It is months after the changling invasion of Canterlot, and Celestia is pulling her mane trying to pay for the repairs of her city. Her and her sister just about raise the tax rate when a strange pony requests an audience with the princesses...
Canterlot is visited by a strange business pony who offers much wealth to the land and it's people. This is the story of the rise and fall of The Equestrian Arena, following the stories of gladiators across the lands with strange powers and unique abilities. Read and see the action, romance, and intensity of The Arena!
"MARES AND GENTLECOLTS! WELCOME TO THE GRIFTPAN COLOSSEUM!" The loud voiced announcer shouted through his voice amplification spell. "TODAY WE WILL BE SHOWING YOU THE MATCH YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! BOTH REPRESENTATIVES OF TWO DIFFERENT SPECIES! TODAY THEY TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST EACH OTHER TO PROVE WHO THE TRULY DOMINANT RACE IS!"
The crowd cheered and screeched as the voice echoed through the structure. Griffon and pony alike flocked to the capital city of Griftpan, eager to watch the fight. The energy collected in the arena was thick in the air. It was a grudge match after all, much more than that in reality. A grudge match between an earth pony and a griffon.
"ENTERING FROM THE EAST GATE; GLADIATOR FROM HIS YOUTH, ADOPTED INTO THE ARENA FROM ARABIAN SLAVERS, WITH A STUNNING TWENTY THREE STRAIGHT VICTORIES THIS SEASON ALONE! THE ONE AND ONLY, BLOOD DRAGON!"
A lone earth pony stepped out into the dusty arena. His body clad in shiny steel armor, glittering silver in the sun. The flank of his armor coated in red, the design shaping into a dragon's head. Mounted on the side of his armor sat a scabbard holding Blood Dragon's weapon of choice, a simple broad sword. The lone pony stood in silence as the crowd cheered. The announcer's voice blared through the arena once more.
"NOW ENTERING OVER THE WESTERN WALL; AN EX-KNIGHT FOR THE GRIFFON MILITARY, REMOVED FROM SERVICE FOR BRUTALITY! COMING BACK FROM A SLOW START OF THREE DEFEATS BUT OVERCOMING WITH A WHOPPING SEVENTEEN VICTORIES! THE FIERCE, THE SAVAGE, THE UNHYGIENIC! TALON SLASHER!"
The crowd cheered once again as the over sized griffon swooped in the arena. The bird barely wore any armor save for wing guards that were required for pegasi and griffon alike. Talon never like the safety rules the arena enforced. He wielded a massive spear that rested on his back. His massive size was dwarfed by the spear itself. The griffon landed on the dusty ground opposite of the earth pony. They exchanged glances as they awaited the call to battle.
Three months, that's how long it has been since the changelings and their Queen invaded. The damage they wrecked upon the city was less than major, but enough to merit concerns of safety for it's citizens. Celestia put it upon herself to balance the funds so that the city could be fully repaired, but had no idea just how much damage had been caused. What wasn't externally damaged, it was internally and even though nopony got hurt... Some things just don't get easy. The white alicorn paced the room back and forth trying to figure how to fund the repairs. They had to be done less somepony got hurt or worse. Many of the wealthy families would donate to the cause, but would it be enough is another question. Celestia sighed, she had been awake most the night contemplating the answer and it was nearly time for her court session.
Celestia was about to step towards the door when it opened, and in walked the dark blue alicorn she called her sister. Luna also looked as if she had gotten no sleep. She was told not to worry about it, but Celestia knew her sister's heart and knew she wouldn't let go of a challenge so easily. Her sister's piercing gaze seemed to silence the room, if it hadn't already been silent to begin with.
"How goes the funding sister, I have prepared a few plans myself. None of which you will agree with, but in a sire situation could be leaned on," Luna mentioned. "Sister, I will not resort to overly taxing our people. They have suffered enough through the invasion," Celestia knew what her sister's plans entailed. "But if we do not provide a solution, will they not suffer more for it?" Luna inquired. "I know sister, but if there is another solution that nopony should suffer. I will find it..."
