Legend of the Sword Heroine

"So... where exactly are these training grounds you're taking me to?" The Sword Heroine questioned as they were passing through the forest and pushing vines away.

“A little place that I often use as a training ground. You’ll see when we arrive.” Zecora answered with a smile on her face.

Shrugging, the Sword Raccoon kept quiet and followed her soon-to-be-mentor as they entered deeper into the forest. If she was taking her somewhere to train, then the place had better be good.

She was still reluctant to do this 'Sword Hero' business yet was willing to give it a try. If that meant being trained properly to wield the sword, so be it.

As she walked alongside Zecora, the raccoon looked at both her sword and shield. Was she trying to pull a 'Link' from Legend of Zelda or something?

Zecora cast her a glance. "Having doubts?" She questioned.

The raccoon shrugged. “A little bit. You sure you know what you're doing?” She questioned once more.

"I'm certain. I wouldn't have agreed to it after all... I know a little bit about sword combat even though I'm trained in wielding a staff. Luckily, I'll not be the only one that will be training you." Zecora revealed.

"Oh? You won't be?" Sword questioned confused.

Zecora nodded. "Where we are going, there is someone who will also be helping you in harnessing your newly-acquired skills. A good friend of mine, which means that you are in good hands." She explained.

Good friend of hers? A possible trainer to help alongside Zecora? Hmm... she needed more information.

"What's she like?" The Sword questioned with Zecora taking a moment to think of an answer.

They kept on walking, both women keeping silent with the Sword waiting for an answer from Zecora who was remaining silent. She must be thinking about the answer.

Eventually, Zecora opened her mouth. "She's... an interesting individual. God help you if you allow her to drink any alcohol! In fact, NEVER... bring her the strong stuff! She'll end up being a different person." She warned with a serious tone.

The Sword, taken aback by that statement, frowned. "Why...? What's so bad about her drinking alcohol?" She questioned.

Needless to say, Zecora's lips morphed into a frown. "She ends up becoming a huge lightweight and unable to do anything for the next couple of hours. For the sake of your sanity... and mine as well, DON'T! Trust me on this." Zecora pleaded with her.

The still-confused Sword just sighed, unable to understand anything. Guess she had to change topic and to her luck, she had a question. "Who was that 'Twilight' person you were speaking with? She sounded important from the looks of it."

"That's because she is. Her name is Twilight Sparkle - Celestia's personal assistant/student and one of the captains in the Royal Army. She's stationed in Ponyville, which is outside of the forest. A bit of advice - she means well but is often blunt and jumps to conclusions. Not to mention being Celestia's student is... well, a privilege."

The Sword frowned. "Is she a tattletale or something?" She questioned.

Zecora allowed a smile to form. "Not exactly a tattletale but... she does report everything to the ruler of Equis. If you were to come into contact with her, be careful how you act. She takes threats very seriously."

They had come across some bushes and vines which Zecora promptly pushed away with the help of the Sword who was deadpanning. "So... I'm a threat according to her?" She questioned.

"Hmm... that remains to be seen. I'm not trying to alarm you or anything but merely warn you for what lies ahead." Zecora explained.

Well, you're certainly doing a GOOD job so far, lady..., Sword thought in her mind, sighing internally.

They kept pushing forward, swatting branches and vines away. To help with their situation, Zecora also used her staff to ensure that they reached their destination more quickly. Sword couldn't help but wonder how many hours and pain she dedicated to perfecting her skills.

The most common answer: A LOT.

After an eternity, combined with walking and passing through dangerous areas such a swamp and branches with thorns, they had eventually made to an open area in the forest. Sword's eyes immediately widened at the scene in front of her.

The entire area had been converted into an obstacle/training course - complete with running, elevating platforms, rope climbing, dodging... training dummies that were set up. Holy mother of...

"...How did you... Ok, there's no way you managed to make this entire obstacle course all by yourself." She admitted, a look of doubt on her face.

A smile appeared on Zecora's face. "Of course not. My friend helped me out with the designing. And building too..." She stated before sighing. "After long hours of yelling and scolding her for slacking on the job."

