Breath, fake a right and lunge with the left, grab hold and follow with the knee hard into the ribs. Pull away to keep them from getting a hold of you before slinking back in for the kill. Weave through the punches, watch the shoulders and eyes, palm away a few to get the speed and power behind them before pushing in and hitting em with all you've got!

Vinyl roared as she stepped forward, body twisting as she punched the dummy as hard as she could, eyes wide as she shredded the training dummy. She panted slightly, noticing the glow of magic around her arm.

When the hell did I do that??? she wondered, realizing she was channeling an insane amount of mana. She took a slow breath, letting her grip on her magic go slack.

"Thats rather amazing Vinyl...I never realized magic could be used to grant someone strength." Octavia spoke up, having decided to sit in on one of Vinyl's training sessions.

"Yea...same here..." Vinyl mumbled

"Same here." the cloaked boy added, munching on an apple. Vinyl jumped in shock, reaching for her dagger, only to realize it was in her coat, next to the door on the rack...where the boy stood.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." he chuckled.

"How the fuck did you get in my house?"

"You've got the place rigged to keep out Big Boss's goons. Vamps, lycans, ghosts, hell, even Magians you don't like couldn't get in here." he remarked.

"Exactly, so how..."

"Madam Filigree. You've seen me in action, do you really need me to answer that?" he interrupted. Vinyl sighed, grabbing her towel.

"So what do you want?" Vinyl asked.

"I have an offer to make. With how heavily warded this place is, it was the only place I could openly speak to you." he glanced over at Octavia.

"I'm happy to see she is in good health. That will help ease the Hunters fears."

"Pfft, that old hag isn't worried about her. She just wants to feel like she saved someone."

"And you just want to kill Big Boss. And here we all are. Now, that offer."

"Shove it pal, last person who made me an offer nearly got me killed and would've watched with a fuckin bag of popcorn."

"You don't trust me. I can understand that. Especially after Cheerilee betrayed you and after Big Boss killed your father. It was a loss for all of us Miss Filigree." the figure spoke up. Vinyl snatched him up by his collar, growling as she stared into his emerald slitted eyes.

"Don't talk about my father like you knew him punk."

"Actually I did know him. Who do you think his contact was in the castle?" the boy asked. Vinyl stared for a moment, shaking her head.

"You're just some damn kid."

"I age well, call it a gift." he shrugged.

"Thats it, I want some answers!" Vinyl pinned him against the wall, baring her fangs. The boy sighed, placing his hands gently on her wrists.

"A heart of diamond, is not the same as a heart of stone. A heart of diamond, shines with the love of the ones around you and is at its brightest when you fight for the ones you love." the figure said softly. The same words her father had spoken to her so many times when she asked about her name. About why it was so important.

"Your father loved you and your sisters very much. So much so, that he ensured that you would be protected after his death."

"So what does that make you, my damn bodyguard?!"

"Yes actually. Its in his will. Though they probably didn't read that part to you. Too many prying eyes and ears. But there is a copy in his vault. The code is your birthday." the figure explained. Vinyl stared at him for a moment before dropping him.

"Prove it."

Vinyl followed the boy to her fathers room. Behind a single portrait of her family was the safe, kept under heavy lock and key. Her father was the only one who knew the code, not even her mother had been told how to open it.

The boy rolled his shoulders, reaching for the dial and quickly spinning it about. Sure enough, on the last digit, the safe cracked wide open. Within, was something Vinyl did not expect.

The wall itself opened up, revealing a hidden room, filled with not only several ancient artifacts and a plethora of cash, but also a miniature armory. The boy walked past the swords and guns, making a beeline for the back of the vault where a lone piece of paper hung on the wall, enshrouded in glass.

"To my daughter, Vanessa Diamondheart Filigree, I leave behind my home, my fortune, and all of my titles. I leave her in the capable hands of my colleague, Sir Spike Swiftshrike of Celamont." the boy read aloud.

"Sir? Like a Knight of Celamont?" Vinyl asked. He simply grinned, flinging off his cloak and revealing a sunburst crest over his heart, a suit of armor clinging to his body.

"More like Celestia's personal Guard. I should properly introduce myself." Spike bowed his head.

"I, am Sir Spike Swiftshrike. A Dragon-kin trained to protect Celestia. Though I'm on leave to settle some...personal matters. Namely the death of my friend, your father. He was an important member of Celestia's court and our only connection to your world." Spike explained. Vinyl sank to her knees, taking in all the information.

Even from the dead you're watchin' my back pops... she let out a sad chuckle, barely noticing Octavia wrapping her arms around her from behind. Spike cleared his throat.

