//------------------------------// // Lesson 3: The Games Krafty Plays // Story: Cloudwalker Chronicles // by krafty //------------------------------// Chapter 3: The Games Krafty Plays An elderly cloudwalker stepped onto a platform set in the middle of a grassy area. Behind her was a large building adorned with rows upon rows of windows. The brown stone resembled the mountainside, and it was built in a gothic style. All along its facade were banners with the message “Welcome students!” and clumps of clouds where very important looking cloudwalkers sat. Facing the platform was a large crowd filled with young mares and stallions of varying shapes, sizes, and colors. The mare on the platform cleared her throat before addressing the large crowd, “Welcome all 1st year students! We are so happy to have you here!” She gazed into the crowd, looking from one pony's face to the next. “You all have been given the privilege of attending the prestigous Mountainside Academy, founded by our own King Krafty. Now before we being, there are a few things we need to go over first.” The mare put on a pair of glasses in order to read the paper that was set on the podium by an assistant cloudwalker. As she listed off various rules and regulations, the entire crowd listened attentively... all of them except for one particular pony. “Ugh, this is so boring...” Copper Head whispered to Spot, “How did we ever get into this situation anyway? Can't we just ditch this and find our own way home?” Spot sighed, “We already had a deal with Krafty remember? Don't you know what he'll do if we skip out on the contract?” Copper Head nodded, “Yeah. I remember.” Copper Head thought back to when they met the cloudwalker's king, Krafty. It was shortly after they exited the prison and met Angel Storm. Copper Head and Spot followed Angel Storm up the winding trails that led to the castle on top of the mountain. Along the way, a few of the cloudwalkers stared at them. Some laughed, and others looked disgusted. One very mischievous stallion yelled, “Go home, dirtwalkers!”, followed by a few snickers from his friends. Angel Storm reassured the two 'dirtwalkers', “Don't worry about them, Copper Head and Spot. If Krafty has his way with you two, you won't have to walk amongst these commonfolk for very long.” “Who is Krafty?” Spot questioned, “We've heard his name often enough, but we still don't know who he is.” “Krafty is our king. After the disappearance of his brother Kindle, he had to assume the role of leader. Krafty is very popular with most of the citizenry, but there are some that still hold on to the past. Look here.” She walked to a nearby wall. As she approached, a group of Cloudwalkers scattered to give her room. Spot noted that she must be very important for these ponies to treat her with such respect... and fear. Angel Storm pointed to a poster hanging on the wall. It read, “Stop playing games! The fire still burns!” These words were set on a background of blue fire with a snowflake in the middle. Angel Storm tore it down, crumpled it up, and stamped it into the ground. She sighed and started to explain, “One day, there was an uprising of cave geists that threatened the safety of Cloudwalker Kingdom. Kindle and a group of his best warriors and closest supporters went to quell this insurrection, but none of them ever made it back. Some say that Krafty planned it all; that he wanted the throne for himself... It's rumors like these that tear down society. Come, we are almost to the castle.” She left the spot in a hurry, almost knocking over some ponies that remained from the previous crowd. As they turned to leave, Copper Head noticed a hooded pony put up another poster in the destroyed one's place. He noticed Copper Head watching him and put up a hoof in silence. Copper Head narrowed his eyes and ran to catch up with the mares. As they neared the castle, Copper Head asked, “So what exactly are cloudwalkers? Is it just that you have wings on your hind legs? Wouldn't that make you some sort of pegasus or something?” Angel Storm giggled, “It's not as simple as that. We may have wings,but there are some things that we cannot do. For example, we cannot hover in the air. Our wings don't actually flap, so in order to fly we have to continually run. We can, however, walk on clouds just like pegasi. Hence the name, cloudwalker.” She pointed to a group of cloudwalkers resting on a cloud to illustrate her point. “But there is something different about us that isn't very apparent. Explaining the entire thing will take a lot of time, but I can give you the condensed version. Most cloudwalkers you will meet are your ordinary cloudwalker, but a select few of us are born with a special magical ability. These