DANGAN RONPA: Equestria's Kingdom of Hope and Despair!

Chapters

Prologue
Ch.1: (Ab)normal days: Part 1

Prologue

“Hey! Shady! Get up already, you’ve been left behind!” Hearing the familiar yelling, I’m being pulled by the forearm. “GET UP!”

“Gah... wha...?” I open my eyes on command, to see my friend, Featherweight waking me up. It doesn’t help that the sun’s light is reflecting off of his camera lens.

“We’ve been here for ten minutes already!” He warned, scowling at me for being so lazy.

“Oh, sorry! I err... where’s everypony else?” I hesitantly asked, desperately trying to fight that urge to go right back to dreamland.

“They’re in the school waiting for us. Miss Cheerilee’s so gonna scold you for sleeping for so long!” Featherweight closed his eyes and shrugged. He must partially look forward to her scolding me.

“It’s not my fault that I had to think of some questions to ask the princess when we meet her... Besides, she’s technically not our teacher anymore.” I told my friend/boss.

“I hear she’s planning on teaching there since Princess Twilight felt she’d be a great for her school. Plus I hear the pay is amazing!You know she’d jump at the chance since teachers don’t get paid as much as they should!”

“If I have to go to this school and she ends up my teacher again, I might want to cut class even more.” I was joking here, but still. I’d be pretty weird to have your teacher at kindergarten teaching you.

“Let’s get going then! It’d be rude to be late!”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” I reminded. I didn’t need any redundancy, but he has a point. Princess deserve to be treated with respect.

Especially the new ones.

And so I was prompted to gallop with my friend through the busy town, dodging everypony until we reached the purple brick road decorated with white stars. It was a moderately long gallop, but in the distance, we easily reached the large structure before us.

There, it stood before me. Here, in Equestria’s capital, Canterlot, a large building resembling the kind you would see in the big city, and the area it covered was three times as big as Sweet Apple Acres I think. It’s the only place I can really compare it to.

The steel gates before me were partially opened. In the middle of the gates, I can see a figure of Princess Twilight’s cutie mark.

This building is known as Harmony’s Academy of Magic and Friendship.

Despite the name, you don’t need magic to enter the school. But this was the first thing Twilight had created since her ceremony, and It’s taken several years for the school to get this big.

To be honest, I’m a little nervous to enter such a prestigious high school.

Sure, it’s purpose is to make the world a better place by showing us that friendship brings hope. But look at this place, it’s huge! I’d get lost in there, big time!

Unfortunately, that’s what’s going to happen anyway. I was the last one off the train since I fell asleep. Somepony must’ve kept the others from waking me up, not that I care. When you’re tired, sleep’s the number one priority.

Well, either way, we weren’t that far from the entrance, and I can meet everypony inside. Miss Cheerilee is supposed to be inside meeting with Princess Twilight so she can give us a tour for our field trip.

Then again... ‘field trip’ might be a bit childish. We’re not colts and fillies anymore, so the term should be ‘reunion’. We’re at that high school age. That point of our lives where we learn a little more about what life’s capable of, about responsibility, about the skills needed to tackle life’s challenges.

You’d think it’s something reserved for college, but no. We only know what we’ve been told at school during elementary and middle. But as we’re getting older now, we have to be ready for life’s challenges.

This academy is also here to teach you exactly how friendship can help overcome those trials. There’s no reason to despair when you think about those important to you.

Before I go on, I should introduce myself.

My name is Shady Daze, a grayish-blue earth stallion with a spiky dark blue, swept-forward mane. Around my neck, I’m just wearing a simple white collar and black tie with a few circle patterns. I’m just a young photographer who works at the Ponyville Express in my spare time with my friend. I’ve yet to find my special talent though.

But that’s actually the last thing on my mind.

Why go hunting for something so trivial when I can rely on simple hard work?

The white pegasus stallion with the gap-tooth, a short light-brown mane and tail with me is named Featherweight. He’s not a blank flank like me though since he has a white feather for a cutie mark, the thing that signifies your special talent. Even after all this time of being a photographer, Featherweight still likes his camera. He’s got a higher position than me at the press. At the most, he only lets me borrow it for the sake of the paper. Afterwards, I always have to give it back.

“Here ya go!” Featherweight took his camera off and handed it to me. “You got the questions?”

“All present and accounted for!” He means the notepad with the questions to ask Princess Twilight. Thankfully I had’em with me.

With that, Featherweight and I walk through the gates of the school, following the same purple brick road, going between several pillars under the regal sunroof that extended into the gates, all the way to some polished, light-brown, wooden double doors. I can see six symbols engraved into the bevels of the door that resemble the Elements of Harmony, the treasures that hold the power to save the world.

In reality, the elements are actually the mares that hold them.

I hear that the treasures themselves are what turned Twilight Sparkle into an alicorn though, but it’s merely a rumor. One of the questions in the notepad I gave to Featherweight asks about the process.

I doubt I’d get a straight answer though. Becoming an alicorn is a closely guarded secret.

Before we could touch the doors, they open automatically for usl, as if we were expected to enter despite that there aren’t any other students besides us.

Inside, we see large, white tiles across the floor, with the center of the entrance hall covered by a purple carpet. It looked pretty glittery as well, reflecting a starry appearance with the somewhat dim light here.

...Princess Twilight sure likes her stars, huh?

“Maybe Princess Luna had a hand in the school design!” Featherweight speculated after looking at the put-off expression on my face. I’m inclined to agree with him, actually. I can tell it’s a school built by Twilight, thanks to the purple, but you would also think it’s a school built by Princess Luna.

As we trotted through the hallway, we reached a life-sized marble statue of Twilight Sparkle, wearing her tiara on her head surrounded by her friends. That tiara she always wears is the Element of Magic. At that statue, we can see Rainbow Dash facing us, Rarity to the left, Fluttershy, then Applejack, and finally Pinkie Pie, all in a clockwise motion we made when we looked at the structure.

Naturally, I was inclined to take a picture of each of them. Equestria’s heroines, so-to-speak. The mares who’ve saved the world many times when Princess Celestia didn’t.

“This is pretty cool, don’t ya think, Featherweight?” I asked my friend when I lowered my camera away from the Princess Twilight statue.

When I looked to my left, he was collapsed on the floor.

What...!?

I want to go up to him to see if he’s okay. I want to help.

But I can’t help.

My body suddenly feels heavy, and my legs start to give out.

It’s as if some kind of force was telling me to fall asleep pretty hard.

But that’s strange... I just took a nap before getting here.

Why am I...?

.......

...................

...........................

“........him up...”

“No... it!”

“Hey...!’

I’m hearing too much noise.

It’s noisier than one of Pinkie Pie’s parties...

I don’t like noise.

“HEY! GET UP!”

“Oof...!”

I felt a stiff pain shoot through my right forearm. Naturally, I grunted a little before waking up aggressively, swinging my hoof at the rude culprit. I shot a glare at whoever did it, and sure enough, it was a face that SHOULD have woke me up earlier.

But did she have to be so rough about it?

“Took you long enough! GET UP ALREADY!” At that moment, I looked into some sharp, azure eyes and a familiar tiara on her head and cutie mark. Her coat is pink while her mane is purple with a white streak in the middle of it.

Diamond Tiara... the local so-called princess, but still just a spoiled Earth mare. You never change, do you?

“You could stand to be a little nicer about it.” I retorted.

“You shouldn’t be such a slacker, you Blank Flank!”

Ah, she had to remind me of my lack of a Cutie Mark. Does having a one matter that much? She acts like it’s supposed to hurt me. And her special talent? Crafting tiaras. But that in itself is what allowed her to get closer to the princesses, so she’s actually proud of her talent. Maybe she seriously hopes to become a real princess someday.

Looking away from her piercing stare, I manage to stand on my hooves despite my head still feeling somewhat heavy. I look down at the purple carpet and let out a sigh of relief when I noticed that the camera he gave me is still hanging around my neck.

I look beside me and I notice Featherweight’s shaking the sleep off of him as well.

“Ah... what happened? Where am I?” Featherweight asked in a drowsy tone before noticing that we’re just as confused as he is.

Now that I have a chance to look at where exactly I am, I can definitely tell I’ve ended up somewhere different...

I can see several desks in front of me with everypony standing next to them, looking at them nervously. Did the same thing happen to them? If that’s the case, Featherweight and I are the last two awake.

In front of us all was a chalkboard and a podium for where the teacher would be. However, the desks all have a more luxurious appearance to them with the tables made of a white marble, and the chairs having a nice, purple cushion at the seats and backrests. I look around the smooth, marble walls, and instead of windows, I see giant, steel plates with giant screws protruding out of them.

This is definitely a classroom... Albeit, a little fancy, but still.

Are... we supposed to take a seat here? And why are the windows bolted down?

I should see what everypony else has to say...

I start with speaking with Diamond Tiara, the one who woke me up just now.

“You think I would know? What, are you stupid? Why WOULD I!?” Okay, did you need to chew me out?

Afterwards, a certain dark-gray earth mare that’s always with her concurs with her friend. She has a single braid in her gray-colored mane. “You heard her. We all ended up here the moment we stepped in that hallway.” Silver Spoon adjusted the glasses in front of her violet eyes, glaring at me as she explained. Her cutie mark is that of a silver spoon with gems at the end of the handle. As her name and cutie mark implies, she’s used to having whatever she wants in her house. But somehow, she’s somewhat more refined than Diamond Tiara. I wonder how?

“You guys are still jerks? You do realize how strange this situation is, right?” I asked.

“That’s precisely why I’m upset.” Tiara answered curtly, not wishing to prolong the questioning. But she has a point. We don’t even know what happened, or why we’re here.

“Don’t worry about it! Whenever strange things happen, ponies just happen to get a little weirded out. I’m sure we’ll all be having fun by the time we resolve this.” Featherweight tapped me in the back, reassuring me not to worry.

If there’s one thing I know, is that he seems to never lose his cool.

I then walk up to Twist and the Cutie Mark Crusaders to see if they know anything.

