Stopped

69

POV SUNSET

- Go Wondercolts! - Pinkie exclaimed to my right. On impulse, I covered my ears with my hands.

The sports part of the games was about to begin, the students from both schools were positioned on the field, with determined looks. Twilight sat to my left, watching the game without as much excitement as she had for the decathlon. Applejack was sitting with Rarity on her back between her legs and briefly cuddled the purple strands - which was impressive since Rarity greatly valued the aesthetics of her hair. Fluttershy laughed at Pinkie, who pulled the fans of the whole school.

- I had forgotten what it was like to go with Pinkie to the games - I commented to Twilight, who had a weak laugh.

- She really likes to cheer - she stretched her head to see her friend screaming motivational phrases - I'm impressed that she hasn't created a group of cheerleaders yet.

- Show them what it's like to play at home! - Pinkie screamed once again, I forced myself to cover my ears again.

- I'm sure she's not far from creating one - I joked, pulling a laugh from Twilight.

The judge arrived in the middle of the field, with the soccer ball in hand and asked the captains to approach the center of the field. Indigo Zap and Rainbow Dash stood face to face and greeted the judge, who asked the two to make a "stone, paper and scissors", to decide who would start with the ball. Paper against stone, Indigo took the ball, put it in front of his feet and Rainbow Dash retreated, returning to his starting position. The whistle sounded and in a matter of seconds the players ran across the field, passing the ball and trying to score a goal. Several students shouted euphoric and cheered for their respective schools. In the first few minutes, Rainbow Dash received the ball from Lyra Heartstrings - another Canterlot player - and scored a goal.

- Irra! - Applejack got up and celebrated, completely forgetting that Rarity had her back resting on her body.

- Applejack! - Rarity complained as she leaned on the stands and sat down again.

- Epa, descurpa sweetie - AJ helped Rarity pull herself together and kissed the top of her head.

The game was extremely hectic. Passes were frequent. Even if I had no idea about football, in addition to the games I had at home, it was clear that the two teams were very good. Ball goes, ball comes, until she stopped in one of the goals, ours. The side of the stands where the Crystal students were was filled with celebrations, while the side of Canterlot High was full of sighs and frustrations.

Two minutes left until the end of the match, Canterlot's team looked tired, just like Crystal's. If there were no more goals, the tiebreaker would take place on penalties, and the Wondercolts would not be able to win at all. Not that Angel Wings was not a good goalkeeper, but the Crystal players were very good, and she was not so confident in pressure situations.

Pinkie Pie, noticing the tense situation, got up from her place in the stands and put her hands around her mouth.

- Is it for today or for tomorrow Wondercolts?! - he shouted, receiving a deadly look from Rainbow Dash soon after.

- Don't distract me! - he shouted back.

- Pinkie, sit there - I pulled her by the arm and sat her on the bench again.

- All part of the plan - she crossed her arms with a convinced smile on her face.

- How can ending our ears be a plan? - Twilight asked with her eyebrow raised.

- Rainbow Dash acts surprisingly well under pressure - Applejack explained, turning her face to us - she is not a captain for nothing.

Rainbow Dash, with a determined new look, took the ball on his feet and made his way along the field, exchanging quick and short passes with another Canterlot player. Rainbow stood in front of the opponent's goal and kicked the ball. In the blink of an eye, the point scorer had changed and Canterlot had won the game. The celebration was great, the students sang and shouted "Wondercolts". Crystal's students complained to each other.

As the stands emptied, the girls and I went down to greet Rainbow Dash. The one with colored hair talked to her teammates and waved when she saw us arriving. We approached her celebrating and congratulating the victory.

- So it was for today? - Pinkie mocked. Rainbow crossed his arms but let a smile come out.

- Idiot - she joked - but yes, I had to guarantee at least one point for Canterlot, since Crystal won in the decathlon.

- Now just wait for the tiebreaker - Applejack celebrated, giving a weak punch in Rainbow's shoulder.

- I hope it's an easy activity - Fluttershy hugged his own body - I wouldn't want so much tension again.

- Relax babe, Canterlot is more than ready for everything - Dash gave a wink that made Fluttershy blush briefly and give a smile - I have to go to the locker room to change and talk to the team, see you later guys.

Rainbow waved as he ran towards a small entrance that led to the locker rooms. We formed a wheel, in silence, thinking about what to do. Suddenly, a head appears behind Pinkie, with a fun smile.

- Go Wondercolts - Starlight mocked.

Along with her, with the exception of Indigo Zap who had also gone to the locker rooms, the rest of the Crystal school group appeared. Sunny Flare passed her arm behind Sour Sweet and Starlight, showing her tongue like a child.

- It was just this time, okay? - Sunny smiled. Sour Sweet rolled his eyes.

- Congratulations - he said in a soft voice - a good stroke of luck.

- Stop being childish - Sugarcoat pushed them both - your team is good, congratulations.

- Who deserves the congratulations is Rainbow and the team, not us - I said humbly - the next activity will start in a few minutes, from what director Celestia said.

- Vambora! - Lemon Zest screamed and left in front of the group, Pinkie joined her and the two left talking.

- Is it possible that they are separated twins in the maternity hospital? - Starlight asked from my side. I just shrugged and laughed as I walked along with the group.

We keep walking and, suddenly, I feel someone holding me by the hand, in a delicate way. I stopped and turned around, coming across Twilight. His countenance was indecipherable, it seemed like a mixture of insecurity and affection.

- Hey - I lightly ran my fingers through the palm of your hand - how are you?

- No big deal, I just... - she hesitated and swallowed the dry - I just...

I glanced at the group that had not yet noticed our absence, walking a few meters ahead of us. I shook her hand and approached her.

- You know you can tell me anything, right? - I looked for your eyes.

- I know - she shook her head and put a weak smile on her face - I just want to be by your side.

On impulse, I gave a chaste kiss on your forehead and caressed your cheek. His body seemed to relax, but his look was still strange.

- Come on, we'll lose the rest of the games - I took your hand and pulled it to the group. She couldn't resist and just got carried away.