//-------------------------------------------------------// Guardians of Harmony -by Punsz- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 The sound of an alarm echoed around the room causing the one occupant to stir in her sleep. Shifting from one side to the other on her bed, she finally raises an arm and tries for the alarm. As the alarm gets louder so did her determination to shut the damn contraption off. Finally, she was able to make contact and shut the alarm off. She forcefully pops one eye open to see the time. Taking a quick glimpse at the clock, she slowly closes her eyes and begins to go back to sleep. The clock ticks for a few seconds before the girl’s mental alarm went off and she pushes herself off the bed in one sweep motion. “I overslept!” She shouts her purple lavender hair swings in the air as she jumps out of her bed. Unfortunately for her she lost her footing and fell on the ground. With all the commotion a woman with white purple hair pops her head out of the door. “Twiley, sweetheart are you alright?” her mother asks. Before her was quite a sight, her daughter was sprawled on the ground struggling to pick herself up with some difficulty. Finally picking herself up, Twilight ran past her mother and out her door to the bathroom. She slams the door and begin to quickly do her morning routine. Her mother shrugging her shoulder walks in her room and make her way to a white uniform hanging on her closest door. With the speed of sound Twilight double her pace in the bathroom. A glow of pink forms around her hand within seconds various items around the room are soon engulfed in the pink aura. Another perk of being born with magical powers, Twilight said a silent praise and quickly went back to work. Cutting her normal morning touch up in half, she runs back to her room only covered in a towel. She was cut off when a boy with green hair walks out his room with sleepy eyes. Moving too fast to stop herself, Twilight rams into him causing him to fly to side. “Hey!” the younger boy shouts. “Sorry Spike!” Twilight shouts back closing her door. Spike picks himself up and lets out a yawn. It was too early in the morning for him to argue with her right now. Back in her room, Twilight began to change putting on her under garments and a white tee shirt. She walks over to the uniform hanging on her closet door. It was straightened out and iron thanks to her last night's preparations. She stares at the uniform a sense of pride swelling up as she looks at it. She traces a finger on its golden outline around its shoulders and wrist. Turning her head, Twilight stares at a picture frame to the side. It was a picture of her with Spike and an older boy, his hair blue and his skin white. He wore a similar looking uniform as the one hanging on her closet door. All three of them had a smile on their faces as they took the picture. “Don't worry big brother...I’m coming.” Twilight whispers. She turns back to the uniform and carefully pulls it off the hanger and begins to change into it. It felt almost like a dream as Twilight began to suit up. She didn't notice the door opening behind her to notice her mother walking in. “You look amazing dear.” Twilight turns around to see her mother smiling. “Thanks mom…” Twilight let's out a breath. “Today's the day.” Her mother nods her head and walks over to her. She raises her hands and straightens out certain areas and makes sure her attire was nice and proper. She kept her eyes away from Twilight's as she looks over her. “I can't believe you're leaving me too.” Her mother says sadly though she wore a smile on her face. She knew full well the day would come when her children would leave, but she was never prepared when the day actually came. “Are you sure this is what you want?” “I’m sure of it mom.” Twilight responds. “Well if that’s what you want.” Her mother says smiles back at her. “Just never forget that no matter what you’ll always have a home here with us.” Twilight gives her mother a small smile and without uttering a word both her and her mother embrace one another in a big hug. She buries her face in crook of her mother's neck taking in all that she can. “I'll miss you mom.” Twilight says doing her very best to hold in the tears. Her mother on the other hand begins to cry a little with a few tears sliding out of her eyes. After few minutes the two let go of each other's embrace with her mother clearing her throat and wiping her eyes. Lifting a hand, her mother's hand begins to glow pink as she pulls a tissue from Twilight’s table to her and blows her nose. “Well let's hurry up hmm?” Her mother smiles. “You need to eat before you leave.” Twilight nods her head and both she and her mother walk out her room. Downstairs, both were greeted by a man with a large luggage bag next to him in the same color as Twilight’s hair. “Thanks dad.” Twilight smiles. “No problem sweetheart,” he says walking up to his daughter to give her a hug. “Come on I have breakfast waiting.” The three walks into the dining room with Spike already eating his breakfast at the table. Twilight was given pancakes with eggs and bacon. Looking at the time her eyes grow wide as she forgot that was behind in schedule. She begins to shove food into her mouth like it's her last. All three other family members let out a sigh. “Sweetie please slow down.” Her mother asks her. “Yeah don't you still have an hour n half until you need to leave?” her father asks as he stares at his daughter finishing her plate and chugging her glass of orange juice. Twilight pushes herself up from the table and heads for the door. “Twilight!” Her parents shout. She skids to a stop and