“Whoa whoa whoa,” Rainbow Dash waved her front hooves in front of her, “That Admiral guy sent you to learn magic from the bad guys?”
“No, Rainbow, he didn't,” Twilight deadpanned, “He sent me to one of the most important members of the Alliance.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Y-y-you're Dratali,” Twilight stammered.
She was finally able to get a good look at him. His scales were a golden color and his eyes were a rather beautiful shade of rose red. Unlike the others she's seen he had no feathers. He wore very simple earth brown pants and dirty white sleeveless shirt.
“I am, yet am no longer,” Has-ka said cryptically.
“What do you mean?” Twilight said warily of the reptilian mage.
“I no longer give my allegiance to the Dratali,” Has-ka explained, “Though I am still of the Dratali race.”
Twilight looked at the Dratali, still skeptical. “How do I know you're telling the truth?”
“If it were a lie, you would be dead,” Has-ka said, seriously.
Twilight couldn't fault his argument. There was just one other question she had to ask.
“If you're not an enemy, Why did you attack me?”
“I needed to test you,” he stated simply, “I had to see the quality of clay I have been given to mold. Though you have potential, you are almost entirely unskilled. You fight with the finesse of a rock.”
Twilight opened her mouth to argue, but once again he was right.
“OK, so you’re not trying to kill me,” Twilight relented, “But how do I know you're not planning something? You might try to ponynap me in my sleep.”
Suddenly Has-Ka waved his hand and Twilight's body locked up and her mind clouded. She hit the ground, no longer able to keep her balance. Twilight couldn't focus enough to cast any spells or even devise an escape plan. She let her guard down and he took advantage of the opportunity. The Dratali mage stood over her limp body and peered into her eyes.
“You’re completely at my mercy,” he stated firmly, “I can do whatever I wish with you, and there's nothing you could do about it. Do you understand what that means?”
The look in her eyes told him his answer. He held his hand out again and Twilight was released from the spell's influence. Twilight jumped up and stared at the reptilian magic user with confusion and a touch of fear. She couldn't understand it. Nothing made sense about this whole mess.
“Who are you, really?” Twilight asked.
“Who am I indeed?” he repeated, “That is the question we all ask ourselves at some point. Tell me, do you know who you are?”
Twilight answered easily enough, “I'm Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia, and the Element of Magic.”
“That only tells me your name and what you are. Who are you?” Has-Ka asked again, “I am Has-Ka, former Dratali Archon. Five years ago I had an enlightening revelation. If the universe wanted life destroyed, it could do it itself. It doesn't need insignificant mortals like us to do it. Not only that but isn't it the universe that created us in the first place? Killing its creations is the true blasphemy. This is why I turned on the brotherhood and joined the Alliance.”
“But I was told I was the only mage in the Alliance,” Twilight said, confused, “Why aren't you fighting?”
“You are the only official adept in the Alliance. My existence is a closely guarded secret,” Has-Ka clarified, “I am the reason the Alliance knows so much about the Dratali. The reason I do not fight is my own. Please leave it at that. Now answer one question of mine. Where did you learn that lightning spell? I was told you know no combat magic.”
Twilight grinned at the question, “I learned it from you when you used it on me.”
“What do you mean? How can you learn a spell like that?” Has-Ka cocked an eyebrow (or whatever that ridge above his eye is called).
“I can learn spells the first time I see the spell matrix being woven.” Twilight answered with a little bit of pride showing.
“You can see the spell matrix?” Has-Ka asked, astonished.
Twilight furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, “Can't you?”
“It's not supposed to be possible,” The Dratali replied, shocked, “Can you do the earth move spell I used as well?”
Twilight's horn lit up as she gathered the mana to weave the spell. Once it was ready, she used it to reach out to the ground beside her and forced it to jolt upward. Has-Ka stared at the display, mouth wide open.
“Incredible,” was all he could say for several seconds, “It would seem my six month training program will have to be shortened.”
He thought for a few moments before walking around the pony, appraising her. His piercing gaze was making Twilight very uncomfortable, but she held her ground.
“I think I know how to spend our time together.” He said with a small smile.
Twilight tensed, ready to run as fast as her hooves could carry her.
“We'll work on mana manipulation.” He stated.
Twilight let out a sigh of relief.
“I noticed how long it took you to cast that earth move spell, as well as the lightning,” the Dratali continued, “Anyone can tell when you're about to cast a spell by watching your horn. We're going to improve your ability to cast quickly and to control mana. Do you remember how I reversed your lightning?”
