Chrysalis didn't send Twilight through to the Canterlot mines during her brother's wedding instead she sent her to a different world. Now Twilight must find her way home.
Chrysalis didn't send Twilight through to the Canterlot mines during her brother's wedding instead she sent her to a different world. Now Twilight must find her way home. On her journey she will meet friends, foes and the occasional love interest. will she find her way home and just how fucked up will she be by the end of it all. note: the story contains multiple crossovers and isn't limited to star trek.
It’s been twenty eight years since that bitch, impersonating herself as my foal sitter, sent me to another world. A world filled with humans, where magic was the stuff of legends. On my arrival I had to grow up again as when I had arrived, I had been regressed to the age of four. That I still had my wellspring and could still use my magic was a goddess-send, though I had to keep my abilities hidden, although this did not stop me from practicing everyday.
You see, a unicorn’s and alicorn’s wellspring is like both magic storage and a muscle, with time and use, the available storage and the strength of the muscle increases, and the more that magic is used, then both magical storage and potency improve faster. I discovered that, as the wellspring is metaphysical, it is unaffected by aging or the state of physical body, and as a consequence, did not reset when I was de-aged, meaning by the time I got to my original age of twenty one I had doubled my wellspring capacity and strength.
In order to return home, increasing my wellspring’s container and potency was imperative, as was keeping it secret. Humans, while they dream of magic, also fear what they don’t understand.
I was adopted by a kind middle class Japanese couple, the Kurihara’s, and for twelve years my life was uneventful. Until the day Yggdrasil, a DMMO-RPG (Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game.) launched in twenty one twenty six AD. I was sixteen at the time and in the middle of my high school life.
I am embarrassed to say I played it religiously. And doubly embarrassed that I played a Lavender flame Dragoness,(Spike would never let me live it down) with Magician, High Wizard, High Priestess and Shapeshifter (being huge is not conductive to socialisation) as my main classes. Weapon, item and armorsmith as my secondary with librarian as my common class. I could cast super tier magic, including several healing and resurrection spells. Including a myriad of other classes. I named my character after my true name, Sparkle Twilight. Later, I received the title Lady Sparkle, dragoness of Twilight. While in elven form my avatar wore an open white robe like jacket tied together at the waist with ornate gold trimmings and matching pauldrons, while underneath she wore matching thigh high boots and a golden bodysuit with open belly and an exposed cleavage.
Anyway, eventually I was scouted by one of Yggdrasil’s top guilds, Ainz Ooal Gown. Not one to turn down potential friends, I joined and worked as the guild’s librarian. It was a fun twelve years, but the servers are finally shutting down tonight.
Twilight was brought back to the present, where she was sitting in one of the forty one chairs around a large circular marble table, belonging to the members of the guild In The Great Tomb Of Nazarick, the guild HQ of Ainz Ooal Gown.
“Hey there, it’s been a really long time, Momonga san, Sparkle san.” a green Elder Slime commented wistfully.
“I didn’t think that either of you’d come, Herohero san, Sparkle san.” Momonga replied, who was an Elder Lich in long ornate black robes with a matching hood and two orbs with bone-like spikes extending from them as his pauldrons. On his hands he wore a ring on each boney finger.
To be part of Ainz Ooal Gown, you have to play a heteromorphic race and you can’t forsake real life for the game. Every member was either a family man or a salaryman or in my case studying advanced quantum physics, so that I could return home one day.
“Honestly Momonga-san, I stay offline for a week studying for my final exams and you think I had given up on the game?” Twilight responded, feigning offense.
Ignoring Twilight, Momonga continued, “It’s been about two years. Hasn’t it?”
“It’s been that long?” Herohero asked unsurely.
“Come to think of it, yeah it’s been that long,” Twilight added looking to the ceiling in thought “This is bad, I’ve been doing so much overtime lately that my concept of time is messing up.” Herohero complained.
“Isn’t that a pretty bad symptom?” Momonga asked concerned for his friend’s health.
“Whoa, that’s pretty bad.” Twilight interjected with the same concern Momonga had shown.
“I am sorry, I didn’t come here just to complain.” Herohero replied hastily.
“Please don’t worry about it.” Momonga replied raising his bony right hand
“I wish I could help you Herohero-san,” Twilight responded,
Herohero waved her off, “No need to worry, soon we’ll be finished and I can get back to a normal sleep schedule.”
“Typical, Sparkle-san, ever since you joined us, you have been caring for us. Like you’re the guild’s mother. Heh, remember that time the guild was almost wiped out and you went berserk and obliterated the opposing guild?” Momonga asked rhetorically as he chuckled, Twilight snorted smoke emanating from her human nose.
“Guild Mother, my tail. You’re all older than me, yet you made your cute Kohai get stress wrinkles! From all the stress you caused me when you lot got into trouble. I am twenty eight damnit! I am too young to get wrinkles!” Twilight complained to Herohero and Momonga, who were sharing a laugh at her expense.
“Oh, I have to go soon, I’m way too sleepy.” Herohero said suddenly.
“Oh.” Momonga said.
“Please rest well,” Twilight and Momonga added at the same time.
“I’m really sorry about this, you two. But I am surprised that The Great Tomb Of Nazarick is still here.”
“Huh!?” Momonga exclaimed as Twilight winced.
“You two must have been maintaining it, as Guild Leader and Vice Guild Leader, Momonga-san, Sparkle-san.”
“Well, Nazarick was a base we created together.” Momonga replied while Twilight nodded in agreement.
“Momonga, Sparkle, thank you for all your hard work.” Herohero thanked them.
“I hope we meet again somewhere.” Herohero continued before disappearing in a blue light alongside a logoff notification popping up on Twilight’s and Momonga’s screen.
“Today is the last day Yggdrasil’s servers will run, why not stay until the end?” Momonga asked Herohero who had already left.
“Momonga-san, he’s already gone,” Twilight responded, wincing as the words came out of her mouth.
Momonga looked down at the table, “No,I am happy he even came today. ‘I hope we meet again somewhere’, huh? Just where and when would that be?”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Momonga exclaimed slamming his bony fist on the table suddenly, causing Twilight to flinch.
“This is The Great Tomb Of Nazarick that we built together!” Momonga continued.
“How can he give it up so easily?!” Momonga trailed off.
Twilight got up and laid a hand on his shoulder, to comfort him.
“No, that’s not it. No one betrayed me.” Momonga said sighing as he got up and made his way over to the guild weapon,
“The guild weapon, the staff of Ainz Ooal Gown. We played recklessly to make this. Some members used their paid vacation and others fought with their wives to make time and gather the materials for this.” Momonga said to no one in particular. “But among forty one members thirty seven of them quit.” Momonga continued as he picked up the golden staff.
“I remember, I can’t remember a time since I worked so hard.” Twilight added a hint of nostalgia in her voice from his left side.
“ and even the last two …” Momonga stopped himself and looked at the staff again, before picking it up.
“Let’s go, you are the testament to our guild.” Momonga started walking out of the meeting hall with the staff, and Twilight followed half a step behind.
As they descended the stairs they were greeted by a bowing butler and maids. This was Sebas Tian, a wizened old man with sharp eyes and a well trimmed beard and The Combat maids, Pleiades.
“We had them guard the throne room, not that anyone managed to make it that far,” Twilight commented, receiving a short nod of acknowledgement from Momonga.
“As guild leader, I should move them around one last time.” Twilight nodded her assent. “Follow.” came Momonga’s order.
Walking into line behind Twilight and Momonga the npc’s followed the guild leaders in a single file line. Eventually they came to a huge set of stone doors with a demon on the left door and an angel on the right one. Momonga pushed them open to a huge room, banners hanging from the sides beside crystal chandeliers which hung from the ceiling. At the other end sat the throne of Nazarick, standing beside it was Albedo.
As Momonga stood on the first step, he turned back and said, “Standby,” the npcs bowed in response and walked to the right side of the throne room. Momonga sat down and opened his menu.
“What was her setting again?” Momonga muttered, “as the strongest npc in Nazarick, she supervises all of the guardians.”
“So long! Come to think of it, the settings maniac Tabula-san was the one who created her.” as Momonga continued to read Albedo’s setting. he came across something that gave him great pause, “Huh!? What’s this? A bitch?”
Twilight piped up as she watched over his shoulder, then closed her eyes and a sweatdrop formed on her head, “Tabula-san always did love a contradiction in looks and character” as Momonga hung his head in exasperation.
“But this is just too terrible,” Momonga stated looking back at Twilight.
“You’d normally need a tool to change the settings, but since I have this ...” Momonga muttered, turning to look at the guild weapon in his grasp, he then moved his staff towards the floating screen, a keyboard of light appeared and the settings window turned to administration mode. Momonga deleted the part about Albedo being a bitch and wrote in ‘she is deeply in love with Momonga.’
“Whoa! This is so embarrassing! I am so stupid.” Momonga said self deprecatingly.
“wow! I can't believe you actually went there!” Twilight commented dryly.
“Shut up, Sparkle-san!” Momonga exclaimed, flustered at her presence.
Twilight rolled her eyes, as he waved his right hand over the keyboard and menu to dismiss them.
“Now, what was that command,” Momonga muttered trying to ignore the judgemental look Twilight was drilling into the back of his head.
“Bow down.” Twilight said as the npcs bowed before them.
“I was going to remember it eventually Sparkle!” Momonga complained.
Twilight smirked and raised an eyebrow, “my, how forward of you to drop the honorific, I take it we can do away with that formality?” She added as she leant in exposing her cleavage teasing him, a habit she had picked up from her high school friends.
After calming down Momonga relaxed into the throne,“A relic of the past?”
Pointing to each banner he named each, “Me, Sparkle, Touch me, Shijuuten Suzaku, Ankoro Mochi Mochi, Herohero, Peroroncino, Buku Buku Chagama, Tabula Smaragdina, Warrior Takemikazuchi, Variable Talisman, Genjiro ... . That’s right it was fun.”
“I have to wake up at 4:00 am tomorrow. I need to sleep as soon as the server shuts down or it’ll affect my job. It was a pleasure playing with you, Twilight,” Momonga said.
“You too, Momonga,” Twilight responded with a smile. They waited as the clock counted to midnight.
A blue light engulfed a surprised Twilight as she let out a gasp and wide-eyed as she disappeared. Albedo smirked.
When the server didn’t shut down, Momonga looked around finding only himself and the npc’s, “Did they push back the server shutdown?” Momonga muttered looking down at his hand as he tried to open his menu,
“Where’s my menu? I can’t use chat or call a GM, either ...” Standing up Momonga exclaimed, “What’s going on!? Sparkle!?”
“What’s wrong, Lord Momonga?” Albedo asked with concern, causing Momonga to look at Albedo in surprise.
“Momonga-sama?” Albedo asked uncertainly, her expression filled with worry.
“Momonga-sama? Momonga-sama! Is everything alright?” Albedo pleaded for an answer, she stood up and got closer to Momonga as he stood there, shellshocked. “Is there a problem?” She asked again, Momonga flinched back as he looked down at her, Albedo clasped her hands together as if in prayer causing her breasts to squish together making her cleavage more pronounced. As Momonga was starting to become more stimulated his form was immediately filled by a green effect which seemed to suppress his emotions.
“H-huh? The GM call function isn’t working and Sparkle has gone missing.”
Albedo gasped and breathed a sigh of relief as she back away forlornly.
“Please forgive me. An ignorant one such as myself has no answer to this “GM call” you speak of.“
Her mouth is moving?!
“If you allow me to correct my mistake, I will be forever grateful!” Albedo continued passionately.
I’m talking with an npc? Monoga thought before rapidly sitting back in his throne, That’s … . No way! Is there an error occurring? He thought to himself as he rested his hand on his face.
Momonga turned to his staff and let go of it, it floated away and spun in place. The staff functions just like it does in the game, but I can’t use my menu. I can’t contact the administrators, either. What should I do?
“Sebas!” Momonga called out, to which the butler responded with a high cultured-sounding acknowledgement to his master’s summons.
“Yes?”
Is it okay for me to give him orders? Momonga pondered. Ugh! Just do it! Momonga berated himself.
“Sebas, step outside the tomb and confirm the surrounding area around Nazerick.”
“Understood, Lord Momonga,” Sebas replied respectfully as he stood up straight.
“Pleiades, go to the ninth floor and guard it from possible intruders,” Momonga issued additional orders to the maids currently prostrating before him.
As Sebas began walking out to perform his task, Yuri Alpha responded in acknowledgement of her master’s order,
“As you wish, Lord Momonga.”
The NPCs are responding to orders that aren’t specific commands? Momonga returned to his thoughts cradling his chin as he continued to think. What in the world is going on?!
Momonga looked up to see a smiling Albedo, before returning to thinking about the current situation in which he found himself in. I have to contact the administrators somehow.
If I can’t use the GM call function, maybe I can use the message skill? But will a magic skill used to contact other players reach a GM? No, can I even use magic right now?
“So, Lord Momonga, what shall I do?” Albedo asked interrupting his thoughts.
“Let's see, then. Come here,” Momonga ordered.
“Yes!” Albedo responded cheerfully as she moved closer as she got closer, Whoa! She smells good. Momonga thought as she came within inches of his face.
Wait, Smell?! There wasn’t a function like that in Yggdrasil. “Albedo. I am going to touch you,” Momonga told her.
“Yes!” was Albedo’s instant reply. As Momonga grabbed her arm she gasped in ecstasy, twitching in pleasure.
She has a pulse. And, what is this? She’s an NPC that runs on an A.I. programme … . He continued to think as he looked up to see her blushing, happy face. Why does she look so alive?
His internal monologue continued as he shook his head. But this last test ... . I have to confirm this no matter what!
With a bit of nerves Momonga asked, “Albedo. C-can I touch your chest?”
“Huh?” Albedo responded with confusion,
Th-this is necessary! He thought to himself psyching himself up. That’s right. Naturally. I have to ask her naturally! “You don’t mi-mind, do you?” He asked as naturally as he could,
It was impossible to do it naturally!
“Of course. Please touch me as much as you wish!” Albedo happily responded thrusting her ample breasts in Momonga’s face. Shocking him at how accommodating she was being.
Slowly, but surely, he reached out to touch her, his hand twitched as he got closer to touching her breast. As he touched her left breast, she gasped out in pleasure.
Let me assess the situation. The fact that I can do an eighteen plus action like this means this isn’t a new Yggdrasil game and the chance that this is a completely different DMMO RPG is low.
There is a possibility that this imaginary world became real ... . While Momonga was thinking he was oblivious to the hot panting and gasps of Albedo whose breast he was still groping No way. But … . Conversation with the NPCs, their natural expressions, their scent. These are all things that couldn’t be programmed with a game until now. Hey, how long do I plan to keep fondling her breast?! What would Sparkle say if she was still here … ? Oh, right, I forgot that she’s still missing.
“A-albedo, I apologize,” Momonga quickly apologized to her.
“You’re going to take me for the first time, here and now, right?” Albedo asked excitedly.
“Huh?”
“-What shall I do about my clothes?” she questioned
“Huh?”
“-Should I remove them myself? Or would you like to remove them, Lord Momonga?” she questioned further.
“S-stop. Stop now, Albedo! Now is not the time ...” Momonga replied in a panic before coughing into his fist. “No, we don’t have time to be doing such things.” Momonga flinched as he imagined the stern, disappointed-mother look coming from Twilight. I swear! Sparkle really is like the guild’s mother. Momonga shuddered as he recalled the times she had given a member that look, cowing them completely.
The one time I saw her do it in her true form, I can’t help but pity the shivering pile that was once a proud Takemikazuchi as he begged for forgiveness. I swear I could also hear him begging her not to abandon him. Momongashudderedagain.
“I-I am very sorry!” Albedo exclaimed as she recoiled back,
“It’s fine. Albedo, I forgive you completely,” Momonga added to reassure her.
“More importantly, I have an order for you,” he continued.
“I will do anything you wish,” Albedo affirmed.
“Except for the guardians on the fourth and eighth floor, gather everyone to the fighting arena on the sixth floor, have them gather there in an hour from now,” he ordered before pausing, “Albedo, have you seen Sparkle?”
“I am sorry Lord Momonga, but Sparkle-sama was taken by surprise and spirited away by a teleportation spell of some sort. Before I, or the others could intervene, ” Albedo responded, her head hung in shame.
Albedo bowed before excusing herself.
Twilight found herself in the middle of a grassy plain. Her right eye twitched, “Fuck! What fresh new hell is this?” Twilight lamented as she noted her shapeshifted form had been dispelled and now she was her full glorious height, fifty foot tall, lavender and now covered in metal scales, her feathered wings spread out and her tail thrashing about. The horns protruded from her crest and swept back, curving down with the tips curled pointing up toward the sky. Her two pairs of eyes were golden with slit pupils, on her forehead was a gem magenta star gem reminiscent of her cutie mark.
The scent of grass and many different varying odors wafted up into her powerful nostrils, causing her to flinch at the sudden overflow of information. In the distance she could hear birds chirping, and the sounds of a village going about its day. What the hell?! Scent wasn’t part of Yggdrasil, please don’t tell me this is like those other-world anime? Oh, who am I kidding!? My whole life as a human is another world anime. Twilight’s musing was interrupted by a tiny voice.
“Halt, foul creature! Trouble not these lands or prepare thyself to receive defeat by mine own hands!” A human knight had appeared before her, causing her to lower her long neck to see the tiny human, and gave him her best deadpan expression. Okay, Twilight, remember, this isn’t the same as my previous worlds. Mercy will only come back to bite you, you will have to kill in order to survive. Just don’t forget who you are.
“I don’t know whether to call you brave or a fool! Have you seen how big I am in comparison to you, tiny morsel?” Twilight replied glowering at the tiny knight
“Size doesn’t matter!” the knight responded, to which Twilight rolled her eyes,
“Keep telling yourself that, knight. Perhaps one day it might be true, that is, if you live long enough to see it,” Twilight replied and then snorted some smoke at him.
You know he’s starting to look appetizing. No there is more important things than food!
“Say morsel, I mean mortal, you and your village may yet be of use to me, tell me where I am and the village’s name, do this and I will leave the village alone. Don’t? Well, let’s just say that a nameless village likely won’t be missed by anyone important,” Twilight stated with a toothy smirk.
The knight began shaking in fear, the scent of ammonia in the air caused her to roll her eyes. And just like that his deliciousness decreases. Twilight mentally grumbled before metaphorically shaking her head to clear the thought from her mind.
“It’s E-Libera!” he replied shakily. Twilight nodded. “Today is your lucky day. Now run along,” Twilight demanded as she looked around and noticed a mountain range surrounded by a forest.
Something stirred deep inside her and compelled her to fly there and so, with effortless flight, Twilight did just that. Once she had landed behind the mountains, she began to dig, “Must … build … lair!” she murmured to herself in a trance-like state as she dug into marble and limestone as well as regular stone. The mineral formations gave way easily under her immense strength.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years as she meticulously built her lair and ended the lives of fifty heros and heroines, her hoard having become quite significant, including her own horde of books, though she kept those in a different room.
She was currently laying upon her bed of treasure, when her peace was sundered by a shout,
“Foul beast, your reign of terror ends here,” squeaked the voice of a female. Twilight turned to face the female adventurer, while sighing.
“Why do you all repeat the same dull tripe? ‘Foul beast’, ‘reign of terror’?” Twilight asked lazily.
“Excuse me?” the adventuress blinked in surprise and confusion.
“Do you even think before you speak? Infact do you even look at your target and I mean really look?” Twilight ranted passionately.
“Huh?”
“And that’s another thing, ‘reign of terror’, what reign of terror? All I do is defend my home from murder hobos, and I don’t even leave my home!“ Twilight continued ranting
“Wha-?”
“Well don’t just sit there gaping, tell me. Why do you think I am some foul beast? Am I too fat? Are my scales not shiny enough? Do I not bathe enough? Come on! Out with it!” Twilight demanded glaring at the adventuress.
Now that she had a proper look, Twilight noted that it was an voluptuous elf girl in a simple robe that accentuated her body. She easily had F-cup breasts. She held a staff in her hands and wore a tiara-like circlet. She was shivering in fear and doubt was etched into her face. She had piercing blue eyes and long, messy blonde hair that might have been straight normally, which reached down to the small of her back, her ears mutilated at the tips, they had been brutally cut off and judging by the wound it was recent.
Twilight’s pupils shrunk in rage, and she let out a growl. “What is your name elf?” “T-t-titania …” the elf girl replied, shaking even more.
Twilight rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, “Of course you are.”
“Well, Titania, hide behind me,” Twilight ordered, causing Titania to flinch. Twilight’s expression softened, “Fear not little one.”
Titania ran behind the pile of treasure, Twilight created a clone of Titania and just in time as a scowling human man with brown hair, his skin was tanned and he also had a muscular build. Stomping into the room he shouted, “Are you done yet? You lazy whore!”
A reply came in the form of lavender flame engulfing the clone, screeching as she was cooked alive, the cooked clone stood looking up with her mouth open in pain and terror, whereupon a spear then impaled her through the mouth and her entire body, like a kebab skewer, Twilight lifted her up and ate her, chewing as she said, “I’d say she’s done,” Twilight replied with a smug self satisfied smirk as she looked down at the man.
From behind him she saw several other big breasted Elves, one with black hair and green eyes, another with fiery red hair and seafoam green eyes, and the last one a brunette with silver eyes, all of them had curvaceous figures. The brunette was a ranger, the fiery redhead looked like a fighter, perhaps even a knight. And finally the raven haired girl looked to be some sort of priestess.
“That useless whore failed, tch, even if she was of royal blood she clearly wasn’t worth the extra price, you lot get in there and fight.” Timidly they came out in full view of Twilight. She sighed as she used her hand to gently move the ladies out of the way, causing them to squeak in surprise.
“What are you doing, dragon? Those are my slaves!” the soon-to-be dead man demanded.
After making sure she hadn’t hurt the three accidently, her head whipped round and with a roar she ate the man where he stood. With a single gulp a bulge traveled down her long neck and then disappeared, Twilight let out a satisfied sigh as muffled cries could be heard within her stomach as he was still alive, having been swallowed whole.
Twilight then returned her attention to the girls she had saved, “Titania, it is safe for you to come out now.” Slowly but surely, Titania made her way back into view, much to the confusion of her fellow elves.
“I did not eat, Titania. I simply made it look like I had,” Twilight explained to them. “Tell me your names?”
“Dana’diel” the raven-haired woman responded.
“Sarin’el,” the redhead replied, bowing.
“Nela,” the brunette added, though sounding as though she gave it reluctantly.
“Now that I know your names, you should know mine. It’s Twilight Sparkle, the Twilight dragoness, gather up girls, there is one more thing I must do before we leave.”
“Leave?” Titania blinked owlishly.
That is adorable. Twilight thought.
“I can’t stay here with all the murder hobo’s knocking on my metaphorical door, wanting to slay the ‘evil’ dragon,” Twilight explained with another eyeroll.
Twilight moved her hand over the four girls as they gathered close, “Heal!” Twilight called out as a white magic circle filled with runes appeared above the girls. Unsure of what happened they opened their eyes which they had closed in fear. It wasn’t until they looked at each other they had noticed that their ears had been restored. The girls smiled and started hugging each other jumping up and down as tears of joy streamed down their faces.
“You are free now,” Twilight added, a warm smile upon her muzzle as she laid her head down to watch them. Titania turned to Twilight and then began prostrating before her,
“Thank you! We are forever in your debt!” Titania exclaimed.
“No, your highness! Don’t grovel! You don’t know what she’ll demand of us!” Sarin’el pleaded,
“Enough, Sarin’el! We owe her! Where is your honor? Would you bring shame to our houses?” Titania reprimanded,
“No,” Sarin’el mumbled in reply, Twilight rose her crest expressing curiosity regarding the exchange between the elves before her, after which she shrunk down shapeshifting into her Elven form. Her transmogrification caused the girls to gasp in shock. It's more uncomfortable and chaffing than the game made this body and outfit appear. Twilight complained internally.
Twilight made her way towards Titania and grasped Titania’s face in her hands, “Titania, there is one thing you can do to pay me back, of course you can refuse and I won’t think any less of you. What I am about to ask is not something you should agree to lightly.”
Titania gained a determined expression, “Anything!” Titania responded resolutely, bringing a smile to Twilight’s lips
“I want you four to bear my heirs, more specifically, I want a family, a legacy. I am alone here and despite the occasional unwelcome visitor, it has done little to assuage the feeling.”
“That doesn’t sound much better than slavery,” Dana’diel commented rudely.
“On the contrary, once the deeds have been done and the resultant offspring is delivered into my care, you are free to leave me should you wish to do so as long as you adhere to three rules, My children must know who I am, which you will learn during our convalescence together. Two: You must not kill or abandon them, and three: Love them as any good mother should, they will be your children just as much as mine. The first is preferable, but I am flexible as to when they learn about me, Violating the last two rules will end in the forfeiture of your own lives. Do I make myself clear?” Twilight asked while glaring at them. “Furthermore, I will be watching, But just as I expect you to follow these rules, know that if you are in grave danger. I will drop everything to save you.” “Do we have a deal?” Twilight asked in anticipation.
“Deal!” Titania answered without hesitation. Twilight smiled as she wrapped Titania in a hug.
“You three must choose for yourselves,” Twilight added as she noted the looks of horror on the other’s faces. They relaxed and thought seriously about it for a couple of hours, Twilight treating them to tea, Camomile and peppermint tea, Celestia’s favorite, I wonder if there even is an Equestria to get back to, let alone whether my friends exist still. Twilight felt a hand on her own. It was Titania, Twilight looked down to see that she had practically destroyed her teaspoon. “Do you want to talk about it?” Titania asked Twilight. Twilight put the wrecked spoon down and sighed, calming herself down with an old breathing technique.
“I … my first real friends betrayed me and sided with an imposter that was trying to marry my brother, he disowned me and my mentor banned me from attending my brother’s wedding.” Twilight explained everything that had happened, after all Honesty was a cornerstone of friendship. She thought as she clenched her fists.
