Chapters “Thank you, Sir knight!” yells a lone griffin cub as you walk out the village. The only one to thank you but at this point one gets use to silence. Especially when they halfway blame you for the disasters that plague the village. If you’re not the cause then because you couldn’t get here soon enough to save someone's beloved. But you don’t dwell on that, another bonfire claimed means a step closer towards… something. You're not quite sure what the goal was anymore. Just the feelings behind it surface with every sip of Estus and respite at the bonfire. Brief memories from before you were known as Artorias of the Deep. Even sure enough to say it wasn't connected to this world. But how to return escapes you each time you return. Each time you regain your souls, or claim others is another clue gone. Thus, you continue thru life as if there was a purpose.
Now in the grasslands miles away from civilization or even a bonfire, a lone figure blocks your path. It’s a mint green quadrupled with a horn. The feminine voice resonates like a siren, soothing you toward some sinister goal. But you know that this creature only means to dissuade you. So you raise your sword in etiquette, consoling your mind and announcing your resolve. She’s crying now but still unmoving. Crouching down with a right hand braced on ground, you charge forward...
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“No!” I awake, almost stumbling out my bed to escape… But what I flee from eludes me as I glance at my modest apartment room, trying to pry secrets from the four walls or the many appliances. Noticing that Dark Souls 3 is still running, I turn off the console and check the time. 11:30, meaning that my meet-up with some friends at the convention is in three hours. Grabbing some clean undergarments, I walk to the bathroom and get prepared for the day.
Re entering my room I go to my cosplay duffle bag to equip the ensemble: Silver breastplate and leggings with chainmail and some cobalt blue fabric serving as the bottom layer. Matching left gauntlet and silver hood-helm with a long tuft of blue hair coming from the back. For the right hand a see through fingerless glove with a detachable dark flame LED gem in my palm for the dark pyromancy effect. Artorias of the Deep, my main character in DS3 in physical form. Well worth the $300+ to get my uncle to help me forge and create over the summer. Grabbing the empty duffle bag, I nod in affirmation and walk towards the convention.
“Are you fuckin mental Arlen!” Shouts a feminine voice. I lay sprawled out on the cement floor catching my breath. “You could have died in that heat with normal clothes, yet you walked two miles in 100 fahrenheit weather with a full suit of armor?!?”
“In my defense I did have a water bottle!” I feeble counter as I finally get on my feet and brush off my armor. Looking to Alice, I realise how intimidating Eileen the Crow truly is in reality. “But don't tell me you weren’t intimidated when I slowly walked through the door!”
“You weren’t intimidating when you walked all but two feet in and immediately collapsed on the floor gasping for water.” she shot back immediately and walked away, denying me my comeback. Following her through the crowd and conversing about what we should do, her cellphone rings.
“*Sigh* It’s my sister, I gotta drop her off somewhere real quick. We’ll meet back in the media room 11B for the Cosplay War in forty minutes, ok?”
Nodding, we go our separate ways and I begin to peruse the various aisle. While a good deal of the tables were Deviant artist tables of some pretty good artwork, there were three specific tables owned by a single owner with quality goods you could only find overseas. Too bad the man at the stall had to roleplay as the biggest prick of From Software's existence.
“Why Hello there, Traveler! I see you have a good eye for merchandise, If your garb is anything to go by. The Names Trusty Patches!” he greeted with a grin oozing of grime.
“Yeah, hi,” I awkwardly smile, disturbed that his persona is too accurate. But distracting myself came easily as I looked at his merchandise: Handcrafted Firebomb fireworks. Some Charcoal Resin smelling of cayenne pepper. Even actual kukuri and throwing knives. Choosing ten bombs and twenty knives I hand him my $150 for the purchase. Before taking the cash though, he places a long wooden box in front of me.
“Say, chap, how would you like a one in a lifetime opportunity? IF you instead pay for this life scale replica of the Artorias greatsword of the Abyss. I’ll throw in the firebombs and knives for free.”
