My Little Pony: Equestria's Warriors Returns

by Spirit Of Fantasy

After many wars, heavy losses, and violence with enemies. The eldest brother of the royal sisters makes his return, and discovers the student of the sister he blames for their youngest sister's banishment. Now along side this young and talented unicorn, ready to battle evil. He will discover the new world of friendship and love that replaced his world of pain and hateful battles.

38. Chapter 38: Family Appreciation Day

Chapter 38: Family Appreciation Day

1200 Years Ago, The Crystal Empire

There was a place that he remembered at heart, a place that he himself birthed as a child. Crafted by his very crystals that took shape from his small child mind full of imagination and happiness. This kingdom not only manage to establish itself as a part of the world, but it had once been renowned as an empire. One that was ran by a few ponies created by the life essence of the young prince, and his crystals. The Crystal Empire, home to the fragile minded, but loving crystal ponies.

For the longest time, prince Orion needed to find time to watch over the empire. For violence and hatred was a scary and difficult thing for these crystallized ponies to understand and process. Their minds were fragile, for the good of their crystal selves were made from the innocence of a child. So it became important that they were taken good care of and provided for when they needed help. It stretched Orion's attention span to his limits, it was not easy to care for a fragile empire.

Thankfully, one pony had become the successor of this empire due to his good heart and desire to give love to the world. This pony was rescued from an infamous clan of dark ponies as a colt. And was then trained in the ways of the warrior by the prince himself, till his prowess rivaled that of his mentor. A stallion that the pony wished to model himself after and surpass, for they were both wielders of the red crystals. And it was quite an elevation once he was made the new king of the Crystal Empire.

However, this pony came with a lot of ambition to match the respect and idolization he had for his master. He needed to learn more, he needed to get stronger, and he needed to surpass his mentor. Only then did he feel that he would be complete, so every chance he had, he needed to test his skills. And nothing worked better than surprise sparring sessions and full on combat with the prince. Something that just might happen the moment the prince had entered his old creation.

He was currently at the empire to find his beloved student and king of the crystal city. For he needed to check up on his student to see how the kingdom was managing under the student's rule. As well as to see how his student himself was growing as a ruler and warrior king to these friendly ponies.

"The Crystal Empire…! A fitting name for this place in the new age. After it had once been a mere settlement,"Prince Orion thought as he walked around the center of the kingdom, grazing a hand over the edge of a crystal fountain,"The life of this empire has become old and ancient, but it has only grown stronger. Not weaker…"

"Greetings, you're majesty…!"A crystal stallion bowed to the prince as he waved to the pony in kind.

"Hello…!"Orion was gentle and kind with returning the greeting before children passed right through his legs.

"Hello, your majesty!"The children called out before running onward towards their small clubhouse.

"Be cautious when running, children. Don't hurt yourselves…!"Orion called back before he decided to sit by the fountain to take in the empire's beauty.

Everything was made of crystals, the blue and purple reflective properties were a marvel. Glittering with rainbow lights and a magic that was stronger than any amount of hateful force. This for of power was enough to instill great fear in the blackest hearts of evil. And the crystal ponies showed it off just by merely going about their day with smiles on their faces. It was love, a feeling that was rarely ever shown in Equestria, at least until his student, king Sombra came to power.

Now this empire was shining with love, and that love was spreading throughout the country. The age of harmony was coming forth, the very dream of Clover The Clever was being realized. And Orion felt beyond happy to be a part of this new age, and protect it to his fullest. He placed a hand into the water, the fountain water was pure and difficult to taint by anything physical. It tickled his hand and sung to him as he looked deep into the water, he could have sworn he saw his own spirit for a second.

"It's a pleasure to see you back, Orion…"The initial casual greeting warned of some pony that knew the prince personally got his attention fast.

Once he looked to the kindly pony before him, he was more than happy to meet this mare. The cotton candy blue colored crystal pony known as Sapphire Joy, her crystal coat was beyond a sparkling wonder. Her smile had a loving charm to it, something that made Sombra weak in the legs. For this mare was the betrothed and beloved mare to Sombra himself, her very presence made the king want to bow to her. And Orion could understand why with that glittering purple mane bundled in a gold gem hair pin.

Her sleek and innocent eyes watched Orion as he stopped playing with the crystal fountain. Before he then stood before her, he chuckled, for she was a loving and encouraging spirit. So she knew what she was getting herself into when she become the mare trusted with a king's noble heart.

"Sapphire Joy… Wasn't expecting you to be the one to greet me before Sombra…!"Orion greeted with a bow as she giggled kindly to his politeness and respect for her.

"He has been expecting you, and he wished for me to greet you while preparations were made."Sapphire explained before Orion was kind enough to even plant a kiss to her hoof.

"Preparations? A party perhaps?"Orion asked as he stood tall and looked to the triangular like castle made of crystal.

"One might say that. Sombra has been very busy these days… Care to walk with me?"Sapphire offered Orion to walk with her to the castle and talk openly.

"Of course… I'd love to see the castle's condition since my last visit."Orion agreed and took her hoof for a walk to the crystal castle to see his student.

The walk started out calm and quiet, taking in the sights of the crystallized utopia. The empire was so different when you compare it to the other kingdoms, it was pure and full of love. It's innocence was strictly protected from the harshness of wars, hatred, and dark influence. All of which was kept away by the crystal guards trained by the king that lead the defensive attack against evil. With a land mark like this, there was hope for Equestria's future.

"How have you and Sombra been? I've heard good things about the two of you,"Orion decided to make conversation regarding the relationship between Sapphire and Sombra,"If I recall, he's recently proposed to you…!"

"He has as a matter of fact…! We decided to do it casually and I am to be kept as I was,"Sapphire explained the details of their arrangements for when they were to wed,"He fears the burden of royalty is not something he wishes for me. He prefers… My innocence to remain sacred and my life to stay free to explore…!"

"Well, there may be luxuries as royalty. But the burdens are tremendous to bear as well,"Orion explained as they stopped for a moment to take in the kingdom and their feelings for their personal futures,"It's a struggle he simply does not wish to force upon you. All he wants to give is his love and respect for you and what you want to do with your life."

"Was that always his intention for others back in the day? You seem to know Sombra better than any pony."Sapphire asked and saw a pony stalking them from the crystal building roof tops.

"Bear the burdens and let others love and be free? Yes, that may be my fault,"Orion admitted as she slyly watched the pony perch himself a top of a sacred large crystal that stood behind them,"He never had the chance for all that. Being used as a puppet for the Loubrim clan… He does not wish that life for any pony now. So he follows my teachings for the sake of making a better life for others…!"

"He never talked about his life as a child. Or the clan he lived with at the time."Sapphire admitted that Sombra preferred to keep some old memories of his life a secret.

"It's better off that way. The old age of Equestria is over, the new age is now,"Orion decided that the grim talk should end and the past should be left alone where it was,"So, where might I find him in there? Training grounds, perhaps?"

"No… As a matter of fact. He's not too far away…"She answered before a spark went off in her eye and triggered his crystal vision.

In an instant flash of red, Sapphire disappeared right before his crystal clear sight. It set off a state of alarm that beckoned Orion to search Orion in all directions before he realized it. No crystal ponies were in the vicinity, not one was there to witness the ambush that came swiftly. The pony hidden in the shadows finally attacked, he threw off his royal red cape and jumped for him. A hoof covered in a metal gauntlet shrouded itself in red crystals, and power was poured into prepared punch.

Thankfully, Orion's visual prowess foresaw the attack moments before it could happen. So he let red crystals cloak his left arm as he turned and lifted it to defend against the attacker. He could hear the war cries as the hoof crushed against the arm of the prince, a shock wave quaked under them. Orion glared lightly into the eyes of his attacker, before he then flashed a confident smile. For he was now staring eye to eye with his armored student, the king of the Crystal Empire.

The crystal floor shattered and cracked down under them, rumbling from the quake. Their crystal eyes connected as Orion quickly shot back, and began quick stepping away. He held his hands up, as Sombra was quick to take off after him to challenge their speed and visual prowess. The crystal king would not let up, his aggressive approach was being hoped upon to get the best of Orion. So he let a series of hooves fly in the form of jabs and hooks, they all flew at keen and stunning speeds.

He yelled and swung, while Orion simply let the palms of his hands take the hits. They absorbed the punches, and constantly threw them down and away, hoping to make him stumble and lose control. But so far, Sombra refused to get sloppy, lose control, or lose a mere second of focus. He stomped his back hooves down to stay planted solid to the ground as he continued his assault. After their speeds, strength, and precision seemed to match, it all boiled down to their crystal eyes and their abilities to study and predict each other.

"So far he already foresaw my ambush and he's matched me in all categories. Only our visual prowess remains to be determined,"Sombra thought to himself as he pushed and manage to get Orion to back away to control his ability to block and redirect the punches,"So far we are matched! And we both wield the power of the red crystals that means we both have the ability to break our crystals!"

Orion took interest in his students study of the current stale mate of back and forth offense and defense. Sombra was staying cool and collected, he did not dare let up on his master. The answer to why he was calm was simple, he still had more power and skill to show in this pursuit.

"So in this battle. I'll just keep going and keep fighting till your crystals reach their limit,"Sombra yelled as Orion sharpened his sight and manage to give Sombra an insulting light jab to the side of his face, but he kept going,"And if I'm going to force you to your limit! I'll have to go pass my own till your prowess can no longer comprehend mine!"

