> The Storm is Here!
>  by UnKnownSalvation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Calm before the Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Storm is Here!

Prologue: Calm before the Storm


"Ok! I got my gear, I got my armor, the flyer to get in, and my dad's sword... Am I forgetting anything?" asked a true blue pegasus with a sunglow yellow mane and tail to himself. He finished getting his wings through the holes in the back of his blue-gray hoodie. The pegasus then put the flyer into his tan baggy pants. He finished by throwing on a red and black bag on his back along with a sheathed sword.

"Just one thing, honey," said a bright orange pegasus. The mare took the pendant necklace she was wearing and placed it around the stallion's neck. The pendant was a black tornado attached to a thin fabric strap. "My father gave this to me when I was your age. It only seems right to pass it to you."

"Thanks mom! I'll see you soon and I promise I'll make dad proud!"

"I know you will... But not if you're late!" The pegasus looked at the clock to see he WAS late.

"AH! Gotta go!" The pegasus gave his mom a hug and kiss on the cheek before he took flight for Canterlot Castle.

So who is that blue pegasus? Well... that's me.

My name is Rampant Storm.

Great name, I know. Not the name I would've picked for me but what can you do? You may not care but while you're here I might as well tell you a little about myself.

I'm the son of a pegasus mother and unicorn father. Out of the two of them, I was closest to my mom, Blur Seeker. She was a former pro racer who retired once I was born to take care of me. Meanwhile my dad, Star Storm, worked as Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard till he retired when I was nine and gave the title to his successor before it was given to the current Captain, Shining Armor.

My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps... and it seemed the only thing that could make that stubborn stallion proud of me... So I was off to Canterlot Castle with the goal of joining the royal guard like my dad. But I'm also doing this for me. I honestly have nothing else I could really do. It's strange... I've lived in Canterlot my whole life but had no memories of ever being in a castle that was quite literally a five minute flight from my house.

"There it is..." I said to myself. I landed at the front stairs and looked at the towering structure. "Well… I'm finally here. It's now or never, Storm… Time to make an asshole proud."

So for better or worse… I was going to do the only thing I was any good at… and I had the belief that my journey had started right then and there... and sometimes it sucks to be right.
> Ch. 1: First Round
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ch. 1: First Round


I walked up to the front doors to see a few guards watching the door. I showed them my flyer for the tryouts.

"This way, sir." The guard said in a deep and gruff voice. I followed him into the shiny castle till we came to an ominous looking stairwell. "The tryouts are down this way. You signed up yesterday so just wait until your name is called." I nodded and began to descend the stairwell. It was only lit by torch so it was a kind of creepy. Felt like I was walking into a crypt... or Discord's part of the castle. Whichever seemed more believable.

I walked in and everyone in the room looked in my direction before going back to whatever they were doing. I could hear whispers from some of them but I couldn't make anything out.

So I sat at the edge of the room waiting for the physical part of the exam to begin. The written part was the day before and was just to prove I wasn't an idiot and what my morals were so it was a pretty easy test. But next was the fun bit; I had to pass through these tryouts to prove something to the ponies that were judging us… specifically the captain himself. I needed to win at least one match… but who was my opponent going to be? All of the other stallions outmatch me in size but they were all most likely slower because of it.

The three unicorns in the room weren't the biggest threat since they weren't allowed their magic, so I likely had them outmatched. Although looks can be deceiving.

The earth ponies all seemed too big and cumbersome to hit something as agile as a pegasus, but did seem durable. So even if I did hit them there's no guarantee my attacks would do a thing.

There was only one other pegasus in the room so he might be the wild card. He looked like he was quick enough to keep me off-guard.

Thinking it over now... I wonder why there were only eight of us there in the first place...

Every pony in the room was wearing whatever they're comfortable in so far. We were all told to bring armor but we couldn't use it in the first round. I believed I would find out soon enough so I didn't question it. My armor was just a basic silver armor set that was lightweight and flexible but in terms of protection wasn't going to save anything... specifically me.

*Creaaaaak*

Every pony in the room turned to see a brown stallion dressed in black and white ceremonial robes walk out of the dimly lit doorway. He must be the referee as he was sure dressed for the part… in a very royal fashion. If he was anymore uptight, you could call him a redwood.

"The first fight of the first round will begin shortly!" The short stallion announced. "The first bout will be an unarmed fight between Brutus Maximus and Rampant Storm! Will the first two combatants please follow me into the training arena!"

When he finished announcing, he turned to go back down the hall he came through. I saw the biggest guy in the room stand up, rather slowly I might add, and follow. I thought he was going to hit his head on the top of the doorway. I stood up and walked to the door before stopping to take off my sword and hand it to the guard to keep safe. I turned to face the dim hallway.

"Now or never..." I walked down the hallway till I arrived at this arena. The color scheme seemed a bit more ominous then the brightness of the castle above. The floor beneath me was made of sand which made sense as if it was made of anything else, it would hurt so badly! The sand had chalk lines drawn in them to show where the combatants were supposed to stand at the start of each fight. It looked like I was in a colosseum if you think about it.

I looked to see in the stands four spectators; Shining Armor, the royal princesses themselves, Celestia and Luna were there in stunning royal dresses that were silver with a pinkish hue and dark blue respectfully and strangely enough, Discord was also there. Well as a pure embodiment of chaos, it only seemed normal for him to watch two stallions try to beat the crap out of each other.

'Time to put on a show.' I thought to myself.

As I looked away from my audience, I took my first good look at my opponent. Brutus Maximus... fitting name considering how big this guy was. I'm about 5'8" myself and I didn't even reach his neck! The chestnut earth pony looked like a muscle-bound freak of nature mixed with a gorilla. He was wearing a light tan vest and black shorts but also was barefoot for some reason.

"Both participants appear ready to fight! Do either of you have anything to say before we begin?"

"Yeah I got something; who arranged this lopsided fight?" I asked in a calm demeanor.

"Why it was Captain Shining Armor that personally put this match together. Why do you ask?"

"No reason. I just felt sorry for my opponent is all." Not the smartest thing I've ever said but I had a reason to say that.

"HAHAHA! You'll need to do better than that!" Brutus laughed it off. This should be fun.

"You both may begin!" The ref had barely dropped his hand before Brutus was upon me. I dodged a flurry of heavy, focused punches and broke away, backpedeling into the brick wall that ran around the arena and spending a moment trying to come up with a way to win this.

"Fifteen." I spoke up after coming up with a gameplan.

"What?" He asked puzzled by me suddenly saying the number.

"That's how many times I could have counterattacked in the last flurry of attacks." Though that number was complete bull, I needed him to get mad. If he got mad enough... the fight was mine.

"Ha... a cheeky little colt, aren't you?"

"Well I'd be one boring pony if I wasn't," I said matter-of-factually. "But I don't need to be interesting to whoop your butt," His face got serious as we circled each other.

"You're delusions are really starting to annoy me!"

"Am I? You're shouting didn't tip me off," I chuckled. I think I saw his eye twitch. He threw a few more punches and kicks my way that I could only dodge as his hits could actually break my blocks. Luckily, none of his hits managed to really hit me as I continued to dodge on instinct.

"Come on!" I shouted as I broke away. "Is that really all you've got?" 

"I'm gonna rip your spine out!" Brutus shouted as he closed the distance and threw more punches for me to dodge.

"Is that true? You're gonna need to hit me first!" I laughed at him as I continued to break away. I never met anypony that was as easy to anger as this tower and I was gonna abuse it.

"AHHHHHHHHH!" Through nonstop annoyance and frustrating him, I got Brutus to begin a full steam ahead charge right at me. I slid underneath him and ran away to the middle of the arena. He ran at me and began to throw punches wildly, meaning they were easier to dodge as his attacks became more predictable. Though with all the loose dirt, I almost lost my footing. "ARGH! Why can't I hit you?!"

"I don't know. Why can't ya?" I asked with a sly smirk on my face.

"I'm gonna knock that smirk right off your face!"

"You're all bark and no bite! You keep saying what you're going to do but what you can't seem to grasp is the fact you can't!" He threw a punch at me which I ducked under but instead of trying another punch, he grabbed me by the back of my shirt and threw me towards the wall. I hit the sand floor hard before rolling into the wall face first.

"Whoa," was all I could say as I fell onto the sand and grabbed my aching face. "That sucked," 

"GRRRRRRRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I looked to see a rampaging pony, now in straight up pissed mode, charging at me. I feigned left and cut right, barely avoiding the charge. Looking back, I smirked and watched him come to a halt a few feet from the wall. He was a freight train. Huge and heavy, with a hide like iron, yet one glaring weakness. He couldn't stop. Not quick enough at least.

"Come get me, Meathead!" I shouted while motioning "come get some" with my hands. Now fully blinded by his rage, he charged straight at me. He barreled down on me and I resisted the urge to leap out of the way. Not yet. Not close enough. The brute pumped his tree-trunk legs, sending up small clouds of dust each time a massive foot landed. Almost there. I shifted my feet to get a better grip on the dirt and looked Brutus in the eye. A grin came to my face. Now. I jumped out of the way again and unfortunately for Brutus there wasn't nine feet of running space for him to stop...

*CRASH!*

He hit the wall SO hard, he went through it! The wall from what I could see was made of solid brick and he just ran right through it like it was cardboard!

"PffffHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I turned around to see Discord laughing his ass off. "Ohohoho! That was amazing! He made him look like such a chump!"

"Brutus Maximus is unable to continue!" The referee announced. "Therefore, Rampant Storm is the winner and will move on to round two!"

"This fight... isn't... over!" Just then we all looked to the hole to see Brutus staggering through it. Quite honestly I wasn't all that surprised that some pony like him could survive running through a brick wall and then get back up to continue fighting.

"Huh... this might be harder than I thought..." I said scratching the back of my head, wondering what else could I try against him. Suddenly without warning, Brutus fell face-first to the floor and was out like a light.

"O...kay... Now he's unable to continue! The winner is Rampant Storm!" Now with the fight over, I walked over to Brutus. As I got close, I saw him begin to stir and look up to see me crouching down in front of him with a hand extended.

"Hey... You ok, Max?" This question was genuine when I asked it. Now with the fight over, I had no plans on keeping this guy my enemy. He just looked at my hand with a puzzled look on his face.

"Wh-What? Now you're acting like my friend?" There was a bit of spite in his voice.

"You want to know something? You want to know why I won?" He looked at me with a genuine curiosity. I guess he was actually interested to hear why he lost to some pony half his size without attacking him once. "I won because you allowed me to make you mad. The fifteen possible counterattacks, the taunts, the nonstop dodging; all of it was so I could get you angry. I knew if I made ya angry enough, you're fighting skill would start to diminish and I could just make you tire yourself out," When I told him why I was acting the way I was, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped a little, though he still hadn't said a thing to me... he just looked at me with disdain and contempt.

"You're a good fighter and that throw hurt like hell but if ya allow others to be able to do what I did today... Youuuu might want to consider a different form of employment." I stuck out my hand again as a show of sportsmanship. He picked himself up and walked away without another word. I looked away to the "special" part of my audience. I saw Shining Armor give me a serious look, obviously doing his duty to evaluate me. The princesses were whispering among themselves so I couldn't be sure what they were talking about. Discord just gave me a smile and a thumb up. Glad to know I got the Lord of Chaos's seal of approval.

