my name is Zack Marcus and I'm here to tell you my story it might be my last chance.
you'd be surprised how fast letting your guard down can get killed. It might be better if I start at the begining.
-*-
990 CR(Celestia's rule) early spring quarter behind a plain looking medium house a few hours outside of Canterlot
Its late in the day as we see two colts, one a light gray, the other a much darker gray sitting many paces behind a white stallion as he started to speak.
"Alright boys its finally time to teach you about magi-blade" the silver haired stallion said in a stern strong voice.
"magi-blade?" the light gray colt asked his young voice cracked a little, the dark spike of his hair just above his left eye.
"Finally, about time" the dark colt proclamed in a young but gruff voice fortelling his maturity.
The tall rigged figure shot a glare at the darker of the two colts behind him.
"Zach" the tall white figure said in a stern tone "I'm not teaching you this so you can run around town and pick fights."
"Yea Zach" the lighter colt mocked "I saw you fight that older colt the other day."
"Zack!" Zach yelled "I told you not to say anything."
"Opps"
"Zach!" the tall stallion scolded loudly "why?"
"He was picking on me and my friends."
A smile ran across his face "Zach, you fought for the right reasons and for that I am proud."
"D..Dad" Zach said with difficuty.
The stallion walked up to his son and placed a hoof on his shoulder and leaned his head to Zach's ear and said "but your still grounded"
Zack snickered,Zach looked at him with a cold glare and grumbled "snitch"
But soon they all started to laugh, but soon the stallion called with the tone of a drill sergeant "TEN SHUN!" as Zack and Zach snapped to attention "let's start simple, imagine yourself holding a dagger in your aura."
"Yes sir, Ardent sir" both colts as both colt faces contorted soon with result.
Both soon developed an aura floating before them as Ardent said placing two tall blocks of wood in front of them "now swing it in your mind." soon Zach's block split "good Zach a little rough but good." Zack's aura just went around the block "don't fret my son you'll get it with time" as a voice came from the house.
"Dinner time, hold your training honey and bring the boys in" called a gentle motherly voice. All three turn and see a tall carcoal colored mare, her black mane almost fading into the shadow of the house at that moment a ray of light came though the trees and hit the diamond in the gold bracer on her right forehoof just right to cast a glare into Zack's eye.
"Awww but mom I wanna get this down first" Zack whined but was soon betrayed by a growl that came from his belly "h..hehe, guess I am a little hungry."
Ardent chuckled "well boys you heard your mother, lets go, oh and Zach" who gulped loudly "I want 20 pieces of firewood after dinner, understood?"
"Yes Sir" he said glumly.
Zack snickered again.
"Oh Zack, did you give your word to your brother?"
Zack gulped "y..yes Sir"
"then you will be cutting with him"
"aww come on."
-*-
hours later.
Both colts are choping wood outside the fence, Zack using his aura to hold the axe, Zach using his hooves "you know dad doesn't like us using magic like that" Zach said flatley.
"Whatever, I need to train my magic anyway" Zack said in a smug way.
As a cold stern voice bellowed "Zack!" who muttered "uh-oh"
"Zack you have to find a balance" Ardent stated as he walked up to Zack took the axe in his hooves and brought it down heavily on the wood splitting it and the chopping block in half then he tossed it into the air, caught it in his aura and with a flick of his horn the axe flies at a tree behind them with a bullseye on it and the axe hit dead center "you see."
Both colts are stunned "wow" both said.
"I think you two are done for today, let's get some more training done before the nightfall"
Ardent said smiling trying to lighten the tension
-*-
The colts stumble to bed as Ardent and Marisia watched, Ardent beaming with pride for his son hard work, Marisia giggling as Zack stumbles one last time before reaching his bed, as they walk to their own bedroom Marisia turns to her husband saying "why do you train them so hard?"
"Because, I want them to be able to protect themselves if I can not, as well as whatever or whomever they cherish" nuzzling his wife as he said the last part.
"I understand but you could go a little easier on them" giving him a glare.
