Ponies of the Five Rings

by Simon_oSullivan

Chapter 6: Weighing the Cost. Part 2

Twilight Sparkle sat at a table surrounded by the Council of Elemental Masters. All of them were incredibly powerful summoners focused on one of the five elements, but that power had come with a bizarre price; their minds had been twisted and her personalities slightly altered to attune with the elements they wield. Twilight looked from left to right, each of them staring back at her.

The leftmost unicorn was Charcoal, the Elemental Master of Fire. He was a short, stocky unicorn of middle age, and his element was reflected in his colours. His coat was the same burning red found in the heart of a blaze and his short yellow mane seemed to flicker like tongues of flame. His orange eyes would flash like lightning when his short temper was roused or if someone dared to question his reckless behaviour. All of these traits combined to make him one of the most feared ponies of the Lore Clan when going to war.

Beside him was Gale, a pale ivory unicorn with a long, soft, grey mane and tail; thin and light, the delicate strands seemed to sway and dance in an ever-present and imperceptible breeze. Her eyes were a misty blue, and rich with emotions. Gale was mercurial. She loved to laugh and play tricks, but she also cried easily. She was never one to sit still, and was prone to drift aimlessly. However, she could also be as wrathful as the element of wind she represented. One of the best known Elemental Masters, she enjoyed time in the spotlight, unlike the others who preferred seclusion.

In the middle of the Council rested Hollow Gap, the mysterious Master of Void. She was a plain dark blue unicorn with a thick black mane and a mid length tail tied in a ponytail. She wore a blindfold of heavy cloth wrapped around her sightless eyes. She often sat as still as a statue, seemingly unaware of her surroundings. Despite this she was well respected and all would heed her words.Her control of void magic had twisted her mind in ways that only Twilight, as a void summoner, could only begin to understand.

The next was a stallion who others joked was not born so much as carved from a mountain. Avalanche bore a mane and tail the rich colour of moss cropped close to his thick brown coat. He had large brown eyes which expressed his unflappable patience and boundless kindness to others. The son of a Lore Summoner and an Apple Witch Hunter, his reputation and appearance often intimidated others. When they saw how gentle he was and his attention to detail though, ponies flocked to him. He was slow to anger, but when he was upset it was said it was as if the earth itself swallowed his enemies whole.

The final member on the council was Tidal Wave, the Master of Water. Her icy blue eyes showed the strength hidden beneath her beautiful aquamarine coat and long silky mane and tail that put one in the mind of the foam on the crest of a wave. Like her element, she was immovable in the face of what she called "flimsy" arguments of hypotheses and opinions, listening only to facts. Due to this, Twilight held her in high esteem, but was wise enough to recognize that at times one had to make something up on the fly and hope it worked.

“I’ve summoned you all because there’s a new danger at hand,” said Twilight, resting her weight on her hooves on the table. “Bloodspeakers have returned, and we may have a sympathizer in one of our young ponies.”

“Slit their throat open!” roared Charcoal. “There, problem solved!”

“Charcoal, violence is not the solution to all problems!” scolded Gale with a frown.

“But it is the solution to this one! The last thing we need is a bunch of Bloodspeakers inside our clan.”

“I’ve sent an inquisitor to watch him closely, as the standard procedure demands,” said Twilight, trying to soothe the situation. “If they do anything minimally related to Bloodspeakers, they’ll be executed on the spot. However, if after some time they show no sign of suspicious activity, they’ll be left alone.”

“That should do it,” replied Avalanche with a barely noticeable nod. “What else do we have?”

“I agree.” Tidal Wave raised an eyebrow at Twilight. “There’s something more going on than a simple Bloodspeaker sympathizer, isn’t it?”

Twilight huffed before knocking on the table a few times, gesturing in approval. “At the Celestial Tournament something happened that might start a conflict among several clans. A Rainbow Scout severely wounded my apprentice Dinky, and there will be consequences from this event.”

“You expect a war to break out?” inquired Gale with a worried expression.

“To be honest, it’s a possibility, but I don’t think that it will go that far.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time that a blood feud starts because of somepony’s actions at the Celestial Tournament,” said Tidal Wave with a concerned voice. “What’s your position so far, Lady Twilight?”

The Lore Leader shook her head. “Neutral. Yes, what happened was most inappropriate, but Dinky’s fine and Scootaloo was punished accordingly. I’m not going to demand more compensation; that’d be walking on thin ice.” Avalanche, Tidal and Gale nodded in agreement, but Charcoal shook his head dismissively. Twilight grunted softly, pointing an accusing hoof at him. “A war with the Rainbow Clan is the last thing we need right now, Master of Fire. There’s no reason for us to start a fight, and I’m more concerned about Dinky’s performance as a Jade Magistrate.”

