The Contestants

Name: Rainbow Dash

Alias/Nickname: Dashie

Birthday: August 7th

Favorite Color: Rainbow

Hometown; Ponyville

Occupation: Weather pony

Name: Cheerilee

Alias/Nickname: Lee/Ms.Cheer

Birthday: February 14th

Favorite Color: Burgundy

Hometown: Ponyville

Occupation: School Teacher

Name: Soarin'

Alias/Nickname: Bottomless Pit

Birthday: December 12th

Favorite Color:  Sky Blue

Hometown: Cloudsdale

Occupation: Stunt flyer/performer

Name: Braeburn

Alias/Nickname: Brae

Birthday: September 30th

Favorite Color: Orange

Hometown: Appleoosa

Occupation: Farmer

Name: The Great and Powerful Trixie

Alias/Nickname: Trixie/Tri

Birthday: October 27th

Favorite Color: Violet

Hometown: Canterlot/Ponyville

Occupation: Show Mare/Entertainer

Name: Sapphire Shores

Alias/Nickname: Sapphire

Birthday: November 18th

Favorite Color: Sapphire

Hometown: Canterlot

Occupation: Pop Artist

Name: Fluttershy

Alias/Nickname: Shy/Miss Rose Papillonne

Birthday: May 2nd

Favorite Color: Yellow

Hometown: Ponyville

Occupation: Animal Caretaker/Veterinarian

Name: Princess Luna

Alias/Nickname: Lulu

Birthday: January 1st

Favorite Color: Midnight Blue

Hometown: Canterlot

Occupation: Royal Ambassador

Name: Octavia

Alias/Nickname: Tavi

Birthday: July 22nd

Favorite Color: White

Hometown: Canterlot

Occupation: Musician

Name: Lyra

Alias/Nickname: N/A

Birthday: June 28th

Favorite Color: Teal

Hometown: Ponyville

Occupation: Musician

Name: Prince Blueblood

Alias/Nickname: Blueblood

Birthday: March 13th

Favorite Color: Gold

Hometown: Canterlot

Occupation: Unspecified

DINING HALL

Day 3

Princess Luna sat alone peacefully eating her breakfast as she watched the sun slowly begin to arise. With her normal schedule back in Canterlot having her awake throughout the night and asleep through the day, she was only now getting tired but now everypony was set to start waking up so there was no chance of sleep now. Until she can get used to the new schedule the princess of the night was going to have to rely heavily on her excellent note taking skills to get her through this game since she couldn’t rely too much on thinking clearly when she is as tired as she is sure to be soon enough.

The Great and Powerful Trixie was the first to join the princess downstairs and quickly started to fix up her own breakfast, “didn’t sleep well Trixie takes it?”

“Not too much sleep really, but I’ll manage,” Luna let out a soft sigh as she finished off her breakfast that had been sitting in front of her for some time.

“So then is it safe for Trixie to assume you have been thinking about the game?” The show mare was already smiling as she looked up from her food, “of everypony here Trixie will obviously only trust her teacher.”

TRIXIE: The Great and Powerful Trixie will always trust Princess Luna, there is no way she is the mole.

The princess was already shaking her head but a small smile formed across her muzzle, “Yes actually I have, I’ve been up for quite some time so it was something that came up. Did you care to discuss anything in particular before the others arrive?”

The azure mare laughed slightly as she nodded, “but of course Trixie does! This is a game after all, and The Great and Powerful Trixie isn’t against making a coalition or two to help her get farther.”

Luna was giggling softly as she looked over her pupil, “not one to make too many friends are you Trixie?”

“Trixie doesn’t need friends here, she has all she needs in Ponyville,” a small blush was now finding its way to the magician’s face as she smiled, the show mare was furiously rubbing her cheeks as she tried to rub away the blush, “With all Trixie has she doesn’t need anything else.”

The conversation was cut short as slowly the others started making their way downstairs and helping themselves to breakfast. There was some small talk as everypony ate, but most decided to just stay quiet and to themselves. “Good morning everypony!” Mr. E burst into the room with a big smile as he looked over everypony present. “Did you all sleep well knowing you made it passed the first execution?” There was various replies from the group as Mr. E continued, “Well today is a new day and as we all should know, with a new day comes new adventures!” Some of the group let out a groan as the exuberant host continued on, “now once again the group will be split in two. One side the doers the other thinkers. I need five doers and six thinkers so go ahead and decide that now.”

RAINBOW DASH: Thinking? What do I look like? An egghead?

In an instant Rainbow Dash, Trixie, Blueblood, and Soarin’ took to the doers side while Lyra, Luna, Fluttershy, Cheerilee, and Octavia took to the thinkers side, leaving just Braeburn and Sapphire left to decide.

Sapphire took a quick glance of one team then the other and was quick to start heading to the thinkers side as she looked back to Braeburn with a smile, “I’d like to take this side, if you don’t mind.”

The yellow cowpony just simply smiled and nodded as he looked to those he was left with, “not at all, as long as ya’ll actually let me do something this go around.”

“There will be no doubt about that Braeburn, trust me.” The was the host was smiling mixed with how he talked made most everyone uneasy as they all started to get seated again. “Right, so now that that is settled you all need to know that the doers will be taken to their challenge just after lunch, as for the others your challenge will take place tomorrow. Until then you are all free to go.” With a simple nod the host pony quickly dismissed himself and left everypony to do as they pleased.

OCTAVIA: Why is it that every time that pony opens his mouth I get a bad feeling about what is to come?

After a few more minutes Fluttershy was the first to excuse herself from the table as she went to study her notes and soon after everypony else started to leave as well most leaving in groups as they all went their separate ways leaving just Sapphire sitting by herself. As she watched everyone leave she wanted to talk to somepony but it already seemed everyone was set with their small groups or just themselves. Eventually the pony of pop decided she’d just head to her room for a quick nap, she was sure her roommate wouldn’t mind while she studied. Slowly the singer made her way to the room but as she neared the door she could just barely hear the canary yellow pegasus inside narrating to herself whatever it was she was writing. With curiosity quickly getting the best of her Sapphire quickly found her ear pressed to the door and only after a few words her eyes popped open as she realized that Fluttershy wasn’t writing notes.

Inside the room the usually shy and quiet pegasus was quickly narrating to herself through her excitement as she was just now getting into a more intimate part of her new novel, “the younger mare was laid across the bed a deep blush across her face as she was fully spread for her soon to be lover, “m…. make me sing,” the words were soft and low as the mare’s blush only deepened. Scarlet Skies chuckled softly as she slowly leaned down, kissing the bridge of her lovers nose, “anything you wish.” The two ponies lips met in a passionate embrace as Scarlet’s tongue quickly- EEEK!” In an instant Fluttershy was red faced and trying to hide away her book as Sapphire Shores quickly barged into the room with a wide knowing smile.

“Please tell me I can read that!” Sapphire Shores was quickly approaching the pegasus as she eyed the journal she was trying to hide. “Or better yet, just continue! I’ll just sit here and listen!” The singer was getting into her sing song voice as her excitement only grew.

Fluttershy’s head only got lower and lower as her blush deepened, “b…. but it’s now finished…… nopony is….. supposed to know about it yet.” The yellow pony had her journal well tucked under her as she looked as Sapphire, “wh….what are you doing here a….anyhow?”

Sapphire Shored just raised an eyebrow as she looked to Fluttershy, “this is my room too you know, I was going to take a nap but this just seems so much better!” The earth pony let out a slightly sung giggle as she continued to watch the journal. “So do you take any actual notes in there at all?”

Fluttershy looked down at her journal before picking it up and flipping through the pages, her blush remaining as she finally notices how much of the journal was already taken up by her new novel, “well some.”

SAPPHIRE SHORES: Does she want to go home? Come on! I may love her books more than the next pony but even I know I need to take notes in this game!

Sapphire quickly went to her bed and retrieved her journal before looking back to Fluttershy, “Now I trust you so I’ll share my notes, but you have to promise not to tell anypony else alright?”

“Oh um okay…” Fluttershy just sat there as Sapphire opened up her journal and began going over everything she had written so far. The two sat there for the next few hours until it was finally time for lunch, as they made their way downstairs it seemed everypony was already seated and talking as they ate.

Soon enough Mr. E made his appearance once more with his signature smile as he looked over the group, “Did everypony enjoy their morning?” Without waiting for a full response he continued, “now then as soon as you are finished I will need to see the five doers in the main lobby the challenge starts as soon as the last one arrives. Everyone else enjoy the rest of your day you will be informed on how they do later this evening.” As quickly as he came the host was gone once again leaving everypony to talk amongst themselves again.

TRIXIE: The Great and Powerful Trixie isn’t afraid of anything, she can do any challenge blindfolded!

Without wasting time Trixie, Blueblood, and Braeburn made their way to the lobby as Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ took their time as they walked, “listen Soarin’ I’m telling you Trixie is the mole! Just keep an eye on her and you’ll see.”

SOARIN': To be honest I’m not really sure why Rainbow dislikes her so much, but maybe she is right to watch her…… or maybe she is just trying to trick me. Ugh, I’m just more confused than ever!

Soarin’ threw the thought around in his mind for a while but the more he thought about it the more the fact that Rainbow was so adamant about somepony else being the mole made her seem more suspicious than anything. If anything all he knew was that he couldn’t truly trust anypony.

GALLOPHRY PALACE LOBBY

As soon as Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ were seated the host took his spot in front of the group of five, “Alright everypony since you all decided to be doers, your challenge will have you do a dare based upon what you roll. One by one I will take you into the next room, in there is a simple craps table with a colored die sitting on top. All you have to do is roll the die and then do a dare according to what you roll. Simple enough to understand? The prize for this challenge is 40000 bits, now to make sure you earn those bits for this challenge at least three of the five of you need to successfully complete your dares. Again simple right? Though I would also like to mention that these dares are specifically made for each of you so don’t expect anything easy.” With a smile he looked over the five in front of him before deciding to start with the magician, “alright so Trixie follow me and we shall begin!”

The stage mare followed close behind as they both entered the next room. Sure enough it was just a simple room with the craps table sitting directly in the middle with an azure colored die right on top, Mr. E took his place behind it and with a smile beckoned her over, “So what does Trixie have to do then?” A soft blue glow covered the die as Trixie lifted it up to inspect it.

Reaching under the table Mr. E pulled out a card and began reading it out loud, “Trixie for your dare should you roll a one through three you will have to dye your mane green or pink, we’ll leave that up to you. Now should you roll a four through six you will have to dye your coat green or pink.”

