Twilight of the Damned

by Drax99

First published 16th of November, 2011

Something evil is killing ponies. Will Twilight be the one to stop it?

An evil stalks Ponyville, killing and claiming the dead. Twilight is sent a book to combat the vampire menace, but will she learn fight in time to save her friends? Is Twilight the Slayer, and who will train her?

Vampires and Ponies. Nothing sparkles, but everypony bleeds.

Prologue: {The Great and Horrible Trixie}

“The sky was clear, the moon was high,

not a star could be seen in the ebon sky.

The night was bright, the light shone chill,

as a lone figure climbed up the hill.

Moonlight rules, the land washed pale,

and the time has come to tell my tale.”

As a figure climbed the last hill, she stopped to make sure she wasn't followed. The idea that anypony would follow her to this darkest of places, in the middle of the Everfree forest was absurd, but chances could not be afforded. With the moon unusually bright, her azure and silver features shone, and her cloak and hat were brighter still. A beacon of moonlight in an otherwise monochrome landscape.

This was the night, the time and the hour that she had read of:

On this night, great magics could be performed, and limitless power could be called forth. Power that would belong to her. Power that would finally allow her to have her revenge on the ponies in the nearby Ponyville. Revenge for the shame and humiliation they caused her. And finally, after she had destroyed all that was held dear, Twilight Sparkle would know that it was The Great and Powerful Trixie that had done it!

Her blood boiled at the thought of the lavender unicorn that had destroyed her life over a year ago. As she wandered the halls of the old castle, once home to the Elements of Harmony, she dwelt on what her life had become. She had wandered at first, ashamed and broken. Then, after the despair had faded, it was replaced by a determined rage. Slowly smoldering as she began to search. From town to town, searching libraries and bars, she sought a way to increase her power. She would need more power to defeat her nemesis, and after months she found it.

In an old abandoned library, on the end of a deserted town, she had found a book. The fate of the town was unknown, it’s inhabitants long gone, and only ghosts and whispered legends remained. Some say a great plague had wiped them out, and others say they had one day just vanished. Many had sought the answer, most never returned. The ones that did were usually quite mad. This neither swayed nor slowed The Great and Powerful Trixie. Her lust for power was a burning flame now, and her need for revenge consumed her.

Deep in the basement of the library, she found a locked room. With her skills as a stage performer, she easily bypassed the lock on the door, as well as the more complex one on the locked box inside. The book was black, and covered in strange runes. The cover itself appeared to be some sort of skin, and horribly molded into the form of a screaming face. There was no title, no preface, no markings other than the unreadable runes in bloody red ink. Eerily the ink resembled fresh blood, although it was dry to the hoof.

Inside, however, was madness. At first, the runes and glyphs swam before her eyes, making her sick to her stomach. It was like looking into a pot of boiling blood as it crawled across the pages with a life if it’s own. not to be deterred, she continued to read until at last the movement stopped, and the book swam into focus. Suddenly she could read the words, and what they told her made the azure pony grin with glee.

Here at last was the recipe for revenge. The power she sought could be gained by a blood ritual, performed on a place that the ley lines of power met, on a certain night when the moon was full. It would grant the caster the power to control the night, and both power and everlasting life. The Great and Powerful Trixie would truly be Great and Powerful, FOREVER!

Now she approached the dais, where once the elements of harmony had rested. The same place that the great Nightmare Moon had been defeated, and where once, long ago, the sisters had sat in rule over all of Equestria. Her horn glowed, as she levitated the candles and other reagents into place, and with a flash they were lit. Black candles shone with an eerie reddish glow, flickering and throwing maddening shadows upon the walls. The Great and Powerful Trixie drew a warding circle around herself, and surrounded it with the required runes. Then, taking a small silver dagger from her starry cloak, she bit her lip and made a small cut along her forearm.

Chanting the preparation spell from the black book levitated before herself, the blood flowed freely, filling the lines she had drawn, and creating a arcane symbol on the ground in blood. The blood moved as if it was alive and covered the symbols and lines alike, until the entire circle glistened wetly in the dark candlelight.

As she finished her chant, the blood stopped flowing from her wound, but not before a wave of dizziness washed over her from the loss of blood. The ritual called for the sacrifice of another pony, but she could not trust anypony with the secrets of her plan. Neither did she have the resources to capture and carry a victim here. Her own blood would have to suffice, and the small sacrifice would be richly rewarded when the power was hers.

Sensing that the time was upon her, the mare opened the book to the final incantation. Chanting slowly and precisely, her horn began to glow. Brightly at first, gathering power, but then suddenly flaring with a dark reddish tint. The red glow grew stronger and brighter, and the flames from the candles flared higher as the power built. Finally, as the power built to it’s peak, and the chant drew to a close, The Great and Powerful Trixie paused. Her body glowed bright crimson, and the circle around her seemed to burn with a strange reddish flame.

Suddenly, all the candles went out at once, as if snuffed by a great hand, and a fraction of a moment later the circle exploded. A wall of blood shot into the air, and enclosed her in a cylinder of crimson fire. The wall collapsed inward and she was washed in the burning fluids as she screamed. Her scream was cut short as the blood flowed along her body and forced itself down her throat, drowning her in a deluge of her own fluids, and causing her to collapse upon the floor in a heap.

As the room grew quiet, and the light from the ceremony faded, only a huddled lump marked where the azure unicorn lay. Long moments passed, and the moon began to wane before movement returned to the collapsed pony. Slowly she rose to her hooves, quickly regaining strength. In fact, her strength was still increasing. The Great and Powerful Trixie could feel the power of eternal life flowing within her veins, filling her body with limitless power.

Gazing around the hall, she could make out every detail, as if it were illuminated by bright sunlight. her senses were sharper than she could ever remember. She could hear and smell the rats scurrying in the nearby rooms. She now knew what true power felt light, and she LIKED IT! Finally she would have her revenge on the pathetic ponies of Ponyville, and most especially, Twilight Sparkle.

She threw back her head in a wicked laugh. The sound echoed around the ruined castle, and seemed to go on for far longer than any pony could possibly hold breath. As she finished her gloat, she licked her lips, noticing her teeth were different now. She now had long canines, much like a Dragon, and they felt ready to rend flesh. In fact, the thought of flesh made her realize how hungry she was.

With a wicked grin, and a howl of glee, she stalked out of the castle. Tonight was the night to hunt. Tonight was time to FEED! The Great and Powerful Trixie was hungry.

Chapter 1: {Vampyr}

Dead.

Everypony was dead. The streets were silent, as she walked through Ponyville. A blood red moon hung in the sky, and a chill wind moaned, causing her to shiver. But something else made her shake far worse than the cold.

Fear.

Her heart pounded, drowning out the wind, as she tried to look everywhere at once. Every shadow seemed to stalk her, and her own mind turned against itself. All her friends were gone, and she trotted alone in a desolate wasteland that was once her home. The feeble light of the moon was all that she had to see by, and the darkness was everywhere.

Something stalked her through the streets. Something hungry and patient. A creature she could not see, but could hear just out of range. As much as a presence as a physical entity. The darkness itself crept up on her and waited for her to falter so it could pounce and add her to it’s list of victims.

Then she heard it. A low growl, felt as much as heard, echoed through the streets behind her. It had caught her scent, and was closing in for the kill. With a whinny of fear she broke into a gallop, no longer trying to be quiet, but now fleeing for her life. She could hear it behind her, softly padding closer, it’s rank breath warm against her flanks. The fetid stink of death and ruin filled her lungs as she panted in blind panic.

