Chapters Chapter 2: Royal Diplomacy
Chapter 2: Royal Diplomacy
The principle of give and take is the principle of diplomacy - give one and take ten.
As they walked into the throne room, the newcomers marveled every inch of the castle's majestic architecture. The guards occasionally glanced at them out of curiosity, but most of their attention fell on Lucatiel and Eduard as they were carrying massive swords which could easily cleave their bodies in two with one swing. This was complemented by Eduard's heavy armor and assortment of external weaponry, which gave him the appearance of a walking armory. But they knew there was nothing to be afraid of as one of their leaders were with them and they outnumbered the newcomers by three to one...or at least that's what they thought.
"Before we begin, I would like to re-introduce myself. My name is Princess Celestia, Princess of the kingdom of Equestria. Should you be wondering, you are currently standing in our capital city, Canterlot," Celestia stated. Her mystically flowing multi-colored mane was an alluring sight to behold for the newcomers who quickly turned their sights away after she finished her statement.
"Equestria? A name quite fitting actually," Eduard mused. "I am Ser Eduard the Steadfast, of Drangleic."
"I am Rosabeth of Melfia, Your Majesty."
Lucatiel took off her mask. "I am Lucatiel of Mirrah, Your Majesty."
The three gave courtly bows to the Sun Princess.
"Ser Eduard the Steadfast, based on your title; I assume you are a knight?" Celestia inquired
"Someone who specializes with the art of manipulating fire? Very interesting. It has been a long time since I last saw a pyromancer, as the last one in our land died centuries ago." Celestia smiled. "Now I believe all of you are wondering how the scroll you possessed brought you here, yes?"
"Pardon me, Your Majesty. But do you know about this particular scroll we are discussing right now?"
"Yes. A long time ago our parents realized that there were countless worlds in various timelines and realities which inhabitants may require a fresh start. Now they were not capable of reaching each and every one of them as that would be an overwhelming burden to bear; but they had another solution which could give some of them a chance to start their new lives here," said Celestia. She took a moment, letting the information to sink in. And then, she continued.
"Using a combination of various arcane arts, they created a powerful spell which could only be used by those with pure hearts. They engraved the spell's incantations in various displacement scrolls and scattered them throughout in hopes that one day, those who received the scrolls may begin their new lives here. You are not the first of your kind to arrive here, but it has been centuries since your kind first arrived here. He was a good and honorable man. If I am not mistaken his name was Salaman...the late pyromancer I mentioned earlier."
"Indeed, but I do not know who you are. But worry not, we will have plenty of time to talk later," Celestia said. "In the mean time, I shall grant you and your companions quarters within the castle, your needs and amenities will also be covered. For now, you are only allowed to stay there and await my summons. You will also be under supervision."
"My sincerest gratitude, Princess Celestia," Eduard said. "On the behalf of my companions, we greatly appreciate it."
"It is the Equestrian way to be kind and tolerant, Ser Eduard. Please do not do anything unfavorable here," she said.
"You have my word, Your Majesty."
"Do you have anymore questions for now?"
"Your Majesty, I have a question," Rosabeth said.
"Ask away, Lady Rosabeth," Celestia replied.
"What are you really?"
"I am an alicorn. We are the rarest, but also the most powerful among ponykind. We are able to harness the magical powers of the Unicorns, the flight abilities of the Pegasi, and the strength of a good, true heart of an Earth Pony," Celestia explained. "Is that clear, Lady Rosabeth?"
"Your Majesty." Lucatiel raised her hand.
"Yes Lady Lucatiel?"
"Your Majesty said 'our parents'...so, I assume you have brothers or sisters?" asked Lucatiel.
"Yes, I do have a sister; her name is Princess Luna, co-ruler of this kingdom. She is at rest now from her night court session, although I believe you will meet her soon enough." Celestia smiled. "My court is going to be back in session soon, Captain Lightning Spear will escort you to your chambers. That would be all, good day."
The three once again bowed before her, before proceeding to the throne room's entrance where a large, robustly built unicorn guard was tidying his short-spiky electric yellow mane before putting on his helmet. He looked like he was waiting for them. The unicorn possessed an orange coat, which was partially exposed from his armor's slits, short-spiky electric yellow tail, with blue eyes matching the blue plume on his helmet. And finally, he possessed some sort of marking resembling a spear imbued with lightning on his...thigh. Celestia also possessed similar marking, but her's resembled the sun itself; maybe Eduard will ask about the markings later. He was also armed with a large longsword, presumably a greatsword for a pony's size, which was sheathed on his back.
"Captain Lightning Spear?" Eduard asked as the group approached him "Why does his name sounds like my favorite miracle spell?" he thought.
"Ser Eduard the Steadfast I believe?" Lightning asked, "and his companions of course. I will escort you to your chambers, when you are ready."
The humans followed Lightning Spear as they walked through the castle's lavish yet elaborated maze of guarded hallways and stairs. Every once in a while they saw non-guard ponies such as, maids tending to the castle grounds, dignitaries, politicians, and other castle employees, but for the most part it was always guards. But regardless of their professions and status, every pony seemed to give them 'the look.'
"Don't mind them," Lightning said as they turned right on a corner. "They will get used to you all eventually. Just give them some time."
"We are used to it Captain," Eduard replied. "Where we came from, having someone looking at you in a strange manner without killing you first, is a blessing."
"Drangleic, yes? It must be hard living at such a place." Lightning replied.
"Yes, knowledge of combat is a must if you want to survive. The primary principle of living in Drangleic is kill or be killed," Eduard said grimly.
"In the past that is true, but I am sure civilization is returning to Drangleic once more thanks to Ser Eduard here," Lucatiel said while patting the knight's shoulder. Eduard was about to retort, but Lucatiel shushed him by patting his shoulder again.
"Impressive, then we should talk about your endeavors some time. Maybe with a big glass of something strong. " Lightning chuckled.
"Count me in." Lucatiel smiled underneath her mask.
And then, they continued chatting as they strode through the halls. Rosabeth's studious mind perked up as she began to ask various questions about the city, the castle, the ponies...pretty much everything, to which Lightning answered with complete fluency. Soon, they arrived on a set of moderately yet fittingly decorated double doors.
"We're here." Lightning said as he opened the door for them. "Come, let me show you the things you need to know about your room."
For them, the room was more fitting to a king's chamber than that of a guest's, as there were various luxuries and facilities that they were not able to enjoy or seen in Drangleic and it's surrounding lands. The room was a medium sized bedroom. There were three separate beds, each enough to fit a human being, another set of double doors which led to a balcony revealing a picturesque view of the valley they seen earlier. There was also a private bathroom with magic-based appliances, much to Rosabeth's excitement. A fireplace was also there. There were also fancy candleholders with unlit candles in multiple places. Numerous paintings and tapestries hung on the walls; recounting events of times long passed or just abstract paintings. In addition, various furniture such as a large wardrobe and dressers were placed in multiple spots in the room...all exquisitely made with fine craftsmanship.
"Now that you know about your room, do you need anything else before I go?" Lightning asked.
"No, thank you Captain," Eduard said.
"If you say so. One more thing...call me Lightning, forget my rank in situations like these." the unicorn chuckled.
"Then you can call us by our names, in situations like these," Eduard said.
"Then I shall let you rest, good day." Lightning saluted before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
With that, the humans chose their beds and began to disarm themselves. Rosabeth took off her hat, boots, and satchel before grabbing a towel and bathrobe from the wardrobe and stepped in to the bathroom to take a bath.
Eduard took off his Black Knight Greatsword along with its scabbard from his back and placed it against the wall next to his bed. He took off the rest of his weapons and placed them beside his large blade. Then, he took off his helm and stripped his armor, revealing his green padded defensive jacket and trousers, arranged them neatly from helmet to his boots before observing them. His armor was practically worn as he didn't get the chance to repair his armor set back in Majula as the scroll rush didn't let him to do so. He reached for his satchel, took out a pouch of repair powder, and started sprinkling them all over his armor set and gears of war, causing every dent, scratches, and all other forms of damage to vanish instantly.
Lucatiel was already taking off her armored vest before arranging them neatly with the rest of her gear, leaving her white long-sleeved undercloth and brown trousers. Eduard passed her the rest of the repair powder before arranging his armor pieces by improvising a coat hanger stand into an armor stand. Lucatiel smiled as she began sprinkling the golden powder all over her gears, causing the same effect.
"Eduard?" Lucatiel asked as she stored her vest inside the wardrobe.
"Yes?" Eduard mumbled as he stood on the balcony, observing the breathtaking view of Equestria's nature.
"Do you think it is all over now? That we can now live normal lives here, without having to worry about our safety in each passing day?"
Eduard walked back in to their room. "Well, for now...it is. We are being treated very kindly even though we are strangers to this land.
"I cannot argue with that," Rosabeth said while sitting on her bed, Lucatiel also agreed on that. "But now I am very curious about this Salaman...if they keep any records about him and his pyromancies, I can learn so many things about primordial pyromancy!"
"Hold on there little sister, you are starting to resemble that old paledrake." Eduard laughed before climbing onto his bed.
"Whose soul you claimed after you defeated that giant spider...Freja was it?" Lucatiel inquired.
"Yes, and how does Shalquoir refer to him?"
"Oh it's like that awful traitor long ago..." Rosabeth mimicked Shalquoir's signature tone when she told them stories around the Far Fire, and the whole room exploded into laughter. Moments later, the laughter died down. The humans reclined on their beds, letting their minds and bodies to rest after the struggle they have been through. Moments later, Rosabeth began to snore in an audible yet lovely manner.
"Is she asleep?" Eduard asked before yawning himself. Lucatiel inspected Rosabeth who was lying on the bed next to her's and nodded.
"Feeling tired, Eduard?" Lucatiel asked as she approached his bedside. "There are no hollows nor bloodthirsty brigands here."
"You will not be needing my shoulder again?" Eduard smirked, Lucatiel returned the smirk before landing a kiss on his forehead, much to his surprise.
"I will not." she winked. "Now go get some sleep," Lucatiel said before climbing onto her own bed and soon dozed off as well.
Eduard reclined back on his bed and gazed at the ceiling before fatigue took over his body.
It was already at dusk when the humans woke up from their sleep. The light of the setting sun shone through the windows, painting the room with an ethereal orange glow. Refreshing blows of the afternoon winds swept in through the balcony and cleared the humans of their drowsy state.
"Peaceful is it not?" Lucatiel asked while walking to the wardrobe in order to retrieve her vest before quickly putting it on.
