Martial Arts of Friendship

Chapters

chapter 1
chapter 2
chapter 3
chapter 4

chapter 1

Equestria, a world full of magic that resides in all beings. But this magic was a special kind for all the residents. In centuries, before the many kingdoms and tribes fought for supremacy and dominion over all the land. Until one day, one family discovered a method to release the great power that lay dormant within and brought the fighting to an end. This family was honored and revered by all and became the leaders of all Equestria. In time, others discovered their own power and darkness filled their hearts. To keep the threat of war at bay, a tournament was held promising grand prizes to those who bested all others. In time many gathered to watch as each battle shook the very earth itself. Now on this day, centuries later, the tournament is being held once more, and fighters from all across the land eagerly travel to prove their mettle and claim the prizes that await them.

Currently we find ourselves on a train heading away from an extravagant city on the side of a mountain and focus on one individual, well technically two as a smaller figure sat beside the taller one.

“I'm so nervous. What if the master is wrong and I can't even make it past the preliminaries?”

This was coming from a girl with light purple skin and had blue hair going down her back with a magenta stripe. She was wearing a purple blouse with a blue skirt and long socks that matched her skin, but was darker and wore a pair of normal purple shoes.

“Relax Twilight, you trained your but off and studied none stop.” Spoke the one beside her. It was a young boy younger than her with a similar skin tone, but slightly darker with green hair that spiked up and had a green shirt with a purple sweatshirt over it. He was also clad in purple shorts with green shoes. “As long as you give it your all and do your best, the master won’t care if you won or lose and don’t forget your family will be cheering you on.”

“Spike, you know it’s OUR family. You’re my little brother, and that’s not gonna change, even if you were adopted.” The girl hugged the younger boy.

Spike smiled and hugged her back while looking out the window and over the landscape.

“We’ll be arriving soon.” Twilight sighed. “Ponyville, home of the Grand Tournament.”

“Said to be the birthplace of today’s style for earth ponies.” Spoke up Spike.

“As well as the home to some lower ranking families of unicorn and pegasi.” Twilight finished.

“Just try not saying that outloud. I heard they can really hold a grudge.”

The train pulled into the station and screeched to a halt. Twilight and Spike stood up before getting off the train and took a moment to look at the nearby town.

“Looks pretty homey.” Spike grinned now wearing a large backpack.

“Let’s see if we can find the home the master set up for us.” Spoke Twilight making sure she had her bag over her shoulder.

“Right.” the boy reached into his bag and rummaged through it. “Where is that map?” he dove in kicking his feet in the air as he searched.

Many who passed by found this either weird or comical. Which left Twilight feeling embarrassed.

He popped back out with the paper. “Found it!” he enrolled it and looked it over. “Ah, it's the Golden Oaks Library.”

“Alright, lead the way Spike.”

As they went through the town, Twilight was like a fish out of water. If it weren't for Spike, she’d be feeling alone and scared.

“How much farther?” She asked her little brother.

“Not much further, the place has a big sign with a tree on it so it should be easy to spot.” Spike replied

Twilight sighed before noticing someone walking towards them.

“Hello there!” Twilight waved with a smile. She tried smiling widely while taking a moment to take in the appearance of the girl who seemed around her age.

She had rainbow colored hair and light blue skin wearing a white shirt with a lightning bolt shaped rainbow, a pair of black shorts that stopped at her thighs, but the most unusual thing was that she walked barefoot with tape around her ankles.

‘Hmm, looks like she’s a strong trainer. Either she’s been training for years, or she’s someone who’s just trying to seem tough.’ Twilight broke down and analysed. “I'm twilight, I'm here for the tournament.”

“Oh really?” The girl looked her over. “Eh, the name’s Rainbow Dash, and I’ll be the one taking home the big prize.”

“You seem confident of that.” Twilight spoke adding ‘possibly egotistical’ to her analysis.

“Heh, around here, I could beat anybody with one leg.” She boasted with a grin.

“Hey what am I, chop liver?” Spike crossed his arms and tapped his foot.

“And who are you?” She asked in curiosity.

“This is my little brother.” Twilight ruffled his hair. “We're going to be staying at the Golden Oaks Library during our stay.”

“Well if you’re staying there, just go down this road and take a left.” Rainbow pointed a thumb behind her.

“Thanks.” Twilight waved as she and Spike walked away.

The Rainbow haired girl smirked and let out a chuckle. “How gullible can big city snobs be?”

“Hmm.” Spike looked over the map as they walked down the road. “I’m not sure if that girl was telling the truth.”

“Oh come on Spike, have a little faith in local hospitality.”

Spike sighed and saw the road they went down was going AWAY from the library. They reached their destination, but it wasn’t what they were looking for.

“Carousel boutique?” Twilight let her shoulders slump.

“I’m not even going to say I told ya so.”

Twilight frowned and walked up to the door. “Might as well see if anyone inside knows the way.”

They went inside and saw another girl working on sewing a dress. She had purple hair with curls in it and wore a long white sundress with matching high-heels for her hair and didn’t seem to notice them.

“Um… Excuse us.” Twilight spoke up.

“Hmm?” The girl turned and jumped. “Oh! Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.”

“It's no problem right Spike?” Twilight looked at her brother and saw his mouth slightly open and didn’t respond. “Spike… you okay?

“Wow…” he spoke to himself without responding to Twilight.

“Well what brings you to my shop this fine day?” The girl asked facing Twilight with a smile.

“Well it's partly because this Rainbow girl gave us bad directions.” Twilight answered shaking her brother's shoulder.

“Oh! Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah.” replied Spike with goofy grin. ‘So beautiful.’

“Don’t take it personally, she does that all the time with visitors from the city. She doesn’t do it to be mean, she’s just protective of the town.”

“Well we’re trying to get to the Golden Oaks Library, and we might need a little help getting the right directions.”

“I can help with that darling, but first you must let me work my magic on your wardrobe. A little tweak here and a snip there.” Offered the girl.

“Thanks, but I’m good.” Replied Twilight.

“Oh darn, well I'm Rarity by the way.”

“I’m Twilight, and this is my little brother Spike.”

“You’re pretty.” the boy laughed as he swayed left and right.

“Well aren’t you sweet.” Rarity reached for a box and pulled out a green gemstone. “Here,, a gift from me to you.” she then gently tossed it to her new admirer.

Twilight flinched while her brothers eyes slitted upon seeing the stone.

“Mine!” he jumped high in the air and snatched it. He made a low growl while hugging it while Twilight glanced at the shocked Rarity.

“You know what, we’ll find it ourselves. Come on Spike.” Twilight grabbed him and rushed out the door.

“My word!” Blinked Rarity.

“Spike, put that gem away and stay focused.” Spoke Twilight in a firm tone.

“Sorry Twilight, but you know how I get around Gems, I can’t help it.” He apologized reluctantly putting it away.

“I know, it's in your nature, like the rest of your kind.” she looked at him. “Let’s try and find the library before it gets dark, alright?”

“Yeah and according to the map it should be straight ahead.” He spoke after taking the map out and checking it. “Yep, just ahead and after we get settled in, we can head to the fairgrounds.”

“Hopefully we don’t get sidetracked again.” She sighed before they resumed walking.

They Finally arrived at their new home away from home and went inside. Inside they saw shelves and shelves of various books as well as a thin layer of dust on everything and even cobwebs.

“Looks like no one's been home for awhile.” Spike walked in and dragged his finger over the nearby table. “A long while.”

“Well at least this is just temporary. After this, we’ll be back in our nice clean home in Canterlot.” Grinned Twilight.

“Um, hello?” A soft voice made them turn back to the door.

“Yes?” Spoke Spike walking over and opening it. “Can we help you?”

The person on the other side was a girl with long pink hair and butter yellow skin. She wore a green sweater over her top with a brown skirt. “Oh, um, well my name is Fluttershy and, um, I saw you and the other one go in and figured you must be the new owners, so I wanted to return the book I checked out before the last librarian passed away.”

“Oh. Well hold on.” Spike looked inside. “Twilight! Someone’s here to return a book!”

“Uh, Okay?” Twilight walked to the door.

“Here.” the girl held out the book. “I’d also like to say it’s nice having you in Ponyville.”

“I'm just here for the Tournament. I'm one of the representatives from Canterlot.” Twilight informed taking the book and setting it on the place it belonged on the shelves.

“Then that mean you must see grandmaster Celestia from time to time, right?” Fluttershy asked.

Spike and Twilight stiffened hearing that name. “Uh yeah, but only occasionally and it's not like a brief glimpse.”

“She has such a kind and gentle spirit despite being a one of the greatest martial artist.” Smiled Fluttershy. “Are both of you going to participate?”

“Just me, Spike here is going as my guest during the preliminaries.”

“But I could probably kick butt if I went in.” he boasted with a grin.

“Do you know what happened to it the last librarian?” ask twilight

“She apparently saw someone doing something… inappropriate and it gave her a heart attack.”

‘Wow. Must have been something bad.’ Thought Spike who was close to coming up with an idea, but shook his head.

“Hard to believe she lived to be 76. I held onto that book for the past three years until you all came.”

“Well we’re just here temporarily, so don’t get too attached.” Spoke Twilight.

“Well you may want to get ready, the preliminaries are in an hour and you don’t want to be late for registration, bye now.” Fluttershy walked away.

“Oh no! We need to go!” Twilight panicked running back and grabbing Spike as she bolted out the door.

“Twilight wait, your Gi!”

Twilight stopped and looked down at herself “Oh, right, can’t fight dressed like a schoolgirl.” she went back to the library and slammed the door.

At the registration table, a few girls were just signing up the last fighters for the preliminaries.

Twilight made a mad dash for the table now dressed in a magenta Gi. While dragging her little brother “Am I on time!”

“Just barely. You got one minute.” Spoke the girl holding the clipboard. “Name?”

“Twilight...Sparkle.” she breathed heavily.

She jotted the name down. “And who are you representing?”

“Canterlot.” Twilight replied.

She jotted it down. “Alright, based on the time you registered, you’ll be going in the last round.”

“At least I'm in it at all.”

“And your opponent is Bulking Biceps. Thats him over there.” the girl pointed with her pen.

Spike and Twilight turned and saw a large male with a grey gi and white skin with blonde hair in the style of a buzzcut and his ear pierced, with muscles so large his gi looked ready to tear.

“YEEEEAAAAAH!” he flexed his muscles.

Twilight stared with wide eyes as her jaw hung low at the sight of her opponent.

“It was nice knowing ya.” the girl with a clipboard walked away.

“Wow. Think they might check him for enhancements?” Spike asked his sister.

The fighters and their guests entered a large room with four arenas. “Okay Spike, since I'm last, it will give us a chance to learn about the other opponents in the Tournament.”

“Want me to do some recon?”

“Yes look around and record everything you see about the fighters in the two left arenas. I’ll do the same on the right.”

“You got it.” Spoke Spike before he walked off.

Twilight went over to the bleachers and sat at the top. They were mostly unoccupied as most occupants gathered around the arenas. “Okay, now let's see who we got.”

“Applejack of Ponyville vs Little Strongheart of the Buffalo Tribe!” the referee in the first arena called.

Two figures slowly walked out and onto the main stage.

Little Strong had blonde curly hair with orange amber skin. She wore a white Gi with her tribes markings on the shoulders.

Applejack had blonde hair in a ponytail with a stetson hat on and had orange skin with a red gi that had three apples on the left side.

“So a member of the Buffalo Tribe. That one's easy enough to guess, but Applejack, if she’s from Ponyville it can be one out of the three pony styles. Once she channels her energy, I’ll know which one.” Twilight rested her head in her palm.

Little Strongheart tightened her muscles and was cloaked in a veil of energy. On her head the energy shaped into horns, but it was more concentrated around her legs.

“Buffalo style, avoid the kicks from the legs and charge attacks.” Twilight analysed. “Now for Applejack.”

Said girl smirked and in the blink of an eye her energy blazed.

“Woah!” Twilight blinked. “She obviously has a good deal of control to bring her energy out like that. She knows her own body that's for sure. And the way it concentrates mostly around her legs means she must be an earth pony style fighter.”

“Fighters, BEGIN!” Called the referee.

The two dashed towards each other and threw one kick after another with each kick being blocked.

“They seem basic enough. Now what about the others fighters?” Twilight looked over to the other arena and saw a girl with pink skin and poofy hair bouncing up and down dressed in a light blue gi with balloons on it.”

“This is gonna be fun!” She cheered facing down her opponent.

The other fighter was a middle aged muscular man with dark grey skin and black hair dressed in a brown Gi. His energy concentrated mostly at his upper body with horns formed at his head.

“A minotaur style fighter, powerful punches, but weak at the legs.” Twilight took in every variable.

The Pink girl spun around like a giggling top as her energy surrounded her. When she stopped her energy was conditioned like Applejacks.

“Another earth pony style.” Twilight glanced back to the previous fighters just as Little Strongheart dodged a kick and jumped back. “She’s going for charge, Applejack better move.”

Little Strongheart huffed with steam glaring from her nostril before she started running at Applejack who took a defencive stance.

“What! She’s gonna try to block it?” Twilight thought the girl was crazy as Little Strongheart got closer.

Applejack grinned and concentrated more energy from around her body to her hands and feet before grabbing her opponent by the horns making the arena crack beneath her feet.

“No way!” Twilight stared with wide eyes.

Little Strongheart gasped in shock before Applejack’s energy cloaked knee struck her stomach. She gasped from the strike and stumbled back before Applejack ran over and sent a roundhouse kick to her cheek with enough force to send her flying out of the arena.

“Winner: Applejack!” the referee declared.

The crowd applauded while the girl threw her hat in the air in happiness.

“That was an effective if not risky move.” Twilight rubbed her chin. “A fighter's energy is both weapon and armor, taking any away from your body leaves you vulnerable.”

She turned to the pink girl again and saw her bouncing out of the male’s charges and punches with a smile like it was a game.

“You makin’ a fool out of Iron Will? Iron Will is gonna send you flying into the wall!” the man shouted.

“You have to catch me first!” She ran around at a speed that made it hard for even Twilight to keep up.

“When a person tries to mock, you block!” Called Iron Wall trying to get a pattern and grinned before stepping in a spot with the girl running right at him.

“Boing!” The girl flipped in the air throwing a kick into his cheek knocking him to the floor.

“So this one has a bit of speed on her, as well as the personality of a child. She might be a threat if I can’t intimidate her.”

Iron Will rubbed his cheek while the girl kept jumping up and down.

“Say goodnight Sally!” She flipped again and brought her feet down on the back of his head. The force sent Iron Will down and slam face first on the ground and remained still.

“Winner: Pinkie Pie!”

“Yippee!” She cheered bouncing around and doing cartwheels.

“So her name is Pinkie Pie.” Twilight leaned back. “Note to self, aim high.”

One by one the fighters either lost or moved on until finally it was almost Twilight's turn.