"If they don't push themselves, they won't become strong" Ardent said giving off a worried look "I fear Zack is falling behind, and I don't know what to do"
As they laid on their bed, Marisia contemplating an answer "maybe your style just isn't working for him"
As she spoke Ardent remembered something his father said to him "thats it!" he exclamed, giving Marisia a start "his style, my father once said, one can not be as strong as can be fighting like someone else, one has to have there own style, thank you once again my love" as he started a kiss with which they fell asleep.
-*-
the next day
Ardent and the two colts were back in the yard as Ardent explaned the truth of Magi-Blade.
"Magi-Blade is a technique passed down thru the Marcus line, we focus the mana or magic all around us, condensing it to the point where." He stopped as he turned around to face his sons, his horn glowed as a bright white aura flowed to a single point where it became a translucent broadsword "it becomes a physical object, now you two try."
Both nodded as they began to focus it took all of 2 minutes for Zach to create a dagger but Zack was having trouble "Zack keep the image of the weapon in your mind but focus the mana to a single point in space" Ardent stated and no sooner then he said that, Zack formed a shortsword, Zach was surprised to see his brother do something better than him.
"Good, now try to swing it" both nodded, Zach swung left to right while Zack tried to swing right to left but was thown off balance as a smirk split Ardent's face "I knew it" Zack looked at his father confused "try this" he held the broadsword in a way so the blade pointed behind him, still confused but Zack did as his father recommended and swung the shortsword perfectly."Great Zack, now how about we go back inside and get ready for tonight."
Both the colts looked at eachother confused till Zach spoke "for what dad."
"You'll see" Ardent said as the walked in the door to see Marisia peparing a basket.
Both colts ears perked up as their faces showed their exeitement, Zack thought to himself 'mom prepping a basket means only one thing.' "picnic!" both colts yelled at the top of their lungs as they ran to help their mother perpare, making Ardent shake his head and smile with pride for his sons.
-*-
Stardust Cape is a very large hill a few miles outside of Canterlot next to the Everfree, if you go there on a clear night the lake next to it looks like its made of stars hence the name.
The hike there was somewhat uneventfull aside from the few times Ardent drew his sword at rustling from the Everfree forest understandably. The picnic itself was perfect, Zack and Zach played tag untill an agument started a sparing match making Ardent and Marisia laugh who just sat together. After the sun set all four sat and watched the beauty of the stars and moon untill Zack saw Zach blush and whispered to him "thinking about princess Luna again" as Zach's blush disappeared and he looked at his brother with wide eyes mouthing "how" as Zack replied "come on, you blush everytime mom reads princess Luna's part of the Tale of the two royal Alicorn sisters" as Zach said "not..a..word" Zack just nodded.
Unfortunately the way back will change their lives forever.
Halfway back a single dark shadowy figure stands in the middle of the path, as they approached Ardent said to his sons "whatever happens protect your mother understand" both nodded. Ardent walked up to the figure "is something wrong" the figure remained silent, Ardent's suspicion grew "why are you here."
The figure spoke "simple, for your bits and your lives."
Soon he was surrounded by a random asortment of ponies all with a murderous intent "so you think numbers give you an advantage on me?" Ardent said looking around seeing the unicorn's horns start to glow, the pegisi's wings fidget, and the earth types lick their lips. He just shook his head and said "fine but i warn you all, if you don't want die leave now" with that he drew his sword as all the ponies around started to laugh, when they stopped they charged.
The battle lasted for what felt like hours, Ardent blocking and countering every move made against him untill one of them went for the colts and Marisia, Zack and Zach were tired from using a shield spell Ardent broke into run so fast everything around him slowed to a crawl except one in the forest who followed him perfectly with it's dagger shaped green eyes. Ardent blocked the pony that was headed for his family and started to fight him but was pierced by a spear, as he fell Zack saw a tear in his father's eye Zach couldn't believe it, seeing his eyes the earth type who did it turned to Zach and said "oh its true kid, BELIEVE IT!"
But Marisia began to see a faint black glow coming from Zack as tears were flowing from his eyes but when his eyes opened they where blank as he began to glow a bright silver. He heard a voice say something but couldn't make it out but the words came out of his mouth next "FINAL IMPACT!" then the battle field was covered in a silver dome when the light faded Marisia saw Zack passed out in front of her, Zach was nowhere to be found and not a single other pony except for Ardent's body was present as two royal guard pegasi came to investigate the dome of light when they saw Ardent's body and the mare holding a colt tight.