"It is...it might take us a while to get used to this," Eduard said while sitting on his bedside. "Rosabeth, we used to practice at this hour yes?"
Rosabeth chuckled before drawing her Estoc with her left hand from her magic satchel and conjuring her pyromancy flame on her right hand.
Before Eduard could answer, there were three knocks on the door. Rosabeth quickly extinguished her pyromancy flame, put away her Estoc, and went to the bathroom to get dressed.
"A moment please," Eduard said as he answered the door. In front of the door, stood Lightning Spear...still clad in his armor. The Royal Guard Captain gave Eduard a salute which he was still baffled about...but at least, he knew it was a form of salute.
"And I thought we are in an informal situation." Eduard laughed. "Please, come in."
Lightning thanked him and stepped in to the room.
"Good evening, ladies." the unicorn greeted both Lucatiel and Rosabeth. The two greeted him back.
"So what is it? I assume this not our time for a drink?" Lucatiel asked.
"No, unfortunately. But we will get to it sometime." Lightning smiled. "Princesses Celestia and Luna have requested a private dinner audience with the three of you. Don't worry it's not an uptight formal event. There will be just the five of you, chatting and dining. I will escort you when you are ready."
But before Lightning left the room, an idea popped in his head. "Hang on a minute. In exception of Rosabeth, the two of you would take a century to clean yourselves up. Now close your eyes."
"For what?" Eduard asked.
"Just do it!" Lightning said as he charged his horn with magic. The two did that, and with a burst of yellow light, Eduard and Lucatiel looked like they were ready for a coronation. Looking fresh, tidy, and clean. Even their clothes seemed like they were made yesterday.
"That was a shower spell." Lightning smiled. "Very helpful for us guards. Now, shall we?"
"Give us a moment to put our boots on, then we shall go," Eduard said.
Once again, the humans navigated the castle's lavish yet elaborated maze of guarded hallways and stairs. Unarmed and unarmored. It was nightfall, and the moon's rays shone through the large stained glass windows, lighting up the hallways in a spectrum of colors conjoined by the orange glow produced by the chandeliers above.
"You are not wearing your mask," Edward commented as Lucatiel did not wear her mask on their way to the dinner. She and Rosabeth also left their hats in the room.
"I will not be needing it now." Lucatiel smiled beautifully, complementing her already beautiful complexion. "Is there something wrong?"
They noticed that the guards changed. Instead of the white-coated ponies in golden armor who guarded the halls during the day, these night guards possessed dark gray coats, tufted ears, and cat-like vertical slits for pupils. Most even possessed bat-like wings. Like all guards before, they eyed the newcomers as they walked.
"Who are these guards? They look...different." Rosabeth asked.
"They are Princess Luna's guards, a branch in the Royal Guard forces. The Night Guard. Instead of guarding during the day, the Night Guards, as you can see for yourself, guards the night," Lightning explained. "They are most active at night and can see very well in the dark, which is why they are fit for their jobs."
"Fit? You mean 'perfect'?" A night guard with bat wings stepped forward from his post as the group passed by "Captain Lightning Spear." the guard saluted.
"Captain Nightshade." Lightning returned his salute. "I am not a Night Guard, you know better."
"Guiding our new guests I see." Nightshade smiled. "Greetings." he greeted the humans, which they returned.
"Now, I would like to stay and chat but the Princesses called for us," Lightning said. The two snapped quick salutes before Lightning and the humans continued their travel.
"Very well. Oh, and Lightning?"
"Yes?" Lightning stopped in his tracks, looking back at Nightshade.
"About that drinking game, was it a tie last time?"
"How can we both know? We were drunk!" Lightning chuckled before continuing his walk with the humans.
"Sounds like fun. Maybe we should join that game sometimes," Eduard said.
"You have never tried Equestrian Ale do you?" Lightning smirked. "Lets see if you can still stand after a glass or two."
Eduard smiled and the group continued in silence, navigating through the castle.
"We're here," Lightning said as they arrived on a large set of large lavishly decorated set of double doors. The waiting guards opened the door for them and Lightning stayed outside.
"You are not coming?" Rosabeth asked.
"The Princesses asked for you, and it's not a formal dinner so you will not need me to announce your arrivals." Lightning winked. "Go on then."
As the humans walked in, they noticed that the room was a very large decorated banquet hall with large windows overlooking the beautiful gardens just outside. The main table stretched nearly as long as the room itself and was empty except for the very end of the table where Princess Celestia and another mid-night blue alicorn sat with multiple plates of vegetarian meals in front of them. But for the humans, they were paradise compared to eating rotten food or drinking dull Estus in an everyday basis.
Seeing the Princesses, the humans bowed.
"Greetings." Celestia greeted them. "Thank you for joining us tonight. However I have to say, all of you certainly look different."
"Princess, we do not see the necessity to wear our suits of armor nor carry our weapons as we see there are nothing to fight against here. I hope our relations can remain pleasant during our stay." Eduard smiled.
"As do we. Please, have your seats." The humans walked to the table and took their seats. "May I introduce Princess Luna, my sister, and co-ruler of Equestria."
"Greetings, and welcome to Equestria." Luna smiled. "My sister told me about all of you, so I believe introductions are unnecessary. Now, all of you must be hungry. Please, enjoy your meals."
And then, they began to eat their meals. During the dinner, the humans subtly observed how the alicorns used their magic to eat with the most primarily used being levitation; but nevertheless, they kept on eating before soon finishing their meals. Seeing this Celestia levitated a bell before ringing it in mid-air, and before they knew it, servants walked into the room and took away the used dishes, glasses, cutlery, and other forms of tableware from the table. Moments later, two mare unicorn servants entered the room. One brought in a jug of wine and five corresponding glasses, neatly arranged on an exquisite silver tray in her magic grip; while the other one brought in a brown-covered book with golden linings, complemented by a bottle of ink and a quill dipped in it, with a similar manner. They elegantly put the items on the table, bowed, and left the room.
"Please excuse us, I believe you are not accustomed with our ways. As I have mentioned before, we are also able of harnessing the magical powers of the Unicorns. This horn is not for show." Celestia laughed.
"Actually, we are rather impressed," Eduard said. "It is pleasant to see that magic could also be applied other than combat purposes. In our world, such spells are rare." Celestia stood up to pour the wine into the glasses but Eduard stopped her politely.
"Please Your Majesty, allow me." Eduard smiled. Then, he poured the wine into the glasses and distributed them to those seated on the table. After he was done, they thanked him and took a sip from their glasses. Then, Celestia tapped the book with her hoof and the book magically opened with the ink-dipped quill floating just above the paper.
"This magic note book will record everything you say, so we may later store it in our archives at the Royal Library. I hope you do not mind," Celestia said.
"Not at all Your Majesty." Eduard smiled.
"Now, where were we? Ah yes. I suppose, you are hinting that most of the spells used in your world before are combat oriented?" Luna asked.
"Exactly, Princess. However, there are also non-combat spells such as spells used for healing or auxiliary purposes."
"Can you perhaps demonstrate these spells now?" Another question from Luna.
"Forgive me Princess, we do not have the necessary catalysts as we left them in our quarters, nor the appropriate place as our spells can be very destructive," Eduard explained. Lucatiel and Rosabeth also voiced their agreement.
"That can be arranged later, Luna. Do not rush everything." Celestia intervened, seemingly to break her little sister's uncontrollable burst of curiosity. Luna slumped back to her seat, letting the sense of rationality sink to her mind. "Please excuse her, Ser Eduard...Luna's curiosity could get ahead of her sometimes."
"It is of no problem Princess." Eduard smiled before taking a sip of wine from his cup.
"In any case, what can you tell me about your homeland of Drangleic?" Princess Celestia inquired.
"That could be a very long story, Princess," Eduard said. "I am afraid our tales will just bore you."
"Nonsense, we have a lot of time and are very curious about your homeland. Is it not for this very reason we are having this talk after all?" Celestia smiled.
"If Your Majesty says so." The knight smiled before turning to Lucatiel and Rosabeth with a smirk, which made them realize that this conversation would be anything but short.
"At the dawn of Drangleic, the great King Vendrick crushed its former inhabitants and built the kingdom on the souls of the four Old Ones. With the help of his elder brother Aldia, Vendrick made Drangleic into a prosperous and powerful nation..." Eduard began his story.
"Here we go again..." Lucatiel rolled her eyes.
"And that is how you put an end to the curse..." Celestia concluded. The jug had already been emptied of it's content, yet the conversation continued. For their sake, the humans avoided going into the harrowing details of their endeavors as remembering them too much would only burden their minds and possibly breaking the Princesses' sanity.
Lightning Spear had taken Rosabeth back to their room as the strong wine knocked her out halfway through the story.
"I cannot guarantee that will be the end of the curse. What I did just restarted the cycle of Light and Dark. A new kingdom may rise and prosper, but one day...it shall fall as well. Just like Drangleic. Anything that has a beginning also has an end...no flame, however brilliant, does not one day splutter and fade. But then, from the ashes, the flame reignites, and a new kingdom is born, sporting a new face. It is all a curse, destined to play out over and over again," Eduard said grimly. For the Princesses however, the knight's words were not just a statement for it was what they learned and lived through.
"It sounds like a terrible place to live in." Luna sighed sadly. "I wish no offense to any of you...but we are happy you found that scroll."
"We just want to live the rest of our lives in peace, Your Majesty," Lucatiel said. "I - We are done with bloodshed."
"I understand," Celestia said. "We shall speak again tomorrow, preferably with a less serious topic. Now, all of you need to rest. Goodnight Ser Eduard, Lady Lucatiel." The Sun Princess smiled.
"Goodnight Your Majesties." Eduard returned her smile and bowed with Lucatiel before leaving the banquet hall.
When they got back to their room, the two found that some of the candles were lit and found Rosabeth sound asleep on her bed...mumbling something about fireballs. Near the main table, they found a tray with a jug of water, three glasses, and a white phial containing some sort of potion inside. On the tray, there was also a note written in a small piece of paper, which to their surprise, was written using alphabets they understand.
"Should there be hangover, mix a bit of potion with water." - L
"We have plenty of common fruits to rid us of the effects...but I suppose there is nothing wrong with trying," said Lucatiel while climbing onto her bed.
"I suppose...but honestly, I do not feel anything," Eduard replied while also climbing to his bed. "Other than the Princesses, Lightning is the nicest of ponies we have known so far...if it was the other way around, I am not sure what will happen to them."
