//------------------------------// // Flutterax, Mister Kind // Story: The Legend of Celestia: Twilight Princess // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Flutterax, Mister Kind This was too much for Fluttershy. She could barely see her friends around her, but the things continued approaching mercilessly. Not only they were surrounded by a group of the scariest monsters she had ever see, but the dungeon was pitch black. The only light came from the supernatural lanterns floating by their own. But, before Fluttershy could take enough air to fill her lungs, another, supernatural wail paralyzed her. Literally, it was like a supernatural force that froze her. And she wasn’t the only one. The entire group of Bearers of Harmony were frozen by this monsters’ powers. None of them could move, none of them could do anything to stop the advance of the creatures. Like a green Flash, Link ran cutting the creatures’ heads, as Midna summoned the stone hands from the Mirror of Shadows to keep the creatures away. The effect of the ReDeads’ wail wore off. “Oh no! What are those things?” cried Fluttershy. “The ones with the armor, are called ReDeads. The ones with the bandages, Gibdos.” explained Epona. “Even if they’re basically the same.” added Sweet Fog. “When you see one coming, cover your ears immediately. Their wail is their most powerful weapon.” “You don’t say!” protested Pinkie Pie, as she tried to spy between the giant stone fingers. But, when she approached to have a better sight, she stepped on something tha cracked under her hoof. Pinkie gasped, as Twilight used her horn to light up the dungeon. Everypony shivered. It was a pony’s skull. With that discovery, the girls looked at the floor, seeing that skull was one of many. And not only skulls, but complete skeletons, with rusty spears, swords, arrows, and spears pinned on their bodies. Link exchanged a quick look with Epona, who jumped out of the stone hands’ protection, and joined him in the cleaning of the creatures. But they were careful enough to not disturb the Poes. In his Hylian form, Link couldn’t do anything against those creatures. When they finished destroying the undead abominations, Link looked at Midna, who nodded and turned them both into a wolf, and an imp. “Is it over?” asked Fluttershy, trembling. “Almost. We still have to take care of the Poes.” explained Midna. “Poes?” asked Rainbow Dash, raising an eyebrow. “Basically ghosts.” Explained Midna, staring at the floating lantern in front of them. Ghosts? That was enough, Fluttershy fainted. “And we start alright!” sighed Applejack. “Can you really blame her?” asked Sweet Fog, looking at the remaining of the living dead. Nopony dared to answer, and they started to advance in the dungeon, when, another ReDead came from the shadows. It turned its horrid head to them, and approached, extending its arms. “COVER YOUR EARS!” commanded Midna. Even if they were expecting it, the wail proved to be as terrifying as the first time. Pinkie tried to ‘giggle at the ghostly’ as she always did, but the wail paralyzed her. The power of fear from the monsters proved to be too much for her. For the first time since she was a filly, Pinkie Pie was helpless before the ‘ghostly’. The girls quickly dispersed, unaware of Pinkie’s predicament. The Redead took her by the neck, and approached its mouth toward Pinkie… when Sweet Fog came just in time and cut its hoof with his dagger. The monster turned its head, and before Fog could react, it wailed again. The thestral got paralyzed. The monster got over him, and put its dead lips over Fog’s, as it began to literally suck life out of him. The thestral tried to flap his wings, to escape from this creature as soon as he could. In the meantime, Pinkie Pie have recovered from the initial shock. “You’re not gonna hurt my friend, you meanie-pants!” And she aimed her party-cannon to the monster. The ReDead didn’t pay attention to her, until a ton of confetti and whipped-cream sent him away from the pony, right at the hooves of Epona. “Good bye!” said the hilyan mare, destroying the creature with her Spinner. “Thanks…” said Fog. “Take this!” said the mare, passing him a bottle of Zecora’s potion. Fog thanked Epona with a quick nod, and emptied the bottle. “Sweet Hylia, that was awful.” “I thank Celestia that Fluttershy didn’t have to watch that!” said Dash, having a hard time not to faint herself. “Just, how many of them are in this room?” asked Twilight, sending her flashlight spell to the darkest corners. She wished she didn’t as the light called the attention of more of