For I am a Guard

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Chapter 1

Electric Storm woke up in the middle of the night and groaned. She had tried to go to sleep for the past few hours, waking up every time she had just fallen asleep. She normally stayed up late in the night and woke up around the afternoon, there was, after all, quite a bit of night life in Canterlot. Her job was as a weather pony, kicking a few clouds, making it rain when needed. A simple life. She despised it.

She had always wished for something else. Her life was so boring, she felt like she was never important. And tomorrow, if things worked out, she was going to get what she wished.

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Storm woke up again to a irritating buzzing sound but now it was morning. She dragged herself out of bed, wondering why she set her alarm clock to this time. Then she suddenly remembered.

“Oh horsefeathers!” Storm jumped up and hurriedly got ready for the day. “Today I’m going to try out!”

She ran out the door, grabbed her suitcase, slamming the door behind her, then flew as fast as her wings could carry her towards the princess’ castle.

Upon arrival, she was greeted by the angry stares of two Royal Guards. She gulped slightly but put her head high and tried to look as dignified as possible, which wasn’t much. The guards stared inquisitively at her but held their tongue.

She rushed through the door and into the large room where Princess Celestia stood waiting, along with a few other recruits.

“Hello, my little ponies.” Her greeting was answered by everyone bowing and Storm awkwardly bowing down a little later. Thankfully, the princess took no notice.

“Everypony here is going to try to become a Royal Guard?” Murmurs of agreement ringed through the small group of ponies.

“Even you?” whispered one white pony to a small blue one, “You look like you couldn’t pick up a spear.” The blue pony shrank back a bit, her ears pressed against her head. Storm opened her mouth to say something but was beaten to it by the princess, “I am sure everyone here is strong and capable of being a Royal Guard.” The blue pony smiled gratefully.

“But please be aware this is no easy task. Equestria may be in a time of peace for now and the most you will have to deal with is probably a few street crimes which is nothing compared to an all-out war. Please make sure you are ready if this scenario were to occur. War is not something easily trifled with.”

A few ponies looked like they were ready to back out, including the small blue unicorn which had been picked on by the white earth pony. Still, they stayed.

“Are every single one of you in?” Princess Celestia demanded.

“Yes Princess!” Everypony replied, Storm throwing in an extra salute. Princess Celestia turned her way and smiled, “I like your enthusias-” she cut off, rather surprised, “Are you a bat pony?”

She now had everypony's attention, even a few of the guards out front seemed to look her way. Electric Storm shuffled her leathery wings nervously.

“Y-yes. Is that a problem?”

Princess Celestia looked curiously at her, “Not really. But most bat ponies work for my sister, they do like the night better than day after all.”

That was true, Storm found the night more peaceful and serene than the day. But she had other reasons to stay in the Royal Guard.

“I suppose I like the night. But I’d like to stay in the Royal Guard.”

Princess Celestia looked like she would press further but decided against it. “It is your decision.”

The rest of the ponies kept their eyes on her while Celestia led them outside into a huge stadium. Storm and many other ponies gasped.

I didn’t know there was a stadium in the castle. But it makes sense I guess. This must be where the Royal Guards train and the Lunar Guards must have another stadium.

Sunlight brightened the whole place up where Storm spotted countless amounts of training equipment and weapons. Storm glanced at the spears larger than she was and axes that seemed to weigh as much as a boulder. I bet only an Earth Pony can lift that.

The group was greeted once again by a gruff white unicorn. “So these are the new recruits?” He asked after quickly saluting the princess.

“Yes. May you take care of them? I have urgent matters to deal with.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Celestia lit her horn and in a flash of light, she was gone.

“So I suppose all you weaklings brought your suitcases?” He demanded. Everypony nodded quickly, afraid to make him upset.

“You have five minutes to get yourself decently unpacked. Cloud Skipper!”

A white pegasus with a blond mane came up to the unicorn. “Yes?”

The unicorn glares at him. “I mean, yes sir!” Cloud Skipper hastily said.

“Remember your place, rookie.” the unicorn growled, “I’m one of the sub-captains under Captain Shining Armour, you will show respect.”

“Yes sir!” Cloud Skipper replied.

“Take these new rookies to there rooms. Give them five minutes then get them over here immediately.”

Storm tucked back a strand of a stormy grey-blue mane. She was getting more nervous by the second, the unicorn especially scared her. Are all the guards like this?

As Cloud Skipper led all the ponies to their rooms, he noticed Storm hanging back just a little. He pointed in the direction where the rooms where then went back to Storm.

"Hey grey pony!"

"Yeah?" Storm asked, turning around.

“You’re a bat pony, huh?” he whispered, softer than last time.

“Y-yeah.”

“Huh, most of them are Lunar Guards. But welcome to the Royal Guard anyway!”

“T-thanks.”

“You scared of Crystal Edge?” he asked, “The big white unicorn?”

“N-not really.” Storm answered but her mind thought differently. Yes! He’s creepy.

Cloud Skipper shrugged, “Alright, but he’s not a bad pony. He’s strict, but he just wants us to be as strong as we can be. If you want a mean pony, there’s another guard you should watch out for, especially since you’re a bat pony...”

“Who?” Storm started to ask but was cut off by Cloud Skipper yelling, “We’re here! You’re room numbers will be on the letter given to you when you were first accepted a week ago.”

“You might want to hurry” he whispered urgently, “You’ve got five minutes sharp.”

Storm quickly pulled out the letter from her saddlebags. “Room 101” she muttered under her breath. She opened the door and walked into her new room.