Avalanche raised his head with a snort. “So the young void summoner is now a Jade Magistrate?” Taking Twilight’s wide smile as a reply, he continued. “That means you’ve given her scrolls with spells designed to slay creatures of the Everfree Forest?”

“All of them,” confirmed Twilight. “I’ve also given her manuscripts about higher etiquette and law to instruct herself and her future husband, the other Jade magistrate.”

“A monk among the Jade Magistrates?” Tidal shook her head. “That’s not a good idea. There should only be summoners among their ranks.”

“He was able to put Trixie against the ropes on his own for a while, I think that was a good decision.”

“You mean he was able to put up a fight against a Bloodspeaker?” Charcoal showed a wide grin, a rare gesture for him. “That’s more than enough for me!”

“If what you say is right, I have to agree with Charcoal,” added Tidal Wave. “I take it back; the monk might be a good addition, even if he only acts as Dinky’s bodyguard.”

“Pipsqueak is a fast learner from what Dinky has told me. Not to mention that, as well as I've begun giving Dinky special lessons since she became a Jade Magistrate, so will Pinkie and Lyra instruct Pipsqueak in ways to hunt down Bloodspeakers and arrest selfish summoners without putting anyone in harm’s way.”

“We’ll keep an eye on them,” said Avalanche. “As for the conflict, if we stay neutral, I have the feeling that nothing will happen to us. Besides, fighting the Lore is fighting against us.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that. And Dinky might be my student, but she’s also Derpy’s daughter, so most of that will fall inside the Rainbow Clan. Pipsqueak, on the other hoof—”

“Is a monk capable of beating the horseapples out of a Bloodspeaker,” repeated Charcoal with a shrug. “Besides, he’s now a Jade Magistrate, so he’s untouchable. At least if Scootaloo likes being alive and all.”

“And considering this information, the conflict must be between Scootaloo and Pipsqueak,” added Tidal with a smirk. “It won’t even splash over us, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Well, I guess this was all. Does anypony have more to say?” Twilight looked at all the Masters, but all of the ones who had taken part on the debate shook their heads. “How about you, Hollow Gap? You’ve kept silent the whole meeting.”

The old mare looked up at her. Even though she had a blindfold, Twilight could feel her eyes scanning them. “How’re General Macintosh and you doing these days?” she said, to everypony’s surprise. “When was the wedding planned for again?”

Hollow’s question caught Twilight off-guard. She blinked a few times before answering. “Uh, we’re getting married tomorrow at dusk, at the Apple Castle.”

The Master of Void nodded slowly. “Love him, Lady Twilight. Enjoy your time together. You can leave the political responsibilities upon us.”

Twilight stared at her with widened eyes. “W-why are you telling me this?”

“I was married once, youngster. Unfortunately, my duties allowed us no time together. Now that he’s not among us anymore, I deeply regret it.”

“But I don’t think I should lay such a burden on your shoulders. It’s my duty!”

“Don’t worry about that, Lady Twilight!” comforted Gale. “We’ll take care of the ruling and all. Besides, we can use magic to remotely speak if something out of the ordinary happens. Enjoy your time with your husband! I’m sure they’ll appreciate your skills in the battlefield too.”

The other masters seconded Gale’s statement with approving nods. Twilight showed a wide grin. “Well, if you don’t mind…” She paused and a slight frown appeared on her face. “But what will I do with Spike? He’s my bodyguard after all, and—”

“Well, he can still be your bodyguard,” said Tidal, “but he can leave you some privacy. He’s going to marry soon too if I’m not mistaken, so he’ll be busy with his own wife.”

“Thank you very much for this offer. I really appreciate it. I’ll pack my luggage and get ready to move to the Apple Castle. Meeting adjourned, everypony!”

Twilight walked out of the room, closing the door behind them.

“Alright, Hollow, enough pretending,” demanded Charcoal, staring at the Master of Void. “You never got married, so what was all that bluff about? What have you seen?”

“The same kind of things that made me gouge my eyes out when I was a filly, Charcoal,” stated Hollow Gap flatly, getting everypony’s attention. “The void is horrible to stare at if you’re not ready. And I wasn’t back then. I thought that without eyes, I wouldn’t be able to see those visions, but my mind gets flooded with similar pictures.”

“But what have you seen, Hollow?” insisted Gale.

“Glimpses of the future. Twilight must be there for the events to take place correctly. We shall beg to the Fortunes for her well-being.”

