Elsewhere in Canterlot, a little dragon was hanging out in a donut shop, drinking some cocoa and eating donuts to pass the time as his friends were having the time of their lives at the Grand Galloping Gala. He was the only patron there as everyone else was at the party.
Spike had placed his mug on the counter a little hard and said, “ Hey, Pony Joe. Another donut.”
The keeper of the shop, a light amber Unicorn stallion, walked up to the dragon and replied, ”Don't you think you've had enough?”
Spike slammed the mug down again and responded, in an angry tone, “Another donut! Extra sprinkles!”
Just then, the bell to the shop rang when someone entered. The stallion looked to see who it was. “Twilight Sparkle, haha! Long time no see,” he said.
The purple dragon turned around and saw Twilight and the rest of the mane six were there. They were standing in front of the doorway. Their dresses were dirty and torn in several places. The ponies’ faces were a mix of sad and disappointed expressions.
Spike got down from the barstool and ran over to see them. He said, “Hey, how was the Gala? How was your best night ever?”
They gathered around a table and ordered a platter of donuts. Each one told their tale of what they experienced. They didn’t spare any detail of what they went through.
The purple dragon said, “That sounds like the worst night ever!”
All the ponies around him responded, “It was!” Then laughed about it.
Suddenly, the bell rang again. It was Al and he was running to their table. He was a little out of breath.
Applejack said, “Woah there, sugarcube. Where’s the fire?”
As he was catching his breath, he replied, “You need to come back to the Gala. Swift Blaze might be in trouble.”
Twilight responded, “I didn’t really see him at the Gala. What did he do?”
“He challenged some snob Unicorn to a duel with swords. I don’t know who it is, but we need to be there for our friend.”
All the ponies and little dragon paid their tab and made their way back to the castle.
-----Back at the Gala-----
Prince Blueblood and Swift Blaze were preparing for the duel in separate areas of the garden. The white Unicorn was putting on the typical protective gear for a fencing duel, as he was trained in. The red Unicorn has taken his tux off to avoid getting it torn and dirty. He summoned his sword as he refused to use the thin blade. He didn’t put on any of the protective paddings.
When the time was almost up, they ventured to an open space where everyone else had gathered to watch. The Princesses were up on the balcony. Shining Armor was standing in the center of the match space. All of Swift Blaze’s teammates that were there stood on his side of the field. They had discussed the stories and rumors of what that white stallion was like.
As soon as Prince Blueblood saw his opponent was not wearing any protective gear, he said, “Are you coming to say you’re backing out? I will totally understand that you’re afraid of my greatness. I have been taught by the finest teachers money can buy. They told me that I’m a match for no one.”
“No, I’m not backing down,” Blaze replied. “I’m the one that issued the challenge. I would hate to tarnish my name. As to why I’m not wearing that stuff, I find it restrictive in movements. I’m not afraid of a little scratch from that toothpick sword you have there. If, you think you can land a hit.”
“Oh, a little overconfident are you over there. I’ve chatted with my fellow ponies and none of them have heard of you. You must be a party crasher. Or worse, a peasant that is trying to take what they weren’t born into.”
“It’s not that. I just know from skill levels, you are nowhere near my level. It’s true I’m not from Canterlot. But, I was invited, personally, by both Princesses. I consider them close friends. I’m getting tired of this banter. Can we please move this along? I do have several friends waiting for me to wrap this up so we can head out of here.”
“If you’re that anxious to be beaten, I will gladly bring it to you.”
The two unicorns entered the match space. The Captain of the Royal Guard cleared his throat to get the ponies watching their attention. “If I may have your attention. The duel between Prince Blueblood and Swift Blaze is about to commence. Here are the rules. Number one, you must stay within the boundaries of this match field. If you step out, you lose. Number two, any sword type weapons are allowed. Number three, only levitation magic is allowed to hold the weapon. Any other spell will be an automatic loss for you. Lastly, the match will end when someone surrenders, is knocked out or is killed. Do you both agree?”
The red Unicorn nodded his head. He then stood up on his hind hooves and drew his reverse blade sword. The white Unicorn also nodded. He activated his magic and grabbed onto his sword.
