Author's Note

Can you find the two references I put in? If you don't, this will be y-

Clash between warriors.

Clash between warriors.

"…Now!"

Shining and Kolivan rush forwards, both blades raised. They crash against each other, locked in place.

"Let us see if you truly are worthy of this blade." Kolivan says, pushing against Shining's knife.

"Don't underestimate me." Shining retorts, pushing back. They stay locked against each other, neither gaining ground… before Kolivan raises a leg, kicking Shining in the gut. Reeling from the strike, Shining can't block the hilt of Kolivan's broadsword smacking into his left temple, or the subsequent hilt to the forehead, right under his horn.

Shining stumbles back before righting himself, knife firmly clutched in his hand. His horn glows, magic flowing along his body, making Kolivan raise an eyebrow. Shining rushes forward, moving faster than before. He delivers a leg sweep, Kolivan dodges. Kolivan slashes at Shining's chest, Shining counters and bats Kolivan's arm away, getting in his face for a punch to the chest.

Kolivan blocks with his other arm, spinning Shining around and kicking him in the back.

"That speed boost isn't helping you. Try something else." Kolivan says, his tone neutral.

"Then let's see how you like this!" Shining says, turning around and unleashing a trio of magic bolts at Kolivan. He slashes through them.

"Still too slow." Kolivan advances, delivering a flurry of slashes at Shining. Shining tries to block but can't stop one slash to his arm. Shining grits his teeth, to dismay of his observing mother.

I have to be careful about this. His reactions are astounding so I don't think I'll be able to out-manoeuvre him. And he's obviously stronger than I am. I'll have to use magic to try to out-smart him. Obelisk! Shining thinks, his horn pulsing with magenta. Shining's magic travels over his armour this time, hardening it. Kolivan raises an eyebrow at this before assuming a ready stance.

Shining charges forward, his knife held for a slash. Kolivan sees what he's doing and dips low, grabbing Shining's arm. Kolivan shifts his weight, pulling Shining over his body. Kolivan then straightens up, bringing his arm down as he does, slamming Shining into the ground next to him. Shining groans as his obelisk fades.

"You seem to prize your strength and tenacity above all else, you truly are Galra. But a normal Galra cannot defeat me. Surrender now, you have no chance to win." Kolivan berates.

I…

"No! I'm not giving up so easily!" Swinging his legs through the air, Shining spin-flips himself upright, facing a mildly interested Kolivan.

"Fine then. Show me your true strength, warrior." Kolivan challenges, standing ready.

"With pleasure, commander!" Shining rushes forward, his blade deftly thrusting and swiping through the air as it clashes against Kolivan's broadsword. Kolivan slowly moves back, his weapon swiftly blocking every strike.

He's moving faster than before. His attacks are stronger too. Is he using magic again? Kolivan thinks as he stops in place, halting Shining with another blade lock.
No matter. It is not enough.

"I see you have improved. But you still have a long way to go." Kolivan says as Shining shoves against his blade.

"Long way this!" Shining retorts, shoving Kolivan's arms upward. Shining seizes this brief distraction and brings his humming blade down, landing his first direct hit.

"Ugh." Kolivan groans, touching blood on his shoulder. Kolivan narrows his eyes at Shining. Shining smirks.

…am…

Shining surges forward, slashing at Kolivan. Kolivan blocks. Shining continues.

What's he doing? His strikes are weaker now. Is he holding back? No… he's testing my defen-

"Gah!" Kolivan shouts as he is hit in the leg, the muscle contracting painfully as he takes a punch to the face. Kolivan stumbles for a second before righting himself. He wipes moisture off his lips before grasping his broadsword with both hands.

…thou.

Kolivan charges at Shining, his blade held under his chest, ready to thrust. Shining spins around Kolivan, pushing his leg in front of Kolivan's shin as he raises his blade to the commanders throat.

"I win." Shining declares. Kolivan inspects his position.

"A Blargian snaggle hold. A deadly technique. Unless you know its weakness." Kolivan suddenly exhales, shrinking his throat away from Shining's blade as he strikes Shining in the sternum and turns out of range of his leg. There is a tiny nick on Kolivan's throat. Shining kick-flips off the ground, panting as he faces forward.

Thou…

"I am not done yet. I feel more alive than ever, so don't you dare count me out yet." Shining decrees, his smile wide. Kolivan notices that Shining's blade is glowing brightly.

He's almost there. He just needs one more push.

