Title:           Ch. 4: Advanced yet Basic
Author:          Kewcee
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/4sNS6AbY
First Edit:      Sunday 16th of October 2016 01:54:45 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Thursday 20th of October 2016 11:55:20 AM CDT

>You come to your senses.
>Your vision is blurry, but of two things, you're absolutely sure.
>The first is that you are Ghost Scribe, Earth pony and brother to Starswirl.
>Your father is Stargazer the whimsical and your mother is Evanescence.
>You are you and have always been you.
>To suggest you were ever anypony else would be preposterous.
 
>The second thing you're absolutely sure of: that you are in a great deal of pain.
>You're clearly in an infirmary of some sort.
>But your watering eyes prevent you from making anything out.
>To either side of you, you notice shapes vaguely resembling ponies.
 
>Should you try to call out to them?
 
>Remembering that your jaw was broken, you decide against calling out,
>Instead, you decide to listen.
 
>"An' you're sure my brother'll be okay, Captain Lily?"
 
>"I can only hope so. I'll admit, I let my emotions run away with me that day. If he were anything but an Earth pony, chances are he'd be dead."
>"But I can feel in the bruise he left on my cheek and the break he put in my nose, that he's going to pull through."
 
>"That's all well and good, Captain Lily, but I want to know if he'll be okay, not if he'll pull through."
>"You broke his jaw and fractured just about every other bone in his body. Who in the world is going to fix that?"
 
>"That would be me."
 
>You see another figure enter your blurry field of vision.
>You catch a blob of white decorated with flecks of red.
 
>"Lenna Ton'berri, resident white magus, at your service."
 
>"Lenna Ton'berri? As in, Ton'berri the Blessed? The mare rumored to be capable of curing death itself?"
 
>"Well, I wouldn't say I could cure death, but otherwise, yes, that's me."
 
>"...Wow. So what are you waiting for, heal my brother! He needs to meet you!"
 
>"That'll have to wait until he wakes. Healing magic is rather tricky, in that, when performed on the unaware, it has the unfortunate effect of sending most into shock."
>"In his state, the shock from re-setting his jaw, or repairing who knows how many fractures, could set him in a permanent coma."
 
>With the knowledge that somepony capable of healing you is in the same room, you eagerly attempt to raise a hoof.
>They need to know you're awake.
>But oh boy, everything sure feels super broken.
>Your attempt to raise a hoof just results in a sharp jolt of pain shooting through your body.
>You groan loudly and involuntarily.
 
>It has largely the effect you desired though.
 
>"Scribe? Hoy, you awake, boyo?"
 
>You nod weakly.
 
>"Well, ain't that a perfect bit'o timing. Here that, Captain? He's awake!"
 
>"Aye, I heard him groan just the same as you."
 
>"Then I suppose I can begin the healing process right away. Are you prepared, Ghost Scribe?"
 
>You nod weakly once more
 
>"Then let's begin."
 
XXX
 
>"... and with a quick snap, and a sensory numbing spell, the jaw is set quickly and painlessly."
 
>You feel all your bones return to their original positions.
>You're still a tad sore, but most of the pain has subsided.
>Your vision has also cleared up.
 
>"Move your jaw, up and down."
 
>You oblige.
>Perfectly healed.
 
>"Excellent. Now, don't over-exert yourself for the next day or so."
>"And please try to take it easy on your recruits, Lady Lily."
 
>"Aye, Miss Ton'berri."
 
>Lenna leaves the room.
>You're by yourself, with the Captain and Starswirl.
>You want to ask them a few questions but before you can, Captain Lily speaks up.
 
>"Look, bucko, I jus' wanted to say that I got out of hoof the other day. I took it a bit too far, and did some serious damage."
>"I'm sorry."
 
>The very expression seems to pain her.
>You can't find it in your heart to hold it against her.
 
"It's alright, Captain. You throw a mean hook, I'll give you that."
"And besides, Starswirl and I are used to receiving a beating or two, right brother?"
 
>"Aye. Though normally, we take'em together.
 
>These statements seem to fluster Gilded Lily.
 
"I do want to ask you though, Captain. Did you wail on me the way you did, because I'm an Earth pony?"
 
