The Arena

by ChingKittyCat

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Adventure
Length: 14649

The Arena isn't a good place for a pony to be. Or Dragon. Or Changeling. It is a disgusting place, all made for the entertainment of the Crystal Princess.

The Arena is unrelenting. It picks whoever it wants. It rips them from friends and family, placing them into the grueling pit to fight against other for the entertainment of the Crystal Princess. Rippling Tides, a stallion from White Shores is chosen to be the newest victim of the Arena's fights. He must climb the ranks to survive and eventually escape.

This is a story I will be doing for [size=1.5em]fun[/size]. Which probably means that this story is going to be bad. ;3
Chapters won't be too long, so I will try and keep chapters from 3000-6000 words.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-01 04:40:04 UTC

Prologue

The coast of White Shores is a beautiful place to stay. It's tropical beaches attract tourists from all places across the planet. That's why the population is so colorful. Gryphons, Ponies, Batponies, heck, even the occasional Catpony can be sighted. White Shores is known for it's almost white sand. Said to be as white and pure as Celestia herself. The waters are as clear as crystal, allowing to see the coral reefs below. This vacationland is known to be the best place for relaxation. With the constant green grass, tropical and exotic plant life, how could someone say no to that? Rippling Tides couldn't. Rippling is a local life guard that overlooks the beach. He has always loved the ocean, and most importantly, surfing. As a private surfing instructor, he found himself well off. Making money off these shores was decently easy for him. The sandy colored stallion would always whip back his pale blue mane, hoping to attract some mares after he had been out on the water. They never seemed to notice him when he wasn't doing something moronic. In his world, he was the most awesome Pegasus ever. He always thought that his bright yellow eyes would get some attention. They never did. Despite the lack of girlfriend, he would always keep his head up. He had friends, after all. Albeit he had some rather strange friends, they were still friends. After a long day, he could always return home to his house mate Coral Reef. Her coat made her obtain the name Sunburn. Her mane and tail were almost identical to her fur, but with purple highlights near the center of her mane and tail. Sunburn was a Batpony, a natural one. She also had these awesome gray eyes, which Rippling Tides found pretty cool. Sunburn was always staying inside the house and making poetry and or reading poetry.

The only time Rippling Tides would ever see his housemate outside was when he forgot to put in his bits for the payment on the house. She was pretty mad back then. She was incredibly intimidating when she was angry like that. Her eyes would go to slits, and she would bear her fangs. It gave him chills just to think of it. Rippling Tides also had another friend, one that he referred to as the most chill out of all of his friends. His bro, Seastar. Seastar was a earth pony with a blue-greenish coat, with a light blue, wavy mane. He also had these pale blue eyes that never changed from being calm. He was given the nickname Seaweed because of his coat color. He was Rippling Tide's favorite surfing buddy. Seaweed was the only pony that could keep up to him in a surfing race. Finally, on his short list of friends was Crystal Waters. Crystal was probably the sweetest pony in Equestria, next to the element of kindness who was actually know for her sweet nature. Crystal Waters worked at the local Aquarium, and Rippling Tides would often sneak out imbetween his shifts to go visit her place of work. Crystal would always be there, with her pure white coat and wings. With wavy cyan mane and tail, Rippling Tides found to have a tiny bit of a crush on Crystal. She was the most accepting mare he knew. She accepted everypony's flaws, and even gave them tips on how to work on getting rid of their flaws. Though, Crystal didn't feel the same way about him. Obviously. The two had been friends since kindergarden, and Crystal was rather oblivious to his signs of affection. Though, Rippling Tides never exactly showed his signs of affection to her, in fear of her rejecting her and running away, calling him a 'Creep from the Sea'.

Rippling Tides was thinking of his friends as he watched over the ocean from his post on the beach. A small wooden life guard's post is where he stood. Forehooves on the railing as he stared into the horizon. The beach was quiet tonight. Normally, some teenagers would be out around this time, but unluckily for him, they weren't doing that tonight. He had always enjoyed the local hooligans racing around the beach with glowsticks in hoof. He used to be like that. Used to be. He sighed, looking out upon the stars. Back in places like Manehattan, he had heard you couldn't even see the stars due to all the light pollution that blocked out the night's stars. Rippling Tides had missed the Night. The moon. The stars. He was one of few who had cherished the night. He was thought of as a weirdo for going out this late. It was midnight. He was alone, with only his thoughts. More importantly, his regrets. He let a sigh escape his mouth. He was a cold hearted killer. Famous around Equestria. He was no better then any Eternal Night seeking goddess or Love eating terrorist.

He was the one. The one who was freed from the chains of the Arena. He had lost his friends. They no longer respected him. He was alone. He was lucky to have a job after he had gone through.

Rippling Tides brought his hooves off the wooden railing, and approached the door of the life guard outpost. He pushed it open with his right forehoof, revealing the dimly candle-lit room that he used as a work space. A life saver hung on the back wall, unused for who knows how long. A long, wooden and still polished surfboard leaned against the corner of the room. Painted with fake, blue waves. Rippling Tides remembered when he used to ride Flood. He didn't have blood on his hooves back then. Without a second glance at his trusty surfboard, he moved himself over to the desk at the front of the room. Writing utensils of all sorts lined the wooden desk. He took a seat in the uncomfortable wooden chair, picking up the quill in his hoof. He plucked a piece of paper from the pile. He had waited to do this for a while. It was time. He had to get it off his chest. Celestia, Luna, heck, even Discord needed to know. She would be after him for this. He knew she would find him somehow. Wether it be by the whispers of the wind, or the loud talk of the town, he was ready for her. Even if she brought the Champions that constantly tailed her. He wouldn't back down. She wouldn't be able to come back from this. It was time for the Princesses to see The Arena's true colors. The little toy of the Crystal Empire that somehow word of it hand't breached past it's own barriers. Rippling Tides wrote the first words of his story at the top of the page.

The Arena.

A Story by Rippling Tides.

Chapter 1

Rippling Tides could feel the breeze in his spiky mane. Breathing in the salty air deeply, he placed a smile upon his face. He held Flood, his surfboard, close. The two were inseparable. He had this surfboard for as long as he could remember. He gazed out upon his beach with pride. The sun towered high above, allowing the waters to glisten from the sun's light. Showing off all the sea life below the surface of the waves as the waves calmly whisked against the white, sandy shores. Some Pegasi flew high above, advertisements tied onto their back hooves as they flew. Showing off all the newest products that the media had to offer. Large banners fluttered in the sky, guided by their pegasi.

Others stayed on the grounds, wandering the beach or playing in the water. Some ponies stayed on the sand and were busy soaking up the rays that the sun made, in hope of getting 'Sick Tans'. The younger ponies dashed along the sandy shores with unlimited energy, that was common among fillies and foals that lived here. It was a perfectly fine day, nothing could go wrong. Just thinking those very words could Jinx a pony. Rippling Tides looked out upon the beach's waves, seeing no trouble upon first glance. Though, upon a closer inspection, his eagle eyes spotted a small fin above the water. A sharp, scythe like fin poked up above the soft waves. The water, crystal clear, revealed what it belong to. A large shark. One posed to snatch some of the ponies in the water. It swam slowly, sneakily. Rippling Tides ran into his post, opening the door and frantically looking around for the megaphone. He found the megaphone sitting upon his empty desk. Snatching it, he ran back out. Clicking on the Megaphone, he screeched through it.

"SHARK HAS BEEN SPOTTED! GET OUT OF THE WATER!"

He screeched, the megaphone magnifying his voice upon the beach. Panic quickly hit as ponies scrambled out of the water. The shark now isolated in the water as ponies clamored from its sight, and onto land. Safe from the sharp and predatory jaws of the sea creature. Ponies grumbled to eachother, looking at the shark in astonishment as they stood safely on the beach. The sea beast swerved in hopes to catch some of the retreating ponies, but failed in doing so. It turned it's attention off into the distance. Luckily for Rippling, no pony got injured by this shark, at least, no pony that he saw. Rippling Tides scanned the waters for any ponies stuck out there.

"My child! You have to help!"