Suddenly, Sombra was going faster, veins formed against his neck as he gritted his teeth. Before he was going even faster, the king growled to force his speed to increase. The hooves felt stronger, and Orion started to grow serious as he then needed to switch his open palm defense to fists. And that was all he needed once he spotted Sombra's eyes becoming squinted and partially closed. This put a strain on his crystal vision, allowing the prince to get the advantage he needed and start going faster as well, for he had not even begun to try.

He smirked, but Orion knew better than to treat Sombra like a joke and not honor this attack. So he played it smart and jabbed Sombra in the cheek again, tempting him to throw a bigger punch. The prince crossed his arms to block off the attack that came, his hard hay maker crushed against his arms. Forcing Orion to jump back quite a ways to cushion the force of the attack. Sombra then quick dashed to catch up with his master and prepare another strong punch, as Orion smashed his feet into the ground.

"I will stop at nothing to surpass you! And become the warrior that will protect and make a bright future for my people!"Sombra vowed as Orion pulled back a fist to challenge the punch that his student had at the ready.

They fist and hoof smashed together, sounding off a high pitch glass like shriek. Before Sombra then got behind Orion and tried to round house his master in the back of the head. But Orion caught Sombra's kick in his left hand and front flipped forward with it, narrowly avoiding a follow up jab. With the momentum, the prince was able to throw Sombra over his head. Causing the king to skip across the crystal floor like a rock skipping across a pond, and crashing his back against a crystal house.

He felt a great amount of wind leave his body, as Orion rushed to him ready with the knock out punch. Thankfully, Sombra foresaw the move quickly before his back was against the house. With a single breath, he was able to quickly duck under the fist as it paused right above his head. Leaving Sombra to growl and throw a strained hoof into the gut of his mentor. Forcing the wind out of Orion, while the king had finally manage to catch his breath at last, it felt like an hour long minute.

But now he had the opportunity, as he watched Orion back away with wheezing loss of breath. While Sombra gripped his hoof, letting red crystals instantly crush and shatter his metal gauntlet. Allowing red lightning to to be conducted to his bare hoof cloaked in crystal. This move took him many years to perfect, but the results had always been worth it, especially for this moment. His plan was to wound Orion, and place the sword to his mentor's neck to force him into submission.

He would not get this opportunity again, so he needed to take it while Orion was open. He roared out loud, putting muscle into his back legs and dashing towards the prince. Orion snapped one eye open, as it suddenly turned to red crystal itself, his vision was sharp, for he had it all planned out. His crystallizing eyes widened as Sombra swung a hard hook full of red lightning and crystals. He closed his eyes for that split second, as he felt his hoof smash clean through the side of Orion's gut.

Lightning surged through his target and went clear into the sky while a tunnel of force blasted through the empire. Thankfully, the crystal buildings were sturdy and grounded into the crystal floor. Allowing them to handle the roughest of storms and aggressors, it was perfect for a battle. As Sombra panted and rode out the power that went into the foe he dreamed of besting. Slowly, he opened his eyes to once again look into the eyes of his mentor, he imagined Orion look at him with pride.

Once the red light faded away and the crystals crumbled off his weakened hoof. He was then able to see the shocking surprise Orion left Sombra with, for the target he had struck, was not his mentor. It was simply a duplicate that was giving away to red crystals that made out the flawless shape. He was devastated, his eyes were wide and his breath was trembling from the shock. And it only felt worse once he felt the razor blade of a sword touch the back of his neck.

His eyes looked to his rear, and there the prince stood with his crystal sword to his neck. It started as a mystery to how he manage to avoid most of the attack and snake away. Then it hit him, the moment he squinted and blurred his vision when he went full force with his flurry of punches. That's when he did it, he backed away in the confusion and let crystals sprout from his body. Letting them form at his side to make the perfect clone, while he vanished and waited for a moment to strike.

"I was so focused on just him… I lost track of my surroundings…! Something you took full advantage of,"Sombra assessed as he dropped to his stomach in defeat for being outplayed,"I got too excited and into the fight… You were able to find a way around my assault and casually waited for an opening… Buck…!"

"This was a simple show of over ambition and minor loss of self control. When fighting so aggressive, that can prove costly to you,"Orion walked to Sombra's side and offered him a hand to stand back up,"It merely blinded you to the actions of your foe, but it did not blind you from what was more important…!"

Orion gestured to the area around them, there was barely any damage done, and no pony was around. At least until the fighting had fully passed, once Sombra was helped to his hooves again. The ponies had then began to reappear from behind buildings and large crystal clusters. Sapphire Joy reappeared in a flash of red magic thanks to the gentle king that dared not to endanger her. They could only watch with relief, but a sense of solemness once they saw the king bested by his master.

"You set the whole thing up thoroughly and made sure your people were safe from the chaos,"Orion assessed about how well planned the ambush was, even in the heat of battle, Sombra worried more for the crystal ponies,"If I had been an enemy I would not have paused and destroyed a house and whoever was inside. But you were prepare to keep me away from the innocent."

"Yes…"Sombra lowered his head, this defeat stung a bit more than all the other ones felt before.

"It's ok to have ambition and spirit, Sombra. But remember this, my student,"Orion put a hand to Sombra's shoulder to keep him from letting the pain of defeat settle in his heart,"Ambition can lead down both a path of good…and evil…! Be weary when you engage in it."

"Yes, mentor… I guess… There is much more that I need to learn…!"Orion's words seemed to only cushion the blow mildly, as Sombra's ears drooped.

"Sombra…"Sapphire hated to see her love distraught and taking in defeat or any form of failure.

"I'm…pleased to know that I can still be worth something to you as a mentor… Even after so many years,"Orion oddly admitted and patted Sombra's back to get him walking along his side,"No matter what happens or how strong you get. I'm happy to still be seen as a mentor in your eyes…"

"Indeed… To this day… I'm still too weak, and until I best you. I can never truly have the strength to defend my people and make a new age for them…!"Sombra grumbled at the struggle he faced when it came to a desire to be stronger.

"There's always room to improve. You will get stronger with time, my pupil,"Orion informed, for he was aware and a bit concerned about the ambition of his student,"Till then, we must take our time and enjoy what we have already. Learn from our failure and get stronger together…!"

"Yes…mentor… I will try to exercise more… Patience…!"It was a minor struggle to admit his need for patience, but out of respect for his master, he would exercise patience.

"Good… Now… What's this I hear about you proposing to your betrothed…?"Orion whispered to Sombra before gesturing to the mare he loved with all his heart.

"oh… Well… Me and Sapphire have…"Suddenly, as Sombra was soon going to explain some more personal business, but that was when it ended.

"Orion…!"Shadow Swirl's voice echoed and shattered away his day dream to give into reality.

---

Present

"You're day dreaming. Might want to sort out that stuff before we get to the farm."Shadow informed the prince as he lowered his head and tried to recollect himself.

"I know… But we are actually training a youth in our old ways…! The only other child we ever done that with was-"Orion wanted to talk about what bothered him about this trip and mission they were on, but Shadow did not wish to speak of this trouble.

"We leave that stuff in the pass…! We won't have to fear that happening again,"Shadow Swirl argued and insisted that they move on and look to the future,"Apple Bloom will be different. She's ambitious, humble, and very respectful of others…!"

"Sombra was ambitious too… And you know what happened there…!"Orion wasn't going to let this one go so easily.

Shadow scoffed, as sensitive as the subject was, they had no time for fighting it out. So she remained quiet as they had finally made it to the fence gate that laid to Sweet Apple Acres. The humble home of Applejack and her family of honest Apples, and their newest student. At this time, dawn was usually when the family would be awakening and getting some breakfast. Before they would go outside for some early morning work on the farm, this dawn started out different however.

They could hear the Timber wolves howling to their right in the Ever Free forest. Why they howled at dawn seemed unheard of, but Orion realized why, and he knew what to expect. As he then heard the announcements of the Apple elder, Granny Smith, who was up and about for a special reason.

"Hey, silly goose! Quit your gawking and move your caboose!"The old mare yelled to Big Mac and Applejack to get them setting up buckets under seemingly dead trees.

"Zap Apple season…! The Apples carefully harvest these very valuable and rare apples,"Orion explained as they decided to walk to the two grown Apples first,"They could make a fortune off these zap apples. But they're very difficult to harvest and preserve. Very dangerous too…!"

"At least their trusting the work to the grown ups. Kids shouldn't have to get involved in dangerous work…!"Shadow worried before they had to put on straight faces to greet the siblings.

"Hey! Preparing for Zap Apple season, are we?"Orion called out to get the two grown ponies off their work to notice their arrival.

"Huh? Oh…! Howdy there! I almost forgot the two of you were coming!"Applejack greeted and dropped her wood bucket.

"Uh… What are they here for again…?"Big Mac completely forgot the reason behind the warriors showing up on a Saturday at the start of an important season.

"They're here for Apple Bloom…! We agreed to them teaching her to control her… New found gift,"Applejack reminded the big red stallion about the warriors intentions due to Apple Bloom's gift of strength,"You know…? The one that nearly turned Ponyville into a crater?"