"Sir?" I turned to see the ref standing next to me. "If you'd kindly take a seat in the stands with the rest so we may prepare for the next battle."

"Oh... sure."

"Your belongings have been moved as well so you should find them in your seat. Don't worry, the guards were told to take good care of the equipment of the participants." With that, the ref left to set up the chalk lines so they were perfect for the next battle. I headed back to the door I came in to see a guard waiting for me.

"If you'd follow me, I'll escort you to your seat," The white guard told me.

"Thanks," I followed him to my seat so I could take my rest for my next fight... Wondering what I'll be up against next
> Ch. 2: Cold Fate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ch. 2: Cold Fate


I followed the guard to the stands and took my seat with the other combatants to watch the next fight. A few were clapping and saying a couple complements which was kinda nice. The rest just stared me down which I couldn't tell if it was a show of respect or maybe them trying to act tough and intimidating. It was kinda funny that I just beat the biggest pony at the tryouts and they think they're going to make me nervous? Ha I say!

Anyway, I sat down and not a minute later did the ref come out to announce the next fight.

He stopped at the middle of the ring in the sand and was followed by a unicorn. He was wearing a black hood that covered most of his face so I couldn't make out any features and very conservative clothing that matched. I couldn't tell what he looked like under the hood but I could just barely make out a pale yellow of his fur on his face.

The unicorn was then followed a little while after by an earth pony. He was an earth pony like Brutus only a bit smaller and slightly less buff. His attire was pretty bland compared to the unicorn he was fighting. Just a normal white t-shirt, loose black sweat pants and some white shoes was all he was wearing. He seemed confident with the grin on his face that just screamed "I got this in the bag!"

As they both took positions on opposite sides of the field, the ref started his announcement.

"This next match will be between Hidden Fate," the ref said pointing to the unicorn. "And Earthshaker!" He then pointed at the earth pony that cracked his knuckles and neck as if it made him look any tougher. "Both participants appear ready to fight! Do either of you have anything to say before we begin?"

"Just a few words, ref. I'm going to pound and thrash this puny weakling on the spot and this match will end before it even began! What do you think of that, you scrawny excuse of a fighter?!" Earthshaker exclaimed at Fate.

"I think we're going to need a shrink for the delusions of winning you have," Fate responded in a cold tone.

"You dare to insult me, you little runt?! You're going to regret that!" Fate got him right on the ego. Obviously this guy wasn't watching my fight or he would've figured out that letting his opponent egg him on isn't exactly the smartest thing he could do. He was just glaring at Fate but from what I could see, Fate remained indifferent. He took a few steps towards Fate and just stared down at him. Fate didn't even bother looking up to meet his gaze.

"Ok you two, break it up! Wait till I start the match first!" The ref pushed Earthshaker back to his position before Earthshaker pushed the ref out of the way and ran at Fate.

Shaker was adamant that the battle is his, immediately ran towards the unicorn, intending to smash his victim with one blow. He threw a punch at Fate's face that was dodged before he swept Shaker's leg out from under him, sending him crashing down. He scrambled to get up, flustered and enraged by how quickly he just got taken down. Around the same time the ref managed to pick himself up and dust himself off but didn't seem to have any plans of ending the fight after seeing Shaker get put on his ass.

"Don't get satisfied with yourself… that was just luck, you runt!"

"Luck has nothing to do with it. Fighting just isn't your thing. You seemed to enjoy laying in the dirt. Have you considered landscaping?" Oh that did it. That line may have been in Fate's normal monotone voice but the effect didn't change one bit. Shaker was now as pissed as Brutus was when I fought him. He ran at Fate and started throwing punches as fast as he could, though Fate would counter at every opening he could see. Shaker fought like a brawler; punch till you hit something.

"I've had enough of this!" Shaker's rage broke as he leapt at Fate with the intent of hitting with a powerful slam. Fate dodged the attack and instead of just a quick counter…

*WHOCK!*

…it was more like Fate taking his foot and doing a flying kick straight into the side of Shaker's head. The sound of the kick was so loud, every pony in the room made in audible "ssssss ohhhh" as Shaker plummeted to the ground face first. Even the royals looked astonished by how hard that kick was. I swear you could have heard the kick on the other side of the building.

After ten long seconds of silence, the ref came back to the ring, decided to end the match on the spot,

"Earthshaker is unable to continue! The winner thankfully is Hidden Fate!" Fate began to walk off the field and take a seat.

"Is he alright?" I looked to see that it was Luna who was expressing her concern. A doctor ran into the arena and knelt next to Shaker. The doctor took his pulse to see if he was still with us.

"He's alright… barely," We all watched as a few guards came in and carried Shaker away. While I watched Shaker's limp body get taken away, Fate arrived and sat next to me.

"Way to go out there! I almost thought you killed him with that kick!" I congratulated him genuinely as I was impressed with Fate's fighting.

"I'm not here to be your friend. Do me a favor and keep your pleasantries to yourself," He was still colder than the arctic towards any pony that talked to him. I shrugged it off and looked to watch the next two fights. The ref was back in the middle of the field.

"We will continue the tryouts! May the next two competitors please take their places?" The next two fights went by in no time at all. The first fight was by far the longest of the night as a unicorn and an earth pony were matching each other blow-for-blow. The battle became intense, as the combatants exchanged one punch after another. I was actually enjoying myself watching this fight go back and forth as the fight had me on the edge of my seat because I wanted to see how it would end. Finally after twenty minutes of switching strategies, trading blows, and just all out carnage between two ponies with only their fists and feet to fight with, the earth pony won by grabbing the unicorn from behind and slamming him down hard. The unicorn was unable to continue as he was too exhausted from the nonstop fighting.

The next fight went by like a lightning strike. It was between a pegasus and the only unicorn left to compete. The pegasus won by abusing a common trait we have: Speed. He wasted no time getting on the offensive and completely overwhelmed the poor unicorn. I could tell that I was in for some fun if I got to face that guy!

"All the ponies in the tryouts had gone once," Shining announced. "And now the participants that have lost will fight in a loser's bracket so they can show a bit more than they got to before.

It started with the ref announcing that because Shaker's ears were still ringing that Brutus immediately advances onto the finals of the loser's bracket.

"Well that was easy…" I turned around to see Brutus sitting right behind me and Fate.

"How long have you been there?" I asked him. I wasn't put on edge as he could have easily punched my lights out without me looking. Funny thing was; he didn't.

"About thirty seconds after you sat down," His tone seemed a bit friendlier than before. My guess is he just needed to cool down. I turned to Fate who hadn't moved very much in the past half-hour.

"I have an idea!" I looked to see Shining Armor yelling to the ref. "The next fight will be a three way! Last stallion standing wins!" The royals and Discord all nodded at the agreement and the ref began to announce.

"Brutus Maximus versus Star Sleight verses Great Mane! The last one standing will be the winner of the loser's bracket! Will the three combatants please take the field?"

"So much for easy win, eh Brutus?"

"Just wait. I'll be right back…" I watched Brutus get up and walk down to the field. The two unicorns had already taken their places and were ready to go. I could see them scheming from where I was sitting but I knew Brutus could handle it.

"BEGIN!" The two unicorns both ran at Brutus to double team him and take him out first. Brutus responded by grabbing them by the throats and smacking their heads together, knocking them out in five seconds flat.

Every pony in the room kinda leaned forward a bit in amazement… I just chuckled to myself.

"Well that was anti-climactic as all hell!" I joked as I looked at the bodies of the unluckiest unicorns ever… Brutus walked back up into the stands and took his seat. "You were not kidding when you said you'd be right back!" This seemed to make him smile a little. Brutus smile disappeared quickly as he noticed one of the guards talking to Celestia.

"Look over there," Brutus said pointing. We all turned to Celestia who stood up from her seat.

"That will conclude the tryouts for today! We must be off to something important right now! I expect to see all of you back here tomorrow to finish up and see who gets to join the Royal Guard! It may be all of you… it may be none of you! I hope you all have a good evening!" With that, all the royals, Discord, and Shining Armor stood up and left the arena.

Fate wasted no time getting up to leave along with every pony else as they grabbed all their stuff (minus Shaker and the two unconscious unicorns still lying in the arena of course) and head out for home.

I didn't leave my seat as I was wondering what the royals had to do that was so pressing. I finally let it go and grabbed my things and headed for home. I remembered the exact path I came in and followed it out till I made it outside. It was around twilight which was weird to me as we started around three o'clock and sundown didn't happen till around eight.

I blamed my inability to tell time without a clock and spread my wings to fly and took off for home to tell Mom about the tryouts.

I landed on the busy sidewalk outside my house and walked in.

"Mom, I'm home!" I yelled while shutting the door.

"How did it go?!" She asked excited as she turned the corner from the living room. "Please do not spare me any details!" She was extremely eager to know if I got in or not.

I told Mom everything about my day from the battle with Brutus to the competition and Hidden Fate to the abrupt end.

"Sounds like you had an exciting day! Reminds me when your father tried out for the Royal Guard," Mom told me this story before but it was one I always loved to hear. "Back when the tryouts were more like public events. I went to the tryouts with my dad as they were always fun to watch. When your father, Star Storm was up next, he wasn't as confident as you would have been as your father didn't have any pony to teach him how to fight so he taught himself. He put himself through rigorous training to prepare him for the tryouts and wowed every pony there, winning the respect of his peers,"

"I wish I could've seen him in action…" I felt a little sad as I hadn't really gotten over him leaving… "I'm gonna go rest up for tomorrow, Mom."

"Ok, honey!" My mom said with a smile which I could tell was forced to make me feel better. She gave me a hug and walked into the other room while I went upstairs to my room. It was a blue room as I had a sick obsession with the color when I was five. I grew out of it but never bothered to change the color.

I put all my gear on the ground, took a shower, changed into some sleep clothes that were just sweat pants and a t-shirt and ate the dinner mom brought up for me. After eating two delicious grill cheese sandwiches, I walked over and collapsed on my bed to go to sleep. It didn't work out at first, all I could do was staring at my ceiling for two hours thinking about everything; almost joining the Royal Guard and probably the worst part of tomorrow… My inevitable fight with Hidden Fate, the mysterious fighter.

At around midnight I finally managed to fall asleep, hoping tomorrow would at least go my way… Though life isn't as kind as we'd like it to be…
> Ch. 3: Fighting Fate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ch. 3: Fighting Fate


*Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!*

Well morning always did come faster than I would prefer. I sat up in my bed and looked at the clock. It was 8 o'clock which was the normal time for me to get up. I had to think hard about what time I had to be there but no answer came up. I finally just thought it would be better if I got there earlier then I needed to be. No employer likes their employees late after all.

I quickly dressed up and left home. But as I took off towards my destination, my stomach suddenly growled and it was at that moment that I realized I forgot to grab a bite to eat on my way out. Whoops, dumb ass flying.

