The Dark Pony: Origin

Ponies filled the council chambers and each of them had something to say. What started out as a conference quickly became a shouting match as everypony tried to get their questions and opinions heard above the rest.

“Is my family safe here?” shouted one mare.

“Do the kingdoms even care what happens to us?” yelled a stallion.

Scion tried to speak above the crowd “Please, everypony calm down, once Ashen arrives, all of you concerns will be heard.” The unruly crowd deaf to his pleas continued to yell as the doors opened and Ashen stepped in.

Scion showed a relieved smile “Thank the stars. Everypony Ashen is here now if you wi-.”

Scion was cut off by a stallion shouting “What are you going to do to protect us?”

Scion tried again “If you all will please jus-” But a mare cut him off “I refuse to put my foals in danger!”

“Please just listen to me” Scion said being ignored once more. He let out an angry growl. He lift up, bought his hooves crashing down on the desk and yelled with all his might “Silence!” The crowd quickly turned to him now paying full attention.

Scion held back the urge to yell “Please, take. Your. Seats.” Everypony quickly sat down, even Ashen hurried to his seat.

Scion cleared his throat while he adjusted his collar “This meeting was called so everypony can speak their minds. You will all get a chance to do so. However, you will speak one at a time and you will keep your voices down. Is that understood?” The crowd looked at Scion as a scolded child would look at their father.

Scion nodded with a smile “Very good. We are here to discuss today’s events, but before we get into that, allow me to clarify some facts. First off an earth pony mare fourteen years of age and a pegasus stallion fifteen years of age were attacked by monsters from the Everfree forest.” The crowd gasped with fear and began to chatter.

“Secondly!” Scion said loudly “The young mare was injured and is currently resting in the hospital. She is expected to make a full recovery.” Scion sighed and crossed his forelegs “However, the stallion’s body was not found. By the mare’s account, he fought against the creatures allowing her to escape but was overwhelmed and carried off into the forest. He is presumed deceased.” Hearing that upset the crowd more and they began to raise their voices again.

Scion quickly spoke above them “Please everypony, I and my fellow council members personally hunted down the beasts that were responsible for this attack.”

A pegasus stallion stood up and shouted “Too little, too late!” He walked towards the counselor's desk. His read mane flowed back onto his silver coat and his amber eyes burned with anger as he stomped his way forward.

Scion began to speak but is cut off by Midnight “You’re right, this never should have happened in the first place. We should have had sentries posted at the edge of town from day one. That is a matter we were going to discuss today but we were too late and for that I am sorry.”

The stallion gritted his teeth and yelled furiously “Your apologies won’t bring back my son!”

Midnight gasped and instantly put her ears back “He…he was your son?”

The stallion took a breath and tried to speak calmly “Yes, he was. He was smart and kind, strong and brave. He had a good heart and a smile that could light up a room. He was all I had left. And now” the stallion began to breath faster “and now! I have nothing! Nothing! And it's your fault!”

Midnight bit her bottom lip and looks away.

Ashen quickly yelled “That’s enough! I know you’re in pain but you can’t possibly blame Midnight for this.”

The stallion's eyes glowed with a deathly stare “I do! I blame her! I blame you! I blame the council! That mare! The forest! The monsters! This town! The kingdoms!  I blame the whole damn world!” The stallion took a few breaths as tears formed in his eyes “Especially myself.” He said quietly as he turned to walk away. “I'm going back to Windfall tomorrow.” He stopped as he reached the door. He looked back, his distant eyes burned with a cold, cruel flame. “I hate this town. I hope it burns to the ground and takes all of you with it.”

The chambers fell silent after the stallion left. His anguished words struck hard and left even the most boisterous of ponies speechless. After what seemed like a thousand years of stillness, a familiar form rose up from the crowd. Raintree’s words broke the defining silence “If I may, I have a suggestion.”

Scion nodded “Go ahead, my friend.”

Raintree bowed his head “I suggest we form a guardian corps, a group of ponies to act as sentries, guards and if necessary, warriors to drive off monster attacks.”

Scion put his hoof to his chin with a smile “Hmm, a fine suggestion. I approve. Recruiting will start tomorrow at noon.”

Ashen cleared his throat “Umm…Scion? Are you forgetting something?”

Scion looked at Ashen “Hmm, I do not think so. Am I forgetting something?

Ashen gestured to himself then to Midnight.

Scion looked back and forth between them; suddenly Ashen’s meaning struck him and he let out a laugh “Oh! My apologies, I am still not quite use to needing another’s approval. I do hope you forgive me.”

Midnight smiled “It’s alright, you’re forgiven. Just remember we’re here next time.”

Scion bowed “I will and thank you. Now back to the issue of a guardian corps.” He looks to Midnight and Ashen “What do the two of you think?”

“It’s a good start” said Midnight “But it will only be a start.”

“I agree” said Ashen “We need to build some watch towers and maybe a strong wall. At this moment I believe creating a corps is the best thing we can do.”

Scion nodded “It is settled then, we will begin recruiting tomorrow. And Raintree?”

Raintree bowed “Yes, my lord.”

Scion grinned at him “Would you be willing to be the corps commander?”

Raintree laughed “You want this old pony to be commander?”

Scion returned his laugh “You are not that old, besides, I know you are a powerful warrior. You are more than capable of fighting monsters and training new recruits. Are you interested?”

Raintree bowed deeply “It would be an honor, my lord.”

Scion looked towards Midnight “Do I have your approval?”

Midnight thought for a moment “Well…I don’t know him but if you trust him then so will I. I have a friend that may want to join as well.”

“I agree” said Ashen “If you vouch for him, then that’s good enough for me.”

