> "I have heard the call of the Wind dance!"
> She looked over the three of you and clicked her tongue.
> "Oh it's you three."
> Turning back to you she rolled her eyes.
> "I see you've gotten Anonymous all pumped with testosterone and false hope."
> You glare at her as she gave you an amused smile.
> Suddenly the smile dropped.
> "Are we finally ready for your courses Anonymous."
> You fold your arms over your chest.
"Yes."
> She stared you down, probably hoping to see you budge.
> You didn't.
"Well then, come."
> She swept her wings over the three of you.
> Removing them you were on a blue cloud overlooking a temple.
> A groan caught your attention.
> You peered over and saw the Elements and your friends picking themselves up.
"Guys!"
> You took a step forward but found an invisible wall keeping you separated from them.
> Celestia and Luna were suddenly teleported on the other side of it, giving you a last glance of shock.
> The cloud split in two, the others on one cloud and you and Zoa on the other.
> You watched them drift away.
> "Now Anonymous, they get to watch you try and ultimately fail to keep up your end of this silly little bet."
> Zoa put a hoof lazily around your shoulder, turning you around.
> "And meanwhile I will be sitting up there with them, watching with them as you fail."
> "And when they get that look of disappointment because you failed Anonymous, then I'm going to tell them that I am right and will always be right. You humans are nothing but trouble..."
> She let go of you as your cloud broke away.
> Turning back one last time you could see them all discussing.
> It looked like Celestia and Luna were explaining something.
> The cloud suddenly shot forward, but managed to hold you in place some how.
> Before you knew it, you were at the start of the course, staring up at a wall that stretched until it disappeared, with multiple grooves carved into it.
> This was the first test...
> You let out a sigh as you watched the wall.
> And infinity wall eh...
> That was fun...
> Putting you hand in the first groove confirmed what you had already suspected.
> The grooves were too small for your hands.
> You would be climbing by the tips of your fingers.
> Hooking you fingers into the next overhead groove you begin.
 
> You are Celestia again and you just had to explain what was going on.
> None of them seemed happy.
> A gust of wind blowing across the room caught everybody's attention.
> You all turned to see Zoa sitting on a golden throne.
> She watched with amusement as the cloud zipped forward, turning the world into a blur.
> All of a sudden you found yourself a couple of feet away from Anonymous, who had already made his way considerably up the wall.
> But there was still much more left, infinite left actually...
> "The games are beginning..."
> Everybody went silent as Anon slipped.
> With how far up he was that was at least a forty foot drop.
> You caught yourself by latching your fingers in one of the grooves.
> With a grunt you righted yourself, ignoring the numbing feeling in your fingers.
> Kicking your foot into one of the grooves helped you stay up right.
> With a grunt you continued, ignoring the threat of a looming drop.
> Each time you pulled though pain flared throughout your fingers.
> You found yourself gritting your teeth each time you managed to gain some upper ground.
> This couldn't go on for much longer...
> Gravity was against you despite your ability.
> There had to be a way to get past this wall...
> Think...
> Think...
> This was a test of strength, so it most likely involved some kind of -
> You stopped.
> You squinted up ahead.
> Another wall was forming, two panels flipping into place just out of your sight.
> Ah...
> You would have to beat the panels.
> That's all...
> Which meant that you had to move faster than you already were.
> Your jacket teared at the arm as you yourself up a groove.
> Suddenly you pushed off with your legs, you carefully watched each groove, making sure to place your limbs accordingly to them.
> The wall felt as if it were a blur as you climbed forward like some deranged spider-monkey.
> You nearly missed a couple of times but you kept going.
> You thought of Zoa winning.
> Zoa being right.
> It made you fume!
> Grabbing the last two grooves before the panels could flip you hurled yourself over the wall.
> You had cleared that in ten minutes...
> The wall suddenly changed though.
> As you hurled yourself over it was a foot before you hit the ground.
> You weren't going to question it, freaky gods magic just saved you from killing yourself.
> You now found yourself on a floating brick pathway covered in vegetation.
> At the start of the pathway was four rocks about the size of your body.
> Four chains hung from them, laying across the ground.
> You couldn't do one at a time, you didn't think you would have the time for that.
> You you grabbed two chains in one hand and two in the other.
> Slinging them over your shoulders you began to pull.
> The rocks gave you resistance instantly.
> Not only were they ridiculously heavy but their rough texture kept them anchored on the ground.
> With a grunt you manage to get the left two to budge.
> Throwing your shoulder into it the right budged slightly.
> The laughter of Zoa echoed all throughout your mind.
> Thoughts of your friends being displayed like the trophies you kept at home flashed through your mind.
> With a grunt you managed to budge the left a little bit more.
> Each step was agony.
> But you briefly saw Zoa showing off Scootaloo to whatever disgusting entity would dare visit her.
> With a growl you managed to get moving steadly, pulling the rocks along with considerable effort.
> You were moving at a snail pace...
> You thought about everything that lead to this point.
> The taunting, the anger, the determination.
> Your eyes began to burn.
> Your next step came down faster than the others.
> Your breathing became labored as you began to move faster and faster.
> A slight pounding began in the back of your skull.
> The rocks skidded across the ground as you began to run forward.
> You powered down the pathway.
> The rocks dragged across the ground, sending up a trail of dust and shredded vegetation.
> You fold your arms to get more leverage.
> You continued to make your way down the path.
> You could see the end of it, just a couple more feet.
> You began to slow down significantly.
> Thinking about how close you were was making you weak.
> With a grunt you throw your hips and thighs into one last thrust.
> The rocks flung forward, going over your head.
> Letting go of the chains you watched as it slammed just past the end of the path.
> You ran forward and ran pat the rocks.
 
> And just like that you were in a cave...
> You wipe the sweat off of your brow.
> The cave was nearly pitch black except for torches lit here and there.
> Then you remembered the next trial.
> The tooth of an ancient Manticore...
> You press your back against the wall and sneak down the cavern.
> Grabbing one of the many torches you use it to light your way.
> Coming to a stop at the end of the entrance you peered past the wall.
> The cavern had a large clearing, torches placed all around the wall of the circular clearing.
> In the middle of it lay a Manticore so large it dwarfed Aggro.
> You would have to take this one a little bit slower...
> It snorted, twitching in its sleep.
> You watched as it let out a yawn and fell back asleep.
> God those teeth were as sharp as razors.
> And just long enough to be comparable to a spear.
> You step one foot out slowly.
> This would not only take strength but it would also take patien-
> Your foot brushed against something hard.
> Bringing the torch down a ragged skeleton of a pony stared with a wicked grin up at the caverns roof.
> You bought the torch forward a little and revealed multiple bones of other races.
> Minotaurs, Griffons, Lizard-men, orcs, you could even see some Alicorns strewn about.
> All of a sudden a warm, wet breath tingled the back of your neck.
> You whirl around and hold the torch up.
> It just barely illuminated a fourth of its face, letting you see the hungry eyes glowering at you.
> All at once the torches suddenly burst with fire, lighting the entire cavern.
> You drop yours as the Manticore stood too full height.
> You ignore the feeling of dread forming in your stomach and rush forward, wrapping your hands in its mane.
> You struggled to get it to the ground but all that happened was the Manticore staring at you blankly.
> Suddenly it swept you away with its paw.
> The world rocked and spun as you tumbled throughout the air.
> You let out a grunt of pain as you slammed into one of the nearby rocky walls.
> The heavy foot falls of the creature rocked your hearing as it approached.
> You nearly managed to get up before it sent you rolling again.
> It caught you in the ribs that time.
> A pain akin to something stabbing you in the chest made itself known.
> You let out a pained groan.
> The Manticore made a sound like a roar and laughter at the same time.
> It was laughing at you...
> You struggle to get back up.
> The Manticore watched as you got back up, giving a low growl.
