//------------------------------// // L78 // Story: A little loopy. // by FaelaArts //------------------------------// Sweetie ducked under the fireball, sweat beading down her face as she maintained her balance on the rock in the middle of the pool of lava. The Dragon teenagers hovered around her, trying to find the chance to attack her. Biting her lip, she resisted the temptation to use her magic, keeping the wings on her back poised to take off. The rules for her training were simple; she was allowed wings and a shield, but no attack magic. Sweetie leapt upward as one of them dived toward her, and dove down, avoiding another as she landed on top of the first. The third one, a Dragon named Garble, had guessed her action, and sent a fireball. ‘Oh manure-’ Reacting off instinct, she slipped behind the Dragon she was standing on, watching the fireball pass by. But now she had a face of Dragon to deal with, and the teeth opened wide. Gritting her teeth, Sweetie flared her wings and back-flipped away. Below her, the lava pool began to creep closer. Using her wings precisely, Sweetie managed to steer herself back to the rock, her back slamming into it and knocking all her breath out. As she tried to catch her breath back, all she could do was widen her eyes as the Dragons flew toward her, claws outstretched, victory on their faces. “Stop,” spoke Thorak, and the three veered away. Catching her breath finally, she sat up, and gave Thorak a grateful smile. Grunting, she tried to stand up, and fell back on her flank as her bruises kept her grounded. Casually, she ended the spell keeping her wings. Thorak extended a talon, carefully picking her up in the palm of his hand. “You have done well, these past few days and nights. After nine days, you are able to last nearly an hour before you succumb.” Thorak’s voice had no tone, but Sweetie still looked away in irritation. An hour was not good enough, she had trained super hard for a measly hour? Sighing, ears flopping down, she discarded it, and gave a grateful smile to Thorak. “Thank you for the help, and thank you for rescuing me.” Giving a bigger smile, Sweetie knew if Thorak hadn’t come for her, she would have likely spent days just waiting around in boredom. Levitating out some food from her saddlebag, she began to munch on it, hungry after her exertion. “What will you do now?” Thorak had no doubt that Sweetie was planning on moving on after this Loop. He could see her itch, even as she expended most of her energy to grow her endurance. Looking toward the sky, he breathed in, checking that there had been no changes to the flock while he had been distracted. There hadn’t, which was unsurprising. “Well, I really want to explore Equestria. I’m planning on going to The Crystal Empire next Loop, and then maybe spend the Loop after just flying around and seeing everything.” Smiling, Sweetie marveled at her chance to finally get a good look at The Crystal Empire. Sure, she’d been there before, but not with a week to just explore every nook and cranny. “Very well, I shall give you a lift there tonight, so as to prevent any panic ruining your experience. I do have one request, if you may.” Bowing his head slightly, Thorak motioned over the red teenager Dragon. Sweetie had learned his name was Garble, and he seemed surprised to be called over. “Garble had reached the age where he is immune to the spell, roughly three of your pony weeks prior. I want you to take him with you.” Thorak watched as both glanced to the other, and then looked to him. “What?” “Hell no! I’m not hanging out with a Namby Pamby Pony, even if she’s a pretty good fighter.” Thorak said nothing, merely looking to the two. Glancing toward Garble, Sweetie sighed, ears flicking back as she considered her choices. Either she walked/flew all the way to the Empire, or took a quick Dragon flight. On the others mind, Garble was considering what punishment he might receive if he didn’t respect Thorak’s request. “Alright,” they responded in union, and both shared a glance. Neither was looking forward to the others company. However, Sweetie didn’t mind as much as Garble, considering it would be a new experience. And new was something she thrived on. Wincing slightly, she felt a pulse of pain from her headache. ‘I’m gonna have to strengthen that.’ Concentrating, she did so, and smiled as the pain faded. Thorak gently placed her down, and traced a path to the gray Dragon. Watching them, Sweetie looked toward the Dragon egg, knowing it wouldn’t be coming. While she knew Thorak was disappointed about this, he had agreed she couldn’t carry it across Equestria. “So what is this ‘Crystal Empire’ anyway?” Glaring at her, Garble was in no mood for jokes. Deciding to answer honestly for now, she to gave the Dragon a big bone. “It’s just a city made out of crystal.” Seeing the Dragon’s mouth begin to water, Sweetie giggled, smiling as she watched the sun set.