I decided to get as much rest as possible last night. So, while I slept when Luna came by to check on me in my dreams I asked her to cast a few spells on me to allow my body to regain energy and had her create a magical double of me to spare with so I could regain my muscle memory for the duel. When it was time for Celestia to raise the sun I was still fast asleep until I was awoken by Luna who had come to retrieve me for breakfast. After we had breakfast I walked with Luna until we reached her bedroom and bid her to have a good rest, and then I returned to my shop to begin the rest of my day before it was time for my duel with Shining Armor.
While I was in the workshop I started to revamp my armor as most of the magic that I'd previously woven into it had faded away over the years it had been stored in the vault. With my Arc of Embodiment, I was able to swap out the fire ruby shard infused steel with a fire ruby thread that made the armor much lighter and maneuverable. I also infused the Mythril arm and leg pieces with a diamond thread to promote the flow of the lightning magic I once had in the armor. After I finished with the material revamp I jumped straight into the Alchemagic strengthening and this took the rest of my time. I then debated whether or not to use my crystal sword. Then I decided it would just shock the hell out of him just to see me have so it was a yes.
Before I knew it, it was lunchtime and then it was time for my duel. While I'd normally have lunch in my workshop so I wouldn't have to stop whatever it was I was working on. Today I had lunch with my family as we were all heading to the Coliseum after lunch for the fight. Celestia had thought it would be appropriate for us to have a few spectators so she had the guards print and put up poster around Canterlot early this morning, and she'd also invited Twilight's group as well. Then, let's not forget the guard that either hadn't seen a decent scrap in a while and the occasional pompous who looked down on others. It was safe to say there was going to be a lot of ponies there. We all finished lunch and met up with Shining Armor at the front gate and the head to the Coliseum.

I was in my change room putting on my armor when there was knock at my door. That was when I heard the voice of a certain bookworm of a pony, Twilight, asking to come in. I didn't see a problem with it so I said it was unlocked. As soon as she was through the door she immediately asked me why I was fighting her older. I then explained that it wasn't my idea, but Shining's and that he was doing this not only to test my strength but also to prove to me his own confections, slightly fudging the truth as I knew Shining Armor hadn't told anypony else about his engagement to Cadance yet. After cooling Twilight's anger with my explanation I turned to see a guard standing in the doorway, I'd have preferred Luna, confirming it was now time to enter the arena. I went over to the corner and grab my sword, and as I went down the hall I'd asked the guard to get Twilight to Celestia's booth quickly.
I made my way to the gate that leads to the ring and took in a deep breath and then let it out in a long sigh. This was the part of formal duels the I personally didn't care for. The announcement of your name was fine because you spectators needed to know who was who in cased the didn't already did. It was what came after that I didn't like, and the would be the announcement of what your titles were. And seeing how this was a formal match that meant all titles that you head acquired were going to be mentioned. Most of mine had been forgotten over the last thousands of years due to my imprisonment. Especially, the most important one which was the fact that I was Luna's husband; so this was also my debut back into the scene and society of all Equestria. Then the gates began to open as I heard announcer pony calling out for Shining Armor and I to enter the arena.

“Entering from the Eastern gate we have the Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor!” said the announcer pony as the stadium howled with the chants Shining's name.

This was what I expect the ponies to do as Shining was a well-known pony and skilled magic user in his own right, much like his sister, but more so with his barrier spells if I remember correctly. His armor was similar to the one from the pony Shining Armor from the MLP show except that this armor sported golden chainmail to where most of the exposed parts would be in the show and he had a gold shield with his cutie mark on it. This led me to believe that he could channel his magic through the shield. Then, the announcer was about to start my list when I heard I little bit of a whispered discussion as to whether or not this was right until I heard a definitive 'read it' from who sound like Polearm.

“Entering from the Western gate we have the former king of the minotaurs, the Crimson Butcher, the Golden-Eyed Sage, the Fullmetal Alchemist, and the husband of Princess Luna, Edward Elric.” said the announcer while the audience remained deadpan silent excepted for Celestia's booth and the few guards who know me.

