FIFTEEN YEARS (TEN YEARS AFTER PREVIOUS CHAPTER)

“As I said years ago, you are expected to create a castle for your family and guard. We didn’t ask you earlier when you created your guard, but now you don’t have a choice. If you don’t build a castle, I will build one for you that you will not be able to change,” Celestia said

“Well, like before I'm doing things my way. Only Discord will be helping me out.”

“Fine. Just make one,” Celestia said dismissively “We'll see what you did after you finish.”

As usual Brian headed home and summoned Discord to assist with construction. Wanting privacy, Discord froze time so no one could see what the building would look like. Having an idea on the castle, Brian drew the entire layout on paper, making sure to get everything out. The layout was to be 250 feet a side with his house in the middle with 50 foot high walls and 4 towers between.

“Ah, this is going to be easy to build. What do you want for material,” Discord asked looking at the schematic

“I thought we'd make it three layers. A stone sandwich with marble filling.”

“That's a great idea. We'll start with the marble first to make sure the skeleton works,” Discord answered “Before we start, what're we doing with the house?”

“We'll make it a little bigger and connect the back door to the portcullis on the castle.”

Brian used a tape measure and wooden stakes to mark out the boundaries as Discord assisted on the other side. The back door of the house was placed dead center in the castle as 125 feet were measured out on both sides. After all four sides were completed, concrete was poured and connected to the foundation the house was on.

Discord summoned the marble blocks, each of them having a width of four feet and weighing several tons. Using manipulation, he was able to guide the blocks into place with very little effort. Once the first layer was positioned, the rest were secured and stood at a height of fifty feet.

“Damn, that looks nice. Once we get the sandwich complete, the defense towers and passageways will be next.”

“Sounds good. We'll take a break after the two stone layers are completed.”

After a few hours of work, all the stonework had been laid out and they agreed to stop for a while. Discord saw the designs for the towers and decided to cheat and bring them over from the other side. Each tower was fifty-five feet tall and had archer slots every ten feet with tunnels connecting everything together and ramps leading to each level, rather then ladders. The castle was designed to look like the ancient castles from home, as Brian didn't care to have a crystal house. This was practical as he was a history buff, and functional to protect his family.

“Well, now that the castle is finished, what do you want for weapons,” Discord asked

“On top of the towers, I thought we could mount a ballista catapult to strike down distant enemies. Inside the castle we'll have crossbows and regular bows and arrows for protection.”

“Do you mind if I added a few ‘personal’ touches to the castle? I have a few ideas you'll love,” Discord said

“Go nuts. I know you'll create something good. I'm going to take a nap while you work."

Brian decided to take a nap while Discord went to work on the castle. He was surprised that the design of the castle was completed so easily. After a few hours when he woke up, Brian noticed that some things didn't seem to be altered as much as he thought.

“Well, what do you think? I've made some changes to the view. Fly around and take a look,” Discord directed

Discord stood in the center as Brian stretched his wings to see the changes. As he headed over the castle, there was no sign of Discord, even though he was right there.

“Nice trick. Anyone who flies over is unable to see anything inside.”

“Exactly. The other one is almost finished. Let's head into the house so it will kick in,” Discord said ushering them out

Once they reentered the courtyard Brian noticed the scenery changed. There was a sun shining on the area with countless houses around the area.

“So, I take it you are impressed? This entire area is manipulated so you never need to worry about food, water or shelter. There is also an additional room I have for you,” Discord said

Discord led him to a room that had a six-pointed safe lock on the door. Upon opening it up and stepping inside, this room was completely white with nothing inside.

“This is a ‘danger-room’. Anything you can think of can happen, including weapons training or reliving memories. Any injury that would happen will give you the sensation of that pain, with no physical problems,” Discord said stabbing Brian in the heart with a knife

“Damn that hurt. This is a great place where my guards can train and not have any damage happen.”

“I have this room linked to the Research & Development room located in Celestia’s castle. There's a portal that items can be sent between rooms with no harm,” Discord continued “Go on, test it out.”

Brian concentrated for a moment and noticed his appearance altered to his human state. A target appeared along with a .45 caliber pistol and was shot over twenty times switching hands halfway without having to reload or the actual percussion from each shot.

Wanting to try something, he summoned duel magnum pistols and proceeded to fire both simultaneously and flipped the guns upside down to try shooting with his pinkies. Although he managed to fire once, it was completely uncomfortable and was abandoned. The next gun he used was a .50 caliber sniper rifle and was able to obliterate a dummy head 100 yards out.

Once he knew the capabilities of firearms in the room, Brian decided to return to his alicorn form and summoned his sword. Although he trained the blade for years as a human, he needed a challenge in using the sword with hooves. Deciding on a test, a timer was summoned and connected to the sheath.

“What's that for,” Discord asked curiously

“Seeing how fast I can draw my blade. Since this is an entire separate world, I can train how long I want without harm.”

To demonstrate his point, Brian drew the blade as fast as he could and registered .50 seconds. This process was repeated with the time still the same. Concentrating on his magic, the blade was actually removed faster at .25 seconds. Knowing this, Brian would need to test both versions to increase the overall speed. Eventually the blade might be able to be drawn with superhuman speed, but how long that would take was completely unknown.