It was nothing fancy. A simple bed with white sheets was in the middle. The walls and ceiling were white while the whole floor was covered in a light blue carpet. A decent-sized window was above the bed, with a small nightstand with a lamp on it, beside it. There were six comfortable chairs on one side with a small dining table along with a door where she assumed the bathroom was. On the other side was a kitchenette and another door where the walk in closet was.

Storm smiled. She liked it when things were simple but she needed to add a personal touch to it. She dumped all her clothes in a small wooden chest then put up posters of the Storm Shields, an amazing weather team that could calm the wildest storms. She put a few of her precious items on the nightstand, including a small globe with a miniature electric tornado inside of it which was kept together by magic. It was given to her so long ago...

“Wow, you’re gonna join the guard!”an excited grey filly smiled, stormy eyes sparkling.

“Yep! After all, that was our parent’s job before they disappeared remember?”a stallion with a similar coat colour said.

“I think. I was barely a filly back then though!”

“That’s right! You still are a filly though right now!” he said, tousling her messy grey-blue hair.

The stallion continued, “I think I’ll be in the Search Squad. Maybe we’ll find Mom and Dad. We always talked about finding them.”

“You’re gonna be safe though right?”the grey filly asked.

“Of course! I’m always safe. Always...”

Storm felt a small tear run down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly then rushed back to the training stadium.

Keep running, keep moving, keep busy. That way, you’re fears will never find you...especially if you find them first.

Author's Note

So, my first fan fiction. If there're any errors please comment below so I know and I can fix them

Chapter 2

Storm ran to the stadium, hoping she was not late. She barged in at the last second, so she was technically not late

Crystal Edge stood there frowning. “Now that everypony is here, we will start by evaluating your fighting skills.”

“U-um, excuse me?” Storm turned around to see the small blue unicorn again. She nervously walked over to him. “I-I actually wanted to be a doctor here.”

Her yellow eyes showed fear though she tried to hide it under a tuft of blond mane.

“A doctor?” Crystal mused. “May you answer a question?”

“Y-yes?”

“WHY DID YOU NOT SAY SO EARLIER!” he roared. The blue pony looked like she was going to cry.

“Alright, go down the hall and to the left, that’s where all the doctor ponies stay. Now GET THERE RIGHT NOW!”

The blue pony didn’t need telling twice. She ran down the hall as fast as she could, disappearing from sight a few moments later.

“Now, any more ponies want to say something?” He was dangerously quiet. Storm was sure nopony would say anything, but then a rusty brown pony ambled up.

“I want to be a weapons-smith.” she said in a raspy voice.

Crystal squinted down at her, “Who the buck are you? I don’t remember you on the list.”

“Then ya must need glasses, pal.” A few ponies gasped. Storm’s eyes widened. Does that pony have a death wish?

The veins on Crystal’s neck bulged. “Get. Out. Go. Down. Right. Hallway. Turn. Left.” he managed to get out.

“Alright then.” the earth pony sauntered down the hallway and out of sight.

“Anypony else now?” Crystal asked, his left eye twitching.

If the ponies where scared before, they were terrified now. Not a sound could be heard from the crowd.

“Good, now everyone take a spear. I’ll show you how to hold it for the ponies who lost there brains.”

Everypony grabbed a spear. Storm struggled with it.

“Cry-I mean sir?” Storm asked hesitantly.

“What is it rookie?” he asked angrily.

“Can I use anything other than this spear?”

“A good soldier can use any weapon.” he grumbled angrily.

“But what if I can be better with another weapon?”

Crystal sighed, “I hate training rookies. Tell you what, if you can beat a pony here in a battle with any weapon you choose, you can keep it. Who volunteers?”

“I do.”

All the ponies looked to where the voice came from. It came from the white earth pony who had been bothering the blue unicorn before.

“I volunteer.”

“Alright, what’s you weapon grey pony?”

“Clouds.”

Crystal looked at her angrily, “I don’t like jokes.”

“I’m serious.”

Crystal squinted at her then looked incredulous, “Great Celestia, you’re serious. Alright. Cloud skipper!”

The white pegasus flew over. “Yes sir!”

“Gather as many storm clouds as you weaklings can and bring them over.” he ordered.

“Sir, is that not incredibly dangerous?”

“It’s this pony who’s risking their life.” he said, pointing at Storm, “Now, GO DO IT! STOP DAWDLING!”

Cloud Skipper looked at Storm then flew and became a yellow streak in the sky.

“While we wait, I want everyone to do eighty push-ups or if you’re a pegasus, wing-ups!”

Storm went down to start the wing-ups but was stopped by Crystal.

“Not you. Only a featherbrain purposely gets tired before a fight. Or a terrible guard.”

Storm got up and stayed silent. What have I gotten myself into?

“I’m back, sir.” Cloud Skipper yelled. A few other pegasus guards flew behind him, each holding stormy grey clouds.

Each of them placed their clouds a few feet above Crystal and Storm then flew off, presumedly to another training place.

“Are you sure about this? Clouds are hard and unpredictable to use so nopony uses them in the Guard, even though they are powerful.”

Storm glared at him with stormy blue eyes, “I don’t lose.”

Crystal sighed and grabbed a cruel looking barbed spear. When he caught Storm looking he laughed. “Don’t worry, this won’t hurt too much. It’s enchanted so that it won’t pierce flanks though it can still create nasty bruises. White pony.”

“I’m Diamond Point.”

“This is the weapon you want to use?”

“Sure.”

Storm gulped nervously but got ready to fight. “Three. Two. One...”

