>Anticipation coursed through you as you waited in the locker room.
>The next match was yours, and you were facing off against Lark.
>Whatever challenge you were given, you knew you would defeat him.
>Anything to see Celestia again.
>You glance at Lark, who is sitting across from you on a separate bench.
>Despite his previous bravado, he now appears nervous.
>His eyes dart from one part of the room to another at a quick pace.
>To think he appeared so brave.
>You liked to think that he was nervous at the thought of facing you.
>It wasn't often that you liked to gloat, but you knew for a fact you were a force to be reckoned with.
>Polo lies next to you, appearing either bored or sleepy.
>You shared your sentiments wholeheartedly.
>You could only imagine how much more entertaining it would be to watch the match along with the crowd outside.
>Their cheers sounded muffled from behind the walls of the locker room, but were nonetheless high in volume.
>You were almost excited to be rallied on by a crowd of ponies.
>To entertain yourself, you considered in your head if you should make some kind of grand entrance.
>...probably not. You'd likely embarrass yourself.
>Still, you wondered what sort of showboating techniques could be used.
>There was the classic "raise the roof" gesture, but you couldn't picture even Lark going to the crowd and doing that.
>The "I can't hear you" was another one you knew, where you'd reel your hand next to your ear and cup it.
>Ah, but that was reserved for cocky competitors, and you've always been a more humble type of person.
>And what about-
>*Creak!*
>You looked up from the ground to see Miracle Crop, Star Gazer, and the attendant arriving within the locker room.
>That was a quick match.
>"Anonymous and Lark the Sharp. You guys are up next."
>The time had come.
>Miracle Crop and Star Gazer moved away from the attendant and went about their business.
>You sit up and stretch your muscles, readying yourself.
>Lark stands up as well and yawns, hiding his previous nervousness.
>"Well Anonymous, it's just you and me out there. And I think I know who's gonna win."
>He flashes a toothy grin and walks over to the attendant.
"Oh yes, I know for sure who's going to win," you retort.
>Stonewall eyes Polo, who notices the minotaur's gaze.
>"Your bodyguard is leaving, rat. Does being in my presence without him intimidate you?"
>"You wouldn't dare attack me in here, would you?"
>Stonewall shrugs.
>"I make no promises."
>And here you had gained a bit of respect for him after he mouthed off to Lark.
>You couldn't leave Polo with this minotaur.
>There were several horrible outcomes you imagined if you did.
>Suddenly, Star Gazer pops up from behind you.
>"You're low for saying something like that, you know?"
>He turns to Polo.
>"Don't worry, I've got your back."
>"I don't have all day," the attendant moans, "and you're making the crowd wait, Anonymous."
>While you wanted to commend Star Gazer for his willingness in defending your friend, the attendant's words made you anxious to get out.
>"Well, it's good to know I can trust somepony in here," Polo comments as he sidles next to Star Gazer.
>Good to know Star could do that for you.
>Satisfied, you take your place at the attendant's side and steel your nerves for the oncoming match.
>"You guys ready?"
"Yep."
>"As I'll ever be."
>"Good, good. Let's head on out then."
>He walks ahead of you and Lark, and the two of you follow.
>"Good luck, sir!" Polo calls out as you leave.
>The sounds of the locker room grow more faint as you make your way to the arena outside.
>On your way there, you decide to ask the attendant who won the last match.
>"Huh? Oh, the apple throwing contest? The batpony."
>Somehow, that didn't surprise you.
>"Yeah, that kid's a lot more fit than he looks. You couldn't tell just by looking at him, but he's got potential."
>The rest of the walk towards the arena was silent.
>Lark stole a couple of glances towards you every once in a while, his arrogant facade dropping.
>The closer you got to the gates, the louder it became as you heard ponies in the crowd talking among themselves.
>Arriving at the steel gates, the attendant gave you and Lark directions for when you got out there.
>You would simply move to the middle field and let the announcer take it from there.
>"If you've got all that, then I'll unlock the gates for you."
>He fumbles at a keychain on his vest with his hoof, taking it and putting it in his mouth once it's set flat on his appendage.
>He fits the key in the keyhole and unlocks the gate, allowing you and Lark to walk out, the warm sun shining in your face.
>The moment the two of you are sighted, the crowd roars in excitement, knowing the next match is about to begin.
>The announcer takes this as a hint that the next contenders have arrived.
>"Fillies and gentlecolts, please welcome our next great competitors, Lark the Sharp and Anonymous!"
>The applause that erupts from the crowd makes the ground around you shake.
>Or at least you think it does.
>That or your mind is overprocessing the sheer volume of it.
