Shadow reverently put away his battle saddle. He shouldered his anti-machine rifle and ammo bag, but stopped to look in the mirror. From the angle, all he could see was a Pegasus. He shifted to another angle but still, all he could see was a Pegasus, even with his wings hidden.

But he was getting away with it. That was what mattered. Shadow was sliding by with being Mtoaji, an Earth Pony from somewhere outside Equestria where names were different. And he was looking, and feeling, good in the uniform.

Shadow Flare wasn’t the first on the roof. He beat Red Tip, but Red Tip already had his rifle and equipment out. Shadow set his down and set up the bipod. The rifle barrel couldn’t go past the edge of the wall. Shadow made sure to keep it back a few inches as he laid out along the shooting mat.

He was at spot #3 of 20. There were 17 shooters in the competition. Four were Steel Rangers, only one was a veteran of the competition. It was that same Steel Ranger, Knight Ballistic Coefficient, who had picked up red tip 308s for a job. He was definitely using Red Tip ammo. So were several other shooters. Red Tip’s spot had white tips, not red. No doubt a way to differentiate his own special loads from the ones he made to sell. Five others were shooting anti-machine rifles, two of them being Steel Rangers.

The crowd was already packing the stands. It was good to have a spot reserved for Strawberry and Earthen Charm so they didn’t miss out. Not that they could see very well. Earthen Charm did have binoculars around her neck.

Red Tip nodded to Shadow from his spot after he settled in. It was a waiting game for the moment. Shadow crawled to the edge to look down. Below him he saw stands filled with Steel Rangers. They wouldn’t let civilians be below the wall, but they could trust their ranks to stay calm and safe. Yellow Quartz was below. Her yellow mane was visible, but it was the blue shoulder cloak with the red ribbon that gave her away.

Shadow moved back to his rifle on the mat. All the shooters were there. They were just waiting on the time. Five minutes before, an old Knight in well worn armor called to them from behind them. They rolled over to listen and the crowd hushed. He had a microphone unit on his head to project to everypony.

“I am Star Paladin Warding Blade. The announcer and overseer of this virtuous competition. It is good to see you back, Red Tip. Our five year champion who has shot at place number seven since he started seven years ago. Also back is our very own Knight Ballistic Coefficient who took third last year and the other all star, SD, who claimed second. For the newcomers, Red Tip, SD and Knight Ballistic Coefficient have been jockeying for the title for the past seven years. Longer for SD and Knight Ballistic Coefficient. They span 12 years of titles, staying at their same shooting positions since the start. So you new shooters, good luck.

“Now, here are the rules. Five shots will be taken at each distance. That will start at 800 yards, then advance to 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600 and 1800. As long as your shots are in the black, you advance. Miss one, you are out. That is the standard advancement. After 1800 yards, which is longer than a mile, we may change up target size or style and drop shots being fired from five to one depending on how the match is going. Any changes will be approved by all shooters before implemented.”

“Take your time. Don’t waste time. But breath and shoot when ready. This is about precision, not speed shooting. We will begin in two minutes, on my mark. Good luck to all of you.”

Shadow inserted his magazine and pushed the bolt forward and locked it down. He made his final adjustments and brought the rifle up. He didn’t grab the bit. He was using the scope to do final checks. Steel Rangers were down range tending the targets. They had the relief of the buildings to slip to for cover, and Unicorns were wielding magic shields. But they were relying on the competitors to be steady shots. Little down there could definitively stop the 50 cal anti-machine rifle, and Shadow doubted their shields and armor could stop the red tip 308s.

“You may fire when ready,” The announcer said.

Shadow took a deep breath in, grabbed the bit, lined up his shot and fired. He was ready for the kick but the crowd was not as Shadow skidded back two feet from the recoil. Red Tip’s head popped up over the others.

“Did you just slide back from the recoil?”

“Yep,” Shadow chuckled. “Nothing new.”

“Yeah, but I thought you knew how to shoot it, not get kicked around by it. The damn gun is almost twice your length!”

“I hit the target, dead center,” Shadow shot back.

“Mtoaji did hit the target, dead center,” The Star Paladin confirmed. “He might have been kicked back, but the shot was more than good.”

The others went back to lining up their shots. Shadow reset and lined up his. He pulled the trigger and was kicked back again. Shadow was keeping the rifle in tight, right where it was supposed to be. He was feeling the recoil, but not as much as it appeared. The mat was ensuring he wasn’t stuck digging his bones into steel for the competition. But the mat also didn’t allow him to grip the ground like dirt or cloud would.

Shadow got off his third shot before Spotter had even taken his first. Shadow was done with all five shots before any others had take their third. But all five of Shadow's were dead center. Shadow was sliding less as he learned to work with the rifle and the mat.

Shadow waited patiently for the others to finish. This would certainly take all afternoon. Once the round was over, Star Paladin Warding Blade announced the results.

“At 800 yards all seventeen contestants are in the black and advancing to 1000. Despite his sliding, Mtoaji has a very strong grouping. We will see if he can keep it up at the longer distances. I have just been given the green light. You may fire at the 1000 yard target when ready.”

Shadow didn’t mess around, but he didn’t waste time either. His shots were smooth but fast. He found his range, adjusted for wind and gravity and fired. He was done first. His speed was annoying some of the others. The same ones didn’t like any of the thundering anti-machine rifles.

