The tale of Aeros: Part 1.
‘Let me introduce myself. I’m Aeros Dawnstar. I am 7 years old but my parents already tell me that I’m a very big colt. I go to school here in Manehattan. A small school for other foals with rich parents. My father is one of the best, perhaps the best flyer in all of Equestria. Even the Wonderbolts gaze in awe when he flies! And so he became rich.’
At the age of 10 Aeros had surpassed every other foal in his class with knowledge and physique. His parents, particularly his father constantly tutoring him about flying and all calculations and variables that influenced it. He was indifferent towards the flying lessons, performing poorly and it soon became clear flying wasn’t his thing. His parents were greatly disappointed for Aeros would not follow the path his father followed. As colts for generations followed in the family and had become the heritage of the family.
‘By now you can figured why they called me Aeros. It would be a suitable name for a sports flyer but I really can’t see how any pony can enjoy it. Still my dad forces me to attend the flight school for advanced flyers and shoving down more knowledge of flying in my head. I started to become a little depressed and I really didn’t know what else I could do. What my special talent would be. Until the day I saw a flier at school. It said: ‘fencing tryouts, are you the new swords master?’ I thought it was a great idea but of course my parents didn’t. Sword fighting was for the poor and the weak of minded.’
Aeros kept the flier he found in his room but obeyed his parents’ will initially. But the more he looked at the flier the more it spoke to him. As if he already had a certain affinity with it. On a certain evening right after dinner, Aeros opened his window and flew to the address given on the flier. Upon arrival he noticed that the neighborhood was poor and the buildings were crude. This didn’t scare him. He entered the house and there he gazed upon the ponies fencing. He fell in love the seconds he caught the first glimpse.
‘Wow, such finesse in movements, agility and wits. This might just be what I was looking for! I just hope my parents don’t find out. If they do, I’m in for some big trouble! But just look at that. The armor and the sword the teacher is wearing. Wouldn’t you just kill to have such equipment?’
It didn’t take long before the teacher told his pupils to take a little break and he then walked up to Aeros. ‘Hey there young foal, what can I do for you’ he said. ‘Ehhm… I saw your flier quite some time ago. And I thought I would check it out’ Aeros said. ‘Well young foal, if you tell me your name then you can join in for the final half hour of class.’ The teacher said. And then Aeros replied: ‘well, my name is Aeros Dawnstar.’ As he said his name the entire room went silent. Every student gazed upon Aeros. ‘Is he THE Aeros Dawnstar?’ ‘Isn’t his father like the world champ?’ ‘Doesn’t he swim in money?’ was heard in the whispers from the students to each other. Even the teacher seemed amazed.
‘Great. You have a father who happens to be rich and about the best flyer in Equestria. And suddenly every pony looks at you like you’re a freak show. Can’t they just treat me like one of them for a change? I never asked for this’
‘Are you the son of Featherdust Dawnstar?’ The teacher asked. ‘Yes, I am his son.’ The teacher then shook his head and asked: ‘isn’t your family more into the flying business?’ Aeros then looked a bit sad to the floor and after several seconds of silence he replied: ‘yes, my family is. And they have forced me to attend flight school and training ever since I was even younger then I am now. But flying isn’t really my thing. The way of the blade calls me’ he replied determined of his case. The teacher said nothing more but smiled. Aeros attended the class for the remaining time it lasted.
