- The Game of Life

(Music to listen to as you read)

• You ever felt as if...your mind and body was detached from one another just...because? Thats what it felt like for me...just...simply floating and unaware of what was around me...it was as if I was just...floating upon nothing, no solid or liquid mass to keep me up or to push me down. -

• I was simply a being of nothing, just a light among lights, a candle that never ends nor can ever be lit again. Just a simple light source that was beautiful as it was saddening. -

• My mind of course didn't know or even seem to know how to process what was going on mainly because...I was just simply one and nothing altogether. I was an entity of mass or maybe particles? I really didn't care...just floating around was all that mattered. -

"Is that what you really want? To simply just 'float' around as if you were a autumn leaf moving down a slow stream of water? It doesn't have to be that way...I could offer you something even greater if you so desire." Said a voice that was somewhat...odd?

"Who-who's there!" I said as I tried to move my 'body'

"The question to who I am is something you'll most likely never know, but...the question is...are you willing to accept it? Accept the offer I have proposed to you? All you have to do is say yes and a second chance could be yours~" The voice murmurs

"But...what if this is a trick? I-I don't know if I can trust you!" I say with a careful tone

"Trust? You have no reason to trust me, that much is certain. You could easily say no but yet you've been thinking about it haven't you?" The voice says questioningly

"I...suppose you have a point. I could have said no immediately...but it is a tempting offer. So, if I were to...accept this proposal...where would you send me? What would happen to me?" "I curiously ask

"I could send you anywhere and everywhere, it just depends on where you wish to go! I could easily send to you live a life out as a fictional character that existed via a story or a comic or I could even allow you to make your own character!" The voice claims with an air of 'excitement'

"Y-you could? I mean...that DOES sound tempting...very tempting indeed...I accept!" I claim with a tone of seriousness

"OF course, of course, if that is what you desire then lets get right down to bussiness!" The voice chuckles with mirth

"O-ok...well, I want you to pick then..." I say with a hint of hesitation

"You want 'muah' to pick for you!?! Oh, how truly wonderful! Hm, but what to choose from! Oh, I already know! Ill send you somewhere nice that you'll surely love!" The voice says with a chuckle

"But, I think I shall give you something or 'someone' to aid you along the way as you grow into this new world!" The voice claims with a snap of its 'fingers?'

'A low hum begins within my head as my 'body' contorts in pain...mainly my 'head' as I yell out in shock from the sudden stabbing sensation'

"Oh, my apologies...I didn't think it would hurt THAT much but I guess I was wrong. Don't worry though, you'll most certainly appreciate what or 'whom' I've given you over time! Now, as much as I would LOVE to stay and chitchat, I have things to do and places to see! It truly was wonderful speaking with you but I must get going, when you awaken you'll have questions...but she'll answer them for you. So, tata for now!" The voice says with a burst of laughter and a distinctive 'pop' as the presence of the voice fades away

'My ethereal 'body' slowly stopped moving within the white plains of my 'home' as for whatever counted as my 'mind' or 'core' slowly began to black out over time as I lulled into a state of tiredness and exhaustion as my 'vision' faded to nothingness'

'My mind slowly drifted to a state of alertness as my eyes slowly drifted open...it was nice...as I stretched my bo-

"WAIT WHAT!" I shout in surprise as I stumbled over my 'body'

"What the hell! I have a body! I have hands and fingers! Oh, the tiny little sausages! Oh how I've missed you!" I say with excitement as I put my hands to my face

:Yes, I can tell you do indeed like your hands as you so call them: 'A calm yet patient voice say's'

"Wha-who's there! 'I stumble about as I spin and spin in an attempt to find the voice' "Show yourself before I do something with my newly acquired...fingers!" I say as I 'menacingly' wiggle them

:Calm down, I'm here as a guide for your new life...well...a new life that hasn't begun just yet but close to beginning: 'The voice says with a warm tone'

:You may call me ANI, which stands for Automated Neural Input: 'The robotic yet feminine voice claims'