“It was twenty four years ago, that my life was ruined! But I can’t stay mad at them, surely they were just mentally manipulated by that bitch which sent me here,” Twilight rationalised as tears she had long thought dried up, welled back up with a vengeance.
“Deal!” Dana’diel suddenly replied, walking forward to Twilight’s with open arms and hugged Twilight.
“Deal!” Nela responded, joining the embrace.
“Ah geeze! Deal! But only ‘cause the others agreed.” Sarin’el agreed, though she was less eager to join the group hug forming before her.
Twilight frowned, “Are you sure Sarin’el? I don’t want you to regret your decision.”
Sarin’el nodded mutely and pouted as she found herself pulled into the hug.
“Then girls, we have plans. We will find the nearest elf settlement and then from there, we will find your people, Titania,” Twilight explained as she shepherded them out of her cavernous home, whereupon she turned around and started casting, “Infinity wall, force sanctuary, protection against negative energy, protection against holy, greater ward, shield wall, anti-life cocoon, anti-information wall, protection from arrows, greater hardening, greater resistance, and complete invisibility!” Twilight chanted one after the other, as magical walls and auras of light covered the entrance before completely disappearing from view. “There, done! Let us go then, I …” Twilight said as she turned and saw her awestricken mates.
“How many spells do you know?” Dana’diel asked, still appearing rather awestruck.
“I know many different spells! But that is neither here nor there! Let’s go!” Twilight responded, carrying the girls in her arms and despite her humanoid stature, she still possessed her incredible draconic strength.
Five hundred years had passed since that day and Twilight lounged in her elven form in her humble wooden throne, surrounded by her extended family.
“Matriarch Sparkle!” a young elven boy ran in panting,
Twilight languidly sat upright upon her throne, “What’s the matter Thoren?”
Breathing heavily, the boy bent over, his hands supporting his upper torso as his hands rested on his legs just above the kneecaps, his short raven mess of hair and his violet eyes shone with an above average intelligence that all of Twilight’s family possessed. The boy reminded her of his Ancestress Dana’diel, How I miss her, she sighed as nostalgic memories filled her mind.
“Matriarch! Please pay attention! This is important!” Thoren complained, Twilight languidly but patiently smiled at him.
“Everything is important, dear Thoren. Please forgive me if I am not affected by the affairs of mortals with a far lesser lifespan as you are, I have lived far longer than I imagined that I would. However, tell me what is it that has put you into such a state?” Twilight smiled brightly and benevolently at her descendent.
“Near Carne village a great Tomb appeared out of nowhere two days ago,” Thoren added exasperatedly, speaking with his family's eldest member was always a chore, loved and respected as she was it seemed like she enjoyed teasing her descendents or drifting off into nostalgic reminiscence and generally being aloof.
Twilight rose to her feet, and made her way towards Thoren, “come join me for a walk. These old muscles need stretching,” she began walking over to his side and placing her hand on his shoulder.
Thoren rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh at his matriarch’s lack of urgency regarding his news. However, he allowed her to guide him from the throne room. Turning right they began to walk down a corridor that was filled with stained glass. Depicting various events in history. The fall of the greed kings, the downfall of the dragon lords, and the various heroic exploits in which his matriarch had taken part in.
Twilight looked at them wistfully before continuing down to her own private rooms, which no one could enter without permission. Thoren was met with yet more stained glass windows, this time depicting various winged unicorns, unicorns and pegasi and regular looking ponies.
Twilight regarded the images, with longing and sadness. She held her hand onto the one featuring navy blue winged unicorn with a mane and tail like the night sky and sapphire blue eyes.
“Who are they?” Thoren queried.
Twilight sighed, removing her hand from the stained glass image.
“They were my friends, my teachers. They are probably dead by now. That is our burden Thoren, the burden of the immortal.” Twilight smiled wanly back at him.
“Regardless, I believe you had news. Tell me, what did it look like?” Twilight asked, suddenly rousing Thoren out of his musings.
Thoren blinked confusedly, “It's a giant stone structure with fluted columns around its perimeter. In the center is a large mausoleum and three smaller structures adjacent. The undead shambled around the graves.”
Twilight smiled as she processed what she had heard. Finally after all these centuries.Nazarick is finally here!
“Thoren, take me to where they saw it!” Twilight exclaimed as she strode out of the palace keep at a hurried pace.
Thoren rushing to catch up, The matriarch has no business being this spry as ancient as she is! Thoren complained internally as he struggled to keep up.
“Matriarch please! It will take days on foot!” he now complained openly while leaving the city’s entrance gate.
Twilight turned to her young descendant and smirked, “Dear Thoren, you are going to have a chance that few of the family actually get to experience. Do not be scared, I will reveal my true form to you.”
“True form?” he asked and blinked in confusion, Twilight smile at him patiently again before walking ahead of him.
“You’ll see, just stay there and watch,” Twilight replied over her shoulder.
Her form shifted seamlessly into a large lavender dragoness, dwarfing the forest. When she was finished she laid down and smirked at Thoren’s gaping expression.
“That’s right kiddo, you’re descended from a dragoness,”
“B-b-but why haven’t I got scales, or horns, or something? I don’t understand what’s going on!?”
Twilight’s smile morphed into one that was more gentle, “Thoren, you must understand that my blood has been diluted over the centuries. I rarely take new mates and when I do, my kids either move on with a lust for adventure or set up their own lairs. Especially the more draconic amongst my brood. The ones who stayed with me had the lowest draconic features and abilities. You’re still more powerful than normal elves and humans.”
“Now enough with the idle chatter young one, climb onto my claw and direct me to the tomb,”
“Okay, matriarch,” Thoren muttered his reply, climbing into her open claw.
Twilight took off, knocking leaves of the trees and kicking up dirt.
After some time spent in flight they were flying over Carne village and noticed a line of angels and a single black robed magic caster with a female black knight.
Twilight roared, “They dare attack my friend!” Her angered roar and her sudden shift from her usual easygoing and peaceful attitude startled Thoren.
Momonga had met with the Sunlight scripture, and was exchanging pleasantries when two angels impaled him. He was about to make a snarky response regarding their failure to harm him, but he was cut off by a roar of a dragon.
If he had eyes they’d be widening in shock and fear, A dragon here! The leader of the Sunlight scripture looks just as surprised, so this isn’t his doing!
“How dare you attack my friend! You must pay!” she shouted as she made a fly-over, leaving a trail of lavender fire and a fiery death.
Momonga raised a metaphorical eyebrow as the dragoness finally landed, her scales were a dark lavender, that including her rather unique firebreath marked her as Twilight.
“Twilight!? Get your scaly butt over here! Do you know how worried I was?!” Momonga chided her as the dragoness huffed.
“As if I had a choice in the matter! And why are you wearing that dumb event mask?” Twilight retorted with a huff.
“You may be allies with The Twilight Dragon lord! But that won't save you! Principality Observation attack!” Nigun interrupted boastfully, the angel conjuring a mace with a glowing white light in the center of the mace’s head, the angel’s eye flickered red and then floated over to Momonga and then drew it back and brought it forward with all its strength,
Momonga caught it with his left hand, “My, My, I guess I should fight back.” Momonga lifted his right hand pointing a finger at the angel, “Hell Flame!” a small flame slowly approached the angel, and as it hit the angel was engulfed in black and red flames, who was disintegrating under the onslaught of fire.
“One hit? That’s impossible! There’s no way a high level angel could be destroyed in one spell!” Nigun recoiled in shock.
“Captain Nigun, what should we do?” one of the sunlight members nearest to him asked, desperation for guidance, for some semblance of order, in his voice.
Nigun smirked as he put his hand into his coat and pulled out a sealing crystal, “We will summon the highest level angel!”
That’s … based on how it’s glowing, a sealing crystal that can seal any magic other than the highest tier spells. So they even have Yggdrasil items. “Albedo, Twilight, use your skills to protect me,” Albedo spun her axe it a ready stance standing in front of Ainz and Twilight curled around both of them.
“Look, the shining form of the highest of angels!” Nigun declared holding up the sealing crystal gleefully, “Dominion Authority!”
A huge robed angel with metallic wings with blue gems set into them, below that another three pairs of normal wings down its back. It had a long curved head with a magic seal in front of it. The angel floated, giving off feathers and light. It held a long staff in its hands with a golden hollow heart shaped as the staff’s head.
Nigun’s men were crying out in awe of the creature.
“This angel is your strongest trump card?” Momonga asked in shock,
“That’s right. I have determined that you are worthy enough to use this item.”
“I’m speechless,” Momonga replied while bringing his right hand to his face. Meanwhile Twilight was trying to contain her amusement at the scene before her.
“Are you afraid? It cannot be helped.” Nigun taunted.
“This is stupid.” Momonga said in a deadpan tone of voice, while Twilight finally lost control and burst out laughing.
“My sides, My sides hurt! Oh stop!” Twilight cried out between laughs.
“What!?” Nigun shouted, sounding angry and not a little insulted.
“I was on guard against such child’s play?” Momonga asked rhetorically.
“Child’s play? What are you saying?” Nigun gulped down the saliva that had been building in his mouth.
“I-it can’t be! No, it’s impossible! In front of an existence that mankind can’t defeat … you’re bluffing!” Nigun shouted angrily
“Wow, how conceited can you get?” Twilight asked, shaking her head.
Nigun looked up to the angel and shouted, “use Holy Smite!”
The angel’s staff broke into chunks as they started glowing golden and surrounded the angel in a ring. A column of light and dark engulfed Ainz.
Ainz began chuckling, “Yes! This is pain! So this is what it's like to take damage?” Ainz asked rhetorically.
“You lower lifeforms! How dare you cause pain to the one I love!” Albedo screeched loudly. Twilight for her part looked at Ainz,
“Calm down!” Ainz order Albedo.
“But Ainz-sama, they should be punished!” Albedo protested.
“Really? You know Tabula is going to be pissed if he finds out what you did,” Twilight remarked tersely to Ainz
“What he doesn't know won't hurt him,” Ainz replied with a stage whisper.
Ainz chose to distract everyone by lifting his right hand and called, “Black Hole”. A small singularity appeared at the center of the angel causing its body to warp and undulate before being sucked into it and destroyed. Ainz lowered his hand.
“What kind of a monster of a man are you!?” Nigun cried out in despair.
“Oh I am more monster than man,” Ainz responded cooly, removing his mask.
“Wait, wait, wait, surely you can take my men just and let me live lord Ainz Ooal Gown, no your Majesty. I can reward you!” Nigun begged
“Lower lifeforms should bow their head and happily wait for the supreme beings to take their life,” Albedo gleefully explained
“Lower lifeforms?” Nigun whispered in fear.
“I remember what you said, give your lives without resistance and I’ll give you a quick death,” Ainz replied with a smirk.
“Albedo, do with them as you please.”
Albedo began to laugh psychotically.
Twilight returned to her elven form and walked up to Ainz, Thoren shyly followed behind her.
“It has been too long my friend.” Twilight smiled forlornly.
“But we only just got here a couple of days ago?” Ainz replied, appearing to be confused.
Twilight sighed. “For you maybe, but I was sent back five hundred years ago and have been living here for that long. I was waiting for your arrival so that I can finally bid you farewell. Granted most of that time was taken up with research, matters of diplomacy and raising my family,” Twilight stated solemnly.
“Farewell!?” Ainz replied shocked.
“Ainz, my friend, I was never originally from Japan. I was from another world. Then I got trapped here, not that I am complaining. During that time I didn't just sleep, I researched a way to return to my original home world, which took a good few centuries due to the resources of this place lacking in the respect to space-time manipulation,” Twilight explained. Ainz frowned, and was about to respond, but Twilight raised her hand to silence him.
“I am sorry, I was unable to find a way back to Japan. I would have returned you and lived there, if I could.” Twilight bowed her head apologetically before motioning toward Thoren, “This is Thoren, my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandson,” Thoren bowed his head respectfully before raising his head up. “Thoren, you are next in line to succeed me.”
“Wait, you’re going to leave us, your family behind … ?”
Twilight glared at him, silencing him. “No, I am not abandoning you, I have set up many contingency plans. One of which pertains to my family is this token and the many back home. I can use them to return here. Once I find my home world, I will return and take you with me, along with anyone else who wish to join you and I, of course, and this is why, Thoren, that you must send out messengers to locate the rest of our family before that happens. Until then you are to help my friend, Ainz.” Twilight explained handing him the token. “Ainz, please take care of my family until I return, you and the rest of Nazarick are welcome to accompany me and my family in my homeworld. And here are all the important information and spells I created while living here,” Twilight explained, handing over a stack of books she had removed from her inventory and handing it to him.
“Just how big is your family, Twilight?”
She smiled patiently, but also there was a sparkle of mirth in her eyes.
“As of the last census? Forty wives, two hundred children, four hundred grandchildren, eight hundred great grandchildren, one thousand great great grandchildren and two thousand great great great grandchildren.” Twilight listed off smugly. “I will see you when I get back. Ainz is like a brother to me, Thoren, so treat Uncle Ainz well. Oh! Before I go,” Twilight pulled out a few heavy bags of coin. “Here you go, Ainz. This is this world's currency to help you purchase whatever goods or services you may require.”
“How did you procure so much wealth?” Ainz asked curiously.
Twilight turned to him and gave him a deadpan stare. “I am a dragoness, I'd certainly be a pathetic dragon if I procure and protect a hoard of my own. I know a spell that can locate gems, which certainly helped, and before you ask the aforementioned spell is in those books.”
Ainz chuckled at Twilight’s concluding remark. Twilight knows me well, he thought.
“Farewell my friends. My family,” Twilight said as she opened a portal to her homeworld.
“Wait, so you’re just going to abandon Nazerick?” Ainz asked, his tone tinged with anger.
Twilight turned and flicked his non-existent nose,
“Abandonment implies that I am not coming back, just think of this as a long solo quest chain. I have provided you with the rewards of my time here. Oh, and a warning, the Slane theocracy was founded by twelve players from Yggdrasil and before that the greed kings, who were also Yggdrasil players existed. Our friends haven’t surfaced yet, that much I can tell you. If you find yourself in an emergency find one of my family’s tokens and contact me and I’ll come running. Be aware though that due to the time differences between each world, it might take awhile for me to respond,” Twilight elaborated.
Ainz grunted, “I guess I'm not being fair, you’ve waited five centuries for us to show up, and even provided resources and books of information.”
“Oh wait! I almost forgot, I thought you might be sad about the one bone you're currently missing, so I created a spell that uses your soul as a blueprint to create a temporary flesh and blood body.” Twilight handed over a mahogany scroll case to Ainz, “I am sure Albedo will appreciate it.” Twilight smirked and hopped through her portal.
Chapter Three: To Boldly Go Where No Mare Has Gone Before
Twilight groaned as she awoke to the sounds of trees rustling in the wind and birds singing. Opening her eyes, she found herself in a forest. Looking down she saw that she was once again a toddler of four years age.
Twilight’s eye twitched and she let out a long suffering sigh, unlike her previous excursion into another world, the clothes this time were radically different from her home, but at the same time it was similar to human formal clothing, a long lavender dress that hugged her figure. Standing up, Twilight dusted herself off and looked around. Before trying her higher tier magic, she used the gem finding spell as it was generally harmless and didn’t require a target.
The ground glowed, revealing where there were gems nearby, causing Twilight to smile. “Okay that’s magic check, let’s see what i look like shall we?” Twilight summoned a mirror and inspected herself, not much had changed her iris’s despite remaining magenta had grown darker, her navy blue hair with it’s magenta and purple highlights swayed in the wind.
Once again she looked around and began to try and shift into her dragon form, her dress melted away as she transformed into a miniature version of her dragon form that now barely reached nine foot. “I guess I have to age before I am my glorious self again,” She lamented with another sigh and paused, I wonder when I took such pride in being a dragon, I suppose five hundred years as one eroded my twenty years spent as a pony and my twenty four years spent as a human,
Twilight shrugged and got to digging, I want to get myself some of this world’s currency. As she dug, she came across a vein of jagged purple gems, they were in huge quantities along where she had dug and she began using her claws to ‘mine’ them, they gave off a strange energy and an electrical current crackled around the gem deposit. Twilight pulled a bag out of her pocket dimension inventory, which luckily still existed. This was her bag of holding, named after a popular human rpg which she had played that was ridiculously close to her own world’s Oubliettes and Ogres.
She began dropping in the strange gems. I best find a way to research these gems. They look like Quartz, however, they definitely aren’t the same.
While she mined, she hummed a merry tune, during her excavation, she also found some ten carat sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds. Some really red rubies that she doubted would be worth much, subsequently she ate them with a satisfying crunch. Mmmnn cherry. Twilight thought to herself in oral bliss.
She was so enraptured that she almost missed the young man standing below her in awestruck fear. Almost.
She felt the prodding in her mind as the man looked determined, How dare he!
“What do you think you’re doing, morsel!?” she growled while mentally shoving the man’s attempts to get inside her mind, away. The man shuddered and backed away, stumbling as he reeled from Twilight’s mental attack.
“You have a lot of nerve to try and invade my thoughts, mortal!” Twilight added as the man finally realised his folly. “How would you like to have your private thoughts invaded, hmm?” she asked rhetorically as she used her magic to dive into his mind. What she felt gave her great pause. She blinked owlishly Wait, what kind of person has no mental barriers against intrusion when they intrude on other’s minds? Twilight thought as she read him like a book and found herself conflicted. So I am on the planet Betazed, home of the Betazoids, a telepathic and empathic humanoid species similar to humans. She found out a lot about the culture and the strange crystals she now possesed.
While Twilight was busy having her revelation, the poor Betazed man was begging for forgiveness and sobbing openly. His behavior made her uncomfortable.
Twilight sighed and poked the shivering mess below her, “Look, I am sorry I lashed out, I am not used to people attempting to read my mind. Just don’t do it again, okay? I didn’t know about the whole Betazoid thing,” Twilight apologised sheepishly.
The man ran away in fear, leaving Twilight alone again. Good going Twilight, traumatise the first person you meet in this world. You could have had a better first day but nope, you had to just fuck it up … . I miss Equus. I had better turn back into my new Betazoid form I got to replace my default elven form, before I meet another person on this planet,
Twilight made her way to the closest town. Betazoid architecture was focused around curves, circular or rounded buildings. Aesthetically it was similar to Canterlot, but without the sun imagery, purples and golds, with their buildings being colored in earthy colors of greens, browns, or white. As she made her way towards a local jeweler that she found using her gem finding spell, she noted that it was a domed cylinder with a terracotta roof and a single door into the establishment. With her sack in hand, she entered the establishment. The shop was filled with gems of various sizes and cuts behind cases of what looked like glass. Behind the main counter stood a Ferengi, the Griffons of this world, Twilight sighed internally, I hate dealing with griffons. Always after bits for every little thing.
“Hello sir, I have a trade proposal for you.” Twilight shuddered at the faux smile he gave her, I do not need to be an empath after Celestia taught me to see through nobles and of course my own centuries of experience.
“Oh how wonderful, young lady, what is your proposition?” The ferengi asked far too cheerfully.
Twilight mentally rolled her eyes as she brought out her merchandise from its sack prison. “Twenty tonnes of Dilithium Crystals, ten pounds of sapphire, and emerald, all of which are of good color, no imperfections or contusion, and cut to perfection.” Twilight explained as she lowered them to the ground. The ferengi near salivated over the gems, before straightening out trying to look as if he wasn’t already counting his money, “My opening offer is four thousand bars of gold pressed latinum,” Twilight stated seriously, the ferengi shop owner made an over elaborate ploy to devalue her haul by inspecting it.
“I happen to know that I could ask you for ten times that amount, and it would be fair given their value, however I don’t want to walk around with that kind of money,” Twilight stated dryly, causing the ferengi to flinch backwards.
“Err, yes everything is in order, could I get you to move on the price? I am only a small time businessman you see, how about three thousand bars of Latinum?”
“Three thousand three hundred?” The frenegi responded
“Three thousand five hundred, and that’s my final offer,” Twilight replied, the ferengi man grumbled discontentedly,
“Okay, deal. Three thousand five hundred bars.” he replied begrudingly giving his hand to Twilight.
“Out haggled by a little female,” He muttered sourly,
“Pleasure doing business with you …” Twilight smiled happily, opening her sack.
“Dahg,” he stated dryly.
“Can you put the Latinum bars in here, Dahg?” Twilight added cheerfully.
“Of course, Kid, but tell me how you know so much about gems?” Dahg asked as he finished giving her the three thousand five hundred tiny Latinum bars. Twilight smiled and made an over elaborate ruse to take out one of her gems from her hoard but making it look like she removed it from her sack. She then shifted her teeth and digestive tract and then ate the gem in front of him, Dahg’s face paled,
“I am a lithovore,” Twilight smirked as she ate her impromptu meal, “everything in here is food to me.” Twilight explained as she left the store chuckling.
As she exited the store she smiled internally, however, she frowned. Now I just need to find a place to live. Who would I even ask about such a thing?
“You look troubled, child, what is weighing on your mind,” A matronly voice asked her from behind, spinning around she replied, “Can’t you tell?” Twilight tried to smile warmly but the disapproving woman with shoulder length brown hair, her dress was certainly something flamboyant, I bet that Rarity would love this woman. Twilight thought. While the woman kept looking down at her responded,
“Well I could, child, but you have the mental defence of a master and I cannot tell exactly what you’re thinking, I can still read your emotions though and it’s telling me you are worried.”
“I suppose before we actually talk, I should tell you my name.”
“That would be a good start, child,” The woman calmly responded in a welcoming tone.
“My name is Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight introduced herself,
“I am Lwaxana Troi, Daughter of the fifth house, the holder of the sacred chalice of Rixx, heir to the holy rings of Betazed!” Lwaxana introduced herself flamboyantly twirling her hand. Lwaxana grabbed Twilight’s wrist and dragged her along.
“Come along child, you can tell me all about your troubles, over some Bajoran tea,” Lwaxana declared.
Great, well, let’s see where this goes, she seems nice enough. Now if only I could retrieve my wrist without ripping her hand off. Twilight frowned in thought. When they arrived at a small mansion, she was pulled inside,
“Homn!?” Lwaxana called cheerfully, “We have a guest, bring out some Bajoran Tea for us!”
She spotted Twilight looking at her questioningly and explained, “Homn is my manservant, valet, and butler.”
Twilight sat up straight and subconsciously held herself more like a high level noble, so ingrained in her where these mannerisms that she didn’t notice herself doing so until Lwaxana tittered at the display.
“My how adorable, no need to stand on formality, child. Relax,” Lwaxana playfully chided her as Twilight sheepishly took a seat opposite of her, sitting next to a fireplace.
“Sorry, it’s kind of ingrained in me by now. Just give me a moment while I scan for any listening devices, can’t be too careful in a technologically advanced society. Especially seeing as I have to be careful that I don't end up as a lab rat or in a position to be blackmailed later,” Twilight muttered, closing her eyes, she sent waves of her magic out like a sonar, after which she found one. Opening her eyes, she knelt down under the table separating them, and retrieved a mechanical device from underneath it.
Lwaxana glared at the device as Homn entered the room, Twilight’s eyes widened at the tall bald humanoid with greyish skin as he calmly laid down a teapot and cups. “Homn, be a dear and take that listening device from young Twilight here. She found it under the tea table, take it to the authorities and have them add it to the pile,” Lwaxana ordered and Homn nodded. Twilight dropped the device into his outstretched hand, after which he left the room.
Twilight waited a few minutes for Homn to be out of earshot before exclaiming, “Was one of his parents a giant or something, he’s tall!”
Lwaxana chuckled, “His species is normally that tall and voluntarily mute. Also, do you mind explaining how you found that device?” she asked Twilight with honest curiosity in her voice.
“Yes, I can. However, I feel it prudent to explain a few other things first. First of all I am five hundred and forty nine years old despite my body's regressed age.”
“Oh my! I apologise! I have been calling you ‘child’ when you are old enough to be my great great, great, great, great grandmother!” Lwaxana replied with a horrified expression on her face at her faux pas.
Twilight waved it off, “It’s fine, also, before coming here I was not originally a Betazoid. I was a dragon and before that a human and even before that I was a magical unicorn pony. I have been dimension hopping since I was cast from my home dimension by something masquerading as my brother’s fiance and my ex-babysitter. Needless to say, I want to return home, which is proving difficult as I don’t know which way is home so I find myself stuck randomly hopping dimensions and each time getting regressed into the body of a four year old. Honestly speaking, it is very frustrating,” Twilight explained while drinking the tea Lwaxana had given her during her exposition dump.
“So that pulse was … magic?” Lwaxana clarified.
“Yes, I sent out a pulse of my magic similar to a sonar frequency, it enables me to detect things which might otherwise be missed. Can you also tell me what year it is?” Twilight explained.
“It’s twenty three seventy nine. You’ll have to forgive me but magic isn’t real here, so forgive me my scepticism,” Lwaxana replied patiently.
Twilight shrugged, “I wasn’t expecting you to believe me, tell me do you have anything in this home that could be used to detect technology and or teleports?”
Lwaxana nodded, “Computer?” A beep trilled in response. “Track Ms.Sparkle and scan her for any technology she has on her person.”
“One Ms.Sparkle has no devices on her person,” the female voice of the computer responded.
Twilight smirked, taking a sip as she disappeared and reappeared beside Lwaxana,
“Target shifted through subspace, an unknown energy spike occurred before teleportation, consistent with the being known as Q,” the computer announced aloud.
“Huh, so I go through subspace, interesting. I always wondered where my teleports took me. I assumed that it was through ley lines,” Twilight said before touching Lwaxana’s shoulder and teleporting again, moving to the side of her chair.
“While impressive, and rare, unassisted teleportation isn’t impossible here,” Lwaxana stated as she remained sitting down.
Twilight held her hands out palms up and began conjuring balls of elements; Light, dark, ice, fire, wind, love, antimatter, plasma, lightning, growing greenery, wood, plastic, as well as a black hole appeared in the center between her cupped palms and the elements combined within the black hole as Twilight put up a shield to protect Lwaxana as the lot of it combined into a conflagration that got sucked into the event horizon as the black hole gave off a glow as it reached criticality. Twilight expanded the shield as a huge explosion erupted and expanded outwards as Twilight hardened the shield as a galaxy of stars and a small black hole floated inside the center of it.
