Echoes of the Pastby Razor FlakeChaptersThe PortalInvasionTroubled PastThe PortalArazon Sigurd was training in the yard Not training herself, mind you. Training other young fighters who had interest, as well as the sheer resilience, to be trained by her. The red head had been fighting and training with melee weaponry and general close quarters combat for her entire twenty nine years of life. She fondly remembers taking down her teacher at age six, almost without breaking a sweat. It wasn’t any fancy footwork, nor even the ability to parry. No, she could take a hit, and take it damn well. Arazon has been blindsided by hammers, hit with maces, and even stabbed. She never went down. Nor did she ever really leave her armour. This was for more personal reasons the young grand master didn’t want to dwell on, but needless to say, she still slept in at least chainmail. Otherwise, she was wearing some very heavy armour, clad in thick plate mail with a skirt of steel reaching to her ankles. On her back was her favorite sword, a Zweihander named Meadowlark, honoring a close friend who had been killed a few years back. The sword was very heavy, being a true Zweihander, and even she needed to use two hands to wield it, a testament to the shear mass of the sword. It was a thing of beauty, as well. Her’s in particular measured seven feet and three inches, weighing nearly eight pounds. The handle alone was a good one and a half feet, making the sword truly massive even compared to its kin. Standing at a little over six feet, she wasn’t exactly small of figure, either. She was definitely more than imposing in her full armour, and that worked to her advantage, but not now. Now, she was teaching how to actually fight, sometimes stepping to duel a student herself. She always let her students let what weapon they wanted to use, and her collection was more than expansive. From daggers to true two handed great sword, from clubs to massive warhammers. She firmly believed that any young fighter would be drawn to their particular weapon of choice. She smiled as a young boy, maybe thirteen, hefting a mace and small steel buckler. It reminded her of her own youth, trying to use her strength to take advantage of heavier weapons. She walked over, and chose a blunted long sword and kite shield, and said to the boy to get ready for a fight, her alto voice reverberating throughout the yard. The boy smiled at the challenge, and readied her stance to fight. Arazon decided to actually give this kid a chance as she made the first strike, bring the long sword on a swipe at the boy’s mace. The boy, despite being laden with a heavy weapon, deftly moved out of the way and used the maces inertia to pull his slightly to the right gambling on a spin to bring up the mace’s speed and hit Arazon’s shield. Arazon knew what was coming, but wanted to see what the kid would do on the offensive. Taking steps back, she let the boy gain ground impressed by just how fast he maneuvered his mace, using his light frame to actually accent the mace’s inertia, using it to make quick movements, and always being on his feet. Arazon considered taking this boy under her wing, and train her personally. His style wasn’t too dissimilar to her own at that age. Quick and merciless. Arazon decided that this fight would end now. She stepped up her game, and started on the offensive. She bashed the mace out of the kid’s hand with her shield, but this wasn’t over just yet. Interestingly, the boy didn’t concede. In fact, he took it as a challenge. Now, without a weapon, he moved a lot quicker, but still the defensive. He kept on blocking her strikes, but finally relented, conceding the duel. Arazon, after putting her weapons back on the rack, shouted for everyone’s attention. “Listen here, kids! What this young boy did was a show of tenacity and endurance! Learn from what he did! Be unconventional if you have to! Remember, in a real fight, this is life or death, and being able to defend yourself until help arrives, or you get to it, could mean you live another day! Now you, kid, what’s your name?” The boy looked a little bewildered, at being addressed by Arazon. “I’m Jack, ma’am.” “Don’t call me ma’am. Call me Arazon, please.” “Alright, Arazon.” An Hour Later.... “Alright, Jack. Tell me, what type of weaponry do you prefer?” The apprentice looked thoughtful for a bit, but quickly came to a conclusion. “I like bastard swords. I love the versatile nature of them.” “Alright, follow me. I have an extensive collection, so we'll be able to find something for you.” The two walked into Arazon's personal armoury. Arazon had amassed a massive repertoire of weapons of many types over the years, whether buying them, claiming them in a duel, claiming them from battle, or making them herself. She smiled at Jack’s wonder at the shear number of different weapons there were. “Ah, here they are. Judging by your frame, I’d she this’ll do. Bit on the shorter side at only thirty-nine inches. Forged this one myself, actually. It should have pretty good weight to it.” “Arazon, this is perfect! It feel like an extension of myself!” “Well, time to tes-” As soon as Arazon was going to issue a duel, a loud crack was heard from beneath them. While Jack looked concerned, Arazon merely was exasperated. “Don’t worry, kid. That’s just my brother Jason screwing with magic in the lower parts of the fortress. Better go check on him. He may be a prodigy, and a grand wizard at thirty two, but I swear, if he’s been messing with portals again…” Jack gawked at what she said. “Wait, you mean the Jason? The one who stormed a fortified town alone?!” “Uh, yeah. He’s my older brother.” “But you two don’t look even remotely the same” “Observant I see. No, I was adopted as an infant. I mean, magic basically runs through this family like the blood in their own bodies. O have nearly no aptitude, but they still loved me like one of their own. I decided that I would take my fascination with melee combat to the next level, and set out to achieve the highest level in the arts of war as I could. And I did. I am recognized as the youngest grandmaster in history, but you already knew that.” She ended the statement with a good natured laugh, prompting Jack to join in. “Now, let’s go how my brother screwed nature this time.” Jason’s Arcanium “Arazon! Look! I created a stable portal!” Arazon facepalmed with and armoured hand. “Great. Does it even go anywhere useful?” “Actually, I’m not sure where it goes. I’ll go check.” Jason promptly walked over the the portal and stuck his head through, coming back up and smiling. “It’s a forest! With plants I’ve never seen before!” “Damn, Jason, save some discoveries for the rest of humanity.” Jason was going to reply when something odd happened. There was a cry for help from the other side of the portal. “Jason, Jack. Someone needs help. Let’s go.” Arazon grabbed her helmet from the table she had left it at, and donned the intimidating head wear. And so, grand wizard, master, and apprentice ran through the portal to someone’s aid. Everfree Forest “Help! Somepony, anypony, help!” Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Bell were trying for their explorer cutie marks when a manticore had attacked from behind some bushes. Now they were running for dear life, or about to get manticore chow cutie marks. The three faintly heard other running footsteps, but didn’t care that much. Then they heard something very odd. “Jason, toss me! Land me in front of the manticore so I can stop it from moving!” “Will do.” Jason raised his hand, and a fiery orange aura surrounded Arazon before she was thrown off into the air. “Jack, come with me. we’ll escort these… Ponies to safety. Quickly, now!” Jack obliged, looking back to see Arazon about to take the full brunt of the manticore head on. Arazon didn’t draw her sword. Not yet, anyway. She instead braced herself, and put out her arms to stop the charging manticore. The three fillies behind simply stared in awe. Then manticore hit, Arazon digging her feet into ground. She only moved back about three inches, a testament to her immense strength. Before the manticore could recover from its quick stop, Arzon kicked it square in the head, and in one swift motion, drew her sword and cut vital arteries in the shoulder blades of the beast. Slinging her sword on her back again, she turned around and kneeled to the two… Ponies? “Normally I would ask how ponies can talk, but all I want to know is if you’re ok, and where your homes are so my companions and I can bring you there.” The three fillies nodded, and yellow one spoke, presumably for the group. “Yah, we’re alright. Sweet Apple Acres is one the edge of town, an’ that’s where ah live.” “Alright you three. Stay close, to us. Jason, Jack, I see you finally got here!” Jack responded before Jason could say anything. “As soon as we started running you had already killed the creature.” Jason looked to the ponies. “Alright. First, your names, then we’ll tell you ours. Fair?” The fillies nodded again. “Ah’m Apple Bloom!” Pleased ta meet’cha” “I’m Scootaloo!” “I’m Sweetie Bell.” Jason looked a little bemused by the names, but kept to his word. “I am Jason Sigmus” “I’m Jack” “I am Arazon Sigmus” The three ponies looked a little afraid of Arazon. Noting this, she took off her helmet, orange hair flowing back down to shoulder length. “Sorry if I scared you girls there. Now then, let's get going. Apple Bloom, your home is closest? Lead the way. Jason, make sure nothing gets too close to us.” So the six went, until they ended up in an apple orchard. Apple Bloom smiled and led them to a house next to a barn. She knocked on the door, and an orange pony in a hat answered. “Apple Bloom! Ah was worried about ya!” Apple Bloom blushed, but still ran to the other