Scion showed a proud smile “Splendid” He cleared his throat. He stood tall, placed one hoof on the desk and pointed at Raintree with the other. Raintree kneeled down. Scion nodded his head. He pulled back his hoof and placed it across his chest.  Scion spoke in a loud royal tone that befitted a proud monarch “Then I, Scion Vial, hereby name you, Sir Raintree, commander of Canterlot’s Guardian Corps. Now arise, Commander Raintree.”

Raintree stood up. He let out a small laugh as a content smile crossed his face “Sir Raintree, That’s a name I haven’t heard in awhile.”

Scion smiled with a nod “It is one you deserve, friend.”

Raintree bowed “Thank you, my lord.”

Ashen looked at Scion with a playful grin “Scion? Wasn't that a little over the top?”

Scion adjusted his cape “My apologies.” He flashed a small grin “But I have always wanted to knight somepony.”

Midnight hesitantly spoke up “Umm… S-Scion? Can I do the next one?”

Scion laughed “Of course you can, Midnight.”

Midnight flashed an energetic smile “Alright! I’ll have to get my wing blades and do it pegasi style.”

Ashen laughed to himself and muttered under his breath “I thought I was the unprofessional one.” He stood tall and addressed the crowd “Everypony, your attention please. First off, I want to give our sincerest apologies for what has happened today, we were unprepared. However, I assure you that it will not happen again. As Scion has said, we will begin recruiting for the Guardian Corps tomorrow, anypony interested in joining, please be in front of the council building at noon. Your responsibilities will be discussed at that time.”

A unicorn mare seated in the back called out “Hey! How much do we get paid?”

Her voice, with its strong earth worker accent, seemed familiar to Ashen “That will also be discussed then.” He squinted and tried to see the mare but the chandeliers light did not reach the back row.

Unable to get a good look at the mare, Ashen ignored her and continued to speak “Now, I would like to give all of you some guidelines to help you keep you safe. First, do not go past the Western side of the town or anywhere near The Everfree Forest, that is the monsters main habitat. Secondly, do not leave the town in the hours between dusk and dawn, that is when the monsters are most active and if you must leave, do not go alone. Always be mindful of your surroundings when you’re outside of town, most monsters prefer to ambush their victims from behind large rocks, bushes or trees. Lastly, if you do see a monster, of any kind, do not approach it or attempt to confront it. Just get back to town as fast as you can and inform a member of the council or the Guardian Corps. Please pass on this information to your children and anypony who is not present here tonight.”

Ashen paused for a moment and took a breath “Now, does anypony have any questions or perhaps comments they would like to add?”

The unicorn mare stood up and walked onto the dim back aisle. Her short blonde mane and tail were messy and seem to lie where they fell this morning. The brazen look on her face reflected in her dark blue eyes, which offset her vermillion coat. She shouted with force “Hey! Ya’ said the try outs start at noon, right?”

Ashen stared at the mare for a second as he tried to glimpse more than her shadowy form through the dim light “Yes, yes I did.”

The mare turned towards the doors “Alright then, see ya there Ash.”

Ashen put his hoof to his chin and tilted his head as he watched her leave.

Midnight looked at Ashen “Do you know her Ashen?”

Ashen laughed “Let’s hope not.”

Midnight stared at Ashen with a questioning look.

Ashen shook his head “Never mind.”

Scion sighed “Moving on. Does anypony else have something to say?” He looked over the silent crowd. “In that case this meeting is adjourned. Please, rest assured that we the council put the safety and security of this town and its residents above all else. Today’s events will not be repeated, you have my word.”

Ashen sighed as the crowd began to exit “Well, that went better than I expected.”

Midnight hung her head and held her shoulder “E-except for that stallion’s father.” She paused and took a slow breath “I’ll never forget the look in his eyes.”

Scion closed his eyes with a nod “I know what you mean, a horrible mix of wrath, misery and hopelessness. He was truly in more pain than anypony should ever have to endure.”

Ashen looked away. The others barely heard him as he whispered to himself “That’s a look I’ll never get used to.”

Scion turned to him “You have seen that look before?”

Ashen looked up at the arches in the ceiling “Too many times…far too many.” He got up from the desk and walked toward the exit.

“Ashen?” asked Scion “Are you alright?”

Ashen ignored his question “Have a good night you two. I’ll see you both in the morning.”

Scion looked at Midnight after Ashen was gone “What was that about?”

“Scion?” asked Midnight “last night you said Ashen was in the military, right?”

Scion nodded “Yes, he was and technically still is a military tactician. He was never associated with one particular kingdom, however. He traveled from place to place using his knowledge to put down large armies of monsters wherever they appeared.”

“Was he ever a commander?” asked Midnight.

Scion held his chin “In a way, he was always put in command of mercenary groups and because of his skill; he was sometimes given command of Kingdom troops as well.

Midnight chuckled “How do you know so much about him?”

Scion shook his head with a small laugh “My cousin was once under his command. She became enamored with him and would talk about him incessantly.”

Midnight laughed “I see” She goes quiet for a moment then hesitantly asked “Did…he serve as commander often?”

Scion nodded “Yes, he did, he acted as commander in many battles.”

Midnight eyes drifted down “I think I understand now.”

Scion looked a bit puzzled “Could you please explain it to me then?”

Midnight sighed “He acted as a commanding officer, whenever a soldier…dies under your command; it’s tradition for you to deliver their belongings and the news of their death to their loved ones…personally.”

Scion’s eyes widened slightly “I…I see.”

Midnight looked up and showed a small, sad smile “I’ve had to do it a few times myself and I never left, Windfall. If Ashen has traveled, then he’s probably been a part of every major battle in the last five years.”

Scion shook his head “More so, he became a military tactician at the age of sixteen, so that would make it the past eight years then.”

