//------------------------------// // Chapter 19: Playground of the Dead // Story: A Rift Between Worlds // by Cinders of War //------------------------------// "In you go!" Fluttershy softly pushed the rabbits back into their cages. "All cleaned up and good to go!" After making each animal was in, she closed the cage doors and made sure they were secure. She wiped the back of a hand over her forehead, mopping up the sweat she had accumulated while cleaning the place. Helping out the little animals here always cheered her up. She was just about to go when Trinity folded her helmet over her pink hair. “Trinity?” the shy girl jumped back in surprise. “What’s going on?” “Someone’s calling out to us,” Trinity informed. “I think it’s Nyx, and… Volt? How can this be?” “Nyx! That means it’s Twilight!” Fluttershy gasped with excitement and shock. “She must be in trouble! But… who’s Volt?” "Volt is another friend, but I thought he was in cryosleep with the rest..." "Well, which way to Twilight?" Trinity didn't answer, instead encasing Fluttershy in the rest of the suit before setting off towards Nyx's signal. One street down and she saw a bluish-orange Warframe, carrying a wounded Twilight running towards her location. Some civilians stood on the pavements and gasped, but Fluttershy couldn't do anything about it, and besides, her friend was injured. That was more important right now. "Trinity!" the one called Volt spoke in Fluttershy' HUD. "Good to see you, but we need your work here. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx have been wounded. You must help them." Fluttershy cringed as she looked at Twilight’s wound, literally able to see through the armor and skin. She wobbled a hand forward as Trinity tapped into her energy. Green light began dancing around her arm, heading down to her hand and leaving to Twilight’s body. Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes as the wound began to close up, disappearing into a small scar, which would heal over in time. “T-there… all g-good,” Fluttershy gasped. “She’ll be fine shortly, b-but we should g-get her off the s-streets. People are watching.” “Right,” Volt looked around at the staring civilians. “Let’s go.” He ran past Fluttershy as she started after him. Suddenly, his body filled with electricity and Fluttershy found her legs running faster than they have ever run before. She squealed as she fought for balance at the new speed, but eventually got it, speeding along behind Volt. “W-wait!” she called to the front. “Where are we going?” “It’s alright, Fluttershy,” Nyx entered her head. “We’re heading to the portal. It’ll be safe once we’re through.” Fluttershy nodded to herself and followed. After arriving at the statue, Volt stopped, standing before it. "What now?" he asked no one in particular. "We go through it." Fluttershy stepped through first, disappearing to the other side of the mirror. Soon, the Volt emerged behind her, carrying Twilight through as well. "Woah... This place... Wow. Where are we?" "This is Twilight's palace," Fluttershy told him. "Cool." They got to waking the lavender girl up, calling her name and carefully shaking her. Nyx unfolded herself and stood next to Volt while Fluttershy tried to get her up. Soon her eyes fluttered open and she looked around, realizing she was in her palace. "Hmm? Fluttershy? What are we doing here? The Stalker! He was in school!" "It's alright, Twilight," the Volt bent down. "Volt and I outran it. We're safe for now." "Thanks, Flash," Twilight nodded and accepted his help to get up. "Flash?" Fluttershy asked, looking at the new Warframe. "That's right," he deactivated the helmet. "I was just practicing when this suit walked up to me and folded over me. Twilight told me about the Stalker, so I've decided to help out in any way I can." "W-well... That's good," she meekly said. "We could use the extra help. Right?" "Oh," Twilight remembered. "Flash. You'll need a weapon. I believe the princess left a bunch on the tables here, just in case we needed more." She pointed to a stack of weapons resting on one of her tables. "Right there." Well, alright. A weapon would help." The guitarist walked to the table and inspected the weapons. "What