Then both of them charged. Almost right away, Storm was hit by the spear. She cried out as she was flung back a few feet. Rubbing her new bruise, she flew up high and gathered all the storm clouds. Diamond pulled a knife hidden at the back of his spear and threw it at her. Not wanting another bruise, she summoned a bolt of lightning from the cloud and the knife melted.

Enraged, Diamond threw the spear at her. Storm melted it with ease. I should end this now. I don't want to spend a week in the healing room. Storm gathered the storm clouds in a circle and made them constantly shoot lightning, singing Diamond's mane. Diamond looked scared for a moment and grabbed the closest thing next to her and threw it at Storm.

Everything happened in slow motion. The huge ax from before was thrown at Storm and she knew that it would kill her. Crystal hollered, "THAT COULD KILL HER, FEATHERBRAIN!" Storm’s eyes grew wide and then the world exploded in fire and light.

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Crystal looked at her in fear. All the ponies gaped at her. There was a pool of white-hot metal sizzling on the ground. Diamond had fainted.

“Excuse me, I’ll be back.” Crystal spoke quietly. He picked up Diamond and went down the hallway.

“What happened?” Storm asked, eyes wide. Nopony said anything until the rusty brown pony came down from the hallway. “Ya don’t remember what happened kid?”

“What do you mean?” I have a bad feeling about this.

“Search your mind, kid. What do ya remember?”

Storm searched her head for any memory and then it came rushing back to her.

The huge ax from before was thrown at Storm and she knew that it would kill her. Storm’s eyes grew wide. She felt her old scars on her hoof, cheek, and wing, tingle. Stretching her hoof out, she concentrated all the energy in her body to a single point and fired. Her scars lit up and her eyes glimmered. A pure bolt of lightning flew from her hoof as the ax melted. Diamond fainted in fear as Storm started plummeting to the ground...

“Oh...” Storm looked around at all the ponies who seemed to afraid to get within a foot to her. Except the rusty pony, she just stood there, looking at her inquisitively.

Just then Crystal Edge came back, “Come with me.” He did not turn back to check if he was following her. Storm could not help but notice his aura held a large knife.

Buck. I’m so screwed...

Chapter 3

Storm walked along the long halls, constantly rubbing her scars which still hadn’t stopped tingling. Crystal walked beside her, his knife ready. Storm tried to remember which halls they went down, in case she needed to make a hasty escape. She counted every detail, golden tapestries, paintings, and a few exotic flowers she had never seen. Eventually, Crystal stopped in front of a huge golden door with a sun on it.

“Go in.” he ordered, his voice betraying no emotion.

“Yes sir.” Storm swallowed nervously as she walked into the room.

“Princess Celestia!” Storm exclaimed before she could stop herself.

Storm had just walked into Princess Celestia’s throne room. Even though she was scared, she couldn’t help but marvel at the silk tapestries and shining golden throne. It was only when Princess Celestia cleared her throat that Storm regained her senses again.

“Crystal Edge?”

“Yes, Your Highness?” he replied immediately.

“May you please give this pony, Storm I believe, some privacy?”

“O-of course Your Highness. I will go back to helping the new recruits.” He bowed down low and left the room.

Immediately Storm realized she should be bowing too and ducked so low she nearly banged her chin.

“Rise Storm. There’s no need for much formality since there’s nopony around. Now, about the lightning..."

Storm groaned, “You already heard?”

Celestia suppressed a small chuckle and put a white hoof up to her mouth, “You should get used to it, word travels fast here. If you want to keep secrets, this is a bad place.”

Secrets? Wait, she could she know about what happened before all this? Years ago? Storm diminished the thoughts, No, I think she’s just talking about the lightning.

“I am curious to know how you got that ability.” she asked, “It is not exactly what you call normal.”

Storm gulped, “It’s a...long story.”

“And we have plenty of time.” Princess Celestia replied smoothly.

Great Celestia, I didn’t know a princess could talk like that.”

“Well...I was hit by lightning when I was younger and now have electricity running through me. That’s where the scars are from”

“...you call that a long story?”

“If you don’t want me to go in detail about the excruciating pain I felt, no.”

Celestia laughed at that one, “I can’t argue with that. I’m happy you can speak freely with me though.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Celestia’s gaze turned slightly foggy, “Being the princess...ponies treat me differently. They sometimes seem to forget that I am just a pony too.”

Storm stood shocked for a moment. I never thought of her that way. A pony with weaknesses too...even a god can feel pain.

“That happens to a lot of ponies.” Celestia looked at her for a moment, slightly confused.

“Ponies seem to forget bat ponies are ponies too. And now, I think ponies are going to forget I’m a pony with all this lightning.”

“And ponies,” the rusty pony said, ambling into the room with her green eyes shining.“Always seem to forget that whoever is on the other side of the war are living creatures too.”

Both Celestia and Storm turned to stare at her.

“Sorry, I was comin’ to get Storm ‘ere and I couldn’t help but notice what ya were talking ‘bout.”

Celestia shook her head, regaining her posture quickly. “I suppose we do. So, you were sent to pick up Storm?”

“That’s right. It’s the break shift now.”

“Give me a moment. Storm, could you by any chance control this power in battle?

Storm shifted uncomfortably and rubbed against her scars again, “No, I have a bit of weak electricity around myself but never something like that. I think that was a one time thing.”

Celestia sighed, “It is a shame, as much as I don’t like war, it would be useful. Very well, you may go.”

Storm started walking back with the rusty coloured pony and turned to look at Celestia. For the first time she saw her in a different light. She’s an amazing leader and has saved us many times, but in the end, she’s a pony too.

