The crash of sword on shield echoed through the chamber.
“WHY WON’T YOU GO DOWN!” Link shouted as he attacked the Darknut that was guarding Princess Zelda.
“Link! Don’t kill him! That Darknut is under Ganondorf’s control!” Zelda shouted.
“Hero you shall not win. I will defeat you for my master.” The Darknut said, as he sliced downward almost breaking Link’s guard.
Link dashed to the right and sliced at his enemy.
The Darknut swung around to block but one slice made it through. When the Master Sword connected with the Darknut there was a massive flash of light.
“AGH!” The Darknut screamed in pain as he stumbled to the side. He dropped his sword and held his side.
Link and Zelda both saw why. The Master Sword had cleaved through his armor. A little bit of a dark thick liquid slipped from the wound. They could both tell it wasn’t blood.
The Darknut let go of his wound and grabbed his sword preparing to fight again.
“Why is he so much harder than any other Darknut I’ve fought?” Link questioned loudly as he hefted his shield up.
The Darknut instead of directly challenging Link scanned the room. His eyes fell on Zelda and then darted to Link.
Zelda watched the Darknut’s demeanor change this wasn’t an attempt to kill Link any more.
“Link you need to convince him not to attack!” Zelda shouted.
Link glanced back, “I’ll try… but they don’t ever listen…”
“Step away from the lady, fiend.” The Darknut said as he pointed his sword at Link. His armor had sealed up again and it was slightly whiter.
“You’re the one who kidnapped the Princess for Ganondorf!” Link responded.
“How dare you accuse me of such things! By my honor I will defend the helpless maiden from the likes of you!” The Darknut responded, “HAVE AT YOU!”
Link sidestepped the first attack and said, “I’m here to rescue Zelda! We need to defeat Ganondorf!”
The Darknut stood up and stared down Link, “Hm. I am listening continue young one.”
Link watched the Darknut plant his sword in the ground.
“I’m the Hero of Time. Ganondorf has returned and is planning on conquering and enslaving everyone!” Link continued.
The Darknut’s eyes closed. He nodded slowly, “This… is startling…” The Darknut withdrew his sword from the ground.
“That voice…” Zelda said quietly. She recognized the voice. It was Archmage Erin head of the Areorn Family and owner of the Shrouded Tower.
Link prepared to fight again before the Darknut stepped to the side, “Go young hero. Take the maiden with my blessing. May you defeat this evil.” The Darknut bowed respectfully as Link walked past him.
An evil laugh echoed through the antechamber and both Link and the Darknut heaved their weapons up.
“What is the meaning of this?!?” The Darknut shouted.
“Bravo Princess. You figured out that this Darknut isn’t mine. But too bad, He must die.” Ganondorf said as he appeared in the middle of the room.
“Filthy swine what are you doing in this sacred place?!?” The Darknut shouted as he pointed his sword at Ganondorf.
“Swine? You insolent fool, you defy me even after you have no memories?!? Your will is incredible mage.” Ganondorf said as he cast a spell at the Darknut causing him to fly backwards and slam into a wall.
“Ganondorf…” Link said as he approached.
Zelda looked between Link and the Darknut. Link could handle himself. Right now the Darknut couldn’t. She prepared a massive spell to not only get both her and Link out of the temple but also the Darknut.
The Darknut struggled to stand up. But he succeeded in getting on his feet, “Fool. I will defend the Hero and Maiden with my life. You will not win.”
Ganondorf smiled widely. “Oh… to bad. You were the best Darknut in my army. I had such plans for you. But no more.” Ganondorf prepared a spell to destroy the Darknut.
The Darknut heaved his shield up. “So be it.”
Link prepared a sword blast to hit Ganondorf.
Zelda and Ganondorf cast their spells at the same time and both collided with the Darknut at exactly the same time.
Ganondorf watched as the spell Zelda cast teleported both her and Link out. The Darknut vanished in an inferno of light.
“NO!” Ganondorf shouted. “This isn’t over Zelda. I will win.”
Ganondorf teleported out of the chamber onto parts unknown.
Zelda and Link ended up outside the Temple.
“Why did you do that? I could have killed Ganondorf!” Link shouted.
