• Published 27th Feb 2012
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Ponies of the Five Rings - Simon_oSullivan



Legend of the Five Rings: Equestria Edition

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Chapter 4: New Blood. Part 1

Chapter IV: New Blood, part 1

In the Lore Library there was a sealed room where the most powerful summoners developed new spells and improved the existing ones. Inside, Twilight Sparkle sat at a table, channeling magic with her front hooves spread. She had been working discreetly for months trying to create new spells that could combine two or more elements. It was common lore that magic usually gathers power from a single kind of spirit. However, the possibility of using several of them to create more powerful and versatile spells was too tantalizing to ignore. The experiments weren’t going as well as expected, though, for elemental spirits were jealous creatures, and hardly ever wanted to participate in a combined spell. However, Some were more willing to cooperate than others, depending on the elements summoned and the caster’s proficiency with magic.

Knowing how to talk and understand spirits was another problem. Because of their nature, most spirits were cryptic in their conversations, and their element made them hard to deal with. Most summoners who tried to ask for advice got riddles that were hard to understand. With every failure when trying to cast a multi-elemental spell, though, Twilight progressed in her research about the spirit’s behavior, knowing that she was one step closer. Raising her hooves dramatically, she chanted chanting verses from the scroll she had in front of her, her horn shining more intensely as the spell progressed.

She became vaguely aware of a soft whistling coming from her left hoof, where a small tornado had formed, slowly wrapping around her whole leg. Nodding, she looked up with hopeful eyes, praying that the next part would work too. A warm feeling spread through her right hoof as small flames covered it. Still standing on her hind legs and biting her lips in anticipation, she clapped once, grinning with joy as both elements combined in a blast of primal energy. However, things stopped going smoothly after that, for the spirits began to struggle to take control of the spell. The flames and wind flew from one leg to the other, swirling around with a horrible desire of destruction. Strong winds blew from her hooves, making Twilight’s mane, tail and robes to whip around violently.

“Please, spirits!” she begged as she looked down with her eyes squeezed shut, feeling the gale pushing her back. “Stop!”

Everything shall be consumed!” the voice echoed inside Twilight’s mind, resembling the sound of a burning forest.

Twilight tried to separate her front hooves, but the spirits wouldn’t allow her. The heat intensified, turning the cool gale into a desert storm. With all the strength she could gather, her horn shone again with a ferocious lavender blaze, summoning a counterspell that could dispel the abomination she had created. Her front legs broke loose from the elemental magic, but the blast created by the raw magical energy being disrupted threw her against a wall, hitting the back of her head, falling unconscious.

When she woke up, she noticed that the room suffered no damage thanks to the wards and other spells used to secure it. However, Twilight hadn’t been so lucky. Her front legs had severe burns and her mouth felt extremely dry. To make matters worth,she still felt weak,her legs trembling under her own weight. The spell had weakened her more than expected, but not only because of the complexity of it. The spirits had fed on her power more than they had to, and she’d have to rest before trying such a thing again.

With a disappointed sigh, she walked out of the room into the library. Approaching one of the tables, she cast a simple healing spell with the remaining power she had at the moment. Small water spirits danced all over her legs, mending her wounds where they stepped on. She lifted a large jar and a glass with her magic, filling it with water and drinking it in one gulp. When the spirits finished healing her arms, she drank two more glasses of water. Feeling slightly better, she grabbed a quill with her magic and started writing down the conclusions she had arrived to thanks to that last experiment.

“Experiment number seven concerning multi-elemental spells,” she quoted slowly, the quill copying her words. “The spirits had shown desires to control my body, and if not for the dispel I cast, the consequences would’ve been dire. I refuse to abandon my research, however, despite the personal risks. I have the feeling that I’m forgetting something, but I fail to see what that may be. Once I regain my strength, I’ll try to combine earth and water spirits.”

As soon as Twilight finished writing, somepony knocked on the door, making her huff in frustration, massaging her forehead with her hooves.

“There’s no rest for me,” she complained in a low voice. “Come in!”

The door opened with a soft squeak as Spike entered the room, bowing to Twilight. He smiled broadly, leaning on his spear. It shaft had been repaired.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Twilight, but...” Spike stopped for a moment, putting a claw on his mouth to avoid laughing too loud.

“What’s so funny, Spike?” As Spike made signs with his claw over his head, Twilight turned to look at a mirror on the wall. Because of the previous magic attempt, her mane looked puffy and messy. She sighed as she tried to comb it back to normal with her hooves, but failed. “Never mind, what brings you here?”

