The contestants formed two lines of five each and walked towards the balcony where the Empresses were. With majestic elegance, they knelt in front of them, to which both of them nodded approvingly.
After the formal greeting, the young mares and stallions wished good luck to each other, either hugging each other or shaking hooves. Diamond Tiara showed her respects to Silver Spoon but, unlike her friend, she refused to do the same with the rest of them.
“May the best samurai win!” Tiara tapped her chest proudly with an arrogant smile. “And by that I mean myself!”
“We’ll see about that, Tiara!” Apple Bloom growled as she stared menacingly at her.
“Oh, come on, Apple Bloom, your manners are just plain inadequate. You could serve perfectly as a shock troop, but nothing beyond that.”
With a soft snort, Tiara caressed her mane as she turned around, returning to her place. Silver Spoon looked quite disappointed though.
“You should be more respectful, Tiara. You have to treat your fellow samurai with courtesy, especially if you want to be a respected one yourself.”
“I am a courtier, Silver Spoon.” Tiara walked past her friend, her mane waving with the shakes of her head. “I am expected to act the way I do. Besides, what’s the worst thing that could happen?”
“The bare-hoofed combat trial is going to start!” Chancellor Mare announced. “The rules are simple: two ponies will be called to fight inside the ring. The one who throws the other out or the ring or maintains a grapple for ten seconds wins a point. No weapons or armor are allowed, and flying and magic are also forbidden. The first contestants are Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom!”
“Does that answer your question?” Silver Spoon replied with a smirk.
Diamond Tiara’s face turned pale as Apple Bloom stood up on her hind legs, smashing her front hooves together.
“This must be a gift from the Fortunes! Ahm gonna love this!”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo cheered their friend, who trotted inside the ring, stopping next to the Chancellor. With shaky legs, Tiara approached them slowly, looking back at Silver Spoon.
Both ponies stood on their hind legs in order to start the fight. Apple Bloom was far bulkier, and almost one head taller compared with Diamond Tiara’s delicate and slim body.
“C-come on, Apple Bloom, I-I know we can talk this out,” Tiara stuttered as she stepped back, covering her face with her front hooves. “L-let’s be reasonable.”
“Go!”
As soon as the Chancellor ordered them to start, Apple Bloom pulled back her left hoof, only to throw a jab with the right one, hitting Tiara’s stomach with such strength that she lifted her a couple inches from the ground. Tiara fell coughing as she tried to catch her breath. When Apple Bloom tried to grab her, Tiara raised her hoof with pleading eyes as her free hoof clenched her stomach tightly.
“I-I quit… I quit!”
“Apple Bloom wins this round!”
With the Chancellor’s verdict, Apple Bloom bowed slightly. Turning back to her friends, who applauded cheerfully at her victory, she smiled as the judges noted down the point she had just earned.
“Only four more points to go and Ah’ll be an adult samurai! Come on, girls!”
“The second combat will take place right now. Dinky, Snips, you’re next!“
Both ponies stepped into the ring. Being two summoners, the expectations of an interesting combat weren’t that high, but Snips looked confident.
“Heh, looks like it’s not your lucky day, my peer. Don’t worry, though, I’ll be gentle.”
“You shouldn’t underestimate anypony, Snips.” Dinky shook her head as she looked at him. “I’m far more powerful than you as a summoner, and my coltfriend has trained me in basic martial arts for self-defense, just like the one I’ll need here.”
“Yeah, whatever. Let’s get this over with.”
“Go!”
Snips charged towards Dinky, using his wider body to try to push her out of the ring, but she was able to dodge most of his bull rush attempts with her agility. She threw a couple jabs at him, but he barely showed sign of pain. Turning around with his front hooves wide open, Snips grabbed Dinky in a grapple. No matter how hard she tried to free herself, it was to no avail. He turned out to be stronger than expected.
“I may not be the most competent summoner,” he said with a smirk, tightening the grip. “But my physical shape will give me the victory. Farewell!”
Snips took a step backwards in order to get ready for the next move. Raising Dinky over his shoulders, he performed a decently-executed throw that made her fall out of the ring with a loud thump.
There were a few astonished gasps and approving nods among the public. The Chancellor declared Snips the winner of the round, making him smile broadly. Dinky approached him, bowing deeply.
“Apparently it was I who actually underestimated you. You’re far stronger than I thought.”