“I saved not only our lives but the Darknut’s as well. He’s… He’s was the kidnapped Archmage of the Shrouded Tower…. Erin. Link if he survived and regains his memory then he will be a valuable tool against Ganondorf, his fortress of a home the Shrouded Tower has an army of loyal Iron Knuckles, Freed Darknuts, and Loyal Wizzrobes that will follow his every command!”
“Then why didn’t Ganondorf mind control him?” Link questioned.
“Because Erin is a powerful mage and his bloodline is just as powerful as Ganondorf’s… Some ancient defense must have activated that cleared his memory and teleported him away from the tower to prevent a misuse of its power… I always thought the tower was sentient.” Zelda responded, “Wherever he went… He’s not going to be… friendly. Ganondorf’s spell combined with mine would have left him alive but filled with rage. Come on we need to get moving! There isn’t any time to rest!”
Link jumped to his feet and sheathed his sword, “Okay. Where to next?”
The first thing the Darknut saw was light, bright and harsh.
He rolled over onto his stomach and pushed himself up. His armor clanking mighty as he moved.
The Darknut looked at his new surroundings he was in a forest, possibly deep in the Lost Woods. He heaved his sword up and sheathed it on his side. His eyes glowed demonically. He was looking to fight and kill.
The Darknut lumbered forward towards an unknown destination.
Celestia had been with Twilight in Ponyville when they both felt the magical energy.
“Princess… that amount of magic… it can’t be good.” Twilight stated as she got to her hooves.
“No it can’t… We need to find what caused it. Get your friends together and bring the elements. We may need them.” Celestia said as she stood up as well.
Twilight nodded and teleported out of the library.
Celestia walked out of the library and looked towards where she assumed the source to be. Her eyes fell on the Everfree Forest. Something not wholly evil was brought through. But regardless it needed to be stopped before it could do any harm.
Celestia looked toward the other side of town as the Mane Six gathered each with their respective element.
“Girls listen carefully…” Celestia began to say.
That’s when an evil looking creature jumped from the rooftops and attacked the Princess.
“PRINCESS!” Twilight yelled as she attempted to cast a spell.
More of the creatures came from all around surrounding them.
“We have the pony princess!” One of the attackers shouted.
“Diamond dogs!” Rarity said quickly.
A loud crack was heard and they saw a tall lumbering knight in grey armor come out of the Everfree.
“What… is that?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
The knight turned it’s head and looked at the group. They could see the evil glow in its eyes.
The Princess managed to shake the Diamond Dogs off of herself and saw the knight, “No…”
The Knight drew its sword and charged the Diamond dogs.
“ATTACK THAT THING!” One of the Diamond dog warriors shouted.
The Knight barreled at them and slammed through their lines.
It slashed at the Diamond dogs cleaving through their armor and weapons. “Weak… pathetic…” The Knight said in a dark whisper.
A few of the Diamond Dog assassins jumped onto the Knight and attempted to stab him. The knight simply shook them off and slashed down at them violently. They dodged and ran away.
“RETREAT! RETREAT!” One of the diamond dogs screamed as they ran away.
The Knight stood there victorious and watched the diamond dogs run away.
Rarity was about to approach when they all heard the Knight say, “Running will not help. I will still find and kill everyone of you.” Its tone was neutral and uncaring.
The girls backed away and Pinkie vanished.
The Knight turned towards the Princess.
“A Darknut…” The Princess said as she watched it.
“Yes… and you shall know fear…” The Darknut stated coldly.
That’s when Pinkie appeared out of nowhere cloaked in green and holding a sword.
The Darknut turned towards her and simply swatted the sword away.
“Girls… get ready…” The Princess said as she hovered the sword in front of herself. “Darknut I challenge you.”
The Darknut breathed heavily, “A… challenge?” He turned towards Celestia, “You… think… you can win?” He didn’t laugh at all he didn’t mock her, “Fine. I accept.”
The mane six knew what to do. They needed to hit the knight with the elements.
“Prepare… for true pain.” The Darknut said as he held his sword in front of himself. Celestia met his sword with her own.
Just as the dual began the elements were fired.
