Chapters Author's Note
I went over this with the mods... it breaks no site rules.
-We CAN use videos in our fics if they tell the story too, but are still required to write the story in text.
-We're not allowed to insert our ACTUAL SELVES or REAL PEOPLE in the stories, but the character called "Mykan" here is just an OC I created, animated, and voiced (I have loads of Mykan characters)
-Recreating Game Shows is not copyright infringing like infringing a script (seeing as the actual game-play isn't scripted, or written like a movie or a book, and you can't copyright that)
Intro: Excitement
INTRO
Celesto and the Starfleet fighters were at a conference in Europe, discussing to delegates of the importance of their jobs and how laws worked, to help promote better understanding and world peace.
The Equestria girls stayed behind at school, in case there was any attack or anything in town that required their calling.
One Monday morning…
All the students had arrived at Canterlot High for another typical day of studying, learning and all the usual boredom for some.
The Equestria Girls, though all graduates now and in college, were taking time off to help around the school during time off from their studies.
…When suddenly, there was a loud hollering coming from the Principal’s Office!
“Hey, what’s that?!” yelped Rainbow Dash.
“That sounds like Principal Celestia.” said Pinkie.
The scream was heard again.
“…It IS Principal Celestia.” cried Sunset.
“She sounds like she’s in trouble!” whimpered Fluttershy.
Rarity’s features hardened, “Come girls… to the rescue!”
Twilight Sparkle and Applejack were just coming into school, having not heard the screams, and their friends just zipped past them.
“Whoa! What’s all that about?” wondered Applejack.
Suddenly, they both heard the scream from the main office. “…I think that’s what.” said Twilight.
She and Applejack both assumed the worst and began to run off after their friends, stopping before the main office, where they found their friends stopped by the door with confused expressions.
“What’s going on?” asked Applejack, but she and Twilight then saw…
…Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna were in no danger at all. They were hopping about with such joy and glee, and Celestia was screaming like a giddy school-girl.
“I can’t believe it! This is so exciting!!” she exclaimed with joy.
“Oh, I’m so happy for you!!” Luna cried as she joyfully hugged her sister.
Sunset then cleared her throat, and the sisters both turned round, and they felt really embarrassed.
Celestia cleared her throat and tried to act natural, “Um… good morning, Ladies.”
“Yeah… it seems good to us.” remarked Sunset.
“…Good and loud.” grumbled Rainbow. “What’s going on here?”
Since they were all present, and Celestia was planning to tell them anyway, she showed them a letter she had printed out from an email she had gotten that morning.
“You’re going to be on a Gameshow?” exclaimed Fluttershy.
“As in on T.V?!” added Pinkie Pie. She was starting to understand and feel Celestia’s excitement.
Celestia giggled giddily while prancing around. “I’m just so excited! I didn’t think they would accept my application!! I can’t believe this is happening!!”
The girls were all excited to learn of this, but still felt awkward seeing their Principal dancing around as if the mall was having a big sale.
Celestia then regained herself, and explained how during her lunchbreaks, she and Luna would always watch their favorite game show on their I-phones as it aired on the network.
“What gameshow is it?” asked Sunset.
“Ooh, is it some sort of brain boggling quiz show?” hoped Twilight.
“Or maybe one of those shows you do crazy stunts to win?” added Rainbow.
Celestia shook her head nothing of the kind. “Nothing of either kind...” and then she proceeded to show the girls what the show was from a webpage on her phone.
The girls all gawked at the show and didn’t seem too impressed.
“Super Pay Cards. The Television Card Game that everyone can play?” Reaity asked while reading from the slogan. “…A mere card playing game?”
The girls didn’t understand what was so exciting about a show that was almost like playing ordinary poker and relying solely on luck rather than skills or strategy.
Still, it was all just too exciting that Celestia was going to be on television, and if she loved the show, who were they to judge?
“Wow! Look at the cash prize!” cried Twilight “You can win over Ten-thousand dollars cash?!”
The girls all began to see dollar signs everywhere.
Celestia nodded, “But really… it’s not the money that matters. I’m married to a millionaire, and I make twice more than that every year. It’s the game that I’m looking forward to.”
“So when are you going to be on?” asked Applejack.
Celestia read from the email printout, “I’ll be flying out of town tomorrow to be there on Wednesday for the live taping, and then on Friday Night, the episode will air in a re-run after its official broadcast in the afternoon. I’ll be back by then.”
Pinkie then got one of her usual ideas. “We should have a stay over, at your place.”
Some of the girls instantly jumped at the idea.
“We could all watch the show, and celebrate with a slumber party.” added Sunset.
Celestia and Luna were so excited and so happy, they couldn’t say no.
Suddenly, Rarity gasped at something she viewed on the show’s website. “Who… is… that…?” she asked while falling into a romantic daze.
The girls all looked and saw she was staring at a picture of a young, tall, and rather handsome looking man standing on the show’s set.
“That’s D. K. Mykan.” answered Luna “He’s the host of the show, and even serves as executive producer.”
