ahead of them.

“Did you see that?” she whispered.

Hammer nodded, his ears pinned back. “Yeah. Let’s keep moving.”

Suddenly, another blur of movement shot past them, this one just a few feet ahead of them, accompanied by a guttural roar. Both ponies jumped, their lights swinging wildly as they searched for the source.

“Okay, that was not cool!” Rainbow exclaimed, her voice cracking slightly.

“Relax.” Hammer said, though he didn’t sound entirely convincing. “It’s just part of the attraction.”

The scares came faster now. A zombie stumbled across their path, its milky eyes glowing faintly in the light of their helmets. Rainbow stifled a yelp, while Hammer muttered something about needing hazard pay.

The cobblestones grew slick with crimson streaks, and scattered body parts—thankfully fake, or so they hoped—littered the ground. The pounding on the boarded doors reached a fever pitch, the sound reverberating through the narrow streets like a twisted symphony.

Finally, at the edge of town, they spotted a building that wasn’t boarded up. Its tall, gothic spire reached toward the sky, and an old, faded sign above the door read: Sanctuary of Shadows.

“The church.” Hammer said, his voice tinged with both relief and unease.

Rainbow swallowed hard, her throat dry. “Of course it’s the church. Why wouldn’t it be the creepiest building in town?”

They approached the heavy wooden doors, their hoofsteps slowing as the pounding and moaning from the houses seemed to converge behind them. Rainbow glanced over her shoulder, half expecting to see a horde of zombies closing in.

“Ready?” Hammer asked, placing a hoof on the door.

“Nope.” Rainbow replied, though she squared her shoulders. “Let’s do it anyway.”

With a deep breath, Hammer pushed the door open, and the pair stepped into the darkened sanctuary, the sounds of Mourning Hollow fading behind them.

The heavy door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit vestibule shrouded in thick, choking silence. Hammer Hoof and Rainbow Dash stepped inside, the faint scent of mildew mingling with something coppery that neither of them wanted to name. As the door shut behind them with an ominous thud, a blood-curdling scream ripped through the air, reverberating off the ancient stone walls.

Rainbow’s wings flared as she jumped back, nearly colliding with Hammer. “Sweet Celestia! What was that?” she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hammer, who had instinctively stepped in front of her, cast a wary glance around the shadowy interior. “No idea.” he muttered, his stance tense. “But if that’s the welcoming committee, I’d hate to see the party.”

Rainbow snorted despite herself, her nerves frazzled. “You’re always so optimistic, you know that?”

“Gotta keep morale up somehow.” Hammer replied, though his humor was strained.

The two moved cautiously into the church’s front hall, the beams of their helmet lights cutting through the oppressive gloom. The walls were lined with faded murals depicting what might have once been scenes of harmony and peace. Now, they were cracked, distorted, and smeared with something dark and unidentifiable.

“Looks like somepony skipped maintenance day.” Rainbow muttered, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space, “Or year."

Hammer didn’t respond, his attention fixed on the far end of the hall, where a pair of massive, carved doors stood ajar. Beyond them, the faint flicker of candlelight danced across the floor.

As they stepped into the area of worship, the air grew colder, the temperature dropping with each hoofstep. Long, wooden pews stretched out on either side of the aisle, their surfaces marred by deep scratches and gouges.

Rainbow’s light caught a set of hoofprints on the dusty floor—hoofprints that didn’t belong to either of them. “Uh, Hammer? Please tell me those are yours.”

Hammer glanced down, frowning. “Unless I’ve been walking in circles without noticing, nope.”

“Fantastic.” Rainbow muttered, her wings twitching at her sides.

As they reached the altar, a deep, low moan echoed through the sanctuary, sending a shiver down Rainbow’s spine. Hammer froze, his ears swiveling toward the sound as his eyes narrowed.

Rainbow studied Hammer’s face for a brief moment. He seemed tense but couldn’t tell whether he was scared. He certainly didn’t look it. “Are you really scared, or were you trying to make me feel better?”

“Oh, I’m terrified.” Hammer admitted, glancing at her. “But don’t tell anyone. Got a reputation to keep, here.” He added, giving her a small smile.

Rainbow rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smile that tugged at her lips.

They climbed onto the stage, the old wooden boards creaking ominously under their hooves. A massive, faded tapestry hung behind the altar, its fabric tattered and stained. Hammer reached out to pull it aside, revealing a narrow doorway leading into the church’s hidden recesses.

“This just screams good idea.” Rainbow muttered, stepping through the doorway behind him.

“Hey, you’re the brave one, remember?” Hammer teased, glancing over his shoulder.

Rainbow smirked. “Well somepony’s gotta keep you out of trouble.”

The hallway beyond the stage was cramped and suffocating, the walls close enough that their shoulders brushed against the peeling plaster. About halfway through, the walls seemed to come alive. Hooves shot out from the plaster, clawing and grasping at them.

“Whoa!” Rainbow yelped, darting backward as one hoof narrowly missed her face.

Hammer ducked as another hoof reached for his helmet, his instincts kicking in. “Keep moving!” he barked, shielding Rainbow with his body as they pushed through the narrow corridor.

They emerged into a larger room, both of them breathing heavily. “Okay.” Rainbow said, leaning against a wall. “That was officially the worst.”

Hammer gave her a lopsided grin. “Could’ve been worse. Could’ve been teeth.”

Rainbow grimaced. “Don’t even joke about that.”

A creaky staircase spiraled down into the basement, its steps disappearing into the shadows below. The air was damp and heavy, carrying the faintest sound of dripping water—or was it blood?

Hammer glanced at Rainbow, his expression serious for once. “You ready for this?”

Rainbow swallowed hard, her wings folding tightly against her sides. “The answer’s always gonna be ‘no’ but… again, let’s do it anyway.” she sighed.

Side by side, they began their descent, the staircase groaning under their weight as the oppressive darkness swallowed them whole.

Hammer Hoof and Rainbow Dash reached the bottom of the staircase, greeted by a haze of thick, smoky air that dimmed their flashlights to near-uselessness. Ahead of them lay a twisting labyrinth of chain-link fences, the gaps filled with shadowy figures clawing at the barriers. The clanging of metal rattling against metal echoed endlessly, accompanied by guttural growls and snarls that sent chills down their spines.

“Yep, this is worse.” Hammer muttered, stepping forward with a determined but uneasy gait. He instinctively kept himself slightly ahead of Rainbow, sticking to her side, a protective stance that he didn't even realize he was taking.

Rainbow let out a shaky laugh, trying to mask her unease. “Worse than the grabby walls? Bold statement.”

He glanced back at her, his expression a mix of smirk and sympathy. “You kidding? This is way worse. At least the walls didn’t scream.”

A blood-curdling shriek ripped through the maze, proving his point. Rainbow jolted, her wings flaring instinctively. “You had to say it!” she hissed, glaring at him.

Hammer’s grin was strained but genuine. “How was I supposed to know the wall heard me?”

They pressed on, their hoofsteps echoing on the cold concrete floor. Zombies—some animatronic, others all too real—lurched and groaned just beyond the fences, their hollow eyes following the pair with eerie precision. One particularly aggressive figure hurled itself at the chain-link wall as they passed, shaking it so violently that Rainbow yelped.

“Okay, that one was personal.” she muttered, glaring at the zombie before quickly sidestepping closer to Hammer.

He chuckled softly, though his gaze remained focused on the twisting path ahead. “Stick close. I’ve got a good feeling about which way to go.”

Rainbow frowned, glancing nervously at the endless maze of fences. “How can you possibly know that? You’ve never been here before.”

Hammer shrugged, his confidence unshaken. “Call it instinct. Besides, you got a better idea?”

She sighed, falling in step behind him. “Fine. But if your ‘instinct’ gets us eaten, I’m haunting you.”

“Deal.” Hammer said with a small grin, his flashlight sweeping over the path ahead. “But I’m getting us out of here. Promise.”

The maze twisted and turned, each corner revealing new horrors. Zombies thrashed against the fences, their grotesque faces inches away from Rainbow and Hammer as they passed. The fog seemed to grow thicker, muting their flashlights and cloaking the figures in a surreal, nightmarish haze.

Rainbow shuddered as a decayed mare with hollow eyes tracked her every move, letting out a low, guttural moan. “This is officially the worst date ever.”

Hammer glanced back, his grin returning despite the tension. “Oh, so it’s a date now? Should I have brought flowers?”

“Shut up, Hammer.” she shot back, though her tone held a note of warmth. “Let’s just get out of here.”