> It was toying with you.
> As you stumbled to your feet the Manticore stopped growling and began to laugh again.
> It crouched low, watching you intently.
> That was a warning if you had seen one...
> How nice of him.
> The creature became a brown blur as if rushed forward.
> A good ten feet of dirt was kicked up around it repeatedly.
> You steel yourself and step forward.
> No way you could stop this thing...
> It was a train and you were a car at best.
> No...
> For the last few days you have been nothing but a coward.
> Well... relative to them.
> You still had four years to think your life over.
> Just as the blur appeared in front of you, you ducked down.
> Pushing your hands and shoulder forward you managed to catch it right under the chin.
> Considering the fact that its head alone was roughly the size of your head.
> It was pretty impressive that you managed to halt it...
> Hooking your arm in its mane you sent a hook into its rippling neck.
> A grunt of pain was your only response.
> Using that as leverage you yanked its head down.
> The Manticore tried to fight but it still seem shocked by your sudden change.
> And that was perfect.
> You shove its face into the dirt and bring your foot up.
> Stomping down on its snout you pull your arms away.
> The Manticore wasn't there anymore.
> All you could see was a Basilisk at your mercy.
> It was your turn to glower down at it.
> Off to the side you saw the Elements, telling it you was impossible.
> The Basilisk tried to flinch away but you weren't having any of that.
> The creature looked at you in fear as you pulled it back up.
> Managing to get your arms in an O shape around its massive neck you tighten your grip.
> The sound of rushing air escaped its nostrils.
> And you heaved the creature backwards.
> it flew over your head, its weight not helping its case.
> The whole cavern rocked as you slammed it into the ground.
> You stood just on your toes, your back arching away from the ground.
> The image of the Basilisk began to fade.
> The Manticore took its place again.
> It struggled lightly in your grip for a minute before going limp.
> You let go of it and fell back on the ground.
> Resting your arms on your knee you catch your breath.
> Every time you breathed though, a sharp pain moved throughout your rib cage.
> You would definitely not get over that.
> Gripping your side you stand back up and shuffle over to the Manticore.
> It shifted.
> It was going to get back up.
> Dropping down you place your fore-arm over its cheek.
> Pressing down with all of your weight you wrap your left arm around it's neck again.
> Following with your right arm and leg you squeezed your legs and arms together.
> Compressing the neck of the creature it began to squirm, trying to throw you off.
> That wasn't happening.
> As your body pressed against its own, the pain in your ribs worsened.
> You didn't care.
> Your head felt as if it were on fire.
> That's all you cared about.
> Burning in your skull, your friends.
> Your eyes narrowed, your grip tightening.
> No he wasn't getting out of this.
> After a couple of minutes the Manticore stopped squirming.
> It went limp, staring up at the cavern roof.
> Your breath hitched.
> You felt its neck.
> Still alive.
> You let out a sigh of relief.
> Stepping away from the unconscious body you examine its mouth.
> How were you supposed to get the tooth out?
> You had read somewhere once before that a Manticores teeth and claws were nay indestructible.
> So the most ancient of Manticores... it had to be impossible to even chip.
> The sound of something clacking down behind you alerted you.
> Turning around you looked over the golden sword laying across the ground.
> Picking it up and examining it you noticed inscriptions on it.
> She wanted you to kill it...
> You looked back at the Manticore and then the sword.
> Suddenly a mew caught your attention.
> You looked up to the area the Manticore had been resting before.
> Heading over to the area you noticed that it was a smaller den within the cave.
> Peering in you could see baby manticores stumbling over each other.
> They scrambled to get away from you, hissing and swiping their claws.
> Or course....
> You turn back to the Minotaur.
> Heading on over you stared down at it.
> If you did kill it those babies would certainly die...
 
> You tossed the sword behind you and leaned down.
> Softly stroking the Manticores mane you felt as if you were being watched.
> An exasperated groan came from all around you at once.
> "What are you doing! Kill it Anonymous, your friends are on the line!"
> Derpys voice soon came after.
> "Don't do it sh-"
> "Quiet. So Anonymous, your friends or some silly, slobering creature you don't even know."
> You look over the Manticore one last time.
> Standing up you shake your head.
> Zoa snarled at your response.
> "Y-Your so...so infuriating! These are your friends, you're supposed to be willing to kill for them!"
> You gestured to the many skeletons around you.
"And I'm guessing that's what you told these guys?"
> The area went silent.
> Zoa muttered something and then her voice left for good.
> Shuffling from the middle of the cave caught your attention.
> The manticores litter were collectively dragging something out of the den.
> They placed it in front of the Den and ran back in.
> You walked over and picked up the object.
> It was a golden casing in the shape of a fang, large letters labeled 'Manticore' took up the side of it.
> A shining light took up your vision as a portal appeared next to you.
> So this was the real fang eh..
> You stepped through the portal ready for the final Earth trial.
> As the light cleared you found yourself in a circular room.
> Elegant designs graced the room, shaped like vines and trees.
> The ceiling was a glass dome the let you see into a night sky.
> Or at least what you had thought was a night sky.
> A large, green and red planet hung overhead the dome.
> Off further past the dome was a yellow moon.
> A blanket of stars shot overhead.
> it was beautiful...
> You turn back to the room.
> In the middle of the room, placed on a lighter shaded, tan panel was a golden object the size of a large coffee mug.
> Two handles in the shape of a monkeys paw hung off of its sides.
> The golden object was craved out like a taunting monkey.
> This was it?
> This was the last earth trial, this was the immovable object?
> Nah, it couldn't be.
> This had to be the lead to it.
> You were sure the immovable object was a large statue of some sort.
> You step up and put down the fang.
> Reaching down you grab one of the handles and pull.
> Nothing.
> It didn't move, it didn't even budge a centimeter.
> You place both hands and tug, a sharp pain shooting through your ribs.
> Still nothing.
> Giving a frustrated grunt you began to pull with all of your might.
> The golden bust wasn't losing any ground.
> You arch your back and let out a pained grunt.
> Using your legs you try and propel your whole body upwards.
> Nothing.
> Despite your strength this thing wasn't moving.
> You let go of it and stumble back.
> Placing a hand over your rib you tried to relieve the sharp pain in your ribcage.
> Damn that Manticore...
> Putting pressure on it only worsened your pain though.
> You decided the best course of action was to leave it be.
> You let your arms lay limply at your sides as you studied the bust.
> Immovable object...
> So how did the gods even get past this?
> An object couldn't be immovable if it was moved before!
> You let out a frustrated growl and step forward.
> Gripping the handles you began to pull and tug again.
> This was getting frustrating.
> "Look at how hard he's trying."
> You grunted as Zoa's voice filled the room again.
> "Anonymous, just give up. Besides, your race is prone to it. Look at the state your world is in."
> Overhead the picture behind the glass dome changed, showing earth.
> Your home planet...
> You continued to try and lift the bust, ignoring her.
> The dome suddenly zoomed in on the earth, giving you a view of a man holding a woman at gun point in the slums somewhere.
> The picture switched showing a nuclear bomb going off.
> Multiple pictures flashed through the dome, marchings, burnings, robberies.
> And many more.
> All at once the voices of your friends surrounded you.
> They all chattered away, the tone of confusion and fear evident in their voices.
> It all stopped abruptly.
> "This is why you can't be here. You would bring your filth into this pure world and taint it."
> Your eyes narrowed.
> "You Anonymous are the sole reason of your own destruction, you humans are all the same. Self-destructive, slobbering, creatures who burn, stab, and kill anything that would even resemble peace!"
"Not me!"
> The bust scooted across the ground in your direction.
> "W-What in my mothers mane!" Zoa shouted.
> It scooted again, coming closer to you.
> "No! Stop that! That's physically impossible!"
> Just from managing to scrape it across the ground alone racked your body with pain.
