//------------------------------// // Chapter 03: Forges from the Past // Story: MLP: Forging Weapons & Friendship // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 03: Forges from the Past At this moment, Ben is seen in the library where it was quiet to get his thoughts together. The Mane Six watch as he was in some serious thoughts about what to do. So as they came in, they decided to chat with Ben. “Ben, everything okay?” Twilight asked her love in how he is doing. “I’m still thinking Twilight of which I should choose.” Ben spoke to say while not having figured out what he wants to do. “Between staying here or leaving?” Spike stated in knowing what it was Ben must figure out. “Easy, choose to stay here with us cause yah love us so.” Phobos stated to simply say what was the easy answer without delay. “But wouldn’t daddy be selfish in putting it like that way?” Nyx reminded Phobos in what sorta matter would happen if one was to say it in such a case. “Even I would admit, saying it like that sounds kinda uncool and a real whiner.” Rainbow Dash nods to agree, Ben wants his response to not be something of a whiny kid, but of a grown-up. “I suppose the answer must be refine to be a solid judgement.” Rarity held her chin in pondering over the thought of such a case. “Right now, it’s Ben who’s gotta decide in de end.” Applejack stated off saying in who has to solve the puzzle here, not them but Ben. “But…could the Forgers be almost like us, but they aren’t? Oh, I just don’t know if Ben will be comfy going with them.” Fluttershy stated to say while really having a hard time figuring out what to do in such a situation for Ben. “Too bad we can just try to figure out what makes the Forgers tick.” Pinkie Pie shrug off to say this much if they knew more about the Forgers, that could shed like on the subject. “Pinkie Pie, that’s it! If we can know more about them, maybe they can help with your decision Ben!” Twilight spoke off in having heard the idea, and thinks maybe that can help Ben out the most if they know more about the Forgers. “But, what if it makes me want to go with them instead?” Ben asked in thinking that if he does learn about the Forgers, won’t it just help him decide to go instead. “It’s a chance to take, if you’re going to travel with them, you best know why they are today.” Twilight stated to say that for now, they just have to learn who that group really is. "She's right, best to know than never know to begin with." Starlight Glimmer replied off in also agreeing on the topic. From a few nods from the others, Ben could tell that they’ll do that to help him out. Ben smiled in seeing that no matter what, his pals and family will help him out. “Okay, so…who should we go with?” Ben slowly nods his head in thinking that may as well be their best opinion. As the scene began to go dark Twilight explained the plan; chosen members would go to each Forger member and chat with them. Hopefully, they can learn more about such a group that wields such element weapon types and what their stories can say that reflects them. --------------------------------- The scene opens up towards where we find Wildman was doing some sorta training to strengthen himself with his boomerang skills. And he seem to be moving quickly easily without falling or getting caught in some little traps. “Wild Slash!” Wildman announced before he delivered a devastating slash that broke a hard stone while he wielded his large boomerang like a sword. “Hmmm?” He suddenly look around the corner, only to find Rainbow Dash around the corner. “Hey, don’ mind me, just…looking around.” Rainbow Dash tried to say causally without sounding suspicious. “Hmph!” Wildman huffs off to say while going back to work in his practice sections. “So….what’s your story in being with such a group?” Rainbow Dash came up to make some small chat with the guy. “Why would you want to know?” Wildman asked off to say while he continues to perform a few thrust motions while not letting go of his boomerang. “Hey, you guys are wanting one of my pals, can’t I get a little knowledge in why?” Rainbow Dash asked off in feeling like she wants answers since these guys are wanting a pal of hers, Ben, to go with them. “It is for peace for Equestria, that much is known.” Wildman spoke to say in giving the short brief of an answer. “Then how’s someone like you get to be a part of such a group?” Rainbow Dash asked off another question as if digging for the deeper truth of the case. Wildman looked to Rainbow Dash in seeing the loyal mare trying to speak for Ben. That rare fire in her eyes, seem to set something for Wildman. “My tale, you wish to know?” Wildman spoke to say in knowing this is what Rainbow Dash was wanting. “Very well, it dawns back very far.” He nods in agreeing to tell this pony of his tale. The scene began to show a change as we go back into this stallion’s past. ------------------------------ We soon enter a scene of what looks like a desert area, where a native tribe lives…and there we find the colt version of Wildman. “I was born in an Indian Native Tribe of ponies just within the forest near Appleloosa, the tribe was made up of hunters to survive in the wilderness.” Wildman’s narrative voice spoke to explain the situation. “When my parents passed away, I was adopted at the age of eight by my grandfather, De la Rosa.” He explained things of what happened to the child. The scene changes to an elderly stallion with gray mustache and beard, who was tendering to young Wildman who seem to be covered in dirt and blood on his hooves. “During my early years, I was extremely violent; exploiting my advantage in size, I was intimidated and hit any other colts who annoyed him. My grandfather tried to teach me to be gentle, but was initially unsuccessful. One day, the fathers of the children I fought, seeking to punish me, attacked.” Wildman’s narrated voice explained what was happening, before an event took place. Then without warning, De La Rosa stepped in between them angry fathers, taking Wildman's punishment without retaliation. “I was inspired by this example to become a decent person. To commemorate this event, De La Rosa gave me an old Mexican coin from when our family was once migrated from before joining this new tribe; years later, when De La Rosa had died, I made a vow that I would never fight unless it was to protect others, as instructed — even if my own life was in danger.” Wildman’s narrated voice explained as scenes shown what happens along with a coin presented to him. “The coin would come to symbolize this vow, which I now claim to hold more value than my own life.” He explained this with the most heart-filled expressions. The scene that comes next shows something the child uncovers that his grandfather left him, as he unwraps it to find…a gigantic boomerang. “Some time after De La Rosa died, I had uncovered another gift life by his grandfather that was a gigantic boomerang with a note that told me of its special rare value, that it was the Element pf Boomerang, and that it would only be used by a heart that would want to protect others.” Wildman’s narrated voice explained the motions of things of what has occurred and of what was to come next. Once the colt touched the boomerang, it came to life, sprung to impact him before fusing with Wildman, as he felt a strange surge of magic enter him before his Cutie Mark appeared, now being dubbed worthy to wield the Element Of Boomerang. “From the passing years, I left my native tribe to explore the rest of Equestria, and there I met with a