//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: "Justice runs in crimson rivers" // Story: Guards: The untold story // by Joseph_Tanner //------------------------------// [Monday] The siblings woke once again, and left for their routines. Blaze to his class, Blossom to school… She didn’t expect what her classmates came up for her for that day however, as she was forced to listen to them calling her brother numerous things, none of which were compliments, until she snapped in third class. “SHUT THE FUCK UP!” She yelled, unavoidably attracting the teacher’s attention as well. “Principal’s. Now…” Said their maths teacher. “But…” “Was I not clear?” *Sigh* “Yes ma’am…” She replied, packed her stuff and went to the principal’s office, who was obviously Celestia, and since she was absent, she talked to the vice principal. Who was it? Luna? No, of course not. It was some old hag who Blossom could swear looked older than the sisters themselves… Now that says alot… “What’s the matter?” The colt wondered. “My classm-” “SHUT THE FUCK UP” “Well…” “See? Not so good to be on the other side.” “Sir… My brother was away in the Stoneden siege, and was nearly killed. He barely survived, now has replacement limbs. Regardless of that, my classmates blame only him for the Royal Guard’s defeat and the deaths! I had to listen to their bullshit all day long, of course I’m fuckin pissed!” She explained. “I would like to talk to your brother in person… I’m allowing you to leave school and ask him to come here as soon as possible.” He replied, giving her a smaller scroll. “Yes, sir…” She said, putting the scroll away and leaving. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Three more laps!” Onyx yelled at his class. They were running rounds around the castle as training. After the second Blaze stopped, as he saw his sister. “Hey sis. What’s up? Shouldn’t you be somewhere else?” “Hey big bro. Is the General nearby?” “Yep, why?” “Show me to him, and come along,” “Uhh… Sure,” Her sibling replied. “Sir?” “Yes?” Onyx wondered. “I must ask you to allow Blaze to leave with me for a while,” Blossom exclaimed. “How so?” “My vice principal wishes to talk to him.” “Well then. He’s free to go,” “Thanks, sir,” Blossom replied, then the two hurried over to the school, where Blossom showed her brother to the principal’s. *Knock knock* “Come in!” They entered the room, Blaze was still in his equipment, but without a helmet. “I heard you wish you see me?” Blaze said. “Yes, yes, indeed. Take a seat,” “I’m on borrowed time. Make it short,” Blaze refused. “Blossom, you may go to class now,” The v.p said. She left as requested while Blaze did sit down. “I’m glad you could come. Is it true that you were there?” “What do you think?” Blaze asked, slightly upset. “Were you there or not?” “You might be the vice principal, but if you play smart or tough guy with me you’ll find yourself behind bars before you would know… Yes, I was…” Blaze warned him. “Very well. That’s all I wanted…” “Are you kidding me? You make me ask my superior for a favor for your amusement?” “I’m sorry about that. As I said, you can go now,” “Nope, I’m not going! I’m just going to stay here and give back the shit you gave me…” Blaze replied. “Don’t make me call security.” “I AM the security. You sit your ass down.” The vice principal stood up and headed for the door. “Last warning, Sit down.” “Or else? What can you do? I was chosen as the vice principal by Princess Celestia herself! What have YOU got?” Blaze stood up from his chair and rose to hind legs, leaning onto the V.P’s desk with his forehooves, grasping it’s edge. “I on the other hand… Am part of the Royal Guard, those who keep the streets clear from dirtbags like you. I am authorized to carry an arsenal of weapons and arrest at any spot. I was on the battlefield. I was crushed by a rock thrown from a catapult. I have more capabilities than an average pony. I am in any way superior to you. Why? I, as a soldier, can rise through the ranks and achieve greater goals than you could ever even dare think of. You will always remain the same thing: Celestia’s little rug. You’re nothing to her. She could find a dozen to replace you at a whim… THAT is what I have to that…” He said, letting go of the desk and taking a step back, sitting back down. The V.P had nothing to say to that. “I thought so…” At this point the V.P grabbed a pen and tried to stab Blaze with it. As a result, the pen ended up in his side. “You’re under arrest. You’re charged with violence against a public official, you’re found guilty as charged…” Blaze explained, removing the pen and forcing the V.P’s head