Two Days Later – Canterlot Castle; 8:30am

The following days to come were… interesting; after the day Celestia accepted Zen’s offer of familial connection, the princess decided to postpone her daily schedule of that day and be with her new brother. However during that time, Zen and Celestia were approached by the guard that was with Zen, Emerald, and she was furious – or bothered was a better description to give.

It was at that time that she confronted Zen about why she was in his room, and if they did anything whilst alone. This brought an intrigued look on Celestia but instead of getting any juicy information, Zen stood unfazed. After being told that nothing occurred – other than she falling asleep on his bed – the day continued onward without any continued incident.

Today was the day after… it was also the day of the duel with Warcry, and the ponies of Canterlot made their way to the city’s coliseum to watch. Once news of the duel with the notorious Warcry and a traveler was going to have, nobleponies, regular folk, and some of the royal guard – those lucky enough to patrol near the coliseum or were on break – took seats inside the impressive structure.

Like any other coliseum, the surrounding area were full of seats, with different levels for each of the population to take. All the balconies were full with famous nobleponies, with one particular balcony having her royal highness Celestia, and General Deluxe and his wife who sat at the balcony closest to the center. One part of the crowd’s seating area had several individuals that were acquaintances of Zen; this included Organize Mess, Emerald, Smooth Earth, Sky Watch, Sweet Roll, Steel Forge, and Knock Out, the ponies and minotaurs wanting to watch their newest companion face against one of the toughest unicorn soldiers in Celestia’s army this century.

“Woohoo! Go Zen, go!” shouted Knock Out, waving a crude banner with Zen’s name on it.

“How the heck did he get that made in such a short notice?” asked Sky, confusion plastered on his face.

“Don’t question it; that minotaur got surprises up the wazoo,” said Mess. “I’ve been through his form of crazy since he opened up that tavern of his.”

“I remember you asking him why they call him, Knock Out. We had to get you out of that wall when you thought he was referring to women he slept with,” said Sweet, snickering at the memory.

“How was I suppose to know he abhors the mistreatment of women and had three younger sisters?! He literally sent me flying with a flick of his finger – a flick!”

Those who saw the incident laughed at the memory, leaving only Emerald, Sky, and Smooth clueless about the recounting of Knock Out’s strength and strangeness in general. It was at that same time that several horns were sounded, as a pony stood in the center of the coliseum. With a flash of his horn, his voice could be heard throughout the whole coliseum.

“Ladies, gentlestallions and all manner of other creatures, today we have two warriors from different lands; the challenged is our infamous fellow royal guardspony, known to train with the most ruthless method, to be this century’s greatest unicorn soldier ever, I give you, Drill Sergeant Warcraaaahhhh!”

Coming out of a once closed gate, said gate was opened with Warcry stepping out of the shadows, covered from head to hooves in a silvery armor, unlike the golden clad armor of the royal guard. His horn had a piece of metal that covered the front to block any strikes toward it, while at the same time, keeping spells from not being restricted or blocked.

“Why’s he wearing that armor and not the guard’s armor?” asked Sweet.

“Well the original armor of the royal guard wasn’t its gold variation; two centuries ago, gold was a prominent metal and the reason we have it due to transmutation spells, so the armor back then was made with iron and was more bulky. While a bit of disadvantage, Warcry is kind of a fan of historical armor and weapons, and knows the strengths and weaknesses of every kind of weapon there is, and let’s not forget that the armor he is wearing was personally made for him. He mentioned something about a hidden trick about it,” said Mess. “Either way, that old stallion has got some tricks behind that crafty mind of his; he’s also fairly good with offensive and defensive spells, and his personal spell too.”

“What is his personal spell by the way?” asked Smooth, curious.

Before Mess could answer, the announcer continued on, facing the other gated entrance that held the challenger inside. “And now, the one who has challenged Warcry is up next; not much is none about this mysterious traveler, but on his journey to Canterlot he has taken down around fifteen bandits, one of these bandits being Burin ‘the Horn Crusher!” Some of the unicorns in the crowd cringed at the given title, while others – the royal guard – were glad that menace was gone. “By himself might I add, with such brutality and swiftness; now I give you, the armored warrior – Zeeeeen!”

The gate began to open but before it fully could open, music started to play which surprised and intrigued everyone; Celestia seemed the most interested but saw this coming, as after all, right before the duel would take place, Zen had told her something about himself.

A couple minutes earlier – Canterlot Coliseum; 8:15am

Celestia trotted with Zen as they headed to the waiting area for the fighters that appeared on the right side of the coliseum. While the building itself was slightly aged, it still had is uses and rarely had any sort of duels, with the only ones being between nobility, fellow royal guard, or other times is used for outdoor plays.

Since the day Zen came to Celestia’s tower and comforted her in her moment of sorrow, she felt a renewed happiness she had lost many centuries ago. While nobody knows of the news yet, she promises not to keep this secret for too long, with the only ones knowing being Emerald – her reaction brought a grin on Celestia’s face – and Deluxe – he was coming to see her about something, but would tell her later.

The two finally stopped as they stood before the gated entrance that led to the outside part of the coliseum, and while Zen showed no emotions of the slightest, Celestia could tell something was up. “Is something the matter Zen?” asked Celestia.

“A little… I wanted to try something before and during the fight; you see, I have access to music from my world and am able to play whilst fighting. I done it before when Emerald and her group were attacked, and it allowed me time for the bandits to be distracted as I surprised them with my appearance. While I do not want to use as a form of distraction, I thought I’d like to introduce myself how I wished to be seen – whether a negative reaction happens or not – and give this fight a memorable one. I am again sorry that I’m keeping things from you, I promised to give all that is me to you alone… there are still things about myself even I must learn, before I can disclose it to others; again I am sorry.”

While Celestia has only known Zen for a few days, there are several things she’s learned about him; while it was truthful he was unable to feel or react emotionally, he did seem to show a lot of self-doubt and beheld a lot of pessimistic thoughts about himself. He wasn’t secretive but did kept things to himself, and spoken in an all too serious tone, but in reality that was just his voice, so anyone speaking to him would have a hard time how he’s like. Celestia has learned one thing about him – whenever he would tap his fingers against his thigh, it showed he was in deep thought and this meant he was unsure about something – and was a good sign he’d drop this barrier he has around him, making it easier to interact with him.

“Please, don’t worry, I too am getting used to our… relationship, but just know this; every word you said to me that day has deeply touched me, and I too promise to be a sister to you. You are acting like family to me by simply interacting with me in a way that is not of a ruler, but someone close… so do not let your worries distract you for this grand occasion. Do what you will, and show this crowd something to remember for ages,” said Celestia, doing her best pep-talk she can.

With that Zen glanced at her and nodded in thanks, before doing something else that she has also liked since he has become her step-brother. Reaching behind her head toward her ears in particular, he began to scratch them gently; Celestia whinnied happily as her tail swished left and right while holding a satisfied loopy look on her face. The scratching stopped and in return she looked disappointed with a pout before returning with a smile. Taking her leave, Celestia teleported back to a doorway that led to the balcony she being watching from.

The memory made her swell with happiness, as she watched – and secretly cheered – for Zen to win this fight, while also giving her best regards to Warcry too.

Zen’s POV – Canterlot Coliseum; 8:40am

After the gate fully opened up, Zen stared at the wide open coliseum grounds; with a sigh, he moved forward. The song he chose seemed to be a fitting introduce song for him, as he took several steps forward and stopped at a spot so everyone had a good view to seem him from all angles. His tattered cape swayed by an unseen wind, his intimidating form standing tall and rigid like a statue.

Taking a careful glance at his surroundings, he saw the balcony Celestia was at just the right of him, while near the gate that Warcry came from were some of the folks he encountered since his time in Canterlot. He saw Knock Out had a banner with his name on it, waving it back and forth with a grin on his face. The others stood by him with their own cheers and waves, though Emerald had a bit of annoyed look – possibly still mad from the night he left her on his bed with zero explanation.

She’ll give over it.

Would like to gain access on your new weapon and transformation? This be a perfect time to test it.

“No, we don’t know what it can do, and when I challenged Warcry he only saw my one weapon so I’d rather use that and what else I know for this duel,” said Zen. Due to him being in the middle of the coliseum grounds, and that nobody could tell if he spoke, nobody noticed him talking to himself.

Of course; I’ll also keep track on Warcry’s vitals so no accidents occur.