Twilight hardened the globe into a mineralized solid and had a tree grow around the orb, “Ta da,” Twilight smirked at the dumbfounded Lwaxana.
“By the four deities! You created a universe!?” Lwaxana cried out in surprise.
“I can do many things, most of which will likely cause you problems, so I won’t perform them here in your domicile,” Twilight explained as she returned to her seat.
“Now onto my worries, I have two main concerns. A place to live and citizenship of this land, as my current form isn’t conducive to wandering about.” Twilight explained as Lwaxana joined her with a frown on her face.
“I can see why you’re worried, let me think,” Lwaxana replied seriously, “tell me, Twilight, how long do you think you will live?”
Twilight let out a long sigh, “Lwaxana, I am a dragon, my lifespan is likely to eclipse many hundred generations of Betazoids so long as nothing does me fatal harm, but I believe I impressed upon you how unlikely that is with my demonstration and before that I was a Japanese human, and prior to that I was a unicorn pony, while largely theoretical until i do it another couple of times. However from past experiences it is safe to expect that if I keep dimension hopping, it’s likely that I’ll never die and I’ll keep taking on the body of the dominant race wherever I land,” Twilight explained.
“Good to hear! Then I have a proposition, how about I adopt you into my family? That would solve both your problems in the most efficient manner,” Lwaxana suggested with a smile.
Twilight twitched. Damn! Right in my weakness! Organisation and efficiency!
“It’s a tempting offer, Lwaxana, but how is the rest of your family going to take it?” Twilight asked with concern.
“Nonsense, they won’t mind! In fact, they’d likely ostracise me if I left you to your problems,” Lwaxana replied.
“Well, I guess I’ll take you up on your generous offer then,” Twilight replied with a smile.
“Mother! We are here, I …” a younger Betazoid woman walked in, her hazel brown hair tied in a ponytail and curled in a curlicue, accompanied alongside a tall man with short black hair and a neatly trimmed beard. The betazoid woman wore a dark lavender bodysuit, with a badge with a delta shaped emblem executed in gold. The man wore a black and red uniform with an insignia on his collar and a badge that matched the woman’s.
“Oh Deanna, William! Come here, take a seat! I was just talking with Twilight Sparkle about a preposition,” Lwaxana said as she got up to guide the pair to Twilight. “Mother, when did you sink so low that you’d proposition a child?” Deanna responded with a disappointed frown and William glared at her. Their anger and suspicions were replaced by confusion as Twilight fell over laughing her head off before teleporting herself up right.
“That’s a good one,” Twilight added still chuckling, the couple were now wary of the ‘child’ before her.
“Ahem, sorry, but I am several times Lwaxana’s age. Also, it wouldn’t work out between us and it’s never pretty when you have to bury a wife, I wouldn’t want to add a forty fifth to the list, no matter how charming they may be,” Twilight winked back at Lwaxana.
“Are you a Q?” Deanna asked cautiously, Twilight tilted her head to the side,
“A Q? Never heard of them, may I take a look so that I can see what you mean?”
“Only if I can look at yours, your mental defences are incredible!” Deanna responded, Twilight thought on it for a moment,
“Thank you for the compliment, when you become the magical student of royalty, the nobility tend to get aggressive. Especially as I was a commoner, and yes you may. Just a warning, you may not like what you see. Over five hundred years of life tends to widen your horizons,” Twilight warned Deanna.
“Deanna! Be careful, we don’t know what we’re dealing with here,” William warned her, causing Twilight to turn her attention towards him.
“If I had wanted to cause you harm, you’d be dead before you even walked in through that door, and if you doubt my power turn around, I made that,” Twilight retorted and smirked, while pointing towards the orb she had created from her earlier display of magical prowess and power.
William looked up and said, “Computer, what is this orb?”
“The creation of the being known as Twilight Sparkle, using advance elemental kinesis, she conjured every element, including Anti-matter and a black hole. Using a shield to encapsulate the crucible, Twilight created a miniature universe and changed the shield so that it held it She then altered the entirety of the orb into a mineralized sphere and summoned the tree around the orb to hold it. Upon completion of her powerful crafting, she chose to gift it to Lwaxana Troi.” The computer responded as William looked at Twilight with something approaching awe and fear.
Twilight turned back to Deanna with a warm smile, “Come now, I don’t bite,” Twilight teased with a grin, “kneel and prepare yourself, Deanna.”
Deanna carefully knelt down, her body shaking.
“Calm yourself and relax. I won’t harm you, Deanna, you’ve done nothing to harm me or any others to warrant such judgement. Now, lean your forehead against mine.”
Deanna found herself on top of a building’s roof, she spotted Twilight looking over the side of the edge, much older and Japanese in her ethnic appearance. Twilight turned to face her with a wan smile.
“Where are we? Why are you Japanese?”
Twilight smiled. “This was my form for twenty four years of my life and was my second form. I was in my forties by the time I shifted to my third form if you counted my first life. This was my high school, Tsukuba-daigakuen in Komaba Tokyo-to. In the year Twenty One Ten, I came to this world as a four year old and was adopted by a kind Japanese middle class family, don’t bother looking me up though. It was in another universe, this isn’t my world, not my native one at least,” Twilight answered with a nostalgic smile.
“I chose this first stop as the final gate to the truth, pass through these doors,” Twilight stated, holding her arms outstretched to the sides as a pair of doors materialised. “The left goes to my first life and the right goes to my third, choose which you would like to see first,” Twilight ordered as she watched Deanna frown in concentration.
Finally, she, stepped through the left door, and arrived in a pastel colored land.
“Welcome to my home world of Equus, the kingdom of Equestria and the world which I was banished from by an imposter trying to marry my brother,” Twilight introduced Deanna to the strange vision and sights being shown her. “And this is my true form, or more accurately my original form.” Standing before Deanna was a lavender-coated mare with a unicorn horn, her navy mane was neat with a straight fringe and her mane was wither-length and her tail mirroring her mane-style and its neatness both with purple and magenta highlights striped through it.
Meanwhile Twilight was reviewing, the memories related to this Q person and the more that she saw and the more heard, the more concerned that this being was Discord or at least this dimensions version of him. I did not want to deal with a Discord if I could help it. I have to avoid attracting his attention. Even despite his good intentions he causes more trouble than it's worth.
After a couple of minutes, Twilight leaned back and smiled before Deanna, who lunged forward and hugged her while she was crying tears.
“H-ow? How can you still smile, How can you remain optimistic in the face of outliving everyone?” Deanna asked as she sobbed
“Practice, time, a goal or goals, family. Friends, it all helps.” Twilight returned the embrace and stroked Deanna’s hair.
“Speaking of family, Mother mentioned a proposition?” Deanna asked, once she had calmed down. Twilight stood up and helping Deanna back up and began to reply.
“I have nowhere to go and I am not a citizen of Betazed. I am not hurting, financially speaking. Lwaxana offered to adopt me while I grow up physically. When I am old enough, I’ll start going to school and hopefully I can enroll in the Starfleet Academy.”
Chapter Four: Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In Star Fleet Academy
After completing her high school education for what was like the third time and passing the Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program, which consisted of six weeks of summer classes Twilight was ready for the entrance exams. By passing the Preparatory Program, a candidate's admission was ensured, as they had then proved to the admissions committee that they were prepared, and determined, to become a cadet.
Having finished the three theory based entrance exams, Twilight was well on her way to becoming a cadet at the academy. Now she had the surprise culture and species test and the psych test the former performed in secret and the latter unlikely to faze her. I am a shoo-in to get into the academy. Twilight thought excitedly as she traversed the golden gate bridge to Marin county, passing many different people having left the presidium.
She was humming to herself, when she spotted a young soft looking white furred female Caitian, shorter than herself, curvaceous having the coveted hourglass look the gentle round chin, her cheeks high by not to much that it ruined the elegant flow of her face Her long straight silver mane framed her face perfectly. and then when Twilight noticed her breasts her eyes bugged out. Sweet black fucking Sabbath, she must be at least a double H cup, how the hell can she walk with those things! Twilight thought, then looked at her own breasts, barely a D cup, Twilight groaned as she compared herself with the Caitian.
Am I forever doomed to encounter women with ridiculous breasts? If I didn't know better I would have believed myself an anime protagonist, I certainly had the hair color for it, she complained internally until she watched and noted that the well endowed Caitian was being bullied by a group of older humans. Twilight rushed up and asked,
“What is going on here?” Twilight demanded with a authoritative tone.
The group of four humans turned to her with a sneer, the one in front shouting. “Stay out of this Betazoid!” The human in front of the others demanded angrily. Obviously he’s the leader of this group of thugs. Twilight mused “This is none of your business!”
Twilight glared at the human, “You made it my business when you violated general order two; No Starfleet personnel shall use unnecessary force, either collectively or individually, against members of the United Federation of Planets, their duly authorized representatives, spokespersons, or designated leaders, or members of any sentient member race, for any reason whatsoever. I shall be reporting you to the superintendent Brand, I shall overlook that racist insult against myself if you leave now!”
“How are you going to do anything about it when you’re dead, you freak!?” The leader charged at Twilight, his right hand was balled up in a fist before he grabbed his mark II phaser with his left hand and fired. Twilight quickly rose her hand up, palm facing outward toward her assailant and quickly cast her magic. It glowed lavender, as a lavender domed shield appeared around her and the Caitian girl. The shield absorbed the phaser blast and dissipated the energy. The humans behind him looked shocked, whether because of Twilight’s shield or the actions of their friend she wasn’t sure.
“You know, I absolutely detest bullies!” Twilight growled threateningly as she glared at the human who had shot at her, she waved her hand, it was glowing again and the leader was slammed into the ground due to the increase in his extremely localised gravity, he struggled to get up, barely lifting his head to glare at her. The rest of the gang tried to run but Twilight froze them in place. Turning briefly she turned to the Caitian female who was currently gaping at the scene while she sat on the floor, her knees turned inward towards each other.
Twilight held out her hand to help her up, which the girl cautiously took after looking at Twilight’s hand cautiously, and with that Twilight helped her up. The rising motion caused the Caitian’s breasts to jiggle briefly only to stop shortly before she began brushing off her clothes. Twilight noted that she was wearing a cadet’s uniform with a miniskirt, Twilight also took note of the fear from the Caitian and anger from the guy trapped under half the earth’s gravity doubled.
“Are you okay … ?” Twilight began trying to keep her labido in check.
“Csia,” she supplied with a forced smile, “and thank you for intervening, they’ve been bullying me for ages …”
“Twilight Troi, you’re welcome Csia,” Twilight replied, smiling and trying to set the girl at ease. “Unfortunately, I can’t let you leave just yet,” Twilight added, placing a hand on Csia’s shoulder, her restraining actions caused Csia to blink in confusion. “Prepare yourself, Csia, this could cause some nausea, I apologise in advance,” she continued addressing Csia as she locked the man under a magical forcefield and let up on the gravity she had subjected him to. Before Csia could voice an objection, Twilight teleported the group to the reception of Superintendent Brand. Csia’s cheeks quickly bulged as nausea overcame her. Twilight conjured a sick bag for her.
Csia took the bag hurriedly and brought it to her face as the nausea overwhelmed her.
“Freeze!” two guards demanded as Twilight materialised. Twilight froze stiff as she regarded the guards.
“Identify yourself!” one of the guards added.
“Twilight Sparkle Troi, of the 5th house of Betazed, and Starfleet Academy candidate Zero, One, Zero, Four, Two, Zero, One! Sir, I found these cadets violating General Order Two by harassing Csia here. I informed them that I would be reporting them because of their legal violation, then he,” Twilight motioned toward the leader of the group, “attacked me with his phaser mark II. I subdued him and held his accomplishes and brought Csia as a witness and victim as well, I am here to see Superintendent Brand regarding these matters,” Twilight explained succinctly. The guards looked at each other and lowered their rifles.
“What is going on here!?”
A short woman with short white hair and a square face, strode out of the office. She wore a red Starfleet uniform with a black collar. On the collar were rank pips with a rectangle bar and two pips on it to denote her rank of Rear Admiral.
Twilight immediately saluted and explained why she was there to the Rear Admiral.
The admiral turned to look at the cadets that Twilight brought with her. And raised her left eyebrow, “What is that purple glow around them?”
“Can you release them?” Brand asked, cautiously raising an eyebrow, as she looked at the group before her.
“Yes sir!” Twilight responded before releasing the cadets. Admiral Brand watched with hidden mirth despite the tint of caution. That's odd, what’s so funny? Twilight thought to herself.
The cadets eyed Twilight, getting as far as they could from her.
“How did you get past the exam team?” Brand asked inquisitively.
“I teleported us here directly using my magic. And exam?” Twilight explained it had been getting easier ever since this whole unintended trip through the multiverse started. She wasn’t even winded like she would have been several centuries ago, even with the added passengers. I find it fascinating really, Twilight thought wait Exam!? Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! Continued her thoughts realising what that had implied her skin paled.
“Not many beings could do such a thing, and most of those beings are all powerful primordials with the ability to warp reality.” Brand eyed the girl, with curiosity.
Oh no they’re comparing me with Q better nip that in the bud before i become persona non grata. Better just be honest with them Twilight realised.
“I can to an extent warp reality, I’d say I could comfortably move the celestial bodies, though, I have never really had a chance to test out my power,” Twilight responded with a sigh. There is no point in hiding myself from those who would be my superiors.
“Also exam?” Twilight gulped nervously, “how did I do?” wincing, when Rear Admiral Brand turned to her with an evaluating look.
Csia fell on the floor laughing her head off her white tail wagging furiously. Sick bag placed on a nearby table safe from accidents.
“Well I can’t say it was a normal response to the situation, though apparently given the results, it certainly appears to have been effective,” Brand smirked, “You have passed your final two exams! Congrats Cadet Troi.”
“Thank you, Sir!” Twilight snapped into her ‘at attention’ posture and rose her right hand to her forehead in salute.
“Do you think you could teach humans to use magic?” Brand asked distractedly It could be very useful for combating the Q continuum if push comes to shove. Brand thought to herself.
“I am not sure. I would have to do some research and update my medical knowledge first before trying anything like that. However I am wary of doing so due to the whole Eugenics War, which banned genetic manipulation and made it illegal as it should have been in the first place,” Twilight responded thinking about the possibility.
“Well I look forward to any progress you make, anyway you’re going to need to choose what courses you are going to take while you are here, here is a PADD, fill it in and hand it into administration. Cadet Sh'ala, you will be roommates with Cadet Troi, show her to your quarters.”
“Aye, sir!” Csia responded snapping to attention and saluting.
“You’re both dismissed,” Brand ordered, leaving Twilight torn between frowning and smiling as she was dragged out by Csia.
After Twilight and Csia left, a giddy Lwaxana exited a nearby room,
“Ambassador Troi? How may I help you?”
“Oh stop being so stiff, Brand. I need you to move Twilight to the best quarters you have.”
Brand shrugged. “Very well, ambassador, but why?” Brand asked curiously
“Twilight is my adopted daughter, Brand and as such I intend to give her the best I can. I want her to remember me as a generous person,” Lwaxana replied with warmth,
“Well you are a very generous person, Lwaxana,” Brand responded with a lewd smirk and a waggle of her eyebrows
Lwaxana laughed, “By the four deities, there’s that saucy wit of yours surfacing again! It’s sad your duty makes you hide it from most people.”
Twilight was following Csia to where their quarters would be, pouting about being tricked.
“Oh come on, you’re not still miffed that I tricked you?” Csia asked prodding Twilight’s cheeks as she continued to pout,
“Csia, I am not going to hold it against you as it was the order of a superior officer, but from now on I expect total honesty from you, I have been betrayed by friends before and I will not let that happen again. In exchange I will tell you about myself, the whole truth. As that is a fair exchange for your total honesty,” Twilight explained as she followed Csia.
“Wait, so like, I get to learn about magic?” Csia replied, her unbridled enthusiasm caused Twilight to facepalm.
“Perhaps, I am not even sure if the species of this world can perform magic. I am an exception, of course,” Twilight explained with a sigh.
Csia began bounding around like a hyperactive child in excitement and then hugged Twilight, her breasts squishing against Twilight's. Twilight felt blood trickle from her nose, conjured two twisted tissues and stuffed them in her nostrils. She noted that Csia was at a height where she had to look up in order for her to establish eye contact.
Upon reaching their quarters, Csia and Twilight’s entered Csia’s quarters only to hear a computerized A.I. voice greet them. “Apologies cadets, you have been reassigned to have different quarters, please gather your effects and move into room ten Alpha,” the computer told them. Twilight shrugged and waited for Csia to grab her things, with Csia grumbling at having to move her stuff.
Once Csia was done they made their way to room ten Alpha. Once they got to the door, they were greeted by the sight of an ornate door, which slid open with a hiss. As they entered the room, Csia dropped her bags on the floor in shock, her head spun around to look at Twilight when she let out a sigh.
Twilight then gave her a look of sympathy and was about to apologise when Csia bounded around the room like an excited filly, “Twilight, can we like get married or something ‘cause after this I don’t think I could go back to living in the regular quarters,” Twilight sighed and shook her head with barely contained amusement at the suggestion Csia just made as she levitated their bags in.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Csia!” Twilight retorted and smirked at the blush she received from Csia in response.
When Twilight had sat down on one of the couches by the left wall which sat directly opposite to the couch that faced the wall, she began to cast a sound and vision filter. Twilight then gestured for Csia to come and sit down. After replicating some Bajoran tea, as she had acquired a taste for the beverage due to Lwaxana, she placed it on a coffee table that sat in the middle of the two couches.
“The first and currently most important piece of information about me, is I am an adopted daughter. Lwaxana Troi of the fifth house of Betazed. This makes me royalty, this room is likely due to that fact. Wouldn’t be surprised if Mother ‘issued a request’ to the academy. Secondly, I am independently wealthy thanks to my dealings with several Ferengi, one in particular who is my best customer, who goes by the name of Dahg as I am his primary supplier. He was worried about how my departure might affect his business when I told him I was joining Starfleet. But I assured him that I would be fine by supplying him with enough gems and dilithium to last him a few lifetimes,” Twilight explained.
“Why would you do that?” Csia asked, curiously looking at Twilight
“Rule of Acquisition number fifty seven: Good customers are as rare as latinum. Treasure them.” Twilight replied and giggled at the look Csia was giving her, “as I was dealing with Ferengi a lot I decided to memorise the rules of acquisition. It has served me well.”
Twilight then explained her past and the various important events of her life, she was shocked when she found out about her being a dragoness. After a few moments of awkwardness after Twilight had transformed in front of her and then turned back, when Csia found out about the betrayal at her brother’s wedding she immediately hugged Twilight in sympathy.
“Thank you Csia,” Twilight said as she smiled and returned the hug. Odd I only just noticed Csia has silver eyes. Twilight thought as she stared into Csia’s eyes. Csia blushed and looked away and began putting some distance between them.
Sigh I guess it’s happening again, I blame the real Cadance for this! Cadance …. “So what courses are you choosing?” Csia awkwardly asked Twilight, whom blinked at the sudden subject change.
“Well, I want to build a starship so that I won't have to keep finding a place to live. So I am going to need, Academy Extension Course #4077, Astrotheory 101, Astrosciences, Basic Warp Design, Beam Technology, Biochemistry, Elementary Temporal Mechanics, Engineering, Exobiology/Xenobiology, Exochemistry, Flight Control, Fractal Calculus, Klingon Physiology, Medicine, Quantum Chemistry, Probability Mechanics, Organic Chemistry, Robotics, Statistical Mechanics, Stellar Cartography, Survival Strategies, Temporal Mechanics, Transporter Theory, Warp Theory. And going for the majors Advanced Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering and Exobiology,” Twilight listed off, when she finished she looked at Csia.
Csia blinked, “Dang, Twilight, that’s a lot of courses! Are you going to be able to do that and take an extra-curricular course as well?”
Twilight chuckled at Csia’s reaction, “European Swordsmanship club, I want to see what’s different from kendo and aikido. And the courses are all required, to be an engineer and doctor, both things that I believe will be immeasurably useful on my journey but can help propel Equestria’s own medical and engineering technology. I have knowledge of many of the subjects in the courses I intend to take, as I enjoyed reading about them as a filly, but they are, however, out of date so to speak. Plus with my eidetic memory and being able to read and comprehend five books or PADDs at once, I don’t think time will be an issue,” Twilight explained further.
“What about you, Csia?” Twilight asked, catching Csia off guard.
Csia ran her right hand through her white mane, “Nothing quite as ambitious as your chosen curriculum, but I am definitely studying the engineering courses.”
After their conversation had ended and tea had gotten cold, Csia and Twilight began to sort through their bags for their various possessions they brought and where to place them, Twilight’s bag next to her on the wall couch and Csia’s bag accompanying her on the opposite one. Twilight spotted some pink fluffy handcuffs hanging out of Csia’s bag and levitated them over to herself.
“Kinky!” Twilight remarked as Csia turned to see what she was on about, before her face froze in horror before she leapt over the coffee table and onto the other couch knocking Twilight on her back, who kept the incriminating object away from Csia’s reach and giggling as the Caitian straddled her and tried to get the handcuffs back. At that moment the door chime sounded, Twilight crossed her legs around Csia’s waist and called, “Come in!” A young ferengi walked in and froze, looking over the luxury room.
“That’s not fair!” he stated in awe of the ostentatious room, before he turned to the couch seeing a smirking Twilight and an absolutely horrified Csia in a compromising position. The cadet who had entered blushed and turned around.
“My apologies, I was unaware you were busy love-making,”
“Don’t worry, we hadn’t started yet,” Twilight responding adding in a purr to her voice and gave Csia a saucy wink, Csia grabbed her handcuffs while glaring at Twilight, “Come and sit …” Twilight paused to let him add his name.
“Cadet Bor,”
“My house is my house,” Twilight said causing Csia to look at her strangely.
“As are its contents.” Bor responded as he made his way over and gave Twilight a slip of latinum. Which she accepted.
“Don’t worry about the waiver for now, Bor,” Twilight explained as Bor sat down on the couch, Csia looked at her in surprise. Twilight was putting her wrists together, hands apart, and fingers curled inward. Which Bor mirrored. Twilight noticed Csia’s confusion.
“Don’t worry, it’s Ferengi culture to pay a person one slip on entrance to their home, and this is a traditional greeting.” Twilight explained for Csia.
“Indeed, it would be rude to enter another’s home without paying,” Bor responded stiffly.
“Hmmn Bor. Bor. Bor, where have I heard that name before?” Twilight asked herself rhetorically. Then exclaimed, “Ahh! Grand Nagus Rom’s grandson.”
Csia and Bor looked at her like she had grown a second head, “Remember Csia, I am Betazoid royalty as a member of the fifth house and my adoptive mother is the Betazed ambassador. A few years back I met Rom, and we kept in touch. He mentioned Bor a lot, he seemed very proud of you. He was also a good customer. So how has Rom been?”
“He has been fine. Thank you for asking,” Bor responded,
Twilight smiled in response. “Good to hear, so how may I help you Bor?” Twilight asked.
“Actually I was ordered to help you guys get settled in and finding your way around the academy.” Bor replied, Twilight and Csia decided now would be a good time to see the bedrooms, one door lead left and the other lead right. They went with the right first. Instead of a bedroom they found a bathroom. Shrugging they turned to the other room, and when the door opened there was a queen size double bed. Twilight blinked and then said, “looks like we’re sharing a bed.” Csia blushed deeply and looked at Twilight, “how can you be so casual about it!?”
Twilight frowned in confusion at her outburst.
“We don’t really have a choice Csia, I personally don’t mind, if that is what has you worried?” Twilight responded.
“But I am not sure. I …” Csia started before letting out a cute mewl Csia blushed deeply as Twilight hugged Csia. “Calm down Csia, trust me. I wont do anything sexual to you, and I don’t want you sleeping on the couches as that wouldn’t be fair to either of us. So how about we see about getting separate beds tomorrow?”
“Fine, okay, you win.” Csia deflated in Twilight’s arms, her head laying on her shoulder.
Bor in the background looked confused, “Aren’t you two lovers? Actually, aren't you Caitian Cadet Sh’ala? Aren’t Caitian’s an oestrus based race?” he asked frowning.
“Well half-Caitian actually, I am half-human so while I do go into oestrus I am actually more in tune with human sexuality.”
Twilight chuckled. “Well that’s fine, Csia and no Bor we aren't lovers.” Csia was apparently trying to merge with Twilight out of embarrassment. As Twilight felt a pressure on her shoulder, that Csia was laying her head on.
“Oh sorry, I forgot Betazoids have arranged marriages, being bonded genetically at childhood,” Bor responded flustered that he might have offended Twilight.
“Actually as I had a lot of autonomy for my age I refused to have a marriage arranged for me, so I am not betrothed,” Twilight corrected as she watched the girl beside her bury her face, and noticed that Csia’s ears perked up at that tidbit of information, and she looked up at Twilight with shock.
“Is that why you didn’t want to sleep in the same bed?” Twilight asked her.
“Maybe a bit. Some Betazoids are against relationships or sharing a bed outside of their betrothed. And I didn’t want to get on the Troi families bad side.” Csia returned her face to Twi’s shoulder.
“Csia, even if I were to have had a marriage arranged for me, I would have rejected it outright and done some questionable things using a dilithium crystal to the ones who demanded it on principle,” Twilight replied and rolled her eyes, showing them just how much she cared for the Betazoid tradition. “Most Betazoids actually hold love in high regard so those betrothed aren't restricted from taking a lover or even from only having a single lover. My adoptive mother is already on her fifth husband. Anyway, come on, Bor, let’s go before Csia here decides to make this situation more awkward.”
Twilight released the vision filter and sound filters. And left with Bor, with Csia being wrapped around Twilight.