those monsters, still hidden. They wailed, but this time, everyone around cover their ears. The creatures didn’t seem to mind, as they still approached to the group. Fi jumped out of the Master Sword. “Master, I think I have the solution for our current situation.” “What is it, Fi?” asked Wolf Link. “A song, Master. A song that comes from the era of Skyloft, and disappeared around the era of the Hero of Time.” “I know spontaneous singing can be cheerful, or useful according to the situation.” said Twilight. “But how is this supposed to help us?” Ignoring Twilight, Midna nodded. “Go on!” Fi bowed to Midna, and began to dance around the dungeon, humming a beautiful melody. For one second, the room filled with warm sunlight. When it faded, they noticed some drastic change: the ReDeads have stopped moving. “The Song of Sun.” said Fi, bowing. “Especially useful against those creatures who are afraid of light.” “I’m glad we can count of you, Fi.” said Link. “Yes, this is easier now!” said Fog, fully recovered, and using his dagger to destroy the monsters. Epona smiled, and joined him in the Spinner. Now, they were sure there were no monsters left. “Finally!” said Rarity, relieved. “I know.” agreed Midna, with a quick nod. “This things are the worse you can find in Hyrule. Lizalfos, areolfos and stalfos are one thing, but these things, are in a league of their own.” They all shivered, and nodded in agreement. “Okay, enough of this room! We need to continue advancing!” commanded Twilight, as she carried Fluttershy on her back. They approached to the walls, looking for a door, not noticing they were dangerously close to the lantern that stayed on the air by its own. They got closer, still unaware. When Wolf Link reacted on time, tackling the Princess just when the lantern moved to attack them. Seeing it have failed, the lantern began to swing around, sending small fire balls that perused the heroes. “What’s going on?!” asked Fluttershy, waking up. “Just in time! Fluttershy, try to avoid those things!” Fluttershy shook her head, and obeyed, as she whined in silence. “Great! Link, you know what to do!” shouted Midna. The wolf howled, and closed his eyes, to connect with his canine senses. When Link opened his eyes again, the world have changed. All he could perceive were shapes, shadows, smells, and, right in front of him, a being of light. The pony version of a poe. With the ferociousness of a wolf, Link jumped over the foul creature, sinking his teeth on its body, and ripped off the beings’ soul. He howled in victory as the scent of the poe flowed to his nose. But, the others only see him jumping over the nowhere, and then, the lantern falling useless. “What happened? I didn’t see anything.” “Remember the ghosts Lady Midna mentioned?” asked Sweet Fog. “These are them, we call them poes.” “Only dangerous is you approach too much.” Midna explained. “Completely invisible, except for the lanterns. If you see one lantern floating in the middle of nowhere, you better keep your distance and wait for Link to act.” “Thanks to my canine instincts, it’s easy for me to spot their weak spot.” added the wolf. “Their soul.” “And for that reason, I think it’s better to keep this forms in this dungeon.” Link smiled at Midna. “You don’t have to keep that imp form for me, Midna. It’s alright.” “I don’t mind.” said Midna, jumping on Link’s back. “Besides, you’ll need my help in order to fight in this form. Remember?” Link smiled, and Midna smiled back. By her way, Epona had to hold her laugh. Luckily Link and Midna were too focused on their moment to pay any attention to her. “What’s so funny?” wanted to know Applejack. “Those two. I’m wondering how long until they get together.” Applejack chuckled too, until Midna called for them: “Hey! Are you going to stay there, giggling like school girls, or are you coming? Your friend would appreciate it!” It was true, the sooner they finished that dungeon, the better for Fluttershy; who was doing her best to not to faint again. “I… I think I found something…” said Fluttershy, grabbing an object from between the dead bones. It was a note, engraved in a tile. With a gulp, Fluttershy read it out loud: “Hello and welcome to my temple. My name is Flutterax and I’ll be your titan tonight. My temple is very scary, and I apologize for that, but I was told I have to push you to your limits to prove your worth. I’m sorry it have to be this way, but we can’t risk for you to lose the Tree of Harmony again. One more time, I’m terribly sorry it has to be this way. But, I can give you a clue: this temple doesn’t have