“Twilight!” Spike ran up to her with a scroll in his hand. “I got all the others fighting styles recorded, but you won't believe who's here. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, even Fluttershy.”

“Good work.” Spoke Twilight tapping her chin.

“Rainbow and Fluttershy are both pegasi style fighters, but Rarity fights with unicorn style.”

“Perfect. This should make it all the more easier. Anything else I should know?”

“Well Rarity specialises in making her energy into thin threads to ensnare her opponents.”

“I never thought she’d be a fighter.”

“There's also a Griffin style fighter named Gilda.” He smiled with a dreamy sigh. “But boy, Rarity was amazing in her fight.”

“Spike, focus.” Twilight snapped her fingers in front of his face.

“Oh right! Well Fluttershy used her wings to defend herself until her opponent gets tired then bats them out of the arena.”

“What about that Rainbow girl?”

“She likes taking the high ground, Flies around, and strikes like a bullet.”

“So if I catch her off guard and strike hard, she’ll be too shaken up.”

“Hey you're the fighter here, not me.”

“Well I’ll deal with her when I get that far. Right wow I have to deal with that big guy.”

“Next up, Twilight Sparkle against Bulking Biceps!”

“Wish me luck Spike.” She headed down to the arena.

“Hey guy’s look.” Rainbow pointed to Twilight. “This should be a real laugh.” the technicolor haired girl had a white gi with Rainbow trim.

“Oh, I hope she’ll be alright.” Spoke Fluttershy dressed in a green gi.

“Bulk better not hurt her to bad,” Applejack spoke. “We don’t need city folks thinkin’ we’re brutes.”

“This is gonna be good.” Spoke Pinkie munching on some popcorn. “Want some Rarity?”

“No thank you darling. I can’t stand those greasy snacks.” Grimaced Rarity wearing a white gi with purple rhinestones.

“YEEEAAAH, LET’S DO THIS!” Shouted Biceps flexing his muscles on his spot.

Twilight sighed and stepped into the arena.

The larger boy covered his body with his energy with two small wings forming in his back.

‘Pegasus style, but the wings are smaller than average.’ Thought the girl. ‘He obviously focused on bulking his body and goes with brute strength. I may have overestimated him.’ the girl smiled.

“Begin!”

“YEEEAAAH!” Cried Biceps before he started running at Twilight.

The girl stood in place as the boy reeled back his fist to strike her down. He threw his fist and Twilight turned her head and let it pass by her.

She gave him a glance before vanishing from where she stood.

“What the…!” Rainbow stared in shock.

“Up there!” Applejack pointed towards the ceiling.

They looked and saw Twilight reappeared and looked down at the confused Biceps.

She let out a yell before her body was enveloped in a mass of energy most had never seen in their entire lives before she came down to the ground landing on her feet.

“Holy smoke!” Pinkie dropped her bag of popcorn.

“My goodness.” Fluttershy covered her mouth.

“Wow. That girl’s different.” Spoke Applejack.

Twilight held out a hand and made a taunting gesture to the boy.

He growled and flexed before using his small wings to try and pick him off the ground.

“Pfft.” Twilight tried not to laugh. “I don’t think that’s working.”

The boy roared and ran at her with his fist ready to slam her into the ground, only to be blocked in her palms. His eyes and the girls in the stands gasped while Twilight grinned. She concentrated her aura to hands and pushes him back.

“AAAAHHHH!” He screamed flying through the air and ended up crashing near the edge of the arena.

Twilight grinned, actually feeling confident.

“Finish it Twi!” Spike called.

She reached down grabbing Bicep’s feet and spun him around. She slowly gained momentum with said male getting dizzy and unable to break free.

“And out you go!”Twilight let go of his leg and watched him go flying through the air into the furthest wall off the room.

“W-Winner: Twilight Sparkle!” The referee got out in shock.

“Yeah! That's my sister!” Spike laughed.

“No… way…” Rainbow and the others stood frozen.

“Well done Twilight!” Called a voice that made Twilight flinch.

All eyes turned to the entrance where a woman in elegant white robes a brightly colored shimmering rainbow hair walked in.

“Grand Master Celestia!” Rarity gasped.

All bowed In respect as she moved to the arena. “I’m most impressed.” Smiled the woman to Twilight.

“You taught me well, Master.” Twilight bowed.

“MASTER?!” Cried the girls in surprise and shock.

chapter 2

With the preliminary round over, the fighters were given the rest of the day to rest their bodies and relax. But one fighter by the name of Rainbow dash was slurping down her fifth milkshake in irritation.

"I think that's enough darling. You don't want to get sick due to those do you?" Asked Rarity.

Rainbow grunted as she crushed the empty paper cup and threw it at a trash can.

The five girls sat at a table in the fairgrounds doing their own thing.

"This is so weak!" Rainbow slammed her fists in the table. "Some newbie comes into OUR town, and suddenly she turns out the be the studne of THE grand master Celestia? There has to be some kind of rule against that!"

"Unfortunately there isn't dearie," Rarity had her eyes focused on painting her nails as she spoke. "The tournament is open to all fighters regardless of Rank, status or even skill. The grand master herself could enter if she wanted."

"Ah still can't get over the amount of energy she has. I mean, mah brother is strong, but she's almost off the charts." Applejack looked down at the table.

"Wow! A student of the grand master herself! This tournament is gonna be great!" Beamed Pinkie.

"I just hope I don't have to fight her." Fluttershy sank in her seat.

"If she's still allowed to compete, than I'll make it clear regardless of who she was taught by, that I'm the number one fighter around here." Spoke Rainbow.

"Try sayin' that after she tosses ya around like a rag doll." Applejack rolled her eyes.

Rainbow frowned at Applejack before standing up. "I'm getting another milkshake."

Back at the library, Twilight stared at all the guards cleaning the place up while her master was upstairs changing.

"Well at least I don't have to clean." Joked Spike as he hopped in a chair. "Hey, don't forget the cobwebs over there."

"Thank you, sir." The guard nodded and worked to clear the cobwebs while Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Alright men," Celestia came down wearing a yellow and purple gi. "Please have this place cleaned up while my student and I do some training."

"Yes ma'am!" Chorused the guards.

"Come along Twilight," the grand master walked to the door. "We have much to discuss."

"Yes master." Bowed Twilight following Celestia out the door feeling a little nervous.

The two walked along the streets with every passerby bowing to the The Grand master in respect.

"Such a cozy little town." Celestia smiled.

"Spike thought the same way." Spoke Twilight.

"Twilight before you left, I neglected to ask you about your progress in your training."

"Well, I'm making sure to follow the stances every time while ensuring to do my warm ups before hand."

"And what of your energy manipulation? As a unicorn fighter this should be where you excel."

"I'm making sure to hone it to the best degree possible." Smiled Twilight.

"And your multiform?" Celestia glanced back.

Twilight stiffened up and grew nervous. "Um, well not as much as I intended. I can get my energy to match my body shape, but I can't get it to separate, not entirely anyway."

"I see." Celestia faced forward. "Let's find a quiet spot and you can demonstrate."

"Yes master."

The two went to the edge of town where Celestia sat on a rock with her legs crossed. "You may begin."

"Ok, just don't get your hopes up." the student took a deep breath, letting her her own energy out. She then willed it to stretch and and expand.

Neither teacher nor student saw the fuming Rainbow Dash approach, but she saw them.

'What's that girl doing?' Rainbow kneeled down for cover and watched as the lavender girl started shaping her energy into her own image. 'Figured she was a unicorn.'

"You're doing very well Twilight." Celestia smiled.

"Thank you, master." Spoke Twilight who was trying to thin out the connection and separate the construct, but it was starting to get harder. The connection was no thinner than a thread before Twilight began to struggle. "Come on, split already."

"Don't try to force it Twilight." Spoke Celestia.

The poor girl tried with all her might, but submitted to defeat. She let her energy go and fell to her knees while panting from the exertion.

Celestia sighed and shook her head.

"I'm sorry I just can't do it, our energy come from the soul so splitting my energy-"

"No, no, no, our energy binds the soul to the body." Celestia corrected, standing up. "Twilight when you make a multiform, it is you and yet not you, It is energy that you control with your will." the grand master released her energy with a large pair of wings taking shape. "Observe." her energy split into numerous pieces that shaped into copies of herself surrounding Twilight.

'Woah.' thought Rainbow who was stunned at how easy the master made it out to be.

"As you know if you constructs hold strong you can reabsorb them, but if they're broken the energy is lost until you replenish it. At one time or another I have had to use multiforms as substitutions when under attack, but this is no great loss."

"But I can't make even one without giving out." Twilight looked down.

"You have an advanced mind Twilight, as well as a great amount of energy. Multi forms may be separated constructs, but they lack any will of their own. They are but puppets to use as you command them. When you learn to separate and control them, you'll be even more of a capable fighter."

"Yes master."

"Alright let's take a break from multiform and move on to defence barriers." the master reabsorbed her energy copies.

The girl nodded and rounded out her energy. Her master raised a hand and reshaped her own into a blade.

"Now keep focus on the shield while I strike." Celestia said just before sprinting at her student and bringing the sword down on the shield, but it bounced right off, like hitting a rubber ball and causing the girl inside to grunt from the strain. "Still a bit unstable, don't get distracted by anything else, other wise..." the master created what looked like a quill and sent it piercing through the shield popping it like a balloon.

Though the quill did not actually hit her, Twilight cried out in pain and clutched her body.

"When defensive constructs are broken it sends a painful backlash through your body."

'Ouch.' hissed Rainbow Dash.

"The stronger the blow that breaks your defense the more damage it can do."

"Yes master." Spoke Twilight who panted from the blow and expanding her energy.

"Remember, strong constructs come from strong emotions and ironclad determination." Celestia walked around her. "Never let your emotions run wild or it will give your opponent an opening to strike."

"I understand." spoke twilight.

"I think that's enough for the day. I'm going to pick up my things and head for the suit they prepared for me, and you can go have fun with the Pegasus girl that's been watching us the whole time."

"What?" Twilight turned towards the bushes and saw a had pop back down before narrowing her eyes. "Who's there?!"

"Come on out," Celestia called. "You're not in any trouble."

Rainbow stood up and looked away. "Uh, sorry."

"It's quite alright, I hope you were not bored by my lessons?"

"N-Not at all." Rainbow spoke with a bow to the grand master.

"Wonderful, but correct me if I'm wrong though, are you the one who gave my student poor misleading information on her lodgings?"

"I-It was just a joke! I was just kidding around!" Rainbow waved her hands around with worry.

"I see it as more of a learning experience." Celestia spoke walking up to Rainbow Dash. "You can't always trust your opponents to do what they say they will or if what they say is true."

"Wait, so I should thank her?" Spoke Twilight with disbelief.

"It would be respectable after teaching you a small lesson."

Twilight frowned before sighing and crossing her arms. "Thanks."

"Uh, yeah, sure." Rainbow felt lost.

"Now then young lady, since you live in this town can I trust you to show her around and help her get to know other people? She hardly ever leaves the palace and spends most of her time in her studies."

"That's not true." Spoke Twilight looking away. "I leave the palace occasionally."

"But never on your own accord. Interaction with others is a good way to relax the mind and body. Not constantly keeping your nose in books and scrolls. I will inform Spike you will not be back until later by then I expect you to have met at least twenty people."

"But master-"

"No exceptions, now I must bid you girls adu." Celestia released her energy and took flight with the help of her wings.

"Wow!" Rainbow was awed by the Grand Masters grace in the sky.

Twilight sighed and turned to Rainbow. "This time, can you quit it with the jokes this time?"

"No problem, and if you want I can help you get through your assignment. Although it might be cheating, a little."

"No way! I never cheat especially on an assignment from my master."

"Even if it means not having to go all over town?"

"...Fine, but if this is some prank, I'm blaming you."

Rainbow dash took twilight to the one place that would have the most people at the moment. "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres."

"Yeah, it's a farm." She replied with a bored tone.

"Come on, I'll introduce you to the Apple family." Rainbow walked towards the barn with Twilight following. As they got closer it sounded like someone was throwing a Celebration.

"What's that sound?"

"Oh just the entire Apple family from across Equestria." Rainbow knocked on the door. It was answered by Applejack who looked surprised to see Twilight

"Oh, uh... Howdy?"

"Hi." spoke Twilight.

"Hey AJ, Twilight's here to meet your family." Rainbow said with a grin. "Celestia's orders."

"Well ah guess if that's the case, come on in." Applejack opened the door wider to let them pass.

The two visitors walked in and Twilight was surprised to see all the people.

"Just wait here fer a bit while Ah let everyone know you're here," the cowgirl went up to the makeshift stage interrupting the sing. "Sorry, just be a minute. Everyone listen up, we got a special guest here with us today. Grand master Celestia's student Twilight Sparkle."

That made them gasp before turning and spotting said girl next to Rainbow.

"Uh, nice to meet you all." Twilight gulped. 'Why did I have to feel self conscious NOW!?'

A large boy with Orange hair dressed in a red jacket over a white shirt and blue pants walked up with a smile. "Honor ta meetcha ma'am, Big Macintosh at your service."

"Wow you should feel proud Twilight." Rainbow nudged the girl. "Big Mac hardly ever says a full sentence."

"Nope."

"See? Now go and mingle." Rainbow shoved her forward.

"Hey!" She frowned at the girl before walking towards the large Apple family members. She stopped after nearly walking into a young girl who stared at her with sparkling orange eyes.

"Hi! I'm Applebloom."

"Hello." Twilight greeted yet the girl just stared. "Um, is something wrong?"

"You really trained under the Grand Master?"

"Yeah, for a few years." She revealed.

"Y'all gotta be somethin' special to learnin' from Celesia." an elderly woman with green skin and grey hair walked up. "Names Granny Smith."

"Nice to meet you, well, all of you." She spoke looking around the crowd. "But I think I should get going." Twilight scooted away. "My little brother is home alone so-"

"Ya can't go without first gettin' a bite to eat first." granny Smith grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"No really, I don't wanna impose."

"Can't you stay, for a bit." Applebloom gave her the sad puppy dog eyes and Twilight felt her heart being put through the wringer.

"Oh, alright." Twilight relented.

"That's the spirit Now let's getcha a few of the Apple Family's."

Later, after Rainbow Dash ditched her to drink Cider, Twilight groaned with a bellyache as she left the farm. "A few she says, yeah right." her stomach gurgles before she let out a burp. "At least I met twenty new people, now I can go home and lay down or throw up, whichever comes first."

As she walked back to the library, she spotted Pinkie standing beside it.

"Hi Twilight!" the pink girl waved. "I've been waiting for you!"

"Not now Pinkie my stomach really hurts." Twilight groaned.

"Tummyache?" Pinkie questioned.

"Yes. Too many apples." She held her stomach while walking inside.

"No problem." the girl reached into her hair and pulled out a bottle of pills. "This should help."

"Uh, what is that?"

"Well I get stomach aches, a lot, so the doctor have me these pills to ease the pain. Just take one and in a few minutes you'll feel much better."

