The next day, the group of friends once again went their separate ways to do separate activities. Applejack decided to go along with Pinkie on a trip to the cave again, Pinkie wanted to have a little souvenier as well as a good look at the place herself. Rarity and Fluttershy, along with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, headed over to the local park to see more of the local bird species, and to see a classical music concert later in the afternoon. Twilight, Rainbow, and Scootaloo, who wanted to hang out with Rainbow that day, were headed to the suite where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were staying. Celestia had offered Twilight a chance to play a game, if only to give her student something to do that day besides hide in her room and read a book.
"So..., why are we going to see the Princesses again?" Rainbow asked
"Well, Princess Celestia offered me a chance to try a game she and Princess Luna had been playing as of late." Twilight replied, "You, you're just following me around, so I can't say; and, unless I'm mistaken, Scootaloo is following you."
"You know, you didn't have to follow us Scoots." Rainbow stated as she looked at the little filly following them, "I already told you that we probably weren't doing anything worth talking about."
"Yeah, I know, but...you know. I just wanted to hang out with you, Rainbow." she offered with a big grin.
Rainbow chuckled in response, "Whatever suits ya, kid."
As they arrived at their destination, the door was opened as Celestia used her magic to open it for them.
"Welcome Twilight." Celestia greeted them from the balcony, where Luna was also, "And I see you brought your friend Rainbow Dash, as well as Scootaloo if I'm not mistaken."
"I hope that's alright with you Princess."
"Of course it is Twilight. The more the merrier. Now, if you will, you three are welcome to join me and Luna out on the balcony." Celestia stated, "We're almost done with our game."
The three looked at each other, before silently walking out to the balcony. The door closing behind them as Princess Celestia pushed it closed. As soon as they walked out onto the balcony, they observed Princess Celestia and Princess Luna staring down on what looked like a board for a board game, and one that appears to be a complete map of Equestria.
Upon looking closer, the three of them can see what looks like to be several smaller transparent ponies on the board, two of which are distinguishable as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Each of these seemed to consist of one-to-three ponies standing on a hexagonal tile. Another notable feature is that every single pony on the board, including the Princesses, were donning battle armor. From the looks of it though, it seems that Luna is losing the game as much of the map seemed to be occupied by Celestia's pieces, which were in a vibrant orange color.
They watched as the piece representing Celestia step onto the tile with Luna's representing piece, before Luna's piece seemed to take a few steps back and collapse onto the tile before disappearing.
"Looks like I claim victory this round dear little sister." Celestia stated as she gave a small grin.
Luna only scoffed in response and rested her chin on the board in frustration as all of Celestia's pieces also vanish.
"Oh don't be so down Luna, you did well. Besides, unless I'm mistaken, you still lead with one more victory over me."
"It's still a loss." the blue alicorn complained.
Princess Celestia gave her sister a sympathetic smile before turning her attention back to Twilight, Rainbow, and Scootaloo. "Thank you again for coming Twilight."
"It's an honor Princess." she said as she, Rainbow, and Scootaloo gave a bow in respect, "Is this the game you told me about?"
"The one and the same." Celestia replied as she got up, "It's a unique map that Luna and myself tend to use for personal and political purposes."
"It kinda looked like you were fighting each other." Scootaloo stated
"And we were." Luna replied as she sat back up.
"You see, both Princess Luna and myself play a turn-based game with that board to test our personal capabilities of running the empire both from a peaceful and violent points of view."
"Why?" was all Twilight could ask in disbelief.
"As the leaders of Equestria, naturally both Luna and myself must know how to lead under several circumstances, which sadly does include the circumstance of war." Celestia replied, "While we both would prefer leading in a peaceful world, the changeling incident during your brother's wedding, taught us that we still must be prepared in the event of a repeat occurrence."
"I see..."
"We came to the conclusion that now as a princess of Equestria, it would be beneficial to gauge how you yourself would fare under such circumstances. Don't worry, you won't have to worry about actually leading all of Equestria as we do." Celestia added as she smiled, "As I've explained to you before, your position doesn't necessarily give you the same position as Luna and myself; but, it does indicate your position as a voice of importance within the political atmosphere in Canterlot."
"Having you play the game will give us a chance to see how you handle important resources, the happiness of those you lead, and just how well of a leader you are." Celestia continued.