"These weapons were crafted as a means of defense. We suspected Big Boss would betray your father, but he was determined to see justice and peace. He was a great man. But sadly there can't be any peace with Big Boss. You'll find that all of these work rather well on Vampires and are charmed to be bound to the head of the Filigree Clan. No one else can wield them." Spike pointed to one of the swords.

His hand shifted into a claw as he reached for it, gritting his teeth as the ward upon it lashed out at him, leaving a nasty burn on his claw.

"See? With all my resistance to magic and my diamond hard scales, I can't even touch it." he smiled, watching as Vinyl slowly reached for the sword, shaking as she closed her hand around the hilt.

"He planned this...didn't he?" Vinyl asked softly.

"It was more like a Plan C. Plan B was for you to continue where he left off, but we both knew you would take a different route. This option was left here for you. And I'm here to show you how to use it."

"What happened to Miss Cheerilee?" Octavia asked. Spike sighed, rubbing his cheek absentmindedly.

"She still believes that I'm out to murder the city. So she is spending some quality time with the Princess and a couple hundred of Celamont's finest."

"Doesn't that seem like too much?"

"Its the safety of our Princess at stake. Its never too much." Spike reasoned.

"Okay, so, how are you gonna teach me to use all of this if you can't touch it?" Vinyl wondered, glancing at one of the blades.

"Oh, thats simple. You're going to fight me with it." Spike chuckled, patting her arm as he walked past her.

"Vinyl...are you really going to..."

"Tavi...this is my key to finishing all of this...to putting a stop to this bastard. I gotta try."

"Very well...just be careful...that vampire, the one you fought before. I didn't see much after you rescued me, but that boy..."

"Yea, I know. He took out Dusk like he was just some street thug. And, if what he said is true..." Vinyl paused, staring at the sword in her hands.

"And he hasn't lied yet...then he's some badass meant to keep Princess freakin' Celestia safe..."

"Then why doesn't he take down Big Boss?" Octavia asked. Vinyl shook her head, walking past Octavia and outside the vault. She stopped to glance at the portrait, wearing a sad smile. Her father was in the back, resting a hand a top a younger and well dressed Vinyl.

Rarity had been too short and so Vinyl had held her up while her mother stood beside her, holding a baby Sweetie Belle in the crook of her arms, her fathers arm around her shoulder.

"Mother...Father...I'll make you proud..."

"And...you're sure about this?" Vinyl asked one last time. Spike raised an eyebrow.

"Its not like the sword is going to break."

"...Your crazier than I am..." Vinyl mumbled. She took a slow breath as she shifted into position. One foot forward, tip of the sword at eye level and both hands firmly gripping the hilt. She kept her elbows straight but loose. She let out a slow breath, flickering out of view and slashing downward with the blade, Spike sliding to his left to avoid it and slamming his palm into her ribs.

"Faster Vinyl." He demanded, rolling around her as she flipped the blade and slashed. She spun, kicking out and hitting air.

How can he be so fast?! she grit her teeth, spinning and roaring as she threw out her leg, flipping the blade around to slash behind her, grinning as her leg connected. Spike however had raised both arms to catch her leg, chuckling quietly.

"He said you were quick on your feet. Thats good." Spike leaned back, dodging the blade once more before flipping back onto his hands and hopping away from her.

Even in that armor...he's faster than me...is this the strength of a Knight? Vinyl calmed herself, taking her stance once more.

"Alright, I'll begin my attack now Vinyl." Spike warned, vanishing completely. She barely had time to react, eyes wide as he tapped her back. She spun, slashing with the blade, only to have him slide under and tap her knee.

She tossed the blade in the air, dropping to the ground and rolling on her shoulders, legs rolling through the air in a windmill as she danced across the floor, her foot landing with a satisfactory thud against his cheek.

Vinyl chuckled, planting her palms firmly on the ground and throwing herself into the air to catch the sword. She stared in shock as Spike appeared in front of her, scales on his cheek.

The Dragon-kin lunged forward, giving her shoulders a shove and rolling in the air, kicking the hilt of her sword. She grit her teeth as she flipped back, skidding across the ground.

Her sword had landed halfway across the room. With Spike's speed, there was no way she would reach it.

"Wasn't the point of this to teach me to use that thing?" Vinyl asked as Spike landed.

"Originally. That was until I felt your kick. You aren't comfortable with weapons...are you Vinyl?" Spike asked, rubbing his arm. Vinyl tensed for a moment, hanging her head.

"How else am I suppose to kill a vampire?" she said softly.

