The Price of War

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: New Beginnings
Chapter 2: Recruitment
Chapter 3: Introductions
Chapter 4: Results
Chapter 5: Imprisoned
Chapter 6: Sparring Partners
Chapter 7: First Impressions

Prologue

'Dearest Starlight Glimmer,

I understand what grave news this will turn out to be, given the increased crime rate in your major cities, but I have reason to believe that Equestria and the Crystal Empire are planning a hostile invasion into your very country! As you've most likely noticed, I usually send you a letter every other week, but I stopped communicating with you around a month ago; and the reason for that is that I was gathering evidence, as I didn't want to wrongly accuse a nation of plotting something of hostile intent when I knew the results would be devastating for both sides, no matter how this ends.

But I'm sure of it now, and the only option you have at this point in time is to ready your troops and prepare to march into Canterlot, and slaughter them all before they have the slightest chance! As my most recent apprentice, you will understand how important your safety is to me.

My advice is to train new troops in the hundreds, Equestria's armies are massive! Also, just a personal tip, set up an 'ace in the hole' as I call it; by that I mean something like Canterlot's Royal Guard, a military division that would trample your normal army in five minutes flat.

I wish you well in these battles, my student.

Oh, consider it a gift from me; upon touching the blood in which my signature is written, you will acquire some of my magic, making you considerably more powerful. However there is a severe impediment to using it, my magic will eat up your own quite fast, so only use this as a last resort in one-on-one combat.

Chrysalis

Starlight Glimmer put the letter down, intoxicated by rage. How could Celestia even fathom launching an attack on her kingdom! She looked at her teacher's name. Her curiosity got the better of her.

'my magic will eat up your own quite fast'

Could it really be that bad. She touched the green writing. Everything remained the same for a few seconds. Then, out of nowhere, a compressed airwave originated from Starlight, due to her newfound power. She felt this was proof enough of her entrusted magic, but she just needed to be sure. She summoned a soldier. He bowed quickly, then stood again, awaiting his orders. Starlight said nothing; her horn glowed green as opposed to its normal blue. She concentrated a pulse of magic into a wave. She sent it flying toward the soldier. For a moment there was no reaction, then a red line formed on his torso. His top half slowly slid to the side, and dropped to the floor. His lower half and legs collapsed as well. She smiled, then returned to using her normal magic.

"This is quite impressive. Now I must prepare my ponies for warfare. If Equestria even sets hoof within 1000 miles of Monfoalia, I will eradicate them all, without so much as a second thought."

Author's Note

Hey guys! Just to get this series started, I'll post Chapters 1 - 5 in one go, and after that I can listen to suggestions and comments. Don't hesitate to give constructive criticism so I can improve my writing skills. I might do polls every now and then to help me make decision relating to the storyline and the outcome of certain events.
Enjoy!

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

The early dawn sunrise marked the start of summer. It cracked through Twilight Sparkle's curtains. She attempted to look into the light, a bad idea as always. It shocked her awake, as she had intended. She got out of her bed, and prepared for the busy summer holidays ahead. She had it all planned out and ready to go! It lasted seven weeks, and she had ideas for each one of them. In the first two weeks she was going to reshelf every single book in the library, first in category order, and in each category, alphabetical order by last name of the author. She was beyond ecstatic; it was like taking a combination of all medicinal and illegal drugs in the world at the same time. Weeks three and four were for revision to keep her grades high and her overprotective and stubborn mother, Twilight Velvet, impressed. Five was for socialising, and the last fortnight was free time. She heard her mother moving about downstairs in the kitchen. Then, the 'KLANK!' of the letterbox. She decided to walk out of her bedroom and halfway down the stairs, silently as usual. She made herself comfortable and sat on a step. Her mother read the back of the scroll-style letter and joy came into her eyes.

"TWILIGHT!!!" She called up the stairs.

"Yes?" Her daughter responded almost immediately. As always, it startled Twilight Velvet.

"Geez. How do you do that?" Twilight said as she held her hoof to her chest.

"Who's it from?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"It's from Canterlot University! It's the results of your entrance exam." Twilight Velvet unrolled the letter, and began reading aloud so her daughter could hear.

Dear Parent/Guardian of Twilight Sparkle,

We are ever so grateful that your daughter, Twilight Sparkle, has attended our entrance exam. We also appreciate your insistence on enrolling her to none other than this university, which is why we sincerely regret to inform you that...

Twilight Velvet stopped reading halfway through. Her eyes darted around the text, looking for a reason to appeal the adjudicator's decision. She released hold of her magic, and the scroll-style letter dropped to the floor with the sound of hollow wood, breaking the poisonous silence.

"Tha-tha...that's impossible!" Twilight Velvet stood on all fours, as her legs began shaking. Twilight Sparkle became concerned. "What is it Mom?" She stood now on her hind legs only.

"You failed the entrance exam!" Her eyes shot across the paper once more. "Ninety-eight percent? This doesn't make any sense!" Twilight Velvet was outraged by this controversy. Her daughter had never failed a test in her life, she had been a Straight-A student from her first test in school! I mean for Celestia's sake, she ended up going to Canterlot Private School with three full scholarships: Maths, English, and Science - biology specifically!

"I'm going to walk over there right now and sit down with the headmaster if that's what needs to be done." Twilight had seen this kind of behaviour from her mother before, often when she was paranoid about her daughter getting less than a ninety-seven percent score for any exam.

"Mom, it's ok you don't have to..." At that moment, Twilight had completely given up. Given up on herself, given up on everything, even life itself! "I'm clearly not the right type of pony to deserve this opportunity. If they said I failed, then I failed." She said as she looked down to the floor."

Slowly, she walked up the stairs, and into her bedroom. She closed the door behind her, fell lifelessly on to her bed, and stared up at the ceiling, focusing on nothing in particular. A teardrop fell from her eye and rolled down the side of her face.

Canterlot Castle - The Throne Room:

Dearest Princess Celestia,

I'm writing this at a time of personal sorrow, and I'm sorry if I come across as grievous or depressed. I had my heart and soul set on getting into Canterlot University, I really did. I I (Sorry, I'm a little bit shaky) I failed the entrance exam! Yet I scored 98%! I don't know what I'm going to do next. I really wanted to become a biologist, but now my only options are to continue running the library for the rest of my life, or join the Equestrian Defence Army.

I really need somepony to light this path of eternal darkness for me, even if it's just a flicker of hope, and I know that you and Princess Luna will be the ones to guide me.

Your trusted student,

Twilight Sparkle

Celestia looked up from the letter she and her sister were reading.

"She is depressed, and needs a helping hoof," Celestia commented. Her sister spoke up.

"This is not the first time she's been like this though." Luna responded.

"We should reply. No?" Celestia suggested. Luna thought for a moment.

"I better go see her in person." Celestia agreed with her sister's approach. She just then thought of something very important.

"On the topic, how are relations with us and Monfoalia?" Luna was confused by this statement.

"How does that have anything to do with Twilight Sparkle?" She said.

"She would make a fine General or Lieutenant, do you not think Luna?" Celestia was actually considering this.

"Either you've lost your mind in the last five seconds, or somepony spiked your tea with a drug." Luna's remark was perfectly justified for.

"Luna, wait just a second... hear me out." Reluctantly, Luna kept listening.

"Go on then." Luna said.

"If we had somepony as smart as Twilight Sparkle as the General of a battalion she would win battles with just her strategic planning and knowledge. She would be a great asset to Equestria!"

"How do you know for sure that she would be able to handle the responsibilities of being a General?"

"Perhaps there is only one way to find out, sister." Celestia said plainly.

"Are you suggesting we enrol her in the Equestrian Defence Army? No. No! She is but a foal, seventeen years of age." Luna was right, Twilight was still a teenager. Celestia refused to let up though; she was going to get her point across.

"Correct but she has the best magical abilities of any student of her age! Remember when she was in the eighth year, she got into a fight with a bully in eleventh year, and she picked him apart using the most powerful illusion spell that a unicorn can at that age group." Celestia still couldn't grasp how her student managed this feat. How could a teenage filly use such a powerful spell.

"Our army might need her much more than we think right now, especially with growing tensions between us and Monfoalia.

"Starlight Glimmer is the same age as Twilight, yet she has diplomatic power on par with our own; that with the fact that her advisors take advantage of her age, makes for her being the most corrupt monarch on Equis at this current time." Luna nodded, thinking about what her elder sister was saying.

"As well as her being taught by that rotten bastard Chrysalis, which doesn't go well for any of us. There are 3 possible violent scenarios:

1) Monfoalia and Japony join forces against us, leaving us in ruin with no way to rebuild, this obviously goes against us,

2) Starlight Glimmer becomes so powerful she's able to overpower and overthrow Chrysalis,

And 3) Chrysalis manipulates Starlight into making such a bad series of decisions, she's the only one who can 'help' her student... she'll most likely ask for Starlight's money, soldiers, or land in return, this uses Starlight Glimmer's trust in her mentor to dig her out of sticky situations." Luna took all this in, thinking long and hard.

"So we need to have a contingency plan for all three possibilities, right?"

"Exactly. Now, we have a reserve army, the most plentiful but the least experienced; we have the Royal Army, which consists of both our personal guard battalions; but we have no Specialist Unit, and if we truly want to be able to protect everypony, we need at least four specialist candidates.

"We already have one, don't you agree?"

