//------------------------------// // A Shining Star // Story: Baen of Equestria // by CrypticMetaphor //------------------------------// Baen’s day had been fairly simple to say the least. He had woken up, eaten his breakfast, and gone out for his morning workout. The regime had been relatively normal, though one thing bugged him; he had this sense of foreboding lingering in the back of his skull. He couldn’t place it, but something was there. “Baen prepares his swing; a hush has fallen over the crowd.” Baen deadpanned as he swung into the dummy in front of him. “A perfect strike indeed, the crowd is clearly pleased. Though I think one of them has fallen deftly ill.” Baen shook his head, “Discord, must you insist on doing that?” Discord was in a levitating lawn chair watching the stallion train away, “Well I have to do something to ease my boredom. No offence Baen, but you simply must do something more worthwhile. Take up stamp collecting?” Baen shrugged, “I see no reason to. Besides,” he cleaved the dummy in two, “It keeps me in shape and hones my senses.” “I can clearly see that,” Discord mulled, “Though I always found exercise essential, it was too boring and orderly for my tastes.” Baen smirked as he glanced at the floating creature, “I can clearly see that.” Discord mock gasped, “Sir! I am in perfect shape,” Discord flexed an arm, “See? All muscle.” The muscle and arm in question then hung like a limp noodle and swung from side to side.\ Baen laughed as Discord pouted, “Laugh all you want meat head.” Baen stopped his laughter and glanced to the side when he noticed a familiar shape ascending the hill. Discord smirked as he folded his armchair, “Well miss pretty pony princess is here to lecture you again. That’s my cue to vamoose.” Discord then vanished in a flash of light as Twilight appeared two minutes afterwards. She looked slightly crestfallen, but she immediately brightened when she arrived. The barbarian noticed her sudden change of demeanor and took note. “Hi Baen,” she noticed the dummy and chuckled, “I see the dummies Applejacks been giving you have been holding up well.” Baen shrugged as he sheathed his axe, “They’re durable enough. So Twi, what brings you to my neck of the woods?” Twilight smiled at the use of her nickname, “Well as it so happens. I came to see if you wanted to come with me and my friends to the Crystal Empire. The other Princesses are attending and the girls wanted to come,” she trailed off for a moment as the crest fallen look creeped back but vanished quickly, “You think you might want to?” Baen raised an eyebrow, “Why me though Twilight? A function such as this would be more your speed.” “Well, it’s just that we haven’t done anything as a group in a while,” she felt Nibbles scurry into her mane to warm himself up which brought a small smile to her face, “Plus let’s be honest, you really haven’t been busy of late.” Baen nodded with a small smile, “I suppose your right. Plus Shining still owes me a few bits from our jousting bet.” Twilight nodded, “Alright then we ca-“ “TWILIGHT!” Twilight turned around, “Oh Spike there you are! What’s the matter?” Spike stopped, “Well…um….let’s say that a certain dragon, might have been invited to a certain event that a certain pony princess is attending. NOW,” he stated, “Let’s also hypothetically say that the dragon in question MIGHT have accidentally fed some of your homemade muffins to our house sitter and she MIGHT have got food poisoning.” Baen blinked, “I don’t follow you.” Twilight started to trot in place, “WHAT?! You fed my practice muffins to Derpy!? Spike, I said that they weren’t just right!” Spike raised his claws, “I just thought you meant that they weren’t the flavor you wanted!” Twilight groaned, “OH this is perfect. Now there’s nopony to watch the library. Everypony else I know is busy and its last minute-“ “I’ll do it.” Twilight glanced at Baen with surprise, “Oh Baen, I couldn’t ask you to do that.” “It’s fine. Besides,” he said with a small grin, “I don’t have anything else to do.” Twilight nervously trotted in place again but did her breathing, “Well if you insist. Just to let you know though, I have a specific process for shelving the library. So you’ll have to follow it exactly. Trust me I’ll check when I get back.” Baen shook his head, “Please Twilight, I think I can handle a bunch of books.” Twilight chuckled almost evilly, “You’re not afraid, hm?” Baen