Some of the girls thought he was rather handsome looking, but Celestia did especially. “That’s one of the many reasons I’d like be on the show. Just a chance to meet him, shake his hand, and maybe even get his autograph…” she paused and giggled.
With all said and done, there was nothing else for the girls to do but give her all the support and wish her good luck.
The week couldn’t seem to go by fast enough for everyone. Celestia had flown out on Tuesday, leaving Luna to manage the school.
The girls also found it hard to study and keep up with their homework; too excited and thinking about Celestia and wondering how she was doing.
They even started watching the show, at home in the evenings, wanting to see what the show was more like.
Rarity and Rainbow loved the way the stage was designed, with so many flashing and flowing lights around loads of things.
Fluttershy and Applejack loved the show’s music, as it seemed simple and plain, rather than something loud, or blaring with rock instruments.
Despite that it wasn’t a quiz show with tough trivia questions and stuff, Twilight seemed to enjoy the gameplay style, and how the luck-based play, and the constant surprises made the tension all the more exciting.
Sunset and Rainbow enjoyed too, and as for Pinkie Pie… there wasn’t a thing about the show she couldn’t love-- the lights, the music, the playing-style, the friendliness.
Why there was even an attractive co-hostess named Jennifer, whom Rarity thought was very prettily dressed each show, but easily, she couldn’t stop gazing at Mr. Mykan and how handsome he seemed.
Nevertheless, Celestia was back on Thursday. Everyone was so glad to see her back, but when asked if she won the game or not…
“I’m not telling…” she said cheekily. “You’ll just have to watch and see.”
Finally… Friday came, and the girls were all gathered at the mansion for the party and to watch the re-run of the show episode.
Castor and Lelelani, only one and a-half years old each, were nestling happily playpen in the big living room.
Celestia ordered pizzas and made popcorn while the girls, all dressed in their PJs, set up their sleeping bags in the big living room.
Twilight had brought Spike along, and he was really excited as he ran in circles. “Is it time yet!” he asked for the umpteenth time “When are we going to see it?”
“It’s almost time, Spike.” answered Twilight. “First the evening news has to end, then the show will start.”
Celestia came out with the snacks, sodas and grabbed the TV remote. “Is everyone ready…?”
The girls all sat down, and the show was ready to begin.
Author's Note
Made these vids way back with what little resources I had...
Round 1: Five-Card Draw
ROUND ONE
The show started off with the stage all dark, and an intro fanfare, followed by Jen’s voice called out…
“It’s the television card game that everyone can play… It’s “Super Pay Cards!”
The audience cheered and applauded, the girls and the sisters did as well, and Spike howled as the stage began to light up.
“…And here’s your host, D.K. Mykan!”
The young man leapt out onto the set with excitement and glee.
Seeing him on stage made Rarity and Celestia swoon.
That’s when the camera changed to Celestia and her opponent applauding as well, which made the girls gawk in astounding awe.
Celestia was cringing with glee, finally seeing herself on the big screen. Luna was giddy for her as well.
Rather than ask any questions or be concerned, the girls just watched the show in hopes their questions would answer themselves.
The host called out to the audience, “Thank you! Thank you very much, everybody, and welcome to Super Pay Cards.
Well, we have two players ready to go at it today. At the end of the show, one of them will have a shot to go at Ten-Thousand Dollars cash.”
He then turned to his Co-Hostess and asked her kindly to introduce the players, and Celestia was introduced first.
“Meet a High-School Principal, a former champion horse-rider, and a devoted wife and mother in-search of the perfect night’s sleep: Celestia Sunrise.”
Celestia smiled on TV, and the host greeted her, while in the living room, the girls turned and gawked at her going “EEE…!!” making her blush and giggle.
Then it was over to the other player, who was rather unusual-looking-- green hair, green skin, pointed ears.
“Hey, I think I know that guy…” said Rainbow, and her wonders were confirmed as Jen made the introduction.
“Celestia’s opponent is one of the Teen Titans, and also a devoted spouse and parent, and a very fine actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. This is Garfield Logan; better known as “Beast Boy.”
The crowd cheered again, and then, like most shows, the host would then have a short chat with each player and get to know them a little.
Celestia on TV, talked about her hobbies, her work, and her kids…
This made Celestia, in real life; look over at her little ones in the playpen with a loving smile.
After the little round of chitchat, it was game time!
The host took his place behind his own podium, wishing the players luck.
“It’s Five-Card-Draw, this first round.
Here’s your basic set of sixteen cards coming up on the game-board.”
With a combination of electronics and cute sound effects, cards appeared on the big blackboard with the numbers 1 to16 on their faces
“In this deck there are some pairs, threes-of-a-kind, fours-of-a-kind, some single cards.
The object of the game is to build a better hand than your opponent.”
Mykan and Jen then proceeded to go over the rules and pay-values upon complete card hands for the players.
Each player would receive…
$20 for every pair…
$50 for Three-of-a- Kind…
$100 for a Full House…
$200 for Four-of-a-Kind…
Straights and Flushes were not playable options, but the player who built the higher hand would be award a bonus of $50 extra; a great way to avoid tie-ups in scoring.