“And how much for this sword?” I receive a grin as if i'm all but caught in his ruse as he shows me the $200 price tag. Hmm, that’s not a bad deal. Plus it’ll leave me with $90 to spare for food and trinkets.
“Sure, is there a warranty on the blade?” The craftsmanship is remarkable but I’m one to know that beautiful doesn’t mean durable.
“Why of course, Just need you to sign here!” a short receipt of purchase is handed. Grabbing the soapstone pen, I sign and take my copy. Grabbing my purchases and buckling the sword on my side, I admire myself before collapsing on my right knee. Pain coursing through my veins as I am encircled by a slowly building cyclone of dark mist. Only hearing the cocky bastards say one last thing before fading away.
“Oh, you’ll be quite an interesting one! Wonder what goodies I can spring from him...”
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“It’s waking up! Alert the Princess immediately!” A gruff voice shouts out. My senses slowly returning to me as I rise from a hard, cold surface. Did I fall asleep on the floor? Opening my eyes an onslaught of informational red flags are observed: Cobblestone flooring and a stone bed i'm reclining on. Barred window above head and cell bars directly in front. Also i've been imprisoned along with a pony wearing a fucking pompadour and leather jacket, both of us chained in somewhat similar ways. All these signs point to someone probably spiking my drink and playing a prank on me using some weird Nativity set pieces. Getting up I pull my arms to test the chains. Definitely actual steel chains with authentic rust to boot.
“Well, lookie here! The knight rouses from his slumber.” A voice greets from the left. But looking only reveals the doofy horse gazing back. Walking to the cell, I look out to see more cells with horses in variety of accessories and colors of fur.
“Okay, who’s the prick that locked me in a stable.” I say aloud, hopefully getting the person's attention that talked earlier.
“Maybe that armor’s fer show if ye think thissus a stable. Ye're only in county jail creature.” Well this time I could see from my side the horse's muzzle work out the words… The same horse with a pompadour and leather jacket… Placing a hand to forehead just beneath the helm, I try to make of things that are constant about not only my surrounding but myself. I can indeed feel my breathing. Windmilling my arms confirms my muscle movement as well as some interesting changes: The armor is heavier than normal, but bearable. But feeling my arms and chest reveal more toned physique. As for my surroundings, the bed looked and smelled like some makeshift hay mattress. Sitting back down revealed little give, but still noticeable enough to confirm give it would have normally. So I can confirm this is reality. Now for inconsistencies: My hands, both the left one with the gauntlet and the right one bare, feel as if a intense flame at bursting point. Yet it’s strangely cool and relaxing. Realizing all the implications leaves me wondering how grim the future will be, as well as strangely excited to embrace it.
“Sorry for the quiet treatment, having an existential crisis, but getting better.” I reply to what I will just call a unicorn if the horn is anything to go by. “Am I right in guessing that the guards I heard earlier are also quadrupled?” A head tilt, then shake. His eccentric hair flopping side to side like oh so many anime styles.
“We go by ponies, but yes they are. So now you know that, what are You?”
“Human at first...” I pause, grasping my belt loop, noticing a reasonable lack of weapon and sheath.
“At first? What, you’re not sure anymore?” He chuckles, stretching his forelegs up before getting on all fours to stretch his back. I get a better view of his physique: Copper-tone fur up to his black hair and tail, the former having his the tip of his horn stick out. About 4 ft 5 coming to my sternum standing up. Athletic type by the thickness of his muscles and how tightly the watch on his left foreleg is being stretched.
“Well for starters,” I extend my right hand, focusing on shapeless projection as dark, smoky flames orbit in streaks of random order around my palm. ”This wasn’t a thing in my old body. But definitely welcome. Two: I'm clearly not in the same world or, hell, universe if you’re here. Not any, if at all, talking ponies or any other creatures except us.”
“Well, thats too bad...”
“How so?” He struts over to the cell doors to recline against them.
“Cause if there’s one thing you need to know, it's that we ponies can P.A.Arty! Right boys!” and at this signal, every inmate not in a hangover proceed to hoot and holler in unison. That is until the guards got them to calm down. After that, nothing of note really happened for a while. Idle chatter and history lessons between each other. Soon, we heard what sounded like the normal pair of guards with an additional guest with what had to be glass shoes of some kind. Sure enough. The two guards come to our cell and I witness my first official test since my rapid arrival lucid.