any complicated mechanics, maps, or puzzles. It have scary monsters, yes, but you’ve already see them. Each room leads to two paths. One is a dead end, the other one, the next room. Look for the ghosts. I hope you’re not mad at me, but rules are rules. With my best wishes, Flutterax.” Rainbow Dash face-hoofed. “Yeah, this guy is Fluttershy’s titan. No doubt!” “What concerns me, is, how are supposed to know in which way will lead us to the ghosts.” mumbled Rarity, thoughtful. “I can smell them.” explained Wolf Link. “What?” “This isn’t the first time I’ve traced a ghost. Trust in my nose.” The girls nodded, as Midna smiled, remembering their adventures at that temple in the Gerudo Desert. That’s where Link learned that she was, actually, the Twilight Princess. “How’s that you’re able to smell ghosts?” asked Twilight, in disbelief. “Well, Twilight, some animals are really sensitive. Isn’t uncommon to hear that a dog, or a cat, can react to supernatural things.” explained Fluttershy, happy to have something to distract her mind from the horrible sight of the temple. “Several owners have told me how their pets went crazy before a family member died, or before something strange occur.” The hero smiled relieved that the poor pegasus had something to relax her, and started to sniff the air. “Follow me!” he commanded. The group went after Link, until the found two hallways, each one had a heavy door, ready to lock their way back as soon as everypony have crossed it. “If we make a single mistake, we’ll be trapped here forever…” gulped Rainbow Dash. “Link…” said Epona, looking at her friend. The wolf smiled at her, and concentrated on his wolf-instincts. The scent came faintly, getting stronger as he approached to the door at the right. He turned to the group. “This way!” No questions asked, the ponies followed Link. They have learned to trust fully on their visitors now. In fact, they felt relieved they have a skilled adventurer on their side. When the last one of the group, Sweet Fog, got into the hallway, the door closed, locking the ponies inside. But this was an advantage for Link, who now could feel the poes’ scent more clearly. But also, something else came to him. “COVER YOUR EARS!” roared the wolf. But the warning came too late, and everyone got freeze by the hideous wail of the ReDeads, who approached menacingly. “If only I could move…” complained Midna, frozen in battle position. It was so frustrating to see those things approaching slow, and scarily. Link howled, as his muscles tensed, but that was all he could do. A Gibdo appeared right in front of Fluttershy, as another one grabbed Applejack. They both jumped over the terrified mares, ready to suck the life out of them. It seemed like it was the end, when the wails’ effect wore off. Just in time. “Nobody touches my pal Applejack!” shouted Epona, destroying the monster with her spinner. “How much I hate you!” shouted Sweet Fog, jumping over the one attacking Fluttershy. “These are my friends, you damn things! MISS FI! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?” The Spirit of the Master Sword obeyed, and danced over the group, with her gracious and smooth moves; as she sang the Song of the Sun. This time, it was the creatures who froze, allowing the heroes to destroy them all. Also, this time, Twilight and Rarity joined in by shooting magic blasts from their horns, as Rainbow and Applejack bucked them away from them. “There!” announced Pinkie Pie. “I see another room, and one of those weird lamps!” “Link, you take care of the poe, we have this!” commanded Midna. The wolf smirked, and jumped over the ghost, or he tried, since a new group of ReDeads and Gibdos blocked his way to the room. “Link!” shouted Midna, jumping over her friend’s back. “Like the old times… hold on…!” Link smirked, and bend his knees, as he was about to jump. The ReDeads prepared to wail again. Suddenly, some powerful magic aura grabbed their legs. Midna’s eyes were closed… as she focused all her power in an orange aura that held the monsters together. The ReDeads were struggling, trying to get to their new victims. “NOW!” shouted Link. With an extra impulse, courtesy of Midna’s aura, he disposed of all of the ReDeads with a single attack. He grinned. “I know it’s weird and all, but I missed this!” “You know what? Me too!” answered Midna, nostalgic. Seeing that the others have finished dealing with the horrible creatures, Link confidently jumped to take care of the poe. This time, nothing interrupted him. The rest joined Link in the empty room, looking at two locked doors before