Midnight turned away as a gloomy tone entered her voice “That’s a lot of battles.”

Scion put his ears back. His tone matched Midnight’s “And a lot of death.”

Midnight stood up “I don’t think I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Scion stood as well “Neither shall I, but I shall wish you a good night anyway.”

Midnight smiled “Goodnight to you to, Scion.”

The both of them left the council building and returned to their homes for a restless night’s sleep.

The next morning, Scion was the first at the council building. His hoofsteps echoed as he walked down the empty aisle “I do hope the others will be on time today.”

Just then, the doors opened and Midnight walked in “Morning, Scion.”

Scion turned “Ah, good morning, Midnight” As he looked toward her he noticed two large, ornate cases strapped to her sides “Hmm, what are those?”

Midnight looked at the cases “Oh, these. Since were going to be meeting recruits today and maybe doing a little training. I just thought I’d bring my wing blades and their connecting chest plate.”

Scion smiled “Wonderful, I look forward to seeing them.”

Midnight’s eyes lit up “Oh, do you like weapons?”

Scion shook his head “Not particularly but after seeing how well you fight unarmed. I cannot wait to see what you can do with those.”

A confident smile glistened across Midnight’s face “Well if I do have to use them, you better pay attention, because if you blink, you’ll miss it.”

Scion laughed “I will be sure not to blink then. May I see them?”

Midnight shook her head “Not yet, I want to wait for Ashen.”

A voice called out from behind her “Your wait is over.” Ashen walked into the building. He winked with a mischievous smile “Now, what do I get to see?”

Midnight turned to him with a smile “My wing blades.”

Ashen sighed “Oh, is that all, I was hoping for something better.”

Midnight snapped at him “There is nothing better than my wing blades!”

Ashen laughed as he took a step back “Easy, Night, I’m just kidding. Quite a coincidence though. I brought something for show and tell as well.”

Ashen raised his left foreleg up to his chest and showed off the circular shield strapped to his leg. The shield’s silver edge glowed with a metallic luster. Its green face shined with mirror quality and sparkled, as if made of emeralds. At its heart, there was an emblem of a blazing amber sun. From the center of the sun, rose a crescent moon, carved from onyx as dark as night.

Scion looked into the shield’s surface and stared at the rose-colored eyes that looked back at him “My, my quite a beautiful shield, Ashen.”

Midnight smiled and let out a small giggle “Looks like something you’d hang on a wall. Do you actually fight with that thing?”

Ashen grinned “Of course I do. It's a lot stronger than it looks and its edge is sharp enough to cut a goblin in two.”

Midnight showed a spirited smile “Not bad, but these.” She looked at the cases on her side “Can cleave an ogre in halve.”

Ashen laughed “Alright then, I showed you mine, now it's your turn.”

Midnight walked behind the desk “Alright.” She ducked down with a small laugh “No peeking.”

Ashen and Scion looked at each other as they heard sounds coming from behind the desk. First, they heard the sound of the cases opening, then the sound of clanking metal and rustling feathers, finally the sound of metal interlocking and straps being tightened.

Midnight called out “Ready boys?” She rose up and stood tall. In one quick motion, she raised her head and spread her wings wide. Metal armor enveloped her chest and wrapped around the base of her neck. The right side of the armor is pearl white, while the left is a glossy black. Golden borders outlined the armor and the two crescent moons that sat back to back on her chest. The armor continued down her back until it rose up the forward edge of her wings and formed into razor sharp blades that flowed down her wing’s entire length and just past their tips.

Just after Midnight spread her wings, the sun broke through the windows, illuminated her form and made her armor and coat sparkle and shine. The gentle rays of the morning sun caressed her body, enveloped her in a sacred light that gave her a divine, breathtaking beauty.

Scion and Ashen both stood speechless with their mouth open in awe. Midnight, flapped her wings a single time, leapt over the desk and glided to the others. She landed just in front of them and smiled with pride.

Ashen managed to muster enough of his senses to utter a single breathless word “W-wow.” While Scion wasn’t even able gather that much.

Midnight looked at her blades “I know, they’re beautiful, aren’t they.” She gently ran her hoof down the white wing blade “This one, I call Faith.”  She softly held the black wing blade up to her cheek “And this one, is Conviction. They have been my constant companions for eight years and they have never once let me down.”

Ashen managed to collect himself “They…they fit you well, both in name and appearance. They’re beautiful Night.” He bumped Scion with his hoof “Right, Scion?”

Scion was still half-stunned. His tongue forgot its manners as it stumbled over itself “Y-yes, s-she’s beautiful.” His face instantly burned red “Uh I-I mean it’s beautiful um, ah, they’re beautiful.” Scion looked to the floor and cleared his throat “They are quite beautiful Midnight. Their style and elegance are unmatched.”

Midnight showed a kind smile “Thank you both, they are my treasures. They mean everything to me.” She let out a small giggle “Honestly, I'm looking forward to showing them off today.”

Scion looked up and adjusted his cape “W-well, we…we still have sometime till noon. Shall we get some work done?”

Midnight nodded “Sounds good to me.” She flew behind the desk.

Ashen grinned as he whispered to Scion “She’s beautiful, huh?”

Scion glared at Ashen with a “Humph” before he walked up to the desk and took his seat.

Ashen laughed to himself before he joined them. After several hours of deliberation passed, Scion spoke up “It is almost time. We should go outside and begin preparations.”

Ashen looked up with a smile “It’s not like we have a lot to prepare, but let’s go anyway. I'm anxious to see how many will show up.”

Midnight laughed with excitement “This will be fun. How about we make a grand entrance?” She walked up to the doors “Scion, you get to my left and, Ashen, you get to my right.” The stallions happily did as she asked.