"Maybe I should have eaten before taking off…" I said to myself, chuckling. I was glad no one was flying nearby as well to hear that.

Deciding that I needed to take a break for just a moment, I wandered around the streets, hoping to find a place to eat, even if the prices weren't cheap. I shoved my sword into my backpack with my other gear. Didn't want anyone to think I could be a dangerous criminal. I was shocked what I could throw in there considering how small it actually looked.

But as I found myself walking I got distracted by this sweet, delicious aroma and I failed to notice someone heading towards my direction who apparently also wasn't watching where they were going. Before long, we found ourselves on the ground, having bumped into one another.

"Hey watch where you're walking!" I heard a mare's voice say as I rubbed my head. I then heard what sounded like a gasp before looking up to see the mare I ran into standing up but facing the other way. She was a pale yellow unicorn with a short shiny white mane. She was wearing a green shirt and blue jeans with black boots.

"Sorry about that," I apologized, rubbing my head sheepishly. "I guess I was so hungry, I forgot to look where I was walking," She seemed to go from angry to happy as I picked myself up off the ground and stood back up. She turned around and started to mumble something under her breath which confused me. 

"Well, since you apologized, why don't I lead you to this one place that serves the best meals in the city?" the unicorn suggested as she turned to face me, much to my surprise. It's not everyday a pretty mare asks you to go eat out with her... especially considering the circumstances. 

"So sudden..." I replied with coy smile but that just lead to her rolling her eyes at me. "Lead the way then," She smiled as she began to walk down the sidewalk with me following behind.

As we were walking, I kept noticing her sneaking glances at me; like she was expecting me to suddenly attack her.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked the unicorn.

"I-it's nothing... I just don't want any pony to get the wrong idea, that's all," she dismissed quickly. 

'Well you're the one picking guys off the streets,'

For some reason, I could never believe anyone who stuttered but I decided to drop the issue, as we finally arrived at our destination.

"Crazy Sun's?" I said looking up at the giant sign outside the building. "Does the crazy come with pancakes?"

"As a matter of fact it does!" She said looking at the sign as well. "Just wait till you see what else it comes with..." Could have taken that a lot of different ways in retrospect.

We decided to walk in and I was surprised that the inside was more relaxing than I imagine. Cozy and relaxing, just the way I like it. If I could describe the room in one word, it'd be bright. Bright red walls, bright yellow tables, bright blue carpeting; whoever designed this place sure must have been cheery.

But as much I wanted to look, I wanted to smell even more, but there would be plenty of time for that once we took our seats.

"What do I want?" I said out loud as I looked at the huge menu. Apparently the restaurant served all it's meals all day so I wasn't limited to just the breakfast menu. Anything from pancakes and waffles to nice veggie pizzas and various soups. A waitress came to our table after a short while.

"Hi Sun Gleam! I see you roped in another one for your dad!" That wasn't the best thing I would like to hear at a restaurant. Though at least I figured out how she knew about this place... and her name. "So how did you find this one?"

"Well actually he found me when we bumped into each other not far from here," The waitress looked at me out of the corner of her eye before actually turning to face me. "So what would you two like?"

"Oh um... Pancakes?" I say not really thinking about it. She turns to look at Sun Gleam.

"Same for me," The waitress smiled as she took the menus and left. "So you've probably figured out my name."

"And it's a very nice name," I complimented. I swore I could see a faint blush from it but I wasn't sure. "Mine's Rampant Storm."

"You're probably a blast at parties..." She joked as she took a look at my bag that I had sat down next to me at our table."It's probably none of my business but what's in the bag?" She asked as she pointed at the bag that I almost forgot I even brought with me.

"A bunch of stuff for a fight," I admitted bluntly. She looked at me like I was crazy before I explained it better. "I'm trying out to get into the Canterlot Royal Guard,"

"That sounds interesting," She said before looking away, her happy personality suddenly vanishing. "I wish I could do something cool like that."

"What's stopping you?" I asked sincerely interested.

"More things then you would believe," I then thought of something that might help.

"My dad said that if there was anything stopping me from getting to my goals in life, the last thing I should do is hold back and wait for something else to happen," She seemed to perk up a bit before asking me another question.

"So what are your goals in life?" She asked. "To be the hero by joining the Royal Guard?"

"Not really," I said honestly. She wasn't expecting that answer so I thought to explain it better. "I mean I don't want to be the big hero that everypony in the country writes about like 'Oh my Celestia! This hero has saved the lives of millions and shall forever be remembered as a savior of Equestria!'" I said in a very mocking voice which sort of got a small laugh out of her.

"Too much stress for you?" She asks after she stopped giggling.

"Too much pressure would be a better term. I just don't want all these expectations weighting me down wherever I go and the backlash that would come when I do indeed fail cause it will happen. I'm too simple a pony to want something like that over my head. Sure there's pressure from joining the Royal Guard but I don't want the pressure of an icon. Somepony else that can handle that can do it for me." I finished to see that she was thinking it over.

"I think I understand what you mean," Not two seconds later, our meals finally arrive.

"Here you go!" The waitress said as she set down our orders which came quicker then I expected with a lot more than I could believe. The pancakes came with hash browns, toast, and little blueberry muffins to complete the spread. "Enjoy your meal!"

"Thanks we will!" Sun Gleam waved happily at the waitress as I looked over my meal. My stomach growled loudly as I decided to dig in. I took my first bite and instantly I could feel my eyes widen.

"Wow, you were not kidding! This stuff tastes great!" I said happily as I continued to take more bites of the large breakfast.

"Well I think my dad would be happy to hear he's got a new frequent customer." She said as she ate her food with a bit more class than me but it wasn't like I was just scarfing down food.

"And I'm happy too!" I chuckled. After that, the conversing came to a halt as we ate our meals. I finished first as I had a habit of eating my food so fast that it looked like I wasn't even tasting it. But as I thought about it, I never did ask why Sun Gleam just goes around, bumping into ponies and taking them out to eat.

"I have a question," I asked as he looked up from her meal. "Do you always eat with the ponies you pull of the street?"

"Not really," She said as she poked at her food. "Only when I forget to eat breakfast myself."

"But you could have sat anywhere," I pointed out as I motioned to the rest of the restaurant. It was still early so there were a lot of tables open. "Why sit here?" She seemed off guard and unsure how to answer. She looked away for a while before finally saying something.

"Oh dammit, I'm gonna be late!" she exclaimed suddenly. "It was nice meeting you, Storm!" With that, Gleam got up and left the restaurant as quickly as she could. 

"Well," I said confused. "That happened," I looked at the clock and realized I needed to get moving myself. I have a fight to attend to.

I walked out of the restaurant and took flight for the castle. As I arrived a familiar face from yesterday was there to greet me.

"Hey Storm!" The big brute fittingly named Brutus nodded as he leaned against one of the new statues that were standing outside the main gate. "'Bout time you showed up."

"Okay, what gives?" I said with suspicion. He looked at me curiously, smile never fading. "Yesterday you were trying to kill me and now you're acting like we've been friends for life."

"Well after you kicked my ass without actually kicking it, let's just say you've earned my respect as a fighter," Made sense to me. "Anyway, it turns out that you're the first one up in the semi-finals and they start in an hour. I thought I'd be the one to help you warm up for your fight," Brutus smirked as he cracked his knuckles.

"I don't think I trust you. How do I not know you're just doing this for revenge?" I said as I took a few steps back. 

"Don't worry," He assured me. 

"Well, If it's all in good fun, I guess I don't mind trading a few blows," I responded as I shrugged my shoulders and accepted the earth pony's offer.

Brutus and I walked into the castle all the way down to the arena from yesterday. It was empty as we were early according to Brutus. It was perfect for two guys to have a fight.

"Okay some ground rules; No running away," Brutus turned to me as we both took positions away from each other.

"What?!" I faked whined. "But that's my bread and butter! You can't take that away!" Brutus just laughed.

"Well I want to see how you do when you can't run away," He remarked. I nodded and took a fighting stance before Brutus and I dashed towards one another, blocking one blow after another with each passing minute until we felt energy bursting right through our bodies, rejuvenating us just in time for the match to begin.

"WOOO!" Brutus shouted after getting hocked up on his own adrenaline. "We've got to do this more often!" I smiled as I looked around.

While Brutus and I were trying to beat the crap out of the other, we seemed to draw a crowd of the other ponies trying out, the princesses, Discord, and even some guards that just happened to be passing by.

Discord took a over-exaggerated breath before letting out a loud sigh. "Nothing like an unsanctioned fight in the morning. I trust you two enjoyed your little fight?" Discord asked with a smirk

"You can say that," I replied, "Anyway, when are we starting?" Before Discord could say a single word, Celestia cut him off, as she started to speak.

"We will be starting as soon as Shining Armor finishes his business in town. He shouldn't be long. Till then, please take a seat," The regal princess spoke as she sat down in her seat. I looked at Brutus before shrugging and doing as we were told.

After what I think was a half hour, Shining Armor finally arrived. He was dressed in armor with very complex designs. I assumed it was more fashionable then functional as it looked heavy and restricting by the way he kind of waddled in.

"Well I do say that armor seems fitting for you, Captain," Princess Luna said as she got a good look at it.

"Yeah but I think they could have at least used something lighter," Armor said as he tried to adjust the torso. "I don't think I can touch my toes in this," He tried to test this right in front of everyone and no, he couldn't. I tried to stop myself but the sight was too funny.

'Graceful. Truly graceful,' I thought, just as Celestia spoke, prompting everyone to focus their attention to the princess.

"Congratulations to those who had made it to the semi-final round. I hope everyone enjoyed their fruits of success, but that was only the first step, as the fights will become far more challenging from here on out. Without further delay, Storm and Fate, please make your way to the arena,"

Once Celestia spoke those words, Fate and I simply stood up and made our way to the arena, while the ref made his way to the center. Fate was dressed almost exactly like yesterday so I still had no clue what he really looked like. The only difference was there was now a mask over his face.

The ref, along with a few guards, carried in a set of wooden weapons. Wooden swords, wooden axes, wooden lances, you name it. If it could be made out of wood, it was in there. Luckily, Shining Armor was nice enough to explain.

"This fight will proceed as such," The captain addressed us both. "You both will fight with these wooden weapons and then try to disarm your opponent. You each can pick one and only one so pick the one you're comfortable with," He then sat back down and left the rest to the ref.

"Combatants!" He began. "Please choose your weapons!" I walked over and picked up the wooden short sword. It had a hand guard on it so I didn't have to worry about getting my hand whacked with another wooden weapon.

Fate on the other hand, choose to use a wooden halberd. It was long but he held it steady enough, despite his size. Also like all the other weapons, it was blunt at any point that would be otherwise sharp.

Once we choose our respective weapons, we made our way back to the arena, before the ref made his way to the center.

"Is there anything you two wanted to say to each other?"

"Actually, I do," I replied, before turning to Fate. "May the best pony win,"

Expecting some sort of response, Fate remained silent, as I looked on with disappointment with the silent treatment I just received. But I had to rub it off and get my game face on. I had to fight a stallion, holding a halberd, with a dinky little wooden sword.