The cliched line came from a distressed mare that had ran up the stairs of the lifeguard post, and was now tugging on Rippling Tide's hoof frantically. Rippling looked back out, and among the waves he spotted a small purple filly swimming innocently in the water. Wearing multiple floaties on her hooves. The shark's body flowed through the water, heading to the small and unsuspecting filly. Rippling shot up into the air, dropping the megaphone on the post roughly onto the wooden floor. His wings slapped against the air as he torpedoed down to the child, as fast as he could go. He grabbed the small filly in his hooves, and much to his surprise, she was extremely heavy. He heaved her above the water, higher and higher as the shark continued it's approach. Rippling Tides carried the purple earth pony across the waves, much to her delight. Her back hooves slid along the surface of the water while Rippling's hold on the child slowly started to slip. Luckily, when he did drop her, it was on shore. He panted, looking back at the child who rushed up to her panicked mother. Kicking up sand in her wake. Rippling Tides couldn't help but smile at the two. The mother calmed down, as the mother and daughter couple awaited for the lifeguard's return. Trotting through the burning white sand, Rippling Tides reproached his post.

"I'm extremely in your debt, thank you so much."

The mare thanked, in which Rippling Tides replied with his signature smirk, which his friends had called his 'Yeah, I know. I'm awesome.' smirk. He was a cocky one.

"You're welcome 'mam."

He replied, trotting back into the post. He had grabbed his surfboard before going into the post, of coarse. He would leave his best friend out there. He also got the megaphone and had placed it on one of the wooden shelves of the post. The mare and child were seen trotting off from his post, with a heavy sigh from the life guard. Chubby one, that filly. The mare could have atleast given him some bits or something. He kinda sorta saved her daughter's life. But to be a hero, he would do it for pride. Or respect. Or Ego. Or whatever it was other than bits. Rippling Tides wasn't exactly the most wealthy stallion, so he always appreciated the shiny golden tokens. His two jobs paid him well enough for a house. His main job was being a life guard, while the other was a private surfing instructor. Now, Rippling Tides enjoyed surfing. He really did. His job as a lifeguard usually prevented him from actually GOING out on the water, because ponies were smart enough to not drown now a days. Drown.. Drown..

Rippling Tides shivered. Drowning was his fear. He hated the idea of being swallowed by the thing he loved the most. It used to happen all the time. All because of them. He had driven them out for as long as he could, but now they had started to return. They were the Tsunami Clan. An old clan Rippling used to be apart of. Now, Tsunami Clan was a surfing clan. Seems pretty innocent at first, doesn't it? Well, it wasn't. When Rippling had joined their ranks, they taught him how to cheat. How to sabotage. Their lessons had stayed with him to this very day. They forced him into his first competition, where something very peculiar had happened.

"We've got a newcomer!"

The announcer shouted into the microphone as Rippling Tides paddled through the water on Flood, joining the other young surfers. This was his first competitive race. His friends back on the shore had told him what to do when he was out on the water. Wait for the signal and pull back. Very simple commands. The signal was Jagged Leaf flying to the next cloud, and making the cloud rain. The orange and neon green Pegasus kept her head poked up above the grey cloud, a sinister grin upon her face. She was a really nice mare, and Rippling Tides appreciated her help. They were going to help him win his first competition. They hadn't told him what they planned to do, except for his two commands. Rippling Tides joined the line of surfers, as they took this time to taunt him.

"Hey, BLANKFLANK. You think you can handle these skills?"

His neighbor taunted, almost shouting to Rippling. Like he was trying to talk to all the other racers as well. His competitors giggled. Rippling was indeed a blankflank. He hadn't yet found his special talent, but it never bothered him. Who needs a stupid tattoo on your butt anyways? Although the tattoo dictates your future and job.. Rippling could wait for it. He wanted to be as carefree as he could before he got his cutiemark. Rippling Tides looked behind him, looking back at the decently large crowd that was to spectate on the festivities. He had located some of his older friends in the crowd, chatting between eachother. Rippling took a deep breath of the salty air, calming his senses and clearing his mind. He listened for the sound. The sound that would start the race. Now, this race would have the fillies and foals paddling out to get on a wave, where they would attempt to show off some tricks while getting to the front of the wave. If you didn't get out, you were swallowed by the wave. Though they had taken precautions just incase anypony got hurt. An ambulance was stationed on the shore, along with the local police department. Only a small squad of them, obviously. They stood idly, listening to the radios on their uniforms. Rippling gulped, looking back forward at the waves that approached.

"Get on your marks!"

The announcer yelled, the speakers hooked to the microphone magnified his voice so that the entire beach could hear.

"Get set!"

The announcer continued, as Rippling posed to get to the incoming wave first. His friends had told him he needed to get there first. That's what he planned to do.

"GO!"

Rippling's front hooves smashed against the water, propelling himself forward as he continued to do a swimming motion. He had shot out of the starting line, closely followed by his rivals. They slowly approached him, copying his motions as they headed for the wave. Rippling flapped his tiny wings, in hope of getting there faster. His surfboard was the first to hit the wave, as he sprung to his hooves. Seeing that he was already taken over by his previously taunting neighbor, a fellow foal. Furiously, Rippling propelled himself through his wings. In hopes of reclaiming the first spot. He didn't want to be caught in the vortex that was soon to form behind the wave. Rippling was staring at the backside of his earth pony competitor who somehow kept his first place spot. The earth pony was busy doing tricks, while Rippling Tides furiously caught up.

Keeping the edge of his on the sky, Rippling retook the first place spot. His earth pony competitor had stopped his tricks and snarled at the newest placeholder. The wave started crashing down behind them, forming the vortex that he had so feared. Water splashed onto Rippling from all directions, in hope to make him fail. He wouldn't give up. The earth pony had shoved Rippling with his hoof. A dirty move. Rippling flailed, almost unable to keep his balance as his hooves wobbled on Flood. Rippling soon found himself in a bipedal stance, receiving many gasps from the crowd. Though the crowd's noise was drowned out by the crashing wave that had already taken multiple racers out. Unsteadily, Rippling Tides collapsed back onto his fours. Much to the crowd's disappointment. The end of the wave slowly came into sight.

Then he noticed the signal. With a heavy heart, Rippling fell back, stopping his flapping wings as other racers took his spot. Jagged Leaf disappeared from his sight. He was now within the cyclone of water. The cruel laughter of the pony first place filled the tunnel. Rippling did his best to stay away from the cyclone's stomach, and just stay in the mouth. The laughter echoed around the moving water cave, as salt water sprayed his face from all directions. He cringed as his eyes made contact with the water. He blinked multiple times to get it out, as his vision blurred. Suddenly, there was the sound of screams that filled the laughter's spot. Rippling shook his head. Pulling forward to get out of the cyclone.

"The wave has started to fully collapse!"

The announcer yelled, keeping his enthusiastic sounding voice. The 'wave' had been closing in on both sides. Collapsing in on both sides.

Rippling gasped. Out of fear and selfishness, his instincts kicked in. He had to get out of the wave, lest he be sucked into the water and loose. He pulled out to the front of the wave, facing shore as it propelled him forward. Multiple racers had been caught from the wave collapsing. Rippling had used his wings, a cheat, to win. The wave smashed down behind him, as he felt himself being flung forward with tremendous force. The foam of the wave caught to his board as he crashed back onto shore. The crowd was silent as Rippling Tides smacked onto shore. The rest of the racers had wiped out, all except for this one. Rippling spat out the sand that had forced its way into his mouth as he held his head, dazed. He looked back upon the ocean, noticing the lack of racer's heads above the water. Lifeguards flew and ran past the young foal, as Rippling took this time to look upon something he had noticed was different. While craning his neck to look back, he had noticed a certain Tattoo, engraved upon his flank. A large wave. This made him want to Squee in delight, but the dread of the situation came first. Lifeguards meant that somepony was drowning. Rippling couldn't do anything. He sat on shore as the lifeguards rushed to the other racers. Rippling's ears sat flat upon his head as he looked upon the situation with a fearful frown.

Nopony had died that day, but Rippling knew that in some way it was his fault that they had almost drowned. That he was guilty of charge. He didn't know why he felt this way. He felt connected to the dangerous aspect of the other racer's possible death. Nopony was injured either, not majorly atleast. A few ponies were mentally injured, but that was none of the paramedic's concerns. As soon as everypony was returned to land and accounted for, the winner was to be announced.

They had this large, black podium set up on the beach, with large letters upon each podium. One for first, one for second, one for third. Rippling anxiously awaited for the results to be read, almost jumping up and down as the judges conversed.

"Third place goes to.. Juniper Coco."

One of the judges read, as a brown furred filly with a red mane jumped up onto the third place stand.

"Second place goes to Grape Juice."

Rippling Tides watched as his previously taunting neighbor shambled up onto the second place podium. He was a purple foal with a yellow and white striped mane.

"First place goes to our new comer, Rippling Tides."