‘Wow, it was even better then I’d imagined! The finesse and grace. It can’t compare to flying in any way. Even the students don’t judge me for my heritage. And the teacher just treats me as if I am a normal pony. I am a normal pony! I don’t understand why my parents don’t want me to do this. It is truly the most wonderful thing I’ve ever done’
In the weeks following Aeros attended the fencing class twice a week. Along with the forced flight lessons he had to take from his parents. It demanded much from Aeros. Keeping the fencing classes a secret and keeping up with the flight lessons. Physically exhausting it was. But his motivation to become a good swordfighter won from the pain he had to endure sometimes. And with every following week he became better, faster and more agile in fight. He had reached a level within 3 month which normally is accomplished after 2 years of intensive training. At a certain night after training the teacher asked Aeros to stay for a couple of minutes. And once the other foals scattered and went home the teacher approached Aeros. ‘Next week we got a competition and I want you to compete, the affinity and talent you’ve shown makes me confident you could get very far in this contest. And best of all. Someone from the swords masters guild is coming by to see if there are people capable of their special training program.’ ‘Swords masters guild? I have never heard of that’ Aeros said. ‘The swords masters guild of Manehattan is responsible for the protection of the royal family and keeping the city parameters safe. They also have the best of the best swordfighters in equestrian, all hoof picked by a high placed member of the guild.’ Aeros just smiled and then said: ‘I’ll be there next week and try the best I can.’
‘A fencing contest. Why would he choose me? I’m only here for several weeks. I think some of my fellow students won’t be pleased when I compete while they practiced way longer then I did. And what if my parents find out? If my parents find out they will punish me for sure. I wish I could just tell them and that they would support me. But that’s never going to happen.’
Aeros got home about 5 minutes later then normally for he had that conversation with his teacher. He entered the window and was glad to find that his parents weren’t looking for him. Even though he has been doing this for the past 3 months he never got used to the anxiety it caused for him to get caught by his parents. The week went by slowly and he slacked off at his flight training. He wanted to save his body for the upcoming contest this weekend. His parents were angry at him. ‘You have to train better for your flying or do you want to disgrace the legacy of the Dawnstar family’ his dad relentlessly shouted. Aeros remained silent, not paying attention to his dad’s rant with his mind with the contest he has tomorrow.
‘Tomorrow I get to prove myself. A contest of speed, strength, agility and wits. I’ll prove myself in battle and I might even be deemed worthy for the Swords masters’ guild! Then again, this contest is held in the middle of town and it’s a big event. I’m almost doomed to expose now. Is it worth it?’
It was a long night for Aeros. If his parents were to find out he has been doing this for the last couple of months. He would be in deep trouble. At the break of dawn Aeros woke up after a short night of sleep. Exhausted as he was he lifted himself from his bed and washed himself. Before his parents woke up or even before he ate something he flew out of the window heading towards the contest site. ‘By Celestia, mom and dad told me they were going to spectate this event. They are going to see me compete in a sport they don’t deem worthy for their standards’ he thought while he flew to the location.
At the location several students and the teacher himself had already arrived. ‘Hi Aeros, how are you feeling today?’ The teacher asked. ‘I’m okay, but I’m afraid my parents won’t be when they see me here today.’ The other students look critical towards Aeros and one of them shouts: ‘HAH… you let a rookie compete? He just trained for 3 months! Are we this desperate?’ the teacher and the others disregarded him completely. ‘Aeros, you follow the path that your heart tells you to take. How can your parents be mad at you for that?’ the teacher asked him. Aeros just shook his head and then said. ‘You’ll find out after today’
‘Oh my, Tonight is going to be fun at home. Slacking off at flight training got me a rant of an hour. Let alone slacking off at flying training for a contest they deem unworthy for me. But hey, I can’t think of that right now. The only thing that matters at the moment is that I deliver the best fight I can in this contest. Hopefully I can impress that pony from the guild!’
Aeros fitted himself into his gear and chose his fencing blade. ‘Good luck Aeros, your first opponent is from another fencing school in Manehattan. So don’t let me and us down.’ The teacher said. A little sense of anxiety rushed through Aeros’ stomach as he walked to the arena door. When he peeked into the arena he saw his parents sitting on luxurious chairs instead of standing just like every other pony. The announcer started to speak and the crowd silenced. ‘From the north gate, Emil Steelhammer’ some ponies in the crowd cheered loudly. Then he said: ‘And from the south gate, still a fairly new but very talented swordfighter, Aeros Dawnstar.’ Aeros walked through the gate, but instead of cheering the crowd remained silent. The seats of his parents were now vacant and Aeros felt a bit nervous.
