Honor, Guts, and Glory

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I couldn't believe my eyes, my own brother,  in this moment of time, stood in the direct path of two razor sharp weapons. I tried my best to use magic to save him. But I could not conjure anything fast enough. Not even telekinesis would reach him in time.

I panicked.

No pony had enough time to react to this sudden and violent development. Images of my brother falling lifeless to the ground plagued my mind. A pool of blood would start to form and the two killers would continue fighting. Unaware of the crime they had just committed.

By some miracle everything I imagined happening in the next few seconds left my mind. It was fast. Too fast for me to see clearly. A blur of a man appeared in between the two warriors. He stopped both of their swings with his arms, they cut into his gauntlets. He redirected both of their swings to the sides, narrowly missing Shining Armor. Both were caught off balance, the warrior struck the knight in the face with his fist, and threw him over his shoulder. He slammed right into the Southerner, and both fell to the ground. A loud thud, accompanied with the clanging of two sharp weapons hitting the street were the only sounds to be heard.

No one dared to move as the two competitors lifted themselves off the ground. Stumbling every now and then, dazed from the impact. The person who had stopped them stared at them angrily, he had already confiscated their weapons and given them to my brother.

Though, Shining seemed just as out of it as the two angry fighters.

The two of them looked at each other, then at the stranger who had stopped them, confused looks on their faces. Neither of them completely understood what happened just yet. Honestly, neither did I.

"Honor? What honor do either one of you possess? All I saw were two immature children getting angry at the other for calling him names." My brothers savior stared straight into both of the warriors faces as he ridiculed them, not blinking once, his arms crossed in disapproval.

Applejack put her hand on my shoulder and for a moment I thought the two of them would try to beat the guy with their bare hands.

Instead, both of them bowed their heads in shame. Neither one of them made another move.

I felt so relieved. My brother still had his head, and no pony had gotten hurt. After taking a few seconds to breathe, I looked back and smiled at my friends. I received their smiles in return, each of us relaxing now that no one was in mortal danger. My head shot back in the direction of the two would be criminals as the strong voice of the Equestrian Knight reached our ears.

“I. I do not deserve to be named after my great ancestor Ser Broadsword, nor to have the title of 'Knight'. I have dishonored my family, my friends, my Princesses, and myself.”  The young knight, apparently named after his hero, looked on the verge of tears. I felt kinda bad for the guy, now that my brother wasn't about to get sliced in half by his sword.

We all turned our heads as the deep-powerful voice of the Southerner captured our attention.

“I have shamed my ancestors, my parents, and especially myself. I apologize for insulting your family and you yourself young Knight. Captain, I will accept whatever punishment you see fit, I had lost patience and nearly cost you your life, as well as disobeying the law of the land. It is unforgivable.”  The southerner bowed towards my brother. He wasn't a bad guy, perhaps they were both just having a bad day.

“I apologize as well. I did not have to make that foolish and insulting comment about your race. I apologize to you too Shining, you are my friend and yet I still put you, and these innocent people I am sworn to protect in danger.” Broadsword kneeled in front of him.

I looked over at the strange looking warrior who had interrupted the fight, his eyes never left the two warriors he stopped. He looked ready to kill at any given moment, it frightened me.

My brother got over the shock of how quickly they calmed down faster than the rest of us, and replied angrily.

“You two should be sorry! Not only did you lose your tempers, but you could have not only hurt me, but these innocent bystanders as well. You know how strong and well trained you are, it would take more than just a couple average guards to stop you. You have a responsibility! Lucky for us, your stupidity was stopped by this man,” Shining waved his hand towards the warrior causing the two of them to direct their gaze on him."before anything irreversible could happen. For this reason, I'll let you off with a warning. That is all. Be on your way and don't even look at each other until the preliminaries start!” His voice dripped with venom and disappointment, he was still getting over the shock of nearly dying.

Surprisingly the two were let off real easy, I expected some sort of fitting, and well deserved, punishment. Even if it does not excuse what they almost did, both seemed sincere in their apologies. They even stood up and shook hands before departing in opposite directions.

