“Tavi, can’t we take a break from walking? We’ve been going almost non-stop since we got off that plane.” The white unicorn complained.

“No Vinyl, we must keep moving.” The couple continued walking alongside the river. The river had served useful in their travels. It provided a constant supply of fresh drinking water and every now and again they would get lucky enough to catch a fish. Vinyl was right though; they had been on their hooves all day everyday for the past several days. Octavia would be a liar if she said she wasn’t tired. Her legs ached for a rest. She refused to quit advancing despite her sore muscles. She wanted to put as much separation between herself and her competitors as possible. She had never felt safe on this island, even if everypony else were possibly miles away. Paranoia had its advantages in some circumstances. The two mares continued to walk in silence for another hour or so before Octavia noticed how taxing this hike had been. Behind her, she could hear Vinyl wheezing and coughing occasionally. Vinyl wasn’t necessarily in the best of shape for a grown mare. The air was thin, dry, and cold; which only added to the difficulty of breathing.

“Octavia please… stop, I can’t… breathe.” Octavia sighed at her wife’s complaints.

“Well maybe if you hadn’t been a smoker your whole life then this wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Well you… aren’t the one… with asthma. Plus… you’re an earth pony… and I’m a unicorn, the most diverse of ponies… when it comes to stamina.” Octavia slowed her hurried trot into a brisk walk before finally coming to a complete stop.

“Okay, we’ll stop until sun high but after that, we have to get moving again.” Octavia compromised.

“That’ll… do.” Vinyl plopped her rump onto the ground forcefully, and lay down. Octavia nuzzled her wife affectionately and planted a kiss on top of her head before lying down next to her. Octavia positioned her head onto Vinyl’s side and scanned the tree line for anything suspicious. She couldn’t afford to fall asleep as vulnerable as they were. Vinyl fell asleep almost immediately so Octavia kept watch. The island grew silent, all except for Vinyl’s short and sporadic breathing and the soothing flow of the river. For once in this competition she felt calm and unafraid. She didn’t want to worry about the future anymore. It was hard enough knowing that she would die soon, but having to take care of Vinyl added to the stress. Octavia’s eyelids slowly began to close but she jerked them open quickly. She was getting very tired very fast. Eventually it became too much and she succumbed to the necessity of sleep.

The island continued to drop in temperature. It was unnatural for the island to be this cold. Just days prior it had been scorching hot and the air was thick with humidity. Now it was a frigid island with a cold, dry wind slicing through the air.

Octavia jolted awake at the sound of commotion behind the tree line. She narrowed her foggy eyes to get a clearer view. Nothing, nothing at all. The island seemed devoid of life entirely. As cliché as it sounded, Octavia couldn’t help but feel that everything was too quiet. Octavia prodded Vinyl awake. The white unicorn stretched and picked her self up. She wiped the sleep from her eyes with her hoof and looked up towards the sky.

“I thought you said we would rest till sun high? It’s barely ten in the morning.”

“Yes dear I know what I said, but something just doesn’t feel right.”

“It’s just your exhaustion finally setting in. You don’t realize how much sleep deprivation bucks with your senses until you’re truly deprived. Trust me, I’m an expert.”

“No Vinyl, it’s not that. Something is wrong, I know it.”

“Well unless you intend to carry me, I’m not moving an inch.” Vinyl lay down again and let out a huff of frustration.

The wind picked up speed as did the river. The cold wind stung Octavia’s eyes and bit the tips of her ears. Her nose was numb with cold and her body shivered frantically.

“Why is it so cold?” Octavia whispered to herself, genuinely confused. The sound of the river intensified as the flow increased in speed. Octavia raised her gaze upon the sky. The sun was no longer visible. Only a sheet of grey clouds could be seen for miles. “What in Celestia’s name is going on here?” Octavia knew something unexplainable was going on. A climate just doesn’t change on the spot like this. The island seemed to be withering away, as if it were deteriorating. “I think the island is dying.” She looked down at the bracelet adorning her wrist then back to the dull sky. “Are you doing this Discord? If so I don’t find it humorous. Then again why should you care anyway? You like to think you’re a god among ponies don’t you? Well you’re not. I think of you more as a parasite but that’s just my opinion.” Octavia didn’t bother yelling at the sky anymore. She was just wasting her breath.

Octavia trotted back toward her snoozing wife and sat beside her. She wanted to feel safe but she was far from it. She looked at her spouse and whispered in her ear.

“I don’t know what to do anymore Vinyl.” Octavia could feel tears forming in her eyes.

“You could stop being so paranoid all the time and let me get some sleep.” Octavia flinched, not expecting a response from Vinyl.

“I guess you’re right.” Octavia admitted defeat and rested her chin on the back of Vinyl’s neck and sighed.

“Sevol eh esoht ot peels stnarg eh rof- tae ot doof rof gniliot, etal pu yats dna ylrae esir uoy niav ni. Psalm 127:2.”

Octavia’s head snapped upward and her ears were splayed back. She kept her head on a swivel, not knowing where the voice came from.

“Did you hear that Vinyl?”

“No and neither did you.” Vinyl was blunt with her response.

Octavia never removed her gaze from the dense forest. Octavia heard another rustling noise from within the undergrowth. Her patience was rewarded; but Octavia didn’t want her prize.