The two sisters argued and debated the matter for hours into the day. They tackled every angle of the matter, Luna tried to push the idea of increasing a tax but Celestia kept turning it down. After hours of debate, both the sisters were mentally exhausted. They were just about to call it for the day when a single guard stepped into the courtroom.
"Your highness's, A business pony has requested a presence before you," The guard pony stated. "Sister, do you really want to take this after all we have been through today?" Luna complained, hoping to get a nap before her nightly duties. "No, I don't but this shouldn't take but a moment. Who knows, perhaps he has our answers," Celestia smiled at the shallow hope. "Send them in please." "At once."
The guard shot a salute as he turned towards the door and stepped out. Celestia watched the door in silence for a moment before the same guard opened the doors again but instead of him, another pony stepped into the courtroom. Luna noted his gangling appearance as well as his nontraditional garb. It seemed familiar but she was unsure of how. The pony spoke with a collected, yet refined accent.
"Ahh greetings your royal highness's, I am Jaque Claude Van Regalley the Twenty First. Owner and proprietor of the world famous Colosseum of Saddle Arabia" The pony knelt on a single foreleg as he bowed his head.
"Greeting to you as well Jaque Claude, I hope I may call you such for the sake of time," Celestia smiled as she began.
"Of course! Of course! You will find me a hard pony to offend your royal highness," Jaque responded with a grin.
"That is good to hear, now onto your business you wanted to speak with us about," Luna started this time.
"Ah yes, as I said I am the owner and proprietor of the world famous Colosseum of Saddle Arabia. I own arenas across the world that provide both entertainment for the people and funds for the economy. My latest achievement was establishing a branch in the Griffon Capital city of Griftpan."
"Impressive, I have heard rumor of the griffon kingdom accepting arena style combat into their society. I assume your current project involves establishing your 'Colosseum' here in Equestria," Celestia spoke, lowering her friendly tone to a more serious one. "Unfortunately, this is peaceful land. On top of that, we are in a financial crisis. I don't believe we could afford the construction of such a site."
"There is no worries for the cost of construction, for I am willing to pay for both construction and the lot should you choose to grant me permission," Jaque continued with his smile, Celestia inwardly congratulated him on his guile. "Alas, I am well aware of the controversy such a project may ensue, hence why I now say that if you have any doubt of the moral effect I may have on your community simply say the word and I will dismiss myself from your beautiful country."
"And how exactly will this... arena aid in our part Mr. Jaque?"
"You see my lady, the arena is a growing... phenomenon! I watched in many cities as it started, many ponies and griffons were wary of the idea. However they attended a match and were swooned by the romance and action that is the arena!"
"You speak as though there is such... feeling in arranged combat..." Luna squinted.
"Yes, there is! The arena allows combatants from around the world to see both the reality of this violent world and to fulfill the desire to watch competition. And I assure you princess's, the arena is completely safe."
Blood Dragon lept away as the griffon launched his spear head directly at him. Although it missed, it planted itself into the ground which Talon used to pull him towards his prey. The griffon rushing towards Blood, the pony was left to pull his blade and block the barrage of talon slashes that would rend any normal fighter.
"No way you can block all of my attacks little pony, better give up now before you get hurt!" Talon growled through a grin as he slashed at the pony's broad sword.
Blood knew the griffon was right, but he had no intention on giving up. He watched the strikes as the hit, focusing his thoughts, he could feel the individual cuts in the air. While blocking each hit he took careful measure to remember each strike before...
"What's the matter little pony, can't stand to give up, Is your pride too strong? I'll help you with th-URK!" Talon knelt over in pain, conscious enough to look at the strike that silenced him.
His sharp eyes followed a pure white armored foreleg that buried into his feathers. A clear gut shot that knocked nearly all the air from his lungs. He dizzily looked back up towards the pony who had turned around and opened his beak to speak. Instead, his beak was shut by a pair of hooves smashing into both his face and his chest simultaneously. Talon's vision went black, and the last thing he remembered was thinking... Damn this dirt is cold...
