Monday 10th March 2014
Crystal Empire
11:27

Raising my hand to shield my eyes from the sunlight I take my sunglasses from atop my head and put them on, today has been the warmest it has been in a while leaving me to wish that I asked Rarity to make me a few pairs of shorts. So far the games had been going well for Ponyville, since I lived there it only made sense that I supported them throughout the games. It makes a change where team GB had only won the Olympics once back in 1908 over a century ago.

The top position kept juggling back and forth between Ponyville, Cloudsdale and Canterlot leaving a good chance that any of the three towns could win it. Overall the events weren't much different from what you'd expect back at the Olympics, just a few new variations to incorporate Pegasi and Unicorns into certain events.

Since Unicorns would have the potential to cheat by using magic they weren't able to enter without being subjected to having a disabling spell cast on them to prevent them using their magic, kind of like the restraint I used on Luna except it required the individual to walk through a barrier. There was a bit of an issue when the guards to the stadium requested for me to walk through the barrier just in case, I must admit that I may have acted a bit like an arse when they failed to understand that I didn't have any magical qualities on account of magic being impossible for humans.

Looking across the stadium I watch the Princesses as they quietly converse within their booth before the main event, for the rest of the week I spent most of the day with my team leaving most nights free to be with Luna. Applejack, Pinkie and Rarity are sat on the level directly below me whereas I'm sat amongst the rest of the Rangers.

"John, are you paying attention?" Sunny asks bringing me back to reality.

Tilting my head I look to Sunny who's sat just above me, "Clearly not, no."

Chuckling Chaser flicks the back of my head with his hoof, "He's probably too busy thinking about something boring."

"I was not."

Chaser scoffs, "Please, you were probably thinking about work as usual."

"No, I wasn't. I was actually thinking about how similar this whole event is to the Olympics back home."

Georg groans as he looks to me, "You're not going into lecture mode again, are you?"

Giving a fake laugh I look back towards the stadium, "Hardly."

Chaser leans over my shoulder as he looks to the Wonderbolts as the relay begins, "Are you ready to lose to Cloudsdale? Ponyville has got no chance against the Wonderbolts."

"I honestly don't care who wins or loses."

Sunny looks to me with confusion, "But you're living in Ponyville, why wouldn't you support them?"

"I am supporting them, however I'm technically not from Ponyville as I live on garrison and don't technically have my own home."

"That counts," Shadow says as she nudges me from the left.

"Does it really?" I slowly begin to point towards my team, "You all live on garrison in Ponyville so technically you should all be supporting them."

"Nah, I'm rooting for the winners." As Chaser sits back in his chair I focus back onto the relay below. Trailing behind at the rear is the first racer for Ponyville, the steroid monkey who can hardly even lift off the ground. Navigating the track he's able to just about keep up once he's got his momentum but he isn't exactly very agile to move through the obstacles.

Reaching the next stage he arrives a few seconds after the others to pass the horseshoe onto Fluttershy, I don't see why they don't just use a baton like us. As Fluttershy starts I start to wonder how she even got roped into this, it's just hard seeing someone as shy as her competing in an event such as this.

My focus is drawn away however as a couple of pieces of popcorn land by my feet from below, looking over the edge I watch as Pinkie talks to the other girls as she throws her bag of popcorn over the guys head in front of her. He doesn't seem to give a shit though. Fucking hell, everyone in this world is just too nice to react to something like that. I miss the days where if someone spilt beer on you at a football match it would turn into a fist fight. I'd love to get into a little scrap like I did on occasion back home.

When I finish reminiscing about a fight I had back in a match against Aston Villa I finally look back as Fluttershy passes the horseshoe to Rainbow only for her to rapidly rush off ahead. It doesn't take long until she makes the ground back and passes a number of racers, before too long she's closing the distance with Spitfire who is in the lead.

Moving through the last few obstacles Rainbow seems to be unable to overtake Spitfire as they jostle positions regularly giving the lead back to one another. On the last ascent, Spitfire is just able to push ahead winning the relay for Cloudsdale and giving Ponyville second place, not too bad considering that Rainbow pretty much captured that position for us from last place.

