The Steel-Hearted Pegasus

        One thing that made Equestria stand out the most was its beautiful sunsets. The shimmering orange glow that the star casted upon the City of Canterlot gave it a relaxed feeling. It was practical as a lot of the work and the crowds had settled down as the day was coming to an end. In fact, the only pony that actually currently working was the stallion walking down the street, with a large cart, toward the castle. The cart was full of different armor, weapons, and any other supplies that a soldier could want. For this stallion was none other than Caster Forge.

        He looked as he always did with his light brown fur, sepia mane and tail and green eyes. However the Pegasus was noticeably different. His body was beefed up a bit, which was shown by his muscles that flexed beneath his fur as he walked and having grown a few inches taller. Caster’s mane had grown a bit longer and his goatee had grown where it connected with a newly grown mustache. One noticeable feature was the golden bracelet on his left hoof with a pink gem in the center. He stopped to look at it, remembering everything that had led to this point.

        It had been over ten years since the Grand Galloping Gala where the light brown pony had confessed his love to Fluttershy. She in turn confessed her own hidden feelings for him and the two shared the rest of the night as true lovers. From then on, the two Pegasi lived their lives together. Caster would always find the time to help his marefriend tend to the animals. And occasionally Fluttershy would assist her coltfriend at the forge with Gilda, who had taken up permanent residence in Ponyville with a special somepony of her own. It was a time of love and bonding for Caster and Fluttershy and neither one of them could be happier. It was only a few into their relationship that the blacksmith stallion was ready to take the next step and proposed to the yellow mare. She shed a few tears and simply said yes.

        The rest was just history as they had built a new home and started a family of their own. Remembering that he had a job to do, Caster continued forward to make his delivery. Crossing the bridge and making his way around the castle, he soon came across the armory where he dropped off the Royal Army’s supplies. He started unloading all the armor and weapons, most of them in crates, into the different assigned slots at the loading bay. A good thirty minutes passed before the Pegasus stallion had unloaded the last box. He was about ready to leave and make the long journey back home, when something caught his attention.

        “I knew I’d probably find you here Caster,” a thick Canterlot accent said, followed by a brief chuckle.

        Caster turned to see a stallion coming out from around one of the castle walls. To his surprise it was Prince Blueblood, with a small grin on his face. He had relatively the same appearance as before, but he looked a bit older now. The light brown pony simply gave him a blank expression seeing who it was. He went up to the Prince, never once changing his expression. When he got in front of him, the two did what few ponies would see. They hugged each other.

        “Hey Blueblood, how’ve you been?” Caster said, glad to see his friend.

        “I’ve been doing well. How’s work at the forge lately?” The white unicorn replied.

        “Just take a look over there and see for yourself,” the blacksmith said, pointing to his creations.

        “I must say you have really come a long way,” Blueblood said, admiring his friend’s work.

        “The same can be said for you as well Blueblood,” Caster said.

        And it was the truth. After that incident the two of them had at the Gala ten years ago, the unicorn Prince had started to do a lot of thinking. After some time and getting to know the world better, Blueblood soon came to realize how wrong he was about, well, everything. He learned that his own arrogance was to blame for failing to enter art institutions, not because of Caster beating him. Soon after that conclusion he began to see the other wrongs in his life, most of them being how he acted socially. When that came to pass he began making apologies to those he had hurt, one of them being Rarity. It took a while but eventually she was able to forgive him for how rude he behaved toward her.

        In no time at all he had become the Prince he should’ve been all along. Many other ponies had come to respect him and this new change he went through. Not only that but he also got the chance to do what he dreamed of most. He had become a part time teacher at his Aunt Celestia’s art school, so that he could not only showcase his artwork but also teach it to others as well. It was a good life and it got even better when he met somebody special.

        “So how are Trixie and your daughter doing?” Caster asked.

        “They are doing all right. Trixie’s got another show coming up and my little filly is getting amazing grades in magic school,” Blueblood answered, proud of his family.

        “That’s great. As for me, Fluttershy has been taking good care of all the creatures lately and my son has been doing well at school,” the Pegasus said, proud of his own family as well.

        “So, how are those wounds holding up?” the Prince asked, hoping his friend was fine.

        “They’re just fine, though I doubt they’ll ever completely heal,” Caster said, looking back at himself.