The debate between both princesses and Jaque was running longer than Celestia had hoped. The idea of an arena was not a pleasant one, she wouldn't be considering it save for the fact that they needed the income it could provide. Celestia had to give Jaque credit, he made a point that this project could likely save Canterlot. She was still wary to the idea. Luna however was growing more and more interested in the idea, it not only would allow for funds to be raised but would also avoid taxing their subjects.
"So Jaque, remind us how much you expect this 'arena' to pull in? As we have explained, the financial stability of our city is crumbling and we have very little to spend on a gamble" Celestia asked.
"Based on past profits from our other established arenas, we have pulled in an average of half a million bits in one months time. This is mainly from the earnings of various bets" Jaque stated. "However, a portion of the earnings must go to the fighters so subtracting wages and upkeep of the facility, I would speculate an earning of four hundred to four hundred thirty thousand bits as an ending figure."
"Wow... that much..." Luna spoke, almost speechless as she imagined the numbers. "And with all of that, how will it be applied to the economy?" Celestia pressed, trying to get Jaque to open up.
"Well, at first we will need to split the profits... unfavorably towards you. This will only be for a short time until we amount the funds desired. After that, the split will be altered more in favor of you to do with as you please" Jaque explained.
"If you would, please define 'unfavorable' and 'favorable' so we may get an idea as to how much we can expect should we allow you to do your business" Celestia continued to pry answers.
"I can give you the same rate I gave every other kingdom who allowed an expansion of the arena. Starting of would be a sixty to forty split in my favor, again only to get the arena into a position of self sufficiency. After achieving that, with luck our funding will be enough that I can alter the split to a thirty-seventy in your favor" Both alicorns snapped their heads to each other, Celestia's concerned gaze meeting with Luna's surprised gaze. "It is a gamble, I know, but I have yet to see the arena fail to turn a profit. Also I can offer this as a suggestion, on a rare occasion kingdoms passed have allowed me a six month trial period. Time enough to begin meeting our goal, should you still be struggling in your decision then I suggest considering the trial to observe how it may stand."
Jaque finished his prepared speech on the matter, leaving Luna impressed but Celestia skeptical. Sure, going through with this would mean eliminating the option of overly taxing their subjects but what would an arena invite into her peaceful land?
"Jaque, you have done an impressive job giving the boons to your arena. However, my sister and I must take this into private consideration. We invite you to return to the court in two days time to hear our decision." Celestia spoke.
"Ah yes, thank you for giving me an audience. I am sure your decision will be made with much thought." Jaque bowed his head.
"Indeed Jaque Claude, and for your stay in Canterlot please take this" Luna magically levitated a roll of paper across the room, which Jaque caught with a free hoof. "Show that note to any innkeeper and they will have a room for you. Please enjoy your stay."
Jaque once again bowed before the alicorn princesses before departing the room.
Blood stepped into the barracks, still sweating from his last match. He trotted to the showers and began to remove his layered armor. Pulling off his full helm, he revealed his pearl white coat and his blood red mane. His mane was part of the reason for his name. Kicking off his plate boots, be then began undoing the leather straps to his chest and flank covers. The second part of his name became clear as his flank armor sagged down his hind legs, revealing a blood spattered looking mark in the shape of a dragon's head.
Now stripped of his armor, he stepped into a small stall and pulled the string that activated the shower head. The water was scalding hot as always, Jaque put good money in the facilities of his arenas. Blood let the stinging waters purge both body and mind. He got this way in hot showers, other fighters would often find him passed out on the shower floor. Just as the pearl pony was about to drift away...
"Blood! Wake up!" A feminine voice rang from across the stall.
Blood slowly rose his head and met gaze with the light blue eye's of a unicorn peering over the top of her own stall. His eyes caught the scar running down her left eye, her right eye was covered by her silver mane
"What do you want Whitney..." Blood mumbled as he leaned against the wall.
"How did your last match go? I heard a few things about that Talon griffon"
"I won..."