Trixie just stood there with her mouth hanging open as she looked at the host in disbelief, “there is no way The Great and Powerful Trixie will color any part of her body! Trixie is a performer and is well known as the beautiful and amazing mare that is blue and silver! Trixie is not going to do this!”

“Now hold on, you haven’t even rolled the die yet! Besides this is for 40000 bits, just roll and go to the salon then you can make your choice on whether or not you’ll do this alright?” Mr. E was practically grinning from ear to ear now as he sat there watching the stage mare huff and puff about the scenario.

“Fine, Trixie will roll and go,” with that she threw the die on to the table and watched as it bounced around before finally stopping and settling on the number two, “Trixie is still not going to do it though!”

“Please send in Rainbow Dash on your way out please,” Mr. E continued to smile as he watched the obviously annoyed mare leave taking his time to replace the die on the table with a new blue die but this one had rainbow edges. Soon enough the weather pony flew in with a smirk as she approached the table, “so what did you make the braggart do? She seemed rather upset.”

“You all will find out each other’s dares later, in the mean time I’m sure we should be going over yours right about now.” With a quick grin the host grabbed the second card under the table and began to read, “So your dares are, if you roll a one through three then you’ll be saddled with a ball and chain until lunchtime tomorrow, and a four through six will reward you with a cell to yourself for the night.”

The weather pony let out a slightly unsatisfied groan as she thought it over, “so basically it’s no flying or no nice bed then?” As the host nodded she put a hoof to her chin trying to figure which she’d prefer, “well then I guess I’ll hope for a higher number then, I can do without a bed but no flying would drive me crazy.” Rainbow grabbed the die and tossed it across the table, her nerves working as she watched it continue to roll willing it to land as she wanted until it finally slowed and stopped, “Yes, a four!” The mare gave a small hoof pump as she looked to the host, “so now what?”

“You’re free to go, you’ll be shown to your new room for the night later this evening.” Mr. E shooed the pegasus out as he replaced the die with a new white one, “and if you please send in Prince Blueblood.”

RAINBOW DASH: Just stay in some cell for the night? That’ll be easy! We should have this challenge in the bag!

The prince quickly made his way to the room as he was summoned by the blue mare, “is it finally my turn then? Honestly I’m the prince I should have been first!” The white unicorn sat at the edge of the table not really paying attention as he simply just look himself over, “and can we get this over with? I can probably think of better ways to use my time.”

“By all means roll the die now if you want, or you can let me at least explain your dares first if you are so inclined enough as to actually listen.” The host rolled his eyes a bit, the prince was by far one of the worst ponies to be around in his personal opinion.

With a soft white glow the die flew into the air and tumbled around a few times before finally landing on the number five, “there now can I go so I can get this over with?”

Mr. E tried and failed miserably to hide his glee as he looked to the card he had for Blueblood and to the number he had rolled, “certainly, your carriage is waiting for you just outside. If you please send in Braeburn next on your way out.”

The host was just barely able to replace the white die with a yellow as the cowpony finally stepped through the door, “Hey there, Ah reckon it’s my turn now right?” With a slight nod from the other pony Braeburn stepped forward and took a seat just in front of the table, “so what do ah do for mah dare then?”

As the farmer leaned forward taking the die in his mouth the host took his chance to grab the next card and start reading aloud, “Alright Braeburn, if you roll a one through three here then you will have to go the rest of the day and until noon tomorrow without food of any kind.”

BRAEBURN: Ouch, ah don’t think ah can go without eatin’ for that long…..

The host continued on despite the seriously scrunched up face Braeburn was making at the first dare, “and if you roll a four through six then you will have to go the rest of the day and again until noon without any sleep.”

“No sleep? Not even at night?” Braeburn was slightly stunned silent as he thought it over, in truth he didn’t like the sound of either dare but if he had to pick one over the other he would probably go with the lack of sleep in account of him always able to eat back on his farm. Food was just something he was used to on a regular basis, and going a day without just didn’t seem pleasant. “Alright, then ah guess here goes nothing’.” With a quick flick of his head he released the die from his mouth and watched as it rolled across the table bouncing off the opposite wall before slowing and finally stopping, “six…. That was which one agin?”

“No sleep,” The host said it so nonchalantly that it almost didn’t sound that bad, “you will be given a place to stay overnight so we can watch you and still allow your roommate some sleep, so now please send in out last guest for this challenge please.” There was a slight grin on the host’s face as he replaced all the dies back onto the table alongside the one Braeburn had used. As he placed out all the cards used he smiled once more when the stunt flyer flew into the room.

“Hey, so it’s finally my turn? Alright let’s do this!” Soarin’ sat at the end of the table and tilted his head slightly as he looked at the dice and the table, “so…. What exactly do I do?”

Mr. E pulled out the last card from under the table as he looked over the wonderbolt sitting there ready for action, “You Soarin’ now have the chance to win exemption from the next execution, but only if you complete all the dares given to your fellow contestants.”

SOARIN’: Alright this will be easy! I’m pretty much guaranteed to stay now!

The host picked up the first die and placed it in front of the performer, “For your first roll if it’s three or lower then you will have to dye your mane pink or green, four or higher then you will have to paint your coat one of those two colors. Got it?’

“Wh….what?” Soarin’ was caught off guard as he thought it over, “I have to color my mane?”

“Or your coat, depends on what you roll and if you really want the exemption,” The host was more than pleased as he continued to smile, a certain smile that was almost challenging Soarin’ to do the dare.

“Alright then….’ The flier took a deep breath before taking the first die and throwing it across the table watching it intently as it bounced around before finally stopping on the number one, “So then….. My mane is going to be dyed green?”

“Or pink, and personally I’m leaning more to pink!” The host gave a small laugh before moving the first die from the table and pushing the second closer to Soarin’, “now, with this one a one through three will earn you a ball and chain until lunch time tomorrow and a four through six will earn you an overnight stay in a not so comfortable cell for the night. Which would you prefer?”

The sky blue pegasus tapped his hoof to his chin as he thought it over, “well I guess I’d prefer the ball and chain, I’m a wonder bolt after all can’t say I’m used to less than the best when it comes to sleeping habits.” With that the pegasus picked up the second die and tossed it across the board watching as it stopped on a four, “horse apples……”

SOARIN’: Ugh, this is not turning out so well for me at all……..

With a smirk the host continued on as he replaced the current die with the next one, “so with this die the lower numbers will win you a full cast on the lower half of your body until lunchtime tomorrow and the higher numbers will win you a second jump off the cliff from challenge one.”

“Another jump?” Soarin’ hoof pumped the air as he thought about it, “I’m so doing that!” Quickly he grabbed the die and tossed it across the table, his gaze never breaking away from it as it bounced around. His mind was frantic as he willed the die to land in his favor until it finally stopped and he immediately did a flip in the air, “YES a six! When can I go? Can I go now?”

Mr. E did nothing to hide his amusement as he shook his head, “sorry, but you still have to roll one more die, then you can go get started on your growing list of dares.” With that said, the host went to pushing the next die in front of the Wonderbolt. “Now this last one is a little more special than the rest, the dare itself was chosen for Braeburn but we did keep you in mind when deciding what the dare should be.” An almost mischievous grin spread across the host’s face as he continued, “So one through three will leave you with….. no food at all until lunchtime tomorrow.”

Soarin’ immediately broke away from his happy place as his ear and eye twitched from what he just heard, “wh…..what? NO FOOD?”

“That’s right, but four through six leaves you with no sleep until lunchtime tomorrow. So which would you prefer?”

“Are you kidding? I can’t go without food! I’d die!” Soarin’ slowly reached for the die mentally pleading for the second dare. “Please no sleep…. Please no sleep…. Please no sleep.” With a deep breath he tossed the die and waited, the seconds that passed seemed like hours as he watched the die bounce around going from a high number to a low before finally stopping and making his worst fears a reality. The three on the die just stared back at him in an almost mocking way as he shook his head, “can I roll again?”

“Sorry, but all the dares are now set Soarin’ your carriage to your destinations is waiting outside, and remember this is for both 40000 bits and for you exemption.” The host left the room leaving the stunt flier sitting in silence with his head against the table.

SOARIN’: I really want that exemption…. But no food? FOR A DAY? I’m not sure I can do that…..

Slowly the pegasus picked himself up off the floor and started heading outside where sure enough the carriage was waiting to take him to his first stop, “the Salon then I assume?” The carriage ride went by much too slow as his mind was left a jumbled mess, he had to choose now whether or not to do the dares. It was an all or nothing concept so if he said yes here he’d have to go through with the rest, and a no meant that he and the rest of the team was left with only one other no…. the sudden stop by the carriage pulled him from his thoughts and nowhere near ready to make a decision.

As Soarin’ stepped from the carriage a very loud voice was clearly heard from within the salon and as he entered the mare yelling was none other than The Great and Powerful Trixie, “Trixie has already told she is not doing this! Now get that dye away from her!” The stage mare turned around huffing as only scowled more as she saw the wonderbolt at the door, “what do you want? Here to see if Trixie is going to do this? Because she isn’t!” The azure mare stomped out around Soarin’ and started to get into her carriage.

“Wait, you’re just leaving? What about the team?” Soarin’ didn’t know what to think, the fact that she wasn’t even thinking about doing it seemed almost too much. It was like she was deliberately trying to sabotage everything.

SOARIN’: She is just refusing to do anything, and losing us a lot of bits! It’s like she is trying to look like the mole! So… maybe she isn’t? I don’t know….

With a sigh the wonderbolt slowly made his way further into the salon, with one guaranteed no already he couldn’t risk saying no now. “Good bye food…..” Soarin’ gave his head one good shake as he approached the salon pony. “Hey, I guess I’m here to get my mane colored?”

The salon pony was a very light pink pony with a hot pink and purple mane, he was simply shaking his head as he watched the unicorn leave before turning his attention to the newcomer. “Hey there, the name is James, but most call me Hairspray! You actually going to go through with this?” The earth pony smiled slightly as he shook his head again, “that last mare to come here wasn’t exactly….” The pony had to take a moment to figure out how to say anything without coming off as rude,  “willing to go through with it.”

“That’s kind of why I have to, she already said no so now I definitely cant….” The wonderbolt hung his head low as he let out another sigh.

“Then if you please take a seat over here, and don’t worry I’ll do my best to make sure you still look as good as you do now alright?” James gave a small laugh as he turned and started grabbing his supplies, “Now from what I’ve been told you have the choice between green and pink right? Well just a suggestion, but for you I’d go for a nice darker shade of pink. With that blue coat of yours the green would just clash in a very unappealing manner.” The colt shook his head distastefully as he thought of it, “but it is still your choice.”