From out of the shadows emerged Pinkamena Diane Pie. Accompanying her was the infamous Rainbow Dash. Rainbow turned her head to face her comrade. She wore a sinister grin on her blood soaked face. Rainbow gave a curt nod to Pinkie before the two mares took off in hot pursuit.

“Vinyl get up, get up, get up!” Octavia pleaded desperately.

“For the last time Tavi, leave me alone for buck sake!”

“I don’t care, just run.” Octavia shoved Vinyl forward but continued sprinting up the river.

“Huh?” Vinyl turned her head to see exactly what Octavia was referring to. The pink and rainbow mares were approaching Vinyl at blistering speeds. Vinyl turned and ran for Octavia. Vinyl was already completely exhausted but somehow managed to catch up and keep up with Octavia. The two mares turned around to see their pursuers only to be shocked when they had vanished.

“Where did they go?” Octavia began to panic.

“Surprise!” Octavia was knocked back hard as Rainbow Dash rammed her from the side. Vinyl pounced onto Rainbow, preventing her from doing any more damage to the grounded earth pony. Octavia scrambled to her hooves only to be assaulted from behind by Pinkie. Rainbow Dash had now gained the advantage in her quarrel with Vinyl and had the unicorn pinned on her back. Vinyl was completely drained of energy and couldn’t defend herself much longer. Octavia however, refused to submit to the mare on top of her. She flailed her hooves in the direction of Pinkie’s head; hoping that eventually she would connect. Rainbow Dash pummeled Vinyl within an inch of her life before ceasing her assault.

“Keep her at bay while I get the cleaver. We’re going to have some fun with these two.” Pinkie simply nodded and kept the writhing mare restrained. Pinkie had stopped beating Octavia and just kept her still. Octavia turned her head towards her unconscious wife. Vinyl was bleeding from her nose and mouth; both her eyes were swollen. Rainbow returned with the weapon and gave it to Pinkie.

“Before I let you loose, I think it would only be fair if her better half were watching.” Rainbow slapped Vinyl across the cheek, stirring the unconscious mare awake. Rainbow aggressively grabbed a chunk of Vinyl’s mane and forced her dismantled face in the direction of Octavia. “Anything you want to say to your wife before we slaughter her?” Rainbow asked through a mouthful of mane. Vinyl was unresponsive. Rainbow nodded in Pinkie’s direction, signaling for her to begin. Pinkie raised the cleaver above Octavia’s head and paused to look down at the cellist.

“Why Pinkie, why are you letting her control you like this. What happened to the good ol’ Pinkie that used to attend all of Vinyl’s gigs, and would throw all the after-parties? Where is she?” Octavia stalled for time. Pinkie simply shook her head in frustration.

“You know only one pony can walk away from this game alive. Do you really expect Rainbow to let you win?”

“Don’t listen to her Pinkie! She’s just trying to save her hide. Remember your purpose.” Pinkie shook her head again and grunted in frustration.

“Please Pinkie; see it in your heart to spare Vinyl. I know I must die. I am a martyr in this game but don’t hurt my love. Have you never learned to love? I know you have.”

“Think Pinkie, if you let them live now, what will that accomplish. Remember, only one pony lives and eventually you must do what is necessary!” Octavia took her time to inspect her surroundings. There was an adjacent rock within arms reach. Octavia grabbed the sizable stone and bashed Pinkie in the side of the head. Octavia stood up and grabbed the cleaver. Rainbow lunged for Octavia but was stopped by a hoof wrapping around her hind leg. Vinyl pulled herself from the ground and hobbled towards Octavia. Octavia chucked the cleaver into the river before taking off again. Much slower this time to allow Vinyl to keep up. Every part of Vinyl’s body was in pain but she never thought to quit. Rainbow had now gotten back to her hooves and was assisting Pinkie up as well.

“Quick, into the river!” Octavia yelled to her wife before lurching into the icy water. The water was so cold it burned Octavia’s skin. The river was uncharacteristically fast, making it all the more difficult to traverse. Vinyl hopped into the water thinking it was much shallower. She was caught off guard and began tumbling downstream with the rapids. Octavia heard her wife’s screams and turned to see her flailing in the water like a helpless foal. She chased Vinyl down the river as her body was beaten by the harsh current.

Pinkie and Rainbow Dash had fully recovered and Pinkie was prepared to give chase. Rainbow placed her hoof across Pinkie’s chest preventing her from advancing.

“Don’t bother, if the river doesn’t kill them, then surely they will be too weak to defend themselves from anypony else.” Pinkie huffed in anger and disappointment. She knew it was her fault that they had escaped, but Octavia was confusing her beyond her mental capabilities. Rainbow Dash returned to the vast forest with the dejected Pinkie Pie in tow.

Vinyl’s body was being assaulted by the rocky river bottom and she was struggling to breathe. Her head was constantly falling below the surface causing her to suck in a considerable amount of water. Vinyl continued to flail her hooves about in a panic. She looked downstream and saw a large log obstructing the flow of the river. This was her chance to regain control. Vinyl dragged her back hooves against the river bottom hoping to stabilize her body. She reached out to grab the log but was surprised when her hooves came out from underneath her. There had been a dip in the bottom just before she got to the log. She tried with all her might to pull herself back to the surface but couldn’t manage the strength. Her leg was caught on something on the bottom of the river. The log was now a hindrance as it kept Vinyl’s body and head below the surface.

