Sunset sighed, watching as the sun rose over her chosen day. Beside her sat her gym bag, packed to the brim for the tournament. Her stomach had become a knot tied by butterflies, and she couldn’t decide if she wanted the day over, or if she was honestly excited to strut her skills. “Fuck me I need a drink,” she whispered to herself, looking to her tepid cup of coffee and huge bottle of water.

“Why don’t we save both of those for after you win,” came the sultry whisper of Adagio, having silently draped herself over Sunset’s shoulder. The sheer fabric of her lover’s night gown and the heat of her breath bringing goosebumps up all over Sunset’s body. “No need to give those poor fools you’ll be slaughtering any semblance of chance,” Adagio continued, punctuating her statement with a nip at Sunset’s ear, before straightening and moving to get herself a cup of coffee, and freshen Sunset’s.

“If I do win you had better be ready to really work me out tonight Dagi,” Sunset cooed, earning a little wiggle of her lover’s voluptuous hips as a response. The two enjoyed a comfortable silence, Adagio moving about the kitchen and doting over Sunset, Sunset simply contemplating her coffee and nerves.

“Conventional wisdom would tell you to relax love,” Adagio said, leaning over the counter, her mug in her hands between her ample cleavage. “However, as I loathe the asinine I’ll simply say this. When you win I will be your prize,” Adagio’s wine colored eyes met Sunset’s with a mixture of intensity and sexuality. Sunset could feel the knot in her stomach commingle with lust now. “Now channel that worry and lust into your fists, and break anyone that stands across the mat from you,” Adagio hissed, her eyes sharpening as she gave her most sinister smile.

“Adagio, you scare me… And I find that incredibly hot,” Sunset whispered, giving her own evil grin. Both women slowly came to laugh, a small laugh at first that evolved into an evil cackle, the chorus of which led a few of the local pets to hide under furniture.

From the upstairs landing Aria and Sonata giggled softly at the evil laugh billowing up from below them. “Should we go tell them that they’re scaring the neighbors?” Sonata asked, nuzzling into Aria.

“Nah, fuck the neighbors, Sunset needs Dag’s special kinda evil pep talk. It’ll make the fights better,” Aria whispered, returning Sonata’s embrace. Both women stood intertwined, a few moments passing. Those moments turned to minutes, minutes filled with raucous evil laughter. As the minutes ticked on both women’s expressions went from amused, to slightly scared, to terrified.

“Aria…” Sonata whispered shakily looking to her lover for some kind of support.

“No, they’ve gone too far now. Going down there could be dangerous,” Aria whispered, both now inching carefully back to the bedroom. The evil laughter would continue for quite some time, and the trepidation of Aria and Sonata lasted well beyond.
*****************************

The scent of disinfectant and sweat hung heavy in the air at Wendigo Dojo. Sunset was familiar with the atmosphere, intense masculinity, and plenty of fighters going over their techniques. The big differences between the University gym and this private dojo was the sheer size, and amount of pomp and circumstance. There was room for fifteen full sized mats, the walls were lined with trophies, belts, and weapons. The whole setup was a bit pretentious for Sunset, but as she studied the fighters she’d be fighting she could only nod in approval.

“Wendigos assemble!” a gravelly voice roared, as a truly massive red human walked from a back office. Sunset had to balk at the man, he stood head and shoulders above every fighter around him, and judging by the way he moved he was far more than just a physically imposing man.

“YES SENSEI!” a chorus of voices rang as every student arranged themselves according to rank. Even without belts and gis Sunset could tell every person in the five rows of students was a black belt. Looking to Luna Sunset took note of her instructor’s extreme disapproval, despite her placid expression. Her eyes were burning just looking at Tirek, but any questions she had were silenced as the Wendigo instructor began speaking.

“Today we will be hosting the Canterlot University Iron Hooves, I expect each and every one of you to act as… Sportsmanly as is demanded at these events,” Tirek commanded, making eye contact with Luna as he spoke. “Master Luna, have you any words for the warriors?” he asked, giving the worst fake smile Sunset had ever seen.

“Indeed I do Sensei Tirek, and I would ask that my students line up behind yours, should that be acceptable,” Luna said evenly, moving to the front of the gym to stand beside the man they all knew now as Tirek. A nod from the muscular instructor sent the seven representatives from Canterlot U to form the sixth row of the gym, Sunset standing in the first position. From there Sunset could feel sideways glances upon her, the some thirty martial artists sizing her up like a piece of meat. “I would like to thank you all for having my students here today. I am certain that in the coming hours we will all learn quite a bit. I encourage you to forge friendships between trading blows. As martial artists we all have much to give one and other. Good luck to you all today,” Luna said simply, turning on her heel and offering a hand to Tirek.

