//------------------------------// // Like Titan, like Bearer // Story: The Legend of Celestia: Twilight Princess // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Like Titan, like Bearer Of all the Dungeons they had been, that was the one they were taking the longest. Not because of the monsters, or the traps. But because Maud was delaying them, making the visitors from Hyrule to check up every room to see if it was safe for her sisters. “Who would say she was this overprotective.” mumbled Applejack to Epona. “Yeah, with that face, no one would say she cares about anything, or anyone.” said the hylian steed. The others stared at her. “What? I’m just being honest.” said Epona. They have arrived to a new room, populated by fire keeses, flying all over; trying to set the invaders on fire. As always, Twilight casted a magic shield and urged her friends to join her. Except for Maud, who could barely move because of Maud’s tight embrace. “Ehem, a little help?” asked the pink pony. Imp Midna looked back at the two sisters. “Miss Maud. I understand your worry for your sister. But, as we are in a dungeon full of dangerous monsters, and traps. Your sister will need to move if she wants to survive. Maud didn’t stop looking back at the exit, but she have already agreed to this. Suddenly, the floor began to tremble. “Okay, what does that mean?” “According to my data, this could be either a stampede or the floor is about to fall.” said Fi. “Thank you Fi!” said Link, annoyed, as he prepared the Master Sword. “Can you tell us something useful, for once?” “Yes Master, I’m detecting the energy signatures of several monsters charging in!” said Fi. Link rolled his eyes, but he was actually grateful for that information. A bunch of dinolfos and liazalfos got in, breathing fire over the heroes. However, the attack was blocked by Twilight’s and Midna’s magic, combining into a powerful dome that protected everyone. But the monsters didn’t take long until they found an opening in the heroes’ defense, a small breach in the dome. The lizard-like creatures ran to the breach, combining their fire-breath into an infernal storm that they hoped carbonize their enemies. But one more time, something stood on their way: the Hylian Shield. “You fell directly to my trap!” smiled Link, slashing the monsters out of the way. One of the Dinolfos crawled over the wall, as the lizard it was, when Midna’s hand-shaped hair caught it; and crushed it. “Careful hero, we need you in one piece!” scolded Midna. “I knew my girlfriend would cover my back!” smiled Link. More monsters charged into the room. “As always, you cannot get into a lava pit without being pestered by this things!” complained Epona, repelling them with several bombs. The explosion sent the monsters away, giving Epona the chance to dispose of them with her Spinner. “Was that really necessary?” cried Fluttershy. “You have already defeated them with the explosion!” “Believe me, these things are tough. The only way to make sure you get rid of them, is to rip their heads off.” said Epona, coldly. Fluttershy shivered. She didn’t like this pony at all. “Why does everything have to be so extreme and violent with them?!” cried the yellow pegasus. “Hey!” called Midna. “Are you coming or what?” The girls followed the hylians, led by Pinkie Pie. Maud just blinked, blankly. “Hey, have you noticed that most of you didn’t care about those things being slaughtered in front of you?” “We are getting used to ultra-violence! This is not good!” said Twilight, as her eyes opened widely. Epona shrugged. “Welcome to the experienced adventurer’s club.” The girls exchanged a horrified look as they analyze the horrifying truth. What kind of mess they got into? Maud sighed. “Are you sure my sister is needed? First I was only worried about her wellbeing. Now, I’m worried about her sanity.” “Sadly, this dungeon was designed especially for her.” said imp Midna. Maud frowned, a small gesture that meant a lot for the Pie family standards. “We have her back, don’t worry.” said Fog. “We’ve been taking care of them in four dungeons so far!” “And, your sister is one of the strongest ponies I know.” assured Epona. “Anypony else would die already on the dungeons.” “Also Link would help us if the case is needed!” said Pinkie, cuddling with the hylian hero. Midna pulled her away with her hand-shaped hair. “Hey, watch it! He’s mine!” said Midna. They all turned to Midna, looking at her in awe. “What?!” “You’re finally together?” asked Fluttershy. “That’s so wonderful, I’m so glad for you!” “Finally!” said Epona. “Guys, I thought I was going to get old before any of you give the first step. The last thing I wanted to do was to have to listen to Link feeling sorry for