“Ah, no problem.” Snips bowed back, blushing slightly. “I know that I don’t have the most threatening appearance.”
“Where did you learn to fight that way? I didn’t expect a summoner to be that proficient in hoof-to-hoof combat.”
“Oh, I actually didn’t train, but I enjoy wrestling competitions. I try not to miss any of those, and I guess it’s the style I feel the most comfortable with, considering my shape.”
“Well, I hope that you become a renowned wrestler someday.”
“Nah, I want to be a summoner.”
“I know, but maybe you should consider that you have a gift for wrestling and act accordingly.”
“Ponies, please, get out of the ring! The next fight’s about to take place!”
Both Dinky and Snips lowered their heads and galloped to their places. As they arrived, Pipsqueak greeted his fillyfriend with a tender and comforting hug. Snails passed his leg over Snips’ shoulder, both laughing.
“Twist, Silver Spoon, into the ring!”
Another combat that didn’t raise too much expectations but, after witnessing Snips’ performance, most spectators didn’t show signs of complaint. Both contestants stepped inside the ring, bowing deeply at each other. Twist’s broader build compared to Spoon’s slimmer yet fit shape made caused most ponies to expect the former to win.
As soon as the Chancellor gave the signal for them to start, both mares charged. No quarter was shown as they pushed and grappled, trying to knock the other one down. The way they fought showed that neither of them had participated in a wrestling combat before, but the ferocity of their attacks were still admirable. Twist’s raw strength gave her a certain advantage, allowing her to finally push Silver Spoon out of the ring, landing on her back. Both of them were breathing heavily, exhausted as the Chancellor announced Twist as the winner.
“Wow, that… wath a great fight!” admitted Twist as she tried to catch her breath.
“I… I agree.” Silver Spoon stood up, bowing gracefully at Twist, who bowed back.
Chancellor Mare nodded with a smile. “An admirable show of sportsmareship. The next contestants are Snails and Sweetie Belle.”
With a pat on the back, Snips cheered his friend, as also did Apple Bloom and Scootaloo with Sweetie Belle. Both ponies looked at each other inside of the ring, none of them being especially strong, but Snails was far taller than her, even surpassing several Apple soldiers in height.
When Chancellor Mare ordered them to start the fight, Snails rushed towards Sweetie Belle, who tried to stop him, grabbing him around the waist. However, the size difference allowed her to only slow him instead of stopping his mad rush, and Snails walked slower towards the border of the ring. Sweetie Belle showed that she was doing the best that she could, gritting her teeth as she pushed with all her might to no avail. In a few seconds, one of her forced steps landed out of the ring. When Chancellor Mare announced Snails as the winner, both contestants fell on their four hooves breathing heavily in exhaustion.
“I… I have to win.” Snails tried to catch his breath as he spoke in a low voice at Sweetie Belle. “I have to become a samurai… to cleanse my name. To show that I am worthy and not… a follower of my former mentor.”
“I hope you can, Snails. I… I wish you luck.”
With that, both ponies returned to their places. Snails received a high-hoof from Snips, while Sweetie Belle got a group hug to cheer her up.
There were only two contestants left, and the spectators knew who those were. The anticipation could be cut with a knife as the Chancellor announced them.
“Pipsqueak, Scootaloo, get inside!”
The crowd started whispering as the contestants stepped inside the ring. Being a Party monk and a Rainbow scout and skirmisher, most ponies expected this fight to be the most exciting of all. When the Chancellor gave the signal to start, neither of them moved a muscle, scanning each other. Scootaloo was the first one to act, rushing towards Pipsqueak in an attempt to throw him out quickly. However, he grabbed her tightly with all his might, stopping her charge as she landed a few blows on his stomach for him to release her. As soon as she freed herself from the grapple, Pipsqueak punched her in the cheek, making her stumble. She teetered on the edge, but managed to barely keep her balance.
“Victory will be mine, monk!” Scootaloo grunted as she charged against him.
Pipsqueak narrowly avoided her, but as soon as he stepped aside, she landed on her front hooves and bucked him on the side, making him grunt and grimace, falling to his knees. She charged again to push him out of the ring, but Pipsqueak jumped up, throwing a furious stare at her. He stepped aside again, but this time, he grabbed one of Scootaloo’s hind legs.
“Hey, let me go!”