"True, but it seems now we are the ones ending up in their land. In a land as peaceful as this, I do not think we will get into a fight anytime soon. Just like I said before, I want to keep on living the rest of my days in peace. To keep on living no matter what," Lucatiel said as she inspected the tiny message inscribed on her blade before putting it down in its place.
"Is that what you promised your brother?"
Lucatiel nodded.
"It is getting late...today has been a very long and strange day for all of us. We should rest," Lucatiel said. With nothing left to say, the two went to sleep. However, various thoughts kept them from sleeping properly that night.
The humans woke up at dawn. It was a very peaceful morning for them as the biggest incident was Rosabeth vomiting in the bathroom due to her hangover, but with a glass of potion Lightning gave them last night, she was back to normal.
"I guess I still need to get used to alcoholic drinks..." Rosabeth said as she slumped back to her bed. Lucatiel handed her a glass of water, which she took and drank.
"Everybody have their moments." Eduard chuckled as he patted Rosabeth's shoulder. "You will get used to it."
That morning brought them fresh winds and the most spectacular view of sunrise they had ever seen in their lives as the celestial object rose over the mountains at the most perfect perspective. After early morning preparations, they were already busy tending to their weapons, armor, and equipment. Rosabeth spent the morning on her bed, reading a thick book titled "Equestrian History and Culture" which she read out loud to herself, Lucatiel, and Eduard who were excising and cleaning tending to their weapons respectively so that they may at least have a description about the new world they were living in.
"So, Princess Celestia is the one who controls the sun, Princess Luna controls the moon, and therefore days and nights respectively?" Eduard concluded.
"Yes. And the markings we saw on the ponies' flanks are called 'cutie marks'. Which magically appear on a pony's flank once they have discovered their special talent in life," Rosabeth said cheerily. "I wonder what caused Lightning's cutie mark to appear..." she wondered.
"And the most powerful magic in Equestria is the magic of friendship? Which are currently being controlled by six mares? What are they called again...Elements of Harmony?" Lucatiel added.
"Yes, and yes. They have bested great obstacles, some of these threats were so great, that it could doom Equestria should they fail. Together, they restored Princess Luna from her evil self, a being of darkness known as Nightmare Moon. Saved Canterlot by repelling an invasion by shape shifting creatures known as Changelings, reformed a being of chaos known as Discord, and banished an evil magic-draining being known as Tirek," Rosabeth said out loud. "These are just some of their greatest achievements, and I am sure they will accomplish more in the future. But for me, their greatest achievement is to preserve their camaraderie no matter how bad the circumstances."
"While also doing many great things for that matter." Lucatiel chuckled.
"But didn't we manage to do many great things as well?" Eduard smirked.
"Yes, but they achieve these things without killing a single soul. Is it not better if we could do things that way?" Lucatiel replied.
"Mmm hmm...but our world does not work that way."
"Regardless, it would be a great honor if we can meet them!" Rosabeth chirped. And then, there were three knocks on the door. Lucatiel answered the door and Lightning walked in with a large food cart and what seemed like a half-eaten floating flower sandwich in his magic grip.
"Now would you look at that, I thought this is supposed to be kitchen work rather than guard duty." Lucatiel chuckled.
"The Princesses appointed me as a liaison between you and the Royal Guards which means we will be seeing each other much more often." Lightning smiled. "Eat up, Princess Celestia personally ordered me to show you around the castle. Afterwards, you will have full freedom to roam this castle and it's grounds. And if I am not mistaken, there will be special guests for you later."
"And who are these special guests?" Eduard asked.
"I thought you like surprises." Lightning smirked before taking a bite of his sandwich.
Everfree Forest, Ponyville's Outskirts
A hooded figure, clad in nothing but black awoke in the Everfree Forest. He found it strange as the last thing he remembered, he was reading the incantations of an old spell scroll he found earlier in the Shaded Woods before tossing it into a bonfire to get rid of it, as the scroll did not imprint new spells in his memory. His mentor told him to be careful around spell scrolls and to treat them with respect, but his frustration told him otherwise. And now, he ended up in the strange forest.
The figure got up, and observed his surroundings with his piercing green eyes...
"This is definitely not the Shaded Woods..." The figure mumbled to no one in particular. He noticed that all of his weapons and equipment were with him and completely intact. He wielded a black and white shield decorated by intertwined serpentine dragons on his left arm, and a peculiar black staff with a twisting body on his right hand, giving it an impression of two interlocking black serpents. He also possessed an old yet very durable lightning imbued straight sword sheathed on his belt, a total of four rings were attached to his two fingers on his left and right hand respectively, and of course, his trusty magic satchel.
He was still uncertain, whether the forest he was standing in was merely his dream or not. To prove it, he punched a nearby tree and pain seared through his fist. Convinced he was not dreaming nor dead, he proceeded to walk away as his honed instincts guided him to do so.
Author's Note
And that's how it's done!
Again, a big thanks for XIII Hearts for editing this chapter.
For those of you who don't know or perhaps forgotten about Dark Souls 1, Salaman the Master Pyromancer is a mentioned character there. As his final fate was left to our speculations, I decided to make him the first human who arrived in Equestria by the scroll.
Actually, that displacement scroll idea may seem quite cliche at first...but let me know what you guys think in the comments!
Also, I want to tell you...GREEN LIGHT to OC submissions
That's all from me for now, hit that thumb's up and star button if you like this story, and please do tell me your thoughts in the comments because I really wanna hear out from you guys
See you in the next one guys! Lightning Spear out!
Author's Note
Hey guys, Lightning Spear speaking!
Before I start, I want to thank my editor XIII Hearts for editing this chapter. You're the best, man!
Usually I'd put this on the bottom, but I would like to introduce Grey! Shadowsciver and he is the first OC to be accepted into the story. Grey is a rogue-hexer type of build which means this guy is a ninja who's blasting foes with dark magic/hexes.
Grey's armor set is the thief hooded mask, shadow armor, fume sorcerer leggings, and manchettes of judgement. He wields a Heide Knight Sword, Black Witch's Staff (right hand), and Watchdragon Parma (left hand). His rings are Southern Ritual Band +2, Chloranthy +2, Steel Protection+2, and Pilgrims of the Dark covenant rings.
In my previous story, Sentinels of Equestria , I made separate chapters about OC biographies. I was thinking to do the same with this one, but...that would ruin a lot of would-be cute and cuddly moments in this story, so more information about him and other OCs accepted in the future will be revealed as the story goes.
About the OCs however, I'd like to inform you all that this will be the last chapter where I will be accepting OCs. Because I want to avoid adding too many characters to the fray, not to mention I still have my own characters in my disposal. I hope you can all understand.
Uh, that's all from me for now and enjoy this new chapter!
Chapter 3: Grey
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - Ian Maclaren
Everfree Forest
It was a regular day in the Everfree Forest. The trees swayed back and forth as a strong gust of summer wind blew pass their treetops before fading into a calm breeze, the birds sang in perpetual harmony and happiness in the trees they nestled in, and a certain yellow pegasus mare was collecting some wild flowers on the forest floor...
"Fluttershy, we gotta go!" Rainbow Dash called the mare, hovering above her. "Twilight and Rarity said we have to get ready for today's meeting at Canterlot!"
"Um, just a minute!" Fluttershy replied as she put another flower into her basket. "Aaand done!" she smiled.
Before anypony could react, a familiar beastly roar was heard. Fluttershy dropped her basket in shock and huddled to the ground.
"Manticore," Rainbow said while landing beside her and picked up Fluttershy's basket and putting some of its spilled content back in. "Don't worry, Flutters. By the sound of it, the manticore's pretty far away."
"But w-what if somepony's in danger? We s-should at least take a look." Fluttershy said while hovering up from the ground, a slight yet unusual tone of bravery in her voice.
"Uh, you're right. But stay behind me, okay?" Rainbow said while looking at her friend. Fluttershy nodded, and the two flew deeper into the forest.
Grey woke up from his nap at a top of a tree after easily escaping from the manticore. It took him only minutes to escape the manticore by climbing up a tall tree and waited for the manticore to give up, which it did moments later after vainly ramming the tree with its body in hopes of knocking him down from the top. He knew he could have handled that manticore, but for him; why fight when you can flee? Save him the trouble.
"I told you Fluttershy! There is nopony here. The manticore's gone too. We've been circling this place for hours already!" a raspy feminine voice said from below his position.
"O-okay, I’m just making sure nopony got hurt," another voice said, this one much softer than the other voice.
Grey looked down from his positon, expecting to find human females leading to civilization. But instead, he saw a couple of small, multicolored, winged...horses? No, too small to be horses...perhaps ponies would be more appropriate, walking side by side. He leaped to a closer branch below him for a closer look.
The one on the left had a yellow coat, and gigantic blue eyes. All jokes aside, they looked as big as his fist! Her wings were tightly attached to her body, as if she was scared. Her mane and tail were both of light pink, a much more cheerful color than he's ever seen back in Drangleic or anywhere else in his homeland. In fact, that was the most vibrant color he had ever seen in his entire life. Her head was hanging low. She looked to be a timid one. There was a marking on her flank which seemed like three pink butterflies, which was very strange to Grey.
"I must be out of my mind." Grey thought as he put his parma on his back, held his staff with both hands, and quickly descended the branches before landing silently with both legs on the ground, right in front of the winged ponies. For Rainbow and Fluttershy, shocked would be an understatement. Having a faceless, shadowy, two-legged creature suddenly appearing in front of you wouldn't be the most pleasant of situations, nor would it benefit you with the warmest of greetings.
Before Grey could even apologize for his "dynamic entry,” Rainbow's wings flared and the pegasus was airborne.
"Well, she CAN fly." Grey mused. But nevertheless readied himself for anything. Her reaction could be that of shock and only shock, but it could be a start of combat.
As fast as a streaking arrow, Rainbow shot through the air with her right leg stretched out, planning to deliver a flying kick to his face. However, Grey's honed reflexes shot up through his veins...before the kick impacted his face, he ducked. Target missed, Rainbow's kick impacted a tree behind Grey...sending small splinters of wood to the air. Wasting no time, the cyan mare attacked again.
"Stop Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy cried. "Please, let him speak!"
"HA! Like I am going to do that!" Rainbow roared. Having enough, Grey decided to end this needless confrontation. Seeing Rainbow delivering a straight kick towards his head, he sidestepped the attack, got behind her, and grabbed her wings with both hands before quickly seizing Rainbow to the ground. Rainbow flailed like a fish out of water, but her resistance was cut short when Grey used his staff to bar Rainbow's wings in an incapacitating manner.