Twilight remained silent for a brief moment to consider Princess Celestia's explanation, before giving a smile, "Well, if you think it is for the best...This won't take too long to play right?"
"Well that depends on how your opponent and yourself pace your turns; but, I don't believe it will take too long. Why do you ask?"
"Well, you see, Pinkie heard that they were doing a sand sculpting contest today later this afternoon, and we were thinking about entering as a team to make a winning entry."
"I see." she replied with a smile, mentally asking herself if Luna and herself should also enter, "So, do you want to try?" she asked, indicating the game.
"Yes, I'll give this game a try Princess."
"Excellent." Celestia replied with a smile, "Now, I've arranged your opponent to be my sister, Princess Luna. She should off-"
"Sister, I would actually like to recommend a substitute opponent to take my stead." Luna interrupted.
"Oh?"
"After three games, I'm a little weary, if not a little hungry now. So I would like to suggest that Twilight's friend, Rainbow Dash, to take my position as her opponent."
"What?!" Rainbow quickly asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, I believe you wish to join the Wonderbolts. Is this not true?"
"Well...yes, of course, but why?"
"Members of the Wonderbolts, while they are the best of the best, they are merely entertainers and present their impressive skills in flight to an audience of many ponies at any given time." Luna explained, "While this fact is indeed true, a few select of the members serve as part of the Equestrian military in our air squadrons. Two of the best known of this status I believe you've already met on several occasions, Captain Spitfire and her second-in-command Soarin'."
"..."
"Hm..." Luna gave a smirk, "Playing as Twilight Sparkle's opponent won't guarantee you a spot as a Wonderbolt, Spitfire has the final say on that during training camp sessions; but, if you prove to be quite well, I promise to give Spitfire my recommendation, which will improve your chances."
"Why didn't you just say so?" Rainbow stated suddenly extremely interested, and proceeded to push Twilight toward the board, "Come on Twilight, let's get started."
"Okay, okay, you don't have to push me Rainbow." she complained
Princess Celestia spent a few moments explaining to both Rainbow and Twilight how the game works, which was pretty much like a complex version of chess. The game itself works by using magic the board already possesses to connect their minds to the board and take orders on movement and other important decisions. Princess Celestia of course first had to tell Twilight that she was aware of the on-going bet and that she had checked with Applejack that the game wouldn't overstep the boundaries of their agreement. Essentially it would use it's own innate magic, Twilight wouldn't need to use a single spark of magic to play.
After giving the game a new set of orders, primarily to only require Twilight and Rainbow to monitor happiness, food, and metal, and to localize the map from all of Equestria to an area that contained Canterlot, Manehatten, Ponyville, and all the major features in-between, the two mares were ready to start and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna took their leave to get food.
"Princess Luna, if I may ask, are you sure that was okay? I mean offering Rainbow Dash a recommendation to play the game?" Celestia asked as she shot her sister a curious look.
"It is still within my bounds to do dear sister. There is nothing wrong with me doing so."
"I know it is, but...you know a recommendation from either one of us carries great leverage. It would be rather unfair in the long run toward any pony who is also up for consideration into the Wonderbolts."
Luna pretended to think about it for a moment, though the smile on her face didn't help hide the fact, "It's merely an opinion, I'm certain it won't cause so much trouble as you suggest. If it does though, I believe that isn't our problem, it is Spitfire's problem if that occurs." she remarked with a smirk.
Celestia gave her sister an amused look as a yellow aura surrounded Luna's crown and pushed it over her eyes.
Luna chuckled as she replaced her crown back properly on her head, followed by Celestia giggling in response.
After about an hour later, both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna returned back to their room, Luna carrying what looks like a steamed bun. Upon returning, both princesses stopped to give a curious look at what they saw before them. Out on the balcony they saw Twilight and Rainbow still playing their game, but Twilight seemed to be giving a sympathetic smile toward her friend, Rainbow was face flat on the board in frustration, while Scootaloo was seemingly giving Rainbow a massage to calm her idol.
Celestia and Luna looked at each other, before turning their attention back to the others, "Hello my little ponies." Celestia greeted them, letting them know they've returned
The others reacted by instantly looking in the Princesses direction, "Oh, hello Princess Celestia."