"You mean Twilight Sparkle, Don't you?" Luna smirked.

"Ya think?" She said sarcastically.

"You have anypony else in mind right now?" Luna actually wanted to hear her sister's personal choices. Celestia closed her eyes, and fell into a trail of deep thought, pondering her mind for ponies she thought were mentally and physically accomplished enough to become Specialists.

When Celestia finally reopened her eyes, well one of them at least, half an hour had passed. (Then again, if you're immortal and have already been alive for thousands of years, thirty minutes isn't long at all). Celestia quickly thought over her choices once more, and smiled.

"Yes, I've got a few." Luna smiled.

"Perfect," The dark grey mare spread her wings, and prepared to take off. "Just tell me their names." She levitated a map in front of her face, and pulled out a quill, dipped in ink that was infused with her own magic. Celestia spoke the names.

"Twilight Sparkle," Luna began to write. When the words 'Twilight Sparkle' were fully written the ink turned lavender, and collected into one spot.

"Rainbow Dash," Same again. There were now two dots on the map: One lavender, one cyan.

"Pinkie Pie," The ink turned bright pink and drew towards a single point. 3.

"Rarity," A pure white dot this time.

"Apple Jack," A crimson circle. 5.

"Finally, Fluttershy." When Luna finally shook her quill off and put it in her saddle bag, there were six points on the map, each a plainly different colour. Some points were moving slowly across the map. These were evidently their locations. There was a navy blue point on the map located in Canterlot, this was obviously her. Luna smiled.

"Wish me luck Tia!"

"You may need it Lu!" Luna winked at Celestia, and flew out the window, creating a gust of wind where she was standing before.

"Especially with the Pegasi... both of them... and the pink one."

Ponyville:

Luna had only been airborne for about ten minutes, but Ponyville was already in sight. The point representing her sister's loyal student, Twilight Sparkle seemed to correlate with the Golden Oak Library. Luna chuckled to herself.

"Still the bookworm we taught." She descended and casted an illusion spell, making her appear like a normal earth pony. She had copied this ability from a changeling using the Mirror Eye - this *ability* makes it possible for the user to learn any other spell instantly on sight, and even suit and adapt it to the user's needs - . She walked up to the library and opened the door.

As expected from Twilight and her mother, it was organised and peaceful. Luna walked up to the main desk, she almost used her magic to ring the gold coloured service bell; if she used her magic or spread her wings, the illusion would be broken. Abnormal to her behaviour as an alicorn, she used her hoof to ring the bell. After a few seconds of waiting in awe at how many books this library had, and how busy it was, a fully grown mare with white fur and a purple mane with two white streaks came to the counter.

"Hello, how can I be of service today?" It was Twilight Velvet at the counter, Luna deduced this from the mare's height and stature. Twilight Sparkle must have been in the back.

"Yes, I'd like to speak to the manager of this library please." She looked more concentrated now. "Oh, well that would be me and my daughter; in private or right here?"

"In private please."

Luna followed Twilight Velvet into the printing room, where Twilight Sparkle was working out budgets for the Golden Oak Library. Luna peered over her shoulder. She had perfectly balanced the budget between investment, income, repairs, and quantity, according to the importance of each. Luna was impressed. Twilight Sparkle would make a good Lieutenant; her abnormally high intelligence would aid the Equestrian Defence Army in many more ways than one. Twilight coughed, drawing her daughter's attention. She sat up and handed her mother the surprisingly disorganised sheets of paper.

"As I expected, excellent work," Twilight Sparkle started to walk away to her room, but her mum stopped her.

"This mare would like to see us about an issue that has recently surfaced in regards to our library."

"Oh... ok then. What's the problem? Luna, still in disguise, walked to the door and locked it, which slightly worried the Twilights.

"Enough with the disguise." Luna said to herself. A dark blue aura swirled around her as the illusion was deactivated. Both Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet jumped, as they were unprepared for the presence of royalty.

"P-princess Luna, what are you doing here??! Don't you have a summit with Manegola's leader, Desert Arch?" Luna laughed... for some reason.

"Cadance is taking care of that, besides, I know you haven't been yourself lately. Talk to me Twilight. Why is this one, single entry exam upsetting you so dearly?" Twilight's body language and mood changed immediately.

"So that's why you're here. I see that Celestia couldn't be bothered to get her behind off that God damn throne." Both Luna and Twilight Velvet were shocked at her use of foul language, even if it was only something as low-key as 'God damn'.

"Is it really that bad?" Luna asked in shock. "You never been in the slightest way rude to neither my sister nor me." Twilight went into an uncontrolled rant.

"Yes it's that bad! I fucked up the one opportunity I had at getting into Canterlot University, and now the only reasonable options I've got are running this library for the rest of my life, or joining the Equestrian Defence Army!

"Twilight," Luna attempted to speak, but Twilight either didn't hear her, or was choosing to ignore her.

"I mean come on! I don't want to get killed on the battlefield, I'd rather rot in Tartarus' pits for eternity than be left in a pile of corpses in the middle of nowhere so no one ever finds us!!"

Luna was getting slightly annoyed now. "Twilight," she made sure to speak with a firmer tone than before, and this time it worked.

"Oh. Sorry about that. I get quite worked up when it comes to the University.

"Twilight, there is a reason the University failed your test." Twilight was curious now.

"Yes, what was that farfetched reason?"

"Because we asked them to.

Author's Note

This is chapter one of my latest story. Hope you enjoy, and I'm always welcome to constructive criticism.

Chapter 2: Recruitment

"Twilight, there is a reason the University failed your test." Twilight was curious now.

"Yes, what was that farfetched reason?"

"Because we asked them to." Twilight Sparkle was left speechless. She began stuttering.

"Yo-y...you did... wh-what??" Luna now tried to calm Twilight's distraught demeanour.

"Twilight, if you'd listen to what I have to say, you'll understa-"

"Why should I listen to you?!! Well?"

"Twilight, I'm-"

"What? You're sorry. You understand what I'm going through? You and Celestia ruined the only chance I will ever have to become somepony who matters!! Now I'm either gonna get killed, or die of boredom!!!

"You two were supposed to be my mentors, I trusted you, and now it's like you've both abandoned me!!" Luna switched in that instant. She looked to the floor between her hooves.

"Twilight, I'm not going to sugarcoat my next words," She looked up, the anger and torment of hundreds of years all directed at Twilight. "You wouldn't have gotten in anyway! Your ego constantly clouds your judgment and makes you overconfident in everything you do!!" This shut the young mare right up, she had never expected to see this side of Luna directed at her of all ponies! The eternal mare explained her and Celestia's choice.

"Tension is ever-increasing between us and The Crystal Empire, and Japony & Monfoalia; and the *E.D.A.* is in need of a Specialist Unit to protect Equestria, because war is looming on the horizon." Twilight was confused at one thing though.

"Sorry, but I don't exactly know what a 'Specialist Unit' is. Care to elaborate?" Luna answered calmly.

"A Specialist Unit is a select few fighters who are each skilled in a different national fighting style, except for drunken, that's generally widespread and used by those who street fight for small amounts of money or fun. Anyway, back to the point; a Specialist Unit could best Royal Armies in the hundreds before even breaking a sweat. Their skills are unrivalled, except by other Specialists, across the whole country. Add a unique ability to this already broad set of skills, such as Element Control or Teleportation, and you have a near invincible fighter... Celestia and I believe you to be such a possible candidate."

"Hold on a minute!" Twilight Velvet, after being on the outskirts of the conversation for quite a while, finally decided to chime in. "My daughter is not doing that! Especially with the kind of intense training involved. It would destroy her body and mind!!" Luna prepared a response instantly.

"I've considered the personality and physical abilities of each possible candidate. Twilight won't be a soldier, instead she'd be a General or Lieutenant, a figure of intellectual prowess, somepony who thinks more than they fight. A pony who saves lives rather than takes them." Twilight was still sceptical about Luna's proposition.

"Mom. It's the only chance I've got... And I'm taking it." Twilight Velvet stood, stunned at her daughter's sudden change in behaviour and mentality.

"Twilight, honey, you can still manage the library with me, just like we always have."

"Exactly. I've been doing the same things as hobbies for my whole lifetime. I want some variety for once." Twilight Velvet looked disheartened, she knew her daughter was stubborn, and that there was no changing her mind.

"If you're absolutely sure that's what you really want right now... I'm not gonna stop you." Luna looked at Twilight Sparkle and spoke to her telepathically using a mental connection spell.

'I need to speak with your mother alone now; wait outside.'

'Ok.' Twilight started to walk away. 'Wait,' She thought. 'Outside the door, or outside the library?'

'Just outside of the door will be fine. I'll be out there in just a minute.' Twilight acknowledged Luna's request, and waited for her outside the printing room.

"Twilight," the mentally broken mare looked up at Luna. "Your daughter is very intelligent, and I respect your protection of her from the dangers of potential war, but that intellect is the reason we need her to help us. Yes, she will learn to fight, and yes she will eventually lead her own battalion of troops, but she will be safe in Celestia's care. That, I am sure of." After hearing this, Twilight Velvet was less pessimistic towards the prospect of her daughter being trained under the princesses.

"And you're certain of this?" Twilight asked, her voice changed from sad to stern.

"Absolutely. On this you have my word." Twilight smiled.

