The Condemned

by NandyRewman

Rating: mature
Tags: Main 6, Discord, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Octavia, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Tragedy, Adventure, DJ P0N-3
Length: 50120

20 convicts fight for survival

In a world of corruption where Discord reigns supreme, ponies become lawless and sinister. Discord attempts to show his kindness by allowing 20 death row outlaws to fight to the death for an opportunity at freedom... Live on national broadcasting television... For all of Equestria to see

Published 2013-06-16 01:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-03 17:19:47 UTC

Introduction

Author's Note

If you have no interest in reading the character's back stories and want to skip to the part where they kill each other, click here.

Introduction

“Um sir, are you sure you want to do this, it might cause uproar all throughout Equestria.”

“Do you think I really care what the masses think about my actions as of late, of course I don’t and I don’t plan on starting anytime in the near future, so for now… there is absolutely nothing to be concerned with. Have we reached a mutual understanding Brutus?”

“Y…yes Discord, I believe we do now.”

“Good, now fetch me their portfolios, it is important that I form an educated opinion on these bringers of hatred and malevolence. As ambiguous as my intentions are, they are still filthy criminals, despite my outlook on the situation.”

“Yes sir, right away sir.” The henchman (Brutus) left Discords lair in a frantic fashion.

If you are confused right about now allow me to enlighten you all. I will be your friendly and completely unbiased narrator that will be guiding you through this process. Alright, now that the arduous task of introducing myself is out of the way lets get to the nitty gritty of the current circumstances. What’s happening right about now is the brainchild of supreme dictator Discord. You see, after the fall of Celestia and Luna, Discord has taken over Equestria and since then the citizens of Equestria have lost all sense of morality and have become rebellious. So to give hope to the restless ponies all around the world, he is allowing twenty death row convicts to fight for their opportunity at freedom in a bloodbath on live television. Not quite sure how that would give hope to everypony, but I digress. The concept in a nutshell is twenty outlaws are stranded on an island with no food and no water and are forced to fight to the death and the lone survivor is sent back into the remainder of the world. Yeah that’s a splendid idea, let a mass murderer or rapist loose in a world full of insecure and defenseless ponies, that’ll liven things up a bit don’t you think. I for one do not consent to this idea whatsoever but I’m not really in a position to do anything about it right now. I kind of want to keep my job for the sake of my wife and foals back at home. Enough about my life, that’s not important as of right now. What is important right now is the twenty convicts… I mean contestants, yes contestants is what I meant. As from what I've heard, this is a very interesting group of individuals. I have even been told that all six elements of harmony are competing as well as some very popular musicians and some renegade militants. There is even a dragon and a griffon in the mix, though I don’t know the specifics. Don’t worry, you all will soon know. I hope to be receiving the reports on the contestants after Discord is done skimming over them. I have to use the word “contestants” very loosely from now on so I've been informed by my manager just now through my earpiece. I've been told to be careful when it comes to what I say or my internship will be short lived. For now I must go, but I promise I’ll return in a timely manner. By timely I mean whenever the corporation decides to let me see the profiles. Until then this is GK signing off.

Meet the contestants

Welcome back, I assume you missed me, if you didn't that is quite alright, I didn't miss you either, I’m just obligated to show hospitality towards the viewers… it is in my contract. If that doesn't sit right with you then talk that up with my supervisor but until you can cross dimensions into my world you are just going to have to deal with it. Anyway… I have just been given the files on the contestants and might I say they are quite… well don’t take my word for it, why don’t you see for yourselves.

• Name: Twilight Sparkle. Charged with attempted overthrow of political figures and world domination. Suspected to be clinically insane

• Name: Pinkamena Diane Pie. Charged with mutilating her victims and baking them into confections. Suspected to be clinically insane

• Name: Rainbow Dash. Charged with abduction of young foals and grinding them into rainbows. Suspected to be clinically insane

• Name: Rarity. Charged with multiple counts of political assassination.

• Name: Fluttershy. Charged with multiple counts of torture and butchery. Reported to also feed the remains of her victims to her animals.

• Name: Applejack. Charged with multiple reported robberies which have resulted in the murder of several ponies.

• Name: Spike. Charged with organizing a multi-million bit drug cartel and several cases of rape in which the victims are then immediately killed.

• Names: Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo. Charged with genocide of over 50 teenage ponies during school hours at Ponyville high school. All three have pleaded insanity but charges have not been dropped.

• Name: Shining Armor. Charged with attempted overthrow of military operations and the murder of two fellow commanding officers.

• Name: Trixie Lulamoon. Charged with the murder of several assistants during a performance. Has pleaded insanity but charges have not been dropped.

• Name: Big Macintosh. Charged with several counts of kidnapping and murder of young foals.

• Name: Babs Seed. Charged with poisoning of produce which have resulted in the deaths of over 100 ponies.

• Name: Gilda the Griffon. Charged with slaying political figures in Cloudsdale.

• Name: Lightning Dust. Charged with bombing at the Wonderbolts academy resulting in the death of 2 faculty members and several trainees in an act of retaliation.

• Names: Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Philharmonica. Charged with a robbery and murdering spree while on their honeymoon.

• Names: Soarin and Spitfire. Charged with murdering the entirety of lightning Dust’s family in an act of retaliation.

There you have it folks, all twenty competitors and their less than acceptable decision making. What do you think of this more than interesting bunch? I don’t know why I’m asking you because I really could care less, but my management has told me that you can help these lovely ponies and their lovable personalities by requesting supplies and rations for each contestant so feel free to leave your recommendations in the comments. Now then, we have introduced our competitors and it is almost time to release these savages into the wild. Until then, this is GK signing off.

First Impressions part 1

So it turns out that the corporation listens to their fans a lot more eagerly than I had previously thought. They have apparently been polling the viewers to see what they can do to enhance their viewing experience. Honestly you guys are a bunch of sickos y’know that. Like murdering 19 ponies on live television is socially acceptable, now you want to turn it into some kind of twisted game. I have even been informed that there are gambling stables positioned in stores throughout Manehatten where you can place bets on a winner. It’s just not right. Well regardless of my opinion the “show” must go on.

The most common request we’ve had from our fans aside from giving gifts to the competitors, is that they would like to know a little bit more information on the players. What are you ponies thinking? I mean really, do you want to bond with some emotional and drawn out sap story before you watch them die on national… no wait, international television now so I’ve heard. Whatever, more power to you I guess. Since the corporation so deeply loves their fans, or at least the money that they pour out for stupid nonsense like this, they have decided to hold a televised interview with all the contestants to get to know a little bit more about their life of crime and outside of crime. Can you guess who the devilishly handsome, witty and talented stallion that is interviewing the contestants will be? You thought I was going to say myself weren’t you. Yeah you were, do not deny your innermost feelings for your favorite narrator. I do appreciate all the adoration you show me, granted this dumb camera won’t let me see all of your… adequate faces. That just about concludes this brief update. I will be back tomorrow for some follow up coverage of the interviews.

Well buck my life right. Unfortunately the stallion that was originally supposed to interview all the competitors has called in sick with the featherflu, I call BS but again I am unable to do anything about it. Now you see if I were in charge of this operation, first off I wouldn’t be hosting something like this on the air and secondly, things would get done around here. I can’t help that I’m the only one here with a decent work ethic. But alas the agencies have not enlisted my talent yet. Getting off topic, now then, the corporation needs a replacement and who do they turn to… Me. Hmm… Don’t know how I feel about this. W…wait are you sure I…I’ll be safe out there with twenty psychopaths who are considered to be extremely dangerous and according to their records should be avoided at all costs no matter the circumstances? My supervisor has just reassured me that my safety will be guaranteed, but knowing the corporation that was probably a lie. For now this is GK signing off.

ONSTAGE

Hello one and all. I would first off like to extend my thanks to you all for joining me here live tonight for such a thrilling event. In just a few short minutes, we will introduce our first guess. Right now however, allow me to introduce the genius behind it all… Discord! Discord made his way onto center stage where everypony in the audience bowed down before him. After his momentary moment of glory he took a seat. Good evening Discord. I hope that you have been having just as much if not more fun than me and the rest of these ponies whilst organizing such a monumental event.

“Oh believe me when I say it, this is panning out to be one of the most viewed television events throughout the course of history and might I say I am ecstatic to be the mastermind to conjure up something like this. The ratings already have suggested that I should make this event an annual occurrence.”

Is there anything you would like to say to the audience before we bring out our first competitor?

“I hope that you all enjoy the rest of your evening. To the contestants… Good luck.”

And there you have it fillies and gentlecolts, Discord!

It is now that time of the evening that you all have been waiting for. It is time to bring out the contestants.

Please welcome to the stage at this time, the element of magic… Twilight Sparkle! Twilight cantered out onto stage in an orange tracksuit and shackles on all four hooves. Her lavender mane was frazzled and her left eye seemed to twitch every once in a while. Welcome Ms. Sparkle how are you this evening?

“Quite adequate sir and might I ask how you are fairing?”

I am doing quite well thank you for asking. So Ms. Sparkle, I understand that you were accused of world domination. Care to elaborate.

“Well you see GK, when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were overthrown and banished I felt that it was my responsibility as the only remaining princess of Equestria to restore order and eliminate Discord, but as you can plainly see, it didn't work out so well. Now unlike my fellow contestants, I am the only pony who hasn't been accused of murdering somepony…”

You tried, did you not?

“If that is how you wish to look at it then I assume I may have tried to kill somepony, but I didn't so a murderer I am most certainly not.”

But still, the mere thought of murder crossed your mind at one point or another.

“My thoughts on the matter are irrelevant at this time so let’s disregard any previous comments towards my alleged actions and move on to the next subject. Do I have any gifts?”

No, and that’s Twilight!

“Wha…” Security rushed in and removed her from the stage.

I have had enough arguing with these contestants am I right? Anyway, it is about time to bring out our next guest… Pinkamena Diane Pie! More guards brought out the mess that was pinkie pie. No longer was she a friendly party pony, but a sadistic psycho. She was fastened into a straitjacket and a steel muzzle was placed on her snout. She showed no sign of struggle but would take the opportunity to flee if one was presented. Her mane wasn't a frizzy mess as it had always been; it was completely straight and pulled over to the right side of her head.

Well, well, well, if it isn't the infamous Pinkie Pie. How are you doing tonight Ms. Pinkie?

There was no response from the monster formerly known as Pinkie Pie. All she did was tilt her head to the side and hiss.

O…kay then, so much for introductions. Now Pinkie on your record it states that you brutally tortured then mutilated your victims, then baked them into confections which you then sold to the citizens of Ponyville, is that correct?

She still refused to acknowledge the questions being asked.

Alright well it’s obvious that you are unwilling to answer the questions for yourself so I will just go through this myself. You were charged with the deaths of 13 ponies. One might say it’s a bakers dozen of death.

The audience chuckled at the joke.

Aside from that there isn't much else except the fact that you are a sicko that deserves to die. Adios Pinkamena.

Security grabbed her and proceeded offstage.

Honestly, I have no clue what to say about that. Moving on then. So our next contestant is getting quite popular in the gambling stables and has racked up a few donations. You know her, you love her, please welcome little Miss Loyalty… Rainbow Dash!

Similarly to Twilight, Rainbow was dressed in an orange tracksuit with shackles on her hooves and a steel cable was fastened around her body, plastering her wings to the sides of her body to prevent her from making a hasty getaway.

Please have a seat Rainbow, welcome to the show. I assume prison accommodations have treated you well considering your improved stature. I must ask how you keep in top physical condition in this type of environment.

“Let’s just say that weak cellmates make for fairly decent punching bags.”

Ooh sounds like a jolly good time beating others up for your own enjoyment. Don’t worry Ms. Dash; there will be plenty of time to beat up others once you’re out in the wild. Now then, let’s take a look into your profile. It says here that you abduct children, and take them to the Rainbow Factory where you then proceed to grind up their corpses into rainbows, is that correct?

“Yes indeed that is correct. Rainbows can only be made with the best natural materials and it just so turns out that dumb, squealing foals make the brightest hues.”

Sounds like a lovely process for lack of a better term. Would you happen to know the precise number of foals you've put to rest… you sick freak.

“What was that, I couldn't quite hear that last part? Care to say that again like a stallion?”

Uh… 32! Yes 32. That’s the number.

“Hey GK, when was the last time you saw your foal?”

Security! Security hastily escorted Rainbow offstage with little struggle.

If you’ll please excuse me, I’m gonna go call my wife and kids.

Alright I’m back and the foals are fine and the show continues. Our next guest tonight is considered to have an eye for the minor details thus making her one of the deadliest snipers in recorded history. Please extend a warm welcome to the lovely Rarity! Rarity entered center stage in, you guessed it, an orange tracksuit. She had a look of disgust sprawled across her face as she took her seat. Good evening Rarity, how are you doing?

“Not well to be rather frank.”

Would you care to explain why?

“Isn't it obvious? I mean look at the garments they put me in. It is an absolute travesty to fashion and on top of that, the color is just plain dull and unappealing. These hoof cuffs are chafing my ankles and don’t even get me started on how insipid the food is.”

I am very sorry to hear about your troubles my lady, but sadly there isn't anything either I nor the corporation can do for you, but look on the bright side, you have received the most amounts of gifts in the competition as of now but we are not allowed to disclose of your gifts until the start of the games. I hope that your ingenuity skills are up to par because you've been given a few… interesting items.

“Oh, that is just splendid. Knowing how well I can conjure up an outfit concept in a matter of seconds, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out how to use them effectively.”

If you say so. On to the next topic at hoof. On your record it does not specify the reasons of your actions, would you care to elaborate on your mindset behind your criminal life.

”Quite frankly, it is none of your business but if you insist. I led an anti-Discord mercenary unit for profit from foreign government. As it turns out, Discords political skills are frowned upon by other regions of Equestria. I for one could care less about what other nations think about how our economic system is being run. I was only in it for easy income after the market crashed and all family run businesses were shut down. Murdering was the only way I could make a steady income. Do I like killing others? Personally I find it disgusting, but there was a job that needed to be done and I just so happened to stumble across it.”

Rarity I would like to personally thank you for being so insightful this evening. Alright audiences give it up one more time for Rarity! Rarity took a bow and exited the stage.

Finally somepony who didn't have to be forcefully ejected from stage. As we progress through the night we would like you all to remember that these contestants are all highly dangerous criminals and would kill you if you were anywhere near them. Don’t let them fool you with their stories, no matter how convincing. Before we proceed to our next guest we would like to take a small intermission. I shall hope to see you all return in a few short minutes.

Author's Note

So after a bit of contemplating, I have decided to revise my formatting on certain chapters that way it isn't just a wall of text. You're welcome.

First Impressions part 2

Alrighty everypony, intermission has concluded. If you would all come back to your seats please we are about to proceed into our next interview. Now that everypony has settled down, our evening may continue. This next guest is considered soft spoken at times but apparently likes to feed her victims to her carnivorous animals. Please join me in welcoming Fluttershy! Come on out Fluttershy don’t be shy like your name would suggest.

Fluttershy rushed onto stage and tackled the announcer to the floor and pressed both hooves into his throat.

“What did you just say?!”

The announcer couldn't speak because of the enraged pony slowly crushing his wind pipes but it sounded as though he was calling for security. Two burly stallions charged on stage and pulled Fluttershy from the choking host. The guards firmly held the writhing mare as the announcer hobbled upright. Fluttershy had grown limp in her restraints and her head hung low. She then began mumbling to herself in a jumbled slur of gibberish. The host had now regained his sense of self awareness.

What the buck is going on?

“Oh I’m so very, very sorry mister! Did Butchershy come out again? I swear I had her under control. It won’t happen again I promise.”

Wait, did you just say Butchershy?

“Yes sir.”

Who the hay is that?

“Oh that is the other side of me. I have multiple personality disorder. You’re safe now. If I ever turn into Butchershy just squeeze the back of my neck really hard and Fluttershy should come back out. Just a warning for future outbursts.”

Yeah good to know. Why hasn't my supervisor informed me of this before hand? Never mind then. Are you sure she is secure?

“Yes sir, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of anymore.”

Alright then, if you promise then we shall proceed but do you mind if we conduct this whilst you are restrained for my sake?

“I don’t mind.”

I assume that Butchershy is responsible for the 18 murders listed on your profile?

“That would be correct. Fluttershy would never kill anypony. I don’t have a spiteful bone in my body.”

Well apparently you do or else you wouldn't have tackled me and nearly killed me.

“I told you that wasn't me, and if I were you I would watch what I say… she can hear you.”

Ok whatever. So a common question everyone asks is why you are so quiet all the time?

“Well you can’t plan murder out loud silly.”

uh, could someone please pinch her neck?

One of the security workers struggled to keep Butchershy at bay while the other applied pressure to the back of her neck and she fell flaccid again.

Okay no offense to you Fluttershy but I would feel really comfortable if we could wrap this up ASAP.

“Oh… Ok, if it makes you more comfortable than I guess I should get going. Goodnight everypony.”

I’m not really adamant to continue this interviewing thing but my supervisors aren't in the mood for my complaining so let’s just try to make this quick… Applejack.

The farm pony reluctantly came out onto stage and had a seat. The orange pigment of the tracksuit almost blended into her fur with an uncanny resemblance in color making it look as though she was wearing a full bodied outfit.

Good evening Applejack how are you tonight?

“Ah’m doin mighty fine thank ya for askin, and how might you be doin?”

I would be doing a lot better if I didn't almost get choked to death. So would you be willing to answer a few questions?

“Ask away, ah ain't got much left to hide.”

Oh do you now? Well we will just have to see about that now won’t we? Now tell me Applejack, what influenced you to lead a life of crime being the hardworking and honest pony that you are?

“Well a certain somepony whose name ah refuse ta mention done left me when ah was at a difficult point in mah life so it broke me ah guess. Ah’ll admit times became tough after the market crashed and ah had no place left to run to, so ah took the easy and desperate way out and look where it got me. The rest of mah renegade family turned against me and abandoned me.”

To some extent I understand where you are coming from but what I don’t get is that you of all ponies would stoop to something as low as petty theft to provide for just yourself. Whatever happened to good ol’ honest AJ, where did she go?

“Are Ya’ll implying that ah’m lyin?”

No I don’t think you’re lying, I just don’t think you’re giving us the truth. Applejack we know you better than you think we know you. There is something else in the background that you aren't letting us see, and your statement from earlier wasn't spoken by an honest tongue. Applejack, you have a lot left to hide. You have worked too hard in your life to just give up and take the easy way out. What we want to know is why, why are you really a criminal, why are things the way they are and why they have to be this way?

“What are ya tryin to say?”

You just can’t let the truth run free can you? I didn't want to have to force it out of you but you leave me with no other choice. Does the name Applejoy mean anything to you?

“How did ya’ll find out about mah daughter?!”

Like I said, we know you more than you might think.

“What does mah daughter have to do with this nonsense?!”

Look Applejack I can see that you are visibly upset but letting it out will relieve so many pent up emotions and will help you focus on the coming events.

“You think this is some kinda joke?! Well it ain't ya got that?! Ah love mah daughter with all mah heart and there ain't nothing ah wouldn't do for her. If you must know than so be it. The reason why ah did what ah did was because of mah baby girl. After her Mother up and left us, ah didn't have much of an option. Stealing was the only way ah could provide for her and it hurt me inside every time ah came home to see her smiling. She was always so happy but that was because she didn't know what all was goin on. She didn't know that her momma left us both while ah was in labor, she didn't know the repercussions of my actions to provide food and water to her, she didn't know any of it. She never knew her mother had to kill others to keep her safe. Ah felt disgusted every time ah put a bullet through someponies head. It’s a sickening feeling knowing that you’re takin the life of somepony you don’t even know. Ah never heard their stories and their struggles, all ah heard was their screams. They haunt me to this day.”

Wow… thank you for opening up to us Applejack, you have really given all of us a new insight into your life and how hard it must be being a single mother. Would you mind telling us who the other parent to your child is or would that be too personal?

“Oh dontchu worry, they know who they are and they gon live with that regret for the rest of their miserable life. Ya'll hear me ya no good, filthy, son of a… pardon mah language. If ya’ll would excuse me ah have a daughter to say goodbye to.”

That certainly was a real tear-jerker to say the least. Let us now move on to our next sicko, spike. A security worker brought the dragon out in a steel cage and set him in the chair.

“Can we get this over with quickly?”

Okay if quick is what you want then quick is what you get. Spike organized a drug cartel worth approximately 320,000,000 bits and was charged with 15 cases of rape and murder. So all in all you are probably the filthiest and grimiest, low-life, scumbag there is, and I hope to see you die a horrendous and humiliating death. I hope to see you suffer and burn in the pits of tartaurus.

Now I am sure that most of you who reside in Ponyville are familiar with the antics of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their many failed attempts at earning their beloved cutie marks. Here is the self professed leader of the blank flank brigade… Applebloom. Now this felony wasn't an individual act, she had accomplices, so let’s introduce the rest of the posse… Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. The white unicorn and the orange Pegasus joined their partner in crime on stage. Now that we have all three of you out here would you all care to explain the reason behind the shooting at Ponyville High school?

“Nopony makes fun of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and lives to see the light of day.” They all spoke in union.

So you did this as an act of revenge towards all those who chastised you in the past?

“Precisely.”

Now in regards to the upcoming games, will you three forge some sort of alliance to turn the numbers game into your favor?

All three nodded their heads in agreement.

Now I also understand that some of your siblings will be competing as well, are you making any plans behind the scenes to organize an alliance with them to have an even greater advantage?

“No, Applejack and Big Macintosh must die, and so must Rarity.” Applebloom explained devilishly.

So it’s just you three against the world I would assume?

“That is correct.”

Okay the whole speaking in unison thing is freaking me out now. Never mind that, what are you three going to do if you are the last three remaining, only one pony can come out alive, the other two must die.

“That is irrelevant and will be handled on the battlefield.” They spoke in unison one last time before slowly backing offstage in a creepy manor.

Two words, In Sane. Well that wraps up about half of the interviews for tonight. Before we move on the corporation has informed me that they would like to take another small intermission. See you all in a few.

Author's Note

Lots of issues in this one. Hopefully I managed to fix most of them.

First Impressions part 3

We are back once more and ready to get back into business. Now for those of you wondering whether or not being in the military helps diminish your punishment in any way, sadly you are mistaken. Here is a prime example of that now, Shining Armor! Welcome Shining Armor please take a seat. How are you this evening?

“Could be better, not going to lie.”

Well that is to be expected. So apparently you thought it would be a good idea to try a little coup d’état, is that correct?

“It wasn't just my idea. It was a collaboration but I was the only one that survived but I don’t think that will be the case for much longer unless I can strategically eliminate everypony else before they get the chance to fight back.”

You don’t seem too confident in your capabilities as a soldier. If anypony has the upper hoof in this kind of contest it would be you.

“That’s the point. If everyone knows that I’m a threat because of my expertise in these hostile situations then I will be an ideal target for those who want to advance in this game.”

Do you think anyone will want to enlist your skills and convince you to join an alliance?

“No, I will work alone."

Not even your sister?

"I do not plan on aligning with my sister. I don’t know if I can trust her mental stability enough to want to incorporate myself with her. She might end up getting me killed or possibly attempt to kill me herself.”

Those are some viable concerns but what I would like to know is why you did what you did to end up here.

“Simple, if you recall what Rarity had said earlier it is the same circumstances, the only discrepancies being that I wasn't doing it for the money and it was a personal issue instead.”

Clarify what you mean by personal?

“I specifically did not find Discords intentions to be completely rational so I decided something needed to be done about it.”

Well you sir have been a fountain of knowledge tonight, there you have it folks, Shining Armor!

Sadly we must transition from a knowledgeable and or sensible stallion to an overly attached showmare. So without further a due I present to you Trixie Lulamoon.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie appreciates your admiration towards her now be silent. Onto a more important matter, sir have you seen the fair Twilight Sparkle?”

Now you see why I referred to her as overly attached earlier. Actually yes I have as a matter ‘o’ fact, but she is no longer here.

