//------------------------------// // Ch. 8 - Lesson Zero // Story: Equestria World, Book 2: The Rise of Harmony // by Gear Works //------------------------------// Twilight was able to make a deal with Miss Luna to go along with her part of the training as long as she can get Rarity and Fluttershy to join the others that want to train. Seeing that Luna and her partner, Spitfire, would have their hands full with a group of students, she decided to rely on Master Blades for advice. While she was sleeping, she entered into dreamscape and was able to reach her master and explain what was going on. “I’m impressed to see that you will be training more than what was planned,” Blades said. “This is better than expected.” Luna had a questionable look on her face. “Better?” Blades explained. “Jack’s going to need more help than he already has to take on this threat. Having Sunset and Twilight take part in his training would be needed for certain reasons. But if others were willing to join in this, then the odds would be more in Jack’s favor. But forcing two students into the group is something I wouldn’t do unless there was a reason for it. And that reason would be the bond that Twilight shares with the other five girls.” “So how should I handle this?” Luna asked. “How about you tell me more about these students,” Blades requested to Luna. “Well, you know that Applejack’s family runs a farm. She’s strong and honest, and from what Spitfire has told me, she can handle combat easily. Rainbow Dash is a fast and loyal athlete to the team. Plus she was selected as the team captain for the girls basketball team. Soarin is just about the same as Dash and was selected as captain for the boys team. Flash Sentry is quick, agile, and focused, and has been a team player. Both he and Jack got the MVP award at the championship game weeks ago. Pinkie Pie is more unpredictable than anyone else that we know. She’s full of energy and can keep others happy. Rarity is more of a fashion expert and can be generous in helping others. Fluttershy is the timid one, but can be kind, even towards animals. Somehow, she has a way to understand them better than anyone else. And Chrysalis has been a loner until Jack stepped in. She’s learned how to survive on her own, and has worked with Jack on his powers early on.” “An interesting group, that’s for sure,” Blades said. “I might have a way to get Rarity and Fluttershy to take part in this… with the right weapons and fighting styles. But I must ask. Does Spitfire knows all the animal styles that her master was able to train her?” “She does,” Luna said. “In fact, she told me that after having one last duel with her master, Master Copper returned to his homeland to help out the monks at the temple where he did his own training.” “I figured that he would do something like that one day,” Blades said. “He brought this up to me years ago that he was thinking of retiring and returning to his homeland. If that’s the case, then he’s leaving all of his training to her from here on out. But I have one question. Has she been able to learn the Iron Palm style?” “You know that everyone in our class had a hard time with that style, including Spitfire. I don’t think she ever had the time to practice since that time. Is there a reason to know this style?” Luna asked. Blades explained. “If they were to face these… machines like the ones at the temple raid, they would have to do so without the need for weapons, since your school forbids it. But now, they would have to rely on what they have to get by.” Luna understood what Blades was saying, then thought of something. “Master, there might be someone that would know this style. One of River Song’s inside sources was at the temple researching the place. He’s sent someone that works for him back here with some items. She was a student who graduated a couple of years ago and has learned how to break rocks for her family. If that style is the Iron Palm style, then there could still be hope in this.” “These items? Do you know what they are?” Blades asked. “Not really,” Luna replied. “But she said that they could be used as tools for Jack.” Blades started to stroke his chin. “Then perhaps there’s still a chance. Luna, what I’m about to tell you must be followed as I requested. If all goes as plan, then there might be a chance that we could stop Dark Star in the process.” The school week finally came to an end, and all the students left to go home. But it was also time for training to begin for some. Jack took Sunset, Twilight, and Chrysalis to the secret location for them to train. When they got out of the truck, they were wearing silk oriental suits that were button-up and in different colors. Twilight was wearing lavender with purple trims. Sunset had red with yellow trims. Chrysalis had black with white trims. And Jack had white with gold trims. They also had black