“Thank you Jiule.”

After his small introduction was done, Zen ended the song and awaited for the announcer to continue. Once given the all clear, the unicorn in the middle coughed again and came back with full force.

“With our two fighters here, some rules must be reinstated; while the usage of magic of any kind is acceptable, any fourth-tiered and above spells aren’t allowed – that means no summoning spells allowed – avoid any attacks that may be fatal or serious, and most importantly, the weapons and what you have on person are allowed in the fight, so bring what you wish and we shall start the fight in one minute!”

Once the announcer was done, a table of weapons appeared in the center for the fighters to choose from. Zen gripped his weapon behind his back, before facing the announcer and raised his voice to be heard. “My weapon of choice is already chosen!” shouted Zen.

The announcer nodded in understanding and faced Warcry; the stallion examined the various tools of battle before taking two in particular, a broadsword and shield. After stepping back to his original spot, the table vanished and the announcer with it too. A bubble of energy surrounded the grounds that separated the fighters and the crowd for safety reasons – a double layered bubble shield was made, the first layer to block off attacks by the fighters while the second was to stop or weaken shock-waves and also block attacks if the first shattered.

“Fighters ready!?”

Warcry raised his shield and had the sword levitated behind him, poised and ready; Zen simply gripped his weapon, Crossroads, with his one hand, with it still on his back. The two warriors ready, glaring at one another with their own stares… and then a bell was rung.

“FIGHT! LET THE DUEL, COMMENCE!”

And like that, things moved like lightning; Warcry moved quicker than he should of in that heavy armor, but what occurred next shocked everyone. Just as the bell was heard, Zen’s pupils vanished, leaving the two empty gray spots to remain, and with one powerful slash, Zen unclasped the katana from his back, and swung it in front of him, sending a cloud of dust and dirt to block Warcry and those who watched from his side’s perspective.

The drill sergeant stopped and backed away from the now cloud of dust, keeping his senses alert and his now unseen foe. Luckily he knew Zen hid behind that cloud and the only way he would appear was from the sides, and it was too obvious for him to attack from the front… sadly luck wasn’t on Warcry’s side.

Just as before Zen’s appearance, music started to play again, and it showed the seriousness of this fight – his appointed was both unpredictable and deadly. With a sudden burst of air, Zen came charging from the front – the last place Warcry expected him to come from – with both hands gripped the lengthy katana, as it was pointed behind him. He ran quick, while his form was so low to the ground it looked as if he was gliding in mid-air, and not running.

In the last second, Warcry brought his shield in front of him and brought barrier after realizing what Zen’s plan was the whole time – he was planning to smash right through his defenses with utter force.

“Edge Dash!” shouted Zen. With those words, Zen was sent spirally forward like a missile until he and his katana was slammed into Warcry’s defenses. While not destroying them, the barrier Warcry was in was sent flying until skidding against the ground and slamming on the wall near one of the gated entrances.

The crowd was going nuts, Zen’s merciless frontal assault was enough to send shivers than most ponies, while those who experienced a battle were ecstatic and cheered either fighter. Celestia watched carefully at Zen’s fighting tactics, and the way he wielded his weapon, to the way stood, to how he acted in battle; everything about him that she knew before was replaced with something else… something… empty.

Its as if, he’s not even there anymore, that the one called Zen is gone.

She wasn’t the only one to notice, however General Deluxe view on Zen was different, as all he saw was a potential threat, and wanted to do nothing with this… thing.

Warcry stood back up and shook from his impact, spitting some blood out from his mouth. He grinned back, and the glow around his sword grew, when he launched himself back with a shout of his namesake. Seeing the attack coming, Zen blocked it as the two warriors pushed against one another when Warcry unleashed a blast of raw magic into Zen’s helmeted head, making him tumbling back before steadying himself to his feet.

The smoking head of Zen cleared to reveal some slight scorch marks on him before it vanished with a swift shake of his head. The two began circling one another, none speaking as all their focus was on the one in front of them. With a thrust and charge, Zen came back into the fray bringing his katana crashing in front of Warcry; dirt and dust came flying toward Warcry when an ominious glow came beyond the cloud of dust.

And like that Zen came out of the cloud of dust with his katana wreathed in black flames, ready to be sent downward before Warcry. The stallion brought his shield up, and while it blocked the blow it didn’t stop the attack, as his shield became wreathed in black flames too, causing him to toss it to the side. With his shield gone, Warcry brought his sword up when it glowed in a yellow light.

With no reason to stay on the defensive, Warcry came charging back; the two fighters came blade to blade, strike by strike, each of their blows connecting with each other’s own weapons. This dance of swords continued as the crowd watched with ecstatic excitement, both the sounds of weapons and shouting being the only discernible sound to be heard.

From the balconies, Celestia was glued to the fight, even going so far to lean forward on her seat but keeping her temptation to lean on the balcony’s guard. She was alone either, the guards that were on the same balcony, watched too but also kept a vigilant eye on their charge. Deluxe himself watched but more on seeing and memorizing Zen’s fighting style than sheer entertainment.

Those that Zen had met in this city cheered for either him or Warcry, Knock Out screaming and waving the banner with gusto, Emerald, Mess, Sweet, and Steel to bet who would win, while Smooth and Sky watch with intrigue. Other than that, the crowd were going crazy – in a good way – cheering and screaming who was winning; the city known for its glamorous towers, and noble and posh ponies were going wild at this duel… and it was no surprise, due to the city’s lack of anything interesting ever occurring.

Not going anywhere, both fighters back off each other, before Warcry spoke up with a grin plastered on his face. “Well, I thought this fight would be over by now, but you put that theory of mine to rest. You definitely have my respect, but let’s see if you can handle my real power; there’s another name I go by other than my real one, in battle they call me, ‘The Speeding Fury’,” said Warcry.

Slowly Warcry started to unclasp his armor off, piece by piece, as each part of the armor fell onto the ground with a heavy thud. Once all his armor came off, all that remained was a layer of chain-link armor that held tightly around his body, with a black leather-like material around his legs and neck. Around his barrel were several sheaths for knives that were as long as his eyes, and glinted from the sun that barely touched them.

Levitating his sword and several of the knives out, he poised all his weapons at Zen, when a flash of light surrounded himself and his weapons. “Now then… let’s get serious.” With that, Warcry vanished in a puff of smoke when suddenly several quick projectiles came rushing at Zen. Able to spot the incoming attack, Zen dodged barely when more quick projectiles came up from behind him, causing him to jump to the right.

This evasion move led him to an awaiting Warcry who had his sword flying at him with a few of the knives coming at him. With a quick reaction, Zen morphed his weapon so he now duel-wielded his smaller katana and short sword. Deflecting and blocking the incoming attacks, Zen ducked quickly from two more knives that flew by, only to make a u-turn back to him.

These things are unrelenting! Zen dodged and was given a time of reprieve, taking a look at Warcry who had all his weapons come back to him. Is he controlling them? No, this level of concentration would mean he would be unable to move, not only that but the sheer amount of magic he’s exerting. It has to be something else.

Scanning Warcry, a pop-up of some information on him came up for Jiule to read to him.

Drill Sergeant Warcry “The Speeding Fury”:

Race: Unicorn

Age: 34

Occupation: Equestrian Royal Guard; Drill Sergeant, Soldier, Squad Leader

Information/Background: A stallion with strong convictions, and even stronger will; has been in the ERG for nearly a decade, a skilled fighter in CQC, Magical Duels, Sword Mastery, and is the only unicorn to use a unique spell called, Swift Fury.

Weapons: Standard ERG Broadsword

Standard ERG Shield (unavailable)

Razor-tipped Zebrican Knives (x8)

Skills: Magical Power – Swift Fury; gives the user a timed amount to go over their limits, which includes, magical energy, speed, strength, and reaction timing. The spell can be used ever ten minutes or longer, depending on the length the spell is casted. After the spell is done, user is given a minute or two of exhaustion – physically and magically.

Now knowing about his opponent, Zen begins thinking of a way of retaliating back, but for now, he was about to try a move he hadn’t tested or tried out yet. Deciding to switch out songs, Zen chooses one that will fit with what he was going to do next.

“I was going to say the same thing; its time we finish this,” said Zen, activating the song he selected.

Zen then took a new pose; he pointed both blades to his sides until they were both directed at both sides of the coliseum. Warcry was ready to send his weapons toward Zen when he looked up at Warcry, and at that split moment… it almost seemed he smirked. Zen brought both weapons to the ground, as they were plunged deep into the ground. “Corruption Blast...”

