//------------------------------// // Show's Over Pt4: So long, and thanks for all the fish // Story: The Equestrian Omni-Knight // by Azure5555 //------------------------------// -Town Hall: Trixie- The once and always showmare jumped, hugging a potted plant as she worked to steady her racing heart. With a calming sigh, she began her vigilant trek, doing her absolute best not to be seen or heard. Of course this was rather hard what with the mass of pink omnipotence trailing behind her. Somehow, Pinkie had managed to instill enough paranoia to lead her straight to Sugar Cube Corner and into an awaiting group of happy and joyous party goers. With shocked eyes, she looked up and found a banner. It read as such: That Showmare. “Um...what would ‘That Showmare’ do?” Trixie asked of the crowd. Her answer came with a single pat on the back. “Well, ‘That Showmare’ would smile.” Pinkie stated with a playful smirk. “Now...we wait. Again.” As we waited for Trixie to return, Link started playing music on his ocarina, at first it was mostly freestyle, until he played something eerie and familiar. “Huh... trying to wrack my brain for the name of that tune. Just what is that?” I ask the Hylian. “Just a song Luna would sing at night, she had been through alot since that Nightmare Moon incident.” Link explained. “Pfft, otherwise known as that ghost stuck in Twilight's basement…” I said off-handedly. A changeling walked past us, carrying Oracle on their back… “Should probably get Trixie back here. Can you uh..?” I make a non descriptive hand motion in the air, hoping to get my point across. Link counted to ten for a moment before making wind magic marking appear in his hands to reactive the second ball of energy. It flashed softly as Trixie fell in from it. Covered head to hoof in confetti and various pastries, the mare shook herself as she stood. I thought maybe she had seen a bit of trouble, but the smile on her face was absolutely astounding. “They...they like me...they really like me…” Trixie said in a near whisper. “Uh...um... there aren't... Celestia doesn't have guards here.” Wiping a bit of bread off of her cheek, I gave the girl a good hair ruffle. “Have Veral give you a bath, you've earned it.” With a happy nod, the future show mare made her way to the bath house. “Town's clear, let's paint it red!” I exclaimed. “Careful on your choice of words, Pinkie Pie might just do that.” Link said half-jokingly I shook my head, hopeful that said mare would do no such thing this day. I open the door to a serene sight, the clouds that had been summoned seemed to linger as the sun’s light beamed through patches within and around the fluffy formations. I made my way for town hall, waving to any D. Dogs or ponies that had been working on the reconstruction of the town. Link as he walked chose to stretch out his arms over his head, his eyes looking at each pony we walked past. Some viewed him with awe...others seemed to fear him. At least one however… “S-SIR! Please...a moment?” A stallion in half shattered crystal armor flagged us down. He had a pale coat and a golden mane done up in a curl, almost didn’t notice the horn. “You are the outworlder Captain Armor spoke of?” “Which one?” I asked with my hands on my hips and a cheeky smile.  Link crossed his arms as he waited for the answer of which one of us he meant. “I know of you champion...I meant your companion...the...the slayer…” He said with a twang of...not fear. It smelled too...non-existent to be fear. “Yes, I am the one he might of mentioned, why do you ask?” Link asked. “I wish to know...how do I move on? Having taken a life, how do I move on?” Well...that went places. “Think about the aftermath. What do you think would've happened if you hadn’t taken a life? Assuming you did it to protect others and that you had no choice but to do so. For example, if we hadn’t stopped those dragons, Ponyville might of been burned to the ground and alot more ponies would of died.” Link explained as he tapped his chin in thought. “You wouldn’t want to live with pain and regret of losing someone you knew you could of saved, right?” The unicorn mulled LInk’s words over in his mind. His eyes seemed to become hollow...only for a small spark of light to rekindle his lost light. “I...see. What I did...I did for Ponyville. Thank you hero,” He gave a very long and deep bow. “My name is Heavy Scale, I thank you.” Once Scale was out of ear shot, I leaned closer to Link. “I was a little worried you lost him there…” “I’m glad my explanation worked. It’s a good thing my Celestia wasn’t here, otherwise she would of went deeper into detail than I did, she’s a warrior veteran. Having taken part in a war against Sombra many years ago. She deeply regrets taking lives but understands that it was for her little ponies.” Link explained as he took a