Blaze the Pony Tale
Chapter 378: 369. Level Up! - Part 1
Previous Chapter Next Chapter"Hear ye, hear ye!!" yelled Spike in the middle of Ponyville Town Square on a bright and sunny morning, the little dragon holding up a poster for ponies to see as they paused to listen.
"On behalf of the Prince and Princess of Friendship, I am here to announce the formation of a new guard. Princess Celestia has the Royal Guard, Princess Luna her Lunar Guard, the Crystal Empire the Crystal Praetorian Guard, and not so long ago did Prince Sombra announce his own, the Shadow Guard.
"Today, I announce the official formation... of the Harmony Guard, Dawn and Dusk Divisions!"
The locals were murmuring in interest as Spike went on, "Starting today at noon sharp, Prince Midnight will be accepting applicants who wish to sign up and join the Harmony Guard. For those of you who are interested, report to the field behind the Castle of Friendship and meet with Prince Midnight's apprentice, Sir Sunburst, to sign up for tryouts!"
As midday approached, Twilight was gazing down from her and her husband's bedroom window, seeing all of ponies who'd shown up to apply for membership into the Harmony Guard.
"I still can't believe I let you talk me into this..." Twilight sighed as she turned to look at her husband as Midnight was putting on his armor and conjured his sword, strapping it to his barrel.
"We discussed this, Twilight," Midnight said firmly as he gave her a look, "Starlight's misdeeds made it clear that even Ponyville isn't entirely safe from wrongdoers. She walked right into our castle and you remember what happened."
"How could I forget..." Twilight sighed as she recalled the memories of experiencing alternate timelines from a version of herself she had merged with, time's way of setting itself right.
"And I can't deny that what Starlight did might not have happened... if we'd had a guard of our own, keeping the castle safe."
"And not just the castle, Twily," Midnight said as he put on his helmet and turned to her. Twilight couldn't help but admire her husband in his armor, helm, and with his sword at his side. A true Knight of Harmony, an honorable defender and a protector of those who could not protect themselves. Though she understood the necessity of the Brotherhood of the Evening Hoods, Twilight would prefer that Midnight be only a knight rather than an assassin.
"More than once, Ponyville has been the site of some form of disaster. Discord, monsters, Tirek, and there's no telling what else may inevitably come looking for trouble. Catrina is out there and she wields a power that strikes the very heart of ponykind!"
"The destruction of a cutie-mark..." Twilight would never have believed such a thing possible. Not even when she'd experienced being robbed of her cutie-mark by Starlight when first they met.
"Starlight spends a lot of her free time researching a way to undo that horrible magic, looking for a cure... She knows she's responsible even if Catrina is the one committing the crime."
"All the more reason to form this guard, Twily," Midnight affirmed, "our enemies are out there, planning Goddess knows what, and Catrina wields a weapon that could yet shatter the spirit of our nation. We have to prepare ourselves, ready our defenses, and to expect the unexpected. Who knows what other threats we may face and not even know it?"
"...Agreed," Twilight finally conceded before asking, "So then, what sort of training methods have you planned for those trying out for our new guard?"
"Not me, Twi," Midnight shook his head as he wore a smug smile, "I decided this endeavor required a more... experienced touch. So, I called in a favor from an old friend."
"Who?" asked Twilight as she saw her husband leave the room.
"You're welcome to come and see who," he invited, "In fact, it'll probably do the applicants some good to see the Prince and Princess they're planning to devote themselves to giving a supportive welcome."
The applicants for the nascent Harmony Guard numbered around thirty individuals, mostly ponies, a lot of them native to Ponyville. To the surprise of the local applicants, there were a few non-pony applicants too, such as a griffon, a minotaur, a Sirian Dog, and even a Zebra mare with wings! Sunburst was sitting at a foldup table beneath a set-up canopy, going over the list of applicants, their names, hometowns (which was mostly of Ponyville but there were several from out of town, evident by the non-pony applicants), and the divisions which they hoped to be a part of in the Harmony Guard.
"Hmm, good to see some of the pony applicants have experience," Sunburst muttered to himself.
It was common for stallions to volunteer to join the Equestrian EUP Military. Basic recruitment required any stallion that made the cut to serve for a minimum of five years, during which they would be paid for active duty, provided health benefits, and were given a free education that would help them qualify for a free term in Canterlot university or any other Equestrian university of their choice. Lots of stallions left the guard once their five years of service were over, but some chose to remain and continue on in the Military and possibly be promoted to serve in the Royal Guard, the Navy, or even be granted a guaranteed spot in the Wonderbolt Reserves for the pegasi.
Midnight said the Dawn and Dusk Divisions would require commanding officers, a lieutenant for each division and a captain for the Harmony Guard overall, Sunburst thought, and he wants those officers to be chosen from among the applicants... this isn't gonna be easy.
