What would you do to protect what you love. Push others into harms way or even become like the monsters you swore to fight. Twilights journey will find if she can keep human enough to survive.
Thousands of years ago a great disaster broke the balance in this world. Monsters and magic flooded the land, Changing how the world work. One day a group of warriors stood against the tide of beasts, pushing back with magic and courage. They were the first Jaegers. Now years have past and their accomplishments faded into legend but the title and honor of being a Jaeger lived on. This is a tale of one particular person who changed the course of history. For better or for worse.
All characters are 18 or older. Unicorns have horns, pegusis have wings, and alicorns have both.
Twilight couldn't believe it. She had been accepted into U.J.A. The literal best Jaeger academy in the world! Now she knew that she had rightfully earned a place in its ranks but to actually be standing there, looking up at the towering place was a whole other thing to prepare for. As she looked over the structure her mind wandered back to that day that set her on this path.
The smell of blood and snapping bones filled the air as the monster gorged itself on the flesh of the two people it had killed. Tearing chunks out without any struggle as the little girl watched from the closet, tears streaming down her face as she fought to stay quiet. The beast sliced its way across the neck of one of the dead causing the head to roll away and stare lifelessly at the little girl making a whimper escape her lips. The beast's head shot up, looking around before it turned slowly like grinding stone toward her hiding spot. Stalking closer, it's rancid breath leaking out as it sniffed the air honing in on her location. She could see it's eyes shrink as it found her. With a roar it lunged at her spot, ripping the top of the closet off. The girl screamed as she ran out of the now destroyed hiding spot and ran for the door. Bursting it open she cried out into the pouring rain. "Help, someone please help me!" The beast gave another roar, tearing the door and some of the wall off as it charged her. The girl tried to run but fell when her foot snagged on a hidden root. Stumbling on the ground and now covered in mud she could only watch as the beast came closer and closer.
As it lunged at her the girl heard a voice yell out. "Repulse!" A wave of energy flew past from behind her as the monster was sent flying back into the house, taking more down with it. A figure strode past the weeping girl with a staff pointing at the home. The monster charged out again, cuts now across it's body. The figure sighed before raising their staff. "They never die easy." It said, barely audible above the rain as it sent a wave of energy into the monster once more this time sending it into the air and slamming it back down. The figure send wave after wave slowly crushing the monster into a flattened mess. Once the creature moved no more the figure turned to the girl, their eyes glowing from inside the hood.
"Who are you?" the young girl asked while backing away, worried she'd replaced one monster with another.
The figure laughed before removing her hood as the clouds parted and the rain eased up. The face underneath showed a fiery red haired lady with soft gentle eyes full of kindness. The figure stepped toward the girl and rested a hand on her chest. "My name is Lady Cinder. I'm a Jaeger on a hunt. I've been looking for that beast for a while now." The lady said, a small smile crossing her face. "And who are you?" She asked back.
The girl looked at her and back at the corpse of the beast. "Twilight, my name is Twilight." The girl replied.
Cinder smiled. "Where is your family?" She asked. She frowned when Twilight burst into tears, then it clicked. Looking back at the wreckage of the home she sighed. "Too slow." She muttered to herself as she looked back at the weeping child. "Do you have anyone else you can go too?" She asked, reaching out and wiping the tears from Twilights eye's.
"My brother but... he's training to become a royal guard." Twilight stuttered out. "I can't stay with him." She added with more tears forming on he eyes.
Cinder frowned before doing a scan of the girl finding a shocking surprise. "She's full of magic. More then even I have." She thought to herself. Looking the little girl over she made up her mind. "Twilight dear." She started, earning the wanted attention. "How would you like to learn how to defend yourself or even fight these monsters to help others?" She asked.
Twilight wiped the tears away with her mud covered hands leaving streaks of dirt. "You mean stop the bad things from hurting others?" She questioned looking at the woman. When Cinder nodded she thought for a moment before a stroke of courage fell over her. "I want to stop the bad monsters from hurting other and avenge my parents." She said, trying to look as brave as possible.
Cinder smiled before standing up. Reaching a hand to help the little girl up she spoke. "Well then follow me. You'll have a long road but it will have its rewards." Taking Twilights hand they began walking away from the home, Twilight giving one last look to burn it into her memory so she'd never forget it.
Twilight shook herself out of the memory when the bells of the academy began to ring. "Oh no, I'll be late for orientation!" She shouted in a panic, rushing forward into the building. Following the signs she made her way to the arena finding it full of students, some older then others while across from the entrance was a raised section with two familiar woman sitting on thrones. "Woo, are those..?" She never finished as a woman with purple curled hair bumped into her from behind.
"Oh, pardon me darling I didn't notice you there." Said the lady before she stopped and looked at Twilight. "You are new here aren't you?" She asked, eyeing the girl up and down.
Twilight chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head. "Is it that obvious?" She asked.
The lady giggled daintily. "No offense darling but you stick out like a sore thumb and thats not even counting you don't have a marker." The lady said. "I am Rarity by the way. Pleasure to meet you." She said sticking out a hand for a shake.
Twilight grasped it and was slightly shocked at how strong of a grip Rarity had. "I'm Twilight. You wouldn't happen to know where to go would you?" She asked hoping Rarity would help.
Rarity waved her hand for Twilight to follow as she said. "Of course, just follow me. I'll introduce you to one of my friends." She began heading down some steps and turning to one of the aisles as Twilight did her best to follow through the crowds. Once they reach their spot Rarity sat down and patted the spot next to her. After Twilight sat down Rarity said. "This is a good spot as any to see everything and my friend should be arriving soon." As if on cue a tall woman with long pink hair and a butterfly hair clip sat next to the fashionable woman. "Ah, there you are Fluttershy. I'd like you to meet Twilight, she's new here." Rarity said, introducing the two.
"Pleasure to meet you Fluttershy." Twilight said nodding her head at the shy looking lady.
Fluttershy gave a squeak as she hid behind Rarity. "Don't take it the wrong way darling. Fluttershy lives up to her name when it comes to meeting new people." Rarity stated waving away the confused look on Twilight's face. "Oh, it's starting now. Shhhh." Rarity quickly said hushing her.
The arena fell into silence as the two woman on the higher stand stepped forward. "Hello everyone. You are all here for different reasons. For some its for the chance to gain revenge for others it may be fame. You all know who me and my sister are, after all we are the last original Jaegers." The lady with flowing rainbow hair and ethereal wings said, her voice flowing over the crowd.
"Princess Celestia." Twilight whispered. She could feel the power rolling off the warrior.
Next stepped up Celestia's sister who seemed the polar opposite of her as she had darkened skin with a starry sky in her hair. "No matter the reason you are striving to become a Jaeger, you all have been accepted to take part in the schooling of the best academy in the world. We make the best so the world has the best. You will fight, you will bleed, and some of you WILL die, but those that survive will walk out those doors as the new champions of this realm. The new set of warriors to push back the threat of total annihilation and to protect those who can not." She said, her voice booming over the thousands of students.
"And theres princess Luna." Rarity said her eyes never leaving the two.
Celestia raised her hands as energy began forming in the space between. "Today marks the first challenge you all will face. Perhaps even one of the greatest you will ever take." She said sending the ball of energy into the middle of the arena. It began to swirl and change into twenty ever changing faces as the crowd began cheering. "Today there are ten thousand of you. By the end of today there will only be five thousand. You all will be selected at random to fight an opponent. The goal is simple. Win and you may become a student here. Lose and your education here ends. Those that have taken the challenge and passed will be excluded leaving only two thousand five hundred spots left. Good luck and may you live to see the next days sun rise." She yelled over the crowd as the first twenty faces locked into place.
The first set of competitors stood in the middle of the arena. Each waving to the crowd as they cheered. The students were a mix of every race and all looking confident in their abilities. Celestia stepped forward again to shout out, "Twenty of you stand, only ten of you leave. Those that are knocked unconscious or injured too much will be removed by the safety crew's magic and moved to the infirmy." The goal now being set. After Celestia finished, a bell rang signaling the start of the match. A tidal wave of water immediately filled the area, washing away some of the people who couldn't fight it.
"That move just came from lady Aqua of the water tribe." Rarity explained as the fights unfolded.
"Oh, I know this one they are a ten generation Jaeger professionals right?" Twilight said as her eye's took in every detail of the fighters.
Fluttershy peaked out long enough to say "She's one of the most dangerous in that arena. The family is known to be gentle and peaceful, usually helping after a beast is defeated but in the actual fight their known to drown their opponent." Fluttershy softly spoke as the battles continued.
Twilight watched but something or rather someone caught her attention. A woman with neon blue hair was separating the water around her while banging her head to some kind of music. "Who the heck is that?" She whispered as the music started to fill the area. The strange woman had runes running up her arms that glowed a deep blue as circles of energy formed around her moving with the music. Faces of fighters began to drop off as some people failed to repelle the water.
"Fifteen remain!" Shouted Luna, her eyes having almost a hungry glint for the combat that was being made.
The strange woman raised her hands and with a gleeful shout sent the energy disks out across the water. Any that made contact with a person sent that person flying into the air or deeper into the water dropping the remaining fighters to ten. A wave of magic swept through the area, removing all traces of water and separating any fighters that were in hand to hand combat. "The first set is complete. Welcome new students." Celestia said, clapping with the rest of the arena.
"Well that was certainly interesting don't you think Shy?" Rarity said looking to her friend. The faces continued to warp and change as challengers after challenger went through the arena. Soon the once packed stadium dwindled down till there was plenty of room to move.
Twilight was deep in her mind going over everything she saw and committing it to memory in case she faced these people. While thinking she missed the part where her face finally appeared in the twenty slots.
"Twilight." Rarity said to the purple haired lady. "Twilight." She said louder. no response, giving a sigh Rarity breathed in. "Twilight!" She yelled finally gaining the muttering wrecks attention. "You are up." She said pointing to the board.
Twilight blinked. once. twice. "Oh, geez thank you Rarity I'll be back." She said rushing for the prepping room.
Fluttershy leaned over and whispered "Do you think she'll pass?" She asked to the detailed friend.
Rarity looked at the way Twilight had gone with a weird look on her face. "I don't know why but I feel that girls going to rock this school around."
Twilight entered the prepping room to find eighteen challengers. "Wait isn't there wooo.." She started to say before being knocked to the side by a tall, lanky man with green spiky hair. "Hey, be careful where you are going." She complained, straightening back up.
The man looked to her before blushing "Oh, my bad I just didn't want to risk the chance of being disqualified." He said, apologetical. "The names Spike, Spike Drake." He said, sticking out his hand.
Twilight sighed before putting on a smile "Twilight Sparkle. It's a pleasure to meet you." She said before looking around the room noticing some of the other people were eyeing them up. Twilight's mind immediately went to one of the lessons Cinder had drilled into her head. "Lesson 27: Any and all people can be threats. You are an obstacle to them just as they are to you. No mercy. No respite." Her mind echoed the lesson. Getting an idea she turned to Spike. "Question for you?" She asked, looking him in the eyes.
His eyebrow raised at her change in attitude. "What is is?" He shot back folding his arms.
"How badly do you want to pass?" She asked, watching his reaction.
His hands balled into fists as he said "Bad enough I'd risk death." He replied, smoke lightly coming from the corners of his mouth.
Twilight smiled. "I prepose an alliance. You watch my back I watch yours. That way we both get through this and into the school." She said resting a hand on her hip.
Spike thought for a second before looking back at her. "How can I trust you won't just knock me out right away?" He questioned, looking her up and down.
"You can't but if you look around we both look like the easiest targets so everyone else is going to gang up on us." She explained.
Spike opened his mouth to shoot that reply down but after taking a look around at the people who weren't even hiding their scowls he knew that this was his best chance. "Ok whats the plan to survive." He whispered leaning against the wall to look less suspicious.
Twilights smile grew as she laid out what she knew that had to do.
With a plan in place, after the bell rung, the two students stepped out to a cheering crowd. Twilight looked over the crowd to find Rarity and Fluttershy. Spotting them she noticed them talking to a third girl with goofy pink hair. Once that was sorted she got in position near Spike waiting for the signal. They both didn't have to wait long as the princesses gave the signal and the fight began. Immediately throwing up a shield around her and Spike the plan started to unfold as three different attacks landed on the barrier. "Now!" She shouted as she dropped the barrier, leaving an opening for Spike to take a breath and send a torrent of fire out into the field. A man charged through the green flames to stand across from her.
"I am Estaban la Muerto and it is time you di-" The man never finished the statement as a purple scale covered fist connect with his face sending him flying back into the wall of flames.
Spike shook his hand as the rest of his dragon scales folded out. "Man that guy had a thick skull. That kind of hurt." He growled out through sharpened teeth. A magic ward appeared behind him, absorbing a beam of energy sent his way.
"Less talk more fighting." Twilight ordered as gauntlets appeared over her hands. Charging forward across the flames she sent the collected beam back at the mage who failed to block properly sending them into the wall of the arena. Another person charged her with a battle axe, swinging for her neck. Ducking down as the axe flew over her head she sprung up delivering an uppercut to the armored mans jaw making him stumble.
The man shook off the punch faster then Twilight had expected and with a war cry threw one back at her only to have it stop an inch away from her nose as Spike bit down on the arm, crushing the plating. The man screamed but was silenced when Spike picked him up and pile drived him into the ground. "On your right!" He shouted making Twilight turn and catch a leg sweeping for her stomach. With a twist she spun the offending lady in the air before summoning up a giant fist from a magic spell to slam the woman into the ground, knocking her out.
"Seventeen remain!' Shouted Luna in glee, clapping her armored hands together. The crowd was going wild at the display of skill that even Fluttershy was standing and cheering.
The fight continued as a body was flung into Spike sending him to the ground with a yelp. A massive hulking man leaped across the air after the body, landing in front of Twilight. "Puny girl no match for the Boulder!" The man shouted.
Twilight looked at him with a confused look. "The Boulder. Really? Thats the best you could come up with?" She asked with her hands on her hip. The Boulders eyes widened in anger as he swung at her. She dodged to the right as a small crater filled the spot where she had originally been. "Awww, does the wittle baby not like being challenged." she said, teasing the man into a rage. Boulder threw punch after punch trying to hit Twilight who simply stepped or folded around his arms till finally after a throw that left his arm in the ground she ran up it and wrapped her legs around his neck, squeezing them as tightly as she could to choke him out. The Boulder tried to reach her and just as his hand almost reached around her arm Spike ran out of the fire and punched him in the gut sending the last of his air out. The mountain of a man quickly toppled over almost crushing Spike with him. "Wow, some of these people have anger issues." Twilight breathed out after getting off the fading man.
Spike tackled her to the ground as a broken sword flew past them. "Didn't you say less talking more fighting?" He questioned as they got back up to fight. Before either could step forward a bell rang and all the fighting stopped. Blinking their eye's they looked up and saw only ten faces left which quickly made them realize they made it. With a scream the crowd cheered at the conclusion of the battle and Celestia stepped forward.
"My, my, I wasn't expecting this level of skill so soon but this definitely is one of the most intense entry challenges this school has had in a while." She said clapping slowly. "We will take a small break and continue the rest of the matches shortly." She added stepping back into the stand.
Twilight and Spike were busy jumping up and down at the news they made it. "Oh, I'd like you to meet some new people I meet while entering the school!" Twilight suddenly said, pulling away from Spike.
He only shrugged and replied, "Sure, it would be nice to make friends here." As Twilight began dragging him back to the prep room.
Celestia smiled at her sister as the arena emptied for a little. "You felt it as well didn't you." She said happily.
"Oh you couldn't hide that kind of power easy. That girl is going to liven up this school, I can tell." Luna replied, chuckling to herself.
Twilight quickly found the group she was looking for. Still dragging Spike along she ran up to the group but was tackled to the ground by a pink blur. "Wooyou'retheonewhodidthewooshthingandboomandpunchingstuff!" The pink object said like a bolt of lightning.
"Pinkie Pie get off her." Rarity sighed before levitating the now identified woman up and away from Twilight who seemed slightly shell shocked. "Terribly sorry about that darling. Pinkie Pie can get rather... lets say excitable when it comes to new people." Rarity explained with a roll of her hand when she tried to find the right word.
Fluttershy peaked out, ready to further explain until her eyes fell on Spike. With an excited squeak she rushed forward looking him up and down. "I've never met a dragon blood before. Watching your body take the form of a dragon was so interesting. You wouldn't happen to be open to showing me it sometime later for study?" She asked energetically.
"Uhhh sure I don't mind. You're the first person I've met who's interested in it." He replied with a weak chuckle. "Though one question, who are you all?" He asked. This made Twilight perk up as well as she didn't know too much about the people she'd met.
"Oh, oh, let me tell them." Pinkie asked, jumping up and down. "We're part of the group known as Harmony. We have a few more friends but they are busy at other places right now." She said, only making Twilight and Spike more confused.
Rarity cleared her throat before taking a step between them and pointing out places in the crowd. "What Pinkie Pie means is we are in a group called Harmony. It's like a team, for example that group over there." She said moving a finger toward a couple of students doing various workouts or strength challenges. "They are known as the Slayers. The groups made up of some rather unsavory people if you ask me who enjoy the act of killing a little too much." She then shifted to another group of posh looking people. "Those are the Dandelions. I unfortunately was once part of it until I realized just how much of a superiority complex they had just because their families have money." She stated with a grimace.
"Sometimes I feel ya'll still have it." Added a southern voice behind Twilight. When she turned she saw a woman with long, blonde hair in a ponytail. She had on clothes that fitted the southern voice well topped with a stetson. The lady ignored the small glare Rarity gave her and stuck out a hand for a shake with Twilight. "Howdy, the name's Applejack. The residential heavy hitter in this here group." She said with a smile while delivering one of the most vigorous hand shakes Twilight had ever received.
"It's nice to meet you Applejack." Twilight said noticing after a while her hand was still shaking after Applejack had pulled away. Blushing she turned to look at the rest of the crowds. "What about them?" She asked pointing to a group of ten people, all of various styles.
Applejack grimaced and said "Thats the group known as Armageddon. The ten best students in this school. Each one has helped in some way to kill an Omega." She turned to the two new students. "Do NOT under any circumstance fuck with them. You will only regret it." She said, the sudden tone shift causing Spike and Twilights hearts to beat faster.
Spike tried to stutter out "O..omegas. As in the worst classification of monsters." He looked ready to faint.
Twilight thought back to the class Cinder had given her.
"So Twilight, can you tell me the ranking of monsters?" Lady Cinder asked with a gentle smile.
The little girl immediately replied "First are Betas, those are the easiest and weakest monsters that we face. Next are Alphas, They are tougher and usually need a small team to take down or a very strong Jaeger. Then finally Omegas, They are the worst and most destructive. If you are around one, the area must be evacuated and the best of the Jaeger program are summoned to take it down." She looked up to her mentor who was nodding slowly with approval. A question popped into her head. "Lady Cinder?" She started, earning her teachers attention.
"Yes little one?" She replied with a raised brow.
"Have you ever fought an Omega?" Twilight asked with sparkling eyes. Seeing her teacher think for a moment made her lean more forward with curiosity burning through her.
Cinder looked to the little girl she had taken care of and was training. With a serious look normally reserved for when she fought the beasts she kneeled down to her students height. "Yes I have. Pray that you never have to though unless you are willing to lose people special to you." She said solemnly.
The statement rocked Twilight as she had never seen her mentor talk so seriously before. "What do you mean by that?" She whispered out.
Cinder stood up and walked to the door of their study room and opened it, a far off look in her eyes. "Class dismissed." Was all she said, shutting the door behind her.
Twilight was shaken back to the present by Fluttershy. "Wha huh?" She mumbled out.
"Are you ok? When Jackie said they had helped with taking down Omegas you zoned out." Fluttershy whispered in her soft voice, concern written across her face.
"My bad, just remembering something my mentor taught me." Twilight said trying to brush off the worry everyones face carried. A voice called out from above the group making everyone look upwards. A rainbow haired chick landed a few feet away from the group and strutted forward.
"So these are the two new bloods." The woman said with a scratchy voice. "The names Rainbow Dash, fastest Flyer in the world and future member of the Wonderbolts." She bragged with her hands on her hips.
Rarity rolled her eyes before pointing a thumb at the new arrival. "And that is our speedster Rainbow Dash. Try not to let her rub you the wrong way she's always this boastful." She explained earning a frown from Rainbow.
"Hey I'm not that bad!" Dash tried to shoot back but it was obvious from the others faces they didn't believe her. "Bunch of jerks can't take a joke." She muttered, kicking a rock with her foot.