With those two words, the whole area became engulfed in ebony flames, as they spread from the ground and neared Warcry. Quickly, he brought up a bubble, but it barely held back the flames; the dark fires spread to the edge of the coliseum, as the flames licked against the barrier, the heat not intense but an almost empty feeling could be felt from being near them.

The crowd backed off out of instinct, sensing the pure power coming from the strange flames. Warcry could barely see through the flames… but he saw it – or rather something – moving in the flames. The fires didn’t seem to die down but the crowd watched closely as they possibly could and saw something moved in the fire like water.

Stepping out of the flames was Zen, wreathed in flames but unaffected by them, going back to wielding his lengthier katana with one hand, as it dragged on the ground. With quick thinking Warcry expanded his barrier, sending the flames back and enough space for him to move. Expecting Zen to come at him, he only saw him pointing his katana at him as several orbs came flying at him. Dodging on instinct, Warcry teleported out of the way, only for the orbs to stop and appear in random spots around Warcry.

“What in the heck are these things?” asked Warcry, his weapons hovering by his sie.

His question would be answered as suddenly all the orbs started to blink slowly and for the blinking to increase in speed. Emerald, Sky, and Smooth recognized what those orbs were now and instinctively ducked down, only for the others to stare in confusion.

Instead of the blinding light and loud bang, several explosions that were big enough to daze but not to harm, happened around Warcry. The blasts caught him off guard and caused him to bounce several different directions like a ragdoll, ending with him skidding face first across the ground. Luckily the area was clear of the ebony flames mostly, but as he looked back up, he only saw Zen to vanish.

Quickly getting back to his hooves, Warcry brought his weapons to circle around him defensively, as to await for Zen to appear. Everyone watched the spectacle happen, that they were so focused that they didn’t notice the figure that hovered above them. Warcry kept searching until he spotted the random shadow below his hooves. After some thought and realization, he swiftly glanced up – the crowd following him too – and stared gobsmacked at what he saw.

Zen stood in the air, as if he were on the ground, his katana one hand, while the other was wreathed in blacken flames, that reached to the end of his gauntlet. With his sword pointed back and his gauntlet toward the ground – and Warcry – Zen came falling or diving at Warcry.

Not going down easily, Warcry fired spells and his weapons as they flew at him, but not giving up his attack, he accepted the attacks with gusto, each spell, knife, and the sword striking, scorching, and even a few knives managing to plunge into his armor, until his engulfed claw came down upon Warcry.

Staring upward, Warcry chuckled and spoke one final line before it was stopped by Zen.

“Lucky son of a-” An explosion rippled across the coliseum the second Zen crashed onto Warcry; the blast wave knocked over everyone, and destroyed both barriers. After the dust cleared, everyone managed to go unharmed, only some light bruises and a few headaches.

After the air was cleared by unicorns, pegasi and griffins, it showed Zen on top of Warcry with one hand still covered in flames, that hovered over his face. His weapon was stabbed beside Warcry’s head, not only pinning him, but with one swift tug would have the weapon sliced into the sergeant’s head.

For awhile nothing was said… and then Zen brought his weapon up, and had the flames vanish. Extending a hand toward Warcry, the stallion gripped it and was brought back up to stand. The two warriors nodded in acknowledgement, signifying the end of the duel. The crowd exploded in cheers to both duelists, cheering their respective warriors, in the great show and skill both showed.

Among the crowd, the sound of Mess grumbling of losing a bet as he hoofed Sweet a bag of bits, which the mare happily took with a smile. “Should of voted for the new guy...” said Mess, grumbling.

The sound of clip-clopping could heard and when the two looked, they saw Celestia with General Deluxe and some of her guards approaching the two. Many of the crowd bowed in respect, with others keeping quiet and watching. After the princess stopped before the two, Warcry knelt in a bow while Zen bowed half of his body and stood back up.

“This fight was simply wonderful, will be written in history to be memorized for centuries! While Zen was the winner, you both showed your skills and are both honored for showing such vigor in battle! To have the two you fight side-by-side in the future, will be a grand day,” said Celestia. “I congratulate the both of you for a wonderful duel you could give us!”

Just before anyone else could speak, a unicorn guard teleported before the princess; the guard quickly bowed – or rather tumbled – his harsh breathing and barely open eyes, throwing major signals through the princess’s head. Quickly she brought the guard to his hooves, steadying him with her magic, before the two guards at her side helped their fellow guard.

“What is wrong; why do you look as if you saw the impossible?” asked Celestia.

The guard tried his best to spit out what he said, only managing some gasps and incoherent words. “Well, speak up soldier! What did you see!?” shouted Deluxe, coming face-to-face with the stallion.

With that being enough to break the stallion’s sputtering, he took a deep inhale and shouted out his report. “CANTERLOT IS BEING INVADED; AN ARMY OF MINOTAURS ARE ATTACKING FROM THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE CITY!”

Utter silence took the whole of the coliseum, before panic spread; mares, stallions, and other manner of creature flew, ran, or simply tumbled over one another in a need to get to the safety of their homes. Some simply sat where they were, as they hugged themselves, with others doing something sensible by trying to calm others. Some went immediately toward their princess, for guidance and reassurance.

“PRINCESS WHAT DO WE! WE’RE GOING TO DIE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!” shouted various beings, that could be heard in the sea of panic.

Having enough of this noise and needless panic, Celestia breathed in deeply – the guards, and Deluxe himself saw what was happening and readied themselves – and spoke out with the loudest voice ever. “STOP THIS MINDLESS RUNNING AND LISTEN!” shouted Celestia with the Royal Canterlot Voice.

That stopped everyone – either by having them cover their ears, or making them come to a froze stop – as they tensed and looked at their diarch, as a child would look at a mother.

“All citizens are to be kept at the eastern part of the town into the mines for safe-keeping, I want at least a company of sixty guards to be protecting them! General Deluxe, prepare our forces to meet these attackers! Drill Sergeant Warcry, scramble those at the castle to defend it and its treasures to be secured – that includes the royal vault, the archives especially the Starswirl Wing, and the royal armory – also sound the bells! You guard!”

The stallion in question quickly saluted and stood in attention to hear her highness’s orders. “I want you to tell me what you saw, and what we’re dealing with here,” said Celestia, in a calm and motherly tone. Not expecting that, the guard coughed, and searched through his memories to explain in detail what he saw, before teleporting here in a rush.

Earlier during Zen’s duel with Warcry – Canterlot, Western Mountainside; 8:50am

On one of the many towers that were along the western side of Canterlot, two guards watched the duel between Drill Sergeant Warcry and the warrior called Zen, through a telepathy crystal. The crystal showed the duel as if they were there themselves, with precise detail. While the crystal was to be used to communicate with others in the adjacent towers near them or to the castle to give their report, the unicorn known as, Spell Craft, managed to pinpoint the crystal to show them the fight happening today.

Spell and his fellow guard – a pegasus called, Soft Touch – watched with excitement as the two stallions made some imaginary motions with their hooves, as they watched the Drill Sergeant strike the obsidian clad warrior back with his sword, and block one attack with his shield.

Spell stood up to grab a drink from a barrel filled with cold refreshing water. “This is awesome Spell, why didn’t we try something like this before?” asked Soft, still watching the duel.

“Because we’re not suppose to do it, and also, these things aren’t easy to make. I only enchanted it to show us the coliseum because I know how to work with these things,” said Spell, pour himself a drink.

As he poured himself a cup of water, Spell saw something in the distance, a tiny twinkle of something being reflected by the sun. Curious – and it being his job to keep a lookout – he grabbed some binoculars, to see what he saw.

Sweat started to form on his brow as he gazed at a large mass approaching closer and closer from the west, through the Unicorn Range. Quickly getting his fellow guard’s attention, the other guard stood up and stood by Spell.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” asked Soft.

Unable to speak coherently, he did the simple gesture of hoofing the binoculars to Soft; once taking hold of the binoculars, he took a glance at what Spell was gazing at… and froze in shocked horror.

In the distance, standing in the hundreds were an army of minotaur and these weren’t some simple raiders or bandits; they had weapons that ranged from spears, swords, axes, bow and arrows, and hammers. There were also several structures being pulled with them too, as there were six catapults and three siege towers. The army were creating a large cloud of dust in its path, heading straight toward Canterlot, not stopping at the slightest.