Sunburst had suggested to Midnight that perhaps the Harmony Guard should call in volunteers from the EUP, only for the sapphire alicorn to disagree, saying it would serve the guard better for some of its members to come from Ponyville, since Ponyville is where the Harmony Guard would be stationed. There were already plans to construct a garrison, a training area, an armory, and even stockades. The Harmony Guard would be not only a guard for Midnight, Twilight, and their castle, but also serve as a police force for Ponyville.
"Hi Sunburst, how's the guard coming?" Sunburst looked down to see it was Twinken, accompanied by his friends, Rumble and Button Mash.
"Oh, uh- Hey Twinken," Sunburst pushed back his glasses after they yet again slid down his snoot. He was starting to consider contact lenses, "Yeah, I'm just here to keep things organized, we're waiting for Midnight to show up with the applicants' drill instructor."
"Drill instructor?" echoed Button Mash, not understanding.
"That's the guy who's gonna train the applicants trying out for the Harmony Guard," Rumble explained, "Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane said that Captain Spitfire was their drill instructor when they went to the Wonderbolts Academy."
"Who's the drill instructor, Sunburst?" asked Twinken.
"I dunno. All Midnight said is this guy was his first and last choice for this job," Sunburst shrugged, "sounds like he really respects whoever this guy is."
Sunburst.
Sunburst gasped to himself, hearing the telepathic voice of his mentor, Uh, yes?
Twilight and I are coming out, let the applicants know.
Yessir, Sunburst nodded before saying out loud to the colts, "Uh, boys? You're gonna have to move along, things are about to get busy."
"Aw, okay, Sunburst. C'mon guys," Twinken said to his friends, "Let's go see my Uncle Joe and Auntie Spice over at Pepper Pony's."
As the colts started down the way past the Castle of Friendship and back into town, Button Mash couldn't help peering over his shoulder towards the meadow where the applicants were being quieted down by Sunburst.
"So, uh... what exactly do drill instructors do?" he asked.
"Like I said, Button, they're trainers," Rumble explained, "Captain Spitfire was the drill instructor for Rainbow Dash and my big bro, Thunderlane, over at the Wonderbolts Academy. She was tough on them but she helped them improve their flying skills and techniques, so now Rainbow's in the Wonderbolt Reserves, one of the most likely to officially join the Wonderbolts while Thunder's in the Silverbolts."
"Yeah, everypony in town knows it," Twinken agreed, "Scootaloo's so proud of RD and Thunderlane's one of the first of a new team of fliers. It's really cool! My little cousin Pepper Flake even said he hopes to be a great flier one day, too!"
"Hmm..." Button Mash was starting to get an idea as a bittersweet memory surfaced in his mind, of when his own big brother, Cheat Code, had proudly announced to him and their parents of how he was the valedictorian of his class after he graduated basic training in the EUP.
Back in the meadow, all the applicants were standing in single file after Sunburst had politely asked them to calm down and announced Prince Midnight and his wife Princess Twilight would be stepping out of their castle to meet with them all momentarily.
Among the applicants, the griffon and the minotaur were muttering to each other.
"So... is Prince Midnight gonna be our trainer?"
"No idea, but that'd actually be pretty cool."
"Unlikely," spoke up one pony beside them, a white earth pony with snowflakes for a cutie-mark, "I heard that Prince Midnight is getting someone else to train us. Some... war horse?"
"Heh, you mean some worn out fogey?" chuffed the Sirian Dog in the group. "What tricks can some old-timer teach this young Dog?"
"Shhh, here they come," whispered the zebra mare with wings and all eyes turned to see the alicorns coming their way.
The applicants were impressed with the helm and armor of Prince Midnight, including his sword, Nightfall, which was sticking to his back without a belt or scabbard, hinting magic held it in place. He walked with a calm discipline and gave off a slightly intimidating impression. His wife, Princess Twilight, wore only her crown and yet she was beautiful and her presence was actually comforting, helping to balance out the unease induced into the applicants by her husband.
They walked up to Sunburst, who showed them the list of applicants and shared hushed words that none of the applicants could hear. It was when Midnight gave them a whip of a glance that they all tensed up and stood at attention, before Midnight took a deep breath.
"Welcome. To start things off, I shall express to you our gratitude by your decision to apply for a position in this new branch of the EUP," Midnight declared before going on, "The Harmony Guard is purported to be a force of protectors who give hope to those they protect, to help those in need, and to serve not simply my wife and I or even Ponyville, but Equestria as a whole.
