Ponies go about enjoying their everyday lives, performing jobs to help ensure a better world for the next generation. Bits are used as the currency for the magical land of Equestria. Like in any society, there is a gap between rich and poor. Some ponies barely have enough for them to eat, drink or live. The homeless or poor areas of society try to make do with everything they've got. On the other hoof, some ponies are extremely wealthy. Fabulously enjoying lives of luxury and expensive or exotic delights that many would unfortunately never experience. The poor want to become rich, and the rich want to become even richer. One mare was born into the richer side of things. Jackpot Fortune, a friendly mare who's parents happened to be one of the richest ponies on the planet. Born into a economical powerhouse worth billions upon billions of bits, Jackpots parents spoilt her early to ensure she had the best life possible. From the finest education, to the most luxurious items, to the grandest of parties and celebrations. As fabulous as her life was, there was something that bits couldn't buy. Friendship When her family moved to the remote alpine town of Snowville, she made a lifelong friend, a young stallion named Crimson Lionheart. The two of them played with each other, spent time with one another, and always enjoyed the company of one another. Some say that the two even loved each other. Now in her early twenties, this unicorn mare would find herself in the grander scale of things. Inside of an old prophecy where she would find herself at the end of the world. A new role, where she might just be the most important mare in the world.
The room was dimly lit and humid. It was quiet, save for the hum of a ceiling can and the calm voice of Spellthief interrogating a criminal. The suspect was an earth pony named Bank Splitter, a lowly member of the Triads, a name infamous in the streets of Detrot. He was wearing bulky, rusted shackles. "I'll ask you again, scum. Where is the hideout?" "I'll die before I tell you." Snarled the criminal. "That can be arranged." Spell turned a small dial with his magic, and pressed a button, administering a powerful electric shock to Bank Splitter through his shackles. He screamed in agony. "Ok, fine I'll tell you! Just make it stop!" Spellthief turned off the shock. "5241 Circei Lane! In the basement!" Spellthief got up, and signaled the police to carry Bank to his cell. Spellthief walked out of the Police Department, and headed for his address.
Canterlot "And....I win." Jackpot said happily as she defeated a player in a game of chess. The poor soul never stood a chance, with the mare taking only four shots to strike him down. The stallion she was playing against looked in disbelief, while a small crowd that had gathered around the two just cheered in delight. "What? But how?" The Stallion said, rubbing his eyes at what just happened. He challenged her at chess, his most skilled game, and got completely obliterated in mere moments. "Easy, you slipped up and exposed your King. I took the opportunity to wipe out your defences before you even realised it." Jackpot told the stallion. "You di- but? Argghhh!" The Stallion said before getting annoyed and heading away. Jackpot smiled at her winnings, which included about 300 bits. Many knew that she was the best poker player in Equestria, undefeated since she went Pro about three years ago. She's never lost a game, and is the three time reigning champion. She wasn't getting much satisfaction out of chess, since the stallion before only made a request to challenge her. Now, anybody wishing to play her is to play on her turf.
(Sorry for the wait, thought it was your turn to post!) Spellthief bust down the door of the address with a powerful, concussive blast. The bouncers tried to stop him, but he blasted them aside as well. He grabbed the bar tender. A slim, but shady looking stallion. "Where is the entrance to the basement?" The bartender was scared half to death. He pointed to a poster. "There's a button behind it! Please, don't hurt me!" Spellthief put the bartender down, and ignored the patrons of the bar. He had made his point. He pressed the button behind the poster, and a wall panel opened up, revealing the entrance to the basement.
Jackpot, happy with herself after a job well done, left to relax at a local tavern to generally have a good time. It was in the worst possible location however....
Spellthief walked downstairs, and as soon as he entered the secret hideout, criminals wre readying their means of defense. However, it did not matter, as Spellthief quickly cast a powerful paralysis spell, making them drop to the ground. He signaled the PD, and walked out of the tavern, everypony in awe. He accidentally bumped into Jackpot. "Excuse me ma'am." He said brier walking out.
Jackpot looked puzzled about the stallion bumping into her, just before a torrent of police officers came rushing past her as they pushed and shoved through the door. Jackpot was rudely bumped into by one of the larger stallions, almost falling to the ground before she caught herself on one of the nearby tables that a couple happened to be sitting at. She pulled herself up the table to see the mare and stallion just looking at the scene, all the while concerned about Jackpot's own safety. "Are you ok, ma'am?" The stallion asked her. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you." Jackpot said, giving the couple some room. "Sorry if I ruined your date..."
Spellthief watched the officers carrying the gang out of the tavern with a grin on his face. Another scumbag cleared from the street.
Jackpot sat herself down somewhere in the tavern once everything was done, getting herself a cup of milk.
As Spellthief was about to head back to his apartment, he felt a vibration from his saddle bag. It was probably his Communications Crystal. He took it out, and checked his messages. "Spellthief- The Equestria Poker Royale is taking place in Manehatten this year, and the prize is a crown worth billions of bits. We suspect that it might be the crown of Twilight Sparkle, element of Magic. We need you to go down there an make sure no funny business happens. That crown IS Equestrian heritage after all. -Signed, Commissioner Justice"
Jackpot was preparing herself for the Equestria Poker Royale, hoping that she had what it takes to win. She's never lost a game in the professional league, alongside having a completely unreadable poker face. Already being a 3-time champion in Equestria, she had a decent chance of winning the prize.
Spellthief had set up shop on the upper level of The Crystal Dome, the world renown casino the event was being held in. He had a list of all competitors and spectators currently in the building , and could bring up their background at any time, as well as having a pair of Magic Binoculars to identify ponies.
Jackpot walked through the building wearing sunglasses and a black leather jacket. Her arrival seemed to send shockwaves on the first floor of the casino as a crowd immediately swarmed her.
Spellthief reported in. "One of the contestants, Jackpot just arrived. She's clean, no history of crime or cheating." He turned his gaze to the crown, being suspended in a impenetrable magic sphere near the ceiling. All he could tell was that massive amounts of magic were radiating from it, giving the place a mystical feeling. He was sure that everyone here could feel it, whether they were unicorns or not.
Once she made it to the stage, Jackpot took a seat nearby the edge of the table. Around her were a couple of empty chairs and a few professional players, many of whom were nervous that they were playing for such a huge prize. Many were even more nervous against playing against a 3-time undefeated champion. "Hey fellas" Jackpot said to some of the stallions of the group. "Remember to play nice....."
The tournament was going well, and everything was normal. Spellthief decided to step down to the stands to watch the rest of the match.
As expected, Jackpot was absolutely destroying the competition. She defeated at least four competitors alone, and plenty of attention was on her. Although, something was wrong. Something beyond anyone's control was about to happen.