turns around. “But I’m already forth teen minutes behind schedule!” Twilight says. “Today is too important to…” she was cut off when a pink glow surrounds her mouth and silences her. Her mother walks up to her with her hands glowing pink. “Twilight you still have a lot of time,” she says. “besides you know we all agreed to go together.” Twilight deflates as she walks back to the table getting a few quiet giggles from her dad and younger brother. Twilight’s looks back at everyone who went to eating. A realization came to her, today was the last day that she would experience this to be with her family, sitting down and enjoying a meal together. She begins to take in the scene before her making sure to keep it safe in head. After some time, the whole family finished their breakfast and made their way to the door. Twilight and her mother and brother walk out first with her father behind them rolling her luggage bag. They get in their car with her father following he slams the trunk. Starting the car's engine, Twilight’s did a double take and ask if everything was packed. Doing a double check in her mental check and then doing a double double check of the list itself, Twilight nods her head yes. The drive wasn't quiet, just like when her brother was drive, Twilight’s family kept on asking questions making her she was prepared and ready even though they know that she thought about it and made her mind. About half way into the drive, her parents begin to talk with each other while Spike pulls out a strategic game system for the two to play. Usually Spike hated anything that made a person use their head too much, but luckily for Twilight she found a game both suited to their liking. It was a two-player game where each player controlled a group of soldiers or even armies and were put up against each other to see who can outwit the other. It was a game her and her older brother would play often and like Spike and her it was a middle man to what they could both enjoy. Now, Spike has a big grin on his face as he encircled Twilight’s remaining forces. “Looks like I'll be winning this time Twilight.” Spike taunts as he taps away at his button and commands. His digital vanguard began to move in for the kill a single line of armored bruises surrounding Twilight’s forces. She made it look as big of opening as she could and then in a few swift commands she order her troops to huddle together and create miniature dome of shields and spears. Not caring or understanding her moves Spike continues his assault. “You should know one thing about fighting in groups,” Twilight commands her dome of troops to engage one spot of the circle quickly overpowering the thin line was bruisers. “They work better when they're working and sticking together.” She taps at her final command and Spikes forces crumble as their formation and ranks were cut and crumbled. “Hey! No fair.” the green hair boy complains. “How did your guys break through my men?” He questions the logic in a stronger and larger force being beaten by a greatly smaller and weaker group of men. “Just because you have a bigger army doesn't mean the smaller one can't win.” Twilight taps on the victory screen. “No one person can win a battle it takes the entirety of the group to actually succeed.” “Shining said the same thing.” Spike says as he taps on the defeat button. His voice was low and almost a whisper when he said that. A small frown grows on Twilight’s face at the mention of her brother. She quickly rods her face of the ugly expression and smiles at her younger brother. “That's right,” She says. “No matter how alone you think you are there will always be someone there to help you.” Spike was quiet for a bit before he looks down his eyes finding his leg very interesting. “But you're leaving…” he looks up at her sadly. “Who'll be with me now?” Twilight was a little caught off guard by what he said. Spike was in simple terms adopted, her parents told her and Shining that they would be adopting another sibling since they thought Twilight could use a friend since Shining would be leaving. So, the whole family went to the local orphanage and there they meet a certain green haired boy. He was found when he was just a baby and was raised in the orphanage for all his life. Pushing the game pad down onto the car seat, Twilight pulls Spike into a hug. “No matter where I am Spike I’ll always be with you even if you can’t see or hear me.” Twilight says into his ear. “Besides what kind of big sister would I be if I just left you here.” “We’re just about to enter Canterlot.” Her father says to the two of them. The two break away from their hug, but not before smiling at each other. They quickly turned their attention towards the giant city coming into view. The tall walls stretching as far as the eyes could see. And with it being such an important day for many other people cars were filling into the gates. Men in golden armor inspected each car asking for identifications of the occupants in the car. Each wielding a long spear with long metal barrel sticking out of their ends. The insignia of a sun decorated their chest plates and their helmets covered their faces allowing only the black visors to be their source of vision. Twilight’s father pulls up after the car the in front of them was allowed entry. Stopping next to a guardsman he pulls down his window and smiles up at the guard. “Afternoon sir,” He greets. “We’re here for the opening ceremony my daughter hear will be part of the new students enrolling for the ceremony today.” The guard tilts his head forward and stares into the car. He inspects Twilight and her uniform as if scanning her. Nodding