You're focusing too much on the hooves! Concentrate on the energy behind your moves.

For once, heeding the tyrant's advice, I did as instructed. Or at least, tried to. It wasn't this difficult back when I was training to stop Queen Syphilis and her minions, not when there's another demanding voice screaming down your ear.

Raise your stance a little. Relying on being too tense will make it difficult to dodge incoming attacks.

My posture straightened as ordered, doing my best not to disappoint the two instructors expecting rather too much of me. They reminded me of Dad, except one was more patient and wise, while the other was more commanding and yelled a lot.

Hell, Sombra sounded invested in my training here.

Do not relent; your opponent should be allowed no breathing space.

While the King expressed about offense, Specter's advice was the complete opposite.

When provided even a brief moment, use that pocket of time to reinforce your shields.

One advising the importance of being patient and defensive in battle, whereas the other points out the need to catch the foe off-guard with every oppotune moment. It was as if I was being taught by the very forces of light and dark themselves. Even so, my body was beginning to feel drained by all this; the training has gone on for over an hour now. But neither seem to notice nor care of my growing exhaustion.

Waking up early - Again - didn't help matters.

Slacking will only get you killed.

Balance relies on precision and patience.

Your opponent must be felled without hesitation.

The safety of those around you are of greater significance, defend them should this scenario occur.

"Hi Stardust!"

Okay, that I wasn't expecting.

The sudden energetic voice caused me to whirl around after a roundhouse kick, face to face with the bright features of Pinkie. "Someday, I wish you'd stop sneaking up on me like that," I commented lightly, only slightly annoyed by the interruption, standing on four legs once again.

Alright, pause for a moment guys.

Sombra sniffed, and I imagined Specter nodded in assent. Pinkie smiled widely. "Were you training again? Oh, can I help?!"

"Maybe another time," I replied humouredly, trying to calm this excited mare down. I doubt I'd hear the end of Sombra whining over Pinkie's willing assistance. Said King only growled in my mind, hearing that comment. I smiled in turn. "What brings you here Pinkie?"

"Umm..." The energetic Earth Pony pondered that question for a moment, as though trying to recall her reason for visiting me on this hill. "...Oh Right!" Followed by an enthusiastic grin. "Twilight wanted me to come get you; we're about to head off to the Traders Exchange! Y'know, where we trade off something important to use for something just as important from other ponies around Equestria? It'll be fun!"

Oh yeah. Twilight did mention that this morning, and I said I'd be back in time to go with everyone.
"Well then, let's not keep the others waiting-"

Pinkie needed to hear nothing more; the mare was already pulling me down the hill at an impossible speed. Though this time, I was more fondly exasperated than frightened by how fast Pinkie was moving us towards the town.