Shining Armor walked out of the area. He signaled the Princess. The blue Alicorn, in the Royal Canterlot Voice, said, “Let the match, BEGIN!”
---A few minutes before the match---
A group that was led by a white hair human, made their way back to the castle. Al escorted his friends to the balcony where the Princesses were going to watch from. When they arrived, it was when the two unicorns arrived at the field.
Twilight was the first to speak, “Princesses, you need to stop this duel!” she said.
“Al told us what Blaze did,” said Applejack. “He has nothing to prove in this.”
Princess Luna replied, “I believe he does. He wanted to restore Rarity’s honor and disgrace Prince Blueblood for what he did to her.”
“But I no longer care about that Unicorn,” said the white Unicorn mare. “I thought being a prince, he would treat any maiden with grace and respect. I was mistaken.”
“It’s not your fault, Rarity,” replied Rainbow Dash. “He was being a total snob. I think he deserves what’s coming to him.”
“But Blaze doesn’t have to do this,” said the purple mare. “I’m going down there and stopping this.”
Al responded, “Please don’t. He’s asked me to have everyone stay up here instead on the field. He knows you don’t want him to do this, but he’s already issued the challenge. If he backs down. What kind of a rep would he have as a new Royal Guard that backs down? He knows what he’s doing. Please have confidence in our friend and cheer him on.”
They all nodded and gathered at the edge of the balcony. Princess Luna noticed Shining Armor was walking off the field. She prepared her announcement to the guest to begin the match.
-----Back to the match-----
Blaze remained in a defensive stance with his sword. He didn’t want to strike first. The red stallion wanted to see the sort of training stallion paid for. The white Unicorn wasted no time in advancing. He didn’t do a full sprint, more of a gallop to his opponent, he wanted to have style in the fight and show off to all the mares watching.
Prince Blueblood kept the blade horizontal, for quick thrusts. Once he thought he was close enough, the unicorn trusted his blade at the red stallion. Blaze responded by easily deflecting the attack to the side.
The white Unicorn repeated the thrust several times. Each one was deflected. He switched to slash attacks. The red Unicorn blocked them with no effort. They stepped away after a few minutes. Neither of them landed a blow.
As Prince Blueblood saw his opponent seemed to know what they were doing, he said, “I have to ask, if you appear to be skilled with a blade, why are you using one where the edge is towards you instead of your opponent? Also, why are you not using your magic?”
“If you must know,” said Blaze, “I prefer this blade as it won’t cause serious injury to my opponent, just some major pain. For the magic, I find it causes a distraction.”
“If you don’t use magic, you mustn’t be very skilled in it. Having to move one’s body around with the blade is so, peasant-like. You probably can’t even do the simplest of lifting a feather. Hahaha.”
“At least I didn’t have to pay others to teach me. I haven’t even moved. If you’re going to hit me, then HIT me!”
The white stallion went on the attack again. He increased the speed of the slashes and thrust combos. The red stallion simply continued to block with minimal effort. “Is this your true best?” he asked.
“You want more? I’ll give you more!”
Prince Blueblood summoned three more blades to his side. He started to use all the blades at the same time. Blaze picked up the pace and continued to block or dodge the attacks. Being able to defend from four blade directions is quite a feat to see. It almost looked like the stallion created two more forehooves to hold a second blade at the speed he was moving.
The white stallion’s horn was glowing brighter and brighter as it forced the blades to move faster. He no longer cared about how he looked in his attacks. He wanted to land a hit and cause some serious injury. The Unicorn couldn’t believe that he still hasn’t used any magic.
Blaze saw fatigue was starting to set in on his opponent. He guessed this would be a good time to finish this schoolyard fight. Just as an attack was about to hit, the red stallion performed an after image technique. It made it look like the blades when right through his body.
Prince Blueblood first thought he landed the hit. But, as his opponent didn’t react to it, the body soon faded away. The white stallion quickly looked around to where he went. He soon felt the tip of a blade at the back of his head.
The red Unicorn was standing off to the left side of his opponent. He had his blade being held with his right forehoof and it was extended pointing directly to the back of the white Unicorn’s head. Blaze asked, “Do you yield?”
“That must have been magic you used!” Prince Blueblood shouted. “Admit it so I can be declared the winner.”