"Your game not going as you planned?" Luna asked
"Well...not exactly." Twilight replied nervously.
"This game is too hard!" Rainbow voiced her frustration, "Twilight keeps kicking my tail."
"Already?" Celestia and Luna asked simultaneously in disbelief.
"I've already lost to her two times, and I'm about to lose again!"
"Two times? Are you sure you are even trying Rainbow Dash?" Luna asked, "Even a game with no restrictions, but for mere experimentation, would last at the very least two and a half hours to play."
"Of course I'm trying. I would never let any pony beat me so easily."
"Hm...may we have a look." Celestia stated as she and Luna walked over to have a closer look.
Getting a closer look, they were able to see a rather glaring weakness in Rainbow's forces. Outside of a group near the town Rainbow started at, every unit in Rainbow's control were pegasus ponies.
"Rainbow...are all your forces pegasus ponies?" Celestia asked
"Why? What's wrong with me doing that?"
"Nothing really, but you are aware that you do give Twilight an advantage since the game replicates Equestria, not the time of the three tribes." Celestia replied with a smirk
Rainbow scratched the back of her head in nervousness.
"Each of the three groups, pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies have specific advantages and disadvantages. Pegasus ponies, of course, as I'm sure you've already learned Rainbow Dash, are very good for recon, quick and nimble fighting, and of course, air superiority. Unicorns, they have the advantage of range and greater defensive capabilities due to their innate use of magic. And, Earth ponies, naturally don't have the capabilities of unicorns and pegasi, but they are strong, hardy, and possess a great knowledge of the land that unicorns and pegasi lack." Celestia explained
"It's because of these advantages and disadvantages that it is advised to have all three within your ranks." Luna added
"Here, why don't Luna and myself act as teachers for a while? We'll guide and give you advise as what we believe would be best. Afterwards, we'll simply watch." Celestia offered, to which Twilight agreed was a good idea.
It didn't take too long to show Rainbow the proper ropes on how to play the game, as well as show Twilight a few tricks that she wasn't aware existed. Afterwards, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat on the sidelines watching to two play. Both did seem rather impressed at certain points, as both Twilight and Rainbow had obvious differences that even the princesses didn't predict to see. In complete honesty, overall both did show very good leadership skills, though in very different ways.
Rainbow's usual brash and blunt nature had given her a considerable advantage in a sense she worked fast was able to build up enough small towns and military outposts, mostly outposts, to give her almost complete control of the map. Unfortunately, she lacked proper resources to fuel each area. Much of her outposts occasionally remained empty, ripe for Twilight to conquer and take, as Rainbow had to constantly withdraw troops or they'd die from starvation from the lack of a proper food supply.
In comparison, Twilight was in the exact opposite position, she was completely surrounded, she only had two towns and no outpost of any kind, and she had a very limited militia in comparison to Rainbow Dash. Which was the reason why Twilight couldn't push back to take areas of the map. Despite, the increasing odds against her, Twilight was able to hold out. Twilight's usual meticulous and organized way of thinking had given her a benefit of leading a highly prosperous group, thus giving the alicorn an unbelievably tough defense. Her usual militia consisted of highly-trained, well armored, and well armed unicorns and earth ponies that was able to defend her towns so well that even Luna and Celestia were left wondering if they should start taking notes. Essentially, all those units under Twilight's command were in an age of prosperity and security.
"Agh!" Rainbow loudly groaned as another one of her battalions fell to Twilight's impenetrable defense, "Come on, there must be a way to break your defense." she tiredly complained
"Getting tired Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked with a slight smirk on her face.
Rainbow looked up from the board to notice Twilight's smirk, "What are you smiling at egghead? You haven't won yet."
"I know. I was just simply making a statement about your current frustration." Twilight remarked as she used a few of her resources to train and replace a small group that had fallen while defending against Rainbow, as well as healed those that had gotten injured.
Rainbow then made her move and trained another three units, two earth pony groups and one pegasus group, before proceeding to move another group to an outpost.
Twilight's next move was fairly simple, she moved an earth pony battalion to help defend her second, only other, town on the map.
"Are you just messing with me Twilight? You are, aren't you?!" Rainbow asked in an accusing tone.
"I'm doing nothing of the sort Rainbow."