Suddenly the sound stopped, for only a moment, just long enough for her mind to register, before a weight slammed onto her back and she was forced to the ground. The creature had pounced, and was now bearing her to her death. It did not bite, but instead crushed the breath from her body. Like a giant serpent, it constricted around her, slowly squeezing as she fought for breath. She gasped for air that would not come, and her eyes began to bulge. The creature wrapped around her slender neck and began to squeeze. A strangled cry was all she was able to get out as she slipped into the blackness.

Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes with a gasp. She was awake. She was in bed.

She still could not breath.

In a panic, her mind raced, trying to free herself. Something had her from behind and she was slowly being strangled. On instinct, she cast the first spell she could think of, and the world went white for a moment. Then a second later she appeared across the room, staring out of her bedroom window.

Still gasping for breath, she turned to see a rather small purple dragon curled up in the bed she had just vacated. He stretched, grabbing the nearby pillow in a deathgrip, and muttered in his sleep. “Mmmm... Rarity. Don't go...” the rest was punctuated by a rather loud snore.

Catching her breath, the events of the dream came flooding back, along with the confusion of seeing Spike in her bed. Then she remembered him waking from a bad dream, and asking to sleep in her bed. Being half asleep, she must have agreed before falling back into the arms of Morpheus herself. The lovesick dragon was having another dream of Rarity, the object of his unrequited love. She made a note to never let him crawl in with her, bad dreams or no.

Her own bad dream was troubling enough. She had stayed up late studying again, researching old myths of the nearby Everfree forest. She must have crawled off to bed before morning, and collapsed into the sleep of the overworked. She hated when that happened, especially when there was more research to do.

Now that she was awake, and her heart rate returned to normal, she fought with the urge to levitate Spike outside into a rain barrel. She opted instead for starting her day, and finding some breakfast. A quick shower, and a fight with her brush left her feeling ready to face the day, and she trotted off moodily to find some food at the local bakery. She would deal with Spike later, when she was feeling a bit less cranky.

As she approached Sugarcube Corner, she saw a small crowd had formed outside. Several ponies were milling around and chatting excitedly. Twilight was still not feeling social yet, so tried her best to slip past them and into the shop. Inside there were more ponies, mostly chatting over morning coffee. The smell made her perk up, as she took in a deep draught of the heady aroma.

Making her way to the counter she saw a familiar pink pony busy pulling shots from a big brass contraption. The espresso machine was new, and the Cake’s had spent a small fortune on it, but it had nearly doubled the morning traffic. Unfortunately, the first round to be served had nearly cost them the shop when Pinkie had taste tested the potent brew. She was now banned from anything but serving, although the contact buzz alone still made her dangerously hyper.

Turning to see her unicorn friend, she bounced to the counter, sliding the foaming cup down the bar to a waiting patron like an old west bartender. “Oh, hi Twilight! You here for one of my super fantabulous, mocha-mint-jalapeno java explosions, with extra foam and sprinkles?” She gushed, in her usual Pinkie Pie manner. “Its a new flavor I invented last night when I was up all night trying to find a way to make more recipes to serve and I had just one teeny sip of espresso so I wasn’t able to sleep, but actually I still cant sleep, so I just kept on working and so far everypony likes the new flavors I have come up with and...” she paused to take in a huge gasp of air.

Twilight took the moment to stop her friend, reaching across the counter to stick a hoof in her muzzle. “Pinkie! Thanks, but I just want a regular coffee and an oat bagel, please. I’ve got to get the old cobwebs outta my head after a night of study.” She shook her head. “And didn't the Cakes say you are not allowed to have any of the espresso after the last fiasco?”

“Oh, they just said I can’t drink on duty, but I wasn't on duty last night, but I don't think it wore off yet.” The pink pony started to bounce in place.

Twilight just rolled her eyes. “Bagel and a coffee please, Pinkie. I’m not awake enough yet for this.”

“Okie Dokie Loki!” The earth pony bounced around, tossing a cup, saucer and bagel on a tray, then expertly pouring a mug of coffee for her waiting friend.

Twilight tossed a few bits on the counter, and levitated a few sugar cubes into the cup before stirring it. Taking a sip, she sighed as the warmth slid down her throat and the fog began to lift from her brain. “So, Pinkie. What’s with all the commotion outside? Business isn’t usually this brisk in the morning, even with the new coffee.”

Pinkie’s eyes went wide in surprise as her mouth formed a perfect “O”. “You haven’t heard? They found somepony dead this morning! They still aren't sure who it is, and she was all pale, like all the color had been drained outta her.” The pony pulled her friend closer, whispering in her ear, “They say, her cutie mark was missing too!”

“Oh Pinkie. You can’t make a cutie mark disappear, any more than you can make one appear.” Twilight rolled her eyes at the earth pony. “Do they know how she died though? What killed her?”

Pinkie Pie looked nervously from side to side, as if somepony were watching her. “They say, something drained all her blood! There was a bite on her neck, and there was not a drop of blood on, near, or in the body. She was sucked dry!” She started to chew on her hooves as she worried. “What can do something like that? Was it from the Everfree Forest?”

But Twilight wasn’t listening anymore. Her brain was kicking into gear and she remembered the research she had been doing the night before. A particular legend about creatures that came out at night and drank blood. What was worse, the creatures spread a disease to some of their victims, turning them into creatures like them.

Her eyes now wide in horror, and her breakfast forgotten, the unicorn bolted for the door. “Gotta go Pinkie!”

Pinkie stared worriedly after her friend a moment, then stealthily made sure nopony was watching her. In one swift motion, she downed the remaining coffee and swallowed the bagel, then sighed deeply. A smile of contentment spread over her face, and then suddenly her eye spasmed. She let out a slow laugh, “Ha. Ha. Ha!” Grinning hugely, she bounced back to work, all cares forgotten in her new rush of energy.

Twilight raced home at top speed, dodging ponies along the way. Some tried to wave hello to her, but most saw her coming and just got out of the way. It was not unusual to see the unicorn or her friends on some urgent errand, and most had gotten used to the oddity in the mostly laid-back town. She didn't even notice one way or the other in her mad dash to the library.

As she burst through the door, she stopped a moment to catch her breath then yelled for her assistant. “SPIKE! Wake up now, I need you!” Without waiting for a response, she charged upstairs to find the dragon still asleep, hanging half off the bed, still gripping her pillow. With a sigh, she levitated a pitcher of water over his head, the tipped it into his face.

With a sputter, the purple dragon jumped awake. “Huh? Wha.. what happend? Twilight?” he saw the look on the unicorn’s face and groaned. “Aww.. Gee Twilight, I’m sorry. I overslept again didn't I?”

She interrupted him impatiently, “Forget about it Spike, I need your help. Something bad has happened and I think I may know what the cause is.” She turned to trot back down the stairs, still talking over her shoulder.” Get yourself together and help me get some books so I can finish my research.”

Spike groaned, muttering under his breath about good mornings and pushy bosses. He made his way down the steps, running into the kitchen to grab a gem for breakfast, before joining said boss in her work. “So what do you need me to find?”

Already deep in a book from the previous night, she rattled of a list of references without even breaking her concentration reading. She turned frantically through the pages with her magic looking for the passage she had read the night before. Finally she stopped and stared at the passage before her. Reading is three times to be sure, she nodded to herself, and called for her assistant again.

