//------------------------------// // The Temple of Magic, part 2 // Story: The Legend of Celestia: Twilight Princess // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// The titaness of Magic (The Temple of Magic part 2) “Oh, the Dungeon Map?” Asked Midna. “Okay that’s a relief, from now on it’ll be a lot of easier to move… but we still cannot determine which the useless rooms are” “The problem with this is that there are too many chests on this” said Twilight scratching her head. “How can we know which ones have something useful like keys and which ones only have money?” “You can’t” said Epona. “But that’s what makes Dungeons so fun” “But if we find money Ah’ wont’ complain” said Applejack. “Anypony can use some money to spare, don’t ya’ think?” “Applejack is right” added Dash. “I would love to go see the Wonderbolt’s latest show or a couple of barrels of good cider” “However we are wasting our time here” said Fi, who didn’t have any trouble communicating with the inhabitants of Equestria. “In order to fulfil our mission we must find the chests containing the Boss Key and the Dungeon’s Object” “What now?” Asked Rarity. “The Dungeon’s Object and the Boss Key” explained Fi. “Helping the Master in his multiple incarnations of the Master I’ve learnt that those are the most useful objects when you enter to one of these Dungeons” “I see” said Rarity thoughtful. “But again, how can we know where to find what?” “I’m afraid that’s not possible” said Fi bowing. “But we can find them quickly if we split” said Twilight. “But we’re supposed to finish this Dungeon together, I don’t know what to do” Midna turned back into an imp and grinned to Twilight. “It’s easy: we split in two groups, Hyrule Warriors and the six of you” They all agreed and gathered around Twilight who had the map. “Okay, according with this, the two locked doors lead to different areas of the temple, that converge at the other side; so we just need to find a second key and we can split to meet at the other side” said Twilight after studying it. “Okay, let’s go!” Ordered Midna. Twilight took the key they just got and used it on the nearest door, the heavy padlock fell and vanished much to her surprise, but she preferred not to say anything and finally opened the door, and the adventurers were received by a horde of horrible skeleton ponies with big protruding teeth and red eyes; and another one of the big skeleton monsters from the other room. Rainbow Dash gulped looking around. “Another of those… how are they called?” Asked the cyan Pegasus. “Stalfos! And… smaller Stalfos?” “And Stalchilds” corrected Midna with a chuckle. “What’s so funny about this?” Asked Link preparing for battle. “Seeing a troop of Stalchilds leaded by a Stalfos reminds me the Battle of the Crossed Eras” said Midna dreamily. “Seriously, what happened in that battle? You keep mention it since we started this adventure” complained Link. Midna got back to her normal self and winked at Link. “I’ll tell you as soon as soon as we finish this temple” promised the Twilight Princess taking her Mirror of Shadows. Then the troop of monsters ran to the group of adventurers ready to finish them but they were received by Link’s Master Sword, Midna’s summoned black-stone hands and Fi’s deadly dancing. Twilight and the others just watched the battle unsure what to do until Epona indicated them to enter the room. “I think they can handle the fighting without us, so what if we start solving puzzles?” Suggested the hylian mare. The girls nodded and they got inside the room It was a beautiful hall, with big fancy marble columns and golden details that went all the way to the roof (or the Academy’s floor depending on the point of view). The room was divided in two sections separated by a bottomless pit. “Wow, this seems impressive” mumbled Twilight. “Nah, this is merely generic” said Epona shrugging. “And what should we do in this ‘generic’ traps?” Asked Applejack. “Well, those who have wings can cross it from now without a problem” said Rainbow already flying over the pit. Full of doubts, Twilight followed her, but suddenly she noticed one of the columns on her side was a little different. It had a strange ornament like an eye that was staring directly at her. “What’s this?” Asked Twilight flying closer to the column while creating a force-field; after all she still remembered the Beamos. But Rainbow approached carelessly and took a close look of the eye. “Hello! Are you going to shoot a magic beam or something? Go on, I’m not afraid of you!” The eye of course didn’t answered. “What’s with her?” Asked Sweet Fog joining them. “Nothing, Rainbow is just in Daring-Do mode” explained Applejack. “What now?” “We’ll explain later” said Twilight with a sigh still examining the eye. “What’s this?” It was when the rest of the Hyrule Warriors entered to the room behind Sweet Fog. “Oh, an Eye-Switch!” Said Link with a nostalgic smile. “What did he said?” Asked Applejack to Epona. “I’m not that sure but I think he said I-Switch” translated Epona. “Oh, I get it, Eye-Switch. You must pierce the eye with something to activate a hidden