Upon hearing the various stand-alone cheers around the stadium a few other ponies began clapping for me. I heard few nobles whisper what I can only assume is shocking, revolting, and out righteous comments about me, but I really didn't a shit because I was too excited to face my opponent. I was glad Shining wanted me to prove I could protect Luna and proud that he wants to challenge me to prove to me that he was worthy to be Cadance's husband and my nephew. As we ready our self by taking our stances I could tell from the look in his eyes and the smile on his face that Shining was pleased, shocked and eager to start this fight. I was just as ready to start to, but I wanted to reiterate the fact that I took this as I was going to kill him and I wanted him to do the same. So I decided to call out to before Celestia gave to signal to begin.

“Hey, Shining Armor I want you to hold nothing back. Come at me fully intent on ending my life.” I said to the Captain of the Guard.

“I had intended to from the start Edward,” Shining said with an unyielding vigor.

With that ending remark, Celestia gave the signal to begin the fight to the announcer. Who then began to speak.

“YOU MAY BEGIN!” shouted the announcer pony.

I made the first move by closing the gap between Shining and myself. It clear that he was taken aback by how fast I could move with a sword that was larger than me. I quickly brought the claymore down and it was met by Shining's shield in a flash of pink and yellow sparks. Shining retaliated by throwing me back with his shield only to backflip in the air and land on my feet while I plunged my sword into the ground next to me. If it hadn't been for his shield spell I would've still stopped, but he would've been knocked back a bit as well. I looked to my sword and started to think maybe its ability to nullify pony magic had weakened the years, but then I thought perhaps the ponies' magics have grown stronger instead. This fight was the perfect chance for me to test this theory and it only served to excite my urge to fight more.
I was pulled back to the task at hand when I heard Shining Armor charging at me with his sword out in front. The look in his eye said 'my turn you bastard' which only made me smile at the stallion. I quickly lifted up sword using the flat of the blade to block Shining's thrust. The badass thing about using a sword larger than yourself is that if you're fast and strong enough it can also double as a shield and a catapult. I placed my palm on the opposite side and push, flinging Shining back this time. I could tell he was having much fun as I was. All while the crowd had its own cheer battle going on.
I took the sword back up in both hands and charged forward as Shining did the same. We met midway with fury flurry of rapid sweeps and slashes. A multitude of colored sparks flew through the air as swords clashed, not only with each other but with shield and armor as well. We jumped back from each other quite winded. I said the guy was good but he could have easily been more than a match for Jagged Edge at full strength. With this thought in my head, I called out to Celestia and Luna to put up a barrier using both of their magic.

“Celestia, Luna, put up the strongest barrier you can together, I don't want the captain to have to waste any of his own strength in this match!” I yelled out.

“Finally taking me seriously?” questioned Shining.

“Oh, I've been taking you seriously this whole time my friend, but we've reached this limits of this physically and now it's time to start using our other abilities. Wouldn't you agree? I have to add you'd give a certain minotaur quite a run for his money if it were over 2,000 years ago.” I said with a smile as a dome of dark blue and gold magic enveloped the fighting area.

“I've got to agree and thanks I take it that's high praise,” answered Shining.

“It is my friend, and you should also know this was once his sword,” I said holding out the weapon to reflect the stallion's image in the flat of the sword back at him.

“ So it is the magic canceling sword from the vault,” replied Shining smiling at the shock on my face.

“So you know it then,” I said.

“As the captain of the guard it's part of my job to know of the artifacts in the vault, and not only do I know what its abilities are I also know its legend,” said Shining still smiling.

“Oh, really?” I cued.

“Yea, it's the same legend as that armor you're wearing. The legend of the great minotaur king who fought an army by himself and won. The legend of The Crimson Butcher who became the Crimson King!” Shining yelled in a anger as he came at me with his shield and sword light in pink magic.

He closed the gap between us faster than I could react and I was sent flying into the wall behind me. I staggered a bit to get to back on my feet with blood now running down my face; it'd stop soon due to my healing ability. I spoke as I got up.

“I take it since dinner last night you did your research on me. See as you're a captain you'd be able to access the restricted area of the Canterlot Archives.”

“I did and it was a confirm the moment the announcer called out your titles, but what I want to know is where have you been for the last 2,000 years? Why did you abandon your people? But what I really want to know is if family means so much to you, then why, DID YOU ABANDON PRINCESS LUNA AND PRINCESS CELESTIA WHEN THEY NEEDED YOU THE MOST!? IF YOU HAD BEEN HERE YOU COULD HAVE PREVENTED ALL OF THEIR SUFFERING!” roared the stallion.

