Eye of the Storm

Chapters

Catering to Wounds
Meanwhile in Canterlot
Rage
DemonHeart
Resistant
Dealing with ancient rules
Winter is Coming
Most Boring Town in Equestria

Catering to Wounds

Blade had hobbled up the stairs to his bed, he scanned the room for the medical kit. Once he saw it perched on the wall by the bathroom, he hobbled to it. The bandages didn't help with the pain, and Blade knew that only one thing could have happened; the shard from the drake's claw was inside his leg. He took a few deep breaths, unwrapped the bandages and saw a sliver of black rising from the cut. He tugged on it, a gush of blood escaped the wound.

By the time it was half way out, the bathroom floor was a small pool of blood. Blade decided that pulling it slowly and carefully wasn't going to work and tugged on it. It released its hold on Blade's leg and he tossed it to the side, clutching his bloody leg. He began to clean and re-wrap the cut, making sure it was both tight and sturdy. He leaped to his bed for sleep.

Blade awoke late in the morning, it was about 11:30. He felt much better than yesterday but there was still some pain in his leg. He walked into the bathroom and saw that there was dried blood on his face, he sighed and turned toward the shower.

After he had cleaned himself off he got dressed, his shirt was adorned with a sun partially eclipsed by the moon. He grabbed his sword and decided to make sure the town was safe, especially after last night. Blade was about to open the dorr when a knock came from it, 'Spooky.' he thought as he pulled it open. Standing there was a girl, the girl who was shouting the night before.

Twilight stared at the young man for a second, "I knew I recognized you!"
"Huh?" Blade was surprised.

"Oh," Twilight realized she wasn't being polite, "I'm Twilight Sparkle, the princess' protege, I saw you at the tournament last year."

Blade was shocked, a member of the royal court was talking to him! "Oh well, thank you." He bowed.

Twilight giggled, "That's okay, you don't have to act formal because of who my teacher is. I just came by to say thank you, you saved AppleBloom and her friends and we are all grateful for that."

Blade smiled, "I wish I could say it was no problem, but I'm not nearly as skilled as I should be." He gestured to the sword riding behind his back.

"But aren't you a royal knight?" Twilight asked shocked.

Blade sighed, "Not yet, I know you've met my father but I'm not him."
Twilight was confused on this, "Didn't he teach you how to fight?"

Blade laughed, "More like scolded me on how to stay alive. He would yell whenever he beat me in sparring, then when I would win he said my form was sloppy."

Twilight laughed, "Sounds like some teachers are harsher than others."
Blade regained himself, "I was just about to head into town, want to join me?"

"Sure," Twilight replied, "I may make you a knight myself at this rate." She walked away.

Blade watched her for a second, "Wait...you can do that?"

The town was fine, one resident was out of a home but his relatives gladly welcomed him.

The whole town cheered as Blade walked into town, which made him blush. "Uh, thanks?"
The girls from the night before were pushed towards him by AppleJack, "Go on now."

They smiled, "Thank you!" they said in unison.
He leaned down, "Just try to be more careful, okay?"

The girls nodded their heads and scurried off.
"Sounds like you've got some fans!" Twilight joked.

Blade blushed, "That might ruin the whole 'chivalry' thing I've got going."
A woman walked up to the two of them, Blade noticed she was a few years older than Twilight.

"Could you come with me please?" The woman asked.
Blade's mind went to trouble, "Is something wrong?"

The woman laughed, "Excuse me, I forgot my manners; I am Rarity, you saved my little sister and her friends last night."

Blade was actually hoping for some form of trouble, "Oh, well why do I need to come with you?"
Rarity eyes his shirt, "Because as defender of our small town, you simply must make a bold statement in fashion!"

"Uh, whats wrong with what I'm wearing?" He pointed to the shirt wit the royal insignia.
"That just makes you look like any other common servant of the castle." Rarity assured him, "Also, you need something to protect yourself!"

Twilight nodded, "Rarity can stitch just about anything, she could easily make you some form of armor."

Blade's mind went to the armor the royal guards wear, "Gold isn't exactly my style." He told Rarity.
"Of course not, you need something that screams 'hero', I think a dark leather would look better." Rarity showed Blade her sketch pad; on it was a crude drawing of Blade wearing a black leather jacket that hung to his knees, it had onyx colored spaulders.

"Okay, that sounds great!" Blade said, it really would protect him more than anything else he had.

Rarity smiled, "But I need to get measurements, so come with me!" Rarity was dragging Blade by his collar.

Twilight laughed, "See you later!"

At Rarity's boutique Blade stood on a podium, Rarity was using her magic to hold her measuring tape whilst taking notes. Blade had his eyes closed, more focused on the chess game happening in his mind. When Rarity got too close with her magic, it fizzled out.

"O-oh dear," She said in an embarrassed way, "I'm sorry this never happens!"
Blade looked at her, "No its my fault, I have this special trick, it negates magic."

"You are special," Rarity said, "Fluttershy was right about you!" She thought about what she said and covered her mouth.

Blade blushed, "W-what do you mean?"
Rarity sighed, "She noticed something different about you. She said you were different than anyone else, I assumed it was a crush but this must be what she meant."

He sighed, "Are we done?"
Rarity looked at her sketch book, "Yes, I'll try to have it to you by tomorrow but you can't rush perfection."

Blade smiled, "I'm sure it will be perfect! But please don't strain yourself for me."
Rarity laughed and waved Blade out of her shop.

Blade did one final sweep of the main street, nothing was out of the ordinary apart from the one destroyed house. He decided to walk home and turn in for the night. As he crossed the bridge leading to the tower and the cottage, Blade remembered that he never checked to see if Fluttershy was okay. "Better late than never," he said to himself.