"I'll try anything." Twilight sighed before Pinkie handed her one of them and she popped it down her throat and waited. "Hey, it worked."

"They sure do, and the only real side effect is minor loss of balance."

"Wait what?" Twilight swayed and held onto the wall. "Now you tell me."

"Don't worry you'll be fine, I'll help you inside." the bubbly girl held Twilight's arm and guided her inside. "So did you meet everyone?"

"If you mean the Apple family yes I'm well acquainted with them and their cooking." Twilight reached for a nearby chair. She grabbed it and sat down and sighed. "Sheesh, I feel like a turkey."

Pinkie reached into her hair and pulled out a slice of cake. "Want some."

Twilight looked at the cake, but shook her head. "No, if I eat anymore, I might end up puking, plus that was in YOUR HAIR! How did you even get that to stay in there?"

"That's easy. I just made sure to be careful." Smiled the girl like it made perfect sense.

"You… Confuse me." Twilight said to her.

"Yeah people say that a lot and that I'm on a slow train to diabetes city. Where would they get a crazy idea like that?" the girl asked before pulling out another slice of cake and shoving both into her mouth.

"And how long have you been hide cake in there?"

"Since it got all puffy. There's a lot of room in there, I even lost a flashlight once, never did find it."

"Uh, so why did you come by?" Asked Twilight trying not to lose her head over trying to figure out Pinkie's logic.

"Oh, well I wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow, and ask if you you could introduce me to your master some time."

"That might be tricky. My master might have come by like that, but that doesn't mean her schedule is free for just anybody."

"Aw, well see you tomorrow, and Fluttershy wanted me to tell you if you two got paired up she hopes you'll take it easy on her."

"Sure." Twilight waved as the girl left.

The next the tournament stadium was filled to the brim with people from all across Equestria. Meanwhile the fighters were getting ready in the changing rooms.

Rarity was double checking her gi and smiled at seeing everything in place.

Twilight was working on strategies in her head from the intel she had gathered during the preliminaries.

Pinkie watched as Applejack and Rainbow Dash armwrestled. Neither appeared to be winning.

Fluttershy crouched in a corner feeling her nerves rattling like crazy as she looked around at all the other fighters.

The door opened and Spike walked in with his eyes covered. "Is every one decent?"

"Yeah, but don't try staring at my butt." Spoke Rainbow gritting her teeth with the armwrestling.

Spike opened his eyes and look around at the fighters nervously as he walked over to his sister.

"What's wrong Spike? You look like someone stole all the gems in town." Teased Twilight.

"I've seen a lot of these other guys fight, one even put his opponent in a neck brace."

"Trust me, I've dealt with all kinds of tough people." Reassured Twilight.

"Oh and Mom and Dad are here in the stands, and so is Shining Armor."

"Captain Shining Armor of the palace guard?" Rarity asked.

"I guess we shouldn't be surprised." said AJ beating Rainbow in the arm wrestle. "You know all the bigwigs being Celestia's student."

"Actually he helped teach me a few things before Celestia took me as her student, he's my big brother."

"No fooling." Rainbow blinked.

"That must be so cool!" Spoke Pinkie.

The woman from registration walked and looked around. "Alright everyone, the drawing for the first round is about to take place so finish up and be ready when your name is called."

As the woman walked out the rest took deep breathes or other things to get hyped up or ready.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this year's Grand Tournament. We have with us a fantastic line up this year. Also, as alway, gracing us with her presents we have Grand Master Celestia!"

Said master stepped out on the balcony above the stages with the crowds cheering in earnest.

"But what's this? It seems she's not alone."

Stepping up to the Master's side was a man with blue hair and white skin dressed in purple armor.

"Oh! It's the captain of the guard himself Shining Armor!"

"Wow. That's your brother?" Asked Rarity looking dreamy-eyed.

"Yep." Twilight nods.

"Okay folks, you've been waiting all year so we won't keep you waiting anymore. Celestia herself will pick two names out of the ballot box to determine who will be fighting in each round, and remember, weapons of any kind, even energy constructs are strictly prohibited, violators will be disqualified."

Celestia smiled and walked over to the ballot before reaching in and taking a slip of paper out. "Pinkie Pie of Ponyville against Gilda of Griffonstone."

"That's me!" Beamed Pinkie standing up and walking out of the locker room.

"Dang, I wanted a shot at Dash." spoke the second fighter. "What evs. I Just knock this one's block off first and deal with her later on."

Pinkie walked towards the arena with her opponent coming out with a scowl on their face. She was a girl with peach skin and white hair that brushed over her head and wore a brown gi with the symbol of a feather on the shoulder.

"Hope you're ready to have the stuffing beat out out of you." Spoke the girl while cracking her knuckles. She let her energy envelope her. At her back the the energy molded itself into wings and concentrated more at her forearms.

"Stuffing? Silly, I'm a person, not a turkey. But I do know one girl who ate so much she felt like one." Spoke Pinkie bouncing on her feet and releasing her own energy.

Gilda blinked with a raised eyebrow.

"This could be tricky for Gilda." Twilight sat next to Spike as they watched from the window. "The tournament rules forbids weapons and Griffin style fighters sharpen the energy around their fingertips to make claws. If she swipes even once, she'll be disqualified."

"Fighters, get ready!"

'Okay Gilda, just keep your fists closed and don't swipe.'

'I feel like a chocolate cake after this. Ooh! Or maybe vanilla!'

"BEGIN!"

Gilda charged at Pinkie and flapped her wings to rise off the earth. She looked at the bouncing girl who didn't seem concerned and kept bouncing.

"Bye bye, Stinkie Pie!" Gilda raised her fist. She dove straight at the girl with a smirk. However the pink girl flipped in the air to avoid the strike.

"Nope!" She laughed landing on her feet while Gilda stopped her fist from hitting the floor.

"Huh!" she looked up just as Pinkie swung her leg, kicking Gilda in the jaw. The Griffon fighter reeled back and rolled back to the edge of the stage, but stopped herself from falling out by using her claws.

"Ha!" spike Jumped "She used her claws, Pinkie wins!"

"No, the fight's still on." Twilight grabbed his shoulder.

"But she made her claws. Doesn't that mean she's disqualified?"

"She didn't use them as a weapon She used them as an anchor to keep herself from falling out, so it doesn't count."

"Heh, not bad." Spoke Gilda standing back up. "But I've taken harder hits from a baby." Gilda took to the air again and went as high up before barreling at Pinkie again.

Pinkie this time crouched with her knees bent and pushed her up into the air at Gilda.

She hoped for something like that and grabbed her. "Gotcha, now let's see how you like the spin cycle!" She kept a grip on the pink girl's arm and started using her wings to spin them around as she circles the arena and slowly picked up speed.

"Oh man" Spike wabbled. "I'm getting dizzy just watching those two."

"Weeee!" Called Pinkie.

"Now for some altitude." Gilda flew upwards as she spun and flung Pinkie to the ground.

"This isn't good." Spike covered his eyes.

Pinkie dropped like a stone before correcting herself to land on her feet.

"What! You should have broken a bone or two." Growled Gilda.

"You kidding, I get dizzy on purpose all the time just for the fun of it." Pinkie smiled giving Gilda a wink and sticking out her tongue."

"Oh yeah? Then I'll help you see stars!" Fumed Gilda clenching her fists before diving straight at the girl.

Pinkie bent backwards, bringing her knees in Gilda's abdomen.

Said girl gasped and tilted to the side before Pinkie leaned even further back and slammed her feet into her gut. With the ground out of reach, Gilda landed out of the arena.

"And there you have it folks! Pinkie Pie is the winner!"

"WAAAAAHHHOOOOO!"

"Dang...it." Gilda gasped out while gasping for breath. She picked herself up and went for the exit.

"Hey Gilda!"

"What? Can't you see I'd like to leave while I still have some dignity?"

"Good match!" Pinkie gave a thumbs up. "Let's do it again some time."

"Tsk, whatever." Scoffed Gilda walking away.

The pink girl skipped back with the other fighters laughing happily. "That was fun!"

"An excellent first bout darling." Rarity patted her back.

"Now we just gotta wait who's up next." Spoke Applejack.

Celestia reached into the box. "Braeburn of Appaloosa against Twilight Sparkle of canterlot."

"Looks like it's my turn." Twilight stood up and rotated her arm. "I'm not pulling any punches."

"Hey Twi?" Applejack spoke up. "Don't hurt the guy too much, that's my cousin after all.

"I'll try not to." she said walking through the door. She walked out to the arena and could tell the similarities between the male and Applejack. "Sorry Braeburn, I have to win this no hard feelings?"

"No, but I won't go holding back." Spoke the male who had yellow skin and short orange hair with his own stetson hat on with a red gi with a large apple on the chest.

"Alright then." Twilight let her energy envelope her. The sheer quantity of it left many speechless.

"BEGIN!"

"Not bad. This is gonna be good." Grinned the male before letting his energy out as it focused more around his legs. "I know my cousin AJ asked you to take it easy on me so please, don't."

"You sure about that?" Twilight Questioned.

"If you do, that'd mighty insultin."

Twilight looked to her Master unsure if she should oblige, but one little nod was all it took for her to understand. "Alright Braeburn, but you'll have to give me a minute to tap into my reserves."

"Go right ahead."

Twilight breathed deep and flexed her muscles. She grit her teeth as her hair seemed to defy gravity and the arena began to shake.

"What in tarnation." Braeburn looked down.

"This is gonna be intense." Spoke Spike.

Twilight yelled at the top of her lungs as her energy doubled, then tripled in size as her feet left the ground.

"Oh my." Spoke Fluttershy.

"Jumpin' jiminy!"

Braeburn stepped back as he felt the pressure from her energy all the way from his spot.

The girl hovered for a few moments until she dashed towards him like a flaming demon from Tartarus and backhanded him out of the arena. His form went flying and crashed into the wall.

"Oops." Twilight pulled her energy back and ran to the edge to check on him. "Are you okay?"

"No mama, I don't wanna go to school." He replied with his eyes swirling around.

"I am so sorry, I should have stopped at half my full power." She spoke trying to help him stand.

"Wow! You got a lot of energy in ya." Braeburn gawks.

"Yeah, I know." Twilight rolled her eye and walked him inside. "But I warned you."

Celestia and Shining Armor looked around and noticed all the shocked expressions on the crowd's faces.

"Think she might have showed too much?" Asked Shining Armor.

"No, he wanted her full strength, and now he and everyone else knows the mind of power she holds. Besides, once everyone learn she's your sister, just think of what people will think of you."

"Wonder if some might drop out?" Joked the captain.

"Uhhhhhhhh, T-T-Twilight Sparkle wins."

Twilight helped Braeburn back to the locker room where Applejack helped her carry him down to one of the benches. "I'm sorry Applejack, I tried holding back as much as I could, but in that state-"

"That was awesome!" Called Rainbow.

"Huh?"

"You totally B* $% slapped him out of the arena!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Hey come on!" Braeburn exclaimed.

"It was quite impressive darling." Spoke Rarity.

"I know I said I could take you in a fight, but that just went out the window." Rainbow grinned.

"That was amazing!" Cried Pinkie.

"...Applejack, are you mad?" Twilight asked.

"At you…..no, but ah am mad at this lame brain right here!" she takes her hat and starts slapping her cousin with it. "Why in sam hill did ya have to go and want her to go all out!"

"Ow! Hey! Look AJ, I knew ah was gonna lose from the get go, if so ah wanted to it to be with her fightin' with all she had. You know I don't like bein' treated like a charity case, but how was I supposed to know she had that in her?"

"Ya was suppose to be cautious of everyone in this tournament!"

"Am I interrupting?" the Grand Master walked in.

"N-Not at all master!" Called Twilight as the other fighters bowed to her in respect.

"Twilight about your match… many of the officials believe you should be taken out of the Tournament and let Braeburn move on."

"What! But I was just showing my true power!"

"Which unfortunately was the problem. The amount of energy you can release… they find it unfair to the other fighters."

"Um, Grand Master?" Spoke Fluttershy nervously.

"Yes?"

"But isn't it a hidden rule that a good fighter should expect anything in battle?"

"Yes, but this is still a competition. Now I've talked with the officials and as long as you keep to your base energy level, you may advance."

"Oh alright then if you say so." sighed the girl.

"Very good I'll inform the officials." Celestia turned and walked out of the room.

"Phew, that's a load of mah mind." Braeburn spoke wiping his brow. "Movin' on, just because the officials got spooked just wouldn't feel right."

"A gentlemen to the end this one." AJ tipped his hat over his eyes with a smile.

Celestia returned to her seat and sighed before reaching for the box and pulled out another slip of paper for the next match. "Rover of Dimondia against Rarity of Ponyville."

"I'm up, wish me luck." She smiled leaving the room and heading to the arena.

The fashionista strut to the arena, only to cringe at the sight of her opponent. He was a tall male with scruffy black hair with a red open vest and grey skin that looked dirty with no footwear on.

"Oh… my goodness." Rarity spoke out. "Well martial arts isn't the cleanliness occupation after all."

"If this guy's from Dimondia, he's gotta be a Diamond dog style fighter." Twilight spoke to the others.

"You my opponent? I make fast work of you." Grinned the male until spotting the rhinestones on her Gi. "Ooooh! Shiny!"

"Uh oh." Twilight frowned. "Rarity! He's a diamond dog! They collect gems!"

"Oh great." Rarity groaned to herself as the male chuckled while rubbing his hands. "Best keep my energy up for precaution."

"Fighters, get ready!"

The males forearms we're where his energy was most concentrated.

Rarity brought out her own energy and had it more defined around the tips of her fingers.

"BEGIN!"

The male snarled as he ran at her. "Shiny gems!"

Rarity stretched her energy into threads and shot them out to left and burying the other ends into the floor and reeled herself out of his path.

His arms smashed into the floor and snarled as he turned towards the girl.

"Oh dear, looks like you missed." she giggled.

"Rah! Shiny!" He growled before getting on all fours and bolting for her.

"Nope." she leaped out of his path, stepping on his back and jumped off, showing her grace and form.

Rover groaned as he hit the floor and growled at the girl waving to the crowd. He saw her arm pointing to him as she bowed and saw his chance as he looked upon the stones in her cuff.

'Shiny.' Rover slowly stood up and growled as she turned and faced him just in time to see him grab her sleeve and rip the cuff off. "Mine!"

Rarity gasped deeply as Rover held onto the piece of fabric. "YOU…YOU BEAST, YOU ANIMAL!"

"Oh boy, here we go." Rainbow face palmed.

"Take off your hats in respect." spoke AJ.

"Shiny." He grinned in triumph while looking at the stones. "Huh? These not gems, only cheap fakes!" Rover growl throwing it on the ground.

"That's because I ran low on my gem supply and had to use fakes!" Rarity growled. "But THIS!" she held up her sleeve. "I don't care if I get disqualified any more, you. will. pay!" she shot her energy threads into the ground and sling shot herself at the boy, landing a kick to his chest.