Soarin’ was quick to stick his tongue out at the idea but as the thought it over it didn’t seem to be too bad, and if he was stuck doing this he may as well go all out, “Sure, do what you want and make me look my best. I do have a marefriend back home and I’m sure she’d love to see this.”

“Oh? A marefriend huh? Now you do know that know you’ll have to talk to me more about this right? I do love gossip as I work, and with this mane of yours it may take a while.” With a playful wink the salon pony started getting to work.

“Hey, what’s wrong with my mane?” The wonderbolt crossed his fore hooves as he glared slightly.

“Nothing, I’m just saying it’s a lot of hair is all so come on tell me about this marefriend of yours.” The other pony kept his grin as his hooves worked through the acrobats mane.

“Oh…” The light blue of Soarin’s face was quickly starting to turn a slight red, “well her name is Apple Jack. I met her at the Grand Galloping Gala last year when my team performed that night. She was selling apples and apple based accessories there that night, though I only had one apple pie it was the single most amazing apple pie I ever had.” The flier was rubbing his stomach now just at the thought of it.

“So classic story of getting the guy through his stomach huh?” James laughed as he worked and listened, after an hour and a half his work was finally done and he managed to take a step back to admire his work. “The pink really does look good on you there Soarin’.”

“Does it?” Soarin’ turned around and looked at himself in the mirror tilting his head back and forth so he could see his mane fully, he had to admit it wasn’t as bad as he was expecting though not something he’d like to keep permanently. “Thanks Hairspray, you did amazing considering what you had to work with.”

With a polite nod stylist was smiling, “I was more than happy to do it, you were by far one of the best clients I have ever had. Good day and thanks for sharing your stories! Good luck with whatever else you have to do.” With a wave and a quick light hearted shooing motion he pushed the flier out the door.

Turning around the wonder bolt stepped into the carriage and quickly driven off to his next destination in a much lighter mood this go around. Throughout the trip his hoof was often in his mane as he inspected it over and over, the more he looked at the pink the better it just seemed to seem and if the rest of the dares were going to be like this then it should be a problem at all. As the carriage finally stopped his happiness and excitement just grew more as he saw the familiar scene of the cliff they started the game on but what surprised him was the unicorn standing there already with the host waiting as he got out the carriage. “Prince Blueblood?”

The prince still had his nose in the air as he watched the approaching pegasus, “what do you want? I already told this insistent host that I’m not doing this!”

“Really? But this is so awesome! Why would you not?” Soarin’ looked over the edge with a very large smile as he looked back to the host.

“Whether or not you do this is your choice Blueblood, but keep in mind you could potentially be costing the group 40000 bits by making that choice.” The host stood obviously unamused as he shook his head.

“I don’t care, I was forced off that cliff the first time and I’m not going to do it willingly!’ The white unicorn had his back to the others as he pushed his nose up even higher.

“Alright then, your carriage will take you back to the hotel when you are ready to leave.” Mr. E wasn’t surprised as the prince immediately took off, “anyways Soarin’ you seem rather excited to do this so you ready? Today is just a simple jump alright? No numbers to memorize.”

“Got it!” The blue pony was already at the edge of the cliff and ready to jump as he gave the host one last look, “do I need rope again or can I just go?”

“No, no rope needed just jump when you are ready.” Before the pegasus could jump the host interrupted him once more, “oh and Soarin’ I really like the mane.” With that said and a very large grin he watched the wonderbolt jump up into the air to get higher before diving down and disappearing under the water.

SOARIN’: THAT WAS AMAZING!

BACK AT THE LOBBY

The ride back to the hotel was rather uneventful and soon Soarin’ found himself inside the hotel lobby once again, but what he wasn’t expecting was everypony already sitting there just staring at him as he walked in, “what? Why is everypony staring at me?”

Rainbow Dash was the first to react as she suddenly fell over in a fit of uncontrollable laughter, her legs kicking into the air sporadically, “S…… Soarin’! Wh……what happened…..” The light blue pegasus was struggling for breath as tears welled up in her eyes, her hoof shaking as she tried to point at his mane, “w….why pink?”

Soarin’ just waited for her laughs to die down before he finally responded, “well it was actually suggested by the stylist, and I think it looks pretty good.” He flashed a quick smile before finally joining the others and taking a seat next to Rainbow.

“Now that the distractions are out of the way, we can go over today’s results if anyone is interested,” The room quickly went silent as the focus went to the host, “right so today’s challenge was for the doers to do a dare based off what they rolled on a die. If at least three of them successfully completed their dares then the whole team wins 40000 bits.”

OCTAVIA: 40000 bits over some measly dares? That sounds way too easy…..

If they weren’t before all eyes were now locked onto the host as he continued to read, “the first to go was Trixie.” With a smirk he looked to the stage mare who refused to look back at him, “would you like to tell them your dare and how you did?”

Trixie rolled her eyes as she looked over the group, “fine The Great and Powerful Trixie will tell you. Trixie rolled a two so she was told she was supposed to dye her mane green or pink. As you can see Trixie refused, she was not about to ruin her image with some horrid color!”

RAINBOW DASH: I knew she was the mole! It’s so obvious!

LYRA: You have to be kidding….. does she have to be that stuck up?

“Moving on, next up after Trixie was Rainbow Dash,” Flicking his attention to the weather mare he continued on, “she has yet to do her dare but she hasn’t said no yet. Care to explain further Ms. Dash?”

“Yeah sure,” with over the top dramatic gestures the mare brought all the attention back to her, “So I went in and rolled a four so basically I get to spend the night in some cell or something but whatever I’ll do it easy peasy!”

The group let out collected sigh mostly sure that they had at least one completed dare now, the host was only grinning more and more as he continued, “Next up after Rainbow was Prince Blueblood. Care to take it from here?”

“I actually don’t care to thank you!” Once again the prince huffed and turned his nose away as if uninterested.

“Alright then I’ll continue, he came into the room and basically rolled before I could tell him anything. His dare was to jump the cliff once again from the first challenge.” The group groaned and looked away knowing what was coming next, “he refused.”

“Now in order to win this challenge everypony left has to successfully completely their dares, on that note lets move on to Braeburn. Care to elaborate for your dare?”

“Basically ah just have to stay up ‘til lunchtime tomorrow, so no worries ah can do it!” The cowpony flashed the group a smile as he looked to Soarin’, “So ahm guessin’ we‘re a shoo win?”

“Not unless Soarin’ completes his dares as well.” The host drew all the attention back to him as he continued, “Soarin’ care to explain your unique situation?”

“Sure,” Soarin’ gave his mane a give flip and flashed a smile, “basically I was offered an exemption.” Again the group groaned fearing the worst, “hey hold on, I didn’t finish. Long story short is I have to complete just about every dare the other four got. I rolled a one for Trixie’s dare which is why my mane is pink. I got a four for Rainbow’s dare so I have to stay in a cell too.” The two blue pegasus gave each other a high hoof before he continued, “then I got a six and had to jump like Blueblood and I did it.” Soarin’ suddenly stopped as he remembered the last dare, the idea of it lowering his excitement level dramatically, “and I got a three on Braeburn’s…… so I can’t eat anything until lunch tomorrow….”

Rainbow and Fluttershy were the first to wrap a hoof around Soarin’ for comfort as he hung his head, “ouch dude, that won’t be easy for you….. Sorry about that but at least you’ll earn an exemption from it right?” Rainbow was trying to be helpful but other than that she didn’t know what else to say.

Fluttershy chimed in as the others got silent, “and just think of how much it’ll mean to everypony if you help win this challenge.”

“And with that I’ll leave everypony to their own business until dinner time, but I must tell you all it will be in your best interest to bring your journals to dinner tonight. I have special surprised for everypony.”

All the ponies present quickly went about their separate ways leaving the three left still together as they looked around at one another, Soarin’ was still a little down with his situation but he decided to change the subject in favor of something else to keep his mind off food. “So Fluttershy, any ideas on who the mole can be?”

Fluttershy was completely caught off guard as she looked at her fellow fliers, “Oh…. Umm…. I don’t really know who the mole can be…” The canary yellow Pegasus just squeaked as she hid behind her mane.

“Oh come of Shy, you have got to at least suspect somepony! I mean look at Trixie! How can anypony NOT suspect her?” Rainbow Dash already had her journal out as she went to scribbling in it the recent details of the last challenge.

Soarin’ shook his head as he thought, “I’m not really sure I believe Trixie is the mole but the possibility is there I suppose.” The wonderbolt was tapping his chin as he thought, “what kind of notes do you have Fluttershy?”

In an instant the timid pegasus went from yellow to a dark pink, “o…oh n….nothing that…. would be of use…..” Fluttershy was already trying to hide her journal as she slowly slid it behind her. “M…maybe you two…. can help me?”

“Sure thing Shy,” Rainbow Dash gave her a soft smile as the three of them went to sharing their notes and discussing the game thus far.

RAINBOW DASH: Sometimes I don’t think that Fluttershy is cut out for a contest like this…… but I’ll do my best to help her.

ROOM 202

Upstairs The Great and Powerful Trixie was sitting in her room as she heard two ponies walking and talking just outside her door. With a quick peek outside she noticed the light green unicorn and grey earth pony walking down the hall in her direction. “HEY!” In a forced whisper Trixie caught the attention of the two mares as she waved them over to her room.

Both Lyra and Octavia were skeptical as they stepped into the stage mares room, Trixie wasn’t exactly the most trusted pony of the group left after her actions in the last two challenges. “Yes? Where’s Cheerilee?” Octavia gave the group a quick look over to make sure the pink mare actually wasn’t in the room.

“She went to go talk to somepony else but that doesn’t matter, Trixie was thinking that she may need to form a sort of coalition with a few ponies if she is to get farther in this game. And to Trixie you two seem to be some of the more smarter ones of the group.” The magician’s horn began to glow as she sprawled out on her bed and opening her journal with a pen in hand. “The Great and Powerful Trixie is willing to share any notes she has in return for the same.”

Lyra stood there thinking about it but before she could respond Octavia stepped in arching and eyebrow, “and why exactly should we trust you? So far you’ve done nothing but come off as the mole this whole game.”

OCTAVIA: Trusting the stage mare? That’s a laugh, but if I can get some useful information from her then maybe it’ll be worth it….. maybe.