Midnight nodded “Ashen, when I say so, use your magic to swing the doors open. Then we will all walk out together. Stick out your chest, suck in those bellies and hold your heads high.” Midnight spread her bladed wings wide. She looked at the stallions that stood proudly next to her “Ready?”

Ashen nodded his head. He showed a prideful smile as he took a strong stance.

Scion did his best to pose “I suppose so. However, I feel a bit silly.”

Midnight stood tall “Ashen, now!”

Ashen swung the doors open wide making a layer of dust fly into the air. The high sun beamed on them as they stepped out from the doorway.  A gust of wind blew through just as their hooves hit the ground. The wind blew back their manes and made Scion’s cape flutter. The three of them looked as if they were heroes returning from a glorious battle. Their grand entrance struck awe and admiration in the group of…four ponies.

When Scion saw the small group, immediately dropped out of his pose and muttered to himself “I am never doing that again.”

Ashen whispered to Midnight “I was expecting more, four ponies don’t make an army.”

Midnight whispered back “Maybe the rest haven’t arrived yet, I know my friend’s not here.”

Scion looked around with a small sigh “Neither is, Raintree. If the two of you would be willing to interview these…four, I will go and see what is keeping him.”

Ashen nodded with a small laugh “I think we can handle that.”

Scion nodded back “Very well.” He turned away “I wish you luck.”

Midnight walked up to the four and pointed out a unicorn and a pegasus “I’ll take these two.”

Ashen looked at the other pegasus and earth pony “That leaves you two to me.”

After Ashen interviewed his second pony, he looked up at the young earth pony stallion that seemed to be in his late teens “Let me get this straight, you have no tactical experience, no weapon experience and no combat experience of any kind. Is that right?”

The young stallion nodded his head. Ashen sighed “So, why do you want to join the Corps then?”

The young stallion stuck out his chest “I want to be knight, just like, The Flame from Blue Moon.”

Ashen’s eyes lit up “I just finished that book! It was a great story.”

The young stallion nodded excitedly “I know! That part near the end when the six heroes charged through the ice kings minions fighting them off left and right. That was so awesome!”

Ashen smiled wide “That was my favorite part!” He laughed “But you know being a real knight is nothing like that? You spend fifty percent of your time training your flank off and forty-nine percent staring at nothing. Only one percent is actual combat, if that.”

The stallion nodded “I know, but I still want to be a knight, fighting for glory on the battlefield.”

Ashen glared at the young stallion. A heated tone enters his voice “If you’re fighting for glory, then you’re fighting for the wrong reason. There is only one good reason to fight, to protect something you love. If you fight for anything else.” Ashen glare struck firm on the stallion as his words lashed like a whip “Then you are wrong! Remember that.”

The young stallion took a step back and lowered his head “Y-yes, sir.”

Ashen took a breath and looked away “Umm sorry. Please return to the others, when Scion gets back we will announce our decisions.”

The young stallion nodded “Yes, sir.” He turned back to the others and hung his head as he walked off.

Ashen looked at the recruits and shook his head with a worried sigh. Just as he got lost in thought, two large duel ended halberds flew in from behind and stabbed into the ground, one on each side of him missing him by mere inches. Ashen jumped back with a shout “Ahh!” A loud laugh echoed from behind him. He turned around to see the mare from last night.

The blonde mare laughed loudly “That gets ya every time!”

Ashen yelled “Terra! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!? What are you doing here anyway?”

Terra walked up and struck Ashen on the shoulder with her hoof before she draped her foreleg over his neck “Aww, come on now Ash. Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

Ashen glared at her “I could ask you the same thing. You never answered my question, Terra. You didn’t come here with the other unicorn, so what are you doing here?”

Terra let go of him “I was in Claymore fer’ a while, then I heard bout this place, reckon I’d come check it out.”

Ashen smiled “And what do you think of it?”

Terra looked around “I think ya got a nice place here. I'm thinkin of settalin’ down.”

Ashen let out a loud laugh “Really!? You settling down, never thought I’d hear that.”

Terra shrugged “After ya left, beein’ a mercenary got borin’. Them new guys wouldn’t know a timber wolf from a turkey, but look at this place. It’s close enough to the forest that I can kick ass all day and drink all night.”

Ashen shook his head with a laugh “Is that the reason you want to join the corps?”

Terra laughed back “Well duh, that way I can fight and get paid fer it.” She bumped him with her elbow “And I get ta hang around ma favorite stallion too.”

Ashen grinned playfully “Hmm…I don’t know, we might be better off without you.”

Terra scoffed “Ah come on, ya gotta be kiddin’ me! Can ya even count how many times I pulled yer flank out the fire?”

Ashen nodded with a laugh “Yeah, a lot but If you remember, most of time the reason I was in the fire, is because you kicked me out of the frying pan.”

Terra grinned “Oh come on now. It weren’t most of the time, maybe bout half the time.”

Terra suddenly got excited “Oh! Let me introduce ya to ma new ladies.” She walked up to the large duel ended halberds stuck in the ground and easily lifted them with her magic.

Ashen smirked “We’ve met.”

Terra spun both halberds into the air “Tch, don’t be that way.”

Terra floated her unique weapons in front of Ashen. Both had black metal poles as long as Terra’s body. The poles had serrated spear tips at each end and crescent shaped axe blades at top and bottom, just before the spearheads. The top blade faced to the right and the bottom blade faced left. On the other side of the blades are long pyramid shaped spikes that came to a vicious point.

Terra spun one halberd in front of, Ashen. A slight glow, like a spark of a match reflected from the small rubies imbedded into the halberd’s blades “This one, is Rage.” She spun the other halberd. A small glint, like a rays of light passing through falling tears, shined in the small sapphires imbedded into the halberds blades “And this one, is Despair.” She grinned proudly “What do ya think of my ladies Ash?”

