I closed the book, a well used quill and a half empty bottle of ink beside me. I grinned as I beheld the title of the book: Translation of the old language. It had taken me about an hour to complete the translation, but it was finally ready to be used by Trixie. I stood up from the dusty floor and cracked my back.
I looked around the still dusty home, realizing I’ve been putting off the cleaning for too long. I dusted off my clothes and grabbed Arcwind, a few controlled bursts of wind should deal with this mess. I soon began pushing the wind around me, forcing the dust towards the entrance of my home. As I worked, my mind began to dwell on the past. The diamond i gave Trixie had brought up some bad memories. I didn’t always use to practice what I preach…
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1501 years ago)
I stood at the edge of the trail, watching the caravan draw closer. I gripped Arcfire tightly in my arms, my mind a battle as I prepared to go against my nature… again. I needed more supplies and the Sisters were still after me. I couldn’t enter a town without getting screams of fear and alerting the guards. If I wanted any quality goods I had to resort to thievery.
I closed my eyes, silently voicing my sorrows before I attacked. I raised my hand and called upon the magic within the tome. A ring of pure fire formed around the small group, cutting off any chances of escape. I could hear shouts and cries of fear from outside the raging inferno. With a sigh I stepped forward, the flames pulled back for me like a curtain.
I looked over the ponies in front of me with a hard gaze. I couldn’t afford to show weakness, not after going so far. I stood before four guards and three merchants, the only resistance between me and the wagon of goods behind them. The merchants looked frightened to death, but the guards much less so.
They pointed their spears in my direction. “Halt creature, you are attacking a caravan of the Royal Sisters!”
I rolled my eyes. “Really, what gave it away? Was it the royal emblem on the wagon or the fact that it’s being guarded by you lousy excuse for guards ponies?”
I could almost hear their teeth grinding in rage. I could see their muscles tense, ready to lunge forward and impale me. I never gave them the chance. I manipulated the fire around me and directed the flames towards the guards. The spears began to glow red from the heat and their armor began burning into their fur and skin. All four of them collapsed to the ground, screaming in pain. I only pulled the fire away until they fell into unconsciousness, their brains shutting down in order to escape the torture.
I cut off the magic and let the ring of fire fade away. All that was left was a perfect ring of scorched dirt. I switched out Arcfire for Arcthunder, noticing the merchants huddling together for protection. They returned my gaze with fear, fear that was ripping my very soul apart. I frowned as I began to walk towards them, lightning dancing across my hand.
I’m sorry…
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Present)
I shook my head and looked around the room. The entire house was spotless. Any trace of dust and decayed wood were removed and the home looked fairly clean. Trixie wouldn’t be back for another two to three hours at minimum. I walked over to the bag of books, selecting a blank journal and a fresh bottle of ink. I needed to make a new Nosferatu, that tome is a powerful weapon when in my possession. Not only that, I needed it to complete my studies.
I sat down on the cold floor, a quill in my hand and a bottle of ink by my side. I opened the book and began to write. I’ve done this so many times now I can almost do it automatically. In this case it only frustrated me as I began to, once again, recall a distant memory. The night I rose my first corpse.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1504 years ago)
The moon was high in the night sky as I stood in the middle of the cemetery. I’ve been wanting to try out this tome for some time now. I looked at Nosferatu, the dark purplish book seemed to glow eerily in the moonlight. I’ve been excited to try out Dark magic, but I’ve also been worried about what could happen. I’ve already learned that my magic isn’t exactly restricted to game logic.
I internally shrugged and opened the book, quickly skimming over the words. When I first had to switch tomes I used to have to read multiple pages to bind myself. Now… I only needed to read a few sentences. Perhaps in a few years I’ll only need to pick out a few words.
I closed the book and looked towards the nearby town. It was utterly devoid of life, the ponies having retired for the night. I turned my attention to the grave in front of me. It was the newest addition to the cemetery, only a few months old at most. It seemed a young adult had passed before her time, perfect to test the magic on. I went over the plan in my mind on how to bring the dead back to life.
Nosferatu, from the Fire Emblem game, is a dangerous tome that is capable of draining it’s victim's life force. In the real world where game mechanics don’t exist, it’s even more deadly. Through constant tests I found that Nosferatu can drain the life force of almost anything biological. I can keep up the spell for as long as I want and it doesn’t heavily drain the magic in the tome.
