Would have had this done sooner but I was extremely busy these last couple of weeks. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Asta was setting outside of a tent staring into a fire. Spike was sitting to his left and Twilight was next to him. Applejack was sitting next to Asta, letting her lean on him. Fluttershy was inside the tent resting, Asta had asked for somewhere she could rest and stayed by her side till she fell asleep then moved outside. He looked to Twilight and then to Applejack.

“Girls, I’m so sorry this happened to you,” Asta said with a low hung head.

“Asta, we're alright, and we don’t blame you for what happened,” Twilight was the first to speak. “We knew there was a risk this could happenwhen we came on this mission.”

“Yea, sugar, don’t beat yourself up over something like this,” Applejack added.

“It doesn’t change the fact that I could’ve stopped I it all had I been here,” Asta said as he stared at his hands.

“You’re not the one to blame for what happened after you left,” Spike interrupted at his looked at his hands and clenched them into fists. “If I’d stayed in control of myself instead of giving in to my anger I could’ve protected everyone.”

“Spike’s right in that you’re not the one too blame Asta, it’s our fault too. We’re all out of practice with our magic,” Twilight reflected looking into the fire. “Instead of practicing with our Grimoire and honing our magic we’ve been goofing off and jumped straight into a mission that was way over our heads.”

“Me and Shy ran out of mana after makin one combo spell,” Applejack rubbed the back of her head.

“It took up all my mana to control that golem to,” Twilight added.

“That just goes to show how inept I’ve been going about all of this for not having you train on honing your abilities,” Asta said hitting the log he was sitting on. “Some captain I turned out to be.”

“Fear not Asta,” came a motherly toned voice.

Asta turned his head to look over his shoulder, “Hey there princesses. Came to check in on the girls and Spike?”

“And you as well,” Luna said closing her eyes. “Asta, I know you blame yourself for what’s happened but Spike was right when he said the blame isn’t solely your own.”

“Luna is right. We should’ve sent guards with you, instead of just relying on you alone. Given the nature of your kind,” Celestia said taking a seat next to Spike. “You told us that you can summon others and they can summon you. We should’ve foreseen this as a possibility.”

“Mom, Asta’s right just as much as everyone else is,” Spike interjected. “If we’d have trained instead of playing around with our spells in doing minimalistic tasks. If we’d spent any more than just fifteen minutes we’d be able to handle a group twice the size that attacked us.”

“Spike,” Twilight said looking into the fire. “Don't cut yourself short either. You're the only one who’s actually been practicing has magic.”

“And if I’d also focused on my mental training instead of just physical training I would’ve stayed in control instead of letting my demon take over,” Spike jumped up with an angry pained look. “In that stated I killed indiscriminately, granted they were all hunters but what if I’d taken them all down Twi. Next I would’ve come after you and the others.”

“We can focus on practice later,” Luna said interjecting as she looked at her nephew. “I suggest that Spike see a medic for the treatment of his wounds. According to Haze he went through quite the battle with the hunter that Spike confirmed who was the main leader of the hunter group who took his party down.”

“Yes, I fully agree,” Celestia said looking at her son. “We can also have those markings removed before the scar any further.”

“I’ll go for treatments on my current wounds but I want the ones that Asta already treated left alone,” Spike placed a hand over the X shaped mark on his forehead.

“But why sweetie?” Celestia asked in confusion.

“They’re reminders of the consequences of what happens when you can’t remain in control and to never lose control,” Spike said as he looked at the marks on his arms.

“Are you sure you want that reminder Spike?” Asta asked seriously.

“Yes,” Spike clenched his fist. “They’re also a reminder of what happens if you’re not strong enough to handle a situation that you should be in charge of. You have scars that you've gotten and used to make yourself strong and proudly display them, so why can’t I.”

“I display them to teach others Spike, not to display them, to teach,” Asta said as he looked at his right lower arm. “But there are those that I do display out of pride. Want to use those marks to make yourself and others better though, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Asta, what do you plan to do now?” Luna asked.

Asta looked at her straight in the eyes. “I plan on becoming the Captain of the Black Bulls like before, but this time I’m going to be serious and crackdown on training my knights,” He looked to Twilight, Applejack, and Spike. “If they still want to be a part of the Squad of course.” The three all nodded in agreement. “I also want three of your personal Shadowbolts Luna.”