"Thank you. I trust you will help my little filly become much stronger." Luna chuckled at this.

"Believe me, she will grow in every possible way, shape, and form. She will be gone for a few months, but when she returns she will be a Specialist by the end of this season, and she will be able to protect Ponyville with no help at all. She will be one of the best fighter in this army, and she will lead our fellow soldiers to victory!" Twilight thanked Luna for reassuring her. She picked up her family's treasured blade, the 'Getsukiri', it's name translated from ancient equine to 'Moon Blade'. She walked out of the door, and addressed her daughter, telling her to step outside. Luna reactivated the disguising spell, and followed them out.

Twilight Velvet put her hooves on her daughter's shoulders.

"Twilight, I love you very much, you know that. But Princess Luna is going to take you to Canterlot until autumn, and I want you to have this." She gave the Getsukiri to Twilight Sparkle. "My love for you will never waver. It will remain strong, and protect you like this blade will." Twilight looked at the blade her mother had just given to her with great surprise. She felt along the blade's scabbard. It was solid pine wood with plant-like patterns carved in it. She grabbed hold of the handle, and drew the magnificent weapon. The sword glimmered in the sunlight. Twilight waved it a tiny amount, and there was a quiet whistling sound. A wave of shock and sadness came over her without the slightest warning. Reluctantly, she offered it right back to Twilight Velvet.

"I'm sorry Mom, but... I can't take it. I don't want to hurt other ponies."

"But Twilight, you'll need it to-" She stabbed the blade into the earth.

"Keep it safe for me. Someday, I'll come back and get it." Luna walked out of the Golden Oak Library. She spoke to Twilight Sparkle, resulting in her walking some distance away. Luna turned towards Twilight Velvet.

"I'll protect her, you have my word. One day around the beginning of autumn season I'll bring her back to you, much stronger and wiser than she is now."

"I appreciate this. But don't let her get too used to fighting please; she's a strong pacifist." Luna remembered these statements and nodded.

"I'll see what I can do." Luna and parted ways with Twilight Velvet and caught up with Twilight Sparkle, who was still walking. She turned around and saw her mother rip the Getsukiri out of the ground. She waved, and turned to look where she and Luna were heading. Her mother walked back inside the library, and closed the door.

"So Princess Luna. Where are we going?" Luna pulled out the map, and selected a random dot. She smirked. She had chosen the cyan dot.

"Cloudsdale. To see an old friend of yours."

Chapter 3: Introductions

Luna and Twilight had been walking across the dunes at a decent pace for hours now. The only equine who ever made a journey anywhere near the distance of Ponyville to Cloudsdale were pegasi! The reason for that was the land between Ponyville and Cloudsdale was a barren waste. No water, food, or life for miles in every direction. Twilight's legs were aching, the pain was unbearable but Princess Luna kept on going somehow. She stopped, she was at her physical limit. Luna looked back to check on her. Twilight's vision blurred. She looked at her hooves only to find they were bruised, blistered, and bloody. Twilight barely managed to put her hooves back on the sand before she collapsed onto it.

Luna saw this and wasn't surprised. This journey was a training exercise in itself. The objective was to see how long Twilight could keep going, and for a pony of her age and physical activity, she had done quite well; but for a Specialist, she had a very long journey yet. She picked Twilight up using a levitation spell and placed her on her back. Luna spread her large wings, and flew the rest of the way to Cloudsdale.

The ground was very fluffy. Twilight's vision focused again. There were no clouds in the sky. If anything there were daytime stars instead, like she was so high up you could see past the exosphere. Luna was beside her.

"Good. You're awake. We're here." Twilight was confused.

"What do you mean 'here'?" Luna found this a silly question.

"Look around Twilight." She sat up straight. There were pegasi flying around everywhere, the buildings were made of clouds. Of course! They were in Cloudsdale! Hold on a minute. Then why wasn't she falling through the clouds? Twilight panicked.

"Princess Luna what in the pits of Tartarus is this? Am I dreaming? Are we a still walking here? Or is this an illusion spell? How the hell am I walking on these clouds?"

"No. No. No. And I cast a spell that allows earth ponies and unicorns to walk on clouds." Twilight began to calm down now. Apparently Luna's 'explanation' had answered all her questions.

"Oh. Ok then. I guess that all makes sense. Tell me, why are we here again?" Luna admitted to herself that her previous explanation wasn't very detailed, so she explained more thoroughly.

"I said before that we were here to see an old friend of yours. Do you have any idea who they might be?" Twilight thought about it for a while. Eventually she answered 'no'.

"She's proud and competitive," Again, a no.

"Helped defeat Nightmare Moon," Twilight still didn't know who Luna was talking about.

"Apparently the 'fastest pony in Equestria'..." Twilight's hesitation really got to Luna.

"Oh come on! I'm practically spelling it out for you!!" Twilight still didn't clock who Luna was talking about. Then she heard quite faint whistling sound that was rapidly getting louder and closer. Luna had honestly given up. She put her hoof on Twilight's shoulder.

"Just look at the practice circuit." Twilight turned her head towards the track. It was still for a while.

"Look up." Then a rainbow streak raced across the sky! It made Twilight flinch a bit.

"Is that-"

Luna replied swiftly, "Yup." Shortly after, four streams of smoke, each different shades of grey, followed suit.

"Are those-"

"Uh huh." Twilight was astounded. She had actually done it! Rainbow Dash had really become faster than all the Wonderbolts!! Even Spitfire!! She raced he into a cloud formation, and waited on one for the Wonderbolts. Spitfire dropped behind the rest for around three seconds, then soared up to double her previous speed. The other three landed on different clouds, surrounding Rainbow Dash. What were they doing?? Twilight didn't know. Princess Luna, with her magic, teleported to a nearby cloud and constructed a see-through shield all around them. Twilight was still confused. Within a tenth of a second Spitfire landed on a slow moving cloud, and waited... The silence that followed was haunting. A wind current passed, Rainbow's left wing twitched. Spitfire readied herself. She planted her feet firmly in the cloud she was on. Rainbow Dash spread her wings fully. This was apparently an opening for Spitfire. She rushed at Rainbow Dash, and attempted a turning kick in mid air. Rather than dodge the hit, Rainbow dropped back slightly, and took the decision to block. When their two limbs connected, a shockwave tore through the atmosphere! It was even visible! Of course!! They were sparring!

Spitfire quickly withdrew and let the other Wonderbolts spar with Rainbow Dash. The first one, a male pegasus with blue fur and a black mane, threw a straight jab at her face, which was swiftly followed up by a back kick aimed at Rainbow's stomach. She dodged the jab and caught the kick, she then spun the stallion around and threw him toward the ground. The second stallion, whose name was Soarin, opened with a chop kick followed shortly by a barrage of midsection punches. Rainbow blocked all of these with ease. She crouched on the cloud, then she flew up like a firework! Her lift off had actually destroyed the the cloud! Spitfire and Soarin followed Rainbow, not letting up one bit. Eventually Rainbow landed on a massive cloud at least 9,000 feet in the sky! Twilight felt odd again, and the sparring pegasi were below them. Luna had moved them again with a teleportation spell, she had even used a transparency spell, so that the pegasi wouldn't spot them. Twilight looked down and saw the blue stallion racing up toward Rainbow Dash. He drew back his right hoof and, just as he came up through the cloud, attempted to uppercut her. Twilight then remembered something,

"All equine races have magic, right Princess?"

"That is correct," Luna sounded very serious, the reason for this was that she was assessing Rainbow Dash's fighting capabilities. She continued Twilight's explanation.

"Unicorns are the best at channelling their magic, but pegasi and earth ponies still posses it; pegasi channel it through their wings, and earth ponies relay it through their hooves. However, unlike us unicorns, both of these races can only use a few techniques each." Twilight was intrigued by these facts.

"The earth ponies can focus and control their magic into different parts of their body, which usually results in say, enhanced speed, bursts of strength, and in some cases, even internal and external healing. Pegasi can only summon weapons and use the clone technique, but they can utilise both extremely well. Also, all ponies can use one or two element affinities, but those from the Crystal Empire can use all five of them." As if on cue, Rainbow Dash grabbed the blue stallion and spawned a clone right behind him, which kicked him up into the air. She jumped above him, and kicked him back down to the cloud. She then created two more clones beside her, which kicked him as they came down as well. All of the clones dispersed in a cloud of smoke. Twilight looked closely, and noticed there were markings on the undersides of Rainbow Dash's hooves. She touched the markings, and a shuriken appeared in each hoof. She threw both with great finesse and speed. They twisted and rotated as they headed for Spitfire. She moved out of the way long before they would've slashed her. What she didn't notice was that the two shuriken had interlocked; they ricocheted off of each other, and one was sent flying in Spitfire's direction! She knew she couldn't dodge this time, so she spawned a small log in front of her which took the hit. Both the stump and the shuriken disappeared in a small cloud, but Rainbow Dash was immediately behind it! She went up close to Spitfire and pointed her hoof at Spitfire's chest. Everypony there was confused...

There was a shockwave and during the instant before, that millisecond, Rainbow moved forward, her hoof still in contact with Spitfire's chest and punched as hard as she could! She flew back and doubled over in pain. Soarin came up behind Rainbow Dash, with a kunai in his hoof. He threw it purposefully to the side of Rainbow's head. She caught it and scoffed, as if to say, 'is that it?' She didn't notice it, but there was a piece of paper trailing behind on a thread. Seconds later the paper bomb exploded in the side of Rainbow Dash's face! She was knocked back and hit the cloud. Rainbow then disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Spitfire figured it out.

