「Crystal War Requiem」

"Urgh!" cried Metal, sliding the gravel and rocks of his open garden,

"Get up, Metal. Training isn't finished." said a unicorn pony of an intense build; Silver Jacket,

"Yea, dad. I hear ya," Metal said weakly as he picked himself back up.

When Metal was born, he was expected to inherit the Jacket Family Title and take over his father in the Equestrian Military. However, things have changed ever since Metal's younger brother. Primus Jacket was born. The Jacket household has been in an uproar, not knowing which sibling should have the entire family inheritance. But, the family's head concluded that whichever sibling yielded the greater fighting potential and mastery over The Art of Spear combat style that the Jacket Family is widely known for shall inherit and take over as the new head of the Jacket Family.

Metal had overheard about the plans his father had set in place for him and his younger brother, and he wasn't going to let his brother inherit the family occupation. This wasn't due to Metal's selfishness nor a sibling rivalry. Instead, he didn't want to force his brother into military work. He knew that if he were to allow his younger brother to take over, he would learn skills. Skills that enable him to harm others, skills meant for war, and skills that allowed him to spill blood. And Metal wasn't allowing any of that. He doesn't want his brother to be dragged into war; he wants his brother to live a peaceful life, not a life full of fighting. So, Metal made up his mind.

In his mother's dying wish and to himself. To protect and take over the Jacket Family as its head and allow his brother to live a life free from fighting.

Fueled with newfound determination and drive, Metal started to take training even more seriously. Staying up late into the night to ensure his magic and form was perfect. Oftentimes, this caused Primus to look on at his brother's training. Body glistening in sweat reflected by the moon's shine, out in the family garden with practice targets worn from Metal throwing his spears over and over again.

"Big bro?" Primus called out, to which Metal stopped his exercise,

"Yea, Primus?" Turning around to the little colt, Metal gave his attention,

"Big bro, why do you train so hard?" Questioned the innocent colt, to which Metal gave a slight chuckle,

"Well, I want to take over as the Family Head, but not only that."

Walking over to his little brother, he bent down slightly so that he could be eye-level with the little unicorn. Gently placing his calloused hand onto his head, Metal gave a gentle stroke at the colt's mane.

"It's to protect the people I care about." Giving a warming smile as he said that.

Metal went to fetch himself some water before continuing his training, thinking that he gave young Primus a content answer. In actuality, this inspired Primus to look up to his big brother. Not wanting to be left behind, Primus wished he could grow up faster so he too could start on his training.

This pattern of Metal training and his younger brother watching would continue for several months, and occasionally, Metal would sneak Primus out into Canterlot to enjoy some ice cream together, as well as sneaking into the highest tower in the Canterlot Castle to enjoy the view. It wasn't easy being the youngest son to one of the most respected guards to have served The Princess and a young promising Metal Jacket. Naturally, the nobles would compare.

"That's the youngest son of Silver?" A noble whispered,

"He doesn't seem to hold much promise as compared to Young Metal Jacket." commented another,

"What a disgrace."

"Silver's wife must be so ashamed."

"Don't listen to them." Metal said calmly, gripping his little brother's hand securely.

"They don't know who you are, don''t give them any mind. You're my little bro, and nothing will change that."

But they would inevitably get caught by their father, and Metal would get all of the punishment. Nevertheless, they had a good laugh out of it and made many fond memories together until Primus came of age to start his own training.

"Oof!" Thumbling back, Primus rolled onto the hard floor, stopping inches away from the pond.

"Father, I think Primus had enough, let him sit this one out. I'll handle you."

"N-no, I'm fine! I can continue!" Interjected Primus, but was cut off by his father,

"No, you're not fit to continue. Sit this one out Primus."

'But-"

"No excuses."

Sighing, Primus went to sit on the wooden platform connecting The Jacket estate to their personal garden. Watching on as his brother and father traded equal blows to each other, neither side contented with letting the other walk away from this spar without a battered body. This cycle would continue for months, with Metal suggesting to his father that Primus wasn't ready and well enough to finish his training and letting him sit out.

On one particular day, his father brought Metal's training outside of their household, Primus begged to come along, but his pleas fell on deaf doors as Silver just said he was too inexperienced to head out with them.