Ashen chuckled quietly “They’re just like you, Terra, unrefined and dangerous.”

Terra yelled “Hey!” She paused and thought for a second “Ya know what?” She laughed “I kinda like that.”

Terra spun her weapons back to her sides and placed them in their sheaths.

Midnight saw Ashen and Terra laughing so she walked up to them “Ashen, who is your well-armed friend?”

Ashen pointed to Terra “Night, this i-.”

Terra quickly spoke up “Hey there, the names Terra, Terra the Thorned.” She held out her hoof “Nice to meet ya.”

Midnight shook her hoof “My name is, Midnight Gale. A pleasure to meet you Terra the Thorned.”

Terra smiled wide “Just call me Terra.” She looked over Midnight “So, uh you Ash’s new girl?”

Midnight’s eyes widened slightly “What?” She looked to Ashen then back to Terra “N-no, no nothing like that. We’re just friends.”

Terra looked at Midnight with a grin “Ah, ok…so uh you single then?”

Midnight hesitantly answered “Um…y-yes.”

Ashen smirked “Forget it, Terra. She’s not your type.”

Terra looked Midnight over again and took her time doing so “Ya sure about that Ash? Girls got muscles, weapons and one helluva of a figure.” She turned to, Ashen and grinned “Sure sounds like ma type to me.” She laughed “Heck if ya don’t want her, I’ll gladly taker’.”

Ashen quickly spook up “That’s enough Terra.”

Terra looked at him with a grin “Aw, come on, Ash. I was just startin’ to have some fun.”

Ashen sighed “Terra, if you want to join the corps, please stand over there with the other recruits.”

Terra glanced over at the others “Ya gotta be jokin’ me! Those morons look like they couldn’t beat an egg and you want me to stand with them.”

Ashen shook his head “Terra, please, just stand with them for now. We’ll talk later alright.”

Terra kicked the ground “Tch, fine.” She winked as she walked by Midnight. “I’ll be seein’ ya later gorgeous.”

Midnight eyes opened wide as she watched Terra walk away. She quickly walked up to Ashen “Um, Ashen, what was that about?”

Ashen smiled at her “Well, you see, that’s just Terra being Terra.”

Midnight tensed slightly “But what about the winking and the way she looked at me and calling me gorgeous?”

Ashen shook his head with a small laugh “Yeah that’s just Terra. She umm, doesn’t like stallions, but don’t worry, she was just kidding about most of that.”

Midnight nervously glanced over at Terra “I-I see, but she seemed very serious to me. How can you tell she was joking?”

Ashen watched as Terra introduces herself to the others “You just have to know her. She’s actually really nice and very kind.” He laughed as he watched Terra drape her hoof over the dark colored pegasi’s neck. The pegasus looked away and shifted uneasily “I won’t lie.” Ashen said as he shook his head “She’s crazy and doesn’t care about personal space but believe me, I'm happy she's here and even happier she’s on our side.”

Midnight looked back to Ashen “Is she a good fighter?”

Ashen quickly nodded “Oh, yeah! She's one of the best I’ve ever see, she’ll watch you’re back better than anypony I know. She’s saved my life more than I can count and is completely reliable on the battlefield. You two will probably get along well.”

“Really?” asked Midnight.

Ashen nodded “Yeah, I think you’re really a lot alike.”

Midnight quickly stammered nervously “B-but, Ashen I-I don’t like…g-girls. I'm n-not a-“

Ashen interrupted her with a laugh “You’re not that much alike. But really don’t worry about that. She might tease you a bit but she would never do anything, at least without permission.”

Midnight tensed a bit more “I-I'm sorry Ashen. I’ve just never been around a…a umm…g-girl like her before.”

Ashen smiled “Trust me, once you get to know her you’ll forget all about that.”

Ashen looks over at Terra. The recruits gathered around her and looked at her halberds. He smiled and laughed as Terra drew her weapons and began to show off some of her moves. She spun her blades around her at high speeds, both halberd’s whirled around her, their blades flashed in the sun light as they danced through the air.

Ashen smiled then turned to Midnight “How were your recruits?”

Midnight sighed “Not great. They have no real training. The unicorn seemed intelligent but almost came off cold and the ash grey pegasus could barely look at me.”

Ashen nods “Yeah same here, neither had real training, plus the blue earth pony was way too excited, though the silver pegasus had a strong air about him and even had his own spear. I was hoping to get some real hardened warriors or at least ponies that have actually have seen real combat but I guess beggars can’t be choosers.”

Ashen suddenly found himself standing in a shadow.

Midnight excitedly looked up to the sky “He's here!”

Ashen followed Midnight’s gaze “Huh, who’s here?”  He saw a large shadowy form of a pegasus flying towards them.

Midnight rushed up to greeted the stallion with an excited hug just as he landed “Skylark! It’s good to see you.”

Ashen’s eyes opened wide as he got a good look at the giant of a pegasus.

The top of Midnight’s head rested even with his bottom jaw. His light grey body stood like a great stone carved by a master. His stance was so solid and strong it looked as though a hurricane could barely move a single hair of his short, snowy mane and tail. He showed no emotion, that is until he looked down at Midnight. His face light up with a large smile the instant his golden eyes landed on her.

Midnight looked up at him “I'm so glad you came.” She turned to Ashen “This is Skylark. When I was a commander, he was my lieutenant.”

Ashen looked up at Skylark “Hello there. My name is Ashen Flair. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Skylark smiled and nodded his head.

Ashen paused then spoke up again “So, uh you were a lieutenant? Did you see much combat against monsters?”

Skylark nodded his head again.

Ashen looked a little confused “Alright.” He looked down at Skylarks legs and noticed the armor covering them.

