//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Curb Stomping an Egotist and Some More Exposition // Story: An Heir to Legends // by mattchilly //------------------------------// “Did you get Harukaze’s eggs back Arashi?” I asked. “You know it! Bolarc had a few fighters guarding them but they didn’t even stand a chance.” Arashi said pulling one of the eggs out of his sub space pocket much to the surprise of Cecil’s group. “We did all this…for a few harpy eggs?” Cecil said before bursting out in laughter, “Well I can scratch this off the ‘list of stuff I never thought I’d do'. So, what’s up with the eggs?” “Bolarc was black mailing a harpy named Harukaze, Arashi stopped her from destroying Ponyville. Turns out Arashi can understand any bird like creature, so when she yelled at him he learned why she was attacking. So now that we have her eggs back she going to be friendly and not cause any trouble.” “Impressive as far as we know it’s impossible to tame harpies, even if you raise them from birth.” Twilight said. “We didn’t ‘tame’ her, we befriended her.” I responded a little annoyed, glancing at Arashi I saw he was also annoyed. Twilight blushed, “Sorry.” “Don’t worry about it, I’m more annoyed than anything else. Sorry to just call you guys for a fight and send you off, but I have a lot to do before Luna arrives for Nightmare Night next week. Hopefully next time we meet we can hang out and just have some fun… um how do I send a Displaced home?” I asked.                 Cecil and Selendrial chuckled a bit. “It’s no problem Thrin, to send us back just say ‘our contract is complete’ since we came with Cecil you only have to say his name.” Selendrial said. “Cecil our contract is complete, see you all next time.” The stone arch from before rose again, and waving good bye Cecil and his friends walked through and went home. I transformed back to my true self and summoned my basilisk mount. “Come on let’s get back, we need to let the Princesses know of Balorc and give Harukaze her eggs back.” *three hours later just outside Ponyville*                 “Note to self, sitting on a basilisk for long periods of time sucks. I hope I get a chance to get started on fixing up the Castle of the Two Sisters soon, but I doubt any of the Champions would be able to help me with much apart from strength, which means restoring the place is going to suck.” I said stretching after I dismissed my mount. “I’m sure Tia is already working on getting you some help, for all we know a repair crew is already working on the place or waiting to talk to you.” Arashi said as he and I walked into town most of the ponies we passed gave us a friendly wave which we returned. When we got to the library we walked inside to see Twilight talking to an earth pony stallion wearing a construction helmet. The Earth pony had green fur, maroon eyes and his brown mane was tied into dreadlocks. “I assume your Thrin? I’m Viridian Code, Princess Celestia asked for me and my team to assist you in restoring the Castle of the Two Sisters. I came here today to discuss exactly what needs to be done.”                 “See what did I tell you Thrin, I told you Tia would get ya some help. Unfortunately, I think it’s time I get going, I have my own Equestria that needs me.” Arashi said as he punched my shoulder. “I understand, besides once I figure out my token we can keep contact. Thanks for all your help Arashi.” We shook hands before Arashi summoned his sword. With a single swing of his sword the portal opened and walked through. “Well Mr. Code let’s get started.” *One Week Later*                 Viridian Code and his team were amazing! Within a single afternoon, we had finished going over the basic design and they were finished with repairing the main castle after only two days of work. His crew consisted of twelve unicorns, fifteen earth ponies, thirteen pegasus, five diamond dogs, ten gryphons and three minitours. In my opinion this team was the best in the business. They even made some basic furniture. I was currently sitting on one of Twilight’s couches reading the magic tome of the Fairy Tail’s Archive magic. “Hmm maybe I’ll keep my notes from my experiments in my Archive… nah. It just won’t be as satisfying as seeing the rows of books filled with what I find. Wow never thought I’d think that, I’ve really changed since I was sent here.” I thought before I could hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Looking up I saw Twilight wearing and outfit that consisted of an old-fashioned wizard hat with stars and a couple crescent moons on it, with bells sewn onto the tip and rim. She was also wearing a robe or cloak with a similar pattern bells included, and Spike was dressed like…a purple dragon, man he was a silly kid. “Nice costume you two, who are you dressed as Twilight?” “Starswirl the Bearded he’s one of the most famous unicorns in history.” Twilight said. I nodded, “And you Spike?” “Can’t you tell? I’m a dragon by the way what are you going as, one of the Champions?” “Nah, I figured I’d just go without a costume and just enjoy the night.” I replied. “And yet you’re still wearing your robe.” Twilight said.  “We don’t know when Bolarc will attack again, so I’m just being careful…or paranoid take your pick. Besides I like my robe, it’s comfy and easy to wear.” I respond with a small smile. At that moment, someone knocked on the door, while Twilight went to open the door I grabbed a bookmark sitting on the table next to the couch. “Ready to go you two?” I asked getting up. “Yup, let’s go see how everyone is enjoying the festivities.” Twilight replied.                 Walking outside the three of us walked in the direction of town square, on the way their we encountered Rainbow who was dressed as something called a Shadowbolt. She scared Twilight and Spike with a thunderbolt. The day after Arashi left I learned I now have an elf’s heightened hearing I so I wasn’t scared as bad since I heard her coming, but because of that heightened hearing and with the bolt so close the sound really hurt. “Hey Dash can you do me a favor? Never do that again, I have heightened hearing in my true form, so a sound that loud and that close really hurts. Argh my ears are still ringing.”                 “Woops sorry Thrin, it was just meant to be a little prank.” Rainbow said. “Don’t worry too much Rainbow, it was a simple mistake. Why don’t we go see how the others are doing?” Rainbow flew off Twilight, Spike, and I went off to town square. We found Applejack dressed as a scarecrow and was running a bobbing for apple event, Rarity was dressed as a vampire and talking to Mayor Mare who for some reason was dressed as a clown. When Princess Luna arrived the towns, folk bowed but it was obvious they were afraid. Unfortunately, when Luna spoke it didn’t help since it was so loud, not only I did I have to cover my ears again but I was sure that she could be heard in Canterlot.                 Once Twilight talked to Luna her volume went to considerably. Walking over I smiled extending a hand. “Greetings Princess Luna it’s very nice to meet you.” We shook hands while Luna said, “Likewise, Thrin. Twilight informed me about your heightened hearing so I’ll try to refrain from using the Royal Canterlot Voice.” “Thanks. Why don’t we go for a walk so while we talk?” After talking with Luna and Twilight for a bit I asked. “Do either of you know where the closest blacksmith is? There is something I’ve been meaning to make something but with working Viridian Code and helping around town I haven’t had the time to look for one.” “I believe closest one is in Canterlot. What do you plan to make?” Luna asked. “Before I tell you what I plan to make there is something I believe you should know. When I was turned to stone I was still conscious of everything around me, I could hear and see. I would have gone crazy if not…for Discord.” “WHAT?! Twilight exclaimed. “But Discord’s evil! All he does is cause chaos!” I turned to look at Twilight my eyes full of anger. “Discord’s not evil. It’s because of him I am still sane. All that ‘chaos’ he causes is his JOB to keep the world in balance. Since there is a Spirit of Chaos than an opposite must also exist, right? The Spirit of Harmony and the Spirit of Chaos. While they don’t like each other they need each other to keep the world in balance. Also, I seem to remember telling you Discord helped me a week ago.” “Sorry I guess it didn’t really register until now.” Twilight said. “So, when Sister and I sealed Discord with the Elements of Harmony, we thought we were saving Equestria we were really…” Luna started. “Dooming it? The answer to that is complicated, but to summarize kinda. Too much of anything is not a good thing, I tried to warn Discord not to try to take over Equestria and to talk to Celestia about this. As you can tell he obviously didn’t take my advice, but is some ways the power of Chaos is stronger than Harmony in that the effects of Chaos last longer in keeping the world balanced. I don’t understand everything about the balance, all I know is what Discord explained to me. Now onto your question Luna, I plan on forging my Token.” I explained. “Your Token? Oh, now I remember, the item that allows you to talk to people in other worlds?” Luna asked. “Yup, I want to make a golden hexagon medallion with to large upper case letter ‘L’s on it. I already know what my message will be.” I said. Before Twilight or Luna could replay we heard an incredibly cocky voice say. “Well it’s too bad you won’t be getting to making that thing any time soon. Now hand over that princess.” Looking in the direction of the voice we saw a man in black pants, metal boots, an odd green shirt and wielding two unique axes. He was one of the few Champions I truly hated, Draven the Glorious Executioner. “Hello Draven, I would say it’s nice to meet you, but I would be lying. Tell me is there an Empire of Noxus I should be worried about, or is just you?” I said as I stepped in front of Twilight and Luna. “You’ve heard of me, have you? Can’t say I’m surprised. I AM the best after all. As for your question... that knowledge can't help a dead man.” Draven said and with a flick of his wrists the blades on his weapons began to spin around the handles. “Luna, Twilight get out of here. I’ll handle Draven.” I said. “How is a single little coward going to beat me?” Draven laughed.  