Behind a stained glass window at the top of the tallest tower of Canterlot, a single Regal Princess stood. Looking down upon her city, she couldn’t help but grin. Her beady eyes reflected the warm shimmering glow from the power of her sun, but not from the sun itself. No. Canterlot was burning. Equestria was burning. Everything was burning. Far above the sounds of screams below, a sinister smile crept onto Celestia's face as she took in the destruction and ruin.
She was strong enough to banish her sister to the moon and win the battle between them, strong enough to keep the whole of Equestria under her merciless rule. She had kept it that way for over eighty years now. Did they think they could change her? Did they think that they could change Equestria? They couldn't. They were only rebels with weapons that paled in comparison to the amount of power she possessed.
And this was their punishment. Their homes in ruins and family members killed. This wasn't enough though; future generations needed a reminder of Celestia's power and the consequences of rebellion. Upon her orders, there was to be a brutal event held annually where twelve ponies would be reaped and put into competition. Four of each race were to be thrown into the arena and then fight to the death. There can only be one winner…