It's been fifteen minutes since Twilight and the others left the Crystal Empire, and they're all chatting before getting back to their dorm house. The Friendship Express has always been a great passenger train for all, but it has some upgrades; like a training room to train for anything. The ones that are not on the train are Hyper Active, Glorious Miracle, Golden Heart, Spike, and Gabby, as they used their magic keys to go to their homes. Coming out of the door was Dash and Peace looking refreshed, since they took separate showers on the train, which was another upgrade.

"You know, Peace, the next time we take a shower, we'll do it together one day.", Rainbow said with a smirk, as the girls had shocked looks on their faces from her bold statement.

"Um, I'll keep that in mind...", Peace said nervously, but it wasn't a lie, either. One day, he'll have to do things like that with Rainbow and the rest of the Elements one day, but not too soon. Sunset spoke to break the ice.

"So, how was training at the last minute?", she asked the two.

"It was very good! Rainbow's power has risen greatly in our sparrin' session. Her base form is as strong as her Crystal and Rainbow forms. I'm proud of how she progressed, as all of y'all have. Ever since I came ta Equestria and train with y'all, your powers have amazingly increased, along with Hype, Glori, Goldie, Spike, and Gabby. And even my base forms power has increased, as if I'm already a Super Saiyan.", the girls smiled at Peace's praise at how much their power has grown, when they are already powerful. Peace smiled for a moment, but then got serious and looked at Dash.

"Rainbow, ya told me about what Lightnin' Dust did ta Scootaloo last year when the Washouts had their last show. I don't know Lightnin' that well, but I've seen her around in school. She's a strong fighter too, but she's reckless, hotheaded, and wild...", Peace said.

"Like RD here; she can be hotheaded too when she loses and stuff. But I don't blame Rainbow for bein' pissed off at Lightnin' for what she did ta Scootaloo. If that were Apple Bloom...", Applejack couldn't finish the sentence, as she clenched her fist.

"Say no more, AJ, I know the feelin'. And Dash, I know ya wanna take revenge on Lightnin' on what she did ta Scootaloo, but don't take it too far unless she makes it too far. Be a better pony than she is, remember your trainin' with me, Spitfire, and your dad, which I didn't know that he and your mom was part of the Wonderbolts, until ya told me.", Peace said, amazed that Dash's parents were part of the Wonderbolts.

"Yeah, they were the other reason why I joined the Wonderbolt team last year in middle school. Though, I couldn't forgive Wind Rider for injuring my dad in a sparring match. Dad was better and stronger than Wind was!", Dash said bitterly, as she clenched her fist and Peace sympathized with her, as did the rest.

"Rainbow, what weapon are you going to use for the first half of the fight?", Fluttershy asked.

"I'll use two short swords for close combat. It's a good thing that the swords or any blade can't cut ya while wearing magical wrist bands.", Rainbow said.

"Oh, it's a shame that it doesn't protect out manes and tails.", Rarity complained with a pout, as the girls rolled their eyes and breathe out an annoyed sigh.

"Oh yeah, I got somethin' for y'all! Good thing ya mentioned it, Rarity.", Peace went in his bag and got out some hairpins for each of the girls. Plus, the hairpins had their cutie marks on them. Rarity seemed confused on what Peace meant, so he explained.

"I already gave Glori, Goldie, and Gabby the hairpins before they went back to their dorms, so let me explain. I know that whenever y'all use a blade in battles, your manes and tails get cut, accidental or not. These hairpins will protect to manes and tails from any blade, no matter how sharp they are. But they can only be used for about three to four days, and ya can recharge them. They can be recharged in less than thirty minutes, as long as y'all don't overuse them.", the girl looked at Rarity with flat looks, as they know that she'll wear it all the time. The white Unicorn rolled her eyes, as Peace continued.

"Hold on, y'all; Rarity did say somethin' about bein' afraid that anyone's mane and tail gettin' cut in a fight at Cerberus Ring, so that gave me an idea. I talked at Sunburst about it, and he made these hairpins for y'all whenever y'all fight someone in the Ring or outside the ring. Cadence and Shinin' Armor talked ta me about the idea and told Sunburst to make those magical hairpins for everyone in Equestria as a good and honest side business, and Sunburst happily agreed! And I thought about you girls about how beautiful you and your mane and tails are.", Peace finished, as Pinkie jumped from her seat hugging him and squealed.

