God of War: Equestria

A trumpet blast tore through the castle. It was morning already: or supposed to be. The Castle barracks filled with a choir of groans, everypony wanted that precious five minutes more sleep. Swift Edge tossed his blankets back, the cold air bit at his exposed body. He groaned too as he stretched and stood up, the others in his dorm were still struggling to escape the claws of sleep and the warmth of their beds. Swift Edge walked to the blinds, stretching his tired legs; and let in a flood of light. The other guards tossed as the morning light scattered the darkness. He looked outside to see how early it was; bright sashes of orange on the horizon cut through the clouds, while higher up, the sky was stained pink and purple with gilt-edged clouds overlying the colours. With his dorm awake and complaining, Swift Edge made his way to the Shield Hall for breakfast.

Swift Edge entered the large feast hall, the white walls glowed orange as the Celestias’ sun broke through the large stain glass windows. The North wall, had no windows, but was decorated from floor to rafter with shields, which gave the hall its' name. Each shield bore a different image, but all were in immaculate condition: there hadn't been a war in over a thousand years to damage them. The shields were gathered from around Equestria, each one coming from a different town and having its’ own story. To fill space, shields from Princess Lunas’ rebellion also hung: Princess Celestia said they should as they were part of history, much to Princess Lunas’ disapproval. Shining Armour and several other high-ranking guards were sat at the elevated long oaken bench under the shields, he had not slept since Princess Cadence went missing yet he stuck to his duties. Swift Edge found his friends, Gauntlet Dasher and Claymore, at the last of the three long wooden tables and sat down: acknowledging them but saying nothing, it was too early.

As more guards entered the hall, the sweet aroma of breakfast filled the air. The guards formed a queue at a large black cauldron in the south west corner near to the windows, and grabbed a bowl as they waited for the porridge to be ready. Swift Edge got his bowlful, muttered a sleepy thanks to the chef and returned to his seat, Gauntlet and Claymore followed. The ponies ate in silence; they had a long day ahead of them with new recruits coming in needing to be trained. The ponies had an idea of what was going on, but not the whole story, all they knew was that there was a threat to Equestria. The porridge was watery, and very bland. Swift Edge groaned when he finished it, the porridge used to fill him but now they hardly made a dent in his hunger. With Gauntlet and Claymore finishing their bowls too the ponies left for the training yard to wait for the new recruits; there was no point in staying near the food.

The guards put on their armour as they waited, the armour changing Swift Edges’ blue coat to white with the magic infused in it. The magic was a byproduct from the war of the Lunar Republic when several mistaken identity accidents occurred, Celestia decided that her guards should all be the same colour to prevent more. Claymore, being a Pegasus, was now also white instead of red while Gauntlet Dasher stayed grey since he was a Unicorn. The three Guards collected their spears and waited for the recruits beside the large gates near the sword training. There was a group of recruits being trained by the Sword Master, Fury Blade. Fury had been in the military ranks since he was 16, he was now 56, and was the best at using a sword; though even he had not been in a war. The last Equestrian war was the Luna Rebellion, the military were mainly for show, until recently, and now even the Wonderbolts were summoned to answer the call.

Half of the recruits Fury Blade was training seemed nervous about wielding a sword: it was different to what they used to. The motions of swinging and stabbing were more of a dance than the reckless staggering they were doing. The recruits were swinging at wooden ponies, learning the art of swinging and moving, perfecting their technique: and it needed perfecting. The swords, that attached to the foreleg above the hoof, were solid steel though they were old or for decoration. New swords were getting produced, but the blacksmiths were slow though the products were fantastically weighted and balanced. The other recruits were using shields, the most important part of warfare apparently. They were using them with wooden swords trying to strike their sparring partners. Several of the ponies seemed to have a good understanding, while most either stayed behind their shields or swung their swords wildly opening up to attack. Shields were easy to use since they strapped onto the fore leg, and were lightweight, but using them with swords and spears was a different skill all together. The thought that scared Swift Edge the most was that the recruits were nearing the skills of the guards; the guards were trained in weapons but only to a suitable level for being a guard. Most guards forgot how to use the sword with them holding spears for the majority of the time.

The large gates opened, several guards walked in each with a cart filled with pigs: but no recruits. Swift Edge sighed as the gates closed, the waiting was tiring, he watched the cart disappear across the courtyard. With nothing to do but wait, the morning began to drag in, Gauntlet Dasher and Claymore playing eye-spy slowly began to be the most irritating noise Swift had heard; though it took the edge off the waiting. As the game began to die, a guard on top of the gates called down to let them know that possible recruits were on the road. Claymore, Gauntlet and Swift perked up, bracing themselves for training the newbies to be guards.