his head, the guard taps on his wrist and then waves his hand signaling Twilight’s father to move the car through the gates. Giving a silent quick thanks to the guard the family drove on through the gates. They were welcomed by the sites of giant towering buildings and large crowds of people. Some were magic wielders like her family while some were flying in the air with large bird like wings. No matter how many times she came to Canterlot, Twilight always found it amazing as the last time she was here. “Dear it looks like we’re going have to park a bit away from the ceremony.” Twilight’s mother suggests. With the streets too full, Twilight and her family parked some distance away from their destination. Twilight told her family that she’ll go up on ahead while they go to find their seats. Dragging her luggage behind her Twilight went in search for the entrance to the ceremony. It didn’t take her long to find it when she starts to notice people dressed in the same uniform she wore were making their way towards a large metal dome. “There you are.” Twilight says with a smile. As she starts to make her way towards the dome she didn’t notice a someone coming up from behind her. Like a strong gust of wind someone dashes past her making her stumble. “Hey!” Twilight shouts, but her words weren’t heard as whoever the person was long gone. Dusting off her uniform, Twilight continues her walk towards the dome. Once arriving at the entrance, she was greeted with a line of people looking around her age and dressed in the same uniform that she wore. Letting out a sigh she walks behind the last person in line and waits her turn to be allowed in. Letting out a sigh, Twilight’s heart began to quicken realizing how close she was. Finally reaching the entrance, Twilight was lead to a luggage area where she dropped off her bag and was shown to the auditorium. Upon arriving to the giant hall, Twilight saw hundreds of people dressed in the same uniform as her. Everyone took a seat in any of the open chairs and waited for the ceremony to start. Some of the other talked amongst themselves, Twilight was never one for small talk…or talking with people in general. Not unless it was of any interest to her. She looks around at the audience to see if she could find her family but with there being a sea of families there's little chance that she'd see them. The room fell silent as the lights shut off in the room. A single spotlight lit on the center of the stage before everyone. Coming out from the side of the stage a tall woman in a pure white suit, her hair was flowing as she wore a golden crown on her head. Her sparkling rainbow hair shines from the spotlight shining down on her. The whole dome began to erupt in cheer as they applaud the woman walking on to the stage. Twilight stares at her with wide eyes and a great big smile on her face. Raising her hand, the crowd went silent and wait for her to speak. “Hello everyone,” The woman says with a smile and which for some reason made the entire dome grow a little warmer. “it brings me great joy to see all of you here.” She places a arm behind her back and the other to wave at every one sitting. “You are all here because you chose to be the next generation of defenders to keep our world safe.” Everyone begins to cheer again and quickly quiets down. “Each and every one of you will be training to hone the skills to be able to protect your families, protect the citizens and to protect our nation of equestrian.” With three loud stomps on the stage the dome ceiling begins to open causing everyone to look up. Music begins to play as sunlight begins to pour into the dome. “Prepare yourselves for you will be training all that you can here in the ship of harmony!” Within seconds an airship half as big as the city lowers down from the sky. Its metal hull shadowing everyone in the dome. “Amazing…” Twilight whispers to herself. “On this ship you will learn to grow as guardians and as heroes,” Raising both her hands her smile grew as she looks back at everyone with pride. “Boarding will take place in thirty please everyone ready yourselves and I hope to see you all on board.” She walks off stage and another woman walk on. She was shorter but wore the same color suit. “All students must make their way to the boarding ships any family members wishing to say their goodbyes please meet your respected students outside the boarding area.” Once she was done speaking everyone began to file out of the auditorium. Twilight made her way just outside of the boarding area to find her family. With there being so many people she thought that it was impossible. “Twilight over here!” Turning her head, she sees Spike on top of a few boxes who was quickly pulled down by thei mother no doubt. She quickly makes her way over to them. Once she finally gets through everyone she immediately embraces all three of them in a hug. The four of them stay like this for some time. Her father was the first to pull. “Now you be careful okay? We don't want to have any heart attacks now.” her father says as he looks over his daughter. “My goddess you've grown up so fast just look at you.” “And don't forget to message us at least once a week.” Her mother adds pulling from the hug herself. “And please don't stay up past three every night.” “I will.” Twilight answers. The sound of the ships starting their engines signaled everyone that it was almost time. “Good luck Twilight.” Spike says. Nodding her head, she turns around to make her way towards the small ship. She turns her head to face her family once more. Their smiles growing bigger the father she walks. Feeling the urge of tears trying to