Instantly, Soft dropped the binoculars and reached for the bell that was used to warn nearby watchtowers, before he faced Spell. “Teleport wherever the princess is! She needs to know this; Canterlot is being invaded!”

Celestia’s POV – Canterlot Coliseum; 9:00am

“After that, I used all my magical energy to teleport myself to you, your highness,” said Spell, exhausted.

After hearing this, Celestia thought over what actions were needed, and had a plan ready. “Thank you for telling me this, Private Spell Craft; I want you to help defend with the other guards at the mines,” said Celestia, her motherly tone still on.

The guard bowed in thanks before running off to his assigned area; Celestia looked at Deluxe, the general saluting to hear her majesty’s orders.

“Have a skeleton crew of twenty guards defending the castle with Sergeant Warcry leading them! Have our remaining forces be split in half – the northern and southern walls will be split up to have a platoon of twenty-five guarding it, while the western wall will have a platoon of twenty-nine with myself along with them – General Deluxe will organize our troops from the northern wall, while Quartermaster Organize Mess will send out supplies from the southern wall!”

“Of course your majesty,” said Deluxe with a bow. Turning around to face everyone in the coliseum, the general took a deep breath a bellowed out loudly. “ALL RIGHT! YOU HEARD HER MAJESTY; GET YOUR SORRY PLOTS TO POSITIONS! I want a contingency of twenty-five guards each at the southern and northern walls! Twenty of you will be led by Sergeant Warcry to defend the castle from any attackers or unauthorized personnel! All citizens are to be led to the Crystal Caves until further notice; at least sixty of the guard should go there to defend that area! The rest of you, get to the western gate to intercept and prepare for the assault! LET’S MOVE PONIES, GO GO GO!”

Every single being ran in either an organized or semi-calm manner as they headed to their respective areas – civilians were herded to the mines, while a majority of the guard split up to the three walls – with twenty guards coming up to Warcry with a salute. The drill sergeant smirked before guiding his platoon to the castle. “While I’d love to congratulate on your victory, I should get to the castle. See yeah later,” said Warcry.

Zen nodded in respect back to Warcry before facing and approaching Celestia, the alicorn princess spotting her adoptive brother and smiled before the smile change to a serious look. “Zen, while this is much of me to ask of you, but you must help-”

“No need to ask; I’ll await you at the western gate to see these forces myself,” said Zen. With that he vanished until Celestia spotted him in the air and soaring or running on thin air.

He still amazes me to this day, sometimes he can too much. Celestia then faced the guards who came with her, before they turned to face the castle. “Come, we must head to the royal armory and prepare my armor and weapons,” said Celestia. With that, she had her horn glowing before in a flash, she and the two guards behind her teleported to the castle.

Outside of Canterlot’s defenses – Central Equestria Plains; 9:15am

The army that marched forward with two-hundred strong, were diligent, ready, and loyal to their cause… and their cause wasn’t simply to raid and pillage Canterlot… no, they had bigger plans than that. The one leading said army was no other but one the sons of General Iron Tusk – Lead General of the Great Minos Empire – Major General Wrath.

The major general stood overlooking his forces marching toward Canterlot, gazing at the siege towers that were as tall as the very towers of Canterlot, due to the city being on a mountain, as the mechanisms inside each of the towers moved it with the power of coal and steam. Behind the army’s impressive bulk were the six catapults being manned by the specially trained group to man such weapons; the catapults were being positioned and aimed at the city to unleash a special payload on the denizens of the city.

The army itself consisted of two companions of a hundred forces, each equipped with deadly weaponry and armor. Wrath grinned at the sight, smelling the smoke in the air, the loud clomping of metal and hoof on the ground… it was everything he dreamed it to be. This… this is what war is about.

A minotaur wearing lighter army but having several satchel bags across his body, approached him, bowing lowly before him. “Major General Wrath, I bring news from the third company; they’re in position, we all need you to commence the assault,” said the lowly messenger.

The major general didn’t take a glance at the messenger but spoke with an intimidating and baritone voice that brought the sheer masculinity of him. “Tell the third company to attack once they heard the sounds of screaming Equestrians, and the fires to consume these lowly ponies,” said Wrath.

The messenger bowed and exited the area, leaving the major general to grin madly with anticipation. We have waited for this day for several years; finally, with the king gone, we can now truly conquer the world, and show these weak ponies the true power of the Great Minos Empire!

With a raise of his weapon – a double-handed axe with a tipped blade as the pommel – with one hand as the army stopped to look at him. “BROTHERS! TONIGHT, WE WALK IN THE BLOOD OF THESE FEEBLE EQUINES, AND SHOW THEM THE TRUE POWER AND WRATH OF THE MINOTAURS! FOR THE EMPIRE; CHAAAAARRRGGGGEEE!” shouted Wrath, raising his other hand as a fist.

With that order, the army charged forward, even going so far to push the towers to quickly reach the western side of the mountain. Wrath smiled madly, his urge for bloodlust enough to make any sane being to run in fear of the sheer ferocity he gave off.

Canterlot, Western Wall; 9:50am

After preparing her armor and weapons, Celestia teleported to the western wall with the two guards with her who were also armed and ready. While Celestia was a skilled magic user, her weapons were also useful during her many centuries of fighting against those who wished harm to her ponies. She was arm with her specialized weapons – a halberd, dual scimitars, and a mace that glowed the same light as her magic – and armor that had her signature colors and a helmet that showed her face but had her mane into a mohawk.

Once arriving, she saw the sounds of shouting and battle-cries; looking over the edge of the wall she saw dozens of minotaurs that readied themselves by climbing the three siege towers that were strategically placed different points of the wall. For those who didn’t climb the siege towers, used harpoons and climbing hooks to climb up the mountain, toward the wall, as the twenty-nine guards tried their best to hold back the encroaching enemy by firing magical blasts, cutting the hook’s ropes, or dropping sizable rocks down the mountainside.

One of the guards approached the princess to reveal Captain Blaze Sentinel, the captain saluting Celestia before leading her to something she needed to see. “Glad you could help us your highness, but there’s something you really need to see,” said Blaze.

The captain gave Celestia some binoculars, which she took and looked down at the army… when something caught her attention. Standing on a small platform of land was a minotaur wearing some militaristic armor, and wielded the most rueful axe she’s ever seen before… but what really caught her off-guard was that she recognized who that was.

That’s General Iron Tusk’s son, Major General Wrath! What’s he doing here… is… Minos finally invading Celestia?

Celestia knew the Minos kingdom didn’t had the best relationships with Equestria, especially with Celestia but ever since the newest ruler came to power, he has tried his best to find peace with the two nations. This grew a good friendship with Celestia and the present Minos king; King Hovfar II, his father while not a friend, more of a rival in the trading industry, is how Celestia gotten to know Hovfar back when he was just a young calf.

“My exact same reaction princess; either Minos has declared war on Equestria… or something has happened back in the Empire. While you were close with the king, I saw him once and knew he was a great and merciful leader… his general – an old friend of the old king – wasn’t right… seemed too, ambitious,” said Blaze. “Either case, I sent a messenger in case for help, but it’ll take a few days for them to send a small battalion to help us.”

Celestia frowned, both upset and saddened at the thought that something could of happen to her friend, Hovfar. Just as she was about to give some orders, a pegasus from the northern wall came flying toward her before sliding to a stop; the mare pegasus saluted before relaying an urgent message.

“Message from General Deluxe! A company of at least a hundred minotaur are coming from the northern side of the city; they have a battering ram and ladders, and plan to charge into the city through there! We were caught unguarded and need desperate help!”

Celestia became extra worried, but this meant that the southern wall wouldn’t be attacked, but they’d take forever to reach them, and she couldn’t send reinforcements from the west wall due to their own situation. She was trapped with two difficult choices, with limited time on her hooves – and lives.

What do I do? We have the majority of the forces here at the west, and a flanking force is coming from the north. Those at the south will take to long, and I can’t send my own; the eastern need to defend our escape route and the citizens, and Sergeant Warcry’s group needs to defend the castle at all costs… I… I don’t know what to do…

Celestia had a blank look on her, unable to think of plan that may work… when a familiar voice spoke. “Let me handle the ones to the west.”

Everypony turned to face Zen, who walked out of some smoke from a nearby building; flying over him was a fiery boulder covered in flammable oil, before Zen shattered the rock into dust, the flames extinguished by the powerful gust from his strike.