Fluttershy heard four knocks on her door, she smiled to Angel who was just tucked into bed, and went to answer the door. "H-hello?" She poked her head out.

"Uh, hi," Blade said, "I just came to see if you were okay after last night, I know it shook me up."

She didn't know why, but when Fluttershy stared into his eyes she felt frightened. The fear, however, was always joined by a feeling of protection. "O-oh yes, I'm fine."

Blade felt like something was wrong, "Are you sure? I don't want to go until I know your okay."

Fluttershy blushed, "I-I guess I do have something troubling me. But I wouldn't want to put you through any trouble."

Blade smiled, "Its part of my job, what do you need?"
Fluttershy had invited Blade in for tea, when she returned from putting the kettle on she asked her question. "I-I feel afraid of you." She whispered.

Blade's smile faded, "I can understand that-"
"But when I'm around you I feel protected." She continued, "Why is that?"

Blade was surprised, no one had ever said these words to him. "Its probably just me, I'm scary when I fight."

Fluttershy shook her head, "But its all the time, even right now..." Her words faded.
"Its a long story, and an old one." Blade explained, not wanting to bore her.

"I-I have some time," that was a lie, she was usually asleep by this time.
"It might give you nightmares," He warned her.

"I'm not a little girl," Fluttershy pointed out.

Meanwhile in Canterlot

An old man was talking to the princess, "My son must be brought back!"

Princess Celestia spoke calmly, "The boy can make his own decisions, and he will be safe there."
"I see what your doing," the old man mocked, "You mock our ancient ways, his training was not complete and he was not sealed!"

Celestia coughed, "What makes you think because he doesn't have some tattoo that he will die?" She saw the look of curiosity on the old mans face.
"Y-you really don't know?" The man asked astonished, "Princess if you don't know then I'll be happy to tell you."

Celestia saw that they were getting off subject, "What about your son?"
"This is even more important, this is the oldest legend of the North."

There once was a great chieftain of the North, he slew any enemy who crossed blades with him. Most say he was immortal, no one could best him in combat or in tactics. Until one day, a great serpent, a demon; it came to him. It asked him a simple question.

"Would you like to live forever?"
The chieftain said yes, of course. But it came with a great price, the demon took control of his body and used him to do its dark bidding. He brought down Hell-Fire, and froze the North. The oceans boiled while the plains froze, the mountains caved in while the ground separated.

But there were those who resisted, the Circle of the Blessed, the strongest of the Chieftains private warriors; ended the demons life. They did so by each taking a piece of the Chieftains soul, the world was brought back to peace.

Celestia clapped, it was quite a good story, she enjoyed stories, "Why are you so afria-"
"There is more." The man continued.

The Circle of the Blessed; created a seal, to guard from the demon's return, every son of the North is descendant from them and must seal their hearts away. The day will come, when the North has ended, that a boy will feed the demon. If he strong it shall serve him, if he is weak then the world will die.

"So, what your saying is that your son holds a piece of a demon in him?" Celestia asked.
"Aye, as do all Northblood's," The man responded, "He is the last though, he may be the one, the Demon Heart."

Celestia smiled, "PonyVille will never be attacked, its very peaceful, away from any danger."

"Princess, you don't understand," The man explained, "If he is strong, then he may be able to control this terrible power, but if he isn't then he will die, with the rest of us."

"What made this Chieftain weak?" The Princess asked.
"He was brash arrogant and greedy." The man replied.

"Is your son, any of these things?" Celestia smiled.
"Well, no, I've done my best to raise him right." The old man said

"Then what is there to worry ab-"
"I don't want to lose him." The man almost began weeping, "You need to promise me he will be safe!"

Celestia thought for a moment, "I swear on my honor!"
The man nodded, "Then he may watch over this town."

Rage

Blade awoke to a terrible sound, a scream. He pulled his sword from its sheath and pointed it at the door,one he had his bearings he noticed that someone else had been in his bed. He then saw something from the corner of the room, Fluttershy stumbled out of the bathroom.

She was blushing furiously when she saw Blade, "W-w-why is there b-bl-blood in there?"
"What are you doing here?" Blade asked, he snapped back into reality and answered her question first."That was from the other night, I didn't know I would have company so I didn't clean it up yet."

Fluttershy was sitting on the floor, still bright red, "Uh-I-oh no, can you, uh, turn around?" It was pretty unusual for anyone to see her in her pajamas.

Blade rolled over in his bed, "wait.. what happened last night?"
Fluttershy spoke softly, "Y-you told me that story, a-and I though you were very brave to risk your life."

Blade's blushing began to fade when he realized he was still wearing pants, "Anything else?"
"Y-you were right," She squeaked, "It gave me nightmares, so I asked if I could sleep with you."

Blade laughed, "That's a bit odd don't you think?" He heard a small giggle from behind him.
Fluttershy got up, "I-i'm going home to change, alright?"

Blade picked himself from his bed, "Alright, I have to go into town anyway so I might as well get dressed." He waited for Fluttershy to go down stairs and began to scour his closet, he was surprised by her voice coming from behind him.

"Y-you have a package," Fluttershy handed it to him.
It was actually kind of heavy, he was surprised that Fluttershy could carry it. "Thank you!" He said in a cheerful way, he opened the box and saw a heavy sweater, beneath it was the coat Rarity had made for him. It fit perfectly, not cutting off movement while also protecting the wearer. When he walked downstairs he saw Fluttershy waiting for him.

"I-I was wondering if I could come with you, if its okay?" She smiled sweetly when Blade nodded his head.

Twilight saw Blade and Fluttershy walking across the bridge, she walked up to them. "Blade there are some strangers making trouble in town." She spoke calmly.