Unbeknownst to Twilight, Lwaxana stood outside the room’s window which she had forgotten to cover with the filter as she was more concerned with cameras spying on her. “Yes! Finally! Homn, be a dear and contact Cadet Sh’ala’s parents and inform them that I wish to speak with them.” Lwaxana giggled as giddy as a teenager as she watched the two be so close to each other. “Deanna may have escaped my shipping charts but you won't, I’ll find you the perfect wife even if it kills me Twilight!”
Homn silently stared at Lwaxana and rolled his eyes, he had gotten used to his boss’ idiosyncrasies since he had first arrived. However, he found her ‘shipping’ fetish to be one of the stranger things about the woman. Though luckily only her family proper had to worry about it as the targets of her obsession. Still, orders were orders. He thought to himself.
After they had returned from their tour, Bor had stayed for food before bidding the two new cadets goodnight.
Twilight and Csia finished unpacking their bags and got into their bed clothes and made their way to bed, Csia nervously glancing at Twilight. Twilight noticing Csia’s nervousness, wrapped her arm around Csia and guided her deeper into the room.
Twilight went left, while Csia went right and both got under the covers. Twilight hugged Csia from behind and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, Csia laid there wondering how she would deal with the situation she found herself in, her cheeks burning through her white fur.
She was annoyed more at herself than at Twilight for having let herself be dominated so easily by the Betazoid woman. I can’t believe I let her take me as her pride mate. Csia chided herself mentally. Although after seeing how she dealt with those cadets and what I learnt of her true form as she likes to call it and her original form, I can’t help but think this is appropriate. And if what Twilight explained and showed her through her betazoid powers, about those Elements of Harmony is true, she was basically the Prides incarnate in her original form! Dad, would you be okay with this? Your daughter submitting to a pony? What about you Mom? As a human you were adamant about me having more freedom than most Caitian females.
Despite her inner turmoil, her roommate’s affectionate gesture was sapping her annoyance and her will to leave the embrace she found herself in as the new strange sensations of someone asleep and cuddling her had actually made her feel good and made her feel safe and while Twilight slept, Csia found the warm feelings which she felt from the gesture to be quite addictive.
Csia soon relented to being held by her slumbering bedmate. Well, I can’t really complain, considering how huggy I have been with her. I guess cuddling is fine. She decided before snuggling deeper into Twilight’s embrace and the warmth she was providing. Shortly afterwards, she made a half hearted mental note about complaining regarding Twilight’s domineering personality and her decision-making process, to the Betazoid woman. I wonder if Twilight understands what she has done by doing this. I’ll have her take responsibility for it. Csia thought as sleep eventually took her.
Shafts of light entered Twilight’s and Csia’s bedroom, the morning light landing on Twilight’s face, making her stir in response to the offending light. Groaning, Twilight eventually opened her eyes and stretched and yawned.
As her awareness returned, she found Csia had burrowed deep into her embrace, now facing Twilight’s chest. Twilight smiled down at the adorable sight. Dammit Csia, why’d you have to be so damn cute! Her attention was refocused back to the environment around her as she felt Csia wake up.
“Mraawl?” Csia vocalised as she was barely awake, her voice sounded confused and her emotional aura confirmed it. Must! Not! Coo or Squeal! Twilight thought to herself as she was melting over how adorable Csia was, who was now looking up to see who was holding her. What she found was the warmly smiling Twilight trying her hardest not to coo at the adorable girl in her arms.
Then the other shoe dropped and Csia was fully aware that she was in the embrace of a fully awake Twilight. She leapt out of Twilight’s arms in surprise. Twilight let go so Csia could escape. Unfortunately for Csia she had compensated for an expected grip that was no longer there and pushed too hard, so she slipped on the covers and fell over backwards off the bed with a thud. She landed on her head, with her legs flailing about as she tried to right herself, hissing in pain after having sustained her head injury.
After a few minutes she managed to right herself and peered over the edge of the side of the bed with her ears folded back against the back of her head, ears and shoulders were red with her embarrassment. Csia found a concerned Twilight worriedly looking at her as she half crawled over the bed to Csia.
Twilight frowned as Csia gingerly climbed back up and Twilight scooted back to give Csia space as she got back on the bed. Twilight crawled over to her on her knees and began checking Csia’s physical condition. Csia’s blush and folded ears remained firmly in place the whole time Twilight examined her which was soon joined by a pout. When Twilight didn’t find anything seriously wrong with Csia, she sighed in relief.
“Twi, can we talk?” Csia asked, a nervous tinge to her voice, which concerned Twilight almost as much as the bubbling emotions she was sensing.
Twilight hummed in acknowledgement, “What about?” she asked neutrally.
“Well … first I want to ask, how much do you know about Caitians?” Csia asked in a measured even tone.
Twilight looked up in thought as she absently treated Csia.
“Honestly? I don't know much except that you're a felidae species and what your species name is,” Twilight replied, sitting down beside her as she had finished treating Csia.
“Well, you see, Twilight, Caitian family groups are made up of prides, usually one alpha male and one alpha female plus any other females who join the pride later or simultaneously but without the alpha status. No other males exist except for cubs of the alpha who will eventually split off and make his own pride which becomes a sub pride of the alpha’s father. Prides also include friends regardless of species.
Now each pair within the pride is separated as dominant or submissive. For example: caitian A: is dominant over B: and B: is subservient to A:, B: is dominant over caitian C: and C: is subservient to B: but A: is not dominant over C: and C: is dominant over A: but not B:. It gets confusing at times. Caitian society is patriarchal, the husband and father are the highest authority and in most cases literally own females. It is a biological empirical fact. A father will often have a suitor lined up for any daughters which he may sire, or another male will seek to court a prospective female.” Twilight nodded absorbing the information carefully.
“I assume this has to do with how I have been treating you?”
“Yeah, you have dominated me and I don't begrudge you for it or want you to stop, if I am being totally honest.” Csia paused, before her face turned red as she blushed muttering, “it feels good.”
“So you want me to dominate you?” Twilight asked for clarification, her voice tinged with confusion.
“I do, but I must inform you that there shall be consequences. As you have dominated me you now have mating rights with regards to me, despite this you will still have to work for it, my human side lets me resist the ‘pride instinct’ to an extent. So if you think I'm just gonna roll over and present you,’ you got another thing coming. Also, while you may be dominant that doesn't mean I won't challenge you or that I won't have my own decisions and my own agency,” Csia warned with a glare at Twilight.
Twilight chuckled, “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she retorted and looked at her with a playful leer. Csia squeaked at the intensity of Twilight’s stare.
“Anyway, back to the consequences. This means you’re both challenging my father and the suitor whom he picked. You will be challenged to a duel as is Caitian tradition. For, lack of a better term, for ownership rights over me.” Csia explained trying to ignore the lascivious looks and gestures Twilight was making.
“Do you want to be this male’s mate?” Twilight asked, her tone sounding serious. I’ll be damned if any one takes my mates.
Twilight blinked upon recognizing her possessive thoughts regarding Csia. She isn't my mate yet! Okay technically she is, but I am going to respect her wish to be courted first, Twilight thought to herself after stomping on the thought of ‘owning’ Csia, her draconic hoarding nature caused surging through her and briefly challenging her self-control. She had more than once caused people to flee on Betazed due to her killing intent and her draconic instincts poisoning her emotional aura.
The fall of Betazed in the year twenty three seventy four was the worst, I had difficulty being a high ranking member of society. As the founders kept harassing me with jem'hadar soldiers, the result was a foregone conclusion, ‘mess with me or my family and I will end you.’ They got the point after they tried to send a changeling, and then a shapeshifting liquid being as a last resort. It tasted like orange jelly and thrashed around a lot in my belly. Keeping that being in my belly was a challenge in and of itself. Twilight reminiscenced. I don’t know what it was but I felt great afterwards. Too bad they wouldn’t be sending more changelings anywhere near me, he-he-he! She added mentally.
Unfortunately it had garnered her a rather negative reputation, as did her fascination with weapons and battle, something she had acquired during her five hundred years of dragonhood. While she was respected and lauded in social circles, she received the epithet ‘The Crimson Warrior Princess’, ‘the Bloody Twilight’ and ‘the Twilight Reaper’.
“Eugh no, he is ridiculously low on the Caitian society leaderboard. And the only reason I was put with him was because of my half blood status,” Csia growled, narrowing her eyes as she answered, having masked the outward appearance of being affected by the stifling killing intent that her companion was emitting. It had come out of nowhere so suddenly that it caught her off guard with the intensity that she nearly choked on the stifling feeling. Luckily, as fast as it came it had left.
“Thanks for the warning, let's go make breakfast and then we can go to the administrators building, and hand in the request for a new bed and to post our course forms.”
“Oh, um, about that you know … . You don't have to worry about the bed,” Csia blushed while twiddling her fingers.
“Oh, and I also need to write mine down during breakfast first, now that I remember,” Csia added sheepishly.
“Okay, if that's what you want, but no more leaping out of bed in shock. A concussion is no laughing matter,” Twilight responded, smirking at Csia. As she moved away from Csia, she exaggerated the sway of her hips, gracefully leaving yet still retaining a regalness that Csia thought might have taken centuries to master.
Csia blushed and gulped as she slowly followed while watching Twilight, whom had gone over to the replicator to replicate breakfast ingredients and cooking utensils. She removed an apron from her inventory and put it on, and what was written on it made the blush on Csia’s cheeks deepen. ‘Fuck the cook!’ in big fiery-stylized and colored letters on the front of the apron, Twilight noted her staring and smirked. It was strange seeing such a mature behaviour in a fourteen year old, despite knowing the reason behind it and the girls real age. It made for an odd and distracting feeling, the contradiction between appearance and her true form.
Once Twilight had served up a breakfast made of bacon, sausages, toast, and waffles drizzled with maple syrup, while for a drink Twilight replicated real Saurian Brandy for herself while Csia asked for mango juice. Twilight removed her apron, storing it in her inventory.
Csia sat beside Twilight, eyeing the drink that she had chosen for breakfast.
“Shouldn’t you be drinking Synthehol?” Csia asked causing Twilight to turn towards Csia aghast,
“And let that swill touch my tongue, Csia, why would you even suggest such a thing!?” Twilight demanded, her face actually looking hurt, which caused Csia to flinch.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you took your drink so seriously,” Csia replied sheepishly.
“Aye, as Scotty senpai would likely say, a sober engineer is an insane engineer. That, and synthehol is an abomination to the palette of any alcohol connoisseur.”
“Senpai, what does ‘senpai’ mean?” Csia inquired curiously.
Twilight smiled, “It means senior, it is a term of address in Japan which is used for someone who is either your elder in physical age, or someone who has been in a job or in a higher grade in the school you are attending.”
“Oh, but wouldn't you be his senpai? I mean considering how old you are. I mean you were a blacksmith for so long if I remember correctly?” Csia responded blinking in confusion.
“While engineering and Blacksmithing are similar in purpose, they are different in actuality, an engineer designs, makes, and tests machines; while blacksmiths make and repair a variety of metal products. Scotty is an engineer and I am a blacksmith. If he ever took up blacksmithing, then I’d be his senpai,” Twilight explained with a smile.
“Besides, drinks don’t affect me like they do other races, I have myself a nice ‘furnace’ in my stomach to burn away all the effects. So I get to enjoy it and if I want to get drunk it’s either sulfuric or magical liquified mana to drink,” Twilight explained further as she ate, “Remind me to introduce you to Tidewater.”
Csia nodded, I doubt I’d be able to sniff let alone drink something you think is potent enough, she thought snarkily before she started writing down her subjects on a PADD she had picked up on the way over.
After they had finished breakfast, they cleaned up and Csia had finished her forms, both of them got into their uniforms, the ones they were given during the tour yesterday, and they left their quarters.
Csia walked close beside Twilight, both of them smiling. It didn’t take long to reach the administration building and drop off their forms. In return they were given the required schedule, and their cadet uniform.
“Huh, classes start next Monday, that means we have a week to prepare or ...” Twilight noted idly before being interrupted,
“Do you think you could try and teach me magic?” Csia asked while her eyes went wide and watery with unshed tears, her lip quivering, and her ears folded back, mewling cutely at Twilight.
“Okay! Just stop with the face!” Twilight demanded, Csia’s expression turned smug as she got one over Twilight. Twilight sighed before continuing, “don’t get your hopes up, I might have to do something to you that is going to be painful. Whether that thing actually works or not, is another thing.” Twilight huffed as Csia bounced around her happily, to which Twilight shook her head. So that’s what my ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ dance looks like from an outside perspective. Damn, it’s extremely cute. Twilight thought to herself.
After asking a member of the administrators if there was a room available for use in research experiments, they were escorted to a free room, one that was big enough.
Twilight conjured a set of chairs, with Csia took the offered chair.
“First, I’ll go over the explanation all fillies and colts learn. Assuming that everything from my world perfectly translates or is close enough not to cause significant complications. Inside every sapient being exists a core, this core is metaphysical and located roughly around the heart of the creature. This core contains magic and regulates the use of said magic. Normally as a unicorn filly or colt they would suffer from magic bursts. These bursts are in response to the unicorn’s desires or emotional state. Eventually they go away or are less frequent as they grow up.
“Okay, that sounds simple enough.” Csia wrote down notes on the magic lecture she was getting.
“Now just like any muscle, the core improves as the user uses magic. As they age, the older the being, the stronger the core becomes, though by how much varies depending on genetic disposition to it. The stronger the core the more magic it generates and stores.” Csia nodded writing down more notes.
I missed teaching people. Twilight thought idly with a smile.
“Under no circumstances should you let your magic run out completely, doing so is normally very difficult, but if you’re drained, you can die as magic is a fundamentally apart of our life force. Those who use too much magic at once or over a short period of time can expect nausea, dizziness, loss of strength and you temporarily can't use magic. This is called magic burnout and it requires rest and plenty of chocolate which helps with the mana regen.”
“Okay, so anything else I should know?”
“Yes, your eye color will change. You see the color of my eyes are magenta right? Well, that is because the magic in your body flows through you, once you strengthen your core enough, what color they will be, will be unique to you,” Twilight answered in response to her question,
“Now first thing you need to do is close your eyes, imagine the area where your heart is. What do you see?” Twilight asked.
“I see a glowing vine-like thing which is pulsing the light it’s emitting very slowly,” Csia replied with uncertainty.
“Oh my, it’s really atrophied, “ Twilight commented with alarm, “stand up! And hold still.”
Csia complied, standing up. Twilight walked up behind her with a serious look on her face as she caressed Csia’s body while her hands glowed, her hands sliding over Csia’s breasts as she hummed in thought, her body’s ley lines are atrophied horrifically, I mean I expected some atrophy for a scientific and technological society. I hope this isn’t the case for the rest of them, otherwise these species are doomed if i don’t do something drastic. Twilight was brought out of her musing by Csia,
“Umn Twilight, what’s wrong?” Twilight could hear the discomfort in her voice.
“Huh!? Oh, right, your ley lines and core are messed up, I am going to have to give you a jump start, as we do not have more than a week for metaphysical therapy,” Twilight muttered, her hand to her face as she thought of the process.
“Lay down on the floor as straight as you can,” Twilight instructed, Csia frowned, but complied.
Twilight conjured a bite-sized pole of clean wood, “Bite down on this, so you don’t bite your tongue off.” Csia eyed Twilight with worry, but bit down on the piece.
With a stomp, a magic circle appeared around Csia, Twilight’s hands began to glow brighter now.
With a look of sympathy Twilight fell to her knees beside Csia, her arms raised.
“This will hurt like a bitch, but bare with it, I will be pumping raw magic into your unused core and leylines. I can give you an magical anesthetic, but that could cause complications. If it gets to be too much, please tell me and I will magically anesthetic,” Twilight explained solemnly, just as her hands disappeared into lavender globes of light. Her hands laid on her chest where her heart would be. As soon as the magic seeped into her body, Csia began to convulse, her screams of pain muffled by the wood in her mouth, her entire body throbbing and sweating. Twilight pulled away.
“Csia …” Twilight started, but was interrupted by Csia.
“Will this give me magic?” Csia asked, eyes squeezed shut and panting.
“Yes, it can,” Twilight replied.
“Then continue, I’ll try and hold on, I can’t be seen as weak, I am the daughter of Feros, hero of my people. Do it!” Csia demanded, Twilight sighed sadly as she continued. Tears ran down her cheeks and Csia’s before her eyes opened again and after half an hour, she turned her attention to Twilight, her eyes begging her for the torture to end.
Twilight winced and paused again, letting Csia rest.“Csia, do you want me to stop?”
Csia shook her head, “Anesthetic. Now! Fuck pride!” Csia cursed as Twilight administered the magical anesthetic, chuckling at Csia’s curse, As further comfort for her, Twilight’s left hand stopped glowing as she offered it to Csia.
“Squeeze my hand.” Twilight winced as Csia took her offer. Csia cried out as lesser pain washed over her, and her body was now completely drenched in sweat.
After another half an hour Twilight’s hand stopped glowing and she helped pull out the severely damaged plank of wood, “There, there. It’s over, it’s done. Just relax,” Twilight cooed as she used her magic to remove Csia’s sweat.
“Are you feeling better?” Twilight gently asked as she stroked Csia’s face.
“Fuck … You …” Csia responded through pants, glaring half heartedly at Twilight.
“Maybe later,” Twilight retorted dismissively, causing Csia to blush.
“Now, I want you to hold your right hand up and concentrate on drawing the magic from your core, imagine that the magic is flowing from your core out to your right arm and down your fingers,” Twilight instructed with a reassuring smile. A pastel pink glow surrounded Csia’s hand.
“Now open your eyes,” Twilight finished excitedly as Csia opened her eyes that she hadn’t noticed she had closed. With a blink she looked at her glowing hand and a smile appeared upon her lips,
“Good work Csia, can you see the block of wood over there where I’m pointing, pick it up with your magic. All you have to do is, with your magic flowing, will your magic to encase the object and bring it to you. Strong feelings of want or need will make your magic respond so be careful you don’t over do it, but don’t forget to work your magic a little bit, otherwise your ley lines could atrophy again.” Csia blinked again and stuck her tongue out to the side of her mouth in concentration, her magic field flickered to life around the wooden block and it shakily floated over to her.
“Congrats, Csia! You used your magic for the first time!” Twilight praised beaming, it was then that Csia chose to pounce on Twilight, locking her lips with her. Twilight let out a surprised squeak but melted into it and wrapped her arms around her.
Csia suddenly stiffened and pulled back and looked away, “Sorry, I don’t know what came over me,” She turned to see Twilight’s eyes half lidded and the mare turned betazoid was panting hard. She cupped Csia’s face, turning her to face Twilight completely.
“Don’t be sorry,” Twilight replied huskily between pants as she neared Csia’s face.
“Twi … ?” Csia didn’t get to finish as Twilight’s lips returned locked with her own. Csia opened her mouth, letting Twilight in as the two of them got more passionate. Twilight’s soft tongue wrapped around Csia’s, the roughness spurring Twilight on to lick and pull Csia’s tongue into her own mouth as she explored Csia’s mouth, vibrations tickling Twilight’s tongue as Csia began purring at the attention.
Twilight’s hands snaked their way under Csia’s shirt, pulling down her bra as she started massaging Csia’s breasts and tweaking her erect nipples. Twilight lifted Csia’s shirt up revealing her exposed chest. Twilight broke the kiss to trail little pecks down Csia’s neck, before capturing her right nipple in her lips, where her tongue attacked it, the pants and moaning spurring Twilight on.
“Ahem!” came a cold voice, “Apologies for ruining your fun, however I must inform you this lab is not for that kind of experiment. As such you must cease or you will be made to leave. Also, while there is no rule against fraternization between starfleet cadets or officers, your quarters will be a more appropriate setting for your mating.”
Twilight turned to see a male vulcan standing there with a raised eyebrow,
“Sorry, we kinda got carried away after that first kiss,” Twilight explained smiling sheepishly as Csia straightened her clothes out, “won't happen again.”
“See that it doesn’t,” he replied before walking off,
“Next, I need to show you some basic exercises that you are to do with your magic, before we lay down the fundamentals of magical script,” Twilight started off and then awkwardly coughing.
Csia groaned at the last part, “Augh, I hate paperwork!”
After a while Csia asked, “Twilight, if he hadn’t interrupted, how far would we have gone?” Csia asked still panting lightly.
“All the way …” Twilight replied blushing softly.
“Oh.” Csia responded simply, Damn cunt blocking vulcan! Csia thought angrily.
Twilight giggled in response to the emotion she felt from Csia, “also, about the exercises and paperwork, it will help you learn, I promise. But think of it, you’re a pioneer, Csia, the first person in this universe to use magic, that wasn’t a primordial energy being!”
“Or an inter-dimensional alien chick,” Csia ribbed Twilight, receiving an amused chuckle from Twilight.
“No, that title currently belongs to me,” Twilight retorted with a smile.
After several hours of magical exercise and Twilight explaining magical script. Twilight and Csia left the lab, the night air hit them, caressing their weary bodies and cooling the sweat that clung to them. The two of them moaned in appreciation of the reprieve from the muggy heat of the lab.
“Twi ... how long did it take for you to learn magic?” Csia groaned hunched over,
“Well from the age of five it took sixteen years to complete my apprenticeship before I became a journeyman, granted that included noble protocol and other subjects like science, engineering and mind training. When I became a journeyman I was sent out, leaving my mentor, to study elsewhere. It will take a while and I will have to train you for years even at an accelerated clip,” Twilight responded with a reassuring smile, “but you will learn as my personal apprentice, the others wont get as much attention as you will, so please be ready,” Twilight let out a sigh, “some people don’t like it when you get special attention from a teacher.”
Csia paled once she had processed the information she heard.
“Er… Twilight, we only have a maximum of five years here at the academy,” Csia stated uncomfortably.
“Oh dear Csia, you think I am not going to do everything in my power and pull strings for us to serve on the same vessel. In fact, I plan on designing my own. One that will take advantage of magic,” Twilight explained, her grin widening as she rubbed her hands together, “Once complete I shall take one for myself so that we have a home base!”
A pain in the back of Twilight’s head flashed as darkness claimed her, the last thing she saw the was the limp form of Csia in the arms of the unknown assailant.
Twilight awoke with a start, below her the sand ground gave way as she stood up. Around her were curved sandstone walls that by Twilight’s reckoning where twenty feet in height, surrounding what appeared to be a gladiatorial arena with herself in the centre. Set into the walls were cages where beasts roamed waiting to escape. In the stands where many Caitians cheering or jeering at her.
“Silence!” a deep baritone voice ordered. The crowd hushed and the voice spoke again, “I apologise for the rough treatment, unfortunately my underlings seem to think inform and return with you meant cracking you over the head and cubnapping you for that they have been disciplined. I am Feros, Csia’s father,” the voice explained as it introduced himself.
Twilight turned to the direction of the voice spotting a large space with a mountain of a Caitian man, with white fur like his daughter. A well trimmed beard framed his stern face. Off to his side was Csia pouting, her tail thrashing about in frustration. They sat in a covered box area filled with ostentatious decor.
“The reason you were brought here is because you dominated my daughter, and taking the right to her, without my permission or blessing. This slight requires a duel between the aggrieved parties. Unfortunately you are not deemed an adult in caitian society nor were you originally aware of your crime. In order for the duel to go ahead you must complete the rite of passage of the catian’s. This involves ritual combat with predatory creatures native to cait. With only your bare hands claws and teeth, only then can you duel for my daughter's hand,” Feros explained,
“Father, must she do this? She doesn't have any claws! She isn’t even Caitian so there isn’t even a chance she could survive this is nothing less than a death battle royal!” Csia asked hoping to get Twilight out of the fight.
“Daughter, you did this yourself before leaving, your faith in your chosen mate is lacking, or is your mate that truly weak that she cannot fight?” Feros asked Csia who winced in response, her ears folding back,
“Do not worry Csia, this is nothing to worry about. Feros, let's get this started” Twilight responded with a confident smirk.
Feros’ ear flicked when he heard Csia mutter, “It’s not you I am worried for Twilight.”
“release the beasts!” Feros called ignoring his daughter's comment. Ten big cat like predators with bone like spikes protruding their backs slunk out of their dark cages, as well as two bipedal behemoths, covered in grey scales with long dragging arms mouths full of razor sharp teeth, their tiny eyes watched Twilight as they entered, they stood easily twice Twilight’s current height.
The circling cats slunk around watching Twilight for an opening as the two hulking behemoths charged at her. She dodged a swipe from the one on the right as she grabbed the right fist of the left one when it tried to punch her, and she braced herself, widening her stance. She was pushed back creating a divot in the sandy ground before stopping her momentum.
Twilight grunted slightly as she gripped its hand, who tried to pull away but found itself unable to and then Twilight began to tear the creatures arm off it. The creature howled in pain, a sickening pop and gush of blood as ragged torn muscles swung on either part of the wound.
Now with its arm in her hands she turned it around and swung it hard, back handing it's head clean off its shoulders with its own severed arm. Now that its headless neck added a new blood fountain in conjunction to its armless shoulder all over the arena floor, its body fell to the floor, limp like a puppet that had its strings cut. The hungry carnivores leapt at it and began feasting on the carcass.
Twilight tossed the severed arm on top of the pile, startling the animals. The other behemoth stepped away from the ‘child’ that had made short work of its partner.
“Oh, so there is some intelligence in there I was beginning to wonder if you were mindless beasts, unfortunately for you I don't have time to waste. Don't worry, it’ll be quick and painless,” Twilight reassured holding up the creatures heart, “see, you are already dead,” Twilight smiled kindly as the creature collapsed. The audience watched in silent awe, Feros with his eyes widened.
Twilight then proceeded to swallow the heart of the giant whole,
“hmmm needs more soy sauce.” Twilight nodded to herself,
What kind of creature is my sweet innocent Csia involved with! How did she manage to eat a heart bigger than her head! Feros panicked internally and he then heard Csia say,
“Dammit Twi, what happened to keeping a low profile,”
“I apologise for what I said earlier, Csia, I see that your mate is strong. Dare I even ask what she is?” Feros asked eyeing the arena, where Twilight was now training the beasts that were left.