>You walk across the dirt track and make your way to the grassy middle, where the announcer waits.
>Lark does the same.
>Once you reach the middle, the announcer talks to the crowd again.
>"Now that our contenders have arrived, let's find out what grueling event our competitors will be taking part in! Your Majesty, if you would please."
>Princess Celestia rises from her throne at the top of the bleachers and brings out a small wooden box with her magic.
>You eye her intently, taking in her majestic form.
>She closes her eyes and opens the box, then brings out a slip of paper.
>She closes the box, then opens her eyes.
>She reads the slip, and nods as the crowd goes silent to hear her announcement.
>"Our contenders will be taking part in the Push-Up Challenge! They will continuously perform pushups for as long as they can, while weights are added to their backs every three minutes! The competitor able to continue their pushups the longest wins!"
>Upon finishing her sentence, you and the griffon assume push up positions, ready for the coming challenge.
>As you wait for the announcer to start the match, you feel a cold, metallic object get set on your back.
>You feel heavier, and so adjust your position to accommodate the added weight.
>Lark does the same, a black, metal slab having been put on his back as well.
>"Our competitors look ready as ever, folks! In that case, let the fourth match BEGIN!"
>You begin bending your elbows at a quick pace, performing pushups without breaking a sweat.
>It was almost unfair, considering you had almost unrivaled upper body strength.
>Your arms only moved up and down as you continued to work, the crowd watching in anticipation.
>You decided to look over at Lark to see how he was doing.
>You were mildly surprised to find that he was almost as fast as you, his elbows bending faster but his movements going slower.
>He returned the look you gave him, and laughed.
>His laughter was interrupted when he felt another weight get set in his back.
>You felt one slide on as well.
>The heavier feeling on your back did nothing to slow you down, as you continued your push ups without flinching.
>You only grin at Lark as you watch him slightly struggle.
>He quickly regains his balance and sets to work on more push ups, trying to match your pace.
>There's a quick flash of worry on his face as he pushes up and down.
>The heat of the day and your exercising causes you to begin sweating.
>That's unfortunate, you were hoping you wouldn't.
>It couldn't be helped, you supposed.
>Another slab is placed on your back, though this time it feels heavier than before.
>You looked at Lark's back to see that they had placed heavier weights on both of you.
>That was fine.
>You liked a challenge.
>Lark was sweating profusely, trying desperately to keep up with you.
>The enraptured crowd only watched as you smoothly performed your push ups, while Lark struggled.
>If Lark was having so much trouble, why did he sign up for this in the first place?
>Another slab was placed on your back.
>Now your arms started to shake a little.
>You couldn't let the weight get to you, you just had to keep on.
>For Celestia.
>Lark gritted his teeth as he forced his body to do push ups.
>Sweat dripped off of your forehead as you kept your pace, albeit with much more effort.
>The griffon next to you shook as he pressed his body towards and away from the ground.
>Before you knew it, another weight was added, this one heavier than the ones before.
>Lark breathed heavily as he pressed on, looking to give up at any moment.
>Your own arms burned, but you didn't let that stop you from keeping your pace.
>Sweat stained your body and clothes, the work and heat of the moment being too much.
>Lark looked at you once more, and his jaw dropped.
>"How..." he gasped, "are you still...going so fast...?"
>You spoke with a straight face.
"Practice, and lots of it."
>He growled.
>"You've got to be kidding m-hurgh!"
>Another weight was added, and you felt your arms drop lower than you wanted to.
>It was here that you started to wonder how much more you could take.
>Your pace slowed, but stayed steady.
>Your arms felt like they were on fire at this point, and your breaths were somewhat labored.
>Then you felt something brush past your left arm.
>You looked over at Lark, whose wing quickly snapped back to his side.
>You only looked away briefly, and then again felt something brush past your arm, except this time something tipped also touched you.
>You were able to move your head fast enough to see that Lark had been pressing his wing against your arm.
>He wiggled his feathers on your arm before he again noticed your look and quickly folded his wing up.
>The bastard was trying to tickle you in an attempt to throw you off balance!
>You weren't going to let him continue to do so.
>With a grunt, you lifted your left arm off of the ground and started doing your push ups one handed.
>Lark was shocked at your actions, but couldn't react for long, as another weight was added.
>You kept your right hand pressed against the ground, pushing up and down with great effort.
>Sweat poured down your forehead and off of your nose.
>Lark gave one more mighty grunt, then turned to his side to let the weights fall off of his back.
>"I GIVE! I GIVE!" he shouted.
>The crowd cheered as the match ended.
>You tossed the weights to your side as well, but lie on the ground a moment to rest.