Kolivan sidesteps, coming at Shining from his right. Shining counters, deflecting Kolivan's strike and slashing his arm. Kolivan rams his arm into Shining's stomach, pushing him back.

…art…

Shining fights through the pain, grabbing Kolivan's head and headbutting him. Shining goes for a thrust but Kolivan dodges, slashing his leg. Shining cries out in pain before blocking a strike from Kolivan aimed at his shoulder blade. Shining backsteps, putting a small distance between himself and his opponent.

…I!

Shining's knife explodes with purple light, blinding the princesses. Kolivan looks ahead, unimpeded by the light, a genuine smile on his face.

"Congratulations." He says as the glow dies down, revealing Shining Armour, holding a long greatsword in his hands. Kolivan's eyes widen.
Why is his weapon different?

Shining's eyes widen as well.

"Wow…" Shining admires his blade before turning back to Kolivan. He smirks as his horn glows again.
Nine lives, Shooting the hundred heads!

Shining zips forward, his arms moving faster than the eye can track. He brings his blade to his side. Kolivan looks confused before he cries out in pain, small slashes opening over his chest, arms, legs and back. Kolivan collapses from the pain.

"…Winner!" Luna calls out, first to break out of her shock. Shining pants as his blade returns to normal. He seathes it on his back before collapsing onto his knees, sitting on his ankles.

"You… did… well." Kolivan groans as he tries to stand. Cracked runs up to him, helping him up. Shining stands as well.

"Congratulations… Jex. You have… awakened your blade." Kolivan pants as a pair of nurses run up to him, applying healing magic to his wounds.

"Don't worry, commander. You'll be back to normal in just a second." Cracked says.

"Thank you." Kolivan says as he begins to make his way out of the arena, the nurses following him. "Perhaps next time, we can fight without both of us holding back." Kolivan says over his shoulder. Shining nods.

(Later)

"Are you alright, commander Kolivan?" Celestia asks as Kolivan sits in her study.

"Yes. Your… magicians restored me to perfect health." Kolivan says, slightly erring on the correct term to use.

"I am glad. Now, shall we continue where we left off?" Celestia asks.

"Of course. We were discussing trade. I propose in exchange for permission to form a base here on your planet, we give you plans and schematics of some of our transport technology, as well as the protection of the Blades of Marmora." Kolivan says.

"That would be helpful but what about weapons technology? Normally I would not ask such things so soon in negotiations but given the threat of attack we are facing, it may be beneficial for us to start building our own defenses. We just had a huge invasion force attack us.” Celestia asks.

"I understand. The threat of invasion is indeed of importance. This is why my Blades of Marmora will be willing to protect this planet. Both as a shield for its people and a guardian for our allies. But, I fear we do have limits. One of which is trust.

The people of this planet are strange to us, possessing powers that are unpredictable and dangerous. I am willing to help advance your people to help them reach the stars but I will not turn your people into a possible threat." Kolivan argues.

“Okay, sister, this is getting us nowhere. The fact of the matter is, we needed defenses up yesterday! The real question is how quickly they can set up defenses, at a bare minimum we will need a factory to at least know how to make the components they need in order to speed up production!

I would like to have defenses being constructed by tomorrow if possible, they could already be sending another attack as we speak!” Luna exclaims.

"As I said, the Blades of Marmora, as well as Diego, are your protection. But a facility that can help to produce both technology to help your people and supply the Blades would be of assistance.

Time is of the essence in this scenario. If possible, the Blades may even be able to set up a new headquarters here, outside of Galran space. I ask again, in exchange for technology to assist in the advancement of your people and protection from outside threats,

I ask that you please share this planet, or at least a sizable piece of land, with the Blades. With this, we will be able to not only gain a solid stronghold for my agents and our base but both our species would be able to form a united front against the enemy. Do you accept?" Kolivan asks, raising his hand towards princess Celestia.

“I accept this offer on the condition that it is a provisional deal. Two weeks from today we will meet up and discuss it further, after all no plan survives contact with the enemy. That way we can adapt any changes we need to make before any problems become unfixable.” Celestia replies, holding out her hand. Kolivan takes her arm, gripping it tightly as he shakes his.

"Yes. This is acceptable. I hereby confirm that planet Mystacor is under the protection of the Blades of Marmora, from threats of Galra, space or disaster. We thank you for your cooperation and hospitality." Kolivan says, his tone practiced and calm.