The walk back to the castle was somewhat blissful. The day was brightening, and Canterlot had a considerable buzz going about. There'd be so many voices and ponies by the afternoon that it would be easy to lose any companions you were traveling with. Store owners flipped their signs to open, and street vendors loaded merchandise onto their stands. Canterlot definitely had that big city feeling, although it would become eerily silent once night fell. That's another thing I noticed sometime after my arrival. The natural cycle of day and night was very adhered to in Equestria. It was a massive contrast to what I had been used to with cities on earth. There would be some nightlife, but that was mostly thestrals going out hunting or beginning their shifts as Lunar guards. Umbra's voice called out to me once I made it to the castle steps,

"Deep in thought, hm?"

"Eh, I'm just taking it all in."

"So, you said you created an armory and hid it away, correct?" She asked,

"I wouldn't say it's an armory, just a little stash of stuff I made from leftover materials; besides, I doubt I'll ever put any of that stuff to good use. It isn't like I'm getting considered for deployment soon." I said glumly. Although those creations were my babies, and I cherished them deeply, a big part of me wanted to actually use them. Umbra sighs,

"Have you forgotten about the tournament already?" I shook my head,

"I remember, but the high brass will probably force me to wear the standard issue armor and sword to battle."

"Well, they already despise the thought of you wearing their armor and being among their ranks. So why use them?

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, wear your armor, utilize weapons of your own creation, and use these things to crush all who oppose you during the tournament. Thus, sending a message that you are superior to them in every conceivable way."

"..."

"Splendid, now let's hurry along. I must say, you've gotten me curious about witnessing your craft."

At the top of the steps, I walked by a line of nobles and average citizens awaiting their turn to speak with the princess. My presence warranted the same whispers and snide comments. Celestia was seated on her throne, with her elegance on full display. Her mane and tail billowed in a nonexistent wind, radiantly sparkling with color. Celestia's alabaster fur seemed to shine like the gentle morning rays of the sun. Her wonderful magenta irises held infinite amounts of love and compassion within them. Celestia was the definitive example of a goddess. However, I could tell that she was fighting to stay awake.

Trying her hardest not to yawn at the current noble who was trying to talk her into letting him buy a ridiculous amount of land in Ponyville that the local Mayor won't allow, Celestia tactfully covered her mouth with her hoof before speaking,

"Mr. Bitsby, while I understand your desire to…expand your vast economic empire," I tried hard not to smirk. This is how Celestia always sent clowns like this packing. She'd use choice words to boost their ego, then gently let them down. It was genius, "I don't feel that there is a need to. I've heard you're doing quite well yourself. I even saw that beautiful new jacuzzi you've recently installed in your manor. You have impeccable taste." The stallion fixed his monocle and puffed his chest out,

"Why I am honored that your highness herself understands my more lavish tastes in interior design," What a tool! I gotta get outta here. I'm gonna wheeze. I nodded to Celestia, who smiled lightly and waved. This, unfortunately, garnered the attention of the noble. He looked in the direction the princess was smiling and scrunched up his muzzle in an obnoxious display of disgust, "Ugh! How dare you interrupt such an important meeting with your ghastly appearance?!" I just kept walking, I was in a good mood today, and I wasn't gonna let some noble douchebag ruin it. Once I reached the main hall, I slowed to catch the rest of the court proceedings. Celestia cleared her throat; her tone hardened noticeably,

"Shall we continue, Mr. Bitsby?" Although she never found the time to sit down and talk with me about my grievances, Celestia was the only pony; besides Umbra, of course, that seemed to give me a modicum of respect,

"Yes, your highness. My apologies."

"I'm afraid I must decline your proposition due to building restrictions."