shoes that have little protection like the usual shoes. “Seriously! Why do we have to wear these kind of shoes?” Twilight asked. She looked at Chrysalis and said, “I mean, having you and Rarity make the outfits was nice, but the shoes that Coach Spitfire lend to us feels uncomfortable.” “You and me both,” Sunset added. “But at least it’s better than walking barefoot.” “This is how the masters walked around back then at the temple,” Jack said. “You don’t see them complaining.” “Very funny,” Twilight said. “I just hope this is all worth it.” “I just hope that Master Luna has a plan in place just to get you to practice with us,” Jack said to Twilight. “Getting Rarity and Fluttershy to train with us will be no easy task,” Chrysalis said. “We just have to trust her for now.” Twilight looked around the area and could see the city in the distance. “How were you able to find a place like this?” “I was exploring the area and found a barely used dirt pathway that led up to here,” Jack explained. “I figure it would be a good spot to take Sunset to after the dance.” Twilight had a shocked look on her face. “Here? You didn’t… by any chance…” Now Sunset was shocked. “No! We didn’t do anything crazy here. Just watch the city lights at night. Came here again after the championship game again.” Now Twilight was furious and mumbled, “Flash, why couldn’t you find this spot after our first date.” “What. Surprised that Flash couldn’t make it the… best night ever?” Sunset mocking Twilight. “Shut up!” Two more cars finally pulled up. One was a Luna’s dark sedan. The other was a blue sedan, which could only be Spitfire’s. Once they were parked, both of them got out of their cars. Luna went to her trunk and got out the weapons that would be needed for training. Spitfire was stunned at the view. “Wow! Nice location. The open space and the surrounding trees will work well for training.” Luna joined the group, carrying two katanas and two practice rings. “You did very well, Jack. This place is perfect from prying eyes.” “Is that Masamune and Muramasa that belong to Blades’ masters?” Jack asked. “Yes. And I hope it helps with your training for what’s to come,” Luna said. “So let’s get started. We have to make sure you get started before the sun sets.” But just as the others were about to close the truck’s doors, Jack’s cell started to ring. “Might as well leave a message,” Spitfire said. “You can talk to them later.” But Jack saw who was calling and said, “Hold on there. Looks like the professor wants to talk to us.” When the others joined around to listen, Jack answered his cell and placed it on speaker. “Professor, I have Twilight, Sunset, Chrysalis, Miss Luna, and Coach Spitfire around. I hope you have some good news.” “Sweetie. You know I always have good news,” River Song replied. “As if,” Luna said. “Please, Luna. This is truly good. Now, Gears has looked over the data that Twilight sent and is looking into it. He understands what you have, Jack, and understands how important the blades are. He has a few ideas about weapons to look into besides Excalibur. Gunginr, Mjölnir, Caladbolg, Ragnarok…” “Wait a minute. I thought Ragnarok was a dragon?” Everyone looked at Chrysalis. “What. I like to read dark fantasy books and the like.” “Are you talking about the story of The Dragon of Ragnarok?” Twilight asked. “That’s one of the stories that I liked years ago,” Chrysalis responded. “But I don’t recall a weapon called Ragnarok in that story.” That was when Jack had an idea. “I remember hearing about various games that would either have Ragnarok as a weapon, dragon, or location. I wonder if something like that would be true to use in these games. Professor, have Gears look into Ragnarok, as well as any other ideas.” “I’ll let him know that when he returns from his meeting with Blaze today.” “Is that where he is right now?” “Along with Double Diamond. But he does have one concern about this project.” “The fact that we need people who we can trust and keep all this a secret. I know.” “What you might not know is that there could be concern if the students there have been affected or could be affected later on. You did say that it could become another place for Dark Star to work on their experiments.” “I think she might have a point,” Twilight said. “We can assume that Crystal Prep is one test site. But how do we know if it’s the only test site at this time?” This got Jack thinking. And the outcome was something that he didn’t think clearly about. “You’re right. I’ve only talked to Blaze, and I’m surprised that he still remembered me after that time. But I don’t know anyone else from that school. And I’m sure that Double Diamond doesn’t either. That complicates things.” “Well, you’re lucky to have me on your team,” Twilight said. “Professor, does the name Silver Justice ring a bell?” There was silence before River Song could respond. “Is she