"ANI? Thats...that's a very beautiful name. But, anyways...where am I right now...or more accurately...where are we right now?" I ask as I spin around and around within the black void with barely any light as I try to see something

:You are currently within your mind, as it stands...this is how you perceive it...empty...yet with a chance of almost infinite possibilities when it comes to your imagination. I am here to assist you in the creation of your avatar. Please, do take your time with the creation of your character. You will be starting a new life so the choices you make will affect you greatly: 'ANI claims with an air of seriousness'

"Oh, uh, sure! I can easily do that! But...where's...the option to make an...avatar?" I ask with a tone of curiosity

:I shall be the one giving you the options on what to choose and pick from, I shall be the main factor for the making of your 'character: 'ANI says with assurance'

:Now, let us get started! I shall now be providing you with a list of the varying species on what you can choose to be born as. There is an extensive amount so please take your time: 'ANI claims with a serious tone showing shes being as legitimate as she can with what shes just told you

• An overlay of options appears in front of you -

| Thestral | Minitour |Kirin | Changeling | Pegasus | Earth Pony | Unicorn |Kelpie | Draconequus | Umbra | Griffin | Dragon | Crystal Pony | Hippogriff | Diamond Dog | Breezie | Centaur |

:These are the varying options you could choose from and more, this is why I said to take your time. Now, I advise you to choose wis-: 'The voice gets cut off as I say something

"THESTRAL! I...I choose the thestral!" I immediately respond without a second thought on my choice

:You...you've already chosen your answer? Very well then, with you acquiring the species of thestral. you have been given the following traits and abilities as well as skills and perks: 'She begins to list what you received

• Traits -

Nocturnal Vision | Thanks to the evolution of your species you have inherited the ability to naturally see in the dark! You can see better then the most of any species out there!

Blood Rush - Rare Trait | Your species are claimed to have a natural desire to drink blood, yet that was false but also true! This genetic feature had died off many years ago but thanks to a chance of luck you shall be given this ability through your pure ancestral genes! Blood Rush is a skill in which allows you to drink the blood of another living victim to enhance your abilities x3! This ability can easily be activated by drinking the blood of any foe or victim of your choosing!

Greater Hearing | Thanks to your species adaptability you have gained the following trait in which you can hear things MUCH better than most of any species out there!

Mages Blood | Due to your bloodline bearing an exceptional following of exotic traits and genes and so on, you have gained the ability to use MAGIC! You won't be able to immediately use without the use of a horn but overtime you'll figure out a way!

• Abilities -

Screech | This following ability allows you to make a loud and high pitch sound which can allow you to do a variety of things such as temporarily incapacitating a foe, getting a better understanding of your surroundings, calling for assistance for any nearby thestrals or allies and so on!

Ping | An ability which allows you to make a low chirping sound which sends out a ping in the chances of finding something more easily depending on which way you send it

• Skills -

No skills have been acquired due to you not having earned or learned any yet

:We will now be going into the perks category for the new you. You will gain perks upon traits, skills, abilities merging together through your character making choices and what you've naturally been given. You have an option to give yourself 3 perks as an added choice but they may turn out to be beneficial or a hinderance, the choice is yours: 'ANI claims"

"Well, I uh...I wish to 'roll' a perk before I'm given the perks that will be given to me upon all the traits, skills, and abilities merging." I say with a voice of carefulness

:Understood, you have chosen to receive an added perk:

Immortality - Legendary Perk | You have been gifted the gift many crave, this perk will allow you to live to great ages to where you will never have to worry about aging past the age of 18! So go out there and live your life because you have all the time in the world!

