Chapters Chapter 2: Preparation for the night
Twilight could only sit there with a open jaw as the creature grabbed her and jumped to the ground. As they fell, the beast's body slowly faded away into nothingness. As they hit the ground, she looked around. They appeared to be in a clearing somewhere in the Everfree Forest. The creature nodded, then set Twilight on the ground. She realized that drool started to form on her open lip, and closed it quickly. "What is he doing?" she wondered, as she saw him walk towards a tree. He grabbed a circle with a strange glowing piece of metal on the outside (Where did he get that?) and gave it a swing. A magic ring shot out of it, and choped down a few branches. He kept doing this until he had a nice bunch of branches. He then approached Twilight, who backed up into an object. Turning around she saw it was a sword, rusted and aged from time. She heard footsteps, and backed away as he neared the blade. She then saw him proceed to lay the sticks carefully around the blade. "Is he going to make a fire? It's still midday. How will he light it?" She then witnessed him pull out some black rock and metal, and strike them over the 'bonfire '. She yelped as it suddenly burst into flames, providing a light into the shadows of the Everfree. He sat down, and reached into his pocket to withdraw a simple, plain wooden box. "Come here". She gasped in surprise as he spoke, and quickly made her way over. She sat by the flame, and watched him closely. He rummaged around in the box, (which was about the size of a Sugarcube Corner to go box), for something he needed. "Here," he said, and held out a loaf of bread. She accepted it humbly, and began to nibble. They sat there for awhile, basking in the glow of the fire. Twilight finally gathered up the courage to speak.
"Excuse me."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you for saving me."
"You're welcome."
"How do you know our language?"
"What language? FolkTongue?"
"No, Equestrian."
"I speak the language of FolkTongue, not this Equestrian you speak of."
"I'm sure that's—"
"Shh"
"What!"
"Shh" He stood up and backed away from the bonfire. He reached into the box and, to Twilight's astonishment, pulled out a giant shield which had a flower carved into the front. He slowly walked forward and placed the shield in front of him. He waited. In a split second he turned ever so slightly to the left, away from Twilight. "CLANG". Something slammed into the shield, sending him back a few paces. Twilight looked in front of the shield to see a certain rainbow maned pegasus pressed into the shield. "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight rushed forward, and dragged her friend off of the shield. She saw Rainbow Dash slowly awaken from her dazed state.
"Twilight? Twilight, your okay!" Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Rainbow Dash slowly get up from the ground. Her face changed to one of worry as she saw that Rainbow Dash's nose was bleeding." What is it, Twi?" Twilight pointed to Rainbow's face. "What? Oh... that." Rainbow mopped up her face, but the blood kept coming. "Here." Rainbow looked up, and saw a clump of red moss in front of her face. "Eat." Rainbow saw that holding the moss was a large, towering creature. " I'm not eating that!" "It will stop the bleeding." She excepted the plant, and swallowed it whole. Instantly she felt rejuvenated, and she instantaneously felt the blood stop. "Thanks."
"No problem."
"Rainbow, what are you doing out here?" said Twilight.
"When I saw that...thing shoot out of the ground, I got here as fast as I could. I didn't know about this thing being here."
"Careful Rainbow. This 'thing' just saved my life from that beast. It also was the thing to destroy it."
"Really!? This guy took down that colossal worm? I mean... I could've taken it down if I had a good weapon! Ten seconds flat! By the way, how did you know which way I was coming from?"
"When you took off, you created a slight breeze. A leaf blew through the clearing. I simply turned my shield into the wind."
"Nice. I probably could've done it as well.
"Maybe. But first we must escape this forest. Come to the flame. I have things for the both of you. Night draws near, and I sense evil here." Both of the ponies looked up, and indeed saw that the sun was dropping beneath the canopy. They made their way over to the flame, and sat down. The creature rummaged around in his box and pulled a needle, thread, and two sets of clothing. He got to work modifying the gear in front of him. "Done." He held up the now modified pieces of clothing. "For you, Rainbow Strike—"
"It's Rainbow Dash."
"Rainbow Dash, for you I have the Shadow Garb. It is used by spooks in the eastern lands from where I'm from. It won't offer the best defense, but it will let you stay mobile, and will help against bleeding and poison." The clothing he was showing was very ninja like, and darker than the midnight shadows. Rainbow Dash could see stitches where he had torn or sewn the clothing to fit Rainbow Dash. She put it on and almost instantly faded in with her surroundings. "For you, unicorn, I have the Vinheim Dragon School uniform. This set of clothing won't offer the best defense, but it will influence your magical properties." The gear that he had for Twilight was a simple piece of sorcerer's gear, with a nice hat.
"Thank you, but my name is Twilight."
"Very well. Also, Miss Dash. Take this dagger. It belonged to a good friend of mine." The dagger he held out to Rainbow was a silver blade, with a curve to its fierce bite. As she swung the dagger through the air, it left a silver trail behind it. "Miss Twilight, I also want you to take this shield. It is made of simple leather, so it won't block the fierce attacks. Hopefully you won't have to use it."
"Are we ready to go?"
"Yes sir."
"Yup."
"Then lets go." With that note they headed into the forest, as night slowly took over the day.
Chapter 3: The secrets of the forest.
Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and the creature slowly set out into the forest. "Excuse me, but what's your name?" Twilight asked. "My name is Artorias, and I am one of the four knights of Gywn." The creature responded. "I came to this world when I challenged the Abyss."
"The Abyss, what's that?"
"The Abyss is a poison that spreads from Manus, father of the Abyss. I traveled to the land of Oolacile, and challenged the Abyss. As I entered the Chasm where Manus resided, I—" As Artorias was speaking, a blur shot out of a nearby bush, and brought him to the ground. "Get it off!" Artorias grappled with the beast, smashing his fist into its skull. They rolled over, and Artorias pinned it. He then smashed his elbow into its chest, continuing to smash until it broke into pieces. He got up and looked at the shards of wood. "What is that?"
"That's a Timberwolf. They are just one of the native beasts to the Everfree." said Twilight.
"I see. Is it dead?"
"No, just shattered. They eventually put themselves back together."
"I see. What else resides in this forest?"
"Manticores, basilisks, hydras, even dragons."
"Then we must be cautious."
"I agree. Rainbow, you've been very quiet. Do you have anything to—" Twilight turned around, and was shocked to see that Rainbow had disappeared. "Rainbow!? Where are you!? Rainbow!?"
"Stop yelling, I'm right here." Rainbow stepped out of the shadows, her garb keeping her hidden from sight. "I found some shelter where we will be safe from the beasts of the Everfree."
Where is it?" said Artorias.
"Just through these trees. Lets go." On that note, Rainbow disappeared into the shadows. Twilight and Artorias followed. After a short jog, they found some ruins. They appeared to have been there for several years. Artorias looked to Twilight, who shrugged. Together they marched into the abandoned ruins. As they stepped forward, they took a quick look around. The ruins appeared to be of some ancient civilization. The walls were covered in dust. Twilight walked up to one and blew off some of the dust. She gasped in shock. "Artorias! Get over here!" Artorias, who was approaching something familiar shoved into the ground, turned around and ran to Twilight, who was soon joined by Rainbow Dash. "What is it?" Asked Artorias. At that moment, the moon decided to shine down on the wall they had gathered around. There, carved into the wall, was a creature just like Artorias, with one slight difference. It had heads poking out of its entire form. Laying around the fiend were bodies of ponies, but they were dry, wrinkled, and flatter then paper.Twilight looked sick, while Rainbow simply shrugged. They realized that the dust around them was actually dead ponies. Artorias, however, felt something change. "Get out. Now." Artorias left no room for argument. Rainbow grabbed Twilight and flew as fast as she could outside. "Artorias!" screamed Twilight. As Rainbow flew out, Artorias waved goodbye. With a sudden CRACK, the door collapsed, trapping Artorias inside. As Rainbow set down Twilight, she frantically started searching for a way in. "A...Twilight?"
"No time Rainbow! We have to get in!"
"Twilight, there's a hole a in the roof."
"I know there's a hole in the roof! But that's not important! We have to... get... in."
"I got ya." Rainbow grabbed Twilight and carried her up to the roof. Meanwhile, Artorias readied himself, and equipped his composite bow. With an eerie groan, a wall shifted in the far corner.
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Artorias lit an arrow, and shot it into the corner. As it struck, it lit up what was in the corner. Artorias was met with an appalling sight. Standing across from him was a giant blob about his size. It was made out of combined creatures, there faces, lives, and essence forever stolen by this beast. Ponies, timberwolves, griffins, even manticores were devoured by this beast. Artorias had to put a stop to it, and let them free. Artorias watched as the arrow he shot was absorbed by the beast, then spat out at him. He dodged to the side and stood up, ready to fire, when he saw that the beast had disappeared. "Behind you!" Looking up, he saw that Twilight and Rainbow Dash were on the roof. Heeding their warning, he rolled forward, barely avoiding getting stabbed by a spike of flesh that came from one of the thing's many mouths. He picked up a branch from the ground, then lit it. He handled his great-sword in his right hand, the makeshift torch in the other. At that moment, a cloud covered the moon, plunging most of the room into darkness. Rainbow flew up to destroy the cloud, but stopped when she realized it was alive. It stared her down, and she slowly descended down to the roof, but not without giving it a little kick. It kicked back, sending Rainbow sprawling across the roof. Artorias slowly surveyed the room, waiting. Sensing movement to his right, he dodged ever so slightly backwards, letting the spike shoot in front of him. He quickly slashed across its chest, then jumped back, smiling at the deep gash he made. His smile fell as he watched the wound close itself. He jumped further back, watching it closely. It shuffled forward slightly, then dashed forward in less than a second. It shot out a spike, piercing Artorias in his left side. He had managed to shift slightly, causing the spike to miss his heart. He latched onto the spike, and threw the monster to the ground. As it lay there, he cut off the spike, separating him from the beast before it could absorb him. It grew angry, and started shooting spikes out of each and every face it had accumulated. Artorias took out his bow, and as the face directed at him opened its mouth, he closed his eyes as he shot a flaming arrow right into its throat. The face he shot it into was a pony, and it swallowed, starting to contort. The beast bubbled, and exploded. Bits of flesh shot everywhere. Artorias took out a small vial, filled with a golden liquid, and drank it. He ripped the spike out of his side, and sighed as the wound closed. He then started to climb the wall up to the roof.
Chapter 4: The ruin's treasure
Artorias climbed out of the dark hall, his muscles slightly sore from the fight. "How did you survive that?" Asked Rainbow. She was sitting at the top of the hole, along with Twilight. They watched as Artorias stood up and cracked his back.
"I wouldn't have survived that without your warning. Thank you." He responded.
"No problem. What was that thing anyway?"
"It was a Syphon. They are beasts that feed off of the very essence of others. I'm guessing this one was staying here for many years. Adventures, merchants, and creatures of the forest were ensnared by its speed. I'm just glad I could help them move on."
"Weren't they already dead?" Asked Twilight.
"No. It captures their souls as well, leaving them forever visualizing the consumption of others."
"... That's horrible."
"Yes, it is."
"Are there more of those things?" Asked Rainbow.
"Probably, but I wouldn't worry. It takes many years for them to get to half that size. This one probably grew that fast because of where it was staying. I can sense a strong magical presence within this structure."
"Really?" Asked Twilight.
"Yes. It might be worth looking into. Lets head into the ruins." On that note Artorias dropped into the ruins, picking up the torch that he left on the floor. Twilight was picked up by Rainbow, who brought them to the ground. They walked slowly to the opening in the wall, cautiously stepping over pieces of blob. As the looked into the opening, they saw a pair of steps descending into the dark. They nodded to each other, and went down. There only light source was the torch in Artorias' hand, and a soft glow from Twilight's horn. They entered an abandoned hall. Artorias went to the walls on each side, lighting torches that were hanging against the wall. As the room lit up, Twilight could see that this once was a dining hall. There were remnants of wood from a table, and the occasional goblet laying on the ground. As Twilight and Artorias explored the artifacts on the floor, Rainbow saw a carving on the wall. She brushed away the dust covering it, and gasped. What she saw was a giant M, curved and grand. It appeared to be on a box, with strange pillars coming out of the box. She shrugged, and went to Twilight and Artorias, who were looking at a goblet, with dolphins dancing around the rim. They set it on the ground. They walked into another hall in the back, continuing further.
They entered a circular hall, with doors spiraling around the wall. As they walked in, the door shut behind them. They braced themselves as they felt the floor spiral. "What's happening?" Rainbow asked. With a slight jolt, the room stopped.
"The positioning of the rooms has changed," responded Artorias. He turned around, and opened the door behind them. An assortment of brooms, buckets, and pans fell out. Artorias shifted through the pile, picking up what appeared to be a strange talisman, with a white orb in the center. He shoved the cleaning supplies back in, and closed the door. He then pulled out an orange stone, and scratched in an X.
"Why'd you do that?" Asked Twilight. No sooner had the words left her mouth that the rooms shifted again, this time with a spinning symbol going around as well. "Oh." Artorias walked up to the next door, and pulled it open. Inside was a chair, with chains wrapped around it. He closed the door and scratched another X in. Once the rooms stopped shifting, Rainbow opened the next door. She saw a long hall, and at the end, a chest. "Ahhhh yeah!" She shot into the room, streaming towards the chest. Artorias, in a state of panic, rushed after her. Just as she was about to open the chest, Artorias tackled her to the ground. "HEY, WHAT GIVES?!" Artorias pointed to the chest. Fear struck her eyes as she saw it slightly yawn, barely revealing rows of sharp teeth. They quietly backed out of the room. Artorias closed the door, and crossed it twice. (XX) "W–what was that?"
"That was a mimic. They are creatures disguised as chests, that feed off of anyone who dare touch them. Next time be more cautious."
"O–kay." stuttered Rainbow. She was clearly shaken. Twilight got ready, and opened the next door. Inside was the way they came. Artorias came up, and put a check mark on the door. As the walls stopped shifting, they saw that there was only one door left. Artorias came forward, and opened it. Inside was something they didn't expect.
It opened into a large room that had lit torches along the walls, with a pedestal in the center. Standing atop the pedestal were two beings. One was a Pegasus, who had a black mane and a tan coat. She also had a compass rose on her flank. The other was a large catlike being who was blue, had a humanoid way of movement, golden accessories decorating his body, and a hand at the tip of his tail. In-between them was a strange artifact, a red statue of the sun crashing into the ground. With a maniacal laugh the cat being smacked the pegasus off the pedestal, sending her crashing into the wall. Her helmet rolled off, and blood started to run down her forehead. She didn't get up. Artorias ran in to help her, but Rainbow Dash was quicker. She scooped up the pegasus, and flew her back to Artorias. The cat man scooped up the statue and, with an insane laugh, ran out of the room. Rainbow made to chase, but Artorias blocked her way. The structure started to crumble, rocks falling from the ceiling. Artorias shoved the fallen mare into Rainbow, shoving her towards the new hole in the roof, from which the sky was visible. Rainbow nodded, and took off. Artorias then turned to Twilight. "Can you teleport?"
"Yes, but I'm not leaving you."
"You must, or you might perish. Go now."
"No Artorias, I'm not leaving you!"
"I said go, now!" The floor started to break up, exposing lava. Artorias grabbed Twilight, and jumped across the open floor. As more of the floor opened up, he had to take riskier jumps. The ceiling caved in a bit, exposing the way out. Artorias jumped, and slipped as he landed. He grasped onto the pillar, and looked down. The lava was rising, and there were no other places to stand. He gripped Twilight around the stomach, drew her back, and threw. She looked down, and saw Artorias climb on top of the pillar. He jumped, reaching for the rim. Her eyes filled with dread as she saw his fingers miss the rim. She landed with a crash and slowly got up, her body aching from the crash. She ran towards the edge, but not before the lava erupted outwards from the pit. Rainbow joined her, with the mare across her back, Rainbow's wings acting as a makeshift bed. Together, they rushed towards the edge. They looked into the hole, where they saw a welcome sight. Artorias was just a few feet from the edge, his sword embedded into the wall. He raised a hand, which Twilight grasped onto. She pulled him out of the hole, and he laid onto the ground, breathing heavily. He slowly sat up, and popped his back...again. As he examined his surroundings, he caught a glimpse of a light in the distance. "Over there is a light. Lets go." They set off once more, but this time with a wounded mare on Rainbow's back.
Artorias, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash sprinted through the trees, the fallen adventurer held in Artorias' arms. Branches whisked past them, unnoticed as they headed towards the light. They burst through the trees, where Twilight saw a welcoming sight. They were greeted by an old cabin, with strange masks hanging around its perimeter. "Zecora!" yelled Twilight. She sprinted towards the entrance and pounded on the door. "Zecora, we need your help!" A rustling came from the bushes behind Rainbow. She turned around to see the zebra walk out of the woods, a satchel across her back.
"Twilight, I see it is you. And Rainbow Dash too. Come inside, and bring your friend, so I can make a most delicious brew. Zecora walked past Artorias as if he wasn't even there. She unlocked the door to her hut, and stepped inside, beckoning Twilight to follow. She stepped inside, along with Rainbow. Artorias had to stoop to fit inside the hut. When he stepped inside, he was greeted by a most mysterious sight. A multitude masks hung on the walls, along with several bottles of ingredients hanging from the ceiling. A large cauldron bubbled in the corner, where a pleasant smell seemed to originate from. He carefully shuffled his way towards it, setting down the mysterious mare on the softest surface he could find. He felt a nudge at his side, where Zecora handed him a simple broth from within. He set it down next to the mare, and started to tend to the wound on her head.