When Storm arrived at the break room, she was greeted by shocked gasps and ponies scrambling away from her.

“Are they still worried about what happened?” Storm asked, “It’s not that bad, unicorns can do more fatal spells then my little lightning bolt.”

“Yes, but unicorns can’t fly,” the rusty pony pointed out, “And the stories might have been a little bit exaggerated.”

“A little bit?”

“If you call summonin’ ah lightning bolt the size of the sun and burning a hole in the ground bigger than the ol’ Grand Pony Canyon while using evil magic electric powers to make that little filly, Diamond Point, faint, then yes, a little bit exaggerated.”

Storm groaned, “Great! Now nopony will come close to me! If they went to the courtyard, they’d see there isn’t even a hole, just a bit of melted weapons.”

“Ah, but ponies often cannot separate the truth from the lies.” the rusty pony said knowingly.

“You say that as if you weren’t one.”

The pony’s eyes twinkled, “Everypony has there secrets.”

“So now what?”

“Now you’ve got a problem, my little pony.”

“What do you mean by that?’

Just then Diamond Point came strutting down the room, “Oh look, it’s the monster from Tartarus. She lifted up a heavy object, “Looks like it needs somepony to be a dear and send it back.”

Author's Note

Sorry, short chapter. But it helped move the story forward, I think. Diamond Point isn't gonna be Storm's favourite pony, in case you couldn't tell.

Chapter 4

Golden rule, never trust psychopaths with heavy objects. Storm was prepared to die. She put her hooves on top of her head and closed her eyes, bracing herself. And...nothing happened. Storm looked up and saw the rusty pony crouching down, green eyes flashing and her pupils more slanted than normal. “Your type makes me sick.” She knocked the chair out of Diamond’s grip and did a jump kick to her face.

“Who do ya think ya are, bug-brain.”

Bug-brain? That’s a new one. Electric Storm watched as Diamond Point ran out of the door, blue and white tail tucked between her legs.

“Um...” Storm stuttered, not sure exactly what to say. “Don’t you think you were a bit harsh?”

The rusty pony tilted her head and looked at her strangely, “Don’ ya think she deserved that?”

“I-Its not that I’m ungrateful, but that was quite harsh.”

The rusty pony sighed, “Ponies are too soft.”

What did she say? She’s quite strange. The rusty pony started to walk away and Storm called out, “Thank you!”

The rusty pony looked back at her, her eyes back to normal.

“Don’ sweat it, kid.”

Electric Storm watched as she ambled to the door and down the hallway, presumedly to where the weapons-smiths all worked, the forge. Storm could still feel the prickle of everypony’s eyes on her but she ignored it. She sat down at the most empty table, a table where only one blue unicorn sat. She ran her hooves down her blond mane nervously when Storm sat down. Storm was enjoying a nice snack of apples, straight from the apple family business since they were the best around, even in Canterlot. They had been increasingly famous ever since...well ever since one of them became one of the Elements of Harmony. Nobles always want to please the princess so pleasing the friends of her personal student seemed like a smart thing to do. Of course, Storm always rolled her eyes at them, it was pointless anyway. And having met Princess Celestia, she now believed that it was even more pointless

Eventually, the small unicorn broke the silence. “U-um...are you really from Tarturus?”

Storm sighed and resisted the urge to roll her eyes, “What do you think?”

“Um...I guess not?”

“Of course not.”

“But then how did you burn a hole the size of the Grand Pony Canyon, use lightning to harm the white earth pony, and summon lightning the size of the sun?”

“I didn’t,” Storm said simply, desperately trying to control herself, “If you go there, you’ll see it's exaggerated.”

“But then how did you form lightning with your hooves?”

Storm was silent for a moment, “I didn’t, that was an exaggeration too. It was from a cloud that was right behind my hoof.” she lied.

“Oh, okay. Then I’ll have to tell everypony it is so they don’t judge you poorly! I-if you’re okay with that.”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

“Y-you’re welcome.” Just then, the break ended. As the blue unicorn got up Storm quickly asked her, “What’s your name?”

The blue pony looked back from the entrance to the room, “I’m Healing Springs.”

“I’m Electric Storm.” They both walked up and then went different ways, Spring going to the Medic Department and Storm going back to the stadium.

When Storm arrived, everypony else was there, even Diamond Point, though she looked a little nervous around her, probably scared that the rusty pony would come back.

Crystal came into the stadium last, “Alright everypony, back to training. Pick a partner and your weapon of choice. Grey pony, Storm, your clouds are over in the corner. Now, GO DO IT!”

Everypony scrambled to find a partner. Storm found it slightly amusing that everypony was too afraid to choose her as a partner. She didn’t find it amusing when there was only one pony left and she had to pick her as a partner but instead opted to try and force herself with another partner. Storm rolled her eyes as Crystal Edge had to quite literally drag her over.

Storm faced the light-green pony and looked at her square in the eye. She could see her pupils dilate in her dark blue eyes. She gathered her storm clouds and started making her storm clouds circle around the pony. She gave a test for the lightning and noticed that it was quite weak. Must be so I don’t hurt anypony. Giving me weak clouds, go figure.

She made something she did in her last fight with Diamond Point, simultaneously firing lightning bolts in a circle so the green pony could not get out. Eventually, she slipped slightly and she managed to escape. The green unicorn lunged at her with the spear and Storm gathered all the clouds to block her and then, all of a sudden all the clouds disappeared. Storm let out a weak bolt of lightning from her hoof that barely did anything and then Storm was hit by the spear.