Laughing Chaser leans forward patting my head, "I told you, Cloudsdale was never going to lose this one."

Cocking a brow I twist my head to look to him, "Well you have got three members of the elite flying military unit. We should introduce the shooting event to the games, I'd join the team and kick all of your asses."

"A shooting event? Humans actually do that?"

"Yeah, it's no different then archery." Looking back to the field the workers are in the process of quickly dismantling the obstacles and moving the podium into position. "Either a rifle, pistol or shotgun can be used depending on the event."

"A shotgun?" Shadow asks. "What's that?"

"It's similar to a rifle but propels small spherical pellets from the cartridge to have spread upon leaving the barrel, it hasn't exactly got much penetration compared to a rifle round but it works wonders at CQB and hunting birds. I was thinking about looking into developing one, it's pretty basic compared to a rifle so it shouldn't be too hard."

"You're going to make a weapon for close quarters?" Sure Strike asks. "We already have that, it's called a sword."

Folding my arms I rest into the seat, "Shotguns are probably better than swords, they've got a lot of stopping power at close range giving them more kick then pistols and most rifles. In fact, I think you of all people would prefer it to our rifles, it will allow you to engage up close and personal like you prefer."

"Could you make one?"

Shrugging I look to the field as the podiums are quickly set up and the top three teams take their places, "Probably, there are a few weapon designs I want to look into at some point. It will probably just be a basic double barrelled shotgun at first, I could look into making a pump-action as well at some point. Not to mention I will look to improving our rifles at some point."

Chaser leans forwards again, "Improve them? What do you intend to do?"

"I don't know yet. Straight-pull bolt, larger magazine or maybe even a self-loading mechanism so we don't have to cock it after every shot."

"That would make things easier."

As Shining starts to address the crowd I turn on my seat slightly, "It will be but I don't want you all turning into Yanks and wasting bullets left, right and centre. Changes will come over time, I just need to make sure any improvements work effectively before we issue them out to everyone. I don't want us all going out with a weapon system which won't work for shit."

Looking back down I catch Shining as he turns to the audience, "And now, for the anthem of-"

Before he can finish Spike cuts him off, "-And I shall do the honour of singing!"

As Shining seems to whisper to Spike we all slowly begin to stand as we prepare for the anthem of Cloudsdale, I still think it's a bit odd that they have an anthem for every city but I suppose it isn't all bad. Tapping me with his hoof Chaser pushes me, "Down in front."

Raising my hand I hold my middle finger to him, "Fuck you."

Sunny slowly pushes my hand back down, "You know, you never told us what your anthem is."

Cocking a brow I glance to her, "You want to know my national anthem? I'm not singing 'God save the Queen' to you all."

With a Pegasus flying above Shining she activates a spotlight and illuminates the area around him, "And now... um... the Cloudsdale anthem as sung by Spike." As soon as Shining announces this Spikes demeanour, which seemed confident, instantly changes to one of regret as it looks as though he realises he's made a grave mistake.

We all exchange a quick glance with one another before turning back to watch Spike down below as the music of the Cloudsdale anthem begins to play. "Oh, we're the Wonderbolts and we're super fast. And we're from Cloudsdale which-is-a-part-of-Equestria. That we like best and we're proud and we're fast and we like it because it really has nice trees..."

As he continues I lower my head as I bury it in my hands to try and stop myself from cringing at Spike's display, straight away I could tell that he was making it all up on the spot. When I glance back to Chaser I can see the irritation on his face as the anthem of his town is being disgraced in such a way. In fact, most of the Wonderbolts on the stand don't seem to be too impressed either with his display.

"..So I wish that this... song... was over now. Over... now. Over... now." When the song finally comes to an end there is nothing but total silence over the entire stadium, the only sound that can be heard is a baby crying in the stands. I don't even know how to respond either, letting out an irritated sigh I slowly lift my head from my hands to look down at him as she just stands there.