mechanism” “Pierce it with something? Like what?” Asked Dash. Epona then opened her saddlebag and offered Link his bow an arrows. The Hylian nodded and aimed to the eye shooting the first arrow. It impacted right on the center and the eye closed (much to the ponies’ surprise). And suddenly (as Epona said) a hidden mechanism activated making appear only half of a bridge. “But what about the other half?” Asked Fluttershy softly. “Surely on the other side” said Epona shrugging. They all walked on the bridge and as Link said, they noticed a new switch right on the other side. “How did you know?” Asked Applejack impressed. “Years of being Link’s partner” Link was already aiming a new arrow but Midna stopped him. “Soon they’ll have to handle on their own and they don’t have a bow and an arrow. Let them solve this with their own resources, alright?” Link seemed a little surprised but nodded and made Twilight a sign. “What is he trying to say?” Whispered Rarity. “I think they want us to do this on our own” said Twilight. “Alright, I’ll do it!” And the purple alicorn flew to the switch shooting a magic beam against it, making appear the other half of the bridge. “Is this how it’s going to be? That tedious?” Asked Rarity. “Eeyup” answered Epona. “Is better if you not to think too much about it” So the group walked to the other side of the room opening the unlocked door at the end of it, entering to a round room full of… flowerpots. Link gasped and prepared his Master Sword, he knew all-too-well the plants on the pots: a large steam and a giant mouth-like blue heads. “Not only monsters but also Hylian plants?” Asked Midna preparing her weapon as well. “What are those things?” Wanted to know Fluttershy. “Deku-Babas” explained Sweet Fog. “And look, there’s a chest right behind them!” Link noticed it as well and indicated the ponies to give him some space, and then he took one of his clawshots and aimed to the roof and then shot pulling himself a few inches from the floor. Then the Hylian champion began to swing from side to side to open the chest by a single kick and then take the content while his friends took care of the Babas. “Master, what is in there?” Asked Fi when she finished the ‘pruning’. Link showed her the key, seeming very proud of himself. Then Fi turned to the Equestrians and bowed to them. “Now everyone has a key, so I highly recommend us to split as we said and meet later deeper on the temple” “Okay” said Twilight. “Good luck” “Good luck to you as well, you’re going to need it” said Midna looking around. And the Hyrule Warriors left them by walking back to the main hall and then open the other locked door and access to the rest of the temple. But in the bridge room, Link turned to Epona and then to Midna, who transformed him back into a wolf. “Ehem, Epona would you mind to go with them” suggested Link. “I was about to suggest the same thing” agreed Epona. “Those six surely could use some experimented warriors to be on their side” “Sweet Fog, you too” commanded Midna. “As you wish, my lady” said the Twily Therstral bowing. Then Midna, Fi and Link where about to keep going when Epona turned winked to Link. “By the way, dude I’m happy for you” smiled the earth pony. “For what?” “I was getting worried about the whole thing of you being depressed and such. Is good to see you’re back to your old self” “It’s because of I’m back on the adventure business” smiled Link. “I don’t know pal, I think is more because someone “ said cryptically Epona before running back with the Mane 6. So the two groups began to explore the dungeon each on their own way, but the Hyrule warriors were the fastest since they already had vast experience in the exploring-dungeon matter; not to mention they were experts in fighting all kinds of monsters even if they had the number advantage. Finally, after multiple chests full of bits and small keys in several rooms that didn’t worth to mention; the three warriors arrived to a small room where all doors locked iron bars as soon as they made a step in. “Great, finally we’re going to fight a big one” said Link. “Fifty rupies we get the Dungeon Object” assured Midna. “No, I bet we’ll get the Boss Key” said Link preparing for a fight. Fi just stood there impassively. “There’s a 100% chance that our doubts will be solved as soon as we take a glance of the creature we must defeat” said the spirit. Ignoring Fi, Link and Midna exchanged a quick complicity look and walked to the center of the room. Several roars resounded in the darkness and three enormous dinosaurs armed with sword and shield jumped ready for battle. “An opponent for each one” said Fi. “And I’m pretty sure that the bet’s winner is the master” “Go to hell” sighed Midna, but couldn’t say more since one of the Lizalfos attacked them directly with his sword, forcing the Twilight Princess to go backwards and counterattack with the Mirror of Shadows. The mirror created a giant cannon (just like the one Link used to travel to the land of the Oocas) and shot three Twily energy attacks to the lizard. Link couldn’t stay behind and after perform a perfect backflip to