>This seems to confuse her.
 
>"What other reason would I have? Earth ponies are naturally physically stronger and less fragile than other ponies."
>"That's just a fact. I know I lost my cool, but that's only 'cause I thought you could take it."
 
"Well, that's fine I suppose. Honestly, I'm just glad you have such a capable healer on staff."
 
>You jump out of bed and salute.
 
"I hope to be an asset to the guard. Though the next time we exchange blows, I hope it isn't with such force."
 
>You and Starswirl share a laugh at this.
>Captain Lily just seems to have grown more flustered.
>You see her blush slightly, likely with embarrassment.
 
>You've got some questions you'd like to ask. But what to ask?
 
"So when can I resume my training, Captain? I would hope tomorrow, yes?"
 
>"Aye, Private. You'll begin proper training first thing tomorrow morning. Today's to be a rest day for you though."
 
"Great. Also, you've been talking as if our altercation happened some time ago. How long was I unconscious?"
 
>A twinge of guilt hits her face.
 
>"It was, er, two days. It's November first, year twenty-one sixty-five. Last I checked, it was nearing nine o'clock in the mornin'."
 
"Two days, eh... thank you for informing me, Captain. Though, the year was hardly necessary."
 
>"A-Aye, I thought so too. But Starswirl mentioned your appreciation for detail and I figured, well... well, you know. Unconsciousness can be a mighty confusing thing and you never know when you'll wake up or whereanditsjustmaybeIthoughtyou'dbefrightendandthoughtyoumightneedtheyearsoyoudon'tpanic."
"That's all."
 
>The Captain had seemed off since she'd apologized to you.
>Perhaps she just wasn't used to this sort of situation.
>She certainly seemed uncomfortable.
>You'll change the subject for her.
 
"So, Captain. Exactly how often is the guard called upon to defend Aurus? Is the city attacked often?"
 
>At this, Gilded Lily frowns.
 
>"Well, fortunately, but also not, Aurus hasn't been in a major conflict since the days o' my gran', Estrella the Cruel."
>"The guards more symbolic than anything at this point, but you could say the same for the bird brains and mud kin. I mean, Earth ponies."
>"O'course, don't think that means you'll be pussyhoofin' your exercises, Private!"
 
"Wouldn't dream of it, ma'am!"
 
>You'd like to catch up with Starswirl.
>But you're sure he wouldn't like to express how he feels in front of Gilded Lily.
 
"Captain, would you mind if was given a bit of privacy to catch up with my brother?"
 
>Not at all, Private. Take some time to talk, but don't dally. I'll be expecting you 'round the training yard to watch me an the rest of the Suns go through some basic routines."
 
"Of course, ma'am."
 
>With an "Aye" and a nod, Captain Lily leaves.
>Starswirl relaxes himself slightly.
 
"So, how you holding up, Starswirl?"
 
>"As well as I can, given my life's dream is based around falsehood. Day in, day out, for the past few days, it's been nothing but "tell me a story, Starswirl", and "recite that dirty limerick about the mare from Saddle Arabia."
>"Honestly, it's more infuriating than anything."
 
"Well, surely it can't be all bad. I trust you're taking to palace life well?"
 
>"The few moments I can find to myself, I will admit, tend to be enjoyable. I certainly haven't wanted for anything to eat."
>"I just wish I had more time to study. I'm surrounded by legends of the magical field, and yet, I'm unable to learn."
 
 
"I really do wish you the best, Starswirl. You have access to one of if not the best libraries in the world. I'm sure a dedicated pony like yourself will find the time."
 
>"Easier said than done, Scribe. I just hope your endeavors prove more fruitful than mine appear to be."
 
"I'm actually quite optimistic about my training. None of the unicorns glared or sneered at me because I was an Earth pony, which is something I've not seen anywhere else since we got here."
"Hell, even as the Captain was smashing my jaw, they cheered on."
"Not because I was being beaten, but because I refused to fall."
"Imagine that, Starswirl. I was cheered on. Surely if something so unlikely as that can happen, you can find the time to study magic."
 
>... I suppose you're right."
 
