The Quest Through Time

(A/N: For this part, the song I’m using is “Lord Ghirahim” from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

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Chapter 17

*“Ghidious!” Twilight exclaimed. “What are you doing here!?”

“I could ask you the same question,” Ghidious said, smiling. “A message was sent to me claiming you and your friends were sneaking around trying to take out our communications relay.” He then shook his head. “I’m surprised you let yourself be caught so easily. Celestia always did speak highly of you.”

“Oh really? Twilight asked, her eyes narrowing. “And what did she tell you?”

“You’re her star pupil,” Ghidious said pleasantly. “Among other things of course. I truly am delighted that we can finally talk face-to-face.” Twilight kept the same face and Ghidious’ smile faltered slightly. “Huh, yes she gave me that same look too once. I didn’t realize how much alike you two are.”

Twilight suddenly noticed the sword she was carrying started to glow slightly, as if it was reacting to something. “So what are you going to do, kill me now?”

“Kill you?” Ghidious laughed. “No, not quite yet. All of you may still be of some use to me. But for now, I’ll savor the moment and see if you really do have what it takes to stop me. Leave us.” That was directed towards the masked figures surrounding them and silently they departed.

(A/N: For this next part, the song I’m using is “Battle Ghirahim” from Skyward Sword.

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“That’s better,” Ghidious said. “Now then…” *All of a sudden Twilight was lifted off her feet and crashed into the wall behind her. “Tsk tsk, I would’ve thought Celestia taught you better than that. Now is the time to prove just worthy of an opponent you are.”

Twilight quickly got up and fired red pulses of energy from her horn. However, Ghidious was too quick, as he moved quicker than the eye could see, dodging her attacks. “Silly Twilight, simple attacks like that won’t defeat me. I am on a whole different level than Celestia.”

Twilight then felt as if a boulder was suddenly resting on her shoulders as she crumbled down to the ground. As much as she fought against it, the pressure she was feeling kept her down.

“Such a pity,” Ghidious said, walking up to her. “I really thought perhaps there was more to you than your name and title.”

Twilight then looked back at the sword and an idea crept into her head. “It’s all I have left.”

“Regretful actually,” Ghidious continued. “But I suppose getting rid of you would be a thorn out of my side.”

“You’ll find I’m full of surprises…” Twilight murmured, and using all the magic she could wield, caused the sword to strike at Ghidious. He managed to move away but the distraction was enough for the spell to dissipate as Twilight got to her feet.

Ghidious wiped away the blood on his cheek where she managed to scratch him. “Impressive, I did in fact underestimate you, twice now. If that’s the game you want…” A black saber then appeared before him. “…then I shall accept. En garde!”

Despite being unfamiliar using a sword, Twilight did what many amateur swordsmen do; she charged forward swinging with her magic but unfortunately Ghidious was quite the opposite. He blocked it easily and smacked her in the face with the end of his sword. Twilight suddenly felt dizzy but she had to keep going.

“Time your attacks, watch your opponent.” Artemis was speaking to her again but the helpful advice was her only way out of this.

“You may be many things but never a swordsman,” Ghidious taunted, circling her. Twilight stayed patient, tuning out his voice and when she saw him lower his guard slightly, she struck, getting him on the side. She doubted a flesh wound would do him in, but right now it was all about defending herself.

Ghidious winced at the strike. Clearly there was more to this mare than he thought. And that sword, it was the same one she carried years ago, he was certain of it. This all felt more than a coincidence. “Damn you,” he said. “I do not know how that sword still exists, but it doesn’t answer to just anyone. I’ve wasted enough time as it is. Go then and finish your quest here. Just realize I’m going easy on you this time because you’re still an interest to me, as well as your friends. Farewell for now, but we will see each other again very soon.” He then vanished and the area around her became quiet again.

Twilight then looked at the sword again and was awestruck by the sudden glow it possessed now. “What is this sword…?”

“This is no ordinary sword,” Artemis said. “It is a magical sword that had been forged centuries ago. It has different names such as Caledfwlch or Caliburnus, but it’s mostly known by the name of Excalibur.”

“Excalibur?” Twilight whispered in amazement. “The Excalibur? But I thought this sword was only a myth?”

“It is no myth and the fact that you are able to wield it is no small matter,” Artemis said. “As I’ve said, I am the Guardian of this sword and as my duty I will teach you the ways, to face the evil that lies before you.”

“Ghidious?” Twilight asked.

“Indeed, but now is not the time,” Artemis said. “I believe you have friends who are waiting for you.”

Arwen woke to the sound of her lock being cut off and she saw her cell door open. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” she said, rubbing her head slightly. She then saw the sword. “Not sure where you found that but could be useful right about now.”

“Rarity is not in here?” Twilight asked.

“Probably one of the nearby cells,” Arwen said. “Just… make sure to look who’s inside before you open the door. Won’t do us any good having psychopaths roaming the halls.”

