//------------------------------// // The Ice Tower // Story: The Legend of Celestia: Twilight Princess // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// The Ice Tower Igneous Rock made a small nod, as he gave his daughter a small hug. His face, however, was as stoic and emotionless as always. “Farewell, Pinkamena Diane Pie. Until I see you again. We miss you, dear.” Pinkie’s mother yawned, but she smiled lightly. “At least try to write more often. We miss you, darling.” Pinkie Pie hugged them happily, and said good bye energetically as always, joining her friends, and the Hyrule Warriors. She would like a little more time with her family, but the Tree of Harmony, and her friends counted on her. “Are we taking the train now?” asked Fluttershy, once Pinkie joined them. “I think not, dear.” said Rarity, thoughtful. “If I’m don’t remember wrong, I got my Cutie Mark in those mountains nearby.” They looked at the horizon, beyond the Pie Family’s farm. “That’s why we spared these two temples for the end of our journey!” said Pinkie cheerfully. Twilight simply turned to rarity. “Guide us Rarity. Or do you need Fi’s help to locate the exact place?” “I think I’m good, thank you, darling.” said Rarity. “This way, please!” The group went to action, leaded by Rarity, Link and Midna; and Epona, Applejack, Sweet Fog and Fi closing the formation. They walked for a while, getting into the mountains. But there was nothing in there. It was only a rocky dessert. “This is making me nervous.” said Twilight, looking around. “Don’t worry Twilight. Me and my sisters used to play in here when we weren’t busy helping at the farm.” Explained Pinkie. “There’s nothing here but rocks.” “Some of these have gems inside, am I right?” asked Rarity. “Sure thing!” said Pinkie. “But they’re trapped inside really hard granite.” Rarity nodded. “I remember, dear, I remember.” “Only a powerful explosion could break the granite. But, if you do it, you’ll create an avalanche. That’s why not even Diamond Dogs come near here.” explained Pinkie Pie. Rarity sighed, disappointed. “So much resources going to a waste.” “This place looks like Goron Paradise if you ask me.” said Epona, with a shrug. “Goron? What’s a goron?” “Weird, big, strong guys who eat rocks.” Explained Epona. “Knowing them, they would be able to go through this granite, with that strange spin-thing they do with their bodies.” Rarity was about to ask Epona what she meant, when she noticed the surroundings, and nodded satisfied. “We’re here! I remember this crack, and this rock. And this frock formation. This is where I got my Cutie Mark! Beautiful, so beautiful!” Fi popped out of the Master Sword, and examined Rarity’s aura. “Effectively, I feel a magic signature that matches the Bearer Rarity Belle. Precisely under we are standing.” The Bearers exchanged a look, as Pinkie kicked the ground. “Come on! Not even Maud would be able to go through this granite. It’s too hard. How are we supposed to get into Rarity’s Temple? The Twilight will swallow us all!” Imp Midna glared at the pink pony. “Don’t dare to joke about it! The balance of two worlds is on the line, here!” “I know, but then, how are we supposed to get in?” asked Pinkie Pie. “This is obviously a puzzle.” said Sweet Fog. “Any ideas what should we do here?” Epona pulled out a bomb from her saddlebag. “Ehm… kaboom?” “Put that thing away before you bury us alive!” scolded Fluttershy. “Can’t you think in anything but exploding things?” Epona shrugged, and put the bomb back on her saddlebag. “No, Fog is right.” said Twilight. “This is a puzzle, all we need to do is find a switch, or a hidden door?” They all started to look around, looking for something that would help them to open the dungeon. Finally, Rarity noticed the cracks on the ground. “Hey, look at these cracks! They form some kind of pattern!” she called. The girls happily joined Rarity. “You’re right!” said Twilight, extending her wings. “Let’s see what it is.” She flew over the cracks, trying to figure out what kind of symbol it revealed. “There’s too much dust covering this pattern.” said Twilight. “Can you help me with that?” Rarity nodded, and used her magic; just as Midna. “And?” From above, Twilight shook her head. “This isn’t any language I know.” Midna raised an eyebrow, and floated aside Twilight. “Let me see…” She face-palmed. OH COME ON! YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!” “Do you know this language?” asked Twilight. Midna nodded. “It’s Hylian. Is like someone, or something, wants us to use all the artifacts we got from our little adventure with Link.” “Which one?” asked Link from the ground. “The Dominion Rod!” said Midna. Epona couldn’t avoid to make a face-hoof herself. For real? Midna landed, turning herself and Link into their normal forms. “Alright, do you thing, mister Important Hero.” Epona pulled off the scepter from the saddlebag, and threw it to Link. The hero of Hyrule proudly aimed it to the ground. A small tremor alerted the ponies. They looked at Twilight, who