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"Hey Babs," the filly Applebloom whispered while nudging the tan filly next to her. The filly yawned and rubbed her eyes with her hooves, " where are we?"
"You know darn tootin where we are Babs, we're in Canterlot and right now your the only pony sleeping."
The filly Babs jolted up with surprising speed. Applebloom snickered while focusing on the now open train doors. The train quieted, and a interestingly different royal guard stepped aboard. He was white, the traditional coat color for all guards, though the white dye was fading in some places reveling the red fur underneath. He was a unicorn and even for a stallion was abnormally tall. His yellow eyes darted around the train as if expecting sompony to jump out and attack him. Apart from having a mustache and goatee, he had a long pink scar running down his left eye. "Attention all fillies and colts, from this point on I expect respect towards whoever your regiment leader is. Disrespect is a crime punishable by the second worst punishment, the worst being death. I know your all pissing in your seats right about now but listen up. Those of you who wash out will be kicked out of the program and forced to live in or around the bakers origin, Ponyville." A gasp came out of the frightened ponies as they all except Applebloom and Babs seed sat wide eyed. "Now for the sake of equality you will be assigned to camps based off of your species. Pegasi will go left to the registration booth, unicorns will go right, and as for earth ponies you will be headed straight. AM I CLEAR MAGGOTS?" The guard yelled startling a few ponies. None the less he was rewarded with "yes sir's" coming out of everypony. "Good now orderly get off the train and into your correct section NOW!" And with that the guard left the train, leaving the fillies and colts to hastily get to their correct positions. After the initial panic, Babs Seed and Applebloom's turn to sign up came. Babs and A.B. gave each other a sideways glance and trotted up to the registration booth together, against orders. "What do you think your doing?" Growled the earth pony guard as the fillies got closer. "This is my friend from Austailia so I figured it be best if I joined her." Replied a timid Babs, she did not expect to be treated with disrespect, it made her hooves ache in anger, she wanted to tear out his throat right here and now, but she held herself back. "Heh," laughed the guard. He rose his eyebrows at the girls and lifted his hoof to his face. "Commander Fireheart sir, we have two fillies who disregarded rules." Applebloom and Babs glanced at each other as they both stood face to face with the unicorn guard from the train. "Well why did you worms come up together? Do you have a bucking death wish?" Fireheart snarled as he lowered his head to look the fillies in the eyes. "No sir," replied Applebloom as she tried to stop her legs from trembling. "You see I'm a foreign exchange student from Austailia and my pen pal Babs Seed, was going to walk me through your customs and procedures." The faded white guard furrowed his brows, looking back and forth between the two fillies. "Well as a welcoming present I'm going to allow you on the same regiment, but as punishment I will be your commander any words maggots?" "No sir and thank you sir," the girls fumbled bowing repeatedly at the guard. "Lockpick, sign in these too and give them their papers for my team." The guard who ratted them out saluted Fireheart and wrote out the new orders. "See you in a few hours," Fireheart laughed, while trotting away.

Babs watched the guard go. "Your on my shit list, I'm going to have fun eating you." She thought, mindlessly signing the contract. The very contract saying she was now a legal ward of the Tartarus training camp. The contract binding her to life or death. She only then snapped out of her frenzied rant when she heard something unsettling come out of the guard Lockpick's mouth.

"I'm sorry what?"
"I said you have to go through that tunnel there, it's magical and wipes off all makeup and makes hair dye disappear."
"Oh shit," she thought as she ran through the pitch black tunnel. She really hoped Applebloom's disguise wouldn't wash off. Or they were both bucked.

Applebloom watched as her cousin Babs ran through the tunnel designed to reveal ones natural fur and mane colors. "Miss, uh, Waterlily your next."

Applebloom cautiously approached the black swirling tunnel, she knew it, she would be found and killed. "That doesn't matter anymore its not like I can turn around, it's all or nothing." She sucked in air and ran for dear life. When she emerged she heard Babs gasp. With her still closed eyes, she knew the dye had failed. "Waterlily here is your towels." A deep voice spoke as she felt the warm soft embrace of a towel surround her.
Applebloom opened her eyes and was shocked and relieved to discover the dye didn't wear off. Rarity had done it, not even magic could revel her true identity.
Applebloom and Babs followed in line while sighing in relief. All around there were colts and fillies, whose hair dye washed away, crying about their ugly mane or fur colours. They only stopped when a light brown pony stepped out and addressed the crowd. "Now that your registration is complete you can enter here and get your uniforms, and yes if you refuse then you wash out of the program." She giggled as if this was all some fashion show. "Notice my black leather jacket, it's cut in half and is designed to protect the pony who Is wearing it. This jacket is almost indestructible, never take it off. Next this white tank top, yes it is just a normal shirt but it is required to wear it. These black leather shorts I'm wearing will each have the Tartarus logo printed over your cutie mark spot. They are to protect your flank. These boots are specifically designed to feel like your wearing socks. They are extremely mobile and will withstand almost anything you step on. Though it won't keep you from loosing a leg or two, so don't end up with your hoof in some monsters mouth. Lastly this here brown belt. It may look silly but I assure you fillies and colts, it will save your life. Now go inside and assemble on your uniforms. Princess Luna wants to see you off." And with that the brown mare turned around and left with a flick of her tail and the distinct sound of giggling she disappeared into the now open doors of the warehouse holding the uniforms.

