As the regale carriage pulled up to the city gates, two Royal Guards stood in the road as one commanded, “Drivers! Halt!”
The ponies pulling the carriage stopped as the two guards held their ground while a third guard approached from the side, opened the carriage door, and spoke, “May the passengers step out please?”
With that instruction, Allium, Jet, and Madam Melody stepped out of the carriage. As soon as they exited the carriage Jet looked around and tried to hide his worry as he saw Royal Guards everywhere. A few stood in front of the gate, roving guards behind it, along the outside wall was posted guards and even a few stood on top of the gate itself watching the carriage as if they knew what was inside it already.
The view made the young colt tremble in worry as flashbacks from the Wonderbolt academy started running through his mind. Seeing the young colt’s fear, Madam Melody whispered to him, “Stay strong little von, it vill be over soon.”
As the three trotted away from the carriage, one of the guards directed them, “You three step over here, I need to ask you a few quest-”
“I'll take it from here Captain.”
With that instruction, the captain and his guards looked over as Major Storm and two more Royal Guards approached. As they approached, the captain asked, “Major Storm? What brings you to the gate?”
Major Storm replied, “A personal escort.”
“Escort?”
Major Storm smiled, “This pony is Madam Melody of the Melody Nobles, and a close personal friend of mine. I ask her to bring my nephew to Canterlot since…” she lowered her voice as if she didn’t want Jet to hear, “He recently lost his grandmother and is in grieving.”
The Captain looked at Jet, who had a nervous expression on his face as he replied, “Really… he does look a little… pail. I’m sorry for your loss young colt. But we can handle this.”
Madam Melody smiled politely as she replied, “Vraiment? Parlez-vous prançais?”
The captain gave Madam Melody a confused look as Major Storm replied, “Are you sure? Madam Melody spend a lot of time abroad so sometimes she is hard to understand. That why I brought a translator to help.”
Major Storm looked at one of the guard with her as he replied to Madam Melody “Oui, je vais traduire depuis ... je ne crains aucune”
When she heard the guard’s words which translated to, “Yes, I shall translate since… I fear no Storm,” Madam Melody smiled as she gestured to the captain and replied, “Très bien, alors dites à ce chien d'aller chercher un os ou quelque chose.”
Knowing it translated to “Very good, now tell this dog to go fetch a bone or something,” both Allium and the translating guard tried to hold a straight face as the translating guard replied, “Sure… Captain we can take it from here. She says she is happy to have such a strapping stallion stop her at the gate. Says it makes her feel like a young filly again.”
Feeling a little uncomfortable, the captain of the guard replied, “Oh… well… um thanks I guess I'll see to the carriage search then.”
Major Storm shook her head, “No need, I'll see to it personally.” She looked at the second guard that was with her, “Lieutenant?...”
The guard nodded his head as he trotted to the carriage door, grabbed the handle and looked at the passengers standing a few feet away, “If there is anything I should know about… better tell me now.”
All three passengers held nervous expressions as the translator spoke, “Ne vous inquiétez pas, il est l'un de nous.”
Reassured by the translator, Madam Melody looked at the two foals and nodded with a smile as she looked back at the guard and replied “Oui.”
With that the translator looked at the guard and replied, “They say that they have nothing to hide. So continue with the search.”
With that, the guard entered the carriage and trotted to the seats in the front side. When he opened them, he saw Cirrus and Gem Stone crammed inside as they looked back in worry. With that the guard smiled as he whispered, “I fear no storm. We are with you commander Halo, one hundred percent.”
With that both Cirrus and Gem felt at ease as the guard stuck his head out the carriage door, “um… Major… c-can you come here for a sec? I think you should search this compartment.”
Hearing the nervousness in his voice, the guards watching the carriage from all angles locked their attention on them as Major Storm entered the carriage. When she saw the two stowaways crammed inside the seat compartment, she smiled as she whispered with sarcasm, “Aww… aren’t you two just precious? Are you sure you didn’t plan this yourself captain?”
Cirrus gave her a clueless stare as Gem blushed and replied as quietly and as angrily as she could, “Can it!... Just wave us through already… I’m getting a cramp.”
With a cheeky smile, Major Storm replied, “As you wish, Captain.”