“Well Trixie refuses to speak until she sees her precious Twilight Sparkle.”

…

…

…

Quick question, why are you so infatuated with Twilight as of late?

“Trixie refuses to answer.”

Well then I have no choice but to kill you on the spot because of your unwillingness to comply.

“Trixie is in love with Twilight Sparkle, is that so hard to see?”

But here I thought you loathed Twilight?

“Trixie believes all ponies can be forgiven of their past transgressions and start anew whether they be minor or major.”

Well I would hardly consider banishing Twilight from her home and then rebuilding it in your own image as a “minor transgression”

“Why is Trixie here anyway? She could be spending time with the mare of her dreams but she is forced to be stuck here with all of you unintelligent low lives.”

Well us “low lives” are here to have a decent interview with you before you get killed in the wild.

“Trixie will not be getting killed for she is too smart for her fellow competitors not including Twilight Sparkle that is.”

Let’s just cut to the chase shall we? During a performance in Grand Central Park in Manehattan you killed four ponies whom were supposed to be your assistants in that particular show.

“And they were exceptional assistants might I add.”

You killed them in front of there children for Discords sake! You just don’t do that. That’s the kind of stuff that gets you thrown in prison, or even worse, a game show with 19 other psychopaths trying to kill you.

“It was all a part of the show. The children seemed to enjoy Trixie’s show for they screamed with absolute jubilation.”

Those were screams of sheer consternation, not joy. Seriously dude, that’s just messed up.

“Obviously you don’t appreciate Trixie’s true talent.”

If that is what you want to call it then no I’m not a big fan.

“Trixie is indifferent to your opinions, please move on?”

*sigh* Another question that many are curious of is your habit of speaking in third pony. Care to explain that?

“Trixie has no clue what you are referring to; she does absolutely no such thing.”

You just did it, right then.

“Sir you are apparently mistaken, Trixie speaks like any other pony. She is no different than the rest of you.”

There it is again!

“Trixie does not like the tone of voice you have with her and she demands that you apologize immediately.”

How about no? This is my show and you will abide by my rules, now I suggest if you want to see you “precious little Twilight Sparkle” ever again, then you should leave my stage this instant…that means now.

No words, completely and utterly speechless. Our next gust is considered to be one of the bigger threats in the competition based solely on his size alone. They don’t call him big for nothing; please help me in welcoming Big Macintosh! Good evening Mac. Is it ok if I call you Mac?

“Mac sounds fine to me.”

Great, now Mac we all know that you are a big pony but why would a big pony be kidnapping and murdering children?

“It is actually quite simple really. Fluttershy is mah ex-wife for those of ya that don’t know and not but a few years ago she done told me that she was pregnant with mah foal. Ah was ecstatic, but who wouldn't be when they discover that they’re bout to be a new daddy? That was when things went south. Fluttershy started getting these new feelings which inevitably turned into multiple personality disorder which was the reason ah divorced her and took legal custody of mah unborn child. The sensible side of her understood mah reasonin for the divorce so we managed to keep in contact through her pregnancy until her due date came. That was the day that turned mah life upside down. She had a miscarriage.”

Wow, I’m very much sorry to hear that. Why hadn't Fluttershy mentioned this earlier?

“Beats me, she has plenty of personal issues to deal with nowadays. After that day something inside of me changed, it brought out the side of me that ah wish ah didn't have to be. For some ungodly reason ah though that if ah couldn't be a papa than nopony could. Do ah regret doin what ah did? Every day it eats away at me. Ah guess seein mah sister with her baby spurred on mah behavior to another level of pent up rage.”

Do you plan on aligning with Applejack at all or maybe even Applebloom?

“Ah’m not sure if Applejack is on the same page as me since ah tried kidnappin her child too and Applebloom is too far gone to bring her back to sanity. Ah guess ah’ll be on mah own by the looks of it.”

Well we all greatly appreciate you sharing your story. If I can say something I would like to wish you the best of luck. I understand how excited you must’ve been to hear the news. I’m a father too so I can respect where your heart is. Thanks once again Big Mac.

Our last competitor before our final intermission is a young gal from Manehattan, Babs seed.

“Let me be the first ta say it’s an honor ta be here.”

Actually Babs you are the first pony to say that. Thank you and welcome. So how old are you exactly?

“I am 16 years old. Why?”

According to this statistic you are in fact the youngest contestant in our field of competitors and yet you have racked up the highest number of casualties. I just don’t understand. What would drive you to do such a thing?

“I guess you could say it was motivation by fear. I never wanted to hurt anypony, honest, but my life was at stake and I was afraid of what they would do ta me.”

Who was it that you were afraid of?

“These bullies from school gave me a small container of Cyanide and told me to contaminate the crop supply at a nearby warehouse. They threatened ta kill me if I didn't so I got scared and did it. I never imagined that the repercussions would be so severe.”

So you’re saying that you’re innocent?

“No not at all. I know what I did was wrong and I just let those punks run all over me for it.”

So why didn't you tell the authorities?

“I tried but no one would listen ta me. Nopony believed me. Somewhere out there, there are three sickos causing more and more damage to society and they’re using innocent ponies like me to carry out their dirty work. But who is gonna listen to a so called 16 year old teenager from Tartaurus?”

Interesting story Babs. I will give you the benefit of the doubt. You've convinced me. if that was your plan then it’s a believable story.

“Believe what ya wanna believe. It’s my story and I know what happened, whether you all believe it or not doesn't matter. I’m as good as dead anyway.”

Now don’t go saying things like that. You should have a lot more confidence in yourself. You’re a respectable young mare who has a lot to keep fighting for.

“I guess you’re right.”

Well fillies and gentlecolts might I say it has been a pleasure talking to you Babs.

“Likewise.”

Well folks we are nearing the end of the night with only a few ponies left to interview things should get interesting. See you all very soon.

Author's Note

To be completely honest I am getting tired of writing these interviews. Yes I know that they are a necessity and add to the back story but it is getting repetitive for me. Thankfully with only one more of these to do I can get to drafting the bloody bits. Hang in there guys we are almost there.

First Impressions part 4

Intermission has concluded. Would you all please make your way back to your seats so that we may begin our final set of interviews for the evening?

As we head towards the home stretch this evening please keep in mind that the window of opportunity to donate gifts to your favorite contestants is closing so feel free to write down the gift and whom you would like to give it to on the small sheets of paper beneath your seats and drop them off in the box positioned in front of the exit as you leave.

Earlier in the night we mentioned that we would have a Griffon on the show and it’s about time to bring her out, here’s Gilda!

“FYI I hate being here, I hate you, and I hate all of you in the audience, and I hate all of you who are sitting on your lazy flanks with nothing better to do at home!”

Well it’s safe to say we all probably hate you too.

“Good, I don’t need your approval or anyone else’s for that matter.”

So you were found guilty of political assassination in Cloudsdale, is that correct?

“Yeah, sure, whatever.”

Why did you do it exactly?

“I got bored and it seemed like fun at the time.”

Well folks there you have it. Gilda the monotonous Griffon who kills ponies for fun!

“Don’t patronize me. Can I go now?”

Yes please. You’re hurting my eyes.

I feel slightly disappointed by the lack of crimes that involve high power explosives; fortunately our next guest is responsible for just that. Let’s bring out the bitter and stubborn Lightning Dust!

“Before you start asking me dumb questions about why I did it and stupid nonsense of the sort I would just like to say quickly that I was robbed, robbed I tell you, robbed! I should have been lead pony, not a useless wingpony! I deserve better!”

Wow, you still haven’t let that go yet have you?

“Why would I? It’s completely inequitable. The system is discriminatory and prejudiced. I did the only thing I knew at the time and that was plotting my revenge. I needed a rather methodical approach to sustain my vengeance.”

It’s just a stupid badge! Why make such a big deal about it?

“That is not the sole reason. I blew up the facility because of the injustice, for the sheer sake of my resentment towards the Wonderbolts and their facade.”

Well it seems that they didn't take to kindly to your actions. Spitfire and Soarin killed your family in retaliation. I’m most certain that wasn't enjoyable to bear witness to.

“Because seeing my family being picked off is supposed to send waves of joy through my body, no it doesn't.”

Note the sarcasm in my voice why don’t you.

“Do not worry. My family will be avenged, I can promise you that. Once the games begin I will find you Spitfire and mark my words you will suffer as I did. Oh and killing your worthless boy toy will be an added bonus.”

You realize they can hear you from backstage right?

“Yes, I want them to hear me, I want them to fear me, and I want them to remember me standing atop their bloodied carcasses for it will be the last thing that they will ever live to see.”

Maniacal, I like it. There you have it, the self absorbed Lightning Dust!

Now by judging the tension in the air from that overly dramatic rant, everypony would like to hear the other end of this rivalry but we want to let that simmer just a bit longer whilst we introduce our next set of guests, the newlyweds, Vinyl and Octavia Scratch! Good evening ladies. Still riding the wedding day high I presume?

“But of course we are, why wouldn't we be?”

No objections. I still remember the day that I got hitched. Fortunately for us our honeymoon ended with news of a foal and not news of a death sentence.

“Well we kinda got carried away I guess. Alcohol mixed with unbridled excitement and rapturous delight of being recently married either ends up in good times at the nearest hotel or disaster. Unfortunately for us it was the latter. But at least if we die, we die together.”

They nuzzled deeper into their current embrace.

Even though you both are dangerous murderers, I can’t help but appreciate the mutual affection you two have towards each other.

“Well duh, we wouldn't be married if we didn't otherwise.”

Very true, very true indeed. Did you two enjoy killing a massive number of ponies or was it just a one night fling?

“Well after the alcohol wore off and we realized what we’d done, we turned ourselves in to the local police department because little miss cello over here apparently has a bit of a guilty conscience.”

“Oh hush you. Like you wouldn’t have done the same?”

“Touché, babe.”

Where did you two have your honeymoon anyway?

“We went to Octavia’s hometown in Mairdrie, Scoltland.”

Wow, my wife has traveled there many times and has told me that it’s absolutely breath taking.

“Indeed it is. I was born and raised there for close to ten years then my papa took a job hoof-crafting instruments for a big music company in Canterlot which is what inspired me to pursue a classical music career.”

Quite an interesting story Octavia, and since we have time to kill how about we here from you Vinyl, what was your upbringing like?

“That’s a question I don’t think you want to hear the answer to.”

“What I can tell you is how I got inspired to perform music.”

Alright then, let’s hear that story.

“During my life I had a designated spot of interest which happened to be central park go figure but I didn't go there to frolic amongst the flowers and take in my scenery, I went there because of a stallion that I referred to as Mr. Saxophone for less than obvious reasons. I never learned his name though but nowadays I wish I did. I would go there every night and just sit next to where he played. I left a monetary donation every time I went and then he would play. Sometimes it felt as though he played for me, just me. I was his only dedicated listener. Everypony else just walked on by and paid him no attention. It never upset him when others just passed him up without even a glance in his direction, but he wasn't playing for money, he played because to him it felt good to make music. I’d never seen any other musician play with such soul and emotion, but he did so in a way that just felt natural. I would just sit there and listen to him everyday, not once did I miss a performance. After he would finish a few hours later he would count his earnings, pack up his instrument and bid me a farewell for the evening. I in turn said my goodbyes and went home. I was able to save up enough bits to buy a used alto for myself. That sucker had some years on it but it played like the angels sing. Mr. Saxophone offered me free lessons and I more than happily accepted. Once I got good we both would play there together on the street corner for hours and hours. At the end of the night we would say our goodbyes and split the proceeds. We did so for about a year’s time and soon enough that was when I met the mare of my dreams, though the night hadn't started well. I got there at my usual time around five ‘o’ clock and pulled out my alto. I started with a few notes and scales for practice and then I waited… and waited… and waited, but Mr. Saxophone didn't show up, instead a stallion that was a bit larger in stature arrived. He asked me if I was Vinyl Scratch and of course I said yes. After he knew who I was he took off his hat and looked at me. He never said anything else to me but he leaned in and pulled me into a deep hug, afterwards he presented me with a saxophone case and in it was a familiar instrument. Inside of the case rested a worn saxophone, the same old rusty saxophone that inspired me to become something much greater. The stallion left me there on the street corner as I held the instrument in my hooves. I felt tears well up in my eyes but never let them fall. I took the ligature off of the alto and put mine on it, and then I played. I poured my heart and soul into that performance; I left everything out in the open for all to see. By this time I was balling my eyes out but I refused to put it down. Nopony took notice except for another pony with the same admiration for music as me. She saw the passion that I displayed. She saw the intensity in my eyes though the tears kinda got in the way a little bit. She watched as the music enveloped just the two of us, and when I finally stopped playing she embraced me with a loving and sympathetic hug. All I could do was let my emotions out on her shoulder. I can’t tell you how long we must have stood there but it felt like an eternity. She offered me a place to stay for the night so I went with her and we talked. We talked about our music until the sun rose in the morning. Ever since then we’d bonded over how music was our livelihood. Eventually the day came when we could make music together, and we did. We got married and booked our trip to Scoltland. I can’t even begin to explain how disappointed I am in myself for not only letting myself down but I feel as though I let Mr. Saxophone down. He was always there to listen to me and always wanted to see me happy but now he must look at me with shame.”

The host tried to compose himself before continuing.

Absolutely amazing. I… I don’t know what to say or even how to respond but that was simply inspirational. It seems unfitting to move on after such a moving tale, but if you wouldn't mind there are some other questions that I would like to ask.

“Go on.”

Very well then. It seems that teams of multiple ponies are not uncommon but again the question goes back to what are you going to do in the end if there stands only two and those two just so happen to be both of you?

“We have deliberated on that question prior to our appearance and we have come up with the answer. We have decided that even though we love each to death one must win and we decided that by seeing who has the most to live for and who needs to be forgiven so with careful consideration we, and by we I mean myself have decided that Vinyl will walk out of this game alive and victorious. She has to continue on a legacy that she promised to keep. I've lived a good life minus the past few weeks but Vinyl on the other hoof has too much to live for and has much more to accomplish. Much as I hate to say goodbye, sadly I will not come out of this alive but I am well with knowing that Vinyl has her whole life ahead of her and I want to make sure that it happens.”

There is much love present in you both and I must say that it is admirable in every aspect. Thank you both for being here tonight. I know a lot of ponies around Equestria are on your side so good luck to you both and best wishes for you Vinyl, may your sins be forgiven.

We are almost ready to start wrapping things up but there are still two more contestants waiting for their turn in the spotlight so let’s let them wait no longer, esteemed members of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire and her partner in crime Soarin!

“Let’s make this quick so we can start these games and kill that filthy rat.”

I will try my best but I make no promises. So as we have previously heard, you two sought out revenge for what Lightning Dust did to the academy by slaughtering every last family member that she had.

“Correct, and once we eradicate the vermin herself then our thirst for vengeance will be quenched.”

But don’t you think that is taking it to extreme measures?

“Well think about it for a second, she is responsible for the death of several faculty members whom we considered honorary family so it only seemed fair to kill some of hers.”

Well think about this for a second, she only killed two faculty and a few students but you two killed her entire family. How is that proper justice?

“Not only were our employees killed, but our students were killed and the damage to the academy itself was devastating and is now undergoing extensive repairs. We spent almost everyday their. It was basically our home away from home in a sense.”

Oh, okay now that does make more sense. Though I never pictured you two as spiteful ponies that would hold a grudge.

“Well wouldn't you want revenge if someone blew your home to smithereens and killed your family?”

I guess so but I don’t think that I’d go through all the trouble of killing everything that they hold dear to them when I can just take them to court and have authorities deal with it instead.

“Well that might not be punishment enough for some of us.”

Hmm, if that is how you deal with your problems then so be it but I still think that you blew things out of proportion, no pun intended.

“If that is how you see it then so be it.”

Well Fillies and Gentlecolts it has been a phenomenal night full of emotional stories and excitement but sadly we have reached the end of our program and it is time to say goodbye. The action will commence tomorrow morning so donations will be finalized after tonight. Thank you once again, all of you for joining us here tonight, please enjoy the rest of your evening.

Author's Note

The use of colored text was so that readers could differentiate between who was talking in a group of two ponies. I'm trying to make it easier for you guys.:heart:

On another note:pinkiehappy: hooray!!! I'm done with these putrid interviews. I mean yeah you all might have enjoyed them but writing them isn't all that fun. Thankfully i'm done and I can move on with my life. Prepare yourselves for the next chapter because there will be blood, glorious bloodshed:pinkiecrazy::pinkiecrazy: No I'm not a sadistic pony serial killer...:scootangel:

Let The Games Begin. (Grace Period)

Hello again everypony, It’s so good to see… speak to you again. We haven’t had some alone time to chat since the evening prior to the interviews. Well if you haven’t heard (which I assume most of you have) the games start today. They begin their briefing momentarily from that useless sack of skin Brutus. 100 bits says one of the contestants blows his head off.

The donations have been finalized and excitement is high here at the corporate headquarters, ponies all over the office have been placing bets on who they think is going to win, including myself. I've encountered all of them first hoof so I know them better than anypony. I had to put my bits on Applejack, for three reasons specifically. One, she is very strong, two, she has stockpiled quite a few donations and finally because of her motives. I believe that she has the most to fight for with her daughter cheering her on back home. Actually she will be cheering her on from the foal protection services but that still doesn't change any of the motivational principles.

Anything can happen out there honestly. Strange alliances will form and some might even be broken in the process. Ooh I’m just too giddy, can’t wait to start this, which is weird because I was completely mortified with this idea in the beginning but seeing as most of these ponies deserve to die a slow and painful death; I've grown to accept the fact and play along. Unfortunately there is some bad news with every good announcement. This will be the last time I speak to you until the conclusion of the game. For now I bid you farewell, GK signing off.

All twenty contestants stood attentively more or less on a runway waiting for somepony to specify the rules. Eventually that moment arrived as several stocky ponies outfitted in military grade armor escorted Brutus onto the runway. Everypony was cuffed and restrained to prevent a premature elimination.

“Alright you filthy scum suckers, here is what’s going to go down. You will board this here cargo ship momentarily and we will fly you out to the island.”

“Where exactly is this cargo plane of which you speak?” Trixie spoke up from the line up.

“If you’d shut your mouth for more than two seconds then you would find out.” Brutus rebuked harshly

Their attention was drawn towards the end of the tar runway as a massive C-17 Globemaster pulled into view. The vast hunk of metal ever so slowly drove down the runway and screeched to a halt just a few yards from their position.

“This here is your transport.” Brutus continued “Proper departure from the aircraft is crucial to know or else you will die painfully after plunging a few thousand yards onto the island. Once we are over the island we will unwillingly give you a single parachute and a back pack with your gifts inside them. After distribution of supplies is finished then the hatch will open and you will wait for the countdown to jump. Hopefully you are all intelligent enough to deploy a parachute, if you are that mentally deficient to execute this simple task then you might as well say your goodbyes on the way down.”

“What if there is a malfunction with the parachute?” Babs pitched in.

“Then you better hope that you land on a fluffy cushion that we won’t provide. Now moving on, once all of you hit the ground regardless if you survive the landing or not, there will be a one hour grace period where all killing of other contestants is prohibited. If you would, look at your right foreleg. You will see that there is a metallic hoof band wrapped around it. From now on this band is now your best friend and only source of information while you are out there. This device also helps us monitor your motions and activities at all times. Another important thing to keep in mind; Magic is strictly prohibited at all times. This rule also applies to flying. Nopony will get an unfair advantage. If you use magic, that wristband A.K.A your best friend will explode and take you with it. If you fly, you will explode. If you kill anyone in the allotted grace time frame, you will explode. On that band you will also see a very small red tag. If that tag is pulled at any point in time you will have ten seconds to say your final goodbyes… and then you will explode. Is everyone clear on that? Great, now then, that band will also be a helpful resource in the wild. After the grace period concludes, it will inform you by buzzing five times letting you know that the killing may commence. The bracelet will also let you know if a fellow competitor has been eliminated by vibrating. At predetermined increments of 15, 10, 5, and 2. The bracelet will vibrate and an audio file will activate and tell you that so and so amount of competitors remain. That will conclude your briefing for now. Any questions about what I just said?”

“Yes, what’s stopping me from just swimming away from the island?” Applejack inquired

“You can certainly try but you’ll just die tired. It also doesn't help that we may have populated the surrounding waters with carnivorous sea monsters that have the capability and size to swallow this here aircraft within a moments notice. Any more unintelligent questions?”

Twilight Sparkle was about to express her concerns before Brutus cut her off.

“Get on board and wait in the cargo hold for further instructions.”

Everypony sat in silence looking over one another, eyeing their competition knowing all too well of the events that were to transpire in the next few days. Only one of them is to survive and the other nineteen will be dead.

Trixie stared; eyes overflowing with lust, at the oblivious and twitching Twilight Sparkle. Babs sat anxiously tapping her hoof on the floor as her eyes wandered throughout the hold, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the other competitors. Vinyl and Octavia cuddled each other closely for they knew that there time together was inevitably going to end. Soarin and Spitfire were locked in a heated stare with that of Lightning Dust who had been seated directly across from them. Rarity looked over at Applejack who sat next to her with her head hung low as she uttered a short prayer. They were all minutes away from being thrown out of a plane onto an island where they would soon find themselves with crimson staining their hooves.

“Hey Tavi, wouldn't it be funny if after all of this, the winner gets charged with nineteen cases of murder and then gets executed anyway?”

“Um no Vinyl, no it wouldn't.” Their conversation never continued because Brutus and his escort just entered the hold.

“We are just about ready to heave you out of this plane so let’s go over some last minute checks. No magic, flying, or killing in the grace period or you will explode. Remember that the red tag is not to be pulled and when the buzzer goes off you may start. Now underneath your seats you will find a parachute. We highly recommend putting that on right now. On to the donation distribution. If I call your name, please come up and claim your designated gifts. Twilight Sparkle, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy or Butchershy preferably the former. Applejack, Spike the dragon, former commander Shining Armor…

“Watch your tongue or I’ll rip it out of your mouth.” Shining Armor retorted.

“Watch what you do or the corporation won’t hesitate to blow you sky high, and don’t forget about your wife, she wouldn't want you to do something that would lead to less than necessary repercussions.” Brutus responded arrogantly.

“What did you say about my wife, you filthy rat!?” Shining Armor was just on the verge of beating Brutus right then and there if not for the security guards.

“Oh nothing, I was just wondering how much special attention she is receiving in prison.” Brutus pushed Shining Armor too far this time. Shining Armor leaped towards Brutus only to be stopped by a Taser to the throat. He fell to the floor with a thud.

“Nice try moron!” Scootaloo remarked from her seat.

“Shut up chicken wing!” Shining armor was now able to stand back up and was immediately put into a set of hoof-cuffs.

“Anypony else want to try something like that?” Brutus continued.

Shining Armor spat in the direction of Brutus landing inches from his hooves. “I hope you burn slowly in the depths of Tartaurus.”

“Send my regards to your dead daughter when you get there first.” Brutus cockily responded with an egotistical grin on his face.

Shining Armor attempted to charge again but was stopped this time, not by a Taser, but by a pair of hooves wrapped around his waist pulling him backwards.

“Please Shining Armor, Don’t go and do somethin that’s gon git you inta more trouble then ya already are. That vermin ain’t worth the trouble, just let it go.” Shining Armor whipped around to find that it had been Applejack who had stopped his attempted assault.

The large white stallion turned his back to Brutus and let out a frustrated huff. He and Applejack took their seats.

“Now that that is out of the way, we can continue. Remember, if I call your name please come up and claim your items. Mrs. Octavia Scratch, Soarin, and Spitfire. For those of you whos names I did not call that means that no one likes you and that you are unimportant to the rest of society. Now for you Octavia it seems as though one of your donations was too large to fit inside of your bag so you will just have to figure out how to get it to the ground undamaged.“ Another stallion entered the holding deck carrying a cello case with the instrument presumably inside on a dolly.