“Oh, you’re up! What do you think happened back there?” The light-gray unicorn mare with the Purple and pink mane asked when I approached her. Her name is Sweetie Belle, the little sister of the widely known fashion designer, Rarity. Naturally, she was just as curious as everypony else. Of course, like Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, she doesn’t have a cutie mark.

“Maybe we’ll get our cutie marks if we found out!” This light-yellow mare with the red mane and bow in her hair is Apple Bloom, Applejack’s little sister. And like her sister, she’s an earth pony with a southern accent. She’s the founder of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and she’s always willing to get her cutie mark. That would explain why disasters occur whenever she, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo go crusading. With all the activities they’ve done all over Ponyville, you’d think they would’ve earned their cutie marks by now. At the very least, they’ve calmed down considerably over the years, but still.

“I... don’t think this is the time to think about getting your cutie mark...” I’m inclined to concur with the white, red-framed glasses-wearing mare with the deep-red curly mane and candy cane cutie mark. This earth pony is named Twist. She used to defend Apple Bloom when Tiara and Silver Spoon would make fun of her a lot. But they don’t talk as much these days ever since Twist earned her cutie mark a long time ago.

“Yer just sayin’ that because you don’t have to worry ‘bout yer cutie mark!” Apple Bloom harshly retorted. I normally don’t see her glare at anypony like that though.

Makes me wonder if their friendship was strained by that...

“C-come on, that wasn’t really nice! I’m sure you’ll figure out your talent one of these days!” Featherweight tried to step in, but...

“She’s right...” Twist suddenly looked really crestfallen all of a sudden, agreeing with Apple Bloom’s claim.

“A-ah’m sorry... I didn’t...” Apple Bloom herself lowered her head, speaking meekly.

“We... really need to find out what’s going on here though. Cutie mark or not, I wanna know!” This burnt-orange colored pegasus mare with the purple mane sweeping forward spoke wisely, even if she just really wanted to quench her curiosity. This mare’s name is Scootaloo, surrogate little sister of Equestria’s number one flyer, Rainbow Dash. She’s also the founder of the Rainbow Dash fanclub. I’m surprised that’s still a thing.

“So you guys just all collapsed at that statue in the main hall, right?” I spoke up, walking between some desks.

“Yeah! That’s it!” Scootaloo spoke quickly, then put a hoof to her mouth in a thinking pose. “But we were supposed to be with Miss Cheerilee...”

That’s right, I forgot...! I didn’t even think about that... but where is she? She did lead them into this school, right?

Where the heck is Miss Cheerilee!? Ugh... I feel a large pit in my stomach. I have a horrible feeling about this...

I walk past a few desks around the front row to find Snips and Snails at the chalkboard, holding the chalk with their magic and writing, “Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails.” Guess they’re as immature as ever.

“Hey, it’s the puppy dog!” The grayish-opal, pudgy unicorn stallion with the moderate-brown mane turned to me and made his remark, fitting me in somehow. This little guy is Snips, and true to his name, he has a pair of scissors for a cutie mark. I think his special talent is being good at using scissors somehow.

“He should totally start barking then!” The more lanky unicorn stallion with the amber coat and turquoise mane added on to the joke, laughing like they just told some grand joke. This guy is Snails, and true to his name also, his cutie mark is a snail. What does his talent have to do with snails anyway?

“Do you guys know where Miss Cheerilee is?” I would ignore their remarks and ask, and they’d give me a scowl in kind.

“We don’t have a clue! Besides, we’re busy writing on the chalkboard!” Snips turned his back to me, as if he wanted me to go away.

“You guys don’t care at all whether she’ll come back and catch you, huh?” I asked, stunning them a bit.

“W-w-well, you don’t know when she’s coming back, do you?!” Snips suddenly gave me a nervous, contemplating putting down the chalk.

“Umm... I don’t.” Really, if I knew, I wouldn’t be asking where she is.

“Then go away already!” Snails ordered, getting back to drawing some stupid graffiti on the board. They’re gonna get in trouble for that...

“Yeah, they really don’t care. It’s best to just let the teacher catch’em. Isn’t that right?” Featherweight asked after he and I walked away from them. “I’m sure she has to be somewhere. After speaking with everypony, let’s try to assess the situation.”

“Yeah.” I agreed with Featherweight before he went back over to converse with the crusaders.

Next, I head over to Dinky Doo and Ginger Snap, who seem to already have some speculation amongst each other. They were just two desks away down the center from where Snips and Snails were.

“Shady! Do you have any clue about where Miss Cheerilee could be? Did you at least see her when you came to the entrance hall? Because We didn’t.” The pale yellow earth mare with the bob-cut, orange and dark-orange mane asked me. Around her body is a dark-green strap with a series of badges. On her head, she wears a hat of the same color, except the bill being made of plastic and a darker shade of green. Around her neck is a red, thin scarf. This mare is Ginger Snap, and I’m under the impression she probably wanted to give cookies to the royal guards and Princess Twilight.

But she’s a little old to be doing that, isn’t she?

“I haven’t seen her at all. I was the last to wake up in here. But I’m a little worried though. Don’t you think all of this is strange...?” I asked.

“You were also the last one to wake up on the train, soooooo...” The pale-purple unicorn mare with the blonde mane and tail reminded me. Her name is Dinky Doo, and she’s always assumed to have some sort of relation to Ponyville’s resident mailmare, Ditzy Doo. That’s also the reason why she’s always rumored to not be very bright.

“You guys should’ve woke me up!” I sternly replied, stomping a hoof down. It’s different this time. I didn’t mean to get snippy, but I can’t shake this bad feeling welling up inside me. I feel a weight on my back similar to the kind I got when Nightmare Moon or Discord terrorized Equestria...

“Geez, relax! You usually don’t care for sleeping in late!” Dinky tried to justify her remark, looking a bit put off at my retort. “But still, it beats me on why we’re even here. Some reunion, huh?”

“Tell me about it... Cheerilee’s pretty straightforward in her teachings. She’s not the roundabout type like Princess Celestia, so I doubt she’d be behind this.” I muttered, trying to piece together what little facts I have.

“Doesn’t answer where she is though. I’m not happy about this either. Bolted windows? We don’t even know what time it is! I could’ve already missed out on the release of that new Daring Do comic!” Dinky continued, making a good point, comics aside. If we woke up here, then just how long has it been?

Is it night time?

Is it still day time?

I walk over to Truffle Shuffle, the fat, light-gray earth stallion with the chocolate-colored mane sitting in the center of the classroom.

Is he... spacing out?

“Umm... Truffle?” I hesitantly call to him.

“I’m hungry.”

“Umm, this isn’t the time to-”

“I said I’m hungry. Got any snacks?”

“No. That wasn’t part of the plan.”

“We’ll talk if you bring me snacks.”

He... yeah, he doesn’t care about the situation at all, does he? Considering that his cutie mark is that of a knife and fork... Probably earned that from eating something every five seconds. But he should be more concerned about Miss Cheerilee at least. Didn’t he used to be the teacher’s pet?

And my next step was to talk to Pipsqueak and Grace Lightning, two ponies standing by the sealed off windows to the left and next to the last desk in that corner.

“I wonder if this is part of the field trip... then again, Nightmare Night isn’t until two months later...” The white earth stallion with brown spots on his body and a light-brownish mane covered by a red bandana on his head talked about his favorite holiday, Nightmare Night. It’s because of it that he’s become such a huge fan of Princess Luna, wearing a new, cool costume every year in hopes of impressing her. This stallion’s name is Pipsqueak. I heard he used to live in Trottingham.

“I really doubt this is a part of the trip.” I reminded him.

“But i mean, if it is, it’s a perfect set-up for a real scare, ya know? Everyone screams because there might be some sort of killer on the loose! It’d be perfect if Miss Cheerilee came out and scared the fur off of us!” Pip’s eyes shone with a gleam he was nervous about having, but it’s obvious he wanted this to be a simple prank. Surely he doesn’t want some serial killer in here for real...

Right?

“Who cares if this a part or the trip or not!? I WANTED TO SEE THE STADIUM, NOT THE CLASSROOM!” A gray mare with a purple mane spoke aggressively, not wanting to be in this classroom at all. This mare’s name is Grace Lightning. Unlike Pipsqueak and I, her cutie mark is a simple lightning bolt. The helmet that she’s wearing is black, has a lightning bolt on the side, and the numbers 2 and 5 with a light gray line drawn vertically in between the numbers. On her legs, she’s wearing a pair of black and white shoes. Probably the kind with the skates in them. If I recall correctly, she’s one of the ponies who likes to skate in the roller derby quite often, and wins the competitions a lot too. I also hear she’s very aggressive out there.

“C-calm down, Gracie! Look on the bright side: A classroom’s a perfect setup for a horror play!” Pip nervously tried to calm her down after her outburst the moment she bucked the steel plate over the window.

“I told you not to call me that!” She quickly turned her head, shooting a glare at poor Pip, who only didn’t want her to go crazy.

“Where was Miss Cheerilee last before you guys passed out?” I asked the two.

“Oh her... actually, I can’t remember... But I could’ve sworn she was with us. I mean...” Pip trailed off, shifting his focus to the floor, crestfallen that he can’t remember.

“I can’t remember that either. Agh! Why can’t I remember!?” Grace instantly grew frustrated after her eyes shut. Trying to remember where Cheerilee was just before this happened.

I can’t say I can relate to their frustration at all though. The others weren’t around when Featherweight and I arrived at the entrance hall and passed out promptly. For me, that’s probably worse.

I can’t shake it. I feel like I’ll be fine if we can find our teacher, but... she’s not here, the windows are sealed... wait, I haven’t tried the door!

And so I walk up to Featherweight and tell him my plan. I tell him that I want to try that door.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, dude...” Featherweight suddenly became very weary of the door.

“But none of us has tried to escape!” I argued back, having a much stronger urge than before to just break that door down.

“Don’t bother. The door’s locked.”

“WHAT?!” Tiara swiftly turned around, snapping at the one who made the remark.