-o-

Fluttershy and Carrot Top helped Twist to pack her saddlebags.

“Please, be careful at the Temple of Thunderer, okay?” Fluttershy insisted for the umpteenth time. Since Twist accepted Inkie’s invitation to train with them for a few months, the Wilderness Leader hadn’t kept calm even for a moment. “Try not to overdo yourself. Here, take these ointments in case you get badly hurt.” Fluttershy forced a few more flasks inside of one of the saddlebags, unbalancing Twist and barely making her fall.

“It’th okay, Lady Fluttershy,” replied Twist with shaky legs. “I’ll be fine. Thenior monk Inkie told me that I’ll be with them for a few monthth and then I’ll return to you.”

“Here you go, Twist,” said Carrot Top, offering a crescent bladed sang kauw. “I asked one of our blacksmiths to forge this one for you.” Fluttershy offered Twist the weapon, to which the young pony reacted by staring in awe at the greatness of the masterpiece. The shaft was painted in red and white, resembling the peppermint candies she had as a cutie mark. Both ends of the shaft had the usual steel spikes. However, the crescent shaped blade in the middle was slightly larger than usual, and forged in a way that looked like fangs of a tiger. “Even though they might have spare weapons, I considered it more appropriate that you carried your own. You’ve proven yourself a fairly competent warrior with such an exotic weapon, and Inkie and the other Thunderer monks will help you to become better.”

“Thank you, Lady Carrot Top. I promithe I’ll thow you everything I’ll learn when I return.”

“Do you want me to send Eugene with you?” offered Fluttershy. “He can guide you during your way and protect you if you find danger. There’s a bloodspeaker out there after all.”

“That won’t be nethethary, Lady Flutterthy, but thankth for the offer.” Twist bowed to both ponies, visible shaking under the weight of the saddlebags.

Fluttershy and Carrot Top bowed back, and waved to her with wide smiles as she parted towards the Temple of Thunderer. When Twist went out of sight, Fluttershy’s joy slowly faded away, leaving her morose. “She’s gone.”

“She’ll be fine, Lady Fluttershy,” said Carrot Top, resting a hoof on her shoulder. “The temple is in an isolated place, and the Thunderer monks are a force to be reckoned with. If she doesn’t walk out of the road she’ll have no problems.”

“But what if she does?” Fluttershy grabbed Carrot Top by the shoulders, her worry increasing. ”She’s a very kind pony. She might be fooled by bandits pretending to be peasants in peril, and she might get robbed, or even kidnapped!”

“She’s a bit gullible, but you should also remember that the idea of kidnapping a courtier is punishable by death. And I have the feeling that she’ll be able to defend herself.”

“I know, but still…” Fluttershy turned around, staring in the direction Twist had taken. “I didn’t expect her to leave. I thought she’d stay with us.”

“I can understand that. She’s been with us for so long. It’s normal to feel so attached to her after all these years.”

Fluttershy sighed in defeat, leaning on a tree. “Our clan is by far the smallest. I don’t like the idea of seeing some of them leave to join different clans or temples.”

“You’re right, Lady Fluttershy. But our number is largely compensated by our skill as beast tamers. A charge lead by bears and wolves is much more intimidating than most pony battalions.”

“I know, Carrot Top, but a casualty in our clan is more damaging than in any other. Not to mention that our beastmasters are few, and not even with servants helping to feed the animals they can keep up with the hard work.”

“We still have normal samurai to take care of the clan’s protection.” Carrot Top shrugged, running out of ideas to cheer Fluttershy up.

“But they aren’t as competent as other clans’ soldiers. I know that’s because they’ve had military duties since the Dawn of the Empire, and we’ve been…” Fluttershy sighed with a shake. “Mostly farmers, the ones who fed Equestria. We began to train warriors, as far as I read, less than two centuries ago, and the techniques are far from decent.”

“There’s still hope, Lady Fluttershy.”

“What do you mean?”

"We'll you're a Wing monk, after all, Lady Fluttershy. Don't forget that our clan was the one where the Order of the Wing was born. We invented a style that allowed us to fight without causing unnecessary bloodsheds. A simple jab in a specific part of the body—” she said, throwing a punch to Fluttershy’s neck, stopping mere inches from her neck. Fluttershy shrank almost instantly. “That’s all we need to incapacitate an aggressor. Not a single drop of blood shed, not a single life taken away.” She waited until Fluttershy recovered from the scare and stared back at her before resuming. “You came across some manuscripts and learnt the fighting style, am I right?

Fluttershy nodded with a grin. “That’s true. I found them in one of the monasteries we have in our land. I liked the idea of not hurting creatures, and that style suited me perfectly.”