Octavia finally reached her submerged wife before spiraling into panic mode. She tugged at Vinyl’s hooves in a vain effort to pull her out but she was jammed in tight. Several bubbles rose to the surface as Vinyl’s body began thrashing harder. Through the midst of her panicking dilemma, Octavia had an idea. She sucked in as much air as she could and plunged below the surface. She pressed her lips to Vinyl’s and emptied her oxygen into the unicorn’s lungs. She resurfaced and began pushing against the log, but that did little to no good. More bubbles surfaced as Vinyl began her thrashing.

“Hold your breath!” Octavia commanded before transferring more air into Vinyl. It was the only thing keeping her alive. Octavia came to the surface and took another huge breath before diving into the water again. Vinyl was doing what Octavia asked but her lungs were burning. She did her best to relax as Octavia investigated her leg. Octavia found that Vinyl was indeed stuck. Her hoof had managed itself under a large boulder that was larger than her. She pushed and shoved but the boulder didn’t budge. She tried digging out the surface underneath Vinyl’s hoof but it was solid rock. Octavia could feel Vinyl’s body thrashing again. Octavia poked her head up and retrieved fresh air before pressing her lips into Vinyl’s and exhaling into her mouth. It was a cruel punishment knowing that she was merely centimeters from the surface. Vinyl just couldn’t hold on any longer so she did what she thought best; not only for herself but for Octavia. In her mind she said goodbye to all the ponies she loved, even if Octavia and Mr. Saxophone were her only true friends. She wanted to cry but she couldn’t. Vinyl emptied her lungs of Octavia’s air.

Octavia sensed more bubbles floating to the surface, but this time they weren’t accompanied by a thrashing mare. Octavia nearly jumped out of the water and tried giving more oxygen to Vinyl but she was unresponsive. The unicorn just floated within a fraction of an inch below the surface. She looked at peace with her decision. Her rather short cyan striped mane was plastered to her head and her body had gone limp.

“V…Vinyl?” Octavia choked and she realized what happened.

“Vinyl, don’t go!” Octavia wrapped her forelegs around Vinyl’s torso and tugged with more muscle than she thought she had.

“Come on Vinyl, don’t you die on me!” Octavia kept pulling Vinyl’s lifeless body but she never moved. Octavia released her grip and plopped back onto her haunches.

“Please don’t leave me; I don’t want to be alone.” Octavia began openly weeping in the river.

She refused to leave her wife’s side. She felt a buzzing on her wrist and the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She had shed all of her tears and sat silently as the river kept pounding her skin. Octavia stood up and kissed her wife one last time. Of all the ways this had to end, she never anticipated it would be like this. Octavia left Vinyl’s body as she dragged herself to the shore. Octavia had never felt colder in her life: her body was quaking but it was not all from the cold. The shock of Vinyl’s death was unbearable. Octavia didn’t want to leave but she forced herself to carry on. Her brain told her legs to move but her heart was telling her to stop. Eventually her heart won. Octavia sat on her rump where she stood and looked towards the still-grey sky.

“Do something.” Octavia began “Do something all powerful God, do something! Come on and prove it! Why should I have faith? If I want something I earn it! Show me something real! I need it now, not later, now! Show me then, and I’ll believe in you until the day I die… I swear. I’m calling out to you now! Can’t you hear me calling you, can’t you hear me crying!?” Octavia screamed to the sky and waited for a response… there wasn’t one. “I’ve spent my whole life running from the things I fear. Do you think I’m afraid to die!?” Octavia sighed. “Maybe I am, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m still here. Do you want me dead? Do you want to kill me for the things I’ve done, for the mistakes I’ve made? Well I’m waiting… I’m waiting to die God. You’ve punished me enough so why won’t you end it already? Strike me down where I stand! I’m begging you! KILL ME!” No matter how much Octavia screamed she knew that she wouldn’t get a response. “Forget it, I don’t need you. How am I supposed to put my life in your hooves if you won’t let me in!? I can finish this game on my own. Whatever I need to do in order to live… I’ll do it myself.”

Octavia stood and continued her journey… alone.

Applejack and Rarity had carried out their days one minute at a time; nothing to occupy their time and only one another to talk to. Rarity had noticed that AJ was a little distant. Not always finishing sentences or just refusing to get her thoughts out completely. To Rarity, it seemed that Applejack just wasn’t all there.

“You know I’m here for you if you are having problems dear.” Rarity finally expressing her concerns for her friend.

“Ah know that Rare’s, but some things are better left unspoken.”

“Well just know that I’m always willing to help you.” Applejack accepted her gesture with a nod.

The two mares continued to wander aimlessly through the forest with no game plan other than survive. Rarity was never a pony to enjoy silence, she was too busy talking to ever appreciate silence, but silence was all Rarity had experienced in the last several days.

Their donations were dwindling at this stage of the game. The dress was a hindrance as were the socks, the spoon was unusable after what they put Spike through. As much as everypony hated the conceded and now deceased dragon, the two mares couldn’t help but feel sorry for him… actually that’s a complete lie. There were so many more malicious things they wanted to do to him but alas, one dragon can only take so much punishment. The night vision goggles served somewhat useful having resulted in many avoided confrontations. The camouflage paint was completely gone. They had used it to hide during the night so that they wouldn’t be disturbed in their sleep.

