"Are you sure about this?" Rarity's voice called out from the stage, her hands planted on her hips as she looked out nervously into the bleachers where Winter, Poet, Sunset, and Pinkie were seated. Across from her on the central platform of the indoor arena, stood Twilight Sparkle, the lavender girl's hands knotting up the hem of her skirt as she looked out at their small crowd with just as much nervousness as her pale companion.

"Trust me." Came Winter's reply, his voice silky and deep as he tried to settle their nerves. "This is just a practice match, you're goal is to incapacitate your opponent, not do any harm. If at any point you feel you're actually in danger, just call and I'll come flying to stop it." His smile was visible even from the distant stage as he beamed warmly at the two roommates. "Don't worry, you're both perfectly safe. Just relax and try to have fun. You're both magicians, magic is in your blood; so try and enjoy it."

Both girls nodded nervously, slowly turning to face each other, trepidation evident on each of their slender faces. "Twilight, promise me something. Promise me that this event will just be training, and that no matter what it won't effect our relationship." Rarity said seriously, her blue eyes locking onto Twilight's violet orbs. There was a slight waver to the girl's voice, raw emotion slipping through her elegant facade.

"Rarity, you've done more for my self esteem in the past twenty four hours than anyone else has done in years. You're my best friend; I only hope you wont be too cross with me when I wipe the floor with you." Twilight said evenly, feeling her body start to relax as her instincts slowly overrode her fear. Despite the details of the situation, this was still an examination, a test; and if Twilight was good at one thing, it was tests. She used one slender finger to neatly tuck her rose bangs behind one ear so that they would be out of her way, her legs sliding slightly apart as she readied her stance.

As Twilight readied herself physically, her mind already deep into the raw testing logistics, a small smirk spread across Rarity's lips; she brushed her perfect curls out of the way, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. She certainly wasn't expecting Twilight to be so confident about this, considering that she was far bolder than her roommate and had felt more than a little anxiety; that her lavender friend could so calmly assume a ready attitude, spoke volumes about her character. In a way, Rarity could almost understand Winter's thought process when it came to this less than civil examination; each pair of roommates would get to see the other at their most raw state, what they truly were under decorum. Admittedly, it wasn't a bad idea, if a pair contrasted too harshly on a deeper level to get along, it would be better to learn that side of them now and switch rooms, then to discover it later.

Her smile only grew as she squared off against the lavender mare, resting her right hand calmly on her hip, the other left to hang loose. "Very well Twilight dearest, I was about to say the same to you. Like you, I have a reputation to uphold as the top student, so if it's a test of magic you want, then I shan't disappoint!" She continued under her breath. "Show me who you really are under all that bookish reservation."

Twilight returned her friend's competitive grin, her own eyes sparkling as she envisioned what was to come. The calm which accompanied testing for her was one thing, but the feeling which now ensnared her was something else all together; Twilight didn't know why, but she wanted this, the danger, the excitement. She breathed in deeply, feeling her magic surge through her as she readied herself. She slowly raised her right hand, violet wisps of magic trailing from it as she splayed her fingers, palm aimed at Rarity. "In the name of the house of Sparkle I accept this duel."

Rarity followed the motion, her hand reaching out across the distance towards Twilight; pale blue tendrils of magic easing around the curvature of her fingers as she repeated the contract. "In the name of the house of Diamond I accept this duel." She returned in a confident voice, eyes still locked with Twilight's. Both girls could feel their hearts beat in tandem, their breaths shallow as the sound of their breathing became the only sound to echo within the arena. Their four companions in the seats were silent as well, leaning in on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what was to transpire, their gazes mirrored by another emanating from far above them.

Standing in the far corner of the top level, concealed by shadows, was a figure with piercing red eyes; the twin orbs almost seeming to glow dimly with a deep ruby light as he watched. There was a moment of silence, an etherial stillness which seemed to echo throughout the arena; no one dared to move, not the fighters, nor the spectators, nor the shadowy observer; and then it began, the battle between two former Elements of Harmony.

"First Magic: Star Assembly!" Twilight's voice broke the silence, pervading the still air like the lick of fire coursing through oil. The purple wisps of magic which had been dancing around the magician, seemed to flow and coalesce into her waiting hand; the mist swirled in her grasp until sparks of gold erupted from within the magical orb, igniting it into a burning sun. Twilight swiftly extended her elbow, forcing the star to exit her grasp and form an orbit around her where it promptly broke apart into six separate orbs, each one growing to the rough size of a cantaloupe. The lavender magician relaxed within her orbit of stars, gently rotating the wrist of her right hand in time to the orbit, her index finger spinning lazily as she shepherded the proto-suns.

Three of the spectators were immediately on their feet. Poet applauded eagerly, bewitched by the spinning stars, and why wouldn't he be? Celestial magic was a rare gift, even by the high standards of the academy, as such it was rather exhilarating to see it in action. Sunset and Winter also rose to their feet, albeit much slower; the connection wasn't lost on them either, but as the two shared a look, it was one of concern rather than exhilaration. While both of them may share a kind of laissez faire attitude when it came to safety, the risks of setting celestial objects loose indoors was rather self-explanatory. And as for Pinkie, well, the pink girl was not among the onlookers, rather upon the materialization of Twilight's magic she had left in search of a stick long enough to roast marshmallows on.