The Darknut was hit from behind and sent forward into the dirt as the Elements collided with his body.
“AGH!” He screamed in agony.
His armor further lightened to a sliver color. He crawled forward leaving his sword and shield behind. He was attempting to escape the pain. Soon he fell to his side and rolled onto his back.
Celestia dropped the sword and walked over to him.
The girls followed as well.
“Princess are you sure it’s safe… he could still attack us…” Fluttershy began.
“No… they have a code of honor. He won’t attack us.” Celestia responded.
The Darknut had his eyes closed he opened them as they approached. His eye color was a light brown, his eyes held an underlying intelligence that seemed just as deep as Celestia’s.
His eyes darted quickly to each of them.
“Darknut…” Celestia said to him.
“Milady… what… what happened?” He questioned.
“You attacked this village in a rage and drove off some other attackers.” Celestia responded calmly.
The Darknut laughed quietly, “Good… good…” Then he stopped and his eyes went wide, “Attacked this village? Did… did I hurt any of you?”
Celestia looked at the girls who all nodded no.
“Good… good… I would never be able to forgive myself if I laid harm on a lady. I… I must ask… have I gone… insane?” He questioned.
“No… you appeared in our world at random…” Celestia responded.
The Darknut slowly tried to push himself up but fell back down in pain, “AGH!”
“One of you go get a doctor or nurse…” Celestia said quietly to the girls.
Twilight nodded and held off her will to learn more about this Darknut and went to get a nurse.
“All… all I remember… A fight to protect another lady… Then a Hero who wanted to use her to save lives… then an evil sorcerer… Now… here…” The Darknut said quietly as he leaned back against a wall.
“Do you have a name?” Celestia questioned.
The Darknut closed his eyes and answered, “I… I can’t remember… I… I feel like I did… and it held a meaning… it held respect… but now I am nameless…”
Pinkie looked at him, “Oh I know! Erin! You look like an Erin!”
Applejack glared at Pinkie.
The Darknut reached out a hand to gently pet her, “Thank you young one… Erin is a fine name… It is better than none at all.”
“Sir Erin… as it stands you can be considered an enemy of Equestria… but I feel that you weren’t in your right mind when you attacked.” Celestia began.
“I would never… attack the innocent. That is only something the most vile of creature could do.” Erin responded as he withdrew his hand.
Celestia smiled, “Good… even though you wouldn’t I still need you to be under watch.”
“I… I will not complain.” Erin said as he closed his eyes again. His head went limp and he fell to the right.
Both Fluttershy and Rarity jumped up, “He’s going to die!”
“No… his wounds aren’t that grave… We need to get him onto the stretcher though… and we need to get his armor off.” Celestia responded.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash helped Celestia get him up and onto the stretcher, which just arrived. “Go! We need to get immediate attention to any wounds under the armor!”
The medical crew hauled the unconscious Erin towards Ponyville General.
Celestia walked slowly to the hospital as Twilight and her friends rushed ahead.
“An evil sorcerer… a Darknut that isn’t fully under dark control… I feel something's missing…” Celestia said to herself.
An hour and a half later:
Erin was asleep in the hospital bed. He had woken up a few minutes earlier but promptly fell asleep before any of them could question him.
Twilight sighed as she looked at the unconscious creature. “Where is he from? He isn’t any species that I’ve ever heard of in Equestria…”
“He isn’t from Equestria… And I don’t know where he’s from. When he wakes up again he may be able to give more insight.” Celestia responded, “And… I’ve decided along with his approval before losing consciousness that he will be staying in Ponyville. As of now he isn’t a threat to any of the ponies here…”
“I’ll take him in!” Twilight said eagerly.
Celestia smiled a little, “Okay then Twilight, you can take him in when he wakes up.”
Erin shifted a little bit in the bed before yawning. He hadn’t woken up again.
One of the doctors walked into the room, “His wounds… they were magically inflicted. All of them where aiming to kill. He’s lucky he was able to walk let alone… fight like he did. Something must have been edging him on.”
Celestia nodded, “I’ll leave him to your care doctor. I need to return to Canterlot and discuss this matter with Luna. Goodbye girls and this was another job well done. You save not only his life but many others.”