The blue unicorn let out a small sigh as she looked both Octavia and Lyra in the eyes before talking, “Trixie knows she hasn’t been doing the best to make friends here but for right now she is just covering her own tail. And besides if everypony like you believes Trixie to be the mole then she will just make it farther as they all get executed one by one.”

Lyra simply nodded as she opened her journal sitting upright on Cheerilee‘s bed., “well, that logic actually makes sense. It may not be the best way to play the game but I’ll admit it is effective, so I‘m in. How about you Tavi?”

Octavia let out a small sigh as she took a spot next to Lyra, but lying down as she tucked her legs under her. “Alright fine, I’m in. Trixie really isn’t one of my suspects anyhow.”

Trixie missed the agreement entirely as she watched the other unicorn sitting in a way she had never seen, “why do you sit like that? Is it comfortable?”

LYRA: Again with the questions about how I sit…..

The mint green unicorn rolled her eyes as she tapped her pen to her journal, “how about we cover something more important right now? Like who you suspect as the mole?”

The Great and Powerful Trixie quickly flipped through a couple of pages before starting, “Alright then, Trixie has been studying her notes carefully and has come up with Fluttershy as a suspect, or the one who helped her lose bits in the first challenge.”

“Braeburn? Really, to be honest I was actually thinking the same thing.” The grey earth mare cracked open her journal as she started scanning her notes, “he just comes off as trying to be too nice. It’s like he’s putting on an act or something.”

“I can maybe agree with Braeburn because I don’t know him, but you really think Fluttershy? Why? Back home me and Bon-Bon sometimes have lunch with her, she doesn’t seem like somepony well who could be able to be the mole.” Lyra shifted slightly as she tried to think about it, “I just can’t see it.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie has known Fluttershy for quite some time since her second visit to Ponyville and with her personality it would be easy to hide the fact that she is the mole. Trixie will keep an eye on her that’s for sure.” The stage mare continues writing notes as she went, “then who is on your list Lyra?”

LYRA: Octavia is actually the top of my list, with the way she almost got me caught in the maze challenge but I couldn’t tell her that so I just made something up.

“My picks? Well personally I’m actually leaning to the royalty here. Blueblood and Luna.” Lyra quickly scanned through her journal as she went, “I mean can royalty really lose a game like this? I figure one of them has to at least be the mole.”

“Trixie is the personal student of Princess Luna! There is no way she is the mole, Trixie would more than definitely know!” Trixie simply shoved her nose up at the idea, “however Trixie can agree with the guess on Blueblood. Unless he is playing like Trixie is then he’d be high on Trixie’s list too.”

“So the consensus we seem to be coming to as of right now is Blueblood and Braeburn then?  Writing the quick note the earth pony closed her journal and started for the door, “this has definitely been at least somewhat enlightening. I do hope we can stay partners for the duration of the game then Trixie?” Lyra followed quickly after and joined Octavia just outside the door.

“Trixie would more than happily agree, now if Trixie isn’t mistaken it is about time for dinner correct?” The magician climbed off her bed as she joined Octavia and Lyra. “Should we be heading downstairs then?”

GALLOPHRY DINING HALL

Soarin’ had his head on the table as he let out a very loud and slightly annoyed groan, “Why do I have to be here? This is torture!” Every pony around him continued to eat watching as he continued to complain, “those dice must have been rigged.”

“I can answer your question with ease; really it’s simple the challenge would be too easy for you if there was no temptation. You are free to bow out of your dares at any time but if you do then the whole challenge is lost.” The acrobat let out a frustrated sigh as he placed his head on the table leaving Mr. E to continue, “Now as a special treat for everypony I took the liberty of ordering special dessert for tonight.”

“What?” Soarin’s head was immediately up again as he watched a table be rolled in with ten covered plates, the fact he was getting one apparent, “can I just go? Please?”

“I think just watching dinner was fine for you so yes you may leave, I have somepony ready to escort you to your temporary sleeping quarters for the night. Rainbow will be joining you shortly.” With the mention of her name Rainbow was instantly alert to the conversation. “Good night Soarin’ we should see you in the morning.” Waving slightly the host just smiled as he watched the wonderbolt give the dessert table one last longing look before leaving.

“So what’s for dessert anyway?” Rainbow was already hovering over to the table ready to lift one of the lids.

Mr. E was quick to swat the mares hoof away before she could peek, “I have three different dessert specially ordered for tonight so if you’ll take your seat we can get started.”

“Fine…” Rainbow had her hooves crossed as she mumbled back to her chair.

“Good, so with the desserts I ordered three different types of cake and three different frostings but to make things fun I had them all shuffled up so that even I don’t know what’s with what. Meaning you all get to draw names to decide the order then you all get to pick which plate you want. Simple right?”

“So what’s the catch?” Octavia was already attempting to form some kind of plan for this, there was just something she definitely didn’t trust going on.

“No catch what so ever, just meant for you all to enjoy and to get a little amusement for me out of it. Just watching Soarin’ was amusing enough for me though.” The host gave a slight chuckle as he pulled out a velvet bag with everypony’s name in it. “So then is everypony ready to begin?” Without waiting Mr. E shoved a hoof into the bag and pulled out a name, “Princess Luna looks like you get first pick.”

The princess of the moon quickly made her way over to the table as she looked over the shining silver lids and neatly places numbers covering each lid. “I’ll just take my number, two.” Using her magic she lifted the tray and floated it back to her seat before finally removing the lid and just staring at her generously cut piece of cake with a dark blue colored frosting on top.

“Oh carrot cake with blueberry icing, very nice.” Without skipping a beat the host already had his hoof in the bag and was pulling out the next name, “next up is….. Sapphire Shores.”

“Seeeeeensational!” The earth pony was quick to get to the table as she grabbed tray number eight and went back to her chair just as fast as she got up. “I have….” In an instant the lid was off and the pony of pop looked down to her cake instantly noting the brown colored cake and similar colored frosting, “Chocolate my favorite! With blueberry filling!” Sapphire was practically singing as she started biting into her cake.

“So we know two types of cake but only one frosting, lets see if the next pony can change that then.” Once again the host dug around the bag before pulling out the next name. “Octavia, you’re next.”

The grey earth pony slowly got up from her seat, her mind still at work trying to decide about how to go about this. As time went by Octavia just couldn’t figure and rhyme or reason to the numbers so she just decided to go with ten since she knew it was Soarin’s number and he wasn’t going to pick it for obvious reasons. Grabbing the tray with her teeth she promptly made her way back to her chair and removed the lid. The black frosting first caught her off guard but the cake she recognized as carrot. “So carrot cake but the frosting is?”

“That would be blackberry frosting, one of my personal favorites.” The host was once again smiling as he nodded to the musician before reaching back into the bag and pulling out the next name, “Next to choose is Braeburn.”

“Alright, mah turn.” The farmer mad his way to the table and following the others lead he simply picked his number four and went back to his seat. As he lifted his lid he was greeted with a yellow colored cake with a dark red frosting on top.

“Lemon cake with raspberry icing, not too bad I do enjoy both, and that covers all three cakes and frostings! Well done.”

“Thanks ah guess?” Braeburn shrugged as he started into his cake.

Mr. E already had the next name picked as he looked over those who remained “Now next we have Trixie, whom I’ll assume will take your number as well?”

Trixie got up from her chair with a smile as she approached the table, “Actually the Great and Powerful Trixie will take number seven."

“Hey that one is mine!” Rainbow was up in a flash as she got in the show mares face.

“Trixie thinks otherwise, considering she just picked it!” The magician stuck out her tongue as she levitated the tray over to her chair lifting of the lid as she sat down again. One her tray sat a dark brown cake with a red frosting. “Seems Trixie got chocolate cake and raspberry frosting.”

Rainbow Dash huffed as she sat back in her chair with her hooves crossed.

RAINBOW DASH: Ugh, honestly I think she does this just to annoy me, and it works every time! How can Twilight stand it?

Seemingly oblivious to the stare down between the two mares Mr. E went on with drawing a name, “next up is Cheerilee.”

“Me?” The school teacher didn’t waste time as she got up grabbed her tray marked six and made her way back to her seat. “My cake is…” Lifting her lid she quickly noted the chocolate brown color and the dark blue frosting on top. “Chocolate with blueberry, I’m sure this will taste great.” The pink earth pony smiled as she took her first few bites into her cake.

“Moving on,” Mr. E held up another name as she read it over, “Prince Blueblood, you’re up.”

“Obviously I’ll be taking plate one, the others are lucky they didn’t take what’s mine.” The prince kept his nose up in superiority despite the many rolled eyes and rude remarks made by the group. As he sat down again his magic quickly removed the lid and set it aside, leaving him staring at another chocolate cake but this time with blackberry frosting.

“Fluttershy you’re up!” The host was smiling as he waved the name in the air.

“Oh… umm.. okay…” Letting out a slight squeak Fluttershy slowly made her way to the table, “I… I’ll just take five…. If that’s okay.” The last of her sentence trailed off as she kept her head low taking the tray back to her table and finding a lemon cake with blueberry icing under her tray.

“That leaves just Lyra and Rainbow so then…… the one who gets to pick is….,” reaching into the bag the host pulled out one of the two remaining names. “Lyra! So then Rainbow you get whichever tray is left over.”

Lyra wasted no time grabbing tray number three, leaving Rainbow with tray nine which was Trixie’s number. “Oh great, I bet it’s something gross and dumb.”

As they both sat down Lyra opened her tray to find a carrot cake with raspberry icing and Rainbow found a lemon cake with raspberry icing.

“Now that we are finished with that I have just one more thing to inform you all with, “for tonight there will be a curfew that will be starting in one hour, so if any of you are found outside your room after one hour there will a 10000 bit penalty to the group pot. Is that clear with everypony?” After receiving a chorus of agreements the host turned and left then for the night but just as he reached the door he turned back around, “oh and before I forget Octavia since Braeburn will not be sleeping tonight just inform the receptionist when you are ready for sleep and Braeburn will be escorted downstairs to where he will be spending the night, and Rainbow Dash as soon as you are finished here somepony will escort you to your cell for the night.” With that Mr. E turned and left.

With the generous portions of cake given to them some of the ponies were taking longer to finish their dessert while others were quick to leave the dining hall. The first out were Rainbow Dash as she was escorted out, Trixie, Sapphire Shores, and Princess Luna who all, with the exclusion of Rainbow, went back to their rooms to avoid punishment with the curfew in place soon.