After changing Babs, Applebloom, and all the other ponies gathered around Princess Luna. Applebloom chuckled, she couldn't wait to tell Pinkie Pie and the others about Luna's new look. Princess Luna had chopped off her mane into a short boy cut, and had obvious bags under her eyes. Her once starry mane and tail now bore no stars, but had received heavy thick black swirls. The swirls danced in uneven choreography, some forming clouds and scenes of death, while some not the design of flowers and the sun. A.B. came to the conclusion that raising the sun in her sister's absence and ruling Equestria, not to mention being on constant lookout for Pinkie Pie and her sisters, was having a toll on the alicorn. She looked like despair.

"Citizens of Equestria, I am both sad and pleased that you made it here this far. I have decided to create this program to train fighters and defenders so that we may take back Equestria and wipe the name of "The Bakers" out of history. Instead let this chapter in thy history be known as the time ponies stood together and took down those abominations. You all are the future of Equestria and are the only ponies who can successfully pick back up the broken pieces and write a new chapter, and with this program, thee shall obtain that. I have decided those who make the cut by two months have the choice to stay and learn more on the subject of fighting. Those who haven't may join the night or day guard, whose soul duty is to keep a eye on citizens and protect them against all costs. Of course those who's future is already set in a different path may go on with their normal lives."

Everypony was silent for the entire speech. Even the guards seemed mesmerized by the strong aurora Princess Luna seemed to radiate. She lowered her gaze and rested her dark eyes on the crowd. "Here" she almost whispered, "is the portal to Tartarus." With a mighty flash of light the universe itself tore open with a sickly ripping sound, tendrils of dark blue fire seeped out of the now visible crack in reality. The rip become bigger until it took the shape of a large door. Applebloom and Babs simultaneously shivered as the cold black smoke came barreling out and caressed the crowd. "Unlike the myth, Tartarus is cold, it is so cold that even short exposures can lead to burns more painful than fire. I advise you not to disrespect any rules for any consequence a regiment leader can think up off will not be worse than the feeling of slowly melting into a fiery abyss." The great alicorn then shot a dark purple light out of her horn, "I will now separate all thee into thees assigned regiment, good will and good luck."

Applebloom felt like she was falling, the uneasy feeling of butterflies died in her stomach as her reality came crashing down. She lay flat on her haunches, her cousin Babs Seed hadn't had such luck, she was sprawled out half her body was on the top of a bunk bed, her head and midsection was limply swinging as the tan filly tried to collect herself. Others were now waking up. Applebloom counted that three other ponies were in the room with her and Babs. The first to come back to reality was Babs. The filly rubbed her throbbing temple.

"Remind me to brace myself next time we get teleported," Babs mumbled, succeeding in getting off the bed. Babs quickly uttered a meep As she tumbled right off the top bunk and crashed onto the cold wood floor. The laughing of a oh-so familiar stallion echoed through out the dark room. With a silent click of a switch light suddenly filled the room. Captain Fireheart stood by the only exit Applebloom could see, grinning triumphantly. "I see you have a natural talent for teleportation, that will come in handy for when you enter each level." The now fully red guard drew scissors from his belt and cut off his mustache and goatee. "It is a pain if some little rat decided to pull on it." He explained in his deep raspy voice, hoarse from yelling at other ponies no doubt.

When the last of the earth ponies woke up, the red guard cleared his throat and began to lecture the fillies and colts.

"First a role call, Hero Brine?" Fireheart barked as he levitated a scroll in yellow magic. A light brown colt with a dark chocolate mane and tail proudly marched infront of Fireheart.
"Sir, my name is Hero Brine sir!" He saluted, his hair barely covering his green eyes.
The red unicorn squinted his eyes at Hero Brine. "Wipe that smug smile off your face right now!"
The brown colt flinched alittle and took a few timid hoof steps back. "S-sorry sir." The colt quivered, looking down at his hooves. "Next is, Sundew!" Fireheart glared after giving a satisfied sigh at the brown colts submission. A bright yellow filly with sky blue eyes and a cream colored mane and tail slowly but happily stood infront of Fireheart. "Oh horse apples," Babs thought looking at the very ditzy filly. "She's probably gonna be real annoying"

"Hello Sir," the yellow filly spoke with a voice that flowed like water over pebbles. "My name is SunDew, and I am very pleased to have such a high ranking Guard as my Regiment leader."

