Training Day

I sat on a picnic blanket enjoying a sandwich in the warm mid-summer air. My mares happily around me eating as well as talking. I kept my eye on my daughter as she played with her friends. Flame sat next to me as he snoozed away. So I bet you're wondering what's going on right now, well I'll tell you.

You see I decided to have a picnic with my harem and friends, though only Pinkie was here because Rainbow was working right now. But she would be here after she finished up with her work. I also wanted to get Moon out of the library because she doesn't need to be cooped up in the library. Plus it was a nice day out, why shouldn't we all be out enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. I knew there weren't many days like these left with fall coming into season soon.

"So Xavier, have ya planned anything for Moon's fall break." Said Applejack

"Yeah, Twilight and I have been talking about going camping," I said

"Camping." Said Rarity

"Yeah, Xavier told me that his mother used to take Flame and him camping. I never got to do a lot of camping when I was younger, so we decided to would be fun to take her out camping. Plus I always wanted to go myself." Said Twilight

"You have a place in mind." Said Fluttershy

"Not yet, I'm still researching that," I said

"Well, how about Rainbow Falls. I heard it's a great place tah go campin'." Said Applejack

"I read about that. It sounded like a great place to take Moon." Said Twilight

"I don't think I read anything about Rainbow Falls," I said

"Well, I only read about it two days ago. I was still taking notes on it." Said Twilight

"Now that I think about it, Apple Bloom has talked tah me about goin' campin'. Maybe I come with ya." Said Applejack

"I don't mind since we also got Flame and Barb coming with us. What do you think, Xavier?" Said Twilight

"I don't mind, but now that I think about it. How about the whole harem comes along. It could be a great way to bond as a harem," I said

"Oh, that would be fun. I could show Moon all the different types of animals that don't stay with me at my cottage, or I help out." Said Fluttershy

"How about ya, Rarity?" Asked Applejack

"Camping is not my cup of tea. I don't wish to get dirty, and that is all that camping is." Said Rarity

"What's this about camping?" Said Sweetie

We all turned to see Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Moon coming up to us.

"Yeah, Dad." Said Moon

"Well Moon, you see. Your mom and I are planning on taking you camping for fall break. What do you think about that?" I said

"Oh, dad, that sounds so fun. I've never been camping before." Said Moon

"I knew she would like," I said

"Apple Bloom will also be goin' campin' with them." Said Applejack

"Really sis." Said Apple Bloom

"Really." Said Applejack

"What about us?" Asked Sweetie Belle

"I don't see a reason why not. Your friends of Moon and I think it would be fun for her to go camping with her friends. Scootaloo just has to get permission from her parents and Sweetie. You just have to persuade Rarity," I said

"Yes." Said Scootaloo

"Come on sis, why can't we go with them." Said Sweetie

"Yeah Rarity it will be fun," I said

"Do I look like the camping type to you." Said Rarity

"No, but you aren't the type to say no to my loving daughter," I said

"Please Rarity, come with us so that Sweetie can come along." Said Moon

Sweetie and Moon gave Rarity both their puppy dog eyes. Nice not to be on the receiving end. Rarity looked at them both and sighed.

"Alright, I'll come along." Said Rarity

"Thank you, sis." Said Sweetie

"Yes Rarity, thank you." Said Moon

"No problem, but Xavier," I looked up at her. "I'm going to get back for this."

"We'll see about that," I said

I pulled out some food for Moon and the CMC to eat. I yawned as I leaned back and looked up at the sky. As I looked at the bright blue heavens above, I could have sworn I saw a rainbow blur. So Rainbow is trying a sneak attack. I kept my eyes on the sky and saw the blur again. I then watched as Rainbow started to come down at me. I smiled as I saw her coming right towards me. I poked Flame awake.

"What, brother?" Asked Flame

"I need you to create a smoke screen," I said

"Why?" Asked Flame

"Rainbow," I said

Flame smiled as he got up and walked over to the area I told him to stand. The girls all raised their eyebrows as Flame was just standing out in the field.

"What's Flame doing?" Asked Rarity

"Yeah, Dad." Said Moon

"You'll see," I said

I watched as Flame sucked in air before releasing black smoke from his mouth. It covered the air around Flame. He stepped out as he sat down. Then we all watched as Rainbow ran right through the smoke and landed right in front of us all.

