//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: The Contest Begins // Story: Contest of Champions // by thatguyvex //------------------------------// Chapter 5: The Contest Begins The golden ark sailed straight over the town of Hero’s Rest and the festival grounds beyond, and Trixie could hear the shouts and cries of alarm from the ponies and other people who saw the shining vessel soaring overhead. The ship had no sails, seeming instead to be riding through the air on a magical aura of golden flames, like a living river of fire that bore the ship through the air. The false sunrise in the distance was dimming, but its light was only replaced by the light brimming from the ark itself. Over a fifty paces long, the ship was a combination of dull white ash wood tooled with shining gold. Its hull was graced with stylized gold engravings of flame, and the head of the ark carried a many pointed sunburst mounted behind a figurehead that looked like the blazing head of a phoenix. At the aft end of the ark was a tower like structure bearing a raised dias, capped with a gold and marble throne. Trixie could just barely make out the sight of a glowing flicker of bright flames that left little doubt as to the idenity of throne’s occupant. “Trixie, get to your friends, now. I shall delay her as best I can,” Luna said with an amount of calm that Trixie certainly wasn’t feeling. With a dark blue flash of magic a chest appeared in the air next to Luna which she floated to Trixie. “Take them, and if the worst comes to pass, do not hesitate to use them,” Luna said and Trixie didn’t need to be told what was in the chest. She took up the chest with her own magic, knowing she was carrying the Elements of Harmony now, and turned to start galloping for the monastery. “Be careful!” she shouted over her shoulder as Luna spread her wings and burst into the air with enough force to send a wave of air pressure over the tall grass that Trixie galloped across. Trixie glanced over her shoulder to watch Luna’s approach to the air, intercepting it before it got halfway to the monastery. She half expected to see balls of fire and gouts of energy to fly from the ark to strike at Princess Luna, but to Trixie’s surprise Luna wasn’t attacked as she approached the vessel, which actually slowed to a halt in the air at Luna’s approach. Trixie gulped and ran harder. She could see the light of the monastery's entrance getting closer, and she was nearly at the bottom of the stone steps when a bright pink form shot out from the entrance, wings spread. It was Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, flying out into the night sky, and Trixie briefly caught the look of stark fear and worry on the Cavalian Princess’ face as she rocketed overhead, going right by Trixie and heading for the ark. Not pausing in her flat run Trixie started taking the steps up two at a time, reaching the top in seconds only to bump into a tall white stallion who’d been running out. Trixie recognized him quickly enough, though she’d only spoken to him rarely. She was far more familiar with the stallion’s younger sister, Twilight Sparkle, but Shining Armor was a hard stallion to forget even after a few meetings. The Captain of the Royal Guard did leave an impression. “Trixie?” Shining Armor seemed surprised for a second to see Trixie there, and his eyes flicked towards the chest she was floating by her side. Trixie saw understanding flash into his eyes quickly, confusion giving way to a forced calm as he looked towards the ark, which remained in the air. Trixie could barely make out the sight of Luna and Cadenza actually landing on the ark. “Get to your friends,” Shining Armor said, face grim, “If the two Princesses can’t stop Corona I’ll have to shield the monastery for as long as I can until the six of you get the Elements ready.” “As if you have to tell me,” Trixie said as she rushed past him and through the threshold of the monastery's large cavernous main chamber. Princess Cadenza’s rushed departure had certainly drawn attention, with more than a few members of the various nations delegations and champions glancing towards the entrance as Trixie ran in. She ignored those looks, instead turning her head left and right in search for any familiar faces. Her friends must have seen Cadenza leave in a rush, right? The first face she recognized, however, was not one of her friends, but the sharp features of Dao Ming as the emerald kirin swiftly parted from the crowd and all but glided towards Trixie with fast, graceful movements. “Something has come to the island,” Dao Ming stated rather than asked. “That’s one way of putting it,” said Trixie, “If ‘something’ happens to be the millennia old mad alicorn that wants to take over my country.” That caused Dao Ming’s gold eyes to flicker with a moment of wide shock, “Amaterasu herself is here?” Trixie frowned, noting that while there was a hint of fear in Dao Ming’s tone, it was overshadowed by awe and interest. She suppressed the urge to shout at this kirin and instead forced her voice to something resembling calm as she said, “Yes, and that means I need my friends in case she’s here to start demonstrating why we Equestrians have been living in abject fear of her for the past thousand years. Don’t suppose you’ve seen any of them?” “Trixie! Hey Trixie!” “Nevermind, then,” Trixie said as Carrot Top came barreling along, Lyra not far behind her, a plate of food still floating along beside the bard in a gold aura of magic as Lyra ate and ran at the same time. “We just saw the Princess of Cavallia fly out of here like the Tyrant Sun herself was landing on our heads,” said Lyra, brushing right past Dao Ming to came up to Trixie, much to the kirin’s obvious ire as her face cringed with annoyance. Carrot Top paused to give Dao Ming an apologetic look. Trixie wasted no time in opening the chest floating next to her, revealing the Elements of Harmony resting within. Five ornate necklaces with gem-like symbols in the shape of her friend’s cutie marks, and one tiara bearing Trixie’s own cutie mark. Dao Ming gave the pieces of jewelry a bemused and curious look, one golden eyebrow twitching up slightly at the sight of the objects of legend. Trixie wondered what the Shouma heiress thought of the Elements. Trixie had always kind of thought they seemed rather humble for the power they contained. Or channeled. Or however the Elements worked. Trixie was still less than sure just what the Elements of Harmony even were and it at times bothered her that she and her friend were living conduits for a power that could put even the likes of Corona on her flaming flank. Her two present friends also looked curious for a moment, but the implications of Trixie busting out the Elements of Harmony sank in far faster since they knew what the Elements were and what kind of threat required their use. “Oh,” said Lyra, “So that wasn’t me being hypothetical, was it?” “Nope,” said Trixie with as much weight as she could muster as she floated her own tiara to her head, and floated Carrot Top’s and Lyra’s Elements to them. As they secured the necklaces to their necks Trixie saw others coming out of the crowd to approach. Cheerilee and Raindrops trotted alongside Ditzy, who still had Dinky balanced solidly on her mother’s back. Trixie recognized the three Night Court nobles approaching, Vicereine Puissance with a poise of authority, Baron Mounty Max with open curiosity, and Duchess Fragrant Posey with reserved caution. Great, let’s just get every noble lined up in a row for Corona to torch, Trixie thought dourly, but didn’t let the thought linger long. The nobles had a right to know what was happening, and she supposed she could count on them to at least keep any kind of panic from developing. Assuming there’d even be panic. Trixie had to remind herself that most of the people here weren’t even ponies, let alone had the thousand year history of fear relating to Corona. Moving along beside the group were two of the Elkhiem delegation; Sigurd and Frederick. The two, standing side by side, were pure contrast. Sigurd, dark eyed, grim faced, and tense, and Frederick, grinning, energetic, and eyes shining with amusement. By the time the procession reached Trixie she was feeling positively crowded, and there were still more eyes locked on them from all around the room, everyone present starting to realize something was going on. “Alright, let’s hear how bad it is,” said Raindrops, first thing, once within proper earshot of Trixie. “Better than ‘everypony panic because we’re doomed’ and a shade or two worse than ‘we don’t need the artifacts of incredible wondrous power’?” suggested Cheerilee, eyeing the Elements as Trixie floated over the rest and her friends put them on gingerly. “Basically,” said Trixie, “Guess who just showed up for dinner?” “This is not the time for jokes, Dame Lulamoon,” said Puissance with a cool air of authority, “I would appreciate knowing why the Princess of Cavallia suddenly decided to rapidly depart in the middle of a rather delicate conversation concerning oceanic trade matters with one of the Griffin monarchs.” “My apologies Vicereine, I’ll just go tell the Tyrant Sun that she has to come back tomorrow, because of trade negotiations,” said Trixie with a deadpan serious expression painting her features like the world’s most sarcastic stone. That certainly put the Vicereine back a few mental steps, not causing her to sputter or lose her composure, but quieting the barrage of questions and demands that Puissance might have had on standby. Baron Mounty Max in the meantime lost his look of curiosity and replaced it with a look of shock that the stallion, to his credit as a noble, rapidly schooled to controlled severity, “Do we need to prepare to evacuate people from the area?” “For now I think it’s best we just remain calm and allow the Element Bearers to perform their job,” said Duchess Posey, casting a wary look towards the monastery's cavernous exit, but otherwise maintaining a well held air of calm that Trixie suspected the pegasus mare wasn’t actually feeling. Trixie didn’t blame her. Corona was feared for good reason. “Calm? I see none panicking,” said Sigurd bluntly, casting an almost scornful look at the Duchess, “You forget that we do not share your fears of your former ruler. If she is here to do battle then it would be the honor of the Elkhiem to answer the challenge; our blood shall shed alongside yours!” Frederick actually chuckled, “I would be curious to see what this Tyrant Sun of yours can actually do. Legends tell she’s stronger than Luna, and far as I know your Princess is the only pony who has bested Wodan when the Mountain Slayer has fought seriously. Would be quite the spectacle.” This earned a number of horrified looks from the gathered ponies. Dao Ming remained silent with a look of contemplation on her sharp, emerald features. “Do you even know that Amaterasu is here to fight?” Dao Ming asked, plainly. “Hopefully not,” said Ditzy, glancing around with a pensive look, “There’s too many people here who could get hurt if we had to fight her.” Sigurd met Ditzy’s look with a flat stare, but nodded, “Hope is a fine thing, but temper it with ready steel, friend Ditzy.” “I don’t have any steel on me,” Ditzy replied with a helpless grin and shrug. Sigurd frowned, eyeing Ditzy up and down, “Hmm, we shall see about fixing that. How do you feel about a greataxe?” Frederick looked at Ditzy with measuring eyes, tilting his chin up slightly, “No, no Sigurd, she’s clearly more suited to the use of a saber. She has a killer grace about her that requires a delicate tool of violence.” “I...uh...what?” was Ditzy’s confused reply. “I still can’t believe Corona has actually come here,” said Raindrops incredulously, “Is she crazy? Oh, wait, yeah, I guess she is. Still, what she trying to pull? With all these people around?” “Why don’t we go ask her?” suggested Cheerilee with an ‘after you’ gesture, to which Raindrops chuckled dryly, despite the serious look in her eyes. Trixie, having had a bit of time by now to think and not just keep her panic in check, said “I somehow doubt she’s coming specifically to start a fight. Even she can’t be that insane and self deluded. She has to know we’re here, and would have the Elements. Plus there’s the champions from all these other nations about. Who’d decide to attack a gathering like this?” Sigurd gave a firm nod, “It would be a battle to be sung for all the ages to come.” Trixie wasn’t certain if, from his tone, the dvergar water deer actually found the prospect displeasing. “Not sure we should put anything past Corona,” said Raindrops grimly. “Don’t know, Corona hasn’t exactly been torching towns or covering the countryside with armies of sun worshiping fanatics,” said Lyra with a thoughtful look. Ditzy didn’t much look to Trixie like she knew what to think or feel. Trixie thought she mostly saw.fear in the mailmare, undercut by anger. Which Trixie could understand. Yes Corona hadn’t been burning Equestria down lately, or ever, really, and Trixie wouldn’t deny that the alicorn had treated them... fairly, back on Tambelon during the conflict with Grogar. But Corona was still the enemy. Trixie watched as Ditzy carefully reached back with a wing to help her daughter down from her back. Dinky’s eyes were wide and fearful but Ditzy pulled her close, hugging Dinky with both hooves and wings. “I want you to stay here for a bit, muffin,” said Ditzy, glancing up at the Duchess Posey with a meaningful look, to which the Duchess nodded with a small smile and approached, kneeling down next to Dinky. “I would be honored if the daughter of the esteemed Element of Kindness would be my escort while your mother conducts business outside,” said the Duchess. Dinky looked between the two adults, and with a heavy smile nodded. Trixie could see the look in Dinky’s eyes, suggesting the filly knew the seriousness of the situation as well as any of them. “Okay mamma, I’ll stay with the Duchess,” Dinky said, returning her mother’s hug, and whispering something in Ditzy’s ears that made the mail mare's eyes widen for a second. Trixie hadn’t quite caught what was said, but Ditzy laughed. “You bet muffin, just be a good girl until then.” That taken care of Trixie exchanged one last round of looks among her friends to make sure they were ready. Seeing their affirming nods, grave looks from Raindrops and Carrot Top, more cocksure and deflecting smiles from Lyra and Cheerilee, and quiet determination from Ditzy, Trixie herself took a deep breath and with her head held high she turned to lead them out. She caught out of the corner of her eye Dao Ming looking at her. The kirin’s stare was almost challenging, as if to say ‘show me what you can do’. Trixie shoved down a spike of irritation. If Dao Ming wanted proof of the Elements of Harmony's power, and she and her friend’s right to bear them, she almost wished Corona was here to start a fight! It’d give her an excuse to wipe that look of Dao Ming’s face. They were followed outside by