“Hello, My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle the Arcane. I would like to have a peaceable conversation with you two about friendship...” eyes now dead set on me, slightly glaring. “As well as other matters.”
Chosen... First encounters
The room is quiet. My hooded helm covers my face, so my reaction isn’t revealed quite yet. Meaning that what I say next could determine how they see me from here on out. If I just submit then they might believe controlling me in the long run to be beneficial. But if I’m too abrasive and harsh that has it’s own bundle of problems. The princess’s gaze turns questioning, probably due to my extended silence.
“Before I agree to this questioning, may I ask what I’m being charged for? I have no memory of how I got here and seemed to have woken up in a cell”. Both the guards and the Princess were apparently startled by something in my response. Maybe they expected more resistance?
“Oh, sorry about that. The reports states you just appeared on top of a residents roof around 12 last night. You were unconscious, and for some reason we were unable to take off that armor for medical treatment. So after confirming your breathing status they put you in the local detention cell under drunken vandalism.” Oh, well that’s interesting. But the way she keeps glaring at me while keeping her horn charged, as well as the energy I keep feeling probing what feels like my very existence, tells me I’m somehow suspicious to her.
“So any specific reason why you keep prodding me with magic? Usually we would go out to dinner first. But hey, maybe your culture works a little more… aggressive.” That got her somehow glowing a bit red regardless of the layers of fur as she stuttered and avoided eye contact. The guards on her sides chuckling under breath until receiving a glare from her.
“Well if you will follow me, I’ll be happy to explain everything about your situation.” Realizing that I have little control of the situation if I want a peaceful approach I nod and follow the princess out of the containment block. Entering the main lobby of the station, sure enough the main populace are ponies of all kinds. Signing in at one cubicle is a pegasus cop struggling into their jacket, probably can’t find the wing holes. Another across the room tending to her unicorn child as she waits in customer service to file some complaint. Bringing my attention to a mint green unicorn right behind her with eyes deadlock on you. We both tilt our heads to the side in intrigue. Flipping her off, she seems to get flustered. Huh, wondered if that translated or not. I’ll apologise if I ever see her again… Or remember…
“Fuck!” I exclaim, recovering from my head hitting the door frame. While I was following them with my peripherals, I didn’t notice the shorter than average doorframe entering the room. Already hearing the chuckles again, including from the princess, I walk over to the empty stool across the metal, bolted table from her. This is probably one of the interrogation rooms for the station if the glass window wall behind her is one way. All but confirmed to me if the huge magical signature behind it is any indication.
“Alright, since i’ve introduced myself already, why don’t you start the conversation.”
“Alright. My name is Artorias of the Deep,” I state confidently. If I start out with my alias title they’ll probably think there's more to this case. Then I can create a backstory from there. She narrows her gaze, nodding her head and asks the next question.
“Why do you feel the need to lie? You are aware that this situation isn’t favorable, correct?” Well that wasn’t expected. They definitely didn’t connect any lie detector to me. And her expression before calling me out seems as if there is some contact with another. Best guess being that someone on the other side is gauging my answers through magical means. “This is too complex of a situation. Guess there’s no harm in indulging. But I wonder if I can test something out...”
“Arlan Artorias of the Deep? Not sure why you think I was lying though… One name shouldn’t be too much consequence.” Gaze constant, she now quirks an eyebrow. Success, whoever is judging my words is somehow confirming how much belief there is in the phrase. The first one was a lie because it was just a title I used. But adding my actual first name and focusing a bit more made it more believable. “But I want to know, why do you deem me such a threat that you need some living lie detector for back up.” to punctuate my point, I take my helmet off and reveal the biggest change about me. Looking where I believed the person stood, I smile and wink. In actuality I just pondered at how my face changed: Still the same dark skin tone, though a little weathered. Biggest change being the dark green mop of long hair in a ponytail as well as my modest green beard. Little weird having this much facial hair at 19 but i’ll take it. Twilight clears her throat to get my attention.
