The Freeblade and the Nurse

-Chapter Eight-

To say Marius was disappointed in Blueblood’s physical ability, would be quite an understatement. The wheelchair bound pilot could not believe what he is seeing, this had been Blueblood’s seventh breather within the past thirty minutes of physical training. While the remaining members of ‘Knight Squad’ continued their own training in standard issue training armor, they had to remove Bluebloods, in fear of him having a stroke of some kind.

Marius lifted a hand up, and rubbed his face a bit. “This is his first day of training, and the spoiled brat is already proving to be a disappointment.” His comment caused the squad’s sergeant to snicker a bit.

“I would have to agree with that, sir.” Strong Arm looked at his squad, two of which forced Blueblood back on to his feet, while a third ran the obstacle course with him. “But do not worry, the boys will have him ready in no time.”

“I hope so, Sergeant. We only have a month until our next deployment.” Marius smirked up at the seasoned sergeant. “Think you’re up to the task?”

Strong Arm scoffed, playfully, at the question. “I have dealt with worse deadlines, sir. He will be ready, I’ll bet my stripes on it.”

Once again, Marius smirked at his comment, and leaned on to his right side. “I shall take that bet, Sergeant Arm. Your stripes against, say…” The knight pilot thought on the subject, thinking of something the sergeant would want from him. He looked down at his left breast, seeing the onyx skull and cross pinned there, a smirk forming soon after. “This Honors Metal.” Marius quickly removed the metal, and held it towards Strong Arm. “If he is ready, by one month’s time, then you have earned the right to wear this metal. If not? Then you will have to remove your stripes for a whole month, training alongside Blueblood.”

Strong Arm flinched a bit, hearing the bet’s states and conditions. “That is rather steep… But I am confident in my abilities to try soldiers and shall take it.” The two shook on it, before hearing a high pitch yelp, turning towards the training grounds… Just in time to see Blueblood dangling upside down, and an inch away from the ground. His entire body wrapped up within a mock vine trap, which had caught the former prince completely off guard, the other members of Knight Squad bursting into laughter.

Marius cave an amused chuckle of his own, while Strong Arm’s ears folded back. “Good luck, Sergeant. You are definitely going to need it.”

The two soon noticed Nurse Redheart walking over to them, with Applejack and Rarity with her. The fashionista had a pen and notepad with her, obviously ready to take notes on something. The farmmare, on the other hand, had a somewhat defeated look about her, as if the mare was about to do something completely out of character for her. Nurse Readhart, though, continued to carry her trademark smile and caring look about her, which told Marius nothing bad had happen just yet.

When the three were close enough, both soldiers gave a respective nod to the mares. “Good day, ladies, what brings you three to the training grounds today?” Marius asked, as Strong Arm wheeled him around to face the three. “I do hope this visit is not about me missing some doctor’s appointment, that I had no clue about?”

His question earned a giggle from Nurse Redheart, before she shook her head. “You’re safe, Marius, for now… No such appointments will start, until after your legs are strong enough to stand up without much support.” She motioned to Rarity first. “Ms. Rarity needed the color scheme you wanted for Knight Squad, before she started on their uniforms.”

“After all, such dashing soldiers need to be unique, if they are going to save Equestria alongside our two saviors.” Rarity added, giving the two her classic head-canted wink.

Nurse Readheart nodded, in agreement, before motioning to the farmmare. “Though, Applejack came here to ask for your help with something.”

“Ah came to see if ya, and the big fella, don’t mind helpin’ the Apple Family with clearin’ and plowin’ an area for us ta grow crops here in Canterlot.” Applejack asked, nodding her stenson hat to Marius.

“Not a problem at all, Ms. Applejack. Just let me know when and I’ll have Umbra headed your way.” Marius looked at Rarity, somewhat hesitant. “As for the uniforms? I remember a squad of soldiers that battled beneath my armor’s shadow, before we were brought here.” The pilot gained a longing gaze, as he began to remember the many battles fought alongside these few brave warriors. “They claimed to be those honored, to witness the Corvain Survivor’s attempt at redemption… But truly? It had been us, who were honored, to fight beside these humbled Demi-Gods.”

The mares, along with Strong Arm, began to wonder just who these brave few were. Each one began to see heroic figures, charging into battle beneath Umbra Equitis, and those like he Imperial Knight. Nurse Redheart had been the one to actually snap out of her day dream first. “Who were these ‘humbled Demi-Gods’, Marius?”

“Instead of telling you, how about I show you?” He answered, smiling at them. “Umbra, show them the Black Knights of House Corvain and Support Squad Unit Photo.”

“” Umbra’s voice announced, making Nurse Redheart pull out the dataslate. “” Not even Strong Arm could resist the answer, as to who these beings were, those brave enough to charge beneath an Imperial Knight’s massive feet. They all gasped at the revelation shown on the screen.