"Crap... A clone!!" A hoof came over Spitfire's face from behind! She was thrown over the pony's shoulder, then put in a pressure lock, with a cold metal kunai pressing into the back of her neck. Rainbow Dash released the lock on Spitfire and put the kunai back in her ranged weapons pouch. Spitfire got up and rubbed her stomach.

"That punch really fuckin' hurt ya know?" She said in a banter-like voice. Soarin was still recovering a little. Spitfire offered that Rainbow join the rest of them at a restaurant as a reward for doing so well in training.

"I'll think about it." Rainbow Dash replied. Soarin came up to Rainbow Dash just as Spitfire flew off back to her training hall. She had teaching to do in an hour or so. Sometimes Rainbow Dash would come and teach along with Spitfire, and she really enjoyed it. Soarin put his hoof on her back.

"Hey, how you doing." To Twilight's surprise, Rainbow seemed embarrassed; she was even blushing slightly.

"Yeah I'm good, Dad's doing well too. His wing healed up ok." Soarin looked relieved.

"Good, I'm glad to hear it."

"What about you? Your little sister, how's she?"

"Oh, um she's fine. She's about to take the secondary school tests though, so she's nervous to say the least. I already go to the college she wants to, so she does have a slight advantage." Twilight could tell that Rainbow Dash and Soarin both liked each other, but had never realised the other's feelings for them. She looked to her right, and Princess Luna was gone! She looked around and saw her on the same cloud as Rainbow Dash and Soarin. She was still cloaked, but not for long. Soarin remembered that he had to pick his little sister up from school.

"Shit! I gotta go pick up my sister! She finishes in five minutes!!" They waved each other off, and he spread his wings.

"Oh and Rainbow," She turned to face him once again. He walked up closer to her.

"Good job today." Without warning he placed his hoof on her hip, and planted a swift, but definitive kiss on Rainbow Dash's lips. She embraced it warmly. It seemed to last longer than it really did. When Soarin withdrew, Rainbow was blushing slightly.

"See ya soon." He said in a deliberately seductive voice. He flew off towards a large group of separated clouds, which was where all the educational facilities were located. Rainbow exhaled a shaky breath, still shocked by what had just taken place. At that moment, Luna deactivated the transparency spell.

"So," An immediate chill went down Rainbow Dash's spine. It was I bit higher than before, but she'd recognise that voice anywhere. She turned around slowly, fearing who, no, what must be behind her.

"You finally got a stallion."

Rainbow froze instantly, as anger and rage built up inside of her. For the eternal mare she saw standing before her was not Princess Luna in her mind, but none other than Nightmare Moon!

Author's Note

Chapter 3 of 5 in my new story: The Price of War.
Chapters 1-5 will be posted all in one go. Feel free to comment below with constructive criticism, i.e. suggestions, tips, corrections, but nothing belligerent towards me or other commenters.
Hope you enjoyed.

Chapter 4: Results

"So," An immediate chill went down Rainbow Dash's spine. It was I bit higher than before, but she'd recognise that voice anywhere. She turned around slowly, fearing who, no, what must be behind her.

"You finally got a stallion."

Rainbow froze instantly, as anger and rage built up inside of her. For the eternal mare she saw standing before her was not Princess Luna in her mind, but none other than Nightmare Moon!

There was a faint navy blue aura swirling around Luna because she had just finished using the invisibility spell. Rainbow Dash took this as a visual warning of a magical strike. Rainbow Dash summoned two kunai in each hoof, and rushed at Luna! She slashed at Luna with one kunai. Surprisingly, the hit landed! The laceration was deep, a thin trail of blood drew from Luna's face!

Twilight was astounded! How could somepony as powerful and skilled as Princess Luna concede the first strike, let alone first blood! Rainbow crouched, and from there, followed up with a swift but powerful back kick to the chin. It sent Luna up into the air! But just as Rainbow Dash was going to finish her off, Luna disintegrated in a flame-like aura.

Of course! An illusion spell! When Luna receded the illusion, she was actually behind Rainbow Dash.

"Well placed kick, any normal pony would be unconscious from that impact force." Rainbow changed her choice of weapon from two kunai to a nine-section chain whip. She wrapped it loosely around her right fore leg, and ran toward Luna. She got about ten metres away, and Luna started to move back. She punched the air and the chain whip unravelled as it flew toward her opponent. Luna caught the chain, and yanked it as hard as she could. Rainbow stumbled for a metre or two as she attempted to hold on to the whip. She dispersed it before Luna could get it and use it against her. She put her hooves together, and inhaled a large breath. Rainbow Dash had fire and wind release element natures, which she used pretty well. She exhaled all at once, and that breath became a fireball technique that flew straight towards Luna. She raised a hoof as her horn glowed, placing a ward in front of her that engulfed the entire fireball technique upon impact. Twilight knew Luna was barely putting any effort into this fight. Rainbow Dash was getting annoyed now. She spread her wings and flew at full speed toward Luna. What followed was a blur of punches from Rainbow Dash, each of which Luna blocked perfectly. Twilight was barely able to follow. Then the right started to move. In a matter of seconds, clouds disappeared, shockwaves were generated, and the peak of a mountain somehow got split in half. Luna had started trying now. The two fighters reappeared on the first cloud. Luna had a serious look on her face.

"If you really want to test yourself," She stepped into a defensive stance.

"I'm ready!" Rainbow Dash smiled. She crouched, preparing to jump toward Luna. At that moment Twilight took it upon herself to stop the fight before it got too serious. She encased her hooves with as much magic as she could spare. She jumped in the middle, just as Rainbow Dash and Luna threw their punches at each other. On the left, Luna's hoof connected with Twilight's fore leg. On the right, Twilight caught Rainbow Dash's punch in her hoof. Their was silence as both fighters tried to figure out how Twilight had pulled this off, even with the magic protecting her hooves. When Luna and Rainbow Dash withdrew their hooves, Twilight receded her magic. Her left hoof dropped to her side, obviously severely damaged. She stood up slowly and looked at both her friend, and her mentor.

"You two done?" The silence continued, serving as her answer. "Good," She turned to face Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash, Princess Luna and I want the same. Neither of us are your enemies. We're only asking for your help." Rainbow Dash's face was blank. Then, she responded.

"Help with what?" Twilight was satisfied with that.

"Princess?" Luna stepped in front of Twilight and, as she thought about it, started to heal Twilight's damaged fore leg.

"Equestria is on the verge of all-out war with Monfoalia, and we need a team of Specialists to help defend against external threats, and sometimes even those from within. My sister and I have already chosen these candidates, we just need to find and persuade them." Rainbow Dash realised what Luna was saying.

"And you think... I'm one of them?" She was actually quite confused. "Why?"

"Because, Rainbow Dash, you're fighting capabilities are exceptional and you try to evaluate your opponent as you fight them, as opposed to just jumping in, not knowing what you face." Rainbow was looking a bit smug.

"However,"

"Hmm?" Twilight almost laughed at her friend's reaction. She had recharged enough magic to begin healing her injured fore leg herself. She indicated to Luna that it was ok, she would do it herself. She was quite surprised at this.

"You lack the ability to know when you are outclassed and outmatched. You just tried to fight seriously with me! Your pride clouds your judgment, meaning you refuse to back down, and you start fights even if you know you cannot win." Rainbow was taking all this in. Twilight was almost finished healing her fore leg.

"However, you're an exceptionally strong fighter, possibly the strongest in Cloudsdale; that is why my sister and I believe you are suitable for the Specialist Unit.

"What do you say to that, Rainbow Dash." Rainbow was thinking.

"This is the only reasonable way I will acquire the strength to protect Cloudsdale from the Monfoalian armies, I will not let harm come to my home..." Twilight waited to hear her friends response. She was on edge during that short time. Finally, she replied,

"I accept your offer."

Chapter 5: Imprisoned

The chains that bound him would not last much longer, with his abnormal strength. The isolation cell was damp, dark, and disgusting. There was a small crack of light that shone through a miniscule gap in the wall. His head was looking down at the ground. The way the chains were arranged forced him to stand bipedal on his hind legs, so much so that he was used to it. He had been locked in here for three years, thanks to her. Starlight Glimmer. She had put him away because he had succeeded in getting his, and his little sister's cutie mark back. After that, he discovered what Starlight was planning for the population of her village and she sent a few soldiers to his home. They took his sister right in front of him, and beat him within an inch of his life. He was taken to the castle where he was given a choice. Starlight Glimmer said to him, 'You either get into the Equestrian armies, and report back to me what they are planning. If you succeed, you and your sister get to go free with your cutie marks. Or, if you don't, you will rot in a prison cell for the rest of your natural life, and your sister will be sold to the highest bidder... I'd rather not say what she could be made into.'

Every month or so Starlight would go and ask him if he had made his decision. But every time so far he had said 'no', and she would give him another chance. Today was his last. If he refused again, his decision would be permanent. Shooting Star heard the gears in the doors turning and cranking. Unsurprising to him, Starlight Glimmer walked in through the arched doorway. She looked arrogant as ever, and eager to talk to him. The door closed behind her, and she created a ball of pure light from her magic.