"So Twilight, what brings you here to me? Ponyville was fine, when I went to see."
"Well Zecora, earlier today, at around mid-afternoon, a strange creature, taller than the highest pillars of Canterlot sprung out of the ground. Our friend over there, whose name is Artorias, crawled out ahead of it. He climbed the beast and killed. It almost crushed me, but he managed to save my life. As the beast fell, it disintegrated and carried us into the Everfree. He built a bonfire and gave me some bread. Thanks for the soup, I haven't gotten to eat much. Rainbow flew after us and met up with us. As night fell, Artorias gave us some gear, like this cloak I'm wearing. He gave me this simple leather shield, and he gave Rainbow that dagger." With those words, Rainbow unsheathed the blade with a flourish, then resheathed it and continued to tuck into the soup. "We set off into the forest, where we met a Timberwolf. It attacked Artorias, but he just smashed it. We found some ancient ruins where a beast called a Syphon lived. It attacked Artorias, but he managed to defeat it. We traveled deeper into the ruins, where we found–"
"Ahhhh" with a dry groan, the previously unconscious mare awoke . Artorias reached over and grabbed the broth that he had set aside.
"Drink." He took a spoon and scooped some out, holding it to her lips. She gratefully took a sip, spluttering a how hot it was. "Drink." Artorias took another spoonful, and held it up to her lips. She took another sip, and managed to swallow it this time. Artorias proceeded to feed her in this manner as Twilight explained what happened in the ruins. Rainbow was sitting next Artorias, watching the mare with a look of excitement on her face. She was muttering under her breath,
"ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh." As Twilight finished her recap, the mare finished the bowl of broth. She slowly sat up, rubbing her head with her hoof. As she opened her eyes, she saw a purple unicorn in a cloak sitting by a zebra stirring a cauldron. Next to her, on her left was a rainbow pegasus cloaked in black cloth. When she looked right, she gasped as she saw a strange creature, with bits of birdlike metal covering its body.
"I must be dreaming. Where am I?"
"You are safe." She started back a bit when the...thing spoke.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"I am Knight Artorias of the Abyss, and I won't harm you."
"Alright then, where am I?"
"I can answer that miss Do. For I was confused too." She looked over to the zebra, who was sitting by the cauldron. "My name is Zecora, and this is my hut. They brought you here to rest, no buts."
"Alright, who are you?" She directed this question to the purple unicorn.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I'm Ponyville's librarian. That pony next to you is Rainbow Dash, and be careful, she's a fan." Daring looked to her right, at the rainbow mare.
"Hi." As soon as she spoke those words, Rainbow stopped moving, a huge grin on her face. Daring nudged her, and she fell over. "She gonna be okay?"
"It's just shock." responded Twilight. She grabbed Rainbow with her magic, and carried her to Zecora's spare bedroom. "I'm going to try to get some sleep, I recommend everyone else do the same." Daring nodded, and set her aching head back onto the cushion Artorias provided for her. As Twilight carried Rainbow off, she glanced one last time at Artorias. He was sitting with his back to her, looking at a ring. She could barely make out a wolf symbol on the ring. With a shrug, she carried Rainbow into the guest room.
Chapter 6: Attack on Ponyville
Daring awoke, and looked out of the nearest window. She could barely catch glimpses of the sky, which was a pinkish hue. "Morning." She looked towards the sound, and saw Artorias sitting in the center of the floor, a book in hand. The book was torn in several places, and looked like it had been through a lot. Daring could tell it was at least 120 years old, at least.
"What is that?"
"It's my Journal. I use it to record my past adventures and any lore I might find." This puzzled daring, because if the book was so old, Artorias had to be that old as well. He was looking at a section of the book five-sixths through. She thought he couldn't be that old.
"So it's basically a book containing your history?"
"Exactly."
"I see. Could I take a look?"
"No." Artorias snapped the book shut, then put in his box. Daring didn't press the matter.
"What's in the box?"
"All the necessities for my adventures. Armor, weapons, and herbs of different kinds."
"How do they fit in?"
"This box doesn't have a bottom. You can put anything inside it."
"Even your whole body?"
"Yes, but then you would forever be lost to its depths."
"I see. Thanks for coming to my rescue by the way. Ahuizotl would have left me for dead."
"Ahuizotl?"
"A giant blue cat fiend, who hunts after dangerous treasures. It's my job to stop him."
"You have taken a dangerous quest. I hope you can see it to the end."
"Thanks. Oh, by the way, did you see a statue of a red sun crashing into the world?"
"Ahuizotl ran off with it."
"Crap."
"Huh?"
"That statue has the power to drain the life force of a god."
"What?!" Twilight shouted from the nearby doorway. A look of panic struck across her face.
"Yes," said Daring, "it can, and will, drain the powers of a god that harnesses the sun in any form, be it heat or flame."
"He could use that on Celestia!"
"Celestia?" Asked Artorias.
"She is our monarch, an alicorn who controls the sun, raising it and lowering it every day. She also has a sister named Luna, who controls the moon."
"Ah."
"If he gets that to Celestia, she's a gonor." said Daring.
"We need to get going," said Artorias, "are you feeling okay miss...?"
"Daring. Daring Doo. And yes, I'm feeling fine, a bit dizzy, but fine." She responded, as she stood up onto the floor.
"Good. Twilight, can you wake up Rainbow?"
"I thought she would be out here with you?"
"She isn't here?"
"No."
"Great, now we have to go fi—" Zecora's front door burst open, and Rainbow burst in.
"Twilight, we have to get to Ponyville!"
"Rainbow, what's wrong?" Asked Twilight.
"The town...it's under attack!"
"Then we have no time to lose. Artorias, grab Daring and lets get going."
"Wait what!?" Daring barely got out as Artorias lifted her onto his shoulder. He picked his blade with his right hand, Daring with his left, and sprinted out the door. Twilight and Rainbow followed.
Ponyville
Artorias, Twilight, and Rainbow sprinted out of the forest, breaking through the trees on top of a hill, to gaze upon the whole of Ponyville. What they saw shocked them to their hooves, (or feet). Ponyville was in ruins. Flames were atop every building, and town hall was rubble. The Library where Twilight lived had crashed to the ground, flames devouring it. Carousel Boutique was the only untouched section in the town due yo a magical force field of a bluish tint. Almost the entire town was inside the tiny bubble. Twilight could barely here the insane sound of laughter echoing across the ground. "Wait here." Artorias set down Daring, and ran towards the town.
Artorias dashed through the wreckage of the peaceful town, heading towards the insane laughter that was originating from within he center of the flames. A nearby building began to collapse, and was sealing up the only path. Artorias dashed under, rolling as the building fell. Its destruction trapped him in a circle of flaming rubble. CLAP CLAP CLAP , a slow clapping sound originated from behind him. "Well, well, well. It looks like you found me Artorias." The words were spoken by a female wearing thick armor. It was golden and had a blue cape coming out of the back. He helm was pointed upward, and it reminded Artorias of the armor worn by the giants of Anor Londo.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Dydilus," she replied, "and I can't let you leave here alive." She slowly drew her blade, a thick great-sword of copper color, with ruins inscribed on the bottom.
"Very well then, so be it." said Artorias as he drew his blade.
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She rushed, barely giving time to prepare. She smashed his blade aside, imbedding it into the ground to the right. She slammed her fist into his gut, them grabbed him by the arms and swung him into the center. He landed on his back, knocking the air out of him. She slowly walked up to him as he shakily stood up. He dashed at her, fists raised. She swung her blade down, making him roll to the left, away from his blade. As he stood up, she grabbed him by the plume of his helmet. She punched him in the face, then swung him onto the ground. She stood over him and planted a foot on his chest. She brought her blade over his heart, and shoved it down. Artorias gripped the blade, barely keeping it above his chest. It slowly inched closer, just millimeters above his life. He lost strength and the blade came down. He felt it pierce his skin, impaling him through his ribcage. It barely missed. He looked up, and saw why. His own blade was pushing against hers. He followed it to the hilt, and saw a silhouette. It pushed hers aside, then cut into Dydilus' shoulder. She cried out in pain, and jumped back. Artorias felt the blade slide out of him, blood gushing from the wound. He heard a sound that could only be described as a fleeing wind, then everything went black. The last thing he felt was rain.
Chapter 7: When the rain falls
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The rain fell. Tiny little droplets of insignificant moisture descending from the sky. They didn't matter as Twilight ran. Ponyville slowly burned down around her, but she didn't care. She had to find Artorias. As she ran through the town, she heard a faint sound, like a celestial ringing. She ran towards the noise, teleporting through every building in her way. Fire crackled around, singeing her mane. She burst into a clearing in the wreckage of Ponyville. Lying on the ground was Artorias. She could see blood slowly pouring out in a circle around him. Standing near him was a strange silhouette carrying his blade. It looked to be a stallion due to its size. He looked over, dropped Artorias' sword, and flew off. He dropped something behind as he flew away. It rolled over to Artorias, resting by his left hand. Twilight teleported over, surveying his wound. She knew it pierced threw his entire body due to the blood. It was pouring out at a massive rate, due to the need to pump faster. Twilight started to panic, she didn't know what to do. The rain increased in speed. It started to drop faster, pouring onto Ponyville. She looked around, trying to find anything to cover Artorias. Her eyes came upon the dropped object. It appeared to be some sort of a shell. It glowed an ominous green color. Twilight could sense the magic power coming off it. It wasn't a dangerous kind, and looked edible. She took a chance, and levitated it to Artorias' mouth. She forced open his mouth, and chomped it on the shell. It instintaniosly started to swell, and within a few seconds enveloped Artorias. It then shone with a bright light, and radiated a blast of dark energy outward. It knocked Twilight off her hooves, sensing her crashing into a wall. She slammed her head and lost consciousness.
When she came to, she saw that the fires has been put out. Nearby pegasi were flying in. She shot upwards, and dashed over to Artorias. He was inside a green cocoon, laying on his back. She gasped in surprise as she saw that his wound was gone, not even a scar remained. She was puzzling over this fact when she heard the beating of great wings. Turning around she realized that the Princesses had arrived. "Celestia!" Twilight ran over and hugged her mentor. "What are you doing here?"
"We saw the flames from the palace and decided to come over. What happened?"
"Me and Artorias were in the Everfree—"
"You were in the Everfree?" Asked Luna.
"Yes me, Rainbow, and Artorias were in the Everfree after the giant beast attacked—"
"The beast? You mean the one that came from the ground?"
"Yes, and Artorias was the one to kill it."
"Who is this Artorias, Twilight?" Asked Celestia.
"He's just over here, come on." Twilight led them over to the cocoon, where Artorias was held. "That's him inside."
"What happened to him?" Asked Luna.
"I fed him a strange plant that a mysterious stallion dropped. It morphed around him, and banished his impalement."
"Impalement!?" Celestia asked.
"Yes, he had a wound straight through the center of his chest."
"How did he come here?" Inquired Luna. Twilight proceeded to inform Celestia and Luna about everything that had happened over the night. As she filled them in, Celestia raised the sun, and pegasi directed the rain clouds to where they were needed. As Twilight finished her recap, the cocoon stirred. Twilight ran over, and breathed a sigh of relief to see Artorias stir from his slumber. He tried speaking to her, but she couldn't hear. "I can't here you." She said, and he realized it was soundproof . He laid back down, and took a few breaths. He looked through, and gave Twilight a quick nod. He started a bit when he saw Celestia and Luna look through the cocoon. He threw a quick salute to both of them, the laid back down onto his makeshift healer/prison. Celestia charged up a spell, and then the four of them found themselves in Ponyville hospital, one of the few untouched places. Celestia had the nurses prepare a stretcher, then had them carry him to an operating room. Twilight, Luna, and Celestia had to wait to see what could be done. As they sat there, the rest of Twilight's friends plus Daring Do burst into the hospital. They gathered around, asking Twilight where she had been. After they all sat own, she recapped everything that had happened.
As they waited for Artorias to finish with his cocoon removal, they all went around the hospital, looking at the wounded. Surprisingly, there weren't that many injuries. A few ponies had first to second degree burns, and a few scratches. Lyra, everyone's favorite anthropologist, had a broken hoof. She sat there with BonBon, her hoof in a sling. They came by and said hi, asking how she was. As she assured them she was fine, a doctor came by and whispered something to Celestia. She nodded, and whispered back. As Rainbow boasted about how easily she could recover from that injury, Lyra saw something and her jaw dropped. Everyone asked what was wrong, until they heard the sound of cracking joints. Everyone looked towards he doorway, where Artorias was popping his fingers. He looked in and saw everyone staring at the ends of his front joints. Now that Twilight wasn't in a constant state of adrenaline, she saw that Artorias had something that a certain someone had shown her before lots of times. She was in this very room, in that very bed, and was slowly filling with glee. "You...have...HANDS!" She grabbed him with her magic, much to his surprise, and yanked him over. She brought his hand over to her face, staring in awe at his five different appendages.
"So I guess you don't see many hands?" He asked.
"No." Was everyone's response. "There are no humans in Equestria." Said Lyra. It was very awkward as Artorias floated in the air, with Lyra staring in fascination at his hand. She slowly flexed all his fingers in a row, marveling at his muscles. "Excuse me miss?" Lyra looked up at the floating knight. "Could you please let me down?" With a slight blush from embarrassment, she slowly let Artorias to the ground. He touched down lightly, setting his hands on a nearby table. "Thank you, madam. Now would you be so kind as to let me know your name?"
"Oh, sure. My name's Ly—"
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Lyra was interrupted by a terrifying scream. It writhed through the hospital, shattering glass as it reached every room. Artorias stiffened, listening to the cry. He dashed out the door, followed quickly by Celestia and Luna. Everyone else shared a look of confusion, and followed, (except Lyra and BonBon). Artorias and the Princesses came upon a huge steel door, blasted open by the force of the wails. Artorias and Luna could sense sadness in those screams. They dashed through the door, quickly moving through the hospital. The new area was dark, and lit by tiny lights on the walls. They approached another door, this one made of obsidian, and twelve inches thick. With a nod, Artorias reached for the handle. Before he could open the door, it was blasted open by a fierce explosion. Once he dust settled, Artorias and Luna gazed upon the silhouette standing in its frame, eyes burning a sickening shade of red, with pupils like slits, except pure white. They readied themselves against the upcoming fight.
Chapter 8: When a mare cries
The stallion in standing in front of Luna and Artorias was a fearful sight. His coat was pitch black, and had purple, pulsating symbols across it. His mane was an azure blue, and roared like a fire. He hunched over, and a sick cracking could be heard. His back started to jolt, and suddenly ripped open. Blue fire shot out of the gaps of his back, along with skeletal wings, which cracked into place. He screeched at them again, revealing a second set of teeth. Luna was puzzled when she heard misery in his screams. A bolt of magic shot out of the dust behind the stallion, blasting him in the back. The bolt blasted through his chest, creating a hole in his torso. He screeched again, and the symbols pulsated faster. His chest bubbled, and melted over the hole, closing it. His eyes flashed slightly, and an explosion blasted behind him, along with several screams. He then gazed over Artorias, then Luna. His eyes seemed to dim slightly upon gazing at her, but quickly returned to there previous ferocity. He screeched to the ceiling again, then pumped his wings. He shot towards the roof, blasting through and ascending. Artorias sprinted for the door quickly followed by Luna. At the door they found Celestia and the others. She threw a questioning look to Luna, who simply shook her head. She and Artorias dashed past, moving as fast as they could to get out. Celestia walked into the room, and raged at what she saw before her. The mane six, plus Daring looked in, and gasped in revoltation. The room consisted of a strap down table, and an assortment of torture tools aligning the walls. Blood covered the ground, along with char and smoking pony parts. Fluttershy fainted, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Daring, and Rainbow threw up, and Pinkie's hair deflated.
Meanwhile, Artorias and Luna were dashing through the hospital, pushing anyone out of their way. They burst out of the vault door, and kept running. They threw one the front doors, and looked up.
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The stallion was hovering in the sky, dark clouds swirling around him. He looked down, and shrieked. Artorias took this time to pull out a backup claymore from his box. Luna simply readied her magic. With a screech, the stallion plummeted to the ground, hoofs poised. Artorias realized that he was aiming for Luna, and stepped in, blocking the blow with his blade. He shoved the stallion off, and swung at him. The stallion pumped his wings, sending him towards Luna. She hot bolts of magic at him, but the stallion simply absorbed them. He swung at Luna, and sent her flying. He felt a pierce in his back, as Artorias stabbed him in the middle of his spine. His symbols pulsated faster, and he seemed to slightly increase in size. He twisted his body, snapping the blade in half. He bucked Artorias in the chest, knocking him down. He turned slowly, his body consuming the rest of the claymore. He walked over to Artorias, who stared at his foe. Artorias gasped in surprise, as he saw the stallions chest. Imbedded into his skin was a flaming blue circle, emanating pure darkness. He stallion stood over Artorias, and reached into his own throat. He slowly drew out the blade of the claymore that had been consumed. Artorias rolled away as he shoved it into the ground, inches away from where Artorias' head had just been. He shrieked again and yanked it out. He flew forward as he was bucked from behind by Luna. He turned his head 180, and unhinged his jaws. A blue light built up in his throat, before firing itself at Luna. It singed her mane slightly, and blew up a nearby shrubbery. It shrieked again, staring Luna down. It was grabbed in a choke hold as Artorias grabbed it from behind. Luna looked upon its eyes, staring deeply into them. She nodded as she finely understood what to do. "Artorias, protect me!" Artorias flung the stallion across the ground.
