//------------------------------// // The Master of the Sun // Story: Wrath of the Stormguard // by Philosophical Tree //------------------------------// Lara found herself in a strange place, most certainly not the hospital where she had fallen asleep. The ground she stood on was soaked in blood, and the smell of death hung in the air around her. She looked around, trying to take in what she could. From what she could see, the burning and ruined town was unfamiliar to her, and at the same time, she knew the place well. She knew that this was the town she was residing in currently. The one called Ponyville. She then realized just what this meant. It meant that something, or someone, had come and slaughtered the ponies that lived here. And Lara instinctively thought of only one person. Her fears were confirmed when she turned about and saw a being floating in the air, the clouds and wind bending to its will. Lara knew who it was. And she screamed. __________ She woke up screaming. Nurse Redheart was by her side, trying to calm her down. Once Lara regained her senses, she panted heavily, trying to figure out what she had just witnessed. Redheart was still talking to her, and it took the human a moment to register the words. “Miss Croft!” Redheart was saying. “Are you alright? What’s wrong?” Lara took some deep breaths, trying to compose herself. the expression worn by the pony was one of immense concern. Something she hadn’t seen since before Roth died. After a moment, she shook herself and replied. “It was just a dream... a terrible one, but a dream nonetheless.” Sighing, she laid back down, clutching her head with a hand. “I’m sorry for worrying you.” Redheart gave a sigh of relief and smiled. “Oh thank goodness. I thought the painkillers had worn off or something. One of the other doctors here heard you screaming and sent for me.” After a moment, the pony started checking all her equipment, making sure everything was still functioning properly. “Must have been some nightmare, huh?” Lara nodded. “You have no idea.” It took Redheart a little while to do the proper checks on all of her equipment, but when she was done, she gave a quick nod and strode to the door. “I’ll be back with your breakfast in a little bit. Oh, and Twilight and the Princesses will be here in about an hour. I can help make yourself presentable, if you’d like.” Lara nodded and thanked her, and with that, Redheart left. Lara took the time to think over what she had seen in the dream. ‘Well, that was obviously Himiko. Only one human can control the weather like that. The real question is, was that a true nightmare... or was that prophecy. I’ve seen stranger things, but if that was truly a foreshadowing of things to come... oh dear.’ Lara sat upright, fear and dread growing in her heart. ‘That’s impossible. There’s no way that she can still be alive. I killed her. I put an arrow through her neck. I... I...’ Her eyes went wide, and she began to panic. ‘I should have died... so she... son of a bitch.’ She wanted to leap to her feet, wanted to get her equipment and weapons, and go and seek out the monster that had most likely followed her here. But she knew she couldn’t. At least, not yet. But the time would come. At that moment, Lara realized something. She had no way of getting back to earth. As amazing as it was to discover this brave, new world, she knew her place was back on earth, with her friends. But she was trapped. Magic had brought her here, and she didn’t know any magic to bring her back. She was thoroughly stuck. And with a possible, imminent threat on the horizon, her mood was growing ever more sour. Things were going very, very wrong for her. Redheart chose then to return with breakfast, which consisted of toast, eggs, and water. The nurse noticed the pained and worried expression on Lara’s face, and her tone changed from cheerful to concerned once more. She set the breakfast down on a nearby table and strode up to Lara. “What is it? What’s bothering you?” she asked quietly. Lara didn’t look at her, only sighed and shook her head. “Just some things weighing on my mind. Mostly the fact that I don’t know how I’m gonna get home.” Redheart sighed, turning back to the table and picking up the tray once more. “Ah. Don’t worry. The princesses will be able to help you. Their magic is very, very strong. I’m sure they know of a way.” Lara gave her a gentle smile, and accepted the food gratefully. “I hope so.” __________ “So, you are Lara Croft.” Lara found her jaw slack. She thought she had seen everything, but when the two imposing figures stepped into the hospital room, followed by Twilight, she couldn’t believe her eyes. These two alicorns stood a head and a half taller than Twilight, probably on level if not taller than Lara herself. One white, one blue, both with manes that seemed to flow in an unnatural wind. They wore some jewelry, and each had a tiara that show their position. Obviously, these were the two alicorn princesses. And they were a