To New Horizons

The walk back towards the Apple family farmhouse was a pleasant one as you and Starfire enjoyed the calming atmosphere of the orchard together. Birds were singing, the sun was warm on your fur, and the calm dirt path allowed you to remember those not so distant times where you were traveling on caravan routes. Steelstocks was always regaling his tales from when he first started his forehoof as a traveling merchant. You sigh at the realization that the roads seemed way safer back then.

The older stallion with brown eyes, a light blue coat, and a greying dark blue mane taught you a lot on your travels. Sure, most of it was how to gather intel from local gossip and how to keep a caravan safe on the road. By knowing how to spot potential bandit hideouts, monster lairs and admittedly Starfires occasional boobytrap. He even trained you to have a silver tongue so you could try and talk your way out of a bind. You definitely wouldn't say he set you on this path of adventuring, but he did teach you how to stay safe during it. And those skills will definitely help you further along this path you were on.

A gentle hoof prodded your left side, pulled you out of your thoughts to see the smiling mare carefully covered under your wing. "You're lost in thought again Sky. Care to let it out, or is it a private thought?" She asked, giving you her signature perverted grin. Causing you to chuckle before responding. "This road just reminds me of the old caravan routes we were on is all." You reply with a blissful smile, eliciting a gentle hum from the yellow coated mare.

"I suppose I can say the same. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the wind carries the last nips of winter. The world just feels... peaceful again. Honestly, this town reminds me a lot of Rabbitsfoot." She gently replies as she pulls away from your winged hug and walks in front of you. Only to turn around and begin walking backwards down the path. Presumably to maintain eye contact with you.

"How so?" You ask just as gently, feeling as if the entirety of the world was just this one path in front of and behind you. "All ponies here want to do is settle down. Start a life and a family, but they're friendly and actually care about one another. Instead of seeing each other as neighbors, they see each other as friends. Friends they want to grow old together with and enjoy telling tales of their youth with when they have foals." She replies with a gentle smile. "Yea, Ponyvilles kind of nice that. Never knew Rabbitsfoot was the same way. Speaking of, you never really talk about your home much... or your family outside of a couple stories from your youth..." You reply with a semi-concerned look. Earning a sigh and downcast look from the mare.

"Yea well, the ranching life wasn't for me, nor did I really feel at home there. Ever since I was a filly, the horizon called my name, beckoning me to follow its call and discover a world unknown. That call eventually lead me to you." She says with a gentle punch to your shoulder with her foreleg. "Now my family... I'd rather not talk about it." She says sounding defeated. "Bad blood?" You ask as the Apple family farmhouse comes into view and Starfire starts walking on your left hoof side again.

"No, we're still very close, and my father and brothers still send me letters once a week. It's just... regrets more than anything. Necessary ones I needed to do for myself, and for them." She replies with a sorrowful tone in her voice. "Not your mother?" You think to yourself briefly before deciding not to pry. "You know you can tell me anything that's eating away at you. Right Star?" You say, causing the mare to give you an almost sympathetic smile. "Of course. I promise I'll tell you all about it eventually. But right now, I need to hoof your flank over to you." She replies as her sorrowful smile turns into a seemingly forced cocky one.

"Well, luckily for you, you won't have to wait long to get bested once more." You tease as the two of you reach the back of the farmhouse and start walking your way around it. You notice that all the dead Timberwolves have been removed from when you were here last. Leaving behind various impressions in the dirt where they once laid. The only thing new you could really see on the ground was a couple pair's of wagon tracks, so it didn't take a siege engineer to tell you what probably happened to the remains.

"I'll make you eat those words!" Starfire playfully growls as the two of you round the corner of the farmhouse and get into view of the front yard. On the farmhouse porch, Granny was still rocking in her rocking chair as she idly chatted with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Sweat coated both of the younger mares fur, and they also seemed fairly out of breath. You allow your eyes to quickly scan the rest of your surroundings as you approached the group.

Allowing you to notice the two wagons, they packed full of timber and ran off with. Was now parked in front of the Apple family barn. Granny was seemingly the only one to notice both you, and Starfire approaching behind the younger mares but continued to speak with them. The conversation sounded more like a scolding than anything else, but you couldn't really hear what was being said. You decide to politely clear your throat with a subtle cough to let them know you were there. But that nearly sent Applejack and Rainbow Dash into orbit with how comedically high they jumped. Which caused you, Star and Granny Smith to laugh from the sight.

The second the two mares hit the ground, they quickly turned around to confront the two of you. "Sweet Celestia! You two have to stop sneaking up on ponies like that!" Rainbow Dash yells with an annoyed look on her face as she takes off into a hover. Only causing you and Starfire to laugh a little harder. "Well, in our defense we weren't trying to sneak up on you." You say between breaths, only to earn annoyed glares from the two mares and an amused smile from Granny.

"Right... Well, now that we're all here. What exactly does your practice entail?" Applejack asks almost suspiciously. "Yea, cause we're going to need some details if we're going to ref this thing." Rainbow Dash says as she idly waves her hoof about for emphasis. "Well, it's pretty simple. Me and Sky are going to have a little sparring match, and we just need somepony to keep us honest." Starfire says with a confident smile, as Applejacks and Rainbow Dash's eyes grow wide. "Sparring? With real swords. Are you sure that's safe?" Applejack asks, prompting you to wave your hoof dismissively.

"Don't worry Applejack, we do this sorta thing all the time." You reply confidently, earning an eyebrow raise from the farm pony. "We graduated from wooden practice swords ages ago. As experienced swords ponies, this will remain perfectly safe as long as we're careful and abide by the safe word." Starfire says smoothly with a confident smile. "And that word is?" Applejack asks with a cautious yet curious look.

"Mercy." You and Starfire both say at the same time without a second thought and with a wide smile. Causing both Rainbow Dash and Applejack to exchange worried glances. "Alright... and what are the rules to this little sparring practice?" Rainbow Dash asks with a concerned tone in her voice as she makes eye contact with you again. "Whoever can get their partner to call mercy three times after the practice motions, wins." Starfire continues with a smile across her muzzle.