Dull metal enclosed Skylark’s front and back legs. The armor reached all the way up to his shoulders. All four pieces had several downward facing claw-like spikes that wrapped around them. Thick, solid pieces of heavy metal completely encased his hooves to add weight and force to his every strike.

Ashen smiled “Those are iron hooves, right? Aren’t those usually earth pony weapons?”

Skylark nodded his head once more.

Ashen looked over at Midnight, with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, he can’t talk.” said Midnight “He was injured years ago and lost his voice.”

Skylark lifted his head and showed a large, jagged scar that covered half his neck. His scar was so deep and brutal that hair could no longer grow on its surface.

Ashen looked away “Oh, uh sorry, Skylark.”

Skylark smiled at him and nodded.

“He says, don’t worry about it.” said Midnight

Skylark looked at Midnight then nodded his head toward Ashen.

Midnight nodded “Yes, that’s him.”

Skylark silently stared at Ashen. Ashen smiled and stared right back. Skylark showed a big smile before he turned to Midnight with a nod.

“You think so?” asked Midnight.

Skylark nodded again.

Ashen smirked “Can you read his mind or something?”

Midnight grinned “Yeah, kind of. He and my father were best friends. I’ve known him most of my life. I can tell what he’s thinking just by looking at him.”

Ashen showed his playful smile “That’s pretty neat.” He stared intently at Midnight “Can you tell what I'm thinking?”

Midnight looked at Ashen “Hmm…you’re wondering what we were just talking about.”

Ashen laughed with a wink “Oh, ho, you are good! So, uh…what were you talking about?”

Midnight giggled “It’s a secret.”

“Oh, come on, that’s not fair.” Ashen laughed “Do I have to beg?”

Midnight quickly answered “No, no, please don’t do that. He was just saying that he is willing to lend you his power.”

Ashen looked at Skylark “Really? Is that what you said?”

Skylark nodded

Ashen looked up at him with a smile “Well, I'm sure glad to have you.”

Ashen held out his hoof. Skylark tilted his head towards, Midnight. He glared at Ashen then grabs his hoof and yanked Ashen to him. Skylark lowered his brow; then raises his head slightly with a snort.

“Skylark, stop that now!” yelled Midnight

Skylark quickly let go.

Ashen pulled his hoof back and tried to shake away the pain “Yeah, no need to translate that one. I get the idea.”

Skylark nodded, a laugh shined in his eyes as he grinned at Ashen.

Suddenly a voice called out and broke the tension “You’re a big one aren’t ya!” Terra said as she walked up and looked at Skylark with a whistle “Ya look like a mountain with wings.” She laughed “Bet all ya gotta’ do is sit on em.”

Skylark looked at Terra.  He puffed up his chest to make himself look even larger while he wore a big smile.

Terra laughed and stuck out her hoof “The names Terra, Terra the Thorned.”

Skylark shook her hoof “His name is, Skylark.” Said Midnight

Terra glanced over at Ashen.

“He can’t talk.” said Ashen.

Skylark raised his head and showed Terra his scar.

“Holy hell!” Terra yelled as she stared at his scar “What the heck happened to ya!?”

Skylark looked at Midnight and nodded.

“He was attacked by a grimalkin.” answered Midnight

“A grimalkin?!” Shouted Terra “Dang, last time I scrapped with one of those I nearly lost my tail. Mighty impressive you survived, big guy.” She walked up and stuck him on the shoulder. Terra cringed a bit then pulled back her hoof and shook it with a laugh “What the heck are ya made of!? Feel like I just hit a brick wall or somthin’.”

Ashen laughed as he watched them. He heard hoofsteps approaching so he turned around and saw Scion heading his way.  Ashen walked up to Scion “Hey, Scion. Did you find, Raintree?”

Scion answered with a laugh “Yes I did, the poor fool could not find his helmet.”

Ashen chuckled and looked around “Well, where is he?”

Scion looked over at the others “He is on his way. In the meantime, who are these…interesting looking ponies?”

Ashen looked over at the others “Well, the big one is, Skylark, Midnight’s old lieutenant and the blond over there is Terra, a mercenary and an old friend of mine.”

“Ex-mercenary!” shouted Terra

“Excuse me, ex-mercenary.” laughed Ashen

Scion looked over at Terra “Hmm….a mercenary. Is she trust worthy?”

Ashen nodded “She is, when it comes to battle.” He laughed then talked loudly “But I wouldn’t let her near your liquor cabinet.”

“I heard that Ash!” Terra yelled as she walked toward him with a growl.

“Here it comes.” chuckled Ashen

Terra stopped just before she reached, Ashen. She tilted her head to the side and looked down the road behind him. She pointed and yelled “Wh-what the heck is that!?”

Ashen and Scion both turned around and saw what looked like a pony made of solid metal as it walked towards them.

Form fitting armor covered the pony from nose to tail. The armor’s well-polished surface shined like fine silver. Short metal spikes ran from the top of his head all the way down to the base of his tail. Long metal lances attached to his sides, they reached past his shoulders and came to a frightful point. The only part of this walking armor that looked alive was the short brown tail that stuck out the end.

Ashen’s eyes opened wide “I-Is that charger armor?”

Scion nodded “Yes it is, that is, Raintree’s specialty.”

Ashen’s eyes widened further as he shouted “That’s, Raintree!?”

The sound of clanking metal grew louder as Raintree’s fearsome form approached them. Raintree bowed deeply after he reached, Scion and Ashen. His helmet perfectly formed to his face and hinged at the jaw when he opened his mouth. “Lord, Ashen. Please forgive me for my tardiness.”

Ashen stared at him in awe “Y-yeah, don’t worry about it.”

Raintree stood up straight “Thank you, my lord.”

