//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Eight heads are better than one // by Kit-San //------------------------------//         Looking at it, it was a stone Talisman, of some kind. Willing it to levitate, using the Helm Of Darkness, I took a closer look. Surprisingly it looked like the…..Oh whats it called… Dungeon Heart from Dungeon keeper, the second one in the franchize. Confused at such a thing appearing here, I then heard a voice  "I am Rin the Dungeon Keeper. If you are a hero fear not my darkness for I am immune to its taint. If you need my aid in battle or my expertise in dark magic call me and I'll come if I can."  “Rin the Dungeon Keeper?” I whispered, or I would if not the 8 Heads speaking in unison so it wasn’t so silent. Levitating the… token I spoke “Rin the Dungeon Keeper, I, Orochi, call out to you!” Then the world around me was bathed in light. The ground in front of the head holding the talisman broke open into a seemingly bottomless pit and fout crystal pillars rose up around it. It looked like one of those portals from the dungeon keeper games. Soon two ponies in black, skeletal looking armor hopped out and looked around. Only looking at me for a moment before looking up to the sky.           “It is clear my lady.” One of them said causing a nine tailed fox wearing a black crown on her head to come up from the portal followed closely by Trixie and Vinyl scratch. She looked up at me and cocked her head to the side before speaking.            “Sup?” She asked casually. “Greetings…” I said, all my helms focusing on her, well minus the Lighting Helm, that hat always gets in it’s eye sight.            After a moment of awkward silence her left ear twitched a bit. “Greetings, My name is Rin. Those two-” She said as she pointed to the two in armor. “Are my black knights Unyielding Blade and Swift Blade. And these two are my warlock Trixie and my vampire Vinyl.”           “Trixie is not a warlock! Trixie is far too great and powerful to make deals with demons. She is a sorceress.” Trixie corrected in a miffed sounding tone.            “Right...Anyways for what reason have you called?” Rin asked. I answered “ Well, it was mostly out of curiosity. I assuming you’re not of this world? You’re life energy is not in sync with it.”   Ah yes, my Light Helm can sense Life energy, in close proximity.           “Oh, I see you’re new to this. Alright I’ll explain but first I’m going to need you to move five feet to the left and then back again.” She said as she sat back and waited.         Following her instruction I floated left then back, my eight pairs of eyes watching her. I do feel a little miss trust, but that is mostly due to the ponies, and her dark magic. But I myself use dark magic, so who am I to judge? She just nods at my movement.             “Thank you. I always wondered how that character from the game was able to move around with eight heads attached in a circle like that. It never showed any more than a shadow in the cutscenes. Now pay attention class.” She said as she let loose a burst of dark magic and was suddenly dressed up like a teacher. Even had the desk and a black board behind her and there were giant student’s desks in front of each of my helms. I used my Fire Helm to lift the Lighting Helm hat a bit so it could see. Yes all helms are connected to one mind, but for some reason I think of them as individual beings. Perhaps I have scetsophania?             “Now you and I are what is known as displaced.” She said as Trixie walked up dressed like super saiyan Goku.              “Why must Trixie wear such ridiculous clothes? And nopony should have this much mane gel.” Trixie complained while pointing to her spiky mane but was silenced with a look from Rin.              “As I was saying Displaced or dimensionally misplaced are those who get sent to other dimensions and stuck there. Most of the time as a character from a show, game, book or so on. This is normally done by a god level being of the void who calls himself the merchant  who would sell memorabilia or props from whatever you get displaced as and given a swift kick out of your world and into this one for no reason as far as I can tell then a strange sense of humor.” I chuckled a little at that “There are many displaced in the equestrian multiverse which you can summon or be summoned by with tokens like my mini dungeon heart. Any questions class?” She asked as she lowered her fake glasses with a paw and looked up at me.         “An item like this?” I asked summoning the sword into existence, stabbing through the Wind Helm’s desk and into the ground. Said helm give the Darkness Helm the sink eye, while the latter gave a sheepish smile. Yep totally Scetsophanitic. “ What it’s name again?”           “Yes that would do nicely. I’m afraid I can’t recall the name but you don’t really need it to make a token. To create a token look deep within yourself to find your essence. It will be just barely distinguishable from your magic. Then push some of it into the item and say the massage you want it to hold out loud and it will record it.” She said as she waits and watches.         Summoning my essence I created Eight different orbs that then combined into the Serpent Crystal. Closing my eyes I began to think of a message. Then I spoke it “ I am Orochi, the Eight headed Serpent of the Natural Elementals. Be you a friend call out to me in your time of need. But be warned; should you summon me with ill intend, your soul will burn…” I then tossed it into the air and watched it vanish. Then I summoned another to give to Rin.  “Hm, Issun was right it does look like some kind of berry…” I stated mostly to myself.              “Oh thank you.” Rin said with a happy smile as she took my token and it vanished in her paws. “So you live in the old castle? A bit close to that tree for my taste but to each their own. Would you like some help fixing the place up? Perhaps chat a bit? I really don't want to go back at the moment. Your summons saved me. I got cornered by a foreign dignitary who just started talking about potatoes and the many ways of growing and using them. POTATOES!”           “That would be appreciated. Perhaps you could help with summoning the Imps I need. And Potatoes? Really?” I said to her smiling, and a scaly eyebrow rised at the end. “ Well as you said to each his own. Anyway I’m happy to get you out of politics any day. Political figures have screwed me over in the past so a little payback is welcomed.” I added. My wind Helm smiled a bit larger, then was smack downwards by my Earth Helms as it read its “thoughts”. The rest of my Helms giving it the sink eye as the Wind Helm moved around in a daze the classic stars flying around his head.             “Unfortunately I can see nothing but that headache in the future.” She said with a deprest shake to the head as she opened another of her portals in the ground and twenty imps popped out of the ground and lined up military style. “Alright troops it's time to do what you do best! Cleanse this place of its dirt, grime, and insectoid invaders and fortafy every inch of it! Now move out!” She shouted causing them to jump in the air and backflip into a teleportation. I could hear work being done all around me like I was in a construction site. Only one imp was still in the room and he was clearing the place and fixing the walls like crazy.             “They’re all at level ten so they have teleport and the haste spell. And because they can’t get tired and don’t need to eat or drink I say this place should be good as new in about… fifteen to twenty minutes.” She said aloud as she watched the one imp work. “ Impressive…. So what do you wish to speak about?” I said, my speech patterns changing once again. ‘I wonder if I can create my own minions, I would certainly like Ninetales and/or The Crimson Helm as bodyguards.’ I thought to myself. Then I chuckle lightly ‘ Those green Imps would be perfect for trolling others’              “Well, tell me about yourself? Are you new to this world? Or maybe a stoner?” she asked as she conjured up a comfortable looking couch and relaxed in it. “ The latter unfortunately. The ponies were terrified of me, I don’t quite blame them cuz I do look threatening, but I thought they would look past that. Imagine my disappointment.”  I growled in irritation, my Poison Helm trying and failing to keep up with the Imp with its eyes. “ I may have cursed canterlot when I escaped, but I removed it and put a different one on Celestia, so she can still do her job, but if she comes for me she’ll get a nasty surprize.” Then I winced a little remembering that I unnecessarily blew up on Luna. I can see that Rin is frowning at my words.                “I was lucky to be sent to my world before Celly was born and her more understanding mother Faust found me and even had me adopted into her family as her sister. Despite raising them to be better my little Celly hates dark magic and only puts up with mine because I’m her aunt and taught her that she shouldn't be so quick to judge so I can see your Celestia jumping to conclusions. I must ask what the curse you placed on her does?” Rin asked.         “So few realized that there is no Good or Evil Magic, only Light and Dark, and Light isn’t necessarily good as dark isn’t necessarily evil, magic is just magic.” I spoke before answering her question “ From what I know it’s supposed to cause pain equivalent to being impaled, as well can cause horrific illusions. I toned down the pain and illusions so she doesn’t go insane. I do not doubt she could send others, but I made Luna promise to leave me alone if I returned Celestia back when I cursed Canterlot.” I then thought for a moment “That reminds me, Maybe I should free Discord, I do owe him for freeing me.”              “ I know that she isn’t mine but I still don't appreciate such a curse being used on her. Though I should warn you that though it will take her by surprise once she is tough enough to muscle through such pain and can use the elements of harmony to remove such a curse. Still I think I need to go have a word with this world's Celestia about judging the cover of a book. Care to come or would you rather watch through a scrying mirror?” she asked.         “To be fair we didn’t get a chance to talk it out and the unfair fears of her subjects clouded her judgement, and I rather watch through a mirror, as my presence could unintentionally activate the curse.” I stated “Perhaps it was I who acted out of line, but we shall see.” At my words she nodded and conjured a mirror and casting a spell on it so now it shows whatever Rin is seeing before creating a portal and jumping through with her knights. All of my Helms now were focusing on the mirror, well seven were the Helm Of Fire fell asleep for one reason or another. The classic snot bubble growing and shrinking with each snore. -------------------------------------------------------------- Rin emerged in Celestia’s bed chambers and looked to her sleeping form ”Must... resist… urge to dip her hoof in warm water.” She whispered to herself as she walked up and booped her on the nose, I couldn’t contain my laughter when I heard that. “Celestia wake up I need to speak with you.” She said as she kept poking her in the nose.         ‘Who knew she could be such a heavy sleeper.’ I thought to myself still chuckling as I watched her continue to poke the lazy sun monarch. ‘Wake up already!”  