After discovering the tragic, albeit evil, tale of the Harmony-turned-pony named Sword, Shining discovered a new method combining offensive and defensive magic. What was created was a deadly construct that spelled the end of Sword.

It's strong enough to block the strongest of physical blows, withstand energy projections from the Elements of Harmony levels of power, and cut through any enemy foolish enough to threaten anyone Shining has sworn to protect.

(Background has been taken from screencaps for the show and modified to add a bit more depth to them. i.e. nothing special.)