A light-gray pegasus stallion with a slicked back, black and gray mane tells us about the door, walking up from it after separating himself from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“How do you know?” I asked, not realizing that I sounded rather aggravated. But then I quickly noticed a small dark spot on his left forehoof.

“Because I tried. Isn’t that obvious?” This stallion’s name is Rumble. Like me, he’s also a blank flank. At the same time, he’s also known for learning to fly really well at such a young age. Many ponies dismiss this feat though saying that his brother Thunderlane taught him how to fly. But that doesn’t change the fact that his ability to learn is insanely fast.

Still, Rumble seemed to have a chip on his shoulder, but I can’t fault him for it. Not when this same bad feeling is forming a chip on me as well.

“This is so royally stupid! We’re locked in a classroom with no answer as to how we even got here! And where’s Miss Cheerilee anyway? She wouldn’t even dream of doing this to her students!” Diamond Tiara walked up past Rumble, ranting along the way. She marched up to the regal wooden double door and held out a hoof to push it open. But... “GAH! What is this?!”

Upon contact with the door, Tiara jerked back, holding onto her right hoof the moment it touched the door. She started blowing on it as if she was burned.

“Dia, you okay?! What happened!?” Silver Spoon ran up to check on her friend, noticing a singe on her hoof.

“That DOOR just shocked me! What sorcery is this!? I DEMAND TO KNOW RIGHT NOW!!!” Tiara was screaming, ranting at this point.

“I don’t even know. But if somepony doesn’t come in here in the next few minutes, I’m bucking the door down! Who’s with me!?” Grace made a sudden, fiery declaration, raising up a forehoof, hoping the others will do the same. It’s like she wants to lead an army or something.

“Ah could try myself! After all, If I can buck a tree like mah sister, I can buck a door open! Ah’m not as good as she is, but I’ll do my best!” Apple Bloom surprisingly agreed, her eyes full of fire. Please tell me this isn’t some ruse to go for a cutie mark again.

“Apple Bloom, we’ll get in big trouble if we do...!” Sweetie Belle shrieked back as she thought what kind of temper their teacher would display. And no one would dare incur the wrath of Princess Twilight...

“But this is STRANGE! Why lock us in this classroom!? I don’t care if we get in trouble!” Scootaloo concurred with Apple Bloom, wanting to break the door down as well.

“Hey, you twerps up front! Use your magic to open this door!” Diamond Tiara shouted, commanding the two pranksters at the chalkboard.

“No way, do it yourself! We’re busy here!” Snails kept his back turned, not wanting to look at the demanding Diamond Tiara.

“Drawing a bunch of graffiti and nursery rhymes on the board isn’t ‘Busy’ you know! Just how stupid can you guys be?” Silver Spoon glared through her blue-framed glasses.

“Umm... why don’t we all just sit down in the desks? Maybe... somepony will come in to start class?” Twist pointed a hoof at Truffle Shuffle, who unlike everypony else, was sitting at the desk in the middle of the classroom.

One would wonder why he’s sitting there anyway.

“And why should we follow that fatty’s example?!” Turning her head and letting her mane sweep in a “Hmph!” fashion, Tiara scoffed at the idea.

“Don’t make fun of him! I just thought he might be on to something! Look, I’ll do it too!” Twist promptly takes a seat in a desk right next to Truffle and gives the fat stallion a quick smile.

“Oh, hey Twist.” For some reason, he turns around and greets her normally. What happened to being so hungry you refused to talk?

“Ugh, this isn’t what I feel like doing!! Let’s buck down the door!” Grace made a mad dash for the door, nodding off to whoever wanted to join her. Surely enough, Applebloom and Scootaloo were the only ones who complied.

“That’s gonna be futile.” Rumble said, looking away. In fact he looked as if he wanted to sigh.

“Oh look, the blank flanks are gonna try to open the door for us!” Tiara rolled her eyes, saying with such callousness the moment she saw Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stepping up.

By the time Scootaloo and Applebloom got to the door with Grace, they turn their backs to it and ready their legs.

“This sucker’s coming down!” Grace declared, her legs rising up along with Scootaloo’s and Apple Bloom’s. At that moment, their legs unleashed their full force at the door. I actually widened my eyes seeing such power from their legs, channeling a small bit of hope into me.

I hoped that the door would break.

I thought we’d be free.

But yet, the door itself had to be guarded with magic. A strong kind of magic obviously.

It’s then I began to wonder.

What good will it do if the door can’t even be touched?

That question became a reality the instant I asked myself that. Their hooves didn’t touch the door at all. Instead, they were pushed away by an unknown force. Of course, they briefly writhe and moan in pain, just the way Tiara did when she touched it.

“Whoa, really!? You’re kidding!” Snips commented while both he and Snails had stopped messing with the board. They wanted to see what would happen, and surely enough, they too saw the result.

“Then let me! I have to try!” Dinkie Doo would then gallop to the door, her horn glowing with a grayish-purple hue.

“But your magic might not be strong enough!” Ginger warned, wanting to stop her friend.

“I gotta try! Daring Do wouldn’t back down in this situation!” Dinkie ignored Ginger’s warning, making a quick rebuttle using her favorite heroine. Quickly, a blast of magic shot from her horn, headed straight for the door. The laser that fired was thin and looked weak, but even then, it didn’t have any effect at all. It’s as if the magic was vaporized.

No damage. No burns. Nothing.

Diamond Tiara would shoot a sudden glare at Snips and Snails, as if she expected them to step up this time.

“Nnn...eeeeeeeh... I can’t... my magic’s not all that strong y’know! This is too weird!” Snails nervously tried to get by Tiara’s expectations.

“My magic’s not that great either! We don’t study it enough to go blasting away barriers!” Snips added.

I clenched my teeth, realizing that this isn’t normal.

No...

This was never normal. From the very beginning, this wasn’t normal.

I can see Twist and Sweetie Belle looking back at the door in horror. Everypony else who didn’t participate in the act also looked in fear, realizing just as I have, that we’re trapped.

There’s nothing for us to do, but wait.

No... why wait? We need to get out.

But maybe It’s just because I don’t want to drive myself insane in here. I know for a fact that If I gave in to my desires, I’d do everything I could to destroy this place, and hope everyone would do the same.

I sighed deeply, ignoring the arguing and gossip and took a seat at the first empty desk I could find. One a desk away from Truffle Shuffle.

I put my head in my hooves, feeling nauseous. I feel anxious. Restless. But then I was quickly pulled out of it.

“Okay you bastards, get in your desks so we can begin roll call!”

What I heard isn’t some lame motivational speech, but something that shocked us all.

“Gyah!?” Both Snips and Snails dropped their chalk quickly.

“Uhh... who was that?” Featherweight asked me, but I gave him a ‘beats me’ look in response. A second later, we’re suddenly blinded by a very bright light. The same kind of light we’re used to seeing whenever Celestia makes her grand appearance.

But it wasn’t Princess Celestia. Why would It be? Why should it be? This is Twilight’s School. So it was natural for Princess Twilight Sparkle to make her entrance. A purple alicorn wearing her regal gown and crown stood at the podium, with her eyes closed in such a haughty princess fashion.

Upon her appearance, Snips and Snails make a mad dash for the back of the room with the rest of us, feeling like they were in trouble.

But what’s with that starting line? Princess Twilight wouldn’t say anything like that at all.

“Oh, look who’s FINALLY here! Princess Twilight! What happened to you, did work loosen one of your screws?” Diamond Tiara was the first to speak, and naturally, everyone but Silver Spoon looked at her like she’s lost her mind.

No seriously.

Even though she herself spoke pretty crudely just now, that’s STILL Princess Twilight.

“Oi, I’m a princess! You don’t talk to your ruler like that, now sit down or you’ll be punished!”

“Uhhh... maybe this is a Nightmare Night prank afterall... hahaha...! Some sort of plan to scare us into thinking she’s gone nuts... ah, I can see a scenario where she decides to teach us how to destroy the world, and if we don’t pay attention, she’ll destroy us! Perfect horror set up I guess...!” Pip force out a laugh, nervously looking at the new Alicorn before us.

“Oh, I get it. You want me to speak prim and proper! Something more like, ‘Hi everypony! It’s me, Princess Twilight! Could you all pwetty pwease sit down? I’d like to take roll call now!’ right? You spoiled rotten kids!”

“Maybe she’s been infected by the poison joke or somethin’! That’s gotta be it!” Apple Bloom happily speculated, having stars in her eyes even. I seriously don’t think that’s something to be happy about...

“Might as well do as she says. Maybe she’ll explain herself.” Rumble walked to the desk next to mine and took his seat. “I want to know what’s going on. That way we’ll know whether or not to resist.”

“That’s if we can resist...” Ginger Snap commented.

“Oh puh-leeze! You’re talking about resisting an ALICORN here! Even though it’s so not like her, she’s STILL an Alicorn! All powerful! A princess!” Diamond Tiara nervous chided those who spoke of ‘resisting’ the princess. Despite her hypocritical statements, we could hear the hint of nervousness in her voice. Yet, didn’t she just speak ill of her just a minute ago? Is she a hypocrite?

“Oh, someone finally gets me! It brings a pretty tear to my eye! Now hurry up or you’ll be punished!” Twilight ordered, her glare shooting daggers at all of us.

This is definitely strange, but Rumble had a point. We had to at least know what’s going on. We can’t just be blind about this.

So, out of curiosity and hopes of learning the truth, we comply to her demands by filling the sixteen desks in the room, despite how weird she’s acting. In fact, we simply took Apple Bloom’s absurd claim and hoped that was true. Maybe Diamond Tiara believed this isn't Twilight at all. And I’ll be honest: If she made that declaration now, I’d probably believe it.

The moment everypony sat down, the roll call began, but not in the way we expected it.

The moment my left forehoof landed on the desk, a strange, white band leaped up and latched onto it, like it was a watch that came to life. I yelped pretty loud along with everyone else, as the same thing happened to them.

“What the heck!?” I said to myself, the moment I saw my name and profile on a holographic screen projecting from the band on my wrist. It displayed my name and some strange title.