shook his head, “Of course not.” “Oh,” Twilight placed a hoof on his chest, “you will be.” * A full day passed by, Twilight would return soon. However, Baen was in a bit of a predicament. He had cleaned and dusted the library as per the massive checklist he had been given the day before. However, his problem started when a shelf he had started to sort on decided to let its contents loose on him. Baen was now buried up to his neck in books, “I fear I have made a grievous error in judgement.” Nibbles sat atop a bust of a mares head and blinked at him. “Oh be quiet,” Baen said, “Your mocking is not helping the situation.” He raised the massive scroll he had been given by Twilight and narrowed his eyes, “This is ridiculous! No mare alive could accomplish this by themselves.” “Well Twilight is no ordinary mare.” Baen nodded, “True, Discord, very true. Tell me, how long have you been there for?” Discord was petting Nibbles, “Oh, I got in when you attempted to sort the fiction shelf.” Baen rolled his eyes, “Oh joyous day.” “Oh come now Baen,” Discord grabbed the barbarian by his head and pulled him out with a pop, “I’m here to help my best friend.” Baen shrugged, “I appreciate it, but why the sudden interest in my well-being?” “Well you are my drinking buddy after all,” Discord messed up Baen’s mane, “Plus I wouldn’t want to be held responsible for you starving in books.” Baen chuckled, “I suppose that would be an unfitting end for me. Tell me Discord,” both males started to put away books, “I’ve noticed Twilight has been acting…off lately. Why is that?” Discord glanced at his friend, “Well our young Princess is questioning her worth as a princess. She feels like she hasn’t earned her title or has enough responsibilities. That whole song and dance.” Baen nodded, “I see.” Discord nodded, “Yeppers,” Discord paused for a moment, “You know, she cares a great deal about you.” Baen looked at his friend, “What do you mean? I know that.” “Oh you silly pony you,” Discord tutted, “what I mean is. She thinks of you something more as a friend but that doesn’t mean she wants to be your marefriend.” Baen slid one more book in, “Explain.” Discord rolled his eyes as every book appeared on their respective shelves, “What I mean is, she thinks of you as family you bonehead.” “Family…,” Baen said in a hushed tone. “Yep family.” Baen nodded, “Right,” the feeling returned, “Discord, do you have the feeling something is coming?” Discord stroked his beard, “I have been having a weird creeping sensation in my spine,” he shrugged, “Might just be a cramp. Say Baen,” Discord smiled and casually asked, “have you perhaps been curious as to what Twilight has written in that little diary of hers?” Baen tapped his chin, “I suppose, the thought crossed my mind.” Discord appeared behind him, “What do you say two friends do some snooping into a girl’s privacy?” Baen shook his head, “Unfortunately no.” Discord pouted, “If you insist, oh! I almost forgot,” Discord snapped his fingers as a book dropped from thin air. Baen picked it up and stared at it in shock, it was the very same book he had found in the Crystal Empire’s treasure room. “Liber Daemoniorum, A Chronicle by Astreous, for my granddaughter, Yew,” he read out. Discord dusted his talons off, “No need to thank me. It’s a copy.” Baen then hugged the now surprised Discord, “Thank you.” Discord blinked a few times, “So this is a bro hug…hm,” Discord slithered into the air, “Well I have to go do some light reading. Later slugger!” Baen bid farewell as he sat in a chair and opened the pages. * Hours melded together as Baen read away. Only once did he glance up from his book. Twilight and the girls were rummaging through the library for something and she chose now to interrupt him, “Baen, did you by chance know where a box of some trinkets are? A medal, a rubber chick-“ “It’s in the hall closet.” Twilight and the girls thanked him and grabbed their objective before leaving. * Baen peeled his eyes away an noticed the time, as well as Twilight bursting through the door. “BaenIneedtogotocanterlotspikewillkeepyoucompanybebacksoonbye!” Baen shrugged as he and the baby dragon went to reading their own things. * Finally Baen smiled in satisfaction as he shut the book. He then looked up and fell from his chair when Twilight appeared in a burst of much brighter magic than she usually did. She looked around and noted Baen who was staring