Pipsqueak said nothing, only roaring as he lifted her and slammed her into the ground, sending her sliding out of the ring. She lost her breath with the impact, covering the back of her head with one of her hooves. The crowd leaned forward, awed at what they had witnessed.
“Pipsqueak wins the fight! And with this, the first trial concludes! Everypony, get ready for the next contest that will start in an hour! ”
Pipsqueak walked towards his place next to Dinky, who hugged him tightly. He grunted lightly, his fillyfriend releasing him from the painful embrace. With a swift chant, she cast a healing spell on his side, relieving the pain. Scootaloo, on the other hoof, simply walked back to her place, so furious that not even her friends could soothe her.
“Don’t feel bad, Scoots,” comforted Sweetie Belle. “I lost too, but there are still a lot of tests. I’m sure we can gather enough points to pass.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Scootaloo still sounded irritated. “But losing against a monk is downright insulting. I’m supposed to be a skirmisher, trained by Rainbow Dash. I should’ve won.”
“Party monks have outstanding martial training, Scoots,” added Apple Bloom. “Most ponies knew that he was gonna win, but they were also sure that you weren’t gonna let ‘im go without a bruise or two.”
Scootaloo replied with a grunt, crossing her front legs in front of her.
-o-
“Now that’s what Ah call a good fight!” cried Applejack proudly.
“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh stared at the contestants, tapping his chin. “This may be more interesting than Ah thought at first.”
“What do ya mean, brother?”
“Ah didn’t expect that Trixie’s apprentices could be so competent. Trixie was a summoner, yet those two fought like decent brawlers.”
“Nah, they just got lucky, their rivals weren’t trained warriors. If they would have to fight somepony with our training, they wouldn’t have stood a chance!”
“Ah know. However, nine trials remain. We’ll see how they handle ‘em.”
Among the Rainbow Clan’s attendants, silence was nonexistent. On one side, Derpy hugged herself as she checked that her daughter was fine from the distance. On the other, Rainbow Dash had her front hooves crossed in front of her with her eyes closed.
“Scootaloo got unlucky this time, but there’s still too much tournament left.” Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, looking longingly at Derpy. “What do you think about her fight?”
“She definitely wants to make you proud, Overlord,” replied Derpy. “However, she’s quite stubborn and arrogant most of the time, and doesn’t take defeat quite well. It reminds me of your younger self.”
“That worries me. The last thing I want is Scootaloo holding grudges.”
“I’ll keep an eye out during the contests. It wouldn’t be the first time that a couple of ponies become sworn enemies because of a tournament.”
Rainbow lowered her head with a short sigh. “Yeah, I remember a few problems concerning rivalries a few years ago.” She looked back at at Derpy. “What do you know about the other participants?”
“Everything I should to feel comfortable. Scootaloo may have told you a lot about Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, though.”
Rainbow Dash nodded with a broken smile, gesturing at both Tiara and Spoon. “Yeah, she hates those two, and I can see why. I understand her feelings towards Tiara, that arrogant little brat. However, Silver Spoon poses a serious threat compared to the others, but she’s a respectful mare from what I’ve witnessed.” She looked at both Snips and Snails with a concerned stare. “Should we trust those two?”
“If they’ve been sent by Trixie to sabotage the Tournament, they won’t get out of here alive. However, we know nothing yet. They could be telling the truth, but I’ll have a few ponies watching them just in case.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear. Anything special that had happened lately that I don’t know about?”
“Aside from the fact that Pipsqueak asked my daughter’s hoof in marriage last week at home?” She giggled innocently as Rainbow Dash turned at her, eyes wide open in surprise.
“Wow, apparently everypony’s getting married these days.”
“Tell me about it. Aside from my daughter, Rarity and Spike will marry shortly, maybe after the Celestial Tournament. There are also rumors about Big Macintosh’s wedding with Lady Twilight.”
Rainbow Dash snorted softly at Derpy’s statement. “Seems like I’ll be the only clan leader that’ll remain single.”
“Not for the lack of stallions begging for your hoof, if I may.”
“Nah, I just don’t feel like getting married. The fire of passion dies after some time. Besides, I’m not ‘forced’ to have a foal to keep the leadership, like the Apple has to. And most important, time being pregnant is time not fulfilling my duties.”
“So, you just want the fun part, am I right?”
Both mares laughed, followed by soft snorts from both Soarin’ and Spitfire, who had overheard the conversation. Other ponies that were close to them, but not enough to listen to what they were talking about, threw surprised glares at them.