“Spike! I need you to take a letter for Princess Celestia.”

The purple dragon was approaching with a stack of books in his arms, which he dropped at her feet, looking rather cross at her abrupt manner. He kept his tongue, knowing the pony usually had a good reason to act this way, and rarely was so bossy intentionally. But he still didn't have to like it.

Seeing his reluctance, Twilight stamped a hoof in frustration. “We don’t have time, Spike! This is important. One pony is already dead, and if I am right, more will be soon if we don’t act.”

Shaken by this news, the dragon snapped out of his funk, and grabbed a scroll and ink. “D-dead? How? What happened? Who was it?”

“Later Spike, we need to get the Princess here as soon as possible. Please take a letter for me.” She paused t make sure her assistant was listening, then cleared her throat.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I have grave news today, and I really need your help. Today a pony was found dead, and I believe it may be the beginning of something bigger. The victim was drained of blood, and witnesses say she had lost her color and her cutie mark. My research into Legends of the Everfree Forest have led me to believe that this may a disease that was seen long ago, and may have resurfaced again. The texts I researched mention creatures that come out at night, and drink blood, and often passing the disease on to their victims. The story is still very vague, and I would greatly appreciate your attention in this matter before the situation gets out of hand. Please respond as soon as possible, for I believe Ponyville to be in great danger.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle”

As she finished, she noticed that Spike had stopped writing and was just staring wide-eyed at her, mouth hanging open.

“Spike! Send the letter, this is important. We need to prepare before nightfall, and the Princess needs to be warned in time.”

Shaking himself, he rolled the scroll, then flamed it into magical ash, which flew out of the nearby window. He turned back to the unicorn with a worried look on his face. “Holy guacamole, Twilight. We are in big trouble aren’t we?”

Looking uncertain now, the unicorn fidgeted. “I don't know Spike, it seems serious. But I am sure the Princess will know exactly what to do, and then it will be all right.”

A moment later the dragon felt the familiar tickle, before a large belch of green flame burst forth from his mouth, materializing into a scroll. He snatched it out of the air, and broke the seal. “That was quick. I guess she really does think it’s important.”

Twilight nodded knowingly, relieved that her mentor had trusted her, and responded right away. “So what does she say? How soon will she arrive?”

Spike skimmed the page, a frown on his face. “Umm, Twi? I don't think she’s coming.” He cleared his throat and began to read.

“My diligent pupil, Twilight Sparkle,

I have read your report on this matter, and I believe I know what the situation is. Despite your reports to the contrary, I regret to inform you that curses do indeed exist. They are a form of self-perpa... purple... uhh..”

Spike stammered over the unfamiliar word.

Impatiently, Twilight levitated the scroll out of his hand and began to read, her face going from shock, to worry, to fear.

“...self-perpetuating enchantment, usually with ill intent. This is a very old and forbidding form of magic, which was thought long lost. The particular curse that you describe sounds like Vampirism. The curse causes the creature to become sensitive to sunlight, extremely strong and fast, and to crave the blood of others to sustain itself.

However, I regret to inform you that I am dealing with a curse here of my own, and cannot spare the time to assist you just yet. A cursed diamond dog is spreading Lycanthopy, and it is taking both me and Luna to track it down and cure it.

I am forwarding you a comprehensive guide that should aide you in your fight to eradicate the curse you described, as well as defend yourself and Ponyville from the threat. Please take care, as the book is very old and has been entrusted in my care for a very long time in my duties as a Watcher, and Princess of Equestria.

I have the utmost confidence in your ability to deal with this menace, and trust you and your friends will overcome this obstacle in the darkest of times. Please continue to send your reports on this matter, and I will attempt to join you as soon as it is possible.

Your loving mentor,

Princess Celestia”

“We are so boned.” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight snapped out of her shock at this. “Spike! I am sure that the Princess has reason to trust us in this. She must be very busy to not help, and leave us... to our doom!” Her voice ended in a wail as she lay down on the floor and covered her head with her hooves. All confidence had gone out of her with the failure of her teacher to appear and save the day.

“Cheer up Twi. If the Princess says you can handle it, I’m sure you can handle it!” The purple dragon puffed with pride. “You are the most powerful magician in Ponyville! You took on Nightmare Moon, and an Ursa Minor. What’s a stinky old vampirism curse thingy gonna do against that?”

The lavender unicorn picked her head up and smiled weakly. “Yea. You’re right Spike. The princess knows what she is doing, just like always.”

Suddenly there was a hum in the air, and a flash of light. A bubble of magical energy appeared in the air between the two, and slowly drifted to the ground. It popped, just before touching down, and deposited a very heavy book with a loud thump.

Slowly creeping closer, Twilight noticed several things about the book. First, it was VERY old, even slightly dusty. Second, it was bound in leather, a thought that made the pony shiver. Some poor animal had been killed to cover this book. It also was clasped close with metal fasteners. Finally, in large print, embossed in the heavy leather was the title:

Chapter 2: {Applebuck Style}

"Into every generation a Slayer is born: one mare in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the Vampires, Demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer."

Twilight looked up from the book, seeing Spike just staring at her, looking puzzled. “Is that book supposed to be about you?”

Looking back at the lines she had read, she shrugged. “I don't know, Spike. I am good at magic, but I don't see how anypony can think I am some sort of legendary hero. I mean, this book is full of all sorts of training, attacks, fighting styles. I have never been much of a fighter, and I don't know if I can do any of this hoof-to-hoof combat.”

“But Twi, why else would Princess Celestia send you the book? She must know something you don’t. You gotta be the Slayer!” Spike was pumped about this. His best friend, already the best magic pony in Ponyville, an the Element of Magic, was also a heroic Vampire Slayer!

“Really, Spike. I don't see that the book has anything to do with me.” She used her magic to flip through the pages. “There are some spells and charms I can use, but all this fighting, it’s just not me. I would need to find another pony to teach me how to fight like this, even if I WAS the Slayer.”

“You gotta be the Slayer! You’re special, you’re a mare, You’ve already fought monsters and demons. I mean you are the Element of Magic!” Spike jumped up onto the table to peer at the book. “I mean really, if the ultimate weapon against a vampire is some old book, then who else to use it than the world’s biggest bookworm?”

Glareing at the dragon crossly, she closed the book with a thump, locking the clasps. “We need to do more research! I need you to help me find every book you can find on vampires, and fighting. I especially need anything that mentions this mystical Slayer, and how to fight the vampires.” She levitated her saddlebags onto her flanks, and stashed the heavy grimoire inside. “I am going to talk to Applejack. If anypony knows about kicking flank and fighting, it would be her. I hear she won first prize wrestling bulls in last year’s rodeo, so she should be able to give me some pointers on bucking vampires.”

Spike nodded. “Ok Twilight, you can count on me. I will find every book I can find on the subject. uhhh... Right after I eat breakfast.”

The unicorn rolled her violet eyes. “Whatever Spike, just have them ready by this afternoon, I need as much information as I can get before it gets dark, in case the vampire comes back.”

She finished her preparations, grabbing an old exercise gi from her closet. She hadn’t worn the thing in ages, since she took that self-defense class at the academy. But she kept it around, because she had a crush on the instructor. She was too embarrasses to ever tell him, which worked out fine. He always did tend to spend a bit more attention on the colts he taught. ‘Ugh, what was I thinking!’

