Shattered Immortal

I'm really starting to regret asking for this I thought to myself. It's been ten minutes since I started the match and I was almost out on my hooves. Of course I didn't show it, but in the occasional glances I had at Luna, I could see worry start to creep into her eyes. By this time, about a quarter of the trainees was knocked out or injured, me on the other hand, hoof, however the fuck it's said, I'm sporting a gash on my right side a stab wound to my right shoulder and a few broken ribs from some idiot who though a warhammer was a good idea. I'm still trying to figure out how the hell she swung the damn thing.

"You must stop this J. It's clear that your body isn't ready for combat at this point." Leave it to Luna to state the obvious, plus my concentration was broke and I took another hit from that hammer.

My roar of pain and the sound of my body hitting the ground made everyone come to a stop. I could feel that my left rear leg was shattered and on top of it all was the fact that I couldn't get up.

"LYNN"

"FATHER!"

"Stay down J. You can not continue like this. Get him to the castle infirmary at once!"

"NO" I practically roared. "I refuse to end this exercise!" Finally struggling to my hooves, I cast the one healing spell I know. All it really is, is a spell to mend bones temporarily. Gritting my teeth, I slammed my leg down to numb it so I can finish this fight. I've got ten minutes to end this I thought to myself. Looking over the remaining trainees, I took note that the last ones are the best of the best and my first target will be the mare with the damn hammer.

"Lets finish this. The one who can knock me down and out, I will name you as the Captain of my personal guard." I smiled at the shocked looks on those still standing. "I can see that some of you knows the history of the Sky Guard, but that also means I expect you to be the best" pausing I took my stance again facing them. "So come, show me you deserve that honor."

As I had expected, the mare with the warhammer charged. From what I could tell she was a earth pony with blue fur and silver mane and tail. She had the hammer on her back in a carry position, but as soon as she was in range, she grabbed the handle in her hooves and in a impressive display of strength and speed started attacking. In seconds I was being pressed by the mare. The attacks was coming so quickly I couldn't do anything but defend. When a minute or two passed, I found my opening. I slammed Twilight's Fall into her side knocking her over and destroying her armor. In a second she was back on her hooves and in her own stance again, but I noticed something. The colors she originally sported was changing.

I watched as blue and silver faded into orange and blond. She had three red apples for a cutie mark and I knew who she was then.

"Apple Jack Apple. You have no reason to be here. Your family has done more for Equestria than any other. This kingdom wouldn't exist if it wasn't for your ancestor" I said looking at her. "With that said, why are you here?"

"Cuz, I want to do my part for my home. A Apple has always been in the guard and I'm not about to break that tradition."

"You remind me of Knotted so much." Apple Jack just nodded and smiled.

"The stories are passed down in the family." I dont know what she said after that because everything went black.

"Ya know sumthin. Ya 'ave got ta be the most 'ard headed sumbitch ah ever had the displeasure to meet."

"Oh, kiss my ass you old fucker. I've had to put up with your shit for fifty years now" I said smiling at the old stallion propped up in his bed. Before me laid one Knotted Apple. Lord General of the Equestrian Army, Defender of the Everfree and the only pony I trusted with my life other than my wives at that time. He was the first to be named Lord General and the last, until Claymore came along six hundred years later.

"Dyin sucks J. Ah always figured ah would die in battle, not of old age in ma bed."

"That happens when your a warhorse of your caliber Knot. Individually we was formidable, but when we was together, no one could beat us. It is because of you that we have a safe kingdom now. Discord fell because of you."

"Ah didn't do anything special. Ah did what come natural ta me."

"You commanded the army and allowed me the time I needed to kill Discord. Equestria will always be in debt to you and your family." I watched the old stallion scratch his muzzle before looking me in the eyes.

"Ah just want you ta promise me one thing J."

"What's that Knot?" He nodded towards his warhammer propped up in the corner of his room.

"If ah Apple ever shows up carryin that old thing, ya treat em like you do me."

"Done."