//------------------------------// // Chapter 16 - Irrational Rationality // Story: Book, Blade, and A Whole Lot of Magic // by Frustaz //------------------------------// I tossed the last of my afternoon snack of turkey legs into the moat alongside the unconscious guards. Despite my hunger being slaked, my anger was stoked with each new guard trying to stop me. “Illua, darling, don’t you think you're being a bit, I don’t know, too rash?” The concerns Rarity raised fell on deaf ears. “I mean, I know you’re upset, but is it really so wrong to want a bit of spectacle for a clash of such historical titans?” “Rares, wrong time, wrong place. Just let her get it out, she might not have a chance later.” Applejack frowned under her traditional stetson. “I don’t agree, but she isn’t hurting them really.” Twilight could only sigh as I kicked open the front door with another blast of Aero magic. “Celestia! You summoned me to talk, get your fat ass out here!” I shouted into the lobby, my sheathed blade in hand. The guard in the middle of the hall quivered in his armor. “You. Take me to the throne room.” The guard in question nodded furiously. “Y-Yes, the Princess sent me to lead you there specifically.”  “Good. Get moving.” I could feel the stares of the Elements on my back. I looked back at them, still scowling. “What?” Most of them seemed uncomfortable. “Illua, is this how humans are normally?” Twilight asked carefully, my eyes flicking to her horn starting to glow. “Are humans typically violent?” One step forward, two steps back, but not like I mind. We are the villains in Celestia’s story... I growled at Nyx. Ooh, you’re mad mad. I love it when you’re being snarly. I rolled my eyes as I marched after the terrified guard. “Twilight, unlike you ponies who have a damn near immortal leader who seemingly have nothing but the best intentions for you all..” My rage from the revelation earlier had begun to boil over, combining with my centuries old grudge. “..Humans were divided for so many stupid reasons that I cant even believe we survived as a collection of societies for thousands of years. Yet your ‘goddess of infinite wisdom’ failed to even protect her people from themselves!” One of the on watch guards lowered his spear at me, and I blasted him with an Aeroga, knocking him out and sending cracks into the marble wall. “Yes, Girls, humanity is a violent species, not unlike the dragons and their innate greed. But there are some of us who try and rise above that, like some of our greatest leaders.”  I picked up the guard as I caught up to him, and threw him through the door he seemingly struggled to open. A dark chuckle escaped me as the screams of nobility could be heard. “But then there are those like me, who choose violence for the betterment of people… and should have died before I even had this opportunity.”  “Single file everypony, I will keep you all safe.” I could hear the voice of the Night Princess, commanding and calm at the sudden arrival of a dazed guard.  “It’s knowing the difference between justified vengeance, and destructive evil.” I sighed, my fury deflating suddenly as I leaned against the wall, my hands beginning to shake from the sudden rush of adrenaline. The Elements looked between themselves, me, and the open door, where the throne room awaited. “Go. I need a moment.” Almost in a silent agreement, they disappeared into the throne room. I slunk down and sat on the cold floor, my breathing having become ragged. Surprisingly, the screams of the lingering nobility had abruptly subsided.  So how are you feeling now? Still angry. Just… Calmer now. I don’t know why I just… practically exploded in front of the Elements. I closed my eyes as I rested my head back against the wall, the muffled chatter between ponies and princess faintly echoing in the now empty halls.  Since the night Luna visited us, you haven’t had someone who isn’t mired in our anger to talk to. Nyx giggled softly, before the ephemeral sensation of her arms around my shoulders began. How much do you know of the Nine Domains? Nine Domains? Are you talking like elements or kingdoms? No, Illua dear, The Nine Domains are effectively the basis of all life, magic, and the universe as we know it… Well, from this world’s point of view. You could consider them the ‘forces’ of the universe. The Domains represent the most powerful sources of magic. Below them are the Principles, followed by the Elements. The mental image of a complicated series of interlocked circles began to form on a mental blackboard. Blank slots filled with first unfamiliar and unknowable symbols, followed by far more known emblems on the outermost rings.  