//-------------------------------------------------------// Dreamer -by IronCoat- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Realizing a Dream //-------------------------------------------------------// Realizing a Dream Iron Coat looked at his father.  Steel Coat, a broad stallion with grand musculature that would put most stallions to shame. His Coat was a glistening silver color. His mane a proud fiery red color. The Coat family was a family of steel worker's who ran the steel factory in Fillydelphia.  Iron envied his father, the resolve, the epitome of manliness. The one thing that Iron envied the most about his father was his undying drive and willpower.  Steel led the factory with greatness.  Every single pony who worked for them, loved Steel Coat.  It made Iron feel claustrophobic.  He knew deep down, that he would never be able to equal his father's reputation. He feared that when it came time for him to run the family buisness he would destroy the proud reputation of the Coat family.  This painful grasp made Iron seclusive in his social standings.  The only other pony he felt comfortable with conversing with was his younger brother Copper Coat.  Copper had a care-free near chaotic nature.  Fun-loving and ignorant to many great deals in the world. Iron treasured his younger sibling.  He wished he could absorb some of his cheeriness.  Still for Iron he contained his endless depression.  Other students in his school found his weakness something to prey on.  Teasing and Bullying him at every opportune moment.  He had no wish to even attempt to fight back against his unrelenting classmates. He looked away from his father and down at his forehooves. "i am a weak and pathetic excuse of a member to this family."   he  whispered under his breath.  Feeling a weight on his shoulder he looked at his father who gave him a faint smile. "What has you sulking about boy?" Iron looked back down to the floor.  He couldn't tell his father he hated the pressure of living under such a great Stallion.  That every living moment he wished for his to end. "It's nothing.." Steel raised a brow. "i think i know my own son enough to know that he has been troubled." "Don't worry about me.  I'll be alright.."  Steel gritted his teeth.  He himself wasn't very good at comforting somepony. "You can tell me anything you know that don't you?"  The words shot at Iron's heart strings.  He felt like he harmed his father.  More things to add to his list of depressing thoughts. "Dad, just.. i'm gonna go ahead and go to my room." He slowly trotted off to his room.  Steel watched his son walk away and sighed. **************************************************************************************************** Night fell on Fillydelphia, The Coat house was quiet.  Yet Iron laid awake on his bed.  He stared out his window at the quiet town and sighed heavily. "i need to get out of here."  He pushed off his blanket and wrapped all of his 'necessary' requirements of escaping.  He struggled to tie the blanket around his neck to carry upon his back.  He pushed open his bedroom window and climbed out.  The weight of the package sent him tumbling down the room and onto the dark street. "where do i go from here?" he wondered to himself as he began to walk under the moonlit sky.  He gazed at the moon while he trotted along.  He loved the bright luminous light of the moon that didn't burn to stare at.  His legs started to burn as the weight of everything on his back started to take a toll on his frail filly body. He decided to rest and set the stuff down, But to avoid getting caught he decided to hide in a dark alleyway. As he sat down he jolted at the cold feel of the wet damp pavement.  The moonlight did not shine as brightly there, as it did on the street.  Iron heard the sound of mice skittering across of ground.  He felt his stomach curl as he figured how hungry he started to become. Carrying the supplies drained him more then he imagined.  He opened his pack and took out a small treat.  He placed his small half eaten cupcake on top of his wrapped pack and took a small conservative bite.  He figured if he was really running away he would have to ration as much of his food as possible. The rats of the alleyway noticed the sweet treat and decided they wanted it themselves.  thirty-five to fifty rodents became visible.  Even more was audiable.  They surrounded Iron like a pack of wolves ready to strike.  Worried for his own safety he tossed the cupcake down deeper into the alleyway.  Just a handful of the rats decided to go after it. The rats noted the bag and believed that there was more food in there.  That if they just took his entire bag they wouldn't have to fight for the remains of a single miniature cupcake.  iron wasn't willing to get rid of all his supplies.  