> Your ribs began to crack again, sending bursts of pain throughout your chest.
> Spots and darkness began to fill your vision.
> You hands slipped.
> And you fell back from the bust, slamming into the ground away from it.
> You coughed in pain.
> Zoa began to laugh.
> "Wow, you actually had me worried there for a second."
> She still sounded unsure, as if you were going to get up again.
> "But still impressive none the less Anonymous, that's still a wonderful feat to move it like that."
> She began to laugh again.
> "But you gave up! Just like I had said!"
> Suddenly the room went silent.
> You closed your eyes.
> "Be quiet!"
> She wasn't talking to you...
> "Anonymous isn't your savior, I am! He's nothing but a violent creature bent on destruction."
> "... How dare you speak back to me you filthy, wall-eyed buffon!"
> Your jaw clenched.
> "Don't you dare defend her Celestia, all of you are going to be nothing more than trophies soon."
> You pick yourself back up slowly.
> "Ohhh the Elements think they can dare step to the goddess of Wind? Well you're as hopeless as your fri- what in tartarus is he doing?"
> You stand before the bust.
> Studying it.
> You could only scoot it, you couldn't lift it.
> Which meant that immovable was a moot point.
> You had to get it off of the panel somehow, if you were meant to move it by inches then you would have already passed this trial.
> You pull off your worn jacket and toss it to the side.
> You look up at the dome overhead.
> The same strange, alien galaxy from before stared back at you, any pictures of earth gone.
> You look back at the bust.
> Scooting it would take too long.
> Your body couldn't handle lifting something like that again.
> Not with your rib.
> You weren't even sure if you could even do the other courses.
> IF you even got past this trial.
> It was a miracle that Zoa wasn't trying to pull some BS magic trick right now.
> You look around the room.
> Think... think...
> Nothing.
> You could see nothing to give you an advantage, nothing to help you out, nothing clever, or interesting, or easy.
> You fall in front of the bust.
> Zoa was awfully silent...
> You look back at the golden fang you had dropped.
> It shimmered softly.
> You reach over and pick it up.
> Examining it, you found it glowing softly on the panel.
> Manticores tooth huh...
> You look down at the panel which was glowing softly as well.
> ....
> You placed the tooth on the platform.
> The fang and platform began to glow brightly.
> All at once the intense light from both pieces left and entered the bust.
> The bust glowed with the intensity of a sun.
> You looked down at it.
> There could be two ways an object was immovable.
> One by weight.
> and the other by touch...
> You reach down and poke it.
> The instant pain of a burn nipped your finger.
> You pulled away and looked it over.
> Was it possible?
> No...
> Maybe...
> You grip both handles.
> The searing of your flesh and rising smoke was instant.
> You ignored it.
> You lifted the object, finding it exceedingly lighter than before.
> The intensity of its heat made your hands glow, something akin to putting your hands over a flashlight.
> But you ignored the pain.
> "Ahhhh, taking the easy way out..." Zoa muttered.
> You tossed the bust away, watching it clack against the ground a couple of feet away.
> You held your hands up, smoke still rising from them.
> Black lines of burnt skin ran down each hand.
> You just grunted.
> The platform rose slightly.
> And in a flash of light a golden door appeared.
> Three black orbs in a line decorated the top, while on the lower half were engraved depictions of ponies doing athletic feats.
> The first orb of the line began to swirl with a green energy.
> The doors opened bathing you in white light.
> When the light dispersed you were on a pink cloud again.
> Zoa stood in front of you.
> "Yes, yes my brothers and sister sure did love their little puzzles."
> She frowned.
> Not physically but mentally.
> "But you almost took it in a whole other direction..."
> Her voice wavered slightly.
> With a sigh she turned around, your cloud beginning to lift again.
> "No matter Anonymous for I'm sure this next course will run you down. My brothers loved to surf."
"What about my friends!" You shouted.
> You tried to hop off of the cloud but found an invisible force keeping you on.
> "Your friends are fine until you fail Anonymous."
> She trotted back to her throne.
> "Let the second course commence!" She declared.
> The cloud zipped away, taking you to the next course.
> Before you even knew it you were on a cliffside overlooking a large pond.
> Heavy dark clouds hung overhead.
> At the end, just beyond your sight was a large wooden door.
> You step off of the cloud, hmm it was a different color.
> She was hiding you away from your friends.
> The pond looked real enough, large trees and forestry surrounding the area.
> The cliff was tall but you had a feeling it was dive or nothing.
> You suddenly felt something in your hand.
> Lifting it up you looked over a weird device that reminded you of a snorkel and breather.
> Ah, this was for the pond...
> You slip it on.
> You look down at the still water underneath.
> How the hell were you even to find the object?
> It would be close, that much was obvious.
> But you were one hundred percent sure that you wouldn't be the only one in that pond.
> If you kept thinking about this you would back away.
> So you ran forward and jumped off of the cliff side, ignoring the pain your body was in.
> When you hit that wate-
> SMACK!
> You ribs flared in pain as your body connected with the still water.
> You sunk underneath, scrambling to right yourself after the pain began to subside.
> You weren't drowning here...
> You swim your way back up and peer your head over the water.
> Getting a gasp of air you breath heavily.
> Looking around you noticed a flaring fin about the size of a small car surface for a second before going back underneath the water.
> YOU FUCKING KNEW IT!
> You drop under water, hoping to get a good look at whatever the hell was in here with you.
> The pond water was unnaturally clear.
> You couldn't see anything so far.
> You didn't realize it in your blind panic earlier but the strange apparatus around your mouth helped you breath under water.
> Well that made things waaay easier.
> Something moved off in the distance, catching your attention.
> A shiny tail with a fin swam into a bunch of waving sea-grass, being hid instantly.
> It was rather large...
> You ignore it and begin looking for anything resembling what you needed.
> Suddenly Zoa's voice filled your head.
> "Your friends are watching Anonymous, be careful! Oh and by the way, find the statue before he finds you... Ta ta."
> What a cliche way to end it...
> You didn't care about Zoa though, already tired of her shit.
> You swam forward, searching for anything that caught your eye.
> Not only was the sea grass tall and good cover, but multiple tunnels ran under the pond.
> You came over a deep dark trench.
> Just looking down at it gave you shivers.
> Each time you stroked your ribs would flare with pain.
> The water numbed the burns in your hands but it still hurt in a weird way.
> They would just feel worse when you got out anyway.
> You swim past the trench, searching high and low for anything.
> You thought about how the others were doing right now.
> Was Zoa actually leaving them be?
> You hoped so...
 
> You are Scootaloo....
> And well, this was certainly terrifying.
> You looked back and forth as Derpy and Rainbow Dasha argued.
> The others looked deeply annoyed by the shouting match.
> Aggro and Pinkie just lazed around.
> "We need to come up with a plan!" Rainbow shouted.
> "And I said Anonymous has it! Look at him."
> The two turned to watch the floating screen in front of you guys.
> Anonymous cut his way through the water, searching for something along the way.
> Behind him something large zipped by.
> Derpy went silent.
> Rainbow Dash just pouted and sat back.
> "Ah agree with Rainbow, we've got to fend fer ourselves here." AJ butted in.
> "And I don't." Will growled.
> "Anonymous has the will of twenty soldiers and the body of thirty!"
> Everybody went silent, giving each other sideways glances.
> "Anyyyyway." Bunny said.
> "As much as I don't want to say it, I agree with Rainbow and Applejack. If Anonymous fails then we all are done for."
> "IF! Which is highly unlikely." Will grunted.
> "And what makes you so sure he's going to win?" Rainbow asked.
> Will sighed and folded his arms.
> "Have you seen what we're talking about, Anonymous has never given up before. What makes you think he's going to now?"
> "Yes, true. But we need a plan, we can't just stand by and let one guy fight for us." Twilight piqued in.