pony. “There was a manticore, and it was chasin’ us, an’ then Arazon came in an’-” “Hol’ up. Who’s Arazon?” Only then did she notice the three humans, taking a bit of a step back at the sight of Arazon, who really did tower over everyone present, even her adoptive brother, who only stood at 5’ 10”. She removed her helmet, as she had put it back on while the group went back to Sweet Apple Acres. It was around that time a blue pegasus streaked into view behind the group outside. Now, Arazon and Jason had seen some, to put it frankly, weird shit, in their time, but Jack less so. already amazed by the talking ponies, he simply gawked at the fast, flying cyan mare. He didn’t even have time to speak before the pony found Scootaloo,and beelined for the fill, wrapping her the equine equivalent of a hug. “Where were you, squirt? I couldn’t find you anywhere! You had me worried!” “I’m sorry, Dash, I convinced everypony to go into the Everfree forest to get our adventure cutie marks.” “How many times have I told you not to go into the Everfree!?” “I know, I’m sorry.” The two shared an embrace for a bit longer, but then Rainbow Dash saw Arazon. Her eyes widened at her, her armour, and massive sword. “Woah! You’re so cool! What are you? What's your name? Where did you come from? What are you here for? Who are thes-” Apple Jack Cut her off before she could finish. “Now now, Rainbow. Why Don’t we let our guests have a break. They jus’ saved Apple Bloom an’ her friends. Now, you three. Come on in and treat yourself to an Apple family dinner. Ya earned it.” The three humans shrugged, and walked inside the small house, Arazon crouching a little so as to not hit her head on the door. The three followed Apple Jack to the table, which was absolutely covered in various dishes, though all smelling overwhelmingly of apple. All those present sat down on a chair, and began to start eating. The three humans were amazed just how great the food was, Jack particularly fond of the fritters. And then a question Arazon hated was brought up. “Ah, miss Arazon? Why don’t’cha take off yer armour? It seems awfully heavy.” Jason and Arazon both froze. Their eyes glazed for a second, as if lost in their past for a brief time. Then it passed, and Arazon answered. “Apple Bloom, that is not a story I like to tell, especially to young kids like you.” “Aww! I’m nearly ten! I’m basically grown-up!” Arazon smiled at the childish persistence. “Sorry, not today. Anyways, Jason, Jack, we should probably get going. With my luck some bandits have already set up camp outside the village.” Jason looked thoughtful, then realized something. “Arazon, based on the strength and variability of the magical field here, the density of power, and.. Well, anyways, by my calculations, that portal can only be reopened every two years. Damn! I miscalculated somewhere… Jason, you imbecile!” Arazon wasn’t upset in the slightest. She was still very curious about this place, and saw this as a good way to train Jack daily. “Well, Jason, we better find the closest town, and find work. Looks like we’ll be here awhile. Author's Note Hey guys! Side story I've thought about for awhile now. If anyone is here from Twilight and the Volcanologist, hi! This'll be more of a fantasy story, but I'll post more frequently now, sometimes on this story, sometimes on the other! Bye now! InvasionPonyville “I think this is the place.” Arazon took stock of the town, subconsciously noting various places of interest, as well as easily defensible locations. This was likely to be her home for the next two years, and she wasn’t letting anything happen to it. Apple Jack has told the three about the library, and that that would be the best place to start. She knew the pony living there, and had told her in advance to expect guests the night before. As three three made their way into town, they noticed ponies shy away, probably noticing Arazon, and how she looked like she was about to storm a city alone. She noted to find a forge, or make one herself, to make some less intimidating armour, or maybe expand her knowledge on the equip magic Jason had tried to teach her a few years ago. When they made it to the center of town, they found the library. Jason whistled, and commented on the complex spell he could see the intricate matrices of. Jack, no matter how mature he may be, was still a kid. He was amazed by the still living tree, and that it was apparently being used as the library they were told to look for. Arazon opted to knock on the door, her metal gauntlets gently rapping on the wooden door. A purple unicorn answered, smiling widely. As she looked at Arazon, clad in heavy war armour, she looked confused for a second or two, before apparently realizing something. So this is what AJ meant by ‘interesting folk’. I have so many questions!!! She bid them in, and as soon as Jason walked in, his head snapped around and looked the unicorn directly in the eyes. “You. What is your name?” “Uhh, I’m Twilight Sparkle.” “Well miss Sparkle, I am Jason Sigmus, grandwizard. I must say, your magical aura is almost a third as powerful as mine, the most I’ve ever seen.” “Oh, uh… Thank you?” Arazon snorted at the exchange. “Don’t mind him Twilight. He maybe a genius, and the youngest grandwizard in known history, but as his sister, I must warn you. He’s pretty blunt. I’m Arazon, by the way, at your service. This is my apprentice, Jack. He just chose his weapon of choice today.” Jack blushed a little at the compliment, his bastard sword still sheathed on his hip, his hand rested on the pommel. “Anyways, down to business. Apple Jack said we could stay here until we find work?” “Oh yes, that’s fine. Though you don’t have to pay rent, I insist.” “Thank you. Now… Do you know where the nearest blacksmith is?” “Hmm. That would be in Canterlot, the capital city on the mountain. Finest forges in Equestria, I’ve heard. The one you'll want is Hammer’s Forge. Here's a note so the guards will let you in.” “Alright, then. Jason, see if you can land me at the city entrance.” “No problem.” The two walked outside for a moment, and after a flash of fiery light, Arazon and Jack were gone, and Jason walked back inside. Twilight gawked at the display of magic. “Well, Twilight, I guess it's just you and me. And the dragon upstairs.” “How do you know Spike is there?” “I'm more than adept at magic, miss Sparkle. Not much gets past me.” “Oh. Okay” “I see the matrices that keep this tree alive. Do you know the caster?” “No, I don't. You can see matrices? I thought that takes a lot of energy to do.” “Well, at least you aren't bothering me about my war stories. That's nice for a change.” “W-War?” “Yes, my home is at war. My sister and I are debatably among the most dangerous and powerful people alive. As such, both of us has seen much combat, and taken many lives. An action neither of us take joy in.” “Oh… That's… Awful.” Jason simply nodded. Then, there was a shout from outside, following a blast of magic. From outside a voice screamed something. “Changlings!” “Duty calls, miss. See you soon.” With that, Jason walked out of the door, and into the fray. Assuming the aggressors were the strange, insect like quadrupeds, Jason set to work. Shielding all noncombatants, Jonathan immediately brought the fury of the earth on them, massive spikes erupting into the underbellies of changlings, but he wasn't done yet. Those who harm the innocent must suffer. He let a few changlings past, and the nearest one made a charge at him from behind, teeth bared. Jonathan whipped around when it was a about a foot away and crushed its head telekinetically. The others didn't relent. He picked and choosed his method of killing. Sometimes smashing two changlings together with telekinesis, sometimes making them spontaneously combust. Some he froze the blood of, and ripped the solid blood into shards, perforating their comrades. One changling actually got near him. He turned to his side, channeling pure gravitational forces into his hand, and punched the changling in the neck. Nothing remained but a green paste. One changling had captured a foal he had not seen, and was currently feeding off of it in some way. This enraged the powerful wizard, and he bent space itself to propel him into the changling, cracking its exoskeleton. He then made one of its own eyes freeze, and the explode, causing the vile creature great pain. Then, he formed a stone fist from the earth, and grabbed the changling, slowly crushing it. The foal, though a more than a bit scared, ended up hugging the mage’s leg. He smiled as he slaughtered more changlings. He made one implode into a ball of dense organic matter, and sent it hurtling through many changlings, changing its direction everytime it left one's body. Growing tired of such basic brutality, he gave in to pure sadism, and did some more interesting things. He started simply disintegrating the exoskeletons of the changlings, watching in morbid glee as they all screamed in agony, their bare flesh and innards exposed in ways they shouldn't be. Jason let out a maniacal cackle, full of righteous fury, as he mutilated changlings left and right. After the battle, though it would be more accurate to call it a slaughter, the town center was bathed in green changling blood and viscera. Jason smirked as he vaporized any traces the creatures had ever been there. He returned to the library. The entire event had happened in under ten minutes. Strolling back in as if nothing had happened, he sat back down where he had been before. “Where were we, miss Sparkle?” Canterlot As the to humans appeared in a burst of flame in front of the entrance, the posted guards were taken aback at the two. They raised their spears in surprise, and in an instant, Arazon drew her massive blade and was within