>Starswirl may have conceded, but you can still see hints of doubt in his eyes.
>You're not sure what else you can do, so you do the only thing you can think of.
>Wrapping your forelegs around him, you catch Starswirl in a loving embrace.
 
"Of course I'm right, Starswirl. You'll be the most powerful court jester of all time, just you wait and see."
 
>Starswirl laughs.
 
>"That is if I don't catch dancing madness first."
 
>He sounds as if he's joking, but you can hear the cynicism in his voice.
>You hug him tighter.
 
"Just remember, Starswirl. We're in the kingdom capitol. You're by the royal family's side, and I'm in the only position that could possibly gain me any respect from the unicorns of this city."
"There's nowhere to go from here, but up."
 
>Starswirls body softens.
 
>"...I hate that you're so good at convincing me to be optimistic. But you really are right."
>"Nowhere to go but up."
 
>He returns your hug.
>The two of you sit there for a moment, hugging each other.
>For just a moment, it's just the two of you, and all your worries melt away.
 
>You hear somepony enter the infirmary.
 
>"I hate to break up this touching moment, but if you have the time, Private Scribe, I'd like to have a word with you."
 
>You turn around to see Lieutenant Alcum standing in the doorway.
>He's decked out in full armor, save helmet.
>There's a strange bag on his back.
>You turn to Starswirl.
 
>"Go on, be on your way. We've both got things to attend to."
 
>You give Starswirl one last embrace and follow the Lieutenant out of the infirmary into the training yard.
 
>What could he want?
 
>You don't know what the Lieutenant wants or if you should ask.
>As you walk through the training yard, you see your brothers-at-arms.
>Most are engaged in the same contests of strength you saw your first day here.
>Some notice you and nod or wave in your direction.
>You respond in kind.
 
>You keep following the Lieutenant.
>He walks straight out of the training yard and stops just outside the opening that acts as its entrance.
>There's nopony around, the two of you are alone.
 
>"First off, Private, I'd like to welcome you to the Golden Suns."
 
"Thank you, sir!"
 
>"At ease, Private."
>"During your little exchange with the Captain, I noticed something quite strange."
 
"And what was that, sir?"
 
>"Just before the Captains hoof, the magical one that is, connected with your face, it hesitated."
>"Given the state the Captain was in, I know for a fact she was incapable of hesitating."
>"Which means that something stopped her blow before it reached you."
>"Do you have any idea what that could have been?"
 
"No idea, sir. Perhaps one of our fellows took pity on me?"
"I know if I could that I would have done something to help a recruit whose life I felt was in danger."
 
>The Lieutenant shakes his head.
 
>"Impossible, Private. We all have far too much respect for the Captain to do something as dishonest as that."
 
>He drops the bag from his back.
>It hits the ground with a thud, making an indent in the snow.
 
>"Do you know what's in this bag, Private?"
 
"No sir, I'm afraid I don't."
 
>"Of course, why would you? In this bag is a collection of stones."
>"Stones I saw fly from the Captains hoof, just before it hit you."
>"Now why would stones be sitting in the middle of the air, waiting to be knocked away?"
>"Why would they be there, placed so perfectly, as to block the Captains blow?"
 
>You're getting nervous.
>The Lieutenant is following a line of questioning that's making you terribly uncomfortable.
>Could he know about Golet?
>What should you say?
 
>You figure that if you tell the truth, he might laugh it off as a joke.
>After all, who would believe that you're an amateur evoker?
>And in any case, the outcome might be better than if you were to lie and be caught in it.
 
"To be honest, sir, I know exactly why they would do that."
 
>The Lieutenant seems surprised by this.
 
>"Oh, do you now? Please, do explain."
 
"Well, my father, Stargazer, was fond of sending Starswirl and I books as gifts. One such book was a guide from the city of Negra Beliza."
 
>"Negra Beliza? How'd he manage that? Most ponies can't smuggle a pastry out of that city without them considering it an afront to their private practices."
 
'I can't say I know that, but the book in question was a guide on something called evocation."
"A few nights ago, I summoned a spirit called a Golet. They're meant to be guardian spirits. Her first instinct when I was about to get my face caved in was to put herself between me and the Captain."
"The force of the blow knocked her to pieces. If not for her interference, I'd likely be dead."
 
