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// Chapter XII: I Push Harder (Edited by author) 
// Story: The Great Powers Within 
// by PanzerAsp RD 
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     I awoke the next morning, feeling very sore. I stretched and got off the bed, yawning loudly. I grabbed my sword in it’s sheath, and strapped it to my side. I left my room, and began to walk to Twilight’s room. I stopped myself at the sight of her room.

“She probably doesn’t want to see me right now…” I said, glumly. I turned and walked toward the exit, and as I approached it, a doctor stopped me.

“You shouldn’t leave, you don’t even have your bandages off!” The pony said urgently.

“I’m leaving.” I said as I walked out, ignoring the warnings from the doctor. I walked through town, trying to think of where I could go. I walked out of town and into the green pasture I’d woken up in. The scorch in the grass had healed to the point where you’d never even know it was there. I walked through the pasture, making my way farther away from Ponyville. Eventually, I reached the edge of the Everfree Forest, and I walked in. I remembered how Chrysalis had told me that Everfree bark was super-strong, so I approached a tree and drew my sword. I began to slice at the tree, and practice my form. 

I started to think back to how the young filly from before had blamed me for her brother’s death. I thought about how weak I was compared to Chrysalis, and as I brought another slash to the tree, I felt an overwhelming anger pulsing through me. I hit the tree hard, deepening the scar I’d left. I brought a final blow to the tree, using all my strength. As my sword touched the tree, I saw a blinding red light erupting from my sword’s blade. I stepped backward and dropped the sword, immediately after removing my hands from the hilt, the light disappeared. I stared down t the sword at a loss for words.

“What the fuck..?” I murmured as I grabbed the hilt of the blade and lifted it up once again. I inspected the blade closely, wondering what had happened. I sheathed the sword and quickly made my way back to Ponyville. I ran as fast as I could into town and past all the ponies. I ran inside the hospital, and into Twilight’s room. I had slipped as I ran in, but regained my balance. I stood at the end of her bed, panting heavily.

“Novy, what’s wrong?” She asked with concern. I struggled to get any words out as the pounding in my chest grew. Once I’d calmed down enough to talk, Twilight was ready to listen. I explained in great detail to her the events that occurred inside the forest. She seemed to be soaking up every word, keeping it all in mind as she tried to figure out what had happened.

“Well, can you do it again?” She asked. I unsheathed my sword, and stared at the blade.

“I guess I could try.” I said as I got into a fighting stance. I slashed at the air, pretending it was a tree in an attempt to recreate the event. I thought about what might’ve been the cause of it. I grew frustrated and my slashes became stronger and stronger with my rising anger. 

“GRAH-- Why can’t I do it again!?” I yelled in frustration. Suddenly my sword erupted with red light, I was ready this time, so I didn’t drop it. I stared at my blade as red flames flowed out of it. 

“Oh, sweet Celestia!” Exclaimed Twilight out of shock. “Sheathe that sword before you burn down the building!” As I moved the sword into the sheath, the flames died and were no longer burning.

“This is...exactly what I needed.” I began as I stared at Twilight. “I can bring the fight right into Chrysalis’ castle.” 

“First you need to learn how to control your flames.” said Twilight. 

“I think that my powers are based off my emotions. Both times my sword started flaming I was in frustration or anger.” I informed her.

“Then think angry thoughts, Novy. I hate to say it, but it seems anger is our salvation here. It’s ironic too, because Equestria has always been a peaceful and happy place.” She spoke with a calmness that I was definitely not expecting. 

“That won’t be difficult in a fight with Chrysalis.”  I said. I sat on the end of her bed, and looked at her. “Twilight..”

“Yeah, Novy?” She asked.

“Chrysalis needs to be killed soon, she needs to be stopped.” I said coldly. “And I’m just the man to do it.”

“I usually wouldn’t condone violence, but, Novy, I’m confident in you. I want you to kill her.” She said as she hugged me. I hugged her back and let the warmness of her embrace drive all negative thoughts from my head. As I rested against Twilight I let my eyes close, and eventually fell asleep. I awoke several hours later, still laying against Twilight. She was sleeping, so I got up and left her room. I went into my room, and I drew y sword. I thought about how the flames were linked to my emotions. 

I thought about the day Chrysalis attacked and I watched Twilight getting attacked, a tear formed in my eye, and I felt ready to sob. My sword erupted in flames once again, but this time, the flames were blue. I felt no heat from the blade at all. I stared at the blade in shock. I sheathed it and the flames died out. 

“So, it really is based on my emotions…” I said aloud, but quietly. I wiped my eyes, and sat on the bed. “This is exactly what I needed…”

A nurse rushed into the room and scanned it, taking deep breathes. 
“Why do I smell something burning!?” The nurse asked. 

“I don’t smell anything at all.” I lied. She looked at me skeptically before leaving the room. I shrugged and laid back on my bed, staring at the roof.