"Begin!" The ref announced. I wasted no time trying to get on the offense by at the halberd to knock it up but Fate held on and jumped back to put distance between me and him. I tried to close it again but Fate kept backing away.

One after another, I kept swinging my sword after Fate, but the fellow kept avoiding my swings. It was about at least a few minutes that I finally was starting to become annoyed by his antics.

"Why are you holding back? Where was that fighter I saw yesterday?"

Fate, as usual, didn't respond from my remark, but instead, he immediately dashed right towards and before I knew it, he attempted gave me a direct uppercut that I barely managed to dodge before attempting to put distance between me and him.

"Now that's more like it," I said to him with a smile. "Now it really begins…"

I tried again to send the halberd skyward but Fate this time used the momentum and instead tried to bring it down on my head. I dodged it before trying to pin the halberd to the floor with the sword. Fate countered by winding up and then attempting a full swing with the halberd. I dropped to my stomach and then as the halberd flew by, I launched myself back up to my feet and put some distance between me and him.

The fight continued to go back and forth for what seemed like forever. I could tell that I was running out of breath but Fate wasn't as easy. I could just barely tell from looking at his chest that it was rising and falling fast. We were both tired but still neither one of us could hit the other. The end was near and one of us needed to fall.

I could tell that Fate was thinking the same thing as he rushed towards me again with the halberd. I dodged and tried to counter but before I could, I felt a huge pain in my gut; Fate kicked me square in it.

I tried to recover and get away but I fell on my butt with only about twelve feet of sand between me and him. Not the position you'd want to find yourself in.

"Get up!" Fate knew he had me… but instead of finishing me, he let me stand up. I didn't know why Fate gave me some room to catch my breath, but it didn't matter. I needed to find a way to take him down.

Fate charged at me, prepared to swing the halberd and just before it would have hit me, I dropped to my knees right under the halberd and shoved the guard of the sword right into his gut before following up with an uppercut to the chin, sending his mask flying but not his hood.

Fate staggered to the ground, before he recovered himself. At the same time, I was close enough to hear Discord commenting on my action.

"Talk about playing dirty," he commented. "Then again, I really enjoy seeing such moves. It makes fighting all the more entertaining," Of course, Discord would enjoy it.

I had to block out the outside noise and just focus on my fight with Fate, who finally recovered long enough for both of us to fight once more.

My stomach still felt like it was about to blow up, but the pain was the least of my worries. As Fate and I fought one another, he tried to strike back once more by performing a downward slice. I reacted by spinning my sword to backhand it, redirect, and counter with a kick to the side of his head, knocking him to the ground almost immediately and causing him to let go of the halberd.

Before I could do anything else, the ref stopped me and then went to check on Fate. Fate tried to get back up and was up to one knee before falling back down. The ref called it there.

"Hidden Fate cannot continue! The winner is Rampant Storm!" After he said that, I fell down onto my back and just stared at the lights for about a minute before Brutus came over with a smirk.

"Get up, you lazy trash," I couldn't help but laugh

"Really?" I say to him. "That's your big insult?" I joked.

"No but there are ladies in this place and I prefer to be respectful in their presence," He stuck out his hand and helped me back to my feet.

"Thanks for the help, Brutus," I thanked him genuinely. "Honestly, I think I'm about to lose my breakfast," I said to the behemoth.

"Just don't throw up on my shoes or I'll have to kill you," Brutus replied. I think he was joking…

Brutus and I looked over to Fate, then at one another and both agreed to at least come to him and congratulate him on doing his best.

"That was some good fight back there, Fate," I commented.

"Yeah you really gave this one a run for his money," Brutus added. "I do not envy you in the slightest," Brutus said patting me on the back to show he was talking to me.

"Thanks for that, ya prick," I said under my breath to him. He just chuckles at me.

"...I suppose I could accept them for now," said a hesitant Fate, before he glared at me. "But mark my words, I will beat you eventually."

"I look forward to it," I remarked to him. "Bring your best so I'll bring my worst!" When I said that, I think I saw a smile under that hood.

"Save it, Storm," Brutus said seriously. "You still have one more fight today," I groaned as I know he's right. As much as I thought fighting was fun, pain wasn't.

"You'll be fine. Just get in ice pack over it and you should be fine." Brutus assured me. I could tell that we were going to be good friends...

Brutus and I took our seats while Fate went to get checked out to see if he was okay and there was no real damage. I was handed an ice pack from the medic pony as he passed by. I held it close to my stomach as it finally started to calm down. I looked over to see Shining Armor talking with another guard about something. He then turned to address us.

"We will take a twenty minute break before the next match," Shining Armor announced. "Will the next participants prepare themselves?" I was glad for the break. More time for me to heal. I just leaned back in my seat and zoned out until the tryouts could continue…
> Ch. 4: A Bizarre Change
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ch. 4: A Bizarre Change


After staring at the ceiling for twenty minutes with an ice pack on my stomach that had already started to warm, the ref and Shining Armor decided it was time to get the show moving.

"Will the next two participants please enter the ring?" The ref asked. A green pegasus and orange unicorn that were sitting a few rows ahead of where Brutus and I were both got up and walked into the ring. The two faced each other as the ref stood between them. "This next match will be between Slipstream," The ref announced as he pointed towards the pegasus. Slipstream was wearing black shorts and a red t-shirt. "And Star Blaster!" Star Blaster was wearing basic sweat pants and t-shirt. "Choose your weapons!" Slipstream went and chose the same small sword I picked during my fight while Star Blaster picked up a long sword. It kinda looked like a cutlass from where I was sitting. "Do either of you have anything you would like to say?" Silence from both of them. The ref simply shrugged. "Begin!"

Slipstream wasted no time getting on the offensive, much like his first fight. Though Star Blaster was faster than the last unicorn that fought Slipstream, he still was having a hard time keeping up with Slipstream. As Slip swiped and tried to disarm Star, he tried to get behind Slip though received a punch in the side for his efforts. He quickly jumped away to get distance.

"He's not bad," Brutus said to me as he looked on. "You're definitely going to have a run for your bits today."

"Provided that he doesn't try to punch me in the gut," I remarked.

"He was watching your fight especially well," Brutus told. "He knows just what button to push." Brutus poked the ice pack on my stomach.

"I'll just have to be on my guard then," I replied. I looked backed at the fight to see that Star Blaster wasn't doing so well. He was literally with his back against the wall trying to find an opening. As Slip rushed Star, out of desperation, Star Blaster grabbed some sand with his hand and attempted to blind Slipstream's vision. Slip immediately dodged and kicked Star in the face for his efforts. Star tumbled down to the ground, unable to continue after failing to get up.

"Dammit! I was hoping he would, oh I don't know, hit him!" I grumbled to myself.

"That was a quick fight," Brutus and I both looked to see that it was Fate who had taken a seat next to me. "You're definitely going to have to be at your best to beat him."

"Thanks for that kick by the way,"

"You're welcome," He deadpanned.

"Star Blaster cannot continue! Therefore the winner is Slipstream!" The ref announced before going to tend to the unconscious Star Blaster. I turned towards Shining Armor's direction to see him and Celestia and him leaving in a hurry. I found this extremely curious as Shining Armor was the Captain of the Royal Guard! You'd think he would be there to watch the finals of the tryouts. As we waited for something to happen, Slipstream took his seat and resumed being the silent pony he's been all day.

After about three minutes, this new gray furred pegusas pony in armor walked in before bowing to Luna.

'I wonder who that is…' I thought to myself. My question would be answered rather quickly.

"For those who don't know me; I am Shining Armor's second in command, Valiant Knight," Valiant talked in a much different manner then Shining. While Shining was more of a friendly pony, this pegasus was more of the kind of pony you would see actually in charge of the guard.

"He really needs to lighten up," Brutus whispered to me.

"Don't plan on that ever happening," I whispered back.

"Due to circumstances you need not know about, Shining Armor and Celestia are unable to survey the remaining tryouts and as such, I'll be taking their place until then," Valiant Knight informed the rest of us. "Anyway, let us continue with the finals," Valiant Knight announced.

"Looks like I'm up next," I said to myself, as I got up from my seat.

"But here are the rules; you both must fight in full armor with real weapons," Valiant Knight informed everyone, catching a lot of us by surprise.

"Well, this is going to be fun," I spoke with amusement.

You both have twenty minutes to be ready," I looked over to Slipstream who looked back with an intense glare like he was going to look at my soul.

'How is he the only intimidating pony in the room? I don't even find Brutus intimidating... well when he's in a good mood,' I thought, expressing some discomfort from his glare. 'Fine by me! At least my stomach won't be on the top of my worry list,' I grabbed my backpack and changed into my armor in a room that one of the guards directed me to. I then pulled my dad's sword out of the bag before unsheathing it to get a good look at it. It was a double-edged short sword that really didn't have anything special about it. Even though, it was all I had left of my dad and it was extremely important to me. I then finished putting on my armor and readied myself. The fight that was coming up would be the closest thing to my first real fight with this sword and my first real test of what I could do with it.

After getting suited up, I walked out and stood on the opposite side of the ring from where Slipstream was. He was wearing normal armor that seemed heavier than mine but I couldn't tell from looking at him and also covered his wings like mine. His weapon of choice was a saber. I wondered how good he was with a saber though I didn't really get to see much of his swordsmanship.

"This fight will continue till one of you is either disarmed or is unable to continue," The ref announced. "Do either of you have anything you would like to say?"

"I feel like I'm at my execution when you say that…" I joked aloud. It seemed to annoy Slip a little. I guess he didn't think I was taking him seriously. The ref looked at Slip who remained silent. 'Either he's mute or doesn't like talking,' I thought to myself.

"Begin!" We both took a stance as we stood around ten feet from each other. Slip was the first to attack as he dashed at me attempting to swipe the sword out of my hand. He was sufficiently slower in his armor though that was to be expected. I dodged and attempted a side slice at the hilt to either create and opening or knocking it out completely. Unfortunately neither of those came to pass as he managed to dodge and tried following up with a downward slice. I blocked it and we began to clash in a test of strength before I tried to kick out one of his legs. He saw this coming and dodged. When he planted his foot again he tried to do the same to me with the same amount of luck.

After a few seconds we both broke the clash and backed off. We both encircled each other before clashing with each other over and over. I try to sweep his legs but he jumps over and tries a downward slash only for me to block it. He tries to kick me in the gut but I counter by catching his leg with my free hand and attempting to bash him with the hilt of my sword. He blocks this and gets his leg free before putting distance between us again.

After about twenty minutes of us matching each other blow for blow, I could feel myself starting to slow down. Luckily, so was Slip as I could see him starting to breathe heavily as well.

'Now or never…' I thought to myself, as I picked up speed and dash towards him with my sword. Slipstream was taken by surprise, as he attempted to shield my blow, partially succeeding in the process, as I almost slashed his helmet off. It wasn't much, but better than nothing.

'Nice reflex Slip, but I have a few tricks of my own,' I proceeded to turn around and immediately leap towards my opponent, lunging at him with my sword. I suddenly felt a large pain in my gut from Slip kicking me in the stomach before everything when black after he wound up a kick to my head, causing me to fall to my stomach.