“Actually, there’s a pony that wants to see you. Something concerning the Celestial Tournament.”

“Odd. I don’t know who that could be. Let them in, though. I have time for a meeting, especially for something important like the tourney.”

“As you wish, Twilight.” Spike gestured to somepony just out of sight. “I’ll leave you two to talk in private. If you need anything, I’ll be following the usual patrol.”

When Spike left, the other pony walked inside the room. It was a young stallion, a really tall unicorn with a frail build. He avoided eye contact with Twilight, and his legs trembled at the presence of his leader. Twilight recognized him as Trixie’s former apprentice, Snails. He was one the ponies she least expected to come to pay her a visit.

“Snails?” Twilight got up from her seat and walked towards him with great concern.

“L-lady Twilight, I...” Snails stepped back as if he feared her clan leader.

“Snails, please, don’t be scared.” She noticed Snails’ insecurity, so she tried her best to make him more comfortable. Considering what his former master had done, it was understandable that he felt so terrified in front of her. “Is it true what Spike told me? Do you want to talk about the Celestial Tournament?”

Snails nodded weakly.

“Well then, what do you want to talk about?”

“I… I want to participate.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure if you’re ready for something like that. The Celestial Tournament is really special and important. Only the elite are invited. You’re proving your worth in front of the Empresses no less.” She walked slowly front left to right as she spoke. “I’m not going to question Trixie’s skill as a teacher, but she never told me that you were ready to pass the gempukku.”

“Y-yeah, that’s the other thing I wanted t-to talk about, Lady Twilight.”

She stopped her walking as her ears perked up to catch was Snails was going to say better. She looked at him as she patiently waited for him to continue his talking.

“I… I don’t think that my place belongs here with the summoners.”

Twilight stood motionless and silent for a few seconds, staring at Snails in disbelief. She then took a step forward, a mixture of confusion and disappointment on her face, which made him cower back.

“Explain yourself,” she demanded.

“I-I’ve tried to be a good summoner, I have, honest. I can speak with the spirits, but I can’t understand them. They speak with riddles that I can’t decipher, so most of them simply ignore me at best. And frankly, my mentor’s fall into corruption is enough of a stain for our clan. Adding an incompetent summoner among the ranks of the most powerful spellcasters in the Empire is the last thing we need.”

Twilight let out a long sigh and walked towards him. When she raised one of her hooves, Snails shrank in fear. Surprised at such a reaction, she leaned her hoof on his shoulder.

“Young Snails, your concern about your clan is admirable. Even though you still aren’t an adult samurai with responsibilities, you already understand the value of your fellow pony’s honor and duty.” Snails uncovered his eyes, looking at Twilight for the first time, and smiled in relief as her face showed no signs of anger or disappointment. “Because of Trixie’s fate, your case is special, that’s the only reason why I’m considering your offer. Now, what do you plan on doing? Even if you pass, what will you do?”

“To be honest, Lady Twilight, I don’t know.” Snails sounded sincere, but defeated. “I thought that if I proved myself worthy of being a samurai, a mentor from any clan would choose me as an apprentice. But now that I think about it—”

“It’s a reasonable option. However, in order to be accepted among the other contestants without your mentor’s approval, another one should have to give the okay.”

“That means that I can still go?” Snails’ eyes glowed with hope as he smiled broadly.

“If another clan leader considers that you’re worth the honor yes. However, I must test your knowledge before even thinking about letting you come with us. As you mentioned, my clan’s image has already been damaged because of Trixie. I can’t allow this situation to worsen.”

“I understand, Lady Twilight.”

“Tell me. As a summoner, what kind of problem were you having with the spirits?”

“I just didn’t understand them. Some talk in riddles, others talk about different things, and others even ignore me! Sometimes even among spirits of the same element! I got the feeling that every single spirit is different. Snips told me that every element gives their spirits a fixed behavior, but I think that every single spirit is unique.”

Twilight stared contemplatively at the ceiling after hearing Snails’ comment. “That’s... actually true!”

“It is?”

“Of course!” she cried, excited. “How did I miss something like that?!”

“Lady Twilight?”

She let out a long sigh before turning back at him with a tender smile. “Even the wisest and greatest masters sometimes forget the basics of their training.”

“Uhm… so?”