While Nosferatu is a deadly weapon, I found it can also be one of the greatest tools for healing. Through trial and error I can now direct the life energy I take into another being besides myself.
Life… nothing is more pure than life itself. It can be argued that a creature’s life is directly tied with its very soul. Something so pure and holy, no flaws in its design, it simply just is. Life energy is easily the worlds greatest source of power, a power that drives progress… and now I can control it.
It doesn’t matter how close a creature is to death. If I have a large enough source I can bring back a being from the brink of death. The only problem is that it’s a double edged sword. To restore the life of an individual I need another source of life. I can use the plants around me, but it won’t ever be enough.
Life energy is not constant, it is ever changing. From birth to death your life force changes. Weak as a child, strong as a young adult up to a middle aged man, and finally, brittle as an old man. The stronger a being’s strength and willpower, the more life energy they have to give.
Standing alone in the middle of an empty graveyard I only had one source of life large enough to raise the dead: myself. I began draining my life, wincing as I pulled a bit too much too fast. I quickly directed the flow of energy into the grave, forcing it into the corpse. When I had finished I was panting heavily, feeling tired, weak and nauseous.
new rule: do it slowly and take a little at a time
I should be fine by tomorrow morning. My life source should replenish itself given enough time. I was distracted from my thoughts as the sound of digging could be heard. I watched in wonder as the grave seemed to open up, and a pale hoof forced its way to the surface. The rest of the pony followed shortly after, the young mare’s skin luminescent in the moonlight. Its eyes had a golden tint to them, glowing faintly as they stared straight at me.
This… this is incredible! The dark magic has strengthened the body of the host allowing new cells to quickly regenerate and fix any abnormalities! Not only that, it seems that the undead has some intelligence. This, no doubt, aids in the preservation of the body should the corpse need to think its way through a situation. It’s not a Risen, more like a Phantom. I wonder if has the ability to- what’s it doing?
Towards the end of my inner rambling I noticed that the Phantom had made its way towards me. I looked down at it curiously and it returned the gaze. it actually seemed to be thinking of something. Granted, it would probably take a while to actually come up with any thought. I remained still, watching as it shuffled a bit closer. What happened next made me question my sanity.
The Phantom slowly raised itself on its hind legs and wrapped its forelegs around my waist. I could feel my back cracking from the sheer power behind the hold. I was about ready to burn the damn thing when it actually… nuzzled me? That’s when I heard it speak, a gravely voice with the undertone of a female.
“Master...”
My brain stopped all forms of cognitive thought. I absently rubbed the back of the Phantom mare. I only realized what I was doing when it pushed its muzzle deeper into my stomach. I reacted as any person would when in this situation: freak the fuck out.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Present)
I closed the finished book, my mind focused on the present once more. I placed my hand upon the cover of the book and began to fill the tome with magic. The book glowed a faint white before becoming a rich purple. This continued for the next ten minutes, me pushing as much magic into the pages as I possibly could. By the time I was done I was breathing heavily, but before me lay a purple tome, ready for use. I grabbed it and placed it atop the pile of books nearby. All I needed was another bookshelf and I could get them off the floor. That reminds me of another book I own…
I walked into the storage room, the space bare save for a single chest at the moment. I opened the chest and beheld the contents within. It was filled with flawless gems and gold, easily amounting to thousands of bits. I ignored it all as I dug through the pile, grasping the spine of a familiar journal. I pulled it out and opened it, reading over the numerous hypotheses, mathematical equations and previously done experiments.
I was distracted when I heard a sudden pop come from the main room accompanied with heavy breathing. It would seem Trixie is back from her shopping. I closed the book and glanced at the title of the journal before placing it back into the chest.
Hypotheses on Immortality
I loved the bit with the internal screaming.
Great chapter, man. I wonder what happened to that Phantom.
5633168 Internal screaming is best screaming.
5633172 Who knows!? Maybe you'll find out later
5633172
Celestia killed (re-killed) it, remember? That's how she found Robin in the first place.