With that she looked over at the other soldier as she spoke loudly enough for the guards outside to hear, “Nothing on this end… anything over there?”
With that the second guard opened the second seat to see Cirrus’s shield, Gem Stone’s bow, Quiver and arrows, and a small collection of other weapons as he replied, “Nope… just pots and pans here.”
Major Storm smiled as she looked back at Cirrus and spoke, “We will await the signal… Good luck commander.”
With that Major Storm carefully closed the seat as she and the second guard exited the carriage, “It’s all clear.”
The guard captain asked, “What was in there that your subornment needed you to search?”
The clever mare smiled, “Delicates… female delicates, need I go on?”
The captain looked at Madam Melody who responded with a wink as he blushed slightly then shook his head, “Um… no need…” he looked at the guards on the gate, “Let them through!”
The translator smiled as he gestured to the carriage and spoke, “Madam?”
Madam Melody nodded politely as she led the foals back to the carriage. As they passed, Major Storm looked at Jet and smiled, “I’m relying on you to protect these mares until they get to where they are going… can you do that for me?”
Although Jet knew it was just to keep up their appearance, He still felt a little better as he replied, “Sure… thanks Ms. St… I mean Aunt Storm.”
With that, Madam Melody and the two foals entered the carriage as Major Storm and her two guards trotted to the front of the carriage as she spoke to the drivers, “Follow closely, we will escort you to the Melody Estate.”
Although it was out of the ordinary, none of the Royal Guards questioned her actions as Major Storm and her two guards led the carriage through the gate and into Canterlot. As the carriage followed there undercover escort, Allium looked at Madam Melody and asked, “Is it safe for them to come out yet?”
Madam Melody shook her head, “No… Not until ve arrive at ze manor.”
As the carriage rolled Jet looked out the window as he mumbled with worry, “There are guards everywhere… is this how Canterlot usually is?”
Madam Melody looked out the window and saw what he meant, no matter where you looked, Royal Guards could be seen all over the place. Many trotted through the streets on patrol or standing on post, while others were on rooftops and marching through the roads in large military formation. Seeing this Madam Melody answer the colt’s question, “No… zis isn’t ze Canterlot ve left. Ze city is on high alert. It’s as if zey know vat ve are planning.”
Hearing that Jet sat back as he mumbled, “This army… it’s almost the same size as the one that destroyed… the Wonderbolts Academy.”
Madam Melody shook her head, “Do not vorry Jet. Zis army may be great, but I’m sure ze- no… I know ze commander’s plan vill vork. Ve vill vin zis var and bring back ze Equestria zat ve only read about in stories. Ze Equestria of peace and happiness.”
Jet looked at the ground and sighed, “I… I hope so…”
Although he could barely hear the conversation, Cirrus still felt bad as he sighed with disappointment on how worried Jet was. Trying to change the subject Allium thought to herself as she asked, “Um… Mommy? When will the evil zebra get here? Wasn’t he supposed to come too?”
Although his voice was muffled a little, Cirrus replied from under the seat, “I was wondering that myself, but Zine says he has his own way into the city so he will meet us at the manor.”
Gem also spoke from under the seat, “Let’s just hope he doesn’t blow our cover in the process… knowing him his plan is probably big and loud.”
Elsewhere on the other side of the city atop one of the perimeter walls, a guard was making his rounds as he sighed, “I need a vacation… somewhere far away from this pl-”
At that moment, a small bottle rocket with a glass veil flew by as it barely missed the guard and smashed against a house on the inside of the city wall. Seeing the is the guard quickly looked into the direction it came from as he saw a few foals standing next to a bag of fireworks. As soon as he saw them the foals left the bag as one yelled, “RUN!!!”
When the guard saw the fleeing foals he looked down the wall and called to another guard nearby “YOU ON ME!”