Applebloom felt sick, as she watched the yellow filly practically drool while looking at the red unicorn stallion. "Flattery will get you no where, and with that attitude I assure you your going to be the first who dies." Fireheart chuckled getting a grim reaction to the now terrified filly as she darted away from the unicorn. "Tiny Tim, step forward." The red unicorn demanded stomping his hoof impatiently. Applebloom watched with mild fascination as one of the skinniest colts she had ever seen stepped out from the shadows. The light pink colt pushed his brown mane out of his equally brown eyes. Applebloom snickered mentally as the colt "Tiny Tim" muttered a weak greeting. By Celestia he was probably as shy as Fluttershy, which most likely meant not to underestimate him like Applebloom and the other bakers did with Fluttershy. "And lastly my personal favorite Babs Seed and WaterLily," the red guard, Fireheart announced with sarcasm licking the edges of his voice.

Babs Seed and Applebloom cautiously trotted up to Fireheart. "Sir, thank you for allowing me and my friend Babs to be together and stay in the same, uh, regiment." The blue filly bowed, her long royal blue hair brushing the floor as she did. The tan filly from Manehattan returned with a short thank you and a nod. The stallion grunted an approval and cleared his throat.

"Right, now since you all have the privilege of having not only a unicorn but the captain of Tartarus himself as your regiment leader." Fireheart practically glowed with pride as he sat in between A.B. and Babs. "Now I'm sure none of you even have a clue what's going on here so I'll spell it out as slowly as I can. Tartarus is not like any other prison known to ponydom, each specific prisoner is located at the top of every mountain you see, to even get to a prisoners cage you have to enter a portal at the top of each peak. As far as the actual program goes there will be a latter of levels. You must pass each level to advance."
"Captain Fireheart sir, can you tell us more information 'bout the "levels"?" Applebloom questioned, her curiosity more than peaked.
The red unicorn stallion's yellow eyes shown with confusion. "Yes WaterLily, I myself do not know much about how Luna decides which prisoner is which level but I can tell you level one and a few more will be the easiest, us Regiment leaders call them the Nightmare levels. You see maggots, the monsters classified as "nightmare" are caught by Princess Luna because each of them have a very real danger about them. The nightmare level monsters are not real like all Equestrian life, instead feed off the fear of somepony. Once strong enough they can harm the ponies in their nightmare which actually happens to them while they sleep. So if you got murdered by one of the nightmares you would die in real life. As far as the first level I do know that it will be the only 'safe' level." Captain Fireheart explained, his normal smug grin was hung down forming a small snarl. "If you get hurt or for instance, die in level 1 then no harm actually happens. Though," he chuckled using his magic to turn off all the lights. "Any other level is fatal, if you die, you won't be coming back."
The sadistic Captain turned back on the lights and trotted over to a door towards the back of the cabin. "As you can see, bathrooms are unisex, though Princess Luna decided to make 5 stalls, that way you can get the only privacy we provide, taking a shit will be your only source of alone time." Applebloom, Babs, Sundew, Tiny Tim and Hero Brine followed Fireheart through another door in the bathroom and came to a stop. "This is the bath house," the red guard giggled, while pushing Waterlily and Babs Seed into the steamy room. "You two will be my examples now, go stand under those two showers over there."

Babs shot a look of pure fear to the blue filly as they both scrambled over to stand underneath their own showers. "Perfect," the sickly drunken sound of Fireheart's deep voice purred as he used his magic to start the two bakers showers. "As you can see each shower has two shower heads, one hanging from the ceiling, and one infront of Waterlily and Babs Seed." The soft glow of yellow enveloped the fillies shower heads as Fireheart pulled them until they softly departed from their wall stand. "If you press the red button shampoo will dispense," he exclaimed, now approaching the two drenched fillies. With a quick jab of his hoof, clear pink, flower smelling liquid fell onto his hoofs. He jerked his head over to Applebloom. "See here," the red stallion instructed as he gently started to massage the soap into Applebloom's blue mane. "This soap is designed to eliminate all odors and blood, trust me there's nothing worst than the smell of dirty, bloody ponies all stuck in the same room." Once Fireheart had successfully got all of the shampoo out of Applebloom's hair he shut off her water and levitated over a white fluffy towel. "If you press this yellow duck here," the guard exclaimed, poking the yellow button until he heard a pleasing shift of gears. "If you watch Babs, you will notice the floor evolve into a traditional Asian bathtub." He clicked the button again and the tub disappeared back under the floor boards. He turned and left Babs alone, forcing her to get her own towel.

Babs had a gut wrenching feeling at the bottom of her belly. She noticed the sparkle of mischievousness in FireHeart's eyes and came to the sickening conclusion he had more devilish plans for her, Applebloom in particular seemed to carry his gaze.