> Celestia and Luna stepped forward.
> "Agreed, if we are all Zoa's personal trophies, then Equestria is more than likely to fail."
> Luna stepped forward, overshadowing her sister for once.
> "And we all know you are scared. But we must get it together and fight for ourselves, Anonymous is only one, we are many."
> "But what is we mess up?" Fluttershy said.
> All eyes were on her.
> She flinched but managed to keep it together.
> "If we mess up and Anonymous is still out there, he's still at Zoa's mercy."
> Will and Derpy nodded.
> You found yourself nodding as well.
> "He's at her mercy no matter what." Luna stated coldly.
> "Do you really think she's going to let him win this? We know the last challenge and Anonymous isn't going to survive it."
> "Luna!" Celestia hissed.
> "What's the last challenge?" Will asked.
> Celestia and Luna both stared at him.
 
> You are Anonymous again...
> And you were getting bored searching for this damn thing.
> You kicked away from the sea-grass and swam back up to regather.
> Floating in place you scanned the area.
> There...
> A slight twinkle in the distance, among a patch of sea-grass.
> Why was there sea-grass in a pond anyway?
> Probably some god thing.
> You began to kick your way towards it, moving with moderate speed.
> You were in front of it now.
> A small golden statue in the shape of a cubed pony in fetal position.
> It was kind of cute.
> You reached out for it and snatched it from the grass.
> It was tangled in, making it a pain to pull out.
> Then something tackled your side.
> Your rib cage screamed.
> A large scaly body drove you through the water.
> Luckily you still held the statue.
> Gripping onto it tightly you twist your body.
> Now you were facing whatever the hell was pushing you.
> You couldn't punch underwater, especially not when you were being driven like this.
> You slipped the statue under your shirt, surprisingly holding it close to you.
> You shot both arms into the creatures face.
> It had a narrow snout.
> Just made it easier to grab.
> You wrestle with the creature as it tried to shake you loose.
> It stopped driving you forward.
> Now that you got a good look at it you were glad it just pushed you.
> It was like a fish, crocadile, and a shark had a lovecraftian baby.
> Multiple crooked sharp teeth jutted from its snout.
> Two pitch black eyes stared at you from just beyond the thin veil of the water.
> You glared back, pushing down the fear welling in your chest.
> You tighten you grip on its snout.
> It's thick body began to squirm but you weren't having any of it.
> You were in control.
> And you were going to win.
> The creature began to squirm, flaring out a fin.
> Wait a minute.
> That was definitely not the same fin you had seen before.
> The other fin was colored different and...
> Much...
> Larger....
> Something massive moved just beyond your line of sight.
> You let the creature go out of disbelief.
> It swam off instantly.
> Whether it was because of you or because of what was coming you had no idea.
> You began to claw your way to the surface, hoping that Zoa was at least nice enough to put the board right above you.
> Most likely not.
> The pain in your ribs dulled as you were fueled by adrenaline.
> Ten feet away...
> A large sloshing sound echoed throughout the water as the large creature paddled towards you.
> Five feet...
> As the large shadow headed towards you the smaller creatures zipped out of there tunnels.
> Upon reaching the surface of the water you gasp for air.
> Whirling around you saw a fin surface, slicing through the water like butter.
> The water roared as it made its way to you.
> Turning back you saw the board a good fifteen feet away.
> It floated softly.
> Looking back the creature had to be at least forty feet away.
> But it was closing distance fast.
> You kicked and paddled your way towards the floating board.
> You used your upper body to propel yourself forward.
> Thoughts and visions of other contenders swimming along side you filled your mind.
> When you reached the board you pulled yourself onto it, the contenders dispersing in a poof.
> The fin was ten feet away when it went under.
> You give a sigh of relief and pull out the statue from under your shirt.
> If the shirt wasn't so tight this thing would've been gone long ago.
> You place in on the front of the board and begin to paddle your way through the water.
> You had covered a half a mile in your search, so you had to paddle for another nine and a half.
> With whatever that was still underwater.
> It was gone now, you couldn't feel its presence hovering around anymore.
> You lay low on the board, a brief pain shooting through your chest.
> Whatever, this was common at this point...
> You begin to paddle forward, ignoring the lingering feeling of dread in the back of your mind.
 
> You are Scootaloo.
> They couldn't do this...
> "Y-You guys are sure!?" Derpy shouted, zipping in their faces.
> Luna and Celestia nodded solemnly.
> "It's either Anonymous participates and dies or doesn't and get sent to tartarus."
> "But Tartatus isn't nothing!" Will shouted.
> "Many others have gotten out!"
> "Of the first layer." Luna said.
> "We were never cruel enough to send any pony to the last layer or even the second."
> Her head dropped.
> "Zoa is..."
"Y-You guys can save him right?"
> Celestia and Luna looked at you, as if forgetting you were even there.
> Celestia looked away while Luna shook her head.
> "Anonymous was done in from the start."
> "Why didn't you tell him!?" Bunny stepped in.
> Celestia went to say something but Zoa came trotting in.
> She watched as Anon paddled his way through the pond on the screen.
> She just chuckled cruelly.
> "I've got to say his determination is certainly amusing, my brothers and sisters would have gotten bored."
> Celestia and Luna turned away from her, refusing to even acknowledge her existence.
> Zoa clicked her tongue.
> "What about you girls hmm? You lovely girls must have an opinion on this."
> "I don't speak to ugly ponies." Rarity snapped, joining Celestia and Luna.
> "Why are you doing this to him?" Rainbow asked zipping in her face.
> Zoa simply pushed her away with a single hoof.
> "You all know why. You felt it as soon as Anonymous was dropped into your universe. That's why you ridiculed and shunned him on his arrival. He's trouble, they are all trouble."
> Rainbow and the other elements looked away from her, finding the ground rather interesting.
> Zoa seemed satisfied.
> She stood to her full height.
> "Do not fret my children, this is natural. You sensed a creature of malice and chose to avoid it. Unfortunately you fell for his lies in the end."
> Derpy exploded.
> "Anon is not some kind of monster! He's a really nice and caring-"
> "Quiet, back in the day when we ruled genetically inferior ponies like you were lucky to be garbage ponies at most."
> Derpy's mouth snapped shut, tears welling in her eyes.
> Bunny and Pinkie comforted her.
> Zoa turned back to the screen.
> "Yes, yes. He would've been the perfect specimen if he weren't a human."
> "Stop your bigotry this instant!" Luna shouted whirling around.
> Woah, there went your eardrums.
> You slipped in behind Rainbow Dash as Luna stormed up to Zoa.
> "You're so blinded by your hatred for a race you can't even see the good right in front of you."
> "Look at how hard he is fighting for his friends! You've seen him give mercy to a creature that hurt him, why are you so caught up on negative traits!?"
> "Do not speak to me as your equal Luna! We are nothing alike and you will never understand why I do what I do!"
> Luna backed away, still glaring at Zoa the entire way.
> You were scared...
> She was not being swayed, no matter what.
> You looked over, seeing Twilight and Will whispering to each other.
> Whatever they were planning.
> You hoped it would end all of this soon...
 
> The rhythmic splashes of your paddling was the only thing you were focused on.
> Your arms were getting tired of the constant paddling.
> Specifically your shoulder area.
> You huffed as you made your way across the pond.
> The wooden door was at least another mile away.
> You had managed to keep on going, out of fear that if you stopped that thing would catch up to you.
> That was not agreed upon in the trial...
> You ignored the growing hatred in your head.
> Focus on getting to the door first, hatred later...
> This was probably the easiest part of the whole course anyway, considering this was less taxing then swimming around and searching for some statue.
> It gave you a moment to rest.
> And you took it, slowing down a little bit.
> Despite the threat of a large creature coming up and eating you for lunch.