"So, Shooting Star... Have you made your decision?" She was already angering him. He chose to say nothing. He continued to look down.

"You and I are both aware that if you refuse my offer again, I will leave you here to die, and sell your sister to the highest bidder anywhere in Monfoalia... Possibly a slave driver, most likely one who 'trains' sex slaves."

"You wouldn't dare! She's 14 years old, she's way too young. And do you really think I'll let you do that? REALLY?!!"

"No, but I don't need your permission. It is a simple question: yes or no?" He said nothing, still enraged.

"Well then, I'll tell her you said 'hi'." She walked towards the door. Finally, Shooting Star made his decision.

"Wait! Wait." Starlight smiled and turned around. "Fine... I'll fucking do it. Just don't hurt my sister at all." Her horn glowed, and the shackles that bound his hooves were unlocked, and fell to the damp stone floor. Even the clamp that restricted his magic abilities separated into its two pieces, and hit the ground. He stood on all fours and was equal height to Starlight Glimmer.

"You're the only stallion capable of pulling this off." He begrudgingly awaited his orders. "Your task is to infiltrate Equestrian lines, and gain the trust of the alicorn sisters. Find out what they plan to do, and how they plan to defend against our armies. Then, once you have gained their trust.. Kill them both!" He took all this in. The task was a challenge for him, but, nothing he hadn't done before. In fact, the reason Saddle Arabia was without a leader for 2 years was because he had assassinated Dark Sandstorm's predecessor. He was in and out in a matter of minutes. All he had needed was a few weighted shuriken, his own blade, and his magic abilities. He walked past Starlight, saying nothing until he got to the doorway.

"I'll do it. But know this," Starlight was intrigued. He turned and faced her, with an eternal rage burning in his eyes.

"Once I have spilled the blood of Celestia and Luna, I will return... And stain my blade with yours!" Starlight Glimmer grinned in response.

"All the more reason for you to succeed in this mission. You will be allowed to quickly return to your home to gather essentials and weapons. After, you must undertake your journey to Equestria. You will stop twice on the way, once in the capital of Colton, and again in the Crystal Empire. Once you get to Equestria you will say you bare critical information regarding the Monfoalian armies' plans of attack. When you eventually get close to the princesses, you will first kill Celestia. After, you will isolate Luna, and kill her too. Understood?" He focused his mind.

"Yes. I understand. No witnesses, I take it. They won't find the bodies until I'm miles away."

"Perfect." Shooting Star walked out of the prison. The light was bright, nearly blinding. And it was much louder than he had ever remembered it. He took a deep breath, and enjoyed it. Finally, after all this time, he was on his way to freedom. For him and his sister. He looked around his town. It was busier than usual, then again, it had been three whole years since he had seen it in full swing. He got to the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the prison. He took his first step onto soil in years. It felt odd to him. It made way for his hoof as be wiggled it about. He continued to enjoy this feeling for a few more seconds. He remembered where his home was. Walking would take a while, but he was patient. The sun was reaching its peak as he began his walk home. Shooting Star tried to enjoy as much of it as he could. Because he had quite job to do. And he knew how important it was, and how much it mattered.

Shooting Star's house was still in the exact same condition as three years ago, when he and his sister were taken. He walked up the stairs, which were creaky as always. He ventured into his room, where overdue coursework that he was working on the day he was captured were strewn all over his floor. Shooting Star picked up a saddlebag and emptied out the contents before finding a few bottles which he would use to keep water cool for during his journey. He noticed the bag wasn't big enough to hold everything, so he focused his magic, and cast a seal on it. Now it could hold more than ten times it's original capacity. His old ranged weapons pouch was still on his bed. He checked it. Twenty weighted shuriken, around fifteen kunai, and probably forty paper bombs and miniature bombs. He suddenly realised he didn't have any Bits to buy food for the journey. He concentrated some magic and created 50ß* in his hooves, which was more than enough to buy enough food to last him the journey. Finally, he left his room and headed to the door. He grabbed his black silk cloak, which was still hanging on the hook in the wall. Shooting Star walked out of what was once his home, and headed to the market. He needed to gather supplies.

Shooting Star bought five loaves of uncut bread, and dropped them into his saddlebag. He thanked the marketer, and left towards the river that ran down from Griffin Peak in the south. As he passed it he bent down and scooped up some water in his cupped hooves. After a few sips he partially submerged a bottle in the river. He screwed the cap on and dropped it in his bag. He repeated this two more times, and got up. Shooting Star looked in the direction of Equestria, thinking about the journey through which he was about to endure, and the task he was going to complete. His journey had only just started, and he had a very long way to go.

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Final Chapter for this week. Feel free to comment on what you think my new OC, Shooting Star should look like and act like. Also, what weapon he should use. I am expecting to be able to release Chapter 6 in two weeks, on either the Saturday or Sunday. If not then, the weekend after.
Enjoy.
:pinkiesmile:

Chapter 6: Sparring Partners

During that day, Luna continued to search for the Main 6. All of them were willing to help Celestia and Luna's soldiers defend Equestria, although some were more difficult to persuade than others. Mainly just Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie was easy, she had read ahead.

They are now on their way back to Canterlot Castle where they will be tested, both mentally and physically...

Training Period:

Month: 01

Day: 01

The multiple chariots approached the Canterlot Gardens. In the lead chariot, rode Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle. One of the chariots behind held Applejack and Pinkie Pie, and in the final one were Rarity and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash was flying alongside them. The chariots descended steadily towards the ground. Ground contact was smooth, from repetition and practice. The gardens were well looked after, as was expected by the princesses. The passengers all exited the chariots relatively at the same time. There were six of Luna's personal guards waiting for their princess to address them. She signalled the others to follow. As they walked up the stairs, the guards stood at attention on each side of the steps. Luna instructed that two of them remain guarding the doors, and the other four guard the entrance from inside. Luna inhaled deeply, and sighed a long breath. She turned to face the Main 6.

"So... how do you like it?" The ponies were looking around in amazement. This couldn't possibly all belong to just two mares; It was way too big! Luna decided to get straight down to business. A look of seriousness fell on her face in an instant. She cleared her throat, as to grab the ponies' attention.

"Now." They were serious now too. "Onto why you are here." The room fell silent.

"Your training period will last for three to four months. During that time, you will be trained personally by my sister and I, as well as within the Cadet Regiments. Your physical strength and mental state will be assessed and improved where possible. Exercises will be adjusted to suit your preferences and race. Your accommodation has been prepped for you in advance. You will find everything you need. Just follow the guards." A shroud of magic swirled around Luna. Once it was fully surrounding her, the teleportation activated. The Main 6 were briefly surprised, then got over it. They each followed the guards to their allocated rooms.

Saddle Arabia:

He stopped on a hill, and looked down on Saddle Arabia's outer villages.

Shooting Star had recently learnt how to regenerate nutrient sources in his body, so the bread would be more than enough to last him the journey. This specific skill had become very useful when Starlight Glimmer attempted to gain his obedience through starving him for days, sometimes weeks, at a time. If he gauged his portions correctly he wouldn't need to buy anything else until he got to the Crystal Empire. Before he made his way through Saddle Arabia, he checked to see if he was still as able to use his weapon. It was a bloodline ability generated from his family's specific magic. His weapon took many forms, but he often favoured two; a large sword, and a scythe. The process was often quick. The blade formed from his magic which was extremely compressed, meaning a lot of the energy had to be released as quickly as possible. If he chose however not to release any of it, the blade would be much heavier than normal but the cutting power would be noticeably increased. The sword was fully formed in less than three seconds. He decided not to release any of the energy to see if he could still lift it. He lifted the sword up. It was heavier than he remembered, but nothing too much for him. He thought to himself while he was on that hill. He felt sorry for the region. Because of his actions many months ago, Saddle Arabia was currently in an economic crisis, it was politically unstable due to how many barons were fighting to be king. Not to mention the gang related violence. Peaceful and clear, he looked up to the sky.

"Soon, sister;" He thought to himself. "You'll be home with me once again."

He walked slowly down the hill and ditched his black cloak along the way. He needed a new one. During his journey he had encountered a sandstorm, which left a lot of holes and tears in it. He spotted a clothes merchant in the market and chose to head towards it. He reached the village and he noticed the change immediately. The ground became stone paths, and his ears were filled with white noise; merchants shouting and arguing; families debating where to go; friends joking amongst each other. He stopped at the merchant's stall. He dispersed his weapon as to avoid seeming hostile. He looked around for a durable cloak. He spotted a brown one that would fit him well enough. He paid for the item, making sure to leave a tip, and walked away. He donned the new cloak and walked further into the village. After about five minutes of walking, he noticed a group of ponies following him. They weren't very good at blending in. He could tell they were looking for trouble. He purposefully walked down an alley. Half of the group had spilt off. They were trying to cut him off. He kept walking. The other half of the group appeared in front of him, holding switchblades or butterfly knives. He sighed deeply.

"I'm warning all of you; walk away before I hurt you..." They ignored his warning, some even laughed in fact. He counted six. This would be easy work.

"Are you sure about this?" They prepared to attack. He dropped his saddle bag. "Alright then." They moved in.

"Wait!!" He shouted. "Brand new." He said as he took his cloak off too.