"Listen, I mean no harm to you and your friend. I just wish to return to civilization. But, should you keep fighting...I will have to dislocate your wings." Grey said. Rainbow was not going to let this strange creature defeat her...her ego was greatly bruised.
"Please..." Fluttershy squeaked, tears were already wetting her eyes. Seeing this, Rainbow reluctantly yielded, and Grey let her go. The prismatic mare galloped towards her timid friend and tended to her.
Grey kept his distance as the two conversed, musing about his plans ahead in this new world. For Grey, after getting to a nearby civilization, he would immediately ask to speak with the local leader or with luck...he would find a library, where he could learn more about this new world. A few moments later, the two pegasi approached him...
"We will take you back to civilization, pal," Rainbow said. "But if you try anything, I'll--"
"You can kill me with my own sword if I try anything," Grey replied. "Is that fair enough for you?"
His statement took rainbow aback. She was at a loss for words. She never killed anypony before, nor she ever wanted to do so. But for the sake of her appearance as Fluttershy's only defender at the moment...
"Fair enough," Rainbow said. Inside however, she gulped and her stomach twisted as she said those words.
But nevertheless, they began their trek back to Ponyville.
The three walked in an almost complete silence, with Rainbow and Fluttershy leading the way. The chirping of birds, wind breezes, and occasional chatters from the two mares were the only voices accompanying them. But other than that, there were no other voices. Even for Grey, who usually traveled alone, thought it wouldn't be good for them to stay silent for the rest of the trip...he also realized that the forest fiasco was partly his fault.
"I do not know if this is enough, but if my apology still means anything...then I am truly sorry about what happened back there," Grey said. Hearing this, the two mares stopped and turned to look at him.
"Yeah, it's okay buddy, we’re cool. Nice move back there." Rainbow smiled.
"Please forgive her, Rainbow could be a bit jumpy sometimes," Fluttershy added.
"I understand. That is what I would do if I were in your shoes..." Grey replied before quickly scanning his surroundings. "I suggest that we keep moving, the other eyes are watching." Taking heed in Grey's suggestion, the group once again resumed their journey. Their trek through the forest didn't last long. Moments after their conversation, they arrived at the Everfree's edge, near Fluttershy's cottage. The three headed there and sat at the cottage's porch to catch their breaths. Fluttershy went in, and sometime later, came out with a tray and three glasses of water on her back and served it.
"Anyway, I never got your name," Rainbow said as she drank the entire glass of water in one gulp. "Whew, I needed that."
"My name is Grey," he said while pulling down his mask to drink his share, and thus, revealing his face to the mares. Like his eyes, his face was made of flesh and blood, completely alleviating them from their fear of the unknown. "You are Rainbow, I presume?"
The mare nodded "Rainbow Dash. Rainbow is fine."
"And I am Fluttershy," the aforementioned mare introduced herself.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both." Grey smiled underneath his mask, his expression readable only from his eyes. "I am sincerely thankful to you both for taking me this far, but I think I will take it from here. Do you know who must I speak to?"
"Oh, you should talk to Princess Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville. Hey, now that you mentioned it...we are heading to her castle. You should come with us," Rainbow suggested. "Aaaand, for security reasons. I don't know what the ponies there will react like when they saw you...not to mention the guards there. So it's better if you come with us."
"I agree, I do not know where her castle is anyway." Grey chuckled.
"Okay, let's go."
However, before the three could leave...a powerful burst of purple light exploded directly in front of Grey's eyes, greatly disorienting him. Grey fell to the ground, his vision blackening out. The last thing he remembered before falling unconscious was Rainbow and Fluttershy rushing towards him with a lavender winged unicorn looking down with concern.
Lightning and the humans strode through the gardens of Canterlot Castle. It was noon, but the lush vegetation and refreshing mountain air greatly reduced the heat for them. Having shown his newfound friends around the castle, he decided to take the humans for a walk at the gardens before continuing to the barracks where they would meet the guards. Soon, the four came across a small fountain used as one of many other resting points should one got tired in traversing the massive gardens.
Rosabeth was tiring out, evidenced by her profuse sweating and panting, but kept pushing forward. However, the rest of the group noticed this.
"Rosabeth, do not push yourself. If you need to rest, then you should rest. This is a walk in a park, not a battlefield," Lucatiel said.
"Come on, take a seat right here," Lightning said as he patted a nearby bench. Rosabeth was about to refuse, but Eduard shushed her with a touch to her shoulder.
"Fine..." Rosabeth groaned before taking her seat.
"Lightning, may I ask you something?" Lucatiel spoke.
"Go ahead."
"Are there any sort of training grounds here? It has been quite a while since we last practiced, and we do not want to dull out and become useless," the knightess said.
"Of course, feel free to practice there anytime you want. I understand that feeling of rustiness." Lightning smiled. "Say, what do you think about the three of you joining the Royal Guard? I am sure we can use knights like you."
The three were obviously stunned by Lightning's statement. As far as things have gone, the guards did not treat them as enemies...they could be cold, yes...but not hostile. Should there be any crisis in the future, fighting alongside the Guards would be their greatest will and honor. But they knew it was too early to make a decision.
"We will think about it, Lightning. It is still too early for us to decide," Eduard said.
"Don't get me wrong, yeah? I am not conscripting you. It is entirely your decision. But, should you say yes, I can talk to the Princesses right away," Lightning said.
"Thank you, Lightning." Lucatiel smiled. "It’s a good thing to know that our expertise can be useful here."
Lightning smiled. Suddenly, Lightning closed his eyes and seemed to be in deep concentration. But strangely, he was nodding his head as if he was talking to somebody else through ethereal means. After quite a while, Lightning opened his eyes. Seeing the humans' appalled reactions, Lightning quickly explained himself.
"That was Princess Celestia. She contacted me by telepathically, mind-to-mind communication."
"What did she say?" Rosabeth asked.
"We have been instructed to travel to the town of Ponyville. It seems that Princess Twilight Sparkle is taking care of a human in her castle. Which according to her, she accidentally knocked out. Usually, Princess Celestia herself would go during situations like these, however she needed to be elsewhere now. You know, Royal business." Lightning said.
The humans were surprised that more of their kind have arrived in Equestria, excited that they finally got the chance to meet the heroines, but also cautious as they didn't know what might happen or who this human was. Perhaps they could gain a new ally or lest, an enemy.
"Well what are we waiting for? We have to retrieve our equipment," Eduard declared.
"I got you, now come closer. I’m going to warp us back to your bedroom chamber."
Grey slowly opened his eyes and rays from the afternoon sun shone through his eyes. He was gazing at a high-arched blue marble ceiling that reflected the sunlight passing through the large stained glass windows in a large, lavish bedroom. He was still a bit dizzy due to that energy explosion, but other than that...he was fine. So he got up and sat on the bed. Grey realized that he was unmasked as he saw his hooded mask and other equipment being neatly placed on a large wooden table nearby.
"And there goes my anonymity. But at least I did not end up in a dungeon or a chopping block." Grey sighed. Soon, his attention fell on a small cyan ball with rainbow hair, which was sleeping peacefully on a lavish sofa just across the bed Grey was sleeping in. A strange yet oddly pleasant feeling warmed his chest...Grey smiled and shook his head at the sight, not with that of disapproval but rather with admiration as nobody he had known ever had been this kind to him.
His childhood was very dark one to be called. He was raised at an orphanage in his homeland of Mirrah where children there had to fend for themselves. Food and healthcare there was bad, so children there would often get sick and even die due to disease or starvation. This was no exception for Grey. When he got sick all he received were stale food and some harsh words from the caretakers there whom he had known for years. The same thing happened when he was all battered and wounded as he was drafted to Mirrah's Order of Shadow Knights. The training he receive there was very rigorous, so much that the word 'brutal' could be used to perfectly summarize his training condition. Death and disablement were common for the new recruits. Once, an arrow pierced through his thigh's artery during an agility-reflex exercise, but instead of helping, Grey's superiors beat him up and told him that it was his fault. Same goes with every kind of failure. Long story short, people that he had known for a long time treated him badly. Yet, those whom he just met and known had treated him with kindness and compassion. They were not even humans for that matter.
Grey decided to let Rainbow rest a bit before waking her up as he started to put on the rest of his gear. But this time, he decided to not wear his hood and mask just yet. He quietly strode to where the young pegasus mare was sleeping and shook her lightly.
Rainbow stirred from her sleep and her eyes went wide as she saw Grey standing before her.
"Hey you’re awake!" Rainbow said as she stretched her limbs. "How are you feeling?"
Grey smiled. "I am quite fine, thank you. How long was I unconscious?"
Rainbow glanced at a nearby clock and tried to estimate the time from when Grey was knocked out until the moment he woke up, but it was hard to tell as she was sleeping herself.
"I'd say...three hours," Rainbow said with her right hoof placed under her chin. "Come on, Princess Twilight Sparkle and the others are waiting to see you."
Grey crooked his eyebrow. "What can I expect there? Truth be told, I’m not well versed in formalities."
Rainbow laughed. "Then we’re all on the same boat. Twilight herself is not really used to formalities. Aside from this crystal castle, we do have a talking baby dragon if that is strange to you."
Grey's ears perked upon hearing this. "A talking dragon?! Please, I need to see this baby dragon for myself!"
Grey possessed a strange fascination with dragons, as he was seeking for knowledge of the lost. As far as he knew, there were no more dragons in his old world. Although he encountered numerous drakes during his travel to the Dragon Aerie, according to the records he had read, the drakes were not true dragons as they were seen as undeveloped imitators of the dragons, but were likely their distant kin. Now he had the chance to meet a talking baby dragon, which hopefully would not try to kill him as the drakes did.
"Alright alright!" Rainbow laughed. "But can you do something for me?"
"Since you stayed with me this entire time, I will do it."
"Can you not wear your mask for now? When we carried you to the medical room, everypony else got pretty freaked out when they saw you with that mask on."
"It is of no problem. Besides, it wouldn’t be appropriate to have an audience with the Princess with my mask on."
"It is not so bad actually..." Rosabeth commented as the train from Canterlot finally sped towards Ponyville under the afternoon sun.
"I told you so." Lightning smirked from his seat next to him.
"So, tell me...is that lightning magic common to all unicorns?" Eduard asked as he put his greatsword against the car's wall, took off his helmet before storing it in his magic satchel along with his straight sword.
"Quid pro quo, if you want some answers you better be prepared to give some yourself." Lighting smirked while also looking at Rosabeth and Lucatiel.
"Fine, I will answer all of your questions when we get to Ponyville. I doubt the Element Bearers will have little questions to ask."