“If you insist, there have been two major incidents. The most recent being a portal of dark energy appearing and a bipedal warrior, like yourself, appeared and tried to assassinate Princess Luna and Princess Celestia during the Grand Galloping Gala event. The other being another portal that dropped diseased slugs that attacked anything nearby. And when I was scanning you earlier I noticed the same energy emitting from your personal aura. Which leads me to believe that you are the cause of these attacks.
Mad Dark Spirit Holy Knight Hodrick has Invaded
Before she can continue the report or I can react the wall behind me explodes inward and I’m stabbed in the back by a purple haze. Getting of the floor by a roll in the opposite direction, I brace myself on a knee and see a Mad Spirit charge forward. Anticipating this I double hand my Wolf Knight sword and somersault above head delivering a fatal down-slash, flattening him. His health a pixel I cast Dark combustion, burning his body to ashes as I absorb his soul count, leaving only a vertebrae shackle left. Grabbing it with my left hand, the item is transported to what feels like a space pocket, while the weapon went… somewhere on my back.
Setting back upright the stool, I sit down and gaze at both Twilight and the guards at each of her side, all with dumbfounded shocked expressions. Behind them I can actually see two larger ponies about my height and five average sized ones through the now completely shattered one way window. Well four, the pink one disappeared and reappeared to my side at terrifying speeds.
“Oh MY GOSH, that was AMAZING, he was all “BOOM Backstab!” but you just rolled away and was like ”Not Today! Backslash!” and then uses some black fire which was a ‘teensey bit’ scary but then Super Effective because he was a normal type an-”
“Sorry to interrupt but what are your names?”
“Pinkie Pie! And that's Twilight, but you met already, and Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow, Princess Celestia and Luna, and Fluttershy is hiding behind the couch!” pointing with a twitchy left what I would guess a hoof. Sure enough I could see a tuft of pink hair and two butter ears at the left corner of the couch against the plain wall.
“Well, now that everybody is here let’s play political twenty questions. Since Twilight was talking to you all anyway this should go faster.” Princess Celestia then walked forward to the impromptu barrier between rooms. Pastel rainbow hair flowing like an aura with a horn around eight inches long. Although like Luna and Twilight with both horns and wings, the overall girth and height put her a head taller than me, making her around 6ft 3" without the horn.
“Truly this has been a dire first meeting between races with every being on edge. Let my question solve the majority of fears. And please, although you figured out how to fool dear Applejack, do be honest with us right now.” Definitely the main politician out of the three. Also nice to know my earlier assumption about lie detection wasn’t a bluff. I nod to let her continue. “Can you swear on your sword as a warrior that you were not in leagues with the now three assailants against creatures in our realm?”
“To answer the question, I swear on my sword that I am in no league of malcontent.” A stern gaze.
“Yet you do not swear as a warrior? You do desire peace do you not?” This puts everyone, or pony, on edge.
“I did not swear as warrior due to me not being a warrior. I am merely a human with extraordinary power and tools of survival thrust into a situation. But if it may give you peace,” Looking into her eyes. “I swear on my existence that I wish no harm against any living creature unless they pose an immediate threat to my life or those I care about.” Our gazes hold for several minutes, almost testing each others willpower before we simultaneously nod. “Any other questions?” At this time the second tallest, Princess Luna in her midnight blue form with hair of the astral plane, stepped beside her sister while Princess Celestia went about piling the glass shards in the corner of our side of the room.
“Interesting you say that you’re no warrior, yet you fell a beast that even our elements had trouble fending off. Not even taking into account the weird magics at thine beck and call.”
“To be honest,” I hesitate. “I’m still getting the hang of this new form. Where I come from nothing like this or even any of your society is common. Yet the longer I live and breathe… The more I feel morbidly comfortable in this form. Each little secret and hidden aura whispering the keys...”
“Then how about a compromise?” Princess Twilight spoke up.. “While you're new to our world and have no resources those combat skills are undeniable. So how about working as a sort of default specialist in these situations. That way you get a place to live. As well as a group to help you understand your abilities.”