“Hmm, Vinyl can you please take this with you on the way down?”

“Sure thing babe.” Vinyl grabbed the cello off of the dolly and removed it from the case. She held the cello close to her body; unsure of how to get it all the way to the island intact.

After the gifts had finished being distributed, the security guards lined everyone up shoulder to shoulder facing the rear of the plane. The hatch in front of them began to lower revealing the mid-afternoon sky. It was barren of any clouds and the sun was beating down wave after wave of humid heat.

A loud speaker behind them crackled to life as the voice of Discord began their countdown.

5… Everypony set their sights upon the horizon.

4… There was a mixture of fear and anticipation lingering in the air.

3… Everyone collected themselves with a deep breath.

2… No turning back now.

1! Every contestant charged forward and leaped out of the plane except for one. Shining Armor remained stationary. Brutus walked up behind him trying to urge the stubborn stallion out.

“Hey Mr. Mcspits-a-lot, are you jumping out or am I gonna have to push you out myself!?”

“I've had enough of you for one day!” Shining Armor lashed out at brutus and wrapped his cuffs around Brutus’s throat then fell out of the hold with the smug officiator in tow.

“I have half a mind to pull your tag right now!” Brutus yelled as the two stallions plummeted towards the ground.

“Go ahead; don’t forget that you’ll be blown to smithereens if you do!” Shining Armor continued to increase the pressure of the cuffs around the writhing stallion’s throat. All Brutus could hope for was that he’d be able to escape from Shining Armor, survive the landing, and wait for a rescue team to arrive.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

“Um Discord sir, it appears as though Brutus was abducted by the contestant Shining Armor. Would you like me to send out a rescue patrol?” A worker nervously asked from his seat at the digital observation deck

“No, don’t bother. This is the perfect opportunity to tie up some… loose ends.”

“If you say so sir.” The worker turned back to his monitor

SOME RANDOM PUB THAT DOES NOT MATTER ENOUGH TO BE NAMED.

“Yo GK!” A short and stocky stallion called from across the bar.

“What!?” The announcer hollered back.

“Didn't you have a bet with someone that one of the contestants would kill Brutus?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Then you might wanna come on over and see this!” GK made his way to where his friend sat and fixed his eyes on the television screen. They watched as what looked like Shining Armor choked out Brutus in the plane then jumped with the smaller stallion still in his grasp.

“Wow, now Blaze and my wife both owe me a hundred bits.”

FREE-FALLING THROUGH THE SKY

By now everypony had deployed their parachutes and were now more or less gracefully falling towards the beach on the island.

Vinyl had managed to keep the cello from falling during free-fall by clasping the body of the cello between her hind legs.

“How is Octy even going to use this big ol’ thing?” Vinyl thought to herself. As Vinyl continued her descent, an idea came to her. They were all still considerably far from the island, Vinyl approximated about a hundred yards or so.

“Just got to get a little closer.” She muttered to herself not knowing if her better half could hear her. Vinyl waited until they were about fifty yards away then released her grip on the instrument letting it sail downwards.

“Vinyl what the bloody heck do you think your doing with my cello!?” Octavia shouted angrily when she saw what her spouse had just done.

“Trust me Tavi. I've got an idea and it’s gonna work. I promise!” Octavia still remained doubtful as she witnessed the cellos’ final moments before crashing into the ground and shattering. Bits and pieces of wood debris covered the sandy beach.

“Okay, I trust that you pull through with this!”

After several more seconds of gliding all of the contestants landed on the beach without serious injury. All except for Shining Armor and his involuntary passenger who were still being lowered by their parachute. A stray gust of wind took them inland instead of onto the beach where everyone else had already scattered.

Vinyl and Octavia remained on the beach to examine Vinyl’s unexpressed idea.

“So what exactly was your genius plan here darling?”

“I was thinking that maybe we could use this as fire wood.” Octavia just stared at her wife with an expressionless face.

“Vinyl?”

“Yes?”

“You can’t burn varnished wood! It’s poisonous you retard!” Octavia was bewildered by Vinyl’s feeble-mindedness.

“Oh, did not know that.” Vinyl now felt a large build up of guilt.

“Well, it’s not like we could’ve used it anyway. Lets just try to get some shelter as secluded from everyone as possible.” Octavia suggested.

“Alright.” Vinyl followed her wife into the forest. Before she was completely engulfed by the undergrowth she glanced back at the splintered wood that littered the beach and felt a hint of disappointment before finally pushing forward into the unknown.

Granted the minor setback, Shining Armor and Brutus successfully landed, but just not exactly where they hoped to. Instead of a cushioned fall onto a sandy beach, they ended up with their parachute tangled in a tree. Shining Armor detached himself from the chute but still remained perched on a branch high up on the tree. Below him Brutus carefully struggled to pull himself up onto a cracked branch. He knew if he were to let go it wouldn't end pleasantly, but if he attempted to pull up any further the branch would snap ending with the same results. All he could do now was hang. Shining Armor took notice of the predicament and was ready to take advantage. He lowered himself carefully onto the branch while still gripping his perch for safety. Brutus looked up at the former soldier with desperation in his eyes.

“Please Shining, help me out here. I’m sorry for what I said about your family.” The branch was started to dislocate itself from the tree even more. “Can’t we let bygones be bygones and help one another? I can help you win this thing so you can see your wife again!” Brutus pleaded. He continued to rationalize with Shining Armor but he knew he wasn't getting through to the livid stallion.

“You had your chance to apologize but now it’s too late for you.” Shining stamped his hooves onto the branch causing it to crack even further.

“Please don’t let me fall, I have a family at home too you know.”

“Yeah, is that so? Well I guess you can be with them in spirit.” Shining Armor stamped his hooves once more on the branch beneath him causing it to snap off the tree completely. Brutus relinquished his grasp from the fallen tree limb as he dropped to the forest floor beneath him. He landed on his hind legs, unfortunately for him he rolled his leg on a root protruding from underneath the soil around the base of the tree. He could feel his leg shatter from the impact. His tibia snapped in half and busted through his skin. The sight of his leg outside of his leg almost made him regurgitate but instead he let out a guttural scream of pain that alerted some nearby birds who fluttered off into the distance. He just laid there on the ground knowing that he was now immobilized and at the will of Shining Armor who had made his way down to the ground after descending from other lower branches. Brutus made an attempt to crawl away from the advancing assaulter but it was to no avail. Shining Armor planted a hoof firmly on Brutus’ chest easily pinning him down. He proceeded to remove his back pack.

“Now let’s see what my gift is.” He unzipped the pack to find a sheathed blade. He pulled the knife out of the holster and held it in front of the squirming stallions’ face. The blade was the length of his chin to his brow; a very formidable weapon in the hooves of a trained professional.

“Now for the business at hoof. You said some things up there that I didn't take to kindly to and now I think that a proper punishment is in order.” He lowered the knife to where it just lightly poked the skin above his right pectoral muscle.

“This one is for me.” He pressed forward on the knife and penetrated his chest. A small amount of blood trickled from the wound. He let the knife sit there for several agonizing seconds before slashing diagonally across his upper body leaving a large and deep gash.

“AHHH!” Brutus screamed as his skin ripped exposing the muscle beneath it.

“This one is for my wife.” He did the same thing only this time the knife was positioned precariously over his heart. He pressed the knife in again and dragged the blade across his chest.

“Wait, Wait, Wait! Before you deliver the final blow just remember that if you kill me then you explode.” Brutus clamored for an excuse to stall.

“Actually Mr. Rule-book I won’t. Grace period only applies to the other contestants; at no point did you specify that an unregistered unit is immune from killing within the time frame. So this is perfectly legal. For my daughter!” Shining Armor sliced the blade across Brutus’ throat. A river of blood flowed from his body and onto the soil. Instead of screaming he let out a choking gurgle when death overtook him. Shining Armor felt satisfied with his revenge. He placed the now crimson stained knife back into its sheath then placed it back into his pack. He had absolutely no idea where he was going now. He left his fate in the hooves of Mother Nature for now.

Lightning Dust slowed her pace to a brisk trot once she was certain that nopony was following her. Lightning turned her head to face the immense expanse of water that surrounded the island. There were no other land masses that could be seen. She felt solace in knowing that she was immune from Soarin and Spitfire. She kept telling herself that she’d be fine but there was always a smidgen of doubt in the back of her mind. She was scared, there was absolutely no way she could defend herself against two ponies that both had donations. She was left with nothing but her wits and will.

Her attention was drawn away from the ocean to the undergrowth behind her. She heard a rustling noise coming from within the bushes. Lightning continued to stare but no other motion was apparent.

“Come on out. I know that somepony is in there. No use hiding anymore.” She was greeted with the stillness of the air.

Lightning was stirred from her concentration a second time. This time she could see a pair of amber eyes peering through the bushes. They were staring at her directly. Lightning hesitantly approached the pair of beady eyes but they disappeared before she could get a good glimpse.

“Just come out you coward, you can’t kill me anyways so show yourself or are you just so scared of confrontation that you want to hide your putrid face.” She stood there for a few moments expecting somepony to emerge but again she was greeted with the same eerie silence as before.

“Yeah, just what I thought. You are just a little coward. Should have known you’d be too scared to face me Spitfire. You always were an ignorant little Bi...” Lightning was abruptly cut off as a large pony exploded from within the dense undergrowth and bowled over her. The larger pony easily pinned her to the ground. During the scuffle she was able to identify her assailant as Soarin. She was disgusted by his cocky grin and his menacing emerald eyes. Wait, emerald eyes? The eyes she saw earlier in the bushes were amber. Before she could finish her thought, Spitfire emerged from the bushes; holding a small dagger. She assumed that must have been one of their donations.

“What the hay are you doing, you can’t kill me in the grace period.” Lightning stammered. Spitfire just chuckled menacingly while shaking her head from side to side.

“Of course we won’t kill you… yet. Who do you think we are morons? No killing you comes later.” Spitfire explained.

“Then what exactly do you plan on doing for the next hour?”

“Oh we are just going to have a bit of fun with you first. The rules state that we can’t kill you but they never said anything about severely injuring you. Soarin, heads up!” She tossed her dagger to her partner who caught it with the hoof not being used to secure Lightning Dust. “You know what to do.” She added. With the grin still plastered to his face, Soarin raised the blade into the air.

“I've been waiting so long to do this.” With a wink, Soarin brought the knife down with excessive force easily plunging into Lightning’s shoulder. Lightning Dust screamed as the pain shot through her body like electricity. Blood began to seep from the wound around the knife. Soarin pulled the blade very slowly, allowing Lightning to relish in the pain for as long as possible. Tears began well up in her eyes but she never let Spitfire see her weakness. She mustered up enough energy to speak through the agony.

“You coward! Leaving a filthy stallion to do your dirty work! What kind of mare are you!?”

“You caused as much damage to him as you did me; I’m just letting him get his anger out before we rid this planet of you for good.” Soarin prepared for another assault with the knife, this time he held the knife above her uninjured shoulder. Lightning was not about to give up just yet. She worked up a bit of saliva in her mouth and spit it out at Soarin. The expectoration nailed the stallion in the face. Soarin lowered the knife and wiped the substance off of his face. He threw the knife to the side and slapped the Pegasus across her cheek. Though it stung her face, it gave her the perfect opportunity to slip away. Lightning moved her hind leg from underneath Soarin’s knee. She bunched the muscles in her thigh and swiftly closed the distance between her hoof and Soarin’s nether regions. The burly Pegasus toppled over and allowed Lightning to scramble to her hooves and sprint towards the nearest form of cover which happened to be the bushes where Soarin and Spitfire had previously been hiding. Soarin was about to pounce in pursuit but was held back by Spitfire.

“Just Leave her be for now. She can’t hide forever.” Soarin let out a grunt of disappointment.

Lightning was in the clear now but she didn't know that. She blindly ran through the jungle hoping to put as much distance between herself and her attackers. Her shoulder and lungs were on fire but she refused to stop… until it was too late that is. Lightning tripped over a tree stump and began to tumble downhill. The drop was steep and unforgiving as she rolled aimlessly down the slope. She seized her rolling and lay there, defenseless on what appeared to be a ridge of limestone. Fearing that she had broken her neck, Lightning remained motionless. After about a minute of contemplation, Lightning staggered to her hooves. Fortunately for her nothing appeared to be broken or out of place, just bruises and cuts. Though they stung her body she never allowed the pain to take control. She shook the water from her fur and mane before she set off again but she never got the chance to do the latter. The ridge was worn from the water beneath it causing the ground to collapse. Lightning’s hooves gave way and she plummeted into the muddy heap below.

“Urgh…” She just couldn't catch a break. “I’m done with this game, Kill me already!” She screamed out in defeat. “Just let it be quick please.” She pleaded to the sky. Tears fell from her face like rain. “At least I get to be with my family soon.” Lightning gave a somewhat content sigh as she waited for her fate. She continued to cry out but she did so with a smile across her face. She knew she was going to die but she felt a wave of relief surge through her. She heard a faint whisper in the distance. It didn't sound like anypony she knew but the tone was warm and soothing. She could tell that the voice belonged to that of a stallion but she could never see him.

“Hush my child, I am here.” The voice spoke.

“Why can’t I see you?” Lightning questioned.

“You will see me soon my child, close your eyes and rest, for your journey is not yet over. Your sins are many but you can still be forgiven.”

“Who are you!? Why must you torment me like this!?” Lightning knew in her mind that this was just her imagination but something about it just felt so real. “Show yourself!”

“Sleep my child; I will be waiting for your arrival when the time comes.” The voice disappeared, leaving Lightning Dust alone again. Her eyes grew heavy and her body refused to stand so she obeyed the voice and slept.

Author's Note

It's about time I got around to updating this. depending on how "creative" I get with the deaths, I might have to change the rating. For now it will remain teen. Thank you for your patience. Hopefully the next chapter won't take so long.

Fight for Honor (Day 1)

‘Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz’

Lightning Dust pried her eyes open at the sound of buzzing. She looked down at her wrist to see that it was the bracelet making the noise.

“Buck my life.” She groaned with displeasure. “Let’s do this dance Spitfire.” Lightning Dust got to her hooves with relative ease considering her sore muscles. She tried to inspect her wound on her shoulder but for some peculiar reason it had disappeared miraculously. “Wha? How is that possible?” Now that she was aware of her body, she realized that all of her bruises and scratches were gone. All within an hour, she was completely healed.

“Lightning Dust, you have awoken.” The voice was back.

“Great, you again, what do you want?” Lighting’s eyes wandered throughout the swampy area but her gaze met no one.

“It is time for your final judgment. Be ready.” The voice once again faded into silence.

“Great, could you be any more unhelpful? Why don’t you do something useful for once instead of being a disembodied voice?” Lightning muttered to herself as she made her way up the steep ledge that she had fallen from only an hour ago. “If I’m going to die today, then I’m going to die fighting. Get ready Spitfire because I am coming for you.”

“Should I pursue her captain?”

“Of course you can but you will need a weapon.” Spitfire ordered her heavy as she picked up the knife that still lay on the sand. “I don’t care if she is dead or alive but I want you to bring her body to me and maybe I will throw in a small incentive for all of your hard work.” Spitfire walked around Soarin, suggestively swaying her flank for the stallion. “Actually I have changed my mind. If you bring her to me alive, I shall treat you like a king.” Spitfire proposed with a wink. She rubbed her hoof underneath his chin and placed a warm kiss on his neck. “Now be a good boy and run along. You wouldn't want to keep me waiting now would you?”

“No ma’am.” Soarin grabbed his blade and disappeared into the trees.

“Great, now I’m lost.” Lightning complained as she stumbled onto a path that led to a clearing. There were no familiar landmarks in the area that could tell her how to get back to the beach. But she could already tell that she didn't have to go looking far to run into trouble. Trouble always seemed to rear it’s ugly head wherever she went.

On the other side of the clearing, Lightning could make out the shape of a pony yet it didn't look as though it was Spitfire or Soarin. Lightning cautiously approached the figure trying her best to avoid any unnecessary confrontations. All she could see was the lithe silhouette from this distance. She assumed that the figure was a mare because of her body structure. Any more advances would have alerted them considering Lightning was in plain view from any direction. A sudden movement in the bushes behind the figure scared her away. Lightning was about to press forward before a familiar silhouette emerged from the bushes.

“Mother Bucker.” Lightning cursed as the stocky frame of Soarin was now visible.

Soarin saw Lightning standing in the clearing and took off at a gallop after her. Lightning backed away slower than you would expect from someone who was about to be murdered. In Lightning’s defense however she couldn't abnegate the inevitable, she almost embraced it, but she didn't want to go out like a coward. Lightning ceased her attempt at retreat and stood her ground. The gears in her head were turning; thinking, thinking of some sort of strategy to take this stallion down.

Soarin was overcome with blood lust and if he brought back his prey alive, he would be overcome in Spitfire’s lust and that was motivation enough for him. Though when you flood your mind with too many emotions, you tend to make many careless mistakes and Lightning Dust was full well capable of taking immediate advantage.

A simple hop to the side and a well placed hoof was enough to bring the clumsy stallion down to the dirt. Feeling discombobulated, Soarin got back on his hooves and wiped the dust from his cheek. It was time to turn the tables in his favor, he pulled his blade from its sheath and haphazardly swung at Lightning but she easily dodged his onslaught. He was terrible when it came to wielding a knife, but his uncoordinated assault still concerned Lightning. He was the one with the knife, not her. She would need to be smarter than him and judging by how untactful he was, it wouldn't be all that difficult. Lightning retreated back towards the path that took her into the clearing hoping that the stallion would persist in his efforts, foolishly he did. Once she was fairly deep into the woods, she glanced back to see Soarin still chasing her… perfect.

The path had now dissipated into the dense undergrowth. Lightning hadn't realized just how fast Soarin was on his hooves and now he was almost within an arms-length away from Lightning. Needing to think quickly, Lightning dead stopped; catapulting Soarin over her and onto his back in front of her. Almost immediately he was back up and ready to fight. They simultaneously lunged towards each other and both of their front hooves contacted one another. Each others weight helped them stand upright on their hind legs. Knowing that he was stronger than his opponent, Soarin elevated his hind leg and planted his hoof into her solar plexus driving the air from her lungs and pushing her to the ground. Before she could react, Soarin had already mounted her and left her incapable of getting up. Even though she was on the bottom and squirming to free herself, she couldn't help but smile on the inside.

“Don’t you ever learn from your mistakes idiot?” Lightning snarled through gritted teeth.

“What the heck is that supposed to…?” He was cut short when a hoof impacted his testicles for the second time today. The stallion fell like a stone to his side, letting go of his grip on the knife in the process. Lightning was quick to take advantage and grabbed the adjacent knife. Both were now back on their hooves. The only difference being that Lightning wielded the weapon now. Stillness lingered the dusty air for several moments as both gladiators panted heavily. Soarin made the next move and lunged for Lightning… bad idea. Lightning slid underneath his body and stuck the blade upwards ripping his skin from his chest down to his lower stomach region. Once she was no longer underneath him, she whipped around and dug the blade into the back of his thigh. He let out a scream of anguish as he fell to his bloodied stomach.

“Time to end this!” Lightning pounced onto Soarin’s back and wrapped her front legs around his neck so that the blade made contact with his throat. She pressed the blade up against his esophagus and slowly cut his throat open. He never made a sound, he just… died.

Back at the beach, Spitfire watched as the sun sank down just above the horizon. If she had to take a guess, she would say that it was almost 7:00PM. Her attention was drawn to her right arm. She could feel the band vibrate indicating that somepony had been eliminated. She licked her lips in suspense as she waited for her heavy to return holding the limp body of their rival. Was she going to give Soarin what she had promised earlier, of course not. Once Spitfire saw the lifeless corpse of Lightning Dust, she planned on eradicating her partner with the knife that she possessed. She would have to do it carefully though; if he were to catch on to her scheme then he might be having second thoughts about their alliance. Then again he could be of use for a bit longer but she was most concerned about seeing the body of Lightning Dust.

“Clumsy fool probably killed her on accident, there is no way in Equestria he would kill her thinking that he would get to have his way with me but then again I probably would've killed him before he could redeem his reward anyway.” She thought to herself as she turned back around to see the sunset.

Lightning lifted her head from her work on the ground when she heard a large crack of thunder envelope the air around her. She could see on the eastern horizon, several large storm clouds had begun to form. There was a warm sea breeze that accompanied the incoming storm. Lightning looked back at the ground and continued working on her devilish project. She took only a few seconds more to ensure the maximum quality of her product. She stood back to examine her sadistic creation…well, more deconstruction than anything else.

“Hey Spitfire, I made a present just for you. Hope you like it.” Lightning suppressed a chortle of amusement as she held her prize in one hoof and cleaned the crimson paint from her other hoof with her tongue. It tasted oddly of iron but it wasn't in the least unpleasant. With her prize in tow, Lightning made her way up the grassy ridge and towards the beach.

Spitfire had eventually dosed off from boredom. The anticipation of seeing Lightning dead had grown unappealing. She was lost in her dreams of grandeur as a young athlete. She cherished those memories to this day. Despite her reckless attitude as of late, she still had things that she thought were worth fighting for. She was always spoiled no doubt but she remained humble through it all. What was she now, just a murderer with no life ahead of her? Yeah that sounds just about right. Spitfire tossed and turned with unseen turmoil invading her thoughts. She fought with her conscience about the differences between right and wrong but she simply didn't care about ethics anymore.

Spitfire was startled awake by an impact to her exposed stomach. She jolted to her hooves and flung the object that landed on her stomach to the side, not bothering to examine what it was. She looked towards the trees and saw something she wished she hadn't. Lightning Dust was standing triumphantly before Spitfire with a maniacal grin smeared across her bloodstained face.

“You, you are supposed to be dead!” Spitfire scrambled for words in shock.

“Well I guess you thought wrong. Your stud was easy picking. Now don’t go and get a’head’ of yourself Spitfire, you wouldn't want to end up like your partner over there.” Lightning chuckled as she pointed towards the object that had presumably been thrown at her. Spitfire almost regurgitated at what she saw laying on the sandy beach not but a few yards from her. She couldn't formulate a proper thought about the scene other than sickening.

“Sorry Spits but I had to ‘cut off’ one of your resources. Just to make things a little more in my favor. Do you feel light‘head’ed Spitty?”

“You sick monster!”

“Yeah now you know how it feels to soak in your agony as I did. We all must be punished for what we do. You can kill me now but what will that do? Nothing, I have nothing left to lose Spitfire and do you know the pony responsible for my collapse. Well next time you look in the mirror you will know. If you ever get to see another mirror again that is. Now being the completely fair mare that I am, let’s play this game without any assistance shall we. Lightning tossed Soarin’s knife to the side, out of easy reach. Spitfire did the same.

The two raging mares charged at one another with blind fury flooding their bodies. Spitfire gained the upper hoof as she took down Lightning swiftly. Spitfire had the other mare pressed on her back and squirming to get back up. Lightning stuck her hooves up to block the oncoming assault from rapid hooves pounding her throbbing skull. Lightning grabbed one of Spitfire's oncoming hooves and flipped her over onto her back which immediately prompted Lightning to roll onto the other mare’s belly. Now Lightning was the one throwing powerful blows. Spitfire took notice of a particular pattern in Lightning’s punches. Her right hoof seemed to be her strongest appendage. Time to change that. Spitfire grasped Lightning’s right hoof as Lightning had done to her before and proceeded to turn Lightning onto her belly. She still maintained her iron grip on Lightning’s arm and twisted it backwards to where her wrist was touching the base of her wing. Spitfire moved into a sitting position and wrapped her back legs around Lightning’s contorted arm and applied more pressure to the right shoulder. Now that Lightning’s arm was secure between her legs, Spitfire brought her forearms around Lightning’s face and locked her wrists together to where they were just below the writhing mares snout and pulled up. She continued to stretch her neck and shoulder even further. Lightning flailed her left hoof through the air trying to pry Spitfire’s grasp but she simply wasn't strong enough. When strength wasn't enough, Lightning learned to improvise. She bit down on one of Spitfires wrists. Spitfire hollered in pain but refused to release the hold. Something came off of Spitfire arm and into Lightning’s mouth. She hoped to Discord that it wasn't a chunk of flesh so she spit it out immediately.