"Fair enough. Even though she is a Princess, Twily is still very studious as she was Princess Celestia's protégé." Lightning chuckled.
"How come can you get to call the Princess with a nickname? Oh, you must be someone special to her." Rosabeth smirked.
"Well, as a matter of fact...I am her cousin." Lightning smirked back at her. Rosabeth just sat in front of him with disbelief written on her face.
"So, to put it to conclusion...you are a member of the Royal Family. Should we call you Prince Lightning Spear from now on?"
"Oh Celestia, please don't. I may be a member of the Royal Family, but I prefer my status as a Royal Guardspony Captain...I can't imagine the stress with politics, royal occasions, and things like that. Even Twily is still getting used to her new title. She will ask you to call her by name." Lightning chuckled.
"Well, that means we are in the same boat after all." Lucatiel smiled.
The four laughed in unison.
"Well, it’s still at least three more hours before we reach Ponyville...we should rest while we can," Lightning said. Soon, he and Rosabeth dozed off in their seats.
Lucatiel laid her head on Eduard's lap before playfully smiling at him, which he returned. Usually she would go for his shoulder, but since his steel spaulders were in the way, she chose another alternative.
"You should go to sleep, Luca." Eduard gently brushed some of Lucatiel's hair away from her face. Seeing Lucatiel without her mask on always made him smile, in his eyes she looked gorgeous...perfect in every way. Half-hollowing or not.
"You have not called me that in a while..." Lucatiel said, her expression suddenly changed from a playful smile to sadness. "My brother used to call me that all the time."
"I know..."
Lucatiel looked up at the ceiling, and tried to pull herself together. Alsatiel's death was still fresh in her memories no matter how hard she tried to get over it. Not to mention the fact that she was the one who killed him. However, she loved hearing her nickname being called out by Eduard. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice that Eduard's hands intertwined with hers. After she finally realized the contact between them, they looked at each other deeply. Even though his hands were covered by cold unfeeling steel gauntlets, she still felt warmth and comfort radiating from them. They continued this for a while before Lucatiel spoke again...
"I do not mind if you call me Luca."
"Are you sure?"
Lucatiel nodded. "I need to get over things like this anyway."
"I do not think anyone could easily do that, but if this makes you happy and allows you to heal...I will do this for you."
Lucatiel could feel her cheeks warming up in each passing second, hearing the gentleness in his voice.
"True, Alsatiel died. By my own hands, if I may add. But if it were not for him to disappear, I would’ve never gotten the chance to meet you."
Eduard couldn't help but to smile, and the two looked at each other with happiness radiating from their hearts.
"We should rest, we may have a fight in our hands soon enough," Eduard said.
"Let’s hope that would not happen..." Lucatiel smiled. "But should it come to it...I will always be by your side."
"And me as well." Eduard said before gently kissing her hands. Lucatiel smiled at him and started to drift off to sleep in his lap. Eduard watched as Lucatiel inhaled and exhaled slowly. He found himself gently stroking Lucatiel's blonde hair...feeling satisfied just by doing so. Soon, he too began to get sleepy and fell asleep with Lucatiel still on his lap.
Three hours later...
"And that, Twilight...is how I finally got to Fluttershy's cottage," Grey said as he finished his story about how he got to Equestria. The meeting took place in the castle's study room. It was a large, open room with windows and a balcony at the end. Chairs and tables were everywhere with piles of books and documents on top of them, complimented by a seemingly endless shelves filled with books of various ages and some even looked they were hundreds of years old. Twilight told her friends that she was going to have this session alone with Grey, promising that they would get all the time they wanted with him after she finished her session.
"I...see," Twilight mumbled from her seat in front of him. "Once again, I am very sorry for what happened Grey. I hope you hold no hard feelings towards us."
"It is of no problem, Princess- err, Twilight." Grey smiled. "Um, Twilight, a question if I may."
"Sure."
"You said before that I am not the only human here...true?"
Twilight smiled, confirming his statement. "It is true. In fact, they should be arriving shortly."
Just as she said that, a Royal Guard entered the room before whispering something to her. Hearing his words, Twilight's smile beamed and she turned back to Grey.
"They’re here!"
Chapter 4: Knights of the Blue
"Chivalry is the quest for a personal code of honor in an unfair world." - unknown
Cathedral of Blue, Drangleic
Blue Sentinel Targray gazed into the never-ending waves crashing against the shores of Drangleic. Seemingly deep in thought.
They kill twice as much compared to what they did in the past, becoming more vicious and prominent than ever in their tactics. Blood is flooding Drangleic once again, and it was time for Knights of the Blue to act.
"You summoned me, Blue Sentinel?" a deep voice spoke behind him.
He turned around and saw a hulking man, clad in a suit of armor hewn from a massive boulder complemented by a massive black greatsword hanging on his back and an equally sized patterned greatshield on his left hand. His fingers were adorned with rings, and like many others he possessed a magic satchel on his hips.
This man was known as Gervasius the Nimble Mountain, one of the most respected members of the Blue Sentinels. Despite his heavy armor and weaponry, he remained an agile fighter. Hence his title, Nimble Mountain.
"Welcome, Knight of the Blue. How fares your journey?"
"It has been treacherous, Sentinel. As you may have been aware of, members of the Brotherhood of Blood are taking many more souls without discrimination. On my way here, I dispatched four of them. 'Tis a good thing that the curse has been removed. Now the dead can stay dead."
"As I am aware of, proud knight. Now we shall wait for another."
As Targray spoke, a woman emerged from the cathedral's bonfire stairway. She was clad in an engraved black steel armor and boots, adorned by a tattered red cape emblazoned with an image of a dragon. A pair of leather gloves, usually worn by court jesters, covered her hands. A rather strange choice of combat gear, however jesters were also known to be lethal assassins. A black hat, typically preferred by witches sat on her head, partially obscuring her face.
Two katana blades rested on her hip, one was much longer than the other. And of course, her magic satchel.
This woman was known simply as Seraphi.
Contrary to Gervasius, she was feared rather than respected in the covenant's ranks. She mostly kept to herself, and stayed away from others unless she was needed. However, she kept her distance from others for their own good. Due to her suffering from an extreme case of post-traumatic stress disorder, in certain situations, she would go into a trance of fury, attacking everyone and everything in sight indiscriminately.
"Hail Blue Sentinel!"
Targray acknowledged her presence and beckoned her to stand beside her comrade.
"Hello Gervasius, it has been too long." She smiled softly.
"Too long indeed Seraphi. Too long," replied Gervasius while putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Now to get to the matter at hand," Targray said while producing a certain scroll from his magic satchel and showing it to his subordinates. Receiving no answer, he continued.
"This scroll is known as The Peacemaker's Oath. One of the very few displacement scrolls ever found in Drangleic, this kind of sorcery is primeval, and very little is known, as the only displacement sorcery we've known so far would be the way you get yourselves around with the bonfires. Other than that, this sorcery remains a great mystery," explained Targray.
"Recently, two of these scrolls were used. One in the coast settlement of Majula and the other far inland, possibly deep within the Shaded Woods. Since then however, the Brotherhood of Blood began taking more and more innocent lives than before. Not just killing, they butchered their victims afterwards. Our knights have reported mutilated corpses hanging upside down in many places. Completely skinned and drained of blood."
As Targray continued, Gervasius could feel anger rising within himself. What sort of twisted minds would treat other people as if they were nothing but hunting games? However, no matter how hot his fire may have burned, Gervasius felt a hotter, darker flame burning from Seraphi. Knowing her condition, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to snap her back to the moment, which worked out perfectly.
"Blue Sentinel, how exactly does one use the scroll? This may help with our search," asked Seraphi.
"Proud knight, simply by reading the incantation and tossing the scroll into a bonfire, it will take you to another world...or so they say," replied the Blue Sentinel.
"Then we should focus our search on the bonfires' vicinity," Seraphi concluded.
Gervasius nodded and took out his helmet from his satchel "Shall we be off then?" Gervasius asked while putting it on his head.
"Let’," answered his companion. They gave Targray a quick bow and headed down the stairs leading to the cathedral's bonfire.
Sometime later, in the Shaded Woods
As Gervasius and Seraphi materialized in the bonfire at Shaded Ruins, they quickly eyed their surroundings of any present danger. Aside from the cold and eerie silence, nothing seemed to be threatening them.
The two Knights of the Blue quickly scoured their surroundings, focusing their search around the bonfire. After moments of searching, the knights concluded that the result was null and void.
"Someone was certainly here before," Gervasius said while taking off his helmet, placed it inside his satchel, and picked up a discarded waterskin from the ground, still partially filled with liquid.
He opened the cap, gave its content a good sniff and tasted it a bit. Good, plain water. Seeing it was not the time to waste any resource they could muster, Gervasius slid the waterskin drinking bag into his satchel.
"No more leads however," said Seraphi. "Majula it is then?"
"What do you say if we walk there? Perhaps we can learn more things on the way there, and we can exchange stories if it pleases you," Gervasius suggested.
"I don't see any reason to decline...of course, why not?" his companion agreed.
"Very well. However, remain on your guard. I doubt the dangers of this place have disappeared completely."
The trek from the ruins have been peaceful. Gervasius and Seraphi navigated through the misty woodlands, basking in the unusual tranquility in Drangleic. Usually it would only be a matter of time before they clash with invaders from the Brotherhood of Blood, being summoned by those who believed in the Way of the Blue, and so on. However, their paths were clear for the time being.
They were just arriving at the Ruined Fork Road bonfire when suddenly their noses caught a scent they know very well.
The stench of rotting flesh.
They quickly looked down, and found a trail of blood leading down the pathway to Majula. Gervasius and Seraphi nodded to each other, and followed the trail.
They were just exiting the ruins when they found a flayed corpse hanging upside down from a nearby tree.
Seeing this, he flicked a throwing knife from his satchel and threw it to the rope, severing it instantly. The lifeless body fell with a thud and the two closed in for a quick inspection.
"Just like Targray said..." Seraphi sighed, a hint of sadness visible on her face. "Gervasius, look at this...he was one of us," she said as he lifted the corpse's arm which the ring finger was adorned by a Guardian's Seal.
"We do not have the time to prepare his body for funeral, we must notify the Blue Sentinels," Gervasius said while retrieving the ring from the corpse's arm. "May light shine upon you brother."
"Come, we must hurry...this body is not that old," Seraphi said.
As they continued to push forward, more and more flayed corpses were encountered. Their numbers grew into a point where dead bodies practically decorated the dead trees on the path.