two feet of the guards before they could do anything. “Look, soldier to soldier, I don't want any trouble. We are here for Hammer’s Forge, and we have a letter from Twilight Sparkle for entry into the city.” Arazon slung her blade back on her back, and handed the latter to one of the guards, who took it in his magic. Eyes reading over it, he nodded. “Sorry ma’am. There's been a threat made against the capital, so everypony has been on edge lately. I'll let the captain know to open the shield for you.” “Thank you, sir.” She balled her right hand into a fist, and placed it against her breastplate. The guard, seemingly understanding the gesture, saluted in return. Heh. At least soldiers never change. As Arazon and Jack walked into the city, Arazon immediately got her bearings based on the castle, and quickly went in the direction of the blacksmith. Many ponies shied away once they realized how tall Arazon was. Most of the ponies stood at about 4’ 8”, so Arazon definitely towered over them. That combined with her sword, she definitely looked threatening. Once the two were at the blacksmith, Arazon knocked on the door. “Come in!” A gruff stallion's voice sounded through the doors. As the two entered, Arazon immediately was put at ease by the sights, smells, and sounds of the place. She spent the little time she wasn't training and fighting in at a forge. It would be a lie to say she didn't feel nostalgic. “That's some mighty fine armour you're wearing there, miss. May I ask who made it?” “You're looking right at her.” She said this with a smile as the fellow smith grinned. “Well then, we've got to trade techniques sometime. Anyways, how can I help you?” “Actually, I think I can get two birds with one stone here. My apprentice here, while good, is lacking in armour of his own. Since we have no money on hand how about a trade?” “I'm listening.” “If you let me use your forge and metal, I'll show you one of the ways I fold steel for bastard swords, like Jack’s here. Jack, your sword?” Jack obliged, unsheathing the blade and presenting it to Arazon. Arazon took it and showed it to the smith. “Hmm… Very nice work… It's a deal.” “Thank you. What is your name?” “I'm Hammer Strike, miss. What's yours?” “Arazon Sigmus. Arazon is fine, though. Now, about that forge…” The two smiths walked to the back of the shop, where there was a furnace, an anvil, barrels of water, various ingots and sheets of metal, as well as many different metalworking tools. Arazon smiled, and got to work, placing Meadowlark on a table. Hammer gawked at the massive Zweihander, and he walked over to inspect the beast. The sword had the Zweihander’s characteristic parrying hooks about a foot from the guard, which itself stretched about eight inches on both sides. It also had the notable rings adjacent to the guard itself, as well as a long handle, with a pommel that looked like it could smash bone. “Don't touch him.” Arazon's voice surprised Hammer, and he looked a little sheepish, as he was thinking about hefting the sword. “That's Meadowlark, my Zweihander. I've killed hundreds of people with him. He is a weapon of war.” Hammer's eyes widened. “What?” “My home is at war. I am a fighter through and through. I protect those who cannot protect themselves.” Hammer was silent, before there was a loud shattering sound. “That was the shield!” “Looks like I'll have some excitement after all.” With that, Arazon dashed out the door, slinging her massive sword effortlessly. “Jack. Protect this building with your life.” Before he could respond, she left, heavily armoured feet cracking the stone beneath her. She headed for the castle. Canterlot Castle “Whoa, he took on all those changlings himself? Awesome!” Rainbow Dash was positively engrossed in Twilight’s retelling of events from Ponyville, having just been sent to Canterlot herself for her brother’s wedding by Jason. As she was finishing her story, a loud shattering sound was heard, followed by Twilight’s brother collapsing. “Shining!” She galloped over to her fallen brother, who looked totally exhausted from keeping the shield up for so long. Then, his bride to be smiled wickedly. Then, she erupted into green flame, and in its wake was left a tall changling. “I am Queen Chrysalis! And Canterlot falls today!” Not a moment after she finished her statement, the door was kicked in by a steel grey and velvet red blur. It lunged straight for the various changlings that had grouped up in the room, and slammed three into a wall with a crack, from both the exoskeletons and the wall itself. Celestia, who had been reeling from the appearance of all the changlings, was taken by surprise by Chrysalis, and incapacitated by her. Twilight was horrified that her mentor had fallen so easily. How could this brave pony face the changling queen? Arazon had smashed three changlings into the wall with a resounding crack, followed by kicking in the sides and necks of many more of them. Only on the last one did she draw her sword, cleaving the creature in have from the side. Only was she stopped moving was Arazon recognized by Twilight, who was terrified. Apple Jack was there, along with four other ponies Arazon did not know. However, she knew they were friends of Twilight and Apple Jack, and thus under her protection. “Howdy Arazon! Wish we coulda’ met under better circumstances, but it don’t matter now. I’ll cover the door. Twilight, I need you to help clear the streets, ya hear?” Twilight simply nodded, and took the other with her, leaving Arazon and the queen. “Who are you? No matter. You will die soon.” “Not if I can help it.” Arazon charged the queen, sword pointed forward. The queen smirked, and shot a blast of magic at Arazon, who slowed a little, and realesed one hand from the sword, the blade pointed downwards now. She raised her arm above her face, and braced herself. The queen kept the beam going for a bit, Arazon still forcing her way through. Finally, the queen relented, surprised and a little scared that this mere warrior had stood up to something that knocked out Celestia. Then Arazon charged again. Now, she was close enough, and made her move. Before the changling queen could react, Arazon’s blade had already buried itself into her shoulder blade, and she screamed in pain. The noise roused Celestia, but Arazon did not notice or care. Arazon pulled back her blade, and went for an upward stroke, severing the limb entirely. The queen screamed again. Arazon kicked the now downed changling’s face, more than breaking her nose. She kicked again as she thrust her blade into where one of the queen's wings connected with her body, and sunk the sword in deep. After a third curbstomp, the queen’s face was a bloody mess, with one of her eyes totally ruptured. As Arazon was about to deliver a killing blow, the voice of Celestia boomed. “Enough.” Author's Note Hey again! Not too much to say, but I liked practicing my action scenes. Also, anyone who's curious as to what a Zweihander is. https://hellfireforge.deviantart.com/art/German-Zweihander-191601049 Troubled PastCanterlot Arazon wheeled at the sound of Celestia’s voice, immediately slinging her sword onto her back, and she took a knee in front of the ruler, instincivly feeling her power. “Who are you, and what is the meaning of this?” Arazon looked up, still on a knee. “I am Arazon Sigmus, and this… Thing was threatening my friends. I do not care what you will do to me, but leave my friends and brother out of it.” Celestia, for all her years, was puzzled. FOr one, she had never seen a being such as the one before her. On top of that, she knew nothing that could partake in such violence, and still have friends. As if seeing her thoughts, Arazon answered Celestia’s unspoken questions, something she was not used to. “I am a human. I come from a place not of this world, and my home is at war. I am a grandmaster in nearly all forms of melee combat, and train soldiers and those who wish to learn. No, I do not enjoy the act of taking one’s life, but I can live with it. Yes, I have killed hundreds of people directly, and many more by those at my command.” Celestia was shocked, another thing that did not happen to her often. For someone so young to have done such terrible things… Yet I sense no malice in her at all… Celestia’s train of thought was derailed as Arazon spoke again. “I have razed countless cities, and ruined families and lives. But know I do everything for my homeland, and I will defend it to my last breath. And now, this Equestria would appear to be my home. I am willing to lay down my life for it as you have just seen, and have no qualms in killing my enemy.” Celestia was… Intrigued, to say the least. This young one reminded her of Luna so very much, and she mentioned a brother as well… “Your brother. Is he as… Efficient… As you?” Arazon smiled, and spoke into a necklace that was previously unnoticed on beneath her armor, taking it out to speak. “Hey Jason. Come on over. Somepony is curious.” Canterlot “...And that’s how to maximize the efficiency of an arcane circuit. Really, it’s quite simple. I’m surprised a mare of your intellect didn’t think of it before.” Twilight and Jason were walking around Canterlot, just after the changlings seemed to have fled en masse. Jason was picking off stragglers while also maintaining a conversation with Twilight, many times keeping eye contact even as a spike of stone would quickly and cleanly pierce a changeling's head. Just as Twilight was about to ask him why he seemed to not have an aura, Arazon’s voice emitted from his ring. “Hey Jason. Come on over. Somepony is curious.” Twilight marvelled at the object. Communications spells were extremely complicated, yet Jason had done it on a ring. Normally ponies needed entire walls to maintain such a