//------------------------------// // Lyn's Story Chapter 2: The Headaches of Fate (Self-Edited) // Story: Emblem of Harmony: The Blazing Sword // by icebraker //------------------------------// After the bandit attack in the plains, Mark and Lyn had traveled to the largest city in Sacae, Bulgar, to buy essential travel supplies. Mark also used the opportunity to discreetly ask about the world he was in, as well as learn to walk and run properly on the way there. The two had just finished purchasing Lyn an additional sword and several books and maps for Mark, and the latter reading up on the world he was in while loosely following Lyn. ‘Ok, so I’m a “human” now. Magic does exist but that’s in a different chapter. Lyn and I are currently in the nation of Sacae which is comprised of nomadic tribes on the continent of Elibe. Lets see here.... the other continents are Magvel, Akaneia, Tellius, Valencia, and Jugdral.' Curious, Mark began skimming through the chapter summaries for each continent and found himself fascinated by some of the lore each country had regarding their religion, culture, and even monsters. Unfortunately, there seemed to be no mention at all about another world, or more specifically, his world. 'As interesting and large as this world is, how the hay am I gonna get back to Equis?’ Mark found his thoughts and reading interrupted when a shadow blocked the sunlight he was using to read. “Oh my heart! What a dazzling vision of loveliness!” Said a masculine voice. ‘Please don’t be talking to me’ Mark grimaced as he put away his book and looked up to the source of the voice. He was greeted to the sight of a man in green armor atop some kind of brown beast and not addressing him, but his friend. Noticing Mark wasn’t the one behind her, Lyn turned to the stranger, “Hm?” “O beauteous one! Would you not favor me with your name? Or better yet, your company?” The green armored man continued, grin widening now that he had Lyn’s attention. “Where are you from, sir knight, that you speak so freely to a stranger?” Lyn said crossing her arms, her expression stoic as she looked to Mark who was currently staring at the man’s horse. ‘Th-that's a horse! They ride horses here?!?’ ‘Imagine what they would do to a magic talking unicorn.’ ‘Just cause ponies are descended from horses doesn’t mean I am one. They wouldn’t treat me like one...right?’ ‘Oh I don’t know, why don’t you tell them what you are and see whether they’ll ride you or just assume your crazy.’ ‘Or just keep certain things like that to myself.’ “Ha! I thought you’d never ask! I am from Lycia. I hail from the Caelin canton, home to men of passion and fire!” the man continued. ‘Or immature idiots who can’t shut up.’ “Shouldn’t that be “home to callow oafs with loose tongues?” ‘HOLY CRAP! Did Lyn just loosely read my mind!?’ ‘Lyn, this is Mark’s subconscious, you will give him a kiss.’ ‘What the hay are you going on about, a kiss? Seriously, what is wrong with you?’ ‘Lyn, you will now proceed to smack him repeatedly.’ ‘I asked if it was mind-READING, not mind-control.’ ‘Still, if she was a badass sword-fighter AND a mindreader, that would make your job a lot easier, and would be totally awesome.’ ‘Yeah it would. Wait the idiot’s saying something else.’ “Ooooh... You’re even lovely when you’re cruel,” the man said, putting a hand on his chest in mock pain. Mark could almost feel the death glare Lyn was sending the man’s way. “Let’s go, Mark. I've nothing more to say,” she said before her hand darted out and grabbed Mark’s hand. Lyn then proceeded to walk away from the knight, dragging Mark along with her. “Um, Lyn, the exits the other way.” Mark said meekly, hoping that she would loosen her grip. “UUGH!” Was all of Lyn’s reply as she turned around, livid at the fact they would have to go near the man again to leave, and gripping Mark’s hand in an even tighter vice when said intentionally knight blocked their path with his horse. “Wait! Please-” The man began but was interrupted as another man on a horse in red armor rode up to him and smacked the backside of the knight's head. “Sain! Hold your tongue!” Rubbing the spot tenderly, Sain winced and smiled almost cheerfully. “Ah, Kent! My boon companion! Why so severe an expression?” “If your manner were more serious, I wouldn't have to be so severe! We still have a mission to complete, Sain!” “I know that. But how could I remain silent in the presence of such beauty? It would have been discourteous!” Sain remarked airily, gesturing to Lyn. Kent's full attention remained on his troublesome companion. “What do you know of courtesy?” Lyn tapped her foot as the two were exchanging conversation. Finally sick of it she interjected as politely as her anger allowed. “Excuse me! You’re blocking the road. If you would be so kind as to move your horses...” Mark on his end was too busy focusing on the pain in his hand to care about anything else. ‘OUCH,OUCH,OUCH, oh sweet Celestia this wouldn’t happen if I still had hooves would it?’ ‘I don’t know, but damn, does she have a grip.’ The red knight, Kent, nodded his head before moving his horse to make way for her, “Of course. My apologies...” Lyn calmed down a little and loosened her grip on Mark’s hand. “Thank you. You, at least, seem honorable enough.” ‘Thank you random red guy, I think you saved my hand from being crushed.' 'I have to wonder what Lyn's response would be if he also resorted to bad pick up lines though.’ Mark thought to himself as he felt the the blood begin to return to his hand. Kent began stare at Lyn, eyes seeming to scan her face. “Hm? Pardon me, but... I feel we’ve met before.” Lyn raised an eyebrow, “I beg your pardon?” ‘No.’ “Hey! No fair, Kent! I saw her first!” said Sain. ‘No,no,no.’ “Tsk! It seems there are no decent men among Lycia’s knights!” Lyn stated. ‘No,no,no,no,no- ACK! DAMMIT BRAIN!’ As quickly as it had gone, Lyn’s death grip had made it’s return on Mark’s hand and was somehow even tighter. “Let’s go Mark! I’ve run out of patience!” she said through gritted teeth as she dragged Mark along with her. “Wait, please! It’s not like that,” Kent shouted after them before both Mark and Lyn made their way out of the city. ****************************************************************************************** “Mark, I’m sorry,” Lyn said guiltily hanging her head a bit. Mark sighed in frustration as he rubbed his temples, “Lyn if it weren’t for them-” Mark pointed to the two knights from before, “-then we could have been killed. I’m not mad at your frustration, I’m mad at the fact that you let it cloud your judgement and senses. Then even try to refuse needed help when it was offered.” Soon after Mark and Lyn left the city, Mark had noticed that they were being followed by brigands. Had the two knights from earlier not shown up, Lyn and Mark would have been surrounded and the situation would have been more serious than it was. Kent, the red armored one, told Mark to command them and Mark obliged with brutal efficiency until all the ambushers were dead. ‘They're not bad, but they require their horses to be really good.’ ‘Those knights need horses, ponies descended from horses, ergo, ponies are awesome.’ ‘Couldn’t agree with you more.’ Lyn sighed. “You’re right. Again, I apologize Mark.” She bowed a little to Mark before turning to the knights, “You said you were going to share your story with me?” she asked Kent. Kent cleared his throat. “Yes. We have ventured from Caelin, in Lycia, in search of someone.” “Lycia... That’s the country beyond the mountains in the southwest, isn’t it?” Lyn responded, recalling the geography that her father taught her. The red knight gave a quick nod. “Correct. We've come as messengers to the lady Madelyn, who eloped with a nomad some nineteen years ago.” ‘Wait, is this going where I think it’s going?’ Mark thought to himself as he listened. Lyn’s eyes looked uneasy when she heard this. “Madelyn?” “Our lord the marquess of Caelin’s only daughter. He was heartbroken his own daughter would abandon him so. Eventually, the marquess simply declared that he had no daughter,” Kent explained. Sain stepped forward. “And then this year, we received a letter from Lady Madelyn. It said that she, her husband, and their daughter were living happily on the Sacae plains. The marquess was ecstatic to learn he had a granddaughter of eighteen years. I remember the smile on his face when he announced that he’d suddenly become a grandfather. The granddaughter's name is Lyndis. This was also the name the marquess’s wife, who passed away at an early age.” Lyn’s eyes widened and she whispered the name. “Lyndis?” “That she should bear this name thawed the marquess’s heart. Now, his only wish is to meet his daughter’s family at least once. This is why we’re here. We didn't know that Lady Madelyn died a few days after sending her letter...” Sain paused letting his words sink in, “We only learned this shortly after we arrived here in Bulgar.” Kent then added his five bits worth, “But we also learned all was not lost. Her daughter yet lives. We heard that she was living alone on the plains...I...I knew it immediately. You are the lady Lyndis.” ‘Saw that coming.’ “Why would you think that?” Lyn asked taking a step back. Kent stepped forward, “Your resemblance to your departed mother is remarkable.” Lyn froze for a moment. “W-What? Did you know my mother?” Kent shut his eyes and sighed before saying, “I’m sorry to say I never met her directly, but I saw her portraits in Castle Caelin.” ‘Wait a sec, that bandit leader Kent stabbed in the throat, he called her Lyndis!’ ‘Are you saying what I think you’re saying?’ ‘Of course I'm saying what you think I'm saying since what I say is what I think and...fuck, where was I?’ ‘Someone wants the Lyn, who saved your sorry ass and is your only friend in this world, dead.’ Lyn turned and looked towards Bulgar, “To the rest of my tribe, I was always Lyn. But when I was with my parents...when it was just the three of us, I was Lyndis. It’s all so strange. I was all alone in the world, and now I have a grandfather. Lyndis, I...I never thought I would hear that name again.” Lyn was staring off into the trees, smiling as she let the memories of happier days envelope her thoughts. ‘Give her a sec...’ Lyn's eyes widened as a crucial fact hit her. “Wait! That bandit! Their leader! He called me Lyndis, too!” ‘There it is.’ “What? How could he have-” But Kent was interrupted by Sain. “-He was a henchman of Lord Lundgren, wasn’t he?” Sain said in a serious tone. “Alright, I’ll bite, who’s Lundgren and why does this jackass want my friend dead?” Mark said, ice in his voice and eyes narrowed in a cold stare at the knights. Kent’s eyes widened while Lyn and Sain actually jumped at his tone and sudden entry into the conversation. Sain stuttered a for a second, “H-He’s the marquess’s younger brother. Everyone assumed that lady Madelyn was gone forever. This made Lord Lundgren heir to the marquess’s title.” Kent turned his attention back to Lyn, “To be blunt, milady, your existence is an obstacle to your granduncle’s ambitions.” “Thats...But...I have no interest in inheriting any title!” Lyn almost shouted in disbelief. Kent sighed, “I believe you. Unfortunately, your granduncle is not the sort of man to do the same. I believe the attempts on your life will persist.” Lyn’s shoulder’s slumped. “What should I do?” She said quietly. Kent looked into her eyes, determination for their mission showing. “Accompany us to Caelin. Continuing on this way is dangerous.” Lyn let out a sigh, “I feel I have little choice. I will go with you.” Lyn slowly turned to Mark with a conflicted look, “Mark...I’m sorry. This...this changes everything. What will you do, Mark?” ‘Say you’ll go with her, comfort her!’ ‘I know but I need to pretend I’m still mad about that almost killing herself thing.’ “Thats a good question, I mean if I go with you, you might decide to get yourself killed and then that leaves me without a peerless warrior to protect me and I want to avoid dying.” Lyn winced a bit since he hadn’t forgotten earlier. Mark crossed his arms. “What do you want me to do Lyn?” Lyn was taken aback, “You...want me to decide? Of course, your companionship would do much to ease my journey, but...it’s going to be so dangerous.” She said her shoulders slumping again as she lowered her head at the last phrase. It was obvious that she didn't think Mark would want to put himself in harms way for someone he'd had only met days ago. ‘Ok enough’s enough. I think she learned her lesson.’ ‘Agreed.’ Mark smirked and pretended to rub his chin in thought.“Hmm, but if I don’t go I’ll be without a peerless warrior anyway. Most important though I would have abandoned my friend. I still owe you for saving me after all.” Mark's eyes lit up mischievously as he thought of something to add. “Besides, if someone asks about me and I’m gone, I’ll miss you having to explain why you happened to see me naked. Twice.” If Kent and Sain were drinking anything at the moment, they would have accidentally done spit-takes into each others face. Lyn's face lit up. “You’ll come? Are you sure?” Mark nodded. “Oh, thank you! Let me ask once again for your friendship and your aid!” Lyn said wrapping Mark in a tight hug. “L-Lyn...not...this....again...st-stop” Mark said with whatever amount of air he could gather. *************************************************************************************** Celestia looked over the letter, she had