Hard Steel

Chapters

Chapter One: New Blood
Chapter Two: Goodbyes and Hellos
Chapter Three: "Sweet Dreams"
Chapter Four: Treacherous Assent
Chapter Five: "Temp Not The Blade, All Fear The Sentinel
Chapter Six: Under The Night Sky

Chapter One: New Blood

Hard Steel

As the thousand-stallion army lined up in preparation for the battle that was about to begin, the general galloped back and forth across the front line. “All right men, we’ve all worked hard to get here!” The general shouted proudly. Amongst the crowded rows of soldiers there stood Steel Skin, listening intently and with enthusiasm to the general speech. “We’ve all poured our blood sweat and tears into getting ready for this day!” The general roared, his strong voice being followed by the shouts of the motivated troops, Steel Skin stomping on the ground with his front legs and shouting with the other troops. “Today is the day we make history, our names will forever be remembered in the proud, long halls of history and a thousand years from now when ponies remember this day they will know that each and every single one of us fought with all our heart and with all of our guts!” “YAAHH!!!” the thunder of the soldier’s voices rolled across the field. A black wave rose across the hills and the distance. “The enemy approaches!” The general said calmly but still loud enough to be heard by the whole army. “Now get out there….and…WAKE UP BOY!!” “Huh, what?”

Steel Skin snapped back into consciousness from the shout. “I said WAKE UP! Your darn daydreaming is gunna put you behind on your work again boy!” Steel Skin’s uncle Heavy Hoof, a tall broad masculine stallion with a brown coat and a black mane, was collecting the crops in the row next to Steel Skin. “I’m sorry uncle, sometimes I just can’t help it.” Steel skin explained, pulling out a carrot by its root, and placing it in his basket. “I understand Steel, but we have a lot of work to do, winter is just around the corner and we can’t afford to fall behind. So please Steel, just stay focus for the rest of the day, and then you can dream all you want tonight when you’re asleep ok?” Heavy Hoof said softly with a beckoning look, and a carrot in his mouth. “Ok uncle, I will.” Steel Skin Said with an honest face.” “That’s a good boy now lets finish this up so we can get supper ready.”

Steel Skin was a seven-year-old horse with a shiny silver coat and a dark gray short mane who lived his uncle in a barn on a small ten-acre plot of land outside of New Canterton. Steel skin sometimes daydreamed while working before but recently his mind has been drifting into fantasy more frequently and for longer periods of time, making focusing on his work nearly impossible. Steel Skin’s mind stayed in reality long enough to finish harvesting the carrots and potatoes and as he made his way to bring them inside when he suddenly spots a group of five royal guards steadily trotting towards the gate at the entrance of the farm.

“What are royal guards doing all the way out here, at our farm?” he quietly said to himself. As the guards entered the gate Steel Skin shouted for his uncle who was just coming out of the barn. Heavy Hoof had seen them coming at the same time Steel Skin did. He had hoped that they were just going to pass them by, but deep inside he knew why they were here.

The five lightly armored guards stopped right in front of Steel Skin. They were all staring him down as if sizing him up, little did Steel Skin know that’s exactly what they were doing. The Stallion in the center, the captain from the looks of him, brought his head down to face Steel Skin’s.

“What’s your name young one?” he asked with a stern voice. Steel Skin immediately noticed that he had full legionnaire armor instead of just a breast and back plates like the rest of the guards. Another thing that Steel Skin noticed was his long red cape. He liked it and imagined himself in such attire.

“His name is Steel Skin, and I am Heavy Hoof. What is it you want?” Heavy Hoof stated while he walked up next to Steel Skin. The Captain raised his head from Steel Skin’s to face Heavy Hoof.
“You sir, pleasure to meet you. My name is Captain White Mane, and I am looking for young and talented colts for recruiting.”

“My nephew is a bit older then a cold but, recruiting for what exactly, might I ask?” Heavy Hoof asked quickly but calmly, his eyes locked with White Mane’s.

Captain White Mane, giving Heavy Hoof the same amount of attention, said “I cannot disclose much information, but atop Mt. Snow Point there is a training facility that specializes in turning talented youth into the most elite warriors in all of Equestria. We start when they are young and train them until they are old enough to be assigned certain duties. Mind you that this is for many years, and he may not leave the grounds without permission”

“Well that kind of decision isn’t made right away I’m sure you understand. And we have a lot of work to do so….” Heavy Hoof was interrupted by one of the guards behind White Mane.

“We haven’t got all day, either he’s coming or not!” White Mane quickly turned around and stared down the guard with a scolding look, then turned back to face Heavy Hoof.

“My apologies Heavy Hoof, my grandson Reign is usually not so rude.” The guard looked no older then ten years old. He obviously was not an official guard but must be high ranking to be assigned armor and a weapon. White Mane looked at Steel Skin and asked “What is your opinion on this young one?”

Steel skin turned towards his uncle who gave him a look that said it’s up to you, then back at the tall stallion in front of him and said “I wish to go, but first I must have time to help my uncle finish our harvest before winter comes.
White Mane stated “I am sorry but we leave for Snow Point the day after tomorrow, we cannot wait any longer. Do not fear I will assign some men to help your uncle finish before we leave. You may have the rest of the day to spend saying your good byes, and by seven a.m. tomorrow you must report to our camp on the other side of New Canterton.”

Heavy Hoof exclaimed, “That’s five miles.” Steel Skin gave his uncle a look of confidence, but knew it was not going to be easy.

“Well then you had better get up early “new blood”.” White Mane’s grandson said with a smirk.
Steel Skin glared at Reign as if accepting his challenge then looked back at White Mane.

"I'll be there and thank you for helping my uncle, I already feel bad enough I'm leaving him." Steel Skin turned to see his uncle's slightly sad face.

"Is this alright with you Heavy Hoof?" White Mane asked with an expectant look.