Spike spoke up finally. "Wait the Wonderbolts? You mean the group of Jaegers that specialize in flying beasts?" He asked, a glint of interest in his eyes.
Rainbow puffed out her small chest. "Yep, the very ones." She replied proudly before deflating. "That is if they will actually give me a chance again since the last time I accidentally sent one of them to the hospital after a bad stunt." She added sadly.
A bell went off signaling it was time to return to the arena to continue the entrance challenge for the new students. As the group walked back a blond haired man in a suit and tie pushed past Twilight. "Watch where you are going peasant." The man spat out, glaring at Twilight before his eyes widened. "You." He hissed out.
Twilight looked to the man as a small smile crept across her face. "Nice to see you too Blueblood. Hows that arm of yours doing?" She asked leaning closer to him.
Blueblood shifted his left arm more behind him and spat out "It's doing fine. No thanks to you breaking it." He stormed off back to his group ahead of Twilights.
"Ya'll know Blueballs up there?" Applejack asked with an insult, pointing after the man.
Twilight laughed lightly. "Lets just say the last time me and him trained together he tried to pull a bad move so I countered and snapped his arm." She replied casually as she continued to walk forward leaving the stunned girls and Spike behind.
"Oh she HAS to join our group." Said Rainbow Dash as the rest of the group nodded in agreement that she kicked Bluebloods ass. The Harmony and Spike caught up to Twilight who had saved them some seats. "Who the hell taught you to fight?" Rainbow questioned, getting up in Twilights face.
Twilight pushed her away slightly with a finger. "Lady Cinder did." She replied earning a shout from the surrounding group. "What? Is that a bad thing?" She asked looking at them confused.
"You were trained by THE Lady Cinder? One of the best Jaegers this world ever has seen. She's basically as good as one of the original Jaegers!" Spike shouted looking to the woman who just helped him pass the test in shock. The rest quickly voiced their astonishment but before anymore questions could be asked the bell went off again signaling the start of the matches.
Celestia and Luna watched over the battles each one unique in its own way. Nothing though had the same level of power then the one that Twilight had fought in. "Who taught her?" Celestia asked to one of the teachers near her.
The small and wiry man cleared his throat before pulling up a magic book. "Let's see. Twilight Sparkle, age 21, next of kin is Shining Armor who is captain of the Royal Guard, parents killed by Alpha class monster." The man said reading down the page. "Ah, here we are mentor is... Lady Cinder." He said trailing off in the end as his glasses fell a little bit off his face.
Celestia smiled inwardly. "Oh yes, she'll be more then a little fun." She said turning back to the matches as a girl was blown into the air and smacked into the magic barrier keeping anything from leaving the arena.
Luna happily clapped at the displays of force. She always did prefer the blade over the pen unlike her sister who was the opposite. "What a lovely day for a brawl." She cheered merrily with the crowd as the fight continued to rage on. "This year's students are some of the best I've seen in a long time." She said thinking up new challenges to test their skills to help hone them into the killing force needed to perserve this world.
Twilight and the group were enjoying the show but deep in Twilights head she was watching and learning all she could about everyone who entered the arena knowing one day she'd have to fight them in the academy. "The lady in all black is part of the Wraiths. Ranked number twenty seven in the world as strongest family. Special seems to be a form of phase shifting. Hard counter possibly flood of light to counter darkness." She muttered to herself.
The others just watched in fascination at her detailing. Applejack leaned into the others and whispered "Ya think she might be the one we've been needing when it comes to strategy and tactics?"
"I wouldn't mind her leading us, especially since she was trained by Cinder. That basically makes her like five times better then us and we've been at this school for a year already." Rainbow said in a rare show of admittance that she wasn't better then someone.
Rarity looked around at everyone "I say we scoop her up now before anyone else does. That includes you to Spike." She said catching the dragon boy off guard.
"Really?" He asked looking at them all. When he saw them all nod and smile he replied "Thank you, it means a lot." As they all focused back on the fighting.
For the next few hours the arena battles raged on. Each spectacular in its own way until finally all of the challengers had gone through the trial. The princesses then stepped forward to address the now much smaller crowd. "Congratulations to those that made it this far. From this point onward you are students of U.J.A." Celestia began, spreading her arms out with a gentle smile on her face as her wings stretched a little.
Luna continued where her sister left off. "Some of you come from families well known in this line of work. Others from humble starts hoping to garner the same fame that the more known families have. But one thing you all have in common is the drive and will to halt the flow of monsters that roam our world if not the same strength to perhaps even drive them fully away!" She spoke, driving the crowd into a cheer. "For now you all will head to your new homes here at the Academy. Rest up because once this year begins... there is no slowing down." She added ominously.
The crowd gave one more cheer before heading for the gates out. Twilight and her group of new friends all followed the flow till they got outside to a setting sun. "Man, this years batch of new bloods is great!" Rainbow shouted, slugging Spike in the shoulder lightly.
Twilight looked around before looking at the others confused. "Um question? How do we find our way around here?" She asked, making the others look at her with raised brows. "What?" She asked looking at them all.
Spike raised a symbol on the top of his hand that was now showing up on the others. "You mean you never got your Marker?" He said as it glowed and had images float around him. The others did the same to show what he meant.
Twilight tried to get out a reply but the sudden gasps and kneeling the others did made her look around till she found Luna and Celestia right behind her. "Bah haw waaa ces n lull." Her mouth began to spill out words at the close proximity to the legendary warriors.
The two let out small giggles at the display before stepping close enough to her to lightly shut her mouth. "Open mouths catch wandering flies." Celestia teased at the stunned girl. "Before you ask we are making our rounds to meet the new students in the school." Celestia explained before the others could ask why she was here.
"It's also a good thing we found you first since it looks to us like you don't have a Marker." Luna spoke up stepping over and taking Twilights hand. The nerdy girl gave a blush at how soft the princesses hand was but it quickly faded when she notice the same symbol like the others had start to appear on her hand. "There all set, even gave you a little gift for putting on such a good show in the fights." Luna said with a smile as the Marker flashed and an image of Twilight appeared.
The girls gave various sounds of amazement as Twilight looked over the image. "What is it?" She asked, curiosity overpowering her worry from being so close to the Jaegers.
Celestia made an image of herself with her own Marker. "It's a level two Marker. There are five in total each with its own function but back to this. It lets you see any damages you may have from a minor cut to full on missing limbs. Think of it as your own personal care taker. Great for when you are out in the field and you see blood but don't know exactly how bad it is." She explained before shutting off hers. With a pat on top of Twilights head she and her sister passed the group with a call over their shoulders. "Can't wait to see what you all do!"
The group looked at themselves in stunned silence till Pinkie Pie spoke up "Oh, let's get you to the dorms so you can get settled in. Then I can start planning the welcome party!" She said excitedly, bouncing up and down as the group shook off the shock.
The group made their way to the dorms stopping every now and then to point out a structure to the two newbies. "That's the gym over there." Rainbow spoke, pointing to a large oval shaped building with various courses around it. "They have all the equipment and tracks you'd need to cover all the styles and cultures in the school. It's also where I have the fastest record." She said with a puff of her chest.
"Over there is the cafeteria where they make the best food ever." Pinkie said next, pointing to a strange multilayered building with smoke coming out from the various chimneys.
When they finally entered through the doors of the dorm both Twilight and Spike were shocked at what they saw. A wide open center that rose above the twenty story high building. Students mingled around with some even giving friendly waves or hellos to the group as they passed by working on getting their stuff sorted. Staff either flew, ran, or teleported in and out of the main area carrying luggage or supplies to the various floors. A cloud floated past the group with a griffon blood and pegasus blood playing goldfish. "This place is amazing." Whispered Spike as he walked out into the center and craned his head up to see the top. A large multicolored ceiling let in a kaleidoscope of color into the building from the fading sunlight. "Wait, how do I find my room?" Spike suddenly asked, realizing his Marker wasn't showing his room.
Rarity walked over to an ever shifting wall and tapped a spot at eye level. Typing in his name pulled up a small file that she gave a flip through. "Let us see... Oh, look's like you are with Fluttershy actually." She replied when she found his room and the name of the other member popped up.
Both gave a blush that they would be sharing a room with each other. "Oh my... I forgot they started making the rooms co-ed." Shy softly spoke when the two looked to each other.
"How about me?" Twilight asked walking up closer to the wall and giving it a tap once room opened up from the other students leaving. Typing in her name she quickly found her file and room. "Hey, who is this Tempest Shadow?" She said earning a shout from the rest of the Harmony group other then Spike.
The girls quickly rushed over and pushed Twilight to the side with a small shout as they looked over her details before turning their heads slowly towards her. "It was nice knowing you sugar cube." Applejack said mournfully, taking off her hat and placing it over her heart as she looked down. The others gave equal looks of sadness as if she was already dead.
"Again, going to ask who is this Tempest Shadow?" Twilight asked.
A voice spoke up behind her "That would be me." A almost bored voice replied making Twilight turn around to see a tall, muscular woman with a scar over her right eye and messy half mohawk head of hair. "So you're my new roommate. Hope you can last longer then the other shit for brains they tried bunking with me." She said walking up to the nerdy girl and looking her up and down as if searching for a weak spot. She gave a small hum as if seeing something mildly interesting before leaning to the side to look at Twilights cowering friends. "Mind if I steal your little buddy here?" She asked them making the group nod vigorously. She looked back to Twilight and made a follow me gesture as she turned to walk up a set of stairs.
Twilight did her best to keep up though that wasn't too hard considering everyone did their best to move out of Tempest's way. "Um, Nice to meet you. I'm Twilight Sparkle." She said trying to break the ice but Tempest just turned her head enough to make a shushing motion as they continued walking. Eventually they reached a door near the top that had her and Tempest's cutie marks.
Entering the room Tempest closed the door behind them and leaned against it with a heavy sigh. "Sorry about that." She said the boredom gone from her voice. "I saw you're fight and wanted to talk to you anyways. This kind of just makes it easier." She said putting on a small smile as she moved past the slightly confused Twilight. "I know you have questions so ask away. Oh and hope you don't mind me changing real quick." She added. When Twilight gave no complaints she started to lift her shirt to show a scarred upper body from who knows how many fights as the mysterious woman put on a baggy shirt. Slipping off her pants next showed toned and strong legs also marked up with a firm ass that made Twilight blush and look away quickly. After she slipped some sweat pants on the woman crashed on a bed and turned to Twilight waiting on her.
Twilight edged her way more into the room before slowly taking a seat on the bed across the woman. Taking a breath she collected herself and got her questions in order. "Well the best one to start with would be who are you?" She asked.
Tempest tapped a finger to her chin before leaning back and staring at the ceiling. "My name is Tempest Shadow although thats not my real name." She began, putting up a hand to stop Twilight. "No I won't tell you." She stated making Twilight droop till she added the next part. "Though that doesn't mean you can't earn it." Making Twilight perk back up. "As to who I am more specifically I'm the leader of the group known as Armageddon." She continued, pausing to see Twilight's reaction.
Twilight cocked her head to the side. "Does that mean you are the number one student?" She asked, her curiosity rising.
Tempest was a little taken aback at how casual this woman was taking the news. "She must know that means I'm one of the most dangerous people in this school. Yet, she isn't scared." She thought to herself as she nodded and said "That's correct. It also helped lock my spot in when I helped take down an Omega class. Everyone of the big ten has but mine was a special case." She continued to explain. "Which reminds me do you know about the ranking system in here?" She asked Twilight.
"Uh well I can guess there is one for students if your group is comprised of the ten best students in the Academy." Twilight took a guess. When Tempest nodded and rolled her hand for Twilight to continue she started to think on what else there could be. "Let's see from what I learned before coming here the ranking not only shows who is the best but also provides some benefits in the school and outside on field missions." She added.
Tempest gave a small clap as she sat up on her bed. "Bingo cutie." She complimented making the nerd blush. "Basically the higher your rank the better gear, mission choices, and recognition you gain. For example since I'm the number one that means I can help in S-ranked missions, you know the ones that usually involve massive amounts of monsters or even Omegas. But to help with that I also get access to S-rank gear like this." She said, stretching out a hand as a serrated blade with a demonic eye in the middle appeared making Twilight whelp.
"What the hell is that thing!" Twilight shouted, pointing at the blade as Tempest gave it a few small swings.
"I call him Soul Cutter. Isn't he cool?" She asked pushing the blade closer to Twilight who did her best not to scream as the eye looked around before focusing on her.
"Wh...What else is umm there to know?" Twilight stammered out.
"Oh, right!" Tempest said, making the blade go away. Let's see what your rank is." She added as a wall of faces and ranks appeared next to her. Twilight saw her mark shining as she scrolled through the screen. "Ah ha, here you are. Looks like you're already rank D." She stated, pointing out Twilight's face and rank.
"Isn't a D failing?" Twilight questioned as she looked over her score with a worried look on her face.
Tempest gave a small laugh before scrolling further to show ranks E and even F. "Nah, See most newbies start around here but because of how good you did your ranks already sitting pretty. Now of course it's no S-rank but you could get there." Tempest encouraged. "On to the next part as well. See there's not just person ranking but also group ranking as well. Mine is obviously the top because its full of the ten best people. It's averaged out based on your groups individual peoples score so the higher everyone is the higher your group rank will be." She continued to explain while pulling up Harmony's rank.
Rank E
Everyone but Twilight was rank E or even lower which shocked her. "Don't tell me their group was rank F before I joined." Twilight said putting a hand to her face in embarrassment.
"Bingo" Was all Tempest said as Twilight let out a moan of annoyance. "Ahh, don't feel down. Everyone has to start somewhere." She tried to say soothingly to the annoyed woman.
"It's not that. I'm going to have to train these people so much just to get them to average." Twilight shot back making the powerful future Jaeger's eyes widen a little at the determination mixed with annoyance in her roommates voice. "But another question for you. Why did you act the way you did in front of everyone but so nice to me when we got inside the room?" Twilight questioned as she looked to the woman with the scar.
Tempest looked around before motioning Twilight to come closer. Once she did she put her lips near her ear to whisper. "It's all an act." Making the nerdy girl lean back and look at her weirdly. "Ok not fully but mainly yes an act. See I was never or rather I still am not very good with people. Also every other roommate I've had has been some snob or rude asshole but I've read your file and seen what you can do so I'm giving you a bit of trust here. But yeah it's easier to act like the tough bitch I can be then how I normally do as I get burnt out of social contact quickly." The woman said sheepishly.
"I'm going to have such a weird time here." Twilight thought as the last of the sun faded away and the lights came on.
The two had talked for a few more hours until finally it was time for bed. Twilight changed into a pair of shorts and tank top, crawling into her bed she shut off her light and said her goodnights to Tempest who returned it in equal share. She expected to dream but found nothing till the morning where she saw Tempest standing over her already clothed and shaking her. "Wha huh?" She mumbled out trying to remember where she was.
"Come on. We have to get your gear before class starts. Trust me you need this." Tempest said walking over to her roommates closet and grabbing some clothes to throw at her.
Twilight rushed out of bed to the bathroom and got cleaned as fast as she could, stopping for a moment to let the water wake her up from her sleepy state. Stepping out the cold room sent goosebumps across her skin as she dried off. Putting on the clothes Tempest had grabbed she did a look over herself in the mirror. Still damp hair with a highlighted streak across it, dark purple leather jacket with metal band shirt that read slasher, black jeans and her old combat boots. Peeking out she let her complaint air to Tempest. "You literally chose all the pieces to make me look like a punk rock member." She said in annoyance.
Tempest gave her a look over before shrugging. "Eh, look more like a badass so you'll fit in better. Now come on we have to hurry!" She said grabbing Twilights wrist and rushing down the hall, stopping every now and then to see if the coast was clear. "Remember how I said I act the way I do to make sure people don't get to buddy buddy with me?" She questioned looking over her shoulder at the punked up Twilight.
"Yes. What about that?" Twilight asked looking over Tempest's shoulder to see down the hall.
Tempest leaned back to look at her roommate. "If we are seen I have to act like you are just following me or that I don't know you. Very few people know how I really act and those that do understand the importance of not spilling." She explained with a fireball appearing in her hand that looked like a screaming soul on fire. When Twilight gave a gulp and step back she continued. "But it's also known that those that reach a high enough rank I start to 'notice' if you will." She said making quotation marks.
After that brief discussion the two continued out into the open and across one of the many paths to a large building with various different sized chimneys spewing smoke into the air. Stepping inside hit the pair with a wave of heat along with the sounds of armor and weapons being made. A small dwarf walked up to the two, wiping his hands on a dirty rag. "Well if it ain't the scare queen herself. Who's the little lassie you brought with ya." He said in a surprisingly high pitched voice.
"Hey there O'mally." Tempest said, shaking hands with the dwarf. "This is Twilight. Twilight, this is O'mally one of the best weapons and armor maker in the world." She explained, stepping to the side so he could get a look at her partner. "He's also one of the people I told you about that knows the real me." She added when Twilight looked between them weirdly.
"Ho ho ho silly girl, what she really means is I'm THE best weapon and armor maker there is. I make the stuff you need to kill omegas lass." He said puffing out his chest.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Twilight said, reaching a hand out for a shake but instead had herself pulled down lower by the dwarf who was looking over her arm.
"Prefers hand to hand, heavy magic flow I see hmmm. What's your type of weapon?" He suddenly said while walking over to a bench with plans scattered over it.
The two followed him as Twilight spoke up. "I prefer gauntlets and runed armor to help focus my magic." She looked over the mans shoulder which wasn't to hard with how short he was. "Um, what is this place exactly?" She asked making the man wheel around to her suddenly.
"Why you're in the Forge. At least level one of it." He said, grabbing up the plans he walked over to an arch with runes etched into it. "This here is level one of the Forge. There are four levels exactly, this is for those ranked D to C. Next is the volcanic Forge which is for Rank B, then Heaven and Hell Forge for rank A, and finally the Abyssal Forge for those ranked S." He stated as he continued past the arch to a workbench and fire pit. "Show me what gear you got already." He ordered with a tap of a hammer on the table.
Twilight pulled out her arm pieces and put them on the table. The dwarf looked them over while humming. "Not bad for basic stuff, not great either though." He mussed before raising his hammer that was glowing with blue runes. He brought it down with a crash on top of each piece making them shine and change.
Twilight picked them up when he stepped away. What once was originally just basic steel and leather had changed to a purple tinted metal with minor gold lining in the edges. Slipping them on she felt the sudden stable feeling like she could put more magic in her punches without breaking them. "What...how?" She started to say but was cut off by the dwarf.
"What being I made them better and as for how because it's me that made them better." He answered smugly as Tempest started to drag Twilight away.
"Thanks again O'mally!" Shouted Tempest as the went out of the door, waving to the dwarf who gave a small salute back.
The pair walked into the class building to see it still mostly empty of people. A few were around but once they caught sight of Tempest they made themselves scarce. "So let us see what classes you got." Tempest said pulling up Twilight's file. "Hm Homeroom, Physiology of Monsters, Gym, Magical Combat, Physical Combat not bad. What else? Oh Alchemy." She muttered as she sent the magic screen over to Twilight.
As Twilight looked over her schedule she notice Tempest was in a few of them. "Huh, looks like we will be seeing a lot of each other." She said pointing it out to the woman. The bell started to ring signaling it was getting close to the start of the first day of school. The two rushed to their first class. Finding seats apart Twilight couldn't help look over her newly upgraded gear. "What if I do this?" She thought to herself as some of her magic started to flow into the gauntlets, seeing the magical symbols across the surface give off a gentle glow.
A hand slammed down on her desk scaring the woman's focus away. Looking up she saw it was Rainbow dash who had a look of suspicion on her face. "Are you the real Twilight?" She questioned, getting close to Twilight's face.
"What the hell do you mean real Twilight? Of course it's me." She replied offended.
A hand gently tapped Rainbow on her shoulder making her turn and see Fluttershy. "Rainbow you know that rumor about Tempest replacing her roommates is fake." She said soothingly. It did the trick as her multicolored haired friend gave a 'humph' and sat down next to Twilight. "How went everything Twilight?" Asked Fluttershy, taking the other seat next to her.
Before Twilight responded she could feel Tempest staring at the back of her head. "Well I could definitely see why everyone is scared of her." She said with a nervous laugh, hoping no one would pry further. An idea to get them away from Tempest popped into her head. Looking between the two she asked "So when were you guy's going to tell me you all are so low ranked?" Causing the two to flinch away and look everywhere but at the questioning friend.