"What!"
"Protect me! Don't hurt him, just protect me!" Luna laid onto the ground, chanting slightly. Artorias picked her up and ran. The stallion followed. As Artorias ran, Luna's chants stopped.
End song.
Luna had entered the world of dreams. She looked around for her destination and saw it. Sticking out of the pitch black landscape was a fog wall. She walked in, and entered the poor stallions dreams. What she saw wasn't what she was expecting. She entered into a field, filled with flowers. Celestia's sun shown down lighting up the day. Luna simply walked on, quickly becoming lost in the infinite landscape. She walked on, trying to find something to help her find her way. She realized that the world was the same in each direction, she turned around, and saw that it was exactly the same as in front of her. "You can't leave."
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She turned around to see a stallion in front of her. He had a simple white coat, and a brown mane that fell over his right eye. His eye was the azure blue of the flame hat was shooting out of the fiend's back. as for his mane, it was slick with rain. Luna realized it was raining, and didn't know when it started. His wings were about medium size, with blue at the tips of the feathers. He had a circle on the center of his chest, a dull gray on his coat. "What?"
"You can't leave. I tried. Whenever you try to, he comes and pushes you back in." With a wave of his hoof, he depicted the stallion that Luna had so recently been fighting. "He controls this realm, and keeps me here. I can sense that he's weakening, and getting tired. I might be able to open a doorway to let you out, for a short time." He waved the image away, looking at Luna. She finally recovered enough to ask, "Who are you?"
"My name is Equinox Shift, and I have been in here for 17 years. Nobody ever stops by, except you."
"Do you have any relatives?"
"I had a family, but I watched them get eaten alive by Manticores." Luna gasped in pity as he continued. "I barely escaped, after they had eaten my leg." With those words, he lifted up his right leg. Luna's eyes started to water as she saw that his right leg was made entirely of metal. "After the surgery, I faded into unconsciousness. When I woke up, I was here, and have been here by myself ever since." The rain fell harder. Luna stood there, tears springing to her eyes. She new exactly what it was like to be alone. Equinox turned away, and lifted his head up into the rain. "You need to go soon, he is starting to dislike the rain." Equinox turned to Luna, and beckoned that she come with him. He walked off, with Luna trailing behind. They eventually came upon a doorway. It was charred and blackened as if been in a fire. Equinox walked up, and paced his hoof upon the door. A gray fog slowly formed in the doorway. Luna walked forward, tears starting to fall from her eyes. "Hey, don't cry." Luna looked towards the mishapen stallion. Her eyes filled with for tears as she saw his right eye. It was glazed over and had a dull red tint. He was blind in his right eye. "Everypony just wants to see you smile." He smiled at her, closing hs eyes and seemed to throw off happiness. Luna nodded, and put on her best smile. She walked through the doorway, and it snapped shut on her.
Artorias ran into an ally, blocked off on all sides. He turned around, and saw the stallion fly in after. He landed on the ground, only a few feet away. Artorias set Luna down, who just started to awaken. The stallion flung himself at Artorias, smashing him into a wall. Artorias hit the ground, unconscious. Luna woke up up, and looked at the figure standing above her. He reached for her, then stopped. He grabbed his skull and shrieked to the dark skies. Luna stood up, and approached the out of control stallion.
[youtube=https://youtube.com/watch?feature=plpp&v=epUOoPuiyZM ]
He saw her approach, and lunged at her. She didn't move out of the way. Instead she let him tackle her. When he tried to get up, he found out he couldn't. He looked to see his body being held in Luna's arms. Tears fell on his back as Luna cried. "Your not alone anymore." The symbols started to slow their pulsating, and his flames died down. He body slowly changed color back to its original form, and his wings grew their feathers back. The symbols disappeared, and his eyes returned to their original form. He blinked, then hugged Luna back, tears falling from his eyes.
Twilight looked towards the hospital door, which opened to reveal Artorias clutching a sword hilt. He was followed by Luna, who was carrying a sleeping stallion on her back. Celestia walked over to Luna and began to inquire what happened. "All in good time sister. First we must give him a bed. "Artorias, Twilight, Celestia and the others all followed her to a new hospital room, where she put the stallion into the covers. Artorias stood by her side, and the Questioning begun.
First was Artorias. "Who are all of you?"
"I'm Celestia, princess of the sun. I control its position and rotation, and I can also harness its power. I have lived for over a thousand years."
"What do you now, those sunlight warriors weren't wrong."
"What?"
"Oh, nothing. Now who are you six?"
"I'm Twilight Sparkle, and personal protege to Celestia." Said the purple unicorn. "I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in Equestria!" Said the rainbow pegasus clothed in shadow. "Ah, I'm Applejack. Nice to meet ya, partner." Said the blond pony in a stetson. "HelloI'mPinkiePienicetomeetyou!" Artorias found himself being spun around by a pink blur. He expertly reached out and grabbed her by her mane. He held her up, gave her a once over and a nice to meet you, then set her on the ground. "I'm F-Fluttershy." said a small voice. Artorias looked for the source and saw a flash of pink in the door. He walked over and held out his hand. A small yellow hoof came out and shook his hand then hid itself. He turned around and looked to the last of the six. "And who are you, my lady?"
"Oh I'm so flattered. My name is Rarity darling." Responded the purple maned fashionista. Artorias looked towards the adventure mare, who was toying with her head bandage. "Who are you?" He asked.
"Oh, my name is Daring, Daring Doo. I'm an adventure, and I travel around the world looking for treasures."
"Alright, just don't take an arrow to the knee."
"Um, okay?"
"Also, who are you?" Artorias directed this question to the midnight princess, who was sitting on a stool by the sleeping stallion.
"I'm Luna, the goddess of the night. I control the moon, and watch over the world of dreams."
"I see."
"Who are you?" Asked Celestia.
"I am Artorias of the Abyss. I am one of the four knights of lord Gwyn."
"Where do you come from?" Asked Twilight.
"I come from Lordran, the realm of lords. It was there where I served lord Gwyn and protected the flame."
"The flame? What's that?" Asked Luna.
"The flame is the light of the world. It is our warmth, and our safety. Without it, the world would be plunged into the Dark."
"What were you doing last?" Rainbow asked.
"I was with my companion Sif, and we were challenging the Abyss."
"W-who is S-Sif?" Inquired Fluttershy.
"Sif was my best friend, and a wolf."
"What happened?"
"We were swarmed by monsters in the Abyss. As we neared a cliff edge, I used my shield to surround Sif in a magical barrier to protect him till help came. The monsters then pushed me off the cliff and to my death, or so I thought."
"I'm sorry." Said Fluttershy.
"It's ok. Really. I'll find a way back and save him."
"What's the Abyss?" asked Celestia.
"The Abyss was a poison that corrupted the land of Oolacile. It poisoned the landscape, and killed the world. I traveled there to defeat he source of the poison, Manus."
"Manus?"
"A fiend who unleashed the Abyss. He was once a simple Mage, but dabbled in the arts of black magic, growing corrupted and becoming a fiend."
"Did you have any friends?" asked Pinkie.
" I had Sif, but I also had another by the name of Ciaran. She was one of the Lords Blades, assassins of Gwyn. We worked together from time to time. But it is a bad omen to see the Darksign in a peaceful place such as this."
"Darksign?" Inquired Luna.
"Yes. The Darksign is a symbol of the undead. Those marked with the Darlsign can never truly be killed. They will just die, come back to life as a hollow, and then attack anyone on sight."
"Hollow?"
"It's a condition where they lose their mind and go insane. This can only be cured with humanity, a mysterious black sprite found on corpses."
"Oh."
"Yes."
"Actually, I have a question for miss Doo." said Twilight.
"Shoot."
"Why are you so close to Ponyville?"
"I came here to see a sister of mine who lives here. She keeps me in-touch with the world, and publishes my stories."
"What! Who is she!?" shouted Rainbow.
"Her name is—" Daring never got to finish because a certain gray mare crashed through the window, slamming into Daring.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. My muffins blew off and I chased them, but I didn't see the hospital." The gray mare pulled herself off the floor, and turned around to help up the mare she knocked over. "I'm really sor— sis!" The gray mare grabbed Daring in a hug.
"Everyone," said Daring, "I want you to meet my sister, Ditzy Doo."
"WHAT!!!" shouted Rainbow. "I can't believe it!"
"Then don't." said Ditzy. She looked around the room, her gaze finally resting on Artorias. "Hey."
"Yes?"
"Want a Muffin?"
"What's a Muffin?" "There was a very audible smack as Ditzy's jaw hit the floor.
"What! You've never had a Muffin!? Here, eat one now." Ditzy flew up and shoved a muffin into Artorias' mouth. He simply chewed the muffin, his face thoughtful.
"It's...good?"
"Alright then." said Ditzy, a smile on her face. "Oh sis, Did you have a new story for me to publish?"
"Yup, I sure do." Daring pulled out a leather-bound book, and put it in Ditzy's satchel. As this was happening, Artorias saw a compass rose on the flank of Daring.
"What's that?" He inquired, pointing to the mark.
"What, don't you have cutie marks where come from?" Asked Twilight.
"No, and what do these marks symbolize?"
"They symbolize your special talent."
"I see." As Artorias opened his mouth to speak, a huge explosion came from the center of town. He snapped his mouth shut, and walked out the door. Most of them followed him, eager to see the commotion. Luna stayed behind to watch Equinox, whose eyes began to flutter.
Chapter 10: Knights also have friends
Artorias and the others ran towards the explosions coming from the ruins of Ponyville. They caught sight of a giant pair of horns over the destruction, but they disappeared. "Wait here." Artorias warned. he ran towards the scar in the ground that formed the day before. Rainbow, Twilight, and Celestia ran after him. Everyone else ran towards a nearby hill that overlooked Ponyville. The ground shook as something impacted the ground. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and the rest saw Artorias and the other three near the pair of horns that were rising over Ponyville.
[Ponyville Hospital ]
"Where...where am I?"
"You are in Ponyville Hospital, Equinox." Equinox slowly opened his eyes. He saw a white room, with curtains hanging over a single window that showed the blazing sun. There was a heart monitor connected to a pony with a bandaged mane, and there was an alicorn that shone like the night sky.
"Who are you?"
"I am Luna, Princess of the Night. I am Celestia's sister, the ruler of the sun."
"Who? There are no rulers of the sun and Moon, except for Dawnestra."
"Dawnestra!? That is the name of my mother!"
"That is impossible. Her reign started but six years ago."
"What are you talking about? My mother's reign was thousands of years ago." Luna pondered over this strange Pegasus' thoughts. He seemed to remember a time long since past, but talked like the modern age. "Where have you been these past years?"
"I can't seem to remember. I know that I used to be part of a secret forces unit that hunted dangerous creatures that threatened Dawnestra's rule."
"Creatures like?"
"For example-" BOOM!!! A huge shock-wave shook the ground, shaking the hospital. The sound of glass shattering came from the other side of the door."-that." Equinox started to get up, but was pushed back into the bed by Luna.
"No, thou shalt stay in bed."
"I'm sorry madam, but I really need to go."
"You can't possibly be moving around in such bad shape!"
"I assure, Luna, that I'm perfectly fine. Now if you'll excuse, I have a beast to defeat."
"No, you shall stay here!" Luna forced him back into the bed, and used her magic to hold him down. "Others are already taking care of the problem.
[Ponyville ]
Artorias, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Celestia all neared the horns that were rising over the ruins of the town. "Okay, we're going to play this smart. Rainbow, I want you to stick to the shadows and aim for its vital points. Twilight, I want you to bombard it safely at a distance with your most powerful magic. Celestia, I want you to do the same from the air. Everybody understand?" Artorias got three nods in response. "Alright, lets do this." They all ran for the area where the horns and shock-waves were coming from. What they saw was a complete surprise.
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Standing by the side of the crack in the ground was a huge beast wielding a giant hammer. It was currently swinging it at a pair of warriors who were, strangely enough, dancing. One of them wore golden armor that looked like a giant lion, and had a lance attached to his back, much like Artorias. The other was of blue dressing, and wore a mask to cover their face. As the demon swung at them they grabbed each other, and WALTZED out of the way. The hammer smashed where they were just standing. The demon snarled and swung his hammer at them. The golden lion threw his partner into the air and ducked the swing of the hammer. As the hammer passed and the demon roared in anger, the golden lion expertly caught his partner and spun them both till they were right at the crack. The demon roared again and charged at them again, head lowered to skewer them on his horns. They both leaned in, them pushed each other out of the way, spinning. The demon ran in-between them, and fell into the crack, plummeting to his death. They both span back into each other, and the gold lion dipped the masked partner as the demon roared out his death.They got back up, walked to the edge, and bowed. Artorias sat their with a foolish grin, Twilight sat there dumbfounded, and Celestia was having a very hard time trying not to giggle. The lion turned around, walked over to the unsuspecting audience, and bowed. "Did you enjoy the show, Artorias?"
Chapter 11: Memories long forgotten
"Ornstein!" Artorias rushed forward, clasping Ornstein in a friendly one-armed hug. "How did you get here?"
Ornstein's emotions took a drastic fall "Smough has gone insane. We were challenging the Chosen Undead and his companions when I fell. I reached for Smough, when I saw his hammer falling. Next thing I knew, I was here." Ornstein's emotions rose back up. "But that's not important right now. Who are your friends?" Artorias wasn't truly listening. His gaze was on the figure that was standing by the Crack of Ponyville. He slowly started to approach the figure.
"I'm sorry about Artorias, Mister Ornstein." Said Celestia, who took over the awkward silence. "I'm Celestia, ruler of Equestria. Next to me is Twilight Sparkle, my personal prodige." Twilight blushed a bit, and nodded. "On my left is Rainbow Dash, the element of loyalty."
"And the best flyer in all of Equestria. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"The 'pleasure' is mine." Ornstein responded sarcastically.
"Hey!"
"So you're a friend of Artorias'?" asked Twilight who was looking up at Ornstein's helm.
"Yes, I'm Ornstein the Dragonslayer."
"DRAGONSLAYER?" The three shouted.
"Um... yes? In Lordran, dragons are rather fearsome creatures. To kill one is an amazing feet, usually earning you some respect. Are dragons peaceful here?"
"My assistant is a dragon." responded Twilight.
"Oh. I'm also the lead knight of the Four Knights of Gwyn. The other Knights are Artorias, Gough, and the Lord's Blade-"
"Ciarin!" Artorias had broken into a dead run. As the blue robed figure turned around, Artorias scooped them into his arms, enveloping them in a great bear hug.
"Artorias?!" A feminine voice responded. The blue robed figure quickly wrapped her arms around him. "I thought I would never see you again."
"But you have, and I won't leave you again, Ciarin."
Twilight and the others watched the two of them hug. It didn't last long as another tremor shook the ground. "Artorias, Ciarin, get out of there!" shouted Ornstein. They released each other and sprinted for the group. The ground below them began to deteriorate. The both of them jumped across the crumbling ground as flames shot out. They stopped by the group as something began climbing out of the hole. "Can't we get a break?!" cried Ornstein.
"Not really," said Artorias. He looked towards Ciarin and gave her a dashing smile. She felt herself blush under her mask as the tremors grew worse. A roar shot out of the ground as more smoke came out.
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A harsh red light had been growing as the group had gotten to know each other. With a roar, three figures leaped out of the ground. The first, on the left, was a demon from the undead asylum. It swung it's club around and smashed the ground. Next in the middle was a Capra demon. It lifted it's great-swords in mock challenge. Finally, on the right, was a Centipede demon. This terrifying monstrosity was the source of the light, and lava oozed out of the pores on it's body. It roared to the heavens, where a fierce storm had started to gather. It's tail swung around, and roared it's defiance to being in the open air.
Ornstein's demeanor changed from jokingly complaining to leadership. "Twilight and Celestia, the one on the left. Artorias and Ciarin, the one on the right. Rainbow Dash, on me."
"Right."
Twilight and Celestia sprinted towards the one on the left. The Capra demon sprinted towards the group but was intercepted by Rainbow dash who cut at it's legs. Twilight looked away from the scene and saw the club swinging down at her. She teleported behind the beast and fired magic bolts at it. "Twilight," cried Celestia, "keep it distracted." Twilight nodded and fired more magic at it. She lured it away from Celestia as best as she could. She looked over and saw Celestia charging up a powerful spell. As she focused her attention forward she, saw the demon swing. She rolled to the side as the club crushed where she was just standing. It growled, and swung again. This time the club grazed her side, and she flew into a nearby tree. As she looked through her blurred vision, she saw the club rise again, and closed her eyes. Her eyelids were filled with a bright light, then nothing. As she opened her eyes, she saw a mountain of ashes lying a few feet in front of her. She blinked her eyes and saw Celestia walk over. Celestia smiled and lifted her off the ground. They looked over towards the others and gasped in shock.