Csia giggled nervously, “I believe Twilight should be the one to tell you if she wants Dad. Kinda blows your choice out of the water eh?”
Feros gave his daughter a long look, before briefly looking over to Twilight and back. “I can’t say I disagree, will D’rao be ok? I have only seen her fight once so I might be wrong, but she seems cruel?” Feros said playing back the fight in his mind.
“It depends really, during her species and courage test she helped me without hesitation and crushed the actors under increased gravity. But she has been kind to me.” Csia replied, a blush tinting her cheeks.
“She can manipulate gravity!?” Feros shouted in surprise, when a flash of light beside him suddenly drew his attention,
“Gahh!” Feros cried in shock, punching Twilight in the face in response. His fur sticking up and out along his tail, hissing like a scared house cat.
“I can also teleport,” Twilight added with a smirk on her lips, unfazed by the punch to the face.
Feros glared at Twilight panting rapidly, “Don’t do that!” he demanded holding his chest.
Twilight’s smirk grew in size as she slunk over to Csia and began looking over her to make sure she was okay, Csia rolled her eyes at her mate.
“Twilight, I am fine! Why would my father hurt me? Why would any parent?” Csia complained Twilight’s expression darkened.
“Trust me on this Csia, I have seen parents do horrible things to their kids, both directly, indirectly or due to some misguided belief they are only protecting them. My brother, My mother and Father and my Mentor who was also like a mother to me, all abandoned me. And I saw what humans can do when I lived there.” Twilight responded, her tone of voice dark and with a hint of anger to it.
Twilight blinked and started to perform a breathing exercise,
“Sorry, I forgot about that,” Csia wilted in response.
“Despite my reservations, it seems like you have a good mate Csia, er Twilight was it?” Feros asked and Twilight nodded, “I can see that you care for my daughter, however I cannot go back on my word and I cannot let you two get together, yet. You must still beat D’rao, can you go easy on him, he may not be the greatest Caitian but he doesn’t deserve to die.”
“I won’t kill him, but if he tries something that even hurts a single hair on her head I will end him with extreme prejudice.” Twilight replied, Feros sighed heavily, “If that were to happen I would kill him also.”
Twilight gently kissed Csia on the lips, causing her to purr at the attention and leant into to reciprocate. Csia then noticed her father’s smug smile causing her to blush deeply.
A male Caitian burst through a set of doors to the back of the box, “Feros, did she die or am I actually going to have a challenge… so this is the runt that stole my Csia?” D’rao added glaring at Twilight, who responded by flipping D’rao off then jumping into the arena.
“Let’s get this over and done with shall we? The quicker we start, the quicker you can lose,” Twilight taunted from the other side of the arena. D’rao growled joining her in the arena, and immediately charged at Twilight his claws ready to flay her. Twilight sidestepped his attack, grabbed his right wrist and flipped him on to his back behind her. Growling again he got up, and launched into a flurry of kicks, punches and slashing with his claws, which Twilight barely dodged or parried, sweat dripping down her face as she panted.
D’rao slipped through Twilight’s defences and kicked her in the stomach, Twilight’s eyes were wide in shock as she fell to a knee.
“What’s wrong with Twilight?” Feros asked Csia in confusion,
“I don’t know father,” Csia responded with a frown.
D’rao began to hit Twilight repeatedly while she was down, knocking her prone.
The crowd was murmuring, unsure of what to make of D’rao’s performance.
Twilight stood up unsteadily and then rushed at D’rao, pushing him onto the defence. Behind his back he drew a sword as he was dodging and weaving, the sword took Twilight off guard and it went through her chest.
Csia, the crowd and Feros gasped, Csia with her hand over her mouth.
There were cries of discontent from the crowd, when all of a sudden, laughter split the air. It was small at at first before it erupted into full blown psychotic, a wide unsettling grin appeared on Twilight’s face as she removes the sword from her chest, waving her hand over the hole which glowed white, and the wounds disappeared.
Twilight then spread her arms wide, a portal opening above her chest, a handle emerged from the portal and Twilight grabbed the curved handle of a sword. She pulled it out, a basket guard followed with a spike on top, on its front face a window with a silver filigree engraving, while above the basket was a crescent part holding a blood red jewel, and on the long silver narrow double edged blade that was reminiscent of a katana there was a glass tank and holes along the flat of the blade.
“Mother! I was having the nicest dream in my nice bed in your inventory! And I am still having it apparently,” Selene spoke, the red gem flickering red light as she did.
“Selene, mother has a job for you,” Twilight replied there was what sounded like sniffing
“I smell blood!” Selene squealed as she let off an orgasmic shudder.
“What is that sword!?” D’rao growled out, stepping back at the bloodlust it emanated,
Twilight regarded Selene with fondness, “This child is one of the swords I forged during my time in Yggdrasil and refined in the new world, she is an empathic weapon. She is one of my strongest swords I created.” Twilight grinned wide, “she is no doubt hungry since the last time she was used.”
D’rao refused to let whatever was happening to continue, he continued to press his advantage but his blows were parried, with practiced ease, ever so often Selene would change direction impossibly and dig into D’rao’s flesh, blood seeped into the window area of Selene’s blade.
How! Is that sword doing that!? D’rao thought to himself.
Enraged, D’rao roared and with all his strength knocked Selene out of Twilight’s hand. Twilight’s right eyebrow twitched and sucked in some air and then roared herself, the ground shook as everyone nearby covered their ears, stopping only after a full minute. Her body grew in size and her skin became lavender scaled, her nose and mouth curved, elongated, and her teeth sharpened as a pair of horns and wings burst from their respective spots, her tail lengthened and spikes erupted from her back and tail. On all fours she reached almost thirteen feet in height,
“Care to continue on this foolish path you have chosen?” Twilight’s deeper gravelly, but still feminine voice asked, D’rao who was shivering in fear “I surrender!”
“Twilight’s a dragon!? I thought those were extinct!? Wasn’t Kukulkan the last of his kind?” Feros yelled before turning to his daughter,
“Yeah, she is, although she isn’t native to this dimension,” Csia replied smugly, “so daddy how do you feel about Twilight and me now?”
Feros frowned wiping his hand over his face, “I can’t really say she isn’t good enough for you dear, and same sex couples aren’t all that rare here, but I am still upset that I might not get grandcubs.”
Twilight reappeared in her Betazoid form next to him, “ is that all you’re concerned about, pfffthahahaha. Feros, in my considerable time alive I have both sired and carried many children, even laid a couple of eggs just to see what it’s like. So yes you will have grandcubs one way or another.” Twilight smirked and slunk around Csia’s body.
“Do I dare ask if D’rao is alive?” Feros asked with a raised eyebrow,
“He is. Though he has probably soiled himself and is unconscious, and don’t worry about the audience, they didn’t see my true form, that was just for you, Csia and that foolish child.” Twilight assured before pecking Csia on the neck, cheek and shoulder.
“Well at least this will humble him a bit,” Feros sighed rubbing his face, “I could use a drink,” he complained.
A black portal opened, after her hand entered it she withdrew a white jug, and three glasses for them all, Twilight poured the contents into the glasses and handed them around.
Feros took a drink from his cup, “Wow, that’s the purest water I have ever drunk, usually sand gets in it or there is other contaminants.” Feros commented in awe looking at the glass. He looked up to see Twilight walking over the edge of the box. Confused he watched as she poured the water out.
“What are you doing!? Why would you waste that water!?” Feros demanded angrily, Twilight looked back disinterestedly, giving a perfect view of the jug, it was pouring more water than it should have.
“Don’t worry, this jug can create an infinite amount of the purest water. So there is no need to panic, as for your water problem I can help, one question though? Do you want natural or unnatural rivers?”
Feros frowned in thought, “ I would prefer natural, but natural is the reason we have sand in our water.”
“Take me to the highest point in the city with no broken line of sight,” Twilight responded.
“Follow me, there is a tower in the center of the city.” Feros stated leading the way through the box’s doors. Twilight and Csia followed behind.
The trip was uneventful, the adobe buildings and the sandstone felt out of place in an advanced race, but Twilight noted technology integrated almost seamlessly.
Once they reached the top of the tower Twilight stretched, “Csia, this is one of my favorite spells, look out for Q though, this spell is likely to get his attention. Regardless of my intentions.”
A huge flame like aura engulfed Twilight, as rotating magic circles sprung out of it and into the sky, Csia and Feros backed up in awe of the display.
“Super-tier magic! Creation!” Twilight shouted, the land began to rumble and shake as cries of confusion echoed through the streets of the city, a huge moat encircled the city with wide and long bridges at all the city entrances, a four thousand feet wide and one thousand feet high curved plateaux seven hundred km west of the city lifted up to sky, as a four hundred km squared lake basin carved it’s way through sand below it with a maximum depth of one thousand feet as rivers snaked away from the lake, spreading branching rivers of various lengths and widths all over the desert and to the moat around the city. Grasses and tropical trees of various varieties, palm trees, eucalyptus, aloe vera, gum trees, monkey puzzle baobab trees appeared sparsely around the city leaving enough space for farming and livestock. Billions of gallons of purest untaintable water rushed down the four thousand ft wide river that fed the waterfall plateaux and directly into the lake that was now filling up and caused a rainbow to appear over the waterfalls.
Grass filled the city minus the roads of sand and houses as clouds darkened overhead for thousands of miles in every direction, pure rainwater fell from the sky in a downpour, that Cait had never seen.
“Whew that one took more out of me than I want to admit or should have,” Twilight chuckled, as she collapsed on the tower’s fence.
Feros and Csia gaped at the insane display of power, Feros was about to say something but was interrupted by claps from behind them, behind them stood a man in what appeared to be his mid forties, appeared holding a score card, “I give you a three out ten on the Q scale, congratulations Ms.Troi, or should I say Ms.Sparkle, not many mortals, even long lived ones could boast of such reality warping ability.”
“Hello Q,” Twilight greeted politely, groaning
“Well at least you have better manners than the stick in the mud, Picard.” Q responded cheerfully, then his face darkened getting serious, “I have come to warn you, keep your reality warping on or below the planetary scale please and only if necessary, you are relatively new to this business, so consider this a probation. We elder reality warpers will be watching you. We’ll let it pass this time mostly due to the fact you saved me doing it myself and removed it from my very long to do list, Ciao for now!”
“Wait what did she do?” Feros asked, confused why the primordial would come to visit.
“Oh nothing special, just accidently also terraformed the nearby uninhabited planet next to Cait into a gaia world, incidentally, she should be collapsing in three….two….one.” Q replied as he flashed from existence, Twilight collapsed and groaned, “Oh yeah this one is going to take a good long while to regenerate. Though it shouldn’t normally require rest as super-tier magic doesn’t cost mp usually….” before darkness claimed her.
Twilight was running as fast as her currently short legs could take her, the Jem’hadar had raided her home and she had barely gotten Lwaxana and Homn out of the house.
Twilight panted as she was watching for incoming fire. She was blocking beams of death from striking Lwaxana and Homn as they ran into more and more enemies. Jem’hadar had begun following Twilight like a bunch of dumb aggroed mobs from an MMO.
A blast was aimed at Lwaxana and Twilight’s eyes widened, she didn’t have time to shield her so she jumped in front of the shot and took it for Lwaxana, Twilight grunted as she was hit,
“Twilight!” Lwaxana exclaimed catching her as she fell, “Homn pick her up!” Lwaxana ordered handing her over to her manservant.
Twilight weezed, “Hurry up! Don’t stop running! I’ll be fine, I just need to heal myself,” she ordered them, complying Lwaxana ran.
“They’re still chasing us!” Lwaxana complained gasping for air, “I’m too old for this!”
“Turn to face them Homn!” Twilight ordered, Homn turned to see a lot of soldiers running at them.
Twilight clapped her hands together and pulled them apart slowly, lightning began jumping between her hands sparking, “Triplet Maximise Widen magic! Chain Dragon lightning!”
Three huge dragons of lightning burst forth from between her hands striking all the soldiers chasing them, lightning jumped from soldier to soldier destroying their shields and burning them all to a crisp, screams of pain filling the path Twilight’s spell had taken, “Move! Before we attract more attention! Go into that cave!” Twilight pointed out to the left of them.
“You should be safe here, Lwaxana, Homn. Once I secure a safe base of operations I’ll come back for you,” Twilight said from in front of her many barriers.
Lwaxana frowned, “What about you Twilight, will you be okay?” Twilight showed Lwaxana a resigned smile contorting her lips.
“Who are they going to get that can stop me? What was his name … Oh yeah! Michael Mcdoesn’t-exist,” Twilight responded with an humourless chuckle. Twilight bolted out of the cave, drawing Selene. “ Selene, it’s time to play!”
“Yes mother,” Selene replied simply.
Explosions rocked the city, screams sounded in the streets. Enemy ships flew above firing polaron beams of death and littering the ground with torpedos. Twilight sighed, it had been hours since she had left Lwaxana somewhere safe and Twilight hoped they would remain undiscovered and safe.
Now Twilight was walking having since eliminated some Jem'hadar troops and armed herself with a couple of class VII assault polaron mini guns, which slowed her down due to their size compared to the body she had now rather than their combined weight. She’d looted them from the corpses of the enemy.
Keep calm, don’t show mercy, they are the enemy. At least it’s easier to do this time than all the others. Don't let them get away with hurting my people, my friends and my family. It'skill or be killed,shut down your emotions. Twilight repeated to herself in thought like a mantra, ignore the corpses of your people Twilight shivered War … War never changes. In all my centuries, despite the improved ways people kill more efficiently, it’s always the same. All around her dead bodies of betazoid citizens littered the streets, probably taken unaware by the sudden attack.
Grimacing, Twilight kept vigilant trying her best to ignore the corpses, despite her experience she never liked seeing dead civilians. The last time there was war on Betazed, a Troi was in power. Now it’s my turn to fight, funny how history repeats itself. Twilight chuckled mirthlessly as she looked over the carnage the Jem’hadar had wrought on her current home. But these people, should I revive them? I could so long as they wanted to return to life, problem is those who are satisfied with their lives won’t come back. Is it worth the headache? Twilight mused to herself, her assault weapons taking down a nearby Jem’hadar soldier who rushed at her, firing at her. Flashes of purple beams spat out of Twilight’s guns and the soldier’s rifle. Twilight brought up shields to block their fire.
He was mowed down like so many others who had tried to get in her way. Twilight paused,
She was now in a large plaza bordered by the desiccated ruins of a building that once was filled with life. In the center sat a large fountain that against all odds still worked.
“Fuck it! At this rate there won't be anything or anyone left to save if I don’t start taking this seriously! Triplet Summon Angel: Dominion authority!” Three of the high-tier angel dominion authority appeared in the skies above Twilight bathing it in light,
“Summon more angels, search for the dead, dying, scared or wounded, heal them, resurrect them and then bring them here. The Jem’hadar and their ships are the only viable targets. Move out!” Twilight ordered before pulling five rings out of her inventory, March of Angels, Ring of Perfect Copy, Ring of Boost Divine Magic, Ring of Mass Summon, God’s right hand ring.
March of Angels doubles the output of summon spells that summon angels. Ring of perfect copy is a ring that enables me to produce a perfect copy of any item I see. Ring of boost divine magic boosts my holy magic, ring of mass summon enables me to summon one hundred of any summon below fourth tier. God’s right hand ring allows me to cast any holy/divine spell below tier six without expending a use.
“Triplet widen magic: Mass Resurrection!” Twilight bathed the area in resurrecting light. Betazoids blinked in confusion as they rose up and turned to see Twilight.
“Triplet summon Primal Star Elemental! Triplet maximise widen magic mass heal! Triplet magic summon angel: Archangel flame!”
Three female humanoids made of soft yellow glowing light appeared before Twilight and bowed.
Six hundred shining white knights in armor appeared in neat rows behind the elementals. Their backs are attached with wings, a halo glows behind their heads, and they each wield a sword of flames.
“Super-tier magic: Pantheon!”
Six Cherubim gatekeepers appeared before the elementals, they had the head and mane of a lion. They had a total of four wings, with one pair of wings stretched out and another pair folded around them. Clad in a suit of shining armor, they are armed with a shield adorned with eye patterns in one hand and a lance of fire in the other.
“Primal star elementals take to the sky and find ships like this,” Twilight showed them a hologram of what the ships she had seen looked like. “Attack them without prejudice and knock them from among the stars! Destroy them!”
The hologram shifted to a Jem’hadar soldier, “These are your targets, Archangel Flames, spread throughout the city and hunt them down.
“Cherubim Gatekeepers; patrol the area and destroy any hostile intruders, leave everyone else alone,” The summoned beings all left in a flurry of action as they proceeded to perform their tasks.
A betazoid woman walked up to Twilight, confused, holding her hands to her chest meekly, “Wha are dhese thingsth, Lady Troi?” she asked, a tinge of fear in her voice watching the summons warily, Twilight turned to face her,
“These are angels, whom I have summoned. They will not harm us, they are under my command and to answer your likely next question, the slurred speech should subside after a while.” Twilight answered her.
“Buh I remember dyhing, I yam shure that whound wash fatal!?”
Twilight sighed sadly hanging her head in exasperation, “It was fatal, the slurred speech is the result of resurrection. I revived everyone here, My angels will do the same thing and bring everyone here. In the meantime you and everyone here are safe, Please do not spread this around, this is a one time occasion due to the circumstances, go find your family. If you cannot keep the secret I will have to memory wipe everyone here after it is done. And I don’t want to have to do that if I don’t have to.” Twilight explained once she had finished the woman hugged her, her tears running down her face.
Twilight stiffened at the sudden reaction but relaxed holding the woman which was difficult considering their relative size difference. After a while the woman thanked Twilight and left to find her family.
Twilight then sent out an order through a mental link to her summons, Archangel Flames not engaged in battle, locate replicators, which she showed them mentally what they look like. Bring any replicators you find, and carefully remove them and their power sources and bring any power source you can find that is large enough, bring me metal, carpets and beds. Find lots of beds and bring them back to me. Oh and bring me doors with their frames intact. After Twilight had finished giving orders she began to dig down into the plaza grounds having pried up six stone slabs to make way. She began digging out the soil compressing it and transmuting it into stone making a thirty foot wide passage. Fifty foot in she widened and carved out a hundred and sixty foot squared room.
“Triplet magic summon angel: archangel flame!” Another six hundred archangel flames appeared, Twilight ordered them all the start digging out rooms and reinforcing the walls, and digging tunnels under the city. Twilight returned to the surface to find a crowd of curious Betazoids.
“Any able bodied builders, engineers, and crafters are summoned to come down, those without a specialty but want to help, when the angels come with salvage help relocate the materials and replicators down inside.
Just then an ship was on a collision course with the plaza, “Everyone get inside now!” Twilight ordered. The civilians not taking any chances rushed passed her. She closed up the hole while she attempted to halt the ship’s decent, then another ship crashed into a tall building knocking it down, thinking quickly she sat the ship down and grabbed the falling sky scraper and pulled it apart for salvage.
The ship opened up to reveal a squad of Jem’hadar soldiers, prompting Twilight, “Super-tier magic Pantheon!” Six more cherubim gatekeepers appeared and rushed the new hostiles. She erected a purple dome shield over herself and the entrance to the base she was building.
The cries of soldiers rang out as they were cut down by the level ninety angels, Once the immediate danger had passed, Twilight reopened the tunnels, “Anyone familiar with Starship technology are to strip it down and take it below. Any computer or tech we can use, will help us,” Twilight ordered. With an explosive sigh Twilight helped carry the heavier equipment down. The rest of the day was spent with no additional attacks by the enemy, and was spent in helping build a subterranean infrastructure in the underground bunker.
The next day, Twilight lead an armed group towards the temporary safe house of Lwaxana leaving behind a sizable force of angels to halt the Jem’hadar encroachment.
As they approached the safe house they made short work of any patrolling enemies. Once they retrieved them was when shit hit the fan, a fleet of Jem’hadar forces descended through the sky, Twilight thought quickly and raised a shield over the city, with an energy conversion matrix interwoven into it so that the shield can self heal with energy based fire.
However a transporter signal got through at the last second, A changeling, two Jem’hadar soldiers and a Vorta appeared. The Vorta had pale skin, violet eyes, and elongated ears that were completely joined to the rest of their head. The changeling looked almost like a doll, with no distinguishing features save for it’s blandness, it had smooth, tanish skin, smooth human-like ears and slicked back hair.
“Stop this futile resistance, all you solids do is destroy,” The changeling spoke.
Twilight’s rage broke free of her control, incensed. “Stop!? We will never be slaves!” Twilight responded and cast a bright light blinding everyone, so when Twilight transformed, they couldn’t see her as she crushed the two jem’hadar soldiers under her claws and swallowed the changeling. The changeling struggled and thrashed as Twilight’s powerful throat muscles dragged the changeling to her stomach. She shifted back to her betazoid form before those still alive could get their sight back.
The vorta was the first recover and fervently looked around for his changeling master.
“What did you do to the Founder!” he hissed angrily.
Twilight pointed to her belly which was now shaking and wobbling as something thrashed about inside her her distended belly was slowly shrinking. “It tickles,” Twilight giggled as the vorta’s face fell to despair. Am I really any better than Chrysalis, I eat sapient beings even if only rarely and usually it’s in self defense. As if that's an adequate excuse, I could win without eating them Twilight suddenly wondered.
Oh come off it, you’re a dragon, everyone else is food. You delude yourself if you think these puny beings will ever accept you. Look, despite the fact that you are helping them your own people fear you. And so they should, after all you have slaughtered and eaten those mortals for centuries of course your so called rational mind excuses your nature.
Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I am not like that, I was a pony, I was a human. I can control myself!
Fool! Humans are worse than dragons! They kill each other over petty things like scraps that fall off the table. The moment you became a human was the moment your truly innocent self was lost and tainted, when you became a dragon you ascended beyond them. Why do you cling to a lie?
No, it's not a lie! I’m not a monster! Twilight rebuked the voice, it chuckled darkly as Twilight in anger glared at the offending invaders, aiming her left palm at the fleet, “Triplet Maximise widen magic, Black hole!” Twilight shouted and three black holes appeared near the ships as the gravitational forces pulled them apart, devouring the ships and their crew before dissipating harmlessly once the sky was cleared.
The vorta looked on in abject fear as he saw his comrades and soldiers disappear into the gravitational singularities. The other Betazoids stepped back away from Twilight who was now feeling the fear rolling off everyone besides Homn and Lwaxana.
Weeks had passed since the occupation had started and our base and new home had been coming along well. With the constant enemy reinforcements and the aid of guerrilla tactics they had an armed resistance. The base was resembling something close to a military compound, despite the largely civilian populace living within it. Despite our coordination with Star Fleet forces things are looking bleak, we were told that the Jem’hadar are a clone army made endlessly. Making wars of attrition a losing battle.
“Lady Troi, wake up.” a female voice startled Twilight.
“I said. Wake up!” the voice shouted,
Twilight suddenly sat up gasping as she awoke in a strange bedroom, with Csia by the bedside.
“Wha? Csia? Where am I?” Twilight asked groaning as she rubbed her eyes.
“You’ve been asleep for three days! After you went Old Testament on Cait and it’s neighboring planet, I have been trying to wake you since the start of the second day!” Csia complained pouting.
“Old Testament?” Twilight asked, curiously looking at Csia not expecting the old religion to come up.
“Mom was a Christian,” Csia explained,
“Was?” Twilight asked for clarification.
“She died in the line of duty during the battle of Wolf 359,” Csia explained “I was just a cub at the time.”
“Ah, my adoptive Sister, Deanna and my brother-in-law William Riker both took part in that battle as well, though they survived barely,” Twilight replied with sympathy.
“So what were you dreaming about before I woke you up? It seemed to trouble you,” Csia asked with concern evident in her voice.
“The fall of Betazed, during the Dominion War,” Twilight explained in a bitter tone of voice, causing Csia to wince, not having expected that answer. “Sorry ...” Csia apologised, her eyes downcast and awkwardly looking down at the floor.
“There is no need to apologise Csia, I am familiar with combat so nightmares are just a common part of the cost incurred by taking part in them,” Twilight reassured as she sat up and got out of bed,
“It appears as if I have misplaced my clothes,” Twilight commented, smirking at the blush Csia was currently sporting, “So what’s happening outside?” Twilight smiled,
“Let’s see you are currently being worshipped as a goddess, a new expedition has been charted for the new habitable world. The people are frolicking in the many water sources, and that asshole D’rao is currently catatonic after what you did.” Csia explained with a growing smirk as she watched Twilight slumping over groaning.
“Again!? Dammit, I only recently managed to get the Betazoids to stop worshiping me as a goddess of war and death, at least in public. I still hear them using my name in vain, oddly only every now and then in my head when I am nowhere near them. Now I know what my mentor had to endure for centuries.” Twilight groaned again, If Celestia hears about this I am so going to be teased to Tartarus. ... That is if she is still alive after that bitch imposter sprung her trap. Twilight thought to herself outwardly she turned to Csia, idly stroking her.
“So it’s official, you’re mine?” Twilight asked Csia with a tired smile.
“Yea, after all you’ve done for my people and my pride, father started babbling on about appeasing you,” Csia responded awkwardly shifting, while still trying to keep up the contact between her and Twilight’s hand.
“Your Father is the one who started the religion isn’t he?” Twilight deadpanned after a few seconds, Csia looked away with a pout and puffed up cheeks.
“Maybe ...” she muttered just loud enough to hear her face becoming incandescent red with embarrassment. Twilight shook her head and pulled Csia into a hug.
“Don’t worry I don’t mind so long as they don’t take it too far. If I had resurrected people it would have been worse,” Twilight absently let slip before covering her mouth,
“Please pretend you didn’t hear that,” Twilight groaned at her slip of the tongue, as she begged Csia but it was too late.
“You can revive people!?” Csia near screeched in surprise as she kept trying to re-establish eye contact with Twilight who was currently trying to hide her face away.
“Twilight, you can revive people?” Csia repeated causing Twilight to relent and let out a sigh.
