The Equestrian Hunger Games - Act I: Reigning Darkness

Training sessions was a bitch.

Sparkler found that out instantly on the next few days, when she actually attempted to avoid every weapon or weapon-like item she saw. After all, who knows what else she could do with them? Worse, what other deep hidden powers did she not know about? She wondered if Caramel was having similar mysterious occurrences like her. Sadly, he might not have.

Right now, she was practicing how to tie complex knots. It was amazing yet difficult, sort of like smashing a brick into two with your bare hooves but finding it was impossible because the pony you saw did it practiced all his life and you’re there sitting in the hospital bed with hooves so fucked up you could get an award for most disfigured bone structure. After all those years in the forest, she never really thought that so many loops and twists could be made using a simple length of rope to easily ensnare enemies or small forest creatures. Working with her were Caramel and Mjolna. The latter seemed to be having the most trouble, but kept mostly silent.

“This is a task of knaves!” the tan Earth pony suddenly screamed a few moments later before storming off “I require sustenance before indulging thyself in the art of weaponry. Perhaps thy should just ask for your help in this task in the arena”

The two friends were already used to seeing strange behaviours like that, though, so they didn’t mind at all. After all, Lyra still somehow manages to impress them despite already pulling so many tricks up her non-existent sleeves. Still, Sparkler sort of hated how she always used the old Equestrian dialect while talking. Worse, she always says that they’ll work together in the Games. It’s not that she doubted the mare’s strength, it’s just that she didn’t think that teaming up would be such a good idea.

Finished with another knot, Sparkler pulled one end which quickly undid the knot. Caramel only grumbled slightly as he watched his friend continue with the next one. After all, she had magic. That, in some way, was still a factor of her making knots so easily.

“You need more practice” Sparkler said to break up the monotony

“You need to start practicing with your hooves instead of your magic” Caramel joked back

“You’re hilarious, you son of a bitch”

“Whatever you say, whatever you say”

They both looked at the Gamemakers walking around the area, all of them jotting down notes on the Tributes. Out of all the Gamemakers, Sparkler still had the urge to find out more about the mysterious brown stallion with the hourglass Cutie Mark. Caramel, seeing Sparkler’s gaze directed at him, pulled her head down.

“Do a stunt like that and people are gonna say you wanna date him” chided the stallion

“Well, sorry for actually hoping for some fucking miracle to happen” Sparkler silently screamed “Five years, ass hole. I’ve waited five years for some sign to show whether or not he’s dead and now he’s right in front of my eyes!”

“Lots of ponies look the same. Remember Colgate, Minuette and Romana?”

Sparkler grumbled, seeing the truth in that sentence. She knew the three mares very well, albeit each for different causes. Colgate was famous in District Twelve for her dental abilities and her fondness of brushing. Minuette, however, was a popular mare in Canterlot, who was the spokespony of Canterlot. She is the mare that usually hosts the Hunger Games. Well, not actually host, more like handles all the interviews and commentates.

Romana, though, Sparkler wished she didn’t know about her.

A friend of her father and just as mysterious as him. The two would sometimes go into the big blue box together for some time, but Sparkler thought nothing of it much back then. She had “died” along with The Doctor back during the mine explosion, and Sparkler actually bought all that nonsense. Now that she was older, she was starting to have doubts. In fact, she was questioning just what were the two ponies doing inside the big blue box together?

Ditzy Doo didn’t mind her, though, and that only pissed off Sparkler more.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Caramel asked once more

“Buck yeah, it’s gonna be a blast!” Sparkler said with a triumphant yell

No, she wasn’t. She was terrified, worried, confused and even felt hopeless for tomorrow. In fact, she felt like a small puppy that just had his eyes gouged out with a tiny stick so he couldn’t use those damn puppy dog eyes and get a free bone. She thought back to all her skills. Sure, weapons would easily make her seem powerful and in control. However, it would only make her seem like a ruthless killer… Wait, she was just a ruthless killer.

Maybe she could try out some Support-type skills, but those rarely ever ended with a score higher than a five. She even considered using fire, but she never actually had time to practice that. Hell, the whole “fireball playing” thing back on the lift might even just be a fluke with the dress. Or so she wished.