Rippling Tides gasped in total shock. Who would have guessed that the only pony who didn't get wiped out was the one who had won? Rippling bolted onto the first place podium, an innocent smile upon his face as he held Flood by his side. Confetti sprayed from the heavens above as the judges clapped their hooves simultaneously. Cheers from the crowd erupted as soon as he was announced to be the winner. A trophy was brought to him by one of the judges, as he stared at it, wide eyed by it's golden beauty. The trophy stood upon a black marble base, with a small golden plaque on it.

In reality, he had cheated. Immensely. More then he had known, actually. Though this cheating brought him more fortune then misfortune, and that is where he  went wrong. Cheating would come back to bite him.

Reminiscing on his childhood and his gaining of his cutiemark made Rippling scrunch his nose up in anger. Blast those idiots. Blast them all to Tartarus. He hated them. He hated them with ALL of his soul. He smacked his hooves against the wall, before snapping back to reality. He spent several minutes picking out splinters that he had gained from punching the old wooden walls. He had almost forgotten it was around that time he would go out to the aquarium to visit Crystal Waters. His best friend. After a few minutes of whining about the pain from his splinter-less hooves, Rippling Tides made his way outside. Using his wings to spare his hooves. Making his way from the beach, Rippling Tides flew into the town, flying over the wooden boardwalk.

He could see the large, circular aquarium in the distance. The aquarium had large, masterfully painted sea animals on it, swimming along the walls of the aquarium. Rippling flew over the buildings and businesses to the large, colorful aquarium. He approached the entrance, landing softly on the ground as he looked around. The ticket booth to his right, with a large line of ponies up to it. Snickering, Rippling walked past the booth that regular ponies had to go to. Rippling no longer needed to buy his admission, seeing as he was a friend of the Aquarium owner's daughter. Plus, he wouldn't have bought an admission anyways. Trotting up to the large glass double doors, Rippling pushed them open with his hooves, and entered the aquarium once more. It was the same as usual.

At the entrance, to his immediate right was the gift shop. Littered with toys and stocked with candy and souvenirs. Souvenirs that all had "White Shores Aquarium" plastered onto them. To the left, was the bathrooms.

In the lobby, large, fake orcas hung overhead, floating through the air. The walls were decorated with waves and fish, as two sets of stairs wrapped around both sides of the walls, leading up to a balcony. At the back of the room was a large glass wall that held fish and sea mammals of all sorts behind it. A snack bar sat close by to the tank, as a lounge was stationed right infront of the tank. The balcony overlooked the lounge, and also looked down at the tank below their feet. On the second floor of the Aquarium, large circular tunnels were carved into the wall. Each one having a different sign overhead, telling about what they contained. Rippling could care less about the tunnels, he really only cared about the mare who was standing by the tank at the back of the room. The aquarium hadn't opened yet, so she was the only one by the tank.

"Hey Crystal!"

He called out from across the room to the white Pegasus mare. The mare was facing the tank, but as soon as she heard her name, she turned to see who had called her. She waved at her friend who was now trotting to her.

"Hello Rippling."

She greeted, her soft voice barely making it to his ears. She was a quiet one, she preferred to stay silent. She didn't like to talk all that often.

"What's up? I totally saved a kid from a shark today,"

Rippling put on his trademark smirk.

"It was awesome."

He bragged, as Crystal giggled. She knew he over-exaggerated sometimes, but he was an honest stallion most of the time.

"I'm doing the usual."

Crystal commented, which received a smile from Rippling. The usual stuff meant tending to the sea creatures in the aquarium. Her cutiemark, a small blue diamond shaped image with a cyan ripple through the middle literally meant she was good at taking care of sea creatures. She was sorta doomed to the Aquarium tending life.

"Don't you ever get kinda bored just doing the usual stuff? You could help save ponies from sharks like me."

Rippling asked, as Crystal felt her smile twitch.

"Oh, no! I really like minding the aquarium. It never gets boring."

She answered, which received a speculating stare from Rippling.

"Is it because I'm always here to tell you awesome stories, or what?"

Rippling laughed, flying over to the snack bar and snagging a small chip bag.

"That, and I get to work with animals. Like sharks and seals."

Crystal laughed all the same. Rippling was a cool friend to have. Though he could be a klutz at times, he was working to get over it. Crystal had suggested all sorts of ways to get over his clumsiness. All of which seemed to work, because now he wasn't tripping over air whenever he talked to her. Rippling fiddled with the chip bag in his hooves, tugging at it madly in an attempt to open it.

"I guess you work with sharks every day huh? Savin lives, protectin the innocent?"

Rippling asked while he continued to tug and pull at the bag. The bloody thing wouldn't open, much to his displeasure.

"Really, it's more of me just feeding them."

Crystal humbly answered, as Rippling finally tore open the bag. An explosion of chips came from the bag and flung themselves onto the floor. Rippling smacked his forehead with his hoof as he held the now half empty chip bag in his other. Crystal couldn't help but let some laughter escape from her mouth at the stallion's grief. It was rather funny. She calmed herself as she helped pick up the chips with her wing.

"Ugh. Sorry."

Rippling groaned as he plucked chips from the clean floor. Their salty flavor spreading onto the solid floor.

"It's alright."

Crystal said, getting most of the chips. She brought them over to the snack bar, where she promptly went to the back of the bar and deposited the chips into the bowl that the staff would eat out of. She snickered as she did so. Rippling did the same, as the two continued talking.

"Anyways, that is why I'm more awesome then the element of loyalty."

Rippling lied, bragging about the skills he thought he had. Crystal rolled her eyes, trying to keep a sarcastic remark back as she nodded in agreement. Trying to keep her friend content as she showed him to the door.

"I'll see ya tomorrow."

Rippling held out his front hoof, awaiting a hoof bump from his favorite Pegasus mare. In which he did receive. With a content smile, Rippling pushed back through the doors of the aquarium, and walked forward into the incoming crowd of ponies waiting to see the sea's marvels. Seeing as it was no longer his shift, and he didn't have any lessons today, Rippling was free to go. His now refreshed and reenergized wings took him into the air, barely getting over the crowd of ponies in nick of time. He watched as a rainbow of colorful ponies rushed into the aquarium. Ready to spend some bits. Sometimes, Rippling wished he was Crystal. Being the son of the aquarium's owner. He would basically be rich. Do it for the love of the job, not for the bits, bla-de-blah.

Rippling couldn't wait to get back to his home. Flying from the Aquairum, it would be around a two minute trip to get home. White Shores, despite being a large tourist attraction, was a rather small town. So it was easy to get from one place to another, wether it be by hoof or wing. Rippling preferred to go by wing. He headed north, to the suburban area. Where small, square, one story beach houses were all located along the green grasses. They were all nicely packed together, not enough to be a fire hazard, but just enough so that your neighbors were only a couple feet away. The ponies who loved to parkour grew up in White Shores. Practicing on jumping roof tops of the beach homes. Rippling soon spotted his home. He knew it was his because of the gigantic claw mark he had gotten on the side of the roof. He thought it was cool.

He had bought it a couple weeks ago, a few builders came by and chipped it into the side of the roof. Mimicked the claw mark of a dragon. He liked it. It also have his home a bit of a personal touch. Rippling landed on the sidewalk of his home, looking at the front. The door was the regular oak wood, as a small dark oak path walked him up to the door step. A patio was stationed out by the door, as the roof extended out to give them shade from the sun. A lawn chair sat on the patio, barely used. The grass of the home was nicely mowed, as per usual. Coral Reef was an awesome housemate. The best one could have. She always wanted things clean, no matter what they may be. The house was always spick and span thanks to her. Rippling knocked on the door, waiting for a response from his Batpony housemate. She couldn't exactly leave the house during the day, because she was a Batpony.

"Gimme a second!"

Coral Reef called from the other side of the door, as Rippling waited for the door to open. Sure enough, it did. Coral Reef, the Batpony, stood on the other side. Her gray eyes staring him down.

"Hey Sunburn."

He greeted, as she opened the door for him. He entered gladly, looking around the entrance hallway. Sunburn, as Rippling called her, closed the door behind him.

"Did you get the bits?"

She asked, trotting back down the entrance hallway. Past the small closet and multiple photos hung on the wall. She stopped at the wall mirror, obviously in an attempt examine herself, but was greeted with nothing.

"Yeah."

Rippling answered, looking into the mirror and joining Sunburn. She quickly trotted away from him, and into the living room. The living room was connected to the kitchen, as the two usually ate all their meals on the couch while watching television or playing video games. Directly to the right of the entrance hallway was the white tiled kitchen. A small counter walled off some of the kitchen, except for one side that you could enter from. A small flower pot stood on the kitchen counter, as the hum of the refrigerator still hummed strongly. After fixing his mane in the mirror, Rippling trotted into the kitchen, and started scavenging through the cupboards.