Everypony cleared 1000 yards and 1200 yards. At 1400 two went just wide and were finished. 1600 booted five more, including two Steel Rangers.

The first round at 1800 booted out four more. It was down to the all stars and the three rising stars. SD at position 1, Mtoaji at position 3, Knight Ballistic Coefficient at position 4, Red Tip at position 7, Slate at position 9 and Knight Spotter at position 10.

“With just five left at 1800, it is customary to begin score keeping.” Star Paladin Wading Blade said. “Inside of the black is three parts. The center X, 10 ring and 9 ring. X counts for 10. The five shots will be scored for maximum score of 50. The shooters will be given their ranks by points. If you tie for the lead, you will move onto another round to sort that out. Now, shooters can be dropped out for a slight mistake inside the black, allowing for the best to be drawn out and prove their worth. Is this agreeable to the shooters?”

All six of them agreed and Star Paladin Warding Blade gave them license to begin the round.

Spotter took the first shot of the round. Shadow breathed deep and fired the same time as Red Tip. Shadow couldn't see the other targets. He was having to lead his target at 1800 yards. His scope wasn’t designed to go nice and close at that range. He had to run a calculated estimate, by using the tick marks on the scope to adjust for the distance and wind as his guide. The other shooters were having the same challenge with their scopes as well. Leading the target was common. It wasn’t that far of a lead off the target, but the black center was small, and the scope couldn’t tell the difference between the rings. The rifle handled the distance just fine as Shadow put all five round inside the size of a teacup.

“We are waiting on confirmation for two of the shooters. SD scored with a 50. Knight Ballistic Coefficient scored with a 50, Red Tip scored with a 50, Knight Spotter scored with a 50. I have received word confirming that Mtoaji doubled up his shots, scoring for 50. Slate is scored also with a very close 50. Targets are changed out, the scorekeepers are clear, you may begin round 3 at 1800 yards.”

Shadow wasn’t the only one loading up five shots before he could shoot. Shadow sighted in and opened fire. The open space before the round entered the shielded Equestrian Drive was treacherous. In between could be troublesome crosswinds that could blow the round off target. Sometimes even multiple crosswinds.

Shadow was done last. But all five were still in the X. Slate got booted with a 49. They were into round five at 1800. Shadow’s rounds were consistent in their location. Knight Spotter slipped and scored 49, ending his run.

“Last newbie Mtoaji,” Red Tip warned Shadow. “Think you can hold on as us old guys play around?”

“Lets find out,” Shadow laughed. “But I have to say, my instructors never trained me to this distance or anything close. At least five of them would laugh at the idea of me doing this competition. Then have a heart attack hearing how long I have survived.”

“That’s comforting to hear,” Knight Ballistic Coefficient said as he peered into his scope. “My friends are down there and you are firing a gun that is bigger than you and can pierce their cover if you miss. And you haven’t been trained on it. But I can’t really complain. You out shot Knight Spotter who I trained.”

“And who was supposed to beat you,” SD jeered right before pulling the trigger.

Red Tip fired. “And he stopped sliding.”

Shadow chuckled and tightened up. His shot was right on the X. The veterans might have relaxed and started poking at each other a bit, But only when it wasn’t going to mess up a shot. They were still on target. They all passed and moved onto round 6. They had fired 55 shots.

Shadow felt shot number 57. It tore into his shoulder. But it was still on target within the same teacup space as all 56 other shots before it.

Knight Ballistic Coefficient spoke up as he rested his shoulder for a second. “You ever notice that it is 308s in the finals every year? The 50s just don’t have the sustainability.”

“Its the premium red tip ammo,” Red Tip replied right before shooting his fourth round. “I can’t make red tip 50s.”

“You don’t sell 50 either,” Knight Ballistic Coefficient added.

“Nope! Nopony needs that much power.”

It was Knight Ballistic Coefficient who slipped. He fired his last round and caught a crosswind he didn’t foresee. The round pulled into the white, scoring 48. It still would have been center mass for most ponies, and even at a mile, almost certain death. He bowed gracefully as he exited, but he was pissed that a newbie, had beaten him. Even more that it wasn’t Knight Spotter.

“And that is it, we have out final three,” Star Paladin Warding Blade announced. “The positions are still up for grabs.”

SD rolled over to look at the announcing booth. “Single shots?”

“Does anypony protest single shot competition?”

“Nope,” Shadow replied loading his magazine.

“Perfect timing,” Red Tip added.

“Then one shot will be taken at 1800 yards for a top score of 10. You are clear to fire.”

“You know Mtoaji,” SD said. “Third place is nice, but it doesn’t cover the cost of the ammo you spent to get there. Not with that 50.”

“I know the cost of your 308 rounds,” Shadow poked back. “You don’t recover it either.”

Red Tip fired.

“Funny comment,” Red Tip said. “The power plant expedition, Mtoaji was place on yellow and sent to the damn.”

“He should have been at least white,” SD replied. “But then again, I watched him prance around and destroy the Reactive Rifle Course. I don’t know where he belongs.”

“At the forefront,” Red Tip replied. “Always ready to breach the hot zone first. If he needs to. he can enter and mount up a shooting post for longer ranges as the others move in. Give them cover fire.”

“I don’t know, his shots are combat effective. He is consistently the faster shooter.”

“No point in lolly gagging,” Shadow replied. “Line up the shot and take it.”