"So, what are we doing again?" Questioned young Metal,

"I'm bringing you out on a mission assigned to me by the princess herself. There's been an infamous thief stealing fresh produce from stalls and medicine from hospitals around Canterlot for a few months now. From its description, it appears to be a male pegasus around your age." Silver answered,

"You just want some load of your work didn't you?"

"Do you really think I bring you along a mission because it was too much for me to handle?"

"Well.. no."

"That and I think it's good field experience for you."

Silver tossed a scroll over to his son, opening it; Metal scanned and realized it was a mini-map of Canterlot. However, The map highlighted only about twenty percent of Canterlot.

"You will scour the highlighted region of Canterlot, the rest will be under my watch. Take this too."

Silver handed over a pink crystal. To which Metal inspected as well,

"Press the crystal if you run into the thief, It'll alert me of your position and I'll rush over to where the crystal is. Do. Not. Lose. It. And report back to the Castle before eight if you don't run into the culprit, understand?"

"Yea, yea." Metal waved off nonchalantly as he pocketed both map and crystal onto his person.

3:24 p.m.

Metal gave off a tired sigh. He's been surveying his area for the past five hours and had at least circle the place seven times. Yet, nothing unusual occurred. Strolling on the rooftops, he took a seat at the ledge, watching on as busy ponies bustle in the streets, some chatting and enjoying their lunches and afternoon tea, while others were heading into the store to purchase goods.

'Damn, this is sure boring as hell.' Metal thought,

Suddenly, a scream went off in the distance, close to where he is. Jumping up at attention, Metal was quick to turn to the source of the noise. Only to see a pegasus dressed in full black escaping through the rooftops, carrying a bag of groceries.

'Nevermind.'

Giving chase, Metal hopped through building and building. Being only shy of a couple of buildings behind the thief, pulling out the crystal his father gave him. He pressed on it with his thumb, sending Silver the signal. From the side, Metal could see a group of three pegasus guards closing in the thief; they did not spot Metal, however.

"There he is!" Yelled a Pegasi Guard,

"Get him!" commanded another,

Three guards charged at the thief with their spears pointed at him, yet this didn't seem to bother the black-dressed pegasi. As one of the guards closed the gap further, the thief dropped to the ground with his back facing the roof. Letting the spear tip lightly grazing the black and white masquerade that he was wearing. Outstretching his wings, he pushed off the ground with great force, kicking the guard in the abdomen and knocking the wind right out of him.

Taking advantage of this opening, the assailant kicked the guard's head directly to the ground, this time knocking him unconscious. Taking his weapon for himself, he kneed the center shaft of the spear, breaking it in two. He chucked the spearhead at the pegasi guard closest to him, forcing the guard to dodge accordingly. The thief responded by using the other piece of the spear to bash the guard's helmet, breaking his vertigo in the air and using his hooves, tackling the guard back down onto the roof.

Finally, with his final target staring him down. He burst forward, seemingly charging straight at the guard. Yet, within an instant. At blinding speeds, he vanished in a blink of an eye and reappeared behind the guard. Delivering two swift chops to his neck, incapacitating the poor guard and letting him fall onto the rooftop. The thief dropped back onto the rooftop as well, stretching his body and wings with the bag of groceries still in hand.

'He's good.' Thought Metal,

Looking down at the crystal, he wondered when his father would arrive, but a flying spear flew straight into the crystal he was holding onto and shattering it into pieces. Metal turned back to the assailant, who looked him on.

"I take it back, you're a piece of shit."

"I get that a lot." The thief responded with a smirk,

Metal walked out of his cover, standing in clear view of the masquerade pegasi with a magic spear in hand.

"I hope you've said your prayers, because not even Princess Celestia can save you from what I'm about to do to you."

"Then let's hope you can keep up with me."

"*Huff*-*Huff* Looks like *Huff* you caught me, hehe." said the thief, leaning against the wall,

Body battered with bruises and cuts all along his body. Though the same could be said for Metal, blood flowed down his face and arms, cuts ran along his shoulders and back, down to his thighs. Still, Metal couldn't risk his combatant to run away, so instead, he surrounded him with spears to cage him in. Holding one and pointing it at him as he spoke,

"Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what exactly?" The thief questioned,

"All of this, stealing medicine, food? Why? You have such great fighting potential, why not join the Royal Guards to earn some bits? Seeing as you're doing something so petty as stealing food."

