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

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.”