"Well congratulations sleepy head, nothing exciting about the fight? No tactics you want to share?"
"Sorry..."
"Ugh... and here I thought you would be interesting OUT of the arena..." Blood ignored the comment, only trying to focus on his shower. "Well I have to get out there, my fight is next. Wish me luck?"
"Yeah..."
Whitney stepped out into the arena at the announcers mention. As she trotted out, her gaze scanned the crowds. She sighed as she thought about her youth and how she wanted to become a famous musician, so much for those plans she thought. Although she would often imagine the crowds to be her adoring fans as she stepped onto stage, this reason alone was why she always started every fight humming the last song her mother sang {before}...
Whitney imagined the spotlights closing around her, causing her white coat to glow a silver hue. She imagined being on stage for her performance. The crowd's noise silenced by her thoughts and memories. Only the voice of her mother's singing echoed through her head as she reminisced the life she once had. Her friends, her family, everypony she knew. Her gaze met with the opposite gate, familiar in it's own right. Her home being razed in her childhood after it's own gates fell.
The large wooden doors opened into darkness as the ground shook with each step. From the gate came a giant diamond dog, armored head to toe and wielding a giant axe. With a shout, the battle started. The dog slammed the axe down on Whitney as she rolled out of the way, charging her horn with magic.
The unicorn rushed the dog, horn lowered for the lunge. Using her magic, she propelled herself in a flash. Her horn made contact with the axe as the dog blocked the attack. She flipped back and landed on all four hooves, her next attack was a charged magic bolt that reflected off the dog's armor. He retaliated with a charge, dragging the axe behind him as he closed the gap. The dog towered over Whitney as he spun the axe around in a whirlwind. Whitney countered with a time slowing spell as she lept onto the axe and rode it around while she charged a second magical blast.
The time slow spell began to wear off as the wind rushed through her flowing mane. Blood had stepped out onto the edge of the stands to watch the fight, and his eyes grew when he saw what they pit Whitney against. The dog was large enough to climb out of the arena walls should it choose to. He watched the dog spinning in a tornado of steel, his swift eyes catching the white blur holding fast to the head of the axe.
Whitney finally charged enough, and with a booming blast shattered the handle of the dog's axe. She lept off the flying axe head before it crashed into the dirt. The raging beast howled in anger as he charged the unicorn, gripping it's armored fist to plow it into the ground. Whitney reflected the impact with a shield and detonated it into an outward explosion, blowing the dog's gauntlet off his hand. The dog, stunned from the impact, was vulnerable. The unicorn took advantage and charged once again. Her horn glowed with excess energy as she rushed the beast. Her assault was interrupted when the dog shoved his other fist into the ground in front of her, she dodged the sudden barrier but the dog was not about to give up. His other fist slammed into the ground blocking her current path but she recovered and continued the assault. Her magic infused horn made contact with the dog's chest armor, peeling it away in an explosion of magic. The giant diamond dog was sent flying.
The dog crashed into the ground and Whitney lepted from magical platform to platform to get an advantage, once high enough she charged her horn for another time and lept from the platform. Falling down towards the dog, his fists still swinging in the air, but she managed to leap between them. His punches and swings failed to keep her at a distance, his eyes widened as he noticed the glow from her horn. His next punch made contact and tossed her in the air, sheer concentration alone kept her focus as she corrected herself with more platforms to make a new path to the giant dog. She rushed down, dodging fist and claw as she unleashed her final blast that plowed into the exposed chest of the diamond dog.
Stepping off the diamond dog's smoldering chest, she was just about ready to call it a victory. She noted the shadow growing from underneath her, a loud "LOOK OUT!" rang in her ears as she rolled to the side, barely dodging an armored fist that would have crushed her. The dog stared her in the face as it tried to pick itself off the ground, struggling. Whitney paced back a step and reared up. Her horn glowed as she boosted her speed into a magically infused gallop. The diamond dog tried to block the charge but the force alone repelled his strength. The unicorn pressed harder to push the beast back until finally it was sent flying backwards into the dirt of the arena.