Meanwhile, Rainbow had intercepted the attack from the Capra demon. It roared at her, and span around, swinging its blades in a circle. Rainbow yelped, and flew into the air. The Capra snarled and lept after her. As it neared Rainbow it raised it's blades. As Rainbow prepared to fly away, Ornstein shot through the air, lightning sparkling from his lance. He intercepted the Capra's swing, and stabbed it in the chest. Ornstein took a quick look around, and saw Rainbow sitting on a cloud, watching. "Want to help?" said Ornstein as the capra roared, and they both plummeted to the ground. Rainbow circled them as they fell, the ground getting larger and larger. She took this chance to cut the backs of its legs, preventing it from moving. They fell faster and faster, the ground got closer and closer. The Capra made one last swing, and hit Ornstein in the chest. He grabbed onto the blade, and they smashed into the ground.
Earlier, at Ponyville hospital
Luna sat in chair, watching Equinox sleep. She remembered his struggling, as he desperately thought something was wrong. After struggling for some time, he just stopped, and fell unconscious. She sighed as she watched him sleep. For some reason, while he was struggling she saw his coat start to change color. But she must have been imagining things, because his coat was a pristine white, and his mane a light brown. It fell across his face and covered his right eye. As she sat there, the nurse came in and replaced his water jug. As soon as the nurse left, Equinox stirred from his slumber. Luna sat up and walked over. For some reason, he reminded her of someone, but she couldn't remember. As she walked up to the bed, Equinox opened his eyes. He bolted up, and grabbed Luna's shoulders with his hooves. "We need to go, now."
"What are you talking about, Equinox? You are staying right here." she said, as she lowered his hooves.
"There is no time to argue. Celestia and the others are in danger. We need to get by the Gate."
"What gate? You are going to stay right here."
"I said we need to GO!" He grabbed her again, and his hair flew away from his face. She gasped as she saw that his right eye had become a flaming red, and his left eye was beginning to change as well.
"Alright, we'll go." She lifted him off of the bed, and placed across her back. She spread her wings and took off through the window.
The Gate
Artorias and Ciaran had been taking on the Centipede demon. It roared at them, and shot lava from its pores. They jumped back from the shots and the ground corrupted and burned around them. Artorias spat at the demon, and rushed forward, shortly followed by Ciaran. The demon lunged out at them, its arm launching forward. Artorias turned slightly to the right and swung his blade. It connected to the arm, and split it down the middle. The demon roared, and pulled its arm back. The arm lifted itself into the air, and Ciaran watched in horror as it slowly regrew its tissue. Once the arm was fully whole again, the beast roared at stomped the ground. Seeing Artorias charge at him from about 20 meters away, it launched its arm forward again. As it neared Artorias, he repeated his last action. But instead of shoving itself on the blade, the arm snaked around and punched Artorias in the chest. He flew across the ground, bouncing a few times before raking the ground. Meanwhile, Ciaran had been sneaking up on it from the side. She approached its tail, and darted forward, daggers snaking forward and glowing. The demon roared in pain as its tail fell from its body. Ciaran smirked as the appendage slowly fell. What she didn't expect was for the tail, to rear off the ground and charge at her. It snapped at her and sunk its teeth into her arm. She cried in pain and hacked at the tail. It fell off and roared at her. As she limped away, it lashed out again, but this time Artorias was there to cut the tail in half with a mighty downward swing. As the tail dissipated, a ring fell into Artorias' hand. As he put it on his finger, he was picked up by the Centipede demon, his sword falling from his hand.
[ c ]
Twilight and Celestia were staring at Ornstein, who was climbing out of the crater made by the Capra's fall. As he got and waved, he realized that they were staring behind him. As he turned, he gasped in shock and anger as he saw the Centipede eat Artorias whole. It reared its head, and lunged at Ciaran. Ornstein and the three ponies rushed towards her, but knew they weren't going to make it. Twilight and Rainbow closed their eyes, as its mouth opened to enclose Ciaran.
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THUMP THUMP THUMP. Twilight and Rainbow opened there eyes and saw the demon snapping at a great golden barrier. Inside the barrier was Luna, Ciaran, and Equinox, whose horn was shining a brilliant golden. His body seemed to be stretching, and his coat was shining with a great brilliance. Along his body, there were two bubbling spots, as if acid was melting something down. His mane seemed two recede, and his horn grew longer. His eye was shining a bright blue, the left one a bloody red. Just as his mane was going to disappear, it shot back out and flared like a fire. It swirled around and flared like the sun. It was composed of two colors, a bright blue and a flaming orange. His eyes sparkled. His mouth was two different emotions. The left was a calm line, while the right was an insane grin. His body laughed, but out came two voices. One insane and the other caring. As they finished laughing, they spoke.
"Well isn't this a problem," the voices spoke. "We can handle it. Let's just finish this quickly, we're being stared at." "Party pooper. We want to see its blood rain from the sky." "No, that would be inappropriate." "Ah man, not fair." "Lets just get this over with." They charged up there magic, and the horn got longer, rivaling Celestia's. As they released there magic, a pair of bone-like wings shot out. The barrier blasted outwards, and smacked the still thumping demon in the face. Quick as lightning, they dashed over to Artorias' sword. As the beast looked back at the group, it saw the split alicorn in front of its face. "Hello." Two voices, combined, into one, greeted the demon. It opened its jaw, which was a horrible idea. They dashed into its mouth, and down its throat. They had shoved Artorias' blade up through the roof of its mouth, and had kept it there as they went down its throat. It gasped in pain as they bounced in its insides, Artorias' blade poking holes in its body. It roared one last time, before it exploded. As pieces of its body rained down. They all looked towards the center of the explosion, they saw the alicorn standing there with Artorias across its back. It chuckled, before freezing up. It then screamed to the heavens, where the cry was heard across the world. It was filled with pure pain, the essence of it lying in that scream. As the alicorn fell, everyone could catch the insane voice say, "I win." as it fell unconscious.
They all sat there, unable to believe their eyes as the scream died out. The bi-polar alicorn slowly faded, and Equinox was left in his place. The dark clouds that had gathered slowly parted, and a ray of sunlight shined down. It fell upon Luna, who was slowly walking up to Equinox. Artorias had woken up as the sun had shone, and hoisted Equinox up. Luna walked over to Artorias, and stood by him as they started to walk to the distant Ponyville Hospital. Ornstein and Ciaran followed suite, coming to stand close to the small group. Rainbow joined them, and they marched over to the Hospital. Celestia slowly surveyed the carnage. A pile of ashes, the Capra lifeless in a crater, and bits of centipede everywhere. "Princess, what happened?"
"That, Twilight, was light and dark working together. That was good and evil co-operating. That, was not good." Twilight watched the leaving group. She was unsure, but she swore she saw something in their shadows. She and Celestia both started following, the clouds blocking out the sun.
Ponyville Hospital
Luna, Rainbow, and the Knights escorted Equinox to his room, where he was laid to rest. Rainbow flew to the cafeteria, followed by the trio. Twilight and Celestia both entered and saw quite a bustle. Apparently, everyone had heard the scream of pain. Celestia took Twilight to see the head of the hospital and together they started to question him about Equinox and why he was locked in the basement that nobody noticed. As this was all happening, the Elements and Daring had shown up to ask around about any strange occurences that had been happening recently. Luna was in the room with Equinox, a private room on the top floor. As she sat there, she pondered over what was happening with Equinox. Two different forms for one pony. It shouldn't be possible. Not to mention afterwards. Why did he scream so harshly? What could hurt him so? As she pondered, the door opened to admit a brown stallion, with a cutie mark of a hourglass. "Don't mean to interrupt anything, but I'm the Doctor."
"We know who you are, Doctor. Your blue box has flown through are night enough times."
"Ah. Well, I'm here to check on Blaze, if you don't mind."
"Blaze? This stallion's name be'eth Equinox. Pardon are olden tongue."
"No bother, but I see Equinox sleeping there on the bed. I'm talking to you, mister Blaze."
You actually saw me? Good for you. Did anyone else?
"Only miss Sparkle. Care to show yourself?"
Oh alright.
The Doctor pulled out his sonic screwdriver from a coat pocket. After fumbling with it, he turned off the light. In the semi-dark room, The doctor shined a flashlight across Equinox. As the shadow sprung up on the wall. The Doctor powered up his screwdriver, and pointed at the wall shadow. After a few seconds, The shadow of Equinox slowly started to morph. As it morphed, parts of the shadow started to change color. After a few seconds, Luna saw a frightening image on the wall. There, on the wall, was the Demonic form of Equinox when they first saw him, but slightly different. It was the color of a shadow, except for several red streaks across its frame. Its mane was a slight orange, slowly blazing like a dying flame. It grinned, a small chaotic grin that stretched across its face, revealing a sharp row of canines.
"Who art thou?" Luna said slightly afraid.
Hello, I'm Shadow Blaze.
"Ah, he shows himself at last." Exclaimed The Doctor.
Oh, do shut up. The shadows quivered, then shot at the doctor. They slammed him into the wall, where he fell, unconscious. That's better. Muahahahahahah. His voice was deep and menacing, seeming to reach the bottom of Luna's soul. Now, my dear Luna, tell me what's wrong.
"How does thou know me?" she asked a bit shaken.
Oh, don't you remember? I remember you when you were a child. All happy and frolicking with your stupid father. The world was so dull. Everything was perfect. There were even Draqounisi back then. I was just a random civilian, and I remember how everyone was so excited to see "The Lunar Goddess" But I'm not here to grouch and gribe. I'm here to show you.
"Show me what?"
The truth about Equinox's past.
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Luna's vision was blinded by a white light, but was gone as fast as it came. She was in Equinox's room in the hospital, but something was off. Everything was gray and discolored. She saw ponies rushing past the door, yelling at each other. Luna peeked around the corner and saw a room being crowded around. She walked over to the room and the crowd parted around her. She entered the room, where she met a gruesome sight. Lying on a bed was a colt, crying into the world. It had a chipped horn, and bloody wings that where almost completely bone. The bed was slightly stained due to the blood coming out of his wings. In the corner was a slightly bloody lump that was faintly stained. It wasn't moving. Luna stared at the pitiful sight, disgusted at the doctors and nurses just standing there. She couldn't stand anymore, and smacked the doctor standing over the foal in the face. She gasped in shock as the hoof passed through the doctors head. She watched in sadness as the staff all placed a hoof on there chest and put there heads down as the foal went unconscious. She saw no other choice then to interfere herself. She charged up her magic, remembering a spell that she learned as a prank, that gave someone the appearance of either a Unicorn or a Pegasus. Slightly modifying the spell, she lowered her horn to the colt's head. As the spell made contact, it flashed with the brilliance of the stars. The colt's body started to bubble, and his horn disappeared. His wings slowly started to branch out and grow muscle and feathers. After a few painful seconds, it was done. Luna stood up, and looked at the sight. The colt had no horn, but instead a beautiful pair of wings that circle around his tiny body. As she stood there smiling, she heard a voice. "We're proud of you Lulu. " As she froze with shock, the world started to fade. The last thing she saw was an Earth pony with a jet black mane walk in.
Her vision started to light up again, and she saw that she was on a farm in a obsolete location. She could just barely see the tip of Canterlot mountain in the distance. The farm had several different types of crops growing. Looking around, she saw that the Earth pony she saw was sitting on the front porch to a house. The house was simple, and had the necessities for a comfortable life. She trotted over, and approached the mare on the porch. "Excuse me? Where am I?"
"Your in Purgatory, my dear." said the mare. She was a simple turquoise mare with a jet black mane. "At least, that's what we call this place, mainly because nothing happens here. Its just nice and quiet, except for those birds."
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Luna didn't notice, but she realized she could here birds. She glanced around, but she couldn't see any. "My son is out back, behind the barn." Luna nodded, and went behind the barn. There she saw the colt that had been in the hospital. He was sitting down staring at the ground. As she walked over, she tried to peek over his shoulder. As she neared, she saw that his wings were down on the ground, writing something. When she was behind the colt she saw what he was doing and gasped in surprise. On the ground in front of him was a hole. Inside the hole was...water. Just water. But floating on the hole was an intense algorithm that only Canterlot scholars knew. The colt turned his head around and saw Luna.
"Hello there!" Luna jumped back in shock as he spoke in two different voices. "Do you want to meet my best friend?" With that, he turned around. He put his hoof on the water, and the algorithm glowed. The image in the water shifted, and grew red. As the water rippled, a different image appeared. The world was red, and the colt changed. In his place was a filly that was pitch-black, and had great locks of orange hair, and instead of wings, she had a horn. She looked back at the colt, and waved.
"Hi, Equinox!" Luna shook with surprise as she realized that the colt in front of her was Equinox. Which could only mean...
"Hi, Blaze!" Luna's suspicions were confirmed as Equinox waved back at the filly. "Ready to trade?"
"Yeah!" Blaze nodded and charged up her magic. An auburn glow surround the colt and filly, and they started to cry as pain racked their bodies. After a few seconds, Their bodies started to ripple. Their cries started to get louder as Equinox's wings started to shrivel and shrink, while Blaze's horn did the same. As their selected parts grew smaller, the part they din't have started to emerge. Equinox started to grow a horn, while Blaze had bone-like wings come out of her back. With a bright flash, it was done. Equinox now had a horn, and Blaze had a pare of pitch-black wings. "Tomorrow we switch again?"
"Yup." said a crying Equinox. They both wiped away their tears, and the water rippled again. Once it calmed, it was just a simple reflection. Luna slowly walked away as Equinox started to recite spells. She passed by the front of the house as the mare started to hum a tune. The word began to fade, and Luna closed her eyes. From what Luna heard, it was a tune of death.
The began to refocus, and Luna slowly gained posture. When she opened her eyes, she saw the one thing she didn't expect. Herself.
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She was standing on the ground, yet her other self was in the air. With a jolt, she realized that she was staring at Nightmare Moon. Nightmare was floating above the ground, burning everything in her night. Luna looked around and saw fires everywhere. She noticed she was in ponyville, and it was dead. Chard bodies lay everywhere, and the world was red. Nearby was the portal to a world. And standing by that portal, was Equinox. He was his current age, and on the opposite side was Blaze. They were looking at each other, and there were tears in their eyes. With a nod, they began to push at the portal. Blaze slowly started to come out of the portal, and into Equinox. His body started to pulsate, and began to change color. As Blaze finished merging with Equinox, a different being stood in his place. It was the Alicorn from earlier, and it was ataring at Nightmare. She saw this, and laughed her evil chuckle. "You ponies really think you have a chance? FOOLS! Everything must have a darker side. The Alicorn gasped as a being from inside the portal reached out and took hold of them. They struggled to get away, but they couldn't. With a gasp, Luna watched as Blaze and Equinox were taken over, and replaced by that medieval pony took over their body. It cackled, and joined Nightmare's side. Luna watched in horror as together, Nightmare and it started to destroy the world. Out of the corner of her eyes, Luna saw a bright flash. The world went dark, and she fell unconscious.
Luna woke up. She was back with Equinox and Blaze. As she took a quick glance around, she saw the unconscious Doctor lying passed out against the wall. Blaze was slumped, and due to a crooked shadow, was in mare form. As Luna approached, Blaze stood up. "So now you know. I'm Equinox's shadow, his opposite. We are supposed to be separated in different worlds, but due to what happened, we aren't. There should never be two souls in one body. " She said as she faced Luna. "The longer I'm in Equinox's body, the longer his mind will be compressed. Eventually, he'll die. And when one side dies, so does the other, unless killed by the other with with no resentment. " As Blaze turned away, Luna saw a tear leak from her eye.
"Is there any way to save him?"
"You must take him into the crack. There lies a portal to the shadow, where I was born. There, Equinox must use his magic to etch in the algorithm you saw. Afterwards, he must push against the portal. Doing so shall allow me to leave his body. But be warned. There shall lie some of the fiercest monsters to ever exist, as well as your opposites. Be prepared, but if you don't hurry, he will die. " The curtains suddenly flew away, letting in sunlight. The shadow was dispelled, and Blaze was gone. Luna rushed out of the room to gather everyone.
She found Celestia and Twilight talking to the Director, found Rainbow ogling over Daring in the cafeteria, with Ornstein listening to Daring's stories. She found Artorias and Ciarin having a picnic behind the hospital. After she gathered them all in Equinox's room, she explained the situation. "So we must journey to the bottom of that accursed pit?" Growled Artorias in disgust.
"Yes, it is the only way to save Equinox." replied Luna.
"Why are we helping this bozo anyway?" whined Rainbow.
"Because he is an Alicorn like me and Luna." said Celestia. "Alicorns are very few, and we must help every single one we find."
"Oh."
"So down there we will find are shadows?" asked Ornstein.
"Not exactly. There we will find are opposites, are other half. Our other half is what keeps us whole. To kill your other half would be to kill part of yourself. It is very dangerous." said Luna.
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" asked Ciarin. "Let's go!"
"Actually, we are waiting for someone." said Celestia.
"Who?" asked Twilight.
"You really think you would go into battle without me, Twilight Sparkle?" There, standing in the doorway was the one pony nopony expected.
"Applebloom!?"