        Across his body were some noticeable scars. It was all a result from the battle that occurred a few years back. Two years after the stallion had confessed his feelings, a terrible foe had come back to Equestria. One that was thought to never be seen again. It was Queen Chrysalis and her army of changeling warriors. On the day of the attack, a changeling tried to kidnap Caster but the attempt failed. While both he and Fluttershy were confused by all this, they decided to meet with their friends about this.

        They went over to the library to see if Twilight knew anything about the current situation. When they arrived they found not only Twilight and all of their friends, but also Princess Celestia as well. Everything was getting more confusing by the minute. Caster started asking questions like ‘what is going on’ and ‘why did they want me’. The Princess managed to silence him so that she could explain what was going on. It was true that the changelings had returned, but the Pegasus wasn’t just some random victim. The Queen's entire plan was about obtaining Caster Forge, or more specifically his special gift. He was about to question what that meant until he remembered what he had. It was his lucky mark that she was referring to. But why it was so special to the Changelings, the stallion did not know. That was when Celestia told him the truth behind the lucky mark.

        She explained that aside from having extra luck, the pony who achieved the mark gained special abilities depending on their race. An Earth pony would become stronger and would be more in tune with nature. Unicorns obtained more magical stamina and could perform spells that would normally be out of their range of casting. And Pegasus’ had more control over the weather and their speed would increase. Anyone who received the lucky mark had great roles to play in Equestrian society. The part about having more speed made Caster realize how he was able to tie with Rainbow Dash in that race three years ago. Despite that, it still didn’t explain why the Changelings wanted something only he could have.

        Princess Celestia went on to say that for Alicorns, as they are a combination of all three races, would have tremendous power surpassing all others. The only Alicorn in history to achieve the lucky mark was her father, High King of Equestria and the one who bestowed the mark on ponykind. The point here was that changelings are almost identical to Alicorns as they have both horns, wings, and are strong like Earth Ponies. That meant a changeling with a lucky mark would be a threat to all. Thankfully of course they could not obtain the mark as they were not truly ponies in the first place. That was, until a certain changeling changed everything.

        It was about five hundred years ago when the previous changeling Queen, Chrysalis’s mother, chose to take the power of the lucky mark for herself. She had discovered a way to harness its power through a spell that could take away all of a pony’s luck, including the mark, and transfer it to another. With enough lucky marks she could’ve taken over Equestria. For a few months, the former changeling Queen had secretly sent spies throughout Equestria to obtain ponies that possessed the mark. After some time she had enough lucky powered warriors to go to war with the nation. But in the end she still lost due to what little power remained in the Elements of Harmony before they were incased in stone. The Queen was banished to the deepest depths of Tartarus for her crimes and only a handful of changelings and her daughter, Chrysalis, fled to the badlands. But despite all their efforts, Equestria still suffered loss of lives and not just from the battle.

        The spell that the Queen used took more than just a pony’s luck. The lucky mark drew its power from a pony’s natural life energy. So when those pony’s had their marks removed, their very life was taken away from them. Lives from foals to older ponies were lost because of the mark and the war. So to prevent another tragedy like this, Princess Celestia cast a powerful spell over the whole of Equestria to ensure that nobody could receive a lucky mark ever again and removed all knowledge of it from every possible source known to pony kind. After all those years the lucky mark passed out of all knowledge and was completely forgotten.

        All of it was a lot for Caster to absorb. Hearing all of that he really only had one question to ask: why did he have the lucky mark? To which Princess Celestia said that she did not know. The stallion getting a lucky mark was all pure chance. But that didn’t matter right now, what was important was the fact that there was an army trying capture him and kill him to obtain his power. The Princess wanted to keep Caster locked up until the battle was over, so the changelings couldn’t get to him. But the light brown Pegasus refused, saying that this fight was his responsibility as the bearer of the lucky mark. Celestia tried to reason with him, but Caster’s friends all stood beside him, saying that they would protect him with their lives.

        The Princess of the Sun saw how determined all of them were and chose to let them fight. So she went and teleported them all to Canterlot where the changeling army was heading toward. Knowing that the fight would most likely be difficult, the blacksmith pony outfitted himself and his friends with the best armor and weapons available. When the army arrived the Royal Guard saw that the changelings had their own armory as well. But that stopped none of them as they prepared to fight. The battle was truly something to behold, for they were not fighting to protect one stallion alone, but to protect the nation they cared for most. Caster, with his experience in swordplay, held his own and fought with all his strength. He himself even took on Queen Chrysalis alone, as he believed he was meant to fight her.