“Are you insane!? You against two-hundred – possibly more – minotaurs, how are you going to handle them all on your own, or even stop them from coming up here?!” shouted Blaze, infuriated at Zen’s appearance.

“Who said they come up here,” said Zen, turning face the enemy below. “Celestia, tell those at the southern wall to head to the northern wall as fast they can. Also bring those here to the northern wall to help General Deluxe… these guys I can handle by myself.”

“I’m sorry to doubt you, but how can you deal with all of those enemies, you don’t even have a ranged weapon?” asked Celestia.

For awhile, Zen stayed quiet before he extended one gauntlet to his side when something started to form out of his hand. The object looked like a bow, but was made of some sort of dark rock, but what really caught her eye was that his armor changed too. From the spiky and sleek look it had, it changed to something a ranger or magician would wear – he had a cloak that covered his back, with a stetson sitting on top of his helmet that was the only thing that didn’t change; his armor had an almost natural look to it, wearing leather pieces on his body, and one hand covered in black rocks while the other was clear of rocks and thinner than the more bulkier gauntlet.

Suddenly music started to play once more as Zen rose from his now transformed state, turning to face Celestia – a grin can almost be felt on the reflective surface of his helemt. “I have secrets of my own, and its time to show those secrets. Path of Infinity: obsidian bow, Forever!”

Pulling back the bowstring, the black rocks that covered the gauntlet that gripped the bow had the rocks float out and create an obsidian arrow onto the bow. Aiming toward one of the siege towers that were getting closer, he released the bowstring.

“Obsidian Shot!” The obsidian arrow flew true and once it landed onto the tower, the upper part of the tower, exploded into pieces of wooden shrapnel as well as bits and pieces of minotaur viscera that flew down to the ground. With the tower destroyed, only two of them remained, which Zen was preparing to aim at.

Seeing the true might of Zen, and his newest weapon, she nodded in understanding and turned to face the guards present. “Head to the northern wall; General Deluxe needs our help! You, I want you to head to the southern wall and head straight to the northern!”

“Yes your majesty!” The pegasus messenger flew toward south while the rest of Celestia and the guards with her, ran toward the northern wall. Zen watched as his sister left to assist General Deluxe, before his attention was faced back at the minotaur army.

Now then… time to see what else this baby can do?

Canterlot, Northern Wall; 10:20am

General Deluxe before the invasion had sent his wife with the others to the Crystal Caves, while he led his twenty-five fellow soldiers. If they didn’t hold their ground where the would, a small force of the invading army would gain access to the rest of the city, boxing the remainder of the city’s forces if they fell. So it was here he stood his stand, with a few guards already being felled by enemy arrows while the rest showed their exhaustion – other barely stood up, while some had injuries that made sway a little.

I sent that messenger a few minutes ago… any longer and we won’t make it here. Deluxe quickly parried and thrust his sword into a minotaur who tried to attack him from behind. Due to the minotaurs not being the most stealthiest of beings, it wasn’t hard to pin-point the loud steps they made when walking.

The enemy that split off from the main force planned to attack the northern wall due to having to go through Mt. Canterlot, making it difficult to be spotted until the northern wall’s gate was sighted. The enemy while only numbered to a hundred, making the attack force split into thirds – two thirds of the invaders from the west, and one third to the north – the numbers were still against the Equestrians.

“Hold your ground! Don’t let these bastards cross this wall, into the castle!” shouted Deluxe. The general plunged his sword into another minotaur, when a volley of arrows started to rain upon them; luckily the arrows missed most of the Equestrians, sadly it did get a few, while not fatal would disable those who had arrows lodged into their legs.

The injured were led back, the remaining soldiers doing a semi-circle formation – earth ponies at the front with two large shields, pegasi floating up with crossbows or throwing spears, and unicorns near the injured, readying their various spells. Deluxe stood with the unicorns but was closer to the front to stare back at the invading army. A loud bang was heard as the two doors of the northern wall fell down from the battering ram, the head of an ox as the piece that shattered the gates open.

Minotaurs started to flood out, and slowly surround the defending ponies… when reinforcement arrived; like a gift from above, dozens of bolts hailed upon the minotaurs, as a swath of guards came from the corner of a building. The guards with those who just arrived charged at the enemy, making a bottleneck point for the enemy to enter through the gate. Some ponies climbed back up the wall and began shooting and bucking ladders back to the ground, as the screams and wails of dying minotaurs were heard at the other side.

Gliding toward her with her halberd and mace hovering to her side, Celestia stopped in front of Deluxe, only to smash her mace against a minotaur that tried charging her, only having the bull sent flying back to the other side of the wall. “YOUR MAJESTY; what are you doing here!? You should be at the western wall!”

Deluxe then looked around and realized their numbers doubled, making it around fifty of them at the northern wall… which meant. “And you brought everypony from the western wall! Who’s defending the west, and while I do not mean to question you, but that leaves that side of the city defenseless and not only that but that’s where the large portion of the invaders are coming from!?”

“Do not worry General Deluxe, I had asked the aid of Zen; he said he can handle their forces by himself, and I believe him to do so. I also sent the messenger you sent for aid to the south to bring them here; from what I am able to gather, the enemy is three-hundred strong with three siege towers, and six catapults. Once we handle those here, we will regroup with Zen back at the west and cull down those who dare to attack us, and your fellow pony.”

Deluxe had mix feelings about this whole situation, when a guard shouted toward the two, pointing at something in the distance. “GENERAL! PRINCESS! LOOK, TO THE WEST!”

The two and a majority of those that weren’t fighting faced the direction the stallion pointed at and saw it… or rather saw the silhouette of something. In the distance at the western wall, the sky above that area was pitch black with strange things in the sky, when the objects dove down diagonally into what Celestia had to guess was the enemy down below. It appears my faith and trust on Zen wasn’t misguided. Celestia smiled, knowing Zen kept his promise to defend Canterlot from the invading army.

Sometime after Celestia left to assist General Deluxe – Canterlot, Western Wall; 10:00am

After Celestia left with her forces ten minutes ago, Zen had fired arrow after arrow from his interesting new weapon; from Jiule’s description of the new weapon, just like his primarily main weapon, this one can also transform to two different forms but instead of the duel-wielding short sword and katana, this transformation consisted of a bow that can morph into some sort of staff.

The Path of Infinity takes the form of a ranger and earth mage; in this form, the weapons you wield – Forever and Wisdom – have an affinity with the earth element. While the bow is a proper weapon, this form plays a supportive role, meaning it works its best with others in a coordinated plan. The range limit of this weapon is far to medium range for either weapon, the bow perfect for pin-pointing different targets while the staff is used to create golems and bend the earth to suit yourself and your allies.

The bow is made of an obsidian material, that can fire obsidian arrows from the gauntlet covered in obsidian stones. These arrows can be fired singularly, making the effects brutal when fired, causing a literal explosion from the force it creates from being fired, while also being fired as a volley, the process working by firing a single obsidian arrow as it shatters to several thinner ones that create more smaller scale explosions but a more wider area – these two moves are equally called; Obsidian Shot and Obsidian Volley.

The staff is used by changing the battlefield against the enemy and in favor of your own forces; you can summon obsidian golems, ranging from summoning one to ten per use and while there is no limit to how many you can summon, consistent usage will make newer ones weaker, cutting the average power by half with each use. To other powers is Petrify, the ability to turn opponents into stone, but not for long, as while petrifying one opponent will make the effect last for an hour, using it on more – up to five in a row – will lower that time to ten minutes. Finally the last ability is Earth Mend, the power to bend the earth around you, creating anything through one’s own thoughts; this can range from making a wall of solid earth, earthen spikes to strike from below, or to imprison enemies in stone cages – the options endless.

A bow and staff? Hmmm… this earth bend sounds really interesting, but I think I’ll try the bow for now.

Zen began to ready to fire another arrow at a catapult that nearly had the boulder hitting him; Zen so far had taken down another siege tower, shooting it at the middle as the upper half fell and crushed a couple of minotaurs below, and possibly killing those who were inside. The other siege tower was disabled, as the wheels were shot at making the tower immobile, forcing almost a quarter of the enemy push the damn thing for it to move at least an inch.