Having everything she needed, she bolted out the door and made tracks for Sweet Apple Acres. She didn’t have much time to get the help she needed if she was going to help save Ponyville, and live up to her mentor’s expectations of her.

As Twilight approached Apple Acres, she started looking for her friend. Stopping by the house to ask Big Mac, she was told that Applejack was out inspecting the orchards, and where she could be found. She headed into the groves in search of the earth pony, and quickly found her sitting under a rather large and old apple tree.

The orange pony looked up at the sound of her friend’s approach. “Hey thar Twilight! What brings ya out ta these parts?”

The lavender pony paused a moment for breath, having ran most of the way. “I- I... Whew, sorry. I need your help Applejack. There is something really bad happening in Ponyville, and the Princess wants me to stop it.” She levitated the book out to explain.

The earth pony looked curiously at the large tome. “What’s that thar? Some big ‘ol spell book? And what’s wrong in Ponyville? Ah hain't made it inta town since yesterday.”

“Well, this is a book that Princess Celestia sent me, and it tell all about a curse that I think has fallen on somepony in town. They found a body this morning, and I think whoever killed them was under this curse.”

“Hold on now, Sugacube.” Applejack interrupted. “Ah thought you done went an said there hain’t no such thing as a curse? Remember when we all met Zecora, and that poison joke stuff? You were pretty darn dead set agins’t it.”

Twilight sighed. “Yes, that’s what I thought as well. However, the Princess informed me that I was wrong. Curses do exist. They are just very rare, and they are a very old, forbidden magic.” She opened the book to show her friend. “This curse is called Vampirism. It transforms the victim into a creature of the night, making them crave blood, and infecting those they feed upon.”

The earth pony grimaced at the thought. “Well that sounds downright nasty! What kinda evil critter would do sucha thang? And what am Ah supposed ta do bout it? Fightin curses sounds more like yer thang, Shug.”

The unicorn sighed, and flipped the book to the section on hoof-to-hoof combat. “Yes, spells are normally my thing. However, it says here that the slayer will need to combat the vampires to destroy them. The curse can only be lifted by defeating the head vampire.” She stomped her hoof in frustration. “That means, if I am to be the Slayer, I need to learn how to fight!”

Applejack looked sideways at her friend, taking in her small frame and slight build. “Ahh... No offense Twi, but you ain't zactly the fightin type. Yer a bit runty in tha muscle departmen, ann ya cain’t learn propa fightin from a book.”

Twilight snapped the book shut in frustration. “I know, Applejack! But that is exactly why I need somepony to teach me. Somepony like you!” She looked pleadingly at the orange pony. “I know you are tough and strong, and I heard you won some competitions in the rodeo for wrestling and bucking. I really need somepony like that to teach me how to fight, so that I can defend Ponyville and end the curse.”

Raising an eyebrow, the freckled pony gave her a very serious and appraising stare. “Do ya undastan what yer askin thar Twilight? Ah cain’t teach nopony fightin overnight. Ya gotta be raised to it, an it takes yea’s o’ practice ta be any good at it. Ya cain’t jus start scrappin an expect ta not get hurt, let alone learn how ta fight.”

The unicorn was nodding at this. “I understand, Applejack. There are spells in this book that will help. Spells for fast healing, resistance to pain and injury. Even spells to make me learn faster and grow stronger.” She rifled through the chapters in the book as she listed the various spells and incantations needed to make her into a stronger fighter. “The one thing the book can’t do is teach me how to fight properly. You are right in that, I cannot learn fighting from a book. I need a teacher. I need you, Applejack.”

The cinnamon mare sighed deeply, looking down at her hooves in defeat. “Oh, alright. You win Twilight. Iff’n you kin use them spells like ya say, mebbe Ah kin teach ya some.” She raised her head and gave the unicorn a stern look. “But Ah hain’t goin easy on ya! Thas not mah way. Ya buck, or git bucked, an no complainin’ when ya git a lil bloody.”

Twilight nodded, her jaw set in a determined pose. “I promise. I will do whatever you say to learn what I need to know.”

Applejack sighed, and nuzzled her friend. “Ah know ya will, Sugacube, Ah know ya will. Ah jus don't like the idea of buckin mah friend’s rump without her deservin it.” She paused, looking down the hill towards the farmhouse, lost in thought for a moment. “Go cast yer spells, Twi. Meet me at tha barn inna hour, and be ready to git yer rump kicked. Once we start, it belongs ta me.”

The unicorn swallowed nervously, unsure what she was getting herself into. Unable to voice a reply, she nodded and set off to the library to prepare herself for the training.

An hour later, Twilight was back at the barn, shaking with nervousness, but feeling stronger than she ever had. The spells she had cast made her feel full of energy, and able to focus like she never had before. She was always a fast learner, but now anything she looked at, she seemed to get it. This did nothing to detract from the fact that she was about to go head to head against her friend, and it was most likely going to hurt.

“You ready Sugacube? Ah’m gonna rough ya up a bit, ta see what ya kin handle.” Applejack pawed the ground. “But first, I wanna see what ya know.” She grinned and beckoned with a hoof. “Come at meh sis!”

Twilight nodded, then steeled herself, pawing the ground herself. She gritted her teeth, then charges head first, horn forward, and tried to knock the orange pony down. As she was within striking range, the earth pony suddenly sidestepped, and a nudge behind her shoulders sent her careening into a nearby bale of hay.

Getting up with a groan, she shook the hay out of her mane and looked around to see her friend with a serious look on her face. She was not enjoying this, and she was not happy.

“That was mistake numba one, Shug. You took yer eyes offa me.” She stomped the ground again. “Now, get up, and try again. This time don’t take yer eyes off me for anything, and watch how I move.”

Twilight blinked and shook her head. Was Applejack losing her accent? She seemed to be more serious than ever, and the look in her eyes made the lavender mare cringe inside. She shook herself, looking straight into the orange pony’s eyes this time, and charged once again. This time as she approached, she saw the eyes flicker tot he side, a moment before the sidestep, and a hoof shot out to continue the unicorn’s forward motion uncontrolled. it was only a gentle nudge, but combined with her own momentum, she was unable to react fast enough to stop and prevent being launched into another hay bale.

“What the hay Applejack? How do you move so fast?”

“I don't move fast, Twi, you did. I just step aside and help you on yer way. You provide all the energy needed to land on yer face, and I just guide you there.” The cinnamon mare still hadn't even cracked a smile. Deadly intent was written across her face. This was no game to her, and she was being entirely professional in her lessons.

“Hmm...” The librarian pondered what she was learning. “So the momentum is just transferred to a new target so that instead of moving me, you merely deflect my own attacks back on myself.”

“Uhh... Ain’t that what I said?” The earth pony dropped her serious face to look confused a moment.

The unicorn rubbed her neck. “Yea, sorry. Just trying to rationalize it in terms I can understand, so that I can apply the lessons to my future training.”

“Whatever helps ya learn better. Just so long as ya don't keep makin the same mistakes.” She rolled her eyes at her booksmart friend. “So, you ready to try again?”

Breathing deep, Twilight merely nodded, and braced for another run. At a nod from Applejack, she bolted forward, eyes ahead, head down and out, ramping up speed to charge her friend. As she neared the other pony, the same dodge came into play, but this time she was ready. She stepped into Applejack’s feint, ducking under the shove, and slammed her shoulder into the orange pony’s legs, knocking them out from under her. She continued, past, barely feeling the impact, and skidded to a halt as she turned to face around.