>Lieutenant Alcum seems to take in the story.
 
>"Well, that would explain why the stones have been begging to see their master."
>"Based on your story, I assume you would be the master in question?"
 
>You try to mask your surprise.
>You had believed Golet to be destroyed!
 
"Yes, sir. May i please have her back?"
 
>Lieutenant Alcum ponders for a moment.
 
>"I see no reason why not."
 
>Untying the bag, he dumps it upside down.
>A collection of stones of varying sizes drop out of it.
>They begin to shift and form shapes.
>After a minute or so, they regain a shape you'd become quite familiar with.
 
"Golet!"
 
>"Master! Golet do good, Master! Golet protect!"
 
"That's right, Golet, you did protect."
 
>She runs up to you and hugs your leg.
>The Lieutenant seems amused by this.
 
>"Strange thing, but cute. Keep it close. Keep it under control. A creature like that could prove useful in combat. But I don't want to see it interfering with your training again."
 
"Yes, sir. I will, sir."
 
>As he walks away, you stop him.
 
"Wait, sir. I have something I need to ask."
 
>"Hmm?"
 
"Can anyone else see her?"
 
>"I can't say for sure, but I don't believe so."
>"Now if that's all, I have to go. I have many important matters I have to attend to."
 
>You sigh with relief.
>You have Golet back.
>Sure, the Lieutenant can see her, but no one else seems to be able to see her.
>Now you just have to make sure she doesn't pull another stunt like two days ago.
>That should be easy enough.
 
>But right now you've got training to attend to.
>Or at the very least, watch.
 
>You step back into the training yard and find the Captain.
>She's sitting on a bench in the corner of the yard, shining her helm.
 
"Greetings, Captain."
 
>She responds without looking up.
>Her polishing of the helm seems to intensify.
 
>"Ah, good, you're here."
>"Now, I know I said you'd be observing our exercises today, but I might to start you on some things early."
 
>"On my end, we could choose your combat style and work through some simple routines based on that."
>"Or I could send you to the castle first. A good soldier needs good armor."
>"You don't have that yet, but I know a good smith."
 
"Armor's all well and good, but it won't do me any good if I don't know how to fight."
 
>You see her smile softly.
>Her polishing intensifies again.
 
>"Good. A good choice."
>"Now, we in the Golden Suns practice two separate combat styles."
>"The first is traditional, or Equine style as we call it."
>"You run about on all four of your hooves, carry your blade or spear or what have you either in your mouth, or attached to your body."
>"The second, we call Taur style.This one's especially fun."
>"You stand on your hind legs like a Minotaur and wield your weapons in your forelegs."
>"This way you can put the full force of your body into a swing or stab. It takes a great deal of balance and coordination, but it's well worth it."
 
>She looks up from her helm, polished to a mirror sheen from her intense rubbing.
>The look in her eye is almost devilish.
 
>"So what do you wanna try, Private?"
 
"I choose Equine, ma'am. Taur seems a bit unwieldy, and likely to leave my belly open."
 
>The Captain seems disappointed by your choice.
 
>"Well, we have armor that can rectify that... but it's your choice."
 
>Donning her helm, Captain Lily gets up from the bench.
 
>"Follow me, Private."
 
>You've been doing a lot of following.
>But you're not complaining.
>You take a moment to speak with Golet.
 
"Golet?"
 
>"Master?"
 
"This mare and I are going to fight with each other. I need you not to protect me."
 
>"No... protect?"
 
"That's right. She's trying to help me be strong. We're fighting, but it's nice fighting. So I-"
 
>"Private Scribe! What's the hold up?"
 
"Sorry, ma'am! On my way, ma'am!"
 
>You hurry to the Captains side.
 
>"No worry, Master. Golet no protect. Hard to resist, but Golet listen."
 
>You nod at her.
 
"Where are we headed, Captain?"
 
>"To the armory. I'd go over every single weapon we have in store, but frankly I don't have the patience."
>"So just name the first weapon that come to mind, and if we have it, it's what you'll be training with."
 
"Books."
 
>"Ah, yes, a... what?"
 
"You said to name the first weapon that came into my head, ma'am. What greater weapon is there than knowledge?"
 
