Chapters I woke up the next day and groggily got out of bed to shut off the blasting alarm clock that I need to wake myself up. I’m a heavy sleeper so the loudest alarm was necessary.
I took a shower and got ready for the day.
Brushing my teeth first and then getting dressed for work. I worked at Portillo’s while I get enough money to afford collage. Of course I actually have enough money to go anyway but I’d rather get used to being on my own first before going to collage. I’d rather not have to learn two different phases of life at once if I could avoid it.
The whole time I prepared for work my mind kept wondering to Equestria and all the ponies I still want to meet. I kept planning on what I wanted to do when I returned home.
Work was boring as always but never slow or idle. We needed to make food fast enough the Chicago area has a lot of people who like Portillo’s.
My mind kept on going back to Terraria every few minutes on the job. I wasn’t really into it at the moment. But I was able to get through the long and grueling day.
That was the weird part. I used to not mind my job, now I want it to end earlier so I could go home.
Home finally!
Getting out of my work uniform I made my way to my computer. I remember feeling the anxiety of being able to go back and find the mirror to Equestria so I can go back and find out more about my favorite ponies. There are a lot of questions about culture that all bronies would want to know about. Questions like: ‘What are their stallion to mare ratio.’ Or ‘gender rolls.’ And other things like that.
I personally thought that those thoughts were meaningless since they obviously mirror humans so it’s assumed that their history mirrors ours and in the episode where Cheerilee and Big Mac are victims of a love potion we saw evidence that there is a fifty-fifty ratio of stallions and mares.
Since there were so many single stallions that were presented and so many one mare and one stallion couples.
Though it didn’t stop me from enjoying fan fictions about the gender rolls and ratio of stallion to mare. So maybe when I’m done with going to Equestria I will gather a few friends to join me in doing a few boss battles and getting all hollow armor. Then I’d be able to take anything in Equestria.
I logged onto steam and started up Terraria. I remained offline so none of my 100+ friends can interrupt me.
The first thing I did when I got in was check for the magic mirror. To my relief it was there. Then I emptied my inventory of everything I won’t need. Such as wood and other things. I also brought a sign. Then I went into my storage room that was filled to the brink with chests, and then I looked through them to find the one I was looking for. The one with all my outfits in it. I grabbed the goggles and clown outfit. Also a top hat and robe for whatever reason. And everything else including a plumbers outfit and the doctors clothing.
Then I went to the platform that looked out into the world. I waited a few tense seconds. Then the moment of truth…I used the mirror.
The background was different. It was the Everfree again. I ran to the left side of the screen and waited while traveling. Two full minutes passed before I came across a familiar hut. I went inside not invisible and I saw Zecora. She looked at me with a puzzled expression and I started jumping. Then I left.
Thoroughly convinced I left her in a confused state I headed towards Ponyville. I did what I did yesterday and unequipped everything and made myself invisible.
I didn’t have enough room for any other item in my inventory since it was now officially full with all my gear off.
I made my way to the center of town and I found the almost deserted streets. Only a couple of ponies were outside and they were talking to each other. I saw Lyra and Bon-Bon and I went over to them to listen to their conversation.
“-A creature on two legs. Bonney! It could be a human!” said an excited Lyra.
‘Note to self. Avoid Lyra.’
“Lyra will you give it a break? I’m sure Applejack’s just protecting her sister so no one thinks she’s crazy or something.”
“Yea but she’s the ELEEMENT of honesty! She wouldn’t betray her element!”
“She’s done it before with the whole Pinkie’s birthday fiasco. And that was to protect her friend from finding the surprise party. Not too different from protecting her sister.”
“What about Zecora and Rainbow Dash? They’ve seen it too!”
“And they are also close to the crusaders so they’d probably protect them too.”
“Yea well…It’s not likely!”
“But it’s reasonable!”
I’ve heard enough of the conversation. I decided it was time Ponyville was aware of me. I undid the potions effects and put all my gear back on. I walked passed the two mares and they looked at me in shock. But as I was going out of view Lyra smirked and looked back at her friend.
“Told you.”
I walked through Ponyville and other ponies began to notice me as I sped past them toward the town center and a few other ponies went inside due to fear or something. Maybe they couldn’t handle my awesomeness.
I came across a tree building and I immediately recognized it as the library. I decided to go back into stealth mode and stuff. I took another invisibility potion and undid all my gear again.
Entering the library I quietly opened and closed the door.
“I really don’t think the princess will really respond to that on so few eye witnesses.” Said a purple unicorn.
“Ah know it doesn’t seem believable but Ah know what Ah saw!” Said a familiar southern drawl.
I tried typing again.
‘Sup!’
Not even a flinch or look around.
I realize it would be a good idea to just come out of hiding and say hi or something but…oh what the hell I already ran around town. I went into inventory and put on all my gear again. I unpaused and removed the potion effects. I used the Rainbow Rod to make some noise.
“What’s th-” Twilight stopped mid sentence when she saw me. Applejack turned to look at me too.
“Uh…howdy?”
I jumped three times. I’m sure the image of my character lifting his arms up in silent joy they would get the message I’m friendly. And maybe they’d follow me if I’m lucky…so they can eat my dust HAHA!
I ran out the door leaving a few dumbfounded mares in my wake.
Twilight and Applejack just witnessed the most awkward sight. A two legged creature appeared in the library and started hopping happily then sped out the door.
“Applejack.”
“Twilight.”
“I’m going to write Celestia…SPIKE!”
Sprinting down the streets of Ponyville I had the chance to admire each building I passed…Which looked exactly like the last one.
Oh god is that a different color? WHAT IS THIS WITCHRAFT!
Oh wait that’s just Sugar Cube Corner. Might as well pay a visit to the party pony and see if she really can teleport…or maybe kill her and get her 4th wall breaking item…Naaaaaaaaah.
I approached the door and with heavy anticipation and right clicked on it. Going inside I saw Mrs. Cake at the counter with not a shocked face but her mouth was a clear O shape. She looked at me for a moment and to make it awkward I walked up to the counter and waited for her response.
It took a full minute for her to respond. I think my awesome tux kept her from thinking I was a threat, which I was thankful for mind you.
“Uh what can I get you…dear?”
I opened my inventory and looked through my stuff. I happened to have glow sticks and I equipped them and did the most comical thing I could think of…
Throw them around the room. I started with 99 glow sticks
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” I had 89 glow sticks.
“STOP IT!” 73 glow sticks.
“PINKIE HELP!” 58
“What’s going on in here?” Said a pink mare. 54 glow sticks.
Pinkie took a few moments to look at me. 39 glow sticks. She grabbed something that was in the kitchen and pulled it through the door…party cannon.
I had no idea what the damage that thing can do to me but I thought against running because Pinkie is a people person. She wouldn’t fill a cannon that fills the world with laughs with deadly force right? Right?
O_O
*BOOM!*
I was flung toward the door but I was happy to find out that I didn’t suffer any damage. And I was still in Sugar Cube Corner.
I expected to at least be flying out the door but apparently cartoon logic doesn’t apply to Terraria characters. Lucky me!
I walked up calmly back to the counter. Then I stood there for a three full seconds before I went behind the counter and stood in front of Pinkie who looked at me with a questioning gaze. I really expected her to jump for joy at the idea of a new friend but the strangeness of seeing a new creature must have been suppressing that urge to make friends.
I stood there for ten seconds before she smiled awkwardly and said. “Hi?”
I looked through my inventory again to look for something to give her…Ah! The ‘Summer Hat’ would be a nice gift.
Grabbing the item and throwing it out of my inventory I unpause and watch it fly toward her. Somehow it landed on her head and with that I began to leave. Before I even got to the door I heard a confused “Thank you?” from Pinkie Pie.
I looked back to take a look at my handy work. The ground was literally glowing from the amount of glow sticks were on the floor.
However I still had a few left so before I exited the sweet shop I threw one more.
38 glow sticks.
I sprinted out the door and while I was out there I heard a very angry shout come from Mrs. Cake.
“GET BACK HERE AND CLEAN THIS UP!”
Laughing to myself I continued to sprint down the main street of Ponyville…or what I thought was a main street. It seemed wide enough to be like a filter for traffic.
However I was completely oblivious to the prying eyes above me just waiting to pounce.
Rainbow Dash was above Ponyville doing her whether routs as she always would. Today there was supposed to be clear skies, and she was determined to do it quickly. However when she was about to destroy the last cloud she saw a certain two legged creature sprint into town.
“What the hay?”
She hid in the cloud and gave chase.
She followed its miss adventures and lost sight of it for a moment until it and sprinted out of the library. Applejack shortly followed it outside and watched it go out of view.
Rainbow didn’t stop to ask her about it because the speedy biped was almost out of view for her as well.
She saw it stop and rush into Sugar Cube Corner. She was tempted to corner it but thought against it as she didn’t know what it was trying to do. She waited impatiently for the thing to leave. Since it was taking forever she took a few laps around the cloud until she heard the most angry voice of Mrs. Cake she thought she would never hear.
“GET BACK HERE AND CLEAN THIS UP!”
“What the hay?”
She saw it sprinting away but she wanted to see exactly what kind of damage it actually did.
When she entered the sweet shop she was shocked by what she saw. Hundreds of glow sticks were littering the ground and Pinkie was wearing the strangest straw hat while Mrs. Cake was angrily cleaning up all the glow sticks with a broom.
Pinkie sat there looking at the door with an expressionless face.
Rainbow decided it was best to ask what in the hay happened.
“Pinkie…What in the hay happened?”
“…”
“Pinkie.”
“…it gave me a hat.” Her statement was more directed to her befuddled mind rather than her friend.
Rainbow rolled her eyes and up and left the establishment. She looked over to her right and found the creature still in viewing distance. Enough was enough. She needed answers and following this thing around was likely to add in more damage…or shenanigans…that would terrorize the town in some manor.
She went high enough so her shadow wouldn’t be visible anywhere along its path and she set herself fifty feet above the creature before going into a dive.
While I was running toward what I assumed was town hall I started to hear a whistling sound.
Wait that sounds almost like…
I stopped moving when something colorful came into view. It landed right in front of me and I almost swung Night’s Edge at it out of shock.
I’m glad I didn’t though or I would seriously have to hide the body…or run away and never come back…or the fun option fight Celestia over the issue.
“HEY YOU!” Said a brash voice. “You’ve got some explaining to do! You left a mess at Sugar Cube Corner and I wanna know why!”
Not like I can explain myself to her since there is no push to talk button on Terraria. Although I must admit that wasn’t the most thought out action I’ve ever done. Now that I think about it…it’s almost like the time when I used to grief. I was never really happy doing the regular old shit with the other players so I played pranks on them.
I wonder what went through my mind when I did that.
Now that I think of it I probably seem like a complete ass hole right now. Although Pinkie might be indifferent because I gave her a hat. A good one too…that actually looked pretty cute on her.
“Well?”
Frankly there wasn’t much I could do. So I had to do something to appease the cloud goddess of loyalty. I went into my inventory…I debated with myself. Sunglasses or goggles?
OH GOD WHY DOES SHE MAKE ME CHOSE!
I walked up to her and opened my inventory. Since time stops when I’m in it I could have as much thinking time as I want…goggles…sunglasses…goggles…sunglasses…
I couldn’t make up my mind. Sunglasses look good but goggles allow her to fly without the worry of wind blowing the moisture out of her eyes or something…
I couldn’t make a choice…
So I gave her both of those and put a top hat on my head in place of them.
“What…the…hay?” She looked at the goggles and the sunglasses. She picked each up and looked at them like she was choosing between them like I was moments ago.
“Dude…These Goggles are awesome!”
I totally expected her to go for the glasses. She put them on her head.
“Wow these fit pretty well…Yea I can use these. Thanks dude. But you’d better head back to Sugar Cube Corner. You know the place you trashed! Go clean up your mess and I’ll be off your case.”
Does she want the glasses?
“Oh and you can keep the glasses. I already have a pair.”
Damn. Well at least I don’t have to face the wrath of Rainbow Dash…or kill her to protect myself…or fight Celestia.
I would hate to fight Celestia. Or Twilight even.
Pinkie remains broken and confused. Only now she’s upgraded to wonderer, pacing about Sugar Cube Corner with an intense look of deep thought with a summer hat on her pink head.
“Pinkie can you help us?” Said Mrs. Cake angrily. That is until she noticed the uncharacteristic look on Pinkies face. “Pinkie sweetie…are you ok?”
Then another out of character action Pinkie did…she ignored somepony. And not just anypony either. It was her employer, caretaker, and close friend Mrs. Cake.
She started to walk up the stairs and the door opened up. She took a small glance toward the door that transformed into a full head turn right at the being that was standing in the door. It ran across the room with Rainbow in tow. Mrs. Cake glared at the creature and opened her mouth to say something but what happened to the remaining glow sticks that were scattered on the floor caused her to recoil. Same with Rainbow and Pinkie.
The glow sticks floated and fell into the two legged creatures’ hand. Including the ones in the trash that he ran by. When all the glow sticks were off the ground it ran out again.
“W-what happened?” Said Mrs. Cake to Rainbow Dash.
“Umm I told him to come back and clean up his mess.”
“Oh…well thank you.”
“No problem. Now I’ve got to make sure he doesn’t cause any trouble in town. See ya!” Rainbow speeds out the door.
With the glow stick catastrophe taken care of her attention was put back on Pinkie.
“Pinkie are you-…Pinkie?” Pinkie was no longer on the staircase. Mrs. Cake could only assume she went upstairs so she followed suit.
“Pinkie are you up here?” She said as she ascended the staircase cautiously. She slowly made her way to Pinkie’s room, since she couldn’t think of anywhere else she could have gone. She takes a quick peek in the babies’ room and noted it was empty. She made her way to Pinkie’s door and listened.
She heard noises of paper and some writing.
Mrs. Cake recognized that sound; it was Pinkie writing down party materials. Despite how often she makes parties she always changes them in her own personal way to represent each pony’s interests. Mrs. Cake breathed a sigh of relief that Pinkie was acting normal again.
But then her relief became worry. She could only think of one creature that she would organize a party for…the one that trashed Sugar Cube Corner…but nicely enough cleaned it up.
‘Oh Celestia no…’
Pinkie’s thought process went like this.
He threw glow sticks around Sugar Cube Corner for fun. That seems like something a meany pants would do, but he gave me a hat. Wait does that mean he could be like Discord? Discord gave us chocolate rain and cotton candy clouds…NO! He’s not like Discord. Discord did all that for himself. But this thing gave me a hat, one that looks fun too. So he can’t be all bad right?
No he did it for fun…could this just be a prank? Dashie confronted him about it and she may have mentioned how mad Mrs. Cake was so he came back to clean it up because he felt bad…Yea that makes sense. He was doing it all in good fun! But when he realized it was hurting other ponies he came back and fixed it!
So he isn’t a meany pants! He deserves a party unlike Discord.
Safe to say it was a well thought out decision.
Dude that was close. I almost had the entire town on me…ok maybe not but I would have ruined my image if I didn’t go back and fix that. Shit I’ve got to be careful with what I do if I want to fit in. Although I did establish I wanted to fight Celestia…well actually no I don’t but…It could be fun.
Or a slaughter depending on who’s stronger. She does control the sun and I don’t really have the luxury of celestial bodies as a power source.
Hmm…It’s time to get an upgrade.
I pulled out the magic mirror while Rainbow was hovering above me staring at me. And waiting for me to do something.
I used the mirror to return home. Then I searched for my golden chest where I put my vanity items.
I exited the game.
I stared at my computer for a moment. I went online and messaged my friend.
“Gonepostal?” I typed in the chat box.
A few seconds later he messaged back. “Yea?”
“You up for a multiplayer in Terraria? I need Souls of Might.”
“How about tomorrow?”
“Yea that’s my day off. I’ll message you.”
“Cool.”
The next day started off slow. I eventually progressed with Terraria with Gonepostal but we couldn’t get some things on our own. He invited a few friends to join us and I did the same.
One of his friends was a hacker. He didn’t have all the gear we did but he didn’t need it with the amount of health he had.
When he died he dropped twenty platinum…I ended up with that in my inventory.
I asked him if he wanted it back but he said no so I excused myself from the group to safely store it in the piggy bank.
During our adventure I obtained 40 might souls. I crafted the Excalibur which is the most powerful melee weapon of the entire game. (To my knowledge that is)
Depends on what you assume is most powerful. Damage? Or how fast is it dished out.
My old favorite weapon the Muramassa taught me that. I had a more powerful sword but it swung slowly. But Muramassa was able to swing so fast it did more damage than that sword over time.
God I loved that sword. I felt so bad when I had to craft it into the Night’s Edge. But it was a necessary sacrifice that turned out great in the end when I ended up with a very powerful weapon. (At the time that is)
Excalibur wasn’t invented when I got Night’s Edge.
When the Goblin room made came to my house after I saved him it was the first weapon I’ve upgraded. It had 53 damage when I was done. Spent 5 platinum just to do it.
(It broke several times)
Anyway back from memory lane.
I finished up the playing session with my friends and new friends, we all got something out of the session.
I gave my Night’s Edge to someone with lesser gear than me and he was grateful. I told him to take care of that blade and NEVER sell it because it was forged out of my best weapons I’ve ever crossed paths with in my Terrarian adventure.
He agreed knowing the feeling.
I returned with my new gear and money to my sky home in single player.
First thing I wanted to do was go back to Equestria. But I had gifts to hand out to show good will. But with gifts…came the hard decision on whom to give what.
I had an idea. I would bring all the vanity items and all the sugar cane wall pieces from the Christmas update.
I would also bring as many different magical items that aren’t weapons.
I’m sure Twilight would love to read some ancient dungeon books…I’m not sure if she could read them but that’d be interesting for her to do.
Know what…I’m going to build a book shelf. Just imagining Twilight’s face when I throw it down would be worth it.
Although Twilight might be more interested in water candles than books she can’t read. So I’d better bring at least one.
At this point I realized it was around lunch time so I went out in my car to grab a sandwich or at least a Billy Club from Jimmy John’s.
I wasn’t in the mood for making something at home. Besides I haven’t stocked the fridge for a while now.
At Jimmy John’s I noticed something VERY weird happened. When I went to take my change all of the change flew into my hand. Not the change in the cash register (Which I was grateful for since it would have caused an incident) but everything the guy gave back. I was grateful that no one saw that because that would be hard to explain.
Pushing the incident out of my mind I grabbed my food and went home.
When I was done with my lunch I immediately went back on and checked through my inventory. I had a Magic Missile and an Agile Flamelash.
These items only make cool looking sprites that I love to look at because of how cool they are. I also improved my Rainbow Rod to be the Quick Rainbow Rod which had 13% more speed.
The Rainbow Rod was naturally slow so that was a plus.
I also used some money to upgrade my demon wings to become Armored Demon Wings with +3 defense.
It replaced my cloud in a bottle so I wouldn’t have to worry about that much. Though I changed the cloud in a bottle to a ‘Guarding Cloud in a Balloon’ which really helped me with my jumps.
Looking through my inventory one last time I took note that my wings will remain off until I need them. Who knows if Celestia will set up a pit in the ground to contain me, and if she knew I could fly then she might block off the only ways out.
I forgot I had arrows on me. Jester’s Arrows too. That will come in handy when I want to make the foals awed. And maybe pass myself off as an entertainer. I grabbed a Demonite Bow to shoot the arrows.
Maybe a hero of Terraria? Yea that seems more reasonable if Celestia discovers my armor. And maybe I can explain my magical abilities with being a wizard or something.
Now I was fully prepared to go back into Equestria.
I Equipped the Equestrian Mirror and I peered into it.
“Are you sure you saw a two legged creature?” Asked Celestia.
“With my own eyes princess. It ran in and ran out. Well it actually appeared out of nowhere and then ran out. But if you wait it might come back.” Said Twilight to her mentor.
Twilight was very nervous to say the least. She didn’t want to look like she called away Celestia for no reason at all. Celestia trusts Twilight, and Twilight wouldn’t want to break that trust that was forged over years of listening, learning, and even laughing.
Celestia set up patrols around the town that will report back to the library when they spot the creature rumored to approach the town.
“Come on wolfGear, where are you?” Twilight said to herself.
I entered the Everfree forest and went left again. Only I went a different left. Not sure how to explain it but I went some…lefter left?
I was hoping I would find something interesting if I went that direction. It didn’t take long to figure out what I ended up at. I’ll give you two guesses…YES FLUTTERSHY’S COTTAGE!
And it was pretty awesome to be able to walk around it. However there was one problem…SO MANY ANIMALS! I mean come on! You can’t tell me that you didn’t go on a wildlife massacre when you found out you could kill animals. ESPECIALLY BIRDS! They are really good magic target practice. Every bunny I saw I either corrupted or killed outright when in Terraria.
However this was Fluttershy’s cottage. And not only that but these were Fluttershy’s animal friends. I was so tempted to KILL every single on of them…but I restrained my self.
I looked around the property for something to kill-I mean for something to do and I found the smallest creature…a cricket.
OH GOD YES SHE WON’T EVEN NOTICE!
RAINBOW ROD HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
*zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz SPLAT*
Oh that felt so good! That may have been a small victory but it was a victory.
I looked around. All the animals saw me but thankfully the cricket was far enough so they didn’t see what I killed. I was so relieved that today couldn’t possibly get any better. I wonder what their health looks like?
I scanned the group of animals with my mouse. 5 5 5 5 5 5 10? 5 2 5 5 5 50. Varying health’s but most of them were five.
The larger animals like birds had 10. However on rabbit was a ten whom I soon recognized as Angel.
He was giving me a weird look. It was half way between curious and neutral.
I walked up to him and looked past him…because I couldn’t look down.
I tried typing again.
“Where’s Fluttershy?”
No response other than a scowl. More annoyed that I’m standing in his zone or something. He started stomping on my toes but stopped after his first stomp. Probably because he felt my invisible armor.
On my screen a small yellow Pegasus pony appeared behind me. Not really appeared but walked onto my screen on the far right. I turned around which caused her to ‘eep’.
I waited for her to calm down.
“…u-umm hello?”
I slowly walked toward her. I intended to give her a Jungle Rose to put in her hair. Because flowers and Fluttershy go SO CUTE TOGETHER!
She tentatively backed away from me so I stopped and waited for her to calm down again.
I repeated the process over and over again and I soon realized she’s keeping a safe distance from me. Which was strange. Was it my suit? Probably…Fluttershy wouldn’t react to upper class well because of her timitdness. Maybe…
I equipped the Fairy Bell and summoned a magical fairy. It was green. Fluttershy backed away even more but hesitated when she saw the fairy.
After a moments hesitation she seemed to forget me entirely and she flew over to the fairy with an expression of awe.
I’m so smooth.
“Whoa what’s her name?”
“…Cindy?” I typed.
She looked at me for a minute.
“What are you?”
It’s not like I can say anything back so I opened up my inventory and selected the Jungle Rose. I didn’t know how to get her to put it on…Then I remembered the manikins made of wood where you can put armor on. I clicked on Fluttershy and the rose appeared in her mane.
so FUCKING adorable.
At first she didn’t realize what happened but when she figured out there was a flower in her mane she gave me a warm smile that melted my heart.
“Thank you. Oh um I heard the princess wants to meet you. Um can you follow me please?”
I did what I was told and I followed her. She trotted confidently down the path while I followed in her adorable wake of love and adorableness.
I almost laughed at how quickly her mood changed when we got closer to town. She suddenly became less confident and lowered her head to look less conspicuous.
I wanted to scream “I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
But alas! I am stuck with wordless shenanigans. But it didn’t stop me from bursting into tears from the adorable meek little pony in front of me.
We got closer to town when I noticed patrols. It was, dare I say awkward to see the province of Ponyville under marshal law.
I became wary as two guards got nearer to us. Both seem to notice me immediately and the one on the right who was closer to the town took off toward what I assumed was the town center while the other made his way toward me. He is a white stallion with golden armor. The other one had a brown coat. But I couldn’t see the mane color because of the armor.
He calmly strolled towards us and Fluttershy finally took notice.
“Good afternoon ma’am.” Said the guard said to Fluttershy.
“Oh good afternoon.” Said Fluttershy averting his gaze.
Then he turned to me. “Excuse me but someone wants to meet you. Please follow me to the library.” Said the guard.
Now I understood exactly what was going on. Either Celestia is here and wants to meet me or she asked Twilight to ask me questions.
Probably the former of the theories if I’m a new creature…or like all other fics I’m a human from this worlds past…unlikely because there is no way a human can evolve in a place like Equestria and be as curious and violent as they are now. But again not all humans are violent.
Maybe humans needed more land so they said goodbye to their pony friends and up and left.
Naaaaaaaaaaaaaah that’d be to easy.
I watched my surroundings and noted Fluttershy was still following me.
We took a few minutes but we eventually reached the Library without incident. The whole time I was debating what to do when I meet Celestia.
“Please go inside.” Said the guard. Fluttershy tried to go in but she was stopped by the guard. “Not you.”
To my dismay I went inside without Fluttershy.
Inside the room was the brown guard and Princess Celestia. Along with Twilight Sparkle by her side.
“Hello there wolfGear. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I walked up to her and stood there for a second and started jumping.
Celestia had a concerned (And practiced) facial expression “what are you doing?”
“I don’t know really.” I typed.
Celestia held a look of genuine shock. “E-excuse me? What did you just-?” Her face turned into a genuine and none practiced smile. “Can you do that again?”
“Um princess what are-?” Twilight was interrupted by Celestia’s horn lighting up.
WAIT CELESTIA CAN READ MY TEXT?!....oh my god.
“Hello?”
“W-….How? How are you able to do that so efficiently?”
“Do what?”
“That…use the spiritual plane like that. Bend its energy into vocabulary.”
“Nothing special I assure you. I can do much more physical things to this realm.” Yep just me trying to be a boss.
“I believe you.”
“Princess is he speaking to you?” Asked Twilight.
“Yes he is Twilight. And he’s using a form of communication only the creators have mastered.”
“Creators?”
“Beings that made this entire universe.” She said with excitement in her voice. “It’s been my dream to speak to one of them.” She whispered to Twilight.
Now that’s interesting. Well My Little Pony is made by humans so it may or may not be at all possible that we use our creativity to create worlds…unknowingly of course.
“And so I am here. Though let us get acquainted. I’m wolfGear and you are?”
“My apologies great one. My name is Princess Celestia. Is there anything I can get you that is within my power to give?”
“Please let the adorable yellow coated and pink maned pony that I met in.”
“Yellow coat? Pink mane? Fluttershy? One moment. GUARD!”
I was impressed by how fast they came in and surrounded me with spears pointed at me.
“STOP!” she said sternly to them. They disengaged. “I’m sorry great one they are trained to protect me.”
“I’m impressed by their swiftness. Forgiven.”
“You guard.” She pointed a hoof at one of them. He turned and saluted. “Retrieve the bearer of kindness Fluttershy.”
“Yes ma’am.” He was a pegasus and he flew out the door. “Whoa! Uh found her!”
That was pretty funny. Also adorable that she’d wait for me.
“Oh um I’m sorry.” I heard from outside.
“The princess summons you.” Said the guard in a louder tone.
He trotted in with Fluttershy close behind. She still had the rose in her hair.
“Oh Fluttershy you look great with that flower in your mane.” Said Twilight praising her friends fashion statement.
“Thank you. It was a gift from him.” She said pointing a hoof at me.
“Fluttershy.” Said Celestia and Fluttershy bowed. “You’ve been summoned at the request of your friend.”
“He can talk?”
“Well in his own way but you wouldn’t be able to hear it.”
I pulled out my Fairy Bell and summoned another fairy.
“Oh wow.” Said Twilight. “T-that’s unbelievable. He created a new creature right in front of us from nothing but air and a bell.” Said an overly excited Twilight.
“Well actually I summoned her.” I typed.
“That’s still an impressive feat wolfGear.”
“Thank you. Now is there anything you’d like from me?”
“I-I could never ask you for anything powerful one.”
“Celestia…I am your guest and I would like to be a part of this world. Maybe not officially but I would like to stop by from time to time or even daily.”
Oh GOD THIS IS BORING! No wonder you never see Celestia speaking to delegates and such on screen. Well she certainly is all fan girlish with this stuff about creators.
Well I’d better try to wrap this up so I can go have fun or something. I’m also pretty hungry so I should really just quit the game and have some dinner…wait hold on that went fast.
I also noticed the guards standing there looking confused. Celestia and I have forgotten about them entirely. I’m sure they feel pretty neglected right now…LOL wait that’s funny.
“OH MY I FORGOT!” I typed going into an all caps rage.
“Is there something wrong?”
“Yes! I need to be somewhere right now. I’m terribly sorry for the rush.”
“Not a problem wolfGear. Should I get you a chariot?”
“No thank you I have my methods.”
OH GOD MY ESCAPE IS COMPLETE! I pulled out my magic mirror and used it. The look on everypony’s face was an expected shock.
“Pinkie darling? I don’t think he’s coming.” Said Rarity.
“Shoot. Maybe next time everypony.” Came Pinkie's disappointed voice from somewhere in the dark room.
Collective ‘aaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwws’ came from the dark room in Sugar Cube Corner.
It was late afternoon and they’ve been waiting for hours for wolfGear to appear again.
Ok I’ve become friends with Celestia I guess…now for Luna and then for Twilight. WAIT! SHIT I FORGOT TO GIVE HER BOOKS AND WATER CANDLES!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
Getting up the next day was easy. I didn’t have work so I could sleep late but I had places to be. Like Equestria.
I still have gifts to hand out gifts to all my favorite ponies. I also want to play with Mrs. Cheerilee’s chalk board and put faces on it for the foals…he he he >:)
Maybe a penis or two.
I then looked over my inventory again and I ran my curser over the Equestrian Mirror.
It was a material item.
I immediately wanted to know what I could make out of it so I sprinted over to the guide and checked its crafting abilities.
A portal…It was like a door but it was purple door in the center with a white outline. It was a strange look. It also had six gems on the top that I presumed looked like the elements of harmony.
I had no idea what to make of this…I needed pearlstone and pearlsand. Also a few souls of sight might and fright…and sight…
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
I had none of these items. There was only one thing I could do now…get help.
GOD DAMMIT!
Ok no stress brah. I got today off as well so I can spend the whole day playing with friends…wait why do I need the portal?
And like that I put it in the back of my mind for a later date.
I found I had enough souls and other items to create a cursed flame book. Which I then reforged to a Murderous Cursed Flame.
Which did A FUCK TON of damage…39…thousand…no just kidding it was 39 damage. Which was actually a lot considering their balls of fire that when they burn you, you can’t put it out with water.
Also it had the word Murderous in it so it so reflected upon my character.
I also acquired a Furious Ice Rod. Which will come in handy if I go to clouds dale or something.
Well I don’t know why I brought it…anyway I decided I should take all my vanity items and put them in my gold chest. I kept on the tuxedo on and my sunglasses. I also held onto my wings just in case.
Again in the Everfree forest. This place is starting to get really old. Maybe I should set up a house here so I can have a base of operation in Equestria…nah too much work. A castle would look cool though so I might reconsider that choice in time.
Maybe I should plant some corruption to mess with the future of Equestria.
Wait how far are we in the season? Am I in after season 2 or 3?
I should ask when the wedding was when I get the chance. HEY WAIT A MINUTE! Pinkie is a party pony right? Where’s my party?
Oh wait hold on…If I was a party planner where would I plan a party for a creature that doesn’t live in Ponyville?
…
SUGAR CUBE CORNER!
…
Where’s that again? What ever I’ll ask for directions.
I made another work bench and placed it down near where I enter Equestria so I wouldn’t have to waste any wood making another one. I then created a sign so I can lay it down and talk to ponies.
After all that was settled I ran through the Everfree forest and stopped at its edge. Ponyville…I’ve been to Ponyville several times now. Why not somewhere new?
GAW I WANT TO EXPRLORE!
But I’m interested in what Ponyville still has to offer so I’ll explore later.
I made my way closer to Ponyville and I noticed most of the street has been deserted. I saw only one pony who I asked…well actually I threw down a sign in front of him and typed out “Where is everyone?”
He had no idea.
So I picked up my sign and walked to Sugar Cube Corner. If Pinkie decides to surprise me I’m going to eat her cotton candy mane…AND SET SUGAR CUBE CORNER ON FIRE MWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Or massacre Fluttershy’s bunnies…OH GOD THE BUNNIES!
I started looking around for wild life…a flock of birds was flying above head and two birds where sitting in a tree…cuddling. Awwwwwwwwww..
*zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz SPLAT!*
I’m so evil…What? Yea I just killed two birds while they were cuddling…oh wait that one is still alive and is staring in horror at the other’s dead body.
Wait a minimum of ten seconds for maximum evil…and for the reality of the situation to sink in.
She sees it’s covered in her mates blood and gore screeches in terror.
*zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz SPLAT*
Now I feel like an ass. I should have waited for them to start having sex when I kill them. But no I didn’t even let the guy get to second base before I detonated his internal organs in front of his mate.
I look around to check and see if anypony saw that. Thankfully no one did.
Now that I think of it I think I may have overdone the whole evil aspect of that. OH SHIT WAIT?! Fluttershy’s friends are dead.
Oh well she doesn’t need to know.
Finally after getting lost and running around the town, then finding the same stallion again and asked him to bring me to Sugar Cube Corner I’m finally here.
I open up the door and find the room dark.
I squeal for joy as I ruin the surprise by pulling out glow sticks.
“Aw hey put those out!”
I cooperate and sheath my glow stick….LOL
“SURPRISE!”
Wow really? They went ahead and said it anyway even though I knew they were there?
I saw Twilight with the rest of the main 6 in the room. Twilight was particularly face hoofing and possibly trying to give herself a mild concussion.
I was impressed on how well the party actually looked…and how many ponies Pinkie was able to cram into Sugar Cube Corner…holy shi-
“HI there wolfGear! I’m Pinkie Pie the best party pony in Equestria!” She was wearing the summer hat I gave her. “Thanks for the hat and I hope you have a wonderful time in Equestria, and we could be the bestest of friends.” She surprisingly ran off to go dance. I EXPECTED her to talk more…oh well Pinkie never seemed all that hyper to me because I have ADHD. Which makes me hyper by default so I was worse off than Pinkie.
It’s also the reason why Pinkie was one of my number one favorite ponies. I really wanted to talk to her.
“Hello wolfGear.” I look toward the voice that got my attention. It was Twilight. “I was wondering if you can answer questions for me.”
I threw down the sign.
“Sure thing.” I wrote on the sign.
“Oh I had a quill and scroll.”
Oh I was disappointed. I used the Pwn Hammer to pick it up from the ground. Twilight saw it and immediately asked.
“What was that?” Some other ponies in the room also were staring at me.
I wrote. “The hammer that an ancient evil from hell dropped after I killed him.”
She looked like she didn’t believe me. She had that uninterested half closed eyes with a bored frown.
“Uh-huh.” She said. “You sure you’re a god?”
“Well I wasn’t the original creator of this world so I don’t know all about it. I looked up some information about it though and I found you like knowledge.”
I placed the water candle on the table beside us. There were oooooh’s from ponies who were watching us.
“I also heard you like books so I grabbed a few. I’m sorry I don’t know what they say, but maybe Equestria has a similar language.”
I dropped twenty books from the dungeon on the table. Her jaw dropped when she saw their foreign titles.
“T-this is a very ancient form of griffon writing.” She said flabbergasted.
I wrote. “Ha I was correct in my assumption! I hope you can learn things from these books. Even I don’t know what they contain.”
“T-thank you.” She looked over them.
“Whoa many of these are like ancient prophases! This one says…” She looked over it for a few seconds. “Terraria and its guardian? What’s Terraria?” She said looking at me.
I wrote down. “The place I’m from…you can keep these books. The more you know about me and my way of life the better.”
“Ok I’ll work with Celestia to learn more about the world you’re from.”
“I would like that too Twilight.” Said a regal voice from the crowd. Which abruptly split and made way for the sun goddess. “Hello again wolfGear.”
“Princess Celestia!” Exclaimed Twilight as she bowed.
“Hello Twilight. I must speak to wolfGear now.”
“Yes princess.” She walked away carrying the water candle and the books.
“Hello Celestia raiser of the sun. I’ve read up about this world so I’m prepared for anything you can throw at me.” I typed.
“I would like to continue our conversation from yesterday.”
OH GOD NO!
“I would like to as well but I would like to get more acquainted to the elements of harmony better. Maybe learn more about them. We can easily plan a good sit down and discuss things, but it’s a party and you need to loosen up. I’m sure running a country is stressful.”
That last paragraph ran off the end of my screen. Now that I think about it that shouldn’t happen at all. Why is Terraria changing? Could it be because of the link to Equestria?
“Oh umm…right I’m sorry Mr. Wolf.”
“Mr. Wolf?”
“I’m sorry wolfGe-”
“I like it!”
“Oh I’m glad you feel that way Mr. Wolf. Ta ta.”
She walked away to play pin the tail on the pony. But the funny part was when she asked how to play! Apparently Celestia hasn’t been to many parties as she leads us to believe. Luna was supposed to be the dazed and confused one.
“Yoohoo wolfGear!” Said a white mare from across the room. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were sitting at a table with each other. Rarity was waving enthusiastically in my direction. I made my way over to them and stood next to the table. (Not like I can sit anyway)
“Hello wolfGear, I’ve heard a lot about you and know you can’t speak so I’ve taken the liberty to give you a quill and note book for you to communicate with others.”
Oh wow that like…SOLVES EVERYTHING! I took a moment to figure out how to use it. To my delight it was an equitable item that I can put in the accessories list. I swopped it out with my Guarding Cloud in a Balloon.
The first thing I wrote on it was. “Thank you Element of Generosity. I thank you for your gift.” I actually typed it but somehow they were now able to understand me.
“Oh you’ve read up on us have you? Well you have me and my friend at an advantage. I’ve seen the things you gifted my friends and I was quite impressed.”
“Yea these Goggles are awesome!” Rainbow emphasized her point by pulling them out from under the table and putting them on. “I almost feel like a Wonderbolt.”
“Quite my point. But all these items I noticed compliment the wearer. So I’m taking a gamble to ask this but…are you an artist?”
Oh wow…Umm to be honest I am. I know exactly what a painting needs to look good and I see beauty within chaos. Artists are known for seeing what others can’t and I saw each of these items going perfectly to each pony I gave them. Except Rainbow Dash who I was debating on whether or not to give her glasses or goggles.
“Well Mrs. Rarity you’ve discovered my secret. Yes I am an artist officially.”
“Knew it! You had the air of one and you dressed quite nice at all times. Hmm you look more like a prince or a businessman now that I think of it. But your actions and your chosen gifts just scream at me. And let me be the first to say your choices on attire is divine!”
“Thank you Rarity.”
“Yea yea boring artsy stuff. Anyway you’re pretty awesome and that was a cool prank you pulled.”
“YEA!” said a pink mare who popped out from behind Rainbow which startled the group. “At first I was like. ‘what is he doing?’ and then I was like ‘OOH I GET IT!’ and I laughed! And then I decided I should throw you a party so you can make friends but Celestia was all like-”
That’s better. Keep talking Pinkie. Oh yea that feels so good that you’re in character!
“-‘aw but I was going to throw him a party’. But she didn’t say anything about it so I had everypony hide at Sugar Cube Corner and wait for you but you never-.”
“Pinkie I don’t think he’s listening to you.” Interrupted Rarity.
“Oh no keep going I want to hear this story.” I typed.
“Oh…ok.”
“Yay! But you never came so I was so sad! And then I thought HEY! Let’s try again tomorrow! And here you are enjoying yourself with all my friends and all of your new friends!” She finished. I was enjoying her fast talking actually. I was able to follow the whole thing.
“I’m glad you tried again with the surprise party. I’m enjoying myself amongst these kind citizens and the new ponies I’ve met.”
“That’s totally awesome! Wanna play pin the tail on the pony?”
“No thank you I was just having a lovely conversation with Rarity.”
“Oh ok have fun!” She jumped over the table and went to join Celestia who figured out the game of pin the tail on the pony and was currently trying to shank Big Mac with a tack while blindfolded.
Thankfully Big Mac shouted in fright and Celestia realized there was a pony in front of her.
“Anyway Rarity I would like to continue our conversation about…” I stopped right there when I saw Rainbow’s bored face. Then a thought occurred to me.
“Actually does Equestria have alcohol?”
Rainbow answered. “Yea why?”
“What’s it used for?”
Rarity responded this time. “Yes it is used in many different products.”
“What about drinks?”
“I can’t see why you would put alcohol in drinks. Isn’t it poisonous?”
“Not in really small amounts. Now wait right here. I’ll be right back.”
I took out the magic mirror and disappeared.
Everypony saw.
“Awwwwww did he leave?” Said a deflated Pinkie.
“Don’t worry everypony!” announced Rarity. “He said he’ll be right back.”
Collective yays came from the crowed.
Keg Keg Keg…WHERE ARE YOU!
OH there you are. Shit I don’t have glass…Better quickly get sand.
I went outside and found a pocket of sand next to a small pond just below my house. I grabbed it and created glass. Then I converted them to glasses and I filled them with Ale.
Perfect. 30 Ale.
I used the Equestrian Mirror once again.
I sprinted through the Everfree Forest without incident. I was overly excited. I mean who has the chance to go to Equestria? Better yet who has the chance of a life time to introduce them to alcohol?
ME!
And NOTHING will ruin this day!
*Rrrrooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrr!*
SHUT UP MANTICORE!
*zzzzzzzzz BOOM!*
Its face was detonated by the Quick Rainbow Rod and its body went limp.
I was still in the Everfree forest.
I kept sprinting towards the left when I reached the edge of the forest once again. I went straight toward Sugar Cube Corner (Which I now know the whole town after my getting lost episode earlier today) Then I barged in the door.
I wrote down. “I bring drinks from a foreign land!” I don’t know how but when I type everyone knows what I’m saying. Apparently everyone could understand what I ‘wrote down’ all the way across the café.
Because all the ponies went “Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!” or “Woooooooooo!” and I’m not complaining but really? Equestria is so Terraria…aw that’s my new line.
Equestria is so Terraria!
I handed Pinkie the 30 Ale and typed.
“Make sure everyone has one. Though if I don’t have enough tell me and I’ll get more.”
“Hmm.” She rubbed her chin. “Nope we need about 437 more to give it out to everyone!”
…
“Umm wolfGear are you ok?”
…
“Mr. Wolf?” Repeated Pinkie and everyone turned to look at me.
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! 467 ponies in Sugar Cube Corner? HOW EXPENSIVE WAS THIS PARTY?!
“FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-”
After several return trips I thought it was actually completely worth it. Remember the instant ‘Tipsy’ effect when you drink one bottle of Ale? Well have you seen a drunk Alicorn? I have >:)
“Shhho anyway! Then princesh Lulu told me it wash a bad IDEA. But I was all. Nope! So that’s how Manehatten was founded…After we let them run themselvesh.”
Yea drunk Alicorns talk about ancient politics…But Rainbow Dash…Well she seemed quite normal but she was all over the place. No seriously I don’t think there was a corner in the room she hasn’t touched.
“WHOA!” *Crash!*
For that night Rainbow Dash truly became…Rainbow Crash.
Not only that but she even hit the ceiling a few times and she refused to touch the ground because of some…childhood suppressed fear…I dunno I think she had to see a physiatrist to actually explain the ground was safe. She also went on and on about tales of ponies being eaten.
She did however sit down on a stool as long as she kept her feet up. I guess it explains the reason she has a cloud home.
Could never let go of the sky.
I like flying too…in Terraria. It’s way faster and safer than on the ground until you go too high. Then the Wyverns get yah.
Fuck Wyverns.
Oh and when Twilight’s drunk she starts studying…NO REALLY. Immediately after she drank her Ale she shut everything out and started studying. Mainly the books I gave her.
Rarity somehow was able to keep her complexion in front of everyone even though she was drunk. But you could see it in her walk that she was a bit tipsy. Who knew being a lady can suppress intoxication.
Oh and the limit for Ale to effect you was two minutes…but for ponies it was hours. I don’t know how that worked considering Terraria but it did. I wonder if items are nerfed when a pony uses them. I’d better test that with Twilight or something.
Ponies are really fun when drunk too. Rainbow couldn’t help but hit on Big Mac only to shoot him down and say “You can’t have someone as awesome as me!” which was a real bitch move. Though Big Mac seemed unphased and rolled his eyes. Speaking of which he didn’t drink any Ale after he saw everyone’s weird behavior.
He kept eying me suspiciously every once in a while. Big Mac was a sharp one I’ll give him that. Eventually he figured out I kinda intoxicated everyone after the first ten minutes and confronted me.
“This ya’ll doin’?
“Yes actually.”
“Why’d yah poison everypony?”
“It’s not poison but in enough doses it can kill. I only place a little bit of alcohol in the drinks so everyone would loosen up more.”
“loosen up?”
“If you drank some you’d become more talkative and probably have enough courage to hit on Rarity or something.”
“Now why’d I do that?” He said with a raised eyebrow.
“OH? Do you have…somepony special you’re looking at?”
“N-now hold on a sec!”
“It’s ok I won’t say nothin’.”
And with that the encounter was over and he decided it was best to leave me alone. Not while grumbling “If anythin’ happens to mah sis.” As he trotted away with his head low to the ground. He was however stopped by Fluttershy.
Oh I forgot to mention Fluttershy didn’t I? Well she became EXTREAMLY talkative…for Fluttershy that is. She started talking to all the stallions and mares that would walk by and she made a few new friends at the party as well. Awwwww.
But the best part of the night was when she started talking to Big Mac. OH GOD IT WAS ADORABLE!
Fluttershy and Big Mac where eying each other for a while now. I could tell by the fact Big Mac was being so bashful at the party while Fluttershy was doing everything in her power to get his attention reasonably.
Eventually I had to intervene.
“Big Mac?”
“What ya’ll want?” He said in a hostile tone.
“Your company, now follow me.” He looked back at Fluttershy and blushed a bit. He didn’t want to be around her because of worry he might slip up and she’d never want to talk to him again. So he took my invitation without question.
We walked outside Sugar Cube Corner and I looked right at him.
“Big Mac.”
“Eyup?”
“You like Fluttershy don’t you?” His eyes went wide for a moment. Then quickly replaced it with his usual stoic laid back look.
“Nnnnope.”
“Really? You sure? Because I can totally ask Fluttershy if she likes you. She’d probably tell me the truth since she trusts me and she’s currently intoxicated so it’s likely she would tell me without much trouble. Maybe she’ll even forget she told me.”
He looked REALLY conflicted right now. He kept opening and closing his mouth unsure whether or not to confirm my suspicions and learn information. Or keep it quiet so he doesn’t have to deal with it.
“Big Mac I know you like Fluttershy. It’s only a matter of asking me to find out she likes you too.”
…
“Well?”
He took thirty full seconds before he responded.
“Do it.” He looked at the ground defeated.
“Go inside and I’ll pull you out when I have the answer.”
We both went back inside and he went his own way to be with his sister and Rarity. Fluttershy was by the punch with Pinkie Pie. Both chatting up a storm. Pinkie didn’t seem effected by the Ale. Probably she didn’t like it with her first sip and gave it away. Or she’s unaffected by alcohol.
I approached them and they stopped talking to look at me. I wrote for Fluttershy to follow me out and for Pinkie to leave us alone for a while.
We exited the sweet shop and Big Mac looked at us nervously. Applejack picked it up but I wasn’t inside so I don’t know what happened.
“So Fluttershy.”
“Yes Mr. Wolf?” she said while looking nervous. Like she’s been caught with her hoof in the cookie jar.
“I’ve watched you for only a short while now but I know how ponies work. You’re not acting normal.”
“W-what do you mean?” She was visibly shaking.
“I think you’re in love.”
Her eyes became pinpricks and she took off…NO SERIOUSLY SHE RAN!
I acted fast and I used the Quick Rainbow Rod and launched a Rainbow in her path. She halted and backed away from the strange light. The sun was going down too so it reflected a strange and ominous glow of shifting colors around the shadows that draped us. She fearfully looked around and right at me.
this is not going according to plan. I thought to myself.
“Fluttershy you’re not in trouble.”
She relaxed.
“Do you…or do you not love. Big Macintosh.”
She started shaking again.
“U-u-um...w-w-well.” I was so tempted to jump into my screen and give her the biggest bear hug in the known universes. “I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I…” She took a big breathe and then let it go. She did this several times before. “Y-…Yes.”
“Good…go to him.”
“W-w-what? No I-I can’t I might upset him.” She seemed frantic.
“Oh it’s ok. You don’t have to tell him now. I will help you with that since I myself am a guy.”
“Y-you’d help me?” She brightened up.
“Yes. But first.” She beamed at me with the most adorable smile. “You must know that if he approaches you and asks you if he loves you. You must tell him the truth. Most men only ask if you love them if they love you back. Trust me on this ok?”
“Got it.”
“Now let’s go back inside. I’ll come back tomorrow and go through the steps to get him to like you. But don’t back down if he confronts you before then ok?”
“Yes I will.” She said while hopping joyously back inside.
SO CUTE! I followed her back inside. I looked over at the table where Big Mac was sitting and he had a nervous expression. Rarity and Applejack had anxious faces as they watched me approach Big Mac. I ignored them and started typing.
“Go NOW.”
He nodded in understanding. Applejack and Rarity gasped with big smiles on their faces.
Big Mac got up and walked over to Fluttershy who was going back to Pinkie with a spring in her step.
*Ahem*
I turned my character back to Rarity who tried to get my attention.
“Sooooooooooooo?”
“So what?”
“Oh don’t give us that. What’d she say?” Said Applejack.
“Oh I was just seeing if she’d be willing to take care of my Fairy when I’m off on adventures.” Applejack scowled.
“Really? Fairy? Is that your cover story?” Said Rarity.
BITCH I’M KING OF BULL SHITTING.
I summoned a fairy with my Fairy Bell.
“Yes.” Their jaws dropped. “Now shut up or you’ll miss the best part.” I turned back to the two soon to be lovers and they did the same with understanding on their faces.
I couldn’t hear them from this distance but I could tell some serious shit was going down.
Fluttershy at first looked worried as hell when Big Mac started conversation. Then her face went to shock when he stopped talking. Big Mac paused and frowned when she didn’t say anything. But as he was turning to go sulk in the corner Fluttershy grabbed his face and brought him in for a kiss.
The party was dispersing and Applejack most of the time kept thanking me for that outcome. Big Mac and Fluttershy both approached me and wanted to thank me.
“Um Mr. Wolf.” Said Fluttershy who now seemed in more control of herself. Apparently potions and food items wear off slower in Equestria than Terraria.
“Yes?” I responded with typing.
“Thank you for bringing us together.”
“What? I just wanted someone to take care of Cindy.” I emphasized my point by summoning the Fairy. “Then somehow you two hallucinated something and became a couple…not that it wasn’t nice and all.”
“What?”
“Nah just kidding. Not like you two wouldn’t have done it on your own anyway. That’s how this world works. Two ponies fall in love, and then they get together and live happily.”
“Still nice to be together sooner.” Said Big Mac.
“True dat brotha.”
“Pardon?”
“…never mind just go make out somewhere nopony is looking.” They both turned red…but Big Mac had a head start on the color shading of his face so to compensate he turned pink instead. “That’s the expected reaction.”
I noticed it was night time in Equestria.
I turned my head and looked out my apartment window…holy shit it’s night time. And I’m not even hungry or tired. Maybe I still have some time. 10:00? Well better wrap up my playing session soon.
Wait did I skip lunch? And dinner? Why am I not hungry?
Shit ponies are talking.
“Mr. Wolf I noticed your performance this day. And I was quite impressed. Your actions brought my little ponies closer together and I’d like to thank you for that.” Said Celestia. Big Mac and Fluttershy have left to do pony things.
“You’re welcome. I must be on my way. Maybe tomorrow I’ll steer clear of Ponyville and do some exploring of Equestria.”
“I can give you a map if you want one.”
“Nah getting lost is half the fun.”
She looked a bit worried.
“Are you sure? Some of the places are quite dangerous.”
“I was born to put myself in dangerous situations and come out alive. Don’t worry.”
“Well I’d like to invite you to a meeting with some of the leaders of the world and introduce yourself to the nobles of this realm.”
“May I wear my more…royal attire?”
“If it makes you feel more confident then go ahead.”
“I’d like to get your approval of said attire.”
“Well I must get to Canterlot. The night is the only time I can sleep and my sister gets up around this time. Maybe you can spend some time with her before you leave.”
I wasn’t exactly tired and I had work tomorrow…but know what? A night with Luna! Why the fuck not?
“I may need help getting to Canterlot. Is a chariot coming for you?”
“Yes actually. It should be arriving shortly. Want me to hold it for you?”
“Yes please. I’ll be back in a moment.”
I pulled out the magic mirror.
I quickly ran over to my piggie bank. The Piggie bank was what I used to put my platinum, gold, copper, and silver coins along with all my ores and refined stuff. I started off a long time ago so when the piggie bank came out I used it to hold all the emeralds and every other sort of gem and all the important and valuable items.
I grabbed a lot of gold…And it wasn’t enough so I grabbed more gold in my other chests.
The first thing I built was a golden chest plate and then golden greaves.
After that I placed them in my vanity item tabs so I would appear to be wearing them. I also grabbed my crown and put it on.
I then thought for a moment. I went and got my Cobalt Repeater and a few holy arrows and some stars. You know because Luna would like to hold a star because that’s her thing right?
I quickly scanned my memory for anything I would like to talk to Luna about.
It was now that I remembered that I had a Sunfury and Blue Moon that I didn’t want anymore because of the Dow of Pow that was almost over powered compared to them. I also grabbed my shotgun and a few silver bullets just in case I want to kick some ass…or kill BlueBlood.
After I got those items I quickly used my Equestrian Mirror to go to the Everfree.
I sprinted through the forest anxiously and at a brisk and almost unreasonable pace.
I eventually made my way back to Celestia who actually met me half way so to speak by placing the chariot at the edge of the Everfree. She saw me and a smile appeared on her face.
“Nice to see you didn’t keep me waiting.” She calmly stated as I jumped really high and then down into the chariot. “…how did you do that?”
To be honest I used my balloon with a cloud in the bottle item thing. But I should explain myself maybe now.
“Items my dear sun goddess. I have a few items on my person that would allow me to do interesting things. I have potions that do the impossible and even a few items that allow me to control the heavens. Think of it as gods Developer Tools.”
“I’m not sure how to take that. Are you saying your power is dependent on items?”
“Oh I never had power. But what you believe is creation is actually another world. I’d hate to mislead you so I’ll tell you as much as I can about my world as we go.”
“Very well. I’d like to hear more enlightening information.” She turned to the guards attached to the chariot. “Bring us to Canterlot.”
“So tell me about your people.”
“We are a proud civilization.” And we are. “Our buildings grow tall and our machines make us powerful.”
“What do you mean powerful?”
“Our machines allow us to go across the continent with little to no effort on our part. Not instant teleportation no. But something more terrifying and awe inspiring.”
I had her attention and she looked at me interested. “Like what? Is it evil.”
“It depends on your point of view. What would you do when you see metal in the air carrying hundreds of ponies inside of it taking them to far away places.”
“I would wonder where there going.”
“Usually we don’t know. But I’ve been on one and it’s a lot like riding a chariot. Only the wind doesn’t blow in your face and it’s a lot faster than this. Pegasi can only have a certain speed depending on how hard they fly. But machines put all majestic beings to shame when built right.”
She remained silent.
“Our machines can help out with every day activities. In fact the world of Equestria is made by these machines called computers. I won’t go into detail just yet because I need to practice explaining it to you on terms you could understand.”
“I see.”
“No…no you don’t. Some of the machines even I don’t know about. Our machines are powerful enough to bring back rocks from the moon. In fact our machines are on other planets right now.”
She seemed even more interested and lost her professionalism. “wolfGear.”
“Yes my friend?”
“Is your society a threat to Equestria?”
“No we can’t get here. I’m here by some fluke and I intend to make the most of it.”
“So the reason you’re here was because of a terrible mistake?”
“One I don’t even know how to fix…and I know how worlds like yours are made. I want to actually get into it myself some day. But what I’ve seen with the combination of two inventions so far is beyond my belief right now. I merely comprehend what I’ve seen.” I want to become a game designer. But I don’t want her to think she’s not real or just part of a story.
“I think I can understand…Tell me does your society suffer from interaction with other countries?”
“No we thrive on those connections. United States is a country made of immigrants and no royal family. We are a new country of free people and we support liberty. I won’t say any more. We are proud and more powerful than any other country.”
“No royal family? Interesting. I need to get some advice from you so I can manage my country with more efficiency…unless of course it’s a big power struggle.”
“Nope. We have a representative democracy where we have people like governors that take care of the cities while they answer to our leader. And the leader doesn’t have much power unless the rest of the senate says so.”
“That doesn’t seem efficient.”
“It used to be a very poor system. But we perfected it over time and we are still making small changes today. So far it’s working and we haven’t had another civil war.”
“Civil what?” her eyes betrayed the look of horror.
I spent the trip explaining to her about the many wars the world has and how much tech improvement came out of the bloodshed to improve society. I then told her about much of the business world and how humans know how to cherish the world around them by creating national parks.
Well sept China because they’re ass holes to mother nature.
Fuck China. USA!
Eventually we made it to Canterlot and Princess Luna was waiting in the courtyard pacing. Possibly waiting for her sister. When she saw the chariot she brightened up.
“Tia you’re a bit late. What took you so-?” She spotted me. “Oh. I see. Welcome great one.” She said as we landed and the chariot departed.
“Please call me wolf. Great one is too…great. And I frankly am getting old of being the all powerful being.”
“I’m sorry I did not mean to offend.” She said remorsefully.
“You never did. Now Celestia I bring gifts.”
“Oh?”
“Yes for you. The Sunfury. Forged in the underworld to represent the sun.”
“Oh…umm dangerous.” She smiled sheepishly.
“And for you Luna the Blue Moon. Rumored to have originally fallen from the sky. I found this in an ancient ruin. I believe it was enchanted by powerful mages.”
“Thank you.” They both picked up their respective ball and chains with Terrarian Enchantment. Luna looking smug as the background of hers seemed less violent. I totally picked that up.
“And Luna I’m not done with you.”
“Oh? Is there more?”
“Yes. I gift you. A star.”
“Hmhm as you see I have many stars.” She raised a hoof to the sky.
“Is that so?” I moved a good few meters away. Then I dropped the star on the ground and smaller stars sparked off of it while it lay on the ground giving off its mystical glow. Celestia and Luna analyzed it with blank expressions and Luna had somehow mixed that expression with awe.
“What is that?” Asked Celestia.
“A Terrarian star. They fall out of the sky regularly and only exist at night. They disappear when the sun rises. I believe they return to the sky ”
“A-and you’re giving me a star?” Stuttered Luna.
“Yes. You control the night sky…so I gifted you one of their jewels.”
“…A-are you trying to woo me?” asked Luna puzzled.
…EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, human and pony in real life is wrong so it’s wrong in MLP. AND OH GOD SHE’S A FUCKING HORSE! I AIN’T GOIN THERE!
“No sorry if I came off like that. I just want to show good will.”
Politics when it comes to old world shit like queens and princesses is easier when they’re your friends. And I now know it’s the most risky thing to do. Shit if I do too well Luna might want me. *Shudder*
Whelp this night is going to be shit.
Twilight noticed Celestia’s chariot flying away from town with both the princess and the ‘creator’ or whatever it was. She couldn’t remember anything from the party other than before the ‘Ale’ wolfGear brought for everypony and so generously made return trips home to get enough for them.
Her memory became less hazy and she saw she was back in the library in front of all the strange books in front of her. She realized they were in an organized routine where she’d read all the books on the left and then put them to the right in a pile.
Two books were on the right while twenty were on the left. Each seemed in order as it should be.
However Twilight couldn’t remember what was in the first two books so she placed the open one in front of her in the pile on the left along with the one on top most of the small pile on the right.
That left the first book she should have read.
‘Building a Home.’
Twilight read and read about the traveler and how he established his own colony. His first adventure was finding resources underground to make a stone wall to keep the monsters out and how he light up his town with the remains of the evil slimes.
Twilight soon realized the novel was a lot like a Daring Doo adventure only way more mystical. Hence the first night.
Our adventurer looked out into the night. He saw many lights falling from the sky and the surrounding forest seemed to light up as these lights landed in them. The adventurer hopped off his wall and recovered from the fall quickly.
He ran through the underbrush of the forest he was entering until he came upon a clearing. He looked in awe at what he saw. It was a luminescent star that radiated energy that he could feel running…no…dancing between his fingers. He picked up the star and looked at it closely in amazement.
*groan*
He looked up and saw in his horror another Terrarian who’s skin was rotted and worn away. His brain was exposed. His undead figure hobbled aggressively toward our hero and he bravely took up a short sword and successfully repelled the creature. Then fear was plastered on his face as two more replaced the ugly rotting creature.
The Terrarian ran back to his home and opened the door and shut it quickly but in the process got a look at the soul sucking undead eyes that followed him to his door.
*BANG*
*BANG*
They were trying to get in. He took a chair from the room and he put it against the door. He then backed away and ran into his room and waited for the horrors of the night to disappear.
He then remembered the warm embracing aura of the star he picked up. He took it out and it seemed those loud banging’s on the front door were in the back of his mind. Only a slight annoyance compared to the loving glow of the lone star.
Luna had a taste of that loving glow. Celestia left them alone to talk and Luna was gazing and analyzing the star. They haven’t spoken other than to discuss the origins of the star. WolfGear told Luna of how that particular star amazed him enough to stand there and look at it while it was in the inventory. He even clicked with it which made it ting.
Though Luna got an abridged version so she could understand. She didn’t notice his hesitations as he made up stories on the spot and instead basked in the glow of the beautiful entity in her hooves.
She didn’t even notice the Terrarian disappearing in a shower of many shades of blue sprites.
(This way shorter than it should be but this is important. I'm in collage so my time isn't my best friend right now. Also I'm getting bored with this story so I need a break from it anyway. (short one))
I got up from my chair and looked around my apartment. I was alone like I always was. I almost turned the game back on and went to watch a pony sleep out of boredom but I realized one thing. It was 3:00am and I wasn’t tired. Normally I should at least feel something right now.
I decided to take a shower and get into bed and try to sleep. And if I can’t sleep then I would have to lay there with my eyes closed in hopes I get some sleep.
I closed my eyes for a few seconds…darkness took me. And it wasn’t the kind of darkness you find in a dream.
It felt instant and different immediately. I shot up from the bed to be surrounded by stone brick walls.
“No…” I whispered to myself.
I saw different signs over the past few days that something about me was changing.
But…
I got up and looked around. I noticed something weird. I couldn’t see outside but I knew what was out there. I also knew EXACTLY where I was.
I was in Terraria.
I looked (and sensed) around the area and I found I was in my sky home. More importantly I was without equipment and I needed to get some gear fast before anything gets me.
I quickly ran downstairs and passed several NPC’s that looked at me questionably. My room was the top most room on the little tower. I also went and made myself angel wings. (Because I didn’t have enough Night Souls for demon wings.) so if I fall or get lost I can quickly run back.
I got down to my storage room and put on a mythral hood and mythral breast plate. I then went over to another chest to grab some weapons before I noticed a presence. A very decked out in gold presence. I looked over to the entrance to the storage room and I saw none other than my own character looking at me. He switched out of his crown and golden armor and put back his tux and sunglasses.
Then he put his demon wings on to finish the transformation to when I’m at my most powerful…he’s ready for a fight now.
“Umm hey wolfGear? Uh its me! User!” I said while smiling. I pulled down the hood to show my face in the dim room. I got worried as he stood there idly. Then he started jumping. And he started jumping around me as if in joy.
Wait what? I totally thought I was dead. I am nowhere near ready to fight myself.
“Hey wolf I’m kinda stuck in here. Got any ideas?”
He stopped jumping and stood there. Of course he wouldn’t be able to talk to me.
Wait hold on…he already did something I would do. I like to jump for joy when I’m on servers and such. But.
I’m two different people in life. When I’m at work or school I act different than when I’m playing a game. I also like to kill things…a lot. Especially other players. I’m a real badass when it comes to some games similar and even different to Terraria so I hope my character keeps my traits.
Though that actually is a serious problem if wolfGear decides to turn on PvP…I could only think of one thing to do in a time like this.
“Wanna do some bonding?”
Because wolfGear and I like bonding with people or socializing.
As expected he jumped for joy. I grabbed some more gear and we headed outside…little did I know but between the time of waking up and grabbing new gear, wolfGear created a Mechanical Eye.
*ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR*
“BONDING WAS A BAD IDEA!” I said while shooting cursed flame balls at the Twins.
wolfGear was doing his thing and actually doing more damage than me. He was taking less damage than me as well. When I was struck by the twins it felt like I was punched rather than cut or gashed.
I wouldn’t leave wolf to defend himself. And I think I’d like to know how death feels like if I weren’t too afraid of it. But I trust wolf and I will get out of this unscathed.
*wolfGear was murdered by death laser*
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
Twilight has been reading for hours on the adventures of the Terrarian and his companions who appear after he does great feats. The details of each adventure was so great she could understand each of the strange magical items that the Terrarian grabbed.
She learned he had to free a poor soul who was cursed to defend a dungeon. And fight the eye of an ancient and powerful force of evil. Each of these creatures he had to kill rather than send or seal away like her friends have with the other villains.
But the adventures were intense. They made her blood pump with adrenalin and her breath erratic. The fights were impressive and you could see the Terrarian becoming a different person the more the story continued.
She was so excited when she read this that she could easily place it on top of her favorite adventure books. Well above Daring Doo.
It took her two books to finally realize how much of her day she missed out on. Spike didn’t say anything knowing that she would become bitter when disturbed while studying or reading. Same thing in Spikes mind.
The purple dragon in question was sweeping the floor downstairs while her surrogate mother was upstairs reading the strange tomes. It was midday and she hasn’t even eaten breakfast yet.
“I haven’t seen her this interested in a series since Daring Doo.” Spike said to himself glumly. He wished to spend time with Twilight along with all his other friends. But no friend was more important than Twilight. Twilight’s always been Spikes care taker even though they usually switch those roles every week. They are each others responsibility and they both mean a lot to each other.
But at times like this where Twilight is away on some adventure or reading a really good book…Spike feels alone.
*Knock Knock Knock*
Spike puts the broom against a bookcase and briskly makes his way toward the front door. He opens it up to see a different Terrarian looking directly at him.
“Hey Spike is Twilight home?” The dragon jumps back in surprise when the Terrarian spike. wolfGear didn’t speak.
Spike takes a moment to give him a look. He had pegasi wings and a green hood with green breastplate and green greaves.
“Whoa who are you? And how do you know my name?”
“I’m the Puppet Master. Just call me String Holder if you really don’t want to call me Master. And don’t dare call me Puppet.” He said in a positive yet businessy manner.
“Umm sure String…you’re looking for Twilight?”
“Well now that I think of it I don’t. I just need you.”
“Me? For what?”
“Send a letter to the princess. I need to speak with her immediately.” He said urgently.
“Umm sure.”
Celestia had nothing to tend to during this day. Not much happens in Equestria. It’s the reason why Celestia was capable of having Twilight as a personal protégé when she was younger.
Celestia grew rejoiceful when she saw a scroll materialize in front of her.
She was so eager to read it she cached it while it was still in the air. Tearing the Canterlot seal off she began reading.
Hello Celestia.
Call me Puppet Master or String Holder. I am wolfGear’s master and friend. I would like to meet you and discuss arrangements for housing within your kingdom. To be perfectly honest with you I’m trapped…No way to get home and no family to get into contact with. I will need any assistance I can get, I currently am awaiting your response here at the Ponyville Library with Twilight Sparkle and Spike.
I look forward to seeing you face to face soon.
With love and friendship,
Puppet Master
Celestia reread the message a few times over and always stopped at the name. Puppet Master…
With a name like that the possibilities of this new person’s character could be very catastrophic to Equestria if this new arrival is indeed another creator.
Being an optimist Celestia got up from her throne and started down the small steps that led up to her throne and makes her way across her royal runway. The two guards who stand guard followed her on each side.
“Tell my sister there is a new creator in our mist and I’m going to meet him.”
“Yes ma’am.” Said the brown earth pony stallion as he saluted and ran out the door to Luna’s chambers.
Celestia reflected on what she wanted to say when she met this new person.
She went down to the hanger to take a chariot to Ponyville.
“So let me get this straight, wolfGear is your puppet and now that you’re in this world he’s your friend? That doesn’t make sense! He was basically your slave! Why is he your friend?!” Shouted Twilight angrily at the mythril covered arrival.
“Think of it as I was him until I came here and now he learned everything from me so we are very similar but not the same.” I responded trying to reason with Twilight Sparkle after explaining my situation with wolfGear.
“But. I. Ugggggggh! Can you at least tell me that you two did something together that would explain this relationship between old master and slave! It’s just not possible for this to happen! Diamond Dog’s have inslaved ponies but never have they become friends after slavery!”
“Twilight this is different than slavery.”
“HOW?!” She shouted angrily.
“wolfGear and I used to be one person. I had will over his body while his body had no soul…Now that there is no connection to me and him he should be dead. Or at least stand there eternally idle.”
“…I don’t get it...Ugh I give up.” She groaned with annoyance and trotted upstairs to continue reading the Terrarian’s adventures.
Spike watched the whole ordeal in the corner clutching his broom for protection because he believed Twilight might just burst into flames like she did when Pinkie Pie didn’t make sense. It’s not like he feared the flames because he was fire proof, but he feared what kind of evil power had to be behind Twilight’s anger to make her burst into flames in the first place.
“Wow dude you just survived a potential Twilight melt down.” Said Spike when Twilight was out of ear shot.
“Meh I’ve been through worse. Lucky for you, you have to deal with just Twilight. I have to deal with twelve angry bitches and my mother.” I silently preyed.
“Bitches?”
“I’ll explain some other time.”
I walked over to the couch and sat down. Spike followed suit and sat down next to me.
“Hey where is wolfGear right now?” Asked Spike.
“He’s probably slaughtering the demons from hell. You know for fun.” I said with a smile.
wolfGear was not having a good time. He was outside during a blood moon…in the hollowed grounds.
Pixies, clowns, unicorns, and aliens where surrounding him and drilling his life points.
“Fighting demons? Pfft I don’t believe you.” Spike waved a hand in dismissal of the statement.
“You want me to summon one so you can see how awesome we are?” I said with a sly smirk.
“Yea right like you can do that…” His face went from disbelieving to worry. “Can’t you?” He said with a small hint of fear.
“You doubt my power?” I had a confident smile that possibly disturbed Spike because I saw him shudder for a moment.
“…maybe.”
“Oh ok. Anyway I don’t want to stir up trouble right now because I need help. Mainly housing and such. Eating won’t be a problem because I’ve gone without food for…days now and I’m not hungry. Or thirsty for that matter…That scares me.”
“So you’re basically a god that needs a home?” said Spike.
“Well if you want to see it like that then ok be my guest. But I’m not exactly all powerful and controller of fates like you would think. Though that would be pretty cool I must admit.”
“Yea that’d be pretty cool…I can make Rarity like me.” He looked lost in his own thoughts with a goofy love struck look on his face.
“Wow did not expect that reaction.” I said out loud.
I let the dragon be lost in his thoughts about his love for a while; I took the opportunity to reflect on the past events of the past few days. How I got here and how wolfGear was doing. I don’t know why but at that moment I became worried about him. I set it aside as nothing when I remembered wolfGear was a badass. He could take care of himself if he wanted to.
wolfGear was torn into a pile of flesh by a Pixie
Yea I knew he could take care of himself. He’ll be just fine.
(I know this chapter isn't as well done as my others because I've been REALLY busy. I hope I'm able to continue to write this but I'm kinda hitting a snag at where I want this story to go. I can fix it easily but I don't have much time for myself anymore to think of it so expect late updates. I could also alternatively distract myself with another story so I can remain interested in writing in my free time.)
Spike and I sat in silence. Twilight went out to get groceries for the tree house’ only two occupants. Occasionally Spike would look at me out of the corner of his eye. I’d catch him each time even though I was lying on my back sprawled out on the couch. He was in my peripheral weeping the floors and dusting the shelves.
*Knock Knock Knock*
“I’ll get it!” Said Spike while running over to the door. The pitter patter of the feet passed by the relaxing human and he opened the door. “Welcome…oh princess!”
“Hello Spike. Where is this creator I’ve heard about?” Came a regal voice. It sounded more personal now that I hear it in real life rather than through my speakers.
I sat up slowly to catch Celestia the sun princess herself walk into the door with Spike bowing beside her. I stood up and we met half way between us and we both did a short bow. Mine more like a nod of the head but it was slow enough to represent respect. Hers the same as mine was slow and regal.
I underestimated Celestia, she looks very regal in person. Almost like if I lied to her it would be considered a sin…
Good thing I’m a sinner.
“Hello Puppet Master. I’d like to get to know you.”
“Not much to learn about here Cells.”
“Cells?”
“You don’t mind if I call you that do you?”
She showed a mischievous grin that I almost gulped in nervousness upon seeing. “Only if I can call you pup.” She said in a happy practiced manor.
I was honestly impressed by that name. It was a lot like my other alias wolfGear that I chose to leave to my new double. I also happen to love puppies so you know…D’aww I’m a pup.
“You know. I like it. Call me pup from now on if you really want.” Celestia and I shared a laugh…or we would have shared a laugh if I found it funny so I just smiled like I was enjoying our conversation.