stallion who helped out by the name of Kilik, when the latter was attacked by thugs.” The scene opens up to show a grown Wildman, as he journeyed before he came across Kilik who seem to be facing problems. “I was later attacked by two griffins that were street gang members and, keeping with my vow, did not strike back or defend myself. But…Kilik intervened and saved me and later learned from me a little about my past, the meaning of the coin and the vow I made.” As shown, Wildman was almost attacked, but Kilik step in to defend him, and afterwards, learn somethings about him. However, as the griffin thug gang members fled, they left a homing gem with an ongoing call to some street turf leader, allowing him to spy on Wildman and learn what might get a rise out of him. “The turf boss later had me abducted and threatened me with the destruction of the coin. Kilik stuck his neck out again, this time to protect not only me, but also the coin I held so dear.” As Wildman explained, Kilik saved him and a precious treasure of his from being destroyed. “When the street griffin gang was defeated, I & Kilik made a pact to fight for each other and protect one another. Once things were settled, we two went separate ways while I foresaw that he needs to become more better so that what happened before, will not happen again.” As that was spoken, we see the two had become good friends while they promised to someday see another again, and be stronger too. As the scene continues, Wildman soon finds himself met with Ivy as she spoke to introduce him to a group arrangement to better their efforts. “Eventually, I came into being a part of a group called, The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which I believed in their cause to hunt down & stop all evil acts to protect others, and became like the “Track Hunter” of the bunch.” Wildman narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how he came to join such a group. With that, everything began to fade away from this scene of Wildman’s past…. ------------------------------ We return to where Rainbow Dash had heard much of Wildman’s story & how he ended up joining the Forgers in what they seek. “Wow, guess for a guy that likes to keep to himself, you’re an awesome dude underneath all that.” Rainbow Dash smiled off to say in having heard who Wildman really is, he’s an alright guy. “We are each different, but we each share a goal….though it’s far, we still try.” Wildman spoke to say in feeling that what they do, it is worth trying to achieve. “Well thanks for the story, I’ll…ugh…let you get back to what you were doing.” Rainbow Dash replied off to say in giving thanks for what she heard. As Rainbow Dash was leaving the sight, she came near a bush where her friends were ears dropping to know what was going on and learn some things. “You catch all that?” Rainbow whispered to her hiding buddies in hearing the conversation. “Yeah, and now let’s move on to the others.” Twilight whispered back to say while suggesting that they get moving. With that, the gang quietly go off in preparing to go towards the next Forger to hear something from them to help with Ben’s choice making. ---------------------------------------- Now we enter to find Talim was practicing her Tonfa-blades against some wooden dummy stacks she set up. Each strike she made was towards a certain point to weaken a live opponent. Just then, she found Rarity coming up with a smile to greet this kind girl. “Hello darling, aren’t you working a bit too hard?” Rarity spoke to greet the girl with a friendly voice. “Not really.” Talim shrug off to say while continuing to do her best. “Well, care for maybe just a little bit of tea?” Rarity asked off to say, as she used her magic to levitate a teapot. “I…guess so.” Talim slowly spoke in hearing that to suddenly rethink it a bit now. Soon the two are sitting down as Rarity poured some tea for Talim, as she sipped her cup to enjoy it. And soon she let off a sigh in liking the taste of what Rarity made. “Talim, I’m quite troubled, why is such a nice girl like you fighting?” Rarity spoke firmly in wondering why this mare was fighting, she seems like a nice pony than of a fighter. “It’s a long story, really.” Talim replied off to mention it as such. “Oh I have loads of time, please…do tell.” Rarity spoke in wanting to know a bit more about the girl. “Well…it started like this.” Talim slowly spoke in deciding it couldn’t hurt to tell a bit about herself. Now the scene darkens here in where now Talim is gonna tell of her own past. ---------------------- The scene slowly begins to open up in a village area where its location was near but a simple structure in Equestria, & there was a filly version of Talim running about. “At a young age, I lived in a village called Wind Deity, just near Filly Delphia, there lived a small tribe of ponies who control the winds. I was the granddaughter of the village's elder, Kalana, and daughter of its shaman, Sanput.” Talim narrated to explain her tale of what she was from long ago. “Due to turmoil caused by the influences of two cultures in Equestria, I was reared to be its last priestess (Babaylan).” Then a familiar sight came into play, that which Kilik saw that ruin his homeland came about again in Talim’s childhood. “The dark day that the Evil Seed pervaded through the sky, I felt the winds, and an evil aura that devoured everything in its path surged into my body, causing me to lose consciousness for days.” Talim narrates off to say, as her filly self suffered under the evil that was the Evil Seed that came from a trail with the wind. “For in truth, it was a ploy move done by the Dark Mystics that even effected other citizens, like Kilik for example.” This mention of things brought about those that recall the Evil Seed and of its work, done by the evil Dark Mystics of long ago. The next scene shows that years have pass by before another event plays out. “Years later, when I was fifteen years old, a stallion from the west brought a strange metal fragment to my homeland, claiming it to be a "vitality charm". I, however, recognized the evil magic energy as the same force that had caused me to blackout years before, and resolved to return the metallic shard to where it belonged; wherever that was.” Talim narrates to explain her case of where the scene shows what a stranger brought that was evil and she planned to remove it. “Despite the elders' misgivings, I departed on a journey; concluding that when I delivered the Demonic power to its rightful place; that peace would eventually be restored to Equestria.” She explained herself in what she would do to settle things as it came to her. Sensing the calamitous presence of the shard in other places of Equestria as well, the scene shows Talim traveled to wherever the wind took her. “I undoubtedly knew that the world would soon be consumed by illness & death if the evil force continued to spread. With that, I vowed to find all the fragments & return them to their proper forms & even though I was young & far away from home, I bared no fear.” Talim narrated to say this much of what scenes show what has happened, & the girl plans to go forth to do what she knows is the right thing without letting fear hold her back. The scene shows Talim was aware of the wind surrounding her, guiding her, and blessing her, knowing that as long as the precious wind stayed with her, that she would be protected. “Before leaving, I was given an item that has not been used since the first priest of their village performed it in a ceremony