Into the Ocean Blue...

"You know, R.D., we never really figured out which of us was the best at racing," Applejack told her close Pegasus friend.

"That was a weird day," Rainbow Dash claimed.

"To say the least."

"Are you wanting a rematch?"

"A real race wouldn't be fair. You hardly ever work out anything other than your wings."

"I guess you have a point."

"There was one suggestion I had to change that."

"I'm listening."

"You couldn't join the wonderbolts, right?"

"Yeah. It really stinks."

"What about spending some time in the royal guard?"

"Are you kidding? Could you go through that type of intense training every day?"

"It'd be a little easier for me, probably."

"How come you never joined? Your family is really conservative, right?"

"Contrary to popular belief, not all of us are stereotypical rednecks that carry spears and swords everywhere."

Rainbow laughed a little.

"What are you laughin' about?"

"Sorry. It's just funny to see you get so worked up over it."

"It's always ruffled my feathers a bit. I'm surprised you didn't know."

"Okay, I get it. Still, why didn't you join?"

"It never really crossed my mind."

"Do you think I could actually do it?"

"It would definitely teach you how at least."

"I dunno. Having the weight of protecting everyone on me might be too much."

"You don't have enough faith in yourself. That right there is what's holding you back."

"I'm scared, okay?"

"You? Scared of somethin'? Never thought I'd hear that."

"How many times have ponies ended their service with broken spirits?"

"Ah. Now I get it. You're worried about when it's all over."

"Yeah..."

"Don't fret too much. It's up to you if wanna' join. I just thought you could use the extra boost."

"What if I trained before going in?"

"Hey, that's not a bad idea! If you catch up with the earth ponies, the training there would be a lot easier, but it'll take some time."

"Give me three months. I think I can do it if I give it my all every day. If I do, I'll join."

"Let's see what you got."

"I think I should visit Twilight. Maybe her books can tell me how to train the right way. I've heard there's a lot of mistakes beginners make in any kind of training."

"Good point. What do you say we meet here tomorrow and I can help you a bit by testing your speed in a practice race?"

"I'm game."

"That's the spirit!"

"Hey, Twi, do you have any books on training?"

"What?"

""I made a deal with Aj. If I can become as strong as an earth pony in three months, I'll join the royal guard."

"Are you out of your mind!?"

"Probably."

Twilight was getting more confused and flustered by the second.

"I'm trying to get stronger than Aj so I can eventually beat her in a contest and prove who the strongest pony is."

"So your first thought was to join the royal guard!?"

"She's the one who suggested it."

"That doesn't mean you have to listen, you know!"

"I'm scared too, Twi."

"So why are you going through with this lunacy!?"

"All my life, I've only been good at athletic stuff. This is my chance to reach the top."

"My brother is the captain! You know how taxing the training is for their ranks!"

"If I train the right way before I join, maybe it won't be so bad."

"Even if you can pass the physical test, what about the written ones!?"

"Written ones, huh?"

"Yes!"

Rainbow Dash's expression turned deadly serious.

"Then I'll study too."

"You're serious, aren't you?"

Rainbow nodded.

"Fine."

Twilight levitated a book off one of the shelves.

"The first thing you should know is the history of warfare itself."

"I guess that makes sense."

"This shouldn't take too long for you to finish. There's also another one you should borrow. It's a book detailing the proper way to train."

"Okay."

"I should warn you though, civilian training is different from military training."

"Civilian?"

"Someone who isn't part of the armed forces."

"Oh."

"Civilian training is about building your strength, speed, stamina, and endurance to limitless levels. There's more freedom to train how you want by making a custom routine. Military training is specifically designed to help you complete your mission or task. It's much more tactical and strategic. You really need to think about how you execute everything."

"How does military training work?"

"The pony in charge of training is a drill sergeant, but you'll be calling them sir or ma'am. Their training methods often seem brutal to new recruits and civilians. They're the ones that'll be giving you orders until you've completed training. After that, you take orders from higher ranking officers."

"I think I'm starting to get the picture. So actual military training is gonna' be pretty hardcore."

"That's an understatement. If you come back the same pony, I'll be amazed."

"..."

"Having second thoughts yet?"

"If no one's ever come back the same, I'll be the first. I might be smarter and stronger, but I'll still be me."

"Your confidence will be smashed to pieces. Trust me, it's not going to be fun. I'm telling you now, just drop this and do regular civilian training."

"Sorry, but i can't back out. If what you're saying is true, maybe I actually need that sort of direction."

"I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't."

Rainbow Dash was reading her new books in her bed. She wasn't very far in, but the knowledge she was gaining would be invaluable.

"So I need to rest for a day or two after an intense session. At least my diet's already pretty decent."

Rainbow looked over at her sleeping pet, Tank.

"I should probably leave him with somebody. Fluttershy will take him in."

Because it was so late, Rainbow wouldn't get very far into the books that night. However, this was only the beginning. Tomorrow was her first day of civilian physical training. By the end, she intended to surpass the other recruits by a long shot.