I woke up from being knocked out on my back... even though I landed on my stomach...

"Ow... What happened?" I asked myself as a rubbed my aching head, before I saw every pony looking at me with a shocked expression on their faces. Brutus immediately took an offensive stance and looked at me like I was his worst enemy.

"What's wrong? Why is every pony looking at me like that?" Now they were looking at me like I was crazy. "What'd I miss?!" Slowly, Brutus lowered his offensive stance, as he cautiously made his way towards me.

"You really don't remember what happened?"

"Yeah, I got my ass kicked!" That was what I remembered before blacking out.

"Until you got up and suddenly went feral over Slipstream." Discord explained to me, before pointing to the unconscious and beaten pegasus. I looked over and saw Slipstream out cold.

"When did this happen?!" I shouted. I had no idea what was going on. I even thought it might just be a prank that some pony is trying to pull on me.

"It happened about five minutes ago. It was like you were a different pony," Brutus replied. I did a double take on my friend's face and after a while, it was clear that he was telling the honest truth. I looked at every pony's faces. What they saw must have been something. Too bad I couldn't remember any of it.

"Discord, Luna; we should alert Celestia about this," That just made me cringe. I felt my chances at getting into the royal guard suddenly plummet.

'What have I gotten myself into?' I thought to myself, still in disbelief how my day is turning out. So as we waited for the return of the ponies that were in charge of whether or not we get in, Brutus and Fate filled me in on what happened.

"Did I really do that to Slipstream?" I still have a hard time believing what I did back at the ring.

After I had been knocked to the ground, the ref called the match before looking towards me to see I had gotten up like nothing happened. The blade of my sword also went from being a normal steel color to a shiny blue. The guard had turned red and yellow.

After that, the ref continued the match as I was still able to fight. Slipstream tried to make quick work of me and tried to disarm me, though instead for his efforts got the beating of his life. After the ref called the match, I refused to stop and Brutus actually had to pull me off. This was followed by me escaping and trying to attack Brutus himself which he was saved by a barrier that Fate made. After Luna magically bound my sword arm, Brutus punched my lights out. Then I woke up to the scene I saw a few minutes later.

"What happened?" I asked myself. My head felt like it was smashed by a ton of bricks. Back in the present with me still sitting in sand with my sword about ten feet from me.

"Now how did that get there?" I asked no one in particular, before I got up and retrieve my sword.

"It fell out of your hand after I punched you," Brutus explained. I looked at the sword and much to my surprise; the shiny blue blade had somehow reverted back to its normal steel color.

"This was blue?" I asked.

"Yes," Fate answered. "You could also see a dark blue glow around it."

"Not only that, but your mane and fur turned darker and your eyes suddenly became yellow," Brutus noted. My eyes were normally a blueish green. I don't know, I could never tell but I was damn sure they weren't yellow!

"And then you went on to attack Slipstream with no mercy at sight," Fate continued where Brutus left off.

"So," I said with a hollow smile. "What are my chances of getting into the guard?"

"No," Brutus said. "After what we just saw, I wouldn't."

"I'm sorry, Storm, but I don't think they'll give a second chance," Fate informed me sympathetically.

"Goodie..." I mumbled sarcastically before I threw my sword angrily at the wall in frustration before falling on my back and lying in the sand.

Brutus and Fate looked at each other, no doubt trying to think of something to calm me down. But it wouldn't matter, because I lost my only chance of becoming a Royal Guard.

If I was just not let in because I wasn't good enough, that would have been fine. I could have always tried again. But I tried to kill my opponent, Slipstream and Brutus. I doubted they would let me in under any circumstances and more than likely ban me for life or maybe even imprisonment.

'Well I can't wait to tell mom...' I thought to myself in disappointment.

"Storm..." Fate said, as he extended his arm at me, but I gently knocked it away.

"Please, just leave me alone," was all I said, before I walked away for what felt like the last time.

"Attention every pony! The announcement of the newest trainees in the royal guard are about to be announced so I recommend all of you stay here," Valiant Knight announced. "That means you too, Storm."

The moment Knight mentioned my name; I stopped dead in my tracks, cringing in response by this. Just what did he have in stored for me? I couldn't read his face. It was the same deadpan expression he had shown all day. Even when I woke up after the incident a little while ago, he seemed to not show any emotion one way or the other. Whatever he had in mind for today, I knew for certain that I wouldn't like it one bit.
> Ch. 5: Warning Shot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ch. 5: Warning Shot


'Well isn't today just swell?' I thought sarcastically to myself as all the entrants and I lined up waiting for Shining Armor, Discord, and the royal sisters. Today was not going well for me at all; First, I could be banned from joining the Royal Guards for something I can't even recall and now I've been singled out for it. Who knows what they have in stored for me. Valiant Knight was looking over us but his glance seemed to hit me more than anyone. Not really surprised there. He was looked wearily at me, keeping his guard up as best as he can, as if he was expecting me to go crazy again and utterly wreck anything in my path.

Just then, another guard came in and whispered something to Valiant Knight. Whatever the guard was whispering to Valiant Knight about, he listened on with serious intent. Though you really couldn't tell as the guard could have said he had to take a leak and Valiant would still have a straight face. After the guard was done reporting, Valiant Knight addressed the rest of us.

"Please bow before Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Captain Shining Armor!" Valiant Knight announced to us. We complied with Valiant Knight's demand, as we all bow down to one knee as the royal sister and Shining Armor made their presence known to us.

"There's no need for that," Celestia said as we all stood back up. Celestia was quite graceful, in both appearance and personality. She wore a regal gown that matched her fur tone and large wings that seemed enormous compared to an average pegasus. It was nice to know that she was rather modest when she wanted to be, despite her status. She looked to Shining Armor who was holding a rolled-up piece of parchment and nodded to him to proceed.

'Must be the future of eight ponies on that piece of paper,' I thought to myself as Shining Armor stood in front of us.

"When I call your name, take a step forward," Shining said as he unrolled the parchment. One by one, Shining Armor began to announce those who had succeeded in joining the Royal Guards, while all I did was just stand and listen on, still in dismay on how my day had started out. Slipstream, Brutus, and Fate were all picked before Shining stopped for a second. I could somehow just feel his eyes fall on me without even needing to look.

'I hate being the center of attention,' I closed my eyes hoping for the best.

"Rampant Storm," I heard my name being called but I almost didn't believe it. I thought for certain that I was going to be banned. Somehow, I was allowed to join the Royal Guards, despite what happened in the last fight. "As for the rest of you, better luck at the next tryout event," The remaining four were dismissed by armed guard as they clearly weren't happy. Shining then turned to face us. "I would like to have one-on-one interviews with all of you later today," Shining Armor then looked to me. "Starting with you, Storm," I froze as I felt my heart pumping and my head sweating. I was expecting an interview but I wished it was under better circumstances.

'Why do I feel this will be more of an interrogation than an interview?' I thought with dread. But as much as I wanted to think more of this, there were more pressing things to focus on. I had to be prepared for anything that Shining could ask me.

So the four of us followed Shining through the large castle till we came to a room that was clearly his office, thanks to proper labeling.

"Come right this way, Storm," Shining Armor informed me. The two of us walked in and saw that his office was very empty looking and basic as there were no awards, medals, or anything to show accomplishments. Though I knew that Shining was never one to make all his accomplishments aware and rub it in the face of anypony. I sat down in a chair as Shining sat behind his desk.

"Now Storm, I'm going to ask you a series of question, so answer them as honestly as you can," Shining Armor spoke with a firm tone. I nodded to show I understood.

"Alright then," Shining Armor began, before he cleared his throat "Tell me Storm, why do you want to join the Royal Guard?" I was perplexed. Shining didn't see at all interested in what happened. Almost as if me trying to kill another stallion was considered okay. "Storm, did you hear I just said?" Shining Armor's question shook me back to reality, before I notice the look of impatience on his face.

"It seemed like it was the best thing for me," I said hesitantly. "I wanted to be able to defend not only this city but those who live in this country period. I also wanted to do it to make my dad proud." 

"Is that so?" Shining said with a look of intrigue.

"Yeah, those were my main motivations," I explained.

"What about your mother?" Shining asked

"Mom's just happy I'm even setting goals," I joked halfheartedly. "So I know I've made her proud but Dad was always the critic of everything and it would be considered amazing to make him proud."

"I'm glad to hear you're doing your best to make your mom and dad proud," Shining said with a smile. "Next question," Shining spoke "Where do you see yourself in ten years? Would you still be with the guard or would you leave for other things?" That was a rather tough question to answer. I didn't know where I would be as I had neither plans for ten years of service nor did I see myself doing anything else should I had any reason to leave the Royal Guard.

"I honestly don't know," I admitted to Shining Armor. "So much could happen in ten years that I can't say I know what will," I said with an honest shrug. "I could either end up dead or a national hero..." I then thought about what I said for a second, "...or both," Shining seemed to like my answer.

"One more," Shining suddenly began to look at me very seriously as he leaned forward in his chair. I wouldn't need to guess what was coming. "What happened?" And now that was the question of the hour. I didn't answer Shining Armor's question right away, as I hesitated to come up with an answer. One false move and I could kiss my chance of becoming a Royal Guard goodbye. Finally after thinking hard I came up with my answer.

"I don't know," Shining Armor, however, continued to look at me, still having the serious look on his face, much to my discomfort. "I really don't remember anything. I remember getting hit by Slipstream and the world fading to black then waking up with everypony in a panic," After staring at me for what felt like a long time, Shining Armor seriousness turned to sympathy, as if he... understood what happened.

"...I believe your story," He said as he laid back into his chair.

"What really?" I was in disbelief.

"Yes, Storm. I really mean it," Shining Armor insisted. "I've known you long enough to know what kind of pony you are," True. I did know him since Mom brought me to visit Dad when he was working long weeks at a time back when I was little but that didn't mean we talked often. I really didn't know what else to say but one question came to my mind.

'Why does his expression just now tell me that he knew something like this could happen?' At the time I was on thin enough ice so I decided not to push any farther.

"Storm, I apologize if this is personal, but could you explain about the sword you used during your match with Slipstream?" This was perplexing to me as Shining has met my dad plenty of times to know it was his and was even there when he retired. Wouldn't he know that it was that it was the same sword? It's not like I've changed anything.

"It's the same one Dad used when he was in the guard," I explained. "Why?"

"Just curious," Shining Armor sincerely asked. "May I see it?"

As soon as I handed my sword to the captain, Shining Armor unsheathed the sword and observed it with serious intent, as I sat down and looked on with uncertainty.

"Strange..." I heard him say.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Hmm? Oh it's nothing," Shining said suddenly. "It's just the sword looks… different than I remember it."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked curiously. Shining hesitated before answering as he sheathed the sword and handed it back to me.

"Again, it's nothing to cry wolf over," As much as I wanted to call him out, it would probably be better that I wait till after I've got in... and I wasn't on duty. "But in light of today's events I've decided to issue a warning to you, Storm," Shining said with a look of seriousness. "One more event like this and I'll have you banned from the Royal Guard and then proceed to have you arrested. Am I understood?"