“I’ve overestimated my magic and knowledge for these experiments. Now that I have been reminded of this basic part, I finally may be able to complete the spells!” She galloped back to her table, raising the quill with her magic and started scribbling on the scroll. “I’ll have to talk to the spirits. Should I only use the spirits I convince to work together or will the restrictions disappear once I master the spell? There’s no time to waste, I must investigate further!”

For a few moments, Snails stood motionless behind Twilight. When she looked up to see him patiently waiting, she cleared her throat and lowered her head apologetically.

“Sorry about that. I’ve been working in developing new spells, and that thing you said may be the key for completing my research. Now, back to your request, where are you in your lessons?”

“Well, now that I think of it, I’ve been studying on my own. Trixie wasn’t that much of a teacher. She performed magic and she told us that we should imitate her to become as good as her. So I had to study on my own.”

“So much for one of the supposedly greatest summoners under my command. I thought I did the right thing allowing her to teach students.” With a disappointed sigh, Twilight got up and grabbed a book from one of the top shelves with her magic. “Taking into account your issues with the spirits, I suppose you focused on other aspects, am I right?”

Snails nodded. “Mostly heraldry and law. I didn’t want to get into trouble. I also studied the bushido virtues and the religious texts, as well as some of the basics of sword fighting.”

“So if I asked you how many times should you offer a gift, what would you ask?”

He tapped his chin with his hoof for a few seconds. “Three. The one who receives the gift must decline twice. If the pony who offers the gift doesn’t insist, it means that he wasn’t that interested in giving you the present. If you decline three times without a decent reason, it’ll be considered an insult.”

“Correct!” Twilight nodded approvingly with a smile. “You have indeed studied hard.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say something that wasn’t true. The bushido forbids lies. As the virtue of Sincerity prays, ‘a samurai’s word is the cornerstone of his reputation’.”

“That’s true, young stallion.” Twilight turned around and levitated the scroll he was working on with her magic, putting it inside the saddle. “It’s decided; get yourself ready, you’re going to the Celestial Tournament!”

“Thank you, Lady Twilight!” Snails kneeled in front of her clan leader with the broadest smile he could show. However, it faded as he got up. “But what about Snips? Can he come too?”

“Did he study as much as you?”

Snips opened his mouth to answer, but when he looked at Twilight in the eyes, he closed it, lowering his head and shaking it weakly. “No. He revered Trixie, even more than me, and tried to be her equal. He may not be the best summoner, but he’s a bit better than me. However, we never studied together.”

Twilight closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about a solution that would satisfy both of them. “I’ll tell you what we’ll do. He can come too, but he’ll require another clan leader’s approval, just as you, in order to join the tournament. If he passes and decides to follow the path of the summoner, I’ll assign him a new mentor to resume his magic studies.”

“Thank you, Lady Twilight.” Snails bowed once again. “I’ll find him and tell him the good news.”

“I’ll see you two at the Imperial Palace’s gates in two hours.”

Snails raised an eyebrow at Twilight’s word. “Isn’t Dinky coming with you?”

“My apprentice wanted to go with her mother, and I couldn’t say no to her. Besides, I have to join the senior monks of the four temples for the ritual of purification and blessings before the Tournament takes place.”

“Right. Thanks again, Lady Twilight. We’ll meet you there in two hours.”

Snails bowed deeply and Twilight bowed back. The young stallion galloped away through the halls, the sound of his hooves against the marble fading in the distance. When the place became silent once more, she put the scroll in the saddlebag standing on the table and hung it on her side. Closing her eyes, she pulled back her head, chanting short words of power as her horn shone with a mighty glow before disappearing in a blast of blinding light.

-o-

The preparations for the Celestial Tournament had turned the usually peaceful Imperial Palace into a place as busy as a beehive. Most preparations for the trials were already done, save for the athletics and the hunting ones. Being such an important event that took place once a year unless the Empresses decided otherwise, every single clan leader was invited. Several masters of dojos would also come, not only to witness their students’ training, but also to check if any of the contestants were skilled enough to be worthy of joining their ranks. The elite of all the young promises of all the Empire competed against each other. The pride of every clan was at stake.

At the doors of the Imperial Palace two soldiers guarded the entry. They greeted every clan leader and influential pony, be it master of a dojo, senior monks or elite summoners. The guest list and the ponies’ reputation was enough to validate every attendance. There was one, however, that even at a distance made them uncomfortable. Dressed in a straw cloak that covered his body and a straw hat that hid his face, a stallion walked towards them, bowing deeply at them before introducing himself.