and kept it hidden…until now.” As Talim narrates, her past self is given something by the people of the village as it was said to be special, and it was her Tonfa-blades of today. When Talim touched the item, the tonfas glowed to merge with her, but she felt no fear or hostility, she let it happen, and became the user of the Element of Tonfa, with which she now had something to protect her. Her Cutie Mark which was supposedly a symbol, made itself be almost like a tonfa in the form of a star-blade, as if a sign to protect the good-hearted child while she has done much with a few passing years. “As such, I was nicknamed: "The Last Priestess of The Winds", and true to that nickname, has the power to sway the wind & relies on earth's nature to guide me in my adventures, & most importantly in battle. My fights with dual Elbow Blades, & as said earlier, uses my advantage of wind control to give me an unpredictable edge during combat, being able to hop around & over the opponent at any moment.” Talim explained her course of narration of what she’s done, and from her performance in fights with her weapons and in her unique skills, she was very talented indeed. This unique tactic, and Talim's soft & innocent personality, have led to her becoming a major fan favorite across some areas in Equestria. “I even came to meet another like me named Kilik as we shared a view of wanting to protect Equestria, but the stallion had to do things alone…for now.” Talim narrated to say this as both her and Kilik of the past met, but they had to go their different ways. The scene changes to another event where Talim meets one pony along the journey, and who would change her life then. “And then I met another user of an element who had a troubled soul & was injured, Ivy, and soon I aided to heal the pony. When discussed about trying to help save the world from evil that is slowly corrupting everyone, it became aware that we should team up to aid one another & thus began the first makings of a group called, The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which I felt that maybe have a group of friends & allies, they could do much to help heal the innocent & stop the evil corruption, & became like the “Little Priestess Of Purity” of the bunch.” Talim narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how she came to join such a group. And with that, her story begins to fade out from reaching its conclusion. ---------------------------- Now the scene returns to where Rarity and Talim were having a chat with the latter explaining much of her own past before she join with the Forgers. “My…..I never imagine…you must have gone through so much!” Rarity gasped a bit in feeling like just hearing such a story, was a real shocker. “It’s okay, at least now I have friends to keep me company.” Talim smiled to say this in what came out in the end for her. “Oh, well…I best be off. I have a busy schedule to keep.” Rarity slowly spoke to say as she smiled a bit in preparing herself to exit now. “Alright, thanks for the tea. It was very nice.” Talim smiled to say in giving thanks to Rarity. As Rarity was leaving Talim’s spot as she continued to train, she came near the hiding spot of where the others were that listen to the story. “It would appear she wanted to travel & came across them as well, it seems.” Rarity explained the case to her friends of what they learn here. “Well, there’s still more to go around, let’s go.” Twilight stated to say in knowing they still have much ground to cover. The gang leaves Talim alone now in seeing they learn what they could, there are still a few others to which they can learn more about. ------------------------------------- The scene opens up towards where we find Kidd Razor, who seem to be practicing his swordsmanship & gun range skills with perfect accuracy. Then suddenly, his reflexes almost made him attack Applejack who was coming in on the scene, but luckily for her…Kidd Razor could sense if she was friend or foe. “Okay if I step in here, partner?” Applejack asked off to say the question. “Whatever….” Kidd Razor shrug off to say in a non-caring manner of what this pony does. “Ye seem ta be a pretty darn good wielder fer them…blades.” Applejack was commenting in having seen what this fella does with them blades. “They can be used for physical combat, & magical projectile workings, either way, they work fine for me.” Kidd Razor motioned off the question simply & without a second thought while continuing to practice. “So wha is a guy like yah doin’ with this bunch?” Applejack asked the next question that would be kinda personal. “I have my reasons, nothing else.” Kidd Razor motioned off to say without batting an eye. “Not even why since ye seem ta stick out like a sour hoof from them others?” Applejack raised an eyebrow in figuring this guy kinda stuck out, since he seems kinda less on showing his emotions. Kidd Razor cease his practice work in having heard what AJ just said about him. While it’s true, everyone can express themselves a bit more, even Kazeshini, Ivy, & Wildman, but he….was more about keeping things at a simple pace of work & not be all emotional. “Why are you wanting to know?” Kidd Razor asked the question in what was this pony’s purpose to ask such things. “In all honesty, just curious since ye want Ben on yer side.” Applejack pointed out the simple honest truth of the case that involves someone from her side. “Alright, since we are nosing in your business, I’ll tell you about myself. But the others are yours to deal with.” Kidd Razor lightly nods in hearing this to decide he’ll tell this pony about himself. Soon something was changing the scene as another past is going to be revealed. --------------------------- The scenery began to show what look like Kidd Ravor as a colt, but he seems to be living in what seems….like an orphan building. “I was but an ordinary colt one day, an orphan actually, but during the times when battles arose in areas around Equestria, many were called to be of service to protect & fight against evil forces. I was young, but I wanted to be a part of it, but I only did minor aids since I still was young.” Kidd Razor narrates off in what his childhood was like, not a very pleasant one, and during times of battles where even he was recruited to fight against unknown forces of evil. Then from an explosion, it sent Kidd Razor flying back while it took out more of those he knew before he fell into a weak rock wall structure, and fell into a hidden chamber. “An explosion sent me far, but what it did made me land in a spot I never knew, & it’s there I found….something to which I wield today.” Kidd Razor narrates off in explaining what happens next to his child self of the past. When the young colt got his bearings, he found a strange altar with two katar type weapons there, as he approached them to touch the object…which a light escaped and soon the blades struck him faster than he saw, but the weapons merge with him without actually harming the pony while a Cutie Mark glowed on his flank, shaped like a black ‘A’ & red ‘W’ symbol of two letters meaning something. “I did not know what happened, I did not know what it meant, but…I was just struggling to survive.” Kidd Razor narrates to state what happened in the next aftermath. Later on, the colt made it out of the hole he fell in, & when he got his bearings, he forgot where he was as he was soon lost in a desert. As he traveled before passing out, one stallion was in the neighborhood, found him, did not know who the colt was or who he belong