‘Yea two can fake a smile Cells.’ I thought to myself. That also caused my smile to be a little more genuine.
“Ok pup. I came here for your request. What is it you need? Oh you’re wolfGear’s superior or friend?”
“Meeeeeeeeeeeeeh kinda both. Like how you’re still the ruler of the country and you still consider Twilight your friend. Wait I’m right, right?”
“Spot on.” She said holding her head just a little higher. Probably because she’s proud of her student or she felt an ego boost when she was told by a god she’s a friend and mentor of a certain unicorn she taught since she were a young filly.
“Oh I’d really hate to do this but…I’m stuck. I’m not supposed to be here actually. In fact I don’t know how I got here. When wolfGear came here I thought it would be ok to let him roam and discover new things but then the weird stuff happened. You know how impossible it would be to one day be asleep then wake up and find yourself in the center of the earth?”
“Umm yes?” She said unsure as to where I was going.
“Me being here is just as impossible. Like I’m not supposed to exist on the same plane as you are. I’m from an entirely different world! Planet hopping like this is not possible.” I started to get a little frantic.
“Puppet Master please calm down.”
“Ok.”
“What is it you would like me to do?”
“I need a place to stay in Ponyville. More importantly I need something to do other than roam around like wolfGear.”
“Ah I see. Maybe I can interest you in a VIP guest suite in Canterlot instead?”
“No that’s too far from where I enter this world. You see I come from a random location in the Everfree and it would take too long to get to Canterlot from here to make it a convenient place to stay.”
“Hmm all right. You can stay with one of the villagers here. Just need consent from anypony and you can crash there for a while.”
I was momentarily stunned. “Did you say crash?”
“Yes why?”
*Celestia used slang. It was super effective!*
“Oh no reason.”
“I’m sorry is crash to formal?” Nope I miscalculated…she’s a try-hard.
“Wow that apology lost you points.” Oh shit I’m being a dick.
“Oh sorry if I offended.”
“Celestia…Why? Why are you so defensive right now?”
“I’m not defensive.”
“Well you had a good start by talking to me like a new friend but now you’re just trying to win my affections…not those kind but you know.”
“Well I’m used to speaking with delegates of other countries. I’m sorry if I’m being a little off.”
“Oh ok. I guess that’s why you asked Twilight to learn about the magic of friendship. Because you’re so busy you can’t do it yourself. I already know the meaning and magics of friendship you know?”
“Y-you do? Please tell me about it.” Her joyous demeanor became more genuine.
“But then I won’t have the satisfaction of watching your student teach you.” I smiled as large as I could.
“Oh poo.” She said under her breathe. I was frankly shocked a princess would say poo…ok not really but you know.
I gasped mockingly. “What is this? A princess who said POO?!” I said in a mock shocked tone. “What blasphemy is this!?”
Spike burst into laughter and so did Celestia. I felt pretty good.
“But seriously Celestia.” I said as their laughter died down. “Stop being so tense around me. I’m not all powerful right now. Mainly because my physical form is here now. Though when I die I might ascend to a higher plane of existence like the rest of my race.”
I truly believed that. When humans die their souls leave their body. I believe in the supernatural so I believe in roaming spirits. But then I remembered the fact that I’ve died in Terraria…When wolf and I were fighting the bosses I’ve died twice. I worry that I might be immortal…and I rejoice at the idea.
No one wants to die. But not many people can say they like living forever.
“Well actually when I came here I already found out that I can die repeatedly. I’ve died over in Terraria and came back so I’m not sure whether or not I can die…well by old age that is.” I noticed Celestia’s face had confusion plastered all over it.
“I’m sorry you’ve died?”
“Yes. If you wish you can kill me and I’ll come back.” She looked appalled.
“I would never!”
“Calm down, just know that if ever you feel I need to be removed from a location you can I don’t know…blast me? Hold on I don’t know how powerful you are. You don’t mind if you hit me with your magic do you?”
“Yes I mind! I couldn’t hurt somepony even if they’ve asked for it.”
“Very well. I won’t press the issue further. However if one day I’m tired of living…will you help me find a way to…move on?” I said seriously.
“N-no. I couldn’t help you with that. I’m sorry.” Spike looked between me and the princess’ solemn expression.
I sighed audibly. “Fine I guess I can live eternally and suffer for all eternity. But let’s not get hung up on such grim topics. I wanted free housing but I guess I can settle with ‘crashing’ at the library or Sugar Cube Corner.”
“Ok well…you don’t mind if I leave right?” She looked a little worried.
“I’m sorry did I scar you? In my culture eternal life is a gift and a curse. Depending on why you’re using this perk, it can either be a curse or a salvation. In my case I want an escape from my ‘curse’ if I have to. Without you or with you.”
“How can you talk about suicide so easily?”
“Because death is now part of my life. And I intend to accept the reality of my situation. You will not understand but I don’t expect you too. But if you try any intervention I swear I will take your bed!” Thankfully that lightened the mood. Celestia’s smile returned.
“Well I can’t convince you to reconsider but I’m glad you’re having fun being here.”
“Yea yea. Now I have nothing else to talk about. You have any questions for me that you want to ask?”
Celestia put a hoof up to her chin; it was an awkward thing to watch because I’ve never seen Celestia with so much personality. Maybe she’s opening up to me?
“…Do wingless dragons truly rule the sky?”
“No. wolf and I do. We basically murder any dragon that want’s to fuck up our shit.”
“I’m sorry?” She said.
“Never mind it’s a figure of speech or something.”
“Oh ok. Well that’s all I really want to know right now. I must get back to Canterlot. Someone needs to keep BlueBlood from insulting the wrong griffon.” She chuckles to herself.
“Well don’t let me hold you. Sorry for the way this conversation went. If you need anything that I might be able to help with don’t hesitate to tell Twilight to give me the message.”
“Thank you pup. I’ll see you some other time and hopefully we can get to know each other better. Goodbye!”
“Till we meet again!”
Celestia trotted out the door and when she was gone I turned to Spike who held a worried expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“You want to kill yourself? But you’re not depressed at all!”
“Nope. I don’t expect you to understand.”
“I’ll say.”
“Hey do me a favor and don’t tell anyone about it. If you want to talk about it then talk to me.”
“Sure. My lips are sealed.”
I followed Celestia outside.
“Oh hello pup.” Said Celestia. She was in the chariot ready to return to Canterlot. “Is there something you wanted to talk about? Or did you want a hug?” She said with a mischievous smile.
“Hugs are nice but I don’t want one. I’m going to explore the town a bit. Maybe meet a few other ponies wolfGear knows.”
“Oh all right. Have a nice day. Guards to Canterlot!”
I waved her off. She flashed a smile in my direction and I found a new respect for Celestia…one that I buried quickly so I don’t become a mindless drone like the rest of these ponies.
Walking around Ponyville I came across…nothing of interest. I’ve been walking around for a good thirty minutes before I ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the time. I was about to pull out the magic mirror to go home before a heard a timid yet excited voice.
“wolfGear!” Fluttershy called me from across the street. I looked in her direction and saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy at a table. They were accompanied by Big Mac.
“Hello compatriots of the gear!”
“What the hay?” Said Rainbow. I walked over to their table and took a seat. They looked at me quizzically.
“I’m Puppet Master. I’m wolfGear’s lord. I also happen to be well versed in the art of offensive magic.”
“wolfGear’s lord?” repeated Fluttershy.
“Yes. When wolfGear was here I was controlling him. Hence the name Puppet Master. When wolfGear was here I was controlling him. I am well aware of how you and mac got together. Fact I was the one who ultimately decided to help you. Though recently I found myself in an impossible situation in becoming part of your world. Wolf and I are working together to make the best of it.”
“Umm yea I don’t believe you.” Said Rainbow Dash. “Not very likely that that’s true.”
“I don’t ask for you to trust or believe me. I frankly don’t care for your opinion as long as I’m left to do as I please. Thought I joined you so I can hopefully make friends.”
“Well sure I’m not against that.” Said Rainbow.
“Me neither.” Said Fluttershy.
“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac.
“Thank you. Is there any reason you’re here?”
“Well we were waiting for my mom so she can meet Big Mac.” Said Fluttershy. Rainbow started snickering.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“Big Mac’s gunna have a surprise when he meets Fluttershy’s mother.” She said with an anxious grin.
“Oh is that why you’re sitting at a four pony table?” I said.
“Eeyup.”
“I should leave when she comes.”
“Nope.”
????
“We can get another chair dude.” Said Rainbow. “Hey waiter!” She shouted to a well dressed white unicorn. “We need an extra chair and menu!”
“Yes ma’am.” He went inside to get a chair.
“While we wait why don’t you talk about yourself. Since you know about us already.”
“Sure. I’m not the same creature wolfGear is. OH also Celestia and I agreed that my nickname was pup.”
“So pup how are you different from wolf?”
“Wolf like you ponies were created by the creator race. I am a creator myself. wolfGear is a Terrarian while I’m a human.”
“A-a human?” Said Fluttershy worried. They all were giving my wary looks.
“that’s right. Though I don’t know about you ponies and your mythology but I’m guessing by your reactions human’s must be considered some form of warmongering race.”
“Eeyup.”
“Then I ask you to throw away your previous assumptions of humans and judge me only on my character rather than the shape of my body.”
“Umm sure we can do that. Hey we judged someone on their looks before and it turned out she was a pretty nice pony.”
“Zecora right?”
“Yea how’d you know?”
“Same way wolf does.”
“Oh you researched his?”
“Eeyup.” I said giving Big Mac a grin that he returned.
“Oh pup do you like animals?”
“Yes but I don’t really want a pet at the moment. Puppies are adorable though so that’s why I was so enthusiastic about my nickname.” The waiter returned with an extra chair that he placed between Fluttershy and I.
“Thank you.” I said.
“You’re welcome sir.”
I saw a massive shadow of a pegasus guard. I assumed it was one of Celestia’s messengers coming to give me a request. I looked at the sky and spotted the large mare who was descending toward us. The rest of my company looked toward the sky as well when they noticed my attention was away from the group only to find me tracking a guard. Fluttershy looked excited and Rainbow looked almost impatient.
She landed in front of the group and was approached by Fluttershy. “Hi mom!” She said giving the guard a hug which she returned.
“Hello my little Flutters.” She said tenderly. She looked directly at me. “wolfGear? I’m honored to be in your presence. Not many earn the trust of Celestia so quickly.”
“Oh I’m not wolfGear. I’m Puppet Master, wolfGear’s lord. I’m basically the highest authority.”
“You sound more like a slave driver.”
“You know…you’re right! I do! Haha! But call me pup. Celestia and I have agreed that that would be my nickname if I get to call her Cells.”
“When was this?”
“Thirty minutes ago. Celestia came to Ponyville.”
“Oh I should have got a ride with her instead of flying the whole way. Now Flutters who is this stallion you said so much about.”
“Over here mother.” She walked her to the table with Rainbow Dash and a wide eyed Big Mac. “This is Big Mac my Coltfriend.” Said Fluttershy happily.
Big Mac shook himself out of his stupor. “Howdy.” He said regaining his composure. “What’s your name ma’am.”
“Barricade.” She said eyeing him suspiciously and with stone cold face. She was analyzing him intensely.
Rainbow was giddy because she wants to see Barricade tear Big Mac apart. I only guessed that because she literally couldn’t sit still and she had the biggest grin.
“Mommy please don’t scare him.” Said Flutttershy taking a seat between Big Mac and Barricade.
I understand why Rainbow was so giddy. This was bound to end badly…shit do I have to intervene? Dammit not this again.
“Please Mrs. Barricade let the stallion have a chance. I don’t personally know Mac but I do know he wouldn’t betray Fluttershy’s trust. He comes from an honest house. The Apple family is renowned for being honest and trustworthy in the time of need.”
“And I guess you’re an expert on his family because you’ve researched it.” She snapped at me. “You’re from another world and you don’t know how stallions work in Equestria. So I won’t listen to whatever you have to offer.”
Ok I was kinda mad. “Barricade I am the one who orchestrated the events that brought them together. If you dare attempt to drive them apart I will nail you to a cross.” What? I don’t want my work going down the drain because of a bitchy mother.
“E-excuse me?” She started glaring daggers at me. I felt my insides die slowly and I realized where Fluttershy got her stare. But I held strong and sucked it in. Everyone was watching the event unfold. Rainbow lost her grin and turned to a look of what can only be described as ‘what are you doing?’. Fluttershy looked genuinely afraid while Big Mac looked relieved at first but realized how deep in shit I was then gave me a frantic look. All of this I ignored while I stared directly into the eyes of my death.
Good thing I can’t die.
“You heard me.” I said with hostility. “You destabilize their relationship we are going to have some very VERY serious words.”
We stared into each other’s eyes with intense glares. It lasted ten seconds without incident and it showed no sign of stopping. We both felt the air become thick with suspense and even other tables joined in on watching the creature from another world have a staring contest with a Pegasus guard.
Then something I didn’t expect. There was a slight smile that suddenly appeared on her face for a brief moment. Now when I looked at the stare it was just an attempt not to laugh. Frankly I thought it was funny too so I let my intense glare slip for a moment to let her know I felt the same. We both had an understanding now. Then after a few seconds we both exploded into laughter. The stress immediately evaporated from the atmosphere and everypony relaxed.
Try looking at someone seriously while they do the same and let’s see you hold your blank expression.
“You know.” Said Barricade after our laughter died down. “Maybe I am being a bit harsh. Your stare is quite intense.”
“Trust me I was buckling under yours.”
“Haha I knew it was working! No one can resist its effects. It’s worse than real pain when I scold ponies for insubordination.”
“Well Barricade I was quite confused as to why you are so hostile toward Big Mac. He hasn’t done anything to offend you so the only other thing I can think of is if you had a bad experience with a stallion in your past.”
Fluttershy’s relief turned to sadness. I noticed it and I looked back at Barricade who wore a similar expression.
“Well back when I was married…my husband couldn’t take my stare. He felt like he had no freedom and he left me with Fluttershy.”
“Ah but I don’t understand how that relates to Big Mac.”
“Well he left me with Fluttershy and didn’t even ask about who would take care of her. I didn’t mind taking care of her but I still didn’t feel good after he left me without so much as a goodbye. I don’t want Fluttershy to go through the same thing. She’s not as strong as I am.”
“Oh don’t worry mommy.” Said Fluttershy giving her mother a hug. Barricade returned the embrace and took off her helmet and placed it on the table. She honestly looked like a larger and stronger than Big Mac. In fact she was a whole head taller than Mac.
“Don’t worry ma’am.” Said Big Mac. “I will never leave her.”
“You’d better not.” She glared daggers.
“Barricade.” I deadpanned. She turned to me with an apologetic smile. Her eye caught the mare next to me and she gave a quizzical look at Rainbow Dash.
I turned to look and Rainbow’s jaw was on the floor…not really but felt like it. She was looking at me as if she were in shock.
“H-how?” She shuddered. “How did you meet Barricades stare!?”
“With a great amount of difficulty?”
“…I’ll buy that. But dude that’s so cool. You need to teach me how to do that!”
“No. It involves mass murder of monsters and evil creatures and you need to die a few times.”
She stared at me with a blank expression. I turned back to Barricade who had already let go of Fluttershy.
“So I take it you’re single again.” I said with a smile.
“Don’t get any idea’s wise guy.” She said giving me the death glare again.
“Just saying…you’re quite attractive when you try to intimidate me. Why not turn this get together into a double date?”
She was still glaring daggers at me until a few seconds when she realized I wouldn’t return the glare she smiled. “Done.”
“Let’s start with occupation. I can tell you work for the guard but is there more to that?”
“Yes I am the captain of the pegasi corps.”
“Interesting. So do you hold a similar rank to Shinning Armor?”
“Yes we are equal rank. I’m stationed in Cloudsdale while he’s stationed in Canterlot. The Earth pony captain is stationed in Manehatten.”
“Interesting.”
“WHOA WHOA WHOA! Hold up!” interrupted Rainbow. “Are you really trying to have a relationship with Fluttershy’s mother?”
“What? Well yea I think it can work. You got a problem with that?” It was my turn to use a glare of my own in an attempt at authority. It worked like a charm and Rainbow recoiled a bit.
“N-no not a problem at all.” She smiled sheepishly.
“Then why did you ask?” I said dropping the stare and made it more of a genuine question. Though I think Barricade saw right through it and she stared at Rainbow Dash interested in what she might say.
“W-well um no reason.”
“We don’t do things for no reason dash.”
“W-well I do!”
“I don’t think so. If you said things without reason you would be blabbering about nonsense like Pinkie Pie.”
“Ok to be fair Pinkie does stay on topic.”
“True but you still haven’t answered my question.”
“GAH! Fine. Aren’t you like a lot younger than Barricade? Aren’t you in your twenties or something?”
“Yes why?”
“Oh…I don’t know if it would work out then.” Said Barricade.
“Why not?”
“I’m…43.”
“That’s a problem?” I said genuinely confused. “In my world it doesn’t matter how old you are to love someone. I’ve heard of a twenty year old marrying someone who’s seventy.”
“SEVENTY!” Shouted Rainbow.
“Yes. So Barricade do you still think this can work?”
“…” She was at a loss for words. “Maybe. We’ll have to see if you’re good husband material. Will you be able to take care of Fluttershy?”
“I already proved that my actions are in her best interest when they brought them together.” I emphisized my point by pointing my finger at Big mac and moved it back and forth between Big Mac and Fluttershy.
“Well all right I’ll give you a chance. Though don’t expect me to be available at all times.”
“Works for me. I’m usually off adventuring with wolfGear anyway.”
“So we’re both very busy…I don’t know about this.” She said rubbing the back of her head.
“Jesus Christ woman! Are you so quick to lose faith?”
“W-what? No I’m not! I’m the captain of the pegasi corps! I had to have faith to get where I’m at.” She said with authority in her voice. It was quite inspiring.
“See? Don’t run off with another stallion now. I need to check in on wolfGear and see how he’s doing. Here have my menu.” I handed the menu over to Barricade. “I’d ask for a kiss goodbye but we’re not at that point yet.”
I took out my magic Mirror.
“Oh real quick where is the pegasi corps HQ?”
“Why?”
“I want to break in and knock out all the guards and leave you a box of chocolates.” I said grinning from ear to ear.
“Hahahaha! I’d like to see you try!” She said laughing.
“Hehe all right. Anyway I bid you…ado” I looked into the magic mirror and disappeared.
I found myself in the sky home and looking directly in the eyes of wolfGear.
“Sup wolf have a good time?”
*wolfGear activated PvP*
“Oh shit.”
View Online
Flames of Hell and the Discovery of Thy Name
“So after Barricade arrived I totally hit on her.” I said sitting at a table talking to wolfGear.
He threw down a sign. ‘Wait you like her? I thought you told me during our grinding you’re not interested in pony relations?’
“I’m not. And no I don’t lover her or feel any affection toward her. I was merely teasing a bit. She knew I was messing around though. Well I think she did…oh well.”
‘Still doesn’t change that you left me during a blood moon.’
“Ok in my defense I had no idea one would pop up!”
‘Fine but we still need to go grind souls to build that portal.’
“Actually our equipment could be better. I mean you have Mythril Greaves dude. That doesn’t help our cause. Let’s go get more ores and stuff.”
“It was nice that you came to visit. And I’m grateful that you approve of Big Mac.” Said Fluttershy to her mother. The group of four went their separate ways. Rainbow returned home and Big Mac went back to the farm for apple bucking.
All in all it was a nice get together where Barricade decided it was best to judge Big Mac on his character. It was a good decision on her part because she learned a lot about the stallion. She even felt guilty for judging him right away.
“It’s ok my little Flutters.” Said Barricade giving her daughter a hug. “I trust that stallion with you now. And I may just have found a new husband too.”
“M-mommy!”
“Haha just kidding sweetie. We aren’t going to get married. Besides I prefer stallions that are…well stallions.”
“Oh ok. I-it’s just a little weird to have to be related to someone so. Different.”
“Oh but give him credit. All he’s done is look after you so far. He gave you Big Mac and he convinced me to let your coltfriend have a chance.”
Fluttershy thought it over for a moment. “Yes you’re right mom. I should be more open about your relationship with other ponies.”
“That a girl. Always learning just like her mother. I need to get back to HQ and organize the patrols. I hear a griffon bandits are running amuck.” Said Barricade.
“Bye momma and be safe.”
Barricade kissed Fluttershy on the forehead and flew off.
‘I wonder when I get to meet that wolfGear character. Though from what I get from Puppet Master is he’s a bit…sleazy…though he means well. Maybe he’s just a friendlier version of Discord.’ She shuddered at the last thought. ‘Never mind…Oh I’m so proud of my little Fluttershy for being so brave as to take on Discord. I wish I could wield an element of harmony so I can defeat major threats to Equestria. Let’s face it. Guards are only good for dealing with thieves and skirmish with the rouge griffon hunters.’ She sighed out loud.
“I mustn’t think such things…Guards do more for this nation than the farmers by keeping the peace.”
‘No I’m a noble Pegasus guard. I am proud to be where I am. I am a master of the sky and the master of war.’
She sped off toward Cloudsdale.
wolfGear and I had some bonding time…
“AH FUCK WATCH OUT!”
The head of the Destroyer shot out of the ground underneath the feet of wolfGear. His body followed suit and his laser body segments shot at us while the rest of the body passed overhead.
“SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHI-oh we won.”
Its entire body seemed to explode. Which was weird because that’s not really normal. But there were souls that we needed.
“Hey wolf…I think we’ve done it.”
wolfGear jumped around me with vigor.
It was time. We were going to make the portal. We rushed home to grab all the necessary materials to make the portal. Once we rummaged through the chest wolfGear gave me all the things he grabbed and I forged the portal with the mythril anvil.
We walked over to the balcony of snow/cloud and I threw down the portal. It emitted an ominous sound. The sound of wind.
“Creepy…..let’s go in!”
wolfGear threw down a sign. ‘Aren’t we going to level up our equipment?’
“Well I think I want to drop in on Barricade and ruin her day you know?”
‘No we need to upgrade our equipment.’
“Ugh…fine.”
Twilight Sparkle was transferring the adventures of the Terrarian into Equestrian so it can be read by the common pony. She’s been reading through the book for days now and she finished two books. The third was the darkest though. In the second book the character forged a sword called the ‘Lights Bane’. And his thoughts became that much more darker. He began to resent the people that lived in his home and began imagining murdering them savagely.
However the most disturbing change was when he acquired his new sword…Night’s Edge. But the event that stuck to Twilight the most
-I swung the final blow to the airborn foe. His doll dropped out of the air and landed on the hellstone home. The Terrarian rushed over to the item to claim it before any more monsters show up. He picked it up and realized it looked a lot like the guide.
“It’s a guide voodoo doll.” Said an ominous voice in the Terrarian’s head.
‘I-I know that.’ He thought.
“You should stab it.”
‘No…I should burn it.’
“Oh! Or you can throw it in there.”
The Terrarian looked over the edge and saw a lava pool below him. He was too nervous and on edge to grin properly. But the idea of killing a personal friend of his was…exhilarating to the Terrarian. The Terrarian quickly thrust the doll into the pit and watched with a giddy expression as it fell into the lava and burned up. He could only imagine the screams of anguish his ‘friend’ the guide was exhaling right now. He thoughts were interrupted by the most terrifying voice he would ever hear.
“Murderer.”
He felt a chill go up his spine. But what it said next made him almost scream in terror.
“wolfGear, you belong with me in hell.”
Twilight almost dropped the book when she read the name wolfGear.
“T-that’s not possible.” She kept on reading but instead of copying down what it said she read to find out what happens.
wolfGear…it knew his name. He didn’t even know his name but once the monstrosity said his name he realized his own name. For so long he didn’t know his name. But now he did. wolfGear the Murderer. He took a personal liking to that. But it was eclipsed by the fact he felt sheer terror of this strange and unseen being.
He looked right and left for the monster that was surely coming for him. It felt like ages before something appeared from the dark abyss known as the underworld. At first it was small eyes of chuthulu that had nothing to do with eyes and their teeth were showing. But wolfGear wasn’t afraid of these strange fleshy mouths. NO he was more interested in the thing they were attached to. They seemed to have umbilical cords that led behind them into the darkness.
But what emerged from that darkness will haunt his memory forever.
I giant gaping maw emerged from the darkness. wolfGear’s terror increased as the thing that can only be described as a wall of flesh approached him. It was slow but scary. What emerged out of the darkness with the gaping maw were two eyes that both immediately started to shoot lasers out at wolfGear. They were all attacked to a great wall of flesh that seemed to be unhindered by objects and terrain. A property that was a lot like all the other big monster battles wolfGear had over the months of surviving.
The battle was at first slow and easy once all the smaller mouths were gone. Each one let go of their master and started to fly at wolfGear after he hit them a few times. But they died easy. Now all was left was the wall itself. wolfGear’s moral was raised when he could easily dodge the lasers. Then a new challenge where it started the eject worms out of its throat. Those were easy and offered hearts when he killed them. But as the battle went on the wall got faster and faster.
And the closer the wall got to wolfGear the more anxious and afraid he was to die. Yes…afraid to die. wolfGear had not feared death until now. This guardian of hell was out for his soul. It was going to torture him until he was nothing but an empty shell. Now the wall had open wounds all over its body.
But each one seemed to make it more powerful. It was now faster than wolfGear. They were both on the brink of death and when the wall slammed into wolfGear it’s acidic body burned wolfs skin and flung him forward so he was a reasonable distance from the wall. wolfGear was now only just barely hanging onto life and adrenalin was keeping him going. Then he ran as fast as he could and when he looked back he was terrified. The gaping maw closed the distance and snapped shut on wolfGear.
Wolf found his spirit tied down to a table and his arms and legs spread out across it. The room was a giant dome of flesh and the small mouths that were attached to the flesh wall rushed toward wolfGear and started to tear apart his body. It lasted three eternal seconds before wolfGear found himself respawning at his bed.
wolfGear was now aware of everything…he was aware that his decisions were not his own and his name was wolfGear. He now knew everything. That moment of extreme torment revealed to him that he was being assisted…no enslaved by a more powerful being.
And his name was known as User.
He was just a source of entertainment for the user. He swore one day he will bring the user into this world and kill him…no make him suffer then kill him!
No after a while more of thought he decided on one course of action…he will become the user and the user will become the puppet that he will play with for entertainment!
“w-wolfGear?” Twilight squeaked.
She was in shock of the whole ordeal.
‘This book is science fiction right? RIGHT? B-but wolfGear is a real person. And the world of Terraria is also real! B-but that doesn’t make sense. Does that mean wolfGear is out to get somepo-.’ Twilight’s thoughts came to a sudden end when she made the connection.
“Puppet Master’s in danger.”
Hours and hours were spent on grinding souls from the bosses. We both ended up with full hollowed armor. I had a hood instead of the other head gear. I’ve realized that when I fight someone in real life I’d much rather be out of harm’s way rather than up close, so I became very magic oriented. wolfGear was obviously stronger than me because his defense was WAAAY higher than mine. But I couldn’t tell you what it looked like because I didn’t see his screen.
Frankly I couldn’t find out mine neither because I couldn’t see my defense number. But after I put on the last piece that completed my hollowed armor I could feel power radiating off of me.
It was amazing. I could do anything.
“Hey wolf.” He looks back at me after he was done talking to the guide.
“Want to set up an arena so we can hone our skills by fighting each other?”
He threw down a sign. ‘No. I think it’s time to go back.’
“All right then.”
We navigate the halls of our home and eventually made it to the portal that was on my edge.
“Let’s get going.”
We stepped through the portal.
We looked around and found that where we usually spawn in Equestria is where the portal is. Everfree forest. There was a double of the portal we created back home.
We made our way across the Everfree until we came to the edge of Ponyville. We were unchallenged by the predators that haunt the forest itself.
“Yo wolf. Do you want to stick together or go our separate ways for now?”
He threw down yet another sign. ‘Yea let’s separate. I want to go explore a few adjacent villages.’
“I’ll try to locate Cloudsdale. If you need me I’ll probably be there. OH and have fun!” I flew off into town to get directions.
wolfGear stood there watching Puppet Master fly toward the village. On his face was a malicious grin.
I flew off toward Ponyville while scanning the skies. I planned on grabbing a Pegasus and asking them to bring me to Cloudsdale. If I couldn’t find one then I’d look for Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy. Both of them I know they know where Cloudsdale is. But my fall back plan is Twilight. She has a blimp that we can both get in to get there.
I scanned Ponyville’s streets and found several pegasi flying about the skies moving the clouds. I chose to ignore them because they must be busy working the weather. I kept flying around until I found the market. I stayed there to rest hoping to strike up a conversation with Applejack if I saw her.
Unfortunately neither Applejack nor Big Mac was there today selling apples. I also didn’t ask any of the pegasi at the market because they were probably there for shopping.
I left the market on foot and looked around town and found a group of ponies who were chatting away about stallions…yea they were mares. One of them however was a pegasi.
“Excuse me ladies!” I shouted to the group. They all looked over in my direction and got wide eyed.
“H-hi?” said the closest one to me. Which happened to be a light blue mare with an orange and red hair doo.
“Oh I’d like to ask for directions to Cloudsdale. As you can see I’m not from here so I wouldn’t know where it is.” I said while lowering my hood so they can see my friendly smile.
“Oh umm-“ started the Pegasus. “I-I can take you there.”
“I would appreciate that. Mind if I ask for your name?”
“Cloud Kicker. You?”
“Master. Puppet Master. You can call me pup for short.”
“Pup?! That’s so cute!” Said the one that sounded like a-oh god a Nikita.
“Are you sure you’re not a flower?” Said Shanaynay.
“Aw but I don’t look like a flower.” I argued.
“You don’t look like a pup either.” Said Shanaynay with a sly grin.
“OH well played. Ok since you girls brought up a good point then you can call me flower. No pony else.”
“Deal!” They said in unison.
“Let’s get going Cloud Kicker. I have someone I need to drop in on.”
“Sure. Right this way.” She took of vertically and I followed after her.
Her friends watched her go with the strange two legged creature.
“She totally needs to ask him out.” Said Shanaynay.
“I know I mean did you see her face?” said Nikita.
“I knew she was into minatours but wow these guys too?”
Cloud Kicker kept on giving me looks the whole way there. I let her look at me that way because I could identify it easily as attraction. She must have a thing for two legs or something. Or maybe it’s my armor that radiates light. Well she is a pegasi so maybe wing span might be a romantic thing…if this is the case then my wing span must really put the mares on their knees.
“Hey Cloud Kicker.”
“U-um yes Mr. Master?”
“wow Mr. Master? Are you really that love struck?” I said with a wide grin. I knew that wouldn’t pass as an excuse to point out that someone is in love but hey it’s Equestria. Lower standards.
“W-what?! H-how’d you know?” she stopped dead in her tracks.
“Well you keep eyeballing me every time I get in front of you.”
“You can see that?”
“Yea but it’s not like you can hide those feelings from me.”
“Well…” She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
“Want to be friends? Doing me a favor has already got you on the right track to earn my affections.” I was totally enjoying myself. I guess when I have the chance to play with someone else’s emotions I get to have fun. Sick? Yea. Worth it? FUCK YES! Maybe I can get her to fight Barricade.
“R-really? S-sure I’ll be your friend.” Her smile was adorable. It split my heart in two.
“Can you get me to the pegasi corps HQ? I have a master plan to complete.”
“What master plan?”
“The one where I win the favor of Barricade the pegasi corps commander.”
Her mouth dropped. “B-Barricade? THAT’S WAY TO DANGEROUS!”
“For you maybe. But for a fully armored demigod like me it’s an easy task.”
Her expression became sad. “Wait you want to win her favor? Like get her to love you?”
‘Aww I’m such a heartbreak.’
“No I just need her approval. I’ve already helped out her daughter so I think I have the right to waste her time…and I’m so going to abuse that right.”
“Oh!” she said perking up again. “Well be careful because she’s really short tempered.”
“Will do.”
With that we headed off toward a very large cloud in the distance.
wolfGear was entering a town with the sign ‘Prancing Pasture’ on the welcoming sign. He walked into the village and was getting confused looks from the residence.
One elderly stallion trotted up to him. “Hello stranger. Are you one of the creators that we heard about in this here newspaper?” He said holding up a newspaper with a picture of wolfGear on it.
wolfGear smiled maliciously at the stallion. He couldn’t see it because the smile was hidden behind the headgear wolfGear was wearing.
wolfGear took out the flower of fire.
Cloud Kicker pointed me in the direction of the Pegasi Corps HQ that was conveniently located in the center of town.
I agreed to give her a kiss and we went our separate ways. I flew over to the nearest cloud and tested it out.
Success! I have the ability to stand on clouds. I sprinted toward the center of town but on my way I looked at all the floating buildings. I had to fly across to other buildings to get to certain places but for the most part it was flat and easy to walk around in. Probably because foals can’t fly but I’m not an expert on Cloudsdale…
Doesn’t mean I can’t come up with good theories.
“Halt!”
I spun around to look at the pony who said that too me. I immediately assumed it was a guard. I was right. Two guards came out of the sun and landed beside me.
“State your business Minotaur!”
“I’m not a Minotaur.”
“Like Tartarus you aren’t. Where did you get the wings Minotaur?” He said with hostility that was ill placed.
“We should check his armor and see if he’s stolen anything.” Said the one on the left.
“Sir you need to come with us.” Said the one on the right.
I lowered my hood. “Like I said I’m not a Minotaur.” I said calmly.
“By Starwirls beard.” Said the one on the left.
“Now tell me why you’re pulling me over to ask some questions while you let everyone else go on without incident.”
“…Well Minotaurs are untrustworthy so it’s protocol to pull them over.”
OK what? I’m going to need to check this out. But other than that I know prejudice when I see it…and hear it.
“You two follow me to HQ.”
“W-why are we going there.” He had worry in his eyes. Just as I suspected.
“Because I’m going to ask Barricade if that is protocol. I have the authority to plead a case to Celestia herself. If you don’t want to make this an international incident and have to deal with the sovereign ruler of this great nation then I suggest you accompany me to the Pegasi corps HQ.”
“N-no you can’t make us!” He shouted. “If you touch one of us then we have the right to arrest you.”
“Then consider me a criminal because I’m going to drag your asses to Barricade.”
“Y-you are under arrest.” They pointed their spears at me. I responded by cutting of the tips of the spears with my Excalibur.
They started to shake with fear and flew off.
“OH no you don’t!” I flew after them and grabbed them by their tails. I brought them to the ground and knocked each out with a swift blow to the head. I then lifted them over my shoulder and carried them to the HQ.
I noticed the pegasi that flew by kept giving me odd looks…well odder looks than what they were already giving me. I myself was having fun. Who can say they brought the police to their police chief just to watch the police get spanked? ME!
Though I must admit some of those looks I was getting were more than just simple confusion or ‘this is awkward.’. In fact some regarded me with hate. I quickly formulated a theory.
Pegasi capital. Home of mostly pegasi. I’m sure after a while of being the masters of the sky will get to one’s head and make them believe they are part of a superior race. Since they are the only race that can fly other than griffons then it is easily believable that they have prejudice towards ground animals and ponies.
But Equestria is the center of love and friendship…why is there hate?
I must ask Barricade.
Most of the way to the center of town went uninterrupted. That is until…
“Hey you!” A blur zipped passed me and did what I assume was a backflip and then landed in front of me. I realized this blur was a Pegasus. Then two other pegasi landed next to her. They all were wearing pony jump suits that were blue and had lightning bolt symbols all over them. Which I thought was pretty cute. And yea they were the wonderbolts. “Put those guards down now or we will arrest you!”
“These guards are being taken to Barricade. They displayed prejudice and threatened to arrest me when I asked them to accompany me to the corps HQ of Cloudsdale.” I said in the calmest way I could.
“…prejudice?” Said the leader.
“Yes prejudice. I’m taking them to Barricade to have them properly disciplined and hopefully discharged for misconduct.”
“…Barricade?” The name struck a note in the orange pegasi’s mind. She had a look of concern when I said it. “You’re bringing them to Barricade? That’s a bad idea. She’s training recruits and if she’s distracted for a second she lashes out at the poor soul who would distract her…I’ll come with you to make sure you don’t get. Well hurt. Uh we’ll help you get to the hospital if she tries to kill you.”
“So I gained companions? Sweet. Help me get there cuz I don’t know where I’m going.”
“Well follow us and prey Celestia can help you.”
Getting to Barricade would be easy now. Our path to the corps HQ was rocky and filled with gaps. I admired the very Greek styled buildings of Cloudsdale. Hell even their bars had fancy pillars. One of the guards woke up while I was carrying them and he groggily looked around. He realized he was being carried and yelled for help.
“Guards help!”
“Shut up. None will come for you. I’m taking you to Barricade for misconduct.”
“Y-you can’t do that!”
“But we can.” Said Spitfire drawing the stallions attention. His worried expression turned to fear.
“Uh hehe umm…He harmed Equestrian guards?”
“In my defense. You were about to arrest me without cause.”
“You don’t know how the law works!”
“Why would you assume that?”
“Because you’re an uncivilized Minotaur…human…”
“My capital is a great castle that rests on a floating island. Our sky scrapers touch the fabric of the heavens and our feet have walked across the surface of the moon…tell me dishonorable one…can a civilization as grand as mine truly be uncivilized if it can work together in such a way to achieve the feat of going into space?”
There was a silence that persisted for five whole minutes until Saurin spoke up.
“Did your civilization really touch the moon?”
“We even took pictures of the earth from there. I can’t show you them because I’m trying to find my way back. And I wouldn’t pre pack for going to another world if I didn’t expect it. At least I have wolfGear as proof that we are powerful.”
“What do you mean?” asked Spitfire.
“He was created by humans…specifically me. I chose what color his hair and skin would be. I even chose whether he would be a man or a woman.” I could only guess that their mouths were open…so I looked back and found they were positively slack jawed. But thankfully they weren’t lagging behind.
“How do we know you’re not lying to us?” Said Fleetfoot.
“It wouldn’t matter if I told you the truth or not. I’m easily more powerful than all of you. So even if what I said was false then it won’t change the fact that I can hold your fates in the palm of my hand.”
I said that without actually thinking it through. They started to eye me suspiciously. I figured I should play that role of fates wielder anyway. Technically I can ruin someone’s day if I wanted to.
Now there was a Greek looking fortress that seemed to have a very large door for an entrance. I was actually impressed by how intimidating the building was. It also had a mile long stair highway to get inside. I actually felt sorry for the poor soul who had to design a building to look so intimidating…but mainly because of the stairs.
“Well I ain’t walken up those.” I spread my wings and flew up to the top of the steps.
“Hey question.” Said the conscious guard I was carrying. “If you could fly the whole time why wouldn’t you?”
“Because I wanted to look around and have a good time. You’re keeping me from doing just that. If it were up to me I would have you executed for wasting my time.” I said in a harsh voice.
“Wow that’s barbaric.” Said Spitfire who landed next to me while having her hooves crossed in disappointment.
“No barbaric is a god who rains fire on cities for fun. I’m one of the most forgiving immortals you’ll meet. But I don’t know what I am now…maybe my immortality is gone now…” I paused in front of the door. I think one of the guards was about to make a smart ass comment before I spoke up again. “Nah I’m still can’t die even when my body is destroyed.”
The wonderbolts exchanged odd looks before Puppet Master pushed open the double doors.
Looking inside I expected a waiting room like setting. But no it was a straight up fortress.
“Hey this is the corps HQ yea?”
“Yes why?” responded Fleetfoot.
“Where’s the-oh there’s the command structure.” Over on the far field of cloud there was a square building that stood next to twenty barracks buildings. Each barracks could hold fifty soldiers if there were three bunk bunk beds. They were long enough to hold several platoons and there were enough to possibly house an army if needed. Oh and the fortress was massive. I was impressed with the floating rings of cloud and spearman training going on at once. However I found my ‘angelic pegasus’ barking at a recruit who seems to have wet himself.
“Miss Barricade.” I said.
“WHO DARES INTERRUPT MY-” Her eyes met my figure and her expression of pure rage transforms into a friendly smile. “Oh Puppet Master. What do I owe the visit?” All three of my companion’s jaws dropped to the floor.
“Well I was going to drop in and give you flowers until these two stopped me in the streets.” I threw both the pegasi over my shoulder and they made a soft poof sound when they contacted the cloud. “They tried to arrest me.”
She looked puzzled. “Why is this guard unconscious?”
“They wouldn’t come quietly.”
“Why’d you apprehend them?”
“My question first. Is it protocol to stop minotaurs?”
“No why?”
“They stopped me on those grounds. I believe they had some prior prejudice towards minotaurs and stopped me to ask me questions.”
“I see? But why did you go out of your way to tell me this?”
“Because they tried to arrest me.”
She wore a face of shock. “On what grounds?”
“I threatened to bring them to you for retraining. Frankly I don’t feel safe with guards like these stopping all nonpegasi.”
“You two better have a good explanation for this.” She said glaring at them.
“In our defense.” Said the conscious stallion. “We only tried to arrest him after he said he would attack us.”
“I said no such thing! And you know it. You threatened to arrest me when I threatened to drag you back here. You even pointed your spears at me!”
“WHAT!” Boomed Barricades voice. It was so loud that it caused the whole training ground to literally stop. Not even a bird dared to chirp.
The other stallion woke up and immediately when he opened his eyes his expression became fearful when his eyes met Barricades glare.
“To barracks three! I will deal with you later. If you even try to leave then I will consider you traitors and have you hunted down!”
Shit did I really leave that good of an impression on her last time? Fuck…well I have a reliable ally to turn to when the going gets tough.
The guards ponies briskly trotted away towards the barracks. I looked back at my three companions who were still wide eyed and dumbfounded.
“Need anything else pup?” Said Barricade when the guards were out of sight.
“Dunno, a romantic dinner. A movie. Maybe gaze at the stars at nightfall. Glaring contest?”
She flew up and hit me on the back of the head.
“Don’t be flirty with me Mr.”
“Oh ok do you want me to order you to get dinner with me?”
“Not like I wouldn’t be tempted but I’m on duty.”
“Fair enough. I should check out Cloudsdale. If anything interesting turns up I’ll tell you about it later.”
“Bye pup. Tell wolf we need to meet.”
“Will do.”
Spreading my wings I took flight out over the walls of the cloud fortress. However I didn’t realize my companions joined me until Spitfire took her pace next to me.
“Hey!” She yelled over the rushing wind.
“Yea?”
“Where are you going?”
I slowed down to a hover and found that all three of my companions actually followed me.
“I’m not sure. Maybe muck about Cloudsdale or go to Ponyville and meet up with some friends.”
“How about we get to know you. I haven’t known Barricade to befriend ponies so quickly. And I want to know what you did to my old drill instructor to make her so friendly toward you.”
“THAT’S NOT HOW YOU HOLD A SPEAR!” Barricades voice boomed over the walls of the fortress.
I winced when the voice came over the walls and pierced my ears. “Damn. Hate to be that guy.”
“Yea…let’s get outta here before I have flash backs.”
I should totally mess with her. “I kinda already miss her beautiful booming voice.” I said with a goofy grin. Saurin looked at me funny and so did Fleetfoot, but Spitfire was on the brink of tears…from laughter.
“Y-haha-you think she’s pretty? Haha! Oh wow I’ve never seen someone admire her like that before. Yea some look up to her-actually we all do- but wow you are really love struck aren’t you?”
“Nope. It’s just a running gag. Though I don’t see why you ponies wouldn’t find her pretty. She’s intimidating yea but why do you guys not give her much of a chance.”
“It’s not like we don’t give her a chance. It’s more most stallions can’t take her demanding personality. Hey it’s why she was left with Fluttershy after she had her first foal. Her husband could only put up with her for so long.”
“Wait immediately after Fluttershy was born he left?”
“Eeyup.” Said Saurin.
“Wait so you guys know Fluttershy?”
“Barricade brought her in during take your daughter to work day. I think she was impressed by her mom’s ability to demand respect. She stood there wide eyed and smiling the whole time.”
With that mental image of a baby Fluttershy smiling at her mother while she barks at recruits was…adorable.
“Aww that’s just so cute!”
“Hey I know a restaurant we can go to.”
“Ugh ok then. That’d be nice. What’s the restaurant?”
“Well it’s one of the most expensive places on-“
“Whoa whoa whoa treating me like a king? Fuck explanations let’s get going!”
“Haha sure follow me.” She zipped off with her fellow members toward the east side of Cloudsdale. I followed suit.
“W-why?” Said the elderly stallion toward the figure of a human. It had a poofy afro and a tux, with sun glasses that covered his eyes. His demonic wings remained motionless on his back.
All around them was a burning village. Not a soul left in the village. Corpses littered the ground all around them. A burnt newspaper was being held to the ground by the human’s foot.
“Because I like to kill.” Came a voice from the evil entity. He lifted up the stallion with one hand and thrust his Excalibur into his chest. “And my favorite sword was given away.” He said letting go of the dead stallion. His body crumpled to the floor and all the air pooled out of his lungs creating a sickening gargling noise.
“Now that I’ve had my fun.” wolfGear turned toward the direction of Ponyville. “I can get to work.”
We entered the restaurant and I noticed the very well dressed pegasi sitting at tables…looking at me. I didn’t feel uncomfortable. I got used to the stares and I kinda expected more hate in those eyes than I actually got. Some nodded their heads toward me.
“How may I assist you sir?” I looked down to make eye contact with a generic waiter.
“She’s in charge.” I pointed to Spitfire.
He recognized her immediately. “Shall I get the VIP room ready?”
“Yes and make it for four. We have a guest.”
“Very well. Right this way.” We followed him over to the back of the restaurant and led us into a back room that had a long fancy table with fancy decorations and fancy…tableware. I mean silver spoons galore and silver plates. Hell even the chairs were made out of silver and there was romantic mood lighting.
“Wow I feel like I’m in a bad romance movie.”
“Haha sorry about that buddy but this is the VIP room. When all the wonderbolts get together to eat we always go here.”
“You guys got meat here right?” She flinched.
“Well we do have a griffon menu if you would like to browse its selection.” Said the waiter.
“That would be wonderful sir.”
“Eugh I hate carnivores.” Whispered Fleetfoot.
“I heard that. And thankfully I’m an omnivore or I’d probably bit your neck off.” I said calmly. I sat down at the far end of the table and looked at my new friends who were eyeing me awkwardly. “What?”
“You just threatened me.”
“Problem?”
“You threatened me.” She said glaring at me.
“And?”
“What do you mean and! You threatened me!”
“You said you hate carnivores. You don’t keep it quiet either. You should be careful where you tread girl, I’m a very dangerous enemy. Now sit down and forget about this incident or I’ll be forced to remember your comment.”
Everyone tentatively sat down. We were all on one side of the table when the waiter gave us our menu’s. I got a griffon menu and I browsed through the selections and was kinda depressed at what I saw. Bunnies, squirrels, and…pork?
“Pork? I thought pigs were sentient?”
“They are.” Responded Spitfire. “They just donate organs for griffons to eat. It’s kind of a luxury item because it’s uncommon.”
“Know what’s uncommon in my world? Squirrels and bunnies. We’d rather have them as pets than food. But I’ll try new things. Wait what organs do pigs offer?”
“Umm usually kidneys. And anything else that they have two of.”
“Hmm interesting. I’ll take everything.” I said with a sly grin. The waiter wrote it down.
“Sure we can afford that.” She said sincerely. I honestly wasn’t expecting that answer.
“I hope the portions are large. I’ve never had so many items.”
“I’ll have a fruit salad with a dandelion sandwich.” Said Fleetfoot.
“I’ll have a red rose sandwich and pumpkin pie.” Said Spitfire.
“I’ll have my usual.” Said Saurin. The other two ponies rolled their eyes.
“OH one moment. May I see your menu Spitfire.” She was seated next to me while Fleetfoot and saurin were across from me. Saurin was to the right of Fleetfoot and Spitfire was on my left.
“Um sure.”
She gave me the menu and I browsed through it. “I’ll also have a pumpkin pie and some dandelions.”
“Thank you sir. Now what of drinks?”
“I’ll have an orange juice.” Said Fleetfoot.
“The usual.” Said Saurin and was rewarded by eye rolls.
“I’ll have a cherry coke.” Said Spitfire.
‘WHAT THE FUCK CHERRY COKE?! OH MY GOD I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT THAT SHIT!’
“Cherry coke as well.” I said.
“Your drinks will be here shortly.” Said the waiter and he walked away.
“So Puppet Master.” Started Spitfire. “What did you do before coming to Equestria.”
“Oh I was here and there. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in my life. Maybe create worlds like this one but I wasn’t sure.”
“I’ve heard you and wolf are creators.”
“Yes that’s true. But I regretfully inform you that my name is more than just a name. I’ve controlled beings before. In fact I was the one who controlled wolfGear into doing the things he did before I found myself here.”
“Whoa. Hey can you control Saurin so he doesn’t pig out again.”
“Unfortunately I don’t have that power anymore.”
“Darn.” She got a laugh from the other two ponies. Though I remained unentertained.
“OH hey I was wondering this. What of Rainbow Dash the mare who saved your lives during the best young fliers competition? Do you think she can join the wonderbolts? I believe she’s a child prodigy.”
“Yes she could make it. But that’s just what’s wrong with that. She’s a prodigy but she’s still too young to be one of us. If she were older I would sign her up in a heartbeat.” Said Spitfire.
‘You know I never thought of that. It actually makes sense that she’s never tried to join them before. It was because she was too young.’ I thought to myself.
“Hmm that’s a shame. Hey you think she can do a side show for herself? Like a stand-alone act before you guys come on?”
Spitfire thought about it hard….I mean really hard. “What do you think guys?”
They starting thinking about it too.
‘Holy shit I might have just made Rainbow’s dreams come true.’
“I’ll have to bring it by our manager. I’m sure we’ll have to pay her for the act but for how long will she be doing it? Will it clash with our performance?”
“Well do you guys have half times? Or preshow shows? I’m sure you’ll be able to put her in for fans that are waiting.”
“Well maybe but then not enough ponies see her and her talents would be useless.” Said Fleetfoot.
“True true. Well she’ll be delighted with what you’ve told me.”
“Wait wait wait you know Rainbow Dash?” Said Spitfire.
“Yea and I’d like to call her my friend but I’m not sure yet. Though I guess we’re friends since I was able to hold a glare at Barricade.”
“Wait you glared at Barricade?! Did she look into your soul?” She said fearfully.
“We kinda started to analyze each other actually. I like her. She’s tough.”
The waiter came in with our drinks.
“Thank you. Now I’ve noticed there are three of you but there are twelve wonderbolts. Where are they?”
“Oh!” Said Saurin. “Training on another act. We’re not part of it so we don’t need to be there. Though that’s only half the group. The other half is responding to any threats to Equestria like dragons.”
“Oh so you guys are super heroes basically?”
“Well I don’t like to brag but yea.” Said a smug Spitfire.
“I hate heroes. They die too often when they fight me.” I said with my own smug grin.
“Hehe you’re kidding right?” She said leaning back in her chair smugly. I was imitating the position. “Right?” Her smile was falling. “Right?” now it was gone.
“Heroes die too often. That’s why I’m a peacekeeper.”
“Oh well that’s better than a villain.”
“What’s wrong with villains? If you’re friends with one then when they take over the world they’ll let you have your freedom.” I said with a smug grin.
“Oh well that’s nice.” She said awkwardly.
“Wow you guys are easy. Why are you so careful around me?”
They all looked at each other. I took a sip of my drink and watch them eye each other.
“Well Celestia likes you.”
“Does that mean you’re required to like me?”
“Well no but I would like to know why she likes you.”
“Because I haven’t threatened to conquer Equestria yet. She’ll befriend anyone who’s safe. I haven’t proven myself to be a threat yet.”
“Well are you a threat?” An expected question from Fleetfoot.
“Yea. I can do terrible things to all of you right now. I just don’t have sufficient reason to do them. I can take on Celestia if I wanted to.” I sat up and watched as the waiter walked in with all the food balanced on his back. His wings were spread out to hold up the food.
He placed the whole thing in front of Saurin.
“Your food is done but I chose to get Mr. Saurin’s first because it was the largest.” He said and excused himself to grab our food.
“You’re kidding me.”
“Nope.” Said Saurin.
‘I swear if he eats all that then I’ll make a Goku reference.’
He started burying his head into the apple pie in front of him. It was astounding. Within seconds he was almost done with it. But the sheer amount of salads and pies was amazing. I was actually more impressed by how fast the chief was able to fix our food. The waiter came in with three other platters on his back. I grabbed mine off his back and he gave a thankful nod.
When he was gone I commented on the food.
“What the fuck is this? It’s not even cooked! It’s gutted all right but seriously!” I stood up and brought out my book of cursed flame.
“Are you leaving?” Asked Spitfire.
“You might want to duck.” I pointed the book at the plate and a ball of green flame splashed onto the food. They all looked away and put their hooves up to brace themselves from the light of the flames. Frankly it was quite bright with the mood lighting.
“There we go nice and cooked.”
They all looked back to find all the meat was burnt.
“That doesn’t look edible.”
“Well it’s better than uncooked.” I commented.
I took a bite of the squirrel and found its crunchiness was satisfying. Felt like eating French fries but tasted like crispy meat. It wasn’t bad either. I took a bite of the pumpkin pie and found it was very delicious. It was also a whole pie to myself so I was fine with it. However I noticed that I wasn’t getting full so I started to shovel it in like Saurin.
He eyed me while I was piling in the pie and we shared a challenging glare. Then we grinned maliciously and worried the mares at the table as their eyes darted between us. In one burst of motion we began piling in food and in no time at all our food was gone.
“…I quit.” Said Fleetfoot to Spitfire after watching Saurin go into a food coma and roll on his side moaning.
I found that funny so I started to laugh. I wasn’t full and was actually wanting more. But I didn’t want to abuse a blank check now did I? So I held off.
“You guys are fun. Well mainly Saurin.”
Fleetfoot eyed him warily with a hoof up to her chin analyzing the passed out and now fat Pegasus. “I think you killed him.”
“Hahahahahahahaha!”
“Wow I’ve never seen a stallion shovel so much in his mouth.” Commented Spitfire.
“That’s funny. So now that we’re done I think it’s best we leave. I don’t like waiting around all that much. I do have some gold bits if you want me to help with the tab.”
“Well Saurin usually doesn’t eat all the food and…this happens.” She directed her hoof at the collapsed Saurin. “I’d rather not have you pay so you can make up for it by carrying him.”
“Fair enough.”
I thought of something funny. “Hey *snicker* Spitfire.”
“What?”
“If we squeeze hard enough he’ll lose weight.”
“EEEEEEEEEW!”
“Hahahahhahahahhaha!”
“Rainbow!” Shouted Twilight Sparkle.
“What what?” Said a groggy Pegasus who found a resting spot on a cloud.
“Rainbow we need to find Puppet Master!”
“Why?”
“HE’S IN DANGER!” The cyan Pegasus popped up and flew down in front of the purple unicorn.
“What do you mean?”
“wolfGear is out to kill him!”
“How do you know?”
“I read wolfGear’s journal! It details his plans to take Puppet Master’s life!”
Rainbow’s jaw dropped. “Wait I just saw Puppet Master. He was heading towards Cloudsdale…probably to see Barricade.”
“Well if he’s with her he’s safe.”
“Did you tell Celestia?”
“She’s searching for him already.”
“Any luck?”
“I’m not sure.” She said solemnly.
wolfGear was sprinting away from Prancing Province toward Ponyville. His only goal was to destroy and kill. And he relished in the thought of burning down a bigger village. Prancing Province was a small settlement that wolfGear could practice on. Now that he got a practice run on destroying a village he had the experience to properly burn down Ponyville with the most casualties.
‘All according to plan. I will have your soul yet Puppet Master.’ Thought wolfGear maliciously.
“wolfGear halt!” Shouted a male voice that demanded authority. “In the name of Celestia you are unde-WHOA!” He didn’t have enough time to finish before he was engulfed in a fireball. His partner dove at wolfGear and readied his spear to impact him in the head.
wolfGear took out Excalibur and swung it once to remove the spear. The guard pulled up out of the dive and was swiftly decapitated by wolf’s sword.
wolfGear stood between the two bodies and admired his work.
“wolfGear.” Said a regal but angry voice. He turned around and stared directly into Celestia’s angry eyes. “NO one hurts my ponies.” Her horn light up and threw a beam at the well-dressed terrorist.
When the fire cleared Celestia’s victorious smile dropped to a fearful frown.
“My turn.” Said wolfGear as he held Excalibur in his hand. With a hard beat of his wings he was propelled forward toward Celestia.
I found myself bonding with Saurin better than I was with Spitfire or Fleetfoot. They warmed up to me well enough but I can’t help but feel I didn’t leave the best impression on them. I don’t mind though, it’s not like I expect everyone to love me. I was still getting looks from the towns pegasi but that wasn’t exactly a problem either.
However when I saw a midnight stylized chariot fly over my head and spin around I got just a little worried. It lowered itself to the point where I could see the specific detail on the night guards who were pulling it.
“Puppet Master!” Shouted Luna. “MY SISTER REQUIRES YOUR ASSISTANCE IN APREHENDING WOLFGEAR!”
Ow
“Don’t shout at me. Now what’s going on?”
“We learned that wolfGear may be plotting to kill you.”
“Well he’s succeeded. He’s killed me fifty times already.”
Luna was silent for a moment. “You mean…is this all a joke?”
“No I have the ability to appear back into the world when I die. So can wolfGear. If either of us wanted the other dead it wouldn’t be permanent.”
“You’re sure that’s true?”
“Yes I am. I’ve died several times between now and the last time we met.”
“…how is that possible? No Equestrian looks for so much trouble.”
“In my world trouble finds you. And the lucky survive.”
“Regardless we cannot take any chances. If wolfGear is as powerful as he said he was then if we try to arrest him he might react the wrong way…we need you.”
I thought it over. If wolfGear is in trouble it should be my responsibility to help him out. He is my character after all. I’m responsible for his actions…well I think I am.
“All right fine.” I looked back at Saurin. “Bye Saurin.” I said as if I wasn’t entirely into saying goodbye. I turned to leave.
“What about us?” Said Spitfire.
“Yea what about you?” I snapped at her. “Nah just kidding you’re cool. So are you Fleetfoot.” They rolled their eyes but waved me off.
“Hey Luna. I’ll see you at Ponyville. I’m sure wolfGear is likely to show up there at any time.”
I took out my magic mirror.
Arriving at home I left the bedroom and went into those expansive halls of my sky home. I walked around looking for any signs of wolfGear and found none. I assumed he was still in Equestria so I went to the portal.
Then I stopped…something told me I wasn’t prepared to go back. I listened to the little voice in my head and I went over to the chests with stuff in it. I deposited all my change into the piggy bank and held onto one gold to buy a new piggy bank. I then grabbed one of many health potions a gravity potion and an iron skin potion. And just to be safe 30 mana potions.
I looked around in the storage area and found a water bolt. Of course I would need that…I mean it’s only underpowered as hell in this stage right?
I’m going to bring it anyway…WHAT!? I like magic.
Grabbing the bolt I walked up to the portal. I took a good long look at it. I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was going to change.
I took my first steps into the unknown.
I found myself in the Everfree forest once again. It defiantly wasn’t the source of my worries. This was familiar and predictable. Could it be possible the corruption was to blame for my uneasy feeling? No not possible. Corruption was in Terraria not here. Unless wolfGear went on and plopped some corrupt seeds down.
He wouldn’t do that would he?
…
Yea he would. God dammit wolfGear.
I sprinted toward the edge of Everfree forest and I stopped in my tracks when I got to the treeline.
Ponyville was in flames. But the most important aspect of the scene was the light show high above the city.
From here I can see a white and regal Alicorn locked in holy combat with the one and only…wolfGear. I wanted to make popcorn but sadly I didn’t have any. However I did start walking through the streets and put out fires with the water bolts. It was interesting to watch fire balls fall from the sky and the two combatants locked in an aggressive waltz in the sky. wolfGear removed his vanity items. I’m not sure why either. Maybe the heat of the battle made him want to feel like he was a full part of it.
It was almost poetic the way they moved. But from here even I could tell you what the other persons strategy was. wolfGear is a melee kind of guy. He killed me so often because he was able to get in close. Celestia has thousands of years of flying experience so she’s staying alive by not getting within wolfGear’s reach. Probably a good thing too considering her only real attack is a beam from her horn. A stab maybe but she’d be too close and most likely decapitated if she got too close.
Wolf was struggling with the fight and of all the training we did fighting the most evil creatures they were still predictable. We knew nothing about Celestia. I’d probably easily defeat Celestia because my magic is entirely ranged.
“PUPPET MASTER!” I looked over to my right and saw a purple unicorn rushing toward me. “wolfGear’s gone mad! He’s burnt down Prancing Province and killed two guards! He’s committed mass murder and he wants to take your life!” She panted heavily after saying all that in one breathe. I was impressed. I also got it all. I looked up at the sky and watched the battle continue.
“Puppet? What are you doing?” Asked Twilight after a while of watching the battle.
“I’m trying to solve the problem. But I need to know what’s going on in wolf’s mind right now.” I stared at them for a few seconds before my thoughts were interrupted.
“CELESTIA’S IN TROUBLE AND YOU WANT TO WATCH!?!”
“Calm down Twilight. Luna’s on her way.”
“How do you know that?” She said glaring at me.
“I told her to come here.”
Her expression softened. “Ok but what are you going to do?”
“I’ll think of something.”
And I thought of something…something that could possibly defuse the situation…even though mass murder is bad and there is no chance I’m getting wolf out of that one I can at least possibly end this fight.
“Twilight I thought of something.”
“All right,” she said determined. “What do you need me to do.”
“Sit there and look pretty. I got this.”
I looked in my inventory and found I had enough wood for my master plan. I quickly made a workbench and threw it down eliciting a thump from the ground when I slammed it down. Twilight watched me wide eyed. I couldn’t blame her. The hilarity that will soon ensue will rock the foundation of the universe itself.
I had the item that will change the tide of the battle. I flew up with a great beat of my wings and ascended up to the clouds. wolfGear was too busy circling Celestia to see my approach.
I was directly behind him and Celestia saw this. She smirked a victorious smirk until she saw the item in my hand. wolfGear noticed this too and looked behind him.
*THWACK! CRACK!*
“HA! DOOR CHECKED BITCH!”
wolfGear went into a free fall and slammed into a cloud and rolled a few meters before stopping and getting up. He looked directly at me and noticed the half broken door I held in both my hands. And I was laughing my ass off.
“HAHHAHAHAHAHAH oh god I-HAHA!”
“SILENCE USER!” Came a very angry voice. I immediately found the source to be wolfGear and it immediately silenced my laughter.
“Wolf? You can talk?”
“Of course I can talk. And I swear once I’m done with you I’ll be the puppet master!”
“How do you plan on doing that?”
I saw his mouth contort into a malicious smile. “Like this.”
I suddenly felt myself grounded. My feet were frozen and my body was straightening itself so I stood tall and stoic. I felt all emotion and free will leave my body. More importantly I saw a green aura sprouted out of my body and arced toward wolfGear and he absorbed it with his body.
“When I get all your aura I will be able to leave Terraria! And when I do I’ll take YOUR life from you! Not only just kill you! But play you like you played me!”
My free will was almost gone. It was like liquid being poured out of the top of my skull. Then my savior…Celestia shot a beam at wolfGear and broke his concentration.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” he shouted as the green liquid poured out of him and back to me. But three other arcs appeared and shot off into the distance.
“Where is that going?” I said commenting on the arcs that are leading away from the fight.
“Pup are you ok?!” Said Celestia which brought me out of my train of thought.
“NO MATTER! That beam made us mortal and connected. Once one of us dies we die for good! It’s time we decide who’s the better master my…master.” He spit out the last word with malice.
“Oh fuck.”
And then he did the most typical super villain thing ever…HE THREW DOWN A FUCKING MUSIC BOX ON THE CLOUD!
“I hope you like fighting music.” He said pointing Excalibur at me. “Because you’re going to die to it.”
We waited for a few moments looking at each other.
Then once the base hit we exploded into movement and flew towards each other at great speeds. I drank my iron skin potion and gravitation potion hoping I can use them when I need them. I psyched him out with a preemptive strike that was too far away to hit him and he flinched for a moment which gave me the opportunity to launch myself above him and put the sun behind me.
He looked up at me and had to look away. Once I saw he was blinded I shot balls of cursed flame at him. It struck him directly in the face and the body where he was abruptly combusted into flames. They taxed his health and I swiftly used his confusion to fly up to him and try to stab him in the grill of his helmet so to stab him in the brain. I missed when he tilted his head to the side and corrected himself.
Not taking any chances I flew away to give myself distance between him. Now was a good time to check inventory. I had my shotgun and one thousand bullets. I almost forgot I had that. But it’s what was always mine. Shotguns are cool in any game and I love that weapon.
Only makes sense it was given to me when I first arrived here.
wolfGear rushed forward and closed the distance between us and managed to get several hits off on me. I ended up with several wounds and half health. I retaliated by burning him again and out of shock I grabbed my shotgun and blasted him in the face.
He plummeted to the earth and I took the opportunity to use my Excalibur to do the finishing blow and stab him in the face when he hits the ground. But I was foolish because he wasn’t done. I flew down and almost got decapitated by his own sword so I backed off and let him plummet. He corrected himself and flew back up at me at full force. I dove after him and we locked eyes for a moment. And it lasted forever.
I could see his sword swing and I returned the gesture. We both followed through and a great sound blasted through our ear drums.
*CLANG*
But what connected? Our swords of course! But I was diving so I had more momentum. Somehow my force knocked his Excalibur out of his hand. I reached for the hilt and grasped it with my life.
I spun around and started hacking and slashing at wolfGear. He tried to doge but I had the gravitation potion so I used gravity-or anti in this case-to help me get to him since he was higher than me. I cut him to pieces until…
*Splat*
wolfGear exploded into thousands of pieces and the battle was over.
I landed on the cloud and waited. Waited for him to respawn and come back. He never did. But I will never forget the fear plastered on his face.
I truly felt remorseful about what I did to wolfGear now that I had time to think. wolfGear was not only an alias that I used but also a character that I worked hours and hours to upgrade. I watched Celestia fly down to me.
“Pup. I’m grateful that you’ve-“
“Stop.” I said flatly. “You do know what I did right?”
“You had no choice. He was going to kill you.”
“He wanted to be free. Free from my terror! And he died because of me. By my hand and by my sword! I created him by hand. I gave him skills many others could only wish to have!”
“Puppet Master I’m sorry. I truly am.”
“No. No you’re not. You wanted him dead so he wouldn’t be a problem for you anymore. And he’s not a problem anymore. I know you couldn’t have apprehended him…but I really wish I could do more.”
“He killed hundreds and destroyed homes.”
“He was born to fight evil…until evil corrupted him. I know he was corrupted. I would never act like that! That’s like you having to kill Luna because she’s NIGHTMARE MOON!”
The weight of what I’ve done hit Celestia like a ton of bricks.
“Puppet Master…I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“I wish to be alone for now. I will come back when I’m ready.”
I glided down to the ground where all of wolfGear’s stuff landed. I picked it all up.
It wasn’t that much at all.
I decided I should walk back to the portal. It gives me time to think. As I approached the edge of the Everfree I had a feeling like I was being watched. I didn’t want to have to deal with a wondering predator. So I thought ‘fuck it.’ And took out my magic mirror to teleport back to spawn.
Little did I know, that feeling of being watched was originating from another two legged creature.
Radiant Garden and Roseluck walked down the path back to her flower nursery. Radiant Garden accepted his fate and did what Puppet Master asked of him…to make friends and use his free will. Regardless of what it is, if his master asked him to do it he would do it.
Though being so close to the mare made details stand out. Her hair was more of a dark purple than a dark red. She had pink highlights-or what Radiant thought were highlights- on the side of her head. Her mane was purple up and down but only originating from the center was the pink that stretched and hugged her ears for a moment before continuing on.
In all honesty Radiant found it adorable.
“Roseluck is your name right?”
“Sure is! Oh hey there’s one of my friends.” She eyed a stall in the market. Sitting there was a pony with orange hair and tan coat. However it was a darker yellowish tan. Roseluck’s Cutie mark was a rose, this one was a carrot. Radiant Garden made the connection as to why they were friends mainly because she pointed her out, but also because of the similarities between the cutie marks, they were both plants.
“HEY CARROT TOP! LOOK WHAT I FOUND!” Rose can be loud when she wants to. Radiant didn’t react to the sudden volume but rather commented about it in his head. He could hardly believe such a loud voice rested inside such a small body.
“Huh wha?” The mare named Carrot Top was so surprised by the voice she jumped into the air but immediately once her hooves were on the ground she smiled and looked towards Radiant Garden and Roseluck. However when she saw Radiant her smile contorted to a curious frown. “Who’s your friend?”
They approached the mare. “This is Radiant Garden, He’s a friend of Puppet Master, and you won’t believe what he can do with plants!” She finished and arrived in front of the stall.
“Cool…” Looked expectantly at Radiant Garden.
“…uh?”
“Oh come on make something grow.” Said Roseluck wrapping her hoof around his leg.
Radiant Garden looked around and spotted a lone flower nearby on the ground. It was a dandelion. He pointed his palm toward the lone weed and it grew larger in size. A wide eyed Carrot Top and Roseluck watched in amazement as it grew so large its shadow blocked the sun and cast the stall in shadow. The entire market was silent and every pony looked directly at the large weed with astonishment.
Slowly everyponies eyes moved to Radiant Garden, mainly because he was the only explanation as to why the weed grew so fast.
“How?” asked a random stallion.
Radiant Garden felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment when he realized everypony was staring at him.
“I-I-I-I’m…um I’m. I’m R-Radiant G-Garden.” He practically squeaked out.
And at that moment every mare in the vicinity became protective of him. He seemed like a social outcast. A cute one at that. But what really broke their hearts was while he was answering the question of ‘How?’ he grew moonglow flowers near his feet to feel surrounded by something friendly. Combined with his meekness and stutter everyone respectfully looked away.
Roseluck hugged his leg tighter for his comfort. Which he responded by lowing herself and embracing her.
“Aww.” Said Carrot Top with a meaningful smile.
“C-can we go somewhere less open?” He said with a hint of worry. “I don’t like crowds.”
“Sure we can. I promised to keep you safe and that’s just what I’m going to do!” She gave him a confident smirk and pulled his leg for him to follow.
I flew high in the sky and sped toward Canterlot. If I’m over wolf’s death then I’m sure I should tell Celestia to not worry about my harsh words from the other day.
Canterlot was in sight and I swooped down towards the gates. The guards spotted me and raised their spears toward me. I landed on my feet in front of them so fast it shot dust up into the air.
“H-*cough*-Halt!”
“You halt!” I retorted.
“W-what? N-no you!”
“Nuh uh! You!”
“NO YOU!”
“NO YOU!”
“NO YOU!”
“STOP IT!” Shouted the other guard.
“You stop it.” I said with a smirk.
“State your business.” He said with an annoyed expression.
“I’m here to see Celestia.”
“No can do. She’s busy.”
“I know; that’s why I’m going to bother her.” I said smiling.
“No you wo-STOP HIM!”
I flew over the gate before he could finish his sentence. I quickly beat my angel wings as hard as I could to outrun the guards. Which I did easily. More guards followed my tail when I passed them. Smarter more experienced ones jumped into action immediately and I either had to blow through them or dodge them. I didn’t know where I was heading and frankly I didn’t care. I was having so much fun.
I eventually came across two double doors and I thought ‘What the hell!’ and I blasted through them.
Inside the room was the throne room with a regal but wide eyed Alicorn sitting on said throne.
“HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY CELESTIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” I shouted as twenty guards barreled into me.
“You are under arrest!”
“No you!” I slapped some shackles around his hooves. The ones the zombies drop….I seriously had my inventory full of em.
“What the hay?”
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!” shouted Celestia.
“OH Celly my buddy ol’ pal how are you?”
“Fine until you and, like, fifty of my guards blasted through the door!”
“I have a new friend!” She looked at me stunned for a moment.
“Let me get this straight.” She finally said. “You broke into my castle. Arrested my guards. And broke my door to tell me you made a friend?” She became significantly more angry the more she talked.
“Well he’s a lot like me. And he stands on two legs. He also is the spirit of the forest.” I said with a fake grin. I was nervous as hell.
Her eye twitched. “And?”
“And I baked you a pie!”
“…Where’s the pie?”
I pointed to a guard while still looking at her. “He ate it.”
“…get out.”
“Hang on; this will be an excellent time to test out your full strength. Blast me!”
“Gladly.” She charged up her horn and she shot a beam directly at me.
The moment it impacted I realized…this didn’t hurt at all. Maybe a sting or so but not much. It hit me that I can defeat Celestia with ease if I chose to. When the sun beam died down and I could see again I looked into the eyes of Celestia.
“Wow you’re weak.” I said and used my magic mirror to go home.
Radiant Garden had a spring in his step as he skipped through the flower shop. It was closed but Rose had a spare key because she worked there.
“So what are you doing?” She asked while suppressing a giggle from his shenanigans.
“Oh I should pick out the best flowers for you.”
“F-for me?” She asked confused.
“Well you’ve been…nice to me.” He looked at each of the flowers…but he didn’t just look, he actually looked into their aura to pick out the best ones. He picked out three roses and walked over to Roseluck. But he was still looking…and Rose felt his comforting presence in her soul. He smiled at her and she smiled back.
Then he placed the pots down beside her carefully and picked up one of them.