As the guards rushed off to chase the foals, the expended bottle rocket and the pieces of the shattered glass veil slide off the roof of the house it hit, as they fell to the ground with nopony around to see it. Moments later, Zine appear next to the broken veil pieces as he nauseously rocked back and forth. Seeing a nearby trashcan, the cloaked zebra picked up his staff and rushed to it, he tilted his head forward, and threw up inside the metal can. After he was done Zine sighed with relief as he mumbled to himself, “Okay… shrinking powder… baaaad mode of transportation… bottle rocket… even worse. Well a least those rebellion foals were willing to help. Now… to slowly get to the rich mare’s house…” he burped with his mouth shut, “Maybe stopping at a few more trashcans on the way.”
Later at the Melody Estate, Madam Melody was showing Cirrus a special hidden room in her manor as she spoke, “Since ze door is behind a fireplace, nopony vould ever expect to search for it here. I don’t know ze full details of vat it vas used for, but I used it to hold secret meetings for ze rebellion. I know it isn’t glamorous but it is ze only room I can offer on such short notice.”
Cirrus smiled, “It’s fine… it isn’t permanent so I’m not worried about it. How about Zine and Gem Stone?”
Madam Melody nodded, “Gem Stone vill be sleeping in ze guest room upstairs. As for Zine, he vill take ze room by ze library. Zat vay he has access to any spell book he may need, alzough I don’t zink ve have any books for zebra.”
Gem Stone asked, “Are you sure there are no other rooms available?”
Madam Melody shook her head, “My apologies Captain, but ze other rooms are taken up by servants. I vould gladly give him my room, but ze commander has already turned ze offer down.”
Cirrus shook his head, “I spent my life in an orphanage, a well-kept orphanage but an orphanage all the same. I think I can manage with this room for two nights.”
Gem Stone sighed, “Well… if you say so commander.”
With that the three turned and started leaving the room through the secret entrance as they began trotting through the massive lobby. As they continued Cirrus asked, “So how is Jet managing?”
Madam Melody replied, “He and Allium are touring ze estate. Trying to get his mind off vat happened.”
Cirrus smiled, “He may be a foal, but I think he is recovering faster then I expected.”
Gem smiled as she spoke, “I think he is suffering more then he shows, then again, there a little… motivation for him to be strong in this dire situation.”
Cirrus was confused as Madam Melody smiled and nodded, “Oui, sometimes von must be strong to protect ze von he… has feelings for.”
Cirrus still didn’t get the hidden message, but before he could reply, he paused for a brief moment.
Acting fully on reflex, Cirrus pushed both Madam Melody and Gem Stone away as he quickly jumped back from where he was standing. As both mares hit the floor from the unexpected push, Gem looked back to ask what was the problem? But before she could, a small vase fell from the second floor balcony as it hit the ground right where he was standing and shattered leaving the pieces to slide outward towards their hooves. Shocked at what he sensed, Cirrus looked at the broken vase as Gem Stone helped Madam Melody to her hooves. Just then a maid rushed down the stairs, stopped in front of Madam Melody and bowed, “Madam! My humblest of apologies, ve ver moving ze furniture from ze room upstairs and ze vase rolled off ze table and fell over ze balcony. Please forgive me…”
Madam Melody replied, “It is alright, Zat vase vas just a standard glass von. A few bits at best. As long as nopony is hurt, all is forgiven. Vould you agree commander?”
Still surprised of his uncontrolled reflexes, Cirrus replied, “Yea, if you’re alright then there is no harm done… although I’m surprised nopony got hurt. I guess we are lucky I sensed that when I did.”
Gem Stone started thinking to herself as she replied, “Yea… pretty lucky… Madam Melody? Do you have a room that is open enough for sword practice?”
Madam Melody thought to herself, “Ze library has a little room, if ve move some tables around it should vork.”
Gem smiled, “Good… how about it sir? You have a weapon now, so let’s see if we can get some practice in.”
Although he didn’t like the idea Cirrus sighed, “Well… I guess…”
Gem smiled, “Good, then go get your shield and meet me there. I think I found a way to help you in the coming fight.”
Although he was unsure about practicing, Cirrus couldn’t help but feel curious to what Gem was going to teach him as she trotted off towards the library and left Cirrus to go retrieve his shield from the carriage.
After retrieving his shield, Cirrus went to the Library as he saw both Gem Stone and Madam Melody waiting for him with swords on their sides. When he saw the sword belts, Cirrus asked, “Is Madam Melody going to practice too?”