‘Why does this happen every time my name is called. Even with the flight contests they still think I’m the best of the best while I don’t even like it. Why can’t they look at me like they do at any other pony? Even my opponent seems enfeebled by me entering the arena. My parents are now probably cursing at my teacher. And I need to figure a way to defeat my opponent.’
The announcer pony walked towards us while we approached each other. ‘This match end when either of you takes his 3th hit. If one falls, you cease your attack and wait until your opponent stands back up.’ Aeros and Emil nodded towards the announcer and then took their battle stance. Aeros’ opponent took initiative from the very first second, landing a barrage of strikes on him. He had difficulties fending off the barrage but despite his best efforts he couldn’t prevent being stricken by his opponent’s sword. Aeros smiled towards his opponent and nodded in order to congratulate him on his moves. They took their positions again and now it was Aeros who took the initiative. He completely surprised his opponent who had not expected such a shift of styles after the strike he just landed on Aeros. Aeros quickly managed to land his blade on the armor of Emil. Completely dazed Emil recuperated for the next round. When green light was given by the announcer they both stood there for several seconds before Emil suddenly lunged towards Aeros. Aeros’ anticipation was flawless as he sat a step aside and tapped Emil playfully on the back with his blade, gaining his second strike. Emil’s anger was clearly visible as Aeros so easily dodged and countered his lunge. Emil took his position again and as soon as the announcer moved, he charged towards Aeros. Aeros on his turn blocked the blade hurling towards his head with his blade and then rolled to the side landing perfectly on his hooves again, displaying great agility. Emil still clearly angered was slashing his sword furiously in the direction of Aeros. But due to the lack of finesse in his movements Aeros could easily avoid or fend off any incoming attacks. He took no further action besides defending against Emil’s attacks for several minutes. After a little while Emil was rendered almost incapacitated due to exhaustion and Aeros could easily land his first and only strike of this round on Emil’s chest plate. Scoring his third strike and thus winning the match.
‘Wow, I have won the match. Maybe I am destined to become a swordfighter! Then again, the performance of this opponent was weak if not to call feeble at most. YAY I still won. I wonder what my trainer will tell (…) or my parents… *gulp*’
Aeros walked out of the arena under the wall of sounds created by the cheering audience. As he walked out of the arena through the gate he used to enter his trainer walked up to him with a smile. ‘You’ve done great Aeros. You’ve even managed to impress the scout from the guild! And you should have seen his face when I told him you’ve started only 3 months ago.’ The trainer says. As he speaks another pony rises up from a dark corner of the preparation room and with a raspy voice he starts talking: ‘I saw your affinity with the blade is great. I would love to see more of you Aeros. And….’ Before he could end his sentence Aeros’ parents bashed into the preparation room.
‘AEROS!!!! What in Equestia’s name were you thinking!’ his father yelled while his mom only stood there as if she had been stricken by lightning. ‘Don’t even answer, you weren’t thinking. Were you? You don’t care if you disgrace our family’s name. you’re coming home right now mister and you never touch another sword as long as you live with us.’ His father ranted on. Aeros’ eyes were drenched in tears as his dad started to drag him. Without uttering another word he gazed upon the guild member and his trainer in hope they would help him. But they didn’t want to intervene in the domestic issue.
‘3 months ago, I was at the top. Standing in the arena and showing my skills as a swords master. But as it seems my dreams and hopes have shattered. For the first week my dad ranted nonstop about how being a swordfighter is unworthy for the likes of the family. And no matter what I would say, he simply dismissed it by saying: ‘flying is our family legacy and it’s expected from you to uphold this legacy.’ And other arguments as such. It all came down to the following: I got locks on my window, I got an extremely strict curfew now and every time I go to school of that pesky flight training I am accompanied by either my dad, my mom or the nanny they hired to keep constant watch over me so I can’t sneak out anymore.’