"If it is what the boy choses then I cannot disagree. Yes, he can go." Heavy Hoof said solemnly.

"It's settled then, I shall see you tomorrow young one. Enjoy your last hours with your uncle for a while." White Mane turned around and began to leave, he signaled for the others to do the same.

"I will," said Steel Skin quietly to himself "I will".

Chapter Two: Goodbyes and Hellos

Steel Skin awoke the next day at around five o’clock in the morning to be on time to report to Captain White Mane. He tried as best he could to fully wake himself up so that he could be alert for the five-mile trip. He had only lived on the farm for almost a year, but he was used to waking up early for work on the farm but not this early.

Steel Skin searched his uncle’s room for Heavy Hoof, but he was nowhere to be found. Steel Skin stopped and turned his head towards the door of the room and mildly shouted “Uncle, where are you?”

“In here Steel!” Heavy Hoof called from what sounded like the kitchen.

Steel Skin made his way to the kitchen to find Heavy Hoof setting the small circular wooden table for the two of them. Once he was done, he started moving back towards the kitchen. “Uncle, you don’t usually get up this early to make breakfast.” Said Steel Skin with a surprised look.

Heavy Hoof was stirring the carrot stew when he turned his head towards Steel Skin’s to say…“Well my nephew doesn’t usually go away to a mountain to train for many years so I thought I’d like to enjoy our last breakfast together for a while.”

Steel Skin looked at the ground with a sad face. He felt bad for leaving his uncle, even though he knew that he would accept any decision that Steel Skin made as long as he was sure that it was what he wanted.

“You know that I’m not upset with you Steel. Remember it’s your life so you do what you feel you have too. I have a lot of regrets in my life; I don’t what you to have regrets.” Heavy Hoof and Steel Skin both sat down at the table. Heavy Hoof placed a lantern on the table and tried to light it, but it would not catch.
“Something wrong uncle?” Steel Skin asked.

“No, it’s just this lantern has been giving me problems for the past few days now, it’s probably best I get a new one” Heavy Hoof replied. After a few tries Heavy Hoof finally managed to light the lantern and they began to eat. Heavy Hoof continued the conversation before it was interrupted by the lantern “One of those regrets was not marring your aunt Beatrice, she was a wonderful mare. She was the best cook in all of New Canterton. She belonged in the kitchen, as do all mares!” Heavy Hoof said jokingly.

They both busted out laughing for several seconds until the memories started to flow back into Heavy Hoof’s mind, then the two settled down and continued to eat.

Heavy Hoof had met Beatrice one day while out gathering supplies from the town square. They fell madly in love, but neither one of them could afford to pay for a wedding. They lived together in Heavy Hoof’s farm for seventeen years, until one day Beatrice grew very ill. Heavy Hoof worked to the bone to pay a doctor to treat Beatrice, but by the time they got to the hospital it was too late she passed away in the carriage outside the hospital. It had been four years since that day but Heavy Hoof still had a horrifyingly clear memory of it. He was twenty-one when he first met her and is now forty-two.

Steel Skin was very young when he met Beatrice but remembers that she was a good pony and that she always treated him well whenever he came to visit them.

“One day you will find a lucky mare and you two will have the most amazing wedding. I promise you that Steel, if it takes me the rest of my life to help pay for it then that’s what I’ll do. You remember that now.” Heavy Hoof had a sound of confidence in his voice

Steel Skin looked at his uncle and proudly said…“Yes uncle I will, but you needn’t worry because once I become a royal guard for the princess like I plan then you will never need to work another day in your life I will hire plenty of workers for you, even maids to pamper you and make sure you never have to lift a hoof.”

Heavy Hoof looked at Steel Skin with a sad smile “You’re a good boy Steel, your parents would be proud, your father especially. He would be happy to know that you are following in his footsteps, but hopefully not to the same place as him.”

Steel Skin’s father, Coal, was an elite royal guard for Princess Celestia. He married Steel Skin’s mother, Silver String, who was one of the princesses’ advisors. They met one day, about ten years after Heavy Hoof met Beatrice, while Coal was on duty in the palace and Silver String, was looking for the princess to bring her news of her daily duties. Whenever Coal was off duty he would bring her flowers and a love letter. One day he sent her a letter asking her to marry him, and she said yes.

They were married for only three years when they had Steel Skin. Unfortunately Steel Skin’s mother died during his birth leaving only Coal to raise his son. It would be another four years before Coal would be called to do his duty at the battle of Fort Hoof, and die in battle. This was another heartache that Heavy Hoof had to deal with for it was only four weeks earlier his beloved Beatrice had passed.

When the meal was over Steel Skin gathered his things and placed them by the door. Steel Skin turned around and said to his uncle “Uncle thank you for all you have given me, I really appreciate it. As soon as I finish my training I will grow wings like a Pegasus and fly over here as fast as possible.”

Heavy Hoof smiled and said “And I will be waiting for you with a plow and a hoe.”

“I hope not in that order, I prefer the ho first!” Replied Steel Skin. They both shared a good laugh on last time before Steel Skin grabbed his things and proceeded to walk out the door when Heavy Hoof stopped him. “Before you go, there’s something I want you to have.”

Heavy Hoof turned around and when to his room, leaving Steel Skin still waiting at the door. He returned with something in his teeth, it was a short sword. Heavy Hoof placed its sheath around Steel Skin’s waist then took the blade and handed it to Steel Skin.

While Steel Skin inspected the sword Heavy Hoof explained, “This was your father’s personal short sword. He never went anywhere without it. Some how I think he knew how things would end at Fort Hoof, so he gave it to me to give to you when the occasion arose. I can’t think of a better time to give it to you.”

Steel Skin placed it back into it’s sheath and they both gave each other one last silent goodbye and Steel Skin walked out the barn door, for the last time.

It was still dark outside by the time Steel Skin was at the Ramping River, just three miles from the Captain’s camp. It was only five forty-five; he was making good time and had not run into any problems so far. He felt that he would be early to report to the general, “A good first impression” he thought to himself.