“Why?” She asked tilting her head.

“Because they’ll work for me and they’ve proven that I can trust them,” Asta looked at Haze and Free Fall. “This will also give me a direct link to your personally should I need it.”

“I have no issues with it, but what about adding some of my sister’s Solar guard into your squad as well?” Luna suggested.

“Because while manger towards her is pretty much nonexistent at this point, I still don’t don’t her. Enough to where I don’t want her spies,” Asta’s gaze shifted to Celestia who stood up.

“I won’t pressure you on that matter but may I make a suggestion?” She placed a hand over her chest.

“I’m all ears,” Asta said tossing a piece of wood on the fire.

“You and Prince Blueblood are somewhat good friends, would you consider letting our nephew into your group,” Celestia asked in sincerity.

“I’ve got no issue with Blue joining. He’s a good guy and has proven that his values are just, but I won’t let you use him to spy on me,” Asta’s gaze shifted to the Solar Diarch.

“I was thinking more about my son’s protection and company over your observation. Blueblood loves Spike and would do anything for him. I need him with Spike to make sure another incident like this won’t happen again,” Celestia explained. “It is also for Twilight and the other Elements protection as well.”

“I don’t need protecting and neither does Twi or the other girls, what we need is training,” Spike interrupted.

“Spike-” Celestia started to say.

“No. I’m not the helpless little baby drake anymore, I can actually fight back on my own, I don’t need Blue or even Asta protect me,” Spike shot to his feet. “I just need practice. You know who saved Twi, me.” he pointed to himself.

“He was the first drake at the warehouse where they had been keeping me,” Twilight added.

“He faced off with the head hunter that had originally taken the group on,” Haze added. “The hunter confirmed it. Why not listen to your soon Princess. Give him a chance to explain what he’s learned in his time under Sir Asta.”

Celestia looked at her son and then to the others. “Very well Spike, let’s hear what happened.”

Spike and Haze hovered above the warehouse district discussing their plan of attack in retrieving Spike’s adoptive sister and Element of Magic, Twilight Sparkle. The Shadowbolts had found the warehouse in no time flat and were simply waiting for Asta’s signal, which he never explained. There was a large explosion in the upper district and the duo saw Asta’s Rayquaza as he called the dragon-like creature hovering above the plume of dust and or smoke.

“I take it that’s Sir Asta’s signal,” Haze smirked.

“It couldn’t be anything else,” Spike added. “If there’s a hunter in red in there I have first dips on him Haze. He was the one in charge and that took us down.”

“While I have no objections to your highness’s wishes, what of Twilight Sparkle?” Haze asked as they landed outside the warehouse.

“Find her and get her out as soon as possible. Her safety and retrieval is the priority here, not the feud with a lone hunter,” Spike said dispelling his armor. “But don’t put it past them to use her as a bargaining chip or shield either.”

The two fighters found the door and punched it down in a single blow. The two came upon the very Caribou Spike had wanted to face off with.

“I thought if I watched over the Princess’s personal student I’d run into a decent challenger,” The hunter remarked. “It’s good to see you once more young salamander, and with the legendary vice-captain of the Shadowbolts, Haze, as well.”

“Where’s my sister?” Spike demand.

“Names first, I am Red Stone,” Red Stone said taking a mock bow.

“Spike Solaris Everfree,” Spike scowled at the hunter.

“The princess’s adoptive son, that explains the link between you and the three we took. But you young salamander, I was hoping for someone better.” Stone said in an irritated voice. “Not that you aren’t a decent challenge but your too emotional.”

“I know I was emotional last time you saw me but it seems to me like you’re afraid to face me,” Spike taunted.

“Hmm. You overestimate yourself, young prince. I can take you down easily,” Sone looked at the young drake. “Wait a moment. The air about you is different.”

“That’s right, the last time I let you get to me but not this time,” Spike glared at the hunter.

“The circumstances aren’t much different than last time we met, I still hold the cards,” The hunter crossed his arms. “But.” his eyes shot open. “Your confidence is up. Meaning that only a few things could have happened. Either the princesses are here, or your master is back.”

“Give the deer a prize Haze,” Spike mockingly clapped his hands. “Yes, my teacher has returned.”