glance around to see if anypony else had a question. “Mm…” All I could say was ‘mm’ really. We continued our walk to Town Hall without incident. With a knock, the doors opened wide to reveal the same mass of ponies running to and fro. Documents still flying every which way… “Mayor!” I cried. “You in!?” Said mayor, instantly shot up from her desk. “Are we being attacked again!? Oh sweet goddess not again…” The disgruntled Mayor did plea. “It’s all good big M, I need a favor.” Mayor made her way through the bedlam of the office, finding us without incident. “Anything for our champion...and our esteemed guest. I noticed your skirmish with the upstart drake. We could always use an extra pair of hands.” Mayor Mare stated with loaded praise. “Just doing what my heart says.” Link said with a smile. Coughing rather loudly, I get back to business. “Mayor, I need documents falsified,” Mayor’s glasses slid a little off her nose. “I know how illegal this sunds bu-” “Done.” ‘That was quick.’ I thought. “But you cou-” “Ponyville has kept many a secret, this should be no problem. What do you need?” Grabbing Link’s shoulders, I look at the Mayor. “I need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, the whole shebang. Just in case Celestia or her goons come lurking through the records.” “Pfft, foal’s play. Name and occupation?” Mayor asked Link. A stenog...having been sat next to us. “Well, considering she’ll most likely look for a name outta place, I’d have to say Protective Shield, would occupation of Monster Hunter raise any suspicions?” Link asked. This raised a few eyebrows all along the office. “O-or perhaps something similar to what Daring Do does, just general exploration of temples and unlocking their secrets. My pouches contain the right equipment to do so afterall. Monster Hunter was just a job name I went under back when I had to take care of a giant worm problem in Appleloosa.” Link explained as he looked at me. “It’s just...the Monster Hunters are a rather black ops group...a secret in and among themselves.” Mayor explained. “For now, just put it as Vault Hunter.” Link finished, he looked a little nervous as if someone might accuse him of being part of the monster hunters mentioned. “Of course, Mister Shield. Will that be all?” The mayor asked Link with a sly smile. “Well, other than a description of what I do and any other questions you have, then yes.” Link said with a relieved sigh. With a dismissive wave, the stenog was dragged away, desk and all and Mayor went back to her office. “Phase one complete, next stop: Sugar Cube Corner.” “Why there next?” Link asked curiously. “Alibi. I’m poofing you from there, and knowing Pinky, she has something planned anyway,” I begin to make way for the exit and tap Link’s chest with a knuckle. “What? Never had to disappear someone?” I asked with a wicked smile. “Poofing?” Link asked with a blink of his eyes. “An ability of yours or…” he left the question hanging. “I’m sending you home dummy!” I said as I walked out, waving at him with my back still turned. “Well hey, excuuuse me, princess! I had to make sure you didn’t mean anything else.” Link said jokingly. I groaned a little, not at the age old reference to the shit show that was the old Zelda cartoon...but at the fact that he beat me to the punch. Link was chuckling softly to himself as he placed his hand over his mouth. In an act of revenge, I readied my ‘Evil Voice of Villainous Evil™’ and threw my arm over his shoulders. “JOIN ME LINK, AND I WILL MAKE YOUR FACE THE GRrRrREATEST IN KORIDAI… OR ELSE YOU WILL DIE.” “Hylia da-heh-heh-am it.” Link said as he couldn’t hold it any longer, we shared a good laugh. “Hoo... haven't laughed like that in years…” Ponies, Dogs, and even a few griffon had stopped to stare at our madness. “Ey ey! Shows over folks! Move along nothing to see here!” “Just hero humor, folks.” Link said with a grin as he rubbed the back of his head in slight embarrassment. Getting back on track, we made our way to the sugar infested bakery that was the S.S.C. “I had a good time, and that’s saying something considering the number of Displaced I’ve been summoned by. Most of them either need my help then send me on my way, or they’re generally confused when I’m the first of the Displaced they’ve met. “ Link commented. “I mean...I needed your help, but no yeah, this was fun...beats having my arm shot off... getting poisoned... having to stop a train heist...wow I really need to stop and smell the roses.” I say as I stand stock still after reviewing bits of the last month. Staring at the bakery, I shook my head from my revelry. “Well, either way, let's just sit down and see if they have any coffee in her-” The doors burst open, because of course they would. Pinkie as well as Twilight, Moondancer, Dash and the others burst out. “Surprise!!” “Just