Whitney wanted no more chances on this, she stabilized her forelegs as she charged her horn again. The diamond dog was already leaning up from the hit, but had no idea what was planned for him. The white unicorn finished charging her attack and unleashed from her horn a shining beam of pure magic. The beam rushed across the arena and seemingly pierced through the dog's chest, once again raising it into the air as the beam curved skyward. Multiple other beams broke off the main body then shot around and pushed the dog back into the ground. The resulting cloud of dirt and dust assured victory. Whitney released the charge of magic and the dog fell to the arena floor, finally down for the count.
The white unicorn let out a long held sigh, as she stepped across the arena. The voice of her mother still singing in her head. She took a moment to listen as the crowd roared in praise, and a small smile crept onto her face. Looking up, she saw Blood on the edge of the stands. She squinted but could almost see a nod of approval. The small smile grew bigger at the thought.
An exhausted unicorn trotted into the showers, her once white coat now matted with dirt and sweat. With heavy, short breaths she pulled the cord to activate the scalding water. Her body groaned as the stress of battle washed away with the water. Whitney closed her eyes, her mind cleared as the water drenched her mane. She thought about how her last fight ended, and what she saw on her way in. Blood's smile, she thought she saw anyways. The idea glowed inside her head.
Her shower lasted about ten minutes, her muscles relaxing under the water. Whitney sighed as she felt a dab of pain in her chest. She knelt her head down to the drain in the shower just in time for the pain to intensify, it brought her to her knees as she coughed and choked. The base of the shower turning red as she coughed up a mix of saliva and blood. She cursed in her mind as she convulsed in pain, hoping nopony walked into the shower while in this state. The last thing she needed was to lose her only job due to medical issues.
Whitney's luck didn't hold, not entirely, as she heard a subtle clopping enter the shower room. Her pain subsided enough to stand, but the blood was still washing down the drain. She weakly kicked and swished the water around trying to force the blood down. The clopping of hoof steps grew gradually louder. She looked up over the edge of the stall, then sighed in mild relief. The smaller pearl white pony slowly stepped down the stall towards her stall.
"Let me guess... that time already?" Blood asked, his humor countered by his normal cold voice. "Funny... You know exactly what's wrong..." Whitney responded, clearing her throat. "You know that spell does this to you..." Whitney noticed a small hint of concern in Blood's statement. "I had to make sure he stayed down" "By magically mutilating your insides?" "It's not that bad..." "Whitney, you are standing in a pool of your own blood and spit" "What are you going to do, tell Jaque? Have me removed from the arena?" "I made a promise I wouldn't tell, or did you forget?"
Whitney fell silent. Of course she remembered, the day she entered the arena for the first time. It was a fight against Blood. The first time they both met and it was as enemies, the fight was short. She excelled at magic, but he was an adept with his blade. Every attack was skillfully dodged, and every spell was countered. Even her slow time spell was useless against his ascended focus. In the end she was forced to use her strongest spell, but even the beams intensity was no match for Blood's speed.
All those years ago, in this very room. Blood happened to find her laying in the shower stall in a puddle of red water. She panicked when she noticed him standing over her. When asked about the blood, she lied. Whitney told him that she was having 'mare issues' and that they would go away. Blood was not convinced, asking about the coughing sounds. She made him promise not to tell, even had him swear it. Blood agreed under the condition that she would never use the spell that caused the problem.
"You know I broke my end of the promise..." Whitney scoffed. "And yet you remain here" Blood countered. "You don't need to keep you end anymore" She finally managed to steady herself and leave the shower stall "Well... maybe I like having somepony else around..." Blood turned around and trotted towards the exit of the shower room. "Oh, and good job. That dog will be out for a few days after that beating."
Whitney watched as the pearl stallion left the shower room, her thoughts circled around a few of his last words.