“Can I touch your hooves?” He asked kindly with innocence.
“Y-yes.” She said feeling a little vulnerable from his soul staring powers.
Rose began to feel a comfortable feeling in her spine as he lifts up her hoof. She watches him as he positions the flower in front of her hoof. It then wraps itself around it and forms a wooden horse shoe with a flower as décor. He repeats the process on the other hoof and her heart melts as she looks into that soul searching gaze.
“I’m sorry am I making you uncomfortable?” he rubs the back of his head sheepishly and ruining the moment.
“What?”
“My staring. I didn’t realize I was looking at your aura until now.”
“Oh you ruined the moment you know that?” she rolled her eyes. “Oh well you’re still cute.”
“Cute?” He said cocking his head to the side while he searched for the meaning of the word. Then his face flushed with embarrassment. “I-umm I-I-I’m sorr-”
“Oh my Celestia shut up! You’re cute and that’s all. You’re so bad at this.” She giggles. “I don’t care if you like me or not. You were just being romantic when you weren’t realizing it.” She looked at him and bat her eye lashes. “Though I don’t mind any romance if you ask nicely.”
“U-um no thanks. Sorry.”
“Ugh you’re such a poop.” She said jokingly. “Anyway I love the new shoes. Their so me! I love them.” She pecks him on the cheek since he hasn’t stood up yet.
“O-oh um. Thanks.” He said rubbing the spot she kissed.
“No problem buddy. Don’t wipe it off.” She deadpanned.
“Sorry.”
“This isn’t good.” I said looking over to the side of my cloud home.
The entire world was corrupted. But the most astonishing and concerning thing was the floating islands that were also corrupted. The only thing that wasn’t corrupt was my home. It was thankfully made of snow and also uncorruptable brick.
But I was mainly concerned with the dryad in my home. She shut herself in her room and balled her eyes out for hours now. Not a single blade of grass was uncorrupt. Her home was officially destroyed.
I went in to comfort her.
“Hey Isis. Are you ok?”
“I-I-I can feel myself withering away! All my power gone! All my friends…My tees. CORRUPTED!”
“I’m sorry…But this world is gone…I can fight the corruption as much as I want and I will only be able to save so much. But I have an option that might work.”
“WHAT? ANYTHING!”
“Come with me.” I walked out the door and she hobbled after me. Like an old woman. I went back and picked her up and carried her to the Equestrian portal.
“W-what? We’re going in there?”
“Yes we are.”
“NONONONONONONO THIS IS MY HOME!”
“And this.”
I stepped through.
“Is mine.” She froze and I could feel her strength returning.
“B-beautiful.”
“I know.”
“It’s also corrupt though.” She said grimly.
“WHAT?!”
“Y-you didn’t know?”
“No it must be too far from civilization for us to realize it.”
“You must make sure this world doesn’t suffer the same fate!” She looked at me with pleading eyes. “Please don’t fail this time.”
“I won’t fail you twice.” I made an absolute. I went back to the portal.
“Where are you going?”
“To arm my friends. They will help me.”
“Good…I’ll stay here for a while. I’ll come back when I know this world is safe.”
“No…meet the one called Celestia. You two will hit it off. She’s the goddess of the sun here. And she will be a good friend.”
“You know you can’t order me around right.”
“It was a recommendation. She’s thousands of years old like you. Surely immortals must stick together.”
I turned back to the portal and went through it. I went into the forge and created another green phase blade for Radiant Garden. I quickly made my way back through the portal.
“Sweet Celestia what is going on?!” a couple of Equestrian guards went to investigate monster sightings near the Province of Hoofshoe.
They walked into the local forest to find said monster but found something even more disturbing.
“Is that purple grass?”
“It looks like it’s spreading!”
Indeed the grass was moving at centimeters a second. One of the pegasi guard chose to get closer.
“Careful.”
“Don’t worry. I’m going to try something.”
He flew over the purple grass and slowly decended toward it until he was an inch from the surface of it.
“LOOK OUT!” His earh pony comrade said pointing a hoof.
“Calm down! The grass isn’t attacking.”
“BUT THAT IS!”
The pegasi swiveled his head around to be brought to the ground by a floating brownish monster with more than one or even two eyes. An exaggeration would say it had twenty. But the moment he touched the grass it started to cling to him. The monster backed off and circled him ready to pounce if needed but it didn’t.
The guard’s white coat turned purple and his eyes became red. He started growling at his former comrades and charged at them.
The unicorn stallion in the three pony squad grabbed the corrupt pegasi in his magic and ran away with the earth pony covering them from anything that tried to lunge at them.
I quickly sprinted into town and stopped at the market. What I saw made me almost burst into laughter but it kept me silent because of the sheer size of it…
It was a giant dandelion that ponies were struggling to cut down. I immediately put two and two together and came to the conclusion that Radiant Garden proved he can control plants and made it to awe the crowd. Or what I assumed was a crowed because there was no way someone would miss this.
I also noted that the pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies who were trying to cut it down were having too much trouble.
I leaned a blade.
“CLEAR THE AREA!” I said putting a fireball in my hand-thanks to the cursed flame tome-and did a kame hame ha movement with my hands. Immediately all the ponies scrambled and the fireball flew straight towards the giant weed.
The ponies that were working on cutting down the infernal weed watched with awed expressions as it was burnt down and ceased to exist in front of them. It was only a few short moments when they all started to stomp their hooves in appraisal.
‘If only they knew the imminent threat.’ I thought to myself with a smile on my face that obscured my worries.
Celestia sits on her thrown with a small scowl on her face. Most wouldn’t notice it but the guards who spent years by her side learned the ways of her stoic expression. She even taught them how to stay stoic under extreme pessimism. They not only see her as their ruler but their mentor as well. Only Celestia’s personal guard think this of course. And more than once they would ask her what’s wrong.
“Celestia? Are you ok?” Said the younger guard who broke his pose. The other more experienced guard glared at him but stopped when Celestia sighed in defeat.
“He called me weak…and he had no scars to prove I am. He can potentially turn Equestria into a chaotic world of anarchy if he wanted. I wouldn’t be able to stop him if he causes trouble…That’s worrying to me.”
“Equestria will stand by your side your majesty.”
“Thank you guard.” She smiled happily at him. Celestia felt better about the situation. Even if she was weaker than a possible threat she can still deal with it with her whole nation. But most importantly she was still the most powerful being in the world.
Just then the door slammed open and Celestia cringed in disgust as another intruder burst through the door.
“CELESTIA COME QUICK!” Said the panicked guard. Celestia’s eyes shot open and the realization dawned on her that there was something serious brewing in Canterlot.
Sprinting through the town I try to spot anything green…what do you know I found green! But no Radiant green.
That is until I came across a flower shop. I saw Radiant Garden coming out of it smiling with a giddy Roseluck.
“HEY! RADIANT!” I shouted. He looked around in confusion until his eyes rested on me.
“My lord?” He said confused.
I stopped in front of him. “Having fun?”
“Yes my lord.”
“Sorry to hear that. Anyway here’s another phase blade.” I handed him the extra green phase blade.
“But I already have on.”
“Duel wield then.” I smiled expectantly.
He looked between the on at his side and the one in his hand. He gripped the other one with his other hand and he activated them both at once.
“Whoa.” Said Roseluck.
“Whoa indeed.” I said. Radiant Garden looked pretty bad ass will duel wielding.
“Why did you give me another sword master?”
“Oh right! The corruption is here and we need to purify it. Or all your friends will be hurt.” He looked at Roseluck worryingly and then looked back at me with a determined expression.
“On your command my lord, we will fight to protect Equestria.”
“Good man. Let’s get some purification powder and…oh…”
“Something wrong my lord?”
“The dryad is in Equestria somewhere I don’t know. I have a few stacks of purification powder but that’s all. Just two full stacks. That’s not going to be enough.”
“Am I missing something?” We both looked at Roseluck, she had a puzzled expression.
“Equestria is in danger and we’re going to save it.” I grinned confidently while wrapping my arm around Radiant Garden.
“Oh…okaaaaaaaaaaay?”
“LET’S GO!”
“Where to my lord?”
“I have no idea!” I sprinted off leaving a dumbfounded and mortified Radiant and Rose.
“…W-wait for me my lord!” Shouted Radiant once the realization dawned on him that I’m going to find the corruption.
Shadow Master…the master of stealth and surprise. His skills in guerrilla warfare are invaluable to anyone. He once led a few adventurers through the corruption with no incident.
But he always worked for a price. He found the corruption to be an annoyance to him at all times. He liked the look of it though. Now that the corruption lets him freely roam without any trouble he’s happy to serve it. As long as it doesn’t corrupt him he wouldn’t mind being able to wonder without anything bothering him. Unlike the corruption in Terraria, Equestria doesn’t allow the creatures to see him by simply being there. He can hide and not be found. The corruption would rather be able to see him so it allows him to roam.
He was first tasked to corrupt all of Terraria. Which was an easy feat since the corruption spreads on its own.
Though he was a little bitter about his current task. He is to summon the Eater of Worlds when there is enough corruption to summon him.
“I hate my job.” Said Shadow Master bitterly while reflecting on the last time he did that.
We ran through the town without direction. Until I suggested we check Terraria for the source of where the threat is coming from. Chances are it has originated from there. Corruption doesn’t just fly through a portal and make its way far from civilization so it can spread without interruption. No this was organized and planned.
Something the corruption can’t do.
“PUPPET MASTER WAIT!” Shouted a purple unicorn as we passed by a tree house.
I halted in my tracks and looked towards the hollowed out tree. “What do you need Twilight?” I asked.
“Celestia sent me a letter.” She said running towards us. “It’s about an incident near the western boarders of Equestria. And there’s something strange going on with a guard that’s being detained right now. She want’s your expert opinion.” Said Twilight.
“Can you ask her to get me a chariot? Or is train faster? Never mind I’ll fly. Radiant you stay here and take this purification powder. If the corruption spreads to ponyville I need you to keep it at bay.”
“Yes my lord!” He grabs the purification powder from me.
“I’ll be off.”
With one powerful beat of my wings I flew off towards Canterlot at a vigorous and swift pace.
It took a mere ten minutes to get there by air but as I flew there I scanned the ground below. I found however didn’t make me happy. Nothing. That means I don’t know where the corruption is and I wanted that information. But looking back at the sky I noticed a brown creature dart behind a cloud. I approached cautiously and when I got close it darted out.
A corruptor.
“OH SHIT!” It lobbed a corrupt loogy at me and I swiftly cut it out of the air destroying it instantly with Excalibur’s purifying light. I duel wielded wolfGear’s sword and I swung it at the corruptor instantly cutting it in half.
“One down…” I looked over to my left and saw an entire swarm darting out of the clouds and right toward me. “…about a thousand to go.” I deadpanned.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” A torrent of screams came from Ponyville as a stampede of corrupt bunnies charged at the town and bit innocent ponies.
Radiant Garden made sure they had a hard time.
Not only was he duel wielding green phase blades, but he also was taking control of his Ivy Whip and strangling-and eventually beheading-corrupt bunnies. But thankfully for the citizens of Ponyville the bunnies were after all lifeforms and rarely are they able to keep up with a pony until they are sidetracked by another creature that is slower.
Soul Eaters run rampant through the skies devouring birds and pinching wings off of pegasi who were unfortunate enough to get too close.
Rainbow had no trouble and in fact was fighting the flying creatures off better than the guards who’ve arrived. But everyone was surprised when Radiant Garden did the most carnage to the invaders. He purified every bunny and murdered every floating beast he could get his hands on. At one point he chocked out a bunny while slamming two more together with the ivy whip while simultaneously dealing with a corrupt Minotaur AND using his two available vines to clamp the ant like pincers of a Soul Eater’s mouth shut!
In fact Rainbow stopped to watch him be a total complete bad ass for so long she almost got ripped apart by another floating monster. But it took the pecking of a corrupt bird for her to actually see the Soul Eater coming at her.
Applejack arrived five minutes into the battle and hog tied anything that was moving in a group. Twilight kept a bubble around major population sections of the town to keep the monsters from pillaging places that would take years to rebuild.
Even Rarity helped out with Fluttershy. At one point Fluttershy had to stare a bunny to stop attacking but it only lasted long enough for a group of lucky survivors to get away. Rarity was tending to the wounded and carrying pegai wings and pegasi to the hospital with her ability to hold many objects.
Other ponies who were young enough to evade the invaders joined in with the guards picking up improvised weapons to fend off the attackers.
Big Macintosh joined in despite Fluttershy’s objections and managed to carry away wounded.
Then after ten minutes into the fight the flying enemies just stopped coming. Radiant Garden who put on his jungle armor for the battle looked up for a moment to see Puppet Master in the distance surrounded by literally thousands of Soul Eaters and Corruptors.
“MASTER!” Shouted Radiant Garden. Rainbow heard him and she looked in the direction he was looking in. Her jaw muscles must have snapped because once her jaw dropped it was almost impossible to close it.
In front of her was a massive cloud of Soul Eaters and within a few seconds the outline of Puppet Master disappeared in the center. But what caused Rainbow’s mouth to drop was the fact that once that happened the ball of evil exploded into a green fiery water fall of corpses. The whole mass was destroyed instantly and all the dismembered forms fell to the ground.
“Whoa…” A few other ponies saw it and couldn’t look away. But the screams of one of these ponies as a bunny latched onto her neck caused the rest to snap out of their stupor and rush to her aid.
Puppet Master looks around for anymore insurgents. None. He looks back at Ponyville and sees a shield up to protect the town.
‘Should I go join them and help? Nah Celestia needs me and Radiant Garden is there to protect them.’ I thought wisely.
I sped off toward the direction of Canterlot. The city itself also seemed to have a bubble and pegasi guards seemed to be patrolling the skies. I approached a patrol and called out to them when they spotted me.
“HEY!”
“STATE YOUR BUSINESS!”
I got closer. “I need to speak to Celestia. She sent for me.”
“Where’s the letter?”
“Right here actually.” I said picking the letter out of my armor. I had it the whole time.
“Good we’ll let you through the shield.”
They flew off with me in tow towards the magical barricade and we made our way in front of it. It opened once their spears got close to it and I flew through and towards the castle. Their spears must be made of some seriously rare material to look like iron and split magical shields…or maybe iron in Equestria can do that.
I landed at the front gate and the guards let me in. Walking through the halls of Canterlot’s palace I admired the décor that I neglected to pay attention to when I was here first. I was stopped by a few guards who did NOT look happy.
“Look what we’ve got here. The intruder. We didn’t get a chance to thank you for our embarrassment.” Said the first guard threateningly.
I decided to totally troll them the best I can. “Any time brotha.” I said as friendly as I can. “Got places to be though. I’ve got to meet Celestia but when I get back I’ll buy you tea…or whatever you ponies find intoxicating.”
“Umm no we’re going to rough you up.” He said angrily.
“But I’m already rough. My armor isn’t exactly smooth. Unless you mean my skin. In that case the bottom of my feet are rough.” I smiled at them.
“No we’re going to hurt you!”
“But why?” I said with puppy dog eyes.
“Because you insulted us in front of the princess by arresting us all!”
“But I thought we were playing arrest tag?” I said innocently.
He growled. “NO WE WERE TRYING TO STOP YOU AFTER YOU BROKE IN TO THE CASTLE!”
“But I didn’t break anything.”
“THAT’S NOT THE POINT! YOU CAME IN UNANNOUNCED!”
“But once I got in I told Celestia I was here so-”
“SHUT UP!”
“no.”
“I’LL KILL YOU!” He lunged at me and I punched him in the face as he went to tackle me.
“That was fun.” I said to the other guard. “Are we playing punch tag? I love that game!” I winded my fist up for another go but the other guard dashed off.
“Pussy.”
I continued my walk through the palace and came upon the big double doors and entered.
Inside was Celestia pacing back and forth. She looked at me with a relieved expression.
“Good you’re here. Did you have any delays?”
“Equestria is under attack.”
“I know that now. I summoned you before hoof. Is Ponyville ok?” She said worried.
“I cleared the skies so they only needed to deal with the ground forces. My associate is an expert at ground combat so I guarantee the fighting should be done by now.”
“Thank goodness.” She put a hoof on her forhead. “If anything happened to my faithful student and her friends.” She looked up grimly before shaking the thought and acknowledging me again. “There is a disturbing presence in my kingdom.”
“Who?”
“More like what. Bring him in!”
A couple of guards come in through the doors I just came in from. Don’t ask me how they were able to sneak up on me because I forgot to ask. I was more intrigued by what they were carrying on a stretcher with leather straps keeping the creature down.
A corrupted guard was brought before me and set down in front of me.
“Do you know what this is?”
“…”
“Puppet Master?”
“Let me remove it.” I got closer to him and he snarled at me and tried to break free and rip my face off. I calmly reached into my pockets-yes armor has pockets-and pulled out some purification powder. I dumped a bag on his body and he quickly turned back into a regular guard.
“Where am I?” He said.
“You’re safe son.” I said.
“Who are-oh you’re Puppet Master! I’ve heard of you…why am I in the throne room?”
“Because you’ve been corrupted by that purple grass.” He looked at me in shock.
“You know what that is?”
“Yes it’s from my world. If we don’t stop it from spreading then Equestria will turn into exactly what he did.” I said pointing toward the guard.
“How do we stop it?” Asked Celestia.
“Good question. ISIS!”
I waited a few moments.
“ISIS GET OUT HERE!”
“Puppet Master what are you-”
“Ahem.” All eyes turned towards a green haired woman with leaves covering her more private areas of her body. She just materialized behind Celestia.
“Isis? I thought you were to talk to Celestia.”
“I-I-I…umm I was working up the courage.” She said sheepishly and she hid her hands behind herself and lowered her head to seem smaller.
“Wow you and Radiant are so alike…hmm.” I imagined them marrying each other. “That’s an adorable thought.”
“What is?” Said Celestia.
“Not important. Anyway Isis here can give us purification powder to fix the corruption.”
“A-as much as you need yes.” She said trying to hide behind Celestia.
“You’re very shy aren’t you.” Said Celestia in a motherly tone.
“Y-yes.” Celestia wrapped a wing around her form.
“Don’t worry. I won’t harm you. The purity of this world is all that matters to me. I happen to know a pony that is just as shy as you.”
“R-really?”
“Her names Fluttershy. My faithful student Twilight also was pretty shy when she first tried to make friends. Though a quick trip to Ponyville set her straight.”
“Umm excuse me?” Said the guard whom we’ve neglected to untie. “Can I get out now?”
“No you sit right there where you’re useful.” I said which enticed a glare from Celestia.
“Untie him.” She said to a guard. He took the orders and began undoing the straps.
“Now about this purification powder.” Celestia said looking back kindly at Isis.
“Here.” She swept her hand in the air and spawned a massive pile of purification powder. “This will clear the corruption but you must act fast before it becomes futile and you need to isolate whole towns.”
“How should we approach this?”
“With as many ponies as you can spare! This needs to be removed NOW or the whole world is in danger!”
Celestia’s gaze became serious and she looked forward. “Guards. Bring me Shinning Armor and arm his troops with these bags. Three a pony if you can. More if there are extra.”
“Yes ma’am!” They all dart out the door.
“And so begins the corruption war.” I said quite bored.
Battle For Equestria (Part 1)
Puppet Master and Radiant Garden stood wide eyed at the amount of soldiers in the court yard. You couldn’t navigate the spaces between them if you tried. What’s even more impressive is that they rushed there and stood in perfect formation with the same generic facial expression.
Celestia stood atop her balcony while Radiant and I stood beside her on both sides.
“GUARDS!” Shouted Celestia with the Canterlot voice. “FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALL MY YEARS ON THE THRONE HAS THERE EVER BEEN SUCH AN OPERATION AS LARGE AS THIS! THE EVIL THAT SPREADS ACROSS OUR LANDS IS KNOWN AS THE CORRUPTION! I HAVE GIVEN YOU EACH PURIFICATION POWDER AND YOU ARE TO SPREAD IT ON THE CORRUPTION TO MAKE IT DISAPPEAR! IF YOU ARE ATTACKED BY CREATURES THAT LOOK LIKE ANIMALS OR PONIES USE THE PURIFICATOIN POWDER ON THEM. BUT IF THEY ARE CREATURES THAT ARE NOT NATIVE TO EQUESTRIA DESTROY THEM WITH PREJUDICE!”
‘Celestia said prejudice lol I love that game.’ I thought to myself. ‘Dude wait can I survive a fall like section 8: prejudice? I’ve come in hard before but I haven’t tried coming in through the atmosphere. Note to self: try that.’
“Celestia the forces are ready!” Said Shinning Armor in the front of all the ponies.
“BARRICADE COME FORWARD!”
“Yes Ma’am!” Said Barricade breaking formation to stand in front of Celestia.
“You and the pegasi guard will defend the earth ponies and unicorns while they purify the grounds.” She said without the Canterlot voice.
“Yes ma’am!” She went back in line.
We were on our way. Celestia was being pulled by her royal chariot standing next to Radiant Garden who didn’t have any wings. He was decked in his usual jungle gear. I flew majestically beside them and flapped my wings occasionally to keep myself up to speed. I looked like a souring eagle.
The pegasi corps were also pulling chariots filled to the brink with soldiers. I found myself getting extremely bored so I started looking around for things to do. My eyes rested on a peculiar formation of pegasi wearing blue jump suits. It took me five seconds to realize the formation of six was none other than the wonderbolts.
“Oh this I got to see.” I said out loud.
Celestia eyed me oddly when I said that and flew off in their direction. Radiant Garden looked over at me as well and frowned as he wished to be with me.
I sensed a disturbance and I looked back to see that frown. I held out my hand expectantly toward him and waited for him to get the message.
It took him a while but eventually he realized that I wanted him to use the ivy whip to grab my hand since it was so far away. The whip soared through the air and landed into my hand and formed a bond between us. Radiant Garden was propelled forward and onto my back once he reached me. I looked at Celestia who had an impressed look on her face.
I flew over towards the wonder bolts.
“Master where are we going?”
“To meet a few friends.” Radiant smiled.
I neared the group of pegasi and flew alongside the one on the far right. I got a good look at her form before she noticed me.
“Sup Fleetfoot!”
“Whoa Puppet Master? Whoa guy on Puppet Master’s back?”
“H-hello.” Said Radiant Garden sheepishly.
“…aw.” She said.
“Eeyup! You guys heading to the front?”
“Yea the wonderbolts are just another part of the pegasi corps. We’re the elite and only a few of us weren’t here for the whole save Equestria thing. I personally am in it to show off and do what I do best. Although thanks to being a wonderbolt I have to help out towns under attack.”
“Sound’s fun.”
“Not really.”
“Poor sport.”
“Shut up and say hi to Spitfire.” She said with a friendly grin.
“SPITFIRE!” I beat my wings hard and propelled myself forward and almost lost Radiant Garden in the process.
“A half spirit of the forest. His names Radiant Garden.”
“Cool. Hey did you see Dash yet?”
“DASH IS HERE?!?!”
“Yep! She is a volunteer to help us stop the corruption from spreading. She showed us that she’s very good at stopping those flying creatures in Ponyville so she gladly jumped at the chance to save Equestria for the umpteenth time.” Spitfire laughed.
“Really where is she?”
“Somewhere over there.” She pointed a hoof to the far left of the massive formation of pegasi and chariots.
“Damn…hey hold on a sec.” I turned to Radiant Garden. “I’m going to have to leave you with the princess. Make sure she’s safe through the whole ordeal ok?”
“You can count on me my lord!” He said doing a two finger salute.
I moved back over the Celestia and flew alongside the chariot. Radiant Garden jumped off my back and into the chariot with ease and I waved him goodbye while flying off.
I flew for only about three minutes before I saw a rainbow colored mane and tail streaking through the sky out of formation. ‘of course’. I approached the multicolored maverick of a pony and pulled up alongside her.
“HEY RAINBOW!”
“WHOA! Oh just you. HEY IT’S YOU!” She said very giddy like.
“Yes it’s me?”
“That was awesome what you did in the sky! You were surrounded by those things and then I couldn’t see you and then BOOOOM they all fall to the ground! So awesome!”
“Thanks Rainbow. Hey who do you think will finish off more enemies? Me or Radiant Garden?”
“You maybe. Radiant though will be close. He was such a beast!” She said way too enthusiastically.
“Hey I kinda expected the other girls to join you at some point.”
“Oh yea Twilight’s down there.” She pointed a hoof down at a chariot with a few unicorn guards and Twilight. I recognized one of them as her older brother Shinning Armor and the one next to him was the pony that confronted me about the ‘break in’.
“You want to see them?” She asked.
“Nah I’m good. Besides I don’t want to deal with the guard next to Armor. He and I don’t get along and chances are they’ll have to burry what’s left of him in a soup can when I’m done.” I said with a smile.
She stared at me with the most confused look you can glue on someones face. “What you do to him?”
“I arrested him when I broke into Canterlot castle.”
“BAHAHAHAHAHAHA H-how’d ya do it?”
I went through a very detailed explanation of how I broke in and how mad they all were. I even explained what happened on my return trip and how I trolled him.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” She was lying on my back because she was laughing so hard she couldn’t fly. “T-HAHA-that’s so awesome!”
“Yea I know right?”
“…Hey how much longer till we get there?”
“Not sure…hours maybe?”
“Snore! Ok can I sleep on your back?”
“Sure go ahead.”
“Thanks.”
For the duration of the flight I had a companion on my back sleeping soundly while letting out little snores. I made sure my flight was as smooth as I possibly could make it because…hey it’s Rainbow Dash. She’s pretty cool. And who knows? Maybe someday I want her to take return trips. *wink*
It took us several minutes until the corruption came into view.
“Rainbow wake up.”
“HUH WHA? Oh…how long was I out?”
“Long enough.” I pointed toward the corruption…it was wide but manageable. I’m surprised it made such a bold move to take Equestria so early in its development.
Because I could see the end of it. It looked like I would need to do a few hours of work or maybe days if I’m slow but I could easily fix this. It wasn’t all that impressive. I was however surprised at the sheer amount of Eater of Souls that were barreling towards us at his time. But I was even more surprised-and a little scared-of what joined their ranks.
Corrupted griffons and dragons flew alongside the corrupt army. And for this reason alone I realized exactly why the corruption felt bold enough to attack so early.
Because once our armies got here it could wipe them out and take the whole continent uncontested.
“Fucking hell…they out did us.”
“DON’T GIVE UP! DESTROY THEM ALL!” Shouted Barricade who happened to be miles to my right.
“Her voice carries very well.” I commented to Rainbow.
“I know…hey wait don’t talk about it now we’ve got Equestria to save!” She said giving me a dirty look.
Indeed we did. I knew the moment those dragons hit our lines all hell will break loose. I noticed the chariots were covered in shields at this moment. The unicorns in each were giving the pegasi who would fly them in a better day of it.
But the wall of corrupt creatures was significantly larger than the army we’ve amassed.
It was a 1 to 3 war.
And we were the 1.
“Shit.” I said out loud. “Ok Rainbow you need to not die. This is the real deal and I expect nothing less!”
“Not even a dragon can keep me down!”
“Good.”
I thumped my wings hard and sprinted forward at great speeds. When I got between the Equestrian army and the corrupt one I took out my cursed flame tome and surrounded my body with green fire. I then shaped it to look like a dragon and I charged at the front lines.
Upon impact the fire exploded and acted like a super weapon and tore a hole through their ranks. Even the dragons fell to the ground under the might of the cursed flame. I swooped around and cut down a few Soul Eaters while I was in the line. I needed to be a hero this day.
Or there would be no tomorrow.
Radiant Garden looked through the yellow shield Celestia put up. It was a strong one that he didn’t believe would be possible to break if he tried.
He took a glance at Celestia who’s eyes were wide with fear and worry.
“Celestia?” Said Radiant Garden snapping her out of her stupor.
“Oh did you say something?”
“Puppet Master and I have been through worse. I’ve surely struck down more evil than this.” He took out his phase blades and activated them.
“So you know how to defeat them?”
“…with a great amount of difficulty. And the willingness to die for a cause.”
Celestia gulped nervously.
“It’s either soldiers or civilians that will die his day. Which would you prefer? The ones who dedicate their lives to protect? Or the one who want to just live safely.”
“I-I don’t know…neither.”
“That’s a good answer…” Radiant Garden looked back at the soon to be devastating battle. “We won’t have a choice but to fight Celestia. You’ll need to fight alongside your soldiers to save Equestria at this point. It’s not just a ‘leave it to the professionals.’ Sort of thing now.”
“Nopony will die today.”
“If only I can believe that.” He said grimly.
*BOOM*
They both turn their heads toward the explosion to see miles down to the left a great big fireball of green ripped a hole in the ranks of the corrupted.
I flew around the lines of the corrupted creatures. Purifying what can be purified and killing what can’t. Dragons were to big so I destroyed them with a few blasts from my Rainbow Rod and the Excalibur. Quickly the formation stopped heading towards the pegasi and towards me. Of course I didn’t care. I just used the cursed flame tome to burn them all when there was too many of them to cut down.
Rainbow quickly joined me in the fight so I had to use the tome sparingly as to not accidently burn her. I looked back at the line and too my horror both armies clashed.
Pegasi and corrupted fell to the ground unchallenged by clouds or saviors. I got a glimpse of a chariot exploding and sending its occupants to the ground below. I saw ten chariots go down instantly by dragons and corrupted griffons killing the ones who were pulling the chariots.
But the majority of them were able to make it to the ground and exit without much resistance. That is until they started moving towards the corruption.
To my horror Hydra’s came out of the tree line and started attacking the ground forces. Not only that but corrupt bunnies and a majority of different sentient creatures and beasts came out with them. I saw a manticore as well.
“They need air support.” I said to myself. It became my mission then and there to kill all the dragons so the pegasi are able to more easily take the skies from the corrupted foes.
I watched Rainbow Dash for a moment beating a corrupted griffon into submission.
“RAINBOW!” She looked in my direction and I threw my second Excalibur into the air hilt first. She grinned and shot off after it and grabbed it with her mouth. She nodded her head in thanks and sped around the swarm of monsters destroying them in a single stroke. She even took on a dragon and cut off its wing so it would fall to the ground and die on impact.
Which it did. I snapped out of my stupor when another corrupted foe hit me. I used my remaining sword to decapitate the corrupted griffon.
Now there were officially three hero’s on our side. And we’ll need them.
Shadow Master stood atop a tall tree and watched as the battle commenced. He watched joyfully as both sides struggled to fight and be victorious and relished in watching the bodies of both friend and foe fall out of the sky.
From atop his tree he could see the unicorns and earth ponies screaming for help as they fall into the purple abyss of the corruption after their sanctuary in the chariots have failed them.
Kill Puppet Master
Shadow Master scanned the skies and caught sight of a green explosion of fire within the corrupted ranks.
He equipped his demon wings and thrust himself forward while simultaneously taking out two purple phase blades.
Battle For Equestria (Part 2)
I cut down another dragon and searched the skies for any pegasi that needed help. It was at this moment I noticed a low hum of a phase blade and I immediately flew off in a direction of clear skies because I knew it was too close to find the source without having sufficient reaction time to dodge it after I found out what it was.
Once I reached a safe location meters away I looked back and found the most startling sight of my life. Shadow Master was in Equestria. And he must be working for the corruption or he wouldn’t attack me.
I made him…he doesn’t attack unless attacked or paid to attack. I think he was paid or blackmailed.
“Shadow Master.”
“My lord.” He said which took me by surprise. His voice was filled with anger or annoyance. “I’m here to fight you. I’m sorry about any ill feelings you will have towards me after this battle. But the corruption must spread.”
“Why?”
“Because I was paid to spread it.”
We eyed each other. We knew our fight begun the moment he finished his sentence, the only way I could describe that understanding is a battle bond.
The sounds of fighting faded around us and we were the only entities that existed on this plane. We began our fight in one blast of motion and the moment our blades clashed there was a massive sound that resonated through the battlefield. And that sound had a story attached to it.
The real battle has just begun.
Celestia was on a rampage. If her faithful student were to see her rip apart a dragon with her simplest spells even she will waver and fear her might. But for the guards who’ve served her they knew how caring and devoted to Equestria she really was.
But they were secretly shaking with fear and praying she will always be fighting for Equestria and with them.
Celestia’s eyes glowed with rage the moment the first pegasi fell and she cut down the whole line of enemies in front of her. She single hoofedly wiped out 1% of the armada that they were engaged with in less than ten seconds. But now the lines were mixed and she had to be careful as to not hit her own troops.
Radiant Garden was on the ground purifying the land with the ground forces and repelling hydra’s.
Radiant Garden jumped at a hydra and used his ivy whip-which he could control with his powers over plants-and wrapped it around the hydra’s legs and jaws. He then took the whip and tightened it so much that it broke every bone in the hydra’s body like a massive boa constrictor.
He repeated this process with the hydra that tried desperately to escape his grasp. Once they were dead he landed in the corrupt grass and slowly his jungle suit became corrupted…but he didn’t.
Now his corrupted jungle armor was surprisingly more durable because of it. He rushed the lines of corrupt bunnies and manticores and other predators and cut them all down with ease.
So much so he didn’t see the dragon until it landed right next to him in a bloody mess.
“YOU WILL NOT HARM MY PONIES!” Bellowed Celestia.
Twilight Sparkle and her brother made the best team on the battlefield. Armor would set up a shield and offensive spells to kill and stop attackers. The airborne enemies were wreaking havoc on the numbers of their line and they needed air support. But there was a sound that quieted both armies for a full minute.
*BANG!*
The sound was none other than the sound of Puppet Master and Shadow Master hitting head on with their swords at such a velocity that raw power came off of them. They had their own aura’s. Puppet Master had white while Shadow Master had a purple aura. They looked like two comets got in an argument and started orbiting each other and bouncing off each other’s surface when too close.
You couldn’t tell if they rammed into each other or they just hit swords against each other. It was so confusing with how fast they were going and the way they orbited each other. It was like they were analyzing each other’s movements to determine when they would both strike.
Armor used this moment to charge up a powerful enough spell to kill the hydra that’s been tearing the ponies apart. Once it released and the hydra went down the battle started again.
It wasn’t long until the purifying of the land became the last thing on each ponies mind. This was now a fight for survival and the armies of the corrupted seemed not to end.
As if they’ve been dragging life forms back into the corruption for weeks.
Ponies were getting desperate and some guards even tried to hide next to the chariots hoping Celestia will call for a retreat. Little did they know that they were losing the ground battle but winning the air battle. However the areas where Celestia and Radiant Garden were fighting found victory and purification.
Some of the ponies that were corrupted were purified by the powder when it was thrown at them. They quickly either ran and hid from battle, got struck down by a corrupt creature, or grabbed a weapon and joined the fight to save Equestria.
But mostly they fought to save Equestria after a while. Ponies were patriotic like that.
Twilight Sparkle in particular was feeling patriotic…but after fighting like this she began to lose her cool, she’s never seen so much evil in a creature before. And she’s never experienced having to kill anything before.
The first one that fell she instantly regretted it, but convinced herself soldiers need to do this to keep her safe and she needed to do this today, but bodies started falling. She slowly realized war and found refuge by cowering under a chariot.
I flew in circles around my foe and he around me. We eyed each other with envy and annoyance. We were both the same creature at war with itself. I wanted to kill him but I couldn’t, he was having the same issue in his mind.
“STOP!” I shouted to him. The world faded back into our vision and we looked around and realized exactly where we were…as if we didn’t know before.
He looked around at the carnage on both sides and flew back into the corruption. After a few seconds I decided I would follow and let Rainbow Dash take care of the skies. She was actually doing very good for just realizing what it was like to actually fight in war.
I flew after him despite my better judgment to stay and help those who were still fighting; chances are if I don’t stop Shadow Master from doing whatever he’s off to do now the situation could get a lot worse.
But Shadow Master has backed out of a fight when the object of the fight didn’t suit him.
“AVAT THEE!” Shouted an unfamiliar voice from below us. I stopped following him and he slowly went out of sight. “YOU WILL DIE BY MY BLADE CORRUPTION!”
“What the fuck?” I said looking at the image of a fully hollowed man down below who was surrounded by corrupted creatures. “Oh…well he’s working with us?” I tried to reason.
Just then a minotaur launched himself at him when his back was turned. I instinctively dove after it and split it in two just before my feet slammed into the ground and I righted myself to a more straight position.
“Hello friend,” I said to the strange man while looking at the corruption that now surrounded both of us. “May I join you in this battle?”
He took a quick glance in my direction and then back to the corrupted foes that surrounded us. We were back to back with Excalibur’s in hand and wings spread for take off.
“Ah a fellow Terrarian come to my aid. Good to see you shield brother.”
“Unfortunately we are outnumbered. Fly up when I say.”
“On your command shield brother.”
The corrupt beasts launched themselves at us and ran in for the kill all at once.
“NOW!” We beat our wings hard and fast so we were a mile away from them when we stopped simultaneously. I used the cursed flame tome to lob a massive fireball downward and it obliterated the foes we were facing.
“Fantastic shield brother. May I ask your name?”
“Puppet Master. Yours friend?”
“Ay friend indeed. Celldric.”
‘Celldric?!?!?! You know when I said Radiant Garden helped out adventurers to fight evil when I role played with my friends…Celldric was one of the heroes.’
“Celldric? I’ve heard of you. But now is not the time! We need to stop Shadow Master NOW!”
“SHADOW MASTER?!? Surely Dark Wolf is close behind.” He said coldly.
“Let’s hurry so we can catch him.”
“No…let us kill him.” He flew off in the wrong direction.
“WRONG WAY!”
He didn’t hear me and we went towards the front lines of ponies and corrupted.
“Actually yea go that way.” I said awkwardly.
‘That awkward moment when the hero goes the wrong way.’ I thought to myself. I flew in the right direction toward where Shadow Master went.
Celldric found his way towards the front lines. He halted in place when he saw the fighting. He quickly scanned the lines and noticed strange looking creatures fighting the corruption working together with golden armor. He looked at the ground and saw fighting there as well but also the strange four legged creatures purifying the corruption.
“Hmm ANY ENEMY OF THE CORRUPTION!” he bellowed so everyone could hear. “IS A FRIEND OF MINE!” He swooped in and tore a hole through a hydra’s skull with the sheer force of impact alone.
Rainbow Dash was getting cocky like she usually does. Only this time it’s for a good reason because she was cutting down more evil creatures than the stallions that were trained to do it. It was because of her speed and her strength with her swing. She wizzed around the battlefield with ease and managed to save several soldiers from imminent death. Then she saw a hydra go down by Puppet Master.
“Nice one Puppet Master!” She shouted.
“MY NAME IS CELLDRIC AND I AM A DESTROYER OF EVIL!”
“Who?” She said more to herself than him. He was too far below to hear her question anyway. “Then where the hay is Puppet Master?”
She scanned the area around her and noticed he was gone. She looked across the horizon and saw two creatures flying away from battle. She wanted to go after him but she wanted to help the guards.
“AVAT THEE!” Bellowed Celldric and she looked at him to see he was mopping the floor with the corruption.
“Maybe he can take care of it.” She said and zoomed off after Puppet Master.
Radiant Garden and Celestia were now fighting side by side on ground level now that the skies were cleared. Celestia took over protection of the ground forces while the other pegasi went to aid the rest of the line.
Corrupted forest armor covered his body and he ran around cutting down enemies with their own power.
He hacked and slashed while purifying when he could and he dashed around the battlefield protecting soldiers.
“DIE CORRUPTED ONE!”
“T-that voice? Celldric!?” He shouted out once he realized who it was. Celldric was above him about to split his head open before he moved out of the way.
“Jungle God? Is that you? H-how? Are you working with the corruption!?”
“No it’s just a side effect of walking in it. Now get me purification powder I want to be rid of this!”
“On it friend!” He flew off and destroyed two Eater of Souls on his way towards one of the pegasi.
Puppet Master neared Shadow Master and right before he was going to grab him Shadow Master dived toward the ground and landed on his feet.
Puppet Master landed in front of him a few meters away.
“So what now?” I said.
“Now…The master comes.”
“Dark Wolf?”
“No.” He pulled out a crafted wad of rotten meat and bone. It took me a while to realize what it was…
Worm bait.
“Really?” I said. “Are you for real? The Eater of worlds is an easy enemy to destroy.”
“Not one who’s influence spreads to more than one world.” He said with a devilish smile.
“Wait…fuck?” I said confused as to how that could work but also a little worried that he may be stronger than when I’ve last faced him.
*RAWR!*
“God dammit I guess I’m going to find out.”
I brought my sword to bear and got ready to destroy the Eater of Worlds. A giant worm-that looked nothing different from the original-burst out of the ground and created a giant hole in the earth.
Then out of nowhere a fast blur of rainbow and blue surrounded the Eater of worlds and it exploded into a gory mess.
“Damn.” I said looking where the Eater of Worlds once was. I looked back down at Shadow Master who was gone.
“Thank you thank you!” Said a cocky voice that came from a rainbow maned Pegasus. “You’re too kind! No thanks are necessary.” She said while lowering herself to the ground.
“WHOA WHOA WAIT!”
“It’s ok you can get my autograph later.” She said touching the purple grass.
“NO THE CORRUPTION RAINBOW!”
Her face became one of pure fear and she looked down to see herself turning purple from the hooves up.
“AAAAAAH-ah-gar” She made a gargling noise. “I’m going to kill you!” Said a red eyed purple Pegasus with a semi multicolored mane but with each color had a purple tint to it.
“God dammit.” I face palmed.
“Aww fuck.” I said as I watched the corrupted Rainbow Dash’s sadistic glare.
“DIE HOLLOWED KNIGHT!” She said threateningly with the Excalibur in her hooves.
“Fuck.”
Radiant Garden moved through the purified grounds of the land that’s been invaded by the Equestrian’s. The battle still raged through the ranks but Celestia and Radiant Garden’s influence made swift work of the opponents in their area. However over on the right the battle was taking the turn for the worst. Only pegasi remained and the ground forces were all but slaughtered.
On the far left the battle was a tie and soon they will wipe out each other with no clear victor.
Twilight was still cowering and Shining Armor was coaxing her out from under the chariot. Barricade was having it good with all the dragons gone and only hydra’s left to destroy.
Shadow Master himself was nowhere in sight. Celldric was still kicking ass deep in the corruption and cutting off reinforcements to the front giving the Equestrian’s time to purify the lands.
However the death toll was a staggering 40% of the forces. That means when they get back home Equestria would be the least protected country in the world. If Equestria had enemies Celestia would worry.
And Celestia is nervous now…She doesn’t have enemies but that doesn’t mean countries aren’t envious of her lands. She mourns the loss of her ponies but is conflicted with ending the battle and licking her wounds and continuing to destroy the threat forever.
Shadow Master watches the battle from afar. But mainly the duel between Rainbow Dash and Puppet Master.
He would rather sit back and relax while others fight. The only thing that gets him moving is gold, and platinum if they want him to go faster.
“You can fight all day. But it will get you now where.”
He turns to walk away from the battle at hand.
“Stop right there.” Said a determined voice.
Shadow Master slowly turns around and gave his unwanted guest a cold and annoyed look. Before him was a hollowed guard with a clockwork assault rifle in his hand. His helmet was off exposing his midnight black eyes.
“Ah protagonist adventurer number two. Nice to meet you yet again. Have any gold to give me this time? Or are you planning on using your silly little device?” Shadow Master smirked menacingly.
“You’ve brought terror to this realm without remorse…I don’t think I can forgive you.”
“It’s a job Hunger…don’t condemn me for doing the things I live for.”
“You live to kill me and my friend Celldric!”
“Because I’m paid to. But for a little scratch I’ll give you the location of our mutual dark friend.”
His eyes widened. “Fine here’s five gold.” He threw the gold coins at him without lowering his weapon.
“Good…He’s not anywhere close to here. In fact he’s back in Terraria.”
“Terraria? How do we get there?”
“Ah ah ah!” he said shaking his finger. “I told you where he is. Now you must pay me to tell you how to get there.”
He grinded his teeth in annoyance. “Look if you tell me where he is I won’t shoot your head off.”
“That would do neither of us any good.” He grinned mischievously. Shadow Master had him in the palm of his hand and he knew it. Hunger will have a hard time getting the bits since they were all with Celldric.
“Dammit. Celldric has all the coins.” He said to himself.
“OH? Coins on Celldric? Fine I’ll follow you until we meet up with Celldric. If his coin is better than our dark friend then I’ll fight for you.”
Rainbow Dash was too fast for Puppet Master. Puppet Master had to dodge and counter every time she got close. But each time she got close she went behind him and always got him.
At this rate Puppet Master would be destroyed in no time. Then Rainbow Dash made the mistake that would decide the fate of Equestria for years to come.
“TIME TO DIE!” She dashed at my chest Excalibur pointing right at it. I quickly drank a health potion and waited for it to impact.
*SHING!*
I fell through the cloud layer with Rainbow Dash on top of me. My body was limp and so were my muscles as I slammed into the corrupted ground below.
“Pathetic.” She grinned evilly.
Then my hand rose up and grasped her neck.
“You should check your opponents states before you kill them.” I said with an Excalibur in my chest. “I don’t die when a fatal blow is delivered. I die when my health is gone.” I took a bag of purification powder and shoved it into her fearful face.
“WHAT NO NO NOOOOOO OOOoooooooo…” She collapsed on the purified grass and I looked into her purified and closed eyes.
“Sweet dreams my little Dashie.” I looked up to find myself surrounded by many corrupt creatures. “Sleep well, now and forever.” I said looking grimly at the swarm that was charging us. I had no weapons in my hand and my health was low. About 10 hp currently.
“Ugh what-GAH!” She saw the swarm charging us.
I thought fast. “Rainbow look into this.” I held up a magic mirror to her face and she took it in her hooves and looked at it with a grim expression expecting it to be a distraction for when the end came.
*ZZZZZZZZING*
Dash was gone from my arms. Safe at home.
“I face death valiantly.” I said knowing I would respawn anyway.
*Splat*
Celldric was valiantly destroying everything in his way. He murdered thousands like he was the lord of death himself.
“CELLDRIC!” Said a familiar voice.
“What?” He looked around and saw Shadow Master running alongside Hunger and both were being targeted by the corrupt foes. He quickly assumed that Shadow Master was paid to be with them now. “AH IS SHADOW MASTER WITH US NOW?”
“NO HE NEEDS PLATINUM TO OFFICIALLY JOIN US!”
“GOOD NEWS SHADOW!” He sliced a Soul Eater in half. “I HAPPEN TO HAVE TEN PLATINUM!”
“Give it here!” He shot up in the air towards Celldric.
Celldric saw this and hurled ten platinum towards Shadow Master. The moment his hands grasped the platinum he went into battle mode and flew about destroying creatures faster than both them combined.
“…damn.” Said Hunger.
“Yea…he’s out classing me.” Responded Celldic.
Shadow Master did loops in the air and fluently struck down anything in his path. Destroying corrupted creatures and regular corrupted monstrosities with ease, and without effort. He finally rested by floating in front of the two protagonist adventurers smiling smugly at them.
“Adventuring only gets you so far in the world my new employers.”
“Well…ok where’s Dark Wolf?”
“Right this way.” He flew off towards the everfree forest which was several miles away.
Radiant Garden was in the middle of purifying a guard who foolishly backed up into the corrupt grass. Four other guards were holding him down as Garden poured the powder all over his midsection and head and slowly trailed at his hooves.
Once finished he looked up and saw three Terrarians flying away from the battle in a V formation.
“Is that?” He said to himself when he saw the two terrarians in back. He remembered them. “It is!”
He took out his Ivy whip.
Hunger and Celldric both simultaneously felt a tugging at their legs.
“WHOA WHAT THE HELL?” Shouted Hunger. Celldric calmly took out his Excalibur and looked at the target but stopped when he saw the uncorrupted image of another terrarian wearing jungle armor.
“Jungle god is that you?” Said Celldric.
“Keep it down back there!” Yelled Shadow Master.
“Hello friends!” Said Radiant Garden.
“Hello Radiant! Ready to save the world?”
“This one right?”
“Both at once actually!” replied Hunger.
“Sounds Good to me!”
I found myself back home…all was quiet and the NPC’s were nowhere in sight. It made me wonder what happened to them. I checked every room and not a creature stirred. The tables and chairs were missing as well. All I could possibly think of was-where the hell?-but quickly redirected my focus at the current task at hand.
Finding Dark Wolf and getting him to stop this madness.
I reached for my other Excalibur to be able to duel wield before I noticed something wrong.
“Where’s my sword?” I said to myself. I had only one Excalibur. “If I don’t have it then that means…” My eyes widened in realization. “Rainbow.”
Rainbow Dash lies in her bed without energy. “W-whatever he did…ugh I’m tired.” She yawned heavily. “WAIT NO MY FRIENDS!”
She tries to get out of bed but the second her hoof touches the cloud floor it falls through. She had the rest of her body on the bed and she sat there wide eyed for a moment…and afraid.
“H-how?”
She got up from her bed and tried to flap her wings. To only some success. She hovered for a while then fell to the bed.
“W-what happened?” She looked around and saw on her bed was Puppet Master’s sword he gave her and the mirror thing he got her to look into.
“Stupid mirror.” She glared at it. She then remembered what happened before she looked into the mirror. “No…PUPPET MASTER!” She shouted to the heavens.
The group of four flew-and hung-their way towards the Everfree forest. Radiant Garden continued to dangle helplessly by the legs of Hunger and Celldric while Shadow Master paid him no mind and led the way.
“Are we heading towards the portal?” Shouted Radiant Garden.
Shadow Master looked back and raised an eyebrow.
“You know where the portal is?”
“Yes master and I use it all the time got go from home to Equestria.”
“Hmm.” Shadow Master turned his head to the distance toward Everfree and squinted when he caught sight of a village. “Ponyville is nearby. We are almost there.”
Puppet Master flew toward the left of the map and a black tower came into view.
“I’m coming for you Dark Wolf.”
Rainbow Dash tried to step back on the cloud and realized whatever kept her from touching the clouds and flying seemed to have worn off. She picked up the Excalibur and the magic mirror and flew outside.
Four figures came into view off the horizon.
“What the hay?” She flew off after them.
She got closer and she saw three Terrarian’s, she didn’t know any of them.
“Hey! You guys friends of Puppet Master?”
“Yes!” Shouted the one dangling from the two in back.
“Wait he’s in trouble!”
“Yes we’re on our way to end stop this madness!”
“Well I don’t know where you’re going but I’m going to go help my friends!” She flew off towards the battlefield that was several hundred miles away.
“Should we tell her?” Shouted Hunger.
“Tell her what? That she won’t be able to save them?” Shouted Shadow Master. “Only the death of the king of corruption will save them!”
Puppet Master avoided every monster that was in his way to the tower of darkness that Dark Wolf constructed. The sheer amount of corrupted individuals in Terraria was staggering. At one point the sun was blocked out by the sheer amount of Soul Eaters.
Every time they got in my way I blocked or swung at them. I even took out my rainbow rod and destroyed as many as I could.
I approached the tower and found an entrance at the bottom. I swooped down and entered before I fought off whatever was behind me. I continued down the dark tunnel and found a door. I quickly opened and closed it and awaited to hear the many thuds that would come from the creatures impacting the door.
*BANG BANG THUD BUMP*
“Damn.” I said out loud.
I continued into the labyrinth and found myself facing a skeleton statue.
“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.” I face palmed. I realized this is one of THOSE kind of dungeons when you step on the wrong stone monsters come out to kill you.
Not that it was a problem for me but it was annoying.
I decided to sprint through all the traps and spring them all. It worked for a while until I hit a certain pressure plate where the floor fell below me. I spread my wings and flapped out of the lava I so foolishly fell into. I then used my duel hook to get me the rest of the way and not risk falling into the lava again.
I made my way through ten floors and finally I just about gave up. I took out my drill and started to drill up. Then lava fell on my head and I lost most of my health.
“GOD DAMMIT!” I shouted. I was totally expecting lava to fall on my head but I ignored reasoning anyway…it’s what I did when I played as Dark Wolf.
I made my way through ten more rooms activating and destroying traps that I found and unfortunately stumbled into.
Finally my destination.
“The throne room.” I said out loud as I opened the door and walked into the dark room with a single silver chandler with six pillars holding up the high ceiling. On the other side of the room was a golden throne with none other than a shadowy figure of Dark Wolf sitting nonchalantly with his fist up on the side of his head.
“Ah Puppet Master. I was wondering when you’d show up.” His figure was obscured by shadow.
I raised my eyebrow in confusion. “Wolf? May I see your face.” I said calmly.
He got up from his throne and walked forward into the light. I could see behind that headgear that his skin was purple and his eyes were a mix between red and purple.
“As I thought.” I said solemnly. “You’ve been corrupted.”
“And here you are trying to kill your own creations. I did this FOR YOU! But you used us in a little storybook for entertainment! YOU DESERVE NO MERCY!” He looked livid. He took his red phase blades by some unseen force and activated them one at a time.
It looked like one bad ass intro to a boss battle to be honest. I was looking forward to the fight.
Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but feel she was doing something wrong…like helping her friends wasn’t going to save them. She had an impulse to follow the four travelers to the Everfree.
She grinded her teeth in annoyance.
“FINE!” She shouted out loud and sped off towards ponyville once again.
The group of four looked over the edge of the cloud home and out in the distance. What met their eyes chilled them to the bone.
A massive cloud of corrupt opponents stood between them and peace. But they valiantly stepped forward and ran into the fray. Once they got half way to the tower they were immediately held back by a wall of basically every opponent they’ve ever faced in the corruption. Giant worms and Soul Eaters surrounded them quickly and they soon were separated.
Rainbow Dash flew into the Everfree forest and dashed between all the trees until she saw a small break in the tree canopy. The sun beams illuminated a white square portal with each color of the elements of harmony on both sides of the portal.
“Whoa.” She stood there admiring the portal for a few seconds. She shook her head and put on a resolute face and slowly walked through the portal.
“Whoa.” She said for the second time in the last ten seconds.
She looked over the side of a brick and snow fortress that seemed to be floating without anything holding it up.
She swooped below it to see if there are any support beams but she became wide eyed when there weren’t. But she became extremely worried when the whole world was corrupted.
“C-could this be what Equestria would look like if we fail?” She said demoralizingly.
She flew off toward a giant black cloud that caught her eye.
Upon reaching said cloud she realized it was a swarm of those evil creatures that she helped wipe out. Taking sword in mouth she decided to charge in and kill as much as she could.
That is until she saw a dark tower behind the cloud.
“What the hay?” She tilted her head in confusion and decided to avoid the monsters who seemed to be preoccupied by something else.
She flew above and over them darting between clouds before making her way above the tower. She looked in all directions before she dove for the entrance and did a ninety degree turn into the labyrinth.
Puppet Master stayed out of Dark Wolf’s range by flying around him. Of course the corrupt dark lord thought hard about the battle. He was outgunned when it came to armor and protection but his offensive capabilities with those six phaseblades made him an opponent that needed special treatment.
Puppet Master darted behind a pillar and two red phaseblades wedged themselves in the surface of said pillar.
“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Dark Wolf exclaimed in anger.
“Two down four to go.” I said confidently.
I believed I can sacrifice some health to do damage now. Thanks to his six phaseblades the risk was too high but now with four it is a reasonable sacrifice that I could use when I need.
“I WILL DESTROY YOU!” He bellowed.
“Shit.” I dodged his flailing red beam swords and I flew around behind his throne.
“GET BACK HERE PUPPET MASTER! I WANT TO SEE THE BLOOD DRAIN FROM YOUR BODY WHEN I KILL YOU!”
I charged at him and before impact I used the rainbow rod to disorient him, then I used Excalibur and sliced him across his chest.
“GAH!”
“Take that YOU LITTLE BITCH! OBEY MY COMMANDS LIKE YOU DID ONCE BEFORE!”
“NEVER!”
I launched myself at a pillar and cut it into a chunk, then flew around it and kicked it into Dark Wolf. It was split in half by two blades of his and I was close enough to deliver another blow. He swung his two other phase blades that were ready for such an attack and blocked my single Excalibur.
I backed up to the throne. We eyed each other for a moment.
“PUPPET MASTER!” Shouted a familiar voice beyond the throne room door.
*CRASH!*
The wooden door exploded and a rainbow maned Pegasus made herself known.
“RAINBOW!” I shouted.
“I ain’t leaving a friend behind!” She charged at the corrupt Dark lord and I stopped her half way and grabbed onto her. I also grabbed the mirror she had in her left hoof and I took out tnt and threw it at the wall.
*BOOM!* A gaping hole now showed the outside of the throne room. I thrust the mirror into her face to force her to look at it and she disappeared in many magical sparks with my sword.
“NO!” She shouted as she disappeared.
I took out my Rainbow Rod and flung a bolt out the new hole in the foundation of the building.
It traveled across the sky and over the cloud of enemies and hero’s valiantly fighting them off all the way over to the ‘cloud home’ that I’ve created.
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM*
There was a massive explosion that resonated throughout Terraria as the Rainbow Rod’s missile struck the portal.
“W-what have you done.” Said Dark Wolf looking out the hole. A massive shockwave was heading right for us.
“Nothing too damaging I hope.” I said right next to him. He turned to me in shock and I threw purification powder in his face. The corruption melted off and he fell to the ground on his knees.
“M-master…My lord…I’m sorry.” He said fearfully for my punishment.
I looked out the hole and watched the wall of energy come towards us.
Rainbow made her way outside her cloud home seemingly unaffected by the mirror this time. She saw a shockwave wall crashing towards her flattening buildings and trees.
Her eyes widened in fear and she almost dropped Excalibur that was still in her mouth. The wall got closer and she instinctively swung at the shockwave creating a small crack in it that she fell through.
In Terraria the battle stopped and all manner of creatures watched the doom head straight for them. Some showed fear, others showed strength.
But the four companions embraced their fate honorably and put on a content and strong face in the face of death.
Then the wall of energy took them.
Puppet Master looked at the wall of energy come closer and closer.
He lifted his sword in readiness while the newly purified Dark Wolf looked at it in amazement.
Once it reached them Puppet Master swung his sword at the wall in defiance.
“I WILL NOT DIE!”
Rainbow shot upright in her bed.
“What the hay?! What am I doing sleeping?”
She throws off her covers and zooms out her door. She looks at the ruined…completely fine Ponyville.
“What the hay?” She repeated herself only more quizzical.
She slowly flew around Ponyville and looked at all the ponies that went about their day as if there was no invasion what so ever.
“Ok this is weird. I’d better ask Twilight what’s going on.”
She sped towards the library but while on her way she made some detours to the attack sights of when the corrupted came out of the forest. No signs of damage anywhere…She knew there were a few walls torn down or at least chewed by rabid corrupt creatures and AT LEAST a few hundred dead bodies that were supposed to litter the streets. She knew it wasn’t possible for this to be all cleaned up so quickly.
She could feel her anxiety growing the closer she got to the center of town. Everything seemed positively…normal.
She arrived at the entrance of Twilight’s library and swiftly opened the door.
“Twilight!”
“Rainbow Dash?” Came a muffled voice from upstairs.
“Twilight!” She dashed upstairs and burst through the door. “Where’s Puppet Master? Why are all the bodies cleaned up already? Why-?”
“Rainbow what is going on!” She said with a worried expression. “Did something happen?”
Rainbow stopped for a moment and raised an eyebrow. “Umm Equestria was invaded by the corruption? You don’t remember that?”
“The what?”
“Ponyville was attacked! How do you not remember that? It was like…yesterday or today! We all went to the west to purify Equestria from the corruption and Celestia led the charge with Puppet Master!”
“Umm Rainbow are…you feeling ok?”
“Yea why?”
“Because I don’t remember any of this.”
“YOU WERE THERE!”
“Hey will you keep it down I’m trying to sleep!” Said spike from his basket by Twilight’s bedside.
“Rainbow lets go downstairs.” Said Twilight and she directed a stressed out Rainbow Dash downstairs.
They got downstairs and Twilight looked at Rainbow with concern.
“Rainbow I don’t know what’s going on but you’re scaring me Rainbow. Ponyville hasn’t been out right attacked and I don’t think I’ve ever heard Celestia lead a campaign to save Equestria before. I’ve also never heard of Puppet Master.”
“What? How do you NOT know about this?”
“Umm what did you do before you came here?”
Rainbow thought back. “I woke up in my bed and-”
“I’m going to stop you right there.” Twilight Deadpanned. “You had a dream. A very detailed dream it seems. That’s the only explanation as to why you’re freaking out like you are.”
Rainbow was dumbfounded. “B-b-but it was real! I remember it clearly!”
“Maybe you need rest Rainbow. Or at least look around you because there is no sign that Ponyville is in danger.”
“BUT I KNOW WHAT I SAW!”
“Rainbow keep it down Spikes trying to sleep!”
“You bet I am!” Came spikes voice from upstairs.
“oops.” Said Rainbow rubbing her head sheepishly.
“Yea oops.” Said Twilight giving Rainbow a look. “You obviously were dreaming.”
“I-it didn’t feel like a dream.” Said an unsure Rainbow Dash.
“Well sometimes they don’t. I’ve done this once before but a long time ago. Besides do you want to accept the reality where Equestria’s in danger or where everything is normal?” Twilight’s expression softened.
“I-…normal.” Said a defeated Rainbow Dash. “Thanks Twilight.” She began to make her way towards the door.
“Hey Rainbow?” Said Twilight seeing Rainbow’s down attitude. “What was Puppet Master like?”
Rainbow thought for a moment. “Cool. He totally hit on Fluttershy’s mom.” She said snickering.
“That’s…weird.” Said Twilight suppressing a giggle. “Was Fluttershy ok with it?”
“Well he was close to our age actually.”
“Oh that is weird.”
They shared a laugh.
“See yah Twilight.”
“Bye Rainbow.” Said Twilight happy their conversation ended on a lighter note.
Rainbow flew back to her home. Though she couldn’t shake the event. She knew it happened but she technically ‘woke up’ so she wasn’t sure whether or not it was real. A conflicted Rainbow Dash made her way towards her cloud home to reflect.
Though something caught her eye that was creating a smoke trail from its speed. Something either big or resilient was falling from the sky. She stopped to watch it come down and realized something about its trajectory.
It was heading right towards Ponyville.
“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” She flew toward where she thought it was going to land.
*BOOM!*
It hit the market.
Her heart sank when she was over the area and looked into a small crater. In the crater was a bipedal creature wearing hollowed armor and angel wings. The crater itself was at most a meter deep and two meters wide.
A very shallow impact if she ever saw one. She flew down into the crater and stood over the creature.
“Be careful dash!” Said Applejack.
“I will.” Not even giving her friend mind. “Puppet Master is that you?” She whispered to him.
I remember desperately swinging at the shockwave with all my might. Then the world went black. I felt myself falling through an endless void and all the color blurred into a single black color.
When I came too I was in a weightless void of a reality. My body was on fire and I could only guess I was moving fast. My vision was still bad so I couldn’t see until five full minutes of plummeting. I looked around myself the best I can and I found the horizon. I was watching clouds speed by like they were in a hurry. I felt more though, not like touch but I could feel power and I tried to ‘touch’ it so to speak and I found I can manipulate it.
But for what?
Then the ground got closer and closer. I was worried for a moment.
*BOOM!*
But then I remembered my wings also act like lucky horse shoes and negate fall damage.
Now that I’m not moving I realize how sore I am. My entire body ached and pained like never before. It was more annoying than anything like unbearable pain.
Then my sight was covered in multicolored hair and magenta beady eyes.
“Be careful Dash!”
“I will.” She then leaned into me a little more and whispered. “Puppet Master is that you?”
“Yea.” I croaked back. It felt like I went months without water.
“Listen.” She whispered and I focused all my attention on her. “Nopony remembers you. Or Twilight doesn’t at least. She just told me that I made up the whole Equestria’s in danger thing.”
“It’s ok…I’ll manage like last time.” I croaked.
Then I saw a golden object falling towards us. “Rainbow.”
“Yea?”
“Look out.” I said to quietly for her to hear.
“What?”
I painfully lifted my left arm and maneuvered the back of my hand on her right side. I then pushed as hard as I can to my left and I thrust her off of me before the golden object slammed into my chest.
*SHINK*
*Gasp*
My Excalibur wedged itself into my chest.
“P-pup?” Said Rainbow Dash with tears welling in her eyes.
I let the moment persist…what can I say? I’m a sadistic bastard when it comes to drama.
“A-are. Thank you.” She squeaked the last part out. Officially my heart broke and I wanted to end it.
I lifted my right arm which enticed another round of gasps from the crowd and Rainbow looked up with hopeful eyes. It would be a real dick move if I died right now...
I grasped the swords hilt with my right hand and tried to pull.
“Little help” I croaked out.
“OH right!” Dash flew above me and grabbed the hilt in both hooves and pulled it out of me.
“Dash.”
“Yea big guy?” She said landing next to me and trying to help me up.
“Water.”
“Oh. Um AJ you got any water?”
“What? Dash you sayin’ yah know this creature?”
“Yes his name is Puppet Master and he saved Equestria along with Celestia. I don’t know how you ponies don’t remember this but it happened!”
“What the hay are ya’ll ramblin’ on about Dash?” Responded Applejack.
“I’m saying he-” I used my hand to cover her mouth and she looked at me with her magenta eyes. I let go. “Never mind AJ.” She said to Applejack then looked at me with concern.
“Wait here I’ll get some water.” Said Rainbow and she set down Excalibur at my feet and took off.
I did my best to sit up and grab Excalibur but I was stopped by an orange hoof keeping me laid on the ground.
“Easy there partner. Ah don’t trust yah. But Ah ain’t an apple if ah don’t help yah when yer hurten.”
“Thank you.” I said moving my hand over to her leg and lightly grasping her hoof. The gesture was received as intended but she eyed me suspiciously before she figured the gesture was to show my appreciation.
“Aw shucks yer welcome sugarcube.”
I waited for Rainbow Dash’s return and while I waited I noticed the ponies were warming up to me, more or less. They still didn’t seem to trust me but my immobile state made me easier to approach.
A few foals walked up and touched me and ran away.
‘typical. But I’d do the same.’ I thought.
“Show some respect youngins!” Said Applejack in an authoritative manner. “He’s hurtin’ and ya’ll shouldn’t be messin’ with ponies when they ain’t able tah say nothin’ about it!”
They all lowered their heads in shame and walked over to me on my right.
“We’re sorry.” The two colts and two fillies said.
I lifted my right hand toward the forehead of the filly in the center right of their little formation of sorrow. She was apprehensive but let me contact her head.
I found the most wondrous of abilities that I could apply.
Mind Control. Hell my name practically said control over someone’s mind but SERIOUSLY? This is awesome. However that’s not all I suddenly knew how to do.
I pumped information into her head. And a few ponies gasped at the white light that went from my finger to her head.
“WHOA! You’re so cool!” She shouted to me in giddy delight. The quizzical looks on the other ponies faces were hilarious because they kept eyeing the filly and whispering to each other.
“Are you ok Lime?” said the colt on her left.
“Yea and he sent me his memories! His name is Puppet Master and he totally just fell from outer space!”
“Well” began Applejack. “Judging by the size of that hole Ah wouldn’t doubt it.”
‘OH COME ON! WHEN OBJECTS FALL FROM THE SKY FROM SPACE THEY’D BURN UP IN THE ATMOSPHERE OR DESTROY CIVILIZATION! THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS IN SPACE! But to be honest I couldn’t tell exactly where I was.’
“BACK!” Shouted Rainbow Dash. I located the voice and almost laughed my ass off when I saw Rainbow Dash carefully balancing the glass of water in her hooves while floating down towards me.
Once she got to me she took off my helmet and looked me in the eyes for a moment. Studying them. Then she lifted my head with her free hoof and poured the clear heavenly liquid down my throat.
“Better big guy?”
“Yea. Better, need more water but enough so I can talk. Thanks Dash.” I said putting my headgear back on my head.
“No problem.” She said smiling proudly for her helpfulness. Then moments pass and I don’t get up. “Umm you going to stand up?”
“Nope. Pretty sore so I’ll wait it off or something.”
“Oh…Umm OH WAIT! I’ve got to check on something.”
“Oh uh?” She speeds off to the south. “Sure?”
“What’s eatin’ her?” Said Applejack.
“No idea I replied.”
Rainbow makes her way to the south of Ponyville and into the Everfree forest. She speeds around until she finds a very familiar clearing.
She stood there and looked directly at the empty space that was once the location of a portal to Puppet Master’s world.
Nothing but a simple and meaningless sunbeam shining down on an empty location.
“Oh no…”
She speeds back.
“So yer from this place called Terraria?”
“Yes, and me and my friends fought many monsters while there. It’s like your everfree forest but you always live in it.” Applejack found a way to get Pup to sit up and he was having a conversation about his origins with her and the other ponies that haven’t yet gotten a chance to hear his story.
Basically since he knew all about them it was fair that he revealed all about himself. Though he left out creator nonsense because he wanted a more normal experience in Equestria than that ‘treated as ambassador’ crap. Though it wasn’t too obvious, and Celestia did know he could take care of himself, Puppet Master couldn’t help but feel like his popularity was more forced because of Celestia’s approval.
“PUPPET MASTER!” Shouted a voice from above them. Puppet looked up and saw Rainbow Dash heading straight for him.
“Rainbow?”
*Slam*
“Con sarnet Rainbow Dash Ah just got ‘im up!”
“PUPPET MASTER THE PORTAL’S GONE!” She shouted in his face while sitting on his chest. She had a very distressed look on her face and for a good reason.
“W-what?” I said quietly.
“The portal in the forest where you went home….it’s gone.” She lowered her head. “I’m sorry.”
“…Well that sucks. Ok well since I have nowhere to call home…” He at his surroundings and noticed the entire market was trained on him. Mainly because of Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow you mind if I bunk with you?”
“What?” She gave him a perplexed expression.
“You know me better than anypony here. So I’d feel safer if I stayed with you for the time being.”
“Well…” She put a hoof to her chin. “Eh sure just don’t eat all my food. And you get the couch.”
“Let’s talk sleeping arrangements later. I have to stay here a little while until I’m ready to move again.”
She got up from his chest and stood to his left while Applejack tried to help him up on his right. “Ready to move? What happened?”
“I’m sore. I’ve never felt this way before so I don’t know what happened. It may have something to do with the portal being destroyed or the fact that I was on the other side and suddenly I’m on this side.”
“Ok so when would you like to go to my place?”
“Come back in about.” I looked at the sky for the time. “Maybe four or five hours and help me get up then. I think I’ll stay here a little longer.”
“Sure…OH WAIT! Applejack what day is it?”
“Uhh Sunday?”
“PONYFEATHERS! I’ve got to make it partly cloudy!” She sprinted off towards what I assumed was Cloudsdale.
“Hehehe.” Applejack chuckled. “Well Ah need to manage my stall. Ah’ll keep an eye on yah from there ok? Just wave yer arm in the air or somethin’ if yah need me.”
“Thanks Applejack.” I said gratefully.
“Yer welcome.” She trotted off.
And then began the waiting game.
I laid there motionless. I’m sure every single child in Ponyville came up to me and jumped on my motionless and aching body before an adult shoed them away and said they were sorry for the trouble.
I personally didn’t mind the interruptions. It’s not like I have an endless stream of thoughts in my head to keep me entertained for four hours.
“Howdy.” Said an orange mare that approached me on my left. “Need anything before ah leave partner?”
“A hug and your friendship.” I grinned under my headgear.
She gave a low chuckle. “Good to know yer doin’ well Sugarcube.”
“Actually I’m beginning to feel better. Mind helping me up.”
“Sure thing.”
She went behind my head and helped me lift that before pushing my torso off the ground with my assistance. I was able to sit up and I realized most of the soreness went away but just enough so I don’t feel so stiff. I could feel my wings folded against my back and as she got me to my feet I spread them to feel the direction of the wind so I could glide to higher altitude like a kite.
Applejack gave me an impressed whistle. “Nice wings sugarcube.”
I took off my helmet and wiggled my eyebrows suggestively. “Applejack like?” I teased.
“Hehe, ah don’t go for non-ponies.”
“Such a shame. You’re a pretty mare.”
‘Now I’m hitting on Applejack HOORAH!’
“Better watch yerself Puppet Master er ya’ll gunna be more than just sore when ah’m threw wit’cha.” She gave me a teasing glare.
“I like mares with a bite.” I teased.
“Ah like to bit off the head of the foolish stallion who thinks they can get wit’ me.”
“Whoa you like biting head?” I said in mock surprise.
“Whoa wait what? Gawh!” She face hoofed. “Ah can’t believe ah fell for that!”
“To be fair you kinda set yourself up for that.”
“Wh-now yer just bein’ plain rude!” She pointed an accusatory hoof at me.
“Sorry I like pointing out flaws and exploiting things. It’s what I do.” I said apologetically...kinda.
“Well don’t let it happen again.” She stormed off to her stall leaving me standing there on my own.
‘Did I somehow potentially ruin my friendship with Applejack?’ I thought to myself. ‘Meh I’ve got to stop being a dick…or at least stop hitting on the ones that don’t like to be hit on. Wait does Applejack count? She didn’t seem to mind at first but then…that. Meh I’ll stop.’
I watched Applejack pack up her stall that was barren of apples.
“Should I?” I said out loud.
‘I sent memories to that filly right? I felt her memories and I could remove them I know that…is it possible that I can rewrite Applejacks memories to fix this conversation? Nah but I can send images of my world. Or a world I’ve created maybe.’
I approached her as she was packing up the stall. She looked at me with a stoic expression like she wasn’t interested.
“What’cha want?” She said absentmindedly.