against the wall with his hand, binding him with quick binders. “You know the way…” He said, leading the now unemployed Unicorn. “Try anything funny and you regret,” The Unicorn was slung over Blaze’s shoulder and physically carried to the dungeons, then he returned to the school. The door mare stopped him. “You forgot something sir?” She wondered. “Indeed,” He replied, and found his sister’s class, knocking on the door. “Yes?” The teacher yelled. Blaze went in. “I’m sorry to interrupt the class, but I must ask every student and teacher to leave the building immediately.” “How so?” The teacher wondered. “In the absence of Princess Celestia herself, and with the vice principal arrested for violence against a public official, the school is no longer fit to operate. Hereby, I declare the school to shut down until a new vice principal is selected…” He explained. “Reasonable. Well class, I’ll see you when I do. Farewell,” The teacher said to the class, who shrieked in cheer and packed their stuff. “I must ask you to gather at the yard before leaving…” Blaze informed them. They were more than willing to help spread the news, and soo Blaze could make sure that everypony was sufficiently informed. Only then did he allow them to leave. Unlike them, he still had places to go and things to do. He returned to his training, finished the day’s practice, wrote his report, and submitted it to Celestia herself, who was surprised at the event, but agreed on the results. “You did a good work with that. I will do my best to find the most appropriate vice principal as fast as I can.” Celestia assured him. “If I may, and if you agree, I would leave.” He excused himself. “As you wish,” Luna said, Celestia nodded. Blaze left the throne room, and was on his way to his room, when a strange looking pony stopped him in his tracks. He too was a Unicorn, and wore while cloth armor. “Excuse me sir, could you help me?” The colt wondered. “If I can, yes. What do you need?” “Could you tell me where the Ascendants are meant to rally? I heard Princess Celestia wishes to address us today later on.” “I have no idea, but I can show you to Celestia herself…” Blaze offered. “That would be nice too,” “This way,” He lead the way, walking on all fours as usual, He preferred to only stand when in a fight, or expecting a violent response. On their way they had a casual conversation. “So… What happened?” The colt wondered. “These? I was hit by a catapult…” “Damn… Does it hurt afterward?” “Can’t quite say so… It has a silver lining though. I can walk on my hind legs, and even grasp and hold things better.” He explained while demonstrating, but not for long. “I would say that I feel sorry, but my pity wouldn’t quite help you in any way so… Yeah,” “Well. Here we are. Need an introduction, or are you good?” “No, I’m good. Thanks again,” “Any time.” Blaze replied, and the two parted ways. As Blaze went back to his room, he stopped for a second to look at the smaller things in life. The birds chirping outside, the stained glass windows, each telling a story or a prophecy, the tapestries on the wall… When he finally got to the doors, he went in and shut the door behind him. As he turned back to look into the room he saw his sister once again. She was reading a book, lying on her bed. She was also humming a cheerful little tune. “Hey big bro. How are things?” She wondered, placing the bookmark and resting the book on her bedside table. “I can’t complain…” He replied, sitting onto his bed, still facing her. Blossom only grinned, followed by a chuckle. “What’s up?” “Nothing… Nothing… I’m just wondering how long our break will last,” “Well… Celestia said she’ll find the best vice principal she cal as soon as possible… If I were you, I’d make the best of it.” “As if I wouldn’t do that… Come on, what do you suggest?” “I don’t know… Want to go and drink something?” “That depends… You still have a shift tomorrow…” Blossom reminded him. “A few drinks are fine… It’s not like our alcohol level would impact our performance... “ “Unless you can’t even stand straight…” “Well, what do YOU recommend then?” Blossom began to ponder. “You know what? Let’s go drinking… I’ll pay,” “Let’s agree on a split bill?” Blaze offered. “Your call…” His sister replied. They got up from their beds and made their way to the door. Before leaving Blaze threw his helmet back onto his bed, landing softly in his pillows. “Nailed it…” He muttered jokingly. They locked the door with their keys, both of them had one on them, and headed for the town. On their way Blaze saw the Captain walk their way, which reminded him of Twilight. I still owe her a favor… As