To Set the Stage….

When word spread across Equestria that the changelings had moved on Canterlot, many a pony was shocked. How could they strike so deeply? How could anypony sleep soundly at night? Only tales of the heroics of Princess Celestia’s student and her companions eased the minds of Equestria’s citizens. Knowing that the changelings could be beaten brought peace of mind to the great cities and small villages of the land.

All except Hay Bale, for Hay Bale, so far distant from Canterlot, was no stranger to the threat of the shape-shifting creatures. Founded long before the return of Princess Luna, Hay Bale is a rural town that knows very few outsiders. The ponyfolk there are industrious and independent, and enjoy relative stability so far from the hectic life of Canterlot or Manehattan. Yet Hay Bale is but 10 minutes, as the parasprite flies, from changeling territory.

For generations, the Wardens of Hay Bale have stood watch over the town, perceptive equines with a keen eye for detail. Each knows their town inside and out, and knows their fellow residents just as well. Most hold everyday jobs, rotating out with fellow Wardens to keep watch for those who act like strangers.

Years before the battle in Canterlot, a colt of cobalt mane and winter cloud coat was born to one of the few unicorn families residing in this humble town. The father, a carpenter by trade, lifted his son up after being born and was met with an eager smile, a foal ready to take in the wide world. Drill Bit gave his new son a warm and gentle hug before tickling his adorable child. The foal giggled heartily, and in his excitement, the father received a shock. Literally.

Along the newborn’s tiny horn danced small arcs of static, the glow of magic already presenting itself. Drill Bit smiled, and named his firstborn, appropriately, Sparkhorn.

Sparkhorn was a curious and bright pony, and eagerly dove into whatever caught his interest, much to his parent’s chagrin. More than once, Sparkhorn became stuck in a tree chasing wildlife, or caught in a loom trying to follow its workings. As he aged, he began to display more self control, observing from afar. He read through what texts the town possessed, and proceeded to order more from distant Canterlot when he ran out of books close to home. He postulated and imagined the workings of tools and what simple machines the town possessed until he was well versed in mechanics. By the time he was finishing school, he had already earned a reputation as an intelligent craftspony, for he had in his studies found his place.

During a walk through Crystal Valley, a storm rolled in. Seeking shelter, Sparkhorn ducked into one of the crystal caves dotting the low ground. Within, he discovered various crystals of a dazzling array of color, shape, and size. He lifted one with his magic to observe its facets, and at that time lightning struck outside the cave. In a flash of destiny, the energy of the bolt resonated with his magic, the sparks of his namesake flashing brightly into arcs of electricity along his horn. With a cry of effort, the colt focused the surge of power on the crystal, and with a brilliant burst the energy was trapped within the gem.

Sparkhorn shook his head to clear it before gazing down at the gem glowing gently on the cave floor. Carefully lifting it with his magic, he discovered the electrical energy trapped within. A crystal battery. Upon his flank, an azure crystal was crossed by a lean bolt of lightning.

Since that day, he has worked at his own shop, crafting gadgets and the enchanted crystals necessary to power them, improving life in Hay Bale. When travelers and merchants heard of his talent, he began to receive odd visitors curious about his work, and soon his tools became rare and precious instruments for those who knew of the obscure unicorn mage of Hay Bale. He was also presented with examples of technology beyond anything in Hay Bale, and many a sleepless night was spent pouring over the details of how each new item worked.

To counterpoint this sharp mind, his lifelong friend was a smartalec of a pegasus by the name of Skyrocket. A crimson comet with a pale, silver streaked mane and emerald eyes, the fit and intrepid flyer was always searching for a new adventure, dragging his bookworm buddy into all kinds of mischief. Each took turns bailing the other out of sticky situations, and the two keep a running tally.

Skyrocket’s family had moved to Hay Bale not long before the two were born, and the curious unicorn had immediately been drawn to the strange winged pony who lived down the street. Many of the jams Sparkhorn had found himself in as a child had been averted thanks to the energetic pegasus, and the two enjoyed a bond of friendship that would make Celestia smile.

The bold flyer earned his mark doing the daring: Sparkhorn had decided to experiment with fireworks. Skyrocket had earned his name as an energetic foal, zipping straight up out of reach, always trying to climb higher and experience a new thrill of flight. So he had the bright idea to race fireworks.

For such a crazy idea it went surprisingly well. Sparkhorn would later explain, in typical smarty-farty fashion, how the air compressed in front of Skyrocket's flight path and saved him from frying. Skyrocket, however, always tells the tale as such:

The winds themselves protected him as he chased the fireworks up, through the bursts above him, and barreled through, scattering the flares in a brilliant corkscrewing display of light and sound. Townsfolk stopped in their work in awe as the firework display mushroomed out, brilliant viridian and emerald embers scattered wide. His flank now sported a red spiral firework, green sparks exploding just behind. From that day forth, the townspeople enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show at every town celebration.

Beyond all of these things, the two shared one thing above all others: a desire to help protect their friends and family, a call to be more than just another pony in the crowd.

This is the story of two colts growing up to become the greatest of Wardens. Next Chapter: Chapter 1 Estimated time remaining: 16 Minutes