Derpy retook the conversation after she stopped laughing. “But seriously, Dinky’s the best thing that has happened to me, so I may be a bit biased towards the idea of having foals.”
“I dunno. Scootaloo’s the closest thing to a daughter of my own that I’ve ever had, and I’m not even sure that I’d be able to handle a foal if I had to.”
“There are servants that could take care of them and trainers that would turn him or her into a warrior.”
“Maybe depending on the way Scootaloo ends up, I’ll think about having a foal or two. And several extra attempts.”
The Rainbow ponies laughed together once more, followed by the curious looks of the other clans. Among most Jewel attendants, however, the stares showed more disappointment than curiosity.
“Savages,” insulted Silverspeed, shaking her head. “They don’t even have the decency of keeping it down. Even the Apples attendants behave better than them.”
“I wouldn’t say it too loudly, Silverspeed.” Zircon kept an eye on the contestants while he spoke. “Especially if you’re implying that the Apple Clan is also a bunch of savages.”
“I have reasons to think like that!” She turned around to talk to Filthy Rich. “My lord, you saw what that young Apple did to your daughter! Why didn’t you even raise your voice against her? I’m sure that she would’ve been penalized for such brutality if you had complained!”
“I also have my reasons, Lady Silverspeed.” Rich took a deep breath before answering, massaging his forehead with his hoof. “While I adore my little filly, her behavior is far from acceptable, especially considering her future role as a courtier. She had the best teachers, but her arrogance still prevails. I consider that as a call of warning to her. As a full-fledged samurai, they would demand her head for much less. And I refuse to bury my own daughter if I can avoid it by any means.” Rich let out a frustrated sigh as he lowered her head, shaking it weakly. “My heart couldn’t stand to witness my beloved Tiara suffering Hoity’s fate.”
Rarity’s ears perked up at Hoity’s name, biting her lip and lowering her head as Silverspeed kept attacking Applejack and Dash’s clans.
“The Rainbow and Apple are mostly skirmishers and warriors. They lack our clan’s political power and savoir-faire, and their courtiers are mediocre at best.”
“They have their place and are extremely efficient at fulfilling their duties.” Fancypants stared at her speaking in an intimidating voice. “We may be the most influential clan politically speaking, but that doesn’t make us invincible. The Rainbow Clan works likes a pack of wolves in more than one way. They protect each other in such a way that every insult coming from outside of the clan would be answered with every single bow and sword that their clan has available. And I’m sure that I don’t need to talk about the Apple’s sacrifice at the Diamond Bulwark.” Fancypants smiled at Silverspeed, offering his hoof as he pointed to Apple lands. “If not, maybe I can pull some strings to allow you to serve for a couple seasons there.”
Silverspeed lowered her ears and looked down. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Good. I’m glad to know that you’re a reasonable pony after all.” Fancypants turned around to talk to Rarity this time. “My Lady, what are your expectations so far?” Rarity remained silent, apparently absent-minded. It took some insistence from him to make her react. “Lady Rarity?”
“Huh?” She looked around her until her eyes met Fancypants’. “Oh, my most humble apologies, I’m not feeling quite well.” She pressed her face softly with her hooves.
“Still concerned about Hoity’s fate?”
“Not as much as a few days ago, but it still disturbs my sleep.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Rarity.” Filthy Rich sounded extremely concerned, laying his hoof on her shoulder. “I shouldn’t have talked about him; it was such a horrible affair.”
“We should talk about more joyful events, then.” Fancypants pointed at Rarity’s sister with a smile. “For example, what are your thoughts about Sweetie Belle?”
Rarity waved her hoof nonchalantly. “I’m sure she’ll pass, even though she lost the first trial. However, considering that she’s never participated in a wrestling match, it’s understandable.”
“What about her future as the clan leader? I heard that there was somepony that matched her as the favorite.”
Rarity nodded at Fancypants’ words. “Oh, there was one, yes. Luckily, we won’t have to worry about that anymore.”
With those words came a gasp from behind them, followed by the sound of hooves against the floor. The Jewel Clan members turned around, only to see nothing behind them. Both Silverspeed and Zircon looked around them, ready to unsheathe and strike.
“I’ll report to the guards that something odd’s going on,” announced Zircon.
