By The Hearth

by Philosophical Tree

Rating: everyone
Tags: Human, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Trixie, Adventure, Crossover
Length: 7064

A newcomer arrives in Azeroth to compete in Hearthstone. And she brought her own decks to compete.

Hearthstone, the one unifying thing of the races of Azeroth. No matter the allegiance, no matter the race, all are one when it comes to the simple, yet addictive card game. So when an offworlder arrives with decks from her world, legendary heroes like Uther, Jaina, and Thrall will rise - or be played - to the occasion.

But our offworlder has legends of her own.

As the characters will constantly be changing, the only major character tag will be our protagonist.

Published 2014-07-08 01:20:05 UTC
Last updated 2014-07-23 19:10:31 UTC

A New Face

It was a quiet evening, or as quiet as one can expect at the Inn. All around the building, Orcs, Humans, Elves and other races of Azeroth were laughing, cheering, or crying out in horror or disgust. Many of them had drinks, but they all had one thing in common. That thing was Hearthstone, a card game where simple folk could take control of legendary heroes, soldiers and spells in an effort to best their opponents. Most often the prize was some gold and bragging rights, but occasionally drinks or other favors were thrown in as well.

The Innkeeper, a jolly dwarf who was always willing to aid newcomers into the game, was just getting ready to sit down to a real match when the door swung open. He turned to look, and saw standing in the doorway a cloaked figure. He couldn’t make out much, but it was apparent to him that this was not a native of Azeroth. This being came from somewhere else.

It stepped into the inn, closing the door behind it. The Innkeeper, not one for prejudice, walked over with a smile.

“Welcome to my inn,” he said in greeting. “Pull up a seat by the hearth, if ya can, and I’ll get ya something to drink. Any preferences?”

“Hard cider, if you have any,” The voice was feminine, and as The Innkeeper looked the being over, he noticed that it was quadrupedal. The being continued. “If not, I’ll forego the drink. I’m actually here for Hearthstone matches.” The Innkeeper laughed, leading her over to a small table by the hearth.

“Who isn’t these days, lass? I’ll get ya your drink, then you can play me. I’ve been hoping for a match, maybe you’ll present a real challenge. You have decks?” The figure nodded, not taking off her hood.

“Indeed I do. I hope you don’t mind, they may not be decks you’re used to here.” The Innkeeper frowned, but shrugged and trundled off to get her drink. Her returned a short while later with two drinks in one hand and his box in the other, his smile back on his face.

“I can tell you’re not from this world, lass, but you seem friendly and as long as you have the game back home, I’m more than willing to see what you bring to the table.” He set down the drinks and opened the box, letting its contents spill out. “You know the basic rules, I’m sure. Thirty cards, thirty life, first to zero loses, and you can concede at any time. Max mana is ten, as well. Any preferences on the battlefield?” The cloaked figure took a sip of her drink and lifted her own box onto the table, opening it as well.

“May we use one of mine? I think it could be a little more fun to try a brand new arena for you.” The Innkeeper gave a hearty laugh, pulled out a deck from his box, and slid it aside.

“Sure, lass! I like your style. Let’s see what you have.” The figure laid a battlefield onto the table, the environment that of a dark, eerie forest. The Innkeeper saw the name “Everfree” carved into the side. “Interesting. Well, I’ve chosen Jaina Proudmoore as my hero, so I’ll be running a mage deck. And you?”

The figure paused, shuffling through her box before nodding and pulling out a deck. She set her hero in place, the Innkeeper following suit.

____________________

Wind gently rustled the trees of the Everfree forest as two figures made their way into a small clearing. One was a human female, an Archmage by the name of Jaina Proudmoore. She had fought long and hard for humanity, and was well beloved for her heroism. On top of that, she was a brilliant mage.

Opposite her was an equine female, an alicorn known as Luna. She was the princess of the night, and ruled over it as such. Once, her kingdom of night had left her bitter and power hungry, but now she was a proud, fine ruler. But she was still one to be feared.

They came to a rest at opposite ends of the clearing, staring at each other. They heard the flip of a coin somewhere above them.

“You asked for it.” Jaina declared, stretching and rolling her arms as she felt the mana rush into her. She had first move, and was ready and waiting to go.

“I hope you’re prepared.” Luna called back. She was on edge. She had the upper hand into terms of spells to cast, but she was left waiting to see what Jaina could do.

Jaina shrugged, and Luna felt the mana rush into her. Jaina had been unable to cast anything, so Luna took advantage of her opening.

“Bat Pony, come forth!” Luna cried. From the sky a bolt of black flew down and landed on the ground. It was shrouded in shadow, but Luna heard it call out its arrival.