"Oh… But… She usually helps Granny Smith out with preparing the harvest for zap apples..."Mac whispered back out of concern for how the family usually operates during this season.

"Well we need to make sure our house don't get leveled should some sort of trouble blows out…!"Applejack argued the importance that such power was to be controlled and trained.

"Don't worry… She will be fine…! This doesn't have to turn into a Frosty Apples issue where every pony fears her,"Orion suddenly flashed that name that sounded be that of an Apple family member,"Now where might your sister be? We have five to six hours of training to kill, and we need to make them count."

"There's that name again…! Who's Frosty Apples?"Applejack asked, while Orion simply walked away and decided to look for Apple Bloom himself.

"She's inside the house with Granny Smith!"Big Mac was willing to just answer them and move on with the day.

"Frosty is a comrade of ours… And he happens to be a member of your family. At least by blood,"Shadow explained and quickly began to follow Orion to get Apple Bloom,"But as far as Frosty is concerned, the Apple family is better off dead to him…!"

With that, the warriors were now able to leave and retrieve their newest student. Leaving a deeper piece of insight about the warriors and their own family with the two Apple siblings. Something that the warriors treated with care and sensitivity, out of respect for their comrade. After hearing them speak so fearfully of Apple Bloom, it would have made Frosty burn up on the inside. A weird occurrence for a pony of ice, so it was not a big surprise that Orion did not approve of the behavior.

"They are fortunate that Frosty was not around to hear all that. They're terrible at being discrete with their words."Orion confided with his comrade as they walked up the hilly path to the farm house.

"They're simple earth ponies. How do you expect them to feel knowing that one of their own has special abilities?"Shadow questioned as they walked up the steps and onto the wooden porch.

"How about some what differently to how they behaved with Frosty back then?"Orion retorted and knocked on the door before they entered.

"Frosty knows their parents, you know…? They were the first bit of proof that the family had change…"Shadow whispered before the door opened to a bizarre sight.

Apple Bloom was currently standing alongside her grandmother in bunny costumes of purple and blue. She was also carrying an assortment of watering pails on her back just like Smith. Needless to say, neither of the warriors recalled any of this being part of the Zap Apple harvest.

"Uh… Nice costumes?"Orion tried to compliment the two ponies.

"Thanks! They're for hopping over these here water jugs to entice the zap apple growth!"Apple Bloom explained the meaning behind the costumes they wore.

"It all needs to be fun and perfect for them apples to grow in big and healthy!"Granny Smith added while the warriors looked to each other with confusion.

"I see… So…I'm guessing that you will have to put your first day of training on hold?"Orion asked, and Apple Bloom burst with realization and a sharp gasp.

"Oh my gosh! I completely forgot about that! Today's my first day!"Apple Bloom exclaimed while fumbling with her costume to get it off.

"Eh…what? First day of what, Apple Bloom?"Smith asked curiously of the filly as she shed her bunny outfit.

"She's starting her first day training with us to control her gift of strength,"Shadow Swirl explained to the confused old mare that clearly showed lack of information,"You… Do know about her gift, right? She's very strong…?"

"Oh…! Well every pony in the Apple family is strong! It ain't no biggie…!"Smith misunderstood what they meant by strength being a gift.

Apple Bloom blushed with embarrassment, she could not deny the fact that her grandmother was unaware of her personal life. She looked to Orion for help, and he gave her a nod that said one thing to her. If she fails to understand what they meant, then Apple Bloom needed to show her. So she walked forth and waited to be instructed, he pointed out to the sky and clenched a fist to it. Giving the filly her action to perform to show off her strength, she nodded in kind.

"You may want to step back for this, Smith."Shadow nudged the elder back as Apple Bloom took a deep breath in and began to glow bright red.

The glow already had the elder's attention, Apple Bloom needed to exhale to ease out her muscles. Before she reared back a hoof and tried to focus it more into her hoof to make sure it did not strain her body. As she swung a hoof, carrying sound barrier bending power and wind behind her swing. Not only did Smith find great surprise in the gift, but she also felt a strange familiarity about it. Just as Apple Bloom threw a punch, and nearly blew out every pony's ear drum with the punch.

Th initial force blasted right next to Orion and into the sky with tremendous power. It looked like a thick wind tunnel with ripping and whirling winds tearing into the air around them. As clouds blew apart in perfect hole shapes, making way for the punch force to travel into the atmosphere. Leaving the ponies to steel themselves from the wind that blew around them. Apple Bloom stumbled forward and fell into the quick hooves of Shadow Swirl to wait out the pony made wind storm.

Granny Smith was able to sit down, it took her a moment to process what she witnessed. In a way, this was actually yo be expected from an Apple, for one other was gifted with a bizarre gift as well. A pony that was responsible for helping her own son marry his sweet heart, the pony of ice.

"My word… She's… Special… Just like him…!"Smith put a hoof to her heart as the wind finally died down slowly.

"We need to train her so she can control this power rather than risk what It could do in the future,"Orion explained while some deep thinking took place in Smith's ancient mind,"I know you were hoping to enjoy some time preparing for a harvest with Apple Bloom-"

"And we can respectfully wait another day to take her out for training if you wish?"Shadow jammed a hoof in Orion's mouth to cut him off and make the training day an option.

"Really? You'd both be ok with doing my first day some other time,"Apple Bloom asked and Shadow made sure Orion could not object to canceling training day,"That's awful kind of you. I'm sorry I forgot about training day. I really do wanna go out with y'all, but I can't turn my back on a fun tradition with my Granny smith."

"It's alright, Apple Bloom… You can go with your friends to mess around with your gift…!"Smith suddenly decided that Apple Bloom should go with the warriors for her first training day.

Orion paused and lightly yanked Shadow's hoof out of his mouth to process what they heard. Smith was known for being a bit off, very traditional, and very set in her ways. But now she suddenly showed a loosen on her family grip, as if she had actually understood something particularly different. Something that an Apple was usually not very good at doing.

"What? Are you sure, Granny Smith? We usually do the bunny hop every season."Apple Bloom wondered about this sudden change of mind Smith had about the young one's life.

"I'm sure…! You got a little something special there that needs some tutoring,"Smith explained her new found respect that confused the two warriors,"Ya gotta make sure that muscle of yours is under control and doing good things rather than bad, Apple Bloom."

"That's…what we're here for…!"Orion admitted while trying to contain his shock.

"You go on now with your warriors friends, and have fun with it,"Smith insisted and nudged Apple Bloom towards the warriors before passing by them to set up the water pails,"I can handle the hopping myself, no need to worry about it child."

"Ok… I guess I am up for my first day I suppose…!"Apple Bloom decided to go with the warriors before Orion knelt down to pat her back.

Suddenly, she felt a sudden creeping jolt in her back that made her back feel frozen solid. The fingers of the prince clenched, for crystals consumed and outline her spine. Before they fully gripped her back and forced her to stand up on her back hooves. Her back legs were jiggly and going insane, she had not the slightest clue what was happening, so she could not panic. As she waved her front hooves all over the place as she dangled and waved all over the place from her obscured balance.

"Now take an easy. Just relax and find your balance, Apple Bloom!"Orion coached the filly as she swung around to the point that Shadow needed to catch her before she could face plant.

"What the heck did you do to my back! I can't stand up to save my neck!"Apple Bloom exclaimed while trying to lunge up and try to stand on her two hooves.

"For true balance. You gotta learn to stand on your back hooves. True balance allows for balanced abilities,"Orion moved aside to present the porch steps for Apple Bloom to walk towards,"It'll take several weeks, but you'll get use to it as you go. And that's when we really start to work with your power."

"For now… We will start out with some exercises to help you learn to walk on two legs,"Shadow informed as she helped Apple Bloom stumble and struggle just to walk to the steps, Then we'll start testing and measuring how much is put into your powers. See if we can find the trigger and means of controlling it."

"That seems a bit dangerous… Won't that involve me having to go full power?"Apple Bloom asked of the warriors before seeing her Granny Smith bunny hopping over the water pails.

"Yes, but don't worry. We found a good giant piece of land to train and throw our power around,"Orion explained as Apple Bloom teetered on the steps and tried to step down,"So you don't need to be nervous about using your powers at your own will."

"So once we're out there. We'll be able to exercise and have ALL sorts of fun with our abilities,"Shadow exclaimed in hopes of getting Apple Bloom excited for training day,"It'll start out slow, but we'll be able to get to the real fun once we've exercised and you're able to learn perfect balance…!"

Apple Bloom responded to them as she instantly felt her hoof buckle on the step. Causing her to tumble down the steps till she face planted into the dirt in front of the steps. She groaned, lifting her head up and spitting out dirt before she saw Smith jumping for the Zap Apples. She sighed, she had questions that needed answered, about her own decision, and why Smith changed her mind. She had a moment to think about it before the warriors helped her stand back up on two hooves.

"Why do you think Granny Smith allowed me to take off today to train with y'all?"Apple Bloom asked and the two stumbled a bit to figure out the answer.

"Honestly, we have no clue. Always took you Apples to be…set in your ways…!"Orion admitted as she got the filly moving and walking like a two legged puppet with no strings.

"You are only the second Apple ever to be gift with extraordinary abilities,"Shadow added as they got moving a bit more, only for the warriors to stop cold,"The first one was not met with such understanding and compassion…"

"Who was the first gifted Apple?"Apple Bloom asked only to get shushed by an alarmed Orion.

