> MLP: Forging Weapons & Friendship > by JusSonic > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 01: Meet the Weapons Group! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- MLP: Forging Weapons & Friendship Chapter 01: Meet the Weapons Group! The story opens up to the far view of the Rainbow Kingdom that is seen from our view. As everything looks to be in order, the sun was shining, the birds are tweeting, ponies minding their own business, same run as usual. “Yeeeaaaahhhh!” Bulk Biceps is shown reflexing his muscles near a crowd after helping to move some heavy crates. “Alright Time Tuner, we move these crates here.” Mayor Mare instructed her assistant in what to do next. “Yes ma’am, this should work out.” Time Tuner spoke to say in doing his work. As all of the citizens were going about their lives, some mysterious figures in different color cloaks with each one having a symbol that stood for ‘weapon’ on it. As they pass by, they only drew out little attention to the public even if they were going in a group, but some just felt like they shouldn’t mix with weird ponies that come and dress like that; who knows what would happen. “Who were they? Are they new around here?” Mrs. Cake asked in not knowing who it was that pass by the Cake Family. “Don’t know, never seen them before.” Mr. Cake shook his head to his wife while being unsure while caring for their babies. The mysterious cloak group with weapon symbols continued to move about at their own pace, while they seem to be…looking for something. What it is, no one will know about it. ----------------------------------- Now the scene opens up to the Rainbow Palace as we find the Mane Six, Spike, Phobos, Nyx, Starlight Glimmer & Ben in the Council of Friendship table. And as always, Twilight is getting some books for her to read through with joy as everyone is either relaxing or reading as well. “Another day, another time in the castle, hugh Twilight?” Rainbow Dash ease a little in her chair to say. “Well, there are so many books that I’ve received, I like to just study them a bit.” Twilight spoke to say this in just wanting to read the many books here, she likes doing such a hobby. “An’ by study, ye mean read almost half a section.” Applejack pointed out this fact, much to the blushing smart pony in the room. “Darling, surely there are other things beside princess duties that you have hobbies of?” Rarity asked in wondering if her friend has hobbies besides Liberian and princess. “Like if you wanted to, we could throw a party!” Pinkie Pie bounced around to say this as a suggestion of thought. “Or, maybe we could go bird watching. That is so much fun for me to see little birds.” Fluttershy smiled to say this in what would be a nice idea. “Bird watching? Really, who does that?” Phobos asked off in not sounding interested. “Come on Phobos, it ain’t that bad?” Nyx asked her pet pal to be a little more considerate. “Sure, as long as they don’t leave you a little SURPRISE!” Phobos rolled his eyes to issue about one problem that bird watching gets them. “Surprise! What surprise? No pony said birds can give you surprises!” Pinkie Pie pops near Phobos to ask what surprise birds give out, she likes surprises. “Trust me Pinkie Pie, it is one surprise….you may not want.” Ben smiled a bit to calm the pink pony to understand its one surprise they can do without. “Awww….” Pinkie Pie pouts to stop her bouncing around, she was actually wanting to know. “Well at least things seem pretty calm now. Nothing happening, nothing going wrong….we rarely get this much in a day.” Spike spoke to say in seeing that so far, things have been a little more better of a mood. Then without warning, Barney & Fred burst into the room like they were in a race, and came to a stop to pant like they were in a marathon. This action caught everyone in the room’s attention, where was the fire? "Except for maybe if the guards seem out of breath." Starlight Glimmer stated in seeing this action. “Pri-Pri-Pri-Princess! Ye-Ye-Ye-Ye gotta see this!” Fred spoke off a bit from trying to say something. “Ugh, yeah-yeah, we got a bi-bi-big problem!” Barney nods off to say in looking really worried. “Really, what is it? Crop problems, food shortage, are the Royal Sisters coming and we forgot to prepare Ponyville?” Twilight asked off in what was it that seems to be the problem. “Oh no, if it were those things, we could have handled.” Fred shook his head off that the problem was bigger than those suggestions. “But duuuagh, this one seems to scream more attention!” Barney stated to say this in looking a bit concern for thought in the matter. “Please, what could be big enough for you two to sweat?” Phobos rolled his eyes in thinking these guys are not really serious. “Groouuuuurrruuuhhh…” Suddenly, a monstrous low roar was heard, but it was enough to shake everything in the building that the group was in to know and hear it! “That sounded….like a Dragon’s roar!” Spike spoke off in looking worried in what they may actually have on their hands. “Eeeek!” Fluttershy yelps in fear to duck and hid under some covers. “A…Dragon!” For Fluttershy, full-grown Dragons are really scary, and there is one close by too. “I really gotta watch what I say!” Phobos moans to say in seeing he had to call for trouble. “What kinda Dragon is it?” Ben asked their guards of what kinda Dragon foe is causing trouble. “Unknown, your Princeship! It just arrived out of nowhere!” Barney shook his head in stating they don’t know anything about a new dragon threat that came into town. “Most of us thought we could handle it, we thought wrong.” Fred shook his head to say this that they thought it was easy to tame a Dragon, this one isn’t like that. "It must be a difficult one if a couple of Royal Guards say they can't handle it." Starlight Glimmer stated in having a bad feeling about this. “What should we do mommy?” Nyx asked her mother in what they should do at this point. “We need to see just what kinda creature is attacking. Come on!” Twilight issued the order to her group that they need to get out there and see what kinda Dragon creature is making such a ruckus. With that in mind, did the gang quickly go pass Fred & Barney to see what was going on in their home now. For whatever it is, it must be trouble alright. ------------------------------------ Just outside of Ponyville, a beast was seen stomping across the streets of where scared ponies were running from it. Much area structures got wreck when the creature moved through it like it shrug off the feeling of not being bothered by what it hit. Its loud stomps shook most of the ground, but everyone was in a panic to get as far away from what scared them…. “DRAGON ATTACK!” Snips & Snails screamed out to say while fleeing in terror along with everyone else. As the heroes came outside, did they see just what kinda creature they are dealing with here. It appeared like some big, bulky, behemoth Dragon beast with gray turquoise scales, bronze nail talons, two horn points off its wings, two horns in ‘V’ form off the nose, and mace-form tail. It has clear tan bronze color eyes, shape teeth, and it’s decorated with gray tome rings on the tail, front legs, and one giant tome ring that magically hovers & rotates sometimes around the neck area. The creature appeared to not be of an intelligent class, but more of a wild berserker type as it was laying waste to the town without bother or care. “Wha in Sam Hill is dat thing?” Applejack asked off in not knowing what they got here. “Is that thing a really Dragon?” Rarity asked in not knowing what this creature is at all. "Twilight, you think this could actually be..." Starlight Glimmer looked to Twilight who was just as surprised as she was at what they saw. “I don’t believe it…that’s….that’s a Tiamat!” Twilight spoke off shock to believe what it was they are seeing. “A Tia-whatta?” Rainbow Dash asked off in not following Twilight’s words of what the thigh’s name was. “It’s a Wyrm-type of Dragon. Look there, those Ancient tomes it has describe its soul of the winds. They possess with a violet temperament & destructive power enough to lead an entire world to ruin. They’re Rank III Ranged Lightning beast, they attack with moves like Plasma Storm that deals lightning damage to multiple foes, while their special attack, Mighty Guard, increases their Defense & Magic Resistance of itself & it’s brethren in range.” Twilight explained what this creature was, what it’s known as, what it’s capable of, and then some. “Thanks for the lecture on dragon 101, professor. Now how can we stop it?” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in having to be schooled of what they are dealing with, so next question; stopping it. “That’s just it, I don’t know. This is the first time one has ever appeared.” Twilight shook her head in stating that she has never seen a live Tiamat before. “Eek! Something’s falling!” Fluttershy squeals in fright to look at what was falling from above. Soon something fell from the skies and landed hard on the ground near the gang as the clouds cleared…they saw some figures of those who were fighting the Tiamat. “Golden Heart!” The gang responded in seeing who came and hit the ground, it was Golden Heart and most of his group; Pinkamena, Jack Zen, Fila & Omega. “Wow, you dropped by to say hello!” Pinkie Pie spoke off to say in what happened to this bunch. “Unfortunately, no…we didn’t.” Jack Zen groans to rub his head in saying that’s not why they came here. “We saw this thing and we’re trying to fight it off while Sombra & Autumn Gem get many of the ponies out of here.” Pinkamena explain that they were fighting, than the next, got sent here, it’s crazy as it sounds. “I have finished determining the creature’s strength & rating of difficulty. It is near the half exact strength & defense qualities from when once we fought Dragon Fafnir.” Omega stated from having made a readout of this fought, Tiamat’s full strength is nearly matching the half difficulty some of the gang went against in facing Fafnir when he turn into a Dragon. “It’s that strong hugh? Man, just remembering that battle is not a pleasant feeling.” Ben stated from touching his chest, where a scar mark is from when he and those that went to the Human World to save their friends from the Sirens threat, fought Fafnir to which Ben scarred his left eye. "Omega told me about that battle, sorry if it also has bad memories." Fila exclaimed in knowing that Ben did go through some tough times. “Right now, this thing’s really gonna wreck the whole town if we don’t stop it. Care to help?” Golden Heart stated in what was going on, and they could sure use a lot of help to stop this beast. “We’re ready!” Nyx spoke from transforming into her Battle Form, as she was ready. Soon everyone decided to go around to surround the Tiamat, in hopes that from separate attack patterns, it couldn’t get them all. “On three…” Goldie was about to say, but was cut off now… “THREE! ATTACK!” Pinkamena shouted out for them to just begin this right away. The next thing to happen was that everyone fired off their best known attacks. Twilight fired her Twilight Star Shower, Rainbow Dash fired her Unicorn Cannon, Applejack thrown her Ho-Down Wallop, Rarity used her Eternal Gem - Gem Shotgun, Fluttershy fired a Crystal Optic Beam; Pinkie Pie was firing her Party Blast attacks from her Party Cannon. Ben used his Sword Beam, Golden Heart fired his Golden Flames, Jack Zen fired his Horn Buster, Omega unleashed his Omega Cannon, Pinkamena swung her Blades of the Pinkie Pie, Spike & Phobos used their respected Dragon & Moon Breaths, and Nyx fired off her Night Blaster attack. All those attacks were fired at perfect sync timing, and even a slow witted giant could not avoid them all. Everything landed on the Tiamat, and it look like they took that berserk Dragon down for the count. “Groouuuuurrruuuhhh…” But in reality, the Tiamat was shown looking like it was not even close to being beaten, as it roared out its mouth, from which it was channeling an electrical charge in its mouth, then blasted it off as a lightning blast. "That isn't good!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in seeing that sight can be a problem. “INCOMING!” Phobos yelled out in seeing what was about to come straight at them. Soon everyone duck down to avoid the beast’s Plasma Storm, but it hit across the other part of their part, and let’s just say….getting hit by that attack isn’t gonna be walked off anytime soon. “Man, this thing’s hard to knock down!” Rainbow Dash groans to say in seeing this Tiamat just won’t go down. “We’ve hit it with almost all we’s got.” Applejack stated in how they hit the thing, but it won’t go down. “Ugh, and it still looks like it has nothing but scratches from what we did.” Rarity groans to say in seeing how tough this beast really is. “I’ve hit it with so many of my party cannon, I could have almost wipe out the town instead.” Pinkie Pie stated from what she’s tried to do that would’ve made some results. “Thank goodness you didn’t.” Jack Zen stated in how if Pinkie Pie did something like that, then why deal with this beast in the first place. “Twilight, what else can stop this thing from hurting any pony?” Fluttershy asked her smart friend for any advice. “Why not become Unity; that managed to stop Fafnir last time when he turn into a Dragon.” Spike suggested in what could stop this uncontrollable wild dragon beast from leveling the place. “Spike’s right, alright girls, ready…” Twilight nods in determination, as they get ready until… “Wait, something’s moving over there!” Nyx spoke in warning, as ahead were someone in a cloak approaching the area while not noticing the Tiamat. “Were there still some ponies that didn’t make it out?” Ben asked off in figuring not all civilians got out safely. “Hey you! Lookout! Rampaging Dragon Coming Your Way!” Phobos shouted off for the person to watch out for danger ahead of them. Soon Tiamat waves its tail at the direction of where someone was not being careful and would be hit. Or would they…? Suddenly, the background played The Dark Knight Rises (Main Theme) song, as something began to happen. “Cease its movement.” Spoke a mare’s voice in giving instructs here. Then without warning, a large boomerang was swung from another cloak figure from the side. That boomerang knocked the swing tail off to miss its target while temporally jabbing it in the ground. Then two other figures in cloaks ran from two sides, wielding from tonfa-paired weapons and sharp fan blades to strike the Tiamat’s legs in cutting or aiming with strange pressure points. “Grrrougghaarrughh…” Tiamat growls in feeling the sting of what hurts it. “Attack it from below, above, and from range to its inside.” The mare explain the next attack formation. Soon flying from above, a strange cloak figure took out two strange swords that were lit charge before they were firing from below. The Tiamat groans from the impacts, but did not rest from when something stroke it from below as fast as the wind to leave two scar marks across its defense. “GRROOOUUAARRRUGHHH!” Tiamat growls in greater pain in what was being done to it. “Now, aim for its mouth, I’ll hold it.” The mare issued the next to final command of what needs to be done to end this. Now the mysterious mare giving orders revealed a strange whip as she swung it forth out, but strangest thing was…it look like a sword before stretching. The weapon encircle the Tiamat’s neck to dig inside with strange effects to harm it. “GROOUUARRRRUGHHH!” The Tiamat growls in fury, as it begins to channel another electrical charge in its mouth, but… But then one more cloak figure rushed in, and from her cloth sleeve, she fired a strange drill missile that went through the electrical mouth, and then… “Kurpowwfruvhmmm!” The attack imploded inside the Tiamat, the explosion escaped outside its mouth as seen. “Grooouuaaarrughh…../Clopfruvhmmm…” The Tiamat groans in painful agony as it slowly drops in losing consciousness to impact the ground in a thunderous quake response. With the clouds clearing after the Tiamat had fallen, there was a sight of its demise to which shock even the rest of the gang. Some unknown group assisted them in not only stopping this berserk creature, but they took the Tiamat out with skills, performance, combined efforts, and with weaponry & talented strength to which seem almost inhuman to believe possible. But soon the gang shook off the delay tension to get down to the serious case at hand… "That was....surprising to see." Fila slowly spoke off in having to witness that action in record timing. “Um, thanks for the help, but…who are you guys?” Ben spoke off in asking the biggest question of the day; just who were these ponies. As the wind blow any dust away, so too this mysterious pony group of their cloaks to fall backwards onto the ground. And from there, their real appearances are seen as a strange group to behold. The first one was a Unicorn mare with light moderate purple fur coat, a short messy mane & split crescent tail style that are silver & white mix colors, and clear crystal blue eyes. She wears dark gold-bronze color hoof-wear on all fours that seem made of strong stuff and she wears gold jewel bands with a dark red gemstone in the center on her front part. She appears almost normal, but looks can be deceiving from what she is truly capable of from her developed form. And on her flank appears to be a black symbol that takes the shape of a rose, as her Cutie Mark along with a similarity to her name & talent. The second was an Earth stallion with tan brown fur coat, short buzz-cut Indian style mane & medium flow tail with black & gray color mix, and light gray emerald eyes. He appears to be very well physically build around his muscle regions, seem to have a chip mark on his ear. His body is covered in dark tan red markings all over himself & on the face, he even wears light white bronze color bandages around his hooves & legs. And on his flank appears to be a brown boomerang as his Cutie Mark along with a talent he has. The third was a Pegasus Mare with brilliant cyan fur color coat, a well style mane & long tail, with dark & moderate azure color mix, and light bronze color eyes. She wears bronze cloth made hoof shoe-wear in the back, red cloth bands on her front hooves and gold ring bands on the front of her legs. She appears like an innocent little thing, but even from such a form, this pony seems to have some skills unseen by others. And on her flank appears to be some black symbol of two tonfas almost touching to look like a throwing star-blade as her Cutie Mark. The fourth was a unicorn mare with vivid cerulean fur color coat, well style royalty mane & well brush tail that are both dark brown/gray mix color, and light red color eyes. She wears a silver tiara on the mane of a Japanese style, wears silver jewel bands on the front of her legs with light blue gemstones, and wears light vivid cerulean hoof shoes for the mare species, truly appearing like she’s royalty. She is very much physically well fit in being in perfect health & seems very athletic and she shows a face of being serious over matters, and above her forehead is a light vivid cerulean color mark. And on her flank, appears a black symbol shaped like a spinning fan, stating her Cutie Mark of what talent she holds. The fifth was someone who appears like a Pegasus stallion with sapphire bluish gray fur color coat, messy mane & wild style tail with a color mix of dark gray & tan light gray & light dark violet color eyes. He wears a blue body outfit that covers his body, wears a brown vest, dark bronze hoof shoes in the back and metal gauntlet hoof-style shoe in the front. He is physically very fit, appears to have a muscular body, good on reflexes & agility, even his wings are different in showing their more fierce showing for faster movement, and appears to have a sharp develop mind for combat means. On his flank and on his outfit, shows a black ‘A’ & red ‘W’ symbol letters merge together, stating what his talent could be. The sixth was someone who appears as a unicorn stallion with well-toned dark fur coat color along with his mane & tail which are a long tied ponytail mane & long tied tail that both reach down a good lower region of his back & bottom legs, and completely light blue eyes. He wears dark gray strips of cloth around his hooves, legs, and on his front chest. His body has a red outline of stripe design, which occasionally flickers, and his canine teeth are noticeably pronounced. And on his flank appears some kinda dark black curve bony object with blades extended off the back, looking like a weapon to attack, as his Cutie Mark. From his appearance alone, he looks like one who would ‘reap’ & take away a life if a target was not careful. The seventh was a Unicorn mare with light tan emerald color fur coat, straight messy mane & tail with light brunet coloring, & emerald color eyes. She is seen wearing two different hoof-wear shoes; the front are white & the back are violet. And on her flank appears to be some sorta of drill top meant for drilling things, as her Cutie Mark as well as uncovering what her talent might be. What each of the seven wielded were weapons of the most unknown types, a snake sword, a gigantic boomerang, tonfa-paired weapons, steel fans, Katara blades, two scythe blades, and the last one seem to be capable of using drills but did not decide to show how. And a t the moment, the background music soon reach an end point. “My name is Ivy.” The first mare spoke from still holding her strange sword-whip in her grasp. “These are Widman, Talim, Kitana, Kidd Razor, Kazeshini, and Tempo.” She pointed from who appeared first and who held a weapon that was there’s for this kingdom’s group to see. “And who are you, exactly?” Twilight slowly asked off in not knowing these ponies are. “As a group, we are known….as The Forgers!” Ivy stated this off as to who they are to the Mane Six party as a whole group. “Huuuugh! Not THEEEEE Forgers!” Pinkie Pie gasped in surprise shock, much to everyone being alert if she knew of such a group. “I haven’t a clue of who they are.” She whispered this to the others, much to their sighs of expecting a reaction from such a pony. “I think I do and make no mistake…they’re the real deal.” Golden Heart spoke in sounding serious, as he heard about the Forgers and knows from what they just witnessed; are very strong fighters that use powerful weaponry and techniques. “Let us discuss things inside, there is much to talk about.” Ivy stated in moving the subject along now. With that stated, Ivy and her group moved without delay towards Rainbow Castle. The Mane Six were stun that the new group in town wants to discuss something, and so quickly too. They all slowly nod their heads in thinking they best keep track of these guys. “Something tells me, we’re gonna have one of those strange days.” Pinkamena shrug off to say in feeling like this was gonna be just one of those days they gotta get through with. And with that, the screen goes dark in where the Mane Six are now in the company presence of those with such amazing skills and weapon handling, that they are glad they are not enemies. But who are the Forgers anyway, and why are they even here to begin with? These questions are best to be answered…when the gang goes in to learn more. > Chapter 02: Who Are The Forgers? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 02: Who Are The Forgers? The scene opens up towards the inside of Rainbow Palace, and just outside it was the unconscious beast that caused such a ruckus, the Tiamat. But lucky for the gang, a new group who call themselves; the Forgers, arrived and in such display, defeated the creature with skills and weaponry unlike any other. Right now, everyone is gathered around the Council of Friendship to discuss who exactly is this weapon wielding group… “So then….just…what do you guys do?” Spike asked off the question that was still on their minds about the Forgers. “We are those chosen to wield Elements in the form of weapons, thus, we are wielders to the Weapon Elements of our respective handling.” Ivy explained the case of who the seven are, and what they carry with them. “More Elements?” Nyx spoke off in surprise, usually they see maybe one or two new Element Users, but now, they got SEVEN new ones entering their lives. “Wait a second, Weapon Type Elements, like the one Kilik wields?” Jack Zen asked off in recalling Kilik wields the Element of Pole-Staff if he’s not mistakeb, that one is basically a weapon type. “Not just him, four Mystics if my memory are correct also wield some.” Golden Heart stated in remembering four other weapons used by the allies from the Mystic Realm. “You mean the Ninja Ponies Four, yep, they definitely got them too.” Pinkamena stated in recalling those four to be Furlough, Techno, Roughstrike & Twintwist; together they are the Ninja Ponies Four. “Wait, those four are also Element Users too? Why they never say anything?” Rainbow Dash asked off shock in just NOW learning four Mystics were still holding onto Elements. “We needed to confirm the subject and it’s revealed they do indeed carry them.” Omega explained the case of what could be best described. "This is all very fascinating!" Fila exclaimed in having heard much of such things. "I know, even I'm a little bewildered!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed to mention this. “I think we’re getting off topic. What is it you guys do?” Ben stated to remind the gang their topic is with the Forgers as they are not sure what this group truly is. “We are those who wields such weapons, and are chosen Element Users.” Wildman spoke in issuing this matter of opinion openly before going silent. “Yeah, and we go around seeking answers & battling against evil forces, and we each have our reasons.” Kazeshini smiled off casually and with ease to sound pretty impressed with himself. “Gulp…” Fluttershy swallowed hard in looking at this guy, for some reason…his appearance is…kinda scary looking. “Fluttershy, are you quite alright?” Rarity asked her friend in thinking something was up. “Um, well….it’s just…while I don’t wanna be rude, but….why are you so…so…?” Fluttershy shuttered a bit while trying to ask Kazeshini a question, which earn his attention to cut in. “Scary looking? You REEeeeeally wanna know?” Kazeshini spoke to say with a freaky smile as if about to….strike! “Eep! Um, never mind!” Fluttershy yelps with fear to duck her head below the table to respond. “Hey buddy, quit scaring Fluttershy. She was only concern fer ye.” Applejack snapped off to protect her friend from this guy trying to play some wise game. “While we may, let us not go into details about Kazeshini as you can tell….he and Ivy are our group's most known members to be quite scary when they either fight or begin an argument.” Kitana spoke in sounding a bit more diligent, almost noble-like, in who in the group of theirs can be hard to handle at times. “Well, how about telling us about yourselves & we can do the same?” Pinkie Pie suggested this with a friendly smile. “While that may help, we heard much about all of you.” Tempo explained the case of knowing how the Mane Six and their friends are already. “Really, impressed?” Phobos smiled of in feeling cocky about himself. “Not the word to go by, but you seem less efficient.” Kidd Razor remotely stated in how Phobos shouldn’t get ahead since the news ain’t much a compliment as it is as an insult. “WHAAAT!” Phobos snapped off in feeling like he got duped. “Please, can you tell us something that’s on our minds? Like what Elements do you possess?” Twilight spoke in deciding to learn more about the Forgers, like which elements do they represent and wield them as such. “My name….is Ivy, I wield the Element of Whip-Sword and have been known as the Twisting Blade of Deliverance.” Ivy spoke to explain, as she revealed her weapon as a snake-sword which looks like a sword, then she swung it that expand and contract at will as it’s based on an Asian multi-segmented whip. The weapon shows to be alive as it’s connected to Ivy with its user like a link. “AAAHHH….your weapon…it’s…alive!” Rarity yelps in seeing the movement of Ivy’s weapon, that doesn’t seem possible; and it’s freaking her and scaring Fluttershy a bit. “Indeed, and it does as I say, to which no enemy may escape my grasp or their fate.” Ivy explained the depths of her weapon, to which even Twilight felt almost petrified in how a weapon could almost behave in such animal manners. “Such is the way of Valentine, and from my work to be known as the Rose of Deliverance.” She mentioned this about herself and of the weapon’s name as it moved closer to the young ones. “Gulp…” Spike, Phobos & Nyx gulp in keeping a distance from Ivy’s weapon, in case it had a mind of its own to…come near them. "Awkward...." Starlight Glimmer whispered under her breath in what she heard. “Wow, its actions remind me of my Blades of Pinkie Pie.” Pinkamena spoke off to mention this from how Ivy’s weapon is kinda like how she made her own. “Yeah, but unlike them…they are not a Weapon Element type of power.” Goldie pointed out this important fact that needed to be reminded. “Um, okay….wha about ye fella with a boomerang?” Applejack slowly spoke before looking at Widman in wondering of his deal. “I’m Wildman, I am the one to wield the Element of Boomerang and have become known…as the Wild Boomerang Warrior.” Wildman who then showed his gigantic boomerang of gray bronze coloring with a grip handle on one side with a dangling dark-gray strap around it. “Together with my hunting skills and with this weapon; WildHeart, I’m the Track Hunter of this group.” He explained himself of what his specialty is. “Hmmm, well….at least you seem humble, but seem kinda quiet.” Rarity slowly spoke in studying Wildman’s actions, and he seems like a warrior who doesn’t talk too much and prefers to be quiet. “Hmmm…I’m not much for conversations.” Wildman hums to nod lightly while admitting this part. “Well here’s another question, who’s this girl right here?” Phobos asked off in looking over to the table in who else they have to deal with. “Greetings, my name is Talim, I’m the one who wields the Element of Tonfa. They are called Syi Salika & Loka Luha.” Talim spoke to introduce herself, as she showed a Tonfa-like paired weapons that were elbow blades. “So are you named after your weapon too?” Phobos asked off the straight question of what was going on here. “Phobos!” Nyx scolds her pet pal for speaking a bit out of term there. “Actually, my title is….The Last Priestess of The Wind.” Talim responded to say this in what her title name really is that speaks about her background. “Hugh…you’re a priest?” Spike yelps off to ask in what he and everyone else here heard. “Within this group, I am known as the Little Priestess of Purity, because I want to go about and help purify those that have fallen to evil.” Talim explained herself in not having any strange hints of suspicion. "How noble..." Fila exclaimed from having to hear such a wondrous claim. “Why darling, what are admirable thing to do! You might enjoy such things with Kilik, you both want to help purify those of evil and such.” Rarity spoke in finding what the mare was doing sounded very thoughtful. “We’ve met along the way, in fact, some of us have come across Kilik in our own separate journeys.” Talim stated that for most of those within the Forgers, they have come across Kilik in the past. “So then….what’s your story pal? One Pegasus to another.” Rainbow Dash spoke towards the only Pegasus flier of the bunch. “I am who I am. I’ve told you my name….Kidd Razor, I’m simply the one who wields the Element pf Katars.” Kidd Razor spoke to say, as he shows that he wears metal gauntlets on his front hooves, seen as a black & silver design pattern, specialized as hand-held blades. “Hmmm…I can’t quite point my hoof on it, but I feel like we’ll someday see more guys that have something like that weapon, but not as special as this Weapon Element.” Pinkie Pie rub her chin to say something that was kinda strange in her friends didn’t know what she meant. “Ignore her, she can be random sometimes. So tell us more.” Rainbow Dash spoke to the others about the pink pony’s weirdness. “The Katara Blades, helped me with some issues, eventually being label as…The Rebellious Hunter.” Kidd Razor explained this case with very little enthusiasm by his tone. “Um, why are you called that?” Fluttershy asked in not knowing the answer to the question. “Best not to say, but I’m working with this group for my own reasons, and making sure we get paid. That’s why I’m known within this bunch as the Treasure Hunter for we can’t make a living if we’re poor.” Kidd Razor looked off in a not so caring voice over the matter, as he simply stated straight to a point that one needs to make cash to get by in one’s living. “Hugh, guess that’s true.” Spike rub the back of his head in thinking that much made sense. “So…how about your story?” Spike look near Tempo who was patient to wait her turn to speak. “My name, is Tempo, I am the wielder of the Element of Drill, and I am known….as the Quake Drill Mare.” Tempo spoke to say this in a little more emotion of discussion. “So wait, there’s actually an element that lets you dig?” Jack Zen asked in finding the type of weapon to be…very different from other types. “Not just digging, drilling can be used for combat needs as well.” Omega explained the case in where a drill can be used for more than digging. “But where is your weapon?” He asked off in they saw a drill, but this pony doesn’t look like she has that weapon on her. “Yes, that’s the thing….it is part of me.” Tempo spoke to say in raising her front hooves….which magically forge out two drills that were spinning; this surprised everyone big time. “Woah…..you can change parts of your body to make drills?” Rainbow Dash asked off in being so ‘awed’ at what she and the others saw, Tempo can actually magically forge a drill on herself; now that’s pretty wicked stuff. “Amazing….I never heard of such magical abilities.” Twilight spoke in seeing what Tempo could do was beyond her imagination. "Nor I!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed that this was a first for her to see something like this too. “Tempo here is of course, our Geological Surveillance, she can help out in those areas of tunnels and where things can be.” Kazeshini smiled off to basically give some credit to Tempo in her effort while still looking kinda freaky. “And now….we come to you. Kazeshini….correct?” Golden Heart narrow his eyes at the one member of the Forgers hoses…the scariest of the bunch. “Correct, Kazeshini is my name…and I wield an element to my liking; The Element of Scythe.” Kazeshini stated from lying back and rested his back hooves on the table. And within his front hooves were two kusarigama, each with two scythe blades facing in opposite directions. The blades are connected to two spiked rods tethered together by a long chain. "Woah..." Fila yelps in seeing such dangerous looking weapons that can poke an eye out. “Gulp….um, just…what does that weapon do…if you don’t mind?” Fluttershy asked a bit meekly in feeling nervous in seeing such very sharp weapons, and is unsure what they are meant for. “What it does….is that it’s meant…to take life. For I am….the Wind pf Death.” Kazeshini explained the case of what his weapon is meant to do, as it states his own title of being Death of sorts. “Eeeeh!” Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Phobos & Nyx duck down in feeling frighten, someone that can kill things, it’s really scary to see this guy as a nice pony. “Ye mean ta say ye…..kill?” AJ asked off with a stern frown in what Kazeshini does. “I’m this group’s Swift Assaulter, and even you must know that to end things….is to kill them, that is what bounds me and my weapon.” Kazeshini explained his case of what he does is his own work. “And I must say, the pink pony’s display was intriguing.” He stated to look near a certain ink pony in particular. “Who, me?” Pinkie Pie asked off in worry, but then look who was next to her. “Oh, you mean her!” She pointed at Pinkamena as she was the one Kazeshini was referring. “Her blades move to her will and done an okay job of trying to finish off that Tiamat, she really seems to have a Nack for that. I’m surprise you never get such excellent credit.” Kazeshini smiled off in commenting how Pinkamena has a way of her skills that show much technique in taking out enemies, to a guy who does killings, its impressive stature. “Oh stop….you’re making me blush!” Pinkamena smiled off to look away, feeling like she was being praised. That pretty much made things of the atmosphere feel weird by the Mane Six bunch and Golden Heart gave a stern frown glare at Kazeshini who smiled non-the-less as the golden pony thought the guy was making some suspicious moves towards his little sister. “Please excuse Kazeshini, he can get on others nerves.” Kitana spoke forth in cutting this moment to begin her own intro. “My name, is Kitana, I was chosen to be the wielder…to the Element of Fan. I am known on the battlefields…as the War Fan Princess.” As she spoke this, she revealed to hold bladed fan-like weapon that are silver lining with blue color designs, there are at least two pairs. “Princess!” The others responded in having heard the title was Kitana actually…a princess? “You mean you’re like Twilight & the Royal Sisters?” Ben asked off in wondering if that was the matter here. “But then, how are you traveling instead of ruling a kingdom.” That was a question on Ben’s mind, Twilight had a home in Ponyville even before having a castle, same with Cadence before the Crystal Empire. “I am a Warfare Princess within this group, my being here allows me to find those that would do wrong and put an end to warfare that threaten peaceful kingdoms.” Kitana humbly spoke to explain her case of what she does as an acting princess of is done by her own means. “My, to think we encounter another princess, it’s overly astounding!” Rarity spoke in feeling astounded by this situation. “Yeah, it’s like she’s Twilight, but….waaaaay different!” Pinkie Pie stated how Kitana is like Twilight, but the difference is MAJOR though. “Right, minus the egghead part.” Rainbow Dash nods off to say this as a big factor. “Hugh.” Twilight sighs at hearing that quote by her friend Rainbow Dash. “So then, why did you come to our kingdom?” Ben soon went ahead to ask the biggest question that was on their minds; why are the Forgers here? “The reason is very simple, other than hunting down this Tiamat, we came seeking you…Ben Mare.” Ivy spoke in getting straight to the point in itself of why they are here. “Me?” Ben repeated off puzzled, why was this group looking for him. “Hugh?” The others responded in being lost as well, why are the Forgers seeking Ben. "You came to find Ben?" Starlight Glimmer repeated this off in finding it very puzzling. “You possess the ability to call forth many weapons that relate towards the Triforce Element and the connection towards the one who wielded the Master Sword.” Ivy spoke in explaining the details of the abilities Ben now has to use many different weapons. “We’ve come to ask for you to join us.” She spoke in wanting this stallion to join their group. This left everyone in silence, the Forgers came to request that Ben join them, a group of weapon wielding warriors. “Our task are the same, we want to rid the world of all evil things. It’s not all focus in one area.” Ivy stated in knowing that in every place in Equestrian, evil is up to no good, it is not all focus around just one place in particular. “As you’ve noticed, other areas may suffer from the event of the rising evil forces.” Talim spoke in stating how the signs of evil are moving and causing great harm in different areas. “Not just them, but wild beasts have begun to awaken to respond & cause problems.” Wildman stated in bringing up the subject that involves the Tiamat that was giving the gang here some trouble earlier. “Which is why we came hunting for the Tiamat, there’s a bounty on anyone that takes care of it.” Kidd Razor spoke off with a less emotional tone in stating the matter of them hunting for such a beast. “Wait, bounty?” Spike asked off in not following what was said, until Kidd Razor showed a bounty poster of the Tiamat to the gang. “You may not have noticed, but there are now billboards showing not just difficult job request, but also bounty list of those wanted in Equestria. Many of those are evil monsters to villainous criminals.” Tempo explained this to the Mane Six party of there being bounty posters showing those with pricy numbers. “So wait, we actually have one of those? Man, now we gotta PAY for your services!” Phobos stated in learning about this, so do they gotta pay this group for taking care of the Tiamat. “Not really the best time, Phobos.” Nyx whispered this to her friend to not ask a question when they are on another subject. “Payment is one thing, but as said, we came to find Ben.” Kazeshini shrug off to simply say this off as their term of view. “But why?” Twilight asked in why this group came and was asking Ben to join with them out of the blue. “He is unique, he calls upon strong weapons to help him fight and has the knowledge to use them. We could need the aid of one as strongly connected to weapons as yourself.” Ivy explained the case of needing the special gift Ben possesses that can help the Forgers out in their line of work. Ben was in a lost state of mind, on one hand, if he goes around, he can do a lot of good. But, then he would leave his friends & family behind to defend their kingdom & their neighboring areas against other threats. What can the Prince of Friendship do against such choices were one side is what