Author's Notes:

This little side chapter takes place during the time mentioned in chapter 13.

● TEMPEST SHADOW POV ●

“How…much…further?”

“We're halfway done. You're lucky. Normally this run is twice as long,” Brian said

“You never told me who your friends are.”

“Quake’s the bigger of the two, while Thorn is the other. Both have been my friends and assistants since I started the Midnight Guard,” Brian replied

“What's that bell for? You never gave me a chance to ask before we started running.”

“The bell would signify a cadet wants to quit. They ring it and that's it. Unfortunately, you don't get the luxury of quitting. You're already a member of the guard, the training is for mere formality,” Brian said

“How long is training usually?”

“Typically three months. Yours will probably be half that,” Quake said

“That doesn't make it easier, if that's what you're thinking,” Thorn added

Once our run ended, Brian led us back to the beach where we had to do pushups and sit-ups. Not even the Storm King was this bad. The next day I was informed that I would be carrying a log with the three of them. To make it challenging, it was on our back legs. Are you bucking kidding me!? I've never ran solely on my back legs!

“Are you doing alright? This is a challenge for everyone,” Thorn asked

“You're right about this bring a challenge.”

“Let's take a break. Besides, this is going to be about a month of training. And you'll continue with Twilight for a couple months,” Brian said

“Come on; let's head back, Captain,” Thorn suggested

“Agreed, Cap. You said it yourself, this is just formality,” Quake added

“Tomorrow, we'll head to Canterlot Castle to run the course,” Brian decided

Once we finished for the day, we relaxed for the evening and ate dinner. The next day, we ran from the beach to Canterlot. The distance there and back was about twenty miles.

“This isn't that bad of a course. What's that you have to crawl under?”

“It's called barbed wire. The human military back at home uses it as an obstacle. Keep low or else it will cut you,” Brian said

“You'll run this course twice. Once to get a feel for it, and the second to be timed,” Thorn said

Some of the obstacles were easy just simple climbing, but that barbed wire wasn't a joke! On my first run, I wasn't low enough and ended up catching my bodysuit on a spine. It took a moment to release it before I could continue.

“It's been a long week, so far. What do you think of the SEAL training,” Brian asked

“Difficult to say the least. Out of curiosity sir, why do they call you ‘Captain’?"

“My father was a Captain in one of the military branches back home. Princess Celestia promoted me to Captain in the Equestrian military. At last check, only two of us have been promoted that high,” he replied "Shining Armor is the second."

The rest of the month was about the same in terms of training, although we started getting into water combat, along with mountain climbing. I was taught how to use a sword, which was uncomfortable, to say the least as I had to hold it in my mouth mainly. My captain, Brian, was standing on his back legs like it was nothing.

“Well, time to head home. Our training is done,” Brian said

“What now?”

“You'll spend time with Twilight,” he replied

● MONTHS LATER AFTER RECEIVING PROSTHETIC HORN ●

Well, this is going to be fun. A unicorn having to back to school to learn. I guess I have no room to complain. Discord did give me a prosthetic horn after not having one in so long.

“Welcome, Tempest. Brian said we could use the room as much as we need to train,” Twilight said

“Thanks for helping me.”

“You're welcome. I noticed your spells were just bursts of energy. Now that you have a new horn, you'll have to relearn magic,” she replied

I'll never take magic for granted. Apparently we spent a month in that room, with no time passing inside that training room. Levitation took so long to master. All I had to do was think of the object lifting, but since I never did that, it was impossible to do.

“Sorry it's taking so long.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. Some learn faster than others. Don't judge yourself by them,” she said

After that first month, we spent a second learning other useful spells. Shields were easy to learn as I just needed to form a bubble around myself and concentrate. I taught myself how to perform fire spells as I concentrated on them. Apparently Twilight doesn't have much knowledge in that, but I understand. I had to fend for myself so much, offense was needed or else.

“How'd you do that,” Twilight asked curiously

“What? The fire? I just thought of it now. It's not a bad thing to have offensive spells to use.”

“You’re right. I think we're done. You've made much progress in spells in these past two months,” Twilight said “You even taught me something.”

“What could I teach the Princess of Magic?”

“Offense is just important as defense in a fight. My brother taught me about shield spells, but I never thought about anything else,” she admitted

“I'm glad I could help teach you something. I'd guess the Captain could do that easily; using fire spells.”

“The fire? Not anymore. It was a while ago when he lost his Hellfire and gained the lightning. You'd have to ask him about it, if you want to know more. I've seen the destructive nature of Hellfire only once, but it's not easily forgotten,” Twilight said with a shudder

“I've seen the lightning myself, when he killed my former boss, the Storm King.”

“I'm glad you were given a second chance. When he entered the throne room, I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he was unarmed,” she said

“When he had me wrapped in what he called ‘Detcord’, I was sure I was going to die. It does make me nervous that Brian has killed so many others.”

“He only killed those that were necessary. He wouldn't harm any of us,” she said
“Now let's head out. We've been here for two months.”

Well, there you have it. My personal journal chronicling these past few months since I've joined Prince Brian Dragnov’s Midnight Guard. Like I wrote previously, I'll never take magic for granted.

Tempest ‘Fizzlepop Berrytwist' Shadow