All three of them stopped talking, found their target and fired quickly. 61 was SD’s undoing as he barely edged into 9. The impact on the paper was on the 9/10 line, but halfway, therefore a score of 9.

“And third place goes to SD, on shot number 61!”

“Damn,” SD swore. “It’s not fair. The Red Tips are good, but your whites, you started winning when you brought them out. And only because you get to perfectly tune the rounds to your rifle. I can’t make my own. I have to rely on regular, high quality reds. And it makes a difference. Slight enough to take the lead from me, every year.”

“Yeah well, I can’t help it that you buy your high quality ammunition from me and I get to optimize my rounds to exactly how I shoot.”

They both chuckled and SD bowed graciously before he stepped off to watch from his reserved seat in the stands.

“Things just got really interesting,” Red Tip said to Shadow. “But time for you to go down. I can see you flinch after every shot. Can your shoulder keep taking the beating?”

“Why don’t we find out,” Shadow chuckled.

“Then, I call for target reduction!”

“Bring it!”

The targets were switched down to a smaller size and they continued. After another five shots, they had to screen Shadow's shots because he was shooting through open paper for shots four and five.

“Fine,” Red Tip huffed. “Lets make this easy. Clay targets. If it breaks, its a hit. Miss, and you take second.”

“Deal,” Shadow nodded.

Star Paladin Warding Blade spoke up. “While we get these targets changed out, I will take the time to inform you that these are simple clay circles painted red. They are two inches in diameter and make it very easy to tell who hit and who missed as they are fragile. They are meant for this. The last time we used clays in this competition was 7 years ago, when Red Tip faced off against SD for the title. After a heated round, almost like this one, Knight Ballistic Coefficient had taken third. Red Tip missed on his first shot, giving the title to SD. So Red Tip has an interesting challenge ahead.

“We will begin clay targets now, at shot number 67. That is a big pounding on any shoulder, especially for an unpadded shoulder firing an anti-machine rifle. I do know that Red Tip is utilizing a padded shoulder, although it is difficult to tell. He hides it that well.”

They both fired at the same time. It was pretty easy to tell that they both smashed their targets from the cloud it made in the air.

“Ha!” Red Tip exclaimed. “I passed round one of clays! Take that!”

“Cute,” Shadow laughed. “It was you against the clay, not you against me.”

“Yeah well… shut up!”

They laughed and were given the go ahead for the next shot. Shadow knew his was good but they had to wait a few seconds.

“And Red Tip is safe. He split his target. A split is common, especially when shooting a 308.”

Shadow put his next round dead center, but had to roll onto his back and let the rifle drop free. He was in a lot of pain from that last shot. It wasn’t in as tight as it should have been, and he paid the price for it.

“Both shots are clean, but is Mtoaji waving the white flag to avoid any more pain? Its a big, powerful rifle that anypony would feel after 68 shots in this short of a time span.”

“I’m fine,” Shadow said rolling back over and rotating his bolt.

Targets were replaced and Shadow took a deep breath. Red Tip fired before Shadow even looked down his scope. Shadow wasn’t taking these shots for himself. He had remind himself of each instructor that taught him to shoot. He was doing this to prove to them that he had what it took to be an expert shot at ridiculous ranges.

Shadow looked down his scope, adjusted for elevation and wind and fired. The recoil felt like a dull knife stabbing into his shoulder. But the round was good, blasting apart the clay target. 70 shots. He had 20 more bullets.

“Umm, how many rounds did you bring?” Red Tip asked.

“90,” Shadow replied. “You?”

“I followed my advice to you and brought 90. You can certainly take the pain. How do we make this more interesting? Its getting late. Almost dinner time.”

Shadow looked over his shoulder to where Star Paladin Warding Blade was. “I call for a change in targets. Lets rotate the clay targets from their face to profile.”

“Good one,” Red Tip chuckled. “This is going to be a pain.”

“Alright, we will rotated the targets to the side. They have a width of a half inch. Good luck.”

They were given the approval to fire. Even painted red, it was difficult to see the tiny slip of color at over a mile. Shadow fired first and knew he missed. He involuntarily held his breath, waiting for Red Tip. Red Tip pulled the trigger and his eye twitched from the pain of the recoil. His pad could only save him for so long.

“Both shooters missed the targets,” The Star Paladin announced. “They are clear to fire again.”

Shadow took aim and made his adjustments. At this point, luck was a major factor and the slightest miscalculation of the wind would mean a big error. Shadow wasn’t trained to read the wind in the detailed respect this distance deserved. Shadow pulled the trigger and lost his vision as the rifle’s kick forced tears to sprout in his eyes. Red Tip fired, but there was no reaction. He was as lost as Shadow.

“We have confirmation. This year’s winner, on shot number 72, Mtoaji! Red Tip has been dethroned to second place!”

Shadow rolled onto his back, just wanting to give his shoulder relief. It was over. No more adding to the pain. After a while, as the applause stopped, Shadow sat up. The crowd was being directed out in an orderly departure of the stands. The elevators were not ready to handle so many trying to leave at once. You had no choice in the matter, you had to leave when called.

Star Paladin Warding Blade was talking with the others. Knight Ballistic Coefficient had his yellow ribbon on a yellow string around his neck to display it on his armor. Red Tip had his red one on his chest as well. Shadow got up and trotted over to them.

“Glad you could join us,” The Star Paladin said with a smile. “We don’t do much ceremony here. We have to get a large crowd out through the small elevators. But here.”