Ashen leaned in and examined Raintree’s armor “Your armor is extraordinary. It looks as though it was molded to your body.”

Raintree laughed proudly “That’s because it was, a blacksmith friend of mine custom made it for me, piece by piece.”

Ashen stared at his reflection in the armor’s mirror like sheen “I can tell. It's magnificent and very fitting for a commander.” Ashen smiled at his reflection than ran his hoof through his mane.

Terra quickly ran up “Commander!? Oh, yer that old-timer from last night, huh?” Terra turned to Ashen “Ash, ya really gonna let grandpa here play commander?”

Raintree stood tall “Young lady, I’m not playing! I was a knight in service of the king of Claymore for twenty three years.”

Terra grinned “Yeah, That’s my point, gramps. Yer fightin’ days are behind ya. Why not just let me be commander?”

Raintree growled as his voice took an annoyed tone “Because a commander needs experience and that is not something a nursling like you has.”

Terra took a step forward “Nurslin’, huh? So what, ya think you’ve taken down more monsters then me or somethin’?”

Raintree let out a condescending laugh “Young lady. I was fighting monsters when you were no more than a gleam in your father’s eye.”

Raintree’s laugh made Terra’s temper boil “Well judgin’ by the look of ya. I'm guessin’ the best part of your daddy’s ‘gleam’ ran down your momma’s leg!”

Raintree took an aggressive step forward “Excuse me!”

Terra steeped forward with a fearless smile “Ya heard me gramps or is yer hearin’ as bad as your breath?”

Raintree stomped towards Terra “You disrespectful little whelp!”

Terra drew her halberds “Oh, ya wanna scrap!? Bring it on gramps!”

Scion bravely stepped in between them “Please, there is no need for this foolishness.”

Terra pushed Scion to the side “Outta my way ya prissy dirt digger! I'm gonna teach grandpa here a lesson.”

Scion stepped up “How dare you!” He looked at Ashen “Ashen, you cannot expect me to let such an uncouth, volatile, discourteous, ruffian into the corps!”

Terra turns and yells at Scion “Didja, just call me a ruffian!?”

A superior tone rung clearly in Scion’s voice “Yes, ruffian! Do you even know what that is?”

Terra’s voice turned arrogant “Yeah, I do. I’d ask if ya know what a corn cob is, but judgin’ by the way ya prance around I'm guessin you got a big one shoved waaay up your a-.”

“Terra! That’s enough!” Ashen shouted quickly

Ashen walked towards them, his brow lowered, His teeth bore and a fierce glare showed from his normally kind eyes. He glared at Raintree and Terra and yelled at them both “Is that any way to act in front of new recruits! You are supposed to be authorities! You are supposed to represent the best this town has to offer! Instead you’re in the middle of the street slinging insults and bickering like children!”

Terra, Raintree and even Scion are taken aback by Ashen’s shouting and the fierce glow in his eyes.

“Terra! Apologize to Raintree and Scion!” demanded Ashen

Terra looked at him “What no way, gramps here started it.”

A fearsome atmosphere surrounded Ashen as he growled her name “Terra! You insulted them both and you insulted there race! Now apologize!”

Ashen’s terrifying glare seemed to pierce through Terra; this is a look she has seen before. Terra took a step back “Ok, ok easy Ash. I’ll do it, alright.” She turned to the others “Damn it.” She said under her breath. She looked at them “Ok, here goes. Scion, Raintree I'm sorry I insulted ya both and I'm very sorry for callin ya dirt diggers.”

Scion stared at her “Hmm, alright. I will accept your apology, this time.”

“As will I.” said Raintree

Terra looked back to Ashen “Ya good now, Ash?”

Ashen answered bluntly “No!” He turns to Raintree “Raintree! Your turn.”

Raintree stared at Ashen “I have said nothing wrong.”

“You called Terra a nursling and a whelp!” yelled Ashen “Then you advanced towards her in a threatening manner! You’re as much at fault as she is! Now apologize!”

Ashen’s piercing glare cut right through Raintree’s armor and made him feel frightful uneasiness. He quickly bowed “Y-yes my lord. Lady Terra, I humbly ask for your forgiveness for my earlier actions.”

“Don’t worry bout it. I’ll let ya off the hook this time.” Laughed Terra

Ashen nodded then turned to Scion “Now you, Scion.”

“You must be jesting.” scoffed Scion

Ashen fixed his glare on Scion “I am not! Now, apologize to Terra.”

“Ashen! I am not some underling you can give orders to!” yelled Scion “I am a councilor the same as you.”

Ashen stomped his hoof hard to the ground “I don’t care who you are! You insulted my friend. A friend that I have fought alongside in many battles. A friend that has risked her life to save mine. A friend that I would risk my life for in an instant. And you WILL apologize to her!”

Scion looked to Ashen then looked over at Terra. He closed his eyes then let out a sigh “Very well. Terra I apologize for my needless insults.”

Terra smiled “Well thank ya, Sci. I'm guessin were all good now, huh?”

Scion nodded “I suppose, but my name is, Scion not Sci.”

Ashen turned to Terra “One more thing, Terra. We named, Raintree commander last night. That decision may have been made in haste but it was still made, so he is the corps commander.”

“Fine.” said Terra “but just ta let ya know, until gramps here proves emself, I'm only gonna listen ta you.”

Ashen nodded “That’s fine.” He turned to Raintree “Raintree, you are the commander. However if you neglect your duties or fail to meet our expectations, you will be stripped of that title immediately. Do you understand?”

Raintree bowed “Yes, my lord. I will not let you down.”

Ashen smiled “Good, now will you both please join the recruits over there.”

“Yes, my lord.” said Raintree.

“Alright” said Terra.

Ashen looked over to Midnight and Skylark “Skylark, please join them if you will and, Midnight please join us.”