"I-er, but-" I snickered and picked up the pace. I passed a unicorn maid carrying a feather duster in her magic down the main hall. Now I understand that there is more than one maid assigned to each job, but I can't begin to imagine the task of cleaning up this massive palace. You'd have to cover so much ground, even if you were part of a group. The decorum changed once I descended the long flight of stairs to my floor. The lower parts of the castle were a massive juxtaposition compared to the upper portion where the Princesses resided. The once pristine marble covering the upper floors was replaced with drab stone, with cracks lining the walls from age. The air was dry and stale. It smells pretty unpleasant down here your first time. Fortunately, it becomes more tolerable as you get used to it. Finally, the forge was at the end of the hall, adjacent to the staircase that led to the dungeons. I opened the door, and the hinges groaned as it swung open. I had no intention of fixing another big ass iron door. There were rust spots here and there, but for the most part, they were pretty good,

"Probably just need to be oiled.' I muttered. Walking behind my desk, I pulled out a little metal can of lubricant. MMR-12 was the name stamped onto it. It was basically the Equestrian equivalent to WD-40 in terms of purpose. However, the way it worked was much different. MMR-12 was practically a potion in a can. Returning to the door, I sprayed each continuously for about three seconds. A purple cloud stuck to the metal for a short time before dissipating. The hinges looked as good as new. Satisfied, I shut the door. Magic sure was something else. I checked the clipboard on my desk for any further work orders for the upcoming week. Much to my relief, I had nothing new yet,

"Do you still want to see my personal armory, Umbra?"

"Why, yes. I've been curious about what wartime inventions your kind has created."

"What I'm about to show you is considered ancient compared to modern technology." I relit the torches inside the forge before heading into my bedroom. Once I shut the door, I flicked down the metal slab over the bars. It was a precaution I had taken just in case someone came inside to put in a work order or needed to talk about other matters that required my expertise. Walking to my makeshift closet, I pushed my old coat aside. Revealing a metal handle, I turned it and pulled. Dust was shaken free as the hidden door slid into the wall. Patting myself off, I took a step inside. Then, just like I had done outside, I went around the room. I lit every torch until the pitch-black darkness was replaced by a flickering yellow. I smiled contently upon the sight of my handy work,

"Wow." Was all Umbra could muster, bolstering my pride. I rubbed my hands and observed the first wall of weaponry. Pondering what I would show first. I was about to settle on a pair of daggers when the battle-ax caught my eye,

"Ah, now this," I started, pulling the ax from the wall, "Was my first creation. It took me just short of a week to finish it." I went with a double-headed design about four feet in length. The handle was wrought from black steel, spiraling towards the bottom. I chose to make it even more special by engraving roaring flames on the heads of the ax.

"Your level of craft is exceptional, Donovan."

"Thank you, I put lots of time into this baby and everything else in here. Speaking of which," I placed the ax back on the wall before walking towards my most complex weapon. This little baby took a month of planning and redesigning before I started creating it. My repeating crossbow. I turned to the armor-clad dummy at the end of the room and took aim. I held down the trigger. Four six-inch bolts were launched quickly, each one hitting the target. The bolts were custom broad-heads designed to pierce armor. They thudded loudly as they sunk into the target.

"By the gods, that's genius." I set the crossbow back down,

"It's practically operated by an internal mechanism that recocks the rope after each shot. The springloaded floor in the magazine pushes the next bolt up. Each mag holds about eight bolts."

"Do you have a set of armor?" I nodded, turning to my current work in progress.

"This was what I'd call my magnum opus. A knight's suit of armor, made from blackened steel. I created each section of platemail meticulously, from the boots to the chest. I also lined the inside with chainmail for extra protection. Weighs a bit, but I'm strong enough to move around in it." Alongside the armor was my primary weapon of choice. A longsword, the steel blade glimmered even in the dull light. At the ends of the handlebar bore the heads of snarling wolves and a wailing human skull at the pommel with sapphires in the eye sockets.

"I haven't seen work so immaculate for ages. I'm pleased to be the first to witness it all."

"Thanks, that means a lot." Umbra's words had me beaming with pride,

"Donovan, you must take your armor and weaponry to the tournament. It would make even Celestia view her Sabre of Dawn as inadequate." I stroked my beard for a moment as I pondered her words,

"You know what, that might not be such a bad idea. The longsword would give me an edge thanks to its longer blade. Also, the armor would protect more of me than the standard-issue Solar armor ever did."