"Oh yeah, you got some mail, left it on the counter for you."

Sunburn commented as she lounged on the pure white couch, adorned with grey and black pillows. She pushed her head up against one of the grey pillows as she grabbed the television remote. She pointed it at the television that hung off the wall, and clicked it on. The current channel was talking about news. Something about politics. Wasn't very interesting. Rippling stopped his scavenging and looked around on the white counter for the letter, eventually finding it by the plant. He grabbed it, examining the letter. Well, to be honest, it was more of a scroll. The scroll was rolled nicely, with a strange seal upon it. It was a cyan seal, with a pointed crystal in the middle of the circular seal. Rippling knew what this seal meant.

It was Royal Mail. From the Crystal Empire. He jumped for Joy, rushing over to the living room and to his housemate.

"Do you know what this means?!"

He yelled, pointing at the seal. Sunburn nonchalantly looked at the seal and back up at Rippling like he was crazy. She shrugged silently, as he was about to burst with happiness.

"This is Crystal Empire mail! CRYSTAL EMPIRE! That place that was gone for a thousand years!"

He squeed, as Sunburn did not share his enthusiasm.

"I don't see what's so special about it."

She simply said, as Rippling flailed his hooves around while he laid back against the couch.

"It's where all the rich ponies go! It's the second richest capital of Equestria next to Canterlot!"

He almost yelled. This made Sunburn share his enthusiasm. She grew a grin as she shook him madly.

"Open it!"

She demanded as Rippling tore open the scroll, unfolding it to reveal the letter within.

Dear Rippling Tides,

We are grateful to inform you that you have been chosen to come to the Crystal Empire capital, free of all charges. The reason being this, you have been selected out of the many ponies of Equestria to participate in the Arena. By Princess's Cadence's high demands, we ask that you accept this letter and send it back on the same day you have received it. Your name has been recorded, and if you do not co-operate, we will be forced to take drastic actions to bring you to the Crystal Empire to participate in the festivities. We hope you can join us without that happening. Your tickets are attached to this letter. We expect you to be in the Crystal Empire by Thursday.

~Captain of The Crystal Guard

~Please Sign Here Then Return~

_______________________

Rippling could feel his heart almost explode as he looked at the gleaming blue ticket stuck to the bottom of the letter. He shook Sunburn madly as the two shared a hug.

"I'm going to the crystal empire! Crystal Empire! By Cadence's demands! Crystal Empire! Crystal Empire!"

He chanted, as the two started to sing an improved song about how awesome and amazing the Crystal Empire was. Rippling suddenly leapt up off the couch and flew to the hallway to the bedroom, which was directly to the right of the living room. He came back out of the hallway with a pen. Flying back onto the couch, he wrote his name where he needed to sign. Not even questioning why they would take drastic actions if he did not participate. He plucked the ticket off the paper then rolled up the scroll once more, and he shot out the door. Rushing out into the blue expanse of the sky. Not even giving his housemate the time to react to his sudden leaving.

What he had signed would be his death. That scroll was a wicked, family and friend destroying monster that he had just happily agreed to. He agreed to going into the world's harshest blood battle, only reserved for the unlucky and criminals.

Chapter 2

Impatiently, Rippling Tides squirmed on the wooden bench. How long had it been? Five minutes since he had arrived at the White Shores train station? That was much too long. He looked back at forth along the tracks, looking between the trotting ponies that had passed him. Thoughts raced through his mind, exhilarated as he saw a glimmer off in the distance. An extremely bright, glimmering train was heading straight for the station. A sleek figure, obviously the train, was just a half a mile away. The train's screeches could be heard from here. Crystals never exactly were the best train building material. A blinding blue train sparked along the tracks, electricity almost flowing from the wheels as it stopped at the station. The sun was very bright here in White Shores, so it made the train a pain to look at.

He squinted his eyes, as he saw the doors of the crystal train open. He staggered over to the door, as the ticket taker was quicker to take a place by the door. Rippling pulled out his ticket, flashing it infront of the ticket taker's face. He could tell the ticker taker had gasped at the ticket. Though it was a tad bit hard to see, the ticket taker had directed Rippling into the train with his hoof. A line had formed behind the sandy Pegasus, as he stepped into the train. The inside of the train was no better than the outside, as it glimmered brightly from the setting orange sun. Though he was a bit disappointed her wouldn't be able to fully see the inside of the train at the time, he knew he would be able to later. The train ride was a day long to get all the way to the opposite hemisphere of Equestria. To the Crystal Empire. As he looked around the train, he noticed the few seats around, usually reserved for first class. This ticket, the one he had, was a first class ticket. Represented by it's colors and inscription.

Dragging his luggage with his wing, Rippling took a seat. The seat was surprisingly soft, made of Crystal Hue wool he had heard. It was nice and poofy. He rested his head on the seat, dragging his luggage close to him with his wing. He had packed a few things, like clothes and such. Also a scarf. Mostly, it was just clothes to keep warm. He knew there was a barrier around the Crystal Empire whenever it blizzards, but just in case. He sighed, thinking about all the things he would do at the Crystal Empire with a first class all expense paid trip. He was going to be relaxing like a King once he got there. A smile creeped upon his face as he thought of all the luxury he would have at the second richest capital of Equestria. He heard the place had the most glorious castle that Equestria has ever seen. It used to be ruled by somepony else, but that guy was dead now. So Cadence took over. Just the thought, he was called there by royalty.

Royalty.

This was going to be the most awesome experience of his life. Maybe even life changing. Without a second though, Rippling attempted to sleep, with nothing else better to do but sleep. He closed his eyes fully, though light tried to invade. He dug his face down into the cushion in order to block out all the light. The train whailed and screeched as it started up. He could feel the chugs and the choos already surging through the train as it started to move down the track. The train had rattled violently at the start, but after a few seconds, it had calmed itself to a steady pace.

This was going to be the best experience of his life, an experience he was not going to forget.

"Three hundred twenty-four.. Three hundred twenty-five.."

The train ride was not exactly the most entertaining thing to be on. With nothing else better to do, Rippling Tides found himself bashing his head up against the crystal wall. The other rich folk on the bus were busy minding their own business. Well, some of them were, atleast. Some gave Rippling Tides the evil eye because he wasn't dressed right or something. All the rich folk either wore fancy tuxedos or dresses everywhere. He hadn't seen rich folk from the Crystal Empire yet, but he hoped that they weren't wearing stupid dresses and fancy stuff everywhere. It really put a damper on his spirit. He couldn't afford fancy stuff like that. He could afford gigantic claw marks to be carved into his roof, but not tuxes. Tuxes were a bit too formal for him anyways. It's not like his job required any fancy suits in the first place.

Rippling Tides took a gander outside, stopping his head from banging up against the wall. A large, white savanna is what could be visualized from outside the curtain-adorned window. Snow. Snow as far as the eye could see. Luckily this train was warm. He wouldn't exactly like to be freezing half to death on his way to crystal topia or whatever it was called. His boredom had blocked the name from his memory only after a few seconds. Was the place even worth all this boredom? Probably.

"Why did I even agree to this-"

His sentence was cut as the screeches and wails of the wheels filled the train. Sparks flew by the window as the train slowed. Rippling held his ears in pain, clenching his teeth at the sound. He looked out the other side's window. Half of the view was blocked by yellow sparks coming from the crystal wheels. Though he did manage to see the not very snow covered train station. For some reason, all the snow was gone from the station. The crystal train halted, as the doors slid open. Rippling Tides looked at the open doors blankly. Oh yeah. He had to leave the train now. He grabbed the luggage handle once more. It felt like forever just to get to this place. Hopefully it was worth it. Gripping the handle with his wing, he dragged his luggage behind him as he exited the train, amongst the many others that did. He held the ticket still tightly in his other wing. He scanned along his new and strange surroundings.

For a crystal train station, it was lacking crystals. The place was made of light birch wood, with light oak columns that held a sun blocking roof. He looked around at the train station blankly, before spotting a few ponies holding signs. They stood against the wall of the train station, looking rather bored. He could relate. Then he noticed something strange. Among the five sign holding ponies, he noticed one sign that said his name. He looked both ways before approaching the pony that held the sign. The pony who held the white sign was a light gray stallion. Rather skinny in Rippling's opinion. He had a short black mane and tail with small blue spots all over it. He was a unicorn, his horn was longer then a usual unicorn's. Reminded him of Officer Emerald Splitter, back in White Shores. The stallion had a bit of a stubble on his face as well. Rippling was jealous, he could never grow a beard if he tried. His cutiemark seemed like a graduation cap. The pony was looking extremely bored and nonchalant. Especially with those weird, almost triangular glasses on. It enhanced the pony's bored looking stare. Standing infront of the pony, Rippling stared at the sign.

