//------------------------------// // New Looks and Skills for a New World or a Plan so Insane it Just Might Work // Story: Of Dragons and Crowns a Tale of Adventure! // by mattchilly //------------------------------// It was late in the afternoon when my older sister and I walked into the E3 vender hall after the Nintendo conference finished. It was our first time going to E3 and we were blown away with how many stalls not to mention the all the different kinds of merchandise there is. “DAMN! I knew there was going to be a lot of amazing stuff, but I never thought there would be this much! What do you think sis?” I asked. “Well that’s one way of putting it. Come on let’s go see what they’ve got.” She said as she rolled her eyes. As we wandered around we came across as stall ran by a man in a purple outfit with a golden collar and bracelets. His has orange hair, pointed ears and a wide grin on his face. Next to him was a large backpack with several masks on it. Whoever this man is, he’s wearing a perfect cosplay of the Happy Mask Salesman from Majora’s Mask. “My, my. You’ve met a terrible fate, haven’t you?” He said the grin never leaving his face. “If you mean we haven’t found anything we want to buy yet, then yes we have.” I said grinning myself but my grin grew when I saw a large shield that was wide enough that I could place a large Pizza on it and there still might be space left. The main color on it is black but it has a blue diagonal line and its outline is silver and next to it was a simple wooden bow. “Are those a buckler and bow from Dragon’s Crown?” I asked picking up the shield as my sister examined the bow. “Wow this is heaver then I thought it would be, and that’s saying something considering its size.” “Yes, they are. Although I have to say, I’m slightly surprised that you recognized them. I’ve been sitting here all day and no one’s even glanced at them.” The Happy Mask Salesman said. “They’re one hundred dollars each if you’re interested in them.” “What do you think sis?” I asked. “Why not? At the very least they’re be fantastic souvenirs.” Sis said as she shrugged. We handed the Happy Mask Salesman two hundred dollar bills and as he took them he said. “Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy your purchase.” He said. “I know we will, and I hope you have a good day Mr. Happy Mask Salesman.” I said giving him a small wave, We wandered around the hall for another hour during which my sister bought two homemade stuffed animals of the Fox-squirrels from Nausicaä and the valley of the wind, one with blue eye's while the other has black eyes, before we decide to head back to the hotel but when we walked out of the doors that lead to the parking lot we found ourselves in a forest surrounded by the ruins of an old castle instead. “What the hell? What just happened?” I asked. “I don’t know bro, but that’s not the only thing that happened, we’ve both changed.” When I looked at her I found that she only came up to my waist and is now wearing a brown hooded cape with a green tunic, thigh high boots and has a quiver attached to a black belt around her waist. “If you’re now the Elf from Dragon’s Crown then does that mean I’m now the Fighter?” I asked now noticing my voice is much deeper then it was five minutes ago. “Yup, see for yourself.” My sis said as she pointed at a ruined fountain that was full of rain water, her voice now has a slightly musical quality that also has hints of ancient knowledge of the forest. When I looked, I saw I’m now decked out in full plate mail with a long steel sword in a simple metal scabbard and my helmet has two large bull horns and when I took off my helmet I saw I now have shoulder length strait blond hair and a surprisingly handsome face. “Great, now I’ve become the typical anime Bishōnen character. Whelp I’m keeping my helmet on.” I said in a half joking manner. “I wouldn’t go that far bro, besides we need to figure out what happened and where we are.” Sis said as she examined our surroundings. “Sheeshe I can’t even make a joke now.” I said shaking my head before a thought hit me. “I just had a thought considering who we are now should we use different names? I mean they don’t really fit with our new looks ya know? If we do, I was thinking I’d use the name of my favorite Final Fantasy protagonist. Cecile but then again, the Fighter does share a voice actor with Franky from One Piece so I might go with that. What do you think this?” “I don’t really want to just abandon who we were, but I do agree that our names don’t match who we are now. I think I’ll go with the name Selendrial.” She said before a couple of Fox-squirls climed out of her hood and onto her shoulders. Seeing this I grinned. “Having fun with your new friends sis?” “Shut up.” Selendrial said but there was a small smile on her face. “But what do you think happened? I mean these two were plushies before we were sent here, and now they’re living breathing creatrues.” “I have no earthly idea.” I said before snapping my fingers. “I’ve got it! I’ll go by Cecile but I can use Franky as a nickname.” Selendrial rolled her eyes before she spotted a path that was almost completely hidden by bushes. “There’s a path, hopefully it leads out of this forest and to civilization.” Walking over I picked up Selendreal and placed her on my left shoulder her Fox-squirrl compansions retreating into her hood. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go see what awaits us. ONWARD TO ADVENTURE!” I exclaimed before something clanged against my helmet. Look to my left I saw a very annoyied Selendrial with her bow ready to strike my helmit again. “Put me down right now bro!” She yelled. “Let me think about that for a moment…. Nope!” I replied as I began walking down the path. “You know it’s basically anime law that the big guy has to carry one of the smaller characters on his shoulders at least once! Besides now you have a better spot to keep a look out.” “You are enjoying this way to much.” Selendrial sighed. “Yes. Yes I am.” I replied, “Now please guide me to I don’t wonder off the path.” “To late for that.” Selendrial replied. “You left it three minutes ago.” “OH COME ON!” I exclaimed stopping in my tracks and raising my arms which let Selenedrial jump back to the ground. “Well maybe next time you’ll let the Ranger lead the way in a forest.” she deadpanned before we heard the sound of metal against metal coming from our right. Looking at Selendrial I gave a small smile. “You thinking what I’m thinking?” “You want to go see what's going on right?” she asked. “YUP! Besides who ever's fighting might need help.” With that I turned and quickly started walking in the direction the sound was coming from. Selendrial facepalmed before getting in front of me to lead the way shaking her head. “You’re rediculus. We don’t even know how to fight so how are expecting us to do anything?” I shrug. “No idea but I’m still going to do something.” Selendrial shook her head just as we walked into a large clearing. The first thing I noticed was a group of three women surrounded by skeletons with rusted bronze swords and shields and wood golems. One of the women has purple skin, a large purple witch's hat, long violet hair, scarlet robes and a large wooden staff which ended in a hook that has a yellow glow in the center of the hook. *She looks a lot like the Sorceress* I thought. The woman on her left is a humanoid wingless Griffin wearing a chain-mail bikini with leather gloves and boots. In her hands is a large steel halberd which was the main reason for the sounds as it scraped on the skeletons swords and shields. *There’s a Amazon* The last woman has orange skin, firy red and yellow hair black robes, white gloves, and a staff that was almost the exact same as the Sorceress save it had a light blue glow instead.  *And finaly a Wizard* I looked at Selendrial and with a annoyed grunt before she gained a shocked expression as she drew an arrow and knocked in a fluid and practiced motion it ready to fire. I grinned as I drew my sword, readied my shield took a deep breath before charging into the clearing with a roar as an arrow flew past me and hit a skeleton in the back of the head sending it flying into a second skeleton which fell apart. As I slammed my shield into a wood golem sending it flying into a tree I noticed that the Skeleton that my sis shot in the skull had turned to where she was and with the hand that held the sword flipped her the bird. “Sorry, I’m not into necrophillia. Go find someone else.” Selendrial called, which got some of the other Skeletons cackaling at their comrads misfortuon as she shot another arrow at the skeleton hitting it in the pelvis which made it fall apart. “REALLY SELENDRIAL! YOU WENT WITH THAT JOKE?!” I yelled as blocked three wood golem’s claws with my shield as more arrows found their targets in various Wood Golems. “Focus Cecil!” She replied. Rolling my eyes I yelled. “I SEE THE REASON ALL OF YOU SKELETONS ARE USING RUSTED WEAPONS IS THAT YOUR GOING TO LET THE SOLDERS MADE OF WOOD DO YOUR WORK FOR YOU! BUT THEN AGAIN THEY CAN’T DO MUCH SINCE THEIR MADE OF ROTTING WOOD! I BET A SINGLE BANDIT IS MORE COMPETENT THEN ALL OF YOU PUT TOGETHER!” As soon as the words left me mouth every single pair of eyes in the clearing stopped what they were doing at turned to look at me in a mix of shock and rage, except for my sister who had run out of her hiding place and began using powerful kicks to kill the skeletons and golems. One by one and as they died brand new arrows and gold coins dropped to the ground, but as Selendrial passed over the arrows the seemed to teleport right into her quiver and the coins just disappeared. Now that everything had stopped I could see that there were fifteen Skeletons