“To apologies.”
“That so?” She gave me a look and stopped what she was doing to lean up against the stall and continue looking at me with that stoic expression.
“Yes. Sorry about what I said. I started flirten with you as a bit of a joke; though that wasn’t a problem you gave me the impression that you don’t mind innuendos so I decided to make one. Didn’t think you’d react like this because of it. If I offended you in any way I’m sorry.” I said sincerely.
She eyed me for a moment trying to detect any hint of a lie on my exposed face. After a few seconds of watching me closely she finally spoke.
“Well all right Ah forgive yah. Just don’t let it happen again ok?” She said with a small smile finding its way on her face. She turned back and started to fold up the roof of the stall.
‘I must have just saved my relationship with Applejack. Though if I know girls she’s going to be cautious about trusting me in the future. Well at least until I earn it back. Not that bad when you think about it. Just some work needs to be put into gaining her trust. But not too much to make it look like I’m actively trying to gain it.’
I took a moment to watch her pack up the stall.
“Need help?” I asked.
“Nah ah got it sugarcube.” She threw a smile my way.
‘Well at least she’s using sugarcube again.”
I looked around for something to do.
‘Where’s Rainbow when you need her?’
I noticed she had the harness hooked up to her and was ready to pull it with her.
“Hey do you know where Rainbow is at the moment?” She gave off the feeling of annoyance but didn’t show it.
“Should be tenden the clouds.”
‘Dammit I’m sounding desperate to reconcile when I don’t want to reconcile.’
“Thanks though that doesn’t tell me where she is at all. I’ll get out of your mane.”
I thumped my wings and launched myself fifty feet into the air with one stroke. Once I was at my desired height I took a look around the skies and at the clouds. I spotted a few pegasi on the horizon and I believed they could guide me to Rainbow Dash.
Pumping my wings I was able to get to them only to find none other than Cloud Kicker and Thunderlane positioning clouds above a small backyard garden of what I assume to be a flower shop. Hovering only a few feet from them they both spot me and Cloud Kicker gives me that awed but longing look she got when we first met. Though I got to see it again because we met again.
“Sup. You guys don’t happen to know where Rainbow Dash is do you?”
They both held a befuddled face before Thunderlane responded…and quite defensively as well.
“What the hay do you want with Rainbow huh?” He said giving me a judgmental look.
“What? She’s like the only one I know around here.”
“Oh umm I can take you to her.” Said Cloud Kicker a little too enthusiastically.
“No I don’t want to waste your time.”
“I wouldn’t mind at all!” She said enthusiastically.
“I however would. The way you look at me is quite lustful and slightly unnerving.” She blushes deeply.
Thunderlane looks at her with a knowing look and then bursts into laughter. “BAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh man Cloud Kicker! HAHAHAHAHA!”
She glares at him and looks back to me. “She’s that way.” She deadpans and points a hoof north of Ponyville.
“Thank you. And sorry for the humiliation love.”
I beat hard to leave in the proper direction.
“Love?” said Thunderlane quizzically once I was distanced from the two.
Far from the proud city of Cloudsdale, a black tower was visible from every corner of Cloudsdale if it you could see west.
In the pegasi corps Barricade has assembled a team to investigate said tower and discover its inhabitance.
“Stallions! We’ve been assigned to investigate the anomaly that we dub ‘The Tower of Darkness’. We will fly out and investigate this anomaly and report back to the princesses with our findings. No one touches anything while there understood?”
“Yes ma’am!”
“All right! FORMATION!”
She took into the air and the both squads of ten followed her in a V formation. One squad on each side. They flew above the bustling city of Cloudsdale that was now aware of the strange anomaly as it quite literally sprung up in the night when no pony was awake to witness it appear.
She gave no mind to the ponies who roamed around and asked about the tower, nor did she pay any mind to the ones who were looking over the side, she was so concentrated on her objective she even missed the ponies who watched them begin to descend towards the tower in the distance. It was by no means only below Cloudsdale, no.
What made this tower an anomaly is that it rose higher than Canterlot even though its base was equivalent to the bottom of the Canterlot’s mountain.
They got closer to the tower and noticed some ghastly creatures with pincers and many eyes were floating lazily around the tower. What shocked them the most was the fact that these monsters had no wings.
“Keep your guard up!” Shouted Barricade to her twenty man squad. Each had a spear and Barricade had a longsword for her choice of weapons.
They kept in formation and lowered towards the entrance. Upon reaching it they realized the architecture of said black tower was similar to the architecture in Cloudsdale. Only way more menacing than the beautiful and proud aura of Cloudsdale’s cloud work.
“I don’t like the look of this place.” Said a guard near the back.
“No kidding.” Said another one.
“Shut up and keep alert!” Shouted Barricade.
A group of thirty wingless monsters flew overhead and noticed the group, all eyed turned to them but the creatures made no movement towards the pegasi group. They were all unnerved when they saw even the eyes in the back were watching them as they floated away from view. Those creepy eyes sent shivers down their spines including Barricade’s.
“Let’s move.” She said in a commanding tone.
They went into the abyss of the towers empty torch lit hallways.
Way on the highest point of Canterlot’s mountain a figure stood watching the tower in the distance.
His hollowed armor pulsed with energy while he looked through the slit in his headgear towards the dark tower in silence and contemplation. His wings were tucked to his sides and his stature was proud and strong.
He eyes the tower with interest.
“Come on you bastard.” Said the figure of Celldric. “Why haven’t you spread corruption yet? I saw your tower build itself the other night but…why aren’t you acting normal?” He said to himself.
“Celldric!” Came a voice from down the mountain. “You going to warm up by the fire or contemplate life all day?”
“Neither Hunger. I’m analyzing the activity surrounding wolf’s tower in the west.”
“You can’t see any activity from this distance! I’m sure you wouldn’t see any corruptors or anything from this distance anyway. They’ll be too small.”
“Maybe…but there’s something wrong here.”
Deep in whitetail woods there was yet another anomaly that neither pony nor beast laid eyes on yet. A tree that’s grown wider than nature would allow seemed to have a massive bulge that was ten feet wide and ten feet tall. In the center of said girth from the abnormal tree was an entity that had yet to be born.
A creature known and loved by so many. A Terrarian that’s loyalty was unmatched and who’s presence inspires flowers to simply bloom out of respect.
In the center of this large tree with massive roots splitting through the ground and grown up to the surface that spread miles was the Terrarian who’s powers over nature are unmatched by any other nature spirit.
This entities name was Radiant Garden.
And he was suffering. Like Puppet Master he too fell from the sky. But the force of the impact from the shockwave did more damage to his less protected body and its jungle armor.
He rests in stasis thanks to the jungles loyalty to all those who protect it. And the jungle was making sure no creature with a hungry stomach or a pony with an ignorant mind will approach him.
‘Thank you my friends.’ His mind called out to the trees. ‘I will be sure to water you with mineral rain and grow you to new heights for your kindness.’
Somewhere in a distant land where the griffon tribes roam free was a crater. In this crater…nothing. Nothing but the small sound of breathing and the invisible aching body of Shadow Master.
He landed in a forest far from any griffon settlement. But he was just as bad as Radiant Garden. Maybe even worse than Radiant Garden because he had no trees to help him out.
And so he waited for darkness to take him in this natural world.
(Sorry for slow updates. I've been thinking a lot about the story and how to do this particular chapter. I think I got it down so expect updates more often.)
(edited by ultra1437)
Barricade and her squad moved through the labyrinth with a great amount of difficulty. Not only were there thousands of rooms, but most of them seemed to be for storage, and so symmetrical that it was obvious that at least twenty of these floors were storage, but it was protocol to search every room.
They were stalked by a single floating monstrosity, for at least ten minutes before five more took its place, and eyes were on them at all times. They found that there was a spiral staircase in the center of the cylindrical tower, and they moved up it quickly once they found it. They eventually stopped at the very top of the staircase just before they noticed one crucial aspect of the staircase itself.
There was skylight in the ceiling of the staircase’s highest roof. Which basically was the top of the tower.
“You mean we could have flown in through there?” Questioned Barricade bitterly.
She continued up the staircase, and came face to face with two double doors made of Ebony. She paid no mind to her guards huffing and puffing, who were basically ordered to go up the stairs by hoof rather than fly.
Barricade likes to keep her soldiers fit and on their toes, and she rarely finds a staircase this high. Every day is a training day, in her mind.
“Formation. We’re going though this door.” The guards snapped out of their tired stupor, and got in a line formation with Barricade in the lead. She could still hear their tired breathing, now directed through their nostrils rather than their mouths.
She single-hoofedly pushed open the heavy double doors, and walked inside the now exposed room. To their surprise, white flame torches decorated the walls and six stone pillars were placed symmetrically near the center of the room, but they only outlined the red carpet that led up to the golden throne by three meters. The six pillars had blue banners facing the red carpet, and added an official touch to the room. The throne itself had two yellow banners on each side in a symmetrical fashion, like every other room in the castle.
But what caught all the guards attention was the dark figure sitting on the golden throne.
“You there!” Shouted Barricade. “State your reason for constructing this tower in the lands of Equestria!” She then narrowed her eyes and gave him her trademark stare. “And it better be good.”
Astonished, Barricade and her company realized the bipedal creature didn’t even blink as a reaction to the stare. It’s aggressive, yet laid back demeanor said it was no ruler at all. It’s right hand was balled in a fist and his head was resting on it. His left leg was draped over the left arm of the chair itself.
“…State my business?” he finally said. “My business is my own, and has nothing to do with Equestria. I await my lord to come to me and give me his first commands. I have constructed a castle in his honor, but in a theme which suits me. It will be changed according to how he sees fit when he arrives. When that will be, I wouldn’t know.”
“You must move this castle! It terrifies the ponies of Equestria, and we will not stand for it!”
“Then it’s the appearance of the castle that has you worried. As I stated earlier the castle will remain. When my lord comes it will likely change to something more friendly. It only currently holds its image of evil because of my influence. This will not change, no matter what you do. Unless you find my lord, that is.”
“Why don’t you move it again, like you did to get it here.” She said still glaring at him.
His demeanor never changed, and his bored expression still remained. “Because I built it overnight. And I cannot simply move it. It's a castle.”
“You can’t build a castle in lands already owned by another kingdom! Dismantle your castle, and move it elsewhere!” Demanded Barricade.
“And what if I don’t?”
“Guards…ready for battle.” Each guard lowered their spear towards Dark Wolf.
He saw this and lifted his head off his fist. He got up and walked between the first pair of pillars closest to the throne. He took out six short silver sticks, and floated them on his sides.
*DGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ*
The red beams that came out of those sticks made everypony, including Barricade flinch from surprise. Their eyes widened when his threatening demeanor sent a tremor of fear down their spines. Then came the most unexpected turn of events that left them speechless.
He put his swords away, and turned around and sat back on the throne in his previous position.
“You ponies are violent and rude. I’d rather avoid confrontation while here.” They all sat in silence.
“…Stronghold.” Barricade says, with her commanding tone.
“Yes ma’am?” Said a pegasus beside her, as he salutes.
Barricade wrote down a letter on a small parchment. “Take this to Celestia.” She handed it to the Pegasus guard, he saluted and flew off.
Barricade eyed the dark figure, who still remained motionless in his laid back demeanor, on the throne.
“Return to base.” Barricade calmly ordered.
They all removed themselves from the throne room.
Dark Wolf sat on the golden throne and watched each pony leave. However the leader looked back at him while the rest of the platoon headed out the skylight. They eyed each other for a moment.
Wolf waved his left hand at her, without changing his facial expression. She eyed him suspiciously for a moment before smirking, and flying after her troops.
“Well that was odd.” Said Dark Wolf. He used his powers to close the double doors that the platoon so rudely left open.
I approached the multicolored mare as she positioned a bunch of clouds -very quickly I might add- above Ponyville’s park.
“Yo, Rainbow!” I announced. She looked in my direction and raised an eyebrow in confusion, before she smiled at me.
“Hey, you’re ok! Still sore or you good?”
I reached her and sat on the cloud she was moving, and she gave me a look. “I’m still sore, but I can move at least. Man, I wonder if the others made it. You know I had friends with me, right?”
“Oh, how many? I saw at least four of them.”
“You did? Well, that’s nice…hey, why did you go through the portal into my world? Also, how did you get past that army of corrupted?”
“The army was easy. I flew over it.” She said proudly, and I nodded my approval. Then she demoralized herself instantly. “But then…When I was flying back to the battle to help my friends…something in my head told me I should go to the Everfree. Once I got there I found a portal and flew through it.”
“Something in your head?” I questioned.
“Yeah, something told me I was needed there. I don’t know what.”
I thought for a moment. “Hey Rainbow, when do you think you’ll be done?”
“In ten seconds flat!” She zipped off and quickly positioned the clouds, while I got off the one I was sitting on. I counted the seconds.
“How was that?” She said smiling confidently.
“Just terrible! 10.2 seconds! I expect better from you Dash!” I said teasingly.
“Yeah, well let’s see you do better!” She challenged.
“Yeah, but first let’s head home. Or your home. Oh actually I need to find a job, if I’m going to bunk with you, unless I don’t eat and all I do is sit around, and like…not breathe or something.”
“Umm, can you move clouds?” She asked.
“Yeah, I think I can do that. I mean you saw me sit on one so I only assume I can.”
“Ok, tomorrow we’ll go to Cloudsdale’s Weather Factory and…oh wait, we haven’t introduced you to the town!” She said with realization dawning on her face.
“It’s ok. Just need to let Twilight Sparkle get a good look at me, and Celestia will show up. Then like before word will get out, while I stroll around Ponyville and meet new ponies who will come to love and accept me!”
“…Ooooookey?”
“Well, that’s basically what happened with wolfGear.”
“Yeah, but there was a lot of on and off activity with him. Celestia had to calm everypony down with a speech she gave in Canterlot.”
“Wait, she gave a speech for me?”
“Eyup. And she got the newspapers to print articles about who and what you are, so nopony will be startled when they saw you.”
“Wow, that’s…thoughtful.”
“I know right. Celestia is awesome!”
“Not as awesome as me right?”
She put a hoof up to her chin, and stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth. ‘Oh god, she’s actually thinking about it!’
“Well.” She finally said. “You’re pretty cool too and you did help us out, even though you didn’t need to. So I guess you two are on the same level of awesome. Also, I don’t think Celestia can explode in a ball of fire like you can.”
“True, true. She might get burnt, but she does have the power over the sun.”
“Yeah, but you’re so laid back about basically everything! I have yet to see you mad or upset! And from the moment I met you, I don’t think I had doubts about your character. Seeing you for the first time was weird, but hey I quickly grew out of that and you totally stared down Barricade! I don’t even think Celestia would be able to do that!”
“Thanks Dash. I think you’re pretty cool too. If your personality doesn’t scream it, then your awesome mane totally does.”
“Hey thanks! Though Rarity keeps trying to get me to brush it.” She said rolling her eyes.
“Meh, I don’t need you to brush your mane to make yourself look cool. Maybe sunglasses and a baseball hat backwards. Then you’d look pimp!”
“Hehehe I have those too! I’m so going to do that from now on!”
“Yeah but now that the game plan has been laid out for me. I’m going to pay Twilight a visit. Well, actually, can you take me to your place so I know where it is?”
“Sure follow me.” She said waving her hoof towards her and flying off.
‘I have a feeling me and Rainbow are going to be the bestest of friends.’ I thought to myself.
Celestia sat at her throne, deep in thought about the ominous black tower to the west. She built Canterlot to be a wonder of the world, a city so high only a feat of engineering and magic could keep it on the mountain to overlook the world. But here was this black tower, not only taller than Canterlot, but even taller than the mountain Canterlot rested on! It was built like the highest mountain, and possibly had more room than Canterlot’s castle and town combined.
Canterlot was also in a strategic place on the map, so it could look over all of Equestria. However, now that this tower can also look over Canterlot, she was worried that whoever owned it also had a strategic advantage. Only its 360-degree view of Equestria was not obscured by a mountain.
She was brought out of her trance, when her double doors of her throne room were pushed open by an exhausted pegasus guard.
“Princess! Message from Barricade!” He said while pulling out a small scroll, Celestia used her magic to grab the scroll.
“Thank you, you may return to Cloudsdale.” She said, reading the message.
“Yes, your majesty.” He saluted and left.
Celestia read the note that was given to her.
‘My majesty Celestia,
I did what you’ve asked of me and scouted the castle. Yes it’s a castle, and there appears to be a lord, but he’s away. Currently this tower is dormant for the time being, while the keeper is in control and awaits his lord. We tried to convince him to remove the tower, to no avail and he awaits his lord. He also has shown restraint to pessimism and aggression, so I believe that he will not be a threat to Equestria, so long as he’s in power.
Your captain, Barricade.’
Celestia looked up from the scroll for a moment, and looks across her hall. It was empty, and without anypony bothering her or trying to get her attention.
“Guard. Prepare my chariot.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“What?”
“That’s your house? It’s a freaking mansion!” I said staring at Rainbow’s cloud home.
The home itself was a full three stories with a rainbow waterfall coming out of it. I knew what it looked like already, but seeing it in real life makes it only that much surreal.
“Well yeah, I always wanted a big house. I make sure I have a lot of room for anything I want to add.” She said smiling sheepishly, then flying over to the front door almost anxiously.
‘That’s a lot of room for one Pegasus. Could it be that she’s saving it for someone? You know Rainbow does try to be tough, so maybe she’s trying to make an excuse to make this ‘family’ sized.’
I joined her at the front door, and she opened her cloud home for me and we walked inside. I had to duck under the door a little, but all in all, it wasn’t bad. However, once I saw the inside, I totally dropped the idea that she wanted a family.
All across the walls were trophies and weather achievements that mostly consisted of feats like a single pony tornado, or something along those lines.
But the most stand out feature, was the high ceiling. As if it was made to fit something tall or something that likes to fly a lot. I also noticed a dog house with the word 'Tank' engraved on the side.
‘I take it back. This place is a museum of Rainbow Dash. But it still has enough size to fit a fucking day care.’
“Well Rainbow you’ve impressed me with the first room.”
“Thanks, I try to keep it cool.” She said doing a flip and landing on her back on the couch in the center of the room.
‘You know, this gets me thinking. Does Rainbow Dash want a family?’
“Hey Rainbow Dash can I ask you a personal question?”
She eyed me suspiciously. “Depends. What are you asking?”
I walked over to the couch and sat next to her. “Do you want a family?”
“Hey, I’m Rainbow Dash! I fly solo.” She said, sounding sure of herself.
“No no, I know that. But give it a few years, do you think you would want foals of your own?”
She looked at me with a blank expression. “A-are you suggesting that we-?”
“No, I’m just wondering. I know you’re all athlete and solo, but do you ever want kids?”
“Why do you want to know?” She said tensing up a bit and standing up, while giving me an offended glare.
“I want to know you better. Hell you’re the only one in this world that remembers me at the moment. Besides I’d like to know who I’m bunking with. You never know what I’m able to do for you in payment for letting me stay here.”
She visibly calms down, but gives me a look of confusion rather than hostility.
“Well why? I’m letting you stay, and yeah it’s ok for you to ask more about me… but why those questions?”
“Because I know what your personality is, and I basically know a lot about you already. Hey, these trophies even show me you’re competitive. But I want to know more about what you really want. Even I want to settle down one day, and have a family to go home to with my own kids to raise and play with.”
She looks at me for a moment, and sighs in defeat. “Ok ok…I admit, when I first saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s foals, I wondered what it would be like to be a mother. The idea excited me and- wait, you’re not going to tell anypony right?”
“Whatever you tell me in this house will remain in this house. Even if your friends ask for me to give them this information, I’ll come to you ok? I will not betray your trust.”
“Good. Where was I? Oh yeah, umm the idea of having foal excited me a little bit. But it kinda…scared me that I thought that way. I can’t see myself as a mother, can you?”
I thought about it. “…Yeah. I can see you being a great mother.” I said with a reassuring smile.
She looked at me blankly for a moment. “Are you serious? What makes me a good mother?” She said accusingly and somewhat angrily.
“Rainbow. Look into my eyes.” She did. “Now look around you.” She complied. “See all those awards? All these achievements that you’ve poured your heart and soul into doing?” She didn’t respond and she just slowly scanned the trophies, reminiscing about how she got each. “Now look at your peers. Look at Scootaloo, and how she looks up to you.” I let it sink in. “Now look at your resources. If there’s something about motherhood you don’t understand, Pinkie Pie is your best bet on helping you overcome it.” She looked back at me.
“Yeah, I do have Pinkie to help me.” She said smiling.
“And not only that, but all your friends will help you out. Applejack had to take care of Applebloom when she was younger, so she could help you out as well. Then there’s Twilight. She may not look it, but she’s been a caretaker since she was a filly.”
“How?”
“She raised Spike.”
She hopped into the air and hovered above the couch. “Oh yeah! Hey, you’re right! I have a lot of friends that will have my back, when the time comes…” She looked at me with a determined expression, and then it sunk into a neutral one. She slowly lowered herself back down to the couch, never taking her eyes off of me.
“Why are you getting me ready for this? Do…you like me?”
“No, I don’t. Though at the rate we’re going. Maybe soon we will.”
“Well I don’t go for non-ponies.” She said with her eyelids half closed. Not in a seductive way, but in a disappointed or annoyed way.
“Weird, that’s exactly what Applejack said.” I said with a sly grin.
“Yeah whatever…wait hold on! Were you hitting on Applejack?” She said with surprise.
“Eyup. She complimented my wings, and I was all like ‘does Applejack like what she sees?’”
“BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Dude that’s awesome. How’d she take it?”
“She wasn’t into me, but we went on like that for a bit, but then I kinda made her mad. I apologized don’t worry.”
She still had a giddy expression. “What’d you say to make her mad?” She was still smiling.
“She said she’ll bite off the head of the foolish stallion who wants to get with her, and I said ‘Whoa you like biting head?’”
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHA!”
I literally waited two whole minutes for Rainbow to stop her uncontrollable laughter.
“T-hahaha-that-ha-was awesome! Hah.” She got her breath finally, after I thought she was going to pass out from lack of air.
“Yeah it was. I had to apologize to her to stop her from stomping off in anger, and getting a mob of Apple Family rage to come after me.”
“You are not good with mares.” She commented sincerely.
“Hey, that’s because we haven’t had a heart to heart. You know, like we did just now.”
“Yeah…hey I noticed. I’ve never seen a girl from your race. Do they not exist or what?”
“Well, none came with me when I got here. It seems I’m going to have to marry a pony.”
“Well, better get used to being around us, then. And I hope you find the right mare.” She said reassuringly.
“Thanks Rainbow. Oh hey, I remember seeing this somewhere. You don’t like it when ponies touch your hooves. Why is that?”
She looked EXTREMELY nervous at this moment, and she started to flare her wings to bolt.
“Oh well umm. You see-” I grabbed her. “H-HEY, GET OFF!”
I pinned her onto the couch, while she groaned and tried to break free.
“Ok. Let’s see why you don’t like your hooves touched.”
“W-what? NOOOOOOO!”
‘She’s probably ticklish.’
I slowly rubbed my finger in between the nail of her hoof where the soft palm like patch of skin was located under the hoof.
“NO-HAHAH-STOP I’M TICKLISH! HEAHAHAHAHHAHAAHA.”
I internally d’awed when she tried to suppress her laughter into a giggle, which gave her +10 to cuteness. All ponies had about 40 cute points, and fillies like the CMC’s were +30 to their base score.
I stopped tickling her and started massaging her hooves, so she wouldn’t run once stopped holding her down. I ran my hands up and down her body to relax her and once she had the chance to run she didn’t take it. She stayed and moaned in pleasure, as I massaged her joints in her wings.
“Oh yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaa.”
‘I would probably have a raging boner right now if she were human. But in all seriousness, I think I’ll choose Rainbow Dash as my future kawaii waifu. All I need is to find enough common ground between us for me to fall in love, and for her to do the same.’
“You know...” Said Rainbow Dash with closed eyes who was enjoying my massaging. “You really know how to treat a mare.”
“Was that your attempt at flirting?”
“Nah it was a compliment. I’m jealous of whoever will get you as a husband.”
“I’m glad you think that way.” I said with a sly smile.
“How so?”
“Because now I know I can make a mare happy.”
“Oh ok…Hey Pup?”
“Yes Rainbow?” I questioned, moving to her flanks. Once I got there, I noticed quite some reddening of her cheeks.
“Don’t move out. I’ve always wanted a roommate.”
I stopped and thought for a while, which caused Rainbow to lift her head and look at me. “All right Rainbow.” I resumed my massaging of her hind legs. “I’ll stay for as long as I can.”
“Thanks.” She said putting her head down and her cheeks turned less red from moving away from her flanks.
Yeah. Rainbow and I are going to hit it off some day. And when our family talk will be a little less hypothetical.
I got up from the couch and Rainbow watched me with interest. I headed toward the front door before she cut me off with her words.
“Where’re you going?”
I pushed open the door, and looked back at her. “Twilight’s. She needs to send a letter to Celestia so all of Equestria knows what I am. Hopefully it goes even better than last time.”
“Oh ok but don’t hit on Twilight! She’s offended easily.”
“I’ll remember that.” I walked out the door and was greeted by the midday sun’s glare. I was about to put my helmet back on, until I realized I would make a better impression if they could see my face.
I looked across the horizon at the quiet town of Ponyville. I quickly reflected on the possibilities that could accompany this town.
I wonder what it would be like to own land in Equestria? Like have my own utopian civilization that all Equestria will flock to… that would be fun. Hey I can play this world like I play Civilizations V! DESTROY EVERYTHING MWAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA; or be diplomatic…Yea I don’t exactly want to kill Celestia… imprison maybe, but nah. I like her too much.
I looked back over the town after shaking my thoughts. I took to the sky and began flying over Ponyville. Five minutes later, I got to the town square where many of the ponies watched me as I flew over.
Better make sure as many ponies see me as I can. Know what scratch that I should meet Twilight first rather than the whole town.
I directed myself towards the largest tree in Ponyville. After a while of being here, you sort of figure out where everything is. To find Twilight’s place, all you need to do is find the big tree in the center of town. Even though Ponyville has more trees in the town itself there are not trees that are actually big enough to be a house, other than the library.
Finding said library was easy, once I went high enough. I personally wasn’t entirely familiar with the whole layout of Ponyville yet, but it’s not hard to find something when you’ve got wings and all the time in the world, right?
I slowly descended as the tree itself got larger and larger as I approached it. It took me a minute of heavy wing-beats to get to the tree library that the resident Canterlot unicorn stayed. As I landed in front of the library door, I pushed it open with one hand.
Surprisingly, it flung open as a single door rather than the double door I’m so used to seeing. Maybe magic was involved but I was too busy to care.
No, the most important aspect of this scene was how familiar it was.
“I assure you Applejack, whatever Rainbow got you to believe, it’s probably just some prank.” said Twilight, trying to reason logically.
“Ah know what ah saw!” retorted Applejack.
“Ahem.” They both looked at me. “Well, this just reminds me of when we all first met.” I said, strolling into the establishment and sitting on the couch in front of them. “Applejack came in worried about some tall, bipedal creature that was seen strolling around town. Oh wait, no you came in because Apple Bloom saw me and you wanted her to check it out, or at least I think you did. Anyway long story short, you two are doing the exact same thing you did before, when I first showed up.”
Twilight’s jaw had not managed to lift itself off the ground. It fell the moment she saw me.
“Uh Twi? Believe me now?” she questioned, giving Twilight a sideways glance.
“…Uh huh.” she squeaked.
I watched Twilight’s dumbfounded look for a moment. “Applejack, will you be so kind as to lift Twilight’s jaw off the ground?”
She responded with a low chuckle, and began the tedious process of putting Twilight’s jaw back where it belonged. Once it was back Twilight began to regain her control over her vocal cords.
“H-wha-wh-what are you?” Twilight stammered to ask.
“Can’t you see I’m a pony?” I teased. Applejack gave me a glare. “Ok, sorry, I’m a Terrarian. My name is Puppet Master.”
“P-P-P-Puppet Master?” she stuttered.
“H-how do you know my name?” she asked, still in shock, but managing to regain her logic.
“Like Rainbow told you. I knew you before now. We saved Equestria together, until…well never mind. Let’s just say Equestria was all right while I went and died in a corrupt world ruled by a warlord.”
“Wait, what?” she asked, fully coming to terms with my existence.
“Oh good! You’re awake!” I stated, referencing Twilight’s state of mind.
“Umm, I don’t understand?” she questioned, confused.
“Hey uh Puppet?” Applejack asked.
“Yes AJ?” I responded.
“Did yah find Rainbow?” she questioned with a suspicious glance.
“Yes, why?”
“Cuz, ah find it awful suspicious that yah showed up no less than a minute after I did.”
“What’s that mean?” I retorted not liking her tone.
“You were followin’ me!”
“No.” I said bluntly.
“Ah think yah were.”
“You can ask Rainbow to see where I’ve been, if you really want. But right now I think contacting Celestia would be in my best interest. Twilight, do you know where Spike is?”
“He’s upstairs. SPIKE!”
“Yeah?” came a muffled voice.
“COME DOWN HERE I NEED TO SEND A LETTER!”
“Sure be right there!” came the muffled voice again.
“Ah got my eye on you.” stated Applejack with some hostility, just before she stomped out the door.
I watched her go until the door slammed. I looked back at a perplexed Twilight and an awed baby dragon.
“What was that about?” asked Twilight.
“Well we may have gotten off to a bad start this morning. It was goin’ good, until I said something that offended her. It wasn’t too bad, and I did apologize for the words. It should blow over eventually. If I know Applejack she won’t let it get the best of her.”
“That’s the thing… How do you know all of us?”
“How don’t you know me? We quite literally saved Ponyville from a corrupt invasion. Hopefully I was able to get Dark Wolf on our side before the shockwave hit. Know what, that is what happened. I destroyed a portal that allowed me passage to Equestria to keep the Corruption from spreading to the Everfree. That’s what did it.”
“You’re going to need to be more specific, when you say Corruption.” she said with a hoof on her chin in thought. Spike had yet to come out of his stupor.
“Spike!” I shouted and made the dragon jump. “Can I see that parchment and quill?”
“S-sure.” he took a few tentative steps forward, causing a pitter patter on the ground when he picked up the pace. He handed me the scroll and quill.
“Thank you.” I began scribbling down a message for the Princess, and once finished, I handed it to Spike. “Here’s a list of my demands.”
“Y-your what?” he asked worriedly.
“Just kidding tiger.” I stated, roughly rubbing his head.
“Oh, ok.” he sighed with relief, and he blew green flames on the parchment and it burnt up and away.
“Thank you. Now I must head back to my temporary home. Any questions have to wait.”
“Aww.” said Twilight, putting away the quill and scroll she already levitated over to her. “Ok, well, stop by again. I still want to know more about his Corruption stuff.”
“You will learn the horrors that accompany the Corruption, I assure you.”
“H-horrors?” she stammered.
I got up and walked over to the door. Before I could reach it, it was magically locked by a purple aura.
“Twilight. Why won’t you let me leave.” I said turning around to look at her determined, yet accusatory gaze.
“What is the Corruption?” she commanded.
“A force that spreads across the land and enslaves creatures by touching them. It’s a kind of grass and once it’s planted it mutates life around it to be similar or the same as itself. A friend of mine found a way to contain and control it. He was corrupted somehow, and he posed a threat to Equestria. I’ll go into detail tomorrow ok?”
“All right, that’s somewhat what I wanted.” Twilight stated, still not quite happy with the answer she got.
The aura around her horn disappeared and I turned to see the same happened to the door.
“Oh, Twilight?” I questioned, getting her attention as I opened the door.
“Hmm?”
“Never block my path again, or I’ll burn down your door.”
“I don’t believe you can conjure fire.” she said in a know-it-all tone.
I cast a ball of fire in my hand. It was a green cursed flame. The power came from my Cursed Flame tome, that I always carried with me. She looked at it in surprise, and I gave her a reassuring smile before I left the library.
Once I was outside, I flew high in the air and looked over Ponyville, giving it a good look over. Then I looked in the direction of Rainbow’s place and paused at the sight. Not the house itself, but what was beyond the house. In the distance I saw a massive black tower, much like the one in Terraria, where I faced wolf.
“Well I guess I’m not alone then.” I already knew he was on my side. He swore allegiance to me when I purified him.
Hopefully he didn’t forget that, and isn’t trying to create another army of corrupted.
I flew in the direction of the Tower, curious as to what I may find.
Celestia sat on her chariot, pondering the events that might possibly transpire during the next three hours. There is a possibility that the monstrous creatures will attack her on sight, or leave her be. She also wondered how she would introduce herself. Being friendly seemed the best course of action, considering he showed restraint to Barricade's jabs and he also was willing to resolve the issue peacefully.
Just then she heard the familiar sound of a scroll popping into existence in front of her. Before the wind took it and brought it into her face she grabbed it with her magic and opened it.
Dear Celestia,
My name is Puppet Master, I am a Terrarian, I have made my residence at the home of Miss Rainbow Dash, where she allowed me to stay. When you get this please see me as soon as possible. I’m sorry if you find my summons offensive, or inappropriate to your title, but I am not a pony and I can assure you, I’m no subject of yours.
With love and respect, Puppet Master, High King of Terraria
“After this matter, I’ll deal with whoever this is.” Celestia said to herself.
She brought her attention back to her escort, and the tower in the distance. The escort itself consisted of pegasi for the purpose of faster traveling.
“We’re almost there, Princess.” stated the lead in front of the group.
“Thank you, Captain.”
They got into a position above the tower, and hovered above it. Celestia hopped off, and began her descent into the skylight. She landed on a platform at the top of the stairwell that spiraled down to the depths of the black ominous tower. She stared at the large double doors that were twice her size, and quickly reflected on how big the bipedal creature must be.
With her magic, she pushed open the doors and entered with a six guard escort.
“What brings you here?” Said a very serious voice that seemed to be uninterested.
She quickly located its source, and found the bipedal creature Barricade mentioned, and noted his terrifying look. It’s outfit was probably why Barricade was so quick to threaten, not only was he scary but he was also nonchalant about her appearance, as if it didn’t interest him. Over all he had a very threatening aura.
Celestia knew to dismiss this, as his character as he showed a great deal of restraint toward Barricade.
“Hello, my name is Princess Celestia. I am one of the Rulers of the lands you’ve settled in. First I would like to welcome you to our world.”
“Thank you. You’re the first to show me kindness in this world.” He said nonchalantly, but his words seemed genuine.
“Are my ponies not kind to you?" she asked tenderly.
“You mean the ones you sent to rough me up? Then yes, they are quite a cruel and unwanted race. I would gladly see you all destroyed, if it weren’t for my service to my master.”
His words unnerved Celestia. He looked and acted like a monster, but his loyalty to another being keeps him at bay. Hopefully this other being is more kind than him.
“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Celestia felt the uneasiness of her guards surrounding her as she asked, “May I ask what manner of creatures are patrolling your castle?”
“This is not my castle. But to answer your question, the creatures that are patrolling are corrupted life forms that owe their allegiance to me. And I owe mine to my master. So long as I have no freedom to use them as I please, then I will use them to serve my lord.”
Lord Lord Lord Lord, who is this Lord?
“May I ask who your lord is?”
“Will you help me find him if I tell you?”
“If I know where he is, I’ll send him a message to come to you.”
“His name is Puppet Master.”
Wait that sounds familiar…oh…he’s in Ponyville with my student. He must be nice though since he seemed a little respectful in his letter. He didn’t address me as princess though, so maybe he didn’t know my title or he forgot to mention it. But I know where he is.
“I happen to know where Puppet Master is.” Celestia stated rather confidently.
“How can you be so sure?”
She took out the letter and floated it in front of Dark Wolf. He took it in his free left hand, while his other was still holding up his head. He magically opened up the scroll and held it open in front of his face with an unseen force while his right hand came to rest on his left knee.
“Ah this is sufficient proof. This is obviously his handwriting and a personal summon for some conversation. It appears Puppet Master already trusts you, desires to respect you, and for you to respect him in return. Hmm. All right, if my lord wishes to trust you, then I will hear you out and do what is in my ability to assist you. Might I ask why you are here?”
“I would like you to move or change the design of the castle.”
“I can change the design of the castle, but I cannot remove it or move it. But the design change of this castle goes to the authority of my lord. If you want to see it any different then you’ll have to speak to him. Anything else?”
“What’s your name?”
“Currently Dark Wolf. However, Puppet Master is known for renaming his creations, so that may change. Lord only knows he’s renamed every other creation, other than Shadow Master.”
“Shadow Master?” asked Celestia, with a small tilt of her head that was almost imperceptible.
“He’s an assassin and ultimate spy. He can turn invisible to sneak by defenses to steal vital information. He’s also an excellent pawn, if I may add. I used to use his services before I was… tamed… by his lordship.”
Celestia had another internal shudder. These creatures seemed to be more and more violent the more she got to know them.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what did you do that required his services?”
“Before Puppet Master freed me from the corrupt state I was in… I tried to take over the world. I was always his thane, but I was also under the influence of an evil force that day. I would never try to seize a world on my own, unless corrupted or at least had enough forces to do so. In the end Puppet Master himself fought his way into my castle, past the billions of floating Soul Eaters to purify me.”
“Soul Eaters?” inquired Celestia.
“The floating brown creatures with many eyes you’ve no doubt seen on your way in here.”
“Oh…he took on billions? They look so, so…”
“Bred to kill? Basically that’s what the corruption does to you. I used to control the Corruption before it corrupted me. Now that control is firmly back in my hands where it belongs. Not only that, but the Corruption itself is contained in a hidden room within this castle. I will never let it go unless Puppet Master asks me to.”
“I hope it never escapes then.” Celestia paused for a moment. “What do you mean contained? And why are you talking about Corruption as if it is physical object?”
“Because it is. The Corruption I’m thinking of is a type of mutated life form that once turned it can create other life forms to spread itself farther across the globe. Once it grabs hold of a creature, that creature has no more free will. And all of that creature's power then becomes part of the Corruption's power.”
“That’s… a terrifying thought, to be honest.”
“It should be.” came a voice from behind Celestia and her guards. Her escort spun around and pointed their spears at the open doors. “Hello there.” simply stated a white suit of armor that was pulsating with energy. It also was in the same shape of Dark Wolf, and seemed to have Pegasus wings rather than bat wings like the darker counterpart.
“Who are-? Oh are you Puppet Master?” implied Celestia, towards the unknown entity.
“Why, yes I am. I see you found my creation. Now if you excuse me.” he walked forward, and Celestia stepped aside. Her guards however didn’t.
“Not a step closer to the princess!” shouted the leader of the escort. He ignored them. “Stop!” he walked right into their spears and they were simply pushed aside from the strength of the armor alone. The guards then stood in awe, as he moved unhindered by their spears and right past them and toward the throne.
Dark Wolf stepped down, and bowed low and on his knees a few feet in front of the throne.
“Dark Wolf. I’ve come to take my castle and rename you.”
“As expected, My Lord.” He responded.
“Your new name is Darkness. It fits you well, and to be honest I found Dark Wolf a little juvenile for what you actually are.”
“Thank you, My Lord. I actually find that name appealing.”
“Do you have a crown for me? I would like to take this castle and start a Civilization.”
“I will forge one, My Lord.”
“Ahem.” Puppet Master looked behind him to see Celestia, standing in all her glory near where he passed by her. Only she took a center stage of the red carpet that led up to the throne. “My name is Princess Celestia.”
“Don’t worry I know who you are. I am Puppet Master, as you could guess. Welcome to my castle. May I ask why you’re here?”
“Well the castle is in my territory, and it is quite ominous. I would hate to ask you to move it.” In reality, Celestia didn’t want to have to move someone so dangerous out of her sight, nor did she want to upset him, since he technically controls a corrupt army. “So instead may you change the way it looks so my ponies won’t have nightmares about this place?”
“Hmm yes I wanted to redo it anyway, so that’s a reasonable demand.”
“Oh it wasn’t a demand, I was only asking.” she stated, trying to correct Puppet Master.
“Oh no, it’s ok. I don’t mind. I don’t like the ominous feeling, anyway.” he simply stated.
“What should it be made of my lord?” asked Darkness, who remained on his knees.
After a moment for thought, Puppet Master replied, “Pearlstone. Pearlstone is a beautiful brick that is white and sparkles in the sunlight. I also want silver chandeliers on the ceiling of my throne room so it would match the brick… hmm, also make me a golden crown and a mine in the basement. But also build a dungeon in the basement that looks very unwelcoming. If ponies are to enrage me, they will feel my wrath. But also remember to add more guest rooms. Hundreds more actually. Also build many halls and markets for this tower.”
“Markets sir?”
“I want this to be the largest castle city in the world. I want ponies to flock to me and feel safe under my care and protection. Of course, if you don’t mind that is, Celestia?” inquired Puppet Master, turning to the regal Goddess of the Sun.
“Hmm a new civilization? Sure I’m fine with it. Oh in your letter, you said you were staying with Rainbow Dash. How did that happen? I know Rainbow is a little less trusting of strange things.”
“Well, we knew each other before hand. You may not remember, but I fought alongside you not too long ago to defend Equestria. Rainbow is the only one who remembers, so I decided to stay with her while you spread the word of my existence to the four corners of the globe.”
“Because you’ve done it before. Now if you excuse me, I have a mare’s house to crash in. Oh I’ll watch your progress from Ponyville, Darkness. I’ll arrive when I see the outside finished, to see if you’ve got the rooms done. Specifically mine and yours, along with the others who may be here.” He started to walk out the door, and took care to walk around Celestia, rather than through her entourage. Then he looked back when he was standing next to Celestia, and said. “Oh and I may not move into the castle right away, because I have a promise to keep.”
“Yes my lord. It will be done.”
Puppet Master went beyond the double doors and looked through the skylight before spreading his wings and taking off back toward Ponyville.
Celestia watched him go and then turned back to Darkness. “Seems unfair that he leaves you to do the building.”
“I’m an engineer at heart. He knows that I’d rather do this task alone, since I like the castle to be perfect.”
“Oh? Well he’s a very insightful lord then.”
“Yes he is. Now if you excuse me.” the floor suddenly gave way and sealed itself up when he fell through it.
“…well that’s one way to make an exit.” stated a guard. Celestia stared at the spot rather impressed of his exit for a few moments.
“Well let’s head back to Canterlot. I have a feeling I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Rainbow Dash sat on her bed face-up deep in thought. Usually she would waste her time practicing for the Wonderbolts, or reading Daring Doo, another pass time was hanging with her friends that she would often do before Daring Doo.
But sitting around on her bed pondering about things was one of the things not expected of Rainbow Dash.
‘Why would he ask that question? Why am I so eager to answer it? Oh man this is weird.’
Rainbow Dash rolled around on her bed, tossing and turning as she tried to get comfortable. She couldn't figure out why he was so eager for that heart to heart…or why she was so eager to participate.
‘Does he love me? No, do I love him? No I don’t, I know I don’t. It doesn’t feel like love when I’m around him. He is cute though…but only like tank kind of cute, he’s not hot or anything! Ugh, this is so weird…’
Rainbow Dash pondered more about the conversation. ‘Rainbow do you want a family?’ She remembered his question, and she couldn’t figure out why she would answer it the way she did.
Looking back on it, she believed she could be a mother, but it’s not the kind of thing she would really think about from time to time. It was more of a forced answer to her.
“UUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHH!” Rainbow groaned loudly.
*SLAM*
“HONEY I’M HOME!” came a familiar voice from downstairs.
“We’re not married!” retorted Rainbow Dash from her room.
“Whatever! Where’s the food?”
“In the kitchen!”
“Sure…Hey come join me!”
“Why?” shouted Rainbow with a raised eyebrow unseen by her guest.
“We’re making dinner!”
“But I’m not hungry yet!”
“Yea well the sun’s going down! So you’ll be hungry later!”
Dash quickly thought about it, and hopped out of bed. She descended her spiral staircase from her room at the topmost part of her cloud home, and went downstairs to the kitchen where she saw Puppet Master without his armor on.
“Whoa dude, I don’t remember seeing you without your armor.”
“Like what you see?” said Puppet Master wiggling his eyebrows.
“Didn’t you already use that line?”
“Yea I di-HEY! How’d you know?”
Rainbow stifled a giggle. “I guessed. Hehehe.”
“Her name was Applejack.” said Puppet Master, looking dreamily at the ceiling, mocking the look of being love struck.
“Hehehe. So what you making?”
“No idea. I’m not much of a chef. Actually I don’t even cook. I can make sandwiches but I’d rather eat the ingredients, than put the sandwich together.”
“Oh man you’re worse than me. I can barely put a sandwich together.” She said with a smile.
“Well…this’ll be an adventure. Let’s get cooking!”
“Are you sure the finished product will be edible?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“WHOA that’s a big word Dash, are you ok?” I said in mock surprise.
“Shut up and get cooking.” She deadpanned.
Shadow Master made his way out of the crater and started to rise to his feet.
“Hey boys look.”
Shadow Master looked up from his crouched position, to see three griffons eyeing him with nets and swords. Each had their own camouflage war paint to blend in with the environment. Judging by their look they could be a hunting party or a scout.
Great another hindrance.
“What is that?” Said the one on the left, with a hammer strapped to his back. He was eyeing Shadow Master up and down.
“I’m not sure, should we capture it?”
“Maybe we can’t eat it. Do you see the exoskeleton? It must be some sort of bug.” said the middle one, voice betraying her as female.
“But it’s face says otherwise.” remarked the one on the left. “Maybe there’s meat underneath.”
The female griffin eyed Shadow Master for a moment. “All right surround it.”
“If I may interject.” said Shadow much to the surprise of the hunting party. “I’m trying to find my way to Equestria, specifically Canterlot. Can you give me directions?”
“Whoa boss, it talks.”
“Yea I know, doofus!” She said glaring at the one on the left, who had given the remark. “So what are you?” She said to Shadow Master.
“What I am is not important. But my name should be feared by those who oppose me. My name is Shadow Master, I am king of the shadows, and master of illusion. Who might you be?”
“Gilda. These two are Markus.” She pointed to the one on her right, and then to the left. “And Terrance.”
“Good to know. Where’s Canterlot. I have to locate my lord.”
They all looked at him with quizzical expressions. “Are you talking about Celestia?” said Markus.
“Bah! That weakling of an Alicorn. Please I can derail her nation within seconds, with a good assassination. No I’m looking for my true lord, named Puppet Master. He can destroy the sun itself with a swing of his sword. And enslave the world with his will alone.”
“Celestia…weak?” said Terrance with a smirk. “Who does this guy think he is?”
“I’m Shadow Master, an assassin for the great lord Puppet Master.”
“But there’s no way you can think Celestia’s weak. I mean, if she didn’t control the sun, I’m sure we’d think she’s weak, but dude, she controls the sun!”
“Yes and my lord is more powerful than her. He can move the heavens if he wanted, but chooses not to. I fear for the freedom of the ponies under Celestia. Obviously she has no right to rule because she inherited the title, rather than earned it. Those ponies are blind.”
“Well good luck.” said an uninterested Gilda. “Canterlot’s that way.” She pointed behind her.
“Thank you, may your hunt be plentiful.”
“Thanks.” said Markus, while the others eyed him suspiciously.
He flew off into the sky with his demon wings.
“That was weird. I pity him if he tries to fight Celestia.”
“Yea? Well I don’t! Come on! We’re still on a hunt. I’ll rather go back to Ponyville than lose the trail.” growled Gilda with a scowl, and began following the tracks they had ignored, because of their encounter with the unknown being.
It was Hunger’s turn to stare at the black tower in confusion. There seems to be too much activity around the tower itself to be dormant.
“Celldric…we need to check it out.” said Hunger after staring for over an hour.
“About time friend. I knew you wouldn’t succumb to inactivity for too long.”
“Let’s fly. It’ll be faster, and we’ll be able to get there before nightfall.”
They both spread their wings, jumped into the air, and flew toward the ominous and active black tower.
“HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!” Puppet Master and Rainbow Dash laughed harder than they’ve ever laughed in ages.
And it was because they put out their fifth fire from cooking so badly.
“OH man! That was awesome! What should we cook next?” laughed Rainbow Dash, getting off the ground and giving Puppet Master an eager smile.
“Hehe, uhhhhh.” Puppet Master browed through the cookbook that was slightly burned from all the fires created by the stove made of clouds. At first he was amazed at how clouds can burn, but his fascination turned to hatred, once he realized the fire had the tendency to spark lightning bolts at the food, it either fried it or zapped him. The second time it happened, Rainbow took over so he wouldn’t get shocked, since her body was made to survive those without much trouble. “OH let’s try smoked carrots. That doesn’t look like it would blow up in our faces.”
“Boooooooring.” Rainbow scoffed. “Something else.”
“Hmmmmmmm…” Puppet Master flipped the page. "Mhmm… no… nope… maybe?... no…. rainbow noodle soup? Says it’s made with real rainbow to make extremely spicy and requires an open flame.” Puppet Master and Rainbow Dash shared a blank look for five seconds before-
“LET’S DO IT!” They shouted in unison.
“I’ll grab another full raincloud, just in case.” said Rainbow Dash taking the old one outside and quickly returning with a new one.
“All right. Safety measures check. Let’s cook something!” Puppet Master said eagerly.
“Wait, we were cooking?” asked Rainbow Dash, legitimately surprised.
They looked at each other before bursting out into laughter.
Puppet Master and Rainbow Dash sat and enjoyed the first meal they cooked together after eight tries. They finally let their stomachs get the best of them and they tried cooking smoked carrots with success.
“Oh man, that was fun.”
“The part where we caused over one hundred bits worth of fire damage, or the part where we put out the fire?”
“The cooking dummy.” teased Rainbow Dash playfully.
“Hey!...I knew that.” said Pup.
“So Pup where’d you go anyway?”
“Oh, it seems Dark Wolf’s new name is Darkness. Not only that, but he built me a castle that he’s renovating right now to fit the needs of a city. It’s actually in the distance, and I’ll show you it tomorrow.”
“Really? The other guys made it?”
“Eyup.”
“So where are they? And what do they do?”
“Darkness is my castle keeper. He protects my castle while I live peacefully in it. He also changes the castle, whenever he wants to or I tell him too. I’m currently getting him to build a city inside the tower.”
“Where’s the tower anyway?”
“Over….there.” He pointed a finger towards the wall.
“Oh that’s useful.” deadpanned Dash.
“I know right? Now you know exactly where the tower is. Actually you can see it from here, just fly high enough, and you can see it some place near Cloudsdale.”
“Oh ok I’ll check it out sometime then.”
“Actually I was thinking we’d go together around lunch or so.”
“I’m off then, so that’ll do.” She yawned loudly. “Oh wow, I’m tired.”
“Night then. I need some time to think about how I’m going to go about the rest of my stay.”
“Bitch made me clean up after her! Fucking messed up.” He joked to himself.
Later that evening, all the lights were off and Puppet Master was in the room alone by himself, and lying on the couch.
‘What should I do? I overheard Darkness say he had biomes of corruption in the castle where he gets his Eater of Soul army. Well at least that’s what I assume he was referring too. But there’s a problem with how big the biome actually is. And how much he can produce at once. He already made a sizable enough army to protect the tower. By tomorrow he may be able to conquer Canterlot if I ask him too.
But then again, Celestia has a big army…I’ve seen and fought alongside it. However they had no chance of surviving without me and my friends helping out. Maybe I shouldn’t think of family just yet…maybe conquest is my best option. Or at least the most fun of course.
I would like my own nation. And if I remember, there was an option of killing the princesses and creating the Rod of Sun and Moon that I remember seeing that was made out of souls of might. However I’m not sure I actually want to do that…maybe just cut off their horns? Yea…I should only worry about this when I’m forced to think of this…
Puppet Master looked around the dark room he occupied at the moment. Surely Rainbow’s generosity shouldn’t be squandered so quickly. It’d be best if he were to conduct these operations in the shadows, and keep the conquest of Equestria a secret objective for later.
‘Even though conquering Equestria would be fun and all, I still want to have an option to get away from it if things go south. Maybe I should find a way to create a body of a pony that I can transfer my mind into…ah who am I kidding that’s impossible…wait…Radiant Garden is my local life expert. What if he can supply me with the means to get this body? Better yet if he can transfer me to that body that’d be great! Now if only I could find him…’
(sorry if chapters are coming in slowly. I'll try to fix at a later date but I've been going to many appointments through out the past few weeks. Hopefully now that most are out of the way I can type and update faster. Also my back and fourth with my new editor is a bit slow but it's informative and worth it. Sorry for those delays as well.)
Celldric and Hunger both make their way through the skylight in the top of the black tower. When they enter they find themselves rather stunned at the interior. Unlike Darkness’s previous designs the interior seemed to have suites that looked fit for a king and his thanes.
From the bottom, they could see movement and swiftly investigated. Once they got about half-way to the bottom they spotted Darkness placing pearlstone.
“DARK WOLF!” shouted Celldric. “What trickery is this!? Why are you not out trying to conquer this land?!”
Darkness stops placing pearlstone around the staircase, and looks at the new intruders.
“Oh it’s you.” he said with annoyance. “Please refrain from calling me Dark Wolf. My new name is Darkness which has been provided by his lordship Puppet Master.”
“Who?” asked Hunger.
“Ugh...” Darkness sighed heavily. “You were not protected by His Lordship's sword when the shockwave hit. Let me show you to your rooms. I’ll explain and answer all the questions you have.”
It was early in the morning and the sun was barely peeking over the horizon. I got up from the couch and walked around the kitchen for a while before I decided to make pancakes for Rainbow Dash. Thankfully Dash isn’t here to light a match every time I try to turn on the gas so the task of making pancakes was reduced from dangerous to just menial. Once I was done with the pancakes, I looked around for syrup and plates. I found them in a cloud cabinet. I placed one plate down, considering I wouldn’t be eating anything. Then I stared at the remaining pans she had in another cabinet and I flashed a smile with a hint of malice in it.
I swiped two pans and tiptoed up the cloud staircase. I made sure I removed my armor so it wouldn’t clank; when I got into her room and I took care not to flap my wings for she would surely hear it. Once I got up the stairs I slowly opened the door with my right hand that held one pan and slowly turned the door knob.
I stopped once I gazed upon the adorable Pegasus mare, whom was currently dreaming. How did I know she was dreaming, you ask? Her hooves were exposed on the left side of her egotistic sheets that bared her rainbow colors and cutie mark. But her mane was covering her face and she was drooling on her pillow. But that’s not what gave me the hint she was dreaming. No. Her hooves were shaking as if she were subconsciously running in her sleep.
It was so cute I almost dropped the pans out of shame…but I’m an evil bastard. I slowly tiptoed over to the side of the bed where her head wasn’t facing so the sudden blocking of light wouldn’t alert her-not that it will since she’s asleep-to my presence. I raised the pans and spread them as far apart as my arms could take them. Then after waiting five seconds of anticipation I swung them together with all my might and began to sing.
“WHAT DO WE DO WITH A DRUNKEN WHALER?”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” she screamed from my voice, and the slamming of the pans and shot out of bed.
“WHAT DO WE DO WITH A DRUNKEN WHALER?
She looked in my direction, and watched me slam the pans together with a growing scowl on her face. Choosing not to scar Rainbow, I skipped over some of the darker lyrics of the song.
“WAY HEY, AND UP SHE RISES!
“GET OUT!” she yelled getting back into bed, covering her face with her pillow to drown out my lovely voice.
“EAR-LY IN THE MORNING!”
“GO AWAY AND LET ME SLEEP!” she shouted through the pillow. Then I improvised with my song.
“I MADE YOU PANCAKES FOR BREAKFAST!
She pulled her head out of the pillow and gave me another scowl, then angrily put the pillow down under her head and went back to sleep… no,0 seriously. I saw her feet twitching again from the dream she was having. I stood there in awe of how fast the multicolored Pegasus mare was able to fall back into sleep. She literally laid her head down, and five seconds later her eyes fluttered a little but remained closed then her legs started twitching. If I know the signs of dreaming then there is a good chance that what I just observed was the rapid decline into sleep.
I say again… I was in awe. But after a minute of watching her, I pouted and threw the pans to the side with a scowl of my own. Then I went and tried to pick her up slowly… she didn’t even stir, unless you count the leg twitching as stirring. I slowly tucked her blanket under her and picked her up with both my hands so she would be lying on her back in my arms. I made sure her head could rest on my shoulder so I could bring her downstairs without her waking up or becoming uncomfortable, before I would eventually drop her on her head.
I carefully made my way downstairs with the colorful Pegasus in my arms. Half way down she began to stir, and I had to fight to keep her in my hands. Then she settled down and nuzzled into my shoulder with a small smile.
“Aww...” I cooed, catching myself making that noise too late and I looked at the mare in my arms to make sure she didn’t stir; to which, she didn’t.
I made my way past all the trophies that Rainbow has accumulated over her years, and silently admired them as I walked by with the very Pegasus who’s won them in my arms. I gained a new appreciation for that same Pegasus mare, as I went into the kitchen, and stood there covered in the aroma of the freshly made pancakes.
Rainbow began to move around, as she smelled those pancakes. Suddenly, her eyes shot open and she looked at me with confusion plastered all over her face.
“Why are you in my bed?”
“Why are you in the kitchen?” I responded.
She looked around and noticed that I’ve carried her all the way down to the kitchen. But her eyes stopped on the small stack of pancakes, and she began to smile… then it widened and she shot out of my arms. The next thing I knew she was drowning the pancakes in syrup with a maddening smile on her face. I felt a little weird standing there with a blanket in my hands, while watching my friend brutally murder the helpless pancakes.
I turned around, went back through the hall of trophies up to her room, and placed her sheets back on her bed. As I returned to the kitchen, I observed a smug Rainbow Dash and an empty plate that was barren, even of leftover syrup.
“Thanks for the pancakes. Oh hey, you don’t mind cleaning up right?” she said with a smug expression.
“Yes I mind. I made you the pancakes so you might as well clean up.”
“Ugh fine.” she said picking up the plate and putting it in the sink.
I stepped into the living room, which connects the kitchen and the staircase to Rainbow’s room. I walked over and sat down on the couch. I could hear Rainbow moving around in the kitchen and the movement of plates. After a while she came out and sat next to me.
“Oh hey, Rainbow.” I said catching her attention. “Where’s my sword and mirror?”
“Oh that! Umm…” she put a hoof on her chin and looked down at the floor in thought. “I dunno, I kinda woke up without them with me.”
“… Darn. Well let’s find them.” I said determined and stood up ready to search.
“How? I don’t know where they are.” she said following me to the center of the room.
“Where did you wake up?”
“Umm... in my bed.”
“Well now we know where to look.” I said heading up the stairs. I took a quick glance to see if Rainbow was following me and she was.
“You sure they're up here?”
“Very.”
“Why?”
“Well, where else would they be?”
“I don’t know.”
We went into her room, and I looked around in all her drawers while she watched me closely. I actually found it awkward that she would be so willing for me to go through her stuff. Though, I guess with a society that walks around nude all the time really doesn't develop any real serious privacy standards. I was sifting through her clothes for a bit, before I thought of something.
“Wait, Rainbow you said you woke up in your bed, right?” I said walking over to her bed.
“Yes.”
“I wonder if…” I got down and laid down on my stomach and looked under the bed. “Are you serious?” I reached under the bed, and pulled out wolfGear’s Excalibur.
“Wow, I had that under my bed?”
“Yup. Oh hey my mirror's under here, too!” I explained while pulling out the magic mirror.
“Sweet!” exclaimed Rainbow, jumping into the air and hovering there. “So what now?”
“… I really don’t know. I’ve got to find the rest of the Terrarians I know that.”
“Where will you start looking?”
“Well I don’t know. I also need to meet more ponies, but you know what? Screw ponies I’m going back to my castle to check on preparations.” I was heading toward the door before I stopped and another thought occurred to me. “Rainbow.”
“Yea?” She said from above the couch.
“I need you to go around town and tell me if there are ponies that are missing. Ponyville was attacked and all knowledge of the attack was erased. I want to know if the ponies who suffered or died then are still here or are they gone. I especially want you to tell me if there were any homes in Ponyville that you believed to have been owned by a pony previously.”
She looked at me in shock. “Y-you believe somepony may not have come back?”
“I also believe no one even remembers them.”
“I-I’m on it!” she states, zipping out of the house with a concerned look on her face. I followed suit and looked out over Ponyville to watch her run around looking for ponies.
I looked across Ponyville, and I thought hard about what I wanted to do with the small town.
‘You know? I have two spell books with me from Terraria that are written in griffon. I should learn how to read it with Twilight’s help, so I can master the cursed flame tome. Whatever that means, though learning more about the spell itself should come a long way when I need it without the book for power. Hell I’ll need that ability, if I want a new body and may not be able to bring the book with me.’
And with a goal in mind I set off towards Twilight’s Library for a good study session. I spread my wings, and chose not to put my armor back on; I flapped my wings hard, propelling me into the air and towards my destination, near the center of town. Again, it was difficult to figure out where anything was in Ponyville, but of course Twilight’s massive tree isn’t hard to spot. I’m actually getting used to the sight now, since I already know its general location of the library itself.
I took a look towards my left while I moved east into the town and spotted my tower being changed on the outside. It was half way done and I reflected on what it was missing.
'Hmm... maybe it needs some banners on the sides of the tower that run from the top all the way to its base.'
I pulled my attention away from the tower and back to the library that was coming into view. I landed out in front of the library doors and pushed it open while simultaneously ignoring the looks of the ponies that happened to be around the library at the time.
“Twilight! You in here?” I shouted into the empty room.
I noticed a purple dragon scampering down the steps toward me. “Hey there Puppet Master! What brings you here?”
“I need to learn how to read the griffon language. I happen to own a few book that… well embarrassingly enough, I can’t read.” I said with faking a sheepish grin, pulling it off like a pro.
“Oh really? Is that it? You know I can teach you that.” Said the baby dragon.
I paused a moment. “R-really? You can read different languages?”
“Well duh! I am Twilight’s assistant. While she was learning magic from Celestia, I was learning languages so I could help her find books she couldn’t read. I eventually got tired of keeping her library in check and helping her out, so I taught Twilight how to read Griffonian.”
“Huh. So you taught the brilliant Twilight Sparkle. Should I be calling you 'master'?” I said with a grin.
“Hehehe, well you can, if you want.” He said waving a claw dismissively.
“Wait you want to learn Griffonian?” questioned a female voice from atop the staircase. I looked up, and saw none other than the lavender unicorn herself.
“Hey Twilight, yes I do wish to know Griffonian. I need to read a few magic tomes that were passed down to me in a different language. I’ve never had the time to actually do it, until you told me you could read them. You eventually learned ancient offensive magic that was passed down to me.” I said while holding my friendly smile.
“Really? So I’m guessing that has something to do with that whole, ‘I should know you’ thing, right?” She inquired skeptically. I found this confusing. I was sure that last time she was convinced that she knew me in the past, but I guess my assumption was wrong. Unless... she convinced herself it was impossible.
“Well yea, kinda. However I’m also working on another side project that is even more important. Twilight when I was here last Ponyville was under attack and some good ponies lost their lives defending the town. I want you to think back on how many ponies you know and their relationships were with other ponies and tell me if anything is amiss. As in, a few days ago you would think they wouldn’t have time to hang with you or anypony because of their date, but now you realize they never had a date. Make sure you make that list, ok?”
“Umm.” she thought hard. “Well sure, ok.”
“Rainbow’s doing the same thing right now. When I get both sets of notes, then I’ll compare them to see which ponies that have disappeared and who they were related to. Then I’ll get to work on saving them or bringing them back, any way I can.”
“Wait are you saying there are ponies that didn’t make it back?”
“Possibly. I need you and Rainbow to research. However I don’t want you to have contact with her, so your notes don’t mirror hers. I need to rule out the fact that you and her may not know who’s who, and what’s what.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. Now get to work. Spike, can I waste your time and learn Griffonian?”
“Uh, sure.”
“Can we start now?”
“Heck yea! Though I need to finish sweeping upstairs, so I’ll make you some tea for the wait.”
“Nah I’m good. Go finish your chores.”
“Righty-o!” he exclaimed, and pitter-pattered back upstairs and passed the lavender unicorn that still was at the top of the stairs.
“Twilight, please get to that report so I can potentially save lives sooner.”
“Are you sure ponies lost their lives? I find that really hard to believe.” she queried, still skeptical of my claims.
“Twilight come here for a moment.” I said taking a seat on the couch. She looked at me funny, walked down the steps toward the couch and stopped in front of me. “I’m going to show you all my memories between now and then except for the previous night. Me and Rainbow had a heart to heart that I’d rather not have you know about.”
“What kind of heart to heart?” She eyed me suspiciously just like Applejack.
“Twilight.” I warned, holding up my exposed hand. “Here’s our...” I touched her forehead. “Heart…” I sent her my memories. “To heart.”
She gave me a surprised look, and her eyes quickly began to water. “I-I’ll get that report.” She sniffed, and ran off upstairs with tears streaming down her face.
A few moments later a confused Spike entered the room. “What’d you do to Twilight to make her cry and work at the same time?”
“I showed her the invasion that she didn’t believe in. And, her emotions are catching up to her right now.”
“Oh… Um I don’t know what that means?”
“She’ll get over it once she’s contributed to helping the ponies that may or may not have died. If it doesn’t work, I’ll promise her I’ll save them.”
“Oh… so want to start now? I finished up the corner.”
“Ok then. Let’s get this show on the road.”
After an hour long session with Spike, I found it easy to claim he’s the 'Rosetta Stone' of Equestria. That dragon knows his languages better than he knows how to sweep a broom. Frankly, I was impressed at the knowledge that Spike had. He was so fluent with Griffonian, you’d guess it was his first language. Twilight was putting away books, while Spike and I went over some of the basics on the couch.
I knew my current goal was to figure out how many ponies may or may not have been erased from time, because of the corrupt invasion.
“Hey Spike, we’ll have to continue tomorrow or another day after that. I’ve got some business to take care of.”
“Oh, ok.” he said looking down dejectedly.
“Thanks for the lessons.” I said ignoring his mood. “Maybe I’ll bring you some gems as payment.” I said, getting up from the couch and heading toward the door.
“Really?” he questioned. His eyes lit up in excitement, his mouth was wide open with his tongue hanging out of his mouth and drooling all over the place.
“Yeah.” I said opening the door. “I’ll find some time to get you something when I’m done.”
I went through the open door and walked into the morning sun. I found a few ponies outside watching me as if they’ve been there for a while. Actually now that I think of it, I remember a few of them. I began to walk away and after I got a good distance out, I looked back and saw some of the more worried ones actually looking into the library itself.
I ignored the antics of the ponies around me, as I tried to remember my way around Ponyville. A few minutes of wandering around, I came across a section of town where there was an assortment of shops, rather than homes. I quickly figured this was where I could possibly find Sugarcube Corner, or better yet Pinkie Pie.
I got a few looks from the ponies around me, but surprisingly enough, this time they were glances rather than stares. I assume they’ve already seen me at least a few times, or Celestia finally put me in the papers. I turned a corner and before me is a massive sugary treat that looks like a giant gingerbread house.
“Found it.” I thought out loud, which drew in a few looks from passing by ponies.
I slowly walked forward to my destination, and made eye contact with a few ponies on my way there. Arriving at the front doors of Sugarcube Corner I push it open and walk inside. Before me were two foals, whom stopped playing and watched me for a few moments before dismissing me and returned to placing blocks on top of each other.
I looked up from them and saw, on the other side of the counter, none other than Mrs. Cake looking at me with a bewildered expression.
“Hello there.” I stated as friendly as I could.
“Oh, uh, hello. Sorry dear, I’ve never seen something like you.” she said honestly and with a sheepish grin.
“It’s ok, that seems to be the recurring theme today. I’m still getting used to ponies myself. But thanks, I’m in need of Pinkie Pie. Do you happen to know where she is at the moment?”
“Why do you need to see her?” she asked, with a raised eyebrow and a slight tilt of the head.
“I need to know how many ponies are in Ponyville to be honest. I happen to be doing a project, and I need to know how many ponies are in the vicinity of my tower, so I know what I’m affecting if I change it. Rather than going to the mayor and asking about the population, I thought of asking the legendary party mare who may already know the exact population off the top of her head.” I mused, doing my best not to let my crafted story slip. Mainly because I don’t want to cause an uproar in Ponyville about missing or forgotten ponies.
“Hmm.” she eyed me for a moment. “Sure she’s upstairs dear. Want me to get her?”
“No thanks, I’ll go up and talk to her, oh hey, how’s your husband?” I said heading toward the stairs.
She looked at me quizzically. “I’m not married.” she stated, raising an eyebrow.
I stopped right when I got around the counter. ‘Oh that’s sad.’ I thought to myself. I looked at her and reassured her. “I’m sorry you looked like the type who would be married by now.”
“Oh yes, I’ve been looking for a husband for a while now. But I know one day I’ll find the right stallion who will fill me with joy one day.” she said while letting a tear fall down her cheek. I watched it fall to the floor and her face seemed to hold a happy expression, even though the tear showed a forgotten sadness that needed to be there. She noticed me looking at her oddly, and she put a hoof on her face and discovered the tears. “Oh heavens, am I crying?” she wiped away some tears. “Hmm... are there onions nearby?”
‘Oh now I just feel terrible.’
“Miss Cake.”
“Oh, please call me Carrot dear.”
“Carrot… I’m sorry.” I stated depressingly.
“What? Did you do something wrong?” she inquired, giving me an odd look.
“No, but… never mind.” I said somewhat dejectedly, turning back to the stairs and heading up.
I got to the top of the stairs and walked through the door into the upstairs hall. As I walked down the hallway, I looked into the various rooms, not having any luck, until I got to another set of stairs. Ascending those, I found myself at the door to the topmost room of Sugarcube Corner. When I opened the door, I was greeted by the smiling face of the Pink mare I came to meet. However when she saw me, she stopped smiling, went into observing mode, and she looked at me with an emotionless, but studying look.
“Ohhh...” she thought out loud, after a few moments.
“Hello Pinkie Pie. I’m Puppet Master.”
“WHOA, YOU CAN TALK!” she shouted with excitement.
“Calm down please. I’m not here for play, or a meet and greet. I’m here for official business, that may or may not have to do with the future of Equestria.” I stated, before she could have the chance to question how I knew her name.
“What do you mean?” her happy demeanor fading, but she still holds a smile.
“I need to know the current population of Ponyville. Now, don’t think about it just tell me how many ponies are in Ponyville from the last time you counted.”
“Uh... sure. 471 ponies live in Ponyville.”
‘Damn... I knew Ponyville was a small town, but I didn’t know it was that small. Not only that, but there looked like there were more ponies than that in town.’
“When was the last time you counted that number?”
“About a month ago, so I know how many friends I have.” she said, smiling about her achievement. Then she frowned, “Why do you want to know?”
“Can you count again?”
“Why?”
“To be double sure. Because you could never be too sure about how many friends you have.” I stated with a convincing smile.
“Oh you’re right! Hmm...” she put a hoof on her chin and thought hard for a good few minutes. “OH OH… wait.” she exclaimed, with a very confused expression.
“Pinkie? How many?”
“Umm, I don’t think-”
“How many?” I inquired, in a more commanding tone.
“383.” she stated matter-of-factly, with a frown.
I stood there, feeling a little troubled. “Thanks for the help Pinkie… today you may have saved Equestria for telling me this.”
“I did?” she questioned, confused.
“Yes.” I put my finger on her forehead, and removed the memory of my visit. “You did.”
I did that because it made sense not to let Pinkie dwell on things that won’t be a problem after I fixed them. I also didn’t want Pinkie to worry about it, until she really needed to know about it. Which, in my opinion, was never. Plus, I want to keep this population issue a secret from everyone, since it could cause a massive uproar, and have Celestia breathing down my neck for the next few years, about what to do.
And no one likes that. I quickly make my way downstairs, before Pinkie comes back to her senses and tried to talk to me again. When I got to the ground floor, I noticed Mrs. Cake searching around the shop.
“Whatcha doin’?” I asked.
“I’m looking for any nearby onions that I may have accidently laid out.” she said peeking into the kitchen.
‘Yup, still feel bad.’
“Hey Mrs. Cake?”
“Yes dear?” She asked, looked back at me.
“How did you get the twins?”
She looked at me questionably for a moment. “I gave birth to them of course.”
“But... you said you don’t have a husband.” I said flatly.
“…” She looked at me blankly for a few moments. “Y-you don’t think that I-.” She started to tear up, while a look of absolute horror appeared on her face.
“I know you don’t, Mrs. Cake.”
“WHY ARE YOU CALLING ME MRS?!”
“Because I know it to be true. I’m sorry Mrs. Cake, but your husband died in an attack on Ponyville. It was forgotten shortly after it happened. I was around when it happened, and I saw him die defending Ponyville.”
That was a complete lie but I didn’t want Mrs. Cake finding this out, without me around. She may cause an incident that could have been avoided, if this wasn’t solved now. Though, I lied when I said I saw him defending the town.
“W-what?” she questioned, with tears streaming down her face.
“Hold still. I’ll show you my memories of your husband.”
She backed away fearfully as I stepped forward towards her. She wasn’t terrified of me, but she was afraid of the unknown and her husband currently was the unknown. Thankfully, with my mental abilities, I can fix this without a long speech. I placed my exposed right index-finger on her forehead, and she relaxed as the memories went from me to her. I didn’t give her anything else, other than a few things he did around the shop, and what I saw on MLP. I also took care not to include any of the battle.
