Princess Celestia stared grimly at the letter Twilight had sent a week ago. Needless, to say, she was pretty troubled by the news Twilight had brought to her. So the Nightmare Forces have reawakened. And it seems vengeance is their intent. Celestia thought to herself as she began to leave her office. It's fortunate that Burst is residing there. From what Twilight reported, he and his growing team have been able to defeat them with relative ease. But there is strength in numbers. It's time to check up on that little project I've been working on. Twilight holds a large place in my heart. As do her friends since all of them together helped to return what was once lost to me. Celestia's mind drifted to one of her past students. One that held just as close a bond as Twilight. I can't afford to fail her.
The Solar Princess soon found herself at a door with a symbol of a navy blue shield with a golden border and a sword behind it. And behind the sword and shield was a sun with a crescent moon on it. Celestia knocked on the door. "Come in." A voice called out. Celestia opened the door, and found a young man with silver hair and green eyes sitting behind the captain's desk. He was a Skyborn with grey skin, and what looked to be a military-style outfit. "Oh! Princess Celestia! Wasn't expecting you to drop by. Please, take a seat."
"Thank you." Celestia said with a warm smile. "No one would ever expect that the captain of the Elite Guard would be so young. But if your leadership serves as any indication, it's a position you've justly earned." Celestia's face then turned serious. "Steel Edge. Do you remember why I had the Elite Guard formed?"
Steel slowly nodded. "How could I forget that? You knew of your sister, Princess Luna's, coming return to Unity. But you were also aware that she might very well return under the form of Nightmare Moon. Which she did. In the event she'd raise an army against the kingdom, you decided to form a unit from the best of the best. Pulling members from both the Royal and Lunar guards to form the guard branch I'm in charge of. The Elite." A sigh escaped from Steel's lips. "I gotta admit. The lack of action we have around is pretty dull. But ultimately, all of us are happy that we don't need to get called into the battlefield anytime soon. And we get to operate more freely." He then returned his focus to the matter at hand. "I hope I don't come off as prying, but why did you want to see me Your Highness?"
"As you're well aware, my sister was freed thanks to the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony." Celestia began. "However, it seems dark forces have begun to stir once again." Celestia then placed the envelope she'd been caryring with her on the desk, and Steel opened it. Inside were pictures of the Main 6, Burst Stream's growing team, and the Nightmare Forces. "They are called the Nightmare Forces. During my sister's banishment, there were beings who wished to aid in her designs for eternal night. These beings were those who supported her. The Nightmare Forces want a world of darkness in which a reign of terror can be without end. But since my student and her friends managed to return my sister to normal, they have vengeance as their new objective." Celestia then motioned to the picture of Burst, Inferno, and Ace. "But as they have risen, so have new heroes in order to oppose them. Chief among them being Burst Stream. The one who fought Nightmare Moon upon her return and aided in her defeat. From what my student has told me, he seems to be forming a team. One that I wish to request that you join. But the choice is ultimately yours. And I will not hold your refusal against you."
Steel picked up the pictures of the Main 6 and Burst's team. "Princess? Your student means a lot to you doesn't she?" Celestia nodded. "Well then, I'm in. Me and the guard? We're like a family. Through all our training and time together, we're siblings in arms. We mean a lot to each other. I know what it's like to be close with people you're not even related to. And how deep those bonds can be. Plus..." Steel then looked to the picture of Burst's team. "I wanna see how I stack up against a guy who held his own against an Avatar. Even if Nightmare Moon wasn't going all out, what this guy's done is pretty impressive."
"Thank you Captain Edge." Celestia said with a sigh of relief and a tired smile. "You have no idea how much worry you've taken off my shoulders." Celestia then got up to leave. "Oh. And one more thing. I've made the arrangements for you to be moved to Unityville today. Your housing being among said arrangements."
Steel smiled. "You've done more than enough Princess Celestia." Steel said with a bow. "Just let me say my goodbyes, and I'll handle my job." The princess left with a bright smile on her face. Leaving Steel to get his packing done. The first thing he did was head to the barracks and collect some of the items he'd brought with him. Chief among them being a sword and shield passed down through his family to all who took up positions in the guard. This sword and shield have been passed down to every member of my family who joined the guard. They belonged to my ancestor. Black Luster. The legendary knight of Celestia. Steel then looked to his custom armor he had built. It was navy blue and gold, the colors of the Elite Guard, but it was modeled after the armor of Black Luster in terms of design. Looks like my weapons and armor might be seeing some action pretty soon.