He gasped and flew as Rarity sent a thread out and wrapped it around his arm. "Wuh oh."

She spun the boy around while letting him bounce on the floor.

"OOF! ACK! EEK! OWIE!"

She released him sending him flying out the stadium exit screaming. "AND DON'T COME BACK!"

"Wow, Rarity's even gorgeous when she's angry." Spike drooled.

"Easy romeo." Spoke Rainbow patting his head. "When you mess with her outfit, you don't wanna be near her."

"Rover is out of bounds, and out it the stadium, but Rarity used weapon construct, both are disqualified."

Rarity sighed and headed for the locker room. "It was worth it."

Over the area, three figures flew through the skies before descending.

Rarity had just left the fighting arena when the figures crashed into it. She turned with the crowd going quiet as the figures looked around the area.

One had dark purple skin and blonde hair that covered his eyes. He wore clothing that looked more like a poorly made patchwork quilt of animal pelts.

Another had brown skin with short spiky hair and wore similar clothing, but seemed more chubby compared to the first who was skinnier than him.

The final one had red skin with an orange mohawk. He was decked in a black vest with a sharp tooth hanging on a string around his neck and wore black fingerless gloves. "We're here for the prize."

chapter 3

The three boys smirked as the crowd went into an uproar at their words.

“Who are these varmints?” Asked Applejack with a frown. “Ain’t no one allowed to come crashin’ in here without registering.”

“You clearly don’t know who you're dealing with.” the red boy with a Mohawk approached and knelt down at the edge of the ring. “The names Garble, of the Burning Dragon tribe.”

“Dragon!” Twilight and spike looked to each other nervously.

“We don’t care who you are. Get out before we kick your dragon butts out ourselves.” Spoke Rainbow cracking her knuckles.

“Aw, you pony style fighters get so cute when you’re mad.” Laughed Garble. “My pal Clump overthere could take you all on with no sweat.” He pointed to the blue haired male.

“Heh, heh, wimpy Pegasus.” Laughed Clump.

“What did you just call me!” Rainbow fumed. “Why you bloated...grah!” she ran to him with her fist raised, ready to punch him.

“Rainbow, no!” Twilight called.

“Our time!” Garble called out and vanished from sight.

“What the- GAK!” Rainbow Dash got the air knocked out of her with one kick from Garble who reappeared in front of her with a smirk as Rainbow gasped for air.

“Rainbow Dash!” the girls ran out to her.

“Heh, ya see that boys? One kick and she’s already down, some fighter.” Laughed Garble walking back to the ring with the other two joining in.

“What was that?!” Pinkie cried.

“I tried to warn you Rainbow, dragon style fighters are dangerous. They’re able to use greed based mantras to boost their power levels to incredible heights the more they say them.”

“Cheap…...shot….” Rainbow got out while glaring at Garble.

“Those punks!” Shining armor was about to jump in to intervene when Celestia stopped him.

“I will handle this Captain.” the Grandmaster pulled off her robes showing she was wearing her Gi under them, then launched into the ring below.

“Oh look, it’s the great and powerful master.” Mocked the blonde haired male with a laugh.

“I am Grandmaster Celestia and you three have caused enough of a scene.” Celestia channeled her energy and formed her great wings.

“Heh, this’ll be good. Spear, take care of her.” Spoke Garble.

“Our time!” the blonde boy vanished, but instead of going for Celestia, Spear grabbed Rarity who was standing out side the fighting ring and formed a claw at her throat. “Got her!”

“What?” Celestia's wings dropped in shock.

“Rarity!” Cried the girls as Spike stared in horror.

“Psyched ya!” Garble exclaimed with a grin “We’re not so dumb as to pick a direct fight with you. You’d mop the floor with us easy.”

“You let her go!” Yelled Pinkie.

“Not until we get what's ours.” Garble looked around at the crowd seeing he had there undivided attention. “For many years the Burning Dragon Tribe has been sneered at and treated as nothing but animals that can’t even form complete sentences. They wouldn’t let my father register in any tournament five years in a row before he just quit all together. Well I say if we can’t be aloud to earn the prize fairly, then we'll take it! This year, IT’S OUR TIME!”

“OUR TIME! OUR TIME! OUR TIME! OUR TIME! OUR TIME! OUR TIME!” The boys chanted boosting their power.

“Uh, Twilight? How long can they keep boosting their power like that?” Asked Applejack in slight worry.

“If there allowed to continue, infinitum.” she spoke keeping her eyes on the display.

Their energy formed into more draconic shapes. With claws on their hand and feet, tails, wings and even horns.

“Oh no.” Fluttershy hid behind Applejack in fear as Rarity tried getting out of Spear’s grip.

Garble smiled and cackled. “So….. What's it gonna be? Give up the grand prize or does Spear have take more than a little off the top?”

Rarity froze as the claw touched her neck and looked to the Grandmaster for help.

Celestia was flabbergasted at their brutality and felt helpless in the situation.

Spike gripped the windowsill, gritting his teeth. His blood was boiling and all he could see was red. This didn’t go unnoticed by the Grandmaster who at that moment had an idea.

“Very well Garble,” she smiled you may have the prize.”

“Master!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Hah! I knew you’d give in.” grinned the leader.

“But,” she raised a finger. “You must face a warrior of my choosing first.”

“You forget, we’re the one with one of your fighters. So we call the shots, not you.” Frowned Garble.

“Isn’t taking the prize fairly what you wanted? I mean if you think your not strong enough that's fine, but-”

“Just one Ding-Dang minute! Any of us could take any one of these weak little fighters without any problems.” Growled Garble.

“So you accept the challenge?” Celestia smirked.

“Yeah, we accept. Bring out this fighter and we’ll clean their clock.” Spoke Clump.

“Very well I choose…Spike.”

“Spike?” Garble sounded lost.

“Spike!” The girls spoke in surprise.

“That’s right, I pick Spike as your opponent, oh Spike dear, come on out.”

Spike huffed after hearing his name and walked out of the room and to the ring with his fists clenched and breathing hard.

“That’s Spike!?” Spear commented. “He’s nothing but a pipsqueak!” He laughed out loud with his pals while pointing at Spike.

“You… threatened… Rarity.” he growled

“Who? Her?” Garble pointed to the girl. “What, is she your girlfriend? Ahahahahah! I can feel my ribs breaking!”

“Nobody!...threatens… MY… friends… Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.” Spike growled while his energy started flowing out of his body. “Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine!”

The three males were shocked to see Spike’s energy started forming claws on his hands and feet.

“The shorty’s a dragon!?” Cried out Clump.

“Twilight, explain please?” asked Pinkie.

“Well Spike’s my adopted brother... from the burning dragon tribe.” She admitted. “But I never knew he knew mantras they used to get stronger. Usually those raised in the dragon tribe are trained and taught for years to hone their power. The only way he could know the mantras was if he found a book about some basic ones.”

“MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! MIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNEE!” Spike roared.

“Let the battle begin!” Celestia flew out of the arena.

“Let me take care of this small fry, I’ll make it quick.” Spoke Clump.

“Be my guest Bro!” Garble waved off

Spike glared at Clump with slit pupils, getting into a defensive stance.

“This’ll be a good laugh.” Smirked Spear.

“Here it comes runt!” Clump dashed off. “Our time!”

“Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine!” Spike kept chanting without taking his eyes off the dragon tribe member.

The rotund not went for a punch with enough power to knock the boy out of the ring, but to his and everyone’s amazement, Spike stopped it with one hand.

“What?!” The other two cried out while the girls and crowd were speechless.

The smaller boy jump and kicked his opponent in the face, sending him flying until he landed back in the ring bouncing on his over sized gut.

“Woah.” spoke Rainbow with wide eyes. “Twilight, can Spike really take that guy on?”

Said girl did not hear her as her eyes remained focused on the fight at hand.

“Ah, what? That squirt actually sent me flying.” Clump groaned to himself as he stood up and glared as Spike walked across the ring.

“Guess he’s got some moves after all.” Garble frowned. “Clump back out.”

“What? No way. I can take this squirt on. That kick was nothing but dumb luck.”

“He blocked your power punch. How many boulders did you have to smash to get that move down?”

Clump didn’t say anything and gritted his teeth while glaring at the smaller fighter.

“If you're just gonna fight with brute strength then back out and save your energy, other wise I suggest you start fighting smart.”

Clump sent another glare at Spike before slowly calming his breathing down.

“That’s more like it.” Garble nodded. “Now put this squirt in his place.”

“Right!” Clump rushed the boy again only this time he meant to grab him.

Spike saw the opening and rammed into the boy's gut with great speed. Clump gasped and saw the boy’s fist move up before it slammed against his nose with a sickening crunch.

“I figured as much.” Garble spoke, not even phased that his friend was hurt. “The kid doesn’t have much physical strength so he depends on quick strikes and precision. Nicely done Clump, you did your job very well, sorry we had to use you to get a read on him though.”

“No big… I live.” Clump replied as he walked out holding his nose in one hand and his abdomen with the other.

“You were using him?” Rarity was aghast. “How could you do that, I thought you were friends?”

“We are friends, dudette.” Spear spoke. “Which is why Clump let himself get clobbered. He knew what Garble meant by ‘fight smart’ and opened himself up for an attack so we could get a better read on how he moves.”

“Spear, I’ll hold the girl, your turn to deal with him.”

“You got it brah.” Smiled Spear. He passed Rarity to Garble before jumping up into the ring. “You're in trouble now little dude, they don't call me Spear for nothing, I'm the fastest thing on land or in the skies.” the dark purple boy gave a few kicks in demonstration.

“The fastest, hah!” scoffed Rainbow “I'd leave this poser in the dust.”

Spike kept muttering the mantra while glaring at the male.

“Our time!” Spear lunged in the air going for flying kick.

Spike jumped out of the way and ran around the ring on all fours, his flawed hands and feet making small scratches on the stone tiles.

“Little fella’s runnin’ around like a chicken with it's tail feathers on fire.”

“He looks like a wild animal.” Fluttershy murmured.

“Heh, what are you doing? Trying to make me dizzy?” Taunted Spear before flinging his tail and grabbing the boy's neck. “You gotta do better than that.” Spear chuckled and repeatedly slammed him on the arena floor.

“Spike!” Cried the girls with Twilight trying to keep herself from jumping in.

“MINE!” Spike twisted so he’d land on his feet and grabbed the energy tail. He made sure his claws had a tight grip before swinging Spear up by it and brought himself onto the floor.

“Why you…!” the blonde jumped back to his feet and kicked at Spike with lightning speed, but before it landed its mark, Spike slapped it away.

Spear’s mouth hung open before shaking his head. “Okay try these.” he threw multiple high speed kicks trying to hit the younger dragon, but each strike was either blocked or redirected as Spike showed off his amazing reaction time.

‘How is he doing that!’ Spear grit his teeth in frustration.

Spike grabbed Spear’s foot in his hands and twisted it with all his might, sending the teen spinning in the air.

“Woah!” Cried Spear in surprise as his body spun and Spike crouched down before jumping up at the male. He put his hands together and slammed them into the blonde's side dropping him to the floor.

“Woohoo!” Cheered Pinkie as the male made several cracks from the impact.

“So...not...cool.” Spear grunted while he dragged himself out of the ring and next to Clump against the wall.

“Care to forfeit this whole thing?” Celestia grinned to Garble from her seat.

“Not a chance!” Garble pushed Rarity away and channeled his energy. “Alright punk no more fooling around! I'm not holding anything back just because we're kin. Feast your eyes on a real dragon!”

Garble got into a ready stance with his arms up. “OUR TIME!” his energy flared and took shape. He flew up into the air raising his palm with his energy forming into a ball. “Let's see you dodge this!” Garble sent the sphere hurling at Spike.

The young dragon moved out of the way as it came down and exploded against the arena. The explosion made some pieces fly out as Spike crouched down growling.

“An energy blast! That's against the rules!” Shining Armor shouted, fearing his little brothers safety.

“It would be if this were an actual tournament fight.” Celestia said to the captain. “However, this is a battle between dragon’s meaning there are no holds bard in this one.”

“But what if Spike gets seriously injured!”

“I have faith he’ll find a way.” The woman smiled. “Trust in me.”

“Y-Yes… Grandmaster.”

Garble sent more energy blasts at Spike who dodged one after the other as he ran on all fours again. “I guess you were never trained to fly, don’t you know a downed dragon can only do so much? How do you expect to win if you can’t even reach me?”

Spike stood on his feet glaring daggers at the boy above. “Mine. Mine. Mine.” Spike raised his tail while putting more of his energy to it.

“What’s Spike doin?” Asked Applejack.

The boy slammed the energy made appendage to the ground. Propelling him up in front of Garble’s face. Said teen was wide eyed as Spike growled and swung his fist at him and slammed it against his face. His wings deteriorated and he started to fall. “That little-” Garble was silenced when he saw Spike readying an energy blast of his own.

“MINE!” Spike roared and fired his attack straight at his opponent.

“AHH!” Cried Garble as the sphere hit him and engulfed him in an explosion as he hit the arena.

“Garble!” his friends shout in panic while trying to find him in the cloud of dust.

The dust soon clears and Garble lays on his back in a crater.

“Bro, you okay?” Spear calls out.

“I….I think….so.” the going man tries to catch his breath as Spike lands next to him a grabbed him by the vest and hoisted him up and tossed him into the other two, sending them to the ground before roaring out at the top of his lungs, swiping at the air.

“He’s out of control!” Shining Armor leans over the edge of the box.

“MINE! MINE! MINE!” Roared Spike as his energy got bigger.

Celestia moved back down into the fighting ring and spread out her wings and sent them to form a bubble round the boy. “Be calm, young one. The fight is done.” she resized the bubble until he could not move. She breathed deeply and sent her own energy through him.

He let out another roar while the energy flowed through him, soothing every muscle and nerve and brought down his energy level. “Ugh.”

“There now, right as rain.” Celestia released the boy, letting him collect his bearings.

“Uh, my head is spinning.” He groaned wobbling on his feet.

“Spike!” Twilight ran up and hugged her little brother. “I was so worried about you!”

“Huh? What happened? Did I get hurt?” he looked over himself.

“I wouldn’t say the same thing about them.” Spoke Rainbow pointing to the three males.

“They look terrible.” Spike remarked.

“Well darling you did do quite a number on them.” Rarity remarked. “Did you teach him to fight as well Grandmaster?”

“No, I didn’t.” she replied. “And in truth, Spikes never had a day of training in his life.” Twilight revealed.

“SAY WHAT!” Garble looked up and dashed into the ring grabbing the boy's shirt and held him up. “IS SHE FOR REAL MAN! YOU NEVER TRAINED AT ALL IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE?!”

“Uh, yeah that’s pretty much the gist of it.” Nodded Spike.

Garble’s jaw dropped before he let go of Spike and let the boy fall on his rump. “W….W…..We were beaten…..by a total rookie.”