"And before you ask, we're not prideful ponies. If something's wrong or feels off we'll call mercy." You pitch in, earning a small nod of acknowledgment from Starfire. "Well, if you two say so. I'll see if Big Mac and the crusaders are done in the barn. Play nice Rainbow." Applejack starts off uneasy, her voice only turning sharp when she addresses Rainbow Dash. Who looked almost betrayed. "Me? I don't know what you mean." Rainbow replies sarcastically, earning a hard glare from Applejack that seemingly removed any smugness in her features. "Yea, I'll behave." Rainbow Dash states as she gently lands back on her four hooves.

"Ah, yep, now I see it." Starfire quietly whispers in your ear causing the two of you to chuckle a little. "And the same goes for you two as well." Applejack snips causing you and Starfire to look up in attention. Applejack gave the two of you a glare that could make a griffin quake before making her way over to the barn. "Yes, ma'am." The two of you say before you snap out of caravan guard mode.

The four of you stand around in awkward silence as you watch Applejack slowly makes her way over to the barn door and goes inside. "Sooo." Rainbow Dash starts, causing you to give her your full attention. She was idly rubbing her neck with a forehoof as she gave you an almost nervous look. "No, hard feelings. Right?" She nervously asks as she holds her right forehoof out toward you. "Yea, we're alright. Nor do I blame you for being cautious, my recent family history deserves as much." You say with a nervous chuckle as you carefully shake hooves with the rainbow-maned mare. "Recent? What do you mean?" She asks curiously as the two of returned your hooves to the ground.

"My grandfather was Silver Sword, Commondre in the Royal Navy. Forth fleet, in charge of the Eighth squadron. He ironically hunted for pirates along the same trade route my father plunders. He was so good at his job, he even had the honor of meeting Princess Celestia while escorting her to the Griffin highlands for a diplomatic visit." You say with a soft smile as memories from your youth come rushing back to you. You were about four or five when your grampa started regaling tales of his times aboard an airship. He even showed you an old black and white photograph of his ship, the Marathon with his crew standing in front of it. That old frigate ship sunk fifteen pirate vessels in its day, and grampa had the metals and rank to show for it.

Even though he died a few months after sharing some of his stories with you, you still can't help but say he gave you the moral compass you live by today. He even decided to leave you that photograph and his old log book, just so you could read about his adventures long after he was gone. Without him entering your life, however brief. You don't know where you'd be today without his care. You only hoped you were doing him proud, and that thought left you the all too familiar warm feeling of love in your chest. "Really?!?" Rainbow Dash says in surprise before giving a contemptuous sigh. "And they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." She murmurs, causing you to chuckle.

"It didn't. My pa's sailing like all our ancestors have. He's just... sailing under a different banner. Me?... Well... I'm the one to break tradition." You say melancholically, earning a sympathetic look from both Rainbow and Starfire, and a neutral look from granny. "You wish you were up there... huh?" Starfire asks sympathetically as she gently rests her right forehoof on your shoulder, prompting you to let out a scoff directed at nopony in particular. "What pegasi wouldn't want to be up there? Above the clouds, free to fly in any direction. Where your only constraints are the supplies you can carry and the friends you can bring along." You say as you feel a smile cross your muzzle as you look up toward the sky almost longingly.

"Did he know before he died? Your grandfather I mean." Granny asked somberly, prompting you to return your gaze from the sky and make direct eye contact with the older mare. "Sadly I think he knew... Instead of following tradition and passing down our families captain logbook to his son... He gave it to me.... I haven't added anything too it though. Just doesn't feel right for me to. So it just sits on a shelf at home gathering dust... But I did finally get to read the rest of his stories... So that could also be the reason he gave it too me as well." You reply as a pain of sorrow strikes your heart at the thought of your poor grandfather learning about your father's actions. Starfire gave you a gentle pat on your back as you watched granny's eyes shift from ones of sorrow to ones of understanding.

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth as if to speak, but was promptly interrupted by the sound of creaking metal hinges. Forcing you to recompose the flurry of emotions welling up inside you. As the Apple family's barn door slowly creaked open, and Applejack slowly made her way outside followed by five other ponies. Applebloom, who had Starfires unloaded and a freshly cleaned crossbow strapped across her back. Scootaloo, who was balancing your freshly polished shield on her back. Sweetiebelle, who proudly held Starfire's quiver full of bolts in her magic. Big Mac, who was caring what looked like Starfire's sword on his back, and finally Whirlwind, who looked more chipper than the rest of the group as she carried your sword, which was almost properly strapped across her back.

Upon seeing you, her smile turned to that of ecstatic joy before she started to run over toward you. "Mister Sword!" She yelled as she ran over toward you, nearly tripping a couple of times under the weight of the weight of the sword she carried. You can't help but smile as you and Starfire turn to address the excited young filly as she skidded to a stop in front of you. "Good afternoon Whirlwind, how are you today? And please, call me Sky, mister Sword is my grandfather. You say with a light-hearted chuckle. She sure didn't seem like the shy little filly you met last night.

"A-alright Sky. I'm doing amazingly! Big Mac taught me how to polish and sharpen a sword!" Whirlwind happily exclaims, as the rest of the group leisurely made it to the front porch. "She was really persistent to help and she picked up the craft well enough. So, Big Mac here, let her sharpen your sword Sky, I hope that's alright." Applejack says with a smile that faintly held some pride. "And, she did this herself?" Starfire asked with a motherly tone, as she gently tapped the sword sheath on Whirlwinds back.

"Eyup, made her sharpen some of the farm's old blades first before getting to the real thing." Big Mac chimed in with an equally proud smile as his sister. "Well then, let's take a look at your work." You say with a smile as you hold your right hoof out toward Whirlwind. Her eyes instantly went wide and her hooves started to shake as she unlatched the sheathes strap and carefully placed the sheathed sword in on your hoof. Whirlwind gave you a worried look as you carefully sit back on your haunches and began inspecting the sheath. The sheath itself was a standard leather one, with little signs of damage. But, those were all there prior to the Apples care.