"Theres plenty of ways. You know for a fact a hard enough hit will take out anything." Spike lectured. He decided to continue when she didn't respond.

"That technique you used earlier, when you tore through that training doll. Give that a try." Spike suggested.

"I don't even know how I did that. How the hell am I suppose to do it again?"

"Just play through that moment again, recreate the feelings you had and just let it come to you." Spike smiled. Vinyl sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. In her mind, she heard her father during one of her lessons.

He would take a step forward, faking a right punch only to lunge out with the left. While the opponent was winded, he would grab them, smashing his knee hard into the ribs. He'd then jump away to avoid a counter attack, pulling his arms in to protect his face as he slid across the ground to continue the attack.

Once close he would step back as his opponent lunged out with their own attacks, weaving and palming away punches to get a good feel for them. Once he found the opening though he would step in, ending it all with one powerful punch.

Breath, fake a right and lunge with the left, grab hold and follow with the knee hard into the ribs. Pull away to keep them from getting a hold of you before slinking back in for the kill. Weave through the punches, watch the shoulders and eyes, palm away a few to get the speed and power behind them before pushing in and hitting em with all you've got!

She smiled as the scene of her father played in her mind, a tear streaming down her cheek. She spread her legs slightly apart, arms out wide before bringing them in slowly.

She let out a slow breath, stepping forward with a fake right, throwing out the left. Spike stepped in, palming the left punch. Vinyl stepped forward, placing her hands on his shoulder, bringing up her knee into Spike's palms.

She leapt away, raising up her arms and sliding forward. Spike took a slow breath, throwing a few jabs that she weaved around and palmed away, waiting for the opening. Spike shifted as he went for the next punch, right between them was a small pause.

Vinyl waited for the next one, roaring as she stepped in, bumping him and causing him to stumble. Spike's eyes widened as Vinyl's fist flew through the air, glowing with the strength of her magic. She stopped moments before smashing through his face, panting heavily.

"Heh...I appreciate you not taking my head off..." he chuckled.

"what...the hell was that?" Vinyl breathed, staring at her hand.

"Its a technique your father and I developed. Its called the Death Dragon. Those steps are the Kata he came up with. You probably never realized it, but he spent years etching its techniques into your mind." Spike smiled as he took a cautionary step back.

"I thought it was just something to keep me focused...to channel all my energy into some kinda outlet and keep me busy."

"Well it was that too, just with ulterior motives to make sure you could handle yourself in a fight." Spike explained, taking a seat and rolling his wrist.

"Your knee is a lot tougher than his though." he mumbled.

"Spike...I've got a question..."

"Sure, shoot."

"Why do you need me to take down Big Boss?" she held her breath as Spike fell silent.

"It isn't my place to put Big Boss down. And to be honest...I don't know that I even could." he admitted.

"The hell do you mean?! You tore through Dusk like nothin' and I KNOW you're holdin' back on me."

"Yes. I beat Dusk, yes, I held back, up until the end...As strong as I am, as fast as I am...I'm still just 'human'. I can't keep up with someone like Big Boss and this is my prime. I won't get any stronger than this Vinyl. But you have more potential than you can imagine." Spike sighed, resting his hands on his knees.

"Vinyl? Vinyl?!" Rarity called out, knocking on the door to the workout room. Vinyl spun, swearing under her breath. When she turned back to Spike, he was gone.

"Damn it all..." she mumbled, pulling the door open.

"Whats up Rare-bear?" Vinyl asked, still out of breath.

"Are you alright? You've been in there all day...you normally don't train this much unless something is bothering you."

"Its nothing Rarity. Don't you have school?"

"Yes...I just...nevermind. I'll leave you be." Rarity mumbled as she walked away. Vinyl groaned, smacking her head against the door frame.

"Um, Vinyl? Theres a woman here to see you." Octavia called out from down the hall. Vinyl sighed, snatching up a towel and making her way to the front door. She smacked her forehead as she spotted Twilight Velvet.

"Crap! I forgot you were coming over today. I am so sorry." Vinyl apologized.

"Its quite alright Madam. I only just arrived and your...friend, was kind enough to answer the door." Twilight smiled.

"Oh uh, Octavia, this is Sweetie Belle's Nanny, Twilight Velvet. Miss Velvet, this is my friend Octavia, she uh..."

"We met during work. I'm a musician and I was rather interested in Vinyls...musical tastes." Octavia forced a smile. It seemed Twilight bought the story, giggling and sighing in relief.

"For a moment there, I thought you were having me replaced Madam Filigree."

"What? No! Never! You're practically family...I couldn't do something like that to you..."