wrestle their way out of her eye, Twilight quickened her pace to the ship. She takes a seat next to window and looks out to see her family still there watching the ship. They wave up at her and she in return waves back. Her tears swell at the edge of her eye, but she quickly wiped them away with her sleeve. “Excuse me darling would you mind if I take this seat?” someone asks her. Turning around, Twilight looks up to a purple haired girl in the same uniform as her smiling down at her. Her curls wobbled as the ship began to shake from its engines. “Sure.” The girl sits down next to Twilight and wraps the safety belt around her waist. Twilight went back to looking out the window, but was stopped she was tapped on the shoulder. “May I know your name miss?” she asks. “Uh...oh...I’m Twilight Sparkle it's nice to...uh meet you.” Twilight answers a little awkwardly. “Lovely name, my name is Rarity a pleasure to meet you.” She says with a smile. Twilight returns the smile followed by an awkward smile. “It's amazing that the day has finally come for all us here don't you think?” Rarity asks. “I mean we are all about to enter the next big step into our lives.” She began to go on and on, but to be completely honest Twilight stopped listening to her after they're small introduction with each other. The image of her older brother pops up in her head. Twilight clenched her hand into a fist. “Don't worry Shining I'm on my way now.” Twilight quietly says to herself. “What was that dear?” Rarity asks. “Oh, um it's nothing!” Twilight stutters making herself look innocent. Rarity was about to say something, but a voice from the intercom caught everyone's attention. “Would all passengers please strap up we’re about to take off.” and with a low buzz the intercom shuts off. Everyone who was now standing takes a seat and straps in their safety belts. Some look nervous as small beads of sweat could be seen on their heads. Other were more excited some of them having great big smiles on their faces or just hopping in their seats as they were filled with anticipation. The ship began to jolt and shake as it slowly began to lift off the ground. Some of the others began to cheer as shaking of the ship indicated their ascension towards the larger ship above them. Looking out the window once more Twilight notices three other ships flying up next to her ship. Soon enough she was high up in the sky some of the flyers of the city came by the windows and waved at everyone. Though there was one couple of flyers that stood out from the rest. They flew next one of the other ships both of them wore a matching blue shirt with a rainbow hat and held mini flags in their hands. Now the ships began to rise into the clouds covering, but they didn't stay in their long. Upon surfacing above the clouds, the Ship of Harmony could be seen hovering not too far from Twilight’s ship. Students began to pile up at the windows to gaze upon the greatest ship in all of Equestria. A group of armored flyers flew past the ships as if welcoming their approach. “Beautiful.” Rarity says with wide eyes as she stares at the ship behind Twilight. The intercom lit up once more. “Please be seated we’re about to dock into the ship.” switching off the intercom shuts off with another buzz. The transports all begin to slowly fly into the side hangers if the ship. Once they touch the metal ground of the hanger the transport doors slide opening and out came all the students. They all stare in amazement at men and woman in the hanger. Each and every one were working on whatever it is They were whether it was prepping their armor or tools they all showed signs of experience and power. “Would all students please come over, so I may assign you your quarters.” A man says with a data pad in one hand and a pen in the other. Twilight follows the crowd form around the man. “As your first day it is my job to make sure you all have a room to stay in.” The man shouts. “when I call your name report in front of me and I'll give you a card key and a room number.” He lifts his hand revealing a small card. “You are to head to your room and remain there, food will be dropped off for you later today.” Everyone begins to speak amounts themselves each of them having a confused look on their heads. “Do not worry it is only for today we need to make sure all students are here and accounted for.” He says. “Rest assure tomorrow will be the first of your studies and training so prepare yourself today because for the next few years this ship will be your new home.” Having nothing more to say he looks down at the data and begins to call out names. One by one students begin to walk up and grab their respected keys and begin to make their way towards the living area of the ship. Later through the day after Twilight received her key she found her room and was happy to see her luggage sitting in the middle of the room. The room was simple it had a bed a dresser a nightstand and a desk. Letting out a sigh she walks over to her new bed and takes a seat. She's finally hear the next chapter in her life and the next step in finding her brother. She sits back up and walks over to her luggage and searches for something. She finds a small picture frame and pulls it out. It was a picture of her and her whole family. Her parents stood in the back while her two brothers and herself sat in the front. She lets out another sigh before putting down the picture on the night stand next to the bed. Laying back down on the bed, Twilight felt her eyes grow heavy as the feeling of sleep begins to take over her. Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and lets the sleep embrace her. Author's Note Hey guys Punsz here got a new story for you guys had this idea pop up in my head and want to see hoe it goes. I hope you like and enjoy the story! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 Twilight woke to the sound of an alarm and her room lighting up in red lights. She falls off her bed and with a loud thump falls on her floor. Panicking, she quickly puts on her uniform all the while many scenarios were going through her head. Are we under attack? What’s going on? Are we abandoning ship? It hasn’t even been a day and she hasn’t been taught anything. All these questions swarm her head as she frantically shoves her arms in the sleeves of her uniform. Putting on her uniform, Twilight runs to the door and hisses open. All around her other recruits were running out of their rooms. Some of them were dressed and other weren’t, but they all had questions swarming their heads. “Are we under attack?” Someone yells. “I don’t know, but I’m itching for some action!” “Where do we go?” Whoever said that receives no answer and was swept along the sea of recruits making there way to the main deck of the ship. People tried their best not to get trampled as they all pushed each other out of the way. They all run out onto the main deck of the ship each and everyone of them searching the skies for anything. Some of them ran over to the edge of the ship to look around. Nothing. Twilight notices that the alarms have stopped. She looks around and notices a few officers walking out from the bridge entrance of the ship. The man leading them had a clipboard in his hand. “Late!” A loud voice roars. Every recruit turns to find a very bulky man with a clipboard in his hands. On both of his sides stands two others both bearing an insignia of a lighting bolt with wings and a halo around it. People began to whisper amongst each other as some of them were realizing who were standing next to the loud man. “Wait are those two Wonderbolts?” One-person whispers. If Twilight remembers correctly, the Wonderbolts were a special division of flying guardians who are the fastest aerial unit in all of Equestria. They were also celebrities occasionally doing sky shows all over the nation encouraging and keeping spirits up. “No way wasn’t most of them lost when…you know…when “that” happened?” “SHUT YOUR TRAPS!” the man yells silencing everyone. “You have exactly ten seconds to get in an organized position.” He stares at the recruits who only gave him a confused look. “Eight.” Everyone immediately stops all the chatter and quickly scramble to get in line and in formation. People were bumping into each other and other had no idea where to stand. Twilight was all to familiar with keeping things organized that she quickly took her position next to two others. Sooner or later others began to see a line of some kind forming they took their respective spots between each other. Walking over to the recruits, the man lets out a grunt and gives everyone a disapproving stare. He makes a sharp turn and glares at a recruit in front of him. “Well what do we have here?” He scowls at the girl who sat next to Twilight when they flew towards the ship. “Do you mind explaining to me why in Suns name are there curls in that ruck sack you call hair recruit?” He yells. She swipes her hands in front of her face back and forth to remove the odor that came from the man’s mouth. “Well sir I…” “Give me a name and position!” He interrupts. Clearing her throat, she continues to wave her hands in front of her face. “Rarity…sir,” she says. “New recruit.” He notices her attempt to get of the odor that was coming from his mouth he leans in close to her his black eyes looking into her blue. “Is something bothering you recruit?” He asks. “Well the smell for one thing is quite dreadful.” Rarity says with an annoyed stare. “And also, I do wish you could at least brush your teeth before speaking to someone and especially this close.” An eye began to twitch on the man’s face as he stares down at the young girl. He steps back and writes something down on his clipboard. “Well then little missy I guess you just earned yourself a nice sweaty run around the ship deck.” Turning to the wonderbolt with white flowy hair. “Lieutenant Fleetfoot I want you to make sure that this recruit understands the true meaning of sweating.” “Yes sir!” The one called Fleetfoot saluted and in seconds a pair of teal glowing wings form on her back. Flapping her wings, she raises up from the ground by a foot and blows a whistle at Rarity. “Come on recruit let’s get moving!” Annoyed that something loud was still being blaring in front of her face, Rarity was about to say something, but was interrupted by another loud whistle. “I said move!” Without saying another word and not wanting to get whistled at Rarity begins to jog around the ships deck. Followed closely by Fleetfoot who flew above her with the whistle in her mouth. All the other recruits let out a few snickers but was quickly silenced by the man. “Now with that distraction out of the way,” he says walking in front of every recruit. “My name is Sergeant Drill Master but can call me Sir because for the next few months,” He turns to move the other way. “I’m your new boss, and the one who is going to decide what to do with your sorry excuse of a soldier do you understand?” “Yes, Drill Master sir!" Everyone answers. Nodding his head, he goes down the list on his clipboard and stares down at everyone. He lets out a small grunt and places the clipboard behind his back as he continues walking back a forth in front of the recruits. “Hmm only thirty…we get less every time.” Drill master whispers to himself