You then carefully wrapped your right hoof around the handle of the sword and used your left hoof to hold the swords sheathing as you carefully slid the sword out of it protective cover with a quiet "sheev". Only to let out a bewildered gasp at the sight. The blade on the sword was polished so fine that it easily reflected your own image. You don't even believe you've seen a sword so well polished, and once fully out of its sheath, you take a couple steps back and give it a few good swings through the air.

Causing the blade made a whoosh sound as it cleaved through the air with ease. "Sharp, shiny and balanced. Whirly really has a future for blacksmithing if she can't make it in adventuring. But then again, if she can handle the basics of weapon maintenance without your guidance. What could she do with it?" You think to yourself as a small smile crosses your muzzle. Another whooshing sound drags your attention from your sword to Starfire. Who looks equally amazed at the kid's craftmanship under big Mac's watchful eye. She proceeded to give you an ecstatic smile and a careful head motion over to Whirlwind before she continued inspecting her sword.

She could alway's read you like a book, and sometimes that was a bad thing. You promptly return your gaze toward the nervous looking pegasus filly as you slide your sword back into its sheath. "Whirly, this is honestly the best maintenance work I've ever seen. Are you sure you want to be an adventurer? Because I know a great blacksmith up in Cloudsdale that would mentor you in a heartbeat." You say, finding yourself unable to hide the disbelief in your voice at how well of a job she's done.

"T-thanks Sky, b-but I think I'd rather be an adventurer." Whirlwind stammered as what looked like a wave of relief washed over her. "How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" You ask as you carefully strap your sword back to its proper place on your left side. "Fifteen, sir." She politely replied with what looked like a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Ah, so this is will be your last year in the education system right?" You ask as Starfire gives you a curious look before making her way over to you.

"Y-yes sir." She replied as she nervously rubbed her left foreleg with her right one. It didn't take a scientist to tell you what was really going on here, and it extended past a young filly trying to obtain a cutie mark. Around the end of a foals time in the Equestrian education system, they have a choice to either go into the higher education system, or they could attempt to gain a three-year apprenticeship under a guild, local business, etc.

There they would learn certain aspects of a trade that could only be taught through hooves on experience and not through another lecture. "Tell you what. If you finish your last year strong and your teacher confirms it. By the end of the year, the guild should be accepting apprentices and well... I'd be happy to teach you to do more with a sword than just maintaining it." You say with a smile as you watch Whirlwinds expression shift from an unsure yet hopeful look to pure joy as she got up and hugged you in the blink of an eye.

"Really!?! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I promise you I won't let you down!" Whirlwind rapidly exclaimed before letting go of you and happily prancing around you and Starfire. Who proceeded to give you a playful punch on your shoulder. "Knew she was your apprentice." Starfire teased playfully, as the two of you watched Whirlwind continue to prance around with a smile.

"Not yet, but she's got potential. Now come on, I wanna get some practice in before dinner." You whisper to her with a humorous chuckle as you collected your shield from Scootaloo, and Starfire collected her crossbow and bolts with a "Thanks kids. And I hope you all learned your lesson, especially you Applebloom." Who nodded sorrowfully at the minor scolding. The two of you then proceeded to place all your equipment except your swords down on the Apple's family porch. Which included Twilights library book. Before the two of you then proceed to a safe distance away from everypony and give the judges a confident nod. Who returned one in kind before the two of you drew your swords from their sheaths, and lift yourselves up onto your hind hooves.

"So, standard motions before the free for all? Or are we skipping right toward the sparring match?" Starfire asked with a gentle smile as you gave your scarred right hind hoof a couple testing taps. "Let's play it safe and start with some standard motions before the fun part." You say as you better your stance before the fight. "Whatever you say. You ready?" She asks as her expression turns cool and almost predatory as the two of you started to focus on the matter at hoof. "Ready." You say as the two of you tap swords with a loud clang. "High!" Starfire yells as she raises her sword above her head to strike, prompting you to raise your sword to block it.

The two swords soon clash together with a satisfying clang. "Oh, sweet Celestia I missed that sound." Starfire says with a satisfied look on her face. The same one a pony would give when having some overly delicious food. "Back and slash!" You yell as you push Starfire's sword back, causing her to briefly stumble back before she regained he hoofing, and in one swift motion. You use the momentum gravity put behind your sword as you let it fall, and make to slash across Starfire's barrel. Causing Starfire to make a loud yip as she jumps back, out of your blades reach.

Starfire gave you a hard glare as you took a more defensive stance. "You know I hate slashes." She says before shouting. "Low to medium!" as she charged at you, swinging her sword toward your hind hooves. Forcing you to use your wings to help you jump over the swing. Using the momentum of her swing, Starfire twirls around. Barely allowing you to hit the ground before forcing you to stop her slash with a clang of your swords. The two of you give each other a competitive smile before you open your muzzle to speak.

"I know, but you've gotten pretty good at dodging it." You tease before shouting. "Shove to medium!" You yell as you shove Starfire hard in the chest with your left forehoof, knocking her off balance before raising your sword to strike. Although when Starfire didn't recover from the stumble backward's and fell onto her flank, you stop your swing before it even starts. "What was that about eating my words." You think to yourself as you lowered your sword and give her a cocky smile. You knew better than to taunt this mare. But that's not to say it stops you from doing it, even if it was internally.

"Shut up." She says with a fierce glare before getting back onto her hooves. "I didn't say anything." You say with an amused smile across your muzzle. "You're thinking it though. So allow me to wipe that smile off your muzzle." She quips back as she takes a defensive stance once more and holds her sword out toward you. "Ever the firecracker." You say with a tinge of humor in your voice before taking a similar stance and continuing. "So, I take it practice is over?"

"Yep, you ready for the real thing?" She asks, losing that competitive drive for a brief second to reveal your best friend inside. "Yea, I'm ready, judge's mind counting us down?" You ask as you and Starfire give the group of bewildered ponies a questioning look. Big Mac, Whirlwind, Applebloom, and Scootaloo looked as though they were enjoying the show while Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle looked concerned with the present situation. But Applejack and Rainbow Dash still nodded in confirmation.