“That wasn’t magic. I’m just quick on my hooves. Captain Shining Armor can confirm it as he’s been scanning the field for magic. Am I correct?”
The captain replied, “The red stallion has not used any sort of magic since the beginning of magic.”
“This is some sort of scam to make a fool of me,” said the white stallion. “I will not stand for this!”
Blaze replied, “Okay.” He moved quickly and hit the forelegs of his opponent with his blade to make him fall forward in the front. He also lightly tapped the horn to cause the levitation magic spell on his blades to end. With that, the blade tip was placed back to the head again. “Do you have any other request?” he asked.
“You can’t treat me like this. I’m a prince! I will have you thrown in the dungeon!” shouted Prince Blueblood.
“Were you acting like a proper prince? Let’s ask a mare I know.” The red Unicorn looked toward the balcony where the princesses and his friends were at. “Ahh, Lady Rarity, were you with this stallion most of the night at the Gala?” he asked.
“I was,” replied the white Unicorn mare.
“Did he treat you nicely like a prince or gentlecolt should to a mare?”
“I’m afraid he didn’t.” Rarity recounted what happened that evening so all the crowd could hear.
Blaze turned back to his opponent and leaned closer. “Now do you understand why I challenged you? Didn’t give the mare the flower, wouldn’t hold the door, made her use her clothing to cover a puddle of a spilled drink, wouldn’t pay for the treat, and lastly, you used her as a shield instead of blocking the flying food yourself. Do you have anything you wish to say?”
“I’m a prince! She should be grateful that I allowed her to be near me. Any mare would be happy to do all that stuff for me because I’m a prince. I deserve to be treated as such,” said the white stallion.
“No, you’re a spoiled brat that got everything you demanded from your parents. You didn’t work hard and earn it. I think it’s time to finish this.”
Prince Blueblood closed his eyes. He remained in the same position with his rear end still standing and the front is on the ground. The stallion took a big gulp as he was expecting a killing blow. But, he then heard something.
“Four!” shouted Blaze.
The red Unicorn had moved closer to the back part of his opponent. He was holding his sword, with the longer side of the blade, like a golf club. He was in the beginning part of the swing when he shouted. Afterward, he swung the blade down and forward. The side of the blade made contact with the family jewels of Prince Blueblood.
The white stallion screamed a very high pitch. Like the sound of a boiling steam pot. He also flew through the air several feet while holding onto the pain source. The unicorn landed just outside of the match field. The stallions in the area cringed at the sight of what happened.
Captain Shining Armor stepped next to the red Unicorn and said, “The winner of the duel is Swift Blaze!”
The ponies around stomped their hooves lightly, then departed the area. The red stallions friends up on the balcony cheered loudly. The princesses clapped their forehooves together. His teammates headed over to their captain to congratulate him.
“Nicely done there, Blaze,” said Star Dust. “We all knew you would win.”
“Did you even work up a sweat?” asked Colorful Sparks.
“I’m glad that snobby stallion got what he deserved,” Lightning Trails said. “I’ve heard some stories from the other guards of how he treated them and the staff of the castle.”
“We know you could have ended that a lot sooner. You really restrained yourself,” said Fang.
“Our sis got to mess with some mare’s tails,” said Cancer.
“You dealt with that stallion,” said Dragon.
Together, they said, “and we only got to herd some wild animals.”
“Was it necessary to hit him down there?” asked Shining Armor. “Even I cringe from pain just seeing that.”
After listening to their responses, Blaze replied. “That was more for fun. I might have shed a tear of laughter after landing that hit. I too heard the rumors. I’m glad I was there to see what he did and make the challenge. As to why I aimed for that, he was being a dick. He now has a new name. Prince Blueballs!”
The group laughed after hearing the name. The red stallion asked, “Even though this isn’t exactly what everyone thought tonight was going to happen, did everyone at least have some fun?”
“I just want to blow this joint and get some real grub,” said a voice behind the red stallion. He turned around and saw it was Al who spoke. Behind them were the rest of the friends and princesses that were up on the balcony.
“I told you that they weren’t going to have any human level food,” said Blaze.
“I did find some. Applejack had them.”