"Just like cupcakes, you're so SWEET! Thank you for thinking about us, Peace.", Pinkie said, as Peace gave her headpats. The rest of the girls has jealous pouts on their faces and got up from their seats to hug Peace as thanks for the hairpins. Minutes later, they all made it to Ponyville and went in the dorm house and met Peachbottom and greeted her with a hug. When Peachbottom saw Peace, she hugged him tightly with worry.

"Are ya alright, sweetie? I saw on the news that Blueblood try ta kill ya, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow with assassins!", she said with worry in her voice, as Peace pats her shoulder to calm Peachbottom down.

"We're all fine, Peachbottom. One of his assassins was strong, but we stopped them. Blueblood's a prick, but he's smart when to give up. But he won't give up too easily. And later today, Rainbow's been called out by Lightnin' Dust.", Peace informed Peachbottom, as she looked at Rainbow Dash and smiled.

"I've seen Lightnin' Dust before; she's a mean'un and brash about bein' the best in the skies and better than all the Wonderbolts. Give her hell, Dash!", Pechbottom cheered, as Dash nodded.

I'll do my best, Peachbottom! I came so close twice to beat her in the last two matches.", Dash said, as she clutches both her hands into fist.

"Well, no doubt you're stronger than before, Rainbow. Lightning Dust could still be as strong or stronger than you are. And I hope you'll give that pony a good thrashing!", Rarity said, cheering on Rainbow, as the blue Pegasus smiled by Rarity's praise.

"We better get to school now everyone. We'll see you after the fight, Peachbottom.", Twilight said, as she and the rest went upstairs to unpack their stuff and go to school.

It was after school, and Peace and the girls were heading to Cerberus Ring. Rainbow wasn't with them, because she went ahead of them to get prepared. Then, Peace got a text from Dash, and it was a video of Lightning's techniques that she uses in her matches. So, Peace text Dash some advice, as they entered Cerberus Ring. As they all took their seats, Sunset looked at Peace and asked...

"Peace, what advice did you give Rainbow? Lightning Dust always goes all-out when she fights somepony.", Sunset said with concern in her voice, as Twilight and the others has the same worried look as the fire maned Unicorn.

"I simply told her to fight at Lightnin's pace and find a weakness against her. And don't let Lightnin' get in her head. Dash will find the weakness on Dust. Rainbow sent me a video of Lightnin's past matches in the years in Cloudsdale. Fluttershy, her parents, and other allies sent her some videos of Lightnin's fights, so I've been teachin' her the fightin' styles she can use against Lightnin' here.", Peace explained to the girls, his friends, and the principal and vice principal.

"Though, sometimes, Lightning can fight dirty in her matches, but she didn't care that she got scolded by Spitfire so many times. Rainbow needs to be very careful around her.", Fluttershy said nervously, as Principal Celestia spoke.

"Which is why in this match, there will be no disqualification between them. Whichever pony is down for the count and can't go on anymore has lost the match. Both of them will use their weapons more than five minutes, it's unlimited.", Celestia said and Luna nodded in agreement. Peace sighed in relief that Rainbow can use her sword at all times through the match. But he knows that Rainbow still needs to be careful and stays focused. Both fighters came out at opposite ends and were both wearing white t-shirts, but Rainbow sweatpants were black and Lightning's were green. Both had their swords in their hands. Rainbow has her serious face with her brows narrowed, and Lightning just smirked.

"Well, well, I see that you're looking awesome, Dash. I can't wait to beat you again!", Dust said with confidence, but Dash didn't say a word and narrowed her eyes a bit getting focused. Peace narrowed his eyes too, as he looked on very closely. Dust unsheathed her sword, but Rainbow didn't pull hers out but got in her stance.

"Fine. If you won't come at me...", Lightning Dust charged at Rainbow ready to strike her, but as soon as she was close, dash pulled out her sword and the handle of it hit Lightning's stomach, as it looked like it pushed her back a few feet. every pony and creature were shocked at Rainbow's attack, except for Peace and the rest. Even Celestia and Luna were thrilled of Dash's attack. Dust was bruised, but still looked OK. She smiled at Dash, as Rainbow gave her a smirk of her own.

