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Chapter 16: The Final Round – Talent Royale!
“A Talent Royale??” Rainbow Dash asked, “Just what the heck is THAT supposed to be?”
Starlight Glimmer then started to explain, “The way the Talent Royale would work is like this… All of our finalists will discuss together on figuring out what the one, single competition that all of them are most definitely equally matched in is. After that, they’ll compete with each other in that competition at the exact same time. The one Pony who comes out on top of the Talent Royale will have won the final match of the Talent Torunament AND be declared our big winner! Our Talent Champion!”
Everypony cheered loudly and proudly together in excitement for the final round.
“Sounds like a plan to me
” said Flash.
Applejack exclaimed excitedly, “Yeehaw! Let’s do this, y’all! ^^ ”
Shadow Shinobi looked at the red-and-purple scarf around his neck and said to it, “Let’s win this ‘Talent Royale’ for all of Uma, dear Ryu. ”
“Looks like everypony is in agreement,” said Princess Twilight, “And now, everypony… please take this opportunity to congratulate all of our finalists who have made it this far!”
The finalists of the Talent Tournament were the following…
Vinyl Scratch
Rainbow Dash
Rarity
Applejack
Fluttershy
Starlight Glimmer
Arrow Swift
Shadow Shinobi
Trixie
Lyra Heartstrings
Flitter
Moon Dancer
“To all of our finalists here in the Talent Tournament,” said Princess Twilight, “You all have 3 hours to discuss together on what kind of competition you all think you could be equally matched with each other in. Remember: this is supposed to be a fun, fair competition… so NO tricks on each other, NO lying to each other nor holding back crucial facts from one another… NO dirty, foul play of any kind. Be fair, be courteous, and be good sports to one another. With that said… good luck to all of you, and may the best Pony win.”
Everypony in the crowd cheered with excitement, then they each actually had a chance to say congrats to the finalists. The finalists then all met up in the nearest, most vacant open field in Rainbow Falls to discuss the final round.
The final round would have to be something that would translate well to everypony’s talents: Vinyl Scratch’s music-based magic and skills, Rarity’s passion for fashion, Moon Dancer’s brainiac-like knowledge, Trixie and Starlight Glimmer’s own magical talents, Lyra Heartstrings’s abilities in both music and dancing, Shadow Shinobi’s ninjutsu techniques, Applejack and Arrow Swift’s tough-as-nails talents as strong Earth Ponies, Fluttershy’s natural way with animals, Rainbow Dash’s speed and perseverance, and Flitter’s graceful sky-dance moves.
They talked and talked and talked and talked everything over for all 3 of their given deliberation hours.
Just before time ran out, all of the competing Ponies figured and decided on what the best choice of competition for the third and final round, the Talent Royale, would be…
…AN ACTUAL TALENT ROYALE!!!
“By that…” Shadow Shinobi began explaining to everypony watching, “…we mean that everypony here that has made it to the final round will compete against each other using all of their talents, skills, and abilities in a twelve-pony fight to the finish.”
“That sounds an awful lot like a BATTLE Royale than a Talent Royale…” Princess Twilight said, feeling quite sheepish and uncomfortable with such a suggestion.
“I know, but it was the very best idea we could come up with together,” said Shadow Shinobi, “But I promise you that each and every one of us finalists here will be sure to NOT truly harm each other during this final match. We’ll be sure to treat each other respectfully like good sports from start to finish, just like we always have been since the Talent Tournament first started. In this case, Princess Twilight Sparkle of Friendship… I guess you could say that, at least in a way…”
Shadow Shinobi then made an epic ninjutsu pose as he finished speaking quite boldly yet just as epically, “…fighting is magic.” ***
*** You’re welcome for both that and what’s about to happen, MLP fans all over the world.
“Well… okay,” said Princess Twilight, “But don’t think I WON’T intervene if this Talent Royale gets TOO out of hand.”
“We understand, Twilight,” said Rainbow Dash, “But don’t worry, we’ve got this. ^_^ ”
Starlight Glimmer then said to Princess Twilight, “I know you weren't exactly expecting something like THIS, but we think this is the best way everypony can show off their talents in a way that’ll end this Talent Tournament quickly yet properly, just like you and Princess Luna suggested.”
Princesses Twilight and Luna looked at each other, mumbled to each other about this final decision, then Princess Twilight said, “Well… alright, everypony. Just be careful and fair to each other.”
“Agreed,” said Princess Luna.
“Yes, Your Highnesses!” said all 12 of the finalists, as they all bowed respectfully before both Princesses.
Discord then said, “Well, if I may, everypony… even though I’m no longer in the Talent Tournament, perhaps I could contribute as a judge or at least an official spectator? You know, just like I did yesterday?”
“Just being an official spectator will be fine, Discord, thank you,” Princess Luna replied to him, “Twilight and I will be the judges.”
Princess Twilight then said to Discord, “Although, I suppose you could provide the Royale Ring, as long as it’s big, open, and vacant as a Hoofball Field. One that DOESN’T have any traps or surprises in it, THANK YOU.”
“As you wish, Your Highnesses,” said Discord, as he snapped his left hand’s fingers and used his reality-bending magic to create a square, red-fenced area in the vacant, open fielded part of Rainbow Falls. It was an area of approximately 5,300 square yards, much like your usual Hoofball Field, just as Princess Twilight herself requested.
“Excellent work, Discord ” said Princess Twilight.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Discord, “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, my little Ponies… I’m going to spectate from up high. Good luck to you all, and remember: let’s all have a nice, clean match!”
Discord then teleported himself up to the clouds right above the huge ring that had been completely set up for the final match of the Talent Tournament.
Arrow Swift then whispered to Rarity, “Good thing Discord isn’t judging this final match. Otherwise, for the Talent Royale, by ‘a nice, clean match’ he would really mean that he pretty much wants to see total chaos and mayhem.
”
That made Rarity giggle as she said, “I completely agree, darling. Almost everything is a game to him.”
“Totally,” Spike and the rest of the Mane Seven said in plain agreement.
Anyway, all of the finalists stepped inside of the Talent Royale field, took their positions from each other, and then Discord brought out a spectator’s microphone that magically allowed everyone to hear him speak as he said…
“…Fillies and Gentlecolts… little Ponies of all ages… the final round of the Talent Tournament… the Talent Royale… is about to begin. All 12 of our finalists will take each other on with their most incredible skills, talents, and abilities until they can’t go at it any longer, at the time they must say ‘uncle’. Also, if they wind up getting thrown out of bounds OR get knocked out cold OR become neutralized OR completely immobilized, then that results in an immediate disqualification. Plus, in any event that you CHOOSE to step outside of the field for whatever reason, it won’t necessarily result in an immediate disqualification… but only if you put yourself back into the field within the given time limit of 30 seconds afterwards. Otherwise, you WILL be immediately disqualified. Those who have magic items on hand may use them, BUT only if its absolutely necessary in order to bring out the full capabilities of their talents in this final contest such as Arrow Swift using his bow and elemental arrows like the archer he is… or Shadow Shinobi using his magic scarf in order to perform his magic ninjutsu techniques… and please try not to go overboard with said magic items, okay? SERIOUSLY… Now, with all of that being said, the most important rule is THIS… The very last Pony standing shall be the big winner – the Talent Champion – of Equestria’s first ever Talent Tournament! So, without further ado… Everypony… Y’all ready for this?!”
Everypony cheered in excitement, as all 12 finalists – except Vinyl Scratch, of course – all exclaimed in unison, “READY!!!”
“Alright then, my little Ponies,” said Discord, “…lllet’s get ready to ROYAAALLLLLLLLLE!!!”
And with that, the royale ring rang and the Talent Royale began!
To reiterate, the 12 finalists of the tournament were the following…
Vinyl Scratch
Rainbow Dash
Rarity
Applejack
Fluttershy
Starlight Glimmer
Arrow Swift
Shadow Shinobi
Trixie
Lyra Heartstrings
Flitter
Moon Dancer
Both Rainbow Dash and Flitter started things off by flying into the air together. However, before Flitter knew it, Rainbow Dash quickly dashed around and around her – creating a small yet dizzying rainbow-colored tornado around the light purple Pegasus mare.
Discord then said over his spectator microphone, “Ooooh, it looks like Rainbow Dash kicks this Talent Royale off with her famous Rainblow Dry technique!”
Though her mane was getting all kinds of messed up, Flitter was able to keep herself steady before flying straight up out of the Rainbow Tornado.
“Flitter makes a quick recovery!” Discord exclaimed, “OH, but it looks like Rainbow Dash isn’t slowing down for anypony!”
Discord was right, as Rainbow Dash was now trying to make her Rainbow Tornado even bigger and stronger.
Everypony was starting to get sucked into it, but Arrow Swift acted fast he brought out an ice arrow and used his emerald bow-arm to fire it at Rainbow Dash once his sharp, accurate, eagle-like eyes got a lock on the rainbow-maned Pegasus. Arrow had fired the ice arrow at where he predicted Rainbow Dash would be, aaannnd…
FREEZE!!!
Rainbow Dash was now hilariously encased in a huge block of ice and clearly not liking it one bit, as she fell down towards the ground.
However, both Starlight Glimmer and Trixie used their Unicorn magic to catch Rainbow before she hit the ground.
Discord exclaimed, “Wow! Good sportsmanship right there on both Starlight and Trixie’s part! However, it looks like Rainbow Dash’s speedy tactics have just been… PUT ON ICE??? ”
There was a moment of unamused silence, as Noble Wind then said plainly with an unamused tone, “…Dude. Ice puns? Really?? Even I wouldn’t make such a lame joke like that. XP ”
Discord then said to himself, “Everyone’s a critic… Anyway, moving on… It looks like Rainbow Dash could be the first one out of the- WAIT A MINUTE.”
The ice that Rainbow Dash was encased in started to crack all on its own, as it appeared that Rainbow Dash was using all of her might to bust right out of it, which she did so successfully!