“Have you considered starting an academy to teach the style of the Wing?” asked Carrot Top. “Even some basic techniques would do wonders among our peasants!”

“Oh, but I can’t, Carrot Top!” Fluttershy looked away, resting her forehead on the tree. “I can’t speak normally when the clan leaders gather together, how can I give lectures to a group of students?”

Carrot Top tapped her chin, looking at the sky for a moment. “Why don’t you let Twist give the lessons? You teach her the techniques of the Wing, and then she gives the lectures.“

“Do you think that Twist would be able to? I mean, she wanted to be a courtier and one of our magistrates.”

“And she can still be,” insisted Carrot Top. “Not only that, but because of her training as a monk, she’ll be able to defend herself.“ Carrot Top winked at Fluttershy. “And imagine how many suitors she’ll have. Think about it. She’ll be a mentor of many in the style of the Wing, a respected courtier and a renowned fighter. Ponies able to wield a sang kauw properly are really rare, and she could perform exhibitions at the Winter Court. Who knows? Maybe an Imperial Magistrate might lay eyes upon her!”

“Do you really think so?”

“Absolutely!” Carrot Top giggled for a moment before looking back to Fluttershy’s house. “What do you plan on doing with the issues at the Tournament?”

“I’m not sure.” Fluttershy stared sadly at the horizon. “It doesn’t affect us, so I don’t think we should interfere.”

“I suspect that a conflict may arise nevertheless.”

“Oh, I don’t think Rainbow Dash would let that happen.” Fluttershy shook her head and turned to Carrot Top. “She’s a proud pony, but has grown since we were fillies, and she won’t let a large conflict take place for what happened. It’s not like we can influence their decisions, anyways. If they want to go to war, they will.”

Carrot Top showed a smirk, snorting softly. “I disagree with that, Lady Fluttershy.”

“Huh? What do you mean, Carrot Top?”

“It’s really simple, actually. Remember, my lady, that it’s our clan who grows most of the Empire’s food. Only the Apple Clan sustains itself, but the rest needs the food from our crops. We can stop wars by threatening to cut the food supply.”

“But that’s horrible!” cried Fluttershy in shock. “We can’t do that! How many innocent ponies would starve because of our decision? And what if they turn against us to steal our food and—”

“They won’t, Lady Fluttershy,” said Carrot Top bluntly. “First, wars between clans must be approved by the Empresses, and even then they can only last one week. However, it is true that skirmishes could happen, and the Empresses wouldn’t be able to act in time. The two sides would find loopholes in the rules to consider anything a war declaration and start a conflict.” Carrot Top walked to and fro in front of Fluttershy. “However, we can meet with the two parts and threaten to cut off the food supply if the reason they have is… unreasonable for us, so to speak.”

“Wouldn’t that turn us into the enemy?”

“We’re being reasonable. Injuring a pony in a training duel is something that happens rarely, but Rainbow Dash did what she had to, and acted correctly. If Scootaloo and Pipsqueak, for whatever reason, want to take this even farther… Well, let’s just say that if letting their clans starve doesn’t make them change their mind, they’re far from being worthy samurais.”

“Do you really think Pipsqueak would do that?” Fluttershy sounded confused as she raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

“Not now that he’s a Jade Magistrate. However, he must be extra careful, for a pony of his status is expected to be much better than the average samurai.”

“So… we actually have power?”

Carrot Top couldn’t contain her laughter. “Of course we have, Lady Fluttershy! However, it’s a power we can’t abuse. ‘An army marches on its stomach’, that’s how the old Apple saying goes. This means that we have certain power because we have the food. Warriors, summoners, monks, courtiers and magistrates are important, but the Empire’s foundations are the peasants. And our clan’s full of them. But this is now a power we can use for selfish purposes, as the Empresses can, and will, act if we start abusing of this little advantage of ours.”

Fluttershy nodded with tired eyes. “I’d rather stay impartial until they make a move.”

“A fine decision, Lady Fluttershy.” Carrot Top bowed lightly, showing a wide smile. “Should we go back? We’ll look for the manuscripts and start getting prepared to teach them to Twist once she returns.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes, letting out a long sigh before smiling. “Okay, sounds like a good idea.”

-o-

“Pinkie, I really think that you should put that down,” asked Bon Bon politely.

“It helps me to think, Bon Bon,” replied Pinkie. She kept practicing with her meteor hammer, the metal ends flying around the meeting hall as she twisted and turned.