"Nice call brother." Said Flame

"Ok, now I understand." Said Applejack

"So Rainbow was trying to sneak attack us." Said Pinkie

"Yeah, but I can't understand how you saw me." Said Rainbow

"Reckoning Rainbow that when you fly fast enough, you leave a rainbow trail. I saw your rainbow blur and knew what you were planning," I said

"You can't sneak up on my brother." Said Flame

"Will see about that. So, Xavier, I was hoping we can begin training." Said Rainbow

"Training," I said

"Yeah, you remember when we first meet that you promised to train me in your fighting style." Said Rainbow

It took me a minute to realize that I did promise Rainbow I would train her.

"Oh yeah, I guess that is right. Sorry Rainbow, I forgot that I pledged that," I said

"Hey no problem, I knew you'd had a lot on your plate. So you still up with training me, I would still love it if you would train me." Said Rainbow

"Well, I see no reason why not. I don't have anything crazy in my life anymore," I said

"Alright." I got up and took off my jacket as I walked out to the open field. "So what should you teach me first." Rainbow threw her fists around and pretended to dodge. I just closed my eyes and placed my hands together. "Um, what are you doing?"

"Xavier's calming his body." Said Flame

"Huh." Said Rainbow

"One must calm their mind before learning to fight," I said

"Still, huh." Said Rainbow

"Our mother told us that in a fight, a calm mind is better than a scattered mind. For a quick jab may be effective, but it won't always do the job and can leave you vulnerable. But with a calm mind, one can strike the perfect blow and never leave oneself open." Said Flame

"But how does this go to teaching me CQC?" Asked Rainbow

"Because, Rainbow, CQC is about striking your opponent with critical blows and only with a calm mind can you think straight," I said

"If I were you Rainbow, I would go with it. Xavier will only teach you by using the way our mother taught us." Said Flame

"Alright, so I just have to calm my mind." Said Rainbow

"Yes," I said

I cracked my right eye open to see Rainbow place herself in the same pose I had. I smiled as I closed my eyes again and took in a breath.

"Now Rainbow, take a deep breath." I took a deep breath. "Then let it out slowly." I let go of the air stored in my lungs. "Now just stay quiet and listen to everything around you. The natural world has many sounds that only when calm can all of them reach your ears. Listen to the sound that the wind makes as it passes over the leaves or the grass. Listen to the sound of the insects that live around us. Listen for the sound of water as it rushes around us. A calm mind can pick up any sound that nature has to give us."

"Uncle, how long do they stay like that?" Asked Moon

"Matters on the person, Moon. Xavier can calm himself within minutes as can I. But Rainbow's new at it, so it will take her time to get it." Said Flame

"That's if she can stand still long enough." Said Applejack

"Xavier is quite amazing. I keep learning something new from him every time he talks." Said Twilight

"Listen to all the sounds around you. Block out all the noise that isn't nature. Block out all conversations so that only you and world around you are in a conversation," I said

I last a minute before I heard Rainbow give up.

"Can't we do something else, this is utterly boring. I didn't hear anything like what you told me, Xavier." Said Rainbow

I opened my eyes and stretched out my arms. "That's because you have a hard time staying still or being in one place for extended periods of time. Your love for fly and be in the air is the reason you can't stay still. That will be a personal challenge you must beat before you can attempt to calm your mind. Once you can stay still, you can ease your thoughts."

"How much time is that going to take me?" Asked Rainbow

"Well, it took me two years to learn to calm my mind and Flame three years. My mother said it took her up to five years to accomplish it," I said

"That long, come on can't you just skip that part and go straight to the fist part." Said Rainbow

"Rainbow, if you wish to learn from me, you have to learn the same way I did, and it all begins with a calm mind. I will not teach my fighting style to one without a quiet mind. Rash judgments are good at certain times, but nothing holds up to a quiet mind in a battle. For careless thoughts get you a one way trip to an early grave," I said

Rainbow muttered something under her breath. "So if I achieve this calm mind, you'll train me."

"That's correct, but I still help you achieve a calm mind whenever you want. But I won't teach you my fighting style to any pony who isn't willing to take the time to find a quiet mind," I said

"Let me guess because a peaceful mind is the only way to learn CQC." Said Barb

"Right Barb, CQC takes split second reaction time, and only one with the ability to calm their mind can decide to attack which part of the body," I said

"Alright, I was hoping for some action, though." Said Rainbow

"Partner, now that I'm thinkin' about it. Have ya and Flame ever fought." Said Applejack

"Plenty of times. Mom used to put us in sparring matches," I said

"Mom liked training us individually, but she thought that we should test our skills against each other." Said Flame

"So who usually won, I mean you are smaller than Xavier, Flame." Said Fluttershy

"Xavier won most, and I won a few here and there." Said Flame

"It would be so sweet to see you two fight." Said Rainbow

"Hmm, not a bad idea Rainbow. How about it brother, the last match we fought, we ended up in a tie and, if I remember our records are nine wins each. So how about it, want to see who will get to ten first," I said

