Primal Menace

Applejack groaned has she held a hand to her eyes, her mouth felt like a desert and her head pounded as if somepony had bucked her in the head. Rolling to her side she noticed a puff of rainbow hair in the bed next to her, the blankets rising and falling steadily. A pulse of pain in her head caused the apple farmer to groan again as she flipped the covers off herself. A repetitive thumping coming from outside of the door made Applejack groan once again before the door burst open with a loud slam. The pink terror on hangovers stood at the door a small brass trumpet in her hand and a manic grin on her lips.

“Pinkie if you use that there thing I swear you will be eating through it.” Applejack threatened as Pinkie had stopped her chest puffed up and the musical instrument a few centimeters from her lips. It inched closer a look of mischief in her eyes. It was stopped as a pillow smacked her in the face a muffled blat from the trumpet as Pinkie staggered back.

With a cough and a sputter Pinkie stood up a scowl and a few feathers on her face. “Okay meanie McMeanerson, I won't use the trumpet. Twilight wanted to see you you two were awake, I ran up here first.” Pinkie said shaking her head like a dog her hair poofing out and releasing feathers in all directions. “I think she wants us all down in the courtyard. Byeee.” And with that Pinkie was gone in an instant leaving a dazed Applejack and a silent Rainbow.

“You here that?”

“Yes, thanks for stopping the trumpet. I don't think I could have flown to her quick enough with my head pounding like this.” Rainbow groaned sitting up. “How did you know I was awake?”

“You snore like a woodpecker with a chainsaw.” Applejack said getting up and wobbling slightly as she got her footing.

“I would be offended, but I honestly don't care right now.” Rainbow groaned as she threw the covers off.

…

Olwen stood in front of the six mares her hands crossed behind her back the heavy white and cobalt plate armor shining in the sun. Applejack and Rainbow Dash staggering in spot but trying to stay stable. Pinkie chuckling as she tempted to push Rainbow over with a poke to her shoulder. Twilight held a book of battle strategy in front of her as her eyes scanned the pages in an unnatural pace. Rarity looked to be showing off her outfit, a white and blue work out suit. Fluttershy seemed to be the only one standing as if she was going to shouted at by a drill sergeant, Olwen guessed that she was scared into that position as the yellow girl was shaking like a leaf.

“Alright. Princess Sparkle.” Olwen looked to the violet woman as she snapped the book shut and a soft look.

“Twilight will be fine.” She replied tucking the book under her arm.

“Yes, either way. I was informed you were skilled in the arcane. What offensive spells do you know?” Olwen coughed turning to a large wooden crate, her tail swishing as she dug into the box.

“I don't know many offensive spells, I know a few beam type blasts, but they serve more as a way to push somepony back. I prefer to use shields and telekinesis.” Twilight answered as she tried to look around the cat warrior. “Are you going to teach me magic? I know a lot of spells, I could figure out how to use them as a form of protections.” A heavy looking tome was suddenly thrust in her direction. The white leather cover and a few large quills were bound by multiple dark leather straps. Her fingers fiddled with the small snap opening the book with a soft golden glow. A gasp as Twilight looked at the mathematical formulas contained on the pages. “These spells, they seem so logical yet illogical.” Twilight breathlessly scoured the pages.

“Those spells can be both offensive and defensive. They focus on protecting others by increasing their resistances to such things as blunt damage or illness, at the same time if used in an offensive way you turn those resistances around.” Olwen said turning to Rarity, the elegant woman tensed as the cat woman approached. “I was told you have magics as well and very precise.”

“I do have a talent at using magic to sew garments and..” Rarity began but stopped as Olwen turned around to the crate. “If I might ask, where did you get that box? It feels too large for you to carry all this way on your travels.”

“This is an armory chest, a small inventory that can expand by the uses of magics I don't entirely know.” Olwen said lifting a long cane out of the crate, on the top was a gaudy looking comet with a large glass bauble where the rock would be. In her other hand Olwen held a smaller plain looking leather book. “This staff will be your focus.” As she noticed Rarity eying the rather ugly looking thing. “I know the thing looks silly, You can make your own in time. I am lending this one to you so you can learn.” Rarity let out a sigh trying not to offend Olwen as she took the items she passed her. “The book contains spells that if you do not have control over your magics they will blow up in your face.”

“Why give me this when Twilight would be a better choice?” Rarity asked opening the book with one hand as she leaned the staff on her shoulder. “These spells look very damaging wouldn't you want to have more magic the better?”

“Not necessarily.” Twilight piped up. “You can be very destructive by hitting things in just the right spot. You don't even need to use an amazing show of force. Think of it as taking a sweater apart from pulling on one thread.”