"Hang on…! Is that Diamond Tiara and her…father?"Orion pointed out the daughter and father that was approaching the farm.

It did appear to be Diamond Tiara, and her father definitely looked to be the rich type. The way he dressed was fancy, his suit had to have costed at least ten thousand bits. He had a filthy smug and dignified smile that was making Shadow's gut feel sour from serious distaste. He gave her a sense of disgust, distrust, and no shortage of shadiness, it made them understand a bit about Diamond Tiara. It became more apparent once they spotted the father talking to Granny Smith while Diamond appeared to be secretly laughing at her.

This did not sit well for the warriors, as they discretely stormed over to meet with them. Leaving Apple Bloom to stumble and waddle her way slowly over with immense struggle. This one only encourage Diamond to laugh more the moment she saw Apple Bloom in her current status.

"Hello, Mrs Smith. Did I hear right that there's a Zap Apple harvest coming in a few days?"The the brownish stubble stallion asked in a high class southern accent that made Shadow's insides want to cave in.

"Four days, to be exact!"Smith answered after completing her bunny hop.

"Excellent news, and as usual, I get your first one hundred jars!"Now Orion knew where Diamond got her sense of entitlement after hearing a snive demand from the stallion.

"Of course, Filthy."Smith remained kindly regardless of the mannerisms she was given.

"Uh, I prefer Rich…!"The stallion corrected, before the warriors decided to join in on the conversation.

"Well…! That all depends on who you speak to or ask."Orion announced as he and Shadow stood before the rich stallion, Diamond was quick to be silent and hide behind Filthy's leg.

"Ah…! And you must be the prince of Equestria, and the mare of shadows I hear so much about,"Filthy Rich offered a hoof shake along with a hearty laugh of confidence,"Filthy Rich is the name, I'm aware that you tutor my daughter at the school house! You have some…interesting methods of teaching."

"Well every student is to be treated equally regardless of their upbringings. And that means punishments and commends."Orion retorted and got another over confident chuckle from the hippy dippy haired stallion.

"Strange… Never had to deal with such a method personally,"Filthy admitted before turning to Shadow, for she was the mare that rescued the children from the dark void,"And you must be the dark mare. Respectable pony of darkness. You saved my daughter from the Draconequus fella…!"

"Indeed…! Some pony had to. For the sake of the innocent children…!"Shadow was able to put on a friendly act, even as Filthy took up her hoof.

"I am forever grateful, ma'am. VERY grateful…!"Filthy emphasized before kissing her front hoof respectfully, while Shadow felt her stomach churning.

"It was no trouble at all…! Your gratitude is most…welcome…!"Shadow gently yanked her hoof away.

"Any who…! We're just now taking a very gifted student out for a day of training,"Orion decided to end the meeting as they turned to see Apple Bloom trying to walk like a worm with legs in the dirt,"We have six hours at the most, and they need to be used to the fullest. So we don't have enough time for a more formal meet and greet…!"

"That's mighty fine, sir. I'm a pretty busy stallion myself…! Making money, and doing business, so and so."Filthy agreed and spouted on about his own deeds that needed to be done.

"You find something funny, Diamond?"Orion suddenly caught Diamond Tiara giggling at Apple Bloom while she tried to use Shadow to balance herself again.

They looked to the source of the humor, and it was all about Apple Bloom. She seemed to find it funny that Apple Bloom was standing on two hooves and stumbling like a new born dragon. She seemed to find that funny, though she had no room to laugh, even when her father seemed to allow it.

"It's not polite to laugh at some pony for going through a means of physical adjustment,"Orion warned and slowly began to silence Tiara at the risk of getting in trouble right in front of her father,"Especially when you yourself have not experienced such things, or have been given such a gift."

"Yes sir…!"Diamond kept her head low to avoid the prince's scowling and morbid stare.

"Well, she hasn't had to have such things…! Diamond was blessed with good genes and healthy structure,"Filthy defended Diamond's health that did not require braces like the crystal one on Apple Bloom, though that was not it's intention,"Sometimes you're just born special and lucky…! Shame that it can't be so for others…!"

"We'll just have to agree to disagree with that one. Sir…!"Orion smirked to with irritation for such a self righteous stallion.

"Whatever you say…! Welp, we best be off. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance sir and ma'am,"Filthy Rich decided to end the conversation before their meeting would turn sour,"What a lively and fierce bunch them warriors are… I suppose some pony has to pity the riff raft…!"

"Hope that wasn't too much of a bother, Smith. He seemed a bit…snive…!"Orion admitted that they were less than comfortable with Filthy Rich.

"Awe he ain't that bad…! He's just a really proud fella is all!"Smith decided to be the good spirited one and defend the stallion for his behavior.

"That would be an understatement…!"Shadow mumbled to hide her disgust as she wiped at the hoof Filthy kissed.

"Well, I gotta get back to work…! Plenty more that needs to be done for the harvest,"Smith explained before she then went back inside to prepare something else for the Zap Apples,"You remember to have fun, Apple Bloom!"

"I will…! So… Can we get going before something more embarrassing happens?"Apple Bloom asked, not knowing what was more humiliating, standing on two hooves, or Smith being made fun of for her less than normal actions.

"Of course. Right after I find an ax or hatchet."Shadow walked around the barn to find such a weapon.

"What do you need a hatchet for?"Orion asked.

"So I can chop this hoof off!"Shadow replied before she continued looking.

At long last, the warriors had manage to make it out of the main farm area and onto the dirt road. Shadow was kind enough to let Apple Bloom hold her hoof to let her get an easier feel for two legged walking. At least until Orion caught them and tied Shadow's front hooves together. Shadow was less than amused with him, but it was necessary to make sure there was no cheating. For nothing was truly earned or learned through shortcuts and cheating, only hard work.

It wasn't too long after passing over a hill that they arrived to an open piece of land. This land was never used for expanding the acres for apples, but it remained a part of the family's land. Thankfully, they were willing to offer it to the warriors to use for Apple Bloom's training. With almost ten acres of flat to mild hilly land, it was perfect for throwing their power around. Not an issue would stir, even with the still to be measured power of Apple Bloom being thrown all over the place.

They all stood there to take in the view it gave them, the very edge of the land was right next to town. So they did have a slight risk of onlookers spying on them during the sessions. But that didn't seem to be the bother, though Apple Bloom did appear to have some embarrassment issues.

"This will be perfect for training. Plenty of space to move around and use our abilities to our hearts content,"Orion took it all in and admitted his satisfaction with all the space they had,"Well, no time to waste. Lets start with some warm ups! Over here, near the flatter land!"

"Go on…! Don't be nervous, Apple Bloom. We'll start out nice and easy."Shadow gave the filly a nudge to get them moving to a designated spot for warm ups.

Orion got into position and turned, just in time to see Apple Bloom face plant again. She groaned and struggled to stand up, she tried to get on all fours, but the brace forced her up on two again. Where she proceeded to flail and wobble around to stay balanced, she had even started to sweat.

"Want some advise? Try moving your tail around. Find a spot where it makes your balance less strenuous,"Orion decided to finally give Apple Bloom some advise to help adjust her to two hooves,"When your ready, lets do some stretches. Hooves together in the air! And keep them straight as you bend to the side as you try to touch your book hooves."

He demonstrated by spreading his feet and putting his hands together straight in the air. Before he defied the average flexibility and bent to the right to touch the side of his foot. The filly was sweaty and still trying to move her tail around to help her balance, and now she needed to start stretching. This prove detrimental to her physical prowess, as she tried to do so. And ended up easily falling to the left and slammed on her side, she swore that her back got thrown out.

Shadow was quick to assist her in standing back up and letting her sit for a moment. This gave Orion some time to think about how this was going so far, this first day would end up being a bit slow. And there was a whole lot of failure coming, something Sombra would never settle for.

"We've got quite a ways to go…! Alright! We'll try something more trivial!"Orion decided, and they got to work with more warm ups that took way longer than normal.

For the next three hours there was a whole lot of sweating for the young Apple. She endured many more stretches, and only manage to do two out of the twelve, the two involved sitting down. By then her muscles were stretched and on fire, but Shadow manage to encourage her to keep going. Next was simple push ups and sit ups, this would help her exercise her back legs in an easier setting. Her goal was to do a hundred push up, and a hundred and fifty sit ups within an hour and a half.

She was pushed to her limit, for that was the only way to understand her capabilities. He stood over her and watched as she grunted and sweated out, every push up strained her back legs. She panted and pounded at the ground, but she did not give in, it would have been so easy with her powers. That is if she knew how to exercise them without making something crumble or explode. So she pressed on, and within an hour she manage to do all one hundred push ups, now came the next exercise.

He stood on her back hooves to keep the filly in place as she laid flat on her back. She then proceeded to do sit ups, these proved to be a little harder, especially when winded from the last work out. Thankfully the smell of food being cooked on a fire gave her some encouragement. So she started her sit ups with less time than she had for push ups, her gut and legs were truly being tested. And finally, she was running out of breath to keep going, but her determination was respectable.

"That strong Apple heart beats within her. And they're too stubborn to quit…"Orion snickered and watched the Apple struggle to breath as she made it to fifty sit ups.