Around Marius were four other Imperial Knight Pilots, each with a proud smirk about thm. In the background, being repaired, were five Imperial Knight suits. Umbra Equitis, a Paladin, a Gallant, an Errant, and a Crusader; all bearing their lead Knight’s black and silver colors. But, what made them gasp, had been the eleven eight-foot giants, all clad in emerald green and black power armor. Their leader, with a red plumed black Maximus helmet in his right hand, knelt next to the wheelchair bound Marius. His skin was charcoal black, with glowing red eyes and ash gray hair. Each one of the giants had a white dragon on their left, red colored, shoulder guard, along with icons of the forge and some kind of dragon-scale all across their armor.

They were intimidating, yet the knight pilots all seemed calm around them. “Who are these giants, Lord Marius?” Strong Arm asked, looking at the wheelchair bound pilot.

“They were veteran Astartes from the Salamanders Chapter. Leading them was Battle Captain Aythan, a Sternguard Sergeant promoted and given a Battle-Company of Astartes to help with our redemption act.” Marius eyes continued their longing gaze, till smiling. “Each, and everyone, of them the finest soldier one could ask for. All standing with our Knights, refusing to retreat, despite how vastly outnumbered we would be.”

“They sound like champions… It shall be an honor, to carry on such a grand legacy.” Strong Arm said, looking down at the image, focusing on said Battle Captain.

All the while, Rarity’s keen eye studied the Astartes’ color patterns, and styles. “Judging how only five, including the Captain, have black helmets… I assume they are more senior of the group?” Marius gave a nod, the fashionista smirking. “Then I know how to work with their emerald green and black! I’ll get to work on possible designs, ta-ta all!” With that, she left to design the uniforms.

Marius gave a nod, looking to the farmmare. “So, Ms. Applejack, when would you like Umbra Equitis to clear an area and help plow the fields?”

“Soon as possible, if ya don’t mind. The quicker we get these here crops planted, the quicker we can restore Canterlot’s food stores.”
She replied.

“If Sergeant Strong Arm does not mind taking over here? I will get right on it.” He looked up to the seasoned sergeant, who nodded his head in approval. “Alright then, I will head over to Umbra Equitis, then make my way to…?”

“Canterlot Park.” Applejack finished, smiling.

“Yes, Canterlot Park and start clearing right away.” Marius looked up at Strong Arm, smirking. “Good luck, with our newest recruit, Sergeant. I leave him in your capable hands.”

“Do not worry, sir. I will have that pretty boy combat effective in no time.” Strong Arm said, as Marius left with the mares.

-Canterlot Park, Sometime Later-

The Apple Family, plus quite a few volunteer refugees, gathered just outside of the park. All were preparing for every bit of hard work in front of them, knowing every last earth pony will be needed for this job. Ever survivor, of the plague, were now counting on them to start growing crops, something they needed to do. Yet, they had a single question to answer.

“So, AJ, how are we gonna clear this ‘ere Park?” Big Mac asked, looking at the various trees and stone décor placed within the park. “This’ll take too much time ta do by hand.”

The farmmare smirked up at her older brother. “I’ve already got that handled, Big Mac.” The reply confused him, but a ground shaking stom prevented the stallion from asking what she meant. They all turned, to see their colossal guardian walking towards the park. “Are ya ready, big guy?”

“You require these trees cleared, and stone moved, correct?” Marius’ voice blared from the Imperial Knight’s warhorn.

“Ya got it, partner! Think ya can do that?” Applejack asked, smiling up at the metal colossu.

Umbra Equitis’ Reaper Chainsword revved up, smoke leaving the pipes for a few seconds. “An easy task for us, you all just stand back.” The Imperial Knight stepped over the groups before him, careful not to accidently step on any of them.

They all watched their protector begin clearing operations of any obstructions in the park, trees unable to withstand his heavy swings. All stone pieces were crushed to near dust by Umbra Equitis’ giant feet, pieces left behind were small enough for the volunteers to carry out. With the Imperial Knight’s help, a several month job had been reduced to less than a day. This increased the moral of those who volunteered to help with the crops, knowing their job had just gotten a lot easier.

When the park had been fully cleared, they began to hook several plows on to the Imperial Knight’s arms. This opened up more volunteers to start planting, as Umbra Equitis started to walk forward, the plows moving with him. But his help did not stop there, Marius having his knight even help with lifting large structures or carrying heavy supplies to where they would be needed. Each area grateful for his assistance, as they worked on preparing a farm for Canterlot’s food sources.

After all was said and done, they gathered at the base of Umbra Equitis, sharing mugs of cider together. It was a time of celebration now, because they were many steps closer to their goals. Though, Marius simply watched their festivities from his knight’s command throne, smiling. Once again, he had helped these survivors buy another day, another day to keep up the fight and live. Another deed, to atone for his own terrible failure.

“” Umbra’s voice caused his attention to move away from such thoughts. “”