Whichever player assimilated the most money after four rounds would go to the Bonus Round to win Ten-Grand more to add to their total.
“Now, Celestia…” said Mykan “You won the toss of the coin before the show, so you will get to go first, but before you do… I will quickly show for you and Beast Boy four cards in the deck to help you get started.”
With that, one-by-one, four random cards were turned over on the board revealing what they were and where they were.
Card Number 1: Jack of Clubs.
Card Number 6: Five of Hearts.
Card Number 10: Nine of Diamonds
Card Number 13: Queen of Spades.
Then they all flipped back over for the players to try and remember where they were.
The host then called to Celestia, “Pick three cards, and if you find a pair among those first three, you will keep them.”
Celestia looked through the cards and made her first choice. “Number 4 please.”
The card revealed itself as the Jack of Diamonds.
The girls already felt excited, having remembered something from earlier.
Celestia’s second choice was, “Number 11 please.”
It was the 7 of Hearts, but that’s when Celestia began to smile, as if she remembered something as well, and her final choice was, “Lucky Number 1 please.”
Just as was remembered, she found the Jack of Clubs that was earlier revealed.
The audience cheered, and so did the girls.
“What a way to start off.” said Sunset.
Celestia, in real life, nodded proudly, but she couldn’t stop staring at herself one the TV.
The three cards vanished from the board, and reappeared on the big score card behind her podium.
She still required two more cards to complete her hand.
There were thirteen cards remaining on the board, but Mykan cautioned her, “It is one card at a time now Celestia, so what would you like to see now?”
Celestia looked them over and chose, “Number 12 please…”
This card turned out to be the 5 of Diamonds. “Do you want it?” asked Mykan.
Had she chosen to keep the card, Celestia would not be allowed to put it back ever. It would stay in her hand permanently, and since the 5 was no good for her hand, she decided to Pass.
The card flipped back over, and thus her turn was finished.
“Ooh! This is getting scary.” whimpered Fluttershy.
“Take it easy, the round only just begun.” whispered Applejack
Mykan then addressed Beast Boy, “Good luck with your first three cards.”
Beast Boy looked at the board carefully. “I’d like to see Number 5 please.”
The card was revealed to BE a 5… of Spades, which made Beast Boy grin softly.
“I’d like to see Number 6 please.”
He found the 5 of Hearts which had been revealed earlier, giving him a pair.
“And I’d like what’s under Number 12 please.”
With that, he uncovered the 5 that Celestia revealed on her turn, giving him Three-of-a-Kind just like that and putting him ahead of Celestia’s hand.
The girls were starting to fret softly, while Celestia on TV was only chuckling.
Mykan wwas chuckling too and cautioned, “You better watch your step, Celestia. Looks like a strong player at work.”
Then he called to Beast Boy, “What do you want to see for your fourth card?”
Beast Boy looked the board over. “I’d like to try Number 8 please.”
The card revealed itself to be the Queen of Clubs. “Do you want it?” asked Mykan.
Beast Boy refused and sent the card back, which passed control back to Celestia, who had serious work to do.
“I would like to see Number 15 please.”
That card turned out to be the Queen of Hearts; another card that would not do her hand any good. So she sent it back.
“Alright, Beast Boy, what’ll it be?” asked Mykan.
Beast Boy answered “Mykan, I’d like to have a look at Number 16 please.”
The card flipped over and everyone in the TV audience awed and oohed at the Jack of Spades. “…A card that Celestia can use.” Mykan pointed out.
The girls grew tense at the sight of the card too. Rarity even wiped her sweaty brow with a clean napkin.
Mykan then asked to Beast Boy, “Do you want to keep away it from her? It doesn’t do much for your hand.”
Without too much hesitation, Beast Boy decided, “I’d like to take the Jack please.”
The audience oohed again, and Celestia on TV, her features had hardened a bit.
Pinkie gawked in disgust with her mouth hanging open, which she then stuffed with a handful of popcorn.
“Low blow!” groaned Rainbow. “Celestia could’ve used that!”
“It’s the way of the game, Rainbow.” said Sunset.
“Just keep watching…” said Celestia.
It was still Beast Boy’s turn. Now he had three 5s and a Jack.
“Pick another card.” instructed Mykan.
“I would like to see Number 9 please.”
The card flipped showing the Queen of Diamonds; a card that neither player could really use. So Beast Boy sent it back.
“Hey, wait a minute here!” said Applejack. She had been keeping track of cards that had been revealed. “Oh, my…!”
It was Celestia’s turn again.
She decided to go with “…Number 3 please.”
That card also did not help her; it was the 9 of Hearts. So it was sent back, going back to Beast Boy once more.
“I feel that Number 14 will be lucky.” he said.
Wouldn’t you know it, the card turned out to be the 5 of Clubs, exactly what he needed.
The audience cheered and Beast Boy was grinning with glee.
“Oh, no!” cried Pinkie “He’s got four of them now.”
Celestia, in real life, nodded in slight shame. “Again… that’s the game for you.”