Jaque stepped out of the castle and into the bright sunlight. He had always wanted to meet the pony responsible for such a feat, and he had the opportunity to speak to both Celestia and Luna at once. Even if negotiations weren't quite as successful as he had hoped. Celestia was definitely opposed to the idea and with good reason, peaceful times call for peaceful measure after all. The younger Princess Luna however warmed up to the idea. Jaque had hopes she could talk her sister into the idea. Such was a mute point though for there was nothing more he could do, save for his next stage.
The strange pony had decided to explore the town in search of ponies to listen to him. His path crossed with a seemingly bright group of mares across the street. They were as good a start as any, Jaque figured. Crossing the street towards the six mares, he carefully planned his words.
"Greeting's young mares!" Jaque opened up with a bright smile across his face. The six mares payed no attention, obviously attentive on their current project.
Jaque listened in to here their plight.
"What do you mean you forgot your bits!?" The cyan pegasus shouted at an orange pony in a hat. "Just what Ah told ya! Ain't a pony allowed to forget somthin just once?" The orange pony shouted back. "Well yeah! Just not when it involves paying for food!" Jaque heard his introduction.
"Peace young mares, allow me to solve your plight!" The ponies conversation was interrupted as Jaque dropped a sack bulging with bits on the table they sat at.
The six mares shot their eyes at the sack then to the pony who dropped it.
"Uh, well thank ya mister but Ah don't think Ah can accept that" The orange pony started. "Nonsense! Consider it an act of good will" Jaque responded with his clever smile. "This is a little much though, don't you think?" A lavender pony spoke up. "Not at all, finish your payment and consider the rest a gift." Jaque spoke again. "Oh, well... thank you?" The lavender pony spoke. "Once again, not a problem. My name, by the way, is Jaque Claude Van Regalley the Twenty First. Simply call me Jaque"
Each of the mane six introduced themselves accordingly, most of them wary of Jaque.
"You may call me Rarity. Such a standing name suggests at least noble lineage, where might such a pony like yourself be from?" Rarity spoke.
"Ah yes, not so much nobility but I am quite the successful business pony. Perhaps you have heard of The Arena?" Jaque asked with a smirk.
"Never heard of it, some kinda sports thing?" Applejack asked. "Never heard of it!? Really AJ? The Arena is like... THE biggest thing to hit ever!" Rainbow shouted. "I have always wanted to go..."
"Ah but you may have just that opportunity my enthusiastic friend. You see, I am the owner and proprietor of The Arena. I personally oversaw the construction of the Griftpan Arena and for a time operated out of The Grand Colosseum of Saddle Arabia! Of that one I am quite proud" Jaque let out a smug grin.
"Oh my, yet your accent does not seem to match the traditional Arabian" Rarity remarked with curiosity.
"That is because I am not a 'traditional' arabian pony. To be honest my family blood line is rich with the mustang tribes of my homeland, which was conquered by The Griffon Kingdom almost two thousand years ago" Jaque explained.
"Oh yes, I remember reading about the expanse of The Griffon Kingdom. So then your family migrated to Saddle Arabia?" Twilight inquired.
"Correct, and fifty years after that my great great great grandfather established The Colosseum. He was ambitious but trapped in a primitive age, never managed to extend further than home" Jaque continued.
"Which you are planning to do yourself" Twilight guessed.
"Indeed! In fact I was just granted an audience with your princesses to discuss the matter of setting one up in Equestria"
"What was their decision?" Rainbow asked, Jaque caught the excitement in her voice.
"They are choosing to think about it for the time being, I will have a repeat audience in two days" Jaque responded.
"And you think the princesses will just let ya open this arena here?" Applejack asked.
"I certainly hope so. But alas I must be off, the day is late and my eyes get heavy. Perhaps I shall rejoin with you lovely mares tomorrow" Jaque smiled as he began to take his leave.
"Yes, we shall certainly keep an eye out for you in the streets" Rarity smiled, her interest of prestigious ponies taking effect.
The six ponies watched Jaque walk away into the crowd. They chatted among each other concerning this 'arena' but then went about with their day.