As soon as he grabbed his items, Steel called for the attention of his comrades. "Everyone. I've got some pretty big news today." Steel took a deep breath as those under his command chattered amongst themselves while waiting for his announcement. "As of right now, I'm stepping down as your captain. Princess Celestia has requested that I be stationed to Unityville in order to help protect the new Elements of Harmony. I know that all of you are gonna miss me. And I'm gonna miss you all too." Steel sighed. "It's been an honor being your captain. And a privilege to be your brother in arms. Don't forget to keep your edges sharp." The Elite Guard gave a group hug farewell to their captain, and saw him off with a final salute. Steel simply gave them a thumbs-up as he walked off. Upon gathering his remaining belongings, Steel boarded the carriage waiting for him. His thoughts turning to his new home as the carriage's magic engine hummed to life. I wonder what surprises are in store for me when I move in. About an hour or two later, Steel arrived in Unityville.
But the second he set his bags down, Steel was greeted by a pink blur pouncing upon him after opening the door to his house and blowing a party blower in his face! "SURPRISE!" Pinkie all but screamed at Steel's startled face! However, Pinkie was startled in turn when Steel pinned her to the ground! "Whoa! Did I overdo the surprise?"
Steel blinked as he looked at all the people in his new house holding party supplies. He then looked back at Pinkie. "Oh! I'm so sorry about that! Here, let me help you up." Steel helped Pinkie up, and dusted her off. "My reflexes are a bit, twitchy." Steel redirected his attention to the party decorations adorning his house. "You went through all this trouble just to welcome me?"
"Uh-huh!" Pinkie said with an excited nod. "I do this every new person who moves into Unityville! That way I get to make new friends with them! AND I get to make them smile! All part of my duty as the Element of Laughter!"
Steel blinked. "Wait. I thought you looked familiar..." Steel fished into his pocket, and pulled out the picture of the Main 6. "You're Pinkie Pie. One of Twilight Sparkle's friends." Steel then looked at the puzzled Main 6. "To be honest? You six are part of the reason why I've moved here." He then flashed a friendly smile at the girls. "Name's Steel Edge. Captain of the Elite Guard formed under Princess Celestia in the event Nightmare Moon should amass an army to attack Unity. I was stationed here by order of the princess to help protect you. Namely due to the recent events of the past couple of weeks."
"Whatever." Rainbow Dash said as she rolled her eyes. "Look. It's nice of you to come in and be our bodyguard, but we've already got a couple of guys who are serving as Unityville's official peacekeepers." She then smirked at Steel. "And besides, I can handle myself soldier-boy." Rainbow Dash then got into a karate stance, and threw a few punches and kicks. "I ain't a damsel in distress, so don't try to be my knight in shining armor!"
Steel chuckled at Rainbow Dash's remark. "Well. One less person for me to worry about. And speaking of those peacekeepers, I've actually been requested by Princess Celestia to join them. So you just might see me in action. But enough about work. IT'S PARTY TIME!" The Main 6 were stunned to see Steel switch from business to party mode so fluidly. They'd been expecting him to be totally stoic and hard-to-adjust. A question that Twilight brought up as the celebration went on. "That's a good question Twilight." Steel began. "You see, the Elite Guard is way more flexible than the other guard branches. See, we have a basic fitness regiment. But we aren't so rigid with our training. We're filled with specialists who excel in different areas of combat. And we let all in our number train under whatever style fits them. Plus, since we haven't seen much action, we have a lot more free time than your standard guards. Don't be fooled. We work hard, but we party even harder."
"Huh." Twilight said with a shrug. "I wonder how my brother would react to seeing the Elite Guard Captain be a younger guy than he is!" Twilight giggled as she pictured her brother's reaction to Steel, but was snapped out of her musings when she remembered part of why Steel had moved here. "Oh! You said you were joining up with Unityville's peacekeepers, right?" Steel nodded, and Twilight smiled. "That means you'll be working with Burst and Inferno. There's another member, Arctic Ace, but he's not as involved in fighting. Last I heard, he was designated as their strategist and observer."
Steel nodded. "So it seems like the foundation for a team's already been laid. Well, thanks for letting me know about that Twilight." Now to find out how good a leader Burst Stream is. And if he can play well with others. But that's a matter for another time. Right now, I'd better turn my attention to the treats before Pinkie Pie devours them all. Steel took a nervous glance as Pinkie scarfed down an entire plate of cupcakes. And I bet she could do it too! The party soon ended, and Steel threw himself on his bed. Not even bothering to unpack, and just wanting to rest after the party. Coupled with the fact he had just travelled, he was beat. Whatever he had left to do, it could wait until tomorrow.