That was what broken the mold for me. I stud there silent. My body started to shake and started to glow red as red lightning started to spark from my armor. While from in their booth Celestia and Luna knew all too well what this red color meant. Shining Armor had said all the right things to anger me, and if he wanted answers he was going to have them. The bastard had thoroughly pissed me off and if the ponies didn't believe what the announcer said earlier, then they would now. In a flash of red light, I was immediately in front of Shining Armor with my sword coming down towards him with all my rage in the strike. He was just barely able to react to block the blow, and if he hadn't used his magic he would've been in the wall with a broken arm.
He was now thoroughly scared as he'd seen why I had earned my latter moniker. I begin to yell at the captain

“TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS YOU BASTARD I WAS RIGHT THERE WHEN EVERYTHING HAPPENED! I WAS TRAPPED IN STONE BY SOMEPONY I TRUSTED, BUT THEY WERE ON AFTER ONE THING AND BECAUSE OF THAT TRUSTED THEM THEY GOT IT! AS A RESULT, I WAS THEN IMPRISONED BY THERE ACTIONS! AND FOR THIS REASON I 'ABANDONED MY PEOPLE', I WATCHED AS MY WIFE SLOWLY SURCAME TO DARKNESS WHILE I COULD DO NOTHING TO COMFORT HER, I WATCHED AS SHE FOUGHT WITH OUR SISTER WHO WAS FORCED TO BANISH HER TO THE MOON” I belted.

I talk in a deep breath and continued to give the answers he wanted.

“I COULDN'T EVEN HELP MYSELF UNTIL THE DAMN SEAL WAS WEAKEN BY DISCORD'S CHAOS, SO HOW DO YOU THINK I FELT JUST LET TIME UNFOLD LIKE IT DID AND I'M AWARE THAT I COULD'VE HELP IF I WAS THERE BUT THE KNOWING JUST MAKES THE HURT ALL THE WORSE!” I shouted as I began to move toward Shining Armor again now back on his feet.

“I'm sorry I assume you'd abandoned the princess on purpose. Which lead me to believe you a hypocrite and that made me angry at you, but I couldn't hold it back in this fight any longer, I just had to get the answers,” said Shining apologetically.

“Shut up, you had every right to be angry with me. I'm still angry with myself too, and I'll tell you the rest of the 'why' someday, but it's time to stop the stupid talking and fight.” I said as I regain my composure.

With this comment Shining nod at me as he became enveloped in a pink magical aura. This is where the real fight started. As we clashed again the protective dome of magic shook with each blow while outside the ponies couldn't help but cheer in amazement. While in Celestia's both there was more concern then bewilderment.

Luna and Cadance as their loved ones clashed, but it was not in the passion of battle from facing a strong opponent. It was that they'd yelled at each other in anger for a bet. Luna knew that Shining had probably brought up Ed's past in an effort to get some answer from him, but his own preconceived vision of the alchemist had angered him to the point where he had in turned angered Edward. The only things Ed absolutely hated were when someone he considered important to him had been hurt, when someone committed a completely horrendous act, and finally, the events that he couldn't prevent after his imprisonment. It seemed as though that they had moved past the angry spat and were enjoying themselves again.
After seeing the passion return to the fight Cadance turned to her Aunt Luna to see her worry had faded, but then she looked to her Aunt Celestia who returned her gaze and began to speak.

“Don't worry Cadance, Ed has no intention of killing Shining Armor, but that doesn't mean he won't push him until Shining collapses either. I'm surprised Shining has managed to keep up as well as he has because Ed has been giving it his all, at least until Ed invoked he magic,” said Celestia.

“We have to agree with you, sister, on both fronts, but as Edward hasn't used his new magic yet the fight has not truly started for Captain Shining Armor yet. And as seeing how calculating Ed can truly be when he's not running with his emotions this new ability would truly have ended the fight. If not for the fact that they both want to enjoy a worthy opponent.” confirmed Luna.

“That's right, Edward said he'd gained a magic that allowed him to create anything he saw in his mind and materialize it through magic, but I thought he only used it to create raw material for the automail shop back in Ponyville,” interjected Twilight.