sight to behold in their own rights. The taller of the two, the white one, giggled a bit at Lara’s reaction. “Come now, say something. Am I so beautiful that you have no words left?” Lara shook herself, blushing furiously at the laughs from the other two ponies. “I’m just a little taken aback, is all,” she grumbled, before muttering, “Not at all an awkward statement, it seems.” The ponies didn’t hear her, and so the white one continued. “I am Princess Celestia, and this,” she gestured to the smaller, blue alicorn, “is my younger sister, Princess Luna. I must say, in all my years of reigning, I’ve never seen a creature quite like you before. And I’ve been in power for well over one thousand years.” Lara’s eyes were as wide as dinner plates as Celestia finished her statement. “A-are you serious? One thousand years?” Celestia gave her a nod. Lara paused for a moment. “Normally, I’d say that’s bloody impossible. Now... I’m not so sure that anything’s impossible.” Celestia giggled again. “It appears that you have been through a great ordeal. Twilight has explained much of it to us. But that is not why we are here.” Celestia took that moment to look Lara over. Although her clothes were still quite worn and dirty, along with her skin, her scars had healed over nicely, along with her wounds. According to Redheart, Lara would be fit to move about within the next few hours. Celestia knew that was essential, for a number of reasons. “Then just what is it you want of me?” Lara asked, full well knowing that Celestia had something in mind for her to do. Celestia felt a bit dissapointed that Lara had caught on, but was in a way quite pleased to see that the survivor was quick witted. She gave Lara a smile that was deceptive of her true feelings. But instead of replying, she turned to her sister, and gave her a nod. Luna stepped forward. “As you are no doubt aware, a creature like you has never existed in Equestria. At least, from what we know of the history of our race. Now, although we would be willing - and very pleased, mind you - to accept you into Equestria and allow you to live here in peace, we can tell that you dearly long to return to your world. That being said...” Luna paused, frowning as she watched Lara. It was clear to the human that Luna was apprehensive of her. She didn’t blame her, though. Given the chance, she probably would have worn the same expression. “We cannot help you get back.” Lara sighed. It was what she had been expecting all along. Her worst fear - and greatest hope - had come to pass. “Well, figured as much. Damn...” There was another laugh, and Lara looked up to see Luna holding a hoof to her lips, trying to suppress her giggles. “What?” “You,” Luna replied, still trying to fight back laughter. “You seemed and sounded so determined from what Twilight told us, and yet here you are, giving up without even letting us finish. Come now, don’t get so down. We may not be able to send you back, despite our power... but there is yet a way.” Lara’s demeanor changed in a heartbeat. Her face lit up with the brightest of hope for but a moment, but as quick as it had come, it was gone. Lara instead glared at the two sisters, obviously put off about something. Before the two could inquire as to what, Lara asked her own questions. “What do I have to do? And what do you mean, despite your power? What, can you raise the sun or something?” Celestia bit her lip and looked off to the side. Lara’s mouth fell open again. “No. No bloody way. I... no, that’s not possible.” “It is,” Twilight interjected, speaking for the first time since she had entered the room. “I’ve seen it done, numerous times. In fact, I’d bet that the princess would be willing to show you, come tomorrow.” Lara shook her head, still not quite believing what she had just heard. “Lara,” Celestia began, trying to dispel the tension she had created. Lara held up a hand, silencing her. “Please. Just... just give me a minute, alright? This is... this is all just so much.” Celestia responded with a brief nod, and, gesturing to her fellow alicorns, stepped out of Lara’s hospital room. When the door had closed behind them, Lara let out a huge sigh. ‘Damn it all. Just when I think I’m out of trouble, it seems to find me. So Celestia claims to raise the sun. That basically makes her the Sun Princess... great.’ Lara closed her eyes, resting her head in her hands. ‘She doesn’t seem all that bad... I just feel like I can’t really trust her. Nor her sister. Luna... probably raises the moon, if the name is anything to go by... ‘But they’re my only way home. They know how. And I need to get home.’ Lara paused in her musing, a small smile gracing her lips. ‘That being said, I think I can take my time. I still have no confirmation that Himiko survived, or is even here. Until I have some definite proof, I think I’m going to find out what I can about this place. Maybe do some digging, find out about the history of this pony civilization... collect a few souvenirs.’ She chuckled, her spirit rising. Her frown seemed transfixed on her face, however. ‘I still don’t fully trust her. I don’t really trust any of them, apart from Twilight and Redheart. But I have no choice. I have to trust them in order to get back home.’ Lara took a deep breath, composing herself. ‘Suck it up, Lara. Time to face the music. Let’s see what the Sun Princess has for me to do.’  She wasn’t sure if they were within earshot, but she gave a call towards the door, telling them she was alright, and that they could come back in. It took a few seconds, but the door swung open, and the three alicorns stepped back inside. All three of them were eyeing Lara with concern and apprehension. “Is everything alright, Lara?” Twilight asked, stepping over to the side of the bed. Lara gave her a quick smile and a nod. “I’m fine,” she replied, lying through her teeth. “It’s just... well, the last being I met with power as great as Celestia here claims to have... she tried to possess one of my best friends, indirectly killed three others, and tried to kill me. She was known as the Sun Queen, although I have no idea whether or not she could stop the rotation of my world, thus stopping the sun. She could control the weather, however.” Lara paused, before closing her eyes and sighing. “Let me guess, you can do that too?” Twilight frowned, but nodded. “All pegasi can manipulate clouds. In fact, they’re the ones who make the weather happen as it needs to. Rain, snow, sun and storm, they bring it into life. Why?” Lara groaned, and lay back on her bed, clutching at her forehead with one hand. “Nothing... just forget it. Please, tell me what it is you want me to do.” She waved her free hand in Luna’s direction. The moon princess rolled her eyes at the uncannily rude treatment. “Well, ancient Equestrian history speaks of a set of relics, four in total, that were once used to breach the barriers between worlds. The four ponies that created them were master spellcasters, and each item was sealed away in a tomb. There was a necklace, a staff, a crown, and a blade, each one empowered with a piece of the spell needed to reach other worlds. “If you want to get back home, the best bet would be to find these items and use their magic to cross the worlds. We would seek them out, but we do have a country to run. Politics and all the joys that come with it must come first. I know it is a lot to ask of you, but if you want to get back, you must seek the items yourself. Of course, Twilight and her friends are ready and willing to aid you in any way they can.” Lara didn’t react for a long while. Luna and Celestia shared a look, and, right when they had decided to try and press the matter, Lara finally found her voice. “Where do I begin?” __________ The next day, just before dawn, Lara rose from her bed. The evening prior, Redheart had given her the okay to walk on her leg, but to do so with care. Lara was astounded at the rate at which the wound had healed. Granted, there was a massive scar showing her just where her leg had been torn open, but it was whole and functioning once more. Stretching and letting loose a large yawn, Lara pushed open the door to her room and made her way outside, as she had agreed to do. She found the hospital easy to navigate, and even bumped into Redheart, who was up and about, looking tired but cheerful. With a quick greeting and a wave to her caretaker, Lara found the front entrance and made her way out. Waiting outside the hospital was Celestia, her eyes closed, smiling as a gentle breeze drifted past her. Lara gave her an irritated look, and cleared her throat. Celestia’s eyes opened, and she turned, giving Lara a quick nod. “Watch carefully,” Celestia whispered, her horn lighting up with a beautiful, golden aura. Lara’s eyes turned to the east, watching and waiting for the sun to appear. As it did, Lara noticed that something about the sun seemed off. She had seen the sun of this world - which Twilight had earlier told her was called Equestria - and knew it was like her own sun. But something was not natural. Then it hit her. The same golden aura that surrounded Celestia’s horn was surrounding the sun. Lara’s eyes went wide. She turned back to Celestia, whose face was strained in concentration. Only then did Lara truly understand what it meant to raise the sun. Even in Equestria, the sun was no small object, and for a single being to be able to move it on their own was an amazing feat. Although still unnerved, Lara had to admit she was impressed. Celestia was not only powerful, but she was honest. At last, Celestia’s horn stopped glowing, and she let out her breath, panting slightly. Shaking her head, she gave a soft chuckle as she turned to face Lara. “You know, normally it’s not that hard for me. I didn’t sleep all that well last night, so I apologize.” Lara nodded with understanding. Celestia took a deep breath and continued. “There’s something I wish to ask of you, miss Croft. Why is it you don’t trust me?” Lara sighed. “Figured