Steel Skin watched as the river quickly carried away a branch almost as big as him. He looked around and saw a way across. He made his way across the river on a tree that had fallen from a recent storm, and almost fell in, but caught himself at the last second. “That was too close.”

Steel Skin managed to go another mile without a hitch. Steel Skin’s hoofs pulsated with pain. He had never traveled so far alone by himself with no one to carry him he got tired. He threw any thoughts of doubt behind him and pressed on. He motivated himself by repeating phrases like “Almost there” “just gotta keep moving.” It was now six fifteen and the sky was in limbo between light and dark or twilight.

Steel Skin only needed to scale one more hill and he would be able to see the Captain’s camp in the distance. He was just about to be half way up when he heard the howl of a wolf just barely out of sight towards the right of Steel Skin.

Steel Skin knew that there were wolves in the area but had never had any problems with them. Then again he had never been this far from the farm alone before. He quickly drew his father’s sword and prepared for battle.

Steel Skin had fought plenty of times with bullies in St. Poniesburg, but he had never used a weapon before. He had only seen his father practice with it at the training grounds near their home in St. Poniesburge.

Steel Skin Stood completely still in his battle stance with his legs spread for balance and his body lowered for quick maneuvering. His eyes were scanning the tree line for movement, but there was none for the moment. Steel Skin slowly stared to move up the hill again his gaze fix on where he heard the sound come from.

He figured that the wolf must have gone in another direction, and turned around. Just as he did his face was met by the snarling snout of the wolf he had heard. Steel Skin stared into the wolfs eyes with an angry face and said “Aw, shit.”

Steel Skin quickly and almost instinctively jerked his head right, slashing the wolf in the face and causing it to rear back in pain. Steel Skin used this to jump back and put some distance between him and the wolf. When the wolf regained focus on Steel Skin it was furious. Steel Skin was just older then a colt and was not very strong so the slash he gave the wolf was only a flesh wound. The wolf charged Steel Skin with its mouth wide open, hoping to end the battle quickly by going for his jugular.

Steel Skin Saw this and positioned the blade to where it would strike the wolf before it got him, and closed his eyes waiting for the impact. When he expected the wolf to hit there was only a quick gust of wind and that was it. Steel Skin opened his eyes and saw that the wolf was rolling down the hill struggling to catch its balance. Steel skin look towards the top of the hill and saw two young ponies, about his age, a boy Pegasus and a girl unicorn, twins from the looks of them. They both had white coats that were almost brown with dirt and dark blue manes.

Steel Skin looked back down to confirm if the wolf was either crippled or leaving. He was wrong about both. The wolf was even angrier and was charging full speed at Steel Skin. He drew his sword one more time to finish off the beast, but the shouts of the ponies screaming, “MOVE!” caught his attention and he jumped just in time to dodge a huge bolder speeding down the hill.

Steel Skin turned his head round and caught a glimpse of the bolder crushing the wolf with a sickening crack as its bones broke one after another in a span of about two seconds. The bolder rolled down the hill with the remains of the wolf and they both disappeared into the forest. Steel Skin got up and started to gallop up the hill to meet the ponies that had, more then likely, saved his life.

When he got to the top of the hill he thanked the two ponies and introduced himself. The Pegasus pony responded with “Your welcome dude, I’m Sky Splitter and this is my sister Enchanta.” Steel Skin hoof bumped Sky Splitter and reached out to do the same with Enchanta but she just shyly looked away.

Steel Skin was confused and looked back a Sky Splitter. Sky Splitter motioned Steel Skin over and whispered, “She’s kinda shy around new people, but she’s really nice.”

“That’s ok” Steel Skin said with a reassuring voice and asked where they were from. He had never seen them before, even around the city.

Sky Splitter said with an embarrassed look, “We’re from the brown quarter.”

Steel Skin had heard of the brown quarter. It was where all the poor ponies that had nothing lived, if you could call it living, and crime and disease ran rampant there. They were more than likely orphans, but Steel Skin didn’t ask to avoid offending them.

Once the introductions were done the two ponies asked Steel Skin if he was on his way to report to Captain White Mane at seven. Steel Skin was surprised at first, but then remembered that the Captain said that they were looking for new recruits. “Yes actually I guess you two were on your way as well?” Steel Skin asked.

“Yah it’s just over this hill, we don’t have a lot of time left so we should get moving, wanna come?” Sky Splitter asked with a smile. Steel Skin definitely didn’t want to travel alone anymore and they did save his live.

“Sure, I’ll tag along.” Sky Splitter flew up in the air with a “YAY” and did a loop before returning back to the ground with joy. Steel Skin caught a glimpse of Enchanta smiling, which quickly turned back into an embarrassed frown after she turned her head. When Steel Skin noticed she was blushing he quickly looked away as if he didn’t notice.

Steel Skin had just met these ponies, but he knew that they were all going to be great friends. He started to wonder what his next adventure would be when he saw the Captain again at the camp, and then they all trotted down the hill towards the camp.

Chapter Three: "Sweet Dreams"

Steel Skin and his newly acquainted friends finally arrived at the camp. They stood in awe at the number of ponies who were already at the camp training. “There must be at least, like, a hundred ponies over here dude.”

Sky Splitter was counting them all with difficulty then gave up and continued with Steel Skin and Enchanta to find the Captain’s tent. A Guard directed them to the Captain’s quarters.

The three came to the Captain’s tent with only minuets to spare when Captain White Mane emerged from the opening flaps of his large tent. “It’s good to see you all made it, I trust that the trip wasn’t too perilous” the Captain chuckled.

Steel Skin and Sky Splitter looked at each other with a smile and simultaneously said “Not at all sir.”