So Elements are the most common forms of magic? I mentally found the symbols for Fire, Air, Water, and other magics I used so commonly. But of all these symbols, I notice a similar one to Frei’s close to the central most ring.  Each ring going outward is a reduction and combination of the inner rings affinities. Frei, as a Principle type of spell, derives from Death and Energy. As Nyx spoke, those illegible symbols lit up, drawing their glowing lines to the Frei marking. From the Principle Frei and the Domain Nature, we beget the Element, Fire. Once again, those symbols lit up, leading to their conclusion.  So then, what are the Elements of Harmony? And why would the easiest spells be combinations and reductions of more primordial forces? I’ll explain more later, perhaps with help. You have company.  “Illua, uhm.. Are you feeling better?” The timid yellow pegasus hid half behind her mane and half behind the door to the throne room. I sighed as our conversation was interrupted, running my fingers through my bangs, pushing back.  “I’ll be fine, Fluttershy. Are you alright? Are the Princesses ready to meet with me?” “Y-yes, I’ll be okay. Princess Luna is ready to meet you, but Princess Celestia hasn’t arrived yet.” The butter yellow pony shied away as I pushed to my feet, her teal eyes fearful.  “I’m not going to hurt you or the girls, and my actions haven’t been a good indicator of that today. I’m sorry.” Slipping past the pegasus, I walked into the throne room with my jaw set. The only one who deserves my anger is Celestia.  My eyes scanned the massive throne room. Stained glass windows let in beams of colored sunlight, highlighting acts of heroism both ancient and recent. The Mane Six stood off to one side, while Luna sat upon a throne emblazoned with her cutie mark, a soft smile on her muzzle. “It’s good to meet you in the waking world finally, Illua.” Luna’s words were cordial, formal… and held a strangely calming weight to them.  “Hey Luna. Where’s the stubborn one?” I smirked, watching the faint crinkle of her lips as she stifled her reaction. “I’m going to guess you’re going to act as the mediator for our terms of this duel, am I correct?” I immediately frowned, my eyes flicking to my HUD, looking for any status effects. I’m too calm. What is going on? “Precisely. Outside of the populace who will be watching, official witnesses will include myself, the Elements of Harmony, Discord, and the Empress and Emperor of the Crystal Empire.” Luna withdrew a scroll from a binder beside her, floating it over to me.  I raised an eyebrow. “Crystal Empire? Didn’t know that was a government you recognized, let alone existed. Either way, plenty of immortal and mortal witnesses to confirm and enforce the terms, correct?” My eyes locked onto the unusual status effect. There it is. Who’s responsible for it though? “I’m glad you understand, Illua. Now, while we wait for Celestia,” Luna’s horn lit up, lifting the dazed guard to his hooves, “While I’m glad the guards you have incapacitated are mostly unharmed, I do wonder what was the purpose of throwing a guard into the throne room while the nobility were here.” “I did tell you two to call off the guards. I simply was basting the fear turkey.” I shrugged, crossing my arms as I shifted my weight to one leg.   “That’s fair I suppose. Please elaborate on this ‘fear turkey’ later, if you don’t mind.”  “Not at all. What about tonight?” The door opening with a heavy thud snapped our attention to the alabaster alicorn striding in. “Hello, everyone. I’m glad you all arrived in such a timely manner.” I watched as she put that apathetic mask of motherly affection on. “It is wonderful to see you all here and in good health.” I snorted. “Took you long enough. Want to explain why we have an entire arena, that’s going to be full of civilians, who may end up being casualties as a result of the spells we use?” The status effect disappeared with Celestia’s entrance, signaled by my anger surging back. So it’s not her doing.  Celestia’s mask cracked a bit, her smile wavering ever so slightly. “Very well, Illua. The Canterlot Royal Arena has Aegis-class shielding spells and a non-lethality field to protect civilian patrons, and allow competitors to push their very limits with no restraint on their greatest abilities.” Celestia took her spot on the sun marked throne, alongside her sister. I could feel her leering at me from behind that cultivated veil of benevolence. I simply smiled, trying to maintain my own composure after my earlier outburst. “So no risk to patrons.” I grinned like the cheshire cat. “Great. Wonderful even. So who maintains the arena? Just so I know who to properly thank after I put you in the ground.” The gasps from the pony onlookers made Nyx chuckle internally.  “The primary beneficiaries of the arena, The Nobility. They are responsible by law to maintain it, as per the Treaty of the Scorned- Ah, you were not a part of those meetings. Silly me.” A light, mocking chuckle came from her.  Not exactly fair, considering the circumstances. Nyx mused. “So, the nobility is offering a fancy arena, making it a spectacle, while we get to fight without harming the populace. Besides these unpleasantries, what happens if you win?” I crossed one arm over my chest, resting my cheek on fist.  Luna reached into the binder once more, pulling out a black scroll of paper, and a white inkwell, and unfurled it. “As the mediator, both sets of terms must be agreed upon by competitors to be enforced, by witnesses that will be informed of said terms and present on the day of the duel. Is this understood?” The two of us nod grimly. “Good. Celestia, as the challenger, you must present your terms first.” “Illua, should I win, you are to be branded as a criminal exile of Equestria’s, and are to never walk the lands controlled by Equestria or it’s allies.” The mask fell finally, watching as she peered down from her throne. There’s the bitch I recognize. I glared in return. “If I win, you forfeit your crown to your sister, and anything of value you’ve gained since you imprisoned me will be given to me. Oh, and disable the ‘non-lethality field.’ I will not agree to any terms until you agree to disable that.” I smirked as everyone in the room gasped.  Twilight was the first to speak. “Illua, what are you saying?! You can’t just-” “Twilight, my former student, please be silent for this.” Celestia sighed, renewing her heavy gaze upon me. “Very well, Illua. I will accept your terms with one stipulation of my own. I remain within my home of a thousand years, this castle, and will be able to perform my duties regarding the sun, should the duel be deemed in your favor without my death.” Celestia counter-offered, lifting her nose lightly. “Is this acceptable?” I scowled. “So you plan to have people intervene on your behalf to save you from the duel, if I don’t end you fast enough. Fine. Who are you presenting to judge then?” “There will be General Aster of the Minotaurs, and Master Flametalon of the Gryphons, as well as myself acting as judges.” Luna inserted, unrolling the scroll. “Aster has been a part of 4 different war campaigns, and Master Flametalon is the leader of a sect of warrior-mages. Both have the experience and wisdom to oversee such an event. Celestia, Illua?” “Agreed.” We said in unison. Luna presented the scroll and quill to Celestia, who signed her name with a flourish. The quill was offered to me. I looked between the two rulers, and grinned. “Sign right here?” I asked Luna, pointing to the other empty line. Luna nodded.  I turned the quill over and jabbed it’s sharp tip into my pinky, pinging my hp for a single point. Everyone’s eyes in the room went wide as I scribbled my name in the scarlet ink of my life. Celestia coughed, clearing her throat. “Ahem.. Now Illua, since that is settled, why don’t we have you and the girls get settled in and we will prepare a fine dinner for our guests?” “Luna, does the castle have a workshop or a forge or anything of the sort?” I could feel insult being taken, as I completely ignored Celestia.  “Well, yes. Would you mind talking as you worked?” Luna tucked the now dry scroll away, stepping down from her throne to speak with me eye to eye. Celestia cleared her throat. “Illua, I have already made arrangements-” “Not at all. Can you show me the way?” I waved Luna ahead, while I smirked at the solar bitch. “Go ahead, lead the girls to dinner. I don’t want your hospitality, Celestia. You’ve already made it clear you don’t want an actual fight.” I followed after Luna, closing the throne room doors with a middle finger up high.  “Was that necessary Illua?” The Nightwalker asked, as I simply chuckled.  “Oh, absolutely.” “How? I don’t see how killing my sister will resolve anything.” Luna gave me a sidelong glance as we turned the corner.  “Oh that. Basically, either she will wear her sins as a badge of honor and die, or you and your fellow judges will save her from my wrath and she will be publicly humiliated to such a degree that even a gag order could not contain her failure in a structured duel that she arranged with the arrogant idea that she literally cannot lose because ‘I’m a sun god, lol.’ Understand now?” I grumbled. “Very well. I see you have put a lot of thought into this.”  “Three hundred years worth of scenarios and mental gymnastics will do that to you. What about you, what did you do in your thousand years on the moon?” I asked, gently nudging the Princess’ wing. “.... I made friends. One was an asshole named Skippy.” I snickered. “Do tell.”