The view cocked to the side as Rin hummed in thought. She then conjured up some art supplies and started painting Celestia’s face up like a hobo clown. Yet again I was unable to breath at the sight, a certain song began playing in my head ‘ Troll lol lol yahohoho’. When she was done with that Rin sent the art supplies away and picked up the sleeping princess in her tails and created a new portal and took Celestia to a beach somewhere and tossed her into the water. Celestia shot up in surprise while the paint was completely unaffected by the water.          “Finally you’re awake. Now we can talk.” Rin said to her. ‘Wait why wasn’t the paint- nah i won’t question it’. Nothing really makes much sense anymore. But then again, as a certain chaos spirit says,’What fun is there making sense?’ I stopped my train of thought and then listened to their conversation.         Getting out of the water, Celestia composed herself, which looked hilarious with the paint. “ Was the water really necessary?” She remarked “ And if you needed an audience with me you could of made an appointment.” Rin answered “ Sorry about that. I tried to wake you the normal way but no amount of shaking and nose booping would wake you. And after that failed and I transported you to this island, literally on the other side of the planet you wouldn’t do any more then drool. As for the audience I’m afraid I couldn't wait for sunrise...well sunrise in Equestria. I won't be in this dimension that long.” Rin answered.         Celestia looked at the nine tailed fox in shock at the mention of being on the other side of the planet. Even more so when she mentioned about being in this dimension. “ Wait what?” Her composure faltering. I could see Trixie struggling to hold in her laughter. I also notice a flash like Rin just took a picture. “ Well then who are you and what do you want?” Sunbutt asked then her eye harden a bit, ‘ I think she can sense Rin’s Dark Magic’ I thought to myself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z53gt8yihYc              “Let me tell you a story princess. A long time ago there was a powerful being. This being wielded god like power and he used it to go to different worlds.” As she told her story a large bubble appeared showing what looked like a shadow puppet show with human shapes. “When he went to those worlds he would go to gatherings. Much like costume parties and he would sell thing to those who attended. But what his customers didn’t know was that when you bought something from him he would use his great powers to cast them through the void into new worlds away from everything they knew. But not only that he would change them into something based on the costume they wore at those gathering and what they got from him.” At this part the image of the merchant danced and laughed as people fell through the floor into an empty void, reaching up as if trying to grab ahold of their worlds and their bodies warped and distorted into new forms. Some of which are monstrous in appearance. “He would send them to worlds that would shun and hate or just be deadly to them for his entertainment.” It then took color and it it shifted from what looked like a cross between a robot and an undead to a Dr. Doom to an image of Twilight among military humans searching for a way home. Then it went back to shadows and depicted a scene of me wandering lost and looking for ponies but they would just scream and run or attack on sight.              “The merchant likes the conflict you see. Like reading a story. There were many among his victims that were given the forms and or powers of villains and monsters from works of fiction in the worlds he would take them from. I am one of them and we are called the displaced. Which brings me to the topic at paw. Let's face it, you know that your subjects are skittish and overreact to anything they don't understand to the extreme. It's like that in most Equestrias out there and more often than not results in the unfortunate new individual being attacked and persecuted for no reason. Which leads to the rumor mill spinning out of control and someone gets labeled a monster for being something he or she can’t control.” Rin tells her.           Celestia looks onward, shock very apparent was etched onto her still painted muzzle. It was also quite clear struggled to find words to respond. Doing a very convincing impression of a gaping fish, which made all the funnier with the paint. There was another camera flash in the mirror. ‘heh, i need to remember to ask her for some copies’ I thought to myself.         “S-so whats this have to do with me?” To which I facepalm...or would have if had hands… ‘How…? Just how….?’ The view in the mirror was covered by a paw that came flying at it for a moment before moving away.             “...Like I said we are given new forms and powers from works of fiction in the worlds we come from. I was given the powers of a Dungeon Keeper so my body produces dark magic naturally weather I want it or not. In this world there is one given the form of one of the big bads in a game called Okami. Perhaps you’ve seen him. He will have powers of eight elements of magic and a head for each one including light and dark. Is that a good clue?” She asked in a deadpan.         After a LONG silence I got impatient and used My helm of Darkness to read her mind… and what I got was : We’re sorry, you’re host mind has crashed, please wait while we reboot with cuteness: Normally I’d laugh at this sense it’s just like with Silverquill, but that it was Celestia was just confusing.             Rin walked up to her and knocked on her head a few times but got no response. “Fun fact. In the world I was sent to I was adopted into the equestrian royal family before my Celly was born and like any good aunt I did a lot of babysitting. I have lots of baby pictures and can grow myself and anything I have giant size. If you want me to show your baby pictures to entire cities at once just sit there and say nothing.” Rin said.         “Wait WHAT?!” THAT got her brain working again. I sent a quick telepathic message to Rin ‘Show me when you get back’ “Wait you were talking about Orochi? He’s a...displaced right?” Rin just nodded. “Fine, I suppose I could tal-” Before she said anything I teleported right there, it takes a lot out of me so I don’t often do much. and just a soon as the curse started up I removed. “Hello.” I spoke smiling cheekily. “ Well I’m ready for that talk.” Again she stood shocked before shaking it off, myself barely holding back my laughter. “ Yes, I suppose, but I wish to get my sister, but she is currently off on royal duty with the dragons”. --------------Elsewhere------------              “WHAT WAS THAT LIZARD?!”               Poor Queen Almidalla was not having a good day at all. ----------------------------------------              “So you’ll have to wait for now.” She responded. “Yes, I rather have both princesses to be present in the discussion.” I agreed             “Great! Now you two just need to set a time and place for the magic of diplomacy to work. The pin is mightier than the sword as they say.” Rin said happily as she clapped her forepaws. “Well said Rin. I believe a day after your sister returns would be sufficient, as it will allow you to explain a few things before our meeting.” I stated “I believe that two days after Luna returns would be best. As there are other duties that must be taken care before hoof.” Celestia voiced.  “That is agreeable.” I answered, before turning to Rin “ Rin, I thank you for your assistance. It has been most helpful. Call me anytime should you require my aid. Or if you just want to hang out if you want.”           “I would like that. Hopefully my princess duties will thin out when the nobles figure out that just because I’m new to the job doesn't mean they can extort bits out of the treasury through me. I still can’t believe that stallion tried to get alimony out of me by claiming I got him pregnant.” Celestia facehoofed at that “I know how you feel…” she said annoyed “My sympathies.” I added “So how do I send you back?” I asked           “Oh thats easy. When you want to send a displaced you summoned back to their own world just say their name then our contract is complete. But before I go I would like to ask Celestia something. Are you familiar with magic makeup? I want to know if I can get any in this world. Its makeup or facepaint that won't come off till it's magic runs out like a timer.” ‘So thats how it works’ I thought to myself “The potent stuff won’t come off for weeks.”         “Yes, I know this magic.” Celestia said, before smirking then adding “Ah, you’re the pranking type are you?” Oh the...something, it’s not irony I know that for sure.            “ I’m a kitsune now and it's in our blood and brain chemistry. Also I used the last of my supplies recently and have been meaning to restock. I need to get back at my Celly for glueing my crown to my head.” She said as she tugged at her crown a few times to emphasise her point. “I can get back myself after I got some. Oh and my imps finished with your place in nineteen minutes.” She told me. “Need a portal to Canterlot before I go? Or can you get to the opposite side of the planet on your own?” She asked sunbutt.         “I’d like a portal please.” Celestia answered with a nod. Rin noded and the earth opened up into another portal for her. After Celestia went through and Rin closed it Rin burst out laughing myself following afterwards. Recovering I then got an idea “Hey Rin, before you go” my water helm suddenly spat out a large orb of water. The rest of Helms shot out different magic into the orb bathing it in color’s, before floating it to Rin. “Here’s some of that magical paint you needed.” I said as Rin summoned several empty buckets to contain each color.             “Hmmm. This feels different than what you can get in stores.” She summoned a paint brush and dipped it into the black paint before painting a line across a tree which then fell off like it had been cut clean through. “...This is the paint from the game isn’t it?” Rin asked as she coked her head to the side. I answered “Ah no…. I didn’t know I could do that. Oh and its ink not paint.” Then I shook of my shock before looking at Rin “Well I believe this is when we part ways for now.” I stated “ I wish you luck with those nobles, Rin the Dungeon Keeper our contract is complete. And remember, I am there for when you need me.” I spoke Two portals opened up in the ground and out of one came the imps and the two mares that were left at my place who then flew into the other portal followed shortly by the knights. Just before Rin flew through she called out. “By the way. I sent Celestia back to Canterlot like she asked but she should have asked for a more specific destination!” She then disappeared into the portal and it closed up leaving no sign that the sand had been moved.         I chuckled before shaking my fire helm. I then returned to my black cloud form and teleported myself back to my new and improved palace. -------Meanwhile-----------            At the Canterlot Zoo the janitor, Mr.Pooper Scooper had just finished cleaning up a particularly nasty mess that was the result of young ponies sneaking in food to feed the animals...again! When he heard a surprised yelp coming from just around the corner. Quickly he ran over and stopped dead in his tracks. Before his eyes was princess Celestia wearing clown makeup just standing in the monkey cage with two of the monkeys climbing all over her and one swinging from her tail. The princess and the janitor just stood there in awkward silence for a moment.           “Good morning.” Celestia said in a kind and pleasant tone as if nothing was amiss before gently lifting the monkeys off of herself and setting them on a tree in the cage and teleporting away.          “...Nope.” Pooper Scooper said as he continued on his way out.