Tirek smiled devilishly grasping Luna’s dainty hand, and judging by the sudden subtle flex in his bicep was clearly trying to crush her hand. Sunset could read Luna, even from many feet away she saw a rather severe nerve pinch to Tirek’s hand, but neither gave a second of the obvious pain they were inflicting on each other away.

The next few minutes flew by as fighters were selected, Tirek voting to have his best students face off against the group from Canterlot after a few rounds. Brackets were made and as the students were dismissed for an intermission before the first seven matches began Sunset took note that Luna had set them up to fight at least three fighters each, where Tirek’s best might not even need to fight. As the Iron Hooves returned to their respective friends and family Sunset broke away and strode towards the two masters.

“Still trying to insist fighters need to make friends eh Luna?” Tirek whispered, earning a reproachful glance from his fellow instructor.

“Of course Tirek. After today it may be important for some of our students to be on a first name basis,” Luna said coldly, and getting a bellowing laugh in response.

“I seriously doubt any of my warriors need friends such as yours. Ah and this must be that star pupil of yours?” Tirek asked taking note as Sunset came to stand beside Luna. Finally seeing the man up close Sunset had to admit she was impressed. His intense red skin seemed stretched too thinly over pure rippling muscle, and his black attire mixed with the silver mohawk and long full goatee combo gave him an even more imposing aura up close.

“Indeed, Sunset Shimmer is my best student. I dare say she’d have been a match for you in your prime,” Luna suggested earning a bulging vein in the massive man’s head.

“Well I suppose we’ll have to see about that. Miss Sunset was it? I’d like you to meet my best,” Tirek said, his voice dripping with venom as he spoke the young martial artist’s name. Turning to the group that Sunset recognized as the first row Tirek motioned with his head, and summoned an impressive statue of a young man. “Sunset Shimmer meet Kaivus. I’m sure you two will be fast friends,” Tirek said, emphasizing a clear disdain for the idea by nearly spitting the last word.

“I look forward to the possibility of an excellent match today,” Kaivus said, his voice even despite the sneer his eyes seemed to wear.

“Bring your best, I look forward to learning from you,” Sunset responded cheerfully, offering her hand to the imposing man. He stood a good deal taller than Sunset, and wore pitch black fighting shorts with a simple red T-shirt, but his arms and legs stretched the fabric, much like a number of his fellow students. As Kaivus grasped Sunset’s hand she immediately felt him exercising immense crushing pressure on her. “Well I can’t say I expected less,” Sunset thought holding back reaction as pain flooded through her hand, and in a few shakes the young man would surely break her wrist.

“I’m sure you’ll learn a l-ah fuck!” The young man cursed withdrawing his hand and looking to see if it were broken. To this end he was satisfied that his pointer finger knuckle was just sore and shook it off. “Apologies Sensei, I’ve been doing too much iron fist training,” Kaivus said quickly, bowing curtly and retreating to his fellow students.

“Young Kaivus knows better than to say such things near guests. I apologize Luna,” Tirek growled, his coal eyes meeting Sunset’s as he assumed a subtly more aggressive stance.

“The young have colorful vocabulary, especially when they have to beat their hands against trees for so long. No apologies necessary,” Luna said noncommittally and placing a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “Regardless we need to prepare. Good luck to your students Tirek,” Luna said, nodding and turning both herself and Sunset to walk off.

As the pair got out of earshot Luna chuckled. “Excellent work Sunset. Just be sure when the time comes that you don’t hold back,” Luna said.

“Bastard tried to break my hand,” Sunset growled, giving the group of black belts a sideways glance as she walked. They were chatting amongst themselves, all looking like perfect meatheads, but Kaivus seemed restrained, and while Sunset hadn’t caught his stare, she knew he had been watching her. “Luna?” Sunset asked softly turning to her trainer as they reached what was their designated side of the dojo.

“Yes Sunset?” Luna answered meeting her student’s eyes. In those eyes was a smoldering fire, which seemed to blossom into an incredible inferno as her young student spoke.

“Today I’m going to fight, and for the first time in months I can guarantee I’m going to beat at least one of them into the mat,” Sunset’s voice was a growl as her gravely serious face cracked a rather intimidating smirk. Her knuckles cracked audibly as she clamped her fists, and in that moment in all her passion and youth Luna felt as if she were looking into a mirror that turned back time.