The blue ribbon was pinned on right next to the other one.

“They look dashing on that military jacket,” Knight Ballistic Coefficient said. “It really suits you. I assume somepony has spoken to you about joining?”

“Scribe Pea Soup did,” Shadow replied. “High Scribe Pea Soup. I respectfully declined. He also let me brows the archives about the Blue Berets, who’s uniform I am wearing. Fascinating what they did for Equestria during the war.”

“What is with the uniform?” Star Paladin Warding Blade asked.

“I have one set of clothes,” Shadow explained. “And yesterday I did a warm up session to prep for the Reactive Rifle Competition. The clothing was all sticky from the sweat. I needed something else after I showered. And yes, I can tell by your looks, I need clothes. My training regiment had strict rules on that. It’s hard to find something that is okay for a stallion to wear in my size. But this was there, and it was cheap because nopony here wants anything to do with the pegasi, so I bought it. And I am really loving the beret. It won’t work as well as the stetson while traveling, but its fun to wear.”

“It definitely brought you good luck,” Red Tip added.

“I am a Star Paladin. I can organize my own operations outside of regular ones here at the Citadel. I often patrol the greater Trottingham region, especially along the trade routes, to keep the raiders away. Its never more than three in the group, often just me.

“You are still young. Why did you turn down such an offer? You would do well here with us, protecting other ponies. I can see Star Paladin position in your future because you are a pony who can operate in a variety of combat situations, which is often what a Star Paladin is forced to do.”

“What do you know about Kifopiga?” Shadow asked.

The Star Paladin thought. “I have no idea what Kifopiga is.”

“And that is the problem,” Shadow said with a half sigh. “I need that information to keep my home safe. Where my family is. I was trained to go out and pursue it. I have to, or else I can not go home and be safe. So until then, I am stuck, making a living off scavenging and such while I search for the information. To join an organization that would halt my pursuit of that is unwise. It would mean turning my back on my home. They need that information, desperately.”

“Perhaps we can help,” Star Paladin Warding Blade said.

“No,” Shadow shook his head. “You can not. Most likely, that information is too valuable to you. I have seen others killed over dumber shit.”

“I assume it was Dahlia?” Star Paladin Warding Blade asked. “I know you two had a big confrontation this morning.”

“She is a different set of issues,” Shadow replied. “But it was in Fillydelphia.”

“Fillydelphia is a sister contingent,” Star Paladin admitted. “And Dahlia’s home contingent. But we here, in Trottingham, we are not based out of a stable. We are based out of our Ministry of Wartime Technology’s Hub. The Trottingham Contingent Founders were protecting these hubs as the spells came. We have held true to that vision. To protect the ponies in and around Trottingham first and foremost.

“Yes, technology needs to be preserved and more importantly, kept out of the hooves of those who would use it to harm others. But we do not hide or hoard. We do not put technology over protecting ponies. We will sacrifice technology and figure out a way to reclaim it after the citizens are safe. And we have.

“Now that I have made that distinction, I hope that you will consider potential enterprises. As a Star Paladin, I can, and have, drawn in civilians who are specialized in certain areas to get a job done. Can I approach you about any upcoming jobs that would suit you? You do not have to accept and I recognize that you will not always be available. You would be compensated quite well. And perhaps we can find what you are looking for. I go on some interesting missions.”

Shadow took a second to think. He could judge if they were truly different if he was besides them. And they probably wouldn’t need him. And if they were different, they could be more willing to come to peaceful terms with the Enclave. Assuming the Enclave didn’t fuck it up.

“You may. I have to make a living while scouring the area. I am a full resident of Trottingham. I didn’t want to mess with rent, so I bought a place.”

“Wonderful,” Star Paladin Warding Blade smiled. “But I must say to all of you again, wonderful job. You all put down an excellent show and proved you can be relied upon to hit targets are long distances.”

“Oh, and you new guys, right after dinner is the order of ceremony and challenge off. All the awards will be named, and if you received one, you will be called forward so everypony present can see and congratulate you. So Mtoaji, stay ready to enter the area. They will mostly be rodeo ones. But this is so that the stuff you miss, you can see who won what.

“And then right after that, we open it up so that individual challenges can be made. Most of them end up being rodeo challenges, typically to settle a dispute that couldn't be settled in the competition. You can deny a challenge for any reason and its no strike against you. You all are probably safe, but often times Knights will challenge the other competition shooters to challenges because they had to work security and couldn’t compete themselves. Mtoaji, there may be one or two wanting to get some action with you for your amazing performance on the Reactive Rifle Course. I have seen a lot in my day, but nothing like that.”

Shadow blushed with a grin. “Knight Yellow Quartz already threw one down. We get to find out if me kicking the spent casing at the target and knocking it down was a fluke or not. I did it for show, not to score. So I am excited to test that out.”

Star Paladin Warding Blade laughed. “Ah, the festivities this year will be grand.”

They broke apart to clean up their rifles and gear. Initiates had already scoured the area for the brass. Some had fallen below. A bag with the recovered casings was set by Red Tip’s rifle, 308 and 50 cal. He cleaned and reused any decent brass. Any defects, even a minor one, and he would melt it down for recycling into brand new shell casings. He would do the same with the 50 cal cases. They let him have it because they quietly bought 308 rounds from him. The only post war production rounds they allowed in their rifles.