Truly the ideal circumstances for me if I agree. But even good natured promises can become controlling. “I agree, but on the condition that I remain in control of my own actions. As well as have the freedom to travel on my own time. Not to be rude, just don’t think to highly of contractual obligation “yadda, yadda”.” Both of the elder princesses seemed to understand and even giggle in understandment. This seemed to give Twilight the okay as she turned towards me and stuck out a hoof.
“Well, Arlan Artorias of the...”
“Please,” I chuckle, shaking her hoof. God this feels awkward. ”Just Arlan or Artorias is fine.” We share a smile as we make our way out of the new uneven entrance to the Police department’s west wing.
“Welcome to Ponyville! Where Friendship is Magic.” dead silence is her only reply. Shaking her head she mumbled something about a tough crowd and having to rehearse for weeks… Yeah, i’m probably going to fit in here fine.
“So, what's your occupation? I hear that you’re working for the Princesses, but I try not to believe every rumor I hear” Lyra Heartstrings says with a flirtatious giggle. Her golden irises locked on mine, not sure if it's infatuation or exotic curiosity driving her during our little dinner at Marino’s Haytable in the roundabout shopping plaza.
I’m still trying to comprehend our impromptu date forced upon by her brother Bash Heartstrings, the inmate I happen to share a cozy two cot cell with three days ago. In that time we became pretty good friends. Him showing me all the ins and outs of PonyVille and me bailing his ass out of bar fights. But it seemed that he and his sister got into an argument over his drunken charges so to make up for it he was supposed to set up a date between me and her.
“In a way, yes. There are some dangerous creatures lurking about in various towns. So I’m hired by the crown to hunt them down before they can hurt anyone.” I answer as honestly as I can while not telling her the bare details. The Princesses and Twilight urged me not to discuss too much of what's going on before the press conference between the Species Govern Alliances meeting in two months. But I can guarantee that something is going to happen before then if Murphy’s Law is any indication. “So, Lyra, Tell me about yourself. A mare such as yourself has to have some eccentric taste to date the “resident alien” on his third night here.”
“Well,” She stalls, looking up in thought as if her horn would bestow her with knowledge abound. “I’m pretty average when it comes to occupation. Do you know of our cutie marks?”
“Those magical symbols on the sides? Yeah, I understand enough.”
“Mines stands for my musical gifts with the lyre. I manage to write music scores in a way that, if played by me, magically influences ponies emotions. Helped back when I did paid concert work. But saving each concert paycheck managed to give me enough spare bits to splurge a little so I decided to move down here to live with my brother and his marefriend BonBon.” Hmm, so far every pony I’ve seen has a cutie mark… So why doesn’t Bash. No matter, I’ll just ask him later on. We probably aren’t that close anyway. Focusing back to Lyra, I try to at least be open minded to the dinner regardless of the lack of physical attraction.
“So,” Lyra starts. “What was the meaning behind that gesture you did in the Town Police station?”
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“Darling, you Must tell me how your date with Lyra went last night” Rarity chimed for the third time in the thirty minutes she’s been measuring me for some casual battle garb. After mentioning me needing some casual light armor so I can get my original repaired she was ecstatic. Especially after seeing that my sketches were legibly recorded, managing to inspired her to make a set for the town guard in PonyVille. “I heard through the grapevine you ate at Marino’s? There spaghetti is delightful!” Measuring tape re-wrapping as she placed my measurements on her work space whiteboard across from the measuring mirror station. I sit on the platform and idly observe the seamstress designer shop as she went to work.
“To be honest, I don't quite see this working out in the long run. I mainly did it as a favor to Bash. But she is definitely an interesting pony.” I word carefully, hoping to drop the conversation right there. Sadly this doesn’t translate well to Rarity who gasps in shock and dramatically faints in her work chair.
“Oh Darling, of whatever reason would you decide that?! Lyra’s a wonderful and talented pony! As well as a spitting image of a classic Canterlot model!”