>"Don't get smart with me, bucko."
 
>She puts on a stern face, but you can see her side quiver with stifled laughter.
>Of course, you hadn't meant it as a joke.
>Better to play it off like one though.
 
"Well then, what about a quarterstaff?"
 
>Her smile returns.
 
>"A fan of blunt force are we? More a basher than a slicer?"
>"I've always been partial to a good skull crushing."
 
>She's practically gushing.
>Her love for violence is still unsettling to you, but with a grandmare named Estrella the Cruel, you can see where she gets it.
 
>She stops outside the armory
>She steps inside and comes out with two staffs, roughly as long as she is.
 
>She motions for you tow follow her.
>You do.
>She returns to the center of the training yard.
 
>"After this lesson, we'll move on to more dangerous weaponry. After all, a staff isn't useful for much on the battle field."
>"It'll give you a good feel for what it's like to wield a spear though."
 
>She tosses you a staff
>You catch it and watch as she readies herself..
>You start to worry as you remember the events from two days ago.
>It must show on your face, because the Captain's expression softens.
 
>"Aye, Private Scribe. I promise this won't be a repeat of that little incident."
>"Of course... if your still a bit frightened, I understand if you might want a different sparring partner."
 
>You push the worry down.
 
>"I trust you ma'am. And I hope you can trust me to learn."
 
>She smiles at you, a big toothy grin.
>Her eyes are filled with fire, determination if you will.
 
>"Good! Now, prepare yourself!"
 
>You take what you feel is a proper battle stance.
>The few Golden Suns not engaged in some conflict laugh at you.
 
>"What is that, Private? Widen your stance, tighten your grip, and keep your eyes on me."
>"Keep it lax, keep it limber, and keep a bearing on your surroundings."
 
>You adjust yourself based on her advice.
>She seems satisfied.
 
>"Good! You take instruction well. So, which one of us should take the first swing, Private?"
 
"You first, Captain."
 
>Her grin becomes a smirk.
>You just ready yourself for a strike, and guard.
 
>"If that's the way you want it."
 
>You see a faint glow from her helm.
>A gold-orange aura, likely emanating from her horn, has now wrapped itself around her hind legs.
>She's standing on her hind legs.
>Your not sure what she's planning on doing from her distance, but it can't be good.
 
>Should you prepare to dodge, or hold your guard?
>You don't think you'll be able to block whatever the Captain has in store for you.
>So you ready yourself to dodge.
 
>The Captain crouches low.
>It's quite bizarre, watching a pony crouch down on their hind legs.
>You've never seen a Minotaur before, but you assume watching one walk around must be equally as strange to behold.
 
>She flexes her legs.
>With a loud crack and a cloud of dust, Captain Lily leaps high into the air.
>She becomes little more than a dot among the clouds.
 
>But then the dot gets bigger.
>She's coming back down, at frightening speeds.
 
>You run and jump, and trip over yourself, unsure of where she'll land.
>With a panicked kick, you manage to jump out of her path.
 
>She brings her staff down in your former position, with all the force of her gathered momentum.
>It splinters into a million pieces.
>The ground where she lands shares a similar fate, cratering upon her impact.
 
>You stare at her, bewildered.
>She doesn't have that dead look to her, but she clearly isn't finished.
>Tossing aside her splintered staff, she begins to walk towards you, her hooves raised.
>Her two-legged gait is unsettling.
>How can you possibly hope to match up to a pony of such strength and magnitude?
 
>As Captain Lily walked towards you, you pick yourself up.
>You grab the staff and defensively prepare for whatever she has in store.
>Her style of fighting seems to be hyper offensive.
>The Taur style allows her to jump great heights.
>She relies on the momentum from her fall to deal a devastating blow.
>Chances are she can do the same on a horizontal plane.
>You have to find a way to knock her off her hooves.
 
>The Captain crouches again, tilting herself towards you.
>She has a hoof reeled back, ready to swing.
 
>Should you try to duck her incoming blow?
>Try to block it?
>Or some other thing?
 
>The Captain launches herself at you.
>With another crack and cloud of dust, she swings.
>You'd anticipated this.
>You duck, and swing your hoof upward.
>It connects with her exposed belly.
 