the Captain approached Blaze was unsure if he should even talk to him or not, but he had to choose. “Captain?” “Yes?” He wondered. “Pardon me. Captain Shining Armor, is it?” “Yes. Why do you ask?” “I have a few things I wish to talk to you about,” “I got time for it, go ahead then,” “First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you for taking care of my sister on her train back home. Second, I would like to inform you, that I had the pleasure of meeting your sister, Twilight,” “Firstly, you don’t need to thank me. It was my task. Second, I already know. She sent me a few letters since. She mentioned you as well,” “No offense, Captain, but you would be a bit late on that. Also, the only thing I want from her is friendship, okay?” He explained. “Then we will get along well in the future. Now, I must go if you don’t mind…” “Later, Captain!” Blaze yelled after him, then continued on their way, on which they met up with Comet and Gust. “Hey Blaze, Blossom… What are you up to?” Gust wondered. “Hey girls. We’re going to have a few drinks. Care to join?” Blaze offered. “I’m not sure. We were headed to the library,” Comet explained. “Oh, to learn the Old Equish?” “Yep.” “Come on, you already speak it. We have years left to learn it. Just one day later won’t hurt, will it?” “Damn, you’re right… What do you say, Comet?” “Well, I have nothing to lose so… Count me in!” Now the four of them were headed for the tavern, three guards helmets off and a student. They were quite a sight to see walking down the road. One would’ve thought Blossom was either important, or in trouble for being accompanied by three. Either way, she wasn’t, but what made their day even better was that even Shadow chose to join them, and the colt Blaze showed to Celestia, the Ascendant was already there when they got there. At first they were worried how Shadow and Lumes, the Ascendant would treat one another. They simply recognized the other’s rank and history, even going as far as sharing drinks. Everypony knew their limit, and managed not to step over it. The had a good time. Drinking, playing games. Darts, pool, cards… Telling stories. They remained until the tavern closed, which was at 10 p.m. Everypony went home, and laid their heads to rest. [Tuesday] Blaze woke up at 6 a.m, an hour before his training begins. He quietly left the room and went to the kitchen, where he drank some coffee. Well… This tastes like shit...Gah, never again… After his disappointment in the black beverage, he chose to try, and make Blossom some breakfast himself. It was nothing complicated. He made some soup and a hay sandwich, even some hay-fries. He gently placed the tray onto her bedside table, and quietly left for his training. He was too early, and had fifteen minutes left. Fortunately, Wind and Jackpot were there, so he had somepony to talk to. “Morning Blaze. A little early, don’t you think?” Jackpot greeted him. “Could ask the same,” He replied, greeting them bot with a hoof bump. “I heard ya had a good time yesterday, huh?” Cobalt joined in. “Yep. Wanna come next time?” “Just might…” The General arrived, letting out a loud yawn. “Goooog moooorning, trainees… Where are the others?” They waited, but nopony else showed up. “Well… You have a choice, since nopony is coming. You either stay, and we continue, which means you get a day off any day… Or you can leave free now,” Onyx offered. His trainees remained. “I take it you want to continue. Very well. Go, find Captain Shining Armor. Today you will be helping him… I have paperwork to do,” He continued. “Yes sir,” The trainees replied, and left, looking for the Captain. They were lucky, and found him soon. After explaining their orders to him, the Captain seemed understanding. “I’ll make a good first impression, and let you off. If anypony asks, you were on guard patrol, okay?” “Sir yes sir!” They replied with grins. “Blaze?” “Sir?” “Could we talk in private?” Shining Armor wondered. Comet and Jackpot got the hint and left. “Yes?” "I might have been harsh last time… It wasn’t right…” “I understand, Captain. I too have a sister. Believe me, there’s nothing you can name that I wouldn’t do for her…” Blaze assured him. “Glad you understand. I’ll let you go now,” “Later, Captain,” He replied, and headed for the library to find a book on Old Equish. On his way, surprisingly he ran into Comet. “Ah, hello Blaze. What brings you here?” She wondered. “Comet? Where have you been? Everypony missed today’s training! Only Cobalt, Jackpot and I were present, so we were let off…” He wondered. “Oh… Damn… I thought it was sunday…” She replied with a facehoof. “How about those