will make him happy and the other won’t, tough call? “Let us not pressure him, our arrival and request are more than he can stand after a near close battle with the Tiamat.” Kitana spoke with reason to Ivy that they are being too forceful in wanting a response, they should give the stallion time to think. “Very well, Ben Mare, think about it and gives us your response. Will you stay to defend this kingdom or travel to perform more good for those that cannot,” Ivy nods to say while looking to Ben in allowing him time to think over such matters carefully. “Come seek us when you are ready.” Ivy responded to say this as the last thing to address with Ben and to her own group. Soon afterwards, the Forgers began to stand up from the table and slowly began to walk out of the room with their own thoughts on the matter at hand here. Once they were out, the Mane Six & Goldie’s group look towards Ben who was seen being very quiet about what it was that was presented to him. But it seem that no matter what, one choice will mean the giving up on another that presents itself. “Unit Ben, your silence is troubling. Are you having a system malfunction?” Omega questioned in seeing Ben’s action at this time. "I doubt that Omega, he's a fresh pony after all." Fila exclaimed off to mention this to Omega about such a claim. “Hugh, no, no, I’m just…kinda unsure about something.” Ben snap to it to reply back to the question asked, as if nothing was really wrong with him. “You mean like deciding if you wanna go with them or stay here?” Jack Zen asked in thinking Ben was deciding if he should take the Forgers offer or not. “I don’t know, that Ivy mare and even that Kazeshini guy gave me the chill feeling.” Phobos shook off after he said that, those two seem to freak him out. “Well, they aren’t that bad. In some cases, heroes can been seen differently, you just never know.” Pinkamena stated to say that those from the Forgers aren’t evil, they are okay, nothing wrong with them at all. “Well I for one found it suspicious how that Kazeshini guy was speaking towards you Pinkamena.” Goldie stated to say in sounding like some overprotected brother when he brought up the subject. “But wasn’t he complimenting her?” Spike scratch his head in recalling what Kazeshini said about Pinkamena. “Why Golden Heart….you’re not saying your….afraid of the two getting to know another?” Rarity spoke to say in making a sly smile in realizing what was with the golden stallion here. “WHAT! No…..why would you think that!” Golden Heart yelps to say while protesting the thought with a slight blush. “It’s just….you seen how he looks, he’ll scare the living daylights out of everyone!” He tried to make up some excuse to cover the case. “Kinda like how Pinkamena goes by that when they look too close to her, they freak out from her…well, you know.” Rainbow Dash pointed off that Pinkamena is also scary looking, but it doesn’t bother her much to live any daily life of the day. "She's got you there." Starlight Glimmer stated in agreement about the issue that Pinkamena looks scary to freak others out, but deep down, she's a good mare. “Come on ye’ll, we’re not chit-chatting’ about this subject from another.” Applejack stated to remind everyone to stay on their topic discussion here. “Right, but what can we do? They aren’t wrong in what they are doing.” Nyx stated to say in pondering what should be done or not. “Oooooh, it’s so painful to think under such pressure!” Pinkie Pie held her head in almost feeling like the decision was too hard to think straight. “Ben, what do you think? I mean….about joining the Forgers to help other places in Equestria?” Fluttershy asked meekly about what Ben was gonna do about the subject itself, since it is his choice after all. “Well….they are right about what I can do. I mean, I can summon weapons related to Link who has connection to the Triforce.” Ben stated in knowing that the Forgers are not wrong, he not only has the Triforce Element that represents Wisdom, Courage & Power, but also weapons that are helpful that Link used in the past. “I know I’ve unlocked some of them, but I feel like…there are other weapons & items I finally been able to reach yet. And every day is a hard struggle against our enemies. If I can awaken more, it means I’ve gotten stronger and can better fight them?” Ben explained his case that he wants to unlock and awaken more of what he feels is inside him, those he hasn’t reach yet, by doing so will help him to be stronger. “But would that mean leaving everything you have here to do that. Would you do it?” Twilight asked with worry if for Ben to get such a way, he would leave their kingdom. “No I wouldn’t, but…..I need time to think.” Ben shook his head in knowing he wants to stay, but he wants to do more good; but sighs in saying he needs time to think. With that, Ben gets up to leave the area by going out the door. Everyone watch this with silence in being uncertain of what to make of this action. “Oh Ben, you want to try so hard to protect us, but sometimes…I feel you try too hard by yourself.” Twilight sighs to say in feeling worried that her love does so much to protect them, but he forgets that they all can watch out for each other’s backs. The scene goes dark at this time from what has begun to stir. Ben will have to think over an offer that may help to more good for Equestrian, but at the cost to leave his current home. What choice will Ben have before the Forgers leave, so many questions, so little answers for us to know. > Chapter 03: Forges from the Past > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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… > Chapter 04: Sword Meets a Sword > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 04: Sword Meets a Sword At this moment, the Forgers are slowly gathered in one area after their little time of training, as well as their story telling moments with those that came to see them. Apparently, they can tell what was going on and knew the matter of an answer they seek was almost near. “And…What was his choice?” Wildman asked Ivy in what Ben had chosen of their offer. “He is still deciding what to do.” Ivy responded to say in what Ben Mare is currently doing. “Seriously, and after we allowed his friends to hear our tale?” Kazeshini asked off in sounding somewhat annoyed to hear this stuff. “They believed we didn’t see them, but in truth, we knew where they were.” Kidd Razor stated off with his same less emotion tone in knowing about the Mane Six and friends were eavesdropping the whole time. “Let them be, we know they’ll come when they are ready.” Kitana spoke to issue the manner in a more simple way of looking at things. “But is it alright, Ben has been fighting to protect this place & it has become the most centered of attacks?” Talim asked in wondering if what they are doing is right, if Ben comes with them, will his home be okay when it’s been attacked so much as of lately. “Even still, there exist other areas that also need aid, is that not true?” Tempo stated to say the logic in knowing that other areas in Equestrian are also suffering at evil’s handy work. “Yes, & for now, we’ve accomplished taking down the Tiamat.” Ivy stated in claiming how they done the job of finishing off the Tiamat problem that occurred. “I already collected the pay, so there’s nothing else left here.” Kidd Razor stated in having brought up a sack bag of gold coins, the sign that he collected the bounty from whoever requested that such a beast get taken down. “Except if Ben Mare joins us or not, you mean.” Kazeshini pointed out to Kidd Razor that they can’t leave until they get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response of Ben’s joining their group. Suddenly without warning, a gust of wind blows near the group. And while many feel it, it is Talim who begins to listen to the ‘voices of the wind’ as she once heard alerts of things from it in the past. And when it was over, did she learn something surprising. “The wind….something is coming.” Talim spoke in having felt the wind, as if it whispered in her ears. “What’s coming, Talim?” Kitana asked in having heard what the mare just said. “It said, one like us, but far stronger….and he’s coming….for Ben.” Talim spoke to say this while feeling concern about what she understood, and it sounded serious. “Like us but stronger? But who would that be?” Tempo spoke in not having an idea of what Talim was referring. “Ivy, could Talim possibly mean…?” Wildman look to the mare in pondering if the warning meant someone they ‘know’ about. “We must find Ben Mare & alert him of this news. For now he’ll face something that even the Tiamat will seem small in comparison.” Ivy issued to say this that they must find Ben to update him about a new development that is coming now. The Forgers were all in agreement and decided that they most get going right away. They all quickly vacate now for now something has come up and it’s coming to town…to find Ben it seems. ----------------------------------- The scene next opens up towards Rainbow Castle as Ben Mare was in a room where he was walking around in a circle, making a little mark on the ground from his pacing, as everyone sees he was thinking hard on something. And that something was weather to join the Forgers & leave or refuse to stay behind…decisions…decisions…. “What to do, what to do?” Ben repeated the question that was on his mind & couldn’t shake. “Ben, you’ve been pacing for almost a half hour.” Twilight spoke in having seen her love get all nerve-wrecking over the case. “Yeah & it’s starting to show up in the floor.” Phobos pointed out in how much Ben was really wearing out their castle’s floor design. “Come on Phobos; daddy’s just really thinking.” Nyx stated to tell her pet pal to be at ease a little. "It all comes down to his choice on deciding what he should do." Starlight Glimmer stated off in how one choice Ben picks will affect him the rest of his life. “I’ll say one thing, he must be thinking deeply.” Spike nods to say in knowing that Ben was still thinking of an answer for what the Forgers asked of him. “You know Ben, I know how it feels to be away from home.” Golden Heart spoke to approach Ben in patting his back to help cheer him up. “I’m a prince of my own kingdom, but you know, I do go back time to time when it needs me most. So, if you were to go, then know that you can probably come visit anytime you want.” Goldie was pretty much far from his own home, but even still, he makes trips to stop by whenever he can and it never gets him down. “You really think so?” Ben asked the golden stallion in what he said was true. “Trust Golden Heart, Ben, I believe in his words.” Jack Zen spoke proudly in saying Golden Heart stays true to his words. “Yep, my brother is a real one of a kind pony.” Pinkamena nods off to honestly say this as a good thing. “When in doubt, face what obstacle stands before you.” Omega stated off to mention this fact for Ben to realize. "I agree with Omega." Fila nods off in also agreeing on the topic. “Yeah, we’ll always be there if you need us!” Rainbow Dash nods her head while a sly smile came across. “Yep, we’re as thick as a cattle, we are.” Applejack nods while making this heck of a statement here of who their group is. “Even if I felt like not seeing a design again, I sometimes want to see it to remember the good times.” Rarity stated to speak some advice related to fashion. “And we can throw a party when you’re in town!” Pinkie Pie pops near Ben to happily say this as a nice idea. “We know you’ll do good Ben, we all believe.” Fluttershy smiles meekly in saying they have faith in what Ben will do, will be for the greater good of his decision. Ben thought this over, everyone gave him some good advice. So what if he goes away, that doesn’t mean he can’t make return trips to visit his friends & family. And while it may be a hard case to handle, maybe…the simplest answer was right in front of him the whole time. “You know guys, you’re right. And I’ve come to a decision. So let’s go find Ivy’s group & tell them the news.” Ben smiled off to say this in feeling like he’s finally come to terms with a difficult decision. “Right!” The Mane Six & Goldie’s group responded to say in having heard this, and were raring to go. Just then, the doors busted open that caught their surprise. And from them, came in a worried Fred & Barney as they look like they got some important news to tell. “Your highnesses! Your here! Thank goodness for that! We got news to give!” Fred spoke off to say some of his gibber-jabber on a situation of seeing the group was here. “Ah yah, cause them group that took down a Tiamat are outside waiting.” Barney nods off to say this straight away and making the point crystal clear to boot. “They’re already here?” Twilight repeated in hearing that, the Forgers are here already; but why? “I wonder what’s up.” Ben spoke in wonder, they were gonna meet the group, but came to them instead. Without wasting any time, the gang quickly moves pass the Royal Guards to get to the entrance. Something must be up and they need to check it out. ------------------------------------------------------ Now the scene changes to outside the Rainbow Castle as we find its doors opening. And as the gang from inside step out, they find the Forgers outside, waiting for them to arrive. So it seems their Royal Guards were correct, these guys are here, but for what reasons…they need to find out. “Oh my, we were just about on our way to find you!” Twilight gasped a bit surprised, they were going to look for this group, but they saved them the trouble. “Hey, is everything alright?” Ben asked off in pondering the question. “It would seem that the wind has told Talim of something that we needed to urgently tell you.” Ivy spoke to say in looking to Talim, who nodded with honesty over the matter. “It would seem someone else like us is coming here.” Tempo issued of what was the cause for alarm. “Wait, by that, you mean…” Rarity was slowly speaking in thinking of one possible thought. “Another Element User?” Fluttershy asked in thinking that was who was coming, someone who wields an element like the Forgers. “When we say another like us, we mean one who is a Weapon Element User!” Kazeshini rolled his eyes in annoyance that this bunch forgot to clarify such things. “So, what’s the difference?” Rainbow Dash shrug off to say in not seeing much difference to address element types. “I’m surprised that you don’t know it yourselves.” Kidd Razor remotely stated in his usual tone that the Mane Six bunch have not notice such things. “As I’m sure you know, there are six elements that represent Harmony, correct?” Kitana explained the case of how there were six Elements of Harmony, as this group firmly knows. “Yep! Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty & Magic!” Pinkie Pie nods off in addressing the six elements the Mane Six represent as. "That's the general view of them that we know about." Starlight Glimmer pointed off in mentioning this to the group before them of knowing their Element Category. “Then you must know that there exist other elements in Equestria.” Wildman pointed out that even more so like the Elements of Harmony, but different, exist within their world. “Each one is described for a class type of what they are for those categories to help in understanding them. For example, Elemental Elements are Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Ice, Lightning, Metal, & other base subjects.” Talim explained in how different elements have a classification to category them, so that one knows about where each one stands. “Hugh, I think we know a few that can relate to those categories for the Elemental Elements.” Jack Zen pondered to think for a moment, they have met Element Users with such abilities rom now and again. “There also exist Rare Elements that are pretty hard to find, & are also pretty powerful stuff. Like the pink one here got something like that.” Kazeshini stated to say about elements of the ‘RARE’ virally, and that Pinkamena also has one of such. “Yep, Element of Aging, it’s a real kicker alright!” Pinkamena nods happily to say this without delay. “And we can guess Ben’s Triforce is a Rare Element type too, cause it represents three different types that together, form a gold triangle pattern, right?” She asked off this next question which received nods from the Forgers. “Then you got some Unique Elements in which they share something of elementals or other existing forces, some can even be just as rare to find as the next.” Kidd Razor explained the next class of elements that are more unique that share different qualities of elemental or be among the rare types that exist. "That does seem to be the most logic of separating others by certain order of different use & function!" Fila exclaimed in seeing how to keep things simple in knowing about the different element types & their users. “So then, what about the Weapon Elements?” Golden Heart asked off in now being curious of the next Element Class that the Forgers all use. “That is just it, as you must know…Light & Darkness are the strongest of all Elements, but they are close in class to the Elemental Types.” Ivy exclaimed to detail the matter of what has slowly built up for many to realize, the strongest of elements, are still close to relating to a particular class type. “As there are certain Elements that stand to reason, are the strongest of each class type. For the Weapons part, there were only three.” She explained that for each element class, there are some stronger than others and so forth, but for the Weapon Elements; there exist only three. “Only three, this subject is hard to compute. I see your weapons are more than three.” Omega pondered to say this in seeing the Forgers have many different weapons, more than three even. “Let us explain, this is something important.” Tempo stated that what they have to say is indeed important. “From what we learn, elements were made around different subjects, ours were forge to be focus around the natural made material of weapons.” Wildman explained that in the past, their Weapon Elements were made from which an element was forge to be a handle object. “And as such, the element power was sealed within the special weapon made.” He concludes how when a power of an element is made into an object, then the weapon is special out of others. “It’s mentioned, that the first three weapons forged represent something: ‘Destruction’, ‘Protection’, & ‘Magic’, before the merge of all three came to be a part of the other weapon types. And the first weapons were….Sword….Shield….and Staff.” Ivy explained the next part of how there are only three of the strongest Weapon Elements out of the rest & hold portions of what they are meant to do that was later used for the next batch. Everyone heard this to slowly take all of this in, and what a shocker. To think that while the Elements of Harmony are strong, & that Ben’s Triforce & Pinkamena’s Aging are consider Rare Elements, there are still some that might be stronger. And from the Weapon Elements, only the three known as Sword, Shield, & Staff are the ones to hold such claims. “Wow; that sounds amazing.” Nyx responded to say in having heard such astounding things. “So, there was only a sword, a shield & a staff, before you got those other types?” Phobos rub the back of his head in trying to follow through all of this. “Right, those three are the top strongest bunch out of all the Weapon Elements.” Kazeshini nods off to say this as the simple truth of the case. "But what about Armor Stark, I recall that his Element of Armor is also a Weapon Class Element?" Ben asked in recalling an adventure the gang had in stopping Loki that Armor Stark could summon Armor of different types of weapon & field advantages to aid them out. "It was based on all three & their principles, but yes, Armor could indeed be a 4th rival in rank for Staff, Shield & Sword." Ivy stated off to mention this for those to hear & know this sort of topic. “So then….how do those other three weapons work?” Spike rub the back of his head in now asking this question here. “The knowledge for the three were as spoken. For Sword, it was the power of the warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction.” Talim explained the first knowledge factor that revolves around the Sword. “Second knowledge out of the three went like this. Shield, the power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel all.” Tempo explained the second knowledge factor that revolves around the Shield. “The third & final knowledge of the three, is said as this. Staff, the power of the mystics. Inner strength. A staff of wonders & ruin.” Wildman explained the final knowledge factor that revolves around the Staff. “As you may know, each of them carried a trait to which was the benefactor to create our other weapons. Sword for Attack & Destruction, Shield