“You're right my faithful student. If Edward wanted he could create even the most intricate of objects, and that includes his own limbs, but he wanted to have the ponies learn and create their own versions of the automail which is why he only taught them the basic designs and techniques,” added Celestia.

“In reference to Arc of Embodiment though Ed explained that the more complex the item in question is the longer it takes to create do to details and so on. Also, Arc of Embodiment cannot create a soul or full living creatures capable of thought or movement on their own either, but more of a type of living puppet,” explained Twilight to Cadance.

“So your saying Uncle Edward could just have an army fight for him or set traps around the arena if he wanted to,” replied Cadance.

“Yes my dear niece, but Edward is not without honor as he would consider this cheating on his part. With that said, Edward never said he would refrain from using Arc of Embodiment against our captain of the guard. As he intended to go all out from the start.” Luna stated with a grin gesturing back to the arena with a nod.

“Ah suspect the fight will go on fur awhile, or at least till someone runs out of steam first,” interjected Aj.

“As barbaric as this is, it's still rather thrilling and inspiring to watch. As soon as we get back to Ponyville I've got to create a new line!” sang Rarity.

“Even I gotta admit my views on Edward's changed. I thought he was just another magical like Twi-” said Rainbow Dash.

“Hey!” interjected Twilight.

“But here he is fighting her big brother and keeping up with him. Not to mention looking like a total badass while doing it and your saying Ed still can do more. Mind blown.” continued Rainbow.

“I'm with Rainbow guys. I thought the guy was cool before, yea, but now he's just freaking awesome,” added Spike.

“Not to sound like a downer, but I hope they don't hurt each other too badly,” said Fluttershy cowering beneath her seat.

“It's just swoosh and twang and pretty sparkles. He just did a triple backflip. Come don't stand for that Shining. Yea, give it to him Ed.” said Pinkie as she was unable to decide who side to be on.

“I think it would be best to turn our attention back to the fight Cadance,” suggested Celestia.

“I agree completely sister. Come on Edward, kick his flank!” exclaimed Luna.

“I guess I should follow Aunt Luna example. Come on Shiny, Show Uncle Edward you're the captain of the guard for a reason!” Cadance yelled.

I couldn't believe how strong Edward was. I mean I have more than my fair share of power in my own right. Thanks to it I'm able to shield the whole of Canterlot Castle and hold up my shield for a few days. Edward though was definitely stronger than me physically without magic. I really shouldn't be surprised there. After all, he is a former minotaur king. I do know if we keep this fight going at this rate there's no telling whole when but I'll give it my all.
I can't say I'm totally in the right for the stunt I pulled. Looking into his past last night and then calling him out for abandoning the Princesses mid- fight was a low blow, even for me. I didn't even try to get his side of the events either. I let my anger get the better of me and it ended up poking the beast known as the Crimson Butcher. When Edward came at me in that state of mind he was crying and, what I saw in his eyes wasn't just anger, but also a great pain. I understood this pain too because it was this pain I would've felt if I couldn't have protected Cadance. That's when I realized just how deeply I had wounded this stallion, no this man, be for me. It wasn't the fact that he wasn't there for Princess Luna, but the fact that he was there and that he was absolutely powerless to help her as he was forced to watch her suffer.
After he'd told me he would tell me the rest of his story someday is when he truly accepted me as his family. I could tell by his tone he harbored no ill will towards me for the words I'd thrown at him, but more of a mutual respect for a fellow stallion that was willing to do what was needed in order to protect what he loved. This was the reason I decided that if he wanted to beat me then he'd have to beat me with an inch of my life. So I pushed my body, magic, and drive to fight forward, and face my future uncle head on.

I stood there breathing heavily, but I wasn't alone as Shining Armor was breathing just as hard as I was. I had to give it to the guy, he was tough bastard, but he was the captain of the guard for that reason. He still had his magical aura about him surrounding him and it was holding strong. I had spent more stamina than him at this point due to that I could only augment me body magically through the textural applications of my armor and I couldn't directly use Arc of Embodiment to directly affect my body either. To tell the truth, I hadn't thought of any battle applications for the Arc of Embodiment whatsoever, but I was about to. I turned to face after another series of exchanged blows and began to speak.

