The door opened slowly with a small creaking noise coming from the hinges mounted on the doorframe. As I continued to nudge the door open with my muzzle, I noticed a box lying on the edge of my king sized bed. Wider than it was tall, this was definitely bigger package and only seemed to get larger and larger as I stepped closer to it. Wow, mom really outdid herself, this is the biggest one yet. Just by looking at it, I could tell that it was on the heavier side. The plain texture of the cardboard box contrasted heavily on the polka dotted comforter of the bed. So this is going to be her way of apologizing for not making it huh? Possibly the biggest day of my life, and she’s going to miss it. Awesome. My emotions settled as I walked slowly across the massive bedroom to the boring box. It smelled lightly of perfume, another one of mother’s great touches. I rolled my eyes at the thought of it and picked up the box, giving it a slight shake. The creases where the box once lay, deceived me as i picked up the piece of cardboard. Way lighter than I expected it to be. With box in hoof, I sat down on the soft carpet and studied it. I came to a conclusion that it was indeed meant for me. A quick rotation of the box revealed “Cere Bellum”, written in cursive of course, on the side. Goddess, she knows that I hate my full name. Anyways, onto the box. The air seemed to come near to a damn near stand still as I peeled back the tape with my teeth. My interest towards the contents grew with each second as the clear packing tape separated from the package. Gently nibbling on one of the flaps, I calmly opened it. Greeting me was some wrapping paper, scrunched and stuffed, hiding the true loot. On top of the wrapping paper was a note. I flipped the heavy duty index card to see what was written on it. Its was written, as usual, in cursive. The card was decorated with various abstract swirls and designs, all made with a rich black ink, commonly used with fountain pens.

Cere Bellum my dear,

I understand that today is your branding day. Sadly, however I will not be attending
your ceremony this evening. There are far too many details for me to write on this
paper. Please, accept my gift and acknowledge my sincere regrets for not accompanying
you in this milestone in your life.

Warm regards,
Dr. Patella, PHD

Yeah, sure whatever. Of course she doesn’t address her full name, why would she? I angrily flicked the card to the side and watched as it landed on the soft carpet by my nightstand. Ugh, that's just who she is… at least she’s trying to make up for it. A small sigh came out of my mouth as I stood up off the ground and picked up the note. I gently placed it on the oak nightstand, writing side up. I looked a bit closer at the designs around the edges of the card. Little hearts filled the negative space while small letters “CB” could be found under each one. The amount of detail shows me she does actually care. A small smile could be found across my face as I returned to the awaiting gift. Anxious to finally see what was inside, I hurriedly pulled out the gift wrapping and tossed it to the side.

An audible squee could be clearly heard as I picked up the large bow and placed it softly on the ground so I could examine it. It was gray in color and looked like it had little to no shine to it. Very simplistic I thought to myself as I continued to check it out. Two small ribbons hung from it freely and added a nice ‘flare’ to the bow. Lost in excitement, I barely noticed the door creaking open.

“Uh, sis? Is everything ok in here? I uh, heard you yelp and I wanted to make sure you were ok.” I turned to see nothing but a small snout poking through the crack in the door.

I gave a slight giggle and smiled. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I paused shortly, “come on in hun.” The door continued to groan and creak as the small filly cautiously trotted in. With her head low and her bun bobbing with each step she took, she quietly approached me and sat. “D,” I turned to look at my little sister, “are you ok”? Her expression gave me the answer I was looking for. Her big ol’ eyes met mine for a split second before she sharply gave her attention to the bow. I wrapped my little sister up and gave her a hug, resting my head on her shoulder. “D, I love it. Look kiddo,” I broke the hug and lifted her chin up, making eye contact again “I’m going to be fine alright”? Her deep gray eyes showed signs of relief.

She spoke softly, but more upbeat than before. “Cere, I just don’t want to lose you,” she looked back at the bow, “do you really like it”?
Making sure to reassure her, I softly kissed her nose. “Like I said D, I love it.” I looked at the bow as well. “Err… What color is it”?

D backed up a bit, her horn glowing slightly, levitating the bow off the ground. “It’s a sort of burgundy.” she replied. The bow was magically floated to the back of my head and fastened. “Mother wanted to get you something nice and asked for my help picking out a gift for you.”

Eager to see what I looked like, I walked to my fullsize mirror. With my sister quietly following me, my smile grew as I got closer to my reflection. Through the mirror I could see my sister was not nearly as thrilled.