A few yards away, in a safe place, sat Lyra, Bon Bon and Pokey, watching in awe Pinkie’s worried expression. “So what are we supposed to be discussing here?” asked Pokey with a shrug.

“What do you mean with that?” said Lyra with a frown. “Don’t you remember what happened at the tournament? Pipsqueak’s fillyfriend got severely injured by one of the Rainbow Scouts there! That might start a conflict, and I don’t want that to happen!”

“It won’t happen, Lyra,” assured Bon Bon, resting a hoof on her shoulder. “Your apprentice is now a Jade Magistrate. According to the Imperial Law, a Magistrate is of a higher status, and unless Scootaloo got promoted, which I’m sure it didn’t happen, she can’t lay a hoof on him. And remember that Pipsqueak swore to us that he wouldn’t demand further punishment for Scootaloo’s wrongdoings.”

“How was Dinky able to convince him not to keep him from going to get revenge?” asked Lyra. “He always raises his hooves against everypony who mocks her in any way if he’s around. And Scootaloo could’ve killed her!”

“I think that the fact that Dinky survived was enough for him. But I think that Dinky has her ways to persuade him, if you know what I mean,” replied Bon Bon with a roguish smile.

“So my good apprentice couldn’t resist the desires of the flesh,” complained Lyra with a huff.

“Oh, Lyra, you’re far from the most appropriate pony to say that!” cried Bon Bon. When she realized what she had said, she blushed furiously, and so did Lyra. Pokey turned around and covered his mouth to hide his laughter. “Master Pokey, show some respect!”

“I’m sorry, it’s just that—” Pokey burst into laughter. “It sounded so natural, like if it offended you by implying that you never—” He swept away the tears and tried to catch his breath.

“Look at what you make me do, Lyra,” grunted Bon Bon.

“Let’s move on to a different point, okay?” suggested Lyra, still blushing.

“Sure, sure,” said Pokey before taking a deep breath and regaining the composure. “I’ve given Snails the Twin Blade’s manuscripts. He’s studying them at the moment with Pipsqueak and Dinky.”

“Right, how’s he doing, Master Pokey?” inquired Bon Bon.

“Well, he’s a promising young student, and he wants to learn. I saw the surprised look on his face when he opened the scroll, though. I guess he expected the usual approach about techniques and swordplay instead of philosophy.” He looked at Lyra with a humble smile. “What about you, Lyra? Pipsqueak’s now a Jade Magistrate. Have you taught him some techniques to aid him in his new position?”

“Actually, yes,” she replied with a nod and a grin. “Pinkie and I have shown him how to perform some incapacitating techniques to help him when subjugating ponies and fighting Bloodspeakers.”

“And I gave him scrolls about high etiquette,” added Bon Bon. “He must be extra careful now that he’s a Magistrate and working under Luna’s command.”

“He does?” said Lyra with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, I think so. I mean, they fight Bloodspeakers, so I think that they’ll have Lore Inquisitors and Apple Witch Hunters on their side. Jade and Emerald Magistrates work for the Empire’s wellbeing.”

“What’s an Emerald Magistrate?”

“They are ponies that enforce the Imperial Law and make sure that everypony acts according to it,” answered Pokey with his forelegs crossed in front of him. “They’re the ones who solve problems between clans, but they only have jurisdiction concerning Imperial Law. As different regions or clans have their own rules, they can’t do anything there.”

“So Emerald and Jade Magistrates work for the Empire, got it.”

Bon Bon snorted softly. “I should take you out of the shrine more often, dear.”

Lyra blushed lightly as he rolled her eyes. She noticed that Pinkie hadn’t stopped practicing. “Pinkie, you said you were thinking about something. What’s bothering you?”

“The prophecy!” Pinkie yelled as she drew an arc, throwing both metal ends inside a nearby pool of water. She looked at the other three ponies with a ragged breathing. “It’s come true.”

“You mean the one that said ‘New blood will empower an old enemy’?”

“Yes, that one!”

“But how?”

“I’ve been thinking about it.” Pinkie Pie walked to and fro across the room. “The ‘new blood’ were the contestants, and the old enemy must be the clan rivalries!”

“Are you sure about it?” inquired Bon Bon with a worried voice.

“Yes! Well… I don’t know but seems quite reasonable. I mean, what other possibilities can be? A Jewel duelist being defeated by a non-duelist will surely have consequences, even if Apple Bloom is Big Macintosh’s sister! They’ve always been proud and considered the Twin Blades’ academy their sworn rival! They’ll consider the Apple a new challenger. And what about the Rainbow-Party conflict?”