When it was over she looked at the ground and gave a soft smile. “He’s quite a looker.” she stated, still teary eyed and cracked voiced. “And a baker like I’ve always wanted in a husband… someone I will enjoy sharing moments with at all times.” She looked back at me, “Thank you for telling me this. I don’t know how rash I would have been if I thought the babies aren’t mine.”
“It’s ok. If you ever want to talk, find Rainbow Dash. She knows how to get a hold of me. And don’t’ worry with how busy I am, ok? I’d rather help a friend than do work to be honest. Oh, and don’t worry I’m working to get your husband back. My only request is you hang in there, while I find a way to retrieve him.”
“T-thank you.” she looked at the entrance where a group of ponies were coming in the shop. She wiped away the tears and went up to the counter. “I think you should leave so you don’t scare any customers.” she said looking back at me.
“You’re right... Goodbye, and take care.”
I walked past the group as they went to line up in front of the cash register, and they pretty much watched me pass by, but that’s about it. I got outside and spread my wings to take flight and find Rainbow Dash, before I heard a voice shouting in the distance. I looked around, and saw Twilight barreling toward me in a sprint.
“PUPPET MASTER!” she shouted, and her concerned face turned to relief when she saw me looking in her direction. She got within ten feet of me and started talking and slowing down at the same time. “Celestia needs us urgently! A tame forest just started growing out of control! Trees pop up randomly in the night, and there seems to be some sort of power coming from inside the forest itself!” She exclaimed hysterically.
Normally something like this wouldn’t interest me, but Radiant Garden is missing and he’s the only one I know that can grow plants overnight in the billions.
“Sure, how do we get there?”
“There’s a chariot that will arrive at my library that will take us to Whitetail Woods, where the anomaly is taking place. We need to hurry back to the library right now!”
“Sure I’ll fly. You hoof it.”
“No time!” her horn glowed and we both popped out of existence for a few moments.
*pop*
“Whoa, that feels weird.” I said as the tingling sensation dies down.
I took in my surroundings and find myself next to Twilight Sparkle, and only ten feet from the front door of her library. The door was ajar and a very annoyed cross-armed baby dragon was standing in front of the door. He walked toward us and was about to say something before Twilight cut him off.
“Spike, you said the chariot was going to be here. Where is it?”
“If you stayed long enough for me to finish reading, you’d know that it would be arriving in an hour.”
“Ooooh.” quietly stated a very sheepish Twilight.
“Well smart stuff-” I mocked. “-what’ll we do till then?”
“PUP!” Shouted another hysteric voice that was way too tomboyish to belong to Twilight. I looked up to see Rainbow zipping down toward me.
“Hello Rainbow. Is your news as grave as mine?”
“Yeah, I found out there are twenty ponies missing!”
“Twenty out of 471… That’s disturbing.” I said nonchalantly.
“Hey why so uninterested all of a sudden?!” she questioned, narrowing her eyes at me.
“Well Rainbow, the problem is a little bigger than you think. That, and I’m kinda getting bored. Yeah, I worry about Equestria, but it’s still not my country.”
“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t help everypony!”
“What’s going on?” inquired Twilight.
“Nothing that concerns you yet.” I said dismissing her.
“Wait, bigger?” questioned Rainbow, finally realizing my statement.
“I’ll explain more at your place.”
“Hey, tell me what’s going on!” I looked back at Twilight, who was pounding her hoof angrily in the dirt.
“Something to do with the corruption I told you about. Right now I’d rather not tell you more because it’s not important yet.”
“Tell me, or else!”
“Or else what?”
She adopted a smug expression. “I’ll tell Celestia.”
I looked back at Rainbow she looked a bit worried. I turned back to Twilight and gave her a dirty look. “Celestia has no power over me. So I will not fear or follow her.”
Twilight looked almost bewildered, but regained her confidence. “Well, she has power over Rainbow.”
I turned to Rainbow. “Just so you know. Equestria’s not in danger if they know later, but if they know now… Rainbow it could cause panic that we won’t be able to fix. Not only that, but if Celestia knows, her constant prying into my work will impede my progress to fix it. SO! Whatever you do, don’t say anything.”
“Got it.” she stated, saluting me. I looked back at Twilight, and she was sitting on the ground as her jaw dropped at how easily I was able to get the Bearer of the Element of Loyalty on my side.
I turned back to Rainbow. “We need to talk about Pinkie and Mrs. Cake. Once you hear the story of how they reacted, you’d understand. In the meantime deny everything, even if Celestia is asking you herself.”
“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind…” she lands next to me. “Hey, why are you here anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be out looking for more information, like I am?”
“Well you’re faster so you’re supposed to ask around. My job was to find Pinkie, and I did that. Now I need to formulate a proper plan to fix this. Celestia won’t be any help, until I get all my research materials. And by that, I mean round up my old friends.”
“You mean those other Terrarians?”
“Yes. And when I find them we can all work together to fix up my castle and get to researching a solution. If Celestia knows about it now then I could have a problem doing just that.”
“Yeah, yea I got it. Don’t tell Celestia.”
“Well I’ll tell Celestia.” said Twilight.
“No you won’t. Because you don’t know what we’re talking about.”
“WELL... I’LL TELL HER YOU’RE PLOTING AGAINST HER!” she shouted.
“And potentially risk a war that no one will win? Sure, Twilight Sparkle. Be a warmonger if you wish. I’m prepared for such an occasion already.” I said smugly.
“W-wait you have an army?” she questioned, getting worried.
“Well, what king doesn’t? I thought you were a smarty pants.”
Spike snickered behind Twilight, and Rainbow just smiled.
“Well, I’m telling her anyway!”
“Sure then… how long till she gets here?”
“Don’t change the subject!” Twilight yelled angrily.
“All right then, anything else you wish to talk about?”
She paused for a moment. “Not really.” she looked down in defeat.
"Right, I guess this conversation's over." I stated, sitting down on the couch, leaving Rainbow, Spike, and Twilight to converse.
After Twilight was verbally defeated, she started to talk to Rainbow Dash. Spike chipped in from time to time and I sat there without saying a word. Eventually I got bored, and perched myself on the balcony looking over the side toward the small town. Well, actually the balcony faced the forest, but there were a few buildings in its way to get a clear view of the forest itself.
“HEY PUP!” came Rainbow’s voice from the entrance. I flared my wings and beat them hard, so I'd clear the library and land at the entrance. I peaked at my jump and I noticed the chariot with none other than Celestia and four guards. Each guard, upon seeing me, raised their spears towards me.
I landed in front of the library next to Rainbow Dash and Twilight, Spike on the other hand was nowhere to be found and I assumed he was inside. The guards jumped towards me with their spears aimed at my chest. Thankfully, when I opened my inventory time slows down significantly, and I was able to put all my armor on quickly. With my hollowed gear equipped, I exited my inventory and let the blows come. Of course they did nothing.
“Celestia, nice to see you again.” I said calmly.
“GUARDS! AT EASE!” she shouted sternly, with a look of irritation. Then, her features softened when they stopped attacking me and returned to her side. She looked back toward me with her motherly smile and apologized. “I’m sorry for that Puppet Master. I’ve been trying to get the word out but I’ve been having some trouble getting the word to the newspapers even though I’m the princess. Most, but not all my guards know about you as well. I’m sure you can tell and I hope you can understand.”
“It’s ok, I expect this reaction from royal guards. To be honest, it’s quite entertaining to watch them fail to harm me. Now, down to business. I understand a forest is growing out of control. What does this have to do with me?”
“Well...” She took on a more serious tone. “It’s uncommon that a forest would grow on its own. And the reports of this happening tie in with your arrival. So, I assumed you may know what’s going on with my forests.”
“Well, you would be right. I have a pretty good idea of what’s happening in that forest.”
“Care to enlighten me?” Quipped Celestia.
“Hopefully, it’s a friend of mine. You know Darkness? The one you met in my tower?”
“Yes?”
“There are more of my companions scattered around Equestria. A personal friend and servant of mine happens to know how to grow trees and plant life at an abnormal rate. I need to collect him so we can begin rebuilding my home. I also miss him dearly.” I said with a soft smile. Radiant Garden is an all right guy.
“All right then. Let’s get in the chariot and we’ll be on our way.”
We all gathered in the chariot including Rainbow; however, once she got on a guard spoke to her.
“Sorry ma’am, we can’t have civilians on board.”
“What?! Twilight’s a civilian too!”
“But she’s Celestia’s student.”
“Rainbow.” Celestia stated in her trade mark motherly voice. “I don’t want you getting hurt if we encounter anything dangerous. Can you stay here and look after Ponyville instead.” Rainbow eyed her for a moment, and then sighed in defeat.
“Okaaay.” She looked at the ground and flew off toward the direction of what I thought was Sugar Cube Corner.
The chariot lurched forward as the pegasi in front started to pull on it and take us up. The two on the sides kept a sharp lookout in case of danger.
“Now that we’ve got some time to get there. Care to tell us what it is that you’re keeping a secret from me?” she said with a sly grin.
Twilight was on her right side, while I was on Celestia’s left. From her vantage point she couldn’t see me, so she leaned forward to see past Celestia to hear my response. She probably assumed I couldn’t deny the Sun Goddess, because she was looking at me with an anticipating grin.
“Sorry Celestia, whatever it is you want to know about, I can’t tell you.”
“Rainbow said it had something to do with my citizens. MY little ponies. And if they are in danger in any way, I want to know.” she gave me a hard glare.
“Celestia if I tell you, Equestria will be in more danger now, than it will later. Right now I only ask you to give me my space to research the solution, and assist me in any way you can. But right now... I don’t trust you, as hard as that is to believe I can’t trust you. Not until you prove to me you can be trusted.”
“Well, you shouldn’t expect much from me, since I can’t trust you either. You won’t tell me about the threat to my kingdom and my little ponies, so don’t expect me to try to earn your trust to learn about it.” stated Celestia with a slight condescending tone.
‘Oh she’s good. But she’ll need to do better than that.’ I thought, as she made it clear she trying to bait the information out of me.
“True. But then again if you don’t try to earn my trust, then you will never know.” I looked forward and saw where we were heading. It actually was on the other side of the mountain that Canterlot was wedged into. On the other side of this mountain was a settlement that was no bigger than Ponyville. In fact, I would state that it was half as big as Ponyville.
“We’re coming up on our destination now.” stated Celestia, with disappointment in her voice. It was difficult to detect but it was there nonetheless.
We started to descend toward the edge of the forest. On our way down, I noted the townsponies were lining up to watch the princess deal with it. Even though I was still a foreign entity, they didn’t seem surprised to see me. Celestia saw me look at them with a bit of confusion and explained it for me.
“I’ve already had Canterlot Weekly send out a few copies, and so did the newspapers. Ponyville’s farther from Canterlot than this settlement so they already know who you are.” she said with a proud smile.
We touched down, and I hopped out of the chariot.
“Thank you Celestia. I’ll have this fixed within the hour… well ok, I don’t know how long it will take me, considering I’m only going on a theory.” I said honestly.
“I’ll support you in whatever way you need, as long as it fixes the problem.” She responded, trotting alongside me while we approached the forest.
We almost got to the tree line, before a couple of guards jumped in front of us and stop us both.
“What’s going on?” questioned Celestia, seeming to read my mind.
“You can’t go in ma’am, we were sent to patrol and the moment we got into the forest, vines covered our three companions and trapped them.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad.” I commented.
“The vines covered their mouths, and they couldn’t breathe. Celestia, more than half of our five pony patrol died. We were the only two survivors because we weren’t inside the forest when the trap sprung.” He said in a very serious tone with a facial expression devoid of emotion.
I looked back at Celestia, and her hoof was on her mouth, her pupils were the size of pinpricks and her eyes were as wide as they would permit them. Unfortunately, Twilight wasn’t far behind us and she heard the news as well. She gasped, and I thought for a moment she went into shock before she blinked and nervously took her place beside Celestia. Celestia in response put her left hoof around Twilight and brought her in an embrace and Twilight returned it, with a genuine look of concern on her face. I soon realized that the embrace wasn’t to comfort Twilight, but for Celestia to take inventory of what she holds dear.
I would have found it heartwarming, if the situation was a little different. But then again at times I can be heartless and... '-hold on… how come the guards didn’t react the same way as the other ones at the library?'
“Not to be insensitive, but why are you two not surprised to see me?” I questioned.
“The royal guard are first to know of you. Not everypony knows of you yet, and I’m still hearing off duty guards calling it an elaborate prank. They just need hard evidence to believe in you, and you won’t have any more problems with visits.”
“Thank you. Did the guards struggle when the vines rose up?” I could tell Celestia and Twilight looked at me with horror and disgust.
“Well of course! Would you do the same thing?”
“No. Did the guards attack the vines before they wrapped them up?”
“Yes they did, why?”
“You’ll find out. One last question. Did the vines come up slowly and seem to turn more violent when the guards finally attacked?”
“Well yes, that would be accurate. How do you know?” he asked suspiciously.
“Well, it appears to me that it was a trial. Anyone who enters the forest with the desire to harm it will die. I however am here in search of a friend. No one will stop me, ok? If you see vines come up to attack me or anything like that, don’t help me. If I am unfortunate enough to be wrapped in them, I have a trick up my sleeve to get me out, so don’t worry about my safety.”
“All right, I understand.” Celestia responded, while the guards nodded their heads and watched me with interest as I began my short trek into the forest.
As promised, once I stepped foot into the forest vines started to rise out of the ground and headed toward me. I kept on walking, until they surrounded me and slowly wrapped around me. They only got to my torso and started to wrap around my neck when they slowed to a stop and then retracted into the ground again. I looked back at the small group of four, and their mouths hung open. I flashed them a smile. The guards returned to their stoic expression after returning the smile.
I began trekking through the forest, and it became apparent to me that the trees looked taller than the generic trees you would see throughout Equestria. What I also noted was the fact that they all had light green leaves that struck me as familiar. And unlike the generic trees of Equestria, these trees don’t look like giant leaf mushrooms. Instead they had branches sticking out of the sides with a plume of leaves at the end of each branch.
As I trekked deeper into the forest, I noticed it getting thicker and livelier. Obviously I was getting closer to Radiant Garden, and wherever he was hiding. I stopped walking and stared at one of the most foreign sights that I’ve ever seen. A giant wasp nest. Not only was this nest twice my size, but the wasps were resting inside the small cones that littered the underbelly of the wasp nest. A few however were awake and flying around. They didn’t seem interested in me whatsoever, until one of them caught a glimpse of me. The moment it saw me, they all woke up and I felt rather impressed that they were so connected as they seem to share their bodies.
They all launched their attack at once and I found myself trying to doge hundreds of stingers, while simultaneously avoiding the pincer like appendages they use for mouths. I brought out both my Excalibur swords and made swift work of the group of wasps. I chose to let the hive itself live because it doesn’t seem to grow more lackeys instantaneously. I continued to trek through the forest and happened upon the oddest sight in all of Equestria.
I was looking upon the largest willow tree I’ve ever seen. However, the only way I could tell it was a willow tree was the saggy and sad whip like sticks that were so loose they drooped into a sad state of depression. I find the willow tree the saddest sight nature can provide. But at the same time the willow tree is artistically beautiful with its green lively leaves, that somehow complimented its depressed demeanor. This willow tree was no different, except for the fact that there were so many whip like vines that I couldn’t see the trunk.
And that is why it was the oddest sight in Equestria.
“Oh wow. That’s beautiful.” I said out loud while admiring the demeanor of the tree.
“Thank you.” came a voice from behind me. I spun around, and found myself face to face with the green haired dryad known as Isis.
“You’re welcome.” I replied.
“Not many people admire the forest anymore. They find it scary or strange, and prefer to stay in their homes where the beauty of the world can’t affect them.”
“It’s a pity too. Nature is too beautiful to be ignored. But business before pleasure, Isis is your name right?” she nods her head. “I’m looking for Radiant Garden.”
“Who?” she questioned, looking confused.
‘Don’t tell me she forgot too! GOD DAMNIT! Great I’m going to have to explain things to Radiant now, aren’t I?’
“His old name was Jungle God.”
“OH I know him. He’s inside the willow tree there. I’m looking after him and in return he’s growing out the forest.”
“Is he well enough to travel? I sort of need him.”
“Yes, but it is wise if he has bed rest, or remains in stasis inside the tree for the time being.”
“I have a bed for him to sleep in once we are there. He is a friend of mine. My name is Puppet Master, Destroyer of wolfGear.”
*gasp* “You’ve destroyed the great one? I knew he was becoming more evil and deserved it eventually but… how?” she questioned, with a little shock in her voice.
“I am a mage, while wolfGear liked to get in close. I used that to my advantage, and kept my distance for as long as I could. Eventually he slipped up, and I burned him to death. Only he did something so we wouldn’t respawn. Once he was gone… well he’s gone now. Let’s leave it as that.”
“He did good things even though he became evil. I commend you for your strength in defeating him.”
“I know your abilities to sense the danger in each world. Tell me how corrupt this world is.”
“Not even one percent. But it’s still there.” She put a finger up to her chin, and watched the ground. “Strange… It seems like it’s contained.”
“That’s because Dark Wolf tamed the corruption. He has it under his control.”
“Dark Wolf is here?!” she exclaimed, looking back up to me with an expression of shock.
“Don’t worry. He is under my influence and poses no threat, as long as I’m around. Can you help me get Jungle God out of here?”
“I’ll get him out of stasis.” she lifted her hand toward the willow tree, and the vines parted to reveal a very fat trunk that the tree possessed.
The stump cracked open, and a figure fell out of it covered in green goop.
“Eugh.” came the sound from my mouth.
“Ugh, why am I out prematurely?” came a groggy voice from the stiff and wounded Radiant Garden.
“Radiant. Rise to your feet, we have work to do.” I said sternly. Isis gave me a look, but I ignored it.
“Who’s Radiant Garden?” he said slowly getting to his feet.
He was on his knees, when I grabbed under his arm and helped him up. I placed my left hand on his head, while I lifted him up with my right. I sent him all my knowledge of Terraria, and everything before the shockwave between the time I found the mirror and the death of wolfGear, eventually that lead up to our conversation about his name and free will.
“M-my lord?”
“Yes my thane. I am your lord. You have a kingdom to help me build. I need fiefs so I can grow my population.”
“Fiefs, sire?”
“Towns, villages, and land. But more importantly need a body that you have to help me make, that looks like a pony so I can win their trust easier.”
“Ah, I see how that can be a problem.”
“Isis.” I said looking at the dryad in question. “Do you wish to come with me, or stay here? I can set up a room for you, and you can help me keep the corruption under my control and keep it from spreading.”
“That sounds desirable.”
“Master, I’m sorry I attacked you.” dejectedly admitted Radiant, as I lifted his right arm over the back of my neck to help me carry him.
“What?”
“Those wasps. I created them to defend the forest, and I forgot to let them allow you entry.”
“You control them?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“You think you can make them again for our use, when defending our kingdom? I feel the wheels of war are in motion. I’m going to need every advantage I can get.”
“Yes my lord, I can give you an army of powerful wasps to defend your fiefs.”
“Thank you, my thane.” I said heading in the direction of the edge of the forest.
“One more question, my lord.”
“Yes?”
“What’s a thane?”
…
“A thane is a man who supports his lord under every circumstance. In the old days, thanes would go on crusades with their lords, and if their lord died they would be banished from the kingdom. When the lord dies, they have no more purpose and they either die with their lord, or be exiled for not helping him in his time of need. I won’t expect the same from you, because this isn’t then. I expect you to help me in your best ability. In short, thanes are like shield-brothers to their lord.”
“And I will, my lord.”
“And for your help, I will protect you with the best of my ability too. You are a part of my kingdom now. And without you, frankly I’m lost.”
“That’s kind of you to say, Master.”
*cough* “Are you forgetting about me?”
“Oh, you’re important too, Isis.” I smirked at her, which she returned in kind.
She gained a spring in her step, and skips around us while we trek out of the forest. I couldn’t help but fantasize on how attractive she looked. Though... I’d rather not get into relationships right now with what I’m planning. Now that Radiant is back where he belongs, I can get to work on my new body project. But first I need to give Radiant Garden his instructions and materials for the body.
We got to the tree line with no incident, and the moment we left the forest we were instantly surrounded by several ponies wearing golden armor. They didn’t lower their spears but watched me carefully and kept their distance.
“Ah, Puppet Master!” said a familiar regal voice. Celestia swooped down and landed within the circle of guards that surrounded me. “I’m sorry again, for this awkward situation.” She said quickly scanning the crowd of guards. “Umm, is this him?”
“Yes.” I said as the tension began to drain.
'I swear, Celestia was going to get her guards to group rape me or something… what? THE WAY THEY STARE AT YOU!' I literally thought, upon seeing the looks of her guards.
“I can guarantee that trees will no longer expand rapidly. Though, I can’t guarantee the mental trauma that the growing trees caused the ponies to go away.”
“Well, that’s all right. And since you helped Equestria out, I won’t question that threat you said you were dealing with. Though, I have to thank you some way so… how about I get you tickets to the Gala?”
I raised my eyebrow. “You mean the social event where all the elite snobs show up and look pretty, while you bore yourself to death?”
She gave me an uncomfortable look, then replied. “Yes.”
“Count me in! Can I go with Rainbow Dash?”
“Yes, the Elements are always invited upon request. And while you’re there, I can introduce you to the elite of Canterlot. They will get your name out quickly, and if you make a good enough impression, they will say good things.”
“Then it’s a date. Come on Radiant. We need to get you to a bed.”
“Yes, master.”
I stood beside a more cheery Celestia, as the chariot neared our destination. We were returning to my tower, and from our vantage point it looked finished. Pearlstone outlined the whole tower, which made it look beautiful as it glistened in the sunlight. Radiant Garden was still clinging to my neck when we touched down on the top of the tower. Its flat surface allowed us to have sufficient room to act as a landing pad to touch down safely. I assisted Radiant Garden down, and I flew him through the skylight. When I landed on the outcropping, staircase I was greeted by none other than Darkness himself. Celestia descended with me out of curiosity, and was stunned at the beautiful décor inside.
“My Lord, Hunger and Celldric has returned, and they are aware of you. They wish to meet you soon. I’ve also finished with the improvements you wished for.”
“Ok, two things, I need you to… no three. First, create a mine at the bottom of the tower and make sure the supports will hold up the castle. Then, create an underground corrupt biome so I can have access to corrupt worms. Finally, when you are done with that, create a large jungle biome for Radiant Garden to give me access to giant wasps.”
“On it, my Lord. Oh and...” he pulled out a golden crown. “For you, my Lord. I finished it immediately and did the castle after I was finished with your crown, to prove my work.”
“You don’t need to prove yourself to me. You’ve already done more than I could ask from any Thane of mine.”
“Thank you, my Lord. I will begin work immediately.” he flared his wings, but I stopped him by holding up a hand.
“Before you go... create a few guest rooms for any acquaintance of mine who would wish to stay here. Also, is my room finished?”
“Yes, my Lord I already created beds for all known Thanes and several for guests already. Your room is the most impressive of them all.”
“Good. Bring Radiant Garden to his room, and build guest rooms for any NPC’s that will show up.”
“Yes, my Lord. Radiant. It’s good to see you're alright.” He stated, taking Radiant Garden from me. Celestia broke out of her stupor long enough, to watch the spectacle of a former dark Lord caring for the needs of others.
Once Darkness carried Radiant away, down a few levels into his room, Celestia walked with me into my Throne Room.
“Well Puppet Master, you’ve officially impressed me with how you treat your Thanes. To be honest, I’ve wanted Thanes of my own, and once I got them I’d probably send them all over the place. You’ve been keeping them close to you for longer than I expected.”
“I like to take inventory of everything I hold dear. Just as you did with Twilight. Speaking of which, where are your guards and Twilight?” I questioned, looking back at my double doors that were now made of gold.
“They are on their way back to Canterlot and Ponyville. I’m here alone.”
“I’m honored you trust me enough to keep you safe.”
“I’m more honored that you would come to my aid, when asked.”
“And I’ll do it again. And I want you to know that your citizens safety is important to me as much it is to you. I’m building an army. Not to take Equestria, but to defend it when the time is right. I suggest you prepare training sessions for your soldiers, so they have real battle experience with each other. Now, there’s more than one reason why you would send your guards away and talk to me in private, right?”
“I don’t know what you think is a threat, but right now I do wish to know and want to convince you to tell me what is the danger.”
“Sorry. Can’t do that. Remember Celestia, I work for you in my own way. Oh, and welcome to the Red Rose Empire. This tower is my capital.”
“An impressive one at that. Though it’s in my borders, so we may have a bit of a problem.”
“Then, we shall have a treaty to share the land. I will not tax the citizens, because I have no need for currency. My laws are simple. Live, love, and prosper.”
“Those are the guidelines to a great life. I’ll remember them well.” Celestia happily replied.
“I have a castle to build… actually, I have to meet up with a mare first.”
“Rainbow Dash?” questioned Celestia, knowingly.
“Rainbow Dash.” I confirmed.
“I have to get back to my royal duties as well. Goodbye, Guardian of Equestria.”
“Goodbye, Princess of the Sun.” I replied, sitting down on my throne and watching her leave.
She flared her wings and took off. When she was out of sight, I waited several minutes in thought.
“Sir? Master?” questioned a very noble voice. I looked up to see none other than Celldric and Hunger watching me from the entrance.
“Please come forward, Celldric, Adventurer and Savior of Terraria. Please step forward Hunger, also Adventurer and Savior of Terraria.”
They both respectfully walked forward and stopped near my throne.
“Puppet Master.” stated Hunger. “I would like to know how you control Darkness so easily.”
“It’s because he’s obligated to obey me. I’m the one who created him, and I’d do it again if he were gone. He serves a greater purpose than you would believe. Right now he’s been changing my castle and building my forces. I’m going to have eyes and ears all over Equestria.”
“What purpose does this serve?” asked Celldric.
“Good question. If I know everything Equestria as a whole knows, then I can respond faster and far more effectively than Celestia. And if ever we do come to blows, I will be able to cut off her units and eventually take her Capital.”
“So... you’re doing this for conquest?” questioned Celldric, a hint of anger in his voice.
“No. I’m doing this just in case conquest is necessary. It’s not my primary goal. Before we arrived, many ponies died in the attack on Equestria, that Darkness mounted when he was corrupted. I’m going to find a way to return to the past, and undo that future. I believe that when I created the portal between Terraria and Equestria, Darkness was able to send a corruptor through, and corrupt this world. If I destroy the portal when all of them are on the other side, then this world will never have to go to war.” I waited and let the information sink in.
“There’s only one problem.” confided Hunger. “We don’t have any form of time machine.”
“But the ponies have a time spell. If we can make it more powerful and longer lasting, then I can send myself to the past and eventually stop the portal from ever being created. Once that’s done, then I’ll live the rest of my life in peace, I guess.” I finished, leaning back in my chair. “Maybe I should get married when my objective is over...” I pondered out loud.
“Well, I can only see one hole in your plan. You’re asking us to mess with magic we know nothing about and expect it to work?”
“Well, also I’ll need a pony body. But... I’ve got that handled. Radiant Garden is currently resting and when he’s ready, I’ll ask him to create a body of a pony that I can use to blend in and keep Celestia off me, basically. Though, there’s a problem. True, we don’t have any knowledge of the magic ponies use, but I can get help. Our main problem, is what we are going to do now.”
“Umm... get the spell?” Hunger offered.
“Yes, but we don’t have Shadow Master. I know he’s here and he’s basically the stealth of the operation. Without him… I don’t think I can keep my intentions hidden long enough, that Celestia won’t find out.”
“Should we search for him?” inquired Celldric.
“Knowing him, he already found a way to get to us. Or he’s away from civilization, and both parties can’t do anything to get him back, until he finds some sort of settlement.”
“Then we have to wait.” replied Hunger.
“Yes, we do. You are free to do as you please, but as long as you are only away from the castle for five or six hours. I need to make sure you can take my orders when I need you. I’m off to learn a new language from a little purple dragon. If you need me I’ll be in Ponyville’s library.” I bolted out of my chair and took flight while on my way out my throne room and out the skylight.
“… A purple… dragon?” questioned Hunger.
Celestia was making her way back to her Throne Room, after she arrived back at her castle. Two guards stood beside her, as she made her way to her throne. Once she was on her throne, her advisor walked in and gave her some paperwork that she lifted with her magic and started to review.
“Princess Celestia.” came a voice from in front of her.
“INTRUDER!” the guards defending her shouted.
She lowered her documents, to reveal a bipedal figure with purple menacing armor.
“GUARDS, STOP!” Celestia reflexively shouted.
Her two guards froze at her words, and the calm and collected creature remained in a neutral stance. Celestia realized just how many guards heard the call. Twenty guards have already arrived in the Throne Room, and surrounded the bipedal creature.
“I’m sorry, but are you looking for Puppet Master?”
“Yes I am. I assume you’re the Princess?”
“Indeed I am. You can find Puppet Master at his tower, you can see it from here, but I recommend you go to Ponyville first. He told me he had business there.” Celestia hid her face behind her documents once again.
“Thank you.”
A collective gasp overtook the room that emanated from the guards present. Celestia lowered her documents out of curiosity, and saw the slack jawed guards looking at the location of the bipedal creature. He was gone. No evidence he ever existed, other than the fact her guards saw him. It intrigued Celestia so much, that she put the documents aside for later.
“Bring me a quill.”
Puppet Master flew toward the cloud palace that the egotistic Rainbow Dash called home. He was rethinking his idea of getting involved with her, after taking out the fact she was his favorite pony in the show. She’s pretty yes but she’s too self-centered to be the best girlfriend material Hell, even Rarity would make a better choice, because when she's not slaving away filling orders in her boutique, she's generous enough to spend her time with you, even if you happen to be in trouble. All you need to do with her, is ask. Though, Rainbow isn’t all bad.
After all, she is a good friend.
I swooped down to the front door and knocked politely. Almost immediately, the door swung open.
“Puppet Master? What happened with Celestia?” questioned the Rainbow-maned Pegasus.
“Basically, the forest was growing without ponies interfering. I thought my friend was to blame, and I was right. Not only did I find out that he was there, but I potentially saved him from being killed by Celestia. She actually thought he could be some sort of threat, before I assured her on our way there.”
“Whoa, that’s pretty cool. Oh hey, want to get some lunch? I’ll buy.”
“As generous as that offer, is I’m going to have to refuse. Spike’s teaching me Griffonian and I need to learn that language to read my spell books.”
“Aw man, I was really hoping we can hang, you know?”
“Yeah, maybe another time. Oh, and if you want you can go to my tower and ask for one of my Thanes to give you a room. We don’t have much when it comes to food, but we’ve got very nice beds that will top your cloud any day.”
“Really? I’ll check it out later then! But seriously, even though Equestria’s in danger, it’s not actually in immediate danger. So you should seriously relax. I don’t know if you know this, but you seem a bit tense.”
Well that’s nice of her. Maybe I was wrong about Rainbow; she seemed to care about me. And now I feel bad.
“I’ll catch up with you later, ok?” I turned to leave.
“Sure. And Puppet Master?” questioned Rainbow.
“Yes Rainbow?” I responded, looking back at her.
“The Gala’s coming up again. I was wondering if you’d… you know, go with me?” she queried, a little bashfully.
“Always Dash, always.” I shot off towards Twilight’s library, leaving my date behind to watch me fly away.
I approached the town and went toward Twilight’s library, since I’ve done this so many times I basically know exactly where it is now.
The moment I stepped down, I got this weird feeling that someone was watching me. I turned around and came face to face with none other than Shadow Master himself.
“Shadow.” I stated.
“Master.” he responded.
“I’m glad you’re here. Go to the castle and await my official instructions. You should locate your room, it’s comfortable and the castle has all the equipment your heart should desire.”
“Thank you, my Lord. But I’d rather not be idle for too long.”
“Then help Darkness set up a network of eyes, so I can see and listen on Equestria. I want nothing escaping my eyes. Oh and…” I motioned him to come closer to me. He did and he stopped and listened into what I was going to say.
“I need an ear in Celestia’s throne room. I want to know all of her moves. I trust her, but I’m still unsure of what to make of her. Any messages she sends out you send me one in kind, detailing me what was in that message. However if a message is too difficult to read, then don’t risk it. I’d rather have you close to her for as long as possible, than have her actively hunting you down.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Oh and the bed should work as a spawn point. If it doesn’t I’ll ask Darkness for an adjustment on them. Now go back to the castle, and get that straightened out. Also figure out how to get a corruptor invisible to deliver letters between us.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
And just like that, he’s off to get me the greatest spy network the corruption could offer. I stepped into the library.
“Spike! You here?”
“Yeah!” yelled the purple dragon, who stood atop a ladder that leaned against the book shelves.
“Hey buddy. I’m here for more Griffonian lessons. I’m sorry I didn’t bring anythi-… wait.” I searched through my inventory, and found exactly what I was looking for.
“Well, would you look at that. A stinger from the wasps that I fought in Whitetail woods.”
“Cool.” he responded, jumping down and taking the stinger from me.
“Let’s get to the lessons now. I’ve got some things to do in the morning, and a book that still needs reading. I’ll make it up to you when this is over all right?”
“Sure thing. Let me get the note cards.”
(A friend of mine has a new site up that he wants help getting out. Please check out http://www.newponyville.tk/ it’s basically a social network for bronies and a friend of mine made it. I encourage all of you to check it out and support my friend Cloudkicker. Don’t give him too much of a hard time if you disagree with his choice of rules.)
Being around Spike made all my worries seem to vanish. Most of the day, it seemed I was running around finding my friends, and getting invited to the Gala. Now I’m sitting around with Spike, learning a language that I know pretty much nothing about. But I’m getting better.
Spike and I were sitting on the couch going over flashcards. I'd just finished going through what felt like the millionth flashcard.
“That’s the thousandth word you’ve mastered! You learn faster than Twilight with languages. How do you do it?”
“It’s not my first time I’ve tried learning a new language. Not too hard once you get used to the techniques. So... am I an official expert of Griffonian now?”
“Well, you aren’t fluent yet but you’re getting there.”
“Good. It’s getting late. Now that I think of it, I haven’t seen Twilight for a while now? Why is that?”
“Well, she said something about helping out Applejack down at the farm.”
“Yeah, maybe I should get back to my castle. I’ve got a book to read. It’s in Griffonian, and I’d like to get to it.” I said, standing up.
“Oh ok.” He said getting downhearted. “You’re coming back right?” he responded with his expression holding an eager smile.
“Spike I’d always come back. Official business, or just for you.”
“Thanks.”
I left the tree library out into the streets of Ponyville. I guessed they got the word of what I am, because I’ve not been getting as many stares. Celestia did say Ponyville was pretty far from Canterlot, so they get news later in the day. I wondered how hard it is to spread the news to other cities even farther than Ponyville. You’d think they’d have a system in place to equally distribute news and information faster than what’s being observed right now.
I spread my wings once again, and began my ascent into the upper atmosphere. Once I was high above the clouds, I stood on a cumulus that happened by. I stood there looking out at the horizon. A beautiful sunset graced my view as it flooded the world with an orange glow. I watched it for a moment, then panned my gaze over to my tower. It was entirely pearlstone and I could swear I saw some Eater of Souls patrolling around the tower.
I thought of going back, but I remembered the promise to Rainbow Dash to not move out. I thought it would take much longer for the tower to be completely redone, so I promised not to move out without thinking, I need to find a way to fix that.
I jumped off the cloud and went into a dive. As I controlled my decent choosing to land right outside Rainbow’s front door. I could feel the air rush by my face as I reached terminal velocity and plummeting toward the earth. I set my sights on the mansion like cloud home of my current roommate.
*Thump*
I landed on the cloud hard and upright. I grasped the handle and pushed open the door, to find Rainbow walking toward it.
“Was that you?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes, I decided it would be fun to dive off a really high cloud and land outside your door. And I was right!” I responded, giving her an award-winning smile.
She looked at me for a moment, then turned around and muttered something under her breath.
“Sorry, what was that?” I questioned.
“Nothing...” she answered, trotting into the kitchen. “You hungry?”
“No, not really. I’ve come to tell you I’m moving out.” I stated flatly, walking into the kitchen.
She gave me a blank look for a few moments. “W-what?!” She inquired, showing how upset she was. “You promised you wouldn’t move out!”
“Yeah, well something came up; I have a country now, one that I can’t manage from your home. However I did ask for some guest rooms to be set up so if you ever wanted to visit then you can visit whenever you feel like it.”
“That’s not the point! You said you’d stay!”
“I have things to do Rainbow. Staying here will get in the way of those. I’m sorry if this puts a divide in our friendship, but I need to do this, even if I don’t want to.”
Rainbow’s expression softened into a frown. “Yeah, I guess you’re right… you’ll visit right?”
“As often as I can. I’ll watch over you from my keep if I can.”
“I don’t need anyone to watch after me.” she replied, a bit annoyed.
“Please, you’re bound to get yourself into trouble. Besides Rainbow, you’re technically my Thane so it’s my job to make sure you’re safe.”
“What’s a Thane?”
“Someone who’s obligated to help their King. Basically a knight, only with royal status. You’ve assisted me in battle and you’ve done your best to keep my secrets. You’re part of my kingdom, whether you like it or not. Think of it as a privilege. Though I’m not going to take you all around Equestria just because I feel like it. Only if I need you, I’ll ask for your help.”
“Wait, so I’m now royalty?”
“To the Red Rose Empire… yes. Your fellow Thanes are: Radiant Garden, Darkness, Shadow Master, Celldric, and Hunger. OH, one more thing. You know the tower that’s in the distance?”
“Yeah?”
“That’s mine.”
“Yeah, I know that.”
“And remember the Soul Eaters that we fought that invaded Equestria?”
“Yeah, and?”
“Darkness has the ability to control those. The corruption officially works for the Red Rose Empire.”
“WHAT?! THE MONSTERS THAT KILLED MOST OF EQUESTRIA ARE WORKING FOR YOU?!” she yelled in surprise.
“Yes... and I guarantee no more murders. Actually each of my Thanes has a quality about them tha-”
“SHUT UP! You need to destroy the corruption!” she was angry.
“It’s unwise to interrupt your King, Rainbow Dash.” I responded with hostility. She froze up and allowed me to continue. “I know you’re upset about the corruption, but it’s taken care of. It won’t spread; it’s contained inside the castle and underground. The only creatures being created from it are the ones that naturally grow from it. We don’t corrupt animals to gain an army Rainbow. We just grow one.” I waited for the information to sink in.
“…I’m sorry.” she mournfully replied.
“Good. Now each Thane has an ability or a characteristic that allows them to excel in a specific field. Shadow Master has the ability to become invisible and find information that spies would be too afraid to risk their lives to get. Radiant Garden can create plants that could do all sorts of things. Celldric knows chivalry like no other Thane, and his talk of nobility can change an entire kingdom. He also is good with law and proper judgment, and is not afraid to condemn his friends if they do something wrong. Hunger is logical. He’s able to analyze a situation and find the best strategy out of it. Then there’s Darkness, he’s able to create and control corruption and he excels at military strategy and engineering.” I finished my brief explanation of the Thanes that I control.
“Ok, what about me?” she asked after listening carefully about each Thane and their role. “What part do I play?”
“Well, that’s yet to be determined, right now I can only see you using speed as your advantage in a fight. Then there’s the fact that speed can do a quick reconnaissance over the battlefield, and allow you to get troop movements down and then come back to me or Darkness, so he or I can decide what to do with it. That can be valuable.”
“Ok, so what do you do? You’re the King, right?”
“Yes I am… I excel in most of the categories. I can talk my way out of many situations, and preplan the fate of an entire civilization. Hell, I’ve already got a plan for the future of Equestria. I already have a contingency plan, if Celestia decides I’m not trustworthy as well.”
“What do you mean she decides you’re untrustworthy?” she questioned, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Notice that the Griffins and the Dragons are neutral toward Equestria, just because of how far they are from them. My castle is in Celestia’s borders, and if she decides that I can’t be trusted within them, then she’ll move me with force. That means war, Rainbow.”
“NO! The Princess will never go to war because she thinks someone’s untrustworthy!”
“But she’s never had someone possibly untrustworthy so close to her capital. She’s never dealt with something like this before, so logically she could do something rash that we’d both feel bad about later.”
“B-but the Princess loves peace!”
“Does she love dragons?”
“No... What kind of question is that?”
“Well, if they were on Equestria’s borders do you think she’d allow a war to happen between ponies and dragons, just to remove the threat to her ponies?”
“…I don’t know. I don’t think so, since dragons are a big deal. If she can avoid war with them, she would.”
“…You’re right that’s a bad analogy.” I responded, scrunching my nose. “Well regardless, I’ve already gone over all the possibilities. But Rainbow, I need to know. If you were to choose a side to fight for… who would you fight for?”
To say Rainbow was caught off guard by the question was the understatement of the millennium. She froze up, deep in thought. It looked like she was discovering the secret of the universe under that blank gaze, and the more she thought about it, the more horrified she seemed to become.
“I-I…” she stammered.
“…Yes?”
“I wouldn’t choose! I can’t choose! I’d be betraying too many friends if I choose either side! If I help Equestria, I fight with my friends, but I’m against you! And if I fight for you, then I have to fight my friends!”
I came here to move out… It turned out that I also wanted Rainbow’s loyalty to me. Now when push comes to shove, she won’t be able to play the part of the Element of Loyalty if Celestia chooses to use the Elements of Harmony on me. Though... I can’t help but feel if I push too hard, she’d chose her old friends over me. I’d better watch my step so I have a trump card that I can pull whenever I need it.
“I’m glad you think this way Rainbow Dash.” I said with a soft smile that calmed her. “I would never want to become between you and your friends. If push comes to shove, I will forgive you for choosing them over me.” I said while kneeling down to be at her eye level, just like what you would do with a child.
She looked into my eyes and smiled. “Thanks for understanding.” she replied, just above a whisper and embraced me. I returned the embrace and we stayed like that for a while. Then we separated.
“Rainbow. We need to get you armor for your big day.” I stated with a sly smile.
“Big day? What 'Big day?'”
“The day I unveil you as my Thane, to Celestia at the Gala.”
“W-what?! You want me to dress up as royalty?!”
“Well DUUUUUUH! You are my Thane aren’t you? I’ve got to present everyone and give a proper back-story to each of you. For now, you’re going to be referred to as my Shield Sister. Basically, we protect each other, and since then you’ve become my Thane and give me advice as to what to do with Equestria.”
She looks at me with an unreadable expression, until it contorts into a huge grin. “It’s official. Being a knight is AWESOME!”
“Good. Now prepare some dinner for yourself, and we can head on our way to the tower.”
“Wait, you mean that one place over to the northwest? Why can’t we stay here?”
“Because, it's as I said before. We need to make you a suit of armor for the Gala. Maybe, conscript the abilities of Rarity to make you look ‘fabulous’.”
She shook her head meaningfully and walked into the kitchen and started making some food.
“You sure you don’t want anything?” she asked, putting together a salad.
“I don’t require food to live like you do, not like I want to start anyway.” I said rolling my eyes. Without the need to eat or drink, I’ve never needed to worry about dying of thirst or hunger, much less suffer from fatigue. This was fine by me.
“Yeah, yeah, I gotcha.” she stated, stabbing the salad with a fork.
I sat down on the counter, and stared at her. After a minute she looks in my direction and sees me with my blank expression, just watching her eat.
“That’s creepy.” she stated, as I refuse to acknowledge her. “Dude.” she said waving a hoof around. I still had my eyes fixed on her salad. “Umm you want some?” she waited a moment, then got a grin that screamed mischief, and she got up and hovered between me and the salad. She started making faces trying to make me laugh.
She almost succeeded, but then she stopped and looked deep into my eyes. I was still fixed on the salad or where the salad would be so it’s like I was looking right through her. “Oh, you’re good.” she said, to my face. She then went back to eat her salad. Once she was done, she announced, “All right done, let’s go!” She zipped out of the house.
I sat there like a rock. After a minute, she returned to see me still staring at the location of the salad bowl, if it wasn’t put away in the sink.
“Umm... Pup? Puppy? Puuuuuuppy.” She said while waving her hoof around in front of my face. “Did I break him?” she asked to herself, while looking around the kitchen for something to snap me out of it. She turned around and looked over at the counter on the other side of her kitchen and I sprung into action.
I grabbed her sides while yelling, “BOO!”
“YAAAAAHHHH!” she jumped in surprise. “Aw, not cool!” she half-yelled, glaring at me.
I toppled over in laughter. Rainbow continued to glare at me while I rolled on the cloud floor of her kitchen. She went out the door and I followed shortly after, once I got control of my laughter.
“You Done?” she stated impatiently.
“Oh come on Dash, it was a prank. I thought you liked pranks?” I responded innocently enough, while I had a content smile on my face. “Besides I kinda needed that. I’ve been tense for the past ten hours. Or some weird scenario pops up to ruin my day.”
“Fine, whatever...” she said dismissively, while watching the moon climb up the horizon, while the shades of orange begin to completely disappear from the skies. “Wanna race?” she challenged.
“I’ll probably fall behind, but sure, why not?” I said flaring my wings and readying myself for takeoff.
She eyed me with a grin that said victory, or the more likely meaning of ‘You don’t have a chance.’ I felt a little worried, but I knew she couldn’t do something too drastic to win. Not like she needed to cheat anyway since I’ve seen how fast she can go. Especially how fast she can defeat an enemy with a heavy weapon that weighs more than her.
“Reeeeeaaaaadddddy?” she questioned, getting into position. “SET-GO!” She shoots off toward the tower in the distance.
I’m standing there for a moment, before I shank my head and fly after her. I moved as fast as I can toward my castle. I wasn’t all that fast, compared to Rainbow Dash, but I can outrun Fluttershy if that means anything. Eventually, I could see the tower in the moonlight. To be honest, even at night the pearlstone looks amazing. It glistened and sparkled in the moonlight. It looked as reflective as water, when the moon's light reflected on its surface.
Though I stopped for a moment, when I saw a figure just hovering from a good distance away from the tower. I got closer and realized it was in a shape of a pony. I decided to close the distance to investigate the new arrival. As I got closer, I recognized the rainbow hue of a mane that I’ve come to know so well. It was Rainbow Dash. I came up to her from the left and I saw her face. It looked worried and unsure. I noticed she was also eyeing the Eater of Souls that patrolled the tower, my mind quickly connected the dots, and I hovered beside her.
“You know they won’t hurt you, right?” I stated, matter-of-factly.
She didn’t respond at first. Instead she took a few moments to think then responded with a solemn “Yeah.”
I hovered beside her for a few moments just basking in the moons glow and the pearlstone reflection of said moon, on its rough surface.
“Do you want to fly with me? We can go together.”
“I’d like that.” she responded flatly, but she turned her head and gave me an affectionate smile that had the words ‘thank you’ written all over it.
“Let’s head on in. We do need to meet up with the other Thanes and think up a plan for the Gala.” I said while moving forward. She followed suit as I took the lead.
“Why do we need plans for the Gala?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Because I want to present a project to Celestia so she can provide me the right resources.”
“What kind of resources?” she inquired curiously.
“I’ll tell you, once everyone is assembled.”
She fell into a formation beside me as she nervously watches the patrols that fly in squads of six around my castle. We made our way above the skylight, and swooped inside. Once there, we went into the Throne Room where Darkness sat on my throne. He was in his usual lazy position, with his feet elevated and his head resting on his hand. He got up and met me half way, before he knelt before me.
“Darkness. I need you to prepare a room for Rainbow Dash. She’s our newest Thane and she needs a place to stay where she can come and go as she pleases. Preferably near my quarters.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Oh, and before you do that, assemble the Thanes to the throne room. This includes Radiant Garden if he’s able. Speaking of which, how is his condition?”
“He could not make a health potion in the forest, and once he got one it was only a matter of him getting used to using his legs. He’s still in his room, walking around. And I’ve set up the spy network that you requested with Shadow Master. His bed has been tested and he can return here on command.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, spy network?!?!” angrily questioned Rainbow Dash.
“Yes, Rainbow. But it’s not exactly as it sounds, I do listen in on the Princess, but you know how news travels slow in the kingdom, right?”
“Yeah, what’s this have to do with spies?” she inquired, glaring at me.
“The spy network has two purposes. It's first is to relay news and discover secrets that are important to me. It's second is to watch over Equestria, so I can respond to threats faster than Celestia. She has a magic messaging service from Twilight, but I doubt she has baby dragons for all her companies in Equestria. So... when tragedy strikes she’s usually too late to stop it. With the corrupt eyes however…”
She visibly calmed down. “You can save lives, rather than rebuild them.” she sullenly finished, and avoiding eye contact from feeling a little foolish for not seeing the other reason so soon. “But you’re still spying on the Princess!” She said willing herself to remain angry.
“I’m doing it for the Princess. If she decides to remove me, then I have no choice but to act against her!”
Darkness slipped out of the Throne Room to retrieve the others while we stayed and argued.
“You should have more faith in her, though!”
“If she finds out about the disappearances, she might put the blame on me, and we’d never be able to bring them back!”
“But she’s still the Princess! We can’t betray her trust!”
“Rainbow Dash, I know you think highly of the Princess... but in this court, you should think highly of me! Celestia isn’t capable of doing the things that I have to do! I admit in time I’ll need her help, but right now she’s just a loose asset that I need to tighten! I’m sorry if it conflicts with your beliefs, but SHE can potentially ruin our plans to save the world, if WE don’t play our cards right!”
“W-well! Uh! AUGH!” she was verbally defeated and began pouting. If I were arguing with Twilight, I probably would have lost. But Rainbow Dash never was a public speaker.
“Are you done?” I asked, after a few moments of her pouting.
“Yeah...” she said crossing her hooves and sitting down in the middle of the room.
I walked over to my throne and sat down. I waited for my Thanes to arrive. Rainbow stopped pouting and started to rhythmically tap her hoof on the ground out of boredom. I watched with interest as Rainbow’s patience deteriorated, right before my eyes. I found it impressive that someone could go from patient to impatient and antsy so quickly. It was pretty entertaining to watch, honestly.
My Thanes entered the room, and all stood in a semi-circle around Dash who was in front of my throne. I kept my eye on her, while the rest did the same. It made her feel so uncomfortable that she had to break the ice with a noise.
“Uhhh...”
“Radiant! Glad you could made it. How are you feeling?” I said to Radiant Garden, who was without armor but wearing green pants and a green shirt. I effectively secluded Rainbow Dash with my statement, despite how centered she was.
“Fine, my Lord. I got a health potion and was up within minutes. Though I feel a little weak, so I needed to come up the stairs slowly.” He finished, while holding up a cane to show his slow progress.
How he fashioned the cane, I could only guess, but that wasn’t important.
“Good. I’ve called you hear to talk about the upcoming event called the Grand Galloping Gala. I want only three of you to come with me. Rainbow Dash, Radiant Garden, and Darkness. Celldric, you and Hunger have a task of finding me strange artifacts that can potentially mess with time. Shadow Master, I need you to check the Canterlot Archives and find all time spells and bring them to me. If you can make copies and leave the originals there, as to avoid suspicion, then return here and we will begin planning for the final stages of our plans.”
“May I interrupt?” asked Celldric.
“Yeah, go ahead.” I responded.
“Why Rainbow Dash?”
“She’s officially part of our little order. She’s my new Thane, and she will be on her first field mission at the Gala.”
“What mission?” she asked.
“One of loyalty. To see where your loyalties lie.”
“How do I pass?” she asked.
“I will determine that one.”
“May I inquire about my task?” questioned Hunger.
“Yes.”
“What am I looking for?”
“I don’t know. Basically, I’m sending you on a wild goose chase, and I don’t even know what the benefit of it is. But I can’t have you guys doing nothing. I need a catalyst for what I’m planning for anyway. If I’m going to mess with time then I should have some sort of console to guide my jump right? I can only guess the magical land of Equestria will have some things of unknown and magical origin.”
“Actually.” stated Rainbow. “You’d be right. But most rare and weird things get sent to museums, and the heavier stuff is left where it is and the site becomes a museum.”
“There we go. Search well and find what you can. Don’t take it, just mark it. However if it’s in a state that requires you to take it or you’ll never see it again, don’t hesitate to do so. I’ll work out the rest with the other nations. Don’t worry if you think it’s going to be a challenge.”
“That’s more specific. I think we can work with that.” replied Hunger.
“Ok, now to the final task. Radiant Garden. I need a body of a pony. Specifically one that’s powerful enough to hold a lot of magic, but not an alicorn so I won’t draw too much attention to myself in the past.”
“I will need blood samples my lord.” said Radiant Garden, while leaning on his cane. “And a chamber to grow a pod with a tree. I have a good idea of what I need. It should look similar to the tree I put myself inside.”
“Rainbow, you can offer the first blood sample right?” I said looking at my newest Thane.
“Sure.” She responded simply with a shrug.
“Oh, and Darkness, make a room for our new Thane, Rainbow Dash. And some complimentary armor that will go well with her coat and skills. She’s the fastest Pegasus in the world, so take that into account when you make her outfit. Mainly, make it light weight, so she isn’t slowed down.”
“I can fashion something of that nature. Maybe even make her faster if I get some accessories to go with it.” replied Darkness while rubbing his chin in thought.
“Excellent, I believe we’re done here.”
“May I speak to you in private, my lord?” inquired Darkness.
“Very well. Everyone’s dismissed. Leave.” Everyone began moving out. Rainbow seemed unsure. “You too, Rainbow, I’ll meet up with you later.”
“K.” she said simply, and followed Radiant Garden.
The doors slammed shut, and its echo reverberated throughout the throne room. Once it stopped, Darkness looked at me and began to speak.
“What are you doing?” he said accusingly.
“What do you mean?” I said confused.
“Celestia. You’ve not told her anything. I know you better than you think, and you and I both know that it would be beneficial if she knew about the missing ponies.”
“Well, I don’t want to tell her because she might react wro-”
“DON’T GIVE ME THAT!” he snapped. I gave him a glare that told him he stepped out of line. “Sorry. But you and I both know that’s not the reason you’re not telling her. Why do you withhold the information?”
I sighed loudly. I know why I wanted to keep it from her. Why I wanted control. Why I wanted her to be suspicious. I love conflict.
“I love conflict. Honestly… I want Celestia to fight me. Like in Civilizations I’ve always aspired to kill all my enemies, then betray all my friends. Course I won’t do anything to my Thanes, but when it comes to other countries it’s a matter of when I want to pounce on them just to add some spice to my life.”
“So in other words, you’re similar to me?” asked Darkness, seemingly puzzled.
“Don’t give me that. You should have known about this before. Every one of my creations has an aspect of me. You are my warmongering and need for violence. Radiant Garden is my charity and peace. Shadow Master represents my ability to hide the truth. Celldric and Hunger aren’t mine. They have nothing to do with me. But when it comes to the ones I’ve personally created, you all have an aspect of me, and it creates each of your personalities.” I let the information seep into Darkness’s mind, and I saw the wheels turning in his head. His expressionless face made it difficult to figure out, but I could still see it.
“I will follow you wherever you take me.” he finally responded, while having a sincere and rare smile on his face. With his helmet on it was difficult to detect but I could feel his joy with this revelation.
“Go build Rainbow’s gear, and ask Radiant to join me in the Throne room with Rainbow Dash in two hours. I’ve got thinking to do.”
“Yes, my Lord.” he said bowing low and making his way out the door.
I waited for a few hours for Rainbow and Radiant Garden to enter the throne room. I felt it unfair to ask them to leave only to make them come back so quickly. I was delighted however when they both arrived. Rainbow Dash seemed to be wearing a chest plate made of polished cobalt ore, with a feather pattern that represented her speed and ability to fly.
“Nice gear Rainbow.” I complimented with a smile.
“Thanks! Darkness made it. For a guy who represents your evil he’s pretty awesome.” She said spinning around to show me all sides.
“Wait who told you that?” I asked puzzled.
“Radiant did when he was showing me to my room; actually Darkness just finished it when I got there even though he just got out of the armory.”
“Armory? Hmm I didn’t know we had an armory.” I said scratching my chin.
“Really?” Deadpanned Rainbow. “It’s your castle dude.”
“My new castle that I didn’t have three days ago. It’s not exactly home yet. Anyway I’ve brought you two here for my earlier project with getting a new body. However, Rainbow I know your very impatient and your body isn’t as strong as I want it to be. That’s why I’ve brought Radiant Garden and you before me. I want Radiant to adjust your body to be stronger than a regular pony.”
“Wait you want to change who I am!” She shouted angrily.
“No I want to improve your body so you can do more good. Think of being able to go toe to toe with a dragon. All my Thanes can do this except you. You need weapons to harm the thick scales of dragons. The others as well but you can’t even be touched by its flame or you’re dead. Radiant, what do you think you can do to Rainbow Dash to allow her to become strong enough to get through a fight with a dragon?”
“Well my lord I do believe I can improve the toughness of her skin and make it harder to be cut. When it comes to fire I’m not sure I’m able to do anything about it. Maybe a few crystal hearts will increase her life expectancy but since she isn’t a Terrarian I don’t know what effect that will have on her.” He said while eyeing Rainbow’s anatomy.
“Oh first, Rainbow are you ok if we make changes to you?”
“Sure as long as it’s not changing who I am then ok and if I look too different I’ll pound your face in.” She said threateningly.
“Then it’s settled then. Radiant, fix her up to be powerful. Oh and if you can give her an ability to transform into a more combat desirable form then I’m ok with that. As long as she’s able to revert back and look like a regular pony.”
“Actually my lord that may be possible with a few new glands that I can fit…” He pointed to a few places on her body. “Here…here…and here.”
“Very well then. What about blunt force trauma? Can you reduce that?”
“Yes I can make it so her body absorbs more energy if she’s thrown around. But when it comes to her skull I can do little about it.” He said while holding her scalp while Rainbow gives him an irritated look.
“Why are you touching me?”
“It’s your body in question and I’m the doctor. Me touching you is possibly the least invasive thing I’m going to do to you when this is over.” He said so nonchalantly it made Rainbow Dash uncomfortable. She gulped loudly and you’d imagine he just threatened to hire ponies to group rape her with the horrified look she was giving him.
“I-I change my mind I don’t want this!”
“It’s not going to be that bad Rainbow Dash. I’m going through the terrifying process of getting a new body. And I asked for it! You’re just getting an improvement to yours so it isn’t that bad.” I said trying to convince her to change her mind. A willing Thane is a loyal one after all.
She mulled it over in her mind for a few moments before simply responding. “Ok fine.”
“Good. Darkness set you up with a room right?” I asked Radiant.
“Well no he was doing something else. I asked him for a room to set up my trees, and he gave me directions to one that was big enough and didn’t really have a purpose yet.”
“All right lead the way then.” I told him while standing from my throne.
Rainbow seemed neutral on the way to the room. We descended the stairs and I gave glances over to my old roommate for any indication of emotion. I’m particularly searching nervousness or fear that I might detect. I was confused however at the simple lack of emotion on her face. I wondered what happened to the brash and confident Rainbow Dash that I knew. Then again she may be content with the idea of turning her body into something different.
I feel the same way about my body after all.
We went down the spiral stair case and passed several floors. They all had the same kind of hall way even though the layout was different. Everything was pearlstone, and the light from the white tourches seemed to reflect off of pearlstone so well that it left nothing in the dark. But it confused me as to why they were white torches. I thought I told Darkness to place cursed flame torches around the halls. I’ll have to change the torches in my throne room to the white ones he decided to place instead.
We arrived at our destination within ten minutes of the beginning of our journey. The location of the room was twenty floors below the throne room. It was roughly one hundred feet wide and tall with four torches that lit its interior. It also had a dirt ground which made me believe that this must have been created to house a small biome or possibly a farm. My imagination could run wild with what the room was supposed to be used for, but eventually I settled with the idea that it’s now my biology chamber.
“So how will you do this? I understand you’ll need a tree but is that all?” I asked Radiant.
“Well I need time and water. A lot of water to be able to do any changes to the body of any mammal. Maybe if we have sunflowers I can use those for gene Splicing.”
I was slightly taken back by ‘Gene Splicing’ mainly because I didn’t know what that meant, but it sounded like Garden knew what he was doing so I thought of places where I could get water.
“…Shit.” I said out loud.
“What?” Asked Rainbow Dash. They both turned to look at me and watch my expression.
“We’re going to need water from a pond or lake. But from this area the closest pond is in Ponyville. That means that whatever we do ponies are going to be asking questions. It’s not so simple to lower the water level of a pond without ponies asking questions. Celestia will be suspicious as well…Ah! I know!” I stated after a few moments of thinking. “We can present the draining of the pond as a potion project!”
“A potion project?” Asked Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow. Radiant Garden also raised his eyebrow not knowing what I meant.
“Yes! We can create another biome to grow mushrooms and create health potions. We can present some of those to the local hospital and Celestia will not only support the gene Splicing project but partake in it! I also want to keep Rainbow’s title a secret for now. I don’t know why but I feel I can use you more effectively if they don’t know you’re loyal to me.”
“Well I can tell Twilight and she’ll give the message to the princess.” Rainbow stated.
“No, then she’ll know there’s a connection between us. Keeping you a secret will greatly increase your usefulness. Instead I’ll go to Celestia myself and propose the idea of health potions. Actually Rainbow does the hospital use health potions?”
“If it did I wouldn’t spend three days in the hospital. We have magic but when it comes to potions we’re kinda at a loss.”
“Good, we Terrarian’s have mastered potion making and our knowledge will do wonders for Equestria.” I said proudly.
“So you want me to turn this room into a potion lab?” Asked Radiant Garden.
“Actually yes and no. I want all kinds of different plant life surrounding the gene Splicing tree you will build. We can say this is our biology lab where we create new plant life for potions. It’ll be close enough to the truth that we aren’t lying and keep our true intentions a secret.”
“That’s kinda…impressive.” Said Rainbow Dash looking uncomfortable.
“What’s wrong?” I asked with growing concern for my new Thane.
“Well you seem so good at lying and I wonder what else you could have lied about. I’ve known you for a while now and even though you’re looking out for me…what you just did now makes me feel like most of your supposed background could be fake. Like you’re just a big lie.” She looked at the ground guiltily and rubbed her hoof across the exposed dirt.
I listened with interest of Rainbow’s words. Keeping her in the dark about my true origins was a good idea or not. I won’t make this mistake to not trust Rainbow. I will tell her, Celestia was someone I wanted to impress and to do that I had to lie about what I am. But Rainbow is a trustworthy ally now. She deserves to know.
“You’re right about your suspicions Rainbow.” She looked up at me with an open jaw. “I have lied to you, but I never thought it would make you feel differently about me. If you want, after we get this settled I’ll tell you everything about myself. But to show that I will tell you everything I’ll tell you something now. You know how I knew about you?”
“You researched us right?”
“Close but that’s not the whole truth. In all honesty I admired all of you because I watched you throughout your daily lives. You ponies are a source of entertainment and you remind us of how important friends and family are.”
“R-really?” She said unsure of how to take the information.
“Yes. I’ll tell you more later. Garden you can start setting up now right?”
“Yes I can. I just need some plants and a bit of grass. The lighting is good though.” He said with a smile. “The plants will grow up very healthy.”
“Good, I’m going to go talk to Darkness and see if he can get you some plants. I also need to get him to make more biomes for the different plants.”
“All right sir. I’ll be in my room so send him to me when everything is ready.” He said with a hint of excitement.
“You seem happy. Is it because I’m asking you to work with plants?” I said with a smile of my own.
“Oh yes! I love creating new plants! It’s what I live for!”
“Agreed. Come on Rainbow, let’s find Darkness.”
“K.” She said following me out of the door.
Radiant stayed behind and seemed to survey the room for a few moments. I paid no mind to him as I jumped off the stairwell and began flying upward. Rainbow followed me up and joined my side.
“Why didn’t we fly last time?” She asked.
“Because Radiant can’t fly Dash!”
“Oh.”
We went up a few flights before stopping at the second level below the throne room. We would go up another level to the floor were all the Thane’s rooms are but Darkness happened to be on that level adding green torches.
“Hey Darkness!” I shouted and flew over to him. “Instead of green do white. I like how it easily turns the entire inside of the castle to day. Oh and can you create biomes for different ingredients of potions?”
“Where shall I put them?”
“Around the Gene Splicing chamber. Also send down an acorn and a Staff of Growing down to Radiant Garden where he’ll use it for the Gene Splicing room.”
“You mean the Biology Lab? Very well and why white torches now? Why not earlier?”
“I didn’t think of how great it would look earlier. Now excuse me while Rainbow and I have a talk.”
“Yes my lord.” He said in his usual uninterested tone.
Rainbow Dash and I headed up to her new room. She showed me the way since I didn’t know exactly where it was either. We both took a few minutes of searching before we saw a door with the sign ‘Thane of Flight’ on top. We assumed it was Rainbow’s room and we were right. It had a mannequin of a pony with some greaves on the forelegs and hind legs.
“Well this is an interesting room.” I said noting the cloud walls that look very similar to the walls in her home.
“Yea it’s a work in progress, but it’s a start when it comes to feeling like home. And the bed is massive!” She said flying over to it and falling on it, she created a *poof* sound when she landed on the soft bed. “It feels so awesome!” She said resting on her back.
I closed the door behind me. “All right then. Now that you’re settled let’s talk about me.” I said in a serious tone. I looked over to the right of the room and next to the king sized bed I saw a small table and chair fit for a pony.
“Oh yea.” She said remembering why we came into her room. “I want to know everything!” She demanded.
“And I’ll tell you everything.” I walked over to the small table and chair and moved the chair to the side of her bed. I sat down on it and looked her in the eye. “How about we start with my real name.”
“Puppet Master isn’t your name?”
“No…I go by a lot of names but there’s one I go by more often than any other name.”
I began explaining my history to Rainbow Dash.
After a few hours of telling Rainbow Dash about the human world and what a TV is she seemed to calm down about me not opening up to her. I gave her the full truth about what I am and gave my opinion on how Equestria came to be.
“I believe the gods used Human curiosity and imagination to make an idea of this world. They must have copied our idea exactly, which explains why your world and the world invented by humans is so similar and why Equestria exists at all. Or I can have it the other way around. Humans imagine worlds that already exist.” And so on and so on.
Most of the stuff on how I thought Equestria exists in my world is mostly my opinion and I told Rainbow all my theories. I even told her about horses and ponies in my world and how they help society even though they aren’t intelligent. I told her how Humans are without magic and how the weather controls itself.
I even told her of the hundreds of countries that exist in my world and the approximate population of mankind.
“About 6 Billion.”
“WHAT?!”
Then I went on about the wars we humans have. And even some of the dangers of our world.
“There are over one hundred different countries. Odds are one of them is going to have a disagreement with each other. And don’t think humans are war lords either. If you were to call us warlords just because of how many wars we have in the past you should be ashamed of yourself. No human enjoys taking another life except a psychopath.”
“What’s a psychopath?”
“…” *sigh*
Eventually she fell asleep while I was talking about how culture and religion is a very influential thing on society. Surprisingly Rainbow listened as closely as she could until exhaustion collapsed her on the bed right in front of me while I was talking about the Roman empires influence.
I watched her chest rise and fall within her armor that’s been made to fit her body perfectly. I slowly got up and found my way to the door concluding our session of admittance. I felt Rainbow become more attached to me as I poured my heart out onto her when we began and I talked mostly about myself. I went to my room and laid down in the bed to make sure I have it as a spawn point.
Then I waited for day break in my throne room.
Once the sun peaked over the horizon I assumed Celestia was awake and ready for the day. The moment it did however Darkness stepped into the throne room.
“My lord, the biomes are ready and are now producing useful plant life. I’ve also noted that Radiant Garden has produced several plants in the Biology Lab and has begun creating potions for Equestrian hospitals. We’ve already created and filled three crates for any hospital that want’s it.”
“Good, I was just about to go see Celestia. Oh and what’s the status of the underground corruption?”
“Finished and I’ve already created several corrupt worms to scout the underground. I’ve actually found very interesting minerals close to Equestria’s core.”
“What kind of minerals?” I inquired.
“Well there are two things I want to tell you about the underground. First the amount of evil creatures there is staggering. Two there’s Adamantite down there.”
“Really? Create more corrupt subterranean creatures to find out more. And what about the other dark creatures?”
“I believe it’s Tartarus sir. It’s in the way of our mining operation. I’ve seen the creatures and I’m not so sure if I like the idea of digging that deep.”
“Find places where you can avoid the Equestrian hell. If you can’t then we’ll forget about it. I don’t want to risk the world I live in over some minerals.”
“I thought you liked unrest?” Said Darkness with a small tilt of his head.
“Not really. I like war but I don’t like a ruined world. If I have to make peace with Celestia to stop a threat to both our kingdoms then I’ll do it.”
“Very well. I’ll get back to the mines.” He said while turning back to the double doors.
He hopped the railing and went into a dive down to the depths of the castle. I sat on my throne and looked at where Darkness left my vision.
“Show off.” I said bitterly.
I then got up and went through the open double doors myself. I looked up at the skylight and took flight. I went through the skylight and looked across the horizon toward Canterlot castle. Seeing the white mountain city from this far was hard since it was blurry from the distance. But it was defiantly there and in sight. I flew fast toward the capital of my ‘friend’ Celestia.
“Actually.” I said to myself. “I should grab a lesser health potion.
Princess Luna sat on the throne in Canterlot. Her nightly duties of keeping Equestria’s night life safe for all citizens who participate it was now over and it was her time to rest while Celestia took over the day. Luna patiently awaited her sister to join her in the throne room where they would begin conversing about what happened in the night while Luna was on watch, then they will go their separate ways and Celestia will sit on the throne.
Ever since Luna took over the night crime rates when the lights were off went down significantly. It was because of the night vision of the night guard that Luna has installed within the few days she was back. The crime rate wasn’t that high in the first place, and since then it dwindled to maybe one crime every week rather than two or three.
Just when Princess Luna was worrying about what was keeping Celestia the throne room doors opened revealing her beloved sister. She had a small case of bed mane and walked in with a brush in said mane. Celestia trotted up to her sister while stroking her mane with the brush with a content smile on her face.
“Good morning dear sister.” Said Princess Luna with a warm smile.
“Good morning Luna.” Said Celestia happily. “Anything interesting happen in the night?” She asked.
“Actually a father resorted to mugging a rich stallion in the night. He didn’t hurt him but after I heard it was because of how hard it was for him to pay his taxes I may have asked the banks to loosen their grip and gave him a reduced sentence.” Said Luna sheepishly while Celestia’s smile grew so you’d see her teeth. “Surprisingly enough, after his apology to the stallion the same stallion he mugged offered to give his family some bits while he was away.”
“Well that was very generous on both your parts.” Said Celestia without losing her smug expression. “Have a nice rest Luna.” Said Celestia.
“Thank you sister.” Said Luna. She stepped down from the throne and they passed each other with high spirits. Celestia took her seat at the same time Luna opened the door. Celestia noticed her sister paused for a few moments before she said.
“Hello Puppet Master. What brings you to Canterlot?” Celestia’s ears perked up.
“I was hoping to speak with both you and Celestia if that’s all right.”
“Sure that’s all right with me.” Said Luna with a hard to read expression. It was as if her spirits were just shattered and the fate of Equestria may be on the line. Then again if a leader of a country visited the noble office wishing to speak with the president then surely there’s a cause for some alarm.
I walked in with Luna at my side and the guard that escorted me to the throne room returned to his post.
“Ah Puppet Master.” Said Celestia putting on her trademark smile. “What do we owe the pleasure.”
“I was hoping we can come to an agreement that will strengthen the bonds between the Red Rose Empire and Equestria.” I said stealing a quote from Civilizations V.
“Very well let’s hear it.” Said Celestia as Luna stands at the bottom of the throne and facing me with an expression that shows her interest in the conversation.
“Us Terrarians are exceptional potion makers and farmers. But when it comes to mining our skills are unmatched. Though I’m here to talk about potion making. I was having a lovely conversation with the Element of Loyalty-and may I add she thinks highly of you-She told me that while she was in the hospital she wasn’t given any health potions to quicken her recovery. So in response I create a few farms to grow herbs that went into making potions. I want to donate the potions to Equestria’s medical industry.” I stated with a smile.
“Really?” Said Celestia seeming to think about my proposal a little too deeply.
I understood her reason. If I was in her position I might want to test it to make sure it isn’t poison or something like that.
“May I ask to know how it works?” inquired Luna with skepticism in her voice.
“I can give you an example if you wish.” I said in response to Luna’s question.
“Very well. How will you show us it’s abilities?” She asked.
“I will cause harm to myself.” I said while opening my inventory to remove my armor. Once my armor was removed for all except the vanity items-which consisted of only a crown-I took out my Excalibur.
The guards and princesses reacted to my sword and all flinched in their own way. The guards lowered their spears and I quickly shoved Excalibur into my stomach. I grunted in pain and I heard shocked gasps from the two guards and the princesses. I retracted the sword and it returned to my inventory hot bar.
“Now I present to you.” I said without difficulty and taking out a lesser health potion. “A health potion.” I held it up.
“How are you not in pain!” Exclaimed Luna but I ignored her.
I drank the potion and my wounds sealed up almost instantly. It wasn’t fully healed but it was enough to prove that it did wonders. It even stopped the bleeding and cleaned up the blood already spilt. It took a few moments for the ponies to pick their jaws off the ground.
“H-how?” Stammered Luna.
“This is called the lesser health potion. An improved version could heal the wound completely. Right now we’re creating lesser health potions and we’ve already stacked three crates full of them. I want to donate them to Equestria’s hospitals. Especially to the ones in intensive care or anyone critically wounded. These potions could give a pony enough time to be saved by the doctors in a normally fatal accident.”