Rainbow Dash then said, “C’mon, everypony, I’m a Pegasus… a Pony that was born to handle all kinds of different weather and temperature conditions. You think a little ice can hold me? ”
“No, but THIS might!” said Trixie, as she then fired at Rainbow Dash a magic spell that created some strong iron handcuffs that grabbed Rainbow Dash by both her front and back legs!
Surprised to see THAT, Discord exclaimed, “WHOA, that's not very family-friendly, now is it?”
“What’s up with the cuffs?!” Rainbow Dash asked Trixie.
“I am a great and powerful magician, remember? Handcuffs are pretty much Magic Acts 101,” Trixie replied, being smug as usual.
“Yeah, well, you forgot my wings ” Rainbow Dash pointed out, as she zoomed with all her might around Trixie, once again using her Rainblow Dry technique - this time on the unicorn magician mare.
However, Starlight Glimmer used her own unicorn magic to put Rainbow Dash and Trixie each in strong and tightly small, cyan-green dimensional barriers.
Rainbow Dash couldn't move in hers at all, as she said plainly, “…Dang it. >_<; ”
As for Trixie, she was very shocked as she said, “Why are you trapping me?!”
Starlight replied, “Uh, because it’s a Talent Royale? As in everypony is competing against each other?”
“Oh… right
” said Trixie, “In that case…”
Trixie used her magic to actually make the dimensional barrier cage she was now trapped in just big enough for her to move well enough in it to make it a “Giant Pony Ball”, which was like the Pony equivalent of a giant hamster ball.
Everypony who was competing and couldn’t fly away like Flitter, Fluttershy, or Rainbow Dash was surprised to see THAT and quickly started running.
Discord then exclaimed over the spectator’s microphone, “WOW, looks like Trixie has turned the tables by turning her own cage into a wheel! As for Rainbow Dash, she’s cuffed and caged completely… with no way out of the trap she’s been put into, thanks to both Trixie and Starlight Glimmer.”
Discord was right, and Rainbow Dash knew it because there literally was no way for her to bust out of her very tiny cage OR very tight cuffs.
Rainbow Dash then sighed as she reluctantly said with a look of hilariously plain discontent on her face, “…uncle…”
“Looks like Rainbow Dash is officially out of this competition!” said Discord, “As for everypony else, let’s just see how they’ll deal with the Great and Mobile Trixie. ”
Most of the other competitors got out of the way of Trixie’s wheeling rampage, except for Applejack, Starlight, Vinyl Scratch, and Rarity as Trixie chased them all down.
Just then, Applejack saw that they were headed for one of the field edges and said, “Listen up, ya'll! On three, we split in two directions!”
Starlight replied, “Sounds like you have a plan, A.J, so… whatever you say!”
“Whatever your plan is, let's do it quickly, Apple-darling!” said Rarity, who clearly was fearing for her life by Trixie’s Big Pony Wheel of Destruction.
“1… 2… 3!” Applejack said, as she then jumped left while Starlight and the other unicorn mares jumped right.
Trixie smashed into the field’s edge where its red fences were and ended up rolling out of bounds before she could completely stop herself in time.
“OH…!!” Discord exclaimed, “Being tricked into smashing right into the fences AND going out of bounds in the process? The going out of bounds part isn’t a big deal, but smashing both into and right through the field’s fences is an automatic disqualification for Trixie, everypony! With Trixie and Rainbow Dash both out of the final round, only 10 Ponies remain! Wait, what’s this?!”
Vinyl Scratch and Lyra Heartstirngs were using their music-based magic to take each other on!
Vinyl had materialized a big boom-box radio to sound-blast Lyra and her harp music away, which Vinyl did successfully!
Then… while Lyra had her guard down, both she and Moon Dancer were completely and literally put on ice by Arrow Swift’s ice arrows. They were both frozen solid now!
However, Moon Dancer used a simple Fire Spell to thaw herself out of the ice almost immediately.
“WOW, an amazing counter-move by the intelligent Moon Dancer!” said Discord, “Unfortunately, Lyra Heartstrings appears to be out of the contest now too, since she has been frozen and completely neutralized! So, that now just leaves only 9 Ponies in it!”
“Aw, man!” said Pinkie Pie, munching on a big bag of popcorn with Spike as they watched from the sidelines with everypony else, “Lyra is already out of the final contest?! Just like THAT?! What a load of hayseed!”
“I know, right?!” Spike replied in agreement.
*** I hope you hardcore MLP fanbasers can see what I did there. ^_^
Starlight noticed Trixie getting out of her “Pony Ball” once the spell had worn off. Trixie was wobbling around like she was dizzy beyond all natural reason. Starlight Glimmer got concerned and quickly ran to her.
“Are you alright, Trixie?” asked Starlight worried, as she helped Trixie keep her balance.
“Y-Yeah... the Great and Powerful Trixie has been through worse... ” answered Trixie, regaining her composure.
“Aww, another show of good sportsmanship,” said Discord, “Still, Starlight Glimmer is currently standing out of bounds at the moment, so she better get back in the field or she will be immediately disqualified!”
Starlight was shocked when she heard Discord say that, then she looked back and forth between the field and Trixie while thinking what to do.
After a few seconds, Starlight helped Trixie get far away from the field.
“Starlight, what're you doing? You'd probably win this,” said Trixie, confused by why Starlight didn’t just go back to the field.
“I know, Trixie, but I'd rather make sure my best friend is okay,” answered Starlight, as she took Trixie to a medic pony.
Nurse Redheart quickly arrived on the scene, then Trixie said, “Thanks, Starlight… Now go!”
Starlight nodded, as she ran as fast as she could back to the royale field and actually made it back in there just before the Disqualification Soccer-Horn Spell that Twilight decided to use went off.
Twilight then said, “WHOA, Starlight made it back in time with just 0.00000001 seconds left to spare.”
“Starlight Glimmer just narrowly avoids disqualification!” Discord exclaimed.
Starlight Glimmer panted heavily from running so dang fast as she said, “Good… and I would’ve… just used a… Teleportation Spell… but I didn’t… want to risk… it counting as… cheating… or… a legit yet cheap trick…”
Discord then noticed something happening on the royale field as he said, “Hmmm… it looks like Flitter and Fluttershy are playing it safe by flying in the air above the royale ring. A bit cowardly for my tastes, BUT technically speaking, it is NOT against the rules as long as they aren’t flying above the out-of-bounds area of the field.”
Flitter and Futtershy responded by saying plainly together, “Uh… thank you, Discord? >_<; ”
“Look out!” Flitter then exclaimed to Fluttershy, as Arrow Swift fired ice arrows at both Pegasi mares.
Fluttershy was definitely surprised by that, but she quickly dodged the ice arrows with Flitter. Flitter did so like the graceful sky-dancer she was, while Fluttershy dodged the ice arrows frantically.
“Sorry, ladies! Nothing personal!” Arrow Swift called out to them, “But you know, when you really stop to think about it… in this competition, it would be considered sexist of me to NOT fire arrows of freezing ice at both of you.”
Just then, Arrow Swift got snagged and pulled away by his back hooves as Shadow Shinobi skillfully used his magic scarf to do just that.
However, Arrow quickly countered that by firing a yellow electricity arrow at Shadow to try and shock him.
Shadow quickly dodged that electric attack, but not before also slamming Arrow Swift right into Applejack. At the time, A.J. was trying to rope lasso both Starlight and Moon Dancer, but then Arrow Swift got slammed into the cowgirl Pony at the last minute.
It was then and there that both Starlight and Moon Dancer used Freezing Spells on Arrow and Applejack. However, Arrow quickly launched from his bow-arm a couple of red fire arrows to counter that combined ice attack.
Noble Wind then said from watching in the stands, “This is great, but I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe too many ice attacks are being used at this point.”
“No kidding,” Flash Sentry agreed.
“Time to wrap this up!” said Arrow Swift, getting back on his feet and running while dodging whatever attacks anypony was throwing right at him, “Discord said that we could use magic items in this final contest… and that particularly and perhaps intentionally applies to me and Shadow Shinobi most significantly… and specifically... but clearly, Shadow and I cannot nor are using the FULL power of our magic items since we don't want to go overboard. So, I guess we're in the clear and it's all still fair game for everypony here. I mean, it's not like we're using 'talent enhancers' or anything like that at all, Equestria knows THAT. Still… I think enough is enough! I might not be able to use the full power of my Artemis Bow in this final contest… but I think there's another way that will be all fair in this final game!"
Arrow then quickly jumped up into the air and actually did the impossible!
He brought out all 6 types of elemental arrows there were and loaded them all onto his bow-arm!
Then, Arrow Swift had launched into the air one of each type of elemental arrow there was ALL AT ONCE: ice, fire, water, wind, light, and electricity!
Arrow Swift then quickly followed it up with a second wave of that combined elemental arrow attack, but then Arrow figured that was the limit.
“Incoming!” Starlight exclaimed, as she and Moon Dancer casted Protective Barrier Spells around themselves to block the elemental arrows.
Fluttershy had managed to get out of the way, but unbelievably, a wind arrow had hit Flitter and blew her away right out of the royale field!
Oh, and she ended up landing on the ground of the out-of-bounds area so hard, that she got knocked out cold. Flitter was okay and going to be all right, but she was automatically disqualified as well.
Shadow Shinobi used his magic dragon scarf to absorb the fire arrows from Arrow Swift’s elemental arrow attack.
Light arrows had hit both Vinyl Scratch and Rarity, but since Vinyl Scratch was wearing her trademark shades, she was okay.
Rarity, on the other hoof… well, she was over-dramatically exclaiming that she had gone blind like the totally hilarious drama queen she was as she said, "AHHH!!! I'M BLIND!!! I'VE GONE BLIND!!! OH WHY, DEAR EQUESTRIA?!?!?! WHY?! WHY?! WHY-HY-HY-HYYY?!?! T^T OH, CURSE YOU, CRUEL FATE!!! CURSE YOU FOR ALL ETERNI- Oh, wait, my eyesight is returning. I'm okay~ ^3^ "
Rarity's attitude changed when she realized that during her little drama show, she had actually wandered herself all the way to the red fence border of the royale field… aaannnd then she realized that Applejack was right behind her, indicating that the cowgirl Pony - while she had gotten soaking wet from the water arrows of Arrow Swift's last attack - had managed to stay in the ring and was now about to donkey kick Rarity right out of the ring…. and enjoy it VERY much, I might add.
