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10 members of the Ponyville Guard stand in formation within a large tunnel inside an arena. Both officers in front, with their respective team lined up behind them. Each guard wearing their nice, form... View More10 members of the Ponyville Guard stand in formation within a large tunnel inside an arena. Both officers in front, with their respective team lined up behind them. Each guard wearing their nice, formal uniforms, complete with a shiny breastplate. Stood at the back of the magical team's line, Nar can't help but chafe at all this 'formality', and 'showmanship'. When he agreed to take part in the games, he didn't think the opening ceremony was going to be so boring!
The muffled roar of a massive crowd fills the tunnel. A member of the arena staff informs the guards that they have 30 seconds until their entrance. The sound of an announcer's voice joins the roar of the crowd. It's hard to make out exactly what's being said. 20 seconds, the crowd's cheers elevate. The first team must have made their way into the arena. 10 seconds, another swell. Boots march upon stone in practiced rhythm.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" A boisterous announcer's voice accompanies the glare of the light from outside the tunnel. The guards march out into the sandy grounds of a large arena, filled to bursting. "The Ponyville Guard Team! Lead by Lieutenants Gallant Lance, and Spell Sword!" As if those words were a command, the guards break their double file line to form one single, horizontal line, with the two lieutenants in the middle. One in formation, the guards enter parade rest in unison.
A cursory glance to his right shows Nar the two teams that have entered before them. First, is Canterlot. Arrayed in their shining golden armor. Poor guys have to be fighting heat stroke in all that metal. Second, is Manehatten. The boys in blue, with their blue dress uniforms, and pressed peak caps.
One by one, the teams of guards from each city, and town are announced, and make their entrance. Nar doesn't pay them much attention. Except for the Appaloosia guys. They're every bit as majestic as Nar had imagined they'd be. Rugged clothes, jeans, cowboy boots, and MAGNIFICENT mustaches! Man they're so cool!
After all the teams are introduced, the announcer informs the crowd of the setup of the games. 2 weeks of games, with a main event in the afternoon, and duels following afterwards, with one final event featuring all participants at the end. By the time it's finally over, Nar has just about had it with standing at parade rest! Get him out of here! Too bad for him, as the explanation of the games was only the beginning of the opening ceremony.