As they approached the small prison leading to the woodland's entrance, a shrill scream pierced through the air from inside the prison. The two knights rushed to the scream's source and found a man wearing nothing but tattered leather armor and armed with a rusted shortsword, ripping apart a young woman's dress. Nearby, four scrolls made of human skin were stacked.
"A virgin's meat...so juicy....so tender! mhmhmhmhm!" he said as he traced his tongue on the woman's exposed skin.
However, before the man can do anything further, he felt himself being pulled and thrown to the wall behind him. The force was not lethal, but it was enough to knock several of his teeth out and smashing his lips. Gervasius stood between the young woman and the man who was trying his best to get up. Seeing her cue, Seraphi moved the girl to a safer place in the room.
Gervasius noticed a Crest of Blood etched on the man's ring finger "A member of the Brotherhood are you not?"
The man spat the blood from his mouth and without hesitation charged at Gervasius. The knight just stood there, not even bothering to dodge or block with his greatshield the attack as it was not necessary. The moment the point of the sword impacted the armor, the shortsword shattered, unable to pierce through the heavy solid rock armor.
Gervasius bashed the man with his greatshield, and pinned him to the ground with it.
"Now...listen to me very carefully," he said in a low-menacing voice. "You are going to answer my questions, or I will start breaking your bones."
"I am not telling you--AAAARRGGHHH!!!"
Gervasius stomped the man's sword arm. The combination of both sheer power and the heavy rock leggings easily crushed the unprotected hand.
"It's not too late to reconsider your option," said Gervasius while taking out a soul gem from his satchel. "I will trade you something for that arm."
No response.
"As you wish." Gervasius was about to crush the man's leg when he screamed.
"STOP! PLEASE STOP!"
It was then when Seraphi rejoined him, drawing out her lightning uchigatana and pointing it at the man's eyes.
"You best tell us the truth. If I even think you twist so much as a single word, I will gouge your eyes out. Are we making ourselves clear?"
The man nodded frantically.
"First, what are those scrolls?" Gervasius asked.
"A gateway t-to another w-world, we call it the Hymn of Blood."
Suddenly, a lightning spear streaked through the air and towards their position. Gervasius and Seraphi were able to get out of the way in time, but the man they were interrogating however were not so lucky, the lightning frying his insides, killing him.
The two looked at their assailant, and Seraphi's eyes burned with rage.
"Callen..."
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 6: Urban Skirmish
Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man - Henry Adams
Eduard, Grey, and several Royal Guard archers were perched on the rooftops above the street where Trixie's performance took place, carefully eyeing their surroundings for any sign of danger.
The humans, now a part of the Royal Guard, have been sent to Manehattan with Captain Lightning Spear and a platoon of guards to deal with a gang of rampaging minotaur rioters led by Iron Horns. Their target of choice; street performers and their audiences. They could strike fast and disappear faster, thanks to the help of their cells here in Manehattan.
Luckily, the cells produced defectors who thought that all the killings must be stopped. And so, they spilled all information regarding the terror cells in Manehattan.
Princess Luna's Spooks, assassins of the Night Sanctuary, will handle the dismantling of the terror cells, while the Royal Guards will handle Iron Horns and his gang.
They had caused a lot of casualties, and Equestria's highest echelon agreed that the rioters should be put down.
Things were going just fine, with no signs of trouble whatsoever, until Trixie shot a beam of bright light from her horn, resulting in a blinding flash.
Every eye on the crowd fell on the group of humans, their gazes formed a strange blend of both curiosity and fear. Gervasius was about to rouse his companions back from their unconsciousness when he felt a sudden presence behind him.
A threatening presence.
Instinctively, he turned around and brandished his Crypt Blacksword and Greatshield of Glory in a defensive posture toward a dark alley behind him. This caused gasps from the crowd, as the size of Gervasius’ weaponry was much larger compared to anything they have ever seen, yet he wielded them as if they were nothing but feathers.
And true to his suspicions, moments later, a towering minotaur clad in iron armor walked out from the alley, with a sword twice larger than Gervasius, and pointed threateningly to him...and the crowd of ponies. In his peripheral vision, he noticed that Seraphi and Elaine were still recovering from their displacements.
With no intention of communicating, the creature charged at Gervasius. In this situation, normally Gervasius would have simply moved aside and let the attacker rammed a stone wall or, even better, fall into an abyss. However, if he acted as such now, the only thing that the minotaur would be ramming would be the crowd of ponies.
He knew not what situation he had gotten himself into, but he knew when a threat was afoot.
He focused his greatshield’s defensive stance and braced for impact.
Just then, a small explosion of blue light impacted the minotaur's back. Seconds later, the minotaur dropped to the ground with an arrow embedded in its back. The armor near the impact vicinity was severely dented as well.
Dead. By then, Seraphi and Elaine have recovered.
"Magic arrows?"
At that moment, ten more minotaurs appeared from the alleys nearby with their large weapons brandished.
With no hesitation, they charged towards the crowd. However, their aggression was stopped cold as a yellow energy barrier surrounded the crowd in lightning speed. Despite their attempts to bypass the barrier, the minotaurs' efforts were futile.
Some minotaurs, which were close enough to the newcomers however, were more interested in tearing the humans asunder.
"DUCK!" Elaine shouted to her companions before she quickly fired two arrows from her Hunter's Blackbow at two charging minotaurs.
An arrow found its way to a minotaur's eye socket and the other to the second minotaur's unprotected neck gap. Having been stunned, Gervasius and Seraphi made quick work of their attackers.
Behind them, pained roars were heard.
As they realized what had happened, all attacking minotaurs were slain or too injured to fight as multiple arrows and crossbow bolts pierced their bodies.
However, just as it seemed they were in the clear, Royal Guard archers surrounded them from all directions with bows and crossbows at full draw aimed at them.
The newcomers were too confused to comprehend what happened and where they were, and now they were being threatened by armored talking multicolored ponies. Despite their small size, their aims are not to be underestimated.
Tension started brewing in the air.
The trio didn't want to hurt what seemed to be the inhabitants of this land, yet they will defend themselves if necessary.
"Stand down soldiers! We came here for Iron Horns' gang," Lightning boomed with his amplified voice as he stepped out from the crowd with Eduard and Grey rushing to his side, still carrying their Dragonrider Bow and Avelyn crossbow respectively. With a nod from Lightning, the guards began dispersing the crowd back to their homes.
The archers lowered their weapons and Eduard stepped in to confront the newcomers, slinging the bow to his back and taking off his helmet which he tucked under his left arm. For a split second, he wondered who could they be, but as soon as he wondered, his own memory answered the questions.
"Gervasius the Nimble Mountain. Well, I’ll be damned."
"Eduard the Steadfast. I thought you were dead," said Gervasius as the two exchanged handshakes.
"Sitting on a chair will not kill me. How did you get here?"
Gervasius pulled out the Peacemaker's Oath scroll from his satchel. "I assume you arrived by the same means?"
"Correct. So, has Drangleic become such a shit hole that Equestria has become a destination for our kind?"
"I think it’s best if we speak in private. A hint, it is about the Brotherhood of Blood." Gervasius whispered out the last part.
A chill ran up from Eduard's spine. Being a former member of the Blue Sentinels as well, he had his share of fights with them as well. And it was not a pleasant experience as some of them had driven a sword or two to his stomach.
"I see. Well, it’s time we get out of here. Captain Lightning?"
Eduard glanced at Lightning Spear who was locked in an argument with Trixie.
"You have no right to shut down my show!" Trixie yelled.
"Even if Iron Horns' gang is gone now, we need some time to make sure that everypony is safe to perform on the streets once again. Please, we are doing this for your own good!"
"And who are the Royal Guards to say what's good and not for me?!" the magician snapped.
"And what will you do if those minotaurs appear again?" Lightning retorted.
Trixie fell into silence.
"Look, I am sure the Royal Treasury will compensate you for the losses."
"Really?"
Lightning nodded.
"And one more thing. I am coming with you to Canterlot to see that my losses are compensated with my own eyes, captain. That is not negotiable."
Lightning was about to say no and enter another round, but seeing that Eduard has got 'the look' on his face, Lightning refrained himself and sighed.
"Suit yourself."
Trixie beamed with a smile and crunched Lightning into a hug; the sudden hug was unexpected, and the guard captain awkwardly returned the hug.
"Celestia is going to have my head for this..." he mentally slapped himself.
Trixie was still clinging to Lightning, but when she saw Grey walking towards them, she let go and cowered behind the captain.
"You sure handled that well." Grey smirked underneath his hood.
"Grey, Trixie. Trixie, Grey," Lightning introduced them, swiftly evading the course of Grey's subject.
Trixie timidly stepped forward and extended her hoof which Grey bumped with his fist, a pony custom which he was getting used to.
"Okay, we'll wait for the Rapid Cleaner Troops to arrive then we can go," Lightning told Eduard. "Looks like we have some more introductions on the way."
"The more the merrier." Eduard chuckled.
"Captain Lightning, is it? A question if I may." Seraphi asked.
"Lightning is fine. Ask away milady."
"Which one is Iron Horns?"
"Oh, that's him over there, the one you stabbed." Lightning gestured to a hulking dead minotaur lying on the pavement. "Impressive, milady."
"Like I said, the more the merrier." Eduard slapped Lightning's shoulder.
Author's Note
And something just got updated
As always, thank you to XIII Hearts for being such an awesome editor.
I know, most of you are wondering if I am dead right now but hey guess what I am still here!
I just started college recently so life is kind of a female dog now, busy busy busy. But in my spare time I am vomiting up words to work on those neglected stories of mine.
I will be shifting story to story so I can balance the others out as well, and I will do my best to deliver the newest chapter to you guys ASAP.
Until then, stay awesome guys!
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Chapter 1: The True Victor - Remastered (edited by XIII Hearts)
Chapter 1: The True Victor - Remastered (edited by XIII Hearts)
"It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll
Far Fire, Majula
Shanalotte sat on her usual spot; a boulder by the bonfire in Majula, peering into the glowing ethereal flames with thoughts swirling in her mind and conscience. She felt it; everyone felt it; an overwhelming sense of relief deep within their souls. The moment when the Cursed Undead put Nashandra to rest, the moment when he sat on the Throne of Want to finally restore the balance between Light and Dark and end the curse of undeath.
That was it. Her journey has ended. What would she do then? It doesn't matter. At least she can finally live the rest of her days in peace. She was suddenly interrupted when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. She slowly looked back, and found Rosabeth smiling kindly at her.
"Are you alright?" Rosabeth asked. "You've been acting like this since your return from the castle."