Super High School Level Hard Work

Shady Daze

Super High School Level... what? Hard Work? What in Celestia’s name...? Is this some sort of talent or something? Last I checked, ‘hard work’ isn’t exactly a talent.

After gawking at the title, I listened to my peers mutter their titles as well.

Super High School Level Quick Learner. Crown maker. Aristocrat. Girl Scout. Underdog. Candy Maker. Cutter. Crawler. Roller Skater. Eater. Horror Enthusiast. Bad Luck. Songwriter. Hope.

But before I could ask, the so-called Twilight Sparkle spoke again with another demand.

“Now that you bastards are finally present, there’s three things that need to be done! First off...!” The strange princess trailed off before making a single, loud stomp with her left forehoof. As it echoed across the room, our surroundings slowly began to transform.

The walls surrounding us and the roof over our heads vanished, just the same way as our desks, letting us fall to the new concrete.

What we saw before us this time, was what appeared to be an entire district full of fancy homes and stores, with a single, starry brick road leading to a castle up ahead.

“Umm... is this Canterlot again?” Sweetie Belle asked the question that we all wanted to.

“Now that we’re out of that stuffy room, It’s time to invite you ponies to the KINGDOM OF MUTUAL KILLING!” Princess Twilight opened her eyes, and had a look of absolute glee. Not to mention, her left eye is glowing brightly red.

“Whoa, what? Mutual Killing?” Scootaloo, confused as everyone else, looked at her peers, then back to Princess Twilight.

“Forget that, what’s with Twilight’s eye? It’s like she’s got a monster hidden within!” Pipsqueak pointed a hoof at the red gleam shining from her left eye.

“Must’ve dabbled into some dark magic I assume?” Silver Spoon speculated.

“Oh, that? It’s part of what I really am.” The moment the princess curtly said that, several beams of light broke out of Twilight’s back, as if she were a statue breaking away from the inside. But what emerged... was a teddy bear.

Really?

The bear, white and cute on one half, and black and wicked on the other half. To top it all off, this bear was wearing a golden crown on it’s head.

“WOW. I should’ve broke out sooner! This place needs a real king! King Monobear!”

Monobear... that’s what the toy called himself. With his high-pitched voice, he declared himself the king of this ‘kingdom’ we’re in.

“Heh. I didn’t care for princesses, but it looks like our NEWEST princess just went full retard!” Grace Lighting said curtly. “Whatever! That was lame! Let’s just blow this joint!” She turned her back to the alicorn before us and tried to walk off, but her face hit a wall... an invisible wall. “THIS AGAIN?!”

“So that was the wall we touched... interesting.” Rumble muttered to himself. How is that remotely interesting?

Looking behind us, we see an entire open field of grass, but nothing else, unlike where we are now. It’s like we’re in the middle of nowhere. Or maybe Canterlot somehow teleported here.

“I just built this kingdom, and I’m looking for some royal subjects to bring me some entertainment! You bastards are perfect for that!” Monobear continued talking, sitting on Twilight’s back.

...

That’s not Twilight at all, is it?

“I think We’re in trouble...!” Snips whispered to Snails, believing they’re the reason we can’t leave. But they were loud enough that Diamond Tiara and I could hear’em.

“No, you’re in trouble, you idiot! You should’ve never drawn on the board!” Snails argued back, desperately pushing his buddy under the bus.

“Me?! It was your idea to act like a kid!” Snips snapped back.

“WOULD YOU IDIOTS SHUT UP!? You were BOTH foolish enough to act like kids, so take responsibility!” Never thought I’d think it, but thank you, Diamond Tiara.

“N-no way! You’re our... err, princess, right?! YOU do it!” Snails pointed a hoof at Tiara, earning yet another soul piercing glare. But then that... bear speaks again.

“Oh? You think I care what you wrote on the chalkboard? Those stupid drawings are what you ponies amount to! Just pieces of art that represent nothing!” Monobear commented.

“WHERE’S PRINCESS TWILIGHT!?” Diamond Tiara asked, finally.

“Oh, she’s right here. Isn’t she a good, fluffy pony?” Monobear sarcastically answered, even petting the fake Twilight’s mane. It’s even reacting by snuggling against it’s paw!

“I MEAN IT!!! WHERE IS SHE!?” Diamond Tiara’s anger was stronger than anypony around her. She may be haughty, but it’s clear from the get go, from the moment of this Twilight’s appearance, she knew this wasn’t the real Princess Twilight. If there’s one thing I would know about a wanna-be princess like her, is that she would show proper respect to a fellow princess.

“You’re breaking my heart to tiny molecule pieces! It makes me beary sad that you can’t at least be my jesters.” Monobear petted the fake Twilight’s mane again, like he got some sympathy from it. “That’s what you’re all here for, right? And you bastards want to leave the moment I introduce myself!”

Despite her demands, it seems this ‘Monobear’ wouldn’t answer at all. He purposely avoided the question.

“Why would we come here on our own!?” Ginger Snap looked around, and glared at the bear once more, “This isn’t the Canterlot that I know!”

“What’s this Canterlot? This kingdom is called MONOLOT! The Kingdom of Mutual Killing!” Monobear’s left eye lit up brightly, sending a chill down Ginger’s spine.

“We don’t have a choice in this, do we? We’re suddenly declared to provide you ‘entertainment’ like we’re already your jesters. If you simply want us to tell jokes, then...” Rumble speculated, hoping that things would be that simple.

“Jokes are for losers who hang onto hope and friendship like a holy grail!” Monobear angrily scoffed.

“Then don’t expect us to be your jesters! I for one, refuse to be some teddy bear’s jester! I’m Diamond Tiara! Celestia forbid the day I’m reduced to such a ridiculing role!” Tiara put a hoof to her chest, speaking from the heart about her position.

“Naturally, I’m with her on this. You can’t seriously expect us to be your jesters, yet alone stay here. You kidnapped us, didn’t you? And for such a ridiculous claim? Who do you think you are?” Silver Spoon backed up her friend’s declaration.

“Uu~pupupu~” After his strange giggle, he continued, “The real question is who do you think you are? I’ve even prepared shelter and food, and that’s how I’m repaid? How ungrateful!”

“There’s food? I sure hope it’s tasty.” Truffle Shuffle’s first comment is about food. Really?

“Fine, since you bastards insist on not being my jester anymore, there’s only one way out: A promotion!”

“Promotion...? Is this a game now?” Snails asked.

“If you count killing as a game, sure!”

“WHAT!?” I suddenly yelped. I didn’t even care, but to nonchalantly say something like that... he can’t be serious. Even though I feel a terror like no other, I don’t want to take this seriously. Our reunion can’t have gone from a tour of a school to some kingdom where we have to entertain a teddy bear with violence.

“I didn’t stutter! The only way you’ll receive a promotion, is to kill someone! Only then, can you receive your promotion!” Monobear repeated.

“K-k-kill...? As in... kill somepony...?” Sweetie Belle’s legs violently trembled.

“Come on, Sweetie Belle! He’s just a cute, teddy bear! He wouldn’t want you to kill anypony!” Apple Bloom... you think that bear is cute? Despite the absurd claim, she seemed just as afraid as Sweetie Belle.

“Like Apple Bloom said, this might be some Poison Joke at work... I mean, maybe Twilight’s gone insane again and wants us to hog another doll of hers, right?” Scootaloo speculated, despite the beads of sweat on her head.

“Killing is a pretty good joke if you put your own spin to it! It involves stabbing, poisoning, bludgeoning, cutting, All sorts of fun things you can toy with! If you want to get promoted and go home, just kill someone among you! It’s easy!” Monobear seriously thinks we’ll kill each other. Why should we?

“How about I just kill YOU!?” Grace Lightning marched past all of us and inched closer to Monobear.

“That wouldn’t be beary good! That’s considered TREASON! Surely you wouldn’t lay your hooves on your king, get executed in front of your friends, and send them all to despair, would you?”

“You shouldn’t have asked us to kill! You think you can just kidnap us and expect us to kill each other!? FAT CHANCE!” Grace Lightning’s hooves dropped it’s wheels to the ground. She rolled her way towards Monobear with lightning speed and attempted to ram him. But before she could get close, she suddenly dodged the bear on it’s horse, ducking away from a member of the Royal Guard... or so we thought. But it’s not that she ducked away. Their sudden arrival allowed their wings to slice Grace on the sides.

They have golden helmets.

They have golden armor.

But a simple glance at these two, and you can tell they’re not the Canterlot Royal Guard at all. They look like they’re made of metal, red eyes and all. Not to mention, their wings, dripping with Grace Lightning’s blood, looked as if they could cut anything like butter.

“Say hello to my Monoguards! They sure like to jump the gun, don’t they?” Monobear was scratching the back of his head, acting so nonchalant about what just happened.

“GRACIE!!!” Pip tried to run up to her, but the Monoguards would block his way with their sharp, steel wings. He simply backed away and slumped to the ground, fearing for his friend’s life.

“I WANNA GO HOME!!!!” Sweetie Belle’s tears ran like a river, crying, begging to go home to her sister.

“I can’t stand this! Is Princess Twilight even alive...!? What about Princess Celestia? Or Princess Luna!?” Twist began asking everyone, despite that there’d be no answer. None of us know.

Everyone simply stood there, horrified. Even the likes of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Even that hungry Truffle Shuffle is trembling.

Monobear probably was aiming for this from the start. He probably wanted to make an example of us. He showed it to us clearly.

If we try to fight, we die.

If we try to resist, we die.

We can’t oppose him. Why try?

It’s that horrifying realization that made me want to give up. To just stop right here.

And what’s this killing business anyway? He wants us to kill each other? For what, a promotion?

To what? Some unknown position allowing us to leave this place? What’s his game?

“PHEW! I almost got trampled by a wild set of hooves! Better get her fixed up so she can participate in the kingdom of Mutual Killing. Wouldn’t want such fierceness to go to waste, right?” On Monobear’s order, the Monoguards picked Grace up and flew her away.

“This isn’t a joke, is it...? That blood’s... real, right?” Scootaloo asked.