Rarity and Applejack trekked in silence for another hour or so before entering an empty clearing. It was spacious and barren but Applejack was concerned that it was too open and would leave them vulnerable. Rarity begged to differ. Then again AJ had already assumed that.

“Ah’m gonna go find us somethin’ to eat… hopefully before sundown.” Applejack announced.

“Very well, I will be waiting here when you return.”

“Don’t’cha mean if Ah come back?”

“Do not speak of such nonsense Applejack, I am certain that you can handle yourself out there, you’re a grown mare.” Rarity replied, almost teasing Applejack. The farm mare didn’t find it humorous. Applejack didn’t have time to be silly, everything was always serious and in these circumstances who could blame her?

Without another exchange of words, Applejack had disappeared into the trees. Rarity lay down on the ground and closed her eyes for a little while. Rarity’s mind filled with warm thoughts, thoughts of being surrounded by her friends and loving family. But those days were no more. Applejack was her only friend and Sweetie Belle her only family. Though she was sure Sweetie Belle was not quite herself anymore. Rarity could now only hope to remember the enjoyable times in her life. It was all she could do. It was all she had left.

Scootaloo had not slept through the night. She was too afraid. Afraid of what they might do to her, and afraid of what anypony else would do to her. This was all too much for the filly. She just wanted to go home.

“There’s gotta be somethin’ to eat out here.” Applejack murmured to herself, already frustrated by the lack of food. Applejack hadn’t even walked a mile before deciding to go back to Rarity.

Babs Seed and Shining Armor continued their journey across the island; neither knowing where they were going but that didn’t concern them too much. They had protection against attackers and bellies full of coconut milk.

“How much further do you think we should press on?” Shining Armor broke the silence with a question.

“Why You’se askin’ me? I thought you were leadin’ us?” Babs responded.

“When did I ever elect myself captain of this alliance? Just because I have a military training background, that doesn’t automatically make me leader. Babs, we are equals out here, no one pony better than the next.”

“Well when ya puttin’ that way, I guess we could stop once we…” Babs was interrupted by the sounds of a scuffle to their left. Shining Armor motioned for Babs to follow him. The duo cautiously approached the growing sounds of a fight. There was a cluster of thorn bushes separating them from the scuffle. They could now hear voices…familiar voices.

“C’mon Pinkie lets finish this.” Rainbow Dash ordered. Applejack was exhausted and bleeding from her mouth. The taste of copper stained her lips. She spat on the ground in front of the cyan Pegasus before speaking.

“What have Ah… *cough, cough* ever done to you? Do ya’ll realize how much pain you’ve caused me? You left me when Ah needed you the most Rainbow.”

“Did you really think that I cared about our foal? Applejoy was it?”

“Mah foal… not ours. You never deserved her.”

“Partly because I never wanted her to begin with.”

“Have you no heart you coward? Couldn’t you have had the decency to let her know who her other mother was? She lived her whole life not knowin’ who her ‘daddy’ was. You make me sick Rainbow.” Applejack growled through gritted teeth.

“The feeling is mutual then. Pinkie, bring me my toy.” Rainbow commanded.

Pinkie pulled the recently retrieved, blood stained cleaver out of Rainbow’s bag and tossed it to her. Pinkie walked over and stood on AJ’s back, not letting the mare escape.

“Well Applejack, you had a good run but it’s time to end this. Any last words, any last prayer to your ‘precious’ God before you meet him? Huh, where is he Applejack, where is your God now?”

“He’s waitin’… waitin’ for me to join him.”

“Well allow me to help you with that.” Rainbow raised the cleaver and brought it down with great force. AJ did not move, she did not struggle, rather she accepted her fate as it was meant to be.

Shining Armor and Babs tore their eyes away from the scene unfolding in front of them.

“We need to get as far away from here as possible.” Shining Armor whispered to his shaky companion. Her only response was a nod. The two bolted in the opposite direction as fast as their four hooves would allow them.

Rainbow Dash looked up from her latest victim at the sound of scattering behind a cluster of thorn bushes.

“Did you hear something Pinkie?” Pinkie’s lips curled into a sinister smile and nodded.

“Ecnelis fo ecalp eht ot nwod og ohw esoht, drol eht esiarp ohw daed eht ton si ti. Psalm 115:17.”

Rarity jolted awake at the sound of buzzing. She looked down at her wristband which was blinking red. Panic raced through her mind. What if it were Applejack, what if it was Sweetie Belle? Rarity hoped that neither was true. Rarity attempted to rest her eyes once more but she had an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Got to put as much distance between yourself and them Scootaloo. If they catch you they will kill you.” The filly murmured to herself. Her weak legs pushed forward through the growing pain in her joints. She didn’t have any sort of contingency plan other than walking along or accepting her inevitable death and allowing her former comrades to finish her. The latter was beginning to sound better and better as time went on.

It had been over three days since her last decent meal and fatigue was setting in. Her senses were impaired and she was growing more and more paranoid with every little sound. Whether it be the snapping of a branch beneath her hooves or an insect buzzing past her ears, everything was putting her on edge. Ever since her camping trip with Rainbow Dash and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she hated being alone in the forest.