for Defense & Protection, & Staff for Magic & Wisdom.” Kitana explained the final addition in which from those three top Element Weapons, the rest were design to act according to each specific working. “Sounds mighty powerful stuff there. But still, wha does this have ta do with Ben?” Applejack held her chin in hearing this, but what does it all relate to with Ben? “Because…the one who is coming may come seeking to challenge those who are great swordsmen of this area.” Ivy stated this with a serious expression on her face. “And his name would be…” Ben slowly asked in pondering who was coming to seek a challenge with him. “None other than Halon Blade…” Ivy slowly spoke the name to say this as many listen closely. “Known as ‘The Living Sword’ to many, & he holds one of the three strongest Weapon Elements; The Element Of Sword.” Ivy explained the details about who the known Element User is, & what type of weapon he will most certainly wield. Now everyone that heard the news froze with utter stillness. The one who was coming & may possibly fight Ben is someone who wields one of the first made Weapon Elements; the Element of Sword. And by the sounds of it, it sounds like a pretty tough weapon to beat. “So then, he’s really that strong? Just…how strong?” Twilight spoke slowly in trying to ponder, just how strong this Halon Blade character really is. “In short, the Element of Sword gives the guy greater strength, even we might have a fair share of problems despite us being a tough bunch.” Kazeshini shrug off to admit that even with the Forgers fighting together, they stay little chance against Halon Blade. "That doesn't give us much confidence!" Fila exclaimed in having heard such claims that make the group feel unease. “You mean after you guys single-handedly took out that Tiamat, this Halon Blade is tougher?” Rainbow Dash asked off in disbelief in what they are actually hearing. “My word….is it really so?” Rarity gasped surprise in having heard this. “Oh my!” Fluttershy gasped a bit in being a bit surprise too. “Quick, how much time do we have until he arrives?” Pinkie Pie asked off in trying to help them narrow down how long till this tough swordsmen arrives. “Not long, considering….I’m here.” Spoke another voice that did not belong to anyone in the group. “Oh, well in that case, eh….hugh? YIKES!” Pinkie Pie was about to playfully say until she yelps with wide eyes in someone else was here. Soon everyone quickly turn to the direction of who spoke & soon came across a drifting pony that appeared from the shadows of the castle to step out into the light. He was a Pegasus stallion with light tan brown fur coat, his gray light violet mane & tail are more wild & long, & has a small black area in it, & has light turquoise eyes. He is seen in good physical shape, he has a chip part of his ear, on his forehead appears like a light violet diamond mark. And on his flank shows what appears to be a gray sword held up, as his Cutie Mark, & meaning of what his talent is; using a sword in combat. There was no mistaking it, this stallion was the known Halon Blade by the looks the Forgers show in seeing him in person. “Looks like the guy’s here earlier than expected!” Phobos exclaimed to say in seeing who they thought was coming soon, arrived sooner than expected. "You think?" Starlight Glimmer rolled her eyes in remarking the quote Phobos pointed out was a little late here on their notice. Halon Blade looks around the group, his eyes were studying them & then he sense the magical glow from the weapons in the Forgers possession. From his own weapon responded in sensing their presence, this let him know what was before him. “The Forgers…to imagine I find you here.” Halon Blade spoke in recognizing those that also hold Weapon Elements in their possession before his sights set on Ben’s spot. “And as I see it, I sense it…there is one who shows promise to be a worthy challenge.” He stated in looking to Ben, and he senses something very interesting about this one. “Mommy, what should we do for daddy?” Nyx whispered to her mom in what they should do at this moment. “Sssshhh, let’s think before we act honey.” Twilight huh her daughter in wanting to see what action this stallion will do before they try anything. “So…you’re Halon Blade? I’m…Ben Mare. You came…to find me?” Ben spoke in trying to make a proper greeting to meet this new character. “I came seeking, a challenge. Are you worthy…?” Halon Blade spoke to say this in wanting to know if Ben was indeed one to be a challenge for him. “Wait Ben, you shouldn’t face him yet…it’s like jumping into a lion’s den without a plan!” Goldie steps up to warn Ben in fearing to face someone this strong, is crazy. “Hmmm? You…” Halon Blade looked towards Golden Heart, & he also…saw something. “You are a swordsmen as well, particularly skilled it seems.” Halon Blade stated from studying Goldie, from what he sees he can tell, this one is also a great swordsmen. “Perhaps before I face the wielder who I have heard carries the Master Sword & other weapons, I shall face you.” He stated in wanting to first deal with this golden stallion and save Ben for last. “Alright, but let’s do this in a spot where no one gets hurt.” Goldie nods in hearing this & accepted the terms under some condition, much before anyone else had a say in the matter. “Matters not to me, choose your place.” Halon shook his head in not being bothered, he will fight in the end. “Over there, give us five minutes.” Golden Heart pointed in an open spot outside Ponyville that would serve as a clearing from any civilian getting mix in. “Very well, but don’t be late.” Halon Blade issued this stern front in what he wants done. Soon Halon Blade moves off to await Golden Heart to arrive so that they witness one swordsmanship against another. But even as he was leaving, many could sense he had a strong powerful aura around him, he’s no easy guy; this one could be a serious contender. “I should fight with you Golden Heart.” Jack Zen spoke in insisting that he helps his prince. “No, we need for Ben to see how strong this guy is, in order to help understand how strong he is.” Golden Heart insisted that they should use this to help them be prepared, if they can see Halon Blade’s strength, they can figure how hard he’ll be. “Then let’s get going!” Pinkamena spoke forth in feeling that they have a plan to go into action now. “I am ready to assist now!” Omega declared in feeling that if necessary, he shall step in to assist. "I'll provide support if need be." Fila stated off to say this on her parts. Soon Goldie’s group was heading off to meet up with Halon Blade, hopefully, Golden Heart can help out before Ben arrives. Soon the others were gonna follow, only to be stop briefly by those that wish to speak some sense for them. “Do you truly believe you can win against him?” Kitana asked in looking at the group that seems to be daydreaming of the impossible. “Why, ye think we or Ben can’t?” Applejack asked off in thinking this group doesn’t believe they can win. “You do not know of his history, of how he came to become so strong.” Tempo exclaimed to say that for Halon Blade, his history & events he’s overcome, make him far stronger than any could believe. “Then please, tell us?” Ben asked in wanting to know what could help them against Halon Blade. The Forgers looked to another in pondering if they should even do it. For even with the info, would it truly be enough to help Ben and friends out in the slightest. “Very well, but what you may hear….will be the most hard to believe of all.” Ivy sighs to say this that once she explains, everyone will know much of who Halon Blade is. The scene begins to fad here as another story of the past is about to be told. -------------------------------------- Now we begin to see what events happen in showing a young colt version of Halon Blade, who was attending some academy for where many colts & fillies are train…to be proud military fighters. But not all is as it seems, as the young Halon Blade seems distant from those his own age, & the scenes showing up tell why… “He was born & raised in a special academy of soldiers that trained new youths of family that are among military status. Long ago, Halon Blade went through a terrible childhood where his mother pass away after his sister’s birth, to be raised by their father.” Ivy narrates in what tragic events unfolded for the colt Halon at the time. “But while Halon Blade was sent to the academy to train, his father & sister Ellone were heard that they gone MIA: Missing in Action. All because some evil forces came to kill them, & while they escape, the father had to put distant between him & his daughter while leaving Halon Blade to feel he lost his only family.” Scenes show of what horrible events happen, some unseen evil forces attacked when Halon Blade was away. The scenes shows young Halon Blade, being unsocial with the many other academy students as he did things alone. “And even with other kids growing up, he didn’t feel like they be friends with someone who’s a loner. Feeling like he was left to be alone, Halon Blade developed a defense mechanism that eventually made him be an almost emotional colt.” Ivy narrates off in what was becoming of the child as he drifted away to develop something different about himself. We later find the colt was performing some training measurements, despite his lack of emotions. Until he found a cavern in which from a fake wall he touch broke & he fell into…a strange place. “One day during a training routine, he was assign to scout an area, which he did in not finding anyone else wanting to take the risk. But then he discovered a cavern where he believed enemy soldiers would hid, but he fell through a fake wall to uncover an altar holding a strange sword.” Ivy narrates in explaining how Halon Blade of the past believed he found an unknown enemy location hideaway, but from its structure & an altar that kept a strange sword, seem to suggest otherwise. The colt was alone & decided to approach to examine the object before touching it. Then the sword shined in sensing something about Halon Blade & a voice spoke: ‘He who marks the potential to be a warrior in battle, take heed the destructive power of thy blade’, and afterwards, the sword magically lifted upwards from the colt’s grip. And the next minute, the blade dives down, & appears to have stab the colt, but it was magically digging into his body while vanishing from sight, & Halon’s body pulsate with a magical feeling before losing conscious. “Without realizing it, Halon had been chosen as what should have killed him was instead chosen by the Sword itself.” Ivy narrates to explain the case of what has happened in the past. “He later awakes with his teachers checking him, as they ask what happened, & when hearing of what Halon Blade encountered, the staff crew realized he uncovered a legendary object that was the first symbol of combat & war fighting, the Element of Sword.” The scene shows much of young Halon told by those that knew of what he had found, & what it meant for him. “Halon Blade soon showed much magic abilities even though he was a Pegasus, seeing this, the academy staff decided to help train the colt to be the best fighter, like his father was.” The next images show the young colt mastering how to use his newfound element power to call upon swords and have them move according to his will. After much years later, Halon Blade became the academy’s top best student, his clear mind & sense of responsibility lead others to trust & follow him. “Much time has pass, the colt grew into a respectable stallion of great skills.” Ivy narrates in what is showing the grown Halon Blade & of his abilities seen that everyone recognizes. “Even though everyone agrees, Halon can be difficult, staff & students alike admire him, & he is eventually appointed a commander, much to his dismay. As Halon became a de facto leader of a party, though at first he dislikes his comrades looking to him for orders & advice. After graduating & asked if he seek other skilled fighters to help improve himself (and secretly hope that he will gain something he’s seen missing; enjoying life & having friends), he begins to travel & puts his skills to the test against other swordsmen.” The scene shows the one who wishes to be alone, set off into the world to find an answer to his needs, even if that maybe to fight against other great swordsmen with his own element. With that, everything begins to darken as the story comes to an end. ------------------------------------------------- The scene returns to where everyone is as they have heard the sad tale relating to Halon Blade. No one knew that such a tragic event happen to such a pony, they almost feel sorry for the guy. “So, that’s who Ben & Golden Heart will face?” Twilight spoke in feeling sorry for Halon Blade, though he wants to fight their friends, he’s only some suffered soul who lost something important in his life. “Oh dear, he sounds like he can use a friend.” Fluttershy spoke in feeling like they should help the pony out. "He kinda reminds me of not knowing friendship & that I could hardly get friends from my problems. But he...he has had it far worse." Starlight Glimmer sighs in feeling sad for Halon Blade, he went through an experience that she could almost relate, but at least her friends have helped her out of that dilemma. “Yes, what happen to him….why, the nerve of some evil fiends to turn goodhearted souls into…something tragic,” Rarity scolds to agree, what sorta evil fiends would ruin children’s happiness & turn them into something where they can’t make friends. “Man, and to think, it only help make him stronger, makes him sounds tough.” Rainbow Dash rub her back head in thinking that the action only made Halon Blade stronger than weaker. “Tough is right! Do ye think beating’ him is easy?” AJ stated off to say while pondering in what’s gonna happen next. “Well we have face tough foes, but at least he’s no enemy, right?” Pinkie Pie stated to say that in one view, Halon Blade is no evil enemy; that they can be thankful for. “Aunt Pinkie Pie is right, Halon Blade should be another ally, not an enemy.” Nyx nods in feeling they should help befriend Halon Blade. “Try telling it to the guy who wants to chop your daddy.” Phobos rolled his eyes in saying that such task won’t be easy if the guy wants to fight & injure Ben real badly. But he shut up when he got stares from everyone. “Well Ben, what’re you gonna do? You think you can win?” Spike asked Ben in what he’s gonna do here, this was a tough decision to make. “I’ll have to try, maybe when it’s over, we can help Halon Blade. Just cause he wants to fight, doesn’t mean I can’t help him find an answer he doesn’t know.” Ben spoke to say in accepting what is going on, & know that if it comes to it, face the strongest Weapon Element User around to do it. “I’ll do it, let’s see if I can take on the strongest Weapon Element around.” He smiled to say this to his friends and family to help ease their worries. “Yeah!” The Mane Five responded to say in being encouraged by their friend’s words. “Do be safe, alright?” Twilight spoke to hug her love in wanting something important. “I’ll try, now let’s hurry, Golden Heart must already be facing the guy now.” Ben nods to say this while issuing that they best hurry, one of them has a head start already. Soon everyone leaves to prepare themselves in what they are now facing up against. But deep within their minds, do their guys even have much a chance fighting against 'he' who wields a sword that is THEE SWORD OF ELEMENTS! It will be a question of wonder, which wielder shall win of which weapon, the Sword Element or the Master Sword? These questions, shall be answered…very soon… > Chapter 05: The Duel between Sword! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 05: The Duel between Swords! At this moment, Ben along with the Mane Six & the Forgers were heading off to find Halon Blade. The location of where the sword duel between great swordsmen are to take place is outside of Ponyville & so it was directly outside in an open field before one reaches White Tail Woods. At this very moment, Golden Heart’s group had left to try to face off against Halon Blade & hopefully the gang can see just how tough the Element of Sword User really is… “Clashfruvhmmm….” And just then, a loud clash of swords was heard from a distance, &… “Uuuuagh!” The sound of someone crying out was later followed through. At this moment, those that arrived to see a duel that was going on had come to witness Golden Heart’s hard struggles in which he was on the ground, kneeling with his sword in his grasp. And across his distance of whom Goldie is facing was Halon Blade as he seem to summon what look like just a usual type of sword, nothing special; yet still…the secrets of the element are said to be powerful. Those from Goldie’s group watched Golden Heart from what was a few moments, but they can tell….their friend isn’t lasting much. “No, I won’t standby to watch this! Twin Swords!” Jack Zen shouted off to say as he summoned his second magical sword in his hoof to double his attack power. “Jack, don’t!” Goldie shouted off to warn his friend as he was charging blindly to fight against a powerful swordsmen. “Big Bang!” Halon Blade held up his left hoof & then swung it down; which in truth summoned a giant sword. “Kurpowfruvhmm…/Breaktrisisivhmmm…” That surprising feat not only chopped through the ground, but also broke through Jack Zen’s two Twin Sword move to be broken to pieces. “Gwwuaaaagh!” Jack Zen cried off to say when he was knocked across the field & landed on his backside; defeated. "One move broke Jack's technique; it’s unreal!" Fila exclaimed in shock, this opponent is proving tougher than given credit for. “Alright buster, now you’ve gone & made me MAD!” Pinkamena snapped off to say this in having had enough as she brings out her blades in her front hooves….