Sure enough, tomorrow came. And Burst and Inferno were out training Ace so he could at least rely on his fist for close encounters. They were getting pretty into it when they heard armored footsteps approaching them. Steel walked up to the group clad in his armor with his shield on his back and his sword sheathed at his hip. Carrying his helmet under one of his arms. "So. It looks like you're all keeping yourselves sharp. Nice to meet you."
"Uh, yeah. You too." Burst said with a raised brow. "Who are you? And is there someway we can help you? Because we need to get back to our training. Whatever attack comes next, we need to be at the top of our game."
Steel smiled. "That's precisely why I've come to you and why I've relocated here." Steel then saluted. "Steel Edge. Captain of the Elite Guard. By order of Princess Celestia, I've been stationed here to provide additional protection to the Elements of Harmony and your team. Come to think of it, what IS your team called anyway?"
"We've had some time to brainstorm names, and ultimately decided on the Elements of Heroism. Or EoH for short." Burst answered. "So how are you gonna provide us with more support Steel? The princess isn't having you station a whole squad of Elite Guards, is she?"
Steel chuckled. "No. Actually, she wanted me to join up with you guys. It's not everyday you meet a guy who can hold his own against an Avatar. Especially one that tried to bring about eternal night." Steel then glanced at the group of three before him. "Looks like you've already got a solid foundation. But before I join..." Steel put on his helmet, and drew his weapons. "I want to see what you're made of."
"Fair enough. You're someone who's used to calling the shots." Burst said with a shrug. "But could we move this somewhere a little less crowded? I'd prefer it if we didn't have any accidents harm anyone in our sparring."
Steel nodded. "Concern for civilians in the area. That's one good mark on you. Now let's take the field. I'm eager to see how many other good marks you've got." The group relocated to the field. Burst handed his blasters to Inferno for safekeeping. "Aren't you going to engage me at full capability?"
"You're fighting with melee weapons only. Wouldn't be fair if I just whipped out one of my blasters against you." Burst replied. "Besides. It'll be nice to practice against a sword and shield style of wielding." Burst raised his sword, and charged at Steel! But just as Burst brought his blade down, Steel blocked with his shield and shoved Burst back with it! Burst stumbled onto his back, and dropped his sword!
However, Steel didn't move an inch. "Get up and get your sword back." Steel called out. "There's nothing I hate more than somebody kicking a guy when he's down." Steel was surprised when Burst sprung to his feet, and used magic to levitate the sword back to him. "That's the spirit! Come on!" Steel and Burst charged at each other! The sound of their blades clashing rang throughout the field! Both Inferno and Ace watched intently. Burst and Steel were an almost even match. However, Burst decided to change-up tactics. He feigned raising his sword, and Steel rose his shield up high to guard! Only to be winded when Burst stuck Steel's stomach with the handle of his sword! "Nice...fake out..." Steel wheezed as his breath returned to him. "Good to see you don't play dirty. But man do you hit hard!"
"Thanks dude." Burst said with a smile. "Hey, you sure you're a guard? With your style, I'd say you're more along the lines of a knight. You fight fair, and honorably."
Steel chuckled. "Runs in my family, I guess." Steel then inspected his weapons. "This sword and shield belonged to my ancestor. Black Luster. One of the most legendary knights in the kingdom's history." Steel then looked at Burst. "Come to think of it, your fighting style is pretty familiar too."
"Well, my dad taught me how to fight." Burst replied. "He's called Aether Stream. He's an Avatar like the princesses."
Steel's jaw dropped. "Burst. You're dad's the first Knight of Faust! I only heard about him in legends! But I'd never have believed he settled down and had a family!" Steel then smiled fondly. "He and my ancestor are who inspired me to become the Elite Guard captain. People who fought for what was right, and to protect those weaker than themselves." Steel then laid down his weapons, and extended his hand. "From what I've seen, you've got a lot of him in you. I'd be honored to fight by your side."
"Good to have you aboard." Burst said with a smile as he shook Steel's hand. "Now that we've got that out of the way, how about we grab something from Sugar Cube Corner? I don't know about the rest of you, but I could go for a root beer float right about now."
Steel chuckled. "I'll buy enough for the four of us. Only fair since I got my armored butt handed to me. But first, I better get changed." A few minutes later, Steel rejoined the group. His usual outfit consisting of black combat boots, blue cargo pants, a black tank top, and a jacket modeled after the top half of his armor. "So. Anything you care to tell me about this town?"