one day...it's all I ask…” The hylian blinked in confusion. “But… we already had a party yesterday..” Link said as he looked around. “That was our “Good job on keeping Ponyville safe” party. This,” Pinkie pulled us both in and closed the door. “Is our, “Glad to see you still standing” party. Totally different!” “Yes, but having a party for everything is a bit silly, even if you are a party nut.” Link said as he reached down to ruffle up Pinkie’s hair. “This is also a good opportunity to test the stability of the folds of reality as Azure opens a rift to another version of Equestria!” Twilight shouted in excitement. “How did yo-” “Hmm? I'm sorry you said something?” Twilight asked, feigning ignorance. “You spied on me. Clever girl…” I would have said more but Moondancer started to look me over. “Last time we met, you were missing an eye. How'd it grow back?” The unicorn jumped me and began to fiddle with my left eye as I kept my balance. “Twilight was right about you, studying you will be absolutely fascinating…” “Twi...get your girlfriend offa me... she's freakin’ me out…” “That’d be my doing. Last night, he was up late smithing me a staff and he had a small accident, so I healed him up via Nayru’s Love. Course, it might of also been the Song Of Healing I taught him how to play recently.” Link explained. The pair looked at Link, stars in their eyes. “Could you show us?” Twilight asked, Moondancer jumping off of me to join her. “Uh.. well, I can show you the shield version of it, but not the healing version since no one is hurt. The Song Of Healing though, well, I can play it for you gals, but be prepared as not only will it sooth your memories, but you’ll be reliving them, both good and bad...” Link said nervously as he pulled out the blue ocarina. “Are you sure, Twilight?” Before anyone could say anything, Applejack got up from her seat. “Ah’m out, I got an orchard ta pick.” Several other patrons also took the time to unceremoniously gtfo. “Huh, that bad eh...hit it!” With a fervent nod from the rest of the group Link began to play. Despite hearing the song again, it had no effect on me, but to those who heard the song for the first time...well it was obvious yobsee they felt their emotions melt away with the song. They saw some bad memories, only to be replaced by good memories that healed them. Once he was finished, he held the instrument close to his chest. He then proceeded to explain the song of healing, its affects, how it helps spirit find closure and pass onto the afterlife. But he also mentioned that those who chose to remain turnrd into masks, Link then proceeded to explain the rest of how the progress worked. “Any questions?” Link asked. “Uh yeah...that whole uh...mask thing. Does it hurt?” Rainbow asked, still wiping away her tears. Rarity had been scrawling upon a loose napkin, Pinkie was balling her eyes out and Twilight and Moondancer were held in embrace... though the two never stopped jotting down notes. “The dying target or spirit being turned into a Mask, or the wearer becoming the form of the target? The answer to both is no, but it can be surprising or a little overwhelming when you first experience the mask’s transformation.” Link explained as he put away his ocarina. “In a way, it's kind of like living in their shoes.” The hylian then pulled out a unicorn mask that had a surprising likeness to his own face, other than the mask being red with green patterns. It finally clicked in my head of why the hylian acted so natural when I turned him into a pony using one of my potions. “This mask was a gift to me by two special someones. Considering the vast multiverse of the Displaced, anything is possible even in a different world.” Link explained before placing the mask onto his face. The mask instantly clung to his face and began to mold and turn into flesh, there was a brief flash of magic as Link changed forms. Now standing before the group was the unicorn from last night’s party; a red unicorn with an usual green fur pattern and a mane of yellow and gold. The rest of him, from his human form, remained. Such as his blue eyes, the various battlescars upon his face and the pentagon shaped scar on his chest, leather gauntlets, and his miniturized sword and shield. “Well, I lost my lunch. Anybody else,” I said with a blank face as I idly pointed around the room. “No? You there with the thing doing the thing. You feelin’ nauseous? Nah, you're okay.” Said pony with said thing just sorta tore the muffin top off his snack food and made sure his confection wasn't tainted in any way. “Anypony can wear these masks? Master! Please ask for one! You know...for science!” Twilight begged. “I'm sure I'll end up making one later for further study, just wait til then.” “Rather morbid though, isn't it dear?” Rarity asked, now looking Link