In the Footsteps of a Giant

The thin night air felt cool against his skin, the quiet breeze barely stirring. The Arena at night was a whole different experience. The occasional cough or clink of shifting armor from the guards echoed quietly, the sounds standing in stark contrast to the roar of the crowd. Torches burned around the perimeter, casting wildly dancing shadows on the floor. Apparently the magical orbs used for lighting elsewhere were too valuable to risk breaking, and the games were never held at night anyway. After his first fight, it was decided Tim needed some training and exercise, but none of the gyms in the mountain were big enough. The conclusion had finally been reached that the Titan would practice in the Arena itself, after hours.

Tim took in his surroundings. The Arena floor was roughly a third of a mile in circumference, long enough to jog around. A few life sized dummies stood in the center, a club similar to the one he used in battle laying nearby. The titan stretched out to his full length for the first time in days, it felt really good. Finally, after a bit more stretching, he took off at a trot, circling the Arena three times before coming to a stop. That hadn't taken long at all, if this was as big an area as he would fight in, endurance may not be the top priority. Tim walked over to the arena wall, turned, and picked a spot that was roughly opposite. Crouching into a three point stance, he prepared to take off. Noticing his change in behavior, some of the guards shifted uncomfortably.

Tim took off in an explosion of dirt, his feet flying furiously. He felt the wind whipping past his face, his legs pumping, his heart racing. In the back of his mind, he picked up some shouts and the sound of awkward scrambling. He didn't stop until he reached the far wall, the entire trip taking under a minute. Crap, I'm slow... I need to work on that. The sounds of shouting finally registered and Tim turned around. The entire contingent of guards was sprinting toward him, the bulk of the group just halfway across the Arena floor. I guess the size advantage translates to speed as well... somewhat. The faster guards, nearly on him, stopped when they saw he wasn't trying to escape after all, and in fact, was laughing.

While the faster and more sure footed guards had been able to nearly keep up, many of the others were scrambling and falling over each other, and had still failed to notice the chase was off. The ones who now stood near the titan turned as he pointed, and joined in his merriment. It was a rather comical scene, as a few of the more clumsy dogs had even managed to get tangled in the group of practice mannequins. One of the pack said something about a group of dummies, and soon the Arena was filled with roars of laughter. Finally, the pack made it's way to the center and helped the stragglers out of their predicament, setting the equipment back in place.

After a few more sprints, in which some of the guards even joined him, Tim decided to change tack. He slowly walked back to the center as he caught his breath. He picked up the club and inspected it, hefting its' weight, taking a few practice swings. One of the guards that had run with him called out as he jogged over the the titan. Taking his own club, the guard showed Tim how to hold the club properly, the grip was a little higher than he expected. Pointing at the guard, Tim tilted his head to the side, dog body language for an inquiry. The guard said "Onyx", pointing to himself. The titan smiled, repeated the name, then gave his own.

With introductions out of the way, Onyx showed Tim a few simple strikes, which he demonstrated on the practice dummies. Tim mimicked the three moves, a thrust sent the first dummy flying backward, a simple overhead stroke which crushed the second's head, and a vicious side swipe that nearly tore the third in two. Onyx stared wide eyed at the results, gaining a new understanding of the concept of volume versus height. Just because the Titan was twice as tall as the largest of the Diamond Dogs, didn't mean he was only twice as strong.

Twilight found her thoughts wandering once more. The design on the cover of that beginner's combat magic book looked so familiar, it was nagging at the back of her mind. Where had she seen it before? Diamond let out an exasperated sigh, shaking the pony from her thoughts.

"S-sorry, what was that?"

"I said that if you don't pay attention, you could die."

"Oh... right."

Dime was seriously beginning to doubt her decision to take on this pony as a partner. The unicorn's head had been in the clouds ever since she had been given the introductory combat books. Still, there was no doubt her magic was powerful, she just didn't have a warrior's mindset... yet. It was Diamond's job to give it to her. A wicked grin slowly spread across her face as she took a step forward. A pitiful frown spread across Twilight's face as she took a step back.

"Raise your sword, pony."