but quickly looks up at everyone. “This ain’t Canterlot and this certainly ain’t no training school from whatever backwater town you came from.” He stops and makes sure to stare everyone down. “This is the Equestrian Guardian Program, and your sole purpose is to become the great protectors of Equestria.” This causes a few of the recruits to smile. “But to me all I see are just sorry excuses of soldiers who think its fun playing dress up.” The crowd of recruits begin to talk amongst themselves. “Shut your pie holes!” Drill Master roars silencing everyone on deck. “Each of you will be assigned into groups of six depending on your skills and abilities.” He stops in front of the center of the group. “You will be assigned rolls into these groups, you will work together, learn together, train together.” He turns his head to an orange hair girl who wore black shades and the same uniform as the girl named Fleetfoot. “Sergeant Spitfire I’ll leave the rest to you.” With that Drill Master steps aside. The girl name Spitfire walks up to the recruits her facial expression stoic and unreadable thanks to her shades. She clears her throat and sprouts golden orange wings. Many of the recruits stare an aw as she lifts herself off the ground. “Wipe those dumb smirks off your faces recruits!” Spitfire roars. “Does this look like some fun house at a carnival?” Everyone’s expression soon fell as the verbal abuse begins. “Starting now I’m going to be figuring out just how useless you all are!” Spitfire lands back on the ground. “We’re going to doing some drills to help me figure out if anyone of you has what it takes to be guardians.” A single recruit bravely raises his hand which causes Spitfire to snap her head in his direction. Spitfire tilts her shades up and stares at the recruit. Seeing this as a sign to speak the recruit straightens up and looks straight forward. “Uh…are we taking a test sir…uh ma’am…I mean sergeant ma’am sir.” Spitfire lands back on the ground and walks up to the recruit. “What’s your name soldier?” She roars. Even with the difference in height favoring the recruit the sergeant still made him feel small. “I’m uh uh uh!” The recruit’s legs begin to shake and all he could let out was stuttering of words. “That isn’t no name!” Spitfire shouts. “Your new name is now Stutters is that clear Stutters?” “Sir yes ma’am uh sir!” Spitfire walks back towards the front of the group. “Honestly where do we get these idiots?” She lets out an annoyed sigh. “Alright you have thirty minutes to get changed each of you have a locker in your rooms where you’ll find your combat suit…now…GET YOUR SORRY CANS MOVING! MEET IN THE TRAINING! You have twenty-five minutes left! If you’re not in the training room by the time then say goodbye to your new lives and say hello to mommy and daddy again.” Everyone hurries back inside to get back to their rooms to find their card keys. Twilight walks past the other recruits doing her best not to bump into anyone. “Sorry! Excuse me…Sorr-WOAH!” Twilight was knocked to side by a rainbow haired girl who was using her wings to fly above the crowd. “Out of the way slow pokes!” She yells as she flies above the other recruits. Seeing that the swarm of students was paused Twilight quickly makes her way towards her room. Finally, once she was back she lets out a sigh and wipes her forehead. Its only been a day and already she’s starting to feel some strain. Twilight quickly shakes off the feeling and walks over to a locker at the far end of her room. Opening the locker, a single black wetsuit suit hung inside with a similar looking helmet sitting on the shelf above. Pulling out the suit, Twilight looks at it from top to bottom and realizes that it’s two sizes too big. Raising a brow, Twilight zips open the suit and slips in her arms and legs before pulling up the suit itself. Within seconds the suit begins to shrink as it adjusts itself to fit her perfectly. “Well that’s…handy.” Twilight says with a surprise look. A light velvet glow emanates from her hand and she’s surprised to see that suit was somehow amplifying her powers. She could feel a flow of energy running through her body. Clenching her hand into a fist, Twilight swings her arm around to get a feel of her new attire. She looks herself over and examines the suit and seeing that it was to her liking she grabs her helmet walks to her door to leave. Upon opening the door, Twilight saw the girl name Rarity walking past her out of breath and sweaty. She was taking in big breathes with her arm against the wall. Twilight thought for a minute and looks back into her room to see that she still has a good amount of time. “Are doing alright?” Twilight asks as she walks. The girl named Rarity looks up a little surprised to see anyone. With whatever strength she had she straightens herself up and fluffs her hair. She takes in a deep breathe and smiles back at Twilight. “Why hello darling…Twilight was it?” Rarity asks her legs failing her slightly. Twilight walks over to her and offers hand to which Rarity happily takes. “Much appreciated,” Rarity thanks as she picks herself up and begins her walk towards her room with Twilight. “I’d be able to move on my own just fine, but I’m sure from what you saw earlier my legs are little worse for wear now.” Twilight smiles and nod as she helps her to her room. “I’m sure I would be too if I was made to run that much.” It didn't take long for the two of them to reach Rarity's room.Twilight looks at the time and almost lets out a squeal when she saw the time. She looks between the young girl and the time debating whether she should stay or leave. Rarity notices her worried expression