related to someone from the Justice & Justice Law Firm?” “That’s the one,” Twilight said. “She’s the daughter of the owners of that law firm, and a friend I knew from middle school. We were supposed to attend Mane Coast Academy together before I learned about the move to Ponyville. If she’s still there, she might be able to help out with Project Dragon and find some trusted members to help out. She also might use her knowledge of the law to find any loopholes that the team can get around on wherever they go. See of you can let Gears know about this. Tell her that you’re friends with Twilight Sparkle. She’ll understand.” “She might have to understand about my gift and what we learned about the Shadowbolt’s gifts, in case their school is in the same situation as Crystal Prep,” Jack added. “I’ll message him when I get off the line. And I also have some info on Sunburst that you brought up.” “What can you tell us?” Jack asked. “For starters, I wouldn’t worry about him.” “Think you can explain why?” “Remember that inside source that I know at the temple?” Jack rolled his eyes. “Why do I have a feeling I know where this is going.” “Yep. He’s my inside source. He also had a class with Professor Star Swirl back then. When he heard that I was looking for him for a few friends of mine, he jumped in and decided to help out. When he learned about what he was researching, he felt like the best way to look for him was to find any place that would have people like the one he was researching.” “And that’s when he found the temple,” Luna said. “Correct. Since he now knows about the gift you have as well as the two blades, he’s been focusing on the temple and helping out with the group’s restoration project. He hopes that he could find more answers to not just Star Swirl’s location, but maybe more about Dark Star as well.” “When was the last time you talked to him?” Jack asked. “Much before we had that meeting a week ago, so learning about Starlight Glimmer became new to us. I should be hearing from him soon, since his assistant already showed up last night. And the items that she brought will come as a surprise to know. Luna’s told me about the old temple that we got those mythril weapons from and how more were missing at that time. And guess what?” “WHAT!!!” “Our assistant found them hidden in the temple, or what was mythril weapons. Turns out that they were melting them back then and making them into metal plates.” “Is that even possible?” Twilight asked. “I mean, sure you can melt down most metals, but this is not your usual metal. And it’s not even raw.” “I think I can answer that,” Luna said. “Master Blades knew about the metal that was hidden away. Somehow, they found a way to melt the metal into a liquid form and had molds made to make plates for them and stored them away for later use. I think it involves the use of a blacksmith’s skills and soul powers, but he never had a chance to learn this. So this could be a lost art as of now. He never knew why they kept them at plates and didn’t bother to take them, but they did come from the weapons at the temple that they would recover during student trials. If I was to take a guess, it would have to be used more likely as armor, or some kind of shielding.” “Well, these plates are thin enough to help create armor with the tools that we have today,” River Song explained. “In fact, the guys in shop class wanted to do something for you, Jack. When they learned about Whiteblaze being transported to you, they wanted to make some carrier armor for him to wear. They’ve worked with sheet metal, but having a hard time getting it done right. And it’s hard to use other metals for different reasons. Since mythril can be mistaken for silver, I was thinking of using this to help make the armor. I already have an excuse in place for this. Just need your OK to use it.” “Is there enough to make this armor?” Jack asked. “More than enough. We can use some of the plates to test some tools on it before the guys can begin on it.” “Professor, you have a green light on the armor,” Jack answered. “See to it that it has a place to carry two katanas on. I want Whiteblaze to help deliver them to us on short notice.” “Will do.” “I was wondering. How were they able to keep all that mythril hidden when the raid took place back then?” Sunset asked. “She said that she felt something odd on the floor in what was the blacksmith’s shop. One of the stones in the floor was used as a cover to a hidden storage unit to hold the plates. It’s a surprise that anyone didn’t know that it was there. Easy to overlook is what she said.” Chrysalis started to think. “Stone cover? Easy to overlook?” And that was when a light bulb went on. “Twilight, this girl that you and your friends know. Does she have an emotionless look on her face?” Twilight nodded. “And does she carry a small rock with her named Boulder?” Twilight