Once out of the bathroom Babs watched as Captain Fireheart pushed two swinging doors open, reveling a surprising well stocked medical room. "This is the medic station were you will be frequently visiting. The black door over in the left corner is the armory, completely stocked with every weapon except guns, since only unicorns can weld them. You will also find uniform replacements in there too. And lastly, this red door, which is locked, is my sleeping quarters."

"Wait what?" The brown colt, Hero gasped, voicing the other ponies thoughts.
"What," sneered Fireheart gulping in the fear and confusion in the room. "Did you ponies think you were going to stay here alone? HA!" The stallion bellowed, sending the cowering pink colt to bolt out of the medic room. "Now follow me maggots and we'll conclude this tour with the cafeteria, you will need some food on your stomach's for tomorrow. That and the staff made my favorite, Daisy and lavender vanilla sandwiches with rose petal soup."

Applebloom and Babs laughed mentally, the two murders couldn't picture the pervy Captain eating flowers, and they being his favorite. To the young bakers he seemed more like the type to be the first to suggest eating another pony to survive. Applebloom and Babs quietly whispered to each other, debating whether or not Fireheart would taste sweet or completely bitter. The walk to the cafeteria didn't take long, it would have almost been impossible to get lost due to the magical clear, tunnel like force field that lead to the cafeteria. The force field was probably made to keep out the harsh cold of Tartarus. Applebloom did not want to be caught outside in the cold. The big grey building that stood alone in the distance was seeping light from the vast windows, creating a pleasant warm hue. "We're here, when you go inside head straight for the lunch line. It's marked with a sign hanging overhead."

Inside the warm cafeteria Babs and A.B. followed in line, their mouths watered at the smell of food. Babs stomachs rumbled, she hadn't realized how hungry she was. She knew though, she would be hungry for awhile until she got some famous cupcakes made by Pinkie Pie.

"Next mule," the strange dog grumbled as he glared annoying at the tan filly. "I ain't no mule busta, say that again and I'll rip your tongue out." Hissed Babs, her nostrils flared as she prepared to launch herself over the counter. "Sorry sorry, bad habit, I meant next filly, please." The creature nervously gestured Babs to calm down. "First while your getting me my tray and drink, what are ya?"
"Oh I'm a diamond dog," the creature shrugged reaching inside a fridge and pulling out a bottle of apple juice. "Well why are you in Tartarus?" Babs wondered, she could easily take down this "dog" blindfolded. "Me and my friends are serving time for ponynapping." The dog admitted placing a chocolate chip cookie on Babs plate. "Well did ya kill anypony?" The flat monotone voice from Babs rang out casually. "No we're not that evil, Princess Celestia gave us a warning, the condition was to be the lunch dogs." A short fat diamond dog explained as Babs walked further down the line. He made her sandwich and passed her tray to the last lunch dog. "Here is your soup," he slurred. Babs looked curiously at the creature, judging by that almost blank look in his eyes, he was definitely not the smartest of the three.
"Thanks," Babs replied as the tray magically followed her to an empty picnic table. Not a moment later the blue filly, Applebloom followed in pursuit.
Quietly eating the two mindlessly chewed their sandwiches. "So Babs," Applebloom questioned as she broke the silence. "What do you thinks gonna happen tomorra?" The tan filly swallowed the last of her dinner, wiping her muzzle she grinned maliciously. "Ah think we're gonna kick some nightmare ass. Ah also think we're gonna get the highest scores." "I agree, now let's hit the hay, I didn't think it would take all day to travel to Tartarus, we need the sleep for tomorrow." Applebloom suggested, waiting for approval from Babs before heading back to their cabin.

Applebloom sank onto the surprisingly soft bottom bed and removed her uniform. She opened the dresser next to her bed and threw on a fluffy pajama shirt and sweats, in the darkness, she saw the distinct red logo of Tartarus printed on the cutie mark spot. She passed another set of matching Pjs to the yawning tan filly next to her. Babs graciously took them and changed soon after. The filly then climbed under the blue blankets and rested her head next to the blue filly. "Ah don't care what Fireheart says, I'm sleeping with my favorite cousin." Babs Seed chuckled as she wrapped her tan hoof around Applebloom's neck. "I'm glad you are," giggled Applebloom. The two fillies snuggled up together and fell asleep with smiles on their faces. That night they dreamt of cupcakes and muffins. Oblivious to the realization that they're in the most cruel and heavily guarded not to mention the most deadly, dimension known to Equestria.