The earth pony was getting up off the ground, a wicked grin on her face. There was no merriment in her eyes, however as she got to her hooves. “Good. So you can be taught, and you can hit. Now let’s see if you can take one.”

Applejack leaped into the air, and came down on top of Twilight, her forehoof catching her across the shoulders and driving her to the ground. Pain blossomed across her back and her breath was forced out of her as she slammed into the ground. She quickly recovered as the pain seem to flow away and the orange pony shifted her weight off of her. The pain reduction and healing spells were working as advertised.

Starting to get up, she quickly found herself immobilized as the other mare’s legs were wrapped around her neck in a complex hold. She could barely breathe, and her joints cried in agony as they were forced to an unnatural angle.

“Ahh, dammit Applejack, what are you doing?

The farmer lowered her muzzle the struggling mare’s ear. “This is called a submission hold. You won’t be able to move until I let you. And I can hold this here move as long as I like.”

“Ok, ok, I submit. I can’t move and it hurts like hay.” The lavender mare stopped struggling and let herself go limp.

Releasing the hold, Applejack took a step back, then boxed her friend’s ears. “You wanna learn ta fight? Or just roll over and get yer flank handed to ya?”

Panting, the unicorn got to her feet. She stretched, feeling her joints pop loudly into proper alignment. “I wanna learn. I’m sorry. Just thought it would be different.”

“Hmph...” The earth pony spit, then gave a stern gaze at the smaller pony. “Ok, lets try a more direct approach. I want you to hit me as hard as you can.

Twilight grimaced. “You want me to to hit you?”

“C’mon, Twi. Do me this one favor.”

“Why?”

“Why? How much can you know about yourself, if you’ve never been in a fight? So come on and hit me before I lose my patience.”

“This is crazy” The unicorn started to turn away.

The earth pony stamped the ground. “So go crazy. Let ‘er rip”

“What, like in the face?”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Surprise me.”

“This is so stupid...” Twilight tried to swing her hoof as hard as she could, and the orange mare didn’t even flinch. The swing goes wild and she winds up hitting her in the side of the head.

“Ow! Motherbucker!” Applejack reared back, her hoof cupping her ear. “You hit me in the EAR!”

“Oh, Celestia, I’m sorry!” Twilight tried to get a look at the injury.

“Ow, Luna! Why the ear, Shug?” The orange pony took a few steps back.

The lavender pony looked abashed. “I dunno, I guess I bucked it up.”

Applejack took her hoof away from her ear, pawing at the ground with a snort. “Naw, that was perfect!” A crazed look was in her eye as she tensed for an attack.

Twilight gulped, as the earth pony charged her in turn. She tried to dodge as the other pony had done earlier, but the move was anticipated. Before the impact, the orange mare spun in mid-air, landing both rear hooves in a massive double buck in Twilight’s chest. She felt the wind burst from her lungs as she was propelled backwards through a nearby wooden divider. Pain lanced through her body and her leg screamed in pain as a sickening crack heralded injuries from the impact.

“CELESTIA FUCKING LUNA! AAHHH!! THAT HURTS!” She screamed louder than she had ever done in her life as the pain burst past her spells trying to deaden the sensations. She rolled onto her back, her foreleg sticking at a crooked angle, and waves of pain clouding her vision as blackness tried to overtake her.

Blinking in surprise, Applejack trotted over to help. “Dear Celestia, Twi! I didn't think ya had that kinda vocabulary in ya.” She winced and hissed as she saw the brutality of the injuries she had inflicted on her friend. “Oh no, Shug! I didn't mean to rough ya up so badly. Oh Celestia, what have I done?” She started to panic, as the purple pony writhed in pain before her.

Blood gushed from a head wound, staining the lavender coat crimson, and a sickening whiteness of raw bone poked from a broken foreleg that was now pointing at right angles from the rest of her haunch. Bloody foam flecked her friend’s muzzle, and one eye was bright scarlet from busted vessels.

She saw a sliver of wood lodge in the unicorn’s side, and quickly pulled it out. Surprisingly the wound began to close and the blood to stop almost immediately. As she watched, the other wounds were beginning to close, but the compound fracture continued to be a gristly sight.

Twilight blinked back tears that flooded her vision, and tried to concentrate. “It-it’s ok. J-just help me. Help me get the bone set, and the magic..AH! The magic will d-do the rest.”

The orange mare shook her head, confused. “Ya mean the spells ya cast? They can fix this? Bloody Luna, Twilight! The bone is sticking out! how can ya fix that? Ya need a doctor.”

“No! There’s no time. It’s already started to mend. We have to set it quickly.” She was barely able to concentrate enough to pull a tool off a nearby rack, so she could bite down on the wooden handle. She held her injured limb up to Applejack and pleaded with her eyes. “Daaweeeeff! Daaaweef nao!”

Swallowing hard, the blond maned mare reached forward gingerly with her hooves, and pushed down on the exposed bone. Twilight screamed in pain through the gag, and squeezed her eyes shut. Somehow the bone slid smoothly into place, as if guided, and the skin began to knit over the wound almost immediately. There was almost no blood at all, and soon all that was left was a patch of bright pink hide, vaguely resembling a scar.

The lavender mare was still panting, and spit out the bit. Her breathing slowed, but her eyes remained closed. After a few agonizing minutes, she opened them and smiled at her friend, who had nothing but worry written on her features. “Thank you, Applejack.”

“Don’t thank me Twi. Ah did that to ya, an Ah shoulda known betta then ya let ya talk meh inta fightin. Ya jes hain’t cut out fer it.” She shook her head. “That’s enough. I hain’t teachin yer no mores.”

Fresh tears sprang into the unicorn’s eyes. “You have to Applejack! If you don't teach me, then what happens when I have to fight something that really does want to hurt me?” She gingerly began to get to her hooves, putting weight on the already healed leg. It felt bruised, but otherwise took her weight. “See, I’m better already. The spells make me stronger, but I need your skills to know how to use that strength.”

The orange mare flopped down at her feet, looking up with tears of her own in her eyes. “I dun wanna hurt mah friends, Twilight. Ah cain’t!”

Twilight looked down at her friend, and nuzzled her. “I know you would never hurt me. And you won’t hurt me. But sometimes to grow stronger, you have to take some bruises. Just please, consider it. I really need your help. I mean, who else can I get to teach me?”

The farmer grew silent, staring at the ground. After a long moment, she whispered. “Rainbow Dash.”

“What was that?” The unicorn looked surprised.

“Rainbow Dash kin teach ya.” She looked back into her friend’s eyes. “After that race we ran, me an Dash spent some... time, together. We got to wrasslin round, and she beat me squarely. Ah neva seen a pony move her hooves so fast in mah life.”

“Are you saying Rainbow Dash, OUR Rainbow Dash is a fighter?” Twilight shook her mane in disbelief. “I know she’s fast and all, and shes gotta be tough with all the times she crashes, but a fighter? Most pegasai would rather fly away and dodge than stay and fight.”

Applejack got to her hooves. “Not this filly. She may goof off, but she has some serious moves on her. Ah may be able ta teach you to be tough, strong an defend yerself, but that mare will teach ya to be FAST.”