With the other attendants’ approving nods, he walked towards the balcony before being stopped by an Imperial Guard. “The Empresses mustn’t be disturbed.”
“We’ve felt a presence next to us, as if something from another realm was close by. We then heard the sound of hooves running away.”
“Where did it go?”
Zircon pointed at the main corridor. “It went that way.”
The guard nodded. “Zephyrus and I’ll take care of that and will inform the Empresses. You may go back to your place.”
“With all due respect, my good soldier, I’d like to join you.”
“What won’t be necessary. Enjoy the tournament, we’ll take care of everything.”
Zircon stood silent for a moment, bowing slightly. “As you wish, soldier.”
Meanwhile, Fancypants had retaken the previous conversation. “May I ask, my lady, who was that match for the clan’s leadership?”
“Oh, right. It was Diamond Tiara, Lord Rich’s daughter. She had quite a lot of opportunities to become the new clan leader once I retired. However, she wanted to follow her father’s steps and become the Jewel Treasurer, so that left Sweetie Belle as the only option.”
“Yes, I remember that she used to talk a lot about having Silver Spoon as her bodyguard and champion. It’s really hard to believe that she has changed her mind.” Rich made a pause, snorting softly. “But I guess I should be proud of her for wanting to be just like me.”
Silverspeed raised an eyebrow, surprised at the conversation that she was hearing. “I thought that Hoity was going to be the new Jewel Leader.”
Rarity shook her head vigorously. “That would’ve been a horrible idea. Sure, he was an influential pony, but he lacked knowledge about most high-ranked military that weren’t from our clan. Having him as the Jewel Leader would’ve ended in a war against another clan sooner or later. And even though we have a lot of resources and financial power, the wrath of the Apple and the Rainbow should never be underestimated.”
The other ponies nodded in approval, including Zircon, who had just arrived. Silverspeed kept the conversation flowing. “How do you know so much about those clans?”
“Aside from being my duty to keep our relationship with the other clans as smooth as possible, I owe a lot to my sister Sweetie Belle. She has been friends with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo for many years, since they were young fillies. Thanks to her I know a lot about the Apple and Rainbow Clans, maybe more that I should know. The poor filly has had a... unique life for being so young.”
“Did she spot the horrors beyond the wall?”
Rarity nodded, staring sadly at Sweetie Belle, who was waving at her. She waved back gently. “She also met the Deathseekers when she was less than ten. She saw them fighting.”
“It was horrible indeed,” Zircon added with a lowered head. “I stayed with her for several weeks after the event until she was able to overcome the dreadful experience.”
Silverspeed raised an eyebrow in disbelief as she spoke sarcastically. “Is it actually that traumatizing to see a group of ponies that just throw themselves into battle to die?”
Her comment infuriated Zircon. He huffed to keep calm, but his words sounded threatening. “It’s one of the most awe-inspiring sights you could ever witness. Imagine a mighty warrior that has only one way to redeem himself, his family and clan: to die gloriously in battle. A pony that has nothing to lose, that fears nothing. Imagine that warrior charging against you. He doesn’t care if he dies as long as he dies fighting gloriously, taking down as many as possible. Now, imagine a battalion made entirely of ponies like him. Those battle cries can make the bravest soldier shrink in fear and the most level-headed general’s blood chill. I’ve seen them fighting, and every time I hear that the Deathseekers were called to arms I thank the Fortunes for not being their target.”
Silverspeed turned her face away, lowering her head and ears, her body shaking slightly.
“That’s why we need competent leaders that won’t disdain ponies that aren’t used to make public appearances,” added Rarity, looking at the ceiling with grim eyes. “We may be powerful politically speaking, but we’re far from being the strongest clan, military-wise at least. Yes, we have the Swift Strike Dojo and the Gemmed Gallants, as well as the normal warriors, summoners and bodyguards. But the Apple Clan has some of the strongest soldiers in Equestria, and Big Macintosh’s one of the most brilliant generals alive. The Rainbow has deadly archers and efficient skirmishers, not to mention their skills as scouts.”
“Skirmishing, ambushes and the like?” Silverspeed crossed her hooves in front of her, disgust rasping through her voice. “I don’t consider those honorable ways of fighting, and I don’t respect them for using such underhanded tactics.”