nodded again. Chrysalis slapped her hand in front of her face. “You have got to be kidding me. MAUD PIE!?” “You know her?” Twilight asked. “I had a couple of minor classes with her back then,” Chrysalis explained. “She was as dull as a brick wall. Almost drove me crazy one time.” “Is Maud Pie related to Pinkie?” Jack asked. “Yep. That’s Pinkie’s older sister,” Twilight explained. “She graduated from CHS over two years ago. I was able to meet her when she came to visit the family one day. Heard that she got a job as an assistant to some researcher instead of going to college. Never knew it would be this Sunburst that we just heard about. She has a lot of knowledge about rocks. I’m sure your father would like to meet her as well.” “I guess we just spoiled Pinkie’s surprise,” Sunset said. “I guess so,” Twilight replied. “Well if that’s the case,” Luna added. “River Song. I need you to ask Maud if she knows the Iron Palm fighting style.” “Iron Palm!?” Spitfire responded. “That’s a tough style to learn. Even I haven’t been able to master it.” “What’s the Iron Palm style?” Sunset asked. “It’s supposed to be a fighting style that makes your hands, or palms, as strong as iron, causing it to destroy most things that can’t be broken,” Jack explained. “You got that right,” Spitfire replied. “It requires the palm of your hand to be strong that it can break anything without feeling any pain. But what makes you think that she would know this style.” “I know,” Twilight said. “She can break rocks easily on the rock farm. Did it when she was younger. And better than any of her sisters, including Pinkie. But what makes this style important?” “Master Blades wants Applejack to learn this style,” Luna explained. “She’s strong enough and skilled enough to handle herself in battle. But this style can give her an advantage against the mechs that we could be facing.” “If that’s the case, I’ll ask her about this and see if she could be of any help to you,” River Song said. “Thanks. Was there anything else that she also found?” Luna asked. “Yes. A green crystal that was found in another hidden storage place in one of the rooms. Maud was able to sense a strange rock in there and found it. It’s not an emerald, but there seems to be some strange power coming from it, but I’m not sure what. I was hoping that I can use it as a power source for a new tool that Jack can use.” “River Song. What you have there is a soul crystal,” Luna replied. “It’s supposed to help those who have the gift find threats that come into this world. They used one to find the changeling queen location. It’s like a soul amplifier. Blades said that they couldn’t find any of the crystals when he returned after the raid. Then he learned from Master Moonlight that they were all taken in the raid. Without them, there was no way to find the Mane-iac that was at the raid. Somehow, the group must have overlooked that one just like the mythril plates. That crystal might be what we need to find and stop the Dark Star Organization.” “Do you think Jack will be able to know how to use it?” Twilight asked. “I’m hope so,” Luna replied. “If it’s supposed to do what you say it does, then the tool I plan to make to make with it can help him even better,” River Song explained. “What kind of tool is it?” Luna asked. “I would say Spoilers, but it’s best that you talk to Doctor Whooves to see it for yourself. He has one similar to what I plan to make. I’ll let him know to show it to you, since he’s going to need to gather Jack’s brain waves in order for this to work.” “Alright. I’ll hold you to that.” “Then let me get started on all of this so that I can have it ready by the winter break. Just make sure you mail me those samples that we discussed earlier, and I’ll keep you posted on Project Dragon.” “This has been a big help for all of us,” Jack said. “Thanks professor.” “Not a problem, sweetie.” Jack went and ended the call on his cell. “Looks like we’re making better progress than we hoped for,” Luna said. “I’ll say,” Twilight said. “As long as Silver can help out with Project Dragon, and Gears can learn more of the weapons that could connect with what we have…” “Plus Maud’s help on the team, and the new gear that we would be getting…” Sunset added. “We could be able to take on any challenge,” Spitfire finished. “But still, what about Ragnarok,” Chrysalis said. “First Excalibur, now this. Most weapons that were just brought up were created and used by gods or demigods. Masamune and Muramasa were created by blacksmiths and used by soldiers. And Excalibur was found by a future king, unknown to who made it. What do we really know about Ragnarok? Is it a weapon, dragon, or something else.” “Not to mention that stolen crystals that were taken from the temple,” Jack added. “What would Dark Star need with those if it only worked on gifted students?” “Maybe just to cover their tracks?” Twilight