I smirked pulling up my hood. “Let me show you. CHAMPION TRANSFORMATION! VI!” I transformed into a pink haired woman in light weight metal armor and two giant steam-punk gauntlets. “Now it’s time to pummel you into the ground you egocentric PRICK!” I said as I punched my left hands palm. “So, you think transforming into some bitch with oversized gloves will scare me? DIE!” Draven said before throwing his weapons at me. I smirked and held out a hand. “Stop!” In a moment, Draven’s weapons froze and I walked up and grabbed them while Draven just stared at me with a mix of anger and amusement. “You shouldn’t of underestimated me you, dumbass! Now your weapons are mine.” I placed them in my Hypercube. “I’ve spent the last week incredibly busy, working with Mr. Code on my home, helping around the town, but mostly learning new magic. Now that the odds have shifted in my favor I suggest you surrender or you’re in for a world a hurt!” “Bring it!” Draven roared and charged. “Fine more fun for me.” I said in a taunting manner before I cast another spell, “Oomph!” My gauntlets began glowing red, when Draven got close enough I slammed one fist, down knocking him into a Draven shaped crater. “So still think your hot stuff Draven?” I asked as I crouched next to the crater. Draven didn’t respond but behind me Luna said. “That well-handled sir Thrin. What do you plan to do with him?” “I’ll hand him over to the royal guard so they can interrogate him.” I replied. “Who is he?” Twilight asked. “His name is Draven and he is a Champion from the Noxus Empire. They believe that ‘might makes right’ and from everything I know, are bunch of war hungry villains... well except for one but she’s another story. Draven is their executioner but he makes a sport out of it.” I said before casting a sleep spell on Draven just to make sure he can’t cause any more trouble. “What kind of monster makes a sport of executing people?” Luna gasped. “This guy, he says if anyone can escape from him in an arena they can go free, no one has ever gone free.” I said before spitting on Draven as Two of Luna guards arrived with a prisoner transport carriage and at a few words from Luna they took Draven away. “Make sure he’s in a high security cell!” I called. “I don’t want the risk of that monster getting free.” One of the guards nodded before they threw Draven into the carriage, one they were gone I turned to Luna and said. “Well now that Draven’s on his way to jail why don’t we go back and enjoy the festivities?” The rest of the festival went by without a single incident and some pleasant conversation. Luna made me promise to visit Canterlot at some point which was something I wanted to do even if I had to deal with the stuffy nobles. Unfortunately, a few days after Nightmare Night came the first snow fall in the Everfree. By the end of the third day of constant snow the snow was half way to my knee which meant that it would be incredibly difficult to get new furniture to my home. It’s been a week since them and I’m currently walking through the Everfree as snow continued falling around me, in the form of the Champion Ashe the Frost Archer. I was somewhat surprised to see that almost all of the creatures who called the Everfree home hibernated during the winter. When I left the forest, I found that the pegasus hadn’t brought any snow yet so outside the Everfree it was still late autumn. Shrugging I continued my walk I noticed that Fluttershy was heading for town. Waving I called, “Hey Fluttershy how have you been?” “That you Thrin?” She asked. I nodded, “Yup, since there’s already snow in the Everfree I chose the form of someone who’s used to the cold.” “That’s smart, I’ve been fine. I’m heading over to meet up with Rainbow and Pinkie to watch the Sisterhooves Social” Fluttershy said. “By the way are you interested in a pet?” “Not at the moment, but if I do want one you’ll be the first to know.” I replied. “Mind if I join you for a bit? I was thinking of heading to Canterlot today to make my Token.” “Not at all.” Fluttershy said before the wasp that was with her landed on my shoulder and I froze. “You alright?” “Not really, I’ve had a phobia of bees and wasps since I was a kid.” I slowly said trying not to anger the wasp on my shoulder, but as soon as I said this the wasp took off and flew away. “Are you allergic?” Fluttershy asked worried. I relaxed a little before shaking my head. “Nope. I have no idea why I have this phobia but as you saw I just freeze instead of doing something that might anger them, but we should probably get going. Don’t want to keep Rainbow waiting too long. You know how impatient she can get” Fluttershy nodded and we began walking to town again. When we got, their Rainbow greeted us by saying. “Hey Fluttershy and Thrin …that is you right?” I gasped and change to my normal form before saying. “No, I’m one of the other shapeshifting Summoners that live in a forest that has snow when no other place nearby has any.” When I pulled back my hood Rainbow could see the wide teasing smile on my face. “Ha…ha…ha.” Rainbow said, “Are you going to stay to watch the Sisterhooves Social?” “Nah, I’m just dropping by to say hi before I head to Canterlot to make my token and say hi to the Princesses.” I said. “Unfortunately, you just missed the train