Punch. Kick. Swing.

And rinse and repeat.

"Woo-ee!" I heard an enthusiastic Applejack exclaim as I sped by, roundhousing another tree trunk, Apple Bloom perfectly catching the falling apples in her baskets, "It's so nice of you to be helpin' out like this Stardust. We appreciate the assistance."

Eh, whatever helps me prepare myself for the inevitable showdown between myself and... Him. No, not Big Macintosh, who caught the descending apples of the next tree I punched, but quite possibly the worst villain in the entire show. I needed to prepare, to get stronger when I face this monster.

And to do that, I needed to train.

"Got to admit, it's surprising that you decided to volunteer today. Usually ya just sleep in on Mondays, Star."

"Ee-yup."

Less talking, more punching.

I had to be ready. I must be ready...

This persistence is understandable, yet foolhardy if you wish to overexert yourself, Sombra advised. Advised? That's a new one. And the last thing we require is your suicidal confrontation against this foe by simple exhaustion.

Sombra is correct, Jack, Specter agreed with the weakened villain, his tone far more patient and non-patronizing, To face this next obstacle, rest is as much a necessity as training.

And, as if on cue, an elderly voice called, "Lunchtime! Get yer lunch now!" Without hesitation, Apple Bloom rushed back towards the farm, apples falling out one by one at the speed. Big Mac followed more calmly, picking up the fallen red fruit into his own baskets.

"You comin'?" I heard Applejack than ask from behind, just as my back hoof was about to meet with another trunk, pausing in thought.

...Fine. A five-minute break would do.

At my nod, the orange Earth Pony led the way.