The uncomfortable silence is finally broken when Pinkie shouts out from below me, "Nailed it!" This causes me to look down at her in disbelief as she actually decided to shout that out in the stadium.

As Spike slowly waddles away I turn my head towards the others, "Well... that was... something." Most of them still stare in bewilderment down towards Spike as a couple simply nod their heads. Christ on a bike, watching that made me cringe.

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As the next event got underway we decided to take our leave from the stadium, after watching that spectacle we decided we'd seen enough events for the day and decided to head into the city. As we traversed the main street there were a wide variety of stands set up to allow people to try a number of events and provide information such as archery, basic hurdles and many other sports.

As we idly stroll from stand to stand Chaser glances up to me, "Aren't you going to show us any of your worlds sports?"

Cocking a brow I tilt my head towards him, "Depends on the sport, I used to play a few but I only have a limited knowledge."

"Well, which one did you mostly play?"

"Football."

"Football? Oh, you must mean buckball."

Stopping on the spot I rest my hands on my hips as I start to laugh "You guys have a sport called 'buckball?' Even though you use the word 'buck' as your equivalent of 'fuck?' So it's fuckball?"

Chaser gives a sarcastic chuckle, "Very mature, John."

"This is me we're talking about, I only act mature when I want to. Now, what the hell is this fuckball?"

Rolling his eyes Chaser begins to slowly walk ahead, "Buckball has teams of threes competing against one another. Earth ponies are on offence and have to buck the ball into the opposition's goal, Pegasi are defence protecting the goal and passing it to the Earth ponies to shoot, the Unicorn will have the goal in the opposition's field and has to try and catch the ball for their team to score."

Following alongside Chaser I shake my head, "That definitely is not football. We have teams of eleven, one goalkeeper, then the team is mixed with defenders, midfielders and strikers, usually with the numbers of four-four-two. You have to basically get the ball in the opposition's goal by kicking the ball, only the goalkeeper can use their hands to physically hold the ball in their area unless it is a throw-in. Tackles can be made but you must make contact with the ball first otherwise, you will often commit a foul and be penalised."

"Sounds simple enough."

Snorting I overtake him as Sunny joins us, "That's what they all say, then people start to get confused with the offside rule. Not to mention there's also penalties, corner kicks and freekicks to throw into the mix. I'd have to properly show it to you all to get a better understanding. If you get me a ball we can have a little game for a bit, there are a few small fields about we can use as a pitch."

"That sounds like soccer," Sunny adds.

"Oh, yeah. It does," Chaser announces as it suddenly hits him.

Coming to an immediate stop I glare at the two of them, "Never call it 'soccer' again. It's called 'football,' we're not fucking Yanks. If you called it soccer in England you'd get glassed. But what about the issue with 'handball' if you all use your forehooves to pick up items?"

We all come to a stop as Sunny turns to me, "As long as the players don't pick up the ball it's okay. Magic and flight aren't allowed on the field, if you use either you commit a foul giving the other team a freekick. You'll tend to find a Pegasus in goal though as their wings allow them to easily glide between the posts to make saves, for that reason Pegasi goalies can only glide within their own goal box."

"Right so we'll need a Pegasus to be our goalie. Chaser?"

Looking to me he shakes his head, "I'm not sitting in front of a goal all day. I'll be a defender, there's nothing better than taking out another pony with a slide tackle."

Smirking I pat his head, "Good man."

Sunny steps between us, "Hold on, you're already sorting out a team? But we need an opposing team to play against."

"Easy, I've got the perfect opponents in mind."

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Resting back on the bench of the locker room, Spitfire glances back up to me as she stretches her wings, "You want the Wonderbolts to play against the Everfree Rangers in a game of soccer?"

Sighing I pinch the bridge of my nose, "Football."

"Whatever you want to call it, why ask us?"

"Easy, you guys will provide a bit of a challenge and it would be a good laugh for two different military bodies to play against one another."

Lifting the towel from around her neck, Spitfire wipes it through her mane, "But most of us have been competing in the games for our own towns. We've done nothing but train since we've got here, we're exhausted meaning you'll have the advantage."