“Oh, Sweet Celestia, are you okay?”

Storm groaned, “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s a blunted spear for practice after all.”

“I swore I saw a bit of lightning come from your hoof, but I barely felt anything, just a slight tingle. Nothing like those rumours going around.”

“The stories are exaggerated.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I always know all the gossip and the gossip was way worse. I’ll have to start telling everypony that they’re not true. False gossip is terrible.”

“T-thanks. I think I already have another pony doing that in the Medic Department.”

“That’s great!” the green pony smiled, “Then this rumour should die out in a few days. Now, should tell Crystal, I mean, Commander Crystal to get you to the Medic Department.

“Nah.” Storm said, getting up, “I’ll have to continue practicing to get better.”

“Uh...you know that your clouds kind of disappeared.”

“Buck! Now what am I supposed to do?”

“I think you should ask Commander Crystal to ask for more.” the unicorn suggested.

“That’s probably a good idea.”

As Storm got up, the green unicorn looked at her, “What’s your name? If I have to break the rumour, I think it’d be useful to know your name. I’m Cordial Streak.”

“I’m Electric Storm.”

“Nice to meet you, without running for my life.” she added cheekily. Storm walked up to Crystal Edge. As she opened her mouth to speak, Crystal cut her off.

“I saw what happened. However, we have no more storm clouds right now.”

“That’s a shame...wait, you saw what happened and you didn’t offer any help?!”

“If I did you wouldn’t grow to be stronger.”

“That’s a terrible reason!” Storm broke in, her voice getting louder. She saw a few ponies turn to face her direction for a moment.

“Are you defying me rookie?”

Storm lowered her head, “No sir.”

Crystal grumbled, “No respect these days. I’ve been serving the guard for years.” Turning to face her, he spoke, “Since I’m in a better mood then usual, I will let you go to the forges. Her highness has an idea on a weapon suited for you and your...lightning I guess?”

“Did you hear our conversation?”

“Are you saying I eavesdropped?” he growled, slightly ruffled, “No, she just told me of your condition. Just go to the forges, and if you know what’s good for you, try to stay away from that insufferable rusty pony.”

“Actually, I think she saved me from being beat up today.”

Crystal raised his eyebrows but said nothing on that topic, “Well, you better hurry up. You don’t want to make her highness angry.”

“Actually, she’s quite a nice pony. Just because she’s the princess doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings too.”

Crystal looked at her as if she was a psychopath as she wandered off to the forges.

Author's Note

So, not the most interesting chapter but put a bit more character development for Crystal Edge. As you can see, he's an older pony that's served the guard for a long time. And new character, Cordial. She's not going to be as important as the main ponies in the title (the six of them) but she's going to come up by time to time, giving them the juicy bit of gossip they need.

Chapter 5

Storm tried to get to the forges, she really did. However, it took her about three minutes before she finally admitted to herself that she was completely lost. The castle was a big place after all. She wandered around for a bit until she finally bumped into somepony.

“Ow...” Storm groaned, “Sorry.”

“Don’t be, I was just on ma’ way to the forges.”

“Wait, it’s you again!”

The rusty pony smiled, “Yeah, I just came back from the little fillies room. But what are you doing all the way over here? The forges aren’t that close to the stadium you were practicing in”

“I was told to go to the forges. Some special weapon for me or something.”

The pony looked surprised for a moment, “Oh, a special order? Yeah, everypony in the forges had ta pitch in ta make it. I guess I should have realized it was for you when they mentioned lightnin’.”

“It wasn’t too much trouble was it?” Storm asked, slightly shocked. I hope I wasn’t a burden to anypony.

“Nah, do ya want me to take ya to the forges?” the rusty pony asked, looking a little concerned, “Ya don’t wanna get lost. This castle is buggin' huge!”

“Oh yeah, that’d be awesome. Thanks.” Storm replied, relieved that she wouldn’t have to wander the long hallways, trying to find the forges.

Storm walked with her until they reached a metal door. The rusty pony caught her looking at the door, “It’s flameproof. That way it’s safe in case any...accidents happen.”

“Have any accidents ever happened?” she wondered.

“There’s been some rumours but how should I know? I’m a new recruit too, I just came here today, same time as ya did.”

“Oh...right, I forgot. You already seem so familiar here, while I feel like I barely fit in here at all.

“Nah, well, I guess I’m used to moving around.”

“You are?”

“Yeah, I’m a traveler of sorts.”

“A traveler?”

“Yeah, I never seem to stay in one place too long. I want to stay here though, preferably for more than a week or two.”

Storm was about to reply but was interrupted as the metal doors swung open.

“Recruit, you better not be chatting.” he said gruffly. He squinted at Storm, “Who’s this little lad you brought with you? You can’t just bring random ponies around to the amazing forge.”

He was a pretty intimidating pony but the rusty pony just rolled her eyes and chuckled, “You already said earlier I had good sense when I was better than every other recruit who signed up to be a blacksmith today. You know I brought her here for a good reason. This is the pony who we’re making the special order for.”

“Ah, Miss Electric Storm I presume. Please, come in and prepared to be amazed by the best part of the castle, the forges!”

The rusty pony smiled and whispered in Storm’s ear, “That would be Ironhoof. He likes makin’ everythin’ more dramatic. You get used to it when you spend a few hours ‘round him. He’s really kind, even though he’s a bit loud and extravagant.”

“A bit?” Storm asked, incredulous.

The rusty pony chuckled, “Let’s go before he catches us chatting again. He’s a big believer in hard work.”