Gem Smiled “We’ll see.” She drew her sword and stood at the ready, “Now let’s see what you’ve learned since Dragon Mountain.”
Cirrus nodded his head as he trotted to the center of the cleared room, and readied his shield in the combat position. As he stood there, Gem spoke, “Alright sir, first let’s see how your blocking skill is with that thing.”
Cirrus nodded, “Ready when you are.”
With that said, Gem Stone darted towards Cirrus as she raised her sword and tried to strike him with the blade a number of times. Using the face of the shield to its purpose, Cirrus blocked each attack as he held his ground and watched Gem Stone’s movement carefully. As he continued blocking her attacks Gem spoke while attacking, “Good… now try this!”
After saying that, Gem took one extra swing, but as soon as the sword made contact with Cirrus’s shield, she brought her hind hooves around and kicked the face of his shield as hard as she could leaving the heavy impact to push Cirrus back and cause him to stumble. With Cirrus’s guard down, Madam Melody quickly drew her sword and darted towards him without warning as she raised her sword up in an attempt to strike him while he was down.
Although Madam Melody’s attempt at a surprise attack was well planned, it proved useless as, Cirrus’s reflexes kicked in leaving him to roll over onto his back and block the sword with his shield. With this, Cirrus was free to use his wings to volt the bottom half of his body upward as he used his hind hooves to kick Madam Melody in her chest and throw her away from him while he used his momentum to land back on his hooves with his shield at the ready. Without expecting the attack, Madam Melody flew through the air before hitting a bookshelf as Cirrus quickly realized what he did, and turned to her, “Major! Are you alright?!”
Cirrus turned his shield to the passive position as he and Gem Stone rushed to the older mare’s side and helped her up as she replied, “Oui I am fine commander, please don’t vorry about me… Nice kick by ze vay.”
As Gem helped Madam Melody to her hooves she smiled, “See I told you that it would work.”
Cirrus gave her a confused look, “Um… am I missing something?”
Gem Stone nodded, “Well, after seeing the way you dodged that vase earlier, it started to make me wonder. These reflexes you’ve had only seem to happen when you’re caught off guard. On Dragon Mountain you kicked me when I tried to grab you and turn you around when you tried to trot out of training. And the one a few minutes ago happened when a vase nearly hit you without any warning. So I think I found the secret to these reflexes. You focus too much when fighting.”
Feeling like that phrase made no sense, Cirrus gave her a dull look, “um… what?”
Madam Melody explained, “Ven you’re in a fight and you are focused, your actions try to focus as vell. However, ven somezing attacked zat you are not focused on, your survival reflexes kick in. for example, my attack. Vith your body on the ground and your concentration scattered, your reflexes kicked in and stopped me before I could make my attack.”
Gem Stone nodded as she spoke next, “Commander Bolt always could tell when somepony he didn’t know was watching him or approaching. I don’t quite know how he did it, but with his senses heightened like that, he was always able to detect when somepony was trying to attack him from behind. Somehow you can do the same thing, but when you focus on somepony, you concentrate on your actions and those abilities you have don’t take effect. Now that we know the secret of your actions we can find ways for you to control them.”
Cirrus felt confused, “Yea… but this so called secret means that I have to learn to fight without focusing on what I’m doing… exactly how am I supposed to do that?”
“That’s a good question commander.”
Everypony’s attention turned to the door as Zine stood there with a smile on his face. Seeing him, Gem asked, “There you are, what took you so long?”
Zine thought about how he got into the city as he replied with an unenthusiastic expression, “Yea… I don’t want to talk about it… I just wish I didn’t eat breakfast this morning.”
Ignoring his response, Cirrus asked, “So… I’m still clueless on how to clear my mind. Any explanation or suggestions will help right now.”
Zine smiled as he replied, “There are many ways to clear one’s mind. I would suggest meditation, but then again you’re not the sort to become one with yourself, so… any ideas Miss Stone?”
Gem nodded her head, “I think what you need to do is to focus your mind on something other than your enemy and your surroundings. Maybe if you have your mind on something else, you may learn to control your reflexes better.”
Cirrus nodded, “Alright, but will it make me ready for the upcoming fight?”