Realizing all of THAT at the very last second with no time to fully counter it, all Rarity could say was, “…Dang it. >_<; ”
Rarity then screamed hilariously as Applejack kicked her right out of the field. Rarity was then left in a complete, anime-styled daze that led her to being automatically disqualified.
As for the electric and ice arrows, they had ended up hitting both where Starlight and Moon Dancer were on the field. However, thanks to the unicorn mares using their magic barriers to protect themselves, they were completely unharmed. Yep, NO ice cold nor electroshock treatments for those ladies.
Discord then stated, “Well... all of THAT certainly just happened, now didn't it, everypony? Regardless, it would appear that Arrow Swift's elemental arrow assault has resulted in both Flitter and Rarity being taken out of this final contest! Now, it would appear that there's only 7 Ponies left on the field, which means we're nearly at the halfway point of this epic conclusion to the Talent Tournament!”
Everypony in the crowd was enjoying how the Talent Royale was turning out at that point.
Applejack then used her trusty lasso to grab Arrow Swift by his bow-arm and suddenly had Arrow laying on his back with all four of his legs tied up before he fully realized what had just happened to him.
“Sorry Arrow, but this here cowgirl ain't givin’ up yet!” said Applejack.
“Neither am I!” said Arrow Swift, as he actually busted himself free from the binding rope around his limbs using nothing but his own powerful strength.
THAT really surprised Applejack, as Arrow Swift then attempted to low sweep-kick at Applejack’s legs.
Applejack was able to jump and dodge Arrow’s sweep-kick, and then they both started to have a hoof-to-hoof kickoff with their hind legs.
It was all basically happening in a way that would make one simply say, “They know Hoof Fu… whoa…” ***
*** First one to get THAT reference gets a cookie. ^^
“Yer not bad… fer an archery pony,” said Applejack, as soon as they stopped kicking for a quick second.
“Well, YOU yourself seriously have got some good kicking power, A.J.,” said Arrow Swift, “I think I can barely keep up with you.”
Rarity was of course sitting on the sidelines now, as she said to herself plainly with a jeally tone, “…I think those two are starting to become a little TOO friendly with each other…”
Just then, Vinyl Scratch was using her music-based magic to make a REALLY gigantic boom-box radio materialize out of thin air and started playing loud, earthshaking hip-hop rap music!
That really took everyone by surprise, as Applejack suddenly fell onto the ground and used her signature cowgirl hat to cover her ears.
Everyone was now covering their ears!
Well, everyone that is, except for apparently Shadow Shinobi.
Shadow didn’t seemed phased at all as he said, “Ha! I am a highly trained and disciplined ninja! You think mere loud music can stop me?!”
Shadow then made a meditative ninjustu stance while Kanji symbols started to appear in the background behind him as he chanted to himself, “Uma, Ryu, Hebi… Uma, Ryu, Hebi… Uma, Ryu, Hebi…!”
As Shadow Sword kept saying that chant over and over, he was actually making magic, silver-colored electricity spark around his unicorn horn until Shadow then said, “Kirin Strike!”
*** For those of you who don’t know, “Uma, Ryu, Hebi” means “Horse, Dragon, Snake” and that leads to what “Kirin” means. In Asian mythology, a Kirin is actually a mythical creature that’s half-horse and half-dragon with a few snake-like features AND at least some Kirin actually have the mighty power of thunder and lightning. Pretty cool, huh? ^_^
Shadow fired from his unicorn horn what actually looked silver-colored lightning!
The magic lightning hit Vinyl Scratch’s brutally big boom-box and caused it to completely short-circuit and fizz out. Vinyl couldn’t use its powerful loud music anymore.
Everyone was amazed by what just happened, as everypony competing in the Talent Royale just stood there frozen in shock with awestruck faces… including Vinyl Scratch herself, as she was in such shock and awe – no pun intended, by the way – that she actually lifted up her sunglasses to reveal her purple pupils, just to further show how awestruck she was then and there.
Shadow then said to Vinyl, “You lower your guard too easily.”
Before Vinyl knew it, Shadow had quickly appeared right behind her and karate-chopped the back of her neck with his front right hoof surging with his silver-colored magic. THAT instantly knocked Vinyl Scratch out cold, as she collapsed on top of her gigantic yet recently wrecked boom-box radio.
Shadow then jumped up and landed on the ground where Arrow Swift and Applejack were, as he then said to both of them, “…Kon’nichiwa. ^_^ ”
Discord then said over the spectator’s microphone, “WOW!!! That truly was quite the SHOCKING performance by Shadow Shinobi, now wasn’t it, everypony? With that, Vinyl Scratch is hereby out of the Talent Tournament! But let’s just see now how Arrow Swift and Applejack will do against the Ninja from Uma.”
“Alright, yer goin' down, Ninja Boy!” Applejack said to Shadow Shinobi, as she then charged towards him while twirling a new rope lasso.
Arrow Swift actually backed Applejack up on that, as he fired a couple of ice arrows at Shadow Shinobi. However, Shadow jumped and flipped to his left to dodge them.
Applejack then threw her rope lasso at where she predicted Shadow would land, but Shadow jumped up high in the air just a second before Applejack could rope Shadow’s hooves together.
Shadow then used his magic dragon scarf in an attempt to have it strike and bite Applejack and Arrow Swift, but both Earth Ponies were quite agile and dodged those attacks.
Meanwhile, Starlight Glimmer and Moon Dancer were both exchanging magic energy blasts with each other. It eventually led to Moon Dancer using a Rebound Barrier Spell, which surrounded Moon Dancer in a light lavender-colored energy barrier that reflected a Freezing Spell from Starlight and sent it right back at Twilight’s student.
Fortunately, Starlight managed to just narrowly dodge her own Freezing Spell by jumping to the side, but it actually ended up hitting and freezing Applejack in place!
“Sorry!” both Starlight and Moon Dancer said to their cowgirl friend.
Luckily, Applejack managed to bust her way out of her own icy prison like the truly strong Earth Pony she was, but just then Shadow’s scarf lashed around Applejack and the ninja unicorn flung Applejack right out of the royale ring!
When Applejack landed on the ground, she herself was now in an anime-styled daze that led to her becoming automatically disqualified from the tournament.
“And just like that, Applejack is out of the tournament!” Discord exclaimed, basically repeating what was just typed here.
Anyway, at that very moment, Fluttershy got right up in Shadow Shinobi’s face and said to him, “Who do you think you are, Mister Hotshot Ninja?! > : ( ”
“OH, BOY, here we go… ” said Spike, as he and Pinkie Pie munched on some more popcorn together, knowing that Fluttershy was about to give Shadow Shinobi the business.
Fluttershy continued to be strict with Shadow as she then said, “You think you can just go around this sporty semi-battlefield, zap everypony with lightning, and then knock them out or fling them right out of the ring or both?!”
At this point, Fluttershy was actually making Shadow step backwards sheepishly while the pink-haired Pegasus mare hovered just a foot or two above the ground. Also, Arrow Swift himself was actually getting a kick out of watching Fluttershy teach the Ninja Prince some manners.
Hopefully, EVERYONE could see where all of THIS was going.
“You better learn some proper manners, buster!” Fluttershy said to Shadow Shinobi, “…or else I’ll have to give you… THE STARE.”
“…I’m sorry, the what now?
” asked a fairly confused Shadow Shinobi.
“The THIS,” Fluttershy answered, as she then gave her trademarked glare of a stare at Shadow Shinobi while everypony cheered for the Pegasus mare.
Rainbow Dash cheered from her tight, magical sphere-shaped prison – STILL stuck in it, I might add – as she said, “WHOO!!! Go, Fluttershy, GO!!! ”
Shadow Shinobi then said, “OH, trying to intimidate the intimidating nature of a ninja, are you Fluttershy-chan? Well, first of all… I do believe that what I just said is a bit of a ‘tongue twister’, yes? And secondly… GAME ON… > : ) ”
It was right then and there that both Shadow Shinobi and Fluttershy started to have a staring contest between the two of them, as Arrow Swift then said, “Hmm… maybe THAT is what they should’ve done for their second round match of the tournament yesterday instead of that animal race thing…”
Arrow Swift then said shrugging, “…Oh, well. ”
Arrow Swift quickly fired a couple more ice arrows at both Ponies!
Shadow managed to dodge them like the highly trained ninja he was, but unfortunately, Fluttershy became frozen solid, couldn’t move at all or break herself free out of the ice, and was now out of the tournament for being completely neutralized now.
Rainbow Dash then said plainly, “Well… THAT stare-down turned out to be letdown. >_<; ”
“OH, how tragic! T^T ” said Discord, “Poor, sweet little Fluttershy is now out of the Talent Tournament! For her, it was just too soon… but she will ALWAYS be remembered as quite possibly one of THE best finalists that the first ever Talent Tournament ever had…”
Discord then wanted a moment of silence to honor his dear, frozen friend…
…while everypony else in the royale ring continued to fight each other.
Rude, yes, I know, but it WAS still a competition in progress, sooo… yeah.
However, Discord used his reality-warping magic to not only free Fluttershy from being frozen solid, but he also made her be his co-announcer.
Once Discord told Fluttershy that, she hugged him adorably as she said, “Aww, that’s so sweet of you, Discord~”
Discord replied, “Yes, well, what was happening down below just now was quite frankly a little too rude, even by MY standards. Anyway, it now looks like it could very well be… Shadow Shinobi V.S. Arrow Swift… and Starlight Glimmer V.S. Moon Dancer…”
Fluttershy exclaimed on her own spectator’s microphone, “That’s right, my little Ponies! We are now down to the Final Four Finalists!”