Storm and the pony rushed into the forges. The second Storm walked in, her mouth fell open. Hundreds of forges lines the walls, the whole room had an orange glow in it. Ponies sat on metal tables that could move and a few machines got drinks for them. Everypony was laughing and having a good time. They were games with metal cards that had gears that turned in it and game pieces that moved on their own. This is a place ahead of its time. So many machines, some no pony has never seen before.

Ironhoof caught her looking and told her smugly, “Princess Celestia and Luna gather the best blacksmiths around. It’s for the royal princesses after all, the most important ponies in Equestria, or hay, the world.”

“Y-yeah I guess that’d make sense.” I didn’t realize how powerful the princesses were, they get the best of everything.

“And me being the one in charge, I’m the best blacksmith around!”

A few ponies around the forges laughed, including the rusty pony, “Ya ain’t the best blacksmith, just the best ‘bout bossin’ us ‘round.” That earned quite a few hearty guffaws the room while Storm struggled to stay polite and keep her face neutral.

“Careful, recruit or I could demote you.”

“Ya can’t, being the newest recruit I’m already the lowest unless ya want me to be a cleanin’ pony to scrub the tables but you wouldn’t waste that with somepony that has such amazing talent as me.

Ironhoof’s eye twinkled, “Well, maybe I was thinking about promoting you, but with that attitude, maybe I shouldn’t...”

The rusty pony’s eyes momentarily shown with shock and excitement before she quickly hid it under her cool demeanor, “Of course ya were thinking about promoting me, I’m the best blacksmith ‘round.” Storm started to yawn slightly.

Ironhood laughed heartily, “With spunk like that, maybe one day you could surpass me. For now, I’ve still got the title of best blacksmith.”

The rusty pony smiled playfully, “Then I’ll have to wait until that happens. Meanwhile, I think somepony is gettin’ a little impatient.”

Storm went red. I wasn’t that obvious was I?

Ironhoof chuckled once more, “Alright, we shouldn’t keep a customer waiting. Recruit, could you bring the special order over here?” he demanded as he snapped is hooves and a walking table with metal legs scuttled up to him. He cleared off some of the bolts and screws on it as the rusty pony placed something wrapped in an oily cloth on the table.

Storm looked at him, “Well?” Ironhoof asked, “Don’t look at me, it’s for you so you should open it. Happy early or late birthday, I have no idea when your birthday is but I believe you get the point.”

Storm unwrapped the cloth to get a beautiful shining...rod. A hilt to be specific.

“Err...there’s no blade...” Storm speculated,confused. Is this a prank?

“Of course not! Crystal Edge told us you were more of a speed fighter so a heavy blade wouldn’t work for you as most pegasi...flying ponies are. There are some light durable blades but probably not durable enough to withstand your lightning.” Ironhoof responded, rolling his eyes, “But only blacksmiths would no that I guess. That is why blacksmiths are superior to guards. Without weapons, they’re useless."

“First of all, a lot of guards know hoof to hoof combat. Second of all, what do you mean?! My lightning is weaker than static electricity!”

“I’m aware of that. I’m pretty sure that’s the reason why everypony is not running away from the sight of you thanks to the rumours that you were more powerful than Princess Celestia. Somepony told us about the rumours. It was Corda? Corde?”

“Cordial Streak!” Storm exclaimed, making Ironhoof jump slightly.

“Yeah, I think that was it. Green pony right? So you’ve met? Well, I guess that’s how she figured out the rumour was false, though Princess Celestia has also been spreading the word that the rumours are false too. I heard that even Princess Luna is telling some of her Lunar Guards, just in case”

“Really?” The princesses would do that for me? I guess it’s true when they say that the princesses care for everyponies wellbeing.

“Still, if this doesn’t have a blade, how am I supposed to use this thing?” Storm questioned persistently.

“With an magic amplifier.”

“But this hilt is so small-”

“Its a small magic electric amplifier”

“And my power is so weak so-”

“Its a small powerful magic amplifier.”

“And they’re so expensive-”

“The goddesses of the sun and moon are sponsoring us.”

“I...I got nothing.”

“Good, now try channeling all your electrical energy into your hoof again. I know you’re probably doubtful because the lightning thing you do is so weak but just give it a shot.”

“Alright.” Storm sighed. She concentrated everything she had into her hoof. She tried really hard, she really did and then...nothing happened.

Storm looked disappointed and so did Ironhoof. Even the rusty pony who had been working on some little project while Storm and him where talking, seemed surprised it didn’t work.

“Maybe my lightning isn’t strong enough...” Storm started. Then all of a sudden, two twin bolts of pure lightning surged out from the rod. Storm yelped in surprise and almost dropped her sword with a blade now(if lightning counts as a blade) but managed to hold on.

“It works!” Storm laughed, amazed. Now that she got a closer look, she realized how beautiful her sword was. The rod was a glassy dark blue like obsidian with shiny white flecks dotting the black and made it look like the night sky. An intricately designed guard that had beautiful curves, two looking like crescent moons. The pommel was made out of blue diamond, in the shape of a crystallized crescent moon. But the blade, the blade was the real eye candy. Twin bolts of white hot lightning were crackling, casting a white glow for a hoof or two in every direction. Storm stared at it admiringly.

“Everypony who worked on it, thanks so much!”

A chorus of “your welcomes” echoed in the room as all the ponies who were sitting around smiled at her. I guess everypony really did pitch in to make this.

“Don’t waste our hard work though. Great things are expected of ya, otherwise nopony would’ve bothered ta make this” the rusty pony reminded her.