"I see you've gotten stronger a little, Dashie. Well then, let's make fight a good one!", Lightning said, as got in her own stance.

"Yeah, let's make it awesome!", Dash said, as she finally pulled out her sword and in a stance of her own. Peace made a small smile and said...

"Well, now the real fight begins.", as he said that, Dust charged at Dash and their swords collided with a loud clang! Lightning was smirking at Rainbow while slashing her sword upward, downward, left, right. But Dash blocked every hit from Dust, as Dust kept slashing away.

"Damn! This is strange; I'm usually pushing her back. Dash really did get stronger, but I'm still gonna get her right here and now!", Dust thought, as she used her downward slash on Dash, but Rainbow blocked her again. Their swords are still blade on blade, as Rainbow finally pushed Dust away more than twenty feet, and Lightning was shocked at Rainbow's strength. Lightning was sweating a bit, but Rainbow was calm and focused without a sweat. Twilight and the girls were amazed at Rainbow's performance.

"Boy howdy! Rainbow's doing really good now. Hell, even better!", AJ said joyfully.

"True, but the five minutes are almost up. They got one more minute ta use their swords.", Peace said, knowing that there's still little time for them both to use their sword. But then, Dash charged at Dust, much faster than Dust was. Lightning thrusted backward, as she blocked Dash's upward slash. Lightning's eyes widened at how strong Dash's strikes are.

"What the hell?! Dash's strikes are not just faster, but stronger! How did she get this strong?", Dust thought, struggling to block Dash's sword strikes. The buzzer sounds, meaning the five minutes are over to use the swords, as both Dust and Dash went back to their own end to put up their swords. Blueblood and the Diamond Dogs noticed Dash's power has risen quite a bit.

"So, they've been training hard, too... No matter, Lightning will defeat Dash again like many times before.", Blueblood thought, but Coach Spitfire had her own opinion on the match, as she though...

"Rainbow's style has sharpened and more lethal. Peace must've trained with her; Dash is getting stronger.", Spitfire thought with a proud smile. Dash was walking back to Dust with a thought.

"I'm not even tired or breaking a sweat! training with Peace really boosted my strength and stamina. Now he said ta use some "combos"...", Rainbow finished her thought, as she's right in front of Dust, both getting into their fighting stances.

"Heh. You've gotten strong with the sword, Dashie. Let's see if you can keep up with me at hand to hand.", Dust said, as Dash didn't say a word and stayed focused. Dust went for a punch, but Dash blocked it with her palm, and Dust started her melee of kicks and punches, as Dash blocks all of them effortlessly.

"Very good, Dashie. Now to increase my strength and speed!", Dust thought, as she did just that, she increased her strength and speed. Rainbow however wasn't faltering, as she still blocked every kick and punch Lightning tried to land. Then, Dash caught the fist from Dust with her palm, and all were stunned that Dust's fist was caught.

"No way! I fought against Dust, and not once did I catch her hard punches!", Soarin said while in shock. Dash then pushed Dust's fist away, along with Dust herself by a few feet away.

"My turn, Dust!", Dash said, as she charged at Dust so fast, Dust didn't have time to block, as she was punched in the face! Dash started her flurry of kicks and punches, as Dust blocked them barely. Dust was having a very tough time keeping up with Dash's speed.

"Shit! She's faster and stronger. I can't keep up with Rainbow!", the aqua green Pegasus thought, as Dust was going in for a thrust kick. Dash vanished in front of her. Dust was surprised at that, as she looked around the arena. And when Lightning turned up front of her, she was met with a hoof in her face, as Dash side kicked her when she appeared, sending Dust flying to the side wall hitting into it. Some Pegasi recognized that kick from Dash.

"Sis, that was Windy Whistles' "Whistle Twist" kick!", said Flitter to her twin sister Cloudchaser, as they're both in shock and awe at Dash's well-known move. Dust shook off the pain, spit out some blood, and looked at Dash with a smirk.