Rainbow let out a chuckle while Fluttershy squeaked out a response. "We didn't want to scare you away from being our leader." She explained. "When we learned you were trained by Cinder and could beat up Blueblood we kind of forgot to really mention it." She added, hoping Twilight wouldn't be to angry at them
A huge sigh escaped the magic user. "Let me be clear, I have never lead anyone before and just because Cinder trained me does not mean I'm that great." She started, causing the pair to droop down in defeat. "But!" She continued making them straighten back up again. "That doesn't mean I'm not willing to try just know this. After school we are all going to meet up and I'm going to see what you all can do." She finished with a dark chuckle that made them shiver slightly.
A voice spoke up from the front of the classroom. "Enough chatting everyone it is time to get started on your first day of school." A light pink haired woman said, clasping her hands together. "My name is Miss Cheerilee. I'll be your homeroom teacher for this year." She explained with a happy smile on her face as she looked over the classroom. "Normally I would say we all introduce ourselves but most of you already know each other from last year or have enough status that you are known before you arrived to this school. So instead I'll have each of you stand when I say one of the following goals most Jaegers strive for that you align yourself with." She said, walking up to the board.
"Fame." She started with making about half the class stand up including Rainbow Dash.
"Fortune." Came the next prompt as more students stood including Tempest.
"Glory." She added making the rest of the class but Twilight stand up. Twilight's eyes widened a little when even Fluttershy stood up at that one who could only look at her and sheepishly shrug.
"Hm that appears to be all... You there, Twilight was it? Why haven't you stood up?" She asked after scanning over the crowd and seeing her still sitting.
Twilight saw everyone looking at her with a mixed array of faces. Some with confusion, others intrigue, one or two of disgust. Giving a sigh she stood up and said. "Because I'm doing this to protect those that can't." A murmur swept through the classroom.
Cheerilee's smile dropped at this comment. "Hmmm, it's been a while since we've had a selfless Jaeger." She thought to herself before putting back on her smile. "A noble goal indeed. I do hope you impress and fulfill that goal." She said, gesturing for everyone to take their seats again. The class continued on going over what is to be expected in the classroom or answering any questions till one caught Twilights.
"How do I get higher in the ranking system?" Asked a large man in slightly straining clothes that were stretched across his muscles.
"That's Thunderlane, he's a Pegasus like me and Shy." Rainbow whispered to Twilight.
Cheerilee clapped her hands at the question. "Excellent, good thinking. For those new we have a ranking system but to climb higher there are a few things you can do! One being that you take on bounties or missions. Another being scoring high on challenges or tests here in the school. Finally the one most of you will probably try at least once is combat." She explained, the last one making people sit up straighter or lean forward. "Before you all start throwing weapons and magic around listen and learn. Let us say you are rank B and you wish to get to rank A, first you must be within the top twenty of rank B so challenge anyone you need to get to that level then from there you may challenge any of the bottom twenty Rank A. Beat them and you fill in that slot and everyone below you shifts down one so the scale is always shifting for you to do work. But know this that if you are in rank F and you get shifted down off the list... then you are expelled." She finished making a few students gulp.
The bell began to toll, signaling the end of the first class. Packing up what little everyone brought the students separated to head to their other classes. "Hey Fluttershy, it looks like we have the same class for this next one." Twilight said, putting away her schedule.
"Oh my... Follow me I'll take you to the right classroom." She whispered. Taking turns in the halls till Fluttershy opened a door to a room with an open top that had criss crossing bars over it. A grizzled black man with a raggedy beard sat atop a small mountain of shaking crates and boxes, sharpening a knife. "Hello Mr. Roads." She said politely, walking up to the dangerous looking man.
A single eye focused on her followed by a shout of joy. "Miss Shy! So good to see you again. Glad last year didn't scare you off my dear." He shouted, jumping off the crates and hugging the woman in a bear hug. "And who's this little lady?" He asked turning to Twilight. "Wait don't tell me!" His loud voice carried over the room making some of the other students look at them. "You must be that girl who put on such a great show during the entrance exam uh Twinkle was it?" He asked.
"Twilight." She corrected.
"I knew it!" He shouted again slamming a fist into his open palm. "Well pleasure to meet you. Let's get this class started, everybody to the higher floors please!" He yelled to the crowd. Once everyone was in their spots he continued from his position in the caged area. "Welcome to Physiology of Monsters or as some of the older students affectionately named The Pit. This is where you'll learn all about the little beasties we hunt and fight against. Learning how to spot weak points in armor or how certain elements or weapons do more damage, for example!" He said, clapping his hands together. A door on one of the cages opened and out pounced a small dog like monster with two heads. "This would be a beta. They are the weakest in the scaling of the monsters we fight." He explain as the monster charged him. Pulling out the knife he had been sharpening he stepped back causing the monster to miss and with a quick stab downward severed its spine, killing it in one go. "Now can someone tell me the full scale of monsters?" He asked looking around at the bewildered students.
Fluttershy raised her hand and once Mr. Roads nodded at her she spoke up. "There are first the betas which are the weakest of the monsters but you always tell us to never underestimate any level of monster even the weakest," She started with making the rough looking man nod for her to continue. "Betas usually aren't too dangerous by themselves and if enough regular people fight back they can be taken down but most travel in packs to make up for their lack in strength. Then there are alphas who are higher in the scaling usually the math goes for ever twenty betas that equals a weak alpha but this also rises up to even a thousand betas to one alpha." She said taking a deep breath before continuing. "Alphas are always reserved for a Jaeger or team of them since they are much tougher to take down. Finally there are omegas which are the worst of the worst. There's no real math to help understand the scope of how strong an omega is as no one has been able to successfully measure it. Only the strongest Jaegers like the princess or some in the high council can take on an omega by themselves and even then it can be a challenge is its a older one. Most need a team of the best to fight them and also most of the time at least one Jaeger will die." She said taking one more breath. "That's also not counting the area as most reside in places that boost their powers and also can fly, swim, or walk on land." She finally finished and sat down.
Mr.Roads clapped his hands before addressing the class. "Remember this and know that my goal is that by the end of this class you all can not only see what a monster would be either beta, alpha, or god forbid omega but that you can survive the encounter with them. Some of you know about the group in this school known as Armageddon." He said, looking at the classes varied expressions. "Each one of them in some way has helped take down an omega but one thing to know is they did not do it alone or were the main ones doing damage. To those of you that live long enough in this job to face an omega, pray you have freaks of nature by our standards like them or that there are enough of you to fight it." He said, his voice more sober.
With that harsh reality placed on them the bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Packing up their bags Fluttershy asked what her next class was. "Gym is next on my list." Twilight replied as she took her book off the elongated desk.
"Oh that means you'll be seeing Dash and AJ then." Fluttershy said, perking up at the information. "You already know how to get there right?" She asked.
Twilight nodded her head. "Yeah I already know. I just hope it's not too extreme of a first day." She replied as the two walked out of the classroom. Giving a wave they parted and went to their next classes. On the walk there Twilight saw the familiar form of Applejack walking down the hall with a duffle bag over her shoulder. "Hey AppleJack!" Shouted Twilight, hoping to get the farm girls attention.
AJ turned on hearing her name to see Twilight struggling to push through the crowd towards her. "Howdy Twi! How's your first day of school going so far?" The tall woman asked.
Once Twilight was close enough she breathed a sigh of relief at making it to her target. "So far so good. There's so many different characters around here it's hard to register them all." She answered as the two continued walking. "Oh and Fluttershy said you and Rainbow Dash have gym next as well" She added, making the woman nod.
"Yep, you too? Follow me I'll lead you to the changing rooms so we can get ready. They should already have your clothes ready by now." She stated. As the pair walked she asked a question. "You told some of the others we'd be meetin' to train and see what we could do right?"
Twilight nodded. "Yep, if I'm going to be leading you guys then I need to know what you all can do and where your limit is at. That way I can think up plans on how to improve you all and push those limits further." She explained as the two made it to the large building outside. Stepping indoors and taking a hall to the right the two went through another door labeled women's room to reveal a locker room mixed with an armory. Applejack nudged the nerdy girl and pointed at a sign on the wall. It had a list of all the girls in the class's names and a number next to it.
"The number is your lockers and to unlock them just put your hand on it." Applejack explained as she went over to her own.
Tempest pushed past Twilight, bumping her slightly to the side followed by another girl with hair feathered like a birds. "Watch it dweeb." Snapped the second woman as she passed by.
"Gilda cool your jets." Ordered Tempest as she unlocked her locker door. Gilda gave a 'humph' and went to her's as well. Twilight and Tempest looked to each other. One set with questions the other telling to hold off on them.
Twilight looked back to the list and found her locker number. After a bit of walking she found she was next to Tempest. "Well this is going to be awkward." She sighed, moving over to stand next to Tempest, she could already feel some eyes on her wondering what will happen next. Opening her door she whispered over to Tempest as she took off her shirt. "Sorry if this is ruining your image." She apologized.
Tempest didn't respond for a moment making Twilight think she was ignoring her till finally. "It's not your fault. Honestly it's nice, I get to see how good I am at deceiving." She said with a small smile cracking through the facade.
The two spoke no more as they finished changing and moved to leave the room. Tempest tapped Twilight's arm and when the girl looked to her she merely put a finger to her temple. Twilight couldn't understand until suddenly it clicked. She spoke out in her mind. "Mental link?" She asked.
"Yep." Came Tempest's voice inside her head. "Now we don't have to worry about being seen talking. How good are you at multitasking?" She asked.
"I can read ten books at the same time." Twilight said, hearing a hmm in her mind. "I can talk and work on other things if that's what you are looking for." She continued making Tempest chuckle in her mind.
"That will do." She said, drawing out of her mind.
The group of women moved out of the changing room into the open field. It looked like what you'd expect a sporting building would. Tracks across various courses, some with moving objects or obstacles, others that tested your skill or strength. All the students gathered and mingled till a yell could be heard above them. Looking up revealed a large object falling to the ground that once it landed sent rock and dirt flying into the air. In the now wagon sized crater stood a man wearing pelts and bent metal along with a bull shaped helmet topped with sharp horns. "LINE UP MAGGOTS!" Came the booming voice of the man. Everyone rushed to get in order as the man stomped out of the crater. "WELL ISN'T THIS THE WEAKEST GROUP OF FAILURES I'VE EVER SEEN!" The man shouted as he marched up and down the lines.
"Hey, I'm rank A in the listings." Whined a young looking guy next to Twilight. "I'm not weak." He continued.
The large man whipped around at a speed that shocked a lot of the people there to glare at the boy who just called out. "Do you know who I am?" The man's voice spoke eerily quiet as he stepped slowly towards the boy. When the boy shook his head he got right up to the young students face and shouted. "I AM IRON FUCKING WILL! THE COMMANDER AND FORMER GENERAL OF THE TERA ARMY!" Spittle flying out from the helmet to cover the young man's face who could do nothing but drop to his knees and shake at the force of the monster of a man's voice. "YOU!" He shouted pointing to Twilight. "WHAT IS SOMETHING I HAVE ACHIEVED?" He asked.
Twilight felt every eye on her as she racked her brain for an answer. "You lead the battle of Moscow with the assistance of twenty Jaegers against an army of alphas. During which you killed five hundred within the first hour and held back the army as the rest of the Jaegers retreated to the second line to set up an ambush." She spoke once one of the lessons Cinder had given her reached her mind.
"OUT FUCKING STANDING! GLAD TO SEE MY WORK IS RECOGNIZED!" Will shouted, slamming a hand on the back of Twilight almost knocking her over. "FROM THAT EXAMPLE KNOW YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF A MAN THAT KNOWS STRENGTH, THAT KNOWS POWER, THAT KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE AN IRON WILL!" He continued to shout, pausing to let out a boisterous laugh at the pun. He dropped his voice once he stood in front of all the students once more. "My job is to train you sorry pieces of meat and help you build the strength needed to go toe to toe with any beast we face." He said. Looking around he saw mixed looks of determination and fear. "NOW START RUNNING!" He screamed making everyone sprint for the track.
As Twilight ran AJ and Dash came up on either side of her. "How's our great leader doing?" Asked Rainbow with a smirk.
"Ah don't push her Dash I'm sure she can keep up." Teased Applejack.
The nerdy girl grunted and picked up the paced, easily followed by the other two. Slowly the trio went faster and faster, passing the other students till all three were in a full blown sprint running around the track keeping neck in neck. Iron blew his whistle signaling for everyone to stop and walked up to the three heavily breathing girls. "Good job ladies hope you kept some energy for the rest of the class." He said with a cruel smile creeping across his face. Pointing upwards he ordered Rainbow dash to start running the aerial course, she took off quickly so as not to get yelled at. He then pointed to to the ground coarse making Applejack and Twilight straighten up and move towards but Iron caught Twilight before she could leave. "Oh no you don't. I got special orders on what you're to do." He stated, pointing a hand to where Tempest and a few other people were standing.
Once she made it there the same girl she had seen at the arena yesterday with the neon blue hair spoke up. "Yo, like what are we doing then?" She asked. The rest of the group mumbled their curiosity as well.
"You all will be testing how strong your magic is." Simply said Iron Will as he stomped a boot down. Various sized balls of metal popped out of the ground next to the large man. "These all range from ten pounds to three tons. Each of you will take a turn going to each one up the line and lifting it to the same height as your head, got it?" He explained. Once he saw no one had any questions he pointed to the neon girl. "Vinyl, you're up!" He ordered, stepping to the side.
Vinyl clapped her hands as a aura of the same color as her hair appeared around her hands. The ten pound ball rose easily enough as did the twenty and so on till she reached the five hundred pound one. Giving a few grunts she raised it to the required height before letting it drop with a thud on the ground. "Holy shit it that thing huge." She wheezed out, stepping back in line and whipping the sweat dripping from her brow.
Next stepping forward was the woman known as Aqua that Twilight had learned about at the test yesterday. She went through the weights easily as well making it all the way to the first ton ball. She struggled with it almost making it to her head but dropped it just short of the goal giving a frustrated yell. "I was so fucking close!" She shouted, stomping back into line.
The line continued with varying levels of success till it was Tempest's turn. All other students had finished their runs and were now watching the more magically inclined students test. Everyone was silent, waiting to see what the number one student could do. She began to effortlessly lift all the weights up to the ton. Reaching her goal she took a moment to breath before focusing on the two ton ball next. Grunting and cursing it began to rise and rise almost reaching her head but as her nose started to bleed from the exertion Iron gave a shout making her lose focus and causing the ball to crash back down to the dirt. "Why'd you distract me!" She complained as he walked up with a rag and wiped her nose.
Showing her the blood he addressed the class. "I will push you all hard and break your limits but I am still your teacher and don't need you hurting yourselves from overexertion. Got It?" He said looking over everyone before handing the rag to Tempest. He turned his attention to Twilight and spoke "Your turn new blood."
Twilight swallowed her fears and stepped forward taking deep breaths. She could hear a few of the students pointing and whispering about her. "Ten bucks says she doesn't even get to five hundred pounds." One said. "Look how weak she looks there's no way she'll even reach the average." Came another. Clenching her fists as a small flame of anger welled up inside her she began to focus throwing each ball up to the needed height before moving on to the next one. "If someone says to fail, succeed just to piss them off." Came the tried and true advice Cinder always gave her. The fire grew in her as she continued to effortlessly lift each weight reaching the ton pound ball in no time as everyone started to gasp in amazement. The ball flew up easily and she moved one to the two ton, no challenge. Finally the three ton was all she had to face left and with a small grunt focused her magic the same as she had done the others causing the ball to lift off the ground. Stomping a foot to the side to get a better stance the ball rose higher and higher as the students around her began to shout in astonishment at the display of strength till finally the ball reach her head and kept going all the way above her. Giving one last grunt of concentration she let the ball drop, denting the ground as she stared directly into Tempest's eyes. Delivering an unspoken challenge to her.
Tempest nodded her head and spoke in Twilight's mind. "Come and get it." She shot back.
The group was quickly silenced when Iron Will stomped in front of Twilight. He practically blew out steam from his nose making everyone think he was pissed but then suddenly a smile split his face as he slapped Twilight on the back. "OUT FUCKING STANDING!" He shouted in his booming voice. "IT'S BEEN YEARS SINCE SOMEONE HAS LIFTED THAT BALL! YOU LITTLE SHRIMPS COULD LEARN A THING OR TWO FROM THIS GIRL!" He shouted at the students as the bell rang, showing the end of class. As Twilight turned to head back to the changing rooms Will spoke up to grab her attention. "Hold it right there missy." He ordered, making her turn.
"Yes, Sir?" She asked confused.
Iron Will stepped in front of her and handed her a ball of bronze like metal about the size of a base ball. "Here. These are awarded to those who can lift the three ton." He said. On seeing her look of confusion he explained "Think of it as a mini version of the weight you just lifted. Feels light and easy to carry but you put even the smallest spark of magic in that thing and BOOM! All that weight blows out of it."
Twilight's eye's widened at the info. "Thank you sir. I'll be sure to bring it with me in case I ever need it." She said with a bow before turning to rush for the changing room. After getting cleaned up and back into the weird punk outfit Tempest had grabbed for her she walked out the door with Dash and AJ. "I got magical combat next so I'll see you two later." She said with a wave as the two watched her leave.
Applejack kept the smile on her face till Twilight rounded the corner. "Holy cow is she a best." She said, looking to Rainbow she saw the girl already walking away. "Hey wait for me!" She shouted chasing after.
Twilight followed the map to her next class. Stepping inside showed a room similar to the pit though this time with various different glowing runes floating around in the air. "Huh, that's a lot of magic cancelling spells." Twilight remarked to herself.
"Better to have them and stop you all from flinging fireballs willy nilly I always say." Came a cheerful old mans voice.
Turning around Twilight couldn't believe her eye's. "Sta- starrr.. star swir..." She began to shake and mutter out. The old man put his hands behind his back and patiently waited for her brain to reboot. "Star Swirl the bearded!" She finally got out in complete awe.
"Glad to know some of your rambunctious kids still know about me." Star Swirl chuckled to himself as he walked by the stunned Jaeger in training, waving a hand for her to follow. "You got here a little faster then the others so why not fill your curiosity." He said making the Twilight let out a gleeful squeak.
"I'm your biggest fan! I've read all your books, my personal favorite was your study into the collection and release of magic. It helped me better control my magic when I started to practice it." She began making the elderly man laugh. When he motioned for her to sit and continue she practically dropped into the seat. "Are you the teacher for this class? What's your next study on? What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything!?" She asked each one getting more and more ramped up.
Star Swirl began to bellow with laughter at her excitement. "OH boy I'm going to like having you in my class. Yes I'm your teacher, the powers of the monster we hunt, and forty-two." He listed off, casually answering each question. Students began to walk through making the teacher stand back up. "Looks like we will have to cut this chat short." He said, walking to the center of the room. Once everyone had taken their seats along with Twilight finding Rarity in the room he addressed them all. "Hello, welcome one and all to magical combat. In this class you'll be taught tips, tricks, and all manner of ways to burn, scorch, vaporize, soak, drown, and kill the monster we hunt. Along with other magical spells and incantations to give you all that edge in the field and outside." He explained with a wave of his hand making various little elemental storms appear around him.
"Ugh, why do I even need to take this class I know how to use magic properly." Whined BlueBlood from the back of the class room. "What could you possibly teach me old man?" He asked, kicking his feet up on to his desk.
Star Swirl let out a small chuckle at the insult. "Would you like to know? Here come on down and stand on the circle over to the left." He said, pointing to the small battle stage.
BlueBlood huffed before standing and walking over to the spot. "Now what?" He asked, annoyed as some of the students around started to mutter between themselves.
"Now I'll have someone who knows what I can teach fight you." He simply said walking over to Twilight's desk and tapping it. On seeing who Star Swirl had chosen to fight him Blue Blood began to protest.
"What do you mean? She can't fight me that would be unfair!" He cried, pointing to her.
"He's right." Twilight said making the others look confused as some had been in her gym class and seen what she could do. "I've already beaten him multiple times. It wouldn't be a challenge." She stated, a few of the students around started to laugh out.
Swirl wagged a finger as her chair pulled out from the desk with her still on it. "I know. That's while you will not fire a single bit of magic at him. You will simply raise on the shields I had created against his attacks. If you are so well versed in magic mister Blood, this should prove an easy task to break through the barrier." He said as Twilight got out of her seat and walked to the circle opposite of her opponent. "Succed and I'll give you an A+ for the rest of the year and even bump up your rank on the leader board. Fail though and you'll have to shut up and listen to what I have to teach." He added making BlueBlood gulp.
"Ready?" Asked Twilight as she pulled her magic to create a multi-layered shield that pulsed with magic. A look of boredom washing over her face.