recommended. “I’m not sure I’m ready to buy that idea,” Jack said. “Master Luna. Can you bring this up with Master Blades and see what he has to say about this?” “I’m not sure if he’ll have an answer, but I can try,” Luna said. “But for now, we need to train.” Jack closed the driver’s side of his truck and the group went to the center of the open field to warm up before training. After a few minutes of warming up, it was time to lay out the group’s practice session. “OK. We know what we plan to do on weapon training. But we also have to train each of you in a fighting style,” Luna explained. “Master Blades wants the three of you to learn a certain animal style of kung fu from Master Spitfire.” “Jack, since you are well balanced and have learned how to use your gift properly, you will be learning the dragon style. It is a rare form of animal style, but it will make you stronger and faster than before without the need for the chi boost art. Sunset, you will be learning the tiger style, since you have some fierce fighting in you. It will improve your strength and rely more on your fingers than just your fist. And Twilight, since you have little experience in fighting, you will learn the crane style. Instead of strength like the others, you will rely on agility and skill, and focus on the weak points that can impact your opponent.” “Coach, I mean, Master Spitfire. What about Chrysalis? Is there a style that she will have to learn?” Twilight asked. “I haven’t decided on her style, nor on the others as of yet. I was only told on teaching these three styles to each of you,” Spitfire explained. “While Applejack would have to learn on the Iron Palm style, she will also learn an animal style along the others,” Luna added. “We will split up in two groups. I will be working with Jack and Sunset on weapon training, while Spitfire will work with Twilight and Chrysalis on physical training.” She tossed both katanas to Jack and Sunset. “I believe you would know what you are now carrying, right?” Both of them drew the blades to see what they were. Jack answered, “This is Edge’s Masamune and Flare’s Muramasa.” “I figure that Masamune would like to be returned to the person that carries the owner’s soul,” Luna said. “And I’m sure that Master Flare would be grateful to let you carry her Muramasa for now. Both of you need to get a feel of the weapon. Not to mention that Jack will need it to learn the next five arts.” “Come on, you two. Let’s leave them to their sword practice,” Spitfire said, referring to Twilight and Chrysalis. With both groups in separate areas, Luna started to teach Jack and Sunset the basics of using a katana and instructed them to be in sync with their moves. Spitfire went to show Twilight how to use the crane style by showing her how her hands and arms to act just like a crane’s beak. Chrysalis was instructed to mimic Twilight’s moves just to see what she was capable of doing. During this time, she was staring to understand how it works and learned that she can use this style to defend herself and focus on the soft spots like the eyes. But Twilight kept getting distracted from what was going on with Luna’s group. Sunset started to fall behind and couldn’t stay in time with Jack as he was ordered to speed up, which got on Luna’s nerves. Spitfire saw this and made sure that Twilight focused on her own training and not on theirs. But as it kept going on, Twilight started to think more about Soul Link and started to develop an idea on how it could help with Jack and Sunset’s training. “Of course.” “Twilight. Is there something that you want to say,” Spitfire requested. “I think I know why Sunset is not in step with Jack on their training. They didn’t use Soul Link to do so.” Spitfire took this into mind. While Sunset needed to learn things on her own, she needed Jack to help her learn from his view. Spitfire yelled to Luna what they needed to do. After Soul Link was establish, Sunset started to keep up the pace and was mirroring all of Jack’s moves. With that out of the way, Twilight was able to focus on her own training. After about an hour of training, both groups got together. “How were you able to figure out what was wrong with me?” Sunset asked Twilight. “Well, after we were explained about Soul Link, I figure that whatever Jack was able to learn can be transferred to you. Somehow you learned about the soul arts that Jack already knew back at the final game, including the tenth art. And Jack has a way to learn very fast in this kind of stuff because of his evolving gift. Did you realized what you were doing wrong before Soul Link?” “Yea. Somehow, my stance was wrong and I was pushing myself too hard,” Sunset explained. “At least you’re starting to get a picture on how Soul Link works,” Jack said. Luna went back to her car and got the case that carried the next five arts. “So these are the next