The Captain looked down at them with a surprised grin. “Good, good, because now begins the real perilous journey.” The Captains mouth quickly turned from a grin to a slight frown. “Now that you are all here you will be fitted out with armor and a weapon to defend yourselves against….”

“Defend ourselves from what exactly?” Sky Splitter interrupted.

“Good question little one, but if you would have let me finish you would know that you are going to be defending yourselves against the dangers of the mountain.” White Mane said ominously.

Steel Skin was confused and asked “But I thought that there were only trained warriors on the mountain, what dangers are there?”

“Yes the peek of the mountain trains warriors, but the rest of the mountain is treacherous and full of danger, not to mention the menacing creatures that inhabit the mountain’s caves.” At this point it seemed like White Mane was trying to scare the three instead of inform them, but it didn’t phase Steel Skin much.

“Then we should get outfitted as soon as possible so that we can become familiar with our weapons and armor. Where is the armory?” Steel Skin looked around for it.

White Mane, slightly impressed by Steel Skin’s eagerness to prepare himself, raised a hoof and said. “Whoa slow down there, child you will be given your essentials soon enough but first I’d like to formally introduce you to my grandson. I believe you and he have already met once before.” Said the Captain looking at Steel Skin.

Steel Skin remembered him, but was not happy to meet him again. Steel Skin didn’t like him at all, but then he thought to himself and concluded that since he was the Captains grandson he was going to be seeing a lot of him. Thus Steel Skin promised himself that he was going to be respectful and would try not doing anything stupid.

“Reign, come greet the new recruits!” White Mane’s voice echoed throughout the camp.

“Coming grandfather” a small annoying voice called from around the corner of the tent. It was Reign; he was an average, sized colt for his age, whom was just a year older then Steel Skin. “Hello grandfather” he said with a joyous tone then turned to the three new recruits and gave them a smug look. “Hello ‘New Bloods’.” He snarled. Steel Skin was struggling not knock off this pony’s smug look from his face.

“Grandfather I arranged the whole sleeping quarters for our little ‘New Bloods’ here.” Reign looked at his grandfather with an innocent and childish look.

“Thank you Reign, that’s generous of you now say hello to…” White Mane was interrupted by Reign.

“I also polished your helmet for you, and sharpened your sword, and….” Reign was stopped by a question his grandfather asked.

“Boy I don’t remember your father being a mule.” His grandfather stated.

Reign gave his grandfather a puzzled look then said, “He’s not grandfather, he is a Stallion just like y…”

“Then why are you acting like a kiss-ass?” The three recruits busted out laughing. Even the Guards who were out standing at their post had a hard time keeping a strait face.

Reign looked around angrily at all who were laughing, and stormed off embarrassed from his grandfather’s joke.

Steel Skin was relieved that he didn’t have to put Reign in his place. White Mane was already doing that job and doing it well. White Mane turned towards Steel Skin and his friends “Now You three go on and talk to the master at arms to get outfitted. You all have the rest of the day to learn the basics of combat and become familiar with your equipment. We leave for Mt. Snow Point tomorrow morning it’s not far from here.”

The Captain turned his head to look off in the distance, the others turned as well. The mountain was very high, but it was wide on all sides. Steel Skin appreciated this for he knew that the wider the mountain the less steep it would be thus making it easier to scale.

Steel Skin gave the Captain a respectful nod and signaled for the others to follow him to the armory. Once the three found the master at arms they asked him if there was something in their size. He looked around until he opened a wooden crate and pulled out three little chest and back pieces attached to leather mail. They all put on their assigned uniforms and went out into the training field.

Once the three were in the field, three trainers approached them and instructed them on what was going to happen. “I understand that you may not want to leave each other, but you are three different types of warriors and must be trained to better your unique skills.”

The three little warriors were reluctant to leave each other, but once Steel Skin reassured his friends that they would be together again once the next day rolls around. The trainers separated them; Steel Skin was the first to go. He went with the earth pony trainer to learn full on combat skills Sky Splitter went with the Pegasus trainer to practice aerial combat skills. Last, but not least, Enchanta went with the unicorn trainer to study new spells and incantations.

While Steel Skin was training amongst the other young ponies that were corralled in with the earth pony trainer, he noticed a very bright red pony with a mane of flame. He seemed relaxed and at ease, Steel Skin found him quite approachable and proceeded to ask him his name. “You can call me Fire Light mate, everyone else does.” Fire Light had a light accent of somepony of a high class, but twisted with slang and slurred.

Steel Skin asked him if there was anything special to him besides fighting. Fire Light looked at Steel Skin with a puzzled look. “You know like are you fast, strong, smart, or something like that.” Steel Skin explained.

Fire light “Oohed” with understanding and said, “Yah I’m a tactician my father was a jenrol in the amy way back win. Ole’ bloke tot me efrythin I know.”

Steel Skin was surprised to see such a young pony that had an understanding of what tactics were let alone consider himself a talented tactician and thought that he might be helpful as a friend. They continued to shoot the breeze until the trainer signaled for them to continue their practicing.

The day passed by quickly and all the little ponies were nestled in their beds. Steel Skin dreamt of the daydream he had had when Captain White Mane had first arrived at his uncle’s farm only a day ago. He later woke in the middle of the night for no apparent reason, but to adjust his sleeping position.

(Sexually Graphic: Beginning)

As he drifted back into sleep he dreamt about Enchanta how she had saved his life on the hill with the bolder. He then began to think about her beautiful white coat and long straight sapphire hair. As the dream went on he began to toss and turn in his sleeping bag. Steel Skin continued to dream about how attractive Enchanta was and that she had kissed him. Steel Skin quickly was jerked back into consciousness by a warm sticky feeling in his bag. He quickly realized that he had and erection and had ejaculated in his bag.

Steel Skin quickly got out of his sleeping bag buried it a few yards from the camp and washed himself. He snuck into the supply tent and retrieved another sleeping bag and went back to sleep. He wanted to dream about Enchanta again, but the thought that Enchanta and Sky Splitter were twins discouraged that idea and he went to sleep with the thought of tomorrow in his mind.