"Thirty-three of you have applied to join the Harmony Guard, and as Spike the Dragon heralded this morning, the Guard shall be split into two division: The Dawn Division will be charged with serving and protecting my wife, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and the Dusk Division will do the same for me. However... in order for this Guard to be as effective as it can be, it will need commanding officers. Three among you shall be chosen for roles of leadership and assigned a rank once training is complete. Two of you will be bestowed with the rank of Lieutenant, charged with being the commanding officer of either the Dawn or the Dusk Division. The third will be Captain of the Harmony Guard overall, and answer only to myself or my wife."
He paused to let that particular tidbit sink into the applicants minds, hearing very quiet murmurs and seeing them peer at each other through the corners of their eyes.
"Your training will last a total of three weeks, and believe me when I say each and everyone of you will be watched..." Midnight said with a low edge of warning.
"You have chosen to take up the honor of responsibility. Each of you will be tested, in mind, body, and spirit. I expect each of you to work hard and do your best, but also to conduct yourselves with honor and integrity. I will not tolerate seekers of glory or abusers of authority. Is. That. Clear...?"
Every applicant gulped in response before they silently nodded nervously, uncertain whether or not they should speak but elected silence as a safer option.
Clearing her throat, Twilight stepped forward, "Uh- Don't let what my husband is saying discourage you, because it is important to note that the Harmony Guard is just getting started. We don't expect perfection or flawlessness from you all. I recognize a lot of faces here and understand that some of you are inexperienced and unfamiliar with guard training or even military protocol.
"You're going to make mistakes, and that's okay! Those mistakes will help the development of the Harmony Guard in the long run. All we ask of you is to do your best with the right intentions, as well as to remember that the applicants beside each and every one of you is going to be your comrade should you pass basic training. You must learn to work as a team, to find your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses and trust your comrades to support you when and where you need it. Don't be afraid to reach out and offer help as well as to accept it. Have faith in yourselves and have faith in each other, because I know I have faith in all of you."
The applicants felt their anxiety and tension seem to just float away as some of them even smiled gratefully at Princess Twilight before Midnight stepped forward again.
"Now, allow me to me introduce your instructor and the one who will be evaluating each and every one of you over the course of your training," Midnight said stepping to the side, showing the stallion who wasn't there a few moments ago.
"General Firestorm."
Slowly stepping up in front of the applicants, Firestorm gave each and everyone of them a loo so cold they felt shivers go up heir spines. He was a unicorn of fiery orange, his burnt brown mane in the traditional buzz-cut style of the EUP though he'd let it grow just a little (however both his coat and mane had lost some of their luster due to his age), and most eye-catching was his right foreleg. Instead of it being flesh, blood, and a hoof, it was a metal mystech prosthetic, ending in several talons, similar to those of a griffon.
The look on the old war horse's face seemed so emotionless! Like he was judging every inch of them, but not giving away even the slightest hint of what he might be thinking.
He was garbed in full combat fatigues (which hid his cutie-mark), and attached to his belt was a medium black staff, much like the training staffs cadets practiced with before being allowed to use real weapons.
He turned his head slightly as he continued to note each and every one of them with a curt glance that lasted for a moment or two, as he got an impression not just from their appearances but the looks on their faces.
Indeed, Firestorm was known for being able to read others like a book, even if he was meeting them for the first time.
"Good day to you, recruits. Although Prince Midnight called me general, I should point out however I am retired from active military service. I am here as a favor to him and his wife, Princess Twilight, and that favor... is to spend the next three weeks kicking your sorry asses and breaking you down before I build you back up and see which of you is able to hold yourselves together or fall apart and run home crying to your mommies! Make no mistake... I won't be pulling punches and the next few weeks may very well be the worst weeks of your entire life!
"My advice? Follow my orders and my clear instructions, respect your fellow recruits, and always give it one hundred and ten percent! If you can't do that, I will haunt your nightmares long after you have the nerve to waste my time by dropping out."
Firestorm spoke not with the barking harshness of a drill sergeant but rather the strength, discipline, and even the eloquence of a great commanding officer who both inspired and demanded respect.
"And what could you teach us that we don't already know?"
A few of the recruits failed to stifle their gasps as all eyes turned towards the Sirian Dog, who was giving Firestorm a challenging look, which might have intimidated the average pony, but for the likes of Firestorm it was honestly cute.
"Well, if a young pup like you thinks you can take on this...worn-out fogey, you're welcome to try," invited Firestorm, his voice sounding amused and just slightly provocative as he gave the Sirian a stare-down as his blazing blue eyes turned red for a few moments, daring him to try.
The Dog appeared to hold his cool, but he secretly gulped as he realized, He heard me!? When did he actually get here for him to have done that?
The Sirian Dog was a little put off when he noticed Firestorm's talons on his prosthetic leg seemed to lift upwards before the bases slid back and then the talons folded and set themselves within the prosthetic, leaving it with the basic appearance of a hoof. Firestorm displayed no real emotion apart from looking like he was waiting as his eyes were locked onto the Dog.