Gem shook her head, “I doubt we can get you fully ready for the fight in time, but if we can teach you the basics then maybe we can at least make it so you can defend yourself. The rest will be up to us. So… let’s begin.”
Far off in the center of Cloudsdale, Twenty pegasi were sitting in a hidden room as one asked, “So, any idea on what this is about?”
The stallion he was talking to replied, “I thought you knew? I’m as clueless as the rest of you.”
Just then General Dash entered the room as he spoke, “Thank you all for coming… wait?...” he looked around the room in confusion, “Is this all that’s left?”
One stallion replied, “Yes sir… after the incident at the Wonderbolt Academy, most of the rebellion supporters decided to quit. All of our griffin supporters left Equestria all together. It just seems that, Thundaga really put the fear into them.”
General Dash sighed, “I understand… I guess we’ll have to make do with what we have here. I want all of you to deliver a message across Equestria. Every branch of the rebellion are to abandon their posts and meet at the hideout in Ponyville as soon as possible. Pass the word onto those who support us as well. Anypony willing to fight for this kingdom is needed.”
Hearing this the ponies in the room looked at each other in confusion as one spoke, “Abandon our posts?... but why?”
Another pegasus added, “Did Thundaga find out where the hideout is? Are they amassing some kind of assault?”
General Dash shook his head, “No… in fact quite the opposite. We are amassing an attack on Canterlot.”
The pegasi were shocked, “What?... when?”
“The day after tomorrow. Commander Halo and his army are already gathered and wi-”
A soldier interrupted, “Halo? You meant that colt that abandon the rebellion? What was his name?... Cloud? Cirrus Cloud? Why would you even trust him?”
General Dash replied, “Because I know for a fact that he truly is the Third Commander of the prophecy…” He gave a sarcastic expression, “That… and his army outnumbers us three to one now. But that’s not the point. The point is, he will be launching a full scale attack on Thundaga as well, and if he is even half the pony we believe him to be… then by fighting beside him, we can win this war.”
Another pegasus replied, “That still doesn’t explain why we are going to join him! If he’s going to march his army into oblivion then why should we follow him to our deaths?”
General Dash replied with a serious tone, “Because his parents were the founders of the rebellion. And I know for a fact that he remembers that. If he is truly his father’s son, then he will fight to his dying breath. And if it should come to it, I for one would be proud to die beside him.”
Still unsure, the pegasi looked at each other as General Dash sighed, “If you want the rebellion to cower in fear then by all means be my guest. But the Wonderbolts were my family, Thundaga took them from me just as she did my real family. So I for one am ready to repay the favor.”
The pegasi looked at each other again as one asked, “General… you say you believe he truly is The Third Commander… do you really think he can bring peace to the kingdom? Where’s your proof?”
General Dash sighed, “In the past few weeks, he’s managed to bring together an ancient hero, an unruly zebra, a massive dragon, a rebellion General, most of said generals army, and even a Royal Guard onto the same fight consensually. That along with the very power that earned him the title of commander. If he can bring all of that together in the same room, then I have no doubt, that with our help, he truly can bring peace to this kingdom. If it means a better life for the kingdom, then I’m ready to fight for it. That’s why I joined the rebellion in the first place.”
With that, the room of pegasi nodded their heads as one replied, “Then we will pass the word along to the other branches. If this commander is as good as you say… then we won’t question him any further.”
General Dash smiled, “Good, then I'll meet you all at the hideout. If you have family… now is the time say what you have too to them, it might be your last chance.”
Back in Canterlot, Thundaga stood on her bedroom balcony overlooking the city as Commander Mist entered, “Your majesty, I’m here to give the daily report.”
Thundaga nodded but she didn’t turn around, “Report…”
Commander Mist pulled out a pen and pad as he read off what was written, “Today we managed to locate and clear out a Rebellion facility in Stalliongrad. Five rebellion officers and fifteen soldiers were captured and executed on site. Unfortunately none of them were high value targets. Next, a small commotion earlier today in a local pub between Royal Guards and a few rebellion sympathizers broke out.”
Thundaga turned her head to look at him out the corner of her eye, “Sympathizers?”