"Then why don't you actually fight? We've been at a stalemate for what...? A hundred turns!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"Actually, you two have been at a stalemate for the last 87." Luna voiced in.
Twilight, Rainbow, and even Princess Celestia looked at Luna. Mostly curious if the Princess of the Night was actually keeping count as she watched the two.
"Anyway...I'm just playing it safe Rainbow. Afterall, the best offense is a good defense isn't it."
"No, the saying is, 'the best defense is a good offense'."
Princess Celestia then cleared her throat to get their attention, "In my experience, both strategies have legitimacy and work quite well; but, I believe it's about time you go on the offense Twilight. It's also getting quite late. Don't you and Rainbow have to meet with your friends soon?"
"Oh, right...I almost forgot about." Twilight replied embarrassingly, though in disbelief that she had lost track of time that badly.
A nervous grin from Rainbow seemed to imply that she had also forgotten about the contest.
"Well, we have to finish this game quickly Rainbow."
"Why don't you just give up?" Rainbow offered as she smirked, "I mean that's the fastest solution afterall, especially given the circumstances."
Twilight shot Rainbow an unamused look, "Rainbow, you really want to win that easily? I've managed to hold off for nearly 100 turns, and all the while you attempting to break my defense, with very little progress I might add." she stated with a smirk.
Rainbow glared at Twilight and growled at the alicorn in response
Twilight gave a nervous giggle, "I'm just kidding Rainbow. Figured I'm allowed at least one moment to sound a bit smug considering how well I've managed to hold out against your attacks."
"Hm, only when you're not against me. I'm only willing to give you bragging rights when you're not bragging against me." Rainbow replied as she moved more of her units out to launch another attack.
Twilight simply replied by giving a sigh and shook her head.
"It's you're move Twilight."
Twilight paused for a moment to consider her next move, "Rainbow, we need to end this game quickly, correct?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Well, I was thinking, why don't we just do one big battle? We can send all our troops out to fight in big battle. The winning side, is the one who wins the entire match."
"So..., we're just going to do a giant battle to end it all?"
"We're currently evenly matched. This is the only way I can see us ending the game without waiting another hour or so for one of us to finally make a move."
"Alright. You're on Twilight!"
"Is that okay with you Princess." Twilight asked as she looked at Princess Celestia.
"I can't say I approve of such a...reckless strategy, but I suppose that's one step towards ending this stalemate." she replied
"I believe you should, one of you two had to deviate eventually from the way things are going. I believe Celestia and myself have already gathered enough for now on your leadership skills." Princess Luna added
Twilight then gave a nod as Rainbow and herself prepared their armies for one final fight. It took a couple more turns to do it, but both eventually got both their armies to the middle of the board facing each other. It certainly promised to be a fight worth seeing, Rainbow's large, attack-based militia versus Twilight's smaller, strongly defense-based militia. With both their armies now out in the open, ready to fight for their respective leader, it's now obvious just how big Rainbow's army was, a solid 8-to-1, against Twilight.
"Last chance to give up Twilight. Surrender now, I've got you outnumbered." Rainbow stated as Scootaloo switched from sitting with the Princesses to a kind of cheering bounce for Rainbow
"Numbers don't always indicate a clear victory Rainbow." Twilight remarked as she shot her friend a look that seemed to be challenging the pegasus.
Rainbow's eyes widened at look Twilight had on her face, but quickly gave a wide smirk as she accepted the challenge.
As the two prepared themselves for their final showdown, they took their positions on the field as well. Rainbow being a bit more daring though as she unexpectedly took her position in front of all her units. Just before either side could sound the horn of battle, a lone figure appeared on a tile in-between the two armies. The figure looked very draconequus in shape, and was wearing something that looked like it belonged to Starswirled the Bearded
"What the...?" Rainbow asked as she leaned over to have a closer look at the figure, "Is that...?"
"Is that Discord?" Twilight asked as all five of them leaned over to have a closer look
The figure raised a staff with one of it's hands, grabbed hold with the other hand, mutter something squeaky and unintelligible, and slammed the staff against the ground causing an explosion of blue clouds. The clouds expanded even further past the board and hit each pony in the face. When the cloud subsided on the board, both Twilight and Rainbow's armies were left incapacitated, and their game pieces dazed, before each piece disappeared telling them the game was finished. Also, every pony there apparently now had blue cotton candy stuck to either their faces, mane, or both.