>Your blow throws off the Captains momentum.
>She flips midair, but manages to reorient herself.
>She's caught off guard by your quick thinking, and has stopped to catch her breath, which you so rudely knocked out of her.
>You see that look returning to her eyes.
 
>Should you try to subdue her?
>Knock her out with the staff?
>She's wearing her armor, so anything you do, you'll have to do it now, and you'll have to do it hard.
 
 
>A blow from the staff should knock her out before this gets too intense.
>Or at the very least, disorient her and give her a chance to cool down.
 
>You take the staff and swing the length of it full force.
>It connects with the side of her helm, and she's sent spinning.
>A clang rings throughout the training yard.
>Your fellow Golden Suns have all stopped to see what's going on.
>Upon seeing their Captain on the floor, dazed and confused, most freeze.
 
>They seem scared.
>Others, simply shake their heads.
>The one called Bigby speaks up.
 
>"Should've just let her knock you out, kid."
 
>But why?
>What would that have accomplished?
 
>You hear the Captain begin to stir.
>She's getting up slowly, but surely.
>The dead look is gone.
>But it's been replaced by something else.
>Not quite the determined fire from earlier.
>You're not quite sure what it is.
>Maybe you hit her a little too hard.
>Should you try to call out to her?
 
"Captain? Are you okay?"
 
>She doesn't acknowledge you, just stands there, breathing heavily.
 
"Captain? Is something wrong?"
 
>She responds this time.
 
>"Nothings wrong, Private Scribe. I'm just wishing I'd taken this seriously from the beginning."
>"You've certainly got potential. But we already knew that."
>"Let's see just how far you can go. WEATHERVANE!"
 
>A stallion shouts from across the yard.
 
>"Yes, Captain?!"
 
>"GUNGNIR!"
 
>The stallions face seems to flush with fear.
 
>"B-but, Captain-"
 
>"GUNGNIR! I won't ask a third time!"
 
>"Y-Yes, Captain!"
 
>The stallion runs into the armory.
>While he's there, the Captain stands on her hind legs again.
>She shouts at you.
 
>"Choose!"
 
"Choose what, ma'am?"
 
>"A weapon, you fool!"
>"Take a name, shout it out! CHOOSE!"
 
>You have a general idea of what she's telling you.
>But you don't like the sound of it at all.
 
 
>You're not sure what she means by pick a name and shout.
>But as you ponder, you recall an old legend.
>The first king of the unicorns, Gil-Gallop, was said to have had a spear.
>This spear was said to bring cold death to all who opposed the king.
>But what was its name?
 
"Aeglos..."
 
>You absentmindedly whisper this word to yourself.
>Had that been the spears name?
 
>"What was that, Private?"
 
>You don't know how, but the Captain heard you.
 
"I, uh... I said Aeglos, Captain."
 
>"WEATHERVANE!"
 
>The stallion pokes his head out of the armory, fearful and with a forced smile plastered on his face.
 
>"Yes, Captain?"
 
>"AEGLOS!"
 
>"Yes, Captain!"
 
>You're still not entirely sure what's going on here.
>Had you upset Captain Lily somehow?
>Wasn't this just supposed to be basic training?
 
"Captain? What are we doing? I thought was just going to be basic combat training."
"What happened to wooden sticks and blunt swords?"
 
>The Captain keeps her eyes fixed on the armory.
 
>"What's advanced to one is basic to another. In my ten years as Captain, only six other recruits have ever actually managed to land a blow on me during their first training session."
>"You're the first that's been able to knock me to the ground. Surely you would agree that your abilities are a bit beyond basic, no?"
 
"Well, I don't know about that, but...in any case, do you really think it's appropriate to use such storied weaponry for a sparring match?"
 
>"Both Aeglos and Gungnir are weapons belonging to the royal bloodline. Only I, my brother, and my niece may ever call them forth from the armory."
>"You have no place to question what is or is not appropriate to do with them."
 
"My apologies, Captain. So, uh, are there any rules that we need to follow during this?"
 
>"Rules? No, no rules. Go until you can't go. And then keep going.'
>"Such is the way of the battlefield."
 