“So, I take it you are pleased with everything? Like I said, the castle also has a room so you can train there if you want. And you're right about time being altered. As long as you are in the room, no time will pass, while time passes normally outside,” Discord said

“Definitely. Thank you again for the help. At least I can train whenever I want to perfect my blades.”

Brian continued to practice with his sword once he cleared his mind and started to focus. The time was faster at under .25 seconds and dropping. Using the same control as the shield and the sand wall, the fastest time was .001 seconds before stopping.

Figuring it was time to take a break from sword training, Brian chose to work on his overall flight speed. Everyone seemed to know Rainbow Dash was the ‘faster flyer in Equestria’ as she was always boasting about it, and he wanted to shut her up once and for all. Luckily the ‘danger room’ was an endless expanse and would alter itself when needed.

As he took off, cones were popping up as checkpoints before deciding to speed up. The faster he went, the more visible the telltale traits of a rainboom were before finally exploding as a dark version, identical to what was created before ascending to alicorn. Brian managed to get faster and created three simultaneously, causing Discord’s jaw to drop.

“You reached Mach 5 that last time. Congratulations on officially being the fastest flyer in Equestria,” Discord said shaking Brian's hoof

“Well, it's not official until I actually race against Dash. Until then, I don't own the title.”

“Now that we're done, perhaps we should return home and show off the new home,” Discord suggested

“Sounds good to me.”

“Before I forget, this is for you,” Discord said handing Brian a small bag “This is a dimensional bag. Simply think of what you want and you will be able to pull it out.”

“Thank you. I'll test it out now, but I'll keep it strapped to my side.”

Thinking of something simple such as a ball, Brian managed to pull it out. Wanting a challenge, a .50 caliber sniper was withdrawn, showing the full range of options. As long as the object can be thought of, it will show up. Knowing this, Brian figured the bag would be his best friend, so to speak.

Discord returned time to normal as Brian decided to take the train to the castle as Discord hid the castle.

“It’s built already? When can we see the castle,” Celestia asked

“The two of you can see it tomorrow as will the rest of Ponyville.”

Brian flew home and decided on not saying anything so as not to ruin the surprise. Thankfully Octavia never asked about it and would be just as surprised as everyone else. As morning arrived, so did Luna and Celestia, followed by Twilight and the others.

“So, where's the castle you were asked to build? All I see is your house,” Celestia asked

“Ye of little faith. I didn't want to spoil the surprise,” Discord said popping in

Discord snapped his fingers and the castle appeared. Rainbow Dash flew above the castle and tried to see the interior but was unable to.

“What gives? I can’t see anything,” Dash complained

“That’s the idea. Brian's house was supposed to be private,” Discord replied as she stuck her tongue out

“How's about we tour the inside,” Brian suggested

He led the group inside and they seemed to be shocked that such a small house could contain a huge interior.

“How is this possible,” Twilight asked

“I'm the God of Chaos. Besides, there's another area to check out,” Discord said
Brian led them into the ‘danger room’ to show off the area and specific toys the guards would use.

“This is the training room. Anything you think of will appear and all injuries will cause pain, but no blood. Anyone willing to assist me,” Brian asked summoning a knife

“I'll do it. I trust you,” Twilight said raising a hoof

Brian calmly sliced through her arm much to everyone's horror. They did seem to be relieved when nothing happened.

“Like I said, the pain is felt, but nothing more. Now, I'd like to introduce you to some of the most deadliest weapons humans have created. Before I start, let's set up a few melons for targets. First up is the pistol. I told you my dad shot my mom before shooting himself; well, now you'll see the damage,” Brian said holding a pistol

He shot one melon from 25 feet away and everyone cringed at the explosion before walking to the second and pressing the muzzle against the skin before firing leaving half a melon remaining.

“That is what happened? Perhaps it was a good thing I never saw the entire thing,” Luna said

“Exactly. I'll never forget the scene no matter how hard I try. I did say that these were deadly and I wasn't kidding. Next up is the sniper rifle. Death from a distance is the best way to sum this up. The melon you saw destroyed by the pistol would be completely blown up. And finally, explosives. Three commonly used are C-4, dynamite and mines. The last one I'm going to show you may arguably be the deadliest out of all of them; the IED or improvised explosive device,” Brian continued holding the explosives

“Why's that the worst,” Dash asked

“Improvised means that whatever they want can be used,” Twilight answered

“Exactly. Glass shards, nails, chains, etcetera can be used to cause damage. These wounds are quickly infected due to the nature of the bomb.”

“With all these weapons, what are the guards going to use,” Celestia asked

“Bows and arrows, you already know about. Crossbows and finally, the ballista.”

“I saw some thing on the towers. What exactly is it,” Dash asked

“A bigger version of a crossbow. Every guard will be trained with all three weapons to protect the castle. And they need not worry about running out of ammunition as it's unlimited.”