As she was working her way through the cake Octavia started to notice something sticking out from under her cake, and after a few scratches with her fork she finally noted it was an envelope. As she looked around it was apparent nopony else saw it so quickly she stashed the envelope into her collar and pushed her plate away announcing she was done. Stepping into the lobby and making sure the coast was clear the musician pulled the envelope out and quickly ripped it open pulling out the letter inside reading it to herself.

Congratulations on picking the special topping in the secret berry game. As you may have noticed there was only two blackberry frostings while there was four of the other two. Being one of the two who picked the blackberry frosting you are now offered a chance at exemption for the upcoming execution, but for that luxury it will cost the group. By now you know of the curfew so all you have to do to earn the exemption is keep a fellow contestant out of their room until after curfew costing the group 10000 bits but earning you what could be a life saving exemption. The choice is yours but remember the consequences could be great so choose wisely.

OCTAVIA: I knew something was up with the desserts! But now the question is should I take this or not…..

Octavia just sat lying down on one of the lobby couches deep in thought as she watched what remained of the ponies who were still eating start to leave the dining hall. Cheerilee and Fluttershy left together so even if she wanted to get one of them, it was probably out of the question. Though as the next two started leaving the dining hall what caught her eye was the fact that it was Braeburn and Blueblood leaving together. As far as she was concerned she never knew the two to even talk to each other but as clockwork the reasoning quickly clicked in her mind, Blueblood also had blackberry icing and was therefore attempting the same thing she was. “I’m going to have to stop that somehow…” Before her mind could work out on that Lyra was finally making her way out of the dining hall prompting Octavia to get up and follow after the unicorn. “Hey Lyra hold on I wanted to talk to you about something!”

Lyra turned around and smiled as she saw the other mare, “about?”

“What do you think? About Trixie, do you really think we can trust her?” Octavia looked around trying to act normal but she knew she needed to keep Lyra from getting to her room if she was to earn that exemption. Though she felt bad that she was using Lyra she knew it was better for her to be safe even if she was positive she was on the right track to figuring out the mole.

“I don’t see why not, she seemed right in most of what she said and honestly I think I can applaud her for playing the way she has thus far. Getting the others to think she is the mole is pretty genius even if she is trying a little too hard.”

“That’s the thing though, I don’t think she is trying. She is probably legitimately trying to lose the bits that she has been losing. I mean look at today she didn’t want to get her mane dyed and that’s not even a big deal.” Octavia stole a quick glance at a nearby clock noting that eating the desert had taken about half an hour so she only had to waste another half hour with Lyra before she could win her exemption, but she also had to get Braeburn away from Blueblood the only problem was she couldn’t think of a way to do that.

“Helloooo earth to Octavia,” Lyra was waving a hoof in front of the mares face obviously unamused as it became apparent her explanation went unheard, “is there something on your mind or what because you completely just tuned me out there which is rude considering you asked me in the first place.”

“Sorry Lyra, maybe I’m just tired maybe we can move to my room for a bit and continue there? I’m not sure I feel safe talking out in the open anyways.” Octavia did her best to fake a yawn as her eyes fell on the reception desk, causing her mind to instantly fix her main problem in seconds. “Just let me tell the receptionist so Braeburn will have a place to be since I’ll probably fall asleep as soon as we’re done okay?”

“Yeah sure fine,” Shaking her head Lyra made her way upstairs to room 204.

Octavia waited patiently as the receptionist seemed to take her time answering the bell on the counter, when the mare finally did arrive Octavia wasted no time saying how tired she was and explaining the situation with Braeburn. “No problem at all, we’ll have that sorted out in just a few minutes.”

“Thank you,” With that out of the way Octavia turned and headed upstairs amazed to find Braeburn already being escorted out of room 201 by a pegasus pony with Blueblood looking on unamused as he ticket to safety just walked out his door. Octavia feeling a bit over excited with her achievement shot the prince a quick wink before heading to her room and leaving him fuming.

“Took you long enough didn’t it?” Lyra was once again sitting upright in a position that still baffled Octavia to no end.

“Sorry, the receptionist took a while to realize somepony was dinging the little bell on the counter, “anyways though back to what you were saying?” Octavia took her spot on her bed as she carefully tucked her legs under herself and opened her journal, but before the two could continue a steady stream of hard knocks on the door interrupted them once again. “Ugh who is it?”

“Who do you think Ms. Octavia?” The uptight voice behind the door was unquestionably Prince Blueblood.

Lyra was left rather confused as she turned her attention back to Octavia, “what does he want?”

“I don’t know, but I suppose I’ll have to find out,” With a sigh Octavia was already up and opening the door to greet the unicorn staring at her with a wide smile.

Blueblood stood at the door as he looked over the gray musician, “I must admit that was well played there Ms. Octavia. I wasn’t aware somepony else was even capable of being that masterful, but I feel I must warn you now that in what could have been a rather powerful alliance you just made a very big enemy.” The smile Blueblood had just seconds ago quickly faded as he looked up finally noticing Lyra sitting in the room, “oh and might I add that it is almost curfew so maybe you should be heading back to your room hmm? Before some other pony here benefits from your slight of mind.”

“The curfew!” Lyra quickly sprung up and started for the door before the final words of the stallions statement finally sunk in, “wait, what do you mean benefits?”

Octavia could do nothing but glare as Blueblood’s smile returned, “oh so she didn’t tell you? And here I thought you two were in a coalition together.” Faking a yawn the prince turned and started heading back to his room, “my job is done here and it is getting late so good night ladies.”

Lyra watched him go before finally turning back to Octavia, her expression clearly demanding an explanation, “well?”

Octavia let out a sigh as she slowly grabbed the letter out of her collar and holding it out to Lyra, “Just don’t get mad alright?”

Lyra quickly scanned over the letter before crumpling it up with her magic, “You were going to use me? Just like that? For your own benefit… That’s just low Octavia, especially for you.” With a flick of magic Lyra tossed the letter back before storming off to her room. Leaving Octavia nothing to do but just go to bed and wait for her challenge the next day.

LYRA: Oh Celestia I feel so used! For all I know she’s been using me from the start!

OCTAVIA: Well that didn’t end well and now I probably just lost an ally and mad an enemy…… wonderful.

BLUEBLOOD: And that makes one less team to worry about, if anything I can probably get one to join me after this.

DAY4

MAIN LOBBY 1 AM

Braeburn let out a very exhausted yawn as he turned to the clock for what seemed like the millionth time that night, “just one in the mornin? Ah still have about four hours until ahm supposed to be up back home….” Once again he yawned as he repositioned himself on the couch trying to get comfortable again.

“Mind if I join you?” Luna carefully trotted around the couch as she watched the farmer for any signs of rejection.

“Not at all princess, though ifin ya don’t mind me askin’ why are ya’ll up at this hour?” Braeburn once went about repositioning himself as the bigger pony took a spot on the couch laying in a similar position as himself with her hooves tucked under.

“I’m normally awake during the night anyways,” The princess of the night let out a slight sigh as she looked out the window admiring her stars in the sky, “other ponies may not be prone to staying up to enjoy what I do every night but I do.”

Braeburn was quick to pick up on the tinge of sadness in the other ponies voice and was determined to do what he could to help, “well if it helps any, most of us over in Apploosa enjoy the night stars. Our lights aint as bright as they are in some other town and cities so we still get a clear view every night.”

“Really? Well it’s good to know somepony else appreciates my nights…. Thank you. The Apple family stallions all seem to be quite the gentlepony.” Luna gave a slight smile before looking back to the window letting out a slight sigh.

Braeburn tilted his head slightly as he looked up to the princess, “You know the Apple family?”

“Not personally no, but I know the ones that live in Ponyville. First I met Apple Jack then I met her little sister Apple Bloom then I met Granny Smith and finally I met Big Macintosh.” Again the princess sighed but this time it seemed to be more happy than anything as a slight blush started to form across her face. “Though now I guess I can add you to the list of Apples I know.”

The blush didn’t go unnoticed as Braeburn smiled for the first time that night, “So ah take it you know Big Mac pretty well then? He can be quite the gentlepony.”

Luna’s blush only deepened as she turned her head trying to hide her face, “Macintosh can be very wonderful company when you can get him talking. He’s very passionate in what he does and cares for. I find it very…. admirable.”

Braeburn’s smile only grew as he tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, “and I’m sure he finds you….. just as admirable.” Luna’s reaction alone left in a fit of giggles as he rolled on the couch holding his stomach. “A….ahm sorry… princess… it’s just…. you’re not….. very good at…. subtly.”

Luna was now reaching shades of red that could rival Big Mac himself as she lowered her

head, “well just don’t go telling anypony alright? Telling everypony about Midnight blew up into national news that, well, has yet to die down in Canterlot so we agreed to try to at least keep it under wraps for now.”

“Not a problem princess, ah can keep a secret. It’s just good to know ol’ Mac has found himself somepony nice considerin how much time he spends working the farm.” The excitement from the conversation was quickly dying out as Braeburn let out yawn. “By the way princess ah do appreciate your company, it does help me stay up through the night.”

“Well to be honest I appreciate the company as well,” Once again a blush appeared on Luna’s face, “I suppose I got used to Mac’s company during the night. Despite having to work in the morning and through the day he always insisted on staying with me through the night.”

“Big Mac stays awake at night and during the day? Ah knew he worked hard, but not that hard.” Braeburn had his hooves crossed as he rested his head letting out another yawn.

“Well he tries at least but he usually ends up falling asleep after a few hours into the night, not that I mind though he needs his sleep.” Luna gave him a slight nudge as he let out another yawn, “Hey now, I let Macintosh sleep but you aren’t going to get that luxury.”

“Ahm not asleep,” Braeburn shook his head talking more to himself than replying to the princess. “Ahm not asleep. So princess, who are you lookin’ at for the mole then?”

“Well as of right now considering Trixie is my personal student I know her and how she acts, which isn’t far from how she acts here so I’m fairly certain it’s not her. Though for all I know that could be my downfall if it turns out she is.” Luna smiled slightly as she thought about it, “but as I said I’m fairly certain it’s not her. How about you then Braeburn? Who is on your list?”

“Well to be honest ah was thinking Trixie, but not ya got me thinkin otherwise... so maybe Blueblood?”

“I don’t know, even though both Blueblood and Trixie have been the ones to basically cost the group bits I’m not sure I believe the mole to be either of them.” Princess Luna’s eyes went back to the window as she just watched her stars twinkle in the sky, “It’s like they’re trying too hard to seem like the mole to the point where it just seems unlikely.”