Notice I haven't edited this draft yet I'm too lazy too finish this on a computer and I'm on my phone. Also this is a ROMANCE fanfiction so if you hate that stuff then read until the end of the training. After that my romance plan comes into action mwahahaha

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"Hey Babs," the filly Applebloom whispered while nudging the tan filly next to her. The filly yawned and rubbed her eyes with her hooves, " where are we?"
"You know darn tootin where we are Babs, we're in Canterlot and right now your the only pony sleeping."
The filly Babs jolted up with surprising speed. Applebloom snickered while focusing on the now open train doors. The train quieted, and a interestingly different royal guard stepped aboard. He was white, the traditional coat color for all guards, though the white dye was fading in some places reveling the red fur underneath. He was a unicorn and even for a stallion was abnormally tall. His yellow eyes darted around the train as if expecting sompony to jump out and attack him. Apart from having a mustache and goatee, he had a long pink scar running down his left eye. "Attention all fillies and colts, from this point on I expect respect towards whoever your regiment leader is. Disrespect is a crime punishable by the second worst punishment, the worst being death. I know your all pissing in your seats right about now but listen up. Those of you who wash out will be kicked out of the program and forced to live in or around the bakers origin, Ponyville." A gasp came out of the frightened ponies as they all except Applebloom and Babs seed sat wide eyed. "Now for the sake of equality you will be assigned to camps based off of your species. Pegasi will go left to the registration booth, unicorns will go right, and as for earth ponies you will be headed straight. AM I CLEAR MAGGOTS?" The guard yelled startling a few ponies. None the less he was rewarded with "yes sir's" coming out of everypony. "Good now orderly get off the train and into your correct section NOW!" And with that the guard left the train, leaving the fillies and colts to hastily get to their correct positions. After the initial panic, Babs Seed and Applebloom's turn to sign up came. Babs and A.B. gave each other a sideways glance and trotted up to the registration booth together, against orders. "What do you think your doing?" Growled the earth pony guard as the fillies got closer. "This is my friend from Austailia so I figured it be best if I joined her." Replied a timid Babs, she did not expect to be treated with disrespect, it made her hooves ache in anger, she wanted to tear out his throat right here and now, but she held herself back. "Heh," laughed the guard. He rose his eyebrows at the girls and lifted his hoof to his face. "Commander Fireheart sir, we have two fillies who disregarded rules." Applebloom and Babs glanced at each other as they both stood face to face with the unicorn guard from the train. "Well why did you worms come up together? Do you have a bucking death wish?" Fireheart snarled as he lowered his head to look the fillies in the eyes. "No sir," replied Applebloom as she tried to stop her legs from trembling. "You see I'm a foreign exchange student from Austailia and my pen pal Babs Seed, was going to walk me through your customs and procedures." The faded white guard furrowed his brows, looking back and forth between the two fillies. "Well as a welcoming present I'm going to allow you on the same regiment, but as punishment I will be your commander any words maggots?" "No sir and thank you sir," the girls fumbled bowing repeatedly at the guard. "Lockpick, sign in these too and give them their papers for my team." The guard who ratted them out saluted Fireheart and wrote out the new orders. "See you in a few hours," Fireheart laughed, while trotting away.

Babs watched the guard go. "Your on my shit list, I'm going to have fun eating you." She thought, mindlessly signing the contract. The very contract saying she was now a legal ward of the Tartarus training camp. The contract binding her to life or death. She only then snapped out of her frenzied rant when she heard something unsettling come out of the guard Lockpick's mouth.

"I'm sorry what?"
"I said you have to go through that tunnel there, it's magical and wipes off all makeup and makes hair dye disappear."
"Oh shit," she thought as she ran through the pitch black tunnel. She really hoped Applebloom's disguise wouldn't wash off. Or they were both bucked.

Applebloom watched as her cousin Babs ran through the tunnel designed to reveal ones natural fur and mane colors. "Miss, uh, Waterlily your next."

Applebloom cautiously approached the black swirling tunnel, she knew it, she would be found and killed. "That doesn't matter anymore its not like I can turn around, it's all or nothing." She sucked in air and ran for dear life. When she emerged she heard Babs gasp. With her still closed eyes, she knew the dye had failed. "Waterlily here is your towels." A deep voice spoke as she felt the warm soft embrace of a towel surround her.
Applebloom opened her eyes and was shocked and relieved to discover the dye didn't wear off. Rarity had done it, not even magic could revel her true identity.
Applebloom and Babs followed in line while sighing in relief. All around there were colts and fillies, whose hair dye washed away, crying about their ugly mane or fur colours. They only stopped when a light brown pony stepped out and addressed the crowd. "Now that your registration is complete you can enter here and get your uniforms, and yes if you refuse then you wash out of the program." She giggled as if this was all some fashion show. "Notice my black leather jacket, it's cut in half and is designed to protect the pony who Is wearing it. This jacket is almost indestructible, never take it off. Next this white tank top, yes it is just a normal shirt but it is required to wear it. These black leather shorts I'm wearing will each have the Tartarus logo printed over your cutie mark spot. They are to protect your flank. These boots are specifically designed to feel like your wearing socks. They are extremely mobile and will withstand almost anything you step on. Though it won't keep you from loosing a leg or two, so don't end up with your hoof in some monsters mouth. Lastly this here brown belt. It may look silly but I assure you fillies and colts, it will save your life. Now go inside and assemble on your uniforms. Princess Luna wants to see you off." And with that the brown mare turned around and left with a flick of her tail and the distinct sound of giggling she disappeared into the now open doors of the warehouse holding the uniforms.