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! I'm going to be immortal!?! That's...that's a shocker...a big one at that, I mean...I definitely like it...but just didn't expect it." I say in an excited but semi-nervous tone due to possible implications of obtaining such a gift as immortality

:Yes, the chances of you receiving such a perk or gift were exceedingly low, exceptionally low really. I must say I am 'elated' to know I won't have to worry about you passing on...I've had far to many hosts die from old age: 'ANI says with a tone of sadness

"Oh, uh...I'm guessing you've had probably dozens if not hundreds of other hosts then. Don't worry, Ill make sure our time together is well spent. So, can I use my 2 other rolls to see what else I can get?" I ask excitedly her as I twiddled my fingers

:Of course, and thank you for saying that. I...I definitely needed to hear that. Now, onto the next perk. Since you have chosen to roll for an additional second perk you have received: 'ANI states

Picture Perfect - Rare Perk | With the Picture Perfect perk you have gained the ability to remember anything and everything you learn over time, making you a living source of infinite knowledge as you learn more and more over time!

Due to your chances in becoming exceedingly lucky with the amazing perks you have been given, you have received two additional perks

Lucky - Rare Perk | You are one of very few who are TRULY lucky, things will come to you in a much better light meaning you'll get better options on what to choose from in life as you live on through the ages

And

Libido - Lustful Perk - Unusual Perk| A perk that is VERY needed for the world that you will be transported to. With this perk you shall have the energy of a lover that can never stop! This perk will allow you to increase the interests of a lover in bed and in a relationship!

With the Lucky perk and the Libido perk you have gained a BONUS perk!

Lucky shot! - Lustful Perk - Unusual Perk | The lucky shot perks name stands true! With this perk you can GARANTEE a chance at a child! With the world you are being sent to, this perk will come in VERY handy! So get out there and make some ladies happy!

:Well, I...I did not expect that...hm, those perks are an oddity to me...well, you have struck BIG on this one. I can't say I'm jealous or anything really, if I had a body...I...uh...forget I said anything, anyways...would you like to roll for a third and final perk?: 'ANI says with a bit of a stutter in what seems to be embarrassment

"Wha-buh-huh? What just happened? Am...am I going to be some sort of chick magnet or something? I-I...oh screw it, that could have been worse...and yes Ill take a third perk." I say with a sigh

:Now lets see what you get for this final perk!: 'ANI says excitedly and with a rushed tone in an attempt to skip such a subject

Giant - Rare Perk | You have been blessed with the height AND strength of a giant! You shall stand taller than any average pony or thestral! You won't be as tall as a dragon but you'll be taller then the female part of your species as every male thestral is MUCH shorter then the normal thestral female!

With you rolling and receiving all 3 perks, you have been given an additional perk!

Risky Business - Rare Perk | Due to you having used all 3 rolls within your perk choosing option, you have received the perk Risky Business! Thanks to your astounding luck in receiving such good perks you are now capable of getting the better end of the stick! You gain better deals in buying items and trading, easily obtaining the trust of others, being an influential figure due to the way you play your life out, and so many more various and intriguing bonuses!

:Well, aren't you just an ocean of luck? I must say I am impressed at the streak you have going for yourself: 'ANI says with a tone of sarcasm at such a ridiculous stroke of luck that you've had so far

"Well, I mean...I must say I am impressed as well...also shocked but nonetheless, impressed...hehe that rhymed. Anyways, what now?" I ask with a tone of curiosity

:Well, now that we've gone over those parts of your 'character' or 'avatar', we will now need to decide on a name and what type of family you wish to be born into: 'ANI states

:By name, you will have to choose a proper name and not some idiotic name. The family lifestyle that you choose is something that will affect your name for instances. If you wish to be born into a noble family then expect a strong name, one that has a plethora of meaning to it and history as well, if you wish to be born into a military family then expect a hardened family name that could make you seem like a possible option for drafting or conscripting due to your family history, if you were born into a normal and simple life then you could easily avoid most problems, such as notoriety, recognition, and so on. The choice is yours, so make your decision: 'ANI states

"Oh, uh...hm...that is a toughie. Gimmie a moment...OH! I got it! Question, how many of my kind are existent within the world I'm being sent to? Second question, what IS the world I'm being sent to? I was never told what it would be like or the name of planet I'm being 'reincarnated' on." I ask