Sigurd, Frederick, and Dao Ming, as well as Vicereine Puissance. Baron Mounty Max stayed behind with Duchess Posey, and Trixie surmised they’d probably be acting as a buffer between any more curious onlookers who might seek to trickle outside, through she didn’t think they’d actually stop anyone from another nation’s delegation that wanted to see what was happening. Shining Armor was right where Trixie had left him, his horn glowing slightly with prepared arcane energies. She could tell he hadn’t cast any spells yet, but he was ready to throw up one magnificent doozy of a shield spell. “Captain, what is the situation?” Puissance asked as they arrayed themselves on the top steps. “Vicereine, I... I’m not sure,” said Shining Armor with a slight bow, his concentration focused almost entirely on the sight of the golden ark in the sky, “Neither Princess has appeared since landing on the Tyrant Sun’s ship. I also have seen no signs of battle. Unfortunately, that’s all I know...” His voice was strained, worried. Understandable, given the circumstances. Puissance pursed her lips in thought at the stallion’s words, while Frederick peered up at the golden ark with an appreciative whistle. “Corona doesn’t bother with subtlety does she?” the red furred elk said, tapping a hoof on the stone steps. Carrot Top huffed out a short laugh. “This from the guy who dropped a flight of wyverns onto Ponyville?” “Hey, I landed them outside your fair township, m’lady knight,” said Frederick with an air of affected modesty that was ruined by his rakish smile, “You’re the one, I recall, that wanted to ride one into town.” “...Point,” Carrot Top said after a small pause. Sigurd’s nose sniffed, as if he were tasting the air, and his ears twitched, “Neither sound nor smell of battle. No blood, no flames or smoke.” “That’s a good thing, right?” asked Raindrops. “Depends on whether or not that silence means Luna and Cadenza already lost in the two minutes it took for us to chat and come out here,” said Cheerilee. Trixie blanched at the thought. “No, look,” said Dao Ming, pointing, a gesture that Trixie noted the kirin somehow managed to make look graceful and regal, even though she was just pointing one dainty hoof up into the air, “Your Princesses return.” Trixie could see it was true, the midnight blue and bright pink forms of the two Princesses flying up from the ark and swiftly winging towards the front of the monastery. At the same time the glowing gold vessel began a slow and easy descent towards the ground. In moments Princess Luna and Princess Cadenza were standing at the foot of the stone steps leading into the monastery, and Corona’s gold ark had come to a gentle rest no more than twenty paces away, floating as if moored in smooth water. Trixie and her friends were quick to abandon caution and rush to the Princesses. Trixie noted that while Luna was managing to simply look apprehensive but otherwise calm, Princess Cadenza looked... well, frazzled for lack of a better term. She was maintaining her composure, to be sure, but Trixie could tell that the Princess of Cavallia was ruffled by Corona’s presence. Trixie could sympathize. She noted Cadenza casting a look over those gathered, her eyes lingering for a second on Shining Armor, who was also coming down the steps, and the pink alicorn visibly took control of herself, smoothing her features to something resembling control. It was an impressive and fast transformation that left Trixie wondering, casting a glance back at Equestria’s Royal Guard Captain. Once they were standing before the two alicorn Princesses, Trixie looked to Luna with a tilt of her head towards the ark, “So, I’m taking it by the lack of explosions that we’re not immediately going to need worry about firing off the Elements?” Luna’s return look was about as guarded as Trixie had ever seen the Equestrian monarch wear. Luna’s capacity for hiding her thoughts and emotions was second to few in Trixie’s experience, and now it was near impossible to gauge just how worried or not the Princess was as she said, “Not immediately, no. My sister claims to have come with peaceful intentions.” Trixie’s first thought was that Corona’s intentions shouldn’t have any bearing on the fact that she was a still standing threat to the safety of Equestria and that a clear shot to take the alicorn down before she could launch her bid to take over Canterlot would be foolish to pass up. However if Luna was going to go that route she would have said so, and Trixie knew how... poorly Luna would react to Trixie and her friends taking the initiative in this case. “Guess we’ll hear what she has to say,’ Trixie said, looking towards the ark. At that moment the phoenix-like head of Corona’s ship appeared to animate, coming to life as the beak opened to reveal an a ramp of gold molded steps that flowed down to form a path to the ground from the ark’s top deck. The sound of metal shod hooves upon the deck rang out loudly as Corona herself descended the steps from her ark. As was always the case with Corona, Trixie could feel a weight of presence that washed ahead of the ancient alicorn like a heat wave. Taller than Luna, coat a pure regal white, Corona wore little beyond her gold horseshoes, torc, an tiara of her Princess regalia, the ensemble glinting in the fading evening light. Her mane lit up most of the surrounding area with a blazing orange glow, the crest of seemingly living liquid flames that topped Corona’s head bright enough to be hard to look directly at. Corona was not alone. As she reached the ground and stood tall and proud, her eyes unblinking as they surveyed those gathered before her, others descended the ramp. There were four, and among them Trixie immediately recognized the zebra mare Zecora, who was wearing plain brown robes and her strange gold neck and leg loops. Zecora moved with caution as opposed to the confidence of the alicorn she served, the zebra’s steps careful and her eyes beneath the hood of her robes looking about with suspicion, as if expecting an attack to come at any moment. The other three Trixie hadn’t seen before, but she did note the reactions from Raindrops and Lyra, both of her friends stiffening at the sight. “Kindle...” Raindrops muttered, brow furrowed, mane bristling, and wings outstretched in an aggressive posture. Her eyes were glued to a bright red pegasus stallion among Corona’s entourage, whose blazing orange mane made him stand out along with the bright, stark white robe he wore emblazoned with sigils of the sun. "Great," Trixie muttered, "Everypony's favorite sun fanatic. Looks like he brought the whole team." “We've dealt with them once before, we can do it again if need be,” said Lyra with a tight lipped frown. There were two others descending from the ark with Kindle. One was a nondescript grey unicorn mare whose looked rather out of place amid the grandeur and ego surrounding her. She kept close to Kindle, wearing a plainer white robe and looking around with wide eyes and a skittishness to her steps that made Trixie think the mare might bolt at a loud noise. The other remaining creature disembarking from the ark was the unicorn mare’s complete opposite; a massive, heavily muscled griffin who was clad in gleaming golden armor that encased his muscular chest and parts of legs and flanks.The air shimmered around him as if the armor itself was generating heat. “Terrorwing," Raindrops grumbled, eyeing the gigantic griffin, “As if I needed more of a headache with Kindle already here.” “I'm about as thrilled to see Smoke," Trixie said under her breath with a snort, sizing up Smoke, who seemed to be all but hiding behind Kindle, until the pegasus noticed her, paused, and with a bright smile leaned down and whispered something to Smoke that almost immediately had the unicorn standing straighter and walking more openly. Terrorwing, in the meantime, had pointedly positioned himself between Corona and the crowd on the steps, through upon doing so Corona herself put a wing on his shoulder and gently brushed the griffin aside. Terrorwing didn’t argue, only bowed his head respectfully and stepped aside for Corona to stand boldly before all the creatures gathered before her. At this time Trixie heard Dao Ming made a small noise, like a foal’s ‘eep’, only more subdued, and she turned to notice they had more company. On top of the steps more of the Shouma delegation had appeared. Trixie recognized the dark feathered form of Kenkuro, but the one the tengu stood beside drew far more attention. This kirin mare had a clear blood relation to Dao Ming, sharing an almost mirror image of facial features. A similar emerald coat, through darker and somehow richer in color. Her mane and tail were raven black, as opposed to Dao Ming's shining gold, so long they trailed near the ground, even while playing home to complex braided patterns held by jade sticks, the most complex of all seemingly woven into a headdress of gold and jade that looked very much akin to the shape of a cherry blossom tree, with dangling diodes of onyx. Her twin horns swept back above the headdress. She wore a silken dress of black and gold, form fitting and trailing behind her like a dark mist. Dao Ming suddenly moved in front of her mother, her features cracked with a worried frown, getting out the words, “Mother, perhaps you should-” The younger kirin was silenced by a single look. The Empress’ jade eyes reminded Trixie somehow of sword points. Dao Ming shrank back from her mother mutely as if slapped in the face by scalding water, her own silver eyes as wide as a terrified foal’s. The Empress Fu Ling said nothing to her daughter, merely breezing past her as if she were of no more consequence than an offending pebble that had been found underhoof. Dao Ming, head bowed, eyes cast to the ground, merely let her mother walk by silently. Trixie noted that Kenkuro gave the kirin heiress a sympathetic glance as he dutifully followed in the Empress’ wake. Other kirin, ones Trixie guessed were also part of the royal family, followed behind, one of them, a female with a ruby red coat, stayed near Dao Ming, even leaning in to whisper something to the other kirin. From the look on the ruby coated one’s face and the small relief on Dao Ming’s they’d been words of comfort. Trixie thought on it no more as Corona strode towards them, and Empress Fu Ling reached the bottom of the steps. They stood like three opposing forces, Trixie, her friends, Luna and Cadenza on one end of the triangle, Corona and her gathered minions on the other, and the Empress of Shouma at the third point. Trixie looked the Empress over with a sidelong gaze. If Fu Ling showed any concern or care that she stood among alicorns, among the most powerful beings in the world, she showed no hint of it. If anything the Shouma Empress carried herself with the bearing of one who was among peers. That meant she was either very powerful, quite mad, or both. Whatever the answer, it made Trixie very nervous. Corona, for her part, didn’t seem to pay the Empress any attention as she tilted her head to look up at Luna and the Element Bearers. Trixie couldn’t help an urge to look away from the Tyrant Sun’s gaze, but forced herself to stand firm. She was entirely ready to make use of her Element if it became called for. “Sister,” Corona said, pitching her voice perfectly so that it could be heard by all yet somehow didn’t come off as yelling, “All of who have come to this sacred island, I have come to honor the spirit with which you have all gathered here and as Equestria’s rightful ruler participate in observing the Contest.” Was... that it? Trixie blinked, not at all understanding. Had Corona come all this way, made such a flashy entrance, just for the sake of watching the Contest? Why? What did she stand to gain by doing that? Trixie wanted to believe there had to be some kind of trick here. Corona’s goal was to make herself sole sovereign of Equestria. What did watching the Contest have to do with that? Trixie briefly glanced at Luna, who was wearing a surprisingly calm expression given the circumstances. Trixie imagined Luna must have gained some kind of assurances that Corona wasn’t here to just burn them all alive, yet Trixie wanted to hear it from the alicorn’s own mouth. “You say you’re here with peaceful intentions?” Trixie stepped forward, mustering her courage. Knowing her friends were right there at her back certainly helped as Corona turned her piercing, near white glowing eyes towards Trixie. “What manner of proof can you offer of this?” Corona glowered, the flames that crept along her mane intensifying, “What proof could possibly be required beyond my word? If I wished anyone here harm, Luna, we would not be speaking at this instant. You know I do not waste time on deceptions. I have no need for them!” “Well, there’s that, but...,” put in Trixie, tapping the Element of Magic lightly with one hoof, “We do happen to have plenty of insurance for your good behavior.” “There is that, yes,” said Corona with a sour grimace. “My Queen, if I may?” asked Kindle as he walked up beside her, and through Corona looked faintly annoyed still, she gave him a nod of approval. Kindle’s smile was wide and filled with fanatical warmth as he bowed deeply to Corona, then he turned his gaze upon the crowd. Trixie knew next to nothing about this pegasus besides what she’d heard from Raindrops and Lyra after they’d returned from a mission to the Griffin Kingdoms a little over a month ago, one where they’d worked to counter the attempts of Kindle, acting as the so-called Voice of the Sun, to bring numerous griffins to Corona’s side. He certainly had a wide, gleaming light in his eyes that spoke of supreme confidence that bordered on madness, and a smile that was warm and charming while at the same time just looking a tad too wide. “I understand that some among you may question the intentions of my Queen! Yet I ask you to understand something very important about the alicorn who stands here openly before you. This grand event, this Contest of Champions, honors the sacrifices of brave souls who died putting a stop to that!” he pointed at the dark, distant form of the looming fortress of Rengoku, “And among those who battled that evil was this very alicorn! While most of you are here to honor the dead, Queen Celestia knew those who died on that day. She was there. It was her subjects, akin to her own children, who sacrificed their lives to protect all races, all nations, from every corner of the world!” He swept his eyes across the crowd, across the kirin, rearing on his hind legs and holding his forelegs wide as he used his wings for balance. “I ask all of you; how can you possibly question her motives for being here!? Out of all who stand here save for Princess Luna herself it is Celestia who has every right to stand here on this island and honor the dead by showing her favor upon the Contest of the very champions who have been chosen to represent their lands. Who here would have the gall to deny her that right!?” Next to Trixie