The cavernous halls under the arena floor seemed to wind forever, especially for new recruits. Blood remembered his first steps into the 'catacombs' and the terror that came with. The shadows used to taunt him, shapeless figures would speak in familiar, yet unknown voices. Now he walked them fearlessly, knowing the only thing hiding in wait were only memories. His gaze caught a silhouette coming towards him.
Blood paused in the hall, curious who else was down here. The silhouette moved closer, but it's steps were silent. The shadowed being moved ever closer. Finally it was within sight, and Blood watched as the stallion trotted past him. The stallion's sight was solid, not even glancing at the other pony he passed. His armor was thick, his helmet fully concealing his face. The only feature was the long horn protruding from the helmet.
As the unicorn stallion passed Blood, his eyes caught the strange weapons resting on the warrior's hips. They looked like miniature cross bows but with some kind of attachment resting on the shaft. His curiosity was sated however as he continued through the catacombs to the stands. If that pony was going where Blood thought he was going, many questions were about to be answered.
Jaque awoke from his comfortable bed and made a note to remember this inn should his business plan succeed. The beds were so much better than the spring mattresses he was so often forced to sleep on. His thoughts drifted for a moment as he sat on the edge of his bed staring out the window.
"I wonder how the little guy is holding up... Bah I'm sure he is fine, hasn't lost a fight yet!" Jaque chuckled as he threw on a ragged jacket, not very classy looking for the area but it was his lucky jacket.
The slender stallion embarked on his day's journey through the city, in hopes of meeting more ponies of note. The better name he built for himself, the better chances he had if the princesses passed his offer right? After a brief walk around the block, he ran into a familiar face. Literally ran into her as she blindly smashed a pile of tailoring supplies and a magic field into him
"Oh my, I am terribly sorry sir. Are you alri... Jaque?" The mares voice resounded in his head.
"Ooohh my head..."
"Jaque, are you okay? I know I bought a lot of fabric but I did not think it would be quite that heavy"
"Oh... no, it is... quite alright Rarity... I just have... adverse reactions to... magic... is all..." Jaque gathered himself and stood woozily, attempting to steady himself. "A rather... impairing defect to my nature... Small spells have little to no effect, it's the big stuff that really... well, you saw first hand."
"Some kind of allergen maybe? Sounds simply tragic" Rarity voiced her concern.
"Oh no, call it a weak... resistance so to speak. It runs in my blood I'm afraid, most of my family considers it a curse"
"A curse? From what, or by whom?"
"Well, it is a rather interesting tale but I would rather not keep you away from your apparent business" Jaque explained, eyes scanning the cloth and string spilled around them.
"Oh no, it's quite alright. This is just restocking, please. I am quite interested in this curse of yours"
"Well then, perhaps I can tell you the story over breakfast" Jaque smiled.
"Sir Jaque! Are you suggesting a date!?" Rarity was shocked, but quickly recovered when Jaque responded.
"Just a morning of swapping stories my dear, strictly on a friendly level"
"Well... In that case, I would certainly enjoy hearing your tale, just let me drop off my supplies." The white unicorn smiled as she gathered up her supplies.
"Forgive me if I do not help a kind mare like yourself" Jaque backed away as the fabric lifted into the air.
"Not a problem, you can make it up to me by meeting me here in an hour" Rarity spoke, still smiling as she walked away. She turned her head and with a wink said "And Sir Jaque, a gentlecolt like yourself just may have made me say yes. Regardless of friendship"
Jaque smiled as he watched Rarity walk away, trying to force the red in his cheeks to go away. He sighed as he turned around to continue his walk, thinking to himself of the other curse his bloodline was said to hold. Yes, his blood held a significant weakness to any magic, but his family always had a certain weakness to a mares smile. Jaque sighed once more as he walked down the street.
The armored unicorn waited behind the gates, listening to the roaring crowd behind the giant wooden barrier. With a deep breath, he sighed into the ground. With so much riding on victory, the pressure of the arena can be a heavy burden. He refit his hoofplates into a comfortable position, then pulled each crossbow from it's holster. After checking the cartridge of bolts, ensuring they were fully prepared to go, the unicorn then knelt down.