do you think, Volt? I've never really held any of these before. Any favourites?" "I prefer something fast, or light. Maybe a nikana." Volt moved his hand and grabbed a long, thin blade, settled nicely within a sheath. He pulled it out and swung it a few times, displaying its speed and gracefulness. "Still got it. You try, Flash Sentry." "What?" Flash swung the sword a few times, trying to emulate all the samurai and ninja movies he had seen with his friends. “Ha! Huh! Huow!” Eventually he ran out of breath and lowered the sword. “How was that?” Nyx and Trinity looked at each other, then at Flash, then back to each other. “Terrible,” they both said simultaneously. “Your technique is abysmal, Flash Sentry, as well as your aim and speed.” “Don’t get me started on your poor stance…as well as your disregard of respect for the weapon.” "Takes practice, I suppose," Twilight told him. "Don't worry. We all started out like that. Anyway, before Nyx starts to talk about my skills, we need to discuss this Stalker." "It attacked us during lunch," Fluttershy informed her friends. "It w-was very... Scary. Whoever it is... It seems to want revenge against us..." "I had the messages too," Twilight nodded in agreement. "Revenge for killing Vor... But why? Could it be a Grineer weapon against us?" "That is a possibility, Twilight Sparkle," Nyx pondered. "But how they acquired one and convinced the Tenno to attack us, I have no clue." "Umpf..." Twilight stood up on her own, rubbing the pain at her side. "Well, as much as I'd like to figure this out now, I think I need to rest." "Right," Fluttershy nodded, remembering the ghastly wound from before. "C'mon Flash. We'll visit another time." "Oh..." Flash lowered his head. "See you around, Twilight. Don't move about too much." Twilight couldn't hold back the laugh. "Alright, Flash. I'll make sure to get lots of rest. See you for that Valentine's thing." Home Run headed to school, feeling refreshed after a nice shower. His leg was getting better, but he still couldn't push it, forcing him to cycle to school slowly. The Wondercolts had won the game yesterday, earning Home Run's praise and trust in the team, but he made a mental reminder. He wouldn't let his team down a second time. He couldn't allow them to pull him all the way to the finals. He was going to help out as soon as he could. Arriving at the front of Canterlot High, Home Run left his bike at the racks like usual and made his way into the building. He spotted his violet haired friend, walking towards the front doors and decided to join her. “Hey, Rarity,” Home Run greeted as he slowed next to her. “Good Morning, Home Run,” she replied. “How did you find last night’s assignment? Not too bad in my opinion, but it’s still unfortunate that we have to do homework on top of everything else…” “Yeah, I agree,” Home Run said. This time, Vauban hadn’t been around to help him with harder questions, still being repaired in Equestria, which reminded the baseball player. He had to find some time to get Vauban back before the Stalker showed up again. “But what can we do about it? I just hope that thing doesn’t show up at least until I get Vauban back.” “Oh, that’s right,” Rarity gasped. “You still need to get Vauban back from Equestria! You should do it at lunch. Hopefully we won’t get attacked until then.” “Good idea. I’ll have to tell Applejack too. I’ll see her in homeroom,” Home Run planned out. “Everything going well with you? Well-being, Warframe, and all?” Rarity waved her hand easily. “I’m doing quite well, all things considered. I’m more concerned about you, Home Run. You did suffer quite the injury yesterday. And while your body is fine, such a thing can do awful things to the mind.” The words were almost condescending, but an undercurrent of true worry ran under them. Home Run showed her the mobility of his leg. “Almost fine now. See? But what do you mean about my mind?” “Mental trauma, darling,” Rarity said seriously. “It’s a very real risk for those of us on the… field of battle, as Mag calls it. She’s making me talk to her about how I feel every night so all the stress doesn’t stay all repressed in my psyche.” “Ah… I see,” Home Run half-nodded. Mental trauma. He