Beep

Lightning could now feel her arm stretch to its limit and then some, eliciting a squeal of pain from the mare being dominated.

Beep

Spitfire tugged even harder on Lightning’s arm which gave her satisfaction.

Beep

Lightning knew her shoulder was about to be pulled directly out of its socket in just a few more forceful tugs from Spitfire.

Beep

Lightning’s arm finally gave way from the tension and was ripped out of place with an audible ‘pop’. Lightning screamed through her gritted teeth. Her vision went blurry and she was on the verge of passing out. Spitfire had no intentions of alleviating the taxing hold either.

Beep

Spitfire had just now become aware of the beeping noise and wondered what it could be.

Beep

She held strong in the crossface but was determined to find the source of the noise.

Beep

She looked down at her wrist band and realized that it was glowing and pulsating. She then noticed that the red tag was missing.

Beep

“This is the end of you Spitfire!” Lightning growled through the painful haze.

Beep

Spitfire knew that this was inevitably true but she was not going out empty hoofed.

“Then you’re coming with me!”

Beep…

The orange farm pony stirred awake at the sound of a loud blast. She thought nothing of it, only assuming that it was caused by the oncoming storm. Her wrist band vibrated twice indicting that two more ponies had met their fates and would accompany the first pony in Tartaurus.

“Less than twelve hours in and three of them suckers are dead already.” She murmured to herself. Applejack had taken immediate refuge inside of a hollowed out tree stump and had stayed there ever since. Hopefully she could wait it out till nightfall to collect more rations. The donations that she’d been given were less than what she needed. A tall glass of hard apple cider would have been great right about now; strong enough to distract her from this dumb game but not quite enough to impair her crucial senses.

Applejack's eyelids began to close once more. She grew tired in only seconds. A talent that at times was helpful. The dreams she had when she did grow weary however weren’t so pleasant.

“Momma, momma, come look momma, it’s snowing outside!” A small filly with a brilliant ocher coat barged into Applejack's room unannounced and bounced up and down at the foot of the bed.

Applejack stirred in her bed not wanting to get up today. The filly however was inclined to wake up her mother in any way possible. She flapped her tiny wings and elevated herself onto her mother’s bed. She stealthily crawled across the crumpled up sheets and was prepared to start bouncing all over her mom’s body. Applejack surprised her sweet daughter when she shot up into a sitting position and hugged the filly tightly. She wrapped her arms around the small pony and playfully tickled her until she pleaded for mercy. Applejack released her grip on the squirming filly.

“You’re so silly momma, I love you!” The filly hugged her mother again.

“That’s because ah gotta silly lil’ filly like you to keep me full of energy.” Applejack kissed the top of her daughters head.

It was about a week before Hearths Warming Day and the little filly named Applejoy couldn’t be happier. This was the first day of her life that she had ever seen snow and it was everything the young mare ever imagined. It was also Applejoy’s fourth birthday today and her mother promised to take her out to the park and play in the snow if there was any and thankfully today had no shortage of the cold white flakes. Applejoy bounced off of the bed and bounded towards the door.

“Now hold on sugar cube, ya gotta eat yer breakfast first goofball. A young filly like you ain’t never gonna grow up to be a strong mare unless she gets her nutrients.”

“Big and strong just like you momma?” Applejack felt her heartstrings being pulled by the filly’s sweet words.

“Yup, just like me.”

A loud crack of thunder ripped through the sky and startled Applejack. She stretched her tired limbs to the best of her abilities inside the hollow trunk. She poked her head out of the trunk to see if anypony was near. She sighed in relief as the brief scan yielded no other ponies. She crawled back into a comfortable spot in her trunk and fell asleep once more.

“Can ah at least see her before ah go?”

“Sorry ma’am but she is going to be taken in to foal protection services until your trial and even then if the jury finds you guilty, she might have to be put up for foster care or adoption.”

“No, Ah’m not letting you place a hoof on mah daughter! Who do ya think ya’ll are, bargin into mah house, putting me in cuffs and takin my daughter on a whim?!”

“Ma’am we are only doing our job. I wish there was another way but unfortunately there isn’t anything I can do about this whole situation.”

“No you don’t, there ain’t no use in trying to act sincere about this.”

“Momma, who are these ponies?” Applejoy asked, somewhat frightened by the appearance on the large stallions crowding her small living room.

“Applejoy, Ah thought Ah told ya to stay in yer room!”

“Sorry momma but I wanted to make sure that nopony hurt you.” Applejoy cautiously approached her mother. Applejack broke through the wall of police officers and hugged her daughter.

“They ain’t gonna hurt me darlin.”

“Are you sure momma, they all look big and scary.” Applejoy was very vocal about her concerns.

“Ah promise sugar cube. Momma’s just gonna have to go away for a little bit but ah will see you again soon.”

“I don’t want you to go momma, I want you to stay here with me. We can still go to the park and play in the snow together, and we can play hide and seek in the house. Why can’t you stay momma?” Applejoy started to cry.

“Ah know sweetheart, ah wish ah could stay for your birthday but momma has to go.”

“No momma please don’t go!” Applejoy balled into her mother chest hoping that squeezing her mother tightly would make this all go away… it didn’t.

“Now AJ, ah want ya ta listen to me now.” Applejaoy reluctantly nodded and Applejack continued.

“Ah want ya to go with this here stallion, he is gonna take good care of you, ah promise. Don’t make them have to force ya. Just do what he says and you and ah will be alright. Got that?”

“Yes momma.” Applejack kissed her daughter one last time on her forehead as she was taken away from her for the last time.

“Applejack!” Applejoy shouted.

“Yes sugar cube?” Applejack felt it rather unusual that her daughter called to her by her actual name instead of momma.

“Applejack!” The filly shouted again.

“What is it darling?” Applejack began to feel weird. Something was not right. This time her daughter sounded as if she were a full grown mare but it didn’t sound like her in any was, but it did seem familiar.

“Applejack, wake up!” Applejack’s eyes shot open and she slammed her head into the trunk. Her head began to throb and her foggy eyes were bloodshot. She was completely still. There was somepony standing outside her hideout and they knew that she was there.

“Come on out Applejack, I have no ill intentions for you. If I did then I would have laid waste to you during your sleep.” The voice was very familiar. It sounded regal and feminine, very feminine. Applejack popped her head out of the hollowed tree and stared directly into a set of azure orbs that almost seemed to sparkle.

“Well Applejack, don’t you just look positively wonderful?” The pearly white mare commented sarcastically.

“Rarity, why did ya have to wake me up?” The farm pony groggily responded.

“Because I don’t want you winding up dead.” Rarity rebuked bluntly.

“How kind of ya, but ah assure you ah’m capable of defending mahself.”

“Never said that you weren’t, But even a mare as self centered as yourself could use a generous partner wouldn’t you agree, or are you too conceded to accept valuable help?”

“So you want to form some sort of alliance with me ah’m assuming.”

“Precisely, now on to other, more important matters; I would like some assistance in eliminating a certain somepony, or dragon I should say. That ignorant little snob has been a real thorn in my rump ever since he became infatuated with me.” Rarity explained.

“So what did ya have in mind?” Applejack inquired.

“Well I haven’t had proper time to investigate my donations as of yet so I suppose that can be done now.”

“We can do it in the tree trunk if ya like.” Applejack suggested. Rarity looked rather bewildered by that notion.

“Now Applejack, I know that we have been great friends with each other for quite a few years now and I understand that times can get desperate under these sorts of circumstances but I don’t think that this would be entirely appropriate, and I am not necessarily into other mares in that way.” Applejack stared blankly at Rarity.

“First off, git yer mind outta the gutters Rare, I wasn’t implying that we would do the deed in the freakin' tree. What ah meant was, we can look at you donations in the tree trunk and form a strategy. There is plenty of room.”

“Oh, yes, of course.” Rarity’s face went from white to crimson as the blood rushed to her cheeks in embarrassment.

Scouring through Rarity’s items didn’t offer up anything useful except for maybe the pair of night vision goggles which would serve as beneficial in the darkening forest. Night was approaching fast.

“Are you serious right now?! I got a spoon, a dress, and some cheap night vision goggles that don’t even let me see two inches in front of my face.“ Rarity whined.

“Well at least you didn’t get wool socks and a bucket of paint. Ah mean seriously, what is wrong with these ponies, givin us random garbage. They think that this is funny to them.”

“Quite…” Rarity was lost in thought as she stared at her gifts.

“You got something in mind for those?” Applejack asked.

“Hmm… ah hah, idea!” Rarity exclaimed.

“And that idea would be?”

“Quick give me your socks and help me into this dress. As awfully designed and stitched it may be, he won’t be able to keep his disgusting claws off of me.”

“Okay, that explains how we get to him but how are we gonna kill him?” Rarity just stared at the spoon with malice in her eyes.

“I’ve got that all taken care of.”

Spike knew that he would need a place to seek refuge from the oncoming storm and possibly a place to sleep for the night. Spike took a break from a full days worth of walking and sat on a broken tree trunk, which hadn’t been an uncommon thing to see anymore. Spike lifted his gift in front of himself and sighed with disappointment.

“Who the heck gives you a teddy bear in a killing competition? Morons.” Spike mumbled to himself. The dragon sat in silence for several more minutes. The sun had now been completely hidden by the horizon and the moon was peeking up from the tree line. A wet droplet landed on his head, followed by another, and another. Within seconds; it was now pouring rain. Spike just grumbled with discontent. He got back on his feet and ran to the nearest form of cover, which happened to be one of the only remaining trees still standing.

“Spike! Spike! Where are you?!” Spike could hear a mare in distress not too far away. He easily identified the distress signal as coming from his most precious Rarity.

“Don’t worry Rarity, I’m coming for you!” Spike rushed towards the sound of Rarity’s voice. The sound of the beautiful mare’s voice was being emitted by a small cave nearby. Spike cautiously entered, not knowing if it were a trap set specifically for him.

“Oh, Spike, there you are my dear. I was hoping that you would heed my call.”

“Well of course I would, but you need to be more careful not to attract attention to yourself.”

“Well I was in desperate need of my Spikey Wikey. I am very lonely and I knew that you would give me some company.” Rarity was amazed at how gullible the drake was. Even a numb skull would have been able to tell that she was acting. Applejack stood outside of the cave trying to hold back a laugh at the scene that unfolded inside.

“Wow Rarity, you look absolutely stunning in that dress.”

“Why thank you Spike. Not sure why somepony would give me a dress for this kind of game but it does keep me a bit warm in this atrocious weather. I’m sure a certain dragon wouldn’t mind keeping me warm for the night.” Rarity ambiguously suggested with yearning eyes.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind either.” Spike giggled and walked up next to his beloved. Spike took a seat intimately close to the dressed up unicorn. She cuddled up next to his small body and planted a half-hearted kiss atop his head. Rarity gagged at the thought of being any more romantic to the little piece of…

“So Rarity, I’ve been thinking about us for a while and thought that it would only be appropriate to say this now instead of facing the regret of not saying it before. Rarity… will you marry me?” Even Rarity was taken back by his sudden proposal.

“Oh Spike, you are such a sweet little guy but I have to decline sadly.”

“Wha… I thought you loved me?” Applejack took this time to stalk up behind the dragon and was now merely inches away from him.

“Well you see Spike; love is quite a complicated puzzle to solve and if you don’t have each move planned out before the next, then you will end up losing track of your main focus.”

“What the heck is that supposed to mean?”

“Goodness gracious Spike, is you skull really that thick that this isn’t getting through to you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“We are playing a game where you must kill to survive and you just broke rule number one. Don’t trust anyone.” Applejack wrapped her forearm around the unsuspecting dragon’s throat slowly crushing his wind pipes.

“Thank you Applejack, keep him restrained for me please.”

“Gotcha Rare’s. Take yer time, he ain’t goin nowhere.” Spike struggled to get free but he simply wasn’t strong enough to pry Applejack’s grip apart.

“Well Spike, I hope you like ‘spoon’ing.” Rarity approached the restrained dragon with the spoon in her grasp.

“Wha… Rarity, what are you doing with that? No, No, NOOOO!!!”

End of Night 1

Eliminated:

Soarin- Killed by Lightning Dust

Spitfire- Killed by Lightning Dust

Lightning Dust- Unintentional Suicide

Spike- Killed by Rarity

Remaining:

Twilight Sparkle

Pinkamena Diane Pie

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Fluttershy/Butchershy

Applebloom

Sweetie Belle

Scootaloo

Shining Armor

Trixie Lulamoon

Big Macintosh

Babs Seed

Gilda the Griffon

Vinyl Scratch

Octavia Scratch

Author's Note

So I really liked the turnout from asking you guys for donations so allow me to propose yet another interactive game. I want you all to vote on who you want to see eliminated in the next chapter. You may only vote for one contestant and one contestant only. Choose wisely.

Why Are We Here? (Day 2)

Gilda shifted uneasily in her sleep and sighed. She had managed to find a pretty secluded spot on the beach underneath two palm trees that arched towards each other in the middle. She wasn’t fond of this island, but it would have to suffice. The storm last night passed over the island leaving a flooded mess in its wake. There wasn’t a single plot of dry land in sight.

Gilda stirred awake as some flies landed on her beak. She sat up and swatted them away. The humid air made her bones ache and made her skin feel clammy beneath her coat of fur and feathers. Though it may have been humid, the air was chilled. It seemed unnatural for a muggy, tropical island to be cold, but somehow it was. Gilda shivered even with her considerable amount of natural warmth. She shifted onto all fours and arched her back in a massive stretch.

“Another day of this crap and I might just kill myself to get it all over with.” As much as she wanted to, it was in her best interest to continue her battle with nature. “If I can just hold out for a few more days, I’m sure I can win this thing and go home.” She had now reached the point of talking to herself in order to keep her sanity intact. Unfortunately it hadn’t done much good thus far.

Gilda set out in search of food, more or less just something edible, and something to get her through the day. The griffon meandered towards the waterfront of the beach and looked at her reflection in the still water. Her narrowed, beady eyes stared back at her with contempt. Suddenly the water was disturbed by a splash just inches from her face. She examined the water closer this time to see what it had been. Another splash hit the unsuspecting griffon in the face. She backed away from the shore and shook the water from her face.

“Oh, it’s on now you fishy prick!” Gilda dived back into the water in search of her slippery assailant, claws bared. After a minute of struggle, Gilda had managed to capture the fish and now it twitched on her claw. “Thought you could just splash me in the face and get away with it huh, well I guess you underestimated this griffon… really Gilda, talking to a dead fish.” She scolded herself aloud and shook her head. As she was about to turn back to her base of operations under the shade of the two palm trees, a substantially larger fish emerged from the water and bit directly into Gilda’s paw. She shouted in pain as the carnivorous fish continued to bite down harder on her paw. The jagged teeth tore through her skin and ripped away at her muscle. With one more powerful tug from the fish, Gilda’s paw snapped audibly and was torn clean off of her foreleg. Gilda stumbled backwards and fell over onto the sand with blood shooting out of her foreleg. The carnivorous giant descended into the waves with Gilda’s fish, and paw for that matter. She wasn’t in pain however. The shock of losing a vital appendage was too detrimental to her state of mind. She rushed back to her shade and tore a piece of a palm frond off. She wrapped the leaf around her still spurting arm as some form of tourniquet in an attempt to cease the flow of blood. Though it helped to some extent, she was still losing a considerable amount of blood. Gilda lay down on her back and sighed. Her eyes appeared to glaze over with exhaustion. She was contemplating defeat but forced her mind not to quit on her. She got up and limped towards one of the palm trees for support and noticed letters carved into the bark. The letters didn’t seem to make any sense when she read them, it said,

“Dekciw eht fo gnivarc eht strawht eh tub, yrgnuh og suoethgir eht tel ton seod DROL eht”

“Wha…?” Gilda was too exhausted to try and decrypt the foreign writing. She looked over at the other palm tree. This one had more letters and numbers carved into it. She narrowed her eyes and saw the letters more clearly. They said,

“Proverbs 10:3.”

Again Gilda didn’t bother trying to understand what the words meant; all she wanted to do was rest. Only problem with that was the apparent danger of being killed in her sleep. She wasn’t going to take that chance knowing that somepony clearly knew of her current whereabouts. She mustered up enough inner fortitude to go back to the waterfront in an attempt to catch another fish. As she walked down the red stained sand, her peripheral vision caught notice of a bundle of something that contrasted the beach in color. She turned her head to face it and the object became clearly visible. It was a large bundle of wood. Gilda took off as fast as she could on three legs towards the newfound source of possible warmth. How was she going to get it all the way across the beach with three legs? Surely taking the oddly shaped wood piece by piece in her beak would consume too much of her time and energy and leave her even more vulnerable. Gilda stared at the greenery of the forest in contemplation. Little did she know however, somepony was watching. It took Gilda a moment to realize that. The perplexed griffon found herself staring directly at a pair of light cerulean orbs. The two apparent entities were now at a stand still, neither one making a sound. Gilda blinked for a split second and the orbs had vanished into thin air, as if they never existed in the first place.

“I guess it was just my mind playing tricks on me.” She bent over and grabbed one of the wooden pieces in her beak and decided to do this the hard way. Gilda lifted her head from the ground and lurched backwards into the water in fear. The cerulean orbs were now mere inches from her face. The orbs rested upon a twisted face and on that twisted face rested a demonic grin that seemed to be a mix of insanity and malevolence, yet it also seemed… happy. Gilda now recognized the pony standing before her.

“You, what do you want?!” Gilda apprehensively shouted at the figure. All she got in response was a giggle. The figure picked up a piece of wood, turned towards Gilda’s makeshift shelter, and skipped forward.

“Why are you helping me? I thought you hated me for what I did to you all those years ago?” Gilda was confused beyond comprehension. This time, the figure spoke.

“Reverof mrif dnats suoethgir eht tub, enog era dekciw eht, yb tpews sah mrots eht nehw. Proverbs 10:25.”

“I can’t understand you when you speak like that. Is it really that hard to speak proper English?” Gilda was growing frustrated.

“Esnes fo kcal rof eid sloof tub, ynam hsiruon suoethgir eht fo spil eht. Proverbs 10:21.” Gilda rolled her eyes and gave up trying to communicate with the nonsensical pony that aided her.

Eventually, the unlikely duo had managed to collect a sizable amount of wood for fire. Enough to last through the next few hours. Gilda took a seat propped up against one of the arched palm trees as her partner wandered back into the forest.

“Hey, where are you going? I thought we were a team?” Gilda questioned her temporary partner. Gilda’s curiosity was eventually satisfied when the pony came back with a dead mouse for their griffon companion. “Wow, I guess you’ve been productive.” The pony dropped the mouse in front of the lazy griffon and took her respective seat across from Gilda. “So you plan on getting this fire started any time soon?”

The pony stood and spoke. “Htaed morf sreviled ssensuothgir tub, eulav gnitsal on evah serusaert notteg-lli. Proverbs 10:3.” After their gibberish, the pony walked into the forest once again, leaving a confused griffon on the beach. Only moments later did the pony return holding two conspicuous rocks.

“What are those for?” The figure didn’t respond, instead they fetched a fallen palm frond; the one Gilda had used earlier and laid it on top of the wood stack. The pony then proceeded to smash the rocks into each other. Small sparks started shooting off of the rocks and drifted into the bundle before slowly fading away. Even though making a fire in this damp and humid weather is very improbable, the pony remained persistent and repeatedly smashed the rocks into each other until finally the frond had caught fire.

“Oh, flint rocks, that’s kinda cool I guess. Where did you get those anyway?” The pony never lifted their head to acknowledge Gilda’s question. The pony was now feeding the fire by fanning it with another palm frond and blowing on it simultaneously. After the fire was relatively large, the pony sat down a little bit further away from the fire than Gilda. All the while, the griffon was happily munching on her snack.

The two sat in silence for several long minutes as Gilda let her body digest her food. She looked over at her unlikely partner.

“How come you didn’t get food for yourself?”

“DoG fo htuom eht fo tuo sdeecorp taht drow yreve no tub, enola daerb no evil ton llahs nam. Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3.”

“Why do I even bother talking to you?” More thunder could be heard in the distance as gray clouds drifted towards the island from the water. “Great, more rain, so much for keeping this fire going.”

A sudden gust of wind blew smoke and burning ashes into Gilda’s face temporarily blinding her. Gilda regained her composure and settled back down.

“Stupid wind blowing crap in my face, better be glad that you aren’t alive or I’d kill… you… to…” Gilda’s vision started to get blurry and her speech turned to gibberish just like her comrade. She became uncoordinated and incoherent. Her breathing became shallow and she started to feel faint. After stumbling around for several seconds more, Gilda’s vision blanked and her body fell forward into the raging fire that had grown from the wind gusts. When her stomach hit the smoldering wood, she became conscious again at quite an unfortunate time. The searing heat scorched her underbelly sending her into a spastic sprawl. The fire lapped at her face and eyes and pierced her skin like knives. Her screams started strong but gradually faded into nothing more than squeals of pain. Her charred body grew limp as her shorts breaths abruptly ceased. The band on the pony who observed the fatal scene vibrated. The pony receded into the forest for a third time and emerged again with a horn of some sort moments later.

“Erif gnimusnoc a si doG ruo rof. Hebrews 12:29.” The pony placed the mouthpiece of the horn to her nonsense mumbling lips and blew. The sound resonated throughout the island and rested upon the ears of all the other remaining contestants.

It was now noon according to the suns placement in the sky and everypony was beginning to feel the negative effects of dehydration, exhaustion and lack of food. The remaining competitors had now reached the 24 hour mark.

Babs Seed had climbed up a considerably large tree and was now perched atop a single branch that overlooked the forest floor below her. She would be able to see anypony before they could see her. While this strategy was advantageous for the meantime, she would need to come down eventually. She never realized just how taxing it was to stay on a tree branch for almost 24 whole hours. She hadn’t slept for fear that she would fall. The drop would most likely kill her on impact and if that didn’t do it, then surely she would suffer severe injuries and would make an easy, defenseless target for anypony that might pass by.

Off in the distance she could faintly make out a gray blur increasing in size gradually. Then she heard it, the sound of an engine. She patiently watched the gray blur as it became more and more distinct. The large metal exterior was all too familiar; it was the plane that she had jumped out of yesterday.

“What is that doin’ here?” She silently mumbled to herself. As she finished her question, a large crate dropped out of the cargo hold. The crate was attached to a parachute to prevent it from shattering against the ground like Octavia’s cello had done earlier. Babs’ curiosity was now getting the better of her. She had to go investigate it. If there was a chance that it was going to help her then she was willing to take that chance.

“Curiosity killed the cat Babs…” She said to herself as she began her cautious descent “But satisfaction brought it back to life.” She reassured herself as she landed on the damp earth beneath her. She began her perilous journey in the direction of the fallen crate.

“I wonder how many others saw it too. I’m sure I ain’t the only one.” She mumbled to herself as she walked. She pushed passed the tree line and stumbled into a clearing. The large crate was sitting in the center of the clearing. She anxiously approached the large object; it was even bigger than she had previously assumed.

“What could be in there?”

“Beats me, that’s what I’m here to find out.” Babs whipped around to face the voice behind her. Her muscles seized in terror as she rested her gaze upon a stocky white stallion that was nonchalantly leaning on a tree at the edge of the field.

“Sh… Shining Armor?”

“The one and only,” He had a sly grin on his face. He tossed a knife from hoof to hoof while chuckling in amusement.

“Please don’t hurt me Shining, I… I’ll do whatever ya want me ta do, I promise.” Babs pleaded desperately.