“Greetings, Imperial Guards. I’d like to attend the Celestial Tournament.”

“Identify yourself, gentlecolt,” demanded one of the guards.

The stallion raised his hat, showing his light brown fur and blue eyes. “They use to call me simply ‘the Hermit’.” As one of the guards started checking the guest list, the Hermit raised a hoof, showing a piece of paper to them. “I’m afraid I’m not on that list, but I’m sure this will be enough for you to allow me entrance.”

Both guards stared at him as the self-proclaimed Hermit searched inside his cloak for a few seconds before showing them a small scroll. They instantly recognized Celestia’s writing and signature, next to Luna’s. Stepping aside to let him pass, the guards bowed to him.

“Enjoy the show, sir!”

“I certainly will, thank you. Your discipline is admirable. I shall speak highly of your duty to the Empresses.”

With that, the Hermit walked inside the Imperial Palace after bowing politely to each guard. Once he had moved out into the stadium, the guards looked at each other.

“Who was that stallion? For having a letter signed by both Empresses, he can’t be a simple hermit. He just can’t be!”

“Maybe he’s on one of those warrior’s pilgrimages. You know, those on which you have to behave and consider yourself a ronin during that period.”

“No, he must be something more. I hope the Empresses will be okay.”

“He seems like a peaceful pony, and he had the signed papers. They’ll be fine. Besides, the rest of the guards and the other clan’s soldiers are inside with them. Even if he tries something, he won’t stand a chance. Anyways, it’s that or being punished for not letting an important guest in.”

-o-

Among the ponies organizing the preparations for the Celestial Tournament, Twilight was the one working the hardest. One of her duties, aside from introducing her student Dinky and both Snips and Snails, was to purify and bless the great hall where the majority of the contests would take place with the help of the four senior monks. Pinkie had said that she’d take care of bringing the other three with her.

“Twilight, we’re here!” cried Pinkie excitedly, followed by two earth ponies and a pegasus.

Twilight bowed to the ponies. “It’s an honor joining you in a purification ritual. May I ask your names, monks?”

”Sure, no problem!” Pinkie pointed at the two earth ponies. The one on the left had light grey fur with a dark mane and had a powerful build. The other one had violet fur with a light grey mane, and had a psychical shape similar to Twilight’s. “These are my sisters, Inkie and Blinkie Pie!”

“I am Inkie Pie, senior monk of the Temple of Thunderer.” She bowed respectfully, but that didn’t make Twilight feel less intimidated. That mare reminded her of Applejack.

“The Temple of Thunderer?” Twilight had read a few lines about that order, but had never met a monk that belonged to it. “You mean the son of the Apple Clan Founder and the Thunder Dragon, the Fortune of Fire and Thunder?”

“Yes. We are a martial order, revering the mortal life and divine power of Thunderer. We were the first order who trained military monks, reacting with violence against violence in equal measure.”

Twilight nodded nervously. Not that anypony in their right mind would try to challenge ponies that size.

“I am Blinkie Pie, senior monk of the Temple of the Six Thunders.”

“Ah, the temple that reveres the ponies who fought Nightmare Moon during the Day of Thunder! I’ve been there to say my prayers a few times, but I’ve never seen you there.”

“We are a reclusive lot, Lady Twilight. Monks from our order don’t get out that much. Today was a special occasion that required my presence.”

“And I’m Surprise!” The ivory pegasus with golden mane flapped her wings, hovering in mid air. “I lead the Temple of the Thousand Fortunes. Every single one of them, greater and lesser alike, is praised in my temple. There are smaller temples dedicated to each Greater Fortune, and most ponies have their small shrines for lesser ones at home. But at the main Temple we have small altars for all of them.”

“It’s a pleasure meeting you all,” admitted Twilight, bowing towards them. “I hope you’re all ready for the ritual.” The four mares nodded simultaneously, and kneeled as soon as Celestia approached them.

“I’m glad that you were able to make it. The final preparations are over, so the ritual can commence.”

“Leave it to us, Empress, everything will go perfectly.” Twilight and the monks kneeled in front of Celestia. Then she turned at them with a smile. “Let’s start with the ritual.”

From the distance, the Hermit trotted towards them, his silhouette concealed under his clothing. “Empress Celestia, blessed be the eyes! You haven’t changed a bit since the last time we met!” He removed his hat gallantly showing his dark brown mane, blue eyes and light brown fur, and kneeled in front of her.