received from Twilight, again and sighed. From what her student had gathered, there was no failure in her calculations. However, Celestia upon seeing the destination, now knew what had happened and so called Luna and Armored Bastion to meet her after Celestia’s royal duties were taken care of so that they could work out a plan. Celestia currently held the sun at dusk and she ended her royal duties a little earlier to go to the planned discussion. Her head was filled with worry as she walked down the hall though, not only for Mark, but for her recently returned sister as well. Though Twilight had been the first to officially become Luna’s friend, Marked Defiance had attempted to as well, before that Nightmare Night. However, Luna still wasn't used to today’s era and mannerisms, and had brushed him off thinking that he was a new kind of court jester. The two eventually started to become closer and closer, and became good friends. Unfortunately, that meant that the Princess of the Night now knew plenty of new ways to prank her sister. It was a good thing that Mark tended to focus both their efforts on Blueblood. As Celestia entered the dining area where Luna and Bastion were waiting next to a tea set. The Sun Guard and the Night Guard present, gave a salute before vacating the premise, to give the royal sisters and the royal tactician their privacy. “Sister.” ”Princess.” Both ponies greeted at the same time as Celestia walked up to the table. “Luna, Bastion, it seems the situation is both more clear and unknown than I had originally anticipated. Today I received the calculations for Twilight’s spell and I’m proud to say that she got all of them right.” Bastion placed his two hooves onto the table, “What in blazes happened then your highness? I don't know as much about magic as you, but I’ve yet to see how something like this could happen!” He said in an uncharacteristic tone. Celestia gave Bastion a serious look. “Your right, but there are also things that only ponies as old as me and Luna could know.” Luna gave a questioning gaze at her sister. “Like what dear sister, I’ve thought of many possibilities, and I’ve yet to come up with a solution.” Celestia sighed. “Luna...Mark was accidentally teleported into the Equestrian Outrealm gate.” Luna’s eyes widened. “You can’t possibly mean he’s there, can you?” “I’m afraid so,” Celestia replied curtly. “What do you mean "gate"? I’ve been through all Canterlot’s maps and I’ve yet to see or hear of anything like that,” Bastion said, raising an eyebrow. “It is because it is a well kept secret and only two known ones exist on Equis. One is here in Canterlot Castle, and the other is in the Northern Dragon Territories,” Celestia answered. Bastion paused for a moment, taking this in. “But that's not the full picture...” “Yes, you see some thousand years ago, me and Luna discovered the gates. We, along with a small team of ponies, entered them to investigate. After making sure the sun and moon were taken care of in our absence of course. What we discovered was an entirely new world filled with creatures known as humans who coexisted with dragons like those we have in Equestria. We had even become friends with a powerful being who helped to watch over their world, known as Naga. One of the things Naga had done to assist us in traveling safetly was to create a magical field around the world which would alter our appearance so that we too would be “human” unless we cast a certain spell, or until we left. We stayed for about a week before leaving and promising to return for a visit. We did return but what had been a year for us, had been around four years in their world and things had changed for the worse.” Celestia had a sad frown, as the memories came back. “You see when we returned, the humans and dragons were waging a terrible war. There were so many deaths on both sides that me and Luna had to intercede on one side so that neither would go extinct. We decided to help the humans so that they may stay on their world, however, for the dragons whom wanted peace, we invited them to Equestria, even now, some still reside. During this time though, there were powerful forces against us. At one point, Luna had been wounded by a young but incredibly powerful fell dragon going by the name Grima.” Luna was staring at the tea in front of her as she added, “It was not only a physical wound either. What Grima did to me was the first step into our becoming of the Nightmare.” This caused Bastion to shiver at