Making a decision, the orange pony nodded. “That’s what you should do. You bring yerself back here tomarra, and Ah will give ya some strength trainin. In the meantime, you need ta go talk ta Dash about fightin.”

The unicorn threw her hooves around the earth pony in a hug. “Thanks Applejack. I won’t let you down.” She pulled back and looked at her friend strangely. “I gotta ask though. When we were training, what happened to your accent?”

“What ack-sent? Ah hain’t got no ack-sent!”

Chapter 3: {Silverhoof Style}

Twilight limped through town on her way home. She needed to renew the spells, and possibly get some food before seeking out any more training. The shock from the injuries was starting to wear off, but the withdrawals from the adrenaline rush had left her feeling weak and exhausted. How was she supposed to save Ponyville from some evil monster if she couldn't even survive a training session with one of her friends?

She stopped briefly at a cafe to pick up a sandwich, and continued home. Eating as she walked, she began to feel some of her strength return. The food in her belly replaced the hard knot that had lodged since the sparring session, and her step lightened. She realized that the magic must tap into her own power, sapping her natural magic ability to fuel the spells of healing and strength. Closer care would have to be taken to keep herself fed and rested, or she would wear out at a bad time, like during a fight.

Upon returning home, she called for Spike, but received no answer. Checking the kitchen and the bedroom turned up nothing, but a pile of books had formed on her favorite study desk. Glancing through them, she saw many volumes of fiction - some even young foals stories - and a few reference books. She sighed as she sorted through the pile, placing the more promising texts in a separate pile from the stories and old mare’s tales.

The usable book pile was depressingly small, and she sighed again at the sight. Setting them aside, she made her way to the kitchen. She was feeling hungry again and wanted to get a bit more food into her system before casting the spells again. A quick survey of the available meal options reminded her why she usually let Spike do the cooking.

“Ugh... alfalfa sprouts and ramen. Just like the academy all over again.” She quickly brought some water to a boil, and began making the old college staple. Such simple fare had gotten her though many study sessions, with minimal preparation or flavor, but quieting the growling beast within her gut. At least it was something she could cook without burning it. Well, except that one time...

Soon after, full on processed noodles and questionable flavoring substances, she was ready to address her next priority. She brought out the required reagents for casting the strength spells. Strangely they shared a lot with the tools recommended for fighting the undead. Garlic, silver, small wooden stakes, and candles made from a special resin. Fortunately they were pretty common, used in many other long-term spells. The candles in particular were annoying to keep around, since the resin was found in the Everfree forest, but being in Ponyville had one advantage; the forest was right on her doorstep.

Reciting the spells, and focusing her magic through her horn she was quickly able to finish the rituals, and felt renewed strength and clarity flow through her. Her thoughts flowed freely again and her body felt renewed. The pain in her leg was completely gone, and she felt ready to take on the world!

Leaving the rest of the materials for Spike to clean up later she was about to leave when the door to the library burst open. A familiar purple form made his entrance and she cheerfully greeted her number one assistant.

“Spike! I am so glad you are back. I need to go find Rainbow Dash next to help in my training, and I would appreciate it if you could straighten up while I am gone.”

“Wait, don’t go yet Twilight! I found a book that may be able to help you.” The purple dragon waved a book over his head, and excitedly rushed to bring it to her. “I ran outta books here, so I thought I would... uhhh, go talk to Rarity, n’ stuff. I know she reads alotta books.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, very much doubting Spike only went on the altruistic motives of seeking knowledge from her other unicorn friend. She also knew the kind of books that Rarity tended to read, and had a very dim view of their worth as reference materiel.

“Spike, I don’t know that Rarity would have what I need.” She looked at the book, whose cover had a pair of hooves holding an apple. “What is that?”

“Well that’s the thing!” Spike was almost jumping, feeling proud at his stroke of genius. “This book is all about vampires. And check this out, IT HAS YOUR NAME!” He thrust the book at the unicorns face to read.

Gazing puzzled at the tome, she saw the name of the book was indeed ‘Twilight.’ “Um, Spike, that’s not a reference book.”

The young dragon shrugged. “I dunno, but it has to be of some use, I mean it’s called Twilight! I read some of it, and its about vampires that sparkle. How cool is that? Twilight Sparkle Vampires!”

The unicorn closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her muzzle with a hoof. She was getting a headache and resisting the urge to bring forth the wrath of ramen, losing the lunch she had worked so hard on. “Spike, I’ve heard of that book. It’s not about real vampires. It’s just a made-up story for love-sick fillies to read.”

“What? It’s so real! Rarity showed me, she has the entire collection. I read the first two books myself, and they were kinda cool” Her assistant puffed out his chest, now holding the book protectively. “Rarity will be here soon, and she’s bringing the rest of the books.”

“Thank you Spike, but that’s just not the kind of book I need to learn about Vampires.” She sighed wearily. She remembered the books all too well, making their rounds at the academy. All the young fillies, and a few colts had become obsessed with them, and had even formed a little fan club. Princess Celestia had thought it funny, and even encouraged the club, much to Twilight’s dismay. But few had stayed past graduation, once they grew up and realized what horrid drivel the stories were, and that nothing in them would help them pass their exams.

Spike, however, looked hurt. “You’re prolly a Jacob fan anyway,” he said, turning away and cradling the book.

Twilight rolled her eyes again and headed for the door. “I gotta go Spike. I need to find Rainbow Dash. Hopefully she can teach me some more about fighting.”

As she trotted toward the door, there was a knock, and then a white unicorn entered, fashionable saddle bags full of books. “Twilight, darling! Why didn't you tell me you wanted to know more on vampires! I have every story ever written... ACK!”

She came to a halt, eyes wide in horror at what she saw. Twilight was still covered in dried blood, dirt and hay was all through her mane, and a black eye was still fading. The lavender unicorn had been so preoccupied with her training and research she hadn't bothered to pay attention at her appearance. At least now she understood the looks she had gotten at the Deli.

“My dear Twilight! What in Celestia’s name happened to you? Your coat, your mane... you look as if a house fell on you!” Rarity looked in both directions suspiciously. “There aren't any little fillies with pet dogs calling you a witch, are there?”

Twilight looked down at herself, finally realizing what a shocking state she was in. Spike hadn't even said a thing, so eager to tell about the book. “Oh.. ahh. Yea, about that. I have been training how to fight. Applejack gave me some lessons, and uhh. We kinda had a little accident. I assure you, it looks much worse than it is.”

Rarity stomped her petite hoof, and removed her saddlebags. “Looks are every bit as important as injuries my dear. I simply cannot let you leave without helping you look presentable.”

Realizing what was coming, Twilight protested, and tried to inch her way toward the door. “No, really. I appreciate the gesture Rarity, but I really need to go. I don't have a lot of time and I need to find Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity used her magic to slam the front door closed and bar it. “Nonsense! What kind of friend would I be if I let you go out like that? It’s simply a disaster!” She started to push Twilight toward the steps to her room. “Spike, run a bath for her, and then find me some towels and a makeup kit. I need to brush this filth from her mane before I can clean her up properly.”

“But Raarityyy! I don't have time!” The purple unicorn whined.

“Don’t you dare whine at me, young lady.” The pale unicorn narrowed her eyes and glared at the other mare. “I am the QUEEN of whining, and you do NOT want to mess with the master!”

Realizing that she would not win this argument, Twilight deflated and let herself be led to her room. “Okay Rarity, but we need to be as quick as we can. I have more training to do.”