Skylark nodded his head and moved to join the recruits while Midnight moved toward Ashen and Scion.

“Um, Ashen, are you alright?” Asked Midnight

Ashen showed his normal, gentle smile “Sorry, about that. I just lost my temper a bit.”

“A bit!” scoffed Scion “For a moment it seemed as though you were preparing to throttle me.”

Ashen ran his hoof through his mane “Was I…that bad?”

Midnight nodded “You were a little frightening.”

Ashen laughed “Wow, I frightened you? Really?”  He bowed his head “I truly am sorry then. I just wanted the arguing to stop.”

Scion shook his head “It matters not. Can we continue?”

“Of course” said Ashen.

“So then” said Scion “How do the recruits look?”

Midnight sighed “Not great, they have little to no experience or training at all.”

Scion held his chin “That is a shame, but can we afford to turn them away?”

Ashen shook his head “Not really. At this point, they’d be useful as long as they can see. But we can’t let them fight.”

Midnight nodded “I agree, they have no business on the battlefield until they’re well trained. Untrained ponies will just get themselves or others killed.”

Ashen sighed “It can take years to train a pony well. I guess the six of us will have to do the fighting, at least until we get some more real soldiers. Six ponies to protect a whole town, not good.”

Scion adjusted his cape’s collar “Do not count me. I am a doctor not a soldier.”

Midnight quickly looked at him “But you fought so well last time.”

Scion grinned “And I will do so again if I have to. If a battle should arise, I will gladly support you. However do not expect me to be on the frontlines.”

“That’s fine not everypony is a soldier.” said Ashen

Scion bowed his head slightly “Thank you for understanding. Do we have a decision then?”

“I believe so.” said Midnight “As much as I hate to accept dreamers, we don’t have much choice.”

Ashen smiled at Midnight “Night, would you like to do the honors.”

Midnight smiled back “Of course.”

Midnight’s face turned cold as stone the instant she turned to face the recruits. She held her head high and walked towards them proudly with her bladed wings spread wide. Her voice boomed with authority “We have made our decision. We have decided since our numbers are so few, we will accept all of you.”

The four new recruits begin to get excited and chattered amongst themselves. Midnight raised her hoof and silenced them “However.” She pointed out the new recruits “The four of you, have no training, so you will not be allowed on the battlefield.” The recruit’s excitement instantly dropped away.

Midnight stepped forward “Do not fear, you will receive training from myself and others. When you are ready, you will be allowed to fight alongside of us on the frontlines.” Midnight saw the excitement return to their eyes. She took a strong stance “But this will not be easy. We will push you further then you have ever been before. We will shatter you, heart, body and mind. We will expose your weaknesses and dare you to overcome them.”

Midnight walked towards the recruits with a fierce glare “To become a knight. You need a mind sharper then winter’s frigid bite, a will stronger than summer’s blazing sun and a heart fiercer than a hurricane’s raging winds.” She stares them down “Ponies that have those, have no room for doubt. If you have even a shred of doubt, do yourself a favor and leave now.”

The recruits looked at each other nervously. Midnight focused her intimidating stare on one small, frail looking pegasus mare that seems especially nervous. The young mare’s somber colored body trembled slightly. Her deep violet mane hung in her face and flowed down her side.

Midnight’s glare intensified as she stares deeply into the poor mare’s sapphire blue eyes “You look like you have doubt.” Midnight said as she stood tall above the mare “Save yourself some pain and leave now!”

Midnight’s icy words struck the mare. She drug her hoofs through the dirt as she slide backwards . She looked down the road behind her, but then something struck her deep in her heart, something she has not felt in a long time…desire. She felt like she needed to be here, she knew she didn’t want to leave. This longing filled her with courage and drove her forward. She turned back, took two strong steps, and looked up at Midnight.

The tears that filled the young mare’s quivering eyes were not enough to extinguish the fire that now burned within them. A roaring blaze created by strength of heart that few have and even fewer can recognize, but Midnight saw it instantly and smiled.

The mare took another strong step forward. She stared directly into Midnight’s eyes and gave her powerful glare of her own. The small pegasus shouted in a voice stronger than any she has ever used before “My mind is sharp, my will is strong and my heart if fierce.” She spread her wings wide and shouted “My name is Wave and I have no doubt!”

The small mare’s courage empowered a young pegasus stallion. His short pale blue main and tail brushed back with the breeze as he confidently stepped forward and stood strong next to Wave. His fearless sky blue eyes stared into Midnight’s as he held his head high with pride. His silver coat shined with purity and the strength in his unwavering stance resounded in his voice. “I am sworn to valor. My blade will defend the helpless. My wrath will undo the wicked." He brandishes his large spear then holds it to his chest. “My name is Silver Spear and I have no doubt!”

A cobalt blue unicorn calmly walked up beside Silver. Her light yellow mane twisted into a low bun and her tail neatly braided. She adjusted her glasses and raised her head to Midnight but kept her eyes closed. Her voice was calm and quiet but each of her words carried the strike of her whip like tongue “Doubt belongs to those who do not know their limitations or capabilities.” She opened her fiery orange eyes “My name is Cross Bolt I know my abilities and therefore I have no doubt.”

Finally, an azure blue earth pony stallion stepped forth and took a place with the others. A bold confidence shined in his emerald eyes. His unkempt golden mane hung midway down his neck and his matching tail nearly touched the ground. He looked up to Midnight and spoke with conviction “I’m going to fight with everything I got. I'm going take down every monster in that forest. I will be a hero.” He grinned confident and wide “My name is Shiver Vein and I have no doubt.”

Midnight proudly smiled at them all and laughed contentedly “All of you are either brave or foolish. Welcome to the corps.”