Amore groans as the alarm clock goes off at 9:30. Raising her right arm, that is hanging off the bed, she grabs her scissor blade to smash the annoying device.

"Hmm I hope you're not thinking of smashing my favourite clock." Octavia mumbles into Amore's ear as she wraps an arm around her waist.

Sighing in defeat, Amore drops her scissor blade so it sticks into the floor and manually switches it off.

"The floor again? Really Vinyl... Now I have to get it repaired-" Octavia suddenly stops speaking and Amore can feel her begin to shift away.

Amore holds Octavia's arm gently before rolling over to face her. Instead of the expressions she feared would come, she was met with a comforting smile.

"Did my mother stick her sword into the floor often?" Amore pulls the quilt up to them snugly and Octavia shifts a bit closer.

"She did, every time I told her not to destroy our alarm clocks like you have. That's why I brought my favourite one. She would lazily drop her sword into the floor, groan, and then roll back over after shutting it off. I'm sorry-" Octavia began, but was cut off by a kiss from Amore's soft lips.

"I wasn't offended. It makes me happy to be so much alike my mother that you said it by mistake." Amore nuzzles Octavia gently.

"I suppose it would after you spent so long away from her... Knowing you are so much alike her and such, I can see how that would make you happy." Octavia kisses Amore's cheek.

Amore hums before groaning again, knowing they have to get up.

"Do we have to get up? After our 'private party' last night I'd rather not move for a while." Amore nestles up against Octavia.

"You know we have to take a shower this morning on account of the mess we made? Sheets need changing. 'We' need major cleaning." Octavia states firmly.

"But I like the 'marked by the head of the Von Melody family' smell in my coat." Amore teases Octavia who blushes.

"As much as the thought appeals to me, we both have an event to attend today." Octavia reminds Amore.

"I... I was going to call Veronica and ask her to cover for me... That icky feeling is getting worse and I worry for what it means..." Amore cuddles closer to Octavia.

"Hmm... I don't know how Fancy will take me having a day off, especially during the Supernatural Games... Although I've never had a marefriend like you before." Octavia ponders for a bit, biting her lip.

Reaching over Amore she retrieves her phone from the bedside table next to their alarm clock and dials a number.

"President Octavia, what can I help you with?" Amethyst Star asks from the other end.

"I need you to do me a favour and cover for me today..." Octavia asks, a certain unsure tone in her voice.

"Are you sure? You have never missed a day of active duty, not even when feeling ill." Amethyst Star sounds surprised.

Octavia takes a moment to look at her marefriend nestled against her body and sighs a little.

"Yes... Amore doesn't feel well and I... Need to take care of her for today. Can you cover for me?" Octavia asks again, this time with a clear tone.

"I suppose I can sort something out, but you and Amore will owe me for this big time. I hope she feels better soon, Miss President." Amethyst Star hangs up.

"I'm such a bad influence on you..." Amore nuzzles Octavia's neck.

"It's a good thing then, I like it. Now, let's get a shower and change the bed before figuring out what is wrong with you." Octavia states, planting a kiss on Amore's forehead.

Amore nods and the pair begin to get up and move to the shower.

Veronica throws a dagger into the dart board across the preparation room while Tranquil Wind has her jaw dropped.

"What the fuck do you mean she is calling in sick today?!" Aqua Streak protests to the news Veronica just delivered them.

"She called me little after ten this morning and said she feels 'icky' and wont be coming today." Veronica throws another dagger.

"Amore never gets ill or feels 'icky'! This is bullshit!" Aqua Streak slams her fist into a punching bag.

"Hold on a second... if Amore is calling in sick because she has an 'icky' feeling... Then I doubt she would do so if it wasn't an actual concern. I've only known the mare since the start of the Games, but I highly disbelieve that Amore would miss a single day of this event if she could help it..." Moonlit Dusk states reading a big black grimoire while leaning back in her chair.

"Which means we should be concerned, right?" Tranquil Wind asks.

"Yes, darling... I think we should be concerned, but also do our best today and not let Amore down. She is an... Eccentric mare, however, she carries her own sense of flare and finesse about her." Silver Stitch states playing with her scarf.

"Well, I had not planned for us to lose this game today... Four Crystal Prep dragons called the Dragon Quad are our next bout... I'd like Silver Stitch to handle this one by herself." Veronica asks, standing up from lying on the bench.

"What?! You're crazy, she can't take on those four by herself!" Tranquil Wind protests.

