"This is bad, Harry!"
"You think I don't know that, young warrior? These are some of the Matron's closest companions. We can't rightly face them at full strength, else the Matron will become upset."
"Are you listening to yourself? Like you said, they're the Matrons companions. That means they're some of the most experienced ponies when it comes to battle. They may not have the Eye, but they make up for it in many ways."
"Even so, if we fight them like we train with the Matron, there will be no going back."
"We may not have a choice. I don't think they realize the reason we do this. They probably just see us as animals who broke free of our master."
"Hmm... In any case, they don't look like they will be willing to just let us go. All of them carry themselves with battle stances, save the pink one."
"Don't be fooled. If rumors are true, she'll destroy you as quickly as she'll give you a piece of cake."
"Is that so? What do you know of their fighting styles?"
"Only what the Matron has explained. I've never seen them in combat personally. And why are you asking me? You know as much as I do and you're the one with years of experience!"
"I'm just testing you to see how far you've come. You've done well in this little skirmish so far, but these four will be the true test of your mettle. Tell me, young warrior, what do you make of them?"
"Alright... From what the Matron has explained, and based on their stances, I'd say Tiller is likely the strongest of the group. Strongest and toughest. She'll be a pain to take down, and until we can, she'll be a thorn if we try to face the others."
"I agree. She carries herself with confidence, and her pillow is sturdy. What of Lightning?"
"Built for speed and she knows it. She'll strike fast and often, coming in to make an attack before darting out again and repeating the cycle. Even so, she's cocky and rash. Should be easy for someone like you to take down."
"Perhaps, if I have time to prepare for her attack. I'll rely on you for early warning when the time comes."
"Got it."
"Now for Needles."
"Needles is used to finesse in all things, so I doubt she'll make a straight attack. How she holds her weapons only makes me believe that even more. She looks ready to avoid our attacks and fight from range, should we try to close the distance. And if we throw some pillows at her, she'll just deflect them. With six weapons, she has plenty for both offense and defense."
"Agreed. If we are to break that defense, we will have to close the distance and strike with power. What of Surprise?"
"An absolute nightmare. As omnipresent as the air, as sneaky as a weasel, as nimble as a cat, as strong as she needs to be, and as unpredictable as Amalgam. To be perfectly honest, I don't think we could defeat her even if it was just her against us."
"Those are grave tidings, indeed. And I agree with each one. You've done well, young warrior."
"Thank you, but your congratulations don't help here. We're outmatched!"
"It does seem that way, doesn't it?"
"...You've got something planned, don't you?"
"Hehe... As sharp as ever, young warrior. Listen closely..."
Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie examined their opponents. The animals seemed to be having a conversation in their strange language, until finally Angel climbed on top of Harry's head, put his paws to his mouth, and let out an ear-splitting whistle. The four ponies folded back their ears, but the whistle still pierced them even after putting their pillows over their heads, causing them to shut their eyes from the acute pain.
When it finally stopped, and they looked back up, the bunny and the bear had disappeared back into the fray.
"It worked! They were completely helpless, Harry! We could have defeated them then and there!"
"It did work, but such a tactic only works as long as you can maintain it. If you run out of breath, or they manage to block it out, then the tide shifts back to their favor. No offense to your ability, but you are too small to maintain it long enough for me to defeat all four of them, which is why we fled. Do not expect it to work again. We will need back-up if we are to face them."
"Then let's gather the forces and regroup. Right now, we're too scattered to mount a sufficient attack."