"Yeah. It's not as quiet as you think." Inferno said with a chuckle. "We can tell you stories Steel." Inferno then smirked as he recalled one moment of craziness in particular. "Case in point where a certain librarian caused the whole town to go crazy over a couple of Grand Gala tickets. That was one crazy afternoon."
Steel chuckled. "Do tell..."
One week later
Steel was out for his morning jog. It seemed like a routine day for him, but he noticed something odd. There was a shadow being cast next to him from the sky. He looked up, and sure enough found Rainbow Dash flying just a little bit above him. "Morning, Dash." Steel greeted. "So what's got you tailing me?"
"Just seeing what your workout routine is." Rainbow Dash said with a shrug. "Yeah, I push myself pretty hard too. Gotta keep myself in prime condition for the Wonderbolts!"
Steel smirked at hearing this. "Sure. If they ever need a designated nap specialist, I'm sure you'd be their first choice."
"Oh ho ho! You want to make something out of this soldier boy?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Bring it! Let's settle this with a race! First one to my house wins! Now since I'm the fastest flier around town, I'll give you a five second head start."
Steel smiled. "You're on!" Steel crouched into a take off position, and sped off as soon as he could! He had wade it about a quarter of the way to Rainbow Dash's house when a rainbow-colored streak zipped past him! Steel snapped himself out of shock, and poured on as much speed as he could! But in the end, Rainbow Dash was victorious. "On second thought...maybe I should consider napping more..." Steel panted as he flapped his wings to keep himself in the sky.
"I've got actions to back my words." Rainbow Dash said with a winning smile as she landed on the clouds that her house rested on. "But hey. You gave it your all. And you're a good loser. That's pretty cool in my book. Wanna grab some water?" Steel nodded, and decided to head inside with Rainbow Dash. However, Rainbow Dash was greeted with a familiar face upon entering her house. "Gilda?!"
The young woman Rainbow Dash had spotted had brown eagle wings, white skin, white hair with purple highlights, and a lion tail. Her outfit consisted of a brown leather jacket, ripped jeans, and biker boots. "'Sup Dash? Been a while." The two shared a fist bump. "You sure came a long way since Junior Speedsters." Gilda then noticed Steel, and smirked. "So. Who's the boyfriend?"
Rainbow Dash's face turned bright scarlet! "WHAT?!" She then looked at Steel, and then back at Gilda! "You got the wrong idea G! He's not my boyfriend! Well, we're starting to become friends, but we're not like that!"
"Now that the embarrassment is out of the way," Steel interjected. "would you mind introducing me to your old friend?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head to shake off any lingering shock. "Oh. Right. This is Gilda. She's a griffon I made friends with back in Cloudsdale we were in Junior Speedster Camp together." Rainbow Dash was about to explain further, but Pinkie was on the ground calling out for Rainbow Dash. Unityville's chief party planner was a bit surprised to see Gilda, but greeted Pinkie welcomed Gild with her usual cheerful attitude. However, Steel noticed something troubling. Each time Pinkie tried to get some time in with Rainbow Dash, Gilda pushed Pinkie away! Even going so far as popping the balloons Pinkie had used to float herself up into the air!
Steel made a beeline for Pinkie, and caught her in the air! "Geez! What's ruffling that girl's feathers?!" Steel said with a frown as he glared at Gilda rejoining Rainbow Dash. "She didn't have to be so mean to you Pinkie. Doesn't she realize you're Rainbow Dash's friend too?"
"Actually, I think she does. And she doesn't like that very much." Pinkie said sadly as she frowned. "And to top it off, she's a thief and a bully too! She made Fluttershy cry!" Pinkie smiled. "But I think I know a way to get a grumpy pants like her in a better mood! C'MON STEEL! IT'S PARTY TIME!" Pinkie then hoisted up Steel, and dashed off to Sugar Cube Corner where she got to work setting up the snacks and decorations. Rainbow Dash even set a few pranks in. Namely because she remembered that Gilda really enjoyed pranks. But when the party actually began, Gilda got more and more angry at all the pranks she set off! She even insinuated that Pinkie was trying to drive a wedge between her and Rainbow Dash!
"The only one to do that was you Gilda." Steel said sternly as he walked up to Gilda. "You've been nothing but mean to some of Rainbow Dash's new friends."
Gilda snarled at this! "And why shouldn't I be?!" She then pointed an accusing finger at Pinkie Pie! "That little dweeb's gotta have it out for me! All the times I've brushed her off today when she tried to horn-in on our time!"