"I am doing just well," the Emerald Herald replied with her signature enigmatic tone. "Do you see anything wrong with what I am doing?"
Shanalotte nodded, "But now we have lost a great hero and a dear friend. But such is the cycle of life. You lose something to gain something."
"Or perhaps there is something more than that?" Chloanne teased as she joined the two near the bonfire. "I see you are still wearing what Eduard gave you. Are you sure you have no feelings for him?"
"No!" Rosabeth retorted with a beet red face, still visible even to her dark-red-tan skin. "I still wear this hunting attire because it's the most comfortable protective clothing!"
Before any of them could respond, the bonfire's flames burned brighter at a drastic rate. The trio shielded their eyes to prevent themselves from going blind, and moments later a figure materialized from the bonfire in a kneeling position.
A large masculine figure clad in Forossan Lion Knight suit of armor wielding a long black-bladed great sword in his hands. A magical straight sword and a priest's chime on his hip as his secondary weapons, complemented with a quiver of various arrows attached on his lower back. And finally, his trusty magic satchel where he could keep an unlimited number of items.
The figure stood up, and eyed his surroundings before finally laying his eyes on Chloanne, Shanalotte, and Rosabeth. He put his weapon on the ground and took off his helmet; revealing dark brown, short hair almost fully covers a chiseled, charming face. His green eyes watched carefully over those they cared for so long. Some scars have found their way to his face; leaving bittersweet memories of his past battles and adventures.
This was the face of Ser Eduard the Steadfast, a true victor over fate.
Before Eduard could even say a word, Rosabeth dashed and locked her hands behind his neck just as Eduard wrapped his hands around her torso. Embracing each other tightly.
"By the gods, we thought we lost you!" Rosabeth said when they let go of each other.
"And so did I. But instead, here I am. It's good to see you again Rosabeth." Eduard smiled before picking up his greatsword and helmet, which got tossed away during the embrace before turning to Shanalotte and Chloanne. "And how are the two of you?"
"We are doing just well." Chloanne chuckled before the two briefly hugged each other. "It's good to have you back."
"Where are Lenigrast and Melentia?" Eduard asked. True indeed, aside from the sea breeze Majula has been awfully quiet as no hammering
Suddenly Chloanne's expression changed from happy to sad "They are in the mansion...come with me." With that, the four walked to the mansion.
"I see Gilligan is not here anymore," Eduard said as they passed by the spot where Gilligan used to sit.
"A lot of people have left this place. Master Carhillion, Gilligan, and Saulden are the ones who have left," Chloanne said as they stopped in front of the mansion's door.
"Did they tell you where would they head next?" Eduard asked again.
"Master Carhillion is roaming the land in search of greater strength, Gilligan went back to his homeland, while Saulden just...disappeared," Rosabeth said.
"Shalquoir left Majula as well," Chloanne added.
"So the only ones left here are us, Maughlin, Cale, Lenigrast, and Melentia," Eduard concluded.
"For now, yes," Chloanne replied. With that, they entered the mansion.
As they walked through the corridor, Eduard took notice that there were no undead piglets in sight. When the group got upstairs, they found Lenigrast and Melentia lying on makeshift beds in the dining room, seemingly very sick and near death. Maughlin, who had regained his senses, and Cale were also there, doing their best to make the two feel better on their last minutes.
"I k-knew you'd be around soon. G-go on, show me w-what you got," Lenigrast said as he saw Eduard and the group.
"Y-you again? Keh heh heh," Melentia greeted him. Eduard put his weapon aside, took off his helmet, and immediately rushed to their bedsides without taking notice of Maughlin and Cale, but they didn't seem to mind, as there were greater matters than mere reunion.
"With the curse broken, the undead may now die instead of going hollow. And the hollows may now find peace in death," Shanalotte said.
"What are you talking about? You’re going to be just fine."
"Me time is almost u-up. Th-thank you, keh heh heh."
Lenigrast also called Chloanne and handed her a letter before whispering something to her ears, which caused her to cry bitterly. With that, Lenigrast and Melentia closed their eyes forever and their bodies dispersed into countless of fading souls.
"So...what are we going to do now?" Rosabeth wondered as the last of Majula's inhabitants gathered around the bonfire.
"I...don't know. But I believe all of us are free to do anything now," Eduard said as he held on to the scroll Melentia gave him.
"I still can't believe my father's gone." Chloanne sniffed. "It seems I am destined to find him only to lose him again."
"I am sure Lenigrast is at peace now, already passing on his last will and telling the truth," Cale the Cartographer said as he put his hand on Chloanne's shoulder comfortingly. The stone trader smiled softly.
"By the way, have you found out what that scroll is for?" Maughlin asked.
"This scroll looks like a miracle or sorcery incantation, but I am not sure. There is something...different about this tome. As far as I can tell, this is not intended for battle. Peacemaker's Oath, is the name," Eduard said.
"Here let me see," Rosabeth said as Eduard handed her the scroll. "Hmm, this is definitely-- I have never seen you in Majula before." Realizing Rosabeth was talking to a new visitor, everybody turned their heads. They saw a knightess whose face was hidden underneath a metal bearded mask; complemented by a greatsword and round medium shield on her hands.
While most were being quite intimidated by the knightess, Eduard knew her very well. Not only the knightess was a trustworthy ally and skilled combatant, she was a dear friend to him. The knightess removed her mask/hat, revealing a bright smile and a fully healed face with cornflower blue eyes, which complemented her beautiful complexion.
"I would think not," The knightess said.
"Lucatiel?" Eduard asked as he stood up and walked towards her. Lucatiel also did the same. Gradually, walking turned into running and both knights embraced each other tightly.
"I thought you've left for good..." Eduard whispered while his arms locked behind Lucatiel's back and Lucatiel locked her arms behind his neck. Tears of joy poured out from their eyes and ran down their faces.
"I was going to, but then..." Lucatiel let go so Eduard could have a better look at her, "this happened. So I believe, you must have succeeded in breaking the curse. Thank you."
"It is my genuine pleasure," Eduard said. "So, are you staying? Or will you--" Lucatiel shushed him with a soft smile that said 'yes'. Eduard smiled in return.
"Now, let's get you acquainted with the others shall we?" Eduard said while gesturing her to go first. "After you milady." Lucatiel replied with a playful jab to Eduard's chest-plate.
After Lucatiel was introduced and briefed about what just happened, Rosabeth, Eduard, and Lucatiel decided to delve deeper into the mysterious scroll by seeking the help of a certain Mage in Lost Bastille while the rest decided to call the day off and rest.
"Feeble cursed ones!" Straid of Olaphis said his usual catchphrase at the newcomers after he inspected the scroll. "This is a displacement sorcery; an item of great power which should not be taken lightly!"
Fortunately, as the curse was already broken there were no hollows or in this case chained prisoners in sight. Eduard and Lucatiel were very glad because of this as they remembered that fighting them weren't tasks of amusement.
"A displacement sorcery?" Rosabeth spoke up. "I never knew that such a spell even exist!"
"Feeble cursed one!" Straid scoffed. "Displacement sorcery is primeval and very little known. The only displacement sorcery we've known so far would be the way you get yourselves around with the bonfires and that feather held by the other feeble cursed one," he said while gesturing at Eduard. Lucatiel instinctively drew her greatsword and pointed the tip at the mage's neck. But Straid did not even flinch.
"By your command, I will run this insolent through," Lucatiel said without taking her eyes away from Straid. Aside than being dumbstruck with the words 'by your command,’ Eduard calmly walked forward and pushed away the tip of Lucatiel's blade. The knightess calmly stepped backwards and sheathed her weapon.
"Very good, very good indeed." Straid laughed.
"How do you even use the scroll?" Eduard inquired.
"Just read the scroll's incantation, and toss it to a bonfire," Straid simply replied. "Feeble cursed one, make sure you have the best of thoughts before you use this spell. I do not usually say this, however; I wish you well wherever this spell may take you."
"Goodbye old friend," Eduard said before firmly shaking hands with Straid. "Oh, one more thing. You do realize that the curse is now broken, yes?"
Straid nodded.
"Then for heaven's sake stop calling people feeble cursed ones! You will need it when civilization is revived," Eduard said.
Straid laughed. "I cannot help it. Besides, all of you really are so terribly weak."
Eduard rolled his eyes before walking down the stairs with Rosabeth and Lucatiel in tow.
"This place brings back a lot of memories," Lucatiel remarked as they sat next to each other by the Saltfort bonfire. They decided to take a walk in the Bastille before heading back to Majula as it gave them time to think; and with no hollows in sight the Lost Bastille was almost entirely vacant. Rosabeth decided to return to Majula first via the bonfire with the scroll so the two can have some time alone to catch up.
"Aye, the Lost Sinner. What a good fight that was." Eduard chuckled while taking off most of his armor, leaving only his green padded defensive jacket and boots before setting them down neatly. "But I am sure you were the one who delivered the killing blow."
"You parried her blow and I stabbed her heart," Lucatiel said. "No, we both did."
"Lucatiel, back with our business with Straid...you said 'by your command'," Eduard mused. "Why did you say so?"
Lucatiel chuckled. "Forgive me, you remind me of my former lord."
"Former?"
"My dear lord was gravely wounded in battle, infection manifested and his condition deteriorated rapidly. Cut off from the rest of our forces, I did all I could to help him; to no avail. He ordered me to do it; and so I obeyed his command."
"Forgive me, I shouldn't have asked."
"It doesn't matter," Lucatiel said. "It is a knight's code of honor to stay loyal to his or her lord."
"So tell me, Lucatiel. Why do you want to stay here with us?"
"For one, I have nowhere else to go. I am now without a lord, and my brother Alsatiel...is dead."
"I am very sorry for your loss, Lucatiel. I wish I have known him," Eduard said while placing his hand on her shoulder, giving the fallen knight a moment of silence, Lucatiel smiled. "But, you still have your family in Mirrah do you?"
"Yes, but I don't know what's become of them. They could very well be dead or fell prey to the curse," Lucatiel said. "A knight without a lord is as good as a peasant, what good is there to come back? I lost my home and family in Mirrah, and I don't think I can abandon the ones I hold dear here."
"Am I included?" Eduard smirked. Lucatiel replied by leaning her head on his shoulder.
"We should rest. When we were undeads we may not require sleep; but I believe we are no longer undeads. So sleep is paramount."
"What?"
"Can we...stay like this?" Lucatiel asked. "And how about you?"
The knight was startled, but he knew the immediate answer. "Of course. I will take watch, the hollows maybe gone but I doubt bloodthirsty brigands are. Besides, I believe you need to sleep more than I." Eduard chuckled. "Sweet dreams Lucatiel."