“I challenge you to a race. I'm the fastest in Equestria and want to prove it,” Dash said

“I accept. In two days we'll race. It'll take place in the Whitetail Woods and the air. The course will be a one mile run on land before the aerial race ending in Cloudsdale.”

“Agreed. Train as much as you want Brian, I'll still kick your flank,” Dash taunted

“We'll see. Good luck, you'll need it, Dashie,” Brian teased as she stuck her tongue out

The next two days seemed to pass without incident as Brian and Discord planned out the course. Lit checkpoints were set up in the sky that had a black and blue light to confirm both racers hit the checkpoint. For the starting run, they found a stretch of woods that didn’t have any obstacles such as tree stumps or rocks and measured out a mile as a challenge. On the do of the race, Brian was prepared as he trained for a while the day before.

“Good luck Brian. Before we race, take a good look at my flank as you'll be staring at it the rest of the race,” Dash said shaking her ass at him

Brian ignored the comments as he put himself into a trance to prepare for the race. Visualizing the course helped as he tried to plan out his tactics. A tap on the shoulder from his wife brought him back to reality as Applejack flagged the race.

“Ready…Set…Go,” AJ said

Both Brian and Dash took off running at the same time before he started to slow down half a step. Unbeknownst to Dash, this was deliberate to allow her to have a head start leading into the second part of the race. As planned, she took the lead and may have overexerted herself trying to beat Brian.

Brian reached the mile marker and took off like a bullet having slowed to conserve energy. Upon reaching one of the aerial turns, he tucked his wings to streamline and turn at high speeds before opening them again for a boost. As he was so far ahead, there was no point in holding back as Brian broke the sound barrier and caused three shadowbooms to form behind as he coasted the rest of the way to Cloudsdale. A few minutes later an exhausted Dash landed before needing time to rest.

“You…beat…me. Congrats,” Dash said through breaths

“Keep the title of ‘Fastest Flyer’. I did this because I wanted to,” Brian said

“That was amazing. It has been quite some time since I've seen a black rainboom. I'm Spitfire of the Wonderbolts, by the way,” she said

“That was me over fifteen years ago. It was after the ‘Lucy’ incident. I never knew how I accomplished not one, but three shadowbooms in a row.”

“Every time I see a rainboom, I'm impressed by it. Especially when I created it,” Celestia said

“You created it? I've used a technique created by royalty,” Dash said in awe

“I did create it when I was a teenager. It was an accident when I was showing off for my mom and sister. At least two others have used it and even made a dark version of it,” Celestia replied as Brian and Dash smiled at the compliment

“I'm not going to make it home. Too tired,” Dash said

“Here,” Brian said levitating her on his back “I'll take it easy on the way back.”

True to his word, the flight home was gentle with Celestia flying along side him. They took their time heading back to Ponyville as both were exhausted. As they landed, all of Ponyville came out to congratulate Brian on the race, with Twilight and company leading the group.

“That was some mighty fancy flyin’, Brian. How fast do you think you were going,” Applejack asked

“The other day when I trained with, I was clocked at Mach 5. At home, that would be roughly 5,000 mph,” Brian said causing some confused looks “In other words, extremely fast. Dash is nearly at Mach 2 or 2,000 mph when she really tries.”

“Still pretty fast, just not as fast as you,” Dash said “Thanks for the lift back.”

“Let's here it for the new Faster Flyer in Equestria,” Pinkie started

“While I'd love to hold the title, Rainbow Dash can keep it. This was only done because I could. I was racing against myself to see how fast I can go.”

Brian carefully levitated Dash off his back and decided to head home to relax. The race took more out of him then he thought and would need time to recover. He was informed a few hours later that Dash was fine, but it would be until the next day when he felt better.

“Karabast. At least I know that this is my own power,” he said as he entered the dreamscape

“Hell, you did reach speeds that most aircraft would dream of. You have a lot more power then you think,” Ignis said

“True. I told Dash to keep the title because I don’t want it. At least with her holding it, someone could eventually break the record. If I took it, no one would put a dent in my speed. It would be a cold day in Hell before it was broken. I just don't want anyone to know that that is the main reason.”

“Well, if that was to happen, at least you'd have a permanent legacy,” Ignis said sarcastically

“Nah, don't care. Besides I'm the first male alicorn and that's more then enough.”

“It's a shame I wasn't able to see your race,” Luna said entering the dreamscape

“Well, I beat Dash in spectacular fashion and performed three shadowbooms in the process.”

“My sister mentioned that. It's funny that she created the first rainboom and quite some time later you are creating a dark version,” Luna said chuckling “I just visited her dream and Rainbow Dash seemed to be mad that she lost.”

“Well, I raced her for fun and to test myself in the process. Besides the record is hers as no one would break it as long as I held the title.”

“That was actually in her dream. I had to remind her that change can be good. Maybe someday her offspring or a student of hers becomes the fastest flyer,” she replied

“That would be good. Records are meant to be broken. One that won't, for example, is the fact that I am the first male alicorn.”

“Well, I'll leave the two of you in peace. Good night Ignis; Brian,” Luna said

“Good night Luna,” Brian said before falling asleep