Scootaloo stopped her forward progress and looked towards the thick canopy of trees covering the darkened sky. She felt a small droplet of water splash onto her snout. She shook away the precipitation and wiped her eyes. Wet droplets of water were now pelting her face as the rain increased its intensity. She looked around for some sort of shelter to shield her from the weather. A hollow tree trunk lay collapsed on the ground. Scootaloo made a beeline for the temporary shelter. It was small enough to accommodate her small frame but not too small where she felt claustrophobic. She rested her chin in the crook of her elbow and sighed. She felt miserable and cold. Tears began to roll down her cheek, dampening her fur.

“I just want to go home.”

“Where do you think that vermin went AB?” Sweetie Belle asked her superior.

“Not far, that’s for certain.” Apple Bloom responded, malice lingering amongst her words.

“How many foes must we eliminate until we remain alone?”

“Lucky 7 Sweetie.” Sweetie Belle examined her loaded firearm and laughed a little.

“With these, it shouldn’t be too hard to bring that number down to five.”

“Indeed Sweetie Belle, indeed.”

“Slow down Shinin’, you know I ain’t the best runner.” Babs struggled to maintain pace with the burly stallion that was tearing through the dense forest with relative ease. Shining Armor slowed his pace to allow for Babs to catch up.

The two now continued running side by side until they burst into a spacious clearing. They turned back to look at the tree line, hoping nopony would be following them. They turned back towards the center of the clearing to see a lump of dirty, white fur. They approached the pony cautiously hoping not to alarm her. Shining Armor was now close enough to identify the sleeping pony as Rarity. Shining Armor prodded her side gently with a hoof in an attempt to wake her. She didn’t budge.

“Is she still alive? Check her pulse.” Babs suggested.

Shining Armor placed his hoof on her neck feeling for a pulse. Yep she’s alive. Must be a heavy sleeper with all this rain.

Rarity felt a hoof on her neck and froze with fear. Was someone trying to choke her? No, it felt too gentle to be harmful. She peeled her eyes open to see a large stallion and a smaller mare standing over top of her. Rarity jumped up and confronted the two ponies face to face.

“Now she’s awake.” The smaller mare spoke up.

“I can see that Babs.” The stallion replied bluntly.

Rarity was panting heavily in fear.

“Whoa, calm down Rarity, we don’t want to hurt you. You know it’s probably not the best idea to fall asleep in the middle of an open clearing completely exposed to the elements and other competitors.”

“Why should I trust you? How do I know that you won’t just kill me the second I turn my back?”

“Because we woulda killed ya already if we really wanted ya dead.” Babs replied.

“Good point. What do you want from me?”

“We want to help.”

“Why? How would I benefit from this alliance?”

“We have something valuable that you don’t.”

“And that would be…?”

Shining Armor pulled his gun out of his make shift holster made of palm fronds. Babs mirrored his actions, revealing both guns. Rarity gulped down hard.

“I see. Very well then; one more question though.”

“Fire away.”

“Why me of all ponies, why am I so deserving?”

“Because a defenseless pony drenched in the middle of an exposed clearing warrants help.”

“Well I assure you that I am very much capable of taking care of myself.”

“Alright then miss independence, suit yourself.” Babs shrugged.

“But just know that next time you see us, we won’t be so friendly.” Shining Armor and Babs turned away from Rarity and walked away. Once they were out of ear reach, Shining Armor leaned towards Babs and whispered in her ear as they walked.

“3…2…1…”

“Wait!” Rarity yelled back at them

“Told you.” Shining Armor chuckled slightly.

Rarity ran up to them and pressed up against Shining Armor for warmth.

“I trust you two to hold your word.”

“Your trust is in good hooves Ms. Rarity.” Shining reassured her.

The newly formed trio continued their journey into the wild. Rarity began to nod off on Shining’s shoulder. He would promptly nudge her awake. Rarity was surprised when she felt another pelt brush against her side. It was Applejack. Rarity sighed with relief and was about to address her returned companion, but she was cut off as AJ held a hoof up to her lips and shushed her. Rarity had never felt safer. To one side she had two ponies with firearms, one of which was Shining Armor who has years of experience dealing with these situations, and he’s kinda cute to boot. To her other side she had her best friend whom she trusted with her life.

Scootaloo was roused from her light sleep by the sound of ponies outside her small shelter. Cautiously, she poked her head out of the trunk and surveyed her surroundings. She immediately ducked back down when she saw the likes of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.

“Wait maybe Rainbow Dash can help me.” Scootaloo thought to herself. The filly-not knowing what the outcome of this confrontation would lead to-exited her shelter and approached the two mares.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo called out to her idol.

Rainbow’s head whipped to the direction of the voice and grinned maniacally. Rainbow looked to Pinkie and nodded. The mares charged at the defenseless filly at an alarming speed. Scootaloo began to back away from her pursuers. She huddled into a ball and waited for her death. She could hear more ponies joining the fray. Scootaloo peeled her eyes open to see three new ponies fighting with Rainbow and Pinkie. She recognized Shining Armor, Babs Seed and Rarity. Rarity scuffled with Pinkie while Shining Armor and Babs dealt with Rainbow Dash. Pinkie easily overpowered Rarity as she was flung to the side. Pinkie rushed Shining Armor and tried to tackle him to no avail. Rainbow took the distraction to buck Babs off of her with her hind legs. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie now attempted to double team the formidable Shining Armor. He was still in control of the fight though. Rainbow took noticed and spit in his face. The two mares made a hasty retreat into the woods leaving Shining Armor to wipe the saliva from his eyes.