“Pinkie, that’s not going to happen,” replied Bon Bon. “As I said, Pipsqueak’s now—”

Pinkie turned around and pounded the table in front of her, staring angrily at Bon Bon. “Don’t tell me that’s not gonna happen! The prophecy’s coming true! We can’t do anything!” She breathed heavily, looking at the other three ponies with tired eyes. Pinkie took a step back, covering her muzzle in shame.

“Pinkie, have you slept since we returned from the Tournament?” asked Pokey with a concerned voice.

Slightly soothed, she shook her head. “I… I couldn’t. All these thoughts have kept my mind too busy and their consequences too worried.”

Pokey looked at Lyra and Bon Bon, then back to Pinkie. “I’m sure that you’re overthinking it, or even taking the wrong perspective.”

“Why do you say that?” Pinkie sounded sad and defeated, lowering her head as Pokey walked towards her.

“There are a lot of things that could cover that prophecy, and the one that fits her could be years away from happening!”

“You… you think so?”

“Of course, Pinkie! Look, when Lyra mentioned the prophecy, I thought it has something to do with a newborn foal, or somepony from another land bringing an evil enemy what would join forces with Discord. That could also be a possibility, right?” Pinkie looked up to meet Pokey’s eyes and nodded slowly. “See? There are a lot of events that could fit on the prophecy’s description. You just saw something that could be it, and you’ve become paranoid. Remember that, aside from Scootaloo’s punishment and Trixie’s attack, nothing too severe happened at the Tournament.”

“True, and I’m sure that both Twilight and Big Macintosh are combining efforts to hunt Trixie down,” added Bon Bon. “We should focus on Pipsqueak’s training as a Jade Magistrate more than anything.”

“I think… I need some sleep.” Pinkie fell on her knees. The adrenaline rush from the meteor hammer’s training had worn off.

“I’ll take you to your chambers, Pinkie,” offered Pokey.

“When you do, please stay with me. Tell me what you’re going to teach Snails, what plans you have for him, anything. Just don’t let me think about the prophecy again.”

After Pokey agreed, Pinkie walked next to him to her chambers. Her pitiful state left both Lyra and Bon Bon in shock.

“I really hope she gets better,” whispered Bon Bon. “This prophecy is destroying her.”

“You think I don’t know?” replied Lyra. “I don’t even know how she can keep so calm and joyful when other ponies are around.”

Bon Bon shook her head with a sigh. “We should check how Pipsqueak and Snails are doing, if only to feel a bit better by seeing the youngsters having fun studying together.”

“Yeah, I could definitely use a morale boost after what happened. I hope Pokey will take care of her.”

“Oh, he’s a good stallion, and he really cares for Pinkie. She was the one who wanted Snails in our clan, so Pokey could have a competent apprentice.”

“What’s there to say? Pinkie knows how to treat the high representatives of her clan.” Both mares giggled. “Anyway, let’s see how the young promises are doing.”

-o-

In the stairs to the Party Shrine, Snails, Pipsqueak and Dinky studied together.

“This scroll is more about philosophy than fighting,” said Snails with a frown. “I’ve been reading all of it and I haven’t found anything about positions or the likes.”

“For what I know,” replied Pipsqueak, “the Twin Blades’ style has a specific philosophy, focused on ‘act when you wish, not when you must’”

“Isn’t that a bit illogical for a dueling style?”

Pipsqueak burst into laugh, catching Dinky’s attention. “You’ve just joined us, so I guess that’s quite new to you. However, let me tell you: if something seems illogical among the Party, it’s because it works.”

“That doesn’t have to do with being in the Party Clan or not,” replied Dinky. “Sometimes an approach that seems illogical at first ends up being a better option than the most logical or obvious one.”

Snails nodded gently with a humble smile. “I can see that. But this still sounds weird.”

“I have the feeling that the Twin Blades’ style focus is on improvising. That’s why they say that you should act when you wish instead of when you must. With other styles, there’s a specific technique that you must perform every time, something that apparently in the Twin Blades’ style doesn’t exist.”

“That’s actually…” Snails reread a few lines of the scrolls Pokey had given to him. “Quite accurate! But I still have no idea what does the ‘strike from the spirit’ mean.”

“Your senses can be fooled; your soul can’t,” quoted Pipsqueak. “Lyra taught me something similar. You shouldn’t trust for eyes or your ears, because they can be tricked.”

Snail’s eyes widened as he stared at the scroll. “This is going to take longer than I thought.” He looked at both ponies with a wide smile. “But it’s worth it if that means starting over.”

“Don’t worry about that, Snails,” said Pipsqueak with a grin. “I know you’re not like Trixie. You confronted her and refused to go with her. You also saved Silver Spoon from falling, though… I didn’t like what happened later.”