Shadow's rifle hadn’t changed weight, but the spent ammo lightened his load. They were led past the crowd and into the next elevator. They were the shooters, and even though the competition was over, they were still the ones that mattered. It felt good to rack his rifle in the locker and hang the ammo bag up. It was nice not having to worry about carrying anything. He would grab his battle saddle after dinner.

Strawberry and Earthen Charm were waiting for them outside of the cafeteria. Earthen Charm planted a kiss on Red Tip’s lips in greeting.

“You two did amazing,” Earthen Charm smiled. “That was one of the best competitions I have ever seen. They rarely hit 60 shots. And you guys got into the 70s.”

“How much is your shoulder hurting?” Strawberry asked Shadow.

“Uh, it’s sore,” Shadow replied, avoiding a shrug. “But I have felt much, much worse. I have had far worse falls on obstacle courses. I am excluding being shot.”

“So you haven’t escaped the wasteland’s teeth,” Red Tip chuckled. “Your vest is always nice and proper, no hits.”

“I have not gotten shot while wearing the vest yet, but I got shot or stabbed a few times when I had different gear. It’s part of the reason why I changed from my last set of combat armor. I need fast, light, and maneuverable. The combat armor was good, but stopping a 308, that would be questionable. So I chose to ditch it for speed and agility.”

“He flipped off the side of the wall and scored a shot mid air,” Red Tip told Earthen Charm.

“I could not have done that in the combat armor,” Shadow stated.

Earthen Charm spoke up. “So you do obstacle courses, like what?”

“Not what you do,” Shadow replied. “Most of mine were trick courses. A lot of up and down in a predesignated structure.”

“Can’t handle yourself on my turf?” Earthen Charm challenged innocently.

“I could always try,” Shadow batted back. “Unfortunately, there is no way to put you on my turf. That requires a big structure.”

“Well, you will get to play on mine,” Earthen Charm smirked. “I took first this year.”

“I am more than happy to play your little game,” Shadow chuckled. “But Yellow Quartz already has a challenge that I have accepted. I expect another challenge or two for something.”

“I will have to submit it immediately, right after we finish eating. They will need to get a basic course set up.”

“This is going to be fun,” Strawberry smiled.

The main rodeo area was set up with even more bleachers, taking over the ready are for the competitors. It was no longer needed. But the side backing the Citadel was left open as a backdrop for any firearm challenges. Shadow could see that targets were already set up for at least him. He was getting antsy. But first it was the closing ceremony.

Every winner was brought out for that event so that everypony could see the results. Then the announced the Top Rodeo Pony. It was close, but Earthen Charm pulled it off by taking second in a competition, when the other finalist took third. Earthen Charm was immediately back out there when their team was awarded the Top Rodeo Team.

Star Paladin Warding Blade stepped out onto the field. Flood lights were turned on to counter the darkness that was setting itself upon them all.

“Good evening. Congratulations to all the winners, especially the Top Rodeo Team and Top Rodeo Pony. Now enters the challenge time. As this year’s Rodeo Paladin, it is my pleasure to host this final event. We already have two lined up. Both for the same individual and a third challenge laid down for that one as well. Mtoaji, I know you are aware of the first two and have agreed to them.”

Shadow stepped out and went to meet him in the center.

“As you heard, Mtoaji took first in the Reactive Rifle Course and the Long Distance Course. This first one comes from second place in the Reactive Rifle Course. And here she is coming out now, Knight Yellow Quartz.

“Mtoaji scored a negative two on the final course to win. One time he was able to hit two targets with one shot, a phenomenal rarity but proof of his skill. The other was when he had to change magazines. As the final shell casing was being ejected, he kicked it up and then kicked it at the target as he switched magazines. Well it hit the target and it fell, resulting in a registered hit.

“So the challenge is that he couldn't pull it off again. That he can’t kicked that spent shell casing and knock a target down.”

“I’m all ready,” Shadow announced.

“Alright, well against the wall we have three falling targets, just like the one you knocked down. And behind them is a target to shoot with the live round so it ejects the shell casing. We want you to do it three times. It won’t change the outcome because you still secured first place simply by hitting both targets with one shot.”

Shadow pulled out a prepared magazine. “The last shell casing ejects straight up, and only the last. I have five loaded here to make sure that there is sufficient force from the internal spring to trigger it to kick the casing up, not out.”

“Alright, you are clear to load and fire!”

The Steel Rangers stepped back to a safe area and Shadow loaded the rifle. He loved the sound of it slamming that first round into the chamber. Shadow set himself and opened up, drilling the same spot in an instant with all five rounds.

The last case was obvious as it went up compared to the others that went out. Shadow saw it and kicked it up. That was the easy part, especially without having to worry about reloading. He spun, flipping his leg out to kick. It connected solidly and flew towards the target. It went wide, missing completely.

Shadow pulled out a second magazine. He held it up to show it was ready and they gave him a nod. Shadow let the spent magazine drop and set himself. A perfect repeat. Shadow kicked it up, spun and connected with the case. It shot off towards the second, middle, target and hit it dead center with loud PING!

Shadow ducked as the casing came back at him with force. He missed the target topple until it slammed to the ground.

“Oh come on!” Knight Yellow Quartz yelled. “We need better targets!”

“Want to see how hard I can kick it?” Shadow asked her.

“What do you mean?” Yellow Quartz asked.