"I'm relieved to hear you say that Madam, it means a lot."

"Nana!" Sweetie Belle squealed, rushing down the stairs and hugging Twilights leg.

"Well, hello again Sweetie Belle. How are you today?"

"I'm okay, Big sis' friend made us bweakfast today!"

"I-I'm sorry Miss Velvet. They were hungry so I...just..." Octavia petered off as Twilight laughed.

"No apologies needed. All that matters is they are taken care of." Twilight waved the matter away, picking up Sweetie Belle and giggling as the girl kissed her cheek.

"Lets start off with your studies for the day, hm?" Twilight smiled, walking past them and to Sweetie Belle's room.

"So...you have a Nanny?"

"She's more like a housemaid, or at least she was when my pops was around. She was always watching after us though. Kind of like a second mom." Vinyl glanced at the door, double checking her wards before she closed it.

"How goes your training?" Octavia wondered.

"Uh...good question. I'm not really sure. Dragon boy vanished on me." Vinyl mumbled. She sighed as she sat on the couch, laying her head back and relaxing, letting the tension and stress melt away. She was caught off guard as Octavia sat beside her, laying her head on her shoulder.

"Uh...kinda close eh Tavi?" Vinyl asked

"I feel...comfortable. Is there something wrong with that?" she questioned, looking up at her. Vinyl's breath caught as she stared into those eyes, two lovely purple pools that demanded an answer.

"N-Nah, nothing wrong with it." Vinyl chuckled nervously, hesitating before wrapping an arm around her. Octavia smiled, closing her eyes and sighing happily. Vinyl chewed her lip, feeling her eyes fade from red to a calm sky blue.

Was this what a normal life felt like? Was this what it was like to relax, to let your guard down and be happy? For so long she had been fighting and struggling, never knowing what she was missing. Why was this one little human so important? She blinked as Octavia snored softly against her.

"Geez, whats with you and sleeping all the time?" Vinyl chuckled. She shifted her weight, hooking an arm under Octavia's legs, carefully lifting her up bridal style and marching upstairs towards the master bedroom.

She could faintly hear Twilight singing to Sweetie Belle, it sounded like a counting song. She chuckled, nudging her bedroom door open enough to slip inside, carefully laying Octavia in her bed.

"Alright, nighty night Tavi. The big kids have got some work to do." Vinyl chuckled, kissing her forehead. She snuck out of the room quietly, making her way back into her fathers room and opening the vault.

"Time to go Hunting."

"How the hell do those bastards manage to walk around in the Matrix?" Vinyl thought aloud, adjusting a strap under her trench-coat. Despite how uncomfortable it was to have several guns strapped to your limbs and blades hidden up her sleeves and pant legs, she felt amazing. Octavia was sweet in more ways than one and the bit of blood pumping through her system made her feel like she was on top of the world. How could she not go on a test run?

"You can show your ugly face now." Vinyl called out, grinning as Dusks' partner stepped forward.

"Vanessa Filigree..." he growled.

"In the flesh. Despite your little buddy Dusk trying to play games with his little posse of punk ass vampires." she taunted, pacing about.

"Ya know, this isn't really fair. You know who I am, but as far as I'm concerned, you're just another one of Big Boss' little bitches for me to trample." she growled, flashing her fangs.

"Scythe." the vampire breathed.

"Cool name" Vinyl nodded absentmindedly. "So how you wanna do this Scythe? We can sit down like adults an talk it over, or we can pull out the toys and smash some kneecaps...the same way you bastards took down Z."

"Dusk, was the one who took out Zero Cool. We've monitored some of your conversations with him and the idiot thought it would be a good idea to end it."

"But you didn't?" Vinyl asked. She was somewhat worried. How long had they been listening in and how had they hacked into Z's feed?

"He was our window into your world Miss Filigree. What with the wards upon your home and your little club, we have no way of keeping an eye on our favorite little princess." Scythe sighed, tucking his hands into his jean pockets.

"So you wanna talk? I'm not gonna get ambushed by a fuck-ton of vamps wanting to take my head as a trophy?" Vinyl asked.

"Just a simple talk." Scythe replied.

Damnit. The one time I'm ready for you bastards... she sighed, crossing her arms.

"Alright then, talk. Where is Big Boss?" Vinyl grit her teeth as Scythe chuckled.

"Now, you know I can't tell you that."

"It was worth a shot." she shrugged.

"Now I've got a question for you." he snapped his fingers, a vampire stepping forward and gripping a chain. Vinyl's eyes widened as he pulled, Rarity falling forward into a puddle and complaining about her dress.

"How much do you care about your sister?"