However, when Winter showed no signs of censuring the battle, Rarity decided that she had no other choice but to face the glowing constellation. "I do say darling, that is simply one magnificent spell. I can see you must be a connoisseur of fine magic." She licked her lips, the blue tendrils of her magic slowly trailing to the ground, connected to her fingers by only the smallest thread. "While my own magic may not be quite as breathtaking as your celestial arts, I promise that it shan't disappoint."

"Second String: Diamond Marionette!" With a flourish, Rarity's extended hand shot skyward. The strands of magic trailing from her fingers hardened into nearly invisible threads, the thin strands floating gently in the air, coiling to the tune played by the pale magician's fingers. The crystalline threads writhed, slowly weaving together into the shape of a winged mannequin; the silk golem touching down on the stage softly, staring at its opponent with blank features, its joints hinged and simple. The creature held the appearance of one of those flexible dolls artists used to sketch figures, only with the addition of some rather sharp looking wings.

Rarity smiled, stepping foreword to stand beside her magical automaton, who was still connected to her by her fingertips. "So what do you think of him Twilight? I call him Tom, a bit angular and plain sure, but you know what they say about diamonds in the rough." She chuckles darkly, drumming her fingers in the air. The shifting of the strings seemed to hit a chord in the mannequin, it slowly cocked its head to the side before darting at Twilight with incredible speed. Each of it's joints operated independently causing Tom to adapt a grotesque shamble as he partly ran, crawled, and flew towards his quarry. The lavender girl only barely had time to duck before the creature's fist, then knee, then wing tore through the space which had recently been occupied by her head.

"Oh, I'm sorry darling, I didn't mean for Tom to get so carried away." Rarity chortled with obvious amusement, her fingers dancing as she sent the automaton spinning away again towards her friend. "But fret not, as you can see I am quite adept with needle and thread, if he decides to be a bit rough it wont be a problem for me to st-" She was cut off by the sound of burning fiber. She focused her attention back on Twilight just in time to see the girl spin her assembly of stars around her, sending three of them flying towards Tom. The burning orbs pierced his body, burning away the thin puppet strings as their flames ate through him, leaving him down half a face, a heart, and his left wing before returning to their orbit.

"Oh, I'm sorry, was I interrupting something?" Twilight laughed warmly, genuinely enjoying the discourse. "I just thought I had to remind you that string is flammable." She let off another barrage of stars, severing the golem's right arm at the elbow, finishing off its blank face, and taking its left leg out at the hip. "Not that it matters really, those threads could be solid diamond and my stars could cut through it just fine."

Rarity quickly covered her shocked expression, scoffing indignantly as her creation slumped to the floor in a pile of loose thread. "As a matter of face, they are solid diamond." Her right hand finally left her waist as Rarity raised both hands in tandem as if to play the piano. The pile of thread fluttered on some unseen breeze before scattering, their thin forms soon invisible as they dispersed.

Twilight frowned pensively as she watched the remains of the mannequin fade. "Now what was that supposed to d-." She took a step toward Rarity before she felt an unexpected warmth on her cheek. She backed up a step and ran her hands over her cheek, only to have her lavender fingers come back coated in a small layer of red. It was then that she understood what Rarity had done; the glint had been subtle before, but now that she was looking for it, the air around Twilight was full of the telltale shimmer of the diamond threads of the spiderweb her roommate had trapped her in. A rather sharp spiderweb.

The feel of the room had changed, such forwardness and violence was vastly out of character for both of the girls, and all of the spectators knew it. But nevertheless, the battle continued; even though both Sunset and Poet cast the older student several concerned glances, Winter continued to watch. The three of them watched the fight with bated breaths, equally awed by the raw magical display, and frightened for their friends' wellbeing. Perhaps the confrontation of two powerful spells had effectively 'amped' their adrenaline and caused such uncharacteristic vigor. Yes, of course, that must be it; neither of these girls were this ruthless, were they?

Twilight shifted awkwardly from inside Rarity's spiderweb as she tried to identify each of the deadly strings which posed immediate threat to her, her stars orbiting her slowly, 'hissing' softly on occasion as they burned through a strand. "Nice spell, but you've made one mistake." Twilight spoke clearly and confidently as she raised her eyes to meet Rarity's. "These are long range projectiles, I don't have to move." She raised her left hand, the assembly of stars spiraling around it, coiling as if preparing to pounce on the pale magician.

"You've neglected to account for a certain factor as well darling." Rarity retorted with a smirk. "Puppet strings aren't stationary." She spread her fingers, flourishing her arms upward as she whipped the strands attached to her fingers harshly. The diamond web surrounding Twilight burst to life like a roiling serpent; strands of web lashed everywhere, leaving scarlet lines to spread across the lavender girl's skin.