"Amore told me who she wanted to have fight today... It's her choice and she hasn't been wrong thus far. I doubt Silver Stitch disagrees." Veronica looks at Silver Stitch.

"I see, pulling out that card is she? I guess I should be a good mare and do as Miss Von Scratch wishes. The match isn't for several hours so it'll give us time to relax and prepare. I need to go see my mother." Silver Stitch states before leaving the room.

"Trust me, she'll be fine. Amore knows what she is doing." Veronica reassures Tranquil Wind.

"I hope you're right... I really do." Tranquil Wind states before starting her exercise on the punching bag.

The VIP box above where the student councils sit is well furnished with a bar and comfy seats. Vinyl Scratch sits on the sofa opposite the window facing out towards the arena itself. Beside her laying down, playfully swinging her legs in the air is the azure mare from before.

"I hope we get to see more of her team fight. I quite enjoyed those twins yesterday~" The mare sings.

"You have way too much energy... Why don't you go find something to play with?" Vinyl asks, leaning back in her seat.

"Nobody in this place besides a handful could handle my energy... Plus, the one I really want to fight is big sis." The mare squees excitedly.

"Since her awakening she has gotten stronger than before. I bet she would prove a challenge even for you." Vinyl muses.

"Yeah, but from the fight two days ago she wasn't using nearly anything of her power... She was faster yeah, but... I expected more..." The mare states disappointed.

Vinyl checks her phone and smirks. "Looks like you won't get to see her today. She called Veronica to say she isn't feeling well and won't be coming today."

The mare sits up and pouts. "That's not fair! I wanted to see big sis... I'm going out for a bit."

The mare stands up and begins to skip out of the VIP box before Vinyl stands up.

"Iluzie, where are you going now?" Vinyl asks, looking concerned.

"Just for a walk~" Iluzie sings before leaving.

"Oh sweet Celestia..." Vinyl drops back down to her seat and sighs deeply before sending a text to someone.

Amore stretches as she and Octavia sit on a bench outside the front entrance to the academy. The only side which isn't being used for the Supernatural Games.

"We changed the bed, had a steamy shower and went for a walk. All the while we have yet to figure out what is wrong with you." Octavia sighs as Amore leans into her.

"I can't describe it too well... Just an icky feeling in the pit of my stomach, like a foreshadowing or something." Amore nuzzles Octavia.

Octavia cuddles Amore closer before a distinct voice in the distance makes Amore's ears twitch and her fur stand on end.

"Amore Sànge Von Scratch! I think it's about time we meet~" Iluzie stands across the way from them.

"Amore, do you know her?" Octavia asks, but gets no answer when Amore stands up.

"The icky feeling... It was you?!" Amore states in surprise, pointing at Iluzie.

"I suppose, I guess you were feeling that because your Vampire twin sister was so close by." Iluzie giggles.

Amore wears a shocked expression as Octavia stands up from the bench.

"Y-you have a twin sister?!" Octavia asks.

"M-mother never told me about this! I didn't know I had a twin sister!" Amore states in disbelief.

"I was at your awakening too, but I guess it took a small while for your Vampire powers to fully come out. However, I notice you're holding back during the Games... I'm disappointed big sister." Iluzie pulls out a miniaturized blue full metal talwar sword before making it full size.

"She has a full metal sword... Amore you don't have to-" Octavia is cut off by Amore's case sliding towards her.

"I do... I need answers and she wants a fight..." Amore kisses Octavia before pulling out her scissor blade.

"Ooh a scissor blade~ Quite an interesting choice of morph." Iluzie comments before spreading a pair of Vampire wings.

Amore spreads her own pair of wings and the two sprint at each other. Upon colliding they send out an initial shock wave before trading slashes in rapid succession. Amore pushes Iluzie back as she attacks with a spinning sideways slash that gets easily blocked.

"You have the skill dear sister, but you are holding yourself back." Iluzie comments.

The azure mare sweep kicks Amore's legs from under her and follows up with a power kick to her stomach. The resulting impact sends Amore rolling across the floor. Using the momentum she manages to rolls to her hooves in order to catch her breath.

"How the buck would you know if I'm holding back or not?! I don't even know who you are!" Amore stands up and sprints at Iluzie.

"My name is Iluzie Von Scratch, Vinyl's second daughter and your twin sister. I've been in more hiding than you, or rather I never went around flaunting my name till the time was right." Iluzie states, with a smile.