"Every advantage matters in battle." She affirmed,

"Well, you've convinced me," I set the sword back down, "I think I'll get started on that helmet now." I snuffed out the torches before exiting the armory. I changed out of my street clothes and into my workwear. Once I was back in the forge, I pulled out some spare steel and my tongs. There were so many types of helmets that I had favored when it came to the attire of knights. Closed helms, bascinets, barbutes, and even the kettle helmet always caught my eye. However, my biggest favorite was the pot helm or the great helm. They were typically worn by the Templars during the Crusades. This particular type of helmet would be the one to finish my set of armor. I walked next to the forge and took hold of the adjacent shovel. With a sharp thrust, I wedged it inside a bag of coal before tossing the contents inside the stone maw. I repeated this process until I was satisfied with the amount. Then, taking a match, I swiped it across my boot and tossed it onto the pile of coal. I waited for the tiny flame to grow before walking to the bellows. My boot firmly came down on the handle.

WHOOSH

I felt the slight wave of heat wash over the chamber. The dim reddish-orange glow evolved into a bright yellow with each jet of air that flew into the flame. I took my foot off the bellows and stood in front of the forge. It was definitely hot enough, hence the slight itching sensation on my skin. Using the tongs, I held the metal over the coals for a moment. Once it turned orange, I brought it to the anvil. Then, using my hammer, I struck the metal into shape. Drops of sweat rolled down my body and face. A driblet would collide with the glowing steel every now and then, resulting in a sharp sizzle and a wisp of steam. Once it cools, I'll use rivets to bring it all together.

After a few hours of work, I had the shape of the helm complete. A good stopping point for now. Setting everything down on the workbench, I sat in my chair and stared into the forge,

"It's been quite the productive day, hasn't it?" Umbra asked,

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"I stayed quiet so I wouldn't disturb you; I saw how focused you were. It would be unjust to disrupt that."

"I tend to lock in when I work or completely zone out. Depends on who sees me."

"Donovan?" I lifted my eyebrows,

"Hm?"

"Pardon me for asking, but what are you doing?" I chuckled before replying,

"After I get some work done, I sit and look into the forge while it goes out before I head to bed. It helps me reflect on what I've done and winds me down. I know that probably sounds weird to you." Umbra's response was instant,

"No, it doesn't. There's nothing strange about one bringing serenity to mind. If anything, it's necessary to remain complete." It was then that the flame finally died out,

"Exactly." I rose from the seat and went to my room, removing all but my jeans. Landing on the bed with a sigh, I stared at the ceiling until sleep took me.

That soft breeze was the first thing I felt. Up ahead was Umbra; she had removed her cape and regalia. Her eyes were closed, and a ghost of a smile was visible on her muzzle. The ebony smoke of her mane and tail surrendered to wavy locks of raven black. Umbra's lush coat was peppered with scars, as well as lean muscle outlining her frame. My eyes fell upon her cutie mark, a black crystalline skull bathed in a purple aura.

"Donovan, is it not impolite to stare on your planet?" She questioned, I looked up and met a gaze that meant nothing good,

"It is impolite, I apologize. I never saw you without your cape and regalia, plus your mane, tail and eyes are different."

"I'm sure I looked the same in that memory I showed you earlier, albeit with a different manestyle."

"Yeah, you did, but I was paying more attention to the fight. So I never really got to really see you."

"I suppose that's within reason. Though, I'd advise you keep your curious eyes elsewhere." She warned before hardening her features. Her horn was alight, scanning over me. Eventually, she nodded and halted her magic. "Do you feel any different?" I shook my head,

"Not really, no."

"Are you certain? Nothing at all?" I opened my mouth and closed it.

"Hmm." I took a deep breath and exhaled. A strange sensation flowed through me, like a soft thrumming. "Actually, I do feel a little different."

"Describe it.

"It's like a subtle pulse that reverberates around my body, slower and gentler than my heart."

"That's what magic feels like when it's not in use. Now that you can sense it within. Our next course of action is to determine whether your body can physically withdraw and use it. Try to find where the sensation is the most intense. For unicorns, magical pulses start from our hearts and feel strongest at our horns." She said, tapping her forehead. I nodded and focused,

"It starts at my head and gets more powerful at my fingertips."

"Ah, I assumed that your fingers would possibly yield the most potent feel. Now what I want you to do next is to channel your magic. Try to imagine the pulse stopping at your fingertips."