“One cannot rush perfection, my dear. However, I will do my best to get you presentable as swiftly as I can.”

An hour later, both unicorns emerged from the bathroom. Twilight once again looked her normal self, save a rather lovely glow to her coat and mane. Everything had been brushed smooth, and she even had a nice shine to her hooves and horn.

Spiked gaped at the sight of the two mares emerging and just stared. “Wow Twilight, you look almost as beautiful as Rarity!”

Bouncing her hair with a hoof, the white mare smiled and raised her chin at the near-compliment. “Why thank you Spike. I know that nopony can look quite as beautiful as moi, but that does not stop me from trying to get them as close as possible.”

Twilight just rolled her eyes. “Thanks Rarity, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. And I guess I did look pretty bad.”

“Think nothing of it my dear. It is my duty as a friend and as a lady of fashion to see that my friends look their best!” She smiled with half lidded eyes. “After all, my friends reflect on me, just as I reflect on them.”

The lavender mare coughed nervously. “Yeah... anyways, I do have another favor to ask. What you were doing earlier, moving the brush, scissors, and all the makeup at once. That was pretty amazing how many things you could control at the same time! Maybe later you could help me practice some of that? It would definitely come in handy if I had to go against more than one opponent at once.”

Rarity looked thoughtful a moment. “Yes yes. After all, while you DO have the strongest magic out of any unicorn I know, you have always lacked the finesse for the more... delicate tasks. I would be happy to help you practice your skills, and I could always use a hoof around the shop.” She grimaced. “That is, a hoof that isn't running and screaming like a cat set on fire with her two friends.”

“Thanks, Rarity. I appreciate it. But I really have to go now, it’s getting late and I still need to find Rainbow Dash. I’ll stop by tomorrow and see you.”

“Ta-ta then, my dear! And give Dashie my best.” She started to wave, then remembered her original mission. “Oh wait, the books! I brought the entire Twilight series with me, as well as many others. The author Anise Ricepatty is an especially adept writer about vampires.”

Twilight sighed and shook her head. “Thanks Rarity, but those kind of books are just silly filly tales, and I need hard facts! That Twilight book has nothing to do with me.” She waved farewell and trotted out the door into the afternoon light.

Turning to Spike, Rarity sniffed. “Hmph, silly filly indeed! She’s probably a Jacob fan.”

“Right! That’s exactly what I said!” Spike threw his arms wide in exasperation.

Twilight made her way across town, stopping to ask if anypony had seen Rainbow Dash. A few had seen the rainbow streak headed in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, and she headed that way to search. Approaching the orchard, it wasn’t hard to spot the brilliant chunk of rainbow hanging off the branch of a tree. She trotted up and yelled to her friend. “Rainbow Dash! I need your help. Hello! Dash?”

No response was forthcoming, other than a soft snore, as the young mare continued to doze. Twilight considered using magic to poke the sleeping pegasus, but then decided on a more direct approach. Seeing the multicolored tail hanging off the lower branch, she bit down and gave a sharp tug. It was super effective.

The cyan pony bolted awake, and nearly fell out of the tree. “Ahh! Applejack! I told you don't do that, unless we... um. You aren’t Applejack.” She blinked down at the irate unicorn glaring at her from the ground.

Twilight sighed and her frown softened. “No, I’m not Applejack. But I need your help Dash, and she said you could help me.”

Rainbow Dash blushed red and began to sputter, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. “Wha... um, wh-what kinda, ahh, help would she send you t-to me for, Twilight?”

The lavender mare rolled her eyes. “She sent me to you to learn how to fight. There is some trouble brewing and I need to be prepared for it.”

Looking confused, Dash replied, “Wha? Oh. OH! That’s what you need. Um, yea, sure, Twilight. What do you need to fight for?”

“Gee Dash,” Twilight said flatly, cocking an eyebrow and giving her friend a stern look. “What did you THINK I needed help with?”

“Oh, ahh, nothing. I, ah... thought mebbe you wanted to know about flying, or something. Yeah... flying.”

Sighing again, Twilight rolled her eyes and brought the book out. “Whatever. I need help we have a problem, and -OOF!”

She was cut off as a rainbow blur slammed into her and pinned her to the ground. The rose colored eyes of her friend were glaring at her with a fire she had never seen before, and she could swear that her multicolored main was flowing on it’s own in an unseen breeze. Static was building up as well, as if a thunderstorm was about to break. Through gritted teeth, Rainbow Dash growled at her. “Where. Did. You. Get. That. BOOK?!”

Twilight was stunned by her friend’s strange behavior and only managed to gape in shock.

“TELL ME! Where did you get it?! Do you even know what it is?! What it MEANS?!” The pegasus has clearly lost her mind, and was in a rage over the book.

“I-I... I don’t. Princess Celestia sent it to me!” the unicorn managed to blurt out, terrified by her friend’s uncharacteristic behavior. “I think it means I’m supposed to fight vampires!”

The sky-blue mare leaped back, hovering off the ground a few feet, still in a rage. “You? YOU?! What the hell do you know?! Why the hell would YOU get the book?!”

She spun around, her hind hoof giving the lightest of taps to the tree behind her. Yet despite the apparent gentleness of the contact, the tree split down the middle with a massive crack, and apples rained down around them.

Shaking her head, she visibly tried to calm herself. Tears began to make traces down her face, as she silently stared at her frightened friend. “How could you, Twilight? I thought you were my friend. How could you take this from me?!”

Baffled by her friend’s wild mood swings, Twilight slowly got to her hooves. “I don’t understand Dash. I AM your friend. What did I take from you? Tell me, I want to help, but I am confused.”

All fire seemed to go out of the pegasus as she dropped to the ground and held her head in her hooves. “No. No, you wouldn’t know would you. Nopony is supposed to know. Even the Princess doesn't know everything, although if anypony should, it’s her.”

She looked up with ruby eyes even redder from her rage and crying. All anger was gone, and only despair and betrayal was in it’s place. “All my life. Since I was a foal, I have trained. It was to be my purpose, my destiny. I was to be a Slayer, the next in a long line of Slayers in my family.”

Moving forward to comfort her friend, the unicorn was still confused. “I thought the Wonderbolts were your dream. Isn't that what you train for every day?”

Wiping away the tears with a hoof, Dash sniffled and shook her head. “No. The Wonderbolts were MY dream. They are what I want to do with my life. To become a Slayer is my family’s dream. It is my destiny, and they trained me from birth to fulfil that destiny.” She turned to spit, then stood up, her confidence returning, but still with a bitter note to her voice. “All my life I was trained, groomed, and prepared for one thing. My dreams meant nothing. That is why I left my family, and came to Ponyville. Yet still they watch me, and still I am driven to train.” She slowly turned back to her friend, a bitter smile on her muzzle. “And now, here you are with the book, training to take my place. I should be happy now. I can pursue my own dreams, instead of those of my family. But I know that they will just blame me instead.”

Twilight just stared, not sure what to say to that. There was so much she didn't know about her friend’s past. So much she never thought to even ask. And now all the secrets were laid bare before her, and she still needed help.

“S-so... will you train me?” She sank low, afraid of the next outburst from her volatile friend.

Suddenly smiling, Rainbow Dash seemed to return to her normal self, and shrug off the despondent attitude. “What the hay, why not? All my years of training and hardship needs to be good for something. If I can’t be the slayer, then at least I can train one.” She suddenly looked sternly at her unicorn friend. “I warn you though, Twilight, I will teach you the way I was taught, and I will not go easy on you because you are my egghead friend.”