knew exactly what she was talking about, but for a different reason. “Well, I’ll be sure to look out for my mind too. Thanks for the warning.” “Well, good,” The fashionista gave him a warm smile. “We’d best get to class before the bell. See you, Home Run.” Home Run said goodbye before heading for Mrs. Harshwhinny’s class, ready to begin another day of school. "Alright, kids. All of you better listen up, because I'm only saying this once." Mr. Pierce had asked for a gathering in the school gym, and as soon as every student was counted for, he had limped his way up on the stage to relay his message. "As you all know, Valentine's Day is coming up. Principal Celestia and I have been talking and we've decided to have a Valentine's Day dance this Friday, after school. There will be food, drinks, music... Why am I telling you all that? Of course you already know." "Wait..." Applejack thought about it. "Mr. Pierce? Organizing a dance? Somethin' ain't right here." "Yeah, you don't have to tell me..." Sunset whispered. "What if he's under some spell?" "One, Ah don't see who would hypnotize him, and two, why Mr. Pierce of all people?" "Who knows..." "Anyway, kids," Mr. Pierce continued. "It'll be held here at five after school, so find someone to dance with. If you can. That's it from me. You may return to your classes. Education is an important part of all your lives. It'll allow you to make the right choices in life if you understand your work better." On the way back to class, Jetstream had stopped Home Run, putting an arm around him. "Hey, Homey! You excited for this dance? I sure am! Did I ever tell you? I used to be a dance champion back in middle school. You gonna ask anyone? I think I'll be asking Lightning Dust." "That's Lightning Rain's sister right?" Home Run checked with him. "What, he's okay with it?" "He certainly isn't," Lightning Rain intervened, putting a threatening hand on Jetstream's shoulder. "Hey now," Jetstream brushed off his friend's hand. "Why not?" “Because she’s my sister, you casanova!” Lightning Rain said hotly. "Lightning! I'm shocked!" Jetstream pretended to feel faint. "I thought we were best of friends. I'm still gonna ask though. Don't you worry!" The other boy growled. “I’m so going to kick your butt after school.” "Right! Front of school, like always!" Jetstream got into a fighting stance, but stopped after a few mock punches. "Wait, what about you? Who're you gonna ask? Oh! I know! You'll be asking Rose, eh? I'm sure she's already waiting for you to go up to her. Ha!" Home Run was about to ask who this Rose was when his face bumped into something soft. He backpedaled and spluttered, “Oh, my bad, Vice-Principal Luna. Didn’t see you there.” "Hmm...?" she mumbled like she was half asleep. "Right. Yes. Keep up the good work, kids..." The tall woman continued past him, as if she was in some kind of trance. “Wow,” Home Run said as he caught up with his baseball playing friends. “That was weird. Is it just me or is the vice-principal kind of out of it?” Jetstream gave him a weird look, like he’d just bitten into a lemon. “You… didn’t just ask her out to the dance, did you boy? ‘Cause while I admire your guts, you could get yourself in some serious shi-” “No! I wasn’t doing anything of the kind!” "Jets is just fooling you, Home Run," Lightning joined in. "Although, you're right. She does look like she hasn't been getting enough sleep. Ha," he mused. “Maybe she might even agree to go with you, Jetstream. I mean, after my sister turns you down.” “You shut your face!” Home Run and Applejack headed to the portal during lunch, ready to check up on their Warframes. Sunset had written to Twilight for them, getting a quick reply from the princess that they could collect their Warframes now. “So, Home Run,” Applejack started a conversation. “Ya askin’ anyone to the dance?” The baseball player rubbed the back of his head self-consciously. “Ehhhh, I'm not so sure yet... Maybe I’ll just sit this one out. Got a lot on my mind after all.” “Aw, shucks,” Applejack said reassuringly. “Yer not the only one. Between this new Stalker, school, and farm work, Ah barely have a moment to myself. But chin up, Home Run. Might be this dance is what