elude a thrust of the Lizalfos and answered with a powerful spin, also avoided by the Lizaolfos. The lizard counterattacked with a thrust on his own that was blocked by Link’s shield. Finally the lizard-like creature jumped backwards only to jump forward just a few seconds later aiming his sword to Link, but the Hylian knew this move in advance and took the chance to take position behind the monster and finally send a deadly attack to the back of the Lizalfo’s neck cutting his head off. And for Fi, she limited to use her dance skills and legs hard as steel to kick the monster several times breaking its defense and finally turning into a sword herself and pierce the lizard’s heart. Finally, when the group finished the monsters a giant chest appeared the middle of the room; and inside it, a golden key with a purple star (exactly Twilight’s Cutie Mark) on the top. “Ha! The Boss-Key!” Bragged Link. “Whatever” said Midna taking a purple gem from her purse and giving it to Link. “Rupies practically grow from trees. Now let’s hope that the ponies are fine” “Don’t worry, they have Epona and Fog on their side. They’ll be fine!” Said Link shrugging. But then he blushed slightly. “By the way Midna…” “Yes?” Asked the Twilight Princess blushing as well. “Oh, it’s nothing. I was only going to mention how good it feels to fight as a team one more time but forget it. Right now we have more important things to discuss” Midna just smiled to him still blushed. “I detect that both of your cardiac rhythms increased because of the Master’s first comment” suddenly said Fi ruining the atmosphere. Both warriors didn’t say anything and better kept advancing hoping to meet with the ponies soon. In the meantime in the other side of the dungeon, the ponies finally managed to advance to the last room after countless annoying puzzles and monsters who were terminated by the Hylian and Twily horses. It was hard and tedious especially for three puzzles that only gave them money, especially for Twilight and Rarity; but Pinkie Pie, Rainbow and Fluttershy were happy for the extra bits. Anyway, the room was large but for some reason it was empty. “This is weird” mumbled Twilight examining the map. “What, Twi?” Asked Applejack. “The map indicates there’s a chest in here but I don’t see anything…” “What if we advance further?” Suggested Pinkie Pie. Twilight was doubtful, so she turned to Epona and Sweet Fog who seemed thoughtful as well. “Guys?” Asked the Princess of Friendship. “I have an idea of what’s going on in this room” said Epona frowning. “Really?!” Asked Twilight excited. “Me too” mumbled Sweet Fog. “You have to walk to the center of the room, and whatever happens, DO NOT freak out” “What? Why?” “You’ll see soon enough” said Sweet Fog and Epona at the unison. Twilight nodded and walked to the center, and suddenly all room’s exits got closed by steel bars, and an alicorn statue wearing a golden tiara fell from the roof. The statue then turned to Twilight with its eyes glowing with purplish light and suddenly it made a powerful neigh that made all the girls shiver. Twilight’s first reaction was to create a force-field, and just in time since the living-statue shot a magic beam from the tiara, so powerful that broke Twilight’s defense in an instant. Twilight froze in terror, but it was as Sweet Fog warned her: there was no time to freak out since the statue was already charging a second attack staring at Twilight. But Epona came to rescue jumping with the Spinner directing the spikes to the statue’s face. The alicorn statue kicked Epona away but as an expert warrior Epona made a flip on the air and landed on the spinner’s tip completely unharmed. But she couldn’t celebrate, her actions dragged the statue’s attention to her and Epona had to escape while the stone enemy began to chase and send her powerful beams. “Ey, don’t stay there staring at me! HELP ME!” Shouted Epona. And this time the statue almost got her, but she was quick enough to elude it. “Look!” Suddenly said Rainbow. “This thing stays still for few seconds every time it charges its beams!” “If only we can find a weakness” said Sweet Fog jumping to help Epona. Sweet tried to stab the statue with the dagger he borrowed from Midna, but like Epona’s attack, it only made the statue change its objective and began chasing Sweet Fog. “Damn it, what now?!” Asked Sweet flying around in a desperate attempt to avoid being hit. Epona looked at the statue, and guided by divine inspiration, waited until it was charging the attack and then directed the spinner to its legs. The statue fell and Sweet took his chance to attack its horn with multiple thrusts. The statue shook at every attack it received for a while, but then stood and tried to attack Sweet Fog but he was already out of reach. And much for the ponies’ surprise, now it had several cracks on the face. “You have to be kidding me…” mumbled Rainbow. Then the statue extended is wings and began to fly all over the room, making that several rocks began to fall over the heroes. Twilight created a force field to protect her friends, and this time it was more effective; and