"Well, come on ladies, start us off. I wanna see what these youngins can do." Granny Smith said as looked almost amused at her grandkids unease, giving Applejack a light smack on her flank with her cane when she didn't start counting down. Causing her to let out a loud yip. "Alright! No need for the encouragement!" Applejack started as she promptly moved out of granny's cane whacking range. "From the count of three." Applejack says, giving the two of you one last concerned look before you and Starfire made eye contact with each other.

"Three!" Applejack starts, prompting Starfire to give you a competitive glare, one you returned in full. "Two." Applejack continues, the nervousness in her voice now palpable. There was a brief pause, that allowed you to better gain your hoofing before Rainbow's voice chimed in. "One, go!" She yelled, prompting you and Starfire to tap your swords together for one final confirmation. Officially starting the sparring match.

You instantly went on the offensive as you advanced forward with a quick slash. Forcing Starfire to go on the defensive and block it with a clang of your swords. But you didn't let up. With your left forehoof, you give Starfire another hard shove in the chest. Forcing her on to her flanks once again, and as you raised your sword she called. "Mercy!... Celestia dammit! I bloody hate it when you shove me like that!" She yells, prompting Applejack to chime in. "One point for Sky!"

You to lower your sword and hold out your left forehoof toward her to help her back up. "It is called a defense breaker for a reason." You tease, allowing your signature sass to shine through your voice. Which prompted Starfire to give you a hard glare as she accepted your help up. "That's it. I'm going to start leaving bruises now." She snaps back, causing you to chuckle heartily. "If you so wish." You reply with a cool smile as you get into position for another round, and Starfire does the same.

Without a moment of rest, the two of you tap swords and start the second round. Once again you take the offensive and advance forward. Slashing once more toward her barrel, which she promptly blocks with her sword. However before you have the chance to move forward to push her back onto her haunches, you see Starfire give you a cocky smile as you feel a sudden painful pressure only an Earth pony hoof can cause, in your left hind knee, causing you to fall onto said knee. Once there and before you can really process what's happening. Starfire quickly shifts her weight onto the same hoof that she used to kick your knee, and raised the other one up into a high kick.

One that firmly planted itself on the side of your head and sent it spinning as the ground rose up to meet you. "Mercy! Mercy!" You yell before Starfire could get her revenge any further. Which prompted Starfire to chuckle to herself as you hear the congratulatory stomping of hooves from the small crowd. "One point for Starfire!" Rainbow Dash yells sounding more enthused about the situation. "What? It's called an offensive stopper for a reason." Starfire says mockingly, and although you weren't looking at her, you swear you could hear the cocky smile that was probably on her muzzle.

You gave your head a quick shake before you slowly made your way back onto your hooves. "That's one Tartarus of a one-two." You say as you give the side of your head a tentative rub with your right hoof, which causes Starfire to chuckle to herself as you look around to find where your sword went too. Only to find it right next to where Starfire laid you out. Once the world stopped spinning, you carefully picked up your sword and looked Starfire in the eyes. Her grin was just as smug as you imagined. "After a hit like that, are you sure you want a round three?" She teases, causing you to chuckle.

"Oh, but what kind of an example would I be if I backed out after taking one bad hit?" You ask as you get yourself into position for another round. "You sure Sky? That looked like a doozy." Applejack comments worry ever prevalent in her voice. "Trust me, this is me going easy on him. He's taken worse hits before." Starfire teases with a cocky smile as she gets herself into position. "That's an understatement. You ready?" You ask, earning a small nod in agreement from Starfire before the two of you tap swords and begin round three.

This time she takes the offensive with a slash toward your hind hooves, forcing you to retreat back a few steps before she made a near frenzied leftward slash toward your barrel. Seeing the opportunity present itself to gain an advantage you block the strike with your sword and in one slick motion. You punch her forehooves as hard as you can. Causing the Earth pony mare to yip in pain and drop her sword. Causing it to hit the ground with a soft thud.

Upon realizing her error, and the cocky grin you had plastered on your muzzle. Starfire gave you an annoyed glare as she raised her hooves above her head in mock surrender as she says. "Mercy." In a dull defeated tone. You return the gesture with a playful show of your tongue and a goofy wink. Which prompted Starfire to roll her eyes as Applejack yells. "Two for Sky, One for Star!" The crowd of ponies behind you proceeded to stomp their hooves in appreciation as you lower your sword and take a couple steps back, allowing Starfire to recollect her sword. "What's wrong Stary? Lose your grip?" You tease, causing Starfire to give you a death glare as she picks her sword back up.

"I'll make you lose something else if you call me that again." She murmur's her threat as she briefly inspects her sword for damage before returning to her sparring position. You chuckle to yourself at the idle threat and take your sparring position once more. "Come on Stary, it's all in good fun." You say playfully, as Starfire's eyes turn almost predatory. "And who said killing you wouldn't be fun?" She says cooly, her features expressing not an ounce of humor on them as she tightens her the grip on her sword. Prompting a small pang of fear to flow through your heart and apparently your features. Which prompts Starfire to drop the act and chuckle sadistically to herself at your apparent reaction.

"What's the matter Sky? Scared?" She asks with a devilish grin across her muzzle. Now, let it be known that you have a "healthy" fear of Starfire. But you weren't about to let her use that against you. You quickly attempted to compose yourself as you mask your fear behind a cocky smile. "Nah, I'm just worried I'll have to go easier on you butter hooves." You quip back, earning a small eye twitch from the yellow furred mare as her devilish grin turns into a sincere one.

"There's the big mouthed pegasi I swore Vaurear with. You ready?" She asks, her as smile instantly causes your fears to be put at ease. "Whenever you..." You start to say, only to be interrupted by the sound of wood colliding with a loud thwack, causing you and Starfire to look over toward the sound of the noise. Only to see Whirlwind and Scootaloo play fighting using two wooden sticks as "Swords." Their stances mirrored yours and Stars, although they were obviously leaning on their front hooves rather than their back ones. Leaving them both open to being leg swept.