"Like what?" Blade asked.
"There taking things from the market and pushing anyone around who tries to stop them." Twilight's voice was becoming more worried.

"I'll check it out, don't worry." Blade assured her, he walked past her into the market.
Three large men were strutting around like they own the place, when they saw Blade they laughed.

"Hello," Blade said, "I hear you've been making trouble, mind telling me what your business is here?"

"We're just here to relax a bit, you can understand that can't you?" The leader of the group said, his voice was gravel.

Blade smirked, "I hope your planing on paying for damages done." He noticed that the other two were walking slowly behind him.

"Whats this here?" One of the thugs said, "Looks like we have a soldier here!" He eyed Blade's armor and sword.

The leader's smile disappeared, "We don't like soldiers."
"Don't try anything you'll regret," But it was too late, the leader swung his massive fist clumsily at Blade, who avoided it with ease.

The other two tried jumping Blade, but he rolled out of the way, they landed flat on the ground. The leader threw a rock at Blade; who caught it and tossed it aside.

"Why don't they ever listen?" Blade asked himself as he cracked his knuckles, he connected his fist to a thugs chin, who stumbled back and coughed out blood.

The fight went on for a few minutes before the three thugs were tired out, Blade stood with his arms crossed.

"Fine," The leader shouted, "We surrender!"
Blade smiled and turned around, "Leave this place, never return." He spoke calmly as he walked away.

One of the thugs held a dagger in his hands, he lined the toss up with Blade's back; just as he was about to throw it he was stopped by a girl.

"Please don't!" Fluttershy said as she grabbed the thugs arm.
Blade heard her voice; he turned around and saw her being held with a dagger to her throat.

"You think Galmoran soldiers would lose so easily?" The leader said.
Blade drew his sword, "Let her go." He felt rage building up in his throat.

A thug laughed, I'll take you down a peg!" He drew his scimitar and pointed it at Blade.

Blade lunged forward, going under the curved sword. He grabbed his enemy's arm; twisting it behind the thugs back. He now held a hostage of his own, "Let her go, now!"

"Or what?" The leader spat at Blade.
Blade pressed his sword against his captives throat, if he took a breath his neck would trickle blood. It wasn't a lethal amount but enough to show.

"Y-you don't have the guts!" The other thug joked with a hint of fear in his voice.
Blade started to lose his patience, "Do you really want this man to suffer?"

The second thug looked at his leader, "Sir that's my brother, please just let the girl go!"
The leader hesitated but eventually released Fluttershy. Blade charged to her side when he saw she was safe.

Blade looked at the leader, "Let's end this like men."
"Agreed" The leader said.

The two foes stood across from each other, each in their stances. They were being watched by Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, AppleJack and Pinkie.

Blade was the first to strike, the clash of steel was loud enough to make Fluttershy squeak.
"Don't worry, he's got this!" Rainbow whispered in Fluttershy's ear.

Blade dodged a swing and countered, barely missing, he gritted his teeth.
The leader swung, he had an advantage over Blade, who was beneath the leaders weight.

Blade pushed him off, "I'm through with you!" He swung as hard as he could, he made no contact with his opponent but something did fall.

The leader lifted his scimitar, it was cut clean into two pieces, "I-uh, Y-you win!" The leader fell to his knees, " I surrender to you! I had no idea a master swordsman such as yourself was the defender of this town, mercy!"

Blade smiled, "I'm no master, get out of here!" Blade walked away as the thugs regrouped.

"Boss, why did you think he was a master?" A thug asked.
"That was the shattering blade, a technique passed down through generations. I don't care how modest he is, he could have killed us all with one stroke." The leader led his men out of the town.

The girls were all shocked as Blade came over to Fluttershy, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, her silence was replaced by Rainbow Dash's gawking.

"That was totally epic!" She said, "You broke his sword!"
Blade blinked, "Did I?"

Fluttershy got up and hugged him, "Thank you," She spoke in a way that she only did to her friends, no 'uming or ahing'. "You saved me."

Blade smiled, "I think you need a cup of tea." He picked her up, she blushed but it was different than usual.

Twilight thought for a moment, "I'm going to send a letter to the princess."

'Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm writing to inform you of some odd news from today. A group of thugs attacked our poor village, luckily we had Blade here to stop them and rescue my friend Fluttershy. With all do respect I believe you should Knight him, he upholds all the codes and is a master swordsman.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

DemonHeart

Fluttershy was being carried by Blade, somewhere in the fight she had been wounded at her leg, she didn't fear him anymore, she felt too safe to fear him. He reached the edge of the cottage and set her down.

"My job isn't done yet," He turned away from her, "Those were just scouts." He began to walk back towards town. The others just looked at him as he walked past.

"Where are you going?" Rainbow Dash asked, she got no reply.
Twilight looked over and saw Fluttershy crying, she went to her.

"Whats wrong?" She asked.
"He's going to go and fight an army." She told her friend.

"Well that's just plain stupid, he's gonna kill himself, we should help him." AppleJack said.
Fluttershy grabbed her by the shoulder and shook her head, "When those he cares for are in danger, Demon-Heart will rise."

Twilight recognized this, "That's a legend from when the Northern Warriors were still around."
Fluttershy nodded, "He told me."

They all stared at him, he was now a good distance away, but they could see him draw his sword.

Blade felt pain in his chest, it felt as though it was being ripped apart, he held his sword and turned to the direction that the thugs had run off too. The smoke from campfires could be seen rising, he walked past all of the buildings to the large open field and saw the vast army. He decided to speak with a voice that could rival the traditional Canterlot volume.