to, but helped him. “After awakening to learn my whereabouts, I was told of the stallion’s name who saved me, but I had no memory of who I was other than that. The stallion that saved me was called Werner, & told him of what weapons I carried were the Element of Katars, a powerful weapon type element meant to end targets quickly.” Kidd Razor narrated off in where some kind stallion took him in, and helped him learn about that which he obtain. While Werner didn’t think it was right to give such a power to a colt, he decided to help raise the boy like his own, & learn that Kidd Razor had potential uses of performing assassination jobs but in a different style. “As the years grew by, Werner grew old until he was feeling sick one day, but wanted to give the older me a last parting request, to go out, see the world, live my life & make friends…before passing away, & was later buried by the one who was treated like a son.” Kidd Razor narrates to the point where years have flown by, and the stallion that raised the new user to an element passed away. “Over some time, I had earn a title; ‘The Rebellious Hunter’ who carries the legendary Katara Blades, blades so sharp and heavy, but moves quick as lightning to strike down one's foes.” He explained his case in what he was gonna do with himself, and what he was capable of doing. The next scenes show Kidd Razor doing some jobs in which he drifted around, collecting money from those who hired him to do such stuff. “I became a drifter, focusing on what my needs on the day, caring about being paid from accepting jobs of hunting, protecting, escorting, jobs that need an experience & skilled fighter.” Kidd Razor narrates to say as his young self wanders across desert places in seeking out things. Now the scene changes to where Kidd Razor of the past met across Ivy & her little band starting of the Forgers group. “Eventually, I came into being a part of a group called: The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which I believed was the cause of my memory loss of not remembering much of my past while my personality slowly changed, and figured it couldn’t hurt while they get paid to do the jobs, & became like the “Treasure Hunter” of the bunch.” Kidd Razor narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how she came to join such a group. And with that, her story begins to fade out from reaching its conclusion. -------------------- Now we return to where Applejack had listen to Kidd Razor’s story, & learn much of what the guy has gone through. And it sounded quite tough for someone like him to have gone by and get through. “If you’re satisfied, I rather continue my training.” Kidd Razor stated to turn away to continue what he was doing. “Sure partner, go right on ahead, don’t let me get in yer way.” Applejack nods off to say in getting the message as clear as rain. Now AJ was leaving the scene too, she came near another hiding spot where her pals were having heard everything that was spoken of Kidd Razor’s past. “Take it ye heard our tale?” Applejack asked off in knowing the answer to that question. “We have & I’m surprised by each one we’re heard so far.” Twilight nods off to say in seeing they heard just some from the Forgers, each one has its own story to tell. “In all honesty, these guys ain’t bad.” AJ shrug off to say this in what they might consider for the Forgers to be. "I have to agree on AJ's claim, you guys." Starlight Glimmer shrug off in lightly agreeing about the group. “Well I guess we only got a few others left to try now.” Ben stated in knowing what they do now, hear the next few members ahead. With that, everyone leaves Kidd Razor’s spot to head off to find the other members so they can hear more of what they each have experienced in their lives. --------------- The scene slowly begins to open up where we find Tempo was just doing some digging in a site area. But she also look back in seeing a shy Fluttershy was slowly approaching her. There was a bit of quietness, until one of them decided to speak up. “Um, excuse me…Tempo? I was wondering….if you aren’t busy, to tell me about yourself.” Fluttershy kindly spoke in her meekly voice of being shy to ask the new mare a question if not being too nosy. “You wish to know about me?” Tempo asked in response to the question while not showing much, as she was calm in understanding the term. “Oh, if it’s wrong, then I’m sorry…” Fluttershy spoke in feeling shy if maybe she was being pushy. “It’s fine….I can tell you wish to know about me. Then, I shall explain….” Tempo spoke to say that if the Pegasus mare wants to know, then she can tell Fluttershy about herself. Soon the scene begins to change again, as now Tempo begins her tale… -------------- The scenery changes to what was a filly version of Tempo, who had on a little worker’s safety hat & was helping some miners dig in some tunnel they made. “I was just starting out as a little filly that was working as a part of a miner family as they were digging a tunnel through a mountain from Hollow Shades to Manehattan. But that was before an unfortunate cave in changed everything.” Tempo narrates off in what work she did as a filly, but then the scene changes. During a matter, something caused the place to come crumbling apart, and every miner had to evacuate. But Tempo was too slow, and soon she became trapped before everything went dark. “When I used my magic to make light, I was trapped, alone in the dark, & running short of oxygen. I tried to look for another way out, only to stumble to a weaken floor area that I fell into.” Tempo narrates to explain what was happening around her younger self during the time. “Only by then, I found a mysterious altar area where there was something in the middle of it that might have been a pry to her answer; a drill.” She spotted what look like a drill on an altar & possibly with it, a chance to dig free from being trapped. Soon the young Tempo rushed over to pick it up, believing she could use it to escape. But then it glowed brightly and flew from her, which spooked her before it really frighten the filly when it jab into her. At first she thought she die, but instead, the drill was magically seeking inside her body to vanish, & soon afterwards, a mark appeared on her flank that was the drill she tried to use. “I felt like I had no idea what happen, I was back to square one again. But then I yelped from my horn was making a drill motion, & I accidentally had my hooves transform by magic into drills.” Tempo narrates to say before her younger self sees her body magically forging drills that began to spin while surprising the child. Young Temp yelped a bit at first, until she got the handle of things, and not knowing why or what was happening, decided that maybe this was her chance to escape. Soon the other miners were outside trying to dig through to save Tempo, until a drill burst through the large rocks, and she stood there with surprise faces staring at what she done. “While the miners were glad I was safe & got out in time, they asked how I did it & I explained about my case.” Tempo narrates off to say in where the scene shows her safety while many were concern on how she pulled it off. “It was here the miners were stump shock & surprise, cause they said that I must have found a secret place where the legendary Element Of Drill was stashed in a mountain, & that only miners ever knew about it or thought if the tales were true, and now seeing this proves it. I became a bearer to the element & I felt happy that I just managed to get out of