himself for not having the nerve to confess his feelings.” “Same Lady Midna!” said Fog, as he began to mock Midna. “Oh, the hero who saved us… my friend… the dog boy. As much as she didn’t wanted to admit it, she have always had a thing for Link.” “Okay, stop it! Now!” commanded Midna, irritated. “Yes, Link and I are together now, let’s not make a fuss about it. Now, can we focus? We have a dungeon to finish if we want to save Equestria and the Twilight.” They kept going, even if the jokes continued for a while. Soon enough, the ponies began to complain. The damn dungeon was hotter than hell. And, to make things worse, it was full of firery monsters. Like the already known Fire slugs, fire keese, and the Lizalfos and Lizardos. There were also another lizard-like creatures, who crawled in the floor, and breathed fire over the heroes. Impulsive as only herself, Epona charged at on the Spinner full speed against this lizard, a dodongo, but the beast proved to be smarter than she thought. It hit her with its long tail, making her fell of her weapon. She landed on her back, as Link’s pouch ended up two meters away from her. She was at the dododongo’s mercy. The monster opened its jaws ready to devour its prey, when Applejack grabbed the pouch, and threw the first thing she could find: a bomb. The dodongo reacted quickly at this attack, swallowing the bomb. The effect was immediate. The monster froze in surprise for a few seconds, until two streams of smoke came from his ears, and jaw. “Dang it! It’s going to explode!” warned Epona, as she tackled Applejack away from the monster. Effectively, soon enough the monster exploded in a million pieces. “I owe you a big one AJ. Thanks!” smiled Epona. But the farmpony was too shocked of what she have done. “A’ just… killed something.” “Eeyup, your very first monster! Congrats!” said Epona, slapping Applejack on the back. “Is that all yer’ going to say? A’ just killed something, for Celestia’s sake. What kind of pony I am? A’ took a life. A’ took a life!!” Patiently, Epona looked to Applejack’s eyes. “Yes you did. Why?” “Cause’ A’ saw you in danger, and A’ couldn’t allow to that thing to touch ya’.” “Thanks.” Said Epona. “Now, why’s that?” “Cause’ yer’ too important for me. A’ don’t know ya’ for that long, but ye’re one of mah’ best friends already.” Epona blushed, and proceed to kiss Applejack on the cheek. “Thank you, AJ. You did nothing wrong, you just saw one of your friends in danger, and made a choice between the dodongo and me. And I’m glad you saved me, my friend. Don’t torture yourself, you just acted harshly, and given the situation, is perfectly understandable. Don’t think too much about it and thank the Goddess the both of us are alive.” Epona recovered the pouch, and rejoined the group as Applejack processed what just happened. None of them noticed Midna, giggling at them. Who knows! Maybe there was another shipping in process. Finally, they arrived to a new room. It was a series of diamond-shaped switches, separated from each other by rivers of lava. Also, most of the switches were protected by small cages. But, the one that was right in front of them was unprotected. And, in the bottom of the room, there was a door, behind bars. Luckily, the rivers of lava were easy to jump. But, they didn’t know what to do. Link looked back at his friends from Hyrule, and, with his Master Sword hit the switch. Suddenly, the cage of the switch at the other side of the room opened. The girls looked at Link happily, but he held them back with a small gesture. “Pay attention.” he said, even if they couldn’t understand him. But the message was perfectly clear. They moved backwards, as they heard something like a clock ticking. Suddenly, the ticking stopped, and the cage rearmed around the switch. “Time switches!” said Fi, Midna, Link and Sweet in the unison. “So, you have to hit all the switches in a specific order.” said Twilight. “So, we hit this one, then, before the time runs off, we go to the other side of the room, we his the other one, and…” “Or we can simply split to be each one in front of one switch, and hit them when the cage opens.” suggested Twilight. “That’s the advantage to get into this dungeons in large groups.” said Imp Midna. “Go on.” “Usually, when you’re on your own, you have to use bombs, and run really fast.” explained Epona. “You really have experience in places like this, right?” asked Maud, unapprovingly. “I don’t think you’re a good influence for Pinkie Pie.” “Even if we weren’t here, she would have to get into these dungeons anyway.” explained Sweet Fog. “Yeah, she’s lucky to have us on her side.” added Epona, with a grin. “And, luckily for us, whoever designed these dungeons, inspired in