"My name has nothing to do with anything! Was I suppose to give up the one thing that kept me sane throughout those years alone? My own family abandoned me with nothing but my name and this sword! By the looks of things you were the favoured one!" Amore states as she sprints back towards Iluzie.

Upon collision Iluzie is impacted by an unexpected two step kick that hits her stomach and chest. Staggered, Amore unleashes a flurry of quick strikes that whittle down what is left of Iluzie's defence. Regaining her posture, Iluzie begins fighting back with her own flurry of strikes that seem to keep pace with Amore's. Standing on the sideline by the bench Octavia looks up to see storm clouds begin to gather and greet them with heavy rain. The pair continue their exchanged flurry of lightning quick slashes and swipes before clashing together in the centre. All around them a dome of sliced raindrops fall around them as they stare intently into each others eyes.

"Yes, yes! That's it, right there! That burning Vampire passion that fuels your abilities! That's what I wanted to see!" Iluzie states, her eyes turning blood red.

Unbeknownst to Amore, her eyes had already turned blood red during her rant and she could feel everything her 'Vampire passion' was affecting, including her mind. Shaking her head in frustration, Amore's eyes return to normal and they push away from each other. Iluzie growls and charges at Amore, using her strikes to keep her in the defensive.

"Why. Wont. You. Accept. Who. You. Truly. Are?!" Iluzie asks, each word followed by a hard strike.

Amore just barely continues to block the strikes and retain enough energy to launch a counter-offensive in the form of a spin kick to Iluzie's face. The afflicted mare simply growls in response and grips her sword tighter. Using her anger, Iluzie assaults Amore without mercy. Strike after strike, slash after slash. Even when Amore stopped blocking altogether the blows never stopped. Amore's uniform was shredded, cuts all over her body. Iluzie two step kicks Amore's scissor blade out of her hand with the first kick and puts her on the ground with the second.

"If you wont accept who you are by yourself, I'll just have to show you!" Iluzie shouts before grabbing Amore's scissor blade out of the air.

What happened next seemed to go in slow motion for Octavia. Iluzie, the mare who not only moments ago proclaimed to be Amore's twin sister and Vinyl's second daughter, drove the mare's own scissor blade deep inside her chest. The orange mare could only widen her eyes and cough up blood as Octavia practically flew into her vision, wings spread, eyes blood red and slammed her fist with unforeseen force, into the face of Iluzie. The resulting blow twisted her face in pain and sent her flying through the perimeter wall of the academy. Octavia fell down to her knees beside Amore and held her close.

"You better not be dying you selfish mare! I took the day off for you so we could figure out what was wrong with you. If you can't have the common decency to remain alive and see it through to the end..." Octavia found her faux anger quickly diminish at the sight before her.

Amore said nothing back. She could only look at Octavia's face over and over, unsure of what it was she was feeling. Unsure how to process what had happened to her. Before she had the chance, Amore was forced to close her eyes and submit to the growing feeling within her body. The rain did not recant or give up its endless downpour. Octavia could hear hoof steps coming towards her position, but she simply didn't care who it was. That is, till they spoke.

"Octy... I'm very sorry that this incident happened..." Octavia looks up to see Vinyl.

"You... They are both your daughters! How in the bloody name of Equestria did this happen?!" Octavia shouts at Vinyl, which makes her flinch.

"I... I'm shit at this to be honest... I didn't know what to do when I found out I was pregnant. I mean, their 'father' had just declared war on the whole of the supernatural world. What the fuck was I supposed to do..? Iluzie found me first... It was a year ago. I should have been more responsible, I should have kept them in the family and raised them how they should have been raised. I mean for fuck sake Octy, you of all ponies should know how quickly things changed..." Vinyl explains as she kneels beside Amore.

"Well, now one has killed the other... I hope you're happy, Vinyl..." Octavia states with disgust.

Vinyl sighs deeply and checks Amore's pulse which makes her smile a little before looking back up at Octavia.

"She isn't dead. Angry as Iluzie was at Amore, I knew she wouldn't kill her only twin sister. The blow dealt by Iluzie seems to have missed anything vital, which is lucky. Amore's vampiric healing should have dealt with this by now... I don't know why she appears to be dead, her pulse is extremely faint... You should take her to the infirmary and see how she goes. I suppose I should start to learn about discipline... It's no secret Iluzie needs it after this." Vinyl explains before standing up and walking towards Iluzie's last known location.

Octavia picks Amore up, the scissor still in her chest, and carries her to the infirmary with haste.