“T-that’s impressive.” Said Celestia getting her shock under control. “May I ask the ingredients?”
“I don’t know them off the top of my head but they are made by a special mushroom that grows in Terraria my home.”
“How did you get them if you can’t go home?” Asked Luna suspiciously.
“We have many different types of plants on our person most of the time. It was simply a matter of replanting them. Radiant Garden has a gift with creating plants so anything we didn’t have he created using another plant. He’s a biology god! And his insight on anatomy of plant life allows him to invent new types of fauna each day.” I said trying my best to sound impressive.
“That’s impressive.” Said Luna tapping her chin and looking to her right a little. “May I see these farms you claim to have?”
“Yes you can. Just join me in my throne room whenever you please and I’ll summon Radiant Garden. He’s the one in charge of creating new plants. I don’t know if he puts together the potions but I do know we have them according to my Thane Darkness.”
“Darkness? You mean the wicked one?” Said Luna bitterly.
“You know about Darkness?” I asked.
“Celestia told me about him. I don’t trust him.” Said Luna emphasizing her point by crossing her hooves.
“I can understand that, and I don’t ask you to trust him either. But he only acts when I ask him to and you can ask him anything you want.”
“Very well. Where is your throne within your castle? Or do you have a servant to guide me there?” She asked.
“Just come in through the skylight at the top of the tower. The throne should be the highest level available. You’ll know what I mean when you see it.” I responded to her. “Oh and Princesses.” I said getting them both to listen intently while silencing Luna’s next question. “I’d like some pegasi workers to bring water into my castle. Not too much but enough so I can finish creating the Biology Lab we have in progress.”
“Biology Lab?” Inquired Celestia.
“Yes Biology Lab, I have a few projects that involve healing physical ailments that can’t be undone with a health potion like the ones I showed you. I want to be able to find a way to maybe regrow limbs that are lost from any accidents that may have happened in a ponies life time. If I’m successful I’ll offer it to you as a reward for your assistance in ground breaking medical technology.” I felt confident that they’d take the bait and agree to it.
“Hmm I’m not sure.” Said Celestia. “I think we should see how well the potions turn out first. If I like how they’ve been assisting doctors then I’ll ask for more and then consider helping you. Why do you ask for water when you can get it yourself?” The very question Celestia asked was the one I was hoping for.
“You see, my tower is nowhere near a water source that I can use. Most of the water I can gather are tiny ponds that are watering holes for the wildlife. The only lake or pond that I can safely take from is near the town of Ponyville. One of your respective settlements. I don’t want to take a resource from you without asking.”
Celestia nodded her head in approval for the reason why I wouldn’t gather water. “That’s noble of you Puppet Master. I like the deal as is for now. The advancement of your Biology Research will be the next one we will talk about. I agree to accepting health potions from you to further our good relations. And I am thankful of your consideration for my ponies.”
“You’re welcome Celestia. I will have an air strip constructed on the side of my tower for chariots to land and take the potions from my tower to the hospitals.”
“I’ll have the first batch delivered to Stalliongrad up north. Hydra attacks are plentiful there and it would be the best field test for saving lives. The situation there is considerably grim considering the wounds inflicted on my citizens there.” Said Celestia with a frown.
“Then consider the deal struck. You will have your batch of potions and I’ll get the airstrip constructed. Oh and Luna.” I turned to the Dark Alicorn in question. “I look forward to your visit.” I gave her a court bow.
I took out my magic mirror and teleported home.
Luna turned to Celestia after the sparks disappeared. “I’ll go now and examine his equipment. I’ll bring two Elite Night Guards with me for protection.”
“Ok and do be careful sister. I feel there’s more to this than meets the eye.” Said Celestia to her beloved sister.
“I’ll look for anything strange while I’m there. I’ll also check all rooms that look suspicious and inquire about whatever I’m informed of.” Said Luna to her sister.
“Good, but make sure you have an escape route planned wherever you are ok?”
“I will sister.”
Luna walked over to the double doors and opened them. She stepped out of the throne room and headed toward the barracks.
“I hope she can handle herself.” Said Celestia with a solemn expression and lowering her head in worry. She picked her head up gain shortly after. “I don’t think Puppet Master should be trusted so quickly.” She said to herself. She picked up a quill and scroll that was conveniently placed beside the throne and wrote a letter in Griffonian.
‘Dear, Twilight Sparkle
My Faithful Student, it’s come to my attention that Puppet Master has come to give me health potions. I wish for you to update me on the progress of any construction on the side of his castle in four hour intervals. I also would like you to tell me of any suspicious behavior coming from the castle itself. Such as increased creatures defending it or any strange movements of them.
Your Mentor,
Princess Celestia.’
She sent the letter with her magic. However there was a shadow nearby and that shadow was able to read most of the letter. And it too sent a letter of its own.
Puppet Master just left the mines to wait in his throne room after talking to Darkness about the airstrip and agreement to offer to Celestia. Darkness was in the storage area gathering pearlstone bricks to place on the side of the castle where the ponies would land and pick up the cargo. Radiant Garden was already tending the farms and creating bottles for more crates.
Suddenly a scroll popped into existence through the corrupt forces in the world above Darkness. He caught it in his hand and quickly broke the seal.
‘Celestia has a spy. Not in our castle but an observer from a distance. I don’t know where the spy is located and I didn’t get a good read of the name because it was written in Griffonian. I know only a limited amount of the language myself but I was knowledgeable in the language well enough to figure out she has an observer of some sort.
Tell Puppet Master with haste.’
Darkness read over the informal letter twice and then quickly made his way up to the throne room. Darkness found his way inside and saw it was empty. He quickly dove down to check Puppet Master’s quarters and when he arrived he wasn’t there either. He then heard talking from the other side of the wall in the room next to his.
Rainbow’s room.
Darkness calmly walked out the door and took a right and opened the door in the room. Rainbow was without her armor on and it was attached to the pony mannequin in the left corner of her room. Rainbow’s attention was quickly brought to the front door when Darkness entered it.
“You need to get back to Ponyville so no one realizes you’re missing.” Puppet Master’s attention was brought to Darkness after Rainbow Dash looked at the door. “Something you need?” He asked.
“Yes I got this letter.” Darkness handed the letter form Shadow Master to Puppet Master.
After reading it he finally said. “We don’t need to worry about the observer. Celestia’s mistrust with me however is something to be concerned with. I was sure I left on a positive note with her. I guess I shouldn’t expect so much from someone who’s been around thousands of years.”
“Celestia’s watching us?” Asked Rainbow Dash.
“Yes. You may go now Darkness. Thank you for bringing this to me.”
“You’re welcome sire.” Said Darkness and he vacated the room.
“Rainbow you need to go back to Ponyville. And if you find anything interesting about what Celestia is doing then come to me and tell me. But don’t rush to me no matter how important the information is ok? I don’t want you to look like you’re going places or something like that.”
“Ok I can do that.”
“Oh and if you can try to press whoever is talking to give you more information if you don’t know enough. But show casual interest so you avoid suspicion ok? Oh and if they ask you why you’re so interested then just say you ‘felt like talking about it.’ Or something along those lines ok?”
“Sure I can do that.” Said Rainbow saluting Puppet Master. “Oh and thanks for telling me more about you.” She said affectionately.
“You’re welcome. If you have any more questions you can ask me at any time no matter what. Just not in front of anyone ok?”
“Fine by me.” She stated heading toward the door. She stopped and turned around when she opened the door to leave and faced me one last time. “Oh and since I’m not going to the Gala with my armor on I’m going to go to Rarity’s to get fitted again. What do you want me to wear?”
I was a little taken back with that question. Normally when a human girl would ask that-not like they would-I probably would say the sluttiest thing I can think of. But Rainbow Dash…isn’t a human and she wanted me to tell her what to wear. I couldn’t help but imagine Rainbow trying to encourage me to cosplay.
“Whatever Rarity can think up I guess.” I said shrugging my shoulders.
“Ok I’ll ask her to make something really pretty. Oh who’s your favorite pony?” She said giving me a sly look.
I smiled and responded. “Her name’s Rainbow Dash, I don’t think you know her.” I said grinning.
“Nope not a clue.” She said and chuckled as she went out the door.
I stood there for a few moments before I followed her out. She was already gone by the time I poked my head out the door. I made my way to the throne room and sat myself down on my throne. I didn’t want to sit there and do nothing so I when I sat down I pulled out the Crystal Storm tome and I began to read the contents of the tome.
Rainbow made it to her cloud home in time to make herself a quick breakfast. She checked her small office that was connected to her living room, and she found out she had a weather job to do in the morning. After she devastated the breakfast she swiftly made for herself, she went outside and began gathering clouds. While she was outside lining up the clouds with Ponyville’s local park, her mind kept going to Puppet Master.
He told her everything about himself, even the things that made him look like a common man, who lied his way to power. But she didn’t mind, once she got over all the shock of it all. In the end, he protected Equestria with whatever powers he gained through those lies, and he was willing to listen and keep secret Rainbow’s deepest thoughts.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” shouted an accented voice from below her. She looked down to see an orange mare wearing a Stetson on her head looking up at Rainbow, with a smile on her face.
“Hey Applejack! Whatcha' need?” she replied, lowering herself to Applejacks eye level.
“Twi’s havin' a group meeting for ah dunno what, and after that, ah need yer help at the farm.”
“Is the meeting important?” asked Rainbow.
“Yeah, why?” replied Applejack, tilting her head.
“'Cause, I need to set up some rain over the park so the grass doesn’t die out.”
“Ah understand, get it done quickly and head straight over to Twilight’s.” she stated, renewing her smile.
“K, thanks AJ; I’ll get this done faster than you can count to two!” Rainbow boasted, and shot off to finish her task.
“One. Two. Three.” counted Applejack.
“DONE!” shouted Rainbow over the raining clouds.
“THAT WAS THREE SECONDS DASH! NOT GOOD ENOUGH!” Applejack teased.
“YOU COUNTED TOO FAST!” shouted Rainbow, as she joined her friend on the ground.
“Well, ah guess ya’ll don’t deserve to be called ‘Dash’ Rainbow.”
“Oh haha, I miscounted. But I bet you can’t beat me to the library!”
“Oh, It is ON!” announced Applejack.
“READY? GO!” Rainbow sped off towards the library with Applejack in tow.
“Yer a cheat, Rainbow Dash!”
“Ha! You said Dash!”
Twilight was sitting on the end of the small round table, with her small group of three friends that managed to make it.
“Twilight dear, why don’t you just tell us, and you can inform Applejack and Rainbow when they get here. I really want to try out this new style for a dress. I think it can become a new trend in Canterlot, if I do it just right!” whined Rarity, in her posh voice.
“I don’t mind being here. I’ve already fed the animals.” responded a timid voice, that belonged to Fluttershy.
“Ooh ooh! Cranky Doodle told me to set up a party for when Matilda says yes to his proposal!” exclaimed an ecstatic Pinkie Pie. She was being extra Pinkie today because two of her friends were about to find out they’ll be married.
“It’s ok girls, once they’re here I’ll explain everything. It’s not going to take an hour to tell you, so you’ll be able to do whatever you girls want when I’m done, ok?”
“Well all right Twilight. I can wait; patience isn’t a virtue to me, since every work of art does take time.” replied Rarity, confidently.
“Don’t worry Twilight, this isn’t even a bother. I didn’t have anything planned for today, other than playing with my animal friends.” answered Fluttershy with her soft smile.
“Yeah, and I can just use the party cannon to set up the party faster than fast!” exclaimed Pinkie, leaning back in her chair.
Spike came downstairs and approached the group. “Hey Twilight, I adjusted your telescope to point to the tower!”
“Thanks Spike!” responded Twilight thankful for her assistant to be so handy.
“What do you need the telescope for?” asked Rarity, trying to get a conversation started.
Twilight looked at her and smiled sheepishly. “That’s actually what we’re here for.”
Rarity looked at her for a moment. “Twilight, I swear if we’re here to talk about stars-”
“No no no! It has something to do what we’re talking about, but it’s nothing that insignificant.”
“Oh, is it about the tower?” inquired Pinkie.
“Please girls, I want to wait till Applejack and Rainbow are here.” Twilight said with some strain in her voice.
“Oh, all right, I won’t push you.” admitted Rarity. “But judging by Rainbow and Applejack’s competitiveness, they’re probably racing here.”
*bang* The door flew open, and a winded pair of ponies rushed into the library.
“I WIN!” shouted Rainbow.
“No fair, ya got ah head start!” retorted Applejack.
“Told you~.” sang Rarity.
Both competitors looked at the four ponies, and walked up to the table.
“Howdy ya’ll! What we here tah talk about, Twi?” asked Applejack.
“Actually we’re here to talk about Puppet Master’s castle.” replied Twilight. At this, Rainbow perked up and listened closely.
“Well all right, what about the castle?” asked Applejack.
To this Twilight responded now that her friends were there. “Well…” Twilight trailed off as Spike went to find himself a stool, to sit next to Twilight. Twilight let him do that and she started. “Well, Celestia doesn’t really trust Puppet Master all that much. I mean I knew they've secrets kept from each other, but Celestia asked me to watch his tower for anything suspicious. I can’t do that most of the day, since I’m usually practicing spells or hanging out with one of you. So I’m asking you all to watch it when you can, and tell me if there’s anything suspicious going on there.”
“Like what?” asked Rainbow.
“Well... she only said anything weird going on like more patrols and new construction projects. Although Celestia did tell me he’s creating a landing pad, for chariots to send health potions to hospitals across Equestria. Though normally that would raise any alarm bells, Celestia felt he was holding back some information when he was talking about it. I don’t know the details, but I know that she doesn’t fully trust him.”
“Well, he seemed a bit fishy when ah spoke to him fer the first time.” replied Applejack. “Hey Rainbow ya’ll know ‘im better than us. Do yah think he could be hidden somethin?” Applejack said to Rainbow.
Rainbow thought for a moment, while rubbing her chin to look like she’s thinking.
‘Should I play dumb, or should I say he could be hiding something? Come on Rainbow what’s the smart move?... Wait. YES, THAT’S IT!’
Rainbow looked up from rubbing her chin. “Probably, but for as long as I’ve known him, he’s usually open about things that has to do with other ponies. I don’t really know what he could be hiding actually.”
“Yeah you do, Rainbow!” replied Twilight with a scowl. “You know about that one secret thing he’s doing! Does it have anything to do with Celestia.”
Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. She didn’t mean for Twilight to react like that. Rainbow quickly found a cover story. “Well no, he did tell me something about biomes, and growing ingredients for something, but that’s all I know I swear!”
“See, was that so hard?” said Twilight with a grin. “Spike take a letter.”
The dragon in question was already writing it down.
“Already got it, Twilight. Quote, ‘Rainbow Dash told us Puppet Master is creating biomes for some plants.’ End quote. Anything else Rainbow?” Everypony looked expectantly at Rainbow.
“Well, he’s got a mine under his tower.” that statement more slipped out, and she didn’t really think it through. Rainbow however played along like she meant to say it.
“Ooooh, what’s he mining for?” asked Twilight.
“Umm hold on, I can’t quite remember.” replied Rainbow. Now she had time to think. Being around Puppet Master, especially after last night gave Rainbow insight on how to lie like a pro. She’s using this time to ‘remember’ to plan out what to say next. “Uh, it was something with a G or something.”
“Gold?” asked Applejack.
“Gems?” inquired Rarity.
“Spike add that to the letter.” stated Twilight. “Anything else?”
“Umm no, that’s all I know about the tower other than it has a lot of levels. Oh and yesterday he moved out of my place.” responded Rainbow, remembering that important fact that he’s no longer with her.
“He did? Aw shoot, now we don’t know what he’s doin’.” dejectedly said Applejack.
*sigh* “Add that to the letter too, Spike.” flatly stated a disappointed Twilight.
“Sorry girls, if I thought you wanted him to stay in Ponyville, I would have pressured him to stay.” replied Rainbow, putting on a frown.
“Aw it’s ok, we still love you.” said Pinkie wrapping her foreleg around Rainbow.
“Yeah, nothin’ to beat yerself up about.” Applejack encouraged.
“You did your best Rainbow.” Said Fluttershy.
“It’s all right gals, I’m good. Oh Rarity! You think later I can get another dress for the Gala?” asked Rainbow.
“Sure, I can do that without you, asking darling. I know your size perfectly.”
“Actually Rarity, I want to be there and put my input in it. I’m trying to impress someone.” admitted Rainbow, with a blush.
There was a collective gasp from the group of friends. Spike didn’t gasp but rather dropped the quill, and his jaw.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOH who’s the lucky stallion?” asked Rarity, with excitement in her voice.
“Uh... I’d rather not say yet, ok? But let’s just say he’s going to be at the Gala.”
“Oh, is he a Wonderbolt?! DO I GET TO PLAN THE GETTING MARRIED PARTY?!” shouted Pinkie over enthusiastically.
“Well, I only just him met a few weeks ago ok? We haven’t gotten really far other than friends. I’ll tell you more about it when I’m ready ok?”
“Oh, I completely understand.” dismissed Rarity, waving a hoof. “Girls, let’s give her love life some space.”
“Agreed.” responded a grinning Twilight.
“We done, Twi?” asked Applejack.
“Yeah, I guess we’re done, why?”
“Rainbow and ah ought to make it tah the farm. Ah asked for some help since we’re stressed. Let’s go, Rainbow.”
“Sure thing AJ. Bye girls!” stated Rainbow.
They all said their goodbyes, and the day continued on. Rainbow made it a personal goal to get back to Puppet Master, after she helped Applejack to tell him that all her friends have been drafted to tell Celestia about anything strange.
I sat on my throne reading through the Crystal Storm tome that I had in my hand. The tome itself was very interesting for an offensive magic book. It explained in great detail how to use it, and how to enchant items to do the same thing the tome itself does. In the relatively short time I’d been reading it, I figured out how it formed the crystals in the first place. If this book was given to Earth, then future tech with crystal structures would skyrocket. I had complete confidence that I could use technology to make crystals. Though the tech I would need... isn’t in Equestria.
*Ahem* “Excuse me, Puppet Master.”
I looked up from my interesting book to see none other than Princess Luna standing before me, looking very unimpressed. Two night guards flanked her on both sides.
I smiled when our gazes met and spoke happily. “I’m sorry Princess; you’ll have to excuse that. I was reading a very interesting tome about the formation of a Crystal Storm. It’s a rare form of weather, where crystals fall from the sky and coat the land in gems. Of course this causes a very beautiful, but terrible wasteland, but…” I saw Luna was still uninterested. “Never mind, you wish to see the Biomes?”
“Yes I do, if you would accompany me, or have someone else do so for you.” she said very professionally.
I eyed her for a moment, and thought through her actions. I had a sudden urge to try to make her smile, and make her feel more at home. This also was an interesting time when I noticed that the torches in my throne room have been changed from cursed flame to white flame. Luna noticed my eyes scanning the pillars that sported said torches.
“What are you looking for?”
“I’m sorry Luna, while I was reading Darkness must have changed the torches to white. That’s weird, I’m usually not this oblivious of my surroundings.”
“Can we get a move on?” deadpanned Luna, with a bit of impatience in her voice.
“Princess you need to calm yourself. The day is young-”
“And I do not have all day.” she interrupted me with even more impatience in her voice.
“Luna…”
“Address me with my title, please.”
I was getting irritated. “Leave my castle. Return when you’ve learned manners. I am not Equestria’s enemy, and I refuse to be treated by your shortness.”
“No, I want to see your biomes. Now.” she demanded, stomping her hoof in anger.
“I was willing to do that, I even invited you to come see them, and the rest of my castle to remove doubts of my intentions! I welcomed you politely, and you responded with irritation and irritability! I ask you to leave and get yourself under control for your next visit. You may be the Princess of the Night but that’s no excuse for being rude!”
Luna looked a bit torn at the moment. She must have worked up the idea that I will be unwilling and elusive when she got here, so she may have planned to be more demanding to get more answers out of me. I applaud her effort, but she went too far.
“I’m sorry, may we try again?” replied Luna, seemingly trying to approach me differently.
I let the question hang in the air to grow tension. It seemed to work in some way. Luna’s facial expression looked like it was visibly resisting the urge to frown or look distraught. I couldn’t tell what exact face she wanted to put on, but I knew it wasn’t anywhere near happy or angry. The guards themselves reacted as well. They gripped their spears-which was currently being held by their wings-tighter and they seemed ready to pounce, when the moment arrived.
“We may.” I finally said, after much thought. I knew Luna was remorseful with her actions, so I couldn’t really condemn her for her actions.
“Thank you.” replied Luna, more gratefully.
“I’d hate to see our relationship crumble, before it begins.” I stated. “I would like for a get-together some time, so we can appreciate each other better. I understand your aggression came from a previous expectation of me. Or that’s what I assume is where it’s from. I’d like to have the opportunity to remove that expectation.”
Luna thought for a moment. “We’d like that too.”
“We’d? Need for the royal ‘we’ in my castle. I consider this an informal visit since we aren’t discussing any trade agreements, and we aren’t bickering about politics.” I responded whilst getting up from my throne, which caused my bones to crack. “Oh, I’m a bit stiff from sitting in one spot for so long.”
“It wasn’t terribly long.” Said Luna. “Just a few hours. I’ve sat on the throne for an entire night before, and It doesn’t bother me.”
“Well unlike you Luna-you don’t mind if I don’t say your title right?”
“You may call me Luna. My previous statement was out of irritation.”
“Thank you. Well unlike you I don’t lead my country by sitting on my throne, and waiting for documents to come to me so I can sign them. No, I don’t handle my Economy and I let my advisor take care of that. I actually go out into the world and win the hearts of the people by assisting them in tasks, big and small.”
“I’m sorry, advisors?” asked Luna, with a tilt of her head.
“Yes. Elected people, or ponies, that help me out during long term empire related subjects. Darkness is my Military Advisor while Radiant Garden is my Science Advisor. Or well… I’m not sure exactly what Radiant Garden does, actually. He’s really good with plants, so he’s the head of research at the moment.”
“I see. Tell me more about advisors. I may be able to implement them in Equestrian society, so Celestia and I don’t have to do so much bulk work.”
I started walking forward and down the two steps that my throne was elevated on. Luna joined me by my side, while the Night Guards flanked my right and her left. I began explaining the concept of Advisors.
“Well, basically an advisor researches the problems in a nation, and brings them to you. Like an Economic Advisor will be in contact with all the Mayors. And the Mayors' jobs are to tell the Economic Advisor the status of the economy in that town or village. Settlements don’t count, until they grow enough to have an economy that can be gauged. Or at least that’s how I think it goes. I’ve never got into the field of currency myself, until Equestria.”
“Really? Then what drove your citizens to be an active part of society?” asked Luna in earnest, now interested in what I have to say because it’s about how to run a nation.
We were descending the stairs to the room where Radiant Garden was performing some biology experiments. We had several flights to go so our conversation would last awhile.
“I made it so that any citizen who did not contribute, would be placed in an overcrowded building with several other citizens, who are doing the same. Food was provided, but living conditions were not up to par, so it was undesirable.”
“So... they’d get a job and contribute.” Luna finished the thought for me, nodding her head in understanding. “But what about the ones who couldn’t find a job to achieve this goal?”
“They needed to prove they were trying to find a job, and they were allowed to keep their homes and share of rations.”
“Rations? How does that work?”
“Well, rations were handed out depending on how good the country was producing food. If there were a surplus of crops, then there was extra rations for those who earned them. During times of celebration, the rations will be doubled for feasts. Though there were times when crop wasn’t good and food needed to be brought in from other towns. When I had towns that had this problem, I would send food from a food rich town to the others that weren’t so lucky.”
“Interesting. It seems inefficient compared to Equestria’s ration distribution. Or actually, more survival based. Ours is economy based where-”
“I know. Businesses and farms send them to places where it earns them the most money. Sometimes newer villages that don’t have farms are best because they don’t produce their food and you can earn more from them.”
“I don’t like being interrupted.” deadpanned Luna.
“I don’t like irritable mares.” I jabbed back. She gave me a little glare, while I smiled on.
“That was rude.” she retorted.
We walked through a large doorway at the correct level and into the hallway. Unlike most floors, the doors were spaced further apart because, the rooms were bigger. I took a right and opened one door to expose the interior of the Biology Lab. There was a large tree in the center with grass now on the dirt that was placed there. Radiant Garden was in front of the tree, creating giant balls of wood that looked like oversized walnuts with a bark exterior.
“Radiant, what is that?” I asked him. He looked toward us and smiled.
“This my Lord, is the Gene Blender. I just require blood samples and I’ll be able to discover the secrets of magic and the body! I’m so excited sir!” He got a good look at Luna. “Is she the first donor? I’ll love to experiment with Alicorn genes. So rare and unusual.”
“Radiant? Are you feeling ok? You’re acting really… eccentric? Maybe that’s the word I’m looking for?”
“Sorry sir, I’m just happy that I can finally work on things with proper muscle structures, like ponies and bunnies and birds.”
“What experiments are you talking about?” asked Luna.
“Oh, just some Gene mutation and tissue regrowth. If I can adjust the genes of a regular pony, I’ll be able to give them the abilities of pegasi. Maybe even create a mutation that allows a unicorn to lift heavier objects.” He stated, not realizing he was rambling.
“Radiant.” I stated.
“Yes, my Lord?”
“This is Princess Luna. You are to show her whatever she wants. Mainly the biomes, but if she wants to look at anything else let her.”
“Yes my Lord, I can do that.”
“Good.” I turned to Luna. “Princess, I leave you with my Thane, Radiant Garden. Biology expert and my head researcher. If you need me I’ll be in my throne room reading.”
I swiftly made my way to the door and rushed to the stairwell. I was very eager to return to my book. The context of the passage was too interesting to be ignored for too long. And I believed I was going into reading withdrawal.
Rainbow Dash worked hard to get Applejack’s chores done, so she could get to Rarity’s Boutique to be fitted in a new dress. She was out to catch the eye of Puppet Master himself. She chose him to be her future lover, in a similar way he did with her. Rainbow looked at everything he was, and everything he’s ever done. She judged his character as harshly as she could, and even then he was a great guy. Of course, he keeps his secrets, but he keeps them from everyone except her. He explained everything he was, and supported it by showing her memories.
And he made her laugh. Rainbow could trust him with anything, and he hasn’t threatened to tell anyone and only brings it up when they’re alone. He doesn’t even talk about her around his most trusted friends, the other Thanes. He even took her inability to cook, and turned it into something fun they can do together. So, it was at this point that Rainbow chose him to be her coltfriend. She wanted there to be a relationship. She wanted to be with him, till the end of time. She just didn’t feel it.
Rainbow was plagued by the same thing Puppet Master was. They weren’t the same species. She couldn’t find any part of him attractive, but she wanted to. She wanted to see him as the most handsome thing she’s ever stumbled upon. But that just wasn’t the case. However, his talk about history went on longer than one of Twilight’s lectures. In that time she discovered the solution to all her problems.
Princess Cadence. Cadence has the ability to spread love wherever she goes. If Rainbow were to ask her to make them fall in love, then she’d be able to have her perfect stallion and enjoy him too.
Applejack pulled the last bushel they were supposed to gather into the barn, and briskly trotted out to sit in its shadow.
“Woo... Ah’m plum tuckered! Thanks fer the help Rainbow, Big Mac’s in Manehatten with a relative, while Apple Bloom's at school. Ah really couldn’ta done it without’cha. And without yer usual chatter about competition. You ok?”
“Yeah, just that guy, he’s on my mind a lot lately.”
“Any chance yah can give me a hint as to who he is?” questioned Applejack looking up from her hat that was obscuring her view of the rainbow maned Pegasus.
“Nope! It’s a surprise!” answered Rainbow. And a surprise it would be when the time came.
“Well all right, Ah won’t pry. *Yawn* Yah know? Ah’m gunna take a nap. See yah another time.” sleepily Applejack said, starting to dose off. “And thanks again.” she said while the dream world took her.
Rainbow just nodded and flew off towards Rarity’s Boutique. On her way, she surveyed the tower that she knew Puppet Master would be in. She reminded herself to tell him that Twilight and her friends have to watch the tower for any weird activity. She sped to the Boutique, and she found her way there within minutes.
Rainbow landed near the front door of the Boutique, and opened it up. She was greeted by several dresses that were on display, that seemed to sparkle with every ray of light that made contact with each individual gem. Rainbow paid them no mind and only took quick glances at the dresses on display as she moved into the store.
“Rarity!” Rainbow Dash called out.
“Rainbow?” came a posh voice from upstairs. “You here to get fitted?”
“Yeah I am! You available!?”
“Just a minute~!” sang the posh voice.
Rainbow paced nervously in the shop, while she waited for Rarity to come downstairs. To Rainbow, it felt like years till she came down, but to Rarity it was ten minutes of preparing and organizing cloth. Once she was downstairs, the two friends put on a smile and both eagerly began.
“So, I have a few templates that you can look through to make your decision on what design you’d like.” started Rarity, while revealing the curtains of a small stage to show six dresses that all had a different pattern.
“Umm, I just pick a dress?”
“Well you said you wanted to look good for a stallion then you’d probably know what he likes by now. Surely you can pick a template design for me to build upon.” responded Rarity, sure of herself.
Rainbow looked at the designs and couldn’t really decide. She knew the outfits of all the Thanes and couldn’t find the right trend. Then it hit her. Each Thane dressed like their profession. Darkness looked scary and he controls evil creatures for Puppet Master. Radiant Garden is able to control and grow plants and his outfit was normally green. She didn’t know about Celldric and in fact didn’t even know his name at the time, but even Rainbow could tell that his Hollowed armor and the way he presents himself shows chivalry.
So what does she represent? What’s she good at? A few moments of thinking, and she had it. She spun around and grabbed Rarity by the shoulders.
“Rarity! I know what the theme! It will be flight! Something with flight! Maybe feathers and an aerodynamic shape.” Rainbow said excitingly.
“R-really are you sure?” replied Rarity, shocked from the sudden contact.
“Yes! He’ll love it!”
“Well all right then! Let’s get you fitted!”
I let Rainbow off for the rest of the day. I told her to go to her room and reflect for a while, and I went back into the Biology Lab where Radiant Garden was ready to give me a review of the genes Rainbow provided. I entered the Biology Lab where I saw Radiant Garden standing in the center of the room with a soft, but sad smile on his face.
“That was very kind of you to reassure Miss Dash, my Lord.”
“Thank you Radiant Garden. I believe that what I said was the truth, and I will not keep the truth from my Thanes.”
“Yes, my Lord,” he said with a slight bow. “And I’ve discovered the secret to pegasi magic. It appears magic is contained or controlled in a gland. I was able to recreate it quickly, and I found that with said gland I can make anything fly with the right adjustment. If you so choose, I can use this to enhance Rainbow’s pegasi magic so she can control clouds and storms.”
“Control storms?” Well now I know Rainbow has the ability to control storms, she’ll become a powerful ally rather than just someone I have to protect. “Give her that ability. It’ll come in handy.”
“Yes, my Lord. I’ve also figured out how to store matter in her body, so she can grow several sizes larger. The only drawback is that it hast to be grown naturally, or her body will reject it and she’d be rotting faster than a leper.” he admitted morbidly.
“Eugh, don’t give me that imagery, please.”
“Sincerest apologies, my Lord.” he replied, bowing again.
“It’s fine. Is there anything else you can do?”
“Her anatomy allows for thicker and stronger skin, so I can make it hard to cut her.”
“Make it so.”
“Yes, my Lord. Oh, and if I want to make her an omnivore then I will need the DNA of a carnivore.”
“Let’s not give her the ability to eat squirrels just yet, ok?” I responded, shaking my head with a smile on my face.
“Very well, my Lord. Oh and I’ve put my DNA in the Splicer, so I can figure out Terrarian DNA. I’ve discovered that with extra care I can give Rainbow Dash an inventory!” he exclaimed rather ecstatically.
“Calm down my friend. I need you to also see if you can increase Rainbow’s strength, or at least make it easier for her to become stronger. And find a way to increase her wing strength; I need her to be able to outrun ponies who get a head start on her.”
“I’ll get to that right away, my Lord.” he said saluting.
“Good. You know I expected Hunger and Celldric to be back by now, with some buckets of wa-”
*Slam*
“Miss us?” came the unquestioned answer from Hunger. Hunger and Celldric joined Radiant and I in the Biology Lab, while holding buckets of water.
“My Lord, we’ve retrieved the first few gallons of water for the Biology Lab.” stated Celldric, in his respectful and chivalrous tone.
“Oh, hello friends. Just dump the water at the base of the tree, and it will do the rest.” Radiant started.
“On it.” replied Hunger as he dumped the water at the base of the tree went on.
“We’re short a few hundred gallons, so we’ll need much more.” said Radiant.
“Where did you get this water?” I asked them.
“Ponyville’s pond.” responded Celldric. “No one saw us, like you asked.”
“Oh yeah, I asked you to get it from there. All right carry on.” I turned around and began walking out the door.
“Wait sir, I’m not done with my report.” stated Radiant, trying to get me to come back.
“All right. You two continue gathering water for the tree.” I told Hunger and Celldric.
“Yes, Lord and Master!” exclaimed Celldric, and he ran off out the door. Why he needed to run, I have no idea. But Hunger walked out the door calmly, like nothing that transpired between him and Hunger.
“Ok Radiant.” I replied, pushing the thought to the side. “What else do you have for me?”
“Well, if you allow me I can give Rainbow Dash resistance to the corruption, by giving her a natural purification gland.”
“Whoa whoa whoa! You can do that?” I questioned with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes I can, my Lord.”
“Then do it. Oh, and find a way to make it so she can control the corruption. You know like self-injection, so she can have benefits of being corrupted. Or at least the ability to intimidate her enemy. And try to make it so there’s some sort of timer to it, so when she does corrupt herself, she doesn’t need to be in control to revert back.”
“Well thought of, my Lord. Shall the hollow be of concern?”
“T-the hollow?” I nearly forgot about the hollow. “We don’t have control over the hollow, do we?”
“Not to my knowledge, my Lord. But everything in the hollow is really powerful.” Radiant started tapping his chin and looking at the ceiling. “I wonder if the transformation to the hollow can increase the power of a being.”
“You should test that, when we get hollowed seeds. But for now, stick to corruption and try to develop a gland to remove hollow.”
“Yes my lord. I do believe that’s everything we should worry about, until we start the procedure.” replied Radiant, with a smile.
“Good… I’ll be in the mines, interrogating the prisoner.” I stated, turning my head toward the door.
I wasn’t stopped by Radiant, so I assumed he really was finished with brainstorming new body parts for Rainbow Dash. I exited the Biology Lab and walked down the hall to the spiral staircase. Once there I jumped over the railing, and allowed myself to fall into the depths of the lit up tower.
I quickly reached the bottom, and found myself looking at a hole in the ground. With no other direction to go, I jumped into the hole and found myself in another cavern. Only this one had brick walls, and it looked more like an unfinished hallway.
I walked along the walls and came across a wooden door, which was covered slightly by dirt. I assumed this is the door I asked Darkness to seal off once he put the prisoner inside.
“Can I help you my liege?” I spun around and my eyes met the shadowy figure of Darkness partially obscured by the shadows of the incomplete cavern.
“Oh, Darkness good. I need to see the prisoner. If he hasn’t been corrupted by the ground, that is.”
“Well actually, my Lord. He is corrupted. The moment I set him down he bolted for the closed door. And you know how pegasi open doors? Apparently the same way all other ponies do, and they land.”
“So we need purification powder… wait.” I responded, as the realization hit me.
“Yes my lord. Isis is needed. And since you left her in the forest deep within Equestrian boarders-”
“Then I’ll need to resolve the current issue with Celestia… oh joy.” I said rolling my eyes. “You can control him while he’s corrupted, right?”
“Yes I can, my lord.” he responded.
“Is it possible that you can make him answer my questions, or does he have to access his memories through free will?”
“Actually my Lord, I might be able to do just that. I’ll need some time to experiment with him, and it will take time. Anything specific you wish to know?”
“Who ordered him to attack me? That’s what I want to know.” I replied, walking back out of the unfinished hallway.
“It will be done my lord.”
Luna just walked into the throne room and after a brief embrace from a concerned Sun Goddess, she explained the betrayal of her own guards. Celestia was silent for a few moments, while Luna explained Rainbow’s betrayal.
“-then after a talk with Puppet Master, I concluded it would be best not to apprehend Rainbow Dash and I excused her, because I didn’t want to arrest her and I also didn’t want to risk open warfare. Celestia, he treats her like his own citizen, maybe more. If we were to act upon the laws of our land, and try to apprehend Rainbow Dash, we may be risking innocent lives.” Luna stated sadly.
Celestia hung her head low for a few moments. When her head rose up, she had a look of determination on her face.
“Luna. Assemble all the guards on station during this incident. I want to swear them to secrecy.”
“So, you don’t wish to punish Rainbow Dash for treason?”
“No… but I would like to talk to her.” replied Celestia with a calm voice, and with an angry glare directed at no one in particular.
“I understand. That does sound like the logical course of action.” Luna stated, a look of relief on her face, that Celestia wouldn’t take drastic action with the news.
Celestia’s expression softened, and she looked back at Luna. “I want to see if there’s an ounce of loyalty still within Rainbow Dash. Maybe I can exploit it, and she could tell us everything about Puppet Master.”
“I fear that’s a risk we can’t take Celestia.” answered Luna. “Rainbow is as loyal to Puppet Master as she was to you. If you try to exploit her and she feels threatened, then she’ll tell him about your attempt to take information from her and he might be angry.”
“I know, and I’m ready to take that risk.”
“NO! WE CAN’T!” shouted Luna, she quickly regained her poise after the outburst. “I’ve seen his army, Celestia. In that castle is a barracks larger than a city.” she admitted, while giving Celestia an angry glare. “He can chose to remove Equestria from the map or completely take it over… we can’t let that happen. If that means putting on a smile and playing nice, then I’m fine with it. But I can’t allow you to make the decision to potentially break his trust.” Luna’s expression softened. “I worry for the safety of our ponies too, Celestia. But so far I haven’t seen Puppet Master truly want to use the army he has. That leads me to believe he wishes for friendship between us. Please, if he’s sincere about his want of friendship then we must hear him out.”
Celestia hung her head in defeat. “Fine… we’ll play nice. But the moment he slips up-.”
“Princess!” A Solar guard rushes in on their conversation. “The Night Guard that informed you of Luna’s capture is gone!”
“Night guard?” asked Luna.
“A guard claiming to be one of your bodyguards came before me cut and bruised. He told me you were captured, and I sent Barricade to save you.”
“This is disturbing. They’ve not only breached the castle and infiltrated our ranks, but they are using their positions as a tool to destabilize our country.”
“I can only hope that we can stop the threat, before it’s too late.” Luna said somberly.
“Or tell real threats from false ones they want us to act against.”
After a long day’s work, the Night guard that protected Luna put his gear away in the armory, and exited the castle to take his leave for a long time in ages. The first thing he did, was go to Donut Joe’s and order a few glazed Donuts to pass the time. He then got up and left that store, to make his way to the train station.
Once at the train station, he waited for his contact.
An hour passed before a fairly small griffon appeared out of the corner of his eye.
“Setting Sun?” asked the female griffon.
“What do you want?” he replied, with a hint of irritation.
“Black Beak wants to know how it went down.” stated the griffon nonchalantly.
“The idiot got caught when he tried to attack Puppet Master. He was not only unsuccessful, but he was arrested and taken to THEIR dungeons. Puppet Master wouldn’t let Luna take him, so we can’t do a jailbreak. So he’s been compromised.” replied the Night guard, showing more irritation.
“Bring these orders to Infiltrator.” the female griffon took her bag off her side, and handed a small parchment, from within the bag, to the Night guard.
“Remember our deal. If my wife is harmed in any way, I will expose your little operation.” he responded threateningly.
“She’s fine, and you should be careful who you threaten, soldier. You might cause an unnecessary amount of attention. You know, for your wife’s sake.” she stated with a malicious grin.
“Fine, just don’t do anything rash.” he replied, with concern in his voice.
The female griffon watched him leave, and took flight. She headed toward the north west.
After a few hours of flying, night began to fall across the land. In the distance, she saw camp fires set up in the thick foliage below. She dove for the campfires and found a particularly large fire in the center of a clearing filled with tents. She swooped down, and landed in front of a particularly large tent near the center of the cluster of tents.
She walked inside after being cleared by the two griffon guards, who checked her for any hidden weapons. She walked inside and spotted a particularly large griffon, hovering over a war board that showed the positions of all the griffons’ troops. His beak was black as coal.
“Commander Black Beak.” stated the female griffon respectfully.
The male griffon looked up from his war board, and stared into the soul of the female griffon.
“News from the field?” he asked her.
“I’m here to tell you that Equestria and the Red Rose Empire haven’t gone to war yet. It also appears that our attempt at causing tension between both nations were unsuccessful, but not without some degree of mistrust between them.”
“Right then… get out, I have war to plan.” he ordered sternly.
“Yes, commander.” the female griffon saluted, and left the tent while throwing the tent flaps to the side and strutting out of the tent.
The male griffon returned to the war boards and looked at his options… none of them would be successful if Celestia didn’t decide to fight Puppet Master. He then looked at the entrance of the tent, and stared through the crevice between the flaps trying to find that female griffon. No such luck.
“I don’t know what the monarch is thinking, but whatever she has planned for Equestria… well that shouldn’t be my concern.” mused the general to himself, lowering his head back to the war board.
Puppet Master opened the door to Rainbow’s room. Inside was the pitiful sight of Rainbow Dash sprawled out on her bed that was almost ten times bigger than her… it was queen size for human standards.
“Hey Rainbow.” I said, grabbing her attention. “The Biology Lab is almost ready for you. I want to know what you think.”
“What do you mean?” she asked curiously.
“I want to know your opinion on the situation. More importantly, if you want to go through with this.”
“Go through with changing myself? Yeah I do…” She rolled over and stood up on the bed. She trotted over to the edge on the left side of the bed and laid down, so her head will hang off the side along with her front hooves. “But…”
I waited for her to continue talking for a few seconds, before I had to lead her on. “Yes? Something wrong?”
She picked up her head and looked right at me. “Can you-? ...Know what? Forget I said anything.” she dismissively stated, incapable of looking me in the eye.
“…all right then. I want to know how you’re doing.”
“I guess…” She rolled over on her back, and splayed her wings out from her sides and looked dejectedly at the ceiling. “I guess, the situation is kind of sinking in. I’ve never done something to betray the princesses before.”
“Yeah, I can understand that. But I want to know if you’re ready for the future.” I replied, watching her features carefully. “We have a lot of work to do, mainly finding the right artifacts that can send me to the past.”
She rolled her head to the right and looked at me. “Hey about that? Why do you get to go to the past? Why not send anyone else?” she pointed her hoof at herself, and smiled. “Like me!”
“Because, I really want to make Celestia think highly of me again.” I answered sincerely. “And I also want someone to sit on my throne, when I’m gone. That means you, Rainbow Dash.” I pointed at her.
“W-what?! You want me to keep your castle?” she asked bewildered.
“Eyup, and you’re going to annex yourself to Celestia. I don’t want to leave Equestria unguarded while I’m gone, but I also don’t want to leave you with nothing.” I truthfully stated.
Rainbow rolled onto her stomach, and gave me a blank look. “How do I annex the castle?”
“Just ask Celestia to annex you to become a part of Equestria, or something. I’ll leave behind my friends, so they can help you. But most of all, I want you to keep Darkness in line.”
*Knock Knock Knock*
I turned around and looked at the closed door. “Uh, come in?” I replied awkwardly.
The door creaked open to reveal none other than Darkness himself. “News from Shadow Master, my Lord.” He said nonchalantly while holding out a scroll in his hand.
“Thank you.” I replied, grabbing it. I read over the context of the scroll. What I found inside it made my features lighten up, as I read more of it. “Well, Rainbow Dash. It’s been confirmed, Celestia is going to keep this incident silent from everyone, and allow you back in Equestria.”
“What? YES!” she yelled, springing from the bed and hoof pumping the air.
“Glad that you’re happy. But I don’t want to compromise Shadow Master, so we’re going to have to wait until Celestia sends us a letter. Also I still want to make you ready for battle before I send you back. Darkness, what’s the status of the Bio-Lab?”
“Almost done, my lord. I still have some purification powder to locate. It appears I didn’t stock any.”
“Dammit. Still have to find Isis. Rainbow, lets go downstairs for the final stages of the stasis chamber's completion.”
“Sure.”
Rainbow and I took our sweet time walking down to the Biology Lab. We made some casual conversation on the way there, to help pass the time.
“So, exactly how many ponies are you friends with?” I asked.
“Uh, most are backup friends. You know, when your friends aren’t around, and you need somepony to talk to?”
“Yeah, I had a few of those in high school. Speaking of which, what does Equestria’s education system look like?”
“Well, from what you told me, it looks way different from yours. Usually we just have what you call grade school and that’s it. Anything more advanced is for unicorns exclusively.” Rainbow Dash seemed very unaffected by this information, I however was taking it terribly.
“WHAT?!” I shouted, as my voice echoed throughout the entire castle. “No! I refuse to believe that there is segregation in the education system of Equestria.” I fumed.
“Well, it’s not like I need to learn about magic.” Rainbow rolled her eyes.
“Oh… never mind then. Wait, is there another thing after grade, school for pegasi and earth ponies?”
“Earth ponies no, but Pegasi don’t really have a grade school. It’s called Flight School, and they teach you about how weather is made. Then there’s the math, science, and history classes that we all get, but they aren’t too heavy. Canterlot has a more in depth education that, which thankfully I was never a part of, I heard they give out waaaay too much homework.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, for next time I become a little colt in Equestria.”
“Next time?” Rainbow eyed me curiously.
“It was a weird dream I had. I know it wasn’t real, though.”
“Tell me about it.”
We arrived at the level where the Bio Lab was located. Rainbow looked at me expectantly for my story.
“Ok, it was a long time ago or something, but I remember calling myself Troy. It was weird, I tried to convince them I was human, but when they wouldn’t believe me I played along and decided I’d have more fun being integrated in a society I knew nothing about, rather than trying to convince them I’m a mythical creature… actually humans aren’t that mythical. In fact none of them really knew what a human was.” I looked over at Rainbow Dash who wasn’t following me down the hallway. “Something wrong?”
“Uh dude, I think you’ve been in Equestria before. That happened in Manehatten, where a young colt appeared for a day and disappeared. The guard is still actually trying to find him. He also called himself Troy, and calling himself a different creature, or something.” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head neutrally. “I only remember this, because Twilight said that to me on a particularly weird day.”
“Well that’s… strange.”
‘Could it be... that me coming to Equestria was planned?’
“Yeah, I’ll say.” Rainbow started walking forward and on ahead of me. She looked back to see me deep in thought. “Coming?”
“Huh? Oh right, yeah.” I followed her down the hall.
We reached the door to the Biology Lab and entered. We were greeted by the sight of Celldric and Hunger once again pouring water down on the base of the tree. But the sight which grabbed both our attentions, was the now fat and ‘glowing’ trunk of the tree that was grown a few days ago. The trunk glowed a lime green color, and the torches that were once against the wall were now cursed flame green.
“What’s with the torch change?” I asked, while Rainbow gaped in awe at the fat trunk.
“It created a better source of sunlight than any other torch, so I put them up my lord.” responded Radiant Garden.
“Huh… ok. I can’t argue with that logic. Are we ready?”
“Not quite, my Lord. We still need three more gallons, before I’m able to do the operation safely.”
“Don’t worry Puppet Master.” stated Hunger. “We can get the last few buckets of water quickly, it’s not a difficult task. Although I do like looking for time artifacts, we found many interesting magical tools, that can improve the strength of many magic users. Some even only work on certain creatures.”
“Well, if you liked it so much then I won’t stop you from doing it again, when everything’s done here.”
“Good. I’m getting bored doing these errands.” he replied bitterly, as he walked out the door with Celldric.
I looked at Rainbow and she had a look of concern.
“What’s wrong?” I asked her.
“Well… how am I supposed to breath in there? I’m going to be underwater right?” She said with concern in her voice.
“Well yeah, that’s the idea. It’s to keep you from starving or dying from the procedure. I think you’ll be unconsci-” I noticed Rainbow was shaking a little from the prospect of being submerged. I’m not afraid of drowning, but the idea of being underwater and unconscious without any breathing tube, was a scary thought.
I put my hand on top of Rainbow’s head, it got her attention and I gave her a reassuring smile. But I noticed something while my hand was on top of Rainbow’s head. I could adjust her emotions and viewpoints. She trusts me enough to take my word for it, but if I was wrong then she would likely go back to Celestia and tell her everything about me.
And I couldn’t let that happen.
I used my new found powers to adjust Rainbow’s viewpoints of me. I gave her more faith in me and then some more. I quickly was able to make it so she trusts my judgment over Celestia’s, for extra precaution. I then removed some knowledge about my world, but enough so that she wouldn’t think that I’m actually a commoner. After all, taking entire pages out of someone’s memory is bound to be discovered.
It’s like removing the memory of how to ride a bike, or removing all memory of your mother. It’s so important that it would be noticed. But when Rainbow was in this trance like state, I was able to locate all the memories and reorganize them so they’d make sense. I ended up getting a more loyal Thane out of the deal.
“Master?” I looked up to see Radiant Garden watching the ordeal. “What have you done?” he asked curiously.
“Ensuring she’s loyal. Don’t worry, she’s fine.” I took my hand off of her head, and she snapped out of it.
“Whoa, sorry, zoned out there.” she stated sheepishly.
“It’s ok, Rainbow. You trust me, right?”
“One hundred percent! But... I kinda want to know if I would be able to breathe in there.” admitted Rainbow, completely oblivious of what just transpired.
“Radiant, is there a way to allow her to breathe while submerged?”
Radiant put on a thoughtful face. “It’s ok, my lord, I never intended for Rainbow to go underwater without air. I have a breathing apparatus made out of plant life that will allow her to breath while unconscious.”
“See Rainbow, nothing to fear.” I stated confidently.
She nodded her head in approval. The rest of the time together we had nothing to talk about. And once again, I found myself watching with interest as Rainbow’s patience drops like a rock. It first began with meaningless questions and attempted conversation starters, with everyone in the room-aka me and Radiant-then it turned into pacing, and poking her hoof in the grass floor. She got so bored she tried to eat a flower that lined the walls, and she spit it out immediately.
I burst into tears from laughter when Radiant started reprimanding Rainbow Dash for eating a battle potion plant. After a few minutes, we heard something scratching at the door and I opened it a creak to see Soul Eaters hovering outside the door waiting for Rainbow Dash to come out. I would find that funny, if I wasn’t worried for her safety.
Eventually the plant wore off, and I opened the door, much to Rainbow’s objections. The Soul Eaters had already moved away and returned to their posts, flying almost aimlessly around the tower. I turned back to see Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be found, and then after a short search I found her behind the fat trunk.
“We’re back!” shouted a familiar voice that came from a noble hollowed guard. Celldric came into the room with enthusiasm, while Hunger dragged his feet unenthusiastically.
“Ok Celldric, I’ve noticed that you’ve been a giddy for a while now. What’s going on?”
“His marefriend is at the pond, waiting for him to return.” deadpanned Hunger.
“Really?” I said. “That’s amazing news! When’d you get a girlfriend?” I enthusiastically said to Celldric.
“We met on our adventure to find magical artifacts.” he replied while swooning. I understood why Hunger was so unenthusiastic about it, because that swooning could get really annoying, if it’s pressed too often. It’s just like Spike’s when he talks about Rarity. And if Spike talked about Rarity all the time it would become one of those over-used jokes that never gets funnier, every time you tell it.
“Really? How’d that happen?” his swooning didn’t stop me from being curious.
“I was asking around for any magical artifacts, and she invited us to lunch. There she convinced me to remove my headgear, and… well her wings shot outward like she was about to take flight.” I heard Rainbow snickering behind me. “She called me the most handsome creature she’d ever seen. I couldn’t deny her affections, so I allowed her to take me to different places around the sky city of Cloudsdale while Hunger went off to do more research. After a while of talking I found her company rather enjoyable, so I decided to stay in touch. Then-”
I interrupted him. “You know Celldric, when a mare’s wings pop open like that it usually means she finds you more than ‘just attractive’, it means she’s turned on.” I said with an unwavering smile.
“R-really?” He said with bewilderment. I could tell he was blushing even though his face was hidden under the headgear. I don’t even know what Celldric looks like under that headgear but I’m guessing it’s more out of habit to keep it on than anything.
“Oh yes, it’s true.” I said nodding my head. “Please continue, I’d like to know more about how you fell in love with her, if that’s all right?”
“Oh certainly! I told her our next stop was Manehattan, and she said she had to visit some family there anyway, so we traveled together. Hunger was opposed to it at first, but he did enjoy her company, so he allowed it and we were on our way there. We returned to Ponyville, where we took the train to Manehattan, since it was such a long trip, most pegasi get tired and have to camp on the ground before making it to the halfway point to the city. On the train, I developed feelings for her and I admitted them. Since then, I’ve been trying to find time with her in Ponyville.”
“Interesting. So I’m guessing she’s waiting for you, right now?”
“OH yes! She’s quite loyal! May I leave to meet her?”
“Yes, and I give you permission to always go meet her when you feel like it.” I turned to Hunger. “Hunger.”
“Yes Puppet Master?” He said a bit annoyed since I was encouraging Celldric.
“You may leave Celldric, whenever you wish, you know that right?”
“I’d rather keep him close by.”
“Regardless, you two still live here. And if ever you need to get back into contact, you’ll always be able to return here. Besides, its better you two are split up to find those artifacts.”
“I still don’t exactly trust you, Puppet Master. You have our greatest enemy in your pocket, and you use him to give you an army.” he spat bitterly. “I don’t know what you’re planning, but as long as you keep Darkness under control, I’m fine with whatever orders you give me. But until I can trust you, I will be around my closest ally for as long as I wish.”
“…As you wish.” I responded dismissively. “Radiant, are you ready?”
“Yes, now that I have all the water I need, I can get started with Rainbow Dash’s transformation. Stand in front of the trunk, please.” he stated, motioning Rainbow Dash toward the fat, waterlogged free trunk.
For a moment I had doubts that the tree would do anything cool, until Radiant said “The vines will now enter your body, make sure you don’t move so they don’t accidently tear apart your internal organs.” he said calmly
‘Wait, what?’
“WHAT?!” panicked Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow, please calm down.” I said calmly. “We can’t exactly grow things in you, so we need the vines to go into your body so we can grow new organs.”
“I-is it safe?” she asked warily, as the trunk seemed to peal itself.
“I wouldn’t put you in there, if I wasn’t sure of it myself.” I said.
The bark on the tree, turned out to be interwoven strings that stretched out to surround Rainbow’s head, and most of her body.
“Now that they’re in position, you’ll feel a small boring sensation as the vines grow into your body.” stated Radiant watching the process carefully.
“I… I feel it.”
“Good. Now keep quiet while it does its work. Oh, and shut your eyes too.” finished Radiant. Rainbow shut her eyes and waited for something to happen, while I watched with interest.
Then suddenly her body lurched forward, to be swiftly swallowed up, but not before she yelped in shock.
I waited twenty full seconds, watching Rainbow Dash struggle inside it before she lost consciousness, and the trunk settled back down. “Those strings were strong.” I stated.
“That’s what I’m going to use for her new coat of skin. But right now I need to expand her body, and move her organs around.”
“Can you guarantee me, that she’ll be safe?” I questioned, still looking at the unmoving Pegasus in the fat trunk.”
“Not entirely, but I can assure you that I’ll be able to put her back together for the funeral, if she does die.”
“…Good. I’d really hate to have to explain why my Thane, and the Element of Loyalty was being carried in as a bag of organs.”
“I’m sure you’ll find a way to explain what went wrong. But don’t worry, she’s still alive. I’m sure she’ll come out of there just fine, and able to serve you to her fullest.” reassured Radiant.
“She’d better. I like my Thanes alive.”
(I hate the new layout. but nothing to terrible. Just wish the featured box was back where it belongs is all. Other than that I can live. but as long as I feel like expressing my feelings I'll talk about my chapter here :D Not sure if like...that is all.)
I sat on my throne for one day. A full day, before a messenger of Celestia’s finally came in through the skylight. Within that time, I not only was able to skim through the Crystal Storm tome, but I also got fifty pages of the Cursed Flame tome done as well. I made occasional visits to the Biology Lab, but stopped when I went down there last time, and saw the congruent lime green trunk had safely pulled apart Rainbow Dash, and was adding things into her. I bugged Radiant Garden about that because I didn’t want her to die. It wasn’t exactly easy to explain why you had put your Thane in a tree, just so she could be torn apart, to the goddesses of the sun and moon.
After he assured me of her safety, I continued on my way and remained in the throne room, until Celestia had the guts to message me again. The Solar Guard trotted up to me while I was still reading the Cursed Flame tome.
“Sir Puppet Master?” he asked, with a salute.
I removed my nose from the book, and looked at him with interest. “Yes? Celestia sends for me?”
He put his hoof back on the ground. “Well, yes. She said she agrees not to press treason charges, but wishes to speak to you about other matters.”
“What other matters?” I responded.
“I don’t know. That’s all she told me.”
“Do you know what the treason charges detail?”
“I’m one of the guards that chased Rainbow Dash herself to your tower. I’m very much aware of the situation that you and her are in.”
“May I ask your opinion for what to do with Rainbow Dash? I know it’s not your place, but I wish to know the honest truth from you stallions. I want to know if my Rainbow Dash needs protection.” I stated, trying to seem sincere.
“What? Nononono sir, no guard will take personal revenge. The situation unnerves us all greatly, but we wouldn’t act on our own to get revenge. I admit I am troubled that the most loyal pony in Equestria would take your side, as opposed to Celestia’s. But no Solar Guard would dare want to harm an innocent. Even if they are suspected of treason.” He responded seriously enough, so I would believe him.
“Do you mind if I put my hand on your head?” I asked.
“…What?” he put on a quizzical look.
“I wish to trust your judgment, I will know if I put my hand on your head.”
“I’m sorry Puppet Master, but I don’t feel comfortable with you touching me.” he said consciously.
[&]‘Time to see if he’s working for Celestia or someone else.’[/&]
“Fair enough. I’ll head to Canterlot straight away. Oh and come with me, I want to have an escort with me when I arrive at Canterlot.”
“I’m sorry sir, I have to return to Cloudsdale. Good journeys to you.” he turned around to leave and flew off through the skylight.
“Darkness.” I said loudly when I knew he was out of earshot.
“Yes, my Lord?” replied the Thane of Corruption, as he stepped out from behind a square pillar.
“If he comes back, capture him and wait for my return. Actually capture anypony that comes in that has military relation. However if it is a griffon, then watch them closely. And let them know they’re being watched.”
“It will be done, my Lord.”
I unfurled my wings and took off out the skylight. It was easy to navigate myself to Canterlot. I’ve done it several times already.
The Monarch of the new griffon empire has been in power for ten years and he is ready to make big changes to his kingdom. Mainly changes in trade and conquest. It is true that all tribes and countries of the griffon lands have conquest ideas. But for one to start taking land from the weak, means others will begin to prey on his lands.
But Monarch Maluk of the Clawsack Empire wanted conquest. But he didn’t want griffon lands… no. He wanted Equestria. The griffons don’t care for Equestria as they do each other. If a nation was to fight Equestria and come out victorious, then they will earn respect and citizens will rebel just to annex their cities to that one empire.
Only Maluk had the ability to do such a thing to Equestria. He has ways of making griffons and ponies alike serve his needs. Equestria isn’t used to spies, so after years of practice in the intelligence agency for the previous empire, Maluk was able to hone his skills. But being Monarch gives you benefits that you can’t have when you’re a simple g-man working for an emperor, king or queen.
Influence.
Influence and power; money as well. But mostly influence. Once you get nobles on your side, you can control the lands you now own. He has his nobles and the influence to rule all of Equestria, without the need of Celestia.
Like all great leaders, he knows he can’t just conquest a country. You need to own it and influence it first, so you don’t anger the citizens. And the only way to do that is make yourself either look like a hero, or the trustworthy leader you can retreat to. His plan was to annex parts of Equestria, while Celestia worried about the ‘war’ between her and Puppet Master.
In fact, that’s why he was at the castle.
“I feel this deal will be mutually beneficial to both our great nations. I understand the conflicts are dying down in my country, and we’re taking a more capitalist approach to stabilize our economy. I’m sure the upper class would like some well weaved clothing.” stated Maluk. He was flanked on both sides with two griffon guards, with swords on their sides and light leather armor.
“That’s a splendid idea. I’m sure a few Clawsack models would be able to gain money off of Equestrian magazines as well.”
“Then its agreed?”
“It’s agreed. I’ll make a few letters out to Photo Finish so she can make the first images of the mutual advertisement campaign.”
*creak*
“Princess Celestia!” exclaimed a guard who peeked in the door. “Puppet Master is here, and is ready for an audience!”
“Let him in.” responded Celestia, still holding her smile.
The guard nodded and pushed open his half of the door, while the other guard followed suit. Puppet Master revealed himself from behind the large double doors, and strolled in confidently.
“Hello Celestia.” I looked over to the griffon in front of her throne, and noticed his guards had their swords drawn. “Am I interrupting something?”
“Oh, sorry about that, they don’t know what you are yet.” he said nervously while motioning for his guards to put their swords away.
“It’s forgiven. I’ve been given a few threats since coming here but most of those are out of fear of the unknown. I was naive like that, once. But I grew out of it by coming to terms with the world, and learning how to control my own nation. May I ask your name?” I said as politely as possible.
“My name is Maluk, and I’m the Monarch of the Clawsack Empire.”
“I am Puppet Master. King of the Red Rose Empire.” I responded. “Clawsack, eh? You know there’s another place in my world, that sounds similar to that. They call themselves Cossacks. It’s pretty interesting how similar both our worlds are.”
“Oh, really?” he said with interest. “How did they turn out?”
“I believe they may have been conquered or renamed itself because I only found that country in history books.”
“Oh, that’s unfortunate.” he deflated.
“Not really. Every country steps aside, at one point. One day mine will disappear, and you wouldn’t even think it was there in the first place.” I smiled.
The Monarch gave me a quizzical look. “Doesn’t that worry you?”
“No. As long as I leave behind a legacy, then I’m fine with what happens to my people. The Cossacks for example remain a significant part of our history. They left behind a legacy. Maybe you will too, one day.”
“Thank you for those endearing words.” he replied gratefully. “I will reflect on them later. Although, I believe you two had something to say to each other?” he inquired with a look in his eye, that said he wanted to know what it was about.
“Ah yes, Celestia you summoned me to talk about our friend, but I came here with a proposal.”
Celestia cocked her head to the side. “And what would that be?”
“A declaration of friendship, between our two empires.” I responded with the biggest smile. I felt the griffons’ morale drop, from where I was standing.
“That would be lovely. I’d consider it, but let’s speak about another topic in private. That is unless the Monarch has anything else to speak to me about.” we both looked expectantly at the Monarch.
“No thank you, Celestia. I believe I’m done. I’ll leave you two alone.” he bowed respectfully and left.
“Guards, leave us.” commanded Celestia, her face dropping to a small frown. The guards left the room with haste. “What was that about?” Celestia inquired curiously.
“The declaration of friendship? That was real. It appears to me that the forces that are trying to get us to become enemies, want that the least. To ensure your safety and my own, I believe declaring our nations allies would be beneficial.”
“Well, technically, you need citizens before you call yourself a nation.” she said slyly.
“Oh, I do have citizens. But just a few…. fine, call me a tribe leader if you really want. Either way I still have land, and a castle.”
“And no right to rule.” she shot back while leaning to her right, and putting her chin on her hoof. It mocked Darkness’s nonchalant sitting position, whenever he sits on my throne.
“You know… I’m finding it really hard to like you right now. You wanted to see me?”
“Well yes, I’d like to speak to Rainbow Dash, if that is all right with you?”
“Well Celestia, I can’t say I like the idea. I’ll give it a thought. But she will require an over-watch, or at least some protection. I don’t trust you very much anymore. I was ready to come to a few agreements, that will be used to fool whoever wants us to be enemies.” I took on a cynical tone, and folded my arms. “But you know, the safety of the innocent obviously isn’t important, so we should still be at each other’s throats or something.”
Celestia glared at me. “Fine, what do you propose?”
“Let’s look like we’re friends. Make it look like we have an inseparable bond of friendship. I’m guessing that whoever wants us to be enemies, also wants us to go to war, and eventually become too weak to defend ourselves.”
“How do we look like friends then?”
“Open our borders. Your troops, and mine will be allowed in our territory. And if it doesn’t look like we’ve opened our borders, to whoever wants us to fight each other then they will think we are at war, and will wait for the ‘fighting’ to cease so they can move in, and declare war on either of us. Then we’d know the face of our enemy.”
“As interesting as those ideas are, I don’t think they will be necessary.” Celestia replied, her face calm and collected.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you per chance have a truth-telling potion? If you did, then we’d be able to successfully interrogate a spy.”
“Maybe, but my guess is everypony pocketed doesn’t have an idea of who their boss is. Maybe their race, but there is many different races of intelligent beings on this planet. Even us new Terrarians.”
“Do you have anything that will allow us to find out who is a spy, and who’s not?”
“Well actually, I have a unique ability to look into the minds of ponies and people I touch. I’ve honestly used it before, on a few ponies that were absolutely terrified of me. Did you know, some ponies have a phobia of tall things?” I replied, completely bullshitting the story, but saying it so casually that Celestia believed it quickly.
“I seriously doubt you can read minds.”
Ok, maybe she didn’t believe me.
“If you don’t mind then, can I touch your head?”
“Only if you annex your tower into Equestria.” she said with a playful smile.
“That, actually can be arranged. But as of now, I don’t really care for your rule. You haven’t proven to me that you really deserve a nation. I’m sure being immortal gives you some tricks that only time can teach, but you need to prove to me that you will treat my children with the proper respect.”
“Wait, children? I wasn’t aware that you were a father.” she stated with much puzzlement.
“Radiant Garden and Darkness are my children.”
“I can’t see the resemblance.” Celestia deadpanned.
“That’s because I made them out of body parts that I just threw together. Creating them, was no different than shaping clay.”
“As interesting as that is, I still don’t believe you.” Celestia replied, unconvinced.
“I don’t care if you believe me or not. But until you prove to me that you will care for Radiant and Darkness like your own, then I cannot leave.”
“Leave?”
“…” if I was going to leave and go fix the mistake that made me come here, then I’m going to have to take care of Radiant, Darkness, Celldric, and Hunger. Rainbow already has a place here, so I don’t need to worry about her when I leave. “I’m dying Celestia. Slowly and painfully, I want my children to grow happy and strong without me.”
“They seem quite mature to me.” she stated with more puzzlement.
“That’s because I made them that way. Darkness and Radiant aren’t even a full two years old yet.” The more I talked about it, the more I realized how true this is. “They were born knowing everything Terrarian, but nothing Equestrian. Can I trust you to not harm them, when I leave?”
“You have my word, I won’t punish them for anything you’ve asked of them, and what do you mean, dying? I was under the impression you were immortal.”
“I am immortal. But just because you can’t succumb to time, doesn’t mean you can’t die.”
“That… I agree with.” whatever Celestia thought of at that point it must have been tragic. This is the first time I’ve seen Celestia’s ears lower. “I understand then. If you need anything for when you do ‘leave,’ then you can ask it of me. Just nothing to do with power.” her smile returns.
“I don’t need promise of power or wealth from you, Celestia. Just a promise of friendship.” I returned her smile.
“Well… being allies still doesn’t sound like the best idea, considering what just happened. Maybe we can talk over tea?”
“That’s funny, Luna offered the same thing. Maybe we can arrange a get together and discuss the realm.” then, I narrowed my eyes and smiled playfully. “Or discuss the terms of your surrender.”
“Never.” Celestia said calmly with a smile, getting my joke.
“Then it’s settled. Tea time for us, then.”
“Indeed. Now what are the details of your death?”
“My body will be left behind. And my soul will move on. Such is the way all creatures die. Though, I won’t actually move on.” I admitted sheepishly.
“Where will you go? The Gates of Gamore? Most immortals that die usually go there. They are forever remembered in the stars.”
“Well my death won’t be as, ‘romantic,’ as that. But I will be gone, and become a toy for the ones who torture all the evil in the world.”
Celestia looked alarmed. “Are you saying you’re evil?”
“No, but I’ve killed the guardian of hell. He’s like a gate keeper of Tartarus, from your world. I’ve been in my own Tartarus, deep below the surface of the world. I collected minerals and battled demons. And I’ve destroyed a being that held back a terrible power…” I remembered the time I went into hell alone, one day when wolfGear was on the surface. It wasn’t a major event, so I didn’t remember it that well. But what happened when I died in molten armor I put on was terrifying.
That wall morphed into a room on my death and tortured me for what felt like ages, even though it was a few seconds. That wall was evil, and I set out all of its secrets onto the world to collect. Stronger corruption and the hollow was released because of destroying that beast… and it wanted revenge.
“Sorry, did I blank out for a moment?”
“Yes, you did. I was getting worried. What is it you destroyed?”
“The Wall of Flesh.”
*whispers*
I noticed Celestia looking around the throne room, and I followed her example. After a while, we looked at each other with a considerable amount of concern on our faces.
“I’ll never use that name again. I don’t even know the ramifications.”
“Agreed, what exactly was released when you destroyed that… that wall?” she finished quietly.
“I released many evils into the world. I make innocent looking creatures become violent, and plunge the whole world into chaos. I don’t regret my decision because there was almost nothing left in the world I lived in to begin with. Besides, Terrarians love to pursue power and strength. I’m no different, and when I destroyed it, I got this armor from the souls of the powerful things I released into the world.”
“That’s horrible.” she replied with a face that also said, ‘rethinking tea’.
“I’m sure you’re uncomfortable with my actions Celestia. But I took precautions and built a castle much like the one I have now, that is sealed off from the outside world so it can protect what is within, and keep my people well fed.”
“Well glad to hear you kept them safe when the whole world was destroying itself.” She deadpanned.
“What? It was all I could really do. Much of the world has already succumbed to the evils of Corruption, among other things.”
“What other things?”
“Hollow actually. But thankfully, the hollow doesn’t exist in this world. It’s what turns harmless creatures into warmongering monsters.”
“That’s good it’s not here. But do you think it can resist the power of harmony?” she asked with a hopeful smile.
“Resist?” I spoke a little louder. “The Hollow feeds off of harmony, if it were to be released into Equestria, we won’t be able to stop it even if every stallion, mare, and foal came to help. It’s one force of evil, that I had to build a castle in the sky just too keep my people safe from. I’m afraid to face it alone.”
“Oh, well I’m happy that you are free from something so oppressive now. I actually had doubts about your sincerity to protect the innocent. I’m sorry for that.” she frowned.
“I won’t blame you. I don’t believe I’ve been acting very kingly, lately. It’s probably the stress. I’ve never had to deal with someone so unsure of my abilities before.”
“I’d like to help you, as you pass on.” her smile returned.
“You mean in death?”
“Yes, for an immortal, death is another step that, when it has to be taken, can be very frightening.”
“It’s ok, Celestia. Your concern is noted, but I’ve already come to terms with what has to happen. Oh, on a side note, may I have a sample of your blood?”
“What?” her expression became quizzical. “Why do you need it?”
“For a new body. Terrarians require new bodies, every few centuries. When I die, I will possibly fade into another universe. It is common for Terrarians to wake up in an alternate dimension of the one they are currently in. And since I’m in Equestria…” I let the sentence hang for her to respond.
“Then you’ll go to an alternate Equestria.” she finished, her eyes widening.
“Yes! And I need to experiment with Alicorn blood. I actually want to become a unicorn or an earth pony, but I also need the abilities of a Pegasus. Oh, and don’t worry, I won’t want to impersonate you.”
“You can impersonate me with my blood?”
“Yes, I can completely clone you, if I wanted. But then that will get weird, when I meet you now, wouldn’t it?”
“…agreed. But how will you get all the abilities of an alicorn, by being an earth pony?”
“With a little trial and error. I hope you can help me with this. I may die any time soon or maybe in three years. But I want to be ready for when that happens.”
Celestia’s face scrunched up in thought. She gazed absentmindedly at the floor for a minute then spoke.
“I’ll give you my blood, after I’ve seen the body you’re creating.” She grinned.
“It’s not being formed at this time. But I do have Rainbow as a donor, so I have her blood. I guess seeing the body while its being formed, isn’t out of the question. How about when its being created, I’ll send you a letter.”
“That will be wonderful. Is there anything else you wish to talk about?”
“I should ask you that, you summoned me here.”
“We got rid of my first few questions early on. I’m sure that I’ll think of something to question you about later. But for now, we’re done.”
“Ok then, I’ll be off. Oh, and am I still invited to the Gala?”
She gave me a soft smile. “Of course. A lot of leaders want to meet you, and are attending the Gala just to do so. I can’t let our relationship get in the way of diplomatic relations.”
“Then, I bid you, adieu.”
I used the magic mirror that I had in my inventory, to get back home.
I left my room at a brisk pace and walked out into the hall. I looked in both directions, before I wondered into the halls. I reached the spiral staircase and looked over the railing, at the abyss below me. It was no longer dark like it first was, but now it’s bright and blinding at the bottom. I jumped over the railing.