that out, did you?” At Celestia’s nod, she closed her eyes and frowned. “It’s nothing personal. Just understand that, in my world, there are no beings that possess powers like yours, or like any of the other ponies in this world. They simply do not exist. The only one I’ve ever known... well, that was the one that tried to kill me. So, forgive me if I find that every being who possesses unimaginable power makes me a little uneasy. The only one who does not is Twilight, and that’s because she was so eager and willing to help me in my time of need.” Celestia smiled slightly. “I understand completely,” was her reply. “I would react the same as you, I should believe, were I in your place.” Celestia turned about and gestured for Lara to follow. “Come with me. I’ll take you over to Twilight’s, where she will be able to provide you with the information you need to begin your quest.” The two of them began their walk through Ponyville. As the sun had only just risen, pretty much everypony was still asleep, or just beginning to wake up. Lara took in the sight of the plain, somewhat cute town as she conversed with Celestia. “So, where’s your sister?” Celestia laughed and shook her head. “Oh, Luna... she’s really trying hard to make my little ponies love her like they love me. Right now, she’s back in Canterlot, presiding over the day’s political hubbub. Once we reach Twilight’s, I will be heading there as well.” Celestia’s cheerful demeanor vanished as Lara groaned over the terrible pun of Canterlot. “She’s had a real rough time adjusting to Equestria after her banishment, and I fear that my subjects will never truly accept her. They’re ready to love her... but I feel that they still do not trust her. And it saddens me.” Lara nodded knowingly as they passed by a building that looked remarkably like a giant gingerbread house. “I know what that’s like. Well, apart from being banished. I’m not even gonna ask about that, you’ll probably just tell me you banished her to the moon for a thousand years or some other rubbish,” Lara noted the nervous glance Celestia shot away from her. “But I know what it’s like to have others want you there, and yet at the same time, want you gone. It was like that for the crew of the Endurance. Some of them got a little edgy after our time on the island, and some of them took it out on me. It was my idea to seek out Yamatai in the manner we did, and they felt I was responsible for their suffering. “I guess I was, in a way. I had directed them there, and I wasn’t really around to help them with repairs and survival. I was trying to save Sam. And then... Roth and Alex... and Grim, our captain... We lost three too many.” Lara felt a burning in her eyes as thoughts of her fallen friends rushed through her mind. “I feel responsible, in a way. I feel like I let them down... I...” She trailed off, biting her lip and fighting the urge to break down crying. It was a moment before she had registered that the two of them had stopped walking. And it was another moment longer before she felt the sensation of a large wing caressing her. “I can honestly say I know that pain well, Lara. A millenia and then some has torn my heart asunder watching the ones I love die before me, helpless to stop it. But you know as well as I do that you cannot let it bring you down. If I let every death of a loved one get to me, I’d have killed myself centuries ago. And although you may not have great power, you are much stronger of will than most dragons are. You can and you will do this, Lara.” Celestia’s face lit up with the most genuine and heartwarming smile Lara had ever seen. “And remember: we’re all here for you. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate.” Lara wiped her eyes, which had been letting the tears flow for some time, and smiled back. “Thanks. I needed that... you’re not that bad, you know?” Celestia gave a light hearted laugh, pulling her wing back. “I’ve been told. Oh, by the way, we’ve arrived.” Celestia pointed with her hoof at a tree in front of them. At least, that’s what Lara thought it was at first glance. But, upon further inspection, she found herself staring at a building that was literally carved into the tree. She whistled. “Now that’s something,” she muttered, turning at the sound of wings unfurling. Celestia had spread her wings, watching the sky with a purpose. “Tell me, Lara. This Himiko... do you really believe she is alive and present in Equestria?” Lara shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t know. I survived her trying to kill us both, so it’s probably a safe bet to say she might be. Which is worrying.” “I agree. I did sense a second magical fluctuation in the north, but that is near the region of the Crystal Empire. Many magical fluctuations come from that region, so I thought nothing of it... now, the moment I return, I’ll need to send some scouts to investigate.” Celestia turned back to Lara. “Word to the wise. Twilight and her friends may offer to aid you