“No offense, but that is “Pony standards” that you’re measuring by. I could get along with her personally as a friend. I’m just not quite to the point of “cross-species relations” if you will.” This manages to make a interesting shade of crimson fade on her cheeks, though no doubt still listening to the juicy gossip. “You can thank living on a planet with only one Sapient race as the cause.”
“Ahh, well I can understand your choices in your unique situation. But judging on your apparent ties to a problem that seems international, You may be here for some time,” Levitating the ensemble to me, I take off my clothes and try them on behind the dressing blinds. “Surely long enough to become lonely and wanting for companionship, correct?”
Buckling on the combat vest, I mull over her words. What do I truly know about my situation? I came from one world to this one. This world is suffering from something that is connected to my new form and abilities. Also I have questionable combat abilities with no recollection of their origin. I’m pretty much starting from a blank slate with useless info from my past holding me back. Maybe I should try to be more flexible? Fastening the last buckle on my boots I observe the attire: Black pleather armor vest with a ‘V’ formation of chainmail on the front and back weaved in with pleather cording. The Arm gauntlets and legging boots being made of a magic conductive metal called Iron(Hex), looking like silver but being as strong as steel and acting as a grounder for basic attack spells. I'm astounded at the resources Twilight and Rarity have access to.
“Superb craftsmanship! Honestly I’m liking this better than my former attire. As for Lyra,” a sigh escapes as I mentally confirm. “I could try at least one more date to test the waters...” Smiling at the spark in her eye, I wave and walk out the boutique. Knowing that she wouldn't accept payment I used steady and precise levitation on a coin bag to move it upstairs while I was waiting earlier. The mare’s being too generous for her own good.
Walking straight down Shopper Court road, I absentmindedly make my way to the Main Plaza, personal merchant stands all around ranging from fresh produce and dairy to spare lumber and craft-centered materials. Though after perusing the third stand I jump as I feel a familiar aura appear to my side, revealing Twilight teleporting in with a slightly dazed pegasus at her side. The navy blue vest loosely fitted on his tan coated body. Shaking his head free whips his shortly cut, silver-grey mane back and forth. Finally stable he takes stock of his surroundings before noticing me and nodding.
“Morning Twilight, and Sheriff Slammer was it? What brings you to my specific location?” I have a good idea though. The Princesses and I decided that high ranking officers of different enforcement teams throughout Equestria should notify me of any unique disturbances within their respective towns. “Not that company is unwarranted… Just gave me a shock. Still getting used to auras and such. That was Aural Tracking Teleportation right?”
A beaming smile, “Correct! And to think you just starting learning Equestrian Magic two days ago! This mean by next week we can probably tackle Volume II for adept Unicorns!” My smirking and the Sheriff's eye-roll gets her to blush and reassert herself. “But getting back on topic, it seems that the Cutie Map discovered an anomaly on Canterlot Trotway 2 heading toward Canterlot.”
“Yeah, some citizen have described a circle of flames in the middle of the road. Officer Sparkle could barely breach the flames but could pinpoint this at the center.” Slammer chimed in, handing me a parchment with a detailed sketching. A coiled sword with an ever-burning flame through the body of the blade impaled in the ground with bones of an unidentifiable creature acting as the kindling. Unmistakably a bonfire, though this is definitely not how they worked in game.
“Wait, Officer Sparkle? Being a princess getting boring nowadays?”
“Oh ha ha, no its my younger brother.” she dryly responds before looking up in thought. “Must have slipped my mind that he was out of town on the reconnaissance operation. By the way, I think you two will become best of friends.” She smirks knowingly. Before I can ask for details she slowly trots away as I’m being pushed to the other side of the market by the sheriff.
“Well, Sir Artorias,” emphasis on my name showing his impatience. “You can meet and drink a cold one with Officer Sparkle after this mission seeing as he will be your primary contact from here on regarding PonyVille County Department’s involvement with the so named ‘Pandora’s Box’ cases.” So to make his time a bit harder I decided to try and access my ‘Inventory’ as he pushed us toward our destination. God, sometimes I love being an ass.