The gates opened revealing a dozen timorous, and two seemingly confident, ponies: they staggered into the castle grounds mesmerized by the beauty of the castle.  Swift approached them with his spear held high, Claymore and Gauntlet continued to stand at ease. “You took your time arriving. I am Swift Edge, the two behind me are Claymore and Gauntlet, don’t worry you will get used to knowing who people are with their armor on. It’s almost lunch, we will show you to your room and get your armor then we will eat. Shining Armor may speak to you, so be presentable. Any Questions?” Swift said commandingly.

“Yeah, why have we been recruited? The guards that got us just said it was a threat, but what kind of threat are we facing?”  One of the recruits asked, swishing his navy mane out of his face. The rest of the recruits seemed to agree with the questions, but stayed behind the enquirer.

Swift Edge sighed and turned, motioning that the recruits should follow. Claymore and Gauntlet turned and walked with Swift Edge, the recruits taking in the scenery of the castle. “The truth is we do not know what threat the Princesses know of, but it is clearly a big one. The castle guards have been doubled, if not trebled. Princess Celestia has not been seen in days due to Royal Duties, and Princess Luna is with her Shadow Guards, possibly training them for the same reason we are training. Shining Armor is the only one who isn't a Princess who knows what is going on, yet, as I am sure you have heard, Princess Cadence is missing so his head is not fully focused. That is all we know. You lot, we have been told to train to be guards and that’s it, so that’s what we are gonna do.” Swifts voice echoed throughout the castle corridors. Crystal Empire Guards acknowledged him as they passed in the corridor with their own recruits. Swift opened a door at the far end of the corridor, “This is your room, everypony dump your stuff, you can sort out bunks later, but we are hungry so let’s eat.” Claymore, Gauntlet and Swift turned and left for the Shield Hall, the recruits hot on their hooves.

As the guard ponies emerged back out into the training ground, clouds were beginning to cover the sky. The dark grey clouds bunched up, as though plotting where the most inconvenient place to rain was. The Old Hall was occupied, yet the doors shut, smoke rose from the old stone chimney. There was a new scent in the air, it was different. It smelt of food, yet something forbidden or dangerous. Swifts mind began to wonder what it was, until a recruit interrupted, “What is that smell? Is it from the food here? It smells delicious.”

“It is a new smell and coming from the Old Hall, the Old Hall is usually abandoned there is no need for it now the Shield Hall is used for Dining. I have no idea what is happening inside, and it would be best to leave it. Princess Luna may be working in there.” Claymore replied, but it only brought up more questions and not just from the recruits. The recruits mumbled away to each as they followed the three guards, the guards began talking away.

“What do you think is happening in there?”  Claymore asked, inhaling the scent again.

“I’m not sure there was the cart this morning with the animals on it, though what use would they be. Witchcraft maybe?” Swift remarked, chuckling at the thought of witches in the Old Hall.

“HA! That hasn’t been allowed for ages, maybe it’s just magic practice with the magic after burn smelling delicious,” Gauntlet said, “I know if I knew that magic I would use it repeatedly.”

“Well it’s making me hungry, so let’s hurry it up?” Swift demanded, watching other ponies enter the Shield Hall. One in particular seemed in a hurry, though maybe he was starving.

The recruits stared in awe at the interior of the Shield Hall, each one pointing out there favorite shield on the wall. Swift and the other guards led them to the food, collecting a plate and waiting in line. It wasn’t porridge which made Swift happy, though peas were not much better. When the ponies had their plate filled with peas, daisies and an apple, Swift led them to a table with enough space for them all and sat down. The conversation was slow at first, with the ponies more focused on eating, the recruits seemingly really hungry.

Lunch was interrupted as Shining Armor entered, from the door behind the head table. Claymore, Gauntlet and Swift stood up, urging the ponies to stand as the captain of the guard entered. Swift noticed Shining Armors hoof as he waved them to sit, he was wearing two swords: his uniform sword and the battle sword. The battle sword, Swift believed was Serenity. A sword created before the Lunar Rebellion, infused with magic and, according to legend, forged in the Sun. The hilt around his hoof glowed an eerie red with the rubies, the blade was still sheathed up his leg. The sword was certainly strange, and made Swift Edge feel uneasy, “Why do you think he has Serenity on?”

The other ponies stared, trying to get a look at the supposed legendary sword. “You sure that is Serenity? There would be no reason for him to wear it.” Claymore remarked, straining his head to see.

“What is Serenity?” The cyan recruit with the navy mane next to Gauntlet asked, with a puzzled as he chewed.