“Working on it.” he replied, his eyes scanning the maze ahead. He paused at a three-way intersection, tilting his head as if listening to the distant echoes. After a moment, he nodded and motioned to the right. “This way.”

Rainbow followed, trusting his lead despite the unsettling surroundings. “You sure? Or is this more of that ‘instinct’ thing?”

“Pretty sure.” Hammer said, his voice calm but firm. “I’m good at reading spaces. Just trust me.”

She huffed but kept pace. “You’d better be right.”

Another turn brought them face-to-face with a snarling animatronic zombie, its grotesque face twisted in a perpetual scream. Rainbow jumped back with a startled gasp, her wings brushing against the chain-link wall behind her.

“Celestia’s mane!” she exclaimed, her voice shaky. “That thing’s way too lifelike.”

Hammer nudged her forward, his smirk returning. “C’mon, Rainbow. I thought you were the brave one.”

She shot him a glare, though it lacked venom. “Bravery doesn’t mean I like creepy, bitey things in my face.”

“Fair enough.” Hammer admitted, glancing warily at the figure as they passed. “I think we’re almost there, at least I hope.”

The maze seemed endless, the fences rattling as more zombies lunged at them from the shadows. Rainbow’s nerves were frayed, her usual bravado had given way to genuine unease. Even Hammer, for all his confidence, couldn’t hide the tension in his shoulders.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the end of the maze. A battered metal staircase spiraled upward, its rusted steps groaning under their weight as they climbed.

As they reached the top, Rainbow let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “I don’t care where this leads,” she said, her voice shaky but resolute. “As long as it’s not back there.”

Hammer chuckled softly, glancing over at her. “See? Told you I’d get us out.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “Fine. I’ll give you that one. But do yourself a favor and don't let it get to your head.”

"Too late." Hammer replied with a smirk, stepping aside to let her pass. “Admit it. You’re having fun.”

She scoffed, brushing past him. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re still here.” he shot back, his grin widening. “Guess I’m doing something right.”

She thought about it for a moment and sighed, "Okay, maybe I'm having a little fun. Happy?"

"Ecstatic." Hammer says with a grin.

They emerged into a dimly lit room, the oppressive atmosphere of the maze finally behind them. Rainbow glanced at Hammer, her expression softening. “Okay, fine. Maybe you’re not completely useless.”

“I’ll take it.” Hammer said with a laugh, motioning toward the next door. “Let’s keep moving. I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet.”

And with that, they pressed on, the tension between them easing—just slightly—as they prepared for whatever lay ahead.

They pushed open the creaky door and stepped into the cool autumn night. A bitter breeze greeted them, making Rainbow Dash’s feathers ruffle as Hammer adjusted his mane. For a brief moment, the oppressive weight of the haunted house lifted, and they felt an unfamiliar calm. Then they realized something unsettling—they were alone. The haunted house wasn’t over yet.

“What else could they throw at us?” Hammer muttered, his breath visible in the crisp air.

Rainbow Dash’s sharp eyes scanned the darkness. “I’d rather not stick around and find out.” she said, her voice tense.

Before they could move, the sound hit them. Wood splintering. Glass shattering. Distant thuds growing louder and more frantic. Their eyes darted toward the boarded-up houses they’d passed earlier. The pounding on the doors wasn’t just a memory now—it was escalating.

Then came the hoofsteps. Hundreds of them, thundering like a storm. Hammer didn’t hesitate. “RUN!”

Rainbow Dash bolted forward like a lightning strike, her instincts kicking in. She glanced back to see Hammer sprinting hard, his powerful legs kicking up dirt. But for all his strength and endurance, he was too slow to match her natural speed. She looped back, hovering just above him, her magenta eyes flicking to the empty field behind them. She watched as his muscles expanded and contracted with each hooffall and he held a look of pure focus.

And then she looked back and saw them. Zombies—dozens pouring out of the church and surrounding houses. At the center of the horde was one towering brute, bigger than even Hammer, with hollow, glowing eyes that locked onto hers.

Her stomach twisted as the hulking creature let out a guttural roar. She gulped and flew down, closer to Hammer, her wings brushing his sides with each stroke. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine that she couldn’t blame entirely on fear. “Can you go any faster?!”

“Not unless I suddenly sprout wings!” he barked, his breath coming hard. “Fly ahead, Dash. You can make it!”

“I’m not going anywhere without you!” she shot back. The words hung between them for a moment, their meaning clear to both. Hammer pumped his legs harder, his teeth gritted as he pushed himself beyond his limits.

Rainbow glanced back again. The horde was gaining, the monstrous leader at its helm. “They’re getting closer!” she cried, her voice tinged with panic.

Hammer’s sharp eyes caught a flash of light through the dense trees ahead. “There! Through the trees!” he panted, lowering his head and pouring every ounce of energy into his stride. Rainbow kept pace, her wings hovering close enough to shield him from the growing shadows of the horde.

The zombies were almost on top of them, their roars deafening, when the pair dove through the trees. For a moment, the world fell into blissful silence. They landed in a clearing, the dim light of lanterns flickering around them. The oppressive air of the chase lifted slightly as they saw a group of ponies from the haunted house line standing near a grinning, costumed zombie actor.

Hammer flopped onto his back, staring up at the star-speckled sky. His heart raced, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “We did it.”

Rainbow Dash hovered for a second, then let herself collapse beside him, laughing breathlessly. “That. Was. Awesome!” she cheered, her voice breaking the stillness.

Hammer turned his head to look at her, raising an eyebrow. “Really? Because back there, you seemed so—”

Before he could finish, Rainbow tackled him in a sudden, tight hug. He froze for a split second, his heart skipping a beat before his hooves instinctively wrapped around her. She was warm, her fur soft against his. He caught her scent—crisp and bright, with a faint citrus note and the lingering scent of fresh rain. He took a deep inhale of it.

Rainbow pulled back abruptly, her cheeks flushed as she rubbed the back of her neck. “Sorry.” she mumbled, her voice uncharacteristically shy. “I’m just... happy we made it out. Heh.”

Hammer grinned as he pushed himself upright. “Don’t apologize.” he said softly, his cheeks tinged pink. He glanced out at the forest, his tone growing more serious. “You did great back there.”

The zombie actor stepped towards them as the group ahead of them left, breaking the moment. “Thank you for coming! Just head straight, and you’ll be back at the entrance. We’ll take those helmets, though.”

Hammer and Rainbow removed their flashlight helmets and handed them over. The actor’s cheerful wave felt oddly surreal after their harrowing escape.

As they walked toward the final path, Rainbow gave him a sidelong glance, her smirk returning. “You’re not too bad at this whole ‘surviving’ thing.”

“Thanks.” Hammer said with a chuckle. “Coming from you, that’s high praise.”

They walked in companionable silence for a moment before Rainbow spoke again, her voice softer. “You know... I was being honest. This was really fun.”

Hammer’s ears perked up, and he glanced at her, his expression brightening. “Really? So, what you’re saying is... it wasn’t the worst date ever?”

Rainbow groaned, but her cheeks turned pink. “Oh, come on! You’re still calling this a date?”

“Well,” he teased, his grin widening, “you’re the one who called it that first.”

“Ugh, you’re impossible.” she said, rolling her eyes—but her smile betrayed her amusement.

Hammer stopped as they reached the trailhead, looking up at her with a smirk. “Tell you what: I’ll see you at my show tomorrow night, and after that, we’ll grab some dinner. Deal?”

Rainbow’s wings fluttered nervously, but she nodded, her face warm. “Yeah... deal.”

“Good.” He took a step back, giving her space to take off. “See you tomorrow, Dash.”

She hovered in the air, her confident grin returning. “See you tomorrow, Hammer. And goodnight.”

“Goodnight!” he called after her as she shot into the night sky. Hammer stood there for a moment, his smile lingering as he watched her disappear among the stars. Then he turned and began the long walk home, the thought of their night together carrying him every step of the way. It felt like he was floating.

Jumping to Conclusions

Hammer stepped into Diamond Deal's office, his ears twitching at the low murmur of voices in the office already. Seastar was already seated, casually leaning back in his chair with the kind of relaxed confidence only he could pull off. Hammer offered a polite nod, which Seastar returned.

“Glad you joined us, Hammer.” Diamond Deal greeted from behind his cluttered desk, barely glancing up from the script set on his desk. He tapped the paper with a quill, his mind clearly juggling a million details. “Big show tonight. You both ready?”