> After you reached the shore you hopped off of the board.
> Trudging up the shore you remove the strange apparatus and pocket it, saving it for later.
> You move your way to the wooden door.
> The door was so big it just loomed over you, casting a shadow the size of a semi over you.
> You walk up and push past the doors, in an exhausted haze despite gathering some rest.
> Stumbling past the doors you fall forward into some cold, clammy mud.
> You slide you hands under the mud and mange to barely pick yourself up.
> You reached forward and snatched the statue which had landed a couple feet away from you.
> You stumbled to get up.
> No point in even worrying about your ribs at this point.
> Or your hands...
> You stood in front of a small pair of steps that led up to a pedestal.
> Behind the steps was a large, bronze wall.
> All around you was heavier swamp land, the scenery taking a sudden change.
> Okay...
> You step up the steps, heading towards a golden pedestal up ahead.
> You slammed the statue down at the pedestal, stepping away from it.
> It sunk lowly and the steps sunk down, placing you back on the ground.
> Up ahead the wall lowered, revealing a straight path through some murky swamp water.
> Rockadiles lazed around, the water shallow enough for them to sun bathe.
> You were going to have to get past them.
> The path looked pretty long, almost long enough for you to give up.
> But forget it...
> You take the first step forward, alerting the nearest Rockadile to your presence.
>.....
> You held one of the Rockadiles at bay by pushing back on its jaws.
> One more tried to take a chunk out of your side, held back by your elbow.
> Another one at your other side, held back by one of your legs.
> All around you more Rockadiles moved towards you.
> Getting a sudden upperhand you get a grip on its jaws and thrash it back and forth, knocking the other two away from you.
> Luckily due to your increased size in the other realm Rockadiles were now easier for you to handle.
> If you had been the way you were before... you would be a tasty meal right now.
> You move forward slowly, too exhausted to run.
> Another one of the diles that was hiding lunged forward from the murky water.
> You sent a hook into its face and kept on moving.
> You were getting slower and weaker.
> If they kept coming at you like this.
> One of them tried for a sneak attack.
> You flipped it over your back.
> You wouldn't be able to go on.
> You found yourself sub-consciously holding your rib with one hand.
> You needed both too fight them off.
> One of the Rockadiles lunged forward, keeping its jaws wide open.
> You grabbed both sides, managing to hold it open.
> Your grip began to slip.
> Your vision blurred, your body finally getting ready to give out from all of the physical labor.
> "Go Anonymous!"
> You turn back, seeing the Cutie mark crusaders standing on a branch over-looking the swamp.
> They cheered for you.
> Yes...
> "You can do it!" Sweetie Belle shouted.
> "Come on Ahnon!" Applebloom urged.
> Scootaloo just watched you silently.
> The smell of fire filled your nostrils.
> Turning back ahead you were in a burning barn.
> Three small bodies were crawling out while all around you multiple ponies shouted.
> The ceiling dropped lower, nearly crushing you under the weight.
> You pushed back up, forcing it back in place.
> Your vision blurred more, the burning barn turning into a blob of orange and black.
> You lift the barn up, standing at your full height.
> The barn faded away turning back to the Rockadile you were holding.
> You spun around and threw it away.
> The Rockadile crashed into three others heading your way.
> You turned back and balled up your fists.
> Stomping through the water the Rockadiles tried to slow you down.
> But you simply socked them out of the way or kicked them if they got too close.
> After knocking away five rowdy diles your knuckles were bruised and bleeding.
> The rush of determination kept you going.
> You were so close, another wooden door was at the end of the course.
> One of the diles burst from the mud and grabbed the back of your shirt.
> With a sharp tug, it managed to get you on the ground.
> Two other slithered over you, getting on top of you instantly.
> One of them chomped on your leg, a sickening crunch echoing throughout the air.
> You screamed in pain.
> Everything faded.
> The pain.
> The exhuastion.
> Any thoughts of sanity.
> You burst forward, throwing the rockadile that grabbed you off.
> Kicking out your good leg you caught one in the snout.
> It turned tail and ran.
> The one that bit your leg went for your neck but you shoved your arm in its awaiting mouth.
> You grabbed whatever you could and thrashed your arm around.
> The dile tried to get away but you snatched up some kind of flap in its mouth.
> It was stuck.
> You bought it close to your face, bringing it down to your crippled level.
> Glaring at it you let go of it, watching as it turned and scampered off.
> The rest of the rockadiles stood at bay, snapping at you.'
> You dig your fingers in the shallow water and began to crawl painfully slowly forward.
> The rockadiles just watched you silently, snapping whenever you got too close.
> If any of them tried anything you didn't know what you would do.
> And they knew that...
> You dragged yourself up to the door and fall in front of it.
> You couldn't keep going.
> Your head rested in the mud.
> You were fading in and out of consciousness.
> Some Rockadiles began to muster themselves up.
> One of them began to move forward to finish the job.
> You just laid there, you knew all of this was happening but...
> You didn't care...
> The blood seeping from your broken leg mixed in with the murky water, slowly pooling around you.'
> You closed your eyes, letting the sweet embrace of sleep take hold of you...
> "Get up!"
> Your eyes shot open.
> Will stood in the open doorway, a hand held out.
> "Anonymous you've never given up before. Don't give up now."
> You stayed silent, watching the bull let out a snort of frustration.
> "Come on! You deserve better than being some animals dinner!"
> You reach forward pathetically.
> "Come on Anonymous! You're really going to give up now? All the days put into working on your body, all the days put into making yourself the best? And a broken leg is going to stop you!?"
> Your other hand came forward, slowly pulling you towards the awaiting door.
> "You're so much more than this Anonymous! Prove them wrong."
> A hoof stepped down next to you, splashing mud in your face.
> You slowly crane your neck too see Thunderlane staring down at you blankly.
> Another hoof caught your attention, turning around you could see Rainbow Dash smiling down at you, a cockiness unmatched by any other.
> Finally one more hoof stepped down behind you.
> Craning you neck back Zoa smiled down maliciously as you.
> "Lose." Thunderlane started.
> "Lose..."
> "Lose!"
> They began to chant the word until it droned into a constant noise.
> It battered your ears repeatedly.
> With a pained yell you pull yourself forward.
> The Rockadile snapped its jaws shut just as you pulled yourself through the door.
> Tucking into a roll you flopped over pathetically.
> Will and the others were gone.
> So was the swamp.
> You were on a sandy shore now.
> Across from the murky water was a golden door.
> Three circles and athletic ponies like before.
> One of the circles still swirling with green energy while the other two stayed a pitch black.
> The only way you could reach the door was by swimming across.
> The water was too wide to go around, especially on your leg.
> And you could just paddle using your upper-body.
> You sat up, moving your leg to the side.
> You took a long breath of fresh air then pulled out the apparatus.
> Snapping it on you flopped down and rolled into the water.
> The last thing you saw before submerging was a fin the size of a small car surface the area for a second...
> You managed to keep yourself from panicking.
> You needed to think...
> The water was deeper than it looked, you were currently on a hill that led down to a steep trench.
> Not one single thing could be seen under there...
> The creature behind the fin had disappeared when you submerged, most likely hiding in the darkness below.
> Taking it slow was not an option anymore.
> You began to swim forward using your upper body.
> Your left leg was tired from all of the activity you were doing.
> and you sure as hell weren't able to use the right one.
> Luckily the breathing apparatus made it easier for you to swim, allowing you to stay underwater instead of going up and fighting the surface.
> Thirty feet, it wasn't that long...
> In fact you were already a quarter of the way there.
> All around you a boom echoed through the water.
> You instinctively stopped, despite every logical part of your body telling you not to.
> You were bleeding...
> You focused your vision, seeing a air bubble the size of your head rise in front of you.
> Couldn't sharks and other underwater predators smell blood in the water?
> The air bubble popped.