“That was some intense swordplay,” said Rainbow Dash. “How come you didn’t use any of your abilities?”
“It was a sword duel. I followed the rules to ensure victory,” replied the red Unicorn. “Plus, I’m still learning what I can do with magic. I’m only a week into the studies.”
“And you’re still on the most basic of spells,” said Twilight. “I learned all that while in Magic Kindergarten.”
“Umm, you were born a Unicorn. I wasn’t. Give me some time to get used to it.”
At the edge of the field, some Royal guards were helping Prince Blueblood back to his hooves in order to escort him to a doctor. The white Unicorn stallion barely caught onto the conversation. The pain from his neither region was still ringing his brain. He said, “Wait, my opponent is not a true Unicorn? Then what in Equestria is he?
The group heard the question and turned toward the prince. Blaze walked back up to his opponent. He replied, “Do you really want to know who I am?”
The white stallion nodded.
“Let’s see, I’m in the Royal Guard. Recently joined and finished the training. I’ve been made Captain. Oh, one last thing.” The red stallion placed his forehooves together and released the Shadow Transform Jutsu. A puff of smoke engulfed his body. Once dissipated, he said, “I’m a very unique, Human.” Blaze leaned in closer and whispered, “If I hear you mistreating guards, staff, or some other pony, what I’ve done here is child’s play. You don’t want me to come back and have another chat with you. Right?”
Prince Blueblood took a dry gulp and quickly nodded.
The black hair human stood back up and said, “Good. I suggest you get some ice on that bruise before they swell up anymore and may need to be cut off.” He chuckled at the last part.
The two Royal guards that were helping quickly lifted the Prince and took him inside.
Blaze turned to his friends. He then said, “Someone mentioned food. Where shall we go?”
“The girls and I were just at a donut shop. We can go back there if you want,” replied Fluttershy.
“Pastry circles do sound good after a night like this. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, would you like to join us?”
The white Alicorn replied, “Sure. I can easily teleport us there.”
Al responded, “Why teleport when we can get there in style.”
“Oh, you must see what Blaze and Al made, The technology involved is very fascinating,” said the purple mare. “But, I don’t know if they can sit comfortably in it.”
The black hair human said, “What? You didn’t think I’ve shown all the features on the way up here, did ya?”
“There’s more?” asked Pinkie Pie with excitement.
“Follow us,” said Al.
The humans led the group back to the front where all the carriages were at. Now no one was there now. Blaze pulled the scroll from inside his jacket pocket. While holding it, he did the same hand signs as before, while his chakra was being gathered into the scroll. At the last sign, he shouted, "Ninja Art! Summoning Jutsu!"
The cloud dissipated and revealed the limo. Princess Celestia walked up to it and said, “Some of the ponies at the gala mentioned seeing a strange carriage that had no horses. I take it, this is it?”
“It is, your highness,” replied Al. “Blaze and I tackled this for a week to get it to this level. It’s still only a prototype. But it runs nicely.”
“Yeah, when I’m supplying the heat power to the steam engine,” said the black hair human. “That’s the first thing to fix so I can drive it as well.”
“Would you mind explaining how this works?” Asked Princess Luna.
The two humans went over it again of the various components that were used for movement. The two sisters walked along the outside as they talked. Once done, it was time to show another feature.
“Alright, this mode is good for the premiere and special events when you want to be secretive of who’s showing up. This next one is going to throw you a loop,” said Al.
He hopped into the driver’s seat and flipped a couple of switches. The following is what happened. The top of the roof split down the middle and rows up to be in line with the walls. The next thing is it collapsed down in several sections into the walls. The windows also went fully down and out of sight.
“Behold, a limo convertible,” said Blaze. “This mode is good for when you want the wind in your mane and have no obstruction on the view. Also good when you’re taller than an average pony.”
“Your feats of engineering are still astounding,” said Twilight. I can’t wait to go into further detail of it.”
“That will have to wait. It’s grub time. All aboard!” said the black hair human.
“Wait,” said Star Dust. “Would it be alright if I bring my little sis?” She’s been wanting to get out of the castle.”
“I don’t see a problem. Just hurry up before Blaze’s stomach gets to an uproar,” said the white hair human.