at her bemused. “Baen! Oh,” Twilight looked from side to side, “Where’s Spike?” “Upstairs,” he then noticed her flinch as electricity crackled along her body, “Twilight.” Twilight fidgeted nervously, “Yes Baen?” “Is there a reason your magical aura is in flux as well as being much larger than it usually is,” he stood up and approached her with narrowed curious eyes, “Well?” Twilight flinched back, “Well…I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m fine!” She forced a smile as Baen’s frown became a line, “Right. There’s no use in lying to me Twilight. One thing I’ve failed to mention, I’m quite attuned to magic and auras. You’re lie is as transparent as the air you breathe.” Twilight sighed, “Baen…just,” she looked to the door. Twilight turned her head and looked out the window. Baen took notice that the sun was practically whizzing about the sky like a crazy bird. “Twilight,” the sun stayed up, “Whatever is happening right now, I can’t let you face a danger alone. It’s just not the stallion I am.” Twilight sighed, “I thought you might think that.” There was a flash as Baen felt drowsy. Twilight hugged him tight and whispered in his ear, “Just trust me when I say…Stay here,” she hugged him tighter, “and be safe.” Baen was lowered gently to the ground as Twilight became a blob, then he saw black. * “PRINCESS TWILIGHT!” Baen shook himself awake at the booming voice. Baen looked around and noticed that the library’s front door was gone. He ran outside and glanced around. He then saw a sight that shocked him. A few feet down a nearby street, Discord lay on the ground panting. Behind him was a cage that held the girls and Spike. Rushing to the cage, Baen stared into the bars and widened his eyes further. “Baen,” Rainbow Dash said weakly, “Where the hay have you been?” Baen became serious, “That doesn’t matter now. Who’s done this to you?” He was interrupted when a flash caught his eye. Twilight stood on the observation platform of the library. Telling the girls not to move, at which they frowned at, Baen, ran to the library at breakneck speed. “TWILIGHT! WHAT’S GOING ON!?” Twilight didn’t respond but noticed him. Baen snorting, decided to go up and ask her himself. However, all Baen heard next was a yell when he crossed the threshold. Then there was a bang…and then pain. * Twilight stared in shock and soon, dawning horror. A smoking axe buried itself in the ground before her. Tears streamed down her face and she only yelled one word, “BAEN!” * Baen awoke in a completely white room. He sighed. “Well this is just perfect, I’m dead.” “You’re not dead.” Baen glanced around but couldn’t find the voice. He heard the trickling and splashes of water around him as the soft melodic voice spoke. “You are merely in the Between. You still have much to do, Knight.” Baen stood up shakily, “I’ve been called many things m’lady, but never Knight.” “Then it pleases me to be the first.” Baen glanced around, “What exactly happened?” “You were attacked. The Warrior I sent to warn you told you it would happen. Did she not?” Baen widened his eyes then became skeptical as he attempted to find the source of the voice, “Who are you?” “I am somepony that you do not know, but one you shall soon know. But for now, you may call me,” her giggle was like a hymn, “The Lady.” Baen blinked, “Well, can you send me back…Lady?” “Of course, but you must prepare,” Baen’s surroundings shook, “you must fight so that we may meet.” “Wait a minute,” Baen looked around, “What do you mean?!” “You shall know. In due time.” * Tirek loomed in the distance as Twilight let loose a massive blast of pure power. She held nothing back as the infernal aura Tirek erected to defend himself sprung forth. The blast left a massive dug a massive ditch into the ground as Tirek was forced back. The magic Twilight used all but consumed the dark lord before a massive explosion rocked the very ground. Twilight landed and glared daggers at her smirking adversary. “Now I see what your fellow Princesses have done,” Tirek mused. Twilight’s horn lit up…then fizzled out as a boulder shattered on Tirek’s chest. The dark lord dusted himself off as Twilight turned. Baen stood behind her, soot and ash covering matting his coat, mane, and tail. He stomped to the center of the battlefield, and then the yelling started. “ALRIGHT. NOW, WHO IN THE BLASTED VOID JUST BLEW ME UP?!?!” Twilight blinked in surprise, “Baen…But