“They know how to use the land to their advantage, making them able to win most fights, even if greatly outnumbered.” Rarity continued to number the other clan’s advantages over her own. “Then we have the Lore, and let me tell you this: fear the wrath of the peaceful pony. Twilight Sparkle may not be fond of fighting, but wars have come to a sudden halt when one of their elite summoners or the Lore Leader has stepped into battle wielding the raw energies of the elements. The Wilderness Clan has beastmasters, fighting bears, phoenixes and several other creatures that are far more difficult than fighting a pony. And the Party–”
“Don’t tell me you’re considering the Twin Blades to be better than our own academy!”
“Please, Silverspeed, let your Clan Leader finish!” Rich cleared his throat before turning back at Rarity, bowing his head. “My apologies, milady. Please, go on.”
She nodded with a weak smile before retaking her talking. “Bear in mind, Silverspeed, that the original founders never fought against each other, so we never found out which style was better. However, I wasn’t thinking about the dueling academy. I was thinking about the Party monks. What I saw Pinkie do when we fought Trixie was unbelievable. She was able to block her magic and heal Applejack’s wounds! I have little to no information about them, but they’re something we shouldn’t underestimate.” Rarity looked up when she finished, then back at Silverspeed with a grim expression. “So, as you can see, my trusted duel master, it is true that our forces are admirable, but we also have to be humble and understand our own weaknesses. Keep that in mind, and you shall triumph. Don’t, and I’ll be forced to look for a new Master of the Swift Strike.”
-o-
“The heraldry trial will take place shortly!” Chancellor Mare announced. “We will give you all a scroll and a piece of charcoal. You shall write down your name and the clan, army or pony to which each of these five banners belongs to. In order to pass and earn a point, you must identify correctly at least four out of five of the banners.”
As soon as the Chancellor finished speaking, five Imperial Guard unicorns unrolled five large banners in front of the contestants. The first one showed a huge white diamond wrapped in lavender silk, like it was wearing it as a kimono over a blue field. The second one had a grey katana and a wakizashi crossed with each other over a green field. The third one, a couple of white wings embracing a blue pony over a copper field. The fourth one contained the head of a red, roaring manticore over a black field. The last one had a silver hoof with five colours, red, blue, green, yellow and black, flying in circles around it over a golden field.
The contestants started writing down whatever they thought the correct answers were. Dinky was the first one to finish identifying all the banners, and the rest started delivering their answers soon after that. When all the sheets were given to the Chancellor, she walked back towards the centre of the hall. In a loud voice, she talked for every single pony in the room to hear her.
“Contestants, I’ll now identify the banners!” She pointed at each one of them. “The first one is the banner of the Jewel Clan; the second one belongs to the Twin Blades Dojo; the third one, the former Order of the Wing; the fourth one is the banner of the Deathseekers; finally, the fifth banner is the one borne by the Master of the Elements. I’ll now check your answers and I’ll call out the names of the ones who passed.”
Chancellor Mare spread the sheets along the table and checked each one of them slowly, moving to one side those with enough correct answers to pass. As soon as she finished the fast checking, she cleared her throat before announcing the ones who had pass.
“Judges, the following ponies have earned a point in this trial: Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Twist, Sweetie Belle, Snails.” Snips raised an eyebrow when his friend’s name was mentioned. Sweetie’s friends hugged her with joy. “And a special mention goes for Dinky. Congratulations, young summoner. You’re the only one who has identified correctly the five banners. Although that doesn’t earn you extra points, it does speak highly of your mentor and yourself. You are indeed worthy of studying under Twilight Sparkle’s wing!”
-o-
Both Dinky and Twilight blushed at such compliment from the Imperial Chancellor, and Big Macintosh’s soft applause and smile turned his fianceé’s face even more red. Derpy had to bite her lip and cover her muzzle to avoid shouting and cheering her daughter, hardly able to contain her motherly pride. Other clan representatives had mixed emotions.
“I didn’t expect them to show the Order of the Wing’s banner,” said Lyra, her front leg leaned over Bon-Bon.
“Well, sweetie, I guess that they wanted to make the trial harder this year.” Bon-Bon sounded optimistic, as if trying to soothe her spouse. “Do you remember the Chancellor ever congratulating a contestant because of guessing all five banners the previous years, when they were all far easier?”
“Even so, half of them were too obscure. Just look at those! The Master of the Elements! In more than two centuries, nopony has bore the title.”
“Honey, Heraldry means studying all the banners, not only the ones you see every day.”