Still, her best bet would be to use the bow and arrow. It was, after all, her most powerful weapon. If she could somehow convince the Gamemakers that she could give them a real bloodbath with those weapons, she would have a big chance of getting a nice sturdy bow during the real Games. Yes, that’s what she should do. She had once asked Berry Punch and Trixie about it, and they gave some of the most influential words she has received her entire life.

“I dunno, *hic* whatever floats your boat *hic* I guess *hic* *CRASH*”

“Why are you asking me?! Or perhaps only I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, could help you! *SLAM* Wait, do you still need my help? Sparkler? Hello?”

Yep, real influential… Why did she get these two idiots…?

Of course, she did consider asking Fancy Pants and Octavia, but she had promised not to be friendly with the grey mare and she still considered Fancy Pants as one of those low-life Canterlot jerks. She did, however, treat Octavia better than the other Afonos, usually telling somepony else to sweep the floor despite the former musician being right next to the dirt she dropped in the first place. She even started warming up to Fancy Pants, but was still unsure of him.

“Any plans on what you’re gonna do?” asked Caramel as he started to get up after finishing up his final knot

“Bow and arrow, duh” Sparkler said with the same cynical tone she loved “What, you actually thought I was gonna do something else?”

“Well, you’re good with a whole lot of things, actually”

“Just face it. If it’s not weapons, knots or survival tips, what else can I do?”

“True, I still don’t know how you could burn juice”

“Shut up, you dick!”

The two then heard the shrill whistle noise once more, which meant that their training time was done. All the Tributes left the room one by one, meeting up with their escorts so they could go and enjoy a cup of tea and some crumpets together. Sparkler liked pissing Trixie off, so she usually just waited to leave last just to tick her off even more. Oh, how she loved being a sadistic bastard.

Caramel left first, knowing that it was best to not ask Sparkler to follow suit. He learnt that the hard way, and could never feel his jaw the same way ever again. He even wanted to tell Trixie to just leave first, but that might cause him to actually lose a few teeth so he just kept quiet.

When it was official that Caramel had left, Sparkler started to trot around the training area. It was the last time she’ll get to be in there for training, after all, so it was best she took a good look around. She spotted Lyra, waving a friendly hoof over at her while playing with some… things. All she could say was that they looked like spiked disks connected with chains. Avoiding her gaze, she continued to trot around until she heard the distinct noise of a foal weeping. It was so familiar… it sounded just like Dinky and even reminded her of Sweetie Belle.

Looking around, she saw a familiar face weeping. Of course, it wasn’t too much of a familiar face. It just so happens that she knew the pony in question. It was Apple Bloom, the youngest Tribute this year. Apparently, she was at the corner by the Advanced weapons sector, crying by herself. There was something about the young filly that attracted Sparkler towards her, so she trotted there. She had a weakness for these young foals crying, and hated herself so much about it.

“Hey, kid” Sparkler said with the most sincere smile she could muster “What’re you doin’ here all alone? Don’t you have, like, a brother with you?”

“Howdy” the filly replied with a thick Southern accent “Yeah, but ah told Big Mac ah wanted ta be alone. After all, we’re all gonna die soon…”

“I have a friend, just around your age” Sparkler said reassuringly “If she was here, I’m sure she’d be crying as well. After all, it’s not fair. None of it. And I wanna end it all. I wanna make sure that this is the last Hunger Games they’re ever gonna make, and I don’t wanna see you cry because you’re gonna be around to see it!”

“But that’s impossible…” said Apple Bloom between sobs “Only one of us gets ta live at the end. And ya don’t look like the helpin’ type. Ya’ll just look like ya wanna fight and all that. Why’d ya wanna do it?”

“Oh, I have some of my own questions I need answering” Sparkler said defiantly “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your place. This isn’t the place for crying, you’ve got a room for that back at your floor”

After a few moments, Apple Bloom decided to follow the amethyst mare back to the lift. She tugged on the Stetson hat that she wore, holding it tightly. Underneath it, Sparkler could see a bright pink ribbon tied to her mane. That hat wasn’t hers, thought Sparkler; it must be a gift from someone. After all, the hat was a bit too big for her.

