“I heard rumors that there might even be a surprise or two waiting for us,” Spike said.

“I love surprises!” Pinkie yelled as she spun in her chair.

“We all do, Pinkie. We all do.”

Spike clicked off the microphones and laid back in his chair. Adoring fans, delicious hot dogs; what more could a dragon ask for? Maybe some gem stones wouldn’t hurt. Spike wondered if the hot dog seller carried any. He’d have to ask next time the seller came by.

The band was beginning to march onto the field. The music and other entertainment would be nice, but Spike wanted to get back to announcing. Pinkie spun faster and faster in her chair until she fell out again. She lay upside down on the floor, giggling, when a shadow moved over her face.

“Huh?” Pinkie said as she looked at the doorway.

Spike looked too. In the doorway was an earth pony with a brown coat and dark-brown mane. “Regal?” Spike asked. “What are you doing here?”

Regal looked down at Pinkie then at Spike. “Why am I here? I am here to—”

Author's Notes:

Choose your own intermission time! What will Regal say? Where will the intermission go? That’s for you to decide!

I want warm fuzzy feelings. Make Regal a nice guy.
Turn to Intermission - Sunshine And Lollipops →

I want sword-fighting action. Make Regal a bad guy.
Turn to Intermission - Revenge Is A Dish Best Served On The End Of A Sword →

I want something darker. Make Regal a hero.
Turn to Intermission - Beware The Evil... Something →

I want the silliness cranked up to eleven. Make Regal a pirate.
Turn to Intermission - A Pirate I Was Meant To Be →

I want to get back to the real story. Make Regal go away.
Turn to Chapter Twenty-Five - A Behind The Scenes Look Behind The Scenes →