You and Starfire both chuckle to yourselves at the sight before exchanging mischievous glances. "We're terrible examples for fouls." Starfire whispers to you as you both retake your positions. "You know it. Ready when you are Stary." You chuckle in response as you compose yourself, and give the mare a cocky smile. Prompting Starfire to immediately tap swords with you, officially starting the fourth round. Starfire starts off on the offensive with three quick slashes toward your barrel. You manage to easily block the first attack, but the two subsequent attacks force you to take a few steps back in an attempt to evade. But she doesn't let up her attack as she slowly advances toward you, forcing you to stay engaged. A cocky smile slowly crosses her muzzle at her realization that she's absolutely overwhelming you.

In a desperate attempt to turn the tide of the fight, you wait until Starfire does one more quick slash across your barrel. Where you, block the attack and quickly lung at the mare to close the distance. But, as if she's prepared for this, she reaches her left foreleg around your neck and directs your lung past her on her right. Causing you to trip on your own momentum and forcing you to throw your sword off to the side. Just so you wouldn't accidentally land on it as gravity plants your body muzzle first into the dirt.

After a few seconds of laying on the ground in defeat, you cautiously roll onto your back, only to see a green-eyed, yellow coated, and brown maned Earth pony mare with a cocky smile on her muzzle and her sword pointed directly at your face. Slowly, you raise your forehooves above your head, being sure to keep them on the dirt. "Mercy." Is all you say, failing to hide the defeated tone in your voice as ponies stomp their hooves in approval at Starfires victory.

"Two for Star and Two for Sky!" Rainbow Dash yells with a cheer as Starfire chuckles, sheathes her sword and drops back onto all four hooves before holding her right forehoof out toward you. One you graciously accept. "When in Tartarus did you get so aggressive in your fighting style?" You ask as Starfire helps you back onto your hooves. "Oh, come on Sky, we've been sparring with each other for nearly two years. I know your entire shpeal is being aggressively up close and personal. And, I also know from those two years of practice, your defense is terrible when you're without your shield." She says, emphasizing her point with a firm jab to your chest with her right forehoof.

"You rely too much on that darn thing, you know." She continues with a look of concern on her face. "Well, when you grow up training with something, it's sorta hard to adjust to fighting without it." You say nonchalantly before Starfire gives your chest another hard jab. "Sky, I'm serious, it's going to get you killed one of these days if you can't learn to live without it." Starfire continues to lecture you, giving you a hard glare. "I know that Star! Why do you think I've been practicing without it lately?" You reply as you give Starfire a deadpanned look before quickly locating your sword and leisurely recollect it. Causing her to roll her eyes.

"Yea, alright I'll let you off easy this time. But I'm just warning you, I'm not gonna let you use that shield of yours in our next practice fight. You gotta learn to use that mobility you've gained without that shield." Starfire starts, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves before continuing. "Now, how about we call that our last sword fight for today and finish off with a little hoof to hoof practice?" She asks, prompting a small playful grin to cross your muzzle and a chuckle to leave it. "Sounds fun, but I think you're going to have to ask the judges about that." You reply playfully before sliding your sword back into its sheath.

"Well? Care if we change things up a little oh glorious judges." Starfire says with a whimsical tone in her voice as she gives Rainbow Dash and Applejack an exaggerated bow. Which causes them to roll there eyes in exasperation. "Fine, just tell us the rules and let's get on with the show, we're on the edge of our seats here!" Rainbow dash rapidly states, prompting you to look back at the small crowd of ponies. Only too see smiles on each and every one of there muzzles.

"Perfect, rules are simple, first to pin the other wins the competition, no second chances and definitely no weapons, we're going hoof to hoof only, and it sorta beats the point of a destresser when the local guards start chasing ya for murder." You say coolly with a small grin across your muzzle. Which earns a small chuckle from Starfire as the two of you make your way past the group small group of ponies to your equipment piles. "Fair enough, no flying either alright? I really don't want to accidentally hurt your wings by yanking you outta the sky." Starfire says in a semi-concerned tone as the two of you carefully place your sheathed swords in their respective piles.

"Of course, as you said, I need to be quick on my hooves. Can't do that if I'm in the sky." You say with a competitive smile as you gently bump the mare's shoulder with yours. "Aww, you do listen to my advice." She teases as she playfully bumps you back, prompting the two of you to start moving back over to you're impromptu practicing grounds.

"Alright you two, I want you to keep it clean and fair, on the count of three we'll start alright?" Applejack says with an infectiously cheery smile across her muzzle. Prompting you and Starfire to both give her a nod in acknowledgment before the two of you get into position. Both of you dawning competitive smiles on your muzzles as you both stand up on your hind legs within forelegs reach of each other.

Both of you raise your forelegs up into a fighting position, and you start to prepare your stance almost on instinct. Putting most of your weight on your back right hind leg, while your left hindleg stood out a little, readying you to either dodge a hit from Starfire or lung at her. Starfire took a similar fighting stance, except knowing her, she'd probably start off the fight with another "offensive breaker". You'd have to be quick on your hooves if you going to win.

Briefly, you look over to where Whirlwind and Scootaloo were sparing earlier while Starfire continued to adjust her stance a little. Only to see them taking similar but admittedly more inexperienced stances. Like how Whirlwind wasn't defending her muzzle and was seemingly putting most of her weight on her most forward hind hoof. While Scootaloo had a terrible posture and looked more like she was trying to copy a failed karate style rather than something you'd actually find being taught in a dojo.

This prompts you to look back to the small crowd of ponies gathered around the Apple family porch, only to find that none of them were really keeping an eye on the fouls nearby. You let out a sigh, realizing you'd have to be the responsible one in this situation and speak up. "Hey, Scootaloo, Whirly. How about you two go back over to AJ and Rainbow Dash. Me and Star sorta get really into it when we hoof fight." You say with a gentle smile on your muzzle, prompting Starfire and the rest of the crowd to look their way.