"Oh, yeah... That's what I'm talkin' about! Come on, Dashie, let's get it on!", Dust said, as she powered up with an aqua green aura surrounding her, and Dust also vanished like Dash did. All Dash did was closed her eyes and looked calm, as she vanished when Dust reappeared with a downward kick and hit the ground making a crater. Dust looked around for Dash, as she heard...

"Up here!", Dust looked up to see Dash in the air. But what was more shocking, she's not using her wings! Peace was look at Dash proudly, as Lightning was about to lose her composure.

"Impossible! You're flyin' without using your wings?!", Dust yelled in frustration.

"I have a good teacher, Dusty. Now, are ya gonna come up here, or...?", Dash didn't finish her taunt, as Dust quickly spread her wings and thrusted her way to Dash with an energy ball in her hand. But Dust disappeared from Dash's view but reappeared behind to shoot a blast on her back. As she sensed it Dash elbowed Dust in the chest knocking the wind out of her, as Dust descended to the ground on her knees clutching her chest.

"What the fuck just happened?! I used to be stronger than Dash, but she's stronger than me! I beat her many times. It's time to end this, now!", Lightning Dust thought, as she powered up once more. Rainbow Dash also came back from the air and can sense Dust's power rising, as can Peace and the rest.

"Not good; Lightning's power is getting higher and higher. I never felt her energy like this!", Fluttershy said nervously.

"She's right, Dust has never powered up this much. And...", before Sunset could finish, she realized something, as she, Twilight, and the rest of the girls looked at Rainbow looking calm. Which means...

"Rainbow hasn't used much of her power at all while fighting Lightning!", said Twilight with a look of amazement. Peace nodded and said...

"She knows how strong Lightnin' is, and now, after our short sparrin' session this mornin', Dash is stronger than before. Let's see how Lightnin' gets.", Peace said without looking at the girls. He, along with Hype, Goldie, and Glori are focused on the match.

"Plus, her energy's rising every second. She's even stronger than the Diamond Dogs!", Golden Heart said, as she and the rest feel the arena quake underneath them. With a roar, Dust unleashed a shockwave that was like hurricane gust. Celestia and Luna looked on with serious looks.

"Sister, the power of Lightning Dust is amazing! She must've trained hard like Rainbow has.", Luna said astonished.

"Indeed, Luna. But Rainbow Dash still has not shown us her true power yet. Now let's see the conclusion of this fight.", Celestia said with narrowed eyes looking on. A blue aura surrounded Dust, as she's done powering up to the max. Dash got in her stance ready for Lightning to charge. Then, Dust put two of her hands together to form an energy ball with lightning crackling around it. And then, she yells...

"STORM STRIKE!!!!", Lightning Dust shot her blast at Dash. The ball was coming towards her quick and it hit her with a massive explosion!

"DASH!!!", Applejack called out after the blast hit Rainbow, as the shockwave blew at everyone, as they try not to get blown away on the stands. Then, Hype yelled out...

"Look! That light...!", as they all see the light behind the dust, it became brighter and brighter. And when the dust cleared, Rainbow Dash was still standing with a single scratch. Peace started to smirk, as Dash looked back at him, he nodded and said...

"Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna, Ya might wanna get a new floor for the ring.", Peace said, not looking at the Royal Sisters, as everyone heard a loud "BOOM!", and they looked down at the battleground to see a rainbow aura surrounding Rainbow Dash. But the difference is that Dash is not in either her Rainbow or Crystal form. Twilight and the Elements were in shock to see their friend power up that much.

"Land sakes! I knew Dash was strong, but she even surpassed even Spitfire! And...", Applejack stopped, as she looks at Peace and thought...

"We're gettin' stronger cuz of Peace... That's downright amazin'! Matter of fact, me and the rest of the girls have been gettin' stronger, too. Even Big Mac's stronger than before. I'm glad Peace and his friends came ta this world.", AJ finished her thought with a smile towards Peace, as he's looking on at Dash's power.

"She's not even at twenty-five percent of her power yet. Lightnin's at full power now.", Peace said, as he also looks at Lightning Dust's reaction to Rainbow's power. Then, Lightning charged at Dash with a punch, as Dash blocked it with her arm. The whole arena shook, as the two Pegasi were trading punches and kicks, but Lightning's attack weren't hurting Rainbow.