“If you're a warrior trained to kill, you can't just start drawing your weapons in the middle of the street! It's irresponsible! Dumb! And just downright dangerous!" AppleJack kicked the ground. "I'll respect his decision for now. But if it happens again, I'll personally beat them till they can't move and put 'em in jail for a couple months at least!”

Rarity shook her head in agreement, and a few in the crowd voiced their agreement.

"I agree with you completely. Those ruffians better think about what they did long and hard before they show their faces around me again! Hmph!"  Rarity flipped her hair.

I, on the other hand did, not know what to think just yet. Pinkie didn't seem to mind either way.

I looked back at my brother, he looked just as relieved as every pony else. I couldn't help myself anymore, I ran and embraced him in a tight hug. Happy that he was still able to return it.

He smiled at me before speaking to the one who saved him from a visit to the hospital, or the grave.

“I thank you sir, for keeping my head on my shoulders. If you hadn't stepped in I wouldn't be speaking right now, and would be unable to do my duty to the Princess for a while.” I eventually let go of my brother and decided to inspect the strange looking warrior.

He looked different from anyone I had ever seen.

His eyes were a deep dark blue, his skin covered in scars received from battles untold. He wore pure white, Eastern armor, two curved swords hung on his right side, one shorter than the other. His arms dripped from shallow cuts received from stopping the two warriors swings, if he hadn't redirected their energy so quickly, they would have been cut off.

Impressive.

But that wasn't what surprised me the most. Everypony knew that if someone was from the east, that usually meant they were a pure blooded human. On top of that, he had to have traveled through part of the Everfree forest to get to Equestria in the first place! Not many would make a trip as dangerous as that willingly, it seemed odd in my opinion.

“Dude, you moved so fast even I was impressed! It was rad!” Rainbow Dash enthusiastically praised the hero of the night, I have to admit she's right.

“Yes, it was quite impressive. We are all thankful for your swift and noble actions in the face of danger. Is there anything, or anyway, we could possibly thank you?“ Rarity beamed.

Pinkie Pie bounced around him in circles, saying thank you multiple times. Until Rainbow Dash pulled her off to the side.

“Good j-job...” A voice that quiet and sweet could only belong to Fluttershy.

He smiled at us, including the CMC and Spike, before he began to respond.

“You have nothing to thank me for. I did what I thought was right, nothing more. I thank you for the compliments and... entertaining song," A friendly smile graced his features before he continued "I am lucky I was able to execute my throw correctly before anything bad happened." His smile slowly dispersed.

“I don't care if we don't have to thank you. There are few people who would willingly put themselves in danger for the sake of complete strangers, people like that must be thanked anyway,” Rarities generosity shined through in her words.

My older brothers head shook up and down, telling the Easterner he agreed.

“She is right. I couldn't live with myself if I did not do something in return.”

“Seriously, we couldn't just let you walk away without a proper thank you. You just saved my brother from getting maimed, or worse!”

His gaze focused on me as I spoke.

“I understand..." He stared at the evening sky for a minute or two.

Rainbow Dash shifted on her feet, itching to hear his answer. She didn't like waiting for any period of time.

"I guess the only way you could thank me, is making sure you fight past the preliminaries, Shining." Now why would that be his request? The confusion must have shown on my brothers face as well.

Either the Easterner did not notice it, or just ignored it. "Unfortunately I can not stay and talk for much longer. I still need to find a place to stay for the next month or so for the Tournament.”  He wore an apologetic smile in place of his usual grim expression.

“You want me to pass the preliminaries? As a show of gratitude? Why? ”  Shining questioned.

"Ah have to say, that is a mighty strange request o' yours. We would all like to know the reason why." Applejack crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at the Easerner.

Shes been acting real strange this whole conversation.

“Why? Why not? You are the Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard are you not? You know how bad it would look for security if you couldn't even make it into the main tournament.”

He looked up at the recently risen moon for about 15 seconds, then he proceeded to bow to us. “I must be going. It would be unfortunate to have to find somewhere outside of Canterlot city to stay, and with the number of people here it is possible that if I don't reserve a spot soon, they will all be taken. Good evening!”