to Canterlot and the next one won’t be for another hour.” Twilight said as she joined us. “Guess I’ll just have to fly there or I could use Shen’s Stand United ability.” I said as I tilted my head thinking. “Shen? Who’s that?” Twilight asked. “Remember that ninja I turned into when I saved Ponyville? That’s Shen, his Stand United allows him to teleport to any of his allies no matter how far away they are.” I said. “I was wondering who that was but forgot to ask.” Rainbow said, “Wait! He’s a Ninja?! That’s awesome!” “Yup he’s one of four ninjas I can turn into but one of them is evil so I don’t want to use his power yet even if he is really strong.” I said. “Who are you going to transform into to fly to Canterlot?” Twilight asked. “I was thinking the Cryophoenix Anivia.” I said scratching my chin. “Your powers get more and more interesting.” Twilight said. “You’ll have to tell me more about all of the Champions you can turn into soon.” “True, see you soon. CHAMPION TRANSFORMATION ANIVIA!” I said before I transformed into a bird made entirely out of light blue crystals. “See all of you later.” I said before taking to the skies. “It’s a good thing Discord helped me learn how to quickly adapt to the Champions bodies. Otherwise I would have had to use my basilisk mount but I like this better. Flying feels amazing!” I thought. It took a while but I reached Canterlot, below me ponies gasped and pointed in wonder. I hovered above the castle gates, wondering if I should just fly in or land and talk to the guards. Unfortunately, my choice was made for me as one of the nobles yelled. “One thousand bits to whoever catches that bird for me!” Looking in the direction of the voice I saw a dark red unicorn with bright yellow hair and wearing a dark blue coat and top hat. “Do not think of me as some normal bird. You pompous fool!” I cried before land and returned to my normal form and said as I pulled back my hood. “I am Thrin the Half-Elf! And I demand an apology.” There was silence for a moment before the unicorn screamed, “What…what kind of hideous monster are you?! Do you know who I am?! The guards should capture you and throw you in the dungeon!” I looked at him for a moment and face palmed. “Way to be racist. I thought you nobles were meant to be role models on how people should act. I was going to apologies myself for calling you a pompous fool but I guess my statement was right on the money.” I looked at the two guards standing at the castle’s gates. “As I said my name is Thrin. I was invited a week ago by Princess Luna. May I pass?” “So, you are Thrin. The Princesses did say to expect you and what you looked like. Please enter, the Princesses have been expecting you.” The one on the left said as he opened the gate. “I will send a message ahead, so someone with escort you the them.” “Thank you very much, I hope you have a nice day.” I said before walking past the gates and up to the castle. I grinned as I imagined what kind of face that noble had when the guards not only ignored him but also let me enter the castle. When I got to the doors they opened and inside waiting for me was a unicorn with a dark purple coat and long violate mane, wearing simple black robes. “You must be Thrin, I am Spell Weaver one of the mages here. it is nice to make your acquaintance.” She said giving me a small bow. “It’s nice to meet you to Miss Weaver or should I call you something else?” I said bowing in return. “Just Weaver is fine, and I feel like I should apologies about the greetings you had. That noble is known to cause trouble to visitors to the city. Please fallow me and I’ll lead you to the Princesses.” Weaver said, I nodded and began walking along side Weaver. “I heard you live in the Castle of the Two Sisters in the Everfree Forest is that true?” Weaver asked. “Yes, but I don’t think it can be called that anymore.” I said. “True, I also heard you plan to do some magical experiments, is there a chance I can look at some notes?” she asked. I gave a small smile and said. “I guess but how did you learn all of this? I haven’t told anyone but the Princesses and the Elements.” “Oh, Twilight’s dad Night Light is my older brother, after that monster attack a few weeks ago I sent a letter asking if she was alright. Since then she’s told me a lot about you.” Weaver explained as she led me to two giant doors. “This is the main hall. Day court ended a ten minutes ago so it should be quiet in there, and if you get the chance when you get back to Ponyville can you tell Twilight I said hi?” “Thank you very much Weaver. I’ll be sure to let Twilight know you said hi when I get back.” I said before the doors opened. As I walked in I saw a white unicorn with a well-groomed mane and tail talking to Princess Celestia. As I walked closer I heard “…king for this Bolarc but with no luck. They even searched the mountain from top to bottom and didn’t find a single trace of him. There wasn’t even a single monster and this worries me. How can he have vanished so thoroughly?” “I don’t know nephew and this news of a strange jester with a staff also worries me but I don’t know why. OH! Hello Thrin.” Celestia said and her nephew turn to look at me. “Ah! So, you are the mysterious Thrin! Auntie told me about how you saved Ponyville and the Elements a few weeks ago. I am Prince Blueblood it’s an honor to finally meet you.” Blueblood said. “It’s an honor to meet you too Prince. I’m sorry I overheard but did you mention a jester Princess?” I asked after greeting Prince Blueblood. I was surprised he was being polite after watching the show, but when I considered the multiverse I figured there had to be versions of Blueblood who weren’t spoiled brats. “Yes, I did, and the few times he’s been within earshot of anyone he can be heard mumbling the words ‘Pity. Such a Pity.’ Do you know anything about this person?” Celestia asked. “Yes, I do. He is a man named Dhoulmagus. Do you remember the Lips and Funghouls?” I said. “Do mean the slug and mushroom like monsters?” Celestia asked. “Yes, he is from the same game series they are from. In the game, he was a very ambitious wizard who stole an old scepter after sneaking into a castle under the guise of a jester. The reason for this is the scepter was supposed to grants whoever wields it immense magical power but what wasn’t know was that an ancient evil named Rhapthorn was sealed inside of it. While Dhoulmagus did get the power, he wanted Rhapthorn possesses anyone who wields the scepter.” I explained. “The reason I think it’s Dhoulmagus is because when Rhapthorn possesses anyone is catch phrase is ‘Pity. Such a pity.” “I see then we should keep an eye out for Dhoulmagus as well as Bolarc, and does this scepter have a name?” Celestia sighed. “It's called the Godbird Scepter, but we don’t know if this Dhoulmagus is as evil as the one from the game, I suggest that if any of your guards confront him, they should be extra careful.” I said. “I agree with you Thrin but I am a little curious on how this Rhapthorn was sealed inside the scepter.” Blueblood said. “He was sealed there by seven sages with the help of a dimension wandering bird named Empyrea, and as long as the bloodline of the sages continued the seal would hold. Dhoulmagus is responsible for killing four of the seven descendants while he was possessed.” I said before adding, “I do hope we get to meet Empyrea, I always wanted to meet her.” Celestia chuckled a little and said, “I hope we can meet her too, but if Dhoulmagus only killed four of the descendants who killed the other three?” “After the Hero and his friends Yangus, Jessica and Angelo killed Dhoulmagus, Jessica picked up the staff. No one knew at the time that Rhapthorn was inside it and so she was possessed. Luckily Hero, Yangus and Angelo stopped Jessica before she could kill anyone however a dog by the name of Sir Leopold picked it up transforming him into a winged dog with a long snake like tail…who could somehow talk with the scepter in his mouth, I still don’t know if it was telepathy that allowed him to communicate. Leopold went on to kill two more descendants before he was stopped. Only for Angelo’s older half-brother Marcello to kill the last descendant. However, Marcello wasn’t under the control of Rhapthorn, he was able to fight off the possession thanks to his strong will.” “So why did he kill the last descendant?” Blueblood asked. “Marcello is the son of a noble and his maid. When the noble’s wife gave birth to Angelo, Marcello and his mom were thrown out and soon after his mom died. Marcello always blamed Angelo for his mom dyeing and joined the templars, a group of knights who serve the church. Even when he became a Captain it wasn’t enough especially when Angelo came to the same church Marcello lived in when his parents died in a fire. After the death of Abbot Francisco at the hands of Dhoulmagus Marcello was tasked with protecting the Lord High Priest who is the leader of the church and the highest authority of the world’s main religion. Marcello used the power of the scepter to kill the High Priest and take his place. However, the High Priest was the last descendant so when Marcello lost control of the scepter after Hero and his friends beat him Rhapthorn was freed. I don’t remember if Marcello died but Hero and his friends soon managed to kill Rhapthorn.” I explained. “While I can sympathies for his loss. If he was willing to thrust his hate on someone who never truly wronged him, then I don’t think he should have held any power at all, but what happened to the leaders of the castle the scepter was held at?” Celestia said. “You took the words right out of my mouth Auntie, but I must ask why you keep calling the one responsible to stopping Rhapthorn Hero and not his name.” Blueblood said. “King Trode was transformed into a green skin troll and his daughter Medea was turned into a white mare. Personally, I think he looked better as a troll but that might be because he’s like that for the entire game except for the last cutscene and flashbacks.” I said before turning to Blueblood, “And that’s because he has no cannon name. Yangus calls him Guv. Jessica, Angelo, and King Trode call him whatever you named him. Everyone else just calls him what you named him or Hero.” “Makes sense if he was meant to be an avatar for the player.” Blueblood said before turning to Celestia, “I’ll see you later Auntie. I’m going to inform the guards to spread the word about Dhoulmagus.”