she heard Raindrops whisper under her breath, “Jerk is still good with words... didn’t knock enough sense into him...” The silence that followed Kindel’s words was broken by a firm, commanding voice that reminded Trixie of a glacier. “Finely spoken words, herald,” said Empress Fu Ling, stepping forward without any apparent fear. She wasn’t looking at Kindle as she spoke, but instead had her eyes fixed upon Celestia. The Empress smiled, a flash of white teeth that left Trixie wondering if it was meant to be a welcoming sight or a threatening one. Corona didn’t seem to care either way. “Amaterasu, you honor all upon this island with your arrival,” the Empress said with an incline of her head that was the kind used between those of equal station, “When word reached the Heavenly Empire of your return to our world I was thrilled at the prospect of meeting you face to face, one day. I suspected the Contest of Champions would be such an occasion.” Trixie couldn’t help but grimace. Thrilled at the prospect of meeting Corona? Was the Empress trying to make herself sound like a sun fanatic? No, Trixie thought, the look on the Empress’ face wasn’t one of worship, like on Kindle’s. Her’s was a look of curiosity and pleasure, like the way Trixie might look if she happened to meet a fellow magician she admired. Professional and political interest, Trixie was willing to bet, was the Empress game. Corona actually looked the Empress up and down, face placid, decidedly nonplussed. It was the look one gave a stray dog. “I see. You’re Ying Shen’s descendant.” The Empress blinked, immediately recovered, nodding her head, “Yes, though we no longer speak the name of the Warlord in the Heavenly Empire. She cast it in a aura of dishonor that has stricken itself from our records. It has been our bloodline’s long task to repair the damage of the Warlord’s follies. That is why I am so pleased you have come, Amaterasu. Unlike all who have come before me, I can now honor both great alicorns who played a role in ensuring my ancestor’s mistakes were halted.” Corona gave the barest of nods at that, turning instead to Luna, “Well, sister? Shall you tolerate my presence? Or will you sick your knights upon me? Answer swiftly, for I must plan my day.” “Its nighttime,” Ditzy pointed out flatly, a deep frown etched onto her face. Corona briefly turned her eyes to the mailmare, “It is always day, somewhere.” Ditzy closed her mouth. Trixie said a silent thank you. They really didn’t need to antagonize the unstable alicorn. More and more people had gathered outside now, staring down at the most unusual gathering. Griffins, cervids, zebras, minotaurs, more ponies, all stared at the Tyrant Sun’s arrival. Trixie noted that among many of the onlookers there was more curiosity than fear. Trixie realized she shouldn't have been surprised. None of them had the history of fear driving them to distrust Corona. The Griffins’, Equestria’s closest neighbors, had still not felt any real bite from Princess Celestia’s fall to being Corona, and to the rest of the other nations it was little more than an ancient pony legend. Even if Corona decided to fight us here and now, its possible only the Elkheim champions would fight alongside us... Trixie realized, and she looked to Luna. Luna, for her part, seemed to have read the situation faster than Trixie had, and while there was still that guarded expression that showed little of what was going on inside the night blue alicorn’s mind, Trixie wasn’t surprised at all at Luna’s next words. “Very well, sister. On your word, and on the trust we once shared, I shall accept your observance of the Contest.” ---------- When the pale light of the real sun finally filled the sky the next morning its rays found Trixie fitfully half-dozing in bed. She was in one of the many guest rooms available to contestants at the monastery, simply furnished but quite cozy and comfortable, with a single window facing out of the cliff face itself. Trixie let out a tired moan, rolling out of bed and rubbing at her face with a hoof. Her eyes were bleary with the remnants of a less than restful sleep, most of her dreams filled with the fearful thoughts of what a certain white, insane alicorn might have done while the Element Bearers rested. She approached her room’s single window and stared out of it, placing her forehooves on the sill as she leaned her face out to catch some refreshingly chill morning breeze. Unfortunately any pleasantness of the view was marred by the sight of that giant golden ark that was parked in front of the monastery's entry steps Corona, here at the Contest. As a guest. The notion just wasn’t ludicrous, it was as insane as the sun alicorn herself. But this was the reality of the situation, and there was nothing to be done about it. At least Trixie could deter some of her anxiety by reminding herself that when it came to alicorns, at least they had two alicorns on their side to counter anything that Corona might try. While Princess Luna was, sadly, not as strong as her elder sister, and the much less ancient Princess Cadenza even weaker still, the pair of them together could possibly keep the elder alicorn in check. On top of that, there was a small army of worldwide national champions on the island, and while Trixie held no illusions at all that any of the other nations champions would be able come close to matching the mythic Corona’s power, the combined might of all of them gathered on the Isle of the Fallen might be enough to give Corona pause. Then, of course, there were the Elements of Harmony. If worst came to worst Trixie and her friends could quickly access their Elements. Even with that comforting thought she was still coming to grips with what Corona’s presence here might mean. Was it really possible that Corona was here only to honor the fallen champions of old? She did know them, after all, was there twelve hundred years ago to actually witness the events that had transpired on the Isle of the Fallen. Perhaps it was possible that somewhere in the alicorn’s less than stable mind she was just doing what was natural, nevermind she was doing it during a time where she was actively intending to forcibly take over Equestria and place it under her singular rule. Trixie rubbed at her face with a hoof, letting out a small groan, “May you live in interesting times,” she quoted from... she wasn’t sure from where. A book, a poem, she wasn’t sure, but she knew the line was a quote from somewhere, an oft used curse upon those who claimed they were bored with the status quo. Trixie could stand to have a less interesting life by her own estimation. After freshening up in the surprisingly modern bathroom her quarters had (the monastery certainly didn’t look like the kind of place that’d have fully functional indoor plumbing) Trixie went to the wardrobe and swiftly threw on her customary hat and cape. She’d be donning her armor soon, but the Grand Melee was still a few hours away and Trixie wasn’t eating breakfast in armor. No matter how comfortable and spectacular the armor happened to be. Stepping out into the smoothly hewn stone corridor outside her room Trixie flinched as she heard raised voices nearby, just around the bend of the hallway leading to the common room that connected to the hallway she and her friends had been given for space at the monastery. She knew Carrot Top, Cheerilee, Raindrops, and Ditzy had decided to take the rooms at the monastery, only Lyra opting to stay at a hotel in town in order to have some ‘alone time’ with Bon Bon. Trixie was a bit surprised Lyra had taken the opportunity to drag Bon Bon to this monastery for some sense of location conquest, but perhaps for once her friend was actually considering Trixie’s comfort by sparing her a night of listening to Lyra and Bon Bon’s nightly activities. Trixie wasn’t about to question the blessing. One of the voices Trixie heard was Raindrops. The other was the smooth masculine drawl that she recognized belonged to Kindle. That caught Trixie by surprise. What was the Voice of the Sun doing here this early in the morning? Trixie tip-hoofed closer, to where the bend in the hallway lead to a wide opening into the oval shaped common room. “I wish to create a clean slate, Dame Raindrops,” Kindle said, the flaring red pegasus stallion near backed up into the wall by an aggressively glaring Raindrops who appeared as if she was very shortly going to be decorating the walls with pieces of the fellow’s skull. Trixie had seen Raindrops angry a number of times before, but the glassy eyed, still rage simmering in her friend's turquoise gaze was reaching a new level by Trixie’s estimation. It made her pause at the threshold of the common room, not all too eager to rush in just yet. “The only clean slate you’ll ever get from me, Kindle, is when your ‘Queen’ is locked back up in the sun where she belongs and whatever madness she’s rubbed off on you sees you spending a long time in the most secure mental hospital in Equestria,” Raindrops said in a low, too-controlled voice that Trixie recognized as a fair sign Raindrops was about as livid as was possible without craters being involved. Just what had passed between her and Kindle, back in the Griffin Kingdoms? Trixie was wondering if Raindrops might not have told the whole story. Kindle for his part seemed to be maintain an impressive air of self calm as he let out a small sigh, smiling sadly, “I find it regrettable that things have progressed they way they have. Believe me, Raindrops, nopony more than I desires that our first meeting could have gone better. I meant it when I said I wanted us to be friends. I understand you and your friends are doing what you feel is right, but it is a misguided notion to oppose our Queen-” “Kindle, stop, before I end up doing something we’ll both find ‘regrettable’,” Raindrops said plainly, “I don’t have time for your games and I’m done listening to anything you have to say. If all you came here for was another pointless play to make your madness sound remotely sane, then I’ll show you right out the door. Without opening it first.” Kindle eyed her, as if trying to gauge how serious Raindrops was, and apparently finding his answer he said, “I can see your conviction. It is among your most admirable traits. For what little it may be worth to you, Dame Raindrops, I have never considered you an enemy. Nor shall I, even come the hour of my Queen’s glorious return to Canterlot. Good day, and my most sincere wishes for your good fortune in the Contest.” He departed out the door of his own volition, as opposed to an involuntary pony shaped battering ram, and Raindrops stood there for a few seconds, breathing heavily and visibly shaking a bit. Trixie hesitated about disturbing her, but Raindrops spoke, startling the magician. “You can come in, Trixie, I’m not going to freak out or break anything.” “I, uh, heh, so you knew I was there?” Trixie stepped into the common room, giving Raindrops an embarrassed smile, “Sorry, didn’t want to interrupt the show.” “Yeah, show...” Raindrops rubbed her neck and went over to flop into one of the plush chairs that surrounded the large stone table that dominated the center of the room, “Ugh, this is crazy. Why are they here, Trixie? We got enough to worry about without having Corona dumped on us at the last minute! I’ll eat your hat if she isn’t plotting something.” “No, I like my hat,” said Trixie, sitting down across from Raindrops, “You can eat your hat. That dopey looking one you got from Pferdreich.” “That hat isn’t dopey, its cultural,” said Raindrops, cracking a small grin, which by Trixie’s estimation was a nice bit of progress towards having a nice morning. Raindrops’s smile faded quickly, however, as she glanced at the door Kindle had left through. “I would’ve expected Corona to push for her little fanclub to participate in the Contest. Some kind of half-flanked play to make herself look more legitimate, instead of a crazymare.” It didn’t surprise Trixie in the least, and she relaxed into her seat, making an off-hoof gesture as she said, “Corona thinks her claim to Equestria is unquestionable. Far as she’s concerned she has nothing to prove. I don’t know if I believe her claim that she’s just here to honor the Contest, but I think we need to focus on the Contest for now. With us, the Elements, Luna, Princess Cadenza, and a small army of other national champions here I don’t think there’s much Corona can hope to pull without putting herself in a world of hurt.” “Yeah, I suppose you’re right...” Raindrops said, not sounding entirely convinced. Trixie, looking about at the otherwise unoccupied common room, frowned. “So where’re the rest of the girls?” “Cheerilee is out having breakfast with a friend she met yesterday. Lyra’s still sleeping in near as I can tell. Ditzy took Dinky out to check out the festival grounds and to meet up with my parents and Snails, since Dinky is going to be their responsibility for the day. I actually don’t know where Carrot Top has gotten off to...” Raindrops’ brow furrowed in thought, “Actually, come to think of it, I don’t think she stayed in her room here last night. Last I saw her she was still hanging out with that elk fellow, their Prince or whatever... Frederick.” Trixie felt her eyebrow shooting up. Carrot Top had last been seen with that flirtatious elk? Interesting. Very interesting. Also the general dispersal of her friends was a slight annoyance, given their timetable. “I hope they all know to show up back here soon,” Trixie said, ‘We’re supposed to be getting ready for the Grand Melee. Can’t start the Contest without all of us champions together.” “I’m sure they’ll be back,” said Raindrops, getting up and stretching her wings, “In the meantime, you want to go grab something to eat? Can’t fight on an empty stomach.” Trixie, after a moment’ consideration, nodded, “Eat, drink, and be merry; for today we kick flank and chew bubble gum?” “Fortunately I don’t think they serve bubble gum here,” said Raindrops with a genuine grin. ---------- “Ah, sister, have you tried this rather unusual candy?” asked Tomoko as she and Dao Ming strode among the multicolored tents and stalls around the edge of the festival grounds, “I believe it’s called ‘bubble gum’. I’m not entirely certain why.” Dao Ming’s silver eyes glanced towards the small pink sphere of shiny coated candy floating in her sister’s forest green telekinetic aura of magic and she tried to force a smile she wasn’t feeling. “I’m certain the purveyor would be happy to inform you on those questions if we ask her, Tomoko,” she said, turning her gaze to the mare in question, a creme colored earth pony mare with a two toned mane of dark blue and bright pink. The mare was looking at the two kirin standing before her booth with a look that was a mix of ecstatic interest and overwhelmed flusterment. Her booth, which had drawn Dao Ming and Tomoko’s interest with its rather colorful pink and blue banner proclaiming that it sold the ‘Sweetest, Sugariest Pastries and Candies from