spell. “Alright, Miss Sparkle. As a gentleman, I will not leave you in a potential warzone. You’re coming with me.” Before Twilight even had time to react, she was engulfed in a brilliant orange flame, and suddenly, was in the castle. Canterlot Castle “You called, sister?” The flame that appeared beside Arazon quickly dissipated to reveal both Celestia’s faithful student, and another, presumably Jason. Celestia quickly checked his magical aura, and was amazed to see it be even greater than Luna’s, nearly on par with her own. Yet, like his sister, he was so young. But still, she sensed great intelligence within him. She then realized he had locked eyes with her, his abyssal brown eyes boring into her’s, studying her. Then, he spoke. “Greetings, Princess Celestia. I presume that is you, anyways. I am Jason Sigmus, grandwizard.” His eyes fell upon the mangled Chrysalis, and he shifted his body to block Twilight’s view of her. He then, without moving a muscle, made her invisible, mute, and encased within a shield. This confirmed to Celestia that he had magical prowess, as well as tact for Twilight's sake “I see Arazon has done her work. How may I be of service to you?” Celestia blanked at the statement for a moment, before coming back to clarity. “I want to know your stories. What made you two so… Violent?” Jason smirked as he transfigured rubble outside into a table and some chairs. They flew in through the windows, and neatly organized themselves. “Pull up a chair. Our story is a long one.” Twenty Seven Years Ago A four year old Jason wandered outside of his home and into the forest. It was the dead of night, so he picked up a stick and set the end on fire. Even at such a young age, Jason had figured magic out on his own for the most part. He was wandering through the forest because he was curious about it. No one ever wanted to go into the forest, and there were always whispers of what lay within. Now he had long ago past the forest fence, and was in where he had never been before. He was inspecting a massive tree, something he would later know was an ancient bristlecone pine, when he heard crying coming from behind the tree. He was puzzled, so he walked around the massive trunk, and saw a child, almost his age. She was sitting, arms around her knees, and crying. Jason felt bad for the poor girl, and out stretched his hand. “Hi. I’m Jason. What’s your name?” The girl looked up in surprise, not noticing his presence evidently. She saw his outstretched hand, and reached for it. “I-I’m Arazon…” Twenty Three Years Ago A six year old Arazon was lying in bed, covered in bruises. And she was the happiest girl on earth. She had just beat her master for the first time since she started training with him. When he was on the ground, her blunted short sword at his throat, he gave her the biggest smile, and after nodding his head, conceding defeat, he gave her a hug, ruffled her hair, and told her something she would remember forever. “Nice job, Ary, you just beat this old man in single combat. You are now, by the laws of the fighter’s guild, a master of the blade. Congratulations. I am no longer your master. I am now your peer.” He finished that statement with a smile, and they immediately recounted their respective side of the duel, with all the interest and joy of two toddlers and a game of tag. Balthazar was like a second brother to her, despite being around fifty nine at the time. Even Jason, who was already on track to becoming an archmage at eleven, would, from time to time, watch and occasionally join their spars, studying their fighting with as much intensity as he studied his own magical arts. Arzon waas just giddy with pride. Arazon Sigmus: Master of the Blade at six years old! I can’t wait to tell mom and dad! Jason will be so proud! That’s when the attack began. Present TIme, Canterlot Jason and Arazon suddenly became very, very serious. Arazon spoke first. “Princess Celestia. What I and Jason are about to recount is our individual accounts of the lowest points in our lives. We give you fair warning that we will not hold back on any details. Jason, you go first. I need some time to gather my memories.” Jason grimly nodded and began his story. Twenty Three Years Ago Jason was finishing up his terrakinesis studies when- BOOM Jason froze for a second, before teleporting onto the roof of the fort in the middle of town. What he surveyed was absolute chaos. From his vantage point, he saw the town militia being pushed back from the north by some force of soldiers. They looked well armored, and seemed to know what they were doing as well. That’s when he realized his family’s house was on the predicted path of the invaders. He teleported into the fray, the eleven year old’s sudden appearance surprising combatants on both sides. Before many of the invaders snapped out of their stupor, the militia used this opportunity to strike back, but that wasn’t all Jason planned on. He had completely mastered his main element: Fire. And so, the young pyromancer let forth the fury of a blast furnace. There was no thought, no finesse, no direction behind the attack. It was simply a conflagration of flame and death that swept through the enemy lines. It left behind blazing fire and boiled flesh. THose that didn’t die screamed in agony only the wrath of cleansing flame can bestow, if their skin hadn’t melted their mouths shut yet. A few unlucky soldiers who wore things like leather or simple cloth were melted together with their garments, irrevocably fused with whatever they were wearing. Jason didn’t stop there. There was only one thought running through his mind. Unrelenting, repeating, and blazing with vengeance. You will all burn. Twenty Three Years Ago, the Sigmus Estate They killed mom and dad. They killed Balthazar… Arazon’s young mind was filled with the images and scenes of her parent’s and master’s death. Over and over, she saw them execute her parents, their magic not enough to hold back the brutality of the monsters. Balthazar died making sure she could get to safety. She wouldn’t let his death be in vain. Arazon would live. She barricaded the doors to the armory, but even now, she knew it wouldn’t hold. for all her strength, she was still only six. She could hear the door cracking. She wasn’t going to die like a defenseless little girl. She was going to kill all of them. She wondered if Meadow was safe in the fort… She found a sharpened longsword, though for her size she wielded it like a greatsword. Then, clad in only light chainmail from her earlier duel with Balthazar, she waited for the door to be broken. The door couldn’t hold, and split in two, her meek barricade crumbling under the feet of the monsters that killed her parents. But they were expecting a scared little girl, not a sword master crazed with rage. She charged from the dark with a primeval war cry, and ran the first man she saw through with her sword. Before the others could react, she kicked the man’s body off her sword, then brought it around for a killing blow to his comrade’s neck. The blade buried into his neck as he gurgled. The other man got a kick off on her while she recovered her sword, sending the light child flying. She hit the stone wall hard, and slumped to the ground. As he approached her, she struggled back to her feet, and readied herself for the next attack. The man, surprised that his kick didn’t kill her, took a step back. “Y-You’re not human!” Arazon smiled in a way no child should. “I am your end.” Arazon ran at him, veering to the side, but bringing her blade to a slash to his side. He crumpled in pain, screaming for help. She heard footsteps down the hall, and had an idea. She stepped up on his back, and thrust her her sword next to his spine, placing one hand over the other gripping the upside down handle. As his backup arrived, she twisted the blade, making him scream in agony. Then, adrenaline coursing through her veins, called on strengths she never knew she had, and picked up the man by the back of his neck, and smashed him into the ground. In a quick motion, she brought her sword back up, and brought her blade down like an axe just to the left of the man’s right shoulder. His arm rendered useless, she grabbed it and began to drag him towards his fellows, one of them doubled over vomiting. They saw, in her eyes, insatiable bloodlust. Canterlot Celestia was horrified at their account of events. “You were so young. How… Why…” For once, the solar monarch was at a loss for words. For those so young to have gone through so much… Arazon saw the expression on the white alicorn’s face. “It was a long time ago. It no longer bothers us as much as it used to. Please don’t worry on our behalf.” Celestia wasn’t entirely convinced. She remembered the few wars that had happened under her reign before Nightmare Moon, and she saw so much of Luna in this young Arazon. And this Jason. With such magical prowess, such intelligence, yet such fury and sorrow behind those brown voids. She resolved to do something about it. “I have a proposition for you two. Arazon, I would like you to talk with Luna. you and her have much in common. And for, Jason, I want you to talk with me. This is completely your choice, do not feel compelled because I rule a nation. I speak to you from a position of similar… Type.” The two thought for a bit, and looked at eachother, communicating the way only siblings can. They both nodded. “Alright.” “No problem, my liege, though it would be wise to inform Twilight.” “Ok, I will.” After giving Arazon directions for Luna’s chambers, she walked towards Luna's tower, her heavy armour clanking throughout the castle. “Now, Jason…” Author's Note Spooky past. Sorry for the lack of updates! School sucks sometimes, but Christmas Vacation is coming up! But also finals. Wish me luck, and thanks for reading!