how did…” Baen heard nothing, “I DUSTED, CLEANED, AND ORGANIZED EVERY DAMN BOOK IN THE BLASTED BUILDING ONLY TO HAVE SOME KNOBHEAD BLOW IT AND ME UP! AND NOW, I AM PISSED RIGHT OFF! YOU,” he pointed at Tirek, “YOU’RE GOING TO KILL ME AREN’T YOU?” Tirek only nodded with not too pleased expression. “I THOUGH AS MUCH!” Twilight yanked the barbarian over to her, “Baen are you insane?! Run! He’ll vaporize you!” Baen scoffed, “Oh please,” Baen turned to the dark lord, “I’ve fought bigger.” Tirek chuckled, “Fool, do you not know who you face this day? I will crush you and Princess Twilight and take from you the magic I rightfully deserve.” Baen stood firm beside Twilight, “Crush me all you want, as long as a I have a breath in my being, you will never touch my dearest friend.” Twilight stared at a half smiling Baen who stared back at her. “How touching,” Tirek mocked, “But let’s look at the real picture. You’re out of your league hero, leave now, and I might just show you mercy.” “I’m no hero,” Baen stated as he picked up his axe, “I’m a barbarian.” Twilight nodded as her horn glowed, “If you insist on helping me, here.” Twilight blasted Baen with a surge of raw magic. His armor repaired itself and gave off a glow. His injuries and markings from the explosion vanished. Twilight smiled as the spells full effect took hold. Baen’s armor became a dark red and a tad bulkier. The fur on the shoulders grew longer and resembled more like the hair of a lion’s mane. Black arcane markings engraved themselves on each plate. Baen’s irises then turned the same shade of red as his mane as his axe blades became slightly larger and more serrated. The metal of the blades now looked more like metallic rock when the aura faded. Baen looked at himself. “Oh buck yes,” he stated, “I’m keeping this!” Twilight chuckled, “Sorry Baen, but it’s a temporary strengthening spell. Granted…I suppose this boost of mine made it a little more…potent.” Baen smirked as he turned to face the villain, “Right. Let’s take him down.” Twilight nodded, “Agreed.” Baen steeled himself as Tirek prepared to charge, “What’s the plan?” Twilight then said with finality, “I’ll hit him high, you hit him low.” Baen dug his hooves in, “Got it.” Twilight lifted off with a streak of sparkles that matched her mane and tail trailing behind her. Baen kicked off and rocketed toward Tirek with a streak of his Wrath aura behind him. Growling like an animal, Baen swung his axe hard into Tirek, though the blade did not break the skin, the giant stumbled. Twilight took the opportunity to blast the tyrant in the face with a burst of her own magic. Baen then yelled as Tirek back handed him away and then levitated Twilight. Baen looked up as she was hurled screaming into a mountain. “Bastard!” Baen leapt onto Tirek’s back and raised his axe…only to yell as Tirek hurled himself horns first at the mountain. Baen was sent flying and gripped Tirek’s tail with his mouth. He braced himself as Tirek plowed through the mountain. Twilight hung onto the dark lords head as she noticed Baen, Twilight nodded as did Baen. Both vanished in a flash as Twilight blasted Tirek. “Twilight,” Baen yelled, “dive bomb!” Twilight was already thinking the same thing as she blasted Tirek into the ground. Grabbing Baen, she sped toward the fallen foe. Arching upwards, she released Baen who plowed into Tirek crushing him deeper underground. Twilight then teleported Baen to her as she landed. Both ponies hoofbumped. The ground then shook violently beneath them as a beam cut a good portion out of the earth in a platform that they now stood upon. Both Twi and Baen were hurled through the air. Baen dug his axe in and stood on the handle. Using his alicorn magic enhanced strength, he vaulted over the earth and delivered a swift hindleg roundhouse to Tirek’s face. The centaur stumbled from the hit as Baen landed, amazed at his own power and strength at how far he had leapt. “Enough of this! Begone,” Tirek kicked the barbarian with his front hoof then raised his fists above his head. The earth ruptured and broke when Tirek brought his fists down. Spike of stone erupted as Baen crashed into one…then stopped from the others by Twilight. Twilight levitated him by her side, his axe floating as well. Baen clutched the axe firmly as Twilight threw him. In mid-flight, Baen felt a massive surge through his body, his having boost worn off as he crashed into Tirek’s