Folding his talons away? Makes sense, this is just sparring after all, the Sirian thought though he did wonder, Unless there's something else to it.
Firestorm eyed the young Sirian, whose fur was dark silver on the sides, black along his spine, white on his face with the dark silver framing his eyes except for the space between them and above that was a marking similar to a widow's peak. His underbelly, legs and the underside of his bushy tail were white as well, and his eyes were pale brown that seemed a faint silver. He was big and well-muscled on his chest, his legs, and around his hips, and his pelt was shiny and looked healthy, indicating he took good care of himself. He wore a leather collar with a tag that had his name on it, Avalanche.
Alrighty then, greenpaw... let's see what you got, Firestorm gave just the barest smirk, knowing even a hint of smugness would rub Avalanche the wrong way, and it worked.
Avalanche softly growled, furrowed his brows, and his hackles began to rise... before he charged!
Firestorm quickly side-stepped as he undid the clasp fastening his staff to his side and grasped it in his hoof, holding it out in Avalanche's path. The Sirian reacted quickly by jumping and somersaulting in the air, avoiding the attempt to trip him up, and landed on his paws, quickly turning around to face the old unicorn.
"How- How can you hold a staff with a hoof?!" Avalanche was bewildered.
"Long and short answer is magic, but don't worry, pup," Firestorm chuckled as he twirled the staff around his hoof with expert flourish. "I won't throw any spells at ya, keep it fair."
He didn't say or show it, but Avalanche respected that. If this were a regular fight, he would honestly expect Firestorm to use magic against him, but this wasn't a fight. It was a spar.
Growling, he attacked again, but this time he didn't go charging recklessly
Dashing towards Firestorm, Avalanche decided to use his momentum and dig his claws into the dirt and swing around to kick at him, hoping to catch the old sod off guard. With a smirk, Firestorm ducked low and held the staff up, catching both of his opponents hind paws in the air.
"Let's see if you know the basics. Roll over." Firestorm twisted the staff, causing Avalanche to roll to his side and he completed the full roll ending back up on his paws.
"Good boy," Firestorm said with a smirk. "If you keep this up we'll go for walkies later."
This got Avalanche to growl deeper at him as he watched Firestorm slowly walk away from him, almost making it seems like he was done with them.
"Don't you walk away from me, you old fart! We're not done here!" Avalanche barked at the stallion as the rest watched. Including both of the Midnight and Twilight, the latter wanting to intervene, only for Midnight to hold his wing in front of his wife.
"Let them spar, the others need to see their trainer in action," he whispered to her, "and Avalanche would do well to take his piece of humble pie."
Twilight sighed but nodded as she continued to watch the bout.
"Oh we're not done at all, puppy! We haven't played fetch yet," the old soldier said, tossing the staff up into the air.
Everyone watched the staff as it came down. Right before it hit the ground, Firestorm bucked it right at Avalanche sending it at him like a missile. Yelping the dog ducked , putting his forepaws over his head, while the staff shot over him, only taking a few hairs off the end of his tail.
"Ha, you missed!" Avalanche barked as he sprang to his paws.
What any of them other then Midnight and the general himself failed to notice was a clothes line hanging behind a house not too far away from the castle. The staff flew at and pulled back on a shirt that was hanging out to dry for almost a few seconds... before it shot back towards the fight as Avalanche slowly stepped towards the stallion, expecting him to be now harmless.
With a THWAP, the staff nailed Avalanche in the back of the head, causing him to stumble forward and fall flat on his muzzle, while the staff flipped up and back down where Firestorm caught it in his hoof.
"Well at least the pup knows how to give the stick back." Firestorm smirked as he did before, placing one end against the ground and let the staff rest against his withers. "So do you think you've learned your lesson or do I need to give you another brain duster to knock out any loose tennis balls you have wedged in those ears?"
Growling irritably as he stood up, Avalanche gave Firestorm the stink eye... but there was something else to his look. Respect. He gave a submissive bow of his head and swallowed his pride, "I yield."
"Really, that easily?" Firestorm was a bit surprised.
"No. Because I realize I was wrong to underestimate you," Avalanche sighed deeply, "I am ready to learn all you have to offer, and to train my tail off!"
Firestorm walked up to Avalanche with an unreadable look until they were muzzle to muzzle, maintaining each other's gaze. The tension was thick and several of the applicants honestly held their breath... before Firestorm smirked and said, "There's hope for you yet, pup!"
Meanwhile, watching from some bushes nearby, Button Mash whispered "Wow..." as he gazed upon Firestorm all starry-eyed and became more certain of himself as a crazy idea took root in his head.