No one else had to be Twilight to see that Celestia on TV couldn’t possibly top the opposing hand now. Even Mykan pointed this out…
“Well Celestia… he put together Four-of-a-Kind. He kept a card away from you.
You must keep the next two cards you call, but let’s see what happens.”
With that in mind, Celestia decided to press her luck and try the only remaining cards that hadn’t been touched.
“…Number 7 please.”
The card revealed to be the 7 of Diamonds, giving her two pairs, and a chance for a Full House.
“And Number 2 please…”
The final card was exactly what she hoped for; a 7 of Spades.
Both players had completed their hands, and Mykan tallied up the scores.
“At the end of the first round of play…
Celestia, you get $100 for your Full House, just like that…
But look at this; Beast Boy is off to a perfect start. Four-of-a-Kind… $200 plus $50 for High Hand, and he takes the early lead with $250!”
The audience cheered, but the girls couldn’t help but Boo and Hiss.
“Oh, really girls…” sneered Luna.
While Celestia did admire the girls rooting for her, she didn’t really like their poor sportsmanship either. “The game isn’t over yet…” she pointed out.
“She’s right.” said Twilight “There’s still a chance she can make a comeback.”
Spike agreed, but there was nothing left for the moment.
The remaining cards on the board then revealed themselves, showing there were still two unused 9s, and four Queens on the board.
“Oh, if only Celestia had gotten those…” said Spike.
Twilight patted his head, as the show went for commercial break.
Author's Note
When making the Round 2 vid, I hit the "Breath-Reduction" and the "Notch-Filter" too high, that's why the sound is a little flaky. (It's not easy to edit sound to perfection)
Round 2: Strategy
ROUND TWO
During the commercial break, the girls helped themselves to more food and snacks while Celestia kept an eye on her babies who were starting to fall asleep, and so she and Luna sent them off to bed, in the cribs in the nursery.
They returned just in time as the show returned; giving off promotional items.
“Showtime!” hollered Pinkie.
“Shh… Pinkie! You’ll wake up the babies!” scolded Sunset.
“Oh, no you won’t.” said Celestia “The nursery is way upstairs, and Celesto had the walls padded to avoid loud noises.”
The girls thought that was clever, and it meant they could be as loud as they wanted to be, and Celestia mere used a one-way baby monitor that was on “Listen”, but not “Talk” so it wouldn’t pick up their voices.
“Quiet, it’s starting.” exclaimed Rainbow.
Everyone took their seats and pipped down.
Mykan welcomed the audience back and recapped the scores…
Beast Boy: $250
Celestia: $100
“Now, Celestia has a chance to make up some ground in this next hand, which is called “Strategy” and you’ll see why in a moment.”
A new deal of sixteen cards popped up on the board, and this time things were different this round...
Cards that were revealed would not turn back over and remain face-up all through the round. The players would rotate turns, revealing more cards, and then deciding which to take for their hands, making strategy a key factor, but still more relying on luck.
Mykan addressed the players, “The house will now reveal three cards for the two of you.” and three random card flipped up.
Number 4: 9 of Spades…
Number 7: King of Hearts…
Number 11: Jack of Diamonds…
Celestia was behind in the scores, which entitled to go first. Mykan instructed her, “You turn over two more cards, and from the five then showing take two for yourself.”
Celestia looked over the cards and thought carefully while considering what was already revealed.
“…Number 5 please.”
That card was revealed as the Queen of Clubs.
“And Number 13 please...”
It was revealed as the Queen of Spades-- exactly where it was in the previous round. This made the audience cheer and Celestia grin widely. It was obvious which two cards she wanted to take for her hand…
“I’d like the Queen of Hearts and the Queen of Clubs please.”
“The two Queens for a pair… All right…” said Mykan.
The girls were already giddy with glee.
“Two queens already.” commented Rarity.
“Let’s see Beast Boy top that one.” said Applejack.
“Shh-Shh! Here he goes…” chirped Pinkie.
Beast boy was already looking at the cards to make his selection.
“Since I’m in the lead, I’d like to start with Number 1 please.”
The card was revealed to be the 10 of Hearts.
Some of the girls snickered softly.
“And could I also see Number 16 please.” said Beast Boy, and the card showed itself as the King of Clubs, which made the girls wince in worry!
“Okay, Beast Boy, take two cards now.” said Mykan, and it was no surprise what Beast Boy chose. “I’d like to take the King of Hearts and the King of Clubs please.”
“…For a pair. Beautiful.” commented Mykan.
The audience cheered, but the girls were all shuddering with worry again. Beast Boy was doing better than Celestia once more.
Even Luna felt a bit nervous, but patted her sister’s hand showing her enthusiasm to keep watching.
“Okay, Celestia…” called Mykan. “You have a pair of Queens… There are three cards showing, but reveal two more.”
Celestia pondered at the board before making her next choices.
“I’d like to see Number 6 please.”
That card turned out to be the 10 of Spades, matching the other 10 that was just above it.
“And Number 12 please…”
That was Queen of Hearts, which really made things interesting as Mykan pointed out, “She has a nice choice. Let’s see what her strategy is.”
