Ring the Bell

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.