Everypony cheered as they all watched Starlight and Moon Dancer continue to clash spells with each other, and also watched Shadow and Arrow go hoof-to-hoof with each other archero-a-ninjao.
*** I am fully aware of what that last word is dangerously close to, by the way, LEGO fans of the world.
Everypony cheered for all of the four finalists as they got ready to take each other on.
Shadow Shinobi got the Aura Dragon Scarf ready for action, while Arrow Swift got the Artemis Bow ready for action as well.
Both stallions were facing each other off in this epic final showdown….
“You ready to do this?” Arrow asked Shadow.
“I am ready whenever you are, Arrow-san,” Shadow replied.
Arrow Swift fired a small wave of ice arrows at Shadow, but the trained ninja dodged them all and tried to strike Arrow with the magic scarf’s dragon-fanged bites.
Of course, Arrow Swift successfully dodged each of those attacks with great agility.
Everypony in the crowd was getting into the epic battle between the ninja and archer ponies, as they started to ignore both Starlight Glimmer and Moon Dancer.
Both unicorn mares didn’t like that, so they both smiled at each other as they decided to team up. They ran and fired a couple of magic energy blasts at both stallions, nearly catching both of them off guard as the stallions just narrowly dodged the magic attacks.
THAT definitely surprised everypony in the crowd, as Discord exclaimed, “WOW!!! It looks like this has turned into a temporary tag team match!”
“It certainly does!” said Fluttershy.
Both unicorn mares continued to use their magic against the two stallions.
Arrow Swift then countered a Freezing Spell from Starlight Glimmer with an ice arrow, causing a huge explosion made out of icy snow to be made!
That REALLY made all four Ponies start feeling the chilling tension of their final match.
Starlight used a Thermal Heating Spell to get rid of the icy shroud, but as Moon Dancer was about to do the exact same thing… she nearly got hit by a wind arrow from Arrow Swift!
While the wind arrow did pass by her, it still generated enough of a powerful gust to send Moon Dancer flying right out of the royale field!
Moon Dancer landed on the ground pretty hard, and while she would be okay, she was knocked out cold and also instantly disqualified.
Now it was just down to Starlight Glimmer, Arrow Swift, and Shadow Shinobi.
“This could very well be it, my little Ponies…” said Discord.
“It sure could be…” said Fluttershy.
Everypony that was watching what was happening now…
…they all waited with anticipation about what was going to happen next…
Arrow Swift, Shadow Shinobi, and Starlight Glimmer all shifted their eyes at each other… wondering who was going to strike first, and whom exactly they would strike.
And then… all 3 Ponies went for it by charging at each other where they would meet: right in the very center of the royale field!
Arrow Swift got ready to fire more wind arrows, Shadow Shinobi got ready to strike with his magic dragon-fanged scarf, and Starlight Glimmer…
…she used nearly all of her magical might to create the most powerful blast of gusty air to send both Arrow Swift and Shadow Shinobi flying backwards!
The Gust Spell wasn't used at point-blank range, but pretty close enough to it.
Arrow Swift ended up landing right outside of the royale field and was now in an anime-styled daze that led to him being disqualified, while Shadow Shinobi used his magic scarf’s dragon-fanged form to bite into the ground of the royale field.
Shadow then quickly slingshot his way back straight towards Starlight Glimmer as she was catching her breath from that last powerful Gust Spell she used.
Starlight was thinking to herself, “Darn it… I used my Gust Spell just a couple of seconds too early…”
“Starlight, look out!” Princess Twilight called out to her.
Starlight saw Shadow heading straight towards her with his magic scarf ready for another attack, so she quickly spun and dodged out of the way of the Ninja Prince.
Narrowly yet successfully doing that, Starlight had spun 540 degrees, so that finally…
…she fired one more Gust Spell at Shadow, this time that WAS at point-blank range and actually made Shadow and his magic scarf be separated from each other!
Both Shadow and his scarf winded up right outside of the royale field…
…and Shadow landed on the ground so hard, that he was in an anime-style daze that led to him being disqualified from the tournament…
…leaving Starlight Glimmer standing in the huge ring all by herself…
…which meant only one thing…
It took everypony a few seconds to process what had just happened, but then Fluttershy simply said…
“STARLIGHT GLIMMER WINS!!! SHE DID IT!!! SHE WON EQUESTRIA’S FIRST EVER TALENT TOURNAMENT!!! SHE IS EQUESTRIA’S FIRST EVER TALENT CHAMPION!!! WOOOOOOOO!!! ”
Everypony in the crowd cheered as loudly as they could. Starlight smiled and waved at the crowd while catching her breath from all of the royale-ing that just finished thanks to her.
After all of the Ponies that lost recovered, woke up, and/or were freed from and/or thawed out of their cages, Starlight Glimmer received a big group hug from Twilight, Spike, Trixie, and the rest of her Mane Seven friends.
“You did it, Starlight!” Twilight said to her, “I’m so proud of you! We’re ALL so proud of you! ^^ ”
“Thank you, Twilight,” said Starlight, “But everypony else that competed in the Talent Tournament and/or helped in defeating Dark Mind these past few days were just as fantastic. Although, I have to admit… I never expected that this entire Talent Tournament idea would be won by, well… ME of all Ponies.”
“Ah, don’t be so modest, sugarcube,” Applejack said to Starlight.
“Yeah, you were BEYOND all kinds of awesome!” Rainbow Dash added.
“She certainly was,” said Trixie, “Starlight, you truly are every bit as great and powerful as I am. Maybe even more so!”
“Thanks, everypony,” said Starlight, feeling a bit embarrassed yet smiling adorably.
Twilight then looked at Moon Dancer and said to her, “You were great too, Moon Dancer. I’m very impressed that you managed to make it as far as the Final Four. ”
“Thanks, Twilight,” said Moon Dancer as she smiled and blushed adorably herself, “I guess all that time being a book-loving shut-in paid off after all. ^///^; ”
Everypony laughed at that, just as Flash Sentry then said to Twilight, “Starlight really is a great pupil, Princess Twilight. You really do know how to pick ‘em. ”
Twilight smiled and blushed cutely at Flash’s compliment, just before Arrow Swift and Shadow Shinobi stepped in.
“You won fair and square, Starlight-chan,” said Shadow Shinobi, “Congratulations. ”
“Yeah,” Arrow agreed, “But with all due respect, don’t let it go to your head. Because next Talent Tournament… I’ll be winning it. Count it. ^_^ ”
“Nah, it’s gonna be ME next time ” Flash stated.
“Perhaps it will be ME instead,” said Shadow Shinobi
“We’ll see about that, boys ” Starlight replied.
Half an hour later, it was time for the big award ceremony, as ALL of the first ever Talent Tournament’s many contestants stood together, with Starlight Glimmer standing in front of them all… as well as standing before both Princesses Luna and Twilight.
Starlight still couldn’t believe that she won the first ever Talent Tournament, which was practically both hers and Rarity’s idea in the first place.
It was like Starlight won her very own tournament, but she did so because she truly did compete the hardest. Plus, she DID play a vital role in the defeat of Dark Mind, as well as won the tournament WITHOUT having to use any magic items like Arrow and Shadow used, sooo… yeah, there was all of that to take into consideration as well.
Anyway, Princess Luna spoke up, “Starlight Glimmer… for showing the most impressive feats of perseverance, determination, and skill… Princess Twilight and I are proud and honored to hereby dub you as Equestria’s first ever TALENT CHAMPION.”
As everypony in all of Rainbow Falls cheered for Starlight Glimmer, Princess Twilight handed to her dear pupil an exquisite gold trophy.
Starlight Glimmer then said to Twilight, “You know, it’s funny… Once upon a time, I didn’t want ANYTHING to do with talents or Cutie Marks at all, except for maybe my own… but now, after going through this entire adventure with everypony… and seeing how incredible their own talents can be AND how incredible their own talents can make them… I now LOVE the many different kinds of talents there are more than ever! Still can’t believe I won mine and Rarity’s own tournament idea, though. Who’d have thunk it? ”
“Well, what matters is that you did great, and you won fair and square,” said Twilight, “And once again, all of Equestria – if not the rest of our entire world – is saved from an evil threat.”
“About that…” Princess Luna whispered to Princess Twilight, “Don’t forget that Discord and I must discuss with you and your friends, including those three stallion ones, about something important we found out from Dark Mind after we imprisoned him back in the Realm of Tartarus.”
“Right, but really, what do you mean, Luna?” Twilight asked her, a little concerned after hearing all of that.
“Again, we’ll talk about it later once we’re all back in Canterlot with Princess Celestia,” Luna replied, “I promise.”
Princesses Twilight and Luna then stepped forward before everypony in Rainbow Falls, and then Princess Twilight said, “Thank you, everypony, for making Equestria’s first ever Talent Tournament become a big success!”
Princess Luna added, “And a special thank you to all of the talented Ponies that competed in the tournament! Regardless of how far each and everyone of you got in the tournament, each and everyone of you performed most admirably in it! So, each and everyone of you should be proud!”
Princess Twilight finished saying, “And we hope to see everypony here again in the next Talent Tournament! Thank you again so very much, my little Ponies! Goodnight!”
All of Rainbow Falls cheered loudly and proudly, as Pinkie Pie fired off a bunch of her Party Cannons AND Rainbow Dash took off into the sky and created her famously trademarked Sonic Rainboom!
And all of that made it official…
Equestria’s first ever Talent Tournament was hereby over.
However…
…as the Talent Tournament concluded… something else was about to begin… something BIG.
Now, no need to worry, our little readers. There isn’t going to be any new threats throughout the rest of this story, BUT make no mistake…
…This story isn’t over just yet.
“A Talent Royale??” Rainbow Dash asked, “Just what the heck is THAT supposed to be?”
Starlight Glimmer then started to explain, “The way the Talent Royale would work is like this… All of our finalists will discuss together on figuring out what the one, single competition that all of them are most definitely equally matched in is. After that, they’ll compete with each other in that competition at the exact same time. The one Pony who comes out on top of the Talent Royale will have won the final match of the Talent Torunament AND be declared our big winner! Our Talent Champion!”