Aiming true, Zen unleashed the arrow as it sang its deadly song across the battlefield, a distant explosion echoing everywhere. The enemy was forced to using hooks to climb up, resulting to Zen kicking the hooks off their perch or firing an arrow down below. He could continue to unleash arrow and volley but he needed to take care of these attackers and see if Celestia and everyone else was fine – the longer he fought, the longer more lives were wasted.

Then… something inside him snapped, or rather shook… a deep urge… a hunger… Without thinking about this feeling for long, Zen decided to try something that Jiule mentioned while she explained the weapons capabilities. Time to test this ultimate, shall we?

Pausing his music to focus, Zen aimed his arrow skyward… and let it fly.

Down below at the battlefield in the west…

Major General Wrath was baffled, enraged, his forces were being whittled down to the original two-hundred to one-hundred and seventy the last minute, already losing not only some of his soldiers but two siege towers while the third was being pushed by a quarter of his forces. “WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING!? HOW CAN THE EQUESTRIANS BE THIS PREPARED; THEIR FORCES ARE SPLIT UP, AND WE MADE SURE TO BRING ENOUGH FORCES TO TAKE DOWN SEVERAL VILLAGES!” screamed Wrath, slapping one of his advisers in the face.

The minotaur who gotten slapped tumbled down and off the outcropping of land, while the remaining minotaurs who stood didn’t dare look at their now fallen ally. Before any more words could be spoken… the sky started to darken; everyone looked up to see what was causing this sudden phenomenon when their gaze came upon the impossible. The sky was littered with black objects, nearly a dot from the base of the mountain, and the surrounding plains.

No words were spoken – whether out of shock or afraid the strange objects would hear them speak – before one minotaur decided to speak as a reaction. “What in the bloody tits?”

The one line was enough, and the silhouetted objects dived down toward the minotaur army.

After firing his arrow, Zen saw it fly higher into the sky until it stopped… and began to multiply; now it did not divide but multiplied, as each one shared the same size and length. The arrows kept on growing in number, from tens to hundreds then finally to a thousand – a thousand obsidian arrows hovering in the sky – as the deadly projectiles floated their simply.

This move required a lot out of Zen, but due to his constant reserves of energy – wherever it was coming from – and the fact this ultimate was the simpler ones to use, Zen raised the gauntlet with no stones covering it. As he raised high in the sky, he gazed down below the dozens of minotaurs that stared up dumbly, with one minotaur who was climbing the mountainside, looking up in shock… then slowly horror due to him being close enough to see what was hovering in the sky.

Gazing down and confirming the army had stopped, Zen positions his hand higher… and then formed it into a fist. With the signal given, the arrows flew downward, as a single phrase was spoken to give this attack its name.

“Ultimate: Dark Sky,” said Zen, as arrows zoomed and zipped past him.

The attack was vicious and merciless as the swarm of arrows descended down below, but the worse was to come as some of the arrows turned into volleys of miniature ones, spreading the attack so far that there was zero chance to avoid the attack. A roaring wave of explosions, screams, and the very ground being shattered over and over, the sounds never ending, never seeming to stop. Zen watched with a pupil-less gaze his two gray eye spots, unblinking, staring down at the battlefield being engulfed and explosions and the growing dust.

This lasted for nearly five minutes when silence reigned; as some of the dust cleared, some still coating that surface, Zen spotted the third siege tower still standing but with zero minotaurs pushing it. Continuing his gaze some more, he took a look at his map and it highlighted all the remaining enemy forces.

Seventy, that’s a lot of survivors. “Jiule… I want you to play a certain song, and… I want you to explain to me about my other ‘ultimate’ moves,” said Zen, ominously. With a swift motion, Zen reverted to his original form with his two-handed katana in hand.

Taking a few steps back, Zen dash forward until he free-fall down below to handle the final survivors with brutal efficiency.

Back at the Northern Wall…

After handling the invaders from the north, only a small contingency – a squad – escaping, the soldiers from the Southern Wall finally arrived. They began reinforcing the damage done, and replacing those who were exhausted or injured. Making sure everypony was fine, Celestia quickly called in General Deluxe, Captain Blaze and several other guards with her.

With a quick flash of her horn, she managed to teleport all of them back to the Western Wall to find the damage done by Zen after seeing the strange silhouettes in the sky. Just as they arrived, Celestia spotted Zen back in his original form when he suddenly bolted forward the began free-falling off the mountain. With a worried – and terrified – look she quickly ran to the edge of the wall and gazed down to see him diving into the ground until disappearing from a thick layer of dust and debris.

General Deluxe stood by her side quickly while the captain ordered the soldiers who came to check the wall and prepare defenses for a counter-attack. “Does he plan to handle the survivors?” asked Deluxe. “Risky to do so in such an environment, especially alone...”

Though worried, Celestia calmly took a breath and gazed back at the general. “His decisions while risky… do bring results; for now we shall wait. Have the wall resupplied and fix; just because we’re not being attacked those not mean to lower our guard,” said Celestia, turning to examine the damage that’s been done.

Deluxe nodded and turn to speak to the captain about what should be done first, and now alone Celestia looked back at where Zen vanished too. “...What kind of power does he wield to warrant this much damage… but so little reaction… He truly can’t feel, so why did he come to my time of need?”

So many questions flowed through her head but all of them unanswered, and brought out more for her to ask. Zen was an enigma… but he was one enigma that was still being uncovered.

Down below the battlefield; 10:45am

Coughing and wheezing was the only sounds that came from the surviving forces of the Minos army, with many alone while others managed to regroup due to each others moans of pain. After getting back together, they would head back to a safer vantage and find a superior to get orders from… Sadly it would not be easy to do so.

A thunderous boom was heard, expecting an attack to come, those who heard it or were near – or assumed to be – made a defensive at the direction of the sound. After several intense seconds, the various minotaurs calmed down but kept caution up when something could be heard.

The sound seemed… reminscent; before it could be discovered what it was, something loud shifted and something was flung at one of their own. A loud squelch was heard and turning to find what made the noise, they found a dead minotaur impaled by a lengthy katana – whether he died by the katana or before was the mystery – and… heard the noise and knew what it was.

Music… someone or something was playing music… and it wasn’t your simple tune or melody, no, it was music that meant the end of any who heard it. The music started with string instruments but another instrument was added loudly, its loud strumming unfamiliar as it made an almost electrical tinge to it, which was later followed by vocals.

Before any could touch the impaled body’s weapon, an armored figure came bowling toward them as it smashed, crushed, and swung at all with its armored claws. One minotaur screamed – pathetically – before it was silenced by a deafening smash toward its face.

It the armored being removed its weapon from the body and with one swing, cleared the blood on it and the dust around it. The swing removed the dust, making a large portion of the area to be cleared, revealing several groups of minotaur roaming the devastated battlefield, with one particular group surrounded and a very decorated minotaur with armor that spoke volumes of his role in this attacking force.

The groups spotted the figure but before the could retaliate, the attacker made his move – several swings of his katana sent large black energy slashes toward the groups as it disoriented and killed a few. The decorated minotaur shouted out at his lackeys and they charged forward with renewed vigor, when the armored being came full swing, decapitating and slicing them in half.

One minotaur tried getting closer, only to have one powerful swipe of the blade as a burst of black flames came out of his wound. What happened next was with his one gauntlet pointed forward, several projectiles came out that exploded once making contact.

After the attack, only the original seventy went down to half its number; the remaining regrouping back with the leader. Now clumped together, the armored being made his final move on the enemy forces – gripping his katana on the handle and end of the blade, the weapons morphed into two, with one a shorter katana and other a short sword. The two weapons were pointed at the regrouped forces, and he sprung forward like a bullet, and then it rained… it rained blood.

Viscera, limbs, organs, pieces of armor and weapons rain down; smashed, sliced, obliterated, crushed, as the armored being charged and swung his duel weapons madly. Not stopping or flinching, he jumped from an attack and came crashing onto a minotaur with a loud splat. Sheathing both weapons onto his back, both his gauntlet claws emblazoned with black flames before he began to tear them apart with ease as each body was coated in black flames. Finally all the remained was a few stragglers, as they stood in the path of the third siege tower… and a blast appeared.

The blast came from a cannonball, and looking up the being spotted where the attack came from as a minotaur holding a strange barrel with a sight and trigger on it. The weapon was aimed at the being; unsheathing both his weapons, the two blades were crossed over one another as an ominous black glow shrouded being, with both weapons now pointed forward.