“Majorly harsh brah…” Spear looked up from his spot on the ground.

“My dad’s gonna bust my hide for this one.” Clump needed a moment to sit down.

“But...but...but...The mantra. How did you…” Garble tried to find his words

“Honestly I was just doing what felt natural.” the boy shrugged. “My friend was in danger so just rolled with it.”

“Oh you adorably gallant little fighter.” Rarity pulled him into a hug and gave him a chaste kiss that made him go red all over.

*DING DING*

His arm shot to his forehead in salute before he fell to the floor and lost consciousness.

“I think that’s enough excitement for this guy.” Chuckled Rainbow as Twilight carefully picked him up.

“As for you three.” Celestia looked to the dragons.

Garble crossed his arms and looked away like a pouting child. “Yeah yeah, just get it over with.”

“You… fought well today.” She nodded with a smile.

“What?” Spoke the girls and dragons in confusion.

“I am well aware of how other portray your tribe and understand why you are upset, but this was not the way to deal with it.”

“Oh? And what do you think is?” Spoke Spear with doubt.

“You could have just come speak with me at the palace in Canterlot. I am more than happy to see any who feel they are being treated unfairly.”

“Oh.” Garble blinked and shrink in shame.

“And I’d be happy to try and help, but that doesn’t change the fact you three interrupted this tournament that affects the entire nation.”

“We’re sorry.” they lowered their heads.

“You are more than welcome to enter next year's tournament, provided you go through the proper procedures and follow the rules. By then I’ll have personally had a long talk with the registration committee on this matter.”

“That’d be appreciated.” Spoke Garble.

“But unfortunately you still have to be punished which is why you will help clean up this mess you made.” she gestures to the battle arena.

“Aw man.” Groaned Spear.

The Grandmaster flew into the air to address the audience. “Everyone, while we repair the arena the tournament shall be put on hold, if you wish to go get snacks or drinks do so now!”

The crowd groaned at hearing it would be put on hold, but others were realized since this would give them a chance to get something to eat, drink, or use the bathroom.

Twilight put her brother on a cot while her master stood beside her.

“He put up quite the fight, wouldn’t you agree my young student?”

“Yes, but that was intense. What if Spike got really hurt, or what if he ran wild and hurt someone?”

“You noticed how his eyes turned into slits, yes?”

“Yes.” nodded Twilight.

“Well not many dragon style fighters can do that. It is the mark of a Dragon Master. Your own brother has an in born talent for combat.”

“Oh boy. This is gonna be tough.” Sighed Twilight. “First I had to worry about his greedy instinct, now this?”

“Oh the little dear just needs to be humbled a little.” Rarity spoke up.

“Um, will he be alright?” Asked Fluttershy.

“Quite.” Celestia giggled. “He seems to have affections for pretty girls. I wouldn’t be surprised if he calmed down after hearing your voice Rarity.”

“Master, that thing you did with the bubble, what was that?” Twilight asked.

“A technique known as Chaos Breaker. It’s meant to calm wild rage and lower the negative energy of your opponent. Of course it… has other uses.”

“Like what?” Asked Twilight in curiosity.

“...I suppose it's time I told you about the Heretic Master, Nightmare Moon.”

“I think I’ve of that name before.”

“She was once known as Luna. She and I lived in a monastery that was built in the forest just outside of Ponyville. She and I sparred many times, yet not once could she best me. This made her jealous and resentful to the point where she would use dirty moves. We started arguing more and more until ten years later our squabbling turned into a violent battle, in desperation for power, she let her negative emotions temper her energy into a dark force. This changed her inside and out. Luna was lost and Nightmare Moon was born.”

“My goodness!” Cried Rarity in horror.

“I hate sore losers.” Rainbow dash spoke out.

“I hope you gave her quite the thrashing she deserved.” Rarity spoke.

“I tried fighting her...and I nearly lost.” The grand master admitted.

“She must have been quite the fighter.” Spoke Applejack.

“It wasn’t just her skills, Luna was someone near and dear to me, seeing what she had become… it all but broke my heart. She soon sought after the station as grandmaster. So in order to stop her I called upon the power of the Elements of Harmony. Six mystic gemstones that grant unimaginable power. They gave me the power I needed to stop the Heretic Master with my Chaos Breaker Technique, but instead of healing her I…..I ended up trapping her in prison of my own energy.”

“Oh man.” Spoke Rainbow in concern that was shared with everyone.

“She was frozen in mid attack, unmoving and untouched by time. Neither she nor I have aged since that day because it was of the Elements will. I shut down the monastery and and to this day she remains trapped inside, because if me if I had only give her the respect she deserved maybe it could have been avoided.”

“WAAAAAHAHAHA,” Pinkie’s tears were like waterfalls. “That’s the saddest story I ever heard!”

The others sniffled a little with Rainbow trying to wipe them away without being seen.

“The Elements are fickle and do as they wish. When energy is channeled through them it is magnified, but is also subject to them. They too are also hidden in my old Monastery where none would think to look for them.”

“Wow…..that’s a lot to take in.” spoke Twilight.

“You should not concern yourself with the past when you have more important matters to tend to in the present.” she gestured a hand outside. “The rings repair should be nearly complete and other fighters will be returning shortly.”

“Yes master.” Bowed Twilight.

The grandmaster walked out with the fighters having a newfound respect for her.

“Your robes ma’am.” Shining Armor held them out to Celestia as she returned.

“Have them folded and sent back to my suit. I’ll just stay in my Gi for the remainder of the tournament.”

“Yes ma’am.” the captain nodded.

“Waaaa! I can’t believe that all happened!” Cried Pinkie blowing into a tissue.

“A Heretic Master who has remained trapped in the Grandmaster’s own energy for the past ten years. Those Elements of Harmony sound quite powerful indeed.” Rarity thought aloud.

“Eh, I could still kick any butt without them.” Spoke Rainbow. “But what that Luna chick did was just….. so immature, and that's coming from me.”

“Frankly I’d rather listen to Celestia and keep focus on what’s happenin’ now.” Spoke Applejack.

“Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, but now with our arena repaired let's get the next battle underway. Grandmaster, if you would?”

She pulled out another pair of slips and read the names.

“Fluttershy of Ponyville against Ditsy Doo of Ponyville.”

“Ditzy, I never heard of her in the roster.” Twilight spoke.

“Everyone in town just calls her Derpy Hooves.” said Pinkie

“Oh no.” Spoke Fluttershy walking out to the ring.

“Break a leg Flutters!” Called Rainbow Dash.

“Eep!”

“Are you nuts! That’ll just make her more nervous.” Spoke Pinkie.

The butter skinned girl stepped up to the ring, shaking like a leaf. Across from her stood a girl with gray skin and a white gi that had bubbles all across it with short blonde hair. She also seemed crosseyed. “Hey Fluttershy, how’s it going?”

“Oh um, hello Derpy I’m fine.” She replied.

“You wanna grab some muffins after I win, my treat.”

“That sounds nice.” Smiled the fighter.

Both their energies formed wings showing both girls were Pegasus fighters.

“Ready, BEGIN!”

“Here I come flutters!” Called Derpy as she flapped her wings.

Fluttershy started flapping her own wings in panic before covering her eyes and blocking the incoming girl with her wings. Ditsy hit them and bounced off before shaking her head.

“Spike told me she used her wings like that, but I didn’t expect them to be so strong, especially considering how timid she is.” Twilight spoke.

“That’s because they’re strengthened by her inner instinct of self preservation.” Explained Applejack. “She can just stand there and Derpy won't even touch her.”

The grey girl looked around her opponent in confusion, wondering what to do next.

“Oh come on Ditzy, make a move already!” Rainbow shouted.

“She’s got her eyes covered, it doesn’t seem right to just hit her!” the odd eyes girl frowned.

“Oh for the love of…!”Rainbow groaned while both fighters stayed in their positions.

“Eh, sorry Fluttershy, nothing personal.” Ditzy breathed deep and ran at Fluttershy, trying to aim properly and swing for her head.

“Eeep!” one of her wings shifted and blocked her again.

“How did she do that!” Twilight exclaimed “Her eyes were closed.”

“Fluttershy’s hearing has been tuned for battle since she was a kid,” rainbow replied “when she covers her eyes she can hear the enemy attack coming.”

“That sounds like..,” Twilight thought for a moment until realization made her gasp. “The Pansy Shield!”

“Hey! Now that’s just uncalled for!” Frowned Pinkie.

“No no no! The Pansy Shield is a technique that was named after its creator, Private Pansy. Fluttershy must be one of her descendants.”

“Or she could just be a genius with it.” Spoke Rainbow.

“Hey come on now, quit hiding and fight!” Ditzy Doo called out.

“No thank you.” Spoke Fluttershy.

“Okay, then I’ll just keep swinging until I got you!” she swung her fists wildly and totally at random. Each one hitting against the shield that moved quickly to block her.

“If she keeps that up this fight will be pretty short lived.” Rarity took to painting her nails as she watched.

“Come on Fluttershy! Throw a punch at least!” Called Rainbow.

The girl quivered in her spot until Ditzy’s attacks slowed down and she became exhausted.

“JUST HIT HER FLUTTERSHY!” Shouted Rainbow in anger.

“EEK!” the pink haired girl’s wings swung outward, slapping Derpy’s face and sending her over the edge.

“Thank you!” Rainbow threw her hands up in exasperation.

“And the winner is Fluttershy!”

“Oh! Derpy! Are you okay? I didn’t mean it, honest.”

“Everything is spinning.” Spoke Ditzy while her eyes rolled around in her head.

“Huh, so she can use the Pansy Shield.” Shining Armor rubbed his chin. “I must say, I'm impressed.”

“Thinking about adding her to the guard?” Joked Celestia.

“That kind of defense might would prove useful, but it’d be cruel to put a girl like her in the heat of battle.”

“I know, I was just making a joke.”

“Ugh, what is wrong with you Fluttershy? Why do you have to make me yell at you to get you to make a move? You think I like doing it?”

Fluttershy just looked away and shook her head.

“You gotta stop hiding behind your wings and start throwing punches. That move won’t save you forever.”

“Actually if that really is the Pansy Shield, it could.” Twilight spoke out.

“Pansy Shield?” Fluttershy felt hurt by the name and it showed on her face.

“A soldier named Private Pansy invented the technique ages ago, her Shield was so strong that it was named most powerful defence, and made Pansy one of her Commander’s favored troops.” Twilight recited each word exactly how she read them from one of her history book. “That technique is legendary. Hundreds even thousands have tried and failed in recreating it.”

“So that’s good?” Asked Fluttershy.

“Very good, You have something that no one else has. It was the key to many victories for the Pegasus army, and if you focused on training, you might just make a powerful attack out of it.”

“Really?” Rainbow looked to Fluttershy with a grin and raised eyebrow. “Then we’re getting you trained, BIG TIME!”

“Oh no.”

“Rainbow Dash of Ponyville against Ahuitzotl of the Wilds.” Celestia called.

“Alright! Watch me end this in seconds.” Grinned Rainbow walking out to the ring.

Her opponent had dark grayish persian blue skin, very dark sapphire blue hair with dark grayish phthalo blue highlights, and pale, light grayish olive eyes. His gi was yellow with red trim and an earring on his right ear.

“Hola Señorita.”

“Yo man. Don’t feel bad if you get knocked out fast, I’m the best fighter in this town.” Grinned Rainbow.

“Oh, bueno! It wouldn’t be fun crushing you if I had to hold back.”

Spike came to and walked over to Twilight. “Hey Twi, how long was I out, who's fighting next?”

“Rainbow’s up next and she’s fighting some guy from the wilds.”

“Let me see.” the minute Spike saw him, he freaked. “That guy! T-That's him!”

“Spike what’s wrong?” Asked Twilight in concern.

“That's the guy who put his opponent in a neck brace during the preliminaries!”

“Say what?” Twilight turned with the man grinning. “This isn’t good.”

“Begin!”

Rainbow brought her energy out to form her wings and slowly ascended above the ring.

Her opponent merely stood in his spot grinning confidently. “You remind me of a bruha I’ve encountered many times in the past, only her hair was grey and her skin was different, but you share similar facial features so I will enjoy winning this fight and crushing every bone in your weak body.”

“Hah! Bring it on!” she dared.

“Yes, you share a fire like her, Very well!” the male’s energy flared out and was very defined at his arms. “Face me coward!”

“Coward? Oh that’s it!” Rainbow dove at him with a glare.

As she came close, the male dodged and his energy formed a third arm at base of his spine before it grabbed the girl by the neck.

Rainbow’s eyes widened as the male brought her to look him in the eyes.

“Foolish little girl, my name should have been a dead give away to my fighting style.”

“W-What?” She gasped out while trying to get the extra hand off her neck.

“I am an Ahuitzotl style fighter. I can create a third arm with my energy, and I punch very hard!” he pulled back his arm and slammed it into her stomach.

“Gah!” She gasped out while he started to repeatedly slam his fist into her gut while his third arm kept her in place and unable to escape.

“You are no Daring Do, but you’re just as fun to hit. Let's how tough you are compared to my mortal enemy.” he chuckled and used his tail arm to bring her high up into the air and throw her into the arena with incredible force.

Rainbow gasped as she heard cracks form and felt her body cry out with pain.

She tried picking herself up but Ahuitzotl brought a foot on her head.

“I suffered countless defeats at the hands of Daring Do. Time and time again she has humiliated me, robbed me of my dignity and honor. Seeing you battered and broken will provide a wonderful picture if I just imagine you are her.” he applied pressure to her skull. “Now let's hear you scream in agony to complete the picture.”

“AHHH!” Screamed Rainbow from the pressure as she glared at the man.

“Yes that's it! Now lets see much you can take before you start to cry.” he reached out his tail and grabbed her ankles and lifted her up again. “I hope you won’t give out on me before I'm done with you.”

Rainbow groaned while the girls and Spike looked on in horror and anger.

“That tail has to count as a weapon or at least violate some rule, right?” Spike looked around at them.

“I wish it was, but it’s not. That’s still considered energy, meanin that fella can get away with this.” Growled Applejack.

“You creep!” Rainbow swung her fists. “Bring me closer so I can slug you!”

“Sorry, but I suggest you save your breath. You’ll need it after this.” He tightens his grip on the upside down girls ankles before bringing his arm down on her face. It met her cheek and he kept her in the air with her swinging back into his punches each time. “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I could do this all day, provided you even last that long!”

“Grandmaster you have to stop this insanity, please give me an order!” Shining armor urged Celestia.

“We can do nothing for her.” Celestia frowned.

“We gotta do something!” Cried Pinkie tugging on her hair.

“We can’t, Rainbow will be disqualified and that varmint will move on.” Applejack pointed out. “Rainbow will kill us if we let that happen.”

“So she’d rather handle all those injuries than get help?” Asked Twilight. “Is she insane?”

“It’s who she is, kinda like my cousin when you fought him, stubborn.”