Sparkler noticed Caramel and Trixie, who only gave a knowing nod and trotted ahead. This made the Unicorn blush in anger. She didn’t want everypony to see her as some softy. She just felt sorry for the kid, that’s all. Still, she sighed and continued trotting to the lift where only Mjolna and Lyra were still there. Apparently, they were two of the three ponies to go to the Advanced weapons sector, the third being Apple Bloom. When Sparkler looked at her Cutie Mark, she instantly knew it meant that her talent was building and creating things, so it was obvious that she wanted to go somewhere where she could tinker about with things.

When the four mares entered the lift, an awkward silence fell upon them. Even Lyra, who was known to make anypony laugh and break up even the most awkward of silences, was silent. It was strange, but it gave Sparkler time to think. If she had to die with other ponies by her side, these would be good ponies to die with. They were all strong, and their beliefs were quite good.

Based on what Sparkler had managed to gather from the three ponies, she knew that Lyra was actually trying to make friends with everypony since she was shunned back at District Five. Mjolna had some family issues, and she believed that these Games would somehow prove that she is worthy of something called Mjolnir. Even little Apple Bloom has a grandmother to take care of. Yes, they were all good ponies. She even wanted Caramel in the group as well, since the two had become rather close friends.

One by one, the ponies left the lift. Mjolna left first, but she looked back at the group and gave a nod before leaving and bid them the best of luck. Lyra was the next one off, and she advised them to be happy and joyful for tomorrow, since it could increase their luck. Apple Bloom left next, thanking Sparkler for accompanying her. When the lift closed, Sparkler felt tears forming in her eyes.

She would have to kill them, or even watch them die. This was the reason why she wanted to be as hard headed and cynical as possible, so she wouldn’t have to feel all these conflicting emotions. But no, Caramel had to be friends with her. Lyra just had to hang around her so much she actually liked her company. Mjolna just had to have that regal air similar to Octavia’s which made Sparkler comfortable. And Apple Bloom… she just HAD to remind her of home…

She was probably making things up when she was comforting Apple Bloom, but she had suddenly made a resolution. She WILL end the games. Even if it costs her life, she will put an end to all this torture and madness. It is her final resolution.

Before things could get out of hand, Sparkler wiped her tears away. And just in time, too, since the lift suddenly stopped as it reached the final floor. Once it was open, she expected to see either Caramel or Fancy Pants there to greet her like they usually did, but instead was met with Berry Punch. She doesn’t look as drunk as she normally is, but it was best if Sparkler thought otherwise. After all, what good could the plum mare be to her?

“Hey, Hawkeye” Berry started as soon as Sparkler got off the lift

“I told you to stop calling me that” Sparkler only mumbled in return

“I don’t really give a damn. Listen, I know things are getting hard-”

“I don’t need some stupid advice for tomorrow”

“-But if your heart says that teaming up is the best way to go, then do it”

Okay, that was new. For once, Berry Punch was giving actual help to the mare. But how did Berry know about her emotions? Was she stalking her? Probably not, she was as stealthy as a brick wall trying to fit in at the stick pony convention. Still, Berry had won these Games before, was there something that happened back at her Games that suddenly made her want to tell this to her? Sparkler decided not to think too much about it and just trotted off.

“I cannot and will not tell a lie” Berry Punch said “But I will say this: I faced the same dilemma as you’re going through right now. It’s written all over your face. No, Caramel and Trixie didn’t tell me anything either. Ponies are going to die, but you should probably let your last memories the best and most meaningful ones you could ever have”

“Right…” Sparkler managed to say, too much at a loss of words

She wanted to know if Berry Punch was going to say something else, but she felt confident that it was the last thing she wanted to say. She isn’t drunk enough to start thinking like a philosopher, so what was her game? Maybe, just maybe, Berry was starting to actually care for the two Tributes. Sparkler let go of another sigh before heading back to her room. Along the way, she crossed paths with Fleur.

