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

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.