“What do you mean?” Dash questioned, “You wouldn’t have been able to beat him?”
“No… his armor made him invulnerable to any attacks while it was on… and I’m guessing with the way he was moving with it on, with it off then he’d become an even bigger threat.” Celestia responded, “Now… anything that attacks Ponyville will have more than the guard’s spears to deal with.”
The girls looked back at Erin and then back to where Celestia was.
Twilight closed her eyes and thought about what she should do next.
“I never thought I’d meet a knight like this one…” Rarity said quietly as she walked out of the room.
Fluttershy hadn’t come in before and now she slowly entered. Her eyes fearfully watched Erin.
“Don’t worry Fluttershy… he’s asleep right now.” Dash said to calm her down.
Fluttershy calmed down and walked beside his bed.
Pinkie was already busy planning him a party.
Applejack looked at his armor and shuddered when she thought of how strong he needed to be to carry it like he was. “Ah’m gonna head back… Ah’ll see ya later…” Applejack said as she left the room.
“So… so am I…” Fluttershy said as she left the room just as quietly as she entered.
“I have… practicing to get back to.” Dash said as she left.
Twilight was left alone with him.
As she sat down beside him he opened his eyes slowly, “Am I really… that much of a monster?”
Twilight was surprised by the fact that he was awake, “How long have you been awake?”
“Long enough. I know that your friends… don’t really trust me. That’s understandable though.” He answered.
“Erin… I’m sure you heard that…” Twilight began.
“That I’m staying with you? Yes I heard.” Erin responded. “Thank you Twilight.”
Twilight smiled a little. “You… you don’t have to thank me for anything… The Princess trusts you and that’s enough for me.”
Erin sighed, “This place… it’s so different… maybe… maybe the Goddesses are giving me a second chance for whatever misdeeds I performed when under the Dark Sorcerers control.”
“Goddesses?” Twilight questioned.
Erin smiled and looked over at her, “I’d be happy to explain once I’m out! Although… I think we should make more of a deal.”
Twilight looked at him a little fearfully.
Erin laughed, “No! It’s just that I’ll teach you about my land and home as long as you teach me about yours.”
Twilight laughed sheepishly, “Oh… That sounds good! I’d love to teach you all I know about Equestria.”
Erin looked back up at the ceiling, “I feel… I feel like I’m missing something important…”
“Well… you did say you don’t remember anything before a little bit before you arrived… Maybe it will come back to you!” Twilight said.
Erin nodded, “Yes… maybe it will.”
She looked at him before looking away, “I’ll…”
“Please… don’t… I… I just don’t know what to talk about… I know so little about this place.” Erin said as he grabbed her shoulder.
Twilight sat down, “Well…” She thought about it for a few seconds, “I might as well tell you about my friends and I… since you are going to be seeing us a lot.”
Twilight began to explain each of her friends to Erin. When she finished she began to tell him of what was currently going on in Equestria.
Erin laid back, “Nightmare Moon… she sounds like an old evil god… Majora. Except… compared to him she could be considered good…”
Twilight gasped, “But… eternal darkness…”
“That’s much better than having nothing at all. Majora wanted to destroy all of Hyrule just to say he did. Ganondorf wasn’t much better. But he wanted to conquer everything.” Erin continued.
“Your world… it sounds… terrifying.” Twilight said quietly.
“As horrible as it sounds… we have… something like the Elements Of Harmony… except it was granted to us by the three Golden Goddess, Din the Goddess of Power. Farore the Goddess of Courage, and Nayru the Goddess of Wisdom.” Erin then began to explain how his world was created.
“Whoa… that sounds amazing…”
“Yes! But it get’s better there are many tales that I have to share about the Triforce and the way it’s been used over time. I’d be happy to share them all!” Erin said with a smile.
“I’d love to hear them!” Twilight exclaimed.
Erin glanced out the window, “It’s getting quite late. You should head home. I’ll see you tomorrow!”
“Yeah I’ll see you tomorrow!” Twilight said as she left.