“That blood’s real. It looks real. We just saw what happened.” Rumble grimly said, unable to avert his eyes from the blood pool left behind.

“Better read the rules on your ID bands! I’ve already updated the info about the requirements for ‘promotion’! Ignorance of the rules is unacceptable!” Monobear ordered us, then finished talking.

“But I see you get it now, don’t you? You desire to oppose me and leave. But that’s simply a byproduct of friendship. It builds unnecessary relationships with the outsiders of my kingdom. Relationships you hold dear. Relationships you can’t let go. But know that in the end, friendship is despair.”

We thought this bear was just a joke. But with words like that... with despair inducing words like that, we can’t call it a joke.

“With that said... I look forward to how you’ll all provide me with the grotesque, messy, despair-inducing entertainment I crave! GIDDYUP!” With Monobear’s parting words, he rode on that fake Twilight Sparkle and flew off...

We were brought here. We were probably kidnapped, but I never imagined it’d be for some sick purpose such as this.

“That’s... just a teddy bear! T-that’s... it can’t be capable of... THAT, right?” Snails hesitantly asked, earning a glare from Diamond Tiara.

“Oh, I don’t know, why don’t you go attack that thing! See what’ll happen!”

“Instead of trying to goad somepony into getting himself killed, why don’t we... read the rules, okay? Maybe we’ll find something useful!” Featherweight suggested. He was just as scared as I was... how can he say something so... hopeful? Doesn’t he know what’s going on?

“He’s got a point... we look at the rules with this band, right...?” Scootaloo lifted her hoof, looking around at us, hoping for a little clarification.

1. The king’s subjects will live a communal lifestyle with no time limit inside the the kingdom.

2. The time between 10pm and 7am is called “Night Time”. During Night Time there are places that are forbidden to enter, so please take care.

3. Sleeping is only permitted in the personal homes prepared for you in the neighborhood area. Anyone intentionally falling asleep elsewhere will be punished.

4. You may investigate the kingdom as you please. There are no special restrictions on your actions.

5. No violence is permitted against King Monobear. Destruction of the surveillance flowers and cameras is forbidden.

6. A “culprit” who kills a fellow subject will be promoted. However, they must not let any other subject know they are the culprit.

7. Additional rules may be added by the king at any time.

Nopony said a word. All we could do was look at each other. I’m guessing they all saw the killing rule. Rule number six.

That’s the rule that stood out to us the most.

That rule... What Monobear wants us to do in order to leave.

To kill somepony.

We have families at home. We have friends at home. We also have hopes and dreams we wish to achieve, but not by being here. We don’t even know if this place is Canterlot. For all we know, we could be far away from home. Anything could’ve happened to our loved ones.

Are the friends I’m looking at this very minute... would these friends truly risk it all? Would they truly murder one of us?

It makes me sick thinking about it...

Ch.1: (Ab)normal days: Part 1

CHAPTER 1: Friendship is Despair!

After reading the rules, especially the sixth rule regarding promotion, we all looked at each other with weary eyes.

They probably were thinking the same thoughts as I. Or worse.

Surely, this class. This Cheerilee’s class wouldn’t be plotting murder as we speak. No way.

“We can’t give up! We may not be able to oppose him right now, but there’s gotta be a way. Afterall, the good guys always win in the end!” Featherweight suddenly spoke up, breaking the thick, cold silence filling the air amongst everypony.

“What’s with the idealism? You saw what happened. Surely you’re not that naive, right?” Silver Spoon curtly asked.

“And how can you be so sure? The princesses... if they were here, they would’ve came by now. And if we plot anything, we might get punished!” Sweetie Belle expressed her worries.

“But it says we can live a communal lifestyle here, and that we can investigate this place as much as we want. We’ll just use that time to come up with a plan that’ll get us out of here alive. We can find Miss Cheerilee while we're at it! And I’m sure we’ll find the real Princess Twilight too! We can’t let him shake us!” Featherweight pressed us all with hope.

But will things be that easy? When he has such fearsome guards at his side, just where will we even begin our plans?

“Featherweight, we’ve known each other for a while, but this isn’t just you being naive, right?” I walked up to my friend. My voice was calm, but filled with a whole bucket of doubt.

“Like I’m saying, we’ve yet to really try. We have families at home, right? We have to at least try. For their sake.” I see... he’s scared. But he doesn’t want to submit to fear. He doesn’t want to submit to despair.

“Because Miss Cheerilee wouldn’t want us to kill each other, huh...?” Truffle Shuffle spoke at last. As expected of the teacher’s pet.

“That’s right!”

“Hmmm.... hmmm....” Truffle closed his eyes and went into a deep thought... none of us could tell what he was thinking. But if Featherweight could believe in him... believe in all of them... believe in me... then I suppose I should too.

If we submit to despair, we’ll never see our families again.

But if we don’t submit, what then?

Before I could open my mouth, I hear the blowing of several loud horns sounding a brief alarm, the kind that one would hear in a real kingdom.

At that moment, we looked above at the source of the sound and saw a large screen displaying Monobear sitting in a throne, holding a chalice. It’s as if he were some higher form of power truly looking down on us.

“Okay you bastards! It’s night time! As of now, all shops and restaurants are now forbidden to enter! Go to your homes and sleep! Sweet dreams!” Monobear’s announcement echoed throughout the kingdom, loud enough to ring our ears.

Soon after, we saw several of those ‘Monoguards’ in the sky.

“Wow. He’s sharp. He’s even got his guards on patrol from the air.” Rumble commented.

“Ah just realized something... he only said the shops and stuff are locked up. Ah wonder... what if it’s okay to enter each other’s homes? What if we could just waltz on in an’ kill somepony?” Apple Bloom, much to everyone’s surprise, made a horrifying speculation. Despite how much sense it made, it’s still scary to hear Apple Bloom of all ponies say that.

“Apple Bloom... you can’t be serious...” Twist was obviously appalled.

“Despite how she said it, she has a point. The rules don’t forbid that. That bear does expect us to kill each other.” Rumble backed up Apple Bloom’s speculation, taking the implication in stride, but providing fair warning.

“But don’t! Please guys, don’t! We kill somepony, and for what? You go home, but you’ll have to shoulder that guilt forever! You guys can’t really be prepared for that, right?” Featherweight stomped a hoof down, warning everypony as sternly as his consciousness would allow. He wasn’t the kind of pony to be strict.

“H-h-he’s right! I mean, I’m sure you guys won’t kill anypony! It’s just all some ruse, and the princesses may save us any minute now!” Scootaloo started rubbing her left forearm, looking tense.

“Oh, if you’re so scared, just board up your door! The rules don’t forbid blank flanks from acting like little chickens!” Tiara quipped with a sharp tongue, with every intention of getting under Scootaloo’s skin.

“I AM NOT A GODDAMN CHICKEN!!!” Scootaloo’s eyes shot daggers at Diamond Tiara the second she was called a ‘chicken’. I’ve never seen Scootaloo snap before, so this is a first. Her seething struck fear into me, causing both myself and Featherweight to back away just a little bit.

“Ah remember tha first time ah called her that... she even bit MY head off. I’d like to see where this is going!” Apple Bloom actually looked happy for some reason...

“Okay... so, like, we’re gonna go this way.” Snails, having his hoof point backwards, starts backing away slowly along with Snips, but quickly picking up their pace.

“Yeeaaah... I can’t watch this.” After Snips’s comment, their slow steps turned into a full-on gallop.

“G-geh... it’s not my fault you can’t fly! I’m... just gonna go! Maybe by tomorrow you’ll get over yourself! Let’s go Silver Spoon. I can’t stand the sight of those blank flanks any longer.”

“It’s okay, Diamond Tiara. No need to be scared.” Silver Spoon commented, obviously trying to hold back laughter.

“I’M NOT SCARED!” Tiara could be heard in the distance. She looked back at us, and then looked away, as if she were saying ‘hmph!’

“Scootaloo...!” Sweetie Belle meekly called out to her friend, but she was already walking away.

“Leave me alone, Sweetie Belle. I need some time alone.” Scootaloo walked off, going to her home as well.

“Let’s go find our homes, Sweetie Belle! We’ll just have to stay alive!” Apple Bloom said, full of optimism.

“For what, finding your cutie mark...? But there’s no time for that.” Sweetie Belle suddenly said what was on her mind, making Apple Bloom’s optimism crumble.

“She’s right, Apple Bloom. You can’t keep thinking about your cutie mark.” Twist faced her with a grimace, saying what she thinks.

Apple Bloom looked down for a minute, her mane covering her eyes.

For a moment, I thought she was going to cry, and I suddenly felt bad for her.

But I didn’t think about cheering her up, once. This issue is about the proof of your talent: the cutie mark. That cursed mark that everypony feels is what makes you who you are. The mark that gives you an identity to fit into society.

Seriously...

But her head rose up, eyes focused on Twist, giving her a... very strange smile.

“Hah. Ya know, Ah’ hate that. Ah’ hate hypocrites like you. Ah’ bet ya’ll got some fancy title when we got those lil’ white bands, but me? Ah’ ain’t got none.” Apple Bloom tilted her head, keeping up her obsessive smile. “Just as Ah’ have no cutie mark, Ah’ don’t have one of them fancy Super High School Level titles. Even Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo got’em, and I’m suuuper happy for’em! But Ah’m not gonna let that git me down at all! After all, a cutie mark crusader never gives up!”

“.........!” Twist suddenly felt terrified of Apple Bloom, looking away from her. “She’s... right...!”

Twist whispered to herself, backing away from stating her opinion again.

Despite the optimism in Apple Bloom’s tone, despite her smile, both of us could definitely see something deeper in that smile...

After Apple Bloom walked away to her assigned home, so did Twist and Sweetie Belle.

“Pip, are you okay?” Dinky and Ginger went to the young stallion, still horrified at what happened to Grace.

“A-ah, yeah, I’ll be fine! I... I’m just worried about Gracie. You don’t think he’ll just kill her anyway, right? Like, some sort of mad scientist performing an experiment and turning her into a non-working frankenstein or something?” Pip hesitantly answered, thinking the worst already.

