“Monkey Team, I’m afraid we have a serious issue on our hands,” Antauri stated as he stood before the rest of the team in the Super Robot’s command centre. “The Neutron Generator is running out of power, thankfully Fenneca has offered to assist Gibson in finding an alternative power source. Until they do, we are to find entertainment during our free time outside of the robot.”
The Hyperforce’s second in command shot Chiro and Sparx a stern look. “That means no Vidgames and no joy rides, am I clear?”
“But there’s nothing to do, Ponyville is so boring!” Chiro protested.
“Ponyville may not be a technological wonder like Shuggazoom city but there is still fun to had, you only need to look for it.” Antauri replied.
“Easy for you to say, you spend all your free time in the library, or with Fenneca.” Sparx commented.
“I’m sure you will all find something to do, it only be until Gibson has procured a new fuel source.” The black monkey stated.
“Indeed, Fenneca has pointed out n rea rich in gemstones that may have exactly what we need, if all goes well we should be back up to full power by this afternoon.” Gibson explained.
Chiro and Sparx sagged, the dread of wandering around the town in boredom showed on their faces as plain as day.
“If you two need something to do, why not join me for some Strength Control Training?” Nova suggested.
“Strength Control Training? What, do you just not hit things as hard?” Sparx asked and Nova scoffed.
“There’s more to it than that, come on, I’ll show you.” the yellow monkey replied and led Sparx and Chiro outside s she explained. “I got the idea from Rainbow explaining how pegasi train for a position in weather management, they need to control the strength of their wing flaps to create wind currents to direct the flow of hot and cold air that creates Equestria’s weather patterns. They do this by trainng to move objects of various sizes by the wind their wings create. It’s how they get a feel for how strong the wind should be, from a light breeze to a gale.”
“So… you try to move things by hitting them…How is that any different than what you usually do?” Sparx snarked.
Nova smirked. “You’ll see.”
Nova had led them to Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple Family’s farm in the agricultural district of Ponyville.
“Hi-yah!”
Thwack!
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
Chiro and Sparx watched in confusion as Nova hit an apple tree, its fruit falling down into the carefully placed baskets situated around the tree itself.
“If I don’t hit hard enough, the apples won’t fall and if I hit too hard I risk damaging the tree.” Nova explained as she moved onto the next tree.
Thwack!
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
“You’ve got to get a feel for the tree’s harmonic frequency, sense how much force you put into a punch without breaking it or your hand. By mastering this technique, you can control the strength of your attacks in the heat of battle.” Nova stated.
Thwack!
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
“Wow, I didn’t know you put so much thought into your training Nova, that’s so cool!” Chiro said.
“What? You thought I just cared about being strong for the sake of it?” Nova asked and Chiro looked sheepish.
“Sort of, yeah…”
Nova moved onto another tree.
Thwack!
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
“One of the core principles of the Power Primate is strength and knowing how to use it, why don’t you give this try Chiro?” Nova asked.
The boy leader looked over at Sparx for answers and the red monkey just shrugged.
“There’s no harm in trying kid. who knows, maybe you’ll find it fun or something.” Sparx stated.
Nova stood aside as Chiro walked over to a tree ripe with fruit and activated Hyper Mode.
“So, I just punch it?” Chiro asked.
“Place your hand on the trunk and push against it, feel the weight of the tree and your own power as they clash,” Nova explained and Chiro closed his eyes and pushed against the sturdy plant. “Let your will guide your attack. You want to hit the tree, you want to knock down the apples. You will knock down the apples.”
“Rrragh!” Chiro roared and landed a solid punch in the center of the trunk.
Thwack!
Thud.
“Ow…” the boy grumbled and rubbed at the spot where alone apple had landed on his head. “You make it look so easy…”
“That’s why it’s called training Chiro, you’ll get it sooner or later. You just gotta practice.” Nova said reassuringly.
“Maybe later, I’m going to se what Otto’s up to…You coming Sparx?” Chiro asked.
“You go on ahead kid, Rainbow should be on her first break for the day so I’m going to see what she’s up to. She challenged me to a race the other day and I sure ain’t backing out of that.” Sparx replied, a competitive look in his eyes.
“There’s no way you’ll win without the Fist Rocket.” Nova taunted.
“I’ve got my rocket pack, don’t I? I still have a chance.” The red monkey stated confidently.
“Yeah, a microscopic chance.” Nova retorted.
“… I’ll see you guys later.” Chiro said and both monkeys paused in their bickering to look at him.
“See ya later kid.”
“Have fun Chiro! Say hi to Otto for me.”