After changing Babs, Applebloom, and all the other ponies gathered around Princess Luna. Applebloom chuckled, she couldn't wait to tell Pinkie Pie and the others about Luna's new look. Princess Luna had chopped off her mane into a short boy cut, and had obvious bags under her eyes. Her once starry mane and tail now bore no stars, but had received heavy thick black swirls. The swirls danced in uneven choreography, some forming clouds and scenes of death, while some not the design of flowers and the sun. A.B. came to the conclusion that raising the sun in her sister's absence and ruling Equestria, not to mention being on constant lookout for Pinkie Pie and her sisters, was having a toll on the alicorn. She looked like despair.

"Citizens of Equestria, I am both sad and pleased that you made it here this far. I have decided to create this program to train fighters and defenders so that we may take back Equestria and wipe the name of "The Bakers" out of history. Instead let this chapter in thy history be known as the time ponies stood together and took down those abominations. You all are the future of Equestria and are the only ponies who can successfully pick back up the broken pieces and write a new chapter, and with this program, thee shall obtain that. I have decided those who make the cut by two months have the choice to stay and learn more on the subject of fighting. Those who haven't may join the night or day guard, whose soul duty is to keep a eye on citizens and protect them against all costs. Of course those who's future is already set in a different path may go on with their normal lives."

Everypony was silent for the entire speech. Even the guards seemed mesmerized by the strong aurora Princess Luna seemed to radiate. She lowered her gaze and rested her dark eyes on the crowd. "Here" she almost whispered, "is the portal to Tartarus." With a mighty flash of light the universe itself tore open with a sickly ripping sound, tendrils of dark blue fire seeped out of the now visible crack in reality. The rip become bigger until it took the shape of a large door. Applebloom and Babs simultaneously shivered as the cold black smoke came barreling out and caressed the crowd. "Unlike the myth, Tartarus is cold, it is so cold that even short exposures can lead to burns more painful than fire. I advise you not to disrespect any rules for any consequence a regiment leader can think up off will not be worse than the feeling of slowly melting into a fiery abyss." The great alicorn then shot a dark purple light out of her horn, "I will now separate all thee into thees assigned regiment, good will and good luck."

Applebloom felt like she was falling, the uneasy feeling of butterflies died in her stomach as her reality came crashing down. She lay flat on her haunches, her cousin Babs Seed hadn't had such luck, she was sprawled out half her body was on the top of a bunk bed, her head and midsection was limply swinging as the tan filly tried to collect herself. Others were now waking up. Applebloom counted that three other ponies were in the room with her and Babs. The first to come back to reality was Babs. The filly rubbed her throbbing temple.

"Remind me to brace myself next time we get teleported," Babs mumbled, succeeding in getting off the bed. Babs quickly uttered a meep As she tumbled right off the top bunk and crashed onto the cold wood floor. The laughing of a oh-so familiar stallion echoed through out the dark room. With a silent click of a switch light suddenly filled the room. Captain Fireheart stood by the only exit Applebloom could see, grinning triumphantly. "I see you have a natural talent for teleportation, that will come in handy for when you enter each level." The now fully red guard drew scissors from his belt and cut off his mustache and goatee. "It is a pain if some little rat decided to pull on it." He explained in his deep raspy voice, hoarse from yelling at other ponies no doubt.

When the last of the earth ponies woke up, the red guard cleared his throat and began to lecture the fillies and colts.

"First a role call, Hero Brine?" Fireheart barked as he levitated a scroll in yellow magic. A light brown colt with a dark chocolate mane and tail proudly marched infront of Fireheart.
"Sir, my name is Hero Brine sir!" He saluted, his hair barely covering his green eyes.
The red unicorn squinted his eyes at Hero Brine. "Wipe that smug smile off your face right now!"
The brown colt flinched alittle and took a few timid hoof steps back. "S-sorry sir." The colt quivered, looking down at his hooves. "Next is, Sundew!" Fireheart glared after giving a satisfied sigh at the brown colts submission. A bright yellow filly with sky blue eyes and a cream colored mane and tail slowly but happily stood infront of Fireheart. "Oh horse apples," Babs thought looking at the very ditzy filly. "She's probably gonna be real annoying"

"Hello Sir," the yellow filly spoke with a voice that flowed like water over pebbles. "My name is SunDew, and I am very pleased to have such a high ranking Guard as my Regiment leader."