(Sexually Graphic: End)

The next day arose and Steel Skin was pleased to wake up in a dry bag, and proceeded towards the mess hall tent. He gathered his breakfast on a plate and looked for a seat. Steel Skin spotted Sky Splitter trying to wave him down and headed to the table. When Steel Skin was close enough he saw that Sky Splitter was sitting with Fire Light. “Good morning Fire Light.” Steel Skin said sleepily, while he sat down in front of Sky Splitter.

“An to you mate.” Fire Light noticed the tiredness in Steel Skins voice. “You look kinda tyad Steel, you git a good sleep last night.”

“Oh yes, I slept well.” Steel Skin said thinking of Enchanta, then remembering the buried bag, wondering if anyone would find it.

“I see you two have already met, that’s cool dude” Sky Splitter chimed in with a small smile.

Steel Skin was just about to ask where Enchanta was when Fire Light stated “My, My u’s that lovely slice of cake ova they?” motioning towards the incoming Enchanta.

Sky Splitter looked at Fire Light with a glare and said “That’s my sister bro, watch it.”

“Well at explains tha coat and mane, but sorry mate I meant no disrespect.” Fire Light explained.

Enchanta sat down at the table next to Steel Skin and said “Good morning Steel Skin.”

“And us love?” Fire Light asked jokingly surprised. “Why does e git all tha special treatmit.”

“Yah I mean I’m like, your brother man.” Sky Splitter added. Enchanta looked down at the table embarrassed, and blushing.

“You know we’re just kiddin sis.” Sky Splitter said. “True, love its jus play.” Fire Light added.

Enchanta, trying desperately to creat conversation asked how everypony’s night was. Sky Splitter complained about how cold it was, and Fire light hated the sleeping bag he was given. Steel Skin just looked off to the side said it was ok. “Just ‘OK’?” Enchanta asked him.

Steel Skin began to worry, and thought to himself “Maybe she learned a spell that lets her read other pony’s thoughts, and she read mine last night. Shit she’s probably reading it right now that’s why she’s asking me. She’s mad because I dreamt about her and she’s trying to get back at me.”

“Uh…Yah it was…. just…ok, like nothing really came up. Just a few sweet dreams.” Steel Skin realized how dumb that sounded.

“Really about what?” Enchanta had a look of genuine curiosity, but Steel Skin thought that was apart of her game. He was just about to tell everypony his secret when the Captain walked in.

“Alright little ones, today’s the day we leave for Mt. Snow Point. I hope you all got a good night’s sleep because it’s the last one you will get until we get to the training base on the peak. Now finish your meal and prepare yourselves for the trip you have one hour, thank you.” With that White Mane exited the tent trough the flaps.

“Well you heard the Captain, we should probably get ready we only have an hour.” Steel Skin said quickly and got up to throw his trash. He then scurried out the tent.

“He’s weird.” Said both Sky Splitter and Fire Light.

Enchanta watched the exit where Steel Skin had left. “Maybe he’s a little odd, but he’s nice and I think you shouldn’t be so mean.” Sky Splitter was surprised that Enchanta had said so much so quickly and it all had been about Steel Skin. Sky Splitter began to think that there might be something between the two, then abandoned the idea while tossing his trash and preparing for the trip to Mt. Snow Point. It was going to be a long and hard journey and he needed to be focused for it.

Chapter Four: Treacherous Assent

All of the little fillies and colts that had arrived the day before at the camp, lined up in three rows; earth ponies, pegasi, then unicorns all outfitted in with their new weapons and armor. Steel Skin was in the middle of the earth pony line. He couldn’t look back to see where his friends were for he as at attention and was not allowed to move.

Captain White Mane appeared before the three wide rows. “Today we leave for Mt. Snow Point. This is your first test as a warrior. Most of you will not survive the trip.” Shutters and whimpers came the group, but Steel Skin kept his composure quite well. “Do not fear, for if you die in battle it is the ultimate death for a warrior. If you live to see the gates of Mt. Snow Point, you will be trained to be the very best warriors, spell casters, and aviators.” All the little ponies started to gain back their moral. “Now go and show this mountain what you’re made of!”

As the Captain turned to position the guards for the assent, the lieutenant, the Pegasus who had trained Sky Splitter, announced, “Alright, you will be assigned to groups of four, an earth pony, Pegasus, unicorn, and one other pony. Your group will be assigned a squad and a squad leader, once you are assigned a company we will leave for Mt. Snow Point, so lets move people we will be off shortly.

The other lieutenants went row by row, assigning them to a group. When they came to Steel Skin, they quickly said with out even looking at him “Congratulations you’re the squad leader for Delta, over there.” He pointed towards a cart with food supplies.

Steel Skin trotted over to the cart and waited for a few minuets before he noticed Fire Light approach with Enchanta and Sky Splitter right behind him.

“Ello mate.” “Sup bro.” “Hello Steel Skin.” Fire Light, Sky Splitter and Enchanta all said.

“Hey guys.” Steel Skin said to all his friends.

“Wow I can’t believe we’re all in the same company” Said Enchanta.

“Yah bit of a stroke a luck eh’.” Fire Light replied.

“Ok everypony, are we ready?” Steel Skin asked.

“Yah!” They all shouted.

With that they rushed to take their food cart to the caravan and be off on their adventure.

Once the caravan was on its way, the four started to imagine what the school was like atop the mountain. They imagined it with high walls and long hallways, all covered in pure white snow. They stayed lost in their imagination all the way to about a mile from the base of the Mountain.

The towering sight of the mountain stopped their train of thought. “Bloody ell, ats heuge.” Fire Light stated.

Sky Splitter, flying overhead at a good height, shouted, “That’s what she said!” Even though it was barely audible, Fire Light, Steel Skin, and Enchanta all looked at him with a disappointed look. Sky Splitter landed with a surprised look, “It was just a joke, sheesh.”