"Hey. I'm Rippling Tides."

He pointed out, smiling. The gray stallion did not change his expression. Instead, he teleported the sign away in a puff of gray smoke.

"You're late."

The stallion stated coldly as he flicked his tail at Rippling. An order to follow. Rippling did as he was told, though this pony wasn't exactly making the best introduction.

"It's Thursday."

Rippling reasoned, his smile disappearing as he followed the gray stallion down the train station platform. Walking onto grass that covered the ground of the Crystal Empire's outskirts. Rippling almost flinched at touching grass once more. It had been a day since he had been outside, much less touched grass.

"You were expected an hour ago. You made me wait there like an idiot for an hour."

The stallion hissed, showing Rippling the way. The two passed through a small, crystal gate. Two spiked pillars on either side of the gate, with three crystals that hovered from above. A small, black and circular mark was in the middle of the gate. Like something had been planted there.

"What's your name, bro?"

Rippling attempted to change the subject as he gazed over a large, crystal tower. In pure amazement, his smile appeared once more. The sun was hitting the empire's castle just right. The rays were sparkling off the top in a beautiful array. Whoever ruled this place last defiantly did a good job in keeping this place nice through those thousand years of being gone. It was enough to make a grown stallion cry. Scratch that, a not so grown stallion cry.

"Inkwell, Advisor to Princess Cadence. Looker and controller of the Arena. Do not call me bro. Your tongue shall be slit from your mouth personally if you call me that again."

Inkwell hissed, trotting down the path to the empire. Not even stopping to admire the view. Rippling really wanted to smack this guy up the head, but he was a bit busy admiring the castle off in the distance.

"Hurry up."

Inkwell commanded, as Rippling took his sight from the castle and back onto Inkwell, who was impatiently tapping is front hoof.

"You're even more impatient then me, Skinny."

Rippling grumbled, following after the unicorn with a snort. Inkwell was leading Rippling not to the castle, but to the newest building.

It only took about a minute to get into the streets. Rippling was distracted by literally almost everything he saw, and Inkwell was constantly hissing at him to pay attention and follow. He herded Rippling like he was some sort of criminal. Which he wasn't. Yet. He was shoved along the streets by his Unicorn guide. This guy was really rude. What was his deal? Did he get a broom stuck up his-

"We're here."

Inkwell stopped Rippling in his tracks, as the two entered the shadow of a large, circular crystal building. It reached high into the sky, as a reinforced glass roofing was made to keep something within the building. Noises came from inside the circular building. Cheers. Was there some sport being played in there? Rippling raised an eyebrow at Inkwell, as the two crossed the street to the entire block that this circular building took up. This building was larger then the aquarium back home. It towered over Rippling and Inkwell. If this thing could come alive, it would be terrorizing the entirety of Equestria. Luckily, it was just a building and not a colossal being.

"What is this place, exactly?"

Rippling questioned as the two approached one of the many double doors that lined the entrance of the building.

"This is the Arena. From this point forth, you shall be playing within it."

Inkwell said simply. Hey, he wasn't insulting Rippling for once. In the short time the two knew eachother, their conversations usually consisted of insults being directed to the Pegasus. The monotone unicorn pushed open the entrance doors of the 'Arena', going in first, allowing Rippling follow. Rippling gazed around the small lobby. It looked like a waiting room for a hospital. Just as stale and unsettling. Rippling didn't like hospitals. Whenever he was there.. Well.. He usually lost someone or something. Last time he was in a hospital, he had almost lost the ability to fly. He glanced around the room, noticing the lack of ponies.

Inkwell directed the Pegasus to one of the many doors of the lobby. In particular, the one right next to the reception desk. Rippling followed the ash unicorn through the door, entering a decently dark hallway. Inkwell had used his magic to light it up, showing how giant the hallway was. It was about twelve feet wide. Props like swords and shields laid against the walls, as well as some stray crates that appeared to be empty.

"You will be starting in the minor league. You will have two hours to settle into your room, then you will be going into your first battle."

The unicorn suddenly stopped in the middle of the hallway, turning to face the Pegasus. His aura suddenly grabbed ahold of a shadow covered door's handle, swinging the door open, it revealed a light filled room.

"Wait a second, what do you mean by battle!?"

Rippling knew what a battle was. It meant beating somepony up. Inkwell sighed, his facial emotion still not changing as his aura grabbed ahold of the blue tail of Rippling Tides. The unicorn dragged the Pegasus into the room before slamming the door behind him. The Pegasus banged on the steel door, not paying attention to his surroundings. Angrily, he turned around and bucked the door with his back hooves. Which he instantly regretted. Pain shot through him as he collapsed onto the floor, groaning. This gave him time to look at his room. A small, one pony bed was pushed into the corner of the room, unkept and a bit dirty. The walls themselves were lazily cleaned,  as a sink hung on the white wall. A small screen covered what probably was the toilet and shower. There was also a small locker next to the bed. How nice of them. Maybe he could hide in it. Dragging himself and his luggage, Rippling found himself by his bed, staring up at the ceiling. A small, circular lamp stuck to the ceiling. There wasn't even a light switch to turn it out. Rippling still had his ticket in his wing, and after he felt well enough, he got up and put the ticket on the top shelf of the locker. He shoved his luggage into the locker as well. Not even bothering to unpack. What did he do to deserve this? He could only think of one thing.

"C'mon! You ain't scared of a whirlpool are ya?"

Jagged Leaf teased as she paced around the hideout. Rippling sat on a small log that he usually sat on whenever he was in the hideout. It used to be Golden Glider's, but he allowed the foal to have it whenever he was over.

"Well.. Yeah."

Rippling admitted to his fear, as Jagged burst out into laughter. Like a whirlpool wasn't a life ending disaster.

"You have gotta be kiddin me."

She laughed while she paced. The two were waiting for the others to return. They were busy doing the 'dealings'. Rippling wasn't exactly involved in the dealings. He knew it brought his friends bits though. Bits that they really liked.

"Aren't you afraid of them?"

Rippling asked innocently with a shrug. Jagged continued to laugh, her chuckle grown in volume.

"Me?! Scared?! Kid! You're killin me!"

She chuckled, her laugh echoing around the cave. The hideout was a large beach cave perched on the cliff side. Around White shores, there was a large cliff on either side of the place. Making it a natural defense against others, and kind of like a secret paradise. Though White Shores wasn't a secret paradise anymore. It was populated by hundreds.

"Anyway, kid, you in for the next plan?"

Jagged asked, her innocent smile appearing on her face. Rippling nodded quietly. As long as he was winning tourneys, he was in on any plan Jagged had.

While stuck in his prison cell, Rippling had lots of time to think. To think about his past and friends. Also to think about how much he was going to Sue this place, and how much he was going to beat the sauce out of Inkwell for trapping him here. The door was locked, and it was metal. There was no breaking it. Also, he swore that the door was now electrified, because he could see a couple blue beams shoot through the door every now and again. Suddenly, his room buzzed with the sound of an intercom.

"Battle Two thousand five hundred fifty-seven has ended. Winner is Sharp. Battle Two thousand five hundred fifty-eight will start in five minutes. Newcomer Rippling Tides versus Newcomer Derpy Hooves."

The rough, robotic voice chimed through the fuzzy, low quality speakers. Wait, that was him. Him versus somepony named Derpy. When they opened his door, he was going to make a run for it. He was going to bolt. He was going to fly, kick, fling, and punch his way through whoever was escorting him. Even if it was a dragon that was escorting him. He was not going to beat up another pony. Never. Never again. Especially somepony named Derpy. His door was opened by..

Nopony. Nopony stood outside the door. Rippling dashed out the door madly, only to be caught in place by an invisible force. His hooves suddenly glued to the ground. He flapped his wings, attempting to move as his eyes swooshed around the dark hallway. He started moving involuntarily down the other way of the hallway. Down to a light source. He was pushed to the light, as the light came from the wall on his right. He was turned to face the right before being pushed out. Pushed out onto the field. The field was blood stained along the walls, as the grass stood tall and untainted.

The field had one large circular door on the northern side. This door was gigantic, and took up the majority of the northern wall. It had multiple large locks and mental barricades on it, holding something very powerful inside of it, obviously. Maybe a dragon or something. A crystal heart emblem was placed in the middle of the door, shining brightly. Maybe it was to give fighters a boost of confidence. A wave of unease and a god like presence came from that behind door. So confidence obviously wasn't what the designers of the door were aiming for. The wall closed behind him, as he regained control of his hooves.