“I stay ready,” Seastar replied with a cocky grin, stretching his legs. “Question is, how are you planning to sell this match, boss?”

Diamond sighed and leaned back in his chair, lacing his hooves together. “You’ll see soon enough. Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Hammer, you’re sitting at an even ten and oh, yeah?”

“That’s right.” Hammer nodded, taking a seat. His posture was straight, and his focus was sharp.

“Nine clean wins,” Diamond continued, “but that first one… remind me how it ended?”

Hammer smirked faintly. “Rolled him up. Quick and clean.”

Seastar snorted at that, shaking his head. “Still one of the cheapest pins I’ve ever taken. Especially by you. You were lucky I didn’t throw you out of the ring afterward.”

“You? Throw me out? Puh-lease.” Hammer shot back with a grin, “I’d toss you around like a ragdoll.”

“Alright, alright, save the trash talk for the ring.” Diamond cut in, waving a hoof. “Listen up. Tonight’s main event? It’s very important. I’m building this into a trilogy around Hearth’s Warming, and to make that work…” He let the sentence hang for dramatic effect before turning his gaze on Hammer. “You’re losing tonight.”

The room went quiet. Hammer’s ears flicked, but his expression stayed neutral. Seastar, however, was less composed.

“Wait a second,” Seastar said, sitting up, “that’ll kill his momentum! You really think knocking him down now is the way to go?”

Diamond scoffed, tossing the script onto his desk. “Are you serious? Look at him.” He gestured toward Hammer. “He’s already the biggest draw we’ve got. This loss doesn’t hurt him—it makes him bigger. What’s better than a face chasing the title? Starlight Stunner didn’t win his first title match either, did he?”

Hammer’s ears perked at the name of one of his heroes. A nostalgic smile crossed his face, and he leaned back in his chair, clearly mulling it over. “He’s got a point,” he said, almost to himself. After a moment, he looked directly at Diamond. “I’ll take the pin.”

Seastar blinked, then frowned. “Really? Just like that? You’re okay with it?”

Hammer shrugged. “I mean, if it’s good for the story, it’s good for me. It also pushes you, right? That makes both of us bigger.”

The sincerity in his tone seemed to take Seastar off guard. He leaned back again, exhaling sharply. “Alright. I’ll do it, but there’s no way I’m going over clean after the run he's been on.”

Diamond Deal chuckled, clearly satisfied with the dynamic unfolding before him. “That was never on the table, Seastar. Your win will be as dirty as Tartarus, and the crowd’s gonna eat it up. You two figure out the details and make it work. You’re the main event for a reason.”

Seastar stood, stretching his shoulders with a smirk. “Guess we better make it a match worth talking about then.”

Hammer rose as well, extending a hoof. “Let’s steal the show.”

Seastar shot his hoof forward, connecting with a hoof bump. As they left the office, Diamond Deal’s voice followed them. “Remember, boys, drama sells. Make it messy, make it personal. If you want that no-rules tie breaker at least.” He added that last bit to give Seastar that touch of extra incentive.

Seastar’s eyes widened, Diamond’s words finding their mark. “Yes sir! We won't let you down!” They traversed down the halls towards the locker rooms. “So, you wanna bleed tonight?” Seastar asked excitedly. Hammer grinned and rolled his eyes,

“Sure.” He grunted at last.

It was time. The crowd buzzed with excitement, there was a big-fight feel in the air. One peek out and Hammer saw Twilight and Rainbow Dash in the front row, North ringside. Twilight was busy jotting notes in a small notebook, her quill moving furiously as she leaned in close to the action, while Rainbow leaned against the barrier, her eyes locked on the ring, brimming with anticipation. Seeing her there sent a flicker of nervous energy through Hammer’s chest.

This was his first time wearing the new costume Rarity had made for him. He’d only picked it up yesterday and hadn’t even had time to try it on until tonight. He adjusted the heavy green-and-black overcoat, emeralds glittering like fractured lightning under the backstage lights. The mask felt snug and the skeleton-designed tights beneath the coat clung perfectly to his frame. He was in shape to compete. Hammer took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Looking sharp,” Seastar commented casually from across the room, his Poseidon-themed ensemble glinting faintly. “That Rarity mare really went all out, huh?”

Hammer chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, she’s definitely got a thing for flair.”

Seastar gave a nod of approval. “Makes my trident and toga look like foal’s play. Good for you.”

Diamond Deal grinned from his spot at gorilla position. “Now that’s a getup I can get behind, Hammer. You’re selling tickets just standing there.”

The thunderous intro of Seastar’s theme filled the arena. “See you out there.” The pegasus said, a determined look on his face as he stepped forward. Seastar took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and shook his wet mane out dramatically before stepping through the curtain. The crowd erupted into boos the moment he emerged, but his confident stride remained unshaken as he made his way down the ramp.

“The following bout is scheduled for one-fall and is for the EWA Ponyville Heavyweight Championship! On his way to the ring, he is the first challenger, from the skies of Stratus Bay, weighing in at 682 pounds, Seastar Slammer!” Somehow even the announcer was on his A-game tonight.

The boos grew louder as Seastar flew the last few feet into the ring, landing with a practiced grace. He held his pose for a beat, his poker face steady despite the jeers. From Gorilla, Hammer smirked. Somehow, no matter how the crowd reacted, Seastar always had them eating out of the crook of his hoof.

Then it was Hammer’s turn.

“Kill the lights.” Hammer said suddenly.

“What?” Diamond Deal demanded, “Why?”

“Trust me.”

Diamond Deal gave Hammer an intense stare for a moment before he shrugged, looking across himself to the lighting table. “Kill the house lights.” He commanded, “Now.” The electrician did as he was told and killed the lights slowly. “You'd better know what you're doing, kid.”

“Just leave me out there for five seconds, then spot me.” Diamond nodded and Hammer held eye contact as he backed through the curtain.

The only thing the audience saw as Hammer walked onto the ramp was the glowing green skull, lingering just beyond the curtain, clear for anypony to see as his music played. They murmured amongst themselves.

“Is that him?” somepony asked.

“Why’s there just a skull there?” another whispered..

Then, the spotlight snapped on, and the emeralds on Hammer’s coat reflected it in a dazzling burst of green light that filled the arena. Gasps echoed through the crowd as he turned slowly, revealing the full skeleton costume beneath the coat and the mask. The ruby eyes of the mask gleamed like living flames.

The crowd erupted.

“And his opponent!” The announcer called, “From West Manehattan, weighing in at 872 pounds, he is undefeated—Hammer Hoof!”

The cheers were deafening as Hammer bowed his head slightly, then broke into a sprint. The massive stallion tore down the ramp. Without breaking stride, he leapt from the ringside floor, and soared over the top rope with so much grace, it was as though he had wings. He landed with a flawless roll, popping up onto his hind hooves in one smooth motion, kicking with his front hooves.

Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped. “Did you see that?!” she exclaimed, nudging Twilight excitedly. “He’s like... flying without flying!”

Twilight smiled at her enthusiasm and nodded. “I’ll admit, he’s definitely got style.”

Hammer took his time peeling off the overcoat and mask, carefully laying them aside before turning to face Seastar. The two stood face-to-face in the center of the ring, their mutual respect clear beneath the intensity of their stare-down.

Seastar grinned, but there was a flicker of nervousness behind his eyes. “Nice entrance.” he complimented just loud enough for Hammer to hear.

“Thanks. Now let’s steal the show.” Hammer replied, his voice steady and determined.

They stepped back into their respective corners and the bell rang.

Hammer charged first, galloping towards his opponent. Seastar quickly leapt out of the way, just sidestepping. Hammer turned, bouncing his back off of Seastar’s turnbuckle and immediately picking up the pursuit again. Seastar flew up, just out of Hammer’s reach, flapping his wings. The audience booed and Seastar grinned, basking in their displeasure.

Hammer tried jumping a few times, but Seastar was just out of reach. Hammer grunted in frustration, but a look around the ring gave him an idea. He started running the ropes with precision, picking up speed. Each rebound was faster than the last, the ring creaking under the force and weight of Hammer’s body. Seastar continued to hover, his expression shifting from smugness to confusion as he watched Hammer go faster and faster. When Hammer had picked up enough speed, he leapt, springboarding off of the middle rope, he launched himself into the air. The crowd gasped as he crashed into Seastar midair with a devastating spear.

The impact rattled the arena, as they both smashed down into the mat. Twilight gasped, her hoof flying to her mouth. “Oh my stars…”

“Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!” Rainbow jumped to her hooves, pounding the barrier with both forelegs.