BlueBlood gave a snarl at how she was acting towards him. "You have no right to talk to me peasant!" He shouted as he launch a fire ball directly at the shield. When Twilight didn't even flitch he growled in anger, launching two more. Still nothing. "Raugh!" He shouted in anger as his horn began to glow, shooting a beam of blue energy at the shield he kept it up for almost a minute before bending over to breath heavily. On looking up he could see Twilight with her arms crossed still with that taunting look of boredom on her face. A blood vessel began to bulge on his neck as rage flooded him. "She thinks she's so much better then me because Cinder trained her. I'll fucking show her!" His mind raged as more and more energy began to store in his palms. Pointing them outward towards her, he let out a screech of anger as the magic shot out from his hands, splitting up to strike at the shield from every angle. The stage was ripped to shreds as he continued to yell and curse her name. Falling to his knees from the drain of power he looked up and gave a smirk in victory. "There's no way she blocked that." He said out loud.
The class was silent as the smoke and debris cleared. "That all you got Bluey?" Came the teasing voice of Twilight still standing in a pristine barrier. "I thought by now you'd have learned a new trick since the last time I beat you." She said making the shield drop and walking for the steps out of the stage area.
"Look's like you still have things to learn mister Blood." Star Swirl said with a mirthful chuckle.
"No...no no NOOO!" Blue Blood screeched as he shot a bolt of magic at the now unshielded Twilight. "I won't lose to a peasant!" He shouted as the bolt of energy carrened for her.
Twilight turned and with a flick of her wrist made a small protective ward on her hand and lightly batted the blast to the side, making a sizable hole appear. "Still too slow." She shot back at him as the bell rang, snapping the students out of their shock at the display of power from both parties.
Rarity was a giggling mess at the show knowing they had made the perfect choice picking Twilight as their leader. "I'll finally be able to get some fame from this job." She said, looking around with a blush at the students around her that were giving her weird faces. "Ah hehehe whoopsie." She said, sinking into her seat.
With the display of magical prowess finished Twilight headed for her second to last class, she was quickly caught leaving the door by Rarity. "So you really ARE a powerhouse aren't you?" She asked while eyeing up the nerdy girls outfit. "Also what on the god's green planet are you wearing?" She added with a grimace.
"Hello again to you too Rarity. I'm doing just fine thank you for asking." Twilight replied sarcastically before continuing. "I was in a rush to get ready for school early so I just grabbed the first outfit I had and thank you for the compliment." She said, lying about the outfit as she didn't want people knowing Tempest's secret. Lucky for her Rarity bought it though she didn't know whether to be proud that the lie matched her or annoyed that it matched her.
Rarity hummed as they walked to their next classes. "After school let's take you to get some real clothes darling." She finally said after some thinking.
"Oh no you don't. First I'm testing all of you guys to see what you can do. You all forgot to tell me how low ranked you all were." Twilight shot the idea down and pulled up the secret they had kept from her making the woman flinch and let out a nervous laugh.
"Ah ha ha haa... You found out about that did you." She said a small blush of embarrassment creeping onto her face. "Listen we would have told you...eventually... it's just we wanted to make sure we didn't lose the chance of having you." Rarity explained but stopped when Twilight waved a hand in dismissiveness.
"I know Fluttershy and Rainbow already explained it to me but I mean it. After school we are meeting at the gym." Twilight ordered as the two parted ways to their next class. On the walk to her class she saw the familiar green spiky haired head of one Spike. "Hey dragon boy." She teased as she got next to him making him jump in surprise.
"AHH! Gods I hate being snuck up on, come on why would you do that?" He whined to the bent over, laughing woman.
"Hahahahahaaaa! Oh man you should have seen the look on your face. Hoo priceless." She said wiping a tear from her eye as she moved past him, grabbing ahold of his sleeve. "Come on I saw your name in the list of students for physical combat. We don't want to be late." She said, dragging the young man with her.
Soon a pink haired blur ran around them with a happy giggle. "Hiya Twilight! Hiya Spike! What's the rush for?" Pinkie Pie asked, running along side them.
Spike spoke through his dogged breath. "Running for physical combat." He explained as they drew near.
"Wowie zowie thats my next class too. Oh you guys are going to love the teacher he's real fun!" Pinkie Pie replied excitedly as they made it in to the class just as some of the students were sitting down. "Hi Sir Doctor Mr. Fancy Pants!" Exclaimed Pinkie as she moved closer to the elevated stage where a handsome and strong built man in a well tailored suit and tie was directing students.
"Ahh Miss Pie. So good to have you back in my class once more. Did you practice that technique I taught you last summer?" The man asked in a posh but welcoming voice. He stepped off the stage and patted the quickly nodding head of Pinkie Pie, stopping when he saw who was behind her. "Well, I'll be if it isn't Lady Sparkle." He asked stunned, walking around the ball of energy to get a closer look at Twilight.
"Pleasure to see you again Mister Pants." Twilight said, bowing to the man as he gave a small chuckle.
"My dear, I thought I told you to just call me Fancy." He replied back to her as he shook her hand. "Though I already know what you'll say. We agreed that you would call me Fancy and I wouldn't call you Lady Sparkle." He added with a warm chuckle that Twilight couldn't help join in. "My my it has been a while since we last spoke. Good to know I can still help you in your training. Actually come to think of it would you care to be my example for what people can learn in my class?" He asked with a small smile.
"I'd love to but I don't exactly have any weapons other then my gauntlets." Twilight said with a shrug.
"I can fix that." Pinkie pie said walking to over to a wall and pushing in a brick, an assortment of weaponry swung out from a hidden section. She quickly took hold of a large war hammer that had been painted bright pink and yellow. "SQUASHER! you're still hear!" She shouted, cuddling the large weapon of destruction as if it was a pet.
The bell tolled, signaling the start of the class so Fancy Pants gave one more offer to Twilight. "Up to a show?"
Rolling her eye's she walked over to the wall and after a bit of scanning selected a pair of miniature scythes that folded to fit at the hips and could be combined to make a large double ended staff. She stepped up onto the stage and waited for further instructions, her hands lightly floating just at the grips of the weapons.
Fancy Pants stood next to her and turned to address the classroom. "Hello everyone to physical combat. Some of you have had this class before and know how I do things but for the lets say uninitiated in this class you will learn how to fight like proper Jaegers, think fast on your feet, and adapt to any situation no matter how big or small." He explained much to the excitement of the students. "It's also where you might learn a trick or two that will help you challenge a higher ranked student to help you take their place." He added making everyone straighten up. "Always the same to get their attention." He thought with a small chuckle before continuing. "My friend here will demonstrate a small bit of what you could learn in this class and from me." He said, gesturing to Twilight who gave a small wave.
With the introductions out of the way Fancy stepped off the stage and placed a hand on a pedestal. Charging a bit of magic into it a projection of armored man appeared with a classical sword and shield combo. Twilight didn't move as it appeared until it started stepping to the side, circling her. "Right handed, carries the shield higher to guard face and upper body. Possible point's of attack could be sweep legs and drive while it's down or hook shield away and attack with new opening." Her mind spoke, running over possible plans to find the best one. Once her mind was set all in a matter of a second she drew her blades and rushed the fake opponent. It raised it's shield to cover itself but Twilight leaped over it with a flip to land behind the enemy and with a flick of her wrist sent a blade into the underside of the enemies arm, cutting off the leather strap keeping the metal in place. Fancy spent the time explaining each move she made to the student's detailing possible counters to them or how it gave her an edge. Ducking as the projection turned to swing at her head she stuck out her left arm to sweep the enemies leg. The opponent fell with a large clang as she followed up with both blade sinking into the neck of the image killing it. The students clapped in amazement but then gasped as another enemy showed up behind Twilight with a large claymore, swinging downwards at her head. Some students even flinched and looked away fearing her death with how engrossed they were in the fight but looked back at the cheering of the others who still watched.
Twilight, sensing the imminent danger, let go of one of the handles to summon her gauntlets and caught the blade, stopping it an inch from her head. "Come on Fancy I'm not that easy to trick." She complained much to his humor, pulling the other scythe from the dead images corpse with a sickening sound. Attaching the ends quickly she ripped the now full double bladed scythe from the body, sending a streak of fake blood across the stage and with a twirl, jabbed an end into the enemy behind her breaking right through the armor. As the body dropped she straightened her back with a few pops and walked off the stage. "Hope I didn't set the bar to high." She said to the clapping of the students.
"My dear you simply showed what they could learn. I do hope you all were listening as well since eventually each and every one of you will end up on that stage." He added much to the mixed excitement and fear of the students.
"Umm Mister Fancy Pants?" Asked a student with freckles and a dark skin tone. "Can those magical projections kill?" She asked to the sudden quieting of the class.
"Well my dear simply don't let them get the chance and you'll never need to know." Fancy replied cryptically making more then a few students gulp. The bell started to ring showing that class was over so Fancy Pants clapped his hands together and shouted after the leaving body of Jaegers in training. "Make sure to practice what you learn in here every day and I'll see you all tomorrow with more lessons!"
Spike and Pinkie Pie rushed to catch up with Twilight. "I knew you were good but I didn't think that good!" Spike asked in shock. "Is that some of the stuff you'll help us learn during training later?" He asked.
"Yep." Was all Twilight said with a light smile knowing they had no clue to the chaos they's be run through. "Got to go. Got alchemy last!" She said, running for her final class of the day. Walking back outside she moved ever closer to a strange building that looked like a mix between a greenhouse and garden with an assortment of strange and exotic plants and animals milling about it.
Tempest walked up next to her and cleared her throat. "So having a good first day so far?" She asked, keeping a neutral resting face as they walked, her eye's scanning for anyone that might see them together. She had a few tears in her clothes that Twilight chocked up to the more dangerous classes.
"So far so good. What do you know about this last teacher?" Twilight asked as they neared the weird building.
"Her names Zecora, she came all the way from the Zebrica apparently. She used to be a shaman but felt her skills would be better suited teaching the next generations of Jaegers. Just... Try not to laugh or stare when she talks ok." She warned as they moved through the doors into the class. Moving their separate ways as to not draw suspicion they each found a spot in the noisy room since there weren't any seats.
Twilight looked around till she found who she could only assume was the teacher, bent over a large black cauldron stirring the pot, throwing different ingredients in every now and then while mumbling some language over it. She had a hourglass figure with large breasts and ass that were covered in tattered and stained cloth that seemed ready to break at any moment. On top of her head was a grey and white mohawk, her neck and ears were decorated with gold rings. Twilight could hear a few male students and even one or two girls talking about what they wish they could do to her or hoping the rags fell. "Uh amateurs." She muttered to herself focusing on the teacher who looked to be finishing what she was aiming for.
"To live and fight those that scare, one must be willing to take a dare." Zecore said in a rhyme making a few of the students let out chuckles. Throwing in a handful of seeds that made the room start to fill with a green, nauseating smoke she spoke out. "Boil, toil, and bubble. Find the cure to stop this trouble." She commanded, pulling a rag to cover her mouth and nose while drinking a potion as a student passed out. Panic started to fill the room as some tried to open the door but found it locked.
Tempest's voice filled Twilight's head. "She threw in a manticore claw, dread seeds, and a mix of croaking powder and copper shavings."
"That's the combination for green fog!" Shouted back as the lesson Cinder had taught her on alchemy came to mind. "Quick find me some kissing petals and hawk beaks. I know how to stop this." She ordered Tempest.
"Already on it." Came the reply as Twilight began looking for her needed ingredients. "Where can I find a sagging pea pod and floaters tears." She asked herself, looking over the room. On spotting the needed pieces she rushed over, collecting them as fast as she could then moving to meet Tempest at the cauldron. "Ok First the tears to slow the effects, then the pods and beaks." She listed as the lesson came to her. "Finally the petals!" She cried, feeling the dangerous smoke take effect.
Tempest threw in the last piece making the smoke turn a light blue. The air began to become crisp and clean around them, even some of the students stopped panicking to see what had caused the sudden change in setting. A single clapping set of hands could be heard that made Twilight and Tempest look up from the now neutralized threat to see Zecora remove her mask. "I applaud your quick reaction, you solved my test, not a simple task then." She said in her strange way.
"Please tell me this won't be every class?" Asked Twilight which earned a laugh from the strange woman.
"Fear not little one, the monster plays only once and done." Zecora stated making both students give sighs of relief. "Students young and new, learn from this so that you may see day two. Alchemy is a powerful thing, but play with it and it very well might sting." She warned as the class finally ended making a few students at the door fly out when it unlocked.
Tempest and Twilight looked to each other and gave sighs of exasperation at the chaos that is this schools curriculum. "I'll see you back at our room." Tempest said in their minds, heading for the door.
"Right, time to test how good Harmony is." Twilight whispered to herself as she to left the classroom and headed for the gym.
The girls and Spike had gathered at the gym but found Twilight absent. "Where is she?" Asked Spike, looking around the area hoping to spot the new leader of their group.
The other's couldn't help but shrug as none of them knew either. "If this is just a waste of time to get back at us for not telling her our ranks then that will rather rude." Remarked Rarity, filing her nails.
A portal opened up next to spike making everyone jump. Nothing could be seen through it but an inky sky with stars dotted around it. As Spike leaned in to look closer a giant fist lunged out of it, pulling him into the swirling magic and closing up before he could even shout. The others screamed in shock and protest, taking up defensive positions. A high pitched scream could be heard from above revealing Spike falling from the sky, a portal closing behind him. Rainbow dash spread her wings and took of like a bolt of lightning for Spike, dodging to the side to avoid a portal that opened in front of her. More appeared making her push her skills to dodge each one as she approached her teammate getting more sporadic and closer to her position. Catching Spike she turned with a flip to now head to the ground, the portals still following her making her change her course.
On the ground the others watched until Flutershy gave a scream as a hand wrapped around her waist, dragging her into a portal below. Applejack lunged for her, their hands just missing as the portal closed. Standing back up another one appeared, launching the shy woman at the farm girl, knocking both to the ground. Both got up only for a hand to knock Applejack away further into the field while a second hand pinned Fluttershy to the ground.
Pinkie and Rarity stood back to back their eyes scanning the field for anything that might attack them. A fist came flying from the side for Rarity but Pinkie tackled her to the ground, the air above them rushing by from the fist. Two grabbed them off the ground and began to juggle them in the air, struggling to make heads or tails of which way was up.
This continued on for ten minutes, wearing them all down as they tried to dodge the portals and magical hands attacking them. Eventually they were all thrown into a pile, one on top of the other, all breathing heavily. A single clap was heard, the portals and fists disappeared and Twilight marched forward with a stop watch. "You all died within ten seconds of the test, your corpses were played with, your lives lost by not being prepared." She listed, walking around the pile of tired bodies. "Get up we are starting again." She ordered walking back to her starting spot.
"What do you mean starting again!" Shouted Rainbow dash as she got out of the pile. "How are we supposed to fight that stuff." She complained.
"You aren't" Twilight replied coldly. "You're to survive." She stated making a shiver run up their spines. "You wanted me as the leader. You all hid your ranks from me, Spike you are allowed the exception." She add, earning a thumbs up from the dragon on the ground. "But you all want to become great in some way and I can't help you if you aren't honest and trained so simply put, each of you will be trained till you can beat me." She explained as more portals and fists surrounded her with each sentence.
"Twilight darling don't you think we should rest first before we jump back into this?" Rarity asked, cringing away when Twilight turned her eyes onto her.
"Will the monsters give you rest?" Twilight shot back as the tools of her training descended on them. The test continued till finally they were thrown into one more pile. She clicked the top of the watch and glanced at it. "Better, you all made it to thirty seconds before dying." She said, turning and walking away from them to stand at one side of the field. "Next test!" She shouted across to the worn down students. "Each of you will take a turn using your skills to cross this field, trying to reach me! Use magic or weapons whatever you need to do it just give me your absolute best! Pinkie Pie! You're up first!" She finished yelling once they stood up.
Pinkie Pie stood across the field, facing Twilight while the others moved to the side. Twilight snapped her fingers as the landscape rose or twisted into different terrain. Once everything was in place Pinkie pulled out a warhammer from her hair to the confusion of both Spike and Twilight while the others had become used to the strange woman. Charging forward with a battlecry the crazy girl leaped over pits in the ground, flipped over objects thrown her way, and scaled the larger segments with ease. That is till Twilight began to throw blasts of energy at the approaching woman. Pinkie Pie dodge hits and those she couldn't would just bat back with the hammer. One bolt made it through, knocking her to the ground with a rush of air leaving her lungs. She got up quickly, pulling out a small hand held cannon, firing shot after shot with a pull of a string to send projectiles back at the new leader. Soon she made it close enough to bash the cannon against Twilight's shield making the woman drop them.
"Good job Pinkie Pie!" Congratulated Twilight, clapping her hands together with a smile. "We could work on your aim and keeping a grip on your weapon but other then that you made great time." She lectured.
"You think so!" Pinkie shouted with a bubbly smile on her face, skipping over to where the others waited. "Hey Fluttershy, why don't you give it a go this time." She asked, walking up close to the shy girl and giving a small push to help get her moving.
"Oh ok... I'll do my best." Muttered Shy as she walked to the starting point, shaking like a leaf in the wind as Twilight stared at her from across the way.
Twilight cupped her hands to help carry her voice over to Fluttershy. "Just breath and try to get to me. You can do it, imagine theres a small little critter that needs your help over here." She instructed. It did the trick since Fluttershy immediately perked up at that, summoning a bow with a quiver across her lower back. The test began soon after, a surprise for everyone was how quickly Fluttershy moved across the field or sky. When a object was thrown at her, she would send an arrow flying to strike the target down. When the ground shook to knock her over she took to the air, weaving threw the circles Twilight made for her to fly though, sending arrow after arrow into anything that blocked her path. Even when a tree was thrown her way she knocked an arrow into the same spot over and over, cracking the tree in half to let her fly past. Eventually she landed right across Twilight who was laughing lightly at the sudden blush on the shy girls face. "Fantastic work there Shy, I couldn't do better myself. We can work on your speed and path finding to help you arrive a little faster but other then that you did great!" Twilight cheered while patting the woman gently on the back. "Pick the next person for me okay?" She asked as the woman moved to where the others stood with stunned faces.
"Um, Applejack would you like to try next?" Fluttershy asked, glowing still from what she had done but happy from the compliment.
Shaking her head clear AJ stepped up to the line ready for her turn. An axe with a hammer at the opposite end twisted up from the ground. Vines and treelike bark started to wrap around her body creating an armor layer. Once ready she took off each step like a loud boom against the ground. Picking up speed till she was in a full sprint, slicing tree logs and boulders hurled at her. Leaping into the air to dodge a multiple object throw she twisted in the air into a ball, spinning for the ground. Closing in on the ground the axe flew from her rotating form to slice into the ground causing roots and plant life to burst from it creating walls that deflected everything Twilight threw at her. That is until Twilight charged up a fire blast and shot it towards her approaching form. Applejack summoned her axe back to her and slammed it into the ground as line after line of apple trees grew to take the hit of the blast. The fire burned through each one slowly dying out till the last one just before Applejack stopped its approach. AJ took ahold of the still smoldering tree, ripping it from the ground with a grunt of effort. Lining her shot up the farmer let the tree fly forward, chasing after all the way to the finish line, making it splinter in a smoldering explosion of burning wood against Twilight's shields. Breathing heavily AJ looked up to her trainer and gave a week smile. "How's that for a country bumpkin?" She asked, laughing weakly.
Twilight smiled and patted the farm girl on the shoulder. "You did wonderful. Few earth types can use magic so that's a welcomed surprise. I think I know a few techniques to help you grow that talent." She spoke, letting the Jaeger in training catch her breath.
"Granny did say I was a miracle for the farm with how quick I could grow trees. Let's see what you can do miss high class." Applejack said after her breathing calmed down, turning her attention on Rarity.
Strutting up to the line Rarity drew a rapier followed by a dozen crystal like needles floating around her. The test started once more with the terrain shifting to that of a rocky area. Rarity let a small smile touch the corners of her lips, walking forward on sure footing that amazed Spike and Twilight as she had heels on but moved as if the ground was even and smooth. Shaking off her minor shock Twilight began to send blasts of magic towards the approaching fashionista, curving shots to make her have to turn while leaving openings for Twilight to abuse. None of that worked though as Rarity's weapon hummed with a blue glow, slicing each shot coming straight for her while the needles surrounding her took on anything that came from the sides or above. The needles though would break and have to be replaced where Twilight noticed she would have to slow down with each one being broken to fix them. Eventually Rarity stood in front of the shield, gently tapping her rapier against the magic causing sparks. "Do I win?" She asked with a dainty bow.