we all need to wind down, kick back a bit. In fancy, frou-frou outfits,” she added, her smile slipping a notch. “Well, maybe…” Home Run slightly agreed. “Any of the others going...?” Applejack shrugged. “Rarity, probably. The rest, well... maybe.” “Huh… alright. Well, if we find time, perhaps we should all go, but otherwise… let’s get our Warframes back.” The two humans walked through the portal, shortly appearing on the other side, still maintaining their forms. “One day, Ah want to see what bein’ a pony is like,” The farm girl said to herself. “See how it’s like walking on hooves.” “I didn’t like it,” Home Run returned to the memory of walking on all fours. “It’s very disorienting.” “Hey, Applejack. Home Run,” they turned to Twilight, who entered the room, still in her pony form. “Here they are. All good to go. One problem though.” “What problem?” Home Run asked, worried for his partner inside. “Some of the suit damages were not repairable, so your Warframes might not work to their best ability,” Twilight looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry. I worked all night on them and we still couldn’t fix everything. I’ve… let you down.” “It’s alright, Twi,” Applejack put a hand on her head. “We heard about your attack from Fluttershy. Ah’m sure it’s hard to get around with an injury like that.” "Thanks, Applejack," Twilight cracked a little smile. "Well, I should get going. Rainbow and Pinkie just came back from a trip. They probably can't wait to tell me all about it. You should get back to school too." Home Run and Applejack waved their goodbyes before heading back through the portal, stepping out into the sunny front lawn of CHS. "So, how about we plan to go for the dance, Home Run?" Applejack asked again. "Ah think Ah'll be there. Rainbow might be there too, believe it or not." Home Run widened his eyes. "The captain will be going? Didn't think she danced." "Yeah, Ah think she'll be goin' alright," Applejack gave him a smile. “Dash never misses chance to show off.” “You think… umm… you think she’ll say yes if I ask her to the dance?” Home Run sheepishly asked after much thought. "Aimin' for the best, eh?" Applejack scratched her head. “Y’know to be honest, Ah ain’t so sure. Rainbow’s always been leery ‘bout these kind of events… Ah think it’s because she’s worried about her image or somethin’.” “Oh… well… do you think I should ask her?” Home Run began to blush. “Well look at it this way. If ya never ask her, you’ll spend the rest of yer life wonderin’ if she’d have said yes or no. ‘Least if you go for it, you’ll have no regrets.” “Wow,” Home Run wore a baffled face, but agreed with the cowgirl. “You’re absolutely right, Applejack. Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it.” "Anytime, Home Run. That’s what friends do. Oh, lunchtime's almost over," Applejack sighed. "Guess we better hurry." "Yeah..." Home Run listened to his stomach growl. "But wait, I gotta check something," he told her, activating a part of Vauban's helmet. "How're you feeling buddy?" "Not as good as I wish to be, but thanks for asking." "How 'bout you, Rhino?" Applejack asked her partner. "Everythin' good?" "Truthfully, no. But I'll manage." "Sorry guys," Home Run apologized, heading up the front steps of school. "We should've been more careful. I really had no idea that sphere would blow up like that." "Oh, don't apologize, Home Run. Before I deactivated, I saw that injury of yours. It looked like it really hurt," Vauban informed. Home Run was opening the door, but stopped in his tracks. "Wait. Will anyone tell me what happened to my leg? I mean, I heard it was bad, but no one wants to explain the details. I still can't run yet!" "If your friends don't want to tell you, I'm guessing it's for your own good. I can safely tell you... It's better that you never saw it." "Man, no one wants to tell me," Home Run kicked the floor. "If it makes ya feel better, Home Run, I never saw it. Reckon it was bad, but didn't see it," Applejack tried to cheer him up. "And, if they say it was bad, just be thankful that ya couldn't see it. Might've been somethin' not worth seein'." "Alright," Home Run admitted his defeat. "Guess I'm lucky. Well, we better go get