"Not really, we've been doing nothing but drink heavily and eat crap since we arrived. You guys may be tired but we're kind out of shape at the moment after spoiling ourselves."

Spitfire pauses as she glances to a couple of other Wonderbolts as they return from the showers, "So when do you want to play this game then?"

Cracking a smile I take a step back, "Whenever you guys are ready. We'll need a pitch though."

Matching my grin Spitfire gets up from the bench, "I can pull a couple of strings."

Raising a brow I look to her in confusion, "A couple of strings? We're just getting a field, not asking for access to the top stadium in the country."

"Trust me, this will make things more interesting. How about a little friendly wager?"

"A wager? I'm listening?"

Stepping alongside me, we both start to casually stroll towards the exit, "Losing team has to buy the winners drinks. We've all completed our events so we can finally unwind."

Turning to her I hold out my hand as I chuckle, "You've got a deal, crab."

Smirking Spitfire takes my hand and shakes it, "Game on, sapper. We'll see you at 19:00."

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How the fuck did she pull this off!? Somehow Spitfire was able to talk to the organisers of the entire Equestria games and get us the main stadium for our match. Since there were no events for the evening they were happy to give us the main grounds under one condition, anybody who wished to attend was allowed to spectate our match. Word apparently spread quickly through the Crystal Empire that the Rangers would be playing the Wonderbolts tonight.

Standing at the entrance to the main grounds I look back to the tunnel at the rest of my team as they all line up ready for the match, some seem to be excited for the match whereas others seem to hold some reservations. Our layout for the team was myself acting as Captain and playing up front with Colbalt. Sunny, Shadow, Spectre and Slicer were playing midfield. Chaser, Silver, Janine and Sure Strike were in defence leaving Georg as our Goalkeeper.

The Wonderbolts were standing on the opposite side of the hallway as they also waited for the match to begin, although I didn't know all of them I was familiar with a few and knew their positions. Spitfire was Captain and playing as a striker alongside Rainbow Dash, since she was a Wonderbolt reserve she could join their team for the match. Soarin was in midfield alongside High Winds and two others. Fleetfoot and Blaze were filling two of the defender positions and Misty Fly was in goal leaving the rest of the team's positions with members of the team I was unfamiliar with. I was able to win a coin toss with Spitfire to decide which team would have to wear jerseys since none of us had unifroms, since I won I decided to get the Wonderbolts to wear them.

As soon as the referee and linesmen were ready for us we follow them outside onto the pitch, it's only then that I realise how many people turned up to spectate. The mass majority of the stands had been filled, likely with fans of the Wonderbolts wanting to see them try their hand at something other than flying. As I look up I notice all four Princesses have even decided to attend with the girls from Ponyville sitting directly below the delegation box.

With both teams positioned ready on the pitch, Spitfire and myself made our way to the referee for the coin toss to decide who'd kick off. Taking out a Bit he points to me before flipping the coin, "Sun, Rangers kick off. Moon, Wonderbolts." Throwing the coin in the air we all watch as it falls to the floor revealing the sun facing upwards, "Rangers kick off."

Looking back to Colbalt I whistle for him to join me at the centre spot. Once he joins me we wait as the referee prepares the others on the pitch. Glancing up to the Princesses, Colbalt lets out a sigh, "This doesn't feel like a friendly game anymore."

Following his gaze I lock eyes with Luna, "It makes it more fun. Just make sure we don't lose, they have Rainbow on their team so I'll never hear the end of it."

"We're only playing the most advanced flight team in the country. No pressure."

I tilt my head back towards him as I see the ref move into position, "Yeah, advanced 'flight team.' We're not in the air though." Following a few brief seconds, the referee blows his whistle signalling the start of the match as I pass the ball to Colbalt.

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1st half - 06:24 Rangers 0 - 0 Wonderbolts

Trying to close the distance with Fleetfoot I sprint directly towards her as she prepares to cross the ball down the pitch towards our goal, I'm only inches away from blocking the shot as I raise my leg. Turning on the spot I watch as the ball lands in our third of the pitch right at the hooves of Soarin.