& wrapped around her tail. “With my Blades of the Pinkie Pie & my tail wrap around the Sword of Pinkie Pie! Let’s see you take them on!” She challenged this guy that she now has her best swords, so now she’ll certainly give Halon Blade a look at her strong swords firsthand. Now Pinkamena goes off on the attack, swinging her chained-blades off to go & seek Halon Blade. But the swordsmen showed that he was still calm & still in control even against such different sword skills. Pinkamena was seen giving the guy a three sword duel clashing, but Halon Blade seem to not be too bothered, before he skipped backwards to prepare…a countermeasure. “Sword Cage…” Halon Blade held up his hoof again, in announcing another attack move of his technique. Then without warning, Pinkamena sense danger approaching, & she was right cause….IT WAS RAINING GIANT SWORDS! Pinkamena was using her best mobility & used her blades to repel or counterattack what almost got her. But she miss seeing one giant sword stab the ground to miss her, but yanked her tail that was wrapped around her Sword of Pinkie Pie. And then before she could respond, the swords moved on their own to become a pinning ‘X’ cross hold that kept the pink pony from going anywhere. At that same moment, Halon Blade approached with his one sword in hold to point near Pinkamena’s captive state. “You left yourself wide-open in that last stunt.” Halon Blade spoke with a cold demeanor tone in what the pink pony did wrong that she’s now on the end of his blade. “Eek….so this is how my foes felt when I snuck up & threaten them! Even I feel worried now!” Pinkamena yelps to say in seeing this little scene & recalls doing something like it to others in the past. “Hang on! I’m coming!” Goldie shouted off to say as he picks himself up to help out. “Golden Blade!” He yells out in which his sword glows into a golden color of magic. Now Golden Heart charges forth to help save those that have fallen as he was charging up for a Sword Beam attack with an increased sword power. But Halon Blade saw the action & soon responded to it with his own. “Napalm!” Halon Blade suddenly held forth his sword & then from out of nowhere…he fired a barrage of sword blade strike force to impact his attacker. “Trusvhmm…./Gaaaaaugh!” At that moment, the attack pierce through Golden Heart’s golden sword & cut through to him that he was knocked backwards to land on his backside in defeat. “Golden Heart!” The others from Ben & the Mane Six yelled out in seeing what has happened to their ally. Soon everyone came over to check up on Goldie, Jack Zen & Pinkamena. Omega was helping to pull the swords that trapped Pinkamena while he scan the other two of their condition. “Their life signs are not in the danger zone, but they appear to be severely wounded. The mistress is the only one with less damage infliction.” Omega explained the case of what his scans have managed to realize. “Sorry, hate to admit it, but….he’s really good. I’m surprise I never came across him this whole time.” Pinkamena stated off to admit that this guy who carries the strongest of three Weapon Elements, had such strength, even she was caught off guard. “We told you, he was crazy strong!” Kazeshini exclaimed that they told the group that Halon Blade is no easy opponent. “With the right magic for healing, they’ll be fine.” Tempo spoke in having study the injured, a good healing spell should help out. “Then we best do so quickly.” Kitana stated to say this in what they do for now. As many of the group were treating to Goldie’s group, Ben could tell that Halon Blade was seriously a tough swords fighter. Golden Heart was a great swordsman who fought hard against some old enemies of the past, & for him to be beaten by a force outside Discord & even some Dark Mystics is very rare. “I guess I’m up next then.” Ben spoke to say in suddenly getting serious in what’s happen, now it’s all up to him from here on out. “Ben….wait….you need to…know how strong…he is!” Golden Heart struggled to lift himself up, as he wanted to tell Ben of what he’s learn about Halon Blade. “Judging by the power he wields, no doubt about it…while not going all out, he’s right near…to be good to fight well against Hiko Seijuro.” He spoke from having gather himself & exhale his breath, to say that which Halon Blade is at, is only the near peak of a very strong swordsmen. This caught everyone’s attention really quick as many were almost gasping in thought of the very idea of wondering if Goldie was crazy or just imagining things. For they all know who Hiko Seijuro is, the Strongest Earth Pony in Equestria, “He’s joking, right? Wasn’t that guy known as….” Phobos was asking in not liking this bit of news. “The Strongest Swordsmen in Equestria, yeah.” Spike nods off in recalling what Hiko Seijuro is known to be. “And he could match the Mystic Ponies best swordsmen too.” Nyx nods off in stating how strong that one swordsmen was, as they saw Hiko Seijuro battle against Talos in the Land of Dirt. "Even I heard about him, & know better than to face a foe even my magic couldn't stop." Starlight Glimmer also knew about Hiko Seijuro, he's a swordsman whose name is spread out to make many tremble if they dear to face him in a sword duel. At this moment, Ben suddenly has some memory flashes that involve Hiko Seijuro in them. From the times Ben & his family journey to the End of Equestrian, Ben fought really hard & though he wielded the Master Sword, he was nothing but just some ant going up against a full-adult size Dragon. Hiko even fought Ben with one hoof on his blade & he could split mountains with ease & didn’t go all out. And during the matter of the Land of Dirt, Hiko Seijuro was almost just too amazing when he took on Talos in which even Ultimate Mystic Warriors & even Smartscar weren’t able to beat & help save the day when all thought it was a lost battle. Vague images of Hiko Seijuro are seen as if standing before Ben, but they fade to show Halon Blade, for now he’ll face a swordsman whose strength can rival that of the one Celestia’s child could not beat & learn an important lesson from the guy. “Are you prepared to face him?” Wildman asked Ben if he was ready for this now. “He will be a strong opponent, you already seen what he can do.” Talim stated that just witnessing Halon Blade’s power to handle Golden Heart’s group proves it. “Right & that’s when he hasn’t gone all serious yet.” Kidd Razor nods off to say this which added more worry from Ben’s pals. “Make no mistake, you will have to overcome this on your own.” Ivy stated to say that for Ben, he must defeat Halon Blade if he’s going to make it out of this. “Thank you, I will.” Ben nods in hearing what the forgers wish to tell him, he’ll take them to heart. “Everyone, watch me now. And wish me luck.” He asked this from his friends and family, this is where he must do things alone. “Take care Ben.” Applejack spoke off to say this to the guy of Twilight’s. “Yeah, show us your stuff!” Rainbow Dash encouraged to say this in wanting Ben to cut loose. “Be safe darling.” Rarity spoke in wishing that Ben be safe. “We believe in you.” Fluttershy stated to say this to having faith in Ben’s abilities. “Right, go get him!” Pinkie Pie cheered off to say with her perky smile. “Right!” Nyx, Spike & Phobos responded to say this in sounding like they mean it of what they heard Pinkie say. “We’re here & we’ll watch. Don’t worry, we know how important this is.” Twilight spoke to assure Ben that they will let him fight this, it is important after all. "We'll be rooting for you." Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in stating they will cheer Ben on. Once the words of encouragement were said, Ben steps up from moving away from everyone to stand just a few feet away from Halon Blade. A wind blow against them, but they kept their cool of the situation. “You have come.” Halon Blade spoke in seeing who was now standing before him now. “I have & I’ll be the one to help open your eyes!” Ben spoke off to say this in getting himself ready and raring now. “Speak what you will, for actions speak louder than words.” Halon Blade issued this claim of words mean nothing, only that action can make something happen. Soon a standoff was seen as Halon Blade summoned only one of his swords to be grasped & Ben wasted no time in summoning the Master Sword. And at that same moment, a background theme was heard called ‘Fighting of The Spirit’ Extended from Tales of Symphonia. And then from birds flying off from White Tail Woods, signal something, as both swordsmen dashed across the field to land their blows against their blades. Sparks are seen from both sides crossing swords as they look like determination was in their eyes to see how far the other will go. “Hurrah!” Halon Blade soon pushed himself & Ben apart as he was about attack. “Napalm!” And soon the guy fires forth a barrage of sword blades preparing to strike their target. “Sword Beam!” Ben shoving charged his sword before swinging it that fired his sword beam attack. Both attacks hit another in which Ben’s move managed to wipe away the swords Halon Blade thrown in one explosion. But then without warning, the smoke clouds began to clear away, only for Ben to suddenly find himself….surrounded by more swords. “Hugh!” Ben yelps in looking around, there were floating swords around his spot, as if waiting to attack. “Scatter Blades.” Halon Blade was seen holding out his hooves, as he was about to launch his next attack. Then without warning, all them swords were launched at the exact same time to pierce the target; Ben Mare! “Pegasus Boots!” Ben shouted off in getting something ready for this occasion; & soon some familiar boots appeared on his hooves. Suddenly, Ben dashed out of there before the swords even got him & were jabbed into the ground. Ben was quickly moving about, & his opponent could see that. “Interesting, he used speed to avoid it, but….can he get away from this?” Halon Blade spoke in studying how Ben managed to get away from that attack just now. “Homing Blades!” He shouted forth his next attack to go after his opponent. Now Halon Blade created & sent forth multiple swords like homing missiles right for Ben. And as Ben saw what was coming, he used his speedy Pegasus Boots to try to lose them, but they were home-in on him & couldn’t be shaken. “Great, now I’ve actually got targets on my tail!” Ben complains in seeing what was going on, if it’s not a simple weapon, then it’s a weapon that can act like a missile. “Better switch it up a notch. Hero’s Bow! Hylian Shield!” He issued to say in deciding to switch things up a bit now. Now Ben summoned his bow & shield, before turning about to face what was coming at him. He used his Hero Bow to fire off arrows of Light, Fire, Ice, the stuff to take out any sword flying at him. And when that was done, he used his Hylian Shield to take the rest & they didn’t break through. The others watched the battle progress, so far Ben was hanging in there. But at the same time, it look like Halon Blade was still pretty much in control of the situation. “Come on Ben, get it together!” Rainbow Dash cheered for her friend to get it done now. “Right, ye got him!” AJ also spoke to encourage Ben’s progress. “Oh my, is he okay?” Fluttershy asked in feeling more nervous in watching this. “Never fear Fluttershy, its Ben after all.” Rarity patted her worried friend over this issue. “Let’s just hope Ben can keep at this pace.” Twilight spoke off to say this of her own opinion. "You kidding me, I've seen Ben fight before & he looks like he's not slacking off one bit!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed to say this to Twilight in seeing how good Ben is doing, she's seen the stallion fight in the past, & this display shows Ben trying to think smart & wise in every step of the way. As everyone shared their thoughts over what was going on, the battle still continued on. “That all you got?” Ben asked off from having managed to survive that attack to still be standing. “Then try this. Big Bang!” Halon Blade issued off to say as he suddenly swung forth a familiar large sword down across Ben’s location. “Claspfruvhmmm….” Soon Halon’s attack was clash against Ben’s Hylian Shield, & the guy magically brought up his iron boots to keep the attack from pushing him back. Once it was over, did both sides look to see how the other did. “Sorry, but my shield combined with the Iron Boots for heavy weight gives me better survival rates.” Ben smiled to say this about how he managed to get away from being hurt just now. “I see, then I’ll break your defense. Shield Breaker!” Halon Blade stated off to say as he was preparing another move now. Then without warning, Halon Blade bypass Ben’s defense & performed equal damage on him by half of their defense with his own attack. “Grrrrr!” Ben groans from pain as he backed away a bit to stare down Halon Blade; that move he did…he broke through his defense. “He can actually break through Ben’s shield.” Jack Zen spoke off in shock to see what has just happened. “No, that move…it looks like it’s meant to break through any defense, be it shield or magic barriers.” Goldie explained what they saw & could only guess that Halon Blade has a developed technique to break against any defense his foe would use. "Such an attempt was possible!" Fila exclaimed in surprise, she never knew someone could develop such an attempted step in breaking pass hard defenses. “Oh boy, Ben’s got himself a real hard hitter & we should know from facing him.” Pinkamena nods off to say in seeing their friend has a real tough fighter with a blade. “Battle is still commencing.” Omega issued to remind this to everyone. As Omega said, Ben & Halon Blade continue to fight in where they are seen rushing across the field, firing off their own projectiles to hit another. Many times they miss or get canceled by the other’s attack. But one thing’s certain, these swordsmen are shown to be almost in some league the gang find surprising, as they expected close-combat, but this…was far more. “Gale Boomerang!” Ben shouted off to summon & then swing forth his Gale Boomerang that was about to make a whirlwind storm…. “Sword Shield!” Halon Blade announced forth the name of another of his techniques. Then without warning, Halon Blade created two big, crossed swords that defended him with enough coverage for the whole body. Ben’s boomerang was suddenly knock off from making contact & return to his possession, but saw his opponent brought up a defense that can stop a physical attack. “What? You can use swords to act like a shield?” Ben asked off shock to see this, he knows swords can counter another’s sword striking or piercing attack, but this seem….way over his knowledge. “True, swords are not meant for defense much, but….even an offense can be made into a defense.” Halon Blade explained the case in how even he who uses swords, can make a use for any circumstance. “What will you do, can you break through?” He asked if it was even possible for Ben to know how to breach his unique defense. “Oh, I think I got just the thing.” Ben smiled with a sly attitude as he knows just what to help him out. “Megaton Hammer!” As he shouted this, he summoned his hammer & held it with all his strength before taking a swing. “Bashfruvhmmm….” Then with a swing of Ben’s weapon, a surprise came across one’s face, when the Megaton Hammer broke Halon Blade’s Sword Shield to shatter & make contact to him to be knocked back a few feet. “Grrrruuuagh….it would seem you have very strong weapons.” Halon Blade clutched his chest while looking to Ben, apparently, this one has quite a few surprises. “Then here comes another round!” Ben issued to say in lifting up his Megaton Hammer to prepare another heavy hitter. “But will it work against this? Double Sword Shield!” Halon Blade remarked off to quote his own claim of being taken down this time around. Soon Halon Blade creates four big swords to defend himself with greater coverage for the body. And even from the Megaton Hammer, Halon Blade’s technique stopped the stronger attack from reaching him & pushed Ben back which made him shake from slight dizziness to groan in seeing that plan didn’t work. “Aw man! Now the guy’s defense is twice as strong!” Phobos groans to complain in seeing Halon Blade pulled a fast one over them. “Don’t count Ben out yet.” Spike stated to remind Phobos not to give up on their pal yet. “Right, daddy’s also got a trick up his sleeve.” Nyx nods in feeling certain her father will do something here. “Well then, let’s see how it does against this. Golden Gauntlets!” Ben issued to say that he’ll try a different move to catch Halon Blade off. Suddenly, Ben was seen wearing golden gauntlets on his front hooves. And soon they gave him extra strength as he’s seen lifting the Megaton Hammer upwards, getting ready to strike again. “I thought you learn, that won’t…” Halon Blade was about to remind the hopeless course of hitting his stronger defense with such a tactic. But then what Ben smashed was the ground in front of his opponent, & that caused it to crack & cause a massive amount of dust to be flown around. And when it was gone, Ben seem to be gone with it. “Where did he go?” Halon Blade looked around in not seeing where his opponent was until… Then without warning, Ben pops out of the ground wearing his Mogma Mitts, but swung the Megaton Hammer behind Halon Blade, knocking him across the field & canceling his Double Sword Shield move. “Grrr….so that was it, then….Sword Cage!” Halon Blade growled a bit in getting annoyed, so it’s time that he instead stop Ben’s movements now. Suddenly, Halon Blade was summoning big swords above as they began to drop down where Ben was. For those that had seen this move, know that once someone gets caught, then they might not be able to escape so easily. “I saw this, & know what to do…Clawshots!” Ben issued off to say this in having seen how that move got Pinkamena, so it’s time to respond with his own quick play. Then without warning, Ben summoned his Clawshots in his front hooves. And after he fired off a talon claw pass Halon Blade to grab a tree, it pulled him quickly across the field & zipping pass the falling swords that weren’t hitting him. But in truth, Ben was pulling himself to attack Halon Blade as he summoned his Master Sword to prepare himself. “Sword Counter!” Halon Blade responded forth in having seen what was coming & prepares himself to counter it. Then as Ben’s attack came, Halon Blade counter it, & it look like the latter would land his own attack to weaken his foe….But that was impossible as Ben’s Clawshots pulled him pass Halon Blade before he landed his swing from a few short seconds of an opening. “Unbelievable, because he was pulled so quickly, I could not land a strike when I weaken his attack & raised my own.” Halon Blade spoke off to say in having seen with his own eyes, in what Ben was able to do even under such circumstances. “He is very skilled, he seems to show much promise. Should it be time to go all out…?” He spoke to himself quietly, wondering if he should be a little more serious or not. “Alright! If you wanna call this off, now’s the chance.” Ben spoke off to say in getting himself ready for another go. “No, I want to see your potential as one who carries great power & weapons unlike anything of this world.” Halon Blade spoke to say that he will not yield as he has only just begun to see Ben’s abilities. “Then you better get ready, cause I still got lots going on!” Ben issued to say this in sounding determine. Soon the duel continues as now both swordsmen were slashing with their swords to where it was very hard to know who would land a good blow. But in the mince of fighting, Ben was secretly charging up to unleash one of his attacks on Halon Blade to deal enough damage. “Now…Triforce Slash!” Ben issued to say this in preparing one of his better techniques. Soon Ben's Triforce mark on his body glowed in showing the symbol as his entire body glows with a powerful aura. Then without warning, a ray of light stunned Halon Blade without warning that made him be horizontal in front of Ben. The trapped swordsman noticed two images of the Triforce & by then Ben dashed at the stun opponent by the beam he unleashed before striking the trapped Halon Blade with a fury of slashes for an immense amount of damage. Then Ben pauses to charge a final blow while giving a mighty battle cry, delivered a one strike to launch his target off from enough power to about KO'd the opponent. But Halon Blade was only launched backwards from such force, but managed to stab the ground to stop himself while still feeling what affect him. “Uuuuugh-aaahhhh!” Soon Halon Blade was seen clutching himself from just surviving against one of Ben’s strongest moves. “He got him!” The Mane Five responded off in seeing Ben turn the tides now. “Looks like we were worried for nothing.” Spike stated to think all’s going well for Ben. “I can only hope so Spike.” Twilight spoke in only hoping that such things can be true. "Just a little more & Ben will win this." Starlight Glimmer stated in seeing how close Ben was getting here. As the others felt relief, the Forgers seem to keep a more quiet & stern expression on their faces. As if telling the battle was far from being settle now, in fact, they know that this little opening is about to come to a close. “This….is not over yet. Now you face….the real battle of the sword!” Halon Blade spoke to declare this in cutting Ben’s victory short now. Then without warning, Halon Blade raised up his hooves preparing something….something BIG now! And suddenly something happened, he summoned forth a row of huge giant swords from the left & right side let off a magical essence that was felt all around. “Wha….what is this?” Ben gasped off to ask in never seeing something like this. “Oh no…..it feels like….those things are exhibiting…centuries of long since passed great sword wielders!” Pinkamena gasped in surprise shock, she senses the magic essence….belongs to many individuals that once lived long ago. “What do you mean Pinkamena?” Jack Zen asked in not following the discussion. “For many years, great swordsmen have come & gone, & though very fade, I can almost be certain I recognize some of them.” Golden Heart spoke in showing a loose sweat-drop, Halon Blade….he had such an ability to call upon many auras of great sword wielder warriors of the past. “But how is he capable of such feats?” Omega questioned this as it seem illogical to him. "I'm not sure myself!" Fila exclaimed in being uncertain herself. “They don’t call it the Element of Sword for nothing.” Kazeshini shrug off to say this to the group that was clearly missing the big picture here. “The sword is a weapon that has been forge countless times.” Tempo stated that for years, the sword was a symbol for many to wield. “Used in many battles & in wars, wielded by many.” Talim nods in clarifying that for anyone, they use a sword to fight most commonly. “And it appears like he’s able to connect with many of them.” Wildman stated in sounding serious of what’s going on now. “This won’t be good.” Kidd Razor shook his head in believing this will get ugly real fast. “Why’s that?” Nyx raised an eyebrow in not following what the Forgers are saying. “Because he plans to gain the existing magic essence from every great sword wielder of the past & present.” Kitana explained what Halon Blade is about to do, gain more strength from others. “What! You mean even those alive give him strength?” Phobos asked off in feeling like the guy gets a pretty big advantage of a deal to go by. “That is why we said he has yet to become more serious & why his strength can rival even the best. Now watch.” Ivy explained that Halon Blade is about to get serious, as with this, he’ll be as strong as even the greatest of sword wielders in Equestria. Before everyone could say anything, they