It had been an awful day. Princess Celestia had just passed away due to old age, and only Luna was left. There is now no one to raise the sun, and Luna isn't strong enough to support the Sun and Moon. It is time for the Equestrian games.
1,000,000 years is the lifespan of an alicorn. At the end of every million years, the Equestrian Games are held. The seven most powerful beings in Equestria must fight to the death, and the winner gets crowned ruler of Equestria. But there will be severe consequences for those that will not fight. They will be sent down into a dungeon, and an everlasting-torture spell will be cast on them, bringing constant misery and pain.
All of Equestria were gathered, Princess Luna watching. "All ponies, I need your attention!" The alicorn addressed her subjects, her voice quivering with grief. "We all know about the loss of Princess Celestia." Mournful wails rippled through the crowd. "And you all know what happens next. It is time for the Equestrian Games. I will be picking the seven tributes; the strongest beings in the land."
A dreadful silence occurred as Luna got ready to announce the tributes. Everypony was comforting their family members, assuring them that they wouldn't be picked.
"Tribute one is Fluttershy." Princess Luna proclaimed, and the yellow Pegasus mare screamed with terror. Many disapproving voices sounded out, and many ponies shook their head sadly. "She's too weak!" A voice yelled. "She doesn't deserve this!" Another voice wailed.
Princess Luna just sighed. It is my choice, no matter how outrageous it may seem. "Tribute two and three are…Applejack and Rainbow Dash." Luna declared. This was expected, but some ponies were bewildered. Applejack and Rainbow Dash lowered their heads, trying to avoid the tears that would come.
"Not Applejack! Please!" Applebloom cried out, voice thick with sorrow. Her Pegasus friend, Scootaloo, was staring wide-eyed with horror.
"Tributes four and five are Rarity and Twilight Sparkle."
Sweetie Belle, Rarity's parents, and Twilight's parents began to wail with protest and grief. People were quite shocked to see the fashion pony get chosen, but they all knew Twilight was quite powerful with her magic.
"Tributes six and seven are Pinkie Pie and Gilda." Luna announced to the crowd sternly. Gilda smiled, wanting to become the ruler of Equestria. That Pinkie won't know what hit her!
"No, not Pinkie, please don't let our Pinkie go in!" Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake bellowed, tears trickling down their eyes. Pinkie Pie walked up, and nuzzled her family with her snout. "I'll be ok…" She murmured.
"I will give you all until sunrise tomorrow to get ready for the games. Good luck to all, I will be seeing you tomorrow." And with that, Princess Luna disappeared in a flash of navy blue light.
The ponies, solemnly and silently, walked back to their homes to get ready for the big day. It would be a sleepless night for the families whose children were being sent into an arena to fight to the death…