Lucatiel replied by snuggling her head on his shoulder before soon falling asleep. With that, Eduard carefully reached for his satchel, took out his journal, and began a recount about what happened that day.
Lucatiel woke up slowly a couple of hours later. Eduard knew she was returning from her dreamworld as her body tensed up as if she was ready to fight.
"Good morning milady," Eduard hummed while closing his journal, already finishing his story and a sketch of Lucatiel's face. Saying good morning was actually rather strange as the Lost Bastille was no place for the sun. But as a matter of habit, he said that anyway
"By the way, what was that?" Lucatiel wondered.
"What was what?" Eduard asked her back, hoping Lucatiel didn't' see him sketching her face.
"Nothing, I was just teasing you." Lucatiel smirked. Eduard couldn't help but to playfully pinch her cheeks, before playing with them like rubber.
"Erf, stofp ift!" Lucatiel squirmed.
"Say the magic word."
Lucatiel rolled her eyes and Eduard loosened his pinch. "Stop it, please," she groaned.
"There, much better." Eduard smirked before quickly putting on his armor.
"Where are we going now?" Lucatiel asked.
"Back to Majula I guess...Rosabeth and the others might be looking for us."
"Hello," Lucatiel greeted Eduard softly as he sat by the Far Fire and stirred him from his thoughts. "You have been thinking about this again, have you?" she asked while sitting beside him. After holding a meeting with the residents of Majula, Eduard offered them a chance to go with him; but things did not go as he expected.
He nodded.
"I understand that you want to take everybody with you. To escape this cycle of Light and Dark, and begin with a fresh start. And that is very noble of you," Lucatiel spoke. "But they have to make their own choices, and it is not within our power to change them."
"Until my last breath," Lucatiel said. "Besides, what would you do without me?" She smirked as she nudged his armored shoulder, much to his amusement.
"Are we ready?" Rosabeth asked as she approached them from behind with the rest of their friends in tow. "I am fully stocked for our journey ahead, are both of your satchels stocked?"
"Yes, we have everything ready," Lucatiel said as she and Eduard stood up. "I guess it is time to say our goodbyes... Eduard, aren't you going to say something?"
Eduard took off his helmet and cleared his throat before speaking.
"I...am not very good with speeches but...here we are, reaching a point with two different paths and choosing to walk separately. I know not where will fate take us next, but I know that this is not a goodbye. This is a thank you. I am thankful to know each and every one of you, I am thankful to see that we care and receive each other's care in return, and finally I am thankful for all the memories we experience together. Do not cry because all of this is over, but smile because all of this has happened. Farewell my friends, one day...we will meet again."
As the group closed in for their final hugs, Shanalotte observed from her usual spot; seemingly un-moving even to the emotional atmosphere around her until Eduard walked up to her and wrapped his arms on her torso.
"Thank you...for everything you have done for all of us," he whispered.
"This action is completely unnecessary. Why do you hold someone you are going to let go in the end?" The Emerald Herald asked.
"I just feel like doing it." Eduard chuckled as Lucatiel and Rosabeth got to his side. Their runny eyes were clear signs that they cried.
"Farewell Shanalotte," the knight said with a bow.
Seeing that everything was settled, Eduard put on his helmet and made sure that he has all of his things with him before walking towards the bonfire.
"Rosabeth, the scroll please."
Rosabeth reached for her satchel and after a few moments of searching, handed the scroll to her friend. Eduard unfurled the Peacemaker's Oath and read the incantation...
"O Masters of the Divine, make me an instrument of peace wherever I may be. Let me bring light where there is darkness, let me bring hope where there is despair, let me bring joy where there is sorrow, let me bring faith where there is doubt. For it is in giving that we receive, and it is in forgiving that we are forgiven. May the light of peace shine our way."
He tossed the scroll into the bonfire and the fire raged fiercer than ever before. The three held hands together as flame-like aura enveloped and lifted them into the air; and with one bright explosion of light, they vanished from the land of Drangleic.
Eduard opened his eyes, not anywhere in Drangleic but...somewhere else. He was staring at a high-arched white marble ceiling that reflected the sunlight passing through the large stained glass windows in the large, lavish room. Although there was no telling for sure as his head was spinning faster than after his head got bashed by the Looking Glass Knight's shield.
Suddenly, Lucatiel's face blocked his field of vision. "Eduard? Are you with me? How many fingers am I holding up?" She held up three fingers.
And then, Lucatiel helped him up before checking on Rosabeth who was beginning to stir herself.
"Ugh...where are we?" Rosabeth inquired as the three got together in the center of the room. It was a wide hallway, lined with red carpet, a menagerie of large stone statues by the windows, decorated double-doors at each ends with lots of inscriptions. The stained glass was ornate and filled with carvings depicting events of some sort.
"I do not know...but it looks like there is nobody here."
But then, they heard footsteps approaching from the door. The three quickly hid behind the statues and soon the door opened and two equine beings clad in golden armor entered the area. They waited until the beings exited from the other door before regrouping.
"I do not know, maybe they are some sort of guards...it's best to avoid them as guards do not take kindly on trespassers," Eduard replied.
"Whatever they are, we cannot stay here," Lucatiel spoke.
The three continued to sneak pass the hallway, passing by more guards, and eventually found themselves on a balcony overlooking a large garden.
"This is definitely not Drangleic..." The three were looking at a picturesque view of a colorful thriving city, seemingly on top of a mountain as they saw a valley down below. The city was quite high up in the mountain, judging by the passing clouds. A well-kept garden was situated below the balcony.
"Whatever or whoever it is inhabiting this castle, is sentient," Eduard stated after they observed and came across familiar facilities such as the garden, libraries, bedrooms, kitchens, living quarters...everything suitable for perfectly sentient creature. Soon, their exploration brought them to the opened gates of a throne room where a large white hybrid creature combining what Rosabeth identified as a 'unicorn' and 'pegasus' sat on the throne with various guards standing on the room. Seeing the situation, they quickly retreated into a safe position behind a nearby large statue pedestal.
"Please send these letters to the archive room," said the winged unicorn to her...assistant, a white pony mare wearing spectacles.
"By the gods, they speak our tongue!" Rosabeth said as they hid in the corner, bolting out moments later as they saw the assistant exited the throne room.
"Good, that means we can speak to them," Eduard said.
"Are you insane?!" Lucatiel hissed. "They outnumber us three to one. If they are hostile they could very well kill us!"
"But we have been through worse, haven't we?" Eduard smirked while preparing himself to walk into the throne room. "They seem peaceful enough to me."
"If this goes to hell, it is on you," Lucatiel said as the three walked towards the throne room's gates.
"It is always been on me," he said nonchalantly.
Two unicorn guards immediately spotted them.
"Halt! State your names and business!" one of the guards said sternly, seemingly unflinching by the three strange newcomers they had never seen before. The only beings closest resembling the new comers to the guards were great apes.
"My name is Ser Eduard the Steadfast, these are my companions; Ladies Lucatiel of Mirrah and Rosabeth of Melfia. I request an audience with your leader," Eduard said.
The two guards looked at each other before looking back at the knight.
"How did you get here?!" asked the other guard sternly, now both guards were brandishing their spears and the humans began to retreat defensively. Even compared to the humans' body length, the spears were not to be taken lightly as they were as long as half of their bodies, which could harm them if care wasn't taken. "You are not in our list of audiences today!"
"Please let us explain," Lucatiel pleaded.
"Just what is happening here?" The winged unicorn asked in a soft yet stern tone. "I demand an explanation!"
Eduard took off his helmet and bowed. "Milady, we are beings from another realm...a kingdom, called Drangleic. One of my allies gave me a scroll before dying, and after reading it's incantation that scroll brought us here...somehow, " Eduard replied.
The winged unicorn’s eyes widened when she heard his words. "Come Ser Eduard the Steadfast, we have much to discuss. The rest of your companions may come with us."
As much as they were shocked in how friendly they were treated and the perceptiveness of the winged unicorn’s ears were, at least they were not stripped off their weapons and armor or destined to end up in a dungeon or worse, the chopping block. They looked at each other and nodded. "Very well. But pardon me, milady... I never got your name."
"And you are not confiscating our weapons?" Lucatiel added.
"I am the Princess of this land. You may call me Princess Celestia. No, I know that you are not intending to harm any of us. Now, shall we?" Celestia smiled.
"It is an honor Princess, yes we shall." Eduard returned the smile before giving a wink to both Lucatiel and Rosabeth. The two seemed to understand his statement and were escorted by four guards to the throne room. For Eduard, this was something good, as he didn't get any of his friends killed, yet.
Author's Note
And that's how it's done!
Sorry guys for bringing your hopes up for a new chapter. I republished this chapter because I want to give a big shout out for my editor XIII Hearts for editing this chapter.
Changes include the identification of Celestia's species (alicorn) by Rosabeth. The problem here is the word usage of alicorn. In historical literature, the word 'alicorn' is used to describe a unicorn's horn, and the word 'alicorn' was used to describe a winged unicorn in fictional literature and media. Based on this, Rosabeth shouldn't be able to identify anything as an 'alicorn.' They should have just dubbed it a winged unicorn.
So this story is one of my new stories coming out this year, and frankly I've been planning to write a Dark Souls 2 crossover story since a long time ago. But my ideas just showed up recently, and it took me a while to know where would I go with this one.
So I will be working on four stories now, and that means slower updates (as if my updates are not slow anyway LOL) but I hope you guys can understand as I will write at my best for my stories and you.
The deaths of Lenigrast, Melentia, and the hollows (as their bodies are basically walking corpses. I know there are those who would say "hey they are still sane. Etc. etc." but in my perspective, you cannot sustain your sanity if your body cannot even sustain itself) is my own interpretation of what might happen in Dark Souls 2 after you sat on the Throne of Want. As for Lucatiel and the partially hollowed they regain their form, sanity, and most importantly they can die naturally.
Let me know in the comments should you have your own concept of this, or just speak your opinion!
As for Ser Eduard ;my character build that I actually am using when I play Dark Souls 2, is a generalist, since I am capable to use almost everything there. So here is Ser Eduard's overall build:
Faraam Set
Black Knight Greatsword
Blue Flame
Priest's Chime
Dragonrider Bow
And many more!
There is a probability that I will accept your OCs in future chapters! Just create the most badass DS2 character you can think of! But again, I will confirm this later.
Well I hope you guys enjoy this story, and be careful, we don't want to see you go hollow.