"Yes sir," was my response, assuring Shining Armor that I understood everything he just said to me.

"Then let me be the first to welcome you to the Canterlot Royal Guard," Shining said with a smile as he came around the desk and shook my hand. He then handed me an envelope. "In this envelope are all the rules, the date that basic training starts, and the more commonly asked questions from our newer recruits."

"T-thank you s-so much," I thanked him, both surprised but happy that I was finally able to make it to the Royal Guards after all.

"On your way out, tell Fate to come in," Shining said as he went to sit back down. I nodded my head in response, before saluting and then leaving the office. I spotted Fate sitting right next to Brutus who looked like he just dozed off.

"Yo, Fate," Fate looked in my direction and looked like he seemed to know what I was going to say. "Your turn."

"Oh, um, thanks," Fate said, before he got up and made his way to the office, as I sat right next to Brutus. I lightly elbowed him in the side to wake him up from Slumberland and back to Equestria.

"Hey Storm," Brutus greeted me, as he let out a big yawn. "How did your interview go?"

"I'm in!" I said as I held up the envelope.

"Wow, that's great!" Brutus exclaimed. "We're gonna need to make sure we party for both of us when I get accepted!"

"That's something I look forward to," I agreed with the earth pony. "Where do you want to celebrate?"

"How about The Orchard? I heard they served the best cider in the city. The DJ there is said to be the best in the city to boot!" Brutus suggested.

"Sounds like a plan!" I said enthusiastically as it did sound like a lot of fun. As soon as we agreed on we should do after this is all over, we both turned around and saw Fate right in front of us, having already left the office and judging from the envelope he's holding, I say that he managed to make his way to the Royal Guards. Slipstream walked by us before walking into Shining's office but we didn't make eye contact.

"Well it looks like Mr. Mysterious got his fancy envelope," Brutus joked. "Looks like we've got another one to take to the celebration!"

"C-Celebration?" Fate asked shocked.

"Yep! To celebrate our new employment!" I said with a smile.

"No, no, no! I don't do parties!" Fate said stern fully and quickly.

"Come on! You gotta take that stick outta your ass for at least one night!" Brutus countered.

"I said NO!" Fate angrily shouted, causing Brutus and I to be taken aback by his reaction. Fate quickly stood up before storming off.

"Scratch that; the whole tree needs to be taken out," Brutus commented.

"Don't worry too much about it. I'll go find him and convince him otherwise," I said, deciding to track down Fate right away.

"Don't try too hard," Brutus shouted to me as I walked away. "We just got him to respect us."

I nodded my head in agreement, before I turned to the opposite direction and decided to see what Fate was up to. After walking outside, I spotted him walking a little ways down the street. His attire was so strange you could pick him out in so many types of crowds.

"What are you up to?" I wondered to myself, before I quickly and quietly followed him to the back alley. He started to look around but didn't look behind him. I decided to fly up to the roof top and watch from below. I made sure the distance was right so that Fate wouldn't get a full glimpse of me on the roof. I reasoned that spying wasn't a nice thing to do so I decided to reveal my presence.

"Fate, what are you doing back here?" I asked, causing him to turn around, surprise to even see me in the first place.

"H-How did you find me?!" Fate demanded.

"You're not exactly stealthy wearing that thing in broad daylight," I said matter-of-factually as I jumped down from the roof top before gently landing on the ground. "What I do want to know is why you're being so secretive."

"Why is that your concern?" Fate asked suspiciously.

"You wear a hood regularly, I've never seen anyone wear clothes like you, and you wear a mask to a fight," I pointed out. "Who does that and tries to get enlisted as a Royal Guard?! They could have thought you were a changeling or something after the fiasco last year."

"That is none of your concern," Fate spoke with a harsh tone. "More importantly, I suggest you stop snooping around," Fate turned around to leave but I quickly grabbed his hood. "Hey! Let go!" Fate demanded as his voice suddenly got a lot more feminine. This was followed by Fate losing his grip and the hood coming off. Fate's face was revealed and I nearly shat a brick because I wasn't expecting it at all. The pony in front of me had a pale yellow fur and look like a certain somepony from breakfast.

"Sun Gleam?!" I shouted in disbelief.

"Happy now?!" Sun Gleam responded with a snarl.

"What are you doing dressing up as a robed assassin?!" I asked, so baffled by the turn-of-events I couldn't think straight. "You know the Guard takes mares, right?!"

"You really are clueless, are you?" Sun Gleam asked bluntly.

"I don't know; you haven't explained anything!" I argued.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," said Sun Gleam.

"Try me, Sun Gleam," I responded, hoping that the mare would offer her reason for her disguise. "I'm not that dense."

"Very well then," Sun Gleam then took a deep breath, before she was ready to talk once more. "I plan to become a Royal Guard in the hopes of restoring my family's honor."

"What happened?" I asked.

"My father was kicked out due to..." She stopped, probably wondering how to phrase what she would say next. "…an incident that he caused and has been dishonored ever since. I was hoping that if I joined and made it far I would be able to restore some of that honor."

I look at Sun Gleam, thinking what she just told me. If what she said was indeed true, it makes a lot of sense and it would explain why she went incognito as Hidden Fate.

"But why not just change your name? Why do you need... all of this?" I said as I motioned to the robes.

"...I couldn't afford anyone recognizing me from working at his restaurant. Changing my name only filled in one pot hole. I need a disguise to help me as well."

"So the disguise you picked was...  a druid's outfit?"

"Better than coming to the arena hearing some pony saying some snarky comments behind my back." I nodded while I thought about it.

"Not really..." I said sincerely. "Ponies were probably making snarky comments based on what you were wearing. Besides; who's gonna care? Everyone else at the tryouts probably didn't even know who your dad was!"

"I rather not take the chance. Besides, if you mention my dad's name to any pony, chances are, they'll talk crap about him."

"How long has it been since he was discharged?" I asked simply.

"Why?" She seemed confused.

"Just answer the question, please."

"Twenty-four years..." She said hesitantly. I almost flipped out at how stupid this felt.

"No pony who was trying out was even born yet!" I shouted impulsively. 

"But that doesn't mean that other ponies don't know about it when it happened and they probably told them the same story of what my dad did when he was a Royal Guard," Sun Gleam pointed out.

"Okay now you're scrapping the bottom of your excuse barrel," I argued, as I doubted that ALL of the ponies there had parents that remember Sun Gleam's dad after twenty-four years. Besides; her dad ran a restaurant that was doing pretty well from what I could tell. "Admit it; you didn't think this through."

"This is pointless! I knew you weren't going to believe me, just like the rest before!" Sun Gleam exclaimed, before she turned around and immediately walked away from me.

"Sun Gleam, where are you going?" I asked.

"None of your damn business!" she angrily retorted.

'Decision time, Storm: Follow her and most likely get yelled at some more or say screw this and go get a sandwich with a side of fries,' I thought to myself as I was getting hungry...

I thought it over for about thirty seconds before I decided to follow Sun Gleam once again, ignoring the growling from my stomach, all the while trying to come up with something so that I can apologize to her.

After catching up to her on the street I found her out of the robes but in regular clothes... sort of. She was still wearing the red sweat pants and... some weird sweater thing.

"Sun Gleam..." I began, before the mare turned around and glared right at me.

"What do you want, Storm?" she demanded.

"Listen, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to upset you like that."

"Tell me one good reason why I should give you another chance," By now, Sun Gleam was added to the list of ponies that could see into my soul with just their glares.

"A part of me understands where you're coming from and at the least, I should give you a benefit of the doubt," I gave my honest answer to her. She didn't see really impressed and from what I could tell I was lucky she didn't wind up and kick me straight in the nuts.

"...Alright Storm, I'll give you another chance," she reluctantly agreed. "But earning my trust is something you're going to have to work for."

"Then why don't I start now," She seemed perplexed by this. But before she could say anything else, my stomach suddenly began to growl, much to my embarrassment. "Dinner?" I said bluntly as I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. She kinda chuckled at my bluntness and embarrassment before giving me an answer.

"I would like that," Sun Gleam replied.

"I'll pay for it this time," I offered as I did owe her for buying breakfast and showing me to my new favorite restaurant.

"Sounds good to me," said Sun Gleam. The two of us headed over to Crazy Sun's again but when we started to get close, Sun Gleam suddenly realized something; she was still wearing the clothes from the tryouts minus the robe of course. "Hang on for just a moment, Storm." Sun Gleam informed me, before she quickly left her seat and made her way to the restroom.

Sun Gleam came out of the restroom in the same attire that she wore that morning.

"That's much better," Sun Gleam said to herself, before she sat right next to me once again.

"Please tell me that you weren't wearing that underneath all that other crap," I practically begged to hear that my assumptions were wrong. Sun Gleam, however, glared at me in response, prompting to just keep my mouth shut for the moment. I raised my hands in surrender until a gray pegasus waitress came.

"Hello there! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" The waitress asked politely.

"Not at all, Sky," Sun Gleam said nicely.

"Alright, if you say so, Sun," Sky then turned my attention to me. "So what can I get you?"

"Grass sandwich with a side of fries," I ordered.

"Got it," said Sky, before she turned her attention to Sun Gleam. "Do you want the usual, Sun?"

"Sure," Sun Gleam said simply.

"You got it," with that, Sky head back to the kitchen to hand out the orders to the chef.

"So what else do you have up your sleeve?" Sun Gleam asked me as I stretched my arms.

"The celebration Brutus and I told you about," I reminded her. Her eyes widened before she lightly face palmed. "Though how he plans on getting Slipstream to go I have no idea."

"Where to?" Sun Gleam curiously asked after sighing in defeat.

"The Orchard I think..." I said as I scratched my head.

"I heard about that place," Sun Gleam began. "Apparently, they served the best hard cider around here."

"And also have the best DJ or so I'm told," I said nonchalantly. As Sun Gleam and I continued to talk, Sky the waitress finally showed up at our table, carrying our meals on the serving tray.

"Here you go, you two!" Sky said with a smile.

"Thanks Sky! You're the best," Sun Glean thanked the waitress.

"Anytime Sun," said the waitress, before she left for the next customer, as Sun Gleam and I chow down on our meals. Even though I didn't know it yet, I was going to need all the energy I could get for later that night.
> Ch. 6: This is Fun?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ch. 6 This is Fun?


About an hour later, Brutus found us still at the restaurant and as quite a surprise, had the always silent Slipstream in tow. I still don't know exactly what he did to get him to come along.

"Hey Storm, we've been looking for you since you left to find Fate," Brutus informed me. "Did you find hi... Hohoho! What do we have here?" Brutus asked with a sly grin on his face. "Storm you sly dog, who's the lovely mare with you?"

"Brutus, this is Sun Gleam," I said trying my hardest to keep a straight face. Spoiler; I failed.

"Sun Gleam, eh?" Brutus asked with curiosity. "How long have you known my buddy?"

"Less than eight hours," Sun Gleam said with a sly smile as she decided to play along. I just tried not to make eye contact with either of them.

"I hope he's treating you well," Brutus said to Sun Gleam.