“The night is here!” It called. Luna ended her turn, sending the mana back to Jaina, who gave a laugh.

“A one/one minion with Stealth? Well played. Now let’s try this. Pint-Sized Summoner!” A gnome materialized on the battlefield, staff in hand.

“Summoning portal open, hm.” She said. Jaina smiled, proud of herself. Luna scoffed as she regained control.

“Cute, but foolish.” She charged some magic up in her horn, aiming it square at the summoner. “Night Beam.” She unleashed the beam, striking the gnome in the face. It cried out in pain. Luna gave her bat pony a nod, and it rushed in, closing the gap quickly and bashing into the gnome. Both creatures disappeared into the night. Luna smiled as she gave up control.

“Interesting, but you’ll need to do better, Luna.” Jaina said, as she charged her own spell. “Frostbolt!” A bolt off ice shot across the field, striking Luna and freezing her hooves to the ground. Jaina whirled, charging another spell. “Ice Lance!” She hurled her lance, striking Luna again. As Jaina ended her turn, Luna was left wounded and stuck, her health cut by almost a third.

Luna groaned, searching her options. She found two that she liked, and smiled accordingly. First, she called into play a secret spell, one that wouldn’t be activated until Jaina tried to cast a spell again. With Luna’s remaining mana, she called out to the sky.

“Night Guard!” The bat pony slammed into the ground in front of her, wings raised.

“At your service, m’lady.” He said, and with a nod from his princess, her charged at Jaina, striking her. Jaina was confused by the sudden attack as she regained control.

“How on earth does that work?” She asked. Luna shook what was left of the ice off of her hooves before replying.

“Night Guard has three attack and two durability, but only has Charge when I am wounded beyond five points of damage. I’m down seven points, so he could instantly go.” Luna smirked. “It’s pretty nifty.” Jaina smiled.

“Well done, but I think you’ll have some trouble now. Polymorph!” Jaina attempted to cast her spell, but found that it had no effect on the Night Guard. She frowned. “What happened?”

“My secret spell came into play. The first spell you cast was countered.” Jaina’s eyes went wide and she stomped in frustration, relinquishing control. Luna immediately took advantage of the situation.

“Crescent Moon.” She said, materializing a long halberd beside her. She lept forward, charging across the field and taking a powerful swipe at Jaina with it, her Night Guard close behind. Jaina fell to her knees, gasping from the pain. Luna returned to her post, planting the halberd base down in the dirt beside her.

As Jaina regained control, the life count stood at Luna with twenty-three and Jaina with twenty-two, the Crescent Moon halberd having a two damage swing. The mage struggled to her feet, searching her options. A smirk flashed across her face. “Let’s see her deal with these. Water Elemental! Mirror Image!”

Instantly on the field arose a being made purely out of water, as well as two clones of Jaina. The clones stood in defensive positions, and Luna knew instantly that the pair had Taunt abilities. She would have to deal with them first, and her hand didn’t leave her much in terms of countering it. As she regained control and drew her next card, she frowned. Her trump card had just been pulled, but it wasn’t what she needed. She only had five mana crystals to spend, but her trump needed nine.

Not having any options in her hand, she cast it aside and took up her halberd, charging forward and striking down one of the Mirror Images. Her Night Guard followed up on the other, and as Luna lept back, she fired off a Night Beam at the Water Elemental, bringing its health down ever so slightly. The halberd disappeared into the night as Luna gave control back to Jaina, who smirked.

Looks like you’re out of luck. Arcane Intellect.” Jaina paused as the spell took effect, allowing her to draw two more cards. She grinned. “Frost Nova.” Instantly the Night Guard felt his hooves freeze solid. He strained against his bonds, but to no avail. The Water Elemental, all but forgotten, slid around him and struck Luna, freezing her as well and bringing her remaining health down to twenty. She grimaced in pain as she was given control again.

“First, The Coin.” Luna cast the spell, allowing her an extra mana crystal for one turn. With that small boost, she gained a slight edge as she cast her next spell. “Manticore!”

There was a guttural growl from the woods behind Luna, and she smiled. Out of the shadows leapt a hulking beast, a manticore of the Everfree Forest. With bat wings, a scorpion tail, and lion’s body, it was a force to be reckoned with. And Luna was grateful that the beast came complete with stealth. Jaina groaned in annoyance as control was given back to her, but her groan turned to a laugh of delight.

“Lord of the Arena!” she cried. Out of the air materialized an armor clad man, intimidating and dauntingly large.

“The gates are open!” He yelled, lowering his shield in a defensive stance. The Water Elemental surged around him, taking the opening to strike the Night Guard, who vanished into the night. Luna frowned, angry at Jaina’s clever counter. The mage gave control back to Luna, who dusted off the ice and drew her next card. She smiled.