“I don’t usually tell my students that I agree with a brag,” Luna whispered motioning for her other students to join them. “But I agree,” Luna whispered simply giving a wink before turning to address the students. To Sunset it was all a din, voices roared around her and gave her a perfect mental clarity to her inner self. She closed her eyes and envisioned every minute of training in the past few months. Every lock, every throw, every strike all given and taken, and with a deep breath in she felt her muscles twitch.

“Sunset,” a voice called from outside the void of her mind. The images lost some of their vivid nature, her mind slowly returning back to the dojo, back to the antiseptic sweaty smell and the light roar of conversations echoing over wood. “Sunset Shimmer!” Adagio demanded, causing Sunset’s eyes to snap open immediately, and bringing her back to reality. There in front of her stood Adagio tapping a foot as she shook her head. “Having a good nap love?” Adagio asked, hands on her hips as Aria and Sonata chuckled from behind her.

Sunset shook her head and gave a small smile to her three lovers. “Yeah just sorta calming my nerves,” Sunset explained, looking past her girlfriends to the concerned stares of her comrades. She waved sheepishly at them, dismissing them to return to their pre-fight preparations as Adagio moved to her side.

“No need to stand around, let’s get you ready to destroy these pathetic fools,” Adagio said, just loud enough to earn a number of incensed glares from the Wendigos around the gym.

“Yeah nice and subtle Dag, let’s invite the whole gym over for tea after. Maybe they can try to kill us there?” Aria groaned, flipping off a few of the students looking antagonistically towards them.

“You three are still inciting strife wherever you go I see,” a soft melodic voice said from behind Sunset. That was a voice she could honestly never forget, and as two gentle hands placed themselves upon her shoulders Sunset felt as if she might break.

“Princess Celestia??” Sunset whispered, eyes now wide with a mix of surprise and anxiety.

“Indeed Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia chuckled, moving in front of Sunset and giving her a soft smile. “Twilight Sparkle had told me just how important this event was to you, and my curiosity got the better of me.” She seemed so radiant, despite trading her regal dress for a simple pair of jeans and a T-shirt with Sunset’s cutie mark front and center. Sunset gawked at the ancient alicorn princess.

“Okay, I accept that this happened, and I’m so happy you’re here,” Sunset said after a moment, smiling sheepishly. “But where did you-” Sunset was cut off as Adagio, Aria, and Sonata slowly began to lift the sweaters they’d worn to the Dojo, revealing matching black shirts emblazoned with Sunset’s own blazing sun.

“Surprise?” Celestia offered thoughtfully giving her spectrum hair a soft scratch.

“Team Sunset Shimmer is here to cheer you to victory!” Sonata said cheerily, her eyes glinting with that typical deviousness.

“ATTENTION!” a voice boomed before Sunset could question any further. “Round one of the tournament shall commence in five minutes. Fighters to your mats!” Tirek commanded, signaling Sunset to glove her already wrapped hands, and offer one final wordless nod to her four supporters.

“I believe the expression for these moments is fairly universal,” Celestia said with that same soft smile. Then with a sharpening of her eyes she whispered “Kick ass Sunset Shimmer.”
************************************

The first two strikes had been easy enough to dodge, but the hook caught Sunset in her sternum, connecting with a fierce crash. Sunset simply grunted as pain blossomed from her side, and in the eyes of her opponent could only see a smirking satisfaction. She was every bit as fast as Rainbow Dash, and in the last round had peppered Sunset with the blows of a boxer, but this one had finally hit home.

Sunset allowed no emotion to cross her face, tossing a jab to push her opponent back. The controlled short punch had done wonders to keep the close range woman in Sunset’s preferred middles ground. Ambrosia was not deterred, as she advanced again on Sunset, this time tossing a jab and cross. The first strike caught only Sunset’s hand, and the second passed through the space Sunset had occupied moments before. “Wha-AGH!” Ambrosia screamed as Sunset deftly followed her opponent’s retreating hand, one fist smacking into Ambrosia’s head with incredible speed. The combo hadn’t ended there as the dazed fighter’s temple received a fierce turning left, sending her vision into a spin.

Ambrosia had been struck in many spars, by men and women alike, but not since a match with Kaivus had she felt so much force that she forgot where she was. This would only last a moment, as she turned to strike again at Sunset, and her world went dark. Four cheers rang out as Sunset connected with the back of her hand to Ambrosia’s temple. No amount of training could prepare her for the sheer force of blow, and stepping directly into it saw her head snap to the side. In one sickening thud Sunset had effectively destroyed her opponent.