Old Equish lessons? Since we’re here, you could help out…” “Sure… I came to refresh a bit on that anyway,” She replied, and slid a stack of empty paper sheets and a partially withered book onto the desk. Blaze took it over, and flipped the pages manually to save Comet the effort. The symbols inside seemed ancient and runic… “Wow… And you can speak this fluently?” “,Dogof si et sé . negI” She replied, leaving Blaze in utter confusion. (Yes, and so will you) “What now?” “Yes, and so will you. Now, let’s start…” Hours passed, and by noon, when they finished for the day, Blaze was proud to know the basics, such as grammar rules, letters and such. “Well done Blaze. I think we’re done for today, sorry, I have a few things to get done…” She exclaimed. “It’s okay. Thanks for your help. To be honest, my head was starting to hurt anyway,” He assured her. He wanted to see how his sister’s day has been going, so he headed for their rooms, but on his way he was stopped by a mare. “Hello sir. I was tasked to find Mithril Blaze, and by the description I received, I think it’s you,” She said. “I am. Can I be of help?” “I need you to follow me. The blacksmith had been doing something for you for a while now,” She explained, and lead the way, soon arriving. “Here, let me get him for you,” She continued, heading to the back of the forge. “He’s here, eh? Finally. Good, good. Now, be so kind, and buy some more iron,” He heard from back there. Soon the mare left the way she came, the blacksmith also appeared. “Mithril Blaze it is? Fine meeting ya. I’ve spent my spare time preparin’ somethin for ya… Come on in,” The blacksmith greeted him. Blaze only followed blindly. “Why me of all?” He wondered. “Well, ye’r the only one who gets to stand on two legs, ain’t ya?” “I’m sure there ARE ponies elsewhere… Maybe by other means but… I’m getting off topic,” He replied. “Well now. I’ve received permission from the sisters themselves to use the same material the Night Guard’s armor is made of for this…” The blacksmith exclaimed, pointing at a chest. “Go, see for yourself. Blaze did as asked to once again, finding a black set of armor. Usual size, but different design. “What’s this?” “Yer new armor. It’s a different design… The advisors themselves helped with the anatomy. Go on, try it on…” Blaze put the armor on, which was more comfortable to him on two legs. “There ain’t nothin that can get through it I tell ya! Also… Here, take this,” He continued, levitating a sheathed sword to him. It was different, it was thinner and longer than the usual. Blaze unsheathed the blade, grasping it in his right, while the sheath remained in his left hand. “Why are you giving me all this?” He began to wonder. “Returnin’ a favor ya know. If ya mind, allow me to introduce a friend of mine.” The blacksmith explained, soon a large bird in foreign looking armor stepped in, the same sword hanging on his left. “Ah, it is a pleasure to befriend a fellow soldier. Even if from a different nation…” The bird exclaimed, holding out a wing. Blaze shook… Hands? Hooves? Wings? I don’t know at this point… “Allow me to introduce myself… I am Sigmis, one from Turul kind. We are all avians, as, they way you all are equines. My people seek freedom above all, only after comes peace… As such, it explains the purpose of my presence on this side of your mighty broders.” “I see. No offense, but… Have you ever been mistaken with a Phoenix? Your feathers match the colors of them too…” Blaze replied. “I see what you mean. Sadly, several times, and contrary to what most other nations think, no, Phoenixes are not our only, and not our favourite animals for pets,” Sigmis explained. “So… Are you here to consult the Princesses for a peace treaty then?” “Indeed I am. I arrived late at night yesterday, today I was planning on seeing them. I tried earlier today, but I was denied entry…” “Perhaps I can help with that…” Blaze assured him. They said farewell to the blacksmith, both having reasons to thank him. They quickly arrived to the castle gates, where veterans greeted them. “State your business…” One of them said. “Mithril Blaze, trainee, 4th battalion. Requesting entry for a foreign representative,” Blaze replied. “Ah. The catapult guy… I’ve heard of you. But he’s not going in,” “Why?” “Representative? With a sword? Really?” “Have you not heard of the Timberwolves around? Not to mention the Celestia knows dangers he faced outside our borders…” Blaze tried to reason with him. “There are two options here, new guy… You either take his sword, and don’t return it to him while inside, or let him keep it, and you’ll be responsible for whatever may