Today Aeros celebrates his 12 birthday. Now he is a colt in the family tradition. ‘Dad, I still want to be a swordfighter’ He suddenly said at the breakfast table. His dad completely surprised by this finally gave in. ‘I guess I can’t fight it anymore. But know that your ancestors will be mad at you,’ He said in a final effort to get the idea out of his head. ‘Thank you dad. I’ll set another legacy for this family, along with the traditional one,’ Aeros said while smiling. His father also smiled a bit despite the disappointment. ‘set a new legacy?’ he asked somewhat puzzled. ‘Yes father, a new legacy along with the old one.’
‘my father actually listened to reason? I must be dreaming. Never has he given in or let me make my own choices. First he locks me up in the house for months when he finds out and now out of flying nowhere, he just approves. Why can’t I stop thinking there must be a catch?’
As soon as breakfast was done Aeros stood up in excitement. ‘Can I visit the guild? Can I visit my trainer?’ He asked while jumping around his father. He sighed deeply and said: ‘You’re a colt now. You can do those things on your own. You did so 2 years ago.’ Aeros shrugged and then simply said: ‘fair enough.’ As he walked out of the house. As fast as he could he made his way to the place he used to train. But upon arrival he found out the place was abandoned. He knocked on the door and after several minutes the door slowly opened a few centimeters. ‘I don’t have any bits, go away,’ then the door slam shut again leaving Aeros standing outside.
Aeros knocked on the door once more. ‘I’m not after your bits master,’ he said. The door then opened again and the amazement in the colt’s eyes was obvious even though he tried to hide it. ‘Ae-Aeros. Is that you?’ he stuttered. ‘Yes master. It’s me. After 2 long years my father finally approved. But what happened to your place here?’ It remained silent for several secondsbefore the master said: ‘come in Aeros. It’s quite a long story.’ Aeros walked in, sat down on a chair and then the master began talking. ‘You beating the previous champion threw up a very high profile and as you can imagine it angered the other competitor and even more, the other sword fighting school. But once you had to retreat from the contest due to your parents we became the laughing stock of Manehattan and soon we started to lose a lot of members. I got bankrupt and now I fight every day to get something to eat.’ He started sobbing a bit. ‘Maybe if I take you to my place and explain it to my dad, he will help you,’ Aeros said.
‘Taking my old trainer home to ask if my dad will help him so I can practice a sport he still doesn’t approve very much. What could possibly go wrong here? But look at the poor colt. Down to his last bit ruined by a chain of events set in motion by me and my family. I can’t leave him here in this state.’
The teacher smiled and a spark of hope was witnessed in his eyes. ‘I can’t promise you anything. My dad still isn’t too happy about my passion. Follow me if you accept my offer,’ Aeros said. He then started to walk to his home. Away from the bad neighborhood and soon the buildings improved until they arrived at Aeros’ residence.
‘Dad, this is the teacher that trained me one and a half year ago. He is one of the best swordfighters in this town. But since what happened back then he got ruined and went bankrupt. Would you please hire him to train me?’ Aeros begged to his father. Aeros’ father on his turn looked critically upon the battered colt. ‘Aeros, are you sure he is trustworthy. He looks rather… impoverished.’ said the father. ‘He just had some bad luck, and part of it is my fault. But as far as I know him he is trustworthy and honest,’ Aeros said while confidently smiling to his trainer. ‘Please tell me your name,’ Aeros’ dad asked to the trainer. ‘My name is Kyle Swordbreaker. And I must stay it’s an honor to be in your presence mister Dawnstar.’ Kyle said. ‘Consider yourself hired. If you choose you can train my son in the confinements of this house,’ said Featherdust. Kyle got a small tear in his eye along with a broad smile on his face and said: ‘Thank you very much mister Dawnstar. I won’t disappoint your and Aeros’ expectations and make him one of the best, perhaps even the best swordfighter in Equestria for your son Aeros is one of the most talented and natural swordfighter I have ever seen.’