Once the convoy was just in front of the base of the mountain, the Captain call out, “Holt!” The whole convoy stopped at once. Everypony was still and silent the wind picked up slightly. The only sound that could be herd was the soft flapping of the flags the color guards were carrying and the Captain’s red cape.

The Captain turned to face the army of little ponies and said. “This is it! This is your first test, don’t fail…for your sake.”

The clanking sound of the little ponies shaking in their boots filled the ranks for almost five minuets then finally they began to slowly move up the mountain with the Captain and the other guards. It had been a few hours and there was no sign of any danger. As the squads of ponies moved up the mountain it was calm and serine. It was a rocky and unfertile setting but still it did not seem as bad as the Captain portrayed it. One by one the squads of ponies let their guards down and tried to pass the time by talking about different things like what they thought the school would look like and what they planed to do once they graduated.

Steel Skin noticed the other squads and began to think that that maybe the mountain wasn’t as bad as he had thought but he knew that if the Captain said it was dangerous it was dangerous. Steel Skin stayed focus on his surroundings, his eyes scanned everywhere for anything suspicious in any way.

The other members of delta squad did not have the same mentality about the situation as Steel Skin. The fear of the mountain was still in the back of their minds, but they also dropped their guards a little as the others had.

“Soooooo, Steel Skin. What do you plan on doing after you graduate from the school bro?

“I’m more focused on getting to the school in one piece first.” Steel Skin replied.

“Oh cum of it mate, we avent see nutin’ fa hours, loosin’ up a bit.” Fire Light added.

Steel Skin gave Fire Light a menacing glare and said, “Look I’m your squad leader and as much as I hate sound like an ass, it’s for your own good. Now stay focused.” Fire Light looked at Steel Skin as if he was going to say something, but stopped and held his silence. The others set their minds straight and were now on the look out for any dangers.

Although the group was on guard, Enchanta tried to make conversation with Steel Skin.

Enchanta slowly glided next to Steel Skin. “So, I wanted to learn a little bit more about you Steel.”

Steel Skin still watching his surroundings asked. “What exactly did you want to know Enchanta?” Steel Skin was unsure why she was so interested in him all of a sudden but he didn’t care, he was glad that she was interested in him at all.

Enchanta gave Steel Skin a grin. “Well I wanted to know why you decided to go to Mt. Snow Point. I mean you don’t seem like the type that is only after fame or fortune and from what happened in the woods on the way over to the camp you don’t enjoy killing very much. So why did you decide to go?”

Steel Skin slowed his strut to concentrate on the question. He had only known this pony for 2 days and she already knew more about him then he did. After a long pause he finally answered, “Well your right I don’t enjoy killing, I don’t have a problem with it I just wouldn’t go doing it for fun. Your also right about me not doing it for the fame, but it’s the fortune I’m after. I don’t want if for my self I’m hoping to use the money to help my uncle.”

Enchanta look at Steel Skin with a “Daaaw” look and said, “That’s so sweet of you thinking of your uncle like that but don’t you want to help your parents out too.” Enchanta immediately realized what she had done once she saw the look on Steel Skin’s face.

Before Enchanta could apologize a voice from one of the groups yelled out “LOOK OUT!” Steel Skin did not notice that night was setting in and a fog rolled over the setting while he was talking with Enchanta. All of Delta squad quickly was searching for what caused the commotion.

Finally Steel Skin heard a loud humming around his squad. The fog was now so thick that the only thing they squad could see were the lights from the torches that each squad had. Sky Splitter, keeping his eyes on the fog line, shouted, “Enchanta we could use some light!”

Enchanta closed her eyes hard and released a ball of fire from her horn, which widened their visibility. Although the squad could see farther they still could not find what it was that was causing the humming. After a few seconds they then began to hear screams of pain from all around them “OH CELSTIA WHY!! No, no, NOOO! MY LEGSS!”

The screams were unsettling and the group grew more, and more nervous. Finally Fire Light busted out with. “We con’t jus sit ear we gotta do sumfin!”

“Fine, but what?” Steel Skin asked Fire Light back.

As the two were arguing a small floating object landed on a rock between the two of them. It was a Para Sprite, Steel Skin had only herd of them but knew of their dangers. “It’s a Para Sprite, it looks cute and friendly but it eats everything and sometimes ponies.” Steel Skin quickly stepped on it with a quick “squish”.

“I’ve had enough of this fog!” screamed Sky Splitter. He unfurled his wings and began to flap them in a swirling motion creating a gust of wind that blew away the fog. What Delta squad saw then struck fear into their hearts instantly.

Once the fog cleared the image that met Delta’s eyes was that of all the groups scattered and running around in fear form swarms of hungry Para Sprites that were ripping everything to shreds, from ponies to carts. The ones that were fighting back were gathered around White Mane who was doing well protecting himself but could do nothing to help the little ponies that were being massacred by the swarm.

Steel Skin had to think fast if he was going to keep his squad alive. Once he formulated a plan he turned to face his squad, “I have a plan but it’s going to take all of us. Enchanta can you still make that fire ball?”

Enchanta put on a confident face and said “Yes, but that’s as much as I can make.”

“That’s good enough. What about you Sky Splitter can you do that whirlwind thing you used to clear the fog to make a tornado?” Steel Skin asked.

“Sure as shit… uh Sir.” Sky Splitter quickly answered.

“Alright now here’s the plan. Fire Light, you and I are going to herd them into a center point, then Sky Splitter is going create a tornado that will suck them all in. Finally Enchanta will shoot her fireball into the tornado, with the air suction it will light the whole tornado on fire, killing all the little basters. Understood!?” Steel Skin looked at his squad expecting an answer.

They all shouted simultaneously “YAH!” and preceded with the plan just as Steel Skin described. Everything went according to plan up until it was time to light the tornado. The tornado didn’t just burn up all the Para Sprites it blew up in a fiery explosion.