“Aren’t you usually asleep by now?” Sparkler asked, seeing that it was quite late and Fleur usually needed her beauty sleep

Fleur nodded

“Don’t feel like sleeping?”

Fleur shook her head

“Then what’s up? You’re usually with Fancy Pants or Caramel”

The rosish white mare stood up and motioned Sparkler to follow her. Not feeling tired yet, Sparkler followed suit. They passed by everypony’s rooms, of which Sparkler could see that Caramel was busy sparring with his shadow and Trixie was writing something down. She didn’t know what it was, but Sparkler knew it must have been important. Suddenly she came to a realisation, where was Fancy Pants?

She was about to ask when Fleur stopped in front of a small room, the door left wide open to reveal only a table and chair being there. Sitting on the chair, sleeping away, was the white stallion himself. He seemed awfully tired, like he hasn’t slept in days. When Sparkler went closer, she saw that he was drawing up designs for dresses and clothes, most of which were crossed put and thrown into the trash bin. There were notes scribbled everywhere, stating things about Sparkler that made her quite shocked. The notes all spoke of her interests and personality traits, most of which were written on the designs. ‘Too frilly’ one said. ‘She’ll never like it’ said another. ‘Too colourful’ was written on another. Apparently, Fancy Pants wanted to make sure Sparkler was content with the next dress; he was losing sleep over it.

There was a note nearby as well, written with care and feeling as if it came straight from the heart. It was written by Fancy Pants, of course, since his name was signed at the bottom. She found several others, but most of them were thrown away. It was an apology letter stating that Fancy Pants was sorry he could not meet up to Sparkler’s expectations and that he wished the mare the best of luck for the Games despite them not being too close.

‘God, what is with all this drama today?’ thought Sparkler as she read through the letter

She looked behind her, noticing Fleur was still standing by the doorway. She had the same model-like smile on her face, but that smile had never lost its sincerity. She wanted Sparkler to come here so she could see just how much they both cared for her. So much in fact, that they were willing to lose sleep in order to make her happy. No, not just her. Both her and Caramel.

The amethyst Unicorn nodded and returned the smile. She was not going to let these ponies’ work go to waste. She’ll do her best; if not for them then for the ponies she promised she’d see again back at District Twelve. Ditzy Doo, Dinky, Sweetie Belle, Braeburn, Bon-Bon, even Pinkie Pie. They must all be rooting for the two ponies to survive right now. Her family might not even be eating or sleeping well, not with the knowledge that she was probably on a suicide mission.

Thanking Fleur before leaving, Sparkler left the room and headed back to her own room. She needed her rest for tomorrow after all despite being the last Tribute to go up. It always went that way, the numbers ascended as they went through stallion and mare. Oh well, more time for thinking about what to do in the arena. As soon as she reached her room, she plopped onto her bed and fell asleep instantly.

On judgement day, both Tributes could barely eat a thing. Berry, who also must have felt the same way during her Hunger Games, just let them mope around as she chugged down her fifth can of beer. Still, they needed the energy to perform their stunts.

“Eat” the word suddenly came, not from Berry, but from Fancy Pants “You’re going to need it, Mister Caramel, Miss Star. I only wish for the best for both of you”

Sparkler looked at her stylist as she remembered the events of last night. He still looked tired as hell, but he didn’t complain. Instead, he kept smiling as he sat down, levitating some pastries for himself. The smile never disappeared from his face which only made Sparkler feel worse. Finally, she decided to say something.

“Sorry about the way I’ve been treating you…”

“I beg your pardon?” Fancy Pants said

“I wasn’t treating you the way I should have, and that was sort of wrong of me. I guess I was just too caught up with the Games, I sort of looked past all your efforts to help me… us, to survive. And, well, thanks for everything”

“No, I think I should be the one to-”

“Save your breath, I ain’t buyin’ it” laughed Sparkler as she finally took a bite of her muffin

Caramel looked at his friend in astonishment. She has grown quite a lot in the past week alone, starting to make more friends than she ever has back in District Twelve for starters. And that act with Apple Bloom last night, it must have been the kindest thing she has ever done other than find food for the entire town. Sparkler saw him staring at her and yelled at him, which Caramel simply laughed off. He’d miss being friends with the mare and wished he could have spent more time with her.