"Huh? Oh, no. I'm just here to visit Lyra. Just wanted to say hi. See yah'll later."
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Applebloom scurried away, and in her place was a very regal Griffon. He was around as tall as Celestia, and had a blue waistcoat with a gold trim on. Under that was a cyan shirt, and a pair of green jeans. He was a light brown, and his chest had fine streaks of red running across it. The top of his head was black, and he had a small stache to show off as well. In the pockets of his waistcoat were tons upon tons of maps.
"Hello Princess. Good to see you again."
"And you as well, Linebeck." The griffon waltzed into the room, and laid a map down onto the table. "This is my plan of attack. We need to hit em fast, and we need to hit em hard!"
"Uh, Linebeck, this is a map of Canterlot's finest eateries."
"I know. I'm starving, what'd you expect? Had to sail across the high seas to get here. Not a bite to eat the entire way."
"Why didn't you just catch some fish?"
"Didn't think of that, but it's a good plan. Now," he said as he leaned onto the table, "What are we doing?"
Chapter 15: The Chasmic Abyss
"Everypony, this is Captain Linebeck, our final companion." said Celestia, her eyebrow twitching in annoyance. "He will be in charge of navigation as we attempt to save Equinox."
"Who now? asked Linebeck, who was currently massaging his stomach.
"Actually I'm a bit confused as well. Why are we going to risk our life for one unicorn?" asked Ornstein, who was carrying a tray of roasted sweet potatoes.
"Ah, thank the seas." Linebeck reached over and took three-fourths of the potatoes, and dropped them in his mouth, swallowing them whole. His eyes started to water. "Hot!" He started to run around the room fanning his mouth. Ornstein tripped him, making Linebeck land on his back, them poured the contents of the water jug down his throat.
"I like em spicy." said Ornstein as Artorias, Ciaran, and Rainbow Dash all grabbed one.
"Back on the subject," intervened Celestia, "Equinox is actually an alicorn, but his powers were split between him and his opposite 'shadow', Shadow Blaze. As such, he can change between the two at will, but it is extremely painful. This has never happened before, and it is vital we learn about it. Right now, Equinox and Blaze are sharing one body, which is slowly crushing his mind. We need to get down to the portal so we can seperate them."
"Let me guess, the portal is at the bottom of the chasm in the middle of Ponyville, and we are gonna risk our lives climbing down said monster infested chasm?"
"That about sums it up, yes." said Luna.
"I'm out." With that Linebeck started to leave, pausing to grab another of Ornstein's potatoes.
"HOW COULD THEE-- " Celestia shoved her hoof in Luna's mouth.
"Oh well, we tried. I guess you won't be getting any of that treasure." said Celestia, as she slowly gazed around the room, then looked back at Linebeck.
Linebeck visibly twitched, and stopped right outside the door. "Now testify!" screamed a red stallion who was chasing a purple one. Linebeck slowly turned around, the potato halfway to a gaping jaw. He closed his beak and slowly walked over. Opening his mouth, he slowly ate the potato. The group watched him as he slowly ate. When he finished, they all leaned closer in expectation.
"Treasure?"
"Treasure."
They watched as Linebeck closed his eyes and seemed to think. Then he ran from the room cackling "Treasure, TREASURE! HAHAHAHAHA! " Celestia chuckled.
"Works every time."
The Chasm
It sat there like a scar in the world, a red glow coming from inside the chasm. The chasm was around 50 yards across and 100 long. It was night, and the group had arrived. There they found Linebeck shining his claws by a hot air balloon. "Took you guys long enough."
"Where'd you get the balloon?" asked Twilight, as the knights of Gwyn stared at the strange object in front of them.
"Found it."
"Ah."
"So, what's the plan?" asked Luna, who was gazing into the chasm.
"Simple," said Linebeck as he walked over to the chasm, the group joining the two by the side. "We head for that ledge down there." said Linebeck, as he pointed into the pit. Down in the depths of the chasm was a ledge with a doorway in the rock. Underneath was nothing but lava. "That's our way in."
Walking back to the balloon, Linebeck hopped in and turned to the group. "Ready to go?"
"Yup." replied almost everyone as they hopped into the balloon. The knights hesitated, as Ornstein examined the balloon.
"How is this gonna get us down there?" asked Ornstein.
"Hop in and see." responded Linebeck.
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As the knights hopped into the balloon, Linebeck lit the coals. He slowly released the gas, and the balloon slowly lifted into the air. Ciaran grabbed onto Artorias as the balloon lifted into the air. Linebeck chuckled as they hovered over the chasm. He closed the air hatch, and they began to fall. They slowly fell deeper and deeper into the chasm. Ciarin gasped as the walls enclosed them. Linebeck released more hot air as they began to fall faster, but it didn't work. "Uh oh."
"UH OH! What is uh oh?!" said Celestia.
"The air inside of the balloon is the same heat as the air outside. Basically, we're going to crash."
Those words hung in the air for a few seconds befo-
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" CRASH!
The Dark
"Uhh, my head. Why can't I see anything? Hold on." shick, shick, shick, FWOMP! "Ah, much better." The torch lit up the area, revealing Ornstein inside a cave. He looked around, and saw a familiar pony. "Rainbow Dash!" He rushed over, and picked up her body, checking for vitals. He sighed with relief as her chest pounded against his hand. He took off his helmet, and tied it to his side. He then gripped the torch in-between his teeth as he lifted Rainbow from the ground. "And ey mocked me for carrying fint and steel." He said, as he began to explore the cave.
The Illusory Gardens
Ciaran sat up, and rubbed her head. Next to her was Artorias, who was also waking up. "Where are we?" He asked.
"It looks like a garden."
"How did we end up here?"
"I don't know. But we better find the others." said Artorias
"Right." They both got up, and started walking.
The Desecrated School
"Wake up, Wake up!"
"Uh, I want that cake." Celestia opened her eyes to see Twilight shaking her.
"Thank goodness your awake." said Twilight in relief. "Princess, do you know where we are?"
"It looks like an abandoned school. But how did we get here?"
"I don't know Princess. But we should move. I feel like we're being watched."
"I know." The unicorn helped up the alicorn, as they were watched by a pair of eyes behind a cold mask.
The Factory
Luna had managed to stay conscious throughout the whole crash. As they were falling, she had seen a mysterious figure open a portal that split them all into groups of two. She and Linebeck had been paired together, but Equinox had been sent down a single portal on his own. She feared for his safety. On her right were the remains of the balloon. On her left was a griffon muttering about treasure and the open seas. Luna sighed, and wondered about the mysterious shadow.
Chapter 16: Do You Remember?
Thump, Thump, Thump.
The Dark
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Ornstein walked through the dark cave. Around him was nothing but black, the light from his torch shined around him. Rainbow Dash was in his arms, breathing faintly. The only sounds were of Rainbow Dash breathing, the crackling of his torch, and the thumps of his footsteps. He shuddered, memories forcing themselves into his brain. "No!" he shouted, forcing them away. He continued walking through the cave. Memories of the past again flooded his mind, faster than he could react.
They were all gathered around one of the Undead bonfires. They were all laughing at Ciarin as she ate one of his sweet potatoes. Artorias slowly handed her the water jug, which she chugged as fast as she could.
"NO! Not again!"
Ornstein struck down the Manta frog, but it was too late. It had ambushed Gough and struck in-between the crack of his helm. The moss was already beginning to grow. Gough would be forever blind.
"I SAID NO! Please, no."
"You don't have to do it Artorias."
"But I must. If I don't, the Abyss will devour the world. He turned to Ciarin. "Stay safe, okay?"
"Of course, Artorias."
He fell to the ground Rainbow Dash falling from his arms onto the ground. "No, please no."
"Pity, I expected more from the fabled Lords Blade. Oh well. Maybe next time." The Marvelous Chester dove through the portal, which closed before he could grab him. Ornstein fell to the ground, tears leaking from his mask.
The torch rolled across the ground, fluttering in an illusory wind.
The Sky
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Rainbow Dash flew. She flew in an endless sky. Nothing could keep her down. She was the essence of freedom. As she flew, she smiled and forgot everything. She was content to fly on and on, the only thing existing was the sky and her. So she flew onward, no boundary to stop her.
Wake up
"Huh? Who's there?" She asked.
It's time to wake up, Dashie. That voice, so familiar.
"Where are you?" She stopped, and hovered in midair. The sky started to blur in front of her. A mare with a coat of the lightest blue appeared in front of her. Nothing was special about this mare, except for her deep purple hair, her horn, which was cracked down the middle, and a gash across her left eye.
Time to wake up Dashie. Time to open your eyes.
"Mom? Is that you?"
Time to wake up Dashie. The mare started to fall out of the sky, falling downwards.
"MOM!" Rainbow Dash shot downwards, her hoof stretching out to the mare. The ghost stretched out her hoof as well, reaching for Dash.
"Good night, Dashie. See you in the morning. The mare closed her eyes, dissipating before Dash's eyes.
"MOM!" Rainbow flew faster closing her eyes as the ground rushed up to meet her.
Time to wake up.
The Dark (Switch songs.)
Three graves. Three flowers, blue, purple, and yellow. Three friends, never forgotten. "You seem upset, great warrior." Ornstein turned around, greeting a mysteriously clothed figured, wrapped in a gold-lined cloak, wearing the mask of a child. "Do you miss them? I think they were rather dumb, to get killed off like that." With a roar, Ornstein lunged at the figure. His lance was blown away by an invisible force, and he was lifted into the air, choking. "That's not a nice way to treat people. After all," the mask blew away. "I'm your friend right?" Ornstein was greeted by his own face, sneering up at him. It lifted one of its arms, and launched darkness at him. He was hit, and fell unconscious.
"Time for you to awaken, old friend. We hath awaited thee."
The Illusory Gardens
Artorias and Ciarin stood in the Gardens. Bright sunlight poured around them, as a fountain spurted beautiful water in front of them. Birds flew overhead as they gasped in wonder. Ciarin walked over to the hedge walls, where bright red fruits grew. Ciarin picked one, looking in awe at its appearance. It was bright red, and was covered in lots of tiny seeds. It was shaped like a cone, with a little tuft of green at the top. Lifting her mask, she took a small bite out of the tip. Her eyes widened as the juice ran down her chin. "MMMMMMMMMmmmmm." she groaned as she started plucking them by the dozens, fitting as many as she could into her pockets.
"Ciarin? What are you doing?" said Artorias as he walked over. His response was to get a fruit shoved into his mouth. He fell backwards as he was assaulted by the taste. Gasping at the flavors, he started to eat more of the fruits, but stopped. He remembered those who were still lost, and reminded Ciarin as well. They both sadly left the hedge, and wandered into the exit. As they walked, they both pondered over what would happen. Hearing a rustling, Artorias turned around and saw... nothing. Nothing but hedge. He ran back to where they had come from, but it was gone. Nodding to Ciarin, they both began jogging through the maze.
Ciarin was keeping watch, looking for any paths. Grabbing Artorias, she tugged him into a path that seemed to appear out of the corner of her eye. Just as they made it through, the hedge closed behind them. Looking on, they saw a rickety old wooden bridge in front of them. Ciarin began approaching the bridge, but Artorias stopped her, and went instead.
Artorias was tugged by Ciarin through a solid wall, or so he thought. He was rather surprised when they entered a simple clearing. In the clearing was a cliff, with nothing but a bridge across. Ciarin started to approach the bridge, but he stopped her, and went instead. He was the only person she confided with about her fear of heights. Approaching the bridge, he saw that there was nothing but dark bellow. As he stepped onto the bridge, he heard a threatning sound.
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CRACK
Ciarin rushed over to Artorias, but she was too late. The bridge collapsed, leaving Artorias hanging onto the edge of the cliff. Ciarin dashed over, and reached for his hand.
"nnnh." Artorias clung desperately to the cliff. The bridge had collapsed beneath him, and he had managed to get his right hand onto the cliff. Some of the cabling had latched onto his left hand, pulling it down and shattering his wrist. His right hand couldn't hold on much longer. He looked below, and saw a dozen pairs of red orbs staring up at him. He gave one last push up, but he fell.
Ciarin reached for his hand, and managed to grasp onto the edge of his fingers. Artorias looked up at her, a smile across his face. She tried to pull him up, but he was to heavy, and she fell forward, hanging onto the cliff with her foot catching a rock. "Not again. Please not again. You promised you wouldn't leave me." Tears fell down Ciarin's mask as Artorias began to slide from her grasp.
"I'm sorry."
...
...
...
"Goodbye." He fell.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!" Ciarin dove after him, forgetting her fear. They fell, the darkness below ensnaring them as Ciarin clutched Artorias tightly, For if they would die, they would together.
The Desecrated School
"Where are we, Princess?"
"We are in the Old school, Twilight." Celestia and Twilight were standing in an abandoned classroom, desks laying across the floor. Giant cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and a carpet of dust lay across the floor. Twilight looked around the room, glancing at everything that caught her eye. She saw something in the corner of her eye, but when she looked back, there was nothing. "Twilight, please pay attention, we need to find the others."
"Of course, princess." Shaking her head, she and Celestia walked out of the room into an old corridor. Blue candles, (a type of magic flame that burns forever), hung on the walls. As Twilight was walking, she had this nagging feeling that she was being followed, but when she turned around, she saw nothing. Must be my Imagination , she thought. As they walked, they saw several bones lying across the floor. Twilight carefully stepped over them, and continued onward. CRACK! Twilight and Celestia turned around and saw... nothing. "Princess?"
"I know Twilight." She saw a flicker of movement around the corner. "We're being followed."
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Twilight stared down the hall, but she didn't see anything. Celestia silently beckoned, and Twilight followed. Together, they both walked backwards down the hall. They passed several doors along the way, but they just lead to empty classrooms. Twilight felt that presence from behind again, but she looked and saw nothing. She looked forwards and saw a shadow disappear around a corner. "Celestia?" said Twilight, who was quivering.
"It's okay Twilight, it's just the wind."
"What wind?" The hallways were cold as ice, but there was no wind whatsoever. "Princess, what do we do?" Just as she said this, dust started to lift from the ground. As it sped towards Twilight and Celestia, it slowly took a ghastly form,
It sped towards them, slowly growing larger. Celestia fired magic at it, but the magic just phased through. It sped towards them, a mouth full of razor sharp canines opening. As it was about to envelope Twilight, it disappeared in a ghastly scream. Twilight screamed herself, and broke into a dead run the opposite direction. "Twilight!" Celestia ran after her, but another ghost appeared. She reached to push it aside, but as soon as she touched it, she was filled with the cold of death. She jumped back, her hoof numb within a simple touch. As she backed up she heard a whooshing sound. She was instantaneously surrounded. She tried teleporting, but her magic didn't work. One of the ghosts lightly tapped her back legs, and she fell to her knees. The ghost in front of her slowly approached. Celestia glared up at the apparation that would be her demise.
It slowly extended its arms. Within its arms was a a child. A baby. It started to cry, and Celestia felt her power being drained, and couldn't keep her eyes open. She slowly started to loose consciousness as she heard a THUMP.
(stop previous song.)
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"This should be fun." AEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH! Celestia heard quick footsteps around her area, and felt her energy come back. She cracked open an eye. Ghosts were falling left and right. She opened them more, and saw what seemed to be Artorias, but he was wearing different clothes, and using a halberd? She couldn't stay conscious for long, and blacked out.
"Aww maaan, there goes my audience. Oh well, let's finish this." With a spin, the figure sliced all the ghosts in half, there screams echoing throughout the school. He slid his halberd onto his back, and stretched. He picked up Celestia, and started walking. "Hey, you coming?" With a yelp, Twilight fell out of the air vent he had fallen through previously. He slowly led Twilight deeper into the school.
Earlier
Twilight ran, and ran, and ran. She was scared out of her wits, but as she ran, she crashed into something. Looking up she saw another figure like Artorias, but he was in different armor, and wielded a halberd, along with a shield made of glass. He looked down. "WHOA! WHAT THE--" Before he could finish, ghosts started to swarm the group. She instinctively went behind him, and he pulled his Halberd off his back. He dashed forward, and stabbed the nearest ghost. It fell into a pile off dust as he quickly cut down the other ones. After he eliminated all the others, he put away his halberd, and approached Twilight. She slowly started to back away. "It's okay. I won't hurt you."
"Ohh thank goodness. I couldn't run anymore."
"OH MY GWYN IT CAN TALK!"
"What?"
"Nothing. Who are you?" said the mysterios figure, who somehow got of the shock it just experienced.
"I'm Twilight Sparkle. Who are you?"
"My name is Hevlium."
"I'm the chosen Undead."
"Oh, okay. I'm the prize student of---PRINCESS CELESTIA!!!"
"Who?"
"She's a friend that I accidentally left behind."
"WHAT! We got to get to her fast, I doubt she could handle these ghosts as she currently is. Let's take the air vent." He pointed up, showing Twilight a duct in the roof. She nodded and charged up her magic. "Hey, what are you doing?" VOOM, PING! "That answers my question. Lets go." Together they crawled towards Celestia.