Twilight walked up, looking over Rarity's form and magic cover on her weapon. "Good use of your magic. We can work on helping you craft more needles and make them faster or stronger so you don't have to slow down so much." She coached with a grin.
"I may be good at seeing details faster then others but I will admit I need to improve on the magic side of things." Rarity replied with another bow before walking back to the group. "How about you try next Spikey Wikey." She said, running a finger down his chest before pushing him towards the line.
"Spikey Wikey?" He mumbled to himself confused, approaching the line he shifted his body into his dragon form. "Ready!" He shouted across to Twilight, his heart racing to prove himself. Rushing forward on her signal he smashed through a wall of stone thrown up clearing it with a few swipes on his claws. Charging forward he swiftly moved from side to side, dodging anything thrown at him he couldn't confidently take on. He came to an sudden halt when walls of trees surrounded him on all sides, their canopy blocking the light from outside shutting him in darkness. Thinking fast on his feet he inhaled till his chest puffed out, smoke and green flames leaking around his teeth. With a exhale green flames consumed the wooden room, burning everything in a matter of seconds. The others were shocked and even afraid he had hurt himself except Twilight who was already preparing the next obstacle just in time for when he burst out of the trap, green flames covering his scaled body. Running forward on all fours he let out a yell like that of a dragon, nearing his target. A new wall sprung up, blocking his path but thinking fast he extending his claws to climb up the wall and leaping over to land soundly in front of his trainer. His form broke away quickly after with him falling to his knees, wheezing hard.
Twilight bent down to look at him. "Hard to keep it up and produce that much flame isn't it?" She questioned, earning a weak nod while he continued to cough. "I have some books on the skill you have. After this I'll send them to you for reading. We'll have you holding that form for as long as you need in no time." She encouraged, helping him up and over to Applejack and Fluttershy. "I guess that leaves just you Rainbow. Show me what you got slow poke." Twilight challenged, making the woman's feathers ruffle. Standing back at her section by the finish line she notice Rainbow Dash at the starting line breathing slightly hard. "Doesn't take teases or insults well. Easy to bruise ego, will have to buff that out." Twilight listed in her head, shifting it into the growing file of the Harmony group.
Rainbow reached behind her, gripping two handles hidden in her wings that drew out daggers in the shape of lightning. "I'll show her who's slow." She muttered to herself, her gaze locked on Twilight. The signal was given and off like a bolt of lightning she barreled towards her target until she was forced to swing upwards at the jutting of the ground from Twilight's magic. She could feel the air around her warp and twist, shaking her senses into a mess. Struggling to understand it all she didn't notice the tree thrown at her till it knocked her out of the sky. "Agh!" She cried out, pinned to the ground by the trunk. Stabbing at it in anger a storm cloud began to circle and form over the area then with a sudden crash a bolt of lightning struck the tree, vaporizing it and allowing her to stand with licks of electricity flicking over her body and eyes. Giving a shout of anger she took off again, daggers slicing anything that got close enough to her with shots of electricity at anything out of reach. Pushing herself further, the air around her warped and sharped as she got closer to breaking the sound barrier. Just as she reached Twilight, her anger making her raise the daggers to stab through the shield a magic hand caught her and pinned her in place, floating in the air. Breathing heavily her senses came to her and she drooped down, the weapons dropping from her hands.
"You have speed and good bit of strength but that fragile ego will not only get YOU killed but your friends as well." Twilight lectured pacing in front of the caught woman. "Do you really want to be known as the Jaeger that let all her friends die because she couldn't take a few words or punches?" Twilight asked, standing in front of Rainbow Dash.
"No..." Dash quietly replied, her head hanging low.
"I can make you faster, I can make you stronger, I can make you challenge even the best over time but one thing I can't help you with is your temper and ego. Those can only be improved by you, got it?" Twilight explained.
Rainbow was silent for a moment before solemnly nodding her head. "Yes." She spoke quietly.
Letting her to the ground gently Twilight shouted to the others. "I got what I needed! We will meet up again next week to train more!" Turning and heading for the dorms, leaving the rest behind. Ducking around the bend she let out a heavy couple of breaths. "They know how to do good but why haven't they gotten higher? They could easily beat all the others up to rank B like nothing. I'll have to look into this." She thought to herself, continuing on to her room. Passing the halls full of students she spotted Tempest.
"How went first day of school?" Tempest's voice rang out in her head without turning to look at the approaching woman.
"It went alright. Good to see people I know or have the chance to meet such great people like Iron and Star Swirl." Twilight replied, passing the number one student without looking at her. "Going to come up to the room soon or what?" She asked, walking up the steps.
"In a little just have to handle some problems with Gilda." Tempest said. Twilight could practically hear the sigh in her voice. "She just doesn't know how to keep her ego in check." She complained.
Twilight let a small giggle out. "I know the feeling. See you back at the room." She finished off, closing the door to their room behind her and striping to get in the shower.
The first week of school went by rather quickly. Twilight took each new challenge in stride while helping Harmony get better at what they could do. Tempest even opened up more to Twilight with now before either go to bed, they give a new fact about their life. "So yeah basically the last ship I ended up on got attacked by a alpha kraken. Almost sank us but me and the other guys took it out without to much issue." She finished with a laugh after telling Twilight about one of her earlier years.
Twilight was sitting there stunned with wide eye's at the story. "Woo, that's so cool. The last alpha I fought was in Saddle Arabia for a test Cinder had put on. It was a giant sand worm that was terrorizing a trade route that a city needed to get water in. Had to make it seem like a large caravan was moving through to even draw out the thing. Then grabbed it with my magic to yank it out of the ground because it turns out the thing healed from the sand so I had to basically hold up a building and tear it apart." Twilight told her story making Tempest let out a whistle. As the two chatted and got to know each other better a chirping sound went off on the wall near their beds. "Huh, what's that?" Asked Twilight confused.
Tempest started to clap excitedly. "Ah hell yeah it's finally open!" She said. Tapping the wall a large message filled the space for both to read. She cleared her throat and began to read it. "Dear students of this grand academy, it is with great pleasure that we announce the unlocking of the level arena for all to partake in. Fight other students or beasts for higher ranks, complete challenges to build your fame and reputation, practice to better prepare yourselves for your future. Those interested in any of these choices please put in a notice to the board and we will have you spilling blood for glory in no time. Signed Princess Luna." She finished reading it all, a large smile spreading across her face. "Ugh finally, I've been waiting all week for this news." She added.
"Wait so we can now officially chall-" Twilight started as a loud DING interrupted her. The two looked to the wall and saw two swords clashing with each other over a message. Clicking it opened up to show prince Blueblood's name and some words. "I challenge the peasant Twilight Sparkle to a dual. Loser will be demoted two letters." It read. Twilight looked at Tempest annoyed. "Let me guess. Challenges can also have add on effects?" She asked with a groan, already flicking through the rank levels to see Blueblood's position.
Rank C
"Yes, though I don't know much about them as most who challenge my group or us individually are going for just our spots and not really humiliation." Tempest remarked, scratching her chin. "Though I will say it has been a while since anyone tried me specifically." She added slightly sad.
Twilight put a hand on her shoulder and once she looked up, gave a smile. "You never know. Could have me challenge you soon or even just have a little sparring session." She said with a wink causing the battle hardened girl to laugh loudly.
"Oh trust me I look forward to seeing how you work." She stated turning to look at the message. "So will you except it? Know that if you turn it down you are moved one point down in rank. That's how they get you to always try." She explained as Twilight looked at it with a serious expression.
"Well I've already kicked his ass a few times nothing says I can't do it once more." Twilight replied with a shrug, tapping the accept image under the message. A small blue light wrapped around her wrist and pulsed lightly before vanishing away. The two looked at each other already knowing it was a binding spell for the challenge and got ready for bed. Twilight's mind running over scenes of how the fight could go. "He wants to show he's better but how badly do I really want to prove him wrong?" She thought to herself as sleep slowly overcame her. "Eh, I'll decide during the fight." She shrugged as her eyes closed.
"You already have a challenge towards you!" Shouted Rainbow after Twilight told the group the news. "Normally the lower ranks don't get challenges till later." She whined, running a hand down her face.
Rarity gave a small hum. "Is this because of what you did to him during class on the first day?" She questioned, looking towards the nerdy leader.
"Oh, absolutely. There's no way that didn't help trigger his anger enough to actually fight me. Plus from what I've learned so far is these fights don't have limiters on them so we can use all of our magic and skills." Twilight agreed while listing other reasons. "From what I've seen from watching him fight over last week is he got better with his rapier and magic though still far too easy to aggravate and make reckless." She analyzed while Spike and Fluttershy looked to each other.
"Actually girls I was given a challenge as well." Spike spoke up making the others whip their heads towards him.
Rainbow grabbed the front of his shirt and almost hauled him over the table to stare intensely into his face. "You too!?" She shouted "Why won't anyone fight me then?" She groaned, letting go of Spike and leaning back in her spot.
"Like I was saying I've been challenged as well against some guy named Garble. Said he wanted to put me in my place in the dragon blood food chain here at the school. Also who names their kid Garble?" He asked around.
"Say's the fella named Spike." Applejack shot back making the others laugh much to his embarrassment but even he let out a chuckle at the retort. "Well look's like ya'll have a day ahead of you since all challenges are done on the weekend. We best make sure you two are at your best." She remarked, standing up with a stretch.
Fluttershy spoke up finally. "Be careful Spike, Garble has been the best student with dragon blood since he got here. He won't be an easy fight." She said worriedly.
"Yeah, he's also a big ol' meany pants to other people that aren't dragon bloody and stuff!" Pinkie Pie added, scarfing down as much food as she could in front of her. All the others couldn't help but wonder how she kept such a good figure while eating so much.
The bell rang showing it was time to head back to class so they all packed up their things and headed their separate ways. Twilight looked to her hands briefly before heading for her new lesson.
Friday came quickly leading to the end of the week and only now a day before she would have to fight once more this time with some big consequences. All the teachers classes had grown in difficulty as the days went on. Homeroom was the only one that stayed somewhat simple as they didn't have to fight anything or try not to get poisoned. The students in the monster class now were fighting betas which wasn't an issue for Twilight as she had routinely killed alphas thanks to Cinder's training. Iron Will continued to push everyone to their limits and then further past them to help strengthen them that Twilight saw her body becoming more toned and muscular as the days went on. Starswirl and Fancy Pants even mixed their classes together to help the students get better at both magical and physical attacks on them although since Blueblood and Twilight had to fight this coming weekend they never had them together in the ring. Finally with Zecora, she had slowed down on gassing the class or poisoning the students but that still didn't stop Tempest and Twilight from having to work together to cure or save the class when the teacher threw a random potion into the cauldron or a deadly creature slipped into the class.
After every day Harmony got together to train and practice even improving to the point that they could survive Twilight's warm up for three minutes before getting caught. Applejack and Spike got better at making their respective 'armor' stronger to take bigger hits, Rainbow was getting more stable with her ego and emotions while flying, Rarity's needles were now close to almost a hundred strong though she still needed to improve on replacing them when they broke and just making them stronger, Fluttershy continued to hit her marks with her bow and even was getting closer to keeping up fully with Rainbow, Pinkie worked with both Twilight and Shy to keep a grip on her hammer and hit objects back at the attacker while still being full of surprises that made the two have to always adjust what they threw at her. All of them together helped train Twilight by attacking her at once making her have to keep track of multiple projectiles, shields, and strikes. Soon all were feeling more confident in their abilities while even thinking of setting up fights with other students to help them move up the ranks.
Weekend was finally here and Twilight was annoyed. "I don't know what to wear!" She shouted in frustration, throwing the clothes in her hands on to the bed.
"Are you seriously worrying about what you are going to wear at the fight?" Tempest asked with a chuckle. "Just dress casual. They supply most of the gear at the arena." She said with a lazy wave from her spot on the couch while she read the newspaper from the school. A notification came on the wall. Opening it showed Twilight's fight was schedule to happen in an hour. "Best hurry its almost time for you." She teased. Giving a groan of frustration Twilight took a pair of jeans and simple t-shirt out and started to get dressed not noticing Tempest's eyes scanning over her body."Damn, she's pretty cute." She thought to herself. Realizing what she just thought made a blush bloom on her face.
Once Twilight finished she looked to the number one student, noticing the blush. "You okay there? Did you think of something dirty again?" She questioned, stepping closer.
"NO!" Tempest yelled, falling off the couch when she leaned away from Twilight's out reached hand. "Oof. I'll be okay. Why don't you head down can't be seen together or anything." She tried to distract while giving a nervous laugh.
Twilight squinted at the woman before giving a humph and turning to leave. "Alright if you say so. Hope to see you at the match." She called over her shoulder, closing the door and moving down the hall to her destination. Pulling up her Marker she could see there were a few trials and fights before hers and Spike's. "Well at least I can relax a little before getting serious." Passing a door to Fluttershy and Spike's room she could hear hushed whispers and giggling. Pressing her ear to the door she could make out a few words.
"Stop...you might..." came Fluttershy's voice followed by a moan.
"Don't worry... everyone is busy...wow you have a great.." Came Spike's voice that almost sounded winded.
Twilight's face was beat red from what she was hearing with small sparks coming off her horn as her mind took the obvious route with what she was listening to. Deciding it would be best to get out of the area before someone saw her, she bolted for the stairs.
Spike and Fluttershy were in their room with Shy helping Spike stretch out and get more flexible for the approaching match. "See isn't this helping?" She asked softly to the young man. Both had become more open with the other over time and were less scared of being in the same room alone.
"Yeah." Spike replied with a grunt. He had to admit these lessons were helping a lot especially after Twilight's training sessions. Standing up straight he walked over to Fluttershy's spot to help her press further down. "Let me give you a hand." He said, pushing down on her back.
Fluttershy tried to protest. "Stop it. you might.." but once he push she could feel her muscles relax more making her give a small moan of relief. "Oh that is much better. Be quiet though someone might hear us." She warned.
"Don't worry a bit. Everyone is busy getting ready for the fights. Wow you have great form with this stuff." He complimented. Sudden running steps outside their door made him pause and walk over. Opening it showed no one in the hall. "Huh, must have been a late student or something." He muttered, closing the door to continue stretching.
Time passed and it was time for the challenges. Harmony lined up at their seats to watch the opening with Twilight trying her best not to stare at Spike and Fluttershy. The fights all took place in different scenes where the ground would warp and change. One fight had the student that had drowned out the competition on the first day against a fire mage. Aqua was her name if Twilight remembered correctly. They both were stuck in a desert which left the girl at a disadvantage till she started to summon rain clouds to bring her a source of water. With the now wet land she quickly snuffed out her opponents fire and knocked him out. Another student this one being Vinyl was against another music making student named Octavia. They were put into an dark empty labyrinth, using their music to light the way out while also tricking the other away from themselves. Both got out at the same time so it was called a draw with both giving small laughs and shaking hands as it was just to see how good the other could do. Soon it was Spike's turn which left the girls nervous.
"Got any last minute tips for me Twi?" Spike asked as the two moved to where he would enter the match.
Twilight hummed before taking his arm. "You have improved your skills at holding up your scales, even making them tough as steel but it's harder for you to cover everything." She began. "What I suggest is focus on limbs that you will use for attacks to make them even tougher as this will help you manage your stamina. Your flames will also help in keeping him away for breathing or even add more damage to your hits. Just manage and test the waters before rushing in okay." She finished coaching, giving him a little push into the area as the doors closed. Returning to her seat the others looked to her with worry.
"Ya think he can do this?" Applejack whispered to her.
"Yeah, Garbles a pretty mean guy and not the most gentle to those that lose to him." Pinkie Pie added, her hair slightly deflated.
Twilight looked at them and gave a small smile. "How about instead of worrying you believe in him. Knowing he has us cheering for him will really give him that boost." She replied confidently.
Fluttershy sat up straighter. "Twilight's right. We know Spike can do this. Even if he loses he'll still have given that mean old dragon a run for his money." She stated, puffing out her chest.
Rarity nodded her head along with Rainbow. "You are right dear. We all know what Spikey- Wikey can do." She added. The others soon were won over with this as the gates opened for the challengers to step out.
Spike was breathing deeply to remain calm while thinking over what Twi said. "Focus limbs, manage myself, study enemy. Got it I can do this!" He said, straightening himself up and walking towards the arena door. As the large metal piece rolled up the roar of the crowd could be heard pouring in. Stepping outside he could see the girls shouting and waving at him in the stands with Pinkie and Rainbow holding up a banner with his name on it. "You know I'd question how they got that but I'll chock it up to just Pinkie Pie's antics." He muttered to himself, giving a small wave back.
"Hey! Shrimpy, over here!" Came a gruff voice in front of Spike. Turning his head showed a young man similar to his own age with a yellow mullet and a twisted snarl on his face. "You ready to get your ass beat?" The man asked, cracking his knuckles.
"You really are full of yourself aren't you Garble?" Questioned Spike as Luna stepped up on a raised platform above.
Luna gave a tapping of her spear which echoed around the arena, silencing everyone present. "Normally we don't have a need for us to say anything during the fights but I must admit I am one for a good bit of domination!" She began, her voice booming across the area. "These fighters stand to see who is the strongest of their blood-kin. Garble the top dragon blood in the school and Spike is one of the newest students here. Both will fight not for rank but stature among their peers." She shouted to the crowd making them cheer and grow louder. Once they calmed back down she finished up the speech. "Fighters! Prepare yourself for combat. You already know the rules. Once an opponent has surrendered or knocked unconscious the other will be declared winner. Everything is usable and no limits are in place other then a few passive spells to make sure you don't kill. Though sometimes a few deaths slip through." She muttered the last part. Stepping away the landscape changed to that of a rocky forest full of sheer cliffs and dense tree life.
The challengers stood across from each other waiting for the signal.
And waited.
And waited.
Then when the bell was heard Garble rushed forward in a blazing fire with his flames propelling him forward towards Spike. Slamming into the Harmony member with a scaled fist in to his chest Spike was sent flying into the tree line, tearing trunks from the ground and leaving a line in the ground. Smoldering bark was all that moved in the pile of the now buried Spike. The crowd watched with baited breath as nothing moved. "Weakling. Can't even take a hit." Scoffed Garble already turning away, expecting the world to turn back to normal. On seeing he was still in the forest he became confused. "What the fuck's going on?" He growl. Shifting behind made the red dragon man whirl around.
"Awwww dude, that was my favorite shirt!" Whined Spike like a small child as what remained of his shirt burned off his green and purple scaled torso. "Well guess I'll have to ask Rarity for help getting a new one." He sighed, getting up from the ground.
"How'd you survive that?" Growled Garble, his anger flaring that this weakling was still standing after that hit. "I've put down Alphas twice your size with that move!" He shouted with red flames swirling around his body, scorching the land he was standing on.
Spike stood to his full height and stretched his arms above his head as the scales around his chest faded away. "Eh, I know someone out there is going to make a mommy dropped me a lot joke. I'd like to think it's because of my great looks and skills." Spike replied with sarcasm making Garbles flames grow even larger. "Aw, does the big, bad dwagon man not like the teasing?" Spike asked in a baby voice.
Garble gripped the side of his head shaking it as his flames roared to new heights burning all the trees and plant life within twenty feet of him to ash. "Shut up. Shut up! SHUT UP!" He screeched, launching towards Spike in a raging inferno. Flames spewed from his mouth towards Spike's relaxed form.
Spike watched every action of his opponent to find an opening... "There." He said to himself as his dragon form covered his body to protect from the flames and ignited his clawed hand into emerald flames, clamping it around Garbles mouth to stop the fire. With a step forward to shift his weight against the charging man he lifted up and then straight down to slam his enemy into the ground, sending a blast of air around them, extinguishing the flames. With Garble pinned and stunned Spike dropped his form around his body except for his arms to keep him down while delivering punch after punch into the red dragons face causing blood to pour from his snout. When Garble got over his shock he tried to hit Spike where he could but only found thick scales blocking each hit from causing any damage. "Up we go!" Shouted Spike, dragging the body of his opponent across the ground then launching into the sky.
"Bastard!" Yelled Garbles fading voice as he ascended into the air. With a twist of his body he shot flames out of his palms to rocket back down to the ground but found Spike flying up after him with green flames creating the silhouette of dragon wings behind him. The two collided in an explosion of raging red and dazzling green flames, obscuring the view of the fight from the crowd.
The arena was filled with the cheer of students and teachers alike at the display of power from the two dragon bloods. Only a small portion of students had been chanting Spike's name at the beginning but as the fight wore on more and more joined in the chant. The girls watched each with their own looks of wonder. "Holy shit, I didn't think he was this strong!" Shouted Rainbow in excitement.