“Buck, they got away.” Babs spat some blood from her mouth.

“Yeah but now they’ll think twice next time they plan on attacking us.” Shining Armor responded as he helped Rarity to her hooves.

“True.” Applejack agreed having now finally joined the group. Rarity leaned against Applejack for support. Rarity turned to Applejack with a look of anger.

“Where the buck were you?” Rarity demanded through her pain.

“Fell down a hole.” Applejack shrugged her shoulders.

“Likely story.”

“Rarity, are you coming?” Shining Armor asked

“Yes, of course.” Rarity hobbled towards Shining Armor with Applejack in tow.

Scootaloo was still shivering in her nervous bundle as Shining Armor walked by. He reached out a welcoming hoof to the frightened filly.

“Are you coming along or what?”

Scootaloo only nodded before accepting his hoof and stood up.

Babs patted Scootaloo on the back.

“Welcome to the pack.”

Octavia looked to the rainy sky. The sun was blocked by the clouds, but if she had to guess, she would estimate that it was approaching sundown on the fourth day. She was alone, but that was okay.

The core alliance of five had settled down in a small clearing surrounded by a barrier of brambles. It would be hard for anypony to sneak up on them with a pre-emptive strike. Rarity was laying down with Applejack close to her side. Babs and Scootaloo stayed relatively close and Shining Armor sat across from the fillies. Shining Armor, Rarity and Applejack had managed to find enough palm fronds and logs to start a fire. It wasn’t very grandiose, but it would suffice for the next hour or so.

“So Scootaloo, what happened to your alliance with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom?” Shining Armor inquired.

“Well the truth is that I never did any of those things.”

“Like what?”

“Well I had nothing to do with the shootings at Ponyville high. I had to go along with them or else they would probably slaughter me with the rest of the lot.”

“I know the feel.” Babs spoke up.

“I never killed anypony to begin with but no matter how much I pleaded to the authorities, nopony listened. That’s why I pleaded insanity on our behalf. Apparently that wasn’t convincing enough. I took the opportunity to run when their backs were turned. I remember we stumbled upon a large wooden box.”

Babs glanced towards Shining Armor. She knew exactly what happened.

“They didn’t try shooting you?” asked Shining Armor, relatively intrigued.

“No, how did you know that there were guns in that crate?”

“Were there two guns missing?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure just two.”

Shining Armor and Babs both revealed the firearms in their possession.

“Well that gives me a little bit of reassurance.” Scootaloo loosened up a bit.

“So does anypony know how many contestants are left?” Rarity chimed in.

Shining Armor brought a hoof to his chin as he pondered the question.

“Well there’s all of us, Rainbow and Pinkie and from what I can assume is Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are still alive. Do you know Scootaloo?”

“I can’t say for certain.” Shining Armor turned back to Rarity.

“Probably seven, maybe eight left.”

“Hmm, that means Vinyl and Octavia are probably dead as well.” Rarity thought aloud.

“It would appear that way.” Applejack confirmed.

The five ponies remained silent for a long while before their fire began to fade. Shining Armor took notice of their predicament. He walked over to Rarity and took a seat next to her. Rarity could see that Babs and Scootaloo had both fallen asleep from the stress of the day. As the last light of the fire flickered Rarity could see the faint shadows of the ponies’ silhouettes on the tree line.

“What do you suppose we do about our fire Shining?”

“I suppose we could go and find some more fire wood. Care to join me?”

“I would be happy to oblige.” Rarity giggled slightly as Shining Armor helped her to her hooves.

“Quite a gentlecolt aren’t we?” Rarity asked flirtatiously.

“I was raised by one. It’s only appropriate to follow in fathers footsteps.”

“I see.”

Shining Armor quietly slipped Babs’ gun from her palm frond holster and gave it to Rarity.

“You are one of the best shots in Equestria are you not?”

“You would be correct.” Rarity replied, taking the fire arm in her hoof. She placed the gun in her pack before setting off with Shining Armor.

“I’ll stay and keep a look out.” Applejack called to them while still staring intently at the dying flame. Rarity simply nodded to her companion.

Rarity and Shining Armor walked in silence for several minutes as the last bit of the suns light became barely visible beyond the horizon.

“It’s getting quite dark, perhaps we should turn back.” Rarity grew concerned with every passing minute.

“If we don’t collect more firewood, it is going to be dark regardless. Not to mention cold.”

“Valid point.”

Rarity continued walking but something put Shining Armor on edge. He stopped dead in his tracks.

“What is it?”

“SHH!” he hushed her. Rarity sucked in her breath to hear a faint scurry in the bushes in front of them. The noise stopped almost as soon as it started. Rarity grabbed her night vision goggles out of her pack and passed them to Shining Armor. The stallion fixed them to his face and adjusted the focus. Behind the bushes were the silhouettes of two ponies. Fairly small in size. “AB and SB.” Shining whispered into Rarity’s ears.

Shining Armor turned back to where he saw the two fillies. They were no longer there. They just vanished.

“Should we go on?”

Shining nodded. Rarity pushed into the bushes only to be surprised by a steep hill on the other side. She tumbled painfully down the slope until she came to an abrupt halt at the bottom of the hill. Rarity was now face to face with a pony she was hoping that she would never have to see during this competition… Sweetie Belle.