“Y’know, you’re the second pony in the past 24 hours to beg for my mercy and the other one is dead. So what makes you think that I should spare you?” Shining now approached the shaking mare with his knife unsheathed. Babs attempted to retreat slowly, her gaze never leaving that of Shining Armors. She tripped and stumbled backwards. Shining took the opportunity to gain the upper hoof and increased his speed towards the fallen mare. He was almost within striking distance before Babs got back on all four hooves and sprinted in retreat. Shining had now reached a full gallop and bore down on the much slower mare. He tackled her to the ground and easily pinned her. Though her self esteem wasn’t the greatest, her inner fortitude more than compensated for it. She wound up her hoof and smashed it against the stallions head. Shining was caught unaware and fell back. Babs was now in control and she pounced on the burly militant attempting to wrestle the blade away from him. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the smartest of plans considering the size and age difference. He easily overpowered her and now regained his position atop the fighting mare from Manehattan. Shining raised the knife and was prepared to strike but he never brought his arm down.

“Look, if you’re gonna kill me, do it already.” Babs began to leak tears from her eyes as defeat settled in but Shining still hadn’t moved.

“C’mon, what’re ya waitin’ for, just get it over with.” The stallion bunched up his sizeable muscles and prepared to bring the knife down.

“C’mon, just do it! Just kill me!” Shining let out what sounded like a battle cry and brought the knife down with astonishing force.

Babs kept her eyes closed during the ordeal and waited for the fatal blow… or perhaps not. She pried one of her eyes open to see what had happened. Shining had dug the blade into the dirt mere inches away from her head. Shining lifted himself from Babs and sauntered towards the crate where he took a seat. He looked rather dejected. Babs wasn’t sure if she should have been confused at his resistance or grateful that he hadn’t followed through with his intentions. Babs picked herself up off the ground and brushed the dirt from her mane. She gave it a nonchalant blow to remove the light amaranth threads from her vision.

Babs was now trying to piece together what had just transpired and realized that Shining had deserted his knife and it was now at the disposal of Babs. She removed it from the earth with a grunt and slowly approached the stallion who was trying to kill her not even a minute ago. He released a sigh and paid no attention to what was going on behind him. Babs had now reached her target and was prepared to strike him from behind. Did she really want to kill anypony though? Her conscious and reasoning fought with her instincts but that only led to greater uncertainty.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Shining spoke up without turning around.

Babs looked at the former commander of the Royal Guard and hung her head in shame. She dropped the knife at her hooves at took a seat next to Shining Armor. The two sat in silence for several minutes.

“Why do ya think we’re here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why do ya think we got ourselves inta this mess?”

“That’s a question I wish I had an answer for, but if I had to say, it’s more than likely because we messed up, made a mistake and now we are paying the price.” Babs sighed, feeling as though her question hadn’t been fully answered. Instead she proposed a new question.

“So you’se ain’t plannin’ on killin’ me anymore?”

“Why would I do that? I mean it’s not like I’ve killed enough ponies as it is.”

“Well you’se only killed what, three ponies? I’ve got over a hundred innocent lives staining my hooves. That’s a lot of stress for me.”

“But here’s the difference; you killed over a hundred ponies with no ill intent whereas I’ve killed three with murder in mind. I’m guiltier than you are so don’t beat yourself up about it.”

“But still, it’s my fault that they’re all dead. That’s just fact.” Shining sighed again, finally understanding Babs’ frustration.

“Sometimes we act out in spite and anger, or fear in your case, that’s just equine nature to put it bluntly. I’ve done things in my life that I’m not proud of, which is a contributing factor as to why I’m here.”

“Whad’ya do anyways?”

“Didn’t you pay any attention at all to my interview?”

“Nah, I was too nervous for my own to really retain any information.”

“My comrades and I attempted to overthrow the military, emphasis on the word attempted. We knew we weren’t going to succeed but facing the repercussions of our mutinous actions it made sense to try and make a sizable impact before our inevitable capture and arrest. My fellow compatriots were taken away to be slaughtered for treason. Apparently Discord finds loyalty to be very important.”

“Well why didn’t they kill you too?”

“Can’t say for certain but I’m assuming it had something to do with my personal connection to the royals. When you throw my wife in prison, yes I’m going to have a conniption and yes I’m going to do everything in my power to prevent anything like that from happening again.”

“Oh, Ok.” Babs stayed awkwardly quiet after the discussion, unsure of what to do now. She did the only thing she was good at… continue talking.

“So what was all that drama up on the plane all about?”

“Could you be more specific? There were a lot of bitter words exchanged in that process.”

“About your daughter if ya don’t mind me bein a bit nosy?” Shining was reluctant to answer but Babs had figured that.

“What does it matter to you?” Shining responded eventually.

Babs didn’t know how to respond so she slumped back against the crate.

“My daughter was my world; my wife would argue to call it an obsession. She was just complaining because our daughter preferred daddy over mommy.” Shining Armor loosened up slightly, feeling more comfortable. “She was only five when she started to get severe symptoms of this… disease. She started getting fevers that rarely went away. She was getting numerous headaches and was showing signs of anorexia. Doctors said it was nothing to worry about; probably just picked up some sort of virus from school. It happens a lot apparently. We took her home and thought nothing of it. Well the next day had some more surprises in store.

Shining Armor rested on his bed in the Crystal Kingdom palace. Shining’s eyes slowly opened to see the beautiful face of his sleeping wife, Princess Cadence. She looked rather graceful in her drowsy state and Shining Armor just lay there, soaking in the scent of his wife’s delicate mane. Such regal strands of gold and pink that smelled of sweet lavender and honeycomb. Shining thought to himself that everything was going to be simple today. No stressing over fulfilling his duties, no worries about his daughter who seemed to be fairing much better than the previous day, and most of all, no shortage of love from his precious family. Yes, life is simple and easy for Shining Armor… or, at least so he thought.

“Daddy!” Shining Armor immediately shot up in bed, waking his weary lover in the process.

“Daddy, please help me!” The feeble cries were coming from within the room of his daughter.

The now panicking stallion lurched out of bed and rocketed down the hallway with Cadence nipping at his heels. He came to a halt outside the massive door leading to his daughters sleeping quarters.

Shining threw the doors open with great vigor only to see his daughter lying in a crimson puddle. He traced the source back up to her mouth. It was oozing the thick red substance that now stained the little filly’s coat. Cadence nearly fainted and Shining held back the regurgitation building up in his throat. He lifted his filly in his magical aura and placed her on Cadence’s back.

“Get her to the hospital as quick as you can, I’ll catch up with you in a little bit.”

“Daddy, my tummy really hurts.” The filly spoke through the excruciating pain that blanketed her body. Shining could hear her short, separated breaths becoming more and more sporadic.

“It’s going to be alright baby. You’ll be fine. Just hold on to mommy really tight and we are going to get you to the doctor. I’ll see you soon my beloved.” Shining Armor planted a small kiss atop his daughters head. He turned away and rushed through the massive hallways of the Crystal Empire palace. Cadence sprinted towards the balcony in her room and immediately took off towards the emergency care facility.

Meanwhile, Shining Armor was at a full gallop towards the medical facility. He could see his wife soaring overhead in the same direction. Shining Armor never slowed his pace. His legs were aching with every thunderous stomp and his lungs burned inside his chest. The extra adrenaline pumping through his veins kept his body in motion. He was nearing the hospital at a rapid rate, dodging and weaving through the dense crowds of crystal ponies. Unbeknownst bystanders wondered why the Prince of the Crystal Empire was in such a hurry. He didn’t have time to think about that though. All he was concerned with was reaching his precious girl before it was too late.

Shining couldn’t see Cadence anymore; he assumed that she was already there.

“Don’t worry baby, Daddy’s on his way.”

The hospital was within his sight and it grew closer with every step. He finally reached the doors of the building and burst through the doors, drawing the attention of all the ponies lingering in the waiting room.

“Where is she?! Where is my daughter?!” Nopony made eye contact with the visibly distressed stallion. They hung their heads low and stared at the floor.

The receptionist stood from behind her desk and walked into an adjacent room with a clipboard clenched in her teeth. Shining Armor could see her remove the clipboard to speak to another pony in the room. He was too far to understand what she was saying. After several more moments of unsettling silence, A tall and lanky pony exited the room. He was wearing white scrubs and wore a sanitary mask across his mouth. The tall stallion calmly walked into the waiting room. Now that he was closer, Shining Armor could see small specks of red scattered on his scrubs and mask. He removed his mask and gave Shining Armor a look he didn’t want to see. The head surgeon, Shining could assume now from his name tag, gave a respectful bow towards the Prince.

“Sir Shining Armor, My name is Dr. Goodwell, I am the head surgeon of this here facility.” Dr. Goodwell extended his hoof as a gesture of remorse. Shining Armor obliged and firmly shook his hoof.

“Where is she?” Shining Armor was on the verge of tears, a sight never witnessed by anypony that walked Equestria. “I need to see her where is she-“

“Sir Shining Armor please calm down I can understand your very emotionally distraught but you need to remain calm right now.”

“Calm! You want me to be calm?! How could I be calm when my daughter is sick and possibly dying?! Huh, how do you expect me to be calm?!”

“Sir I’m only here to-“

“No! I’m not here for you to tell me the same thing you tell to everypony else! Now where is she?! Tell me where she is?!”

“Sir Shining Armor, with no disrespect sir, I do not appreciate you barging into my establishment and getting in my face about something that I have no power over! You must understand that we are doing all that we can to save your daughters life! I had to leave mid-surgery on another patient to tend to your daughter! Is that simply not enough to satiate your concerns?!” Shining Armor didn’t know what exactly he should say. He was too lost in his grief to even form a logical thought. “Sir, I have a job and I will do that job so help me Celestia. I do my absolute best for each and every pony that walks through those doors. My job also comes with the oppressive responsibility to relay critical information to the loved ones of those who are sick and injured. That is the painful yet necessary truth behind what I do. So with great remorse and the highest respects sir, I’m afraid I must inform you that your daughter has gone. I am very much sympathetic and remorseful for your loss.”

Shining Armor fell to his knees and wept. He was not ashamed at his public display, he didn’t care. Cadence entered the waiting room and wrapped her hooves around her grieving husband.

“It’s okay darling I am here.” The Princess consoled her husband the only way she knew how; her warm embrace.

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” Shining composed himself to some extent. The torrent of emotions had passed and it was time to accept this new reality. For once, Shining Armor felt hopeless, for once he felt broken, for once he felt… alone.

“Now I know just why I’m here.” Shining Armor concluded his story. “I’m here for her.”

“What was her name?” Babs asked.

“Her name was Jubilee Cadenza.”

“Sounds like a lovely name.” Babs added

“I thought so too.”

The sun was now dipping below the tree line and dappled the surrounding skies with brilliant shade of pink and gold. Shining Armor knew those colors all too well.

“Well we should probably get moving.” Shining Armor stood up and arched his back.

“Don’tcha think we should open up this crate? I mean that is what brought us both here in the first place.”

“Yeah I guess you’re right. But how though? I don’t see any crowbars here.” Babs stood for a moment confused as to how they could open the crate. Her attention was drawn towards the knife that rested on the grass beneath their hooves. She picked it up and wedged it into a small opening on what was presumably the front of the wooden crate.

“Now go ahead and give it a solid kick.”

Shining Armor found it strange to take commands from a 16 year-old but it seemed like a plan. He turned around and bunched up the muscles in his haunches. He bucked the blade handle with great force. The wood splintered and left a small gap in between the sides of the crate. Big enough to pry open by hoof.

“Well the knife is useless so this better be good.” Babs grabbed the corner piece and tugged. Shining Armor caught a glimpse inside the small crevice and noticed a peculiar setup within the crate.

“Babs look out!”

“Huh?” As she pulled the board away, a loud gunshot rang out across the island. Babs could feel the ringing sensation in her ears. Thankfully nopony had been in the line of fire. Babs stood back up and looked inside the crate. A small M9 had been propped up on a clamp at about forehead level. She noticed a string wrapped around the trigger and followed it to where it connected to a nail that had been hammered into the wooden board.

“A death trap?” Babs was utterly lost.

“Not completely. Look behind it.” Shining Armor pointed out the four other M9 pistols resting in an open case behind the death trap. There was also a note attached to the back board.

“What’s that note sayin’?”

“It says, "Congratulations! Assuming you are not dead already from this rig, I have a proposition for you. There are four guns in this crate. Each is loaded with a single bullet so you’d better make it count. By now Everypony has probably heard that gunshot and is making their way over to your location to investigate. There is a rule however. You may only take one gun. If you find yourself feeling ambitious and take more than that specified amount, then we will detonate your wristband. Good luck.”

“Well we’se workin’ as a team right?” Babs asked nervously.

“That depends, are you going to shoot me when you get that gun?” Shining Armor asked in return.

“No.”

“Okay then, yes we are working as a team. Now go ahead a take one.” Babs reached into the crate and placed her hoof on the gun wondering if there was more than one deathtrap in this box.

“Hurry, we only have a limited amount of time before everypony starts showing up!” Babs picked up the gun and stepped aside. Shining Armor grabbed the small pistol and gave a curt nod towards his new ally.

“Now lets get outta here.”

“Agreed.”

Everything is stoic in the nighttime woods. The only casualty of the day had been Gilda… or perhaps another might join the list.

Twilight Sparkle was getting closer and closer to the refuge of somepony she didn’t want to run into.

Fluttershy had spent most of her day contemplating a decision that she didn’t want to make, and the rope in her hooves wasn’t helping either.

Big Macintosh rested in an abandoned den precariously close to somepony from his troubled past.

Applejack and Rarity spent the day strategizing alone in the same cave where they put Spike to rest. They disposed of his body and now slept with a new set of feelings in their heads. Could it be… doubt?

Vinyl and Octavia shared Octavia’s canister of soup and were now cuddled together under the stars together. Just them, the stars, and a beady pair of eyes.

Trixie continued her search for Twilight Sparkle. Her mumblings however did not fall upon deaf ears.

The CMC shut their eyes but not their noses. Is that a rat I smell?

Shining Armor and Babs Seed found shelter by a small pond with their newly obtained prizes. They felt safe and secure but they couldn’t be more vulnerable.

Rainbow quietly covered nearly half of the island and was feeling on top of the world. Who wouldn’t be when they were covered in chainmail armor and possessed a limb chopping cleaver? She felt some reassurance when a happy pink pony bounced her way out of the bushes.

“Glad to see you could make it Pinkie. Have you completed plan G?” Pinkie nodded her head with enthusiasm. “I knew I could trust you.” Pinkie nodded again and spoke.

“Niur ot dekciw eht sgnirb dna, dekciw eht fo esuoh eht fo ton sekat enO suoethgiR ehT. Proverbs 21:12.”

End of Night 2

Eliminated:

Soarin- Killed by Lightning Dust

Spitfire- Killed by Lightning Dust

Lightning Dust- Unintentional Suicide

Spike- Killed by Rarity

Gilda the Griffon- Unintentional suicide that was orchestrated by somepony that you should have figured out by now which was really all a big plan put together by somepony else that you should have figured out by now.

Remaining:

Twilight Sparkle

Pinkamena Diane Pie

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Fluttershy/Butchershy

Applebloom

Sweetie Belle

Scootaloo

Shining Armor

Trixie Lulamoon

Big Macintosh

Babs Seed

Vinyl Scratch

Octavia Scratch

Author's Note

Hey guys. Sorry for the delay. If you want to know more about my scheduling and the future of this story, go check out my most recent blog and hopefully that will answer your questions. If not, the feel free to message me or leave a comment on my page, this story, etc.

Thanks for the patience.

Things Could Be Different (Day 3)

The forest was eerie silent as the sunlight licked the sky. It was dawn, a quiet dawn. All was still and tranquil. Fresh dew blanketed the grass and a thick sheet of mist smothered the air. This felt comforting to the timid Pegasus that had woken from sleep relatively early this morning as she usually did. It was not uncommon for Fluttershy to wake up in the wee hours of the morning but after her inner turmoil the night prior, she was surprised that she managed any sleep at all.

The forest was eerie silent as the sunlight licked the sky. It was dawn, a quiet dawn. All was still and tranquil. Fresh dew blanketed the grass and a thick sheet of mist smothered the air. This felt like home to the massive earth pony that had woken from sleep relatively early this morning as he usually did. It was not uncommon for Big Macintosh to wake up in the wee hours of the morning; perhaps he adopted that habit from his ex-wife.

Fluttershy had spent majority of yesterday arguing with herself. Should she do it? Maybe she shouldn’t.

Big Macintosh had spent most of yesterday scavenging anything he could use as food. His search only yielded a few poisonous berries and fungi.

Fluttershy’s mind was a mess and the stress kept escalating. She was afraid that Butchershy was winning and there was nothing that she could do about it. Fluttershy went off in search for a suitable location to carry out Butchershy’s will.

Big Macintosh’s mind was somewhat stable to a degree. He was afraid of being responsible for any more casualties yet he knew already the consequences for his actions prior to this competition. Mac went off in search for a suitable location to find food.

A large tree caught the eye of Fluttershy and she went to inspect it, hoping it met the proper specifications.

A large tree caught the eye of Big Macintosh and he went to inspect it, hoping it may lead to food.

Fluttershy eventually made it to the tree and gazed upon its massive height…perfect. She faintly whistled to her feathered friends who appeared rather quickly. They lifted the Pegasus onto a high branch and set her down gently. They then flew up to the branch above her and secured one end of the rope in her possession tightly to the tree limb. It seemed sturdy enough to hold her weight, which wasn’t really much at all. Fluttershy wasn’t certain who was in control now but that really didn’t matter. She squeezed her head through the slipknot until it was snug around her neck as she contemplated what was to happen.

Big Macintosh eventually made it to the tree and gazed upon its massive height. Certainly there would be some sort of beneficial fruit growing on it right? His hunger however made him rather oblivious to the Pegasus on the other side. Then again, the Pegasus had no knowledge of the stallion who was bunching up the muscles in his haunches either. Mac released the build up of strength and bucked the tree with all his might. The clumsy Pegasus wobbled slightly but remained perched on her branch. Mac bucked again, sending a ripple through the thick wood and right back to the unsteady mare who had barely regained her balance from the initial tremor. This time however, she hadn’t been so fortunate. Big Mac was prepared for one final buck until he heard a snapping sound behind him. It didn’t sound like the snap of a twig or branch though, but more faint… like a popping sound. Curious as to what caused the unnatural noise. Big Macintosh took a step back and examined the massive tree. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He made his way around to the other side of the tree, and what hung before him brought his stomach into his throat. His ex-wife -whom he still loved very dearly- Fluttershy swung gently by her neck; a noose had been tied around it. He bowed his head in remorse and grief, knowing that he was to be held accountable hurt even more. The real question on Mac’s mind now was… why? Why would she try to kill herself?

Winter had come and temperatures were dropping to a severe low, lower than normal by Ponyville standards. Fluttershy didn’t seem to think much of it though. She thought it to be somewhat pleasant in a way. She was relieved as well; all her furry critters were tucked away in their dens and burrows for hibernation. This gave Fluttershy some reprieve from her usual schedule which had grown more demanding as the months went by. She’d taken this extra time to spend more time with her friends. She made more time to relax at the spa with Rarity, more time to read and discuss books over hot herbal tea with Twilight, more time to help Applejack with her own animals, more time to help Pinkie with whatever it is Pinkie does, and more time to lounge by the lake and watch as Rainbow Dash practiced her newest stunts; hoping that one day she’d be accepted into the Wonderbolts. Time was a liberty she cherished and she certainly did not waste any of it.

“Mornin’ miss Fluttershy.” There it was; her favorite voice to hear at such an early hour.

“Good morning Big Macintosh, did you sleep well?

“Eeyup.” His signature response was all she needed.

Big Macintosh always passed by Fluttershy’s cottage on his morning walks and she never got tired of seeing him. She wasn’t sure if her advances were too noticeable or if they were too subtle. Macintosh seemed like a simple stallion, so simplicity was her natural approach. Over the few years that she’d known him, Fluttershy had developed an affinity towards the crimson stallion. He has always been so kind and respectful to Fluttershy and she admired that about him. He was very gentle and took care in all that he did; they seemed to share enough common characteristics as it is, so it was a mystery to the timid Pegasus as to why they were still not together.

It was on a Monday several weeks into the treacherous winter when both of their lives would change. Big Macintosh worked in the fields despite his grandmothers concerns about the weather. Fluttershy was running errands at the nearby farmers market where Applejack usually set up shop. Just a simple trip to get groceries, that’s all it was and that’s all it was supposed to be.

“Howdy Shy, anything ah can do for you this afternoon?”

“No not particularly, I just wanted to stop by and say hello.”

“Nope, Ah don’t believe you. Not one bit.”

“What makes you say that?”

“C’mon Fluttershy, your really expecting me to believe that, Ah’m the element of honesty for Celestia’s sake, Ah think Ah know a lie iff’n Ah heard one. Now what is it that you really want, Somethin’ to do with Big Macintosh Ah suppose?”

“How did you…?”

“Everypony knows bout yer lil’ obsession with mah brother, well everypony ‘cept him though. When do you plan on asking him out on a date?”

“I uh… I don’t… I don’t know. I kinda came to you to ask whether or not he liked me.”

“And what makes you think that Ah know anything about his romantic interests and pursuits?”

“I just… I thought that… well because you’re kinda…”

“Ah’m just yankin’ yer tail girl. Ain’t any reason to get worked up like that. Okay, Ah’ll let’cha in on a lil’ secret,” Fluttershy leaned in close to Applejack as the farmer whispered into her ear.“He does."

“Really?!” Fluttershy yipped in excitement.

“Yep, he likes to pretend that Applebloom and Ah don’t know, but his infatuation is even more obvious than yours. Here’s the real kicker, he don’ got himself a signed portrait of you when y’all was doin’ your modeling gig with Photo Finish and he hides it under his pillow at night. Albeit sometimes it’s a lil’ creepy but Ah think it’s kinda cute. So Ah bet if you asked him on a date, he would be more than happy to go.”

“Thank you so much Applejack! Now I have a stallion to claim.” Fluttershy pulled Applejack into a deep embrace for a moment before lightly skipping towards Sweet Apple Acres.

3 YEARS LATER

“Alright Miss Fluttershy, I’m going to need you to push really hard when I tell you to, ready 3, 2, 1, push!”

“GYAHH!” Fluttershy pushed with all her might. Her frail body was not ideal for this method of childbirth but with the current condition the foal was in, it would be too risky to put her on any form of narcotics.

“One more big push should do it 3, 2, 1, push!”

Fluttershy released a guttural scream, and the world around her went blank. The birth of her foal was- in a sense- against the odds. Not only was it premature, but the foal was also backwards in her womb. This was something Fluttershy had feared since the day she discovered that she was pregnant. She’d always tried to imagine that it would go off without a hitch but now the number of problems began to pile up.

IN THE WAITING ROOM

Big Macintosh could hear her screams, her wails of agony yet he couldn’t interfere in such a situation as this. The proceedings were to be conducted with only medical professionals in the room. Macintosh was normally a very patient pony, but not on this day. It stopped, it finally stopped. It was over before he could register what all was happening. He didn’t know whether to be excited or concerned. He wanted to check on the wellbeing of his foal and Fluttershy but was incapable until told otherwise. He waited for the sound, the sound of crying. He wanted to hear that sound to give him reassurance that everything had gone accordingly, yet it felt as though something wasn’t right. After several moments of agonizing silence, he finally heard the crying; just not exactly the crying he wanted. The door swung open and nurse Redheart hesitantly entered the waiting room. She took a seat next to Big Macintosh. She put her arm around his massive shoulder and calmly delivered the news.

“I’m sorry, I’m very, very sorry. You can come inside to see Fluttershy if you would like. She already knows and is resting now. She’s been through a lot as I’m sure you have as well.”

Mac nodded his head and stood out of his chair. He entered the room to see his ex-wife sleeping rather peacefully considering the ordeal she just went through. He knelt by her bedside and lovingly stroked her mane; tears welling up in his eyes as he did so.

Now Big Macintosh found himself in that very same position he was in all those years ago, kneeling by her side and stroking her mane. It seemed to have lost its bright pink tint now.