"This is crazy! Dash was never this strong before. And...", Dust had an idea, as she vanished from Dash's sight. Then, Dash sensed Lightning's power from above and saw that a large energy ball was coming down on Rainbow. She couldn't block nor dodge it, so Dash took the blast head-on, as it impacted the ground. Applejack saw that and got up from her seat ready to help Dash, but Twilight got in front of her.

"Outta the way, Twi! Dash need help!", AJ said in a voice of panic.

"Wait, Applejack! I know how you feel, but look at the energy ball.", AJ and the rest looked at the energy ball shrinking faster and faster, as Rainbow Dash emerged without any damage. She threw the now baseball size energy ball away, as it made a small explosion. Lightning Dust ascends down on the ground slowly looking petrified like a statue at the Element of Loyalty.

"H-How the hell did you do that?! That blast had all of my power behind it!", Lightning exclaimed, voice trembling. Rainbow narrowed her eyes with a glare at Dust.

"You really haven't changed, haven't ya? Dust, if this wasn't a match, you would've hurt everypony, or worse, with that blast. It would have destroyed a town or a city, dumbass!", Dash raised her voice a bit but continued.

"I used my dad's technique to neutralize the blast to a smaller size. And now that you power has weakened...", at a blink of an eye, Dash kneed Dust in the gut, and Dust fell to her knees and clutched her abdomen wincing in pain.

"Look, I'm like you; I don't wanna lose. But if I lose, at least I lose with dignity. Take the L with that dignity and honor, Dust.", Dash said, as she started to walk away. Lightning Dust looked at Dash with hatred, as she went in her pants pocket and brought out a small knife and threw it at Rainbow while she's still walking. But the knife was caught... By Peace Poet himself! The young Saiyan appeared on the battlefield, and the girls, his childhood friends, and the Royal Sisters were in shock to see Peace appear on the field in a blink of an eye!

"Impossible! How could Peace get through our magic shields? Not even Twilight or Starlight can get through the barrier!", Luna stated looking flabbergasted. Celestia looked at Peace on the field still holding the handle of the knife that Dust thrown at Dash aiming at her.

"Poison... The knife has poison on it! Look at the blade.", the Sun Princess said, as everyone looked at the blade of the knife. The tip of the blade was green and red.

"Principal Celestia's right, it's poison on the knife. Oh... Dear...", Fluttershy looked down at the arena and looked at Peace, as he slowly put his arm down. His glare could rival Fluttershy's Stare, as he looked very angry and walked towards a trembling Lightning Dust. She shook off her fear and thrusted towards Peace with a high kick on the side of his head, and she landed the kick! Dust's kick connected, but it didn't even phase Peace while he's looking at her with anger. Dust quickly backed away from Peace, as she looked at him with a look of shock.

"He took the kick like it was nothing... Is he really that strong?!", Dust monologue, as Peace dropped the poisoned knife and started walking towards her. Dash looked at Peace walking towards Dust and picked up the knife. She sniffed it and dropped it quickly, as her face scrunched in disgust, then looked at Dust with narrowed eyes.

"You really have gone to a new low, haven't ya, Dust? You're truly disgusting and dishonorable!", Dash said with venom in her voice, as Peace stopped in about ten feet from Lightning, as she got in her stance ready to fight. Twilight and the others wanted to intervene, but it was tense in the ring. Dust shouted at Peace and said...

"HA! You're just a chicken shit gentleman that wouldn't dare lay a hand on a female! I know about what you are, you--"

"THUD!!!"

"After she insulted Peace, he hit her in the face with a right hook, as she fell to the ground. There were gasps from the crowd in every seat and all in the Cerberus Ring went silent. The shocked look on her face showed, as he squatted down to her level, as Peace said to let every creature hear...