five arts that Master Flare created,” Twilight said as Luna opened the case with the next five scrolls in it. “That is correct,” Luna replied. “Jack has already looked them over during 6th period. I’m hoping that he can execute these arts easily.” She took out the first scroll and displayed it for the others to see. “Art number eleven is called Fire Blossom. It allows the user to create petals of fire to encircle the blade, creating a fiery tornado to burn what is in front of the user. Are you ready Jack?” “Ready as I’ll ever be.” Jack went to the center of the field with blade in hand. He stood still and held the blade in the upright position. He started to focus everything on summoning this attack. He felt a breeze behind him, and that was when he felt it inside him, the same calling since he felt his first art. As tiny petals of fire started to appear around his blade, he yelled, “SOUL ART #11: FIRE BLOSSOM!” Making an upper slash with his blade, causing the fiery petals to grow in a tornado as it went forward, leaving a trail of burnt grass in front of him for a short distance. “To quote Rainbow Dash, that was awesome!” Sunset said. “I’m impressed,” Twilight added. “So what’s the next art?” “The twelfth art is called Aqua Wave,” Luna explained. “As the name suggests, it creates a small, yet powerful wave of water that can wash away what’s in front of the user.” “Like the waves that approach the beach,” Twilight said. “It can knock down anyone that can’t stay on their feet by the waves that when someone is in the water.” “You catch on really quick, Twilight,” Luna responded. They looked at Jack as he started to prepare for the next art. This time, he kept the blade horizontal, waiting to feel the same thing as before. This time, a small liquid started to form from the blade. He yelled, “SOUL ART #12: AQUA WAVE!” and slashed the ground in front of his feet, creating a wave of water that grew as it went father in front of him, but only for a small distance. “Now for number thirteen,” Luna said. “This is called Thunder Cut. It creates a bolt of lightning from the blade, causing it to travel in front of the user to it’s target.” “Are you sure that it will be safe?” Chrysalis asked. “This is lightning we’re talking about.” “I would have to agree,” Twilight said. “But if he can control it like the others, then he should be fine.” They looked at Jack again as he placed his blade in the upright position. But this time, it was to his side. He felt the same feeling like before and yelled, “SOUL ART #13: THUNDER CUT!” Lightning struck the blade, causing him to slash the blade downward, causing the bolt of lightning to travel in front of him for a short distance. “Three for three,” Sunset said. “Looks like he might know these better than we thought.” “Let’s hope he can do the fourteenth art,” Luna said. “This is called Blinding Blizzard. This one allows the user to create a strong blizzard that can blind, and maybe freeze what’s around him.” They started to look at Jack as his stance was different from before. This time, he stood like he was about to strike, with his blade pointing back from him. He started to feel the same thing and yelled, “SOUL ART #14: BLINDING BLIZZARD!” and pulled his blade forward, creating a horizontal slash. But only a light breeze and small flakes came by him. The girls just stared and blinked, stunned to see nothing happen. “What just happened here?” Twilight asked. “How should I know,” Jack replied. “Did I do something wrong?” “I don’t think so,” Luna responded. “Try it again.” Jack did what Luna asked and tried the art again, but got the same result. Unlike the others, something was wrong with the fourteenth art. And they needed to find out why. Jack shed his blade and went back to the group. “Do you have those three ninja skills with you?” Twilight asked Luna. “I got those,” Spitfire replied and went back to her car to grab them. She came back and laid the three pieces of paper in front of them. “I was looking into the hand signs that explain how each skill works. Basically, it involves the twelve zodiac animals for each sign, something I learned from my master to help me focus. But I think you will need to tap into your inner self and find the energy to make this happen. This kind of stuff hasn’t been used in a long time, so I’m not sure if it can still be done.” “If we could just see these in action, maybe we could understand how Master Flare used these to create the five art that she made,” Twilight explained. “If I’m supposed to learn these three on my own, how do I make that even happen if it’s been a lost art?” Sunset asked. Twilight took a moment to think about it before an idea came to mind. “Remember what Jack did with Tree Hugger before we had our group meeting? He was able to see the aura of others, to which Tree Hugger was able to see better than before. What if he tapped