He wanted to run away and he didn't want a whole bunch of small rats to trump his plans. He attempted to stand his ground my standing menacing between his rucksack and the rat army.  As they approached he began to stomp his front hooves upon the ground to scare them off.  The ploy only worked for a little while.  He slowly started to fatigue and his hooves started to hurt with each impact. "No...no.." his breaths were heavy.  He kept up his struggle against the Rats.  unfortunately the rats out maneuvered Iron and started biting at his sheets.  He smashed on Rat, it let out a squeal  as it died.  The Murder took the all of the rats' attention. They started to march towards iron.  Vengeance yearned in their eyes as they continued their sinister approach. Aloud thud was heard as a large Pegasus landed before him.  She wore Golden armor and her fur was pure white.  Iron 's eyes were wide with relief.  He stared in awe as she scared away all of the rats.  Her helm was the helm of an Equestria Royal Guard. "You're out late, come i'll take you home."  Her voice was honey sickle sweet to his ears like a warmth he longed for.  He followed her to his home, with a new look on life. Iron then wanted to join the Equestrian Royal Army.  Be among the proud warriors of Equestria, He wanted to be the First Earth pony to become a Royal guard.  His goal was set, and he believed this was the feat that would help him equal even his father. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chasing a Dream //-------------------------------------------------------// Chasing a Dream Two years past since Iron came across the Pegasus who saved him from the rat legion.  He stood a tall and proud stallion.  His muscles were thick, rough and solid like a sturdy piece of metal.  He was in his last year of Filly school, and he was a bit concerned about his cutie mark but paid no mind to it.  After confronting his classroom bullies, he was no longer viewed as a weak link.  He even took it upon himself to stand up for the smaller weaker Fillies. His father Steel, opened multiple steel workshops across Equestria and hired management.  Leaving him and his sons home to relax and enjoy life as much as they wanted.  His red mane showed hints of fading color.  He was still a very broad Stallion who stood only a few inches taller then his eldest son. Copper smaller then Iron obtained his cutie mark, the image of a hammer and paintbrush that crossed in an 'x' manner.  He loved to sculpt and paint metal workings.  Officially finding his place in the family business as head of the design department.  He still retained his lax disposition. *********************************************************************************************************** Iron walked into his home stretching his arms wide.  He trotted directly to his father's private study.  He knocked on the door three times in a quick rhythm. "Dad! its Iron, can i come in?" "Ah! yes come on in!" he walked in and saw his father with another Stallion around Steel's same age and two invert color Filly mare's the same age as he was. "Iron this is a close friend of mine, He and his two niece's are going to be in Fillydelphia for a little while,  This is Aloe and Lotus Blossom."  The two girls waved hello to Iron, he blushed and turned tail and walked out of the room hastily.  His face had a dark flush of red as he retreated from to his room. "You'll have to excuse my son, Mr. Blossom, he is a bit shy when it comes to pretty Mare's such as your nieces."  Mr Blossom let out a small laugh while the two sisters smiled at one another.  They enjoyed every bit of complement given by others. When Iron reached his personal quarters he dropped to his stomach and started pushing himself up and down.  Repeatedly working his forelegs.  His work out was interrupted by a loud and obnoxious wrapping on the door. "HEY IRON!!! its copper man, let me in."  Iron rolled his eyes and smiled as he let his little brother in.  "can you believe it Iron Pa has got some real cuties livin' with us for the next three days" Iron's face was flushed as soon as he remembered their cute pink and blue faces. Copper played off on Iron Coat's shyness towards women.  "Y'know when you're one of them Soldiers they'll be all over you, and your uniform."  Iron shook his head vigorously to regain composure. "You're better at talking to girls, they'll be all over you"  he joked pushing Copper's shoulder playfully.  "im gonna go ahead and start my trot." Iron stood up and began towards the door.  Copper smiled and tilted his head back playfully. "I can get them girls to watch ya work that body" he chuckled as Iron stiffed up in front of the door.  The pause was akward as Iron pushed through his door and walked out of his room and into the main foyer.  