Celestia looked up and down between cards as she figured what to take.
“I would like the Queen of Hearts.”
“That’s gives you three ladies.” said Mykan, “…And what else would you like?”
“And I will take…” she paused for a second “…The 10 of Hearts, please.”
“The 10 of Hearts… all Right.”
Now Celestia’s hand was really getting strong. With three Queens and one 10, plus another 10 still revealed on the board, she seemed to have a sure-thing happening…
…But now it was Beast Boy’s turn to turn over two cards.
“Mykan, I’d like to see Number 15 please.” he called.
His pick was the Jack of Spades.
“And… could I also see Number 2 please.”
This pick turned out to be the 9 of Hearts.
“Well, you’ve two pairs to pick from.” said Mykan. “Which two cards do you want?”
“I’d like to take the two Jacks there, please.”
“The Jack of Diamonds and the Jack of Spades… all right.”
The girls were all growing tense with excitement. Rarity was sweating bullets, Fluttershy was trembling, and Twilight almost crushed Spike in her arms.
“Twilight… please…!!” he groaned.
“Oh, sorry…” she said while letting him go.
With Beast Boy holding only two pairs, Celestia still held the advantage over him, and she still had a sure thing to happen.
“Well, Celestia…” called Mykan “If you find another Queen, it’s Four-of-a-Kind. If you get another 10, it’s a Full House. There’s already a 10 showing on the board.
But first, before you take a card… turn over one.”
With a sure-thing already in grasp, Celestia made a quick decision. “…Number 10 please.”
It was a no good Ace of Clubs, but it didn’t seem to bother her in a bit, because she took the 10 of Spades giving her a good Full House and earning cheer from the crowds.
The girls cheered for joy too, so did Luna while Celestia grinned.
“Well, Beast Boy…” called Mykan “The only chance you have to top her hand is with another Jack or a King.
You have one chance to do it-- who knows. Turn over a card.”
Though looking a bit tense, Beast Boy called, “Mykan, I’d like to see Number 3 please.”
The card flipped over revealing… the King of Diamonds… much to the girls’ outrage, and Celestia’s disappointment on screen.
“What?!” snapped Sunset.
Rarity keeled over back up against the sofa.
“You have GOT to be kidding me!!” groaned Rainbow.
Even Luna was a little frustrated, but Celestia could only shake her head.
Since Beast Boy took the King he had found, it was time to tally the scores again.
“Well, what can you do about that, Celestia?” teased Mykan. “You have a very nice hand, but it’s not as high his Full House I’m afraid.
Nevertheless, you still get $100, keeping you well within the game…
…But here is Beast Boy with $100 for his Full House, plus $50 High Hand, and he leads with $400!”
The audience cheered, much to the girls’ disappointment, but they tried to keep their good sportsmanship up as Celestia wanted.
The remaining three cards on the board were then revealed to be two 9s and another 10, but no more Queens or Kings.
Then the show went on break again.
Author's Note
The Real Super Pay Cards show only played three rounds, and the jackpot prize was $5,000.
This is my version, and a new way.
Round 3: Four-of-a-Kind
ROUND THREE
Some of the girls were still frustrated that Celestia wasn’t doing too well.
“How could this happen?” asked Rainbow. “It’s like a conspiracy against Celestia.”
“Well… not really.” said Fluttershy “There are fifty-two cards in a full deck, and they only use sixteen at a time. So it’s really anybody’s guess.”
Rainbow shrugged.
Rarity was fanning herself in her usual dramatic tendency, and Pinkie asked Celestia again, “Can’t you just tell us if you won or not?”
Celestia acted coy and distracted while humming casually while taking a bite of pizza. She really wasn’t going to tell.
“Come on, Pinkie…” said Applejack “Not knows is what makes this more exciting. Would anyone really want to watch a game or a sport if they already knew the outcome?”
The girls found it hard to argue with that logic, even Rainbow.
“Hey, the show’s back.” called Twilight, and she grabbed Spike, holding him close to her as everyone piped down.
Mykan welcomed everyone back and recapped the score…
“Beast Boy is still in the lead-- $400 to $200, however we are moving into our third round now, which is very interesting-- it is called “Four-of-a-Kind” and here’s how it works…”
The sixteen cards were put up again, and Mykan explained…
“Now in this deck… there are four sets of four of a kind. So, players, remember… that as you take cards from the board to build your hands… remember that Four-of-a-Kind is possible four different ways.”
This made things very intriguing. The girls especially hoped that Celestia would make a huge comeback with this play.
Unfortunately, no cards would be revealed. The players were required to find out for themselves.
Celestia was up first since she was still trailing, and Mykan instructed her, “Pick three cards, and if you find a pair among those first three, all three become yours… Good Luck.”
Celestia had no idea what was there, so she decided merely to try her luck at fishing.
“I would like to try Number 7 please.”
The card was the Jack of Hearts.
“…Number 13 please.”
That was 4 of Spades.
“And let’s go with Number 4 please…”
The last card was the 10 of Clubs.