pretty much were all focusing on the scene that was happening before them and wonder if Ben will get by this. “This technique is meant for a transferring of power; Sword Aura Fusion. Many who have seen this have fallen once performed.” Halon Blade explained what the name of this technique is, as it shall aid him in getting stronger. “Hurrah….” Ben lets off a stern growl as he got into a position to prepare for a serious moment here. “Let the power of swords throughout the millennium & I fuse as one as one mighty blade forge to strike down all obstacles!” Halon Blade spoke forth in making a chant while he was doing this. “Sword Infinite!” He spoke forth this conclusive line to finish the chant. Then without warning after the chanting was done, the huge giant swords released their magic aura, & engulfed Halon Blade afterwards. A great force of light covered the pony & created a large bright dome that spread across the field. It was around here that the background music had cease being heard when things became so suddenly serious. “Okay, better be ready for anything.” Ben whispered this to himself in seeing this could become troublesome. Now suddenly at this moment, the background was heard playing ‘Law of The Battle’ Extended from Tales of Symphonia at this time. But the major focus was when the cloud of dust cleared, we see what has happened to Halon Blade. His appearance shows him wearing a dark purple outfit, having on light bronze color hoof-shoes, & also sporting a white overcoat with blue lines at the bottom & red wave lines on the middle, & comes with two dark-gray shoulder pads. From his new outfit, he appears more muscular, looks extra swifter in speed terms, & is seen carrying a large sword. The weapon was a very large sword with a red held bar, a bronze cross board in the middle with an emerald gem center & the blade is extra wide & tall. “Transformation - Sword Blade!” Halon Blade spoke in addressing his new form of a self for all to recognize. “He transformed!” Rainbow Dash yelled out in shock, they didn’t know the guy could do that. “Well we definitely didn’t see dat coming’.” AJ shook her head in being surprised, they never saw that coming. “He looks so different. And he’s carrying a new sword.” Rarity pointed out in seeing how much Halon Blade has changed, appearance and weaponry. “Holy, I think he just pulled some kinda Element Evolution stunt, but different. It’s almost like Snowcrystal & Crash Fire’s transformation, but different still.” Pinkie Pie clapped her head with her hooves to explain what this guy’s transformation could be similar to awakening an inner power for Element Users, as seen by others that perform similar transformations if not different. “Oh dear, Twilight….do you think it’s possible?” Fluttershy asked their smart friend in what she thinks of Halon Blade’s transformation to be his strongest form. “I’m not sure Fluttershy, but…I can feel it, this much magic….he’s….” Twilight was almost lost for words, as she and many others could feel it; Halon Blade’s power is now WAY over what he was before. "A lot more stronger than we were expecting." Starlight Glimmer finished Twilight's sentence in having felt the magic aura from their close spot of what inner power Halon Blade has brought forth. Ben was seen staring at his opponent, it looks like this new face will be an even harder challenge than even the stallion once thought. “So, you’re finally going to take this seriously.” Ben spoke in gripping his Master Sword, getting himself ready here. “You should be warn, Ben Mare. For now that I’m in this form, I can now use my advance techniques. Some of which, are very dangerous if an enemy isn’t careful.” Sword Blade explained the situation that now that he’s transformed, he can use far more powerful techniques. “Before, as my sword…Caliber….can do. Aircut!” Then he was seen swinging his sword as if cutting the air and not his opponent who was further away. Then without warning, Sword Blade had perform swift movements that were almost like he created six to seven light-blue crescent Sword Beams. And they go off afterwards towards their target, Ben Mare. “WATCH OUT! A MUTLI-SWORD BEAM ATTACK!” Pinkie Pie screamed out to warn Ben of the major danger that was heading for him. Ben reacted fast, but was still shock in seeing what was coming at him. Using what he learn, Ben managed to luckily dodge those attacks while one cut across his cheek. But from looking behind, those attacks delivered such strong cutting effort that they cut even some nearby iron metal. “Noooo….that was something I wanted to melt down!” Omega complains in seeing such strong metal get chopped like that. "Easy there Omega." Fila patted her metal friend in calming Omega down over such an issue. “I don’t believe this. You made that many in almost less than a few seconds. I’ve had trouble trying to fire off a few more shots under less than 30 seconds to 15 seconds.” Ben responded off to say this, how was such a thing possible when even he can’t make that many Sword Beams under less than 15 seconds of the first wave of attack. “My speed, strength & power have gone up after performing Sword Aura Fusion, as your friends have stated, it is a basic method of obtaining Element Evolution, but by my different nature.” Sword Blade explained himself that from his transformation, he has gain more strength than anyone could have imagined. “And you should also be prepared, when in this form, gives me the very power of almost 1000 swordsmen, granting me the power to be another strong swordsmen to even the renowned sword wielders around Equestria.” As he spoke this, nearly all spectators were almost gasping with wide mouths and eyes; that’s a pretty high odd number to go against. “So in short, it was as I feared. He can rival other great swordsmen.” Golden Heart spoke to say in feeling worried this is one opponent Ben can’t beat. “Oh boy, makes you wonder, that maybe even the Mystics & Dark Mystics would have a tougher time fighting this guy.” Jack Zen stated to feel that even great swordsmen from either good or bad side would have a hard time fighting this guy. “Hang tight Ben! You’re not done yet!” Pinkamena shouted off to help encourage Ben to not give up yet. Hearing what Pinkamena said, Ben had to get serious & stay calm and focus on the task. “If you think that was all, then perhaps…you should see the enhanced version. Aircut War!” Sword Blade issued forth to say this, & suddenly was repeating his technique, only…..much more faster & swifter than the normal eyes can see. Then without warning, Sword Blade launch multiple light-blue crescent Sword Beams with even faster, swifter reflexes to almost be unseen. And as Ben saw them, he knew this was gonna be way harder than last time. “Oh man…..that is seriously not good.” Ben some off to say in what he saw would not look to swell at all. Soon Ben was really trying to either avoid or counter such attacks. But that was near to impossible if one was not an extremely skilled fighter, lucky thing Ben was about average. However, it was difficult to block so many as the technique inflicts continuous damages even with Ben using sword or shield methods & it was becoming harder. “Ouch! Ben looks pretty mess up!” Phobos cringed a bit in seeing what just happened. “Come on daddy, don’t fall yet!” Nyx tries cheered for her father to hang tough. As Ben managed to survive what hit him, he looked pretty much cut up around, but as he exhales, he was shown looking somewhat near exhausted. “It would seem it’s time I unleash a greater power. At least from where you are, there are no outside life forms to get hurt by this.” Sword Blade spoke to say in seeing how Ben survived that, but now it’s time to see if he’ll take the next step, and this time…where it’s meant to be unleashed without dragging in anyone else. “Wait, what do you mean?” Ben questioned off to say in really not liking the sounds of that. Just as his opponent slowly lifts up his sword that seem to exhibit a surge of magical buildup. “Eeeeeehhh-Eeeehhh-IIIEeeehhhh!” Suddenly, both Pinkie Pie & Pinkamena were showing weird reactions which meant one thing; Pinkie Sense going on high-alert. “GET OUTTA THE WAY!” Both pink ponies screamed out for Ben to do as anyone can tell something bad is coming. “WIND SCAR!” Sword Blade yelled out this as he held up his Caliber Blade for the swing. “KURPOWFRUUVHHMMM….” And in that instant, he released a powerful yellow energy wave that was plowing across a wide-spread field towards where it was going. Ben looked like a deer in the headlights in what he saw, & then instantly switch to his Pegasus Boots to turn to outrun the attack…but it was catching up. Then Ben found a slope going up & ran up it & change to his Hover Boots. And lucky break too, for the next minute, Sword Blade’s attack destroyed some trees & when it hit a mountain, it exploded to flash in decimating it entirely. Once all over, did many viewers look completely shock in seeing how powerful that one attack was. “By my Mom’s Mane! That seriously look a bit much!” Ben responded to say in being so completely shock in having seen that. “So the rumor was true, he can use it.” Kazeshini spoke to say in looking a bit concern in what Ben’s opponent did. “Use what?” Twilight turn to the Forgers, they know something in what they witnessed. "Just what was that?" Starlight Glimmer also asked because what they saw, seem beyond words alone. “A technique that which according to legend, could slay one hundred foes in a single strike. The highly destructive force could strike across the ground to travel to such lengths, it even decimate a mountain of enemies or even a mountain.” Kidd Razor explained the details of what Sword Blade used, the technique called Wind Scar, & how strong it is and of what it can do. “Ben should be careful, there are still more strong moves his opponent can use.” Wildman spoke in sounding very concern, Ben’s entered a league much higher than what he should have face now. “Dragon Strike!” Sword Blade’s voice was heard as he charged his magical energy into his sword, then releases a massive amount of magic energy in the form of light-blue, glowing arcs of lightning. At that moment, Ben changed his Hover Boots for the Iron Boots which pulled him down fast from mid-air to dodge that attack from almost frying him. “Alright, guess I better try something of my own. Maybe something crazy & unexpected can work.” Ben spoke in deciding to try a crazy tactic as he summoned his Megaton Hammer & then also place on his Golden Gauntlets. Then without warning, Ben slam his Megaton Hammer onto the ground after his falling. That caused a surprise to see what Ben achieved, he created a seismic quake that unleashed a shockwave pulse burst attack. And as everyone watch, that move look like it may even harm Ben’s opponent…unless he has a way to stop it. “Well now, this seems very efficient. But, now with this form, even a powerful magic blast attack from the Jade Emperor would be used against him.” Sword Blade explained the case in having a way to use a technique that even powerful warriors can’t out do. “Backlash Wave!” Then suddenly without warning, wind covered against Ben’s attack & made it become spinning twisters to go….back at him. “Ohhhhh-Nooooo!” Ben yelled out in seeing what was so not good, and brace himself for a hurt. “Kurbammfruvhmm….” Soon Ben was using his Pegasus Boots & Hylian Shield to outrun & protect himself against the twisters that were bashing & tearing everything apart. But even with speed & defense, the strength of that attack was ripping everything apart & when it cease, Ben was seen kneeling on the ground while using his shield to not fall down. “BEEEENN!” The Mane Six gang yelled out with worry, their friend looks almost about to fall over. “Wha-what was that just now? I thought Ben had him?” Spike asked off in looking really lost, what just happened. “A technique used when an opponent with strong magic unleashes an attack, he used the Wind Scar to engulf the attack in a twister & reverse it back on the thrower with the added power of the Wind Scar.” Kitana explained the details of the Backlash Wave & how it turn an attack back at its owner with more force added to the measures. “Once performed & impacts the target, it’s almost like a twister of wind cutting everything. It’s amazing that Ben Mare seems to have survive it.” Ivy explained the case that for some, they would be cut apart by such wind, & Ben just managed to hang in there. “SURVIVE! This was supposed to be a duel, not a death combat!” Rainbow Dash complained to say this in what they are seeing. “Rainbow’s right, ain’t the critter gone overboard?” AJ nods in feeling this fight was going a little over then what should have been. “Ben should know that once one fights a strong opponent, there is no going back or getting out of it.” Tempo explained this to the others in trying to understand something here. “If he pulls out, it would ruin his name, even your enemies would feel he cannot overcome such trials.” Talim explained that in this fight, Ben cannot pull out unless either one is defeated, pulling out would shame a swordsmen. “But his opponent has transformed, Ben can’t compete against that.” Rarity stated in seeing that Ben is fighting one who is now as strong as one who would perform Element Evolution & it’s stronger than their Rainbow Power. “Look, he’s still moving…I think.” Fluttershy pointed out in noticing that Ben is still in the game, kinda. Ben was seen struggling to get himself standing again, even to switch his hammer for his sword & held his shield. But as Ben had a hard look, he looks worse for wear than his opponent, who has yet to suffer any damage. “Man….it’s like fighting Hiko Seijuro all over again. Only now I’m not being protected by my friends & family when he was about to go all out.” Ben shook his head off in disbelief, this fight is almost like the time he fought Hiko Seijuro to get an ingredient, & the guy wasn’t going all out back then. “Dragon Strike.” Sword Blade announced forth another of his techniques here. At first, Ben was thinking to avoid that lightning base attack….until there was a change. For Sword Blade made his attack manifest in the form of a blue dragon composed of pure magic energy & lightning. Then at that moment, Sword Blade unleashed it that channeled his focus to strengthen & enhance the attack further as Ben held his weapons & soon blocked while being impacted. The implosive force knocked Ben backwards to skid but as he came to a stop, both the Master Sword & Hylian Shield were thrown far away from him. “OH NO! Ben’s lost both his shield & sword!” Pinkie Pie yelped out in seeing that Ben was disarmed now. Everyone was on the edge of their seats as they watch in what was to happen as Sword Blade approached Ben’s spot, held his Caliber Blade forth. “Will you surrender? The continuous of this battle is assured, you will lose. All of your weapons, I have seen & I know how to handle them.” Sword Blade spoke in wanting Ben to give up now, even if the young stallion continues, he knows all of Ben’s abilities. “Hugh….hugh….you’re a strong swordsmen, I’ll give you that. But…I won’t quit, even if I’m disarmed. I have to fight for the ones I care for!” Ben pants a bit to slowly push himself up, look to his opponent in stating that no matter what, he won’t give up. “Then your valiant effort shall be recognized.” Sword Blade stated this in witnessing such courage & shall recognize it….in his own meaning. Soon everything begins to slow down as Sword Blade was slowly moving his sword to prepare the final strike on his opponent. Even the background music went silent in what was happening here. Many seem like statues in watching what will happen to Ben soon. “I’m out of options….I’ve used everything I could throw & he’s counter me every step. I wish….I had another blade in my grasp…to keep fighting.” Ben regretted this moment in his mind as he was shut his eyes to accept this loss. Then without warning, within Ben’s dark mind, a shining white light seem to reach out as if heeding his calling. “Wait, what’s that…is that thing…responding to me? What is it….is it….something from inside me? Could you be….something to help me fight?" Ben’s mind questioned what he was seeing, & did not know what to do, but….he seem to reach for it while everything flash out. “Klasfruvhmmm…/Slashfruvhmmmm….” Suddenly, the unexpected happened & it was the Caliber Blade to get knocked away from Ben while something….struck Sword Blade. “Uuuuuogh!” At that sudden moment, Sword Blade was seen moving backwards while in that shocking moment, something strong managed to land a wound on him. “Hugh?” The Mane Six gang, even the Forgers responded puzzled, they could not tell what happened; but…it look like Ben was not defeated yet/ "What...has happened?" Starlight Glimmer asked in not knowing what was occurring now. At that single moment, the background music started to play ‘Like a Glint of Light’ Extended from Tales of Symphonia now. And we find Ben standing back on his hooves as he is seen wielding something that look like a sword, but….it was not the Master Sword as it was still left in the ground. What Ben was holding was a double bladed sword, crafted to appear like a heavy front & a lightweight back & three blade connectors to look like a Swiss army knife blade as the base is bronze with gray likening work. It seem to offer an increased range as how Ben swung it which was considerably a longer reach & double the strength (maybe almost giving Ben’s attack to go up to 125% while his defense stays the same). Truly Ben looked at his new summoned sword in awestruck, as this thing came to him, and saved him. “This is…” Ben was slowly speaking in seeing what was it that he held, & was amazed by its strength. “Could it be….the Razor Sword?” Sword Blade spoke in looking to Ben’s newly summoned weapon he’s now unlock in the mitts of their battle. “The so-called second sword wielded by Link along with the Master Sword? But how…?” This was puzzling him, how did Ben managed to unlock and awaken another new weapon. “Well then, I say we’re about to have a turnabout.” Ben smiled off to say in feeling himself with new confidence. “I don’t believe it.” Jack Zen spoke in almost being stun speechless now. “The chances to unlock a new weapon are a million to one odds in this situation.” Omega stated in how getting a new weapon out of the blue was something else. "Even I never calculated such a thing to happen." Fila shook her head in disbelief in what they just witnessed saved Ben's neck out there. “Who cares; Ben’s finally got a shot now!” Pinkamena stated in seeing that their friend has done the impossible. “You’re right sis, looks like Ben can finally turn this situation around now.” Goldie Heart smiled in seeing what has happen, now it looks like Ben’s gotten himself a new fighting chance. Soon both swordsmen were clashing their swords against another. Though Ben was seen as the most hurt, the awakening of a new weapon has given him strength to fight on. And though Sword Blade was only injured from a surprise stunt still showed to not go down so easily. When both fighters clash their blades, it created a small shockwave that push them both backwards to be a fair distance from another. “To imagine you wield another blade of legends, you indeed are a worthy swordsman.” Sword Blade spoke to say this in seeing how well Ben has done. “So allow me to present you with a move that only he who wields the strongest Weapon Element can perform.” He stated in having something to use that only someone like him with his element can perform. Then without warning, Sword Blade was charging up something as something was summoned forth from the skies. It became an unlimited & powerful force of countless swords, matching up to look like a torrent wave of blades swiping while under the user’s complete control. Everyone saw this with almost unbelievable expressions, there was almost…a 1000 of so swords within that move. “Prepare to face a technique said to carry the power of many warriors from war’s past as the blades shall swoop down to pierce & deliver upmost damage to any opposing force. One swipe can bring down an army to leave such large numbers, even tough & strong warriors may not survive this one unharmed.” Sword Blade explained this as this was a message to all that shall witness the true might of one who is the Wielder to the Element of Sword. “SWORDS….OF….WAR!” Sword Blade yelled out loud the name of his attack. And then all the swords are seen swiping down like a furious torrent, heading for Ben Mare. Ben decided to use his Pegasus Boots to give him speed and managed to reach his Hylian Shield & used it & the Razor Sword to avoid, counter & block the fury of an unlimited number of swords striking him. It was almost looking like sear madness, one could almost feel that even a