>Weathervane emerges from the armory.
>He's carrying two long lengths of cloth on his back.
>Likely the spears, covered to protect them from exposure and other weapon related maladies.
>The Captain wastes no time upon his appearance.
 
>"TOSS!"
 
>Weathervane throws the one thicker cloth of the two as hard as he can.
>It flies across the courtyard, and seems to move of it's own accord.
>It makes a beeline for Captain Lily.
>She catches it out of the air, and swiftly removes the cloth.
>Underneath, lies a spear of bright polished bronze, it's tip frighteningly thick.
>She grips it firmly and points it in your direction.
 
>"Hey, look out!"
 
>Weathervane shouts at you.
>You look his way just in time to see the second cloth fly your way.
>It comes unraveled mid-flight, revealing a recurved spear of bright silver.
>It lands just inches from your hoof.
>You give a glare at Weathervane
 
>"Sorry!"
 
>Ignoring his mishap, you pick up the spear, and take the stance Captain had instructed you in earlier.
>The Captain speaks.
 
>"Take your pick once more. You or me: who strikes first?"
 
"I'll go first this time, Captain. Let's see if I'm really worthy of this honor you've bestowed on me."
 
>In truth, you want to get the first move in, because you know Captain Lily's first move will be the end of you.
>You didn't know much about Gungnir's history, but legends stated it never missed it's mark.
>It was a spear that worked beyond it's users own abilities, and given that the Captains abilities were already frighteningly impressive...
>You didn't really see any way you could win this fight, but you sure as hell had to try.
 
>What should your first move be?
 
>You decide to get aggressive.
>No use beating around the bush when the bush in question could knock you three ways to a comatose village.
>Aeglos is a good foot and a half longer than Gungnir, if your memory serves you right.
>You need to play that fact to your advantage.
>You run at the Captain.
>Rather than jump away or guard, she extends Gungnir in an attempt to impale you.
>But you're no fool.
 
>You take a test swing to gauge just how much closer you need to get.
>Aeglos and Gungnir touch tips, and the Captain responds by spinning Gungnir, in an attempt to parry.
>You're just far enough for it to do absolutely nothing.
>The Captain seems surprised, and Gungnirs weight has thrown her off balance.
>No longer having any room to jump away from you, she takes a defensive stance.
>How do you strike next?
 
>You choke up on Aeglos, holding it at half staff.
>You move in on Captain Lily, taking light jabs at her hind legs and flank.
>Her legs are armored, so you aren't doing much damage.
>But the fact that you're even connecting is frustrating the Captain.
>She tries to sweep Aeglos away, but fails missing in her frustrated hurry.
>You take the opportunity and slash at the Captain's still exposed belly.
>Aeglos hits its mark, the leftmost side of Captain Lily's belly.
 
>She grimaces with pain.
>The cut isn't deep, but it's long, and it's bleeding.
>She's still not backing down though.
>She retakes her offensive stance, moving in on you.
>She's poised for an overhead strike.
>At this point, you think you might have to disarm her to end this.
 
>Falling back you switch to full staff.
>Captain Lily swings Gungnir in a downward sweep.
>You swing Aeglos upward, catching it under Gungnirs point, at the tip of the shaft.
>Physically, you and the Captain are roughly equal, thanks in no small part to your Earth pony heritage.
>But Gungnir is far heavier than you had anticipated.
>She's slowly bringing it down on you.
 
>But you have an idea. Using Gungnir's weight against it, you begin spinning Aeglos.
>Both spears are now locked a rotating motion.
>You and the Captain are at a standstill.
>That is, until you release.
 
>Unlocking the spears, Gungnirs weight and momentum send it flying from Captain Lily's hooves.
>She watches, bewildered, as it soars off over the yard walls.
>The legends hold true though, and you can see the spear, by some mysterious force of nature, boomeranging it's way back to your position.
 
>You have to end this before it makes its way around.
 
>You figure she can't catch the spear if she's flat on her back.
>So you swing Aeglos, catching the Captains hind legs.
>You successfully sweep her off her hooves!
>But as she falls, her hooves seem to some back to the ground of their own accord.
>She removes her attentions from Gungnir, looking at you with a smug grin.
 