They all swung at relatively the same time. He ducked and kicked one right in between his hind legs. He doubled over in agony. As Shooting Star came back up he laid a volley of swift kicks on the second one who cut him off. He turned and punched another right in the jaw. He used the momentum to execute a hook kick in the exact same place. 'Three to go.' he thought to himself. He was caught off guard by one of his assailants behind him kicking him in the back of his knee. It forced him down onto one knee; the leader planted a decent left hook on Shooting Star's face! He was pissed off now. He rose to his hind legs with rage in his eyes. His horn glowed, and the stallion who buckled him was ripped apart. He used an earth technique to put another of them in a cage. The walls started closing in on him, and blood curdling screams ensued. This left only one, the leader. He was scared shitless by this point. He tried to run, but Shooting Star cut him off and lifted him up by the neck. The last words that unfortunate stallion heard were,

"I warned you..."

Shooting Star's grip continued to tighten, and try as he might, the stallion had no chance of freeing himself. He only stopped squeezing when he heard a wheeze and a loud crunch of bones. He let go of the stallion's limp body, and it fell to the ground. Shooting Star put his cloak and saddle bag back on. He walked out of the alley as if nothing had even happened.

Canterlot Training Grounds:

Training Period:

Month: 01

Day: 23

The training routines weren't actually too bad. Everypony was able to come to grips with it rather quickly. The training groups were ranked in colours; white, yellow, green, red, black - from lowest to highest. On the day they were chosen to advance to yellow class, everypony was given the chance to choose a set of sparring armour. Twilight had chosen a Raven Mantle. The instructor recommended this set due to its balance in weight, and decent armour plates. Fluttershy chose a simple Leather Jacket. This suited her best because she was better at evading attacks and exhausting her opponent, so a normal armour would just slow her down. Rainbow Dash donned a Snake Harness, which was a sleek, streamlined design preferred by most pegasi. Rarity selected, most likely because of its aesthetics, a Hallow Aegis. She spent a long while admiring herself. Apple Jack had chosen Legionnaire Armour which was quite heavy and bulky, but due to Apple Jack's increased strength as an earth pony, she was able to wear and move around in it with little to no hindrance. Pinkie Pie, much to the instructor's surprise, had chosen a Heavy Cuirass. The last few lessons would determine whether the group was ready to move up to the yellow class or not, and would consist of sparring. Today, the first matchups would be made, and the first sparring sessions would begin. The instructor chose who would be sparring based on weight, height, and strength. However, one thing the Main 6 knew, was that there was no guarantee they would be fighting each other.

All of the ponies he was training formed a perfect square, a ring. He cleared his throat.

"Alright. The first matchup will be..." He paused as he thought. "Twilight Sparkle... and Soar Blade." They looked at each other from across the ring. During the short time since the training had begun, the two mares had developed a rivalry based on nothing but prejudice; but that's also what was making them look forward to battling each other. Soar Blade stepped into the square first. Twilight followed shortly after. They stood twelve metres away from each other.

"A clean hit marks a point. Two points to win." They took their fighting stances, whilst attempting to anticipate the other's first move.

Soar Blade was a pegasus, so Twilight knew she was outpaced. But she was also smarter, so Soar Blade was less strategic.

"Ready." The instructor drew his right hoof up. Twilight and Soar Blade readied their first strikes.

His hoof flew down. "Begin!" Soar Blade spread her wings and dashed forward. Twilight opened with a turn kick, which Soar Blade rushed into. It connected clearly with the side of her armour.

"One point to zero. Soar, watch your left." Soar Blade growled in frustration.

"Sir?"

"Yes?" He replied swiftly.

"I don't have enough space in here. I can't reach my full speed. So is it possible that we can continue sparring outside?" The instructor thought to himself.

"I don't see why not. Everypony! We're moving out side for the rest of today."

Soar Blade's point was fair. The outside training area had an actual ring, which was way bigger. Almost five times the size of the one they could make inside. The instructor took his place at the head of the group. Twilight and Soar Blade stepped into the ring once again. The moment the instructor's hoof was bought down Soar Blade opened with an axe kick to the forehead, which Twilight blocked easily. She countered with a swift hoof strike to the solar plexus. Soar Blade slide back slightly. She blocked the strike swiftly. As she stood up again Twilight took her stance. It was a standard mantis stance. Soar Blade stepped forward and let loose a barrage of charged punches. Magic focused around her hooves, and trailed off like flames when she hit. Twilight absorbed the impacts by enhancing her blocks with her magic. After this attack, Soar Blade dropped back once again.

"Remember, no holding back." After hearing this, Soar Blade summoned four clones in front of her. They all ran towards Twilight, who created the Getsukiri out of magic. She side kicked the first clone in the stomach so hard it dispersed in one hit!

'Three to go' Twilight thought to herself. The second and third clones attacked simultaneously. She slashed at one but it used its wings to block, then unbalanced Twilight by spreading her wings quickly to cause a gust of wind. The second jumped over the first and kicked Twilight in the face, sending her backwards.

"One point each. Next point wins." Even as the instructor spoke, the battle continued. Twilight knocked over the clone in the air by kicking it as she came back up. She slashed the clone and it disappeared in a cloud.

"Two."

The last two clones tried flanking her from both sides. One of them focused magic into its foreleg hooves, whereas the other focused it into its hind legs. This was a good tactic as it gave the clones a balanced offensive, but it made their attacks easily predictable. She placed a glyph directly below her that turned red. Both of Soar Blade's clones attacked at the same time. Once they were within range Twilight activated a shield spell around her. The glyph started rotating, and it created an explosion that was directed upwards. The smoke cleared and Twilight leapt forward towards Soar Blade. She had just finished charging all the magic she could into her right hoof. She threw the next punch as hard as she could manage. Twilight turned mid air and kicked the blow aside. She continued to rotate, and followed with a hoof strike to the jaw that Soar Blade couldn't have blocked. She fell to the ground, and the aura around her hoof faded away. Twilight landed and bowed respectfully. Soar Blade struggled to get to her hooves. Twilight walked over to her and helped her up. They looked at each other for a moment.

"Twilight Sparkle wins. Good tactics, both of you." Soar Blade shook Twilight's hoof.

"Good fight." She commented

"Likewise," Twilight enjoyed their short battle. "Don't go easy on me next time though."

The ponies returned to their spots. Twilight's friends congratulated her on her victory. They wouldn't get to celebrate for long though.

"Right, we have time for one last fight. The next matchup will be Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy." The Main 6 was silent. Especially Fluttershy.

"Me?" She said. Confused. That couldn't be right. Could it? Rainbow Dash stepped up. She stood in the centre of the ring, and waited for Fluttershy. She stood up nervously, and slowly walked into the ring.

"Good luck." Pinkie Pie said. Fluttershy was in front of Rainbow Dash. The instructor picked this fight for a reason. Rainbow Dash was extremely fast, but Fluttershy was able to project her magic aura outside of her body, and use it to detect movement and hidden objects or opponents. And although she wasn't a particularly aggressive fighter, she had very good reactions, and also had very large magic reserves. Overall Rainbow Dash had the advantage physically, but Fluttershy was much better at channelling and utilising her magic. This fight was surprisingly even. Other students around the ring were whispering to each other, saying that Fluttershy didn't stand a chance, and how Rainbow Dash would 'mop the floor with her'. Fluttershy bowed with her eyes closed. The instructor didn't even raise his hoof up this time.

"Ready!" He shouted. They took their stances. Fluttershy's eyes were still closed.

"Begin!"

Much to everypony's surprise, Fluttershy threw the first hits. She charged her hooves up with her magic, and threw a right hook aimed at Rainbow Dash's face. She used the momentum to follow up with a backhoof strike. Rainbow dodged the first and blocked the second. She countered with a kunai slash to the chest. The attack landed but Fluttershy summoned a clone in her place just as she jumped into the air, making it look like she was the copy. Rainbow Dash ignored the 'copy', but the real clone disappeared just as Fluttershy landed. Her eyes were still shut. She ran straight up to Rainbow Dash, getting much closer than anticipated. Rainbow Dash threw a punch straight at her face. Fluttershy dodged it easily and grabbed Rainbow Dash's hoof. She turned quickly, throwing Rainbow Dash off balance and threw her onto the ground.

"One point to zero." Fluttershy opened her eyes. She took a different stance this time, and waited for her opponent. Rainbow Dash stood up and spread her wings.

"Begin!" Rainbow Dash flew up into the air pretty fast. Fluttershy opened her wings and jumped into the air. She summoned three clones underneath her. She landed on their hooves and together they launched her into the air. She flew up to where Rainbow Dash was waiting for her. She charged her hooves with magic as she flew up. The attacks were hard to track due to how high up they were. Fluttershy was able to knock Rainbow Dash back down towards the ground though. She blocked the hit, but she still felt the impact. As she fell towards the ground she summoned three clones around her. She threw the first two clones back up, and boosted the third. When Rainbow Dash finally touched the ground, she took off almost immediately after.