Hammer went for the pin, hooking his leg and leaning back deep into the pin.

The ref dove into position, “One! Two!” At an even two, Seastar kicked out. Hammer grabbed a mouthful of Seastar’s hair and dragged him towards a corner. He tossed Seastar into it, ran the ropes and booted the pegasus square in the face. Seastar fell and rolled out of the ring to regroup, holding his head and wincing.

Hammer turned, looking to the crowd. They buzzed with excitement, anticipating his signature dive. After taking a moment to pump them up, Hammer ran the ropes and leapt clean over the top rope, looking for that cross body, but Seastar slid back in as Hammer leapt. Hammer rocketed outside and splatted down at ringside. The crowd erupted in boos.

Rainbow was getting passionate again, “All you ever do is run! Fight him, you coward!” Hammer stirred as the ref counted, slowly making his way to his hooves using the ring apron.

Seastar heard her and his ears perked up. He grinned and approached the side of the ring where she and Twilight were sat. “Well why don’t you show me how it’s done, loverfilly!” He called, “Not like your coltfriend’s doing much anyway.”

Rainbow lunged forward, wings flared, but Twilight grabbed her tail in her magic and pulled her back. “Rainbow, stop! You’ll get us kicked out!”

Rainbow thrashed against her. “Let me at him, Twilight! He’s asking for it!”

“Well, your friend’s probably right,” Seastar taunted. “You’re too weak to do anything anyway.”

Hammer saw this and his face hardened. He rolled back into the ring and stood behind Seastar, glaring down at him with menace. Rainbow’s face turns to a grin. Seastar realized something was wrong, slowly turned and came to face Hammer. Hammer dropped Seastar with a stiff clothesline. Then another. Both rose again, Seastar clutching at his throat, he stumbled into Hammer again and ate a fallaway slam. The crowd was worked into a frenzy.

“Hammer Hoof! Hammer Hoof!” They all chanted in unison.

Hammer basked in the energy of the crowd, a small smile breaking over his face. He glanced toward Rainbow, whose fiery grin sent his heart racing. She punched the air, shouting, “You’ve got this!”

Hammer set up for the Hammer Drop, hoisting Seastar onto his back in a reverse fireman’s carry. The crowd’s cheers reached a deafening crescendo, but Seastar managed to break free, raking a hoof over Hammer’s eyes, prompting the earth pony to release him. Seastar flapped his wings, landing upright as Hammer staggered forward, clutching at his eyes. Seastar took the opportunity, launching himself into Hammer’s hind legs and taking him down with a chop block. Hammer hit the mat hard, and Seastar wasted no time, rolling him onto his back and unloading a flurry of strikes to Hammer’s face. Each blow landed with a sickening smack, and the crowd erupted into deafening boos. Eventually, Hammer went limp and Seastar lazily layed overtop Hammer for the pin. Far too cocky.

“One!” The ref counted, but just before he could get a hoof down for two, Hammer exploded to life, throwing Seastar off of him with ease. The crowd roared.

“Yeah! Get him, Hammer!” Rainbow shouted, practically bouncing in place.

Hammer rose and Seastar grit his teeth, looking for an opening as Hammer closed in. “Come on, man, we can talk about this!” Seastar tried. Hammer bolted after him and Seastar tried to lift off again, but Hammer bit down hard on his hind left fetlock, pulling him down and slamming the pegasus to the mat. “Ah!” He grunted, holding his now-injured hoof. Hammer stomped on it and left his hoof there, putting pressure down on the injury. Seastar cried out in pain and the audience cheered.

Finally, mercifully, Hammer released Seastar’s fetlock. Hammer looked into the audience and started to stomp around the ring, waving his hooves to rile up the audience even more. “Come on, Ponyville! Let’s hear it!” The cheers crescendoed to a deafening roar.

Hammer stopped near Rainbow Dash’s side of the ring, and their eyes met. A grin spread across his face and he winked. Rainbow’s face immediately flushed red, her wings twitching with excitement.

“Oh, sweet Celestia.” Twilight muttered, smirking. “You’re blushing.”

“Shut up, Twilight.” Rainbow hissed, not taking her eyes off Hammer.

But Hammer’s moment of distraction costed him. Seastar rolled him up from behind, using the ropes for extra leverage, just out of the ref’s line of sight.

“One! Two!” Hammer flailed his limbs and broke free, clocking Seastar one good in the head in the process.

Hammer was quickly on his hooves once more and Seastar was hovering just above the ground to relieve the pressure on his injured leg. He hovered for a moment, watching. Then, with a burst of speed, he flew forward, landing a sharp punch to Hammer’s face.

The crowd booed loudly.

Hammer retaliated with a massive right hoof, earning a thunderous cheer.

Seastar hit back. Boos.

Hammer surged back with another blow. Cheers.

They traded blows in a frenzied back-and-forth exchange, the crowd responding to each hit. Seastar landed a haymaker, it made Hammer turn and stumble towards the ropes, resting his hooves against them momentarily to steady himself. Seastar approached, only to eat a massive buck from Hammer, which connected with the pegasus’ chest and sent the pegasus flying across the ring.

Seastar was quick back to his hooves though and they had another standoff. The crowd was buzzing enthusiastically. Both competitors took turns looking at either end of the crowd, then back to one another with intense glares.

“Let’s finish this.” Seastar growled, limping forward.

“Bring it.” Hammer replied, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.

Suddenly, both were on the attack. They wailed on each other, Hammer was throwing his hooves as hard as he could, as was Seastar and they both connected with one another at the same time. They went at it like this for a good thirty seconds until both were winded. Hammer stepped back, as did Seastar, awkwardly on his injured leg. Seastar shook loose the cobwebs and went for a dropkick. Hammer ducked and the dropkick connected with the ref behind him, knocking the ref out.

Seastar grinned at the fallen ref. “Well, that’s convenient.”

Hammer went for a belly-to-back suplex, but Seastar kicked back with his injured hind leg, landing a low blow. Hammer groaned, clutching his groin, and collapsed. The crowd exploded with boos, and Rainbow Dash was on her hooves, shouting, “You slimy featherbrain!”

Twilight yanked Rainbow back with her magic as Seastar limped out of the ring, blowing her a mocking kiss.

“I’m going to kill him!” Rainbow growled, struggling against the magical hold.

“Sit down, Rainbow!” Twilight pleaded.

Seastar retrieved a steel chair from under the ring and slid back inside, a wicked grin on his face. Hammer, still reeling, barely managed to turn before Seastar swung the chair with a sickening clang.

“No!” Rainbow screamed, her hooves pressed to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

Hammer collapsed, blood now streaming down his face and pooling on the mat. He tried to rise, but Seastar smashed the chair down again, this time a little too hard. For Hammer, everything suddenly became quiet and his world started to spin as his eyes glazed over.

The crowd was livid, hurling boos and jeers. Rainbow’s voice rose above the chaos. “Get up, Hammer! Please!”

Seastar discarded the chair as the referee stirs, crawling over Hammer for the pin.

“One!”

Hammer’s world spun. He blinked a few times, but his vision remained blurred. There was an annoying whine in his eardrums that drowned out most noise in the arena, but Hammer heard one voice in particular; Rainbow’s. “Come on, Hammer!” She cried

“Two!”

Hammer’s eyes fell shut. His strength was depleted, but Rainbow’s voice rang in his head. Just one more kickout, Hammer. Come on. He thought, struggling to make his body respond to his brain.

“Thr-” with what must have been less than a millisecond left, Hammer shot up a shoulder. The crowd exploded. Seastar sat up, arguing with the ref as Hammer stirred, slowly, shaking his head. The world was still blurry and his head felt fuzzy and ached incessantly. The lights hurt Hammer’s eyes.

As Hammer shot up a defiant shoulder, Rainbow leapt into the air, cheering. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Hammer used the ropes to force himself back up. The world was spinning around him. He saw Seastar, ran towards him and smashed him with a massive clothesline from behind. A pin.

“One! Two!” Seastar kicked out at two and a half.

Hammer mumbled while in the pin, “Bring it home.”

“Gotcha.” Seastar said with a nod.

Hammer rolled off of Seastar, and struggled to his hooves, his legs now barely held his weight. Seastar didn't have this issue, rising much quicker. He grabbed Hammer from behind and flared his wings as he took off, lifting the larger stallion up into the air. He was going for the Seastar Driver. Hammer was lifted up high, at least ten feet, then Seastar flipped with hammer held firm, rocketing down towards the mat.