"Oh I do hope he doesn't get too hurt from this fight." Fluttershy said worriedly.
"No way sugar. Look how well he's kicking Garbles ass." Applejack confidently stated with a small smack on the quiet girls shoulder.
Rarity had a sketchpad and pencil drawing design after design as the fight went on. "As much as I hate to say it. I'm glad Garble destroyed that shirt it wasn't complementing Spike properly but ooohhh so many new ideas for outfits with the colors they each are creating." She added.
Pinkie Pie was busy coordinating the chant for Spike while Twilight simply watched in silence. "I knew those strike training would come in handy for you." She thought to herself, thinking back to the training sessions where she and the others would strike at his body while he did his best to not only block but form scales in the areas about to be hit to stop the attack. Not only did he get faster reflexes but his scales grew over an inch in thickness.
The two dragon bloods separated in the air to fall back towards the mountain side, each like a streaking meteor burning in the sky. Crashing into the rocky, charred land the crowd could see Spike standing tall with a few singed spots while Garble now had broken scales and burns across his heaving form. Spike walked calmly up and around the kneeling red dragon, gripping both of his arms and planting his foot firmly in his back Spike gave a pull forcing Garble into a pinned state. "Looks like I'm the top dragon blood now eh Gargle." Spike teased as he pulled tighter on the twisted arms of his enemy.
"Go...fuck yourself." Grown the beaten opponent.
Spike tugged harder as Garbles shoulders groaned and creaked from the torment. "I'm sorry was that you surrendering to me?" He asked, twisting his wrists.
Garble gave out a cry of pain as his head hit the ground in pain. "Ah, ah, fuck ok ok you win I give up!" He shouted.
The world twisted back into the arena and the sounds of the crowd cheering filled the air for the two. Spike released Garble and backed away a step. Reaching out a hand to help his defeated opponent to help him up. Giving a grunt the red dragon swatted his hand away to limp towards the arena doors. Luna stepped forward and silenced the crowd. "A fine battle of power and strength! I for one won't forget for many years to come. Even though Ranks were not put on the line I must reward this skill! Spike I here by raise your level to rank C while Garble will be dropped to D. Congratulations." She applauded while the crowd cried out Spike's name. He gave a few shy waves before making his way past the arena doors finding Twilight and the others waiting. "How'd I do captain?" He asked, giving a mock salute to Twilight.
"Not bad. Not bad at all." She complemented.
Fluttershy and Rarity launched themselves into his arms, each delivering a kiss to his cheeks and peppering him with praise. Soon the signal went off showing it was Twilight's turn to fight. "Well now time to see how our great leader does it." Teased Rainbow as the others moved to their seats.
The doors to the stands closed behind her while the ones to the battle field opened. "Time to put him in his place." She grunted, strutting out to the middle to face across Blueblood.
Tempest's voice spoke in her head. "Knock him dead tiger." She cheered with a laugh echoing away.
The world changed around them to that of the castle in Canterlot. The two were vastly well versed in the lay out of the area what with both living in it for a time. The starting room was that of the throne room where Blueblood took a seat on one of the thrones with a smirk. "Are you ready to learn your lesson peasant?" He asked, lounging in the seat.
"Listen jackass we both know you aren't anything compared to me. I'm going to take your rank and your pride." Twilight stated as the bell rung.
"How dare you!" He shouted, standing to throw a beam of blue energy at her which she simply swatted to the side. Giving a growl he pulled his rapier out and walked towards her sure footed while she summoned on her gauntlets. Pointing the tip of his blade towards her, thin blue shots raced at her from various angles to find a weak point.
Twilight continued forward as portals appeared around her to capture the shots, her eye's never leaving the prince's form. Reaching a hand out a ball of lavender magic swirled into life, growing with each step as she got closer. Stopping now in front of the slightly sweating man she let the orb roll out of her hand to bounce off the ground inching towards him. He flinched, turning way expecting an explosion but when none came he looked from the ball to Twilight only to have his face punched in sending him flying towards one of the paned glass windows. The glass shattered and flew around him, catching the light of the sun which sent a kaleidoscope of color around the roofing as he hit the stone arches. Rolling down he caught the ledge and began to haul himself back up onto the slanted roof. Twilight said nothing as she gripped the sides of the now ruined window to help herself hop out onto the roof.
The crowd was in pure bliss watching the snobbish noble get his shit kicked in by Twilight. Tempest watched with a smile growing as the fight wore on. "Maybe she's right? Maybe she can be a challenge against me and be a decent fight." She muttered to herself.
Gilda looked over to her leader and frowned. "What has you so happy? It's just some weaklings having a scuffle. Not like we've seen it a thousand times." She asked, adjusting her leather pilot jacket.
"You should know by now when Tempest sees someone of interest little bird." Boomed a large man in a suit of armor with a shield strapped to his back. He had on a helmet similar to Iron Will's, showing he was from the minotaur tribes.
Gilda was about to spit back a response when a gentle sing song voice spoke in the seat below her. "Oh don't get all worked up dear Basher doesn't mean any insult." Said a blue skinned girl with flowing water like hair in a sun dress with flowers across it. "He always talks that way." She added with a giggle.
"Storm's right. You already know that if someone catches Tempest's eye that means it's someone that can give us a little fun in the ring as well to see if they are even worth her time." Came the added response from a girl with fiery red and yellow hair who was playing with a small ball of fire
"Yeah, yeah I got it Sunset." Gilda growl, waving her hand dismissively.
Blueblood was breathing heavily as Twilight approached him. "You aren't beating me that easily!" He shouted, teleporting away from the approaching warrior.
Twilight gave a sigh before summoning some magic to amplify her voice. "YOU CAN RUN BUT I'LL FIND YOU AND STILL KICK YOUR ASS!" She shouted while tracing his magic trail, finding it now in the ball room. "Gotcha." She whispered, teleporting herself above him.
Blueblood gave a shriek that could break glass when he looked up to see Twilight plummeting for him. Throwing up a spell , he stopped the woman just inches from his face, her form shaking from the magic holding her in place. Backing away he let out a laugh at her situation. "I'm not so slow anymore freak. Unlike your parents." He goaded.
Twilight could feel a fire erupt into life inside her soul at those words while still stuck in the air. A soft chant filling her head to small to hear.
"That's right I know about your failure of parents who got killed by that Alpha. Poor, weak, little Twilight, couldn't even save her family." He continued. "How's it feel knowing you are a freak who can't even do anything?" He asked, hoping what he said would crush her spirit enough for him to beat her.
It didn't.
Her body began to thrash in the magical grip as black and purple tendrils of magic began to whip the ground and slash through the air around her. The chant now having grown in her mind. "Rip, tear, kill!Rip, tear kill! Rip, tear, kill! Rip, tear, kill!Rip, tear, kill!" Giving a howl of rage the spell around her shattered dropping her to the ground with a thud, the marble stone that normally sparkled and shine now cracking and eroding from her touch "I'LL FUCKING MURDER YOU!" She screeched, her pupils now having changed into darkened pentagrams. Lunging forward with her hand outstretched for his face.
Before all this had unfolded Celestia and Luna had been chatting away in excitement from the show of power from the lavender haired student. "My, my, just watching her reminds me of our younger days when we first started being Jaegers." Celestia complimented.
"Plus it's nice to watch someone put our dear nephew in his place." Added Luna with a laugh.
Another voice full of laughter sounded off behind them making the two turn. "Truth be told he was an idiot for challenging her." Came the voice of Cinder. When the two sister's eyes widened in shock she continued. "What? Am I not allowed to come see my daughters first match?" She asked, waltzing up to a seat next to the pair.
"Lady Cider! We weren't expecting a visit from you?" Said Luna, looking up an down on the Jaeger.
"Oh, you know me. I like to make a good surprise every now and then." Cinder explained, turning to watch the match when the crowd suddenly gasped. She let out one of her own when she saw what Twilight was doing. "That's not a good surprise." She whispered, lunging out of her seat for the railing to tear open a slot to get into the match. "Let's hope we can stop this." She growled, flames bursting over her body as a cloak made of fire and brimstone came to life behind her.
Blueblood couldn't do anything but watch as Twilight's hand closed in on his face, covering one eye while the other streamed tears from the fear coursing through his veins. Just as she was about to close her hand on him Cinder rolled over her form while grabbing the outstretched arm to pivot Twilight into the ground. Shaking he watched as Cinder pulled her adopted daughters arms behind her with flaming gloves that were slowly turning into black flames. "L-lady Cin... Cinder?" He asked.
"Run you stupid bastard!" She ordered, jerking her head towards the portal that now was torn in the air. "I can't hold her forever." She explained.
He didn't move for a moment till Twilight unleashed another unholy shriek. "On it!" He shouted a wet spot forming on the front of his pants.
Once the prince had dived through the portal Cinder jumped off of the thrashing Twilight, putting her back to the portal so she couldn't run after the man. "Breath girl. You know you aren't supposed to use this magic." She gently spoke to the writhing woman, her hands put out with open hands. She could hear two people jump through the portal into the magic arena. "Stay back and don't touch her!" She ordered the the princesses. She knew they would have followed her on seeing what was happening.
"Cinder is that magic what I think it is?" Asked Celestia, summoning up a spear that glowed with the power of the sun.
When she didn't reply Luna barked out an order while pulling out her curved sword like that of a quarter moon and shield with her mark on it. "Tell us at once how she learned it." Her tone having turned cold.
Cinder gave a sigh before slowly scooting back to the two other Jaegers. "Twilight had a lot of magic in her when I found her. More then most but because of her past some of it got tainted with bad emotions. That started to fester and grow so I taught her skills and forms to help her expel it out of her. Looks like she hadn't been keeping up with her homework as it were." She explained.
The two were about to ask more questions when Twilight shot forward, her armored hands reaching out to grab one of them. Giving a cry of rage she slammed the ground where Luna had been standing had the monarch not moved out of the way, the ground turning black. "KILL!" She shouted, charging for Cinder and Celestia now.
Blasting the woman away Celestia stood next to Lady Cinder. "How do we stop her exactly?" She asked, hoping they wouldn't have to put down such a promising student.
Cinder gave a small laugh while throwing up a fire wall. "You can't she just has to wear herself out." She said now dodging to the right while Celestia went to the left as dark tendrils of magic smashed through the flames.
The arena was in shock at what was unfolding in front of them. Blueblood had come diving out of a tear that the sudden appearance of Cinder had opened quickly followed by the very princesses themselves. Not only were they fighting Twilight but she was actually being a challenge to them. "Did she tell any of you she could do that?" Asked Spike who was now slightly scared of their leader.
"Why would you think she would tell any of us with how freaking terrifying she looks?" Shot back Rainbow dash, her eye's glued to the fight.
"I hope they can help her." Mumbled Fluttershy who was cowering in the side of Spike.
Applejack was standing with Pinkie Pie, watching the events unfold before pointing off to the side at the crawling Blueblood. "I don't know bout y'all but I think she'll be fine. Now Blueballs I ain't so sure of." She pointed out, much to everyone's enjoyment till a silver explosion of light came from the fight drawing their attention away from the humiliated man.
Luna had let off a blast of moonlight to blast Twilight away from her sister before she could lay a finger on her. The explosion sending all four to different corners of the room. The dance to keep away from the enraged student continued on for another ten minutes till finally Twilight sprinted for Cinder but stumbled and tripped as the magic evaporated off of her. Cinder's motherly instincts took over as she dove to catch her daughter. Once she had caught her, she held her close and smiled. "Always a handful aren't you little one?" She asked the now passed out girl.
The now destroyed world faded away around them letting in the cheering of the crowd flood into their ears. Celestia stepped forward and silenced the crowd. "Today has been... eventful. I believe it is obvious that this student here won the match against her opponent so the points will be rewarded to her. Everyone please return to your dorms and rest for the rest of the weekend." She spoke. The crowd gave one more cheer before moving for the exits, buzzing with excitement at what they just saw, some even taking it as a goal to reach as strong as Twilight had been in that fight. A new fanbase already forming for the girl.
The rest of Harmony looked to each other before moving for the medical building when they saw a stretcher brought out for Twilight. Tempest excused herself from her own group, much to the confusion of the others, heading to follow the now sleeping woman. Cinder stood by the stretcher's side all the way to the building to watch over her young protege while the sisters went to their own section to handle their wounds.
One thing was on everyone's mind. What will happen next?
The sounds of gently moving water filled Twilight's head as her mind came to her. Opening her eyes shows a beach hidden in a cave with the waves gently lapping at the shore, the sun setting through the opening. "Oh for fucks sake." She groan, rubbing her head as she sat up.
"Nice to see you too miss sunshine." Came a darker version of her voice. Turning around to the dimmer section of the cave Twilight could see her rage form sitting in the shadows, the tendrils gently floating around as the form looked at her with it's strange eyes. "Been a while since you lost your temper and let me have a crack at the world. What gives?" It asked although it knew full well why.
"You already know Anti. He was insulting our family." Twilight bit back at the shadowy form, pulling her knees to her chest. "I couldn't let him keep talking like that but it was a bad idea to pull you out." She muttered.
Anti got up and walked up to Twilight, plopping down next to her letting her feet stretch out to touch the water. "Yeah, I am a bit overkill." She started with a chuckle. "But you and I both know no one gets away with dissing our family and besides Cinder showed up in time to stop us like she does all the time." She continued, slugging Twi in the shoulder lightly which made the woman whine slightly and rub her shoulder.
Twilight gave a sigh. "But what if she hadn't shown up? You and I can't control ourselves when we act like that." She complained now having flopped down flat on the sand. "We need to get better at not rampaging." She finished.
Anti looked down to her lighter counterpart with her strange shaped irises and smirked. "Then how about a deal?" She asked making Twilight look to her suspiciously. "Don't worry this isn't a bad one okay. Think about it, it's your body but my power so how about we see if mommy dearest can't get us something to help regulate power output?" She proposed to the still laying woman.
Twilight looked back up to the ceiling giving only a small hum. "You mean have something that limits how much you can pump out through my body and slowly build up control of higher values?" She asked back to the shadowy version.
A sharp smile broke out across Anti's face. "Exactly! You get a boost and I get to stretch out more bit by bit till eventually we both can walk around at the same time." She stated. "We both get an improvement without risking hurting innocents, plus I get more chances to turn those filthy monsters to paste." She growled the last part, her smile dropping for a brief moment before popping back on. "So what do you say, up to at least try?" She asked, standing up and stretching a hand out for Twilight to grab.
Laying there for a moment Twilight grabbed the hand which helped her haul herself up to stand. "Screw it sure. Can't be worse then what we already have in place." She agreed, giving a firm hand shake before turning to the water. "Well time to wake up now, who knows how worried everyone is." She said while taking steps into the water as it rose up to her knees. A white door opened up in front of her that brought her back into the land of the waking.
Lady Cinder burst into the medical wing to find Twilight's friends along with the princesses around Twi's bed. Celestia and Luna were in their own beds on either side of her while Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were on the opposite side of the room playing cards. Rarity was fixing up some of Spike's clothing while he sat shirtless next to Fluttershy who was gently applying ointment to some of his minor marks across his chest. "Has she woken up yet?" Cinder asked after assessing every ones location.
"Nope." Came the southern tone from Applejack. "Day two of sleeping leader and still not even a shift." She added.
"Two days huh." Twilight said sitting up from her bed. "You three must have done a bit more then expected." She laughed much to all other members in the room. "Miss me?" She teased which helped unfreeze her team as they jumped from their spots to pounce of top of her. "Ah, still sore, still sore." She complained from the sudden weight on top of her.
Once they removed themselves from crushing her Cinder walked up. "Young lady what have I told you about losing your temper?" She lectured, making Twilight hang her head.
"Lesson 43: A Jaeger must always keep a cool head ma'am." Twilight responded.
"And what did you do?" Asked Cinder, bending at the hips to put herself closer to the younger woman.
"Lost my cool..." Twilight answered, not even trying to defend herself. "I'm sorry mom." She added. Lifting up her head she looked with big puppy dog eyes.
Cinder grimaced while grinding her teeth. "Oh no you don't that won't work on me this time." She reprimanded. Twilight's lip started to give a small pout and shake making Cinder groan. "Ugh fine. I can't stay mad at you." She complained, scooping her adopted daughter into her arms. "Let me guess you had a chat with Anti." She pointed out noticing the fading pentagram iris in one of her eyes.
"Uuugghhh, who the hell is Anti?" Asked Rainbow, raising a small finger into the air. The others quickly voiced their confusion as well. Even Celestia and Luna were listening in.
Cinder gave a sigh, readying herself for a lecture but was stopped by Twilight. "I got this. So as you saw that wasn't like anything you all have seen me do." She began. Over the next hour she explained how Cinder found her and that the trauma had 'tainted' some of her magic creating a reverse of Twilight fueled by her negative emotions. Her other form was called Anti-Twilight. For the reason Twilight can stop herself from going too far while Anti will destroy any and everything that gets in the way of her target. "She's actually very nice once you get to know her. That is, if you are in my isolation place inside my mind. Then she isn't in a killing frenzy." Twilight finished nonchalantly.
"Huh, so do I make a party for your recovery or a party to welcome this new person I know about now?" Asked Pinkie Pie rubbing her chin in thought. Everyone else was now partially shocked at how calm she was taking this but chalked it up to Pinkie being Pinkie.
"Aaaannnyywaayys, I need a favor." Twilight said to quickly change the subject before it could devolve into chaos. "Is there anyway you could get me something to help limit Anti's power so I can use it more to better train with it?" She asked Cinder.
Celestia raised her hand in response instead. "I believe we can help better in this situation." She stated with Luna nodding.
"This would be a special version of a spirit cuff. Difficult to make but with your increase in rank we could pass it off without raising any suspicion." Luna further explained. "Which reminds me dear you don't know your new rank do you?" She added, looking to the purple haired woman who only shook her head. "With how soundly you defeated Blueblood and his awful actions to try and win we swapped your ranks so you are now rank C while he has been demoted to rank D." She said, a brief smile gracing her lips at the memory of how scared her nephew had been.
Rarity stepped up to show Twilight a newspaper with the headline saying. "New student blasts the competition away with hidden strength!" It then went on to talk about her fight against the three Jaegers as they held her off before ending with a stat piece showing Harmony had risen in popularity and to rank D. "Thanks to you and Spike team Harmony has gone up in rank. We all have already collected some of the benefits like better gear and even increase in rewards for missions though that last one we wanted you to take up first as the leader since it was your hard work that got us here." She listed.
"Give us two days to get everything together for your request miss Sparkle." Celestia said, stepping out of her bed and stretching while her sister used her magic to lazily float out of her own.
Cinder and the others waved their goodbyes to the princesses before making their own leave of the medical wing. After a while a doctor came and gave one more look over of Twilight before giving her the all clear to head back to her dorm. One the way back she noticed more students smiling and waving at her, a few even ran up and asked for her autograph talking about how much they enjoyed the fight she gave Blueblood. "Huh, weird how just one fight can change how people see you." She muttered to herself. In the back of her mind she could practically hear Anti howling with laughter at how stumped she was.
"So the prince breaker lives aye?" Came the familiar voice of Tempest behind her. Turning around Twilight saw the number one student strutting up to her in her usual leather jacket and punk vibe, her mohawk in a perfect arch down her head. "Care to tell me how you did all that cool but bat-shit crazy stuff?" She asked, slinging an arm around her roommates shoulders.
"Tempest! Aren't you worried about being seen with me." Twilight whispered in surprise.
Tempest looked around before ducking her head close to Twi's. "Thanks to your little power show and the fact you beat up one of the most despised students in the school you are now one of the top people in popularity. You even beat out Sweet Rock and she's considered a legit celebrity when she isn't hunting monsters." She explained.
"So what you are saying is this opens up the ability for us to interact outside of the room more without worry of blowing your cover?" Twilight said, starting to connect the dots.
"Bingo cutie." Tempest replied with a wink. "Now this doesn't mean full on hang out just yet but it does mean I don't have to always act like a total bitch during class some of the time. But let's talk more in our dorm okay? People might start thinking with how long we've been talking so far." She finished with, removing her arm from Twilight's shoulders and walking ahead of her. "Ciao." She said through their link.
"See ya." Twilight shot back, doing her best to look busy while making her way to the room as well. On the way in to the dorm building a kid dressed in a dark cloak with bottles of various liquids strapped to his chest bumped past her to get out. "Excuse me." Twilight complained but only received a middle finger back at her. "Dick." She muttered under her breath. Spotting Rainbow dash lounging on a cloud near one of the bars in the dorm she called out to her. "Hey Rainbow!" She shouted making the multicolor haired woman jump.