some food before next period. We got about ten minutes?" The two students lowered their helmets and quickly made their way to the cafeteria, both not wanting to be late for their next class, especially Home Run. He didn't want to be punished by Mr. Discord. Lightning Rain approached the row of lockers where Roseluck and her friends were grabbing some books from. He was about to head towards them but stopped a few inches away, pulling at his shirt collar to air himself. Woah, Lightning Rain. Why are you so nervous? Come on. You’ve known Rose almost all your life. You can do this. He wiped some sweat off his forehead and cleared his throat before approaching the three flower girls. “H-hey, Rose!” he greeted as he stood against the next locker. “Fantastic day today, huh?” “Oh, hi, Rain!” she smiled, waving at him before pulling out another book. “Yeah, today’s a nice day.” She watched him stand there, just smiling at her before finding it weird. “Umm… Can I help you with something?” “Uhh, right. Yes!” Lightning said uneasily. “There is, actually. Something you can help me with…” “Yo, water boy!” Lightning Rain instinctively flinched as Jetstream’s obnoxious nickname reached his ears. “What’s taking you so long?” “H-hang on, windbag!” Lightning fired back. “I-I’m getting to it!” “Yes, Rain?” Rose raised an eyebrow, but giggled at the two rivals’ petty argument. Daisy leaned in to whisper to Rose. “I think he wants to-” “Ssssh!” Lily Valley nudged her friend and pushed her out of the way. “Don’t spoil it for him! Let him tell her himself!” “What?” Rose stood there, waiting for Lightning Rain to talk to her. “Uhh… Rose. I wanted to ask if you… wanted to go to the dance with me,” Lightning forced a smile. Rose paused for a few seconds before hopping up and down and squealing with uncontrollable glee. She eventually jumped up to Lightning and threw her arms around him. “Of course I’ll go with you!” “Awesome,” Lightning nodded, his pale skin turning redder by the second. Soon, they had to part, Rose and her friends waving goodbye to the two baseball players as they headed for their next class. “Great job,” Jetstream smirked, taking out a familiar stick of asparagus and putting it in his mouth. “Almost went as smoothly as when I asked out your sister.” “You did not!” “Yeah, I didn’t. That’s because I actually prepare for these things, y’know?” He clapped Lightning on the back. “Good job anyway. Tell your lovely sister to expect a call from yours truly tonight.” Lightning Rain gawked at Jetstream as they walked into class, resolving to unplug every phone in his house later that night. Suddenly, a movement in the hallway caught his eye. It was a familiar dark shape. One that he had thought he had seen the previous day. A supply closet door swung closed as he scanned the place. "C'mon, Lightning!" Jetstream beckoned from the front of the class. "You're going to be late!" "Just a sec," Lightning told him, slowly walking towards the closet. "Just want to check something..." “Alright,” Jetstream shrugged. “But hurry up!” Lightning Rain headed at a steady pace towards the closet door, slowly reaching his hand towards it. He definitely saw something head into this closet, but he didn’t catch its full appearance in time. It was something dark coloured. He might have been dreaming, but he just had to find out if he did see someone or something. His hand found the handle, and twisted it. Slowly pulling the door back, Lightning looked in to see an ordinary supply closet. He quickly pulled the door open and walked in. “Strange…” Lightning muttered. He panned his head in the small room. There wasn’t anyone or anything out of place in the room. Detergent, mops and brooms lined the shelves and floor, but nothing else. “Lightning!” Jetstream called again. “Alright, coming!” Lightning Rain replied. He stepped out and slammed the door shut, heading back to class. As the door closed, a shadowy figure re-materialized itself, slowly pushing open the door behind Lightning and heading out, still searching for its prey. After history class, Mr. Loregiver had stopped Home Run and the Rainbooms for some questions as the rest of the students filed out of the room. Eclair didn’t make