Hammer’s head spiked the blood-stained mat hard and the crowd went silent, waiting on bated breath. Hammer went limp, he was out. Seastar pinned Hammer. The ref fell into position to count. Rainbow Dash looked like she was in a state of shock.

“One! Two! Three!”

The bell rang and Seastar stood, exhausted, his music playing. Hammer rolled out of the ring and medical personnel were on him instantly. One tended to the cut and another pointed a light in his eyes. He nodded to a third pony. “He's definitely concussed.”

Meanwhile, in the ring, Seastar was given the belt and his foreleg was raised by the ref. Boos erupted from the crowd as the announcer called, “Here is your winner and NEW EWA Ponyville Heavyweight Champion! Seastar Slammer!!” The boos grew even louder as he cast a nervous glance to Hammer at ringside.

“Do you need a stretcher?” A medic asks Hammer. Hammer grunted and pushed him away, wiping blood from his face.

Rainbow couldn’t take it anymore. She vaulted over the barricade, heading straight for Hammer, who was surrounded by medics. Twilight scrambled after her, calling out, “Rainbow, wait!”

But Rainbow didn’t wait. She knelt beside Hammer, her voice breaking. “Hey, are you okay? Talk to me!”

Hammer looked up at her, blood still dripping from his brow, and managed a weak smile. “Sorry I didn’t win.”

Rainbow had to fight all urges to hug him, instead, she punched his shoulder lightly, her cheeks flushed. “Are you kidding? That was awesome… even if you lost.”

Twilight reached them, her face a mix of relief and exasperation. “Rainbow, we’re going to get banned for this!”

Rainbow waved her off. “Whatever, Twilight. He needs me.”

Hammer chuckled softly, wincing at the pain. “Don’t worry about it. You’re with me.” He smiled weakly, “Thanks for coming. I still want to get dinner, Rainbow, but uh, you can see I rattled my noggin a little.”

Her blush deepened, but she didn't look away. “Wouldn’t have missed it. Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“Your prerogative, Doc?” Hammer asked the doctor stitching up his head..

“Well I’d recommend a Hospital visit, but… do you live alone?”

“Yes.” The personnel muttered and shook their heads.

The one stitching cut the thread. “Well, in order for me to comfortably send you home, I need somepony to be with you tonight, wake you up every few hours and ask you where you are. If you don’t know… or don’t wake up… you need to be at the hospital. Thankfully, it looks minor, so you aren’t at much serious risk.”

Rainbow made the first offer, “I can do it!” Her voice was almost too quick, and Twilight raised a brow at her. Rainbow cleared her throat. “I mean, if you need me to.”

Suddenly Diamond Deal was at Hammer’s side, breaking up the awkward tension. The fans were filing out, a few whooped and clapped seeing him and he gave a quick wave, “Hey, everything alright? How’s he looking?”

“All things considered, pretty good. Looks like he’ll be fine.” The doctor said, “Gonna have a nasty headache tomorrow, though.”

Diamond put a hoof on Hammer’s shoulder, “Tell me if you can’t perform tomorrow.” Hammer nodded in response and he looked up at Hammer’s friends. “And where are my manners?” He bowed, “Princess Twilight.”

Twilight chuckled, “No need to bow. And just Twilight is fine.”

Diamond turned to Rainbow, offering his hoof. She shakes it. “And you must be Rainbow Dash. Hammer always talks about you.”

Rainbow Dash blushes, “Always?”

“Not always!” Hammer cut in.

“He’s right, only every other sentence.” A new voice inserted. The atmosphere dimmed as they turned to see Seastar Slammer. The arena was empty. Seastar approached his opponent, concern on his face, “You okay, Hammer?”

Rainbow Dash was clearly annoyed, “You should know, you did this to him.”

“To be fair, I agreed to do it.” Hammer said, his tone faintly amused. “He’s cool, Rainbow.”

Seastar nodded, a faint smile on his face. “Yeah, sorry about everything out there. Just selling the fight, you know? No hard feelings.”

“You’re a fan of getting booed?” Rainbow retorted, still unconvinced.

“Hey, heat’s heat.” Seastar said with a shrug. He turned to Twilight and offered his hoof, with a smooth voice, he greeted, “And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sparkle.”

Twilight blushed, his charm immediately melted any apprehension from her as she took his hoof and shook it. “Hi, Seastar.” Rainbow Dash, however, was still unconvinced.

“See? Told you he’s alright. Stuff like this happens, it’s all part of the job.” Hammer said, Rainbow did accept that, sitting next to the dazed warrior in an almost protective stance. Hammer turned to Seastar, “I’m cool, by the way, just rattled the old noggin a little. Need somepony to stay with me.”

Rainbow stepped forward again. “I said I’d do it.” She tried to sound casual. “I mean, it’s not like you’re moving in or anything. Twilight can cast another one of those cloud spells—”

“Icarus Cloud Walking.” Twilight corrected.

Seastar perked up. “Wait, you can make earth ponies walk on clouds?” He asked, enthralled at the thought, “That’s awesome!”

Twilight blushed at the praise. “Well, it’s a fairly advanced spell, but, um, yeah, I can cast it.” She bowed her head, her horn glowed and she perfectly cast the spell. Seastar gave a clap.

Hammer smiled at the mare beside him, “Thank you, Rainbow. Really.”

“It’s cool. But you still owe me dinner.” She said with a grin.

They started together towards the exit, side-by-side. Diamond held an envelope out awkwardly, watching them leave. He put it back in his coat. “Guess he doesn’t want his pay.” He shrugged, before grabbing another, one that was slightly thicker than the other. “Here’s yours, Seastar.”

Seastar grabbed the envelope full of bits with a grin, “Thank you sir.” He said, before turning to Twilight, “So… wanna grab some grub? I know a great diner just a few blocks from here.”

“A diner?” Twilight questioned, taken by surprise before she said, “Sure! You know, I’m writing a report on wrestling for Princess Celestia and I was hoping you could answer some questions I have.”

“Oh, I’ll be your primary source, if you want me to.” Seastar replied with a flirtatious inflection. They went off together as well, leaving Diamond Deal alone.

Diamond chuckled, turned and headed back up the entrance ramp. “Oh, young love…”

Wine Me and Dine Me

Rainbow and Hammer walked side by side, the cool evening air brushing against their coats and whipping their manes. Hammer's steps wavered slightly, the lingering effects of his concussion were visible, though he did his best to mask it. Rainbow wasn’t fooled however and her violet eyes darted towards him every few seconds to make sure he was still on his hooves. “You still okay?” she asked, concern laid just beneath the surface.

“Pretty good, yeah.” Hammer replied with a casual shrug that betrayed his wobble. His gaze wandered as they passed a row of storefronts until it landed on a particularly elegant building. His steps faltered. It was a well-lit building, his gaze caught by its elegant facade. The glowing sign above read The Golden Bridle. He stopped completely, taking in the sight. “The Golden Bridle, huh?”

Rainbow followed his gaze, her cheeks flushing the moment she realized where he was looking. “Oh, that place is super expensive.” she said quickly, hoping to steer him away. “We can just get some hayburgers or something.”

Hammer blinked at her, his expression unfocused yet cheerful, like someone lost in a pleasant daydream. “Expensive, huh?” His eyes drifted back to the restaurant. “Yeah, let’s eat here.”

Rainbow’s wings twitched as her blush deepened. “Wait! Are you sure? I mean—”

“Well, have you been?” Hammer interrupted, his tone curious rather than teasing.

“No!” she blurted, then hesitated. “I mean, you’re supposed to go with your… well… with somepony special...” She trailed off, her voice quieter as her blush became impossible to ignore.

Hammer grinned at that, a lopsided, dazed grin that only made her more flustered. “Then we’re in luck! We’ve got you.” Without waiting for her response, he started toward the entrance, his gait uneven but determined.

Rainbow groaned, dragging a hoof down her face before following, looking around to make sure there weren’t any prying eyes before she trotted after him. “You’re impossible, you know that?” Hammer shrugged in response.

The restaurant’s interior was breathtaking. Soft candlelight illuminated plush seats and polished tables adorned with fresh flowers and elegant silverware. The gentle strains of a string quartet filled the air, weaving a melody that was equal parts soothing and romantic. Most of the patrons were couples, leaning close to share whispers or affectionate nuzzles.

Rainbow swallowed hard as they approached the host. This is way too fancy… and way too romantic, she thought, swallowing hard. But Hammer seemed blissfully oblivious.