ponies are set in higher esteem than the rest, but to tell the truth; our magic is hereditary. If a parent had magic, then the child will most likely also have magic. A cloudwalker can possess magic from one of three distinct schools. The first is harmonic magic, believed to have been given to us by The Golem, Harmony.” “The Golem, Harmony?” Spot interjected, “What is that? Does it have something to do with the Elements of Harmony of Equestria?” “I am glad you are so full of questions, Spot, but that story will have to wait for another time.” She quickly dismissed Spot's question and resumed her previous explanation, “Cloudwalkers with harmonic magic usually control such forces as nature, light, and healing. Next is discordant magic, believed to be given from the draconequus, Discord. I'm sure Copper Head knows who Discord is.” Copper nodded and thought back, “I saw the chaos he put Ponyville through when he came back. Pinkie Pie, the element of laughter, is my cousin. She told me all about it, but she always regrets not keeping the cotton candy clouds that rain chocolate milk.” “Oh, very interesting.” I'll have to let Krafty know about his relationship. “But that really is what discordant magic is about. Strange magic that does even stranger things. Chocolate milk rain, sand storms made of salt, turning things different colors, or forcing ponies to speak backwards. Lastly, we have chaotic magic. Given to us by Doom, who is said to be the largest and most powerful dragon, chaotic magic is the most destructive, usually having to do with fire and darkness.” Copper Head gulped, Doom? Does she mean that dragon High Noon told me about in my dream? I've never heard anypony other than High Noon talk about Doom, so why would she? “So what kind of magic do you have?” Spot questioned, “Judging by your cutie mark, a halo and a lightning bolt, I would guess harmonic magic.” Angel Storm glanced at her cutie mark before answering, “You would think that, judging from my cutie mark, but my magic is more of a mixture between harmonic and chaotic. Sometimes a cloudwalker's magic is hard to judge.” “I see.” Spot looked at her cutie mark again, “It's a really nice cutie mark, I like it.” “Thank you Spot. I like your cutie mark as well. A pink flower... you must like plants?” Spot shook her head, “Not exactly, my cutie mark...” Spot glanced at her cutie mark. “I got it when I discovered my affinity for water magic, by saving a forest from burning. It was the first time I ever used magic, and my family thought it was incredible. I saw a pink flower amidst the ashes, and it made me so happy to have saved it's life. The flower on my cutie mark is the exact same flower that I saved that day.” Angel Storm smiled, “That's a very nice story, Spot.” She then turned to Copper Head, “What's the story about your cutie mark, Copper Head? It's very interesting.” Copper Head was caught of guard by the question as he was thinking deeply and didn't hear their conversation, “Oh, well.” He chose his words carefully. She knew about Doom, so she might know about the wolf too. “I got in a fight one day. That's when it appeared.” “But what about the wol...” Copper Head quickly covered Spot's mouth. She mumbled in protest, but Copper talked over her, “Oh yes, the wool. Nasty business that was. Could you believe that my opponent actually attacked me with a wool sweater? Tried to suffocate me. Probably the scariest sweater I've ever seen.” Angel Storm looked surprised, “A sweater? As a weapon? I'll have to tell Krafty. Get the researchers looking into it.” She turned to talk into the crystal and Copper Head took Spot aside. “Hey, don't talk too much about those wolves.” He whispered into her ear, careful to make sure Angel Storm didn't hear. “Try not to tell her everything about us. We still don't know why this Krafty guy wants us here, and Angel Storm obviously works for him.” Spot glanced at Angel Storm who was still talking into the communication crystal and whispered, “Alright, but she seems so nice. I don't think she would hurt us.” “Maybe so, but we can't take any chances. She reports to Krafty, and we don't know what he is like. He might hurt us.” Spot nodded in understanding, and not soon after Angel Storm was done with her converstation. She beckoned the two ponies to follow and they resumed their journey up the winding trail of the mountain. It wasn't long until they reached the gates of Krafty's castle. Copper Head and Spot stared in amazement. The castle was made from a brown stone that matched the color of its surroundings, and the peak of the mountain was actually a tall tower made from a sparkling white material that mimicked snow. The closer they got the more everything changed. The air