"Forgive me of my sins" He muttered in soft prayer as the noise of grinding gears surrounded him. Dim light cracked into his chamber as he holstered both crossbows, and with a slight chuckle he spoke. "{Showtime...}"
The dark green armor of the unicorn gleamed as the sun reflected off the metal plating. The unicorn scanned the arena, memorizing the layout. Light magic illuminated the floor from the night sky's darkness. The gates across the floor opened, revealing a pack of canine creatures. He smirked, and knelt his head for battle.
The pack of timberwolves split apart as the alpha of the captured pack stepped to the lead. The alpha stared down the unicorn across the floor with eyes of bloodlust and hunger. A howl signaled his pack to spread out to surround the unicorn. The unicorn stood his ground and watched as they advanced on his position. The alpha growled into the ground for a moment, glancing at his pack mates. With a ferocious roar, he signaled the pounce.
Three timber wolves charged the unicorn from all sides, but met nothing but the heads of their brothers. One rose his head to sniff the air, curious as to where it's prey had gone. It almost picked up a scent when... SNAP!
The unicorn kicked as hard as he could from the air above, crashing down on one of the wolves below him. The other wolves responded with snapping teeth and gnarls as they pounced once again, the unicorn dodged bite and claw retaliating with hoof and buck for each shot given. One wolf managed a bite on his rear left thigh, his armor ate the bite. Another wolf went for the neck of the unicorn but was fiercely rewarded with a blast of blue magic.
The wolf was blown back to the paws of the alpha in a cloud of blue smoke. The unicorn stared up through his helmet, grinning as the alpha growled. The remaining wolves gathered around the alpha, and the woodwork from each separated and scattered. Each wooden limb rose in the air and gathered around the alpha. The coagulated mess of leaf and wood formed into that of a giant timberwolf, it's roar filled the arena with terror.
Sharp quills from it's back shot towards the sky, almost taking out the unicorns casting the light. The light giving casters retreated for their safety, leaving the Alpha and the unicorn warrior alone... in the dark...
Reaching for his crossbows, the unicorn charged his horn. The charge was feint, but the spell was priceless. Enhancing his eyesight, he again scanned the black field of battle. The hulking monster of nature skulked around in the darkness, but the unicorn was prepared for the worst.
A wooden quill shot through the darkness, the unicorn knocked it from the air with a bolt. Two more shot and two more bolts received them. The unicorn listened in the darkness, when he heard several spitting noises come his way. He rolled to the side as he heard the quills stab into the ground where he was once standing. Once again he closed his eyes and listened. Several more spitting sounds shot through the darkness, to which he rolled away again. Rather than steadying himself, he landed on his belly raising both crossbows into the air. Pulling both triggers, a volley of bolts rained into the darkness. A loud yelp signaled a hit. The unicorn stood.
Blood stepped out onto the stands, followed by Whitney. They stared at the arena, clouded in darkness. Whitney looked at Blood who was still watching the arena. She noted his eyes scanning the field, could he see whats going on down there? A loud yelp shot through the air, followed by several loud thuds. The things breathing was so intense, she thought. Who was fighting and against what?
The unicorn stepped into the thick of the darkness, still using his magic to see. He spotted his prey, cowering in the dark. He easily spotted three bolts that hit, both eyes and once closing the jaw. The others were in mixed places of the back or scattered on the ground. Checking his crossbows, he pulled one with three bolts left in the cartridge. He ran a hoof down the creatures jaw line, caressing in a gentle hold as he pulled the crossbow to it's skull. In a swift moment, the creature's heavy breathing was silenced.
Using his own magic, he illuminated the area around him. Everyone in the arena, pony and griffon alike saw the armored unicorn stand victorious over the beast. Nopony bothered to ask who this warrior was, they all seemed so caught up in the fight and excitement. Even Blood nodded in respect to the unicorn's skill, even hoped to be pit against him some time.