A host, a refined-looking earth pony with a slicked-back mane, approached with a friendly smile. “Hello, welcome to the Golden Bridle,” he greeted warmly. “Just two tonight?” He looked Hammer up and down, the skeleton spandex, the dried blood in his mane, that imposing stature. He gulped a little.

“Yes.” Hammer said, a bit louder than necessary, his enthusiasm cutting through the subdued ambiance. “Booth if you have it.”

Hearing the friendly voice from the giant washed away the host’s nerves, “Of course, sir. Great costume, by the way.” The host grabbed two menus and led them to a cozy booth by a window. It offered a view of the cobblestone street outside, but Rainbow barely noticed, her focus instead on the couple in the neighboring booth. Those two ponies were affectionately nuzzling, lost in their own little world of romantic bliss. Rainbow started sweating.

Rainbow took a deep breath and slid into her seat across from Hammer, her ears pinning back slightly as her face turned crimson. The whole atmosphere was so… intimate.

Her blush deepened as she finally settled into place, sinking into the plush seat. She fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth, stealing glances at Hammer, who had plopped down across from her with an almost childlike grin.

“Your server will be with you shortly.” the host said with a courteous nod before leaving.

Hammer’s gaze lingered on Rainbow, the soft candlelight danced across her face, highlighting her violet eyes and the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. For a moment, he forgot about his aching head. He sighed, leaning back with a contented expression that made her heart flutter despite herself. Meanwhile, she squirmed, caught between wanting to break the tension and not wanting to draw attention to it.

“So…” Rainbow finally said, her voice cutting through the soft hum of the restaurant. “Any particular reason you insisted on coming here?” Her tone was casual, but her feelings were dancing around like crazy in her chest.

Hammer shrugged, his dazed smile never wavering, clearly unaware of her internal struggle. “Do I need a reason? I just wanted to take you out to a nice dinner.”

Rainbow’s feathers ruffled and her wings threatened to flare as she sat straighter. “But what do you mean by ‘take me out’? Is this like a d—?”

“Hello, you two!” a cheerful unicorn interrupted, appearing beside the table with a notepad levitating in his magic. “My name’s Ashwood Peppercorn, and I’ll be your server this evening. Have you decided on drinks yet?”

Hammer blinked, startled, then scrambled to look at the menu. “Uh… I’ll have the Berry Harvest Splash, thanks.”

Rainbow skimmed the menu quickly. “And I’ll take the house cider.” she said, then hesitated, shifting her glance toward Hammer. “Classic, not hard.” she added with a sigh. Responsibility won out, as usual.

Ashwood nodded, jotting down their choices with a flourish. “Perfect! I’ll be right back with those.”

As Ashwood departed, Rainbow debated circling back to her earlier question. Her eyes rested on her hooves where her weight shifted under her nerves. She opened her mouth to speak, looking back up, but before she could say anything, she noticed Hammer inspecting the table’s decorative flower arrangement. He sniffed at the vase, curious, his head approached slowly and bit the flower off.

His expression turned sour as he spat it back onto his hoof. “Ugh, decorative.” He hissed, wiping the flower onto the handkerchief.

Rainbow blinked, then burst into laughter, the sound clear and melodic amidst the quiet atmosphere. Hammer grinned at her, his eyes brightening at the sound. “What? It’s not my fault they made them look so real.”

Rainbow’s laughter softened into a chuckle as she shook her head. “You’re such a goofball.”

“Maybe.” Hammer said with a shrug, his gaze lingering on her. “But you like it.”

Rainbow’s laughter trailed off as Ashwood returned with their drinks, carefully setting them on the table. “One Berry Harvest Splash and one classic house cider.” he said with a flourish. “Ready to order, or would you like a few more minutes?”

Hammer glanced at Rainbow, giving her that same dopey, lopsided smile. “You ready, Dash?”

Rainbow blinked at him, caught a little off guard by the casual nickname in such a fancy place. She quickly nodded, burying her flustered thoughts behind the menu. “Yeah, I’ll take the Wildflower Honey-Glazed Carrots.” she said.

“Great choice.” Ashwood replied, scribbling it down.

“And I’ll have the Daisy-Stuffed Ravioli.” Hammer added, leaning back against the plush booth seat with a satisfied nod.

“Excellent!” Ashwood said with a smile. “I’ll get those started for you. Let me know if you need anything in the meantime.”

As the server disappeared, Rainbow wrapped her hooves around her cider glass, her mind lingered on the question she had yet to get back around to asking. Her eyes flitted across the table to Hammer, who was taking a sip of his Berry Harvest Splash and squinting at it like it might bite him.

“Sweet.” he declared with a small wince before taking another sip. “Really sweet.”

Rainbow smirked. “What did you expect? It’s got ‘Berry Harvest’ in the name.”

Hammer chuckled and set the glass down. “I don’t know. Maybe something less… sugar-rushy.”

The way he grinned at her afterward, his expression so open and relaxed, made Rainbow’s stomach do a weird flip. He was looking at her like she was the most fascinating thing in the room, even with all the polished silver, the band and the flickering candles that surrounded them.

She cleared her throat and looked down into her drink. “So… uh, how’s your head feeling?”

“Huh?” Hammer blinked at her like he’d forgotten about the injury. “Oh, it’s fine. Feels like I’m walking through a fog, but no big deal.”

Rainbow frowned, her brows knitting together. “That sounds like a big deal to me. You’re lucky it’s just a concussion and not worse.”

Hammer waved a hoof dismissively, his grin undeterred. “Yeah, but I’m here, aren’t I? And you’re here. That’s all that matters.”

Rainbow’s face heated again, and she buried it behind her cider glass, taking a long sip to avoid responding.

Hammer didn’t seem to notice her flustered state. Instead, he leaned on the table with his chin propped in one hoof, studying her with a lazy, dreamy smile. “You look nice tonight.” he said suddenly.

Rainbow nearly choked on her cider. She coughed and set the glass down with a loud clink. “What?”

“You look nice.” Hammer repeated, like it was the most natural thing in the world. He gestured vaguely at her mane. “The way the light hits your mane, it’s, uh… cool. Pretty cool.”

Rainbow stared at him, her heart thudding in her chest. She couldn’t tell if he was deliberately flirting or if the concussion was just having him spout whatever came to mind. Either way, it was making her pulse race quicker by the second.

Before she could figure out how to respond, their food arrived, the plates arranged beautifully with vibrant colors and delicate garnishes. Rainbow had never seen carrots look so fancy in her life.

“Wow. Fast service.” Hammer said, eyes wide as he took in his ravioli. “This is way too fancy for me.”

Rainbow snorted, grateful for the distraction. “No kidding. I feel like I should be wearing a dress or something.”

Hammer tilted his head, considering her with that same dreamy look like he was picturing it. A small smile crossed his face. “I bet you’d look great in a dress.”

Rainbow’s fork froze halfway to her mouth. “Uh…” She blinked rapidly, her wings twitching against her sides. Hammer’s eyes lingered on her wings for a moment, making her blush harder. “Thanks… I guess.”

Hammer, still oblivious, as was the theme of the night, dug into his ravioli with gusto. “This is good.” he said through a mouthful, gesturing to her plate with his fork. “How’s yours?”

Rainbow took a bite of her carrots and nodded. “Pretty good. Definitely not hayburgers, though.”

“Hayburgers are great, don’t get me wrong.” Hammer said with a grin, then swallowed his bite. “But sometimes you gotta splurge a little, right?”

Rainbow hesitated, watching him as he took another bite, completely at ease. He wasn’t trying to be romantic, she realized, not overtly, at least. He was just… Hammer. Honest, unguarded, and somehow effortlessly charming.

The thought made her blush harder, and she quickly returned her attention to her plate, determined not to let her feelings show. This wasn’t a date, she reminded herself. It was just dinner.

But as the evening went on, with Hammer continuing to smile at her like she was the only pony in the room, Rainbow found it harder and harder to believe her own words.

Before long, the plates were cleared, save for a few crumbs and the faint aroma of their meal lingering in the air. Rainbow sat back, swirling the last of her cider in her glass as she looked across the table. Hammer leaned against the booth with a contented sigh, the dazed but happy smile he’d worn all evening still firmly in place.

“You know,” he said lazily, his hoof tracing a little circle on the tablecloth, “this place is nice. But I think it’s you that really makes it feel special.”

Rainbow snorted, trying not to let his words fluster her. “You really know how to lay it on thick, huh?”

Hammer blinked, his expression confused. “What do you mean?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Nothing. Forget it.”