happen.” “I’ll bear the consequences,” He replied. “Your call…” The guards replied, allowing them pass. As they walked down the corridors Sigmis broke the silence. “You have my gratitude, Blaze. It is our first major contact with your kind. We wish only the best results,” “You know how much time a soldier spends in war… It’s obvious that even the most trained killers among us desire peace… If anything, then for a reason to rest,” Blaze replied. In short time they arrived, Blaze entered first, asking Sigmis to wait outside, who agreed. “Ah, Blaze, what brings you here?” “Apologies for my sudden, and new appearance. A blacksmith claimed to have received your consent for this, and my new blade. I wish to introduce you a representative of a foreign nation we haven’t met before,” He explained. “Interesting…” Celestia noted. Blaze knocked twice on the door, and Sigmis stepped in, bowing before all else. “Arise, friend. What purpose had lead you to us?” Luna asked. “I come from a far away land, one long forgotten. My people have appointed me to represent the homeland in your sight. I have come to offer our peace and good will, in exchange for that of yours,” He exclaimed. “Hmm… What’s your name, and what kind do you belong to. That is, if we may know,” Celestia inquired. “I myself am Sigmis, having come from overseas from a small village, inhabited by the Turuls,” “Turuls you say? I remember hearing about… But… I thought your kind is nothing but a legend…” Luna exclaimed. “Then our reputation precedes us…” Sigmis noted. “Your presence most the time speaks of intervention and liberation… The problem is… I remember nopony being enslaved, and only the criminals are imprisoned… “ Celestia pointed out. “As I said, my purpose is to make assure peace between our races,” He pointed out. “Do not let your eyes deceive you. My weapon is merely for my safety, and not of ill will,” “Why should we take your word and trust you?” Celestia asked. “Because I saw a lot of Griffons heading this way on my way, and I’m willing to fight by your side, Princess,” He explained. “Could you not have told us before?!” Blaze threw in. Just before a guard came in. “Your highness. The Griffon King wishes to have an audience with you,” He said. “Let him in,” Luna replied. “Greetings, siblings,” The King said. “Ah, so you’re the one I managed to hit…” He continued to Blaze, who held back until told otherwise. “What is it that you seek? We know you’re not alone. Speak quick, or leave at once!” Celestia warned him. “I seek retribution for those who lost their lives in your attack on Stoneden... “ “We have nothing to do with it. Our troops do,” Luna informed him. “Then bring them to me. Every single one who were there,” “I’m right here.” Blaze threw in mockingly. “And I propose you a deal, which you will surely want to accept,” “How so?” “Bring me one of your best. I will fight your challenger. If you win, you can have us. If I win, you leave empty clawed,” Blaze explained. “I accept, but with one condition.” “What is it?” “Fight to the death…” The King replied, extending a claw toward him. They sealed it with a shake, and headed for the barracks, where the sisters, Sigmis, the high ranked Royal Guard soldiers, the King, and his Generals were present. Blaze and the Griffon took place inside the practice circle. “Name your chosen weapon,” Exclaimed one of the ponies. “I have mine,” The Griffon replied, catching a halberd. “So do I,” Blaze continued, pulling his new sword. To even the odds, Blaze removed his chest armor, so the Griffon would have at least that much surface to target. “This is the most I’ll help you,” He said to him. “No hard feelings, right? We’re both bound by duty,” The Griffon said while the two of them were on their guard for the other to attack first. “Indeed we are…” Blaze said. -The Griffon struck first, hitting down from above. -Blaze tuck and rolled to the side, dodging it. -The Griffon’s blade edged itself into the soil, proving hard to pull out. -Blaze used is chance, and lunged. His opponent chose to abandon his weapon, but he was still cut in the side. -Having lost his weapon, the Griffon turned to his claws. He was ready for another strike, and waited patiently to disarm or counter Blaze. -Blaze kept his distance, waiting for an opening, while Sigmis and his comrades were waiting for the Griffons to break their side of the offer. -The Griffon ran out of patience, as he felt like he must win soon, or else he bleeds out. He attacked, slashing his claws at his opponent. -Blaze blocked with the side of the blade. Each attack had been dodged, leaving the Griffon exhausted and vulnerable. “Is that the best you have?” Blaze asked, taunting. “You haven’t seen a bit of it yet…” Came the response, and the Griffon jumped at him once again. If it wasn’t so sudden, he would not have hesitated to bury his blade into the Griffon’s head. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case, as Blaze had his chest punctured by the razor claws. -He staggered back to regain his breath. -The Griffon took the opportunity, and reclaimed his polearm. -Blaze gathered his thoughts and strength, ready to continue. -The Griffon threw a rock at him, which he dodged. -Blaze planned to lunge by surprise, but he stopped mid air. The Griffon’s halberd had went through his chest. The entire crowd gasped, as the Griffon lowered his opponent to the ground. “Is the the best you got?” Asked the Griffon, even more so taunting. “You… Just… Wait…” Blaze replied, shutting his eyes. “Now, bring th-” The King was cut short. “And THIS is why you don’t fight against us… You’ll just end up like a marshmallow: At the end of a stick… Alas, the glory belongs to our K-” *Splat* The Griffon fell to the ground, as Blaze had cut all four of his legs by the ankle. Blaze threw himself on top of his opponent, mercilessly punching his face for a while. “This” *Bam* “Is” *Bam* “Why” *Bam* “You” *Bam* “Keep” *Bam* “Your” *Bam* “Eye” *Bam* “On” *Bam* “The” *Bam* “ENEMY!” “Y-You’re nothing…” *Cough * “But a murderer… You took lives of innocents…” The Griffon spat out through what remained of his teeth, regardless of having a beak. “Indeed I have… And you know what else I did to them?” “Stop! I yield!” The King threw in, nothing but an effort in vain. “I gouged their eyes out like this…” Blaze replied, sinking his cold, metallic thumbs into the Griffon’s eye sockets, blinding him and causing severe bleeding. The Griffon cried out in pain until he was too exhausted to continue. He laid there motionless. Blaze stood up to two legs, lifting one into the air. “Then crushed their heads like this!” He said, stomping his heavy steel feet on the Griffon’s head, crushing it like a watermelon. He stared at the King, adrenaline rushing through him desensitizing him to the pain from the hole in his chest. Fortunately for him, his spine was replaced with the same material his limbs were. He rested a few seconds, then straightened up. Spreading his arms, sword in the right, and the hole clearly visible he addressed the Griffons. “IS THERE NOBODY ELSE?!” “Kill him!” The King yelled, and his soldiers drew their crossbows. Before they could fire, they were impaled by metal spikes. Once it had entered their bodies, it split into smaller branches, causing a gruesome death to each of them. All of them, but a single one... “You lost, Griffon. Now leave at once, or suffer their fate…” Blaze warned him. The King stood there in shock, just steps away from him one of his soldiers was staring him right in the eye, their head was tilted toward Blaze, pinning their pupils at the edge of his eye for a last glance at his King. The King felt something he never before. He felt vulnerable and weak. He started regaining his strength, but the soldier next to him coughed up chunks of his intestines and a large amount of blood, which was his final breath. The King only nodded, and took flight. Sigmis hopped over the barrier and gave Blaze a shoulder to rest on. “Well done my friend. If you weren’t resting against me, I would bow before your determination,” His friend exclaimed, helping him out to the sisters. Instead of words, they healed his wounds. “Blaze… We… We are speechless…” Celestia said, her sister nodding. “It would be an honor if you could teach me this…” Sigmis joined in. “At a later date… Okay? Stay for a few days, then we can talk…” Blaze assured his friend, soon returning to his room. As he opened the door his face was impacted by a large book. “Are you out of your mind?! You scared the life out of me!” Blossom yelled at him, tears in her eyes. “I did what I had to, sis… We, the guards look out for one another… If I would’ve let them to be taken they would’ve been killed…” He explained, closing his arms around her. “I- I was so w-worried… M-my heart stopped b-beating…” She replied, sobbing. “Sshhh… Sshhhh… It’s okay, sis… I told you… I will ALWAYS be here for you…” He said in an attempt to calm her. He was not sure to feel guilt because of her, or pride for his victory. Just when he succeeded in calming his sister they heard knocking on the door. Blaze kissed Blossom on the forehead, and left to answer the door. “Yes?” He asked opening the door. It was General Onyx. “Mithril. We need to talk…” [End of Chapter 7]