A power gust of wind appeared as it blew away all the dust to reveal the whole area, when two darkened shadows crept from below, the being. The two shadows started small but morph into tremendous size until the shadows took darkened forms – two twin shadowy dragons that were lengthy with no wings or limbs but a snake-like look, with sharp but sleek look to them and empty pupil-less eyes with pure white where their eyes were – as they swirled around the being.

The remaining minotaurs began to run off, but the being gave no reprieve before charging forward with the dragons in tow. Slowly he began running and glided a little from the ground as he flew right at the running invaders before his sword and the twin shadow dragons eviscerated them, as they turned into particles, not even managing a scream before the Void took them.

Scanning the area, he saw one minoatur left but declined to follow, as that was all his reserves before he tumbled to the ground, his pupils going blank as his duel weapons were dropped to the ground and the twin dragons vanishing into the ground. Conscious slowly began to take him… when a golden armored hoof was the last thing he saw with an audible but empty voice as sound, touch, and sight vanished from him.

One day later after the invasion – Canterlot Castle, East Wing, Medical Ward; 12:30pm

Silence… absolute silence… there was nothing… there was nothing but the darkness and its companion known as silence… Then silence turned to swishing of wind, the rustling of curtains, and the faint noise of distant chatter.

Feeling started to return, his sense began to come back… From black, to a bright white, then to a blurry sight, Zen shifted his helmeted head until something moved to his left and staring back at him in shock was Celestia.

The two said nothing, and simply looked at one another before Zen gazed back with a tilt and spoke. “...Hello sister… Something the matter?”

Breaking from her stupor, she wrapped both her fore-hooves around him into a hug, while making sure not to crush him with her alicorn strength. Not bothered by her sudden need for physical contact, Zen smoothed her untamed mane, caressing the back of her head in a calming manner.

“You… you were there, on the ground… I thought you’d never come back; the doctors said you be out for days maybe weeks… but how? How can you be up with what you been through?” asked Celestia, wiping tears from her eyes.

How… How indeed… Zen thought about this in more detail when someone stepped in or rather a few someones. Entering inside was General Deluxe, Captain Blaze, and another equine – a mare who wore a white lab coat with a stethoscope wrapped around her neck – who each stood beside Celestia after she gave Zen some space.

“He was, but when I checked the scans one more time, I discovered something. Hello, my name is Doctor Bitter Health, the princess was the one who requested me to check on you and to make your recovery much more quicker, though I believe that suit of yours is to thank here,” said Bitter.

“How so doctor?” asked Blaze, a curious raise of his brow.

The doctor then pulled out a nearby clipboard and began examining what was written on it. “For starters… Zen has zero signs of magic – both ambient and natural toward him – so the idea that he fainted due to magical deprivation isn’t what caused his short coma. We discovered another form of energy within him but at first it look similar to magic… and that’s when the similarities ended; what we discovered wasn’t magic… we found his very life-force.”

The shock came back with a vengeance – Deluxe gave a doubtful look, Blaze looked absolutely livid, while Celestia was worried for what this means – when another voice spoke out through Zen.

“You correct and incorrect, Doctor Bitter,” said Jiule.

Blaze brought a hidden blade from one of legs as it was pointed at Zen when Celestia lowered the leg that wielded the blade. “Yield captain! The voice you hear is a companion of Zen’s – a spirit of sorts,” said Celestia, with a commanding tone. The captain relaxed and sheathed his blade back into the confines of his armor.

Bitter looked at Zen with intrigue, examining his armor, the weapons that laid by his side, and now the voice that came from him. Deluxe spoke next with a mix of annoyance and suspicion in his voice.

“So you had a companion with you this whole time? I thought you told us earlier you were alone before you met Private Emerald?”

“I was, Jiule is a part of this armor, in a way she is the armor and while I would acknowledge her as my companion, I wasn’t sure how the rest of you would react to a disembodied voice speaking.”

Deluxe thought of this and accepted the reasoning for keeping such a secret from them; Celestia spoke next and sat down beside Zen on his right. “All that matters is you are fine… but… to use your own life-force… that is a dangerous gambit. I heard only those who deal with demons or the dead would dare risk their own life to gain power… is your situation the same?”

“Not quite your highness, remember our conversation about aura? Well aura in another tongue means life-force, so everything I explained to you for aura, is the same for life-force. Aura is a being’s life-force and depending how strong their aura is also their life-force too, as whether you are young or old, you are able to do miraculous feats with it. While using too much aura can cause near death or coma-like state… Zen’s situation is somewhat unique.”

Everyone gave various tilts of their head – the motion not only cute, but made Zen want to pet Celestia behind the ear – before Celestia gave Zen a look to continue on.

“The aura Zen uses is unique that other aura types… while I can’t disclose what kind of aura he wields as that take a lengthy amount of time to explain, but to put it simply this aura is the most strongest aura type out of all the known types. This aura makes up all of Zen, meaning he has zero limits to what can do, and is capable of surviving the impossible… However… the reason he fell after the fight was because he has never used so much before, which is why he’ll need to practice such a power; before long he’ll be able to last in battles without a problem.”

“This aura… can it be used by other beings?” asked Bitter, intrigued by the idea.

“Yes, but I must rest as Zen explained I am the suit and must do my best to replenish his energy for a few hours. You can ask your highness of the details as I gave her a detailed talk on the subject,” said Jiule. Suddenly like a light switch, the room seemed to have one occupant gone as if they left the room. Shortly after, everypony left except for Celestia, as she wished to speak to Zen in private.

“Aura… I did not realize it was one’s own life… While hearing it from you and Jiule the first time made it useful and interesting… I fear for my subjects, for everyone beyond my borders to use such a power… Something like this can’t be used in the public,” said Celestia, frowning.

“You are mistake your highness, your kind already knows how to learn aura.”

Celestia gave a worried stare but Jiule continued to elaborate. “Specifically, the unicorns use a refined version of aura through their horns which they dubbed to be magic… Aura is raw version of this magic and is much more spiritual in nature than a physical trait or magical source. Aura is within every being, but it takes focus, rigorous practice, and a determined soul to bring forth the powers of a user’s aura. Think of it like this; magic is an extension of yourself through a filter, to make it to a form that is both controllable and simple… Aura, is the very surroundings around you – yourself, those around you, and the environment – and can use these hidden wells of energy to suit your needs, and bend the world around you to anyway you wish, but unlike magic that one overexerts themselves for using too much magic or magic deprivation from lack of any magical energy. Aura is one’s own life-force, as you must give something in return in order to use it, and must take something from another; to share it willingly with another, or improving that power by letting it grow. Magic is a limited concept and requires following a certain order of steps to use while aura is free, usable by all… but of course just because you have aura, only some are able to use their own aura which is why many use the crystals as a conduit to access said powers. Magic is a genetic or artificial ability, aura being spiritual in nature or affects another physically.”

Aura… what a wondrous and dangerous thing… “To imagine that aura is within all of us, but only some can access this well of energy… and these crystals? Are they common where they come from and can be found even in Equestria?”

“Yes, and no – they are indeed common where we come from but at the same time aren’t. Aura crystals are a universal phenomenon and appear every across different realms. I am unsure of this but your highness, do you have access or a form of transportation to travel to other worlds?” Celestia gave a shocked look and nodded; back in the days of old, Starswirl created a form of portal that allowed access to other worlds, one of these worlds she visited herself once.

“Excellent, then this won’t be hard to explain – the aura crystals are part of ancient powers from several realms; deities, as each of these deities is where the crystals come from and are spread wide and far in the multiverse. Though each variation in every realm, the crystals are called by their actually known name, meaning you may have seen these crystals once before and never realized their true potential. They could be jewelry, gems, or at best a form of ore in this world, but they all look like diamond shaped crystals with varying different colors to show what kind they are, they also give off an aura signature to show they are indeed aura crystals.”

Going deeper in thought, Zen decided to not give Celestia too much to think, especially what happened recently. With a soft touch to her withers, he reached with his other hand behind her ear and began to scratch. She gave a cute little whimper and began nuzzling deeper into the pleasant touch when a look of recollection came to her. “I almost forgot! I want you to come to the throne room when you feel better around, 2:00pm; I have something to give to in thanks for defending our city,” said Celestia, raising back up.

She went to leave but before she did, she looked back at Zen with a smile. “And… have a good rest, big brother.”

“You as well, sister,” said Zen, nodding lightly.

With that, Zen was alone with himself and Jiule… alone… to memorize one particular thing during the battle. Who was that minotuar that led those invaders, and… What… exactly was that feeling earlier?