“That would be very shoddy workmanship.” Rarity replied looking almost offended by her friend. A roll of the eyes from many other members and a confused cat girl.

“It is less about the workmanship, more about breaking something with smallest thing.” Twilight replied as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“You will use accurate spells to break the monster's armor and defenses so that say Applejack or Rainbow Dash to get in and attack. If you only focus on power then the spells can go awry, putting your friends and allies at risk.” Olwen coughed turning back to the crate.

“You are going to teach us how to fight up close?” Rainbow asked her voice dipping from the normal confident tone. Glancing to Applejack who was scratching her head. “What do you think we will get?”

“I don't reckon we will get the fancy spells and junk.” Applejack chuckled getting a glare from Twilight. “No offense Twilight. I just don't get all that stuff.”

“None taken.”

Olwen stood with two pairs of weapons, one pair of long thin blades and a pair of claws in the shape of a manticore's head. She held out the weapons to Rainbow and Applejack. The pair looked at the weapons slightly confused. Applejack took the claws turning them as she tried to understand how to use them, Rainbow looked rather disappointed towards her weapons.

“What is with these?” Rainbow asked almost pouting. “I want really cool weapons these things look like they would break If I swung at anything. Applejack's looks like they should be a thing that goes with a costume. Where is the big smashy weapons.”

Olwen smirked as she raised an eyebrow. “I will explain in a minute I have spent too much time on Rarity and Twilight Sparkle to get them studying those books.”

Olwen smirked as she turned around to draw a harp from the box. The simply painted wooden harp that looked like it was rather heavy and bulky. Pinkie grinned as she had the harp held out to her.

“I like this, but it isn't like everyone elses.” Pinkie said doing a flick of the wrist on the strings.

“This is a bow Pinkie Pie.”

“This is a harp, you use a bow on a cello or fiddle.” Pinkie giggled as she patted Olwen on the head. Taking the harp from the pinkie clad woman Olwen gave a snap of her wrist, the harp extended a second arm into a large bow as metal latches snapped into place locking it into its form. Pinkie looked shocked as she had the bow thrust at her. “You said that Dashie didn't have the concentration for a bow earlier. I'm not that much better.”

Olwen looked at her surprised quickly regaining her composure. “I don't expect you to use the bow often, you will use the harp to support and bolster the moral. With the right song and enchantment you can drive lesser enemies to run away.” She watched as Pinkie gave a few plucks of the harp and musical notes formed in front of her, her face lit up as the notes slowly faded into the aether. “Those strings are enchanted, so you just have to practice with it.”

Fluttershy shrunk down as Olwen approached her, the stern look on the cat woman had not changed as she stopped in front of the yellow clad woman. Standing up straight as Olwen clicked her heels together Fluttershy couldn’t help but wonder what she had in store for her. Sighing loudly Olwen turned from the pink hair woman.

“I debated what weapon to teach you Miss Fluttershy. I consulted Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Olwen said as she moved to the crate. Lifting out an enormous green dyed leather book and a small hand axe with a large clay jug wrapped in a coarse rope. “We debated and argued that you would not be fit for physical warfare.” Fluttershy's shoulders drooped, Rainbow moved to intercept Olwen but felt an arm across her chest. “Luna mentioned your gift with the local wildlife, I also witnessed it first hand yesterday.” Olwen said calmly as she placed the jug on the ground with the hand axe. Taking a few steps she placed the book down. “I want you to make the choice with what you feel comfortable with.” A flash of light and Olwen stood in front of her her outfit changed into a long green coat with a white dress underneath a curved horn adorned her head. “You could chose the path of the summoner.” Olwen said as she flipped through a book of her own and a glowing circle surrounded her as a large glowing green bird creature materialized beside her, it screeched and gave a cackle as it hovered by Olwen's shoulder but remained like a trained parrot. “Or you can chose the path of the Beastmaster.”

Olwen disappeared into a flash again the bird pet letting out a squawk as it returned to the aether. Olwen stood in front of the group her armor changed to a leather harness with white hides of some sort of Minotaur, her helmet had a pair of curved horns like a ram. A similar jug dangled from her belt the small axe on her other hip. Taking a small sample of a potently smelling fluid from the jug, Olwen spread it on the ground a few seconds later a large bulbous crab with two large woven baskets, seemed to appear out of a portal to lick up the fluid it gave a couple clicks as Olwen patted it on the head. The others watched curiously as the crab wandered around for a few seconds before taking its place by her leg, the group noticed the full size of the creature standing the height of Olwen's hip.

“Fluttershy I never shown you all of what Summoner could do because Luna guessed that you would take this profession.” Olwen said motioning to the crab to approach the pink haired girl. “Carrie here is only one of the pets that you can summon to you if you have the right jug on your hip. I had hers on me at the time.”