Fluttershy didn’t want to watch and yet she couldn’t look away, Her energy would protect from any majors damage, but eventually that would give out.

Ahuitzotl smiled and reeled back his fist for a finishing blow that would most definitely put her in the emergency room. “Good bye, Señiorita.”

“FIGHT RAINBOW DASH!” Fluttershy screamed as he threw the punch. “DON’T BE A COWARD AND FIGHT!”

Rainbow’s eyes shot open before grabbing his wrist.

“What!” He cried out in surprise while pushing his fist against her grip.

“Now look what you did, even Fluttershy’s calling me a coward!”

“Oh my…” Fluttershy covered her mouth looking to the others. They all had wide eyes and looked surprised. “Sorry.”

“Let go you pathetic Pegasus!” He growled trying to pull his arm free, but Rainbow seemed to grip even tighter. He yanked back hard which proved to be a mistake as it brought her hands near his face letting her punch him square between the eyes. “Gah!” his hands went to his face and lost grip on her ankles.

She managed to land on her feet, but she winced in the pain from her back.

“YOU INSOLENT DOG!” He tried to grab her again, but she knew now to stay out of reach of his tail.

She jumped back and had to figure out a way to end this quickly. She flew up and thought out her next move. “Okay time to show this chump my signature move. I just hope I get it right this time.” she flew down and rushed at him at top speed.

He looked up and grinned. “Again? I will make sure to put you down this time.” he reached at her with his tail, but she circled out of the way and reached to grab him, pinning his arms to his sides, before flying into air above. “Que! What are you doing?! Release me!”

“Not just yet, you're about to help me perfect my Sonic Rainboom Slam!”

“Oh no.” spoke Applejack in dread.

“Is that bad?” asked Twilight.

“She’s been tryin’ to ‘perfect’ that move for years and it never works the way she wants and she always gets hurt.”

“Ho boy.” Twilight looks up in worry.

“I just need to get us up high enough,” Rainbow says. “fifty feet should do it.”

“Hah! This move of yours will fail! With the damage sustained, you’ll just be killing yourself.”

“Heh, then I guess I'll have add another twenty feet so that if this fails at least I’ll take you with me.”

“What?!”

“Here we go!” she arched her back and barreled for the ground.

“You are loco! Muy loco!”

“I get that a lot, better hope your energy can protect you otherwise there's going to be one heck of a splat!”

He looked and saw them getting closer and closer to the ground. He quickly put all his energy into shielding himself before his captive tossed him, sending him crashing to the ground.

“Darn it!” Rainbow shouted while pulling up. “It didn’t work again!”

Ahuitzotl lay unconscious against the arena, leaving many to wonder what she was trying to achieve.

“Wooh, that was close.” Smiled Applejack breathing calmer.

Rainbow was declared the winner, but limped back with the others as if she’d lost. “Another flop.”

“What do you mean? You won.” Spoke Twilight.

“I mean my move! There was supposed to be a rainbow like sonicboom that adds flash to the crash.” Rainbow plopped down in a seat with a huff.

“That’s it?”

“It's complicated Twilight I’ll explain later right now, could someone get me a medic? Ouch.” Rainbow winced.

“I’m on it.” Pinkie ran off.

While the doctor looked over Rainbow Dash, the tournament got through another round which actually was more like twin salesmen making a pitch until they were thrown out.

“You can’t do this to the Flim Flam brothers.” spoke the one with a mustache.

“Yeah. We were making a great offer and at a reasonable price.” Spoke the one with no peach fuzz.

“You two are holding up the tournament.” Shining Armor pushed them out. “If you want to make sales, do it like everyone else. You're disqualified, now get out.”

“Come brother, we’ll show off our amazing product somewhere else.” Huffed the mustache one.

“How those two got passed the preliminary rounds is a mystery in its own right.” the captain shook his head. “Hey Twilight, how's Rainbow?”

“Still mad she couldn’t do her flashy move, but if she takes it easy, her muscles should heal up in no time.”

“Twilight, aren’t you going to introduce us to your dashing brother?” Rarity smiled at him.

“Shining Armor, these are the girls I’ve met ever since I got here, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and you already know about Rainbow Dash.”

“A pleasure to meet you captain.” Rarity fluttered her eyelashes.

“Any friend of Twilights is a friend of mine, and my girlfriend’s.”

Rarity deflated at the last part. Yet Twilight went stiff.

“You have a girlfriend!? When were you planning on telling me this?!”

“E-Easy Twilight!” He held up his hands. “I was gonna make it a surprise after the tournament and figured it would be a bigger reveal, but the situation here… well surprise!”

“I think you should go back to your seat big brother BEFORE I PUNCH YOU THROUGH THE WALL!” Twilight brought out her energy for emphasis of her rage.

Shining Armor grew nervous and turned before bolting, lest he suffer Twilight’s wrath. “Man, she’s scary sometimes.”

“Easy Twi, deep breaths.” Spike said trying to calm her down. “Try not to let it get to you.”

She sighed and let herself relax. “Just great, now I'm gonna have to get acquainted with future in laws.”

“Maybe the girl’s really nice.” Spoke Fluttershy.

“It just makes me so mad! We use to be so close now he hardly tells me anything!”

“How? I mean, you’re the student of the grand master and he’s the captain of her guard. If anything, you two should be closer than before.”

“I have no idea.” Twilight slumped.

“Applejack of Ponyville against Vinyl Scratch.” Celestia announced.

A white skinned girl with cobalt and cyan hair stood from her seat giving a thumbs up to Applejack.

“Who’s she?” Asked Twilight.

“The town DJ. Girls got an ear for sound.” Rainbow explained.

Applejack walked out with said DJ putting a pair of headphones over her ears.

“Guess she wouldn’t hear me if I wished her luck.” Remarked Applejack to herself.

The two walked into the arena and waited for the fight to start. Vinyl channeled her energy and from how concentrated at her hands. Her types was made clear.

“So she is a Unicorn,” Twilight examined.

“Yeah. In the preliminaries she blasted her opponent out of the ring.” Spike added.

“Ready, BEGIN!”

Vinyl breathed deep, cupping her hands around her mouth and screamed, creating a sonic attack. It hit Applejack who tried covering her ears from the volume of it.

“I heard of loud mouths, but this is crazy!” Twilight plugged her ears with her fingers.

Applejack gritted her teeth and keep her feet planted on the ground while trying to push against the waves of sound.

Once she got close, Vinyl went silent and side stepped.

Applejack stumbled forward and almost fell.

Vinyl got behind her and attacked again. But due to the closer ranger, Applejack got hit with it worse since she didn’t cover her ears in time as well as getting blown aways away. To stop herself she buried her feet in the ring for traction.

‘Dang it! If I don’t do somethin and fast, I’m gonna get shot out of here!’

Celestia created a barrier to block out the high decibels.

“Thank you Grandmaster, I thought my ears were gonna start bleeding.” Spoke the guard captain.

“Quite a clever girl, using her energy around her hands to increase her voices volume like an amplifier, but even this has a devastating flaw.”

Vinyl’s scream continued until her lungs burned for oxygen. She started to stop screaming which Applejack noticed.

“Yeah! Now I got it.” the blonde turned and ran at Vinyl. “Come on ya screamin’ banshee, give me your best shot!”

Vinyl saw Applejack run at her and her eyes widened as the girl got in close with her right fist glowing with her energy. The alabaster girl put more powers into her next attack.

Applejack dug her feet into the ground and grinned while covering her ears. “That's it, you just keep on screamin’ yer head off!”

“Looks like Applejack figured it.” said Celestia.

“Figured what out?” asked Shining Armor.

“The more Vinyl screams, the more she deprives her body of air, And the less air she takes in, the sooner her body and a mind will give out.”

Vinyl kept screaming while Applejack waited. She could see Vinyl start to feel the effects of her own attack before she started coughing and dropped to her knees.

‘Wouldn’t be very sportin’ to take her out like this, I'll just let her catch her breath for a minute.’

After nearly loading her lunch, Vinyl pulled off her headphones and got back to her feet.

“Gotta remember to breath Vinyl.” Applejack quipped taking a stance. “Now get yourself ready.”

The girl nodded before getting into a basic stance.

Applejack ran at her with the energy at her legs giving a boost of speed. She swung her leg up and aimed it towards Vinyl’s face, but was blocked by one hand. She punched with the other and this time landed its mark at AJ’s abdomen and pushed her back.

“Looks like you still got some fight left in ya. Okay then, ah'll get serious!” Spoke the farm girl. She ran to Vinyl, but quickly diverted most of her energy to her arms and legs.

The Dj inhaled some air to try another scream. But to keep that from happening AJ, struck at her throat. She gasped and stumbled back while trying to get her air while AJ lunged in right up at her. And kicked her side making her stumble some more until her feet came to the edge.

“Off ya go.” Applejack poked Vinyl’s forehead, making the girl fall out of the ring.

“Applejack wins!”

“Well… that’ wasn’t so hard.” Remarked Applejack as she headed back to the girls.

“Wonder when Vinyl came up with that trick?” Rainbow’s ears were still ringing.

“What!” Yelled Pinkie rubbing her ears.

“Only one more fight in the first round, who’s left?”

“Those two.” Spike pointed to a girl in purple gi with silver hair and light blue skin and a someone in a cloak who was standing at the back. The blue one’s named Trixie Lulamoon, and the other ones-”

“Zecora!” the girls gasped.

“Who’s she?” Asked Twilight.

“Creepy voodoo witchdoctor who lives in a tree in the forest.” Pinkie whispered. “Or as I like to call her, she’s an evil enchantress, she’ll put you in a trance!”

“Uh huh.” Twilight looked at the other girls. “Are you sure about all that?”

“All she does is live in the forest by herself, and some have said about curses she’ll put on anyone who wander around her land.” Spoke Rainbow.

“Zecora of the Everfree Forest against Trixie Lulamoon.”

“Prepare to lose to the great and powerful Trixie!” the silver haired girl declared.

“Big words from your mouth, your moral compass must often face South.” she smirked at Trixie.

“She also rhymes,” Spoke Fluttershy hiding behind Rarity. “All the time.”

Zecora looked to them. “I can hear all that you speak, my ears are far from weak.”

“Ah! See what I mean? She’s an evil enchantress-” started Pinkie before Rarity covered her mouth.

“Know that I look forward to meeting you on the battlefield, if only to make your insults yield.”

“I, the great and powerful Trixie won’t sweat a drop in this fight.” Grinned Trixie.

The the two walked out with Zecora keeping on her cloak.

“Ready, BEGIN!”

“You may have the first move, it's clear you came with something to prove.”

“That was your first mistake.” Trixie’s energy moved out of her body and down around her arms and legs. She swung her arm to punch her, but her fist passed right through the woman before she faded away.

“She vanished?” Spoke Twilight.

“AHHHHH! SHE’S A GHOST!” Pinkie screamed in horror.

“Where’d she go?’ Trixie looked around.

“Did she leave the arena?” Applejack questioned.

“No.” Fluttershy said with her eyes closed. “I can hear her cloak, but…. it's sounds like it's everywhere.”

“Where are you!” Trixie called.

“There’s no need to shriek,” Zecora spoke after appearing behind Trixie who jumped in surprise. “I was merely showing my after image technique.”

“Duh,” Twilight slapped her forehead. “of course it was an after image.”

“Well let the great and powerful Trixie show you her kick!” She raised her foot before launching it at Zecora. However like before it only went through her and she disappeared again. “Quit hiding and fight me!”

“Okay I'm lost,” Rarity scratched her head “where is she? She can’t be in the ring.”

“She is, I can hear her.” Spoke Fluttershy.

“And your ears don’t lie Fluttershy. Look at the ring, you can see small clouds of dust being kicked up.” Twilight pointed. “She’s moving at such a high speed that she’s invisible to the naked eye.”

“Still doesn’t change the fact she gives me the creeps.” Spoke Rainbow.

“Oh wow, not even you can run as fast as she is Rainbow.” Fluttershy listened. “Even my ears can barely keep up with her.”

Rainbow frowned hearing that while Trixie kept whipping her head around, trying to find Zecora.

‘After image, she must be fast to pull that one off, but if I try and find her with my ears instead of my eyes….’ Trixie closed her eyes and focused. ‘...where are you.’

She slowly honed in on the sound of feet with them all around her.

‘Wait….wait….THERE!’ Trixie held out her foot, tripping the women into the ground. “Hah! The great and powerful Trixie has found a flaw in your technique!”

Zecora growled and jumped to her feet.

“You run in a pattern as you move, but that cloak of yours makes you easy to detect. Even a novice could have found you.”

“You talk a big game, but your own fighting is lame.” the woman replied. “And yet I can’t deny you are right, this garment will only hinder my ability to fight.”

“So now you’re going to show yourself? Good, I want to see your face when the great and powerful Trixie crushes you.”

Zecora reached for her hood and pulled it back, revealing her Gray skin with a black and white mohawk, gold earrings, several gold rings around her neck and strong cyan eyes. She pulled off her cloak to show her outfit made from animal pelts.

“My word! T-Those colors and style! I feel faint.” Spoke Rarity.

“A zebra style fighter? Here in Equestria.” Twilight blinked.

“Ready to lose now?” Grinned Trixie with her fists up.

“Victory will be sweet once you have tasted defeat.” Zecora released her energy, but unlike most fighters, it formed into rings around her arms, legs, and body.

“What can a zebra style fighter do?” Asked Spike to his sister.

“Well for one, those rings can be used in many ways like form into strips that can be used as rope, or hardened into staffs, Zebras are also known to concentrate their energy with pinpoint accuracy.”

“So in short, they’re dangerous warriors.” Spoke Applejack.

“Again I allow you to go first, it does not mean the rights outcome will be reversed.”

Trixie grinned before crouching and lunging at Zecora, however the rings at her legs shaped into spirals which acted as springs to help her jump high in the air.

Trixie looked up and saw Zecora start spinning forward into the air like a ball that headed towards the girl. She quickly acted, forming a barrier in front of her and pushing it to bash her away.

Zecora bounced back, but stopped spinning and used the stripes to spring her forward again and straight at Trixie.

“Look out Trixie!” Pinkie Pie screamed.

Trixie tried forming another barrier, but Zecora broke through before it was done and rammed into the girl’s gut. The impact coupled with the backlash from her barrier being broken doubled the pain.

“She’s down.” Rainbow clenched her fists.

Trixie fell on her back and groaned while Zecora stood back up.

“Give up while you can, this fight was over before it began.” Zecora crossed her arms.

“T-The great and powerful….Trixie will not quit.” Groaned the girl. She got to her feet and took a stance. “I will fight!”

“You are stubborn this is true, but now… I bid you adieu.” Zecora Springs off for another charge, but Trixie leaned out of the way and kicks her in the back, making her lose balance and stumble out of the ring.

“And Trixie is the winner!”

“WAHOO, WAIT TO GO TRIXIE! YOU BEAT HER!” Pinkie jumped up and down.