Luna looked at her bed with tired eyes. A long night and a long day of work will diminish any strong-willed pony to a pitiful ball of sleeping flesh. Her hours of sleep grew less and less, like a flower that refused to grow. She stepped out of her shoes at the base of the bed and removed her tiara and placed it on the counter. She flopped into the bed very unladylike and tried to maneuver under her comforter.
A shadow moved around her dark room, but the Night Princess doesn’t notice with her eyes closed.
Luna’s hoof finds a crevice of the comforter to move around, and she slides herself under the covers. She is finally comfortable when her eyes flutter open for a moment to see a shadow move. Luna looks at where the shadow originated trying to make out the shape in the dark. She quickly forgets the incident, her eyes becoming so heavy she couldn’t keep them open.
Luna drifts off into the dark void of her room and into a deep sleep.
She is abruptly awakened by something sliding onto her horn and talons wrapping around her neck.
The wind slowed to a stop as I leveled out and glided into the hallway from the spiral staircase. Of course it was the Biology Lab that I was destined to enter. I landed on my feet when my glide lost its momentum, walked the short distance to the door and swiftly propped it open.
Radiant was watching the tree with extreme interest. So much so, that he didn’t realize I entered the room.
“Umm, everything ok?”
“WHA! Oh sorry, my master. I was trying to put Rainbow back together. What should her new name be?”
“Her new name?”
“Yes she is the knight of flight, but what is her name.”
“Well… I'm not sure, to be honest. I’ll think about it. You said you were putting her back together?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. “You’re done already?”
“Yes. I’m done adding new organs and glands to her body, and I’m about to put her back together so I can work on her wings.”
Sure enough Rainbow seemed a lot bigger from the last time I saw her. Last time I saw her pulled apart, but it was at the right size so it would be like she’s transformed. In fact, I can see the transformed state of Rainbow Dash through the congruent bark of the tree. But the only pieces that were missing was some skin that was being added. I could see her muscle exposed in her legs and body.
“That’s interesting. I see her wings are also bigger when she’s in her little combat mode. But can she control weather, like I asked?”
“Not only weather master, she can control the sun and moon once she finds a suitable magical source of energy.” Radiant explained happily.
“So another Luna and Celestia. A replacement for the Sun and Moon Goddesses that controls the realm… I like it.” I smiled with malice. “Though, I’d like to keep them around for a while. By any chance, can you give her immortality?”
“Already done, my master.” Radiant bowed.
“Good. I’m off to grab a few books from the storage room.” I respond truthfully.
I turn to leave, but was stopped by a dark figure in the door.
“Darkness?” I asked.
“Yes, my lord. I went to your throne looking for you but-”
“WHERE IS HE!” A female Terrarian stomped into the room swiftly pushing Darkness aside, like and angry child pushing over a mannequin.
It was pretty humorous to see Darkness’s face filled with anger after pulling himself off the ground. Though I didn’t get the time to admire his rage with a smile because Isis put her face between me and my entertainment for the day.
“How dare you make me walk all the way here!”
“Listen Isis-”
“NO! I HAD TO RUN FROM ALL KINDS OF WEIRD CREATURES THAT WANTED TO HAVE ME AS A SNACK! I don’t care how beautiful this world is! I PUT MYSELF IN THIS BODY, SO YOU COULD PROTECT ME! And what do I get? ABANDONMENT!” Isis looked livid.
“Hey, can I buy purification powder?” I tried in a desperate attempt to change the subject.
“Yes.” she replied calmly.
“Oh good.”
*SLAP*
“Now that will be 75 copper.” She smiled like she didn’t just slap me across the face. Or maybe she was smiling because of it.
I saw Darkness get out his phase blade and I motioned him to put it away.
“Wait, hold on.” I open my inventory and realize something. “Dammit I don’t have money.”
*SLAP*
I was side swiped by another hand. “That’s unfortunate.” she said glaring at me. I noticed Darkness’s rage was growing.
“Radiant, are you able to bring Isis to her room while Rainbow rests there?”
“Yes master. Right away!” he answered politely to Isis.
He walked passed Isis and Isis put her right hand under Radaint’s arm and Radiant showed her out the door. Once they went around the corner, I counted to five and went over and closed the door.
“We should kill her after we get the powder.”
“No.” I said firmly.
“But my lord, she insulted you!” he angrily yelled. “She hit you!”
“Yes she did. We fight, we scream, we pound our fists. But we are Terrarians. We fight for every member of our race. Anyone who joins us will live by that law, and so will you. As long as I’m Lord of this castle you will respect your fellow Terrarians and Thanes until I leave. When I’m gone, I don’t care what you do, as long as you don’t harm another Terrarian. Understood?”
He looked like he was about to form a rebuttal, but he stopped and thought it over for a while. “I understand my lord. I’m sorry.” he responded unenthusiastically while looking at the ground indifferently.
I felt I got through to him, so I opened the door to leave.
“Oh, and did you extract any information out of the subject?”
“Yes, my lord. He gave me a list of names after trying for hours of asking the same question in different ways. He was finally able to access his mind and tell me some things about what goes on inside Equestria. Whatever he was a part of it was big. But the ponies that were a part of it, hailed to one pony. Someone high up, but he or she never went into direct contact with the leader. And even the leader in theory doesn’t even know who their working for.”
“Then, that means whatever is going on in the solar and night guard is bigger than I thought. This will get dangerous.”
“I hope not, my liege. Then it will be difficult to uproot if the roots are too deep. And if they are then Celestia will think that you’re trying to remove her military.”
“Then I’m going to have to win her heart in some way… but how...” I left the room with that question on my mind.
I walked into the hallway and took a left. I was facing the spiral staircase while I walked toward it. The light from the staircase itself seemed a bit blinding, but thanks to my eyes already adjusted to the light I was able to make my way into the staircase and looked over the edge into the blinding abyss. I jumped of the railing and pounded my wings skyward. I looked out the skylight to realize the day was longer than it should have been. And it was only just now that the sky started to turn orange.
‘Maybe Celestia and Luna decided to make this day longer. It’s still the summer right?’
Celestia sat on her throne, looking at the fading light coming through the decorated windows. She could sense the moon not rising and she knew that even in sleep an alicorn will be able to raise their respective celestial body without disturbing it. If Luna refused to raise the moon then something is wrong.
“Guard postpone early night time audiences with Luna. I need to have a chat with my sister.” commanded Celestia, as she raised herself from the throne and walked down the golden steps that adorned the small stairway down to the ground.
“Yes, your highness.” replied the gravelly voice of her guard.
She walked down the red carpet and opened the double doors with her magic.
“PRINCESS!” shouted a lone earth pony guard on the other side.
“What’s going on?”
“Princess Luna is missing! A solar guard went to wake her after she didn’t come out of her room, and she was gone!”
“Have you searched the castle?”
“Yes, your highness we searched immediately when we found.” he reached into his golden chest-plate and pulled out a slip of paper. “This.” he finished grimly.
Celestia picked up the paper with her magic and brought it to her face.
“Celestia,
I have your sister, and if you want her back, hand over your throne to me.
Puppet Master”
Celestia lowered the letter from her face, and looked grimly at the text.
‘This doesn’t make sense. Puppet Master and I are on good terms. Given our recent conversation, we were about to become good friends. He shouldn’t need to do this… I must get to the bottom of this.’
Celestia stared at the paper for a few moments, trying to piece together the chain of events. She came to the conclusion that this could be another trick to make her be more hostile toward Puppet Master.
“Guards, get the castle on high alert, and report all suspicious behavior.”
“Yes ma’am!” came the answer from the guard whom brought her the letter.
“No, not you. You’re joining my protection detail to Puppet Masters castle. Don’t attack, unless I give the order.”
The guard looked a bit nervous. “Y-yes ma’am!”
‘Good, if the same tactic is being used here, then this guard is not an actual royal guard. I don’t want him to leave my sight, for now.’
“Good.” she turned to the guards standing at attention by her throne. “Prepare my chariot!” sternly commanded Celestia.
They didn’t respond, but immediately ran off to do what they were ordered.
The storage rooms were usually dark and at times unlit. This particular one I happened to find myself inside was very dark because of the spacing between the torches. At one point, I had to take my own torch out to be able to see. I was sifting through the chests in the storage room randomly, until I found the chest I was looking for. It had all the tomes that could be found in the dungeon in the fifth world that was created. The whole chest was full of books.
“There we go!” I said to myself. “If there is a book about time, then it should be in one of these.”
I turned to look down the long hallway of chests, to see a dark figure at the end that was in the shape of a human.
“My lord! Celestia is in the throne room!” it shouted in Darkness’s voice.
“Tell her to wait for me!” I shouted back.
The figure left through the door behind it and I returned to sifting through chests. That was until I found an oddity among the wooden chests. A shadow chest that was still locked. I knew I had a shadow key because I always carry one with me. I unlocked the shadow chest, and peered inside.
A Magic Mirror…
‘The Equestrian Mirror’
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I immediately wanted to use it to explore the new world… or what I assume was a new world. If I was right then this mirror will take me to Terraria. But I need to see Celestia first.
I closed the chest, and looked to my right at the entrance of the storage room. There was another figure there. But it was in the shape of a pony. Of course. I gave chase.
The image evaporated and disappeared.
“The fuck?” I said out loud while I sprinted down the halls to meet the object that was no longer there.
I reached the end and opened the door…
And found... nothing.
I looked at the hallway that attached to this storage room and I looked both ways before I took a left toward the staircase.
Celestia waited patiently while she watched Darkness sit on Puppet Master’s throne with indifference. His expression was hollow and bored, while his posture mirrored his thoughts on the situation.
“You should take this more seriously.” warned Celestia. “My sister is in danger.” she glared at Darkness.
“Your sister can be dead, for all I care. I listen to the word of the Lord and the word of the Lord alone.” he replied to Celestia.
“Hold your tongue! Speak to Celestia with respect!” ordered the guard that warned Celestia of Luna’s disappearance.
“I was created by Puppet Master himself. He is my father and my God. That makes me a prince. Are you sure you want to yell at me?”
“You should be lucky we don’t apprehend you for your crimes right now.” warned the guard.
“Enough! This bickering will get us nowhere. Is Puppet Master coming?” asked Celestia.
“Yes, he’s on his way. He was searching through the storage area for some old books. You know how much I want to destroy you all, right?” he said to the group of six.
The five guards tensed up and Celestia stayed neutral.
“I know you say that because you have to be evil. But why do you hate us?”
“Have to be? There is no such force making me evil, nor am I evil.”
“Then why is your name Darkness?” inquired Celestia, with a raised eyebrow.
“Because I was named that way. As to the reasons why, you’ll have to ask my father.”
The room remained silent after that. Each of the guards except the one that warned Celestia stood stock still, and occasionally looked around with casual interest rather than trained alertness. He at times shuffled his hooves impatiently. Celestia studied him with interest each chance she got.
‘He doesn’t seem to have the discipline of a guard. Maybe he is a spy. I’ll have to see if Puppet Master can get any information out of him. Also check up on the other prisoner.’
The double doors behind them opened with a loud creak.
“Couldn’t wait for our date, I see.” stated Puppet Master.
“I guess not.” Celestia smiled warmly. Much to the nervous guard’s bewilderment. “But right now, it’s a little more serious.” Celestia said her face becoming stern and serious. “Someone has kidnapped my sister.”
“What?” exclaimed the earth pony guard. “Puppet Master did it! We have his ransom note!”
“No, we don’t.” replied Celestia. “Somepony has been making a move against me and Puppet Master, to create an international incident. Puppet Master? Is this your note?”
Puppet Master took the note Celestia levitated over to him. He took one look at it, and set it on fire with green flame, much to the surprise of the five guards and Celestia.
“No it’s not. Luna’s missing?”
“Yes, and I don’t know where she is. Do you have her? I must know.”
“No I don’t. I wouldn't have taken Luna, but instead you, Celestia. I saw the 'demand for land and basically Equestria.' You know I can take Equestria if I wanted. And frankly, I don’t want to manage so many ponies. It’s a bit annoying to hear them complain.” Puppet Master moved past Celestia and toward his throne, where Darkness has already removed himself from and stood at the left of the golden chair with a red padding.
“Well, I’m glad that you find it annoying to conquer Equestria.” Celestia rolled her eyes. “But my sister has been kidnapped, and I want you to help me find her.”
“And I will.” replied Puppet Master, taking his seat on the throne. “But what I don’t get is why aren’t you devastated and panicky right now. Your sister has been kidnapped and you’re taking it like a diplomatic crisis.” Puppet Master asked curiously.
“Well, Luna and I are immortal, and we can’t be killed by mortal means. I’m sure with Luna’s magic she can repel any kind of magic that might separate her from that immortality.” Celestia said simply.
“Unless it’s been blocked by an enchantment.”
“There is no such enchantment in Equestria.” Celestia responded surely.
“Are you sure? I might be able to do something like that to you from here.”
“Only hatred magic can actually block a unicorns magic. For me and Luna however, we aren’t affected by it.”
“May I demonstrate my power?” Puppet Master asked.
“Sure. Guards, don’t react unless my life is obviously in danger.” Celestia said calmly.
“Yes, your highness.” they all said in unison.
Puppet Master lifted his hand toward Celestia’s horn for a few seconds and then put it down. Celestia noticed the guard who brought her the word of Luna’s disappearance was loose jawed with a bewildered expression, staring directly at her horn. Celestia looked up and noticed her horn was now engulfed by a glowing purplish pink crystal. She immediately tried to summon her magic to dispel it and was amazed that she couldn’t.
“How?” she asked with surprise.
“Terrarian magic does not apply the Alicorn Rule.” replied Puppet Master simply.
“Alicorn Rule?”
“Something I made up, when I was thinking on the differences of our magic. Terrarians don’t believe in a higher power. Equestria however, has a set rule where Alicorns are the most powerful beings and they can use powerful magic. Terrarians can learn that powerful magic like it was a simple levitation spell. Also our magic isn’t easily dispelled by you because our magic isn’t wielded from the environment. In fact, we call it something entirely different. Mana.”
“Mana? But that’s what the creators use to create material from thin air! Shortly after they created Equestria, they created Luna and I to control their laws while they fine-tuned the world. Eventually the world was complete and then they gave us the power to control the sun and moon while they created life. Then they kept us away until the tribes united, where Luna and I fell from the sky and ruled the land in eternal harmony.”
“Cool story sis, tell it again.” Puppet Master joked.
“That’s not funny.” Celestia deadpanned. “You wield the power of the gods, and I want to know why!” Celestia felt magic return to her horn and the crystals were phased out of existence by some unseen force.
“Well it’s a long story. One I’ve already told you. But it involves me being a creator. Not a creator of Equestria though. This is all one big mistake that I’m here. But as long as I am, I’ll try to do some good.” Puppet Master answered honestly.
“I’m not sure I follow.”
“We’ll talk over tea. But your sister is important I guess. I’ll scatter my forces across your borders and if Darkness finds anything, then he’ll tell me and I’ll tell you. That’s all I can do for now, until we get Equestria under control. Happy?”
“Somewhat. Oh, and this guard here.” Celestia pushed the guard in front of her forward. It was the earth pony stallion that presented her the information of Luna’s disappearance. “He like the others that betrayed me, presented me with this information. Can you extract any knowledge from him, and find out if he’s loyal?”
“WHAT?! YOU’RE JUST HANDING ME OVER!” yelled the stallion with a horrified expression. He made a break for the exit and the doors swung shut and froze over with a purple crystal.
“You’re not going anywhere. If Celestia thinks you to be a traitor, then I’ll check you out.” said Puppet Master. “Stand before me, or I will be forced to kill you.” he commanded darkly.
The stallion stood in front of the double doors with fear in his eyes, before he turned around and saw the expecting glares from all that were present. He nervously stepped forward, and thirty tense seconds later he was in front of Puppet Master. Puppet Master stood up from his throne and walked forward until he was a foot in front of the stallion, so the guard would have to strain his neck to look him in the eye. He crouched down and took off the guards helmet and placed his hand on his forehead.
“Your judgment was correct, Celestia. He indeed was a traitor, but he’s one of your guards. His family is the price that keeps him in check. They threaten him every day, with the loss of a loved one.”
Celestia gasps in horror. “T-that’s horrible! We must do something to save them!” she announced.
“NO! Don’t make a move like that. He’s not the only one being controlled by those means, and the kidnappers or assassins will act accordingly and assume a guard tipped you off. In turn, they all die. If we cut off the head of the snake, then it will nullify the problem. We will wait until the leader is found, and then we will strike at him.”
“Do you think this will work?”
“I’ve done it before with great results. You get to keep your guards and save many lives if we do this my way. Hell, we’ll avoid open warfare. Oh, and you’ll be happy to know, that Luna never left the castle in the first place.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well they knew it would raise some eyebrows if Princess Luna was dragged out of the castle, so they hid her inside the castle to avoid suspicion. I’m not sure where they hid her, but I do know that this guard knows enough so that they wouldn’t risk moving her out of the castle, on the idea of being caught.”
“That makes sense, but it’s not too useful. It narrows down the search, but what if they have some way to harm her?”
“Not likely. Once war starts between us, it won’t matter if it’s a misunderstanding. There would likely be too much bloodshed for peace to be thought of so early. You’d get caught up with punishing me for my crimes. Or at least defending your ponies.”
“W-what are you going to do with me?” said the shaking traitor.
“Dunno. Maybe corrupt you, and have you fight in my army. It will keep you out of Celestia’s mane. But... I have a better job for you. How do you like the idea of being a double agent?”
“A double agent?” asked Celestia.
“Yes. They have ponies that are next to you every day that work for them. Why not expand our information, by putting ponies we trust into their hooves and get information about them?”
“I like the idea. But how do we ensure his loyalty?”
“Leave that to me.” Puppet Master responded with malice.
“W-what are-AAAAAAAAAAAAH!” The stallion screamed out, as Puppet Master forced his will deep into the stallions mind.
Celestia stood there with a look of indifference. She felt his pain, but he put ponies she cares about in danger by betraying her. Celestia had to use all her willpower not to jump in and stop Puppet Master. When the process was over the stallion turned to Celestia with an apologetic frown.
“I-I’m sorry Celestia, I don’t know what came over me. My family was in danger and I love them dearly, but I shouldn’t have set you aside so quickly.”
“There you go, Celestia.” started Puppet Master. “Though I’d like to see your other guards, so I can make sure they are completely loyal to you as well. Actually, later on we should schedule a time where I basically go through all your guards minds, to find traitors and loyalists.”
“Not that I’m not grateful for what you’ve done, but why help me? You don’t need to listen to me accuse you, and you can easily seal off your castle like you’ve done before, so I can’t do anything about you. But here you stand worrying about me.” inquired Celestia warmly.
“This infiltration of Equestria affects more than just you, Celestia. I want to have a good image just in case I need something from someone in Equestria.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
One by one, Celestia’s protection detail gets a mind sweep by Puppet Master. He clears them and makes them even more loyal to Celestia than originally. Celestia was grateful and she leaves without incident, to search for her sister in the castle that wasn’t as safe as she originally believed.
I found myself in the Biology Lab, not even an hour after Celestia’s visit. Radiant had some good news.
“I was able to finish today! Rainbow Dash has everything you’ve wanted out of her. Now all we need is a proper name for her new form, and I can release her.” ecstatically stated Radiant.
Darkness was also in the room, accompanied by Isis. They both wanted to see the unveiling of Rainbow Dash, and her new form. What the group of four didn’t realize, was that corrupt grass was coming in from the floor below. It had already corrupted the grass behind the chamber and was slowly moving toward it.
“Any time now, the process will be complete.”
“Rainbow Dash will become a Sky Lord when she exits this chamber.” I said. “She will rule the skies, and she will be controlled by me. This world doesn’t have long until I’m gone. I believe I found a book about time, and I should be reading that soon.”
“That’s very good my lord. I’m happy for you.” responded Radiant.
“Just so you know, when you leave I’m going to turn myself into a pony and integrate into their society.” stated Isis.
“And I’m glad you will do that. I don’t want to have you associated with us, if I decide to do anything iffy.” I replied to Isis.
“M-master! The chamber!”
I spin around to see the whole thing absorbing corruption like a sponge. It was already half way covered and before we could do anything it was fully covered in corruption.
“Uh, Darkness. Can you control a corrupt Rainbow Dash?” I asked nervously.
“No.” He said calmly.
“Why not?”
“Because I have yet to control the Eater of Worlds. He was powerful. Rainbow is now more powerful than the Eater of Worlds.” he answered, backing away from the chamber as if it would explode. Isis already got the right idea and high tailed it to her room. Radiant was keeping out of the way of the corruption.
“Can you stop it from spreading?” I asked.
“No, but with Isis’s help, I can cure it. I just need money.”
“Then, go sell her some stuff and get purification powder to me!” I yelled and he sprinted out the door. “Radiant, you can keep her inside that thing right?”
“Well...”
*BOOM*
“No.”
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Rainbow’s maniacal laughter echoed around the room.
The tree exploded, and only the base of the tree stood undamaged. The top and the center, however, exploded and looked like a peeled banana splayed out on the ground with a turquoise tinted pony in the center that was larger than most ponies.
“Equestria will be mine! And I’ll destroy all those who don’t succumb to the corruption! I AM SKY LORD RAINBOW DASH! CORRUPT PRINCESS!”
“Well. Corrupt Princess is quite a fairy tale name.” I deadpanned.
“YOU WON’T STOP ME!” she bellowed.
She quickly spun around and dashed through the wall, revealing the open sky. Rainbow had now escaped. I ran to the hole in the wall, and prepared to jump out.
“Master, how will you capture her?” asked Radiant.
“…with a great amount of difficulty.” I said smiling back at him. “And maybe a few lives.”
I jumped through the hole and let my wings defy gravity's pull.
Author's Note
Murphy's law is in effect
Editor's Note: Slightly fewer commas edition!
I flew up to the darkened skies after my corrupt thane, in hopes to apprehend her. She was faster than I and she had already move way past the horizon. Wherever she was going, it was somewhere far away to enact some strange plan, that I have yet to begin to understand. I beat my wings hard and tried to fly fast. But I soon realized that even with all this magical power and large wing span, I couldn’t catch up to Rainbow Dash. She was designed to be the fastest, and I had no chance against her.
But I can’t kill her, so my magic will need to be used to subdue her. I’d hate to lose my Thane and friend. Though, I can kill her and have no repercussions later because I wouldn’t be here in that time.
No, Rainbow’s survival is important. How will I explain this to Celestia? Especially if I was the one who brought the corruption to Equestria in the first place. I guess this is my problem that I need to solve. Celestia can work on her propaganda problems without me for a while.
“God dammit Rainbow, why now?! I was going to win Celestia’s favor by helping her get her country in order!” I stopped flying and turned around to look at my white tower. “I can’t do this alone.”
I flew back with vigor and found my way back into the hole in the wall. In there was Darkness who stood there silently in front of the door way. Radiant Garden wasn’t in sight. Possibly out to go get purification powder from Isis.
“My lord.” stated Darkness.
“Scatter the army across all of Equestria. No the world. Especially the world eaters. Keep the worms at the castle just in case we are attacked. Celestia technically permitted this action so we won’t get in trouble if we do this. I want you to tell me where Rainbow Dash is so I can go intercept her.”
“Yes, my lord. But this will take time.”
“And time is not what we have. So let’s get moving.”
Celestia walked up the red carpet to her throne while being flanked by five guards. One of them was the double agent.
“I hope you all know what to do?” asked Celestia simply.
“Yes ma’am!” replied the four guards and the agent.
“I’ll try to locate Princess Luna within the castle, without raising suspicion. When I find her, I’ll tell you.” he bowed and swiftly moved out of the throne room.
Celestia trotted up her golden steps and sat on her throne. She looked at the remaining four guards in front of her and sighed heavily.
“I must be honest. I can’t see the fate of Equestria after this.” the guards shared a glance, never moving their faces. “I’m certain that at some point we will be fighting fellow ponies. But rest assured, we’ll come out on top in the end and restore Equestria to its former glory. I just hope that when the time comes, we’ll be able to rally quickly… return to your posts.” she stated calmly.
Celestia began waiting patiently for the double agent to return with news.
Twilight Sparkle stood out on her balcony looking at the tower. Without a telescope this time. She looked in the distance at the tower where her friend now stays, until she’s allowed to come back to Equestria. Twilight and her friends all got the news of Rainbow’s betrayal. Even though the news shocked them and even made them angry, they would never reject Rainbow Dash as a friend. But now in the distance, a new oddity was forming in the orange skies above Equestria.
Puppet Master’s army was moving out across Equestria with vigor, and it didn’t seem to be stopping. The first thing she thought was invasion… And that’s what she’ll tell her mentor.
“SPIKE!”
In Cloudsdale, the pegasi corps commander Barricade moved with a small troop of trainees around in the sky for formation training. From their height, you could see almost all of Equestria. Though, for a pegasi being that high up they wouldn’t be able to have enough time to enjoy the scenery since the wind up there is untamed and as violent as a tornado.
“BANK LEFT!” she shouted above the roar of the wind.
And the trainees banked left to the best of their ability. They will do this for a full hour and by then they would be able to hold formation in the strong winds. Of course they were all weaponless so when a giant eyeball races past the group at incredible speeds they only had the ability to gawk at its size and watch it fly off into the distance away from the rising sun.
“RETURN TO BASE AND BRING ME MY SPEAR!” ordered Barricade. “I’M GOING AFTER IT!”
Maluk sat on his throne, in the Clawsack mead hall for all the nobles. The hunters have brought in a bountiful collection of meats that many griffons are now devouring at the long wooden tables. The mead hall itself had a high ceiling and many lanterns that were attached to each of the twelve pillars that lined the hall and kept the building intact.
A griffon scout flew over the feasting nobles and attracted a lot of attention from each of them. So much so, that they quieted down to listen to what he had to say when he landed in front of Maluk’s throne and bowed to him.
“My lord. We have reason to believe Puppet Master has went to war with Equestria.”
“On what grounds?” asked Maluk curiously.
“His army has moved away from the castle, and is now spread out all over Equestria. We’ve also spotted swarms of monsters not only above but inside major cities in Equestria. We’ve also noticed that there is a lot of movement in Equestria’s armies as well.”
Maluk was silent for a moment before his face brightened considerably.
“You hear that boys? EQUESTRIA IS AT WAR!”
The whole mead hall erupted in sound and cheering.
“PREPARE THE ARMIES, AND TAKE CANTERLOT! IT’S TIME TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF CONQUERING THE MOST POWERFUL KINGDOM IN THE WORLD!” Maluk shouted above the cheers of the nobles who support him.
Puppet Master paced in his throne room in front of his golden chair impatiently. Darkness was standing in front of him looking indifferent about the situation, like he is about everything. Their concentration was broken when the double doors of the throne room were burst open by Radiant Garden. He sprinted toward Puppet Master with vigor and stopped a meter short of him.
In fact, Puppet Master actually flinched because he thought Radiant would run into him.
“My lord, I’ve got the purification powder.”
“Good. I’ve been thinking and I believe we should all go find Rainbow d-”
“My lord, I found her… and something else.” stated Darkness suddenly.
“What?” asked Puppet Master.
“Well three things. First is that the Eye of Cthulhu is out there, above Cloudsdale. And Rainbow Dash is heading towards Cloudsdale and she’s currently above Manehatten.”
“Manhatten? Hold on I know where that is. That’s really far. How do you know she’s there in the first place and how do you know she’s going towards Cloudsdale?”
“The Eaters have already been scattered around Equestria quickly. Most of them are even in swarms at the borders. You asked me to search Equestria, and I did. But then comes the final and possibly most important thing to deal with…”
“Yes, what is that?” inquired Puppet Master, trying to get the answer out of him.
“A griffon army is moving towards the direction of Canterlot.”
“WHAT?!”
“I believe their scouts may have seen our troops and they believe we’re attacking Equestria.” Darkness responded indifferently.
“Fuck.” cursed Puppet Master. “Assemble the Terrarians to my throne room… NOW!”
“Yes my lord!” responed Radiant and Darkness in unison.
“I’ll send the Eaters.”
“I’ll get Isis from her room. Then I’ll prepare my gear for Canterlot.” said Radiant.
“No, I’ll choose who goes where when everyone is here.” ordered Puppet Master sternly.
“Yes, master.”
“Darkness, I want you to intercept that army that’s going after Canterlot with a few of the Eaters. Slow them down a bit.”
“Yes, my lord. And I need to say that this army is larger than the one I created when you first purified me. This will be another difficult battle for us all.”
Puppet Master thought for a moment.
“No… wait I have an idea. Don’t intercept that army with eaters. Let them come and take Canterlot. We’ll defend it, of course, but we will be launching our own strike against the griffon home lands. Create corruptors and send them to the cities. I want to corrupt all the citizens so when the army returns entire cities will become ghost towns.” stated Puppet Master with a sadistic grin.
Darkness returned that grin with one of his own. “With pleasure, my lord.”
“Though, I still want all the Terrarians here. Let’s get moving… Radiant get to work on my body. I want a dark brown coat with dark green hair.”
“On it, my lord. Which race do you want to be?”
“An earth pony. Specifically a large one to fit all the glands I will need. Invisibility and obsidian skin if you can make that possible. Also feather fall potion ability if you can. Then, I want you to give me an inventory so I can carry all the books with me. Here, take these.”
Puppet Master emptied all the books that he carried in his inventory onto the ground in front of Radiant.
“I want these in a chest next to the Biology room. If anyone takes a book I want their lives to be terminated. But if a Terrarian takes them tell them to return them to the chest. If they refuse then fight them.”
“I will, my lord. Do you want me to retrieve Isis first?” asked Radiant picking up all the books.
“Yes, do that.”
Celestia just got finished reading Twilight’s frantic letter about Equestria being invaded by Puppet Master. She had already responded to her faithful student to not worry, as she allowed this move by Puppet Master to handle issues that happen to be more inward to Equestria. Celestia was also feeling the stress of having to regain control over her lovely kingdom as well. Her heart made a few stress beats.
Celestia’s concentration went away from her heart and to her double doors that were swiftly burst open by a frantic guard.
“Celestia, we are under attack!”
Celestia’s pulse raced. “By who?” she asked.
“Puppet Master! His armies are spreading out across Equestria! I believe his aims to occupy us!”
Celestia calmed down saying, “It’s all right. I told him it would be okay if he moves his forces into our borders.”
“Oh. I’m sorry I wasted your time Celestia.”
“It’s ok. Thank you for presenting this to me. This would be worth my time if it were true.”
“Yes, princess. Sorry princess.” he bowed and turned to leave.
Then the doors burst open again and yet another guard came rushing in.
“PRINCESS!” he bellowed. “We’ve been betrayed!”
“Yes, I know Puppet Master’s forces are moving into our borders, don’t worry it’s not an act of aggression.” Celestia said calmly.
“It’s not Puppet Master! Our own guards started taking off their helmets and attacking us! Some civilians have joined them! We are at civil war!”
“W-what?” Celestia asked with bewilderment. She swiftly jumped out of her throne and yelled. “Guards, follow me! We need to secure my capital!”
“FOR EQUESTRIA!” each guard yelled. Every guard stationed nearby ran out the double doors and into the battle that raged in the castle and the streets.
The throne room was barren of life, and the doors have slammed shut. Just then a giant corrupt worm burst through the floor and arched back into the marble floor. It slammed into the floor and disappeared leaving behind no trace that it ever moved through there. No damage and no movement of any solid object.
However.
There was a small scroll laying stock still in the center of the red carpet. An unseen force lifted it and opened it. The unseen force then materialized into a bipedal figure wearing purpled armor. Shadow Master.
“Equestria in danger? All Terrarians assemble at his lordship's throne room.” he read out loud. “Indeed I will.” Shadow Master took out the Magic Mirror and peered into it.
He was gone in less than three seconds.
Hunger and Celldric were at breakfast with Cloud Kicker. The former was unenthusiastic about it, but went for the benefit of his best friend and fellow adventurer. He was reluctant to go, but it doesn’t mean it was painful to be there. It was painful to watch them get all lovey-dovey in front of him. He wasn’t resentful for their happiness. In fact the opposite, he was happy for them. But... the conversations do get weird and at times… sexual.
“So Celldric, why do you always wear your headgear? Hunger has his off, but you always keep yours on.”
Celldric thought for a moment and then responded. “Well it’s like an identity to who I am. I wear this to protect myself, but I came so accustomed to it, that I feel it’s a part of who I am. Like that one nice mare Applejack, she never goes anywhere without her hat. Just like I never go anywhere without my headgear. Without it, I’d feel naked.” he admits.
“Mmm. I think I’d like it if you felt naked in front of me.” Cloud Kicker said seductively.
And that’s what ticks Hunger off. She flirts with Celldric in sexual ways right in front of him.
“Oh, I like that idea.” added Celldric.
And what’s worse, is that Celldric encourages it.
Just then a giant worm bursts out of the ground next to the table, scaring Cloud Kicker and company alike. The worm arcs over the table and drops a scroll on it, before disappearing below the surface without an entrance and exit hole.
“What was that?!” asked Cloud Kicker hysterically.
“Don’t worry, my love. It’s just an associate of ours that delivered this message. Although I swear he did that just to ruin our date.” Celldric replied coldly while picking up the scroll and reading its text. “Although, this doesn’t seem like one of those moments.” stated Celldric grimly.
“What? What is it?” inquired Hunger suspiciously.
“Puppet Master believes Equestria is in danger, and wants us to join him in his throne room.” explained Celldric. “I’m sorry love, but we’ll need to meet up again later.”
“It’s ok. If Equestria’s in danger, I’d love to see you do whatever you can to help us. And return home for a hero’s reward.” finished Cloud Kicker, batting her eyelashes.
“And I look forward to being your knight in shining armor.” responded Celldric. “But for now, goodbye my love.” he took out his Magic Mirror and looked deep within it and within seconds was gone.
Hunger followed behind shortly.
The first to arrive was Isis and Radiant Garden. The latter sporting several pouches of Purification powder. Then Shadow Master faded into view next to them, which enticed a startled yelp from Isis. Then Hunger and Celldric burst through the door at full speed to stand in the semicircle of Terrarians.
“Well…” started Puppet Master. “I’d always envisioned a reunion, but now is not the time for a happy one. Equestria is in danger. Griffons are attacking Equestria with an army, and is not on its way to Canterlot.”
“Sir, the army split into several groups.” interrupted Darkness. “They are now attacking many different locations in Equestria and making a land grab.”
“Dammit.” said Puppet Master. “Ok, this changes things. Darkness I now want your army to stop following Rainbow Dash and the eye and reroute all the worms and eaters to attack griffon soldiers and anyone else fighting for them. Have them use guerilla warfare, and attack in groups, but unorganized. For the rest of you, I’m going to give you different missions. We have three priority one objectives.”
“What are they?” asked Hunger.
“Rainbow Dash, our newest thane, has become corrupted in her new form. She’s faster and has control over the sky. I need someone to purify her. The Eye of Cthulhu was also summoned by someone, and I don’t know who that was, but now we have an uncontrolled monster running around, possibly killing innocents as it pleases.”
“Celldric and I should go after Cthulhu since we can destroy it quickly.” stated Hunger.
“No, we need you and Celldric to go after Rainbow Dash with Shadow Master. Get purification powder form Isis. Darkness, I want you to destroy Cthulhu. Radiant, I want you to get to work on that new body. I’ll head over to Canterlot and help Celestia get her army ready for the invasion. Everyone know where they’re going?”
“Yes, my lord.” they all responded in unison. It was surprising to hear that from Celldric and Hunger, because they seemed indifferent about Puppet Master for a while now. But now that he’s proven himself to be selfless and helpful toward others they now respect him.
“Move out.”
“Wait!” shouted Hunger. “Where’s Rainbow Dash?”
“Darkness, you help them find her. Then search for Cthulhu. When you are done, go assist each other with their task. If you see griffons, then they are probably hostile and don’t hesitate to kill them. Remember the griffons are either out there to kill ponies or kill soldiers. When both of those objectives are complete then rally Equestria’s military and help them against the griffons.”
“Understood.” replied Hunger.
They all bolted out the door, other than Isis who stood there watching them go. Then she turned to Puppet Master and asked, “Protecting the innocent?”
“It’s the right thing to do.” he responded.
“Just like you always did. No one gives you any rewards for it, too. You’ve been giving every Terrarian a home, and protecting us without the need to ask for any reward. What changed?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Now it’s all plotting and scheming. And creating an empire. Terraria never had an empire before. So why proclaim yourself king of one?”
“Because I know I will keep you all safe. And I never had this kind of power before.” he admitted. “It makes me feel good that people look up to me for advice. I feel I’ve done my part well.”
“I do too. I remember when you were just another mortal playing a game.” she grinned.
“Wait, what? How-”
“I brought you here, wolfGear. I watched you quickly figure out what to do with a pickaxe, and then use it to get copper to create into a chest plate. I watched you through your entire adventure, and you never really were interested in purifying the land. Then, you figured out how annoying the soundtrack of the corruption was and you started to get rid of it, just to be rid of the music.”
“Again… how?”
“I brought you here, wolfGear. I don’t know your name, but I do know your alias. Truth is, the creators have ignored the needs of the characters of games and movies for too long. I along with a few others had the power to change all that. After I created a physical form for you to protect rather than being one with nature where I could be corrupted, I planned to bring you to us. You other than all the other humans can see both sides of the die. The good and evil, and be able to choose which one you want to become.”
“You brought me here?”
“Yes… and if I had to, I’d do it again.” she replied warmly. “I chose you out of all the other players, because you like stories, and you were able to keep your cool in strange situations. You were also a psychopath, so when it came to dealing out death, you wouldn’t be bothered by it. But deep down you’ve always wanted to play the hero. And you’re doing it now, more or less. Even though you did ask Darkness to wipe out the griffon cities, when you’re done.”
“That’s… impressive. I’m not even mad. In fact.” Puppet Master removed his crown and pulled down his hood that gave him extra magic. “I want to thank you.” he stated with a grin.
“Are you going to kiss me?” asked Isis playfully.
“Yes.” Puppet Master walked up to Isis who had a smile on her face. He placed his lips on hers, and they went into a deep and passionate kiss before Isis pulled away.
“Now’s not the time to get intimate. But I want you to know that when you escape and go to the past, I’m going with you. Oh and your logic about time is a little deluded. You can’t travel through time, but you can go to other dimensions if you wish it. I’ll help you when you do, ok?”
“Sure.”
“Now, go save Celestia. She needs you right now.”
With that revelation Puppet Master placed his gear back on and flared his wings and beat hard toward the door, propelling himself forward and up out the skylight.
Four Terrarians flew off into the distance toward the open sky that was now blue from the sun rising higher. Darkness was a good distance in front of his three companions and they had to shout for him to hear them.
“Darkness! Where is Rainbow Dash?!” shouted Celldric.
“She’s over there.” he pointed to the north-west. “But you can’t intercept her if you go that way!” Darkness then slowed down, so he’d be level with them. “You need to follow me for a while longer, until we’re at a point where we’ll intercept them both.”
“Intercept them both?” inquired Celldric. “Why not split up and intercept them separate from each other? Surely it will be safer, and how will they meet up anyway?”
“Because we’re too far from them, to meet them separately. And they're heading right for each other. The Eye seems to be confused and in a rage, while the other is just heading to familiar locations to wreak havoc.”
“So, where are they?” asked Shadow Master.
“Over the skies of Cloudsdale. The Eye of Cthulhu currently is being chased by Barricade, the Commander of the Royal Pegasi Corps.”
“Who?”
“We’ll find out soon enough. But for now, follow me!”
Celestia looks out over her kingdom from her courtyard, and a heavy weight fills her heart as she looks over her capital city with glazed eyes. Buildings were burning and commoners were screaming in terror and with battle cries. Her soldiers were fighting one another, and at times they were fighting other loyalists because they looked so similar. She turned back to her castle and to the loyalists that have won back her beautiful palace.
[^]“Ride out into the city!”[/^] she ordered with the royal Canterlot voice. [^]“Teach these heathens that I am the law! And that the law must not be disobeyed!”[/^]
The loyalist guards saluted and ran off into the city. Those who could fly few off into the sky to meet any rouge pegasi guards. Celestia watched them all leave until most of them were almost out of sight. Celestia sighed loudly, and walked toward the entrance to her palace, when she heard wing beats come slowly down from the sky.
“Loyalist or traitor.” Deadpanned Celestia as she turned to face the new arrival.
“More of a third party.” responded a familiar voice. Her eyes landed on the subject, and was relieved when Puppet Master’s form graced her view.
“Oh thank goodness, Puppet Master. I need your help.” she said with a relieved smile.
“I know. I’m also here to deliver a warning.”
“Oh, more bad news.” Celestia’s smile disappeared and she frowned.
“Sorry. A griffon army is heading toward your borders. On their way, they are seizing land and splitting off into smaller armies that are also going after major cities.”
Celestia’s pupils grew small. “B-but I can’t order my armies! I’m powerless! I need to quell this rebellion now.”
“I’ve already moved my armies to intercept them and weaken their forces. I promise you that I will keep your cities safe when you’re unable. I have my own forces moving throughout Equestria to protect major cities. Let’s pray your soldiers don’t think they’re here to invade.”
“Thank you, for all your help.” Celestia responded giving him a genuine smile.
“You support your troops. I have an idea of where Luna is.”
“Wait, I’ll come with you. Then, the three of us can support my troops faster. I doubt you know your way around the castle anyway.” stated Celestia.
“Good point, let’s move.”
“Where to?”
“Your sister's room.”
Darkness and his company of three Terrarians flew together toward the cloud city of Cloudsdale. Memories of this city flooded Celldric’s mind, and Hunger who remained passive through the whole thing started to become impatient.
“When will we spit up?” Hunger asked Darkness, who flew on his right.
“Now. You go in that direction and cut off Rainbow.” he pointed to his left. “I’m going up.” he pointed toward the sky.
They all looked up and saw Cthulhu thrashing about sporadically in rage. They could all tell the sun was burning its retina, and causing him to panic. Unlike in Terraria he was not able to escape the sun by phasing through the ground. And he seemed to have flown higher to get to the cool wind to keep him from burning. Or maybe that was just a desperate plan.
“Good luck.” finished Darkness indifferently, as he pumped his wings harder and ascended into the sky.
“C'mon, let’s purify Rainbow Dash!” shouted Hunger.
Celldric and Shadow Master flew as wingmen on either side of Hunger. Shadow Master was on Hunger’s left, while Celldric on his right. They all carried purification powder. It took them a short while until Rainbow came bursting though the cloud layer below them and slamming into Hunger from below.
“WHOA!” Hunger announced while Celldric spun to the left to come face to face with Rainbow Dash while Shadow Master drank an invisibility potion, effectively removing him from battle.
Hunger quickly recovered and looked down to find Rainbow Dash already dashed off in the direction of Celldric. Celldric barely saw the movement and he braced for impact.
*Slam*
Celldric goes flying in the other direction.
“How do you like that? Am I fast, or am I fast!” shouted the corrupted Rainbow Dash.
Hunger swooped down to try to get Rainbow by surprise, but before he was able to tackle her, she launched to the right, rolled, then launched up into the air and arced backward to slam into Hungers back with incredible speeds sending him to the ground. He corrected himself, and Celldric flew up next to him.
“You think we can win?” he asked.
“Yes, if Shadow Master is able to time it right.”
“GIVING UP BOYS! HAHAHAH-wait. There were three of you.” Rainbow stated in realization and jumped high into the air narrowly avoiding a cloud of purification powder.
Shadow Master appeared just below where Rainbow originally dodged his attack and Hunger flew to his side with Celldric.
“This is going to be hard.” started Hunger.
“Agreed, she’s crafty.” replied Celldric.
“We will continue with this technique. Continue fighting her relentlessly, and I will decide when she’s forgotten about me. When I know she’s off guard, then I’ll move in. But you can’t rush this. Expect it to be a long battle, before I make my move.”
“We can do that right, Celldric?” inquired Hunger.
“Indeed.” he replied with a grin that was hidden behind his headgear.
“Then, let’s do this.” finished Shadow Master.
Hunger and Celldric rushed Rainbow Dash while Shadow allowed himself to fade into the background.
The speed at which Darkness flew up toward Cthulhu was slow, considering his maximum speed getting to Cloudsdale. He took sadistic pleasure in seeing the being that once haunted him, now writhing in pain from the sun it so desperately kept away from. He quickly noted the small dot in the sky near Cthulhu and realized that it was a pony. That meant little to him considering his goal.
He came up level to Cthulhu with wind rushing past him and watched the creature with a sadistic smile that was hidden behind his necro-headgear. His muscles tensed after a few long seconds of staring at Cthulhu after its eye looked directly at him for a moment before a wave of pain shot through the creature and it started spinning uncontrollably. Darkness felt enjoyment, and wanted this moment to last forever. But he was given an order to kill the creature that haunted the early Terrarians in their sleep.
He stole one last glance at the pony that was watching both entities now with interest. He realized the golden armor meant that she was a solar guard, that came to investigate this high up. She also had he wings spread out and still so the wind was the only thing that kept her up and she occasionally beat her wings to keep herself from blowing away from the intense winds from such a high altitude.
He smiled and in a sudden explosion of wings and movement he was upon Cthulhu.
Barricade knew what the creature was that hovered level with the eye that writhed in pain. A Terrarian. But this one was the one she knew was evil in his own way. She could feel his sadistic smile from under his headgear that radiated malice. She had half a mind to interrogate him, just to know what his relationship with Rainbow Dash was if any. But then there was the fact she wasn't armed and had no way to defend herself if she made him aggravated.
Then was the creature writhing in agony, like a deer that survived a manticore attack. It twitched and flew painfully in the upper atmosphere for some reason she has yet to fully understand. But Barricade had followed it for a while and ideas formed. One of the more logical ideas was that since it was an eye it was in pain from the sun. her eye will feel the burning sensation of the sun as well if she looked at it or near it. Since it was basically unprotected from the harmful rays of the sun, then there was a good chance it would want relief.
Barricade believed it would go to a water source, but then thought of the contaminants and types of fish that could be swimming around in the lakes and ponds. Then there was the wind that was cool, and it must be trying to keep itself cool so the heat of the sun doesn’t burn it. She also took into consideration the way it rolled around. She noted it rolled in ways to keep all of its sizes equally exposed to the sun, so she knew it had something to do with it.
She pitied the creature.
It was in pain, and if she had a weapon she’d take its life herself. But before she could think of any more she noticed an explosion of movement from Darkness and her attention came to the two entities that flew in the sky in defiance of the wind, as if it was a controlled variable.
Darkness swooped around Cthulhu, swiftly exposed his phase blade and took swings at the writhing Eye. Barricade watched with interest as he swung this red energy baton around and it disintegrated the Eye more and more. She watched him as he played with the Eye as it desperately charged at him, and he dodged trying not to touch the giant Eye.
Barricade suddenly thought of how this creature can come into existence. How is it born, and how does it reproduce? Surely something had to create it? Her question was answered when smaller eyes started to shoot out of its pupil and float around the larger eye, as if it was their mother. They then went to engage Darkness in the skies.
Barricade watched the ballet of monsters in the sky with increasing interest since both their techniques seem organized and thought out. The eye itself moved apprehensively around Darkness, as if he repulsed it so as to avoid his strokes with that red blade. It would launch children at him and they would charge at Darkness, while he either used his blade to destroy them or dodge.
Darkness on the other hand, was impatient but calculating, and he would make stupid moves because of his blood lust. He at times accidently charged when the eye would, and would be impacted and suffer damage from an unknown means. The eye had no noticeable offensive means but when it contacts Darkness he winces in pain and flies away, to wait for a new time to strike.
Then after another slice from Darkness’s blade, the Eye spins uncontrollably and then… drops its pupil.
*ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAARRR*
A gaping maw replaced the location of its pupil, and it charged at Darkness with a new sense of speed and rage. Barricades pity for the creature quickly left her, at the moment it looked more like a monster than a confused and pained creature. She watched with some small amount of horror, as Darkness struggles to keep up and makes skillful moves in the sky to doge the relentless attack.
*crack*
The sound of thunder reaches their elevated ears, and everyone looks down including the monster. Dark clouds coat the sky below.
“What? A thunder storm wasn’t scheduled today?” Barricade mused to herself out loud.
Darkness picked up on it and then looked at Cthulhu that was now diving toward the storm clouds.
‘He’s escaping the sun by hiding under the storm!’ Darkness exclaims in his mind.
The battle for the lower atmosphere raged on between the Terrarians and the Corrupt Thane. Rainbow Dash was able to dodge every attack and tackle they threw at her. Shadow Master still had not made his move, since Rainbow Dash remained on high alert after his first try, and occasionally looked around.
But all the speed in the world couldn’t get past Hallowed Armor. As much as Rainbow Dash didn’t want to admit it, she was incapable of fighting back without a weapon. She searched around her for something to beat the Terrarians down with but to no avail. Nothing but skies and a long fall.
Then she remembered the powers gifted to her. Or felt them. She dodged Hunger’s swing of a small copper sword, as to do as little damage to her as possible. She knew their goal was to purify her, if they had the chance. Rainbow’s goal was to kill them, and to do that you’d need more than just speed and hooves.
“You’ll NEVER purify me!” shouted the Corrupt 'Princess' Dash.
She shot up into the sky a good forty yards away from Hunger and Celldric, and brought power to her wings. Suddenly water vapor formed around her for miles and winds began to pick up exponentially. The skies began to flood with white clouds until they suddenly got thicker and darker all across the horizon. The storm stretched for miles, and it had no sign of stopping.
*CRACK*
The sound of thunder rips through the skies and strikes Celldric.
“AAAAAAAAAH!” he fell from the sky limp, but flailing as he fell, which told Hunger he was ok. Terrarians with wings don’t suffer fall damage, so he didn’t go after him.
Rainbow grinned with malice and began to boast. “HA! NOW YOU WILL FEEL THE WRATH OF THE CORRUPT PRI-” she was interrupted by a cloud of purification powder.
Rainbow faltered and began to fall, but an invisible force kept her transformed form up in the air. The force revealed itself to be Shadow Master’s fading in form.
“Uuuuughhhhhhh...” moaned Rainbow Dash in pain. Dizziness erupted through her mind.
Shadow Master looked at her and asked, “Can you fly?”
It took a few seconds for Rainbow to process the new information and she started to revert back to her old self and float on her own.
*ROOOOOAAAAAAR*
A giant maw came bearing down on the Rainbow-maned Pegasus, and her shadowy friend.
“RAINBOW DODGE!” shouted Shadow Master and he flew off to his left. But he turned around to see Rainbow’s confused face staring at the giant maw approaching her.
Rainbow Dash was just purified. But through her perspective it was one really complex dream. She was affected by a wave of dizziness and tried to get her bearings, before realizing something was wrong with how she felt and she ‘willed’ herself smaller. She seemed to make some sort of noise, but her mind was unable to process it. Combined with the transformation and corruption, her mind didn’t have enough time to adjust and now she’s in a new location. Her mind would take a while more to catch up with the situation at hand.
“…ou fl…” Rainbow could hear a voice but she couldn’t process it, as if she stood up too fast and all the blood rushed out of her head.
The sensation lasted for a while even after her form returned to normal and she looked like a pony again.
‘What happened to me?’ Rainbow mentally asked herself.
“…BOW DOD…!”
Rainbow Dash watched as a figure flew off into the distance as she regained feeling in her wings and realized she was beating them to maintain flight. She looked up, and saw the strangest object coming toward her.
‘It looks like a house.’
Rainbow watched it curiously and then with pure terror when her mind cleared up… around the same time the jaws of Cthulhu snapped down on her.
I burst into Luna’s room and discovered that there on the bed was none other than the Princess of the Night, herself surrounded by six Night Guards.
“GET THEM!” shouted the one closest to the door on the left.
I whipped out my Excalibur and cut down the nearest guard and made quick work of the rest of them, as they tried to poke me to death with spears. When I was done, I approached the bed that had Luna tied too with a ring around her horn and a gag keeping her mouth shut. She wasn’t dressed in her day time appearance as a princess, so I assumed she was in bed when she was ambushed.
Cowardly way to take on a goddess.
“I hope you’re unharmed, Luna.” I stated, giving her a smile.
“Hmmmhmmhmhm!”
“Luna!” shouted Celestia eagerly.
Celestia galloped around me and looked at her sister. Her horn light up and her eyes began to glow white hot and heat was radiating off of her. She blasted a wave of energy at Luna’s bed that burned away all the offending material that kept Luna still, and kept the bed intact. I was impressed by the display and I noticed Celestia’s horn was still alight and she seemed to be struggling.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Trying to remove the ring from Luna’s horn. It won’t respond to my magic.” she responded, looking perplexed.
“They used it to keep me from using magic.” Luna added simply.
“I’ll do it.” I said.
I walked over to the left side of the bed, and Luna tilted her horn at me eagerly to be rid of the offending piece of jewelry. I grabbed it and slid it off her horn. The moment it was released, her horn lit up and she lifted various objects around the room.
Celestia giggled. “I take it you missed using magic?”
“OH YES!” shouted Luna without the Canterlot voice. I was silently grateful for that.
“Castle under attack?” I questioned to Celestia in a way so it wasn’t a question and more of a reminder.
“I didn’t forget.” she deadpanned. “Luna griffons are attacking and so are our traitors. I wish we had time, but we need everypony we can get to fight them off.”
“Don’t worry Celestia. My brothers will find a way to save Equestria, somehow. We did prepare for war, and we can ally ourselves with you in this conflict.” I reassured her. Luna seemed unsurprised by this, and she had already began throwing her regalia on.
“Thank you for your support, Puppet Master. But now we must go to our city streets and fight off the rebels. If they created this complex espionage, then they mustn’t have the ability to fight us in an all-out war.” reasoned Celestia.
Luna and I nodded and we all began running down the hallways of the castle. A few lingering guards were also rushing about the halls as well. Though I was lagging behind Celestia and Luna since they were built for faster running than I was. Being bipedal didn’t help you get placesm but it was sure useful for climbing trees.
Celestia and Luna kept running through the halls while I began to slow down. Slower and slower and slower until I stopped and they were out of sight.
‘What am I doing? Playing along with Isis’s little scheme, to get the real world to notice? No, the real world would probably act when I present a grand gesture that no one will ignore. Something like killing the princesses or enslaving the ponies… no I shouldn’t think like that. It’s wrong, but I don’t care. Why should I even play along anyway? Can’t I just leave them to their fate and then just mop up when their done? I’m sure even without me Celestia and Luna will be able to win anyway. The whole situation doesn’t actually seem that dire, now that I think about it. No! I need to stay true to them until I finally leave.’
I looked up from where I was, and looked down the empty hall. I could hear hoof steps coming like a wave on all my sides, like a whisper from all the moving ponies within the castle walls. I waited there alone in the hallway silently, for a while just looking down at my feet. I took off my crown, and my hood gave me relative protection against the world. I opened my inventory and took out my hallow headgear, and placed it upon my head so it would replace my simple hood and give me more defense.
Looking down the hall again, I calmly started into a slow jog. Then into a run and then into a sprint. I took a left which was different from the direction of where Celestia and Luna went, which was on the right. I looked up at the ceiling and found it arced so I jumped into the air and took out my hamdrax and went to work on the ceiling.
I quickly made my way outside from the makeshift hole I dug through the castle and sealed it back up with the blocks I grabbed from it. I looked at the city before me and noticed Luna and Celestia were already helping out their soldiers in the streets, and some rebels that saw them immediately surrendered. I knew I was no good here.
I spread my wings and flew off to the north, where I assumed the griffon army would be coming from. But the first thing I remembered as I started flying over the city, was the ability to use magic to create the illusion of a fire dragon. More specifically the green cursed flame dragon I conjured during my battle against the corruption. With the new spells I acquired like Crystal Storm I should be able to create a green crystal dragon. Maybe I can pull it off as a real one and use that as my crystal shield during the battle.
I immediately got to work to create such a thing, and almost instantly I surrounded myself with a crystal orb that was infused with the Cursed Flame to make it glow green. I created wings, then a tail, then the head and neck and legs. I quickly had the form of a dragon, and I was somehow able to see outside the body I’ve created.
I flew off into the distance, and patiently waited to get sight of the griffon army that I will clash with.
It took an hour until I got to the army in question. Many things about magic remained a mystery to me, but I knew one thing. Magic in the old world was used to destroy and pillage. Maybe even strike fear in the hearts of my enemies when I meet them head on. Though, the closer I got to my enemy, the more they seemed to move away from me and try to avoid. I let them dive down to be out of my path and when I passed over them I blew cursed fire upon them.
They scrambled in fear, and some charged me and started hitting my joints to keep me from flying. I sent out a wave of fire that originated from the crystals that made up my body quickly incinerating the offending griffons.
I dove at a particularly large group, with a trail of fire and detonated inside that line formation in the sky. It removed my disguise of a dragon and let the crystal shards fly out randomly and impale my enemies. They saw me and their fear turned to rage, as they charged me at once.
A battle began that I could not begin to describe.
They rushed me and I returned the charge. My twin Excaliburs broke their swords and bones, while the edge cut their flesh from their bodies. They began to fall to the earth’s surface like rocks that forgot that gravity was a thing until now. I was amused with their desperate struggle against me. They tried to cut through my thick armor, and were surprised when mine was stronger than theirs.
Hours passed and I was still fighting the last remains of the army.
“STOP!” boomed a voice over the clashing of swords.
The griffons fled and surrounded me like they did before, but they kept a distance waiting for something. That’s when I saw him.
“Maluk. Your name is easy to remember.” I said out loud.
A griffon dressed in military officer-like gear, with medals on his armor and a crown on his head.
“Yes, Puppet Master I am the one invading Equestria. I believe you and I are after the same thing.” he stated simply.
“And what is that?” I asked.
“Equestria.” He said with a grin. “Maybe if we unite, we can take what we want. You and I, allies in arms? What do you say?”
“No.”
“No?”
“No… I don’t want Equestria. I want the world! And I will have the world! You see my power today! I can destroy an army if I so chose and even change my form! There is no higher power than me, on the battlefield. And I’m unstoppable because I have an element of harmony on my side! She won’t turn me to stone like the others might! I will destroy all evil and all governments, leaving only mine, and mine alone!” Maluk looked afraid.
“B-but we have no quarrel with you! We don’t want war! We want peace!”
“Then surrender yourself to me! Help me take the world, starting with the griffon kingdoms!” I shouted to him.
“Never! They are strong when united, and will quickly destroy us! You’re not as powerful as you think Puppet Master! and you know it!”
“Then prove it to me, by destroying me! FIGHT ME!”
“ATTACK!” he ordered with a shout.
The griffons dove, and flew toward me with swords at the ready.
The battle of Canterlot was won. Midway through the battle, Luna and Celestia noticed Puppet Master’s absence, and were thoroughly angry with him for leaving them.
“That traitor! He promised to help us! And then he left when the battle was most terrible!” yelled Luna as she stood in the throne room with her sister.
“I agree. But he saved you and allowed us to take back our capital. Why would he help us and then suddenly desert us for no reason?" questioned Celestia. Turning she added, "Come, we must prepare for the imminent griffon threat.”
“Agreed, my sister.” Luna replied to Celestia, with a hint of anger.
“MY PRINCESSES!” the double agent ran through the door. “There’s something on the horizon!”
“Is it the griffon army?” asked an alarmed Celestia.
“No, more like a small troop of Terrarians. They’ve come to assist us. They are waiting outside in the courtyard.”
“Hopefully that's the backup we need.” deadpanned Luna.
Celestia and Luna rushed outside to greet the assistance they were given, and were shocked to not find Puppet Master. Instead they found Darkness, Hunger, Celldric, and who they could barely remember as Shadow Master.
“What brings you here?” asked Celestia to the terrarians.
“Puppet Master asked us to meet here.” stated Darkness.
Celestia noticed the solemn expression of Hunger without his headgear on. Celldric's head was also lowered.
“What happened?” asked Luna, before Celestia could.
“Something terrible.”
I flew over to Canterlot and hovered above the mountainside city for a moment to scout it out. The fires were now snuffed out, and the battle seemed to have ended. I swooped down toward the white palace that housed Luna and Celestia. I dove toward the courtyard when I saw several figures standing there with solemn expressions. I went to meet them, and when I landed they looked up and I saw Celestia wearing an uncharacteristic frown. Her eyes were also red as if she had been crying. Luna was the same.
“What happened?” I asked.
Celldric, Hunger, Darkness, and Shadow Master were there as well. They each looked at me about the same time, and waited until Darkness cleared his throat. All eyes were on him.
“Rainbow Dash is dead.”
Author's Note
enjoy the longest chapter in the history of my profile. never got past 8,000 words before and I hope this was worth the wait.
sorry for any Rainbow Dash fans :(
I'm one too and I know this was....well you know.
I stood in the center of the semi-circle of onlookers. Celestia, Luna, Hunger, Celldric, Darkness, and Shadow Master were watching me closely for my reaction. Each of them wore their own solemn expressions. Celldric was hard to figure out, because of his headgear. Darkness was lacking one and wearing a bored one.
I watched them for a while, feeling thankful that I had my own hallowed headgear to cover my face. I looked down at the ground in thought… with a realization, my head shot up.
“Return to the castle.” I ordered, unsure of myself. “The threat has been eliminated, and Darkness can mop up.”
I walked out of my room and took a swift right, jogging quickly to the other door next to mine and thrust it open.
On the floor was a form of a blue pony. One that I couldn’t make out in the surprisingly dark room. I walked over to the fallen figure and picked it up…
It was the mannequin that was built in Rainbow’s form, to hold her personalized armor. The navy blue armor was still on the mannequin, giving off the idea it was blue. I was momentarily angry for not seeing it was a fake the moment I laid eyes on it. I let the mannequin fall to the floor with a thud.
I stood up slowly and turned around to see all my thanes looking back at me. Each with varying degrees of sadness, other than Darkness who looked neutral. Hunger looked at me with understanding and I stared directly at him as if waiting for a message. None would come. No one would tell me Rainbow Dash wasn’t gone. No one would dare say that all the time working on her new form was wasted because of a little incident in the sky.
“I’ll be in my throne room.” I said quietly. “Darkness, join me. Tell Isis I want to speak with her as well.”
“Yes my lord.” replied Darkness as I walked passed him.
The trek to my throne room was short, but uneventful, and left me to my thoughts the entire trip. A friend and college just died and I don’t feel a bit remorseful. Maybe it was because I was a psychopath, or I never really intended for her to live anyway. I couldn’t tell what kept me from making this issue from bothering me. I knew her well enough to feel some sort of loss, but I couldn’t shake the feeling I was missing something.
I entered my throne room with a heavy conscience and sat down on my throne. When I turned I was happy to see Darkness and Isis have already arrived.
“I guess you’ve been wondering why I’ve summoned you here.” I stated.
“I am.” came Isis' reply.
“I want to know if your little game was worth it.”
“What do you mean?”
“The game where you have me disrupt this world greatly enough, to draw its attention of the created ones.”
“Is that what you call us?” inquired Isis angrily. “The created ones?”
“You are what I think you are. Besides, I’ve noticed your little plot to bring knowledge to yourself. A little isolated, don’t you think?”
“What do you mean?” she asked, horror dawning on her face. She knew where I was going.
“What’s going on?” demanded Darkness.
“She played a little game, by bringing me here to disrupt the world of creation. To message the outside world, by bringing me here. Oh, are the griffons dead yet?”
“All units have moved toward the remaining enemy units and are picking them off quickly. We should be ravaging the griffon cities by nightfall.”
“Good, now leave me and Isis to ourselves.”
“Yes my lord.” Darkness turned to leave.
“And, in the case I end up disappearing I don’t want you to look for me. I will have left this world by then. I want you to claim the griffon lands to be your own, and rule over them with an iron fist. When you’re done keep those lands safe and don’t expand. I want you to become a permanent part of this world.”
“You’re leaving sire?” inquired Darkness, with his head turned to the right so the right side of his face was facing me.
“Yes. I want you to protect the Terrarains fiercely when I’m gone. Tell Hunger to advise you, when you control the armies. Hunger will deal with politics and Celldric will be the noble to go to other nations and represent us in good will. Radiant will improve the living conditions of the citizens and make them happy, while Shadow Master gets information on any uprisings and will personally quell them. He can do all the sneaking he wants.”
Darkness smiled for the first time in a long time. “Understood, my lord.”
“Don’t disobey me, or I will return and remove you.” I warned him angrily.
His smile faltered. “Very well.”
He walked out of my throne room and I faced Isis again.
“What makes you think you’re the only one that tried to message the outside world? There are characters far more powerful than you.” I stated.
“Y-you mean they failed?” she asked nervously.
“What makes you think you’re different?”
“I have the power of all the worlds nature. And I chose a world that was watched by thousands! Surely they will see… right?”
“Has there ever been a time where it wasn’t broadcast on television?”
“Television?” asked Isis.
“The machine we view your worlds in. Also, a computer is where you come from.”
“Enlightening… and there have been times where the calls for help become a fan fiction.” she paused. “I hope now isn’t one of those times.”
“I agree. Too much has been sacrificed for your grand gesture. Although I do want to ask.” I started, curiosity piquing. “What can I expect for a reward? You had me do what I wished, and I ended up doing things that surely got the attention of people, I expect some sort of gift.” I asked.
“Well, I can offer you a chance to see all the other worlds that you creators built. Of course you’ll have to watch from afar, and not get involved. Eventually I can bring us back to any alternate Equestria or world of your choosing, so you can settle down and live there the rest of your life. Then again, I can have you help me get more supporters for the cause of being noticed. I’m sure many powerful entities would join us without question, if a Creator was helping.”
“All right then… one more crazy adventure. Although it’s going to have to wait.”
“What do you mean?”
“I need to go to Rainbow’s funeral. Then when we return we check one last place to look for her.”
“Where?”
I took out the Equestrian mirror and hold it in front of me so Isis can see. “Terraria.”
All the Terrarians walked into the graveyard in a line formation. Shadow Master, Hunger, Celldric, Isis, Radiant Garden, Darkness, and Puppet Master. Graves occasionally blocked their path and they either jumped over it or walked around. The sky was clear and the animals lively, as if completely oblivious to the tragedy that recently happened. Though the sadness that washed over the graveyard was infectious, and even the animals that strayed over into its grounds drooped their ears or lowered their heads in sorrow or respect.
“You know what to do?” I asked my companions.
“Tell them Puppet Master will explain the details of Rainbow’s death when asked.”
“Good, I don’t want them to know she died because the corruption made her go ballistic. It gives her some dignity.”
We walked toward the more open part of the graveyard in Ponyville where there was a gathering of many ponies. I looked over at the front row and I saw that the only princess that was there was Luna. I assumed Celestia wasn’t there because of either royal duties, or she may not have had anything dark. Most of… all of the ponies were crying. I was surprised to see Barricade there as well, but then again, Fluttershy’s friend died so of course a mother would come to comfort her child. Speaking of Fluttershy, she was sitting next to her friends whom were all on her left on the right isle. Barricade took the end chair in the front row next to her daughter. I picked out the main… five, and a few seconds after seeing them Rarity turned to look at who arrived and spotted me. She got the attention of the rest of the girls. They got up and started to walk toward me. I’d rather deal with them alone.
“I want you to mingle and tell people of your relationship with Rainbow Dash. If you do wish to cry then don’t let honor stop you. Today is a sad day.” I stated to my companions. Most nodded and went on their way. Darkness stayed where he was, and I believed he wouldn’t be joining the memorial.
I began to walk forward, and I felt an arm wrap around mine. “I wish to hear your response.”
“And I thought I was the sadistic one.” I stated quietly to her.
I approached the group, expecting someone to ask a few questions of why I came or something like that. I especially expect Applejack to hate me, in some way, because of what happened. Twilight led the party of five by being in the center while Rarity and Fluttershy flanked her on the right while Pinkie and Applejack flanked her on her left in that order. Pinkie's hair was straight and their eyes were red from crying.
Even Rarity couldn’t put something stylishly black on. It was plain and dull, like the similar black capes everyone else was wearing.
Barricade seemed like she wanted to talk to me, but when she saw the five friends approaching me she backed off. I assumed it was because of what she will say will not be for their ears.
“Excuse me, Puppet Master.” inquired Twilight Sparkle, her voice seemed strained.
“Yes, Miss Sparkle.” I replied.
“What happened? How did Rainbow d-die?” her eyes were sad and her voice cracked when she mentioned death.
“A former enemy of mine named Cthulhu, was summoned recently. I have no idea how he was summoned or why, but… it was only his eye, actually.”
“His eye?”
“Cthulhu was so powerful, that when his eye was cut out by a Terrarian hero, it became an entity on its own. It became a new race of wandering eyes and they only come out at night. Rainbow was sent with Darkness, Hunger, and Celldric to fight and destroy it. Cthulhu’s eye was just that, an eye. And he was in pain when Darkness fought him. Darkness got there first so he decided to take him on alone. He hurt the Eye enough for it to drop its pupil.-”
“Now hold on! Are ya’ll sayin’ that the eye can just drop its pupil?” Applejack accused skeptically. “Ah call lies!” she exclaimed.
I looked up from Applejack and toward Barricade. I knew she was there when this happened. I waved her over.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Did the giant eye drop its pupil, when you witnessed it?”
There was a collective gasp from the five friends.
“M-mom?” squeaked Fluttershy.
Barricade turned around with sad eyes. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but… I was there. I followed the Eye above Cloudsdale, and witnessed the Terrarian known as Darkness fight the eye. Puppet Master is right. The eye dropped its pupil and in its place, a mouth formed.”
“The pupil is what keeps the mouth closed, actually. The mouth is so wide that it needs the pupil to keep it closed. I believe that’s how it hunts. It drops its pupil somewhere, and then eats its prey whole and goes back to pick it back up.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you, though.” started Barricade with seriousness and a trademark glare. “Where did that storm come from? It happened too fast to be a normal storm. It was magically created wasn’t it? And don’t say Cloudsdale did it, because we didn’t schedule a storm.”
“I wasn’t going to. That storm came from Rainbow Dash herself.”
“But that’s not possible for a Pegasus, even Rainbow Dash to be able to conjure a storm so fast.” Barricade retorted.
“That’s because Rainbow Dash wasn’t a pony when she did that.” I responded.
A collective gasp came from the group of friends who now had their hooves over their mouths and Barricade's glare intensified.
“What. Did. You. Do.” warned Barricade aggressively.
“I gave Rainbow Dash the ability to control the sky. Of course, I wouldn’t have given it to her if it endangered her life. But the process was a little strange, and you’ll have to asked Radiant Garden for more information on the process since he was the one working on her. But it involved changing her DNA structure, and growing her body to become about the same size of Princess Luna.”
“What was the catch?” asked Barricade.
“She wouldn’t be much of a pony anymore. She’d be able to revert to her original form, but she was technically a whole new species all her own. I had Radiant improve the abilities of her pegasus body to not only control the clouds without touching them, but also to be able to form water vapor to create clouds out of thin air. Rainbow Dash conjured that storm to draw Cthulhu to her. Cthulhu went into the storm to escape the oppressive sunlight that burned him. He was an eye, and if you looked at the sun then you’d understand why it hurt him.”
“Wait.” interrupted Twilight. “Rainbow is a fast pony. How did she not move out of the way in time?”
“Rainbow Dash was in the clouds themselves. Somehow, by some fluke, Cthulhu entered the cloud she was in.”
Twilight nodded in understanding. Barricade looked unconvinced.
“Why didn’t she go in after Cthulhu with her companions? Surely open combat was bound to happen, so why lure him to them?”
Barricade was smart when it came to tactics. I guess I’ll have to convince her of the fluke.
“You didn’t hear me, when I said she had control over storms, right?”
“You said she could create them.” Barricade narrowed her eyes.
“She could also control thunder storms. If Cthulhu was in the storm, Rainbow Dash can strike him with lightning.”
That didn’t sit well with Barricade. “We’ll talk later.” she spat the words with venom.
“Come on girls.” stated Twilight as she turned around to return to her seat.
“Wait.” interrupted a timid voice. All attention was on Fluttershy.
Her face almost brought me to tears, to be honest. For what I saw in them was inspiring and rare in sad times.
Bravery.
“Did she think of us, when she was accused of treason?”
“At first no. She didn’t break down, but she more… just broke. Like it wasn’t sinking in. She shut down for a while, before I heard her crying behind her door to her room. She told me she was afraid she’d never see you again.”
And they all started to cry. Slowly, until it became full on crying.
Rainbow’s greatest fear became a reality. She never saw her friends after that day.
“I’m sorry.” I stated morosely.
“T-thank you for b-being honest.” responded Fluttershy while being cradled by her mother.
And the funeral continued like that. Barricade’s questions died when Fluttershy showed bravery. She decided to question me later, and I chose to approach Luna instead. She was sitting in the front row on the left side.
“Princess Luna.” I started.
She looked up with a solemn expression. “Yes, Puppet Master?”
“I need to talk to you.”
“Can it wait?” she asked.
“It’s about Rainbow and what happened to her.”
“Barricade told me already.”
“I had to lie to her to keep the truth safe. It’s too sensitive for them to know yet.” I responded quietly enough so that only Luna could hear.
“Where should we talk?”
“Clouds… Celldric come here!” Celldric rushed over to my side.
“Luna and I are going to be talking somewhere in the clouds. No one is to bother us. If you see anyone flying toward us tell them to go away.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Luna, let’s find a large enough cloud to support us.”
We flew up into the air and looked for a low hanging cloud. We quickly found one relatively above the graveyard so it wasn’t too far from the funeral.