Chapter 19: Factory Shinanigans
"Wake up. Wake up!" Luna poked at the griffin but he didn't wake. With a sigh, she looked at their surroundings. Hater they had flown through the portal, they had passed out. After Luna woke, she saw that they were in a factory. She remembered them, because her mother had told her stories of them. She was currently looking at a very dusty room. Cobwebs hung in every corner. It was most likely a storehouse. There were a few boxes lying around, but they had rotted away, along with their contents. Luna and Linebeck were in between a couple of the rotted shelves. Dust was everywhere. As she gazed around, she saw a faint glimmer. There was sort of a miniature sun on the ceiling, and it was shining against the wall. As Luna walked over, Linebeck rose from his slumber. He saw Luna approach the wall, and joined her. As they approached, they the faint sound of music. They met the wall, and Luna stared at intently. It was a piece of glass, she realized. The dust had covered it so much that it was the same as the wall, except for the faint glint caused by the mini sun. She slowly rubbed of the dust. What she and Linebeck saw blew their minds. On the other side were some creatures. They were small, and they were all wearing this strange clothing. They had these spout-like mouths, and had big, pudgy hands. These hands were either yellow or blue. But it wasn't these creatures that drew Luna's or Linebeck's attention.
Linebeck's attention was on what was behind them. Bits. Lots and lots of Bits. There were bits in the air,on the ground, even a couple of flying piggy banks. Luna's attention was on what they were surrounding. They were surrounding a JETPACK! Luna only heard stories about these. They used condensed magic bolts to propel you into the air. Sure, she had wings, but a jetpack was cooler. She and Linebeck nodded to each other, and ran back. Together they charged at the glass.
"Sir, it's almost done. We just need a tester."
"I see, Jimmy. Well, let's all take a break and come back later."
"YES, SIR!" CRASH! They wall fell down, a giant hole gaping in it. Dust poured in with the rush of air. The scientists ran as you stared at the hole as two ominous beings jumped through. You bring your hand to your face as the creatures rush past. One runs after the money, while the other grabs the Jetpack. It slips it onto its arms (legs?) as it rushes past. You pull the alarm, and guards rush in.
"THEY HAVE THE JETPACK!!!" They guards run out of the room as you pray for the safety of your creation.
"WOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Luna screamed as she soared through the corridor. The jetpack was very slow at first, but it quickly gained speed. Linebeck ran underneath her, jumping and soaring at all the Bits in the air. Since they had stolen the Jetpack, the guards had set up electrical barriers to stop them. Luna flew over them, or ran underneath them. Linebeck just ran around them. Missiles shot at them, but they skillfully avoided. Linebeck looked like he was in Cloud 9. Luna was in Cloud 10. The strange creatures ran underneath them. Luna and Linebeck soared through many environments. There were lots of hallways. One was made of glass, with lots of fauna on the other side. Another was a volcano. But neither noticed as they were going to fast, and having to much fun. As she was flying, Luna swooped down.
You had taken a FTLT train further into the tunnel, where you know stand. As you look out the window, you see the strange beings shoot down the hall. They are still a long way off. You look into the hall, and are shocked to see that one guy in offices in the hall. You wave at him he waves back.
Become that one guy from offices.
You are now that one guy from offices. You see Mr. Jenkins waving from a window. You wave back. As you stand there eating your sandvich, you here explosions coming from your left. Looking down the hallway, you see something you never expected to see in your life swoop down. You hold out a fist. You can't believe it.
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You just Bro-hoofed Luna. You just reached Heaven. As you turn to follow her path, a missile clips you, and you get knocked out from the story. (And unconscious.)
Luna and Linebeck rocketed down the hall, but as they fly, they see a black portal taking up the entirety of the hallway. Going too fast to stop, Luna and Linebeck shot through the portal, the jetpack falling off to be picked up later by a man in a ripped suit.
Luna and Linebeck shot out from the portal, and ran against the floor. They looked around, and saw a figure in the middle of the floor.
The light rustle of the wind. It was the first thing Celestial heard as she lay on the ground. She slowly opened her eyes. She was in a garden. At least, that is what it seemed like. There were trees that rose into the air, and the stone ruins of...something. The sun shone down onto Celestia, who was in the middle of the clearing. Right next to Celestia was an unlit fire, but it was different. it was warm, but it didn't burn. It was more like a heat that comes from healing magic. It also had a twisted sword that rose from the center. She put a hoof towards the sword, and it burst into flame. She jumped back, and then she noticed the ashes around the fire. Upon close inspection, she realized that they weren't ashes, they were bones. Bones of what, she couldn't tell. All she new was that something had made this fire, and it had killed plenty. Celestia rose to leave, but she heard voices. She snuck behind one of the ruins that was lying around. As she waited, the voices got closer, until she saw a rustling on the other side of the clearing. "So your god's name is Gwyn, and he lit the First Flame so he could push back the Dark?" Celestia recognized the voice as Twilight's, but someone else began to talk.
"That's about right, but it goes on. He was afraid of the dark, and was driven insane by his fear. My job is to replace him, and Rekindle the Flame. I was in Anor Londo when this very fat guy named Smough crushed me when I tried to get to Gwynevere, Gwyn's daughter."
"I see. Was it a long journey?"
"Oh yeah, I died lots of times."
"You... died?" Celestia walked into the open gazing intently at Hevlium's face, or the face of his helm.
"Yes." Hevlium grabbed at his collar and slightly tugged it down. Celestia gazed at his shoulder, where she saw... "The Darksign." Celestia looked to Hevlium and she saw the glint of his eyes. Looking back at his shoulder, she stared intently at the dark mark etched into his skin.
"What does this mark do?" Hevlium backed away from the both of them, Celestia preparing herself while Twilight looked confused. Hevlium slowly removed his helmet.
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"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! " Twilight screamed as she saw the shrivel of a monster under the helm.
"This is what the Darksign does. It turns me into a monster when I die. But I can never truly die. I'll just come back to life at a bonfire, like the one you lit. I have lived for days, weeks, months, years, I can't even remember." Hevlium thrust his helmet back onto his head with a slight anger. He slowly walked over to the Bonfire. Twilight slowly regulated her breathing.
"Is there any end?" She asked.
"There was. If I had relit the flame, I would have died consciously. But now, I can't. Sometimes, I wonder when it will end." He sat the bonfire, hands across his knees.
"I might be able to help." Hevlium looked up at Celestia. "I am a goddess. Maybe there is something I can do. But I don't have the resources here. I need to get back to Canterlot.
"Well, " said Hevlium as he rose from the bonfire, "If we're going anywhere, we need to get through those ghosts."
"What are those anyway?" Asked Twilight, as she remembered the specters.
"People who had died here, but never accepted their fate. So instead, they hunt for souls, so they can feel whole again."
"But we have no way to fight them. My magic could nothing." Said Celestia, as she shivered at remembering their cold touch.
"That is not true, we have one thing we can do." Hevlium reached into his pouch he kept on his belt, and pulled out a box.
"Oh, Artorias had one of those."
Hevlium stiffened. "Did you say Artorias?"
"Yes." Hevlium, paced around the clearing, but eventually just stopped and stared upwards.
"As I was saying, we have one form of attack." Hevlium reached into the box, and withdrew another small sack. The two mares walked over as he opened it to reveal a bunch of shriveled, blue hands. "These are Transient Curses. They will curse us, and allow us to fight the ghosts. They wear off over time, so we will have to be quick. Or we can try to run past them. Which one should we do?" Hevlium stared intently at Celestia.
"So how do these curses work? Asked Celestia as she stared at the shriveled hand.
"Simple." Hevlium stepped back, and crouched down. This strange aura surrounded him, and covered his form. "As simple as that, I am now cursed. But only partially. If I wanted to be cursed all the way, then I would fight a basilisk. This allows temporary engagement with the ghosts." As he said this, Twilight realized something crucial.
"Hevlium... why's the fire out?" Hevlium snapped to attention, staring at the now un-lit bonfire.
"Twilight, Celestia... hide. He's coming." They waited with baited breath. Nothing could be heard except the light breaths coming from the group. As they waited, a couple of thoughts entered Twilight's mind. Will I see my friends again? Who is coming? What happened to those people? As these thoughts raced through her head, Hevlium slowly crept around the corner. Celestia tried to follow, but Hevlium pushed her back. She and Twilight watched Hevlium approach the bonfire. As Hevlium approached the bonfire, a voice rang through the air.
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For too long, the pony race has ignored the signs. Your planet is nearing destruction. Salvation is reserved for those who pass the test. If you survive, an elevated existance awaits. Initiate phase one. Power up the base cannon. A red circle appeared in the middle of the clearing, next to the bonfire. It started to glow ominously, and the ground began to shake. A figure with a strange golden mask appeared, and looked around, until it spotted Hevlium. They stared at each other for several seconds until... FIRE! The figure removed a giant sword from its back, and leaped at Hevlium. He jumped back as the sword smashed the ground where he was standing. As the figure pulled the sword up from the ground, a huge crack was left in its place. The figure dashed at Hevlium, swinging the sword in a huge arc. Hevlium span in a circle, his Halberd following. The halberd connected with the edge of the sword... and shattered into a million pieces. The figure grasped Hevlium by the neck, and threw him to the other side of the clearing, Hevlium smashing multiple statues as he flew. He smacked into a wall, gasping as the wind was knocked out of him. Hevlium fell to the ground as the figure approached. He panted, his weapons gone. The figure kicked Hevlium in his side, rolling him onto his back. The figure stood over Hevlium as he turned, raising his arms into the air, as if asking a question. As he stood arms raised, Hevlium stood up slowly. He reached behind his back, grabbing a dagger. He plunged it into the figures back, shoving it as far as it would go, before ripping it out of his side as he lept back.
The figure grasped at his chest, then stood up, and just turned around. He gaped as the figure just walked back over. He lept for his shield, picking it up as the figure swung again. It smashed into the ground, the shock of the hit causing Hevlium to stumble, and drop the knife. Hevlium backed up, but stopped as his back hit the wall.
(1:56) Time seemed to slow down for Hevlium. He raised his shield as the figure swung again. The first blow knocked the shield away, but Hevlium raised it just in time to block the second blow, which smashed the shield from his hands, knocking it to the far side of the clearing. Hevlium stared as the figure picked him up again, and prepared his sword. Hevlium grasped at the edge of the blade, stopping it moments before it plunged into his chest. As he struggled to keep it from plunging into his body, the figure threw him onto the ground. Hevlium again had the wind knocked out of him. He grabbed again at the blade as it cut through his gauntlets into his hands. They began to bleed, which caused Hevlium's grip to get weaker. The blade inched closer and closer to his neck. The figure raised his blade again, and stomped on Hevlium's elbow, breaking his left arm. Hevlium cried out in pain, causing Celestia to act. The figure was about to plunge his sword again, when Hevlium disappeared in a flash of white. The figure looked across the clearing, where Hevlium now lay. The figure began to run as Hevlium stood up, a shard of the Halberd in his hand. The figure lept at him, sword plunging down. Hevlium waited, and time seemed to slow down again, because just as the sword was about to hit, he lifted his left arm, and pushed the blade to the side. The force of the blow being redirected caused the sword to fling from the figures hands, causing it to shoot past Hevlium and imbed itself in the wall. As the figure turned forward again, Hevlium raised the shard of metal... and plunged it into the mask. As blood spurted out, he removed the shard, and shoved back into the figures chest. As the figure again felt the blade enter its chest, its legs went limp. Hevlium pushed it onto its knees, before he kicked it onto the ground. Hevlium stood up slowly, and walked over to the blade. With a fierce tug he pulled it from the wall. As he turned, he swung it to his side. He walked back to the figure, and plunged the sword into its body, causing it to disperse in a white mist. Twilight and Celestia rushed over to Hevlium as he fell onto his knees. They then watched in awe as he drank from an orange flask, and doing so caused his arm to heal and his hands to mend. After doing so, Hevlium fell unconscious.
In another timeline, someone complained very furiously about lag.
Hevlium sifted through his memories. His arrival, who he met, who he saved. He wondered if they were alright. As he sat in the dark, he heard some voices. Looking around, he saw a bright orange light. He ran towards it, and was engulfed.
"Princess, I think he's waking up!" Hevlium cracked open his eyes. He was lying by the bonfire, which was warming him with its healing glow. He glanced around, and saw Twilight and Celestia staring at him with concern. He sat up, and they moved back to give him some room.
"Are you two okay?"
"We're fine," said Celestia, as she breathed a sigh of relief. "How did you survive that?"
"That beating?" Hevlium reached into a pouch on his belt, and pulled out the orange flask. "This is the Estus flask. It is a flask that contains the essence of the Bonfire. Whenever I rest at a bonfire, the bonfire replenishes the flask. Although, only the Undead can use them. So it's pointless unless you're undead. Anyway, we should get going." Hevlium rose, along with Celestia and Twilight. "Have you decided if we're going to fight, or run. Celestia shared a look with Twilight.
"Fight."
"Alright then. Take two curses each. To use, simply will it to work." As he explained, they both took two curses. "If your going to attack, then make it single use. We don't want to be here to long." The two ponies nodded, then prepared themselves.
"Alright, who's going to count us off?
"I will." Said Celestia.
"Alright then. Prepare curses." As a group, they all used there curses, a sickening glow surrounding each of them. "Begin countdown."
"Five." Twilight lit her horn.
"Four." Celestia ran through each spell she knew."
"Three." Hevlium got out a large scythe.
"Tw--"
"Let's do this. LLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYY JJJEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNKKKKKKIIIIIIIINNNNNNS!!!!!!!!! " Hevlium ran forward into the dark cave that led out of the clearing. Celestia and Twilight stared at the cave as the sound of yells and moans rang out.
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"Oh my god he just ran in." Said Twilight as she closed her hanging jaw. She and Celestia both ran in, unaware of the chaos inside.
Inside they found carnage... everywhere. Hevlium had run in slicing everything in sight. He had most likely been spinning, for there were scratches across all of the walls. Ectoplasm was everywhere. They could see him further down the hall, slicing through each ghost they saw. They began galloping to catch up. Ghosts began to rise out of the floor around. Twilight began to fire magic bolts that hit the ghosts, causing them to dissipate. Celestia did combo of spells, and slicing through them with with her horn. They galloped down the hall, cobwebs falling down with how fast they ran. They past classroom after classroom, each one in shambles. They eventually caught up to Hevlium, who was eating a green herb. "Have one." They both levitated one to there mouths, and gasped in shock as their stamina was almost instantaneously replenished. As they reclaimed their stamina, ghosts swarmed them. With a nod from Hevlium, they charged the ghosts. Hevlium cut down those behind, while Celestia and Twilight shot those behind. They began running again, and after several minutes of fighting, they saw the exit. "Over there!" Hevlium pointed towards the end, and they all dashed. But as they were nearing the end, one of the ghosts shot out of the wall and clipped Twilight's legs. She fell forward, and smacked the ground. Hevlium saw what happened, and pushed Celestia to the exit. "Go! I'll get her!" Celestia dodged and kept running, the ghosts close behind. Hevlium ran to Twilight, slicing the ghost as he was about to strike. E slung her onto his shoulder, and began to run again. His scythe was cracked along the blade, in dire need of repair. He slung the scythe onto his back, and kept running. Ghost after ghost sliced out at him. More and more kept coming, and they began to overpower him. He was hit over and over, but he had been to New Londo so many times he was used to it. He ran Twilight the rest off the way, literally smashing through several ghosts in the end, before he burst of the school, into midair. He began to fall with Twilight, smashing into a slope it seemed. (It was pitch black.) He slid down with Twilght, until they were again over open air. As he began falling, he knew he wouldn't survive the fall. Just as he sensed he ground approaching, something snatched him out of the air.
"Yet another who can't see. Don't worry friend, nothing bad shall happen to you." The strange being let them onto the ground, Twilight unconscious from the pain. As Hevlium hit the ground, he spotted a bonfire lying in front of him. He set Twilight on the ground, and lit the fire. Next to him was Celestia, who had fallen asleep from shock. But the figure above them, was one he had only heard of in legends.
"Hawkeye Gough?"
Crack. Snap. The fire slowly crackled, along with a chunk of rock Gough was carving. Hevlium set Twilight down right by the fire. The flames seemed to reach out to her, and she hummed with pleasure. Hevlium sat down himself, and turned to face Gough. "So... how does a fairy tale end up in a hole in the ground?"
"I'm afraid I don't know. I sat in my tower, carving away. I had just shot down the great dragon Kalameet for the chosen undead-"
"You mean me?"
"No, or maybe, my memory is feeble. As he had descended, I had reached for my carvings when I heard a... whoosh. I then felt myself pulled away, and ended up here. Much like my compatriots." Gough put down the rock he was carving, and reached behind him. He carefully lifted over Artorias, Ciarin, Ornstein, and Rainbow Dash. Hevlium had leapt up as his hand had rose, but he relaxed and sat backdown as Gough placed them in front of the fire. Gesturing to Artorias and Ciarin, Gough said," I found them falling out of the sky, and caught them in my hands. The other two," gesturing to Ornstein and Rainbow Dash," were screaming in pain."
Hevlium inspected each of their bodies, taking his gauntlet off to check their pulse. "They're all alive, but Artorias' arm has been shattered. He can't use it ever again." He stepped back as the three of them began to shift.
"Ow, my head." Said Rainbow Dash, as she slowly sat up. She saw that Artorias, Ciarin, and Ornstein were also beginning to stir. She saw that a giant was hovering over her, resting on one arm. There was also a fire, which had some weird version of armor in a sitting position. She flinched as it gave a wave. But then she saw next to it... "Twilight!" She jumped up, but collapsed as her legs were numb. She tried to stand again, but fell down onto something cold. She looked around and saw the armor lift her up and place her by Twilight.