Mac remained by her side for the next few hours; refusing to leave her side. After all this time alone he felt now very vulnerable in the open. He felt as though something was with him, something was… watching him. He turned his head around to relieve that notion. Fortunately nopony was behind him; he turned back around to look at Fluttershy once more but was instead greeted with a rather large blade placed across his throat. He tried to jump back only to collide with a large bundle of pink fur.

“Where ya going Mac,” The voice he heard was unmistakably that of Rainbow Dash. “Don’t you want to be with her forever? You did say… till death do you part.” Rainbow lunged forward and-with the help of her Pink companion-pinned Big Mac to the ground. Rainbow placed the cleaver back over the stallion’s throat and dug in relentlessly, and without any hesitation. His blood sprayed from his neck and onto his assailants, coating them in fresh crimson. After Macintosh stopped squirming, she stood beside her bouncy partner and admired the scene before her.

“What do you think Pinks, we didn’t even have to kill Fluttershy ourselves. Two birds with one stone.” Rainbow chuckled and turned to leave. ”C’mon Pinkamena, there’s more work to be done. We’ve got a river to turn red.” Rainbow Dash disappeared into the brush, leaving Pinkie to stare at the remains of her former friends.

“Ytinu tcefrep ni rehtegot lla meht sdnib hcihw, evol no tup seutriv eseht lla revo dna. Colossians 3:14.”

Pinkie leaned down over Big Macintosh’s cold corpse and planted a gentle kiss atop his head.

“Eybdoog, uoy devol syawla ev’I, uoy evol I.”

“It’s been approximately 46 hours 37 minutes and 12 seconds since we’ve been dumped on this island Trixie. It appears that Big Macintosh and Fluttershy have both been eliminated by what I can assume was Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. I’ll have to remember to avoid them at all costs. Did you get that Trixie?” Twilight asked her temporary ally without pulling herself away from her binoculars.

“Yeah, yeah sure.”

“Trixie I need you to take this seriously, we are both in a life or death situation and only one of us-and by that I mean myself of course-is going to escape this island alive. I need all of this information cataloged somewhere. Not some cave drawings that are quite… uncanny in resemblance to me. And why am I wearing wool knit socks in this one?” Twilight pointed towards a rather risqué image on the back wall of the cave.

“Trixie thinks that it accentuates your rather exquisite body quite well don’t you think?”

“I don’t have the patience to deal with your one track mind Trixie. Just remember who has all the supplies, including one very sharp knife that is capable of ending your life before you can utter another word. Do I make myself perfectly clear?!” Twilight was breathing heavily from her frustration.

“Crystal.”

“Good, now would you mind actually take sufficient notes for once?”

“Well seeing as how Trixie is incapable of using her magic, no.”

“Is it really that hard to write with your mouth? You seem to do quite a bit of talking; now it’s time to put that mouth of yours to good use.” Twilight didn’t initially realize what she’d said until Trixie threw a wink and seductive grin her way. “I didn’t mean for you to interpret that in such a disgusting manner you pervert.”

“Oh come on Twiley, live a little and have some fun. It’s not like anypony will find out.”

“Firstly, don’t you ever address me by my pet name, and second, I’m not a fillyfooler. How many times must I reiterate that to you?”

“Trixie thinks it’s rather cute.”

“Well I don’t.” Twilight was growing more and more flustered by the second. Her mane had become twice as frizzled as it were yesterday. Twilight turned to her view over the forest once again. Twilight had unfortunately stumbled upon the Smitten and Love-struck Trixie. She honestly missed- no, yearned for the old, narcissistic Trixie that had almost ruined her life several years ago. She would’ve been much more tolerable than her current attitude. She found Trixie alone in a small cave positioned on a steep hilltop that overlooked everything from the cave to the beach. She had been able to monitor nearly every event in the competition thus far with her binoculars. However, not all of her findings were retained due to aforementioned ponies such as Trixie. Nevertheless, Twilight refused to let Trixie break her.

Earlier that day she had discovered several small patches of poison joke dispersed throughout the island. With that in mind she was fortunate however to have been gifted a rather generous amount of extract from the blue plant and was slowly building up an immunity towards the strange toxins vested in the flower. Trixie on the other hoof had not, which gave Twilight a devious idea. Twilight knew of the mysterious effects the plant had on ponies, but that was Zecora’s controlled crop. She wondered just how dangerous wild joke could be.

Twilight turned around to see Trixie once again doodling images of Twilight on the cave floor. This gave her time to grab the blue bottle from her bag undetected. She quickly removed the cork from the bottle with her teeth and poured a decent amount onto her hoof. She lifted her hoof up to her mouth and smeared the sticky substance on her lips. Twilight was certain that she looked stupid with the shade of blue that the plant possessed but she also knew that it wouldn’t make a difference in Trixie’s mind.

“Oh Trixie…” Twilight began.

“How can Trixie be of service?” Trixie responded the way she usually had.

Twilight turned around to face the azure unicorn hoping the awkward shade of blue wasn’t a turn off. Much to her preferences it wasn’t.

“Oh, you’ve been such a worthy companion; it has completely slipped my mind to reward you for such noteworthy services.” Twilight continued, assuming that Trixie would believe her act. Twilight couldn’t abnegate Trixie’s intelligence, even when her mind was clouded with intimate thoughts of Twilight.

“Trixie does feel she deserves some reprieve from tedious note taking. What type of reward are you considering?”

“Oh, I don’t know, probably something very special for a very special pony.” Twilight added a provocative tone to her voice when addressing the gullible unicorn. Twilight circled Trixie, swaying her hips just a little more than usual. This attracted Trixie’s attention even further.

“Trixie… special?” Trixie lifted her hoof and pointed it at herself playfully.

“Oh yes, very special indeed. My special somepony even, but let’s not get ahead ourselves.” Twilight stopped only inches away from Trixie’s face and began closing the gap at an agonizingly slow pace. “Remember how I said I’d put your no-good mouth to use? Well I think I found a solution to both our problems.” Twilight slammed her lips into Trixie’s. The kiss was awkward, both of them knew that, but they also took into consideration the fact that Twilight had never actually been with anypony before, so kissing was a foreign concept. None of that mattered to Trixie however who had basically melted into a puddle of love struck goo on the cold cave floor. Twilight had welded her eyes shut so she didn’t have to look at Trixie; kissing her was bad enough. Though admittedly it wasn’t all that unpleasant, Trixie’s lips were warm and soft against hers. Twilight could feel Trixie trying to push her tongue into Twilight’s mouth. She denied any entrance into her mouth but if Trixie somehow managed to push past her teeth, she would be tempted to bite her tongue off. Twilight held the uncomfortable lip lock until Trixie exhibited signs of the poison infecting her body.

Trixie broke away abruptly and started wiping her mouth off with a hoof. Trixie was feeling a burning sensation on her lips and it felt as though somepony was attempting to force a searing coal into her mouth.

“What have you done to Trixie?!”

“Tying up some loose ends is all. It’s just business, nothing personal.”

“Trixie thought you loved her?”

“Well I guess you thought wrong.” Twilight picked up her stuff and exited the cave only stopping to give her final regards. “Hasta la vista Miss Lulamoon, The pleasure was all mine.” Twilight took a bow and ran off into the unknown. Trixie was now alone in her suffering.

The burning pain now moved to the back of her throat. She started gasping for air but whenever she tried to gulp down any, her lungs just seemed to throw it right back out. Her throat was swelling at a rapid rate and soon she wouldn’t be able to breathe at all. Trixie became dizzy and disoriented. Her lungs were burning and reality started fading, cutting in and out. Her ears started ringing as her brain started shutting down, finally everything went black.

Twilight eventually stopped running when her bracelet buzzed. She caught her breath and sighed. It did feel somewhat wrong what she did but it was something that had to be done. One less nuisance to cope with. Then the sudden realization hit her, she’d just killed somepony. Unlike everyone else in this game, she hadn’t killed anyone. She became light headed so she just sat on the spot. Her head rush wouldn’t go away though. She felt cold now, cold on the outside and cold on the inside. Is this what being a murderer felt like? Whatever the feeling, she didn’t want to embrace it. Tears began to fall down her cheeks and her body began to shiver. She felt like throwing up but there was nothing in her stomach anyway... except regret maybe. Her tears fell to the ground and one splashed onto her bracelet. She looked down at the clunky accessory and she realized just what was going on. She was trapped.

“You know, I’ve always been free,” She looked up towards the sky which had grown grey with clouds again. “I’ve never been controlled. All my life I’ve been guaranteed freedom to do whatever I please, but not anymore.” She looked at her bracelet again. “You think this scares me Discord? Well it doesn’t, and do you want to know why?! It doesn’t scare me because I know that I write my story, not you or some political party. Only I can choose my destiny. Am I upsetting you Discord? Huh, does this frustrate you that I can say whatever it is that I want and you can’t do a thing about it? Well I hope that it does. Go ahead, detonate this wrist band and show the entirety of Equestria how dishonest you are. You promised everypony a fair and regulated event but the second you press whatever button or pull whatever lever it is that you are holding to end me, there will be blood on your behalf and ponies will riot in the streets. I am their princess am I not? How would that look to your associates and other foreign leaders if you killed somepony just because I can get under your skin? So go ahead and kill me, blow me sky high! I said do it!” Twilight waited for an answer. “What, are you scared Discord? Are you scared because all of Equestria is watching? Coward! You’ve always been a filthy coward. Just let that sink in whilst I suffer for my transgressions.” Twilight turned back towards the cave which she had previously resided in.

She became noxious at the sight of Trixie’s corpse. Her body just lay still, unmoving. That was the scariest part. Twilight reluctantly approached her body and lay down beside her. She actually looked rather peaceful in her post mortal state. Twilight scooted in closer and pressed her body against Trixie’s as if trying to keep her warm. Twilight rested her snout on her forearms and released a prosaic sigh.

“Hey Trixie,” Twilight began “Even though you can’t hear me, I hope you’re still listening. Believe it or not, I know quite a bit about you. You traveled Equestria in search of a suitable place to settle but the draw to the road was too strong. So you took up illusionary magic. You trained at the finest magic academies from Canterlot to Manehatten, hoping to fulfill your dream of hitting it big. Trixie you traveled all over; amazing crowds and telling stories of unfathomable nature, even by your standards. So that is what I will do; I’ll tell you a story. As a little filly raised in a wealthy household in Canterlot, I was given everything I could ever want. Even if everything I ever wanted were books. I had the finest tutors and teachers-Princess Celestia even-teaching me everything I needed to know and then some. Some might say I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and I wholeheartedly agree with that notion. Big brother joined the royal guard and I was off to Princess Celestia’s magic school for gifted unicorns. I spent my time studying and working to achieve my goals, a concept I’m sure you’re quite familiar with. I studied diligently for my final test and come that fateful day I was nervous. But who wouldn’t be? I’m sure you would’ve gone in thinking that you’d ace it I bet. Who knows, you very well may have. It took a while but I wasn’t getting anything accomplished. Then all of a sudden a flash of light appeared out the window which burst into a beautiful display of rainbows which I later discovered was the result of a sonic rainboom. At the very instant the shockwave reached me, it unlocked a power inside of me that I could never wrap my brain around. Even to this day I haven’t yet discovered how I possessed such ability. What happens after isn’t relevant but the moral of this story is that there are fixed points in time that are meant to occur and that must never be tampered with. I certainly learned that lesson when I attempted time-travel, but I digress. You Trixie, you are one of those fixed moments in time that I could never change; not even if I wanted to. I was supposed to meet you, and I was supposed to traverse this journey with you. I wish I’d known that sooner and maybe you’d still be alive, drawing explicit images of me on cave walls but I’m okay with that. Trixie, wherever ponies like you and I go after life, I hope I see you there, that way I can apologize. I can apologize for never valuing you as an individual, as an acquaintance, and as a friend. I’m sorry Trixie. If there is any part of you that can hear me, just know that I care about you. If only it hadn’t taken your death to realize that. I’m not sure whether I should fear death or embrace it. Either way, I know its coming,”

Twilight took hold of the red tag on her bracelet with her teeth and pulled it. A bright red light started flashing.

“And I’m ready for it.”

Scootaloo kept running, she never stopped. She refused to stop, not to look back, not to take a breath, she just… ran. That was all she could do. Night was falling on the forest and it was only a matter of time before they caught her. Knowing the filly chasing her, she would have to keep running until the sun came up if she wanted a chance.

“Don’t shoot Sweetie; these guns only got one bullet in ‘em. Why waste it on a moving target?”

“Valid point.” Sweetie Belle lowered her gun.

“She can’t hide forever and she can only run for so long. Run Scootaloo. Just… keep… running.”

After Pinkamena and Rainbow Dash killed Big Macitosh, the pair have began their pursuit on another unsuspecting pony. But who?

Rarity and Applejack have continued migrating from one cave to another, but eventually there luck must run dry.

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo secured the remaining pistols but the trio seems to have lost one of its members.

Scootaloo seems to be running away from somepony but what she doesn’t realize, is that she is also running towards somepony.

Shining Armor and Babs Seed have struck gold after discovering some coconut trees but some things are just too good to be true.

The Scratch’s have taken refuge near the only source of fresh water on the island, but that might be a costly mistake. I didn’t know river water was red? And neither did they.

End of Night 3

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)

Remaining:

Pinkamena Diane Pie

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Applebloom

Sweetie Belle

Scootaloo

Shining Armor

Babs Seed

Vinyl Scratch

Octavia Scratch

Author's Note

Y'all thought I was dead didn't you? Rest assured I'm alive and kicking. Expect another chapter out very soon.

Please inform me of any and all mistakes so that I can go back and fix them ASAP.

The Things We Cherish (Day 4)

“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!

This Ends Now (Day 5)

Rarity woke from her sleep. It was slightly more comfortable than she was used to experiencing. She gasped in surprise as she realized that the stallion that had made last night bearable was missing.

“Shining?” Rarity whipped her head left and right. She was relieved to see him sitting by the entrance of the cave; staring out into the downpour of torrential rain. It was early dawn and the air was cool. A small, thin layer of fog coated the dewy ground. There wasn’t much wind, but there was plenty of rain.

“How long?” Rarity was caught off guard by his sudden question.

“What do you mean?”

“How long until they find us?” Rarity walked up to him and took a seat next to him. She rested her weary head upon his shoulder and sighed.

“Only time will tell dear.” The two lovers continued staring into the early morning storm pondering what was to happen next.

“Well Pinkie, what do you make of this?” Rainbow asked her servant with a smile on her face. The Pink pony only giggled at their discovery. Rainbow picked up the weapon and examined it; still operational.

“One shot huh… that’s all I’ll need.” Rainbow smirked as she cocked the pistol.

“Let’s finish this once and for all.”

“I think there’s a river nearby, I’m going to go and see if I can find anything to eat. You stay here and rest. This cave is fairly hidden from the outside, so you should be safe until I return.” Rarity nuzzled Shining Armors neck before planting a warm kiss on his lips.

“Please return to me safely my love.”

“I will Rarity, I promise.” He gently kissed her hoof before vanishing into the rain.

Rarity watched him go silently without another word. She retreated back into the depths of the cave and lay down. She rested her head on her foreleg and closed her eyes.

Octavia had not strayed from her path and continued to follow the river upstream. She took a big risk traveling and resting exposed. She didn’t know why she stayed with the river. Her safety was not guaranteed and the river brought back many unsettling memories of the day prior. Vinyl was gone and there was nothing that she could do about it. However, nothing kept her from winning anymore.

The rain was persistent ever since the sun rose above the ocean and it didn’t show any signs of going away anytime soon. Rainbow and Pinkie silently prowled through the drenched, thick undergrowth of the island, hoping to encounter another unfortunate victim to kill. They had been doing quite a lot of that lately; something that had never bothered Rainbow Dash. Pinkie could feel the disembodied voices in her head at turmoil and it upset her greatly. She would growl at herself from time to time, earning her an agitated glare from Rainbow. Pinkie’s head was throbbing again and it hurt. Pinkie didn’t like pain but it was just one of those things that she had learned to cope with as of late.

The two mares walked in silence when Pinkie felt a hoof on her shoulder. She whipped around ready for a battle yet she was greeted with emptiness.

“Pinkie, what was that for?” Pinkie shrugged off the question and kept walking.

“Y’know she don’t trust ya don’t’cha?” A voice whispered in her ear as an orange mare appeared by her side. Pinkie swatted at the apparition only to find her hoof contacting the hardness of a tree trunk. She winced in pain as Rainbow scowled.

“Pinkie, you need to cut it out! I’m getting really tired of this “thing” you’ve got going on.” The fur on Rainbow’s neck stood straight as she addressed her partner. Pinkie only sighed and scraped the dirt with her hoof. The orange mare appeared by her side again.

“You see what Ah mean sugarcube, she ain’t gonna be able to tolerate you no more. You and Ah both know what kinda temper she’s got, what would happen if you were to set her off, huh, don’t reckon she’ll be too friendly anymore. Look Pinkie, Ah’m only trying to show you your best options. You can either stay with Rainbow knowing that she will probably kill you soon or you can get her from behind now and possibly win this thing.” The orange mare wrapped a sympathetic hoof around her friends shoulder. “Ah ain’t sure whats happened to you Pinkie but Ah know that the old Pinkie is still in there and she needs to decide what she needs to do before it’s too late. Just think about it.”

“ENOLA EM EVAEL!!!” Pinkie felt a stinging pain across her muzzle as Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof against it.

“That is it! I’m sick and tired of this crap! You’re on your own now!” Rainbow spat on the ground in front of the saddened mare and abandoned her only ally. Pinkie looked at the floor with tears welling in her eyes. She felt a familiar hoof on her shoulder.

“Ah hate to say Ah told ya so but, Ah told ya so,” There was a long pause. ”Right, well, you ain’t gonna accomplish much mopin’ and poutin’ like this so Ah suggest we get going. The beach is probably our best bet. You can follow if ya please but in the end, that decision is up to you.” Pinkie watched the orange mare dissipate into merely dust before her eyes.

“Noitpmeder ym kees llahs I.”

Shining Armor’s frustration continued to escalate. He had been very much unsuccessful at fishing and this monsoon wasn’t helping anything. He was cold and drenched from the rain and eventually gave up fishing altogether. Shining Armor cursed the howling wind and the pouring rain as if it would cease at his anger, but alas, it did not. “I need to get back to Rarity before she worries.” He said aloud to himself.

The forest floor was muddy and damp. Dirt clung to his fur and the torrential downpour clumped his coat and mane into soakings rags. It was a struggle just keeping his mane out of his face. His breathing became faster and his eyes stung as water dripped into them. This island was unrelenting. The sound of the rain however, put him at ease. It calmed his nerves and that is exactly what he needed at a time like this. His thoughts began to run back to his daughter. She’d always loved playing with daddy in the rain. Wherever there was rain, his daughter would be there as well, enjoying the feeling of the cold droplets lightly impacting her coat. Refreshing as it was, this was ridiculous. The sky was nearly black with clouds that stretched for miles without an end in sight.

Shining Armor eventually found the entrance of his hideout and proceeded inside. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Rarity peacefully sleeping despite the raucous storm outside. He lay down next to her, hoping to shut his eyes for a few precious moments. Rarity jolted awake at the feeling of something cold and wet brushing against her flank. She laid eyes upon her soaked lover and couldn’t help but chuckle at his mane and coat malfunction.

“Shining dear, perhaps you should dry yourself off.”

“With what do you suppose I do that?” Rarity looked around the barren cave finally understanding his issue.

“Point taken.” The two remained silent for several more minutes before Shining Armor attempted to continue the conversation.

“My daughter loved the rain.”

“It can be quite relaxing. Why haven’t you mentioned your daughter before?”

“It’s a sensitive subject.”

“Would you mind telling me anyway, you don’t have to if it upsets you.”

“Have you ever heard of the Ebola virus?”

“No, I don’t believe I’m familiar with the illness.”

“Well as it turns out she got infected with the virus unbeknownst to Cadence and me. She never had a chance from the start. That day always tore me apart because I never had the opportunity to say goodbye. I promised her that she would be okay but that is really all it was; an empty promise. Cadence and I have tried to forget about the past and look forward but there isn’t anything in this world that could ever make me forget. Sometimes I feel like part of me went with her when she died, a part that I could never get back.”

Rarity listened with intrigue and sympathy as he continued to tell his story. After he’d finished, all she could give him was a loving hug.

“I think what you need to do is let go dear.”

“I don’t know how.”

“That is what I am here for. You told me that you lost a valuable part of yourself when she passed. What part of you was it?”

“I lost the will to go on.”

“Now think long and hard about this Shining Armor. The day that your daughter died, are you sure that she was the only thing that died on that day?”

“What do you mean?”

“What else died with her that day Shining, what else died that day?”

There was a long pause while Shining Armor thought of what to say.

“What really died that day?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes you do.”

“No Rarity, I really don’t.”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know because I know that you do. What died with Jubilee?”

“Rarity please stop, I know you’re trying to help but I don’t think that this is helping.”

“You told me straight to my face that you lost the will to go on without your daughter, now tell me what died with her!”

“Quit trying to pry as if you know who I am and what I’ve done, because you don’t!”

“I may not know who you really are Shining Armor and I may not know why or how I fell in love with you but all you are doing is placing a heavier burden upon your shoulders that I’m certain you don’t want to hold on to anymore! There is one thing that I am certain of and that is what truly died on the day of your daughter’s death! Now tell me what it was!”

“I DID. ME. I WAS THE ONE WHO TRULY DIED!” Shining Armor tried in vain to fight back the torrent of emotions that were consuming his mind. He huffed with anger and sadness at his own words. Though he felt relieved, satisfied even; as if there were a large weight lifted from his weary body. Rarity wrapped her loving arms around him and whispered consolations in his ear and repeatedly telling him that she loved him.

“It is time that we are leaving Shining, we still have a war to fight.” Indeed they did.

Octavia had finally abandoned the river knowing that it wouldn’t lead to anywhere that she needed to be. She started her long trek back to the beach through the forest. It didn’t take long to find a path to travel on. As she pressed on, a powerful odor assaulted her nostrils with every step. Her path was cut off by a thick barrier of thorn bushes. She had no option but to push through. The thorns tugged at her coat and skin, cutting up and down her flank. It was a minor irritation to what she had already experienced. Her eyes were not prepared for what they were about to see. Two bloody corpses strewn on the ground next to a makeshift fire pit. The two dead bodies belonged to the headless Scootaloo and the bloodless Babs Seed. She wretched at the barely recognizable bodies of the two young mares. They were covered in Flies, ants, and maggots. Some of their decomposing flesh was missing, exposing bone and rotting organs.

“How could somepony do this to somepony so young?” Octavia was horrified and disgusted at the scene before her. She silently made her regards and continued on her path on the opposite side of the thorn bushes.

Her walk was long and silent, just how she liked it. As much as she was enjoying the silence, she couldn’t help but feel alone in this world now that Vinyl was gone. She couldn’t decide whether she wanted company or isolation. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long for her debate to be settled.

“Octavia, is that you dear?” Octavia heard a rather posh accent from behind her. She turned to see Rarity and Shining Armor casually approaching her. They seemed friendly but Octavia didn’t want to take the chance.

“Are you an ally or an enemy?”

“Listen Octavia, I understand that you are an intelligent individual and I’m sure that you are aware of our intelligence as well, so why would we announce our presence if we were hostile?” Rarity responded.

“True, but how do I know that you won’t betray me?”

“We are all tired and stressed Octavia; I can see that you have been through Tartaurus and back so why would we bother ourselves over strategy at this stage of the game?” Shining Armor answered this time.

“Valid point.”

The three new companions all continued along the path together.

“So Octavia, I don’t mean to be rude but is Vinyl…”

“Yes. Pinkie and Rainbow ambushed us near the river so we both jumped into the river to get away. Vinyl lost her footing and began tumbling downstream. There was a collapsed tree blocking the river and Vinyl got caught underneath it. I tried to keep giving her air while I looked for a way for her to escape but she just couldn’t hold on any longer and she drowned in my arms.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that Octavia.”