“Yes, however there are caveats, the people who are resurrected lose experience and if the person who died is content with their lives and feel fulfilled, then I cannot bring them back. Also their body has to be relatively intact for the spirit to return.”
“Experience?” Csia asked blinking owlishly
“It is the cumulative experiences of a sapient being, in other words a certain amount of their memories are lost once they are revived.” Twilight explained, rubbing her temples with her right hand in a gesture of exasperation.
“Oh,” Csia slumped after hearing the explanation.
Twilight turned to see Csia’s emotion and body language, her expression softened.
“I am sorry, Csia, I can’t revive your mother.” Twilight consoled her holding her close. A knock at the door and Feros walked in his face looking down and obscured.
“I beg your pardon M’Lady, I wanted to thank your benevolence for providing our peoples with a paradise on Cait.” Feros praised, missing the eyeroll Twilight was performing as he grovelled.
Twilight sighed, “Don’t worry about it Feros, besides, because of this Csia and I are in a hurry, so we will be taking our leave,” Twilight explained as Feros tucked into a tiny ball,
Heh that reminded me of what I used to do, which my Father Night Light had affectionately nicknamed ‘ball mode.’ Twilight thought before sighing again No time for reminiscence. She mentally chided herself.
Twilight lifted herself out of the bed landing on her feet. In an open space near Feros Twilight aimed her palm, “Gate!” a large swirling black elliptical plane hung a short distance away swirling blacks purples, Twilight picked up Csia under her arm at Csia’s waist causing her to squeak in surprise at the sudden manhandling. Twilight walked into the portal and found herself back in their quarters. Twilight put Csia down gently, and standing back to give her room to stand up, “What the hell was that thing, wher- huh we’re back home?” Csia asked in confusion.
“Yep, the gate spell allows the user and many people to travel great distances instantly.” Twilight responded idly as she sat down conjured her padd and started playing music. Csia sat beside her, leaning her head on Twilight’s shoulder and closed her eyes while they listened to the song.
"Hey Twilight what is this song?" Csia mumbled half awake.
"Oh this old thing, it's from an ancient subculture that watched my life, in the human world it was portrayed as fiction. Funnily I was intrigued so I watched all nine seasons of the show. It helped me identify that bitch that sent me there in the first place, her name is Chrysalis. So now I have a name to put to the impersonator, who ruined my families lives. of course the show had us be victorious over her but I was still there. I am worried for Equestria if I am being honest. Add to that the vile enemies I was supposed to face I hope I can become strong enough to fight them." Twilight answered, "Just an aside don't look up my name on the internet. or it's equivalent here, it's not safe for Csia,"
"Oh okay then," Csia drowsily responded shifting to get more comfortable.
It was night and the moonlight shone down upon the ice and snow blasted realm of the Crystal Empire, a lone stallion stood on the single balcony of the Crystal Palace that was now his home.
Shining Armor sighed deeply as he looked up at the stars, once again wondering how wrong things were. We barely discovered that bug bitch’s plan, almost too late when we found out my sister had been right barely managing to push back their forces. And then to find out that Twilight was banished from the world effectively dooming Equestria without the elements. Twilight could be dead for all I know and I wouldn’t even be able to tell or do anything about it. I have doomed Equestria, doomed my little sister and screwed up again here. Now the whole of the country is grieving the loss of Twilight, Princess Celestia has withdrawn to mourn her as well. At least Princess Luna’s trip to Ponyville went well.
The bearer’s managed to seal away Discord again with aid from Princess Luna Sombra had also almost won had Celestia not been there with Luna this could have been a total loss if the crystal heart hadn’t reacted to Fluttershy’s confession of love. Celestia and Fluttershy had fallen in love after months of the pegasus comforting and being there for Celestia. I am glad that Celestia finally found somepony who she can just be herself without those blasted masks she wears,
“Shiny, come to bed. You’ll catch a cold,” came the plaintive voice of Cadance from inside their bedroom. She stepped out of the room looking haggard her mane experiencing epic bed head.
“I am sorry Cady, I just can’t sleep, not after what I have done,” Shining replied, eyes watering
“Shining Armor, enough. Stop blaming yourself! You were being manipulated! If any pony could be blamed it would be Celestia, Twilight’s so-called friends, and your parents, they weren’t under any mind control spells and none of the evidence found after a mind control victim is released was found in any of their minds. They didn’t listen, I foal sat her for Faust sake she knows me better than anypony. Heck, we knew each other so well I would have chosen her as my next romantic partner (once she’d grown up of course) if you and I hadn’t worked out,” Cadance exclaimed waving her forehooves exaggeratedly in the air.
“Wait. Huh? What? You’d date Twilight?” Shining blinked in confusion, Cadance giggled into her hoof at his expression.
“Of course I would! She’s a beautiful mare, Oh that reminds me I always wanted to try turning you into a mare, it would be something different to break the monotony of our usual bedroom activities. I bet you’d love it,” Cadance whispered huskily into Shining’s ear holding him to her chest. Shining was now suffering whiplash from the sudden subject change.
“Cc-cadance, that sort of thing is the furthest from my mind right now!” Shining protested squirming in her grip and failing. Damn alicorn strength. Shining pouted.
“Besides, I think you underestimate your sister too much, wherever she is I bet she’s thriving and she will return on her own. Come on it’s only been a few months, it’s too soon to give up now,” Cadance reassured him gently pulling him with her back into their room
Meanwhile back in Canterlot as two ponies went to bed another lay awake, crying to herself. Another set of hooves landed next to the grieving mare. Luna recovered her balance before folding her wings at her sides and trotting over to Celestia.
“Sister, I understand that thou carest for thine student, but this level of grief is not normal, you never grieved for your previous students thusly before, and even with your friends thine grief was transient. Come, pour thine innermost secrets unto me” Luna pleaded she walked over to Celestia and hugged her, “Talk to me?”
“Lulu …” Celestia swallowed something, “She wasn’t just a student, she wasn’t even just a friend. She was like a daughter to me … . Nay, you deserve the truth. She is my daughter, your niece. In fact, I had two foals by different fathers. I was so glad that I had managed to capture Twilight’s older sister when she returned from her self imposed exile. During the attempt to steal the element of magic, she hadn’t been counting on the fact that the artifact was lost with Twilight.”
“So waiteth that is not cake weight?” Luna said with a smirk, receiving a playful punch from Celestia, Luna sighed, “‘Tia, I wish thou wouldst hath told me prior to tonight.” she added with an exaggerated pout getting a sly look on her face, “Pray tell whomst ‘tis the sire?”
Celestia looked away and mumbled something Luna couldn’t hear, “I am sorry dearest sister but those of us with ears didst not hear thee,” Luna said snaking her neck around Celestia’s to look in the elder alicorns face where she noticed a deep blush now colored her cheeks.
“Thor, Odin’s son is Sunset’s father, and mumble,” Celestia’s blush increased as she turned to face the other direction with a smirking Luna following,
"She was conceived while we engaged in an orgy after he swore himself to the herd."
“And who else?” Luna pressed,
“Twilight Velvet, ahem, I herded with House Sparkle as their stallion in secret you see, we chose to have Twilight live a normal life amongst the other members of my herd. Which reminds me I have to properly introduce Fluttershy to Lucent and Velvet they only know her on a surface level.”
“Wait! What about Shining Armor?” Luna inquired, causing Celestia to blink.
“Damn I had hoped you missed that,” Celestia muttered wiping her ears of dried tears.
“I can’t believe I missed it before, tell me who’s the sire,” Luna pressed giggling.
“I am,” Celestia muttered just loud enough to hear her face had gone completely red
“Oh so Velvet-”
“No Lucent was Shining’s dame, you see he isn't exactly a stallion at heart, he doesn't have any desire to sire foals and instead prefers to take it. So he had a vasectomy.” Celestia interrupted and faux coughed as her whole coat was now red,
"Wait, but he is part of a herd filled with mares?" Luna blinked in confusion.
"He is bi, but prefers stallions over mares, though that is more to do with his wish to be a mare himself rather than a stallion. Unfortunately the gender bend spell is temporary, hopefully that is something we can eventually rectify."
“Well aren’t thou kinky, although thou wouldst have an advantage over most mares,” Luna responded amidst a peal of unhelpful giggles
"Luna, I thought that we weren't going to mention, our unique condition again." Celestia gave Luna half hearted glared
"Oh none sense, you should embrace it, so we also have dicks, it's given you great foals." Luna brushed off her sister's glare
Celestia grumbled, " be that as it may the walls have ears Luna."
“Well anyway, we suppose that doth explain thine current state, and explains their closeness with the royal family,” Luna concluded happily as yet another mystery had been solved. “So art thou going to explaineth this to my erstwhile niece and don’t think I didn’t notice you withholding thine eldest’s name, out with it!” Luna demanded imperiously, Celestia shook her head at her sister’s antics.
“Her name is Sunset Shimmer, she used to be such a sweet filly, maybe it’s her Asgardian genes slipping through,”
“Aye ‘tis sooth, when I was betwixt Freyja's legs and in mine bed, she was a rather aggressive lover. Unfortunately, the procreation was unsuccessful. I wanted to try again, though alas I was possessed afore we couldst try and I haven’t heard from her since. What of Thor?” Luna asked
“He knows of his child and keeps up communication, but he’s been rather busy with this Avenger thing, he wants to meet her but I am keeping him away, for now, Sunset needs a lot of therapy and I have told her who her father is, it seems she recognized and knew of him. But that is all I got out of her before her eye twitched and she fainted,” Celestia sighed, “I wonder how she will feel when she finds out that the filly she was jealous of was her little half-sister. Note to self: have the therapist’s room fireproofed,” Celestia sighed heavily,
“How goeth thine therapy?” Luna asked sincerely,
“It’s been tough, but we’re making progress, the therapist suggested we have her apologize to the students of the world she was in exile at. Hopefully, they can make up and become friends. Note to self: upgrade fire extinguisher spell ” Celestia muttered to herself making a note.
Luna blinked, “Is she really such a fire hazard?”
“Yes she is, she feels it more than twilight being a full god rather than a demigod, but she so Twilight’s flame episodes only happen under extreme stress and anger. And unfortunately, Sunset inherited my temper from before I reigned it in,” Celestia explained with a drawn-out exasperated sigh. Luna sucked in air through her teeth, “Yeah I remember that ‘twas the day we swore not to anger thee after thou madeth a dragon piss itself running away from thou.”
“Regardless we have a long way to go before we can properly deal with the issue,” Celestia sighed and flopped on the floor.
“Lulu, a bit of advice if you ever managed to have foals, do not do what I did. It is difficult to watch your children from afar grow up. You know, I almost messed up the Summer Sun Festival sun raising because Twilight was there watching me. I had forgotten to flap momentarily.” Celestia paused, “I miss her so much Lulu, I hope she can forgive us for what happened at Cadance’s wedding.”
Twilight sighed, it had been five years since she had gained the Caitians as a worshipers, and with each answered prayer, and every new follower she felt her powers swell. Honestly it unnerved her, just how far her religion had spread, granted it was better that they worshiped her as a goddess of life, fertility, and harmony, instead of death. Though that didn’t stop some Caitians, specifically those that had seen her fights to view her as a goddess of war as well. Though she did get a chuckle out of the sight of a pouting Csia being inducted as her priestess.
“Captain, We’ve received a distress signal from a ferengi merchant ship, they say they are under attack by a romulan d'deridex!” Ensign Keys called from the ops console.
“Helm lay in a course, Ops shields to maximum, red alert, warp nine engage!” Twilight ordered, watching as everyone carried out her orders, flashing red lights filled the bridge as the alarms blasted through the ship, “engineering, prepare to transport the crew of the ferengi crew, helmsman prepare to lay in an escape vector as soon as we have them. Security prepare to send a boarding party aboard the ferengi ship, and prepare for possible boarding parties.”
Twilight sat down in the captain’s chair and waited for the ship to leave warp, the ship exited warp, “on screen, hail the Romulan war bird.”
Frowning Twilight stood up, and moved forward to the center of the bridge, “The Romulans are on screen, Captain, channel open.” ops called again.
“Unknown Romulan vessel, I am Captain Troi of the Federation star ship USS Trainer, cease this unprovoked attack on the ferengi vessel!”
A Female Romulan with a brown short bob haircut appeared on the view screen, “I am Commander Purres of the Nerix, you are brave to demand anything of me Captain. This scum tried to cheat us, and we shall exact our vengeance. Interfere and we shall not hesitate to destroy you and you pathetic crew!” The view screen returned to normal as the romulan ship resumed fire on the ferengi ship, Twilight scowled at the sight, “All hands battle stations, target the Romulan ship! Draw it’s fire! Ready photon torpedoes, and fire at will!”
“Helmsman evasive maneuvers! But remain within transporter range of the ferengi vessel.”
“Aye! Aye! Captain!” the bridge officers called out as they did as she ordered, The USS Trainer circled the Romulan war bird firing phasers every second as it passed hitting it’s shields, first firing it’s fore and aft phasers, “the romulan ship’s locked on to us Captain and charging it’s disruptors.”
The ship circled the war bird, constantly striking their shields. The war bird's disruptors returned fire shaking the ship and fired on the Ferengi vessel. “Captain! We have new ships incoming, they are Romulan!” Ops called out
“Damn! Hail the ferengi vessel,”
“What do you want!? we are kinda busy here!” An irritable ferengi appeared on the ship view screen, “Ferengi vessel this is the federation star ship Trainer, prepare your crew to be transported,”
“What!? and leave my latinum!” Twilight rolled her eyes, “Ops Locate their latinum and send it to the transporter room alongside the crews coordinates!”
“Captain! Their forward shields are down!”
“Fire photon torpedoes narrow spread!” Twilight ordered, throwing her hand forwards as she did so. Four orange glowing bolts flew out and struck the beak of the war bird, explosions erupted cascading down the fore of the Romulan ship, the ship cloaked.
“Captain they have cloaked and we’ve lost our lock, now would be the time to transport the crew of the ferengi ship!”
“The ferengi shields are down, beaming them aboard. The ferengi, their cargo and latinum have been brought on board!”
As the ops ensign called out two more d'deridex warbirds dropped out of warp,” Helmsman set a course to the escape vector and warp out!”
“Sir the Romulans are firing on us, shields are down to twenty percent!”
Twilight growled, and pushed her magic out around the ship to form a shield over the ships, “I’ll hold them back somebody get a shield battery and use it!” a barrage of fire struck Twilight’s shield, the shield cracked, causing Twilight to wince, but held, Twilight pushed more magic into it, repairing it. Sweat began to fall down her brow as she tanked the hits.
“Shields at thirty percent, still no battery Captain,”
Another salvo struck Twilight's shields as the ship made for it’s escape vector. She was visible shaking now as she held, sweat drenching her clothes. The first ship decloaked and joined it’s brothers.
“Shields at fifty percent Captain!” Ops called out as his fingers danced on his console.
“My shield won't last much longer hurry up!” Twilight demanded, she was now panting, blood leaking from her left eye. As even more ships showed up, and began firing.
The next salvo, caused her to cough up blood, and fall to her knees as she took prolonged fire.
“Eighty percent! No ninety! They found a shield battery!”
“Finally!” Twilight murmured, the fire had let up but what the helmsman said next chilled Twilight to the core.
“Another pair of warships have arrived and they are all charging their weapons at the same time! We’re almost aligned with the escape vector!”
Twilight braced herself and thickened her shield as much as she could, the disruptors fired and hit her shield shattering it, Twilight was launched backwards into her chair, coughing up more blood, “Shields back down to forty percent!”
“Twenty percent!”
Twilight winced and stood up, she brought her magic to bare again and shielded the ship.
The next attack shattered her shield again her pupils shrunk as she cried out in pain, blood from her mouth launched to the floor as she fell to her knees
“Course laid in and aligned ready to warp,”
“Engage ensign!” her second in command ordered. As they warped out the bridge faded away as several officers entered the room alongside superintendent Brand.
“Bravo Cadet Troi! You’ll make a fine bridge officer!” Brand praised she was clapping her hands, while the officers behind her looked shell shocked, “Superintendent!? What on earth was that!? Where did that shield come from!?” one of the officers managed to exclaim.
“Troi, A demonstration?”
“Apologies, Superintendent it won’t be as impressive,”
Twilight right arm shook as she lifted it, a flickering glow enveloped her hand and projected a shield in front of her.
The assembled bridge officers gaped, Csia burst in deftly dodging through the officers and grabbing Twilight who was on the verge of collapsing.
Csia’s hand glowed with her pastel pink magic and started healing Twilight up.
“Wait how many people can do what Cadet Troi did?”
“Oh so far, only her class and her mate before us.”
“Csia, I am fine dear, I just need a rest, and a lot of chocolate,” she said groping Csia’s butt, whom rolled her eyes but smirked in response.
“Yeah you’re fine if you can afford to be perverted,”
“No amount of tiredness and low mana will stop me from enjoying my kawaii koneko(cute kitten).” Twilight said as she continued to hold Csia causing her to blush.
Csia recovered and smirked, then said, “Well then it’s your turn to cook,”
Twilight chuckled and gave Csia a kiss, “I enjoy cooking for you anyway dear,”
Brand cleared her throat, “ Oh don’t mind us, Cadet’s Sh’ala and Troi,” her lips contorted into a large smirk, that threatened to become a full on grin. “Cadet Sh’ala take Cadet Troi to sickbay. Or the cafeteria. You both graduate with honors in two days time, so take the time to relax and enjoy yourselves, I am sure by the time the exam board unfreezes they should be ready to mark you.”
A physically twenty nine year old, real age five hundred fifty seven, Twilight let out a deep sigh as she relaxed in Csia's embrace. They had just come from a meeting with Utopia Planitia ship yards on Mars. They were both scouted, and Twilight had managed to negotiate to allow them to work together and to start drafting her ship design and the promise of ownership and captaining of the first in the class.
"so we're going to be working together on the ship, have you worked out the kinks yet?" Csia asked looking down at the girl in her arms.
Twilight stroked Csia's left arm with her left hand, "unfortunately, no. It's still eluding me. The conductors aren't reacting to the magic. We've tried every magically conductive material I can think of!" Twilight ranted and throwing her hands up.
"Perhaps it's because you're using replicators to reproduce them?"
"Sigh, I suppose that might be the case kind of like how synthahole is a blasphemous concoction."
Csia smiled, "you're still on that?"
"I won't ever drop it! As soon as we get our ship the first thing I'm doing is rigging our replicators to produce real alcohol."
Csia stroked Twilight's head causing her to lean into Csia's hand.
"What about the spell? How's that coming?"
"It's more or less ready for the next jump, we just need the ship to boost it so we can take it with us."
"That's good to hear." Csia responded, Twilight made a few adjustments to the materials for the conductors and sent off the update to the ship builders. The ship structure itself was already underway, as the design itself was reminiscent of the vesta multi-mission explorer but much longer, taller and wider on the beam due to the setbacks in production that slowed the building of the remaining vesta ships they would just refit and upgrade the NCC-87519 currently being built at McKinley Station. It wouldn't require much more work to expand everything and add even more experimental tech.
"In the meantime Csia, we have our first ship training cruise duty aboard Captain Masc Taggart's ship."
Four months pass with nothing eventful happening. Twilight was sitting with Csia as they ate breakfast. Suddenly a comm call filled the room.
"Cadet Troi, Cadet Sh'ala report to my ready room," Captain Taggart's voice called over the Comms. Looking at each other and then shrugging before they hurriedly tidied up and made themselves presentable.
Upon entering, the commanding officers stood under a banner and popped party poppers and cheered, "surprise!" On the banner said congratulations.
"Cadets Troi and Sh'ala present and accounted for!" Twilight announced before smirking, "apologies Captain as someone ready for war and surprises in general I won't be surprised,"
That caused Captain Taggart to grumble," you're finished with your first training cruise and your new ship is ready for its first engine shake down. So Star fleet command has transferred you two to the new NX-87519 Magic class Starship Harmony."
"Aye! Aye! Sir!" Twilight and Csia responded,
"Twilight, Csia you're both elevated to lieutenant commander, effective immediately. You have leave to prepare to transfer to the ship."
"Yes sir!"
"Good you're dismissed, and once again congratulations."
The two of them salute, and leave to pack and within eight hours the two were on the shuttle to Utopia Planitia Shipyards.
Upon arrival they beamed aboard
"Welcome aboard Mothe..err I mean Captain Troi!?" An Japanese looking gynoid with a short bob hair cut colored in a pastel rainbow, blushed while saluting, "I am Harmony. Once you're settled we can start shake down, that is if you want to."
Twilight smirked, "calm down Harmony. I don't bite we'll begin shakedown procedures as soon as we're settled."
Twilight and Csia began to move to the captain's quarters. Harmony hurriedly followed after.
" A...a..all of my systems are ready. I.. I won't let you down!" Harmony responded with a fluster,
Another Harmony android ahead held out comm badges, on a platter. Alongside their new rank pips. Twilight and Csia put on the pips and the comm badge.
They entered their new quarters, the carpet and couch were peach pink in color. The couch sat in front of the wide window wall with a view of the dry dock and space. The rest of the room were composed of two or more areas, featuring separate bed and bathroom and a dedicated work and living area.
After storing their possessions, they both made their way to the bridge. Excited to get started and put her through her paces.
As they entered the bridge Harmony called "Captain on bridge!" And all versions of her saluted. Twilight and Csia saluted back.
Twilight took the captain's chair and Csia the second in command seat.
"Dry dock command, this is Captain Troi of the federation Magic class starship Harmony NX-87519, requesting launch permission."
"Permission granted Captain Troi safe travels tell us if there are any issues with her systems."
"Will do, Captain Troi out"
"Take us out on quarter impulse, slow and steady."
The Harmony slowly started inching out of the dry dock as it slowly freed itself from its fetters.
Twilight smiled while Csia bounced around the bridge excitedly. Once Harmony was freed of the dry dock, "clear the dry docks, maximum impulse,"
"There's a communication from your mother Ambassador Troi,"
Twilight groaned, "okay, put her through on screen."
The screen shifted to Lwaxana's face which immediately bloomed into a large smile, "Oh! My dear Twilight, you look positively dashing in that Captain's chair, you too Csia dear. Is she treating you right?"
Twilight groaned, while Csia smirked," she's been treating me perfectly." Csia added.
"Mother, is there a reason you called?"
"Oh right yes, wear your best formal clothing my dear. We were all invited to the two hundredth and fifty fifth anniversary of the rebuilding of the P'jem monastary on Vulcan. Admiral Brand has made that your first mission, represent the federation and house of Troi. Taa taa for now!" Lwaxana's face disappeared and Twilight slumped in her seat.
"I swear she is getting far too close to Brand for it to be appropriate or for the health of my career."
Csia giggled, " Harmony set course for P'jem warp 9!"
"Captain, several Romulan ship's are on an course toward P'Jem!" Harmony reported urgently.
"Red alert battle stations all weapons fire at will the moment any Romulan attacks."
"New info Captain, Romulan ship's are increasing, we could be facing a whole fleet!" Harmony cried.
"Csia, we are preparing for our escape using the world hop, just in case!" Twilight said
Exiting into orbit of the planet P'jem warp Twilight readied herself, "ready our twenty four mark XII phaser cannons, load transphasic torpedoes. Spin up the arcane core."
Shortly after Harmony exited warp, ten d'deridex warbirds warped in. "Take us in Harmony evasive maneuvers, strafe them as you deploy remote turrets. Launch all twelve unmanned Peregrine fighters."
The fore and aft hanger launched a swarm of ships, the twenty four phasers fired two or three beams per target as deployed turrets joined the fray.
"Arcane core ready," Harmony reported.
Twilight smiled, "today is a good day not to die!" And laid her hands on two half spheres on her chair.
"Withdraw Harmony bait them into my magic!" Twilight ordered, taking the bait the Romulan ship's gave chase "drifting master mine!?" multiple explosions rocked the ships as they came in contact with the mines. "Nuclear!"
Beam and magic tore apart the ships with detestable ease.
Hehehe, fifteen thousand dead in a blink of an eye! Well done, that's right slaughter them all. They dared harm your things so they must be destroyed.
No! I am just defending the people on P'jem.
Aye, you have to defend your horde. You have to utterly dominate any fool who tries. Hehehe…
Twilight shook her head to clear it she could not afford to be distracted.
What threat, what worth is there in the life of a worthless gnat. Especially pests who go against you.
Stooop!
Twilight focused on the new twenty four ships of the d'deridex class that warped in or did until another twenty six joined them then fifty then a hundred more.
As soon as they were charged they fired all of their disruptors shaking the ship as cracked formed in the defences Twilight layered over the ships defences.
Another volly destroyed the magic shields leaving the ships magic shield and it's tech shield.
"Firing!" As the two torpedoes launch Twilight used ring of duplication to duplicate the torpedoes over and over again hundreds of torpedoes ripped through Romulan ship's like hot knives through butter. The singularities of destroyed ships sucked in nearby ships.
"Triplet maximize widen magic black hole! Triplet maximize widen magic black hole! Triplet maximize widen magic black hole!Triplet maximize widen magic black hole!Triplet maximize widen magic black hole!Triplet maximize widen magic black hole!Triplet maximize widen magic black hole!"
Twilight spammed her spell, twenty black holes appeared one after the other ripping hundreds of the enemies to pieces joined by their own power sources the destructive force decimated the fleet.
Sweat dripped down Twilight's face as she panted, "hah! Is it over?"
"Three dvoridex class warbirds exited warp."
"Why'd I open my mouth?" With a groan getting ready "all weapons fire on those bastards,"
Though the targets were hit the damage was slow to build. "Triplet hah maximize magic haaa black hole, fire more transpashic torpedoes don't stop!"
"Ring of duplication, ring of duplication, ring of duplication!"
With every call the torpedoes multiplied again and again millions of torpedoes smashed into the warbirds. The ring broke cutting Twilight. The dvoridex ships were destroyed. But now they had a new problem, the gravitational anomalies spammed into existence coalesced into a single black hole. The Harmony was being pulled in and they would die.