"Yeah Uncle Flame, will you please do it." Said Moon

"Well, I can't so no to my adorable niece. Alright, Xavier, I accept your challenge." Said Flame

"I'm glad," I said

"Oh, I can hardly wait." Said Rainbow

"Though I wonder who will win. The same person did train Xavier and Flame." Said Rarity

"It will be an exciting fight." Said Barb

"Shall we make it our usual fight standard, huh Flame," I said

"You know it brother, so don't hold back anything." Said Flame

"I wasn't planning on it, brother," I said

"Then let's fight." Said Flame

***
3rd Person POV

Xavier ran at Flame and tried throwing a few hard punches at the Fable cat. Flame jumped around dodging the attacks. Flame leaped into the air and landed away from Xavier. Flame's tail fires grew bright before balls of fire formed around him. Flame raised his paw to the sky, and the balls of fire went up into the air before Flame brought down his paw down, and the fireballs came down.

Xavier began to dodge them as each as they came down for him. Flame smiled as he charged Xavier. Xavier jumped back and brought up his guard Flame jumped into the air. His paws glowed orange before a set of orange claws now covered them. Xavier leaped back as Flame struck the ground. Flame was running out trying to attack Xavier with his claws as Xavier tried to hit him. Both were nimble on their feet as they tried to strike each other.

"I'm impressed, those two are unbelievable." Said Applejack

"To think a fat cat like Flame can do anything like that." Said Rarity

"I wonder what else Flame can do." Said Twilight

Flame jumped back and landed as Xavier got into a battle stance. He waved his hand at Flame. Flame only smirked as he ran towards his brother. Xavier got low as he readied himself for his brother. Flame leaped into the air, and Xavier smiled as he knew his brother would do it. Before Flame could get an attack off, Xavier struck him in the chest. Flame spat up blood before Xavier sent him into the air. But that didn't phase Flame as he got his senses back together.

"Nice try brother." Said Flame

When Flame stopped, he pointed himself head first and used his tail to rocket himself back to the ground below. Flame then released a torrent of flames from his mouth, which consumed him. The fire column continued its descent to the ground. But soon the column of flames began to rotate as they came down.

"So he's going with that attack." Said Xavier

Xavier took in a deep breath before placing his hands together and releasing his breath. Flame jumped out of the spiraling flames and spun around striking it with his tails. The strike caused an ignition, which sent the attack barrelling towards Xavier. Xavier dropped his hands and pulled back his left arm. A blue light began to emit from it as his mark came to life. Xavier's Fable Powers consumed his hand in a blue light. Xavier waited for the right moment before throwing his punch. His fist collided with the spiraling flames and from the collision came an explosion. Flame landed on the ground and watched as Xavier came out of the smoke as if nothing happened.

"Awesome!" Said Rainbow

"What power." Said Rarity

"Oh, this is so much fun to watch." Said Pinkie

"Incredible, I can't see one side giving in at any time." Said Twilight

"Go, Dad and uncle." Said Moon

"I'll give you credit brother. That spiral was your best yet. I still remember when you couldn't make that happen." Said Xavier

"Well, that punch of yours was top notch. A well-struck, mom, would be proud of that." Said Flame

"She would be proud of us both, but the fight isn't over yet." Said Xavier

"Agreed." Said Flame

Flame blew out a cloud of black smoke as Xavier got ready for an attack. Soon Flame came out of the cloud of smoke, but it just wasn't one, but multiple versions of himself.

"Together, we can take you down." Said Flame

"Will see." Said Xavier

Each copy of Flame jumped trying to strike Xavier, but Xavier hit them with fast attacks. Each attack was causing the clone to disappear into black smoke. Once Xavier cleared out all the Flame copies, but he started to search for the real one. Where are you? Xavier looked around, but Flame was one step ahead. Flame popped out of a cloud of black smoke on top of Xavier's head.

"Miss me, brother." Said Flame

Flame jumped down and hit the ground and bounced up delivering an uppercut to Xavier. The attack dazed Xavier as he walked back. This attack left Xavier open to a flurry of attacks from Flame. Flame sped around Xavier striking him with fast attacks. Each was delivering a hard hit. Soon Flame grabbed Xavier's hand and using all his might flipped him onto the ground back first. The girls were just speechless at the strength the Fable cat had.

