Internal Flow

Over the next two months, Twilight honed her skills. She diligently studied the beliefs of the ancient martial artists. Between her studies and her meditation sessions, she began to go through her own spiritual growth. Her anxiety around other ponies gradually began to diminish. While she was still sucked inside her own emotional twister, she could see a shack forming through the raging air.

"We've taught you everything we know," Harmonic proclaimed, "This is your final test. If you can last against me, Melodic, and Hard Core for five minutes, your training will be complete."

"Atmospheric isn't joining us?"

"You want to tell her, honey, or should I?"

"I'm pregnant," Atmospheric spoke joyfully.

"Congratulations!"

"Thanks."

"So, shall we get started," Harmonic questioned.

"Ready when you are, sensei!"

All three of her instructors charged Twilight at once. She quickly jumped, briefly hovering while they slammed into each other. She leapt off their heads, landing on her hind legs.

"Yoohoo! Over here!"

Her opponents recovered before attacking again. They ran at her at top speed. Waiting until they closed in, she grabbed Harmonic and Hard Core, sandwiched Melodic between them, and used their momentum to toss them to the side. Changing their tactics, they started fighting her individually. Harmonic went first. He was quickly beaten down with a flurry of punches to his upper torso. Hard Core followed suit and received a firm strike to his solar plexus. Melodic tried to take Twilight to the ground and was promptly kicked in the face. Though the family was down, they were far from out. They got back up and continued their assault.

Harmonic struggled through heavy breaths. He held his broken foreleg, which burned and throbbed with the sensation of excruciating pain. Melodic and Hard Core received most of their injuries around their faces. Thankfully, the pain for them was much less prominent. Twilight herself remained barely touched.

"Time's up," Harmonic said, "You did it."

"Yes! I am victorious!"

Harmonic laughed, trying to disregard his destroyed body.

"Hold on," Twilight urged.

A dark green glow surrounded Twilight's former masters. It slowly changed to a brighter shade. Once it dissipated, Harmonic let go of his limb. The three family members were fully healed.

"Thank whatever deity is out there for medical magic," Harmonic vocalized.

"Seriously," Twilight agreed.

"What are you gonna' do now?"

"I wasn't sure before, but now I know."

"Well, whatever you decide, I should warn you about something. It can be tempting to use what you've learned for nefarious purposes. Should that road try to present itself, don't even bother giving it the time of day. It won't bring you any peace."

"I understand."