Celestia showed a shocked smile. “Hermit Whooves!”

“Who?” Twilight inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“Just Hermit, please. Oh, but where are my manners?” He turned back at the other mares and bowed deeply. “I’m a good friend of the Empresses, and I wanted to attend this Celestial Tournament. I hope you have no problem with that.”

“Not at all, Hermit. However, I think we should talk privately. I’m sure you have something to tell me. You don’t come to visit only because you miss us.” Celestia had a sad look on her face, but the Hermit kept a joyful smile at all times, which apparently soothed the Empress.

“Fear not, today I am the harbinger of good news!”

“In that case we’ll go up to the balcony where my sister and I will sit during the ceremony. You’ll be our guest of honor, my good friend.”

“That’s way more than I deserve, but I won’t decline your generous offer.”

“Empress Celestia!” Twilight cried.

“Please, Twilight, there’s no need to be afraid.” Celestia tried to comfort the Lore Leader laying her hoof on her shoulder. “Trust me, he poses no threat to any of us.”

“Twilight?” The Hermit stared at her with a broad smile. “I’ve heard wonders about you among the Lore.”

“Well, that’s flattering, sir.” She let out a short giggle, but turned serious again in an instant. “But we should start getting ready for the ritual. We’ll catch up later if possible.”

“Absolutely!”

Celestia and the Hermit bowed to the mares and left towards the balcony. Twilight grabbed a few scrolls from the cache trying to search for the one that had the rituals of purification and blessing. After checking that the senior monks had everything required, and throwing a last glare at the Hermit, she guided them across the Palace to the hall.

“This way!”

-o-

As Celestia and the Hermit walked up the stairs to the balcony where the Empresses were going to watch the Tournament, both had kept the conversation flowing:

“A couple of decades had passed since the last time you came to visit us, Whooves.” She sounded happy and concerned about her guest’s visit. “What brought you here this time?”

“Wonders, Celestia. A dream showed me that this Celestial Tournament will be far more important than the previous ones.”

“Visions again?”

“My position as the Fortune of Time allows me a certain level of omniscience, but not as specific as I’d like to. I had those visions about the Day of Thunder, and taught and guided them to fight and defeat Nightmare Moon.”

“I’m sure Luna will love seeing you. She never had the chance of thanking you for what you did.”

“I appear where I’m most needed, but it mostly depends on those that I help, for they are the ones who shaped history in the end. The Thunders are the ones who Luna should thank, not me.”

“A shrine was built in their honor. One of the mares you saw down there was the senior monk of that temple. Trust me, they haven’t been forgotten. You, on the other hoof, keep being a mystery for those who don’t know about your nature.”

“Trying to keep the Empire safe is too much work for a single pony, even as a Fortune, and my visions appear rarely.” Whooves shook his head slowly, letting out a short sigh. “I remember all that happened in all my previous lives, so I know how it must feel being you and Luna. I wish that I could’ve done something more for the Thunders to avoid their demise.”

“Don’t worry about that, you did everything that you could do within the limits,” Celestia replied in a comforting voice as she covered Whooves with one of her wings. Having arrived at the top of the balcony, Celestia took her seat while he stood in the middle of the two thrones. “You told me that you came here because of good news?”

“Heroes, Celestia. We will see great heroes rise at this tournament. Equestria’s fate will rest on the shoulders of those who participate today.”

Both ponies’ ears perked up as they heard the sound of flapping wings approaching them from behind. Two Imperial Guards were escorting Luna, who couldn’t contain a smile at the sight of the stallion who was standing next to her sister. Each soldier moved to one of the Empresses’ side, protecting them as soon as they arrived to the balcony.

“Could thou be the one my sister calls Whooves, the Hermit and Guide of the Thunders, the Fortune of Time?”

“That would be me, Empress Luna.” He bowed deeply towards her, taking his hat off. “It’s been so long.”

“We agree.” Luna bowed slightly towards him, the escorts looking at the scene in shock. “Thou saved us with the Thunders more than a thousand years ago. We haven’t forgotten your actions, Fortune of Time.”