Sword raised a brow at Zecora who walked over to a nearby lake and halted... clapping her hands soon after. "We have a guest! Come out and introduce yourself!" She declared.

For a moment or two, there was but the silence. Until Sword noticed a couple of bubbles forming atop the water... which began to shake soon after. It began to ripple entirely as someone came out, splashing the ground nearby but not the Sword nor Zecora.

Sword's eyes widened at what she was seeing. An orca wielding some sort of harpoon had arisen from the water... black-and-white pattern. She also had a loincloth and was quite large but also average-sized. Sword couldn't help but wonder how exactly an orca was going to help her.

Zecora smiled. "If you would be so kind..."

Sword was about to ask what she was talking about until the Orca opened its mouth. "Of course!"

W-WHA-!? IT TALKS!?

Waves of waters began to surround the creature, engulfing it entirely as Sword couldn't see anything. What was going on!? Was this natural!?

She was then blinded by light and raised her hand to block as did Zecora while the orca couldn't be visible anymore. Soon however, it died down along with the water evaporating or some of it splashing it nearby locations.

Sword looked ahead and- Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped... Ok, she had to know: WHAT THE FUCK!?

Instead of the orca, there was someone else. A human... whose figure was quite developed too. She stood at 5’4” with her having a fair complexion but also some parts of her skin being black, covering her forearms and lower legs. Her figure was an hourglass one with her long black hair resembling an orca’s tail and her having eyes that were colored in blue.

Her attire consisted of white bandages covering her large bosom with an aqua-blue fabric on top connected to a moon shape necklace on her neck. Covering her private area was a small aqua sarong. On top, there was a horseshoe metal connected with a white loincloth that extended past her knees from the front and back and on the sides were two oyster shape plates connecting to her loincloth. On her feet, she adorned aqua-black sandals.

The end of her hair, which resembled the tail of an orca was a metal wrap with blue jewels and around it was an Aqua-colored bandana, which was connected by two small jewels on the sides of her hair.

Needless to say, she was quite attractive and a looker too. The black-haired one flipped her harpoon around before grinning. "Hey, Zec." She replied.

Zecora smiled a bit. "I hope you haven't been doing anything illegal so far." She answered.

The woman made a shocked face and pouted. "Illegal? Little old me? Perish the thought!" She encouraged.

Zecora rolled her eyes while the black-haired woman's eyes fell upon the raccoon girl. "And who would you be exactly?" She questioned.

"The current Sword Hero... or Heroine in this case." Zecora answered.

Needless to say, the black-haired woman lowered her smile and quickly walked over to the girl... examining her and judging her, analyzing her even. The Sword couldn't help but blush at that.

"Hmm..." Her analyst hummed quietly.

Sword was wondering what exactly she was doing until the woman took a step back, frowning and looking at Zecora. "I dunno... she doesn't look like hero material to me. More like, she's hesitant to accept the job, Z." She responded.

Zecora nodded. "I know... but the sword has chosen her and we don't really have any other option at this time, do we?"

The black-haired woman rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you still believe in that legend crap..."

Zecora sighed. "The point is... the sword has chosen this young woman to be a hero. And besides... don't judge a book by its cover, Sadeena." She advised.

Sword raised a brow... Sadeena, eh? Interesting name.

Said person cringed a bit before releasing a sigh, looking at the Sword. "So... what do you need from me then?" She questioned.

"Training her in wielding a sword properly along with making use of the obstacle course you helped me build." Zecora responded.

Sadeena frowned. "But you can do that yourself... you don't need me to help you." She replied back.

Zecora's turn to frown came. "Sadeena... your underwater skills would come in great handy... not to mention, the Sword would be able to utilize a couple of water-related skills and power-ups to her disposal. Please, Nadia." She pleaded with the black-haired woman.

A small silence passed as Saadena thought it over while Sword just waited for a response. Was she trying to think of a way to worm herself out of helping? Or did she felt conflicted? Hard to answer.

Come a minute or two later, Sadeena opened her mouth, having made her decision. "I'm going to regret this already..." She sighed heavily.