then the statue landed and tried to charge a new beam, but this time the girls were ready. Rainbow charged at full speed to one the statue’s legs making it temporary lost its balance, giving Pinkie enough time to shot her Party-Canon to another leg; Applejack bucked a third one and Epona took care of the fourth. The statue fell again and Twilight attacked to the horn with a magic beam from her own. The statue shook entirely and stood back with more cracks than last time. “Great we’re winning girls!” Announced Twilight happily. One more time the statue extended its wings and raised to the air. “It’s going to throw us more rocks!” Shouted Rarity using her magic to reinforce Twilight’s force-field. But it didn’t, instead the thing shot its beams from the air breaking Twilight and Rarity’s force-field. Then it shot smaller beams that followed each one of the girls until vanish when touching the walls. “What’s going on?!” Asked Rarity scared. “Why did it changed the attack pattern?” “Because we’re about to beat it!” Explained Epona. The girls kept avoiding the small beams until the statue went back to the floor and tried to charge its usual attack. “NOW OR NEVER!” Shrieked Fluttershy making the entire group to repeat their combined attack. The statue fell again and Twilight shot a new magic beam, this time followed by Sweet Fog’s dagger thrusts. It was over, the statue trembled a little and finally it shattered in a million pieces leaving only the tiara behind. “And what should we do with this?” Asking Rarity taking the tiara. “Keep it, it’ll help you to defeat the final boss” explained Fog. The iron bars blocking the exit disappeared, allowing the girls to advance to the next room. Like the entrance, it was a large empty hall, and in the bottom of it, there was a giant purple door decorated with Twilight’s Cutie Mark surrounded by two alircon statues like the one they just defeated. “Great! We made it girls!” Said Twilight excitedly. “So what are we waiting for?” Asked Rainbow Dash flying to action. But then they were intercepted by several hordes of Stalchilds, Stalfos and Lizalfos. “Oh great…” mumbled Epona preparing the Spinner. “Can you clean the way for us?” Asked Fluttershy hiding behind Fog. “We’ll try but…” But then Link, Fi and Midna heroically appeared defeating the monsters easily. “Guys!” Smiled Epona. Link didn’t say anything, but instead he threw the Boss Key to the group and aimed to the door. “Thank you!” Shouted the girls running to the door. It was hard to determine who the best warrior was since every one of them had a unique and very powerful style. Fi danced gracefully using her legs and agility as her main weapon, but also used several attacks based on the Goddess’ songs that allowed her to take care of lots of enemies at once. Then there was Epona’s spinner that allowed her to move quickly, mostly in circles and covered a lot of terrain at once. But Link, Midna and Fog specialized in the biggest enemies (full grown Stalfos and fire-breathing Lizalfos who tried to fry them); the first one using his swordsman skills, the second smashing them with the power of the Mirror of Shadows; and finally Fog who was small but agile and fast enough to take care of several monsters at once. Looking at them was very exciting. “Ehem, Bearers of Harmony, I highly recommend you to enter to the Titan’s Chamber on this instant” said Fi. “There’s a chance of 89.6% that you’ll get hurt if you stay here watching us” “Ehehehe, sorry” apologized Twilight opening the door leading to the Chamber. In the middle of the room a Being completely made of Light that looked as a star like the one in Twilight’s Cutie Mark. “So you’re here” said the Being. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Bearers of Harmony. My name is Sparkler, Titaness of Magic” Twilight bowed to the Being. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Sparkler. I am Twilight Sparkle, Bearer of Magic” “I’m also honored to meet you all today, Twilight Sparkle and friends” said Sparkler bowing too. “You managed to make your way to get here even if everything was against you and I’m proud of you, however I’m curious; none of you are warriors, so how did you made it?” Twilight exchanged a small look with her friends and smiled. “As always, with the Magic of Friendship” explained Twilight. “Fair enough” admitted Sparkler. “But your trial isn’t over Twilight Sparkle. In order for me to restore my power in the Tree of Harmony you must face me in a one-on-one battle. Tell me, are you ready Twilight Sparkle?” “I guess so” said Twilight putting on the tiara they get from the statue. They both advanced to the center of the Chamber, where Sparkler created a small fighting ring. Twilight gulped but still walked bravely to the center, but then a scandal from outside called Sparkler’s attention. “What the…?” The door suddenly opened letting pass the Hyrule and Twilight Warriors leaded by Epona and Fog. Sparkler raised an eyebrow examining the bipedal creatures behind the mare and Therstal. “Who the hell are you?” Asked Sparkler. “Oh right!” Said Twilight. “Sparkler let me introduce you to Fi, Link, Midna, Epona and Sweet Fog. They’re powerful warriors who come from the Kingdom of Hyrule and the Realm of Twilight” Sparkler frowned. “I see. Why are they here? This temples were designed to test YOU, the Bearers of Harmony; not the Hyrule or Twilight Warriors” said the Titaness angrily. Midna and Link shrugged at the Titaness’ words and one more time Midna turned Link and herself into an imp and wolf. “Sorry, what did you said?” Asked the Twilight Princess. “We cannot understand what you say in our other forms” Sparkler grumped annoyed. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” “Helping” explained Midna impassively. “Whatever affected the tree is affecting my Realm too so I have to make sure this six make through this temples safe and alive” Sparkler stared at Midna. “Your aura is full of darkness. Do you use Dark Magic?” “Yes, like any other Twily. Now are we going to keep talking the whole day or are you going to test Princess Sparkle’s skills?” Sparkler sighed. “Whatever. Twilight Sparkle, let’s fight!” … Twilight and Sparkler stared to each other and then made a small respectful bow. So then Sparkler raised through the air charging some kind of attack. Twilight closed her eyes fearing the worst and suddenly a magic beam came out from the crown almost hitting Sparkler. The Titaness avoided the beam and fell to the ground, creating an energy explosion. Twilight protected herself with a force field and shot a beam from the tiara again this time hitting Sparkler on the center. The impact sent Sparkler to the other side of the room. But the Being wasn’t angry at all, in fact she was smiling. “That’s how it’s done Twilight, apparently my Temple taught you a thing or two” Said Sparkler approvingly. “Actually it was the Hyrule warriors, they are experimented adventurers for a reason” explained Twilight. “I’ll have to congratulate them later, and also inform my siblings about them” said Sparkler raising up to the air again and then falling one more time. This time she took Twilight off guard and she received most of the attack falling on her knees. “Ouch…” Sparkler didn’t wait for Twilight to recover, instead she raised up to the air again ready to defeat the alicorn for real; but Twilight shot a beam from the tiara before Sparkler completed her attack. This time when the Titaness fell, there was no explosion. Twilight gulped feeling a little guilty about this, but she shot hitting Sparkler again. “You’re good Twilight Sparkle” admitted the Titaness of Magic. “Thank you” said Twilight extending her wings and shooting a third time. This time what Sparkler did was to deflect the attack that impacted on Twilight. The alicorn fell on the floor once again in great pain looking op how Sparkler was raising up to the air about to create that damn explosion one more time. Twilight let escape a few tears of frustration. I will fail, right? I’m so sorry… Twilight sadly glanced at the her friends looking worriedly at her and smiled apologetically. “Sorry girls, I wish I was stronger” And closed her eyes resigned to her fate. Suddenly Epona took something from her saddlebag and threw it to Twilight. “Princess! It’s some chu-chu jelly! Drink it before it’s too late!” Twilight accepted the bottle and took a sip just in time. Partially recovering, she stood and shot a beam to Sparkler half of a second before she could create a new explosion. The attack sent Sparkler to the other side of the room again, this time seeming a little upset this time. “Unexpected, but I’ll allow it just once. But if the Hyrule Warriors or your friends intervene again, you’ll fail this test automatically” “We’ll keep that in mind” answered Twilight running to Sparkler again. The Titaness of Magic raised up to the air again shooting multiple lightings to Twilight, who this time knew what to expect and with great skill flew all over the ring avoiding Sparkler’s attacks and shot one on her own. Sparkler deflected the magic beam again, but this time Twilight was ready and teleported right behind her to shot a second beam that Sparkler couldn’t deflect. The Titaness fell to the ground and this time she stayed there. “I admit my defeat Twilight Sparkle. You have passed my trial” “Are you okay?” Asked Twilight. “I’m fine, I just had to see if you still were worthy enough to protect Harmony in this land. By losing the Tree of Harmony, you have failed us big time; that’s why these test have to be so hard on you. But be careful, because this is your only chance to recover our trust” “Again, we’ll keep that in mind” said Twilight bowing. “Thank you for your warning oh Titaness of Magic” Sparkler smiled to Twilight and the girls and vanished as long as the rest of the Temple. The whole group felt themselves trapped in pure white light and once they came back to their senses, they all noticed they were at the entrance of Twilight’s school. “Okay, that was weird” mumbled the purple alicorn. “Again, you’ll get used to it” said Midna boringly. “How many of this temples we have left?” “Five more” informed Applejack. “Next stop, Sweet Apple Acres!”