Author's Note

Here it is. Apple Bloom's final challenge!

August 29-Bracketeering

In the TV studio where Apple Bloom was a couple of times, an audience gathered with a circle of sixteen podiums on the stage. Soon, a man with grayish brown hair and wearing glasses steps up.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen." The man announced. "I am Brian Sheil, your host for Brackereering!" The audience cheered. "It's the show where we settle unusual arguments. Now, let's meet our contestants. Bring them out, Holly."

The curtain opens as a female voice is heard. "To start our horde of sixteen, here's the Humane seven of Canterlot. Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle."

The audience cheered as the announcer continued. "Next, we have the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle."

As the girls receive the applause, a country dweller calls out to the stage. "Get them brats off! We don't need them Anon-a-Miss dames ruinin' the game!"

A woman with curlers in her hair whacked the man with her purse. "Shut up, Laverne! They suffered enough."

Soon, the announcer was heard again. "And, rounding out the roster, here is a group called the Student Six. Gallus, Ocellus, Sandbar, Silverstream, Smolder, and Yona!"

The audience cheered as the sixteen teens take their places in the podiums.

"Okay, guys." Brian said. "It's time to create a bracket. Then, you'll face each other to see who the winner is. Here's your topic: Habits kids can get into these days. Get started."

The players started getting ideas.

"Oh yeah." Rainbow Dash said. "This is going to be good."

"I sure hope everybody will appreciate this." Sweetie Belle added.

"I can't wait for everyone to see this." Silverstream cheered.

In the audience, Opaline Arcana and the Maretime Bay Mane Six watch with interest. Brian called for the first four players. "Fluttershy, Sandbar, Sweetie Belle, and Rainbow Dash. Let's see what you said."

The answers were displayed. Nature walks, Beach activities, Arts and Crafts, and Soccer. Brian speaks again. "Now, the other twelve players will vote for their favorites. Voting starts now!"

The voting was fierce. Each answer fighting to surpass the other. Soon, Arts and Crafts received the most votes.

"Oh my." Fluttershy said. "I wonder who gave the winning answer."

Sweetie Belle was shined on. Rainbow Dash chuckled. "There's your answer, Flutters."

"And, Sweetie Belle moves to the next round." Brian announced. "Next up: Yona, Pinkie Pie, Smolder, and Rarity."

The answers displayed are Martial Arts, party planning, Collecting Action Figures, and Fashion design. Brian gets the event going. "Okay, let's battle!"

Everybody got voting. After an intense heat, Martial Arts pulls ahead.

"Well done, Yona." Rarity applauded.

"Martial Arts good for defending yourself." Yona said.

"Yona will move on to face Sweetie Belle." Brian said happily. "Let's have Gallus, Apple Bloom, Twilight Sparkle, and Silverstream up here."

As the youngsters step up on the stage, the country dweller yelled at the stage again. "Throw that farm kid out. She's a gossip spreader!"

The woman next to him hit him again with her purse again. The man got annoyed. "Cut that out, Idea Lee!"

The answers were displayed. Writing stories, puzzle books, Computer activities, and photography. Brian gets the round going. "The rest of you, start voting!"

Every watched the four answers battling each other. Soon, Puzzle books prevailed.

"Impressive." Twilight Sparkle cheered. "Puzzle books is a good idea. How come I didn't think of that?"

Apple Bloom blushed as Brian got everybody's attention. "Apple Bloom will move on. Finally, let's have Ocellus, Sunset Shimmer, Scootaloo, and Applejack join us."

The four responses were Painting, Yoga, Video Games, and Music.

"Everybody ready?" Brian said. "GO!"

The voting went crazy. Eventually, yoga wins out.

"Congratulations, Sunset." Applejack said. "Guess you'll be facing my sister."

"Sunset Shimmer moves on to face Apple Bloom." Brian announced. "Now, the final four are chosen!"

The audience cheered. Soon, Sweetie Belle and Yona were on stage in front of the screen.

"Time for Semi Battle one." Brian announced. "Sweetie Belle vs. Yona. Arts and Crafts vs. Martial Arts. You other fourteen players. Start voting......NOW!"

The voting got intense. Sweetie Belle and Yona started to watch with interest.

"We see if clay, paints, beads, and crayons beat Karate." Yona said.

"It all depends on the voting, Yona."

"That true."

The winning answer is.......Arts and Crafts.

"There you have it, folks!" Brian cheered. "Sweetie Belle will move on to the finals!"

Sweetie and Yoga shook hands as they leave the stage. Apple Bloom and Sunset Shimmer step up next.

"Next, it's Apple Bloom vs. Sunset Shimmer." Brian announced. "Puzzle books vs. Yoga. Let the voting begin!"

The voting is wild and intense. The crowd watches carefully.

"No matter who wins," Apple Bloom said, "this is fun."

"No question about that." Sunset agreed.

The winner was chosen. It's......Yoga!"

"And, Sunset Shimmer will face Sweetie Belle in the finals." Brian announced.

Sunset and Apple Bloom bowed to each other, showing respect. Apple Bloom steps off and Sweetie Belle steps up.

"This is it, folks!" Brian said. "The final battle. Will various art projects prevail over yoga poses? Let's find out. BEGIN!"

The fourteen other players started voting. The two answers were fighting each other fiercely. The crowd watched with intense looks. Even Laverne and Ida Lee we're getting nervous. The winner is........Arts and Crafts! The crowd cheered as Brian went up to the stage. "Congratulations, Sweetie Belle. You won this game of Brackereering!"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo rushed up to hug their friend. The other players clapped for Sweetie's win. Later, the sixteen players were in a park getting some peace and quiet from the intense action of Bracketeering.

"Miss Sunset," Ocellus said, "can you teach us some yoga someday?"

"I might." Sunset answered. "If Gallus interested."

Gallus responded. "I'm open to anything. So why not?"

Pinkie gets out her sketch book as Rarity looks on.

"Designing your next party, Pinkie?" Rarity asked.

"You bet." Pinkie chirped. "To celebrate Apple Bloom experiencing all fifty Jackbox games, one way or another."

Apple Bloom blushed knowing Pinkie is right. Her participation in Bracketeering finished off her Jackbox experience. Now, she can relax until it's time to go home to Canterlot.