“The rules state not to use violence against him... but that probably means that if our attack lands on him, he has the right to respond in self-defense... something like that.” Ginger Snap speculated.

After that, the three of them walked off to their homes as well. Even Truffle Shuffle walked home, just as dejected as everypony else.

Rumble would walk up to Featherweight and I, quickly saying his piece.

“I’m taking off as well. Featherweight, I would suggest that you learn all you can about this situation first, then apply all the hope you want to it. Tonight wasn’t a good time to throw in one of those speeches. Everypony’s volatile right now.” Rumble offered his quick word of advice before walking to his assigned home.

“Well... guess he means try tomorrow. It’s been a long day. I’ll try to sleep. You should get some rest too, dude. And remember: nopony’s going to die.” Featherweight said, full of confidence.

“How can you say that? After what we just witnessed...” I started to assume the worst again.

“We need to believe in them. They’re our friends, remember? We may not have kept contact with them, but they’re still our friends! So just believe in’em!” Featherweight finished, his voice beaming with hope, just before trotting off.

Now it was just me, alone.

The commotion has ended.

The noise is gone.

I looked at the night sky once again. I want to enjoy this view. I want to feel at ease looking at the stars.

But seeing the Monoguards flying about, that’s not even an option.

I even noticed a red glare from their sockets. It’s as if my eyes kept meeting with theirs.

It’s definitely nighttime, and It’s definitely time to go to sleep. I can’t have the Monoguards swooping down to slice me to pieces just for standing out here.

Then again, they probably wouldn’t mind if I wanted to kill somepony.

I walk up to my assigned home, ignoring the other homes around me as I walked down the street. The path then splits into two different directions: left and right. Nothing is up ahead except for an obvious shop of sorts. At the corner of the street, I see a signpost that shows that I’m currently at the Generosity district, spelled out in big, bold letters. I didn't feel like getting any closer to the sign, since I wanted to hurry.

Now that I look at the ground in the middle where the path parts, I see a few diamond-shaped gems drawn on the ground...

I think that’s Rarity’s cutie mark if I recall correctly...

It was this one story house right here, the very first home I saw after turning the corner. It was a luxurious-styled home from the outside, the kind you’d see in Canterlot everyday, but with two front windows and a door in between two pillars of the sunroof.

Now that I look down at the grass, I can see a daisy with what appears to be an eye in it’s center. This might be one of the flower cameras listed in the rules. I just hope they’re not fragile.

At the blue, wooden door, I saw a picture in the middle with my name underneath it. The picture itself was an eight-bit version of my head.

I push the door open and enter this home. Inside, is exactly as I expected: an entirely open room with all of the common necessities, save for the two security cameras at the ceiling corners, positioned to cover the whole room. To the left, I see a kitchen with a working refrigerator, sink, stove, and microwave. I walk inside the kitchen to investigate a little.

Inside the drawers, I find a conspicuous lack of spoons and stirring utensils. There are plenty of knives and forks though... each the name “Shady Daze” engraved at the handles. Underneath the utensils is a note.

Forks: 5

Knives: 5

Skewers: 2

Fine utensils for butchering the competition!

At the bottom right corner of the paper is a stamped mark of Monobear’s face.

That bastard...

Despite that, this note might be important, so I better burn it into my memory at least.

Inside the cabinets, I find plenty of porcelain plates and teacups. On that door is another note showing what’s inside the cabinet.

Plates: 5

Teacups: 2

Small dishes: 3

Glass cups: 5

Have a bloody fun teatime!

At the bottom right of the note is the face of that bear again.

He’s... serious about this killing game, isn’t he?

Inside the refrigerator, I find various microwavable veggie meals and bottled beverages.

Guess that Monobear somehow knows we’re vegetarians.

I leave the kitchen and look to my right. There’s a single bed with a pretty royal-looking headrest and mattress. On top of that headrest, I see a note taped on top. I use my mouth to pull it down to the white sheets to read it.

“An Announcement from Your King, Monobear”

“There is an anti-picking mechanism installed in the each house.”

“The doors can only be opened by the house’s owner, as the signposts at your door will read your ID Bands and automatically open the door for you.”

“There is a shower installed in every room. Please note that during Night Time, no water comes out.”

“If you haven’t noticed already, I’ve fitted each of your kitchens with a sufficient amount of dishes and eating utensils.”

“Your benevolent king thought you all would be hungry for blood!”

.............

I guess I better keep this note too. Never know when It’ll come in handy.

After folding the note up and quickly placing it into the nightstand drawer, I plop onto my bed and stare at the ceiling.

I didn’t care how long. I just wanted to look at it. Today’s events wouldn’t let me sleep. I really didn’t want to sleep.

And yet, this bed feels more comfortable than I thought. The soft mattress is making my eyelids heavy.

Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep at last.

I wake up the next morning, feeling somewhat groggy. I look outside the window to notice that it’s still a little dark outside.

I guess I didn’t sleep that long...

Upon opening my eyes, I felt a small weight on my chest, only to realize that I still have Featherweight's camera on my neck. I didn't even care to take it off last night, but I remove it from around my neck this time, placing it on the night stand.

Since I’m awake, I might as well go outside to get some fresh air and explore this place.

The moment I step outside, I can see that the sun is rising off in the distance, albeit, a little slower than usual. Maybe it’s just me still feeling anxious. Still, that means I slept somewhat properly.

Taking a look at the shop I saw last night, I can see somepony looking through the window...

I think that’s Ginger Snap... right? Better see what she’s doing here.

“EEEK!!” She suddenly swung a hoof at me. I barely managed to dodge in time.

“Whoa, watch it!” I scolded, shaken up from almost having a tooth knocked out first thing in the morning.

“Sorry, sorry! I’m just a little shaken, that’s all!” Ginger waved off her attack, and I quickly forgave her. After all that’s happened, I guess I can’t blame her for being even the slightest bit paranoid.

“So what are you doing here?” Naturally, I was curious.

“This place looks like a bakery of sorts... I was thinking about something.” She answered without hesitation.

“What ‘something’?”

“Hahaha... actually, it’s what Featherweight said to us... and I think he’s right! So I wanted a chance to go bake cookies for everypony, maybe get their spirits up!” Ginger said with plenty of enthusiasm.

“Oh, that. About not giving up, right?” I remembered his words.

“Well, I think it was more on the plan of escape. I thought it’d be great to discuss an escape plan while eating cookies and milk. Of course, we’d have to do it the Canterlot way.” Ginger said it like I was supposed to know what she meant.

“What’s the ‘Canterlot way’?” I inquired.

“Drinking just about everything from teacups. Who in Canterlot actually uses a regular cup? It’s all about the teacups! But don’t get me wrong, I’m not a wannabe princess or anything. It’s just that I’m originally from Canterlot. Besides, it might be better to get ponies like Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon to participate.” Ginger made her intentions clear. Honestly, hearing these plans actually puts me at ease.

“I didn’t even know that. You sure don’t look the Canterlot type though.” Seriously, she didn’t. She looks the part of a Ponyville native through and through.

“I know, right? I kinda get that alot. I mean, I only left Canterlot because I wanted to be a girl scout. You wouldn’t believe that a girl scout is Canterlot material, huh?”

“Well... no. Not really, I guess.” I hesitantly answered, thinking that it’s a little weird. And then I suddenly asked, “Wait, did you leave on your own?”

“Yeah. If I’m gonna be a scout, mom and dad won’t be around to protect me from the manticores, sea serpents, and bears, right?”

“..................... What in the...?”

I was at a loss for words. Just what in the heck did her group do!? Camp in the Everfree Forest!?

“What? It’s not like I’m a military recruit or anything. Sometimes you just need to do what you gotta do to collect those merit badges. Beats getting a cutie mark. That’s probably why I haven’t earned mine yet, despite being called ‘Super High School Level Girl Scout’.”

“Aren’t you getting too old to be a...” She cut me off before I could finish that question.

“My, my, I’m not old or anything.” With her emphasis on that word, I think I may have gotten under her fur a little bit... “I’m leading my own group of fillies! I’m training them to earn their merits in besting the world’s dangers! TO BEST THE ELEMENTS! PONY VERSUS WILD!”

I think I just flipped her switch...

“Oh, I don’t mean to best the Elements of Harmony though.” She must’ve noticed the unnerved look on my face, so she made a light joke of her previous statement.

“Somepony might think otherwise.” I still spoke my mind though.

It’s then, that Monobear’s image appeared above us, just like last night. Sitting on that throne...

“This is an announcement from your king! It’s now 7 AM! Get up, my jesters! Let’s all strive for royal entertainment today!”

Shortly after Monobear’s announcement, I hear a series of clicks, including one right by our ears.

It seems that all the doors are unlocked, and we’re free to explore.

“Let’s go inside! You never know what you’ll find!” Ginger immediately opened the door and trotted inside.

“It’s just a sweet shop...” I muttered to myself. Thankfully she’s too fired up to hear me. Despite that, I go inside anyway to look around.

I see a security camera on the ceiling at the far off corner at the right the moment I opened the door. Those cameras always stand out to me. They’re a constant reminder that we’re being watched.

The floor is made out of white, marble tiles with violet streaks. The circular tables are made of a bright, well polished wood, and matching chairs. Counting the chairs, it seems like this place is specifically fitted to hold sixteen ponies.

To my left, I see a counter with various types of doughnuts and cookies inside the glass container. Behind that, I see a wooden shelf with many different bags of coffee beans and bottles of flavoring lined across. There are also coffee mugs here as well, all made out of porcelain.

“Umm, Ginger? This might be a coffee shop instead.” I grabbed her attention while pointing over at the shelf.

“Is it?” Ginger seemed surprise at my claim. She probably didn’t see this shelf when she looked through the window. “Oh, you’re right! I didn’t even see the coffee machine by the shelf! I guess I thought it was a sweets shop when I saw all the yummy doughnuts in the container.” She gave a wry smile, acknowledging her mistake.