He stood in front of the main entrance to the manor and stretched each individual leg. First he stretched out his front left foreleg then his right. As soon as he started stretching his hind left leg he heard a voice behind him. "y'know your really large for a Filly our age"  He turned around and saw The Blossom sisters.  The blue one spoke to him.  He smiled the best he could while looking into their sparkling eyes. "i-i.. well...y'know.. eh..."  he stammered trying to get words out but ultimately failed in the end. The two giggled. "It was a complement..." "I-Iron C-Coat. miss?" "oh, well my name is Lotus, this is my sister Aloe." she smiled at him.  Her smile was warm Iron didn't know how to respond.  He wanted to get to know Lotus.  More then anypony.  He knew that he was failing at gaining any chance with being her friend let alone boy friend. Copper came to the rescue with a fun prance as he entered the room.  "Oh hi there, my name is Copper you'll have to forgive him, he is rarely like this, just around Mare's he finds well beautiful!" The rescue ploy didn't help Iron as much as Copper thought it did.  none-the-less Lotus and Aloe found them bothe very much entertaining. This time Aloe spoke.  "Would you boys like to show us around you're lovely town of Fillydelphia?" Copper slid slowly next to Lotus and playfully smiled widely.  "it'd be an honor Mi'lady" he said in an attempt to mimic the accent used at trottingham. "Why thank you, sir Copper. I am Aloe Blossom and my sister Lotus Blossom, pleased to make your acquaintance."  She played along with Copper's odd manner. "Well iron care to join us?" Lotus asked Iron.  His only response was to smile and nod. As they walked through Fillydelphia, Iron caught himself looking at Lotus's face.  He loved her eyes, and how her hair has a wonderful pink shine.  She caught him staring and winked at him.  The action turned his cheeks as red as his hair.  He gave a wan smile in reaction. Lotus found him extremely adorable like a little filly. "Hey, Iron can i ask you something?" Her voice tickled his eyes. "uh..yeah, i-i mean sure." "Is there a specific reason why, you've decided to bulk yourself up?" "Oh, well uh..."  Copper looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Iron had a rough childhood and he was bullied" He answered for Iron. "No, well yes.  I was bullied but it wasn't because of being bullied" "OH! then what was it?" Aloe asked this time. "A Canterlot Royal Guard helped me out one night.  Ever since then, well i wanted to join them" "Wait, what when did that happen?" Copper was confused.  He did not hear about how he was saved before today. "It happened two years ago, i tried to run away.  But well long story short i was saved and i begged her not to tell Dad"  He shrugged "What you guys didn't know didn't hurt ya" "No arguing there, but only Pegasus, and Unicorns can become Royal Guards, there aren't any Earth ponies there" "You raised a good point, i'm just an Earth Pony yes, but maybe just maybe if i become strong enough they'll look over it"  Iron looked towards the ground and he had a small smile on his lips. "well I think its a nice dream, i wish you luck iron." Aloe patted Iron's shoulder. Copper grinned evilly "Well then, you're gonna have to be really, really strong" he approached Iron with a slyness of a fox.  "Let us see if you can pull Simon, behind our house!" Aloe and Lotus in unison asked "Simon?" "Simon is a giant boulder the size of a dragon behind our manor" Copper jabbed playfully at Iron's side.  Iron shook his head and looked at his younger brother.  Copper gave a defiant frown. "How bout a little deal, I'll stay and take over the company, while you can go join the Royal Guard if you can move Simon today!" The comment that Copper made shot deep into Iron.  His eyes wide with shock at the proposal Copper had made.  This was a scapegoat he needed to avoid working at the Factory he had always dreaded taking over as a child.  He knew that it would be a long shot for him to even attempt to move Simon. "I'll do it" Copper was shocked at Iron's answer.  He didn't expect his brother to actually take a gamble.  He smiled widely, he knew that his brother's determination was absolute. Aloe and Lotus looked at each other then back at the brothers in deep confusion.  The entire seen was that of a brotherly drama movie.  They couldn't help but feel deeply confused. ************************************************************************************************************************ After walking all the way back to their Manor.  They walked into the back garden.  The garden was covered in red and blue flowers.  A beautiful scene from straight from a picture book.  All the flowers were into rings around a giant boulder.  The boulder itself was near half the size of the Manor.  