Clutching his other hand into a vice-like grip, the feeling he had was gone, replaced with the emptiness he knew from the beginning. Staring outside through the window, he saw Canterlot going through repairs, as the ash smoke from the battle rose high into the sky, and dissipate away into particles.

Canterlot Castle, Outside the Throne Room; 1:57pm

Having arrived early, Zen had his weapon return to its original two-handed form and magnetically clamped to his back. Four guards stood outside the double doors the would lead to the throne room, inside he could hear – and see through his mini-map – several voices, many sounding like some of the populace.

After the battle was done and everything was cleared, the residents began to come here for questions from Celestia, so she decided to have a meeting around 2:00pm, instead of an hour earlier, as she had something to announce. Standing beside him were a few familiar faces, Emerald was with him so he was guided back to the castle in case, while on his right was Captain Blaze Sentinel.

“You can go inside now,” said one of the guards. Slowly the doors were open and the voices on the other side were more audible now. Entering inside, the throne room was total chaos, ponies sat on benches that were placed down for the large crowd of citizens, ranging from not just Equestrians but also other races such as, griffins, minotaurs, and zebras.

The doors behind the trio closed creating a loud bang, which made everyone turn to face the newcomers. Many reacted immediately at the sight of Zen, his intimidating look, and constant glare making many flinch and whimper, mostly the ponies while the other races gave looks of suspicion, anger, and… a few were even impressed.

The trio slowly walked pass those seated and approached the front, with General Deluxe siting at the front of the crowd with his wife. Some of the other nobility like Flippant Deal and more were also sat at the front and look at the approaching figure with his two escorts.

Sitting at the top was Celestia, looking as regal as she could be with a benevolent smile on her face; looking at her gave off a sort of glow and appearance that made her holier than usual. Emerald and Blaze bowed before stepping to side to stand with the rest of their fellow guards.

All were silent for the next minute or two when one pony, particular one who had the signature hat of one of the local bugles in Canterlot stood up with notepad in hoof and a pen in the other. “Your highness, may I ask a quick question from the Equestrian Bugle – who is this that you brought here, and what does he have to do with the recent invasion by Minos?”

Many of the minotaurs grunted in anger, but it was hard to tell if it was directed at the question or the fact that their own kind attacked Canterlot while some of them were inside with no fair warning.

Celestia stood up a little straighter and used her royal Canterlot voice, only a more controlled version so she doesn’t make some ears bleed. “My fair citizens, the one who stands before you was a traveling warrior called Zen, who has helped defend out city and homes from the invaders! He stood alone against a force of two-hundred while myself and the forces at the Southern Wall, came to the aide of General Deluxe Suit at the Northern Wall!” said Celestia, announcing what has occurred.

Many began talking with one another which was shushed by Deluxe himself, which Celestia thanked him for as she continued. “For deeds most honorable and sacrificing himself in the aid of a city he has just visited for no more than a few days, I hereby extend my thanks toward him… and wish for him to serve under me personally as a role that not only befits him but the role he shall play, not only in Canterlot… but Equestria itself!”

This caused gasps of shock; nobody has ever been chosen by her highness to serve under her personally, as no special guard or ponies were ever given such an honor… until today, by a complete stranger. The same equine from before raised their hoof in a questioning manner, before she began to speak.

“Princess Celestia… What sort of role are you going to give him?”

Here is when Celestia smiled, and motioned for one of the guards to give their sword to her, with one guard levitating their weapon until she grabbed it in her magical hold. Slowly she stepped down from her pedestal and down several steps until she stood before Zen. Seeing what she was doing, Zen bowed as low he could until his head reached below her barrel; with gentle but practiced motions, Celestia lowered the sword on both sides of his shoulders until he lifted it back up – Zen was being knighted.

“I Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and goddess of the sun… Hereby give you the title and role since the last being who held such a title the last millennium – you shall be Equestria first ever, Royal Assassin!”

Assassin… Hmmm… I, actually find that fine.

Zen slowly rose up and unlatched his katana until he had it laid on both his palms; he had one leg knelt down while the other laid on the ground, as he brought his weapon to Celestia until he gripped one end and the other and slid his hand against the blade. Doing this caused a spark until the hand that slid across the blade lit on fire with black flames. Slowly he brought the flame forward until the fire morphed into a symbol of the eye etched on his helmet, and had it float harmless before Celestia.

“With this vow, I promise to defend these lands and those you wish for me to protect. With this vow, I swear fealty and loyalty to you and you alone. With this vow, I shall bring my sword, my will, and my power to those that cross you. I am Zen, and to you I am sworn to follow and bring an example to all you meet – whether friend or foe. Till my existence can no longer stand, I place my trust and life on your shoulders… Praise thee to the deities, I swear before them – I will follow to the ends of reality.”

After that, he caused the flame to spread to his katana until it glowed a pristine dark blue, and slowly his cape flowed behind him and gave off an ethereal glow. All those that witness were gobsmacked in both a mix of awe and horror, before long the first to start stomping their hooves was General Deluxe, the stallion willingly doing the action.

Soon after that, followed the rest of the crowd as they stomped hooves, clapped, and gave their bellows and shouts of approval. “ALL HAIL CELESTIA, LONG LIVE EQUESTRIA! ALL HAIL CELESTIA, LONG LIVE EQUESTRIA!” shouted the crowed, repeating the line over and over.

Slowly Zen stood up tall with his weapon latched back to his back as he face the crowd with unwavering gaze and pose. Celestia stood beside him and looked at his eyes; they were the still constant glare, but she saw a flicker in those eyes… she saw something she’s seen in the eyes of a foal who gained their cutie-mark the first time ever.

The look of someone… with a purpose… “From now on, Zen will be of an equal role of me, meaning he himself is part of the royal family and for now on will defend our lands from those who dwell in the shadows. May peace and harmony reign for centuries upon our land and across the world – tonight we celebrate, the rise of a hero!”

The crowd continued their shouts and exclaims that day on, and soon news spread, and they would call him various names, one of them being the most famous to this date; ‘The Shadow of Canterlot’.

Somewhere on a random rooftop – Canterlot; 9:00pm

After the event many celebrated Equestria’s first royal assassin; the first royal assassin originated from the Zebrican Clans, and while that royal assassin played a different role, it was a historical moment that day. The title of royal assassin hasn’t been used before Celestia’s reign or even before Equestria was founded, as it was practically two millenniums ago.

Zen stood with his cape swaying in the wind, his weapon on his back as he gazed upon the city and its distant surroundings. Many gave him various titles before and after he was knighted for royal assassin – the Slayer of Ox, Lone Wanderer, and of course the Shadow of Canterlot – but one in particular he kept as it was written in the folder he was found with.

Opening said folder, he looked through the written notes and while most of it was indecipherable or unreadable, one line stayed clear and true, as he reread it to himself to memorize its contents.

“‘The suit is ready, and is the greatest creations out of the prototypes and those to come before it… but it needs a name and it shall be given one; Zen, The Void Knight,’” said Zen.

Afterwords Zen put the folder away into his personal storage and played a song as he continued gazing at the city slowly being repaired. I don’t know who I am… I don’t know what purpose I had originally… but if I can protect this world from forces that wish to corrupt and control it… then I’ll be a vigilant shadow, and bring forth my fury upon those that dare cross my path. They’ll understand my true power, and once I am complete… I will protect those I cared deeply… for I am the one who watches from the darkest abyss and will fight, no matter how brutal and how monstrous I am… For I am…

“Zen – the one who gazes back at the darkness, with weapon at hand and solitude in the other – the guardian of the Void,” said Zen.

With that Zen then flew upward and began gliding through the sky as if he ran through the air, zooming pass towers and buildings until he reached the top of the mountain and stood with the moon to his back. The sight made the moon glow around him creating a dark silhouette of an armored being with his cape swaying behind him as strong winds blew by, making him stand solid like a statue.

Centuries would fly by as Zen made a name for himself, but soon time would come and memory of his existence fell to legend, to myth… to story. Zen the Void Knight became a name passed down through the ages… but some stories…

Are much more at first glance.

Author's Notes:

The end of arc 0 of the story; now with introductions done, we shall move on to the next arc and time-skip closer to the present (at least a couple of years before the actual start of the show).

Next chapter; a familiar face but a different time.

Thoughts: Celestia
Zen
Deluxe Jacket