He did have a good reason to leave, but I wanted to stop him anyway. We could at least take the time to ask him his name.

“Hold on a second, why don't you join us for dinner? Its the least we could do for you,” Rarity decided to persist, she could be incredibly hard to shake at times. I would know from experience.

The human stopped and looked back towards Rarity. “I thank you for the offer, but I have to go,”

“Hey whats your name silly!? You still haven't told us and that's not fair!” Pinkie stuck her tongue out at the end of her sentence.

“Ah, yes I'm sorry, I have not introduced myself yet. I am Kagutsuchi, a Samurai from the east.” Aha! My powers of deduction are still sharp as ever!

Logically this would mean, since he is a Samurai, he must be representing his clan or leader. Who could possibly be here in Canterlot right now. Books and all their useful knowledge.

“Well Kagutsuchi, I have an offer. If you grace us with your presence while we eat, we will ask the Princesses to take care of where you stay.” Rarity winked at me. What? Is she pushing the job of asking the Princess a favor over to me? She's the one who suggested it!

Kagutsuchi stopped to think for a minute before he rejected my fabulous friends proposal.

“I could not impose on the Princesses. Besides I don't think it would work out too well. Hopefully we will be able to have dinner together some other time in the near future. For now I will take my leave.” With that he walked away, determined to get on with his business.

Though I had no reason to be suspicious of him, I could not shake the feeling something was off.

There must be something he's hiding beneath that friendly exterior.

But why? He saved my brother, and maybe even a few others from harm. So I shouldn't be thinking such horrible things about him.

I must still be paranoid for our safety because of recent events, I'm sure he is a great person. I have nothing to worry about-

“I'm so glad every pony is okay. I don't know what I would have done if someone had gotten hurt!”

Fluttershy's quiet voice reached my ears and crashed my train of thought. Is that a new trend around here?

“Yeah, we got lucky,” Rainbow patted Fluttershy on the back. “Now how about we move on and put all this behind us. I'm getting hungry.”

I nodded my head showing I agreed with Rainbows proposition, and started walking, my friends following close behind.

Shining walked next to me, so I took this as an opportunity to speak with him about something other than his recent near death experience.

“So, could you elaborate on how this whole tournament is going to work? Whats the schedule?” Having this information early on would give me an advantage, making it easier to organize my time.

“The start of the preliminaries is tomorrow. Since there are so many different beings wanting to fight in the tournament, we need to eliminate at least seventy-five percent of them. Only the strongest, most capable fighters will be allowed into the main tournament. We will have a five day break to recuperate and prepare before the main Tournament. During the main Tournament they will hold about two- three matches a day. The rules for the tournament are: Whoever faints, gets knocked out, gives up for whatever reason, can't stand, loses far too much blood, is incapacitated, or just can't lift their arms to fight anymore- loses.” Shining finished his explanation.

He seemed more nervous than his first day training in the military academy.

I gave him an encouraging smile. “Don't worry, you'll do fine. Actually, I suspect you will place fairly high!”

His nervousness did not disappear like I had hoped, he looked away from me so he wouldn't have to look me in the eye.

“I don't know Twilight, I might not be able to make it past the Preliminaries, but I guess I have to now." He sighed.

"Right now that's my only goal, if I can accomplish that, I'll be happy enough,” Shining closed his fists in frustration. "He was right Twilight, If I can't even make it to the main tournament, others will take it as a sign of weakness. That could cause bad things to start happening, and that is unacceptable!"

I did not say a word, lost in thoughts of my own. He did have a tough job, and Kagutsuchi- did he just want to fight my brother? Or was there something more to what he said?

I must be real tired to be thinking like that about someone who just saved my brothers life.

We walked through the entrance to Canterlot castle, we were able to go straight on through since Shining Armor was with us. Its grand main hall greeted us first thing, causing the CMCs mouths to drop open.

“I just can't get over how beautiful this palace is in person! It's just sooo grand.” Rarity praised the beauty of Canterlot Castle for the hundredth time.