them. “Don’t tell me we chose the wrong way!” gasped Rarity. Link sniffed the air. “Of course not! I can smell more poes behind the door at the left door. There must be a hidden switch of something. Help me to find something suspicious.” Twilight and Rarity used their horns as flashlights, as they began to look for something. anything. Pinkie Pie joined in by taking a flashlight from a saddlebag, and looked around. “Oh, right! Link’s lantern!” said Epona, taking it from Link’s bag. “Hey, I found something!” “Is it a switch?” asked Fluttershy. “No, it’s a note. From your Titan.” said Epona giving the piece of paper to Fluttershy. Twilight’s flashlight helped her friend, s she read: “Dear Miss Bearer, you’re on the right direction, congratulations. I just wanted to tell you that, even if my Temple is full of horribly rude monsters, we don’t have to behave the same. Only kindness will show your way in. Love, Flutterax.” “What-is-wrong-with-this-guy?” asked Rainbow Dash, exasperated. “At least he’s trying to make it up for us by being nice.” smiled Fluttershy, turning to the two doors. “Ehem, excuse me, we finished with the monsters in the area. Can you open for us? If that’s okay with you!” The doors glowed, and opened. “I wish temples were this easy back home.” said Link to Midna. “Uh-huh…” answered the imp. “Which way?” “I’ve told you, left!” They headed to the left door, and advanced a few steps, when they found a new lantern, floating by its own. When the poe noticed he was being observed, it began to send fireballs to the heroes… but Link quickly jumped over him, and ripped away the soul with his bare teeth. “I wish the ReDeads were this easy to destroy!” “And, speaking of the devil!” Another bunch of the undead monsters headed to them. This time, there was no need to say anything to Fi. The Spirt took a step ahead, and sang so they could destroy the monsters with ease. “Is this Temple gonna be all like this? The others offered variety!!” complained Applejack. “Yeah, like they put all the effort on the first impression.” agreed Pinkie Pie. “Stop complaining! This allows you to take care of two temples in a day!” reminded Twilight. They continued their way into the temple, guided by the ghost’s scent. They found a new room with a poe, and more ReDeads waiting for them, and like the last time, they took care of them with ease. Even Fluttershy was feeling better when she realized they just had to repeat the process for a few more times. Finally, they arrived to a different kind of room. On the center of it, a giant metal statue was waiting. The mechanic giant was equipped with three pairs of arms, each one holding a scimitar. The ponies took a step backward at the strange sight, but the Hyrule Warriors just looked at it with interest. On the center of the giant, a gem, with the shape of Fluttershy’s Cutie Mark was waiting for them. “Master, I must warn you.” said Fi. “This reminds me a Temple you faced on your first incarnation.” “I don’t care. This seems interesting.” grinned Wolf Link. “Let’s finish this!” said Midna, with a grin on her own. “I know I’m going to regret this, but what the hell!” laughed Epona, preparing the Spinner. “Hey Fog, take care of our friends!” “Sure!” The Hyrule Warriors ran to action. The statue, stood, and tried to slice them up with their swords. But; thanks to Link’s wolf agility, Fi’s agile dancer-like moves, Midna’s smallness, and the Spinner’s speed, they dodged the attack smoothly. The being then, started to spin like it was a small tornado, and began chasing the group, constantly switching directions to take them down. Epona was not in the mood for a spin battle, and threw a bomb on the giant’s way. It exploded, making it fall. “Now!” commanded Link. But he spoke too quickly. The giant used four of his arms to stand, and, with the other two, it threw its scimitars to the heroes that quickly returned to him as there were some sort of boomerangs. The Mane 6 ran back to the hallway in order to protect themselves as the thing continued attacking the Hyrule Warriors. When the mechanical was back on its feet, it restarted its attempt to cut down the heroes. This time, however, things got more complicated as by throwing its scimitars, the giant could go after several targets at the time. It passed near the Mane 6 several times, but it didn’t seem to mind them. Finally, Fluttershy realized something. “Have you noticed?” asked the shy pegasus. “Notice what, dear? I’m a little busy hiding for my life!” said Rarity. “It ignored us!” explained the yellow mare. “The only times it passed near