The explosion blinded everypony who was watching including White Mane. Since Enchanta was so close to the tornado it blew her back, with enormous force, off the edge of a near by cliff. Steel Skin immediately jumped off to save her.

As the two were in free fall Steel Skin positioned himself to gain speed dodging dead tree branches the stuck out from the side of the mountain to catch Enchanta. He finally grabbed hold of her unconscious body and brought it into his own to protect her.

The last thing he saw before hit the ground with bone crushing force was, even after all that had happened, how beautiful Enchanta was. Then everything just went black.

Chapter Five: "Temp Not The Blade, All Fear The Sentinel

[This chapter is based off the song “The Sentinel” by Judas Priest. It is a very good song and depicts the chapter with epic music and I recommend you listen too it, after reading. This chapter is important to the story and not just something random I felt like posting. Thank you and enjoy the chapter.]

Meanwhile, back in New Canterton, word had spread that Saddle Back town, an old town in the middle of a dusty wasteland, had been taken over by marauders and bandits. Heavy Hoof had heard the news and feared for Steel Skin, because the town was just a few miles east of the camp that Steel Skin had left for only three days ago.

Heavy Hoof knew that by now Steel Skin would be at the school or at least very close. His worries faded away with the thought that the bandits would never try their luck with the warriors of Mt. Snow Point let alone scale the mountain to do so. Heavy Hoof went back to supervising the workers that White Mane had ordered to help him, with a feeling of comfort from this thought. Little did Heavy Hoof know that it was not the bandits or marauders he should be worried about but something much, much worse.

A tall figure made its way into the ruins of what was once the town of Saddle Back. A hood concealed the figure’s face and its body was covered by a thick black tan leather trench coat that’s tail almost touched the ground. The figure walked down the main road, the laid between the rows of buildings that lined the edges of the road like an old western movie. The majority of the buildings were burned to the ground and some still had red-hot ash piles inside them. The few buildings that weren’t burnt to a crisp were in shambles. All of the windows were broken; holes slash marks, and blood coved them, more then likely from when the bandits raided them for whatever treasures might have been inside.

Finally after a few yards the figure reached the end of the road. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was almost blood red. Soon Equestria would belong to Luna for the night. The figure stopped a few feet outside of the town when it came upon a slightly steep hill. At the top of the hill sat a modest little cathedral in about the same condition as the broken down buildings in the town.

The figure scanned the upturned food carts that formed a barrier in front of the cathedral. A head appeared from behind one of the carts then walked out from behind it, exposing it’s self. It was a banded the leader from the bloody skull helmet he donned. “Well look who it is. We’ve been waiting for you.” About twelve other bandits emerged from the carts. The figured just stood their silently facing the bandit leader. “Yah that’s right there’s a huge bounty on your head pal, and we aim to collect it.” The leader turned his head back to tell the others, “Go get the cage.” Two more bandits came out from the cathedral smiling, both clutching the sides of a large iron cage in their mouth.

At this time a sand storm could be seen rolling in from off in the distance. The bandit leader saw this then looked back at the figure. “This town was supposed to have a mine in it filled with lot’s of jewels. That’s the only reason I could think of why somepony would want to build a town in this Celestia forsaken place. But it was dry by the time we got here so we just decided to take what we wanted from the pathetic little ponies in this town then got rid of them one by one, ha!” The figure still stood there in silence, it’s face concealed by the hood. “Not the talkative type huh well that doesn’t matter, we’ll be rich soon enough once we take you to the Black Hoofs.

The leader looked back at the other bandits who were behind him. Some of them were trembling in fear, while the others just stood with a look of unsettlement, but all had their eyes fixed on the figure that stood alone in the middle of the road in the distance. The sound of the cathedral bell ringing out of the silence made them all jump.

The bandit leader gave them a disgusted look. “What’s the matter with all of you, you bunch of baby foals, the stories aren’t true. I don’t care if he is ‘THE’ Sentinel, it’s still just one guy.” The other bandits began to regain their courage put on angry faces. The leader then looked back down at the figure with an overconfident look. “What was that saying again? ‘Tempt not the blade, all fear The Sentinel!” he said mockingly “HA! Well I’m tempting you tough guy what cha gunna do about it?” The figure did not move nor say a word. “Ok enough chit chat let’s get this over with.” The bandits gathered their weapons and waited for the leader’s command to attack.

All though the bandit leader felt confident that he was about to make easy bits, he still felt a slight sense of hear in the back of his mind that traveled down the back of his spine. The cathedral bell continued to ring out its toll. It felt like forever before the bell ceased its chime. Once the silence fell, the bandit leader shouted, “CHARGE!!” The bandits rushed forth with shrieks and cries.

Before the small army of marauders could get close enough for a swing, the figure’s coat burst open exposing the rows of throwing knives scabbarded across his chest. The knives flew out like bullets, upon their deadly course. The only sound that could be heard then was the cries of pain and agony, and the gurgling sounds from the ones that had their throats pierced by the knives.

The figure stood over the dying bodies that were covered in blood that ran down the hill. He then proceeded to collect his knives one by one from the bodies of the bandits. He finally made it to the leader who had been hit in the back two knees and was trying to crawl to the cathedral. As the leader reached the entrance of the cathedral, the figure slammed two large hoofs on both of his front two knees, crushing the bones with ease. The figure slowly pulled out the two knives out one by one, causing the leader to cry out in pain each time.

The figure then rolled over the once confident bandit leader on his back. The leader looked at the figure’s face in pure fear and chanted “Tempt not the blade. Tempt not the blade! TEMPT NOT THE BLADE!!”

The figure raised his large front hoof, then said in a calm yet terrifying voice “All fear the Sentinel.” Then slammed his Hoof down on the leader’s head crushing both his skull and the skull helmet with one loud “CRUNCH!”