casted a shield around them, in case Link cause an avalanche. Fortunately, it didn’t happen. Instead, a house made of stone appeared right before them. It had a small entrance, but blocked by a giant ice boulder. Link sighed, and took a big metal ball, with chain, from Epona’s saddlebag. “Wait!” said Twilight, even if Link couldn’t understand her in his current form. “I have a better way.” She stood before Link, and used her magic to melt the ice away. Link sighed relieved. “Thanks Hylia! An ice temple!” Midna chuckled. “Oh, right, you don’t like underwater temples.” “Those are tedious as hell!” In the meantime, Twilight finished melting the ice blocking the entrance, only to reveal a small sign. ONLY THOSE WHO DOESN’T VALUE THEIR LIVES MAY CONTINUE TO THE ICE TOWER “Well, that’s encouraging.” mumbled Rainbow Dash. “Eeyup!” agreed Applejack. “I guess nopony brought a sweater, right?” asked Rarity. Twilight winked an eye to her. “I’ll cast an ice-resistance spell on all of us.” Then, she looked at the Hyrule Warriors. “Yes, you too.” And, after a quick spell, the two groups got into the temple. The first room was almost empty. Nothing but two keese bats standing over two torches, and four of ice monticules. And, as soon as they saw the visitors, they charged against them; but Link quickly disposed of them with his sword. “It would be a miracle if we get out of here without catching a cold.” said Pinkie. Ignoring her, Epona pulled out her dagger, and warned. “It would be a miracle if we get out of here in one piece. Ice temples in Hyrule are especially difficult. Now, what are we supposed to do here?” “Obviously there’s something under the ice.” said Twilight, preparing a fire spell. Noticing what she was about to do, Link stood before her, and prepared his chain ball. “Sorry, but I won’t be satisfied until I brake something with this.” Twilight groaned, but stood aside, letting the young hylian be. He threw the chain ball to an ice monticule, and broke it. The others approached to see what surprise was under the ice. “Bits! Oh, come on!” “Come on girls, is not that bad!” said Applejack, putting the bits into her saddlebag. “A’ mean, at least we get something from these places. Now, A’ll buy Apple Bloom a new saddlebag. She really needs it.” With a smirk, Epona turned on the spinner, and grinded another of the monticules. She revealed one switch: a small lever that she pulled it. Nothing happened. “I guess we should find another one.” Applejack didn’t wanted to be left behind, and bucked a monticule with her own back hooves. She revealed more bits that she happily took. Finally, Twilight casted a fire tornado to melt the last ones. She revealed a new lever, and pulled it. The floor trembled, forcing everypony to jump aside; and two platforms separated. One began to descend, the other one to descend, in some kind of loop. “It’s an elevator!” cheered Twilight, amazed. “So, is another underground temple?” asked Pinkie. “But we have ice instead of fire.” “Just watch the freezing monsters.” warned Sweet Fog. Rarity was the first one to jump on the descending platform. “What are you waiting for? The faster, the better!” The others quickly followed. “I highly recommend stay here, for the moment. Only to make us a general idea of what to expect here.” said Sweet Fog. The others nodded in agreement, and stayed there, watching the temple in all its glory. Soon, they could see that the temple was built with the same granite that the mountain was made. But everything was covered in a thick coat of ice. They got into the first level, where they were received by a bunch of creatures made of ice boulders; with several ruby eyes staring directly at the group. As soon as they saw them, the creatures were about to use their ice breath on them. Link and Midna exchanged a look, and smiled, it was time to have fun. Without hesitation, the two heroes jumped out of the platform, and Link destroyed the first one with the chain ball; as Midna smashed them with the hands from her Mirror of Shadows. In the meantime, the others continued descending in the elevator. “Shall we help them?” asked Pinkie with concern. “Let them be, I guess this is their idea of a date.” shrugged Epona. They shrank when they heard all the fighting coming from the upper floor. “Sweet Celestia! What kind of monster are they dealing with?” asked Rarity. “Again, let them be. If they want to fight Freezhards, let them fight Freezhards.” said Epona. “As for me, I don’t want to get frozen. Link says is unpleasant.” The girls didn’t say more, and continued their dissention. In the lower levels they saw all kinds of creatures. Since white wolves with shining black teeth, to horrid slime monsters that crawled toward them. Monsters that they have seen on the other temples, like the Stalfos and Stalchilds. Each level promised a new challenge. Finally, they reached the lowest level. There was no puzzle, no creatures. Nothing. Only a big chest looking for them. “This better worth it.” said Rarity, approaching