OC Apprentice Pre-Challenge 7 · 8:20pm Apr 23rd, 2016

Note: This pre-challenge is not canon to the OCA plotline, it instead serves more as a PSA. Please, enjoy.

As more and more contestants were being eliminated, BBQ Manor got more and quieter with every leaving player. It was down to two residence, a shy but assertive stone cutter, and a magic-knowing zebra. The two currently spent their time completing random self-assigned duties to kill time with. All they did was wait for the next challenge. They wanted to be ready for whenever it comes. Gob was an unpredictable deity and they had to play his game and look behind their backs every now and then.
Now, Coalstone was in the kitchen finishing his duties as dishwasher as Reneigah spent her time more easily by reading a book she had chosen from the mansion's library. The library had all kinds of titles to choose from. Books from both Equestria and Earth were on the shelves, even in alphabetical order. Reneigah chose a simple but interesting sounding story; Watership Down. Suddenly, two small envelopes lightly fluttered down from thin air to present themselves to Coalstone and Reneigah. Both envelopes fell before their faces, startling the two contestants. Neither one of them knew what it was about, but they knew it had something to do with Gob. They both opened their respective envelopes to reveal a short letter.
'Dear final contestants,
I'm sure you both remember the charity work we did a while back, yes? Well, Mr. Gob has yet another charity job for the both of you. However, it's more... Hands on. See, being the CEO and Chairman of Earth with plenty of businesses and companies in his pocket, he has ties to certain charities and movements and one particular charity is one he really takes pride in being a part of. The Make a Wish foundation is a charity that helps youths with fatal illnesses live their biggest dreams possible. For over twenty years, Gob has helped children, some even personally live their dreams and he wants you two to do the same and represent BBQ Inc. Here, you will receive the name of your child and all you must do is simply help them relive their dreams whatever it may be. Remember, these are sensitive and young children, so please be kind. It's the least one can do.
Co-Manager of BBQ Inc. Candle Light'
"You know what this is about, Reneigah?" Coalstone questioned. Yet, the zebra shrugged.
"Beats me, but it seems this charity is full-hearted enough. I'm surprised Gob is even tied to such a nice foundation. I knew he did charity events, but I never expected something of this caliber." Reneigah confessed.
"Well, it seems like a human project, so I guess it's safe to assume we'll be humans... Again." Coalstone muttered. As he put the letter to the side, he checked the envelope one more time and found a small photo of a young girl who didn't look any older than ten. Probably eight or nine. Her hair was missing and she had a sickly look to her. But her appearance didn't seem to reflect on her mood. She was smiling and seemed happy. Coalstone then turned the photo to reveal a short bio of the girl.
'Name: Sophie C McNeal
Age: Nine
Race: Caucasian
Illness: Stomach Cancer'
"Oh man..." That's all Coalstone could say. This was a young child and know she didn't have much longer made the photo harder to look at.
"What'd you get, Coal?"
"A girl named Sophie. It says she has stomach cancer. She's only nine." Coalstone muttered. Reneigah now wondering who she was assigned opened her envelope once more and found a picture about the same size as Coal's. This time, it was a young boy. Reneigah could already feel the emotions wanting to be freed but she felt like she needed to be strong. On the back side of the photo, it had a little bio about the boy.
'Name: Saun H Heff
Age: Twelve
Race: African American
Illness: Cystic Fibrosis'
As Reneigah inspected the boy, she noticed unlike the picture of Sophie, he still had his hair, short and curly. While Equestria does have it's many illnesses and diseases, she's never heard of Cystic Fibrosis and it can be assumed it was a rare illness on Earth. Reneigah began feeling emotional. These were only children and they had to deal with such terrible diseases, it's unreal to think about but it's true. Yet what confused but encouraged Reneigah was both photos depicted the children smiling and happy. Perhaps they weren't suffering as much as she thought. She didn't know, and neither did Coal. But they did know they'd be getting to know these two children soon. Suddenly, the telephone began to ring and Coalstone rushed to answer it.
"Hello?"
"If my estimate is correct, you two recieved the letters now, right?" Asked a familiar voice.
"Yes, Gob..." Coal answered.
"Good. Good. Listen, this challenge shouldn't be considered or even labeled as a challenge. it's a duty to make these children's lives a little better. I know it'll be emotionally tough, and it may jerk a tear but you two have to remember to stay strong for these kids. Conveniently, both the children you two were assigned live in the same town so I'll be able to transport you to their locations. Tell Reneigah her location will be at the Heff Household and yours will be at the local hospital, Coalstone. I'll transport the both of you to your locations ten minutes after we hang up."
"But how will we help these kids? Do we take them to a special place or?"
"The both of you will recieve a little bit of magic. Just enough to help these kid's dreams come true whatever they may be. Be sure to get to know them before casting the magic. Become their friend. Get to know the family, do all this before you cast your magic. Good luck to the both of you." With that Gob hung up the phone and Coalstone did the same.
"What is it?" The zebra asked.
"Gob told me to tell you he'll be transporting us to our locations in about ten minutes. Also, your location will be at the Heff Household and I'll be at the local hospital. If we can, I'll make an attempt to meet up with you if you can do the same." Reneigah nodded and prepared herself for the emotional challenge. Ten minutes passed and the two began to fade away and transport to their locations.

As you all may know, my grandmother passed away last month and I was wanting to use this little blog as a way to spread the word, if you will. Cancer is a serious illness which requires so much attention and whoever has it requires so much support and love. This blog and the next will act as PSAs and if you want to help the Make a Wish Foundation, here is there site with all the information on it. It's a beautiful foundation that helps so many souls. Please, take the time out of your day and show support, donate, or just visit the site. Also, just a fact here, the children are made up names so there is no such person as Sophie or Saun, however there ARE kids like them who you can help. Who we can help. Thank you.