over with a more critical eye. “Yes, anypony can wear those masks, however the wearer’s personality will be changed, and the spirit within the mask is aware of everything, you will hear their voice inside of your head as if it was your own.” Link explained as he took a look at each pony. “I can’t just ‘make’ a mask, the target needs to be willing to part with their body to become the mask, they won’t be able to return afterwards except maybe if the mask was worn on a soulless body for them to reside in.” the hylian-turn-unicorn went through his thoughts. “Like if Nightmare Moon was still around and didn’t have a body. If willing to let go, the song would seal her inside of a mask while also smoothing her troubles away.” “Why not test that theory? She's currently locked in my b-mfmphmmf!!” I had to clamp my hands around Twilight's mouth before she could even finish that sentence. “Whaaaat~no. No nightmares here...pfft, students am I right?” With an annoyed grunt, Twilight thusly bit my hand...to no avail. “Please don't break your teeth…” “Azure’s choice, I did teach him the song afterall. Now, changing the subject since it appears he doesn’t wish to talk about it. Would you like me to show Nayru’s Love? I can’t show it’s second variation until someone is hurt.” Link said as he levitated his ocarina via telekinesis and into his pouch. “Wait...could I try?” I ask. “I’m.. not sure how you can. I mean I use my spells by commanding it with my thoughts. You could try replicating it in your own way after watching me use it, or I can transfer it to you through my triforce’s void energy.” Link answered. With a nod, I held out my left hand. Link took it in his unicorn’s magical grip, the golden aura suddenly changing through a rapid variation of colors. The triforce shone brightly on his right hoof during the progress. The knowledge of how the spell was performed was transferred into it. The hylian unicorn looked drained as he sat down on the floor. Pulling away, I took note of the sigil of Nayru now shining upon my hand. Parting my feet and holding my arms slightly off of my body, I slid my feet back together into a risen point with my hand raised skyward. I fell down into a crouched position in a swift motion with my eyes closed. Subtle twangs forced my eyes open, finding Rainbow Dash casually swinging her golden sword at a spinning pane of crystal. “Did...did I do it?” ...The gentle hum of magic greeted my ears as I soon took notice of a spinning blue diamond slowly circling around me. “This is Nayru’s love, a shield that protects you against any form of physical harm, however you can still be moved, knocked around, pushed, etcetera. It will remain around you for three minutes or until you dispel it on your own.” Link explained as he rested, he let out a gentle breath and shook his mane like a horse. “Don’t expect me to give you knowledge of my other spells, transferring the energy leaves me feeling like I ran for an eight hour marathon.” “Right...right...I think I’m good with this though.” I poked the spinning crystal, watching it disappear into diamond dust. “Uh...potion for your troubles?” I asked, holding out a pair of small and rounded red and blue potion bottles. “Can the red restore my fatigue?” Link asked as he rubbed his unicorn horn. “Yeah, no yeah. Have at it.” I put away the blue, and pop the cork on the red. Link takes the red bottle in his magic and begins to drink from it. “Aahh, much better.” Link said as he got up and back onto his hoofs. He reaches up, but turns around before pulling on his face to remove the mask and preventing the other ponies from seeing the imagery of someone removing their face...even if the flash of magic censored most of it. As the hylian patted himself down, I started to fiddle with the howling stone around my neck. “Ready to go home?” I ask. “If there is nothing for me to do or nopony has any questions left, then yes. I am ready.” Link said as he showed me a thumbs up. “Let’s do it!” Tossing the stone in the air I went forward to bite it...but...I shrunk. “Oi! What happened!? How’d everybody get so tall!?” Everyone seemed to look at me like...I don’t even know. “...You… just activated the twil-magic contained within the stone…” Link said in mild disbelief, he reaches into his pouch and pulls out a blue hand mirror, showing me that I had just turned into a wolf. What I saw made my head spin...I looked like something akin to Balto. Only I had the Artix Dragon ensignia on my forehead. “Sorry about that, bud. Remember when I appeared as a wolf when you first summoned me? It’s a side-effect caused by the Howling Stone since Midna doesn’t exist in my universe, thus I had to improvise and use the void-energy to give it twili-magic properties. “ Link explained to me. “Great, how do I turn back!” I whined. Wait...I was whining...Please don’t tell me I’m speaking wolfish. “You can understand me? Right? HELP!!” I howled in distress. Link put away the mirror and took out a freaky mask with a red eye and a smile. ‘Oh good,’ I thought. ‘The universal translator.’ “Ok, try again.” he said as he placed the mask onto his face. “The Mask Of Truth will allow me to understand you.” “Oh good...change me back now?” I started to scratch at my ear with a hind leg. “Damn fleas…” “Just focus on the magic contained within and think of your original form.” Link explained as he turned toward Twilight, who at this point had her eyes wide and was furiously scribbling down notes. ‘Right...think bipedal...think bipedal…’ I felt my body begin to shift, legs began to elongate and my arms started to pop back into place. Once my paws had shifted into claws I started to rub my face to make sure it no longer had-aaand it still had a muzzle. “I don’t think I-oh hey I’m speaking english again. Bendito sea Dios. Still got my spanish...let’s do this one more time.” I had the stone in my hand again and carefully placed it into my awaiting jaws. With a calming breath, I sent a focused howl through the stone. The Oath to Order echoed through the walls of the bakery as if to herald the coming of the giants. Of course, in this case, the only thing that came was a softly swirling rift through space time.  Instead of a portal opening up, the hylian was surrounded by a swirling diamond as he gradually rose a few feet above the ground but not high enough to cause any real damage. “Take care, Azure. May the Goddess Of Time watch over you.” Link said. He salutes me with finger and index finger before disappearing in a flash of light. I fixed the stone back onto my neck as the small crowd shuffled nervously around the cake house. I looked around, gave a curt wave, and left for the door. “Girls, meeting at Golden Oaks in an hour. We've things to discuss.” -Sugar Cube Back Alley- Making my way around, I followed the sound of soft sobs as I found the farm mare wiping away at an endless stream of tears. “Thought I'd find you here farm girl.” Said farm girl, began to scramble backwards as she caught sight of me. Plopping myself next to her, I motioned for her to sit with me. “Easy easy, it's just me. Feel like talking?” She sniffled as I just barely made out a ‘yessum’. “Ah...Ah’m weak. Couldn't even face mahself when it mattered.” Applejack stated as she sniffled again. “But you heard the song?” I asked. “Ah did, scared me half to death...what with seeing the girls go through that again.” “Go through what again?” And now she had my attention. -Previous Day: The Wreckage- Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom had found themselves muzzle to muzzle with wicked smiles and sharpened claws. Rarity took notice of the downed vehicle, only to snap back to her own fight. Her twin opponents keeping her from running to her sister’s aid. Applejack and Galanoth found themselves in much the same circumstance...A massive behemoth keeping both at bay. Pinkie could only do so much against her one on twenty predicament, Twilight was doin her best to mitigate the rise of casualties, and Rainbow and Gilda couldn't even move lest they allowed a group of injured to become another meal for the dragons. Fluttershy however…had been fighting her own battle against an evil far greater and far more ancient… The mare was trapped between semi consciousness and having her soul consumed be demonic fire. Angel and Spike had been doing their damndest to defend the fallen mare until they felt it...The pull of a Power that Was. Both stood frozen, the dragons before them mocking them with uproarious geers. Only for the laughter to end...as if their very souls had grown cold within them. Two hands found their way upon the shoulders of both Bunny and Dragon. The Monster connected to them strutting forward and swiftly ending the lives of those dragons that once mocked her friends. The battle had stopped. Frozen in fear and madness. With a vicious scream, warrior after warrior began to fall. Limbs twisted, bodies torn, lives ended… And as the frantic trio of children did their best in holding back their assailants, the color within the eyes of the beasts faded, their executioner pushing past the debris of the fallen mobile unit. “Fluttershy...is that you?” “Afterwards, I ran as fast as I could to Bloom. Oh she was so scared…” Farm girl sort of just...pushed her head into my chest and I just sorta ran my fingers along her head. “Sh...where are they now?” “Turner.” “Can I assume Turner is going to be their Master, teaching and training them?” “Yessum.” “Can I also assume you dislike this turn if events?” Applejack wiggled a bit and sniffled. “...yessum.” I swiped her hat and ruffled her mane. “Meeting at Twilight’s, be there in an hour.”