"Csia start the jump spell ritual, I am gonna teleport the black hole and us to Sagittarius A,"
"The super massive black hole how will we escape!?"
"By jumping realities, Harmony help boost the teleport, you are to dedicate half the total mana to Csia's casting."
Twilight's eyes closed and she focused, her hands glowed and were engulfed by mana, mana from the ship and her own ragged resources flowed to the emitters and projected the teleport spell.
Down on P'jem they watched in horror as Twilight's ship fought to defend them and then they noticed the massive black hole. And just as soon as it had arrived, the black hole and the Harmony disappeared.
Lwaxana's legs gave out as the ship winked out of existence. She let out a wail of pure anguish and grief.
Meanwhile at the center of the galaxy, the Harmony watched as the super massive black hole, sucked up and ate the smaller one with fascination. Well that is until they started getting structural warnings.
"Csia how far along are you?"Twilight asked
"Half done need more mana!"
Twilight began pumping more mana to Csia's spell, "Harmony reroute all remaining mana to Csia!"
Just as the two of them were nearing the point of no return they winked out of existence.
The two of them blacked out due to mana exhaustion.
"Repairs and restocking proceeds at pace, at ninety percent complete."
Twilight groaned, "Ah! Captain you're awake!"
"Ouch, yes I am alive. Harmony where are we?"
"No clue, the stars are totally different and the blue class M planet below has two moons and abundant mana. One smaller moon is red and the other is larger and white. There seems to be a type 0 civilization on the planet, lots of monsters and lots of fighting. There appears to be a huge battle taking place on the central continent. After analysing the smaller moon it is artificial. And seems to hold a magical being inside it."
"Anything else?"
"You're now a pale loli cat girl with lavender fur, while Csia is currently the same, but tan and in the fetal position. Despite warning her it seems she wasn't ready."
"Both of your mana recovered fully when you slept, at an abnormal rate… Huh and the artificial moon is falling being pulled towards the planet," Harmony added showing the red moon indeed falling.
"Can we stop it?"
"Negative even if at full power and fully repaired we couldn't hold it back. Also we have no power to the engines so we aren't going anywhere. And the magic emitters are fried from constant use."
Twilight grumbled as they watched the moon enter the atmosphere and break up revealing a huge fucking dragon. Twilight's pupils shrunk, her body itched and convulsed, she felt a rage she could hear the cry of mad vengeance. He needed to be stopped.
"Csia, stay on the ship I've got a dragon to slay." Twilight absently said and teleported off the ship and dove towards the moon prison transforming into her dragon form her heartbeat pounded in her chest as her size expanded as she drunk of the mana of the planet, her body acting like a man who was in a desert for weeks only to find a pure oasis. It greedily sucked it in, Twilight had to cut her draining off before she did permanent damaged. The red moon glowed red and broke apart as spears fell to the battle ground below. The moon cracked open like an egg and on top of it a massive thicc male dragon with a massive chest, spread his titanic wings and took wing. He then launched a breath attack towards its old prison sending fragments of debris everywhere causing mass destruction. As it flew, it roared creating many hundred projectiles of light, that spun around and behind him, striking the land. Twilight flew to intercept him, she hoped she would be able to stop him.
Oh my what a dragon, are you paying attention me? That is what you're supposed to do…
Not now! Twilight mentally growled.
The spirals of light kept veering off destroying everything, in his wake a bolt was about to hit a group of people when a blue shield formed in front of them.
It was coming from an aged man with a staff. The shield shattered but the old man tried to reconstruct it against a torrent of wind.
His attempt shattered. As the huge dragon slowed to a hover in front of him blowing away dust.
Lightning storms raged behind the dragon. As it roared at the old man.
Twilight took the opportunity to tackle the giant dragon and bit through the dragon's neck, swallowing it's flesh. Her body filled with a flood of mana.
The dragon kept trying to push her away as she ate chunks off his body.
Celestial blue light pillars sprung up around then and the old man started casting a spell, one she didn't recognize. Rather than be caught she kicked off and sent a beam breath down on him to keep him pinned.
It writhed as it was hit as she flew back she noticed jagged spears in the lights.
Twelve spears rapidly launched up then stabbed and surrounded the dragon. Electricity sparked, as celestial blue runic rings formed around the dragon. And the moon prison reformed around it.
A magic circle formed around it with twelve sigils that rose up until an explosion destroyed the formation.
Revealing that it had a massive ball of flames above it streams of flames joining it. The ball of flame became so massive that it dwarfed everything. The old man cast a new spell, from what she knew of the arcane she figure it sent the humans into the future. A good idea old man but you're gonna die.
Then the old man began glowing blue and sparking.
He launched up like a blue shooting star leaving cracked ground where he took off.
He flew under the flaming ball of death and formed a circle similar to the one that almost sealed the dragon.
A wave of mana exploded from the man as the circled expanded.
The dragon launched the ball of death and flew through it to attack the old man shattering the magic circle.
As the doom ball of flame nearly struck the planet, the old man caused a crater to form as he rebuilt his shield and pushed up. His face started to crack as blue light erupted from his skin.
In a burst of power he pushed back the flame ball and penetrated it instantly destroying it and solidifying it, he burst through the new earth, and then flew through the dragon's chest. Causing the old man and dragon to disintegrate into blue light
Causing an explosion of mana that destroyed the earth ball and spread mana everywhere.
All that was left was a smouldering hot wasteland with interesting new land formation and mana falling like snow.
She returned to her other form and teleported back to Harmony.
Once back on the Harmony, Twilight sighed. "The calamity has been averted, if we're going to integrate into society below. Now Csia dear would you chill out."
She called to Csia who was still rocking in the fetal position.
Csia looked up from her curled up form, "How would you feel if you suddenly changed species!?"
Twilight deadpanned down at Csia and raised her left eyebrow.
"Oh right, sorry." Csia sheepishly rubbed the back of her head.
Twilight smirked, shaking her head, "come here you daft cat."
Twilight beckoned her into a hug. Which Csia leant into with a pout.
Harmony walked in, "preliminary results suggest that you two are currently sixteen years old."
"Anyway back to the topic at hand, we both need to sneak into society."
"Currently scanned geography and population matching the appearance of you two. A large congregation of your species is located in a forest near a mountain range. I took the liberty of replicating a comm badge in the form of an earring and clothing your species wear. You know 'cause you're both naked."
Harmony handed over the outfits, all made of leather and metal.
Picking up the top, it was a dark brown and white leather crop top. The brown leather was two cups on top of a white wrap. It had a flair hem, a buckle holding the two brown cups together leaving a gap between them. On the two flairs at the front it had two studs. The straps are a light brown with a buckle on the front.
"Okay so undo the straps and slip on the top, then close the straps uuff that's a bit tight."
There was a pair of white puffy cloth sleeves both ends of the sleeve using light brown leather clasped together and white held together with signee cross stitch.
Next on was a simple pair of briefs, then a red leather pleated mini skirt with a dark brown waist layered on top, with two metal studs on the front and a stud on the buckle strap, a buckle on the front was holding it closed. The brown leather wrapped around until the back that only had the red leather and a tail hole.
"Okay loosen the belt step in through the waist guide tail through hole and redo the buckle."
Next was a pair of leather stockings, a white cuff with a diamond cut out on the out seam held by metal clasps, leading to black leather with four studs equidistant on opposite sides of the thighs.
And finally a pair of flaired cuff ankle books and small brown holster.
"How do I look?" Twilight inquired
"Like a 21st century fashion designer got lost in the medieval period and decided that he must make his times modern fashion using old leather working techniques."
"Twilight frowned. Harmony are you sure this is popular down there?"
"Amongst your species? Yes" Harmony responded.
"Just be glad I didn't choose the other popular outfit for your kind." Harmony smirked as Twilight and Csia finished dressing and equipped the comm earrings."
Suddenly the ship began to shake, "oh god I feel like someone is groping me all over!?"
Suddenly the ship vanished along with Twilight and Csia.
Twilight and Csia are teleported to a dark, outer space-like place.
Where a the sound of a harp being plucked in a song.
Floating, they spiral downwards with crystal sparkles emanating off them. Their feet touch the dark bottom of the room and make a rippling water effect.
"Hear… ." a mysterious motherly voice said
Twilight and Csia lift their hands from their head as if waking up. They see a small, sun-like orb of light floating in front of them.
"Hear… Feel…" the voice said again
The light-orb moves to the center of Twilight's vision and is suddenly eclipsed by a dark orb, from which a red-masked, dark-robed figure emerges.
The light-orb moves out from behind the dark figure.
"Hear… Feel… Think…" the voice continued
A light envelopes Twilight, Csia and changes their clothing and gear to those of the job White Mage and Lancer respectively.
The dark-robed man is silent.
Their weapons turned into a weapon of light as they seized hold of them and assumed a battle stance.
The dark-robed man opens his mouth, materializes an eerie red glyph on his face, and also assumes a battle stance.
Twilight and Csia aimed their weapons of light.
The dark-robed figure readies his attack.
Twilight and Csia ready their attack. A clashing sound is heard before the dream ends.
"...Oi!" ???
Twilight and Csia come to and open their eyes, as if waking from a dream.
"Y'all right, lasses?" ???
"You were moanin' in your sleep an' sweatin' buckets besides." A Grizzled Passenger said
What the fuck!? Twilight thought
The man had tanned skin, a blonde chinstrap beard, golden yellow eyes. He wore an embroidered yellow jacket and a leather skullcap and a cream undershirt. And had a constant smile on his lips. As he sat close to the driver's seat.
Flute Music was playing lightly as they rode the carriage.
"That'll be the aether, I reckon. Some are more prone to the sickness than others." the Grizzled Passenger added.
Aether? Twilight pondered.
"No need to fret, though. You'll soon get used to it." He said leaning back
He reaches for the wine, sniffs it, and chugs it.
Twilight and Csia look at each other confused
Twilight and Csia, suddenly hear the sound of a horn tooting four times, and turn to see a pair of Moogles peering at them. The lead Moogle was the one tooting the horn. They look at them and place a tiny left paw next to their face in concern.
"Feeling better, kupo?" A furry Creature asked with concern.
Oh my god they're so cute!? Twilight thought to herself barely containing herself.
Twilight and Csia both nod at the question the Furry creature asked.
"Aha! You can see us! I had a feeling you could, kupo!
"We're moogles, and we live in this wood." The Furry Creature added.
Moogles? Holy shit we're in a final fantasy game! How did I not notice.
The other Moogle flies further into the cart, and starts dancing and shaking their furry butt in front of the grizzled passenger. The grizzled passenger does not react.
"Normal folks can't see or hear us─which makes you special, kupo!"
The two look to the pair of young Elezen twins. The one on the left shows no reaction, while the one on the right inclines his head a little.
"And seeing as how you're special, maybe you can tell us something." The moogle with the horn said
"The wood's been restless of late─lots of strange things happening. Have you chanced to witness anything suspicious, kupo?" The moogle asked
Twilight and Csia, shake their head as they gaze at the other Moogle in astonishment. The other moogle has picked up the grizzled passenger’s glass bottle and is now chugging the bottle of wine.
They turn back to the first moogle.
"But of course you haven't─you've only just arrived." The moogle lamented dejectedly slumping down.
"Well, there's nothing for it, then─we'll just have to keep looking. Nice to meet you, kupo!"
The moogles fly off to join another pair of moogles. They seem to be discussing the recent events amongst each other.
The grizzled passenger reaches for his wine bottle, gives the bottle an appreciative sniff, and raises it to his lips only to find the bottle completely empty. Surprised, he attempts to peer into the bottle, then looks around himself, looks at the wine label with a perplexed expression, and sets the wine bottle down. He turns back to Twilight and Csia.
"Gridania's still a fair way off, in case you were wonderin'. Seein' as you're awake, how's about you keep me company till we get there?" He said
The man motions back to the reserved pair of twins.
"Them Elezen young'uns don't much care for conversation, see." He said
Looking back at the grizzled passenger, he motions to himself.
"Bremondt's the name, an' peddlin's me trade." Bremondt introduced himself.
"As for your good self, judgin' by your unusual garments, I'd say you were one of them new adventurers. Am I warm?" Bremondt said
Twilight and Csia nod, he wasn't far off.
"I knew it! Goin' wherever the wind blows, seekin' fortune an' glory─now that's what I call livin'!" Bremondt asked as he leant forward.
"So long as you can avoid dyin', I mean. Ain't no secret that adventurin's a risky business─these days especially." Bremondt intoned solemnly.
"What was it that first attracted you to it?
Why did you become an adventurer?" Bremondt inquired.
"Fortune," Twilight replied with a smile.
"Fortune, eh? Well, it's a dream we've all had at one time or another." Bremondt said
"Once you've learned to handle yourself in a fight, you'll want to pay a visit to whichever craftin' or gatherin' guild tickles your fancy." Bremondt explained.
"Gridania's renowned for its leatherworkers an' carpenters, not to mention its botanists." Bremondt continued.
"Adventurin' ain't just about killin' things, after all. A peaceful pastime may well help you make your fortune!" Bremondt finished.
"Halt! Go no further!"
Twilight, Csia and Bremondt turned to see a tall man in full green leather armor.
"What's this, then? A woodwailer." Bremondt said
An arrow flies past Bremondt and into the middle of the wooden carriage floor as Twilight and Csia raise a hand to warn him.
"Uwaaah!" Bremondt said
Bremondt is startled and flails his limbs. The carriage driver and the Wood Wailer.
"Wh-What's going on!?" Carriage Driver demanded.
"A skirmish has broken out up ahead with the Ixal! For your own safety, you must remain here until─"
Two female wood wailer archers enter the scene with bowstrings drawn and arrows nocked. Two Ixal giant black bird people, advance at them, ready to do battle. The Wood Wailer grimaces and pulls out his spear in a battle stance.
"Bloody hells! We shall hold them here! Try to break clear!"
The two archers let loose their arrows. One Ixal blocks the arrow with their shield. The carriage begins moving again, and as Twilight and Csia peer out at the skirmish, they see an Ixal being slain by the lancer and another Ixal falling before an archer.
"That was too bleedin' close…" Bremondt complained.
Bremondt grabs the arrow embedded in the carriage floor and yanks it out.
"Nice of the Ixal to send us a welcomin' party, though, eh?" Bremondt said
"Jokin' aside, this won't be the last time you meet those feathered fiends, so just you take care, all right?"
"By the by, is this your first trip to Gridania?
"Yes, it is." Csia replied.
"It is!? Well then, let this journeyed itinerant tell you the ins an' outs of your destination." Bremondt exclaimed.
"The city of Gridania lies slap-bang in the middle of the Black Shroud─the biggest, lushest forest in all Eorzea."
"Though it ain't near as lush as it used to be, sayin' that. Not since the Calamity laid half of it to waste."
"The destruction prompted a herd of new nasties to move in, an' gave the Ixal unneeded encouragement. Birdman raids've become a daily occurrence."
Bremondt looks over his shoulder and past the driver's seat.
"Ah, at long last." Bremondt cheered.
"Behold Gridania, the forest nation blessed by the elementals!" Bremondt added.
Twilight and Csia leant forward to look at Gridania.
Song: ffxiv arr ost Serenity starts playing
"The Black Shroud-the ancient forest close to the heart of Eorzea.
Beneath the boughs of its towering trees lies the woodland city-state of Gridania.
Once a sanctuary from the world beyond the Hedge, even the mighty elementals, eternal guardians of the forest, could not forestall the coming of the Seventh Umbral Era.
However, the goddess Nophica was never one to forsake Her children, and today, She welcomes another pair of brave souls…" Narrator said
The chocobo carriage comes to a stop. A carriage chocobo kwehs. Twilight and Csia and Bremondt get off the carriage.
"One who may yet play a telling role in the tale of this great realm." Narrator said
Bremondt turns to Twilight and Csia.
"An' here's where we part ways, Lasses." Bremondt announced.
"I'm off to the markets to deliver me wares, then it's back to the highroad for me."
Bremondt reaches into his pockets and hands Twilight a small item as the elezen twins from before walk by behind him.
"Here, I want you to have this─by way of thanks for keepin' me company." Bremondt said
Twilight extended a hand to accept the item and placed it in her pockets.
"Thank you," Twilight said with a smile.
The chocobo carriage rolls off.
"Hey─you never did tell me your name, did you? Well, here's an idea…"
"Become the sort of storied personage I can brag about havin' met, an' I'll consider us square."
Bremondt walks off as Twilight and Csia turn to the city.
Song: ffxiv arr prelude plays
"May the Matron take him/her to Her bosom, that s/he may never want.
And sow in his/her heart sow serenity, purity, and sanctity." The Narrator said.
Twilight and Csia move towards Gridania. Once they had passed the gate
Song: Wailers and waterwheels
Someone called out to then "You there! Yes, you!" An black haired male Elezen lancer garbed in Wood Wailer armor points at Twilight and Csia.
"Your faces are not known to me. Newly come to the city, no doubt." The woodwailer said as he closed the distance.
Twilight and Csia are surprised by the sudden call out.
Holy fuck why are we acting like this!?
"I am Bertennant, a Wood Wailer of Gridania." Bertennant explained.
"It is my duty to protect our nation from her enemies while welcoming those who may yet prove her friends. Let us see which you are."
A golden Q with an ! In it appears above his head.
Twilight and Csia looked at each other perplexed, but walked up to him.
"Another green adventurer, I presume?" Bertennant suddenly said.
Twilight and Csia nodded What is with this stoic nodding nonesense!?
"I thought as much. We cannot allow strangers to wander Gridania unchecked and untested."
"Before you rush off and begin pestering every second citizen for work, I suggest you make yourself known at the Carline Canopy. That's the headquarters of the local Adventurers' Guild, in case you were wondering." he continued
"The Carline Canopy is the building you see behind me. Speak to Mother Miounne within, and she will take you in hand."
A screen appears with guilded edges and flowery frippery with details of the quest and reward
Reward 400 experience and 103 Gil Huh
A black dialogue appeared "System: You have begun a quest!"
"System: Use the 'duty list' to help you complete your task."
Huh that's helpful if not creepy.
Twilight and Csia walked towards the large tiered building made of wood covered in stained glass.
The path flanked by lanterns, to the left she noted the huge yellow bird.
Oh my god it's a chocobo
Csia spotted her looking and rolled her eyes and dragged Twilight to the guild. Upon entry it was filled with chatter.
Chairs and tables filled the room in front of two desks and a set of stairs to the left.
By the door an elezen man eating suddenly speaks up.
"Bland cuisine apart, I have begun to grow fond of this city and its people." Leuric said
"The women, especially. I would not have believed the Black Shroud concealed such grace and beauty!" Leuric added
"crunch Hm...? Crunch Shouldn't you be speaking with...crunch...Mother Miounne? crunch crunch crunch" Tatasosa mentioned between bites. A small potatoe asked as they passed him.
They kept going "They say the Seventh Umbral Era is corrupting the wildlife in the woods─making the beasts stronger, more aggressive. I look forward to meeting them." Spinning Blade spoke out
a huge green Man with black hair and beard, with a huge axe and chainmail armor.
"Gridania can be such a bore sometimes. All the people talk about is trees and elementals…" Celestine a human looking girl
"Perhaps I should try my fortune in a city with a touch more excitement. They say the streets of Ul'dah are paved with gold, and the pirates of Limsa Lominsa will slit your throat as soon as look at you!" Celestine
Wait are those their names floating above their heads. Twilight looked and saw Csia above her head.
Twilight poked Csia and pointed up when she looked up she freaked out.
"I thought a remote town like this would be the perfect place to turn a profit. But it seems that no matter where you go, success is invariably achieved through the usual combination of labor and luck. Hmph." Nojiro Marujiro said a potato from his box.
"New in town, eh? You and me, we must be fond of the road indeed to brave the journey to this godsforsaken city." Eral said
"As one of the Smiths, I provide guidance for those just starting out on the path of the adventurer. For the present, I suggest you learn your way around the city─an endeavor with which Mother Miounne shall no doubt wish to aid you." The Smith
"Ah, a new adventurer. I do so love meeting fledgling heroes─so young, so daring, so ambitious!" Erkenbaud said
"Tell me, have you made a will?" He said.
"Another adventurer in search of work, are we? Ah, if you have but recently arrived in town, I must insist that you first register your presence with Miounne." Gontrant
"The number of visitors in Gridania is on the rise with every passing day. A pity their arrival seems to bring an equal share of trouble…" Antoinaut said
Oh god we really need to make that stop!?
"Well, well, what have we here?" Mother Miounne said
"A wide-eyed and wondering young adventurer, come to put your name down at the guild, I assume?" Mother Miounne continued.
"Welcome. Miounne's my name, or Mother Miounne as most call me, and the Carline Canopy is my place." Mother Miounne said spreading her arms out.
As the head of the Adventurers' Guild in Gridania, I have the honor of providing guidance to the fledgling heroes who pass through our gates.
No matter your ambitions, the guild is here to help you attain them.
In return, we expect you to fulfill your duties as an adventurer by assisting the people of Gridania. A fine deal, wouldn't you agree?
To an outsider's eyes, all may seem well with our nation, but naught could be further from the truth. The people live in a state of constant apprehension.
The Ixal and various gangs of common bandits provide an unending supply of trouble─trouble compounded by the ever-present threat of the Garlean Empire to the north. And that is to say nothing of the Calamity...
Even now, the wounds have barely begun to heal. Ah, but I speak of it as if you were there. Forgive me. Five years past, Eorzea was well-nigh laid to waste when a dread wyrm emerged from within the lesser moon, Dalamud, and rained fire upon the realm. It is this which people call “the Calamity. To add to the chaos a lavender dragon attacked the dreadwyrm giving the Archon Louisoix Leveilleur the time he needed for his ritual.
Scarcely a square malm of the Twelveswood was spared the devastation. Yet despite the forest's extensive wounds, not a soul among us can recall precisely how it all happened.
I am well aware of how improbable that must sound to an outsider... It is improbable. But it's also true. For reasons we can ill explain, the facts surrounding the Calamity are shrouded in mystery. There are as many versions of events as there are people willing to recount them.
Yet amidst the hazy recollections and conflicting accounts, all agree on one thing: that Eorzea was saved from certain doom by a band of valiant adventurers.
Whatever else we've misremembered, none of us have forgotten the heroes who risked life and limb for the sake of the realm. And yet...whenever we try to say their names, the words die upon our lips.
And whenever we try to call their faces to mind, we see naught but silhouettes amidst a blinding glare.
Thus have these adventurers come to be known as “the Warriors of Light.”
...Ahem. Pray do not feel daunted by the deeds of legends. We do not ask that you become another Warrior of Light, only that you do what you can to assist the people of Gridania.
Great or small, every contribution counts. I trust you will play your part.
All that's left, then, is to conclude the business of registration. Here's a quill. Scrawl your name right there."
Mother Miounne reaches into her pocket and hands Twilight a quill, who then passed it to Csia.
Oh, and I would appreciate it if you used your real name─there is a special place in the seventh hell for those who use “amusing” aliases.
Mother Miounne looks at her book and turns back to the two.
"... Twilight Sparkle, Csia, hm? And you're quite sure they aren't an amusing alias?
Very well. From this moment forward, you are a registered adventurer of Gridania, nation blessed of the elementals and the bounty of the Twelveswood. The guild expects great things from you." Mother Miounne said
A trio of Wood Wailer lancers pass by the Carline Canopy desk, muttering to themselves. The leader (who is speaking) is the same male Elezen lancer who intercepted your carriage.
"Look at what just arrived─another godsdamned adventurer…" the lead wood wailer complained
Mother Miounne crosses her arms sternly.
"Don't you start with that. Adventurers are the very salve that Gridania needs." Mother Miounne scolded the man
"The Elder Seedseer herself bade us welcome them with open arms. Do you mean to disregard her will?" She added
"Of course not! Lest you forget, it is my sworn duty to uphold the peace! Am I to blame if outsiders bring mistrust upon themselves?" The wood wailer retorted.
The Wood Wailer points at Twilight.
"You─adventurers! Mind that you do not cause any trouble here, or I shall personally cast you out of this realm and into the seventh hell."
The Wood Wailers turn and walk away.
"What crawled up his ass and died?"
Mother Miounne laughed, "Ahem. Pay that outburst no mind. He meant only to...counsel you. Suspicious characters have been prowling the Twelveswood of late, you see, and the Wood Wailers feel they cannot afford to take any chances.
As is often the way with folk who live in isolation, Gridanians are wont to mistrust things they do not well know, your good self included. Fear not, however─given a catalog of exemplary deeds, and no more than a handful of years, the locals will surely warm to you."
"Sounds fun Twilight deadpanned,"
"On behalf of my fellow citizens, I welcome you to Gridania. May you come to consider our nation as your own in time.
Now then, you may depend on old Mother Miounne to teach you a few things that every adventurer should know." Mother Miounne finished
System: This concludes the introductory game tutorial.
System: You have taken the first step as an adventurer in the city of Gridania.
System: Listen well to the wisdom of Mother Miounne, then go forth and discover the incredible adventures that await you!
A flash appeared and gold coins filled Twilight's and Csia's hands, then disappeared.
"Let us begin at the beginning, shall we? Now that you are a formal member of the Adventurers' Guild, we must be sure you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of adventuring. To that end, I have three tasks I wish you to perform.
Your first task is to visit the aetheryte. This massive crystal stands in the middle of the aetheryte plaza, not far from the Carline Canopy.
As a device that enables instantaneous transportation, the aetheryte plays a key role in the life of the ever-wandering adventurer.
Once you have located the crystal, all you need do is touch its surface. A member of the Wood Wailers will be present to offer further instruction.
For your second task, you are to visit the Conjurers'/Lancers'/Archers' Guild.
There is no better place to learn the arts of the bow. Speak with Athelyna, and she will explain the benefits of joining the guild.
For your third and final task, I would have you visit the markets at the heart of Old Gridania's commercial district. There you shall find weapons and armor, and all the various items that an adventurer might need on his/her travels.
The master merchant can be...uncooperative at times, so be sure to offer him one of my famous eel pies. Like so many men, he is much more charitable when his stomach is full. Here, I made a batch not long ago.