"Okay, let me give it a try." I stared at my palms and concentrated. Somehow, I managed to hold it there for a few seconds. Only for it to leave my fingers, "Shit." Umbra giggled,

"It is hard to do at first." Trying it again, I held my magic for a bit longer. It was long enough to hear a humming sound, followed by an erratic blue aura around my hands. It faintly resembled electricity. I was so surprised that I managed to lose focus and let the magic slip away,

"Whoa." Umbra trotted next to me,

"I saw it as well. Try again and hold it for as long as you can." Cracking my knuckles, I did as she asked. The arcing blue returned and seemed to become more volatile,

"Quite the intriguing aura. Is there anything you're struggling with?" I shrugged,

"Just maintaining it." Nodding in understanding, Umbra flared her own magic,

"I noticed you straining to summon forth and hold your magic. You must relax your body and mind. Calling upon magic must be effortless as if it were second nature." Until she spoke, I didn't even realize how tense I was. My arms were shaking like I was struggling to curl a new personal record,

"Okay, I'll do that." Then, loosening my posture, the stress of holding my magic lightened, "Oh yeah, that feels way better."

"Great. Next, we'll do a short exercise. When I say discharge, you let your magic go. Invoke means to bring it forth once more. Finally, maintain standards to hold. I'll eventually get faster with each command you get right. This will help with the basics of controlling your magic while preparing you for tense situations where you might need to perform a quickdraw."

"Gotcha." Umbra smiled and nodded,

"Good. Now discharge!" Doing as she asked, I relinquished my hold,

"Invoke!" With minor struggle, I brought it back,

"Hold!" I gave her my full attention, waiting for the next word,

"Discharge!" I had just shy of two seconds of rest before she said the following order,

"Invoke!" Grimacing slightly, I did it successfully,

"Hold!"

"Discharge!"

"Invoke!" I accidentally pulled forth too much magic because of the speed I needed to respond at. The separate auras joined into a massive ball of raw power. I faintly heard a gasp from Umbra,

"Donovan, release your magic now!" Before I could do so, a loud crackle assaulted my ears, and the orb exploded. Surrounding trees bent from the power exerted. I heard the sound of a lightning strike as my arms swung back, and I was sent sailing into the air. I braced myself for impact, but it never came. Umbra caught me with her magic and brought me back down to the grass,

"H-Holy Shit." I stammered; my hands were trembling. Umbra opened her mouth to speak when a dry snap grabbed our attention. We watched in disbelief as a tree fell. Its bottom half was still firmly rooted into the ground,

"Donovan," I turned to meet her gaze and noticed the lines of gouged earth trailing from her hooves. Umbra's look was wild as she peered into my eyes, "I understand that you wanted to keep up with my commands. However, that was something we can never allow to transpire again."

"What was that?"

"It's called an overdraw. It commonly happens when a unicorn pulls too much magic into their horn at a very uncontrolled and rapid rate. Usually, it results in horn injury and temporary migraines, but it can kill in some unfortunate cases. So, Donovan, you have to always control your magic. Do not try to force it to bend to your will. It will come to you naturally with time," Her hoof tapped my stomach slightly, "That is why it is called practice. Speaking of which, I believe we should leave off on that note." I plopped down with a sigh,

"Can't disagree, but before I wake up Umbra, I need to ask you something?" She sat next to me,

"Ask away."

"Why does my magical aura look so different? Unicorns look so smooth and calm. Even yours is different. So why is mine the way it is?" She pouted slightly,

"One key reason is that you have dark magic, not harmonious. The other reason, purely hypothetical, is that you aren't inherently from the planet Equus. So I assume your race cannot use magic as we can, right?"

"Yeah, we're more of a technological species."

"Exactly, with such a foreign vessel, the magic within you is more volatile and, judging from the scale of the discharge from your recent overdraw, more powerful. But, nevertheless, it's too early to make that latter assumption."

"That would explain it. Guess I gotta train a ton, don't I?"

"Yes, but as you improve, we will finally see your true potential." I stretched and closed my eyes,

"I can't wait."

Author's Note

That took a while. I had to battle some writer's block but here it is.