Sword deadpanned. That's supposed to be my line, lady...,she thought in her mind.

Whatever the case, Sadeena looked at the Sword Heroine, frowning. "What's your name, girl?"

"Oh... um, don't have one. Woke up with a little bit of amnesia in the forest... can't really remember my name. Just bits of my old life. Sorry..." Sword apologized.

Sadeena facepalmed, shaking her head and looking at Zecora. "You're off to a good start trying to convincing me to do this..."

Zecora sighed. "I apologize, Sadeena... yet time was of the essence and we couldn't think of a good name. Twilight Sparkle came to my hut, having detected the Sword's presence, no doubt."

Needless to say, Sadeena's face turned into a worried one. It worried the Sword Heroine a little bit... has the orca met this 'Twilight' as well?

Sadeena gave a small nod. "I see... well then, I guess I have an idea for the name: Hilda." She responded.

Sword raised a brow. "Hilda? What's that supposed to mean?"

Sadeena smirked. "I've read it somewhere in a book... thinking about your sword and such, made me remember the story about Brunhilde... a legendary swordswoman. For the moment, I'll be calling you Hilda. If that's not a problem?" She asked.

Sword shrugged. "Don't mind either way." She replied.

Hilda was her name for the moment then. At least she can finally stop thinking of herself as the raccoon or the Sword.

Sadeena lowered her smirk. "In any event, Hilda... first things first, get rid of your armor." She ordered.

Wait, WHAT!? Hilda's face turned a bright red as she glared at her. "Why!? I'm not going in butt naked in this forest!"

Sadeena didn't display an unamused face and instead frowned. "That armor will only slow you down... if we're to train you, you'll have to run the obstacle course first."

Hilda was still red as she kept her glare. "But running around naked in my birthday suit...?" She questioned.

"Why? A little breeze never hurt anyone. And besides, if I'm going to train you to be a hero, I have to see to your dexterity and athleticism. You won't have to worry about catching a cold or getting bitten by bugs... we're in a safe location." Sadeena assured, her smile appearing back.

Hilda wasn't sure exactly if that made her feel a bit better. She did cast a glance at Zecora who simply gave a nod to showcase that she was alright with the idea. Was there not one person on this world that was remotely sane!?

Sighing heavily, Hilda began to remove everything that she had... and literally everything. Her armor, her clothes, gloves and boots. A few moments later, she was in her birthday suit, hiding her gentle parts with her hands.

Sadeena rolled her eyes, smirking. "Oh, quit it with the hiding. We're all women here and there's nothing wrong with us going commando every once in a while." She stated.

Hilda gave a look. "Easy for you to say! Look at what you're wearing!" She yelled, pointing at her outfit.

Sadeena kept her smirk. "I'm an orca, hon. Comes with the territory... plus, my clothes allow for better movement." She explained.

Hilda turned into an even deeper shade of red as Sadeena sighed a bit. "Look... you won't be in your suit forever. Just to see how well you can run the obstacle course. Better movement and reflexes as they say..." She explained.

Hilda frowned. "Not sure anyone would agree with you..."

"Whatever... in any event, let's start with some exercises. I want you to give me 50 push-ups... immediately." Sadeena ordered.

W-WHAT!? 50 PUSH-UPS!? IN HER BIRTHDAY SUIT!? Was she being-

"Hilda." Zecora's voice spoke as the Sword looked at the dark-skinned woman. "It's an order, not a request. If we are to run the obstacle course, we need you to get your body in shape. 50 push-ups... on the double." She ordered.

Hilda groaned internally, regretting everything... before laying down, putting both of her hands forward in a proper position and her legs at the far back. Sighing heavily, she looked at Sadeena who became serious. "Ready? And know this, I'll be counting them all." She warned.

Hilda blushed once more but nodded. Sadeena crossed her arms. "BEGIN!" She yelled.

Hilda slowly arose from the ground, groaning heavily... until she collapsed. Needless to say, Sadeena facepalmed, shaking her head. This wasn't exactly what she was expecting!