danger to return to my family.” She explained the case of learning what she was, and knew of what she possessed that was special that helped the young child out return to her love ones. Soon the years went by, the mining team went smoothly, especially from Tempo’s handy work in improving her techniques. “While things went well, my family felt that I should explore the world of Equestria, for while they maybe miners & tunnelers, I was their child & I can do more good helping others that really need it.” Tempo narrates off in where we find those wanting the young mare to go and see the world, get around and make lots of new friends along the way while helping everyone out. And with that, Tempo went off to see about finding a place for herself in the world. And soon eventually, she came across Ivy and those she was building to be a part of the Forgers. “Eventually, I came into being a part of a group called: The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which I believed that if all evil was no longer around or to cause unnatural geological terror, that could be helpful in saving the terrain & those that live on the ground, & became like the “Geological Surveillance” of the bunch.” Tempo narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how she came to join such a group. And with that, her story begins to fade out from reaching its conclusion. ---------------------- We now return to where Fluttershy & Tempo are as the latter was finished telling her story to Fluttershy. Much of it was quite surprising even for Fluttershy to see much of what Tempo here has gone through. “My, you must have been very brave. I wish I could be like that.” Fluttershy spoke in feeling like if she was half-as-brave as Tempo, maybe she could do more things than being shy & scared. “We each perform things to our own accordance, yours seems to show when you least expect it.” Tempo spoke to speak the logic in what Fluttershy can be capable of. “Well then, thank you very much for the talk.” Fluttershy stated to say this as she gave a bow to thank Tempo. “Likewise.…” Tempo responded to say while forging a drill to continue digging around certain dirt areas. Now Fluttershy was moving a bit away until she heard a whisper voice that made her jumpy. Then she look to find her friends hiding spot, as they signal her over so they can chat. “So how’d it go Fluttershy?” Phobos asked off in what this pony got about this Tempo person. “We had a very nice chat.” Fluttershy stated this with a very friendly motion on her face, much to the others not showing much from just hearing that. “Well Tempo did seem alright, now that just leaves the other three.” Twilight spoke to say this in what was next here. “I can talk to Kitana, but who will take Ivy & Kazeshini?” She can talk to someone who is a princess, but who shall have the last two of the Forgers. “Oh, I’ll talk with Kazeshini, Pinkamena can help too.” Pinkie Pie raised her hoof like a school filly wanting to be picked. “Then maybe we’ll figure out who gets Ivy last, come on.” Ben exclaimed to say in what task he’ll do to help out. With that, the group moves along to speak with the last few Forgers they have yet to chat with. ------------------------------------------- We find Kitana in a strange spot, she was seen doing what looks like strange stances with elegance & grace. She held her fans, swung them off, they spin & chop many things. They almost came close to Twilight who yelp to duck, & as the fans were return to Kitana, the two slowly look at another. “Princess Twilight…” Kitana spoke in seeing who was here before her. “Princess Kitana…” Twilight humbly spoke after her recovery in what almost happened. “Please, let us skip the formals & discuss things among allies.” Kitana shook her head in wishing they chat without their princess titles that make things harder. “Oh, alright then….” Twilight slowly spoke to say in getting the idea. “So tell me, why is a princess like you with the Forgers?” She asked the simple question that she wants to know. “Do you truly wish to know?” Kitana asked in studying Twilight of why she wants to know such things. “Well…” Twilight felt unsure if she should poke any further, but… “You best be ready, for my tale is not all it is meant for a simple princess to enjoy their life to rule their kingdom.” Kitana responded to say this with a voice sounding with concern, but strictness in what she says is much different in where Twilight stands. The scene began to change as we shall now hear Kitana’s tale now… ---------------------------------------------------- We soon see what looks like some far off kingdom, one different from Canterlot & even the Rainbow Kingdom. Here, we find the filly version of Kitana, as she seems to be receiving some training, but it was not of the elegant princess type, but to…fight like a warrior! “Born as a princess from another kingdom outside the Equestria map, I was not raised to be royal, but to be a warrior. From my training days, I was shown very capable of wielding a war fan at a young age, better than those that were average mares.” Kitana narrates off in explaining her tale of what she was doing back in the past. "My wise advisors decided to have me try to use a particular type of war fans, those that are a part of the Element of Fan.” She explained in where the wise advisors came in wishing to test the young filly in seeing if she was worthy. When brought into a hidden chamber where an altar showed three fans, two Steel Fan pairs and the Giant Golding Fan, & wanted the filly to use them. First were the small ones, so far, the princess showed good use when others felt like the design & weight were off that mess with projector or block & countermeasures. The final test was lifting the heaviest war fan, to which many were amazed that Kitana could hold it, and so lightly while it most have weight a ton to a filly. “I had achieve using both small & the large fans in which not many have been so successful.” Kitana narrates off in what her younger self manage to achieve in that past. Once the section practice was over, the war fans glowed, they spin around the child before one by one, the war fans were shot & magically fuse with the princess, thus making her become the next user of a powerful weapon type element, and earning a spinning-fan symbol mark on her flank. “And from there, I became the sole user to my element & my next training step began.” Kitana narrates to issue in what became her newfound beginning of what she obtain. Over the next few years, Kitana had mastered much of her element, her kingdom was at peace…or it was, until certain invaders that use ‘Dark Mystic Arts’ that the country folks address as saw them. Kitana’s forces were too weak & they ended up abandoning their homeland. “While I trained well, those that had Dark Mystic Arts, force us to abandon our homeland. It was around the next act of where my wise advisor elders spoke to find a new safe home, but that…was not for me.” Kitana narrates in explaining how the mare of the past lost a home, but choose to seek out a different path then just settling in a new home. As much of Kitana’s subjects needed a safe place to stay, wise advisor elders spoke that they shall find a new, safer home, but as for the princess, she must journey about to help rid of many evil creatures that wish to takeover Equestria, so that what happened does not happen to another. Accepting the task, the princess left with her teachings, her advance skills, & intelligence to fight well, fight smart, & always use means