“What spell was that?” Twilight asked, “I couldn't see it.”
“It wasn't a spell, but mana control,” Has-Ka replied, “I redirected your mana with my own.” At the confused look Twilight gave him, he clarified, “You can use raw mana for various purposes. For instance, you can concentrate it and flatten it, like so...”
He held his right hand out, palm up and gathered raw magic above his hand. Twilight watched with her magic sense open as he flattened the energy into a short, curved, translucent, rose red blade. He hovered it around him a few times before moving it closer to Twilight so she could examine it, but not so close as to make her nervous. It was actually quite simple. Twilight lit up her horn and created an orb of magic energy. She focused on flattening it to a blade, but when it was about one inch thick the energy erupted, scorching Twilight's already short mane.
Has-Ka laughed, “Good try, but you have much to learn. Come my student. I have a place prepared for you.”
He started into the forest again with Twilight reluctantly following close behind.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Uh, Rarity, Why are you crying?” Twilight stopped for a moment when she heard the sobbing mare.
“This is just the saddest story I have ever heard,” replied the alabaster unicorn, “Your poor mane!”
Eleven hooves (thirteen if you count the guards outside the garden) and one claw met their respective owners faces.
“Just ignore her,” Pinkie advised with an unusually serious expression, “It's just Rarity being Rarity.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Has-Ka led the small equine through the woods to a large three story house. Needless to say it seemed very out of place, way out there in the middle of nowhere, but Twilight wasn't about to complain. It was a yellow house with green shutters and a red door. Other than that it was just a big box, function over form to the extreme. Twilight idly thought of the seizure Rarity would have at the sight of the ugly place. The garden to the left of the house was nice at least.
“This will be your home for the duration of your stay. I'll give you a tour.” Has-Ka opened the front door for Twilight. Twilight was never one for worrying about décor, but this place really needed a mare's touch. The home was entirely devoid of and decorative pieces. The entry only had a simple coat hanger that was left unused, while the living room had a couch, a coffee table, and a TV. The kitchen had only the necessities (and several appliances Twilight had no idea about). Her room consisted of a bed, dresser, and end table. Finally the top floor was one giant room, and the only one with any kind of decoration. He called it the “meditation room”, and had several candles and a nice rug in the center.
“Do you have anything in your ship you may need before we get started?” Has-Ka asked.
“No, I'm ready when you are,” Twilight answered.
Has-Ka looked at the unicorn with an inquisitive expression. “Do you always wear your flight armor or do you have other clothes?”
“Ponies don't normally wear clothes,” Twilight answered matter-of-factly.
“Really? Well if we're going to be going into town you should probably wear something,” he suggested.
“I suppose, after all clothes seem to... wait... there's a town here?” Twilight asked, confused.
“What did you think?” Has-Ka chuckled, “That I was some eccentric hermit living alone, training random people to use mystical powers?”
“Well... yeah, kinda,” Twilight admitted, “I figured since your existence is secret that you were alone out here.”
“When I defected, I rescued several prisoners that were going to be sacrificed to Gan-Fal, our god. As if he wishes for the blood of the innocent.” the Dratali mage explained with a scowl, “They and their families settled here as well. The town is comprised of friends and family of those prisoners. I go there for supplies every few weeks.”
“Then I'll get my uniform. It's the only clothing I have at the moment. I'll be right back.” Twilight said before flashing back to her ship. She grabbed her uniform and a couple other things she might need and flashed back.
“You're good with that blink spell,” Has-Ka observed, “It's one spell I never did get the hang of.”
“Oh, my flash travel spell? It's my favorite,” Twilight told him, “Why don't I teach it to you.”
“I would like that,” Has-Ka smiled, “But first, let's begin our training.” He went to a section of candles and lit one of them, “OK... mana control. You're going to lift the flame from the candle and feed it with your mana. Try to keep it the same size it is now. I'm going to cast a fire retardant spell. If you don't know one watch and learn.”
Having lived with a dragon for the majority of her life, she knew a very good fireproofing spell, but she watched anyway.
“OK, it's set,” Has-Ka gave the go-ahead.
“Hold on,” Twilight said as her horn flashed and a similar spell was cast on what was left of her mane, “Alright.”
Twilight lit up her horn again and took up the flame. The tiny fire fluctuated heavily as she tried to regulate her magic and keep the flow at a steady rate. All her friends thought of her as powerful, and she's come to acknowledge this fact as well, but finesse was never her strong suit. She idly thought of how easy this would be for Rarity, Lyra, or any unicorn that relies on such precision in their careers. In her thought, though, her flow faltered and the flame nearly died. She tried to fix the flow, but put a bit too much into it. The tiny flame became a small inferno. She quickly cut off the flow and the fire died out.