“Hello dear sister.” Sweetie Belle growled.

“S…Sweetie Belle, what have you become?”

“Oh don’t you see dear sister, I am only what I choose to be. I chose to bring justice to those unjustly treated such as myself. Simple as that.”

“Don’t you lay a hoof on her you heathen!” Shining Armor pointed his firearm at Sweetie Belle’s head.

“Oh no, you got me real good Mr. Armor, but there is one very small detail that you overlooked… I’m not alone.” As Sweetie Belle concluded, Shining Armor could feel the barrel of a gun pressed firmly into the back of his head. Rarity pulled out her gun and pointed it upwards at Apple Bloom’s head. Sweetie Belle pulled another pistol on her sister. The four ponies were now at a standstill, not a single one moving.

“Well Rarity, go ahead and take a shot. If you do I’ll put a bullet through your brain and Apple Bloom will do the same to your new coltfriend.” Sweetie Belle teased devilishly. Rarity made eye contact with Shining Armor and winked. It was dark enough to where neither Apple Bloom nor Sweetie Belle could distinguish any facial expressions. Shining Armor however had Rarity’s goggle and could see every detail. Rarity began mouthing words to him.

“Pull the trigger in 3… 2… 1…” Rarity and Shining Armor simultaneously fired their weapons at their adversaries. Rarity landed her shot right through Apple Blooms left eyeball and Shining Armor put a bullet through one of Sweetie Belle’s ears and out the other; completely blowing her brains out of her skull. The two gunshots rang for several seconds over the eerily quiet forest. Sweetie Belle’s lifeless corpse fell on top of Rarity. The mare screamed at the feeling of her sister’s dead body lying over top of her. Blood began to soak into Rarity’s fur as did Apple Bloom’s blood into Shining Armors fur. Rarity and Shining Armor pushed the two carcasses off of them. Apple Bloom’s body tumbled lifelessly down the hill and rested next to Sweetie Belle’s. Rarity got up and ran up the hill. She promptly jumped into Shining Armor’s arms.

“Alright Rarity I get it, I get it. I’m sorry I killed your sister. It was either her or you and I didn’t think that you would want…”

Rarity shut the stallion up with a deep kiss. Shining Armor was caught off guard by her sudden lip lock. He did not oppose however. She broke off after about thirty seconds and buried her blood stained face into his shoulder.

“I don’t care I just want to get out of here.” She wiped tears from her eyes and sauntered back to camp.

“Okay.” Shining Armor agreed reluctantly and followed the defeated mare back towards their base camp. He decided to look for more firewood on the walk back. Either that or freeze to death.

Rarity refused to look at Shining Armor as he pressed his pelt deeply into hers in an attempt to comfort her. She had to admit that she felt safe and secure around him, but now was not the time.

Up further, Shining Armor could see that the fire had grown immensely. He thought Babs must’ve woken up to a dead fire and got more wood. Good, he hadn’t been able to find anymore wood anyway.

The two pushed through the barrier of bramble into their small clearing.

“Oh, you’re back. So glad you could join us.” The all too familiar voice of Rainbow Dash rang out through the silent forest. Shining Armor and Rarity halted in shock and fear. Scootaloo and Babs were being held captive by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. Rarity noticed that Applejack was nowhere to be found. Rainbow held a large cleaver up to Scootaloo’s neck.

“Let them go Rainbow Dash!” Shining Armor barked.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Rainbow waved a teasing hoof in front of the stallions face. She pressed the cleaver harder against the writhing filly’s neck. Scootaloo could feel some blood dripping down her neck. “You wouldn’t want for them to get hurt now would you Mr. Daddy. I know that your fatherly instincts must be operating at maximum capacity. So let me help relieve all that pent up stress.” Rainbow lifted the cleaver and swung down forcefully through Scootaloo’s neck. Her head came clean off as blood spurted from her exposed arteries. All of this was done in one clean motion.

“I’M GOING TO BUCKING KILL YOU!!!” “Shining Armor threatened as he began to charge. Pinkie rammed into his side, sending him sprawling across the dirt.

“Did that sting Shiny, huh, does that hurt on the inside. I’m sure it does. It doesn’t sting me though. That filly has been a thorn in my side for far too long. I feel a huge burden lifted off of my shoulders. Don’t you Pinkie?”

Pinkie nodded. Her signature grin still adorned her face. Rainbow grabbed Babs by the back of the neck and shoved her next to Shining Armor.

“Now I understand that you and Babs here have developed quite a friendship over these last couple days. What a shame that it will end tonight.”

“STOP!” Rarity shouted. All commotion in the clearing came to a halt.

“Rarity, you’re interrupting me. How rude, you of all ponies should know not to interrupt somepony when they are speaking.” Rainbow mocked her.

“Don’t hurt them Rainbow, kill me instead and spare them.”

“Okay now what makes you think that I’m dumb enough to do that anyway? All of you need to die eventually so why not just do it now? Look I’ll cut you some slack because I’m feeling a bit generous today.” Rarity winced at the mention of her element. “I’ll spare two of you tonight and only kill one of you. The choice is yours. I’ll give you one minute to decide or I will lay waste to all of you.”