The now introduced Sentinel opened the doors of the cathedral, just in time to get a good look at Mt. Snow Point in the far off distance, before the sand storm obstructed his view of it. The storm was just a few yards away now. The Sentinel, walking in the direction of both the mountain and the storm, he had business to take care of, he had herd of a young colt who was on his to the peek of the mountain to train at the school there. The Sentinel disappeared into the sandstorm.

And he was going to pay him a visit.

Chapter Six: Under The Night Sky

“Steel Skin....Steel?” A voice faded in and out calling his name but it was impossible for him to focus. Then, finally, he opened his eyes and tried to stand but collapsed before he made it all the way up. He was still disoriented and searched for the owner of the voice that awoke him. Steel Skin finally saw Enchanta standing over him with big sad eyes. Steel Skin sighed with relief. “Enchanta, your okay, oh thank Celestia.” He noticed the way she was looking at him, and asked “Why are you looking at me like that?”

She pointed towards his hind legs. “Your legs.” She said so softly it was almost a whisper. Steel Skin, afraid of what he would see, slowly turned his head to look at his hind legs. “No.” His back legs were completely shattered and mangled. He looked confused, “Why doesn’t it hurt?”

“After we hit the ground, you fell unconscious. I did my best to stop the pain while you were still out, but..” Enchanta paused for a moment. “I couldn’t fix your legs, I’m so sorry Steel Skin.” Enchanta nearly started to cry.

Steel Skin felt worse for Enchanta then himself. “Hey, don’t cry you did your best I’m sure they have unicorns at the school that can fix me up.”

Enchanta gave him a grave look “Steel, the reason I couldn’t fix your legs is because there isn’t a spell strong enough that can put together all those pieces. I’m sorry Steel, but there’s no way to fix your legs.”

Steel Skin laid on his back and stared at the sky in thought. “Are you sure there’s nothing you can to?”

Enchanta thought a moment then said, “Well there may be something I can do, but I’m not sure if it will work.”

Steel Skin thought for a second and then said, “Anything is better then this Enchanta, just do it.”

Enchanta hesitantly said, “Alright, just, hold still.” She closed her eyes and concentrated all her might on Steel Skin’s legs. As her blue magic aura covered his legs they began to slowly change from a mangled mess to perfectly strait. Steel Skin was amazed but confused he thought that it was impossible to fix his legs, then he saw she didn’t fix them but changed them. His legs transformed into metal and instantly came back into feeling.

Steel Skin tried to stand up and succeeded, but he found it hard to keep his balance. Once he gained a steadiness amongst his legs, he turned to Enchanta to give her his appreciation. “Thank you, that was amazing but, how did you do that?”

“Well, when the unicorn trainer was teaching us spells they explained to us that sometimes we will have to use a weapon and if we didn’t have one they taught us a spell that turned anything into an incredible hard, and indestructible, material called Stylocite, and use it as a weapon.

Steel Skin searched his memories on the word. “Stylocite? I think I’ve herd of that. My uncle used to be a forge master, and he would make armor and weapons made of Stylocite. He used to call it Hard Steel because it has all the same properties of Steel but it’s indestructible.”

Enchanta, surprised at his knowledge of the material, said “Yes actually it’s more commonly known as that. When they were training us on how to use it, I had used it on things like tree branches and clothes but never on anything living. That’s why I didn’t know if it would do you more harm then good.”

Steel Skin, now much more comfortable with his new legs, moved and bent them around and said, “Well I guess since I can move them around just as easily as my real legs they’re doing me more good.” He smiled, trying to make Enchanta feel better.

Enchanta lightly smiled back at him then said, “I’m glad your legs are better Steel.” She looked up at the almost night sky then back at him. “It’s almost dark, and we’re still a ways away from the school. We should probably set up camp here for the night.”

Steel Skin nodded and reached for where his sleeping bag should be, but there was nothing there. He looked at Enchanta with an embarrassed face and said “I...think I lost my sleeping bag in the fall.”

Enchanta pulled out hers and rolled it out. “That’s okay.” she said “Mine is pretty big, it should be able to fit both of us.” She was blushing as she opened the bag.

An hour had passed and Steel Skin had already set up a camp fire and gathered apples for them to eat. After their hunger was satisfied, they decided to turn in for the night. At this time the sky had fallen dark and the fire was the only thing that kept them warm on that snowy cliff edge along the side of the mountain.

Enchanta was already in the bag when Steel Skin tried to squeeze into it. His cold metal leg made her jump as it touched her warm thigh.

“I’m sorry.” Steel Skin apologized.

“It’s okay Steel.” She replied. Enchanta looked up at the night sky and saw how beautiful it was with its dark purple canvas and bright twinkling stars. “Isn’t it beautiful Steel?” Steel Skin was not looking at the sky but only at Enchanta, who even though had dirt scratches and other marks, was even more beautiful to him then ever.

“You sure are.” He quickly realized what he said then tried to correct him self, “Uh..I...mean ‘IT’ sure is.”

Enchanta looked at Steel Skin with her big green eyes, then asked, “Steel Skin, do you want to kiss me?”

He wanted to say many different things all at once but could only say one thing; “Yes.” They both closed their eyes and kissed each other softly, but with passion. At that exact moment, an intense rainbow colored shock wave painted the sky bight with it’s colors and the force of the wave sent a chill up both the lover’s spines who were still kissing and did not notice the event.

Once they finished, they both looked at each other in amazement. “Wow, did you feel that too?” Enchanta asked.

“I sure did.” Steel Skin said while still dazed by the kiss and the shock wave.

Enchanta, staring at Steel Skin with half open eyes and a smile who was doing the same back, finally said. “Well, we should probably get to sleep. We have a long day ahead of us.”

Steel Skin just nodded slightly with a small smile, closed his eyes, prayed that the sleeping bag incident from a few nights ago didn’t happen again and fell asleep.