waiting fist which brought him and itself into the ground. On the ground huffing, Tirek readied a close quarter blast, but had to redirect it at Twilight who fired her own. The blasts met in mid-air, and then an explosion consumed the battlefield. Twilight blinked as she stared at her fallen foe. Baen lay on the ground as she approached, coughing and visibly injured from both Tirek’s blow and the combined magic explosion. “Baen, oh Celestia please be alright,” Twilight nuzzled him as he shifted. “I’m fine,” he coughed out, “Just a flesh wound.” Tirek then emerged from the rubble he had been under and stared Twilight down, “It appears we are at an impasse,” a smirk appeared on Tirek’s face, “How about a trade, Princess Twilight?” There was a snap as the girls, Spike, and Discord floated in the air in bubbles, “Their release for all the Alicorn magic in Equestria.” Twilight gasped in shock as Baen shakily tried to rise but fell. Tirek then said smugly, “What's it going to be?” The girls all protested in unison as Baen shook his head, “Don’t, we can still win!” Rainbow frantically said, “Don't do it, Twilight!” Fluttershy nodded in agreement with Dash, “We aren't worth it!” Discord sighed as he looked to Fluttershy, “Oh, but you are, Fluttershy. You're the pony that taught me that friendship is magic. I had magic and friendship, and now I don't have either.” Tirek then yelled with anger, “Enough! I want an answer, and I want it now!” Baen shook his head as he saw Twilight’s expression, “Do not do it.” Twilight then solemnly nodded, “I will give you my magic, in exchange for my friends.” Tirek nodded with finality, “As you wish,” his fingers snapped as all but one bubble popped. Twilight noted this, “All of my friends.” Tirek looked to Discord and pointed at the spirit in disbelief, “After the way he has betrayed you, you still call him a 'friend'?” Twilight stamped her hoof, “Release him!” Tirek nodded once more, “If that's what you want.” Discord fell to the ground after his bubbled popped, “Thank you, Twilight,” he then turned to Fluttershy, “Sorry.” Fluttershy smiled softly, “I know.” Lord Tirek then stated with dark glee, “Your turn.” Twilight then screamed in utter pain as her magic was literally sucked from her being. The alicorn collapsed as Tirek roared and grew larger and far more imposing. Baen shakily stood and hobbled to Twilight, “Are you alright?” Twilight stood as Discord approached her, “Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more. I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth,” he then placed a strange medallion on Twilight’s neck. Applejack approached her, “You think that might be the last one we need?” Twilight looked down as she and Baen saw the familiar sheen, “We have to get to the chest.” A snort turned their attention to Baen who faced the rampaging Tirek, “Then why are you standing there. Go, I’ll buy you as much time as you need.” Twilight stepped forward, “Baen you’re in no condit-“ “I SAID GO DAMMNIT!” Twilight and the girls were shocked as Baen hefted his axe, “Go and be safe, I’ll wait for the six of you. Twilight if things were different and you had been born in my time, and taken in with me,” he turned back and smiled warmly, “I would be privileged to call you my sister.” Twilight sniffled as did the girls. Baen then stated with more strength in his voice, “Now you six get going. If I survive this,” he chuckled, “I’ll buy lunch for us all at the victory celebration.” Rarity pointed, “We’re going to hold you to that.” Baen nodded as the girls ran. Discord stood beside Baen as the barbarian asked, “Will you be alright old chum?” “I’ll be fine,” he quickly scampered off, “I LIKE MY PIZZA’S WITH LOTS OF GREEN PEPPERS!” Baen nodded as he rushed Tirek with a hearty roar. * The girls stood before the chest, “We have to do this, together.” The girls nodded as they turned the keys in unison. A bright light soon engulfed them as they all gasped. * Baen was hammered into the ground as Tirek then picked him up and squeezed, “Puny pony. Did you honestly think your kind could stand up to me?! The great Lord Tirek!” Baen spat in his face. Tirek growled, “Insolent little!” Baen smirked, “If you’re going to kill me, do it. I don’t fear death. But do me a favor,” Tirek narrowed his eyes. “I’ll drain you first, and then crush the husk that remains.” Tirek opened his mouth as ruby red energy was yanked from