and ten Wood Golems left… make that fourteen Skeletons as one just died from Seledrial’s attacks. With a roar the monsters rushed towards me as the woman with firy hair yelled. “IS HE INSAINE, PISSING OFF ALL OF THESE MONSTERS?” I fought off the monsters their claws and rusted swords clattering agains my armor, but much to my surprised I was still feeling pain as they hit my armor. It wasn’t that much but it was beginning to wear me down but thankfully I heared Selendrial yell. “HE’S NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO NEEDS TO FOCUS SO SHUT UP AND FIGHT!” That shocked the women out of their trance and they back to work fighting the monsters. Once they were all dead I sheethed my sword and took a few steadying breaths as Selendrial stood next to me. I saw that Selendrial only came up the the Sorceress’s and Wizard’s chests and I was still a head taller then them but the Amazon was only an inche or two shorter then me. “Thanks for the help and I gatta admit. I like your style. It takes guts to piss off that many monsters, even if your in that much armor.” The amazonian Griffin said. “Names Gilda.” Next the Sorceress spoke. “I’m Twilight Sparkle but most Ponies call me ‘Twilight Scarlet’ instead.” “You know they would stop calling you that if you stopped wearing the same colored dress all the time right Sis? Seriusly at this point you might as well change your name to Scarlet permanetly.” The Wizard said before turning to me. “I’m Twilight’s younger twin sister, Sunset Shimmer.” “Why did you tell us your Twilight’s twins?” I asked. “It doesn’t really seem that important ya know?” Sunset rolled her eyes and gave a very annoyed grunt. “You wouldn’t belive how many Ponies mistake us for being a couple due to how close we and that we are both highly magical Unicorns.” I looked at Selendrial who just shrugged. Just then a large white bag landed on the ground next to me as figure in a  light green tunic under a forest green hood, brown pants, black boots dropped from the trees. As she stood up I noticed she was just a little taller then Selendrial. Pulling the hood back they revealed three things. First they were female, second she has sky-blue skin and third she has long rainbow colored hair.  “Glad to know I don’t have to carry your skeletons back to town and have the three of you revived…again.” She said. “After all we’re running low on funds right now. Also I never thought we’ed meet another Pegasus all the way out here. Names Rainbow Dash, so what’s your name and who's your Earth Pony friend?” “Pegasus? I’m an Elf.” Selendrial said slightly more  as she pulled her hood back to show her pointed years and silver hair which made Twilight gasp. “And the names Selendrial.” “An Elf?! I never thought I’d get a chance to meet one!” Twilight exclaimed. “Do you mind if I ask you a few question?” Sunset asked. Before Selendrial could reply I said. “And I’m not an Earth Pony. I’m a Human, names Cecil by the way but feel free to call me Franky.” “Aren’t you going to take off your helmet?” Twilight asked. I grinned and in a half joking manner said. “My sword isn’t my only weapon and some of them shouldn’t be used lightly” A loud *smack* echoed through out the clearing as Selendrial face palmed. “Ah come on I doubt your that ugly.” Gilda said bluntly. “’Ugly’ isn’t the word I’d use but very well I’ll show you my face. Just don’t say I did warn you.” I replied. taking off my helmet which resulted in a slight blush from Sunset and Twilight as Gilder and Rainbow roll her eye and chuckle much to their friends embarrassment. Looking at Gilda and Rainbow as Selendrial rolled her eyes I said. “See what I mean?” “I’ll give ya a five out of ten. What about you Dash?” Gilda asked. “Seems about right to me.” Rainbow replied. Chuckling I put my helmet back on as Twilight coughed a few times before saying. “So where did the two of you come from?” “You wouldn’t belive us if we told you.” I said. “Try us.” Rainbow said smirking. “My bro and I were taken from our world and were teleported here against our will.” Selendrial said. “YOUR SIBLING?!” The four of them yelled in unison. “…That’s whats the most shocking?” I asked deadpanning and I swear I felt a anime sweat-drop appear on my forehead. “Ya! I mean she’s an Elf and you’re a… What did you call yourself again?” Sunset asked. “Human. H, u, m, a, n.” I explain. “Thank you. Now back to what I was saying. You’re an Elf and he’s a Human! How the heck are you related?!” Suset exclaimed. “We didn’t always look like this.” Selendrial grunted annoyed as she staired daggers at Sunset. I moved between Selendrial and Sunset and gently pushed them back. “There’s no need to get so aggressive sis. They didn’t know and you have to admit it would seem odd to others that were siblings at first glance. So if I may be so bold. Why are the four of you out here in the forest?” “We