Ring the Bell

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…”