“And that's why we use fire retardant spell for this,” Has-Ka stated, “Not a bad first try. Try it again.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“My apologies for the interruption, Ma'am,” A guard said as he trotted over to Celestia and whispered something in her ear.
“Now?” Celestia sounded surprised, “Did she say what she wanted?”
“No, your majesty,” the guard responded.
“I'm sorry, my student,” Celestia apologized, “It seems something important has come up.”
“It's OK, Princess,” Twilight waved it off, “I could use a breather anyway.”
“Why don't you come with me then,” the solar princess offered, “I could use the company.”
“I'm coming, too,” Spike said quickly and jumped to his feet.
“When we continue, I'll tell you about the first time I went into the town.” Twilight said.
The trio made their way in contented silence through the palace to the throne room. The guards, once they saw the Princess and her company, opened the massive, gilded doors. Awaiting the Princess of the sun was a black figure abut the same size as Celestia with a jagged horn, wings like a dragonfly, and hooves riddled with holes.
“Ahh, Chrysalis,” Celestia greeted her fellow royal, “How have you been?”
The changeling sighed, “I have been better, Celestia.”
“Still having problems with ponies harassing changelings, your highness?” Twilight asked.
Chrysalis gasped, “Twilight Sparkle, you're alive! I was told you died.”
“It's a long story,” Twilight chuckled, “But I've been in space. I'll tell you about it some time.”
“Chrysie, you said you have a problem...” Celestia attempted to get the conversation back on track.
“Of course,” Chrysalis said apologetically, “I'm not sure, but I doubt it's the ponies. We haven't had much problems with them recently. Only four attacks in three months.”
“That's four too many.” Twilight said with a little anger in her voice, “Why the hell can't ponies accept the treaty and get over it? I swear, we should starve them and let them feel what it's like to be so desperate for food you would do anything to get it. Then maybe they would realize why you did what you did. Even Cadence forgave you!”
“Relax, Twilight,” Celestia said, “Chrysalis just said she's not here because of ponies. Now let's hear her out.”
The Queen smiled at the lavender unicorn, “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle, for your concern, but the ponies’ mistrust is our own doing. Many still remember the wrongs we committed regardless of our reasons. As queen, I should have devised a better way to acquire the love we needed. I should have approached Celestia myself to discuss the issue. Instead, I foalnapped a member of the royal family, impersonated her, attacked the citizens of Equestria, and assaulted Celestia after drugging her morning tea with a magic dampening agent.”
“Which I still say was a clever move from a tactical perspective,” Celestia said, “Anyway, we're off on another tangent.”
“Right,” Chrysalis continued, “The reason I came is because something has been attacking my changelings. I don't think it's ponies because...” Chrysalis's expression hardened, “Three of my subjects have been murdered.”
Badflank Twilight is on the case. Man, I'm liking this story more and more with each chapter
And here I was hoping for another Yoda. *sigh* Oh well...
Oh dear
Dratali in Equestria?
Dratali in Equestria I'm assuming?
I wonder, are you going to expand upon the distinction between their magics? You said the Dratali used external magic, where as Unicorns use internal. Did you simply drop that concept? I figured it would be talked about here, Dratali have fewer limits to their power, but slower load time, where as unicorns are much faster, but stamina can be an issue... at least that's what I gathered from the earlier chapters.
umm... Celestia I don't think you should have brought Twilight. She is just a wee bit overkill.
1815246 I didn't drop it. It will be explained when Twilight continues the story.
Chrysalis in the fold? This is going to be EPIC! =3
Hold! Question, I' guessing in the next chapter or so, Twilight's going to kill whoever has killed the changlings using her new weapons (and showing off at the same time) and get the Queen interested in hearing the rest of her story. Right? >=3
Could be Dratali(Is that plural? If so what is the singular, Dratal), could be gryphons, or some other creature of Avol. It could be cows. They DO eat meet after(as implied by the author).
Has-Ka is NOT quite another Yoda. Oh well!!
And Chrysalis not being evil? YES! Too many people portray her as pure evil. Did she enjoy conquering Canterlot? Yes. Did she have a good reason to do so? Yes. She needed food for the hive.(Presumably, we don't have a canon reason...yet)
1815292 There's another story behind cows
squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Yay! Twilight has an excuse to use her new skills.
1815297Aww... I was hoping for Killer Cows from Planet Avol.