"Yea, wouldn't want the two of you accidentally getting hurt and all." Starfire says after the two of you exchanged quick glances. In all honesty, you just didn't want the two of them to accidentally hurt each other, hooves are not only harder but sharper than sticks after all. "Aw, but I wanna try and fight. Just like you." Whirlwind says with a disappointed tone in her voice as her ears droop a little.

"Now we ain't having none of that here now, sticks are one thing. But throwing hooves without knowing a thing about fighting is a whole nother issue. Now come on, if ya really want to learn how to hoof fight, me and Mac can show you how to fight like our pa did. You're getting to that age anyway where somepony should teach ya. Now come on. Let's go." Applejack says as she briefly leaves her spot on the porch and starts to carefully coax the young foals back to the group.

The two foals let out a heavy sigh before saying their okays and moving back to the porch. You quietly mouth the words "Thank you." to her. Only to earn a gentle smile and nod from the mare before you and Starfire returned to your fighting positions. "You two ready?" Rainbow Dash asks as Applejack, Whirlwind, and Scootaloo take their seats. "I'm good to go here." You say to Starfire who gives you a cocky smile before replying. "I'm always ready to go." And with that, a tense yet competitive feeling fills the air, as the anticipation of an oncoming fight starts to settle in.

"On your marks." Rainbow dash starts, prompting both you and Starfire to do a few last minute adjustments to your stances. "Get set." Applejack continues, slowly prompting you to mirror competitive smile creeping its way onto Starfire's muzzle. "Fight!" The small crowd of ponies yell, prompting Starfire into action and swing the first punch with her right hoof. Forcing you to quickly move back out of her reach. She quickly returns to her original stance and the two of you square off for a few seconds, allowing you to think of a way to get Star off of her balance.

Starfire is a pretty experienced fighter in your opinion. The only time she ever leaves herself open is when she's on the offensive. "So, if I can just grab hold of her arm mid-swing. I could totally pull her off balance and pin her. Or I could attempt to rush her when she's not expecting it. That could also work." You think to yourself as you give her a cocky grin. On, that she returns in kind before she rushes at you and quickly falls onto all fours, putting most of her weight onto her forelegs and pulling her hind legs close to her body as it twists to face you.

"Now or never." You hastily think to yourself as you take another step back just in time as Starfires hind legs kick out towards you, stopping mear centimeters from your barrel. With the opportunity presenting itself, you quickly catch both of her hind legs with your forelegs before they hit the ground. This causes Starfire to yelp and looks back at you at what was apparently an unexpected counter. You give the mare a quick cocky smile before throwing her hind legs up and to the right into the air.

Causing Starfire to quickly attempt to regain her balance on her forehooves, but before she can do so you quickly charge the mare. Raming her with all the force you can muster, sending Starfire head over hooves and onto the ground with a loud yelp, as she landed perpendicular to you. This action seemingly causing the small crowd of ponies behind you to cheer. And before Starfire could recover, you quickly tackle the mare, in an attempt to pin her to the ground.

But, raw strength was always an earth ponies game, and even though Starfire didn't look it. She could buck a decent sized dent into a tree if she really wanted too. This wasn't going to be easy, not by a long shot, and the second your body landed on hers, an all too familiar forehoof planted itself right into your side as she attempts to struggle out of your grasp. Causing you to instinctually flinch back from the brief but agonizingly sharp pain to the afflicted area.

You recover from the hit relatively quickly and manage to hastily secure her forehooves as you move to stand over her. Your both panting from the brief exertion of energy, as Starfire glares up at you. A glare you can't help but smile at. "It's over Star!... Just give up!" You say between labored breaths as Starfire you look down at the now smiling mare. "Wait, why is she smiling." You think to yourself before feeling two hooves slide underneath you.

Before you can even react, Starfire replies between labored breaths. "Not a chance!" And kicks her hind legs up into your gut, briefly sending you airborne before planting your back right into the dirt with a loud thud, stunning you. All as the crowd continues to cheer and stomp their hooves in appreciation as you swear you could see clouds circling around your head.

Slowly you start to get up and return to the fight, but as you sit up and level your vision back to the ground. All you can see is a green-eyed, brown maned and yellow coated mare diving right at you. "Well, buck." Is all you can mutter before Starfire tackles into you, quickly pinning your forehooves and hind legs to the ground as she stands triumphantly over you. Giving you a cocky smile as you try and struggle out of her grasp.

"Oh come on Sky, it's over. Just give up." Starfire says through labored breaths as she looks down at you with almost pleading eyes, prompting you to stop struggling. Your defeat was assured at this point anyway. "Fine." You start to say as the adrenaline from the fight starts to fade, allowing you to feel the pain and exhaustion from the fight start making its way into every tendon and muscle throughout your body. Mostly centralizing around where Starfire kicked you. "You win." You finish, prompting cheers and applause to fill the air. Allowing for a proud, cocky smile to make it's way onto Starfire's muzzle as she lays down on top of you.

"So... What was that about besting me once again?" Starfire teases as gives you an almost sultry look. Causing you to roll your eyes and chuckle as a grin makes its way onto your muzzle. "Yea, yea. I mouth off a lot, we both know that." You say as your grin turns into a smile. Causing Starfire to chuckle happily to herself before responding. "Oh, I know. But..." She starts, briefly pausing as she stands up and steps back a little. Allowing you room to get up if you so, please. "It just makes it all the more satisfying when I beat you." She concludes as she starts to do her end of practice stretches. First starting with her legs and neck.

"Don't get too cocky Stary, it'll just hurt your pride all the more when I beat you next practice." You say with a chuckle as you roll onto your belly and make your way back onto your hooves. Prompting Starfire to giggle coyly before starting to stretch out her back. "Keep dreaming lunar colt." She says as the sound of approaching hoof steps and wing beats catches your attention. Causing you to turn and see Applejack and Rainbow Dash approaching the two of you as you start your end practice stretches.

