Canterlot Academy Trials

The finale battles would rage on in furious fashion. Each finalist would have their results tallied up and announced in short order.

Spearklip the zebra had won her finale match against a male Abyssinian tabby named Thompson who made use of nunchucks as his main weapon. In spite of his speed, her overwhelming strength from multiple dropkicks was enough to send him flying out of the arena and onto the grass below.

Blue Blazes the dragon had lost his finale match against an earth pony mare named Drill Bit. It was a tough, close match between the two, but when he was bucked by her powerful hind legs, he felt a few of his bones break as he fell out of the arena.

Grimrose Orcus had lost her finale match against a female poodle diamond dog named Duster with an electrified crossbow. The fight was long and hard with Grimrose using her spells to surround Duster, but she was able to land two perfect shots on Rose’s wings which shocked and disabled the mare from being able to use her curse attacks anymore, resulting in a forfeit because she couldn’t move and had to submit once Duster pointed the crossbow at her face.

And of course, last but not least…Atomic Nebula.

His finale battle was set to begin, and like the others, he had no idea what he was up against. His teammates were currently lamenting that as they sat in the stands.

“Wow…” Mei muttered as she looked at her teammates. “I can see you guys had a rough time out there.”

“No shit,” Blue muttered as he clutched his bandaged abdomen. “I still can’t believe earth ponies can actually get that strong. Strong enough to break through dragon scales and cause internal damage to boot.” He groaned as he winced his eyes shut, “Blegh…learned my lesson of underestimating them the hard way.”

Grimrose’s wings were both banaged as they had to heal from the damage she endured in her battle. As much as she didn’t want to admit it…

“...that dog girl had ribbons and bows in her fur,” Rose muttered in disbelief, “And yet she was able to keep up with me fairly easily. She even knew how to use a crossbow. She looked fragile…but was actually rather agile. And durable. That dog chick tanked most of my curse spells before shutting my wings off.”

Mei gave an impressed, shrill whistle. “...you know what, I think I’m glad I didn’t make it to the finals. These battles seem way harder.” She then looked down at the empty arena. With the knowledge that Nebula was next, she couldn’t help but shudder audibly. “Brrr…I hope he’ll be okay. I wonder who he’ll go up against…”

“A dragon? A gargoyle?” Grimrose mused aloud.

“Maybe one of those big ape dudes from the East? Or maybe a demon pony?” Blue muttered.

Their predictions were about to be confirmed--or rather, proven wrong as Princess Twilight Sparkle started to announce the next battle.

“Alright everycreature, here we go,” she began with a professional tone that carried a slight hint of excitement. “Please welcome our finalists. In this corner, we have the experienced squire of Royal Guard #74 and his musical magic prowess: Atomic Nebula.”

Once again, Nebula pranced into the arena, carrying a more confident expression than before. This time, he was focused entirely on his opponent, and took care to not let his fears overtake him as he teleported onto the platform.

“Alright, let’s go,” he muttered to himself as he jumped in place to get himself ready. “Who’s it gonna be? I’m ready.”

No he wasn’t.

Twilight Sparkle started to clap her hooves with an excited smile on her face as she read off the next name. “And on this end, a magic user without compare--and my personal pupil--please welcome Luster Dawn!”

As everyone in the crowd cheered, Nebula’s team reacted in unison--

“W-WHAT?!” Blue yelped as he breathed a bit of fire.

“Excusemewhat?!” Mei gasped, her glasses nearly falling off her face.

“Wait…what?” Grimrose asked in a delayed manner.

Indeed. Luster Dawn appeared from out of the other end of the field, and teleported onto the arena where she stood across from Nebula. She had an almost sarcastic grin on her face as she regarded the unicorn stallion who had a rather excited smile going on.

“...so they put us against each other, huh?” she rolled her eyes, “Guess she really wants to test me against someone with good training.”

“Guess it’s fitting since we both did pretty well in the prelims,” Nebula replied with a smile as he levitated his recorder. “Just so you know though, just ‘cuz you’re the princesses’ pupil, I won’t be holding back. You’re about to feel the intense training of the Royal Guard come to fruition.”

Dawn simply sighed and shook her head. “Oh Nebula. You’ve got so much support from real friends who don’t care about where you come from, you can practice all the magic you want without anyone breathing down your neck, and most of all, no one talks shit about you behind your back…” she then glared at him with a focused gaze. “...it makes me sick.”

Nebula tilted his head out of confusion. “...sick how? What do you mean, Dawn?”

“What do I mean?” Dawn grit her teeth as she levitated two translucent, pink axes into the air via her magic, replying with a cold, bitter tone, “...I hate you.”

“...”