“I would rather fight him, but it seems I’ll have to face him after I take you down,” Stone snapped his finger and two new hunters brought out a bound and gagged Twilight Sparkle forward. This thoroughly angered Spike beyond measure.

“Gonna hide behind your flunkies like last time and try and piss me off like last time,” Spike snarled at the hunter.

“Just an insurance policy to ensure you comply,” Stone explained. “You and me in a one on one match, skills, magic, and weapons of any kind are welcome. The pony won’t be harmed as long as the Vice-Captain stays out of it. If you win then you can have her and are free to leave. If I win, you are both dead.”

“I accept,” Spike said without hesitation and looked over his shoulder to Haze and ever so slightly motioned him to Twilight. The Vice-Captain nodded and stepped back as Spike walked forward allowing his Grimoire to come forth. “Dragonic Extremities.” Spike’s arms and legs were quickly covered in purple and emerald flames that hardened into gauntlets and boots. “Let’s get started then.”

“You're much more collected than last time, perhaps I may have underestimated you last time,” Stone evilly smirked as he undid the clasp of his red leather cloak. The cloak hit the ground with a slight puff of dust to reveal a well-toned but scarred body cover with light but strong red-scaled armor.

Red Stone suddenly shot at Spike leading with a right punch but was quickly countered with Spike's right palm. Stone simply smirked as he took his free hand and tried to punch Spike in the face but the young drake caught the Caribou’s fist with his own then swiftly dug his claws into Stone's flesh pulling him as Spike sprang from the ground and landed both his feet into Stone’s face. He then jumped backflipping about three feet from the hunter. Stone stumbled backwards and landed on his butt. Stone looked at Spike who’d taken up a fighting stance after he’d landed, the hunter had a wide grin as blood came from his nose.

Jumping back to his feet Red Stone wiped the blood from his and ready himself for about that he’d been looking for quite some time. Stone charged forward and unleashed a fury of strikes on Spike who blocked what he could and returned everything else he got.

Stone then grabbed hold of Spike’s fist and threw him across the warehouse, “I haven’t had a fight like this in a long time kid. I’m thoroughly enjoying myself and surprised a kid of your age can keep up with a seasoned fight like myself.

Spike got to his feet and wiped the blood from his mouth and looked to Stone, “I can’t say that I’m not enjoying myself a bit either. The only other people I have to spar with are a few of my friends and my teacher, and no one can physically match him, even if you land a hit on that guy he takes it and gives it back two-fold.” Spike took up another stance.

“I see, so he trained to return the force of his opponent back at them added to his own power thus doubling the strikes over all damage,” Stone said, throwing his arms behind him as he ready to lunge forward. Stone’s armor began to glow with red draconic energy, He couldn’t remember the last time he'd been forced to use his armor enchantments.

Spike and Stone both ran at one another mirroring each other, and just before meeting reeled back slightly with their fists and put enough force into their attacks to fracture bone to themselves and their opponent upon impact. Spike’s gauntlet shattered to pieces and fill apart returning to the mana from which it came/

The combatants broke apart, “That’s some sturdy armor for something made of pure magic kid,” Stone remarked as he looked down at his hand, it was trembling from the pain.

“I’m guessing your armor was made by a Drake smith,” Spike shot back as he looked at his own hand wincing from the pain. He concentrated and formed his gauntlet. “Have to say I’d be enjoying this fight a lot more if you were a more honorable guy and what let my sis go.”

“Once upon a time ago kid, now I’m just going along with the flow of time and whatever gets me to my next opponent,” Stone clenched his fist. “And if that means taking hostages then so be it,” he charged at Spike and jumped upbringing his right leg down.

Spike grabbed hold and spun allowing Stone to pass around him but the hunter counter and unleashed his fury of alternating punches and kicks on the young Drake once more. Spike did the same in turn when he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Haze had Twilight at his side.

“Let's stop with the hand to hand,” Spike said in a serious tone as his Grimoire flipped to a new page. “Emerald/Amethyst Flame magic: Twin blades,” Two sing handed curved short swords formed in Spike’s hands. He crossed the blades in front of his face and glared at Stone. Spike's eyes were now glowing bright fluorescent green and his pupils were slitted and his armor started to blacken with a purple and green edge around it. The drake had unknowingly tapped into his demonic power.