Since none of the cards matched, Celestia did not have to take them if she chose, and unlike the previous round she couldn’t just take cards she wanted. She either had to take them all or none… and she chose none.
So all the cards flipped over again, but now there was a good revelation of what was there.
Now it was over to Beast Boy, and he was to choose three cards.
“Okay, let’s try Number 15 please.” he called.
His pick turned out to be the 10 of Diamonds.
“Oh, no!” whimpered Fluttershy.
“No, no… not again?!” grumbled Pinkie.
Beast Boy’s next pick was “…Number 5.”
That turned out to be the Ace of Hearts; a very high card.
Quickly, Beast Boy called “…And Number 4 please.” Uncovering the 10 of Clubs Celestia had revealed, giving him both 10s and the Ace.
The girls felt headaches coming on. Now not only did Beast Boy have a plan to find the other two 10s, but because he took away an Ace, now collected four of them was totally impossible, which would make things a little harder for Celestia.
…It was still Beast Boy’s turn, and he wanted those other two 10s.
“What would you like to try now?” asked Mykan.
“I’d like to try 11 please.”
The card was the 4 of Diamonds; completely useless to him, so he sent it back.
Now it was back to Celestia who had to pick another three cards.
“I would like to try Number 14 please.”
The card flipped and revealed the Ace of clubs, and even though collecting four was no longer possible, it was still a good card.
Celestia then chose. “Number 9 please…”
It turned out to be the 4 of Clubs… which made her grin, and she quickly called out, “Number 11 please…” for the 4 of Diamonds, giving her an Ace and two 4s.
Now both players had plans and strategies unfolding, and it was still Celestia’s turn…
…She was still grinning because she remembered something.
“…Number 13 please.”
She found the 4 of Spades she had revealed on her first turn, which now gave her three, much to her delight.
The girls were cringing hard, and Rarity was breathing heavily into her napkin. “Just one more now…!” she muttered.
“Yeah, but what if Beast Boy tops her off again?” asked Applejack.
The tension only rose further.
“Now, Celestia…” called Mykan. “If you can fill in your hand with your next card, you will force Beast Boy to complete his hand immediately.
Turn over another card.”
Celestia looked over the board…
“Let’s try Number 2 please.”
She wanted a 4… and she got it!! The 4 of Hearts… thus giving her all of them, and making her smile with glee and the audience cheered for joy.
The girls were overjoyed, but after what had been happening in the first two rounds, they didn’t bother getting jumpy.
“Watch, he’s going to take it all from her again.” grumbled Spike.
Twilight pondered, “I’d say his odds are 350 to 1, against.”
It was Beast Boy’s turn, and as he was cautioned by Mykan, “Whatever two cards you call now, you must keep, but you still have a chance.”
Beast Boy had no idea where the remaining two 10s he needed were hiding, but he made his choice…
“Let’s try Number 12.”
He wanted a 10, but he got an Ace… of Spades, which dashed his hopes of topping Celestia’s hand, and made the girls gawk with glee.
“Well, not to despair, you can still get a Full House…” said Mykan. “…Turn over one more card.”
“Number 16 please.” called Beast Boy.
His hopes were totally dashed when it turned to be the Jack of Diamonds, which didn’t work for him at all…
…Much to the girls cheering delight as Mykan tallied the scores.
“Well, things have certainly turned around this time.
Beast Boy… you have accumulated two pairs. At $20 a pair, that gives you $40, bringing you to $440…
…But look at this; she’s made a miraculous comeback.
Celestia, you have four 4s, that gives you $200, plus $50 High Hand, and she now takes the lead with $450!”
Luna hugged her giggling sister while the girls were practically leaping for joy.
The remaining cards were flipped over showing that the other 10s Beast Boy needed were in positions 1 and 6, and the rest were all Jacks and one remaining Ace.
The show was ready to go on break again, ready for the final round.
Who was going to win it all?
ROUND FOUR
The girls could hardly contain themselves.
“You’ve got it won!” cried Rainbow. “You sure showed him.”
“I think she may win this.” agreed Fluttershy.
“What do you “Think?” asked Rarity “Of course she has it won.”
“I wouldn’t get so cocky.” said Spike “There’s still one last round.”
“Yes… and the scores are still very close.” added Twilight.
Sunset turned to Celestia, but she didn’t bother to ask; she wouldn’t say whether she answered or not.
“Oh, sister, can’t you just tell us?” asked Luna.
Celestia playfully kept her lips shut tight and shook her head.
Suddenly, the girls were starting to get a sickening feeling why she wasn’t telling.
“Did you lose…?” asked Fluttershy.
Celestia still didn’t even give the slightest hint.
The show then came back on, and the first thing everyone saw was the co-hostess, Jen, where she had one member of the audience with her for a short mini-game.
The contestant, who was a young woman named Marie, was given a chance to win a microwave oven.
“And here’s how you do it…” Jen explained “I will show you eight cards for eight seconds on the board, and once you’ve seen the cards… you will take one of my cards, which match the cards that are up there…
…And if you can tell me where your card is on the board, you will win the oven.”