“Hey uh Cere”? I turned to her. “Aren’t you going to be late”? I jokingly rolled my eyes and went to my alarm clock.

“Oh snap”! Unfortunately for me, she was totally right. I quickly dashed out of my room. While exiting said room I nearly slipped on the white marble floor right outside. With my sister right behind me, we ran down the stairs on the west wing side, cut through the rose garden, and took a shortcut through the kitchen on the eastern wing. Huffing and puffing I looked at my equally tired sister. The hovering chariot was waiting for the both of us. I could feel D’s magic adjusting my bow as we trotted to the chariot. The four pony cart just floated there, already having one occupant in it. It’s exterior lights were nearly blinding, even in the daytime. A rather extravagant wreath was in it’s usual spot on the rear of the chariot, centered between two small jets on either side. From what D tells me, the wreath is made completely of gold, and the chariot is a “sinister black pearl”. Not only was the wreath gold but so were all the accent trims on the chariot. As we neared the chariot a small step extended from the underside and the heavy reinforced door opened. Both my sister and I corrected our posture before entering and taking our seat. A deep, burly voice boomed as soon as the door shut.

“Thanks to you,” an old rough hoof was pointed directly at me, “there’s a great chance we’re going to be late to your own ceremony.” I cleared my throat and sat up even straighter than before.

“I apologize father we-” I was cut off before finishing my plee.

“There should be no excuses. A bland pony such as yourself surely has nothing interesting going on in your day to make you late.” His breath reeked of hard liquor and… peppermints? He continued with his verbal assault. “A pony as boring as yourself shouldn’t even be allowed to be given this opportunity. Look at yourself for goddesses sake.”

His voice was lost and became part of the white noise of the jets as I calmly looked out the tinted window of the chariot. Our great mansion was still clearly in view as we zipped through the sky. Other chariots could be seen as well, none of which however seemed to match ours in means of style. Skyscrapers lined the skies along with the occasional floating billboards advertising various clothing lines. Recently, getting your mane dyed was the hottest trend. I never understood it completely and even stallions did it. The walls that guarded our magnificent city could barely be seen through the slivers between the gigantic buildings. I remember back when I was younger I would go exploring by the walls and the faint hum could be heard if you got close enough. Word has it, that the whole outer perimeter was electrified in order to keep the dragons out. The walls stretched higher than any building here, and the turrets that were mounted on them made our chariot look like a fly in comparison.

The sound of a hoof stomping snapped me out of my daydream. “Are you even listening”? My head snapped back to the older stallion. My eyes drifted to his flank. Burned onto it were the numbers 0005. Back in the day, I heard stories of when your speciality wasn’t assigned to you, but rather it was earned.

I faltered, “Y-yes father.” His head shook with a certain disbelief. Streets crowded with ponies could be seen from any distance. All of ponytopia was ready to attend the daughter of the mayor’s branding ceremony. Was I honored in the least? Not at all. My father is always drunk or out with some other mare while my mother is always busy being the top surgeon. Great role models, really.

The chariot began its descent as began to home into the main stage. As we landed on the stage, I could see the main holding brackets. Every pony since the very first has been branded here. The restraints were just there so nopony tried to flee while the machine gave them their permanent assignment. My father’s number, 0005 put him 5th in command. Mayor of the city. My sister, being the second offspring, automatically gets his branding once he retires or dies. Whichever comes first. I however am free game. My P.O.A or permanent operating assignment is yet to be determined. But since I come from a family of royalty essentially, I am expected to be the best at my job.

We waited a good half hour on the stage in the chariot until the whole city, or what could fit in it, gathered in the arena. Big broadcasting cameras floated in on their hovercarts, each accompanied by a pony to operate them. The roar of the crowd could well be heard in the chariot and a certain knot began to form in my chest. Soon, an escort pony opened the door, and the stairs once more appeared from under the vehicle. The escort pony was well equipt with all sorts of gadgetry. A small translucent earpiece could barely be seen coming out of his right ear, while a chrome watch peeked from his black and white suite sleeve. Out stepped my father first, then my sister and then myself. The crowd grew louder as we stepped onto the velvet lane of carpet. Rose petals lined either side of the carpet and added a nice touch. The slight breeze that was in the air was warm and caused the petals to stir. I could feel both of the ribbons on my bow being lifted. We walked closer to the restraint while the crowd kept hollering. Rose petals found themselves under my hooves as we got closer. All of them were so freshly picked. No crunching whatsoever. I could swear I could smell their aroma in the air as well. Finally, we got to the brackets which were soon to hold me still. I took my place in front of the device, With my dad on my left, my sister on my right, and in front of me was....mom? We made eye contact, and I could see just how hard she has been working. The lines under her eyes represented countless hours of being awake. She gave a slight smile and walked calmly to the right of my sister.