Ponyville!’, was filled with displays containing trays of fresh baked goods whose enticing aromas certainly seemed to back the banner’s claim. “You chew it,” the mare said, with a faint quirk of confusion crossing her brows but to her credit she hid it quickly and Dao Ming felt no insult, “My patented recipe helps my gum keep its flavor for hours and it can let you blow the biggest bubbles in Equestria.” “Why do you blow bubbles with it?” asked Tomoko, eyes intensely gazing at the small piece of candy as if it held long hidden arcane secrets. Dao Ming also had a hard time imagining why one would wish to do such a thing. Wouldn’t the bubble just pop and get sticky gum all over one’s dress? Tomoko was wearing a deep purple dress, not a kimono but a form fitting affair with red filigree patterns of lotus blossoms across the chest. Dao Ming knew the dress was a personal favorite of Tomoko’s, and the idea of getting gum all over it felt vaguely obscene to her, yet somehow oddly... amusing. Tomoko’s question seemed to alarm the young mare, her eyes blinking rapidly in momentary stupefied manner, “Because its fun? Foals love it.” Tomoko made a small ‘Hmm’ at that, and Dao Ming took in and let out a deep breath, managing a polite smile to the pony, “We shall take a box. How much in your Equestrian bits?” The concept of actually having to pay for things was still a concept Dao Ming was having trouble wrapping her head around, but apparently the Equestrians were almost ruthlessly efficient in their economic drive for wealth, which Dao Ming supposed she could admire. She’d acquired a small coffer of Imperial koku and zennies and had a servant make even exchanges of various different national currencies. She now carried several small bags of various objects under her voluminous green and gold kimono, including Equestrian bits, Griffin Kingdom marks, Elkheim wooden credit chits, and the most bizarre of all a ream of Zebrican trade stamps. The mare looked flabbergasted for a second, mouth opening for a second, then closing as a light of enterprise entered her eyes, “Five bits for a full box of twenty. I can give you a variety of flavors, or you can pick and choose as you will.” “A variety will do,” Dao Ming said, inclining her head, “You have my thanks, Miss...?” “Bon Bon! Please, no thanks needed. Its a pleasure to serve you,” said the mare while flashing a happy smile, already moving to package up an assortment of the candies as Dao Ming floated out the agreed upon bits. It felt novel, to the kirin. She’d so rarely had to use money for anything. It was almost scandalous, but since this was part of a cultural exchange it was considered proper, even if the concept of an Imperial Family member having to use money would have been insulting if it’d been a Shouma merchant charging them. “My, my, you are a very polite one,” said Tomoko with a small smile that she hid behind a red fan she snapped open with her levitating magic, her eyes glittering, “You’d do well as a servant at court, I think.” The mare, Bon Bon, looked momentarily taken aback, “Oh, uh, well thank you?” Her tone suggested she wasn’t at all aware of the sheer level of honor Tomoko’s compliment bestowed upon her. It was rare for a member of the Imperial Family to offer such, and many commoners of the Heavenly Empire would be beyond flattered by it. Dao Ming reminded herself this was an Equestrian and they had strange notions in their head. “Good day to you, confectioner Bon Bon. We may visit again, to acquire more of the fruits of your hard work,” Dao Ming said as she turned from the waving Bon Bon after giving the Equestrian a small nod of thanks. Dao Ming and Tomoko walked deeper into the festival grounds. Around them was a vast riot of bright tents and open stages, arranged in neat rows and covering an area near large enough to cover the Imperial Palace grounds twice over. The festival grounds were roughly circular, each nation taking a slice of the circle. It’d been like walking through a fog, for Dao Ming, where every step brought a wash of new smells and sights, akin to stepping through a mist through which each slice of the world was revealed. Given how much food was cooking, there was, in fact, a haze of faint smoke that permeated the entire festival. They were currently in the Equestrian section, but she and Tomoko had already passed through an entire circuit of the grounds before they’d decided to slow down to take a closer look at some of the booths. For all that her mind wanted to be in full panic at her mistake with her mother yesterday, it was hard not to be fascinated by the sights around her. She’d spent her entire life reading of these distant lands, it was almost overwhelming to see so much so quickly. Naqah’s tents had been vast colorful domes of such kaleidoscoping blends of various colored patches that they almost distracted from the camels’ entertainment, performers providing dazzling displays of dancing with fire, each came dancer intertwining their motions with streams and circles of bright burning flames that formed numerous complex shapes which Dao Ming suspected was aided by the camels’ unique magic. The heady smells of exotic spices from the Naqah tents had then given way to the thick wood smoke of deep cooking pits and the colorful camel tents had fallen behind to be replaced by strong log stalls and totems carved with the reliefs of strong cervid visages. The festival grounds for Elkhiem were all but vibrating with singing voices of elk, deer, and moose as the hearty folk of that northern realm sang throaty ballads in their kind’s native tongue. Here mead seemed to flow relentless, not a single passer by going long without a mug of the foamy brew reaching their hooves or talons. The griffins certainly seemed to enjoy spending time among the Elkhiem folk, Dao Ming had noted, and she saw more than a few of the avian creatures joining in the cervid’s singing, even if the griffin’s didn’t seem to know the words. Tomoko had had to extricate Dao Ming from spending too much time examining some of the Elkhiem’s smithing techniques; the cervids having set up a fully functional forge to display their impressive craftsmanship to any who cared to observe. The elk clearly loved games as well, especially physical ones. Dao Ming saw half a dozen different wrestling rings set up outside one tent, while another space had been given over to some sort of... log tossing competition? She had to admit, if only to herself, that some of those cervids could get impressive distance throwing entire tree trunks bigger than they were. The smell of cooked meat had been a new experience for Dao Ming as she’d passed through the griffin’s section of the festival grounds and had paused to watch with curiosity at a large circular part of the field that’d been cleared into a miniature arena where the griffins, all displaying such a varying degree of coloring and sigils among their worn livery that it made Dao Ming wonder just how many different Griffin Kingdoms there actually were and how many noble families filled each Kingdom with so much competitive rivalry. Her readings upon the Griffin Kingdoms covered many of the heraldries she was seeing on display, but the actual number present surpassed what her texts had covered. Was the Heavenly Kingdom’s information so far out of date? Something she’d have to seek to correct as soon as possible, she decided. The griffins seemed as eager to compete with each other as with the other races and Dao Ming politely turned down more than a few offers of physical challenge; though she’d found herself oddly curious about one griffin game that seemed to involve throwing sticks at carefully arranged wood blocks that’d been set up on raised platforms. Griffins would perform flybys of these block formations, throwing the heavy sticks. As far as Dao Ming could tell the point of the game was to knock over as many of the blocks as possible, and different formations of blocks required different throwing techniques to properly hit them all. When she’d inquired on the game a grinning griffin had named the game gorodki. The griffins also had a ground based version for non fliers to compete in. It’d be entertaining to watch her brother, Lo Shang, try his hoof at it, but she’d refrained. She’d soon lost track of the numerous sights she’d seen, and reflected that Tomoko seemed to specifically avoid dragging Dao Ming towards the section of the festival that’d been set up by the Heavenly Empire. Probably for the best. Dao Ming had not originally planned to come out here this morning, instead using the time to meditate and clear her mind and soul, but Tomoko had arrived and all but browbeat Dao Ming into coming out with her other siblings. Dao Ming was fairly certain she knew why Tomoko was doing this, as well. “Tomoko, I must thank you,” she said, watching curiously as her sister popped one of the round pieces of bubble gum into her mouth. Tomoko chewed for a few seconds, face a mask of contemplation as she kept pace with Dao Ming. “Thank me? Whatever for?” Tomoko casked, hiding part of her face behind her fan and giving Dao Ming a coy look. “I know you brought me out here to help take my mind off of last night,” Dao Ming said, still keenly able to feel her shame from the previous night as sharply as a needle tip. She tried to keep that shame from showing on her face, schooling it carefully to one of stillness. Tomoko’s face was serene as she gave a demure nod, dropping her fan enough so that Dao Ming could see one of her small smiles that Dao Ming knew could hide many meanings. “My intentions are so transparent? I apologize, then. I hope you don’t take my blunt ploy to raise your spirits as an insult to your intellect, sister.” Dao Ming shook her head, “No, of course not. Your concern is... unwarranted. Last night’s mistake was wholly my own and I accept that in order to make up for it I will simply have to perform perfectly in the Grand Melee today.” The mistake in question was one Dao Ming knew she should have had better sense to make, and it made hot shame rise inside her to recall her moment of panic. Perhaps to outsiders it wouldn’t have looked like much. She certainly doubted any of the Equestrian’s had noticed it. However to bar the path of the Empress was an insult akin to a slap in the face. When Dao Ming had dared to step in front of her mother’s way as the Empress had been moving towards Amaterasu, it’d been a horrible misstep. Dao Ming had done it out of concern, but that was irrelevant; she’d insulted the Empress. The reason Dao Ming had dared do it at all had been because of Amaterasu herself. Dao Ming could keenly recall the sheer radiating presence that had been exuded by the mare, if the term ‘mare’ could even logically apply to one such as Amaterasu. Dao Ming had been prepared to witness something powerful, and she’d been curious to see what the legendary alicorn was like, but one look had all but shattered what Dao Ming realized now had been simplistic expectations. Amaterasu was power incarnate and hadn’t even needed to physically demonstrate that power for Dao Ming to realize how dangerous the alicorn was. A momentary, foolish fear for her mother’s life had caused Dao Ming to dare bar her mother’s path, and the Empress had shown her displeasure with but a look. It’d been more than enough to set Dao Ming back in both fear and shame. Her mother’s penetrating eyes had that kind of power over her, to remind her of how small Dao Ming was, and how far she had to strive to earn the Empress’s respect. I will make it up to her today. I will earn back her regard for my blunder... Dao Ming thought fiercely. Tomoko, looking at her with calm, pool-like eyes, let out the smallest of sighs, “I am sure you’ll do well. I look forward to seeing the spectacle. That is the purpose of the Grand Melee, yes? Some manner of ‘exhibition round’?” “Essentially,” Dao Ming said. The rules of the Grand Melee had been explained to the champions the previous night, after the dinner. It was a very straightforward affair. The champions would gather in a location to the north of the monastery, a wide field near the edge of the forest. There, each team of champions, or single champions in the case of countries that fielded just one, would be given ten tokens. The tokens could be placed anywhere on their bodies that was in proper view. The objective of the Grand Melee simple. Each team scored points by gathering the tokens of the other competitors. It was possible to snatch the tokens off a champion, but if one lacked the means to do so, defeating that opponent would likely be the most straightforward manner to gain the tokens. The Grand Melee had a time limit of two hours, upon the end of which the teams with the most tokens were ranked, scoring points for the overall Contest The tokens were enchanted. The spell on each token contained a spell that measured the force of any strike the bearer took during the Grand Melee. If a blow was strong enough be considered a "scoring hit" then the token would flash and then turn gray, indicating a point earned by the one who struck the blow. The exact amount of force needed for a scoring hit was not quite clear, but the monks explained that anything that would cause a solid bruise or broken bone would be enough. Lethal attacks were prohibited, but the possibility of injury was still high, and accidents were not unheard of. There’d been injuries in past Contests, even deaths, on rare occasion. The monks had trained healers on standby to contend with injuries, but it was still frowned upon to overly injure one's opponents in the Grand Melee. As Tomoko had described it, it was meant to be an ‘exhibition match’ for the champions to get a feel for each other before the other, more specialized events to come. In essence the magical tokens were a straightforward means of scoring that were meant to keep the competition balanced and fair, since each team of champions, regardless of size, would only have ten scoring tokens with which to distribute among its members. Each champion required at least one token, as if a champion lost all their tokens they were considered out of the Grand Melee and would be obligated to leave the field. This meant that any team of, say, ten champions would each only have one token, requiring only one scoring hit to take them out of the fight. A single champion, in contrast, could wear all ten tokens and have some breathing room to compete against larger groups. Since Dao Ming and Kenkuro would both be on the field they’d divide their tokens between them evenly, or at least that’s what the tengu suggested. Dao Ming was tempted to take the greater majority, in order to attract more challengers. She had much to prove and wanted to put on a good show for the sake of earning back the face she’d lost with her mother last night. “Well, try to pace yourself,” said Tomoko, “You don’t wish to embarrass the other champions in the first event.” Dao Ming knew the comment was meant to be confidence boosting, not that she needed