Up in the sky, Fluttershy closed her eyes once again. She closed her wings, and started freefalling towards Rainbow Dash. All four of her hooves were still surrounded in a magic aura. The first clone was in reach of Fluttershy's attacks. It tried to uppercut her, but Fluttershy moved ever so slightly to dodge. She kicked it in face, and it disappeared. The second clone followed less than a second after. It didn't even have time to attack. Fluttershy punched it in the middle of it's forehead. Again, it was gone in one hit. The final clone was wielding two kunai. It slashed at Fluttershy who used the same technique she did before. She summoned a clone in her exact place, and moved behind Rainbow's clone, effectively substituting herself for a false copy. The kunai strikes landed but the clone disappeared. The clone turned around just in time to see the real Fluttershy's hoof flying towards its face. The clone disappeared and Fluttershy continued to fall toward Rainbow Dash. They were within reach of each other's attacks, but Fluttershy kept falling until she reached the ground. There was a small gust of wind when she landed. Everypony was amazed at this fight. Fluttershy was winning! It didn't even look like she was trying hard. She stood up straight and opened her eyes. Rainbow Dash was flying down fast, prepared to even out the score. Her punch was swift and strong. Fluttershy still caught it in her own hoof like it was nothing. Rainbow Dash was astonished by this, everypony was. Fluttershy looked to the instructor as Rainbow Dash pushed off and landed behind her, ready to attack again.

"I forfeit." Fluttershy said. Rainbow Dash had to halt her attack and slow down quickly.

"I.. beg your pardon?" The instructor was surprised at this turn of events. Fluttershy had this battle easily within her reach, and she just gave it to her opponent?

"I forfeit." She repeated. She turned to Rainbow Dash. "You win." The instructor was still dumbfounded.

"Uhh... well then. Rainbow Dash wins by forfeit," The instructor looked at the sun.

"That's all we have time for today. Those were two very entertaining battles. Well done, all four of you." He bowed respectfully. "Class dismissed." He shouted. Everypony left the training area, as the next part of the day was history of war. Fluttershy started to walk away too, but noticed her friends were still in the training area. Pinkie Pie however ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug ever.

"ONMYGOSHYOUWERESOAWESOMETHATWASAMAZING!!!!" Pinkie Pie yelled incoherently fast.

"Oh, uhh... thanks?" And just like that, Fluttershy was back to her timid self.

"Pinkie?"

"Yeeees??" Their voices got quieter as they got further away.

"I forgot to complete one of the assignments... can I see yours?"

"Nope. Didn't do it either." Their friendly conversation grew inaudible after a while.

"Twilight, darling?" Rarity spoke flatly.

"Mm hmm?"

"Care to explain what the devil just happened?"

"I... I have... no clue. Anyway, come on everypony, were gonna be late." One by one everypony snapped back to reality and left the training ground, followed lastly by Rainbow Dash.

Author's Note

Hi everyone! Really sorry this chapter took so long. Had GCSE's to revise for. And do. Also, I don't like writing short fight scenes, or short chapters, so that's another reason why this took so long to write. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into the flow of writing this story. Anyway, hope you enjoyed.
I'll try to post a chapter a month. Comment what you think I should improve on next chapter.

Chapter 7: First Impressions

Training Period:

Month 2

Day 9

The training grounds were quiet for the first few hours of the morning, they always were. Rarity got her meal tray and filled it with what she felt like eating that morning. She searched for the table her friends were sitting at. As she looked around she was drawn to a pink mare waving her forearms frantically in the air. Pinkie was hyperactive as ever.

Everypony was still eating breakfast. The Main 6 were all sitting on one table. Today however, the food was different. For one there was more of it. Secondly, it was much better than usual. Rainbow Dash was especially confused.

"The hell? This stuff usually looks, and sometimes even tastes like shit."

"LANGUAGE!!" Fluttershy yelled quietly.

"We've got a 'Teen' rating. We're good for most swear words." Everypony was confused when Pinkie Pie did things like this. They had learnt to just ignore it now.

"What's first on the agenda today everypony?" Twilight asked eagerly. That was a good question, that nopony had really been thinking about until it was brought up.

"Is it... nah."

"Oh! I think it's... no that was yesterday."

"Maybe it's- no that can't be right." Everypony was pondering their minds as to what it could be.

"Oh! I got it!" Rainbow Dash said loudly.

"Go on dear." Rarity said.

"It's weapons training!"

"Well then. Let's go." Twilight announced just as the hour passed, indicated by the clock tower chiming nine times.

"What?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "But I'm not-" She realised it was no use. The rest of the main 6 had already started walking to the training grounds. She quickly devoured the rest of her meal, and hurried after her friends.

Canterlot's Outer Walls:

"And do you have anything on you that's harmful?" The Guard questioned.

"Not at all." The light grey stallion answered.

"May I see what's in your saddlebag?" The stallion said nothing as he opened up his bag. The guard sifted through his bag and found nothing but bread and water. The guard closed his bag.

"You may pass." The stallion nodded politely and proceeded through.

Shooting Star put his hood back up. He was one step closer to getting his sister back. He spotted Canterlot Castle, and headed directly toward it.

Celestia looked out on her city. She and her sister ruled over all of this? Usually that would be quite overwhelming, but managing it all alone for an entire millennium lets you get used to it.

"Princess Celestia, your highness." The guard appeared from the entrance to her chambers. His head was bowed before she even turned to look at him.

"Yes? What troubles thou?" She was always courteous when she spoke.

"We have somepony who has asked specifically for you and your sister."

"And has she been notified regarding this as well?"

"As we speak." His head was still bowed.

"Raise your head, my child." He stood straight. "I will be their soon. Oh, and prepare a pot of tea for my sister and I. She can be a bit moody without it sometimes." The guard left immediately. Celestia sighed.

"What could it be this time?" She asked herself comically. She left her bed chambers and headed to the tea room. (Yes, they actually have one of those).

The stallion was waiting patiently behind his seat at the table. Luna was already sat down. Celestia joined her sister and guest.

"Now," He began. His voice was deep, but clear. "I believe I have something you desire; information, valuable information... regarding Starlight Glimmer." He had both Celestia's and Luna's undivided attention.

"As a Monfoalian myself, I keep to my word, don't make promises i can't keep, and speak the truth when in the presence of somepony in a higher position than my own. Now I apologise if I may be overstepping my boundaries here, but I would appreciate it if you spoke the truth to me in return." His voice deepened as he uttered those last few words. Almost menacingly. Another behaviour that Celestia and Luna noticed almost right away, was that he hadn't even bothered establishing eye contact yet.

"We assure you that we will not utter a single false word while we are having this conversation." Luna said politely.

"Which 'we' are you referring to?" Celestia and Luna looked at each worryingly. This random stallion couldn't possibly be talking about Nightmare Moon, could he?

"But onto why I'm here. I'm sorry to say that yes, Starlight Glimmer is planning to breach your borders, and destroy Canterlot. My current understanding is that she will attack a couple months from now, and that she has asked Queen Chrysalis to lend her one hundred changeling soldiers to act as scouts for the assault." Celestia was in deep thought now.

"I see... So what you are implying is that some of the changelings will be here before the rest of the armies."

"Precisely. Now I am trying to stop this war from happening altogether. I have a young sister back at home, who I need to keep safe."

"So thou art a representative for Monfoalia." Celestia asked.

"Not exactly..." The stallion responded.

"May we ask what your name is?" Luna queried.

"Shooting Star." He said plainly.

"And how old art thou, Shooting Star?"

"Seventeen, Princess Luna."

"And you made the journey here all the way from Monfoalia. You must be quite strong for your age." Luna was implying that he must've received training from somewhere in Monfoalia.

Celestia picked up on this, and asked the next question carefully.

"Who are you really, Shooting Star? You claim not to be a representative, you don't act like a political figure, and you don't speak of Starlight Glimmer like a friend... so who are you?" He looked directly into Princess Celestia's eyes.

"Honestly? Some would call me a nomad, moving from one place to the next, never stopping for particularly long. I would call myself a Ronin. A warrior without a good enough cause to follow, one that I still search for. Most however..." Celestia and Luna waited to hear what was next.

"Most ponies... would call me a killer. Somepony who feels no emotion when causing others pain; somepony who will assassinate anypony for the right price; even the pony who killed the leader of Saddle Arabia three years ago. In short... think of me however you feel is right, I do not care if you insult me, but please, do not lie to me..." Luna was first to speak.

"We simply believe that thou art a misguided soul, somepony who does not yet know what he lives for. But will stop at nothing to find out." Shooting Star found this comforting to hear. He wasn't the monster he thought himself to be. Well, that's what one pony thought of him at least. Now it was Celestia's turn.

"You are... different from most I've met. You do what you believe is right. You are not selfish, but you are not completely selfless either. If something bodes well for you, you don't mind doing it. For example, I believe you found out something you shouldn't about Starlight Glimmer and the Monfoalian armies, and you ran with it. One, because you wanted to help us. But also to save your own skin." Shooting Star was still looking down into his cup of tea. "Am I, or am I not correct?" He looked up at Celestia.

"Yes. You are," Shooting Star, using his magic, pulled his chair out from behind him and stood on his hind legs.

"Apologies for not drinking the tea, I'm sure that it's quite refreshing but I simply didn't feel thirsty." Shooting Star put his cloak on, and began to walk away. He stopped, almost at the massive iron door, and turned to ask one more question.

"Is there a place in... Ponyville... that I can stay." Celestia thought deeply.

"Unfortunately there is not. Not in Ponyville at least. You can stay at the Canterlot Training Camps though." Shooting Star considered this proposal.

"There are some promising students there I'm sure you would love to meet." Luna chimed in. It would be a good opportunity to learn more about the defensive strategies that the army had.