“Me neither, Pipsqueak. I feel responsible for what happened.”

“You care for her, don’t you, Snails?” asked Dinky with a tender voice.

“I do, Dinky, but I’m far from being what she needs.”

“That’s not what I think, and I’m sure Silver Spoon is with me.”

“I know that, she told me herself.”

“Then what’s the problem?” inquired Pipsqueak with a shrug.

Dinky looked at him, blinking in disbelief. “Honey, have you forgotten that the Swift Strike and the Twin Blades academies have been sworn rivals since the day they were founded?”

“Oh… Yeah, right.”

“Before the Tournament, they thought I was a sympathizer of the Everfree Forest and Trixie. Now I’m a member of the eternal rivals of Silver Spoon’s academy.” Snails let out a soft snicker. “At least now there’s nopony watching me.”

“Are you unsure about your purity, Snails?” inquired Pipsqueak in a concerned voice.

“I haven’t studied the Taint that much, so I don’t know if I got some of it when Trixie attacked us.”

“Don’t worry, you’re fine,” comforted Pipsqueak with a smile. “And, before you ask, so am I.”

“How’s that possible? She almost killed you back there!”

“Because she didn’t try to convert me or stain me; she wanted to destroy me.”

“But corrupted magic—”

“It really depends on the pony, Snails,” interrupted Dinky with a soothing voice. “Getting the Taint is not hard, but it’s certainly not that easy either. Even without jade, an average-built pony could wander around the Everfree Forest for a few days before the Taint starts to become too powerful to resist and contaminate the body. Physically stronger ponies could stand even longer. However wearing jade is a must among the Apple, and Rainbow Scouts’ patrols usually don’t spend longer than a day there.”

“You certainly know a lot about it,” said Snails with a much more relaxed voice.

“We have to,” she said with a snort. She pointed at her kimono and Pipsqueak’s. They were of a bright green color with jade chrysanthemum decorating the back. “We are Jade Magistrates now. Twilight has given me a few scrolls with spells specifically designed to fight the Everfree Forest and the Taint.”

“And Lyra and Pinkie have taught me new techniques to fight against Bloodspeakers and monsters from the forest,” added Pipsqueak with a wink. “They also instructed me on some incapacitating techniques to avoid killing. Those are reserved for the summoners who abuse their power for selfish purposes and don’t take the easy way.”

Snails raised an eyebrow. “I thought that only summoners could be Jade Magistrates.”

“Well, when you’re able to put up a fight against a Bloodspeaker, I think that you’re an exception.”

Both stallions laughed for a short while. “I guess you’re right,” said Snails. “I’m glad you’re fine.”

“Thanks, though the credit goes for my soon-to-be-wife Dinky here.”

“Oh, don’t be so humble, Pip,” scolded Dinky jokingly. “I saw most of the fight, and you put her against the ropes for a moment.”

“Lyra taught me well.”

“So… I’m curious, but I don’t know if I should ask.” Snails sounded slightly intimidated.

“We’re brothers in arms now, Snails,” said Pipsqueak comfortingly. “You can ask me whatever bothers you, and I’ll do my best to satisfy your curiosity.”

Snails gave him an approving nod and a grin. “So, is it common among the Party to… you know, have warriors, summoners and monks studying together?”

“Why, of course!” replied Pipsqueak with a snort. “In fact, I’m pretty sure that you and I will be training companions. And well, Dinky is my future wife and a Jade Magistrate like me, so Pinkie Pie doesn’t see any problem with her coming to study with me.”

“I think I’ll get used to this clan quite fast,” assured Snails with a satisfied sigh as he looked to the clear sky.

“I’m glad to hear it, Snails. I’m sure you’ll fit perfectly here and will make the Party proud of having you with us!” Pipsqueak’s joy slowly faded away when he turned to see the smile Snails wore was gone, and he kept looking up with narrowed eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“Did you expect any visits?”

“We usually get a lot of them. This is an important shrine after all. Why do you ask?”

“There are a couple pegasi coming in our direction.”

Pipsqueak and Dinky looked up. The two pegasi were already close enough to see their clan garb.

“They’re from the Rainbow Clan,” said Pipsqueak. “I’d recognize those colors anywhere.”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” muttered Snails.

“Please, don’t let this be—” Dinky's begging came to a sudden halt as the pegasi came close enough for her to recognize them. She shrank and got closer to Pipsqueak. “It’s Scootaloo! And Rainbow Dash is with her!”