"I- can't we talk about this?"

"We are training to fight, not talk."

"But... somepony could get hurt!"

"Yes... somepony will!"

The dog charged at Twilight as she backed up into a wall. They were only wooden practice swords, and the pony really did need to get hit a few times to get over her fear and become a better fighter. In the back of her mind, Diamond knew she was genuinely helping the pony, but that didn't explain why this was so much fun.

"Gotcha!" Dime shouted as she swung her sword at Twilight's shoulder. She blinked in surprise when a flash temporarily blinded her and her sword hit nothing. Looking around, she saw the pony behind her. "What the... what was that?"

Twilight beamed at the dog's impressed tone. "Oh, just a simple teleport spell... it's quite easy, once you get the hang of it!"

"This is a lesson in fighting, not running."

"Well excuse me if I don't want to get hit."

"Fine, have it your way. You need some exercise, anyway."

"Hey! Are you saying I'm fat?"

"Yes."

"What? That's not very nic-AAAAAAAAAA!"

Twilight broke into a yell as the dog barreled toward her once again. Turning, she began to run as fast as she could, but it wasn't enough, Dime was catching up. She teleported at the last second, reappearing on the other side of the gym.

Diamond shook her sword at the pony in rage. "You dropped your weapon, you broke the first rule of combat!"

"I don't need it!" Twilight retorted as the dog quickly closed the distance between them.

"You can't keep teleporting away forever!"

Twilight looked over her shoulder and stuck out her tongue. "Yes I can!"

Lyra's head sunk lower. The morning had started promising enough. Pinkie Pie had arrived at her house early, inviting her to breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner. Once there, the pink pony had professed her understanding that Lyra was 'super-duper sorry' and she promised not to be a 'meany pants' toward her. It was clear she was still sad, heck, everypony who knew the librarian was sad. Still, knowing that there were at least two ponies that didn't hate her had helped a little.

Now, though, as Lyra made her way back home, the streets were starting to fill. Groups of ponies were casting looks her way and whispering. Things couldn't go on like this, she would go mad! The mint-green pony marched on, trying desperately to come up with an answer. She had apologized profusely already, even though that would never make things better, it helped; she had even renounced her research, completely abandoned her life's work! Everywhere she turned, reminders of what she had done popped up. The square where that magician pony had set up, the hill where Twilight organized the winter wrap-up, the library.

So many things in Ponyville reminded her of the purple mare... Ah, that was the answer. Lyra came to the realization that she would no longer be able to live in the quaint little town she called home. She would have to live somewhere else, start over where nopony knew her, or what she had done. But where would she go? And what about Bon-Bon? Well, she was home now, might as well tell her.

"Hello?" Lyra called, dejectedly.

"Oh! Lyra, I was wondering where you had gotten off to... I checked the lake..." Bon-Bon left the implication unsaid as she averted her eyes.

"Oh, sorry, Pinkie invited me to breakfast... I'm past that, you know."

"I know, I just worry."

"I think I've come to a decision, but I wanted to tell you before I made up my mind."

"Oh? What about?"

"I want to leave Ponyville, it... it's just too much, too many reminders."

"Really! I mean... really?"

Lyra raised an eyebrow at her friends unexpected enthusiasm. "Um..."

"Oh, don't mind me, I just... Well remember Blueberry?"

"Your cousin? Sure, her family is visiting right?"

"Yep! Well, her parents are expanding their candy store, they're adding a new location!"

"That's great, I'm glad they're doing so well."

"That's not all, they wanted Blueberry to run the new store, but she turned them down. Then they asked me if I wanted to be the manager! I was so conflicted about whether to take the job, since I didn't want to leave you right now."

"So you're not conflicted now?"

"Nope, this is perfect! You can come with me to Baltimare!"

"I... I can?"

"Of course! Why not? You need to get away from Ponyville and I have some positions to fill in the store. You could come work for me, we could even still be roommates."

"That does sound good. I'm not sure I want to spend the rest of my life as a candy maker, though."

"Oh it would just be a temporary position until you got accepted into the Baltimare Symphony Orchestra, of course."