Commander Mist nodded, “Yes… they weren’t part of the rebellion but they didn’t like what happened at the Wonderbolt Academy. I believe some words were said and it broke out into an all-out brawl. After a few minutes of fighting the commotion was subsided leaving only one guard in the hospital with minor injuries. The rest got bumps and bruises.”
Thundaga looked back out into the city as she replied, “If they disagree with the Royal Guards actions then they agree with the traitors. Have the sympathizers processed and executed for suspicion of treason.”
Commander Mist felt concerned, “Your majesty, it was nothing more than a simple bar fight. In fact, it was the guards who threw the first punch.”
Thundaga replied, “Anypony who stands against the Royal Guards, stands against our law, and therefor supports treason. We will not allow propaganda to spread in the kingdom. We must make an example of these sympathizers before their numbers begin to grow.”
Commander Mist tried to reply, “But is execution rea-“
Thundaga interrupted, “You will carry out our order to execute them commander… otherwise we will do it ourselves.”
Hearing the seriousness of her voice, Commander Mist nodded as he replied, “Understood your majesty. I will see to it personally.”
Thundaga nodded as she replied, “Very good… is that all to report?”
Commander Mist looked through his notes as he replied, “Of the important note’s yes. There are some smaller matters from today, a pickpocket in the slums, foals playing with fireworks, you know, that sort of thing, but nothing worth concerning yourself your majesty.”
Thundaga nodded her head as she replied with a dismissive tone, “Very well… then we will see you at dawn.”
With that Commander Mist turned to leave as Thundaga mumbled to herself, “There’s… a darkness in the air. Similar to ours… but thicker…” She thought to herself, “Zine… are you in Canterlot? Where are you? And… what are you planning to do?”
Back at the Melody estate, Cirrus stood ready as Gem charged him with her sword at the ready. First Gem tried to attack with a horizontal swing as Cirrus with his learned skills blocked the attack and parried her blade away from him. Expecting the action, Gem used the momentum of her parried attack to spin around and make a second attempt with a diagonal swing. As Cirrus raised his shield and blocked the attack he thrusted the face of his shield forward as it hit Gem Stone and pushed her back far enough for him to attempt an attack of his own. Without expecting the counter, Gem managed to block his blade and lock them both in a stalemate as Gem used this opportunity to parry his shield as she jumped back to a safe distance and called, “SWITCH!”
Knowing what she was saying, Cirrus quickly turned his attention to Madam Melody as she charged forward with her sword and made a few attempts at hitting him with her own attacks. As he blocked the slower attacks, Gem stepped off to the side to catch her breath as Cirrus blocking and parrying Madam Melody’s attacks as she tried as hard as she could to break his defense. Just like before, Madam Melody started getting tired from her failed attempts to hit her target as she eventually jumped back to a safe distance and called, “SVITCH!”
With that, Cirrus’s attention shifted back to Gem Stone as she charged back in and tried to attack Cirrus again.
As Madam Melody stepped to the side to catch her breath, Zine trotted up to her as he held out his hoof, “May I?”
Madam Melody nodded as she passed her sword to him, “Qui, knock yourself out.”
As Zine took the sword he looked at the blade and shook his head, “Nah… too slow, I need something better.”
With that Zine gave the sword back as he trotted to a decorative suit of armor and took the spear from it, “This should work.”
Now that he was equipped, Zine leaned his staff against the wall as he patiently watched Gem Stone as she continued her fight. Shortly after, Gem Stone finally started to lose her breath as she jumped back and called, “SWITCH!”
As soon as the word was heard, Zine darted a Cirrus at an unexpectedly fast speed, as he completely closed the distance and came within striking distance before Cirrus could even see him coming. As he approached, Zine swing the spear at a vertical angle as Cirrus only had enough time to jump back and dodge the blade as it made contact with the marble floor and made a clanging sound.
Before Cirrus could land and ready himself, Zine lifted the blade slightly before thrusting it forward, as Cirrus moved his shield between the two leaving the pointed blade of the spear to glance off the angled surface as Zine made very little and quick actions to pull the spear back in before thrusting the blade a second time. Quickly reacting to Zine’s movements, Cirrus brought back the shield and allowed the spear to glance off it again before Zine repeated his actions with slightly more speed and continued his attacks. One by one, Cirrus moved the shield into position as the thrusting spear glanced off the surface while Zine continued attacking, increasing his speed with each strike. Seeing the unexpected skill in Zine’s offence, Gem Stone and Madam Melody watched in surprise as Zine’s attack became more random and rapid, as he started mixing in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal swing with his spear’s thrusts.