Flying around the circular field madly. He smashed against the glass skybox of the arena, in a desperate attempt to escape. He noticed the crowds. The crowds sitting on the stands. They were ponies of all colors and ages, all shapes and genders. They waited for the festivities to begin near silently. A couple tiny cheers echoed from the crowd. They waited. The crowds that were going to watch him bludgeon another pony to possible death waited. He couldn't reach the crowd. A forcefield prevented him from getting to them. A very, very strong magenta forcefield was shown every time Rippling hit it. It was a circular wall. His punches rippled through the entirety of the forcefield, showing it off. He suddenly spotted something on the other side of the field. A gray blob. His eyes narrowed as he snarled, speeding down to the blob, thinking it was Inkwell. The image came clearer the more he approached. It was not Inkwell. It was a gray Pegasus mare with a yellow mane and tail. Her eyes lazily going in any direction they pleased. She looked rather distressed as he approached. He stopped his dive by beating his wings, stopping in mid air as he looked at the crowd. Sticking up from the crowd was a platform. This platform had a crystal throne upon it, where there sat the pink princess herself. Princess Cadance. A twisted smile laid upon her features as she stared at Derpy's distressed face. Her legs crossed as she leaned back in her throne. On either side of her were two purple pillows. One was in use, by the familiar face, Inkwell.

He was focused on a small notepad, as he idly held a pencil in his mouth. Another pony stood upon the platform, a white robust unicorn stallion with a blue mane and tail. This stallion was Shining Armor. He was not standing at attention, rather, he was staring at Inkwell with a strange look in his eye. Not anger, but not exactly happiness either. Not sadness or despair either. It was a rather flirty look. Rippling could care less. He pounded against the forcefield, which made Shining Armor snap back to attention. His horn glowing as Cadence scowled at this disruption.

"LET ME OUT YOU.. PONY INCARNATE OF SATAN!"

He screeched as loud as he could, which even made Inkwell look up from his notepad for half a second.

"Inkwell, King. Now. I want this insolent foal slaughtered."

Cadence demanded, looking at her advisor sourly. This had happened before, and incompentent foals like this were slaughtered by the King or Queen. It was always such a delight to have them abuse their power against the lesser fighters. Watching the tiny and frail get disemboweled by the strong was such an entertaining delight to Cadance.

"I'm sorry my princess, but he now refuses to come out other than when it's a title match."

Inkwell said in his regular monotone voice. Not bothering to look at his upper in the eye.

"Fine. What about the Queen."

Cadence kept her scowl. Who was he to deny her commands? She owned him now, same with the Queen. They were HERS to command and to use for her entertainment. They were the King and Queen of the arena. The champions.

"She refuses all the same."

Inkwell told his princess. She groaned loudly and smacked the back of her head against her throne. This was boring.

"I'll give them a bit of encouragement."

Inkwell promised, his horn flickering as gray magic channeled through the forcefield, and to the foreheads of the competitors. Giving the two a boost in some fake and temporary anger and testosterone.

The gray mare screamed a battle cry from across the field. Her wings clashing against the air as she sped to the Pegasus stallion. Cadence felt her grin return. This was going to be entertaining.

The two spent about fifteen seconds flying around the arena at their top speeds. Which wasn't very fast. Derpy eventually started slowing, as did Rippling. He swiftly looped backwards, getting behind the mare. She turned quickly, as the two busily exchanged punches. She blocked so swiftly, he felt like she had a personal barrier of her own. She punched the Pegasus in the jaw, making him shoot down to the ground. He slid along the ground. Getting back onto his hooves, he looked up to see the dive bombing mare. He leapt backwards as she dove into the ground. Being dazed for a couple seconds, the sandy Pegasus tackled the mare. The two tumbled and turned, until she was on her back. He was above her, as he rose his hoof up high. Slamming it down onto the mare's throat as she coughed and sputtered. Multiple more punches landed onto the mare's oxygen supply.

She desperately tried flailing her hooves in an attempt to get him off. He found himself about to deal one last blow to the mare's throat when she dealt a deadly uppercut. Launching him off. He was flung upwards. A mistake she would regret. His jaw snapped back into place as he caught himself in the air. She staggered to her hooves weakly, attempting to get back up and get away. He spiraled down like a missile, landing directly onto the mare's head. Smashing her into the ground once more. He jumped off her head, and onto the back of her neck. He hopped up and down like a small playful rabbit on the back of her neck, smashing and closing the oxygen supply. The snap of the top of her spine could be heard as his front hooves continued to thump down on her neck. He eventually just decided to end his jumping and close up the oxygen supply completely.

"Battle Two thousand five hundred fifty-eight has finished."

The buzzer rang out through the field. Rippling suddenly felt himself snap back to reality. His sudden anger was replaced by sadness. Tears poured from his eyes as he rapidly shook his competitor. He felt for a pulse. Nothing. He shook her madly, in hopes that the mare would somehow come back to life.

"Winner is Rippling Tides."

Rippling gripped the corpse into a hug. He was so sorry. He had just ended a confused mare's life. An innocent. She was gone. He had done it for no reason. He had killed a mare who had a family. Friends. A fandom. He killed her. He was a murderer. He sobbed. He was guilty.

He had bludgeoned this innocent Pegasus to death with his own hooves.

"Battle Two thousand five hundred fifty-nine will be starting in five minutes. Sharp versus the Queen of the Arena."

With a blink, Rippling was back inside his holding cell. Tears still pouring from his eyes. He wasn't going to fight again. He was going to die. By his own hooves. No. He was going to escape and then kill himself back home. Where he could be appreciated. Where he could be buried. He didn't want to die here. He wasn't.

He couldn't.

Chapter 3

Time passed. There was no showing of how much time passed; there was no clock or window in his cell. He spent the day sitting in the shower. Grime rimmed the old shower as he ran the water against his body. He rocked back and forth slowly in the shower. He killed a mare today. Killed. Dead. Removed. Deceased. She was an adult mare. Probably had a kid. A kid that wouldn't have a mother. A kid that he made have no mother. A kid he changed the life of, for the worse. A kid that he changed the destiny of. He ran his hoof through his mane as he sat in the shower. Listening to the occasional buzzer that managed to pierce through the sound of warm running water. He stared at the drain of the shower silently.

His tear stained face not changing from his deepened frown. How could he live with innocent blood on his hooves? The mare gave him a good beating before he had killed her. Deceased her. He put his head into his hooves. He should have thought before coming here. He should have read the letter properly. No. It didn't matter. The letter said they would come and force him into the Arena anyways. For that Princess's entertainment. That sick, disgusting pink princess that loved the sight of death and brutal beatings. The mental scars left upon others. That asinine advisor that brought him here was one of her toys. He felt rage broil inside of him as he punched the wall of the shower relentlessly. Which he stopped doing after a whopping ten punches. His hoof ached from punching a tiled shower wall. It was a small box shower that pushed up against the wall. The screen had covered it when he first got here, but he had wandered into it after he had been teleported into his cell after his first match. He had been in the shower for what he had estimated would be about three hours. Staring at the drain, thinking about the sins that Inkwell made him do.

Forced him.

That Skinny shithead was going to get what was coming to him. Same with that Princess. Rippling didn't care if he had to release the Devil from hell, he was going to get those plotholes. He was going to avenge that mare. Derpy. Her name shall not be in vain. She will be remembered as the spark that started his revolution against Cadence. Against the Tyrant of the Crystal Empire. She had done over two thousand matches. Two thousand. That was other a thousand lives deceased by her hoof. Her hoof, horn, and wing. Rippling would slit her throat ever so slowly that her blood would get into her lungs and she would drown in her own foul existence. For Derpy. Rippling stood from the floor of the shower. Eyes narrowed in determination. He was going to get out of here. He turned off the running water and headed out of the shower. He whipped his mane backwards, flinging some water onto the wall.

Luckily there was a small bar that held one towel. After thoroughly drying himself, he hung the towel over the blank white screen to dry. He passed the dirty toilet. He had never seen something more foul in his life, other than the pink princess who brought him here. It was best not to go into detail on the toilet, but it was very rusted and had multiple brown stains on the inside. Rippling trotted over to the opposite side of the small room, taking a seat on his bed. Waiting. Thinking. How was he going to break that forcefield? Maybe something or somepony powerful enough could help him. Then again, if there has already been over two thousand matches and the forcefield was still standing strong, maybe there really was no way out. Rippling had tried busting down the steel door that kept him in here, and to say the least, it was a very shocking experience. His mane was still charred and frizzy from it. He wasn't exactly fond of trying to break that door down. He looked at the door, thinking of how to deactivate the electricity that surged through it. Nothing came to mind. At time like this, he wished he was a unicorn. Or an Alicorn. It would be really cool to be an Alicorn. He sighed, thinking about Derpy once more. He felt guilty, extremely guilty. How did they expect him to sleep with this on his shoulders?