Still, this is pretty convenient. We’ll be able to drink a little coffee to stay awake and focused.

“Oh, Shady! Ginger! Heya!” Featherweight called out to us when he walked inside.

“Featherweight, glad you’re here! I was thinking we should take this time to at least catch up with everypony. Coffee and Cookies are the best ways to bond!” She showed her enthusiasm to Featherweight, who instantly formed a smile on his lips.

“Yeah... and that may calm everypony down too! That’ll be a perfect way to keep them from losing their cool!”

“Did you say ‘MEETING’?” Dinky Doo eventually popped her head through the door, surprising us all. With her, was Rumble and Scootaloo.

“Yep, could you go and round everypony up? We have to start the meeting as soon as possible.” Featherweight didn’t want to waste any time.

“That’s a good cause and all, but how do you suppose we go about this? We have to have a topic.” Rumble walked past Dinky, making his point in a matter-of-factly tone.

“Actually, I’d like to discuss those titles that were displayed on our ID bands. I’m sure that’ll at the least, be a way to repair lost bonds over the years.” I pitched in. But to be honest, I was just curious to learn something about what it means to be a Super High School Level... something.

“Hmmm... good point. I’m called Super High School Level Quick Learner, probably since i pick up on everything very fast if I actually try.”

“I guess that’s why you learned to fly at such an early age.” Scootaloo scoffed and turned her back to everypony, giving off a vibe of jealousy.

“Oh come on, what’s with the attitude? Are you still angry about last night?” Featherweight nervously asked, hoping to cheer her up in the process.

“Somewhat. But I’m also a little put-off that I’m called Super High School Level Bad Luck. What’s up with that? It’s like this stupid thing’s saying that bad things always happen when I’m around!” Scootaloo tried to keep her cool, but her tone rose as her rant progressed.

“You’re complaining about that? At least you didn’t get Super High School Level Underdog. Stupid thing’s rubbing in the fact that nopony expects very much of me.” Dinky Doo complained, shrugging off Scootaloo’s rant. “Although, I might can maybe make the best of that one since I can prove them wrong!”

“Oh, that’s probably why you’re still a blank flank!” Diamond Tiara callously said as she and Silver Spoon are walking up to Scootaloo.

“Perhaps it’s why she still can’t fly either.” Silver Spoon added on to the grating remarks.

“Whatever, I’m going. I don’t have time to deal with you two jerks. If you two keep egging me on, you just might get hurt or worse.” Scootaloo shot a powerful glare at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“Go ahead. I don’t mind.” Silver Spoon’s eyes were cold as ice behind those glasses of hers. She had every intention of goading Scootaloo on.

Silver didn’t flinch at her latent wrath unlike Tiara. But before Tiara could retort and make matters worse, Featherweight flies in between the two parties to diffuse the situation.

“STOP THIS! This is exactly what Monobear wants! This internal discord among us! I’m not going to sit here and watch when my friends are in danger like this!”

“Hmph! Well, you’re not a blank flank, so your words have SOME merit.” Diamond Tiara took one step away from Featherweight.

“Your title... just what is it?” Silver Spoon asked.

“I’m Super High School Level Hope.” Featherweight calmly answered.

“Those titles may be related to our talents perhaps?” Silver Spoon speculated, curious to know more.

“Really? I wasn’t aware that bad luck was a talent.” I put a hoof to my face the minute Tiara said that to Scootaloo.

“Oh wow, little miss princess must have some SPECTACULAR title!”

“For your information, I, am Super High School Level Crown Maker.” Tiara said with such pride, putting a hoof to her chest in such a haughty fashion. Yet, Scootaloo bursts out laughing...

“HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! You’re serious, huh? Let me laugh even harder! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

“W-w-well, this talent of mine let me get close to the princesses! I’ve crafted crowns and tiaras for Princess Cadence, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight! That's more than what you've done!”

“Come on, you’re just using that talent to ride their coattails!” Scootaloo fired back.

“Says the little filly who rides Rainbow Dash’s coattails!”

“YOU SHUT UP! THOSE COATTAILS ARE TWENTY PERCENT COOLER!”

So you don’t even deny it...?

“You know, I’m a ‘blank flank’, and I’m called Super High School Level Quick Learner. And there’s Shady here. And Dinky as well. I also believe Ginger Snap is also one of us too. So do us a favor and stop the ‘blank flank’ name calling. It’s elementary to throw that term out.”

Rumble was defending Scootaloo, and I could hear Tiara click her tongue in anger, scowling at him.

But I wanted to interject. I wanted to say my own piece, but that wouldn’t be related at all.

That whole ‘blank flank’ business is why I’ve come to hate the concept of “Finding your special talent”. Why should I waste my time looking for a talent, when I can just rely on simple hard work?

Tiara wasn't the only one who’d throw that term out. Not when you live in a society that sees the cutie mark as a rite of passage.

But of course, I kept my mouth shut and let Rumble defend Scootaloo. I didn’t want to ruin the mood. But if I have to say something...

“Yeah, Tiara. Not having a cutie mark isn’t that big of a deal.”

“...not when you have simple hard work, right?” Tiara solemnly answered, using one of my phrases. I don’t understand that change of attitude. Is she upset that so many of us are against her behavior?

“You got it. I have no intention of seeking out my cutie mark.” I finished my sentence, trying to be cool about this.

“It must feel pretty darn good too, huh? Not havin’ a cutie mark.”

“Huh?” I turn around to see Apple Bloom by herself, walking up to me slowly. Each time I stepped away, she walked closer, matching my pace until my back was against the brick wall of the coffee shop.

“Hmm... ya sure make it sound pretty darn good not havin’ a cutie mark... yet ya have a title too, don’t ya? Is hard work a talent?” Apple Bloom inches closer and closer to me.

Truthfully, she’s starting to creep me out.

“Come on, yer Super High School Level Hard Work. That’s a talent. Ya’ll got ya’ll some real fancy talents there.” She glanced at everypony else, then back to me.

“But it’s a waste when that cute lil’ bear wants us to kill each other. We’d never be able to go out and show off our fancy talents if we’re dead. And we can’t show off our talents if we’re trapped here... so ya know... it’s a waste! Ha... AH FEEL BETTER NOW!” Suddenly she showed me a genuine smile.

“You creep...!” Diamond Tiara may be scowling at Apple Bloom now, but she never paid attention to the haughty bully.

...

Did she say all of that just to make herself feel better...? It’s even more unsettling to hear it all in that southern accent.

Shortly afterward, Sweetie Belle, Twist, Pipsqueak, Truffle Shuffle, Snips, and then Snails all arrived at the coffee shop entrance at last.

“Way to get here at a snail’s pace!” Diamond Tiara snided.

“Gimmie a break! I had my door boarded up!” Snails complained, rubbing his forearm.

“Seriously...?” Snips looked at his friend, raising an eyebrow as if he were genuinely surprised and weirded out about that. “I shoulda did the same...”

“Uhh... what’s going on here?” Pipsqueak asked, feeling the awkwardness in the air.

“We were just... mingling! Yeah, mingling.” Dinky lied before anyone could answer, and everypony just went along with it when she gave us all a look signaling us to just do it.

“I guess something was happening...” Twist scratched the back of her head, catching onto Dinky’s lie, but just ignored it. Ginger walked outside, smelling like fresh cookie dough.

“Oh, the only thing happening was me in the kitchen baking cookies for everypony! I was just one step away from telling them all to SHUT UP, but I’m so glad I don’t have to do that!” She answered with a smile on her face.

It’s official. Girl scouts are tough as nails.

“Yeah... Actually, I wanted to talk with everypony, discuss what we need to do to get out of here.” Featherweight pitched his suggestion to them, hoping they’ll all comply.

“That sounds great! I mean, why not? I’d like to know everypony’s Super titles!” Sweetie Belle cheered up considerably. But then she stopped and looked at Apple Bloom, who simply stared at her blankly. “W-well... Apple Bloom I’m sorry about-”

“Oh, don’t worry about me, I’m fine, really!” Apple Bloom put on a brave smile. But this one was obviously tacked on instantly, probably so Sweetie Belle won’t worry.

Finally, we all walk inside the coffee shop, with a whole plate of cookies waiting for us at the second table in the middle.

I suppose I should speak to the late ones and find out about their titles. First, I’ll go to Twist.

“Oh, Shady... I hear you’re Super High School Level Hard Work... I still find that to be a strange title... err, talent. Something. Ah, anyway... I’m a Candy Maker. Just like my cutie mark indicates.” Twist looked at the ground, pondering something.

“Super High School Level Candy Maker... yeah, that fits. Do you have your own candy shop?” I ask.

“Not yet... but it’s my dream.” She gave a nice, yet, awkward smile that suddenly curved into a frown. “Though, that probably means I’ll have to overtake the likes of Sugarcube Corner, huh...? This is tough... I don’t wanna put Mr. and Mrs. Cake out of business, but I gotta do my best!”

Umm... isn’t that a little TOO ambitious...?

Next, I go up to Truffle Shuffle, who’s at a table eating several cookies already.

“I’m going to guess you’re Super High School Level Eater, right?”

He swallows that last bite and glances at me. “Yep. The power of the knife and fork is compelling. It drives you to eat to infinity, and beyond! Then again, I’m surprised I still have my appetite...”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when I’m worried, I tend to lose my appetite, but then I ignore everypony because I’m hungry. And to answer your question earlier before Monobear showed up, no I don’t remember where Miss Cheerilee is.” Truffle is speaking a lot more now that he’s stuffing his face. But he elaborates, “Thing is, I’m ashamed of myself.”

“Huh? Why would you be...” Before I could finish that question, it hit me.

“Because I haven’t worried about Cheerilee enough! All I’ve cared about is FOOD, dude! FOOD! But I used to be the teacher’s pet! Her number one student! The teacher’s self-proclaimed pride and joy! I think I’ve let myself go! All those eating contests...! CURSED FOOD! WHY YOU SO GOOD!?”

Despite his delirious claims, he munches at the cookies anyway... that idiot...