carefully. “Please hurry!” urged Epona. Have anypony noticed our situation?” They looked around, only to see a deep abyss with no bottom to be spotted. Gulping, Rarity opened the chest. It contained a big golden key, with a snowflake-shaped sapphire on it. “The Boss Key! But I thought these are found later on!” “Yeah, where is the map?” asked Twilight. “You never know how dungeons are until you get in!” laughed Sweet Fog. “Now let’s go back to safety… you know, with Link and Lady Midna.” Rarity nodded, thoughtful. “You’re right, dear. If I’m not wrong, they stayed on the second floor, right?” Sweet Fog nodded. “Good, because, giving the circumstances, I think is better to go floor by floor.” said Rarity. “It’s your temple, so your call.” said Rainbow Dash. In the end, the group decided to hop on the elevator, and went to the first underground floor of the Ice Tower. Where Link and Midna were already waiting for them. “So?” asked Epona. Link smiled at his companion, and gave her a Small Key, and a bag of bits. “There’s nothing else in this level, so we better keep going.” said Midna floating to the elevator. The others kind of understood her, and followed the Twilight Princess. At the next level, a pack of Wolfos charged mercilessly at them. The Hyrule Warriors ran to action, with Fi joining them this time. As gracefully as only herself, the spirit of the Master Sword began to dance, destroying one Wolfo on her own. A couple charged at the girls, but they were disposed by Epona’s Spinner. “Right there!” said Pinkie Pie, aiming to the other side of the room. “A door with a lock!” “Let’s go then! Link and Midna can handle the wolfos!” said Epona. True, the pack of wolves were too busy fighting the Hyrule Warriors to pay attention to the Bearers of Harmony. And, if they did, Epona and Sweet Fog got their backs. “The poor dears.” mumbled Fluttershy, looking at the wolves. “We’ll worry about them later.” said Rarity, using the Small Key to open the next door. But as soon as the girls crossed the door, the wolfos forgot about the Hyrule Warriors and charged at them. But they door was blocked by one of Midna’s summons from the Mirror of Shadows. The wolves turned to them, and howled horribly. All of them glowed, and fused. The fusion lost its fur, and skin… it was only a giant skeleton. “Just what we needed. A Salfowlf.” sighed Midna. “At least the dungeons keeps it interesting.” said Link. Fi made a small nod. “I estimate we’ll take care of this nuisance in two minutes.” “Good to know!” The Wolfo showed its claws, and jumped over the heroes, but Midna’s summoning’s stopped him. It jumped backwards, and tried to charge from the right, where it was blocked by the Hylian Shield. The undead wolfo howled in frustration, but continued attacking the indestructible shield. Midna tried to attack from the left, but the Stalwolf tried to counterattack. And, as it was distracted with Link and Midna, Fi came from behind, and kicked it elegantly, sending its head away. The Stalwolf ran to reattach its head to its body, when Link pierced its center with the Master Sword. Finally, the monster fell apart, and a chest materialized in front of them. “Mission accomplished.” smiled Midna. “Indeed, Mistress.” Said Fi, bowing. “Now, I highly recommend to open the chest to see what kind of treasture it contains.” Midna’s eye twitched. “Seriously, stop calling me that!” Ignoring the two of them, Link opened the chest, hopeful. Usually, the chests that appeared after defeating an unusual monsters had something valuable inside. What would that be? Finally, Link showed the others the Dungeon Map. The warriors smiled to each other, and Link and Midna shared a quick kiss. And, in the meantime, in the other room, the girls were busy trying to evade a Freezhard. Sweet Fog tried to get rid of the thing using bombs, but the monster only froze them; and now it was chasing the girls. “Enough!” said Twilight, sending a fire tower against the creature. It melted away. “Okay, you should teach Link a couple of things of how to deal with Freezhards.” said Epona, amused. “Hey, how Link gets rid of these things?” asked Rainbow Dash to Epona. “Remember that Chain Ball he carries?” “You have to be bucking kiddin’ me.” facehoofed Applejack. “He likes it the savage way.” Rolling her eyes, Twilight focused on the puzzle before them. It seemed simple enough, a series of switches they had to activate in a predetermined order. When they finished solving the puzzle, a new chest appeared. And it contained a Small Key. Less annoying than money. Finally, the two groups joined, and descended to the next level. The room was almost in complete darkness. Only a lonely torch faintly illuminated a spot right in the middle. Twilight and Rarity used their horns, as lanterns, exchanging a worried look. At this point they knew what was coming. Midna looked at Link. “Hey, what was the mini-boss you fought at our own Ice Temple?” “The big armored thing that gave me the Chain Ball.” “Oh, right.” Rarity simply sighed. “Let’s just