//------------------------------//
// Intermezzo part 3: Jane's Training 
// Story: Jason's Grand Tour of Equestria 
// by Paradox Theory 
//------------------------------//


The V.V.T Center


Jane woke early, her hand on Clarent.  All through the night, Clarent had whispered to her about all the things she could do, and how her brother had betrayed mankind. 

Eventually,  Jane stood from the bed and proceeded to pull on her new training outfit.  It was a plain green shirt, with a pair of dark green shorts.  Carent's scabbard was attached to her left hip via a belt.  Around her torso was another strap, which carried an untested energy rifle on her back.  As Jane picked Clarent up off the bed, Principatum knocked on the door.

"Jane my dear,"  He called, "Are you ready to begin?"

Jane looked over at her mirror, a sad face with sunken eyes stared back. "I was born ready."  She declared.








V.V.T. Arena


Pirncipatum strode to the center of the arena, deep in thought. His attention turned to the door behind him as Jane swung it open.

.Her mind is shattering. With a little training, and a nudge from Clarent, her mind will break beyond repair.' Principatum thought as he turned to face his new student.

"Are you ready to begin?"  He asked, keeping all emotion out of his voice.

Jane nodded, drawing Clarent from it's scabbard. 





Principatum wasted no time. Already,  Jane had learned the four elements, and Principatum had begun testing her sword skills.

Jane stepped back as Principatum lunged forward with his own sword.

When he steps forward to lunge, roll forward and catch his heel with your foot.

Jane waited; then, when Principatum stepped forward to lunge, she reacted fast as lightning. Rolling under her mentors sword Jane spun with one foot out, catching Principatum's heel. With an oomph, Jane's mentor hit the ground.  Jane stepped over him, leveling her sword with his left eye.

Kill him! Clarent urged, an orange glow appearing on it. 

As Jane raised her sword, a voice rang out across the arena.

I will find a way to save you Jane.  It was Jason. She could tell.

Looking at the stars, Jane answered: It's not me who needs saving.

Suddenly, alarms blared as Susan Botts approached Jane.

"A disturbance has been recorded from the Void, it is getting weaker."  Susan informed Jane, helping Principatum to his feet.

"Then lets tear it open!"  Jane exclaimed, heading for the Rift machine.

Principatum smiled, everything was going according to plan.






Ponyville Square


All was quiet in Ponyville. Spike, who had stayed behind to work at the library, was enjoying a ruby by the statue in town square.  As he happily munched, Spike looked up at the statue.  It was carved of marble, the fine white stone showing no blemish. As Spike ate the last of his gem, he turned away from the statue.

CRACK

Whipping around, Spike noticed a long black crack along the statue. CRACK Followed by another. Several more appeared along the statue, until finally. . . 


KRA-BOOM

The statue exploded. In it's place, a long, black tear remained. And a young human woman stepped out. Running for his life, Spike quickly produced a quill and scroll.



Dear Twilight,
Ponyville is under attack. Humans are pouring out of some sort of tear,
Please respond as quickly as possible.
Your loving assistant,
Spike the Dragon.



With a puff of green dragon fire, Spike sent the note on it's way.  He then proceeded to run to Sweet Apple Acres. 

Looking back, Spike saw fires spreading through town. Screaming and loud noises like thunder filled the air. Spike turned around, dread in his heart, and continued to run.

Ponyville has Fallen.