Braeburn rubbed his chin with a hoof as he thought everything over, “ah suppose that makes sense so then who?”

“My guess would be the one trying to cast blame onto somepony else by calling them out as the mole in front of the group, but also capable enough to outperform everypony in challenges at the right times to keep suspicion of themselves.” Luna’s gaze shifted from the window to Braeburn to see if he was catching on to who she was hinting at but his blank expression made it apparent he wasn’t following. “My suspicion is on Rainbow Dash as of right now.”

“Rainbow? Hmmm, ah suppose that does make sense….” Braeburn opened up his journal and was immediately scribbling away.

BRAEBURN: Ah feel like ah can trust the princess, so I have no reason to doubt what she says.

LUNA: It was definitely nice to have company throughout the night again, even if it’s only for one night.

ROOM 204

6 AM

Octavia tossed in her bed again and again as she tried to will herself back to sleep, the backfire of her plan the last night kept her up most of the night and when she finally did find sleep it didn’t last nearly long enough. So here she lay tossing in bed chasing something to elusive to catch. “Ugh… maybe some music will help…” Gathering her case the musician slowly made her way out of her room and started heading down stairs towards the lobby. Octavia was lost in thought as she entered the lobby and began going through the motions of setting up. Soon enough the mare found herself carefully balancing herself on her hind hooves and letting her bow do the work as she vented her frustrations through music. It wasn’t until after about the third song that Octavia finally opened her eyes to find she had a very attentive audience of two, “oh….. I’m sorry did I wake you?”

“Not at t’all, we were both awake already. But your music was very amazing.” Braeburn clopped his hooves together in applause.

“Oh well thank you, I couldn’t sleep anymore so I decided to play some music.” Octavia carefully placed her pride and joy back into its case as she turned to the two still watching her. “Mind if I ask why you two are awake?”

“Well I suppose I have the same reason as you,” Luna for the first time let out a yawn as she stretched slightly, “though that was actually quite a while ago. I’ve been talking with Braeburn here since basically.”

“Mhm, since ah can’t go to sleep the company was greatly appreciated.” Braeburn flashed the princess a smile as she yawned again, “Though if yer fallen asleep you are free ta go to bed ya know? The sun is already up so I’m sure I can handle mahself until lunch.”

Finally accepting what was apparently obvious Luna just nodded and turned to the stairs, “wake me for the challenge when it’s time please.”

“Sure thing princess!” Braeburn waved as she left before turning to Octavia with a smile, “care to join me for breakfast then?”

“Sure, just let me put my stuff away and I’ll meet you there.” With a nod Braeburn left for the dining hall as Octavia made sure her case was securely locked before sliding it onto her back and heading up the stairs. “So he starts talking to Blueblood and Princess Luna?” Putting her instrument back in its proper place Octavia was sure to grab her journal before starting out the room again. “Seems like my roommate has been busy making friends with just about everypony here…”

OCTAVIA: I really don’t trust him… making friends with everyone just makes him seem suspicious. Add to that his record of losing small amounts of bits here and there and it just makes sense that he is the mole.

As Octavia entered the dining hall Braeburn was already seated with a bowl of outs smiling at her just as he did with Luna. “Anything good for breakfast today?” The musician was trying her hardest to seem normal, but deep down she knew she really couldn’t trust this farm pony. So for now she’d have to play friends to see if she could get anything from him.

“Just oats, though ahm not complaining. We all eat oats all the time in Apploosa.” Braeburn was doing his best to hold conversation as he added more oats into his mouth, “So, why couldn’t ya sleep?”

Octavia busied herself with her own bowl of oats as she sat a few seats away from Braeburn, “oh, well it’s nothing really just antsy about the upcoming challenge I suppose.”

“That all?” Braeburn was smiling as big as ever now, “well don’t worry about it none, ahm sure your group will do just fine. Considerin’ ya’lls got a more compliant group than we did.”

Octavia couldn’t help but giggle slightly, “you may have a point, a group with both Trixie and Blueblood must be…. interesting…. to say the least.”

“Tell me about it, but at least we get some entertainment from it and this time we get to keep our bits. So that’s a plus.”

Again Octavia found herself giggling as she nodded in agreement, “but even with their antics and such you still managed to pull through a win so it seems.”

Braeburn smiled in return, “only if ah can stay awake for a few more hours an’ we keep Soarin’ from eatin anything, yeah.” As if on cue Braeburn yawned showing off a rather unattractive mouthful of half chewed oats.

Just the sight of his face had Octavia cracking up and laughing, “It seems sleep deprivation makes us forget our manners hmmm?”

OCTAVIA: Honestly I don’t know if he does it intentionally or not but now I realize why he can make friends with everypony so easily… he’s definitely somepony to watch.

Braeburn could only smile sheepishly as he finally finished his bowl of oats, “sorry, ah suppose lack of sleep can do that…”

As the two continued on slowly the rest of the group began to join them for breakfast. Lyra made it apparent she was still rather upset as she avoided talking to Octavia entirely which would have been fine, but the fact that Blueblood came in and sat next to her was a bit of a shock to Octavia.

OCTAVIA: What a dirty little creep, but it’s Lyra’s choice to trust a snake. If she gets bit it’s not my fault.

The last to arrive was Rainbow Dash who let out a big yawn as she took a spot next to Fluttershy, “let me tell you, that bed in that cell was not comfortable at all…”

“Sorry to hear that Rainbow,” Fluttershy gave her friend a comforting hug as she looked around noticing Soarin’s absence, “what happened to Soarin’?”

“Oh he just went back to our room, he didn’t even want to look at breakfast. To be honest I kinda feel bad for him, he really loves food.” Rainbow Dash shrugged before diving into her own breakfast.”

Not one to miss a beat Mr. E made his usual appearance as everyone got situated with their breakfast, “seems some ponies decided to sleep in today? I trust everyone here will fill them in later than?” His smile was as big as ever as the group nodded, “good, then we  can move on. So first things first Rainbow Dash has completed her dare and Soarin’ has completed another part of his. So if both Braeburn and Soarin’ can complete what is left of their dares then the group earns 40000. Not too bad really. Though the money could have been guaranteed by now if other ponies had done their dares right?” Trixie just huffed and looked away as Blueblood simply ignored the comment entirely. “So then the next team to go today is the thinkers. Your competition will be just after the others ends, so just after noon alright? See everyone then!” And just as quick as he came Mr. E once again left the group to themselves.

Immediately Octavia’s eyes went to Lyra, she needed to at least talk to her, “Hey Lyra, I kind of wanted to ask you something do you have a minute?”

Lyra didn’t even bother to look up form her breakfast, “I’m still eating Octavia, besides I already made plans to talk to somepony else after breakfast.”

“Fine, just find me when you’re done then.” Octavia just rolled her eyes as she left the dining hall.

Breakfast went normally for the rest of the group as they slowly made their way back to their rooms or just elsewhere. Eventually the only two that remained were Lyra and Blueblood. “Now that the all other ears are gone, we can have ourselves a nice little chat and maybe strike a deal or two.” Blueblood was smiling as he turned to the mint green unicorn.

“Listen here Blueblood, I know how you work, as if last night wasn’t proof enough of that.” Lyra was more than certain she knew what she was getting into with this unicorn so she knew to set things straight as soon as possible. “Before I strike any sort of deal with you I’m demanding a certain guarantee from you first.”

“Oh? And in what position are you in to demand anything exactly?” The way the prince spoke was already pushing Lyra to the edge. “what’s to stop me from just going to somepony else if you wont agree?”

“Maybe the fact that nopony likes you perhaps?” Lyra could only smirk as she saw the prince’s smile fading. “Honestly with how you’ve acted so far the only pony that would possibly give you the time of day is Trixie, and good luck getting far with her.” Lyra turned and was ready to leave as she started trotting to the door.

“I still have the princess as well you know.” Blueblood didn’t even bother moving as he used his magic to open the door, challenging Lyra to leave. “So for me that makes two, and you what do you have? You already lost Octavia so now you all you have is what? Some school teacher? Admit it, you need me.”

“Need you about as much as I need Octavia, goodbye then Blueblood.” Without another word the unicorn mare left not bothering to look back.

BLUEBLOOD: Well that went smoothly…. No matter I’ll have her on my side in no time.

MAIN LOBBY

Mr. E stood smiling in front of the group with Braeburn barely keeping his head up and eyes open on his left and Soarin’ holding his now very agitated and very loud stomach in his hooves. “I’d say a congratulation is in order. Both Soarin’ and Braeburn have officially completed their dares adding 40000 bits to the group total, making your total earnings to 78,000 bits.”

“Can ah go ta sleep now?” Braeburn yawned as he looked up the stairs longingly wanting so bad to just curl up in his bed for the rest of the day.

“And can I go eat? I’m so starved right now” Soarin’ was doing his best to stand up straight but with a hoof over his stomach it just wasn’t working out too well.

“Yes, you both are free to go. All I need right now are those in the thinking group, if you all will follow me it is time to start your challenge.” Mr. E simply turned and trotted out the front door soon followed by the thinking team.

CHEERILEE: Well here we go! This should be fun.

BUCKINGHAM ART GALLERY

Mr. E sat patiently as the ponies with him were obviously distracted admiring the art around them, “As you all seem to have noted by now we are in an art gallery, this will be the location of your next challenge.” At the word challenge everypony’s head instantly turned in his direction, “but before we can get into the specific details I need you all to form three teams of two.”

“I’ll team with Fluttershy,” In a flash Sapphire Shores was next to the canary yellow pegasus, startling her into hiding behind her mane.

“I believe I should be with Cheerilee then,” Luna smiled to the pink earth pony as she trotted over to her side.

“What, no” Lyra was the first to vocalize her complaint as she realized who that left her with.

Octavia wasn’t too far behind as she tried to change partners. “No hold on, maybe we should shuffle this up a bit more.”

“Lyra and Octavia will make up the last team then,” Mr. E just smiled more as they both reluctantly moved together. “Now that we have that settled let’s get on to the challenge shall we? In the next room you will find an exhibit featuring fifteen paintings, each team will then have only five minutes to memorize where each painting is. After your time is up you will be escorted to another room and there you will have to recreate the room you just saw. Each team to successfully recreate their room within ten minutes will add 20,000 bits to the group total. Making for a possible 60,000 bits total to be won. Any questions?” After a moment of silence the host clopped his hooves joyfully, “Good, then which team would like to go first?”

“I suppose we can go first,” Cheerilee stepped forward with Luna right behind. “Best to get it over with and do our best right?”