finish this. Shall I approach to this torch or something?” “A’ guess so.” said Applejack. “Let’s hope is nothing too much of a handful.” Rarity nodded, and approached to the torch. Nothing happened, but then, she touched it. Torches all over the room turned on, as a delicate robe fell from nowhere. It was made of the fanciest, and most beautiful silk Rarity have ever seen. But then, they felt how the already cold temperature descended even more. Everyone around prepared to fight. Finally, the robe raised on its own, revealing a couple of hands, and two yellow eyes staring at Rarity. It was a Wizzrobe. The being under the cape snapped its fingers, making a hat appear out of nowhere, and then she shot an ice beam from its hands. The others dodged the attack by jumping aside, but the Wizzrobe attacked again, and again. His freezing beams were getting faster, more accurate. At some point, an attack barely touched Link, but heroes his Hylian Shield just in time. The being then disappeared, and appeared right behind Rarity. He tried to attack her from behid, but Twilight repelled him with a fire attack. The thing disappeared again, and threw a new beam. Rainbow Dash and Applejack barely dodged it. Unfortunately, Epona wasn’t that fast. And she ended up frozen in the middle of the room. “No, EPONA!” CRIED Applejack. “Just when we started to actually meet each other…” The Wizzrobe took its chance while Applejack was distracted. But then, Link jumped to protect the mare with his Hylian Shield. Applejack continued crying over her frozen friend, much to Midna’s amusement, and Link’s concern. “Shall I tell her she’s gonna be alright?” asked Link. “No, let her suffer for a bit. Believe me, we are doing them a favor.” assured the Twilight Princess. There was no time to argue, since the damn Wizzrobe continued appearing, and using its powers against them. Luckily, each time the thing showed its face, Twilight scared it by shooting fire at it. And now, they had a small advantage. Applejack still didn’t separate from the frozen Epona, hugging its fallen friend and refusing to let her go. And, that made her look vulnerable at the Wizzrobe’s eyes. Each time it popped up, the Wizzrobe tried to attack the cowgirl. “Easy pal, our friends in love are off-limits.” Said the Twilight Princess, as she tried to smash the Wizzrobe with her stone hands. The little thing disappeared, and reappeared, trying to get revenge on the Twilight Princess. But Princess Twilight had her back, and this time she actually hit the Wizzrobe with her fire. The monster squealed in pain, and vanished. “It seems like it works! Rarity, I’ll need your help!” said Twilight. Rarity nodded. “I’m not as strong as you, but I’ll see what I can do!” In the meantime, Link continued scaring away the thing each time it appeared in front of him. “If only we could guess its attack patterns!” groaned Link. “If only we could move the cowgirl from there!” complained Midna. Precisely, Epona have finished crying, but she still refused to get away from her frozen friend. “Why it had to happen precisely when A’ felt like we understood each other! Not only ya’ were able to calm Apple Bloom, and her friends. Ya’ looked so cool in yer’ spinner, defending us all! And ya’ were who woke me up from Applelox’s illusion. Dang it, Epona, A’ just realize A’ like ya’. Like a lot. And A’ regret A’ didn’t have the chance to invite you to a date!” She sighed, but suddenly, the ice began to crack. Finally, Epona emerged from the ice block. “Whaaaaat?” asked Applejack. “You actually believed I was going to stay like that forever?” grinned Midna. Applejack couldn’t understand her words, but she guessed the twily was mocking her. But, Epona calmed her down by smiling at her. “The ice doesn’t kill you, AJ. It leaves you unable to fight, and weakens you a little bit. But is nothing that some red chu-chu jelly can’t fix.” Suddenly, the Wizzrobe reappeared, and was about to freeze them again; but this time they were ready, and jumped away. The monster missed its shot, and was about to disappear again. But then, Rarity caught it with her magic. “Twilight!” she called. The lavender alicorn nodded, and sent a powerful flame to the Wizzrobe. The creature squealed one more time, before it disappeared for good. Leaving nothing behind but its robe. “So, there’s no magic chest or anything?” asked Pinkie Pie. “It seems like the robe was the object.” Observed Rarity, as she put it. “And, I must say, it’s fabulous!” Link smiled at them, and showed the girls the Dungeon Map. “Great!” said Twilight. “Now we have the Map, the Object, and the Boss Key! It is time for us to go face Rarity’s Titan.” “I hope this Titan is gentle.” sighed Rarity. The group giggled at this, and went back to the magic elevator. Epona winked an eye to Applejack. “Hey, AJ!” “Yes?” The Hylian mare kissed the cowgirl. “I like you too.” Applejack blushed. “Hey, if ya’ decide to stay in Equestria, the doors of Sweet Apple Acres are open.” “Thank you. I have decided I’ll stay already!”