> And something massive rose from underneath.
> A creature burst forth from the depths.
> It was strange, and really intimidating to look at it.
> Its squared head consisted of milky white eyes and a row of jagged teeth. Its blue rough skin led to a fin jutting from its broad snout and multiple other fin-like appendages jutting from its chin.
> An armored blue and white boy as sleek as a torpedo helped it propel itself towards you.
> Two elongated, webbed hands connected to spindly arms reached out for whatever they could find.
> All in all it was about the size of the Manticore, if not slightly bigger.
> You were surprisingly calm despite the creature rushing you.
> You braced yourself for impact.
> SLAM!
> The creatures blunt head connected just under your ribs.
> You instantly reached forward and gripped its fin, trying to steer it.
> It was just as strong as the Manticore as well, that was something you hadn't thought of.
> It let out the most un-godly roar you had ever heard.
> Before you knew it the two of you were out of the water, soaring through the air.
> Slamming back into the water, the creature worked to drive you into the depths, shrieking in your face.
> Furrowing your brow you throw your upper-body to the side, managing to toss the creature off of you.
> It did a roll in the water before swimming back to the depths.
> You let your arms slowly float at your side as you began to sink.
> The sun shining through the water overhead began to fade in and out.
> You close your eyes.
> A shriek off in the distance tickled your ears.
> You didn't care...
> You sunk slowly.
> Darkness crept into your vision, the adrenaline from your body finally running out.
> You couldn't find the drive to survive anymore...
> No hallucinations, no will to live, nothing...
> "Anonymous..."
> Zoa...
> "I've GOT to say I am pretty impressed."
> You stay silent, the breathing apparatus the only thing keeping you from drowning.
> A shriek was heard in the distance, somewhat closer than before.
> "I expected you too fail back at the immovable object to be honest, didn't think you would use your brain for once."
> She sighed.
> "But... this was a course for a god, which is why before I send you to tartarus I give you my applause."
> All around the clopping of her hooves filled your head.
> A whistle or two nearly jolted you out of your pain-induced dream state.
> "But first, I'm afraid I can't transport you here from underwater, It's messing with my magic. So I'll just let Mister Goldie finish you off and I'll just send your soul to tartarus after this is over."
> You stared forward blankly, a shriek coming much closer.
> "Ohhh, your friends are giving me the most hate fueled look right now... If only they had listened to their guts and continued to shun and ignore you, they would be safe and sound at home right now."
> The shriek seemingly came from right below you.
> "But no, you had to play... well me Anonymous. You got all big and bad and fought a couple of little things and now your ego is so out of hoof you bit off way more than you could chew."
> Your eyes became heavy, shutting slowly.
> You could feel webbed hands grab you shoulder and begin to slowly pull you deeper into the trench.
> You sit up.
> You were back in ponyville...
> No...
> You were here before.
> You look around.
> Multiple ponies of all different colors stared down at you in shock.
> What the hell?
> Wait...
> This was the first day you got dropped off here...
> "What is that thing?"
> "I don't like it."
> "It's looking at me funny."
> You get up and dust yourself off, admiring the scenery.
"Ummm Hello..."
> You were at a loss of words back then.
> One moment you were on your computer browsing /mlp/ the next you knew it you were in the town.
> "It can speak!?"
> "It's so freaky looking..."
> "Why is it so fat?"
> You scratch your chin, nodding your head softly.
> You could get used to this...
> Looking back on that time you were a fool.
> Not even weeks after you had spoke to the elements did all of the ridicule begin.
> You were a social outcast on earth and a pariah on this planet.
> Which is why you were here now.
> Because you were a loser in life you were here, ready to win.
> Your eyes snapped open, watching as the sun began to shrink.
"Get off!" You shout.
> You threw your arms out, freeing yourself from the creatures grasp.
> The creature was shocked by your sudden burst of energy.
> It rushed forward.
> And your whirled around, throwing your upperbody forward into a hay maker.
> It connected with the creatures right cheek, sending it spiraling a good three feet away from you.
> Still in range you send out another hay maker, watching it get forced back a couple more feet.
> Your fist cut rocketed through the water like a torpedo connecting with the creatures jaw.
> With a sickening crack it 'stuck' to your fist before twirling backwards.
> You began to claw your way to the surface, using the last of your energy in this one burst.
> A shriek blasted the area around you.
> The creature cut through the water from the depths, its jaw angled at a strange way.
> It was mad.
> You looked back at it and grimaced.
> You were always mad.
> Tucking your limbs in close you waited for impact.
> The creature crashed into your body, sending you both upwards.
> In mere seconds you surfaced again, coming in a beautiful display of rainbow colored water and a roaring sea creature and grimacing man.
> Life moved in slow-motion.
> The creature put everything it had into keeping you pinned.
> But you were more determined.
> You force your arms under its hands and break them away.
> Still in mid-air you send out another haymaker.
> The creature disappeared back underwater as your fist connected with it.
> The result was instant, leaving you alone just before you smacked back into the water.
> Ignoring the pain and exhaustion you began to paddle your way to the shore, using your broken leg as well.
> You needed to get out before it could grab you again.
> Suddenly something snatched at your good leg, trying to pull you back.
> You didn't even look back.
> Instead you reached behind you and snatched its massive hand in your own.
> With a tug you managed to pull the creature forward.
> Kicking out your good leg caught it right in the snout.
> It gave a squeal before turning tail to try and swim away.
> You silently grabbed its tail.
> Finding a nearby rock to grab onto, you grip onto it with all of your might.
> Surprisingly the creature could not get away from you, despite over-powering you just minutes ago.
> Slowly and painfully you began to pull it back, barely keeping hold of its tail.
> The creature struggled to get away.
> You were going to kill this thing!
> Fried fish would be fucking delicious after that day you've had!
> "S-Stop!" Zoa shouted.
> Was that fear in her voice?
> "Anonymous stop this instant!"
> You ignored her, continuing to pull the creature back to you.
> "Mister Goldie!" Zoa shouted.
> .....
> That was such a terrible nickname.
> Dinner sounded better.
> "S-STOP!" Zoa demanded.
> You ignored her, the creature almost in your wrestling range now.
> Snapping its neck would be so satisfying.
> "P-Please he's all I have!"
> You ignore her.
> "Anonymous! Stop! He's the only thing I have left! My brother gave him to me!"
> You paused.
> She sounded so desperate to keep this ugly thing alive.
> Sobbing began to echo all around you.
> "I-If you kill that thing, your friends are so dead!"
> You tug it backwards silently.
> Her scream filled the recesses of your mind.
> "Okay, okay! I won't hurt your friends, just please!"
> Why did she care so much about this thing?
> You look back at the creature.
> And let it go...
> It swam back into the depths, not even looking back at you.
> Silently you begin to swim to the surface.
> So...
> Zoa did care about something after all...
> You dragged yourself out of the pond.
> Sand clung to what little clothes you had as you pulled yourself across the shore.
> You stop in front of the golden door.
> The second black orb began to swirl with a blue energy.
> The doors opened slowly, engulfing your crippled body in a bright light.
> You found yourself laying face down in a pink cloud.
> The breathing apparatus was gone.
> You never noticed but they smelled very pleasant.
> Like lavender and velvet...
> That was among all of the sweat, water, and blood though...
> You managed to pick yourself up, leaning on your good leg so you stood at full height.
> The whole process took a while, you were guessing five minutes.
> Zoa stood in front of you, staring at you silently.
> With a sniffle she turned away.
> "You actually spared him...." She muttered.
> You stayed silent.
> You couldn't even think of anything.
> Your mind was just... blank.
> "...You're deceiving me..." she muttered.
> "You humans do nothing but deceive and you are doing this just to make me put my guard down!"
> Really?
> "The final course shall commence!"
> You silently stare at her.
> She seemingly understood.