Everypony cheered loudly and proudly together in excitement for the final round.
“Sounds like a plan to me
” said Flash.Applejack exclaimed excitedly, “Yeehaw! Let’s do this, y’all! ^^ ”
Shadow Shinobi looked at the red-and-purple scarf around his neck and said to it, “Let’s win this ‘Talent Royale’ for all of Uma, dear Ryu.
”“Looks like everypony is in agreement,” said Princess Twilight, “And now, everypony… please take this opportunity to congratulate all of our finalists who have made it this far!”
The finalists of the Talent Tournament were the following…
Vinyl Scratch
Rainbow Dash
Rarity
Applejack
Fluttershy
Starlight Glimmer
Arrow Swift
Shadow Shinobi
Trixie
Lyra Heartstrings
Flitter
Moon Dancer
“To all of our finalists here in the Talent Tournament,” said Princess Twilight, “You all have 3 hours to discuss together on what kind of competition you all think you could be equally matched with each other in. Remember: this is supposed to be a fun, fair competition… so NO tricks on each other, NO lying to each other nor holding back crucial facts from one another… NO dirty, foul play of any kind. Be fair, be courteous, and be good sports to one another. With that said… good luck to all of you, and may the best Pony win.”
Everypony in the crowd cheered with excitement, then they each actually had a chance to say congrats to the finalists. The finalists then all met up in the nearest, most vacant open field in Rainbow Falls to discuss the final round.
The final round would have to be something that would translate well to everypony’s talents: Vinyl Scratch’s music-based magic and skills, Rarity’s passion for fashion, Moon Dancer’s brainiac-like knowledge, Trixie and Starlight Glimmer’s own magical talents, Lyra Heartstrings’s abilities in both music and dancing, Shadow Shinobi’s ninjutsu techniques, Applejack and Arrow Swift’s tough-as-nails talents as strong Earth Ponies, Fluttershy’s natural way with animals, Rainbow Dash’s speed and perseverance, and Flitter’s graceful sky-dance moves.
They talked and talked and talked and talked everything over for all 3 of their given deliberation hours.
Just before time ran out, all of the competing Ponies figured and decided on what the best choice of competition for the third and final round, the Talent Royale, would be…
…AN ACTUAL TALENT ROYALE!!!
“By that…” Shadow Shinobi began explaining to everypony watching, “…we mean that everypony here that has made it to the final round will compete against each other using all of their talents, skills, and abilities in a twelve-pony fight to the finish.”
“That sounds an awful lot like a BATTLE Royale than a Talent Royale…” Princess Twilight said, feeling quite sheepish and uncomfortable with such a suggestion.
“I know, but it was the very best idea we could come up with together,” said Shadow Shinobi, “But I promise you that each and every one of us finalists here will be sure to NOT truly harm each other during this final match. We’ll be sure to treat each other respectfully like good sports from start to finish, just like we always have been since the Talent Tournament first started. In this case, Princess Twilight Sparkle of Friendship… I guess you could say that, at least in a way…”
Shadow Shinobi then made an epic ninjutsu pose as he finished speaking quite boldly yet just as epically, “…fighting is magic.” ***
*** You’re welcome for both that and what’s about to happen, MLP fans all over the world.
“Well… okay,” said Princess Twilight, “But don’t think I WON’T intervene if this Talent Royale gets TOO out of hand.”
“We understand, Twilight,” said Rainbow Dash, “But don’t worry, we’ve got this. ^_^ ”
Starlight Glimmer then said to Princess Twilight, “I know you weren't exactly expecting something like THIS, but we think this is the best way everypony can show off their talents in a way that’ll end this Talent Tournament quickly yet properly, just like you and Princess Luna suggested.”
Princesses Twilight and Luna looked at each other, mumbled to each other about this final decision, then Princess Twilight said, “Well… alright, everypony. Just be careful and fair to each other.”
“Agreed,” said Princess Luna.
“Yes, Your Highnesses!” said all 12 of the finalists, as they all bowed respectfully before both Princesses.
Discord then said, “Well, if I may, everypony… even though I’m no longer in the Talent Tournament, perhaps I could contribute as a judge or at least an official spectator? You know, just like I did yesterday?”
“Just being an official spectator will be fine, Discord, thank you,” Princess Luna replied to him, “Twilight and I will be the judges.”
Princess Twilight then said to Discord, “Although, I suppose you could provide the Royale Ring, as long as it’s big, open, and vacant as a Hoofball Field. One that DOESN’T have any traps or surprises in it, THANK YOU.”
“As you wish, Your Highnesses,” said Discord, as he snapped his left hand’s fingers and used his reality-bending magic to create a square, red-fenced area in the vacant, open fielded part of Rainbow Falls. It was an area of approximately 5,300 square yards, much like your usual Hoofball Field, just as Princess Twilight herself requested.
“Excellent work, Discord
” said Princess Twilight.“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Discord, “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, my little Ponies… I’m going to spectate from up high. Good luck to you all, and remember: let’s all have a nice, clean match!”
Discord then teleported himself up to the clouds right above the huge ring that had been completely set up for the final match of the Talent Tournament.
Arrow Swift then whispered to Rarity, “Good thing Discord isn’t judging this final match. Otherwise, for the Talent Royale, by ‘a nice, clean match’ he would really mean that he pretty much wants to see total chaos and mayhem.
”That made Rarity giggle as she said, “I completely agree, darling. Almost everything is a game to him.”
“Totally,” Spike and the rest of the Mane Seven said in plain agreement.
Anyway, all of the finalists stepped inside of the Talent Royale field, took their positions from each other, and then Discord brought out a spectator’s microphone that magically allowed everyone to hear him speak as he said…
“…Fillies and Gentlecolts… little Ponies of all ages… the final round of the Talent Tournament… the Talent Royale… is about to begin. All 12 of our finalists will take each other on with their most incredible skills, talents, and abilities until they can’t go at it any longer, at the time they must say ‘uncle’. Also, if they wind up getting thrown out of bounds OR get knocked out cold OR become neutralized OR completely immobilized, then that results in an immediate disqualification. Plus, in any event that you CHOOSE to step outside of the field for whatever reason, it won’t necessarily result in an immediate disqualification… but only if you put yourself back into the field within the given time limit of 30 seconds afterwards. Otherwise, you WILL be immediately disqualified. Those who have magic items on hand may use them, BUT only if its absolutely necessary in order to bring out the full capabilities of their talents in this final contest such as Arrow Swift using his bow and elemental arrows like the archer he is… or Shadow Shinobi using his magic scarf in order to perform his magic ninjutsu techniques… and please try not to go overboard with said magic items, okay? SERIOUSLY… Now, with all of that being said, the most important rule is THIS… The very last Pony standing shall be the big winner – the Talent Champion – of Equestria’s first ever Talent Tournament! So, without further ado… Everypony… Y’all ready for this?!”
Everypony cheered in excitement, as all 12 finalists – except Vinyl Scratch, of course
– all exclaimed in unison, “READY!!!”“Alright then, my little Ponies,” said Discord, “…lllet’s get ready to ROYAAALLLLLLLLLE!!!”
And with that, the royale ring rang and the Talent Royale began!
To reiterate, the 12 finalists of the tournament were the following…
Vinyl Scratch
Rainbow Dash
Rarity
Applejack
Fluttershy
Starlight Glimmer
Arrow Swift
Shadow Shinobi
Trixie
Lyra Heartstrings
Flitter
Moon Dancer
Both Rainbow Dash and Flitter started things off by flying into the air together. However, before Flitter knew it, Rainbow Dash quickly dashed around and around her – creating a small yet dizzying rainbow-colored tornado around the light purple Pegasus mare.
Discord then said over his spectator microphone, “Ooooh, it looks like Rainbow Dash kicks this Talent Royale off with her famous Rainblow Dry technique!”
Though her mane was getting all kinds of messed up, Flitter was able to keep herself steady before flying straight up out of the Rainbow Tornado.
“Flitter makes a quick recovery!” Discord exclaimed, “OH, but it looks like Rainbow Dash isn’t slowing down for anypony!”
Discord was right, as Rainbow Dash was now trying to make her Rainbow Tornado even bigger and stronger.
Everypony was starting to get sucked into it, but Arrow Swift acted fast he brought out an ice arrow and used his emerald bow-arm to fire it at Rainbow Dash once his sharp, accurate, eagle-like eyes got a lock on the rainbow-maned Pegasus. Arrow had fired the ice arrow at where he predicted Rainbow Dash would be, aaannnd…
FREEZE!!!
Rainbow Dash was now hilariously encased in a huge block of ice and clearly not liking it one bit, as she fell down towards the ground.
However, both Starlight Glimmer and Trixie used their Unicorn magic to catch Rainbow before she hit the ground.
Discord exclaimed, “Wow! Good sportsmanship right there on both Starlight and Trixie’s part! However, it looks like Rainbow Dash’s speedy tactics have just been… PUT ON ICE???
”There was a moment of unamused silence, as Noble Wind then said plainly with an unamused tone, “…Dude. Ice puns? Really?? Even I wouldn’t make such a lame joke like that. XP ”
Discord then said to himself, “Everyone’s a critic… Anyway, moving on… It looks like Rainbow Dash could be the first one out of the- WAIT A MINUTE.”
The ice that Rainbow Dash was encased in started to crack all on its own, as it appeared that Rainbow Dash was using all of her might to bust right out of it, which she did so successfully!
Rainbow Dash then said, “C’mon, everypony, I’m a Pegasus… a Pony that was born to handle all kinds of different weather and temperature conditions. You think a little ice can hold me?
”“No, but THIS might!” said Trixie, as she then fired at Rainbow Dash a magic spell that created some strong iron handcuffs that grabbed Rainbow Dash by both her front and back legs!
Surprised to see THAT, Discord exclaimed, “WHOA, that's not very family-friendly, now is it?”
“What’s up with the cuffs?!” Rainbow Dash asked Trixie.