Sunset Shimmer watched as an official ran over and knelt down to Ambrosia. A few moments and a silent nod later he called over the medical professionals and stood. “Match victory by knockout Sunset Shimmer!” he announced earning a chorus of cheers and derision from those watching. As Sunset turned she met the gaze of Kaivus, and gave him a sharp glare. He simply nodded, and turned from the stare to address his classmates.

Walking back to the Iron Hoof corner Sunset smiled at team Sunset Shimmer. “Well met Sunset Shimmer, though drawing the match out seems rather cruel,” Celestia said with a knowing smile.

“Indeed lover,” Adagio said with a snicker. “Next time they throw you one of their soft fighters just follow the lead of your team and take them apart,” Adagio handed Sunset a water bottle and towel.

“Just wanted to see what they know,” Sunset said, huffing out as she took a swig of water. Her side ached a bit, but she found that upon focusing on herself she’d hardly broken a sweat. “When’s the next match start?” Sunset asked tossing the bottle back to Adagio and lacing her shoes.

“Impatient as ever,” Celestia chuckled winking at an approaching Luna, whom simply shook her head.

“You have ten minutes Sunset, no need to rush. You’ll need this time when we reach the finals,” Luna chided, earning a slight blush from her student. “However I am incredibly proud of you, that back fist was at least half as devastating as the one you used on me,” Luna smiled and gathered the students around her. Congratulations were given and advice for the upcoming matches.

Again Sunset lost herself to the clamor of conversation, her heart beat settling again to its resting state, and the pain in her side fading into little more than a gentle soreness. With an exhale Sunset nodded and was ready.

“She’s always done that,” Celestia whispered to a snickering trio of Dazzlings. The minutes passed, Sunset relaxing and sizing up her opponent to be from across the gym. He was hard to miss, his massive blue frame stretching the limit of his singlet with muscle mass that would have made Bulk cry steroid abuse. Between flexing and loudly boasting Sunset couldn’t catch his eye, but as the time between matches ran down she strode back into the ring, and waited.

Choosing to take lotus position and meditate for the last minute, Sunset tuned out the roar of Tirek summoning his fighters to their stations. “OH YEAH,” came a considerably more annoying roar from in front of Sunset. “ARE YOU READY TO FACE THE WRATH OF STEEL CONSTITUTION?!” Sunset opened her eyes, looking to the boorish muscle mountain before her.

“REMEMBER SON IF YOU’RE IN THE RING GENDER’S NO THING!” Another monstrously loud voice called from the sidelines.

“Miss Shimmer are you ready to begin the match?” the official asked, offering a hand to her. Nodding Sunset planted a single foot on the ground, and spun herself from the sitting position to a fighting stance. The satisfying slack jawed look from Steel Constitution was all completely worth the little boast. “Err, right,” the official said, taking three steps back and dropping a hand to indicate the match beginning.

“All right little lady y-AGH!” Steel was silenced immediately as a punch drove right through his upheld hands and into his nose. The massive meathead couldn’t react as his eyes slammed shut to a sickening elbow strike from the jabbing hand. His nose was in agony as cartilage and bone snapped and blood poured from his shattered nose. With two dizzied steps back the massive warrior opened his eyes just in time to see Sunset, airborne, her body torquing to reach a heel to his temple. The kick made contact, and Steel Constitution felt the contents of his stomach rise as he fell to the ground.

Sunset saw her chance to finish the match, mounting her opponent by slamming her knees into his clavicle. She felt the bone shift, and with an immense amount of speed and force launched an elbow sideways into the mountainous man’s face. Iron Will looked on in absolute shock from the stands as Sunset tee’d off on his son, once, twice, and by the third strike was stopped by the official.

“That’s enough Miss Shimmer to your corner,” the official said softly motioning for the medical staff to attend to the bleeding young man.

“I-” Steel Constitution hacked spitting his blood mouth guard onto the matt. “I can still fight,” his speech was slurred, and despite the boast he couldn’t seem to move for the sheer amount of spinning. “Why’s the birdies in the dojo?” Steel asked one of the medics as she grabbed onto his crooked nose.

“Yeah no I think we’re done for the day Son,” the medic whispered tenderly, before yanking his nose back into place, and knocking him out from the combination of pain and the disgusting sound.

“Winner of the match by TKO is Sunset Shimmer,” the official announced amidst seven other fights now in a state of pause as Sunset smiled placidly.

“MY BOY!” Iron Will screamed, having tore from the stand and now kneeling beside his battered son. “Speak to me Son, please speak to me,” Iron Will whispered pathetically, his voice cracking on the verge of sobbing.

“D-dad?” Steel Constitution coughed reaching up to grasp his father’s hand.