The PortalArazon Sigurd was training in the yard Not training herself, mind you. Training other young fighters who had interest, as well as the sheer resilience, to be trained by her. The red head had been fighting and training with melee weaponry and general close quarters combat for her entire twenty nine years of life. She fondly remembers taking down her teacher at age six, almost without breaking a sweat. It wasn’t any fancy footwork, nor even the ability to parry. No, she could take a hit, and take it damn well. Arazon has been blindsided by hammers, hit with maces, and even stabbed. She never went down. Nor did she ever really leave her armour. This was for more personal reasons the young grand master didn’t want to dwell on, but needless to say, she still slept in at least chainmail. Otherwise, she was wearing some very heavy armour, clad in thick plate mail with a skirt of steel reaching to her ankles. On her back was her favorite sword, a Zweihander named Meadowlark, honoring a close friend who had been killed a few years back. The sword was very heavy, being a true Zweihander, and even she needed to use two hands to wield it, a testament to the shear mass of the sword. It was a thing of beauty, as well. Her’s in particular measured seven feet and three inches, weighing nearly eight pounds. The handle alone was a good one and a half feet, making the sword truly massive even compared to its kin. Standing at a little over six feet, she wasn’t exactly small of figure, either. She was definitely more than imposing in her full armour, and that worked to her advantage, but not now. Now, she was teaching how to actually fight, sometimes stepping to duel a student herself. She always let her students let what weapon they wanted to use, and her collection was more than expansive. From daggers to true two handed great sword, from clubs to massive warhammers. She firmly believed that any young fighter would be drawn to their particular weapon of choice. She smiled as a young boy, maybe thirteen, hefting a mace and small steel buckler. It reminded her of her own youth, trying to use her strength to take advantage of heavier weapons. She walked over, and chose a blunted long sword and kite shield, and said to the boy to get ready for a fight, her alto voice reverberating throughout the yard. The boy smiled at the challenge, and readied her stance to fight. Arazon decided to actually give this kid a chance as she made the first strike, bring the long sword on a swipe at the boy’s mace. The boy, despite being laden with a heavy weapon, deftly moved out of the way and used the maces inertia to pull his slightly to the right gambling on a spin to bring up the mace’s speed and hit Arazon’s shield. Arazon knew what was coming, but wanted to see what the kid would do on the offensive. Taking steps back, she let the boy gain ground impressed by just how fast he maneuvered his mace, using his light frame to actually accent the mace’s inertia, using it to make quick movements, and always being on his feet. Arazon considered taking this boy under her wing, and train her personally. His style wasn’t too dissimilar to her own at that age. Quick and merciless. Arazon decided that this fight would end now. She stepped up her game, and started on the offensive. She bashed the mace out of the kid’s hand with her shield, but this wasn’t over just yet. Interestingly, the boy didn’t concede. In fact, he took it as a challenge. Now, without a weapon, he moved a lot quicker, but still the defensive. He kept on blocking her strikes, but finally relented, conceding the duel. Arazon, after putting her weapons back on the rack, shouted for everyone’s attention. “Listen here, kids! What this young boy did was a show of tenacity and endurance! Learn from what he did! Be unconventional if you have to! Remember, in a real fight, this is life or death, and being able to defend yourself until help arrives, or you get to it, could mean you live another day! Now you, kid, what’s your name?” The boy looked a little bewildered, at being addressed by Arazon. “I’m Jack, ma’am.” “Don’t call me ma’am. Call me Arazon, please.” “Alright, Arazon.” An Hour Later.... “Alright, Jack. Tell me, what type of weaponry do you prefer?” The apprentice looked thoughtful for a bit, but quickly came to a conclusion. “I like bastard swords. I love the versatile nature of them.” “Alright, follow me. I have an extensive collection, so we'll be able to find something for you.” The two walked into Arazon's personal armoury. Arazon had amassed a massive repertoire of weapons of many types over the years, whether buying them, claiming them in a duel, claiming them from battle, or making them herself. She smiled at Jack’s wonder at the shear number of different weapons there were. “Ah, here they are. Judging by your frame, I’d she this’ll do. Bit on the shorter side at only thirty-nine inches. Forged this one myself, actually. It should have pretty good weight to it.” “Arazon, this is perfect! It feel like an extension of myself!” “Well, time to tes-” As soon as Arazon was going to issue a duel, a loud crack was heard from beneath them. While Jack looked concerned, Arazon merely was exasperated. “Don’t worry, kid. That’s just my brother Jason screwing with magic in the lower parts of the fortress. Better go check on him. He may be a prodigy, and a grand wizard at thirty two, but I swear, if he’s been messing with portals again…” Jack gawked at what she said. “Wait, you mean the Jason? The one who stormed a fortified town alone?!” “Uh, yeah. He’s my older brother.” “But you two don’t look even remotely the same” “Observant I see. No, I was adopted as an infant. I mean, magic basically runs through this family like the blood in their own bodies. O have nearly no aptitude, but they still loved me like one of their own. I decided that I would take my fascination with melee combat to the next level, and set out to achieve the highest level in the arts of war as I could. And I did. I am recognized as the youngest grandmaster in history, but you already knew that.” She ended the statement with a good natured laugh, prompting Jack to join in. “Now, let’s go how my brother screwed nature this time.” Jason’s Arcanium “Arazon! Look! I created a stable portal!” Arazon facepalmed with and armoured hand. “Great. Does it even go anywhere useful?” “Actually, I’m not sure where it goes. I’ll go check.” Jason promptly walked over the the portal and stuck his head through, coming back up and smiling. “It’s a forest! With plants I’ve never seen before!” “Damn, Jason, save some discoveries for the rest of humanity.” Jason was going to reply when something odd happened. There was a cry for help from the other side of the portal. “Jason, Jack. Someone needs help. Let’s go.” Arazon grabbed her helmet from the table she had left it at, and donned the intimidating head wear. And so, grand wizard, master, and apprentice ran through the portal to someone’s aid. Everfree Forest “Help! Somepony, anypony, help!” Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Bell were trying for their explorer cutie marks when a manticore had attacked from behind some bushes. Now they were running for dear life, or about to get manticore chow cutie marks. The three faintly heard other running footsteps, but didn’t care that much. Then they heard something very odd. “Jason, toss me! Land me in front of the manticore so I can stop it from moving!” “Will do.” Jason raised his hand, and a fiery orange aura surrounded Arazon before she was thrown off into the air. “Jack, come with me. we’ll escort these… Ponies to safety. Quickly, now!” Jack obliged, looking back to see Arazon about to take the full brunt of the manticore head on. Arazon didn’t draw her sword. Not yet, anyway. She instead braced herself, and put out her arms to stop the charging manticore. The three fillies behind simply stared in awe. Then manticore hit, Arazon digging her feet into ground. She only moved back about three inches, a testament to her immense strength. Before the manticore could recover from its quick stop, Arzon kicked it square in the head, and in one swift motion, drew her sword and cut vital arteries in the shoulder blades of the beast. Slinging her sword on her back again, she turned around and kneeled to the two… Ponies? “Normally I would ask how ponies can talk, but all I want to know is if you’re ok, and where your homes are so my companions and I can bring you there.” The three fillies nodded, and yellow one spoke, presumably for the group. “Yah, we’re alright. Sweet Apple Acres is one the edge of town, an’ that’s where ah live.” “Alright you three. Stay close, to us. Jason, Jack, I see you finally got here!” Jack responded before Jason could say anything. “As soon as we started running you had already killed the creature.” Jason looked to the ponies. “Alright. First, your names, then we’ll tell you ours. Fair?” The fillies nodded again. “Ah’m Apple Bloom!” Pleased ta meet’cha” “I’m Scootaloo!” “I’m Sweetie Bell.” Jason looked a little bemused by the names, but kept to his word. “I am Jason Sigmus” “I’m Jack” “I am Arazon Sigmus” The three ponies looked a little afraid of Arazon. Noting this, she took off her helmet, orange hair flowing back down to shoulder length. “Sorry if I scared you girls there. Now then, let's get going. Apple Bloom, your home is closest? Lead the way. Jason, make sure nothing gets too close to us.” So the six went, until they ended up in an apple orchard. Apple Bloom smiled and led them to a house next to a barn. She knocked on the door, and an orange pony in a hat answered. “Apple Bloom! Ah was worried about ya!” Apple Bloom blushed, but still ran to the other pony. “There was a manticore, and