Ring the Bell

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.