any attempt to move from her seat in the back, still sitting there and waiting for Loregiver to speak. “Alright kids,” Loregiver got to the point. “Just wanted to check if everything’s alright. This Stalker really knows how to fight. I would say it’s on par with Excalibur and I. Home Run, Applejack. Are you two okay?” “Roughly,” Applejack told him. “Still sore, but I’ll manage. Home Run’s who Ah’m worried about.” “Home Run?” Mr. Loregiver looked at him. “I’m fine, Mr. Loregiver. Just gotta lay off putting too much pressure on my leg is all,” Home Run showed him his leg movement. “See?” “Alright, alright, I see,” Loregiver nodded. “Well, I recommend you all head to the dojo for the day. Mainly for Home Run and Applejack. If your Warframes don’t work like they should, then you should still stay out of the fight. Eclair will go with you. Oh, and do take Flash with you. He’ll need the training.” “Oui,” the girl said in the back as she got off her chair. “Mr. Loregiver has been teaching me how do you say… les cordes. The ropes.” “Alright!” Rainbow whooped. “I’ve been itching to take Zephyr for a ride!” “Me too, me too!” Pinkie jumped up and down. "Well, Mirage. Not Zephyr." “Then it’s settled,” Loregiver nodded. “Oh, and do brush up on your techniques, because this Stalker is not going to go easy on any of you. Eclair? Watch over them.” “Bien sur,” the grey-skinned girl nodded. “Come. Let us go. You’ll still need time for your homework after your training.” Twilight and Spike were already waiting in the dojo as they entered, the lavender pony already in human form, waiting within her Warframe. She greeted them with a wave. “Welcome back! Oh, hi Flash!” “Hey, Twilight,” Flash waved, before admiring the new gray world around him. “Some place you got here.” “This is the dojo,” Spike explained, pointing a finger at the facilities. “This is where you’ll be training your skills with that suit of yours.” “Looks tough…” Flash whistled, eyeing the entire setup apprehensively. “No worries, Flash Sentry!” Volt encouraged. “I will teach you all there is to know about being a Tenno! Let’s start with the obstacle course. I’ll take you there.” Volt took over the legs and quickly ran Flash over to the start of the course; Twilight went to join him while the others suited on. Eclair hung back, still in her human form, leaning back against a wall. “You feel any different, Applejack?” Home Run asked as he merged with Vauban. “Because I don’t.” “Can’t say I do,” the farm girl replied, testing Rhino’s mobility. Nothing felt out of place, though she wasn’t quite sure if the suit had weighed this much before the Stalker had attacked. “You guys want to head over to the dueling room?” Sunset asked. “Let’s see how you work in a fight.” “Alright, let’s tango,” Home Run joked, hopping down into the arena. He winced as he landed on his bad leg, but decided to play it cool.“Fists only, or weapons included?” Applejack raised her fists, with her furax’s in them. “Well, either way, it’s fists only for me.” “Sounds good,” Home Run lifted his jat kittag. “Ready, Vauban?” “I’m hoping so,” Vauban replied. “Armor integrity is at 78% of optimal capacity, especially in the areas where the repairs are fresh. I also suspect-cccccrrzzt…. may have sustained permanent damage.” Home Run and Applejack stood opposite each other and waited for the digital countdown to hit zero. As soon as the number vanished, the two Warframes charged at each other, Home Run swung his hammer at Applejack, but his knee buckled mid step and he flew past the cowgirl’s punch. He felt Vauban take over and launch a grenade in front of him, the ball expanding into a disc of energy that sent him sailing up into the air. Sunset cringed as Home Run came to an abrupt halt by smashing into one of the pillars. “Ow,” Home Run groaned, his HUD flickering with static before clearing a moment later. “Ya alright?” Applejack called from the far side of the area. “Yeah. I’m… oohh… I’m fine.” Applejack nodded and motioned for him to come again. Home Run stayed where he was but pulled out another grenade and tossed it towards her. The grenade exploded in the air, creating a small vortex, pulling Applejack towards it. Unfortunately, Home