He watched her progress with interest, her stretches were cringey to watch. Fortunately she still tried her hardest regardless of how bad she was, it was a little like Sombra's first day. But he did not see the desire to get stronger and do the biggest of things, her mind appeared to remain in the present. Her only desire was too do her best and hope for some sort of progress with her powers. Slowly, the prince nodded to her progress, before the time was up, and just when she made it to eighty sit up.

"Time! Eighty sit ups! Not bad at all, but there's room for improvement,"These were the very same words he spoke to Sombra on the first day, it felt weird saying them again,"several weeks of this, and you'll be walking on two legs like it was second nature!"

"Till then, come on over and lets dig into some lunch you two!"Shadow called the two over for lunch, just as Orion helped Apple Bloom back up and let her hold onto his leg to walk.

He walked slowly with her, she was pretty winded, but Apples were use to such conditions. They were hard workers after all, strong, stubborn, big hearted, and honest to the core. This was what made Orion go a bit tough on her and not pull any punches when it came to training. The only way to make her all she can be was to push her, see what her strength could do, see how strong her will was. But for now, they just sat down around the little fire Shadow made to cook some interesting lunch.

"That was… Much more… Than I expected it…to be…! Been a while since… I was worked this hard,"Apple Bloom panted and lightly laid against the prince's side till she could catch her breath,"So… What are we eating?"

She was answered by receiving a bowl before two different foods were placed in it. Some thickly sliced white cheddar cheese to the side of the bowl, and the rest was filled with a new food. A weird dark brown thick sauce filled with what looked like little beans, it had a lightly smoky sweet smell.

"Some sliced cheese for building strong bones, and the highest non meat protein food, baked beans."Shadow explained the food before making bowls for her and Orion.

"You'll need it. Don't worry, it won't bite you."Orion insisted lightly and began to casually eat before Shadow.

Apple Bloom hesitated, the smell was beyond weird and different from what she normally ate. Her ears drooped a bit before she then decided to just go in and try it, she did not regret it. The beans were sweet like but smokey, like sweet hickory wood burned on an open fire. The beans were a bit weird to eat when they mashed up in her mouth, but that's what the sauce was for supposedly. She found this new meal good, especially when she tried some cheese with each bite she took.

"It ain't bad…! Did y'all eat this kind of stuff when you were all training?"Apple Bloom asked while Orion cleared his throat to answer.

"Yes, we weren't given special treatment because we were meant to serve Equestria,"Orion responded while Shadow already finished her beans,"We make these poor ponies food to give us a new found respect for the ponies who used it for survival, and in turn it made us more humble and stronger."

"Oh… And you two were willing to share that with me..? I'm just a filly that happen to have crazy strength,"Apple Bloom was surprised that warriors from two thousand years ago would share their ways with her,"You two have been fighting for thousands of years! Why am I already getting the warrior treatment?"

"Well, so far you did pretty descent for today. And we still have some basic combat exercises to do."Shadow listed down what was to come for Apple Bloom in the future.

"And as our pupil you have to go on the path of being a warrior to truly own your powers."Orion explained the path of a warrior, something they'd have to show her during training.

"So… Am I going to be a warrior like all of you…?"Apple Bloom asked after eating the last of her cheese.

"That's for you to decide. We can show you the path, but you choose what way you wish to go towards."Orion offered the fact that the choice of a warrior was all depending on what Apple Bloom wanted.

"The same went for Orion's first student, and it goes to you as well."Shadow added while finishing her bowl quick and clean.

"You mean, Sombra? The little colt you saved from that dark tribe of ponies!"Apple Bloom remembered his story from some time back when she was just beginning to search for her cutie mark.

"That's the one! I'm surprise he shared that story with you."Shadow admitted, for the story of Sombra was a sensitive topic to bring up to Orion.

"I did not tell her of his later years… When the shadow was made, and took him…"Orion's admittance sounded like a warning not to go into it any further.

"Wanna share what happened to-"Apple Bloom wanted to ask the big question, but Shadow stopped her.

"It's important that you don't finish that sentence, Apple Bloom. That topic is not to be explored,"Shadow shut down the idea of questioning the whereabouts of Orion's first student,"Now then, you and I will continue on with some combat exercises…! So finish up quick."

"Yes ma'am,"Apple Bloom replied quickly like the new recruit she was and watched Shadow walk away, giving her a chance to part with some words to Orion,"Whatever it was… I'm sorry it happened."

"Not your fault, Apple Bloom…"Orion said just as she departed over to continue training with Shadow Swirl.

This gave him a chance to think back to how it ended on his first day with Sombra. The colt was more banged up, but he had energy and a bizarre amount of ambition. It kept him wanting to fight, even after training had ended, for he desired the power to do good things for the world. Hoping that other ponies out there would not suffer the same fate as he nearly did under the cruelty of the Loubrims. This distracted the prince, as Shadow let Apple Bloom punch at her hooves to get a feel for the natural power and style of the filly's fighting.

Slowly he turned around to watch the mare and filly practice their basic fighting. And as Shadow watched how Apple Bloom came in slow, but very ranged and strong with her punches. There she found an interesting fact about how the filly fought, it was a rare style of fighting when it came to how the other warriors fought.

"Nice…! You say you watched your brother fight like this for some fun on hay bales,"Shadow asked while the shaky Apple Bloom stumbled around but was able to nod and throw some hooks,"It looks like we got a slugger over here, Orion! Warriors don't fight like that very often."

"Wow…! Frosty, Thunder, and Warfire would have a hard time with her!"Orion lightly chuckled with some interest in learning Apple Bloom's hoof to hoof combat style.

"Why's that?"Apple Bloom asked while Shadow giggled at the curiosity.

"She'd be a threat to you too, mister aggressive! A slugger is a heavy and strong hitter,"Shadow explained the fundamentals of Apple Bloom's hoof combat style,"They're predictable for fighters like me, Typhoon, and even my little brother. Because we are outboxers. We keep our distance and take advantage of predictable moves and look for openings to throw the finishing blow."

"Your punches will be devastating and very painful if they make their mark. Bones will break, and organs will rupture from within."Orion stood up to assist with the explanation about the fighting style.

"And it's a pretty good style for aggressive fighters like Thunder, Warfire, Frosty Apples, and Orion,"Shadow continued on as she began to relay the flaws of the swarmer fighter,"Swarmers are too aggressive and frontal with their approach. A slugger just needs a few hooks and a hay maker and it's lights out for being too aggressive!"

"But aggression is what keeps you sly foxes from moving too much and getting wailed on for dancing,"Orion decided to approach and mess with Shadow Swirl a bit,"Isn't that why you got your flank kicked several times?"

"Bite me…! As we were saying, the only slugger we had was Tremoring Quake. For obvious reasons,"Shadow gave Apple Bloom a light hearted jab to the shoulder to get the filly punching at her again,"So just stick to this style, we'll start it out basic for a bit until you're comfortable with standing and your fighting style…!"

"After that, we may have some ways to help you conquer the flaw your fighting style has…!"Orion promised as they continued training her in basic combat.

With that, the three were able to finish the last few hours of training with ease. By that time, Apple Bloom was exhausted from the non stop fighting and exercises her body endured. In the end, she was being carried back in Orion's arms, the filly slumbered for a bit once it had ended. The warriors kindly released her back from the crystal brace that forced her onto two hooves. Once she was up from her nap, she'd be walking on all fours like she was use to in normal life.

The walk gave the warriors time to think about their day today, nostalgia came to mind. And maybe a bit of sadness and longing, for these took them back to their own training days. As well as when they trained Sombra, always tired, always full of exhausted and burning muscles. All thanks to his energy and endless ambition, it was enough to inspire young soldiers ad guards for generations. And so far, Apple Bloom showed a bit of that spirit for training, as well as some uncertainty.

But uncertainty felt good, uncertainty meant caution, caution meant safety, and safety meant no corruption. As they returned to the Apple farm, they were just now finishing the first few steps to the Zap Apples. And Granny Smith was preparing for a trip into town to get some supplies. That was nearly halted the moment they saw the filly returning in the prince's arms. They all rushed to check the filly, her pulse seemed smooth and they could hear her snoring a little bit.

"She's alright…! She did pretty descent for her first day of training."Orion reassured the family as he gave Apple Bloom to Big Macintosh.

"She has a lot of spirit. You should be proud…! Apple Bloom will more than likely be one of strongest members of family you have ever had…!"Shadow admitted while the filly had her mane brushed while being carried into the house.

"She is an Apple. Just like him… Applejack, go inside and check on Apple Bloom for a bit,"Smith insisted that Applejack went in to be with her sister while she got a chance to talk to the two warriors,"Apple Bloom carries her father's spirit in her. He was very close to your friend, Frosty Apples."

"Was he now? An Apple actually close to Frosty?"Orion felt a bit of skepticism for Frosty trusting and Apple from his old family.

"You sure you don't mean close to a beheading? Frosty despised your family for what they did to him…!"Shadow incited the knowledge that there was a dark story between their comrade and the Apple family.

"He really did… But my son, Bright Mac, and his wife, Butter Cup. He cared about them,"Smith explained the interesting tale of her own child reaching the heart of an ice cold stallion,"They grew up falling for each other, and following your comrade around as he searched for something. And through thick and thin… They befriended him."