into Sunset’s inner self and find the energy to make it happen?” Luna took this into mind. “With the fact that Jack and Sunset have bonded to each other, it might work. Let’s work on Sunset’s training for now so that we can get a clearer picture before we can continue with the remaining arts. Start with Water Veil for now.” Spitfire decided to quickly work with Sunset on the hand signs for Water Veil before letting Jack tap into Sunset’s soul. Once she was ready, Jack placed his hand on Sunset’s back and started to focus. Sunset had her hands on the first symbol that was listed and waited until she felt this power inside of her. Jack started to look for this energy that would be inside of her. Then, he felt a small pulse, a spark. “Sunset?” “I feel it Jack.” Sunset started to do each hand sign in order, repeating it faster and faster, causing that spark inside of her to grow. When she finally felt it, she went through the signs one more time with full force, making an impact with the last symbol. A small blast of water came shooting out of nowhere and hitting the ground farther up from her. “I… did it?” Sunset was a bit stunned at what she just saw. “I did it! I can’t believe that I did it.” “I was hoping that it would be bigger than that,” Twilight said. “It’s a start, Twilight,” Spitfire said. “But she’s going to need to make this energy grow inside of her to reach her full potential. This could take some time.” “Let me work on that part with her,” Jack said. “That spark that was inside of her was small, but somehow, it started to grow. If it was stronger, then maybe she could do it much better.” Luna saw that the sun was started to set. “Let switch groups and focus on the rest of their training. I want Twilight to learn how to use the ring blades before it gets dark.” “Good idea,” Spitfire said. “Maybe some time learning the dragon and tiger styles could also help build up that energy inside of them.” Jack and Sunset set their blades aside and over to the other side of the area with Spitfire so that they can learn their fighting styles. Luna grabbed the practice rings and decided to start training Twilight with Chrysalis’ help. Luna asked the girls, “Tell me, have any of you ever heard of ultimate frisbee?” Both of them looked at each other before looking back at Luna and shaking their heads. Luna let out a sigh and said, “Figured that it would be a college freestyle sport. Throwing these rings are like throwing a frisbee. But you don’t throw it and let it land somewhere. It has to glide through the air and come back to you like a boomerang.” Luna decided to take one of the rings and tossed it through the air, causing it to glide around and come back straight back to her hand. “I learned this from Master Blades when I tried out for ultimate frisbee with a group of students in college.” “So I have to throw it like that and catch it as well?” “That is correct, Twilight. But we’ll be taking it step by step.” Luna handed one of the rings to Twilight. “Now let’s see you throw it.” Twilight took the ring and threw it in an awkward fashion, causing it to land on the ground not far from them. Luna sighed as she placed her hand on her face, shaking it at the same time. She went to retrieve the ring and handed it back to Twilight so she can try again. Twilight threw the ring with more force, casing it to land farther than before. Chrysalis decided to run out and grab the ring and went back to the group. “Twilight, I think you’re trying too hard,” Chrysalis said. “Look at how my arm works.” Chrysalis decided to take the ring and held it up near the side of her head and threw it with a curved motion of her arm. The ring was able to glide much farther than before until it bounced off a tree and land on the ground. “You need to try and aim upward to make it glide farther. You’re just throwing it like a ball.” Twilight decided to take the other ring and did what Chrysalis asked her to do. This time, the ring was able to go farther than before, just like the ring that Chrysalis threw. Luna responded. “Good catch, Chrysalis. Now go to the other end and throw the rings back to us. This way I can teach her how to catch them.” Chrysalis went to the other side and grabbed the rings and tossed one of them back to Luna. She caught it while moving her arm backwards in the process. Luna looked at Twilight to have her do the same. Chrysalis threw the other ring to Twilight, but she panicked and rushed backwards, grabbing it with both her hands. “You need to be ready to catch it in time,” Luna said. “The real blade rings are sharp, and can cut your hands if you don’t know how to properly catch them.” “Sorry. I just never done anything like this,” Twilight replied. Luna tossed the ring in her hand to Chrysalis, who caught it like a frisbee, since she was never used to catching it like a sharp weapon. But she knew that she was