11 - Back On Top

Soon, the awards ceremony began. Game was allowed to stand in the stadium, so he brought the two foals down from their seats too. "I'm so excited!" Apple Bloom grinned. "My sister...eleven-time champion!"

"She was awesome," said Shroom Hop, looking up at his father with a wink.

Blushing a little, Game replied, "I know," staring into space.

A loud fanfare summoned the crowd's attention. "It's time to announce the winners!" the presenter spoke. "It's been a tough day for everypony here, and a very tight match. Let's see who the winners were!" A string of runners-up were announced. Game knew none of them; they were probably from other places. The second-place pony even came from the Crystal Empire, receiving one of the biggest cheers of them all – who cared if she had beaten their hometown? The Crystal Empire ran on happiness, and that's what they needed to live!

Applejack saw her moment. Standing on the very top of the podium, she struggled to hold in her excitement. "And in first place, it's our ten-time champion, Applejack!" She grinned, giving the crowd a quick wave before crouching down to receive her shining blue ribbon. She waved to the crowd again, showing off blue ribbon number 11, before being joined on the podium by Game, Shroom and Apple Bloom.

After a long embrace, she said, "Game...I'm so glad you're here. I knew you were backin' me. Couldn't've done it without you." A shy smile appeared on her face, and she looked deeply into his eyes for a while.

"Hang on, I forgot something!" Game reached into his saddlebags to find a beautiful blue ribbon, nearly identical to Applejack's prize. "Like it?"

"Yis, that'll look great!" Game took the red ribbon carefully out of her hair, replacing it with the blue one. The two ponies' eyes met again, and they leaned in close. They were interrupted by the presenter of the real blue ribbon. Applejack winked, taking the ribbon and showing it proudly.

A few hours later, the four ponies arrived home together. "Game, do you and Shroom wanna stay the night?"

"Sounds great! Sure, Applejack. So," he winked, "where were we?"