>You breathed heavily, letting your body adjust to the loss of weight.
>"Fillies and gentlecolts, we have a winner! Give it up for Anonymous!"
>The crowd's uproarious applause was only matched by their cheering, which was enough motivation for you to get up.
>Your back muscles ached, and your arms felt like they were dunked in lava, but you managed to stand up straight and wave to the crowd.
>The announcer continued.
>"Now that we've gotten through our first matches, the semi-finals have been decided! Tomorrow, we'll have the exciting match ups of Cerulean the Brave versus Stonewall the Champion, and Star Gazer versus Anonymous! Be here at noon tomorrow to catch these fiery matches!"
>The crowd gave one last round of applause, then proceeded to rise from their seats to leave.
>Their departure was slow, but you didn't have time to watch them exit.
>You looked down at Lark, who was still trying to catch his breath.
>He looked up at you.
>"So...going to...gloat...?"
>You shook your head, and instead extended your hand to him.
>He gave you a confused expression.
>"What...?"
"Come on, I'l help you up."
>He stared at you, shocked at your actions.
>With a grumble, he grabbed your hand with his claw and let you pull him up.
>"Uh, thanks."
>With that, the two of you headed back to the gates that led backstage.
>You were met by the attendant, who congratulated you on the battle.
>"It was a close one, boys. You sure don't disappoint."
>You only nodded, while Lark sighed at his loss.
>"I couldn't agree more."
>You looked behind you, and your sight was greeted by Celestia and Luna.
>"Excellent show, you two. I was on the edge of my seat," Celestia says with a friendly smile.
>"Indeed. I commend the both of you on your fierce determination," Luna added.
>Lark groaned.
>"But I lost! How is that good?"
>Before either of the princesses can answer, he leaves in a huff.
>The attendant looks at him, then you.
>"Can you find your way back, Anonymous?"
>You nod.
"I'll be fine. I'm not sure about him, though."
>The attendant chuckles.
>"Right, I think I'll go after him before he gets himself lost."
>The attendant makes his exit, leaving you and the princesses alone.
>Just as you wanted.
>"I'll admit, Anonymous," Celestia begins, "I noticed Lark attempting to cheat."
>This didn't surprise you.
>What confused you though, is why she did nothing about it.
"You did?" you asked, feigning confusion.
>Celestia nodded.
>"I was going to disqualify him, too. That is, until I saw your method of avoiding him."
"Oh, doing one armed push ups."
>You waved your hand.
"Ah, that was nothing. I can do those all the time."
>Celestia grins.
>"Oh?" she said, sounding coy. "That's quite the strength, then. I was also impressed at your quick thinking. I would have never guessed you would do something like that."
>"It was quite a feat, Anonymous," Luna said, adding to her sister's praise.
>You only shrug your shoulders modestly.
"I think you give me too much credit, Princesses."
>"I think you don't give yourself enough, Anonymous," Celestia adds with a wink. "Anyways, we must be off to rest up for tomorrow's exciting segment. I look forward to watching what you do next, Anonymous."
>"As do I. After today, I know you won't disappoint, Anonymous."
>As she finishes speaking, Luna follows after her sister to leave the building.
>You are now alone, your mood elevated at being able to speak with Celestia.
>Truly, she was a divine creature.
>But now wasn't the time to think on that.
>Polo was waiting for you.
>You left for the locker room, and found it nearly empty.
>It seemed everyone had already left to prepare for tomorrow.
>Polo sat on the bench, along with Star Gazer.
>They noticed you approach.
>"Oh, congratulations sir! I knew you'd do it!"
"Good to know, Polo."
>Star Gazer followed him.
>"Y-yeah, great job, but...well..."
>The batpony scraped a hoof against the ground.
>"It's just, since I won my match and you won yours, that means that we're facing each other tomorrow..."
>Well, that was disheartening.
>The one pony you'd befriended here, and you'd have to go up against him.
>You figured it was inevitable anyways.
"Hey, don't worry about that," you tell the downed pony. "Look at it this way: at least we can trust each other enough to make it a good, clean match, right?"
>Star Gazer looks up at you, a small smile forming on his face.
>"Yeah, I guess so...give it your all tomorrow, okay?"
"I intend to."
 
>After leaving the arena, you and Polo returned to the Ponyville inn and had yourselves a fine meal.
>Working that hard certainly built up an appetite, after all.
>Polo told you that you would have to return to the arena at the same time tomorrow.
>After dinner, you took your weary body up to you and Polo's room, and almost crashed into your bed.
>Wanting to get a good night's sleep for tomorrow, you drifted off rapidly, casually thinking of what tomorrow's match might bring.