//------------------------------//
// Iron Blade 
// Story: My Little Hoof-Blood #1: The Shattered Armor 
// by Crystal_Clear123456 
//------------------------------//

So... Spectra's mom is Rainbow Dash, goddess of victory, rainbows, weather, and whatnot. But who's my father?

Well, it was time for dinner, so we went to the dining pavilion to eat. Grabbing my plate, I got some food and sat down on one of the stone chairs next to Cupcake, Spectra, and Starry Night, one of the unicorns that I teamed up with in Capture the Flag.

"Congrats, Spectra!" I said to Spectra, who gave me thanks.

I decided to talk to Starry about hoof-blood lives. "So, what are battles like?"

"Well, you've experienced battling the Changelings and those timberwolves," Starry said, "so you know what battle is like. But those are monsters - they're different from hoof-bloods and other ponies. They aren't as dumb as the monsters. They know a few moves that we do. So it will be harder for you to win, but you can still win, of course. Unless he or she is a god or goddess, which is a completely different story."

I nodded. "What about quests?"

Starry's gaze darkened, like a thick cloud covering the moon. "That's a whole different story. Yes, there are battles along the way - whether you fight monsters, hoof-bloods, gods or goddesses, whatnot. But the thing about them is that they can change you completely - if you're not careful enough and if you can't control your feelings. Not that you can't, but anypony can, and it's really hard to not do that."

I thought about it. What could possibly go wrong? But I kept quiet and decided not to ask any questions as we headed under a tree to have a little conversation.

Suddenly, I heard the galloping of hooves running towards us. A white mare with gray stripes was running towards us - a daughter of Zecora, goddess of medicine and prophecies, if I'm correct. She was panting and seemed to have urgent news.

"Iron Blade! Starry Night! You have to come, right now!" She said, panting. "The Cabin Eighteen ponies have received a message from Zecora, our mother, herself. It might mean a new Great Prophecy. Come on!"

I looked at Starry for a moment before we both galloped after the zebra-pony.

When we reached camp, a bunch of the Zecora ponies were at the porch of the Big House with everypony else gathered beneath them. The half-zebras looked worried.

Suddenly, the chattering died as Silver walked up to the porch. "The ponies of Cabin Eighteen have received a prophecy from their mother, the goddess Zecora," she said, "I let them speak now, to tell you this prophecy." Silver stepped back and the Zecora children started to recite the prophecy.

"Changes will come to everpony around,
Disguising as others with a hissing sound.
But six will rise - the star, the dawn, and the minute,
The sword, the sweets, and the shock will cut

The Queen will rise, the evils shall sing.
Even the Crystal's powers cannot ring.
But these young six, of earth, magic, and sky
Will bring Changes to the desert, where they fly.

But not before the armor is rust,
And not before the twilight is dusk."

Everypony was gazing at them in awe, taking in the prophecy. What in all of Equestria could that mean?

Suddenly I was aware of ponies staring at me, especially Cupcake, Dawn, Starry, Time, and Spectra. They were looking at each other, too. What, are we the subjects of the prophecy?

But I realized that they were looking at my flank. Looking down, I realized that I had gotten my cutie mark - a blue shield with a purple six-pointed star and two crossed swords behind the shield. I've been claimed!

Silver bowed. "God of defenses and battles. All hail to Iron Blade, son of Shining Armor.


* * *


I found myself facing a giant army of Changelings - I couldn't see how far they went. Around me were hoof-bloods, gods, goddesses, and Silver, prepared for battle. Shining Armor was there as well, but he looked like he'd just run through a forest, off the pathways and through the branches.

Then I woke up back in Cabin Four with the other Shining Armor ponies. They were still sleeping, but some were twitching with dreams. I shuddered. I just had a dream that might be showing me the future.

Father, Shining Armor, I thought, If you can hear me, please, tell me what's going on!

I usually don't do Pinkie Promises, but I cross my heart and hope to fly that I heard Shining Armor's voice in my head. Help me, son. If you must, you and your two friends must consult Zecora. Do not trust imposters, and you will find one soon.

I scratched my head. What did that mean?