“What is it you wish to tell me?” Luna asked curiously after we got settled on the cloud.
“Rainbow Dash didn’t make that cloud to lure Cthulhu into a trap.”
“Then what was she doing?”
“She was corrupted, and in her corrupt form she tried to destroy Equestria. The logic was that I’d send Shadow Master, Cellric, and Hunger to purify her. Then I’d send Darkness to take care of Cthulhu, and I’d come to help Celestia. I would have helped purify her if I didn’t have two other things to worry about.”
“That clears up why you weren’t all fighting Cthulhu at once. Barricade said Darkness came in many minutes before the others, so he either was a faster flyer or they were occupied.”
“But you mustn’t tell anyone, other than your sister. To Equestria, Rainbow died a hero’s death. And if you dishonor this then I will hurt you.” I threatened.
“I promise not to tarnish her memory. They should know though.”
“Yes, they should. Just not now. Not when the wound is fresh. Not when they still cry for her. Also, there is another thing.”
“What?”
“Rainbow Dash may not be dead at all. But don’t go down there and listen to her heartbeat.”
“What?! If she’s alive, then she should be in the hospital!”
“Keep your voice down!” I shouted to her.
“Sorry. But what do you mean then? How is she not dead?”
“Terrarians can’t die. Well not in the way you ponies do. Rainbow Dash’s body can be destroyed and ripped apart, but another one will replace it. I can’t say how this works, but I have a theory of how to get her back. But to do it will take a lot of energy and if you or Celestia help me, then you might die the way a pony does. Forever. I promise you… if Rainbow’s alive, I will get her back.”
Luna nodded to me and smiled. “I should wait to mourn then?”
“No. Mourn now and rejoice when she’s back. I can’t say for certain when she’ll be back to you. Maybe in a few minutes or a few years. Maybe even centuries. But I promise, if she’s out there then I’ll bring her back.”
“I’ll tell Celestia when I see her.” Luna stated with a sad smile. “Thank you, for all that you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome. I can’t say when the next time we’ll see each other again, but…you’ve been a good friend, even though you didn’t do too much. I will miss you when I’m gone.”
“Goodbye friend.” Luna responded, embracing me suddenly. I returned it after a moment of confusion.
“Thank you Luna. I think I should leave now. Rainbow is waiting. Can you tell those at the funeral that I couldn’t be here because of my life span? Darkness will know what’s going on. He is supposed to control the Clawsacks, and build a new empire to keep the peace. Advise him when you can.”
“I will friend. Thank you for saving me.” she replied with a smile.
“You’re welcome.” I smiled back.
I backed up and let gravity take me off the cloud. I watched Luna run over to the edge and see me spread my wings and take flight. I flew towards Isis and she waited for me to land in front of her.
“How was it?”
“Ok, I guess. Now we can check Terraria. I was expecting to need to stay longer, and I’m sure Rainbow will understand that I’m not able to speak about her.”
“Ok. Do you expect me to bring us there?” she deadpanned.
“Nope. I’ve got it.” I took out the Equestrian mirror and we both looked into it at the same time.
Nothing.
Nothing in Terraria that gave me a sense that Rainbow Dash was there.
Terraria had been reduced to a single floating island. The spawn point was just a lump of rock and a bit of dirt and grass on top. I was surprised that grass existed at all to be honest. The whole world was Corrupt last time I checked.
The moment I entered, I looked into the sky and even flew under the small strip of land and still found nothing. Rainbow Dash was gone… And I only realized it now.
I felt guilty but I didn’t cry. Not because I was a man or anything, but because of who I am. I can’t cry unless it’s something that I was very attached to. Surprisingly, animals do make me sad when I’ve taken care of them for a long time and they die on me.
But when it comes to friends that I’ve been with for a long time I don’t cry… but of course I honor their memory and go to funerals.
Though Rainbow Dash was a really good friend, and I couldn’t help but think that it was my fault she was gone.
“You ready?” asked Isis from behind me.
“To leave?” I replied without turning around.
“Yes, now is as good a time as any.”
“Ok then.”
“I’m going to need that magic mirror.”
I took out the Equestrian Mirror and handed it to Isis. She grabbed it with her right hand.
“Good.” She held out her left hand to the open sky and before my eyes a Magic Mirror appeared.
“This mirror will go in the chest you found it.” She said holding the mirror she just created in front of me with the mirror part down so I wouldn’t look into it. “The other one you found is the one that you first found while you were still in the human world.”
“Wow… I didn’t expect that.”
“Mmmhm. Now I need a new form, so that if I’m seen with you, no one will think it was me.”
“New form? You can do that?”
“I was the spirit of the forest, and I didn’t have a form then. My power and my life was connected with everything that lived. I just manifested in the real world. You did the same when you were created. I can change my form at-will, though.” she started to morph into something familiar. Something that was a quadruped. A pony.
“Wait hold on…” I started, recognizing that form.
It was the one I saw in the hallway, before I found the mirror. Or maybe after.
“Yes?” asked Isis, her eyebrow raised.
“Sorry, thought I saw that pony before in Ponyville. You look a lot like this one gardener pony.” I replied, deflecting the question.
“Ok then.”
She disappeared in a blinding flash of light. I waited five minutes, just thinking to myself before I could hear some whistling.
“What the hell-?”
*SLAM*
“OH MY GOSH PUPPET MASTER IT’S YOU! I WAS WORRIED THAT I’D NEVER SEE SOMEPONY I KNEW AGAIN AND I FLEW AROUND AND-” I took this time to look at what hit me.
The first thing I saw was rainbow hair.
“Rainbow?” I asked.
“-THEN I FLEW IN ONE DIRECTION AND I GAVE UP AND-” She was saying into my shoulder that she busted into. She was in her regular form. “-CAME BACK AND HERE YOU WERE ON THE FLOATING ISLAND!” she exclaimed with a cracking voice, and began sobbing.
“Oh Rainbow, I missed you.” I embraced her.
We stayed like this for a few more minutes before a bright flash of light got our attention and Rainbow stopped crying into my shoulder.
“Oh, it looks like you found our mutual friend.” stated Isis with a smile in her human form.
“Yes. You think we can go back to Equestria and drop her off?” Isis looked uneasy. “Isis what’s wrong?”
“Umm... the path back to Equestria is blocked. And I don’t know why.”
“Wait… someone’s blocking us from going back?”
“D-does that mean I can’t see my friends?” Rainbow asked with her eyes watering.
“I’m sorry Rainbow.” I replied without looking at her. “Isis, are you sure?”
“Yes, we’re blocked from going back. We’ll need to get some help to break it. I’m sure with you being a Creator, we can convince more to help us.”
“All right.” I said standing up and then facing Rainbow. “Well Rainbow, I guess you have two choices. One, you stay here and never see me or your friends again.” she glared at me. “Or two, you come with me and help me get enough followers to bring you back to Equestria and see your friends again. Though, we did have your funeral because you died.”
“FUNERAL!?”
“Yes, funeral. Your body is in shambles and they buried you. I told Celestia and Luna that you may not be dead, and I promised to get you back to them. I can’t guarantee that we’ll be back within the next century, though.” I finished grimly.
Rainbow looked at the floor solemnly for a while. “Ok… I’ll go with you.”
“Good. Isis. Will you do the honors?”
“Gladly.”
The small group of three disappeared in a blinding flash of light.
“Author?”
“Editor.”
“Will they be back?”
“Possibly.”
“So you’ll lift the block?”
“Possibly. If they get enough followers, then I won’t be powerful enough to keep myself hidden and block Equestria at the same time so I’d be forced to life the block. I don’t want them to know the Creators are the ones hindering him and his companions.”
“Why not just trap them in Terraria?”
“Because Rainbow is misplaced, and I can’t do anything without putting her back where she should be. Let’s let them play, for now. I’ll leave the block up for a month or so, and then we’ll come back to see their progress. Once Rainbow is back where she belongs I will rewrite her memory and I’ll remove those who fight to be noticed. Surely the gods have already played their parts in their respective games.”
“As you wish, Author.”
Author's Note
Thank you for reading through this whole story :D
there will be a sequel but I'll get to it another time. break is almost over and I don't know what collage has in store for me. If the work is easy enough and I'm able to find time I'll start writing again!
But don't be sad :(
I'll never stop writing :D
Terraria is the best game I’ve seen when it comes to any 2D plat former. I don’t know much about how it is made or whatever but I know one thing.
This is the most fun I’ve ever had while playing a game.
I created a new character a few weeks ago and I’m already ready to take on the dungeon. It took a while but I was able to defeat the dungeon boss and after waiting for my health to regenerate I made it down into the depths of said dungeon.
It took a long time (and many deaths later) when I found an oddity. A shadow chest at the bottom. Of course I wanted to grab it but before I could the mob of dungeon skeletons that was on my ass a few minutes ago caught up to me.
I fought for my life. More importantly I fought to remember the placement of said chest. It was locked like it should be and to be able to open it would be rewarding if it was such a rare spawn.
Of course I died then.
After a moments of raging I decided I should switch from my new character to my old character…
wolfGear was my characters name. Just like many of my online aliases.
My character had:
Hollowed mask
Overall he had 65 defense in all.
He was also made early on when the game came out so there weren’t many options for him during customization.
He had a black afro and the default clothing. (I was lazy and wanted to get ingame so I didn’t do much with detail)
I’ve used that character to go places other characters would never be able to go. (mainly because of equipment and health)
I also had many vanity items for him so I could make him look pimp.
He was wearing a tuxedo with pants included and sunglasses. (I also had ‘Violent demon wings’ in the inventory.
Armed with my ‘savage night’s edge’ and the wrecking ball that looked like a yin yang symbol with spikes called ‘Dow of Pow’ and an ‘Intense Flower of Fire’. I was also armed with three book tomes just so I can have magic. (Cuz magic is cool) And a ‘Fairy Bell’. I also had the ‘Rainbow Rod’ which I REALLY wanted to get because I thought that was a really cool item to have. Only I was kinda disappointed because I expected an actual rainbow to come out of it.
Night’s edge was my favorite sword mainly because of the damage which was 53.
Excalibur can do better but I didn’t have any souls of might to craft it.
Now armed with my favorite and strong character I marched my way across the map to the dungeon entrance. The monsters did little to slow me down because I had so much defensive capability. Eventually I reached the shadow chest that caused my need to change characters.
I ALWAYS keep a shadow key on me at all times. My character wolfGear had said key.
I opened it…
What I encountered was…Unexpected.
Inside the chest was a magic mirror. But not any old magic mirror. This mirror had a green center and I moved my curser over that item and read the title.
Equestrian Mirror.
I immediately knew what that was. I’ve been part of the brony community for a long time now.
But at the same time of my sheer joy that one of the creators was a brony…I was also puzzled by it.
I thought that they were bronies when they added the Hollow. Could Blue have decided to add another world entirely?
The possibilities were endless. I looked at the description and it said “Gaze into the mirror and experience peaceful magical land of Equestria.”
At first I wanted to enter right then and there but decided against it.
I was going to go to my world were I built a sky home specifically for my character ‘wolfGear’
I hit ‘Save & Exit’
I’m in my sky home in the most to date map. Of course I went over to the ledge of the home (It was covered in snow so it looked like a cloud.) and used the magic mirror for dramatic effect.
Because it looked so bad ass to lift up a mirror and disappear on an edge. Trust me. Go do it in your game.
Then what I saw shocked me.
I was surrounded by a dark forest. Almost like the jungle but quieter. Crickets could be heard as ambience but what I found the most confusing was there was no background ambient music.
It was basically silent.
Not wanting to waste anymore time I rushed out of the forest. My Specter boots speed up the process and I was able to speed across the forest at a fast pace.
A minute into the trek I realized this forest was the most massive forest I’ve ever been in. I was also puzzled by the ground because I could only see the grass and nothing below it that I could see.
I reasoned that to be the fact the forest was pretty dark. So I used the Fairy Bell to give me a friend to help light the way.
When I did that I noticed some strange objects in the background…They looked like Timber wolves. What I also noticed was that all the textures looked SMOOTH! I mean EXTREAMLY smooth. So smooth in fact it looked exactly like the show. Oh and so did the Timber wolves.
They hid in the background and followed me wherever I went. I decided to wait for them to pounce so I stood there.
I switched to my Rainbow Rod and stood still. The tension was increasing as time went on. I put my cursor over what I thought was a Timber wolf and it had health…
40
WEAK! I sincerely hoped that they did more damage than their health because they would be easy to destroy. Unless they have a lot of defense…which would suck in my case.
I waited for a good thirty seconds and was about to just continue walking or attack them before I noticed the one behind me was moving.
I threw a rainbow ball magic thing in the air…what else am I to call it? Anyway the movement startled the creatures. And the one who was approaching stood still. I wanted to experiment with them and see how good their AI is.
I slowly moved the ball closer to the one behind me. It moved back into the background and tried to hide from the ball. But when it started moving out of the picture I move the ball faster toward it. I accidently hit it but for some reason they ran away when I did that.
Except the one I hit because he literally exploded.
I felt satisfaction toward that kill because it looked awesome. Wood flying everywhere…
I shook off the incident and continued going left.
“Apple Bloom are you sure this is the right way to Zecora’s?” Asked Sweetie Bell.
“Totally!...Well I think. It should be over here.”
“I swear Apple Bloom if you get us lost-” Scootaloo was interrupted by a hoof being placed on her mouth.
“Sh! Did ya’ll hear that?” Said Apple Bloom while looking at a bush just ten feet from them.
“No.” Said Sweetie Bell looking in the direction her friend was.
She was looking between the trees trying to find what she heard. Just then Timber wolves ran out of the bushes.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” They all shouted in unison. But the Timber wolves never stopped to eat them. They continued running as if in a panic through the trees and bushes.
“W-what was that all about?” Asked a Startled Scootaloo.
“U-um somethin’ musta scared em.” Responded Apple Bloom.
“But what?” Asked Sweetie Bell.
They heard more rustling in the bushes and they all grabbed onto each other.
Then a figure emerged. It had a puffy afro almost like Pinkie’s but thicker and black. It wore a Tuxedo only the tux looked like it was made to fit him instead a pony. And his face was brownish and had sunglasses that covered its eyes.
There was something about it that didn’t quite match the forest. It obviously wasn’t from this place but it seemed at home in the forest. It had a powerful aura to it as if it was half as powerful as an Alicorn and it wasn’t at all threatening looking. That fact alone kept the girls from screaming and taking off.
The girls pulled out of their huddle and looked upon the strange creature.
“Coooooooool.” Said Scootaloo.
“Um what’s it doin’?” Asked Apple Bloom noticing its idleness.
I was frankly completely at a loss. They not only spoke but they also looked exactly like three fillies I knew. Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom.
“Um what’s it doin’?” Asked Apple Bloom.
I quickly typed.
“Hi there!”
“I dunno it’s just standing there.” Said Scootaloo.
Ok typing doesn’t work…maybe I don’t need to communicate with them. Actually now that I think about it I’d rather move about without being noticed so I should go make an invisibility poison or something. Wait…THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I’LL DO!
I’ll go become invisible and then come back and watch them…creepy? Yes! Brilliant? YEA!
I took out my magic mirror and used it in front of them. Disappearing in a blink of the eye.
After the initial teleport back home I began to ponder whether or not I would spawn back at home. To my relief I did and I began rummaging about my army of chests for ‘blink root’, ‘bottled water’, and ‘moon glow’.
“THAT WAS AWESOME!” Said Scootaloo after the crusaders walked the way they came.
“Yea I can’t wait to tell Rarity!”
“Or Applejack!”
“I’ll go tell Rainbow Dash!”
“Come on girls lets get to Ponyville!” Said Apple Bloom.
I made enough potions to last me a long time. 20 to be exact. I then grabbed a few books for Twilight and a music box with the (Hollow) ambient music.
I finished the potions and went back to the edge of my ‘cloud castle’ and used the Equestrian Mirror.
Once I arrived I quickly sprinted toward the left where I saw the crusaders last. It took me a long time too.
I rushed through the jungle growth and jumped over inclines. At one point I decided to put on the ‘Violent demon wings’ and just flew over much of the terrain. I kept low enough so I didn’t go above the trees since I wanted to keep a low profile. I noticed an interesting quirk with the demon wings too. I could fly almost indefinitely or so I assumed when I was able to continue flapping my wings and go high up. But I didn’t do that as a risk of being spotted early.
I found Zecora’s hut and drank an invisibility potion. They last two minutes so I would have to be sparing and careful when I drink them. My cloths showed so I had to take off my armor and vanity items. I right clicked on Zecora’s door and somehow the scene changed and I entered the room. It was hard to explain but I could control which way I turned and where I wanted to go...I could easily avoid Zecora if I wanted but something caught my eyes and ears.
“-on two legs and it sent the Timber wolves running!” Said Sweetie Bell.
“And it wasn’t scary at all! It stood there and it was so cool! Then it pulled out this circle thing and disappeared in a lot of sparks!” ended Scootaloo.
“I’m sorry girls but I don’t understand, what you describe is too simple and bland. But I’m glad you are all safe and sound, and not gobbled up by some evil hound.”
“Aw ok. Common girls lets go to Ponyville and tell everyone what we saw.” Said Scootaloo.
“YEA!” they shouted in unison. They sprinted past me out the door.
At this point I thought about what I should do with them. Should I expose myself to Zecora? Maybe but what are the repercussions of that action?
I watched Zecora walk around her hut and started making potions. She kept looking at a list so my curiosity peaked and I went over and right clicked it. It acted like a sign and it even had an edit tab. But the items listed were potions she had to make today. I quickly formulated a plan and hit edit on the slip of paper.
‘Beware of open doors.’
Hahahahaha! Life’s no fun without a good scare.
I’m sure I’d be a dick for doing this but…wait I just noticed. How did I open Zecora’s door so quietly? Maybe it’s and effect of the invisibility potion.
I opened the door to Zecora’s hut and waited for her to go back to the slip. After a few minutes of watching her create a potion she went back to the list…She froze after reading it and looked back at the door. She quickly trotted to the door and closed it.
I wrote.
‘Sorry for the scare love. I’ll be out of your mane.’
I quickly backed away from the list when I was done. Zecora looked at the list again with a puzzled expression. She turned around and her jaw dropped. I was in front of the door. But more importantly I was visible.
The potion ran out.
I exited the door and walked away. I looked back and saw Zecora at the door. So I decided to be a drama queen and drink an invisibility potion while walking away.
*gulp*
Gone!
Oh yea…Zecora stood there a little tense before calming down and going back in the hut. I continued on my way to Ponyville and rocketed there with my boots while still invisible.
I had to be careful so I don’t start sprinting and leaving a smoke trail when I get to Ponyville.
I admired the surroundings and minded the blue plants. Once I got to the edge of the tree line I took in the sight of Ponyville. I wasn’t all that impressed. It looked exactly like it did in the show. Only it didn’t have a clue where to start looking.
I decided to just walk along a path that led out of the quite peaceful town. I assumed it would either lead me to Sweet Apple Acres or Fluttershy’s cottage.
I didn’t want to go to Fluttershy’s cottage. I mean she’s a great character and all but let’s be honest. What impressive shit can happen there? We all know she just feeds and talks to animals. So what epic adventure that would start there is impossible to see.
I walked on the dirt path and my potion ran out again. I decided I would put on my armor and vanity items just in case. But when I did that I noticed another oddity.
When I opened the inventory the world paused. How I knew this you ask? I saw a bunny hopping by me when I opened my inventory. It stopped dead in its tracks…while in the air. I put on all my gear and exited my inventory.
The bunny continued to hop away into the forest.
I took in my surroundings once again. The birds that seem to be in an abundance and the multiple little critters that scurried about below me. I listened to the ambient noise and listened to the birds chirping.
The frogs croaked.
The insects buzzed loudly as they passed by character.
The wind whistling of a really fast jet…WAIT WHAT?!
I hopped into the air just before a Rainbow colored blur came into view. Though after it happened it seemed more like she wasn’t going to actually tackle me. She stopped a few feet short of where I was. I turned my player to face her and she gave me an odd look.
“Umm are you that thing that scared all the Timber wolves? Man I thought scoots was pullin’ my leg but I guess you are real.”
I really had no idea what to say. So I waited for her to finish her dialog.
“Hey were you headin’ to the apple orchard?”
“Umm yea.” I typed.
“…What’s the matter can you not talk? Well I guess it makes sense since you’re not a pony…or a griffon or anything that can talk.”
Well now that I have an audience I thought…what the hell? I’ll use the rainbow rod to dazzle her.
I selected the Rainbow Rod and launched a little sprite off into the air. I then made the infinity symbol over my head with the sprite trail. She seemed awed by it more than anything.
“Whoa how are you doing that?”
I would love to respond but I’m not exactly in a talking mood…not that I can talk. But then I decided to take off my gear and turn invisible again so I let go of the sprite and it hit the ground between me and Dash.
I acted fast and went into opened my inventory which left the world petrified and unmoving. Dash had her hoof in front of her face to shield herself. I took my time to set up the potions in the nearest slot from my mouse and I took off my vanity and armor. I unpaused and without hesitation I switched to the invisibility potion.
*Gulp*
When Dash put her hoof down I was gone. Her reaction however was not what I expected.
“Wow that’s like old Twilight anti-social.”
I laughed at this because I got the joke. I waited for her to leave and she did a quick search around the area and flew off.
I waited and watched her to get out of view. I kept along the path with the invisibility activated. I suspected I would arrive at Sweet Apple Acres soon because Rainbow said I was heading the right direction.
I could tell I was at Sweet Apple Acres because I could see not only the sign…But the apples.
I kept walking until I came across a barn. I saw Apple Bloom talking to Applejack. I decided I should find a way to communicate to them in some way.
I created a workbench and plopped it down in the orchard. I made a sign after that and picked up the work bench and headed to the barn. I opened up my inventory and placed all my gear on, and then I removed the potions effects by clicking on the invisibility box. I had about a minute left but with my gear on it wouldn’t matter since everyone would see me with the gear on anyway.
I walked out into the open and took off my boots so I wouldn’t sprint toward them.
Let’s be honest…If you were a pony and you saw something sprinting toward you that you’ve never seen before I’m sure you would either run or try to kill it then run.
And Applejack being a protective sister would most likely pick a fight with me to protect Apple Bloom.
I made my way over to them. Applejack was first to spot me and I thought I would have to catch her mouth it fell so fast. She took on a confused expression and said something to Apple Bloom. She turned around and looked at me and said something to Applejack and continued to stare at me with a blank expression.
When I finally got within ten feet of them Applejack put herself in front of Apple Bloom. Not wanting to warrant violent behavior I stopped. I threw down the sign and typed.
‘My name is wolfGear’
It took her a moment to comprehend what I did. Applejack eventually started to walk toward me with a bit of concern on her face. I backed away from the sign. She responded by walking faster toward it. At this point it’s blatant that she’s unsure of me. Why? I don’t know.
She took a glance at the sign barely noticing it before looking back at me. Then something registered in her head and she looked right at the sign.
Looking back at me she eyed me suspiciously. Then there was silence…tense and weird silence.
“Uh mah names Applejack.” She said finally.
I walked up to Applejack used a hammer to remove the sign.
“What in tarnation?”
I decided to just walk around. Sneaking was boring and its not like they can kill me permanently.
I took out my magic mirror and went back home.
I leaned back in my chair and took in my surroundings. Looking at my little apartment I figured I would shut off the game and get some food. Tomorrow I have work and I need my sleep. When I get my pay I’ll head back home and go back to Equestria.
I reluctantly turned off the game and the whole time my mind was filled with questions of ‘will it be there?’ ‘can I go back?’ ‘what if they turn against me?’ ‘what if Celestia is able to teleport me into Equestria?’
I let these bother my attempt to sleep. Slowly I went into a dreamless sleep.
Author's Note
Wow 100+ likes?
Well ok. For those of you who are new to my stories, welcome! This is a really old story and this isn't the best work by far that I've done. Some better examples of my current writing is on my page.
I do get better as the story progresses. In fact, I get an editor to help me out after a few chapters in. The chapters get noticably better as time progresses and I hope you stay long enough for that to happen.
But for now I hope you enjoy what I have already uploaded. I probably won't come back to fix up these chapters any time soon. But they are very fun to read after a while. I think the adventure that happens in this story is a defining moment for me. It basically kick started my big interest in writing. Later I actually plan on becoming a writer in the future.
But for now you have to deal with my 'ok' stuff. Oh and don't worry about any weird story line stuff. I did my best to keep this from being too awkward. (There are reported cringe moments though) So you might have to suffer through that if you're not entirely into the story.
But enough about that. Continue on to the next chapter. Or back away slowly...You decide.
A New Threat and New Friend
I found myself looking at the portal back to Equestria, I gazed into its purple void and began to wonder if now would be a good time to return. I gave the impression that I needed to cool down…to be honest I do. But moping about the loss of a part of what I am wouldn’t do me any good.
I heard footsteps behind me. It didn’t sound like an NPC came to me. Sometimes they do when they find something interesting but that’s about it. It’s like they don’t really care what happens to me as long as I have gold. I assumed the demo guy was coming to give me another one of his terrible but convincing pitches about dynamite.
“Hello my lord.” That voice however didn’t sound like wolfGear or an NPC. I spun around and looked into the eyes of my intruder.
I was momentarily speechless. In front of me was one of my older characters named Jungle God that I’ve created a long time after I upgraded wolfGear to molten armor. He had green hair and green pants and shirt and shoes. His skin was very pale like it would reflect the sunlight and make the world a whole lot brighter. His eyes were also green and mystical up close.
I was impressed by how friendly he looked. He looked like a guy you would trust your life with…but he didn’t look that strong.
He was used for a role playing in a server. I directed adventurers and let them into my jungle hut and helped them run around the jungle. It was fun.
“Um hi…You’re who I think you are aren’t you?”
“Who do you think I am my lord?”
“I believe you are Jungle God. Tell me, do you have a pen of bunnies by any chance?”
“No they were lost in the last map.” He looked at the floor sheepishly. “I miss them.”
‘Are all my role playing characters here?’ I thought to myself.
“Do you know how you came here?”
“When wolfGear…died.” He winced at those words. “I’m sorry master I’m not used to the idea of being…gone for good…Anyway when he died part of your life that he stole poured into me. I’m not sure if the others are here too.”
“Others.” I said while my heart drops to my stomach…
“Yes others.” Said the green haired man confidently. “…My lord are you ok?” He said concerned with my twitching eye.
“Dark Wolf…If he’s here.” I said to myself.
At the far left of the floating sky home was a massive black tower. There were many levels in this tower and many traps. The outer walls were three layers thick. The first and last layer was corrupted brick, however the center was filled with lava to punish those who try to skip whole sections of the labyrinth.
In the very top of the tower was a figure on the throne. His demon wings and six red light saber swords made him a difficult to defeat foe. His necro armor made his demeanor very threatening. His body was obscured by shadow and his red eyes were hard to see with the dim light.
“Shadow Master!” He shouted and his voice reverberated through the millions of halls and floors of the dark tower.
A shadow started to move in the background until it moved toward the light. Another figure appeared. Only this time the figure was wearing shadow scale armor.
“Yes? What do you want?” He said hostilely.
“Spread the corruption throughout Terraria. Then go to Equestria and give them my gift of the corrupt forces.”
“Very well. And if I should fail?”
“I will no longer give you protection from my traps. And I will make sure you have to go down every single flight of stairs.”
Shadow Master grumbled angrily and walked up to Dark Wolf. Wolf threw the seeds at his feet and it was picked up by Shadow Master.
“Take care not to be seen by the murderer of wolfGear.”
“Puppet Master?”
“Yes. That traitor. Gives us all life just to STRIKE US DOWN! But I will not let him kill us. But I will make him suffer! The corruption will serve me and the hollow will be removed! SEND OUT THE CORRUPTORS! They will help you with your task.”
“Yes lord wolf.” He backs into the shadows and disappears from view.
I crafted a green light saber for Jungle God because…that was his color. He jumped for joy like a child at Christmas. It was quite adorable so I let him have his episode.
“OH THANK YOU MASTER THANK YOU!”
“Why do you keep calling me master?”
“Well you created me. It’s only natural I hail to you.”
“Fair enough. I need to introduce you to all my friends. Follow me through this portal.” I emphasized my point boy presenting it with my hand. “Quickly before we waste the day light.”
“Yes my lord!”
We both bum rushed the portal and hilarity ensued.
A lone Corrupter floated above the cloud layer high enough so no one from below would be able to spot it easily. It used its many eyes to scan the landscape of Equestria. A new place for its master to call home.
It spotted an area far from villages where the trees grew tall and obscured the ground below. Perfect for the domain of his master. The Corruptor moved with haste to the location and once it found itself below the tree canopy it lobbed a ball of corrupt spit at the ground below.
Upon impact the corruption spread instantaneously. Within five minutes of spitting at the ground the lone corruptor has covered much of the area with the corruption.
After our fit of laughter from rushing the portal we began our trek through the Everfree and along our way a thought occurred.
“Jungle God do you have any special skills?”
“Not that I know of my lord.”
“We’re in a forest. Your environment. I’m sure you can do something.”
He looked around and observed the forest and had the deepest expression on his face. Like he was looking through the trees and seeing them. Not just looking at them but actually seeing everything about them. His gaze passed me and it felt like he was staring into my soul. But it was like a friendly entity was rummaging around it seeing what can make me tick.
“Sorry master.” He apologized and winced when he realized he was doing that.
“Not a problem. What’d you find in me?” I said raising an eyebrow.
“Well I know you miss wolfGear. But you’re over that because of me.”
“True true.”
“Also you like it when people look up to you.”
“Aw I miss my posy.”
“They sound wonderful my lord.”
“Yea…I don’t need them anymore. Now that you’re here everything’s ok.”
“Thank you my lord.” He seemed so happy that I praised him. Maybe I should do it more often.
‘Why is he so happy to serve me? I know I created him but this is almost obsessive.’
“Can you do anything with the trees Jungle God?”
“Yes my lord. Watch closely.”
He held out his hand to the sky and I watched in amazement as the grass grew into vines and wrapped around his leg. It grew farther up his body to wrap around his torso and made its way to his arms. The vines wrapped in between his fingers and a flower bud grew in his palm. It bloomed into a beautiful yellow flower.
“That’s what I can do my lord.” He said proudly.
“Well you will be very useful to convince ponies that not all humans are bad. You’ll calm them down if they seem apprehensive. OH and look into their soul or whatever you did to me. That was calming.”
“Excellent plan my lord!”
“…Thanks. You know you don’t have to refer to me as your master all the time. You have your own free will now…well actually mine but it’s free will nonetheless.”
“M-…I don’t know Master. How do I go about being free?”
“Well you need to make decisions on your own. What do you want to do?”
“Serve you my lord.”
“…”
“Is something wrong?”
I sighed audibly. “This will take a while.”
“My lord?”
“Let’s get to Ponyville.” I deadpanned.
Walking the rest of the way I kept hearing vines moving and trees rustling. I knew it was Jungle God but I chose to ignore the tree following us because I like it when trees come to life and stalk me while I go to a friend’s house…fucking trees.
Though when we neared the edge of the forest it occurred to me that Jungle God does actually suit him…however it’s not cute and cuddly like a pony name. Besides Jungle God or J as we used to call him isn’t catchy anymore.
Radiant Garden? Red Rose? Flower Garden? Van Vine? Trip? Ent? Mr. Cuddles? This is difficult.
“I think we’ll need to change your name though.” I said out loud before I realized what I said.
“Why my lord?”
Well it’s out there. Might as well play along. “Well it’s not pony enough…Van Vine? Do you like that?”
“Yes my lord. Anything you suggest.”
“Or Radiant Garden?”
“…My lord?”
“Which one? It’s your name so which one?”
“I…I don’t know my lord.”
“Then think about it. Don’t tell anyone your name until you know what you want to be called.”
“I want to be called what you want to call me my lord.”
“But that’s not good enough. If you want to serve me then fine. I order you to learn to make decisions on your own.” His eye twitched and looked at me with a blank expression.
I waited for five full minutes….NO REALLY, five full minutes before he showed any sign of movement. I could see him breathing but at the fifth minute he looked straight ahead and at the trees. I knew what he was doing…he was asking the forest. Trees have no free will. They don’t need it, they’re trees. But I’m sure they can still help him.
“They call me the tree herder my lord.”
“Tree Herder?”
“Yes my lord.”
“An Ent then…do you want to be called Tree Herder?”
“No…maybe…It’s what the trees want my lord.”
“Then maybe you should take their advice.”
“Yes my lord. I want to be called Tree Herder.”
“They call you a tree herder. The name for those are called Ents. They want you to be their leader my green haired friend.” I said giving him a friendly smile.
“L-leader?”
“Their master. Like I to you.”
“I’m not ready.”
“Neither was I.”
“But you’re born with the ability to lead. I’m not.”
“Who told you that? Because whoever it was they lied.”
“My lord?”
“Ask them. What name would they give you?”
He looked back at a fairly large tree to the right of us. He looked at it for a while and spoke to the tree on levels I could only dream of.
“They call me…Walking Garden. Because I let them grow on me, and I helped them grow.”
“Walking Garden? Ok I liked Van Vine but-.”
“It will be Van Vine!”
“Stop it’s Walking Garden!”
“Sorry my lord.”
“Let’s just get to Ponyville.”
We continued to walk. The whole way he picked up various plants and shrubs. That is until he picked up a blue flower. He started to giggle every here and there until I got so curious as to why he was laughing.
“Garden what are you laughing about?”
“Oh this lovely blue flower my lord. It calls itself poison joke! It’s played many jokes on many creatures of the forest and it’s sharing with me some wondrous tails of little jokes it’s played on a few mares recently.”
How is he not affected?
“Will it play a joke on you?”
“No my lord, it is my friend.”
“Ok good. I’d hate to see you part of another’s prank.”
I put up with his little giggles and we reached the edge of the forest. I looked back at him and almost burst out into tears from laughter. He was literally covered in vines and bushes. If he were ten I would hug him because of how adorable that was.
The trees were right. He is an Ent. Even though I kinda made him that way.
“My lord?”
“Hahahahaha! Oh wow Garden you’re such a tree hugger.”
“Is that a compliment my lord?”
“Yes it is. God I love you, you little bundle of bushes and fun.”
“Thank you sir.”
We walked into the town and basically everything turned to look at the bush. Even the birds and animals turned to look at us. The ponies stared at us and started talking. Some were worried and some were just confused. I looked back and realized that Garden was hiding behind all the bushes. Only part of his face and his eyes were showing.
“What’s wrong?” I asked him.
“They’re all looking at me.” He said like he was scared.
“Come out of there. They’re looking at you because you’re a bush.”
He slowly poked his head out and put down all the bushes. But he kept the vines with him.
“Bye bye plants.”
‘Wow he actually said goodbye to them?’
We continued into town but the level of staring went down. Walking Garden walked more confidently next to me and for some reason got closer to me than when we were walking without the eyes. He must be shy…
Wait…He’s a lot like Fluttershy. Only he likes plants more…right?
“Hello?”
I looked for the source of the unknown voice and I found a mare with crimson mane and tan coat. She was looking at Walking Garden.
“Hello?” he mirrored.
“I’m Roseluck, what’s your name?” her smile was deceptively cute.
However I noticed her eyes trailing over to the blue flower every few seconds. Garden had it bound to his shoulder. I knew her question would be about that flower in general.
“Oh um. M-my name’s uh.” I looked at him and screamed in my head.
‘YOU CAN DO IT J!’ But my attempt at telepathy was a failure and he didn’t even look in my direction to see my trademark overjoyed smirk.
“M-my names…Radiant Garden.”
“I’m sorry what was that?”
“Radiant Garden.”
“One more time?” she said tilting her head to the side in confusion.
“Radiant Garden.”
Wow that surprised me. I thought it was Walking Garden…did he chose one of my names?
“Oh that’s a pretty cool name. Do you know what flower that is you have on your shoulder.”
‘Can someone pick the phone up? CUZ I CALLED IT!’
“OH yes this is poison joke. It’s a very funny flower.” He smirked.
“Oh so do you have the cure for that on you?”
“I don’t need a cure. It won’t poison me.” He said with a small smile.
“I haven’t heard of a pony not being poisoned by poison joke. In fact I don’t think you know about it at all. How do you know it’s not going to poison you?” She said with a skeptical frown.
“Because I can control plants.” He held out his hand that was wrapped in vine and he grew a bud on the vine. It bloomed and got a mortified expression from Roseluck.
“H-h-how? That’s just…wow you’re so cool!” the newly named Radiant Garden blushed at her compliment.
“T-thank you.”
“Hey I run a flower shop, do you want to come with me and talk about all the different types of flowers? I have a few friends that I know would like you.”
He looked back nervously toward me and then back to her. “I-I’m sorry I’d really like to-”
“OF COURSE HE CAN!” I butted in. “Besides Garden I need to stop holding your hand soon. I used to control you but now you have free will and I want you to exercise that will as much as you can. If you get in a jam…well head home. But don’t do that because you’re afraid.” I handed him my magic mirror. “This is a nice place Radiant Garden. I want you to feel safe here, and the only way to do that is if you meet new ponies.”
“Yes my lord.”
“Wait wait hold up! You used to control him?”
“My name is Puppet Master. Radiant Garden was my puppet until he got my free will. Now I want him to use as much of it as he can or he might end up being a slave forever. And I don’t want that. Will you take care of him while I’m gone?”
She thought it over in her head. “Sure I’ll watch him. Come on Radiant Garden, I have ponies to introduce you to.”
She grabbed his hand in her mouth and dragged him away from me.
“Help.” He said pathetically.
“Sorry buddy no can do. I’ve got places to go and you’ve got friends to make!” I waved him off.
‘God I hope he doesn’t use that mirror too early.’
Rainbow’s dress seemed simple, it looked great on her. The white feathers that hugged her chest complimented her blue coat and the long rainbow colored skirt ended in cotton that represented clouds. The dress itself made Rainbow Dash look like she represents the physical manifestation of being a Pegasus itself.
She had a golden tiara on her head, with a feather pattern that wrapped around her head. The feathers were angled to point behind her, and in the center where the origin of the feathers met, was a navy blue sapphire that was in an egg shape found its place in a motherly embrace at the center of the feather pattern. The reason why it was loving is because smaller golden feathers wrapped around the sapphire as if to protect the blue egg center piece, the way it was wrapped made it look like some of the bristles of the feather kept the sapphire in place; which was indeed the fact of the tiaras secret to hold the egg itself.
Rainbow Dash personally asked Rarity for something like this, because she remembered that Humans were big on symbolism, and even bigger on fertility rights in their past. To say Rarity was confused, when Rainbow presented the idea of making a tiara that symbolized these things wasn’t too much of an understatement. But after some prying, Rainbow told her that the stallion she was trying to impress was an artist and would appreciate symbolism. Rarity bought it, and didn’t pry any more after that, allowing Rainbow to keep her want for Puppet Master a secret from her friends, until the time comes.
“Oh Rainbow Dash, you look dashing!” Rarity swooned.
“Hehe, thanks Rarity. Though, I think going out of your way to get the local jewelry store to make a custom tiara was a little much.”
“Nonsense! It was worth it! Just look at you! You’ll impress any stallion and it allowed me to try a new line of dress work. When I meet this stallion, I will love to have a conversation about art. I’m sure symbolism will have room in the fashion industry very soon!”
Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck. “Well yeah, but he may need to find time to do that. I’m not sure if you’ll have a long conversation, but uhhh... ok I’ll see if I can convince him to talk to you about art. But please don’t tell anypony or anybody about him, ok?”
“You have my word darling. Cross my heart.” she started doing the Pinkie Promise hoof motions. “Hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.” she finished with her hoof on her eye.
“Thank you. Oh and can you help me out of this thing? I’d like to keep it-uuhhh… whatever you do to it to keep it fresh, or something.”
“Very well, Rainbow Dash. I’ll hold onto it until the time arrives to wear it. Though normally I wouldn’t ask you to pay, because of the symbolism insight, but the tiara was kind of expensive.” stated Rarity sheepishly.
“Aw... that’s ok. I’d rather not freeload your dresses, anyway. You do some great work. Now help me out of this.”
“Well all right, first we should remove the skirt.”
Puppet Master was still reading through the tome that was annoyingly written in Griffonian. The book had scientific terms that he couldn’t understand, and he had to practice each step to understand what came next. His concentration on the book was halted, when he heard hoof steps coming up to him. At first he assumed it was Princess Luna, but he realized it was a singular pony. Luna would have come in with guards flanking her sides. Puppet Master kept his head down into the book, and lowered it toward the ground and leaned forward to look like he’s looking down at the book in his hand. It allowed him a look at the hooves.
The hoof steps stopped and out of his peripherals he was able to see dark navy blue legs that belonged to a Night Guard. He wasn’t able to see the face or chest of the pony, but enough to know it was a single pony and he was unaccompanied. He also wasn’t trying to get Puppet Master’s attention, so it was safe to assume the pony didn’t want to be spotted. After a few tense seconds, Puppet Master casually turned the page. He could tell the Night Guard tensed up a bit, but he kept a close eye on Puppet Master for any signs of suspicion.
Then the Night Guard cautiously took flight, to ensure he wasn’t making noise. Puppet Master was able to hear his soft and controlled wing beats that almost sounded like nothing except a tiny gust of wind. Then the noise got suddenly louder, but not enough to alarm anyone. Puppet Master knew better. He swiftly rose his hand and opened his inventory. While the inventory was open, he was able to lift his head but not move his body. As guessed, the Night Guard was in a dive, with the spear pointing at his exposed head.
His Hollowed Headgear was on, but the golden crown was a vanity item and it made it look like he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Puppet Master found the spear, and carefully planned his hand movements to catch it once he closes his inventory. He lowers his head to the same position as if he’s still reading the book, although his arm reacted. His inventory closes.
*Smack*
His hand grasps the spear, and the guard makes a break for the door. Puppet Master used Crystal Storm to create a barrier that covers the entire doorway so there was no escape. Puppet Master’s eyes were still glued to the book, and the guard frantically looks around the white Throne Room, for a path of escape.
“Approach me.” commanded Puppet Master.
After a few tense moments, hoofsteps tentatively approach Puppet Master’s throne. Once the stallion was six feet in front of Puppet Master, he slammed the book shut which reverberated through the room. Puppet Master rose his head and faced the Night Guard.
“Who do you work for?” asked Puppet Master.
“Princess Luna.” He answered in a stoic and disrespectful tone.
“No, you don’t. You’re a Night Guard, but you’re not doing this for Luna.” stated Puppet Master.
“I am acting on the behalf of all of Equestria! You’re a monster that needs to be stopped!”
“No, I’m not. Both Celestia and Luna have varying degrees of mistrust toward me, but they both know that I won’t act against them, unless they give me sufficient enough reason to do so. They are wise and old, and know I’m protected. This act of aggression was obviously preplanned, but not by the princesses. There would be more guards defending Luna, if it were.”
He started to sweat, but his expression never changed.
“Luna and Celestia know my abilities, and know they don’t want to face up against them. But my question is… why attack me dressed up as a Night Guard? I assume that you want me to have a 'disagreement' with one of the princesses so someone else can benefit, between our 'disagreements.'”
*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*
The crystal barricade was being pounded on, by something on the other side. I lowered the barrier, and I was greeted by the sight of Princess Luna in chains, along with her guard. She looked stressed and worried. Darkness was holding her horn, to make sure she couldn’t do magic while vines covered her chest, which kept her wings locked to her sides. The Night Guard beside her was missing his spear, and was bound completely. He was being carried on Darkness’s back.
“Sir! I’ve apprehended them to make sure we don’t have any more incidents.” said Darkness in his usual stoic and emotionless tone. Radiant Garden looked sad and ashamed.
“I swear, I didn’t plan for this!” said Luna.
“I know.” I responded. “Release them.”
The stallion in front of me was looking worried, when Princess Luna was unbound and her other guard was ungracefully dropped on his head and also unbound.
“You must understand-” started Luna.
“I know, don’t worry. You and Celestia are wise, not stupid. This plan to harm me was not his own, and certainly not your own either.”
The stallion in question tried to bolt out the door, but when he tried to lift his back hooves he found them petrified in a lavender crystalline structure.
“The plan to harm me, and ruin our relations, was supposed to be more organized. However, you somehow chosen one stallion who was a part of this plot, to create anger between us. In a half-planned out scheme, he decided to act on his own, and attack me while you were here. I’m guessing this was supposed to create some sort of hostage situation where I’ll hold you, for trying to kill me and Celestia would do whatever it takes to get you back.”
“D-did he tell you that?”
“No, but I can only guess that. But Luna I need to ask. Who benefits from a war between Equestria and the Empire?”
“I-I don’t know.” she replied, somewhat ashamed from the incident.
“My first guess would be the griffons.”
The stallion that was glued to the floor with my Crystals showed a sudden state of shock. His eyes were wide, but tried to make it look like he wasn’t affected. He quickly tried to get a hold of himself.
“The griffons? But why them?” asked Luna.
“Well, first because this traitor tensed up a little, when I suggested that. And that is the only other country that I know and which has very little to no diplomatic relations to Equestria, in my opinion.”
“The evidence is compelling, but your assumption isn’t exactly sound.” replied Luna.
“How so?”
“The griffons are associates to Equestria, and have a few trade agreements with us. We have an understanding that as long as our territory doesn’t have borders, we don’t have a problem with them. They don’t bother with us as much, because of some tribal disputes between griffon tribes. They do like to war with each other, but the governments in place are unorganized, and none of them care for Equestria enough to think of conquering it.”
“So griffons are a no. But maybe a griffon has a beef with Equestria, that we don’t know about.”
“Beef?” questioned Luna.
“Problem.”
“Oh. Well I can see how some griffons don’t like ponies, because they believe us to be weak. But no city state or continent is strong enough to destroy Equestria unless they all united. That is very unlikely, considering their relations with each other.”
“What if your army was weakened through a war with me?”
Luna paused for a moment. “Yes, then there are at least five larger government organizations within the griffon lands, that would most likely want to go to war with us if they could. But your presence alone, can dissuade them if you’re working with us. They have newspapers of the dark tower in Equestria, with its ominous view of the capital. They didn’t receive the news of you yet so they could have planned this weeks in advance.”
“So... that means they think me to be a warlord.” I responded, rolling my eyes. “Not too far from the truth, but far enough so it won’t happen.”
“Wait, what do you mean by ‘not too far from the truth’?” inquired Luna, eyeing me suspiciously. I could see a small smile on the caught guards face.
“I personally will find a war with Equestria invigorating. I’m not afraid to admit that. But what will I do with all the land I conquer? I don’t really find it appealing to own a massive continent. It makes me feel too powerful, and makes it look like my army is not. I frankly like the idea of holding onto an Equestria-conquering army in the walls of one castle, rather than the entire continent. It makes me feel good that I potentially hold all the cards. But I will never use it out of enjoyment of war.”
“You’d better not.” Luna flatly stated, trying to sound threatening.
“You’ve seen my army by now, haven’t you?” I deadpanned.
“Yes and… I’m afraid of it.” Luna admitted.
“I’d like to keep it that way. If ever I do need it when I am forced to do multiple things at once, then I’ll use it. But conquering Equestria isn’t at the top of the list. I do enjoy your presence.” I replied, with a lighter note.
“So you won’t attack Equestria, even if it’s tempting?” she asked, still looking at me suspiciously.
“Nope, I’d rather have the challenge to annex your territory through good deeds, than take them with by force.” I said slyly, knowing that Luna will put the pieces together with my medical proposal.
She eyed me angrily for a moment before smiling and straightening up. “Challenge accepted, Emperor Puppet Master.”
“Emperor? I’ve never been called Emperor before. Hmm I like the sound of that. And back to business! I think I’ll hold onto the traitor.”
“WHAT?!” shouted the stallion in question.
“Our intelligence forces are very well trained for such a task. I’d like to hold onto him. He is my responsibility after all.” stated Luna, sure of her sound judgment.
“But, he came from a trusted branch in your own personal guard. Doesn’t that worry you that his associates might free him?”
“We’ll keep him under constant surveillance.” assured Luna.
“Luna I trust you. I don’t trust your ponies. Your investigators are free to come here and interrogate him, but he will remain under my protection, so that he can’t escape. He will even sleep in a corrupt biome, so he won’t be unguarded by less than one thousand creatures of pure evil.” I said, implying darkly towards the end.
“Creatures of pure evil?” asked Luna, shocked.
“Oh yes. Wait, Darkness did you inform Luna that the corruption was created to engulf the entire planet in evil?”
“No sire. I didn’t think that it would be desirable to tell her that. I believed it would dampen our diplomatic relations.” he replied emotionlessly.
“W-what?! What else have you been keeping from me?” she angrily accused, looking toward Darkness.
“Darkness, didn’t I say tell her everything about the biomes?”
“I thought you’d want to keep the power of corruption a secret, because you wouldn’t want to cause any unnecessary alarm.”
“Good prediction. I was thinking about that, while you were giving the tour but… wait Radiant Garden was giving to tour. Why were you there?”
“I completed all my other tasks, and decided to be an extra eye to watch for any foul play. That one-” he pointed to the Night Guard who was still frozen to the floor. “-managed to slip past me, while I wasn’t looking down in the mines. I discovered he was missing and then heard commotion from your throne room. That’s when I apprehended Luna and her guard.”
“That’s ‘Princess’ to you.” responded an upset Luna. She basically wanted him to address her by title rather than be informal. I’m guessing she lost trust in him, because of the revelation.
“No fighting, kids.” I teased. “Darkness, create a small elevated platform in the mines. Keep the corrupt worms under a command to harm the guard if he ever thinks of stepping down from the platform. Also block off the door with a wall, just to be safe.”
“Shall I add underground patrols, to find any tunnels that are being made to break him out?”
“Yes, that will be good; and Luna.” I turned to face the Princess of the Night and continued when she made eye contact. “Did you see everything before this incident, or is there more you want to see?”
“Well I’ve only briefly saw the mines and I would love to see Radiant create something before my eyes. But I also need to inform Celestia of what transpired, so I believe I should leave now.”
“Do you wish for a replacement escort? I can accompany you to Canterlot myself to ensure your safety.”
“How are you with fighting?” asked Luna, curiously.
“I can take an army of anything with a cursed fire that can burn water.” came the cryptic reply.
“Very well! You shall accompany me!” exclaimed Luna.
“All right then. Darkness, you finished the airstrip?”
“Yes, I believe I confirmed that already.” he said still emotionlessly.
“Take him down to the mines with Radiant.” I commanded, pointing to the stallion and removing the crystals that forced his hooves on the ground. He immediately tried to run but Radiant Garden covered him in vines within seconds and forced him to crash back to the ground with a grunt.
“Good work, Radiant.” I said proudly to my Thane.
“Your approval is all I’ve ever wished for, master.” he happily replied.
“And it’s all because of your abilities to serve me. Oh, did you create your wasp regiment?”
“Yes I did, my Lord.”
“Practice creating things with the stuff you have on hand. During the Gala, I want you to impress the Canterlot Elite with your ability with plants. I want them to potentially support our plant projects.”
“Yes, my Lord! Right away, my Lord!” he excitedly replied, happily sprinting off down the spiral staircase.
We all watched him leave for a moment, before I spoke up. “I wasn’t really done, but ok.” I said to no one in particular. Luna giggled.
“Want me to retrieve him, my Lord?” Asked Darkness.
“Yes, get him back up here so he can help you escort that guy.” I pointed to the stallion who was still wrapped in vines.
“I can do that myself, my Lord.” came Darkness' reply.
“But you’ll be building the platform while he’s not being watched.”
“Soul Eaters will watch him for me. They are linked to me, so I will always be watching.”
“All right then. Luna, you ready to leave?”
“Yes I am, Puppet Master. Escort me away from here.” she replied, with a smile.
Rainbow Dash was officially off the hook from any responsibilities, and was now heading toward the tower. Rarity packaged the dress, and kept it in storage where she’d be able to see it almost every day, so she won’t forget it’s there.
Rainbow’s mane was still brushed and well-kept, but the wind that was blowing through her mane was fixing that quite quickly. After she got half way towards the tower, her mane was a good half and half of well brushed and messy.
She was unaware of the eyes that were watching her from a distance. More so because she didn’t take them into account, when she decided to meet up with Puppet Master.
Twilight Sparkle was watching through her adjusted telescope at the tower. At the corner of her field of vision, she saw a blue dot moving toward the white tower. She slowly panned her telescope to the object, and tried to zoom in without losing visual. It was moving away from her and toward the tower, so it looked like it barely moved from her vantage point. She assumed it originated from Ponyville considering the course. When she zoomed in, she was shocked to discover it was trailing a rainbow.
Twilight Sparkle was speechless for a moment. She knew exactly who it was. Twilight moved her head away from the eyepiece of the telescope.
“Rainbow Dash.” quietly stated Twilight, with worry in her voice.
Rainbow Dash sped toward the tower with enthusiasm. She however slowed down when she caught sight of something in the clouds. She could swear she saw a head of a pony darting behind said cloud. She was about to dismiss it before realizing how close to the tower it was. Just a dozen miles away from the tower. Curiosity and duty got Rainbow to fly above the clouds and look down on the scene before her. She was stunned to see several Solar Guards hiding on top of the clouds watching her.
“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to come with me.” Rainbow spun around to see a Solar Pegasi Corp Guard hovering behind her, with two other Pegasi Corp soldiers.
“W-what’s going on here?” she asked curiously, but couldn’t help but feel like she’s in trouble.
“We can’t tell you, but you need to come with us willingly. We don’t want to use force.”
“Y-sure.”
She followed the stallion while being flanked by the other two soldiers. They made their way above the clouds, keeping over the clouds that kept their visibility to the tower was as minimal as possible. They eventually got to a particularly thick and large cloud, with a massive platoon of Solar Guards trying to keep out of view. The group of four landed in the center of this crowd of soldiers. Some looked at them, and the rest glanced at them then returned to their duty knowing it was being handled.
“Ma’am, a civilian wondered into the staging area!” called out the pegasi Rainbow was asked to follow.
“Out of my way!” yelled a feminine, but almost masculine and commanding voice.
The organized crowd of pegasi moved out of the way for a particularly large mare who strolled up to Rainbow Dash, with her head held high. Rainbow couldn’t help but feel some fear toward the large mare. That was until she got enough features to figure out who it was.
“B-Barricade!?” questioned Rainbow Dash in shock.
“Rainbow Dash?” answered Barricade, losing her commanding stature after recognizing Rainbow Dash. “What are you doing here?” she asked accusatorily, narrowing her eyes at the multicolored Pegasus.
“I-I” Rainbow made a quick lie. “I s-saw something weird up in the c-clouds and I went to investigate.” she replied, trying to put on a brave face, but failing at doing so.
Barricade eyed her up and down, and watched Rainbow’s reaction. When she concludes her quick scan of Rainbow Dash she gives her a hard glare.
“I don’t know if I like that answer. You shouldn’t be here Rainbow.” she said with a hard voice.
“U-um what’s going on? A-am I in trouble?” inquired Rainbow still a little afraid.
“No you’re not in trouble. Not yet, anyway.”
“Should we keep her here?” asked the stallion next to her.
“Let’s hear her excuse. Why were you looking at the tower Rainbow?” commanded Barricade with her trademark stare.
“B-b-b-because Twilight asked her friends to help her watch the tower for Celestia.” replied Rainbow, fearfully. “I-I thought I saw something weird in the clouds, and I was going to r-run back to Twilight if it was anything dangerous.”
Barricade took the information, and nodded her head now accepting the excuse.
“All right, Celestia did inform me that she asked her student in Ponyville to watch the white tower. I’ll accept your excuse. As to why we’re here, Celestia believes Luna’s been held hostage. One of her guards returned in a panic to Canterlot to inform her that Luna was attacked the moment she entered the tower. Celestia is on her way right now to lead the surprise attack.”
Rainbow’s eyes widened in horror. “W-what? B-but that will mean-.”
“War.” finished Barricade. Rainbow as going to say Puppet Master’s in trouble, but she secretly thanked Celestia for being interrupted by Barricade. In her heart Rainbow knew Puppet Master would never take the Princess hostage. She knew him too well.
“Y-yea.” she nodded her head as if that was what she meant.
“PATROL!” shouted a stallion in the direction of the tower.
Every Solar Guard reacted and dove into the clouds. Rainbow was confused and didn’t do anything, but Barricade then pulled her under the cloud layer as well. A swarm of Soul Eaters rushed overhead, while scanning the tops of the clouds. They were moving in a circular pattern above the tower and this one strayed really far from it. After a few minutes of tense silence passed by. Rainbow thought about what she should do. She thought of sticking her hoof out of the cloud layer, but that may not convey the message that an army was outside the tower and it will eliminate the ability to warn Puppet Master any other way.
Rainbow finally made the decision, that once she’s able to leave she’ll bolt for the white tower.
“CLEAR!”
Barricade stood up out of the clouds in sync with every well trained soldier. She then pulled Rainbow out of the clouds.
“You may go now, Rainbow. This is no place for a civilian.” stated Barricade.
“But ma’am, what if she goes to tell our target?” spoke up a guard.
“She’s an Equestrian loyalist and the Element of Loyalty. She and the other elements stopped Nightmare Moon and Discord himself. I’m sure she won’t betray us when we let her go.” she said to the guard. She then turned to Rainbow. “Fly away as fast as you can ok? Also try to keep above the cloud layer so you won’t blow our cover.”
“R-right.” responded Rainbow, still a little unnerved. But most of all she felt a little guilty for breaking Barricade's trust with what she’s about to do.
“Follow me.” ordered Barricade. Rainbow did what she was told and began following Barricade to the edge of the cloud that was farthest from the tower. “There’s a safe zone above these clouds here.” She pointed at the long cluster of clouds. “If you fly along the top of the cloud trail, then you won’t risk exposing our position and potentially turning this into a very dangerous… actually you came here in full view. I change my mind dive down and leave so they won’t come to investigate. In fact I think that patrol saw you and came to get eyes on you… darn I should have thought of that.” Barricade thought out loud.
“I-it’s ok, I’ll get out of here quickly.” said Rainbow Dash, saluting Barricade.
Barricade smiled softly. “Good, and take care of yourself.”
Rainbow Dash looked over the edge and sighed softly, while Barricade watched her till she left. Rainbow went into a dive and disappeared under the cloud. Barricade went over to the edge and expected to see Rainbow flying off into the distance. She didn’t see her.
“Where’d she-?”
“THE CIVILIAN IS HEADING TOWARD THE TOWER!”
At that moment Barricade’s world almost broke down. She was livid.
“GRAB HER!”
Rainbow Dash kept going into the dive too keep her speed up. She took the chance to look behind her, and noticed some of the fastest pegasi guards were flying after her. She, however, was faster and had a head start so their pursuit almost ended because of how impossible it was to catch up to her. They, however, couldn’t give up because of what’s at stake.
Puppet Master and Princess Luna stood atop the tower next to the skylight they just flew through. The remaining Night Guard came through the hole, and landed beside Luna. The trio then flew off toward Canterlot. They all stopped at once when they saw seven distinct shapes flying toward them. One was faster than the others and seemed to have more than one color. The others were very similar and wore the same gold attire.
Puppet Master knew Rainbow Dash was the one in the lead. The Night Guard however didn’t know what was going on, so he lowered his spear and prepared to meet the targets heading their way. Luna seemed confused and concerned.
“Stand down.” I ordered the Night Guard. “I know the one in front. The ones behind her, however…”
The Guard pointed his spear way from Rainbow Dash and readied himself for the other six shapes.
“I’ll go out and meet them half-way. Luna go back by the skylight and prepare to retreat inside if they prove hostile.”
“Very well. I leave my protection in your hooves.” Luna then retreated back to the tower.
Rainbow Dash and company got closer, and we could make out the shapes and some features of each of the figures. I could tell they were Solar Guard. Rainbow was the first to reach us and she quickly hid behind me.
“Pup! Celestia thinks you’ve kidnapped Princess Luna, and her army is hiding in the cloud layer!” she shouted at my back. I kept my eyes trained on the guards and heard what she had to say.
I looked at the Night Guard and said. “They’ll attack me on sight if they believe I took Luna! Stop them so there doesn’t need to be a fight!”
“For Equestria!” The Night Guard flew forward and the Solar Guards slowed down. “STOP!” I heard the Nigh Guard say.
They started having a heated discussion, and I turned to Rainbow.
“Get Luna, and ask her to join me.”
“Where is she?” she asked.
“Top of my tower, you can see her from here.” I looked over at the white tower. Rainbow shared my gaze and saw the Princess of the Night with an unreadable expression, from this distance.
Rainbow flew off toward the white tower as fast as her wings can carry her. I looked back at the group and I could tell the conversation got even more heated. I looked down and saw a swarm of Soul Eaters hovering far below them and waiting for a command to attack. I knew they were watching the group of seven intensely, because that wasn’t their usual patrol pattern that I knew all too well.
Within no time at all, Luna rushed past me while Rainbow Dash stayed at my side.
“Umm... Puppet Master...” she solemnly started.
“Yes, Rainbow?”
“They might know that I’m loyal to you. Barricade’s pegasi stopped me, and questioned me. Once they were done she told me to go back to Ponyville and I flew towards the tower instead. Those pegasi were following me here.”
I let the information sink in. This means Rainbow is compromised, and to potentially save her from being called a traitor, I’m going to need to tell Celestia and Luna she’s my newest Thane.
“It’s ok, Rainbow. I’ll handle it. You should go to the Biology Lab and provide Radiant Garden a blood sample, so we can improve you. Lord knows some of Celestia’s loyalists will see your actions as betrayal, and might come after you. I’ll take care of you until this all blows over, ok?”
“Ok… thanks.” she turned to leave but stopped and came back. I was looking at the argument again, when she put her hooves around me, and kissed me on the cheek. She waited long enough to see my reaction. I smiled and held onto her hoof for a moment before I let go so she can head to my tower.
Rainbow was now out of sight, and Luna’s presence stalled the argument. She looked back at me and motioned me closer. To which I responded, by flying toward them. The guards didn’t seem tense or confused in any way. But they seemed very serious.
“Puppet Master. I want to apprehend Rainbow Dash for treason. She may have done the right thing and I will give her a reduced sentence for it, but it is what it is.”
“I can’t let you do that, Princess Luna.”
Luna seemed a bit taken back. “Why not?”
“She’s my Thane. Like it or not, she became a part of my kingdom just a few days ago. I kept it a secret for her protection. If others were to know about it, she would possibly be a target for those who don’t agree with me being here.”
Luna remained silent for a few moments. “I see, but what you just told me isn’t helping her case. In fact it proves me correct for accusing her of treason. Oh, one moment.” she turned to the Solar and Night guards who were still present. “Return to the army, and report to them what I told you. Tell Barricade and keep Celestia from launching an attack. I need to speak to Puppet Master, alone.”
They headed off toward the battle group. That included the Night Guard that was protecting Luna.
“You know, by sending away your only protection, that was a very dangerous move.”
“Yes, but I know you wouldn’t want this situation to get too much out of hoof. Besides I’m not done with you.”
“Yes… Rainbow.”
“She betrayed Equestria, Puppet Master.” Luna accused seriously.
“And she’s part of my kingdom, Luna. If you want Rainbow you’ll have to take her by force. I will not let you touch her.”
“Puppet Master, if you don’t do this then it will hurt our relations. Please don’t make this any harder than it already is.” she sadly replied.
“Luna, you’re asking me to hand you someone that I care about. That’s like me asking you, to hand over Blueblood or we couldn’t be friends. It’s a question so absurd that it has an obvious answer. No.” I said firmly.
“…I understand your reasoning and I’m sorry…” She looked at the ground and noticed the Eater patrols moving about normally. “All right. I won’t ask you to hand over Rainbow Dash. Your point made it clear to me, that by punishing her it will do more damage than good. I will plead your case with my Sister, and if she’s swayed, then we’ll drop the matter. But I warn you that if Celestia chooses not to forgive Rainbow Dash, then we may have a situation I cannot fix.”
“If you are to plead my case, and Celestia chooses to go to war with me, then I will show mercy to all those who happen to suffer for her decision. And just me Luna, I will know if you don’t follow through.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll try to convince Celestia that this is a misunderstanding, and Rainbow should be pardoned. I didn’t want to punish her either, but Celestia may feel obligated to follow the law that was set in place by our father to show we won’t forgive criminals. If we do have to clash…”
“I will not harm those who wish not to be involved. If you are forced to participate because you’re the co-ruler, then I will forgive you. I will forgive Celestia too. But remember, someone wants us to clash.” I finished ominously, while flying away.
Luna almost forgot the fact that someone tried to strain the relations between Equestria and the Red Rose Empire, and almost completely dismissed it because of the current situation. She flew off toward the army Celestia organized, while I flew off toward my white tower.
I opened up the Biology Lab door where I walked in on Radiant Garden injecting a small syringe full of blood into the walnut plant structure that was attached to the thick tree. Rainbow was in the middle of the room, looking at the floor looking very worried with her ears laid back on her head. She lifted her head and saw me. Immediately her ears rose up, and she looked at me with fear.
“W-what happened?”
“Luna wants to take you in for treason. I told her I won’t give you away. I eventually convinced her that handing you off to her was like her handing her nephew to me, so we’d stay friends. She understood, and decided it was best to forget the issue.”
“Oh good.” Rainbow replied, relieved.
“However.” she tensed up again. “They now know about you being my Thane and you could be in danger, if you return to Ponyville. Not only that, but Celestia still doesn’t know Luna wasn’t kidnapped. Hopefully, Luna will speak on our behalf and diffuse the situation. However that still doesn’t excuse the treason charge placed on you, until both Celestia and Luna pardon you. That’s going to take time. You may have to stay with me for a few days, if only for this to blow over. And if it doesn’t then you’ll have to stay with me until we are no longer at war with Equestria.”
“W-war?!”
“Yes… if the Princesses don’t agree to forgive you, then I will have to protect you with the best of my ability.”
“P-please don’t do this for me.” she sadly replied.
“I won’t let them take you, Rainbow. And I won’t let you leave to save me.”
Radiant Garden turned around, and I saw his frown. Unbeknownst to me, the other Thanes have already gotten used to Rainbow and like her presence.
*SLAM*
I spun around to see Celldric and Hunger burst through the door. “Master! Darkness sent messengers, and we all know what happened. Even Shadow Master is aware!”
“What?” I said confused.
“Rainbow’s been charged of treason, and we could end up going to war if it’s not fixed.”
“How did you find out so fast? I didn’t tell any of you. And how did you get here so fast? I thought you were out, searching for artifacts?” I questioned, even more confused.
“We were in a nearby town, looking at the museums in Manehatten. The messenger was fast, and we used the magic mirrors to return here as fast as we could.” replied Hunger.
“Ok, that explains that. But how did you know about this so fast, when I myself just recently found out?”
“That would be my fault.” answered a disinterested voice, from the door way. We all looked in the direction and found Darkness leaning against the frame. “What most people don’t know, is that Soul Eaters have really good hearing as well as good sight, to go with their eyes. It’s how they always know where you are no matter what, even if you happen to be invisible. So far only Shadow Master can reliably avoid them.”
“Then I appreciate what you’ve done. With everyone here, it’ll be easier. Well Shadow Master doesn’t need to be here, because his services are now very useful for knowing my Empire's fate.”
“I told him to stay in the throne room, where Luna and Celestia are more likely to discuss the issue.”
“Wait, Shadow Master is in the throne room?” interrupted Rainbow.
“Yes, and he’s our intelligence. Ok, Darkness give him a new assignment to discover all the disloyal soldiers and political figures in Equestria… well ask him to do that, after this situation blows over.”
“I’ll make the letter now, my Lord.” Darkness left the room.
“Radiant, I’m going to need to ask you to hurry up in making Rainbow Dash more powerful.”
“I’m already did my analysis of her DNA, and am ready for your review.” replied Radiant Garden swiftly.
Rainbow seemed to lose more and more morale, the more she thought about the situation. She was now so depressed, her ears were laid flat on her head and she was hunched over in a mini-depression. I had to act fast.
“Celldric, Hunger. I need you to grab a few buckets, and fill them up with water. Then bring them to Radiant Garden. I need to improve Rainbow Dash’s body as soon as possible, so she’ll be able to protect herself when I’m not around.”
“On it!” they both replied in unison, and rushed out the door.
“Rainbow.” I turned to the mare in question. “You should go to your room. If you want, I’ll grab you some dinner.”
“Ok.” dejectedly Rainbow Dash replied, not hiding her depressed tone. She sluggishly made her way out the door. I watched her take each painful step. When she was out of sight, I looked back at Radiant.
“Can you make food and deliver it to her room?” I asked him.
“Yes, I can do that. I know how to create some hay, with what I have here.”
“Good. I need to go comfort her.”
I followed Rainbow Dash into the hall. I caught up to her as she was just about to make it to the staircase. She was trotting painfully slow.
“Rainbow!” I called after her.
She slowly looked back at me. I approached her, and stopped in front of her. She had the most helpless look in her eyes that stared into my soul, that seemed to ask ‘what?’. It was both unnerving and terrifying to see Rainbow so broken.
“Rainbow.” I kneeled down so she would be at eye-level with me. “I’m going to lay out the entire situation to you now, and all I want you to do is listen. Can you do that for me?” I said petting her mane.
“Hmhmm.” she replied, nodding her head.
“You’ve been charged with treason, and you know that already. However, Luna barely knows you, and she probably doesn’t even know you at all besides your name and possibly where you live. I convinced her to support you, and you know that. Celestia, however, knows you better than any other princess, and will most likely support you too. Luna’s going to inform Celestia about the situation, and convince her to drop the charges. Celestia is more likely to side with your freedom more likely than Luna because of her previous knowledge of who you are.”
Rainbow smiled softly, and visibly relaxed.
“Now... if Celestia does however choose not to support you.”
She lost her smile.
“I will try with all my power to allow weekly get-togethers with all of your friends. I will also ask Celestia to relinquish the skies around the tower to me, so you can continue doing your job in the weather team. I will also do everything in my power to make it so you can change your appearance at will, so you can go into Equestria without alerting Celestia’s Royal Guard.”
Rainbow gave me a blank look, before moving forward and embracing me with her front hooves.
“Thanks… for everything you’re doing for me.” I returned her embrace.
“Even though it’s because of me, that you’re in this situation in the first place?”
“NO! I chose this! I knew that I was choosing you over Celestia, and I chose you, ok? And since I chose you, you’ve been looking out for me.” Her embrace got tighter. “Can you promise me, not to beat yourself up over it?” she questioned affectionately.
“…I promise.” I said without a doubt. I knew I will protect Rainbow Dash with all my ability, and not even Celestia can stand between me and that goal.
Outtakes (mostly chat with editor)
“Miss us?” Said Hunger with a smiled plastered all over his face when he got a sight of Radiant. Which too me seemed out of place. Hunger and Celldric joined Radiant and I in the Biology Lab while holding buckets of water.
“My lord we’ve retrieved the first few gallons of water for the Biology Lab.” Said Celldric in his respectful and chivalrous tone.
“Oh hello friends. Just dump the water at the base of the tree and it will do the rest.” He said talking to Hunger more than anyone.
“On it.” Said Hunger. I could swear Hunger and Radiant kept eyeing each other the whole time this process of dumping water at the base of the tree went on.
“We’re short a few hundred gallons so we’ll need much more.” Said Radiant finding an excuse to look Hunger in the eyes.
“Where did you get this water?” I asked them.
“Ponyville’s pond.” Responded Celldric. “No one saw us like you asked.”
“Oh yea I asked you to get it from there. All right carry on.” I turned around and began walking out the door.
“Wait sir I’m not done with my report.” Said Radiant trying to get me to come back.
“All right. You two continue gathering water for the tree.” I told Hunger and Celldric.
“Yes lord and master!” Said Celldric and he ran off out the door. Why he needed to run I have no idea. But Hunger walked out the door calmly like nothing that transpired between him and Hunger.
Then I remembered something from back when I was roleplaying with each of these characters. My friend who was playing as his character Hunger started hitting on me while I was Jungle God. I went along with it and we pretended to go on a date for a while. Until I had to switch to Dark Wolf and take over the world. Then they didn’t see each other for a while.
Could it be that our unofficial romance in game affected the characters we’ve created? Maybe.
ultra1437: Pup x Radiant
ultra1437: “Then it’s a date. Come on Radiant. We need to get you to a bed.”
“Yes, master.”
Fun fact: Radiant Garden's name came from Kingdom Hearts. (Also final fantasy I believe. Never played it to find out)
ultra1437: “Yes, my lord. Radiant. It’s good to see you are ok.” He said taking Radiant Garden from me.
ultra1437: “An impressive one at that. Though it’s in my boarders so we may have a bit of a problem.”
ultra1437: do the same with the spike x pup friendshipping
ultra1437: fuck you
wolfGear: oh man I'm going to do another 8k word day
ultra1437: It looked as reflective as water, when the moons light reflected on its surface.
wolfGear: oh
wolfGear: hey ultra...I'm taking your advice about that shipping XD
wolfGear: cool story bro where's my story?
(Rainbow's death)
ultra1437: No editors note from me this time, unless something was hilarious that you'd like to add.
(Last Chapter)
ultra1437: You can call me, The Editor.
AND IT'S OUT!
I had planned on doing another story before this one but I had so many awesome ideas and so many places i wanted to go with it that I brought it out early :D
Sequel
Also chapters 1, 2, and 3 are a bit rushed. I frankly wanted to get as much done as I could before going back to college but it turns out I have more time than I thought I would so they aren't as well done as the rest of the story.