"W-what the...? What just happened?!" Rainbow asked in shock.
They then heard a laugh from above them. All five looked up to see a familiar draconequus floating above them.
"Discord!" Twilight shouted at him
Discord then gave an amused chuckle, "What...? You both played very well. You even followed the rules perfectly: Discord always win." he declared, "By the way, I hope you didn't mind the fact I used blueberry flavor this time. Bubblegum-pink was becoming too overrated in my opinion." and grabbed a piece that was stuck in Luna's mane and ate it.
"Must you always interrupt every game like that when you have something to say?" Celestia asked as he landed to stand on the balcony railing.
"What is that you want Discord?" Twilight asked
"Oh relax, I'm just here on important, but boring, business." he stated, "Tia, one of your advisers wanted me to check that you'll be heading back to Canterlot tomorrow." then snapped his fingers, which resulted in the blue cotton candy disappearing.
"Yes, I will." Celestia replied, almost sounding a little automatic in her response.
"You're heading back already?" Twilight asked
"I thought I had mentioned it. There's a council meeting in two days, and it's required that either Luna or myself be present for it."
"Last time it was my turn." Luna voiced in.
"Luna and the rest of you will continue your vacation."
"Anyway, your substitute, Shining Armor, also wanted me to tell you that there's been some dispute between the head chef and some of the cooks, and wanted some advice on how to handle it." Discord stated, then looked at Twilight, "By the way, he told me to give this to you, Twilight Sparkle" and snapped his fingers to produce a postcard that had Shining Armor and Princess Cadence on it before proceeding to give it to Twilight.
"If it's about the short supply of cabbage and leeks again, tell the chef that shipment isn't due until tomorrow evening." Celestia replied, "And tell Shining Armor, he's to make sure they don't cause too much of a ruckus at the castle."
"Gotcha. Before I go, Lulu, I have no idea what you did to your financial adviser, but I gotta say, I applaud you on it." Discord stated as he gave a toothy grin, "The way she's pissed off, I couldn't have done it better myself."
"She's still upset?" Celestia replied exasperatedly, "Tell her I'd like to see her as soon as I get back Discord, I have to set this straight before she does something unsightly."
"Will that be all?" Luna asked
"Just tell the others that their friends and family sends their best wishes, especially Applejack. Her grandmother made it a point to seek me out just to say she hopes Applejack is enjoying her time off." he replied, "Aside, from that, I'll see you all later." and in a flash, disappeared.
"Well, with Discord's distraction, I believe your game is now over." Celestia stated, looking back at Twilight and Rainbow
"So..., what? Do we lose?" Rainbow asked
"I'm afraid so."
"That's not even fair?!"
"He did technically win. I mean we agreed the one who defeated whoever's army first wins, and he defeated both our armies." Twilight stated
Rainbow gave a frustrated scoff, "How did he do that anyway? Finish off both our armies in one move."
"The game actually remembers it's players. Even Scootaloo since she accidentally introduced herself to the board." Luna replied, before looking at Scootaloo who seemingly managed to manifest a game piece for herself by accident just at that moment.
Scootaloo gave nervous grin as her attention was taken away from her game piece version and quickly backed away from the board.
"Discord plays once in a while, usually whenever Luna or myself can't play against the other due to our duties. Seems he takes more of an interest in role-playing games rather than strategy games." Celestia added as her horn started to glow, telling the board an order.
Everyone's game piece, Twilight, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Luna, and her's appeared in a line and a number appeared above their heads.
First thing Rainbow noticed was that Twilight's number was higher than her's by two.
"Those are your levels, based on hours played and overall experience from battles." Luna explained
"Hey, why is Twilight's higher than mine?" Rainbow asked as the group started getting ready to leave
"Because you let her beat you three times earlier." Luna stated amusingly
Rainbow could groaned at that, earning a giggle from Twilight.
"Um, Luna...? Something's wrong with your mane." Twilight stated, "It looks like....it looks like there's a bite mark on it."
Luna's eyes quickly went wide as she rushed over to a mirror, and true to what Twilight had said, there was a chunk of her mane missing, and in the shape of a bite mark.
"DISCORD!"