"He bought me dinner if it's any indication," She responded with her face still full of mischief, as she knew she was tormenting me in some way.

"Sun Gleam! Can you come here and help?" A male voice came from the kitchen.

"Coming, Dad!" Gleam ran for the kitchen to help with whatever chore she was needed for. As Sun made her way into the kitchen, it was just me, Slipstream and Brutus, before my friend spoke once more.

"So, did you manage to find Hidden Fate?" I thought it over for about twenty seconds while they both sat down with Brutus sitting next to me, albeit with a lot of difficulty, and Slip sitting across from me. Eventually I just figured I'd be straight with them.

"Don't be too loud but," I began with a sigh. "You just saw him... or rather her," I said with the straightest face I could.

"Oh okay," It didn't set in right away for Brutus but he eventually caught up. "Wh-what?" Even Slip looked at me like I was lying.

"Please tell me you're just messing with us," Brutus said to me, hoping that I was yanking his chains. I'll admit that their reaction was expected but I wish I had a camera to capture their disbelief.

"Nope," I said chuckling. "I'm completely serious."

"...I don't believe it," Brutus uttered with amazement. "To think that you're marefriend was amongst us all this time."

"She's not my marefriend!" I objected.

"Yet!" Brutus responded. "There's always a yet!"

"What makes you think I like her like that?!" I demanded, all the while feeling blood rushing through my head.

"You're eating out with her," Brutus pointed out. "What other reasons do I need?"

"I was just being a good friend, that's all," I insisted.

"That line just dug an even bigger hole for you," Brutus said with a smug look of victory.

"I hope you fall off a four story building..." I said darkly as I looked out the window.

"Alright, I play along with you for now..." Brutus began. "But don't worry about Slipstream and I revealing her secret to anypony. Our lips are sealed," Slipstream nodded his head in response, confirming Brutus' claim.

"I know his are because he doesn't say anything!" I said as I pointed to Slip who looked instantly annoyed... more annoyed with my presence and what I just said.

"Calm down there, Slipstream. Just give Storm a chance," Brutus calmly said to the silent pony. Slip only gave me an angry glare. He still wasn't happy with what happened. Can't say I blame him.

'They say first impressions mean everything. Whatever the hell I did wasn't the best of them,' I thought to myself.

"Am I interrupting anything?" a certain mare spoke, causing me to snap back into reality and saw Sun Gleam right behind me.

"Nope. Just Storm and Slipstream having a staring contest," Brutus joked at the death glare that Slip was giving me.

"Alright, if you say so," said Sun Gleam, somewhat suspicious of Brutus' claims. "Anyway, are you two going to take Storm to The Orchard?" Sun Gleam asked nonchalantly.

"That's why we're here. We also came to get our new friend Fate as well but it looks like Storm lost him," Brutus said with a shrug, thankfully deciding not to mention that I told him what I did.

"Well, I hope you boys have fun at The Orchard," Sun Gleam said with a smile.

"You're coming with us!" Brutus said with a hearty chuckle.

"What?!" Sun and I said in unison.

"You're joking, right?" Sun nervously asked the earth pony.

"Nope... Fate," Brutus said with a smug look on his face.

"Dammit..." I said as I put my head down to prepare for the hell that was on the way.

"What did you do?!" Sun Gleam demanded, before she grabbed the collar from my shirt and I ended up staring right at her eyes. My mind went blank. I hadn't seen any mare this scary since my mother when she got mad. But before I could come up with something, Brutus spoke once more, much to my horror.

"He kind of gave Slip and I a hint of your identity. It took a while, but we manage to understand what he was talking about," That didn't help... Now she was pissed that I was giving out hints.

"You...WHAT?!" Sun Gleam shouted, becoming much ferocious than she was before. Now everyone in the restaurant was looking in this direction. And I still had no idea what to say!

Let me put into perspective of how awkward this situation was. There was an eighteen year-old mare screaming in my face in anger, holding me by the collars of my shirt and hoodie, bring my face about two, maybe less, inches from her face, and now the entirety of the restaurant has a "What the hell?" face going on.

'How did I get myself into this damn mess?' I frantically thought, as I felt my head and hands sweating like mad. Eventually she noticed the rest of the restaurant and eventually calmed down... though she still was understandably pissed.

"Storm..." Sun Gleam began. "You and I are going to have a long talk when my work shift is over," Sun Gleam walked away to go back into the kitchen.

"Anywhere. Please just take me anywhere but here," I finally managed to get out. Brutus, along with Slip, followed me out as well, before the former finally caught up with me, as he put his hand on my shoulder.

"Easy there, Storm. Just calm down and take a deep breath. Couple spats like this always tends to erupt like that," In response, I took Brutus hand off of my shoulder, before I turned around and face the earth pony.

"First of all, Sun Gleam and I are NOT a couple! Second, you made the situation much worse than it already has! You couldn't keep it too yourself! You just had to say something about it!" I finished.

"You're one to talk!" Brutus responded.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I demanded.

"If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have been able to say it!" Brutus reasoned.

"I was hoping you wouldn't open that big mouth of yours!" I retorted. "You even said that you weren't going to say anything!"

"Oh really?" Brutus asked sarcastically. "If I remember correctly, I said I wouldn't reveal her secret to anyone else. Me telling the secret to the mare that owns the secret isn't exactly going against my word," I couldn't believe it. I lost an argument on a freaking technicality!

"Alright Brutus, you made your point," I grudgingly admitted.

"Look I know you're mad about what I did but don't worry about it," Brutus said calmly which started to get me to calm down. "Tonight we're gonna have fun and if you don't then I'm gonna kick your ass till you do," Brutus said this in such a calm demeanor that it was by far the most intimidating thing to come out of his mouth yet.

"I hope that's the case," I muttered under my breath. "As long as I don't see Sun Gleam, then I'm fine with that,"

"We're still bringing her," Brutus said sternly, causing me to groan.

"What?" I threw my hand to my face and looked to the sky. "Why?"

"Don't be overdramatic, Storm," Brutus nonchalantly said to me. "I'm sure she'll calm down eventually."

"Fine," I finally accepted.

"Good!" Brutus said happily. "Now we all need to get ready for a fun time," Brutus pulled out a piece of paper before ripping it up into three pieces and then writing on them. After that he handed them to me and Slip. "Be at this address at eight! I'll see you two there!" Brutus said before he walked back into the restaurant to give Sun hers, leaving me with Slipstream.

"This is going to be a long night," I said out loud. I turned to look at Slip who just turned and walked away. "See ya tonight... I guess," I said to him as he took off into the sky. Suddenly a bad smell hit my nose. I took a sniff of my armpit and found out it was me. "I should probably go take a shower now," I turned in the direction of home and took off.

It took quite a while, but I finally made my way home, if only just to get a quick shower before meeting up with Brutus and everyone else at The Orchard.

"Home sweet home," I said cheerfully, before I made my way to the front door. I saw a note on the door from Mom.

'Son; Went to get groceries; be back soon,' I check the door handle to see she locked the door. 'No problem,' I thought as I pulled out of my backpack two thin pieces of metal. 'Not the first time I've broken into my own home,' it took me at least a few minutes, but I manage to unlock the front door and made my way inside. At lease there, I'm safe from Sun's wrath for the moment. I went upstairs and made a beeline for the shower. Once I manage to clean myself, I then put my old clothes in the basket and check my closet to get some new clothes just as the sun was setting in. I threw on my best "do I look like I care?" clothes before opened the front door and headed out.

I made my way back to the city and not surprisingly, some ponies were out and about, having a fun time, much more than they were during the day. I took off for the address and after about a half hour found it. I landed on a rooftop across the street before taking a good look at the place. Not only was it bright and colorful enough to be seen from space but the amount of ponies trying to get in was amazing. They were all dressed up like they didn't care what anyone thought of them which made me feel better as I could blend in better if I needed to. The booming music may have been muffled but it was still amazingly loud. I took a look at the surrounding area before realizing I was in the lower part of the city where all the ponies that didn't have the fortunes that others did to live in the higher end.

"I wonder where Brutus, Sun, and Slip are," I pondered, until I shuddered the moment I mention the mare's name. I really prayed that she cooled down, just as Brutus claimed. I then looked down to the street below to see them coming up to the line. Brutus was wearing something close to what he wore earlier in the day only now a light gray vest and jeans. Slip looked like all he changed was his pants but Sun Gleam was wearing a short red and orange one-piece dress. I took off from the rooftop to greet them.

"Hey Storm, you're looking sharp," Brutus happily said.

"Not really..." I said as I examined myself. It was only a red t-shirt with wind designs under an unzipped black hoodie with white symbols on the back and some jeans. "It's not like it's any different from what I normally wear.

"At least it suits you more than that outfit you wore for the tryouts." Brutus informed me.

"You think so?" I asked as it wasn't my favorite clothing combo but if it works, it works.

"Of course I do!" the earth pony assured me, before he gave me a sly smile. "After all, you want to impress that marefriend of yours." Now he was just doing this on purpose to get me into trouble.

"I think the look suit you well, Storm," I turned around and saw Sun right behind me, surprising me in the process, before I tried to regain my composure.

"You're not still mad, are ya?" I asked wearily.

"No, I got over it after a while," Sun said peacefully. "It's for the best anyway. You guys would have found out eventually."

"That's a relief," I said to myself. "So, are we cool now?"

"Don't push your luck," Sun darkly informed me.

"Yeah, I thought as much," I said with a sigh and a smile. I was just glad I didn't have to keep looking over my shoulders.

"But seriously, let's have a good time," Sun suggested.

"You heard her, Storm. Let's enjoy ourselves while the night is young!" Brutus proclaimed out loud.

The entirety of the line shouted in agreement which I thought was amazing at the time though even though I've only known him for a short time, Brutus seems to just bring the fun out of others. He was right; I should enjoy myself for the moment while I have the chance and one I don't want to miss out at as the four of us waited in line which was actually going at a pretty fast rate as the bouncers really didn't seem to deny entry to anyone, unless they were really bad and really obnoxious.

Eventually, it was our turn, as the bouncers inspected us with serious intent, checking us out if we were either in or out. Eventually he gave a nod and a "not bad" face before letting us in. I sighed with relief, glad that my pals and I were able to make our way inside The Orchard.

We walked in and just like I thought, the music that you could hear from the other side of town with the doors shut turned into the most deafening sound ever. I also saw every pony from around the corner, from drinking to dancing, all having a fun time with no care in the world. The dub step music was blaring and I could tell it was going to be fun. The lights were bright as hell if they pointed at you but when they didn't it was surprisingly dark with a strange purple hue around everything.

"Hey Storm, want to get something to drink before we head to the dance floor?" Brutus asked as loud as he could.

"Sure!" I shouted back. Satisfied to hear this, Brutus and I made out to the bar, as we sat down before the bartender turned around and noticed our presence.

"How may I help you two gentlecolts on this fine evening?" He spoke with a weirdly polite demeanor which didn't seem to fit the area around us.

"Hey Storm, are you going to order something or are you going to gawk at him?" Brutus whispered to me.

"Oh I'll take a cider, I guess," I said as I regained composure.