> "The Air Course... my brothers and sisters hated this one."
> "It's only one trial, originally it was speed tests but my brother began to use the course to test other gods."
> "This last course is a test of will and will only."
> She turned around to you, her eyes flicking between you and the ground.
> "Only one of my brothers could finish this trial... and he...."
> Zoa hitched, turning away from you.
> "You're going to walk in the middle of an ever-spinning tornado."
> "If you can make it to the middle before the winds carry you away or rip you apart then all you have to do is press the golden button in the middle..."
> She turned back to you.
> "But Anonymous you aren't surviving this... if you do this, you're going to die."
> Her words seemed to be less malicious, actually showing a kind of concern for your being.
> You did not care.
> If she actually cared, she would call off this bet right now.
> But she wasn't going to.
> She pawed her hoof at the ground, finding it more interesting than you.
> "Good luck..." she muttered as the cloud began to hover in the air.
> You zipped out of the area, instantly finding yourself in front of a large coliseum.
> Just beyond the massive brick wall a visible wind roared and raged in the middle of the arena.
> You stepped off of the cloud, carefully keeping weight off of your bad leg.
> The entrance to the coliseum opened up slowly, allowing you to peer straight into the raging winds themselves.
> It wasn't an actual tornado but it might as well be.
> You limp forward, stepping into the arena.
> As you stood before the fury of the wind you listened to the roar of it.
> You stood a couple feet away, but it still whipped up your torn clothes.
> You were dry almost instantly.
> You looked around the coliseum.
> Multiple torn objects and broken things lay outside of the winds.
> Boards, tools, couches.
> Seemed like someone had a little fun tossing things in.
> You look back at the winds.
> At the pace you were moving right now, and the shape of your leg.
> You wouldn't make it more than an inch in.
> A dirty plank flew out of the wind, landing next to you with a clunk.
> Hmmm... convenient....
> You pick up the board and look over.
> A nearby torn carriage lay pathetically in a couple of feet away from you.
> Unused rope hung from it, waving from the force of the wind.
> You limp over and pick up the rope.
> As you begin to pull out the rope from the carriage you sigh heavily.
> Wrapping it around one hand you stare solemnly down at the broken carriage body.
> You weren't a fool.
> There was no way you could beat this one.
> Those winds would break you before you could reach that button.
> But you weren't going to give up...
> Not with your friends on the line.
> You reach down and pull out a rusty knife.
> It was dull but it would do the trick.
> Cutting through the rope with considerable effort you pulled the limp rope and the plank of wood away.
> Scanning the carriage you found another plank about the same size.
> You place the planks against your bad leg, holding up the rope.
> Sliding it around the planks you pull tightly.
> Blinding pain shot throughout your leg but you just gripped tightly and fought the urge to scream.
> Tying the rope you now had a very, very unstable brace.
> You get up off of the ground.
> The braze made it easier, cutting your time from five minutes to two.
> You stood in front of the wind, staring into it.
> Your body was bruised and battered.
> Your mind was blank, hardly even registering that you were about to die.
> But your heart was telling you to do it.
> For everybody.
> You weren't keen on dooming a planet because you 'couldn't do it'
> You narrow your eyes into the wind.
> It was maybe a twelve foot walk.
> But the wind just got more and more powerful as it went on.
> Near the middle it looked like an unbreakable wall.
> Stepping into the outer shell of wind you push yourself through the wall in front of you.
> The wind already almost took you off of your feet.
> You shielded your face with your arms, raising them a taxing feat in on its own.
> Shuffling forward you found the resistance of it nearly knocking you over.
> You steel yourself.
> Judgement day...
> You put your arms forward, reaching namely to feel the pressure changes.
> As you moved forward you thought back on your life, remembering the highlights.
> If it wasn't for Rainbow Dash none of of this would be happening.
> Your sleeves began to tear away, leaving your shirt looking like a tank top.
> You continued to march forward like a zombie.
> Then you met Will, that was when it all turned around.
> Right before your eyes pigments of your skin fell away, turning you skin to a bright pink, fleshy color.
> You continued on.
> Tea with Derpy...
> Slamming a rampaging monster, which was now your pet.
> Stopping a silly little fight with the heroes of Equestria and helping Scootaloo fulfill a dream.
> You could feel the wind ripping and tearing into your skin all around now.
> It was a miracle you weren't swept away yet.
> Saving a bunch of royals and Will.
> Then this...
> All of this...
> Breaking yourself once more to prove someone wrong.
> You would laugh if you physically could.
> But courtesy of the wind ripping into you, all you could do was grin wickedly.
> Wall after wall of wind.
> Pushing past multiple pressures.
> The training.
> The relationships you made.
> It was nothing
> Absolutely nothing
> Compared to what you could do if you really set your mind on something.
> The button was a finger-tips way from your reach.
> Multiple patches of your skin and clothes were gone.
> You still lumbered forward.
> And if it meant that in order to reach your goal.
> You slam your hand down on the button.
> You needed to break a few bones.
> Letting go, you relax all your muscles.
> Then so be it.
> The wind swept you away, tearing into you the entire way.
> ......
> ......
> ......
> You shift, every single fiber of your being groggily pulsating with pain.
> You groan loudly.
> The smell of lavender and velvet filled your nostrils...
> "Anonymous!"
> You recognized that voice.
> Well you think you did, your ears still felt blown the fuck out.
> Derpy appeared in your blurred vision followed by Scootaloo and soon all of the others.
> They stood over you.
> Derpy rushed forward and hugged you tightly, sending pain rippling throughout your entire body.
> The others backed away save for Scootaloo who hugged you as well.
> Aggro pushed past them and joined in, nudging your side.
"Ooohhhhh...."
> The two backed away, leaving you be.
> Derpy smiled at you bashfully.
> You couldn't even speak.
> But you gave her a soft smile.
> "Well Anonymous..."
> There was Zoa again.
> She sounded quite pissed.
> As if she wasn't actually feeling remorse just moments ago.
> You shifted slowly, every movement agony.
> She stared down at you and the rest of the others.
> Glared more like it.
> "Bravo..." She clapped her hooves together heavily, each time keeping her eyes on you.
> "I don't know how, I don't know why... but you managed to beat the courses."
> She went solemn, glaring at you.
> "Something Rorak could not do in the end."
> You didn't say anything.
> The others all began to chatter loudly.
> Rainbow Dash, Aj, Pinkie Pie, Will, and Bunny all gushed about how hard you tried.
> While the others were trying to talk to Zoa.
> Zoa's face twisted into a sneer.
> "ENOUGH!"
> Everybody snapped quiet instantly.
> Except for Pinkie.
> "And then you fought off all of those Rockadiles and it was like WOAH, Pow!, BAM!"
> Rarity used her magic to snap her mouth shut.
> Zoa stood to full height.
> "Y-You all are... cheering for him! Look at him!"
> The others turned to your battered body.
> "He's almost dead! And that's from trying to prove a point. What if he turns on you! He is a meat eater after all, what if he decides he wants a snack!?"
> "He's nothing but war and hatred given physical form!"
> Celestia stepped forward.
> "Drop it Zoa, Anonymous won the bet."
> Zoa flared all six of her wings.
> "But I can't let him stay!"
> "What!?" Will shouted stomping forward.
> In a single flash of light he was flat out on the ground, unconscious.
> "Anonymous mustn't stay, he's going to destroy your world!"
> Luna stepped forward.
> "Drop... it..."
> "No..."
> Zoa began to hover.
> "NO!"
> Suddenly Derpy, Scootaloo, Bunny, an the Elements were yanked into the air.
> She bought them hovering over her head.
> "Anonymous must leave!"
> "Stop!" Luna shouted.
> "Zoa, please... let's talk..." Celestia said.
> "I will kill all of them if he does not!" she declared.
> You shift.