such, but it was hard not to feel nettled. As if she needed to be told to not overdo things in the opening event. She was about to make a comment to that effect when the enthusiastic bellow of their brother, Lo Shang, could be heard. “Ah! Tomoko, Dao Ming, sisters, come here! You must see this!” Up ahead Dao Ming saw her remaining two siblings, Lo Shang and Xhua, standing in front of another Equestrian managed booth. Xhua was wearing a kimono similar to Dao Ming’s, through predominantly black in color with a deep blue sash. She wore a similar set of darkly blue ribbons tied into her midnight black mane, twined into complex patterns that Dao Ming knew Xhua did herself. Lo Shang was mostly bare of clothing save for a bright red vest across his muscular chest, left unbuttoned and open. The rest of his body was left unclad, and Dao Ming noted more than a few of the passing females in the crowd, whether they be pony, griffin, or other, would let their eyes wander towards the athletic black furred kirin. Lo Shang no doubt noted the looks and even gave sly winks towards a few of the choice females who passed by. Dao Ming suppressed a sigh, knowing she’d have to have a talk with Lo Shang before this evening, otherwise risk him leaving behind a trail of bastard born half kirin before the Contest was through. The booth Lo Shang and Xhua stood before had a rather sweet and sugary scent wafting from it, not unlike the one being run by that friendly mare Bon Bon. Dao Ming was starting to wonder if Equestrians were, overall, rather mad for sweets. It seemed half the tents and booths in their part of the festival were for showcasing some manner of food to cater to a sweet tooth. Not that Dao Ming was complaining. She so rarely had an opportunity, or excuse, to try out such sugary treats. It felt almost improper, but since this was a cultural exchange, well... do as the Equestrians, do, she supposed. This booth appeared to serve the most bizarre looking of candies, even more strange than the gum, which Dao Ming noted Tomoko was having a rather difficult time trying to figure out how to blow into a bubble. The red kirin kept making the oddest faces as she attempted to wrangle the gum into a bubble. Pulling her eyes respectfully away from the sight Dao Ming instead focused on the strange candy in the booth before her. It seemed to be some kind of fluffy, almost cloud-like concoction wound around paper cones. It came in a variety of bright colors, though blue and pink seemed predominant. Lo Shang already had a cone of the pink stuff gripped in his magic and he was grinning like an eager fool as he took a bite out of it. Xhua had a cone of green... cloud candy stuff, and was looking at it dubiously. “What is that?” Dao Ming asked, raising an eyebrow. “They call it cotton candy!” said Lo Shang, “It actually feels like cotton, only it melts most deliciously in your mouth! You must try some, sister! No, we must import this stuff! The Heavenly Empire cannot hold its title properly unless we learn the secrets of manufacturing this cotton candy.” “It’s pretty easy to make,” said the stallion behind the counter of the booth with a bright but bemused smile, “Shocked you eastern types don’t know how to make it.” “If you give me the secrets of this marvelous alchemy I shall forever be in your debt, noble Equestrian,” Lo Shang declared with a switch to a serious face and tone that Dao Ming knew was her brother doing his best to emulate his idol, Kenkuro. She briefly wondered what the tengu was currently doing. LIkely either attending to her mother, fulfilling his role as the Empress’ bodyguard, or he’d managed to sneak off somewhere to bother some poor female of... well, whichever species he fancied at the moment. Either was equally possible. “So, did the Empress punish you further by sending you out to play watchdog upon us, Dao Ming?” asked Xhua, bluntly. “Xhua!” Tomoko chided sharply, nearly spitting her gum out. Xhua blinked, “What, I was merely wondering. Isn’t she supposed to be getting ready for the first event of the Contest?” Dao Ming took a deep breath and steeled herself, forcing her mind to its focused, centered state, “I am prepared. The Empress has seen fit not to administer any further punishment, as is her right. I shall not disappoint her today, this I swear to you, Xhua.” The intensity in her tone must have sunk through even to Xhua, for she took a step back, then seemed to gather herself and nod politely, “Of course, Dao Ming, I was not insinuating otherwise.” Lo Shang, face half buried in cotton candy, seemed dutifully ignoring the small spat between his sisters. Instead of commenting on it, he said, “Shall we be going soon then? The Grand Melee stars within the hour, does it not?” Tomoko nodded, “It does. Dao Ming must be at the grounds within a half hour. I was hoping for us to spend a bit more time together before it started.” “I’m certainly not done sampling the Equestrain’s many offered delights,” said Lo Shang, and even Xhua gave a small, if tired looking smile. “I did hear they serve something called ‘cider’ somewhere. Apparently its supposed to be a rather famous drink made with apples, served up by one of the country’s most prominent farming groups,” said Xhua, tone of a mare making a peace offering. Dao Ming nodded once, “That sounds lovely.” Yes, she didn’t wish to fight with her siblings. There was no need. She had but one in all the world who she desired to prove anything to. Today her mother would finally see... see that Dao Ming was a worthy daughter. There could be no other outcome. ---------- By the time the sun had reached well above the horizon, still in its morning ascent towards its zenith, the Isle of the Fallen was alive with thousands of people from across all the realms of the known world. The sprawling festival grounds between the monastery's cliffs and the now bustling port town of Hero’s Rest was akin to a thriving ant colony, host to hundreds of folk purusing booths and tents displaying goods, music, and food from dozens of cultures. Yet as time for the Contest of Champion’s starting event drew near a steady stream of folk began to pour along the paths across the fields to the north, directed by humble and patient monks, to the grounds where the Contest itself would be held. It was a wide and shallow valley, as if some giant pony from a bygone age of legends left its ancient hoofprint on the island long ago. The valley had a gentle dip on the south end and a slightly steeper ridge on the north where the valley nearly bordered the ocean with a stark white, sandy beach. The valley’s east border ended in the vast, thick forest that dominated that end of the island, only shadowed by the massive, towering form of the fallen fortress, Rengoku. The west end of the valley consisted of several softly curving hills, upon which had been erected a series of large, semi-circular stone edifices. Trixie considered the stone structures, which were carved to resemble, to her eyes, the seating of a coliseum. Each one stood perhaps fifteen paces tall, and were large enough across to seat what Trixie estimated to be around five thousand individuals. The structures were currently empty, but the crowds of folk who had traveled to the island to view the Contest, along with the delegations of the various nations, would soon be filling those seats. She licked her lips in eager anticipation of the sound the crowd would be making when those seats filled. Between yesterday and this morning a number of more ships had arrived from nearly every nation represented in the Contest, and Trixie had seen the teaming festival grounds from a distance as she and her friends had been lead from the monastery into the cool morning air, a young and eager looking goat monk acting as their guide to the Contest grounds. All of her friends were present, the group having convened just in time to ready themselves for the Contest by donning the enchanted armor that Luna had forged for them. The fine metal links of the starmetal chain coats felt as light as wearing a cloak of fog, and the exposed parts gleamed under the morning light without being blinding, as if the metal drank in the light and used it to enhance its luster. Each mare wore a tabard over her armor, corresponding to the color of her coat. On the left breast of these tabards an exact replica of their cutie marks was stitched in fine detail, and on the right breast was the symbol of Equestria itself, a dark blue field bearing the symbol of a lighter blue sun eclipsed by the shape of a crescent moon. To top off their outfits the mares were also all wearing their corresponding Elements of Harmony, the five necklaces and one tiara catching the morning light with gleams akin to small stars. “Were those there yesterday?” Cheerilee asked the goat, whose name he’d given as Gavin. Trixie tilted her head at hearing the question, realizing that she hadn’t noticed the stone colosseum seating before either. “They got put up last night,” said Carrot Top, who Trixie had noticed had been smiling like a cat with a bowl of cream all morning, a bounce in her hoofstep Trixie wasn’t used to seeing in the carrot farmer, “Frederick told me about them as the monks got it all set up.” “Wait, what?” asked Raindrops, gesturing with a wing at the structures, which had to weigh thousands of tons, “Those were built in a night? How!?” “Elkhiem rune magic,” said Carrot Top, “I don’t really get the details, and Frederick didn’t actually show me anything about how it works, but apparently that’s what was used to build these.” “Quite right, honored champion,” said Gavin, the brown goat billy practically beaming at Carrot Top, “When the tradition of the Contest was started the cervid races of Elkhiem sent their greatest rune masters to etch runes inside the island at these grounds, with the intent of allowing we humble monks to sculpt the earth itself for the sake of the Contest.” “Hold up, I didn’t think the cervids let anyone see their runes, let alone use them,” said Lyra, who had been acting rather distracted since she’d returned from town. Trixie made a mental note to ask the other unicorn what was bothering her at the soonest opportunity. Gavin got a sheepish grin on his face, “Of course. The monks of my order count many cervids among our number. It is they who have the honor to use the runes etched into the island to sculpt the earth as needed for the Contest. You’ll see much more of such before the day is out.” “Pretty impressive,” Cheerilee said, looking thoughtfully at the colosseum seats, which were getting ever closer, “I’ve been wondering, just how does your order gain its members? I’ve seen practically every species present among you monks, including even Cheeronear.” “What?” asked Ditzy. “The Cheeronear,” said Cheerilee, then blinked, “Oh, right, uh, I suppose the more common term used in Equestria might be ‘diamond dogs’, but really that’s just a rather inaccurate slang term only referring to a specific denomination of Cheeronear.” “Correct,” said Gavin, his eyes closed in a pleased expression as he trotted along the path that was taking them towards the colosseum block on the far south side of the valley, “To your question, champion Cheerilee, my order recruits its members from all over the world. Believe it or not, it's only during the Contest that much of the order is present here on the island. During the years between Contests many of the order travel the world, seeking lore and legends of noble and heroic deeds, creating chronicles that are brought back to be stored in the monastery's archives. Another responsibility of the monks who travel is to seek new members, usually from among those who have no homes; orphans or vagabonds.” “Really? Do you get a lot of takers?” asked Lyra. “Not many. The order at any time is rarely larger than a few hundred. But truly it's not such a bad offer. I... well, I myself was an orphan. When a monk visited my orphanage and offered to let any who wished join, I leapt at the chance. To gain a purpose and a family all in one instant? I certainly don’t regret the choice.” He grinned, “I’m glad I got to live to see the actual Contest take place, to see champions like you in the flesh.” Trixie coughed, trying to hide her grin, “Wait until we’ve actually hit the field, then you’ll see something to be impressed with.” “Soooo, Carrot Top,” Lyra suddenly spoke up, giving the other mare a sidelong, lidded and suggestive glance, “What were you and that elk prince doing all last night anyway? When I left to spend the night with Bon Bon I noticed you and he were still swapping stories. Isn’t that supposed to be some kind of courting ritual for the cervids?” Carrot Top didn’t blush, but there was certainly a glow about her as she met Lyra’s stare with a simple smile, and Trixie noticed Carrot Top’s tail actually wagged a bit, “Oh, this and that. You know.” “C’mon you can’t leave it at that! Give a mare some details. Juicy details. With diagrams, preferably,” said Lyra, all but hopping in place. “Now Lyra, leave her be,” chided Cheerilee, though she gave Carrot Top a small wink as she said, “I’m certain they didn’t do anything two consenting adults aren’t perfectly allowed to do together.” ‘“Besides, some among us could do without knowing the details,” suggested Trixie, blanching as she looked with flat, unamused looks at her two friends, “Carrot Top, you didn’t actually...?” Carrot Top looked at Trixie with a rather innocent expression, one that Trixie didn’t think was faked, “If we did would there really be anything wrong with that?” “You sure you aren’t accidentally marrying into a foreign royalty or something?” asked Raindrops. “No, no! Nothing like that! Um, at least I don’t think so? We’re just enjoying each other’s company for the Contest. That’s all.” Carrot Top’s tone suggested that’s what she considered the end of the matter. Lyra, despite still looking curious for details, dropped the subject, and none of the other mares pressed for more. Trixie was just glad to have that topic left by the wayside. What Carrot Top did on her own time was her own business, and Trixie had no desire to know about her friend’s love lives. Gavin had gone silent, apparently not sure what to make of the exchange between the six mares from Ponyville. Soon enough they passed beneath the shadow of the large stone coliseum seating block, and Trixie could see that in the back of the edifice was a pair of large archways leading inside it. Within they found a dry, comfortably large hallway lit by torches, and apparently leading from one end of the block to the other, as Trixie could see the light from the other end of the block even from the rear entrance. Along the hallway were a number of side paths, and Trixie could see each one lead to a circular waiting chamber, many of them already occupied by other champions. She recognized ponies from Cavallia, Zaldia, Pferdreich, and a number of other nations that bordered Equestria. It seemed most of the champions occupying the waiting rooms of this block