“Serenity is a sword, given to the Captain of the Guard, but it should only be worn in times of war. Gauntlet informed, before thinking and chuckling “So with him wearing it now, we are probably at war.”

“Gauntlet you are scaring the recruits, there isn’t a war. Maybe Princess Luna requested him to wear it! Just shut up and eat” Swift jested, knowing Gauntlet meant well.

After that the ponies remained silent, lost in thought about why Serenity, if it was Serenity, was being worn.  The ponies had almost finished lunch when several trumpet blasts trembled throughout the room, as if by one every guard in the room, including Shining Armor, rose to stand at attention. The recruits reluctantly copied them, though they knew someone important was coming.  A quizzical look appeared on the guards as it was Shining Armours' sister and her friends that entered. They were important, saving Equestria several times, but they had never been introduced in such a manner. Shining Armor smiled, but didn’t move. After a slight delay Princess Celestia followed as anticipated; head held high as always.

As the ponies and Princess approached the head table and Shining Armor, another pony entered: an earth stallion. Swift shared a confusing glance with Claymore and Gauntlet, noticing that the recruits also had a look of confusion. His white coat seemed more ash-grey, with a red stripe that started above his muzzle, over his maneless head, down towards his flank where it turned under his belly and reappeared on his left fore leg. His torso was littered with scars, and a ragged skirt was attached to his waist hiding his cutie mark. His eyes a dark grey with a scar across his right eye: he was a sight to make any pony afraid. Gauntlet gave Swift a nod towards the new ponies’ hooves, where chains were wrapped around both fore legs, seemingly linked to Golden blades with the tips just above his hooves, he wore a golden vambrace on his right fore leg . His hoof steps echoed with anger, his face focused.

Princess Celestia gave a nod and a wave, allowing the guard ponies and recruits to return to food, and Shining Armor to approach his sister. Swift sat down, but his attention was on what was happening at the head table: Shining Armor gave his sister a hug and a huge smile, though she seemed to reply with wide eyes and a frown. The reaction provoked the Captain of the guard to question, but was met by Princess Celestia who whispered in his ear before Shining Armor, his sister and her friends left the room via the door behind the Head Table, leaving the Princess and the marked pony behind.

Princess Celestia addressed the gaurds, the majority of her battalion were in the hall. “Gentlecolts, I thank you for your loyalty, and as for the recruits and new ponies I thank you for heeding the call. When Equestria called you answered. Now I appreciate that there has been a lack of information regarding this threat, but all I can say is war has been declared on us.” A sudden mutter erupted throughout the hall, the Princess let it go before holding her hoof up for silence. “Fear not. This pony I have brought is Kratos, he comes from a distance place where war is regular and he has fought many battles as the general of his army. He will guide us, he will bond us and he will lead us. I know Shining Armor is the Captain, but his knowledge of battle is equal to everyone in this room, he will still be Captain, though he will train with you. Kratos, anything to add?”

Every pony in the room turned to the foreign army general who stared back his face seemingly wrought with anger, every muscle bulging. There was a long silence as the new pony judged everypony in the room. “This is war, not everypony in this hall will return home. You can leave now, after food training begins. If you leave, know that should the army fail to defend the land your last thoughts will be how you betrayed your country, every death your fault. This is war. I do not care if you fight for money, memories or passion. They are all the same, we need warriors and not a single one of you look ready. Training begins once I have eaten. All I require from you is loyalty.” His voice was deep, the hint of anger and fury echoed throughout the room. Nopony moved, Swift Edge looked at his friends and recruits fear imprinted on their face yet there was also determination.  Princess Celestia lead Kratos out the Shield Hall the same way they left, the room remained silent apart from the hoof steps.

After what felt like eternity noise steadily arrived back in the hall, everypony muttering and  about what had been said. Swift didn’t speak, his mind was racing. He could leave and live, but what if the army lost? Would he be able to handle the guilt? He was doomed either way he thought. His friends seemed more confident about the matter though. “It won’t be an army. It will be like buffulo or something, noone will die and noone will kill. It’s just a trick to get more guards,” Claymore spoke confidently returning to his half eaten lunch.

“You want to go argue with him? He looks like he has been attacked more times than you have eaten, Claymore,” Swift retorted, playing with the remnants of his food; the thought of war made him lose his appetite. The table grew quiet again the mumblings of other ponies complaining or saying that this was there chance for fame could be heard, Swift only smiled that his recruits weren't that stupid. Death scared him, the thought of nothingness made his stomach churn.  It wasn't often he thought of it, but every now and again the thought that he was not immortal like the Princesses crept in.