Hyrule’s.” “We’re losing time here!” protested Pinkie Pie. “Let’s do this!!” Each of the girls stayed in front of one of the switches, there were seven in total. Link stayed in front of the first one, and, seeing that everypony was ready; he hit the switch with the Master Sword. The one at the other side of the room opened, and Pinkie hurried to press it. Next, the one in front of Twilight opened too, and the purple alicorn pressed it as well. One by one all the others pressed a switch, and finally, a flute-like music resounded all over. And a chest materialized out of nowhere. However, the door remained closed. Link frowned, he knew something big was coming. In the meantime, Pinkie opened the chest, revealing two smaller versions of her party cannon. “Cool! Twin cannons!” cheered the pink mare. “Interesting…” mumbled Link. Pinkie couldn’t understand Link in his hylian form, but still nodded happily. But suddenly, several flame towers appeared on the room. The things moved in a spiral pattern, trying to get the one who got the cannon they protected. “Master! These activity isn’t normal!” “You don’t say!!” protested Twilight, as she began to run. “No, it’s a monster. I have them on my database. They’re called Magmanos.” “Mag-what?!” asked Dash. “Magmanos.” repeated Fi. “And what the hay are those?” asked Rarity. “I’m too young to die burned!” Finally, the girls could distinguish the true face of the monsters. There were giant hands, made entirely out of lava. “Fi… do you know what to do with them, by any chance?” asked Link. “Of course Master, you have to destroy them when they’re in a solidify state.” Pinkie grinned. “Don’t worry, I have just the thing!” Suddenly, the pink pony trembled, and made a quick backflip as a new Magmano emerged from the lava pit. Then, Pinkie Pie aimed her twin cannons to the Magmano, and she shot a white stream to it. “How about that, meanie? Fire extinguisher foam!” The Magmano instantly turned into stone; and Link ran toward it, destroying the monster with his sword. Two more Magmanos suddenly charge to Pinkie Pie, as she aimed her new cannons. “Are you sure guys?” The Magmanos tried to squish the girl under their weight. The girl grinned, and after using her Pinkie-sense to avoid the attack, she shot again, turning them into stone. Fi and Minda disposed of the two Magmanos, emptying the room. “This isn’t over.” said Pinkie Pie, warned by her Pinkie-sense. “No, the door remains closed.” agreed Midna. A new group of Magmanos emerged from the lava pit, and Pinkie and the Hyrule Warriors repeated the process until the enemies were gone. The door opened, revealing the next room. “Alright, I have to admit I underestimated your skills to fight monsters, Pinkie Pie.” said Maud. “I don’t like what you’re doing, but I can see you’re not as helpless as I thought. I’m sorry for overreacting.” Pinkie Pie hugged her older sister. “Thank you Maud, that means a lot.” “Just don’t separate from the warriors, alright?” asked Maud. “Okey-Dokey-Lokey!” smiled Pinkie Pie. “Link and his friends will protect us. You’ll see!” They continued their way inside the temple, going deeper and deeper underground. Most of the times they used bombs to open their way through blocked hallways with bombs. Maud was running out or patience each time they did a complicated puzzle just to find some money. But the girls were pretty much used to it, and already planning what they could do with the extra money. For example, a new backpack for Sweetie Belle, that Wonderbolt figurine she was saving for; or the new plough for Big Mac; etc. They arrived to a new moon. A big key was simply holding over a lava pit, where two snake-like creatures were jumping from one way to another, breathing a flame tower at every move. “At least they’re not over floating platforms. That was annoyingly hard.” “And dangerous.” ginished Midna. “What shall we do with those things?” “I have this covered!” said Twilight, shooting a freezing spell on the creatures. The flames around the snake-creatures extinguished, exposing them to attacks. The monsters quickly tried to sink in the lava again, but Twilight blocked their way with a magic force-field. “Do something, now!” commanded the purple alicorn. With a shrug, Link shot a couple of arrows to the monsters, destroying them immediately. “How about that?” said Twilight with a smile. Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Ehem, darling, is not like I’m trying to spoil your victory but…” She simply levitated the key toward them. “…we could do this from the very beginning.” “Or fly to reach the damn thing, avoiding the snakes.” said Rainbow. “It was easy enough for me.” Twilight face-hoofed. “Sorry girls, but this whole dungeon thing is making me overthink all the time.” Then, they noticed that something was trying to came from the lava and attack them. Two more of the fire snake monsters emerged from it, and shot a bigger, more powerful flame tower to the heroes. One more time, Link raised his Hylian Shield, as the creatures were approaching more and more toward them. When they were close enough, Link used the hidden skill of the Shield Attack. It temporary astonished the creature, giving Link time to destroy it with a single blow of the Master Sword. By her way, Pinkie extinguished the flames of the other one, using her Twin-Cannons, and it was Minda who crushed the creature with her hand-shaped hand. All the lava in the room drained, revealing a new door that leaded even deeper into the ground. “According to my calculations, if we keep descending, we’ll get to the center of the earth.” said Fi. “I hope not! I can’t stand the heat for much longer!” complained Rarity. They walked to the door, opening it with the key they just got. They were ready for everything, no matter what. A refreshing breeze of conditioned air received the hero. “What?” They got into the room. It not only had air conditioned, but also had cold drinks, ice-cream, and comfortable seats. “Mistress, I find these two Titans’ behavior extremely unusual for dungeon masters.” “After the last Titan, nothing can surprise me anymore.” Shrugged Midna. “And stop calling me that!” Fi remained silent, as the group took a seat. Finally, the new titan appeared before them. It seemed like a giant clown, made entirely out volcanic rock. “Hiya! Are you my Titan?” asked Pinkie cheerfully. “I like how you look!” “Thank you! You are pretty good looking yourself, mortal.” smiled the titan, as big flames appeared all over his bot. “My name is Pinkox, Titan of Laughter. Are you ready for a PARTY?” Hundreds of lights turned on all over the room, revealing a huge amount of candy for anypony to take, a dance floor, the apple fishing game, etc. “Whoa, this is what I call a party!” said Pinkie Pie. “I love what you did with the dance floor?” Pinkox grinned. “Dance floor? Please, Missis Bearer, this is a fight floor! Where you and I are going to see if you’re worthy to restore our power on the Tree of Harmony.” Pinkie Pie prepared the Twin Cannons. “Okey-Dokey-Lokey! I will fight with all I have, Mister Titan Pinkox!” The Titan smiled pleased, and looked at the others. “The rest of you enjoy the party. This way, Missis Bearer. Music!” Circus-like music began to resound around in the room, as Pinkie prepared to jump to the ‘fight floor’. But, one more time, Maud stopped her. “Pinkie, please don’t!” “Maud, I have to. Almost everyone have faced their own titans, and this one is mine. I respect you as my older sister, but this what I need to do.” Maud finally released her, but she was still unsure. “Wait!” called Epona. “What?” asked Pinkie. “Yeah, don’t keep me waiting!” complained Pinkox. “Just take this, lava monsters always are really hard.” said the hylian steed, giving Pinkie one of Link’s bottles. “Please, do it for your sister.” “Okay, but I’m very comfortable with the situation. My Pinkie-sense will give me the victory.” assured Pinkie Pie. Finally, Pinkie jumped on the ‘fight floor’. She was ready. Pinkox smiled. “And, before we start…” He made blindfold, and covered his eyes. “Are you sure?” asked Pinkie to Pinkox. “I don’t like being taken lightly. I want you to give me all you have. After all, I have my twin cannons and my Pinkie-sense!” “Believe me Missis Bearer, you’re the one underestimating me. I’m using this blindfold, because it’s fun! Fun, fun FUN!” Pinkie shrieked in excitement, and shot her Twin Cannons to Pinkox. But he calmly moved right, placing himself right between the two streams of fire extinguisher foam. Pinkie moved backwards, a little bit surprised. Pinkox grinned. “IT’S PARTY TIME!” The Titan began to spin, turning into a fiery tornado, throwing what it seemed like balloons, and serpentines. But in reality, there were giant boulders, still burning, and streams of hot lava. Pinkie Pie gasped, and avoided the attacks as she could. But, she couldn’t avoid burning her tail. “Eep! Wow, you’re good!” said Pinkie Pie, shooting one of her cannons against Pinkox. The Titan avoided it again, without removing his blindfold. Maud raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?” asked Maud. “I have a feeling, but I want to be sure.” said Maud. Pinkie continued using her Pinkie-sense, to protect herself from Pinkox’s brutal attacks. But it was getting harder every time. Each time she avoided a stream of lava, it formed a small pond on the ‘fighting floor’ leaving the poor pink pony less space to move. And, to make