:As it stands, your race is currently within the hundreds range when it comes to the amount of your kind. There is some history behind this claim so if you wish to ask why then please do not hesitate to ask, secondly, the world you've been chosen to be reborn upon is a world made of magic, in a literal sense. The universe that you will be existing within is entirely a magical reality filled with oddities and wonders, as well as dangers and plights that could be a risk to your life. The name of the world you have been given to call your home is "Equestria". The planet is very similar to your own planet, earth. The contrasts are very similar besides some main key factors such as the existing life forms upon the planet, each and every option that was provided to you as options of reincarnation were all sapient creatures, mainly every creature on the planet is sapient, besides a listed few. Secondly as a key factor in differences is that every single aspect of that universe or reality is magical to the point that even rocks have magic within them. Something without magic would be considered an anomaly to Equestria or the whole universe: 'ANI states

"WOAH, information overload! Ah! I have a headache now because of that! Why does my head hurt so much!?" I ask, while rubbing my forehead and grimacing in pain at such a horrible and excruciating feeling

:Apologies, I'm simply 'downloading' any and all information that you received right into the central point of your brain so that you can remember anything I tell you without you having to ask again. I hope you are ok with this: 'ANI states with a hint of caution as well as asking you for her future permission in doing it again

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine with this...next time give me a heads up though! Ok, its subsiding...jeez, felt like I got hit in the head with a brick. So, anyways...Equestria? That name sounds vaguely familiar..." I say as I rub my chin

:It is familiar because within your reality it was a kids show: 'ANI claims

'I snap my fingers' "OF course! Why didn't I realize it? It was a cartoon show that went decades back! Of course it was still airing when I...died? Anyways, Im being put into a world with ponies? LIke VERY colorful ponies?" I ask

:Correct and incorrect, you must be expecting a world filled with ponies that are on all fours, such as the equines you've seen from the show. No, you are being sent a world filled with "anthropomorphic" ponies as you would call them: 'ANI states

"Really? Thats uh...a shocker...I guess. I mean, I knew quite a bit about the show thanks to one of my friends being a part of this...I think he called it a "MLP Brony Fan Club"? I don't know the WHOLE show's story but I know enough. Also, seeing I'm being sent a new world...maybe you could change the way I speak? Make me sound less foreign? I mean...I know Imma be reborn again and Ill have to learn to speak again...or well...I guess learn how to speak again depending on the similarities of the world and how I adapt to it." I say with a thoughtful look

:I have already done what you have asked, before you even asked. I did this so you could be easily acclimated to the world that you will soon call your own. Secondly, you will have to speak a new language and write completely differently, as well as do different math and so on. The language you will be learning is called "Equish". Yes, I know it's similar to the name of "English" but it's not, seeing the word English doesn't even exist within the reality that you shall planted within: 'ANI claims

"Yeesh, a lot of these sound like cliche horse puns." I cringe at the thought of such horrible puns

:Yes, I do find these things bothersome. Also, horse is a derogatory word so I would choose your words VERY carefully...even if Im changing the way you say things: ' ANI states

"Horse? How does horse count as a...oooohhhhhh...I get what you mean...yeah...that make sense...anyways...back on topic...name...a name for me...OH! Oblivion! I like the name of it! It sounds odd, but appealing, mysterious yet likable. "I giddily clap my hands together at the thought of such a nice name

"I also want to be born into a semi-noble family and a semi-military family, wait...is that even an option?" I ask

:Oblivion? Hm, that is indeed a good name. Also, to answer your question on the family choice. Yes, it is an option...one I did not even consider. Be warned though, not many families within the thestral race are very 'laid back'. Most tend to train their young into fine warriors and scholars as well as whatever else they can be. They take their honor and pride VERY seriously, meaning you'll have a lot on your plate that you'll have to choke down if you wish to survive your second and third plate and so on: 'ANI claims

"Yeesh, already regretting my choices if you think its THAT bad...any who, uh...what family will be I born into?" I ask