“Moonlight Charm!” Instantly the Lord of the Arena fell to his knees in pain, dropping his shield. Jaina cried out in anger as Luna explained her move. “It’s a very high cost spell, but Moonlight Charm not only silences an opponent, it also deals three damage to it. Now, Manticore!” The manticore roared and charged, striking Jaina and bringing her health down to eighteen. Luna gave control back to Jaina, who was now seething with rage.

“A four/six creature with Stealth and Enrage? Oh, you are going to pay for that.” She growled, letting the mana rush back into her and straightening up. As she drew her card, a wicked grin appeared on her face. “Oh ho ho, this is gonna be good. Archmage Antonidas!”

Luna gasped as out of a portal stepped an aged wizard, his beard long and his gaze heavy. She knew instantly that this man was a threat to her plan of victory. The man, once he had materialized completely, turned to look at Jaina. “You require my assitance?” He asked. Jaina nodded, turning to her Lord of the Arena.

“Rise, and take her down. Elemental, the Manticore. Stop it cold.” Both creatures moved in sync, the Lord charging Luna and landing a heavy strike, bringing the alicorn’s health down to fourteen. Meanwhile, the Elemental rushed the Manticore, freezing it in place. Luna growled in anger as Jaina ended her turn, a smug smile on her face. Luna drew her card.

“Shadowbolts!” She called to the sky. A pair of ponies flew out of the night, landing in front of Luna in defensive stances. The pair growled in rage.

“None shall harm the Night.” They cried in unison. Luna took her remaining mana and fired off a Night Beam, striking and slaying the Water Elemental. She then gave control back to Jaina. Jaina drew her card and frowned.

“Hmm, not what I wanted. Oh well, Arcane Explosion!.” A brilliant blue light washed over the battlefield, striking all of Luna’s minions. The princess growled as Jaina’s minions surged forward. The Lord rushed in, sacrificing himself to slay one of her Shadowbolts. Antonidas, after tossing something to Jaina, shot a bolt of magic at the other, slaying it as well. Only the Manticore remained. Jaian ignored it, readying a second spell.

“Fireball.” She said, hurling a ball of fire at Luna. Luna stood immobile, flinching as her health was brought down to eight. Antonidas tossed Jaina another card, and the mage smirked at Luna. “Almost over now. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Luna felt the mana rush into her, and she drew her next card. Her eyes went wide. A brilliant strategy opened itself up to her. If she played her cards right, she could win within three turns.

“First, a pair of Shieldponies.” The ponies appeared on the battlefield, lowering shields into defensive stances and glaring at Antonidas.

“Ready and willing.” They called. Luna smiled, playing her second card.

“Full Moon.” A halberd appeared next to her, this one much more elaborate than the last. It radiated magic, and as she hefted it, a glowing blue aura surrounded her. She charged and struck Antonidas across the chest, driving him to his knees. She returned to her place, planting the halberd once more. Jaina blinked in surprise, but didn’t have time to react as the Manticore lunged and struck at Antonidas, killing him and itself in the process. Luna grinned.

As she felt the mana rush into her, Jaina smiled and shook her head. “Two taunt minions and a seven cost halberd that grants Immune while attacking a minion. Well played. Now it’s my turn. Fireball, then Lord of the Arena!” Luna took the firebolt full blast, falling to her knees in pain as her health dropped to two. The halberd slipped into the dirt, and her Shieldponies turned to look in concern at her. The Lord of the Arena emerged from his portal, calling out about the gates being open. Luna struggled to rise as the mana rushed into her, her strategy unfolding perfectly.

“First, Moonbeam.” A beam of light launched from the moon, striking the Lord of the Arena. Luna then rose, steadied her halberd, and charged forward. Though weak, she still had enough health to strike down the Lord of the Arena, clearing a path for her next move. Knowing that Jaina had no more Lords, she smiled as she cast her next spell.

“Nightmare Moon.”

The arena was plunged into total darkness. From that darkness sounded a menacing laugh. The laugh chilled Jaina to the bone, and in her fear she failed to notice her only remaining card vanish from her hand. The darkness cleared away, to reveal a pony shrouded in darkness.

“The Night. Will last. FOREVER!” She cried to the heavens, laughing as she did. Jaina recoiled in horror at the figure. This was something she was not expecting. Luna smiled and let the mana return to Jaina, who drew her card. She cried out in anger.