wanted to a little training somewhere close to home. This forest is between our home of Ponyville and the Kingdoms capital Canterlot.” Twilight said looking down at her feet as Sunset put an arm comfortingly around her. “But I guess we couldn’t even do that.” "How long have you been doing this?" Selendrial asked. "Two months. Why?" Sunset replied. “Hmm… I think I see the problem. What about you Sis?” I asked. “Same here. So do you want to explain it or should I?” Selendrial replied. “I got this.” I said causing Twilight, Sunset, and Gilda to look at me. “Now feel free to correct me but Twilight’s a ‘Sorceress’ while Sunset’s a ‘Wizard’ correct?” “Ya, most Unicorns fit into those categories and almost all Griffins belong to various Amazonian tribes. What about it?” Gilda asked. “Well you have three people who are good a dishing out damage but no one who can take a lot of damage. So unless you finish a fight quickly then you’re in trouble. Now don’t get me wrong a party like this CAN work, but it’s very tricky.” I explained. “How did you come to that conclusion?” Twilight asked as Sunset was lost in thought while Gilda looked bored. “We played a lot of strategy games before we were sent here, so we have a pretty good grasp on how to look at certain situations and figure out how to make them work.” Selendrial explained as I nodded in agreement but before I could say anything we heard a lour roar as something came stomping towards us from the right. Drawing my sword I readied myself in case what ever was making the noise is hostile. “I think when the three of you screamed it attracted something. Better get ready.” As the others got ready Rainbow quickly made her way to the tree she was in earlier and with practiced ease she slung her bag onto the lowest branch before pulling herself up. Right after she vanished into the tree a large bear stomped into the clearing.I noticed its head was that of an owl’s covered in white feathers while it had dark blue feathers on it’s upper arms and it’s front paws had large owl like talons.  “Oh no… Why did it have to be an Owlbear?” Twilight whimpered cluching her staff close to her. “Focus. Sis aim for it’s back legs or eyes. Try to halt it’s movements to blind it. Twilight, Sunset blast this thing with magic when ever you get the chance but keep as much distance between yourselfs and the bear as possible. Gilda I need you to help me keep this thing discracted, use your halbard to block it’s claws if you need to and keep moving, keep attacking! We need to work as a team here so try to keep your allies positions in mind as you attack!” I said barking orders not taking my eyes off the beast. Selendrial nodded and aimed an arrow ready to fire the moment she got a clear shot as she slowly began moving to the side while Gilda gained a gleem in her eyes as a savage grin appeared on her beak and moved besides gripping her halbard ready to brawl with the beast. Sunset and Twilight looked at each other unsertinly for a moment before they readied themselves as Twilight muttered something under her breath. The Owlbear stared at us with it’s yellow eyes before rearing back on its legs and gave a challenging roaring. “GO!” I yelled as I rushed forwards using the blade of my sword to block it’s right paw. I grit my teeth as my feet dug into the ground. Next to me I heard Gilda grunt from a similar strain. Up close I could see that this thing was taller then me but that wouldn’t stop us from bringing this beast down! “PUSH IT’S ARMS TO THE SIDE! LET’S TRY TO UNBALANCE IT!” I yelled. Gilda didn’t reply but she did start trying to force it’s arms open. The Owlbear roared as we forced it’s arms open and out of the corner of my eye I saw a lighting bolt live the tip of Sunset’s staff as a large icicle left Twilight’s staff and the two blasts of magic hit its stomach while an arrow wizzed past it’s right knee missing it by an inch but a second arrow found a home in it’s left arm. Much to my surprise I noticed that it’s paw wasn’t even scratched from my blade. With a roar of pain the Owlbear pushed past me and Gilda to charge at Twilight. “OH LOOK THE BIG STRONG OWLBEAR IS RUNNING FROM SOMEONE WHO CAN PUT UP A FIGHT! MAYBE YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR NAME FROM ‘OWLBEAR’ TO ‘CHICKENBEAR’! YOU CERTAINLY HAVE THE WHITE FEATHERS FOR IT!” I yelled hoping to divert this things agro just like with the Skeletons and Golems. The Owlbear skidded to a stop before twirling around and charged. Diving to the side the Owlbear hurled past me and into a tree and got blasted by more magic and a few arrows. Quickly getting to my feet I readied myself as Gilda called. “Got any other plans? This things hide is tough enough that my halbard and your sword’s not even scratching it!” “And I’m out of arrows!” Selendrial called as she fell back to the trees. “Rainbow did you pick any up earlyer?” “Nope!” Rainbow called back. “You already clamed them all!” “I’m thinking as fast as I can!” I yelled as it turned and slashed at me. I raised my shield but I wasn’t quick enough and it claw swiped down my chest. While the armor did show any signs of damage but I felt as if my chest had been hurt by the large talons luckily I didn’t feel any blood seeping down my chest. “GHAA!!!” *Ok gotta think quickly…. Wait a moment.