"You wouldn't understand. Ponies like you will never understand. Living lives of luxury? What a dream."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you ever fought for anything in your life before? Something as simple as food even?"

"I don't follow."

"My father's on death's door. My biological mother left us when she finished leeching all of the money that my dad could give, along with my little sister. My family moved here from the poorer side of Cloudsdale hoping to find a fresh start in the city full of opportunities, but due to my father suffered a major injury to his chest, he couldn't find a job. So, like you said, I tried applying for a member to be a Royal Guard. But of course I wasn't even given a chance to prove my self worth to them. And I could forget about even trying out for the wonderbolts, hence, I tried seeking other jobs as well. But due to my poor family background and how stuck up these nobles and high-class Ponies are, I ran out of options. And thus, here we are."

Looking to his side, Metal stared at the torn-up grocery bag, and he turns his attention back onto the beaten burglar.

"This grocery bag, who is it for?" Metal inquired,

"My little sister." The criminal answers,

"What about you?"

"A couple of fruits is enough to last me for a couple of days."

The spears-pony placed a fist to his chin, pondering with a light humming sound while closing his eyes. Giving some thought to his current situation. Eventually, an idea popped up in Metal's head. He wasn't sure if he was going to regret this idea. But seeing this poor pegasi's predicament. He decided to trust his gut.

"Tell you what." Spoke Metal, getting the attention of the battered thief,

"I'll give you an offer. Seeing as how you managed to trash three professionally trained Royal Guards earlier without any proper background training for yourself, it means there's still room left for you to grow. Join me. And I'll ensure you get a position working for the Equestrian Military. You'll earn enough money to get your father proper medical treatment as well as coverage for a home here in Canterlot."

"And if I were to say no?" The pony humored,

"To the dungeons you go." Metal deadpanned,

"Sheesh, all right! Fine, fine! I'll take your offer! Dang dude can't you take a joke?"

"I'm not good at socializing." Metal whispered though it came out hurting him more than he would like to admit.

"Haha! Can tell, well that's fine." said The Pegasi getting up from his position,

Metal offered a hand to him, to which the pegasi took it wholeheartedly,

"My name's Metal Jacket, yours?"

"Blizzard, Hailing Blizzard."

Many months later, Metal managed to pull some strings with the help of his father allow Blizzard to be enlisted into the Cadet School via recommendation from one of the most prestigious families in Canterlot. Silver had agreed to cover for both the apartment where they would live and for his father's wound treatment within those same months so long as Blizzard was paying back the money he owes to The Jackets. Another part of their agreement was that since it was Metal's idea to enroll a criminal into the Royal Guards, it would be his responsibility. This meant that Metal had to look over and ultimately answer the higher-ups for Blizzard's conduct in cadet school. Due to this agreement, however, Metal was practically forced to spend many hours of this day with the young pegasi. The two bonded and got closer, forging a deep friendship together. Spending time chatting and hanging out after their training, though this time spent hanging out with Blizzard caused Metal to spend less time with his younger brother.

A few years after came the war.

Bodies were littered across the battlefield, and blood stained the dusty landfill that the two opposing forces were waging war upon. Celestia's forces were thinning out by Sombra's newly appointed Generals. Despite that, they were still managing to hang on thanks to Sliver's leadership and the aerial support provided by The Wonderbolts. Tragic as it is, Sombra's overwhelming infantry are slowly forcing Celestia's to retreat, surrendering yet one of many lands to Sombra's rule. Sliver really didn't wish to bring either of his sons to war since both had the borderline requirements needed to join the cause and hadn't had any real preparations going into it. Essentially, in their father's eyes, neither of them was battle-ready. Nevertheless, Silver wasn't given a choice since they ran low numbers from their previous encounter with Sombra. They had to fight back.

Given the orders to both of his sons to only assist from range using their spears, he told them to never, under any circumstances, come to the frontlines even if it was Sliver himself that was in trouble, to forget about him and run back where Princess Celestia can protect them. After giving them the order, Silver joined back with the frontiers and engaged in battle.