"Go back and get a rescue team out here now"
"Sir, yes Sir"
-*-
A dark form walked up to an unconscious dark gray colt. "Aww poor dear" said the form in a sinister female voice "cast aside like that tsk tsk tsk why don't we help you with that" as a green glow lit the small clearing.
-*-
Zack could feel his consciousness returning first there were voices. "He has severe mana exhaustion, he could be out for five more days, are you going to be okay" an unfamiliar voice said with a caring tone.
"Thank you nurse, I'll be fine" said a very familiar voice.
"You should get some rest" the nurse said as she left the room.
Soon Zack's other senses returned, he sturggled to open his eyes as his sight returned and was met with a pair of deep violet eyes red and puffy from crying for a long time her mane was disheveled because of days without sleep. "Mom" Zack said weakly he heard a gasp as he could feel a hoof on his left forehoof he looked around but nopony else was there "wheres dad and Zach" tears began to well up in Marisia's eyes.
The nurse outside the room was filling out paper work when she started hearing crying unfazed at first because of her years hardening her heart for giving bad news but soon it got worse to the point where even she was tearing up, she looked around to see eveypony around was crying but the souce of the crying was the room she just came out of so she knew what was going on and it pained her heart "for one so young, to lose two it must be unbearable"
Tale 1 : new friends and new hope
It would be three day of pure boredom before Zack is released from the Hospital. The time passed quickly thanks to a ball the nurse gave him. he thought of it as training for hoof-eye coordination, it was ok but the three days was still boring as tartuars. Some of the other patients even gave their condolences, he was happy to have such support.
The three days had passed and he was free to go but the doctor warned him to take it easy for the next few days. He would, he would only train for five hours a day, then back to his dad's regimen of ten. It wasn't long before they got home, back to that beautiful plain as cardboard one story place he called home. The first thing Zack did was head out back, only to see the hatchet his dad used the day before the picnic was still in the tree.
He couldn't stop it this time he broke down right next to the tree but he soon passed out.
-*-
He awoke to find himself in a dark place 'where is this place' he thought to himself. "Hello" he called to the darkness all around him. Only to be met with silence, he became worried "somepony, anypony please" he called again this time someone answered.
"Hello and welcome" said a voice so beautiful the only comparison would be the best female singer in existence. Zack turned to see the one who was talking, he was a little surprised Before him stood a faint white unicorn mare with bright yellow eyes and pale gray mane "my name is Light Seraph, but please call me Sera."
"Okay" Zack said still off put "who are you and where am I."
"Lets start with number two, this place is often referred to as Astra" she said clearly trying to avoid the first question. Looking away she continued "this is where those who have lost their way come to find guidence."
"So I'm lost" Zack said with a clear look of panic on his face.
"No,no,no quite the opposite, you found your way here for another reason" she said trying to calm him down "your heart called you here, I can only imagine that your in pain" 'thats putting it mildly' Zack thought with a sad look on his face.
"So my heart brought me here" Zack said trying to understand what Sera was saying "because i'm in pain?"
"Are you not?"
"Of course I am, I mean who wouldn't be" Zack's sad look getting deeper "I just lost my brother and my father, not mention i'm only twelve" that had done it. He broke down right there, letting tears flow but holding back the sobs.
Sera walk over to him and laid next to him trying to show her surpport and understanding. It took at least thirty minutes for him to calm down. "Feeling a little better?" Sera asked, Zack nodded slowly "good, you know your very strong to keep all that in till now" she gave him a smile, he smiled too remembering how his mom comforted him in the Hospital.
"Just remember" Sera said with a solemn yet strangely still kind look on her face "so long as you keep those you love in your heart" she then put her hoof on Zack's chest "then they will never be gone, understand."
"I think so, thanks Sera" he said as a strange light blinded him.
"Remember, try to make some friends. The bonds will help you though the deepest darkness" her voice getting softer and softer until.