Next, I’ll talk to Snips.

“Oh, my talent? It’s related to my cutie mark. Super High School Level Cutter. But I better not go around telling everypony that... they’ll think I’m some sort of emo loser with no life. But I’m better than that!” Snips bragged.

“Then... how’d you earn the cutie mark?”

“Got it when I was cutting little paper figurines and such when I was a little colt. It’s awesome. But like, I discovered that everything I cut into turns into a work of art, man! Snails can attest to that!”

“Heh, you got the cool talent, but I got the lame one!” Snails interjected with a complaint.

“What’s yours, Snails?” I asked.

“Super High School Level CRAWLER. All I can do is just crawl real well. THAT’S IT. But between me n’ Snails, I’m the cooler lookin’ colt!”

“Shut up! You still wanted to draw graffiti on the chalk board!”

“It was for nostalgia’s sake! You did it all the time when we were little colts!”

“W-well, it’s STILL fun!”

“So... let’s go back to those talents now...”

Because these two are getting off topic too much.

“Look, truth is, I don’t like my cutie mark much. It implies I’m learning at a snail’s pace! It’s saying I’m SLOW! But I’ll show them... I’m not slow...!” I heard a lot of bitterness in Snails’ voice. But he does make a good point about his Cutie Mark... if anything, he should be proud he even has a real talent.

And now to talk to Pipsqueak.

“I’m Super High School Level Horror Enthusiast. Maybe because either I like Nightmare Night so much, or because I actually like Nightmare Moon...”

“Wait, what...!?” You've gotta be kidding me, Pip. Please tell me you're kidding. You can't seriously like that monster.

“What’s with that look? What’s wrong with liking Nightmare Moon?” Pip pointed a hoof at me, giving me a stern scowl... “Her starry coat that reminds you of the constant darkness... her helmet reminds how ruthlessly evil she is! Her eyes remind you of the nightmares you’ll have! Her royal Canterlot voice vibrates fear into your ears... oh man, she’s so amazing!”

I don’t think I should ask on...

And now I go to Sweetie Belle to figure out her title.

“Super High School Level Song Writer.” Sweetie Belle answered.

“Song Writer? I didn’t think you wrote any songs.” I commented, giving my honest, first impression of her. She didn’t look the type.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve seen our musical numbers at Ponyville, right? Whenever Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and I all break into song, I’m usually the one who writes the lyrics.” She was referring to some of the moments where their antics turn into a musical.

“The only song I remember is you guys singing about some ‘bad apple’.” I heard that song a few years ago. I was right around the corner.

“That was when we were complaining about Babs Seed being a jerk though. You know, for being a jerkity... jerk, jerk.” Sweetie Belle’s cheeks puffed for a moment, but then smiled for a bit. “Well, she cleaned up her act though!”

“Soooooo... you write songs. If you’re considered a Super High School Level... I wonder if somepony like Sapphire Shores would let you write a song or two for her...”

“Well, we’re gonna have to get out of here to find out, right...? Hahaha...!” Upbeat at first, she looked crestfallen shortly after.

Now to talk to Apple Bloom.

“Oh, my Super Talent, right? Hmm... hmm... Ah wonder if ah should show...” Apple Bloom went into serious thought. Part of me thinks she’s being sarcastic.

“You... you said you don’t have one, huh?”

“Yep.” Apple Bloom closed her eyes and showed a smile of defeat, holding up her left hoof, showing her ID Band to me. When the holographic screen showed in front of me, I then understood.

Super High School Level ???

Apple Bloom

“See? This is what I mean. No cutie mark. No fancy title that represents talent.” Apple Bloom confessed. Suddenly, she widened her eyes and elaborated. “And really, it’s obvious that these fancy lil’ titles are the equivalent to talent. But it’s fine. I’ll find out my talent AND my cutie mark!”

That’s...

I’m not sure what to make of this. I don’t know if I should feel sorry for her or be scared.

....

Why would I need to be scared? No... there can’t possibly be a cutie mark for murder.

No way.

“And remember: Nopony is going to die.”

I just remembered Featherweight’s words... guess he’s not called Super High School Level Hope for nothing.

“Okay everypony, now that we know each other’s talents, we should try to devise a plan for escaping.” Featherweight announced. I didn’t get Grace Lightning’s talent, but at this point, it’s pretty obvious. She’s definitely Super High School Level roller skater.

“The problem might be those royal guard knock-offs...” Scootaloo interjected.

“They’re in the sky as we speak, flying around, constantly making sure we don’t break the rules.”

“Then let’s look for a few loopholes in the rules!” Featherweight activated his ID band and scrolled through them. “We all read the rules, but I’m sure Monobear wouldn’t have added the first rule for nothing.”

“You mean the one where we can investigate this Kingdom freely, right?” Ginger asked, then took a cookie off the plate on the table to munch on.

“Yeah. Truthfully, if we want to escape, we need to find out all we can about this Kingdom!” Featherweight made his hope-filled plans clear.

“Umm... there’s a slight problem.” Twist hesitantly pointed out.

“What is it, Twist?” Featherweight asked.

“A map... shouldn’t... we need a map? We could get lost, and if we get lost, we might not make it back before Night time... and we don’t want to wander around at night...” Twist is right... the guards in the sky might kill us if we break a rule...

“Hmm... she has a good point there. Wouldn’t want the boogiepony to come out and get you...” Pip narrowed his eyes, wondering.

“That’s sooo for little foals!” Snails interjected, quickly levitating a cookie to his mouth.

“Hey, it’s a classic story to tell to your kids!” Pip angrily retorted, raising his hoves in a hammy fashion. “All bad fillies need a good scare!”

“But still! We need a map!” Sweetie Belle tried to steer the topic back on track.

“This looks like fun! Can I join in?” It’s the voice of a bear we did NOT want to see.

“Sure thing, MonouuuuuuuuuaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!?!?!” Pip fell out of his chair the second he saw Monobear right next to him.

“It’s MonoBEAR! Get it right you bastards!”

“W-w-what are you doing here! Nobody invited you!” Snips snapped.

“That’s right! No evil stuffed teddy bears allowed! SHOO! SHOO!” Tiara made a motion with her hoof, trying to make Monobear go away.

“My own subjects treating me like some puppy off the street... I could die the next moment when I starve to death!” Monobear morbidly spoke in jest.

“THEN DIE!” Scootaloo picked up a cookie with her hooves and prepared to throw it. You’re not gonna take down Monobear with a cookie.

“That’s a pretty funny irony though. Your king will have mercy on you bastards. You failed to invite ME to this little party, even though I brought you all a very special present!”

“We don’t want presents from someone like you!” Sweetie Belle angrily pointed at Monobear.

“You sure? Because it’s a goooooood present. Beary good.” Bear puns aside, his proposition suddenly sounded a bit sinister.

“...we should accept...” Ginger suggested, her voice hushed.

“Y-you don’t think he’ll-” I knew what Dinky was thinking...

“Yeah... he might.” Ginger surmised...

“Fine. We’ll accept your present!” Featherweight answered for all of us.

I have a bad feeling about this...

“Good choice!” The moment Monobear rose his hand, a smokescreen blew into the room, blinding us briefly.

After a moment of coughing and trying to catch our breath, the smoke cleared at last. But what we saw wasn’t what we expected...

“See, I found this cute little dog and thought she’d be fun and entertaining! Like Lassie!” Monobear held out his arm, pointing to the... ‘dog’ in question. He even picked up the leash and tugged it a little, earning a few barks.

“ARF! ARF!”

But that was no dog. Not this one that glared at Monobear, then looked at us with worried eyes.

That wasn’t supposed to be a dog. But being called as such is the biggest insult to Miss Cheerilee.

That’s right. This ‘dog’ is our favorite teacher, Cheerilee, wearing a big, brown dog-suit where her light pink mane and purple coat can clearly be seen. Seeing our teacher like this sent a shiver down our spines.

On her mouth is some sort of strange, steel-looking muzzle.

“Thank goodness you bastards took her in! After going through all that trouble of fixing her up, I would’ve had to put her down like Old Yeller if you didn’t accept!” Monobear sighed a breath of relief.

The tower of cookies Truffle Shuffle was eating from flew off the table to the left, revealing an unspeakable fury. “P-p-put... her down...?!”

“Euthanasia! Put to sleep! Lethal injection! MERCY KILL!” Monobear answered Truffle’s question, making it painfully clear that Miss Cheerilee would’ve died if we hadn’t accepted.

*Whimper*

“Why in the world can’t she talk?!” Truffle asked.

“Because she’s a DOG! Dogs don’t talk!” Monobear gave an irritated obvious answer, jumping on the table.

“It’s... that muzzle, isn’t it?” Rumble asked, just as angry as we all are. Perhaps he picked up on it.

Rumble must’ve been referring to that muzzle on her mouth. That dog-like muzzle covering her whole mouth. Perhaps... Cheerilee can’t talk to us at all because of it.

“Whatever do you mean? Dogs bark, whine, and whimper for love, care, and attention!” Monobear, stating the obvious, only served to make our blood boil. “Starting now, there’s now an additional rule: From here on out, each of you will take turns to feed that dog, take her out on walks, and so forth! I call it Doggie Duty! Check your ID bands to find out who’s on Doggy Duty for today! I even added a doghouse in the neighborhood to take her to for feeding! Failure to comply will just tell me that you don’t want the dog anymore, so I’ll just put her down!” Monobear tore into our hope by bringing in this new form of despair, continuously making it worse as he spoke so sternly and nonchalantly.

“So love and tolerate this mangy mutt, you bastards!”

We’ve been looking for Cheerilee all this time... trying to find a way to escape...

And here she is. Our teacher from Ponyville, now reduced to the role of a pitiful dog.

Having never been in those shoes, never knowing how a dog thinks or feels, we couldn’t possibly imagine what could be on Cheerilee’s mind, or how she’s even taking it.

But if she’s here... she knows what’s going on... about this game. The rules.

She has to. But if she doesn’t, we have no idea of knowing, because she’s... our dog now.

Our class pet.