“Of course, it would have a Battlecry of opponent discards a card. Fine. Polymorph, then Fireblast.” Jaina cast her pair of spells, hitting one of Luna’s Shieldponies, who promptly turned into a sheep, gave out a confused bleat, and was then killed, dissolving into the night. Luna still had the upper hand, or hoof in her case, and Jaina had made a fatal slip. One that would cost her everything.

Luna felt the mana rush back into her and drew her card. She grinned, playing down a secret spell, before unleashing her next move. “Woona!”

There was a long pause. Jaina blinked in confusion. “Did your spell go awry? I don’t see anything.”

“That’s because she’s down there.” Luna called back, pointing down. Jaina’s eye lowered until they alighted on a filly, no bigger than a dog, gazing up at her with giant eyes.

“Hi!” Woona called. Jaina’s heart melted, and she took four damage to boot. Her health now at fourteen, she didn’t notice as the shadowy figure lunged forward until it struck her across the face, bringing her health down to eight. Jaina growled as she got a good look at Nightmare Moon. She thought it looked surprisingly like Luna, but paid it no mind as she felt the mana rush back into her and drew a card. Her eyes went wide and she smiled.

“Sorry to say but this match is over. Pyroblast!” Jaina moved to cast the spell, but it fizzled out in her hand. She roared in anger. “No! Not that blasted secret again!”

“I’m afraid that’s exactly what it is.” Luna replied, feeling the mana rush back into her. She smiled. “And you were right, this match is over. Nightmare, Woona, go. I’ll finish her.” The two minions charged forward, one confident and defiant, the other a little to happy with the whole situation. One after the other they struck, bringing Jaina’s health down to one. Luna smirked. “I’ll end this. Moonbeam.” The beam of light fell from the moon once more, striking Jaina and bringing her health to zero. The mage gasped in pain.

“I never expected such a worthy adversary to come from something like you. Well... played.” Jaina gave Luna a warm smile, then collapsed into the dirt and breathed her last, vanishing into the night. Luna smiled as she watched the small crystalline particles drift away. She had won.

____________________

The Innkeeper leaned back, dumbfounded by his adversary. The equine across from him merely laughed, a charming, cool laugh. Soon enough, The Innkeeper joined in, and the pair shared a good, hearty laugh.

After he had finished laughing, The Innkeeper looked around, and noticed that a small crowd had gathered to watch the match. They were dumbfounded at the skill of the newcomer, and at her strange deck. The Innkeeper, an idea creeping into his mind, rose and stood on his chair.

“Listen to me, all of ya!” He cried, making his voice heard even over the other ruckus of the tavern. “We have ourselves an interesting new challenger! Now, she may have bested me, but I’d like to see her take on some of the best. Whoever manages to beat her gets a free month of drinks, on me! Now, may I present to you...” he turned to look at the equine, frowning. “I’m afraid I never caught your name, lass.” The equine smiled and lowered her hood.

She was blue furred, with a mint blue mane and lavender eyes. From the top of her head poked a small horn, and her face was plastered with a cocky grin.

“I am Trixie, and I will accept all challengers.”

Author's Note

Just thought I'd try something new for a change. I've been playing this a lot (and I'm not very good), and it seemed like an interesting idea. For all you WoW players, go easy on me. The last Warcraft game I played was Reign of Chaos, so I'm a little rusty on all the new lore.

Edit: Shoulda thought of this earlier, but had to be reminded of it by Serefin. Here's some basic deck info, for those of you interested in it.

Princess Luna: Rogue
Special Ability: Night Beam. Deals one damage to a minion.

Cards used (Parentheses used to distinguish cards unique to a character deck):
Bat Pony (R): 1 mana cost - 1/1 - Stealth
Shade Cloak (R): 1 mana cost - Secret spell - Counters opponent spell on use.
Night Guard (R): 2 mana cost - 3/2 - Has Charge if hero has lost more than 5 health
Crescent Moon (R): 3 mana cost - 2/2 - Weapon
Manticore: 7 mana cost, 4/6 - Stealth - Enrage
Shadowbolts (R): 6 mana cost - Summons two 2/4 Shadowbolts with Taunt
Shieldpony: 1 mana cost - 0/4 - Taunt
Full moon (R): 7 mana cost - 4/2 - Weapon, grants hero Immune when attacking minions
Moonbeam (R): 1 mana cost - Deals one damage
Nightmare Moon (R): 9 mana cost - 6/6 - Stealth - Battlecry: opponent discards random card. Legendary creature.
Woona: 6 mana cost - 1/7 - Battlecry: Deal four damage to opponent, Taunt. Legendary creature.

What'chu Be Cravin'?

“I’ll challenge you, then.”