Once Dash located Twi she gave a lazy wave back before falling into the cloud once more. As Twilight walked up she gave a yawn and stretched. "Hey Twi how you doin'?" She asked, her eyes closed.
"Where can I find missions and bounties?" The leader of Harmony questioned, running her hand through the cloud with wonder at how it was in here along with how Dash was just napping on it.
"There." Was all she got back as the speedster raised a hand to lazily wave in the direction of a magic board changing the various missions and bounties currently open to collect. She noticed as she walked closer some faded out while others brightened up. The ones that got brighter had her rank on them while the dimmer one had higher ranks.
She came to the conclusion this was a feature to make sure students didn't take missions above their skill level. "Huh, that's actually pretty smart." She mused as a female student with mismatched clothes and a cap with a propeller took a rank A mission.
"It's how they limit how many students die." The strange girl giggled, turning back to Twilight with wide, twitching eyes. "The names Screwball! Pleasure to meet you!" She loudly stated, awkwardly putting out her hand and fidgeting in place.
"Nice to meet you... Screwball." Twilight replied, gently taking the weird woman's hand only to receive an electric shock much to the glee of the weirdo. "Ow, that hurt!" She exclaimed, shaking her hand to get feeling back in it.
Screwball giggled some more before leaning uncomfortably close. "Oh, there's more where that came from if you don't learn your place." She growled suddenly having a threatening tone in her voice, her eyes never losing that uncomfortable stare. Just as Twilight got ready to reply she popped back up with that weird smile and skipped away as if nothing happened.
Looking back to the board Twi shook her head. "I think I'll wait to take one of these." She muttered, still shaking her hand from the shock and heading for her room. Up the steps she went till a group of fine dressed students passed by her jostling her around. Her anger was starting to rise from all these students taking cracks at her but she stopped herself after noticing a few in the group watching her with smirks on their faces. "They want to get me angry. Well they won't have that." She growled in her mind. Straightening herself up she turned and waved with a big smile on her face. "Hope to see you in class Glitter Bomb." She said, singling out a student from one of her classes. This worked as it made the group looked to the individual who did their best to hurry away with the group following behind. Giving a sigh she continued up until she finally reached her door. Stepping inside she found Tempest hanging upside down on the couch, a ball of yarn unraveling in her magical grip, twisting and knotting into different shapes and styles.
"I see you've finally realize what happens when you catch peoples eyes." Tempest calmly stated after Twilight collapsed on top of her bed and groaned loudly into the blankets. "Want some ice cream?" She asked the nerdy girl, getting a muffled yes. Using her magic a small cooling container opened and out floated some rocky road along with two spoons, "Here you go." She said, one of the spoons hovering close to her friend.
"Is this what you have to put up with?" Complained the nerd, taking the spoon in her own magic and getting a big scoop. "People testing you and being assholes."
Tempest took a scoop with her own spoon and after swallowing the frozen treat she spoke. "Yes or rather I used to. Now people have to either work through the other nine in my group to have a chance at me or I have to be the one to give the direct challenge. When I was just starting plenty of cut throats tried to test me, seeing if I was up to snuff." She said, taking another scoop.
Eating more of the ice cream helped Twilight calm down and breath. "So basically I now have a large target on my back because of my increase in rank along with fighting the princesses and Cinder." She stated.
"Yep." Was all she got back.
"UUUUGGGGHHHH-!!!" She groaned, it being cut off when Tempest shoved another spoonful into her mouth.
"Oh relax! It's just another Tuesday for this school." Tempest casually said much to her roommates disappointment. "Now tell me about that weird shit you did!" She happily ordered, jumping over to Twilight's bed to sit closer.
Twilight awoke to the sun gently rising on the horizon. Giving a small yawn she stretched out her arms above her head while looking around. Noticing Tempest still asleep in her bed she gave a smirk at the cute twitching of the dangerous woman's nose. "Huh, didn't know she did that?" She thought to herself. Getting out of bed, still in just a shirt and panties the leader of Harmony walked into the bathroom to look over herself. Noticing her messy bed head and sticky mouth from the ice cream last night Twilight started up a shower as she brushed her teeth. Stepping inside she let the water wash over her body, relaxing her muscles that still were a bit sore. She was so focused on the water and her own body that she didn't hear the door creak open as Tempest entered.
"So you going to collect any bounties soon?" Came the sudden voice of Tempest from the other side of the fogged glass door. Which made Twilight give out a shriek. "Geez sorry for sneaking up on you!" Apologized Tempest who's shadow could be seen rubbing an ear.
"Haven't you heard of privacy!" Shouted the nerd, sticking her head out of the door, her hair dripping wet and covering half her face with a frown.
Tempest looked at her and paused for a moment. "Even angry she's cute." She thought to herself before shaking her head. "Ah come on Twi we live together. You should be used to this, after all we HAVE changed in front of each other before." Tempest casually replied, doing her best to not look to much at her roommates silhouette in the glass.
When Twilight tries to sputter out a response while her face blushed, she ended up giving a growl and closing the door to finish her shower. "Fine, but no peaking you perv. I've seen those magazines you have under your bed." She ordered.
Now Tempest was blushing as her not so secret secret was out. "Uh yeah sure no problem." She replied with a nervous laugh, finishing what she had came in for quickly before bolting out to hide her mags again. "Stupid sexy roommate finding dirt on me..." She grumbled out.
Twilight after her shower had put out the notice to the rest of the group to meet in the main floor by the bounty board. "Alright it's time we get some recognition with more people outside of the school. So to do that we are splitting up into groups to take on missions." She explained once everyone was present.
"Who goes with who then?" Asked Spike, raising his hand.
"Glad you asked! Pinkie Pie and Rainbow, you'll be one team." She began, the two high fiving at the news. "Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike will make up the second team." She continued, the three smiling at the news. "And finally Applejack you'll be with me. Any questions?" She finished. When no one put up any complaints she turned to the board and selected a mark for a large alpha that had been causing chaos around a small mountain town.
After everyone selected theirs, the group moved to leave but just as Twilight was about to step outside she noticed Tempest looking at the board. Sending a thought through their link she asked. "Going on a mission yourself?" She questioned.
After a brief silence she saw Tempest shrug. "Yeah, but I'm going to start simple with just an alpha." Came the leader of Armageddon's reply. After that she disappeared out another exit from the building so Twilight went back to catch up with Applejack.
"So partner, why choose me for this one?" AJ asked, her signature Stetson on her head. "Why not Spike or the others?"
Twilight gave a small smile. "Because I already know how well Spike acts in situations thanks to the entry exam, remember? On top of that I wanted to learn more about you and your family, we've been so busy that none of us has had a real sit down to just talk and this mission is the perfect chance." She explained.
"Well shoot I don't mind. How's about when we get a ride there we can start the grillen of each other?" Proposed Applejack. Twilight gave a nod and they continued forward out of the school.
The trip to everyones location was filled with soft chatter. No one too worried about their jobs as each already knew what kind of part they played in their team, each also having dressed for the job in their own style. Applejack marching easily along in a large suit of red and orange armor with her axe strapped to her back while Twilight was in a much lighter leather armor that hugged her form but allowed open movement for her arms that currently had her gauntlets on. "So how about your family what are they like?" Asked Twilight as they were moving, having already been asking each other different questions. She never knew there were so many ways to use an apple.
"Huh, well the Apple family is wide spread across the land building farms of different types all around. Though there are a few of us that went for the Jaeger route when it first started and the line sort of just became a side thing we did." Answered AJ. "Now if we are talking direct family then we got my big brother Macintosh though everyone calls him Big Mac on account of him being huge from farm work. He joined the program way before me so he's been out fightin the good fight for a while now. Then theres Apple Bloom who is my little sis, still at the farm with Granny Smith the other closest family member I have." She finished explaining.
Twilight listened intently before asking with a raised finger. "What about your parents?"
This caused a slight frown to spring up on Applejacks face. "Pa was a Jaeger and Ma stayed home to watch over us and well... we both know this job ain't the easiest or the safest." She began with a grunt that Twilight could only grimly nod. "Pa got mixed up with some other Jaegers against an Omega. From what we got in the report is that while the others moved back to get the last people out of the town and get away from it he stood against it going toe to toe until he finally dropped from exertion." She explained sadly. "He always was a stubborn man who never did back down from a fight for what he believed in. Ma took the news the hardest and well... they were such tightly knit souls the loss was too much and she slipped away." She finished. As Twilight opened her mouth to give her condolences AJ waved it away. "I know you understand the hurt of losing family. We both got lucky that there was someone there to pick us up what with Cinder for you and Granny for me so don't worry, if anything it's something that motivates me to be stronger so I don't leave no one behind." She quickly answered looking to Twi with determination in her eyes.
Twilight gave a small smile and a nod of understanding back. "I guess it's my turn then to answer huh?" She asked to which Applejack gave a chuckle and motioned her hands for her leader to continue. "Well both parents died by an alpha, yes still sore on it but I've gotten better at copping with it. I do have a brother though who had left to join the royal guard before the attack. Unfortunately I haven't had much contact what with him recently hitting the rank of captain but we try to keep in touch as best we can." She explained her side.
"I imagine he wasn't too happy with ya'll joining to be a Jaeger and what not?" Applejack inquired, raising a brow.
The nerdy girl gave a quick shout of laughter "Oh he fucking HATED the idea but when he was given permission to come see me from his superiors and actually met Lady Cinder, he had to admit I was being trained by someone who knew what they were doing." Twilight said, still chuckling at the memory. Before either could ask more questions a loud shriek was heard in the forested area close to where the monster was last seen. Neither had to say a word as both rushed forward their weapons pulled out and magic flared.
"I'm so boooooooooored!" Whined Rainbow Dash as she drifted on a cloud just above Pinkie Pie as they moved to their destination. "Wasn't the beta nest supposed to be around here or something.?" She asked, rolling around in annoyance at the lack of action. Rainbow had on a tight suit similar to the ones her idols wore though it had small patches of leather sewn into various parts to help deflect attacks.
Even though Pinkie did her best to always have something to entertain herself and others with, they both had burned through her party tricks and games quickly leaving her to hum to herself. Thinking to herself, an idea came to her as she walked in what could be described as a jesters costume with hat and bells. "I know!" She shouted, getting Rainbow to look down from her floating perch. "How about you fly up and see if you can't spot the nest so we can get to it faster. Then we can finish the job before anyone else can finish theirs." She offered up.
Rainbow thought it over, nodding her head side to side. "Actually thats a pretty good idea. Alright then!" She shouted, giving her wings a stretch before hopping into the sky. "I'll have the location of that nest in ten seconds flat!" She boasted, launching off into the sky with a burst of air as Pinkie ran behind trying to keep Dash in sight.
Both of them had chatted on the way to the area talking about why they wanted to join or what they wanted to succeed at. Pinkie already knew Rainbow wanted the fame and to join the Wonderbolts but was surprised when she learned how Rainbow Dash got the idea. Turns out that the heroes had saved Cloudsdale one day from an attack and that inspired Rainbow who was just a little girl to push herself to join. Though her reason also shocked her partner as Pinkie had told her how she came from a small family of rock farmers and was the first in her line to try doing something different let alone be a Jaeger. On top of doing something different Pinkie wanted to spread happiness around so that everyone could smile in safety and not worry about the big bad meanies around. "I hope I can do that though." She muttered to herself, her hair deflating slightly in sadness until she heard shouting above her to see Rainbow rocketing back at her with a cloud following behind her. "What the...?" She questioned as she came to a stop, raising a hand to shield her eyes and see better. They quickly widened as she could now make out that it wasn't just any cloud but one made of betas rushing behind her partner. "Oh shiitake mushrooms." She groaned.
"Move it!" Shouted rainbow, swooping down to pick up her friend as she continued to fly as fast as she could.
The trek into the mountain was a simple one at least for Fluttershy and Rarity. Spike wouldn't consider it as such though. "How can you both walk so far and not be tired?!?" He shouted through breaths at the two women. Who to his young hormonal hatred had put on tight pants and corsets that accentuated their forms. Although where Fluttershy had on a hood and cloak to hide herself in, Rarity had a short jacket with a white firm trim going around the collar piece. Spike had gone with a simple tunic shirt and pants as he knew armor would just get in the way of his form.
The two ladies looked back at him with light giggle at his struggle. "Well darling I may like the easy life but to get the quality gems I use in my outfits I have to make these kinds of trips to find them so I'm rather used to it." She said with a proud flip of her hair.
"And I um used to help my family's veterinary clinic and sometimes a larger animal would come in so I guess I sort of built up the endurance and strength." Fluttershy added quietly. "Do you want help getting up the rest of the mountain?" She asked. As she stepped next to him, pressing her body against him to provide leverage he stammered out a response but then Rarity jumped in on seeing how nervous he had gotten on having Fluttershy next to him.
"Nonsense dear lets help you." She happily shooed away any rebuttals to give as her chest connected with his arm and they both moved forward taking him with them. A sly smile on ones face while two others had looks of embarrassment. "So why are you two joining the program if you don't mind me asking?" Questioned Rarity. "I mean this in the nicest way but you Fluttershy don't exactly fit my image of a Jaeger." She teased lightly.
Even Spike was curious to her response and looked down towards her as she hid in her hood. "Yeah, why are you trying to become a Jaeger?" He added his own words to the mix.
The shy girl stammered for a little before taking in a breath looking forward. "Well when I was younger I sort of developed a gift to speak with animals and care for them. Along with having a stronger pool of magic then most pegusis people and being able to use it for healing. I started to build my skills in fighting when after one animal in the clinic went crazy and hurt a few people, Thats why I'm as good as I am with a bow. I also just wanted to help more people and I couldn't do that staying at my family's business." She explained. "How about you? You aren't really the image of a Jaeger either." She shot back at the fashionista.
"Oh well thats because of certain things in life pushing me towards it. You wouldn't know it but my little sister had gotten into a bit of trouble with some less then savory folk back in Manehatten so I contacted the authority. Well they were taking too long so I grabbed my grandfathers rapier that he used to teach me how to use and tracked down the men with my skill for seeing details and the little things." She began to explain. "The old man always did say a prepared woman was a more powerful force then twenty alphas. Of course he would always have some line to woo the ladies but always saved the good ones when grandma was around but I'm getting side tracked." She said waving a hand. "I followed the trail to where they had my sister and with my weapon stormed the area, pinning anyone who got in my way to the wall so the police could pick them up later all the way to where they were holding my sister hostage. The leader was gloating like a brute making the expected comments so I took out my sewing needles and simply made him stop talking and took my sister home." She finished with a little humph at the end.
"Did you kill him?" Asked Spike after getting over his shock.
Rarity looked to him with wide eyes of shock. "Heavens no, I simply sent him into a wall so fast he was knocked out! Last I heard he was still in prison for the crime." She stated. "And besides your turn dear." She added with a poke to the dragon mans side.
"Um, well I guess I didn't really have a reason to join. I just wanted the chance for adventure and to make something of myself. " Spike said. "I was an orphan all my life and was shunned for what I was since I lived in a admittedly racist area but I got out of there the second I turned eighteen and started training. Now I am here and the rest is history." He finished with a smile to the two ladies.
Both gave soft awws at his explanation. As the group drew closer to the top of the path a roar could be heard along with smoke billowing from a cave that they could just barely see. "We better hurry." Was all Rarity said as all three picked up their pace leading to the top.
Tempest marched through the underbrush of a forest looking for her prey. The trail wasn't hard to find all that was left was actually getting to the monster. As the forest clear to an opening she could hear the sound of meat and bone being snapped and crushed in a large mouth. Poking her head around a tree let her eyes fall on her target. What she saw made her heart sink and give a groan. "Aw fuck me two ways to hell." She cursed as the large beast suddenly stood at the sounds of a shriek near by. As the beast ran off towards the yell Tempest gave chase in her dark metal and leather armor, her boots stomping on the ground without care of being heard with how loud the monster she was chasing was being. "Fucking stupid monster. Slow down damn it." She complained, her arms pumping at her sides.
Rainbow Dash's wings were flapping as fast as they could while still holding on to her friend. "I thought this was supposed to be an easy job!" She shouted over the rushing wind, doing her best to stay in front of the chasing monsters.
Pinkie Pie was too busy loading her party cannon to answer, twisting upside down in her friends grip as she took aim and fired a volley of explosive confetti. Three of the beast dropped but it seemed to her like six more took their place. "Oh fiddle sticks, I thought that would work!" She cried in annoyance. "Can you slow down so I can actually aim?" She shouted up at her flying partner.
"What?!? You want to get closer to that mess?" Rainbow asked incredulously. "I'm barely keeping a hold of you and staying ahead of that cloud full of death!" She shot back.
Twisting some more with amazing flexibility Pinkie Shot once more into the dark cloud of wings. This time getting a few more then before. "I have a plan but I need to get closer to actually land the shot!" She explained, pulling from on of her pouches a large ball with a fuzz. "If I'm looking at our situation right we are five seconds ahead of the betas. Problem is this fuzz is only three seconds long so I need to be closer to get it in the middle!" She further explained, loading the shot into the cannon as Rainbow veered to the left to circle back towards the nest.
"What about the nest?? Got something big enough for that?" She said as it came into view.
Pinkie gave a hum before a memory lit up her head. "Lesson twenty two!" She yelled happily.
Rainbow looked down at her in confusion. "Lesson Twenty whaa... OH YEAH!" She muttered before remembering the lesson in the Pit.
Mr. Roads was standing in the center of the floor like usual. "When hunting a nest of betas know that if danger comes to the nest they will swarm the location to remove the threat. Soooo say you need to get rid of them all fast.... blow up the nest with them near it!" He explained with enthusiasm, making explosion sounds as he went on to the rest of the class.
The nest grew in their view as Rainbow continued flying. The structure looked like a freakish version of a hornets nest with a few betas still flying around it. Slowing the beats of her wings the betas inching closer and closer as time seemed to slow for the pair. Pinkie took aim from her position, squinting her eyes and her tongue poking out just slightly as she pulled the trigger.
The shot rang out leaving a trail of sparklers and fire in a multitude of color heading straight for the nest. The betas on seeing the shot rushed forward after it, forgetting about their original prey. The fiery ball fell into one of the holes in the nest, spiraling around and around as it sank deeper and deeper. The monsters now following into the hole until just as the last one went in, a shock wave erupted from inside the nest. Wax, wood, and viscera rained from the sky as the once large structure crumbled to dust with the two Jaegers in training crying out in celebration as they landed just outside of the new crater.
“Hell yeah that’s how you solve a problem!” Rainbow shouted in joy as they both jumped up and down with joy. Pinkie was too busy giggling and snorting in laughter at their success to answer. The two gave a quick look around finding nothing remaining before heading back to report the success and collect the reward. A new story to share with the others of Harmony.
Spike presses his back to the wall of the cave as Fluttershy and Rarity rested at the other side. Raising his fist he sent a silent message to them getting nods in response as Rarity pulled a small mirror from her chest and angled it inside. From where she was a image of a dragon filled the reflection. It matched the description the job posting, if not a little on the smaller size if she scaled the image up in her mind. With a breath she gestured to Spike and confirmed the target. The three gave one more look to the area before rushing inside.
The beast quickly noticed them, giving a roar in challenge towards them. Spike shifted into his draconic form as the girls rushed to the sides. “ Let’s go you over grown lizard!” He challenged back, rushing forward with a burst of earth underneath him as the dragon blew flames from its maw. With a twist of his foot Spike launched to the side, dodging the attack while Rarity stepped from the other side with her needles floating around her. Sending them flying at the dragon, scales began to chip away with the strikes from her weaponry. Giving a roar in annoyance the dragon swatted down to hit her but missed with Spike appearing again in its view as he tanked the hit, gritting his teeth as his clawed feet sank into the ground to hold his position.
"Much appreciated dear." Rarity complimented with a blown kiss towards her partner.
Fluttershy took the distraction to race up from behind, hopping on top of the dragons back to fire her arrows into the openings made by her friends. One particular arrow sank far enough in to make the dragon give a cry of pain as the shot scraped against bone. "Left arm weakened!" She yelled out for the others to hear as the beasts began to thrash about, trying to throw her off. Holding on tightly she gave an eep at the sudden shifting.
Seeing an opening to strike, Spike rushed in with a powerful blow to the monsters jaw, blood leaving from where a few sharp teeth were knocked loose. Though he wasn't fast enough to pull back as the now thoroughly pissed dragon clamped down on his arm, piercing his plating enough to draw blood. "Ah son of a bitch!" He cried out, hitting the snout with the hope it would open it's mouth again. "Let go you shit head." He growled, anger boiling up from the pain inside of him.