"Now that was impressive." Said Applejack

"Who knew Flame had that much strength in him." Said Fluttershy

"You wouldn't think he was that strong by just looking at him." Said Barb

"So give up yet brother. I don't want to beat you in front of your harem and your daughter, my niece." Said Flame

Xavier brought his hands up to his head and jumped back up and flipped himself around to look at his brother.

"Oh please, I'm not out yet. Though using your Smoke Clones to distract me to so, you can use Smoke Pop to get the edge over me. I have to say. I was underestimating you in the beginning, but I like what you did just now. Proves you haven't forgotten mom's teachings." Said Xavier

"Please, I may sleep all day and eat like no tomorrow, but I won't ever forget what mom taught me." Said Flame

"They sure are devoted to their mother's teachings." Said Rarity

"I would love to meet her one day." Said Twilight

"So let's keep this going, give me more of what you got, brother." Said Xavier

"Gladly." Said Flame

All of Flames flames began to glow brightly as did Flame. Flame's eyes went blue as he started to transform. I see where going with that. Flame got down on all four as his body grew. His muscle mass started to show itself. His paws became larger as claws formed out of each toe of his paw. Flame's head grew into that of a lion's head with a fire mane. His four tails grew large with each still having a fire at the end. Then the flames exploded and now stood Flame standing like a lion.

"Holy Celestia, he can do that!" Said Applejack

"AWESOME!" Said Rainbow

"I can't believe Flame the lazy cat can become a lion." Said Twilight

"Now how about this brother." Said Flame

"Lion form huh, alright let's see who is better, man or beast." Said Xavier

Xavier ran at Flame as Flame stood ready. Xavier jumped into the air and tried to strike Flame's head, but Flame moved back. Flame pointed his tails and flames burst from them. Xavier leaped through the attacks as he charged his left hand. A Photon Ball appeared. Xavier booked it towards his brother as he roared. The sun shined bright before beams of sunlight came down from the sky. Xavier dodged them with ease and soon disappeared before arriving in front of Flame. Xavier bashed his Photon Ball into the face of Flame, pushing him back. Xavier smirked until Flame bashed his head into Xavier's chest. Xavier went flying back and struck the ground, but stopped himself.

Xavier spat up blood as he wiped his chin clean of any that dribbled out. Xavier smiled as he got to his feet once again. Flame's front claws began to glow red hot as he struck the ground with them. It caused the earth around Xavier to shack before he was shot up into the air. Flame roared into the heavens, and soon Xavier watched as three fire lions appeared. They each quickly sped around Xavier creating a star. Xavier felt his body attach itself to the star and face the sun. Oh crap! Flame gave another mighty roar as the three fire Lions ran straight towards the sun. Xavier struggled to break free from the pull of the star.

"Let's see you get out of this one brother." Said Flame

Flame once again roared, expect this one was even louder. Everypony's eyes went wide as a large lion appeared in the sky. The eyes of the lion looked down at Xavier. Oh crap. Xavier kept struggling to move as the beast looked at its prey.

"Now finish it." Said Flame

The lion started to glow white and began to charge its body. Xavier kept trying to break free, but his attempts were useless as he knew he couldn't break loose. Oh this is going to hurt. The lion roared, and soon beams of white light shot down and consumed the star. Xavier closed his eyes as the star began to glow white. The lion sped towards the sun, and then a beam of energy came down towards the star, striking it. An explosion followed, and then another one happened as the star exploded. Xavier was sent straight into the ground. His impact brought forth a large cloud of dust. Flame just laughed a little.

"Battle is mine." Said Flame

But Flame stopped laugh when he felt a fist hit his face. Everypony couldn't believe that Xavier was still fighting even with smoke coming off his body and his shirt burnt up. Rarity sighed as she pulled out a note pad from her purse.

"Note to self, fire resist clothing line for Xavier." Said Rarity

Xavier began to throw punch after punch to the face of Flame. Each attack was at an extreme speed it was hard for any pony to see the attack. Soon Flame reverted to his usual self, but Xavier didn't let up his assault on Flame. Then with a mighty punch from his left arm, Flame was sent barrelling into a tree. Flame struck the tree trunk hard and fell to the ground. But he didn't stay down long as Flame got up once again. He coughed up some blood but hadn't backed out just yet

"They each keep dealin' out hits, but neither of them is backin' down." Said Applejack

"But how much more can they both take." Said Fluttershy

"You sure showed me, brother, Solar Star was perfect. Plus your transformation skills were spot on today. Mother would be proud to see such feats from you." Said Xavier

"Yeah, and I have to say using your Lighting Speed to strike me was smart. But remember she taught me Lighting Speed as well." Said Flame

Xavier smirked as he sped at the rate of light towards Flame. Flame followed suit, and they struck each other's fist. A gust of wind followed as the two stayed at a stalemate.

