Lovers of the Night

It was two days that passed since Lance settled in. Before his training began, more recruits were shipped in so he wasn't going to be alone. The trainer called the recruits out. Lance was the first one who sprinted out to the yard. The others trailed behind. They formed a single file line. The trainer came out and stood in front of the recruits. "Alright recruits. I am your trainer, Grey Skin." His name complimented his fur. It was also grey. "Today, you will be showing me your speed and your strength. Now get to the track!"

The recruits ran over to the track. They all stood at the starting point. Everypony was ready. "Alright, on your marks," said Grey Skin. "Get set. Go!" With the words said, Lance flew out of the starting point leaving the others in the dust. None of them could catch up to Lance. He ran across the track and finished in a matter of seconds. He wasn't even panting. "Amazing job recruit," said the trainer who was a bit surprised. "Now we just have to wait for the others."

It took a few minutes for the other recruits to arrive. Some of them were panting and trying to catch their breath. "Come recruits! Follow me to the arena," said Grey Skin. They went to the field where they found an small wooden platform. There, the trainer sent up two recruits to have a hoof to hoof battle. First to fall would loose. Then Grey Skin said a few words before they began. "No pushing or kicking. Only use your front hooves. Oh, and for Celestia's sake, don't go too hard. We don't need any injured recruits. Alright, Shimmer Dust and Bolted Justice, your up!"

The two ponies went up to the platform. Shimmer Dust readied up and Bolted Justice had a bragging look on his face. The trainer yelled begin. Both ponies clashed. A punch came after another. But Bolted Justice's look faded when he got punched in the stomach. Shimmer Dust finished him off with a punch to the face. He fell off the platform. "Great job Shimmer Dust. Alright Lance, you're up against-," Grey Skin was interrupted. "I want to face him," said the officer, Sparking Blade. "Well recruit. Looks like your against an officer."

        Lance proceeded to the stage. Sparking Blade was cocky. But his strength made up for it. As Lance examined him, he noticed the look on Sparking's face. He looked overly confident. He had a smirk on his face. Lance readied himself and so did Sparking Blade.

        Princess Luna, Princess Celestia and Shining Armor walked out and saw the training take place. "Looks like Grey Skin is at the strength test again," said Shining Armor. "Strength test? Pray tell," said Luna.

        "Well, each match is a one on one. A pony must knock off the other off the platform. The only means of attack is punching. Hard, but not too hard."

        "I wish too see how this will go. Big sister, I will meet up with you later."

        As Celestia nodded, Shining Armor and Princess Luna proceeded to the arena where it was Lance against Sparking Blade. "Grey Skin," said Shining Armor. "What is Officer Sparking doing there? I thought you were doing a recruit only training session." Grey Skin answered, "Well he just came here and said he wanted to go against Lance. So, I let him." Luna began to think. Had Sparking Blade been trying to prove something? She guessed it was to prove superiority. She and the rest of the ponies sat back and watched.

        "Begin," yelled Grey Skin. Both ponies stepped forward, circling each other. Sparking Blade still had that look on his face. Lance just watched him closely. Ready for him to strike. Sparking Blade threw his left hoof at Lance who dodged and came in with a blow to his side. Sparking Blade stumbled back. He used his recoil to charge up a small tackle. He leaped at Lance and managed to pin him down. At this point, Sparking Blade began to punch Lance. It didn't seem like Sparking wanted to knock Lance off the platform. He just wanted to beat him up. But before anyone could say anything, Lance kicked him off and got back up. "C'mon Officer. That all you got?" intimidated Lance. He thought that if he could make Sparking angry, he would make mistakes. Lance just continued to dodge and taunt him. "I've seen rabbits more fearsome than you!" Sparking growled and started throwing wild punches. Lance was correct. If Sparking Blade were to get angry, he would make mistakes. When Lance blocked a punch, Sparking Blade had lost balance. Lance took advantage by punching him in the face. That dazed the officer and he walked off the edge. There was a silence. But then there was clapping. Luna and a few other recruits were surprised to see Lance defeat someone of higher ranking.

        "That wasn't fair," yelled Sparking Blade. "He taunted me!"

        "There wasn't a rule against that," replied Lance.

        "Grrr..." Sparking threw an unexpected punch at Lance who wasn't prepared. But the punch was stopped by Princess Luna who pushed his hand away. There was a light gasp from the recruits. Then Luna spoke. "He won fair and square. Anger isn't the way to fight. You should know that already, officer." With those words spoken, Sparking had bowed his head down to hide his anger. He walked away back to the castle. The others watched him.

        "Is thou alright?" asked Luna to Lance. "Yes princess. Thank you," Lance bowed his head.

        "Again, save thy's formality. I'd rather wish for a friendly one."

        "Alright everypony. Training dismissed. Head back to the castle and get some rest. Anyone with wings are to meet me here for flight practice," said Grey Skin. The other recruits walked back with Shining Armor while Lance had walked with Luna.

        "Lance, so I recall you had a brother," said Luna.

        "Yes."

        "Were you fond of him?"

        "Of course! If it wasn't for him, my life would be different."

        "Hmm?"

        "Well first off, he's my older brother. I always looked up to him. He always helped me with my schoolwork."

        "That is wonderful. What about your parents?"

        "Oh... Well... They had always been there for me too. My father especially. He would teach my brother and I moves and how to dodge and all that."

        Lance's voice had become a bit shaken. Luna knew there was something wrong with his past. "You don't have to say more Lance," said Luna before he could say anything else. "We should head back to the castle. It is getting late. I will be in my chambers I'd you need me," said Luna. Lance nodded and both of them headed to their place. Lance took off his fatigues and layer in bed. He slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.