//------------------------------//
// What's going on? 
// Story: Alternatives 
// by Shock__Wave 
//------------------------------//

There once was a land called Equestria, where Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies lived in harmony, and in this land of harmony there was a town called Cloudsdale, where most pegasi lived. In Cloudsdale there was one particular pegasus mare who was feeling particularly bored. This pegasus had a blue coat of fur, and a rainbow mane and tail. Her name, respectfully, was Rainbow Dash, and she was the greatest flier in all of Equestria! Unfortunately there was nothing exciting going on on this sunny Wednesday afternoon. So the Blue pegasus decided to fly down to Ponyville to see what interesting things her friends were up to. Little did she know her world was about to be turned upside down.
Rainbow Dash landed in Ponyville and looked around. The whole town seemed to be deserted. 
"Where is everypony?" She wondered aloud. 
The Rainbow maned mare wandered through town. Everywhere was the same. Not a single pony of anykind anywhere.
"HELLO??" She shouted, hoping somepony would answer. Nothing. 
She stopped by sugarcube corner, Pinkie Pies usual hangout, the Boutique, Raritys home, The library, Twilight Sparkles abode, Fluttershys cottage, and even Sweet apple Acres. Nothing. Nopony anywhere.
"IF THIS IS SOME KIND OF CRUEL JOKE, ITS NOT FUNNY!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, tears in her eyes. "Where has everypony gone?"
She decided to check Canterlot Castle to see if the princesses knew what was going on. It took her a few hours, and while she was flying, Rainbow dash scanned the ground and air. There was nopony to be seen anywhere. She was begining to panic, thinking that something awful had happened to everypony. 
"I'll never see anypony ever again." She began to cry, not caring about her reputation as a tough pegasi anymore.
Finally she arrived in Canterlot. The scene was the same here as in Ponyville. She touched down and walked through the deserted town. It was as though everypony had just disappeared. There were still open signs and street vendor stalls open. There was even hot food still sitting at tables, uneaten. She walked, feeling more and more hopeless, until she arrived at the castle.
"HELLO?" She cried, only hearing her echo. She had given up hope. 
Rainbow kicked at a rock, watching as it hit the throne room door. She pushed open the doors, realizing they were heavier than they looked. She was used to the unicorn guards opening the doors. She stepped into the empty throne room, sighing as her head fell, and she walked toward the throne. Not even the princesses could help her. 
"WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?!" She cried in anguish, dissolving into sobs on the floor, curling into a ball.
_____________________

A certain someone was watching Rainbow Dash's anguish in amusement, but at the same time he wanted to comfort her. Unfortunately, he had to wait. That was the temporary rule. A cruel game between the Draconniquis Discord and the evil unicorn King Sombra. All of Equestria hung in the balance of this little 'game' they were playing. One of these two 'eternal' beasts had to win the pegasus heart before this pocket reality collapsed, and whoever did won the fate of Equestria. Won for peace and happiness, or lost to slavery and disharmony. While they were playing their little love game, the reality of Equestria had forgotten about the pegasi named Rainbow Dash, and her element of harmony. They also were in a state of perpetual peace until this ordeal was over.
“We begin now, Discord.” King Sombras gravelly voice spoke menacingly. “And remember, she cannot know who you are.”
“Yes. Let the games begin, Sombra.” Discord sighed begrudgingly.