“I really like being around you.” he added softly, his voice steady but sincere. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this relaxed. Or… this happy. You just make everything feel lighter”

Rainbow stared at him, momentarily lost for words. The warmth in her chest spread, and she felt an uncharacteristic flicker of nervousness. “Hammer, I—”

Before she could finish, a sharp, familiar voice rang out across the restaurant. “Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow’s head whipped around, her heart sinking as she spotted Applejack stomping toward their table. The orange mare’s green eyes blazed with a mix of anger and something else—hurt, maybe. Behind her, the flustered host tried and failed to intercept her.

“What in tarnation are you doin’ here?” Applejack demanded, her voice loud enough to turn every head in the restaurant. Even the musicians froze.

Rainbow blinked, her wings instinctively flaring at her sides. “AJ? What—what are you doing here?”

“What am Ah doin’ here?” Applejack shot back, her tone incredulous. “That’s my question for you, Rainbow Dash! You’ve been in town all weekend and haven’t lifted a hoof to help me on the farm! I’ve been workin’ my tail off while you’re out here havin’ candlelit dinners! I asked for your help and you said you would if you could! I told you we were behind, Rainbow!”

Rainbow groaned, rubbing the back of her neck. “AJ, I wasn’t even in town until today. I was training with the Wonderbolts.”

“Then why were you at a haunted house yesterday?” Applejack snapped, her eyes narrowing in accusation, “A haunted house we help fund!”

Hammer grit his teeth. He clearly wasn’t aware of that. Should’ve just gone to the clowns. Rainbow froze, the excuse dying in her throat. “Uh, I—”

Applejack stepped closer to the table, her voice rising. “You lied to me! Again! You were runnin’ around yesterday, hidin’ from me, Ah bet, and today you’re here, actin’ like life’s all fun and games, while I’ve been breakin’ my back all day to keep things goin’!”

Hammer flinched, lowering his head slightly as her loud, angry words seemed to strike him like blows. He pressed a hoof to his temple, his face scrunching in discomfort. Rainbow caught the motion and frowned, her protective instincts kicking in. “Applejack, enough!” she snapped, rising halfway out of her seat.

Applejack’s eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed. “Enough? Don’t you dare tell me to back off, Rainbow Dash! You’ve been ignorin’ me for weeks now—always takin’ off and hidin’ when Ah ask for help! And now look at you, sittin’ here in a fancy restaurant with him—” She jabbed her hoof toward Hammer, who shrank back, his ears pinning against his skull.

Hammer tried to speak, his voice strained. “Applejack, I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t you talk to me!” Applejack snapped, her voice cracking slightly. “This ain’t about you! This is about her and how she’s always puttin’ herself first! She acts like she’s got the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she’s really just a selfish, immature—”

“Stop it!” Rainbow’s shout only drew more attention. She rose fully now, her wings flared wide, her chest heaving with anger and frustration. Her eyes were fierce, but her voice trembled as she continued. “You don’t get to talk to me like that, Applejack. You don’t!” Her voice trembled with anger and something deeper—betrayal. Applejack blinked, stunned into silence, but Rainbow didn’t stop.

“You think I’m selfish? Fine! Maybe I am!” Rainbow shouted, stepping around the table and standing between Hammer and Applejack. “But guess what? Not everyone wants to spend their weekend bucking apples or pulling weeds or whatever you think is so important! Maybe my idea of fun isn’t working myself to the bone for your farm!”

Applejack’s face twisted with hurt, but Rainbow wasn’t done.

“And yeah, I like Hammer!” Rainbow’s voice cracked, her cheeks burning. “He’s a really cool pony, and if you can’t handle that, then maybe we aren’t as good of friends as I thought!”

The words hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. Applejack’s eyes glistened, her lips trembling as she fought to respond. Finally, she shook her head, her voice soft but filled with pain. “Fine. You do whatever makes you happy, Rainbow. Don’t let me stand in yer way.”

She turned and stormed out, her hooves clattering against the restaurant floor. Through the window, Rainbow saw Rarity waiting with the Crusaders, her mouth agape as Applejack barreled past her, tears streaming down her cheeks. Rarity shot them an apologetic glance before chasing after her.

Rainbow slumped back into her seat, her wings drooping as she buried her face in her hooves. The restaurant was still deathly quiet, the other patrons pretending not to stare while clearly listening to every word.

“I’m sorry.” she muttered, her voice muffled. “This was supposed to be a nice dinner…”

Hammer was quiet for a moment before he spoke. “It’s not your fault, Dash.” His voice was softer now, a little heavy. “I… I didn’t mean to cause problems.”

Rainbow glanced up at him and felt her chest tighten at the look on his face. He was upset with himself, like he thought that he was the problem, the reason for the fight. She slowly reached across the table, resting her hoof on his. The touch made him blink, his ears perking slightly as he looked at her. She blushed a little.

“It’s not you.” she said firmly, her voice gentle. “AJ’s just… complicated. Let’s get out of here, okay? You need to rest. Come to my place—I can keep an eye on you better there. Plus, you can see Tank. And it’ll be a lot quieter.”

Hammer stared at her for a moment before nodding, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips. “I’d like that.” The musicians started to play again.

She smiled back, her hoof still on his as he flagged down Ashwood to pay the bill. Even as the weight of the confrontation lingered, Rainbow felt a small sense of relief. Whatever else happened, she wasn’t going to let Hammer feel like this was his fault—and she wasn’t going to let Applejack’s anger ruin the night entirely.

Rainbow Dash’s wings beat steadily, pushing a cloud with Hammer perched on top of it toward her floating home. The sky was painted in soft hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the towering structure ahead. When they crested the final gust of wind, Hammer’s jaw dropped, his eyes widening as he took in the spectacle before him.

“Sweet Celestia.” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Rainbow grinned at his reaction, her chest puffing with pride. Her home stood tall, a three-story castle perched high above Ponyville. Cascading fountains of liquid rainbow poured from one level to the next, creating streams that wove around the base. Above it all, a massive rainbow shot from the roof, its colors so vibrant they seemed almost magical in the fading light.

“Like it? I made it myself.” Rainbow said, her tone casual but her expression radiating pride.

Hammer blinked, nodding slowly as he found his voice. “It’s…awesome.” He cautiously stepped off the smaller cloud and onto the soft, plush surface of her lawn. His hooves sank slightly, the sensation strange but not unpleasant.

Rainbow led him toward a shimmering pool of liquid rainbow near the entrance. Hammer peered over the edge, his reflection distorted by the swirling colors. “You ever seen liquid rainbow?” she asked, dipping her hoof into the vibrant pool. “This is what rainbows are made of.” Without hesitation, she brought her hoof to her mouth, licking it clean. “It actually tastes pretty good.”

Hammer hesitated but curiosity got the better of him. Mimicking her, he dipped his hoof in and gave it a tentative lick. His eyes widened as the flavor hit his tongue—mildly spicy with subtle notes of hickory, citrus, and a surprising floral sweetness. He wasn’t great with spice, but this was an entirely new flavor. He liked it.

“This is…really good.” he admitted, genuine surprise in his voice. Rainbow’s grin widened as she turned toward her home, glancing back over her shoulder.

“You coming?”

Hammer gave the pool one last glance before following her inside. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, though in a different way. The open space seemed to flow like the breezes Rainbow Dash thrived in. On one side of the room was a compact kitchen, complete with cloud-crafted appliances that made Hammer’s head tilt in mild confusion. He found himself wondering how a stove made of clouds could possibly work but quickly brushed the thought aside. Magic’s gonna magic. The center of the room held a sturdy table with four chairs, each one also formed from clouds, and across from the kitchen was a cozy living area. A fluffy cloud couch dominated the space, and on it rested a familiar shell.

Tank’s head popped out at the sound of their arrival, his propeller buzzing to life as he lifted off the couch and zipped over to greet Rainbow first. The tortoise licked her cheek affectionately as she pet his shell, a faint blush dusting her face.

“Hi, Tank. I’m happy to see you too, bud.” she said softly, her voice more tender than Hammer had heard before.

After a moment, Tank turned toward Hammer, his propeller whirring as he flew over excitedly. Hammer grinned wide, laughing as Tank nuzzled against him. “Hey there, big guy! Long time, no see.”

Tank’s enthusiasm only grew as Hammer began scratching his shell and giving him belly rubs, the tortoise going completely limp with satisfaction. “Who’s a good turtle? Oh, you are. Yes, you are!” Hammer cooed, his grin widening as Rainbow groaned.