“I am a great and powerful magician, remember? Handcuffs are pretty much Magic Acts 101,” Trixie replied, being smug as usual.
“Yeah, well, you forgot my wings
” Rainbow Dash pointed out, as she zoomed with all her might around Trixie, once again using her Rainblow Dry technique - this time on the unicorn magician mare.However, Starlight Glimmer used her own unicorn magic to put Rainbow Dash and Trixie each in strong and tightly small, cyan-green dimensional barriers.
Rainbow Dash couldn't move in hers at all, as she said plainly, “…Dang it. >_<; ”
As for Trixie, she was very shocked as she said, “Why are you trapping me?!”
Starlight replied, “Uh, because it’s a Talent Royale? As in everypony is competing against each other?”
“Oh… right
” said Trixie, “In that case…”Trixie used her magic to actually make the dimensional barrier cage she was now trapped in just big enough for her to move well enough in it to make it a “Giant Pony Ball”, which was like the Pony equivalent of a giant hamster ball.
Everypony who was competing and couldn’t fly away like Flitter, Fluttershy, or Rainbow Dash was surprised to see THAT and quickly started running.
Discord then exclaimed over the spectator’s microphone, “WOW, looks like Trixie has turned the tables by turning her own cage into a wheel! As for Rainbow Dash, she’s cuffed and caged completely… with no way out of the trap she’s been put into, thanks to both Trixie and Starlight Glimmer.”
Discord was right, and Rainbow Dash knew it because there literally was no way for her to bust out of her very tiny cage OR very tight cuffs.
Rainbow Dash then sighed as she reluctantly said with a look of hilariously plain discontent on her face, “…uncle…”
“Looks like Rainbow Dash is officially out of this competition!” said Discord, “As for everypony else, let’s just see how they’ll deal with the Great and Mobile Trixie.
”Most of the other competitors got out of the way of Trixie’s wheeling rampage, except for Applejack, Starlight, Vinyl Scratch, and Rarity as Trixie chased them all down.
Just then, Applejack saw that they were headed for one of the field edges and said, “Listen up, ya'll! On three, we split in two directions!”
Starlight replied, “Sounds like you have a plan, A.J, so… whatever you say!”
“Whatever your plan is, let's do it quickly, Apple-darling!” said Rarity, who clearly was fearing for her life by Trixie’s Big Pony Wheel of Destruction.
“1… 2… 3!” Applejack said, as she then jumped left while Starlight and the other unicorn mares jumped right.
Trixie smashed into the field’s edge where its red fences were and ended up rolling out of bounds before she could completely stop herself in time.
“OH…!!” Discord exclaimed, “Being tricked into smashing right into the fences AND going out of bounds in the process? The going out of bounds part isn’t a big deal, but smashing both into and right through the field’s fences is an automatic disqualification for Trixie, everypony! With Trixie and Rainbow Dash both out of the final round, only 10 Ponies remain! Wait, what’s this?!”
Vinyl Scratch and Lyra Heartstirngs were using their music-based magic to take each other on!
Vinyl had materialized a big boom-box radio to sound-blast Lyra and her harp music away, which Vinyl did successfully!
Then… while Lyra had her guard down, both she and Moon Dancer were completely and literally put on ice by Arrow Swift’s ice arrows. They were both frozen solid now!
However, Moon Dancer used a simple Fire Spell to thaw herself out of the ice almost immediately.
“WOW, an amazing counter-move by the intelligent Moon Dancer!” said Discord, “Unfortunately, Lyra Heartstrings appears to be out of the contest now too, since she has been frozen and completely neutralized! So, that now just leaves only 9 Ponies in it!”
“Aw, man!” said Pinkie Pie, munching on a big bag of popcorn with Spike as they watched from the sidelines with everypony else, “Lyra is already out of the final contest?! Just like THAT?! What a load of hayseed!”
“I know, right?!” Spike replied in agreement.
*** I hope you hardcore MLP fanbasers can see what I did there. ^_^
Starlight noticed Trixie getting out of her “Pony Ball” once the spell had worn off. Trixie was wobbling around like she was dizzy beyond all natural reason. Starlight Glimmer got concerned and quickly ran to her.
“Are you alright, Trixie?” asked Starlight worried, as she helped Trixie keep her balance.
“Y-Yeah... the Great and Powerful Trixie has been through worse...
” answered Trixie, regaining her composure.“Aww, another show of good sportsmanship,” said Discord, “Still, Starlight Glimmer is currently standing out of bounds at the moment, so she better get back in the field or she will be immediately disqualified!”
Starlight was shocked when she heard Discord say that, then she looked back and forth between the field and Trixie while thinking what to do.
After a few seconds, Starlight helped Trixie get far away from the field.
“Starlight, what're you doing? You'd probably win this,” said Trixie, confused by why Starlight didn’t just go back to the field.
“I know, Trixie, but I'd rather make sure my best friend is okay,” answered Starlight, as she took Trixie to a medic pony.
Nurse Redheart quickly arrived on the scene, then Trixie said, “Thanks, Starlight… Now go!”
Starlight nodded, as she ran as fast as she could back to the royale field and actually made it back in there just before the Disqualification Soccer-Horn Spell that Twilight decided to use went off.
Twilight then said, “WHOA, Starlight made it back in time with just 0.00000001 seconds left to spare.”
“Starlight Glimmer just narrowly avoids disqualification!” Discord exclaimed.
Starlight Glimmer panted heavily from running so dang fast as she said, “Good… and I would’ve… just used a… Teleportation Spell… but I didn’t… want to risk… it counting as… cheating… or… a legit yet cheap trick…”
Discord then noticed something happening on the royale field as he said, “Hmmm… it looks like Flitter and Fluttershy are playing it safe by flying in the air above the royale ring. A bit cowardly for my tastes, BUT technically speaking, it is NOT against the rules as long as they aren’t flying above the out-of-bounds area of the field.”
Flitter and Futtershy responded by saying plainly together, “Uh… thank you, Discord? >_<; ”
“Look out!” Flitter then exclaimed to Fluttershy, as Arrow Swift fired ice arrows at both Pegasi mares.
Fluttershy was definitely surprised by that, but she quickly dodged the ice arrows with Flitter. Flitter did so like the graceful sky-dancer she was, while Fluttershy dodged the ice arrows frantically.
“Sorry, ladies! Nothing personal!” Arrow Swift called out to them, “But you know, when you really stop to think about it… in this competition, it would be considered sexist of me to NOT fire arrows of freezing ice at both of you.”
Just then, Arrow Swift got snagged and pulled away by his back hooves as Shadow Shinobi skillfully used his magic scarf to do just that.
However, Arrow quickly countered that by firing a yellow electricity arrow at Shadow to try and shock him.
Shadow quickly dodged that electric attack, but not before also slamming Arrow Swift right into Applejack. At the time, A.J. was trying to rope lasso both Starlight and Moon Dancer, but then Arrow Swift got slammed into the cowgirl Pony at the last minute.
It was then and there that both Starlight and Moon Dancer used Freezing Spells on Arrow and Applejack. However, Arrow quickly launched from his bow-arm a couple of red fire arrows to counter that combined ice attack.
Noble Wind then said from watching in the stands, “This is great, but I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe too many ice attacks are being used at this point.”
“No kidding,” Flash Sentry agreed.
“Time to wrap this up!” said Arrow Swift, getting back on his feet and running while dodging whatever attacks anypony was throwing right at him, “Discord said that we could use magic items in this final contest… and that particularly and perhaps intentionally applies to me and Shadow Shinobi most significantly… and specifically... but clearly, Shadow and I cannot nor are using the FULL power of our magic items since we don't want to go overboard. So, I guess we're in the clear and it's all still fair game for everypony here. I mean, it's not like we're using 'talent enhancers' or anything like that at all, Equestria knows THAT. Still… I think enough is enough! I might not be able to use the full power of my Artemis Bow in this final contest… but I think there's another way that will be all fair in this final game!"
Arrow then quickly jumped up into the air and actually did the impossible!
He brought out all 6 types of elemental arrows there were and loaded them all onto his bow-arm!
Then, Arrow Swift had launched into the air one of each type of elemental arrow there was ALL AT ONCE: ice, fire, water, wind, light, and electricity!
Arrow Swift then quickly followed it up with a second wave of that combined elemental arrow attack, but then Arrow figured that was the limit.
“Incoming!” Starlight exclaimed, as she and Moon Dancer casted Protective Barrier Spells around themselves to block the elemental arrows.
Fluttershy had managed to get out of the way, but unbelievably, a wind arrow had hit Flitter and blew her away right out of the royale field!
Oh, and she ended up landing on the ground of the out-of-bounds area so hard, that she got knocked out cold. Flitter was okay and going to be all right, but she was automatically disqualified as well.
Shadow Shinobi used his magic dragon scarf to absorb the fire arrows from Arrow Swift’s elemental arrow attack.
Light arrows had hit both Vinyl Scratch and Rarity, but since Vinyl Scratch was wearing her trademark shades, she was okay.
Rarity, on the other hoof… well, she was over-dramatically exclaiming that she had gone blind like the totally hilarious drama queen she was as she said, "AHHH!!! I'M BLIND!!! I'VE GONE BLIND!!! OH WHY, DEAR EQUESTRIA?!?!?! WHY?! WHY?! WHY-HY-HY-HYYY?!?! T^T OH, CURSE YOU, CRUEL FATE!!! CURSE YOU FOR ALL ETERNI- Oh, wait, my eyesight is returning.
I'm okay~ ^3^ "Rarity's attitude changed when she realized that during her little drama show, she had actually wandered herself all the way to the red fence border of the royale field… aaannnd then she realized that Applejack was right behind her, indicating that the cowgirl Pony - while she had gotten soaking wet from the water arrows of Arrow Swift's last attack - had managed to stay in the ring and was now about to donkey kick Rarity right out of the ring…. and enjoy it VERY much, I might add.