“I know, but you have to see my point. The Order of the Wing doesn’t even exist as such anymore!”
“Lyra, please, calm down!” She grabbed her face with both hooves, leaning her forehead on Lyra’s. “I know you’re worried because Pip’s far from being a well-educated pony like Dinky has proven to be, but I’m sure that he’s going to pass. You’ve done a wonderful job, and he’s going to become a great monk, okay? Just relax.”
Pinkie scratched her head as her eyes focused on the participants. “New blood will empower an old enemy. I know it! It has to be related to this tournament!”
Both mares turned swiftly towards Pinkie. Lyra was the one who spoke first. “The prophecy!? Who? When?”
“I don’t know. However, I’m sure that whatever happens here will be troublesome. I can’t tell what it will be, but it’ll happen.”
Bon-Bon hugged Lyra harder, shaking her head. “No! There must be a way to avoid it!”
“I wish you were right, but prophecies are big meanies that always come true no matter what we do or don’t do. Be it victory or failure, it’ll be inevitable.”
-o-
The most secluded group, the Wilderness representatives were having a great time, as their only contestant had passed the first two trials.
“Yes!” Carrot Top applauded softly. “Twist’s doing a wonderful job! She’s studied hard and her assistance at the farming has given her some raw strength. She’s going to pass I’m sure of it!”
“Oh, yes, that’s wonderful indeed.” Fluttershy sighed as she looked at the other ponies. “But I feel bad for the ones who lose. What if they can’t become samurais?”
“They can try it again next year when they’re ready at their own clan’s gempukku ceremonies. They are more apt to the duties they fulfill.” Carrot Top stopped talking as the Chancellor got close to the participants.
“The third trial is about to begin.”
-o-
Among the Lore Clan’s seats, Twilight smiled with satisfaction. Spike, on the other hoof, caressed his chin as his free claw rested on Wisdom’s hilt, checking on the youngsters.
“Snails definitely has surprised me, Twilight. There might be future for him here.”
“You sound like you’re not that optimistic about Snips, Spike.”
He shook his head. “I don’t’ think he’s ready. Did you notice that he didn’t say a word when they introduced themselves? That only Snails talked? I think Snips’ still quite fond of Trixie, and we should keep an eye on him.”
Twilight showed a broken smile as she looked longingly at him, speaking with a satisfied voice. “You’re earning your place as an Inquisitor.” Her smile faded as soon as she looked at Snips. “I’ll have him kept under watch.”
-o-
Outside the hall, Zephyrus kept searching for the suspicious creature that had been stalking the Jewel. Next to him, the Imperial Guard to whom Zircon had informed about it kept his eyes darting around the hall, scanning for anything suspicious.
“Whoever he is, he sure is fast.” Zephyrus’ horn glowed with intensity as he prepared a spell.
“What are you trying to do?”
“If he’s invisible, a detection spell should give away his location.”
“Will it work?”
“I don’t see why it shouldn’t.”
The soldier cleared his throat. “As an Earth Pony, I don’t know much about magic. How are you so sure about it? I mean, how do you know that you’re looking at somepony that’s under the effect of an invisibility spell somepony who isn’t?”
Zephyrus raised an eyebrow as his eyes sparkled with ivory light and his horn’s bright faded slowly. “An excellent question, soldier. We’ll see the invisible objects and ponies as translucent silhouettes. Now, come here. I’ll cast the spell on you too.”
The soldier nodded, lowering his head with his eyes closed as Zephyrus got close to him, his horn shining again. The summoned spirits jumped from the magic swirl to the guard’s eyelids, vanishing as they touched them. He opened his eyes, now shining also with the same brightness as Zephyrus’.
“We have to hurry up and find him before the intruder gets away!”
Both galloped along one of the corridors, stopping to check the most obvious hiding places.
-o-
Not far from them, Hoity kept himself under the effect of Discord’s silken mask, but he heard that the Imperial guards had cast spells on them that made his invisibility useless. He was hiding in the armory.
“Drat!” he cursed in a low voice. “Those guards will surely find me, invisible or not. They’re inspecting the whole palace! I can’t get caught! Not now that I know that Discord was right! I have to find a way out so I can get my revenge! But how?”