“F-Fortune of Time?!” The guard next to Luna exploded in a mixture of surprise and fear. “B-but that’s impossible. If you’re really the Thunder’s mentor that means you’re more than–”

“A thousand years old, and technically you’re right, my good soldier. However, I have the lifespan of a mortal pony just like you, but I’m reborn every time in a different body, keeping the memories of my previous lives, still serving the Empire.” Whooves looked at the guard with a smile, numbering every important aspect of his previous lives. “I was indeed the one called ‘The Teacher’, being the one who dictated the religious Tao and the Thunder’s mentor. I was also an Apple soldier, a Jewel courtier, a Wing monk, and even a Deathseeker once. Those were crazy days, I tell you. However, I’ll only be known as the role I took at that moment. I’ll be known as ‘The Teacher’, ‘The Hermit’, ‘Cat’s Eye, Jewel courtier’, ‘Cinder Block, Apple soldier’ and so on. I’ll never be remembered as a reincarnated Fortune. Only the Empresses will know. Unfortunately, that means that you, and everypony you tell about me, will forget about all this when the Tournament is over.”

The soldier kept silent for a few seconds, with his mouth wide open as the Empresses nodded at Whooves’ statements. “It must be… discouraging to say the least.”

“I don’t do what I do for personal gain, glory or honor, soldier. I work for the Empire, just as you do. If anonymity is the lifestyle I’m forced to live, I’ll accept the burden so I can protect Equestria no matter what. The names of my previous lives will be remembered, but what really satisfies me is the fact that the Empire still exists.”

“You are indeed a dutiful stallion. Enjoy the Tournament, Hermit.” The soldier bowed gracefully towards Whooves, to which he bowed back with a smile.

Celestia turned to Luna, leaning her hoof on the Hermit’s shoulder. “Sister, Whooves has told me that great heroes will rise from this tournament.”

“Then we mustn’t miss a thing. We have ponies from every clan this year. Including some really promising ones according to their mentors.”

Whooves looked at the two Empresses with curiosity. “Who are the contestants?”

“As far as I remember, one of them is the Apple Hero’s younger sibling.”

“That’ll be most exciting indeed!” Whooves clapped fervently with a grin. “If he’s a good mentor as he’s a great general, we’re sure to witness a great competition.”

“There’s also a young monk, a student from the Swift Strike Dojo and several others. There are eight contestants in total.”

“I was right; this isn’t going to be a normal tournament. My beloved Empresses, mark my words: greatness is at hand.”

-o-

Most of the guests and contestants had already arrived and taken their seats. From the center of the hall, Twilight checked the each clan’s representatives and contestants. Spike was the only one among the Lore, sitting next to an empty cushion, the one Twilight should sit on once she finished the ritual. He looked longingly at Rarity with a tender smile, and almost squeaked as she smiled back at him.

Aside from Rarity, the Jewel Clan had Fancypants, Zircon, Filthy Rich and Silverspeed; the last one had a seat next to Pokey, which made them share intimidating stares every now and then. It was the clan with the most contestants, having Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon,each one next to their mentors or relatives. Rarity hugged her sister, letting her go only after making her promise that she’d be careful and not hurt herself. Despite her daughter’s struggling, Rich caressed her daughter’s head. After smiling and bowing to her father, she turned around, huffing in frustration. Silver Spoon sighed at the sight of her friend trying to avoid embarrassment because of her father’s public shows of affection. Silverspeed grabbed her by the cheeks, though, telling her that she was the one who had to win the Tournament, for nopony has the skill that she had.

The Party seats weren’t all taken, as Lyra, Bon-Bon and Pokey waited for Pinkie to finish the ritual with the others. Pipsqueak sat in silence in front of his mentor. With a judgmental eye, he sized up the rest of the contestants. When his eyes met Dinky’s both waved gently at each other.

From the Wilderness, only Fluttershy and Carrot Top where there, sharing some thoughts with Twist. While confident, she longed for some conversation, looking for Apple Bloom or any other contestants, but none of them seemed to be unoccupied, all of them either warming up or getting some final piece of advice from their mentors.

From the Apple Clan, General Big Macintosh and Applejack wished their best of luck to Apple Bloom. She wasn’t donned in her usual heavy armor, but a plain red kimono. The tournament banned weapons and suits of armor, so she wasn’t the only one who had to leave her gear at home. However, she appeared to be the one who felt the most uncomfortable there.

Rainbow Dash and her council, consisting in Commander Spitfire, Chancellor Soarin’ and Spymaster Derpy, represented the Rainbow Clan. Dinky, from the distance, waved to her mom, and she waved back, throwing a kiss at her. In front of them, Scootaloo flapped her wings and stretched her legs, ready for a sprint.