An hour or so later and everyone was gathered in the Supernatural Games arena where they have activated the dome roof for weather such as this.

"We're sorry for the delay folks, we didn't expect it to rain this hard. Now that the dome is up we can resume the Supernatural Games' Quarter Finals." Sandstone Mike addresses the crowd.

"Quite, it's now time for the next match of the day. This will see the beloved Grand Couturier Silver Stitch face up against the Dragon Quad team." Silver Vase explains.

Meanwhile across the arena in the student council area Amethyst Star sits down as Fancy Pants walks over to her.

"Excuse me Amethyst Stare, but I was hoping you could tell me where Octavia is? She hasn't shown up today which is most unlike her. Surely she understands how important the Games are to both academies?" Fancy Pants crosses his arms.

"Lady Octavia is currently indisposed and will be busy for the day. Something urgent came up that requires her utmost attention." Amethyst Star explains.

"Nonsense, what could be more important than the Games? I shall have words with her after this match." Fancy Pants states before walking off.

"That wouldn't be wise... Oh bother... Night Glider, we are going to need damage control after this and maybe an emergency team..." Amethyst Star rubs her forehead.

"What makes you say that? She is just spending time with Amore, right?" Night Glider asks.

Amethyst Star leans over and whispers something in Night Glider's ear making her eyes widen and fists clench on her skirt.

"You understand now? I'm also sorry to have kept this from you, but the order came from Octavia herself. She knows how you feel towards Amore and knew you'd also skip this match. That's why it's important you don't run off now and make a scene." Amethyst Star places her hand on Night Glider's shoulder.

"I know... Octavia always does what she feels is best... I just hope Silver Stitch finishes this match quickly." Night Glider sighs heavily.

On the arena floor four dragon Crystal Prep students can be seen waving to the crowd. Silver Stitch walks slowly towards them, her posture and demeanour different from normal. On her hips are two grey sowing kits and she wears a pair of black gloves that have silver needles threaded into them.

"Well, look who it is boys. The ever famous Silver Stitch." The first dragon states.

He has ice blue scales with white accented parts and ice blue eyes.

"Don't mind our brother Cryo, he is the youngest. My name is Hydro." Hydro introduces them.

Hydro has water blue scales and eyes with light blue accented parts.

"Hydro happens to be the third youngest. I am the second youngest, Zephyr." Zephyr states.

Zephyr has leaf green scales and eyes with light yellow accented parts.

"I'm the oldest of our four brothers. The name is Pyro." Pyro proudly states.

Pyro has fire red scales and eyes with black accented parts.

Silver Stitch rolls her eyes and taps her hoof impatiently. "Yes, yes... I'm Silver Stitch. It's most unfortunate for you boys, but you have caught me in a very foul mood. I hope to end this swiftly..."

The four dragons laugh as Silver Vase sounds the bell to start the round.

"Let's start things off with a little heat!" Pyro exclaims as he charges Silver Stitch.

Silver Stitch spins and throws her cases away from her to either side allowing them to stop at either edge of the arena and stick in place using spikes. Smirking as Pyro closes in he attempts a right hand punch, which is blocked by Silver Stitch's arm and followed up by a left hand counter attack. Stepping back slightly, Pyro aims a high kick at the mare, but is blocked by her own leg and followed up with a round house kick to his face which makes him reel backwards growling.

"It seems this fashionista knows hand to hand combat folks!" Silver Vase exclaims excitedly.

Cryo flies up behind his brothers and launches his ice breath several times at Silver Stitch. The mare sprints from the spot and slides underneath Pyro's legs before jumping off the shoulders of Zephyr and Hydro, giving a whistle to her cases. Upon response one of the cases sends a reel of thread towards Silver Stitch, which she attaches to her belt and unfurls an amount mid air. She then quickly ties it to a needle and throws it to wrap around Cryo's leg. Landing on the ground she gives it several tugs making him drop each time before giving it a big tug and uses her momentum to spin Cryo around. Letting him go and cutting the thread from her reel. He then smashes into Pyro and takes them both to the ground.

"I told you boys... I am in the most foul mood." Silver Stitch states, brushing her hair out of her face.