Celestia's troops are dwindling, and for each unit they took down, a hundred take over. This doesn't help the fact that Sombra's Major Generals are on an entirely different level compared to the average infantry unit. They had the capability to rival an entire army on their own. That being said, things were not looking good for Celestia, and she ordered a full retreat the moment the balance in power shifted was in favor of Sombra. Celestia didn't like how another land of Equestria would be under a part of King Sombra's territory. Still, she rather has that than having any more needless death be in vain.

"Everypony, retreat!!" Commanded Celestia with a booming voice,

Reaching every corner of the battlefield, all of her forces began a full one-eighty. It was humiliating, but Celestia sucked up her pride for her little ponies. Yet, for Sombra. It was a signal for another victory.

"HAHA!! WHAT'S THE MATTER, PRINCESS!? GIVING UP ALREADY!?" Taunted Sombra,

Turning to his side, he looked at General Vigor.

"Kill them all, starting with the ones that won't stop throwing those annoying spears."

"Gladly, your highness." Vilos smirked as he took off into the skies.

Landing close to some large boulder formations, Vilos huffed in a breath as an ocean blue aura surfaced from his body to envelop his person.

"Index 3, First Form: Spirit Enhancement"

Chucking a fist into the boulder, he lifts it into the air with ease. Looking over to the horizon to see groups of ponies running for their lives, he grins,

"Weaklings, all the same."

Throwing the boulder into the air, it breaks up into smaller pieces due to air pressure. Scattering across and covering a larger area in a shower of stones. Splattering many troops in the process.

"Keep up, Primus. We can't lag behind any further." Called out Metal,

"*huff* Yea, I'm coming. *huff*." Primus replied a little further back,

"You shouldn't have pushed yourself too hard, look at the state you're in now." His elder brother scolded, as he continued,

"Trying to spam The Shotshell Technique with the obliterate spell takes a lot of magic to cast, you know that? And what did Dad always say about using The Shotshell Technique?"

"To always optimize and maximize usage of all techniques, regardless of personal feelings."

"And look at you out there."

"There were moving or randomly! I had too!-"

Their conversation was cut short when Primus noticed a looming shadow casting itself over the two of them. Turning around, he was quick to take note of several sized boulders flying towards them. More specifically, it looked as though it was landing further ahead of where Metal was walking into.

"METAL!!" Cried Primus,

Rushing forward, Primus was still fatigued, legs already giving out from exhaustion. Siphoning all of the magic Primus could muster into his hand, he managed to generate one last spear with a spell cast on it. Aiming, he threw with the blunt side facing his older brother.

"Centerfire: Ricochet."

The spear managed to reach him in time, just as Metal was turning around; it pushed him back just enough to stay clear from being crushed by the enormous rocks. However, what Metal saw tore his soul apart. It was his brother, on the ground, smiling at the fact that he managed to reach Metal in time with his spear, just as the boulders fell onto his little brother, first landing on his legs crushing them and a second landing onto his extended right arm, and the last one landing onto the side of his torso, pulverizing his insides, forcing Primus to vomit out puddles of blood before falling unconscious.

"P-Primus?" He whispered, hoping his brother would answer,

"No.." Tears started welling up in his eyes, slowly flowing down his cheeks, his voice cracking as utter despair can be sensed in it, shaking his head in denial.

"Ahh, no... Celestia please..." Reaching forward, he placed his hands onto his head, gently caressing him.

"NOO!! AHH, OH GOD, PLEASE NO!!"

Gripping both hands below the boulder, he pulled up with all his might, causing his kin to tear from the rough texture of the stone and causing his fingers and palms to begin bleeding.

"HANG ON PRIMUS! BIG BRO IS GOING TO SAVE YOU! HANG ON!" Metal cried,

"Metal!!" Silver calls out,

"What are you doing?! We are suppose to evacuate-"

"DAD, PLEASE HELP ME! PRIMUS IS STUCK, AND HE CAN'T GET UP!!"

Silver looked down to see the state that Primus was in. He had to bite his lower lip to control himself, he knew there was little chance of saving his youngest son, but his eldest was still unharmed. He grabbed his son's shoulder to get his attention,

"Get out of here, Metal. I'll free Primus and get him to the nearest hospital. It would be best if you focused on retreating."

"No, Dad! I can help! I'm strong!"