"Promising?" He turned away. "I'll judge that for myself." He walked out of the door, and used his magic to close it behind him. Celestia and Luna sat there in silence for a while.

"Well." Celestia said as she stood up from her chair. "I believe the trainers have their work cut out for them."

Training Period:

Month 2

Day 11

The students sat around the ring in the outside training grounds. They had a new student today, but it was clear that he was already more than capable enough to join the yellow class immediately. Today was much like any previous day. At the end of the class they had time for two sparring matches. It had been a while since any of the main 6 had fought though. Today was an exception. The instructor called out the first set of sparring partners for today.

"Rarity..."

"Oh dear." She said flatly.

"And Pinkie Pie."

"Yay!!" She burst out. They both stepped -well, Pinkie kinda hopped- into the ring.

They both took their stances.

"Ready." Pinkie was still moving about on the spot, but Rarity seemed rather serious.

"Begin!" The two ran towards each other. Pinkie jumped up and executed a spinning jump kick. Rarity slide under it to dodge and turned back as she came up. She ran towards Pinkie and activated a teleportation spell at the last second. Pinkie Pie was still smiling. Rarity reappeared behind her and hooked kicked Pinkie Pie in the jaw. She blocked the hit, and came back immediately after.

"This is really fun!" She said in the middle of them exchanging hits and blocks. Rarity managed to land a clean hit after a while, using a bit of focused magic. She made sure to return to stance. Rarity's fighting style was all based on looks, so it was interesting to see her utilise this. Pinkie wasn't smiling anymore.

"One point to zero. Pinkie Pie, try to take this match more seriously. Imagine your life depends on it." The smile now on Pinkie's face was different. It was fierce, it was... maniacal.

Rarity stumbled back a bit. That face... that fucking face. It sent chills down her spine. Pinkie Pie reached into her mane and out came a pair of daggers in hoof. Pinkie's mane dropped down almost to her rump. Rarity knew that voice anywhere.

"Rarity... how long has it been? " Pinkamena Diana Pie!

Before the instructor could even let the fight commence she dashed forward and was inches away from Rarity's face. She wasn't even trying yet, she was merely taunting Rarity, who jumped straight over her opponent. Pinkamena focused excessive magic into her hoof. Rarity was still mid air when her opponent punched the air. The shockwave hit Rarity in the stomach! This marked one point each, however everypony doubted that Pinkamena would follow the rules of a sparring match. Rarity flew backwards, but landed safely. She concentrated some magic, and two fans appeared in her hooves. Complimentary to her fighting style, the weapons were based on finesse and style. She spun the bladed fans in her hooves and jumped forward. She turned in the air and threw both fans at Pinkamena. She blocked them with her daggers, and they deflected past her. Rarity's horn glowed and as the fans flew past Pinkamena an aura surrounded the fans. They changed direction quickly and came back at Pinkamena. She blocked the first one, but the second slashed at her side. This angered her further. They kept on coming back at Pinkamena, who was starting to understand the pattern. The fans flew at her from in front this time. Pinkamena prepared to block, but was surprised when Rarity teleported to the fans! She caught them, and kicked Pinkamena, then summoned a storm of ice shards behind her. Rarity's hoof flew down and the ice shards flew down at her. Pinkamena planted her hooves firmly in the ground, and a wall of concrete rose up in front of her. The shards became embedded in the wall, and evaporated. The wall descended back into the ground, and Rarity prepared another attack. She focused her horn and discharged multiple beams of magic towards Pinkamena. Her smile grew even more psychotic. She dodged all the blasts and advanced on Rarity, who put her fans up just in time to block. Pinkamena slashed at her with unrelenting speed. When she finally did stop it was only to attack differently. She spotted a gap in the fans and rushed forward. She executed a hoof charge attack, which is performed by moving forward and thrusting a hoof into the opponent's chest. She even followed through with the attack and Rarity slid across the floor. The instructor stepped in and examined Rarity. She was knocked unconscious by the blow, but was not fatally injured. Pinkamena did not care. She jumped forward, murder in her eyes. One of her daggers was raised in the air, ready to deliver the killing blow. The instructor stood up and stopped the attack. He covered his hoof in magic and the dagger deflected off like a bouncy ball. His horn glowed and Pinkamena was sent into unconsciousness, as well as Rarity awakening simultaneously.

"I will take these two to a medic. Class dismissed. You may do what you please for the rest of this session." Everypony stood up and left slowly, except for the main 6 and Shooting Star. Fluttershy went and helped Rarity up off the floor. She was still dazed.

"Rarity are you ok??" She caught her breath for a second.

"Yes darling, I'm fine. What about-" She shivered mid sentence. "Pinkie. Is she ok?" They left the training grounds.

"I'm sure she'll be fine." Twilight reassured her friend. "And besides, we need to get you checked out." Their conversation grew inaudible, until finally it wasn't there.

Shooting Star still sat where he was. He stared at Pinkie Pie as her mane reinflated. He smiled to himself.

"Well then... this could get very interesting."

The next day:

Everypony was still a bit shaken by Pinkamena's sudden emergence, and Pinkie Pie was even allowed the day off from all training. Sparring came around, and everypony was excited for today's matchup.

"Applejack." She was surprised to hear her name. She got to her hooves, and walked calmly into the ring. She waited to hear the name of her opponent. The instructor searched the class.

"Shooting Star." He walked into the ring slowly, but bored. Applejack took her stance, ready for the first attack. Shooting Star went into an offensive stance but he still looked bored, unenthusiastic, and dead behind the eyes. Applejack smiled. The instructor raised his hoof.

"Don't worry," She said. "I won't hit hard."

"Begin!" Applejack made the first move; she came in close for a straight jab at Shooting Star's face. He easily dodged, but didn't retaliate... He simply egged her on by leaving himself wide open for another attack. She went in for another hit. The punch was met with nothing but air; Applejack was slowly getting pissed off. She turned to face him.

"HHHAAAAAHHH!!" Her face contorted in rage, and her hoof flew through the air towards Shooting Star's torso. He wanted to see where this fight would go, so he decided to meet Applejack's hoof with a punch of his own. Their hooves connected violently, and a cloud of settled dust was suddenly kicked back up into air. Shooting Star took advantage of the slight pause, and kicked Applejack in the stomach; she stumbled back and caught her breath. Shooting Star took a stance this time, and still was bored, inadvertently goading her into fighting even more aggressively. She rushed at him, letting loose a barrage of constant attacks. He dodged all of them, and waited for more.

Applejack came at him again, a step kick rushing towards Shooting Star. He caught it, and threw her into the air. He waited for her to come down, and jump kicked her before she hit the ground. This strike marked a dominant win for Shooting Star, but Applejack refused to lose so easily. She got to her hind hooves, and contemplated her loss. She ran up behind Shooting Star and punched him square in the back so hard, he smashed right into the outer wall of the training grounds.

"APPLEJACK!" The instructor yelled. "THE SPARRING MATCH IS OVER!!" Shooting Star smiled.

"No, no; I'll fight her." He said. "I need a challenge anyway."

"Gimme a real fight!" Applejack was raging, and ready to destroy her opponent. She ran towards Shooting Star and threw a hook punch at his jaw; he blocked and countered with a turn kick. Applejack barely dodged it, and swiped him. He spun in the air and saw Applejack's kick moving toward his face! He barely put his hooves up in time to block. The connection was made, and Shooting Star flew back into the ring. He waited for Applejack to attack once more, which didn't take long. She ran at him, and prepared another attack. Shooting Star closed his eyes, confusing Applejack. When he reopened them, she was nearly in attacking range, and the look in his eyes was no longer dead; more excited. He stepped to the side, which made Applejack overshoot her palm strike. His hind leg flew into her stomach, and she almost doubled over in pain. He followed through with the motion, and Applejack rolled across the ring, before getting to her hooves.

"You can still walk away from this." Applejack stood fully, and took her stance.

"Well then..." Shooting Star said before dashing forward. He moved so fast, Applejack didn't even have time to react! His punch hit her square in the face, and she flew backwards. She struggled to get up. Shooting Star smiled.

"What's wrong?!" He taunted as he walked towards her.

"Isn't this..." He kicked her hard in the side and she let out a cry of pain.

"What you wanted?!!" He grabbed her by the face and slammed her into the wall.

"Applejack!!" Rarity shouted; this fight was painful for all the main 6 to watch.

Shooting Star punched Applejack in the stomach so hard, she coughed up blood.

"Stop!! STOP THIS!!!" Fluttershy was tearing up seeing her friend being hurt like this. She wanted so bad to interfere with the match, but the instructor set a rule stating that nopony was allowed to enter the ring during a sparring match, except for him.

Everypony sitting around the ring was either disgusted or thrilled by this fight, which had turned very quickly into a beating. How could anypony be so violent? He punched her once more in the torso, and threw her back onto the ground. He was starting to enjoy himself now. He was far from finished, but the instructor stepped in. He caught Shooting Star's punch, and pushed it back towards him. He grunted in annoyance, and left the grounds on his own terms. The instructor helped his injured student to her hooves, and walked her over to her friends.

"Everypony. I'm very sorry you had to see that; Shooting Star should not have behaved in such a way; you are all free to go."

Author's Note

Hey everyone. Sorry this chapter too so long; I was occupied, and took a break from both stories for about a month or so. Hopefully you weren't disappointed. Chapter 8 will be out by the middle of January next year... I hope. Have a Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!