“I know, I won’t let any of you down. Oh,” Storm faltered as she realized something, “Isn’t this design more for the Lunar Guard? Not that I’m complaining, I love the design, but will everypony be okay with this?”

“Of course.” the rusty pony assured her, still smiling, “The two guards are working on a common goal now, so besides different break times, the two guards should be fine with it, at least unless old hostilities rise up again.”

“You mean the Lunar Rebellion?” Storm asked.

“Yeah, that. A truly bloody war.”

“You make it sound like you were there.”

“Who knows, mebbe I was.”

“You can’t be more then a few years older than me!”

“Looks can be deceiving.” the rusty pony chuckled.

Ironhoof whispered in Storm’s ear, “Don’t worry, I think she’s being mysterious on purpose. She refuses to tell anypony her name or what she did before coming here today.” Raising his voice, Ironhoof grinned, “I’m sure nopony will mind the design. You are a bat pony after all.” he assured her.

“Well, thanks everypony.”

“Don’t sweat it. Try not to break your new sword though. It’s extremely durable because it has to withstand your lightning, it has quite a few durability enchantments and made out of the best material, but I’d still be careful. Best part is that, when you’re not channeling energy to it, it becomes a normal rod so it’s more portable and you won’t accidently electrocute yourself or anypony else with it.” Ironhoof reminded her.

“I’m actually almost immune to lightning...almost, but that’s still awesome. Thanks again!”

“Alright now, recruit? Can you take the lad back to the stadium?”

“Yeah, right on it Ironhoof.” the rusty pony replied.

“You mean boss?” Ironhoof put in, trying to correct her.

“Nope, I’m pretty sure I mean Ironhoof.” she replied smugly then walked out the metal doors, Storm right behind her with her sword tucked behind her scaly wings.

As they were walking back to the stadium, Storm spent the time admiring her new weapon. She wondered how they were going to let her practice when she could accidentally electrocute somepony at any time.

Finally, they reached the entrance of the stadium. Just as Storm was about to go in, she looked back at the rusty pony. “Hey, what’s your name? It feels strange to keep calling you rusty pony in my head. Actually, why have I not asked this earlier?”

The pony chuckled, “I can’t answer your question since I dunno the answer but I ain’t telling you ma real name, I don’t think anypony here knows it, but you may call me Cogs. That’s what everypony is calling me”

“Cogs it is then.” Storm confirmed, “See you around, Cogs.”

“See you ‘round too Storm. Its not that big of a castle.”

With that, they parted ways, Storm stepped out into the fading sunlight and into the stadium while Cogs headed back down the long hallways and back to the forges.

Author's Note

Long chapter! Well, at least long for me. I've seen stories with 10,000 words in some chapters. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Chapter 6

Storm stumbled into the stadium, holding the black rod in her left wing while doing so. Storm remembered the crystal moon on the pommel was brighter in the dark forges since it seemed and incredibly dull faded blue in Celestia’s sun. I wonder what type of magic would make that happen.

Still, she shook her head and went up to Crystal Edge. “So, anypony I can practice with right now, sir?” she asked.

Crystal looked down at her, surprised, “Training is almost over, it’s nearly night.”

“No it’s not it’s...” Storm looked up to see that the sun had nearly set, she could barely see anything beyond the mountain that Canterlot rested upon. “Oh...” Now Storm noticed that the pommel of her sword seemed a bit more luminescent, “Guess I got too excited...”

Crystal laughed, “Alright, maybe a bit more practice can be squeezed in. If you don’t mind, can I see your weapon? I’ve known Ironhoof for a while now and I know he makes amazing work. Even if he could be less full of himself when he talks about it.”

“You know Ironhoof?” Storm inquired.

“Yeah, both him and me have been working for over fifteen years for the guard. I’ve known him for a while, we actually joined on the same day! You know what? I’ll get to see your weapon in action. Give me a moment” he spoke, guffawing heartily the whole time.

“O-Oh, that’s...interesting.” It’s hard to imagine him being as nervous as me and everypony else when he first joined. But, I guess that happens when you work here for a long time. Am I ever going to be like that? Hay, I hope not, he seems nice enough but he’s to intimidating.

Her train of thought was interrupted by Crystal Edge calling out to tell everypony to stop what they were doing, “Which one of you bucking featherbrains is willing to fight Storm over here! C’mon, she missed enough practice already so hurry up!”

Storm noticed happily that more ponies were willing now that the rumour had been proven false. She caught Cordial Streak flashing a smile at her and gave a nod and a smile back, acknowledging and thanking her.

From the ponies with they’re hooves raised, one stepped out from the crowd and walked straight up to Storm. She was a white earth pony with a white and light blue striped and carefully styled mane and tail. Of course, Diamond Point would want to prove that she wasn’t a featherbrain by fighting Storm.

“I’d like to fight Storm again, sir” she demanded, her voice clipped.

Crystal looked uneasy, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, give me a moment.” he picked up Diamond’s spear and Storm’s black rod and touched is horn on each of them. Both glowed for a moment, surrounded in a yellow aura, before settling down. He passed the respective weapons to each of them.

Crystal sighed, “Alright, three...two...one...”

I’ve got a strange sense of deja vu...

“START!”

Storm at first didn’t use her rod and kept it firmly in her mouth while Diamond brandished her spear and charged. Storm barely had enough time to dodge as she jumped then hovered in the air. Diamond grinned cruelly, “Not so powerful without storm clouds so you can pretend your powerful huh?”

Oh, so they finally think it was just a stray bolt from the cloud? Well, that’s for the best. Storm dived and charged at her, now holding the rod in both hooves.