got colder, the wind harsher, and the crowds sparcer. If there were groups of ponies, they were either moving towards or away from the castle, never standing in one place lest the gale freeze them. Angel Storm seemed unaffected by the cold, but her stride did become noticably faster. “Commander Angel Storm!” two guards saluted the blue mare as she approached the gate, “There was a group of Frozen Ash protestors here today. We assumed the normal protocol of evicting them from the premises, but they fought back. We have one badly injured guard being treated right now. The protestors also stole seven wooden posts, destroyed two potted plants, and one was able to get past the gate, but fell into the moat.” After giving their report, the two stallions stared emotionlessly ahead waiting for Angel Storm's response. “At ease, soldiers. We will have to replace the plants, but the posts were just left over from Nightmare Night. Tell me, how many protestors were there?” “About seventy.” Angel Storm sighed, “That's more than last time. If any more show up, make sure to report it in. Now, open the gates.” “Yes, sir!” The guards pulled a lever that opened a small wooden gate that led into an outer courtyard. There was a large lawn lined with flowers, trees, and other well-kept foliage that somehow survived the cold. There were plenty of guards hanging around a large building set in the corners that must have been the barracks, but there were a few important-looking ponies in various locations talking to one another. The group kept walking until the reached a moat that circled the castle itself. A drawbridge was lowered and hit the soft earth with a great thump. After they all crossed, the drawbridge slowly made its ascent up to its original position. Once inside, they entered a small room with torches, seats, pictures of past kings and queens, and small potted plants. Directly opposite the entrance was another set of doors that Angel Storm stopped at. She turned to them saying, “Beyond these doors is the throne room. You better be on your best behavior, alright? King Krafty is very... laidback, but I would feel better if you didn't cause any trouble.” “Alright,” said Spot. “As long as he lets us go home,” Copper Head replied. “Good.” Angel Storm turned and pushed open the doors. What awaited Spot and Copper Head took them by surprise. Beyond the doors was a throne room with a high ceiling. Several columns lined the room and each had a torch with a flame of multiple colors. There was a carpet which depicted various mythical creatures leading from the door to the throne. All along this carpet were what looked like piles of junk, but as the group got closer to these piles, they could see that they were all children's games and toys amongst gruesome looking traps. One pile would hold a checker board and a stuffed animal, but a bear trap sitting right next to it. One pile was made completely of chess pieces of various colors and materials. In between these piles were tables, each with a group of ponies sitting at them. The ponies would look up as they walked by, but quickly resumed their previous activities. After passing by a pile compiled of plastic teacups and rubber ducks, Angel Storm was stopped by a stallion sitting at one of the tables. “Angel~ Where are you headed to in such a hurry? I got something I need to show you.” The stallion slicked back his black mane and made his way over to Angel Storm. Angel Storm rolled her eyes, “What do you want F1?” The red stallion feigned injury, “Now why did you have to say it like that? Have you forgotten all those nights together in Shadowclad Forest when we were kids?” Angel Storm blushed, “Quiet! Not in front of everypony.” Her blush faded and she regained her composure, “Now, why did you stop me?” “You're no fun, Angel Storm.” The stallioned Angel Storm called F1 retrieved a letter from the table he was sitting at and gave it over to the mare. “It's nothing really... just thought you would like to know...” Angel Storm read through it with an annoyed look on her face, “So, your daughter has been accepted into Mountainside Academy, too. Congratulations.” F1 beamed with pride, “Of course she was accepted! Grand Prix is a chip off the old block. A real renaissance mare. The fastest pony in THE. ENTIRE. WORLD! Why she could even... wait. What do you mean by 'too'?” “My son, Shadowstorm, was recently accepted as well. It looks like our children will be fellow classmates.” F1 looked shocked, “What? They let HIM in? That mischievous little slacker was accepted into the prestigous Mountainside? I... There must have been a mistake. You did something to convince Krafty didn't you! I know it's not below you; I remember who you used to be!” Angel