to end the battles as quick as possible. “I have journeyed much, found many that were spun creatures relating or siding with those that attacked my homeland kingdom, & ended them.” Kitana narrates to explain what she had gone & found, seen & done, all to make sure what happened to her…never happens to others. Now the scene shows where Kitana of the past meets with Ivy and those that she’s built in for her group that called themselves the Forgers. “Eventually, I came into being a part of a group called: The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which I felt it was a chance to seek more & end the battles with more group fighters of different skills to aid in vanquishing all evil & those that use Dark Mystic Arts & became like the “Warfare Princess” of the bunch.” Kitana narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how she came to join such a group. And with that, her story begins to fad out from reaching its conclusion. ----------------------------------- And now we return to where Twilight & Kitana are, as the story told was heard. Twilight was silent in having heard the story of what Kitana has gone through, even for a princess…that seems much. “I had no idea that you underwent such hardships. Do….do you think that could almost happen here? With all the ponies that live in Ponyville?” Twilight spoke in starting to sound concern if such things were to happen in her own kingdom. “What happened with me is my own fate, your fate however…is up to you to forge & decide.” Kitana spoke to say this as something to teach Twilight about their paths became what they are after what’s happen. “I understand….thank you for the moment of your time.” Twilight bows in feeling grateful that they had this chat. “Anytime…” Kitana nods in being humble to respond. Soon Twilight was leaving Kitana to continue her own training, & she came near her friends that hid from sight. “It seems the more of them we speak to, the more it feels like we truly get to know them.” Twilight stated in what was going on here, they are learning more about the Forgers then they thought. “Well we’re not done yet Twilight, still some others left to go.” Ben reminded his love that they are far from being done here. “Right, let’s go.” Twilight nods in understanding the message. With that, everyone leaves Kitana now to search for the last few members of the Forgers to hear anything about themselves. -------------------------------------- We find Kazeshini was was disappearing & vanishing in some black wind force as he sliced & diced against wooden and stone targets with ease. And entering the scene was Pinkie Pie & Pinkamena who saw him working out & needed to get his attention. “Hi-there!” Pinkie Pie yelled out in hoping that would work….but maybe too well. “Eek!” The pink pony squeaked off in fright in seeing the guy before her with his weapon almost held close to Pinkie in an almost threatening way. “You should know better not to sneak up on a guy who could reap you out.” Kazeshini lightly scolds these ponies in knowing what they should watch out for. “Easy there buddy, we’re only here to talk.” Pinkamena spoke to say in lightly pushing the weapon away from their position. “Hugh, maybe I’ll talk….if you can give me a good fight.” Kazeshini smiled off to say this while an ego smile came on his face. “Oh, gladly!” Pinkamena made a sly smile to accept the terms, this guy wants to see what she’s made of; challenge accepted. Now what happens next was for the next few minutes, Kazeshini & Pinkamena did some target practices of tossing their weapons & also a few ‘friendly’ strikes. After a while, they relax a bit after having quite a good workout in enjoying their spar. “Heh, you’re a pretty good fighter with those blades.” Kazeshini smiled in commenting how Pinkamena is when she fights with such weapons. “Thanks, made them myself, they listen to me.” Pinkamena smiled off with pride in what she’s made of her Blades of the Pinkie Pie. “No kidding, well mine listen to my will as well. They need to in order for our attack coordination to work right.” Kazeshini stated in having a good time chatting here. “Say, how did you get them anyway? And why are you as you are now? And why are you Kazeshini? And why…” Pinkie Pie was on her way to asking a bunch of stuff if Kazeshini didn’t put his hoof in her mouth. “Does she always speak this much?” Kazeshini asked off somewhat annoyed by this pony. “Eh, it’s a Pinkie Pie thing, I should know. But, we’ll be quiet if you answer for us.” Pinkamena shrug off to say while stating what they’ll do for this guy. “I got it, so you wanna know my story. Heh, get ready for a hard boiled tale then…” Kazeshini smiled a bit off in hearing what the purpose was for this visit, so…may as well play along. Now things begin to change as we slowly begin to hear Kazeshini’s background. ------------- The scene slowly shows what looked like a group of swordsmen stallions & there was a colt version of Kazeshini, only….not as so freaky & scary; he seem like a normal pony back then. “A long time ago, I was once a unicorn named Kaz, a colt that was a part of some group of swordsman to fight against foes that pose a threat in our village which was once set in White Tail Woods. But then one day a mysterious group of foes attacked the village that prove too much for the clan to handle.” Kazeshini narrates off in what scenes show an event that took place of some unknown group that came & attack their village. It was almost a losing battle, as the mysterious group in black with dark magic seem to have gain the upper advantage & the young colt there thought up of something when seeing their odds aren’t so pleasant for them. “As Kaz, I recall they held a weapon that was our most secret relic that its power could make one become like a reaper. It was hidden beneath their building in a chamber while it sat on an altar that looked like a kusarigama weapon, as it was the one that was known as the Element of Scythe.” Kazeshini narrates in where his young colt self ventured into a building chamber to find such a weapon before him. “But any few that have tried to claim it have either driven to a point of insanity or death since wielding such a weapon of such killing was hard for any. But I knew the risk, & took a shot of changing myself completely if it meant I be an outcast afterwards from slaying the enemies.” The scene shows young Kaz stepping up & trying to take the weapon without fear or worry of whatever happens to him. Once overcoming a strange magic aura that came from the weapon, as if trying to almost drive the pony mad, Kaz pass. And then the weapon levitated off, the chain tie around the colt & it looked like he was stabbed from front & back, but the blade tips were magically seeking & fusing with him. And as the chains magically fuse with him, Kaz felt his body changing, his appearance became more well-toned dark & the body had a red outline of stripe design, even his eyes color were completely light blue. “When the act of the element fuse with me, I was changed drastically, & when I saw myself, I knew my days as Kaz ended, & it would be the birth…of a new me.” Kazeshini narrated of to say in where Kaz saw what he had become & saw that he was no longer the same pony he once was, but at the same time…he never felt better. Soon he smiled in seeing he was worthy, & soon held the weapon known as Kazeshini, & decided that from now on, that’s his new name to fit his appearance. And soon a dark wind moved around the village, slaying off the enemy, & it was