were ponies. She imagined the griffins took up another block and the cervids yet another. When Gavin finally led them to their own waiting room Trixie saw that Luna was there waiting for them, and... Corona. Both alicorns stood facing each other, giving Trixie the impression of two storm fronts in the process of colliding. Neither was speaking, merely standing in the center of the well furnished waiting room, staring at each other. If Trixie hadn’t known better she’d assume the pair were just some very well made statues. However the moment Trixie and her friends arrived the two alicorns animated, Luna letting out a breath and turning a kind eye towards them, and Corona turning to walk towards the exit with long, purposeful steps. Trixie could feel actual, literal heat pouring off of Corona’s pearly white body as the alicorn paused by her and her friends. Corona’s eyes turned towards them, resting briefly on each in turn. To Trixie’s happy pride none of her friends flinched back from the stare. Gavin, the poor young goat, looked ready to push himself through the stone wall. His fear told Trixie he was likely a goat who’d lived in Equestria before joining the monks. “Fight well,” was all Corona said, the sharp, clipped words coming off not as a well wish, but a irrefutable command. Then the Tyrant Sun marched out, leaving a palpable aura of tension in her wake. “The flying feathers was that about?” wondered Raindrops, ears flat against her skull. “My sister has been trying to convince me of the so-called ‘wisdom’ of surrendering Equestria to her,” said Luna as she lowered her wings and made a small gesture for them to enter the room and take seats. She had a tired, sad smile on her face. “I almost yearn for her to just launch an attack at me. I know how to respond to that. This... between space, where she seeks to reconcile, but remains as madly focused on her desire to rule Equestria alone, is... difficult.” “I guess rainbow blasting her is still off the table?” asked Cheerilee, and at Luna’s look she quickly smiled apologetically, “Sorry, trying to lighten the mood.” “The levity is not unappreciated, at least the spirit in which it is given,” said Luna with a small return smile, taking in and letting out a slow breath, “Today is about the six of you, and your fellow champions. Put my sister from your minds, if you may.” Easier said than done by Trixie’s reckoning, but she understood what Luna was trying to say. They needed to focus upon the Contest, and not let worries about Corona’s presence distract them. Trixie was fine with that, she was filled enough with nervous energy that it was hard not to let it show too much with random tail flicks or idle hoof tapping. This was akin to the buzz she often got before any performance, but was ratcheted up to a degree that made Trixie feel like she was ready to burst from her skin. It wasn’t a bad feeling. In fact it was a solid endorphin high that put her on high alert. She hoped her friends felt similar. Looking among them as they all took seats Trixie could at least tell that none of her friends seemed like they were going to have pre-show jitters or serious stage fright. Ditzy seemed the most nervous, but even then that seemed more agitation at Corona than anything else, the mailmare’s eyes flicking towards where Corona had exited every now and again even after they’d all taken seats. Before long there was a regular, solid vibration through the stone of the room and a distant pounding and din of countless voices. Lyra looked up, grinning, “Sounds like they’re getting the crowd all nice and seated. Heheh, this is going to be a big crowd. Hope they’ll all be able to get a good view.” Luna smiled knowingly, eyes glinting, “Oh, the audience shall have a remarkable view. The Order of Legends has long ago commissioned magical items that aid in ensuring those that come to view the Contest can see the events unfold with clarity. Enchanted viewing mirrors, operated by the order’s unicorns. Short range, but effective, these mirrors are large enough to provide a good view for half of a stadium, and the order has over a dozen of these mirrors to use. Smaller such enchanted mirrors will be carried by numerous monnk that are linked to the larger mirrors, capturing whatever is reflected in their surface and transferring the images to the larger mirrors. Again, only over a short distance. You’ll probably get a nice close up or two to show your good sides to the crowd.” Lyra gave a whistle of appreciation and Trixie blinked, “That’s... that’s one way to do it. I’m impressed. The Order sounds like it gets a lot of... monetary support for all this.” Luna shrugged her wings, “Each nation pitches in some funds to ensure the Order can maintain itself between Contests. They spend little on themselves, and much on preparing for the Contest. Did you think all the ships bringing folk of all kinds here were paid for just by those arriving? Many of those vessels were commissioned by the Order to ferry people to the island for this momentous event.” Trixie nodded, impressed, then she sighed, “If only there’d been a way to get such mirrors back home. Short range, you said? Well, I’m sure Ponyville will enjoy hearing the tale once we return.” Luna’s smirk deepened, in that manner only an ancient being that knows more than it should is capable of, “Oh, I might have made.. arrangements in that regard.” ---------- The Golden Oaks Library was quite a bit roomier on the inside than its humble exterior would lead one to believe. Even so Twilight Sparkle found herself shuffling somewhat nervously near the back of the main floor, which had been given over to a crowd of ponies who were mingling together and taking seats on various comfortable cushions. Princess Luna herself, or as Twilight understood it a magically created duplicate the alicorn had sent, was standing along one side of the library’s spacious main floor, her magic effortless floating a large rectangular mirror in the air. That mirror would be providing those gathered a view from across thousands of miles to the island where Trixie and the other Element Bearers would be competing. Twilight found it fascinating that the order of monks on that island apparently had created these mirrors to both gather and display images. While similar scrying magic was hardly an unknown, the scale of it being employed during the Contest was impressive. Luna, of course, was perhaps the only one in all Equestria capable of linking a mirror over such large distances. Even Twilight knew she could not have performed the same feat. She’d have to grow a pair of wings to have a chance of that. Some of the ponies in the library she knew from town. Pokey Pierce was seated alongside Silver Script, the pair sharing a joking conversation as they shared a bowl of popcorn. Mayor Ivory Scroll had take a seat next to a large, dark green earth pony stallion with a wide brimmed straw hat nestled atop his sandy mane. That pony was named Sheaf, and he was one of several that Twilight had heard were from a village somewhere to the south named Oaton. Apparently Trixie and a couple of her friends had solved quite the issue for the hamlet and the residents considered the mares nothing short of personal heroes. Aside from Sheaf, his wife, a yellow unicorn mare named Picturesque was here along with their three foals, all of whom appeared to be quite the fans of Trixie if their makeshift hats and capes were any indication. Then there was a different unicorn mare, blue coat and creme colored mane giving her a striking resemblance to Trixie. This mare’s name was Tarnished, and she was the only one in the room who seemed more nervous than Twilight felt. Picturesque was sitting by Tarnished opposite where her husband was sitting beside Ivory Scroll, and the pair were in hushed conversation. Twilight was trying her best not to listen in. “Hey, Tenbs, you know you can sit with everypony else, right?” asked Clover Charms as she trotted up from the nearby table where a number of refreshments had been set up. The gray earth pony mare had a cup of lemonade balanced on one hoof and another similar cup balanced on her head, which Twilight gratefully floated off and took a sip from, giving her friend a grateful nod. “I don’t know, Lucky, I’ve never been all that comfortable in crowds.” “Don’t sweat it so much. You’ve been given the clear by her Blue Snootiness that it’s all cool for you to be out and about as long as I’m here to escort you. Time to get you used to some crowds, because I’m hoping to take you out to get some fresh air later on. We’re talking parks, outdoors, real sunlight. Can’t stay cooped up here all the time like a vampire.” “Vampires are not a real thing. At least no scholars since the Gem Age even make mention of such creatures, and even those accounts are more sensational musings than anything backed by logical findings. Furthermore there’s never been a single piece of archaeological evidence to confirm-” “It was a joke Tenbs.” “...Oh. Eh, sorry?” “Heheh, its cool, just unwind. We get to enjoy some popcorn, and watch creatures from all over the world beat the snot out of each other!” “The Contest only consists of two stages that involve martial prowess, Lucky, the Grand Melee and Contest of Strength. The remaining Contests of Art, Wit, and Magic are more cerebral in nature.” “What, ponies don’t blast each other during the Contest of Magic?” “Errr... I guess they can? Magic duels are more about the display than actually harming one another, but there has been precedence for injury when two mages have become a tad bit overzealous in their attempts to oneup each other in spellcasting.” “So, jealous at all?” “Huh? Me?” Twilight asked, eyes blinking. “You know, like, maybe you ought to be there instead of her?” Twilight paused, then shook her head, “No. I don’t think I’d be there, even if Trixie had never become the Element of Magic. I know I’m talented in magic, and smarter than... than many. But I don’t think that’s what this Contest is about.” “What do you figure its about then?” “I think we’ll see for ourselves soon enough,” said Twilight, finally letting herself relax a bit as she trotted forward, “Come on, Lucky, let's find ourselves some popcorn and grab a spot to sit.” Clover grinned at that, “Now you’re talking.” Meanwhile Picturesque had been keeping a close eye upon Tarnished. In the months since Tarnished had been appointed as Oaton’s Representative of the Night Court she had been working hard to adjust to the rapid changes to her life. Picturesque had made it something of a personal mission to do all she could to help the young, troubled mare in any way she could. “Doing alright?” she asked Tarnished as she watched the mare cast worried glances around the library. “Y-yes,” said the younger mare, an anxious, small smile on her lips, “Just hoping Cheerilee will be okay.” “Oh, I imagine she’ll be fine.She’s a very capable mare.” “I know,” said Tarnished, looking towards the floating mirror with a yearning entering her eyes, “I wish my brother was here to see this.” Picturesque smiled sadly, more than understanding Tarnished’s sentiments. Her own brother had not yet awoken from the coma he’d put himself in after the events that had transpired in Oaton. While Tarnished’s brother was only enjoying an extended stay in a minimal security prison Picturesque had felt a bond of shared loss with the other mare. Perhaps that was part of why she wanted to help Tarnished adjust to her new role as Oaton’s Representative. They’d both nearly suffered permanent loss to their family, and it felt right to bridge that gap by offering a hoof in honest help and friendship. And like Tarnished, Picturesque wished her brother Sawdust was there to share the day with. She had to believe he’d wake up, one day... The melancholy of the moment fled like morning mist as a trio of small, bouncing forms came barreling around the two mare’s legs. “Oooh I can’t wait, when’s it gonna start!?” cried a young yellow filly with a bright mane of blue, Picturesque and Sheaf’s eldest daughter, Bushel.“They didn’t start already, right? I don’t want to miss the start, I just know Trixie is gonna do something big and amazing!” Next to this filly were two even younger ponies, one another filly, the other a colt, Milkdrop and Breadcrumb respectively Picturesque had to suppress a chuckle as she saw that all three of her foals were all wearing freshly sewn cloaks and hats. The garments were patchwork, and of numerous varied colors (likely from whatever other clothes or sheets the little foals could scrounge) and looked vaguely like the cloak and pointed magician hat of a certain famous unicorn. Bushel had added a few haphazardly patched together stars and colored swirls to her hat and cloak. “You have not missed anything yet, my little ponies,” said Luna, smiling over at the three foals with a kind softness in her eyes, “The Contest is just about to begin.” Bushel made a sound that could have been dangerous for a diabetic to hear. She and her siblings exchanged high-hoofs and all sat down eagerly, eyes locked upon the mirror Luna floated in the air. Not far away from Picturesque her husband was deep in conversation with Ponyville’s mayor, and she couldn’t help but smile at the sight. He’d been a bit uptight about leaving Oaton for any length of time, and had taken some convincing that the village wouldn’t fall apart if he was gone for a few days. Picturesque had suggested that perhaps seeing what a larger rural community like Ponyville was like might help him with ideas for expanding Oaton. Listening to him speak with Ivory Scroll was rather encouraging. “Was up most of last night figuring out the plans for finishing the train station. Heh, even bloody unconscious and Sawdust still drives me up a wall. All these old notes and plans of his, they’re useful, but that stallion was ambitious. Having to scale things back to something sensible is almost more work than having to draw the plans up from scratch myself.” “Its an impressive amount of work,” said Ivory Scroll, “It sounds like you’ve had your hooves full figuring out exactly where to expand, but the train station is a good start. Ponyville certainly started to get larger once our train station was finished. Increases trade opportunities and makes it much easier for families to move to the area. My next suggestion would be to consider creating a town hall of sorts.” “Hmm, I’ll think about it. Sawdust had plans for that as well, but I don't know, our tavern has always worked so well as a meeting spot for everypony...” said Sheaf uncertainly, but Ivory Scroll just gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Trust me, a town hall not only provides a place for folk to meet away from the, eheh, distracting influence of drinks, but also really solidifies the sense of community by giving a venue for all sorts of events from weddings to dances.” “You may be right. You’ve given me plenty to think about at any rate.” He excused himself and trotted over to Picturesque and