:Hm, let me see....ah yes, here's one....that's...oh my, I should have expected this: 'ANI says with a hint of embarrassment

"What? What is it? What's got your none existent tongue in a knot?" I ask

:Well, uh....your going to be an...incest baby! YAY!: 'ANI claims with semi-enthusiastic cheering

"Well, that's just great! Imma be a...wait...did you say incest baby? Uh, well....hm....ya know what, I understand why it has to be that way." I nod with a look of understanding at such a subject

:Wait, correction...apologies...you will be born into a small family that will live within a manor that is owned BY a family that has existed through a means of incest due to the low population count of your species: 'Comes her response with a quick correction to her mistake and a look of embarrassment (Of course your imagining her having a face of embarrassment as well as attempting to figure out how she would even look to begin with)

"No harm done really, it was a surprise but I guess I'm kind of glad that's not the case, but, 'I pause for a moment as I struggle to say the right words' I do have a question as to why a means of incest is needed for my "species" to exist to even begin with." I calmly ask her as I sit down upon the surface of which I'm..."standing" upon

:Well, like I said earlier, there's a lot of history behind the small number of thestrals currently residing within Equestria. One of the main reasons being "fear". Fear is what drove them to coming into a near state of extinction, but it wasn't them who obtained such a level of fear, no, it was the ponies and griffins and minotaur's that gained such a fear, as well as a longer list of creatures and beings that came to fear the thestrals, specifically your race: 'She says with a tone of distaste on such a subject when it comes to the discrimination of another race or species

"Fear? Thats uh...not telling me much on the subject of WHY they're in such low numbers." I say with a scratch of my chin

:It simply is the best reason there is, I'm sure you've seen the start of the show...and the sad part about it. Two sisters, one of day and one of night, both equal rulers within a land they called their home. One sister the idol of all, while the other was an idol of very few...in which she thought. The sister who believed she was not truly loved by the masses grew jealous of her elder sister because of all those who adored her sun. She believed none loved her night, I suppose she was quite blind to forget her own subjects...the subjects of the night, in simple terms, thestrals: 'Her words come out in more of a sad murmur which worries me for just a fraction of a moment

"Yeah, yeah I know who you're talking about. Thats siblings though, common rivalry and jealousy and all that jazz. So, my best guess is this...thestrals became feared because they were the subjects of Nightmare Moon, aka, Princess Luna, sister of Celestia. Its pretty easy to figure out if you connect the pieces." I boastfully claim

:Yes, that's not all however. Luna, also known as Nightmare Moon waged war on her sister. Her subjects followed behind her every step of the way, mainly without hesitation. They were fools to do so. There was only one battle, the battle was costly, it was a battle that happened at the castle of the two sisters. This battle was a thousand years ago, way before her banishment, of course she would be banished on the same day. Many died on that day. many stories were told...but most of the history was wiped from the sands of time by Celestia herself...but of course the past could never stay the past. Celestia tried to make it seem as if her sister hadn't become...so evil and yet she did a good job, but didn't do a good enough of a job on my account: 'She says with a short intake of breath (In which I don't know how seeing shes in my head) and sighs

"Jeez, are ya alright? I mean...that's definitely got to be a bit of a tense subject when it comes to talking about death in such vast numbers." I say with a worried and careful tone as to not upset her

:Yes, yes I am quite fine. I appreciate your concerns but...it just...I see death as something impractical and not needed but necessary at the same time. I know death can a part of the natural cycle many know of as life...I just wished things could be so much simpler and...understandable: 'Says ANI with a saddened tone due to the sore subject relating to the loss of life

"Yeah, yeah I understand what you're getting at. Death is needed though, sometimes it not, sometimes it's just necessary. Some things have to die for the safety of others, while other living things have to the die for the benefits of others. It's a saddening thing to think about, but, that's just how life plays out." I say as I cross my arms and look off into the distance of the void