"Well I'll be, you two were..." Applejack starts to say, only to be interrupted by Rainbow Dash. "Awesome! I never thought sword fighting would be so cool! Especially how you two were all like. Ching, chang." Rainbow Dash excitedly says as she makes sword-swinging motions in the air. Before continuing to speak. "And then Starfire was like. Bam!" Rainbow Dash yells with a smile on her muzzle as she does a downward spin kick in the air. Causing her to land on the ground with a loud thud.

Which causes Starfire to chuckle before replying. "Oh, that was nothing. You should see our full training routine." Starfire says with a cocky smile across her muzzle before giving your right shoulder a gentle punch. "Y'all do more than this?" Applejack asks a little too eagerly, prompting Whirlwind and subsequently the rest of the Cutie mark crusaders to gather around. Just behind the apple farmer.

"Oh, yea. We've got to stay in relatively decent shape if we're going to survive out there in the wild." You reply as you start to stretch out your wing's and back. "Yep, we get together about once or twice a week to train together." Starfire says with a smile as she gently punches your right shoulder. Prompting you to stand up straight. This causes Applejack and Rainbow Dash to exchange curious glances before Rainbow Dash breaks the silence. "And... Out of curiosity what exactly do you two do during these training sessions." Rainbow Dash asks, prompting you and Starfire to exchange glances and cocky grins before Starfire responds.

"Why? You two interested?" Starfire asks as her grin turns into a devilish smile, followed by a quick flick of her tail off to her left. "Let's call it being curious." Applejack says hesitantly, as she eye's you and Starfire up suspiciously. "Well, usually we start off with a five-kilometer jog in full gear through the woods and out to my house. Starting from the tavern. Since you know, we keep our gear there." You comment, pausing to make sure the two mares are following along, and once they both nod their heads, Starfire continues.

"Then after that, to cool off Me and Sky set up some targets under his house, and I practice my archery while Sky does some flight endurance training in his armor." Starfire says with a couple waves of her hoof for emphasis. Prompting you to pick up the tale. "Yep, then we finish off our little practice session with another five-kilometer jog back to the tavern to drop off our gear and grab ourselves a couple drinks." You say with a smile before your stomach lets out a low rumble of hunger. Prompting you to chuckle nervously before continuing. "Speaking of, I could go for something to eat. How about you Star?" You ask as you look over to your partner with a gentle smile.

Who returns the gesture with a toothy grin. "Finally, I'm practically starving over here. Come on, let's grab our junk and see if Eclipse needs something before the market closes." Starfire says over her shoulder as she starts making her way over to the Apple family porch. Prompting you and the rest of the group to start following her before replying. "Oh, yea, Eclipse and I talked about that earlier. He said we were low on tomatoes and carrots. You say as Starfire makes her way onto the porch and swiftly puts her right foreleg inside her quivers belt strap. Only to sling it over her shoulder and onto her back.

"Tomatoes and carrots? Easy enough." Starfire says before tightening the quivers strap and secures it to her back. "Well shucks you two, Y'all can stick around for dinner if you're that famished. Celestia knows we cook more food than we can possibly eat. Plus we've got some spare tomatoes and carrots Y'all can have if ya can't live without them tell the market opens in the morning." Applejack says with a smile on her muzzle as she tip's her hat up a bit. Revealing her golden bangs hidden underneath.

"Aw, that's real thoughtful Aj, I really appreciate it. But my sister's coming over to dinner and well, me and her have some catching up to do after I introduce her to the guild." You start to say sorrowfully as make your way to your gear pile and start recollecting your items. Being sure to emphasize your point by strapping your sword to your left side, under your wing. Before giving the mare a sympathetic look and continuing. "I'm really sorry to say."

"Aw, Surgercube there ain't nothing to be sorry for." Applejack says gently as she wraps her right forehoof around your neck and carefully pulls you into a warm hug. All with a smile on her muzzle. "We Apple's know how important family is. Even if they ain't blood. Right, Y'all? Applejack asks as she directs your gaze over to the rest of her family. Who all vocalize their agreement with a "Darn tooting." From granny, a "Definitely." From Applebloom, and a deep and relaxed "Eyup." From Big Mac.

"So we won't keep you any longer than we have'ta." Applejack says as she pulls away from the one-legged embrace, only to walk in front of you to give you a determined smile as she quickly adjusts her stetson. "Just know, me and the rest of the family wanna invite you and the rest of your guild over to a proper Apple family dinner. And we ain't taking no for an answer down the road." Applejack says with a warm friendly smile and a firm hoof jab right into your chest. Causing you and Starfire to chuckle warmly.

"Well, we'll have to arrange something like that later. But..." Starfire pauses as she carefully slings her crossbow across her back and straps her sword to her side, only to quickly reattach her bit bag back to her side. "Right now there's some whiskey calling my name!" Starfire sings as she starts to slowly make her way off of the Apple families porch. Encouraging you to grab your shield in your mouth before gently placing it onto your back. Prompting you to carefully raise your wings up a little to keep it from sliding off your barrel. "Plus, Eclipse needs stuff from the market, you drunkard!" You jokingly say after Starfire as you sling the cloth bag full of the studying materials you got from Twilights back over your neck. Causing Starfire giggle before replying. "You're one to talk!" She playfully yells with a warm smile on her muzzle as she stops just a hoof step away from the porch to wait for you. Which causes you and Applejack to chuckle.

"Well, since you two are heading back to town, can I ask a favor of you two?" Applejack asks as her stetson tips back down over her bangs, causing the apple farmer to readjust it again. "Sure Aj, anything you need." You say warmly, causing Applejack's smile to practically beam warmth and joy. "Can you two make sure the fillies get back to town alright? That competition me and Rainbow had really made me hankering for some apple pie and fritters. And..." Applejack starts to say, only to be interrupted by Scootaloo.