“You have my deepest respect Shining Armor, but I think it's time for me to bust out my own magic,” I said as a silver spell matrix formed behind me.

“I knew you still had something up your sleeves old man, but saving you magic until now. You really wanted to enjoy this fight to is fullest didn't you.” retorted the young stallion.

“You aren't totally wrong there my friend, but unlike most pony magic my Arc of Embodiment is a lost magic that I received not too long ago from another human like myself. One of the drawbacks is I can use it to directly augment my body like you can with pony magic, but what I can do is create anything that I can think of in my mind.” I explained.

“So you're saying I still have the edge in magic,” Shining said with a smile.

“Yes and no, my friend. See for someone like myself that has mastered several forms of combat, both armed and unarmed the Arc of Embodiment is the ultimate cheat code in a one on one fight such as this. In short, my young friend your seriously f*ucked now.” I said while plunged my sword into the ground.

Suddenly a pair of single-handed short swords appeared out of nowhere. This visibly shocked everyone in the stadium.

“Oh, buck,” said Shining as his pupils shrunk to the size of pen tips.

On that note, I began my assault on the now through dazed Shining Armor. I had to admit I was all too eager to try out Arc of Embodiment in combat, but I might have gone a little overboard with all of the weapon combinations. I couldn't help but dance around the captain as he now realized that when I'd relied on my claymore I'd actually handicapped myself. Though this also meant Shining didn't have to keep up his high magical defense output and this boost went bask toward his body augmentation. I decide to really on my Philosopher's Stone pendant to start to drain the ambient of the arena, but I made sure to not take his magic.
Once again this fight got a lot more interesting and it continued on to the point that the sun had reached the point in the sky that it was time for the transition into night. At this point, Shining had gone well past his limit and I was reaching mine do to the rapid use of Arc of Embodiment. Seeing this, I ran back to my claymore pulling from the ground. I spoke to Shining.

“This is it, my friend,” I said placing both hands on the sword I began to pour all of my energy into it. as I'd done so many years ago, the crystal blade began to glow with waves of red as if was on fire.

“Then I shall do the same,” said Shining as he dropped his shield and began to pour the rest of his magic into his sword.

We charged towards each other once more. Both hands on both of our swords as we met in the dead center of the arena. Then there was a fury of pink and red waves unleashed through the air. The vibration shook the stadium while the protective shield began to waver and crack as if made of glass.

The princesses could no longer maintain their hold over the stadium's barrier as it shattered unleashing the full force of the two combatants upon the audience.

“EVERYPONY GET DOWN NOW!!!” boomed Celestia's royal Canterlot voice over the screams of the audience.

There was silence as the crowd started to get up from the ground. They all looked to the arena to see who had won. As the smoke and dust began to clear both Cadance and Luna were no longer sitting. Then out the blue the heard somepony's voice.

“You might want to get down there you two-handed,” Celestia remarked as the turned to see he smiling at them both.

They both jumped from the booth and began to fly down into the arena. By this time the debris in the air had cleared to reveal Edward with a large gash across his armor with blood dripping out. He leaning against his sword that was once again in the ground while Shining Armor laid on the ground behind Edward with a large, but shallow cut across his chest that ran the opposite direction of Edward's wound.
In the initial onslaught of attack,s it was Shining Armor who dealt the first major blow as he stepped back to just outside of the range of Ed's first swing causing the only the tip of the to cut into the captain of the guard. What had won Edward the battle was that he had reserved a bit of the magic he had absorbed to heal himself. That fact he was still up was only thanks to landing on his sword that Shining Armor had knocked from his hands with his final slash, but this, in turn, was Shining own undoing for it allowed Edward to land one punch to Shining's head thus rendering him unconscious.
As Luna and Cadance made it to the field they both ran to their respective partners. Luna managed to grab Edward under the shoulder as she could only smile at him. Ed then looked over his shoulder to he niece and future nephew and spoke before passing out from his own exhaustion.

“He did well Cadance. You should be proud to call him your future-husband. Tell him when he wakes up 'Welcome to the family' and next time let just have a few drinks....” said Ed as he dozed off in Luna's arms.

Next Chapter: Facing the Consequences While Moving Forward Estimated time remaining: 54 Hours, 57 Minutes