it was chasin’ us, an’ then Arazon came in an’-” “Hol’ up. Who’s Arazon?” Only then did she notice the three humans, taking a bit of a step back at the sight of Arazon, who really did tower over everyone present, even her adoptive brother, who only stood at 5’ 10”. She removed her helmet, as she had put it back on while the group went back to Sweet Apple Acres. It was around that time a blue pegasus streaked into view behind the group outside. Now, Arazon and Jason had seen some, to put it frankly, weird shit, in their time, but Jack less so. already amazed by the talking ponies, he simply gawked at the fast, flying cyan mare. He didn’t even have time to speak before the pony found Scootaloo,and beelined for the fill, wrapping her the equine equivalent of a hug. “Where were you, squirt? I couldn’t find you anywhere! You had me worried!” “I’m sorry, Dash, I convinced everypony to go into the Everfree forest to get our adventure cutie marks.” “How many times have I told you not to go into the Everfree!?” “I know, I’m sorry.” The two shared an embrace for a bit longer, but then Rainbow Dash saw Arazon. Her eyes widened at her, her armour, and massive sword. “Woah! You’re so cool! What are you? What's your name? Where did you come from? What are you here for? Who are thes-” Apple Jack Cut her off before she could finish. “Now now, Rainbow. Why Don’t we let our guests have a break. They jus’ saved Apple Bloom an’ her friends. Now, you three. Come on in and treat yourself to an Apple family dinner. Ya earned it.” The three humans shrugged, and walked inside the small house, Arazon crouching a little so as to not hit her head on the door. The three followed Apple Jack to the table, which was absolutely covered in various dishes, though all smelling overwhelmingly of apple. All those present sat down on a chair, and began to start eating. The three humans were amazed just how great the food was, Jack particularly fond of the fritters. And then a question Arazon hated was brought up. “Ah, miss Arazon? Why don’t’cha take off yer armour? It seems awfully heavy.” Jason and Arazon both froze. Their eyes glazed for a second, as if lost in their past for a brief time. Then it passed, and Arazon answered. “Apple Bloom, that is not a story I like to tell, especially to young kids like you.” “Aww! I’m nearly ten! I’m basically grown-up!” Arazon smiled at the childish persistence. “Sorry, not today. Anyways, Jason, Jack, we should probably get going. With my luck some bandits have already set up camp outside the village.” Jason looked thoughtful, then realized something. “Arazon, based on the strength and variability of the magical field here, the density of power, and.. Well, anyways, by my calculations, that portal can only be reopened every two years. Damn! I miscalculated somewhere… Jason, you imbecile!” Arazon wasn’t upset in the slightest. She was still very curious about this place, and saw this as a good way to train Jack daily. “Well, Jason, we better find the closest town, and find work. Looks like we’ll be here awhile. Author's Note Hey guys! Side story I've thought about for awhile now. If anyone is here from Twilight and the Volcanologist, hi! This'll be more of a fantasy story, but I'll post more frequently now, sometimes on this story, sometimes on the other! Bye now!
InvasionPonyville “I think this is the place.” Arazon took stock of the town, subconsciously noting various places of interest, as well as easily defensible locations. This was likely to be her home for the next two years, and she wasn’t letting anything happen to it. Apple Jack has told the three about the library, and that that would be the best place to start. She knew the pony living there, and had told her in advance to expect guests the night before. As three three made their way into town, they noticed ponies shy away, probably noticing Arazon, and how she looked like she was about to storm a city alone. She noted to find a forge, or make one herself, to make some less intimidating armour, or maybe expand her knowledge on the equip magic Jason had tried to teach her a few years ago. When they made it to the center of town, they found the library. Jason whistled, and commented on the complex spell he could see the intricate matrices of. Jack, no matter how mature he may be, was still a kid. He was amazed by the still living tree, and that it was apparently being used as the library they were told to look for. Arazon opted to knock on the door, her metal gauntlets gently rapping on the wooden door. A purple unicorn answered, smiling widely. As she looked at Arazon, clad in heavy war armour, she looked confused for a second or two, before apparently realizing something. So this is what AJ meant by ‘interesting folk’. I have so many questions!!! She bid them in, and as soon as Jason walked in, his head snapped around and looked the unicorn directly in the eyes. “You. What is your name?” “Uhh, I’m Twilight Sparkle.” “Well miss Sparkle, I am Jason Sigmus, grandwizard. I must say, your magical aura is almost a third as powerful as mine, the most I’ve ever seen.” “Oh, uh… Thank you?” Arazon snorted at the exchange. “Don’t mind him Twilight. He maybe a genius, and the youngest grandwizard in known history, but as his sister, I must warn you. He’s pretty blunt. I’m Arazon, by the way, at your service. This is my apprentice, Jack. He just chose his weapon of choice today.” Jack blushed a little at the compliment, his bastard sword still sheathed on his hip, his hand rested on the pommel. “Anyways, down to business. Apple Jack said we could stay here until we find work?” “Oh yes, that’s fine. Though you don’t have to pay rent, I insist.” “Thank you. Now… Do you know where the nearest blacksmith is?” “Hmm. That would be in Canterlot, the capital city on the mountain. Finest forges in Equestria, I’ve heard. The one you'll want is Hammer’s Forge. Here's a note so the guards will let you in.” “Alright, then. Jason, see if you can land me at the city entrance.” “No problem.” The two walked outside for a moment, and after a flash of fiery light, Arazon and Jack were gone, and Jason walked back inside. Twilight gawked at the display of magic. “Well, Twilight, I guess it's just you and me. And the dragon upstairs.” “How do you know Spike is there?” “I'm more than adept at magic, miss Sparkle. Not much gets past me.” “Oh. Okay” “I see the matrices that keep this tree alive. Do you know the caster?” “No, I don't. You can see matrices? I thought that takes a lot of energy to do.” “Well, at least you aren't bothering me about my war stories. That's nice for a change.” “W-War?” “Yes, my home is at war. My sister and I are debatably among the most dangerous and powerful people alive. As such, both of us has seen much combat, and taken many lives. An action neither of us take joy in.” “Oh… That's… Awful.” Jason simply nodded. Then, there was a shout from outside, following a blast of magic. From outside a voice screamed something. “Changlings!” “Duty calls, miss. See you soon.” With that, Jason walked out of the door, and into the fray. Assuming the aggressors were the strange, insect like quadrupeds, Jason set to work. Shielding all noncombatants, Jonathan immediately brought the fury of the earth on them, massive spikes erupting into the underbellies of changlings, but he wasn't done yet. Those who harm the innocent must suffer. He let a few changlings past, and the nearest one made a charge at him from behind, teeth bared. Jonathan whipped around when it was a about a foot away and crushed its head telekinetically. The others didn't relent. He picked and choosed his method of killing. Sometimes smashing two changlings together with telekinesis, sometimes making them spontaneously combust. Some he froze the blood of, and ripped the solid blood into shards, perforating their comrades. One changling actually got near him. He turned to his side, channeling pure gravitational forces into his hand, and punched the changling in the neck. Nothing remained but a green paste. One changling had captured a foal he had not seen, and was currently feeding off of it in some way. This enraged the powerful wizard, and he bent space itself to propel him into the changling, cracking its exoskeleton. He then made one of its own eyes freeze, and the explode, causing the vile creature great pain. Then, he formed a stone fist from the earth, and grabbed the changling, slowly crushing it. The foal, though a more than a bit scared, ended up hugging the mage’s leg. He smiled as he slaughtered more changlings. He made one implode into a ball of dense organic matter, and sent it hurtling through many changlings, changing its direction everytime it left one's body. Growing tired of such basic brutality, he gave in to pure sadism, and did some more interesting things. He started simply disintegrating the exoskeletons of the changlings, watching in morbid glee as they all screamed in agony, their bare flesh and innards exposed in ways they shouldn't be. Jason let out a maniacal cackle, full of righteous fury, as he mutilated changlings left and right. After the battle, though it would be more accurate to call it a slaughter, the town center was bathed in green changling blood and viscera. Jason smirked as he vaporized any traces the creatures had ever been there. He returned to the library. The entire event had happened in under ten minutes. Strolling back in as if nothing had happened, he sat back down where he had been before. “Where were we, miss Sparkle?” Canterlot As the to humans appeared in a burst of flame in front of the entrance, the posted guards were taken aback at the two. They raised their spears in surprise, and in an instant, Arazon drew her massive blade and was within two feet of the guards before they