The crowd was quiet, trying to hear. “Well, you go stand down there and I will kick it into your head and you can tell me if it was kicked hard enough to sufficiently drop these targets.”

“Are you nuts!” Yellow Quartz exclaimed. “I’m not standing downrange while you shoot and then try and kick a piece of metal at my head.”

“Exactly!” Shadow smirked.

Knight Yellow Quartz growled in defeat.

Shadow turned to the crowd. “But hey, we still have a third target right? And I have only tried twice!”

They went ecstatic, cheering him on. Star Paladin Warding Blade nodded in approval. Shadow put his third magazine in and let it go. He kicked the round but it went dead center of the three targets, right where the one he had already knocked down had been. It still had impressive force behind it.

“I have never seen anypony like you before,” Star Paladin Warding Blade told Shadow as the crowd died down.

Shadow held his tongue. He wanted to say it’s because he was a pegasus, not a blundering Earth Pony. He had grace.

Ponies began to move things into the area and Earthen Charm made her way out to them.

“Now Mtoaji,” Star Paladin Warding Blade said. “I know you have approved this next one as well. A competition on an obstacle course. Its this year’s qualifying course. A simple X system. Earthen Charm said you did this a lot growing up. And I recall seeing some moves on the Reactive Rifle Course.”

“You did,” Shadow replied into the mic. “I look forward to this.”

“Alright, well Earthen Charm, who took first in this event this year, will start off so you can see the course. But its follow the numbers. Back against the wall in corner 1, you will come up to the side to corner 2. Cut back across the field to corner 3, around the barrel and up to corner 4, back cutting across the field to corner 1, around that barrel, and to flag 5 where you will come straight up the middle. All while dealing with the obstacles.”

They were already done with the set up. The team were pros when it came to setting it up. Shadow began to play with his beret, flipping it on and off as Earthen Charm made her run.

At the buzzer she dashed off up the line, easily hopping over the obstacle wall. She skidded around the barrel, up and over the next and then the next as she crossed over the field. Each one was varying in height and distance to the next. Earthen Charm showed a beautiful, graceful form in every stride. She came around back up the center, flying gracefully over the last obstacle and past them for time.

“24 Seconds,” Star Paladin Warding Blade announced. “A whole two second faster than your qualifying run, which was also the fastest qualifying time. Mtoaji?”

Shadow flipped his beret around his hoof to land neatly back onto his head.

“Alright, I see what you did. Beautiful stride by the way.”

Shadow trotted over to the starting point and crouched, digging his hooves into the dirt for traction. Earthen Charm had handle each obstacle fine, easily clearing even the highest ones. But she had raced. Shadow was going to show them what it meant to really conquer an obstacle course. How to have fun.

The buzzer blared and Shadow took off, finding his stride immediately. The first obstacle came. Shadow jumped, putting his front hooves on it and then bringing his back hooves in to launch himself high into the sky where he did a lazy, but graceful flip.

He rolled on landing, sliding up to the barrel and coming around corner 2 with ease. As he cut across the field, he had to deal with two hurdles that were at odd distances. The first was the second highest and he jumped it with ease to show his small body could. The second he came right up onto it before planting his hooves and doing a back flip over it.

Shadow landed with practiced ease and kept the same speed as he came straight at the barrel. Shadow slid onto his flank alongside the barrel. He planted his hooves and use it to change direction and launch himself straight at corner 4. Two short walls stood in between him and the corner. And they were at an odd distance to break his pace. Shadow chose to leap over both in one go. It was a tough landing on the other side, but he didn’t loose too much speed.

Around the barrel and down the second long stretch. Shadow kicked the acrobatics up a notch, planting his left forehoof, then his right, and cartwheeling over it with ease. It was not a low hurdle. Shadow came out of it and immediately began to do back springs down the rest of the stretch, allowing him to clear the other hurdle.

He landed clear of the barrel in a dead stop but was ready. All of his training came back as he was back at pace in one move forward. He slid on his flank to make the 90 turn, like he did before, digging his hooves in to spring off in the new direction.

There was one last hurdle left. It was the tallest and it was right by the Star Paladin and Earthen Charm, the finish. Shadow brought his pace up and smiled. The bar was set as the highest on the course. He could clear it in one leap, but that wasn’t fun. Shadow dropped at the last moment, sliding under while also kicking his beret off to flip over the hurdle.

As Shadow came out of the slide the beret landed almost perfectly on his head and he reached his pace with ease to cross the finish line at a dead sprint. Shadow slid on all four hooves into a perfect stop as the crowd cheered. He smiled, fixed his beret, and bowed three times, facing a different part of the crowd on each bow.

The Star Paladin held his hoof up to quiet the crowd as Shadow joined them.

The Star Paladin was smiling. He was loving his job. “Well Mtoaji, your time on the course was 47. 23 seconds slower than Earthen Charm. That speed wouldn’t have been enough for you to pass the qualifier.”

“Well,” Shadow said into the stand alone mic with a shrug. “This is her course. You got a taste to see what I do. This is a race, she attacked it like a race. I do acrobatic obstacle courses. They are show. Pass or fail, not really timed. If I wanted to, I could have just jumped it like she did. But I wanted to have fun. I see ways to jump, flip, and vault off of every single obstacle. I would challenge her to mine, but you have to build a whole supporting structure and then the course.”

“And I want to note,” Shadow said getting everypony’s attention. “My battle saddle didn’t slow me down.”

