The Forced Pies

Chapter 1

Combat Practice

   The Hall of Trials was a huge room with four chambers full of combat trials; in the final trial awaits the chamber's guardian. The first chamber housed Wrathhoof, the guardian that the Pie Sisters had to confront first. "This place looks pretty," Pinkie said, happily. "There's more to these halls than you might think," said Balfus, "Come; your first trial awaits." He lead the four towards the first trial. It was a grassy looking area with what appeared to be a big hole. "You must keep your wits about you," Balfus warned them, "In these trials, you either fight or die." They all scanned the area. It seemed a little... silent. The only sound they could hear was a bit of snarling that came from inside the pit. the four ponies looked down in the pit feeling a bit uneasy. As if the darkness wasn't enough for them, there was actually something inside. And worst yet, the telltale snarls made it clear to them that whatever laid inside was ALIVE. "Of course," Limestone sighed, "a pit that holds a creature." "Ah yes, Morgrul," Balfus explained, "These once grand arenas are now plagued by the Swarmers, and Morgrul just so happens to be their emperor." "Swarmers?" asked Pinkie. "You'll see them soon enough," answered Balfus.

   From the ground, six shrines rose up. Each one seem to resemble torches, but they were not lit. "Does anyone have a lighter for these?" Pinkie asked. None of them had one. "Perhaps I can help," suggested Balfus, and as he skimmed through the torch, it sparked a fire. "Oh, so THAT'S how you light them!" said Limestone. "As a Spirit Mentor, I can reach places mortals cannot," Balfus explained, "and I can prove useful in these trials." He circled around the four sisters, who payed close attention as he spoke. "That is," he added, "...within the rules." Then, Balfus moved towards the next shrine. As he activated it, the gears beside the pit began to rotate, and a platform became visible. On the platform was the silhouette of a creature.

   Balfus energized the rest of the torch shrines, and the platform kept rising. Only one more remained. "Get ready, you four," he warned, "Morgrul is pretty tough. You might want to work as one." "That's what we do," said Maud. Then, Balfus activated the last shrine, and the platform raised up to it's high point and Morgrul came into view. A look of horror crossed the sisters' faces. This beast looked like a twisted experiment gone horribly wrong. Morgrul shrieked and his swarmer allies came towards his side ready for battle. Morgrul began to lash out, but the ponies dodged, and went for the counterattack. As Pinkie and Marble went for the swarmers, Maud and Limestone went for Morgrul. The battle was fierce, and Morgrul got more rabid with each strike he received. Soon, however, it was exhaustion and blood loss that brought the Swarmer king to his knees, and Limestone finished the job with a hard blow to the head.

   "Well done," said Balfus, congratulating the sisters, "Your teamwork will prove valuable in the trials. Keep it up, and you might..." "Don't make me laugh," Wrathhoof interfered, "I went easy on you that time." "Was that guy working for you?" Asked Pinkie, "Because he was kinda easy to beat." "That maybe so," said Wrathhoof, "But you are yet to face a TRUE challenge! Face me... if you dare." "Curse him twice," Balfus said, angrily, "Is this a hobby for him, to interrupt me like this?" The Pie sisters looked at the Guardian's gate. On the top engraved the shape of Wrathhoof. "Once we practice with the rest of the trials," advised Balfus, "we will be ready to face the guardian." All four understood; they may need to brush up on their combat skills before they can face this brute. "Morgrul was just the start of your fight," said Balfus, "But Wrathhoof will not go easy on you. Once your strength has increased, there might be a chance you can pass this chamber with his blessing. Understand? Good." "This will be fun," said Maud, smirking.