Trixie turned to see a stalwart Orc striding over to her table. He looked intimidating to the small equine, but his voice was surprisingly gentle for his race, and he bore a friendly smile at all times. He was well known in the Inn for his jovial attitude and kind spirit, even in defeat. But he was also well known for playing a mean game of Hearthstone.

“My name is G00pyWhale, pleased to make your acquaintance,” he said, sitting down opposite Trixie. The unicorn smiled and gave him a nod, and the orc continued. “I would appreciate if we could use the Orgrimmar battlefield for our match. It’s a personal favorite of mine.” Trixie smiled.

“Of course. I’ve never seen this battlefield, so it’ll be interesting to try something new. I accept your challenge. Now then...” Trixie lifted her Luna deck with her magic, sealing it back up and slipping it away. She then poured over her other decks. “What to use...”

“Take your time,” G00pyWhale said, pulling his deck out of a pocket on his clothing and placing it on the table. “I plan to use Thrall and run a Shaman deck, and I am eager to see what you choose.” Trixie paused for a moment, considering what the orc had told her. She smiled.

“Very well, I will use Twilight Sparkle, and run a Tactician deck. Let us begin.”

____________________

The sounds of battle resounded all around Twilight as she strode forward towards a small rise. The area around her was a barren waste, littered with broken catapults, corpses, and blood. Nothing here seemed at all peaceful, and that disturbed her. Nevertheless, she was here to fight, to add to the chaos. She knew what she had to do.

As she crested the rise, a field came into view, empty and devoid of battlescars. It was the one place in all of Orgrimmar that wasn’t on fire, as far as she could tell. At least, not yet. She heard heavy footsteps approaching, and raised her eyes to see an orc, plainly dressed in shaman’s garb, cresting a rise opposite her. She smiled at her opponent, and he smiled back. Then came the sound of the coin flip.

“I am well prepared for this.” Twilight called across the field. She was given first move, but wasn’t at all satisfied with the hand she had been given. As she swapped out cards, the orc called back.

“For Doomhammer!” His voice echoed over the plains around her. Twilight blinked, a little awestruck by the authority in his voice. This was a being who knew how to handle power, and handle it well. She felt nothing but respect for him.

Twilight had first move, and so she began the battle. “Shieldpony, come forth.” In the light of day, the Shieldpony’s golden armor radiated in the sunlight. He lifted his shield with magic and placed it in front of himself defensively, growling.

“Ready and willing.” Twilight smiled and ended her turn, sending the mana over to Thrall. Thrall surprised her as she did so, calling to her.

“Greetings, friend.” He said, and although the pair were at a distance, Twilight heard his voice as if he was standing right next to her. She smiled, and returned the greeting.

“It is a pleasure, friend,” she replied, her voice calm. “So, you are the one called Thrall. I’ve not heard tales of your exploits, but judging by your poise and demeanor, I can guess that you are, or were, a great leader.” Thrall chuckled, preparing his move.

“Stonetusk Boar, and yes, you are right,” He said, a large boar materializing on the field. It charged with a squeal, but bounced off the Shieldpony’s large shield, doing little damage. “I was once the leader of the Horde, but I gave that up to one I thought would be more worthy in a dark hour. Unfortunately, it was a mistake, and I have been struggling to rectify it ever since.” Twilight frowned as the mana rushed into her, and she prepared her next move.

“Roseluck. I am sorry to hear that. You sound like a worthy and capable leader.” Twilight watched as a familiar face materialized in front of her. Roseluck, who bore an interesting passive ability, stepped onto the field.

“Every last flower devoured.” Rose cried, her face distraught. Twilight smiled as she mused Rose’s ability, which granted an extra life to a random friendly minion at the end of her turn. Why Rose had that ability, she wasn’t sure, but she was more than glad to have it. As she ended her turn, Thrall spoke.

“I thank you for that, young princess. I am in the same position as yourself, not having heard tales of your exploits. Totemic call.” Thrall cast a strange spell, and a totem materialized on the battlefield next to the boar. It wasn’t very big, but it seemed to radiate heat off of it. Twilight nodded as the boar charged forward, chipping a dent in the shield of her Shieldpony and making him flinch.

“Well, I’m no great leader, although I do hold the title of princess...” she said, feeling the mana rush back into her. She gazed over her hand and frowned, not liking her choices. “Checklist. I have done many things, but I would not have been able to do them without the help of my friends. That’s what I really am, the Princess of Friendship. Alone, I’m nothing, but with my friends by my side...” She flung a card aside and drew a new one, smiling as she pulled it. “I’m unstoppable. Memory Spell.” Twilight cast her spell,calling back a card she had already played. She turned to Rose and gave the pony a quick nod. Rose, albeit hesitantly, charged forward and hit Thrall.