Mystic or Dark Mystic couldn’t survive such an attack & Ben’s looking like his luck may almost run out. “Oh man, just when I thought things couldn’t get any harder.” Ben rolled his eyes in having to dodge and knock away a vast array of swarming swords coming at him by the thousands. “I had a hard time against those last attacks that used a lot of swords, but this time it’s a whole army.” Ben can tell this one will be the hardest yet to get by, he needs a plan, but how. Just as he was trying to keep going against such odds, he noticed Sword Blade was really in the zone to control this large scale of attack all on Ben. “Wait….maybe while he’s controlling all of these things, he’s more focus on them to get me, which means….if I can land a blow to completely knock him out, this technique should cease. But how, even with the Razor Sword, it might not deliver enough damage to his transformed state.” Ben was seeing that maybe while his opponent is so focus on controlling such a large amount of swords, if Ben can just find a way to attack him with a big enough blow, it could help him win; but how can he do it? As Ben was thinking of how to do such a task, he did see pass the unlimited number of swords storming across the fields, to find one still in the ground The Master Sword. The other swords were not coming near it, & while Ben was continuing to survive against this powerful technique, something came to him. “Of course….he’s using a large number of swords to beat me with, so…fight fire with fire, right?” Ben responded to say in having learn of the simplest solution to a problem. “It’s a risky move to try, considering I’ve never tried it, but….here goes.” He stated in deciding to take the chance when it looks like his plan will involve something of using…more than one sword to win. Then we find Ben suddenly diving straight towards the storm of swords that were diving against him, & held his shield like a battering ram. Everyone was on the edge of their view & couldn’t tell what Ben was doing was either foolish or stupid. “Has he lost it?” Rainbow Dash protest to say in seeing this. “I think he’s gonna get his sword?” AJ questioned the thought of Ben’s action. “Goodness! That’s too much!” Rarity gasped in fearing if that were the case. “Watch out for the other swords!” Pinkie Pie yelled off to warn Ben even though he’s in the danger zone now. “Oh dear!” Fluttershy held her head in looking worried. “Ben…./Daddy!” Twilight & Nyx spoke softly in seeing this, they can’t tell if Ben will make it through that or not. "I'm afraid to blink & miss what happens next." Starlight Glimmer couldn't take her eyes off this; what will happen here? Soon the storming torrent of swords was changing to attack Ben from where he was going. Sword Blade watched as his technique continues to attack, but could not see even if he was now closer to observe. “To go into that which none could breach, even with your shield, you cannot defend forever. You will most likely be defeated, but I shall respect you…for being a truly great swordsman at the very least.” Sword Blade responded to say in looking down in knowing this battle was over & that Ben has gone down in an act truly worthy of a great swordsman to continue to fight against such odds, even in such a hopeless state. As all seem over & done with, what happened next was seeing Ben plowed out of the raging storm of unlimited swords in having performed his Triforce-Charge Strike while using his Hylian Shield. But then the shield vanished & Ben was seen having leaped out of that danger & his Triforce mark on his body glowed in showing the symbol as his entire body glowed with a powerful aura. “Hugh!” Sword Blade yelps to gasp in seeing Ben coming at him, what was he planning? “Thanks, but I still got one last move to change the battle. Thanks for inspiring it.” Ben smiled off to say this in having a little surprise to perform, as he wields both swords in his front hooves. “Here goes…Triforce X-Strike!” As he spoke them words, the Master Sword & Razor Sword were wielded, as both blades admit a stronger white & golden light. Then without warning, Ben crosses his swords across his chest, & then he dashed like rivaling the speed of light, & as such that even the rest couldn’t follow. “SLASH-SLASH/BAMMMFRUUUVHMMM….” Then Ben delivers an ‘X’ slash motion across Sword Blade with both blades facing the open direction while Ben skidded across the ground in passing his opponent. And soon the scene shows what looks like a slow scene as Sword Blade is seen with damage inflicted upon his chest that was double the power of the Master Sword & Razor Sword as they were severely immense even for a strong fighter like him. “Huuuuuaaagh….Uuuuaghhh!” Sword Blade gasped off with wide-eyes in having been dealt with such a devastating blow. “Such strength….to even…harm me in this….form.” He slowly spoke in feeling the inflicted damage slowly begin to affect him; what Ben did was delivered enough force to harm him to this extent. Then without warning, the Swords of War suddenly began to cease moving in the air, & soon fell across to jab in the ground. At that same moment, Sword Blade began to fall backwards before he landed on the ground; & then his transformation form disappeared while reverting him back to being Halon Blade. Everyone watched this with almost speechless reactions in what to make of this. And at this time, even the background music soon was done being heard. At the same moment, the swords that fell slowly vanished back from where they came with their summoner already down. “He did it.” Twilight quietly whispered in seeing this. “Did he really?” Phobos asked off in almost being unsure this time. “Yeah…he won.” Spike slowly nods in seeing this was no lie. “HE WON!” Nyx cheered to jump for joy, her daddy won. Now it was safe to say for certain, the battle was truly over, and the victor; was Ben Mare. And soon everyone came to talk to the winner who had done the impossible, Ben who managed to go again the Living Sword; Halon Blade. “THAT WAS….AWESOME!” Rainbow Dash yelled out in absolutely loving what they saw, it was too cool to explain. “Marvelous Ben darling!” Rarity smiled for joy in having seen such a performance. “Heck, gave us quite a scare there.” AJ gave a little nudge on her friend for pulling such a close calling. “But wow, you pulled a special new move & won!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed to say in how Ben used a new move with TWO swords, and it really made a difference. “Where did you get the idea?” Fluttershy asked in how Ben knew using the Master Sword & Razor Sword together, could work out so well. “It came to me, if a guy can fight using more than one sword, then with two swords, I could double up.” Ben shrug off to say in what he knew and how that theory helped him in quite a pinch. "That's...pretty smart thinking there." Starlight Glimmer stated in thinking the idea had much value in such a use. “It’s the same method as my own, but with more effect from two powerful blades?” Jack Zen stated to say in seeing how Ben’s use of two swords to double his attack, is like his Twin Swords move, but with major difference. “Your battle was spectacular.” Omega complimented Ben in having shown a grand performance which Fila nodded in agreement. “No doubt about it, I say you really are on your way to being a great swordsman Ben.” Goldie smiled to give Ben raise for a job well done. “Yep, taking on one of the best is definitely a credit point of earning.” Pinkamena nods off to say in seeing their friend has done a major deal in making a name. “You were amazing daddy!” Nyx smiled to rub her father’s leg in feeling so proud. “I’m just glad you’re okay. And I’m happy you won.” Twilight smiled for joy in just being glad her love is here & is not too badly wounded; a little heal spell job & he’ll be good as new. Just then, Ben’s focus shifted from his friends & family complimenting him,to see where Halon Blade was. And to everyone’s surprise, he seem to be trying to stand up again even after taking that critical blow move Ben performed that really did a number on him. “What are you waiting for?” Halon Blade slowly spoke to say this in struggling to lean on his sword to push himself up again. “Don’t you know….I can still stand up to continue; if you are a swordsman, you know a duel cannot be over unless I am completely defeated and unable to continue.” He spoke in which he is not completely defeated, Ben must end this. “I know, but I know you’re beat. So I don’t wanna hurt you as far as I’ve done now.” Ben spoke in sounding with sympathy for his opponent. “You show mercy to your foe?” Halon Blade raised an eyebrow in hearing such nonsense, in a duel, mercy gets one nowhere. “No, for a friend.” Ben spoke off to say this in correcting the term. “Friends….I know nothing of it. All I’ve lived with….is gone.” Halon Blade spoke to look away, he has nothing, & does not see much to make friends. “I know about what happened to you, & it’s tragic, losing a family. But still…you shouldn’t let such a lost make it impossible to get friends.” Ben spoke in trying to help Halon Blade see that losing something they love, doesn’t mean they should become alone in the world. “Ben’s right, you know.” Twilight spoke to approach along with everyone else to speak their mind. “Just look at me, I always thought my studies were more important than making friends, but…that all change when I move to Ponyville.” She explained herself about what she has already overcome and got in return. "Twilight even helped give me friendship when I blame her for taking what I thought would make a group of ponies be friends on equal footing, I was wrong...but she helped gave me a chance." Starlight Glimmer stated off to mention this about herself. “Yep, if ye have a friend or two, or more, life’s a lot more interesting, partner.” Applejack nods off in stating this fact to the guy with an honest face. “Yeah, you were admired by your classmates & teachers, you even lead a group to victory.” Rainbow Dash spoke off in recalling the story of how great Halon Blade is. “And though you might not thought of them as your friends, you didn’t let them down, did you?” Rarity spoke to say that Halon Blade helped out those just cause they look to him for help. “Right, sure you became a de facto leader to some, at least you learn to live with it.” Pinkie Pie shrug off to say this in being a more cheery on the subject. “And what happens when you lose them, lose their lives when you were responsible? Even those you started to feel close to?” Halon Blade asked this question off in being concern about a subject that would be a hard thing to answer. “Well the fear of losing friends is scary, but….it might make you stronger.” Fluttershy slowly spoke in pondering the subject, until she said something puzzling. “What?” Halon Blade looked to Fluttershy as if what she said sounded crazy; how can he get stronger by the fear to lose friends. “Yeah, we’re kinda lost on the subject in what Fluttershy’s saying too.” Phobos rub his back head in feeling like they aren’t getting the idea either. “I know what Aunt Fluttershy means, that fear could fuel you to keep trying harder to protect the ones that one loves. By overcoming that fear itself.” Nyx spoke off in saying this in seeing what Fluttershy meant, the fear to lose can make one be stronger to conquer it. “Hey yeah, that way, you know that you’ll keep your buddies safe if you can protect them & you’ll never lose them.” Spike spoke off in suddenly getting the idea of what Nyx was saying, it makes sense. “How can such things even be possible, it’s only an illusion,” Halon Blade shook his head in believing that logic is nothing but false hope. “No way, we fight to protect our love ones & that helps make us stronger.” Pinkamena spoke in clarifying the fact in what Halon Blade should know. “My sister’s right, sure we never beat you, but…we were bringing up more of our strength, to fight to protect another.” Goldie stated to say this that though some of them never won against Halon Blade, they brought up much of their strength to help a friend in need. “Right, & even this lost can seen as a lesson to us. Maybe you too.” Jack Zen n nods off to say this about what has happened can serve to teach them, even defeat can lead to victory for tomorrow. “There was some saying, sometimes defeat can help teach & make one grow stronger.” Omega issued about what is said that sometimes in fights, a defeat can help serve as guidance for many than those of victory would see. "Well said, Omega." Fila replied off in agreement to Omega's phrase use there. Halon Blade was absorbing much of this info of those that spoke of things that began to sink in. What if possibly, all this time, when he’s had victory, he’s never learn much from it, but from defeat, can open the eyes to new things. Could it be that, because of Ben’s newfound strength & his belief in friendship, helped him last long against one of the three strongest Weapon Elements; Sword, because of such a strengths. “I see…so, that was what I long missed.” Halon slowly showed a smile to himself in seeing something that was directly in front of him. “Hmph, to think it took a bit of beating for me to get the message?” He sighed in feeling almost foolish to not have been defeated to learn this sooner. “Better late than never, right?” Ben spoke to say this with a smile as he held out a hoof in wanting the guy to take. “Hmph….right.” Halon Blade huffs a bit before he looks to Ben, showing a smile that reflects a feeling he has been given. Soon Halon Blade took Ben’s hoof to be helped risen up from the ground. And soon a sign of what was sword rivalry, has turn into friendship. Truly, it was a sight not many can see. “As a sign of respect, hold your sword upwards.” Halon Blade spoke to say this in what he wants Ben to do next here. “Alright, but….why?” Ben slowly responded in not following along. “A show of respect…to a worthy swordsmen, from one who hold the Element Of Sword, to one who wields the Master Sword.” Halon Blade stated to say as he held out his Caliber Blade & wishes to have Ben do the same with his Master Sword; to show their respects from one swordsmen to the next. Ben nods in getting the idea, & held up his sword & Halon Blade did the same thing. Soon the two cross their blades in the form of an ‘X’ shape, & then in some wondrous moment, they shimmer & shine as if a magical moment was seen. Everyone saw this, & even the Forgers with their weapons glowed in sensing what was happening. "Amazing." Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in seeing something that has left her; speechless. “Awwwwww, I feel a warm feeling in my belly.” Phobos spoke to say in having seen this little scene here. “You do?” Spike raised an eyebrow in hearing what his friend said. “Burp….Or maybe it was a late burp coming up.” Phobos then burped out some flames & retracted his statement. “Right.” Spike rolled his eyes in seeing what happened. “Well what do you know? They actually did it.” Kazeshini smiled off to say this in seeing what went out on a loop here. “Yes, it is a surprise feat.” Tempo nods in seeing this was a true surprise to many. “Have to say, wasn’t that bad of a show.” Kidd Razor motioned off to say in his own tone of what duel they see took place. “To think the winds of favor helped Ben overcome such a great opponent.” Talim smiled in feeling happy that what happened turn out to be for the best. “He has gotten stronger, that much is for certain.” Wildman nods in addressing that with Ben’s new unlocked weapon; Razor Sword, he has gotten stronger. “And what do you suppose happens next?” Kitana turn towards Ivy in what shall happen next here, especially of their own involvement. “Let’s give it time, after all…we’ve seen what was done & now….we can wait a little longer in what happens next.” Ivy spoke to say this in knowing that the time of Ben’s choice to join them or not, give it time & the answer will arrive. “Why not come back to our castle & maybe get to know more about us. I’m sure, we all want to be your friend.” Twilight smiles to say this to Halon Blade in offering him something. “Your words are wise, princess. Thank you.” Halon Blade bow in showing his respect, as he feels grateful to take up such a friendly offer. Then everyone makes off towards Rainbow Castle where now they can now finally get things under wraps here. But of course, there will be some unfinished business to tend to & it will be involving Ben’s choice in what to do about joining the Forgers or not. But perhaps…the answer will be as clear as day. Until then…we’ll have to have faith in what choices are made… > Chapter 06: Forging Of Friendship! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 06: Forging Of Friendship! The scene changes to just being the inside part of Rainbow Castle. As we find the Mane Six, Goldie’s group, the Forgers, Ben, Halon Blade, Nyx and the baby Dragons all around the Council of Friendship. Pretty much, they got back, & after a few minutes to heal over some little injuries & such, everyone seems to be doing pretty much okay. “Man, what a day this turn out to be.” Spike sighs to say in what they have just gone over. “You mean about how a group of weapon wielding ponies came to recruit Ben, then we got drag in by a powerful swordsman, & we’re all gather together like nothing really matters?” Phobos was sarcastically stating off these things in how they have handled such craziness. “Oh Phobos, you can be silly sometimes.” Nyx rolled her eyes with a silly face in what her pet pal was saying. “Still, glad this turn into a better moment fer us all.” Applejack spoke up with a proud expression on her face now. “AJ’s right, this is way better. Friends hanging with friends.” Rainbow Dash also smiled off in being glad of something that turn into this little situation. “Oh really, you consider us as friends?” Kazeshini raised an eyebrow in hearing some normal bunch of ponies consider even weird guys from within the Forgers…friends. “Oh course silly, why wouldn’t we be?” Pinkie Pie smiled off to pop near the guy in happily saying they are friends. “Would you really mean that?” Tempo asked in being interested in what they are hearing. “Oh yes, why wouldn’t we? After all, we have gotten to know another.” Fluttershy smiled forth to say this in how things have started to turn that they all have gotten friendly with another. “Hmmm, though it seem our time to depart is almost near….it seems like we’ve changed a bit.” Wildman nods in agreeing that overtime, they have started to get use to the Mane Six…& maybe something else too. “Oh really, do tell darlings.” Rarity raised an eyebrow in becoming curious of such things. “It’s probably because we felt like outsiders to everywhere, after we all meant one another.” Kidd Razor simply spoke the issue of how things usually worked out for them in the past. "I can relate, I even secluded myself & other ponies to build a village base on a thought without what makes us different to be friends, when really that's what makes us more special." Starlight Glimmer pointed this off in having understood a bit of this subject from where she came from. “True...However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place where we know we can come home to when there are…friends, to help out.” Talim spoke to say this with a small smile on her face here. “Do you really mean that?” Ben asked in wondering if these guys were honest about that. The Forgers slowly nod their heads in responding as a simple yes to the question. This made everyone else show their own joys & happiness to learn that these Weapon Wielder ponies consider this place like a home where their friends are. “Ben Mare, there is still the matter of the choice. Will you come with us to fight against the unknown evil all around or stay here?” Ivy decided to quickly cut to the chase of the matter, in reminding someone of a decision. That was the moment that everything fell into silence. What with fighting against Halon Blade who was indeed the toughest swordsman to wield the Element of Sword, everything else seem to have been forgotten. “Ben….?” Twilight spoke in feeling worried and wondering what Ben’s response was gonna be. “I have made my decision. And while there are many places outside our kingdom that are in trouble, I believe in what I’ve decided upon.” Ben spoke firmly in wanting to speak with a noble response to the request he was given to answer or not. “And my answer….is that I will seek out anything that would harm our world.” He spoke in stating this fact of what he shall do in being some assistance. “So, you will leave your home?” Ivy raised an eyebrow in wondering if Ben’s answer means he’ll leave those here and join the Forgers. “Not exactly, I figured it out.” Ben smiled off to shrug off, saying he’s pretty much come across something that maybe proven better for