"If you have heard the old legend," He shouted, "then you should run while you have the chance!"
The Army continued to march forward, some men stopped for a moment but they then continued to follow their brethren. They saw the young man stand in an unfamiliar battle stance, the General called out.

"Archers!" He laughed, "Kill the fool."
The arrows all missed, save one. Blade had caught it with his hand, He began to walk forward.

The General laughed again, "Pikesmen!" The front row of soldiers charged ahead to meet Blade.
Blade felt the fire of battle burn within him, he lashed out with it. His sword lit on fire as he cut through the soldiers.

Twilight and her friends were watching from a safe distance, they were atop the cliff where she had first seen the drake. Fluttershy couldn't take her eyes off Blade, she thought he was strong enough to contain the demon, but was he? Twilight decided to cheer her up.

"You know, maybe all this violence isn't the best thing to watch right now," She began, "Blade will be fine, maybe we should go back to town?"

"No," Fluttershy said simply, "Demon-Heart can only be controlled if he is strong, that's what he told me."

Rainbow Dash was confused, "Why do you keep calling him that?"
"Because that isn't Blade," Fluttershy replied. "Blade is fighting a different battle."

Rainbow was even more confused, "Then who's that?"
Twilight and Fluttershy spoke at the same time, "Demon-Heart!"

"Those two are nuttier than a week old fruitcake," AppleJack whispered.

Blade had just finished off the second wave of foes, he looked around and saw that they had a catapult.
"This is your last chance!" Blade screamed, "I will win this fight!"

The catapult was launched and a huge boulder was flying towards him, Blade ran as fast as he could and jumped into the air, he sword cut through the rock like butter.

The General was awestruck, he only had one other option; "Bring out the Titan!"
A sergeant looked at him, "Sir, we haven't used it before, we don't know what kind of powers it contains. It was meant as a back-up plan if the Princess wouldn't surrender!"

"This boy is immortal, use one god to kill another!" The General shouted.

Blade felt a shacking in the earth, he jumped back. In the distance he saw seven wizards chanting, the earth began to crack before him, and a massive fist sprung from it.

Blade could only think of one option, he ran. He looked along the mountains and saw them on a cliff, using his new found strength he jumped to it. He surprised the girls when he landed on the top.

"Twilight what is that thing?" He said, she looked shocked to see him.
"I-I don't know, but it's big!" She said terrified.

"Well that is a very good observation, if you were blind!" He groaned, "Twilight, I-I'm letting you in."
"Excuse me?" She said confused.

"My head, I'm letting you in so you can communicate with me." He explained.
"Oh," she focused on him with her magic, "Sorry, I can't get in."

"I'm sorry too," He said as he walked to her.
"F-for what-" Twilight was interrupted when Blade headbutt her. "OWWWW"

"Okay, your in!" Blade said as he jumped down the cliff.
"How does this work?" She asked out loud.

"Just like that, keep talking!" She heard his voice.
"Okay what is it?" Twilight asked.

"The General said something about a Titan, so I'm assuming that's what it is!" He said angrily.
"Okay well the only thing that could defeat the Titans was a god." She said.

"Well I'm all we got, how did they do it?" Blade asked annoyed.
"They released a group of cyclopes and a giant." Twilight recited perfectly.

"Too bad we're all out of those isn't it?" Blade cried as the Titans fist came down upon him; he was holding it up, barely able to not get crushed.

"They had great weapons, strong enough to disarm them!" Twilight thought.
"My swords on fire, and I just want to kill it!" Blade pointed out.

Fluttershy and the others were watching Twilight talk to herself, they were all asking her questions about what Blade was saying or is he okay.

"Well I don't know, have you tried restraining it?" Twilight shouted.
"With what?" The question was serious.

Twilight looked around, "The ground!"
"How do I get it in their?" Blade asked.

"When it tries to punch you just move, then blast its hand into the ground!" Twilight sounded exited.
"Alright, I'm on it!" Blade went back to what he was doing.

He pushed the large fist aside, and jumped as hi as he could. His powers were able to control the elements so he grabbed a large ball of wind and threw it into the fist.

"It worked!" he said.
"Wow really? I-I mean, keep pushing!" Twilight responded.

Blade kept using the air as a means to push down, but he thought of a better way. He landed on the massive hand and separated the ground beneath it, he used the remaining rock to cover his hand, then used fire to super heat it until it was a hardened crystal.

The Titan let out a roar.
"SHUT UP," Blade said as he ran up its arm. He made a precise cut to its eye.

Its arm flailed around like a serpent, he used all of his strength to kick it into the ground and repeat the process done to the other arm.

All of the time this was happening, the General stood there watching, amazed at the current sight.
"Sir," The sergeant said, "Should we sound the retreat?"

The General nodded his head, "These Equestrians are insane, we have lost this battle."

Blade threw a giant rock into the air, he sliced it so that it had a sharp point on it, he flung it at the Titan, and blasted it with fire. The rock propelled itself into the monsters throat, and it was over.

Twilight, Fluttershy and the others were awestruck.
"He is definitely strong enough," Fluttershy said.

"The strongest being alive in over a thousand years," Twilight agreed.

Blade rejoined them, his eyes were back to their normal viridian hue. "Well, that's over with!" He said, Blade then proceeded to collapse.

In his dream, Blade was talking to the ancient Chieftain.

"You are stronger than me," The Chieftain smiled, "You command the demon, where I served it." He stuck out his fist, "Hail, Chieftain!" He bowed before him, when the old Chief saw that Blade was waking up, he said a few words to him.

"Piece favor your sword!" Blade called out, as was tradition.

Resistant

When Blade awoke from his exhausted sleep, he was surrounded by the girls. "Hello."

Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, "That was amazing, You completely destroyed that Titan!"
"Yeah well he got me pretty good too," Blade said as he picked himself up, they were still on the cliff side. He felt like he was back to normal, but he also felt dangerous. "So, is the town okay?"

Twilight sighed, "Maybe you should be more concerned with your own health."
"Maybe I'm an unbelievably powerful super being," He said witha sarcastic tone.

"The towns just fine," AppleJack said, "We sent word to the Princess and she is making a personal visit."

"For what?" Blade asked, "Whats so important that she's coming here?"
Twilight coughed, "She may just want to talk to you about, er, some things."

Blade saw where this was going, "She wants to use me. she wants me to take the fight to Equestria's enemies." He said with an annoyed tone.

"What?" Fluttershy asked in a manner that was loud for her, "I'm sorry but you can't!" She wrapped her arms around him, "I don't want to see you like that again."

Blade hugged her back, "Well I hope my father doesn't get involved or its a losing battle."
Twilight smiled awkwardly, "Uh, about that-"

Blade groaned, "How long before they arrive?"
A royal trumpet sounded from the center of town.

"That's just great," Blade groaned.

In the center of town, Princess Celestia and Blade's father were standing side by side. They both looked like they had something urgent to say, and when they saw Blade walking towards them they met him half way.

The princess was about to begin with her request but was interrupted by Blade's father.

"You arrogant, selfish boy!" He began, "You left home, joined the military and fought a god? Are you mental-" He stopped when he saw Blade open his eyes; they held the viridian tint that was normal, but something within them had changed.

"I know Dad, and I'm sorry." Blade began, but stopped his apology when he saw his father holding his fist out.

"Hail, Chieftain." He said, "Hail, DemonHeart!"
"D-Dad," Blade stumbled.

"I am proud, my son." He said.
The two shared a hug before Blade's father asked his son, "So are these your friends? Introduce your old man!"

"This is my father, Bastion." Blade said, "He was captain of Celestia's guard a while back."

The girls all introduced themselves and shared a conversation.
"My boy was quite the troublemaker!" Bastion told the girls, "When you spend your early years around a palace you get lonely, he started playing with Prince BlueBlood until Blade gave him what-for."

Rarity gasped, "He beat up that arrogant prick?" Her language spoke for itself. "Oh, excuse me."

Bastion laughed heavily, "That's what got Blade too, he smacked the prince after he was rude to one of Celestia's students."

Twilight laughed, "I'm glad he defended my honor!" Twilight remembered her savior from the prince bullying her.

The Princess interrupted, "Bastion, may I borrow your son for a moment?"
The old man nodded.

The Princess took Blade aside, "Blade, I've been thinking-"
"No," Blade said calmly, "Your not going to use me, I resign from being the town guard."

Celestia was shocked, "So your just going to pack up and leave?"
"Of course not," Blade replied, then looked over at Fluttershy, "I'm not leaving, but I won't be your slave."

The Princess laughed, "Why do all my subjects think of me as a dictator? I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to knight you."

Blade forgot his stance in the conversation, "Your serious, you don't want me to obliterate all opposing forces and bring Equestria into a golden age?"

"Of course not!" Celestia laughed, "I just wanted to congratulate you, you've kept this town safe and I thank you!" She pushed him onto his knees and took his sword, "I knight you; Sir Blade NorthBlood."

He rose, "T-thank you princess."
Pinkie fell out of a nearby tree, "We should celebrate!"

"A wonderful idea!" Celestia commented.

The party was a crowded mess of people, each one of them had personally thanked Blade for all his hard work. When Blade had finished greeting his guests he went to the balcony and found Fluttershy.

"Hi," He said.
"Oh, Hi." Her quiet voice almost couldn't be heard.

Blade shut the door, "Some party."
"Oh yes, Pinkie knows how to throw the very best." Fluttershy commented.

"So, about earlier," Blade said, "I'm sorry."
"F-for what?" Fluttershy was shocked, "You've saved us far more than once."

"For losing control," Blade hung his head, "That whole time, while I felt my heart being torn apart; I felt so weak. But when I looked up at that cliff." He pointed to the edge of town, "I just wanted to protect you."

Fluttershy blushed, "Y-you were so strong, but so angry."
"I know," Blade turned to her, "I just wanted to let you know, your what kept me strong."

She was blushing even harder, "I-I'm afraid."
Blade felt sad, she didn't return his feelings, "I understand." He turned to leave.

"No," she grabbed his hand, "I'm afraid for you, and I'm terrified of what would have happened if you weren't here."

"So, you aren't afraid of me?" Blade asked.
She thought of all the fears she had in her life, "You keep me strong too." She pulled him into a hug.

Bastion was watching through the window, he turned to Celestia, "My little boy's all grown up!" He sobbed.

"I think you've had a bit too much to drink." She noted the mug in his hands.

Fluttershy was smiling, "I'm glad that your here."
"I'm glad I'm here too." Blade said 'A few days ago I thought this was the most boring town in Equestria, clearly I was wrong.'

The two looked across the night sky, Blade felt no pain or worry, just happiness. Fluttershy looked up at him and smiled, she would always have a protector.

Dealing with ancient rules

Blade awoke with the feeling that something was wrong, he looked beside him and Fluttershy was next to him, still asleep. He slid out of his bed and pulled on his jacket. In front of the tower he saw his father arguing with the princess.

"He is my son, I forbid it!" Bastion shouted, he was one of the few people who could lecture the princess and get away with it.

"I'm just saying," Celestia said calmly, "He could be a great general."
"Demonheart is meant to battle, not to lead." Bastion said.

"Yeah, I'm really just a soldier," Blade interrupted.
Bastion smiled, "See, the boy has sense."