and checks the clock causing a frown to grow on her face. "Darling it's alright if you need to go you can," Rarity says with a smile. "I'll make it time don't you worry." In all honesty, Twilight was close to leaving her, but the image of her brother came to mind. Letting out a sigh, Twilight shakes her head and helps her inside. "I guess we'll both get in trouble for being late." Twilight half jokes. "I guess we will," Rarity says opening her locker. "Now that is quite a horrendous looking attire." She pulls out her suit and looks at it with disgust. "Honestly, they could at least give us a more eye appealing wear." "I don't think it matters when your battling monsters." Twilight says raising a brow. "True," Rarity says putting on the suit still having an unpleasant look. "Still it wouldn't hurt to look ones best when fighting the forces of evil and dark." She turns towards the mirror and looks at herself and seeing that there isn't much hey ducked and weaved past other staff and guards who all gave them a confused look. Twilight takes a look at the time and lets out a yelp and tells Rarity to quicken her pace. They got into a mad dash neither of them wanting to face punishment. With the training room in site, the two of them fly through the doors and tumble onto the ground. Taking in a deep breathe, Twilight pulls up her wrist to check the time. "We *breathe* made it and not a moment too soon." "Well that you did, but you two are the last ones to make it." Spitfire says as she looks down at Twilight and Rarity. "I'd say you just volunteered to be first." "First...For what?" Twilight asks picking herself up from the ground. "For that." Spitfire points her thumb at a giant bipedal robot. It stood twice the size as anyone in the room its arms are probably as big as boulders. Though the one thing that caught everyone's attention are the horns above its head. "We call this bad boy Iron Will," Spitfire shouts as she walks over to the robot. "Iron Will here help me figure out your strength and weaknesses." She says tapping one of its legs. "You each will go through three types levels: Basic combat, Crowd Control, and Durability." Spitfire points at Twilight. “What’s you name recruit?” “Twilight Sparkle ma’am.” Twilight salutes the sergeant. “Well then Sparkle you’re up first.” The sergeant points back at the robotic hulk. Staring at the machine, Twilight gulps and walks over to the machine. Its massive frame looks back down at her blowing out smoke from its head as if it was an angry bull. “Alright then first scenario,” Spitfire says holding out a control pad. “Basic combat.” She taps down on a button that causes the eyes of robot to glow bright red. It lets out a loud roar and swings down on Twilight. With a thundering crash, the whole training room shakes, and dust engulfs the area where Twilight stood. “Twilight!” Rarity yells out. The room went silent and some of the other recruits held their breath. As the dust clears it reveals Twilight with her hands raised above her glowing a light shade of pink. Surrounding her was a magical barrier giving off a few sparks here and there. “Nice reaction time Sparky.” Spitfire compliments. “Looks like old Iron Will is going to have to take it up a notch.” She turns a dial on the control pad causing a few clicks to come from Iron Will. The giant robot begins slam down on the protective shield harder and faster. The ground below Twilight begins to crack as the force of the punches cause the magical bubble to sink into the ground. Through a camera, Twilight was being watched by multiple viewers one of them being Celestia herself. A small smile grows on her face impressed by Twilight. “Hmm…Sparkle.” The ruler thinks to herself as the name sounded oh so familiar to her. She pulls up a data pad with a list of names of the new recruits. Twilight tries her best to keep the barrier up, but it soon begins to crack as it can’t keep holding off the barrage of fists coming down on to it. Thirty seconds, that’s how long the barrier will last until it breaks which means she has thirty seconds to figure out how to beat this thing. She quickly scans Iron Will to looks for any obvious weakness, his upper body was covered in thick metal plating and the same goes for his hands. She looks down at his legs, his hoof like feet look like to giant boulders, but something caught her eyes. If what she thinks is correct, then she thinks she just found a way to beat this thing. Twilight times the seconds between each slamming of the fist. The second he raises his fist, she lowers her shields and jumps to side only a second before Iron Will’s fist came slamming down. Iron Will twists its head followed by smoke coming out of its face. Twilight raises her hand and channels her magic and fires off a few bolts. They make contact but are soon disintegrated of if they were nothing. Iron Will charges at her and readies another attack, Twilight waits until the last minute before she dashes to left causing Iron Will to make a sharp turn. Twilight kept her eyes on his legs to see if her theory was correct and with a smile, she is indeed correct. She was too busy mentally celebrating her theory to notice Iron Will charging at her again. Being a second too late on her jump Iron Will just barely grazes her leg. Twilight lets out a silent curse and looks down at her leg and notices that there was no injury. “You can thank your suit for that,” Spitfire calls out. “These babies are the things that are going to you from being mincemeat.” Nodding her head, Twilight quickly jumps to the left once more causing the robotic behemoth to make another sharp turn left. This time