things worse, none of Pinkie’s attacks have touched Pinkox. “PINKIE, WAKE UP!” shouted Maud. “He haves a sixth sense of danger just like you have!” Pinkie suddenly stopped, surprised, but then she had to jump to avoid another of Pinkox’s boulders. “Of course! You’re cheating, Mister Pinkox!” “Cheating?” asked the Titan. “My dear Pinkie Pie, I never said I didn’t have a sixth sense too. And, just like yours, I cannot control mine. It just warns me when I’m about to get hurt!” Pinkie’s eye widened in realization. “My Pinkie-sense come from you!” The lava clown grinned again. “Like Titan like Bearer, Pinkie Pie.” He threw her two more boulders at her. “Maud!” “What?” “I need your help!” begged Pinkie. “But be careful, please! You don’t have a sixth sense of danger too!” Maud didn’t think twice. She launches herself into the ‘fight floor’ as her sister threw one of her Twin Cannons to her. “What I’m supposed to do with this?” Pinkie winked an eye to her, and shot against the blindfolded Titan. Of course, the Titan avoided it with ease, but when he was about to throw more hot boulders, and lava streams to Pinkie Pie; Maud shot him, and this time, the fire extinguisher foam hit him. The Titan rolled over the floor, moaning in pain. “Hey, that wasn’t very nice!” And he threw a bunch of hot boulders toward his two opponents. Maud had problems avoiding that, but Pinkie carried her on her back, as she used her Pinkie-sense to avoid the attacks. “Maud, now!” Maud shot at him with the Cannon again. The Titan moved aside, making a raspberry to Maud. Pinkie grinned, and shot her own cannon, hitting him on the back with the white foam Pinkox fell again, moaning in pain. “Time to take a shower, meanie!” said Pinkie shooting again. Pinkox rolled on the floor, avoiding Pinkie’s attack, but not Maud’s. He screamed in pain. “I see, this is just like your sixth sense.” said Maud, dryly. “Exactly! Even with my Pinkie-sense, it’s hard to avoid two simultaneous attacks.” The girls watched at them in awe. “So the Pinkie-sense does have a weakness!” said Twilight, amazed. Back to the fight, Pinkox floated over the air, and began to throw bigger, more menacing boulders all over the ‘fight floor’. The two sisters hugged each other, in the only safe spot left for them: the center of the ‘fight floor’. But that was where Pinkox wanted them. Flying above the two sisters, he covered himself with flames, and simply fell over them. Maud used her enormous strength to throw Pinkie away, as the Titan fell over her. In the air, Pinkie managed to shoot the cannon. The same for Maud. Pinkox finally fell for the last time, he was defeated. All the lava and boulders her created disappeared, but it was too late for Maud. “Maud!” cried Pinkie, running to her sister. But she didn’t answered. She was dead. “No… Maud, please don’t leave me! Talk to me! TALK TO ME!” Pinkox stood back, looking at the scene horrified. “No… what have I done…?” The rest of the Bearers of Harmony were also horrified. Until now, they didn’t considered the possibility of one of them dying. “For Faust sake, why this happened?” cried Twilight. Fluttershy was sobbing under Rainbow’s wing, who was also crying. “No… this is too horrible, all she wanted was to protect her sister…” said Applejack. One by one, Pinkie’s friends approached to comfort her. “Pinkie, we’re all here for you.” Said Twilight softly. Pinkie Pie nodded, still crying. “Pinkie Pie…” called Epona. She slowly turned to the adventurer. “Remember the bottle I gave you at the beginning? Open it. Open it now.” Pinkie obeyed. A small creature came out of the bottle. She had a tiny, luminous body, and two tiny transparent wings. It was a fairy. The fairy flew around Maud, and soon enough, the mare opened her eyes, as her wounds instantly healed. “Pinkie Pie! I’m… I’m alive?” asked Maud. “Maud? OH MAUD!” And Pinkie caught her sister in a tight embrace. “What just happened?” questioned Twilight to Epona. “Do you really think we would let her confront a lava monster without a fairy?” “Fairies?” “They are able to bring you back to life, if they’re used immediately after your death.” explained Midna. Pinkox lowered his head. “I’m terribly sorry for what happened. You didn’t supposed to let me corner you, but, I was supposed to fight until the very end. At least I didn’t kill anypony.” The group just glared at the Titan, but they couldn’t say anything to him really. He was just playing his part. In the end, he showed them the way out. It was a small elevator. Before the doors closed, he made a respectful nod to the Hyrule warriors. If it wasn’t for them, he would be a murderer. When they were finally in the open, the group felt really excited. Only one more temple to go.