My Little Pony: Birth Before Time

The next day in the throne room of the Land of Exodus, Firarra and Nightcrest stand preparing for the exam. Wayward Wind stands off to the side. Wayward looks up at an old pony standing in the left side of the throne. The old stallion looks back at her. Wayward looks down at the floor, and then straightens up. A dark green Alicorn named Master Zyra, who was sitting on her throne, stands and walks over in front Firarra and Nightcrest "Today you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates...but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither. But I am sure our guest; Master Xora...did not travel all this way to see our youngest prospects in years fall short of the Mark. I trust you are ready."

"Yes" replied Firarra and Nightcrest.

"Then let the examination begin" said Master Zyra lifts her Keyblade and summons five orbs of light. Firarra and Nightcrest ready themselves for a fight. Master Xora moves his hoof and the orbs of light are suddenly surrounded with darkness and begin acting erratically. They were in shock to see and Master Xora smiles as Firarra and Nightcrest charge in to take care of them. One of the orbs goes after Wayward.

"Wayward!" shouted Firarra and Nightcrest.

Wayward summons her Keyblade and jumps in the air and swing her keyblade and disposes of it.

"Don't worry about me. You two focus on the exam!"

"But Wayward, you're in danger here! You need to get out of here" Nightcrest warned Wayward to get to safety, but she wouldn't because she was waiting for this moment to come, seeing her friends become masters.

"No way! I've been looking forward to this, seeing you two become Masters. I'm not gonna miss it now!

"She can take care of herself Nightcrest. She's been out there training just as hard as us" said Firarra.

"Yeah!"

"Stay sharp, okay" said Nightcrest.

Wayward, Firarra and Nightcrest began to battle the orbs of light using their combos and their magic against it. Few of the orbs attack and did a bit of damage to the three ponies by lightning shock on them and charge at them.

After the orbs are defeated everyone returns to their locations "That was unexpected...but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. It was an excellent trial, one I chose to let to unfold. Which brings us to your next task?" said Master Zyra as Firarra and Nightcrest proceed to the center of the room, facing each other with their Keyblades drawn "Now, Firarra and Nightcrest, the two of you will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners only truths, for when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed. Begin!" then Firarra and Nightcrest begin to spar. Firarra goes after Nightcrest with heavy hits, but she dodges every one. Nightcrest attacks and nearly hits Firarra, but it misses. Firarra holds his hoof out at his side, and it begins to be covered in flames, Firarra notices and quickly suppresses it. Nightcrest attacks and Firarra blocks it. Master Xora, standing on the left side of the throne, smiles.

After the exam Master Xora stands next to Master Zyra in front of Firarra and Nightcrest.

"We have deliberated and reached a decision. Firarra, Nightcrest, you both performed commendably. However, only Nightcrest has shown the Mark of Mastery."

Nightcrest gasped and Firarra was shocked.

"Firarra, you failed to keep the firing flames within you sufficiently in check. But, there is always next time. That is all. Nightcrest, as our newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge. Please wait here for further instruction."

Master Xora and Master Zyra walk away leaving the three in the throne room and Firarra looked really depressed, so does Nightcrest as she looked at him.

"Hey" said Nightcrest.

Wayward runs over to them "Firarra, I'm so sorry."

"The flames...Where did it come from?" he wondered.

As Master Xora walks down the stairs and stops at a young female Black Unicorn pony with a black and white suit leaning against the wall "What do you make of Wayward?" asked Master Xora.

"She ain't gonna cut it. Someponies gotta rip that sucker in" said the Black Pony.

"Not here, you won't. I have to keep up appearances."

Xora walks off and the Black Pony stands on her four legs.

"I know that. She just needs a little incentive to leave home."

The Black Pony follows Master Xora along the hallway. Back upstairs.

"Firarra?" asked Nightcrest.

"Sorry...I need some time alone." said Firarra as he walked off.