-*-
Zack awoke under the tree. He sat up wiping the sleep from his eyes 'was that all a dream' he thought 'if it was, it helped me get some closure'. He looked up at the hatchet. "I promse you dad, Zach" he said with a brand new conviction "I'll do all I can to make this world a better place. You can count on me" as he took the hatchet in his hoof and yanked it out of the tree, taking it to the chopping block that Zach was using the day of the picnic and swung. Splitting the wood and imbeding the hatchet in the chopping block.
Zack heard his mom's voice from the house "Zack are you awake, I need you to go to town and get some supplies."
"Ok mom I'll be right in" he said, looking back 'I'm not as strong as you dad but someday I will be, if not stronger' he said to himself as he galloped back to the house.
-*-
Zack soon found himself staring at the buildings of Canterlot as they gleamed in the light of early twilight. His gaze literally transfixed by the beauty of it all. He'd been to Canterlot before but not by himself or this late. Soon he was nearing the market place not that he took notice he was too busy looking at the buildings and other ponies and not watching where he was going.
"oof"
"ouch"
Two ponies collided, the contents of one's saddlebags on to the streets now home to a random assortment of colors. a few seconds later both regained some composure "are you ok" Zack said to the earth pony.
"I think so....oh no my groceries"
"Here let me help"
"Oh on I couldn't"
"No trouble besides I'm the one who knocked you down"
soon they both reached for the last piece of food their hooves touch. Zack gaze meets the burgundy hoof next to his first then moved up her leg to meet a pair of large aqua eyes. 'Wow I could get lost in those eyes' he thought but keeping his outward composure. "Here" he said clearing his throat giving her the supplys he had gathered.
She giggled "thanks" she opened her bag to let him levitate the supplys in.
"May I ask your name miss" Zack asked with a slightly goofy grin.
"Merry Heart but you can call me May" she said moving a strand of lavender hair back in front of her pink highlight "whats yours?"
"Um...uh Zack..Zack Marcus"
"odd name for a pony"
"yea, my dad wasn't into the naming into personality traits. Always said we should be free to pick our own destiny, or something like that"
"Sounds like a wise stallion...wait wasn't?"
"Yea died a few days ago"
"I'am so sorry" she said sympathetically but soon caught sight of where the sun was "oh dear is that the time. If I break curfew again dad'll ground me. got to go look forward to talking to you again" she said as she sprinted off. Zack couldn't help but noitce her mark 'a rapier in behind a heart. Bet mom and her would get along famously' he thought. He steped back to feel his hoof hit something.
It floated in front of him held by a silver aura a confused look on his face. the heart shaped pendant turned and he saw an inscription. 'My heart is always with you my dearest Merry Heart. Mother.'
"Oh man this is her's I've got to get this back to her" he said to himself in a slightly panicked way. 'Calm down Zack, think ... you don't know where she lives' he thought 'but somepony at the general store might' remembering the variety of fruits and vegies in her saddlebags.
-*-
It didn't take long, the first pony Zack spoke to knew exactly where she lived he swore the pony said "good luck" as he walked off. He found himself in front of a very nice looking two story house four marble pillars lined the front the yard was as wide as the house and at least thirty yards long. A highly impressive gate with a plate in the middle "the Heart residence, Gold Heart, Sapphire Wind, Merry Heart" Zack said with relief as he pushed it open and walked up to the house. He got as far as the first step when a cocky and pompus voice yelled "who are you and what are you doing here" a second higher pitched voice cackled "he thinks he gonna talk to Merry" as a deep almost savage growl split the air. "Down boy" said the first voice as Zack spun in place to see a sky blue pegasus speaking to a large brown earth pony while a small red pegasus floated next to them laughing her flank off.
"Now I belive its your turn, speak" the last part dripping with venom as he shot Zack a glare with those green eyes that could freeze an open flame.
"I came to give something back tha-" Zack tried to say but was cut off.
"So you are a thief" the green pegasus accused.
"Bwahaha kick his flank Zephyr" the red one egged on as the growl returned louder than before.
"Please calm yourself Flame Tempest, you too Stonewall" Zephyr said running his hoof thru his seafoam green slicked back mane "but my friends have a point. I should beat you senseless if not for stealing then for thinking you can talk to May."
