Fluttershy whimpered as the smoke faded revealing an open sky. "So…. High…" She whimpered looking off the cloud she was standing on.

"Fear is what holds you back." A soft voice said as a griffin walked up behind her.

Fluttershy quickly turned to face the griffin. "Are… are you…"

"Yes. I am the spirit of wind." She replied with a bow. "I hope this form doesn't scare you."

"I'm sorry." Fluttershy whispered. "It was a bit startling."

"It's quite alright. Shall we proceed to your test?" Receiving a shaky nod the griffin moved to the edge. "Good. Your test is simple. Fly over this lake of lava and into the storm."

"Lava?... storm?" Fluttershy whimpered. "How is that easy?"

"You're a pegasus." The griffin replied. "And you already faced much greater dangers." Fluttershy thought for a moment before moving to the edge. "For most, this would make it harder. But you may benefit from this." Fluttershy looked back to see the griffin holding out a blindfold. Gulping she put it on. "Now… go."

Fluttershy dove off the edge and waited for a moment before opening her wings. It was as if a switch was flicked in her as a smile crossed Fluttershy's face. She flapped her wings feeling the air around her. She barely remembered the last time she had this feeling. It was like the air was telling her when to flap, where to turn and how to position her body against the wind.

By the time the blindfold came off she was in the eye of the storm. "Well done child. Feel like having fun?" The griffin asked, flying next to her. With a nod, the two dove into a nearby tunnel.

Giggling, Pinkie bounced around the smoke as something moved in it. She didn't know what it was but she enjoyed playing tag with it. After a few minutes a small amused winged snake poked its head out of the smoke. "I had a feeling you wouldn't need much instruction." It laughed.

"Can we keep going?" She asked.

It tilted its head back and forth. "Why not." It laughed ducking back under the smoke. "This time. Let's make it interesting."

Phoenix watched as Green mist entered the smoke. "Things are looking good." He said happily as his bird flew in carrying a scroll. "What do you have there, Silver?" He asked as the bird dropped it in his hand before landing on his shoulder. Unraveling it he looked the letter over. "Looks like another Daring Do book came out… ya…. I'm definitely adding that to my private collection." Looking at the table he sighed. "Yes I can feel the dark forces are preparing to do something." He sighed. "No… I don't know what they're doing. But the other spirits are keeping me informed."

Smoke cleared as two griffins stumbled out onto a cliff. "Gilda?" The male coughed.

"Gallus?" Gilda coughed. "What the fuck is going on?"

"You have been chosen." A female griffin said, causing both of their wings to shoot open. "I'm glad you like my appearance. Shall we get to your lessons? And later… maybe a bit of fun?" Both nod eagerly. "Then let's begin."

Discord looked at the map then at the white rabbit. "Is it just me or are some things moving faster than others?"

"Oh… that's because only a few hours passed for us, while days are passing for those taking the tests. Maybe even weeks." The white stallion replied.

"And what about the other lands?"

"Don't know. Maybe the readers aren't that interested."

Discord blinked. "Wait… you break the fourth wall too?" The stallion rolled his eyes at that. "Oh look." Discord laughed. "Moon is doing the thing. She's doing the thing. And that stallion is… wow… I didn't even know a pony could do that…"

This chapter was short because I wasn't able to think of much for Pinkie to do for the trial. Mostly because it's Pinkie.

I also didn't want to rush with Fluttershy because I have a big plan for her.

After the next chapter, the trials will technically be finished. But there is going to be a chapter for Twilight.

Speaking of the next chapter. Bug and I was thinking maybe a bat too will join.

Finally, I can either finish the trials... or show what's going on in one of the kingdoms. What do you guys think?