reveal to be….the colt child that obtain power. “Later, I appeared & slay off all the enemies that attacked my home, while the battle won, I knew that I’d broke the rule of never to approach the element for its purpose, was to kill & so I left in saying it was nice being here while it lasted while I went on the road.” Kazeshini narrated off in stating that though his actions were in the right heart, he was someone that was meant to kill, so he decided to leave my village knowing that for him…the urge to eliminate his enemies was strong. Years pass that he’s grown into an adult stallion, wearing some new clothing, & his skills surpass that he was given a title nickname from when he arrives & folks see his weapons, they know him as ‘The Wind of Death’, because he strikes like the wind & the next minute, a target is dead. “Years passed by, I’ve earn a name for myself. There came a time when I cross paths with Kilik, & we fought against the other a few times our paths ever cross of their journey.” Kazeshini narrates in what happens to him next, as he’s seen facing against Kilik in battle, and the guy was pretty good to keep up with him. Now the scene changes to a different location, where a village was attacked & many did not survive…as Kazeshini of the past ventured into it. But not all were dead, there was….the faint cry of an infant! “Then one day when a village was attacked, most citizens fled or killed, I came across a baby foal. I would have abandon the child, but it latch onto me & was unable to get rid of it. So while stuck with the child while I journeyed, I was almost about to fight Kilik again, but from hearing the foal’s cries got me sidetracked.” Kazeshini narrates in how his young self got stuck with some kid he didn’t want, even to distract him. “But eventually, I was beginning to warm up to the kid, & when I found a hut to let the child stay, when I was far away, heard its cries, found a mare that wanted to help the child, but was also attacked by a mysterious foe.” The scene shows Kazeshini of the past starting to get along with the child & when he found someone else to take care of it, only for them to be attack, trouble began to stir. Kazeshini intervene, & when he would have evade, he protected the two with his body, & after eliminating the threat, he asked the mare to care for the child since it would be better than with him. “I knew leaving the child to another was safer than keeping it with one who goes about seeking danger. Soon after, I found & fought Kilik, who reveal he knew about the child while I denied such involvement, but after my defeat, I asked the foal to not cry, & after being told by Kilik they can protect ponies across Equestria, I admitted that it does not sound like a bad idea.” Kazeshini narrates in where we find his younger self who was hurt a bit, wanting to fight Kilik, who learn about what he did, and they settle another fight in which a new idea was born to protect life than just taking it. Once that was done, Kazeshini & Kilik went their separate ways again, but at least now, Kazeshini is a little more of a better stallion than when he was in the past. “Eventually, I came into being a part of a group called: The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which I thought it could be worth to help protect innocent while slaying evil heads & became like the “Swift Assaulter” of the bunch.” Kazeshini narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how she came to join such a group. And with that, her story begins to fade out from reaching its conclusion. --------------------------------------- The scene now returns to Kazesini with Pinkie Pie & Pinkamena having heard of the guy’s tale. And for some, they almost find his story the most unbelievable of things, but….it really happened. Guess one can’t judge a book by its cover, now can they. “So tell me, is that enough for you to get my business?” Kazeshini asked off in thinking he told what this group wanted to know. “Well it certainly is something.” Pinkie Pie nods off to say this from learning about the guy. “And to think, I never knew I had some pony that goes through such dramas like myself from your case.” Pinkamena stated off to say this on what she thought. “Tch, whatever, if that’s all, I need to get back to my business.” Kazeshini turns around to say while preparing to go about his own business now. Both pink ponies nod to get up and go, but not before coming across their pals that hid while many had pondered faces from overhearing the story. “Well gang, you heard him.” Pinkie Pie nods off to say in seeing everybody knows more about Kazeshini. “And it looks like we’re down to just one more.” Pinkamena pointed out in who else was left to chat with. “Ivy, maybe I should have a word with her Twilight.” Ben spoke in knowing who the last Forger was, so he’ll take this one. “Okay Ben, we’ll leave it to you.” Twilight nods to say in leaving the last Forger, to her lover. Everyone slowly nods before they pack up to go, now they are on the last weapon wielding pony to chat with before they can gather their thoughts together. ---------------- Now the scene opens up to where Ivy is, & she was walking about, then unleashed her sword-snake weapon to shred & break apart wooden dummies without flinching or feeling worried. Then she sense Ben’s presence to stop & look at the stallion. “So….you are here.” Ivy slowly spoke in seeing the one she wished to join them, has come. “I am.” Ben nods slowly to say this in response. “Your decision?” Ivy asked in wondering if Ben has come to terms of the offer. “First, I wanna know something. From what I’ve learn, you basically started this group.” Ben asked in wanting something to be answered for him. “It’s true, I did.” Ivy slowly nods in response. “Then why?” Ben asked in wondering why Ivy form the Forgers & why they need him. “Everyone has their reasons, I was just there when it was convenient. But….” Ivy simply explained the case in her own judgement to make of it. “Sometimes, tragedy is what makes us move, it was the same with my own that made me into who I am today.” She spoke in looking up as if staring into space, recalling a life she once knew. Soon things began to blur out as Ivy begins to tell her story about her past…. ---------------------- The scene began to open what looks like a nice estate by a wealthy family, & we find what looks like the filly version of Ivy being raised by a nice father & mother. All seems to be well with this family. “I was a child born in one of the most wealthy families in Equestria, was raised with love by my parents.” Ivy narrates to say in what her childhood was like in the past. “However, a strange being came to offer my father something, that which driven him insane to pursuit for what was called the ‘Key to Eternal Youth.’ By the time of his death, his efforts to search for immortality had drained his family’s fortune & left one of Canterlot’s most distinguished families in ruins.” The next scenes show from a stranger that came and offered Ivy’s father something, which lead to ruin. As if to pursue her husband into death, the Countess fell ill & passed away soon after the stallion’s death. This left Ivy as the sole surviving member of the Valentine Family. “I was left alone, a survivor of my family. But in reality; I was not a true Valentine by birth. The Earl & Countess found me abandoned in front of their mansion when I was an infant & was taken into the family as an adopted child.” Ivy’s narration spoke in explaining what was going on during that moment and time. The scene shows Ivy discovered this secret only after reading a will left behind by the Countess in her death. But this did not matter to her, for the Valentines were the only parents she knew. Searching through her parents' possessions, Ivy found her father's diary. In it, she discovered that the "Key to Eternal Youth" her father had been pursuing was a thing called the Lao Mang Lone Soup. “My discovery was something I never expected. To honor my father, I chose to become independent & investigate the Lao Mang Lone Soup.” Ivy narrated off in explaining something of what happened, & made a goal to pursue. During this investigation, she uncovered the true nature of the soup…it was an evil creation said to transform a pony from their nature to become more evil, granted that it needed an ingredient that revolve around that of a true Demon God, AKA, become like the War-God Grimmore who was the closest thing to being one. It's been said of the names of those long ago that have truly partake in throwing away their ponity: Smaug, Dark Curse, even Dragon Hope; the more Ivy read of the fates of those who had come into contact with the soup, the more she became convinced of her suspicions. "My father was driven mad by such a loathsome thing...this evil delicacy!" Ivy narrated in what the young form of herself has learn across her findings. Filled with rage & despair, Ivy vowed to avenge the death of her father by using all of her knowledge to destroy all traces of the creation of the Lao Mang Lone Soup. Ivy realized she needed to create a weapon powerful enough to aid in destroying all traces of the soup, even its new users of its knowledge. “My knowledge led me to successfully create a weapon capable of shifting back & forth from a whip to a sword. This weapon was merely mechanical though, & I believed the only thing which could stand against creatures transform into creatures of service of wanting to become something like Gods is with a living weapon. But such manner was harder to come by, there aren't many weapons of legend like the Master Sword that would aid in such a quest. Until a day came that the answer…found me.” Ivy narrated off while scenes show her trying to make a weapon that was alive, make it be like the Master Sword of legends, but many were shown to be failure products until…something aided in her work. Then one day, she found a page in one of her parent's dairies that told of holding a certain weapon that was charged to be watched by the family & only be used to aid in slaying all enemy foes. Ivy followed the instructions to find a secret chamber embedded in the mountain of Equestria, & found an altar with a strange sword. “I had found that which I wanted to make, it was almost like I sense it calling me, & so I went to it without fear.” Ivy narrated off to explain what her past self did when seeing such a strange sword. When she approached it, to touch it, nothing seem special, until the blade came to life & split off to reveal it was like a snake-blade & it entangled the filly to which she screamed. But in the process of believing she would die, the weapon was fusing with her, & soon her Cutie Mark appeared, & learn it was a symbol close to her family name, & even the sword's name. “I found one final message embedded on the rock, that I had found & become the new user to the Element of Sword-Whip, a weapon that would be fighting with a sword & usage of a whip, two dangerous combination traits.” Ivy narrates off in explaining what she had become, & her skills with such a weapon seem so menacingly scary, she would be a threat to any enemy in her way. Learning of her path, she began to change a bit, & over the years developed skills & fighting style and tactics to defeat her opponents. “But then as I began to set out for my own selfish needs, I met with Talim after just killing off some villains for any leads for my quest for vengeance while very weaken, whom understood my pain to help heal the torment I suffered, such acts help heal most of my persona.” Ivy narrated in where her past self came across Talim & for a first time….someone who helped her out while understanding of her suffering. “I asked why this mare helped, only to hear she did so because I looked lost & I sense an element weapon from her, which meant the two of us had something else in common.” A scene shows how Talim helped Ivy out, & how they each had something related in common. Now a scene shows of the two discussing things, & soon journeyed off together with plans to expand their group, make it grow ever larger than before… “When discussed about trying to help save the world from evil that is slowly corrupting everyone, it became aware that they should team up to aid one another & thus began the first makings of a group called: The Forgers, that are those that wield weapons & are element users, to go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, which Ivy believes can be aided to stop anyone from losing themselves from wanting to chase after a power that will cost them their pointy, & became like the “Rose Of Deliverance” of the bunch.” Ivy narrated this part off in what soon happened afterwards that would explain how she came to join such a group. And with that, her story begins to fad out from reaching its conclusion. -------------------------------------------------- Now we return to where Ivy & Ben are having a discussion, and how one has gone through in life. Truly, Ivy has suffered a tragic event in her life & that she strives to change things, which lead to her finding & gathering others who feel they share a common interest. “If you still need time to decide, we won’t leave just yet.” Ivy she spoke this message as clear as day. “But I…” Ben was almost about to say, only to be cut off… “Until then, farewell young Benjamin.” Ivy she patted Ben’s shoulder to depart now to attend other matters. It was now Ivy who was leaving the scene, & as she was out of sight, the others in hiding came out to join Ben as they have now heard all of the stories to try to come to a decision…they hope. “Well Ben, have you decided?” Goldie asked his friend if he’s decided on something. “No….now I’m even more unsure.” Ben shook his head in feeling like now he’s unsure if he wants to stay or go after hearing such stories. “You mean from learning how the Forgers dealt with things before they travel to help out?” Jack Zen stated off in figuring what Ben was sorta getting by. “While they share trials, the fact remains….you are in need of deciding what is best.” Omega explained the case as simple as he could. "Agreed." Fila nods slowly in agreement there. "Still, this is harder to solve than expected." Starlight Glimmer rubbed her head in trying to figure out how to deal with this problem. “Maybe we should try to talk to those guys again, what do you think?” Spike suggested this out for Ben to consult with the Forgers from what they know now. “Sounds like a plan Spike, how about it daddy?” Nyx stated in agreement before asking her father. “Let’s give them an hour, otherwise, well….you get the idea.” Ben stated in feeling they best wait a while before asking a big question out of nowhere. Everyone nods in agreement, as they all prepare to get to someplace to decide what actions to take. So far, the Forgers are decent & good ponies that wanna do good in the world. But will that make one of them leave their home, that’s gonna be the hardest decision to make even for Ben Mare’s case. But for now, only time can tell what is gonna be the results of this matter…