"Zephyr Gale" a scolding voice from the house behind Zack who turned to see May with a scowl on her face. "I've told you a hundred times I am not your fillyfriend furthermore" she said stomping towards Zephyr "just because your a private first class in the guard doesn't mean you get to act like a jerk" poking him with her forehoof which is quickly grabbed by his wing and twisted she winced making a small pained noise.
"Insubordinate attitude citizen" he said coldly "you need to learn your place."
"Let her go" Zack growled lowering his head reading himself.
Flame and Stonewall laughing "looks like he wants to fight Zephyr" Flame chuckeled while Stonewall just shook his head.
"Very well, hold her Stone" Zephyr said pushing may towards Stonewall who put his forehooves around her and picked her up off her hooves. "Now then lets get started shall we" he lifted off the ground a few feet and started to float there "I'd like this to be over as fast as possible, so just stay there and don't move" he floated down at a slow pace but as soon as his back hoof touched the ground he disappeared.
Zack was off put to say the least but he could hear something. 'Of course wingbeats and hoofsteps. He is using his wings to incease his speed so all I have to do is listen' Zack thought to himself. No sooner than that did Zephyr charged Zack had to turn around but he blocked and was pushed back several feet.
Zephyr was dumbfounded "how did you block me" his face slowly changed from confused to enraged as he began to charge again and again "NO...ONE...CAN...SEE...ME!" he screamed as he charged.
Zack grabed Zephyr's hoof "I don't have to, I can hear you" he said about to throw Zephyr over his shoulder.
A young but very authoritative voice rang loud and clear "cease and desist!" Zack let go of Zephyr's hoof and turned to see him snapped at attention saluting a stallion in full royal guard armor "whats going on here Private!"
"Nothing Lieutenant Sir just dealing with a thief" Zephyr said pointing a hoof at Zack.
'I'm no thief'
"He's no thief" May stated flatly no longer being held by Stonewall "he's just some colt I met in the market today."
the guard stared at her for what felt like minutes his cerulean eyes compleatly impassive "lets get the whole story hmm?" After a brief explanation about what happened since Zack and May bumped in to each other. The Lieutenant groaned and facehooved "Private first class Zephyr Gale I expect more from a royal guard when you get back your on latrine duty for the next month. Flame Tempest, Stonewall just where are you two going" the only that can be said about their faces is 'busted' caught while trying to sneak away "I'll be getting in touch with both of your parents" they looked worried as all three of them galloped away "now I don't think we've been properly introduced" his tone more casual taking his helmet off to reveal a pristine white coat and a deep blue multi-shade mane "Armor, Shining Armor pleasure to meet you ..."
"....Uhhh... Marcus, Zack Marcus" he said shaking free of the wonder of being in the presence of a royal guard lieutenant.
Armor look a bit shocked "Marcus as in Adamantite Marcus."
"Yea he was my dad."
"Right I heard about that, sorry."
"No prob I'm good now."
"How about I escort you home, with the lady's leave of course."
she giggled and nodded waving to Zack as they started to walk out of the gate.
They had gotten out of the gate then Zack's eyes grew wide "wait" he galloped back to May "here" he put the pendant that had started all of this around her neck. their eyes met and they stared at each other for what felt like hours but was only five seconds. Zack galloped off a deep blush on his cheeks. She looked down at the pendant and a blush ran across her cheeks too.
"Mind if we go to the market first, I need to get somethings" Armor just nodded
-*-
Zack and Armor were on their way back to the Marcus household. Zack's saddlebags jingling with the items his mother asked of him. The sun was about go behind the horizon as the moon crests the mountains on the other side painting the sky in twilight.
The tension was thick, questions raced though both of their minds. Zack's were a bit more personal than Armor's 'how does he know my dad, what was in dad's past, what does the Marcus name really mean?' Just to name a few but soon Shining Armor finally broke the silence.
"So ... you've got skill" trying to cut the tension "I saw how you handled your self in that fight with Zephyr. Trust me it is no easy feat stopping him if he's got one thing going for him it's that he is really fast on land"
Zack rolled his eyes "I noticed but he's just so full of himself. I mean 'just stay there and don't move' not even considering I might be able to defend myself"
Armor sighed "yes he has always had a big head but he does come from one of those families."
"One of those families?" Zack said confused.
"You know the kind right? Heads stuck so far up their ...uh" Armor struggled to find a word.