"With Sombra's forces closing in and the state you are in? You'll never leave here alive!"

"I'm not leaving Primus!"

"Captain Silver Jacket! Metal!"

Both turned to see Blizzard landing near them, his expression with pure fear on his face.

"We need to evacuate now! A General is approaching in fast!"

Silver turns over to Metal, fresh tears still flowing down his cheeks. Looking down, he sees no other way out of this. This is war, and sacrifice has to be made. Looking back up at Blizzard, he commanded.

"Take Metal and leave here as fast as you can. I'll stay behind to make sure my son survives."

"What? Captain but you-"

"That's an order. Cadet."

"Dad, you can't be serious!" Metal interjected,

"Dad, please. We can-" Blizzard cut off metal by tackling him to the floor,

"Arghh! Blizzard! What the fuck are you doing!?"

He did not respond; instead, he forced both of Metal's arms together and tying them with some rope he left in his pouch. Try as he might, Metal too was fatigued, struggling only prolonged the inevitable for him.

"STOP!! BLIZZARD! YOU BASTARD!!"

Slinging him over his shoulder, Blizzard prepares to take off. Just as he did, he turns around to meet Silver's stare with Metal still cussing and struggling.

"Good luck Captain. It has been an honour serving you."

Silver smiled at the response, closing his eyes before responding,

"Honours all mine."

Exploding off the ground, Blizzard, along with Metal, took off.

Neither Silver nor his son, Primus, made it back to Canterlot that day.

Back in Canterlot- Corridors of the Palace

"YOU FUCKFACE!!" Metal yelled, punching Blizzard square in the face.

This caused Blizzard to fall back on his side, face wrinkling up in pain.

"WHY DID YOU DO THAT, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!?"

"I had too! You're father-" blizzard rebutted, but was cut off by Metal boiling rage,

"MY FATHER WHAT!? ASKED YOU TOO!?"

"No, he begged me too." This response caused Metal to stop his anger in confusion as Blizzard continues,

"Even though it was a command, I could tell by his eyes, his heartbroken and sorrowful eyes that he begged me to bring you back. Do you think I can't understand what you felt at that moment? I have a father too, and he was practically on death's door for months if I hadn't cleaned his wound and treated him with delicate care. My sister as well. I understood what you felt, but. I wouldn't let that cloud my decision and disobey my father. Do you-"

"WHAT DO YOU CARE-"

"DO YOU WANT TO DESTROY EVERYTHING THAT YOUR FATHER HAS EVER LOVED?!"

Metal was quiet, both from shock and realization.

"HE LOVED YOU, CAN'T YOU TELL!? HE KNEW OF HOW SLIM THE CHANCES ARE THAT YOUR LITTLE BROTHER COULD SURVIVE, BUT HE STILL TOOK IT. BECAUSE HE LOVED YOU, BOTH YOU AND PRIMUS. HE WAS WILLING TO GIVE HIS LIFE IN EXCHANGE FOR IT. WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT?!"

The Spears-pony stood there in the empty corridors, looking down at his feet. Tears once again returned as it dropped down to stain the red carpets as he collapsed onto his knees.

"I-*Hic* I'm lost, Blizzard. P-please, *sniff* tell m-me what t-to do."

Blizzard got up from the floor, walking over to the broken unicorn, and hugged him. Metal clung onto Blizzard tightly as he cried his eyes out even harder, releasing all the sadness plaguing his mind.

"It's ok, we'll get through this." The pegasi assured,

The following days, The Wonderbolts found no news on either Primus or Silver's body being found, they were assumed dead, and a new seat among the Captains was open. Having no other heir, Metal was immediately appointed as the new Head of the Jackets. It took some time for Metal to adjust and get used to his position, but with Blizzard's help, he got better.

After experiencing war firsthand and knowing he can't delay his newfound duties as a Captain any longer, he would train harder than ever. Building a deep hatred for King Sombra in the process. However, he wouldn't hold the title of Captain by himself for long. Blizzard would climb his way up as well; through many successful recon missions that he has led, he needed up creating a branch entirely on his own and of his own command, which specializes in such a field. Earning himself The title of Captain too.

Occasionally, they would go on missions together—all in the effort of turning this war around and putting a stop to King Sombra's reign.