him. “I will stay here with my family, friends, & allies, to protect our home. And if we should need to leave to stop an evil outside our borders, then so be it.” He knows that if there are other areas that need help, then he and his group can go over and help out, just like with the journey to the End of Equestrian & so forth others where they came home again. Everyone smiles in having heard Ben’s answer & felt like sighing in relief, the stallion was gonna stay with them. Everyone absorbed this news, from Halon Blade, the Forgers, even Goldie’s group. “It would seem your choice makes the most sense Ben & we’re proud that you discovered it.” Golden Heart smiled off to say this in having felt proud of his friend. “Yep, now we can all be together!” Pinkamena smiles for joy in knowing Ben will always be here for them. “I have to admit, we be lost if Ben wasn’t here.” Jack Zen nods off to simply say this little matter. “I rather not calculate such equation on the subject.” Omega confirm that he rather not know the mathematical outcome of what happen if Ben was not with them. "You & me both Omega." Fila responded off to say this in agreement. Soon everyone lets off a laugh in having a blast moment of their time now. Truly now Ben shall be among them and now today’s turning out pretty good. “Ben Mare, you have truly shown much. Even to match against me.” Halon Blade spoke to say this in having seen Ben’s skills in wielding a sword. “Well truth is, we never settle the duel, so there really wasn’t a winner or a loser.” Ben shrug off to say this in knowing that while he did land a critical blow, he didn’t finish in defeating Halon Blade. “Maybe, but you did unlock a new weapon.” Halon Blade spoke forth in stating the one thing that Ben achieved in the end. “So you really went all out, hugh?” Rainbow asked off in wondering something on her mind. “Not entirely, there was another technique I did not use….for if I did, it could have destroyed him.” Halon Blade shook his head in stating there was another move he choose’d not to unleash. “My word! I dare say I rather not know what it is you have!” Rarity gasped in surprise, hearing this sounded very frightening. “So tell us, do you have only one unique sword while the rest are just simple looking versions?” Pinkie Pie pops around Halon Blade in asking a few extra questions here. “No, like Ben, who now wields two swords of their unique function, I have one more unique sword besides Caliber Blade.” Halon Blade spoke in stating that he also holds another sword that is also very unique. “An wha prey tell is it dat ye never brought out?” Applejack raised an eyebrow in pondering the very thought. “A sword in which it’s very contact would destroy an enemy. Even a Mystic or Dark Mystic, Ultimate Warrior or higher, would not survive.” Halon Blade explained in sounding serious that if he brought out his second unique sword, it would have ended Ben the moment it touch him. "For reals? A weapon that powerful & you never used it?" Starlight Glimmer asked off in being shock, but also thankful they never saw such a thing used against Ben. “Oh dear….that sounds very scary!” Fluttershy gasped in sounding worried, that does sound like a scary thing to come across. “Guess its good you never brought it out, hugh?” Phobos thought up how lucky they were that Halon Blade never used a very dangerous sword in his duel with Ben. “Yeah, Ben look like he really had his hooves full from what you shown so far.” Spike nods to agree, Ben look to have his plate full from just surviving against such powerful sword techniques without a sword that could finish him if it touches him. “Indeed, & now, Ben Mare….Let us look over your swords.” Halon Blade spoke forth in making this request out of nowhere. Ben was puzzled by the request, but he also saw no harm, as he summoned his swords, the Master Sword & the Razor Sword. Halon Blade soon study the swords presented to him as if he was looking deep into their structure, & could find…some trail of magic off of them. “I see, you have been able to handle them very well & from your development, bring out much strength of these blades.” Halon Blade spoke in studying Ben’s two swords, the user & weapons are indeed shown much of development of strength. “Daddy’s really gotten stronger now, right!” Nyx smiled in feeling her father is getting better with each day. “He certainly has, with this….Ben can help protect us all & we’ll be there to help out.” Twilight nods in feeling that from Ben’s latest feat & unlocking a new weapon, he’ll be capable of new things now. “Thanks Twilight.” Ben smiles to say in thanking his love for the support. “Yes, but it seems…you still have a long way to go.” Halon Blade spoke to say this in what he has seen thus far. “What do you mean?” Goldie asked in being curious of what Halon Blade was talking about. “As a wielder to a Weapon Element, I know about swords & how just by observing one can tell much of their story. I am the Living Sword, after all.” Halon Blade stated off casually in having to know how swords tend to appear to him. “It seems these two are still in their first forms.” He pointed to the Master Sword & Razor Sword, stating something here about them. Now that caught everyone’s attention in what they heard now. Halon Blade was saying there was another image look of Ben’s two swords, some wonder if it was possible or not. “What do you mean, first forms?” Twilight asked in being curious of what they have heard. “Ben, when & where did you unlock the Master Sword?” Halon Blade requested a question, he knows Ben got the Razor Sword in their duel, but what about the first sword he called upon; the Master Sword. “Well, it was during the first time we went to the Human World version of our own, when we were going to get Twilight’s crown.” Ben spoke of in recalling that event from the past. “I see…but tell me, did the wisdom from one of the three Triforce elements tell you about your sword?” Halon Blade nods in hearing this while pondering something else at this time. “Well…gee….no, I guess not.” Ben shook off to say, he hasn’t been told much about his swords only for some of the most parts, not everything apparently. “I haven’t heard from it since I lost it during the time travelling trip.” “Yeah, my fault!” Starlight Glimmer admits in embarrassment over that. “Well, me and Seekcurse.” “Well I suppose not, it’s likely you have not reach the level to awaken the sword's fullest of powers.” Halon Blade spoke to hold his chin in seeing what has happened here, Ben has yet to reach a stage of unlocking his weapons full potential. “Wait, you mean Ben’s sword can get even stronger?” Phobos asked off in hearing this right in disbelief. “It can, when he unlocks its final form, but as for the Razor Sword, it can change into something else when its own final form is revealed…the Gilded Sword.” Halon Blade explained the case about Ben’s two swords having a final form, & how one sword’s name will be changed. “But it seems neither of them have reach it yet, not from the last wielder of your element.” He issued to say this about who last held these swords of Ben’s possession never reach that stage. “The last wielder….you mean Dragon Hope?” Golden Heart spoke in surprise to recall who the last Triforce Element User was in the past before Ben. “A.K.A., Shadow Dragon.” Jack Zen stated to say with a frown, they know the Dark Mystic, he had these before he lost them when he turn to evil. “I do indeed mean him.” Halon Blade nods with a stern expression as Shadow Dragon could not unlock the final forms of either the Master Sword or the Razor Sword before his element was removed. “But enough of this, in the end, you have shown true skills as a swordsmen & have helped me see a new path for me.” He spoke to change the subject to make it be more pleasant of what Ben has achieved & what it’s done to open Halon Blade’s eyes. “Really, what new path is that?” Spike asked off in not following along. “I have decided to open up a training shop for ponies that wanna be good fighters & learn skills in handling weapons, just as I was taught in the academy I went to.” Halon Blade stated in what he wants to do, give a little what he’s learn and teach it to the next generation. “Cool! Are you gonna work that up here?” Pinkamena asked off in thinking Halon Blade will be a new resident to Ponyville. “Yes, it may be a slow working progress, but I think it will work out.” Halon Blade spoke to say this in feeling like such a thing will slowly come about. “Having a close by ally would make a big change in our upcoming battles, would they not?” Omega stated in feeling like such a thing could help them out tremendously. "It certainly would." Fila nodded her head in much agreement if they have an ally that was close. “Yep, now not only do we have Crash Fire & Snowcrystal’s school to teach colts & fillies martial arts for self defense, but this could be good for others that wanna protect their homes too.” Nyx smiled to say this in feeling like things will really make their home safe if they have such good fighters & warriors to help train them all to be well protected. Everyone was busy chatting about the idea to allow Halon Blade to setup shop in their own little neighborhood. And Pinkie Pie was thinking of throwing a welcome party for having another new friend live with them. So as everything begins to go dark, things seem to be going along quite nicely. --------------------------------------------- Now the scene changes to the open walkway within Ponyville as we find the Mane Six & Goldie’s group walking around in showing Halon Blade more of their kingdom. The group was heading towards the edge of town, where they promised to meet up with the Forgers before they would be setting off. “So tell us, where would you set up shop?” Jack Zen asked the swordsman stallion in where he would start to help teach ponies the way of the swords. “Hard to say, any openings?” Halon Blade spoke in looking around, he’s not finding much that are vacate or free open space to build. “Well one thing about Ponyville is that we can construct new buildings to add for the town.” Goldie smiled off to say this with an honest face in what they can do. “Course one needs to inform ahead of time of what one wants build to their specified blueprint planning.” Omega explained that if they were to build something new, they need blueprints to get working on something like that. “Oh I’m sure we’ll figure something out. After all, I made a secret dungeon under Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkamena smiled off in crediting the fact she made her own place built underneath of a pastry shop. “Well…you seem quite….something.” Halon Blade raised a curious eyebrow in having heard something strange. "You have no idea." Fila shook her head to make a small smile about the subject. “That’s Pinkamena, like Aunt Pinkie Pie, she can be random.” Nyx smiled off to comment the matter of how one pony is as strange as the next. This caused everyone to have a laugh at the very thought, cause it was very much true. “Trust us partner, ye will like it here.” AJ nods off to say this in what Halon Blade shall find to his liking. “And boy, will we enjoy having another tough fighter!” Rainbow Dash smiled in feeling that with another tough pony in their home town, bad guys are gonna have to think twice before messing with them. “Yes darling, just…do be careful in what you do.” Rarity stated that if Halon Blade fights to be careful & make sure they can get by without having to fear of raining swords all of a sudden. “And when it’s all over, we’ll have time to party!” Pinkie Pie smiled to pop in to happily say this stuff. “We hope to make everything to your liking, um…that is, if you don’t mind.” Fluttershy meekly spoke in how to not be so nosy in one’s own business. “Not at all.” Halon Blade shook his head to say, and slowly built a smile around it. “Come on, the others are just pass this point.” Twilight reminded everyone of where they need to be now. "Alright then, we better get going if we don't wanna miss out." Starlight Glimmer stated off to say this here. With that, the group continues to move out now. But suddenly, there was something that caught Halon Blade’s attention. From across the crowds was another stallion passing by; Chase the Warrior (also known as Shadow Dragon under an alias disguise form), he wielded a sword who look to Halon Blade & Ben’s direction. And then he continued to move about without stopping while disappearing in the crowd. Halon Blade’s eyes were trying to focus on something, but seem to get…nothing. At the moment, he stopped Ben from going along with the gang, as if to talk to him privately. “Ben, who was that pony with the sword within the crowd?” Halon Blade asked off with a serious sounding voice. “Him? That was Chase the Warrior, he’s a good fighter, & he’s also pretty good with the sword. Have you ever fought him before?” Ben responded in recalling who the guy meant, & was stating how Chase was a tough warrior & maybe Halon Blade might have cross paths with him. “No…I have not cross blades with him, yet…” Halon Blade spoke in sounding suspicious of something to ponder over the thought. “Yet what?” Ben asked slowly in sensing some tension. “One of swords or so forth I call upon from the Swords of War have been wielded by many swordsmen of the past.” Halon Blade explained the issue of his technique he used that calls many swords wielded by many from over the past to the present. “And…what does that have to do with…?” Ben was about to ask how that relates to Chase until… “Long ago, almost 500 years ago, there was said to be an Equestrian who was a warrior & was known…as Chase.” Halon Blade issued this, much to Ben’s surprise, there was a Chase from 500 years ago. “I cannot tell if he’s a descendant of the same pony or…if there is more to him.” He stated in sounding serious, the Chase presently here seems almost like he relates to one such name from the past. “Wait, you aren’t suspecting him too, are you? Why is it some of the guys we met seem to sense something not right with Chase?” Ben was questioning this, how was it that Chase, who has been good to him, his friends & family, is always being suspected like the guy shouldn’t be trusted? “Perhaps…he has something so dark, that like a sword, he chooses when & where to unsheathe it.” Halon Blade explained the case that perhaps Chase is hiding something that which no one sees & he chooses not to reveal to any. “For now, I’ll work out the facts in learning more about him later…right now, I believe we have friends awaiting us.” He clarify that they should leave figuring out Chase another time, they have more pressing matters to deal with. “Yeah, let’s go…” Ben nods in getting the idea, they have some friends to see off to. Soon Ben & Halon Blade move out at this time as they headed off to rejoin with everyone in where they needed to go at this time. At last, everyone meets the Forgers near the outskirts of Ponyville: Ivy, Kitana, Tempo, Talim, Wildman, Kidd Razor & Kazeshini. They all look ready to head out, but waited to be met up with their friends that came to see them off. “So, this is farewell?” Twilight spoke to say in seeing this is where they say goodbye. “Sorta, but…lets only say it’s until next time we meet.” Ivy stated to say that this isn’t goodbye-goodbye, more like something for the next time they see another. “Next time?” The Mane Six repeated off in hearing this, the Forgers will see them again; really? "What do you mean by next time?" Starlight Glimmer was the first to ask that question right out of the blue here. “That’s what she said, while we may still do jobs to keep ourselves in going on in today’s world of society.” Kidd Razor stated to say this simple stuff about the matter of what they do for a living. “We already completed our objective on taking out the Tiamat. But, other creatures like it may still be roaming.” Wildman stated to knowing that with one bounty on a dangerous evil creature dealt with, they need to go about in finding others out in the world. “Which is where we shall be assisting in those areas when others cannot.” Tempo explained the case in knowing that they shall do what they can to help others that cannot handle the situation from their lack of skill, weaponry & power. “Right, & any bounty on some tough creature or enemy will mean another day for others to sleep.” Kazeshini smiled off to say this in what will be another walk in the park for them in taking out other evil creatures. “The winds are telling us to go, but we do wish to thank you all. It’s been great meeting you.” Talim smiles to say this in knowing that meeting this group, has been a wonderful new experience. “Until the next time, if you need some help, do make contact. We are allies, after all.” Kitana spoke in wanting those here to make contact with them in the future. “Thanks, hope you guys do alright.” Ben nods off to say in feeling to wish this group the best of luck too. “You to Ben Mare, may our weapons come across another…as allies in arms.” Ivy spoke to say this in saying that from one wielder of weapons to another. Soon many of the Forgers brought out their weapons & cross them together. Ben also sense where this was going & summoned his Master Sword & held it out to join the others. With weapons cross, they were undone in showing a sign of respect. Now we see the Forgers slowly turn around, as they slowly head off on their journey to continue their path in ridding the world of Equestria of any of the evil that exist, one step at a time. “You know, I’m gonna miss them.” Phobos stated to say this in gonna miss such a nice group. “Well, they’ll be back, someday.” Spike pointed out this fact that they should keep in mind. “And we know a way to call them to have them help us out or to take up a task if we can’t do it.” Rainbow Dash smiled off to say this in what else they can look forward to. “Right, like calling them overtime we can’t handle something gives us more days off ta goof off?” Applejack rolled her eyes to say this in figuring what her friend would like to do instead. “Still, I do hope we can meet again.” Rarity smiled to say in wanting to meet the Forgers again, someday. “Oh yes indeed, I think so too.” Fluttershy nods lightly in also agreeing to the idea. “And hopefully have a blast too!” Pinkie Pie pops up to issue the idea, though some hope it won’t be too explosive. "As long as it doesn't wake us up in the morning..." Starlight Glimmer made a small joke about the claim. “We’ll head back for now, until then…have a great time you guys.” Goldie stated that they need to be going now, but they shall see everyone again soon. “Bye-bye/See yah/Bye/Until next time!” Pinkamena, Jack Zen, Fila & Omega were saying their farewells before they went with Goldie to go back to Sugarcane Corner, where they live underneath it. “Well Halon Blade, we’ll inform you of when your new place is ready, until then…welcome to the Rainbow Kingdom.” Twilight smiled to happily say this to the one that shall become another new resident of their kingdom. “Right, maybe you can show me & my friends from the Cutie Mark Crusaders your sword tricks, maybe some ponies that haven't got their cutie marks can find their talent in that.” Nyx happily responded to say this while thinking of bringing her friends & other classmates that have blank flanks to try getting a sword cutie mark. “Let’s…save that for another day, Nyx.” Ben spoke hesitantly in thinking that fillies & colts handling swords, might not be a good idea to try out for the time being. “For now, it’ll be great having someone else to spar with for sword training.” He smiled in knowing that while Ben & Chase spar with swords, Halon Blade might be another great teacher. “You best be ready, you have a lot to learn.” Halon Blade explained the case that if Ben wishes to spar with him, there are many things to know. “I will…this Razor Sword is proof of that. And let it help me get another step closer…to protecting my family & friends.” Ben responded to say while he magically summoned the Razor Sword, stating that from how he got his new weapon thanks to facing Halon Blade. “Well spoken….” Halon Blade responded with a proud and prideful expression, as he also summoned his own sword to the equation. Soon the scene closes with Ben & Halon Blade crossing their swords in symbolizing their respect for another as one swordsmen to another. The screen zooms away from this honorable moment of two warriors as it goes to show you….sometimes in battles, a person can speak from the heart with either hoof or their blade, to get the message across. And from what Ben has done in unlocking a new weapon, gets him closer to getting stronger, so foes be ready…Ben’s building not only strength, but the strength of new friends. And with that, concludes the story told of forging weapons that lead to friendship… The End