Also, good to see more on how the magic differs from the strait fighting in Fire Emblem to a more flexible use in the story. Side thought, is Trixie going to become Tharja-esk after learning from Robin, because no Robin should ever be with their precious/creepy Tharja.
i.imgur.com/aINtiRG.jpg
5633183 What about Goat Screaming?
sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/screw-calm-and-freak-the-fuck-out.png
Also cute and sad.
This one...remind me a novel story make me cry like da bitch.
5633186 That poor undead clingy mare. Trixie as the embodiment of Tharja? That sounds like a nightmare!
5633198 That's just a stupid voice clip
5633242 There's gonna be some more flash backs about that mare later on.
5633069 Fire Emblem and My Little Pony! I have always loved the two!
Oooookkkaaaaayyyy... Didn't see that one coming when the zombie called him master.
Also, you're on a roll today.
your description of the phantom is similar to the morphs of FE7. Was that intentional or just a coincidence?
5632787 A home isn't noble? And facehoof's not either?
5633367 Fire Emblem is one of the best strategy games out there (in my opinion). An Intelligent man like Robin placed in Equestria was just too good of an opportunity to pass up!
5633379 Neither did Robin. he also didn't expect to get hugged by a corpse. I was so very tempted to replace 'master' with 'daddy'.
Thanks, but I think I need a break. I've been writing a lot this weekend and I still have homework that needs to get done for school.
5633383 It was just a coincidence. I've played Sacred Stones and Awakening the most (haven't played FE7 yet). I wanted the intelligence that Risen seem to posses, but wanted nothing to do with the Grimleal. So, I went with the Phantom, but gave my own little spin on it.
5633405 I don't know, my brain is mush right now after all the writing I've been doing. I need SLEEP
Pale skin and golden eyes, sounds like he can create morphs.
i would scream internally as well o-o
5633532 I don't even know what a morph is!?
5633573 morphs are artificial humans created by dark magic and stolen human quintessence (life force)
They were created by the evil insane wizard Nergal in Fire Emblem the blazing sword (the 1st one released outside Japan)
5633608 Oh... I guess they're kinda like that. I never played the game though so it's really a coincidence.
5633573 Read this.
5632787 How so?
5633983 Just look it up. They were a group of individuals who sought to preserve knowledge and ensure political stability. Not only that, they shunned superstitious beliefs such as which trials.
5633248 well, I have to admit that any Robin gravely needs their Tharja, Its not the same without a creepy stalker for our hero
5634273 Well, that was cool but they kinda suck now. one of those ass licking sons of bitches owes me money and a new rifle. (Long story)
5633677 Not really, because with a very few exemptions, Morphs arn't made from corpses. Rather they are more like dolls being made of materials.
5634381 I guess that's one possible path for Trixie. Would certainly lead to some... interesting situations later. Rated M for mare!
5634393 ... no comment.
5634449 Plus, Equestria's magic seems to mess with the corpses. Pretty sure Phantoms from Fire Emblem don't go hugging their masters the second they are born
5634381
Aww, but Tharja isn't creepy, she is just....loves very strongly.
24.media.tumblr.com/df8713ae27d5496b29cd2b76e323afe6/tumblr_mjxabucc1q1rfby1fo1_400.png
No matter how many times I wish to replay FE, I can never go with anyone else (was planning on "Marth" [Lucina], but then chapter 9/Tharja appeared), she is the perfect mix of creepy to caring, without actually going into yandere.
More on point, Tharja's curses might actually fit into the MLP universe, as they can not only give ailments/torture/kill, but she also uses them to bring down fevers, offers to erase Libre's traumatic memories, cure Lon'Qu's gynophobia, and even commune with Gregor's brother's spirit (who offers his own soul in exchange, she lets him keep it). Noire's talisman did have some...side effects, but it did keep her alive.
If integrated into the story, it could really be a great mix of Zecora's Witch Doctor cure, and actual Voodoo.
5634990 on my first playthrough, I don't know why, but I paired Robin with Lissa and Tharja with Frederick for some reason... I just kinda like their support conversations i suppose, what with Frederick coaxing Tharja into training, Tharja cursing him to not notice her, and Frederick still jumping in the way of a blow coming her way... on that note, I always liked Lon'qu and Cordelia's supports and Donnel and Maribelle's ones too... plus with those two couplings their kids kinda work...