Tarnished, sitting down to lean against his wife with a soft sigh and a peek on her cheek, which she gladly returned. “I think it's very kind of you to have dug up my brother’s old sketches and plans for expanding Oaton. You didn’t have to use them,” she said, smiling contentedly. “I... yeah, well, they weren’t all bad. Just overreaching. Stallion was wasted on the Lumber Guild. Should’ve gone into city planning.” A short silence fell between the husband and wife, only to be broken by the excited cheering of their three foals as Luna’s mirror flashed with luminous blue light and showed a scene of a vast valley field and a series of massive coliseum blocks, now filled with thousands of creatures from all over the world. The mirror came with sound, filling the Golden Oaks Library with the sound of the crowd from halfway across the world. Tarnished licked her lips, eyes widening, “Oh my, that’s... that’s a large crowd, isn’t i?” Sheaf settled back, wrapping a hoof around Picturesque as they leaned into each other. “I wonder if any of they know what they’re getting themselves into out there?” said Sheaf. Picturesque quirked and eyebrow, “I’m certain Trixie and her friends will do fine.” Sheaf laughed, “Oh, I wasn’t talking about them. I was talking about the other champions that are going to face them.” ---------- “Ponyville? Well, that’s certainly something” said Carrot Top, face reddening a bit, “Here’s hoping we don’t mess up then, what with all of our neighbors watching.” “Thank you, Princess,” said Trixie after a momment’s hesitation, “This is incredibly thoughtful of you. Through I could have spun this into an impressive tale to tell afterwards.” “Will you not do that anyway?” asked Luna with a coy smile. Trixie, who’d put on a small pout, considered this, then found herself nodding, “Well, yes. And I do rather like the idea of more eyes on me. I fully intend to put on a show that will wow the world. Yes, I suppose it is good to know just who will be watching me out there. Heh, Twilight will enjoy seeing the spells we’ve worked on be employed, and I can only imagine how excited Bushel must be right now. Hmm, knowing Pokey... he’s probably taking bets on how long I’ll last out there.” “I’m sure you, all of you, will impress us all,” said Luna, trotting for the door. She paused only once to cast a gentle look towards the six mares gathered before her, “You’ve already impressed me, time and again. However this turns out, know that I could not be more proud to have named you Equestria’s champions.” She winked, “But winning is always nice, too.” ---------- Not long after Princess Luna departed to take her place in the stands, it was time. Luna’s final words of good luck had already blurred away into indistinctness in Trixie’s mind from the excitement that began to course through her veins like a burning drug. For all her apprehension up until this point, the hidden fears locked down tight in the recesses of her heart, Trixie’s breaths were quickening, not unlike after a workout session with Raindrops. She savored the feeling, this natural excitement Trixie always felt before a performance, before taking to the stage. Only this stage was broad enough to encompass the world, the performance to stand as a beacon to all of her nation of birth. So, you know, no pressure. The walls of the coliseum block were gently vibrating with the collective voices of thousands, the sound mirroring the buzz that Trixie was feeling down to her bone marrow. “Somepony’s happy,” remarked Lyra with a cocky grin, levitating her lyre beside her. “What gave it away?” “The mile wide grin you’ve got plastered on?” Trixie only smiled wider, nearly bouncing on her hooves in anticipation, “I’ve got a crowd to dazzle. Life could not be better. Now, girls, we all remember our planned entrance?” “I think I’ve got my pose down,” said Carrot Top. “Do we have to do this, Trixie? We can’t just march out there like normal ponies?” asked Raindrops, grimacing slightly. “Oh come on,” said Cheerilee, jostling Raindrops with an elbow, “This will be fun! We got these banners and everything!” She tilted her head towards her own banner, which was hitched to her side, as were the other mare’s respective banners, by a smooth dark silk harness that fit perfectly over their tabards and armor. Fortunately the high height in the corridor they stood in could easily accommodate the banners. Raindrops just made a noncommittal noise and Ditzy patted the other pegasus comfortingly on the withers. “If there’s ever been a time to get into the same spirit as Trixie, now’s the time I’d say.” “Okay, okay, just... if I’ve got to strike a pose I’m going to try to keep it sensible. Trixie’s idea to have me stand on one hind leg while hoisting her into the air like a living platform is not my style.” “Why not!?” asked Trixie, “You’re the most sturdy one here and I just need to get a little height to get a better view of my adoring audience!” “Get Cheerilee to do it.” “Hey, why am I being volunteered for this?” “Because... reasons,” said Raindrops. “Look, I don’t have to use my friends as living platforms,” Trixie said, “It was just a thought. Strike whatever pose you wish, but don’t forget the bit with the banners. Synchronized, yes?” “Feel like we ought to have rehearsed this more,” said Carrot Top. Lyra licked her lips, “I’m good to go. Got the music end of this covered Trixie, you just give me some awesome visuals to accompany it!” “But of course!” the magician replied with a gleam in her eyes. All six of them now stood at the threshold of an archway that lead out of the coliseum block and into the vastness of the Contest grounds. From their position Trixie and her friends could see that each coliseum block was packed with spectators from the lowest stands to the highest. The very tops of each block contained a series of wider, circular stone edifices that jutted outward over the lower stands. Inside these were covered spaces where the higher ranked spectators could comfortably sit to observe the proceedings. Trixie couldn’t make out the one above her own team’s coliseum block, but didn’t doubt Princess Luna and the other Night Court nobles that had arrived would be seated within. “Wonder where Corona’s parked herself?” mused Lyra, glancing about, then blinked as light gleamed into her eyes, “Nevermind. There she is.” The light that’d near blinded Lyra was reflecting from the golden hull of Corona’s flying ark, the massive phoenix headed skyship arriving to float above the coliseum block that Trixie and the others were waiting under. The ship lowered just enough that Corona herself could be seen seated upon her golden throne on the ship’s aft tower, the white cloaked form of Kindle by her side. Terrorwing’s bulk could also be seen stalking about on deck, apparently restless. “Yeah, because she just couldn’t bring herself to sit with the lesser folk in the stands,” muttered Raindrops. “Let her watch from wherever she wishes,” said Trixie, “Today we’ll shine bright enough to blind even her.” “Assuming we actually get this started anytime soon,” said Carrot Top. The carrot farmer’s words almost seemed to be prophetic, for at that point, one by one the Abbess Serene began to announce each nation’s champions. The roars and cheers of the crowds in the stands surged like ocean waves. The numerous griffin teams from the various Griffin Kingdoms marched onto the field with military precision, accompanied by each kingdom's individual anthem played by an array of bands that had been allowed to set up at the base of the coliseums. The bands played with precision, blending the ending of one anthem into the beginning of the next in a continuous flow as the griffin champions marched onto the field with wings spread and fierce head held high. Over a dozen different flags of the Griffin Kingdoms snapped in the warm breeze, like a field of wildflowers, the griffins bearing them looking about with sharp and challenging eyes. Trixie had to admit the sheer number of different weapons and armor the griffin champions bore was intimidating. She was glad for the protective wards of the tokens she and her friends wore. While all the griffins seemed to stand at attention as if ready for military inspection, she noticed one among them, a male that she swore he’d seen skulking about the party last night. He was talking to a larger female griffin who looked as if she was doing her best to ignore him. Nothing short of a cacophonous chorus of heavy drumbeats and the deep call of a massive wood horn accompanied the arrival of the cervid champions. Wodan strode with steps hard enough to feel them tremble through the ground. Beside the giant moose the forms of Andrea and Sigurd were practically miniscule, yet each held attention in their own way. Andrea was wielding a fiddle in her forelegs, keeping stride on her hind legs with remarkable ease as she matched the heavy beats of the drums with an energetic, fast paced beat, the red deer's vigorous movements turning into a bardic dance that seemed to play off of Wodan’s stoic strides. On the opposite side of the moose, Sigurd moved with simple, determined purpose, almost seeming to ignore the crowd and focus entirely on the field ahead of him. What drew attention to the dark furred water deer was when he finally stopped beside his companions and unsheathed his sword, the long, uneven weapon of pale bone looking almost innocuous until Sigurd planted it in the ground before him. Then, with seeming barely a gesture, Sigurd ran a hoof across the edge of the blade, it became covered in a thin blue rime that spread into the ground and turned a dozen paces of grass around him to stark white frost. Wodan chuckled and Andrea gave Sigurd a dry look. Sigurd looked at them and shrugged. Trixie couldn’t hear what he said, but she imagined it was something along the lines of “What, I can’t show off?” The minotaurs entered onto the field with what could only have been described as the raw noise of pure bombastic testosterone. Pyrotechnic fireworks that had nothing to do with illusion magic had exploded on either side of the minotaurs champions’ archway as four of the bipedal beings strode onto the field. First had been that massive hulk of muscle and popping veins of Steel Cage. Trixie had the minotaur described to her by Cheerilee briefly, and if the fellow’s extensive flexing and kissing of biceps as he walked onto the Contest grounds hadn’t shown him for who he was, the truly gigantic axe strapped across his back certainly would have. Steel Cage walked with a strut akin to a king in his court, arms crossed over his chest like a pair of trees crossed over a boulder. He was flanked by two smaller male minotaurs, who while outsized by Steel Cage each were impressive specimens of bound muscle and towering testosterone. Trixie noted these two flanked Steel Cage almost naturally, the clear pecking order established with Steel Cage in front of the group. That was until the fourth figure, one clad in a stark white toga and thick gray cloak, its face obscured by a hood, came up beside Steel Cage and tapped him on the shoulder with a staff that looked as if it was cobbled together from a collection of long pipes and spinning gears. Steel Cage immediately paused, and with a tight jawed look, stood aside for this figure to take a space at the head of the minotaur group. Trixie’s eyebrows shot up, and she glanced at Cheerilee. “Who’s that?” Cheerilee was starring, one of her ears flicking, “Oh my. a gear staff? Huh. Iron Will spoke of them once or twice. She’s a labyrinthe seer..” “A what?” Trixie watched as the hooded figure planted its metal staff of pipes and gears into the ground and reached up with slim hands to draw back the hood, revealing a minotaur of feminine features. Her coat was a flashing peach color, with a mane of thick black curls cascading down her back now that it was free of her hood, the entire mane held back from her forehead by a white headband with intricate maze like designs upon it. Gray streaks ran through the mane, indicating this minotaur was perhaps entering late middle age. Steel Cage stood just a shade behind this female minotaur with only a hint of begrudging deference. The two smaller males had stepped even further back, even going so far as to bow their heads. With a thoughtful expression Cheerilee said, “I didn’t think they were allowed to fight. They’re basically social workers.” This earned a confused look from Lyra, “That’s not how I heard them being described. I thought they were supposed to be some kind of mystical fortune tellers. Power to see the future and all that?” “Minotaurs don’t believe they possess magic,” said Cheerilee, “No minotaur would ever claim to be able to read the future. All Iron Will ever told me about seers was that they provided aid to all minotaurs trying to find their place in the labyrinth.” “Neat,” said Ditzy. Then after a moment she added, “What’s the labyrinth?” “Complicated,” said Lyra, “I tried reading a few books on it once and it hurt my head. Its what the minotaurs call their whole social order. It was weird.” “Its not that bad,” said Cheerilee, “There’s just a lot of rules to it.” “Too many rules if you ask me,” replied Lyra firmly. More champions made their way to the field, each in their own turn. The zebra entered with a mix of the flashy and the humble. Trixie knew little of the zebra lands and even less of their culture aside from it was tribal in nature. There were only three zebra who walked out from their part of the coliseum block. One was a thin boned elderly looking fellow, whose black stripes were dusted with gray. Yet he moved with spry ease and easily kept pace with the two younger zebra champions. One Trixie recognized as Tendaji. She might not have had the same up close experience with him as Raindrops had, but Trixie still recalled him from the events in Oaton. He walked out alongside the older zebra with a plain, collected stride. Between the pair they hardly drew the eye, but perhaps that was because the third zebra in the group was doing all of the attention grabbing. “Ohmygosh! Is that what I think it is!?” cried Lyra, almost vibrating in place. Trixie, eyes wide at what she was seeing, said dryly, “If what you think it is is a giant, spined, black scorpion monstrosity... then, yes Lyra, it is.” The third zebra, a male wearing armor that looked as if it was formed from the shaped carapaces of a dozen different large insects, rode onto the field beside his companions astride a creature that looked nothing more than like a fifteen foot long, seven foot tall onyx colored scorpion. A deadly stinger hung from a curled tail and huge pincers clacked as the beast bore its rider onto the green grassy fields. The zebra rider stood atop the head of the scorpion, controlling its movements by apparently stroking the spines that jutted from the beast’s shining carapace. “Is that cheating?” asked Carrot Top, “I feel like that should be cheating.” “I guess anything goes in this Grand Melee,” said Raindrops, though