-o-

The four monks were chanting prayers to each of the Seven Greater Fortunes, each one of them in a corner of the great hall. In the middle of it, Twilight spread aromatic salts around her. Dancing lights spawned next to her, following her wherever she went. She then stood on her hind legs, raising her hooves in the air as she sang with a melodious voice a tune that made the light spheres fly in circles around her. In the end, the luminous orbs intensified their brightness until they exploded in a blast, covering the hall with their magic. The palace was flooded with a feeling of well-being, proving that the ritual had been completed successfully.

As the ritual came to an end, Twilight stared at the hall’s main door. The sound of several hooves walking towards them became loud enough for everyone to notice. Two Imperial Guards were escorting a couple of unicorns. One of them was very tall, but with a frail build, the other being quite shorter and a bit chubby. Twilight stepped forward, bowing to the guards as one of them spoke.

“Lady Twilight Sparkle, these two unicorns say that you wanted them here.”

“That’s true, guard; I asked them to meet me here.” As the guards bowed and went back to their post, Twilight trotted towards the two unicorns. “I’m glad that you’re here. We’ve just finished the rituals of purification and blessing. Snips, Snails, you may give your reasons for why you should be allowed to join the rest in the Tournament. I wish you luck.”

“Thank you, Lady Twilight,” replied Snails as he kneeled respectfully, followed by Snips. They walked towards the center of the hall as everypony’s eyes followed their every step. Snails closed his eyes as his horn blinked lightly. The guards stepped forward, taking a defensive stance. In an instant, his throat shone with the same bluish flare. He cleared his throat, his voice sounding louder than before. “My name’s Snails and this is Snips. We are both apprentice summoners of the Lore clan and former students of Trixie.” The crowd gasped, horrified at the confession. Snails lowered his head in shame, but Snips kept a challenging stare in his eyes. “We have come to this Celestial Tournament to prove that we don’t follow the path of our honorless mentor, and beg for you to allow us to participate.”

“I refuse!” Silverspeed roared as she got up from her seat. “You might be spies sent by Trixie! I won’t allow you to fill the ranks of our respectful samurais.”

“We haven’t been taught the ways of magic, and we expected that maybe we’d swear fealty to the clan who decided to pick us as apprentices when we pass.”

“Y’all look a bit too confident of yourself there, young one.” Big Macintosh tapped his hoof against his armor as he spoke, staring at Snails. “What have you done to deserve the honor of being allowed to join the rest of the attendants?”

“Nothing, my lord. We haven’t been trained by our former mentor in the ways of magic as proficiently as we should have. However, I refuse to accept the fate of being an outcast because of the actions of my mentor. I am different, and I want to prove it!”

Big Macintosh nodded at Snails’ statement. “Yer words show the purity of yer actions, young one.”

“I want them to join us!” cried Pinkie Pie, making everypony in the hall to look at her. “If you prove yourself worthy, the Party Clan will gladly take you! If your fate isn’t being a slave of Trixie’s actions, I shall allow you to become a respectful samurai.”

“That was easier than I thought,” said Twilight in a low voice. “Maybe there is hope for these two. May the Fortunes bless them.”

“With a clan supporting them, we see no problem for them to join the rest of the contestants.” Luna extended her wings majestically as she spoke. “Let the preparations begin! We wish all of thee the best of luck!”

All the contestants took their places. From the balcony, in a low voice, Celestia and Whooves spoke to each other.

“Did your vision include this little oddity?”

“Not specifically. However, my previous statement remains. Everypony here is destined to become somepony relevant to the Empire, in one way or another.”

-o-

With the powers of the silk mask that Discord had given him, Hoity Toity walked past the guards unnoticed. He remembered most of the Imperial Palace’s whereabouts from previous visits on other Tournaments and Winter Courts. However, the only place he was interested in was the Great Hall, where the ceremony would take place.

Being impossible to detect, he would infiltrate the Jewel group to search for the answers he was looking for. Unfortunately, he was already expecting the worst. Discord’s words had tainted his mind, making him doubt about her former leader’s intentions. For a brief moment he hesitated, not wanting to know the answer, fearing what he may hear. Even the most preposterous chance of Rarity looking forward to killing him in order to save her sister’s position as the future clan leader scared him. The image he had of her as a fair ruler would be shattered if that happened. After wondering for a while, he decided that there was no other way. If he had to serve a new lord, he would. He was in a no-win situation.

There they are. Now, let’s see if Discord’s words were true.