"I can't even begin to describe the power they both are using. It truly is a sight for the eyes." Said Twilight

Xavier and Flame broke off before dealing more and more attacks at each other. Each one is ending in a stalemate or hitting the target. Gusts of wind blew around them from how fast they were striking each other. But that didn't stop them as they kept dishing it out to each other. Soon they knocked each other back, and both sides were panting as they were growing tired with each passing second. Both Flame and Xavier weren't going to give it up so easily. They knew that's not what their mother had taught them. The match would only end when one of them couldn't fight anymore, or it needed in a tie. Xavier charged his left hand as he created a Photon Ball. Flame followed by placed his paws together and created one as well. They then booked to towards each other

"I believe this is it."Said Barb

"Time to see who wins brother." Said Xavier

"Yes, it is." Said Flame

Everypony watched as the two brothers ran at each other. They all watched as the two jumped at each other and their attacks hitting their targets. An explosion followed and again Flame and Xavier went towards the ground They each landed with a hard thud as they impacted with the ground. Everypony couldn't believe their eyes as both sides started to get up. But both Xavier and Flame were struggling to get up. The brothers had looked at each other and smirked before they both fell back down on the ground. They were both finished and couldn't fight any longer.

"It's a tie!" Exclaimed Rainbow

***
Xavier POV

I started to struggle to get up from the ground. I stopped when I felt Barb and Applejack helping me up. Fluttershy helped Flame back to his feet. We looked at each other before laughing like crazy. Everypony looked at us as if we were crazy.

"It seems like we're still in a tie." Said Flame

"Looks like it, I guess we won't know who the best son is, just yet," I said

"What do you mean?" Asked Twilight

"Well, mom always told us that whoever could reach ten wins was her best son. But I guess that title is still up for grabs," I said

"Yeah, now I could use a nap." Said Flame

"No kidding," I said

"I'm just impressed that Flame has that much power." Said Twilight

"Well, you can't judge a book by its cover. I may look and act like a fat house cat. But when it comes to combat, I hide many surprises." Said Flame

"So what did you think Rainbow?" I asked

"I just can't believe it ended in a tie." Said Rainbow

I laughed with Flame as we smiled at each other.

"Mom would be proud." Said Flame

"Yes she would be, now I think its time you and I get a nap," I said

"You read my mind." Said Flame

Flame snuggled himself into Fluttershy's lap and began to snore. Doesn't take him long to fall asleep. I smiled as I started to feel tired. Applejack and Barb sat me down on the blanket, and I fell back looking up at the heavens. I closed my eyes and happily fell asleep after an exhausting battle.

***

I walked through the open balcony door. Flame was sitting at the table looking at the night sky. I sat in the seat across from him and placed down one of Applejack's hard cider bottles. Best alcoholic beverage I ever tasted. Flame took his cider as we sat both looking at the stars.

"Xavier." Said Flame

"Huh," I said

"Do you think mom is still out there?" Asked Flame

"I do brother I know that we will find her one day," I said

"You know, fighting with you today brought up a lot of great memories of when mom trained us. How she was brutal, but at the same time loving." Said Flame

"Yeah, I remember how strict she was on us getting our Photon Balls right. I remember her making us practice creating it and using it. But I also remember how she treated us when we accomplished it," I said

"Yeah, she baked us the largest cake I've ever seen and plenty of different ice cream flavors to go along with it." Said Flame

"She may have been brutal in training, but she was still a loving, caring mother," I said

"Do you miss her?" Asked Flame

"Everyday since she disappeared. I knew she was still alive. I know she's here on Eques, I just wish, I knew where?" I said

"Yeah, I do hope we find her one day." Said Flame

We just looked at the stars enjoying our drinks.

"You know, brother, when we first got here. I thought there is no way we could make a life here. But look at us now, you have a harem and a daughter. While I now have a niece. I think it's not so bad here on Eques, better than I expected. I have to say. It's better than Earth." Said Flame

"Sure is brother, sure is," I said

We clanked our glasses together and looked up at the stars as we took down the liquid.

Author's Notes:

So here is the next chapter to of The Fabled Warrior. I decided to show you all a battle between Xavier and Flame. I thought it was a great battle and more of a look into Flame and his battling style. So I hope you all enjoyed it. So with this chapter done, I'm going to get working on Solar Son tomorrow since it deserves a much-deserved update. I might post one more chapter before tomorrow, but if not, just wait, and I'll get it out once I have an update to Solar Son. So always: comment, like, follow, share and tell.