"Plot?" Zack said with a grin stamped on his face.
Armor laughed "yea that, his father is a former Wonderbolt real arrogant type, and his mom is a high ranking noble that combo is a guaranteed full of himself plothole."
"Got that right" Zack said shaking his head looking up he saw that the moon was out. "Its late" he said in a flat tone.
Armor looked up at the moon "Yea it is isn't it" he looked back at Zack who had a haunted look in his eyes "you ok?"
'Wonder what Zach would be doing right now' Zack thought to himself but Shining Armor's calls snapped him out of it "wa ... oh sorry I was miles away"
"No worries, we're here" he said removing his helm and knocking on the door that was soon answered by a dark gray mare. "Ma'am I'am here-" he was cut off by the mare blowing past him and sweeping Zack up in her forehooves and squeezing him as tight as she could.
"Mom not in front the Lieutenant. So embarrassing" Zack whinned now glowing a faint red.
"I was so worried, where have you been" Marisia said with a mix concern and anger in her voice and on her face.
"I believe I can answer that can we go inside?" Armor stated practically wearing a mask.
-*-
A dark gray colt lays on a bed in room made mostly out of dirt and plants "why can't I remember anything" he yelled hitting a wall leaving a dent. "The only thing I can remember is that white light and-" he was cut off by a knock at a door made of vines "come in."
The vines spread apart by green magic and a tall black and green figure walked in looking upon him with her dagger shapped green eyes "are you ok? Talking to your self again?"
"Just trying to make sense out what I can remember" he sighed.
"If you want I could try that memory spell again" she said trying to look concerned.
Zach looked at her "look its not that I don't appreciate everything you've done for me Chrysalis but something is telling to do this on my own." Chrysalis smiled and started to walk out. "Wait, do you still need help?"
She grinned a wide evil grin before turning around with the same smile as before on her face "thank you, Love is very hard to live on"
"No prob, its the least I can do after all you've done for me" Zach now smiling too as Chrysalis left the room. he fell back on the bed soon he began to hear a snickering noise looking up at a high off the floor window to see a changeling sitting in it. "whats so funny?"
"the Queen's new pet" it said before leaping out.
Zach was confused.
-*-
Zack and Armor were now in Ardent's study. bookcases lined with books on proper swordsponyship and high level combat magic and one book on managing your expenses. Pictures line the walls with several documents and medals as well as a glass case containing a ornate looking sword. A lone chair sat in the middle of the room as Armor touched the top with an awestruck look.
"So ... are you going to tell me how you know my dad?" Zack said as calmly as possible.
"I suppose I owe you that much" Armor said smiling sheepishly "he was one of the best untill ten years ago he just up and retired." his face covered with rememberance and regret. "I first meet him thirteen years ago. I was new recruit fresh out of Boot assigned to your dad's division but you don't want to hear my life story." a bit of a smirk on his face looking at the sword "do you know how many lives have been saved by this sword" a single tear ran down his cheek.
Zack saw it and felt a pang of regret "if I'm dredging up painfull memories we can stop."
"Are you kidding" Armor now in Zack's face "these are some the best memories I have. your father was one of my heroes in fact you could go as far to say he help me get cutie mark."
Zack raised an eyebrow "he did?"
"yea him and my familiy made me realize that I wanted to protect them and eveypony else" Armor stood in front of the window in just the right way the light made him look like he was glowing heroically.
a flash of light and a small noise broke the silence "what was that!" Zack half shouted
"Somepony just found his talent" Armor said pointing at Zack's flank now adorned by a gold shield in front of diagonal bottom left to top right hilt above the shield blade up. "What were you thinking of just now."
"I was thinking 'I want to be strong enough to protect EVERYPONY' " Zack said proudly.
"well if your serious, here" Armor gave Zack a poster that read 'Royal Guard Recruitment tornament' Zack looked back at him confused "we hold that every year at castle you can't enter untill your thirteen so you've got plenty of time to train" he said with a smile as he walked out with Zack right behind him.
-*-
next time.
Zack stood tall on his back hooves holding a wood shortsword in his right forehoof the 'blade' the weapon behind his back trying to calm himself. "C block entrant three Zack Marcus"
"Lets go!"