“Eat it Zecora!” Rainbow chuckled.

Trixie soaked in the praise from the crowds while Zecora glared at the girl and the two others. She went around the ring and retrieved her cloak.

“Alright now Zebra, run along now, shoo, shoo.” Rarity waved her hands.

Zecora narrowed her eyes and put her her cloak back on. She stormed over to the window with a hand raised.

“Eep! Don’t curse me!” Fluttershy hid behind Applejack who went on the defensive.

“I am leaving while I still have my dignity,” Zecora pointed to them all. “but know that none of you will never again have my sympathy.” She turned and walked out of the ring with a scowl on her face.

“Uh, guys? Maybe you went a little overboard.” Spoke Twilight.

“Yeah that was really uncool.” Spike shook his head.

“Hey! She’s nothing but bad news, we were doing what was best.” Spoke Rainbow.

“Trixie!” Pinkie ran over and hugged the blue girl. “You were super duper out there.”

“Unhand me!” Trixie shouted and pushed the girl away. “The great and powerful Trixie will not associate with the enemy until after she has won this tournament, humph!” the girl walked away with her nose in the air.

Pinkie felt tears in her eyes at Trixie’s coldness while the others felt anger and disgust.

“Still think she’s better than Zecora?” Asked Spike with a deadpanned expression.

The woman in question walked away from the arena shedding tears while her heart slowly started to break.

chapter 4

After the first round ended, the contestants left the stadium.

Rainbow winced in pain from a bruise on her side as she walked the street with the other girls. “Dang! That Ahuitzotl creep really did a number on me.”

“I’d be careful, your neck might go out of place if you don’t watch it.” spoke Spike.

“With injuries as severe as those, I think it best you pulled out of the tournament.” Twilight spoke.

“Hah! Not happening, I still need to show you we Ponyville residents can beat anyone.” Boasted Rainbow. “I just need to get some Bomba Herb from Doctor Horse and I’ll be fine.”

“Reminds me of the time you dared me to see who could handle more.” Spoke Applejack with a grin. “Last time ah checked, ah won.”

“Bomba Herb? What’s that?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Sounds like something you put in a salad.” Spike remarked.

“It's a really really really really hot herb!” Spoke Pinkie. “It helps someone get healed up real fast! But it tastes too spicy and hot!”

“There’s the clinic now!” Rarity pointed to an upcoming building. “Ladies, I think these two see how effective Bomba Herb can be.”

“Heh, if it’s really hot, I can handle it.” Grinned Spike.

Fluttershy opened the door so Rainbow Dash could enter.

“Yo doc, you here?” Rainbow called out. “I need to get my hands on some of that Bomba Herb.”

A man with light amber skin with brown hair walked out with a doctor’s coat on. “Goodness!” he ran around the counter to look her over. “What happened?”

“Got into one heck of a fight and my body’s killing me.” She grunted rotating her arm.

“It was more like she was dangled upside down by her ankles and got beaten like a punching bag.” Said Spike

“I was thinking more like a ragdoll.” Spoke Pinkie.

“Thank you!” Rainbow cut them off and looked back to the doctor. “I just need a little Bomba Herb.”

“Mmmm, sorry, but I can’t get you any of that.” Replied the doctor. “My supply is nearly depleted and I need to save what I can for my more seriously injured patients, it’s... unlikely I'll ever have any more.”

“What? How come?” Asked Applejack.

“Well, you see, the thing is,”the doctor scratched his neck. “I get all my Bomba Herb… from Zecora.”

“ZECORA!” they exclaimed.

“Oh no.” spoke Fluttershy slightly shaking.

“Yes she brought it to my clinic one day saying it would help, I was hesitant at first, but in desperation to save a patient's life, I took the chance and I have been using it ever since. Normally Zecora brings me jars full of the herb that last a whole month, but today when I asked for some as she passed by she screamed at me, saying that she was cutting me off.”

Twilight turned to the girls. “Mind explaining why a so called woman like her, who apparently spreads curses, would willingly give medicine to this place?”

“We didn’t know.” Applejack spoke up “We always thought you grew it Doc.”

“No,” Doctor Horse I never told anyone where it came from because, I was afraid of how people would react.”

“Like it was too crazy to hear cause she’s apparently dark and evil?” Spoke Twilight while glancing at the girls.

They started feeling awkward under her gaze and looked away or shrunk back.

“Alright alright!” Spoke Rainbow. “We might have…..gotten ahead of ourselves. Doc if you can spare just one herb we think we can get Zecora to hook you up with more.”

“Sorry Rainbow, but those herbs are needed for some serious patients after I just got a call. I need every one of those for them. You’re just going have to try and deal with it another way. I do have some muscle cream you could try out, but it takes some time to really kick in.”

“Alright,” Rainbow sighed lowering her head. “Can you tell us where she lives?”

“Sorry, I can’t. She always came to me.” Horse replied. He turned and walked to the cabinet before reaching in and grabbing a jar of the cream. “It’s well known that she lives in the forest, but no one knows exactly where she lives.”

“Just great.” Groaned Rainbow before accepting the container.

“The forest is extremely large, we’ll be searching for hours.” Rarity whined.

“Not to mention all the monsters, dark trees, and spooky sounds.” Spoke Pinkie listing off her fingers.

“Maybe I should stay here and… um… help Doctor Horse.” Fluttershy turned and was about to walk away.

“Hold on there.” Spoke Applejack grabbing the back of her gi. “We need as much manpower as possible, and that Pansy Shield of yours might come in handy.”

“Yeah, and it’s not like the monsters are big enough to eat you with their giant teeth.” Pinkie bit down to emphasis.

“Alright girls let's get going.” Twilight pointed at the door. “We have a lot of forest to cover.”

They walked out with Applejack dragging Fluttershy who looked ready to run under a rock.

“Wow!” Spike looked in awe. “Living in the city, you don't normally see this many trees.”

“Yup! If you’re not careful, you could end up lost in there forever and ever.” Spoke Pinkie with a smile.

“Pinkie Pie!” Applejack scolded. “Don’t go scaring the little fella.”

“I’m not scared.” Spoke Spike with a frown. “I could go in there blindfolded and come back out no problem.”

“Let's just get going, I need to get me some some Bomba Herb.” Rainbow urged. “This muscle cream isn’t doing much at all.”

“We don’t even know which way to look.” Spoke Twilight.

“Fluttershy, be a dear and see if you can spot something from the air.” Rarity instructed. “We can’t have Rainbow exacerbating her injuries.”

“Um...uh….alright….” Fluttershy brought her energy out and slowly flapped up into the air. She looked around and saw little to nothing but trees before her gaze fell in something, “I see some kind of tower over there. It looks really far away though.”

“Then that’s the way we go.” Spoke Applejack.

“Spike stay close okay?” Twilight looked down at her little brother.

“Don’t worry Twilight, if anything comes out, I can take them.” He grinned as he followed them into the forest.

“Don’t get a big head Spike, otherwise you’ll end up like Rainbow.” She muttered the last part.

The seven youths trekked through the forest. Rarity was trying her best to avoid all things icky and slimy.

“You know, it’s just mud. It’ll wash off.” Spoke Twilight with a deadpanned expression.

“I would have thought the pupil of the grand master would be more accustomed to things being clean and tidy.” Rarity jumped over a puddle and shivered.

“A true fighter deals with sweat and blood in the harshest of training, so obviously I wouldn’t worry over this.” Twilight rolled her eyes while only trekking through mud if she couldn’t walk around it.

“Rarity only fights to show off her outfits.” Rainbow said. “That's why she's not so upset about being disqualified.”

“To me, a great fighter should look their best while in battle.” Smiled Rarity with pride. “That’s why I make sure all clothing made by me is perfect for fights while looking splendid!”

“Hopefully Rover got that message.” Pinkie skipped.

“Why do you fight anyway?” Asked Twilight. “You don’t exactly strike me as the sorta person who would wanna hurt people.”

“I like to make people smile, and laugh, so I do tricks in my fights to put a smile on the crowds-” she stopped.

“What is it?” Asked Twilight.

“My knee feels twitchy.” she looked around.

“So?”

The the other girls became defencive and looked around nervously.

“What are you all doing? I don’t hear anything nearby.” She spoke looking around the trees.

“Never underestimate Pinkie's senses Twilight, you'll live longer.” Applejack spoke keeping her guard up.

“RROOOAAAARR!” A manticore came running at them.

“See?” Spoke the farm girl before getting in a fighting stance.

“Fluttershy, Shield!” Rainbow called.

“But Rainbow Dash-”

“ROOAAAR!” The beast cried out before raising its claw.

“EEK!” she covered her eyes and channeled her energy before creating her Pansy Shield. The claw hit against the shield and bounced off harmlessly.

“Now hit it!” Rainbow called.

Fluttershy though kept the shield up as the Manticore kept hitting at it in anger.

“Ugh, Fluttershy!” Rainbow groaned. “You need to hit him!”

“I got it!” Applejack charged and kicked the manticore in the side. It reeled back a little before launching its scorpion tail at the girl.

“Woah there!” Applejack jumped back while the tail embedded itself in the ground.

“HIYA!” Pinkie lands a blow to its head. It reeled back a little while Pinkie struck a pose. “Taste the power of Pinkie Power!”

Fluttershy opened her eyes and watched the manticore stumble to the ground before noticing something and dropped her shield. She started walking towards the creature as it let out a growl.

“Fluttershy! don’t-” Spike tried calling out, but he was cut off as it lunged at her.

Instead of bringing out her shield, she grabbed it's paw before flipping it in the air and on its back. It groaned before Fluttershy jumped up and landed on its stomach.

Spike and Twilight's jaws dropped from the sight.

Fluttershy moved her other hand to the pew and pulled out a thorn. The creature let out a surprised growl before slowly calming down as Fluttershy started rubbing his belly. “There now, all better.”

“Since when can she do that?” Asked Twilight in surprise.

“Fluttershy can be a pretty good fighter, when she wants to.” Applejack smiled. “She’s just too darn timid to fight in a serious competition.”

Said girl smiled as the manticore started purring from her rubbing. “Have to go now, but from now on stay away from thorns.” She climbed off its belly and patted its head.

After getting back on its feet the creature walked away.

Fluttershy turned around, coming face to face with a frowning Rainbow Dash who tapped her finger on her arm. “Uh, hi?”

“Fluttershy, if I were anyone else I would have given up on you years ago.” Rainbow tried speaking calmly. “But after seeing that, now I remember why I’m so firm and trying to make sure you learn how to fight.”

“That was splendid darling.” Smiled Rarity.

“Yeah, yeah, she did fine, can we move on?” Rainbow shook her head and turned to continue. “Unbelievable.”

“Sheesh, impatient.” Twilight muttered as they resumed walking. The lavender girl looked back to the disheartened Fluttershy every now and then looked back to Rainbow Dash with a glare while walking up next to her with spike. “Okay Rainbow, I wanna know, why are you so mean to fluttershy?”

“From where you come from, it might seem like I’m being some kind of bully, right?” Frowned Rainbow. “Well get that out of your head now, I'm her mentor.”

“You? A mentor?” Spike laughed. “That's hilarious.”

“Hey! I'm a great mentor.” Rainbow shot back.

“Well a real mentor would actually be glad to see her do that move.”

“It's not the first time she’s done something like that. She can take down a fully grown bear just to work out the knots in its back, literally.” replied Rainbow. “She needs to learn how to be more confident whenever she goes out walking, not when she’s in danger. Better people than me have tried teaching her to fight, but they eventually lost patients. The kids at Cloudsdale made a game out of throwing rocks at her to try getting past her shield.”

“What?!” Twilight gasped. “T-That’s sick!”

“Yeah, so I pounded them, and took Fluttershy under my wing. For over eight years I’ve been trying to get her to fight, but she just freezes up. All her other masters gave up around eight weeks, not me though. I know she can do better, she just needs the right push.”

“That’s pretty different compared to how you usually act.” Remarked Spike.

“I do everything in my power to help those I care about, especially fluttershy. I’d never leave her hanging.”

“Is it just me, or did it get darker?” Spoke Rarity in a nervous tone looking around at the trees and sky.

“Use your threads to cut through this foliage.” Rainbow pointed around.

“I’ll try.” She manifested her threads and sent them flying out to the trees. She clapped her hands and branches broke away letting the sunlight shine in and opening a path. “Much better.”

“Nice work Rarity.” Twilight said walking through the opening. “Hopefully we’re almost-” the girl gasped and stared up. In front of her was a large structure built like a castle.

“Wow! Look at the size of that.” Spoke Pinkie.

“This must be Celestia’s old monastery.” Applejack gazed up in wonder.

“You mean the one with the Heretic Master trapped inside?” Fluttershy shivered.

“We might have gone the wrong way.” Remarked Rainbow. “But… I say we take a look inside.”

“Eeep!” Jumped Fluttershy who hid behind Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash have some respect. This is a sacred place.” the brainiac spoke “Grandmaster Celestia would have a fit if she found out we trespassed.”

“So don’t tell her, don’t you want to see the place your master trained?”

Twilight was silent as she mulled it over before shaking her head. “No! A true student does not venture where they’re not allowed. Let’s just turn around and search somewhere else.”

“Okay you do that.” Rainbow ran to the building and smashed the rusted lock on the door to bits with her bare hand. “I on the other hand am gonna take a quick peek at this Heretic Master.”

“I can’t believe she just did that!” Twilight squeaked. “Grandmaster Celestia will have our heads!”

“Woah! Hey come on guys, you gotta see this place!” Rainbow called.

Pinkie walked in and gasped. “This place is amazing!”

“Girls! The grandmaster said we’re not allowed in there.” Twilight tried hoping they see reason.

“Technically, she didn’t, she just said she closed it.” Applejack pointed out becoming intrigued herself and walked to the door. “A little peek won't hurt none, as long as we don’t touch nothin’”

“Rarity! Talk some sense into them.” Pleaded Twilight.

“Would you look at the stitching on those tapestries!” Pinkie cried.

“Stitching?” Rarity ran into the door. “Oh, my, stars.”

“Oh come on!” Groaned Twilight. “Ugh, I just know I'm gonna get yelled at for this later.” Twilight said to Fluttershy.

“Y-You mean you’re going in there?”

“Beats waiting for them out here in the open.” Twilight gulped and started walking.

Fluttershy gulped and looked around before running inside.

Twilight closed her eyes and walked with spike at her side. She waited until her fear fell in stone and opened her eyes slowly. The inside was dark and spacious with the girls spread out and looking around. Yet twilight found herself captivated by the elegance of it. “If these wall could only speak.” Twilight gazed around putting a hand to her chest.

“They’d probably say ‘Clean us! Clean us!’” Spoke Pinkie hopping into a stone throne with a sun on it. “Mhhh. Comfy!”

“That must be Grandmaster Celestia’s old throne!” Twilight cried out.