Today was the big day, the day that might decide their outcome for the Games. It was important that they got a good score. If they did, then the Canterlot ponies would actually consider sponsoring them in the Games which would raise their chances of survival. Of course, Berry was already sure that the Canterlot ponies would vote for them. If one thing was certain, they showed more promise than the past Tributes and were actually working hard to win, something which very few District Twelve Tributes ever did.

After their extremely light breakfast, it was time to go. Before leaving, Berry Punch and the two stylists wished them good luck as they departed off with Trixie. Even the magician wasn’t as spunky and noisy as usual; surely she was worrying about the outcome of her Tributes. When they reached the training room again, however, Sparkler noted that all the escorts were as worried as Trixie. That made Sparkler wonder if their accountability is measured by how well the Tributes did in the training session.

One by one, the Tributes were called in to perform. When they came out, they were usually sweating and panting heavily, most with rage-filled eyes or on the verge of breaking down. Of course, Mjolna came out looking as calm as ever, acting as if she had done worse scenarios and nodding to Lyra and Sparkler as she trotted away. Unsurprisingly, Lyra came out with a wide grin on her face as she passed by the final three ponies, Apple Bloom and the District Twelve Tributes and told them that it was nothing. When Apple Bloom came out, she looked rather pleased with herself as well. She raised her hat as she passed Sparkler and took the lift back to her floor.

“You sure made quite a few friends, Sparkler” Trixie said as Caramel was called in

“Don’t mention it” Sparkler said emotionlessly

“Why, I-”

“No, really. Don’t mention it. Ever. You got that?”

Trixie nodded with a slight quiver, and they waited for Caramel to come out. Sure enough, he did come out later. He looked quite down, muttering something about the Gamemakers as he left the room. When he reached his two friends, he stopped for a moment.

“Better do a good job, the Gamemakers are getting restless. You need to really set the spark if you’re gonna get their attention”

He then trotted away.

“Amethyst ‘Sparkler’ Star” a loud microphone boomed

“Well, off you go, then” Trixie said as she got up “I suppose you don’t need me around, as always”

“You got it” Sparkler muttered

She got up and calmly walked into the room, but her heart was racing like a dog after chasing his tail for ten hours straight. It was going to be difficult, of course. Still, the mixed reactions that she got sort of made her wonder just what the judgement was like. She hoped that she could make a good score, but Caramel’s ominous message still rang inside her head.

Set the spark, eh?

When she passed through the large metal doors, she could clearly see the training room once more. Everything was in place for her to show the Gamemakers just how good she was… that is, IF the Gamemakers were actually focusing on her. Caramel was right; they were all too busy chatting with each other and doing other tasks. Out of all the Gamemakers, she counted only one that was actually doing his job right. No, wait, he’s asleep.

Anger boiled down Sparkler as she watched the group of ponies taking and just faffing about. Oh, no. She didn’t wait all this time just to get ignored. She noticed a cake near the Gamemakers, most of which were busy stuffing their fat faces with it. Sparkler quickly got an idea as she reached for the long bow and an arrow.

With deadly precision and accuracy, Sparkler fired and arrow straight at the cake. It struck it dead on resulting in a straight hole going through one side. The Gamemakers were shocked by the act and looked at Sparkler, whose grin was starting to get rather menacing.

“Wanna see a spark, eh?” Sparkler laughed “I’ll GIVE you a spark!”

She fired another arrow right above her head which struck the lighting square in the middle. The light suddenly burst into flames as Sparkler’s horn lit up. She wanted to see if her theory was correct, and now might actually be the best time to do it. An energy beam was shot straight at the fire which suddenly arced into what should have been a beautiful rainbow… made of fire! With another yell, the flames exploded which burnt the rest of the lighting and nearly licked the Gamemakers and the equipment. All the lights exploded as one and it sent sparks raining all throughout the room. Pretty soon, Sparkler was surrounded in fire which made the Gamemakers unable to see her.