"Perhaps I can appeal to the Chieftain of the North?" The Princess smiled.
"Ast Dai-Shan vull vyse." Blade smiled.

"E-excuse me?" the Princess said, not understanding a word of it.
Bastion laughed, "According to the pact made by your father, any official negotiations must be spoken in the native language of our people."

The princess became annoyed, "May I remind you I am your ruler?"
Blade didn't back down, "With all due respect, I am the Chieftain of the North. We are equals, your Majesty."

The princess began to back down, she had no intention of angering Blade. "Well then, Chieftain, may I offer the position of General to you?"

"Like I said," Blade turned back to the tower, "I'm just a soldier, I'm no good with tactics. Perhaps you should ask your student. That Titan would've killed me if it wasn't for her"

Celestia smiled, "Maybe your right."

"M-me? A general?" Twilight stuttered, "I don't know the first thing about fighting a war!"

"Twilight," The princess began, "You would have training, of course. And we would test you before sending you into an unfamiliar situation."

Twilight gulped, "Why not ask Blade?"
Celestia groaned, "That boy is the ruler of the 'North', He only wants to fight, not to lead."

"But, I don't want to hurt anyone!" Twilight said, "Princess please, have you considered your sister?"
Celestia had a brilliant idea, "Of course! Only Luna would recognize a language that hasn't been spoken in a thousand years! Twilight, your a genius!"

Blade had been summoned by the princess to the library, when he stepped inside he saw a table with two chairs on either side. He took a seat at the chair closest to the door.

"Are we ready to negotiate?" Celestia asked.
"Did you find a lost tome that taught you my language?" Blade asked with a smile on his face.

"Something even better." She stepped aside and presented her sister.
"Varnduke, Dai-Shan." Luna said in the ancient language.

"Varnduke di lais, Luna." Blade responded.
For the next few hours, Luna and Blade spoke in the mysterious language, Celestia had only picked up one word from it: Dai-Shan. She reasoned that it must mean Chieftain. Twilight was completely confused by it all, but towards the end she noticed Blade smile.

They continued the debate until they both stood. Luna leaned in and kissed him.
"What was that for?" Blade said blushing.

"Do we not still end Northern agreements with such displays of affection?" Luna asked.
"N-not really." Blade responded.

"What was all that sis?" Celestia asked in a casual way.
"Dai-Shan will fight for you," Luna told her sister, "But he wants to fight alone."

Celestia was surprised, "He wants to destroy entire armies by himself?"
Luna nodded, "Oh and do be careful sister, he's a feisty one."

Blade blushed again when the younger sister waved goodbye in a friendly manner.
Twilight giggled, "I hope Fluttershy doesn't catch her."

"Twilight," Blade said, "Don't make me angry."
"You think you can fight an entire army by yourself?" Celestia repeated her question.

"Easily." Blade walked out the front door.
Bastion was waiting outside, "So what happened?"

"You didn't tell me she was going to kiss me!" Blade was aggravated.
"You didn't ask!" The old man laughed.

Blade returned home with his father, who began to pack.
"Thanks for your support Dad." Blade said.

"Thank you for being twice the man I was when I was your age." Bastion smiled.
"Drop some flowers on her grave for me." Blade said, referring to his mother.

"She would be proud of you." Bastion patted his shoulder and left.

Bastion boarded the chariot with the princess, "I'll do it."

The princess turned, "Your retired."
"I was the best military leader to serve in your time, and I still am." Bastion shrugged.

Celestia smiled, "Your willing to teach one who doesn't want to learn?"
Bastion laughed, "If its what has to be done!"

"Then Twilight will begin her training as a general," She smiled.
"On one condition," He said, "If my boy finds the right girl, I want you to wed them."

Celestia smiled as a tear ran down her face, "I would be honored."
Bastion nodded, "You were good to my boy when he could hardly walk, I don't care if he is my Chieftain, he thinks of you as a mother."

Celestia began to weep, "I miss her, she was a good friend."
Bastion sighed, "My dearest Yuna, I will see you again my love."

Blade lay down on top of his covers, he still had his gear on apart from his sword. He rose only when he heard a knock on his door, It was Fluttershy.

"You don't have to knock," Blade said.
"Are you going to fight?" She asked him, tears in her eyes.

"I- yes." Blade said simply.
"But you said you wanted to protect me! Not parade around like a hero." Fluttershy was actually angry.

"I know, and I meant it. But right now, there could be thousands of monsters like the one I killed." Blade said, "I want to have a future with you, and that can't happen if there are swarms of soldiers invading Equestria."

Fluttershy hugged him, "I just don't want to see you get yourself hurt."
"I promise you," Blade began, "That as long as I live, you will be safe."

Fluttershy looked up at him, "I-I think I lo-" She was interrupted as the bell tower rang.
Blade grabbed his sword, "That sounds bad." He kissed the top of Fluttershy's head. "I'll be back!" He assured her.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him in, "I love you." She kissed him.

Winter is Coming

Several weeks had passed since Celestia's visit and nothing had really changed, Blade was bored out of his mind. He tried all sorts of things to keep himself occupied but nothing would satisfy him apart from daily training. Even when he was in his element, distractions would come up. Spike, along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, constantly pestered Blade to teach them to fight, to which he would advise them all to go pester someone who didn't save their lives.

"Nope," AppleBloom said, "You saved us so your responsible for us!"
Spike rolled his eyes, "You know Blade, if you would just show us some cool moves we would probably be quiet."

Blade groaned, "Fine!" He thought of something, "Here's a special move that only masters can execute, I'll only do it oce so watch closely."

The kids each had a stick in their hands.
Blade showed them the proper way to use the Shattering Blade Technique. At first the four kids had the look of confidence, but after a few attempts they were sitting on the ground discouraged.