“I can certainly see that,” Star Paladin Warding Blade said smiling. “And I can certainly say we have never had a pony like you here before. You didn’t take that challenge in the same way Earthen Charm did and meant to lay it down as, but it was a beautiful run. Stunning. And I would have to say I have never seen a pony be able to jump as long of a distance as you have.”

“I’ve done longer,” Shadow added. “And with a ceiling to force me to go low too.”

“Impressive,” The Star Paladin replied. “I wish we could set it up and see it. But now I have a third challenge. Remember, you do not have to accept this one and I would not.”

Star Paladin Warding Blade took a second to phrase the challenge correctly. “Crusader Dahlia, from our sister Steel Ranger Contingent in Fillydelphia, lays this challenge down. I understand you got into a slight altercation with her this morning.”

“I did,” Shadow confirmed.

“And her challenge is that you can not buckle her armor like you claimed you can.”

“Okay,” Shadow said organizing his thoughts. “So, I outright decline. I still say I can, because the armor is like our bodies and our nerves. If you know where to strike the body, you can deaden the nerves and cause the limb to lose control and for a leg, buckle and be unable to hold weight.

“But to prove it we would first off have to be in a fight. And even in a friendly competitive fight, where she is trying to not let me strike her, that is incredibly dangerous for me. An unarmored hoof against a plated, armored hoof, and one back by power armor, does not bode well for me even in a simple sparing match.

“The second, it would break the armor. And I am not going to break your armor over anything other than necessity to save my life. The comment was meant as a warning to get her to back down during a verbal exchange that got into some puffed chested shoving.”

“So you know power armor?”

“The basics,” Shadow replied. He had to tread lightly. “I do not know your power armor models. But it all works in a similar function and it has to work with the wearer’s body, meaning it has to function like their body does. A leg only goes a certain way and only so far.”

“Have you worn power armor?” Star Paladin asked.

The crowd was eating it up. They were loving listening to this show pony with skills and wanted to hear more into his unknown past. To learn how he got to be as good as he was. And this information about power armor was stuff the Steel Rangers would never discuss otherwise. Shadow wanted to let the ponies know the Steel Rangers had their weaknesses. That their armor could be beaten.

“I have,” Shadow replied. “But nothing like what you tote around. Equestrian Power armor isn’t available from where I come from. I know I told you I am in the area looking for something special to take care of my home and make sure it is secured from multiple different threats.”

“What kind of power armor do you mean then?” Star Paladin Warding Blade asked, fully intrigued.

“Its really crude, meant basically to help carry the big guns. And, its really just a steel frame for that gun and to put more protection for the pony carrying it who is usually forced out in the open more. Power armor is extremely rare. Have you ever seen Zebra power armor?”

“No, I have not seen Zebra power armor,” Star Paladin Warding Blade replied. “I didn’t even know they had power armor.”

“It was really late war,” Shadow said. “But, uh, yeah. I can’t really give you a better description if you don’t know what Zebra power armor looks like. But crude or not, they work the same and they break the same, just like all bones break the same.”

“Thank you Mtoaji,” Star Paladin Warding Blade said. “Just to check, are you a Zebra? You are black and white.”

Shadow laughed into the microphone. “That is a first. Being mistaken for a mare, that happens often enough. But no, I am not a Zebra. I am a pony. Still, Equestria is only a small part of the great, big world.”

An Initiate presented Star Paladin Warding Blade with a list. “I have a list of other requests here Half involve you, but you have done enough and the rest of these are not that fun so far.”

An older knight met them on the field, carrying his own mic. “Star Paladin Sir. I know my request isn’t on your list. I only interrupt before they are moved. I would like to challenge Mtoaji to a pistol shooting competition. 25 rounds for points. We have the targets already out from the first event.”

“I don’t compete in pistol,” Shadow immediately said.

“You carry one,” The knight replied. “You wore it the first day.”

“The purpose of my pistol, which is a revolver and a non-equestrian one at that, is to get to my rifle. Or shotgun. Its a back up. If I am reloading and get caught in a jam, I have my pistol. If its the night and somepony tries to jump me while I sleep, pistol. I didn’t put my name down for the pistol competition for a reason. You will out shoot me in the first five rounds. I can shoot well. I can survive, but my strength is in my long guns.”

“Alright,” The knight nodded. “Thank you.”

Shadow trotted off and the Star Paladin began mumbling through the list to get to viable challenges.

“You made me look bad,” Earthen Charm accused Shadow. The look slipped to a smile, turning it to a lighthearted jab.

“I wish,” Shadow smiled back. “Your form was stunning. Beautiful. I have never seen anypony run like you.”

“I also won the Marathon,” Earthen Charm reminded Shadow.

“Marathon pacing is different. You had marvelous form on that short pacing. You are a real master at those style courses. I’m used to vaulting off walls and objects, often going up. I had fun on the course, but you looked beautiful. I couldn't of shaved more than five seconds off my time.”

“But,” Shadow said tapping his chin. “That marathon. I have endurance. Twice what you would expect, and then multiply that by four. Short stride though. Unfortunately, I am exhausted. And I don’t even want to test that, ever.”

Earthen Charm, Red Tip, Strawberry and Shadow Flare all laughed. The competition was over for them all. They had lives to get back to.

Several rodeo challenges happened. They all were to settle the record for ponies that didn’t make it to be ranked. Pride alone was on the line. None of them were particularity interesting.