"You shouldn't strain yourself." Rainbow looked up to the armor, and saw... kindness hidden in the helm. She nodded, and relaxed.
Artorias was the next to wake. He slowly sat up, and rubbed his forehead. He tried to rest on his left arm, but cried in pain as his arm collapsed under the minuscule pressure. Ciarin snapped awake, and leapt over to Artorias. She slowly brought him back up and clenched him tightly. "We're alive." She whispered, barely audible. Artorias reached his right arm around and clenched her tightly.
"But how?..."
"That would be my fault, my friends." Artorias and Ciarin both slowly looked up as Ornstein slowly came to.
"Uh... What happened?" Said Ornstein as he slowly came to. Seeing Artorias and Ciarin gazing upwards, he slowly looked up.
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"Gough?" Ornstein stared up at the giant. He shook his head, and put his hands to his helm. He slowly undid a clasp hidden underneath his red plume. As the helmet slowly was lifted off, Twilight slowly came to. The first thing she saw after her eyes cleared was an albino colored face. With brown eyes, and a bun sitting on top of the head. Ornstein's hand slowly pulled out a pin keeping the bun together. As the hair fell, it formed a great big mane of hair around his head. He slowly brought his hands together and took off his gauntlets. He slowly brought his hand up and rubbed his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked back up to Gough's face.
..."Your alive..."
"Yes, my friend, I'm alive. I have missed you."
"Your ALIVE!" Ornstein jumped off the ground and landed on Gough's shoulders and rapped on his helmet. "I thought you had turned to dust!"
"Wow, Ornstein, who knew you had a heart." Said Artorias as Ciarin slowly repositioned him more comfortably.
"Oh, yeah? Well you and Ciarin are closer together than Pine Resin to a blade." Ciarin blushed so furiously it showed on her mask, as did Artorias. She jumped away, causing Artorias to fall onto his back. The group laughed at the happy emotions that filled the Dark.
"I'm glad we are all in good spirits."
"Celestia!" Shouted Twilight. The Alicorn slowly walked out of the Dark, shining like a lantern. She layed down by the Bonfire as the group settled themselves. "Where were you, princess?"
"I was scouting for the exit, but couldn't find one. This cavern goes on forever, the only signs of anything being an imprint in the ground."
"Then where do we go?" Asked Hevlium.
"I don't know, but we can—" POOOMPH !!! A great explosion sounded in the chamber, but it was muffled.
"What was that?" asked Ciarin.
"I don't know." answered Celestia. She was about to continue, but Gough shook his head. They all listened for what he was hearing. They all jumped back as he slowly began to rise. Dust fell from his shoulders in waterfalls as he stood to his full height. He began walking, and they followed.
(‘-‘)/
{The Chamber
Luna galloped into the center of the room, followed by Linebeck, who was staring at the designs carved into the walls. She fell to the floor as she stared at Equinox's body. It lay on the ground, a bit of blood dripping down his forehead. She slowly magicked the blood away and repaired his head. "Hey, Luna?" She turned toward Linebeck who was standing at the north end of the room. A mysterious red glow was surrounding him. "You may want to see this." She walked over to Linebeck with Equinox on her back.
"What is it?" Linebeck was standing in front of a mirror. In the mirror was a red room much like their own. In the mirror were three shadows that stood exactly like them except for the smallest shadow. It stood apart from the others and approached the glass. As it got closer, Equinox snapped awake. He leapt off of Luna's back and approached the mirror. Luna tried to chase after him, but a golden aura prevented her. Equinox approached the mirror, as the shadow also got closer. He reached out to the mirror, and the shadow connected with his hoof. A blast of wind pushed Luna and Linebeck and Luna away from the mirror. With a flash of light, it was over. Luna slowly opened her eyes. The mirror was still there, but in front of it were two figures. One was Equinox, who was smiling happily. And under his hoof, supporting him as well, was Shadow Blaze. The two slowly limped over to Luna, who graciously caught the two. Equinox had retained his red eye, but know Shadow Blaze the unicorn was free. Luna also noted that Shadow Blaze's left eye was blue, instead of the blood red she had seen before. She turned around to see Linbeck imbedded in the wall. She magicked up one of Rarity's drama beds for them, and let them rest. As she turned to retrieve Linebeck, she heard a great booming. She span and readied her magic as the western wall began to shake. A great boom was heard as the wall began to crack. She readied a teleport spell as the wall fell to the ground in a great cloud of dust. Linebeck had pulled a barrel out of nowhere and was hiding in it.
Cough, cough. "Can't you let me get my helmet on first?"
"Sorry, but I was in a hurry." Luna lowered her horn as Ornstein stumbled through the cloud, coughing into his now on helmet. He panted and looked around, wolf whistling at the impressive dome. He spotted Luna, and tackled her into a bear hug.
"LuLu! So good to see you!" Luna wheezed as all the air was squeezed from her body. She teleported out of his grasp and began to cough. "Oops, went a bit overboard, didn't I?" Ornstein slowly backed away as Luna charged her magic. The rest of the group came through to see Luna firing bolts of magic at Ornstein, who was running around the room yelping.
"Hm hm." Luna turned to see Celestia approach. "Dear sister, where have you been?"
Luna jumped as she brought over the couch to show her the two ponies. "We have succeeded, sister! They have been separated!" As Luna jumped up and down, a voice rang out into the air.
"Well, well, well. What have we here?" The room began to dim as the light appeared to be sucked into the mirror. A great shadow approached the mirror's edge. "A couple of flies walked into my domain? Why, they must be dealt with." All of the light had left the room and gone into the mirror, which was leaking blood. The shadow touched the mirror, and it flashed again. Artorias fell to the floor as a figure walked out of the mirror.
Chapter 23: The Fight (Nightmare Moon)
The Mirror flashed, and the group covered their eyes. As the light dimmed down, they stared at the figure before them. "Now, feel my... is that my voice? Is that my voice?" They all stared down at the little black rabbit standing on the ground, before Luna burst into laughter. He glared at her before exploding into a black smoke and soaring into her body. Her laughter cut off as she slowly quivered. They rushed to her, but a black aura exploded outwards and blasted everyone away. As they skidded across the floor a force field of black surrounded her. A dark chuckle flashed in the air before the light returned.
(^~^)/
Celestia fired a magic shot again, but to no use. They had been hacking at the shield for several minutes, but to no avail. The four Knights had reclined to a spot on the floor and were comparing the shield to magic from Lordran. Twilight had been analyzing the shield and running tests on its composition. Rainbow was talking with Linebeck about the Griffins as they watched over Shadow Blaze. As Celestia attacked the shield again, Artorias realized something. "Has anyone seen Equinox?" They all jumped up, and scoured the room for him, but they couldn't spot him. "If he isn't here, then he is in the force field." Celestia turned towards the field, which was taking up half the room. She slowly offered a prayer to Equinox as to her sister's safety.
[Darkroot Garden ]
Equinox slowly opened his eyes. He was sitting underneath a tree in a grove. In the center of the grove was a giant rock, surrounded by swords. Directly in front of the rock was a giant blade, faded with time. Attached to the hilt were several chains, each one interlocking the blade. He slowly got up, but stumbled on his hooves. He turned and snapped of one of the tree's branches. It was twice his height, but it would do. He slowly stumbled across the room, the makeshift walking stick supporting him. He slowly approached the blade. As he reached the blade he looked at the many that were scattered around, rusted and bloodied. A war took place here, but against whom? He heard a thump, and looked up. A great wolf stood atop the rock, growling at him. He tried backing up, but the stick caught him. The wolf lept down, and approached him. It slowly sniffed him, but stopped. That smell. Equinox saw a flash of recognition in the wolf's eyes, and reached out to him, but the wolf looked away. With a great howl, it mourned its lost friend that this small horse had on him. He slowly slicked away, and curled around the blade. Equinox stood up, and looked around the clearing again. As he span around, a voice cut the air. "Aww, the mutt lost his pal. How cute." A black cloud descended from the heavens. The door Equinox saw was covered in a black fog. The wolf got up, and growled at the cloud. It slowly materialized into the being that had trapped Equinox for centuries.
"Nightmare Moon." Equinox's wing picked up the tree branch, and plopped it into his hooves. He cracked his neck and spun. The staff around, smacking it towards Nightmare Moon. She jumped back, flapping her wings for extra momentum. Equinox slowly pushed himself back into standing position, using the staff for support. She let a dark chuckle, which had two voices resonating through it. The wolf slowly crept up behind him, hackles raised, a deep growl emanating from within. It slowly pulled out the blade behind it, which started to glow a light cyan. They approached Nightmare Moon, who simply began to laugh. As Equinox stared at her, he saw a flash of pain in her eyes. "Don't cut her." He looked to the wolf and saw the recognition in his eyes. They turned back to Nightmare Moon, who was still giggling.
"Fine then," she said, before creating a katana out of black magic. "Let the battle begin!"
Youtube Video
They stood still for several seconds, then the wolf leapt forward. His blade smashed into the ground where she was standing. Nightmare Moon had teleported to his right and swung at his side. The wolf span away as Equinox jumped at her, staff spinning from below. She parried, but Equinox diverted the staff to swing at her side. She quickly flipped her blade to knock his staff back, but as soon as they connected, he diverted it again. This kept on for several seconds as they traded blows, before Nightmare blasted out her magic and knocked Equinox out of the sky. As he fell, the wolf leapt upwards, spinning in an arc. He smacked into Nightmare with the flat of his blade, and she fell towards the ground. She shot out her wings and skidded in midair mere inches from the ground. Equinox slowly got up, and shot a weak gust of wind at her. She easily glided to the side, and was smacked by a stick. The wind had blown some sticks off of the ground and caused them to fling towards Nightmare. She growled before lurching towards Equinox. He propped up his staff right before she hit him, and she thudded onto the end, before falling over with a groan. As Equinox smirked, she disappeared in a cloud of smoke. As he looked for her he heard her appear behind him. He span around, but was to slow, and her blade grazed his side. He jumped back, but clutched his side as it began to bleed slightly. The wolf began to dash at Nightmare, before she shot him with a Darkmatter Beam. As the beam neared the wolf, it span into the air, spinning around to gain force. He smashed into Nightmare, who held it back with her blade. They began to clash, Nightmare's agility versus the wolf's strength. As Equinox watched them clash, he called out to Blaze. His wings began to burn to ash as he transfigured. He let out a scream of pain as the skin on his forehead broke to let kis horn pass through. Meanwhile, Nightmare had teleported away from the wolf to charge up another Darkmatter Beam. As the wolf ran at her, she shot a small beam of dark at him. As the wolf jumped up again, she fired the fully charged beam at him. He growled as the beam got nearer. He yelped as a golden shield sprang up in front of him. The shield absorbed the beam, and then shot its own beam of gold at Nightmare. She tried to flap away, but Equinox had grabbed onto her with his magic. She screamed as the beam went right through her. A dark aura began to leak out of Noghtmare as she began to turn back into Luna. The aura went up into the air and evaporated, as Luna fell to the ground unconscious. As Equinox lifted her onto his back, the Black fog blocking the door cleared away.
End song
Artorias sat, pondering the black aura, remembered seeing it somewhere before. With a start, he remembered where. He jumped up with a cry of, "The Abyss!" Before he ran to the barrier. The others crowded around as he fished around his neck for... "Ah Ha!" He pulled a beautiful necklace, inscribed with magical runes. He slowly pressed it into the barrier, and with a smile saw it began to clear as a golden aura emanated from it. He pushed harder, and it sucked him in. The others tried to follow, but it sealed. They slowly backed away, but then it opened again. They turned as Equinox and Luna shot out, and crashed into Celestia. They all tumbled across the room, before coming to a rest. They quickly separated them from each other, before Equinox told them of the fight. As they listened, he told them of what happened afterward. How the dark aura came back and flew into the wolf, how He and Artorias switched places, and how he barely heard the word, "Sif".
Chapter 24: The Fight (Sif)
The clearing was silent, for several seconds, before the portal opened. Artorias was launched out, as he rolled up into a standing position. He grasped at his arm, pain searing through the frail limb. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a poison throwing knife. He stabbed himself in the arm, before yanking out the knife and applying a purple moss clump. He sighed in relief as the pain subsided into numbness. As he stood up, arm limply hanging from his side, he saw the grave in the center of the clearing. He slowly began to approach, wearly eyeing the blades scattered around its base. When he got close, he heard a growl above him. Looking to the top of the grave, he saw the giant wolf far above him. He began to back away slowly, but the wolf jumped down and began to approach. He fell to the ground, before looking up into the wolfs eyes as it sniffed him over. As he stared at him, he saw... "Sif?" The wolf slowly got up, sadness in its eyes, before howling to the moon. As Artorias reached out to him, a dark cloud of black energy flew into Sif. With a cry of pain, Sif began running around, smashing his head into the ground. His fur began to turn into a mixture of black and gold. Artorias lept up, and pulled his blade from his back. As he ran towards Sif, he realized that Sif had stopped smashing his head into the ground. As he stood there, Sif slowly began to turn his head towards Artorias. When Artorias saw his eyes, they were whited over, and unmoving. He slowly went into a battle stance as the Dark Sif howled at the moon, signifying the start of battle. Artorias watched as a blue blade flew from in front of the grave and into Sif's mouth.
Youtube Video
Artorias and the wolf began to spin around each other. Artorias looked deep into Sif's eyes, and saw a bare glimmer of resentment. With a roar Artorias rushed forward, sword swinging in an arc. Sif jumped back with a twirl of his blade, before dashing forward with a swing of his own. Artorias ducked underneath, before slicing Sif across the chest. With a howl, Sif leapt back as blood dripped from the cut. Artorias looked at the blood and saw it was pure black, but as it hit the ground in disappeared into smoke. Artorias looked up as Sif began spinning like a cyclone. Artorias kicked his blade into the ground, before leaping off it while tugging it out of the ground. Sif span below him as he fell towards the ground. As Sif span to a stop, Artorias slammed his head into the ground, before kicking off it and back into the air. Sif howled in anger, before he slammed his blade into the ground. Artorias landed right next to where it hit, before he rolled to the right. Sif span in a circle, the tip of his blade catching Artorias across the chest. He gasped in pain as the blade scraped across his chest, and his blood flew through the air. He tumbled across the ground, before kneeling next to the pond in the corner. He dashed forward just as Sif landed nearby. As Sif turned, Artorias smacked the blade from his mouth. He then scratched his blade across Sif's left paw. He howled as Artorias' blade went right through with a blue light. He backed as his paw, (which was still connected to his leg, seemingly unharmed) glowed blue, before casting away the dark energy. Sif tried to run, but Artorias sliced through his other foot, causing Sif to fall to the ground. That paw also was purified of the dark energy that was inhabiting his body. The Dark Sif began to whimper as Artorias raised the blade high, and stabbed him in the center of his head. He howled in pain as his body glowed blue, and the darkness dissipated into a cloud of black smoke. Artorias knelt next to Sif as he whinpered in pain.
As he stood there the black smoke bagel to condense behind him. He turned around as the smoke began to create a mirror image of him, except for the fact that the blade was glowing black. Artorias scoffed as he readied his blade. With a jolt they both jumped forward, their blades clashing. They leapt back before their blades clashed again. A wind began to pick up as their blades clashed faster and faster. Artorias swung his blade sideways. Instead of mirroring, the copy shoved his sword into the ground, and used it as a handhold to kick Artorias in the head. Artorias stumbled back as the copy yanked his blade out of the ground as he swung at Artorias from above. Artorias brought his sword up and parried the blow, but he fell to one knee as the force was so strong. He lurched to the right as the blade smashed again. He swung his sword in an upward slice, and severed the mirrors left arm. It stumbled as it adjusted to the weight of wielding the it's sword in one hand. Artorias span around before severing the other arm. The limb and sword dissipated as it lurched to the right. Artorias held up his blade as it began to glow blue. The copy turned as he thrust his sword forward.
Fshhiing! Artorias fell to the ground. He looked down at the blade piercing through his chest. The copy in front of him moved its shoulder, and the blade was drawn out. Artorias fell down as he stared at the arms and blade which reattached themselves to its body. He began to fall unconscious as the copy dissipated into a cloud, and seeped into his body.
Chapter 25: The Fight (Artorias)
Tap
Tap The sound filled the cavern as Ornstein clinked his spear on the ground. He was sitting with his elbows on his knees, as the group waited in the cavern. With a roar he slammed his spear into the barrier, but it simply bounced off. "Why can't we do anything?!" He shouted as he slammed his fists into the barrier, spear forgotten on the ground. "He could be dead in there, and we wouldn't know!" He slammed his fists into the barrier again, but the result was the same. The group all shared mournful glances before sighing in unison. Ciarin walked over and patted Ornstein's shoulder. He slowly bent down for his spear, and walked away from the barrier. Ciarin sighed and looked at the spot where he slammed into the barrier. She stared at it for several seconds before she leapt for it with a gasp. The group all sat up and alert as she began examining the spot. "What is it?" Asked Ornstein, as he rushed over. Ciarin didn't before she said slowly...