Storm kicked F1 in the face with her front hoof. She looked furious, “Enough!” She turned and walked off in a hurry, “Come you two. We best not keep the king waiting, and I would not want the maids to have to clean the blood of a certain red cloudwalker off of the floor.” Copper Head and Spot followed her, but both of them looked over there shoulders at F1. He looked a bit sad, but it was only for a second. He kicked one of the fallen teacups in frustration and return to his seat. They returned to the red carpet that led to the throne. Suddenly, all along the carpet were small figurines carved into different shapes. Some were even recognizable to Copper Head. Star Swirl, Discord, an Ursa Major, and even a dragon. At the end of the carpet was a raised platform, with two chairs set on opposite side of a large chess table. Sitting at the table were two cloudwalkers. One, a middle-aged light brown stallion with a dark brown mane, was wearing a crown and a green cape. The obvious marks of a king. His cutie mark was two chess pieces, one white and one black. He was holding a figurine that looked a lot like... Princess Celestia... Copper Head gulped. Why would he have a statue made to look like the Princess? It... must just be a coincidence... Copper Head watched as the pony opposite the king took out another figurine. One that looked just like Princess Luna. Ok, definitely not a coincidence. The pony with the Luna figure set it on the table in front of Krafty and said, “My king. I apologize for the delay in creating the Luna figure. We had originally started on one for Nightmare Moon, but after her defeat, we had to start completely from scratch.” The pony who was obviously King Krafty smiled, “I absolutely love them Dugan. You always outdo yourself. I'm going to grant you that extension onto your shop that you've been asking for.” Dugan's face brightened, “You mean it? But, what happened to the Locust family?” Krafty shook his head, “Just last week, Desert Locust died in the field. He was captured by authorities in Saddle Arabia, and died trying to excape custody. Another field agent in his team brought back his body. I felt so bad for the family that I moved them to the Aurora Fissure.” “The Aurora Fissure! Now those are some lucky ponies. You are too generous my liege.” Krafty brushed off this compliment, “I only do what any good king would do. My brother would have done the same.” Dugan's face shadowed over at the comment, “I do miss your brother. Kindle was a great king while he was alive.” Krafty nodded in agreement, “That he was, but there's nothing we can do about it now. Tell me, how is the next assignment coming along?” “We have some sketches. Here let me get them.” Dugan ruffled around in his bag and produced a sheet of paper. He unrolled it, gave it a look over, then gave it to King Krafty. As Krafty looked over them, Copper Head peered over Angel Storm's shoulder to get a look at the paper. He shuddered at what he saw. There were pictures of six ponies, and he knew exactly which ones they were. The first he noticed was his cousin Pinkie Pie, and right next to her was Twilight Sparkle. What is this? Copper Head thought, Why is he ordering figures of Pinkie Pie? And Twilight? There's those other ones too that Pinkie Pie told me about. Rainbow Flash? Applestack? There names didn't matter. What mattered was that they were in trouble. He could feel it. Krafty rolled the drawings up and handed them back to Dugan with a smile on his face, “They look perfect. Thank you so much for handling my little projects, and I've already sent the money to your shop.” Dugan spoke while putting the paper back into his bag, “We always love your orders, King Krafty. But I must ask, what is your interest in these ordinary looking ponies?” Krafty smirked, “Research Dugan. Princess Celestia has foolishly given the Elements of Harmony to these young ponies. She was better off keeping them for herself, but now I only need to take out one of these six ponies to completely disrupt one of the strongest weapons that could be used against me.” Dugan coughed, “Sir, we have guests. I suggest you speak about this later.” Krafty raised an eyebrow and turned his head, “Ah! Guests!” He leaped from his chair and shook Spot's hoof, “Spot I assume? Your use of water magic is impressive and graceful. Reminds me of our very own, Ocean Strider. Yet, you have more style. More... beauty.” Spot stood there confused as Krafty moved on to shake Copper Head's hand, “And you! Copper Head! Very strong name. I'm sure you were named after a snake on purpose, yes? And you have such ferocity to match your name. Though it seems like your inner fighter only shows itself after some... motivation.” “Wait...” Spot