* “I have an idea, that’s so insane it just might work!” “What did think of this time!” Selendrial yelled. “I’m going to get it’s mouth open and when I do I want Sunset and Twilight to shoot magic right down it’s throat!” I replied. “THERE’S NO WHY THAT’LL WORK!” Twilight screamed. “YOUR JUST GOING TO GET YOURSELF KILLED!” “TO BAD! THAT’S THE ONLY PLAN I GOT!” I roared as I threw my sword at the Owlbear before dropping my shield and charging in. Gilda got to it before me and hit the Owlbear in the back of it’s head with all her might breaking her halberd, snapping it in half as it tried to stand as my sword ‘s blade smashed into it’s leg and shattered leaving only the hilt and about an inch of the blade. The Owlbear screeched in pain as I lepped at it landing on it’s back. I swiftly turned and forced its mouth to stay open. “NOW!” “It’s all we got left Twilight.” Sunset said as she aimed her staff at the bear. “Don’t do it separately! Combine your powers! Twilight lay your staff on Sunset’s while aiming for the mouth!” Selendrial ordered. Twilight jumped but followed Selendrial’s ordered. “ANY TIME NOW! I’M NOT SURE HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN HOLD ON!” I yelled using my weight to hold the best down as Gilda tried to restrain the beasts claws only to get flung away as an icicle covered in lightning shot out of Twilight’s and Sunset’s staffs and right into the Owlbear’s mouth. The Owlbear’s eyes widened in shook before it fell on it’s stomach with a thud. The jerk from the landing made me fall off the Owlbear when I hit the ground I rolled onto my back. Breathing hard I croaked out. “Next time I have to fight one of those beasts I need to have a better plan. Because I never want to do that again!” “I can’t believe that worked.” Twilight said sinking to her knees. “Ya especially because we just used up the last of our staff's magic. Now we have to visit the store and get our gear repaired.” Sunset said as Rainbow left her tree and walked over to me while pulling something out of her bag and held it out to me. “Here. It’s our last healing potion.” “Thanks.” I said with a groan as I sat up to take the potion. “No we should be thanking you.” Gilda said as she held onto the remains of her weapon. “You saved us twice, AND we get bragging rights for taking down an Owlbear. It showed us something we sorely lacked.” “I think what Gilda is trying to saying .” Sunset said. “Insain plans?” I guessed with a cheeky grin. “No you goof. She’s talking about teamwork.” Selendrial said after colecting as many of her arrows as she could. “…What she said.” Sunset said before muttering. “I still can’t believe that asinine plan worked.” “Hey bro.” Selendrial said as she looked at the Owlbear. “Yeah?” “…I want one.” She said much to the shock of the others. “Later, right now we have more important things to think about including what to do with this guy?” I replied. “Fiiiine. As for the Owlbear let’s take it to the capital and sell it, maybe we can get some new gear made from it.” Selendrial suggested. “Sis this isn’t Monster Hunter…” I said before getting a large cheshire like grin on my face. “…BUT that doesn’t mean we can’t try.” “…That would get us a lot of coin.” Rainbow said. “I don’t think anyone’s brought back an Owlbear corpse that’s in this good condition.” “But where do we sell it?” Twilight asked. “Why don’t we see if Rarity’s boss Morgana will take it?” Sunset sugguested. “And while we’re there we can get our weapons repaired and join the adventurers Guild.” “What kind of shop does Morgana run?” I asked. “She run’s a general store for adventurers.” Rainbow replied. “Potions, magic items, extra bags, repairing equipment with her magic, stuff like like. She’s also willing to buy equipment that adventurers find on their travels.” “We should probably see her first before we head to the Guild. Chances are they wont let us join if our gear’s broken.” Selendrial said. “Hey Gilda can you hold onto my shield? I’m gonna need both hands to carry the Owlbear.” When Gilda nodded I handed her my shield. I grunted as I heaved the Owlbear onto my back. “So my friends lead the way! Then once we’ve rested we shall head out and have more glorious adventures!” Selendrial facepalmed and muttered something under hear breath as Sunset motioned for us to fallow and said. “...Okay then…. Canterlot’s this way.” And with that the six of us headed toward Canterlot and the start of a new legend.