"Battle Two thousand six hundred and thirty-two had ended. Winner is Soft Wing."

Rippling snorted at the robotic buzzing voice that interrupted his reminiscing. This voice was the only kind one he was probably going to be hearing. Though it showed almost no emotion, it was probably the nicest thing here. Everything and Everypony else here was against him. Heck, even his door disliked him. It refused to let him leave.

"Battle Two thousand six hundred and thirty-three starts in five minutes. Rippling Tides versus Pendulum."

Rippling shook his head. He was not going back out. He was not. He crossed his front hooves and did not move from his bed as his door swung open. Tempting him out. Rippling, almost childishly, swung his head in the opposite direction from the door. His back hooves were suddenly sealed to the floor. He was unable to move them. Like he cared in the first place. His hooves dragged along the floor. Sudden realization hit him as he grabbed onto the metal bed frame. His back hooves dragged like they were being pulled by a magical aura. He looked back at his hooves. A certain gray aura took ahold of his back hooves, dragging him to the door. The aura then grabbed ahold of his front hooves. They were ripped off the bedpost and forcefully placed onto the floor. Taking control of them as Rippling flapped his wings in protest. He was dragged out of his room, and back into the dark hallway. The door to his room slammed behind him as he sped down the hallway involuntarily. He yelled out scrambled words that meant nothing, in hopes the aura of Inkwell would halt. He did not. The wall that lead to the arena slid open, as he was forced back into the field. The door slammed behind him once more, as the cruel sound of cheers erupted from the audience. He took control of his hooves once more as he felt the grass on his hooves. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the platform once more. Seeing the Pink princess made rage of untold proportions flow. Another pony stood on the other side of the field.

The other pony was quick to start the battle. He was a brown earth pony with a golden-rustic brown mane. He was ungodly fast, rushing to the middle of the field and up to Rippling in seconds. He landed the first blow, straight to Rippling's nose. Rippling cringed at the feeling, as he staggered back. The other stallion took advantage of this, landing another punch directly to side of Rippling's face. He could feel a bruise already starting to form as Rippling took the beating. Pendulum did not hesitate, so neither would Rippling. When Pendulum was about to land another punch to the side of Rippling's face, Rippling stuck out his front hoof to block it. Pendulum's hoof reflected off Rippling's block unnaturally. Pendulum growled as he posed another punch, trying for an uppercut. He was blocked once more by Rippling's hoof. Another growl was emitted as Pendulum was not being allowed to successfully land hits. He was slowly starting to tire of punching the blockades, as his punches slowed to almost a halt. When Rippling saw his opportunity, he took it as fast as he could. He aimed a straight slam to Pendulum. The two rolled around onto the grass. Pendulum, exhausted, was unable to get up. He had probably thought that this battle would be over by now. Rippling found himself rushing over to Pendulum, skidding over to the stallion and strangling him. This was Rippling's main tactic. Pendulum aimed multiple punches into Rippling's jaw, but it was not enough to get him off. Pendulum's face turned to a deathly shade of blue as he was starting to slowly fade. Rippling could no longer feel something. Something called regret.

"Battle Two thousand six hundred and thirty-three has ended. Winner is Rippling Tides."

Rippling halted his attack as he expected to get teary eyed. He didn't. A magical gray laser shot into Rippling's head from the platform. It didn't hurt. Though, it prevented something. It prevented his guilt. His sadness. It blocked it. It did not block his rage. He roared out at Inkwell, the obvious source of the emotion blocking laser. He was no longer able to feel bad for the dead. Rippling looked down at the stallion, Pendulum. His hooves still on the stallion's throat. He ripped off the hooves from the throat, and instead, brought the corpse up for a hug. Much like he had done in his first battle.

"I'm sorry that I drowned you."

He whispered to the dead stallion's ear. Bringing up as much sadness as he could muster. He couldn't bring tears because of Inkwell. He couldn't feel sadness anymore, regret, or the feeling of guilt. He was going to be formed into a blood thirsty monster, with no sympathy. All for cadence's entertainment. With a blink, he was back within his abode. Sitting on his bed quietly.

"Battle Two thousand six hundred and thirty-four will be starting in five minutes. Newcomer Sapphire Bolt versus Newcomer Star Dazzle."

The speaker buzzed. Rippling snorted at the speaker, acknowledging what it was talking about. Some new ponies. May Celestia have mercy on them.

Inkwell looked over his notepad once more. The battles were all listed on here. From the newcomers to the champions. All the champion battles had already passed. Only two more battles until the Arena closed for the day. Inkwell took a quick glance at the glass roof, just to see where the sun was. It was around that time that the champions bothered the lessors. Inkwell's horn flurried as he brought the two newest competitors out onto the field. Both reacted accordingly. Panic, rage, fear. Something that all Newcomers emitted on their first battle. It was Inkwell's job to temporarily suppress the panic and fear, and enhance the anger. On the competitor's second battle, it was  his job to remove the battler's sympathy, sadness, guilt, and regret. His magic was enhanced by Cadence, so that's why he was able to do all these magics in the first place. Inkwell directed his magic onto the field, a snake like aura worming through the forcefield and into the field. The aura transmitted into the pony's heads. Temporally enhancing their anger. The two newcomers immediately showed eachother their hooves, mauling eachother without relent. Like animals.

"What pitiful ponies."

He spat, his magic halting for the time. He gazed back over at Cadence, who was busy grinning like a filly. At least he was doing his job to please her.

"We have two more battles left until the Arena shuts down for the day."

Inkwell told her. Cadence's smile slowly twitched. Though she did her best to keep her smile up for her subjects.

"Check the door before we leave. As per usual. We don't want our favorite champions escaping."

Cadence commanded. Inkwell nodded obediently. He knew which door she talked about. He usually had Shining Armor accompany him to the door in the ring. It was the large, solid metal door that held back the champions. It had multiple large locks and barriers that had to be rechecked every day. Just so that the champions wouldn't escape and reign terror upon the Empire and Equestria as a whole. Inkwell knew first hoof how powerful the champions were. Cadence was a ballsy Princess, using them as entertainment.

Inkwell could feel the magic of one of the champions surge through the building. The one they regularly used to talk to others.

Rippling Tides was busy trying to force Inkwell's magic out of him. He had no idea how magic worked, so he was trying to meditate it out. Though, Rippling found this boring. He couldn't meditate it out. He then tried smacking it out. Which to his surprise, smacking his head up against the white wall did not get the magic out of him. He sighed. When he got out of here, he would be a cold blooded criminal. A murderer. If he was going to have any blood on his hooves, it was going to be Cadence's and Inkwells. He swore that he was going to get out of this place. He was going to do it for all the ponies he had killed. Rippling flung open his locker door and unpacked his luggage, looking for one of the things he had packed. He found it. A long, sharpened pencil. He gripped it with his wing and approached the blank wall that had no furniture against it. The Pegasus scrawled two names onto the wall.

Derpy.

Pendulum.

He then wrote a one next to Derpy's name, and a two next to Pendulum's name. It was so he could remember who he had faced, and what number that match was. Looking at the two pony's names should have made him bawled. It didn't. He wished it did, somewhere inside his mind. He didn't want to be a sadistic killer like Cadence.

"You are a strange one. You feel love for your foes."

A feminine voice rang through the room. This voice made Rippling jump. It sounded like as if a female snake had a voice. His eyes shot around as he turned his head in panic. Who was that? Oh yeah. Probably just the intercom. He would strike up a conversation anyways. It's not like he had anything else better to do.

"I feel bad for them, really. I try to, at least. The gray bastard next to the pink Plothole I think might have removed my sad emotions."

Rippling sighed. He didn't expect a reply back from what he thought was just the intercom.

"She uses you for entertainment."

The female voice stated. Slowly getting louder. Rippling now speculated that this voice was just all in his head. Which it was.

"Tell me something I don't already know."

He snorted, looking back at the names he had written on the wall with his pencil. The female voice took a while before talking once more.

"Do you really think you can escape?"

She asked. Rippling raised an eyebrow at the question. How did she know that he wanted to escape? No matter. All newcomers want to escape.

"I have to. I'm going to escape, and slit the Princess's throat for making me end two pony's lives."