        In the end the changeling army was defeated and their Queen struck down. The last reamnants of the soldiers dispersed, wanting to save their own lives. Using the Elements of Harmony, Twilight and her friends banished Chrysalis into Tartarus to spend eternity alongside her mother. Many soldiers’ lives were lost that day, but they all thought it was necessary. For they kept a great power from falling into the hands of evil. During the battle, Fluttershy took her own share of injuries and wounds which Caster blamed upon himself as this all happened because of him. When everyone’s wounds had healed up, the light brown Pegasus decided to always be with Fluttershy and protect her and proposed to her soon after. From that point on life has gone on fairly normally, aside from random events that always occur. Caster was pulled out of his long train of thought when Prince Blueblood asked him a question.

        “There’s always one thing that’s bothered me about that whole incident. You through so much just to protect everpony, so how come you never joined the army?” he asked, puzzled.

        “It’s true that I want to protect others, but I don’t want to risk my life and make my friends and family suffer at my loss. That is another reason why I chose to become a blacksmith, so I could provide the ones who do risks their lives with the protection they need,” the blacksmith pony said. “However, if the time ever does come when all of Equestria is on the verge of collapsing, I will gladly lay my life on the line.”

        “I see, well whatever life you lead is your choice to make,” Blueblood said, encouraging his friend.

        “Thanks Blueblood. Anyway I have to be heading home now, it’s going to be a long trip. I’m sure by the time I get there my family will be asleep,” Caster said, heading back to retrieve his cart.

        “Why don’t I help you get there faster?” the prince said.

        “How would you be able to do that?” the Pegasus stallion asked.

        Blueblood gave a cheeky grin as he walked over to Caster, already having the reins of the cart on him. The white Unicorn lifted a hoof up and placed it on the side of the cart. He lit up his horn and with a flash of light both ponies, along with the cart, were gone.

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        The sun had just set over the horizon, giving a pinkish and purple glow across the sky. Outside of Ponyville a small flash of light popped out of nowhere. When it faded, Caster Forge and Prince Blueblood appeared. The light brown pony was a bit dazed from the teleportation but eventually came back to his senses. He looked around and saw that Ponyville was nearby as shown by all the lights that were turned on. Needless to say, Caster was a bit surprised.

        “Wow, when did you learn how to do teleportation spells Blueblood?” he asked.

        “I’ve been studying them for a few years now. Comes in handy when I need to get to some court meetings,” the Prince said, thinking of how useful it’s been.

        “Well thank you very much Blueblood, I’m sure my son and Fluttershy will appreciate it,” Caster said, giving him a hug.

        “Be sure to give them my regards,” Blueblood said, returning the hug.

        “I will.”

        With all that said and done the white Unicorn lit up his horn once more and he was gone. Remembering he had somewhere to be, the blacksmith pony went off into town with his cart in tow. As he walked through Ponyville, the stallion saw all of his friends scattered around. Applejack and Caramel were packing up their stand at the market place with their daughter, who wore Apple Blooms’ old bow. In the sky, he noticed Rainbow Dash flying with Soarin’ along with both of their sons, both of them as headstrong as their mother was in years past. Though since she became a member of the Wonderbolts, the cyan Pegasus had become a more mature mare.

        Caster also spotted Rarity sitting on a nearby park bench with Spike, who had grown twice as big as her and his wings were larger. In the mare's hooves, the stallion saw their recently newborn baby. It was almost hard to believe that a dragon and a pony could have a foal together. But then again, if High Queen Celestia and High King Discord could have a child, then anything was possible. Hay, even Queen Twilight Sparkle and Queen Luna were able to have one as well. It was amazing to see what wonders could happen in Equestria.

        Continuing his walk through town, he saw Pinkie Pie and Braeburn closing up their Party and Hardware Supply store for the night. Some ponies thought it would be impossible for the pink mare to work two jobs as she still worked for Sugarcube Corner. But as always she manages to complete the impossible. Their little filly bounced around the two ponies, giddy as ever. She really took after her mother in so many ways. Caster also spotted the Cutie Mark Crusaders, all grown up and each with lovers of their own. They even managed to get their cutie marks at last, yet they still referred themselves as the CMC.