“Why would Luna think this is the way to fight for me? I don't want creatures to fight for me and get hurt.” Fluttershy squeaked as she knelt to look at the crab more closely.

“You wouldn't be letting them fight alone.” Olwen flipped the hatchet from her belt. “You fight with them at your side. They will be your friends and companions.” Olwen looked at the hesitation in the yellow wearing woman, her eyes snapping between the hatchet and a crab who seemed very happy to investigate the other members of the line. “I was told you are good with animals. I trust that you would not let them get too hurt if things got a little hectic, but remember your friends and allies will rely on you and your companion if they get into trouble.”

“I think I understand.” Fluttershy whispered as she held out her hand and grabbed the jug of fluid that was on Olwen's waist. She blushed vividly as she realized what she did and the confused look on the Beastmaster's face. “I'm sorry I'm sorry.” Fluttershy moaned as she crouched into a ball her cheeks glowing crimson, she was surprised when a muted chirp and a heavy nudge to her shoulder made her look to the large crab lightly shoving her in a playful motion. Fluttershy giggled.

“Alright... Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, and Fluttershy please study and get to know your companions.” Olwen said dusting off her hands turning away from the crab and the pink haired woman. “Pinkie you can watch us and see if anything inspires you.” Olwen smirked as she eyed Pinkie bouncing with now collapsed harp.

Olwen cleared her throat and moved back to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “You two will be the front line. You will protect the other four. Applejack You will focus on strong strikes preferably to the sides of a creature we will be fighting if the elements do not work.” A few whispers of “I hope they work.” and “She underestimates the elements.” spread between the girls. Pinkie and Rainbow sat down to the side as they watched their teacher focus on the tallest of the group.

A small flash of light and Olwen stood in front of Applejack wearing a yellow tunic with sparse metal plating on only small sections of her shoulders and hands. The apple family member took a step back slightly as Olwen stood before her with her hands behind her back. Breathing in a deep breath and relaxing Olwen surprised the farmer. “Try to hit me Applejack.”

“I don't think that is a good idea.” Applejack said nervously as she had hooked the claws to her belt. “I don't want to hurt ya none.”

“Do not worry about that.” Olwen said calmly.

“Alright I guess you are gonna be a world of hurt.” Applejack shrugged as she prepared a punch.

…

Applejack groaned as she opened her eyes to Olwen holding out a hand to help her to her feet. “What in tarnation did you just do?” Applejack groaned as she lifted easily by the smaller woman. Applejack looked to a laughing Rainbow and surprised looks from the other girls.

“I threw you.” Olwen said inn an almost monotone voice. “You will be learning the way of the monk. A skill set that relies on not only using your strength, that you have an abundance of and a sense of control of when to use that strength.”

“Why did ya throw me then?” Applejack asked adjusting her stetson.

“A good martial artist does not oppose force. She is the compliment and not the opposition to her opponents strength.”

“I don't get it.”

“She has no technique; she makes her opponent's technique her technique. She has no design; she makes opportunity her design.” Olwen said as she made a motion for another round, Applejack growled as she readied herself again.

Applejack swung wide with a right hook, but was deflected by a swat of Olwen's hand and a dip of her head. Applejack pulled back to give a left jab she quickly pulled her arms across her chest as Olwen rammed her with a shoulder causing the apple farmer to stumble slightly as the cat woman gave a light open palmed strike to her foe knocking Applejack to the ground. A grunt of frustration and a few chuckles from Pinkie and Rainbow made the apple farmer punch the ground as she stood.

“I ain't givin up that easy.”

“Good.” Olwen replied as she took a combat stance and took a few steps towards Applejack.

…

Olwen walked up to Rainbow Dash wiping her hands free of any dirt. Rolling some spit around her mouth and spit to the ground. “I guess that lucky punch didn't loosen any teeth Applejack.” A groan was heard from behind her as she looked to Rainbow Dash, the cocky grin that was once on the prismatic woman now gone as she looked around the small cat woman to her friend who sat on the grass covered in bruises and dirt. Fluttershy had made her way over and was helping Applejack to her feet and a bottle of water ready for her. Surprisingly Applejack had a confident smirk on her lips.

“Rainbow Dash, you have been chosen to be a rogue. You will be up close and personal with the beast.”

“You want Dashie to get all lover girl with a monster? Eww” Pinkie butted in faking a gagging motion.

“Not that way Pinkie.” Rainbow groaned as she stood. “So you want me to dazzle it with my style and positively good looks.” Rainbow smirked and gave a flex.

“No. Not at all.” Olwen said crossing her arms. “You will be striking at the beast at the joints, the back and being an annoying pest.” Rainbow's eyes bulged out for a millisecond as the remark hit home.