on your quest. I will not tell you whether or not to allow it, just be sure that, if you do, you will protect them.” Lara smiled and shook her head. “I promise, although don’t count on me actually letting them come along. I work better alone.” Celestia gave her a nod, and, without another word, took off into the air. Lara watched her go for a moment, before turning back to the tree. She walked up to the door, and, with a quick knock, prepared to step into the unknown. __________ “For the last time, Rainbow Dash, no!” Three hours and a long, enlightening talk with Twilight later, Lara found herself in a small park inside of Ponyville, munching on an apple and having a shouting match with Rainbow Dash. Twilight, like Celestia, had warned her that some of her friends might try to come with her on the venture once they found out. Of course, Rainbow somehow heard about it, and was now trying to convince Lara to take her along. “Look, I could be very helpful!” Rainbow was screaming back at Lara. “You never know when you might need a pegasus, and I’m the best there is!” Lara rolled her eyes. “Right. Please, do tell me how you would be helpful to me on my journey?” Rainbow gave her a cocky look. “I know most of Equestria like the back of my hoof, given that I’ve taken some time to fly over the whole of it! You’ll need a guide to show you the way! That’s where I come in.” Lara shook her head, reaching into a small bag she was wearing and pulling out a scroll. “Not entirely true. Twilight did supply me with several maps, along with descriptions of the regions where the tombs are located. A guide would only weigh me down.” Rainbow’s cocky look faded for but a second. She recovered quickly and spat back a retort. “Yeah, well, you never know when you’ll need an eagle’s eye view of the area. I could be extremely helpful with surveillance.” Lara shook her head again, stowing the map back in the bag. “A scout with a loudmouth would be counterproductive. Sorry, Rainbow, but if that’s all you’ve got, I can’t let you come with me.” Rainbow’s face fell, her only two reasons being dashed to pieces before her eyes. She lowered her head in defeat. Lara was about to leave the park when Rainbow spoke again, this time much softer. “Have you ever faced down a manticore before? A hydra? Cockatrice, timberwolf, dragon, changeling?” Lara stopped. Not a single one of those creatures existed back on earth. She turned back to face the cyan pegasus. “No. Those creatures are all myth in my world. Why?” Rainbow slowly raised her head back up, staring Lara in the eye with a confident smile. “I have. They’re here, and they’re very much real. Not only that, but they are very dangerous. I know you’ve faced a lot of danger, but you’ve never faced the Equestrian wilds. These monsters will chew you up and spit you out. Unless, of course,” Rainbow sidled up to Lara and nudged her in the side with a hoof. “You have a daring, dashing, and knowledgeable assistant.” Lara sighed and shook her head, before flashing a smile at Rainbow. “Alright. You can come. BUT!” She poked Rainbow’s muzzle with a finger. “Only you. None of your other friends are coming.” Lara swore she heard an “Oh, come on!” from a bush not far behind her, but shrugged it off. Rainbow flew up into the air, pumping her hooves in a victorious fashion. “Yes!” She cried to the heavens. “This is gonna be just like Daring Do! So...” She landed next to Lara, a quizzical look crossing her face. “Where exactly are we going?” Lara pulled out the map again, unrolling it and laying it on the ground. She pointed to a spot on the map that had been marked by Twilight earlier. “Back to where I was found. The Everfree Forest.” __________ “Welcome, my Stormguard.” Himiko spread her arms wide as she shouted to her forces. The army of samurai, greatly diminished from the last time she had been alive, along with some remnants of the group that had tried to bring her back, the Solarii, stood before her. She had opened the gates between the worlds, and brought them here. “Welcome to this new world of magic.” She turned, facing down into the world below. She had chosen a mountain as her base of operations. Maybe it was nostalgia. Maybe she just love mountains. She wasn’t sure, nor did she care. She was secluded, and she was preparing. She pointed down at the world that was displayed before her. “Down there is a world of peaceful, weak equine creatures, some capable of powerful magic. I want this world for myself, and this is where you come in.” She turned back to her forces. “You shall seize this world in my name. And you,” she pointed at the Solarii. “will start. There is a small town near the base of this mountain. Capture it for me, prove your loyalty. And be rewarded.” A battle cry rose up from the two gathered armies. Himiko smiled to herself, pleased with their undying loyalty. 'Soon, very soon, it shall be time.' She mused. 'It has been far too long since I've tasted the sweetness of conquest. I dearly long for it.'