The two pegasi landed at the shrine’s door. Scootaloo’s eyes flickered over to the group on the stairs and went back to looking at the wall of the building. Whenever she tried to catch Rainbow Dash’s eyes, her former mentor never returned her gaze. There was a certain feeling of discomfort between them.

“We ask for an audience with the Jade Magistrate, Pipsqueak!” said Rainbow Dash with a strong voice.

“Stay inside the shrine with Snails, dear.” He looked at Snails and spoke with a concerned voice. “Don’t let anything happened to her.”

“I’ll do my best to protect her, Pipsqueak.”

Pipsqueak trotted slowly out of the shrine with a stern look on his face, bowing deeply before the Rainbow Leader. “What do I owe the honor of your presence, Overlord Rainbow Dash?”

“One of my scouts has something to say to you.” She turned to Scootaloo, who extended her wings and took a step forward.

“I’ve come here to challenge you to a duel!”

Pipsqueak blinked in disbelief. “I don’t know why you’re doing this, but, as a Jade Magistrate, I don’t have to take part on this.”

“And you’d be right if not for one thing,” added Rainbow Dash. “I’m backing her in this. That should be enough for you to accept.”

“If a superior is backing a samurai who challenges another samurai of higher status, the challenge is valid,” quoted Pipsqueak with a frown. He turned to look at Scootaloo. “Why do you do this, though? What affront have I caused to deserve this?”

“You and your fillyfriend have conspired to ruin my reputation!” cried Scootaloo heatedly. “Not only did you ridicule me in front of every single clan, but you even had the audacity to meddle in my clans’ businesses! My sword shall cleanse my name and honor!”

Pipsqueak crossed his forelegs in front of him and raised an eyebrow. “Let me get this straight. You’re basically here to challenge me to a duel because your own actions have ruined your reputation and you’re blaming me for it?”

“Dinky could’ve avoided joining the dueling championship and she didn’t. But after our duel, even though I was disqualified, she didn’t move on, just quit. I consider that quite suspicious.”

With a sudden frown, Pipsqueak smashed his hooves together. “You’ll regret saying those words about my love. Choose whichever weapon you like, Scootaloo.”

“The duel will be at first blood,” informed Rainbow Dash.

“Considering my fate, I wouldn’t mind a duel to death,” grunted Scootaloo. She unsheathed her sword and took a step back.

“A samurai’s life shouldn’t be thrown away that freely,” said Pipsqueak, taking his kimono off. A light purple aura surrounded it and moved it inside the shrine. He waved back at Dinky before turning back to Scootaloo. “Besides, duels to the death are illegal unless the Empresses themselves say otherwise.”

“You know a lot for being a monk,” complimented Scootaloo as she took an offensive stance.

“I’m not a simple monk; I’m a sohei, most commonly known as ‘warrior monk’. We’re samurais just as you. Not to mention that my status as Magistrate demands far more knowledge than ever.” He took a defensive stance, gesturing Scootaloo with a hoof to come closer. “But enough talking. You’re here for a fight, and that’s what you’ll get.”

“I’ll be the referee and judge,” announced Rainbow Dash. She took off, flapping her wings to stay in mid air. “Strike!”

Comments

[Blahman2816]

“So my good apprentice couldn’t resist the desires of the flesh,” complained Lyra with a huff.

Oh god.

Anyway, the only problem I see is when Lyra, Bon-Bon, and Pinkie were talking about the Prophecy, Pinkie seemed a little out of character when discussing. If I were you, I would write the scene where Pinkie would be stressed, but then interrupt Lyra/Bon-Bon/That other pony who's name I forget to try and make another point, and THEN settle down to a point where she is on the verge of collapse because of lack of sleep, talking to much and too fast, and othe reasons to slow down a bit.

Other than that, this chapter is fine. Apologies for the lack of pre-reading. There were a lot of tests, concerts, and fame of being on a billboard (FOR THE WIN) and my mom to deal with. I promise this next one will be in tip top shape when I am done with it BEFORE you post it here.

[Simon_oSullivan]

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Oh, yeah, that scene with Lyra and Bon Bon is one of my personal favorites, so easy to picture it

I actually expected the beginning of the scene (when she's practising with the meteor hammer) to give the impression that she's actually trying to keep the mind blank. Once she explodes, you notice that she was trying to keep herself distracted from thinking, but when Lyra asks her what's wrong, she loses it. Still, it's not that much of a severe OOC, for there's a reason behin it and could be acceptable considering how it's going. But I'll try to check it once I have time.

No need to worry, we'll see what we can do in the following parts.

[Blahman2816]

1456953
Ok, it's just me and my ramblings. Not to worry, I am at least 50% sane...