“Me. Did I not just say that I would sacrifice myself for them? You see Rainbow; I actually understand that loyalty is important. To be willing to lay down your life for somepony is the ultimate display of loyalty. Something you would never be capable of doing.”

“Cool story Rarity but a decision still needs to be made.”

“Are you deaf Rainbow, I said I would sacrifice myself. Come and get me Rainbow, I’m ready.”

“Very well then.” Pinkie grabbed Rarity’s arm forcefully and dragged her to her executioner. Pinkie shoved Rarity to the ground as Rainbow casually walked towards the defeated mare.

“Rarity, you give up too easily.” Rainbow remarked.

“At least I know when to give up.” Rarity backfired.

“Actually Rarity, I’ve been doing some deep thinking and have decided that you should suffer before I kill you." Pinkie lifted Shining Armors chin as Rainbow bucked him square in the face, knocking him completely unconscious. Rainbow then proceeded to grab a chunk of Babs’ hair before dragging the blade of the cleaver across her throat. Dark crimson blood flowed vigorously from the incision as the life drained from her body. Babs jolted and twitched before finally taking her last breath. Rainbow shoved her face into the large pool of blood that was still pouring from her throat.

“Consider this a warning for things to come Rarity. I will leave you alive through the night but I will see you tomorrow and we will finally settle this. Until then, sweet dreams.” Rainbow Dash blew Rarity a kiss before retreating with Pinkie into the forest.

Rarity slowly crawled over to Shining Armor and Babs’ corpse. She felt her bracelet buzz

Five contestants remaining.

Rarity nuzzled Shining Armor’s chin, hoping he would wake up. The stallion stirred and opened his eyes slowly. He cringed his nose at the smell of fresh blood only to be greeted with the lifeless Babs Seed; his first companion. Shining Armor got to his hooves with a grunt and massaged his sore chin. Rarity stood next to him as they surveyed the scene that had just transpired moments ago.

“We need to go.” Shining Armor was about to vanish into the darkness of the night.

“Wait, it would only be appropriate to pay respects to our deceased comrades.” Shining Armor sighed and turned back to the dead bodies. It was obvious that he did not want to be here but Rarity was right. He couldn’t just leave without saying goodbye.

Shining Armor bowed his head and tightly grasped Rarity’s hoof in his own.

“God help us, we are lost and we need you to guide us. We aren’t quite sure what to do so now we turn to you for wisdom. That is all we ask. Please open the gates of heaven to Scooatloo and Babs Seed. Father, forgive them for their transgressions for they meant no harm to anypony. Only innocent teenagers swept up in a world of corruption and deceit. Cleanse them with purity and love them as you have loved all those who precede them. Father, we ask for safety and wisdom on our journey.” There was a moment of pause before Rarity took over.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Equestria, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. We pray all this in your son’s most precious and holy name, Amen.” The two lifted their heads with tears in their eyes before turning away from the bodies.

Octavia was cold and alone, but that was okay. To her at least.

Rainbow and her assistant Pinkie Pie headed towards the beach where they had started their journey and waited for the final confrontation.

Shining Armor and Rarity found a small cave and settled down for the night, for they knew that tomorrow would decide their fate.

Rarity pressed up against the burly stallion for warmth. He wrapped a sympathetic hoof around her waist and pulled her in close. Rarity shoved her face into his chest as he rested his chin atop her head.

Rarity looked up at him with grief in her eyes. Shining Armor could only feel love for the beautiful unicorn in his arms. Unfortunately he knew that they could not be together so he made the most of this opportunity. He brought her lips to his and closed the gap between them. Rarity didn’t want this moment to end and neither did Shining Armor. The two remained as they were for several minutes before finally separating.

“I love you Rarity.”

“I love you too Shining Armor.” They kissed again and closed their eyes. The newly formed lovers held on to one another for the rest of the night; neither wanting to let go, but both knowing they must.

End of Night 4

Eliminated:

Soarin- Killed by Lightning Dust (Slit throat followed by decapitation)

Spitfire- Killed by Lightning Dust (Detonated wristband)

Lightning Dust- Unintentional Suicide (Detonated wristband)

Spike- Killed by Rarity (Unspeakable events involving a spoon)

Gilda the Griffon- Unintentional suicide that was orchestrated by Pinkamena which actually was a grand scheme put together by Rainbow Dash (Burned to death)

Fluttershy- Accidentally lynched by Big Macintosh. (Lynched)

Big Macintosh- Killed by Rainbow Dash (Slit throat)

Trixie Lulamoon- Killed by Twilight Sparkle (Asphyxiation)

Twilight Sparkle- Suicide (Detonated wristband)

Vinyl Scratch- Suicide (Drowned)

Applejack- Killed by Rainbow Dash (Decapitated)

Sweetie Belle- Killed by Shining Armor (Gun-shot to the head)

Apple Bloom- Killed by Rarity (Gunshot to the head)

Scootaloo- Killed by Rainbow Dash (Decapitated)

Babs Seed- Killed by Rainbow Dash (Slit throat)

Remaining:

Pinkamena Diane Pie

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Shining Armor

Octavia Scratch

Author's Note

THE EPIC FINALE IS NEXT!!!

P.S. this is a very long chapter that probably has quite a few mistakes in it. Please let me know if you find any and I will go back and fix them.

P.P.S. I'll give you major props if you can name every reference in this chapter. Ready, set, go!