could do anything. “Look, soldier to soldier, I don't want any trouble. We are here for Hammer’s Forge, and we have a letter from Twilight Sparkle for entry into the city.” Arazon slung her blade back on her back, and handed the latter to one of the guards, who took it in his magic. Eyes reading over it, he nodded. “Sorry ma’am. There's been a threat made against the capital, so everypony has been on edge lately. I'll let the captain know to open the shield for you.” “Thank you, sir.” She balled her right hand into a fist, and placed it against her breastplate. The guard, seemingly understanding the gesture, saluted in return. Heh. At least soldiers never change. As Arazon and Jack walked into the city, Arazon immediately got her bearings based on the castle, and quickly went in the direction of the blacksmith. Many ponies shied away once they realized how tall Arazon was. Most of the ponies stood at about 4’ 8”, so Arazon definitely towered over them. That combined with her sword, she definitely looked threatening. Once the two were at the blacksmith, Arazon knocked on the door. “Come in!” A gruff stallion's voice sounded through the doors. As the two entered, Arazon immediately was put at ease by the sights, smells, and sounds of the place. She spent the little time she wasn't training and fighting in at a forge. It would be a lie to say she didn't feel nostalgic. “That's some mighty fine armour you're wearing there, miss. May I ask who made it?” “You're looking right at her.” She said this with a smile as the fellow smith grinned. “Well then, we've got to trade techniques sometime. Anyways, how can I help you?” “Actually, I think I can get two birds with one stone here. My apprentice here, while good, is lacking in armour of his own. Since we have no money on hand how about a trade?” “I'm listening.” “If you let me use your forge and metal, I'll show you one of the ways I fold steel for bastard swords, like Jack’s here. Jack, your sword?” Jack obliged, unsheathing the blade and presenting it to Arazon. Arazon took it and showed it to the smith. “Hmm… Very nice work… It's a deal.” “Thank you. What is your name?” “I'm Hammer Strike, miss. What's yours?” “Arazon Sigmus. Arazon is fine, though. Now, about that forge…” The two smiths walked to the back of the shop, where there was a furnace, an anvil, barrels of water, various ingots and sheets of metal, as well as many different metalworking tools. Arazon smiled, and got to work, placing Meadowlark on a table. Hammer gawked at the massive Zweihander, and he walked over to inspect the beast. The sword had the Zweihander’s characteristic parrying hooks about a foot from the guard, which itself stretched about eight inches on both sides. It also had the notable rings adjacent to the guard itself, as well as a long handle, with a pommel that looked like it could smash bone. “Don't touch him.” Arazon's voice surprised Hammer, and he looked a little sheepish, as he was thinking about hefting the sword. “That's Meadowlark, my Zweihander. I've killed hundreds of people with him. He is a weapon of war.” Hammer's eyes widened. “What?” “My home is at war. I am a fighter through and through. I protect those who cannot protect themselves.” Hammer was silent, before there was a loud shattering sound. “That was the shield!” “Looks like I'll have some excitement after all.” With that, Arazon dashed out the door, slinging her massive sword effortlessly. “Jack. Protect this building with your life.” Before he could respond, she left, heavily armoured feet cracking the stone beneath her. She headed for the castle. Canterlot Castle “Whoa, he took on all those changlings himself? Awesome!” Rainbow Dash was positively engrossed in Twilight’s retelling of events from Ponyville, having just been sent to Canterlot herself for her brother’s wedding by Jason. As she was finishing her story, a loud shattering sound was heard, followed by Twilight’s brother collapsing. “Shining!” She galloped over to her fallen brother, who looked totally exhausted from keeping the shield up for so long. Then, his bride to be smiled wickedly. Then, she erupted into green flame, and in its wake was left a tall changling. “I am Queen Chrysalis! And Canterlot falls today!” Not a moment after she finished her statement, the door was kicked in by a steel grey and velvet red blur. It lunged straight for the various changlings that had grouped up in the room, and slammed three into a wall with a crack, from both the exoskeletons and the wall itself. Celestia, who had been reeling from the appearance of all the changlings, was taken by surprise by Chrysalis, and incapacitated by her. Twilight was horrified that her mentor had fallen so easily. How could this brave pony face the changling queen? Arazon had smashed three changlings into the wall with a resounding crack, followed by kicking in the sides and necks of many more of them. Only on the last one did she draw her sword, cleaving the creature in have from the side. Only was she stopped moving was Arazon recognized by Twilight, who was terrified. Apple Jack was there, along with four other ponies Arazon did not know. However, she knew they were friends of Twilight and Apple Jack, and thus under her protection. “Howdy Arazon! Wish we coulda’ met under better circumstances, but it don’t matter now. I’ll cover the door. Twilight, I need you to help clear the streets, ya hear?” Twilight simply nodded, and took the other with her, leaving Arazon and the queen. “Who are you? No matter. You will die soon.” “Not if I can help it.” Arazon charged the queen, sword pointed forward. The queen smirked, and shot a blast of magic at Arazon, who slowed a little, and realesed one hand from the sword, the blade pointed downwards now. She raised her arm above her face, and braced herself. The queen kept the beam going for a bit, Arazon still forcing her way through. Finally, the queen relented, surprised and a little scared that this mere warrior had stood up to something that knocked out Celestia. Then Arazon charged again. Now, she was close enough, and made her move. Before the changling queen could react, Arazon’s blade had already buried itself into her shoulder blade, and she screamed in pain. The noise roused Celestia, but Arazon did not notice or care. Arazon pulled back her blade, and went for an upward stroke, severing the limb entirely. The queen screamed again. Arazon kicked the now downed changling’s face, more than breaking her nose. She kicked again as she thrust her blade into where one of the queen's wings connected with her body, and sunk the sword in deep. After a third curbstomp, the queen’s face was a bloody mess, with one of her eyes totally ruptured. As Arazon was about to deliver a killing blow, the voice of Celestia boomed. “Enough.” Author's Note Hey again! Not too much to say, but I liked practicing my action scenes. Also, anyone who's curious as to what a Zweihander is. https://hellfireforge.deviantart.com/art/German-Zweihander-191601049
Troubled PastCanterlot Arazon wheeled at the sound of Celestia’s voice, immediately slinging her sword onto her back, and she took a knee in front of the ruler, instincivly feeling her power. “Who are you, and what is the meaning of this?” Arazon looked up, still on a knee. “I am Arazon Sigmus, and this… Thing was threatening my friends. I do not care what you will do to me, but leave my friends and brother out of it.” Celestia, for all her years, was puzzled. FOr one, she had never seen a being such as the one before her. On top of that, she knew nothing that could partake in such violence, and still have friends. As if seeing her thoughts, Arazon answered Celestia’s unspoken questions, something she was not used to. “I am a human. I come from a place not of this world, and my home is at war. I am a grandmaster in nearly all forms of melee combat, and train soldiers and those who wish to learn. No, I do not enjoy the act of taking one’s life, but I can live with it. Yes, I have killed hundreds of people directly, and many more by those at my command.” Celestia was shocked, another thing that did not happen to her often. For someone so young to have done such terrible things… Yet I sense no malice in her at all… Celestia’s train of thought was derailed as Arazon spoke again. “I have razed countless cities, and ruined families and lives. But know I do everything for my homeland, and I will defend it to my last breath. And now, this Equestria would appear to be my home. I am willing to lay down my life for it as you have just seen, and have no qualms in killing my enemy.” Celestia was… Intrigued, to say the least. This young one reminded her of Luna so very much, and she mentioned a brother as well… “Your brother. Is he as… Efficient… As you?” Arazon smiled, and spoke into a necklace that was previously unnoticed on beneath her armor, taking it out to speak. “Hey Jason. Come on over. Somepony is curious.” Canterlot “...And that’s how to maximize the efficiency of an arcane circuit. Really, it’s quite simple. I’m surprised a mare of your intellect didn’t think of it before.” Twilight and Jason were walking around Canterlot, just after the changlings seemed to have fled en masse. Jason was picking off stragglers while also maintaining a conversation with Twilight, many times keeping eye contact even as a spike of stone would quickly and cleanly pierce a changeling's head. Just as Twilight was about to ask him why he seemed to not have an aura, Arazon’s voice emitted from his ring. “Hey Jason. Come on over. Somepony is curious.” Twilight marvelled at the object. Communications spells were extremely complicated, yet Jason had done it on a ring. Normally ponies needed entire walls to maintain such a spell. “Alright, Miss Sparkle. As a gentleman, I