"The Baltimare Orchestra? Do you really think I have a chance?"

"You're the best harpist in Ponyville, with a little practice, I don't see why not."

Lyra had mentioned her interest in being a professional musician one day to Bon-Bon. She must have remembered. And everyone in Ponyville always complimented her when they heard her play. Maybe she did have a chance... a real chance at a new life.

Rarity stood on the platform, smiling at her four friends who had come to see her off. Spike was by her side, trying his best to force a smile of his own.

"Now, now, everypony, it's not like I'm moving away to some distant land. Besides, I'll be back next week to get the rest of my things!"

"We know, sugar cube, it's just tough seein' ya leave, knowin' you're movin' away for good."

"You make it sound like you'll never see me again! I promise I'll visit at least once a month."

"What about you Spike? Y'all gotta come visit us too. I don't want ya bein' a stranger!"

"S-sure, Applejack, I... I'll try and come when Rarity visits. Not next week... but... maybe next time."

"If I don't see ya' by the end of fall, I'm gonna come git ya!" Applejack threatened as she tickled Spike.

"He- S.. Hahaha! Stop, okay, okay, I'll visit!" Despite himself, the small dragon actually broke into a smile.

"Ooh- and when you do I can throw you a welcome back party with cakes and cupcakes and pancakes and crab cakes and... and... I ran out of cakes..." Pinkie began to tap her hoof on her chin as she drifted into silence.

"Oh, and don't forget to write. I think it would be nice to have a pen pal in Canterlot." Fluttershy said right before the train whistle startled her. "Eep! Er- have a safe trip!"

Rarity and Spike waved goodbye as the climbed onto the train. The four friends returned the gesture, Pinkie suddenly brightening. "Ooh- and rice cakes!"

As the train faded off into the distance, the four friends turned to leave. Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a dubious look. "You all right there, RD?"

"Huh? Oh... yeah, I'm fine."

"Well, if there's somethin' you want to talk about..."

"No, no, it's nothing."

Applejack let the issue slide, Rainbow Dash was a terrible liar, but she obviously didn't want to talk about it.

Bone Crusher stretched and flexed in his armor. This was much better. He silently swore to himself that he would never fight naked again, no matter how 'special' the prize was. (Unless his wife challenged him to a wrestling match, of course.) He waited patiently in the small chamber, far too experienced to have the jitters that some of the younger gladiators got. This was a good, clean, simple fight to last dog standing, a twelve way free for all. It seemed like a high number, to the audience and to younger fighters, but what they didn't take into account was that most fights would be in groups of two or three, the winner moving on to the next group. Even three to one odds were usually easy enough for the seasoned veteran.

That had been Bone's boon and bane, good enough to take on most comers in one on one combat, even two or three on one, but never quite at the level required to ascend to the coveted status of Gladius Elite. Instead, he made a living choosing his fights carefully, no big prizes, no unusual conditions, no alliances, just simple brawls that only attracted the younger and baser gladiators. He had broken his own rule... going after that unicorn. So this time, now that he was healed up, he played it safe on his required weekly fight. That new toy of the Emperor's, the Titan, would probably be in some spectacle or other after nearly braining Juggernaut, and the best gladiators were waiting for the end of week fight, for which the prize was a chest of silver.

No, this fight was a nice, moderate choice. A bit of spectacle, but not too much, and the prize was decent but not grand, a small chest of copper. Nothing worth dying over, anyway. Bone hefted his shield and sword as the gong sounded and the door opened. He stepped out into the light and paused to let his eyes adjust. He counted ten dogs as he looked around the Arena to size up his opponents.

"Dams and Gentlesires! We have a special treat for you today!"

Bone Crusher stopped listening to the announcer after that, a 'special treat' never meant anything good for the gladiators. He perked his ears and scanned the floor as best he could, alert and ready for anything. He felt the rumbling before he heard it, the doors started to open... the largest set of doors in the Arena. And out stepped none other than the Titan himself, carrying his signature club, and now sporting gleaming steel leg armor that rose just past his waist. Far too high for Bone to reach with his short sword.

"Well, shit."