Baen’s mouth. However, when it went into the dark lord, Tirek yelled in pain and the magic retracted back into its proper owner. “How?! Why can I not take your magic!” Baen still smirked, “It’s Old Magic you twit. I’m on a whole different level than present Equestrian’s” Tirek narrowed his eyes, “Who are you?” “I’m Baen,” Baen stated proudly, “commit it to memory.” Tirek then laughed. Baen was surprised as Tirek stopped, “Oh, so you are the one that the whispers were about.” “Whispers,” Baen muttered, “Speak sense monster!” Tirek chuckled, “During my incarceration, voices came from The Void below, one spoke your name.” Baen went snow white as Tirek leaned in with a dark smile, “The Four Harbingers come for this land, barbarian. Rath’gor, also seek your head as revenge for your interference all those centuries ago,” Tirek then added coldly, “Or so I heard.” Baen was frozen as that laugh, that deep laugh that haunted his nightmares entered his mind once more. Then Tirek looked up, “WHAT?! NO! IT’S NOT POSSIBLE!” Baen then slowly blacked out as he was released, Twilight’s voice being the last thing he heard. * Baen then awakened as a shock surged through him. Baen glanced around and noted everypony staring at him. “What?” The girls smiled seeing their friend breathing and….fully healed. Baen then got on his hooves looking around like a wild pony, “TIREK!?! Where is he? Is he-“ “Be still valiant Baen,” Luna stated, “Tirek has been dealt with.” Cadance nodded, “Indeed he has.” Baen turned and noticed Twilight and the girls for the first time. He clicked his tongue, “I was wrong again Twilight.” Twilight titled her head, “What do you mean.” “Well you see, the day I became your friend, I said to myself,” Baen cleared his throat, “Baen, no matter what happens. There is no way in this world that these mares will look even more ridiculous than they already are, Twilight, I was wrong.” Twilight and the girls mulled it over for a second before saying a unified, “HEY!” Baen started laughing as the girls returned to normal. Celestia approached the barbarian, “Baen, you have come far since your freedom. You’ve shown me and my subjects that even though that you come from a different time. That will never stop you from being who you are. You have made many friends and even found two great magics that many have the opportunity to possess.” Baen blinked, “Two?” Cadance bopped him on the head as the collective laughed. Celestia regained herself, “And despite your current place in time, you have defended my subjects alongside my most precious pupil,” she bowed her head, “for this, I am grateful.” Luna and Cadance did the same. Baen waved his hooves, “Hey, hey, it was no big deal.” Rainbow bopped him on the head, “No big deal!? Baen you doofus, you helped save Equestria!” “No I didn’t,” Baen smiled at the six, “you all saved it, I merely gave support.” Baen then looked around at where he was, “Say where are we anyway?” Twilight smiled as she gestured around, “My new home and castle.” Baen gawked, “You have a castle?!” Twilight nodded, “Also, follow us.” The ponies led the barbarian outside. Taking him a few yards from the library, they stopped at his training hill, though the ponies blocked his view. Applejack smiled, “Despite what you think, you helped save our home.” Rainbow Dash nodded, “Totally!” Shining gestured, “And because of your righteous action and welcomed friendship, my sister and the princesses made this for you with their magic.” The ponies of Ponyville parted to reveal what they were hiding. A two floor home sat on the hill. It was in the rough shape of a tear drop and looked like it was made of massive tree roots that constricted together. The roof had autumn leaves in the shape of roof thatches growing naturally to form the roof. A dark oak door with a brass handle was the final straw for Baen. He fell on his rear and blinked, at the banner above the door, ‘Welcome Home Baen!’ All the ponies then yelled in unison, “WELCOME HOME BAEN!” Baen stared at the door as tears started to flow, “M-my home?” Vinyl nodded, “It’s all yours; we all even pitched in with the essentials. You even got the couch you used to sleep on!” Baen looked at their smiling faces, “I-I….” Twilight hugged her friend, “Welcome home, Brother.” Baen then broke into a fit of happy crying as the six mares, the princesses, Baen’s Friends, all hugged him warmly. And he hugged them back.