I just hope that trixi not betray robin
just for revenge on Twilight Sparkle
I would like to become the best friend and support robin
She has suffered a lot but I think deep down she is a good filly and wants friends
but it costs a bit admit
5635047 Chipping away that egotistical exterior will take time, but Robin is willing to work at it.
5635052 wow that make the story more interesting
problems with Celestia and moon, and establish a friendship with Trixi see how she really is
wow esperare forward to the next chapter promises much your story
I just hope twi first use their intelligence to see beyond things in a nutshell that the blindfold is removed and think for herself
ok greetings and good luck
5634990 Tharja is the worst character in Awakening, that is all I will say on the matter atm.
Personally, I like this scream better.
5633608
Why did no one tell Wade this?
Also, love the story.
Please say the Phantom isn't the one that Celestia destroyed, I wanna see her come back!
5663945 5663955
I'm glad you love the story, I should have a chapter out next weekend. already have the next 2-3 chapters planned out so that's a plus. As for the Phantom... who knows?
5664117
You tease~
Blast.
I caught up.
I hate it when that happens.
Yay, Trixie! Go master all the otherworldly magic, and the unicorn stuff too! Then you have access to pre-stored elemental magic of Fire Emblem and the spatial manipulation powers of unicorns! You'll be unstoppable!
So I am just sitting here, my mind running away pondering the possibilities of your magic system:
Nosferatu: allows transfer of life energy, and this includes healing. You, sir, need some way to carry a large amount of Life energy with you, and store it for extended periods of time. Store a little health now so you can tap into it later. How effective/efficient are zombies as batteries?
Thunder: affects unicorn magic in some controllable way? Awesome. Deflect magical attacks and taze them in return. Thunder sounding better and better. And see, now I am envisioning unicorn magic as somehow based on electricity, and that makes me wonder how effective a Thundara-induced EMP would be, here in Equestria.
Wind: Mobility, utility, and precision ftw! Unless you can somehow manage to ride the lightning with Thunder, then it might take the cake on the mobility front.
All of them: If you were to... say... overcharge a book with magic, would it become unstable... y'know, resulting in an explosion? Because every good story needs explosions.
Feel free to ignore those, it's just the munchkin in me trying to find the most efficacious, efficient, and (most importantly) explosive uses for every rule system I come across. On a story-related note, I can't wait for Twi to meet them. I have no idea what her reaction to seeing Robin's new apprentice would be. I also want to see Trixie's reaction to Nosferatu and all its uses.
Super story!
5664618 The magic of Fire Emblem is destructive and powerful to be certain. If Robin could remove the need for the books, he would become extremely dangerous to his enemies (more so than he already is). As for storing life energy, who says he isn't researching that? I've given a few hints to what he's attempting to do.
5665016
Remove the need for books!?!?!
Sacrilege!
Twi might actually have to kill him if he tried to do such a thing.
...
On a more serious note, yes. eliminating the limitation of one element at a time, the time it takes to switch, or even the need for them altogether would be immensely useful. Heck, just having a reusable book would be nice, without having to recopy the writing every time.
Wait, where is copying the words from? Does he have the whole texts memorized? or is there a the original somewhere?
Blarg. So many questions, not the point of the story.
5666494
I never really did explain how he knows the text. Its actually ingrained in his mind. When a user goes up a 'level' in their field they automatically know the text required to write the book. Consider it like walking; it becomes an instinct to them.
Man this story is awesome so far, I can't wait for more! Uh, that's if you want to of course.
5676670 Haha, I'm glad you like it! Loved reading your comments :P
I have big plans for this story. I'm working on a crossover now so that should prove interesting.
5677051
Awesome! Crossovers are usually pretty fun to do so good luck with that!
Hope you don't mind that I've referenced your story in mine.
5684205
Not at all! Which story was it, I'm curious?
5685073
A Farmers Tools. Sorry, just couodnt help myself.
5685551
I actually read that story and I don't remember seeing any reference to my own. Most likely I'm just having a derp moment though.
5685558
Oh I actually haven't finished the chapter yet. Got about 3000 words done and I've still gotta get the ending done. Just wanted your permission... For some reason.
5685565
No need to ask for permission, I would love to have more interactions between Robin and other Displaced. If your character writes in the book though, I need to know so I can take it into account in my own story.
5685579
So I can get the book then? Awesome.