Run’s leg wasn’t strong enough to keep him planted firmed and her was dragged right into the singularity as it ended, just in time for Rhino to activate iron skin and punch him in the chest with a furax. For the second time in so many minutes, Home Run slammed into a pillar and fell to the ground. Although he felt like staying down, Home Run still stood up again, using the end of his hammer to get up. He triggered the jets on the back of the weapon, propelling himself at Applejack. She lifted a foot to avoid it, but curiously it felt as though her leg was stuck to the floor. The jat kittag impacted her helmet in full force and sent her sliding along the ground, shields sparking and flickering, and her iron skin gone. Not to be deterred, Rhino leapt up with surprising agility and stomped on the ground as hard as he could, a shockwave careening around the arena just as Vauban loosed a bastille grenade. Both pilots and their Warframes were lifted in the air, one by sheer force, and the other by the energy of a grenade. “Well... This is awkward,” Vauban analyzed. “Yeah...” Sunset had seen enough. Reaching over, she shut off the combat barriers and the energy dissipated, dropping both students onto the ground with an audible clang. “Wanna call it a draw?” Applejack panted from the ground. The boy nodded, trying to ignore the aches in his body. “... Yeah. Sure.” “I agree,” Vauban seconded. “Home Run, you take over. I think I’m going to deactivate for a while.” “I think you both better stay out of combat,” Sunset fretted. “You two almost killed yourselves in there, and there wasn’t even a single enemy.” “Yeah!” Rainbow added in, landing in the middle of the sparring ring. “That was painful to watch!” “Way to rub it in, Dash...” Home Run muttered as he deactivated Vauban. “Aw, don’t feel bad,” Rainbow amended. “You tried the best you could! Not everyone can be as awesome as me at fighting.” Applejack windmilled her right arm, working out the kinks that had set in during the fight. “That so?” She questioned. “Ah recall Rarity doin’ a lot better than y’all in our first scrap.” “Pfft, Zephyr and I could beat anyone in here! Anybody want to make me prove it?” Pinkie jumped down into the ring and raised a hand. “Ooh, Mirage knows!” Mirage took over and pointed over to Eclair. “Why not challenge her? I have yet to see her in combat. I haven’t been able to sense which Tenno she has partnered with, so I’d like to find out.” A thoughtful grin crept onto the sports star’s face. “You know, that’s not such a bad idea.” She waved at Eclair, who had been watching Nyx and Volt with mild interest. “Hey! Eclair, was it? Want to be my sparring partner?” Eclair pushed her back off the wall. “You want me to challenge you?” “Yeah, that’s right. I figure since you’re one of Luna’s guards, you must be pretty good at fighting, yeah?” Eclair’s mouth tightened just a bit. “That’s Princess Luna, and while I don’t consider myself a great warrior, my combat skills are sufficient to serve as one of royalty’s protectors.” “Sounds good enough!” Rainbow cranked her neck to the side and back. “Come on! Let’s see just how good you are!” “Comme tu veux,” Eclair nodded and joined Rainbow in the dueling ring. The rest of the group gathered around to watch, with even Twilight and Flash taking a break to spectate from a distance. “This is gonna be good,” Applejack whispered to Home Run as the barriers went up. Rainbow stood on one side, fully clad in her Warframe, but Eclair had yet to bring hers up. 3… Rainbow drew her akstilettos, spinning them into her hands. 2… Eclair reached up to a badge on her jacket and gently brushed it with her fingertips. 1… Home Run held his breath as his team captain took aim, fingers on the triggers. 