On seeing her friend get hurt Rarity swooped in with a jab at the monsters eye, blinding its right side before slicing more scales off its face. "Unhand him you fiend." She ordered with each slice.
The dragon opened its mouth as it gave another roar of pain after the loss of its eye, building up for another shot of fire. But now the fires inside Spike grew just as hot leading to him grabbing the monsters face and blowing emerald green flames down the throat of the dragon as Fluttershy and Rarity launched another assault on the wounds until finally the beasts eyes burst into green flames and it fell limp.
Breathing a sigh of relief the group gathered up with Spike sticking out his bleeding arm for Fluttershy to mend. Light pink magic began to cover her finger tips and leak from the corners of her mouth and eyes as she chanted small healing spells into his wounds. The cuts and slashes from the monsters teeth began to stop bleeding, closing slowly while Rarity kept an eye on the corpse. Soon Shy moved on to look over Rarity as Spike walked up to the body, tearing out some teeth as confirmation. "Ready to go darling?" The fashion forward hunter asked.
"Yeah, lets go get that reward and get home. I'm beat." Spike responded with a nod.
Twilight and Applejack were racing through the forest getting closer and closer to the shouting until finally with one more push a clearing opened up to reveal a woman on the ground and a massive lion with bat like wings and a scorpions tail crawling slowly towards the woman."Aww fuck, a manticore." Twilight grunted, raising a magic shield around her form. Applejack remained silent as the two rushed forward into the fray. Wielding her axe like a bat AJ swung under the chin on the manticore, sending it flying in to the air giving Twi enough time to grab the woman and rush back into the tree line. "Can you walk?" She questioned as AJ continued after the beast.
The woman was shaking like a leaf in a storm, clutching tightly to the purple haired girl. "I-I think so..." She mumbled.
Casting a spell over the woman a purple glow covered around her. "That will protect you long enough to get out of the forest and into the closest town if you hurry." Twilight said, standing back up to help her friend.
Shakily standing the woman nodded her head before moving as fast as her injured self could back the way Twilight and Applejack had came. “Hurry up Twi! I can’t hold back whiskers here forever!” AJ called to her leader, her axe firmly wedged in the beast’s mouth to keep it from biting her. Giving one of her signature kicks the large cat was pushed back enough for AJ to get her axe back.
“On it!” Twilight shouted, jumping over her friend to slam the ground with a fist creating a gap to form between the two. The monster paced back and forth near the edge of the line growling at them as they both readied themselves.
Tempest was getting pissed with how much she was having to run after her slowly escaping target. "Fucking stupid monster, won't let me kill it easy. Stop you damn overgrown fuzz ball!" She grumbled to herself between breaths.
The girls made the first move as Twilight summoned up platforms for them to run across towards the beast. Getting close enough AJ leaped across the final stretch, magic welling up in her arms while her axe fell with a huge boom, tendrils of wood and dirt lunged across the ground towards the manticore. The attack did the trick as the lashings quickly took hold and restrained the movements of the giant lion. "Whooo weee that's how ya get this done!" Applejack shouted in excitement as Twilight rushed past her.
With a glowing fist Twilight moved just under the head of the beast and with a punch caved in it's chest, causing a down pour of blood from the monsters mouth. Summoning up an explosive spell around her hand, the runes flashing into life then dimming over and over, she launched another shot into the chest. This time a hole the size of her head appeared, going straight through the front and out the back of the now dead manticore. "Oh my gods it's been a while since I've had to use that spell." Twilight replied, breathing heavily from adrenaline and the fight. The two began to walk back towards where they came from when a thumping sound could be heard behind them.
"What in tarnation is that?" Applejack asked, removing her stetson to scratch her head. She took a step towards the sound as Twilight's eyes widened.
"Get away!" She shouted, sprinting forward with a boost of magic to reach her friend, launching AJ to the side as a bear the size of a three story building crashed out of the trees. "It's an Ursa!" She shouted, launching spells and attacks across it's starry hide but all of them bouncing harmlessly off as if nothing was happening at all. It's massive paws slammed down on top of Twilight who tried to quickly throw up a shield but was too slow as her magic was easily shattered under the might of this monstrosity. Giving a cry out in pain as the weight of beast bore down on one of her legs she heard a familiar voice fill her head.
"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY ROOMMATE YOU OMEGA FUCK!" Came Tempest's voice, full of rage.
A thunderous clash of sound filled the air as clouds circled above a slowly descending figure. Soon though Tempest's features came into clear view as dark purple lightning danced across her form, her mane waving in the now building wind like a furious flame. "I've been chasing you for two hours and now I find you've hurt my roommate!" She sneered at the Ursa. "I'm going to enjoy spiking your head on the top of the trees!" She shouted, lunging through the air at a speed even Rainbow couldn't scoff at. The strike she delivered against the creature sent waves of flesh moving across it's large barreled chest, lifting it into the air and off of Twilight's leg.
It sailed into the tree line taking a couple dozen trees with it. AJ took this opening as a chance to grab onto Twilight's figure to drag her to safety. "Come on partner, let's get you out of here and leave this to the professional." That is till she was stopped by a wall of magic.
"No, I'm still good I just need to mend my leg a bit. We can't leave Tempest alone with a Omega." Twilight replied, already shifting her weight while using Applejack to stand up, a glow of lavender appearing around her leg. A sickening crack could be heard as her leg snapped back into place as a purple glow surrounded it, her breath turning ragged as sweat dripped from her forehead. Soon she gave it a kick out to test it finding it still sore but functional. "Come on AJ. We still have work to do." She ordered, shifting off her friend and taking a few steps towards the slowly rising monster.
"Are ya outta your mind?" Applejack challenged, gesturing to the hulking mass of flesh and fur. "We ain't got the gear or power to hurt that thing. Only thing we can do is not get in her way." She said, tugging at her friend to get her to leave. "Please Twi." She begged lightly.
A roar filled the air as stars on the Ursa's form lit up and jumped off it's form, slicing through the air towards Tempest. She shot out beams of her own energy, the collisions causing explosions of light to fill the dimming sky. A few passed by Tempest's defenses, rushing straight for her. She curled her form to lessen the damage but when nothing happened she peeked out to a shield surrounding her. A small smile graced her lips. "Stubborn girl." She whispered, unfolding herself.
Applejack gritted her teeth after seeing Twilight's magic flare up to help in the fight. "I swear on my family's name if ya get us killed I'm beating your ass in whatever afterlife we get." She growled out, hefting her axe onto her shoulder. She took her position in front of Twilight as both moved towards the towering beast.
Tempest gave a single glance their way before focusing back on the monster. "Show time you giant fuzzball." She said spreading her hands out to her sides. A heavy hunk of iron expanded out of her palm into that of her signature weapon Soul Cutter while her other seemed to draw in the storm raging around her into a solid ball of anger. Crossing her arms she dragged the orb over the edge of the blade, dark lightning dancing across the metal while the eye in the middle seemed to brighten up further. Pointing the blade at the now standing monster she lunged forward once more, lightning arcing off her form.
The creature gave a roar that shook the trees around it as it rushed forward to meet it's approaching target. Once it was in range the Ursa swung a massive paw at Tempest but as the two seemed to collide it felt nothing, only seeing a trail of purple haze flowing from it's claws. Looking around it didn't notice the portal opening up above that launched out a scowling figure. Tempest slammed her blade into the back of the monstrosity, making it give an outcry in pain as her blade sank deep into it's form.
Twilight and Applejack had been approaching, looking for an opportunity to strike. On hearing it's pain Twilight shouted to AJ "Now!" Opening a portal for Applejack to run through. On the other side she found the bear significantly closer. Stowing her fears she leaped through the air, using the earth to give her more height like she had done in practice. Swinging her axe behind her head she brought it down with a yell into the top of the monster's head, splitting the skin and causing strange almost ethereal blood to fly onto her arms. The Ursa's knees gave out slightly from the strike before it caught itself. Rearing back it began to shake it's body to dislodge the two figures attacking it.
"Whoa now! Easy there big guy!" Applejack shouted, her balance being thrown off from the motions. Soon she felt herself fall off. "Little help!" She cried out as the ground rushed towards her.
Twilight clapped her hands, already having a spell prepared to catch her friend. She watched as Applejack stopped a few feet from the ground before being pulled towards her and a more safe location. "Good one Applejack, if we can get it distracted just enough we can kill it." She coached, keeping an air of confidence for them both.
That confidence quickly shattered for a moment when Tempest landed next to her making her scream out slightly in surprise. "Aww, come on I'm not that ugly am I?" Tempest teased, casting a glance at the thrashing monster that was trying to find where she went. "Listen Twilight I know you're strong and can handle a lot of things but this one is out of your pay grade. For both of your safeties please get out of here." She ordered gently, shooting her roommate a soft look.
AJ straightened herself out before saying "That's what I told her." Smacking Twilight lightly on the arm with a frown. "Besides, your leg is still busted from when the big thing stepped on it. How long is your magic going to be able to hold it on in place?" She added, jabbing a finger down to point at her leaders glowing limb.
Looking between the two Twilight shook her head. "Listen, I know this is a big thing to take on especially so early in training but I can't just leave you alone to fight the thing." She explained, casting a look at Tempest. "If it was an alpha I'd have no problem leaving it to you but the fact it's in Omega is why I can't just walk away. It may be a young one but even those can level a whole city if not taken care of." She said, raising her chin slightly to look them both in the face.
Tempest and AJ looked at each other with the clear expression of "Why does she have to be so stubborn." before looking back towards Twilight. Both gave sighs of annoyance before AJ spoke up first. "Fine, got a plan then oh fearless leader?"
Twilight looked between them then at the Ursa, a smile slowly growing on her. "I think I do actually." she said, gesturing for them to get closer. As they leaned in she explained her idea.
Rainbow dash was throwing a ball between Spike and Pinkie Pie as Rarity and Fluttershy sat off to the side watching. "Have any of you heard anything at all from Twilight and Applejack? I expected they'd be one of the first one's back." Rainbow asked the others.
Spike caught the ball with a clawed hand before tossing it to Pinkie Pie. "I'm sure their alright. I imagine they finished the job but got pulled into some other thing on the way back."
Rarity brought a drink to her lips, taking a few sips before adding to Spike's thoughts. "You know Applejack alone would probably pass a farmer and offer her hand to help." Everyone gave small laughs at the truth of that statement. "Top that with Twilight's drive to help those in need no matter how small it seems and no wonder they would be last to arrive." She added, adjusting herself in her seat to get better coverage in the sun.
Fluttershy looked up from the small knitting project she was working on. "I'm sure where ever they are, their having plenty of fun." She said gently. The others nodded and continued their activities.
"TWILIGHT, THE PLANS NOT WORKING!" Tempest shouted from her pinned position, her magic shield slowly cracking from the Ursa's stomping on it.
"I know." Twilight said back, launching herself through a portal to hit the monster in the nose before diving through another as it launched stars from it's body.
Applejack was busy chopping away at the back legs of the beast to get it to leave Tempest alone. "TWILIGHT I NEED HELP HERE!" She shouted out as she got kicked away.
"I know!" She yelled in response, jumping again through a portal to catch AJ before she could get more hurt. Her magic was dropping fast and her leg was starting to hurt again as the magic slowly dispelled. She had maybe a minute left before it fully disappeared and her leg would be fractured again. Rushing back into the fight she smashed a tree she ripped from the ground across the side of the Ursa's head making it glare at her.
Tempest got the reprieve she needed as it stopped it's assault on her and focused on Twilight. "Twilight watch out!" She yelled.
Gritting her teeth in anger at the constant yelling Twilight screamed out "I KNOW!" Before rushing into one last portal that dropped her on top of the beast's head. With a cry of anger she slammed an armored fist into the eye of the beast, blinding it on that side. "Both of you NOW!" She shouted to her two companions.
Both took the opening. Tempest leaped into the air, flipping once to re-angle herself as she plunged downward with her blade into the neck of the roaring monster. She felt it strike bone before hearing a call from below. "Yeehaw!" Applejack cried out, summoned the earth beneath her to jump into the sky and down with the back end of her axe. Striking on the dot she hit the butt end of Soul Cutter's hilt, driving the blade the last distance it needed to sever the spine of the Ursa's neck.
All of them felt the stiffening of the creature as it's brain functions were cut off. They scrambled to get off, AJ making the leap but Tempest could see Twilight struggling to move as the magic left her leg. With quick movements she rushed forward and scoped up the stumbling Jaeger. "Don't worry I gotcha." She said, leaping from the crashing body and near to Applejack. They all looked to the now dead form of the Omega before cheering in happiness that it was over. Though that was quickly cut short as Twilight lost consciousness for a moment. Tempest reacted first, sweeping the girl into a bridle style lift. "Easy now. Don't go dying on me just yet." She spoke softly.
"I-i'm fiughh..." Twilight groaned out, leaning into Tempest's form.
Applejack and Tempest looked to each other before chuckling lightly at her still trying to be stubborn. "Come on, I'll notify the clean up crews where the body is while we head back to the school." Tempest said, gesturing with her head towards where the road was. Aj just nodded her head as they made their way back home.
"Sooooo... Ya like apples?" Applejack asked, trying to start up small talk with the number one student.
"Yeah, got this mean apple fritter recipe my grandma gave me." Tempest replied, letting her natural attitude slip out just this once as the two talked while Twilight rested.
"What the hell happened to you guys?" Rainbow shouted out on spotting the three battered girls entered into the dorms.
Applejack and Tempest looked to each other then down to the still unconscious Twilight still in Tempest's arms. "Bear." They replied together moving past the group towards the infirmary.
"Buh? A bear did this to you guys?" Rainbow pressed, following after the three with the rest of Harmony trailed behind. "You can't expect us to believe it was something simple like that. What was it really?" She questioned only to halt in her tracks at Applejack whirling towards her, blocking the door.
Leaning in AJ growled in a tired voice "It was only a bear and you can hear more about it after Twi wakes up, got it?" Looking Rainbow in the eyes.
Spike gently tapped Dash on the shoulder signaling to drop it. "Let them rest it must have been a very...interesting bear." He said, glancing at the leaving farmer. "Besides, we should probably go collect their rewards for them as I imagine they'll be out of it for a little." He proposed.
The rest nodded in agreement, heading for the appropriate building as the other three entered the infirmary. Tempest gently laid Twilight down on a cot before slumping into a chair next to the bed. A glowing orb fluttered around Twilight's still form. "Fucken omegas. Hate the little shits with a passion. Never die easy." She groaned, sliding a hand through her dirty mohawk.
Applejack took a chair on the opposite side, leaning forward. "I don't mean to sound ruse or nothin' but... You ain't actin' like how I expected ya too." She slowly said, removing her hat to rest on her knee.
Tempest peeked between her fingers at the country girl. Silence filled the room as she seemed to study the girl across from her. "Yeah well people aren't always what they seem to be. Biggest guy around could end up the softest fellow you know. Sweetest looking girl could be psycho in pastel pink. Get what I'm saying?" She slowly replied. With a sigh she began to rise before grabbing at her lower back. "Ahhh, knew I hadn't stretched enough for a fight like that." She groaned.
"Hey now, why don't you just rest. We didn't get out of that scrap without our own hits. 'Sides not like we have classes tomorrow so no sense rushin' things." Applejack suggested, holding out a hand in a stopping motion towards the grimacing woman.
Looking the freckled girl in the face Tempest sighed before sitting back down slowly. "Tell me something. Why do you follow ol' stubborn here?" She asked, pointing with a thumb at the sleeping Twilight. "From what I understand the rest of you minus the dragon boy already had spots in the school so if anything she should have been following you guys. Yet since day one she was put as the leader. She bribe you or something?" Tempest questioned further. She wouldn't openly admit it but she was probing to see if Twilight's group was genuine in their care for her.
Applejack to the number one students surprise actually started to blush. "Well see we tried to have one of us lead but it always ended up in butting heads. One would say left but some others would rather go right. Eventually we just thought no one would lead and we'd sort of coast along. Then Twi pops up outta nowhere totting skills like no one's business, taking command immediately, and even pointing out flaws we have but also backing it with solutions on how to fix those flaws." She said, her body clearly spewing all the thoughts she held of the purple haired girl out at once. "It just felt natural. I mean heck, she even got you followin' orders with the whole ursa thing and considering she's been the longest to share the same room as ya must mean even off the battle field she has a way with ya." Applejack finished, pointing out the situation Tempest was known for.
Leaning back a small smile tugged at Tempest's lips as she listened to the farmer speak. Once AJ finished Tempest chuckled now surprising Applejack. "I won't lie, she does have my interest. She also respects my boundaries which was one of the main problems I had with past rommies. Course that doesn't mean I push hers every now and then." She said with a content sigh. "I won't lie to you since you are clearly a good person. I'm not as cold and aloft as people think I am. I like girly things. I like to play games. But being number one means you have to keep a certain image although for some reason I can't explain Twilight just made me feel like I can drop it and be myself." Tempest said before blinking. Jabbing a finger at AJ she scowled deeply warning "Don't tell anyone what I just said ok! Twilight already promised and you better be able to keep the same thing."
Shaking her hands in front of her Applejack nervously laughed. "Already forgotten swears." She said, leaning back and taking in the environment. A soft yellow glow filled their little section of an empty room. Twilight's breathing had steadied into a clear sign of resting and Tempest sat fidgeting with a loose lock of hair from her mohawk. Smiling gently AJ said "I know what you mean though. She has a way of disarming you and feeling safe acting yourself around her." Looking once more at the rest Twilight Applejack turned to Tempest. Sticking out her hand she said "The names Applejack. My family runs some apple orchards and I plan to become a Jaeger. Want to be friends?"
Blinking slowly at the extended hand Tempest felt a twinge in her heart like a string being plucked. She cast a glance to her sleeping roommate before looking back at the girl in front of her. Reaching forward she took the hand and gave it a firm shake. "I'm Tempest Shadow, not real name but even Twi doesn't know. I joined the Jaegers to protect people no matter the cost. I would very much like to be your friend." She said with a smile.
"Mmmm, where am I?" Twilight sleepily asked, shifting the blanket slight while rubbing at her eyes like a sleepy kitten.
Tempest couldn't help give a squeak at how cute Twilight looked waking up. "If I died now it would be ok!" She thought to herself before remembering there was another here. Coughing into her hand She leaned closer to her roommate. "How are you feeling? We are at the infirmary at the school. Need anything?" She answered with a few of her own questions.
"That's good to hear we are back. Um, I think I'm ok just still pretty tired. My leg doesn't hurt anymore." Twilight remarked, moving her foot on what once was her broken leg.
"Seems the sprite fixed you up pretty quickly." Applejack remarked. Standing slowly she nodded to the pair. "I'll see you around. Someone's gotta explain things to the rest of the group. Rest up Twi, Harmony needs it's leader." She added with a mock salute to her friend, turning and leaving the infirmary.
Twilight clearly was still in a bit of a daze as she laid back in bed, reaching a hand out towards Tempest. "Can I touch you for a bit?" She mumbled slightly, her eyes half open.
Stiffening at the comment Tempest gently rested her hand in Twilight's feeling her squeeze it softly. She watched as her breathing steadied once more falling asleep. "You really are an interesting person Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to see how much you shake this place up further." She thought happily, adjusting herself in her seat to rest alongside the resting woman. The light's in the infirmary dimmed slightly to make resting easier.
Applejack stepped into the lobby, finding the rest of her team resting in different spots with a large bag in the middle. "That our spoils?" She asked, limping slightly towards it.
"Yepperoni!" Pinkie Pie answered, she was balancing upside down with a barbell on one of her feet extended upwards. "It's a lot bigger then the rest of ours. Must have been a real nasty bounty. Good to see you got back safely though!" She added, switching feet with ease.
Rainbow Dash fluttered near AJ with a raised brow. "Now can we learn what happened with you guys?" She questioned, hovering in AJ's face.
Giving a small laugh as she grabbed an apple off the table Applejack sat down in a bean bag nearby. "Give us just a little reprieve before we talk, k?" She shot back, biting into the apple with a satisfying crunch
Rarity rested on a lounge couch with Spike massaging a leg tossed over his lap. Writing something into a newspaper she perked up. "Oh, good word Applejack. It fit the space I needed for this crossword." She hummed happily.
Groaning in annoyance Dash flopped into a cloud with a 'poof'. Kicking her legs slightly she whined out "Fine, this better be worth the wait though."
AJ smiled to herself. "Oh, I'm sure it is." She answered back, crunching further into her apple.