It dwarfed all four of the ponies as they approached it. "This is Simon" Copper Announced to the two girls "Its a pleasure to meet you simon." they both said in unison. Before they knew it Iron was already wrapping ropes around the entire boulder.  Within moments he harnessed the rope around himself and looked back at Copper. "It's a deal right? You promise to take over the Steel factory?"  Copper smiled widely at Iron and pounded his chest above his heart. "Alright then, lets begin."  He started to attempt to walk forward.  Yet there was no movement in his position and on the boulder's own position. "You got this!" Aloe cheered "You can do it!" Lotus called out Iron's forearms tensed his muscles bulged as he pushed his body forward.  Sweat dripped down his forehead and down his shoulders.  His squeezed his jaw tightly. "C'mon man, you wanna chase that dream don't ya" Copper added his own fanfare to the mix A bright light shone from Iron as he dragged the boulder an inch.  A picture of a giant dumbbell appeared on hes rump.  His cutie mark appeared as he started to pull at Simon.  Copper, Aloe, and Lotus went wide eyed and dropped their jaw as they watched Iron pull Simon a good seven inches. "YEAH!!" they all cheered for Iron.  He collapsed in exhaustion.  He looked over at them and gave a tired grin. "Phew, i'm... Tired" he laughed slowly and heavily breathed. His stomach grumbled. "And.. now im hungry." //-------------------------------------------------------// Denied a Dream Pt 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Denied a Dream Pt 1 "So this is Canterlot" Iron looked at the vast city as the train he was riding neared Canterlot.  He sat eagerly at his seat looking out the window in amazement. The train was relatively loud and lively with conversation.  Yet all felt silent to iron while he was caught up in his thoughts.  Years of training and preparation was about to be realized.  His heart raced every second closer the train got to Canterlot. Iron was officially twice the size of an average pony.  His muscles were bulbous and veins protruded from every  bulge.  His jaw was very gaunt and his hair was cropped in a warrior's mo-hawk. The train stopped and everypony stood and prepared to leave the train.  as soon as Iron stood up and showed his true size all stared in complete awe.  Either terrified or mesmerized they didn't revert their eyes from the massive Stallion who marched out of his seat and into the aisles. "Hey!" it was a black coated Pegasus with red stripes who called out.  Iron titled his head back in acknowledgement. "My name is Heartfire Burns!, whats your name stranger?"  As the conversation started life returned back in the train. Everypony started to leave and continue on their business.  "What brings such a massive pony hear to Canterlot?" "My name is Iron Coat, and i'm here to enlist" "Enlist to what?" Heartfire asked following Iron out of the train and into the entrance to the train station. "I'm here to become a Canterlot Royal Guard" The answer confused Heartfire.  He knew that there was only Pegasi and Unicorns in the Royal guards.  He flew over to be eye level with Iron Coat.  "Sorry to break it to ya man, but you're an earth pony" "Oh, yeah i know that" Iron walked pass Heartfire.  His eyes were constantly searching for direction. "Well, there are only Pegasi and Unicorn are in the Royal guard dude" Iron looked at Heartfire with heavy set eyes as if he was sizing him up.  "I'm not an ordinary earth pony.  I'm THE strongest earth pony in Equestria, they have to take me in." Confidence was evident in his voice. He was proud of his self-proclaimed title. "Confident,... I like it!" Hearfire laughed and patted his shoulder.  "I'll leave you to that man, i gotta go see ya around Iron"  Iron Coat nodded towards Hearfire as he flew away.  The walk ways in Canterlot themselves seemed very much like a maze.  Iron wasn't used to the high class in Canterlot. To him everypony looked like they had crap on their noses or too engrossed in their own money.  He found them all distasteful.  He stopped in the middle of the path to get a good baring of where he was.  The sound of the busy street even seemed stuck up.  it wasn't  untill somepony called out. "Hey you big lummox, i'm talking to ya." a blue unicorn called out to him.  "I'm trying to draw here and your in the way." "Oh, haha im sorry bout that miss." "Yeah yeah just move will yeah." Iron grunted at her, and stepped over towards the coffee shop she was working at. iron sat at a table and looked around.  He was overwhelmed by the sheer size of Canterlot.  "Waiter!" "How can i help you sir?" the small waiter asked him. "Can i get a cup of Cider, and Five slices of wheat bread" "Will that be all?" "Yeah, thank you" After waiter left a hyper active pink Pegasus approached the Blue Unicorn calling out.  