Applebloom felt sick, as she watched the yellow filly practically drool while looking at the red unicorn stallion. "Flattery will get you no where, and with that attitude I assure you your going to be the first who dies." Fireheart chuckled getting a grim reaction to the now terrified filly as she darted away from the unicorn. "Tiny Tim, step forward." The red unicorn demanded stomping his hoof impatiently. Applebloom watched with mild fascination as one of the skinniest colts she had ever seen stepped out from the shadows. The light pink colt pushed his brown mane out of his equally brown eyes. Applebloom snickered mentally as the colt "Tiny Tim" muttered a weak greeting. By Celestia he was probably as shy as Fluttershy, which most likely meant not to underestimate him like Applebloom and the other bakers did with Fluttershy. "And lastly my personal favorite Babs Seed and WaterLily," the red guard, Fireheart announced with sarcasm licking the edges of his voice.

Babs Seed and Applebloom cautiously trotted up to Fireheart. "Sir, thank you for allowing me and my friend Babs to be together and stay in the same, uh, regiment." The blue filly bowed, her long royal blue hair brushing the floor as she did. The tan filly from Manehattan returned with a short thank you and a nod. The stallion grunted an approval and cleared his throat.

"Right, now since you all have the privilege of having not only a unicorn but the captain of Tartarus himself as your regiment leader." Fireheart practically glowed with pride as he sat in between A.B. and Babs. "Now I'm sure none of you even have a clue what's going on here so I'll spell it out as slowly as I can. Tartarus is not like any other prison known to ponydom, each specific prisoner is located at the top of every mountain you see, to even get to a prisoners cage you have to enter a portal at the top of each peak. As far as the actual program goes there will be a latter of levels. You must pass each level to advance."
"Captain Fireheart sir, can you tell us more information 'bout the "levels"?" Applebloom questioned, her curiosity more than peaked.
The red unicorn stallion's yellow eyes shown with confusion. "Yes WaterLily, I myself do not know much about how Luna decides which prisoner is which level but I can tell you level one and a few more will be the easiest, us Regiment leaders call them the Nightmare levels. You see maggots, the monsters classified as "nightmare" are caught by Princess Luna because each of them have a very real danger about them. The nightmare level monsters are not real like all Equestrian life, instead feed off the fear of somepony. Once strong enough they can harm the ponies in their nightmare which actually happens to them while they sleep. So if you got murdered by one of the nightmares you would die in real life. As far as the first level I do know that it will be the only 'safe' level." Captain Fireheart explained, his normal smug grin was hung down forming a small snarl. "If you get hurt or for instance, die in level 1 then no harm actually happens. Though," he chuckled using his magic to turn off all the lights. "Any other level is fatal, if you die, you won't be coming back."
The sadistic Captain turned back on the lights and trotted over to a door towards the back of the cabin. "As you can see, bathrooms are unisex, though Princess Luna decided to make 5 stalls, that way you can get the only privacy we provide, taking a shit will be your only source of alone time." Applebloom, Babs, Sundew, Tiny Tim and Hero Brine followed Fireheart through another door in the bathroom and came to a stop. "This is the bath house," the red guard giggled, while pushing Waterlily and Babs Seed into the steamy room. "You two will be my examples now, go stand under those two showers over there."

Babs shot a look of pure fear to the blue filly as they both scrambled over to stand underneath their own showers. "Perfect," the sickly drunken sound of Fireheart's deep voice purred as he used his magic to start the two bakers showers. "As you can see each shower has two shower heads, one hanging from the ceiling, and one infront of Waterlily and Babs Seed." The soft glow of yellow enveloped the fillies shower heads as Fireheart pulled them until they softly departed from their wall stand. "If you press the red button shampoo will dispense," he exclaimed, now approaching the two drenched fillies. With a quick jab of his hoof, clear pink, flower smelling liquid fell onto his hoofs. He jerked his head over to Applebloom. "See here," the red stallion instructed as he gently started to massage the soap into Applebloom's blue mane. "This soap is designed to eliminate all odors and blood, trust me there's nothing worst than the smell of dirty, bloody ponies all stuck in the same room." Once Fireheart had successfully got all of the shampoo out of Applebloom's hair he shut off her water and levitated over a white fluffy towel. "If you press this yellow duck here," the guard exclaimed, poking the yellow button until he heard a pleasing shift of gears. "If you watch Babs, you will notice the floor evolve into a traditional Asian bathtub." He clicked the button again and the tub disappeared back under the floor boards. He turned and left Babs alone, forcing her to get her own towel.

Babs had a gut wrenching feeling at the bottom of her belly. She noticed the sparkle of mischievousness in FireHeart's eyes and came to the sickening conclusion he had more devilish plans for her, Applebloom in particular seemed to carry his gaze.