"You did what?" Rainbow Dash asked calmly. But her face betrayed her voice. Rainbow Dash was furious as she looked Gilda right in the eye. "Gilda. I planned out those pranks. I thought you'd like them. But if you're going to be mean to my new friends, then maybe you're someone I shouldn't be hanging around with. Especially since you pushed Pinkie away on purpose."
Gilda scowled at Rainbow Dash. "Fine. Whatever. This place is lame anyway!" And with that, Gilda stormed off! However, as soon as she reached the edge of town, she bumped into a bunch of knights clad in dark armor! "Hey! Watch where you're going!" Gilda dusted herself off. "It's bad enough Rainbow Dash sided with the dweebs. Now I a bunch of armored jerks block my way." She grumbled.
"You know the Element of Loyalty?" The lead knight asked.
"Yeah. I know her. She was my friend. What's it to you?!" Gilda snapped!
The knight grabbed Gilda by the throat! "Everything." The knights dragged Gilda back into town, and announced their reason for coming. "ELEMENT OF LOYALTY! WE ARE THE KNIGHTS OF THE NIGHTMARE FORCES. WE HAVE YOUR FRIEND AS OUR HOSTAGE, AND WE WILL END HER LIFE BEFORE ALL OF UNITYVILLE! BUT WE GIVE YOU A CHOICE: KEEP YOUR ELEMENT, OR YOUR FRIEND LOSES HER HEAD. YOU HAVE AN HOUR TO DECIDE!" The whole town started to fearfully murmur amongst themselves. Rainbow Dash was about to offer herself up for the exchange when Steel stepped into the town square with his armor and weapons equipped.
"You assholes call yourselves knights? You make me sick." Steel spat as he approached the group. "You gave my friend an ultimatum. I think it's only fair I give you guys one too. Let the girl go, and none of you taste my edge."
The dark knights laughed! "Do you think we're intimidated by your petty threat boy?" The lead knight mocked. "We were created with the sole purpose of matching the Royal Guard in terms of combat!"
"Well then," Steel said with a smirk. "You don't realize just how outclassed you are." The knights still assumed Steel was no threat to them and was merely boasting. A fatal mistake on their part as Steel zipped over to the lead knight, and cut his arm off! The arm fell to the ground, and disintegrated! Nightmare essence leaking from where Steel had landed the first strike! Steel glanced over the shocked reactions of the dark knights as he pointed his blade at one of them. "Next?" One of the dark knights rushed at Steel from behind, but Steel rammed his shield against his face! While the dark knight was stunned, Steel cut him right down the middle! The dark knight splitting in two before disintegrating!! So that's what my folks meant when they said that this sword was special. It's cutting through these things like butter! The remaining dark knights, save for their commander, charged at Steel! But he finished them all off with a quick spin attack of his sword! The commander teleported away in fear! Knowing full well that he stood no chance. Gilda also made a hasty exit. Not wanting to stick around and see what happened next. As the scene calmed down, Steel noticed his upper left arm glowing. He took off the armor, and found a mark with his shield, sword, and helmet on his arm! "What the heck does this mean?"
Burst and his team walked up to Steel. "It means you've officially become one of us." Burst answered. "You know, you didn't have to step in and save Gilda."
"Yeah. But I wanted to." Steel said with a shrug. "I hate guys who don't fight fair. There's an old saying in my family. A warrior without honor has no right to his weapons. And even if Gilda was a bit mean to some of our friends, that doesn't mean she deserved to pay with her life. Sometimes doing the honorable thing isn't easy. And it won't always pay off. But it's what's right. And that makes it worth doing."
Burst smiled. "Well said. Element of Honor." The Elements of Heroism returned to Sugar Cube Corner. Announcing Steel's heroic feat to the Main 6. Steel thanked the Main 6 for their praise, and was about to leave when Rainbow Dash stopped him.
"Hey. What you did back there?....Thanks." Rainbow Dash said with a slight blush. "Not many guys would stick their neck out to the same person that had been horrible to their friends."
Steel gave her a small smile. "I've dedicated my life to protecting this land. That includes jerks like Gilda who don't deserve it." He then looked sadly into Rainbow Dash's eyes. "Hey. I'm sorry that your friendship's a bit broken with her."
"That's fine." Rainbow Dash said with a smile as she playfully punched Steel's arm. "I just got a new awesome guy friend to make up for it! So. Care to tell me about some of the sick moves you whipped out against those dark knights earlier over some fizzy cider?"
Steel chuckled. "It would be my honor."