He tapped his forehead in an attempt to think faster. Taking off the mask, he became visible again, allowing him to see his own reflection. With the mask held on his hooves, he smiled as an idea came to his mind. “Of course, the shape-shifting power! Now, how was it? Wait, but what do I do after that?” He looked around him, finding the weapons rack full of spears and swords. He nodded as he put the mask on again. “Night and fog, unlike anyone!” He looked again at his reflection on the mirror. However, the sight was now different. On the other side of the mirror he saw a member of the Imperial Guard donned in perfect armor, ready for duty.
He heard the gallop of two ponies coming towards the armory. With a swift move, he grabbed one of the swords from the rack, getting ready to defend himself as soon as they got there. The soldiers stormed into the building.
Hoity stepped back, wielding the sword as he took a defensive stance. “Who in the—”
With an astonished stare, Zephyrus raised his hoof to soothe Hoity. “What are you doing here, soldier? This place is far from safe now. There’s a spy in the palace, we’re looking for him.”
Hoity reacted fast, making up something that would protect his cover. “A spy, you say? Yes, that makes sense. I’ve heard some hoofsteps that ended up leading here, it might be the one you’re talking about.” He held his breath as both guards got inside and checked the whole room. He let out a long sigh of relief, but his ears perked up as he noticed one of them getting close to him.
“Soldier,” Zephyrus called, “he’s not here. We have to find that spy before somepony gets injured!”
“I’ll join you both. However, I think we should split up. The three of us could check the palace faster.”
“We don’t know how powerful and dangerous the spy could be.”
“Not much if he’s using invisibility spells. A powerful creature would’ve killed me as soon as he separated me from the rest.”
“Alright, sounds like a plan.” Zephyrus rushed to cast the see invisibility spell on Hoity. “I’ll go to check the barracks. Where would you go?”
“I’ll go up the main tower,” said the guard who had followed Zephyrus so far.
“In that case, I’ll take care of checking the lower section of the Palace, kitchen and wine cellar.”
Zephyrus nodded. “Okay, but be careful, those are narrow spaces.”
“Oh, come on, I’m as well-trained as you both are! I’ll take him down as soon as I lay my eyes upon him.”
The three stallions saluted to each other before galloping as fast as their legs allowed them. As soon as the other Imperial Guards were out of sight, and in the safety of the wine cellar, Hoity finally let out a long sigh of relief. Exhausted, he lay on his side, leaning on one of the barrels, catching his breath.
“I won’t be able to fool them for much longer. There must be a way out, a secret passage, anything!” He started tapping the walls frantically, looking for a loose stone, and keeping an eye out for trap doors. Having no luck, he turned around and galloped outside of the cellar.
However, as he rushed towards the door, he felt the mask tickling him. He took it off, inspecting it to find out that it was shaking and shining with a vivid dark aura.
“What haven’t you told me, Discord?” he said in a low voice.
He took another step forward and the mask pulled him to his right. Raising an eyebrow in disbelief as he looked on the direction the mask was pointing at only to find nothing of interest there, he snorted at the thought of the mask being simply thirsty. However, the insistence of the mask called his attention and decided to follow it. He ended up on a part of the cellar without anything that made it different from the rest of the room unless for the mask’s desire to get close to it. Waving frantically by its own will, it shone with a dark mighty brightness that almost blinded Hoity. When he opened his eyes, he looked at the cellar’s wall, which now had a hole in it. Inside, there was a small, plain chest.
“What the hay is this supposed to mean?”
Knowing that nopony was close to him and suspecting that it would take time for the guards to inspect the place, he took the chest and opened it, only to find a sealed scroll. It glowed with a horrifying flare, pulsating in a way that resembled the beating of a living heart. Hoity’s eyes opened widely, stepping back in awe.
“Sweet merciful Celestia… I don’t know what this is, but Discord seems to want it.” He was about to grab the scroll, but suddenly he stopped. “I think I’ll take the chest too. I don’t know much about magic, but this thing emanates too much power outside of its container.”
He closed the chest before putting it in one of the saddlebags he got for himself from one of the cellar’s shelves. Just to make sure, he put the mask next to the hole that he had opened, and it glowed again with the dark light, forcing Hoity to cover his eyes again. When the light faded, he looked again to see that the hole had been covered again, as if nothing had happened. He put the mask on and called for its powers.
“Night and darkness, nowhere seen!”
With the concealment of invisibility, he galloped away of the palace as fast as his legs allowed him to. The time for revenge was so close that he could nearly taste it.