“Sorry, sorry,” she called as she ran back to position by Twilight. Twilight gave control back to Thrall, who gave a grunt of understanding.

“It’s good to hear that, and that’s a luxury I wish I had. Hmm...” He pondered over his hand and his minions on the field. He had a nice set of options, Twilight could tell, but he wasn’t sure how to play his hand just yet. “Yes, that’ll work. Raid Leader.” Twilight watched as a heavily armor clad orc materialized on the battlefield. His face was stern and his jaw set.

“Handle it!” He shouted at the minions on his side of the field. The boar and totem seemed to swell at his words, their power increasing slightly. Twilight watched as the two surged forward, the boar destroying her shieldpony and the totem striking Rose, causing the pair to disappear. She smiled softly. Thrall was playing into her hooves.

“I see you are a capable strategist, Thrall. So am I,” she said, regaining control of the field. Her hand was set well, and she had an interesting strategy planned. “First, Shieldpony. Then, Mind Bend.” Another shieldpony appeared on the field, grunting the same greeting as before. As the shieldpony watched, the Raid Leader flinched. It was slight, but both he and Twilight noticed. Twilight smiled and gave control back to Thrall, who gave her an odd look.

“Mind Bend? What does that do?” He asked, drawing his card. Frowning, he called a totem to the field and sent his troops to attack. But something went awry. The boar charged forward, but the Raid Leader flinched again, drawing his sword. But he did not strike the Shieldpony. Instead, he turned to the totem which Thrall had summoned, a Healing Totem, and struck it down. Thrall gasped as the Raid Leader then turned his sword on himself, taking his own life. As Thrall ended his turn, Twilight was left laughing.

“Mind Bend forces a minion to attack a friendly minion, then take it’s own life. It’s not a spell I’d use in reality, but in this game, I would not pass up that opportunity.” Twilight drew her card and smiled. “Time for me to go on the offensive. Caramel.” A brown pony stepped onto the battlefield, a small smile on his face.

“I’ll do what I can.” He said, and Twilight smiled in return.

“That’s all I can ask of you.” She replied, handing control back to Thrall. Thrall gazed at her with a newfound respect, and a small smile cracked on his face.

“Well played, I’m very impressed.” He drew his card and smiled, preparing his move. “You are a capable strategist, and a confident leader. I see much potential in your eyes, young princess. You’ll do well. Feral Spirit.” Thrall cast his spell to the skies, and two Spirit Wolves descended to the field, growling defensively. Twilight smiled.

“You have my thanks, those are kind words indeed.” Control of the field fell back to her, and she drew her card. She had to move quickly to clear a path for Caramel. “Negation Spell!” Her horn charged with a brilliant energy and a mighty wave shot across the field. The Shieldpony dropped his shield in pain, but the Spirit Wolves fell as well. Thrall smirked at Twilight’s move. A sacrifice of her own defender, but she cleared her path. Caramel rushed forward and struck Thrall, bringing his health down to twenty-three. Twilight rescinded control again, smiling.

“An interesting strategy, young princess,” he said, drawing his card for the turn. “But, I fear you may have made a grave error in judgment. Bloodlust.” Twilight gasped as Thrall cast his spell, augmenting the power of his creatures. The three creatures rushed Twilight, ignoring her minions and directly attacking her. Where she had once had a perfect thirty health, it dropped to sixteen in a single turn. As Thrall gave control back to her, she struggled to her hooves, groaning in pain.

“Well... well played, Thrall.” She drew her card and began her turn. “I wasn’t expecting that. But now, I’ll make sure you’ll not do that again. Bulk Biceps.” Thrall had to hold in his laughter as a ridiculously large pony stepped out onto the field, growling in rage. His fur was snow white, and his body was heavily muscled, making him look very comical.

“YEAAAAAAAH!” He cried, lowering himself into a defensive stance. Twilight gave Thrall control again, hoping she could last a little longer. She just needed a single card to change the game, but she didn’t have it yet. She needed to draw it soon, as her hand was becoming slim. Thrall took the time she mused this to compose himself and draw his card.

“That is an.... interesting minion,” he said, trying to hold back laughter. Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes as Thrall prepared his move. “Mogu’shan Warden.” A heavily armed, heavily armored orc stepped onto the field, raising his weapons defensively.

“Pandaria will be ours!” The orc cried. Thrall then summoned a totem to his aid. This one was another Searing Totem, burning with an inner fire. After the summoning was complete, Thrall launched his attack, all three of his able minions throwing themselves at Bulk Biceps. The wolves and boar sacrificed themselves, but managed to slay Bulk as well, the four of them disappearing. Thrall gave control back to Twilight, who drew her card and smiled.