A single hoof was raised in the air. As soon as my father's hoof was totally raised, the crowd fell silent. Soon several escort ponies appeared from thin air and began on their way towards my family and I. A faint mist floated in the air from whatever magic brought them there. They walked in a circular formation, concealing whoever was in the center. When they reached the front of the cuffs, they stopped. They fanned out, four to the left and four to the right, revealing four ponies in the center. 0004, 0003, 0002 and 0001 were all clearly written on the front of the cloaks that they wore. Dark shrouds covered their face, and kept their true identity a mystery. This was all to deter the attempts of any assassination, or other harmful attacks. Nobody knew who they were exactly, or even knew what gender or race they were. Rumors say that they walk around the city with decoy brandings to provide overwatch and observe problems firsthoof. 0001, the “Heerser” waved me forward. Even the hooves of the pony were concealed. Doing as told, I stepped into the for restraints awaiting me. One by one they tightened automatically, not too tight but definitely snug. All four of the covered ponies turned around as a magical microphone appeared from the air. The Heerser began to speak, into the magic microphone. Further increasing the anonymity of the Heerser, the microphone disguised the voice of the speaker. A thick, monotonous tone filled the air.Same words different pony.

“Since the time of the great CMC campaign, Cutie Marks have been banned. Instead, a newer, better, more fair and reliable way of choosing specialties is in effect. Friends, families, together we all join here in order to celebrate this young mare’s destiny. Today, she will join our magnificent workforce, and help our glorious city thrive for centuries to come. Let’s all give Cere Bellum here a round of applause.”

The crowd roared once more. The cameras trained their focus on me. The crowd then died down once more. Now came the part that I didn’t enjoy.

“As you all know and are aware of, certain ponies still get their awful Cutie marks from time to time.” The Heerser’s voice grew with disgust. “These ponies try to hide, cover up or even get their marks surgically removed. All of which are illegal actions! The ponies that are revealed to have Cutie Marks, must be publicly executed. To remind the city of course, of how the ways of old are infact, done with. Today, we have one mare at the age of ten who just recently got her cutie mark. You know who you are.”

A small squeal pierced my ears to my right. My heart sank instantly as I turned my head to my little sister. Before I could even process what was going on, her chin was planted on the ground, with a hoof on top of her head, securing it there. With 0004 standing on her head, and 0003 tying her up with rope, escape was not feasible for the young mare. I screamed desperately for my sister, and tugged effortlessly at my restraints, unable to get free. She screamed back, tears flowing from both eyes as 0002 brushed at her flank, removing the makeup that hid her Cutie Mark. I snapped my head to my mother who stood there with a blank expression. Same for my father.

My mind reeled as I watched the series of events unfold in front of me. “Cere! Please!” she sobbed, “Please help me”!
I continued to try to escape, instead the cuffs tightened. My vision blurred due to the constant flow of tears.

Calm as day, 0001 walked up to my sister, microphone floating alongside. A booming voice sounded. “For equality”!

The city echoed back, “For prosperity”!

A single hoof touched my sister’s forehead. Instantly, her head ceased to exist as a single unit. Blood flew every which direction, as well as pieces of brain matter. A sickening mist of blood and debris hovered above her limp body. I turned my head as a piece stuck to my cheek. I stood there, numb to the world around me. The ceremony continued and soon I found myself surrounded by the four ponies that just killed my sister. Each of them held a red hot iron in their mouth. One by one, the rods were pushed into my flank, forever engraving their mark on me. I barely felt it, but I could undoubtedly smell it. The aroma of my burning flesh, the blood on my cheek, the roar of excitement from the crowd, it was all immensely overwhelming.

Consciousness began to slip as my senses overloaded. My world began to grow dimmer as my knees started to buckle. My eyes became suddenly very heavy. Voices could be heard. and they weren’t disguised this time around.

A female voice spoke “1432? Isn’t that a-” another pony interrupted.

“Yes, a forbidden number.” the male continued, “Poor thing, what a long day. Drop her outside the walls.”

Author's Note

Well, that's the first chapter. Please any/all constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Much love!