:Of course that's how it has to be, I could say no to that thought though. I'm sure there's plenty of realities out there that have obtained some semblance of perfection or a close degree of perfection: 'She claims with a more somber tone

"Yeah, can't disagree with you on that one ANI." I say as I nod my head in agreement

"I need to ask you something real quick, like, should I change my name? I've been thinking it over...but it kind of sounds stupid now. I mean, names have meaning right? What if the family I'm born into has like, I dunno, some sort of important background and my name doesn't match that background or something like that?" I worriedly ask

:You do have a fair point, hm, let me see what family you are being put into: 'She says with an agreeing tone at such a thought

:Ah, you will be born into a family line that holds a last name of "Stronghoof"...hm, that is a strong family name indeed. You were correct to assume your name didn't fit such a standard requirement in the social normality. I would advise you think over your name more carefully: 'ANI states with a serious tone

"Well, that's a pretty cool last name and middle name...what about Fury Stronghoof? Mmm, debatable, uh...how about...uh, hm, I guess...z'Stronghoof? I know it sounds odd but don't thestrals have strange names? I mean, the letter 'Z' sounds kind like a posh pronunciation of how you were to say my name? BAH! Thats not good enough, Uh...OH! Why not Imperial Stronghoof? It holds an air of power to it AND imperial is a word of power as well as Stronghoof, well, Stronghoof sounds more like a name of strength." I sigh and stand back up as I begin to pace and rub at my face in exasperation at such a tiring ordeal

:Hm, it is a good name...I agree that it could as a good alias throughout your life: 'ANI states with a sincere tone

"Oh, well, thanks for agreeing with me on that then. I have a question though, like, doesn't Stronghoof sound more like an earth pony name?" I ask her with a curious tone

:You are correct, a last name like that WOULD belong to an earth pony family or well "herd"...but! This is a traditional name for your family. Apparently, from what information I've been able to obtain on your new life...the name Stronghoof is a namesake your parents and great grandparents and even greater relatives took on as a way of thanking some certain earth ponies for their assistance within something in their lives...I can't seem to find what that certain helpful deed was, I assume you'll have to find that out on your own: 'She says with an exhausted release of breath

"Jeez, my family is a bundle of mystery and oddities from everything I've learned thus far. Yikes, Imma have a lot on my plate when Im reborn, right?" I worriedly ask her

:Most likely, yes: 'Says ANI with a hint of hesitance

"Damn it, I didn't want to deal with something as troubling as that! Ugh, fineeeeeeeee! I guess Ill...deal with it when I get older! BLEGH! It feels weird saying that...getting older." I say with a chuckle at the implication of "growing up again"

:I truly do feel sorry for you, the things your going to have to go through within this new life of yours is truly going to be a nuisance...such as learning how to use the toilet again...for a second time, blegh!: 'She shivers at the thought of releasing your bowels within a cloth attached to your body (Somehow I feel her shiver which makes me shiver?)

"Alright, I think I'm ready...well, kind of, I still need to figure out one more thing...like, what will I look like when I get older? Know what, Ill list what I want off right now. I want to have DARK fur, like an obsidian color, a white mane and tail, like a naturally white mane and tail, as pure as snow! I want a beautiful ocean blue hue to my eyes...like your staring into the very sea itself! I want to have a strong build as I get older, like stocky and broad shouldered! I want to be handsome, not to overly handsome but like a rugged yet young type of handsome, like a...gruff soldier that could be on a "top 100 handsome and single men". I want abnormal teeth as well, like razor sharp teeth, like nightmare moon, it sounds pretty cool in my head." I continue to babble on and on as I describe what I want for my future self but before I can even finish, ANI cuts in

:Listen, Ill handle all that when your born...and speaking about being born...are you ready? Your about to be born into a new life and era. I hope your ready for such an ordeal: 'ANI asks me with a worried tone

"Yeah, yeah I'm ready for this. Let's see what my new world has in store for me!" I thrust my arms outwards in excitement for one final time as my vision slowly began to fade to blackness as I smile with a look of acceptance on my face