“Convenient. Spike!” Twilight materialized her spell, and a small purple dragon stepped onto the field. He wore a proud smile and strode with confidence.

“Number One Assistant, reporting for duty!” He shouted. Twilight waited til his ability activated, then searched her deck til she found her card. The one thing that could change the game completely. After putting the card in her hand, she sent Caramel to attack the Warden. He brought the Warden to his knees, but couldn’t get rid of him. Returning to position, he turned to Twilight and nodded. Twilight ended her turn and gave control back to Thrall. Thrall drew his card and smiled.

“This game will be over soon enough. A second Mogu’shan Warden, and follow that up with Ancestral Healing and Hex.” The second orc emerged from a portal and took his place by his comrade’s side, who rose to his feet, fully rejuvenated. As the orcs took defensive stances, Spike felt the third spell wrap around him, lifting him into the air.

“Twilight! Help!” He cried before the spell encircled him. There was a bright flash, and when the light had cleared, Spike had vanished, leaving a small frog in his place. The first Warden, who had been healed, charged forward and struck the frog, killing it. Thrall ended his turn, smiling at Twilight. Twilight frowned, unnerved by Thrall’s clever move. She drew her card, frowning. She didn’t have a choice, but she didn’t want to play her hand. Nevertheless, she knew it would end badly if she didn’t do something.

“Triple S!” Twilight called. She waited as a brilliant magic circle appeared on the ground, shining bright. From out of the circle an alicorn shot into the sky, wings spread wide. Her horn was alight with a brilliant powerful spell, which she unleashed on the Wardens below in a beam of pure magic. The Wardens fell under the beam, but were left standing. The alicorn landed, her wings still spread wide. As the light faded, it reveal that the alicorn was none other than Twilight herself, albeit much more angry. Thrall blinked.

“That’s... odd, to say the least.” He watched as Caramel charged forward, taking one of the Wardens down as he sacrificed himself for his princess.Twilight ended her turn, giving control back to Thrall. Thrall drew his card, shooting a questioning glance to his opponent. “Triple S?” Twilight nodded at her minion, who was glaring at Thrall angrily.

“Super Saiyan Sparkle,” she replied. “After all, if I can’t rely on myself at times, who can I rely on?” Thrall smiled, readying his next move.

“There is truth in those words. Cairne Bloodhoof!” Thrall opened a portal, and out of it stepped a mighty creature. He appeared to Twilight to most closely resemble a minotaur, although his build was much more beastly. He also seemed to be far more aged than any other minotaur she’d ever seen.

The tauren planted a mighty spear into the ground by his side. “Take heart, young one. The Earthmother is near.” Triple S took a step back, and Twilight’s eyes went wide. If she had thought Thrall was a wise leader, Cairne was far more so. She sighed as Thrall called a totem to the field with his remaining mana. This totem was tall, and seemed to spark with electricity. A Wrath of Air Totem. Thrall ended his turn, giving Twilight control once again. She drew her card, smiling at her options.

“Well, let’s see how well this works. First, a pair of Octavias. Then, Mind Bend.” Twilight watched as a pair of grey mares, toting cellos, emerged onto the battlefield. As they did, they struck a few chords, and raised their bows in an offensive stance. Then, Cairne twitched. Thrall knew what it meant. But he did not show his reaction to it. Instead, as Twilight rescinded control, he drew his card and closed his eyes.

“Ancestral Spirit.” Thrall cast his spell over Cairne, who then turned on the Warden and struck it down. Cairne then turned his blade upon himself, killing himself. But, as Twilight watched, Cairne rose back to his hooves, fully healed and ready to fight. Alongside him stepped a second tauren, this one much younger and wielding a warhammer. Thrall smiled at his opponent, opting to use his remaining mana to cast a Mana Tide Totem, which allowed him to draw a card as he ended his turn. Twilight blinked, a little dumbstruck by what had just occurred.

“Well, that was a little unexpected,” She said, drawing a card. Twilight blinked again. She wanted to smile, but found herself at a loss. Her next move could grant her true victory. If it worked.

“Cerberus.” Twilight opened the largest magic portal yet, and a giant, black three-headed dog leapt out and landed on the field of battle. It roared and lunged at the younger tauren, Baine, snatching him up and devouring him. Cerberus blanched at the taste and leapt back to Twilight’s side, shaking the ground as he landed. Twilight then sent her other three minions at Thrall, finally landing her first hits and bringing the orc’s health down to twenty-three. Twilight ended her turn, smiling at Thrall. Thrall accepted the mana and drew his card, smiling at her.