“Are you saying I'm a pest.” Rainbow hovered in front Olwen her fists clenched ready to take a swing.

“Personally I have no idea if you are a pest, but with the right training you could use your speed to use strike and run tactics so you would avoid ever getting hit.” Olwen said her face nearly emotionless. Rainbow began to tremble in rage as Olwen changed to the outfit she wore last night, the blue armor and black chain mail. Only this time her head was shrouded in a blue head covering and scarf that covered her mouth. Clapping her hands together Olwen let out a long held breath.

Rainbow watched as Olwen turned her head to Twilight and Rarity, the rainbow headed woman's rage exploded. Rainbow jumped at Olwen with her twin swords, Rainbow landed with the twin blades imbedded into the earth. A confused look on her face as she turned around to see a fading image of Olwen disappear, Rainbow stood and looked to her friends confused as Pinkie bounced up and down pointing looking to be shouting but nothing coming from her mouth.

A dull stabbing feeling in her side made her look down to see Olwen's gloved hand retreat from just below her ribs. Turning on a heel Rainbow made a wild swing with a sword only to meet air. Another dull pain in her opposite side Rainbow cried out and growled as she kicked out behind her only to feel a hand between her shoulder blades.

Olwen stood over Rainbow an open hand as her target lay facing away with her butt in the air comically as her arms splayed out like a bird hitting a window. Pushing herself up and spitting out a few strands of grass Rainbow turned and gave Olwen a glare.

“You pushed me!” Rainbow bellowed as she stood.

“Yes.” Olwen said calmly as placed her hands behind her back.“Did you listen to what I said to Applejack about using an opponent's technique?”

“Ya, I don't understand it, but I heard you.” Rainbow said looking confused.

“To be a good rogue one must watch their opponent and exploit the flaws in their technique. You were taking large wild swings, it was easy to stay behind you and get you frustrated enough for you to make yourself off balance. I just finished the job by knocking you over.”

“That hardly seems fair.” Rainbow protested but was silenced by an upraised hand.

“You are wielding two swords and I beat you with just my hands.” Olwen said calmly causing Rainbow to blush wildly. “I used only two spells to trick you. Utsusemi for a shadow of myself and Doton to stop our audience from warning you.”

“I don't have those things. How would I stop that?” Rainbow whined stomping the ground like a child.

“Watch me and figure out a way to exploit it. A rogue shouldn't have a problem fighting dirty.” Olwen smirked under the mask.

…

Olwen turned to Twilight and Rarity her face turning neutral after the workout that Rainbow had just put her through, the prismatic woman lay on her back breathing hard, her arms and legs splayed out in all directions. Taking a few deep breaths and a grabbing a bottle of water from the outstretched hand of Pinkie, Olwen smiled at the two women training to be mages.

“Have you learned anything from the books? It is nearly noon.” Olwen asked taking a long drink from the bottle.

“This is really dense I don't think I can understand this.” Rarity whined as Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Yours is simple elemental control, switching between elements at the right timing so that your body does not overheat and switching back so you do not freeze yourself.” Twilight said coldly as she turned another page ignoring the glare that Rarity gave her. “I see another reason why Olwen chose you for this magic. If I put too much mana into the spell I could literally freeze myself into an ice block, or even blow myself up if I used the fire spells. You have a smaller chance of doing that due to your smaller mana pool to draw from.” Olwen nodded as Twilight explained to the seamstress. “Also would you rather want this spell?” Twilight held out the book to Rarity who scanned the page and paled as the information sunk in.

“When did you put letters into math?” Rarity shyly asked as Twilight giggled.

“Let us take a break and get some food.” Olwen said glancing over her shoulder to the recovering girls. “I want Twilight and Rarity to keep studying while they eat. The others you will get a meal and return back here and we will do some drills.”

A few groans and mumbled curses from the group made the cat warrior to roll her eyes before heading into the castle. She did not notice the two pairs of eyes looking down at her and her group as they stood and moved to the castle.

“Do you think letting her train them is a good idea?” Minfillia asked Luna who stood with her hands behind her back.

“I admit that the training is a little unorthodox, but those girls are very important to this country. Knowing at least one form of self defense is not a terrible thing. Both my sister and I know a few forms of combat. That alone can give a lot of knowledge and insight later in life. We do not need to use the knowledge, but we have it for when we need it.” Luna said rather calculating as she turned from the window. “Only time will tell if this will help those girls. Hopefully they will never have to see what Olwen has seen.”

Minfillia stopped suddenly as the Lunar leader took a few steps before stopping herself. “How much do you know about Olwen?”

“Seeing the world as how I've seen it would make you question all that you know.” Luna said coldly looking over her shoulder.

“Try me.” Minfillia said with a stern look on her face.

Luna just smiled as she motioned to a library.