“I’m here m’boy, where does it hurt?” Iron Will asked, his voice soft, eyes watery with concern for his boy. As Sunset watched this play out she felt her smile break, walking slowly over to the man she’d just smashed into a bleeding pulp.

“It’s ok Pop,” Steel said smiling stupidly, his teeth coated in his blood, “Remember, if you get beat don’t sweat the heat.” Feeling returning to his hands Steel Constitution managed to bring himself into a half seated position to look at Sunset Shimmer.

“Are you ok?” Sunset asked uncomfortably bracing herself to be screamed at by the father and son loudmouth duo.

“Well I’m still breathing! Next time we fight try not to break my dose?” Steel laughed offering a hand to Sunset Shimmer. “Guess I’m done for the day but it was good fighting ya Miss!” he said with enthusiasm.

“You beat my boy fair and square there Sunset Shimmer, that means you got some good mettle under those wimpy looking arms!” Iron Will said with a hearty laugh. Sunset watched the over-dramatic pair with a slack jaw, as she took Steel Constitution’s hand and heaved him up. After a friendly shake Iron Will patted his son on the back.

“That’s quite enough Mr. Constitution. I suggest you get back into position with your classmates,” Tirek demanded, storming over to them. “We’ll be going over training for all the students that don’t emerge victorious today and I’ll expect you to attend,” the massive master growled earning a shocked gasp from the medic.

“Tirek that’s not going to happen this young man needs medical attention,” she said getting only a withering glare in reply.

“Are you already looking for a new job Miss Suture?” Tirek whispered dangerously.

“Hold on now I’m not having my boy go through hell just because a better fighter beat him. He’s going to the hospital, and that’s final,” Iron Will said, pushing his massive pectorals against Tirek’s. Tirek responded with a shove to the massive man, planting him on the floor.

“You want to question my authority? Fine you get the hell ou-AH!G!” Tirek screamed in rage, and then shocked pain as a purple hand gave his wrist a crushing torqued grip.

“Tirek,” Luna hissed with pure rage. “I don’t know what in the hell you’re thinking, but unless you want me to call off this tournament and call the authorities you will return to your seat,” Luna punctuated the statement by flexing and bringing a guttural sound of pain from Tirek.

Jerking his hand away Tirek growled, “Don’t show your pathetic face at my gym again,” to Steel Constitution before retreating to his chair on the other end of the dojo. Iron Will stood and snorted angrily clenching a fist, but before he could follow Sunset stepped in front of him.

“Hey, I get you’re big and stuff, but Tirek is really dangerous. So let’s not go to jail, and you get your son to the hospital,” Sunset plead, her arms held out to block the boisterous man.

“Indeed Mr. Will,” Luna said calmly looking to Steel Constitution. “Mr. Constitution, should Tirek truly not allow you to train I’d be happy to teach you at my school.” The miserable looking mass of muscle and bloodied singlet smiled weakly and nodded.

“C’mon Pop, let’s just get out of here,” Steel said raising his arm to grasp his father’s shoulder. Despite the best attempts Steel Constitution could only raise his arm so far before groaning in pain.

This stirred Iron Will, and with a heavy sigh he turned and directed his son to follow. “HEY SUNSET SHIMMER?” Iron Will yelled as he reached the door turning all heads in the dojo at once. “WHEN THE FIGHT BEGINS BE SURE TO WIN!” With that final piece of sagacious advice the father son meathead duo were gone, leaving only cringes in their wake.

Sunset strode back to her support base in the stands, three of which were leering at her with terrible smiles on their faces. “Welcome back Sunset, how are you and the new boyfriend?” Adagio asked, turning Sunset’s face into a deep crimson.

“Adagio I swear to all that is holy,” Sunset whispered taking her water bottle and sitting beside her antagonists.

“Aww it’s ok Sunny Bunny, a little ball gag and we can test his mettle,” Sonata quipped between giggle fits.

“Sonata not you too~!” Sunset moaned, putting her head in her hands.

“Yeesh you girls are evil,” Aria said throwing an arm around Sunset. “If Sunset wants a big dose of hot sweaty man meat then who are we to judge?” she chuckled, Sunset groaning loudly as her lovers all laughed like the trio of hyenas they so often were.

Princess Celestia and Luna chuckled off to the side as Sunset began chasing her three lovers around their side of the gym. “This has to be the most entertaining gladiatorial spectacle I’ve seen in centuries,” Celestia said earning a nod from Luna.

“Yeah and the tournament isn’t bad either.” Both women giggled as the last of second round’s matches ended.