‘today, exactly 2 years ago when I turned 12, thus an actual colt according to the family tradition my father who denied my sword fighting training for a long time finally approved me practicing this beautiful art. Now it’s my 14th birthday and Kyle and I are all set to leave for a long trip today. He told me he can’t teach me anything anymore besides one thing: forging my own sword. My very own, custom made sword out of materials I have to gather myself, perfectly fine tuned to my body and style. This trip is going to be great. And even my father got proud of me once I won the equestrian championships in my age category. His resent of the art of sword fighting faded as I improved and showed him the finesse and grace of the sport. But now I have to go and make my special sword!’
Aeros and Kyle went on their trip. Heading towards the highest mountain chain in all of Equestria. ‘I got the minerals for my sword from these mountains. The finest materials can be gathered here. You should search for the right material that suits your sword and style in fight the best. Don’t ask me if it is the right material for I can’t judge,’ Kyle said. Aeros just nodded and followed Kyle into the mountains soon to find himself high above the point they were just standing. The mountain sloped steeper and steeper until Aeros could barely told his ground without tumbling downhill. After an excruciating climb that lasted several hours they arrived at a flat part of the mountain. The plateau faced a wall where the mountain continued to rise, but in the wall there were dozens of cavities and caves, clearly made by ponies also searching for the right materials over the past decades.
‘This is the spot where me and my family gathered the materials for our equipment. The toughest and rarest variety of minerals can be found here. Take your time my faithful student for you should not rush to make your choice. The sword you make now will last your entire lifetime,’ Kyle said and he started to set up a tent. Aeros started to scan the area. Evaluating a wide variety of different rocks. He inspected every cavity closely and analyzed every rock he could find. In order to find the best minerals suited to forge the blade. Several hours past and when the darkness falls and Aeros can’t distinguish the different rocks anymore he heads towards the tent now accompanied by a warm and cozy campfire. Aeros sat down next to Kyle and sighed deeply. ‘I found these 2 minerals that would really suit well, but I can’t really figure out which one to use. If only I could merge these, then I would have the perfect sword,’ he said. Kyle smiled: ‘You know you can make an alloy out of different types of metal to utilize the best properties of each component?’ Aeros looked up and smiled. ‘I will gather the required materials tomorrow when it’s light again. But I’m exhausted and hungry now. Can I have something to eat before I go to sleep?’ Kyle reached to the ground and grabbed a plate with food on it from the ground. ‘it probably isn’t what you’re used to, but it’s good food none the less,’ He jokingly says while he hands the plate over to Aeros. He looked at the plate and then asked: ‘excuse me, but do you have a fork for me?’ Kyle laughed out loud and said: ‘just eat it with your muzzle, no pony can see you here.’ Aeros smiled a bit awkwardly before burying his mouth into the food. Once he was done he resided to his tent en fell asleep almost instantly.
‘These minerals are just simply amazing! I will be able to make a thin and lean blade that still is as tough as a nail, unbreakable. Kyle is a great master and he has taught me so much of the way of the blade. I haven’t got a clue how to repay him. But I’m sure to find a way to do so.’
At the crack of dawn Aeros woke up finding Kyle sitting just outside of the tent. ‘Good morning master, I’m ready to collect the needed materials,’ Aeros said. Kyle just nodded and Aeros started to gather the specific minerals he wanted to use for the blade. Soon they started their descent from the steep mountain. This time Aeros’ saddlebags were filled with rocks and ores required to forge his gear.
A day’s walk later they arrived in Manehattan again. And went straight to the guild for they had a forge suited to craft the blade and armor from the materials Aeros had picked. upon entering the guild the members looked upon Aeros but paid no special attention to him. Kyle guided Aeros to the forge. ‘Crafting a blade is a lengthy process, and it’s physically heavy. Since we walked all day and you had to drag all these minerals with you, we start tomorrow. Catch some sleep we start the forging process tomorrow.’ As Kyle advised he went to a bed given to him by the guild and slept.