An arrow whizzed through the flames and missed one of the Gamemakers by a nose. It stuck to the wall with cherries oozing o it like blood. Looking back at the cake, they were quite surprised to see the cake was missing all of its cherries, all ten of them.

They quickly put out the flames, using every last fire extinguisher and water magic they had at their disposal. When they had extinguished the flames where Sparkler stood at previously, they saw a note burnt to the ground by the very fire itself.

Enjoy the cake

The cake had melted from the heat of the fire.

Back on the Twelfth floor, Sparkler and Berry Punch were laughing hysterically as Sparkler retold the story of how she had burnt down the training facility. Caramel was trying his best not to laugh but was finding it difficult to keep in. Fleur was silent as always, but Fancy Pants and Trixie looked rather worried.

“What were you thinking?!” Trixie shouted “Do you know just what sort of punishment they would do to you?”

“Well, I’m practically already digging my own grave. Why not finish up the whole thing and make a light show out of it?” Sparkler laughed

“Although you have to agree, that was hilarious” Berry wiped off a tear of joy “Say Hawkeye, do you think we could hack into the system’s hidden cameras and watch it?”

“Apple Bloom might be able to do it” Caramel added “Or maybe Lyra, since she could do quite a few things that’s supposed to be impossible”

“Well, I guess it is not good to dwell on the past” Fancy Pants said as he took a raging Trixie by the shoulders “Come, the rankings should be on by now and I just cannot wait to see what our two warriors have managed to gain after a week’s worth of training. After you, Miss Trixie”

The group of ponies trotted over to the room where they had watched the recap of the chariot rides. Outside the room, she noticed Octavia, who was nodding approvingly of Sparkler. She nodded back, at least glad that they were on good terms. Before ponies could get suspicious, Sparkler leapt onto the couch and Trixie turned on the television.

Minuette was on, of course, as she usually was during the ranking of the Tributes. Sparkler suddenly noticed something odd about Minuette, though, as if she had a more determined look in her eyes compared to the last few years. Of course, she spoke nothing of it since nopony would believe her just like her suspicions on Nightmare Moon and the brown Gamemaker. Minuette spoke casually, stating that this year’s batch of Tributes had shown quite promising stunts and quite a few had high marks.

Going up from District One, Minuette spoke their marks. Obviously, the ponies from One and Two got scores ranging from seven to nine. It would be a tragedy if they didn’t get such high scores. Mjolna had received an eight, which made the two Tributes wonder what she has done. Lyra and Apple Bloom both got sevens, which was quite a good number. Even Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom’s brother, got a nine. Berry joked that he might have just needed to walk into the room and the Gamemakers would have already given an eight.

And then, the moment they have all been waiting for. All the ponies leaned in closer as Minuette spoke Caramel’s name and his picture came up. With a nice sharp tone, she spoke a number which made the whole group cheer.

Seven.

“My word!” Fancy Pants stated “That is just brilliant! Ponies will be looking at you to win, Mister Caramel”

“So, what did you do?” Trixie suddenly asked “I’m just surprised the Gamemakers actually noticed you since you were close to the end.

“Just a few tricks with a dagger, I guess” Caramel said sheepishly

“Shut up, it’s Hawkeye’s turn” Berry scolded

They all waited once more, as Minuette spoke Sparkler’s full name and her picture came out. There was a sudden gasp in her voice as her pupils dilated, holding the card closer to her eyes as if it was wrong. Sparkler wondered if she got a score so low it might actually make Minuette get a heart attack.

“Ten”

The room exploded in cheers and joyful shouts as they all congratulated Sparkler for the first ten in the past few years. Ponies hardly ever get a ten unless the Gamemakers were sure that he or she was going to win, or were just so powerful and insane that the pony intimidated even them. This made Sparkler both excited and terrified. She actually got a flat out ten, but now the burden of winning was weighed on her shoulders. Even back home, everypony must be cheering as they watched Sparkler’s picture with the number ten beside it, gleaming brightly.

“I am honoured to be your stylist, Miss Star” Fancy Pants said as he shook Sparkler’s startled hooves “But I do believe that the Games have only just begun”