It was basically a memory match game, but it required sharp eyes and a good memory.
The cards were flipped over revealing a random assortment, which Marie looked up, down, and all around at while playful music played.
Then they flipped back over…
Pinkie felt dizzy and lost sight of the cards.
Some of the others had as well, but some had kept a sharp watch.
“Choose a card, Marie.” said Jen. She offered a small hand of cards to the player, and she chose the Ace of Hearts, and she successfully found it… under Card Number 1.
“Congratulations, Marie!” exclaimed Jen, and she expressed her thankfulness before passing control back over to Mykan.
The girls all sat down, excited for the last round to begin.
“We’re back!” called Mykan. “The scores are neck-and-neck; only $10 apart from each other as we now head into our final round, which is our “Wild-Card Hand, and here’s how it works…”
The same set of sixteen cards was shown, but the rules were slightly different now, as Mykan explained…
“…But in that deck there is at least one “Joker.”
He then revealed to everyone what the card looked like-- a cute little Joker card.
“Now, there’s at least one of those on the board. There might be two or even three...
…Five-of-a-Kind is possible. We pay $300 for Five-of-a-Kind, and don’t forget the $50 bonus for High Hand.
So players… work carefully now, because I’ve got a feeling that whoever wins this round will win it all, and join me in the bonus Round for Ten-Thousand Dollars.”
As if things weren’t all ready tensed enough; the girls were feeling hot and sweaty in their PJs, but they managed to keep watching.
Firstly, four other, random cards were revealed to the players…
Number 2: 6 of Spades…
Number 3: King of Diamonds…
Number 6: Queen of Hearts…
Number 8: 8 of Clubs…
Then they flipped over again.
Since Beast Boy was now the one who was trailing, he was told go first by Mykan. “Pick three cards and you find a pair among those three… they become yours… Good Luck.”
Beast Boy took a look…
“Okay, Mykan… I’d like to start with Number 4 please.”
Wouldn’t you know it-- his very first pick was a Wild-Card, just like that.
The girls gasped softly, and Luna stiffened.
Celestia, in real life, shook her head grimly.
“It matches anything you may uncover…” called Mykan. “So what do you want to see this time?”
“Now let’s go Number 10.” replied Beast Boy.
That was shown to be the King of Hearts, giving him an instant and very strong pair of Kings.
For his third pick, Beast Boy called, “Could I also see Number 16 please.”
…Another Wild-Card!
Now the girls and Luna were starting to really worry.
“Two jokers down already?” cried Sunset. “What if there aren’t any left?”
“No! We mustn’t panic…! We mustn’t!” wailed Rarity.
Beast Boy had three kings, and it was still his turn… and he was grinning because he remembered something…!
“I’d like to see Number 3 please.” he called, and there it was; the King of Diamonds shown earlier, giving him four!
“Aa-Aa-hooo…!” groaned Rarity as she faint backwards again.
Fluttershy gave her trademark whimpering squeak. “It’s hopeless now! There’s no way she can win this.”
Rainbow was growing angry and calling at the screen, “Come on, you cheater! Play fair!!”
Celestia sighed in dismay, and Luna looked at her with concern, but before she could say anything, there were two cries heard over the baby-monitor. “Oh, the kids…” said Celestia “Excuse me please.” and she left in a hurry.
“Wait, don’t you want to see what happens?” called Pinkie.
“Pinkie… she was on the show. She knows what happened.” said Applejack.
Pinkie felt silly, and everyone just continued to watch.
Beast Boy had four Kings, but he passed upon revealing a 6 of Clubs under Number 7, which he refused.
“At least Celestia has a chance to play now.” said Spike.
Twilight nodded nervously.
“…Turn over three cards and hope for the best.” said Mykan.
Despite her growing nervousness, Celestia looked over the cards…
“I would like to try Number 5 please.”
Fate suddenly began to smile on her again, for she had uncovered the 6 of Diamonds, which made her smile.
“…Number 2 please.” she had remembered the 6 of Spades from when it was earlier revealed.
“And Number 7 please.” and there she found the 6 of Clubs Beast had revealed on his turn, giving her three in-hand, and a comeback in the making.
Even Mykan was growing excited.
“What do you want to see now?”
Celestia looked and called, “Let’s go with Number 1 please.”
It was the 6 of Hearts, her fourth 6, giving her a good building hand, which made the crowd cheer wildly and the girls and Luna jumped and hollered with joy.
“It’s anybody’s game now!” cried Sunset.
“Come on, Celestia…!” Luna prayed.
Celestia’s four 6s still did not top Beast Boy’s four Kings, but it still gave her a good chance as Mykan explained…
“You have four natural 6s now. If you can find another Joker, if there’s one up on the board, you get Five-of-a-Kind.
Pick another card, Celestia.”
“How about Number 12 please.”
No good, it was the 8 of Hearts. So she put it back, and it was over to Beast Boy.
“I’ll try Number 9 please.”
He found the Queen of Clubs; also no good. So it was turned down again.