“Right,” Luna nodded as they joined the host who was already trotting off to the door to the next room.

Mr. E held open the door as the two stepped inside, the gallery room itself was about as simple as it gets, a completely white room with two square columns dividing the room in half. Two painting were on the left and right walls, three were hanging on the back wall and there was four painting on each column, one for each side. “Alright you two have five minutes starting now.”

Luna and Cheerilee wasted no time as they immediately went to the left side wall, the first of the two paintings made it apparent what the theme of this particular gallery was about. The painting featured Soarin’ flying through the sky but with a pink mane like he has now. The second of the two paintings on the wall featured Fluttershy standing at the edge of the cliff from the first challenge, Braeburn’s hat clearly sitting on her head.

“Alright simple enough,” Luna nodded her head as she focused on the paintings, making sure to fully commit them to memory. “So left wall is Soarin’ and Fluttershy. Both pictures of pegasi with pink manes.”

“Left is pegasi and pink manes, got it.” Cheerilee made the mental note as she started moving to the back wall. “That was a great way to memorize that Princess Luna.”

Luna just smiled at the compliment as she turned her attention to the first painting on the back wall. This one was simply the violet carriage that had dropped off two of the contestants on day one. “Cheerilee, do you remember who was in this carriage?”

“I was!” The school teacher was smiling brightly as she looked at the painting, “it was me and Blueblood.” Slowly Cheerilee started looking over the other two paintings on this wall, the last of which also featured Blueblood. “Look princess, Blueblood is there too.”

“Good, that makes this wall easier for us.” Noting the two ends had to do with Prince Blueblood, Luna then focused on the middle of the three paintings. The painting itself was very plain, only featuring the Equestrian Mole logo in various shades of green. “Alright I believe we have this wall down as well.

The two then moved to the last of the three walls, the first of the paintings caught Luna off guard. This one was an exact copy of the painting she was just looking at, except this one was done in various shades of blue rather than green. “Seems they are trying to make this a bit trickier.”

“Seems so,” Cheerilee was still smiling as big as ever as she attempted to note which color logo went where.

As they moved on to the second painting it became apparent that it also was similar to another painting, this one simply featuring the orange carriage from day one.

“Alright so, right wall is Blue logo and orange carriage. Two opposite colors if I’m not mistaken.” Luna stood silent with her eyes closed for a few moments as she mentally walked through what they had so far. “So from the top, left is pegasi pink manes, right opposing colors, and back wall is ends Blueblood and middle green logo”

“We’re running out of time, should I just take one column and you take the other?” Cheerilee was eyeing the clock placed over the door, so far they had just over a minute left.

Looking to the clock Luna agreed and started for the further back column. The first painting that was facing the wall was Lyra running through the maze with a guard pony close behind. “Lyra in maze got it.” Moving around clockwise Luna’s next painting was the sky blue carriage. “Lyra in maze then blue carriage alright next.” The next side of the column held a painting of the yellow carriage. Making the mental note Luna continued around the column for her last painting. The last side featured a painting of the logo once again this time done in various shard of red. “That makes green Lyra in the back then clockwise around blue, yellow then red.”

Cheerilee started on the front side facing the door, her first painting was Trixie standing proud in the traitor’s helmet from the gladiators challenge. “Trixie, simple enough.” Moving around clockwise Cheerilee found a painting of the dark blue carriage. “Okay. Blue… like Trixie!” Smiling to herself Cheerilee continued around the column, the third painting was the logo again only done in purple. “Well it’s close to blue…” Moving on to the last side Cheerilee was slightly at a lose, this painting was the red carriage which obviously didn’t match with the other paintings. “hmmmm….” Looking passed the paintings to the wall behind the column Cheerilee finally got it, “Red goes on the side that can see the pink manes!”

As always Mr. E was right on time just as the clock reached zero, “And that’s time. Ready to start reconstructing the room?”

Luna gave her partner a nod before looking to the host, “I do believe we are.”

“Alright then if you will follow me into the next room,” Mr. E quickly turned and led the pair out and down the hall to a room similar to the one they were just in. “Inside you will find an exact copy of all the paintings all hanging on the wall like in the previous room only obviously not in the right positions. Just make sure every painting is in the right position within ten minutes and 20,000 bits gets added to the group pot. Good luck, your time starts now.” With that the host stepped aside and the two entered the room ready to go.”

“First find the four for your column first, that way we can get those out of the way alright?” Luna quickly took charge as she went to the left wall using her magic to collect the painting of Lyra in the maze. The back wall gave her a bit more problem though, the middle painting was her red logo painting but the two corners were both the blue carriages. Taking a closer look Luna chose the lighter of the two before continuing to the last wall which yielded no luck for her last painting. “How are you doing Cheerilee? And have you seen a yellow carriage?”

“I have two for my column, have you seen Trixie anywhere? And yes there is a yellow carriage on the first column I believe.” Cheerilee finally collected her third painting from the back wall as she continued to look for her last one.

“Trixie is on the right wall the one on the painting on the left.” Moving to the first column Luna quickly collected her last painting and moved back over to her column the princess didn’t bother looking at the paintings as she took them off, “Alright Lyra first in the back, next is the blue and yellow carriages, and finally red logo. Got it.”

Cheerilee, without magic to rely on was trying her best to get done as soon as possible. “Trixie goes first, then the blue carriage and blue logo, and finally red carriage. Alright all done Luna, what’s next?”

“Start placing the ones from your column and work from there.” Luna grabbing what was left from her column quickly set to work in placing Soarin’s painting on the left wall, the green logo on the back wall, the orange carriage on the right, and finally back to the left wall with Fluttershy.

Cheerilee was a little slower than the princess but managed to place the painting of Blueblood on the back wall, and the purple logo on the right wall. “Is everything where it goes? I still have one more painting.”

“Which one is it?” Looking around the room, Luna seemed satisfies with the looks of things thus far. The only open space was the left hand side of the back wall. “Which painting do you have?”

“Purple carriage, goes on the back wall right?” With painting in mouth Cheerilee went over and placed the final painting.

Together the two went and knocked on the door, in an instant the host opened up and strolled into the room. “I assume you’re finished already?” Looking up the clock had stopped with a minute and twenty seconds, “just wait outside while I check your work.”

Luna and Cheerilee sat together just outside the room as they waited, “so how do you think we did? Do you think we got it right?” Cheerilee was looking up to the princess as she smiled.

“I’m fairly certain we did, everything looked in order as I remembered it.” Luna gave a definitive nod as she smiled as well.

After about a minute or so Mr. E finally stepped out the room again, “It’s incorrect. You still have just over a minute to find the problem and fix it. Your time starts again now.”

Luna and Cheerilee jumped up as they shot into the room again, “alright we need to go over everything quickly.” Luna led as they started at the left wall, “both pegasi with pink manes. This side should be right.” Cheerilee simply nodded as they moved to the back wall. “You and Blueblood were in the violet carriage on the left, the green logo is in the middle, and Blueblood’s painting is on the right. This looks right too.” Turning to the right wall Luna could easily tell something was wrong, “this isn’t right; the purple logo doesn’t go here. We need the blue one. It’s supposed to be the opposite color of the orange carriage.”

“Oh, hold on I know where that is.” Turning around Cheerilee grabbed the blue logo off her column and traded it with the purple one. “I guess I mixed them up, sorry princess.”

“It’s a simple mistake; at least we managed to fix it.” Turning around the clock was just winding down to zero. “At least I hope it was the only mistake.”

Once again Mr. E made his way into the room and shuffled them both out to wait as he checked over the room once more. This time around the host reappeared faster as he came out of the room wearing his signature grin. “Congratulations you successfully managed to recreate the room; the group total is now 98,000 bits.”

CHEERILEE: We did it! The princess was really good at this.

LUNA: I’m not sure if I should be concerned about that mistake….it was an easy one to make but it still could have been intentional.

Luna and Cheerilee were moved to another waiting room as Mr. E went to greet the other two teams. “Alright everypony, team one has finished so which team will be going next?”

“Don’t we get to know how they did?” Octavia raised a brow as she had her hooves crossed.

“Of course not, at least not until later.” The host flashed her a wink before he turned to Lyra, “does that mean your team is up next?”

The unicorn just sighed but nodded, “the sooner the better I suppose.”

“Good, then follow me!” Ignoring the obvious tension between the two Mr. E led them to the first room. “As you know all you have to do is memorize every painting in this room then recreate it in the next room go it?” With a nod from both Octavia and Lyra the host opened the door and stepped aside, “you have five minutes starting now.”

Lyra immediately turned to Octavia as they entered the room, “Don’t bother me while I’m memorizing, just memorize on your own so we can get this done alright?”

“Alright by me then,” Octavia shrugged off the hostility as she took to the other side of the room.

Except for the sound of their hoof steps on the floor the rest of the five minutes went by in complete silence as the two mares focused intently on memorizing the paintings in front of them.

“Time’s up, you two got everything memorized?” Mr. E didn’t bother waiting for a reply as he led them to the second room down the hall. “Alright, inside you will find an exact copy of all the paintings you just saw hanging on the walls. Just put them in the right spaces within ten minutes to complete the challenge. Got it?”

“Ready Lyra?” Octavia tried to offer a friendly smile but Lyra just simply moved to the door.

“Your time starts….. Now!” Moving aside the two entered the room ready to go.

Octavia gave the room a good look around before deciding on what she thought was the best way to go about doing this, “Just grab a painting, figure out where it goes, trade it with the one there, and then repeat. That should make things simple enough.”

“I know what I’m doing, so start helping Octavia.” Lyra didn’t even look back as she was already levitating a painting off the wall and moving it across the room.

“The hostility is really getting old you know Lyra,” Octavia rolled her eyes as she set to work on the first painting she found.

“That coming from the one willing to just use her friends huh? That makes sense.” Lyra just shook her head as she floated another painting into position.

“It was for an exemption, sorry for taking the opportunity when it showed up.” Octavia was getting slower and slower as she worked, her attention mostly going to Lyra as they talked.

Finally Lyra stopped working entirely as she looked back to Octavia, “and that makes it okay? It never crossed your mind to just ask?”

“No actually it didn’t, considering I didn’t figure you’d go for it. I don’t see what the big deal is anyways.”

“No you don’t, and that’s the problem. Do you know my last name Octavia? It’s Heartstrings, a name I’m sure you’ll recognize.” Lyra didn’t try to hide her aggravation as she said her name.

Octavia just stood silent as the name rung in her head, “Heartstrings? As in Heartstrings music company? The biggest music company in Canterlot?”