Navigating across the pitch he's able to move the ball past Chaser as he tries to slide into the ball. From there Soarin has a straight run towards the goal as he quickly advances. As he nears the target he's cut off by Sunny who quickly moves in to intercept as he shoots, the ball collides with her back sending it off target away from the goal.

As it moves through the air it comes down towards Spitfire and Janine on the corner of the box. Once it lands Janine is able to quickly able to take control but only for a couple of seconds, Spitfire is quick to retake the ball before moving in on the goal. Closing the distance she takes a shot at goal. Georg is just able to reach the shot but is unsuccessful at saving it, the ball clips his talons and hits the post only to bounce behind the line giving Spitfire the goal.

I let out a shallow groan as a large number of the spectators begin to cheer, Spitfire is quickly met by the rest of her team as she runs to the corner post to celebrate her goal.

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1st half - 19:03 Rangers 0 - 1 Wonderbolts

Silver rest the ball down on the pitch as he prepares to take the free kick near the corner flag on the Wonderbolts third of the pitch, following a tackle where Blaze caught Colbalts legs knocking him to the floor.

As we all wait in the box ready for the cross everyone is quickly marked by someone in order to try and defend their goal. Rainbow had come back from the front to try and mark me but I was keeping her on guard as I was frequently moving around.

As soon as the whistle is blown the cross comes in and passes over the defensive wall straight into the box. Moving as quick as I could I sprint around Rainbow bringing me in front of her and decide to use my height to my advantage. As the ball comes down I don't let it fall as I instead jump in the air to header it.

Making contact I steer the ball towards the top right corner of the goal as Misty uses her wings to try and reach it on time, my header caught her off guard though as she wasn't expecting a high shot allowing the ball to reach the back of the net as it passes over her.

As a number of spectators begin to cheer I start to sprint past the others towards Silver on the corner. Reaching him I quickly grab hold of him and drag him with me to the corner flag as we both cheer like madmen, in a few seconds the rest of the team are all jumping on our backs as we face the crowd.

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1st half - 42:37 Rangers 1 - 1 Wonderbolts

Making an advance on goal I'm able to step over the ball to trick one of the defenders allowing me to pass around him as we close on the box. As High Winds and Fleetfoot close the distance on me I glance to the side to see that Shadow is unmarked, scooping my foot underneath the ball I lift it from the ground and over the heads of the defenders as they charge me.

Landing at Shadow's hooves she makes a rapid sprint towards the goal as she attempts to seize the opening. Reaching the box she passes the ball to the side as Spectre comes running alongside her. As the ball rolls in front of her, Spectre takes the shot at full strength sending it hurtling towards the goal.

Misty jumps up to try and save it but the ball is able to pass between her hooves as it sails overhead. Striking the underside of the crossbar the ball bounces behind the line before jumping up again to hit the underside of the net giving us the lead as we enter halftime.

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2nd half - 59:12 Rangers 2 - 1 Wonderbolts

As the ball is passed to me I pivot on the spot to try and pass it to Colbalt as he makes a dash past the half way line, before I can pass the ball High Winds slides in front of me kicking the ball from my feet back towards Soarin.

I watch as the ball rapidly advances on our goal as it's passed between the various players. Reaching the outside of the goal Spitfire receives the ball and dribbles the ball around Chaser, closing the distance she instead opts to kick the ball to the side into the path of Rainbow.

Rainbow slides across the grass as she brings her hoof across the ball with force sending it flying to the bottom corner of the goal. Georg is unable to reach the ball as its speed is too much for him granting the Wonderbolts an extra goal to bring the game level once again.

To celebrate, Rainbow quickly takes to the air and begins a number of acrobatic displays. Watching I shake my head as I move towards the centre of the pitch. You want to show off? so be it.

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2nd half - 64:08 Rangers 2 - 2 Wonderbolts

As Misty takes the goal kick I jostle with High Winds to try and receive the ball, jumping into the air I'm able to flick the ball forward with my head back towards their own goal. As we both land on the floor I take my advantage and sprint ahead of High Winds reaching the ball first as I kick it along the ground to increase some distance.