Shining Armor re-entered the hall and sat down next to his, now, equals but his face was blank. His eyes seemed watery, as though he had shed a tear or ten. His sister didn't return nor her friends, what did they tell him? Was it to do with the war and this new pony? Shining Armor never let his emotions affect his work, though he was happy when Princess Cadence said yes to his proposal: that day, Swift recalled, was a good day. The thought cheered him up though his hunger never returned.

As lunch drew to an end, and the hall was bustling with conversation Shining Armor motioned for silence. It did not take long till the hall fell silent once more; everypony stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to their captain. “Training begins now if you could all go into the training yard.” His voice was slightly higher than usual “Kratos is in charge, I have been told stories of his time in Equestria, and he will lead us well. His past is shrouded, but he knows what he wants, I command you all to be loyal to him. Trust the Princess’ judgement, she has never failed us before.” As the walls absorbed his words, the hall quickly began moving, muttering and moaning, towards the door. Swift Edge walked with Claymore and Gauntlet with the recruits behind.

The court yard had been decorated with hundreds of wooden posts sticking from the ground, each one about a pony and a half tall. Swords and spears littered the walls, their steel glinting in the sun. The Old Hall in the distance had occupants, Princess Celestias’ silhouette was unmistakable, and the other was most likely the new pony.  The doors of the hall opened and the Princess and her new General emerged, their faces stern and focused: behind them came a ponies pulling several carts of pigs. The guards and recruits soon felt nervous and afraid, Shining Armor joined the ranks, Swift noticed that he had removed Serenity. The guards watched the pigs get tied to the top of the wooden posts, the squealing sounding painful, yet the Princess and Kratos did not flinch. The Princess stopped walking, though Kratos continued to his new army, silently assessing them looking at what could be there strengths and weaknesses as he circled them. “Get a weapon,” he demanded, walking back to the Princess.

The guards moved quickly, jostling for a weapon as though there wouldn’t be enough to go around. They were about two hundred strong, with more to arrive, including the guards that were sent to get recruits, yet they were afraid of this one pony. Swift Edge began to think about the war again. With the guards armed, they refaced Kratos and the Princess, wondering what would come next. “Get into groups, and pick a pig” Kratos commanded almost smiling, the Princess unwavering by his side.

Claymore, Gauntlet and Swift Edge went together, before realizing that there were about a hundred pigs so they grabbed three recruits, just to be safe. Finding the closest available screaming pig, the ponies went and stood, awaiting the next orders. Kratos grew a sly smile before unleashing his words “Kill it!”. Nopony moved.

The ponies stopped; there was no reason for this pig to die. They all looked at Kratos before Fury Blade grabbed their attention by stepping forward. “Why should we kill a pig, because you say so? All life is precious!” he asked, anger enriched his words.

“You need to learn to kill in Battle. You kill, or get killed. If you can’t kill a pig, how will you take another ponies life?” Kratos’ words were filled with fury, yet Fury did not back down.

“It’s a pig! We won’t need to kill anything, you just want to be the boss…” he was cut off by Shining Armor puuting a hoof in his face, but Kratos ventured towards him: eyes ablaze.

The sound of metal upon stone echoed throughout the training yard as Kratos swung a hoof towards Fury. The ponies were all focused on Kratos the chains around his legs had expanded out from his hoof, towards Fury. Swift followed the chain before throwing up in his mouth when he reached the end and found a Golden blade embedded in the underside of Furys’ jaw: the tip poking out from between his eyes. Kratos looked around to make sure every pony was watching, before ripping the blade back towards him, scattering the old Sword masters’ bone and blood on the ground. Fury Blades’ destroyed body fell forward lifelessly, the blood turning the stone red. Everypony was silent; the sound of the pigs seemed to even die down in the aftermath of what just happened. Kratos made his way back to the Princess who gave him a frown, but accepted his way of teaching.

“Anypony else not able to kill a pig?” Kratos asked, looking around as he drove fear into everypony. Noone, replied. “Good, start killing. Master your technique.Get used to blood.” He said, and the Training yard soon became alive with ponies swinging blades and spears. The squealing of the pigs grew fiercely, before finally stopping.

Swift Edge thought it was best not to stop with the pig being dead as, as much as he hated it, he saw what the new general was trying to teach. “Keep going lads” he said, taking a breather and realizing how badly the pig was cut “If we need to kill to stay alive, may as well get used to cutting flesh.”  Claymore seemed to be excited about stabbing the pig, he took a while to get into it but now he was twirling and making noises as his sword tore through the pigs. Gauntlet was less enthusiastic, stabbing it rather than slashing and seeming squeamish as his spear drew blood. The recruits were similar to Swift Edge, reluctant at first but not wanting to end up like Fury Blade so started and found it not as bad as thought. Swift almost felt good when he sliced with his sword and tore the pigs stomach releasing its entrails onto the already crimson floor.