"Give me the strongest drink this club has to offer," Brutus ordered. I chuckled at that. It's probably the only thing that could get him even a little tipsy.

"Alright, I'll be back with your drinks," the bartender informed us. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a few bits before sitting down next to Brutus.

"Enjoying yourself so far, Storm?" asked the earth pony.

"I'm still thinking about it," I admitted. "We just got here after all."

"Don't think too hard. Just relax and be casual," Brutus suggested to me. I loosened up as the bartender came back with our drinks.

"Enjoy your drinks, boys," said the bartender, as he handed our drinks to us, before turning his attention to Brutus. "Be careful with that one. It goes straight up to your head," We both gave the guy our bits and each took a drink. The first thing I noticed wasn't the taste or the texture. No; it was more like a burning sensation.

"What the?" was all I could say as I quickly gulped what was in my mouth down and felt the burn go down my throat. I stared at my drink till I heard a laugh come from Brutus.

"Looks like this is your first time drinking, huh?" Brutus as he put his drink down.

"Why does my mouth burn?" I asked as the music started to quiet down for the next set.

"Don't worry too much about it, Storm. It'll go away eventually," the earth pony attempted to assure me.

"No thanks," I said plainly with a smile as I put the drink down and stood up. "Common sense tells me if it hurts, don't do it again."

"Well, more for me then," Brutus said with a chuckle, before gulping down his drink. I left as Brutus prepared to get drunk, though he probably had a round-the-clock liver given how big he was. As I wander around the club, I saw Slip head to where Brutus was and started to drink next to him.

'At least he's not a grouch for a change,' I thought to myself. I then spotted Sun Gleam dancing on the dance floor, enjoying herself and having fun.

"I haven't seen you before," a voice spoke out of the blue, prompting me to turn around and saw a pony of sorts in front of me, talking to Sun Gleam. He had dark gray fur with a black mane and tail. He wore a dark purple shirt with holes for his bat wings, gray jeans, and flip-flops. He seemed to have piercing orange bat eyes that could prove intimidating to some. "Sorry if I was bothering you. It's just that I mostly recognize every single patron from this club, but you certainly stick out like a sore thumb,"

"Should I take that as a compliment or an insult?" Sun asked while still dancing.

"I'm just saying it as it is. By the way, the name's Umbra," the bat pony finally introduced himself to Sun.

"Don't care really," Sun Gleam said as I got closer while dancing to blend in.

"So you're not going to tell me your name then?" Umbra asked out of curiosity.

"Why should I? You just seem like an ego driven, false playcolt, with no real direction in life besides chasing whatever tail you see."

"Alright, now that's just plain rude," Umbra flatly responded.

"I'm here to enjoy myself; not to make friends," Sun coldly responded.

"Suit yourself then," said Umbra, before he walked to the opposite direction.

'For some pony named after something that brings warmth, Gleam can be really cold if she doesn't like you.' I thought to myself Umbra walked on by me. The bat pony then suddenly stopped in his tracks, before turning his attention towards me, much to my curiosity. He must have noticed me having a interest in what was going on around Sun Gleam.

"If you're trying to hit on that mare, well, good luck with that."

"Yeah I saw that," I chuckled. "That wasn't pretty."

"I know what you mean. I was just trying to start a friendly chat with her, that's all," Umbra started to chuckle when we heard screaming over our shoulders and saw a pegasus and an earth pony attacking a unicorn.

"What's going on there?" asked the bat pony.

"I don't know, but it doesn't sound good," I responded. We both ran over and tried to pry them off of the unicorn before they turned and started to attack us.

"Hey! We're just trying to help you guys out!" Umbra tried to reason with them, as he dodged one of their attacks.

I blocked a jab before delivering one of my own. Likewise, Umbra performed a few jabs on the pegasus, before performing an uppercut on him as hard as he could. Another pony ran at us before I blocked one of his punches and Umbra countered with a punch to the face.

"You okay, friend?" the bat pony asked with genuine concern.

"I'm fine, thanks," I responded, grateful for Umbra's help.

"Geez, Storm!" Brutus said as he and Slip came over. "I leave you for five minutes and you've already gotten into a fight?" I shrugged before Umbra grabbed his head in pain.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Sun demanded from me as she came over.

Umbra shook off his headache or whatever he was just having when suddenly every pony in the room, minus the unicorns, Slip, Brutus, and I suddenly went and grabbed their heads as if they just got a massive migraine.

"What just happened?" Brutus asked no pony in particular.

"A better question would be," Sun began. "What's going to happen?"

"I don't know about you..." Umbra began, as he put himself in a fighting position. "But I say we need to get ready for a fight!"

"Agreed," I said as the ponies either ran or limped along like only a few could attack at a time. Soon, me, Sun, Brutus, Slip and Umbra began to beat up our attackers, leaving a trail of broken teeth, bloody noses and black eyes along the way. As I made my way across the dance floor, fighting with literally anything I could find and at times using other hapless idiots as meat shields, I somehow managed to get onto the DJ stage.

"Hey you!" I heard a female voice behind me. She had white fur with cobalt blue mane with cyan stripes. She had dark purple sunglasses on while wearing ripped jeans and a tank top. "What the hell is going on here?!" Suddenly, Brutus made his way onto the stage as well after taking out five stallions by himself with his raw strength. Before I could answer I saw Umbra and Sun Gleam over the DJ's table backing up as another mob of about ten ponies approached them. I ran to the back of the stage before preparing for something stupid.

"Brutus!" I shouted as I got ready. "Flip the table when I tell you!" I then immediately ran towards the DJ's table and jumped over it laughing maniacally, landing and knocking down the mob. I grabbed my re-injured stomach as I rolled off the group before signaling to Brutus. "NOW!" Brutus immediately flipped the table almost effortlessly, causing all the equipment and the table to fall on the ponies below.

"All my equipment!" the DJ shouted as she saw all her stuff destroyed.

"Well, that's going to leave a mark," Umbra commented on the carnage.

"Let's just pray that they manage to survive that," I stated out loud.

"Guys, I don't want to interrupt your conversations, but more are coming this way!" Brutus warned us.

Suddenly, Slip ran by and grabbed a chair. Slip planted the chair and catapulted himself over it, delivering an ax-kick to one of the ponies before landing and smashing the chair of the heads of two others. He then took the only two pieces of the chair that didn't explode into shrapnel and started whipping ass with them, dodging and countering to take out eight more ponies in about ten seconds flat. All of us just looked on in amazement.

"Celestia damn," Brutus finally spoke, clearly impressed by the silent pony's actions.

"That's an understatement," I remarked.

At that moment, I saw another rampaging pony rushing towards me.

"Oh boy," I muttered, before I leaped up and planted my foot on his face. Just before he fell onto his back, I jumped off his head and landed on two more ponies that were coming towards us.

"This keeps getting better," I muttered under my breath. I looked up and saw two of the bouncers heading right towards me. They were the size of Brutus who I can barely take on in a one-on-one fight.

"Don't worry, Storm! Help's here!" Brutus shouted, as the earth pony bulldozed his way towards the bouncer.

The other one I could nothing more than just dodge as most of my attacks were like me throwing milk duds at him.

Suddenly, out of the blue, Sun Gleam showed up and grabbed the brute's arm with her magic and threw him across the room. I stopped dead in my tracks, astonished by how strong she really is.

"Stop gawking, Storm!" Sun Gleam shouted.

"You heard the lady. This is no time for distractions," I turned around and saw Umbra right behind me. Though right after he got up to me, all five of us started to get pushed back as we were starting to get surrounded.

"They just keep coming right at us!" Umbra shouted out loud.

"Really? I couldn't tell," Sun responded sarcastically.

"How many ponies are in this building?!" I asked in disbelief. I bumped into Slip who turned around and punched me in the jaw, sending me to one knee "Ow! What the hell was that for?!" I demanded, as I rubbed my sore jaw. I looked up to see a smug face on his face. "Yo, asshole; can you kick my ass when we're not under attack!"

"Knock it off, you two! Save the arguments for later!" Brutus admonished us.

"Brutus is right; we need to focus what's happening right now," Sun insisted.

Suddenly, the doors to the club slammed open and guards covered in gold or mythril armor and started to take control of the situation as we took down any that were still trying to attack us.

"Thank goodness the Calvary has come to save the day," said Umbra, as he knocked one pony to the ground.

"Nice to see you too, Private Umbra," The bat pony commander said. All four of us were shocked.

"Private Umbra?" I asked with incredulous.

He rubbed his head sheepishly as he chuckled. "Yep. That's me alright."

"I never expect somepony like you to be part of the Royal Guards," Brutus commented.

"You'd be surprised the characters that can get through the cracks," Umbra joked.

"Attention!" We heard as Valiant Knight arrived on the scene. The five of us all saluted as he came to us.

"What happened here?" Valiant Knight demanded. All five of us were silent, unsure of what to say. We really didn't know what happened. After what felt like a long time, Umbra finally spoke up among us.

"Sir, most of the patrons began to attack with no clear consciousness, as if their minds were somewhere else," Umbra reported.

"And you're basing this on?" Valiant gave a cold disbelieving look.

"They were like zombies," I spoke up. "They all just lumbered around except for a few at a time who seemed to just suddenly get the urge to run at us," Valiant took a look around to the unicorns that had been hiding on the DJ stage were being escorted to safety. I continued as he looked back to me. "If it hadn't been for the fact that they moved so slow and acted so mindlessly, we'd probably wouldn't be alive right now," He then made an observation.

"How is it that you four are the only non-unicorns that didn't become like the rest?" Valiant asked. The question baffled us.

'Why weren't we like the others?' Only now did we actually stop to think about it.

"Honestly, we really don't know, sir," I genuinely replied. Valiant looked us over for a second before speaking.

"Umbra, I want you to fill out a full report on what transpired here," He ordered. It was clear from the look on his face that Umbra didn't want to but he kept his mouth shut and saluted. "The rest of you, go home and rest up. We can handle things here and you need to get ready for your training begins soon. Dismissed!" Valiant ordered as we all saluted. He walked to help the rest of the guards control the situation and help the injured.

"So much for a good evening," Brutus muttered.

"At least it was eventful," I joked.

"We just survive a possible massacre and you're joking at a time like this?" Sun scolded me, before she punched my arm.

"Ow..." I groaned as I rubbed my arm. Mare can punch!

"Not a good way to impress her," Brutus jokingly said to me.

"Shut up," I said plainly.

"You'll get over it," said Brutus.

"Anyway!" Umbra said happily. "It's been a pleasure to meet all of you. Next time, let's not get into an all-out fight at the clubs," He said this with a pretty chipper tone.

"Agreed," we all said in unison.

Slip just kinda nodded. Umbra left to go do... whatever, leaving the rest of us.

"Well," Brutus said as he stretched. "He said we were dismissed. I'm gonna head home."

"Same here," said Sun. "I need to take a good shower when I get back," We all agreed that we wanted to just go home and rest after the... oddness of what had just transpired.

"I sure hope that's the last time something like this ever happens," I said to my friends as I scratched my head. Oh you wish, bitch. Hell's got a message; It's coming for you!