It didn’t take them long to find Rarity who was still passed out. “Ugh, excuse me but I was enjoying my beauty sleep…” Rarity mumbled. She then found out where she was. “Good heavens! This place is disgusting! Please Twilight; let us leave this awful place.”

The three of them managed to get out of the cell room but this area was entirely new to them. “Wait, where are the guards?” Twilight asked.

“Possibly there’s a transition between the guards’ shifts,” Arwen said. “Either that or something big is going on.”

They didn’t have to go much farther before forced to hide behind the gate that led into a large pit. On the upper level there were guards posted but an altercation was taking place. “What did you say!? Say that again!” one of the guards, possibly a captain, yelled.

“You heard me; we’re here to collect the mare.” A group of Diamond Dogs appeared to be the ones causing trouble and they obviously didn’t feel too threatened with the other guards around. “Rumor has it she and her group infiltrated this base and now you’re holding her prisoner.”

“She did but the other two are high-value to Emperor Ghidious and are to be interrogated.” The captain said. “And since this is an Imperial base they are in my possession.”

“Bah, I don’t care about the other two, but those other two are still on the loose and are worth quite a bit of money. But the mare, well,” The Diamond Dog then snickered. “We’d make sure to take good care of her, he he.”

Arwen looked repulsed. “Charming…”

(A/N: For this next part, the song I’m using is “Theme of the Empire” from Final Fantasy XII.

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“Well I can’t help you, bounty hunters,” the captain said. “You’ll have to speak to our CO about that.”

“Your commanding officer can piss off for all I care,” the Diamond Dog snapped.

*“I think you may wish to reword that last sentence.” The front doors had opened and a pony, cast entirely in armor and helmet stepped forward. The helmet completely hid away his face but his figure was enough to strike fear into anyone.

“Y-You!?” the Diamond Dog sputtered, his two companions cowering behind him.

“Who is that?” Rarity asked.

“Judge Victus,” Arwen whispered. “He’s one of Ghidious’ highest ranked officers and a fierce warrior. He commands the Imperial Fleet and the Death Squad. The pony is rotten to the core and a heart of stone. He makes Ghidious look like a gentlecolt. He’s the last remaining Judge of the Empire however.”

“What happened to the others?” Twilight asked.

“Killed by rebel forces,” Arwen said. “Snowblind, Dax and I actually killed the last one, Ghis.”

“I hope this is important Captain,” Victus said. Even behind the helmet, his voice sounded dangerous.

“It is,” the captain said. “We captured three rebels who infiltrated the base. There were two others but we lost them, presumed killed. Two of them are apparently needed alive.”

“Yes, the Emperor has informed me,” Victus said. “And you are sure they are secure?”

“Of course sir!” the captain said. “The locks are magic-resistant.”

“I see,” Victus said. “Then explain to me why the Emperor contacted me only moments ago telling me they escaped?”

“I…” the captain seemed lost for words. “We’ll look for them sir!” He saluted quickly and ordered his troops to do a sweep of the entire building.

“The three of them are not to be taken lightly,” Victus said. “When they are captured, bring them to my shuttle.”

“Wait a minute!” the Diamond Dog said.

“This affair does not concern you, bounty hunter,” Victus said, walking away. “Unless you would rather make yourself an enemy of the Empire.”

The dog growled in frustration. “Find them!” he snapped at his two accomplices.

“And now’s our time to leave,” Arwen said. “Stay close, the place is going to be crawling with them now.”

“But how are we supposed to get out of here?” Rarity asked.

“There should be an airfield nearby,” Arwen said. “Once we get there, we can snag a ride out of here.”

“But we can’t leave Snowblind and Dax behind!” Twilight said.

“They already know what needs to be done and… if they are dead, well, then that’s what they would want us to do.” She then went up and tore off the vent cover above them. “There’s no way we’re going to get there the usual route undetected. Hate to say it, but it’s back through the vents again.”

Unfortunately, the vents were a lot more cramped than before, meaning all they could do was slowly crawl, hopefully not making enough noise to bring attention to themselves. Arwen must have gotten the whole layout of the base before hand since she knew where she was going. Once the coast was clear, she kicked out the panel and dropped to the ground. “Come on, the airfield is just outside these doors.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” Victus stood behind them, as if he appeared out of nowhere.

Arwen cursed silently. She looked at the two unicorns. “Go, I’ll hold him back as best I can.”

“No way!” Twilight said.

“We’re not leaving you-”

“Just do it!” She hit a button and the doors open. “I’ll be fine.” The two unicorns stared at her and then nodded and left. Arwen closed the door behind them.

“Your actions are noble,” Victus said. “If you were still with the Empire, I would find it inspiring instead of pathetic.”

“Like it or not Victus, you’ll have to get through me first,” Arwen said, grinning slightly despite her situation. “And don’t forget I was the one who killed Ghis.”

“Yes and I believe you needed your friends’ help,” Victus said, drawing a double-bladed spear. “Very well, if it is a fight you wish for, I will do it fairly and honorably. May the best pony win…”

Arwen clenched her teeth, drew her lance and launched herself at him.