The Star Paladin called out a unicorn who met him on the field. They quickly discussed something.

“Okay, this next challenge is to anypony, but Gauge here puts the challenge out first to Mtoaji. A shotgun challenge.”

Shadow hopped the fence and walked over to them to get better details.

“Thank you,” Gauge greeted Shadow. “Its simple. I have been wanting to get this shooting event in the exposition for a while, but its been declined multiple times. Mostly because nopony gets it. But a lot of the farmers in my little corner play it. Its simple, its with the clay target disks. It gets thrown into the air and you shoot it.”

“That sounds cool,” Shadow said. “But I don’t have bird shot. I only have my 00 Buck. I only have a small selection of slugs, and I didn’t even bring those. I always pass up on bird shot whenever I find it.”

“I don’t know what bird shot is,” Gauge replied. “I am assuming you mean what we call small shot. The shotgun shells filled with really tiny balls.”

“Yes,” Shadow chuckled. “Its referred to as bird shot back at my home because the only thing it can do real damage to is a bird.”

“Makes sense,” Gauge chuckled. “So basically, my brother has a device that cradles the clay target and allows us to easily throw them out wide to shoot. A moving target in the air. And if slung right, it will bounce along the ground like a rabbit, or in practical terms, somepony dashing away.”

“It has good applications,” Shadow said. “Tracking, with horn eye, or hoof eye coordination. Its got it’s uses.”

“It just needs a real, proper demonstration,” Gauge said. “But if you are up for it, I have 12 gauge small shot shells you can use.”

Shadow smiled. “Let’s do it. Lets have some fun.”

“Ten targets each pony, in each style. I will start,” Gauge said.

Gauge’s brother arrived with the extra shells and the targets. He was an Earth Pony, not a Unicorn like Gauge. The throwing arm was sort of like a spoon. The first clay target was set and then thrown. It flew out, nice and neatly. Gauge easily tracked it and shot it. It exploded into small fragments.

“Very nice,” Shadow said as he put the freshly loaded magazine in his shotgun.

The brother threw the round almost the exact same way. Shadow adjusted and fired. The shot missed and the clay target sailed into the Citadel wall where it shattered.

They continued back and fourth. Shadow soon picked up tracking it and was nailing the clay targets with ease. Then it came time for the ten along the ground. The first clay was let loose. It bounded along the ground at a quick pace. Gauge missed. Shadow’s clay was bounding slightly differently, depending on what ground it hit. Shadow nailed his, putting the pressure on Gauge. It was a fun back and fourth. Despite knowing the challenge, Gauge missed four in total. He still beat Shadow who had missed eight.

“I really like it,” Shadow declared over the microphone. “That was unique and it is has its real life applications. Knowing how to handle a gun, track a target and hitting it is key. Whether that is in the air or on the ground, it is good training. We don’t always fight on the same plain, especially in the cities. I know not to come mess with you and your friends.”

They both laughed and then they split.

Stat Paladin spoke up. “That is it for the night. But I want to tell you all, I will be evaluating that shotgun event for the future. I won’t be the Rodeo Paladin next year. I don’t know who will be. But I would really love to see this shooting event be a demonstration next year. A few times over the course of the rodeo they put it on, compete among themselves. That way, others know what they will be getting into and can get ready to compete in it if they wish the following year. And we can take care of logistics by watching them.

“Again, thank you! Have a good, safe night. Especially if you are heading home now. If you are staying here for the evening, have a safe time traveling tomorrow.”

“That looked fun,” Red Tip said as Shadow got back. “Lots of fun. I wouldn’t mind trying my hoof at it. I know how to make shotgun shells, so I could customize it with my own loads.”

Shadow laughed heartily. “Will you compete without rounds you make?”

“Once you start, you cant go back!”

Both of them laughed. Then Shadow got serious.

“You make you own Shotgun shells?”

“I can make you magnum loads, but I advise you that you will need to be using a shotgun with a thick barrel to help prevent messing up the barrel. Its a heavy charge and with big balls bouncing around inside the barrel.”

“DCD,” Shadow said.

“Right,” Red Tip chuckled. “You have one of the best shotguns in Equestria. It will easily handle those. But they will cost you. And quite a bit more than regular shells. Four times more.”

“I can think of times where magnum loads would be appreciated,” Shadow said. “And worth the cost. Plus, the beanbag rounds are magnum loads. They have to be in order to get enough power into the bean bag.”

“We can take your shotgun out, get the spread pattern, and I can build you an optimized load. I trust you with it. I probably shouldn’t, but I do.”

It was late. Strawberry was the only one without a bed, and she didn’t trust heading back at night, even with others. Thankfully there were still spectator beds available and they were cheap. With the sheer number of spectators staying, the Steel Rangers made a lot of cash, easily. Shadow, Red Tip and Earthen Charm still had their beds free. They were still competitors until tomorrow, 10am.

Shadow didn’t bother to pack. It would be easy and take no time in the morning. He just took his ribbons off and set them in the locker, along with his winner checks. Each check was for 2000 caps.

The Trottingham Steel Rangers kept a bank account with the city for easy purchasing while in town, and for compensation. It worked just as well to hand out rewards. Many of the rodeo winners would cash their checks with the Steel Rangers rather than risk the long hike to the city and then back with them. Their homes were nearby.

Next Chapter: Chapter 118 - Hunting Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 10 Minutes