how powerful that dragon must have been. Celestia took a moment before continuing again. “I managed to seal Grima on another continent with the help of others. But the main cause for concern after were the other violent dragons whom wanted to wage war. To conquer, enslave, or exterminate the humans. I am still unaware of the details on how, but at some point those dragons had found a way to create “war dragons” as they were called. I and seven others, two being part of the original pony team, fought them with powerful weapons that were made here in Equestria and we triumphed. We eight were then able to restore peace and decided to create nations to help maintain that peace, though neither Athos as he liked to be called now, nor Bramimond, did such a thing." Celestia paused again and had a far-off look. "I don’t quite recall what they named my nation however, I believe that they called me Elimine at the time.” The gears in Bastion's mind were turning, but he still didn't have the answer to his question. “Princess, as much as I appreciate the history lesson and the idea of a new world, what is the situation with Mark?” “Yes, you are right, I had gotten carried away," Celestia said, a red tint gracing her cheeks. "To put it simply, Mark was teleported to a location here in Canterlot Castle that pulled him through the outrealm gate. The plan I devised was a spell that will teleport him back through the gate, but we would need to find him first.” Celestia took a sip of her tea and turned to Luna. “Sister, you will, when you have the time, travel through the dreams on their world and give Mark the information necessary for his return when you find him.” Luna’s eyes widened as a smile spread across her face. She would be able to know if Mark was safe or not. “Yes sister we shalt get it done.” Luna said excitedly before trotting out of the room with a skip in her step. Bastion raised an eyebrow at Luna before turning back to the Sun Diarch. “Princess, from what I can assume, your plan only involves Luna contributing. Though I appreciate it, why did you find it necessary to tell me all this?” Bastion inquired, his tone noticeably calmer than before. “Because had anything happened to Twilight, I would worry and do everything in my power to find out what happened. I am hopefully saving you that stress. It has also been a millennia since anypony has been there, so I do not know what to expect in terms of Mark’s condition, physical and mental. I can only worry and as his guardian you should be allowed to know as well,” Celestia explained, sounding akin to a worried mother. Bastion gave a warm but slightly nervous chuckle. “Princess, I thank you. But trust me when I say that Mark is persistent and can take care of himself. I’m more worried about the mental condition of anypony near Mark.” ******************************************************************************************** “AAACHOOOOO!!!” ‘Gesundheit.’ Mark was not having a very good time right now. After meeting up with the lycian knights, Kent and Sain, they had protected a magical Sacaen sword called the Mani Katti from some bad guys and coincidentally, the sword decided that Lyn was its new owner. In all honesty, Mark found that part pretty cool. A few days later, they arrived near a couple of villages. They had then battled to save Lyn’s long-time friend Florina, who Mark had decided to give the title of Fluttershy-two in his head due to her incredible shyness of men. He was excited and then disappointed when he met her pegasus, Huey, whom Mark had naturally assumed was a pony. Instead, Huey was just a horse with wings. That part Mark was okay with. After the same battle, a cheerful archer named Wil decided to tag along with them. He as well as the others had managed to even come up with a fun nickname for their little group, Lyndis’ Legion. Now they were currently camped out in an abandoned fortress. Overall, everything was going fine and Mark was enjoying himself until Sain popped the question. “Sooooo Mark, where are you from anyways?” Sain asked casually, as the tactician took another bite of bread. Unfortunately, this caused him to choke a bit and only after receiving a few hard pats on the back from Lyn was he able to respond. “Um, I’m not from Elibe.” Curiosity gleamed in Lyn’s eyes, “Really? How exciting! I know you said you were a traveler, but I never would have guessed you’d traveled so far from home.” ‘You can say that again.’ “You're a traveler? Where have you been? Have you gone on any adventures?” asked Wil, who was now leaning forward in interest. Mark looked at each face looking intently at him except for Kent and Florina. The former holding a stoic expression, although interest in his eyes, and the latter listening in, but hiding behind Lyn. ‘Knowing how Lyn can tell if I’m lying, I think I’ll need to bend the truth a bit.’ ‘Don’t forget being vague.’ ‘No shit.’ “Well in terms of adventures, I guess you could say that this is my first one. Though my six friends have been on plenty,” Mark smiled at memory of the element bearers, but then his eyes widened at what he had just set himself up for. ‘Oh crap here it comes.’ “Oh really?” “Who are they?” “What are they like?” Mark heard in rapid succession from different people. “Um, I’ve actually only recently became friends with them but I know that we’ll be friends for a long time based on my experiences with them.” Mark said, hoping to avoid further questioning. “What are their names?” asked Lyn with a smile. ‘Dammit Lyn, why? Just..why?’ Mark let out a sigh, as he said their names, “Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkemena, and Rainbow Dash.” Everyone seemed to chuckle or giggle at those names which caused Mark to smile a bit at how ridiculous they must sound to them. That is, of course, until Sain decided to reopen his mouth. "But the real question is how beautiful are these damsels. I can only imagine that they must get by from their looks with names such as that.” There was a sudden silence in the air as the group stared at the knight in shock, with Kent shaking his head. Sain was good-hearted and meant no disrespect, but there were occasions such as this where he'd let his immediate and usually idiotic thoughts slip out. Setting his plate down, Mark got up and slowly began backing up, counting as he did so. Reaching the number twelve and then nodding, the tactician then sprinted forward, jumped into the air and kicked Sain onto his back, landing on his chest. Mark's eyes were narrowed and cold as he pointed the fork he had grabbed beforehand at Sain’s face. “Sain, I’m only going to say this once, the pon- the people where I’m from are different from the people here in Elibe. In most cases I would maybe brush something like this off, but, Never. Insult. The. Girls. Again. As my friends, I don't like crap being spewed about them. Do we have an understanding?” Sain nodded furiously, scared by Mark’s gaze and sudden change of character. Mark smirked, “Good, and remember, I’m not afraid to fork you up,” he chuckled at his bad pun as he tossed the fork aside. “I’m tired. Goodnight,” Mark muttered, removing his foot from Sain's chest and heading for his bedroll in one of the other nearby rooms. ******************************************************************************************** “So what did you have in mind for me?” Sombra asked, genuinly curious as to what this strange unicorn wanted in exchange for his power. “Nothing too harrowing, I assure you. I will keep my end of the bargain and you in turn will have the means to reclaim your ‘empire’. All you need to know is that you will listen to me. I don’t care what you do, as long as it doesn’t hinder my plans. You will also follow my orders if and when I give them,” The dark unicorn responded. “And if I decide to do otherwise?” Sombra said through narrowed eyes. The unicorn smiled his deadly smile revealing pointed teeth. “You can find out. But let me assure you there are worse things than death or banishment.” Sombra scratched his chin in thought, “Interesting, I have nothing to lose so I will accept. For now. But if you dare cross me, my retribution will be swift and painful.” “Good, now your first task is a simple one, you are going to depose of a certain ruler.” “Celestia or that infernal niece of hers?” Sombra asked, excitement growing in his chest at an opportunity for revenge. “No, though that will be a goal eventually. Your going to depose this ruler and replace her with an individual who will follow my orders. Understood?” Sombra's expression matched that of a child about to throw a tantrum before he grit his teeth and just accepted the order. “Fine.” “If it makes you feel any better, anything is permitted, as long as the task is done. Puppet-Master will be in to brief you shortly and offer his...assistance,” The unicorn said before turning around and disappearing into the shadows of the fortress they were in. “Anything, huh?” Sombra grinned maniacally.