//------------------------------// // Locked in, no regrets // Story: Equestrian Throwdown // by Hex Mark //------------------------------// The second round was over, and the trio stood there and listened to the cheers of the crowd. Taking his eyes off of Balrog, Skylark searched the stands and saw Lyra looking at him with a smile on her muzzle. The sight of this brought a warm smile to his face, but before he could make his way over, the announcer once again began to speak out loud. "Will the summoners of Caressa, Erubetie, and Skylark please head down into the center area?" The announcer asked, prompting Emerald Warbler, Lyra Heartstrings, and a third unicorn to trot down the stands in order to join their familiars. Erubetie and Caressa smiled towards their unicorn-summoners, while Skylark and Lyra held each-other in a warm embrace, the latter only letting got to check her human’s hands. ”That was amazing! I just knew you’d make it!” the unicorn smiled, prodding the finger tips of his right hand with a hoof. Much to his confusion, Lyra gently pulled his hand to the side of her face, so that she was able to nuzzle his palm, her eyes closed with contentment. “I made you a promise, after all.” Skylark replied with a soft smile right before a pony cleared their throat. The competitors and the unicorns turned their attention to the announcer, who had been joined by a bored Trixie and a half-welcoming, half forboding Balrog. “First, I would like to congratulate the three of-” the announcer began to speak, only for Trixie to stomp a hoof. “What in Equestria is this? The Great and Powerful Trixie is sorely disappointed in these three survivors! A snake, a blob of jelly and a monkey?! Pah! These games will be over shortly.” Trixie sneered, much to the annoyance of the group, even Balrog had a deadpan expression on his face at the words his mistress was spewing out. “Either way, it’s only fair that we explain the rules. The game has changed due to some unforeseen complications.” Balrog started with a reasonable, rehearsed tone. “Usually our games will finish up in a manor similar to a tournament within this stadium. However, with some new prizes at stake, it was fitting to size up the field to scale.” ”New prize?” Skylark, Erubetie and Caressa asked in unison, and Trixie’s familiar nodded. “Five of our veterans will be carrying them. I myself have one of them.” Balrog pulled out a gold tiara adorned with navy blue gems and a single magenta star. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened, and she almost dove in from the stands, only being held back by her friends. "Woah there, Rainbow! I know that rat stole the Elements of Harmony, but we can't just rush in! Remember what Princess Celestia told us!" Applejack reminded her azure friend, who took a breath and sighed in frustration. That must be one of the Elements of Harmony Princess Luna told me about...To turn them into bargaining chips... the human’s hand tightened itself into a fist. Just what are you hoping to gain from this? “You three may work together or go your separate ways. Doesn’t matter to me what you do. You will earn the right to challenge me if you defeat the other veterans! This challenge will span all across Equestria, with only a few locations currently neutral locations where fighting between the contestants shall not take place!” He raised his finger up to point at a projected map to show the neutral zones, and the exact borders. The only ones that were marked as 'neutral' were Ponyville, Canterlot, and a strangely empty region to the north-east was marked as 'forbidden'. "Now, are there any questions?" Balrog asked, and almost on cue, Skylark raised his hand. "I have one. In the event that we fight in a populated area, what happens if either us or the veterans harm a pony?" Skylark questioned, and Balrog chuckled. "You've only been here for a few days, and you're already feeling sentimental?" the champion mocked him before sighing. "What happens to them is of no consequence. None of us will be held responsible for any harm that may come to those careless enough to get caught in the fray." Balrog assured the group. "The third round will begin in a week! I wish you all luck in the days to come, and I look forward to the day when I can face you with all your might!" the demon announced, and with that, Trixie teleported out with Balrog. Being dismissed, the unicorns and their familiars all began to walk away, exiting the arena. Lyra lagged behind to get the announcer's attention. "Excuse me, sir? I'm sorry, but Balrog didn't give me time to ask this. Is there any way I can withdraw and absolve Skylark of the need to compete?" the unicorn asked, only to be met with the announcer's laughter. Lyra stared in bewilderment, only going deadpan once the announcer realized she was serious. "I...I'm sorry for laughing but...that was a really silly question." the announcer apologized, but looked to the human. "Your human can't be withdrawn from this competition. He will remain in this competition until he and his fellow survivors win, or if he perishes. Whichever comes sooner. Now if you'll excuse me." the announcer bid farewell and took his leave. Lyra's ears drooped as this news soaked in. Guilt weighed in her heart as she glanced over to her human, who looked back at her, half confused, half concerned. Her eyes watered up, and in a heartbeat, she pulled Skylark into a hug. "I'm sorry, Miles...I'm so sorry..." she apologized, using his shoulder to wipe the tears that escaped. "I hoped to just be able to get you out of harm's way once my debt was paid...I didn't think they'd keep you in regardless...If you die, it'll be all my fault..." she cried softly. The human stayed silent for only a moment, bringing a finger to her eye to wipe some tears away for her eyes. "Lyra...There is no need to apologize.." he tried to reassure her, but his heart sank when he realized just how bad she must have felt. "If I do die....I'd be happy to know I was dying for your sake.". The unicorn looked into the human's eyes in astonishment. "But I took you against your will! I swept you away from your home!" Lyra began to berate herself. "Why would you be happy to die for my sake after I did that?!" she questioned the human, who nodded. "When you summoned me here...you saved my life. Just as much as you owe a debt to Shadow Bit, I owe a debt to you." his smile grew a little warmer. "I want to repay my debt to you by saving your home...I want to stop Balrog and restore Equestria to how she was before.." Skylark caressed his mistress's cheek. "Fighting for you...fighting for Equestria...Nothing would make me happier.." he admitted, and Lyra wiped the remaining tears from her eyes as a smile cracked on her muzzle. An inaudible 'thank you' was followed by the mare grabbing the human by the wrist, leading him out of the arena. It was time to get some much needed sleep for the two of them. (tbc)