"But I thought Rainbow Dash was going to take me home!" Scootaloo whines, prompting Applejack to give her a stern glare and you to make your way slowly over to Starfire and out of Applejacks way. "Now Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash is going to be joining us for dinner tonight. And you and the rest of the Crusaders are still in trouble for what Y'all did to the kitchen. And in light of all that's happened I just plum don't feel right letting you fillies walk back to town on your own. You hear?" Applejack says sternly before turning back to you and Starfire with a gentle smile.

"So, is that alright with you two?" Applejack asks with a gentle smile. Prompting you to return the gesture. "Yea, that's fine with me. Star?" You ask as you look over to your partner. Who has a similar smile on her muzzle. "We'd be happy too. Just as long as you're ok with us leaving right away." Starfire says with a warm smile, earning a couple of groans from Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and an excited whinny from Whirlwind.

"That's fine." Applejack says with a smile before turning to address her sister. In this time, Big Mac carefully starts helping Granny Smith inside their house, much to her apparent displeasure. "Now say goodbye to your friends Applebloom and make your way inside for dinner, and be sure to sure to wash your hooves before you sitting to eat." Applejack instructs her younger sister with an almost motherly smile before she quickly addresses you. "And I'll see you around Sky." She says in a whisper, as she moves past you and carefully opens the door for her brother and the Eldar mare. "Yea, I'll talk to you later." You say with a smile before suddenly feeling you're in the middle of a chaotic sea of motion, prompting you to quickly make your way off the pouch and stand next to Starfire. Allowing the situation to resolve itself unimpeded.

Which Applejack reply's with a tip of her hat before addressing her sister once more. "Come on Applebloom." "Alright." Applebloom replies sorrowfully before turning to the rest of the crusaders as the rest of her family, including Winona, make their way inside. Leaving you, Starfire, the crusaders and Rainbow Dash outside, who promptly takes a seat on the porch. "Seeya at the clubhouse tomorrow girls?" Applebloom asks as Whirlwind rushes over in front of you with a cheerful smile on her face before speaking.

"Your practice fight was amazing! Especially how you wield your swords with your hooves and not with your mouths. Like a griffin! Did a griffin teach you to fight?" Whirlwind cheerfully asks as she looks up at you with a puppy-eyed look and her tail wagging back and forth. Prompting you to nervously glance over to Starfire, who only returns the gesture with a knowing smile.

You give Whirly a smile before responding. "No, actually my father taught me. And he was a pegasus." You say with a chuckle as Whirlwinds eyes seemingly grow wider from your response. Causing you and Starfire to chuckle, but, you still manage to overhear the rest of the crusader's conversation in this time. " Yea, sure. We'll be there." Sweetie Belle starts before the group glances over to Whirlwind. "Or most of us will be at least." Scootaloo says jovially, prompting a smile to cross the crusader's muzzles.

"Great, well, see you later girls." Applebloom says as she turns and starts making her way to the farmhouse front door, managing to make her way past Rainbow Dash before earning a reply. "Seeya Applebloom." The rest of said in near unison as Applebloom makes her way up the farmhouse door, opens it with a gentle creek of old hinges, and makes her way inside. Prompting Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to turn and start making their way over toward you. only to be stopped as Rainbow Dash quickly gets up, and trot's in front of Scootaloo.

"What am I? Chopped liver?" Rainbow Dash asks in mock offense with a cocky smile on her muzzle before hugging Scootaloo and ruffling her hair. Causing Scootaloo to laugh and hug Rainbow Dash back. "Seeya later Rainbow." Scootaloo says between laughs as Rainbow Dash lets go of her, revealing a genuine smile on both of their muzzles. "Seeya squirt." Rainbow Dash says as she carefully attempts to fix the young mare's mane before allowing the two fillies to continue on their way.

"Alright everypony. Let's head out." Starfire says with a gentle smile as she turns and starts leisurely walking down the Apple families dirt road. Prompting Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Whirlwind to quickly trot to catch up to her, leaving you and Rainbow Dash still standing there. "I'll see you around miss Dash, and I hope you enjoy your dinner." You say with a smile as you slowly start backing up down the dirt path. Prompting Rainbow Dash to share a genuine smile with you as she turns and starts to leisurely make her way toward the farmhouse.

"See you around bar colt!" The Rainbow maned mare says happily over her shoulder, prompting you to turn around with a smile and gallop to catch up to Starfire. Who was looking back at you, the three fillies walking behind her as she leisurely walks down the dirt path. Allow you to catch up fairly quickly. Once you return to your place at your side, she gives you an almost knowing smile before rolling her eyes and letting out a gentle huff as she diverts her attention to her left. Causing you to chuckle to yourself as you turn your attention forward, down the winding dirt path that leads back to town.

As the five of you walked down this path, however. You spot Twilight walking up it, levitating some scroll in front of her in her magic, seemingly reading it rather than paying attention to her surroundings. However, as you continue down the path, Twilights left ear quickly twitches, prompting her to look up from her scroll with a shocked expression on her face. Upon the two of you making contact, she quickly rolls the scroll up in her magic and tries to hide it on her right side. Allowing you to see the scroll had the same golden seal with the red ribbon the scroll in the library had.

As you pass each other on the path, you and Starfire give the mare a friendly smile before you speak. "Afternoon miss Sparkle. Lovely day ain't it?" You ask with a gentle smile. Seemingly prompting the mare to return the gesture with a nervous smile and a small increase in speed, as she goes from walking to trotting. "Afternoon everypony." She says awkwardly as she quickly passes the five of you. Prompting Starfire to give you a confused look once she's out of earshot, before leaning close to you and whispering in your ear. "What do you think's got her so spooked?" She asks before the two of you turn and watching the librarian hurry down the dirt path with unusual fervor.

"I'm not sure." You whisper back as a sudden dread starts to fill your heart. "You didn't ruin things... Did you?" You think to yourself as you return your gaze back down the dirt road leading to Ponyville, the clopping of hooves against dirt and the smell of apples on the wind doing little to calm your nerves. Briefly, you look to the sky, finding the sun hanging a quarter of the way down in the sky... Signaling to you it was around five or six in the afternoon. Slowly giving way, to allow Luna's domain to reign over the land once more with her graceful night.