Realizing all of THAT at the very last second with no time to fully counter it, all Rarity could say was, “…Dang it. >_<; ”
Rarity then screamed hilariously as Applejack kicked her right out of the field. Rarity was then left in a complete, anime-styled daze that led her to being automatically disqualified.
As for the electric and ice arrows, they had ended up hitting both where Starlight and Moon Dancer were on the field. However, thanks to the unicorn mares using their magic barriers to protect themselves, they were completely unharmed. Yep, NO ice cold nor electroshock treatments for those ladies.
Discord then stated, “Well... all of THAT certainly just happened, now didn't it, everypony? Regardless, it would appear that Arrow Swift's elemental arrow assault has resulted in both Flitter and Rarity being taken out of this final contest! Now, it would appear that there's only 7 Ponies left on the field, which means we're nearly at the halfway point of this epic conclusion to the Talent Tournament!”
Everypony in the crowd was enjoying how the Talent Royale was turning out at that point.
Applejack then used her trusty lasso to grab Arrow Swift by his bow-arm and suddenly had Arrow laying on his back with all four of his legs tied up before he fully realized what had just happened to him.
“Sorry Arrow, but this here cowgirl ain't givin’ up yet!” said Applejack.
“Neither am I!” said Arrow Swift, as he actually busted himself free from the binding rope around his limbs using nothing but his own powerful strength.
THAT really surprised Applejack, as Arrow Swift then attempted to low sweep-kick at Applejack’s legs.
Applejack was able to jump and dodge Arrow’s sweep-kick, and then they both started to have a hoof-to-hoof kickoff with their hind legs.
It was all basically happening in a way that would make one simply say, “They know Hoof Fu… whoa…” ***
*** First one to get THAT reference gets a cookie. ^^
“Yer not bad… fer an archery pony,” said Applejack, as soon as they stopped kicking for a quick second.
“Well, YOU yourself seriously have got some good kicking power, A.J.,” said Arrow Swift, “I think I can barely keep up with you.”
Rarity was of course sitting on the sidelines now, as she said to herself plainly with a jeally tone, “…I think those two are starting to become a little TOO friendly with each other…”
Just then, Vinyl Scratch was using her music-based magic to make a REALLY gigantic boom-box radio materialize out of thin air and started playing loud, earthshaking hip-hop rap music!
That really took everyone by surprise, as Applejack suddenly fell onto the ground and used her signature cowgirl hat to cover her ears.
Everyone was now covering their ears!
Well, everyone that is, except for apparently Shadow Shinobi.
Shadow didn’t seemed phased at all as he said, “Ha! I am a highly trained and disciplined ninja! You think mere loud music can stop me?!”
Shadow then made a meditative ninjustu stance while Kanji symbols started to appear in the background behind him as he chanted to himself, “Uma, Ryu, Hebi… Uma, Ryu, Hebi… Uma, Ryu, Hebi…!”
As Shadow Sword kept saying that chant over and over, he was actually making magic, silver-colored electricity spark around his unicorn horn until Shadow then said, “Kirin Strike!”
*** For those of you who don’t know, “Uma, Ryu, Hebi” means “Horse, Dragon, Snake” and that leads to what “Kirin” means. In Asian mythology, a Kirin is actually a mythical creature that’s half-horse and half-dragon with a few snake-like features AND at least some Kirin actually have the mighty power of thunder and lightning. Pretty cool, huh? ^_^
Shadow fired from his unicorn horn what actually looked silver-colored lightning!
The magic lightning hit Vinyl Scratch’s brutally big boom-box and caused it to completely short-circuit and fizz out. Vinyl couldn’t use its powerful loud music anymore.
Everyone was amazed by what just happened, as everypony competing in the Talent Royale just stood there frozen in shock with awestruck faces… including Vinyl Scratch herself, as she was in such shock and awe – no pun intended, by the way – that she actually lifted up her sunglasses to reveal her purple pupils, just to further show how awestruck she was then and there.
Shadow then said to Vinyl, “You lower your guard too easily.”
Before Vinyl knew it, Shadow had quickly appeared right behind her and karate-chopped the back of her neck with his front right hoof surging with his silver-colored magic. THAT instantly knocked Vinyl Scratch out cold, as she collapsed on top of her gigantic yet recently wrecked boom-box radio.
Shadow then jumped up and landed on the ground where Arrow Swift and Applejack were, as he then said to both of them, “…Kon’nichiwa. ^_^ ”
Discord then said over the spectator’s microphone, “WOW!!! That truly was quite the SHOCKING performance by Shadow Shinobi, now wasn’t it, everypony?
With that, Vinyl Scratch is hereby out of the Talent Tournament! But let’s just see now how Arrow Swift and Applejack will do against the Ninja from Uma.”“Alright, yer goin' down, Ninja Boy!” Applejack said to Shadow Shinobi, as she then charged towards him while twirling a new rope lasso.
Arrow Swift actually backed Applejack up on that, as he fired a couple of ice arrows at Shadow Shinobi. However, Shadow jumped and flipped to his left to dodge them.
Applejack then threw her rope lasso at where she predicted Shadow would land, but Shadow jumped up high in the air just a second before Applejack could rope Shadow’s hooves together.
Shadow then used his magic dragon scarf in an attempt to have it strike and bite Applejack and Arrow Swift, but both Earth Ponies were quite agile and dodged those attacks.
Meanwhile, Starlight Glimmer and Moon Dancer were both exchanging magic energy blasts with each other. It eventually led to Moon Dancer using a Rebound Barrier Spell, which surrounded Moon Dancer in a light lavender-colored energy barrier that reflected a Freezing Spell from Starlight and sent it right back at Twilight’s student.
Fortunately, Starlight managed to just narrowly dodge her own Freezing Spell by jumping to the side, but it actually ended up hitting and freezing Applejack in place!
“Sorry!” both Starlight and Moon Dancer said to their cowgirl friend.
Luckily, Applejack managed to bust her way out of her own icy prison like the truly strong Earth Pony she was, but just then Shadow’s scarf lashed around Applejack and the ninja unicorn flung Applejack right out of the royale ring!
When Applejack landed on the ground, she herself was now in an anime-styled daze that led to her becoming automatically disqualified from the tournament.
“And just like that, Applejack is out of the tournament!” Discord exclaimed, basically repeating what was just typed here.
Anyway, at that very moment, Fluttershy got right up in Shadow Shinobi’s face and said to him, “Who do you think you are, Mister Hotshot Ninja?! > : ( ”
“OH, BOY, here we go…
” said Spike, as he and Pinkie Pie munched on some more popcorn together, knowing that Fluttershy was about to give Shadow Shinobi the business.Fluttershy continued to be strict with Shadow as she then said, “You think you can just go around this sporty semi-battlefield, zap everypony with lightning, and then knock them out or fling them right out of the ring or both?!”
At this point, Fluttershy was actually making Shadow step backwards sheepishly while the pink-haired Pegasus mare hovered just a foot or two above the ground. Also, Arrow Swift himself was actually getting a kick out of watching Fluttershy teach the Ninja Prince some manners.
Hopefully, EVERYONE could see where all of THIS was going.
“You better learn some proper manners, buster!” Fluttershy said to Shadow Shinobi, “…or else I’ll have to give you… THE STARE.”
“…I’m sorry, the what now?
” asked a fairly confused Shadow Shinobi.“The THIS,” Fluttershy answered, as she then gave her trademarked glare of a stare at Shadow Shinobi while everypony cheered for the Pegasus mare.
Rainbow Dash cheered from her tight, magical sphere-shaped prison – STILL stuck in it, I might add
– as she said, “WHOO!!! Go, Fluttershy, GO!!! ”Shadow Shinobi then said, “OH, trying to intimidate the intimidating nature of a ninja, are you Fluttershy-chan? Well, first of all… I do believe that what I just said is a bit of a ‘tongue twister’, yes? And secondly… GAME ON… > : ) ”
It was right then and there that both Shadow Shinobi and Fluttershy started to have a staring contest between the two of them, as Arrow Swift then said, “Hmm… maybe THAT is what they should’ve done for their second round match of the tournament yesterday instead of that animal race thing…”
Arrow Swift then said shrugging, “…Oh, well.
”Arrow Swift quickly fired a couple more ice arrows at both Ponies!
Shadow managed to dodge them like the highly trained ninja he was, but unfortunately, Fluttershy became frozen solid, couldn’t move at all or break herself free out of the ice, and was now out of the tournament for being completely neutralized now.
Rainbow Dash then said plainly, “Well… THAT stare-down turned out to be letdown. >_<; ”
“OH, how tragic! T^T ” said Discord, “Poor, sweet little Fluttershy is now out of the Talent Tournament! For her, it was just too soon… but she will ALWAYS be remembered as quite possibly one of THE best finalists that the first ever Talent Tournament ever had…”
Discord then wanted a moment of silence to honor his dear, frozen friend…
…while everypony else in the royale ring continued to fight each other.
Rude, yes, I know, but it WAS still a competition in progress, sooo… yeah.
However, Discord used his reality-warping magic to not only free Fluttershy from being frozen solid, but he also made her be his co-announcer.
Once Discord told Fluttershy that, she hugged him adorably as she said, “Aww, that’s so sweet of you, Discord~”
Discord replied, “Yes, well, what was happening down below just now was quite frankly a little too rude, even by MY standards. Anyway, it now looks like it could very well be… Shadow Shinobi V.S. Arrow Swift… and Starlight Glimmer V.S. Moon Dancer…”
Fluttershy exclaimed on her own spectator’s microphone, “That’s right, my little Ponies! We are now down to the Final Four Finalists!”
Everypony cheered as they all watched Starlight and Moon Dancer continue to clash spells with each other, and also watched Shadow and Arrow go hoof-to-hoof with each other archero-a-ninjao.
*** I am fully aware of what that last word is dangerously close to, by the way, LEGO fans of the world.
Everypony cheered for all of the four finalists as they got ready to take each other on.
Shadow Shinobi got the Aura Dragon Scarf ready for action, while Arrow Swift got the Artemis Bow ready for action as well.