"There's a crack." Everyone in the group stood still for several seconds before they rushed over. "Look here!" Ciarin showed them a small, almost minuscule white crack in the exterior of the barrier. With a shout of joy, Ornstein pushed his way over and began examining it as well. He slowly lifted up his spear, and began working his tip into the crack. A sharp "click" was heard as it slid in. They could all sense his smile as he turned around.
"Gough, would you do the honors?" Said Ornstein, as he moved out of the but still keeping a hand on the spear.
"It would be my pleasure." With a grunt Gough lifted his hand and brought it down with as much force as he could muster. As it made contact with the spear, it shoved it right through the crack, causing the crack to shoot across the barrier. There were shouts of joy all around as the barrier began to break. Twilight saw that the cracks began to glow a magnificent white. Too late she realized that—
Boom
The barrier exploded, sending everyone flying. There were cries of pain all around as they flew across the cavern. The only ones not hit were Linebeck, who was nowhere to be seen, and Gough, because of his sheer toughness. As the dust from the explosion began to settle, they saw three figures that weren't there before. One was Luna who was unconscious . The other was Equinox, who was next to her, badly wounded and barely standing, but in a way that sort of protected Luna. The final was Artorias. He was standing alone in the middle of the room, hunched over. As Ciarin got up, she saw him and began to rush over. But as she grew near, he sifted slightly.
"All of you, stay away. " His voice was but a whisper, but upon hearing it, Ciarin stopped dead in her tracks. His body began to emanate an abyssal aura, and Ciarin began backing away. Artorias began to shake, his body twitching erratically. Ornstein slowly drew his lance and approached Artorias.
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With a roar, Artorias dashed forward. Ornstein barely had time to prepare as Artorias' blade came down. It slammed into his spear, knocking Ornstein across the room. As Ornstein recovered, Artorias leapt into the air. Ornstein dived out of the way as Artorias embedded his blade into the earth. Ornstein lunged at Artorias, but Artorias swung his broken left arm around, spraying abyssal magic at Ornstein. He was forced to dodge out of the way as Artorias slowly drew his blade. Ornstein charged a bolt, then fired at Artorias. Artorias seemed to fade out of the way, before he swung at Ornstein. Ornstein ducked under the blade. He swung the end of his lance into Artorias' stomach. As it neared, Artorias drifted away, before swinging at Ornstein again. As he prepared himself, Ornstein watched Artorias disappear for a split second. His mind alert, he wasn't prepared as Artorias appeared from behind. He cried in pain as Artorias' blade slammed into his back. He was sent flying as Artorias roared in anger. He tried to get back up, but Artorias grabbed him by the neck. He was swung into the air as Artorias slammed him into the ground. With a cry of pain, Ornstein felt his left leg break on a rock. Artorias roared again, and stabbed his blade into the ground. He roared as his prey was nowhere to be found. He span around the room, until he saw Ornstein being carried away by a yellow haze. He began to chase, but was stopped as something nicked his arm. He span around, and saw a small cyan blur fly back towards a knight in silver armour. He roared as he faced his new pray. Hevlium stood his ground as he drew out a longsword infused with special runes. It glowed a faint white in the dark of the cavern. Hevlium dashed forward, shield raised as Artorias swung again. He deftly dodged to the side and cut into Artorias' arm. He cried out as the blade glowed white and caused his arm to go limp. He backed away from Hevlium, but was stopped as two sharp pricks began to enter his back. He roared as Rainbow Rash span the two daggers around before stopping them. He roared again, but this time in pain as Hevlium cut into his ankle. He roared for the last time into Hevlium's helmet before he was stabbed in the heart. The black aura surrounding him slowly began to diminish as Hevlium pulled his blade out. Surprising most of the group, who were too shocked to do anything, it had not a drop of blood on it. As Hevlium began walking away, Artorias' body began to shake. Hevlium turned around as it began to convulse. He began to run as it lit up, and then it exploded in a flash of black light. Hevlium turned as a shade composed of dark matter swung a blade at him. He ducked, before he stabbed at its chest. It parried his strike, before going for an uppercut. He parried the blow, the swung again. They continued like this for several seconds before the shade got the better of him and sent his blade flying. As the shade prepared to impale Hevlium, it was blasted apart by a brilliant beam of sunlight. Celestia panted as she fell onto the ground, exhausted.
Chapter 26: The End of the Beginning
The room was in silence. Everyone was still trying to comprehend what had happened. The first ones to break the silence were Luna and Ciarin.
"Sister!!!"
"Artorias!!!"
They both ran towards their comrades. Luna slowly nestled Celestia, before lifting her onto her hooves. "I'm fine, Luna." said Celestia, as she panted from exhaustion. "Just used too much magic energy. It isn't easy to harness the sun from so far underground." Celestia looked at the ashen pile left on the ground. "At least that won't be coming back." she said, as she fainted and fell.
"Princess!" Twilight and Rainbow both ran over to their fallen ruler. Meanwhile, Gough, Ciarin, Ornstein, and Hevlium were clustered around Artorias. Ciarin was cradling his head, having thrown his helmet off to get him air. Artorias was breathing raggidly, body pale. His chest was covered in a black aura, that was slowly spreading across his body. Ciarin was starting to cry as she stared at his injured form. Hevlium looked upon Artorias, filled with guilt, even though he wasn't responsible. He had looked in his own Bottemless Box for something, anything, but it was pointless. As he stared, he felt a slight nudge at his back. Turning around, he saw Equinox and Blaze supporting each other. As he looked at Equinox, He saw that in his mouth was Artorias' pendant. He shook his head, but Equinox simply nudged him harder. Hevlium felt annoyance at this small horse for trying to interrupt his pointless search. He tried to shove Equinox away, but instead Equinox ducked under his hand, Blaze stumbling behind. Helium reached out to stop them, but Equinox lurched forward, collapsing on top of Artorias, who hissed in pain. As Ciarin tried to pry him off, Equinox spat out the pendant, and pressed it into the center of Artorias' chest. Instantaneously, it shown with a glaring light, blinding everyone gathered. After the light faded, Ciarin looked down to see Artorias clutching his pendant, chest free of malicious aura. With a groan he sat up, turning towards Equinox, who was being resupported by Blaze. He outstretched his hand towards Equinox, who took it gingerly.
"Thank you." Said Artorias, as Equinox shook it slowly. With Ornstein and Ciarin's help, Artorias and a Equinox were set up against the wall, with Blaze sitting with them. Approaching them was Celestia, supported by Luna. The two sisters stopped in front of Artorias, who was leaning against the wall, helmet clutched tightly. Celestia nodded to Luna, who slowly let Celestia stand on her own four hooves. Celestia rose before Artorias, before gingerly settling into a kneeling position. The surrounding company, including Twilight and Rainbow, slowly opened their jaws, all except for Luna, who also kneeled.
"We, the Royal Pony Sisters, thank you for defending the land of Equestria from evil. We owe you an eternal debt." At this Celestia rose, but Luna stayed down. "I, Princess Luna, also want to thank you and Equinox Shift for once again purifying me of the entity known as Nightmare Moon." She rose, and again with Celestia, bowed again. "We thank you for eliminating that fearful aura."
"... It still lives." Equinox slowly pointed a hoof at the mirror. Everyone turned towards the mirror, which was had gone crystal clear. Now, it was slowly turning a deep blood red, flooding the room with a disgusting light.
"And I thought I had dealt the final blow to that annoying pest." A shadow was again approaching the mirror, but this one was gargantuan. As it approached, the backs of the room slowly grew darker. No one noticed, they were to focused on the approaching entity. "Artorias, Artorias, I thought you had learned your lesson. When my little pawns had pushed you off that cliff, I thought this was over." Artorias lost the last of the color that had begun to return. He sat up in shock, scrambling for his sword.
"...Manus?" The shadow reached for the edge of the mirror, and began to laugh. It touched the mirror, and it flashed a black light. The room went pitch black.
"That is right. Me... Manus." Artorias' pendant began to glow, and slowly pushed back some of the dark. Celestia added her magic, as did Equinox. Eventually, the dark was pushed back far enough to show them the edges of the room. Where the mirror should have been, a set of red lights gleamed back. "Yes, I concurred Oolacile. Now, I've used this handy mirror to travel here, where I shall spread the Abyss even further!" Manus laughed, a dark, cold sound.
"No." Ciarin walked forward, daggers gripped tight. "You shall fall here, and die!" She took a step forward, but was stopped by a hand on the shoulder. Turning, she saw Ornstein gripping his spear tightly. He looked down to her, and nodded. They were greeted by the sounds of Gough walking forward to stand beside them. Together they stood before they dark of Manus. A light began to encompass them. As it shined brighter, Artorias began to walk towards them, pendant hung proudly upon his neck. They welcomed him, as he stood between Ciarin and Ornstein. The glow filled each of them, so they shone, banishing the dark. Manus growled, his monstrous form coming into view .
"What is this!?" He cried, swinging his hammer, made of marred wood, around his head and slamming the ground.
"The power of love, hope, humility, and friendship."
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With a cry they charged at Manus. With a roar, he swung his hammer in front of him, which they jumped. He then slammed his fist down, which Gough caught. Ciarin climbed up Gough onto the hand, and stabbed her daggers in. Ornstein was running past them, his spear shining brightly with lightning, which he swung into Manus' side. Artorias copied on Manus' right. Manus roared, slamming his hammer into the ground, blasting Ornstein and Artorias away. He ripped his hand out of Gough grasp, then punched him in the chest. Ciarin was pulled along, and began to climb up his arm, using her daggers to keep her on by stabbing his arm. As he flung his arm about, trying to get her off, Ornstein was shooting lightning at him. Artorias ran back in and sliced at his legs, while trying to avoid his hammer. Manus finally shook Ciarin off, but Gough caught her. Setting her down they ran back towards Manus, who had grabbed Ornstein. Artorias had to back away from the hammer, but Gough intervened, catching the hammer and holding it in place. Ciarin went underneath, and jammed her daggers into his arm, running towards him while dragging them through his skin. Artorias ran towards the hand holding Ornstein. He was being slowly crushed as Manus smacked him into the ground. Artorias ran under the fist and thruster upwards, impaling Manus' hand. With a roar, he released Ornstein, whom Artorias ran back to safety. Meanwhile, Manus had succeeded in loosening Gough's grip. He swung his out of his hands and rammed it into Gough's skull. A crack could be heard as Gough was knocked back. He them grabbed Ciarin, who had reached his chest, and threw her into a wall.
"ENOUGH!!! Manus raised his hammer high, charging up energy. Artorias ran in front of everyone's general vicinity, as Manus swung his hammer down, unleashing a torrent of dark energy at Artorias. He held his pendant close, and pushed his chest out. A yellow light glowed around him, taking the attack. Manus gripped the ground, and pushed harder. Artorias began to be pushed back. Ciarin and Ornstein ran to Gough, who was directly behind Artorias. They tried to make him regain consciousness. Manus began to laugh, a cackle of insanity. Artorias grunted, his feet digging into the ground. Ciarin and Ornstein had awakened Gough, and they moved out of the way. Artorias cried out, as the pendant was blasted from his hands, and he went flying. Manus charged at the trio, where Gough slammed into him, and they locked fists. Ciarin ran to Artorias, as Ornstein cradled his chest. He suspected Manus had broken several ribs, and his right leg. Gough and Manus tussled, trying to win dominance. Manus grinned, a frightful sight, and leaped into the air, dragging Gough with him. He span around, before slamming Gough into the ground. He landed on his chest, causing Gough to cough up blood. His grin grew wider, and he began to slam his hammer into his chest. Artorias sat up, gripping Ciarin tightly. They ran to Ornstein, who also stood. Together, the three ran at Manus again. As he slammed his hammer again, they intercepted the blow, protecting Gough. They combined their strength, and ripped Manus' hammer out of his hands and sent it flying. They drew their weapons, and attacked again.
~~~~
Meanwhile, the other group was watching the battle, frightened. "Will they succeed?" asked Twilight, who was hugging close to Celestia.
"I don't know, my little pony. But they are our only hope." They all ducked as Manus' hammer flew overhead. They saw him enter a rage, and start slamming the ground. Artorias, Cairin, and Ornstein all hovered over Gough. They used there combined effort to block Manus' attacks. But the strain took hold, and eventually they collapsed. As Manus prepared his final swing, Gough rose out of the ground, slamming Manus with an uppercut and sending him flying. Together, the four rushed him once again. Before he had time to recover, Gough slammed him with a right hook, pointing his face into Ornstien who rammed his spear into his face. With a roar, he lurched back, where Ciarin latched onto his back. Artorias used her as a handhold and launched himself into the air, before plunging his blade through Manus' skull. With a shudder, his body exploded. They were sent flying as a strong wind overtook the room, and the darkness swallowed them all.
Dear readers. I have good and bad news. I... can't finish When it Will End. The end just isn't in sight. That's the bad news. Good news is: it won't be cancelled, just put on hiatus. In the mean time, I will be writing a different story, until I can see the End. I'm eternally sorry. I will also eventually be doing rewrites of the first chapters, and the ones that don't sit right with me. Hoping you don't go hollow, Equin0x27.
P.S: I might let someone else end the story, depending on what happens.
Chapter 1: what came from the ground
Luna stared up at the night sky. "Sister, I feel something. Like there might be a change. Do you feel it to?" Luna turned around as Celestia sat up.
"Yes I do sister. I sense a change. Something is going to happen, and change the fait of Equestria forever."
Ponyville
"Spike, I'm leaving for new quills! We just keep running out so fast. I don't know why."
"Alright. I'll be sleeping."
"Actually Spike, I was wondering if you could reorganize bookshelf six. It just doesn't feel right."
"Alright."
"I knew I could count on you," said Twilight as she walked out the door. It was a beautiful day outside. The skies were clear, birds were chirping happily in the trees, and the temperature was just right. As Twilight walked, she wondered how many quills she should buy. She kept running out so fast. Maybe she should buy double the amount of quills she usually buys. As she was walking, a light tremor shook the ground. Caught in her musings she didn't notice. Before she knew it, she had reached one of her favorite stores, Quills and Sofas. "Hi! Can I have 46 quills please?
"That's more than you usually buy miss Sparkle. Run out again, I presume?"
"I just can't help it. They break so quickly, I just don't know why."
"That's alright. Your just my best customer. There you go. By any chance, are you in need of a sofa?"
"No, but thank you for the offer. Have a nice day!"
"You to miss Sparkle!" The shopkeeper replied as Twilight left. Another tremor shook the ground. This one was of a greater magnitude, causing several local food stands too fall over. "What's going on ?" Twilight thought, as yet more tremors shook the ground. A crack appeared in the ground. Ponies started to panic as the cracks started to branch outwards. Twilight could only gaze in curiosity as the crack started to expand, revealing a sick glow. It sprouted outwards, caving in and becoming a giant hole. Every pony started to run as it grew larger. As she stood there, she could hear a slight sound, like something slithering below. She was about to turn around and run for her life when, another noise made itself known. She listened closely, and heard what sounded like a voice. It soon became discernable.
"God this sucks. Got to keep climbing or it's gonna eat me. Can't... stop. Got... to climb... faster. Wait... Is that a light? Yes it is! Almost there. Almost... got it. A few more inches." Twilight realized that whatever was climbing out, was nearing the top. She hastily backed away from the side, knowing something was about to climb out of the pit. She took shelter behind a pear stand. "I hate pears." Something blue shot out of the hole, a blur that crawled across the ground.. As it settled down, Twilight could tell it was some sort of creature. It looked to be very tall, about as tall as Celestia. It was covered in blue, with metal at different parts of its body. It looked around, finally settling on Twilight. She had a sudden overload of fear wondering what it would do.
"Well... that's new."
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The slithering sound got louder. Twilight realized that something a LOT bigger was coming. Every pony else had already left, only leaving her and the creature. The ground started to shake, and the edges of the pit started to fall away. Suddenly, a great beast shot out of the hole, towering over Ponyville. It roared to the sky, heard all the way to Canterlot. The creature stood up, and unsheathed a giant blade off its back. "Let's do this." It said, and proceeded to charge at the creature. The beast (it looked like a giant worm, except for the fact it had multitude of tentacles sprouting from its back. It's mouth was just a bunch of grinding teeth.) started to shoot its tentacles at the creature. He jumped up ( Twilight assumed it was male do to its voice.) and started to run up one of the thicker tentacles. The beast roared, and proceeded to shoot all of its tentacles at the male. He prepared himself, then proceeded to do a feat that amazed Twilight to this day. He stopped, waited, then grabbed onto one of the incoming tentacles. As the tentacle shook, he proceeded to cut any tentacle that came near. He then flung himself off of that tentacle onto the others. He twirled expertly though the air, slicing tentacles as he went. He landed on the monsters back, shoved his blade in then ran up the back sideways, dragging the blade along the entire time. As he neared the top, he jumped into the air and somersaulted, jamming his blade into its brain. It roared, then proceeded to fall. Twilight realized it was going to land on her. She turned around and ran, but she saw it was hopeless. She wouldn't escape in time. As she waited for the inevitable, she felt something curl around her waist. She looked up, and saw the creature swinging from one of the tentacles. As the beast hit the floor, they swung into the Everfree Forest, landing in the upper branches. As the dust settled, the creature spoke.
End song
"That was fun!"