“I can see that this fight has certainly taken a turn in your favor, young princess,” He said, smiling. “I don’t see a way around it for me. But don’t think I’m giving up just yet. Wolfriders, come out and fight! Sen’jin Shieldmasta, take up arms as well!” The three minions leapt onto the field, swords raised. The Wolfriders charged forward, striking down Triple S and attacking Cerberus, bringing his health down as well. Thrall gave control back to Twilight, who accepted it readily.

“Well played, Thrall. You’ve proven yourself a worthy adversary. But I plan on ending this as quickly as I can.” Twilight drew her card, the only move she had, and frowned. “Checklist.” She threw the card aside and drew another one, this one more to her liking. “Hmm, well then. Teleport.” She shot a magic bolt at the Shieldmasta, teleporting the minion back into a card and into Thrall’s hand. She then sent her minions forward, using her Octavias to take down the Wolfriders and striking Thrall with Cerberus, dropping his health down to fifteen. As Twilight ended her turn, Thrall crossed his arms and frowned.

“Well, if I can’t do anything now, you will win, young princess. Unfortunately, I’ve got tricks of my own. Feral Spirit and Lightning Storm!” Two more Spirit Wolves landed on the field, growling at Twilight as a rain of lightning bolts fell upon her minions. The Octavias fell, but in their place twin white unicorns, with neon blue manes and purple sunglasses, appeared. The Vinyls watched as Cerberus growled in pain, but stood relentless.

Thrall ended his turn, giving control back to Twilight. She frowned, drawing her card. Frowning, she activated her checklist power and exchanged cards, smiling. “Well, that’ll work. Negation Spell!” Twilight cast her spell, causing the wolves to fall. The three minions surged forward, all striking Thrall and bringing him down to one health. Twilight ended her turn, and Thrall regained control, drawing his card and frowning.

“Sen’jin Shieldmasta.” He called the troll out onto the field again. Following it up with a Wrath of Air Totem, he sent the wolves at the two unicorns, killing all four minions. He then ended his turn. Twilight drew her card and smiled.

“Bulk Biceps.” She watched as the snow white unicorn appeared again, then she sent Cerberus forward. It sacrificed itself taking down the Shieldmasta, but left Twilight with an open field. She gave control back to Thrall, who drew his card. He laughed.

“Hmm.... Well, I see no other option. You win this one, friend.” Thrall knelt down, holding his arms up in defeat. Twilight nodded, and, stepping down to the field of battle, strode over to the center. Thrall did the same, and the two meet in the middle. Twilight extended her hoof, and Thrall shook it, smiling. “You will go very far, young princess.”

____________________

Trixie smiled as her opponent threw his arms up and laughed. He laid a bag of gold on the table and stood, still laughing.

“You were a fine opponent, Trixie. I look forward to playing you again.” Trixie nodded.

“Indeed. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so helpless in battle. You played well, Mr. Whale.” Trixie rose and stretched as the Innkeeper strode over with another glass of cider.

“Well now, lass. I see you’ve done it again.” He laughed and patted her on the back. “Have another glass on me. I suppose you’ll be looking into another match?” Trixie accepted the glass and took a long drink.

“Of course. Just give me a moment.” She took another drink and lifted the bag of gold with her magic. “I want to count my winnings.”

Author's Note

Twilight Sparkle: Tactician
Special ability: Checklist: Discard one card and draw one card.

Cards used (Parenthesis used to distinguish cards unique to a character deck):
Shieldpony: 1 mana cost, 0/4, Taunt
Roseluck: 2 mana cost, 2/1, At the end of your turn, give one health to random friendly minion.
Memory Spell (T): 1 mana cost, Creates a copy of a card previously played by the caster. It costs 1 more.
Mind Bend (T): 1 mana cost, Choose an enemy minion: That minion is forced to attack a friendly minion during the next attack, then it dies.
Caramel: 4 mana cost, 5/2, No special ability.
Negation Spell (T): 5 mana cost, Silence all minions.
Bulk Biceps: 6 mana cost, 6/5, Taunt
Spike: 7 mana cost, 3/5, Battlecry: Search your deck for a single card and put it in your hand. Legendary Creature
Triple S (T): 8 mana cost, 6/6, Battlecry: Deal three damage to all enemy minions. if 1 or more survives, Triple S is a 3/3 creature with Taunt. Legendary Creature.
Octavia: 4 mana cost, 2/4, Deathrattle: Summon a 3/2 Vinyl Scratch
Cerberus: 10 mana cost, 8/10, Battlecry: If hero has taken ANY damage, destroy an enemy minion. If you do, Cerberus loses three health.
Teleport: 5 mana cost, Return an enemy minion to it’s owner’s hand. It costs (1) more.