She was able to share some of this tale for today, but it was getting late and they needed to leave. So they saved the rest of the story for another time, a more open time to be exact. So they left the rest of that day alone to the Apples, though Shadow now had some interests in the mystery. For there was no given reason or clue to what happened to the two parents of the young Apples. So for the nights to come, Shadow was obsessively looking up cases and old knowledge on the subject.

---

The next week could not come fast enough, for there was a curious event happening this Friday. And Orion needed to watch over the event since parents were involved in it. And Shadow Swirl wished to watch over the event as well, especially after what she learned last week about Apple Bloom's parents. She was tired, every night was spent going over their case, and barely any progress was made. All she knew was what they were told, and what she could learn from pictures and descriptions.

Her eyes were heavy, they felt like they could just fall right out of her sockets. A yawned forced out of her as she shook her head and tried to wake up, Orion did warn her against such long hours of work. But when curiosity called her name, Shadow could not resist learning more about the Apples. Especially after the week they spent with Apple Bloom, they could only do the warm ups for three hours after school. Any combat and hoof to hoof work would be done on the weekends.

"So did you learn everything you wanted learn from what Smith told us?"Orion asked to help keep the mare awake while expressing his curiosity for the mystery.

"Yeah… It's a bit complex, and quite tragic,"Shadow admitted while pulling out a file from her sleeve and opening it to read,"Bright Macintosh, father and husband. Married to Buttercup, aka, Pear Butter, mother and wife. Wedded each other as young adults by the blessings and assistants of an unknown Apple that you and I know as our icy friend, Frosty."

"And did they find out where they are? Did they abandon the family or something?"Orion asked more seriously as they walked through the middle of town.

"Don't know. Six months after Apple Bloom's birth they had disappeared by unknown means,"Shadow suddenly grew morbid in her tone of voice as she flipped the page,"Bright Mac was discovered some time later deceased of one singular stab wound to the chest. Pear Butter was never found."

"Foul play between the two of them?"Orion asked while his heart actually hurt a bit from hearing the grim news.

"No… The only thing they loved more than each other were their children, but their families on the other hoof,"Shadow yawned and rubbed at her eyes as they left the town and got on the path to the school,"There was a long feud between the Apple and Pear family. Bright Mac and Pear Butter were the famous star cross lovers through these two families of hate."

"And after they wedded she must have changed her name to Butter Cup. You think the families had something to do with it?"Orion asked before they both came to a stop before the school house at the top of the hill.

"Don't know. I'm going to look into that the first chance I get."Shadow informed before she too looked to the tranquil sanctuary known as a school house, filled with innocent and beloved children.

"Kind of inconvenient to talk about this. Today is family appreciation day. Filthy Rich will be explaining himself on this one."Orion sighed and felt a sudden bit of guilt for talking about Apple Bloom's late parents.

"Well…! Isn't that just swell?"Shadow wondered as she and Orion moved on to the school, just in time to see recess underway.

"Let's just keep it casual and not bring it up near the Apples. Apple Bloom already had a hard one yesterday,"Orion decided to bury the issue for the time being for the sake of a stable relationship with the new student,"Now Cheerlie needs me inside to discuss some details about family appreciation days. Just…blend in, meet and greet or something."

"I guess some pony needs to be the friendly face…!"Shadow huffed with dignity before walking off to meet the children.

"Sure, let's go with that one…!"Orion decided to let Shadow be in a huff while he entered the school house.

There he was then about to go from the frying pan and into the fire to cook. For the moment he entered, there he found Cheerlie was currently talking with none other than Filthy Rich. Of course he had to run into the rich and dirty looking father of the class bully and snob. Meanwhile, Shadow was already playing with the children and showing them gentle and friendly magic. Living it up while Orion groaned and sucked it up to meet with Cheerlie, regardless of Filthy Rich.

"I'm here, Cheerlie! You called me in for a meeting!"He called out to interrupt the teacher's conversation with Filthy Rich and get her attention.

"Ah, pardon me for a moment, Filthy. I must speak with my fellow teacher."Cheerlie insisted before leaving the rich stallion to his thoughts.

"So! Today, Filthy Rich explains himself and tomorrow it's the Apple's turn."Orion pointed out upon the red mare's approach to him, he seemed up for not pulling punches about the event.

"Indeed, it IS family appreciation day. And each student gets a day to bring their parents in,"Cheerlie slipped in a warning about any potential tension among the parents,"So please be friendly and inviting for the parents in the future."

"I will… You… Uh… You aware that Apple Bloom doesn't have parents?"He asked of the teacher, and noticed how low her ears fell to the answer.

"Well…yes… I was a friend of her mother. But she never seems to mind it, given she never got to know them that well,"Cheerlie explained her own bit of knowledge she had about the missing Apple parents,"Usually she brings one of her siblings in or her grandmother at times."

"I'm…surprised that she remains bright in spirit even with this upsetting detail hanging over her life,"Orion admitted before he noticed Filthy Rich was trying to eavesdrop on them,"Shadow decided to make it a project to find out what happened to the parents… I feel you should know."

"That…would be appreciated. We would like to know what happened that night."Cheerlie surprised him by agreeing that diving into the secret would be deeply appreciated.

"Of course… And also… Keep an eye on Filthy Rich. He's grown to be… An unsavory pony…!"Orion felt that Cheerlie needed to know that they were not interested in one such as Filthy Rich.

"You think he's a problem? Filthy is just a proud pony. It's his wife that's the REAL problem…!"Orion lifted an eye brow with interest at the notion that the mother was the worse of the two.

"Spoiled pony I take it? High standard, huge ego, I take it?"He kindly asked the teacher and snickered at Cheerlie's willingness to gossip and confide.

"All of that would be an understatement…"Cheerlie admitted before they saw Shadow Swirl enter the school house with a light smile.

"Ok. So all these ponies are behaving nicely. Apple Bloom made it just in time to participate before she needs to train again,"Shadow established some good news upon entering before spotting Filthy Rich in the school,"Uh…so… We should be ok, so long as there's no…trouble makers or ignorant ponies about…!"

"We're keeping an eye out for him. Mind calling every pony in to get this event underway?"Orion asked of Cheerlie, and she was more than happy to do so.

"Of course…! Might as well get this underway…!"Cheerlie chirped and rushed out to announce that the time had come to bring every pony in.

Before the warriors knew it, they watched from the back of the classroom. Making sure all was well with the students and all was respectfully quiet for Filthy Rich. Though the two warriors were less than enthusiastic to listen to the stallion's success story, it was the typical one. The stallion was a snake with competitors and investors, he knew how to bite when they were ripe. And he knew when to snap at rivals and undermine their work to force them out of business.

The only thing tougher to watch than the filthy rich stallion was his worried student. Apple Bloom seemed nervous, maybe she was a bit edgy about the whole appreciation day deal. Or maybe she was nervous about getting into another day of training, maybe she was getting unnerved. That alone was making Orion nervous, as much as he respected her decisions, he did not wish fear to grip her. Making her stay away and be forever fearful of her potentially chaotic power.

"And, by capturing the whole sale market, purchasing in bulk and slashing all prices, we undermine every other gift market in town,"Filthy explained his means of success in the business even further, making Shadow want to spit at him,"And that's how Rich's Barnyard Bargains became the cornerstone of retail in Ponyville."

"So, no other competitors were able to profit and so many businesses have been shut down, correct,"Shadow decided to take a swing at his wealth and his cutthroat business's impact on the town,"How has that been for the town's economy?"

"Well it's really quite trivial you see I…"Filthy Rich slowly stopped the moment he saw a statistic chart for Ponyville's economy rising from Shadow's own shadow.

"Yes…? Keep going, please…!"Shadow challenged the stallion's knowledge, and he decided to cut his loss on this one.

"Uh…and that's my career fillies and gentlecolts. That's a career any pony can get behind!"Filthy waved to the kids and casually walked to his daughter's side as she clapped for him.

"Unless he undermines your retail business and leaves you homeless, kids…!"Shadow chirped with fake excitement to cover her disgust that got the kids around her rethinking careers.

"Any who… Thank you Filthy…I mean Mr Rich. What a wonderful day of sharing, and thank you for being a party of family appreciation day,"Cheerlie kept the peace between ponies and continued on with the day,"Now, uh, lets see who will be bringing in a family member for next Monday's family appreciation day. Um… Oh! Apple Bloom!"

"But miss Cheerlie. Monday is Zap Apple harvest day, And Applejack and Big Macintosh will be too busy to come and speak!"Apple Bloom informed that non of her siblings would be able to come in place of a parent.

"Well is there any pony else in your family that cou-"Cheerlie got cut off by Orion shaking his head at her and gesturing her to cut that question off before it got into uncharted territory.

"Miss Cheerlie! Apple Bloom's Granny Smith isn't working the harvest! She could come!"Diamond Tiara volunteered Granny Smith to come in a parent's place, while taking a swat to the head by a rolled up bundle of paper.

"That's not for you to decide, and the teacher didn't call upon you to respond!"Orion yelled after his conduct, only to get temporary outrage from Filthy Rich.

"Hey! You can't just-"Filthy was quickly silenced by the clearing throat of Shadow, as she brandished a hard cover book of at least several hundred pages at the ready.

"Now now, settle down every pony! We'll leave Apple Bloom to decided on who she brings next Monday,"Cheerlie kept every pony calm and at peace as she concluded the day for school,"Till then, you may all be excused from class now. Have a great weekend, every pony!"