was still recovering from her confusion, “How do you know our names? And were you watching us as we took those tests? What's going on?” Krafty raised his eyebrow again, “My my my. So many questions. I feel as though I can answer them all, though. To answer your first question, I know your names because Hati and Skoll told me. I'm sure you've met before.” Krafty put a hoof up to his mouth and whistled one sharp note. Only a moment later, a vortex of pure black and white light appeared off to the side near the wall. One inky black paw emerged, then another. What came next made Copper Head's blood boil. It was the black wolf that he fought back in Ponyville. The wolf bowed and said, “Hati at your service, King Krafty.” Hati peeked upwards from his prostrate position and laughed, “Haha! Lunch is here!” The wolf disappeard in a puff of smoke and reappeared at Copper Head's side, “You look just as appetizing as I remember you.” Hati started drooling and licked his lips, “I'm sure one of Krafty's chefs wouldn't mind making me some pony kebabs, or maybe a pony steak. It doesn't matter really.” “Hati!” King Krafty yelled at the wolf who jerked when he heard his name called, “These are our guests. I would like you to treat them with respect.” The wolf muttered something under his breath and went to stand next to Krafty who looked at him condescendingly and asked, “Now where is your brother.” “I'm right here, sire.” The voice came from a white wolf who had suddenly appeared at Krafty's side. He bowed to the king and said, “Skoll at your service, King Krafty.” He sat elegantly next to Krafty and spoke with unblinking eyes, “It is nice to see you, Miss Spot. I hope my dishonesty did not harm you in any way. I only did what had to be done.” Spot remained silent. It was obvious that she was angry, but did her best to hide it. She nodded, hoping that it would suffice as an acceptable answer. The air between the ponies and wolves was foul, but the king either didn't notice it or simply ignored it. Krafty put a hoof to his chin as if in thought, “Now as for your next question. Hmm. Ah yes, I was indeed watching you as you took your tests. I find it very entertaining and necessary. Should anything befall a young pony, I need to know in order to get them the help they need. Nopony is going to die on my watch. And as for the reason why you're here, it's in the hopes that you'll join me.” “Join you for what?” The inquisitive Spot forgot the presence of Skoll and broke her silence, “What could you possibly need both of us for when you have an entire kingdom that's loyal to you?” “Now THAT is a good question!” Krafty walked back the table and sat down with the two wolves on either side, “You see, there's a thing about us cloudwalkers. We don't exactly fit in with ponies of other cultures. Wings on our legs and all. Sure, you can hide them with boots, but keep them tied down for too long and you'll eventually get wing rot. Not fun at all. That's why I have need of pegasi, unicorns, and Earth ponies to help me conduct... business, in other lands. Which actually brings me to the reason I brought you here.” He turned to Skoll and whispered something in his ear. The wolf nodded and disappeared in a flash of light. No sooner was he gone that he reappeared with two pieces of paper held gently in his mouth. Krafty took the pieces of paper and laid them on the table. He beckoned for the two ponies to get closer, and they obliged. “Here is a contract that I give to non-cloudwalkers. All I ask is that you attend Mountainside Academy. If you pass with good marks, I will return you to your homes. If you do not agree to the simple terms of the contract or if you fail any classes during your time at Mountainside, I will leave you at the foot of the mountain where you are free to find your own way home; but trust me, it's a very long flight and an even longer walk.” He pushed the contracts towards them and took out an ink pad. “Just put your right hoof in the ink and press it on the paper if you agree.” Spot looked at Copper Head, “What do we do? It doesn't seem like we have much of a choice.” Copper Head sighed, “You're right, Spot. If we don't agree, who knows what will happen. We can't fight against an entire kingdom, and even if we did, we wouldn't know how to get home.” “I guess we agree then?” Spot stared into Copper Head's eyes. She looked scared, worried, and lost all at the same time. Copper gave her a reassuring smile, “Don't worry we'll get throught this, together.” Spot smiled, and they both signed the contract. Krafty rolled up the parchment and smiled with them, “Good! I'm glad to see that you agreed. It might not be so bad! Who knows what will await you at Mountainside Academy!”