us it was because it was chasing one of our friends.” “So, you’re telling me that this things is attacking them only because they attacked first?” Fluttershy nodded, and firmly, she got back into the room. “HEY! STOP! THIS THING IS ONLY REACTING TO YOUR ATTACKS!” “What?!” asked Midna. “STOP FIGHTING!” commanded Fluttershy. The warriors obeyed, but only because nothing that they’ve tried seemed to work. But, the creature didn’t stop attacking. “APPOLOGIZE, NOW!” shouted Fluttershy. “ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?” complained Link, as he ducked to avoid being cut in half by one of the scimitars. “DO AS I SAY!” commanded Fluttershy, using her Stare on them. However, it didn’t work. “We’ve seen Ganondorf to the eyes, you have to do better than this.” “DO IT!” shouted again Fluttershy. Rolling his eyes, Link turned to the giant and howled: “We’re sorry! Sorry we attacked you, is just that we’re used to open our way in dungeon by fighting! Let’s stop this before someone gets hurt!” Unbelievably enough, the giant stopped. “Master, I have a strange feeling. I think is called, disbelief!” said Fi. Without paying any attention to the spirit, Fluttershy approached to the creature. “Mister giant, I’m so sorry, but were in a hurry! They attacked you because this is a life or death situation, and we really need your gem. Can we borrow it from you? I promise I’ll give it back to you, despite how frightening your home is.” The giant took its gem, and gave it to Fluttershy with a small nod. It was a very sweet guy. “Thank you very much, mister giant.” said the yellow pegasus with a warm smile. And she simply walked to the door, much to the warriors’ (and Bearers’) surprise. “What just happened?” asked Epona. The rest of the temple was as monotonous as the first half. Singing the Song of the Sun, slashing undead, and rip the poes’ souls. Finally, they arrived to a big golden door with six holes, and a scription: Put in here the lost souls you’ve collected, so they can find their way to the afterlife. If that’s okay with you. Flutterax, Link sighed, and did as the inscription said. The door glowed, and opened. “So, how do ya’ think this fight is gonna be?” asked Applejack. Behind the door, a giant butterfly-like being was reading, in what it looked like a living room instead of a dungeon. The being moved looked at his visitors from the top of the book and smiled. “Oh, you made it. Great! I was starting to worry, but it seem all my worries were unfounded. My name is Flutterax, and I am the Titan of Kindness. It’s a pleasure to meet you all!” And one by one, the butterfly shook everyone’s hooves, and hands, as he was saying things like ‘a pleasure to meet you’ or, ‘this is wonderful, simply unbelievable’, or, ‘oh, you’re prettier in person’, ‘I have heard too much about you. Please make yourself at home!’ “And, the Warriors of Hyrule! What a nice surprise, I love meeting you all. How do you find Equestria? Is beautiful, right? I hope you have enjoyed our world so far.” Midna raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, it’s a good place to hang out. Ponies are nice and all, thank you for asking.” “Delighted to hear that! It’s wonderful to have guests this distinguished!” “What can I say? Ponies are nice!” mumbled Link, unsure how to react to this guy. “Ponies have been really nice since the foundation of Equestria. I’m glad you appreciate that!” continued the giant butterfly. “Oh! But where are my manners? Can I offer you something to drink? Cola? A glass of milk, or a cup of tea?” Epona had a sweat drop on her temple. “This guy knows we’re here to fight, right?” “Hey, watch your manners!” complained the butterfly. “Speaking about me, as I’m not here.” “Sorry!” said Epona. “I’m sorry, Mister Flutterax, but, you know that now Fluttershy have to fight you, right?” “Why?” asked the butterfly. “She already proved her worth by conquering her fears, and ask nicely to my guardian to lend her his gem. Am I right?” “Yes…” said Fluttershy, blishing. “So, you passed my test, and with honors!” congratulated Flutterax. “Each Titan is different, and I like to do this things my way, the kind way. Not like the two arrogant Sparkler and Dasher. I do not like violence, or would you prefer a fight?” They all shook their head. “So, can we just… leave?” asked Fluttershy. “Sure, my dear Fluttershy! This way, please!” And Flutterax showed them their way out, much to their disbelief. Seriously, what was wrong with that dude? Well, they didn’t say anything and wished him well. This was the nicest spirit no one have ever met.