Trixie noted that the pegasus’ eyes never left Tendaji and were barely sparing a flicker towards the zebra on the wagon sized poisonous arachnid. “Eeeeeeee! Its a Death Strider! I only ever got to see one measly picture of them in one of my favorite books on exotic lands, and even that picture was only half drawn!” said Lyra, “Just wait ‘till I tell Bon Bon about this!” “She’s probably in the stands by now, actually,” said Ditzy, and she blinked, “Oh! And so’s everypony else! Should we wave yet?” “No, no,” said Trixie, “We wait until our turn comes up, then we knock ‘em all dead! Not literally of course, but you know what i mean. All these impressive champions with their fancy weapons and weird seers and giant death bugs, they still don’t have one very important thing that we do.” “Friendship?” “Huh? No. Well yes, but I was going to say style.” “I don’t know,” said Carrot Top with a small grin, “I think the huge killer bug is pretty stylish.” “Do you just have a fetish for giant, deadly riding animals?” asked Raindrops, “Because you seemed pretty enamoured with that elk dude’s wyvern too.” Carrot Top opened her mouth to respond, then closed it and suddenly looked thoughtful, rubbing her chin. Trixie groaned, “Girls, focus please? Our turn is almost up.” “How can you tell? I’ve been wondering how we’re even going to know its our turn to head out,” said Ditzy, her walled eyes glancing about every which way. Trixie blinked, “You know, I don’t think that was ever explain-” “Honored champions of Equestria!” shouted a voice behind the mares, causing them all to jump, “The time has come for you to grace the field!” The voice belonged to one of the monks, a young stallion who had seemed to crop up out of nowhere. After his announcement he just bowed and immediately trotted back the way he’d presumably come. Trixie, straightening her hat, gave the gem a small, scathing glare. “I think he did that on purpose.” Cheerilee chuckled, “Order of monks. They got to get their laughs in somewhere. C’mon girls, the whole world is waiting for us.” That brought a smile to Trixie’s face, “Let’s give them a show!” ---------- “Let’s see... spleen... kidney... hamstring, definitely hamstring on that one. Oh, looks like we have a jugular in the crowd!” Gwendolyn blew out a hard sigh and turned one of her eyes on Grimwald, who was peering at the other champions and pointing with one of his talons as if counting up the tally of organs. “Grim, could you stop making pointless jests for, I don’t know, five minutes? Five minutes isn’t too much to ask, is it?” Grimwald cackled a short laugh, “Jesting? Who’s jesting? That minotaur fellow with the big axe is begging for a hamstring to be cut or two. I mean, look at him! All those muscles on top of muscles, you can’t tell me the first thing you thought when you saw that fellow was ‘I need to cut that guy’s hamstrings’.” “Did you miss the part of this whole thing where it’s a friendly competition?” “Hmm? Of course! What’s a few cut tendons between friendly competitors?” Gwendolyn palmed her face with a talon, “Grimwald...” “Oh fine, spoil all my fun. You know I don’t remember you being this much of a stick in the mud. Speaking of sticks, have you noted the collective number of them shoved up the keisters of our fellow countrygrifins?” Grimwald tilted his head down the line of several dozen griffin champions standing beside the two of them. More than a few unfriendly glares were being sent her and Grimwald’s way. Gwendolyn suppressed a sigh and held her head high, one talon gripping her sword just a bit tighter. “I don’t think it much matters,” she said tersely. “Oh? Well, I suppose you wouldn’t,” Grimwald said, rubbing his beak thoughtfully, “I think there’s a lot of chickens here out to prove something and it’ll be a lovely bit of buggery to watch play out.” “What are you babbling about?” Gwendolyn began to ask, but her attention was arrested towards the coliseum back two down to the right from where the griffin champions had emerged. A thick blue mist had emerged from the archway from which the Equestrian champions were to emerge, and to Gwnedolyn’s surprise there was music drifting from there loud and clear enough for practically all to hear; a swelling lyrical tune that was rising and falling, then rising again with greater prominence. Swirls of color were emerging from the blue mist; orange, magenta, mint, jasmine, gray, and azure. These streaming strands of smoky color billowed upwards, then cascaded down like waterfalls in exact formation to slam into the ground in a burst of prismatic fireworks that perfectly matched the highest swelling of the lyre’s song. Gwendolyn and Grimwald both had to blink at the bright flash of light accompanied by a crash like thunder. In fact there was indeed forks of multi-colored lightning spreading from where the columns of colored smoke had exploded with fireworks, silhouetting now six shadowed pony figures that strode from the smoke with the rising music.. In some part of her heart still connected to her days as a chicklette reading stories by her mother’s hearth Gwendolyn was reminded of vivid imaginings of tales where the heroes of old would return to the world through the mists of time. Whoever these ponies were, Gwendolyn had to at least credit them with knowing how to make an entrance. ---------- Steel Cage kept his arms firmly crossed over his thick chest, trying to hide a grudging look of admiration. Those had to be pony illusions, so the bull couldn’t be too impressed. After all, magic was cheating, and too easy. Minotaur pyrotechnics would always have the better practical look to them than this magical lightshow... but it was still pretty good. For pony magic. The six mares that strode onto the field were wearing gleaming shirts of silverish mail so fine it was hard to tell it was actual metal armor and not silk or some other smooth material. Each carried by her side a fluttering banner of impressive detail. The moment the mares, these ‘Element Bearers’ or whatever, exited the smokey field they each flourished their banners in a remarkably coordinated maneuver that put each of them in a striking pose without tripping over one another. While there wasn’t the same muscle flexing any good minded minotaur bull did, the ponies seemed to favor rampant stances, either kicking their hooves or managing short rolling flips in the air for the winged pegasi. The gray one in particular moved rather fluidly. Each planted her individual banner in the ground before her and the blue unicorn in the middle, sporting a somewhat silly looking violet and pointed hat, was suddenly raised into the air by a magenta earth pony who picked her up as she stood on her hind legs. The unicorn looked a bit surprised by this, but then gleefully joyful as she balanced on the earth pony mare’s hooves and turned to wave her arms at the Equestrian crowds in the coliseum behind them. The crowd in turn, which had gone rather silent at the earlier display, now roared in a crushing wave of noise as the unicorn sent up a series of firework explosions that burst into the air in the shapes that Steel Cage imagined had to be their cutie marks. “Gotta admire their flare,” commented one of the lesser minotaur champions, Bronze Belly, who tapped his cloven hooves in appreciation. Steel Cage just snorted. Then narrowed his eyes. That magenta mare... why did she look familiar? Suddenly it struck him; she was that pony hussy that had Iron Will wrapped around her little hoof! Anger flashed through him like lightning and he uncrossed his arms, raising his shoulders and blowing steam from his muzzle. “Why that cocky little runt!” Bronze Belly and the other of the two lesser champions, Brass Bearings, both glanced his way, questions clear on their faces, but it was the fourth minotaur who spoke. Steel Cage shook out of his rage and felt a tad chilled as the female minotaur who maintained her rightful place ahead of him said, “Something amiss, Steel?” His jaw clenched. He couldn't not answer a labyrinth seer, even if against all logic the Alphas had sent her here. Why Graysight was here was a mystery Steel Cage knew he didn’t have the brainmeats to fathom, and he wasn’t all that keen on trying, but it irked him nonetheless. “Ain’t no problem that Steel Cage can’t deal with,” he said firmly. Graysight’s eyes bored straight into him with only the hint of a small, knowing smile, “I see. Do as you will, but be mindful of your path. You are not here to foster rivalry, nor undo the turns your friend has taken in his own path through the labyrinth.” Steel Cage decided not to comment on that and let the seer be as cryptic as she wanted. She wasn’t here to guide his path. Or Iron Will’s, for that matter. He’d found his place in the labyrinth many years ago, after he’d knocked out the first runt that’d given him lip. It’d been a straight and narrow path from there, smashing every single scrub that got in his way to greater and greater glories. This Contest wouldn’t be any different. Maybe after he creamed all these other champions that’d cure Iron Will of his weird obsession with other cultures and get the guy to consider coming back home. Starting with crushing that smug little earth pony! ---------- The spectacle of Trixie and the other Element Bearers entrance to the Contest grounds had not done much to overly impress Dao Ming. She’d recognized the illusions for what they were, and the magic being used to enhance Lyra’s music, and couldn’t see much in it worthy of note. As entertainment for peasants it might impress, but what good were these skills in tackling real problems? “My lady, you're scowling,” said Kenkuro, the tengu standing next to her with a relaxed stance, one wing casually resting on the pommel of Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Dao Ming blinked, realizing he was right, and hastily schooled her face back to normal, proper neutrality. “I am sorry, Kenkuro. I can’t afford any such lapses. Not while all the world, and mother, watches.” “Honored champions of Shouma, the time has come for you to grace the field!” said a voice from a monk who’d come up behind the pair, causing Dao Ming to start slightly, but quickly compose herself. Kenkuro clearly suppressed a small chuckle. Dao Ming turned and gave the monk a small glare, but the pony in question was already trotting away after a respectful bow. “I think he did that on purpose...’ muttered Dao Ming, then held her head high, straightened her shoulders, and ensured her elegant yet form fitting combat robes were smoothed out. There was no flash or show to Dao Ming and Kenkuro’s arrival into the bright sunlight and welcoming green valley of the Contest grounds. They both moved with simple, composed reserve, though Dao Ming noted Kenkuro was checking the folds of his kimono for something almost absent mindedly. The crowd of spectators who hailed from the Heavenly Kingdom, who did number less overall than many of the folk from other nations, remained respectfully silent as their champions strode to join the long array of other champions. Dao Ming resisted the urge to look behind her to see if she could spot her mother or any of the rest of her family. It wouldn’t be proper at all, and she’d heaped enough shame upon herself already. Instead she kept her eyes locked ahead, to the vast valley before her. “Wonder what tricks those monks have up their sleeves for this?” whispered Kenkuro, “Rather open space for a free for all fight. The griffins will have a distinct advantage over the rest of us.” “It doesn’t matter,” Dao Ming chanced to whisper back, “Whatever comes, I shall be victorious.” Kenkuro glanced at her, but kept whatever thoughts were lurking inside his mind to himself. With both of them now here all champions were now on the field. Dao Ming didn’t bother to try counting the number. She caught glimpses of Cavallian knights in full plate mail and sporting lances, and camel warriors from Naqah wearing brightly colored vests and bearing curved blades, and the dozens of neatly ordered griffins who seemed almost like a military parade. Dozens of champions, and she didn’t doubt that each of them had earned their titles... ...except in the case of the six champions of Equestria. Why did those six seem to get under her hide so? Dao Ming didn’t understand it, and that lack of understanding bothered her. She prided herself on her self control. Was it simply that there was something about Trixie Lulamoon that rubbed her the wrong way? Her musing on the matter was ended when she noticed that somepony was walking out onto the valley floor. Dao Ming recognized the mare as Abbess Serene herself. The elderly mare slowly trotted out until she was capable of being seen by all in the stands and the champions lined up before her. Dao Ming saw magical mirrors being directed by other members of the Order floating among the stands to give the audience a clear, close up view of the Abbess’ calmly smiling form. When the Abbess spoke her voice was amplified, clear as silver bells to everyone. “To each and every one of you, to those who have come to bear witness, and those who have come to bring honor to your nations, you have my sincerest thanks. We begin today the Contest of Champions, with an event that pays homage to the fierce battle that was waged on this island’s shores so many long centuries ago. The Grand Melee!” With surprising energy, almost bordering on youthful exuberance for a mare her age, the Abbess’ smile widened as she gestured behind her at the vast valley floor. Dao Ming frowned as she felt a small rumble in the grass beneath her hooves. She flicked her eyes about, trying to detect the source, but it seemed to encompass the entire valley. Then, like the rolling waves of the ocean, it seemed the entire valley rippled. Earth shifted, and from it stones emerged like sprouting flowers. Whether interlocking or growing in different shapes the stones moved as if by a living will of their own, taking new shapes across the valley floor. Within mere seconds, before even a full minute passed, the once bare valley was now covered in a veritable obstacle course of stone walls, steps, outcroppings, pillars, bridges, and towers. The largest tower was nearly as tall as the colosseum blocks themselves and dominated the center of the newly reborn field of cover and complex terrain. “What manner of magic...?” Dao Ming breathed. “Rune magic of Elkheim, if I’m not missing my guess,” said Kenkuro, “The same that created those impressive seating areas. Hmm, this Order certainly has prepared for this for a long time.” The Abbess spoke again, now that the transformation of the soon to be battlefield had finished. “Before you lies a proper arena for all nations champions to exhibit their skills. The Grand Melee will continue until only one set of champions remains standing, yet this is merely the beginning! It is my greatest hope the next ten days shall be memorable and enlightening for all the varied people of this world! Now let the Contest of Champions begin!”