> "ZOA!" Celestia shouted.
> "Starting with this one."
> Derpy floated in front of Zoa's horn, a bright light beginning to engulf it.
> "She seems to be extra affectionate around him... if he doesn't leave, she will be dust!"
"You call me the monster."
> You had to spit it out, as talking was pure and utter agony.
"You say humans are the ugly creatures, just take a look at yourself..."
> Zoa sneered at you.
> "Be Quiet Anonymous... We are not equals."
"But-"
> "QUIET!"
> All of a sudden a pressure forced your whole body to the ground.
> Pain racked every cell of your body as Zoa glared at your form.
> You could only cry out in unintelligible grunts of pain.
> Suddenly the pressure lifted.
> Zoa seemed unnaturally calm.
> A portal appeared in front of you.
> A busy street filled with cars and people walking back and forth filled the door.
> "Go Anonymous..."
> Why didn't she force you through?
> Oh...
> Ohhhh....
> She couldn't...
> You pick yourself up.
> Halfway through...
> You flip her the bird....
> Zoa sneered and the pressure resumed.
> "The inferior one will die first!"
> You tried to fight the pressure.
> But it was too much.
> You were too weak...
> "Help!" Derpy shouted.
> The Elements all began to shout out in unison, yelling at Zoa.
> Bunny and Scootaloo pleaded for her to stop.
> Celestia turned to Luna.
> and Luna turned to Celestia.
> And they both nodded.
> "Now!" Celestia shouted.
> Luna's horn lit up.
> A thick beam of magic burst from her horn, connecting with Zoa's face.
> Zoa screamed in pain, dropping everybody from her magic.
> Aggro caught Scoots, Derpy, and Bunny.
> Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight caught the others.
> Twilight placed Rarity down and flew back up, circling around Zoa's head.
> A beam of purple magic burst from her horn, engulfing the back of her head.
> "What are you doing!?" She shouted.
> Celestia aimed her horn as well.
> An elegant light shot forth from it, swirling with the other lights.
> A ball of all three energies swarmed Zoa's head.
> It was like looking into the sun itself.
> A ball of everything and nothing inflated.
> Then suddenly it compressed.
> Zoa's entire body was sucked in.
> Woah...
> The ball suddenly burst forward.
> You shielded your eyes as a blinding light briefly engulfed the entire area.
> Slowly fluttering them open you noticed the bruised body of a mare laying were Zoa was.
> Fluttershy flapped over to her, examining the body.
> "Is she..."
> "No." Luna stated.
> "She's powerless now, we used her horn as a magical conductor and over-loaded her magic."
> Celestia trotted over to her.
> "She won't be like this forever though..."
> The mare slowly picked herself up.
> It looked exactly like Zoa.
> Her wings were smaller though and only a single pair filled her back.
> A sky blue mane hung down her face.
> Her horn was gone.
> And she knew it.
> She tapped at her fore-head repeatedly.
> "Wha-what the!"
> "Your over Zoa... We know how your brothers and sister were defeated."
> Celestia and Luna turned away from her.
> "Every god has a weakness."
> You pick yourself up, the brace had managed to hold despite the test of endurance.
> Kind of like you in a way.
> You limp over, looming over her.
> You were stronger than her now.
> The others froze, watching you silently.
> You could end it all right here.
> She was supposed to be fully back soon right?
> If she got her powers back...
> She wouldn't let you live.
> You stare down at her.
> She stared defiantly back.
> "Go on then."
> She sneered.
> "Beat me, kill me, do whatever you want. It's only going to prove what you are."
> She folded her fore-legs over her chest.
> The others watched silently.
> She made you jump through hoops like some kind of monkey.
> She put you through excruciating pain both mental and physical.
> And you could put her through the same...
> Instead.
> You lean down and wrap her in a hug, wincing at the pain.
> Zoa seemed shock, going rigid.
> The others seemed surprised.
"I forgive you..."
> You rub her back softly.
"And I always will."
 
> "Anonymous eat your soup."
> Derpy pouted and held the spoon in front of your face.
> You lay in your bed, covered from head to toe in multiple bandages.
"Do we really have to do this?"
> "William eat your soup." Bunny said off in the corner.
> Will lay in a bed next to yours, he was more willing.
> He took the spoon in his mouth as Bunny pulled it back.
> She smiled at him and nodded.
> "Good, been awhile since I've fed a stallion like that."
> "I'm not a stallion." Will grunted.
> "I'm a bull."
> While you were distracted with him Derpy shoved the spoon in your mouth.
> The soup was actually really good, some kind of mushroom and potato soup.
> Didn't sound good but it was actually pretty tasty.
> Considering Scootaloo and Pinkie had prepared it.
> Derpy pulled the spoon away with a satisfied smile.
> "There we go~!"
> Uhg...
> "This ain't so bad." Will muttered.
> He took another bite of the spoon as Bunny began to sing a song.
> You could feel something between them, but that would be dealt with later.
> Right now, you had a shit ton of pain too deal with.
> Broken ribs.
> Cracked ribs
> Internal bleeding.
> Broken leg.
> Three pints of missing blood
> Fractured skull
> Fractured knuckles
> Missing skin.
> Cuts and bruises everywhere.
> Muscle fatigue
> Multiple fractures in your arms
> Yeah it was all fun...
> You reluctantly open your mouth again, letting Derpy feed you some more soup.
> After Celestia and Luna got you guys out of her realm they had bought Zoa with them.
> She apparently came from a time of ridiculous bias regarding other races.
> Rumor had it that she had even dated a human but...
> That was a different story.
> They were going to show her how they lived now, less biased and more tolerable of other races.
> And on another note...
> You look over at the piles and piles of letters at your side.
> It's only been two days since it happened and she wouldn't stop sending you letters about how sorry she was.
> And how wrong she was.
> That was really nice...
> "Ahhh~!" Derpy said pushing the spoon in your face.
> Rolling your eyes you took a bite and she giggled.
> She was more than happy to take care of you.
> She hadn't left your side in the last two days.
> You still had four months of recovery ahead of you...
> Not to mention that not only was she here.
> But Scootaloo had moved in as well.
> And Bunny might as well be considering she was taking care of Will.
> He would be fine in a couple of more days.
> He told you that he wasn't going to slack around anymore.
> As soon as he could walk again, he was following in your footsteps.
> Strange considering he trained you.
> Derpy rested her head on your stomach.
> She put the soup off to the side.
> Will and Bunny saw this, Bunny stepping out and Will flipping around and going to sleep.
> Oh...
> You awkwardly place a hand on her withers, smiling softly.
> Derpy frowned.
> "Anonymous, you know I didn't mean any of what I said earlier right? I was just so upset and I-"
> You press a finger to her lips.
> Though it took great effort with the state your body was in.
"It's okay Derpy."
> You decided not to tell her about the manipulation, opting that Zoa already had enough hate.
"I'm fine now... relatively. You're fine now, everybody's fine."
> She smiled warmly at you.
> She slipped into your bed, small enough to squeeze in without arising any pain.
> Snuggling close to you she buried her head into your chest.
> "Anonymous, I lo-"
> "He did what!?"
> You recognized that voice...
> The door was suddenly kicked open, the Doctor standing in your doorway.
> Scootaloo was wrapped around his leg, trying to halt him.
> "Sorry Anon I tried!"
> His nostrils flared.
> "What the tartarus is this I hear about you fighting gods!?
> "First you go an absolutely wreck your body once then you go and do it again!?"
"Doc calm down."
> "No! You need to calm down. Anonymous as soon as you're healed you and I are going to have a thirty hour talk on what NOT to do to your body!"
> "I'll put challenge gods on the top of the list!"
> You sigh and Derpy began to laugh.
> Will shot you a coy smile from under his blanket before going to try and sleep again.
> This was your life now.
> And it all started with one step.