"I can't believe this is where we're staying!" Sunshine gasped in awe.
"That's the fifth time you said that." Aqua Ring muttered before lifting the mattress from the bed frame and placing it on the ground.
Celestia had the two mares share Twilight's old room when she lived with the princess. The room was split into two levels with a dark blue staircase connecting them. The bottom floor had pale wood flooring, a couple of plants, giant windows that oversaw the gardens, and two twin beds covered in Canterlot's softest blankets. One the upper level, there were rows of books, an hour glass the size of a stallion, and a giant window that overlooked some of the castle.
Sunshine ignored Aqua's comment with a sigh before realizing what her roommate was doing. "Dear, why are you placing that mattress on the ground?"
"I don't like bed flames." Aqua Ring answered.
"Bed flames!?"
"Never mind. Let's go find Princess Celestia. I'm sure she's waiting for us."
The unicorn let out a sigh before heading towards the door. Sure she was excited to begin her training, but she also wanted to explore their room a little longer. Maybe find a secret passageway or two while she was at it.
I can do it tonight. She thought to herself.
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Once the two mares left their room, they quickly found Princess Celestia waiting for them in the main room. Then, they followed the princess into the royal garden.
"Seems like my sister outdid herself yet again." Celestia murmured with a smile.
Large, oak trees encircled a gigantic portable swimming pool that was ten feet deep. A third of the lushes grass was removed, and a sand pit stood in its place with limestone boulders. Above the maze was a platform of clouds, and several fans levitated above the platform. Just besides the statue collection was a bonfire with flames that rose well beyond Sunshine's reach.
"There you three are." Luna exclaimed before trotting over to them from behind the pool. "The other three are ready to begin their training. However, Rain Top insisted that we wait for you to arrive."
"Looks like ya mares decided to show up after all." Gust snickered while up in one of the oak trees.
"Shall we begin?" Redwood asked, popping his head out from the blackberry bushes.
Princess Celestia and Luna nodded.
"All of you, go to your respected element training ground." Luna commanded.
Sunshine hesitated at first, but eventually headed for the oak trees. She was afraid, for a sinking feeling told her that she was going to have to face Prince Shadow Blade eventually. No matter what she told herself, weather it be 'I won't be alone.' or 'It's five against one, how bad could it be?' Sunshine knew deep down that her body probably couldn't take it.
"Celestia and Luna will make me stronger." The soft yellow unicorn muttered under her breath.
Once she stood underneath one of the trees, a bush swayed, revealing Princess Celestia.
"I'll be making sure you don't go too overboard with training." the princess explained before sitting down on the cool grass. "Now, I want you to focus all of your energy into these trees."
Sunshine obediently did as she was told. The unicorn closed her eyes and lit up her horn. At first, she could feel nothing. However, several minutes went by until she heard Celestia let out a gasp. Curious, Sunshine dulled her magic and opened her eyes.
"What happened?" she asked.
"See for yourself." Celestia smiled.
At first, the mare didn't understand what Princess Celestia was talking about, but her blue eyes soon gazed at one of the oak trees. It was hard to see, but one of the branches was at a slight angle. Nine degrease if Sunshine had to guess.
"I-I did that!?" Sunshine gasped. For a non unicorn, they may pass it off as nothing special. However, not even the great unicorns could bend trees to their will, much less a flower. The only unicorn to ever come close was Twilight, be even she practically gave up.
"The day is still young. Keep practicing while I go check on the cooks. What kind of fruit do you like?" The princess questioned before rising.
"Cranberries." Sunshine replied.
Though it was faint, Sunshine saw the princess make a face before trotting towards the palace. Did I say something wrong? She wondered before going back to her training. Oblivious to Luna's snickers.
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"Is there just nothing but forest!?" Shadow Blade growled.
It's been hours since he burned down that hideous log home. How dare they feed him commoner's food! And awful food as well. It gave him great pride seeing them cry out as their place went up in smoke.
If only I had all of my strength back. He thought to himself.
Suddenly, the ground shook, caused the earth pony to stop. His blood red eyes darted back and forth, while his tail slapped the ground.
"Who's there!?" He shouted into the trees.
Some bushes rustled, and out came a large purple dragon with lime green spikes. His body was slim and had somewhat of a muscular build. Though he looked young, Shadow could see the dull eyes this beast had.
"Who are you?" the prince asked while approaching the beast ever so carefully.
"Spike." the dragon's voice was deep, but had a somewhat homey feel to it.
Prince Shadow Blade laughed inwardly. This Spike was clearly friendly to ponies. If he were to control him, then his mission for retaking Equestria would happen much sooner.
"Tell me Spike, why are you alone in this forest?" Shadow questioned.
"Taking my evening walks while Princess Shooting Star is out with her friends." Spike replied.
So he knows a princess, perfect.
"Say Spike, I have been in this forest for some time and my legs are quite sour. My I ride on your back?"
The dragon gave Shadow Blade a friendly smile before walking towards the awaiting stallion.
That's it. Closer, closer, perfect.
Once Spike was just three feet in front of him, the earth pony gazed into the dragon's emerald eyes. Soon, Spike began to sway and his eyes began to darken.
"Servant, take me to this Princess Shooting Star." Prince Shadow Blade commanded.
Spike nodded before lowering a claw to Shadow. Once the stallion climbed onto it, the dragon placed him on his scaly back before stomping through the forest.
With a dragon and a princess as my slaves, no pony will be able to stop me! Prince Shadow Blade thought with a devilish grin.