I was also sooo sure that it was going to be an "Old Master"
I love how he just subverted the yoda trope with that one hilarious line with Tsparks all like
hmm... well Twilight i hope you have a way to call your friends...
1815197 I rather like this twist myself. A pleasant departure from the familiar.
However, I do wonder how they hide themselves so well if they have such a large concentration of individuals like that.
1815338 I never said they hide themselves. Why would they if he's the only Dratali and he lives way outside town.
1815338
Not having a Yoda is like thinking outside the box. The box is there for a reason. I feel safe in there. ()
1815351 You obviously haven't read Chaotic Harmony. I burned the box in that one
I see where this is going
1815349 They are escaped prisoners who were led by a traitor. If you don't become number one on a country's shit list for that I'm left in wonder.
1815395 They were Dratali prisoners. Now they're in Alliance space so why hide. There's a reason it's a small community, and It will be explained.
Nice turnaround. Can't wait to see how this new development turns out.
When I read "her fellow royal" I ask "WTF?!" but then I read "murdered" and realized that it would be Twilight Time!
Anti-Magic drugs... that has to be the best explanation for Celestia getting K.O'd so quickly i've ever heard!
Payback is a mean one.
When Chrysalis showed up i was all like
but when the "Three of my subjects have been murdered" I was thinking Twilight snap in 3.....2......1......
1815300 same comment on your avatar
1815616 Thx
Wonder if it's the Diamond Dogs... again. They always seem to be the scapegoat for doing something "bad" and when ponies kick their furry butt, no one sheds a tear for the resulting massacre.
Oh well, lets see where this is going.
Also, Chrysalis (did Celly call her Chrysie?)!!!
Nice hint on why Celestia failed her duel with the Queen during the wedding. It conflicts a bit with my personal headcanon (Power of Love) but its still a nice idea.
1815746 Celestia would also be using the power of love though, the love for her subjects.
1815771 True but only Chrysie could feed on the love of others aswell, she just had that extra edge, but it was definitly a close call and she was just as much suprised afterwards.
if what ever is attacking/killing the changlings are dratali i am guessing they are probably normal ground troops and not adept otherwise they would have sent out a beacon... or maybe the adept they do have are being cautious since the changlings can also use magic
1815911 The town was already abandoned. They were there for something that will be revealed later on.
So... the Dratali have found Avol, time to call in the USS Enterprise and kick some ass
EDIT: I mean the entire UFoP fleet to save Twilights homeworld from those buggers. If they (the Dratali) have planet destroying weapons on the way then that planet's fucked
And now Twilight's gonna be all:
"You stay back..." Walks forward all dramatic like. "I'll take care of this."
And Chyrssie gonna be all:
"What the heck is going on?"
Yay, time for Twi to f*ck people up!
Uh oh. Murders in Equestria? Houston we have a problem. Ok, I did not expect this Has-Ka to be another Yoda, but I also expecetd some kind of "old" Master. Just like Jackie Chans Master in Drunken Master ;) (Ha, I love the classics. The eight drunken Gods). But this is also very good. His surprise at her ability to SEE the matrix behind a spell was also interesting. It seems it has some advantages to be the element of Magic itself
As for the murderer, to quote one of my favorite characters from a Video game. "Its game time"
1816025 Hey Ho! Ponies made an artificial sun, I think the 3 Alicorns, Twi, and some extremely talented unicorns could A) Shield the planet or B) Blow the thing the fuck up.
1816029
I think we are all waiting for this kind of resolution. Twi showing precisely how powerful she really is now.
A wild B Plot appeared!
WIN
This planet reminds me of Channelwood, Kadish Tolesa and Eder Gira mixed up. Good, good.
I might be missing some earlier exposition, but the explanation behind Chrysalis seemed a little bit forced. That being said it's still miles above the ussual, "Chrysalis is kewl now kay?".
Also I love the trope subversion you had going on there. It was funny and oh so meta.
So, Twilight's had close to six months of precision training in all manner of combat spells and the application of magic in general.
...You know, the phrase "Tactical Nuke" comes to mind. I'm just not sure why...oh well, I'm sure it'll be okay.
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1816267
Tactical Nuke? Umm. You mean like.... THIS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecbTsBMeBy8
I mean if there are spells like this in this story it wouldn't surprise me in the least. I mean if they use magic in space comabt also they need something powerful enough to destroy a whole space ship (Or even a planet, if they really have those doomsday spells).
Twilight gets leveled up!
I like the concept of her being a badflank battle mage.