Hydro and Zephyr look at each other and decide to assault Silver Stitch together. The mare in question meets their attacks head on deflecting, blocking and countering with her own well placed punches and kicks while also using her thread to gain the advantage. The trio jump away from each other so the dragon brothers can renew their attacks with a more elemental approach using their dragon breath attacks to try and gain the upper hand. Silver Stitch flexes her wrists as she uses tremendous amounts of thread to confuse and constrict the pair during their new fight. Pyro and Cryo managed to get up and join their two brothers in the attack. Using a different toned whistle Silver Stitch called a spool of thin ribbon from the opposite case from before. Just like the thread she attaches it to her belt and begins using it to fight, whip and repel the four dragon brothers. The entire crowd are on the edge of their seats as they watch, surprised that their favourite fashion designer is not only holding her own against four teenage dragons, but beating them back with unrelenting determination.

"I don't think I can fully believe what I am seeing here and I'm watching every second!" Sandstone Mike states excitedly.

Silver Stitch wraps some ribbon around Cryo's arm and pulls it past her so she can uppercut him hard, putting him on the floor and out of the fight. Ducking under a kick from Zephyr, Silver Stitch wraps some thread around his leg and spin kicks him hard so he goes rolling across the floor, his whole body getting wrapped up in thread. When enough has tangled him, she cuts the thread and turns just in time to lean backwards as a punch from Pyro is narrowly avoided. Using a light green aura to tie some ribbon to Pyro's wrist she continues the fight before having all four of his limbs tied. Using Pixie magic on four needles she makes them grow and sticks 'em in the ground. Adding Hydro to her combat, she manages to restrain Pyro to the four enlarged needles that are stuck in the ground. Frustrated, Pyro tries to use his fire breath on the ribbon, but finds that beyond darkening it nothing happens. It doesn't take long for Silver Stitch to put down and immobilize the final brother using needles and acupuncture points to win. Standing up and fixing her hair she begins walking to the exit after looking up at the commentators box.

"I... I don't believe it folks, but... Silver Stitch is our undeniable winner of this Supernatural Games' Quarter-Finals match!" Silver Vase declares as the audience erupts into cheering.

"I gotta tell ya Vase, that was by far the most exciting fight I have seen thus far!" Sandstone Mike exclaims.

As the commentators sing praises and the dragons attempt to release themselves, Silver Stitch rejoins her team and they all begin to head towards the infirmary.

Octavia sighs deeply as she stares at Amore, who is lying on the infirmary bed still in her near death state. Voices can be heard from down the hall before the doors suddenly open and Fancy Pants walks in looking furious with a cringing Amethyst Star right behind him.

"I deeply apologise for this intrusion Lady Von Melody!" Amethyst Star states rapidly.

"Nonsense, what possible reason could you have for missing one of the single most important events in our-" Fancy is cut off by Octavia.

"I will politely request that you refrain from continuing that line of dialogue for your own safety." Octavia states quietly.

"How dare you interrupt me while I scold-" Fancy Pants is cut off again.

Octavia's eyes become blood red and she spreads her wings to intimidate Fancy Pants into closing his mouth.

"I WILL END YOUR PATHETIC FUCKING EXISTENCE IF YOU DO NOT SHUT YOUR FILTHY LITTLE MOUTH THIS INSTANCE!" Octavia bellows out, making Fancy Pants swallow hard.

Fancy Pants begins to say something then shuts his mouth again and thinks before Octavia makes her eyes normal and retracts her wings.

"You disgust me Fancy Pants... Amore is lying here in an infirmary bed with her own sword through her chest. All you can think about is how I missed one day during the Supernatural Games in comparison to me taking care of my marefriend... How can you be so selfish and short sighted?" Octavia states before looking back at Amore.

Fancy Pants seems baffled for a moment before promptly leaving the infirmary and Amethyst Star follows him, constantly mouthing countless apologies to Octavia. Night Glider plops down on a chair opposite Octavia and can't help but stare at the sight before her.

"Is she going to be alright?" Night Glider asks.

"I hope so... We don't know anything at this point... All I know is that I refuse to leave her side for anything. I know what you are about to say and if I didn't need you at the Games in my stead I would allow you to sit here with her, too. However... I need to ask you this one favour. Please attend the Supernatural Games in my stead... I promise you'll be the first to know if anything changes or she wakes up." Octavia looks at Night Glider with pleading eyes.

"I know you wouldn't ask this of me if you really believed it wasn't needed... I'll do it. Amore is tough and has been through worse... I just hope she wakes up in time to defend her team at the Supernatural Games' finals." Night Glider states, before standing up and leaving.

Octavia holds Amore's hand tightly and she stares at the helpless mare before her, unable to stop a tear from forming in the corner of her eye.

Author's Note

The Quarter-Finals are done at last. Now onto the Semi-Finals and the building crescendo!