“That’s my parents company, and do you know how they got that company?” Lyra stood there her expression challenging Octavia to respond, but when she didn’t Lyra just continued, her eyes already starting to water “They used me! I was just a filly and they used me! From the moment they learned of my special talent, I was pulled out of school to perform for any absurd amount of bits they could get the Canterlot elite to agree to. I earned everything my parents have, and I never saw a bit out of it. The only friends I had turned out to be other ponies I could perform with or had important enough parents to spread my name around. I left after I figured it out, but by then they already had enough and started their company. ” Finally all the held back tears flowed freely and Lyra was just left shaking where she stood.

“Lyra I’m sorry I-”

“NO! It’s too late for apologize,” Look up to the clock Lyra started for the door, “I’m done.”

Octavia had just enough time to look up just as the clock reached zero, “great….”

Mr. E walked into the room looking around at the obviously unfinished, “Octavia, you and Lyra failed to complete the task. So no bits will be added to the group total.” Octavia just sighed as she followed the host to the waiting room where Lyra was apparently absent.

OCTAVIA: Well knowing that now, I can’t say I blame her for hating me….

Walking back to the front the host greeted the only two ponies remaining, “Alright then, are you two ready to start your challenge?”

“You know it!” Sapphire Shores was already singing while Fluttershy simply nodded her head.

“Then follow me, just remember you will only have five minutes to memorize all the paintings. Then just ten minutes to recreate it. You ready?” Mr. E waited at the door as they nodded, “then good luck.”

Stepping into the room Sapphire decided to take lead, “don’t worry Fluttershy, I have this covered alright? You can just sit back and relax.”

Before Fluttershy could reply Sapphire Shores was already up on her hind hooves starting to sing and dance around the room. Only stopping every few moments to take a close look at the current painting or to figure out lyrics for her song.

After the five minutes were up Mr. E walked into the room to find Sapphire still singing and dancing with her hooves outstretched high in the air above her head.

“Time’s up, now if you’ll follow me to the next room.” Turning around the host lead the two down the hall before stopping in front of the next room. “Inside all the paintings are already hanging, but they are mixed up. Just put them in the exact order as in the last room in under ten minutes and 20,000 bits will be added to the group total. Got it?”

“We are ready!” Sapphire continued on into the room with her high energy as Fluttershy simply followed slowly behind, slightly hiding behind her mane.

“Then good luck, your time starts now.” Closing the door the host left them to their work.

“This will certainly be eeeeeasy!” Sapphire wasted no time getting into the groove of her song made up for the challenge. “Fluttershy, if you please just bring me the paintings I sing about and I’ll have them up in no time.”

“Oh umm… okay…” Without skipping a beat Sapphire was already singing and dancing, leaving Fluttershy to attempt to hurry around the room to gather all the painting just in time before Sapphire started on the next one.

Within five minutes Sapphire was already wrapping up her song, smiling as she looked around the room. “Great job Fluttershy, I believe that should be it!”

Fluttershy simply nodded as she silently panted behind Sapphire. Keeping up with the pony of pop proved a lot harder than she initially expected, as she had to move much faster than she was normally used to.

“You’re done already?” Mr. E checked the clock as he stepped into the room, “I didn’t expect anypony to be done that quick. Well if you’re sure you have it right just wait outside while I check your work.”

Outside the door Sapphire pulled the pegasus into a close hug, causing a light squeak from the startled Fluttershy, “you did fantastic!”

Fluttershy immediately went to hiding her face as she heard the compliment, her bright yellow face turning a slight pink “oh well thank you… but you did do most of the work.”

FLUTTERSHY: Maybe Sapphire isn’t as bad as I thought… she still kind of scares me though…

Mr. E stepped out of the room just moments later, his expression showing he was obviously amused. “Well I’m surprised but you did replicate the room perfectly. Congratulations.” After a brief celebration both Fluttershy and Sapphire were ushered into the second waiting room where the other four were waiting. “The results of this challenge will be revealed once we get back to the hotel, see you all there.” Flashing the group a wink the host turned tail and left.

GALLOPHRY PALACE LOBBY

Mr. E once again stood in front of the group as everyone sat patiently to hear the results of the latest challenge. “So for the thinking group’s challenge they were split into three teams of two and shown an art gallery room filled with fifteen paintings. There job was to memorize it in five minutes, and then they were given ten minutes to recreate the room with all the paintings in the same positions. If the team was successful they would earn 20,000 bits for the group total. Making for a possible 60,000 bits, however only two teams succeeded adding only 40,000 bits to the pot. Making the group total 118,000 bits out of a possible 170,000 bits. Whoever the mole is, they’re going to have to step up their game if they want a decent amount of bits to take home.”

“Are we going to find out which team didn’t succeed or what?” Rainbow had her hooves crossed as she glared to the host.

“I was just about to get to that Rainbow Dash, wouldn’t want anypony missing out on possible clues as to who the mole is before tonight’s execution now do we.” Mr. E offered a slight chuckle as he put in the tape to be played for everypony.

Everypony sat in silence for the next forty five minutes as they watched each team go through the challenge, but what had everypony’s attention the most was the argument that broke out between Octavia and Lyra. Both ponies in question avoided gazes that the others threw their way and only turned back to the screen when it was the next teams turn. The whole group seemed to get a slight laugh as they watched Sapphire’s rather unorthodox method not only work but actually do so in record time.

Once the tape was over Mr. E once again gained all the attention, “alright so now that you all know what happened, and I hope you all took good notes, it will be time for dinner and one by one once you finish eating you will excuse yourself for tonight’s quiz. And then it will be time for the execution, in which only Soarin’ in safe from with his exemption.”

Dinner had a bit of an ominous cloud hanging over it as every pony sat silently eating their food and looking through their journals trying to study as much as they can before it became time for them to take the quiz. The first to finish was Cheerilee, with the rest of the group following soon after.

QUESTION 1:

Where is the mole from?

A. Canterlot

B. Ponyville

C. Apploosa

D. Cloudsdale

E. Ponyville/Canterlot

CHEERILEE: Most are from Canterlot right? Seems like the safe choice.

Question 2:

Was the mole a doer or thinker?

A. Doer

B. Thinker

LUNA: Considering who is on the doer side, I’d say odds are the mole was there.

RAINBOW DASH: Duh, Trixie was on my team. Obviously doer.

Question 3:

What number journal does the mole have?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

E. 6

F. 7

G. 8

H. 9

I. 10

J. 11

K.12

BRAEBURN: Ah suppose it’ll just be a lucky guess….

Question 4:

Does the mole have exemption from tonight’s execution?

A. Yes

B. No

SOARIN’: I’m the only pony with exemption and I know it’s not me so this is easy!

Question 5:

Was the mole successful in their dare?

A. Yes

B. No

C. Did not do a dare

TRIXIE: Trixie knows she isn’t the mole and doubts Blueblood so she knows it’s not no.

Question 6:

Was the mole successful at the gallery?

A. No

B. Yes

C. Was not at gallery.

LYRA: I’m going Octavia; something just tells me it’s her…

BLUEBLOOD: My guess is they weren’t at the gallery; nopony in that group seems capable of being the mole anyways.

Question 7:

What topping did the mole select for dessert?

A. Blueberry

B. Raspberry

C. Blackberry

D. Did not get dessert

SOARIN’: Obviously it’s not D… great now I really want dessert…

Question 8:

Is the mole male or female?

A. Female

B. Male

CHEERILEE: There aren’t very many males here, safest choice is female.

Question 9:

Did the mole sleep in their room last night?

A. Yes

B. No

SAPPHIRE SHORES: More than likely yes, since only three didn’t.

OCTAVIA: Safest choice is yes, but I’m not so sure…

Question 10:

Who is the mole?

A. Fluttershy

B. The Great and Powerful Trixie

C. Princess Luna

D. Braeburn

E. Sapphire Shores

F. Prince Blueblood

G. Rainbow Dash

H. Octavia

I: Lyra

J. Fluttershy

K: Cheerilee

FLUTTERSHY: Oh my… I don’t know…

MAIN LOBBY

After everypony finished their quiz they all sat together in the lobby, where Mr. E stood next to the giant screen that simply showed one giant hoof print and had all their pictures around it. “Are we ready to begin then?” Mr. E started tapping away at his laptop and Soarin’ pictures took up the screen with the hoof print just below it. “Soarin’ you have an exemption, therefore you are safe.” After a few more taps at his laptop, the picture of the wonderbolt quickly turned green.

SOARIN’: Oh yeah, here to stay!

“Alright so now that those exempt are out of the way, who wants to go first?” Almost immediately Sapphire Shores shot her hoof up, and used her other hoof to lift Fluttershy’s as well. “Sapphire and Fluttershy it is then, we’ll just start with Sapphire.” Mr. E quickly went to tapping at his laptop once more and Sapphire’s picture soon took over the screen.

The hoof print flashing from red to green.

.

..

…

….

…..

……

GREEN

SAPPHIRE SHORES: I knew it, me and Fluttershy are going to stay here all the way to the end.

Smiling once more Mr. E went to work on his laptop again, this time pulling up the picture of Fluttershy, “Miss Rose Papillonne, you are…” Once again the hoof print started to flash between red and green.

.

..

…

….

…..

……

RED

“WHAT?” Sapphire was quick to get up and start hugging Fluttershy, “No, you can’t go yet! It’s still too early!”

Fluttershy just smiled as she slowly returned the hug, “its okay, I’m fine with it. Really.” Getting up from her seat the pegasus walked over to her bag before looking back to the group. “Try your hardest okay everypony?”

Rainbow was the next to hug the canary colored pegasus, “go tell our friends I say hey okay?”

“Sure thing Rainbow,” Fluttershy smiled and nodded as she turned to start leaving

Once again Sapphire went over to her wrapping her into yet another hug, “promise me you’ll send me your new book when you’re done okay? I am a big fan of your work.”

“Alright, I promise.” And with that Mr. E escorted Fluttershy out of the room as every just sat and watched in silence.

SAPPHIRE SHORES: I can’t believe she’s gone… now I need to win! For the both of us.

RAINBOW DASH: I kinda saw that coming, but it was pretty hard to see her go…

BLUEBLOOD: I say good riddance to bad rubbish. She was useless anyways.

Finally Mr. E came back in and all attention was one him, “that leaves only nine contestants left, and one mole. Get a good night’s sleep everypony you are going to need it.”

With that the group finally dispersed, each heading their own way ready to face whatever the next day was set to bring.