Iron Will slightly falter but straightens back up and continues to attack Twilight. It was rinse and repeat, Twilight kept on jumping to the left while Iron chases after her. Some of the other recruits were becoming inpatient to her and began to complain. “Come on quit running away and fight back!” “Yeah!” “Shut it!” Spitfire shouts. “If you knuckle heads quit your whining and actually pay attention what’s actually going on then you’ll see what’s happening.” Before anyone else could say anything else, Iron Will suddenly topples over. All eyes fall on Twilight who was gasping for air with sweat running down her faces. Spitfire walks over while shutting off Iron Will with the control pad. “Nice job Sparky looks like there’s some talent amongst you lot.” Twilight gives her a silent thanks and a weak salute. “Alright get back to the others.” Spitfire orders to which Twilight happily accepts. Twilight drags herself over to the other recruits. Rarity quickly walks over to her and helps her find a place to rest. “My that was quite a performance you did there,” Rarity says helping her sit down on a nearby bench. “A little brash, but still good job.” “HEY! Miss Pretty pants! You’re up next!” Spitfire yells talking about Rarity. Letting out a sigh, Rarity smiles back at Twilight and walks over to the sergeant. Twilights waves back and tries to rest letting out a long breathe. "Um…does it hurt?” asks a whispered voice. Twilight looks up to see a rather tall girl standing in front of her she wore the same wet suit as her, but her’s had a metal cylinder strapped onto her back. “What…oh yes I’m fine just a little sore that’s all.” Twilight says with a smile. The girl rubs her arm as she was thinking to herself while giving Twilight a nervous look. “Do you mind I take a look at it just to make sure it isn’t anything serious.” “Well…sure I guess.” Twilight says. Even with the sergeant telling her that the suit would stop any major damages it wouldn’t hurt to give it a look. The girl kneels in front of Twilight and examines the leg that was injured by Iron Will. She places a hand on the spot and presses it lightly causing Twilight to twitch a little. “Your name was Twilight?” She asks without looking up at her as she was too busy feeling her leg. “Looks like it’ll just be a minor bruising.” Placing her foot back down, she looks up at Twilight and gives her a small smile. “I’m Fluttershy.” “It’s nice to meet you Fluttershy,” Twilight returns the smile. Fluttershy takes a seat next to Twilight on the bench. “You were pretty amazing out there.” Fluttershy says quietly to point where Twilight could barely hear her. “I’m not sure I would’ve any chance against Iron Will like that.” Just as she said its name a loud roar came causing her to jump back and let out a small squeak. Twilight looks up to see Rarity dodging Iron Will’s fist and blasting him with a few precision bolts of magic. She dodges another attack with grace as if she was dancing. After a few well-placed bolts Iron Will’s joints between its arms were shot right off. Spitfire adds a comment about her performance and sends her over to benches. Rarity gives her small nod and looks over to Twilight and gives a thumb up. Twilight returns the gesture, she quickly remembers Fluttershy falling over the bench and jerks around to check up on her. With a painful look, Fluttershy was on her back with her legs sticking up over the bench. “Are you alright?” Twilight asks offering her a hand. “Oh yes I’m fine,” Fluttershy accepts the assistance and is pulled back up on the bench. “I just got a little scared there.” “I say that robotic behemoth was quite a character,” Rarity says as she walks up to Twilight and Fluttershy. “Oh, why hello there.” Twilight introduces Rarity to Fluttershy, though the girl took a few seconds to greet Rarity. “Well any friend of Twilight is a friend to me.” Rarity says cheerfully as she pulls out her hand to shake. “Oh…um yes…hello.” Fluttershy almost whispers. She slowly shakes her hand, but only for a second before pulling her hand away. “Hey! Little Miss Whispers!” All three girls slightly jump at the loud voice shouting at them. They turn to see Spitfire point at Fluttershy signaling that it was her turn to fight Iron Will. Twilight turns to see her shaking, but soon nods her head as she walks towards the robot menace. Seeing this, Twilight places a hand on her shoulders and turns her and gives her a assuring smile. “You can do this.” She says before letting go of her shoulder. Fluttershy gives her a small smile and a nod before making her way towards the combat area. “I do hope she’ll be alright,” Rarity says sounding worried. “She looks quite…fragile.” Twilight watches as the girl got into a fighting stance though with shaking hands. “Well there’s a reason why she got accepted into the program,” Twilight says watching with some interest. “I’m sure there’s more that meets the eye with her.” With the sound of Iron Will roaring the fight begins. As was expected, Iron Will throws a punch towards Fluttershy. She lets out a small squeak before dodging the strike. In a flash, a pair of glowing yellow wings appear on her back allowing her take flight. Iron Will jumps up and tries to grab her, but she kept herself just out of reach. “Come on!” Spitfire shouts. “Can’t always run away from the fight you got to take action sooner or later.” “Oh…my.” Fluttershy dodges another swing. “You‘ve got to be kidding me.” Spitfire lets out a sigh and begins to scroll through her data pad and pulls out the profile of Fluttershy. “Lets see if what pushes your buttons.” Spitfire looks over her profile and smiles. “Well that’ll work.”