//------------------------------// // A Path to Izalith // Story: Sunset Shimmer: The Age of Fire // by StardustSprinkle //------------------------------// "Gah, my ears!" Sunset puts her sword away after fighting her way through a forest plagued by an other-worldly monster that unleashes ungodly screams once disturbed. "Oh, hello there," A man greets Sunset with a gentle voice as she enters an abandoned courtyard: "How do you do?" "I'm doing ok," Sunset rubs her ears: "Have been better." "The Corvians are noisy indeed," The man chuckles: "They are mixtures of humans and birds." "Corvians, huh?" Sunset takes a seat on a piece of stone: "My name is Sunset of Canterlot." "Where are my manners?" The man apologizes: "I'm Anri of Astoria. " "And is that your friend?" Sunset asks. "Ah, yes, Horace," Anri looks at the man beside him, who gives Sunset a nod: "He's not very talkie; he's an upstanding, kind-hearted knight; a fine partner for this grueling journey." "It's always good to have a friend by your side," Sunset smiles: "If it's not too much trouble, may I ask you a question?" "Of course," Anri says: "Ask away." "Do you know how to get to Izalith?" Sunset asks. "Ah, yes, the abandoned city," Anri says: "Below us is the Crucifixion Woods. Beyond the flooded woods lies Farron Keep, home of the Undead Legion. There you will find the tomb of High Lord Wolnir, and the abandoned city of Izalith lies deep within." "I see," Sunset nods: "Thank you!" "Of course," Anri says, nodding back. "Also," Sunset looks away: "What do you think of demons?" "What a peculiar question," Anri replies: "Demons are vail creatures, full of hate, and unleashes it on living creatures of all manners." "Is that so," Sunset sighs: "Say, if a demon wants to befriend you, what then?" "If the creature truly means it," Anri says with all seriousness, trying not to laugh at the absurdity of the question: "Then I will be honored." "Is that so," Sunset smirks: "How kind of you." "Kindness goes a long way," Anri exhales: "We may go our separate ways now. But the next time we meet, one may find the other in a time of need." "You're right," Sunset shrugs: "You know, it's pretty hard to come across someone wise as you are." "I dare not to take the title," Anri laughs: "After all, you are the one seeking the wisdom of the witches." "If I find anything, that is," Sunset covers her mouth before letting out a few coughs. "Are you alright?" Anri asks. "Yeah, sorry," Sunset peeks into her palm, seeing a few drops of lava: "Of course!" "Is that so," Anri studies Sunset's posture: "Are you unwell?" "Just something in my throat!" Sunset hides her hand: "Sorry, but I've really got to go!" "Well then," Anri says: "May the flame guide your way." "Say," Before departing, Sunset asks one final question: "Where are you going now?" "We will cross path," Anri replies: "For now, we will head to the catacombs." "Well, guess I will see you then," Sunset waves the man goodbye. "Horace, did you see the droplets in her palm?" Anri asks as Sunset disappears from his sight. The knight nods. "Of course," Anri thinks for a moment before continuing: "Could it be that she's a Witch of Chaos?" Horace shakes his head. "Indeed, how foolish of me," Anri sighs: "The witches passed eons age, then what are those droplets?" Horace shrugs. "You are right, Horace," Anri sighs: "There is no need to work out unsolvable problems. Perhaps she will assist us in the future." Horace nods. "If she survives," Anri looks into the treacherous forest below as crabs size of boulders roam the waters: "She seemed unwell, shall we assist her?" Horace shrugs. "The choice may be ours," Anri sighs: "And we have our duties to fulfill." Horace nods in agreement. "Then may the flame guide her way." "Oi! Who goes there?" A man with an iron mask and a giant club shouts out to Sunset. "I'm Sunset of Canterlot!" Sunset shouts back: "I seek the abandoned city of Izalith!" "Turn back!" The man commands: "There's nothing for you to take!" "Please!" Sunset begs: "Let me through! I will not cause any trouble!" "Turn back!" Another man, wielding a deformed great sword, steps out of shadow: "No one must pass this gate!" "Sorry, gentlemen, but I will pass!" Sunset says before drawing her sword. "You want a go?" One man says before charging at Sunset. "Don't go alone!' The other joins his twin. Instead of confronting two at the same time, Sunset retreats into the woods. "Come back!" "Come back!" The two shout in unison. Before pursuing into the woods "Sorry," Comes out from behind a tree: "I really don't want to fight you guys." Don't, or can't? While it is true that Sunset prefers not to harm any human, fatigues, and injuries of battles may cause her to lose control and transform again. I'm different; Sunset thinks: I can control myself. "Where did she go?" They are back! Sunset quickly walks past the gate and sees a ladder with a lantern next to it. No time to think! Sunset slides down the ladder as the twins return. "WATCH OUT!" And with a loud thud, something falls into the tunnel. Sunset looks back: It's the man with a giant club. His body disintegrates into dust, leaving only the weapon behind. "YOU FIEND!" The man cries out in agony as Sunset lands and rolls back. "YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!" The man slides down. "I didn't do anything!" Sunset argues back, drawing her sword: "He fell off!" "SILENCE!" Blinded by grief, the man sought to destroy Sunset. "Stop it!" Sunset says as the man charges towards her. "YOU WITCH!" The man swings his deformed sword and lands a blow on Sunset's shield. "Enough!" Sunset repels his attack: "I'm sorry for your brother, but I didn't do anything! He fell!" Surprised by Sunset's strength, the man regained his stance: "So this is how it is, huh? A duel? Then so be it!" "I don't want to fight you!" Sunset holds her shield up, and the man lands multiple strikes. "You are finished!" With enough force, the man knocks Sunset's shield apart, lands a blow on her body, cutting deep into her ribs. "Sorry you have to see this," Sunset tosses her shield aside as lava leaks out of her wound. "What?" The man looks in disbelief. "If it's a duel you want, then you got it!" Sunset points her sword at the man as lava melts the ground. "A witch of chaos, eh? " The man observes Sunset: "Miss home?" "Turn back, please," Sunset pleas. "In your dream!" The man charges again, and the two clash. It is a battle to the death.