Twilight Returns With a Vengeance

"I know that things have changed. I have new responsibilities. I have more challenges to deal with." Twilight Sparkle stated in her first post-game interview. "But I really wanted to win this game."
"Yep," an exhausted-looking Spike groaned beside her. "She really did."

Twilight demonstrated a rule of physics: what goes down, may also come up again.

Twilight's journey through the Most Attractive Pony Tournament was much harder than last season's. Tough competition in the EFC sent her reeling into an unfamiliar wildcard spot. Yet the most powerful unicorn in Ponyville was as determined as ever to succeed--and that she did. In a rematch with defending Magic Bowl I champion Lyra Heartstrings, she cast off a burden that had weighed on her for two whole years.

Twilight jumped out to a strong early lead, and at first the game showed every sign of being a blowout. But with Lyra, there is always a twist in the plot. The minty musician galloped back into contention in the last few days of the contest, slashing a lead of dozens of votes to only 16. Another miracle seemed possible for Equestria's ultimate underpony, but the clock ran out, and Equestria's newest alicorn princess emerged with another jewel in her crown.

Last year's champion was gracious in defeat.

"Are you kidding?" Lyra said gleefully when asked if she was disappointed about the loss. "I'm kinda relieved! It takes off all the pressure of being 'undefeated.' I mean, I didn't want to go 'one-and-done'...that's what it's called in the human world, right? But I really am happy for Twi! I mean, um, Her Majesty."

The result sends the princess into a duel with Rainbow Dash. This time, Twilight won't need her hot air balloon for the trip to Cloudsdale.

TWILIGHT, 91-75

The More Things Change...

It may be a new year, a new beginning, and a new tournament. But in Octavia and Pinkie Pie's wildcard
rematch, the only thing that changed was the cellist's margin of victory.

Pinkie is left to puzzle over another mysterious development.

Along with Lyra Heartstrings, Octavia remains one of the most popular background ponies in the tournament, and here she was also the most successful. Her elegant beauty was one thing Pinkie couldn't pull out of her hammerspace, and this time it garnered even more votes than before. The party pony stayed competitive, though it was never really close.

Octavia was quite composed (no pun intended) after the game, polishing her cello in the locker room. "I am grateful to Miss Pie for once again proving herself a worthy opponent. I was only a few sour notes away from going to the Magic Bowl in 2013; this year, I intend to score a masterpiece."

Octavia improved on her last match with Pinkie, which she won 86-62.

"Of course I'm not upset, you silly fillies! A BUNCH of people like Octavia. Just like a bunch of people like pie more than cake. I'm a super good sport--see?!" The prankster of Ponyville suddenly produced hoofsful of sticks, paddles, and balls from every sport imaginable, then just as suddenly flung them aside. "I think I'll have Octy over for a REALLY SPECIAL batch of cupcakes."

She furrowed her brow at the uncomfortable silence of the reporters. "...What??"

OCTAVIA, 100-66

All You Need is Love?

Cadence's good vibes allowed her to escape with a win.

Twilight was not the only alicorn who made good. Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadence all joined the
tournament in 2015, and all three of them qualified for the playoffs. Twilight's former babysitter faced a stiff challenge in The Great and Powerful Trixie, the lovely wandering magician who was determined to improve on her first-round exit in the last tournament.

Alas, determination does not equal victory. In the closest game of the week, the two ponies dueled on a razor's edge until Cadence pulled ahead and held on for an 8-vote squeaker. She left Hoofington Theater and a stunned Trixie to a herd of reporters.

"I'm very happy that the bronies were able to feel and celebrate my love for them," said the princess. "My husband Shining Armor was not able to attend, but I know he is very happy for me back in the Crystal Empire."

The wheels came off Trixie's wagon once again.

Trixie also had something to say, but her post-game remarks lacked the usual brashness, even hubris, that fans have come to expect.

"Trixie does not understand," she said quietly, looking up at the score that was so close, yet so far. "The Great and Powerful Trixie tried as hard as she could. Doesn't anypony...like her?"

CADENCE, 87-79

The Sun Also Sets

While all of the wildcard matchups were guaranteed entertainment, this one may well have been the most intriguing of all: the ruler of all Equestria vs. a temperamental but very cute young pony from a mysterious alternate universe. Neither pony would comment on their apparently dark history together, but the intensity of their clash said it all.

Rumored to have an excellent singing voice, Sunset did very little performing in her first match. She
succeeded simply by being herself, though not all bronies might agree on who her true self is. The red and yellow pony jumped out to a remarkable lead and rode it to the end of the game, defeating Princess Celestia herself.

Sunset's future is so bright, she would have to wear shades...if she hadn't defeated a sun goddess, that is.

"Oh, it was really no big deal," Sunset said nonchalantly. "I'm lying, of course. It was a huge deal to get my revenge on Celestia at last!! But not as huge as when I reach the Magic Bowl and face her new teacher's pet, that goody four-hooves Twilight Sparkle. That's the game I'm looking forward to..."

Her Majesty's blank expression says it all.

"I am happy to return to my usual duties as Princess of the Sun," Celestia stated before leaving Canterlot High School. "I wish my opponent all the best in the future."

But no matter how graceful her exit, it is unlikely that Her Highness expected to be done so early. As many voters have learned, anything can happen in the Most Attractive Pony Tournament. Sunset advances to face Rarity in a stacked Divisional round.

SUNSET, 97-69

See a recap of the Divisional Round here! http://mlpforums.com/blog/213/entry-14785-2015-most-attractive-pony-tournament-divisional-recap/

Vote in the Tournament here! http://mlpforums.com/topic/117121-the-most-attractive-pony-tournament-2015-divisional-round/
...And revisit the 2013 Tournament here. http://www.mlpforums.com/topic/44455-the-most-attractive-pony-tournament-2013-divisional-round/page-14