Sadeena frowned. "That was a joke. Start over and get serious." She ordered.

Hilda, putting her arms and legs in the appropriate position, began once more. She began to rise her body up, ignoring the pain since she had never done a push-up in her life before...

Reaching the top and stretching her arms, breathing slowly. Sadeena kept her frown. "One. You've still got 49 left to do... Remember. I'll be counting them all." She reminded.

Hilda groaned in her mind. What did she do so wrong to deserve this...?

She started the second push-up, lowering her body near the ground and then rising it once more. Sadeena counted the second one...

The woman sighed internally. There's definitely a lot we have to do... I hope you're right about this kid, Zecora., she thought in her mind.

(Later...)

Hilda collapsed on the floor, having done her 50th push-up... sweat dripping down from her face, and breathing slowly. She looked at Sadeena who seemed to smile a bit. "50 in total. A decent start after the first disastrous tries..."

Speaking of those, Hilda was still feeling the embarrassment. During the push-up session, Sadeena had another rule in mind... in addition to keeping a complete eye on Zecora's newly acquired apprentice, she would also warn her that any break in less than 5 minutes would result in Hilda beginning the session once more.

Needless to say, Hilda had made the mistake once or twice before getting her act together and pushing her body up and down without a 5-minute break. Sadeena no doubt told herself that it was harsh since the Sword Heroine was new to this yet pushed those thoughts away.

If Equis was to survive against the Waves and for Sadeena to see if this little brat was indeed the chosen heroine, then she would undergo a harsh training regiment. Regardless if Hilda was protesting or not... it was for her own good after all.

Sadeena smirked. "Next up on our training... sit-ups. Again, you're doing 50." She responded.

WHAT!? 50 SIT-UPS!? Her body was already sore from the push-ups and she didn't need-

"Oh... and if you rest without continuing the exercise for 5 minutes, they'll start all over. Harsh, I understand... but necessary. I intend to whip you into a proper warrior... even if I'm not satisfied so far with your performance." Sadeena responded, smirking all the way.

...Yep. Hilda confirmed Sadeena was one simple thing: MONSTER. She was a literal monster and pile driver! Was she the only sane person in the world!?

Taking a deep breath, Hilda sat up slowly and released a groan before laying down as Sadeena grabbed her legs, ready to assist her in the sit ups.

"Ready? And remember, I'll be-"

"Counting them... yeah, yeah. Let's get this over before I collapse." Hilda responded, groaning.

Sadeena gave a nod and held her legs tight before casting a glance at the sword. "BEGIN!" She yelled.

Hilda raised her body, trying to ignore the pain, and reached Sadeena before going down and repeating the pattern. The orca counted them all down and kept a close eye on Hilda to ensure she wouldn't take a break longer than 5 minutes.

Once the 50th sit-up had been reached, Sadeena was satisfied and allowed Hilda to lie down. Taking in some fresh air and breathing slowly. Her entire body was in pain...

Sadeena crossed her arms. "Hmm... acceptable. For now. Don't think that this is over yet though, kiddo. The day is still young, right Zec?" She asked without turning her head.

Zecora, sitting atop her staff, gave a simple nod. "Indeed."

Sadeena smiled a bit. "We'll pick up with some Jumping Jacks and then you'll have an opportunity to run the obstacle course. Since its your first day though, you won't be focused on combat just yet. Plenty of time for that later." She told Hilda.

Jumping Jack... obstacle course... Oh, god... she wasn't going to survive any of this at all. Not to mention Sadeena was enjoying the prospect of being an instructor. Hilda prayed to whatever God there was to take pity on her and send her back yet all she got was silence.

God really must hate her right now. And for good reason...

As for Sadeena, she had a lot of work alongside Zecora. If the world was to survive, then the Sword Heroine would be trained to the bone. Dexterity, athleticism, items crafting, etc.

Hmm... Sadeena would definitely need some more help. Zecora and her were a start yet to properly train a hero, she would require more than just two simple instructors.

Sadeena smirked. Time to make a call to an old friend of hers.