Twilight grimaced in pain as the diamond threads cut into the soft flesh of her face and hands, her arms quickly rising to shield her face. Lash after lash rained down upon her as the roiling threads cut into the sleeves of her uniform, tearing the purple fabric, ripping her skirt, and carving slender lines of red into her exposed flesh. Even still, Twilight refused to let the assault phase her, the attack, that was what was important, this was a test and she just had to figure it out.

There it was. A sly grin spread across Twilight's lips despite the pain; she had won. She quickly darted to the left, avoiding the next lash which would have taken her on the cheek; her stars swung down from orbit, carving a path through the web as she ran in a circle around Rarity. The pale girl only laughed, continuing to play 'air piano' as she warped the web to continue her assault on her friend's tender flesh. Twilight ignored the pain, her mind completely focused on her image of victory. Her right hand shot out towards Rarity, sending a burning sun sailing through the air, missing the fashionista by a matter of inches as the pale girl ducked out of the way. Fire. Narrow miss. Fire. Burned shoulder pad. Fire. Caught a bit of sequence. Fire. Fire.

Twilight released each of her stars, and Rarity avoided each of them, albeit in progressively decreasing effectiveness. A bright grin spread across the magician's face as she realized none of the incendiary projectiles had hit her. Rarity flashed her teeth as she flipped her hair, giving her friend a sad smile. "Looks like you're out of stars. Too bad, you were getting close to hitting me." She says genuinely, raising her hand as if waiting for Twilight's concession. It never came.

"I wouldn't be too sure if I were you. Take a look around." Twilight replied calmly, gesturing to her opponent's feet. Rarity frowned for a moment before looking down, her eyes widening as she did. Just before the lavender magician spoke again, Rarity realized what she had done. Game over.

"Event Horizon!" Twilight called grandly, arms extending in a grand sweeping gesture. Immediately, the six stars that Twilight had cast; the ones that had 'missed' their target and landed in a perfect circle around that same pale girl, imploded. A harsh gale tore through the room as the six stars collapsed into themselves, singularities spouting black holes in their wake, with Rarity trapped right in between all of them.

Rarity sunk to her knees, the gale winds and suction of gravity ripping at her hair and clothes as it got harder and harder to breathe. Twilight pressed harder, her celestial magic forcing her opponent all the way to the ground, gasping for air. It wasn't intentional that she was suffocating her friend, rather it took quite a lot of concentration and thought to control six black holes and keep them from consuming the Earth, so the condition of one mere Equi was on little consequence in her priorities.

It was not until she felt a firm hand clasp her shoulder that Twilight even realized anything was wrong. She looked over her left shoulder to see Winter standing behind her, his hand on her shoulder, gripping it firmly, yet tenderly. She followed his gaze to Rarity and immediately realized what she was doing; the magician quickly relaxed her magic, allowing the black holes to fade from reality, leaving a very tired Rarity lying on the ground as she gasped for air.

Twilight quickly rushed to her friend, kneeling down beside her and pulling her into a tentative hug. "Oh Sweet Celestia! I'm so sorry Rarity, I didn't mean to go that far, I'm so sorry!" She cried, gingerly holding the girl as a tear found its was down her cheek. Rarity slowly raised her head to meet her gaze, her breath still ragged, but at least stable.

"Twilight..." She hugged her roommate back softly. "We promised that no matter what this fight wouldn't ruin our friendship, and I'm standing by that. I know you didn't mean to hurt me, and if anything I should be apologizing for ruining your hair and uniform, not to mention all those scratches." She want on, suddenly back to her own self as she half-joked about their equally disheveled appearances.

A wide smile spread across Twilight's face even as she started to cry in earnest, her grip on Rarity tightening as she pulled her into a true hug. How blessed was she, a girl who had never known friendship, to meet such a generous girl, powerful magician, and a friend who was understanding to a fault. She had beaten her, they had hurt each other, but at the end of it all, they were still friends; for the first time in a long time, things were really looking up for Twilight Sparkle.

Winter looked down at the pair with a wide smile. "Congratulations to both of you, full marks." He said as he helped the pair to their feet. As he led them back to the bleachers he handed each of them a small green healing crystal. "For the cuts and bruises." He explained, leaving Rarity to rapidly work to mend their uniforms. The fourth hear stood and surveyed the rest of his charges, his wings extended slightly as his red and white feathers fluttered in the remaining traces of the gale.

"Right, who wants to go next?"

Author's Note

The first fight has ended! Twilight Sparkle is victorious! I hope you all liked that and enjoied the powers I tailored for our 'former elements of harmony'. I am aware that this behavior eas out of character, and as much was stated in the chapter, I don't want you to think that this was just poor writing, it will have plot relevance.

Next weeks chapter will feature Pinkie Pie and Sunset, and I know you're excited to see how fourth wall breaking-yet magicless Pinkie is going to handle a magic duel.

So, as usual, please leave a comment, suggestion, request, or just a message. I hope you liked it and will continue to follow the adventure. Until next week.
-Pride