Erin laid his head down on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling again. Flashes of things came to mind. Spells. A tower, Darknuts and Iron Knuckles, Wizzrobes and a massive library containing hundreds of years of tomes.
Erin passed out and entered a dark and restless sleep.
The entire area was foggy.
“I’m not joining you Ganondorf! I want nothing to do with you!” The Mage shouted.
Ganondorf laughed, “I didn’t give you a choice. You will be joining me. So will your army…” He prepared a powerful and dark spell.
The mage prepared his own spell to counter.
Before the mage could release his spell Ganondorf’s collided with him.
“AGH NO!” The mage screamed in agony.
“Yes… just give in.” Ganondorf stated as he walked up to the fallen mage.
A flash of rainbow light appeared and a mummified being floated above the ground, “Not so fast!” The being cast it’s own spell at the mage which caused the mage’s eyes to flash white before the mage collapsed.
Ganondorf watched the being vanish into nothingness and looked at the mage. “A… mind wipe spell… FOOL THAT WON’T…”
The tower in the distance activated a massive shield.
“DAMN IT! DAMN IT ALL!” Ganondorf shouted. He looked down at the mage, “I know… you’ll make a perfect Darknut with a few… adjustments.”
Ganondorf lifted the body up and threw it over the back of his horse.
Ganondorf rode past Erin who was watching in horror. Erin attempted to draw his long sword but he didn’t have one.
Ganondorf stopped in front of him, “So… you return.”
Erin stepped back into a combat stance, “Release the mage demon.”
Ganondorf laughed, “You have no right to command me. I more powerful than you could hope to battle now.” Ganondorf dismounted and drew a sword. “And if I kill you here then I will have control again.”
Erin stepped back and prepared for the hit.
Suddenly a massive flash of light Ganondorf was thrown backwards.
“Step back demon. Thou hath no right to kill him.” A large equine that looked like Celestia said.
“And who are you?” Ganondorf questioned as he stood up.
“I am Princess Luna. I control the night here in Equestria. Thou hath no right to be here.” Luna stated as she stood in between Ganondorf and Erin.
“I am Ganondorf Lord Of Darkness and wearer of the Triforce of Power.” Ganondorf stated, “And you dare tell me what to do?”
Luna glared angrily at him and her eyes glowed evilly, “Yes… we doth dare to command thou fool. Thou hath no reign here in Equestria. BEGONE DEMON!”
Ganondorf smiled, “Fine… this won’t be the end. It will never be the end.” He vanished in a flash along with the horse and unconscious mage.
Luna’s evil look diminished and she turned towards Erin, “Art thou alright?”
“Yes… I am thank you…” Erin said as he stood up.
Luna smiled gently, “I am glad that you are alright.”
“How… how are you here?” Erin questioned.
“I can enter other’s dreams I usually enter to help then through nightmares… this one caught my attention… I am glad I entered when I did.” Luna responded.
“So am I…” Erin said, “Milady… if you wouldn’t mind I’d enjoy talking to someone right now.”
Luna smiled and blushed slightly, “Oh… no not at all.”
They walked along a ridge talking about each other.
“So thou don’t know how this dream came about?” Luna questioned.
“No… but I feel like it’s something I should remember…” Erin responded.
Luna nodded, “Well we are going to be keeping a close eye on you. If that’s alright with you.”
“That’s fine… I’d rather not be alone during this… Thank you.” Erin quietly responded.
“We do not mind watching you… before this your dreams were quite interesting… You truly remind me of someone I knew long ago. A powerful unicorn here in Equestria.” Luna said as she looked at him, “It is even stranger because thou are Hylian not Equestrian.”
“Me… related to a mage? No! You must be mistaken… I have no magic to speak of… let alone me being…” Erin began before he reached up and touched his ear. It was slightly pointed but not fully Hylian. “Maybe I am Hylian… but that makes little sense…”
“I agree with you… it seems just based on this previous dream… something wiped your memory to protect something else.” Luna said, “Hm… that is strange…”
“Yes it is strange…” Erin agreed.
“I have taken enough of your time Erin… it is almost sunrise.” Luna said with a smile, “I hope to see you again.”
“As do I Luna.” Erin said as she flew off. The world slowly turned black.