Running into the last third of the pitch by myself I quickly find three of the Wonderbolts closing the distance on me, High winds from the rear and two others from each side. Waiting until I'm nearly sandwiched I flick the ball to the left as I use my body to shield it causing the two to overshoot their runs. Before they can recover I kick the ball once again towards the box leaving only Misty between me and the goal.

As soon as I reach the line I put all my force into the kick and force the ball to her left, I'm able to catch her off guard as she instead dives to the right allowing the ball to impact with the rear of the net giving us the lead once again. Celebrating I run towards the side of the pitch towards the delegation box as I weave between my team as they try to reach me.

Approaching the sideline I twist my body to the side as bring my hand down to come into contact with the floor, bringing my legs up I perform a quick succession of cartwheels before jumping up onto the edge of the stands. Turning to my team on the field I give a quick succession of bows before jumping down back onto the pitch, performing another forward roll as I land on the grass.

Strolling back to the starting position they all give me a quick pat on the back as I chuckle. Turning my head back I glance back up to Luna to see her with an amused smirk on her muzzle following my antics.

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2nd half - 79:43 Rangers 3 - 2 Wonderbolts

Following a slide tackle by Chaser the Wonderbolts were awarded a penalty kick. Positioning the ball on the spot Spitfire takes a number of steps back as she locks eyes with Georg. Rubbing his talons together he regularly switches his balance between hindlegs to prepare himself to try and save the shot.

As soon as the referee blows for the penalty to be taken, Spitfire charges the ball at full speed and kicks it at full strength. The ball sails through the air towards the right side of the goal. Georg is able to leap into the air to save the shot, just stopping it with his talon the ball bounces back forward into the box to remain in play.

Instantly everyone rushes the ball in an attempt to either shoot or to clear it. The first to reach the ball is Soarin as he takes a shot at the open goal before Georg can get back into position, with the absence of our goalkeeper the ball easily impacts against the back of the next giving the Wonderbolts an additional point.

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2nd half - 89:04 Rangers 3 - 3 Wonderbolts

As the Wonderbolts but on one final attack I call for everyone to defend the goal in an attempt to allow the game to extend to extra time, after playing for ninety minutes it's safe to say that everyone is exhausted from running back and forth across the pitch. As Spitfire keeps the ball on the outside of the box she looks for someone to cross the ball to as Silver marks her and prevents her from advancing herself.

Coming back I make a quick push to her as she tries to step back from Silver. Taking her by surprise I come into contact with the floor as I slide with both legs stuck out towards the ball, by the time she notices me I'm able to kick the ball towards the corner as Spitfire falls on top of me causing us to roll together just off the pitch.

Neither of us tries to get up as we look to the ball as Fleetfoot is able to reach it first. Crossing the ball it lands into the centre of the penalty box leaving it free for the taking. As everyone fights to get it Rainbow is able to reach it, taking control she dribbles the ball past Sure Strike giving her a position on an exposed side of the goal.

Taking the shot it clips the inside of the crossbar to bounce into the goal impacting the side net behind Georg. Having scored the winning goal she quickly takes to the air with the rest of the Wonderbolts as the spectators begin to cheer, the only one who hasn't flown up is Spitfire as she remains lying on top of my chest with her handleg pinned under my arm.

Glancing down to me she gives a sly grin, "You can let go of me now." Lifting my arm Spitfire slowly rises to her hooves but only after she seems to get a cheeky feel of my chest, "It looks like you're all buying us all drinks tonight." As she takes to the air I rest my head back on the grass as I rub my face.

Tilting my head towards the delegation box I notice Luna looking towards Spitfire as she flies to the rest of the team with a level expression, I have no idea what she's thinking as she watches Spitfire then glances back to me. Slowly sitting up I'm helped to my feet as Georg comes over. With the game practically over we all make our way back to our positions for the last couple minutes of injury time.

I've got the feeling my pockets are going to be empty by the end of the night.