The active grabbed Iron's Attention. "Color Pad!!! hey! Color Pad" Color Pad dropped her pencil and sighed. "Hey Heart Warmer" she seemed a bit displeased yet, calm as her friend approached. "You'll never guess what i saw in the train today!" "Oh? tell me bout it" "There was this HUUUUUUUUGE Stallion, he looked like an Ape but wow you have-" she looked over at Iron Coat. "WHOA there he is the BEHEMOTH, HEY! Mr. Behemoth, my name is Heart Warmer and this is Color Pad!" Color pad face hooved at Heart Warmer's comment.  "Didn't your mom tell ya not to talk to strangers?" Heart Warmer looked at her confused then laughed. "Haha i getting it cause he is so strange cause of his size." Iron Coat rolled his eyes and waited for the food to arrive.  Heart Warmer trotted over to Iron and looked him from head to Toe. "Y'know Mr. Behemoth you never told us your name". "Leave him alone Heart, he probably doesn't know how to speak." Iron let out an angry grunt.  "My name is Iron, I'm here for the Royal guard recruitment." Heart Warmer let out a loud chuckle.  "you must be a few cells loose of a complete brain!"  He looked over at Color Pad.  "He thinks he is a unicorn." Color Pad looked over her shoulder and frowned "He can't be a Unicorn, He has way too much muscle mass and no brain mass" "Look you cold bitch." he barked at Color Pad.  He rose from his seat and slammed his mighty hoof on the table she had her sketch pad on.  The sheer weight of his leg shattered the table.  "I don't need my I.Q insulted by a washed up artist such as yourself, from the looks of it my brother is a far better artist then you!" Color Pad's eyes were wide in shock.  She cocked a smile and eased her  eyes on Iron.  "Hmph, at least he isn't a push over.  You're gonna need that if you wanna make in.  Shining Armor likes his soldiers strong, and Firm." The sound of a tray dropping and spilling all of its contents caught the attention of the three in conversation. "Oh, my TABLE!" he waiter looked at the table under Iron's hoof. Heart Warmer jumped up.  "Oh don't worry, I'm a doctor, i'll cover the table."  The waiter's face cringed. "Well it's two hundred bits." Heart Warmer nodded and smiled in acknowledgement. Iron looked over at Heart Warmer and bowed his head in apology.  Heart Warmer had a hearty laugh as he continued to apologies over and over at the predicament he caused. "Don't worry, See even though he makes us look like ants, he is a gentle giant." She pulled out a check and wrote up the payment.  "Look, Iron if you sustain major injury during your training look for Heart Warmer, and i'll get you fixed up." Iron started to feel a lot more welcome as he met other ponies who don't act high and mighty.  He looked at both of them and smiled.  Then it hit him this is a perfect opportunity to find out where the Recruitment office was.  He looked at Color Pad then to Heart Warmer. "D'ya know where the Recruitment office is?" Heart Warmer hopped up and down and squeeked. "Oh, oh i know i know where it is!" she hopped off "Follow me and i will show you. " *************************************************************************************** A grand building held up by pillars of immense height.  The Doors where oaken, and had the insignia of the Canterlot Royal Guard. Excitement rushed into Iron.  His dream was close to being realized.  His eyes were wide as he gazed at every single detail of the building.  From the sculpture of two equestrians.  A mighty Pegasus and a Regal Unicorn side by side towering over passersby.  His eyes shone with imagination as an image of him being the largest statue the first Earth pony Royal guard. Patrol Pegasi where flying about as two others marched about the entrance. With two unicorns standing vigilantly beside the door.  Heart Warmer and Color Pad Jabbed his side in unison. "Well, what are you waiting for Gigantor. get a move on! you won't be a guard unless you make it up those steps and stop drooling on yourself." Color Pad's words of encouragement themselves were very sharp.  Even though they had good intentions behind them. "R-right" Iron started slowly up the stairs.  The two Trotting Guards stopped and looked at him.  They tilted their heads in acknowledgement and confusion. They watched as he marched towards the door. "H-hello, i would like to speak to a recruitment officer." he spoke to the two Unicorns.  They both laughed loudly.  One had a very raspy voice.  He looked at the other and then back at the stallion infront of him. "ppfft.. sure thing, you can speak to a recruiter." He nodded to the other unicorn and they opened the door using their magic.  "Go right ahead in."  Iron saluted in respect to the two unicorns and continued into the massive building. "This is it!"