        It had been so many years since the stallion had moved to this town. And finally, he and all of friends were happy and fulfilled. Not wanting to keep his family waiting any longer, the blacksmith pony went off to into the forest outside of Ponyville towards his first home here. When he had arrived he gazed upon the building that he and his friends worked so hard to build. Now it had been converted to a complete work area, all meant for working on the forge. After taking a moment to admire his old home, Caster parked his cart to the side of it. Once that was done he spread his wings and took to the sky, heading for his new home.

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        Near the Everfree forest rested a large cottage that looked almost similar to Fluttershy’s new home. It was built mostly from brick and wood and all of the plant life surrounding it from top to bottom gave it a very natural feeling. One would almost mistake it for something naturally part of the land rather than being built. Caster could certainly understood that as he descended upon his house. It was a great achievement that he and Fluttershy worked so hard to build. Remembering that he had a family to greet, he opened the front door and went inside.

        Immediately after locking the door, the stallion was suddenly tackled by something small yet heavy. Caster recognized it right away as his son, Lightning Fury. The foal earned that name due to the yellow streak that ran through his messy dark brown mane and tail since the day he was born. Despite being only being seven years old, he was a bit heavier than most foals his age, having a slightly more developed muscular frame. Lightning had a golden yellow coat almost like his mother’s, his eyes were a bright shade of green, and like his parents he was a Pegasus.

        “Daddy you’re back!” Lightning said, giving his father a tight hug.

        “I can see somepony’s happy to see me,” Caster said, ruffling up his son’s mane.

        “He isn’t the only one,” a very feminine voice said.

        The two ponies looked toward the entrance of the living room to see Fluttershy coming out of it. Like the light brown Pegasus, she too had grown over the years. The yellow Pegasus stood about half a foot taller and her pink mane and tail had grown much longer. Though now her mane was kept out of her face as she did not feel the need to hide herself any longer. On her left hoof she wore a silver bracelet with an emerald embedded in the center. Fluttershy went over to them and gave Caster a quick peck on the lips.

        “I thought you said you wouldn’t be back until later tonight,” Fluttershy said, curious to why he was here so early.

        “Blueblood used a teleportation spell to bring me back quicker,” the blacksmith said, standing up.

        “Well wasn’t that nice of him,” she said, knowing how much the Prince had matured.

        “Hey Dad, you’ll never guess what happened today,” Lightning Fury said, excited.

        “What is it son?” Caster asked.

        “I finally got my cutie mark!” the Pegasus foal said, pointing to the three red lightning bolts on his flank.

        “That’s amazing, Lightning! How’d you get it?” the stallion pondered.

        “Well you see these kids challenged me to a race, and so I agreed. When we started I was going so fast that *yawn* I thought I would’ve done a sonic, rain, boom,” Lightning said, before falling to the ground like a log, fast asleep.

        “Long day for him I take it?” Caster asked, his wife.

        “No he just stayed for so long waiting for you to come home,” Fluttershy said, smiling. “Don’t worry, he’s already had his dinner he’ll be fine. I’ve had mine as well.”

        “I figured I wouldn’t be in time for dinner so I got a quick grab and go dinner at Canterlot before making my delivery,” he said, picking up his son and sliding him onto his back. “I’ll be right back, I’ve got to put this one to bed.”

        As the stallion went upstairs with his son in tow, the yellow Pegasus went back into the living room. Said room composed of simply two couches, a large circular rug and a brick covered fireplace, which Fluttershy headed toward, feeling it was a little chilly at the moment. She grabbed a couple logs of wood from the side, placed them into the fireplace, lit a match and watched as the wood slowly started to burn. Already the room was starting to get warmer and got even more so when she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her. Fluttershy knew who it was and turned around to give Caster a long, passionate kiss. They soon parted and looked into each other’s eyes.

        “I missed you,” Caster said, giving a comforting smile.

        “I missed you too,” Fluttershy said, nuzzling into his neck.

        The stallion grabbed a nearby blanket from one of the couches and wrapped it around the two of them. Both Pegasus’s just sat there on the rug in silence, watching the flames dance around. They both basked in the other’s presence enjoying the warmth given off by the fire and being so close together.

        “Thank you Fluttershy,” Caster said, breaking the near silence of the room.

        “What for?” she asked.

        “For making both of our lives complete,” he said, smiling warmly.

        Fluttershy said nothing as she gave him another loving kiss, this one tender than before. After the kiss she fell asleep next to him. Not wanting to wake her up the, light brown Pegasus simply went to bed along with her. They both slept comfortably, relishing in the fact that they were with the one they loved most.