“Life goes on Rarity, I’ve learned that lesson from being alone and it doesn’t bother me anymore. Did you happen to see what happened to Scootaloo and Babs.” Octavia could sense the emotion lingering over the group suddenly change.

“Yes, we were there when it happened.” Shining Armor said.

“Oh, so it appears that we all have lost valuable allies in this game?” Rarity and Shining nodded in unison.

The rest of their walk remained silent until Rarity’s ears twitched. She thought she heard someone next her but Shining Armor was the only pony beside her. A coat brushed up against her left side.

“Ah reckon ya got yourself a nice little crew here Rare’s” A heavy country accent made its way into Rarity’s ear. She turned her head to see Applejack standing by her side. She immediately embraced her friend who happily returned the hug.

“Where have you been all this time?”

“Well you see, Ah left camp to find you and your new coltfriend here after you left to get firewood. Y’all were gone an awful long time and Ah was getting’ concerned but it was so dark Ah ended up getting’ lost in the forest. Ah’ve spent the entire day lookin’ for you two and that’s when Ah stumbled upon Scootaloo and Babs. God bless ‘em. After that Ah continued walkin’ along this here path until Ah found ya, which leads to me bein’ here with you Ah suppose.”

“Whatever the circumstances may be, don’t you even think about abandoning me again.”

“You got it Rare’s. Oh, and by the way, Ah would strongly suggest that you explain to your friends as to why you’re huggin’ and talkin’ to a tree.”

“Huh?” Rarity stepped back from her friend and shook her head in confusion. Low and behold she was indeed, hugging and conversing with a tree. Applejack had of course vanished. As if she was never there. Rarity didn’t have time to be embarrassed by the scene that had just taken place, she just wanted to know where Applejack went.

“Are you okay Rarity? I had no idea how much that tree meant to you.” Shining Armor chuckled as Rarity’s cheeks burned red underneath her coat.

“But wha… how?”

“Rarity, what’s going on?”

“I swear Applejack was just here. She keeps disappearing and reappearing out of nowhere constantly and I’m just confused.”

“Rarity, Applejack is…well…dead.”

Rarity’s whole world began to crumble around her. Her best friend, dead.

“No…”

“I’m sorry Rarity; I thought that you had already assumed she was dead after how long she’d been missing.”

“No, that’s not possible; she’s been here with me.”

“Rarity, she is dead. I don’t know how I can make it any clearer. Babs and I saw Rainbow Dash decapitate her.”

“No, you…you’re seeing things.”

“Rarity, the only pony seeing things here is you. I know it’s a truth that you don’t want to accept but what’s done is done and there is no way that you can get her back. Just like I had to leave my past with Jubilee behind, you need to move on from your past.” The sudden realization had finally hit her. She felt light-headed and queasy. She sat on her haunches and tried to take in what she just heard. “Rarity, I know it’s not easy but you knew that it had to happen sooner or later. It just turns out that it happened a little sooner than you expected. I think that it would be best if we all just kept…”

BANG!

“Moving…” Shining Armor looked down at his chest. A large hole was pouring blood from his body. His eyes rolled back into his head as he fell over. Several drops of blood spattered onto Rarity’s and Octavia’s coat. Shining Armor’s body fell to the ground with a thump. There was a rustling in the brush behind them as an unknown pony retreated hastily. Rarity watched everything unfold in front of her. The stallion that she loved lay on the dirt path dead. It all happened so fast and unexpected. Octavia watched in shock as her new ally had fallen. Rarity felt her bracelet buzz and felt her stomach make its way up her throat. She regurgitated in shock and fell over unconscious. Octavia had no idea what had just happened. All she knew was that somepony had just crossed the line and she had every intention to have her vengeance. She hoisted Rarity onto her back and pushed forward leaving the dead soldier where he was. It felt wrong that Rarity would not have the chance to give her final regards to her lover but that was the least of Octavia’s concerns at this moment.

Rainbow Dash burst through the forest onto the sand of the beach, the very same beach where this whole game started. She felt accomplished knowing that she just eliminated her biggest threat. Now nothing stopped her from winning her freedom. Rainbow wandered towards the shore where the vicious waves pelted the sand on the beach. The rain had not gotten any lighter than it had been hours ago. Rainbow loved the rain. It empowered her and made her body feel free. Something she would experience after today, freedom. She sat down on the sandy beach and waited for her destiny to reveal itself, and reveal itself it did. In the distance, she could distinguish what looked like a pony walking towards her with another pony draped across her back. The figures in the distance stopped as the pony being carried stirred to life and was gently set onto the ground. The two ponies that she identified as Octavia and Rarity slowly approached Rainbow and stopped about twenty yard lengths from her position. This was it, two would be dead and the other would be left to find Pinkamena.

“Well, well, well. It’s is quite lovely to see you back on your hooves there Rarity. Were you lightheaded from me putting a bullet through the chest of your insurance policy?” Rainbow smirked, earning a growl from Rarity.

“What is done is all in the past. I’ve moved on.”

“Aw, bummer. I was hoping that you’d still be upset.”

“I am, but that is not important at this moment. What is important is that we finish this thing right here, right now.”

“Such powerful words from a jaded mare.”

“Wait, where is Pinkie?” Octavia demanded.

“Oh that useless sack of skin? I dumped her on her own. She did nothing but weigh me down.”

“So let me get this straight,” Octavia pondered. ”You have the two of us, both of which want you dead and a very emotionally unstable monster after your head is that right?’

“Okay and your point is?” Rainbow defended.

“It is a three on one situation that you’ve put yourself in.”

“Again I ask what point you are trying to make.”

“You are at a huge disadvantage.”

“Oh no, the armor clad, cleaver wielding athlete is pitted up against a cellist, an over-dramatic seamstress and a deranged baker. What odds could I possibly have at winning?” Rainbow asked with sarcastic concern. “Look, I know that you are just trying to stall for time and hope that Pinkie just so happens to stumble onto the beach...” Pinkie stumbled onto the beach.

“Yeah, just about.” Octavia concluded.

Pinkie looked around, noticing that all remaining contestants were present on the very same beach in which this game began. She haphazardly pulled her gun on Rainbow Dash.

“Whoa Pinkie, watch where you point that thing; someone might get hurt.”

“hsirep lliw seil tuo sruop reveohw dna, dehsinupnu og ton lliw ssentiw eslaf a. Proverbs 19:9.”

“Huh?” Octavia and Rainbow became confused. Rarity began thinking about the sounds that escaped Pinkie’s lips.

“Proverbs 19:9, I know that verse, it says that a false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.” Rarity finally spoke.

“Wait, she’s been spouting Bible verses this whole time?” Rainbow questioned.

“It would appear that way.”

“But what the heck is that supposed to mean anyway?” Pinkie was growing impatient and put a little bit more pressure on the trigger. She still had the gun pointed at rainbow’s head. Pinkie was shaking heavily and panting with anxiety.

“YOU BETRAYED ME!” Pinkie shouted.

“Look Pinkie, I know I shouldn’t have said what I did back there. It was wrong of me to hurt you Pinkie.” Octavia almost giggled at Rainbow’s cries for mercy.

“Where’s your confidence now Rainbow? Do it Pinkie!” Pinkie turned and pointed the gun at Octavia’s head now.

“What are you doing Pinkie?!”

“Pinkie shoot her and I promise you freedom. I swear on all that I love.”

“No Pinkie, she is lying to you and you know it.”

The arguing mares confused Pinkie. This upset her greatly. As the two mares continued bickering for Pinkie’s mercy, a voice appeared from behind her.

“Pinkie, listen to me, you know what is right and what is wrong. Use your head. Not your heart. Ah know that the old Pinkie is still in there somewhere, now do what you know is right.”

Pinkie pointed at her target, closed her eyes, and pulled the trigger. She was too afraid to open her eyes. She prayed she missed but the unmistakable sound of a dead body falling to the ground came merely seconds after she fired. Pinkie finally opened her eyes to see the fruits of her labor. Before her lay the lifeless body of Octavia, surrounded by a pool of her own blood that gushed from an exposed hole in her throat. Rainbow and Rarity stood shaking like leaves at what just transpired. All of their wristbands vibrated, signaling Octavia’s unfortunate death.

“OCTAVIA NO!!!” Rarity shrieked and knelt down beside Octavia. Rainbow exhaled a sigh of sweet relief. Pinkie dropped her gun and fell to her knees. Tears ran down her already soaked face. Rainbow took advantage of the situation and charged at the defenseless and unsuspecting Rarity. Rainbow bowled the unicorn over with tremendous force. Rarity tumbled across the beach. She wasn’t even granted the opportunity to get back to her hooves before Rainbow was on top of her, pelting her with relentless hooves. Eventually Rarity had been knocked unconscious yet again. Seeing that Rarity was no longer reacting to the beating that she was receiving, Rainbow stood up and went to retrieve her cleaver. Rainbow sat atop Rarity and held the bloody cleaver to her throat.

“Any last words Rarity? No, fine then, you can die silently.” Rainbow was about to push the cleaver into Rarity’s throat but her progress was halted when she was flung nearly all the way into the water by an unknown force. The unknown force quickly identified itself. Pinkie now began her assault on the surprised Pegasus. Tears rained from Pinkie’s eyes and clouded her vision. She didn’t care what she was hitting so long as Rainbow was the receiver of the blows. Rainbow tried her best to avoid the punches and throw in a few of her own. Rainbow got her legs from underneath Pinkie and planted them into her sternum; sending her sprawling backwards. Rainbow got up to her hooves as did Pinkie, who was now trying to regain the air that had been driven from her lungs.

Rainbow and Pinkie stood face to face, both panting heavily. Rainbow spat some blood that was flowing through her mouth. Pinkie wiped away some blood that was flowing from her nose. Rarity had finally regained consciousness and was watching the quarrel doing her best not to be seen by either combatant. Rarity could feel blood caking in her coat and dripping down a cut above her eye.

Pinkie approached Rainbow slowly whereas Rainbow slowly backed away from Pinkie. She had proven a much tougher adversary than she had originally suspected. Eventually Rainbow tripped over something protruding from the sand. Pinkie quickened her pace towards the fallen Rainbow Dash. Rainbow examined and identified the object that had caused her to trip and it made her smile. Pinkie charged and lunged at her grounded prey but she didn’t think to expect what was to happen next. Rainbow also lunged forward with something clasped in her hoof. Rainbow aimed for Pinkie’s exposed stomach and pushed deep into her. Rainbow had stumbled upon a knife buried in the sand, now the knife was buried into Pinkie’s gut. The pain enveloped her body as she coughed up a considerable amount of blood which splashed all over Rainbow’s face. The warm liquid seeped into Rainbow’s mouth and it taste like satisfaction. Blood continued to roll down Pinkie’s chin and stomach as she toppled over in the sand. Rainbow turned away and ran.

Rarity, having witnessed the fight, stood and limped toward Pinkie. She was still breathing but only in shallow gasps.

“Relax Pinkie; you are going to be fine.” More blood erupted from her throat and coated her muzzle.

“Please help me.” She whimpered.

“There is nothing that I can do for you Pinkie, you’re dying. It is over.” Rarity attempted to console her friend the best she could.

“You can’t let her win Rarity.”

“I don’t know if I can stop her.”

Pinkie wiggled a bit and grabbed the handle of the knife and slowly pulled it out. Blood immediately came gushing and spraying in all directions, covering both mares. Rarity quickly pressed her hooves into Pinkie’s wound in a vain attempt to slow the blood flow.

“Use this then,” Pinkie held the blood soaked blade towards Rarity. “It’s your best chance.”

Rarity grabbed the knife and continued applying pressure.

“You don’t have to save me Rarity, I’m already dead. Pinkamena died a long time ago Rarity. Do me a favor and let me be free from this pain.” Pinkie requested.

“Okay Pinkie. I will carry out your wishes.” Rarity removed her hooves from Pinkie’s stomach followed by another river of blood.

“Oh, and one more thing Rarity,”

“Yes darling?”

“Take care of gummy when you win, I would hate for him to be lonely without his momma.” Rarity giggled slightly through her tears.

Pinkie attempted to laugh with her but the pain in her core was too great.

“Rarity,”

“Yes Pinkie.”

“I’m afraid to die.”

“Don’t be. It is going to feel very comfortable. You’ll feel a surge of warmth flood through your body and then you’ll be gone. Now tell me Pinkie, who do you love?”

“Well, I’ve always loved Big Macintosh. I was so jealous when he proposed to Fluttershy but I was happy for him too.” Pinkie confessed.

“Well let Big Macintosh take you. Let him take you to the other side. That way you can finally be with him.”

“Okay.”

The two friends remained silent for several more moments.

“I am weary, God, but I can prevail. Surely I am only a brute, not a pony; I do not have equine understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns many. For God so loved this world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish but have eternal life. Father into your hands I commit my spirit. Take me as I am, wounded and afraid and make me pure. Amen” Pinkie shuddered, jolted and fell silent. She was no longer breathing. Rarity closed her eyes and waited for the buzzer to go off. Inevitably, it did. She was now alone, with nothing left to lose.

“I’m ready to end this Rainbow. I just hope that you are ready as well. Because you are going to die.” Rarity got to her hooves and looked towards the horizon where her fate awaited her. She set off at a gallop in pursuit of Rainbow Dash. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a blue blur impact her side sending her into the raging waters.

“Did you really think that I would truly run away from you? Just because you have nothing left to lose but your life doesn’t make you a threat to me.”

“Good, keep assuming that Rainbow.”

“I think I will.”

Rainbow and Rarity both launched at each other and both mares were sent sprawling onto the beach. During the tussle, Rainbow disarmed Rarity’s knife, leaving both mares with only their hooves as weapons. Rainbow lunged towards Rarity. She ducked and hurled Rainbow over her head with surprising strength. Adrenaline began pumping through Rarity’s veins as she realized that she might have some chance against Rainbow’s speed and strength. Rainbow toppling her from behind quickly perished the thought. Rainbow continued her beating from earlier and threw hoof after hoof into Rarity’s face. Rarity knew her time was running out. She tried to buck Rainbow off but she just jumped back onto her. When Rarity thought that all hope was lost, she saw another blur from the corner of her eye; this time it was pink. The pink blur speared Rainbow off of Rarity.

Pinkie stood triumphantly over Rainbow Dash who was still squirming. Rarity could see a blinking on her wrist. Rarity stood and approached only to be thrown backward by a swift buck from Pinkie. Rainbow lunged onto Pinkie and pinned her to the ground.

“Got you now you pink heathen.” Rainbow snarled.

“Oh do you now,” Pinkie raised her wrist to Rainbow’s face. It was blinking red. “Checkmate.”

In an instant Rarity watched as both mares disappeared into a cloud of smoke and sand. Rarity felt her bracelet buzz for the last time. She finally realized that it was over. She fell to the ground and released a wail of relief and sorrow. She knew what had happened. It was finally over… and she had won.

Author's Note

It is finished, finally finished.

For those not satisfied with the results, there is indeed an alternate ending in the works as well as an epilogue.

This Ends Now (Day 5)(Altenate Ending)

Rarity woke from her sleep. It was slightly more comfortable than she was used to experiencing. She gasped in surprise as she realized that the stallion that had made last night bearable was missing.

“Shining?” Rarity whipped her head left and right. She was relieved to see him sitting by the entrance of the cave; staring out into the downpour of torrential rain. It was early dawn and the air was cool. A small, thin layer of fog coated the dewy ground. There wasn’t much wind, but there was plenty of rain.

“How long?” Rarity was caught off guard by his sudden question.

“What do you mean?”

“How long until they find us?” Rarity walked up to him and took a seat next to him. She rested her weary head upon his shoulder and sighed.

“Only time will tell dear.” The two lovers continued staring into the early morning storm pondering what was to happen next.

“Well Pinkie, what do you make of this?” Rainbow asked her servant with a smile on her face. The Pink pony only giggled at their discovery. Rainbow picked up the weapon and examined it; still operational.

“One shot huh… that’s all I’ll need.” Rainbow smirked as she cocked the pistol.

“Let’s finish this once and for all.”

“I think there’s a river nearby, I’m going to go and see if I can find anything to eat. You stay here and rest. This cave is fairly hidden from the outside, so you should be safe until I return.” Rarity nuzzled Shining Armors neck before planting a warm kiss on his lips.

“Please return to me safely my love.”

“I will Rarity, I promise.” He gently kissed her hoof before vanishing into the rain.

Rarity watched him go silently without another word. She retreated back into the depths of the cave and lay down. She rested her head on her foreleg and closed her eyes.

Octavia had not strayed from her path and continued to follow the river upstream. She took a big risk traveling and resting exposed. She didn’t know why she stayed with the river. Her safety was not guaranteed and the river brought back many unsettling memories of the day prior. Vinyl was gone and there was nothing that she could do about it. However, nothing kept her from winning anymore.

The rain was persistent ever since the sun rose above the ocean and it didn’t show any signs of going away anytime soon. Rainbow and Pinkie silently prowled through the drenched, thick undergrowth of the island, hoping to encounter another unfortunate victim to kill. They had been doing quite a lot of that lately; something that had never bothered Rainbow Dash. Pinkie could feel the disembodied voices in her head at turmoil and it upset her greatly. She would growl at herself from time to time, earning her an agitated glare from Rainbow. Pinkie’s head was throbbing again and it hurt. Pinkie didn’t like pain but it was just one of those things that she had learned to cope with as of late.

The two mares walked in silence when Pinkie felt a hoof on her shoulder. She whipped around ready for a battle yet she was greeted with emptiness.

“Pinkie, what was that for?” Pinkie shrugged off the question and kept walking.

“Y’know she don’t trust ya don’t’cha?” A voice whispered in her ear as an orange mare appeared by her side. Pinkie swatted at the apparition only to find her hoof contacting the hardness of a tree trunk. She winced in pain as Rainbow scowled.

“Pinkie, you need to cut it out! I’m getting really tired of this “thing” you’ve got going on.” The fur on Rainbow’s neck stood straight as she addressed her partner. Pinkie only sighed and scraped the dirt with her hoof. The orange mare appeared by her side again.

“You see what Ah mean sugarcube, she ain’t gonna be able to tolerate you no more. You and Ah both know what kinda temper she’s got, what would happen if you were to set her off, huh, don’t reckon she’ll be too friendly anymore. Look Pinkie, Ah’m only trying to show you your best options. You can either stay with Rainbow knowing that she will probably kill you soon or you can get her from behind now and possibly win this thing.” The orange mare wrapped a sympathetic hoof around her friends shoulder. “Ah ain’t sure whats happened to you Pinkie but Ah know that the old Pinkie is still in there and she needs to decide what she needs to do before it’s too late. Just think about it.”

“ENOLA EM EVAEL!!!” Pinkie felt a stinging pain across her muzzle as Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof against it.

“That is it! I’m sick and tired of this crap! You’re on your own now!” Rainbow spat on the ground in front of the saddened mare and abandoned her only ally. Pinkie looked at the floor with tears welling in her eyes. She felt a familiar hoof on her shoulder.

“Ah hate to say Ah told ya so but, Ah told ya so,” There was a long pause. ”Right, well, you ain’t gonna accomplish much mopin’ and poutin’ like this so Ah suggest we get going. The beach is probably our best bet. You can follow if ya please but in the end, that decision is up to you.” Pinkie watched the orange mare dissipate into merely dust before her eyes.

“Noitpmeder ym kees llahs I.”

Shining Armor’s frustration continued to escalate. He had been very much unsuccessful at fishing and this monsoon wasn’t helping anything. He was cold and drenched from the rain and eventually gave up fishing altogether. Shining Armor cursed the howling wind and the pouring rain as if it would cease at his anger, but alas, it did not. “I need to get back to Rarity before she worries.” He said aloud to himself.

The forest floor was muddy and damp. Dirt clung to his fur and the torrential downpour clumped his coat and mane into soakings rags. It was a struggle just keeping his mane out of his face. His breathing became faster and his eyes stung as water dripped into them. This island was unrelenting. The sound of the rain however, put him at ease. It calmed his nerves and that is exactly what he needed at a time like this. His thoughts began to run back to his daughter. She’d always loved playing with daddy in the rain. Wherever there was rain, his daughter would be there as well, enjoying the feeling of the cold droplets lightly impacting her coat. Refreshing as it was, this was ridiculous. The sky was nearly black with clouds that stretched for miles without an end in sight.

Shining Armor eventually found the entrance of his hideout and proceeded inside. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Rarity peacefully sleeping despite the raucous storm outside. He lay down next to her, hoping to shut his eyes for a few precious moments. Rarity jolted awake at the feeling of something cold and wet brushing against her flank. She laid eyes upon her soaked lover and couldn’t help but chuckle at his mane and coat malfunction.

“Shining dear, perhaps you should dry yourself off.”

“With what do you suppose I do that?” Rarity looked around the barren cave finally understanding his issue.

“Point taken.” The two remained silent for several more minutes before Shining Armor attempted to continue the conversation.

“My daughter loved the rain.”

“It can be quite relaxing. Why haven’t you mentioned your daughter before?”

“It’s a sensitive subject.”

“Would you mind telling me anyway, you don’t have to if it upsets you.”

“Have you ever heard of the Ebola virus?”

“No, I don’t believe I’m familiar with the illness.”

“Well as it turns out she got infected with the virus unbeknownst to Cadence and me. She never had a chance from the start. That day always tore me apart because I never had the opportunity to say goodbye. I promised her that she would be okay but that is really all it was; an empty promise. Cadence and I have tried to forget about the past and look forward but there isn’t anything in this world that could ever make me forget. Sometimes I feel like part of me went with her when she died, a part that I could never get back.”

Rarity listened with intrigue and sympathy as he continued to tell his story. After he’d finished, all she could give him was a loving hug.

“I think what you need to do is let go dear.”

“I don’t know how.”

“That is what I am here for. You told me that you lost a valuable part of yourself when she passed. What part of you was it?”

“I lost the will to go on.”

“Now think long and hard about this Shining Armor. The day that your daughter died, are you sure that she was the only thing that died on that day?”

“What do you mean?”

“What else died with her that day Shining, what else died that day?”

There was a long pause while Shining Armor thought of what to say.

“What really died that day?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes you do.”

“No Rarity, I really don’t.”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know because I know that you do. What died with Jubilee?”

“Rarity please stop, I know you’re trying to help but I don’t think that this is helping.”

“You told me straight to my face that you lost the will to go on without your daughter, now tell me what died with her!”

“Quit trying to pry as if you know who I am and what I’ve done, because you don’t!”

“I may not know who you really are Shining Armor and I may not know why or how I fell in love with you but all you are doing is placing a heavier burden upon your shoulders that I’m certain you don’t want to hold on to anymore! There is one thing that I am certain of and that is what truly died on the day of your daughter’s death! Now tell me what it was!”

“I DID. ME. I WAS THE ONE WHO TRULY DIED!” Shining Armor tried in vain to fight back the torrent of emotions that were consuming his mind. He huffed with anger and sadness at his own words. Though he felt relieved, satisfied even; as if there were a large weight lifted from his weary body. Rarity wrapped her loving arms around him and whispered consolations in his ear and repeatedly telling him that she loved him.

“It is time that we are leaving Shining, we still have a war to fight.” Indeed they did.

Octavia had finally abandoned the river knowing that it wouldn’t lead to anywhere that she needed to be. She started her long trek back to the beach through the forest. It didn’t take long to find a path to travel on. As she pressed on, a powerful odor assaulted her nostrils with every step. Her path was cut off by a thick barrier of thorn bushes. She had no option but to push through. The thorns tugged at her coat and skin, cutting up and down her flank. It was a minor irritation to what she had already experienced. Her eyes were not prepared for what they were about to see. Two bloody corpses strewn on the ground next to a makeshift fire pit. The two dead bodies belonged to the headless Scootaloo and the bloodless Babs Seed. She wretched at the barely recognizable bodies of the two young mares. They were covered in Flies, ants, and maggots. Some of their decomposing flesh was missing, exposing bone and rotting organs.