Spike was unleashing a large amount of killing intent now and it thoroughly scared Red Stone to his very bones. This sixteen-year-old kid fully intended to end his life and Stone was scared enough to the point that he had his own dagger, The Fang Blades. A twin set of daggers that had been forged from the fangs from a long-dead legendary Hydra from the far northern regions of the Savanna.

The two combatants vanished in an instant only leaving behind trails of purplish green and red light trails. Sparks flew around the entire warehouse as the Dark and hunter’s weapons clashed.

“Prince Spike,” Haze said as he looked on. “This is incredible… for a sixteen-year-old boy to keep up with a seasoned hunter.”

’This is the power that he has gained through his training with Sir Asta.” Twilight said in shock as she looked at the person she’d called her little brother.

Twilight looked on but could only follow Spike trial and the occasional spark of the clashing weapon. There was no trace of the child she’d come to know who’d loved to read comics, no now there was only a warrior trying his best to prove his worth and take back his pride and his friends dignity.

“Go on Spike!” Twilight yelled out. “Go, let him have!”

Spike glanced over his shoulder to Haze and Twilight and then to and his face got ten times more serious. The two broke apart and Spike dispelled his weapons causing Red Stone to look at him in shock for a moment before he readied himself to strike again.

Spike readied himself by taking up an attack stance placing his left foot forward and his right on the ball of his foot. He pulled his right arm back placing his palm just at his waist with his left hand just above it. Spike closed his eyes and he began to concentrate as he controlled his breathing.

He remembered his teacher’s words, “Iron palm techniques take years to learn for most due to having to train their bodies to hand the sheer amount of force it requires to use the techniques and then the recoil of your own strike. You, however, have a sturdier body than most and can lear a single technique due to its quick strike, and lower power output., but you can only use it once per day at your current level of pain tolerance Spike. The move is called…”

Red Stone now upon Spike and brought down the Fang Blades down, “IT WAS FUN KID BUT NOW YOU DIE!” sTONE YELLED IN VICTORY.

Spike’s eyes shot open as he sprang forward burying his palm in Stone gut as he roared, “Jishin Shotto (Quake Shot)!” A crack of thunder could be heard from the force at which Stone had been flung across the warehouse to the other side. There he landed with a blood splatter behind him.

Blood Stone Chuckled as blood came from his mouth, “A fine fight and a fitting end. Do me a favor Master Drake, take me weapons and armor for yourself. They are for more befitting of a dragon than a salve hunter.

Spike slowly walked over to the dying hunter and looked down as he held his trembling right arm with his left. “I will take your gear and put it to better use than you ever did as a hunter. Perhaps I will redeem it back to its former glory when you were still an honorable warrior.”

Stone gave the young Drake an earnest smile and then his head slumped over in death.

“And that’s how things went down for me. He might have been a hunter but in the end, he was an honorable fighter and said nothing after Haze retrieved Twilight. I figured I’d owed him enough respect to follow through with his final wishes and given him a proper send instead of just leaving his body in the warehouse,” Spike said as he looked into the flames of their fire.

“Is this all true Haze?” Celestia looked at the Shadowbot Vice captain who merely nodded in acknowlegdement.

“You ddi well for your first real fight,” Asta said complmenting the youg age. “But it still goes that you need more practice in controling you rmagic and creating long ranged spells.”

“Still this leaves one more question for you Asta,” Celestia looked at the Black Bulls Captain. “What are you going to do now that the Caribou have been over thrown? What do you plan for the freed slaves and the surrenderees?”

“That’sup to you two,” He pointed at the princesses. “This was a rescue mission thatturned into a battle not a war. Would I go to war over this, yes I would. Will I continue to fight, if it’s necessary to keep my home safe. Would I kill again, yes. But I will not be forced into a postion of power against my will.” Asta annouced as he stood up. “I’m no hero either. I’ll help build homes and provide what I can and if the refugees. As for the surrenderees, Give them all trails according to your judgment, because at the current time,” Asta looked dead in the princeesses eyes and there was no remorse only fury. “I’m not in the best of mindsets and would rather slaughter every last slaver in custidy.”

Asta then left and went in the tent and sat in a chair next to a slwwping Fluttershy and soon nodded off himself.