>"Aye, thought you could knock me down, did ya, Private?"
>"Not so simple, that. I'm a dragoon, bucko,and above that, I've been using Taur style for years.
>"I know all it's strengths and weaknesses. My magic makes my legs like a magnet, They'll always come back to solid ground!"
 
>Disheartening, but her rambling has given you an idea.
>You sweep again.
>She sees it coming and jumps over Aeglos.
>You take your chance and tuck your body, rolling behind her.
>You knock the butt of Aeglos into her back, causing her to stumble forward.
>She doesn't fall though.
 
>"You're just full of fruity little tricks, aren't ya bucko?
>"You think you can best me with all th-"
 
>THWA-CLANG
 
>Gungnir returns to its owner, it's butt smacking her straight in the side of her head.
>You figured Gungnir must work something like a boomerang.
>Sure it returns to to it's owner, but it's entirely up to them to catch it.
>And you did a sufficient job of distracting her long enough to make sure she couldn't do that.
 
>Gungnir bounces off the Captains helmet.
>Instinctively, she reaches for and catches it.
>But she's been disoriented pretty heavily.
>She's leaning on Gungnir for support.
 
>Now's your chance!
>But how do you finish this?
 
 
>You buck your hooves and knock Gungnir from under the Captain.
>Dropping Aeglos, you leap onto her back, placing your forelegs across her neck and around her head.
>Her magic holds strong though.
>She leans back, but she's not going down.
>You can feel her struggle to breath, as your legs grow tighter around her throat.
 
"DO YOU YIELD, CAPTAIN."
 
>The Captain looks back at you best she can.
>The dead look is back, but it's different somehow.
>You can see something mixed into the emptiness.
>You don't have the time to ponder this though.
 
>"Yield?"
>"YIELD!?"
>"I'D DIE A THOUSAND DEATHS BEFORE I YIELD! I SOONER KILL YOU AND MYSELF THAN YIELD!"
>"AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I"LL DO!"
 
>With a crack and a cloud of dust, you suddenly find yourself on the Captains back, miles in the air.
>You can't discern any details of the ground below you.
>All you see are clouds, and the Captains face.
>A face filled with invariable rage.
>The magic has disappeared from her horn and legs.
>She's serious.
>She really intends to kill you both.
 
>You consider calling Golet, but you doubt she'll be able to do anything from your height.
>What can you do?
 
>The sky is empty, save for clouds.
>Your not in enough control to steer for any kind of body of water.
>You don't even know if there are any lakes near Aurus.
>Your only real option here is to try and talk Captain Lily out of this.
 
"Captain! We're just sparring remember? This was just supposed to be training, remember?"
 
>She growls at you.
>Like a dog.
>Clearly she doesn't remember.
 
"What about the King? What about you're niece? What about the Golden Suns and the rest of your kingdom? They need you! I need you!"
 
>Her expression softens slightly.
>You're getting through to her!
>...Are those tears?
>You don't have time to worry about that, you have to follow this lead.
 
"That's right, Captain! How can your kingdom be safe, how can your troops be lead, how can I get stronger, if the two of us are dead?"
 
>"...stronger..."
 
"Yeah, stronger! You know what makes ponies stronger?"
 
>"...Pain."
 
 
"What?"
 
>"Pain. Survive the pain, become strong."
 
>Her expression has softened completely.
>Her eyes are streaming, her tears becoming like rain drops in the sky.
 
>"Survive the hurt, become better. Bring others pain, and make them strong. Only the weak yield."
>"Never yield, survive the pain. Death is never an option..."
 
>Her ramblings are nonsensical.
>But you heard what you wanted.
 
"That's right! Death is never an option!"
 
>"We will survive the hurt, together. You and I, in pain, survive, grow strong."
 
"Yeah, we'll survive!"
 
>You see her horn begin to glow.
>But you aren't slowing down.
>In fact you're falling faster.
>Panic sets in. Instinctively, you call out:
 
"GOLET! PROTECT!"
 
>Just before you hit the ground, you hear the Captain say one thing.
 
>"You have such beautiful emotions..."
 
>Then a crash.
>Then numbness.
>Then darkness.