only there to assist Twilight in her training. Twilight made sure she was ready before Chrysalis threw the ring back to her. This took several tries before Twilight started to get the hang of it. Then she started to throw the rings to Chrysalis, then have her tossed it back to Twilight so she could properly catch them. Luna could see that Twilight was starting to understand how to use the rings and thought that it would be a good time to work throwing the ring and have it come back to her by herself. But that was going to have to wait, because they heard the sound of a car horn and saw a lemon yellow car pull up with Fleetfoot at the wheel. Three students were also in the car with her, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, and Sugarcoat. Once the car was put in park, all four of them got out of the car. “Do you know how hard it is to find this place?” Indigo yelled. “I though you knew this town so well?” Jack replied. “Very funny.” Indigo stuck out her tongue at Jack. Luna, Chrysalis and Twilight went up to the rest of the group. Luna asked, “Did you get the sample I requested?” “Right here,” Fleetfoot said as Sugarcoat held up a sealed vial with a blue fluid in it. “I was able to get some that was there during tryouts,” Sugarcoat explained. “I hope your friend can find anything that could give us some answers about our powers.” “I’m hoping the same thing,” Luna said. “So, how’s the training going?” Fleetfoot asked. “Small progress, so far,” Spitfire replied. “But there’s hope in this, that’s for sure.” “Give us enough time to practice, and we might have these three ready for anything,” Luna explained. “Dude, what about goth chick over there,” Lemon Zest asked, causing Chrysalis to respond with a mean stare. “She’s been helping Twilight out with her training,” Luna said. “I still trying to decide what weapon she should focus on for her training.” “Well, I have a couple of ideas on what fighting style she can work on after seeing her along side Twilight,” Spitfire said. “Speaking of which, how do you plan on getting Rarity and Fluttershy to be part of the group,” Fleetfoot asked. “We have a plan in place,” Twilight replied. “I’ve already asked Miss Luna and Photo Finish if they can help me in convincing Rarity to train with us. Miss Luna said that she has a certain weapon and fighting style that Rarity might enjoy.” “And I plan to take Whiteblaze with me to Fluttershy’s place so that he can get a checkup,” Jack explained. “Coach Spitfire plans to join me and maybe get Fluttershy on board with something that would fit her surroundings.” “Speaking of which, I still need to look into those blades that you have, Jack,” Luna said. “No need to worry,” Chrysalis replied. “I’ll can bring those with me to Rarity’s place for him. You can look into them while you’re there. Coco will also be there as well.” “By the way, I’m guessing that you have your players in place?” Sunset asked. “The same four as before on the girls team,” Sugarcoat replied. “Plus some old and new faces on both teams. I’ll know more about the new ones as time goes by. What about your teams?” “Me and Applejack are on board with Dash,” Sunset replied. “And we still have the same three guys on the boys team as planned. All six of us plan to do some practice tomorrow at the park, just to get us on the same page.” “Speaking of boys,” Jack added. “How’s Long Shot doing?” “He’s on the team as their captain,” Indigo replied. “But he’s not at full speed like I remember seeing him before. I’ve helped him on his recovery since you gave him that blow two weeks ago. But I don’t even sense any of that gift in him yet.” “If there’s something in that drink that could be giving us these gifts, we should be seeing some development in him again like before. But it may be a week to know for sure,” Sugarcoat explained. “Keep an eye on him,” Jack said. “If his gift comes back, I want to know. Somehow, Dark Star must still be trying to improve what they need to make their super soldiers.” “So far, the pieces are starting to fall into place,” Twilight said. “Only one question. When will Dark Star strike?” Sugarcoat replied. “That’s a good question. If I was to take a guess, they would be seeing how well our teams do after several games. And if the boys team isn’t as good as the girls, then-” “Then, there could be a chance that they would be coming for me soon,” Jack finished. “And I won’t be able to detect them coming unless I see them from afar.” “I was wondering about that as well,” Indigo said. “How can you sense a machine coming out of nowhere. You said that they were ninjas back in the temple raid. How could they be hiding in plain sight for us to see?” “Well, Professor River Song is working on some new tools that could help us,” Luna said. “Let’s hope those help us out against them. Otherwise, all this training will be worth nothing against them.”