I couldn't blame her either. It is considered one of the most breathtaking Architectural accomplishments in all of Equestria, also one of the top ten buildings in the world. Isn't that awesome?

Shining cleared his throat. “I will stay with you guys until the Princess arrives, afterwords I must be on my way to write up my report. I'm confident she will want to hear about what took place today.” I shook my head in understanding.

Celestia arrived shortly, interrupting our idle chatter.

Luna was absent. I hoped she would be there as well, I miss her.  We haven't been able to speak since Nightmare Night.

“Hey princess! Whats up!?” Rainbow flew right up to Celestia.

“Howdy Princess Celestia, its been a while.” Applejack took her hat off in respect.

"Yes indeed Applejack, I've been very busy preparing for the Tournament. Honestly, responding to those friendship letters took up most of my spare time."

“I must thank you for allowing us to stay in the castle, again, for such an extended amount of time. It's such an honor!” Rarity bowed to the princess in a very formal manner, her eyes sparkling like a fillies.

"There's no reason to thank me, you girls are welcome here anytime."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Fluttershy give her a small wave, one the Princess returned with a smile.

"Hi Princess."

All three of the CMC greeted her in a shy manner, completely out of character. Celestia giggled, probably thinking about how cute they were.

Shining bowed to her before stepping to the side so we could speak directly to one another.

“Hello Princess, I'm so glad to see you again! It's a shame Princess Luna isn't around. It would have been great to see her again.” Finally I was able to give my own greeting, capturing her attention.

“Yes, shes been extremely busy getting ready for the tournament and currently, the dinner party. She is over zealous with her training, but it's her first tournament in a thousand years and she tends to get excited about these events. Besides, I'm sure she would love to speak to you all in a little bit. Meanwhile I should show you to your room. Shining, I'll be looking forward to that report this evening.” My Mentor gave my brother a smile, he nodded his head and gave a quick 'Yes mam.'

Celestia looked back at us. “follow me, and do tell me all about what happened tonight. I heard from one of the guards. A fight broke out between two prestigious warriors, Broadsword and Wangai?” She gave me a sideways glance as we walked, eyebrow raised.

“Ah yes they did. Luckily another guy stepped in and well. Stopped them in a very effective manner. It was quite impressive. Basically, he saved my brother from getting sliced in half.” I made sure to mention Kagutsuchi, thinking the Princess would have information on him.

“I see. I will have to talk to these two upstarts, maybe punish them. I should thank the man who stopped it. What was his name?” My mentor continued the conversation with interest. I obligingly gave her a full answer, accompanied by a question of my own.

“He introduced himself as Kagutsuchi. Told us he was a Samurai from the east, isn't that rare? Besides, wouldn't it be challenging to make it through the Everfree?” I hoped on the inside, that Celestia would have the answers. Otherwise I would be up all night thinking about this.

She stared off into space for a minute before replying to me.

“It is unique, a Samurai I mean. Especially one who doesn't give you his last name first. The trip through the Everfree, though unexpected, happens more frequently than you would think. Some areas of the forest are less dangerous and more open to travel than others... Ah-ha! here we are. All ten of you will share this room, I made sure it was large, comfortable, and warm since so many of you decided to attend. I am sure you will find it  nice and cozy. Now, I must go and greet the royalty at the dinner party with my sister, you girls can join us whenever you feel ready. If you want to join us at all that is, it wont be exciting.” Our princess gave us a soft and comforting smile before departing. I guess the answer she gave would have to do for now. I should just get some sleep before thinking about anything else.

     "Awww yeah! Time to unpack and get ready to chow down! Even if it is filled with snobby rich people, the food has to be great! Come on everypony!"

Dash slammed the doors open with so much force I thought the hinges would break off. Luckily that did not happen, unluckily someone else's hinges sounded like they did.

"Rainbow I wouldn't-" Rarities voice was drowned out by a loud crash followed by a sickening crunch, causing all of us to flinch. Every pony, except for Fluttershy and Scootaloo whom looked overly concerned, and Pinkie who started snickering, walked through the doors shaking our heads.