9 - Reclaiming Her Ribbon

"How long's this ride gonna be?" Shroom Hop asked lazily. He was slumped across a seat on the train, tired.

"I think we're almost th - there it is!" The station was just before them. All three ponies leapt to their hooves excitedly, dashing for the door. The Friendship Express came to a gradual halt - giving Game his cue to ready his wings. "Next leg of the journey, everyone," he nodded to Apple Bloom and Shroom Hop. "You okay, Apple Bloom?"

"Uh..." The filly shrugged, shifting her long, red fringe a little, and slowly got onto Game's back. Shroom followed, smiling up at his fillyfriend. Summing up a little enthusiasm, she said, "I can't wait to see Applejack at the rodeo!", and shook her head, clearing it of the pain.

A little while later, the trio hit the crowded rodeo. The posters dotted around the stadium were true - ponies came to witness the endurance and skill of the finest buckers from everywhere in Equestria. This was a big event - but not one of the three ponies had ever seen it this crowded before. After having dodged waves of other excited ponies, Game and the two foals found their seats. Each one of them kept their eyes wide open, on the lookout for Applejack.

There she was – shining among the others with an intense drive. She knew that this had to go well – a feeling she had stronger than anypony else there – and so, even though this was just practice, she threw all her energy into it, bucking the target with intense strength. Game edged a little closer, smiling down at her. Applejack turned her head for a second, giving the crowd a quick scan for Game Changer. Noticing her looking around, Game waved. His heart raced. Their eyes met, and Game’s smile grew further. “I’m with ya, Applejack! You can win this!” Game shouted down to her. She returned a wink, blushing, and got back to the last two minutes of her practice. Having learnt from last year’s rodeo, she dismissed any pressures. Game would accept her, however many medals she brought back.

In a few minutes, the rodeo began. A bold announcer took to the speakers, introducing each participant to the sound of a roaring crowd. "...and last but certainly not least, the five-time champion. Please give a warm welcome to one of the fiercest fillies here, Applejack!" The crowd sent a deafening torrent of cheers to her. With a blush, she waved to the crowd, leaving her eyes on Game for a moment before turning to the course. Fiercely scanning the course, she played out her upcoming run in her mind. The tense silence held her heart in an iron grip...then the countdown began. Applejack readied herself with a burning determination. "Three...two...one..."

"Alright, let's do this!" she shouted.

The ponies took off in a storm of dust, hearts set on victory. The crowd were thrilled at the competition. The display of strength and resilience was powerful - this had been one of the best rodeos yet, and Applejack had the lead by just two paces...

"Ap-ple-jack!" the crowd chanted repeatedly, spurring her on. "C'mon, this isn't enough," she cried out. The tie was so close right now that the crowd were in complete silence. It was as if words weren't enough any more. The pressure was most certainly on. But from the silence, five words arose. Five words that didn't mean much alone. But five words from the mouth of Game Changer, the one she loved - and she'd failed to admit it in full before – with all her heart.

"You can do this, Applejack!"