Rippling stated, determined. His word truthful. The voice took a few more seconds.

"To escape, you're going to have to kill the King and Queen of the Arena, you know. That's the only chance you'll have to leave."

The voice continued. Rippling nodded, confirming this. He would do anything to kill the ruler of the Arena, and the advisor.

"If that's what I have to do to end that bitch's life, that's what I'm going to do."

Rippling continued. He no longer had any reason to hold back his swears. Because his regret was gone, he no longer regretted saying swears. Normally, he refrained from swears, even in the worst situations possible.

"I understand your plea. I have the same intentions. Rather, I shall drain her of all her emotions and leave her as a rotting and empty shell instead. Sparing her life, but torturing her for eternity."

The voice explained. Rippling felt a smile stretch across his face. He had never wished such a horrible fate upon a pony before, but Cadence deserved it. She deserved it for putting ponies against eachother in this cruel game for her subjects and self.

"What's your name, voice?"

Rippling couldn't come up with a name for the voice, rather, it would be a better if the voice made a name for itself that he could use. The voice hesitated, obviously thinking of what to respond with.

"Chrysalis."

Chrysalis told him. He smiled at the name. Chrysalis. What a strange name. He looked up at the wall, thinking of nickname for Chrysalis. If only he knew what she looked like.

"Do you mind if I call you.. Sally? No, that's a stupid nickname. Uh.. How about Chrysi?"

Rippling suggested. He swore he could feel Chrysalis smile. Or some positive facial expression.

"I'd really prefer if you'd call me by my full name, but yes, that is fine."

Chrysi confirmed. She was a nice mare, despite her somewhat intimidating voice. She gave off this feeling of hope, really. It was nice to have someone to talk to. Rippling couldn't stand being alone. Being isolated for only a couple hours had already made him slightly depressed. Well, as depressed as one could be with no sadness to fuel the depression.

"So, Chrysi, what's up?"

He asked. He hoped to talk to this mare a bit more so he could have a friend to talk to while he was staying in the Arena.

"I finished a battle today with Sharp. As well as one with Opus."

Chrysi told him. He could still feel her positive emotions. It was good to feel some positivity in this place. Wait a second. She said Sharp. Where had he heard that name before?

"Battle Two thousand five hundred fifty-nine will be starting in five minutes. Sharp versus the Queen of the Arena."

He recalled. Sharp versus the Queen. The Queen. Wait, was Chrysi the queen?!

"Chrysi, are you the Queen of the Arena?!"

He exclaimed, his smile growing. He could make a powerful ally. Wait. If she was the queen, then he would have to fight her at one point. If she had the power of entering other's minds, then he would be in deep trouble. Plus, he didn't want to fight his only possible friend here!

"I am indeed, the Queen."

She confirmed, her positive feeling disappearing. Rippling frowned. He would have to fight her to get out of here. He wasn't going to survive that. Even if he did, he would have to kill probably the only nice mare here.

"Though, I'd prefer it if we do not talk about my ranking. It puts a damper on things."

She told him. He nodded silently. He thought of how to change the topic. He thought of what the Queen of a bloody Arena would like to talk about.

"So.. Uh.. How are you talking to me?"

That was the only thought that came to his mind. He couldn't think of anything else, really. She probably wasn't from White Shores, and probably wasn't into surfing by her name.

"Telepathy. It took a while to perfect, but I can talk to anything and anyone in the arena through their mind. Plus, I had nothing else better to do while I sit in my cell."

She informed. Well, no dur. That was an obvious answer. She must be a unicorn or something if she could do telepathy. Rippling thought of what to talk about next. One thing came to mind. He might as well ask before he started a story.

"Do you want to hear a story?"

He asked. He could hear her almost Squee at the sound of a story. Almost like an innocent filly. This Squee confirmed Rippling allowance to brag about his awesome shark-prevention skills, and other acts of heroics. Maybe this wasn't going to be all bad. As long as he didn't go into many battles, and didn't have to fight her.

"The Arena is closing for the night. Lights will be out in ten minutes."

The intercom interrupted the story, much like it had already done three or four times before. He was almost at the end of his story too. He shook his hoof at the ceiling, where the intercom was located.

"Continue."

Chrysi asked, as Rippling got back onto topic. Clearing his throat.

"So, I picked her up, and with my amazing strength, I flew her over the water and past the shark with ease. I returned the purple filly to her mother, and I was rewarded with a sack of bits. The End."

Rippling finished his story. He had taken a lay down on his bed, because he had gotten tired of sitting on the hard, uncomfortable floor. Rippling could hear Chrysi clap her hooves when he ended his story, which made him smile with pride.

"I have not heard many stories from the outside world. I have been in the Arena for many a month. I have already forgotten what it's like out there. Outside. Outside the walls of this place."

Chrysi stated. Rippling looked directly forward. Only a couple months here, and you forget the outside world? That's pretty harsh. Maybe Inkwell casts a memory removal spell or something on you after a month. It seemed likely.

"That sucks. You gonna visit my head again tomorrow?"

Rippling quizzed. Chrysi thought about it for a second. He could hear her hoof colliding with her chin softly.

"Yes, I shall if I get the chance."

Chrysi promised. Rippling felt hope start to flow through him. Something he wished to get a lot of. Hope. Hope could help him win battles. Hope was always a good thing to have. As long as Chrysi visited him, he was going to get a good helping of hope to power him through the next day.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

Chrysi bid farewell to the Pegasus, as he could feel a weight being lifted off of his shoulders as she left. He let out a sigh as he listened to the next announcement.

"Lights out in one minute."

The intercom buzzed annoyingly. Rippling looked down upon his bed. It was just a mattress, no sheets. Rippling wasn't going to sacrifice his clean clothes just to make a makeshift blanket. So simply, he curled up into a small ball, making his spiky and still well combed tail push up against his face. It gave him some comfort, to have a protective barrier against his face. To protect him from the dark. Rippling wasn't very well aquatinted with the dark. He was still somewhat scared of the pitch black darkness that would soon surround him.

"Get some rest."

The intercom buzzed for the final time today, as the lights shot off harshly. A thump could be heard as each one shot off. It sent chills down his spine, as he was now in silence. A silent and eerie darkness set in, as chills continued to resonate down his back. It felt like he wasn't alone in the blackness. Like something was in here with him. It wasn't Chrysi. She didn't give off this feeling when she was in his mind. Then again, she was never here in the first place. She was probably in her room, meditating or channeling spirits or something. Something that allowed her to go into other's minds and talk to them. A sudden chilliness washed over his entirety, making him shiver. A tsunami of uneasiness added to the cold feeling. This uneasiness was familiar. Rippling shut his eyes tighter, and dug his face into his tail. Attempting to escape the feeling. He squeezed his eyes tightly as he attempted to sleep. The cold feeling disappeared as soon as it had appeared. A new feeling, the warmth of a good dream, welcomed him. The uneasiness was defeated by this feeling of warmth. He relaxed, calming his nerves as he entered the soft dream. The comfort was fake, but it was still comfort. He could use all the relaxing feelings he could get.

The buzzers screeched wildly, screaming the morning wake up call, which also happened to be the sounds of torturous screams. When Rippling heard the wake up call, he had nearly pissed himself. He jumped out of bed, falling onto the floor, screaming himself. He found that he was a little hoarse after all that sleeping, and was unable to scream for very long. The morning screaming had stopped, and Rippling was more than awake.

"What the buck was that?!"

He yelled, looking up at the ceiling, expecting an answer from the intercom.

"Get up. Battle Two thousand six hundred and thirty-seven will start in twenty minutes."

The intercom demanded. Rippling sighed as he listened to the orders that were going to be read.

"It will be Juniper versus Eternity Island first."

Rippling was glad he wasn't up first. He didn't want to fight anypony this early. Or late. Depending on what time it was. He didn't know how late it was. He estimated it to be probably four AM or something of that sort. Seeing as it was still high noon when he had arrived to the Crystal Empire in the first place.

Rippling decided he would do his regular morning routine. That would be, take a wash, get some grub, then take a nap or something. He was only prevented from doing one of those things. Which is food. His

stomach roared, demanding food. He groaned, holding onto his belly. He first was to take a shower first, then hopefully he could get some before another battle of his commenced.

"Showtime in fifteen minutes."

The intercom reminded. Rippling snorted at the intercom. He felt like he was going to be doing that a lot now. It was now only a matter of time before he had to go back onto that battle field. Hopefully the battles would be quick, and his opponent's death would be painless. He didn't want to torture them. He didn't want to kill in the first place. He had to though. He was given no other choice.