Both stallions were facing each other off in this epic final showdown….
“You ready to do this?” Arrow asked Shadow.
“I am ready whenever you are, Arrow-san,” Shadow replied.
Arrow Swift fired a small wave of ice arrows at Shadow, but the trained ninja dodged them all and tried to strike Arrow with the magic scarf’s dragon-fanged bites.
Of course, Arrow Swift successfully dodged each of those attacks with great agility.
Everypony in the crowd was getting into the epic battle between the ninja and archer ponies, as they started to ignore both Starlight Glimmer and Moon Dancer.
Both unicorn mares didn’t like that, so they both smiled at each other as they decided to team up. They ran and fired a couple of magic energy blasts at both stallions, nearly catching both of them off guard as the stallions just narrowly dodged the magic attacks.
THAT definitely surprised everypony in the crowd, as Discord exclaimed, “WOW!!! It looks like this has turned into a temporary tag team match!”
“It certainly does!” said Fluttershy.
Both unicorn mares continued to use their magic against the two stallions.
Arrow Swift then countered a Freezing Spell from Starlight Glimmer with an ice arrow, causing a huge explosion made out of icy snow to be made!
That REALLY made all four Ponies start feeling the chilling tension of their final match.
Starlight used a Thermal Heating Spell to get rid of the icy shroud, but as Moon Dancer was about to do the exact same thing… she nearly got hit by a wind arrow from Arrow Swift!
While the wind arrow did pass by her, it still generated enough of a powerful gust to send Moon Dancer flying right out of the royale field!
Moon Dancer landed on the ground pretty hard, and while she would be okay, she was knocked out cold and also instantly disqualified.
Now it was just down to Starlight Glimmer, Arrow Swift, and Shadow Shinobi.
“This could very well be it, my little Ponies…” said Discord.
“It sure could be…” said Fluttershy.
Everypony that was watching what was happening now…
…they all waited with anticipation about what was going to happen next…
Arrow Swift, Shadow Shinobi, and Starlight Glimmer all shifted their eyes at each other… wondering who was going to strike first, and whom exactly they would strike.
And then… all 3 Ponies went for it by charging at each other where they would meet: right in the very center of the royale field!
Arrow Swift got ready to fire more wind arrows, Shadow Shinobi got ready to strike with his magic dragon-fanged scarf, and Starlight Glimmer…
…she used nearly all of her magical might to create the most powerful blast of gusty air to send both Arrow Swift and Shadow Shinobi flying backwards!
The Gust Spell wasn't used at point-blank range, but pretty close enough to it.
Arrow Swift ended up landing right outside of the royale field and was now in an anime-styled daze that led to him being disqualified, while Shadow Shinobi used his magic scarf’s dragon-fanged form to bite into the ground of the royale field.
Shadow then quickly slingshot his way back straight towards Starlight Glimmer as she was catching her breath from that last powerful Gust Spell she used.
Starlight was thinking to herself, “Darn it… I used my Gust Spell just a couple of seconds too early…”
“Starlight, look out!” Princess Twilight called out to her.
Starlight saw Shadow heading straight towards her with his magic scarf ready for another attack, so she quickly spun and dodged out of the way of the Ninja Prince.
Narrowly yet successfully doing that, Starlight had spun 540 degrees, so that finally…
…she fired one more Gust Spell at Shadow, this time that WAS at point-blank range and actually made Shadow and his magic scarf be separated from each other!
Both Shadow and his scarf winded up right outside of the royale field…
…and Shadow landed on the ground so hard, that he was in an anime-style daze that led to him being disqualified from the tournament…
…leaving Starlight Glimmer standing in the huge ring all by herself…
…which meant only one thing…
It took everypony a few seconds to process what had just happened, but then Fluttershy simply said…
“STARLIGHT GLIMMER WINS!!! SHE DID IT!!! SHE WON EQUESTRIA’S FIRST EVER TALENT TOURNAMENT!!! SHE IS EQUESTRIA’S FIRST EVER TALENT CHAMPION!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!
”Everypony in the crowd cheered as loudly as they could. Starlight smiled and waved at the crowd while catching her breath from all of the royale-ing that just finished thanks to her.
After all of the Ponies that lost recovered, woke up, and/or were freed from and/or thawed out of their cages, Starlight Glimmer received a big group hug from Twilight, Spike, Trixie, and the rest of her Mane Seven friends.
“You did it, Starlight!” Twilight said to her, “I’m so proud of you! We’re ALL so proud of you! ^^ ”
“Thank you, Twilight,” said Starlight, “But everypony else that competed in the Talent Tournament and/or helped in defeating Dark Mind these past few days were just as fantastic. Although, I have to admit… I never expected that this entire Talent Tournament idea would be won by, well… ME of all Ponies.”
“Ah, don’t be so modest, sugarcube,” Applejack said to Starlight.
“Yeah, you were BEYOND all kinds of awesome!” Rainbow Dash added.
“She certainly was,” said Trixie, “Starlight, you truly are every bit as great and powerful as I am. Maybe even more so!”
“Thanks, everypony,” said Starlight, feeling a bit embarrassed yet smiling adorably.
Twilight then looked at Moon Dancer and said to her, “You were great too, Moon Dancer. I’m very impressed that you managed to make it as far as the Final Four.
”“Thanks, Twilight,” said Moon Dancer as she smiled and blushed adorably herself, “I guess all that time being a book-loving shut-in paid off after all. ^///^; ”
Everypony laughed at that, just as Flash Sentry then said to Twilight, “Starlight really is a great pupil, Princess Twilight. You really do know how to pick ‘em.
”Twilight smiled and blushed cutely at Flash’s compliment, just before Arrow Swift and Shadow Shinobi stepped in.
“You won fair and square, Starlight-chan,” said Shadow Shinobi, “Congratulations.
”“Yeah,” Arrow agreed, “But with all due respect, don’t let it go to your head. Because next Talent Tournament… I’ll be winning it. Count it. ^_^ ”
“Nah, it’s gonna be ME next time
” Flash stated.“Perhaps it will be ME instead,” said Shadow Shinobi
“We’ll see about that, boys
” Starlight replied.Half an hour later, it was time for the big award ceremony, as ALL of the first ever Talent Tournament’s many contestants stood together, with Starlight Glimmer standing in front of them all… as well as standing before both Princesses Luna and Twilight.
Starlight still couldn’t believe that she won the first ever Talent Tournament, which was practically both hers and Rarity’s idea in the first place.
It was like Starlight won her very own tournament, but she did so because she truly did compete the hardest. Plus, she DID play a vital role in the defeat of Dark Mind, as well as won the tournament WITHOUT having to use any magic items like Arrow and Shadow used, sooo… yeah, there was all of that to take into consideration as well.
Anyway, Princess Luna spoke up, “Starlight Glimmer… for showing the most impressive feats of perseverance, determination, and skill… Princess Twilight and I are proud and honored to hereby dub you as Equestria’s first ever TALENT CHAMPION.”
As everypony in all of Rainbow Falls cheered for Starlight Glimmer, Princess Twilight handed to her dear pupil an exquisite gold trophy.
Starlight Glimmer then said to Twilight, “You know, it’s funny… Once upon a time, I didn’t want ANYTHING to do with talents or Cutie Marks at all, except for maybe my own… but now, after going through this entire adventure with everypony… and seeing how incredible their own talents can be AND how incredible their own talents can make them… I now LOVE the many different kinds of talents there are more than ever!
Still can’t believe I won mine and Rarity’s own tournament idea, though. Who’d have thunk it? ”“Well, what matters is that you did great, and you won fair and square,” said Twilight, “And once again, all of Equestria – if not the rest of our entire world – is saved from an evil threat.”
“About that…” Princess Luna whispered to Princess Twilight, “Don’t forget that Discord and I must discuss with you and your friends, including those three stallion ones, about something important we found out from Dark Mind after we imprisoned him back in the Realm of Tartarus.”
“Right, but really, what do you mean, Luna?” Twilight asked her, a little concerned after hearing all of that.
“Again, we’ll talk about it later once we’re all back in Canterlot with Princess Celestia,” Luna replied, “I promise.”
Princesses Twilight and Luna then stepped forward before everypony in Rainbow Falls, and then Princess Twilight said, “Thank you, everypony, for making Equestria’s first ever Talent Tournament become a big success!”
Princess Luna added, “And a special thank you to all of the talented Ponies that competed in the tournament! Regardless of how far each and everyone of you got in the tournament, each and everyone of you performed most admirably in it! So, each and everyone of you should be proud!”
Princess Twilight finished saying, “And we hope to see everypony here again in the next Talent Tournament! Thank you again so very much, my little Ponies! Goodnight!”
All of Rainbow Falls cheered loudly and proudly, as Pinkie Pie fired off a bunch of her Party Cannons AND Rainbow Dash took off into the sky and created her famously trademarked Sonic Rainboom!
And all of that made it official…
Equestria’s first ever Talent Tournament was hereby over.
However…
…as the Talent Tournament concluded… something else was about to begin… something BIG.
Now, no need to worry, our little readers. There isn’t going to be any new threats throughout the rest of this story, BUT make no mistake…
…This story isn’t over just yet.
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In the 16th chapter of mine and 
's MLP: FiM story right here, the third and final round of the Talent Tournament begins - The Talent Royale!
It's a last-Pony-standing, winner-take-all match against all 12 Finalists, but WHO will be declared the first ever Talent Champion?
Read and find out, our little readers!
MLP: FiM mainly and rightfully belongs to all of its original creators and owners, particularly
and 
.
's MLP: FiM story right here, the third and final round of the Talent Tournament begins - The Talent Royale!It's a last-Pony-standing, winner-take-all match against all 12 Finalists, but WHO will be declared the first ever Talent Champion?
Read and find out, our little readers!
MLP: FiM mainly and rightfully belongs to all of its original creators and owners, particularly
and . © 2017 - 2024 saber360
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Well, nice work on Starlight's part. Now, I imagine we'll get some revelations about the counterparts to the Elements of Harmony, yes?