Once out of the bathroom Babs watched as Captain Fireheart pushed two swinging doors open, reveling a surprising well stocked medical room. "This is the medic station were you will be frequently visiting. The black door over in the left corner is the armory, completely stocked with every weapon except guns, since only unicorns can weld them. You will also find uniform replacements in there too. And lastly, this red door, which is locked, is my sleeping quarters."

"Wait what?" The brown colt, Hero gasped, voicing the other ponies thoughts.
"What," sneered Fireheart gulping in the fear and confusion in the room. "Did you ponies think you were going to stay here alone? HA!" The stallion bellowed, sending the cowering pink colt to bolt out of the medic room. "Now follow me maggots and we'll conclude this tour with the cafeteria, you will need some food on your stomach's for tomorrow. That and the staff made my favorite, Daisy and lavender vanilla sandwiches with rose petal soup."

Applebloom and Babs laughed mentally, the two murders couldn't picture the pervy Captain eating flowers, and they being his favorite. To the young bakers he seemed more like the type to be the first to suggest eating another pony to survive. Applebloom and Babs quietly whispered to each other, debating whether or not Fireheart would taste sweet or completely bitter. The walk to the cafeteria didn't take long, it would have almost been impossible to get lost due to the magical clear, tunnel like force field that lead to the cafeteria. The force field was probably made to keep out the harsh cold of Tartarus. Applebloom did not want to be caught outside in the cold. The big grey building that stood alone in the distance was seeping light from the vast windows, creating a pleasant warm hue. "We're here, when you go inside head straight for the lunch line. It's marked with a sign hanging overhead."

Inside the warm cafeteria Babs and A.B. followed in line, their mouths watered at the smell of food. Babs stomachs rumbled, she hadn't realized how hungry she was. She knew though, she would be hungry for awhile until she got some famous cupcakes made by Pinkie Pie.

"Next mule," the strange dog grumbled as he glared annoying at the tan filly. "I ain't no mule busta, say that again and I'll rip your tongue out." Hissed Babs, her nostrils flared as she prepared to launch herself over the counter. "Sorry sorry, bad habit, I meant next filly, please." The creature nervously gestured Babs to calm down. "First while your getting me my tray and drink, what are ya?"
"Oh I'm a diamond dog," the creature shrugged reaching inside a fridge and pulling out a bottle of apple juice. "Well why are you in Tartarus?" Babs wondered, she could easily take down this "dog" blindfolded. "Me and my friends are serving time for ponynapping." The dog admitted placing a chocolate chip cookie on Babs plate. "Well did ya kill anypony?" The flat monotone voice from Babs rang out casually. "No we're not that evil, Princess Celestia gave us a warning, the condition was to be the lunch dogs." A short fat diamond dog explained as Babs walked further down the line. He made her sandwich and passed her tray to the last lunch dog. "Here is your soup," he slurred. Babs looked curiously at the creature, judging by that almost blank look in his eyes, he was definitely not the smartest of the three.
"Thanks," Babs replied as the tray magically followed her to an empty picnic table. Not a moment later the blue filly, Applebloom followed in pursuit.
Quietly eating the two mindlessly chewed their sandwiches. "So Babs," Applebloom questioned as she broke the silence. "What do you thinks gonna happen tomorra?" The tan filly swallowed the last of her dinner, wiping her muzzle she grinned maliciously. "Ah think we're gonna kick some nightmare ass. Ah also think we're gonna get the highest scores." "I agree, now let's hit the hay, I didn't think it would take all day to travel to Tartarus, we need the sleep for tomorrow." Applebloom suggested, waiting for approval from Babs before heading back to their cabin.

Applebloom sank onto the surprisingly soft bottom bed and removed her uniform. She opened the dresser next to her bed and threw on a fluffy pajama shirt and sweats, in the darkness, she saw the distinct red logo of Tartarus printed on the cutie mark spot. She passed another set of matching Pjs to the yawning tan filly next to her. Babs graciously took them and changed soon after. The filly then climbed under the blue blankets and rested her head next to the blue filly. "Ah don't care what Fireheart says, I'm sleeping with my favorite cousin." Babs Seed chuckled as she wrapped her tan hoof around Applebloom's neck. "I'm glad you are," giggled Applebloom. The two fillies snuggled up together and fell asleep with smiles on their faces. That night they dreamt of cupcakes and muffins. Oblivious to the realization that they're in the most cruel and heavily guarded not to mention the most deadly, dimension known to Equestria.

Notice I haven't edited this draft yet I'm too lazy too finish this on a computer and I'm on my phone. Also this is a ROMANCE fanfiction so if you hate that stuff then read until the end of the training. After that my romance plan comes into action mwahahaha