“Tortoise.” she corrected, rolling her eyes but smirking as she headed for the stairs. “Come on, you’ve got to see the rest of the place.”

“Turtle.” Hammer replied nonchalantly, not even glancing up as he gave Tank a few final pats on the head before following Rainbow up the stairs.

The second floor was both practical and impressive. Rainbow gestured proudly to a small gym area filled with workout equipment. Weights of various sizes were stacked neatly, and a treadmill occupied one corner. Hammer tilted his head curiously, stepping closer to the weights. Unlike most of the furniture downstairs, these weren’t made of clouds. He raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. “How do real weights even stay up here?”

Rainbow smirked. “Some spell Twilight put on them. Need to stay in tip-top shape in my line of work.” She flexed her wings for emphasis, causing Hammer to laugh and shake his head, though his eyes did linger on those structured feathered appendages as she continued up the stairs.

Rainbow led him to the third floor, and Hammer felt his steps falter as they reached the door to her bedroom. He stopped, his gaze shifting nervously between the door and the floor beneath his hooves. Rainbow turned back, raising an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her tone light but her expression curious.

Hammer hesitated, his ears flicking back as he cleared his throat. “It’s just…this is my first time in a mare’s room.” he admitted, his cheeks heating up. “Feels a little…weird, I guess.”

Rainbow blinked, her wings twitching slightly before a small, teasing grin spread across her face. “What, you think I’m hiding something scandalous in there?” she teased, nudging his shoulder lightly. “Come on, it’s just a room.”

Hammer chuckled nervously but followed her inside. The moment he stepped through the door, his eyes darted around, taking in the space. It was exactly what he expected from Rainbow Dash: trophies and Wonderbolt memorabilia lined the walls, and a shelf overflowed with books. Most of them were well-loved Daring Do novels, their spines creased and pages yellowing from repeated reads. A few newer books on flight techniques and anatomy were stacked neatly to the side, clearly less loved.

Scattered garments dotted the floor, and Rainbow zipped around, scooping them up in a blur. “Uh, sorry about the mess.” she said quickly, tossing them in a closet and closing it, her cheeks tinged pink. “I don’t usually wear clothes, so I forget they’re even there.”

Hammer chuckled, his own blush fading slightly as he relaxed. “Don’t worry about it. We’re all a little messy.” He gestured vaguely at himself, still clad in his bloodstained spandex suit, and Rainbow’s expression softened.

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment, her wings twitched again before she cleared her throat and gestured toward a door on the far wall. “Speaking of messy, you really need a shower. Can you, uh…handle it yourself?”

Hammer smirked, trotting toward the bathroom. “I’m concussed, not handicapped.” he teased, glancing back at her. “Unless you’re offering…”

“In your dreams.” Rainbow snorted, making the stallion chuckle as she rolled her eyes.

“Can’t blame a stallion for trying.” He said and promptly turned towards her bathroom. Her gaze lingered on Hammer as he walked away, she watched how his spandex suit clung tightly to his frame, the fabric tracing every contour of his muscles. The powerful shoulders, the firm curve of his back, the way his legs flexed with each step—it all drew her attention in ways she wasn’t entirely comfortable with. Heat crept up her neck as she bit the inside of her cheek, trying to shake the thoughts forming in her head.

Her wings twitched, and she shook her head hard, snapping herself out of it. "Get a hold of yourself, Dash." she muttered under her breath, feeling the tips of her ears burn. As the sound of the shower starting drifted out from behind the bathroom door, Rainbow flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. "You’re not that kind of mare." she told herself firmly. But even as she tried to banish the images from her mind, a small, traitorous smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

With a groan, she rolled over and buried her face in her pillow. This was going to be a long night.

Soon enough, Hammer emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped across his back and his mane still damp, clinging to his neck and face in uneven strands. Rainbow Dash glanced up from her spot on the bed, Tank snuggled against her side. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but her gaze lingered on the way the water darkened his coat and how his mane framed his features, still damp. Something about the look made her heart skip a beat. It reminded her of something Twilight told her while reading one of her books on pony psychology—that you find the pony you love more attractive with a wet mane. The thought startled her, and she quickly glanced away, her cheeks warming.

“I left my spandex and boots in there.” Hammer said casually, snapping her back to reality. “Hope you don’t mind.”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively, hoping her face didn’t betray her thoughts. “That’s fine.” she said quickly, focusing on stroking Tank’s shell to ground herself.

Hammer moved further into the room, his steps slightly unsteady. “So... where am I sleeping?” he asked, looking around with curious eyes.

“The bed.” Rainbow answered firmly, sitting up a little straighter. Hammer’s ears twitched, and he opened his mouth to protest, but Rainbow cut him off with a sharp look. She furrowed her brows, getting this cute little wrinkle on her nose and she crossed her forelegs, her expression brooking no argument. “I’m watching you because of your concussion, and I want you to rest easy. Now take. The. Bed.”

Hammer blinked at her for a moment, taken aback. Then, to her surprise, he broke into a soft grin, his gaze warm and a little dazed. “Yes ma’am.” he said with playful obedience. Rainbow raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by how easily he relented. As he made his way toward the bed, his focus seemed to wander, and he stopped halfway, looking at her. “Where are you gonna sleep?” he asked, his tone genuinely curious.

Rainbow hesitated, realizing she hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Huh. I don’t know,” she admitted, glancing around the room as if the answer might present itself.

Before she could come to a decision, Hammer reached the edge of the bed and flopped down dramatically, letting out a contented groan. He rolled onto his back, then onto his side, twisting this way and that like a colt enjoying a soft patch of grass. “Celestia’s mane,” he muttered, his voice muffled by the mattress. “This bed is so comfy. I don’t think anything in the world is this soft.”

Rainbow couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of him sprawled out like an oversized puppy. “Probably not.” she said, shaking her head as he rolled onto his back again, staring at the ceiling with a dazed smile.

Hammer turned towards her and propped himself up on one elbow, his gaze finding hers. “I mean, you have to watch over me, right?” he asked.

Rainbow nodded, unsure where he was going with this.

“Then join me here.” he said with a casual shrug. “I don’t bite. Usually.” He gave her a cheeky grin, his voice dropping playfully. “Fair warning, though—I am a cuddler.”

Rainbow’s cheeks went crimson, and she quickly looked away, brushing Tank’s shell more aggressively than needed. This is just because of the concussion, she told herself firmly. Hammer didn’t mean anything by it—he was clearly still loopy. But the thought of sharing the bed with him made her wings twitch nervously.

“I mean, it’s not like you’re gonna sleep on the floor, right?” Hammer said, shifting his position as he scooted toward the pillows. He flopped down beside her, settling in comfortably. “C’mon, Dash. You’ve got nowhere else to go, and you’re not gonna make me sleep alone up here, are you?”

Rainbow groaned inwardly. He wasn’t wrong. The couch was two floors down, and the thought of flying out to find another cloud at this hour made her wings ache in protest. She sighed, finally giving in. “Okay.” she muttered, though the word was barely audible. “Just don’t try anything funny.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Hammer forced through a yawn. She climbed into the bed beside him, stiff and awkward as she adjusted the covers. Her wings fidgeted at her sides as she tried not to think about how close he was or how warm his presence felt. This is just to keep an eye on him, she repeated to herself. That’s all.

Hammer grinned, looking far too pleased with himself for this small victory. Rainbow hesitated for a moment before settling in next to him, careful to keep a bit of distance. Tank crawled up onto her chest as she pulled the covers over them, his weight grounding her as her mind raced. She tried to focus on anything else, but the warmth of Hammer’s body next to her was impossible to ignore.

“Goodnight, Dashie.” Hammer murmured, his voice soft and affectionate, as if the nickname were the most natural thing in the world.

Rainbow froze. Dashie? Hearing him use Pinkie Pie’s nickname for her, and in such an affectionate tone, made her heart leap into her throat. She glanced at him, but he was already out cold, his breathing soft and even.

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, her blush deepening as her eyes traced the outline of his frame beneath the covers. He looked peaceful, his brown coat illuminated faintly by the moonlight filtering through the window. Her thoughts began to wander, drifting into dangerous territory, but she quickly cut them off, giving herself a firm mental shake. Get a hold of yourself, Dash.

With a final sigh, she leaned back into the pillows, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as she tried to calm her racing thoughts. “Goodnight, Hammer.” she whispered at last, her voice soft as she let her eyes close. The warmth of him beside her and the steady rhythm of his breathing soon lulled her toward sleep.