0. Rainbow Dash only managed to get one bullet off before something smashed into her faster than the eye could see, throwing her into the barrier at the crowd. Where Eclair had been standing there was now a smoky miasma of shadow with a single armored fist protruding from it. “Woah!” a few of the kids flinched. “What… just happened?” Pinkie stood there, stunned. As the pillar of smoke began to clear, it became apparent just which Tenno Eclair had chosen. A skeletal frame with a pointed hood and tendrils that hung from the head and shoulders, there was only one Warframe that it could be. “Nekros…” Zephyr gasped. “She’s pretty good,” Rainbow admitted as she got back up. “But are you good enough to beat me?” Zephyr waved her hands, calling forth a barrier of wind around herself. Now no more projectiles would be able to get through. Eclair whipped out a long scythe with a energy bladed tip and got into a combat stance as Rainbow dashed at her, pointing both guns at the guard. The ether reaper spun high and low as the bullets cascaded against it and clattered to the floor. With Zephyr just two steps away, Eclair dropped into a half-kneeling position and hooked the butt of the scythe around Rainbow’s feet, tossing her into the corner in a heap. Rainbow struggled to get up, but managed it anyway, turning back to Eclair. “I’ve still got fight in me.” She blasted herself up into the air before homing down on Eclair as fast as she could. The resulting shockwave knocked the guard back a step, who then countered with a roundhouse kick at Zephyr’s helmet, sending both Warframe and pilot spinning through the air. "Eclair is pretty good at this," Fluttershy mentioned, shocked that her athletic friend was doing so badly against her. "Well, she did get lessons from Loregiver," Spike scratched at his scales. "That and her combat skills from training in the Eclipse guard ought to make her a good fighter." Rainbow landed on her knees, the ringing in her ears clearing just in time to hear a bone-chilling voice broadcast itself in her ear. “Run…” Nekros raised both hands to the sky, dark energy blasting out in waves and striking Rainbow Dash. Though her HUD read it as no damage, the pilot was suddenly gripped by an inordinate amount of terror, as though an icy hand had closed its fist on her heart. “N-No! Stay back!” Rainbow threw her guns aside and scrambled back from the grim spectre of Nekros, who was now walking toward her ploddingly with its scythe outstretched. Her back bumped into the shallow wall of the arena and Rainbow let out an involuntary cry as the scythe arced toward her neck, throwing up a hand in a futile attempt to save herself- “I think that’s enough.” Rainbow Dash cracked open one eye. The ether reaper’s shimmering blade was an inch from her face, its bearer looking down at her with unfathomable depths. Then Nekros withdrew the weapon, stowed it away, and reached out a hand to help her up. "The duel is over, Rainbow Dash," Eclair said with the barest hint of relish. "Time to go." Rainbow still sat there, unwilling to take the hand of the Warframe that nearly gave her a heart attack. It was Zephyr who eventually took Nekros' hand, allowing Eclair to help them up. "Good fight, Nekros. And it's good to see you again. That Stalker is going to have some serious trouble with you around." “Yes…” "Rainbow, are you alright, dear?" Rarity asked as the others joined her in the ring. "What happened to you? I'd never imagine you to run from a fight." "That would be terrify," Mag spoke. "One of Nekros' skills. It instills a sense of unconquerable fear in targets close to Nekros, making them flee and take more damage.” "That's dreadful!" Rarity recoiled. “But I’m glad that she’s on our side." "I guess that's it for today?" Flash asked, lowering his Warframe. "I think it's safe to say I improved. Right, Volt?" “Even a single spoonful of water from a well is an improvement, Flash Sentry. But if you wish to truly be a master of the blade, you must go… faster.” "Ummm... What?" "I think you're getting better, Flash," Twilight told him. "So, we are heading back?" Eclair asked, sheathing Nekros. "I will need to discuss matters with Loregiver." “You guys should probably head back too,” Twilight glanced at Rainbow’s shuddering form. “I think Eclair traumatized Rainbow Dash.” "Pardon, Rainbow Dash," Eclair apologized. "I will exercise more restraint in future engagements.” "It should wear off soon," Fluttershy put a hand on Rainbow's shoulder. "We just need to take her mind off the experience." “Yeah,” Mirage smirked. “Then we can scare her again!”  "Not helping, Mirage!" Pinkie scowled. "Well, who's up for a party? I know I am!"