will not leave you in a potential warzone. You’re coming with me.” Before Twilight even had time to react, she was engulfed in a brilliant orange flame, and suddenly, was in the castle. Canterlot Castle “You called, sister?” The flame that appeared beside Arazon quickly dissipated to reveal both Celestia’s faithful student, and another, presumably Jason. Celestia quickly checked his magical aura, and was amazed to see it be even greater than Luna’s, nearly on par with her own. Yet, like his sister, he was so young. But still, she sensed great intelligence within him. She then realized he had locked eyes with her, his abyssal brown eyes boring into her’s, studying her. Then, he spoke. “Greetings, Princess Celestia. I presume that is you, anyways. I am Jason Sigmus, grandwizard.” His eyes fell upon the mangled Chrysalis, and he shifted his body to block Twilight’s view of her. He then, without moving a muscle, made her invisible, mute, and encased within a shield. This confirmed to Celestia that he had magical prowess, as well as tact for Twilight's sake “I see Arazon has done her work. How may I be of service to you?” Celestia blanked at the statement for a moment, before coming back to clarity. “I want to know your stories. What made you two so… Violent?” Jason smirked as he transfigured rubble outside into a table and some chairs. They flew in through the windows, and neatly organized themselves. “Pull up a chair. Our story is a long one.” Twenty Seven Years Ago A four year old Jason wandered outside of his home and into the forest. It was the dead of night, so he picked up a stick and set the end on fire. Even at such a young age, Jason had figured magic out on his own for the most part. He was wandering through the forest because he was curious about it. No one ever wanted to go into the forest, and there were always whispers of what lay within. Now he had long ago past the forest fence, and was in where he had never been before. He was inspecting a massive tree, something he would later know was an ancient bristlecone pine, when he heard crying coming from behind the tree. He was puzzled, so he walked around the massive trunk, and saw a child, almost his age. She was sitting, arms around her knees, and crying. Jason felt bad for the poor girl, and out stretched his hand. “Hi. I’m Jason. What’s your name?” The girl looked up in surprise, not noticing his presence evidently. She saw his outstretched hand, and reached for it. “I-I’m Arazon…” Twenty Three Years Ago A six year old Arazon was lying in bed, covered in bruises. And she was the happiest girl on earth. She had just beat her master for the first time since she started training with him. When he was on the ground, her blunted short sword at his throat, he gave her the biggest smile, and after nodding his head, conceding defeat, he gave her a hug, ruffled her hair, and told her something she would remember forever. “Nice job, Ary, you just beat this old man in single combat. You are now, by the laws of the fighter’s guild, a master of the blade. Congratulations. I am no longer your master. I am now your peer.” He finished that statement with a smile, and they immediately recounted their respective side of the duel, with all the interest and joy of two toddlers and a game of tag. Balthazar was like a second brother to her, despite being around fifty nine at the time. Even Jason, who was already on track to becoming an archmage at eleven, would, from time to time, watch and occasionally join their spars, studying their fighting with as much intensity as he studied his own magical arts. Arzon waas just giddy with pride. Arazon Sigmus: Master of the Blade at six years old! I can’t wait to tell mom and dad! Jason will be so proud! That’s when the attack began. Present TIme, Canterlot Jason and Arazon suddenly became very, very serious. Arazon spoke first. “Princess Celestia. What I and Jason are about to recount is our individual accounts of the lowest points in our lives. We give you fair warning that we will not hold back on any details. Jason, you go first. I need some time to gather my memories.” Jason grimly nodded and began his story. Twenty Three Years Ago Jason was finishing up his terrakinesis studies when- BOOM Jason froze for a second, before teleporting onto the roof of the fort in the middle of town. What he surveyed was absolute chaos. From his vantage point, he saw the town militia being pushed back from the north by some force of soldiers. They looked well armored, and seemed to know what they were doing as well. That’s when he realized his family’s house was on the predicted path of the invaders. He teleported into the fray, the eleven year old’s sudden appearance surprising combatants on both sides. Before many of the invaders snapped out of their stupor, the militia used this opportunity to strike back, but that wasn’t all Jason planned on. He had completely mastered his main element: Fire. And so, the young pyromancer let forth the fury of a blast furnace. There was no thought, no finesse, no direction behind the attack. It was simply a conflagration of flame and death that swept through the enemy lines. It left behind blazing fire and boiled flesh. THose that didn’t die screamed in agony only the wrath of cleansing flame can bestow, if their skin hadn’t melted their mouths shut yet. A few unlucky soldiers who wore things like leather or simple cloth were melted together with their garments, irrevocably fused with whatever they were wearing. Jason didn’t stop there. There was only one thought running through his mind. Unrelenting, repeating, and blazing with vengeance. You will all burn. Twenty Three Years Ago, the Sigmus Estate They killed mom and dad. They killed Balthazar… Arazon’s young mind was filled with the images and scenes of her parent’s and master’s death. Over and over, she saw them execute her parents, their magic not enough to hold back the brutality of the monsters. Balthazar died making sure she could get to safety. She wouldn’t let his death be in vain. Arazon would live. She barricaded the doors to the armory, but even now, she knew it wouldn’t hold. for all her strength, she was still only six. She could hear the door cracking. She wasn’t going to die like a defenseless little girl. She was going to kill all of them. She wondered if Meadow was safe in the fort… She found a sharpened longsword, though for her size she wielded it like a greatsword. Then, clad in only light chainmail from her earlier duel with Balthazar, she waited for the door to be broken. The door couldn’t hold, and split in two, her meek barricade crumbling under the feet of the monsters that killed her parents. But they were expecting a scared little girl, not a sword master crazed with rage. She charged from the dark with a primeval war cry, and ran the first man she saw through with her sword. Before the others could react, she kicked the man’s body off her sword, then brought it around for a killing blow to his comrade’s neck. The blade buried into his neck as he gurgled. The other man got a kick off on her while she recovered her sword, sending the light child flying. She hit the stone wall hard, and slumped to the ground. As he approached her, she struggled back to her feet, and readied herself for the next attack. The man, surprised that his kick didn’t kill her, took a step back. “Y-You’re not human!” Arazon smiled in a way no child should. “I am your end.” Arazon ran at him, veering to the side, but bringing her blade to a slash to his side. He crumpled in pain, screaming for help. She heard footsteps down the hall, and had an idea. She stepped up on his back, and thrust her her sword next to his spine, placing one hand over the other gripping the upside down handle. As his backup arrived, she twisted the blade, making him scream in agony. Then, adrenaline coursing through her veins, called on strengths she never knew she had, and picked up the man by the back of his neck, and smashed him into the ground. In a quick motion, she brought her sword back up, and brought her blade down like an axe just to the left of the man’s right shoulder. His arm rendered useless, she grabbed it and began to drag him towards his fellows, one of them doubled over vomiting. They saw, in her eyes, insatiable bloodlust. Canterlot Celestia was horrified at their account of events. “You were so young. How… Why…” For once, the solar monarch was at a loss for words. For those so young to have gone through so much… Arazon saw the expression on the white alicorn’s face. “It was a long time ago. It no longer bothers us as much as it used to. Please don’t worry on our behalf.” Celestia wasn’t entirely convinced. She remembered the few wars that had happened under her reign before Nightmare Moon, and she saw so much of Luna in this young Arazon. And this Jason. With such magical prowess, such intelligence, yet such fury and sorrow behind those brown voids. She resolved to do something about it. “I have a proposition for you two. Arazon, I would like you to talk with Luna. you and her have much in common. And for, Jason, I want you to talk with me. This is completely your choice, do not feel compelled because I rule a nation. I speak to you from a position of similar… Type.” The two thought for a bit, and looked at eachother, communicating the way only siblings can. They both nodded. “Alright.” “No problem, my liege, though it would be wise to inform Twilight.” “Ok, I will.” After giving Arazon directions for Luna’s chambers, she walked towards Luna's tower, her heavy armour clanking throughout the castle. “Now, Jason…” Author's Note Spooky past. Sorry for the lack of updates! School sucks sometimes, but Christmas Vacation is coming up! But also finals. Wish me luck, and thanks for reading!