With that, the children were quick to pack up their things and get going for the weekend. Apple Bloom seemed a bit more slower to pack up and leave for the farm and prepare for a small workout with the warriors. While Shadow was willing to get the kids safely on their way home. Orion took the opportunity to snake his way out, and follow Apple Bloom. She was the last pony to leave the school with the prince right behind her, as she sighed with both relief and stress.

"Granny Smith? Come Monday, I'll be the laughing stock of Ponyville…!"Apple Bloom worried as Orion stepped outside and walked to her.

"Is everything ok out here, Apple Bloom? Was yesterday a bit hard on you?"Orion asked of the filly as she sat down and looked to him.

"What? No, it's not the training at all! It's just… I wasn't ready for this family appreciation day,"Apple Bloom decided he could be trusted with her current conflict, it actually relieved him to know that it wasn't the practice and training that bothered her,"All I have for a parent to bring to the event is Granny Smith. And she can be so embarrassing! Diamond was right… I'm gonna be such a laughing stock…!"

"That's what this is all about? Just worried about your grandmother telling her tales?"Orion lifted an eye brow and shrugged, more than willing to help with such a trivial issue.

"Yeah… And know it's wrong to think that way about her but… I don't know. It gets me thinking…"Suddenly Orion knew where this was going and he decided to be frontal but lightly about it.

"You wish you still had your parents around…"Orion decided to say it while she lowered her head for a moment and nodded.

"Yeah… I never even got to know them… But Granny refuses to tell me much about them other than they were good parents and made her so happy."Apple Bloom admitted and looked up at the sky trying to make out some shapes.

"You know… We manage to get your grandmother to let us in on a little piece of an intriguing tale,"Orion informed the filly, hoping to lift her spirits and prevent any sort of friction between her and Smith,"Your parents knew a comrade of mine very closely. He helped them marry and come together, and he happened to be a long lost Apple."

"Really? You have an Apple in your group of Equestrian warriors?"Apple Bloom asked with slowly lighting enthusiasm and interest.

"I sure do… And apparently he was a friend of your parents….!"Orion added and got the filly standing up with more curiosity.

"Wow…! Why didn't any pony tell me about him?"Apple Bloom asked as Orion stood up and coated his hand in crystals.

"Well… Let's just say your family had some dark times thousands of years ago. And they did not like anything different,"Orion said before placing his hand onto the filly's back,"But enough of that…! Why don't we go to the plains and exercise a bit? And really keep you walking on two legs."

Suddenly the crystals sprouted all over her back around the spine area. Instantly the filly was forced back up onto her two back hooves, she still had issues with her balance. And she flailed her front legs around for a solid few seconds before gently walking on her back hooves.

"So…! I wouldn't fear your grandmother being at the school. Frankly, she has some fascinating stories to tell,"He slapped the filly on her back and got her going a little faster to keep up,"You may be surprised by what she knows if you give her a chance, and appreciate the mare for what she is."

"If you say so… So are we gonna try at least some actual practice with power control maybe?"Apple Bloom hoped for just a little bit something more to go with her training during the weeks.

"Maybe… That kind of self control may be very important for the future…!"Orion chuckled as they walked together, leaving Diamond Tiara to glare at them with either envy or just plain hatred, non could tell which.

And so they both trained that day, and they did in fact work in an hour of strength training. Testing out Apple Bloom's ability to control and use her muscle more properly. It went well, till he tried tempting her by giving her flicks to the muzzle and slight slaps to the cheeks. Hoping to see about helping the filly control her anger, it ended up leaving a crater deep enough to reach the other side of the world. And it nearly shattered his left arm when he had to defend against her.

Either way, they were able to laugh about it in the end and walk away from it. It felt like old times for the prince, it was just like Sombra once again, hard training was met with laughs and spirit. It felt great, and it made the weekend worthwhile when it was back to him and Shadow training the filly. The weekend proved more arduous, but Apple Bloom showed signs of improvement. Though it would still be quite a few weeks before walking on two hooves would become second nature to her.

---

It was something he was easily able to exercise patience, as the weekend started to end. And the new week was soon going to start, and Apple Bloom needed to do something daring. He remained patient as he walked to work that morning on a Monday, every pony's favorite day of the week. The prince kept high hopes that his talk with Apple Bloom would shed her of fear. Letting go of fear was important to not only being a stronger pony, but a real Equestrian warrior.

These thoughts were almost enough to keep him occupied, but not completely. For the training they did all weekend really got him thinking of his glory days with his student Sombra. It seemed that having a pupil once more was putting him down paths of nostalgia now, there was no avoiding them.

"I'm telling you Sombra. There is just nothing more for me to teach you,"Orion remembered a conversation he had recently with Sombra after he was crowned the Crystal King,"You have learned everything and your skills are more formidable than any other king I've known."

"I still feel like there's more that I can learn mentor…! I must be stronger for my people,"Sombra insisted that he still wasn't strong enough and needed to learn more,"Please…! I must know more. Tell me how I can become stronger, mentor…!"

"Simple… Continue the journey on your own, and experience the world as it's wonders come,"Orion gave his student one last lesson before he truly was done teaching Sombra,"And some day soon… You will be strong where it all truly counts…!"

"In both your mind, and heart…"Orion spoke to himself as he walked almost blindly into the town of Ponyville.

He had to shake his head to get it to clear up before he steered in the wrong direction. And he did narrowly avoid running into a mare that nearly took up the whole side of a dirt road. She had her muzzle held high and her big purple mane flashing around for all to look at. The mare sent a wave of disgust within the prince, whoever she was, the mare just screamed stuck up and self entitled. Then he noticed a smell about her, and it wasn't cheap perfume, it was the stench of money.

The very same stench that Filthy Rich had when they first met each other. As much as he did not want to admit it, he now realized who this mare was and why she seemed so negative. This was the foul mother Cheerlie spoke of, the very mare that was the more apparent source of Diamond Tiara's brattiness.

"I see, Cheerlie wasn't joking about Diamond's mother being far worse than Filthy…"Orion scoffed and shook his head before moving on towards the school.

He threw that trouble aside and ventured forth to the school house that awaited him. And this time he managed to get to the school house before school was even suppose to start. Cheerlie was already waiting for him at the entrance of the school, she waved at him as he waved back. Just the thought of beginning a new day at the school helped him forget about his personal troubles. All he needed to be concerned with was what the kids would be learning today, as well as today's next family appreciation day.

"Cheerlie! Good to see you again. Everything set up for today?"Orion greeted and stood there with the red mare to wait for children to arrive.

"Yes, but… I noticed some bruises on Apple Bloom yesterday. You haven't spoken with her family on the matter hav-"Cheerlie got cut off by a raise of the prince's hand.

"I'll just be the one to cut you off and solve that problem. I decided to see how durable her strength made her body,"Orion proudly explained the training he did with Apple Bloom yesterday,"So me and her did some friendly exchange of blows, she got a lot of stress out that day pounding at my crystals."

"You beat on her?! Orion, is that even legal to do?!"Cheerlie gasped at the notion that a teacher and student actually had a strong brawl between each other.

"Well… She is my pupil and it's what I had to do growing up and learning about my abilities,"Orion argued his case, but understood her concern for her children's safety,"Her family condoned it. So It's not like it's being done in secret or without permission."

"Well it shouldn't matter…! Why should a child have to be subjected to such treatment?!"Cheerlie questioned how hard and defensive Orion was about what he did with his student.

"Maybe she wants to be something a bit more. Maybe she wants to find her destiny, or maybe she's just a little different,"Orion listed reasons that Apple Bloom became a part of such training,"Every pony is different. So why should they conform to something all the others have to, regardless if it's safer or easy?"

"I can't accept this kind of training if bruises and scratches are a result."Cheerlie stood defiantly and did not agree with what he was doing.

"you don't have to, but you at least need to tolerate it. Because Apple Bloom decides when she's done with it."Orion ended the conversation and walked inside so it would not turn into a fight.

"Warriors…"Cheerlie groaned and followed the prince into the school house.

An hour later the school house was just now filling with fillies and colts. Orion sat on the chair right next to Cheerlie at the side of her desk, as he started taking a head count of every pony. Shockingly enough, he had one extra head to add to the class, for Filthy Rich had returned. Orion nearly broke the tip of his pencil seeing the stallion back in the classroom. He had already said his career and picked at the young minds enough, he had no other reason to be in school.

Apple Bloom and her friends were last to enter the classroom, without Granny Smith. This concerned the prince as he finished counting heads for the class and giving it to Cheerlie. She did a quick scan over the list, and concluded that every pony was here, even with an extra guest. The only one missing however was the old Apple herself, where could she be?

"Well! Every pony is here, today! That's wonderful to hear, and we have a special guest. Welcome back Filthy Rich!"Cheerlie announced and got Filthy a round of applause from the students.

"I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see old mare Smith sit down and tell many of her WONDERFUL tales…!"Filthy replied with dignity while his daughter snickered quietly.

"That is if she can even remember any of it…!"Diamond confided with Silver Spoon and taunted Smith.