The butchering of the pigs continued for hours, before Kratos stopped it. Princess Celestia had left the court yard for the comforts of her castle when the sun set. The guards had regrouped in front of Kratos again, Fury Blades’ body had been moved, but the blood was smeared along the stone like a serpent. The guards were considerably drenched in pigs’ blood, yet Kratos didn’t care and continued with the training.

The sun began setting, and dinner was called. The apples and flowers, hardly being touched by the guards and Swift couldn't blame them. Nopony said a word, and very quickly Kratos demanded more training. The guards, left their seats and once more found themselves in the blood drtenched training yard being stared down by the new General. The next training session was with shields, although this time it was in pairs. Fortunately, there was an even number of guards now Fury was gone.

Kratos gave a speech of how important shields were, not just for protecting yourself but also for the pony beside you to the left. Swift Edge understood what Kratos was saying, if you can provide protection while they attack you will stay alive much longer. Swift was paired with Claymore; Gauntlet went with the cyan recruit the others seemed to look up to. It didn’t make a difference what pony was with what pony because in the eyes of their new general they were all rookies. The training was a simple block with the shield then attack, Swift Edge was getting the hang of it: knowing when to lower the shield to maximize the time to attack was vital. Claymore seemed to struggle, his shield was solid but he came out of defense rashly swinging quickly but his strikes were off target. Kratos saw this as he passed to check and took Swift Edges equipment, Swift feared for Claymores life.

“Hit me” Kratos roared, getting the attention of everypony in the yard. Even Princess Lunas’ Shadowbolts appeared as silhouettes amogst the silver clouds of the young night. Claymore gulped and went for the attack.

The clang of the wooden sword on the steel shield seemed to echo for a life time, but Kratos didn’t move he kept his distance watching Claymores movements. Claymore went again for the attack, and then again: each time Kratos simply parried his blade away with his shield. Claymore seemed tired; Swift Edge wanted to help him but could only watch. As Claymore stepped forward to attack again, so too did Kratos. Keeping his shield in front of him, Kratos blocked Claymores sword before bashing the shield against his body then bringing the sword up to attack. The crack was deafening. The scream: unbearable.

“Clean him up,” Kratos commanded growling at the pony on the floor holding his head. “A true warrior never lies on his back. All of you remember that”. Swift Edge and Gauntlet moved in to check their friend, he had stopped screaming, his eyes were in his head. Kratos had walked off, presumably for rest, so the guards too disbanded for the night. Gauntlet helped get Claymore onto Swifts back and they walked to the castles doctor in silence.

The medics weren’t in at the time of arrival, though Swift and Gauntlet Dash placed Claymore onto an empty bed, there was no blood but when Swift and Gauntlet removed his armour there was a huge black and purple bruise on his side. Swift checked his pulse, before leaving a note for the medic.

“Are you sure he will be OK?” asked Gauntlet, as he turned to leave the small medical room.

“He will be. It’s us I’m worried about, this new general knows what he is talking about, but is a bit brutal,” Swift replied, pointing out bruises and cuts he got earlier.

“Pony up, war will be much worse. This pony knows what he is doing, and is doing what he can to prepare us.” Gauntlet defended Kratos, as the two guards walked back to their rooms.

The days that followed were similar, to Swift they had blurred into one. The early rises, the small breaks, the arrival of more and more timid recruits, the killing of animals all became familiar. Claymore was out for two days, but even when he joined back, Swift forgot he had been injured; his strikes were more accurate and deliberate. Shining Armor was certainly one of the better of the guards though even he was not protected from Kratos’ fury. Princess Celestia, and at times Princess Luna, came to check up on them but did not stop training only watched and spoke to Kratos.

The Ponies found out that they were leaving the confines of the castle walls within the next few days, then the training intensified. Swift Edge stood and looked about the courtyard and contemplated his life, will he ever see the castle again or his family?

The day of leaving came, and everypony was in the court yard watching the sunrise, Princess Lunas' Shadow troops had left in the night to make camp and scout ahead. As Kratos called the guards to march, Swift Edge, Claymore and Gauntlet Dash grabbed their stuff and marched, looking at the castles' large and beautiful features one last time. Marching as a nation Swift knew he was leaving his problems behind. The ponies marched out towards the South, and the guards were pleased to be out in the open air, away from their troubles.

A dark cloud could be seen in the distance of the direction of the march, Swift Edge could imagine the fear that was to come: would death be quick or lonely in a foreign field? There was no going back.