With the attacks becoming more frequent, Cirrus found himself without any means of countering as the clashing sounds of the blocking shield became more and more frequent until it seemed as if the hesitation between the sounds had vanished entirely. Although he was managing to block each attack, Cirrus found himself moving back further and further with each block as he eventually bumped into the back wall of the room. With this distraction added to the mix, Cirrus’s movements slowed enough as Zine swing vertically again leaving Cirrus to bring the shield over his head to block the incoming attack. As soon as the two weapons clashed, Zine spun the spear around and brought the back of the spear in at an upward thrust as he hooked it behind Cirrus’s shield, curved it to the side, and pined it to the wall preventing Cirrus from being able to move his shield or hoof from the wall.
Although Cirrus’s weapon was now pined, he wasn’t worried since Zine was using his weapon to do it so he assumed that he was safe. However, Zine also knew this so he did something even more unexpected. With both front hooves braced against his spear, Zine used his head to hit and break the wooden shaft of his weapon in two, as he continued holding the bottom of the spear in place to pin Cirrus’s shield, and brought the second part up before placing the spear’s blade against Cirrus’s throat and pinning the beaten commander against the wall along with his weapon. With both Cirrus and his weapon immobilized, Zine gave him an evil look as he spoke, “Good commander, you made so much improvement in the past few hours. Perhaps tomorrow we can practice the Lightning Orb?”
Releasing the beaten commander, Zine took a few steps back as Cirrus rubbed his neck and replied, “Sure… I guess.”
seeing that it was over, Gem trotted up as she spoke, “Zine?... how on earth did you do that?”
Madam Melody added as she approached, “Oui, I too am surprised. You don’t look like ze fighting type. And yet I could svare you ver more skilled zen even I.”
Zine smiled, “Well, part of it is the memories I saw of Gem Stone’s when I brought her back, and as for the rest… A keen touch with nature can make anyzebra skilled with fighting… even a corrupted touch.”
Cirrus nodded as he continued rubbing his neck, “Yea… breaking that spear with your head and taking me down. Your way stronger then I would have guessed.”
Zine asked, “I am… but then again, I am not the hero of this story. You are, and as we all know hero’s need their rest, but if I may seem so bold… you look as if you haven’t been getting your proper rest…” he smiled in a suspicious way, “Have you been sleeping properly commander?”
Cirrus replied with a nervous expression, “Sure… no problems here… maybe the stress of the past few days has taking its toll on me… learning to fight also tired me out a bit too.”
Gem Stone smiled, “Nevertheless, you improved now that we know how to control your survival instincts. In fact I didn’t want to say it, but I was actually trying when I fought you a second ago.”
Madam Melody smiled as she replied, “Oui, you have improved phenomenally. General Rich vould be proud of you.”
Zine nodded his head but spoke with a dismissive tone, “Yes… you’re much better than before. But the question remains… will it be enough to beat Thundaga.”
Without waiting for an answer, Zine started to leave as Cirrus stopped him, “Wait!... you still beat me Zine… doesn’t that mean you’re stronger then me?”
Zine grabbed his staff as he replied, “In a since… however there is only one pony I will be fighting in this war, so don’t expect me to fight Thundaga or anything. That fight will be left in your hooves.”
As Zine started to leave the room, Gem stepped forward, “Zine… something tells me you’re not telling us the whole story… again… care to explain?”
Zine replied with an evil smile and tone, “As a matter of fact, I do care… I care enough to only tell you that I have my own plan and it won’t interfere with yours. So you should have nothing to worry about… however, this plan cannot be shared. Otherwise you risk, challenging fate… and I cannot allow that. Not now… not when I’m this close.”
Although this didn’t sound like something an ally would say, Cirrus, Gem Stone and Madam Melody just watched the sinister zebra, as he trotted out of the room with an unsure expression on his face.