The blue Unicorn quickly teleported away. A few minutes later, he popped back in the same spot with his sister next to him. He introduced her to everyone individually. “Lastly, this is Rarity. She is the mare who made your dress,” he said.
“Oh! Miss Rarity!” said Flower Dust. “I just love this dress. Thank you so much!”
The white Unicorn mare replied, “You’re quite welcome. I just enjoy making dresses. Especially for friend’s family members. I’m happy you love it. Did you have a wonderful night?”
“Oh yes, I did. I just enjoyed the garden at night. The best part is that I got my Cutie Mark!”
“That’s wonderful, sweetie,” said Twilight. “How about you tell us the tale as we head out for a snack.”
The group all piled into the open-top limo. Blaze took his same spot in the back and Al got behind the wheel. They headed out and made their way to the donut shop. Once parked, everyone stepped out and went back into the diner.
Pony Joe said, “Woah, I didn’t expect you to come back. And you brought more friends. Also Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? I better make some more fresh donuts for everyone.”
“I think six dozen glazed donuts should be good,” said Blaze.
“For all of you?” asked the amber Unicorn stallion.
“No, just for me,” replied the black hair human. “I could go for more, but I don’t want to hold up the others. Actually do mine last.”
“Don’t mind him, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “He just has the bottomless pit in his stomach. He won’t gain any fat from eating that much.
“It’s true,” said the white hair human. “You should see how much he spends on groceries. Just a week would feed others for at least two months.”
“Hey, who’s been getting the hard to get items?” asked Blaze. “Besides, everything just tastes so much better here than back where we came from. Enough of this pointless banter. Everyone, go place your orders so we can enjoy it.”
“And don’t fret everyone,” said the blue Alicorn. “My sister and I shall pay for all of this. Let us just enjoy the rest of this, wonderful night.”
“Why thank you, Princess Luna. That’s very generous of you,” said Rarity.
They all placed their orders and gathered around various tables. As they ate their pastries, they shared their tales of what they experienced at the Gala. They all laughed at the funny points. They then moved toward the duel.
“So, Blaze,” said Lightning Trails, “Why did you make that challenge?”
“Yeah, why would you bother dealing with a rich snob?” asked Rainbow Dash.
The other ponies and Spike also nodded to wondering about it.
Blaze said, “Alright. So, as you know, I didn’t really attend the Gala. When we split up, I headed to Princess Luna. I took a guess she wasn’t attending and just needed encouragement. When we arrived, it was just as Pinkie Pie switched to a DJ type music and Applejack rolled in that huge cake. I saw what transpired. When you all left, I decided to confront that stallion.”
The black hair Human told what happened that led up to the challenge.
“So, you did all of that, as he disrespected the friends from Ponyville?” asked Fang.
“In a way, yes,” he replied.
“Why didn’t you reveal yourself earlier?” asked Colorful Sparks.
“Then if he knew about the recent Royal Guard training, I thought it would have backed out from the duel. It doesn’t take a genius to recognize a coward that hides behind money and status.”
“Why then did you drag out the match? We all know you could have ended it with one hit,” said Cancer.
“Now where is the fun in that? Yes, I could have. But, that stallion needed some teaching. Money may buy you someone to teach you something. The true method of learning is wanting to learn the skill. He didn’t have that. Prince Blueballs saw that more of a pin on his status. He had basic skill techniques. Then, just went wild with how he was thrusting and slashing. More so when he brought in multiple blades.”
“Hah! Prince Blueballs shouted Al. “That’s the most perfect name for him now. Every time I run into him, I’m going to call him that.”
“I’m sure he will remember the pain. And doesn’t want an encore of it.”
Everyone laughed at that thought. The Princesses took their leave and flew back to the castle. Everyone else got back in the limo and headed back to Ponyville. They left the top down to enjoy the night sky. The Royal Guard was dropped off at Blaze and Al’s house so they could get changed and get back onto duty. The rest of the mane six were dropped off at their houses.
When Al pulled back up to his home, the humans got out. Blaze sealed the limo back into a scroll for the time being. They made their way inside, cleaned up, and headed off to bed.
Tonight was a night that no one will ever forget.