Diamond laughed, “How do you plan to fight me with a black stick-” her eyes widened in horror when, at the last moment, Storm concentrated all her energy into her hooves, and from the rod, two twin bolts of ligtning shot out from the rod, now making it a sword with a beautiful but deadly, lightning blade. Diamond pupils turned to pinpricks as she got a full onslaught of lightning.

***************************************************************************************************************************

Diamond was cowering down at the floor, shivering. “You know,” Storm said, rolling her eyes, “That there’s a protection spell on it right? So I can’t hurt you?”

All the ponies in the stadium looked shocked and scared at first but then started laughing at Diamond. Diamond turned red and gave a deadly look at Storm, “This isn’t over. You made an enemy with the wrong pony.” With that, she stalked off and hid in the small crowd of ponies.

Crystal finally managed to calm everypony down as the first stars started to come out, “I’d like to congratulate Storm on winning this fight, but this was quite easy. Diamond, you can’t just start cowering or fainting in the middle of battle, you wouldn’t survive a few heartbeats. “

That earned a few more laughs but Crystal remained as stoic as ever, remaining a straight face. I wonder how he does that, I guess you learn that when you become a guard. That’d be really useful, I should learn how to do that.

Finally, Crystal dismissed everypony to go to the break room and have dinner. Storm sighed warily. This day feels like it lasted forever. Storm noticed almost everypony seemed exhausted except for Diamond Point, who just seemed to be embarrassed.

Storm rushed into the room with everypony from the stadium. Some other ponies were already seated and having dinner. Storm looked around and spotted a familiar blue unicorn.

“Healing Springs! Can I sit with you?”

“Oh, of course.”

“Thanks.”

Storm walked up to get some food and wrinkled her nose slightly. Why is everything so healthy? Where’s a good hayburger when you need one?

Storm sat back down next to Spring again. She started eating dinner and saw yet another familiar face in the crowd.

“Cogs! Over here!” Storm called. Cogs looked around the crowd for a moment before spotting Storm. She quickly got her food and rushed over there.

“Hey, Storm. Who do ya have with you here?”

“I-im Healing Springs...”

“What’s that kid? You gotta speak up.”

“I’m Healing Springs...”

Cogs smiled, “That’s better, Spring. You’re okay if I call you that right?” Spring nodded her head in return, “Ma name is a secret as Storm here found out. But call me Cogs.” Spring nodded once more but stayed mostly silent.

Storm suddenly felt rather awkward and cleared her throat, “Umm, yeah, great introduction.” she struggled to find another topic, “You don’t seem to be eating much, Cogs.”

Cogs looked scared for a moment then gave a casual shrug, “It ain’t ma type of food.”

“It’s not mine either. There’s no hayburgers...or candy. Wait, they don’t have candy, that’s a crime. How the hay am I supposed to survive without candy.”

Healing Springs stepped into the conversation, “We’re allowed to get out of the castle for a bit on the weekends and you can get candy then. I don’t think there’s any candy here.”

Cogs chuckled, “Ya only have to survive five sunrises without candy. You’ll manage kid. And I’m not eating a lot of food, ‘cause I’ve got...interesting tastes. This is fine though,” she said, half-heartedly eating her salad.

Storm sighed, “I guess.”

She finished eating her salad and started chewing on her hay and carrots, albeit thinking about eating anything else while she did.

Electric Storm finished her food quickly and then attempted to leave the cafeteria quietly but then was shoved to the side by a pair of white hooves.

“Ow, watch where you’re going...” Storm looked up to see Diamond Point yet again.

“Oh, I’m sorry, am I in your way? I’m sorry, I must not be good enough to speak with you, you’re obviously favoured. I’d fight amazing too if I got super-powerful weapons so I didn’t even have to do anything, just let my weapon fight for me.”

“Leave me alone.” Storm growled. Buck, why won’t she leave me alone?

“You and what army?” Diamond sneered.

Storm looked back but Cogs and Healing Springs had left a while ago. Storm opened her mouth for a witty remark but was interrupted by a smooth voice.

“Perhaps me? I think you should leave her alone, it’s not her fault that her skill makes you look like a snivelling filly.”

“Who are you?” Diamond asked, not that politely.

“I’m Cordial Streak.”

Cordial is here?! Now?!Storm turned around to be face to face with the green pony again.

“Whatever.” Diamond sniffed, “I’m not gonna waste my time with you.” she trotted away and down the hall, and disappeared in her room as she slammed the door.

“Uh...thanks.” Storm said to Cordial, unsure of what to say.

“Don’t mention it.” Cordial smiled, “She annoys me too.” and with that, she also walked off to her room and closed the door. By now almost nopony was in the room. I guess I better get to my room. Room 101 if I remember correctly.

Storm entered her room and placed her new sword on the small nightstand, next to the globe with the tornado. She had a little trouble falling asleep, she was a bat pony after all, but had been trying to force herself to sleep in the night ever since she sent the letter to join the Royal Guard when they asked for more guards after Nightmare Moon and the infamous Discord attacked Equestria. She finally managed to fall asleep at 3:00 in the morning. The last thing she saw as she fell asleep was the small electric tornado that was given to her.

**************************************************************************************************************

Boom.Boom.Boom.

Storm awoke immediately and looked around her room. What the hay woke me up?

Boom.Boom.Boom.

Storm looked around the room. Where’s the sound coming from?

Storm looked at a small vent in one of the corners of her room and walked over there. She was about to reach out for it but then the vent exploded and a furry grey ball tumbled out.