"Don't worry it took me a long time to get that right." Blade said with a smile, which was ended when he felt a cold blast of wind.

Spike shivered, "No one said anything about a cold front today."
"That's because its the middle of summer," AppleBloom reminded Spike.

"You guys go to Fluttershy's cottage," Blade said, "Don't come out until someone says it safe."
The kids saw the look in his eyes, his cool viridian eyes were starting to glow with a fire.

"Okay." Spike said as he pushed the other three towards the cottage.

Blade ran to the town, snow was on the ground. Everyone was surprised by this, even Twilight.
"Blade," She smiled, "Whats going on."

"Twilight tell everyone to get inside," Blade drew his sword, "This isn't normal snow."
Twilight knew what he meant, "Windigoes? But why now?"

"A lot of old things are waking up," He reminded her with a flare in his voice.
"Right!" She climbed on a post, "Everyone listen up! We have to get inside!"

Everybody was watching her for an explanation.
"Blade said so," Twilight groaned.

Everyone instantly went to there homes, save Twilight.
"Get inside!" Blade told her.

"No, I'm not as helpless as you might think, and you'll need some help." Twilight reminded him of how he defeated the Titan.

"Alright," He went over to her.
"Wait I'm not-" She received a headbutt from Blade. "OW!"

Blade turned, the storm had moved directly overhead. "I'll be back." He summoned all of his strength and released it with a powerful jump into the air.

Fluttershy ran up to Twilight, "What's going on?"
"Your boyfriend is fighting Windigoes." Twilight said while rubbing her head.

Fluttershy looked at Twilight and took a step closer.
"No please- OW!" Fluttershy headbutt Twilight.

"I'm sorry," Said Fluttershy. "Can he hear me?"
'I can hear you!' Came a thought that wasn't her's.

"What about me?" Twilight asked."
'Two voices, That's a bit odd.' Blade said.

Blade was floating in the clouds, "Okay, I see them!" He blasted himself toward the monsters. "Give me the info Twi,"
'I'm guessing fire.' Blade heard her.

"I can do that!" He summoned his inner fire, it surrounded him as he released it.

The windigoes howled but they didn't die, Instead they turned their attention at Blade and surrounded him. They began to swirl around him, freezing him.

Blade tried to burn the ice away but the windigoes were using their combined power against him. Blade was soon frozen solid and began to fall back to the earth below.

Twilight saw him falling, "Get out of the way!" She pushed Fluttershy to one side and jumped to the other.

The ice shattered as Blade hit the ground, he blinked a few times to make sure he was still alive.
"Y-you just fell 5,000 feet." Twilight noted.

"Really, it felt a lot less than that." Blade said smiling.
"You should be dead." Twilight remarked, which made Fluttershy release a nervous squeak.

"For the record so should they." Blade said as he got an idea. "Hang on I know what to do." He jumped up onto his feet, then looked around for a nearby roof. He climbed onto it and shouted to the girls, "This is going to be a little messy." He wasn't sure if it was going to work, but he was out of options. He stuck his hand toward the flying beasts and focused his anger towards them.

Twilight and Fluttershy were shocked when a blot of lighting sprung from Blade's hand, and even more shocked when the storm clouds began to clear, revealing the horrid beasts.

Blade lifted his hands to the sky and pulled them down, as he did, the windigoes mimicked him. They fell toward the ground and lay there, he then created a fire around them, and they began to melt. Once his job was done, he jumped down from the roof and went to the girls.

"Your amazing," Fluttershy commented.
"No, I'm just a soldier." He said stubbornly, then began to laugh.

"How do you do it?" Twilight asked, "How do you cope with all that power inside your body?"
"I have to be strong," Blade replied, "And I can always be strong." He looked down at Fluttershy.

Twilight was still pondering how his powers worked, to anyone else they would seem like magic, but magic couldn't shatter the earth and boil the ocean. Magic can't be obtained by anger, it takes control and focus. With Blade it was like his powers came from raw emotion, they were like a fire that was fueled by anger. She wondered what would happen if Blade wasn't as strong as he was, would his emotions overtake him?

Blade watched as the snow melted, it started slowly but he helped it along. Soon the skies were clear and all was safe. He watched as the townsfolk continued on their days work, everyone seemed busy. He sat to the side, to make sure everyone was unharmed. Fluttershy had gone to retrieve the kids, so he was left alone with his thoughts.

'Everything is changing,' Blade thought. 'Who knows when the next attack will be.'

Most Boring Town in Equestria

Blade Northblood rode the train from Canterlot to PonyVille, Where he would be staying until the war ended. He was a young man with dark hair, light skin and viridian eyes, he was also ticked off.

When he faced the Princess for his 'special' assignment he thought of glory and battle, not neighborhood patrols and small towns. Blade knew he deserved better, after all he did win the "Young Swordsman's competition", his father was Bastion NorthBlood, former captain of Celestia's guards, he had war in his blood, and now he couldn't carry it.

The train slowed to a stop, Blade noticed that the train station was empty. He grabbed his things; a bag of clothes, his sword, his leather jacket, and most important his families most precious heirloom: The Northblood ring. Blade walked out into the sun, he looked around. No one was here to greet him or to even show him to the guard tower, 'Assuming there is one.'

Thankfully the town square actually had some people in it, Blade walked over to an apple stand and spoke with the owner, a girl about the same age as him.

"Hello," Blade said, "I'm Blade, the new guard in town, and I was wondering-"
The girl took his hand, "Nice to meet you mister Blade, I'm AppleJack." She took a look at Blade and nodded approvingly. "We haven't had a guard here for over... forty years now. Its nice to see that the princess cares about us in these warrin' times."