“Really, then who’s is this?” Pinkie pointed to the empty throne next to it with the back broken off along with half the crescent moon carving.

“That must have belonged to...Luna.” Twilight walked up with a thoughtful look. “But why would she have a seat next to the Grandmaster?”

“Oooh! Ooh! I know!” Spoke Pinkie waving her hand up and down.

“You do? How? What?”

“Well, either Luna was secretly Celestia’s wife or she was her student.” Pinkie spoke.

“Okay, the second is unlikely being that she was a Master, but the first…..what!?”

“Or she was someone close to Celestia, but not that close.”

“But where is she?” Rainbow questioned. “I wanna see that Heretic before we get going.”

“How about we just leave before we accidentally break anything.” Spoke Twilight.

“We won’t because we’re not gonna touch anything, Pinkie get off the throne, Rarity let go of the rag.”

“Rag!” the alabaster girl exclaimed with wide eyes. “This tapestry is master craftsmanship. I'm already getting inspiration for my next line.”

“Whatever, just come on!” Rainbow walked down a corridor.

“I gotta say, this place would look great with some sprucin’ up.” Spoke Applejack as the walked through the halls.

“I can only imagine what it looked like in its prime.” Fluttershy smiled looked around.

“The parties in this place had to have been kickin’!” Pinkie pumped her fists in the air as she walked backwards.

“Seriously girls! We should get out of here, now!” Spoke Twilight. “Spike back me up!”

“Are you kidding! I wanna see more of this place.”

“Hey guys, look.” Rainbow Dash pointed to a pair of large doors with a sun on the left and a moon on the right, down another hallway. “AJ can you help me get them open?”

“Sure ah can.” The farm girl replied.

The two went up and pushed on the door.

“Don’t hurt yourself Rainbow.” Said Fluttershy in concern.

“Use your legs darlings.” Spoke Rarity.

*creak*

“It's startin’... to budge.” Applejack grunted. “Push harder Rainbow.”

“I...AM.” The cyan girl ignored the pain in her muscles.

The doors slowly opened and the two gasped when they looked inside.

“Golly!”

“Woah!”

The rest looked inside and their eyes widened. Inside was a training hall with weapons on the wall and manikins with armor, but at the center was a sphere of light with a dark, winged silhouette inside.

“Oh no.” squeaked Twilight. “We actually found it.”

“The Heretic Master.” Rainbow Dash walked inside and gulped as she got closer.

“Frozen in mid attack, in a bubble of the Grandmaster’s own energy.” Twilight frowned. She ran over and grabbed Rainbow’s shoulder. “We’re leaving, now.”

“Twilight, chill. She’s been here for ten years,” Rainbow pushed the hand off. “It's not gonna kill us just to look.”

“Uh, just to be sure, I’m gonna go wait outside.” Spoke Spike turning and speed walking out of the room.

“Look at her,” Applejack walked around the bubble. “Her form is flawless.”

“Those wings are almost as big as Celestia’s.” Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow Dash and held her arm. “But maybe we should listen to Twilight and leave.”

“You think she can even see us?” pinkie waved her hand in front of the bubble. “Or even hear us? Hey! You in there!”

“Ah doubt it, the energy looks pretty thick. But, if that were the case ah’d feel sorry for her.” Applejack frowned. “Imagine what it would be like frozen like that, conscious to ever thing goin’ on around you and just…. stuck there. That sounds like fate worse than death.”

“Yeah, a big shame, so sorry to leave, but we need to get out of here, NOW.” spoke Twilight trying to drag Pinkie out of the room.

“Alright Twilight keep your Gi on, we’re coming.” Rainbow replied.

“I wonder where Celestia hid the Elements of Harmony?” Pinkie looked around. “Oh well, maybe on our next visit.” the pink girl put her hands behind her head.

“No way. We found her, and I don’t want to push our luck looking all over the monastery for the things that did this to her.” Spoke Twilight.

“Don’t worry darling, we’ll leave and hopefully find Zecora’s home.” Spoke Rarity.

After walking outside Twilight sighed in relief. “I swear if you five don’t kill me, Master Celestia will.

“Like she’ll ever know.” Shrugged Rainbow.

“I'm sorry girls.” Fluttershy lowered her head. “It’s my fault we're here.”

“Don’t sweat it Flutters I would have made the same mistake.” Rainbow Dash patted the timid girls back.

“Uh, girls?” Spoke Spike.

“Yeah Spike?” Twilight looked at him.

“We were in there longer than I thought.” He remarked pointing out to the setting sun.

“Uh oh, we better to find Zecora and quick.” Applejack spoke. “I don’t want to be out here come nightfall.”

“But which way do we go?” Asked Rarity.

“Fluttershy, try looking around from the air again.” Said Rainbow.

“But...” she looked hesitant. “What if-”

“So you messed up once, big deal.” the cyan girl Spoke. “You can’t make things any worse at this point.”

“Alright.” She nodded and brought her wings back out before flying up to the air. She looked around and noticed some smoke billowing in the air not too far off between the monastery and the town. “That way, I see smoke.”

“Let’s go, book it.” Spoke Rainbow before they sprinted back into the forest.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Spike remarked to his sister.

“It's okay Spike, all we have to do is apologize and we’ll be fine. To tell you the truth, I’m a little interested in this Bomba Herb.”

“And if need be, we’ll take it.” Spoke Rainbow.

“You wanna steal from a witchdoctor, are you loco in the coco?!” Pinkie cried out. “If you get cursed, can I have your Gis? Ooh! And maybe your trophies?”

“Pinkie, for the last time. There are no-” Twilight stopped her tirade and looked forward. At the strange hut built around a large tree. “Witchdoctors.”

“See? Told you.” Grinned Rainbow.

“Well….I must say say she has an….. Interesting taste in architecture.” Rarity gulped.

“See? Evil enchantress.” Spoke Pinkie. “There's even a bubbling cauldron over a fire.”

“Let get this over with…. You go knock on the door Twilight.”

“Why me? You wanted us to come out here, so you do it.” She spoke with her arms crossed.

“Well…. you were the only one who didn’t do anythin’, so she might talk to you.”

“Ughhh, alright.” she relented. “But you all have to apologize.”

“Fine.” huffed Rainbow.

Twilight walked up to the door apprehensively and gave a knock. She heard some footsteps and saw the door open by Zecora who frowned seeing her. “Zecora, we-”

*SLAM*

Twilight reeled back from the door slamming shut. She turned to the girls. “I think one of you should come up here.”

Rainbow marched up and beat her fist on the door. “Zecora! We know you give Doctor Horse the Bomba Herb! We need some now, especially me!”

“No Bomba Herb shall I give ever again! You will just have to live with your pain!” She roared.

Rainbow growled and looked ready to bring her power out.

“Woah now Rainbow.” Applejack grabbed her shoulder. “That won’t do nothin but make her madder.”

“Maybe you should, I don’t know, apologize.” Spoke Twilight.

“Yeah, your right. Zecora, look we're really sorry we made you and and said all them nasty words.”

The door was yanked opened. “You people all think my worth is less than dirt. Do you have any idea how badly your words can hurt?!”

They jumped back with Spike gulping and trying. “Uh, Zecora?”

She looked down to the boy.

“I know what they said was beyond rude, really if I was you I’d probably set up traps.” He sighed. “But they acted like that because just like everyone, people jump right to fear about things they don’t know. Take me for example, when I was growing up, people didn’t know if I was gonna be a bad dragon like the ones at the tournament, or some brainiac like Twilight. That made me feel distant and a little bit alone amongst them.”

“I see you understand my feelings, but I still refuse to make any more dealings.” she stepped out and went over to the cauldron and formed a staff from her energy to stir at the green, bubbling concoction.

“I get that, and again, you have every single right to be mad. But I have news for you, when we found out what you did with all the other Bomba Herbs, that helped open their eyes. You could tell that they were confused and didn’t know what to make of you. That shows that all the rumors and what they thought you were, was nothing but lies because they didn’t know the real you.”

“The wounds are still very deep. Now I suggest you all leave and get your beauty sleep.” She looked back to the cauldron with the girls sighing.

“Well before we go,” pinkie pulled out a straw and slurped the substance in the pot. “Hmm, not bad.”

Zecora stared with wide eyes before covering her mouth as she giggled which soon grew to such intensity that she had to hold her sides and point to Pinkie.

“Uh, what’s so funny? Did you forget to add spices?” Asked the pink skinned girl before gasping. “Was that some kinda poison! Am I gonna turn green! WHAT DO I DO!”

“There is no need to be in such a quandary,” She summoned her staff again. “But you see what you were slurping is my Laundry.” Zecora pull a pair of pants out out of the pot.

“Ew!” the girls plus Spike grimaced.

Pinkie blinked before smacking her lips. “Yup, now I taste the soap. Pardon me.” She ran to a bush and emptied the contents of her stomachs behind it.

“EW!” The group grimaced with Spike looking green like his hair.

“AHAHAHAHAHA!” Zecora dropped to her knees and beat on the ground with her fists.

“Don’t taste the stew.” Groaned Pinkie walking back over while holding her stomach.

“You funny one have made me glad,” Zecora stood up. “No longer do I feel the slightest bit mad.”

“Well I do like to make people laugh.” Spoke Pinkie before groaning. “One sec.” She ran back and the others grimaced.

“So…. Can we have some Bomba Herb?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Zecora tapped her chin while the others held their breath. “I suppose I must or I'll feel rather crumby, but first let's see to you friends retching tummy.”

They nodded as they lead Pinkie inside.

“Wow you got a lot of plants in here.” said Spike. “Are they for other medicine?”

“Everyone believes I am about voodoo and chants, but in truth my life revolves around plants.”

“Ooooooh, now I understand!” Twilight spoke up. “Your a Herbalist.”

“Medicine is but one thing I work with, but people tend to see my skills like dark magic from myth.” the Zebra style fighter grabbed a few plants, grounded them up in a bowl, and added water. She stirred it up and handed the bowl to Pinkie. “Ingest this mix and your ailment it will fix.”

“Alright.” she gulped before pouring the bowl's contents into her mouth. She grimaced and made several faces before dropping to the ground. Once she stopped she blinked and felt her stomach settle.

“Wow, that stuff tasted bleh, but I feel all better!”

“Speaking of feeling better,” Rainbow spoke up. “Can I get some Bomba Herb now? These bandages itch like crazy.”

“I have the herbs you desire, but a sincere apology is what I require.”

Rainbow sighed. “Okay, I'm woman enough admit that I may have jumped the gun when I thought you were a witch doctor.”

“Go on, you're not yet done.” Smiled the Zebra fighter.

“I made a mistake and I take full responsibility for it.” Spoke Rainbow with a sigh. “You can stop me at any time.”

“Alright cream puff, I think you suffered enough.” Zecora smirked.

Rainbow glowered at the comment while Zecora walked off to a large a chest and pulled out a jar of small red herbs with black edges.

“Yes! Bomba Herbs!” Rainbow grinned.

“Those little things?” Spike seemed sceptical.

“They don’t seem very impressive.” Twilight added.

“Get ready to eat those words Twilight.” Applejack grinned.

Rainbow took one and popped it in her mouth before chewing and gritted her teeth as they saw her cheeks turn a little red.

“It takes thirty seconds for the spicy taste to go down but it's worth it.” said Rarity.

Rainbow stamped her feet while looking like she was ready to bolt out of the room. She tightened her muscles and the bandages were shredded. Soon her cheeks went back to their normal color and she let out a deep breath. “Wooeee!”

“Holy moly!” Spike gawked and pointed at Rainbow Dash. “You look all better!”

“That's Bomba Herb little man, Ponyville’s miracle drug.” She grinned flexing her muscles. “Endure the spicy taste and your body gets healed up in no time.”

“Incredible!” Twilight looked over Rainbow Dash. “Most of those bruises should have take days to heal!”

“Uh, Twilight, you’re getting a little personal.” Rainbow said to the girl who was looking down the top of her Gi. “I’m not judging you, but if you wanted to look, try to be discrete about it.”

“Gah!” Twilight jumped back and was mentally kicking herself. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

“That's my sister for you,” Spike sighed “Once she sees something that interests her, common decency tends to go right out the window.”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment while the girls giggled.

“Take the rest to Doctor Horse if you please, with a promise of more next month to put him at ease.”

“Consider it done.” Spoke Rarity, “And if you ever need a new wardrobe or something patched up. I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Thanks again!” Beamed Pinkie before hugging Zecora. “I need to throw you a big party to show how great you are.”

“Um, speakin’ of showin’ can you show us the way back to town? It's kinda dark out there.” Applejack pointed out the window.

“Quite simple really, go down the path north and then east, and you will be there nearly.”

“Thanks Zecora!” they waved and made their way out of the forest and back to the clinic.

“So, what did we learn?” Teased Spike.

“Not to drink someone's laundry?” pinkie tried.

“I meant about judging someone different.” He deadpanned.

“We get it already, we jumped the gun, give it a rest.” Rainbow rolled her eyes as Fluttershy opened the door.

“Doctor horse? We're back.” the timid girl called out. “And we got the Bomba Herbs.”

“Oh thank the stars, you girls got it here just in time. There was an accident at the construction site and some of the men are badly hurt.” He spoke taking the jar. “This should get them up in no time.”

“Doctor, maybe it’s time you tell people where you get the Bomba Herb.” Twilight Spoke up. “Otherwise incidents like this might happen again.”

The doctor let out a sigh and nodded. “You’re right, it’s time people hear the truth, I should stop worrying so much and give Zecora her due.”

“Well catch ya later doc.” Spoke Applejack.

“Goodbye girls.” he waved to them.

Twilight yawned and stretched her arms “I'm gonna go home and get some sleep.”

“Ooh! I just had a great idea.” Pinkie smiled. “Slumber party at Twilight’s house!”

“Wait what?!” Twilight stared at her with wide eyes.

“You’re not gonna be in Ponyville forever so we need to have as much fun times with our new friends as possible!”

“You… you see us as friends?” the lavender girl blinked.

“Of course.” Applejack spoke. “After all we been through there ain’t no better word for it. and that’s the honest to goodness truth.”

“And coming from Applejack, who never lies, you know it's true darling.” Rarity said in agreement.

“But, we’re enemies in the tournament.”

“It’s more like rivals and we're not in the tournament right now.” Applejack pointed out. “So let's get going to Twilights.”

“But-” tried to say Twilight as the girls walked ahead of her.

They arrived at the golden oaks library while talking.

“Look this whole friends thing is still pretty new to me but from what I understand friends keep secrets, so if could you be kind enough not to mention my… indigent with Rainbow Dash at Zecora’s I’d really appreciate it.”

“Our lips our sealed.” Rarity replied.

“And under no circumstances are any of us breathe a word about the monastery.” Twilight said opening the front door. “Celestia would kill me if she found out.”

“If I found out what, Twilight?”

Twilight jumped and turned to see her master sitting in a chair in the library.

“Celestia.” Twilight squeaked with the others looking inside.