Perking up, the lavender mare stood and nodded vigorously. “Yes, I know. Applejack was training me some earlier, and she bucked me pretty bad. I-I think I can handle it. Thank you Rainbow Dash, I wont let you down.”

Rainbow Dash nodded, still looking stern and serious. “Hmph. Very well, lets begin with respect. When we are training, you will only address me as Sensei, or Master. I will tolerate no backtalk, and you will talk only when I ask you a question. Is that clear?”

She nodded. “Of course, Rainb... um, I mean, yes, Sensei.”

Dash cocked an eyebrow at her friend’s slip up, but let it pass.

“Ok. The fist rule of Silverhoof Style: You do not talk about Silverhoof Style. The second rule of Silverhoof style is, YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT SILVERHOOF STYLE!” She stopped and glared at her new student. “Is that clear?”

“Silverhoof? Isn’t that the family of -MMRPH!” Twilight was suddenly silenced by a blue hoof jammed forcibly into her muzzle. The crazed look was back in her friend’s eye, and there was no mistaking that her mane was crackling with unseen energy, as if blown by a breeze.

“Whatever you are about to say, whatever you are thinking, whatever is going on in that pretty purple head of yours, you will forget it right now.” The blue flier was staring daggers at her friend, and if possible, looked even more frightening than before. “If so much as a single word passes your lovely lavender lips about what I am going to teach you, or what you THINK you may know about me, I will hurt you. I will hurt you in ways that even the princess hasn't thought of. Are. We. Clear?”

Twilight merely nodded, the hoof in her muzzle making it rather hard to talk.

“Good.” Dash backed off, dropping her display of rage. “If anypony were to tell my family that I am teaching you our secrets, then my life is forfeit. There is no mercy for anypony that betrays our family and it’s traditions.” She sighed and turned away. “I don't mean to be so hard on you Twi. It’s the way I was taught, and the only way I know.” She turned back to her friend, a worried look on her normally carefree face. “You gotta understand, I am taking a big risk teaching an outsider. My family is proud. My leaving school to set out on my own already created a rift, and they all but disowned me. But if they found out I helped you, they would kill me, family or not.”

The lavender mare swallowed loudly. “Wow, Dash. I never knew.”

“And nopony must ever know. That’s how it has always been, and that is how it stays. Got it?”

Twilight nodded again, and bowed. “Yes, Sensei.”

Rainbow Dash smiled, and nodded to her new pupil. “Very good. We can begin now. First, we will start with exorcises to warm up...”

An hour later, Twilight was sweating profusely with the workout she had been put through. Every little move was criticized by her new teacher, first with stern words, then the occasional wing slap. Not many ponies realized how much a pegasus wing could hurt. Twilight knew firsthoof now, and found it a great motivation to not make mistakes. She paused for a moment, given to her to catch her breath as her sensei kept a solemn face. This was totally unlike the normal carefree, pompous, slacker Dash she knew. Rainbow Dash was serious. She had never seen her serious about anything but winning a race.

Now the Dash that she didn't know, the secret Rainbow Dash from a time before Ponyville, was about to teach her to fight. She was scared.

“Right. Now I want to see what you can do.” Dash stood still, wings folded, and apparently at ease. “Try to hit me.”

Getting up and shaking off some of the weariness that had settled on her, the purple unicorn braced herself to attack. She spun around and tried to deliver a swift buck to her friend’s midsection, but stumbled as her hooves failed to connect with anything. Looking back she saw her the pegasus still staring at her, face a mask of calm.

“Again. And this time, don’t take your eyes off me.”

Twilight decided for a frontal attack, rearing up and leaping forward to hit with her forehooves. Her target seemed to blur and she hit nothing, falling forward to land on her face.

“That’s pathetic.” The cyan mare snorted in frustration. “You can’t hit anything like that, and I don't think you are even trying.” She nudge the prone form before her. “Get up. I’m not going to move this time, and I want to see how hard you can hit.”

Grunting, the unicorn got to her feed, still not talking. She braced herself and leaped at her friend. Just as her hooves were about to make contact, there was another blur, and she felt her body being propelled through the air violently. A sickening thud made the world blink out for a moment as her head impacted a nearby tree, but she immediately came back too as her body hit the ground.

Getting up, she felt bruises, but nothing was broken that she could tell. Shaking off the dizziness she rounded on her friend, anger rising in her. “You said you weren’t going to move! What the hay did you do that for?”

“I lied.” Still impassive, the flier kept staring. “An enemy will not tell you what he is going to do, at least not willingly. Trust what you see and feel, not what you are told.”

Finally losing the her temper, Twilight gritted her teeth. She felt her magic rising as she started to weave a spell around her body, using it to both move faster and protect herself. With a scream she launched towards her target, and actually managed to see the smirk appear on Rainbow Dash’s face, before she made contact and landed a blow. Blow after blow was blocked and parried, as her friend dodged and weaved. The fury flowed through her and fueled her to swing harder and faster, while the spell guided her hooves to more accurate swings.

Finally the pegasus stopped smiling. “Enough.”

But the enraged mare wasn't done. She screamed louder and tried harder to land a blow against her target. Suddenly the world went white, the air in her lungs being forced out of her by a hoof in her gut. She tasted blood in her mouth and her anger instantly cooled. Coolly and methodically, she felt herself being bent and twisted as her Sensei meted out punishment. Her breath gone, her foreleg was twisted until a sickening pop was heard. Pain blossomed as her shoulder dislocated. Wings snapped forward, smashing into her head and rendering her senseless. Just as quickly, a series of vicious jabs brought her back as she felt ribs crack. Finally, Twilight blacked out.

An unknown time later, she sputtered awake as rain poured onto her face. It was night out, and a small raincloud was dumping on her, as she saw it being stomped from above. Her tormentor hopped down, now looking like her old self, a sheepish smile on her face as she kicked the ground.

“Um, sorry Twi, I guess I overdid it a bit.” Dash looked away, embarrassed. “I got all into the Sensei thing, and when you attacked, I kinda went back to what happened when I tried that on my teacher. He nearly ripped my wings off, and it took me a week to walk again.”

Feeling bruised, but otherwise uninjured. She rotated her shoulder, now back in place, and thanked Celestia for the healing magic she had cast earlier. “Yea, I kinda lost my head there for a moment myself, Dash. I just was so angry when you said you lied to me, and I lost control.”

“Yea, you did go a little crazy there, but you had some very good moves. With your magic, you were almost able to hit me.” She shook her multi-colored mane. “That’s a start. You need to learn control, and then those moves will become deadly. Go home, rest up. Tomorrow afternoon meet back here and we will train some more.”

“Thank you, Rainb... err, Sensei.” She blushed and smiled at her friend’s praise.

Dash smiled and shrugged. “Eh, training is over for the day, you can drop the Sensei stuff. I’m just your old friend Rainbow Dash again, Best Flier in Equestria!” Twilight rushed forward and hugged her friend, who winced. They looked at each other sheepishly. “Eh-heh. You did manage to get a hit or two in, but I’ll be fine. Now go rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Grinning proudly, the young Slayer trotted home for a good night’s rest. She was so exhausted that she failed to see several sets of eyes following her through town. Glowing red eyes, from the rooftops of Ponyville...