“How could somepony do this to somepony so young?” Octavia was horrified and disgusted at the scene before her. She silently made her regards and continued on her path on the opposite side of the thorn bushes.

Her walk was long and silent, just how she liked it. As much as she was enjoying the silence, she couldn’t help but feel alone in this world now that Vinyl was gone. She couldn’t decide whether she wanted company or isolation. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long for her debate to be settled.

“Octavia, is that you dear?” Octavia heard a rather posh accent from behind her. She turned to see Rarity and Shining Armor casually approaching her. They seemed friendly but Octavia didn’t want to take the chance.

“Are you an ally or an enemy?”

“Listen Octavia, I understand that you are an intelligent individual and I’m sure that you are aware of our intelligence as well, so why would we announce our presence if we were hostile?” Rarity responded.

“True, but how do I know that you won’t betray me?”

“We are all tired and stressed Octavia; I can see that you have been through Tartaurus and back so why would we bother ourselves over strategy at this stage of the game?” Shining Armor answered this time.

“Valid point.”

The three new companions all continued along the path together.

“So Octavia, I don’t mean to be rude but is Vinyl…”

“Yes. Pinkie and Rainbow ambushed us near the river so we both jumped into the river to get away. Vinyl lost her footing and began tumbling downstream. There was a collapsed tree blocking the river and Vinyl got caught underneath it. I tried to keep giving her air while I looked for a way for her to escape but she just couldn’t hold on any longer and she drowned in my arms.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that Octavia.”

“Life goes on Rarity, I’ve learned that lesson from being alone and it doesn’t bother me anymore. Did you happen to see what happened to Scootaloo and Babs.” Octavia could sense the emotion lingering over the group suddenly change.

“Yes, we were there when it happened.” Shining Armor said.

“Oh, so it appears that we all have lost valuable allies in this game?” Rarity and Shining nodded in unison.

The rest of their walk remained silent until Rarity’s ears twitched. She thought she heard someone next her but Shining Armor was the only pony beside her. A coat brushed up against her left side.

“Ah reckon ya got yourself a nice little crew here Rare’s” A heavy country accent made its way into Rarity’s ear. She turned her head to see Applejack standing by her side. She immediately embraced her friend who happily returned the hug.

“Where have you been all this time?”

“Well you see, Ah left camp to find you and your new coltfriend here after you left to get firewood. Y’all were gone an awful long time and Ah was getting’ concerned but it was so dark Ah ended up getting’ lost in the forest. Ah’ve spent the entire day lookin’ for you two and that’s when Ah stumbled upon Scootaloo and Babs. God bless ‘em. After that Ah continued walkin’ along this here path until Ah found ya, which leads to me bein’ here with you Ah suppose.”

“Whatever the circumstances may be, don’t you even think about abandoning me again.”

“You got it Rare’s. Oh, and by the way, Ah would strongly suggest that you explain to your friends as to why you’re huggin’ and talkin’ to a tree.”

“Huh?” Rarity stepped back from her friend and shook her head in confusion. Low and behold she was indeed, hugging and conversing with a tree. Applejack had of course vanished. As if she was never there. Rarity didn’t have time to be embarrassed by the scene that had just taken place, she just wanted to know where Applejack went.

“Are you okay Rarity? I had no idea how much that tree meant to you.” Shining Armor chuckled as Rarity’s cheeks burned red underneath her coat.

“But wha… how?”

“Rarity, what’s going on?”

“I swear Applejack was just here. She keeps disappearing and reappearing out of nowhere constantly and I’m just confused.”

“Rarity, Applejack is…well…dead.”

Rarity’s whole world began to crumble around her. Her best friend, dead.

“No…”

“I’m sorry Rarity; I thought that you had already assumed she was dead after how long she’d been missing.”

“No, that’s not possible; she’s been here with me.”

“Rarity, she is dead. I don’t know how I can make it any clearer. Babs and I saw Rainbow Dash decapitate her.”

“No, you…you’re seeing things.”

“Rarity, the only pony seeing things here is you. I know it’s a truth that you don’t want to accept but what’s done is done and there is no way that you can get her back. Just like I had to leave my past with Jubilee behind, you need to move on from your past.” The sudden realization had finally hit her. She felt light-headed and queasy. She sat on her haunches and tried to take in what she just heard. “Rarity, I know it’s not easy but you knew that it had to happen sooner or later. It just turns out that it happened a little sooner than you expected. I think that it would be best if we all just kept…”

BANG!

“Moving…” Shining Armor looked down at his chest. A large hole was pouring blood from his body. His eyes rolled back into his head as he fell over. Several drops of blood spattered onto Rarity’s and Octavia’s coat. Shining Armor’s body fell to the ground with a thump. There was a rustling in the brush behind them as an unknown pony retreated hastily. Rarity watched everything unfold in front of her. The stallion that she loved lay on the dirt path dead. It all happened so fast and unexpected. Octavia watched in shock as her new ally had fallen. Rarity felt her bracelet buzz and felt her stomach make its way up her throat. She regurgitated in shock and fell over unconscious. Octavia had no idea what had just happened. All she knew was that somepony had just crossed the line and she had every intention to have her vengeance. She hoisted Rarity onto her back and pushed forward leaving the dead soldier where he was. It felt wrong that Rarity would not have the chance to give her final regards to her lover but that was the least of Octavia’s concerns at this moment.

Rainbow Dash burst through the forest onto the sand of the beach, the very same beach where this whole game started. She felt accomplished knowing that she just eliminated her biggest threat. Now nothing stopped her from winning her freedom. Rainbow wandered towards the shore where the vicious waves pelted the sand on the beach. The rain had not gotten any lighter than it had been hours ago. Rainbow loved the rain. It empowered her and made her body feel free. Something she would experience after today, freedom. She sat down on the sandy beach and waited for her destiny to reveal itself, and reveal itself it did. In the distance, she could distinguish what looked like a pony walking towards her with another pony draped across her back. The figures in the distance stopped as the pony being carried stirred to life and was gently set onto the ground. The two ponies that she identified as Octavia and Rarity slowly approached Rainbow and stopped about twenty yard lengths from her position. This was it, two would be dead and the other would be left to find Pinkamena.

“Well, well, well. It’s is quite lovely to see you back on your hooves there Rarity. Were you lightheaded from me putting a bullet through the chest of your insurance policy?” Rainbow smirked, earning a growl from Rarity.

“What is done is all in the past. I’ve moved on.”

“Aw, bummer. I was hoping that you’d still be upset.”

“I am, but that is not important at this moment. What is important is that we finish this thing right here, right now.”

“Such powerful words from a jaded mare.”

“Wait, where is Pinkie?” Octavia demanded.

“Oh that useless sack of skin? I dumped her on her own. She did nothing but weigh me down.”

“So let me get this straight,” Octavia pondered. ”You have the two of us, both of which want you dead and a very emotionally unstable monster after your head is that right?"

“Okay and your point is?” Rainbow defended.

“It is a three on one situation that you’ve put yourself in.”

“Again I ask what point you are trying to make.”

“You are at a huge disadvantage.”

“Oh no, the armor clad, cleaver wielding athlete is pitted up against a cellist, an over-dramatic seamstress and a deranged baker. What odds could I possibly have at winning?” Rainbow asked with sarcastic concern. “Look, I know that you are just trying to stall for time and hope that Pinkie just so happens to stumble onto the beach...” Pinkie stumbled onto the beach.

“Yeah, just about.” Octavia concluded.

Pinkie looked around, noticing that all remaining contestants were present on the very same beach in which this game began. She haphazardly pulled her gun on Rainbow Dash.

“Whoa Pinkie, watch where you point that thing; someone might get hurt.”

“hsirep lliw seil tuo sruop reveohw dna, dehsinupnu og ton lliw ssentiw eslaf a. Proverbs 19:9.”

“Huh?” Octavia and Rainbow became confused. Rarity began thinking about the sounds that escaped Pinkie’s lips.

“Proverbs 19:9, I know that verse, it says that a false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.” Rarity finally spoke.

“Wait, she’s been spouting Bible verses this whole time?” Rainbow questioned.

“It would appear that way.”

“But what the heck is that supposed to mean anyway?” Pinkie was growing impatient and put a little bit more pressure on the trigger. She still had the gun pointed at rainbow’s head. Pinkie was shaking heavily and panting with anxiety.

“YOU BETRAYED ME!” Pinkie shouted.

“Look Pinkie, I know I shouldn’t have said what I did back there. It was wrong of me to hurt you Pinkie.” Octavia almost giggled at Rainbow’s cries for mercy.

“Where’s your confidence now Rainbow? Do it Pinkie!” Pinkie turned and pointed the gun at Octavia’s head now.

“What are you doing Pinkie?!”

“Pinkie shoot her and I promise you freedom. I swear on all that I love.”

“No Pinkie, she is lying to you and you know it.”

The arguing mares confused Pinkie. This upset her greatly. As the two mares continued bickering for Pinkie’s mercy, a voice appeared from behind her.

“Pinkie, listen to me, you know what is right and what is wrong. Use your head. Not your heart. Ah know that the old Pinkie is still in there somewhere, now do what you know is right.”

Pinkie pointed at her target, closed her eyes, and pulled the trigger. She was too afraid to open her eyes. She prayed she missed but the unmistakable sound of a dead body falling to the ground came merely seconds after she fired. Pinkie finally opened her eyes to see the fruits of her labor. Before her lay the lifeless body of Octavia, surrounded by a pool of her own blood that gushed from an exposed hole in her throat. Rainbow and Rarity stood shaking like leaves at what just transpired. All of their wristbands vibrated, signaling Octavia’s unfortunate death.

“OCTAVIA NO!!!” Rarity shrieked and knelt down beside Octavia. Rainbow exhaled a sigh of sweet relief. Pinkie dropped her gun and fell to her knees. Tears ran down her already soaked face. Rainbow took advantage of the situation and charged at the defenseless and unsuspecting Rarity. Rainbow bowled the unicorn over with tremendous force. Rarity tumbled across the beach. She wasn’t even granted the opportunity to get back to her hooves before Rainbow was on top of her, pelting her with relentless hooves. Eventually Rarity had been knocked unconscious yet again. Seeing that Rarity was no longer reacting to the beating that she was receiving, Rainbow stood up and went to retrieve her cleaver. Rainbow sat atop Rarity and held the bloody cleaver to her throat.

“Any last words Rarity? No, fine then, you can die silently.” Rainbow was about to push the cleaver into Rarity’s throat but her progress was halted when she was flung nearly all the way into the water by an unknown force. The unknown force quickly identified itself. Pinkie now began her assault on the surprised Pegasus. Tears rained from Pinkie’s eyes and clouded her vision. She didn’t care what she was hitting so long as Rainbow was the receiver of the blows. Rainbow tried her best to avoid the punches and throw in a few of her own. Rainbow got her legs from underneath Pinkie and planted them into her sternum; sending her sprawling backwards. Rainbow got up to her hooves as did Pinkie, who was now trying to regain the air that had been driven from her lungs.

Rainbow and Pinkie stood face to face, both panting heavily. Rainbow spat some blood that was flowing through her mouth. Pinkie wiped away some blood that was flowing from her nose. Rarity had finally regained consciousness and was watching the quarrel doing her best not to be seen by either combatant. Rarity could feel blood caking in her coat and dripping down a cut above her eye.

Pinkie approached Rainbow slowly whereas Rainbow slowly backed away from Pinkie. She had proven a much tougher adversary than she had originally suspected. Eventually Rainbow tripped over something protruding from the sand. Pinkie quickened her pace towards the fallen Rainbow Dash. Rainbow examined and identified the object that had caused her to trip and it made her smile. Pinkie charged and lunged at her grounded prey but she didn’t think to expect what was to happen next. Rainbow also lunged forward with something clasped in her hoof. Rainbow aimed for Pinkie’s exposed stomach and pushed deep into her. Rainbow had stumbled upon a knife buried in the sand, now the knife was buried into Pinkie’s gut. The pain enveloped her body as she coughed up a considerable amount of blood which splashed all over Rainbow’s face. The warm liquid seeped into Rainbow’s mouth and it taste like satisfaction. Blood continued to roll down Pinkie’s chin and stomach as she toppled over in the sand. Rainbow turned away and ran.

Rarity, having witnessed the fight, stood and limped toward Pinkie. She was still breathing but only in shallow gasps.

“Relax Pinkie; you are going to be fine.” More blood erupted from her throat and coated her muzzle.

“Please help me.” She whimpered.

“There is nothing that I can do for you Pinkie, you’re dying. It is over.” Rarity attempted to console her friend the best she could.

“You can’t let her win Rarity.”

“I don’t know if I can stop her.”

Pinkie wiggled a bit and grabbed the handle of the knife and slowly pulled it out. Blood immediately came gushing and spraying in all directions, covering both mares. Rarity quickly pressed her hooves into Pinkie’s wound in a vain attempt to slow the blood flow.

“Use this then,” Pinkie held the blood soaked blade towards Rarity. “It’s your best chance.”

Rarity grabbed the knife and continued applying pressure.

“You don’t have to save me Rarity, I’m already dead. Pinkamena died a long time ago Rarity. Do me a favor and let me be free from this pain.” Pinkie requested.

“Okay Pinkie. I will carry out your wishes.” Rarity removed her hooves from Pinkie’s stomach followed by another river of blood.

“Oh, and one more thing Rarity,”

“Yes darling?”

“Take care of gummy when you win, I would hate for him to be lonely without his momma.” Rarity giggled slightly through her tears.

Pinkie attempted to laugh with her but the pain in her core was too great.

“Rarity,”

“Yes Pinkie.”

“I’m afraid to die.”

“Don’t be. It is going to feel very comfortable. You’ll feel a surge of warmth flood through your body and then you’ll be gone. Now tell me Pinkie, who do you love?”

“Well, I’ve always loved Big Macintosh. I was so jealous when he proposed to Fluttershy but I was happy for him too.” Pinkie confessed.

“Well let Big Macintosh take you. Let him take you to the other side. That way you can finally be with him.”

“Okay.”

The two friends remained silent for several more moments.

“I am weary, God, but I can prevail. Surely I am only a brute, not a pony; I do not have equine understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns many. For God so loved this world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish but have eternal life. Father into your hands I commit my spirit. Take me as I am, wounded and afraid and make me pure. Amen” Pinkie shuddered, jolted and fell silent. She was no longer breathing. Rarity closed her eyes and waited for the buzzer to go off. Inevitably, it did. She was now alone, with nothing left to lose.

“I’m ready to end this Rainbow. I just hope that you are ready as well. Because you are going to die.” Rarity got to her hooves and looked towards the horizon where her fate awaited her. She set off at a gallop in pursuit of Rainbow Dash. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a blue blur impact her side sending her into the raging waters.

“Did you really think that I would truly run away from you? Just because you have nothing left to lose but your life doesn’t make you a threat to me.”

“Good, keep assuming that Rainbow.”

“I think I will.”

Rainbow and Rarity both launched at each other and both mares were sent sprawling onto the beach. During the tussle, Rainbow disarmed Rarity’s knife, leaving both mares with only their hooves as weapons. Rainbow lunged towards Rarity. She ducked and hurled Rainbow over her head with surprising strength. Adrenaline began pumping through Rarity’s veins as she realized that she might have some chance against Rainbow’s speed and strength. Rainbow toppling her from behind quickly perished the thought. Rainbow continued her beating from earlier and threw hoof after hoof into Rarity’s face. Rarity knew her time was running out. She tried to buck Rainbow off but she just jumped back onto her.

The process repeated itself for several minutes; Rarity would buck and Rainbow would remount. Rarity thought that Rainbow would've learned by now. Clearly she was too overcome with aggression, memorizing patterns didn't quite take top priority. Rarity was growing weaker and weaker with each passing second and she wasn't sure that she could continue fighting much longer.She bundled all of the energy that she had left and transferred it into one last buck. That had done the trick Rainbow wasn't so quick to re-assume position this time.

Rainbow stood a distance from Rarity and smirked.

"I'm honestly surprised you've lasted such a long time from this beating. I'll admit, I've had my fun but now it is time to end this." Rainbow's breath seemed labored slightly.

The dominating mare picked Rarity up by her head and held her neck in the crook of her elbow. Rainbow began to squeeze Rarity's throat until she started thrashing for air.

Rarity whipped her legs about; hoping to make contact with something but her attempts were useless. There wasn't even enough force behind her blows to cause any damage, but she continued to squirm as she felt her esophagus on the verge of being crushed.

"DIE ALREADY!" Rainbow grabbed Rarity's chin and head and twisted it forcefully until she heard the crack she desired. Rarity fell limp in Rainbow's arms;motionless and unbreathing. Rainbow felt her wristband buzz. After the days of grueling torture on this island, she had finally done what she set out to do; she won her freedom. Rainbow still felt unsatisfied. She noticed the knife still laying in the sand. The now free mare walked over and picked them up.

She grabbed a chunk of Rarity's disheveled mane and brought the knife to her throat. Rarity's neck didn't provide much resistance as Rainbow removed her head. She held her new prize above her head; still dripping with blood. Rainbow chucked the head into the ocean with no remorse. She brought the knife to her lips and licked the blood off of the blade. The taste of death... the taste of victory... the taste of freedom.

Author's Note

For all you butthurt Rainbow Dash fans.

Epilogue

Epilogue

I walked the streets of Ponyville a free mare. After my victory several years ago, I became somewhat of a celebrity. I’m just glad that my past has been forgotten. I still have reoccurring nightmares of my time spent on the island, but I know that I never have to go back there ever again. I think I’ll keep it that way.

Discord is still ruler of Equestria and the princesses are still locked away but I am still content with my life as it is. I’ve even managed to re-open my boutique to the public and business has been booming lately. Regardless of being a free mare, I am alone in this world. My friends- new and old- have gone. My parents died many moons ago and I watched my only sister die as her blood poured out over me. I’ve witnessed things that these commoners could never comprehend. Even though the competition was broadcasted on international television; nothing compares to witnessing death directly. I try not to think about it, but the memories still linger.

Today is the five year anniversary of my victory and as tradition, I shall pay my respects.

My magic has improved quite substantially and I am able to grant myself the ability to cloudwalk. It has proven quite useful. My first stop is always the Wonderbolt academy. After Lightning Dust’s attack on the facility, it has been rebuilt and dedicated to the memories of its former captains. Though I never really knew Soarin and Spitfire personally, I have always felt obliged to assist the academy. The establishment looks as good as new these days. The entrance to the academy is very grandiose in appearance. A large flight of stone stairs leads to the front door. In front stand two marble columns that hold up an arched gateway. The glass doors slide open; allowing me entrance. I walked to the registration desk and meet Fleetfoot, the newly named captain after the deaths of Soarin and Spitfire.

“Rarity, lovely to see you again, how have things been down in Ponyville?” The uniform-clad Pegasus inquired.

“Slow but steady. Business is at an all time high these days so at least I have that going for me.”

“Well that is good to hear. I assume you’re here for the same reason you always visit on this day?”

“What could have possibly given that away?” We both let out a friendly giggle. “I might as well get this out of the way I suppose; I am really quite busy today.” I levitated an envelope from her saddlebag and placed it in Fleetfoot’s awaiting hooves.

“Rarity, you really don’t have to keep doing this every year.”

“Oh no, I insist. I will continue to do so until I can no longer stand on my hooves. You must realize that this is a cause that is dear to my heart.”

“Yes Rarity, I understand. Thank you. Soarin and Spitfire would be grateful.” I nodded in approval. We shared a hug before I departed to my next stop. I didn’t need to turn back to see her reaction when she opened the envelope. It was the same every year. She would always look over it several times and shed a tear or two. But who wouldn’t when their academy just received a donation of $10,000.

I sat on a high cloud overlooking a very spacious cloud home, the former Lightning Dust residence.

“Hey Lightning, I know that we don’t really know each other and that you almost killed me with a tornado several years back, but that is behind us. What I appreciated about you was your willingness to achieve any goal set before you. So I made you something special. Well technically I made you something special again.” I pulled a golden badge from my saddle bag and levitated it to her doorstep where 4 more identical badges rested. “Just a small gift for a lead pony.” I stood and departed.

Gilda’s house wasn’t very far from Lightning’s. Just a hop, skip, and a jump as Pinkie would say. There wasn’t much that I could give Gilda but I always felt it would be appropriate to pray over the abandoned house. Short and simple, just how Gilda would’ve liked.

Fluttershy’s cottage had been taken down about two years after the competition but that hasn’t stopped me. I find myself sitting at the edge of the Everfree forest, where her small home once stood. She always had a love of singing, so that is what I did. I sang her a sweet lullaby that my parents had sung to myself and Sweetie Belle as young foals. The trees would sway in the wind and sometimes, I thought I could hear her cheering after my performance.

The graveyard was eerily quiet as it was most of the time. I held a bouquet of roses in my aura and made my way to a tombstone that was larger in size than most of the others. There was a name inscribed on the front that read: Commander, Husband, Father, Hero: Shining Armor.

“I’ll never forget our time together, however short it may have been.” Tears began to well in my eyes. I placed the roses on the soil in front of the tombstone. I dropped to my knees and planted a kiss on the stone. “My knight in shining armor, I will always love you.”

I stood before the entrance to what is now known as the Twilight Sparkle Memorial Library. The former living quarters of the princess was now a museum of sorts now to commemorate her accomplishments and her life.

I received special privileges as an Element of Harmony and was able to access the library whenever I pleased. I pushed through the wooden door and gazed around at the library. It had been modified greatly from what I remembered. In the center of the room stood a pedestal with the Elements of Harmony encased in a magical display case to protect them from theft and vandalism. I knew the code to disable the display case. I typed in the twenty digit code and was grated access to the five necklaces and crown. I always took the liberty of polishing them once a year so they maintain their elegant appearance. Just the little things that I can do to pay tribute to the memories of all my lost friends.

The tree house looked ragged and almost ready to fall into pieces. Normally I would write little letters to each member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but this year is different. This was not just a tree house, but a symbol. A symbol of friendship. As much as I despised manual labor, this was for a greater cause than myself.

After several hours of work and sweat, I stepped back to view my renovations. The tree house looked astonishing. The color scheme consisting of the manes and coats of all four fillies. I’m sure they would be pleased.

Not far off was Sweet Apple Acres, the residence of Applebloom, Big Macintosh and my best friend Applejack. The fields were now stripped of trees and all that remained was the barn. The large structure had seen better days no doubt. The barn itself was empty of everything.

“Hello Applejack. It’s me again. Just thought that I would tell you how things have been. I’m sure you’d be glad to know that I am now your daughter’s official foster parent. It has been hard to adjust to having another mare in the household after so many years living in solitude. She’s is however old enough to understand what happened to you. She still tries to stay optimistic though it all. I’m even enrolling her in a school for the first time. She doesn’t want to go but I’m not given the choice. She dearly misses you and loves you, as do I Applejack.”

Today has not only been physically exhausting, but mentally exhausting. My home was dark when I entered so I found the light switch and flipped it on. I was never frightened by the massive alligator sleeping peacefully on the floor anymore. I walked over to Gummy and kissed the end of his snout. I’ve learned to look past the fact that he is a repulsive alligator and now I’ve accepted him as my pet and my friend. He absolutely loves Applejoy, though it has taken a lot longer for AJ to warm up to Gummy. I trudged up the stairs and entered my room. To my left was a display case with a rainbow colored flag in the shape of a lightning bolt and to my right a case with a beautiful, vintage cello and saxophone. All tributes to Rainbow Dash, Vinyl and Octavia.

I removed my saddlebags and placed them in my closet. I couldn’t hear Applejoy in her room so I assumed she must be sleeping. When I opened the door to what used to be Sweetie Belle’s room, I found my hypothesis to be correct.

I pulled myself onto her bed and lay down with a heavy sigh. I turned to her resting face and kissed her forehead before closing my eyes and going to sleep. I was content.