"You're right, I'd never hit any woman of any age and/or race. BUT, I will hit a BITCH that'll harm anyone I care about! You've lost the match against Rainbow fair and square, and you do this cowardly shit to poison her, huh? She and the rest of my friends, old and new, are stronger than you are, and Dash didn't even transform. That's how strong and powerful she is against yo dumb ass! The grudge is done; you've dishonored and disgraced your damned self in this ring. Dash fought you with honor and dignity. Your skills are good, but they're tainted for who ya workin' for. If you go near Rainbow and Scootaloo in the future, you'll deal with me, PERSONALLY!", Peace lectured Dust with so much venom in his voice, as he got up and walked away from a dejected Lightning Dust. But he stopped and looked at Blueblood and the Diamond Dogs with narrowed eyes, as if giving them a warning. Blueblood's right eye was twitching, as he was angry not just at Peace, but at Dust, as he looked at her in disgust. He and his crew got up and left the arena in a hurry. Dust also got up and looked at Peace with his back turned, then looked at Rainbow Dash. Dash glared at Dust and shook her head, as Dust screamed and ran away out of the arena. Peace huffed, as he walked towards Dash, as his face softened with a smile on his face, as Dash also smiled.

"Looks like the trainin' paid off, huh?", Peace asked Dash with a happier tone in his voice.

"I knew I was strong, but man, my power's more awesome than before! Mom and Dad must be over the moon of my win by now.", Dash said letting her hair down from a ponytail.

"I saw their skills on the old matches from back then. They're both really good, honestly. And they trained ya really well.", Peace said, as he put a hand on Rainbow's shoulder and spoke again.

"Plus, you really worked really hard against Dust in the past matches. And even though you've lost against her back then, ya never gave up. Your friends, family, Scootaloo, they're all support and, like your Element, stayed loyal to ya., no matter what. And ya got my support and loyalty, one hundred and twenty percent.", Peace finished, as tears welled up in Dash's eyes, as she gave him a hug and Peace hugged her back for a moment. They walked back to the others at the exit and AJ hugged Rainbow since she was worried. The others went in to hug Dash to congratulate her on her victory, as Celestia and Luna also congratulate her.

"You've fought like a true warrior, Rainbow Dash. And you didn't even transform to defeat Lightning Dust.", Vice Principal Luna said proudly.

"And not to worry. We will have a talk with Lightning about the poisonous knife. The Guard has already taken it off the field for evidence.", Celestia said assuring Dash and the others.

"Dust will probably get either a suspension or expelled for trying to kill Rainbow.", Sunset said, while seeing the Guard ponies leaving the field.

"Well, Blueblood will have another plan under his sleeve. So, we better keep our guard up." Glori said, as everyone agreed with her.

"For right now, let go back home and--", before Peace finished, Rainbow Dash kissed him on the lips, leave the Elements jealous and glaring at Rainbow, as she broke the kiss and picked up Peace and said...

"You're sitting beside me for dinner, o great master. Let's go!", Dash spreads her wing and she and a shocked Peace flew away.

"RAINBOW DASH, YOU GET BACK HERE WITH MY PEACE THIS INSTANT!!!!", Rarity shrieked, as she and the rest ran after them.

"Wait a minute... What do you mean YOUR Peace, Rare? He's with all of us!", Starlight said while running. The Royal Sisters laughed at their jealousy.

"Peace has his hands full, hasn't he?", Luna asked while giggling.

"Yes, Sister. Hmm... I have an idea. Come to the castle and call Discord. He's gonna love this.", Celestia said, as they both teleported home.

In a castle in Japony...

In a room, a young white coated mare saw Peace Poet on her screen from Cerberus Ring in Canterlot.

"He looks amazing and strong! I still have to apologize to him, and I'll do it later this week when I invite him. Guard, call Princess Celestia. I need to speak to her on something important.", she ordered, as the guard bowed and marched away to make a call. Then, another white mare with silver hair and tail looks at her sister and said...

"You better hope he forgives you, sis. You've hurt Peace bad.", the younger sister said, as the eldest nodded and looked down in shame. She opened her phone screen and looked at an old photo of her, Peace, Hype, Goldie, and Glori when they were younger, as she hopes Peace will forgive her for what she had done to him.

Author's Note

That's it for this chapter and the meeting will come in the next chapter. Will Peace forgive her? We'll find out later in the story, and I hope you've enjoyed this long-awaited chapter. Plus, sorry this chapter took so long to published and thank you for enjoying this story so far. Until the next chapter, Deuce!