"Uh…of course! For today's Family Appreciation day, we are pleased to welcome, Granny Smith,"Cheerlie decided to get the day started, only to notice that Smith was not here,"Um, Apple Bloom? Is Granny Smith here?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, miss Cheerlie, but she got called out of town on account of a family emergency-"Apple Bloom was interrupted by Orion spotting the old mare's arrival.

"She's walking in just now…!"Orion gave them the heads up before Smith entered the school house.

"Howdy, Y'all! I'm as happy as a pig in a fresh mud pile to be here!"Smith announced and greeted every pony with a bit of laughter.

"Whu-what are you doing here?! Did you miss the train?"Apple Bloom was shocked to see her grandmother managed to make it to the school.

"Er, no, it came. And Apple Strudel was on it!"Smith answered while her uncle quickly entered to give Apple Bloom a noogie and laugh about it.

"Well, we're glad that you could make it, Smith."Orion complimented while kicking out a chair for Granny Smith to sit on.

"She's not gonna remember a thing to say…!"Diamond whispered and giggled with Silver Spoon, to further mock Granny Smith.

"Quiet! Give Apple Smith the respect she deserves for coming here,"Orion tossed a paper ball at the side of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's head,"Please, regale us with one of your fine tales…!"

"You got it! Long ago, when I was a little pony. Things were different here in Ponyville,"Granny Smith began her little story as she felt the memories coming to her,"Because there was no Ponyville! At least, there wasn't much of it…! It was more like a ghost settlement if anything!"

And so, the green mare spun her story of how her family came to be in Ponyville. The town that Orion learned had once been abandoned a hundred years before Luna's return. Until Smith's family arrived oh so suddenly to the city of Canterlot, where they met princess Celestia. Who was taking an interest in the seeds the Apples had ready to plant and create crops. But they needed a home where they could all start their new life, and Celestia was willing to assist with that.

So Celestia gave them the land that Smith lived on to this very day as an old mare. Where they began to grow their crops of apples and other preferred foods to live good lives. But Smith wanted to find something more, so she went against the warnings of Celestia herself. And the mare ventured into the Ever Free forest to find some more seeds, something so much better. Her ambition nearly lead her to get devoured by ferocious Timber wolves, the pack hunters of the forest.

She managed to escape with her life and a special seed that to this day grew into what was currently in season. The zap apples, the apples that became famous, and brought forth settlers. Ponies from around the world came to enjoy the zap apples at the farm. Even Stinking Rich, the grandfather of Filthy Rich invested in the zap apples religiously, and then it happened. Ponies began to stay at the old settlement thanks to the crops that were shared with them.

Stinking Rich's career and business got started by selling the zap apple jam he was given by the Apples. So it was no surprise that Diamond Tiara was stricken with shock, while all the other students grew most interested and excited. Hearing a tale of the Apples themselves helping to create Ponyville. And Diamond's own family would not be the rich folks they were without the Apples. It seemed ridiculous, it was most unacceptable as Smith finally began to conclude her story.

"And before we knew it, we had ourselves a nice little town, bustling with all kinds of ponies,"Smith concluded and sighed from the memories she kept close to this day,"And that is how Ponyville was rediscovered…!"

"Incredible…! This town owes you more than what they think for rebuilding it,"Orion admitted as the students began to applaud and cheer for the elder mare,"Thank you for this incredibly moving story."

"Oh, thank you kindly, little ponies,"Smith showed gratitude for the respect she was given, especially by the warrior,"Oh, no now, let's settle down."

"So if it weren't for you and the zap apples. Ponyville would never been rebuilt!"Scootaloo realized how significant this seemingly weird old mare was to their lives.

"Darn tootin, little filly!"Smith replied.

"If it weren't for my Granny Smith, your daddy wouldn't have Barnyard Bargains!"Apple Bloom pointed out a realization that was mind screwing Diamond Tiara as others agreed around her.

"But… But… She's just a kooky old lady!"Diamond blurted out, exercising her ignorance to the truth about her own family's wealth origins.

Orion quickly stood up from the sudden insult the filly dished out to the green mare. As the children gasped at her rude comment, but the real scare was to come. As Orion spotted Apple Bloom growing angry from her grandmother being insulted, it caused her to glow. Before she then stood in front of her grandmother and stomped her hoof down, putting a crack in the wood floor. Orion prepared to contain her, but was more than willing to let Apple Bloom say her peace.

"She is not a kooky old lady! She is the most amazing pony in all of Ponyville!"Apple Bloom defended while Smith grew concerned for her granddaughter using her powers.

"It's alright now, Apple Bloom. It ain't such a big deal, sweetie. Ponies can believe in what they want to believe…!"The grandmother gripped Apple Bloom's shoulder to try and cool her down.

"You know, all you ever do is bully and think that every pony is below you no matter who or what they are,"Apple Bloom slowly lowered her glowing aura as all the kids moved away from her scorn,"And even now, you can't handle the truth that you'd be just like every pony else if it wasn't for a brave pony with a humble beginning and simple life to this day! You truly don't have any respect for what you got, or others!"

"Alrighty, girls. Let's not go and make things sour between us, Diamond, sweet heart. Please be a dear, and behave,"Filthy Rich suddenly walked between the fillies to help stop the tussle,"We are what we are because of Apple Smith here, and we must respect that. No complaints now…!"

"But… But… They're just a bunch of-"Diamond was cut off by Orion snatching up her ear between his fingers and dragging her into a corner.

"Ok, that's enough! Get in the corner and think about how disrespectful you were,"Orion demanded before putting Diamond in the corner where she could rethink her actions,"Well now…! So at least she has some sort of discipline in her life…!"

"I try my best, but she's got a lot of her mother in her. Look, I may come off as a high class elitist,"Filthy admitted some personal info about his life as a rich business owner,"But truthfully, I almost forgot about how I came to be myself. And money can be quite the negative impact on what's truly important. But Smith tends to remind me of how good my life is because of what she was kind enough to do for my family."

"I see… The past is to be left in the past, but it's never to be forgotten. For it's where you come from, and it's what made you what you are today…!"Orion shared some words of wisdom with the rich stallion while crossing his arms with a bit of new found respect.

Hours later, school had finally ended, and it couldn't have ended at a better time. The zap apples were being harvested and much of the apples were already being turned to jars and being sold. The line of ponies that awaited their own collection of jars was long and full of excitement. So many kids lined up to get their jam, some even got samples to help them wait for jam jars. As Orion waited against a tree away from the line for yet another round of training with Apple Bloom.

He could not help but admire how well made this culture based event was, now that he knew it helped create Ponyville. It felt like a privilege to see this little tradition getting underway. He watched the ponies enjoying their jam, even Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were enjoying themselves.

"I think this is the best zap apple jam I've tasted yet!"Scootaloo complimented the rainbow colored jam as she ate it on toast.

"Must be cause you had something to do with it, Apple Bloom!"Sweetie Belle pointed out as Apple Bloom and Smith came back together and saw all the progress that was made.

"You betcha! Apple Bloom is one humdinger of a zap apple jammer!"Smith complimented Apple Bloom's ability to crush fruit with little to no effort.

"I am?"Apple Bloom was surprised by the compliment, only to be interrupted by her sister.

"So I take it family appreciation day went well?"Applejack asked of Apple Bloom as the filly nodded and gave a lesson up.

"Did it? My Granny Smith is special! I just forgot that for a while…!"Apple Bloom admitted while looking to Orion, for his small chat with her gave the filly the trust she needed in her grandmother.

"Aw, don't fret, I forget things all the time. Now all getcha er…something… Um…"Smith tried to explained before she got lost in her aged thoughts once more.

"Aw well…! Who wants to help Granny sing to the water!?"Applejack announced to some of the ponies out there.

The kids all began to volunteer happily and willing to help an old mare with tradition. They followed Granny Smith, but Apple Bloom realized that her time had come once again. She looked at the sun, and looked to Orion again as he gave one nod since she caught on to the time.

"I can't right now… I got training to do with my mentor. You don't mind, do ya Granny Smith?"Apple Bloom asked of her grandmother before gesturing to the prince.

"Of course not, Apple Bloom. You go on and have fun now!"Smith approved of Apple Bloom leaving with Orion once again to train with her gift.

"Thanks! I promise, I'll be back in time for the nightly sales!"Apple Bloom exclaimed before running off with the prince to start her more personal work.

"That, Apple Bloom… If only you come out of your cave and see her, Frosty,"Smith thought as she lead the children towards the farm to start singing to the water for more zap apples,"She just might be the scamp you need to melt away that ice cold heart of yours…"

With that, she left the filly to her master, while the old mare had kids to play around with. Including Diamond Tiara, who would go on to be punished for her rude words from before. So she was gonna sing and dance and jump over the water pales to help the zap apples grow. And her dad was gonna watch and make sure she did it, a proper way to teach respect to a rude child. Once more the Apple family showed their strength through this slight struggle, and it brought them all closer.

While hopes and prays were even able to go out to a long lost Apple, one that had great ties to the family. And to this day, there would still be investigations on the mystery of the Apple family parents. Shadow Swirl promised this mystery's end, and together, the warriors would see it through.

Yeah, once again, this one is speculated more around the warriors and the story they are giving. But it's still the show you love, just a little bit more to it, and I hope you all enjoyed this shorter one. I might end up taking a small break to satisfy a story obsession I have to make. Hope some of you are Legend Of Spyro fans, but any way. Stay pony every one.