Very few cards were left that were unchecked, and the girls were finding it hard to breathe with the incredible tension mounting.
Now it was over to Celestia. She was still determined to find a much-needed wild card.
“I would like to see Number 15 please.”
She found it!! The last remaining Joker, which completed her hand and gave her five!
The girls and Luna leapt up with joy, throwing pillows up like cheerleaders and their pompons.
“She did it!!” cried Sunset.
“She wins!!” hollered Rainbow.
“YEH-HAW!” cheered Applejack as she threw her hat up into the air.
Finally, it was Beast Boy’s last turn, and he looked extremely discouraged.
“Okay, Beast Boy…” called Mykan. “The entire game is riding on this one last pick. Turn over one card, and let’s see what happens.”
He was practically sweating bullets while contemplating what to pick, and finally it came out, “Mykan, I’m going to try Number 14.”
“He chooses 14…” said Mykan.
The card flipped over, “AAAAAOOOOOHHH… Look at that!!”
By an intense stroke of luck and fate, he had found the King of Spades, sealing the deal.
“No…!!” cried Luna.
“I don’t believe it…!” wailed Sunset.
Rainbow fell to her knees in horror and shock. “But… But… she had it won!”
Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie had tears brimming in their eyes.
Even on screen, Celestia looked shocked, and upset, but only for a split second. She then was smiling while brushing off the feelings of defeat.
“What an exciting finish that was.” said Mykan.
“Celestia… what can you do? I’m very sorry, but luck had other plans.
Nevertheless, for you five 6s, we give you $300. That gives you $750 for the day…
…But here is Beast Boy with his luck of the draw five Kings… That gives him $300, plus $50 High Hand; our Grand Champion winner with $790!”
The audience cheered loudly, congratulating to the winner, and Celestia didn’t seem to mind at all, even though the girls were simply crushed!
The remaining cards were flipped over revealing some 8s and Queens, but no other Kings, proving that Beast Boy had won by sheer dumb luck.
“Well, players, that was a wonderful game.” said Mykan. “Celestia, we enjoyed having you with us…”
Celestia nodded thankfully.
“…We will give you $750, plus our home-game of Super Pay Cards is yours to take home as well… but Beast Boy is our big winner, and he’s going for the big money in the Bonus Round when we come back.”
The players and the host shook hands respectfully for a good game, and the show went on break again… but the girls felt in disgrace and despair.
Author's Note
Yes, she lost...
-Beast Boy is easier for me to animate than Celestia is...
CLOSING
“I can’t believe that she lost.” grumbled Spike. “How could this have happened?”
“It was just plain dumb luck.” sighed Twilight.
“Celestia…” muttered Luna.
“Oh, the poor dear…” sobbed Rarity “She probably left because she couldn’t beat to watch her humiliating defeat on Network Television.”
“No…” Celestia said from the door. “I left to check on the kids; you heard them crying, and it wasn’t a humiliating defeat, and I’m not the least bit upset. I played a good game, and I was honored to just be on the show.”
The girls had quite forgotten their good sportsmanship, again!
“Besides, even if I had won, what then…? Would I have changed? Would I be a better or worse person?”
The girls looked back and forth at one another. “…I… suppose not.” said Fluttershy.
“And we still would be proud of you.” added Applejack.
Celestia smiled proudly, and then the show came back on for the Bonus Round…
The round played exactly the same as Jen’s mini-game from earlier…
Beast Boy had three rounds to play the same Memory Match, but with slightly altered stakes and rules.
The first round, he had only four to memorize, and choosing his correct card would win him an extra $100 added to his day-total.
It was easy for him to pass it…
The next round he would have eight cards to look at, and winning again would add One-Thousand Dollars more to his total, but missing would forfeit his chance to enter the final round and go for the big Ten-Thousand…
…But he beat that level too, and moved onto the final stage, which had him studying twelve cards-- the hardest round of all, and yet… he did it!
He won it all, bringing up his day total to $11,940.
Beast Boy was then seen hugging his wife, Terra, and their five year old kids on screen for a great win.
“What are you going to do with the money?” asked Mykan.
Beast Boy explained, “I plan to donate it to charities for the animals.”
Fluttershy felt touched to know the winnings were going towards a wonder cause, and it made her and the others feel better about Celestia’s defeat. Even Celestia felt the same way.
“That’s all the time we have…” called Mykan. “This is D.K. Mykan with Jennifer Masterson…
…Thank you for joining us on Super Pay Cards everybody. …So long.”
“Bye-Bye…” called Jen.
The stage then darkened, illuminating the flowing lights better than ever, and the credits began to roll.
“Wow, what a great show.” said Sunset as she shut the TV off.
Celestia sighed, “One of the greatest experiences of my life.”
The girls all grinned lovingly at her, and that’s when she whipped out the home game she had won. “Who’s up for a game?”
The girls all huddled around with excitement and played the game… solely for fun and enjoyment.
Celestia received a text from her husband in Europe: “Saw the show. Well played, dear. You’ll always be my Queen of Hearts.”
Celestia grinned happily and then joined her friends in another round of cards.