Early in the morning before the first rays of the sun could enter Aeros’ sleeping quarters which he shared with a dozen other guild members he was awakened by Kyle who was clearly excited of his student making his own blade. Aeros learned a lot about the crafting process as he proceeded in every step. Making the custom shaped mold, refining the metals and finally adjusting the sword and the sword’s handle to his precise preferences and finally sharpening the sword.
3 full days of labor it took to finish the sword. The last day was committed to decorating the sword, engraving Aeros’ family crest and the crest of the guild to show he is a full member now. ‘congratulations my student. I would be honored to duel you now if you want to in the training grounds of the guild. It would be a great way for you to test your newly forged blade,’ Kyle said with a broad smile on his face.
Ten minutes later they stood face to face on the training ground, surrounded by several members of the guild. Aeros wielded his blade and so did Kyle. ‘Now Aeros, I won’t hold back and I want you to show me everything I taught you and everything you know,’ said Kyle. Aeros nodded and bowed for Kyle, and so did he. They then engaged in duel. At great speed Aeros made his first offensive move, landing 2 strikes against Kyle’s sword within the blink of an eye. The initiative soon turned around as Kyle lunged forward evading the barrage of strikes Aeros tried to land on him hurling his blade with great speed towards Aeros. Aeros barely managed to avoid the incoming sword but he still felt Kyle’s blade sliding over his armor. He jumped back in order to create some more distance between him and Kyle in order to recuperate from the move his master just made. Within a second he regained the initiative and leaped to land a strike on Kyle. At the same time Aeros engaged with Kyle again, another pony walked into the ring. Aeros recognized the pony for he was the family servant for years. His face looked serious.
‘Our family servant just came to tell me that my parents are no more. They were heading with a carriage towards my dad’s last flight contest and the carriage crashed when they headed up a mountain. Tumbling down hundreds of meters before coming to a hold. No pony survived. Including my parents. 10 minutes ago I had it all, now I’m alone. Alone as I can be. Nothing is left for me here now.’
Aeros resided to a deserted room in the guild. Sobbing in tears for the tragic loss of his parents he stayed in solitude for what seemed to be an eternity for him before Kyle walked in. ‘I’m very sorry for your loss Aeros. Is there anything I could do for you?’ he asked Aeros. Aeros while drowning in his tears remained irresponsive, barely uttering any sound but some squeals every once in a while. Kyle sat next to him on the bed with a hoof wrapped around Aeros. They sat there for hours, in complete silence. Kyle didn’t bother to talk to Aeros. But he let him know he was there for him. For better and for worst.
‘3 month ago I got the dreadful news my parents had died in a terrible accident. Kyle has been like a father to me since the loss of my parents. But I have not returned home yet. Today I will visit the house where I lived for 14 years. So many memories will come back. This will probably the last time I’ll go there for I have nothing left there.’
With the money he inherited from his parents he helped Kyle build a new school for swordfighters. Since Aeros started to practice this other rich foals started to get interested in the way of the blade. It was a great success. And soon Kyle could take care of himself again. but the void that was left in Aeros’ heart by losing his parents could not be filled and at a certain night. He wrote a note.
‘Dear Kyle,
you have been very good to me over the past 2 years. You taught me some values my parents never did and taught me to treat every pony as an equal. Treat them as you wish to be treated. But from now on I have to walk my own path and get out of the town that constantly remembers me of my parents. Once again I want to thank you for the things you have done. Please take the new sword fighting school as a token of my appreciation and let every pony enjoy the art.
With kind regards,
Aeros Dawnstar.
Aeros folded the letter and sneaked out of the sleeping room. He looked into Kyle’s room once more and in his mind he said goodbye to him and with that he said goodbye to everything that was familiar for him and all that he had ever known. He walked out of the house into the darkness that shrouded not only the streets of Manehattan, but also shrouded Aeros’ mind.