Blade felt a bit of pride sweep over him, but swallowed it when he remembered his dutie. "So, is there a guard tower, or someplace warm I can stay tonight?"

AppleJack could see Blade's displeasure by being here but shook it off, "Yeah, the princess had some builders come by a few months back, its been sitting by my friend Fluttershy's house for a while now." She turned to a small girl, "AppleBloom, you watch the stand!"

The town grew less populated as Blade approached the edge of the legendary EverFree forest, and the only buildings around were a small cottage and the guard tower. AppleJack was dragging Blade towards the cottage, to meet her friend.

"Open Up Fluttershy!" AppleJack yelled in a friendly way. "The new guard is here!"
The door slowly opened to reveal a slender girl, with light pink hair and a soft tone to her skin, "AppleJack, you know how I feel about, strangers." She spoke in a voice that rivaled the wind for how quiet it was.

"Well considering he's going to be stayin' in that tower, you might as well get to know 'em." AppleJack was being persistant.

Blade looked over to the small girl, she had two yellow feathered wings. Not an odd site considering one-third the population had them."H-hi," Blade squeaked out, he didn't know why he felt so nervous about Fluttershy starring at him, but he almost went into a trance.

Fluttershy was surprised for a second, she was actually really busy at the moment with a sick family of hedgehogs and attempted to use her 'stare' to have him say hi and tell AJ that he wanted to leave. But here he stood, with nothing appearing to have phased him. "I-I'm very busy AppleJack, and I really must be getting back to my patients, if that's okay."

AppleJack could feel a bit of tension in the air are proceeded to take Blade to the tower.
"N-nice meeting you," Blade called out.

Fluttershy squeaked and closed the door.

The tower was fresh and new, it had a bedroom with all of the essentials, a kitchen with quite a bit of food in it, a sparring room, and a large telescope on the battlements. All in all Blade was happily surprised.

"Well," AppleJack said, "I'll let y'all go on with unpackin' and such, see ya later!" She shut the door behind her and she was gone.

Blade went into the bedroom, threw his bag on the bed and sat on the floor, If he was to be prepared for an attack he might as well make sure his mind was ready. He closed his eyes and did a routine that had been passed down from his family for generations; he began to play chess in his head.

This was technique passed down by the warriors of the north, to which Blade was descended. It was simple, when facing an opponent skilled in magic, or gifted with the ability of controlling others, you throw up mental barriers. Emotions, memories and yes, even playing chess in your head. Through this technique no one could see what you were planing to do, use magic on you, or get 'inside' your head.

Blade's meditation was interrupted by a knock on the door. He climbed down the stairs and proceeded to open it. It was his new neighbor, "Uh, hi?"

Fluttershy just stared at him for a few minutes, watching his every move.
"Well, this has been a lovely visit but I really should take a walk around town, get my bearings." Blade slipped by her, her eyes still following him.

Blade's mind was still playing chess, it almost always was. He turned to make sure he wasn't being followed, thankfully Fluttershy had some more important things to take care of.

Blade saw a bouncing girl dressed in pink walk over to him, she seemed to be having random tweaks and twitches. "Oh my gosh, your new!" She got closer to him and her twitching stopped.

"Uh, hello." Blade introduced himself.
"Ooh," Pinkie Pie pulled hi sword from its sheath, "Shiny!"

"HEY!" Blade yelled, "Give that back, its not a toy!"
Pinkie stopped bouncing she apologized, returned the sword, and continued to bounce around.

Blade shined the sword on his shirt, "Thank you."
A crowd started to gather, seeing a strong young man with a sword was a strange site in PonyVille. He felt very awkward and decided to return to his home.

His return home was followed by immediate sleep, a very comfortable sleep which was going to be interrupted.

Twilight Sparkle was out for a night of astronomy, it was clear that night and the stars were shining. She gazed into it, seeing all there was to see in Luna's night sky. However, a bright light from beneath her. She took her eyes away from the telescope to see a horrific sight. A drake, a real drake, stood before her. The beast was breathing flames onto the plains beneath her. She saw where it was headed, PonyVille, and fled to her home.

"Everybody run!" She was shouting through the streets, "A drake is attacking!"
The drake busted through a building, it had heard the screams and shouting, Its response was a breath of flame.

"Help!" Three girls called out, they were about to be crushed by the monsters sharp tail.

The drake flung its tail at the three girls, expecting to feel the warmth of blood on its scales. What it actually felt was the cold of steel.

Blade's sword had deflected the tail, "Run!" He yelled at the girls.
They followed his advice, they ran to AppleJack, who clutched her little sister while watching Blade.

"That all you got?" Blade shouted at the drake, which responded with fire. Blade rolled out of the way and lunged at the beast, its hard scales weren't even scratched by the steel broadsword.

"Come on, I'm waiting!" Blade antagonized his foe, who swiped at him with a massive claw. Blade sliced the claw from its hand, the blood burned him as it splattered.

The drake cried out in pain, and began to flee the protector of the village.
Blade fell to one knee out of pain, "And stay out!" He was painting, a shard from the claw had made contact with his leg, creating a deep cut. He used his sword as a crutch, stood up and faced the crowd who was watching him.

The residents of PonyVille began to cheer, no lives had been lost, and the girls were safe.
The three girls walked up to him, and introduced themselves as the 'cutie mark crusaders.'

One of them, AppleJack's sister had begun to speak, "You saved us mister!"
Blade winced from the pain in his leg but kept smiling, "Its my job."

The purple haired on, Scootaloo, said "Then your the best knight ever!"
He smiled and began to walk to the tower, there would be medical supplies in his room.