You have your tasks, Twilight, Csia. May Nophica guide your path.
Ah, and one more thing: should you happen to come across any citizens in need, don't be afraid to proffer a helping hand. I am certain they will be pleased to meet an adventurer in whom they can confide their woes.
I also suggest that you lend an ear to the Smith here in the Canopy. The Smiths are trusted representatives of the Adventurers' Guild, and are an invaluable source of advice for neophyte heroes seeking to attain greatness." Mother Miounne finally finished her monologue.
They both left the way they came and turned left and walked until they spotted a massive blue crystal spinning on a raised platform, with gold spinning around it. Both of them gaped at the huge thing.
A woodwailer girl called the two
"Greetings, adventurers. I see you are faithfully following Mother Miounne's instructions." Nicia began
Twilight and Csia walked closer to the crystal structure.
"Allow me to offer you a bit of instruction myself. I am Nicia of the Wood Wailers, and I know a thing or two about the aetheryte─yes, that big crystal right there.
Aetherytes are devices that tap into aetherial energies, and are primarily used as a means to travel swiftly from one place to another.
Return and Teleport─the most common transportation spells─make direct use of the aetherytes and their connection to the flow of aether.
And as these devices are found in almost every corner of Eorzea, any adventurer worthy of the name will wish to seek out and attune herself to each one.
Truly, few things in this world are so useful to an intrepid explorer.
But you need not locate them all at once. Before rushing out into the wilds, I suggest you start with the aetherytes found here in Gridania.
Should you wish to learn more about the aetheryte or transportation magic, I am here to answer your questions.
"System: You attune with the aetheryte." Twilight and Csia place their hands on the crystal and a gold bar with red progress filling filled up.
You are now able to use the Return spell!"
Csia and Twilight noted the filled hotbar at the bottom and the health name and level. They both spit take when they read, "level 120 White mage" in the corner.
"Um, I guess we don't need to level up at least. But we still need gear, funds and a place to live."
Twilight and Csia ran around performing the tasks they were assigned, thankfully they had a minimap and proper map once they thought to open it. Upon finding their first Atheryte by the market place. They received a system message.
"System: You now have access to the Aethernet.
System: Quick travel throughout the city can be achieved by simply placing your hand upon Aethernet shards."
Upon completion and attuning to all Atheryte they returned to Mother Miounne.
"The conquering hero returns. You have completed my little tasks, I trust?"
They both nod
The three locations you visited will feature prominently in your life as an adventurer─it is best you grow familiar with them as soon as possible.
And you took the time to listen to the woes of the citizenry? I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to lend your talents to one and all, no matter how trivial the matter may seem.
I am thankful that you are an obliging sort, Twilight and Csia. It is adventurers like you who will win the hearts of the locals and pave the way for those who follow. I pray Gridania can rely on your aid in its struggles to come." Mother Miounne applauded
"Your reward 400 exp 107 Gil"
"Now go get some rest there's a room for every adventurer staying here. Here's a room for each…"
"Apologies but can we share a room?" Twilight interjected.
"I don't see why not, but wouldn't you rather have private rooms,"
Twilight kissed Csia, by way of demonstration. " There isn't much private between us anymore."
Mother Miounne blushed, " oh my I took you for sisters or friends at least. My apologies for assuming."
"There's no problems," Csia responded with a goofy smile.
Twilight smirked at her lover and shook her head.
"Here's your key, if you plan on certain activities please try to keep it down."
"I can sound-proof the room with a spell if need be." Twilight added.
As the two were led to their room.
While in their room, Twilight tried her comm badge. "This is Captain Sparkle, come in Harmony."
"Oh thank god, you're alive, I have been besides myself since you disappeared."
"We're fine and were forced into some grand scheme of this world's god."
"Status report,"
"We are close to repairing everything, but we still can't move something, it still has hold of me." Harmony complained.
"Guess we won't be leaving till we do whatever this god wants us to do." Csia sighed.
"Well it couldn't take that long could it?" Twilight retorted.
Chapter 13 the crystal, the air head and the know-it-all potatoe.
It's now the middle of the night and lightning ominously flashes through the cloud ridden sky.
The room is dark save for the moonlight shifting through the window.
"Fu.fu.fu.fu. it's finally finished, and all it took was all night!"
Csia had gone to be while Twilight stayed up. "I'll never be a silent protagonist."
"A spell to end all spells, the one that shall free us from stoic silence! Hahahaha aaahahahaha!!!"
Twilight began to draw in aether, the very foundation of everything and everyone in Eorzea. The very life energy of the world. And set about forging the wards that will block all outside influences except the useful ones. The huge volume of aether settled around Twilight and Csia and solidified.
A knock came from the room door, "Twilight, Csia it's Miounne are you okay, I just felt a surge of aether in your room!"
Twilight opened the door, "we're fine, I was just practicing my magic."
Miounne shuddered," to have that much aether at your age. You must be a prodigy, you should join the conjurer's guild. When you come back from Bannock."
"Bannock?" Twilight asked
"It's a settlement in the central shroud, your going there for your next quest. Tatasosa and Celestine should also have quests for the area. Nothing complex just delivering items. On completion you and your girlfriend should get some decent gear"
"Oh, okay. That sounds good."
"Good night, get some rest it may be simple but the time it takes on foot isn't something to sniff at."
Twilight yawn, "yeah you're right. I should sleep."
Twilight closed the door and got underdressed and held Csia. "You done with your little mad science project." Csia teased.
"Mad magic project and yes."
"Who was that at the door?"
"Mother Miounne, she was just worried about the aether I was using to free us from that farse we experienced earlier."
"Good, that was getting old fast." Csia smiled pulling Twilight in a hug.
The next morning the two got dressed and had breakfast. Tatasosa walked over, with that characteristic waddle of lalafel the people Twilight had called potatoes mentally.
"Hey can you return an iron snaffle I accidentally took from Treespeak Stables. Which is in Bannock. I hear you're going there."
"That's correct and sure we'll take it."
"the road there is long and winding, and so I suggest that you ask Barnabontant for directions before departing. Seek him at the Yellow Serpent Gate."
He hands over the snaffle Twilight.
Celestine joins in, " seeing as you're going to Bannock can you deliver a bag of basic provisions to Tsubh Khamazom at the Bannock."
Twilight sighed, "okay, I guess."
It sucks being bottom bitch in an organisation, it reminded her too much of her time with her Japanese company she used to work for.
"Great!" She smiled as she gave Csia the provisions.
"Come now, Twilight, Csia. I want you both to go to Bannock, it's a training ground where the soldiers of the Order of the Twin Adder are drilled in swordplay and other martial matters.
I mention this because an acquaintance of mine -- a gentleman by the name of Galfrid -- is an instructor there, and I think you may be of use to him. Go and introduce yourself, and find out if there is anything you can do to help.
Mind you do not stray far from the path -- the Twelveswood is no place for merry strolls through the underbrush." Miounne explained to the two.
"So we're to aid this Galfrid, sounds simple enough." Twilight said
"Right it shouldn't be too difficult," Csia commented.
"It shouldn't be difficult, just head through the blue badger gate and follow the path till you pass through a gate."
Twilight and Csia leave the adventures guild and go down past the gate they first entered. The cobble and dirt path was easy enough to follow and so after delivering the items and receiving new chest armor for their respective classes which was put in their armory. They received nine hundred and ten exp and one hundred and twenty seven Gil each and a wind crystal shard. These were element aspects aether crystals that people use to craft.
Once done they moved on to Galfrid, who waved them over.
"Greetings, Twilight and Csia. Miounne sent word to expect you."
"Greetings," Twilight and Csia replied
"My name is Galfrid, and I am responsible for training our Twin Adder recruits."
"That's interesting, I take it the Twin Adder are a military organization?"
" Indeed, we are what's called a grand company, a gathering of adventurers and soldiers working for the benefit of Gridania. There are two other Grand companies we are in alliance with, the Immortal Flames of Uldah, Thanalan and the Mealstrom of Limsa lominsa in la noscea. Anyway I thank you for volunteering your assistance. The Twelveswood, is much changed since the calamitous arrival of the Seventh Umbral Era five years ago.
"That calamity really did a number on the world, will it ever heal?" Twilight asked
"Not on its own, The power of the elementals wanes, and the harmony of the forest gives way to chaos. A great abundance of life has been lost as the strong run rampant, stifling the weak and new-sprung.
Though it may not appear so to the eyes of an outsider, the Twelveswood is ailing -- its once rich variety a fading memory."
"It's true there's not much Aether about."
"Aye that's part of it.
For the citizens of Gridania, the restoration of the forest is a sacred duty. And it is my hope that adventurers such as you will offer to aid them in their struggle."
"We can only hope," Csia added.
"Listen to their requests, and do all that you can. May the elementals bless your endeavors, Twilight, Csia." Galfrid implored the two.
"Here is a pair of class appropriate boots for each of you, a hundred and twenty seven Gil and one thousand eight hundred and twenty EXP."
"Okay now that we're here what would you have us do?" Twilight and Csia asked in unison.
"I see you are eager to lend a hand, Twilight and Csia. That is well. But I cannot in good conscience send you into the forest until I have established that your equipment is equal to the task.
It bears repeating that, in the five years since the dawn of the Seventh Umbral Era, many of the Twelveswood's creatures have transformed into vicious, bloodthirsty monsters. Venturing into the forest without the proper gear is tantamount to suicide.
I suggest you take some time to evaluate your equipment. Once you deem your armor to be of sufficient quality, present yourself to me for inspection. You can purchase the gear from Domitien in the Ebony Stalls of Old Gridania." Galfrid explained
"System: Equip your head, body, hands, legs, and feet with gear of item level 5 or above before returning to speak with Galfrid."
Twilight frowned, left an anchor and then teleported herself and Csia to the Ebony Stalls where they purchased the gear they lacked minus the weapons.
Twilight then teleported them back to Galfrid, the man in question blinked, "that was fast, Ready for inspection are we? Right, then! Eyes forward! Back straight!"
Twilight and Csia straightened up and looked forward, their previous military training still ingrained in them.
Galfrid leant in and looked each of them humming as he did.
"Hmmm... Yes, I think you pass muster."
"You would be surprised at how many young, promising soldiers get themselves killed by rushing off into the woods without first donning a decent set of armor.
"Your equipment, however, should provide the required degree of protection. Consider yourself ready for duty, Twilight and Csia."
"Csia, here is a bone harpoon, and a maple wand for Twilight." Galfrid said handing out the rewards.
Twilight and Csia then went about completing various side quests and hours later returned to Galfrid.
"Ah, Twilight, Csia. By your tireless efforts, you have proven yourself a friend to Gridania. I believe you can be trusted with sensitive intelligence.
I would assign you a mission of considerable import, yet the need for secrecy prevents me from disclosing its details until you have pledged your participation. I am authorized to tell you only that it concerns suspicious activity in the Twelveswood. Say that you will lend us your aid, and I shall proceed with the briefing."
"Okay this sounds too important to ignore," Twilight agreed.
"Good. Time is of the essence, so listen well.
You will by now have heard that a suspicious individual has been seen prowling the Twelveswood."
"Yes we did hear that while aiding people," Csia interjected.
"And you may also be aware that Ixali activity has risen sharply in the region of late. What you may not know is that this increase coincided almost exactly with the first recorded sighting of the aforementioned individual.
Suspecting a connection, we tightened our surveillance in hopes of tracking down our unknown visitor. Alas, our quarry is proving to be exceedingly elusive -- almost as if he knows our movements ahead of time.
But where whole units have failed, a lone adventurer may yet succeed. Acting independently and covertly, you may be able to close in on our quarry unnoticed."
"Sounds like logical enough plan," Twilight replied
"Fear and anxiety are beginning to take their toll upon the citizenry, Twilight, Csia. For their sake, I ask that you aid us in this investigation."
"You hardly need to ask," Csia said with a daring smile.
"You have my gratitude. With your help, I am hopeful we will shed light upon this mystery.
Begin your search at Lifemend Stump. It is there that the majority of the sightings took place.
Be forewarned my people cannot offer you support, lest our quarry catch scent of our presence and evade us yet again. Proceed with caution you two. Okay to reach the stump head north along the river and through a cave, the stump is there." Galfrid added with a grim expression.
"We'll see what's up, will be back soon." Twilight said.
Twilight and Csia ran towards the river and followed it towards a waterfall, behind it was a cave as creatures frolicked around it. Making their way inside they ignored the treants and walked up to a stump decorated with autumn maple leaves and pebble stones in a circle within a circle with other dried autumn leaves between them. In the center of the stump was a particularly nasty looking sword.
"System: You are about to enter an instanced battle. Instanced battles only occur during certain quests and missions.
System: Take a moment to read the information displayed in the active help window before answering the call of duty."
Shrugging Twilight accepted when the dialogue showed up.
Standing in the middle of the stump they examine it.
"Look! Someone's already here!" A young man's voice exclaimed.
Leaning to get a better look his female companion said, "Oh dear. Is that a sword in the stump? Bad idea. Really bad idea…"
"Not really our idea before you get any ideas,"
"That maybe but It takes a lot less than that to incite the Greenwrath, you know. Why, the first time we came to the Twelveswood, we almost ended up as a treant's dinner just for crashing our airship in the wrong place. It was all Papalymo's fault, of course! Though, he'd sooner s--" Animated Pugilist said
Short-tempered Thaumaturge turned to the moogle in their company, "Is this our dark stranger?"
The Moogle replied,"No, no, not this one. Not even close, kupo!"
"Hm? You know them, Kuplo Kopp?" Animated Pugilist asked
"Well, not exactly, but we did once share a carriage. Isn't that right?" Kuplo Loop explained
"That's correct not that anyone else besides us noticed." Twilight said
The short-tempered Thaumaturge put a pair of wooden Goggle's on the bottom half flipped up and the orb on it started glowing white and made a sound like night vision goggles. As he looked around.
"How are the readings?" Animated Pugilist asked
"Same as the last. There is a disturbance here as well, and newly manifested at that." The Short-tempered Thaumaturge said.
"Kuplo Kopp seems convinced of your innocence. But if this isn't your doing, whose is it?" the Short-tempered Thaumaturge asked with a contemplative look.
"That's actually why we're here in the first place to look out for a stranger causing problems." Twilight informed him
"Ever since the Calamity, the forest's been really sensitive.
The slightest disruption to the aetheric flow…" The Animated Pugilist said
"Oh so that's what those goggles are for, I don't actually need them, we can see the aether, but Huh this is a disturbance, better note that down."
Suddenly a group of huge anthropomorphic trees, a frenzied oak apparently.
"And this sort of thing happens!" The Animated Pugilist said
"It seems we have little choice…" the Short-tempered Thaumaturge said with resignation.
"Do you want to get eaten!? Don't just stand there Hit them harder!" The Short-tempered Thaumaturge complained
"I'm trying, I'm trying!" The Animated Pugilist said
" Triplet Vermilion Nova!" Twilight cast engulfing the animated trees, destroying them. Csia kicked the last one in half and turned to face the next wave,
"Force Explosion," Csia chanted, sending a shockwave of force at them.
"There's more! Be careful!" Csia called
"Maximize widen magic Brilliant radiance," a pillar of light obliterated the incoming enemies.
"If you value your life, stay close!" The Short-tempered Thaumaturge
"Don't worry about us, we can handle ourselves," Twilight retorted and proceeded to smash the remaining enemies with her bare hands.
"Well done! We're almost there!" The Short-tempered Thaumaturge praised.
"Purifying Lance," Twilight chanted, launching a Lance of light towards the remaining treant.
After they cleared up the bulbs they all fell down exhausted.
Twilight and Csia notice two blue glowing crystals on the floor both of them pick them up.
Once in their hands their vision blacked out and they appeared in a dark void suddenly underneath both of them an intricate magic circle with an unfilled inverted three point triangle over a right side up filled triangle. In the center was a spikes wreath and at each of the triangle points a smaller empty circle existed. One of empty circles filled with light and launched towards a blue light above.
Crystal blue sparkles rained down.
They are engulfed in white light and a voice loudly said " Hear… Feel...Think…"
Stars began shooting from an orange yellow light
"Oh god not this again." Twilight lamented
Twilight and Csia were brought back to the sparkling realm.
"Crystal bearer…" ???
Turning around Twilight and Csia find a blue inverted teardrop shaped crystal. And fly towards it. Twilight tried to keep herself from drooling over it.
"I am Hydaelyn. All made one."
"Oh great! We finally get a name." Twilight retorts in a deadpan
"A Light there once was that shone throughout this realm... yet it hath since grown dim."
"Then turn off the dimmer then."
The two of them looked down and see another crystal with two smaller crystals orbiting it.
"And as it hath faltered, so hath Darkness risen up in its stead, presaging an end to Life."
"Well yeah that's natural after all darkness is an absence of light."
"For the sake of all, I beseech thee: deliver us from this fate!"
"I'm sorry what!? That's kind of vague."
"The power to banish the Darkness dwelleth in the Crystals of Light. Journey forth and lay claim to them."
More crystals of various sizes and shapes appear.
Until a huge teardrop crystal appears in-between the smaller ones which orbit it.
"Oh well I guess it's alright then," set snark to maximum.
"By thy deeds shall the Crystals reveal themselves to thee."
"Again that's pretty vague,"
"Only believe, for the Light liveth in thy heart."
"Well I hope it doesn't clog my arteries while it's in there."
Twilight and Csia noted the other people appearing that began flying Twilight and Csia follow flying around Hydealin.
"Go now, my child, and shine thy Light on all creation."
"First, I am not your child and second I am sure flashing is a crime."
Twilight said as she and Csia flew up towards the light.
Twilight and Csia both came round to find the moogle looking over them and it's night time
Standing on the stump was the Short-tempered Thaumaturge.
"You fainted. A surfeit of aether, no doubt." He diagnosed.
Animated Pugilist crouch down by a nearby tree, "Hm? And what have we here?" She said
The short-tempered Thaumaturge walked over to the Animated Pugilist. Spotting a bird man corpse.
"Our culprit, it would seem. An Ixal. And no ordinary Ixal, either -- a chieftain."
The short-tempered Thaumaturge bent down and said "That they would venture this deep into enemy territory... The beastmen may indeed be acting under orders."
Short-tempered Thaumaturge put his right index finger to his ear
As the Pugilist girl walked over Twilight asked, "what's he doing?"
"Oh he's contacting our allies via linkpearl."
"Linkpearl?"
"It's a pearl from a link shell it enables people to communicate at any distance with those who share the same pearls from the same linkshell."
"Huh interesting."
On Linkpearl, In Background "This is Papalymo. We found the culprit: It was an Ixali chieftain! ...Yes, we'll seek Brother E-Sumi-Yan's cooperation in the matter. ...Yda? Oh, loud, tactless! Much the same as always!"
"So they're Papalymo and Yda," Csia said
"How are we feeling, then? Better? Good!" Yda
"Oh just great, just been put on a vague mission of import by a giant sentient crystal calling itself Hydealin."
"Giant crystals? Can't say I've seen any... Are you sure you're feeling better?" Yda asked tilting her her to the side in contemplation.
"...Understood. Over and out." Papalymo finished before turning to the moogle.
"Kuplo Kopp. Please bear word of these developments to Brother E-Sumi-Yan. We shall soon return to give a full report." Papalymo asked
"Understood! Over and out, kupo!" Kuplo loop responded cheerfully before flying off over the trees.
"Here is where we part ways. Till next time, take care!" Papalymo said walking up to Yda's side. Before he began hurrying off.
Yda waved, began to walk off before stopping and turning around, "I think that sword might be a clue! You should definitely pull it out and take it back to the Bannock!
She waved enthusiastically again before walking to Papalymo who had stopped to wait for her.
Yda gasped, "You don't suppose that adventurer could see Kuplo Kopp, do you!?"
"And this occurs to you NOW!?" Papalymo asked in disbelief.
"Yes. It seemed that way. Time will tell…"
"Well, time will have to, because you won't! You never tell me what's really going on! Unless…(gasp) you don't know what's going on either!"
"Bah! You'd like that, wouldn't you!?" Papalymo said as he glared at the girl.
"Okay…. Did they really think I couldn't hear them?"
"I suppose they wouldn't be used to people with cat ears," Csia giggled.
"Come now let's take this damned sword back to Galfrid." Twilight said grabbing the hilt of the sword stuck in the stump and pulled it.
Once they returned to the Bannock
"Twilight, Csia! It is good to see you back!" Galfrid welcomed the two of them happily
"One of our patrols sent word that you had been spotted doing battle with enraged treants. I am relieved to find you none the worse for the experience.
But tell me, what were you able to discover at Lifemend Stump?"
"An ixal Chief who is now just a corpse, used this blade and stabbed the lifemend stump," Twilight explained while Csia handed over the sword.
Galfrid frowned, "A sword in the stump, and a dead Ixal? Hmmm…"
Galfrid sighed after examining the blade, "I can say with absolute certainty that this blade is of Ixali origin. It is of a kind used exclusively in the beastmen's rituals.
The Ixal rarely set foot in the Central Shroud, so tight is our guard over the area. What purpose could have driven them to take such a risk? I fear something is afoot…"
Twilight thought to mention the odd pair they had met," a suspicious pair of people also came to the stump, a pugilist and thaumaturge."
Galfrid eventually contained himself, "So you have finally been acquainted with Yda and Papalymo! Lay your suspicions to rest -- Gridania counts them among her staunchest allies. Both are scholars hailing from a distant land, and have been with us since before the Calamity."
"Scholars, them?" Twilight asked with doubt in her voice.
"Their garb may appear outlandish, and their exchanges baffling, but never once have they given us cause to doubt them.
Indeed, they often assist the Gods' Quiver and the Wood Wailers in their work -- much as I hope you will in the days to come, Twilight, Csia.
Although our unknown visitor eludes us still, owing to your efforts, we have acquired important intelligence on the Ixali threat. You have my gratitude."
The man bowed and saluted Twilight and Csia.
"It's fine really." Csia added.
"We are fortunate indeed to have a capable pair of adventurers such as you two aiding us. I pray you will continue to serve the people of Gridania in whatever capacity you are able."
"Here take this Gil, one hundred and thirty two." Galfrid said handing over the money. Two thousand two hundred and forty experience added.
" No rest for the weary, I am afraid Twilight, Csia, injuries to several of my men have left me shorthanded, and I require a capable sort to complete their unfinished duty.
The task is simple: put down as many of the local chigoe population as necessary to acquire eight of their egg sacs.
Having done so, you are to deliver them to Monranguin at Gilbert's Spire. He will answer any queries you might have. Now, I have other business to attend to.
The Order of the Twin Adder makes no distinction between newcomer adventurers and forestborn Gridanians. Your worth as a soldier is measured by your dedication to the cause."
" Of course Galfrid," Twilight sighed, "come on Csia once more into the breach I saw some across the river to the north."
After spending hours hacking at chigoe and seeing them spawn spontaneously, Twilight wondered why they needed egg sacs.
Once done they followed the minimap to Monranguin, "Ah, you must be the adventurer standing in for our injured companions. Terribly unfortunate business, that."
"It is, I just hope they get better." Csia mentioned
"Me too, being a soldier is rough work." Twilight added.
"It seems, however, that you two had little trouble gathering the egg sacs in their stead. Excellent work. I shall have them sent over to the Trappers' League immediately."
"Trappers' League?"
"Oh right you're new here. The trappers' League regulate and enforce rules for Hunting in the Twelveswood. So we don't devastate the local animal population and incur the wrath of the elementals." Monranguin explained
"So what are the eggs really for?" Csia asked curiously as Twilight handed over the gorey eggsacs.
The man chuckled, "Lest you wonder, these egg sacs are not destined for the dinner table! Members of the Twin Adder and the Wood Wailers are assisting the league by collecting the samples they need to check for signs of sickness.
"Galfrid did mention something like that."
"The chigoe, you see, is one of the few creatures capable of transmitting the disease known as the Creeping Death. Until relatively recently, any Hyur who contracted this ghastly illness would almost invariably perish."
"That is horrifying, if only there was a way to eradicate it,"
"Indeed, a single outbreak once claimed the lives of a third of the Hyuran population here in Gridania. That was a long time ago, of course. With the medicines available to us now, the Creeping Death is not the killer it once was.
Even so, it is best to halt any new outbreaks before they occur. Thus we gather chigoe eggs on a regular basis in order to assist the Trappers' League with their ongoing research. Your timely assistance is most appreciated."
"Well glad we could help," Twilight smiled.
"Don't forget your reward thirteen wind shards and a high potion and one hundred fifty one Gil. ." Four thousand four hundred and eighty Experience. The man handed them both a green potion in a bottle with a metal stopper.
Chapter 14 Dungeon delving for fu...er I mean to save the day.
"Oh before you leave, can you help?" Monranguin asked.
Stopping as they were about to leave, "okay, what do you need help with?" Twilight asked hands on her hips.
"Such an embarrassing turn of events... I sent a recruit from the Bannock on a surveying expedition only for the craven to turn tail and flee at the first sign of trouble."
"A recruit? You expect a noobie to be able steel himself surrounded by vicious monsters?"
"This is not how we treat requests from the conjurers! And as if such a poor showing weren't bad enough, the lily-livered half-wit left behind the surveying equipment provided by Hearer Pauline herself!"
"Uegh a fetch quest?"
"While I attempt to instill some backbone into this so-called “soldier,” would you mind recovering the survey gear and returning it to Hearer Pauline at Gabineaux's Bower?"
Twilight heaved a sigh, "fine, let's go Csia."
"According to my recruit's tale of woe, there should be a set of survey records, a surveyor's rope, and two boxes of surveyor's instruments strewn about the interior of a cave to the south of here." sigh "It's a wonder the damn fool didn't lose his boots... Ahem. Matron watch over you."
Following the minimap they retrieved and headed to a small hut on the opposite side of the river and south east of the Bannock, there they met Pauline, a roegadyn sea wolf.
"Yes, may I assist you with some matter?"
Twilight gives her the notes and equipment.
"Oh? But this is the equipment I left with the soldiers of the Bannock...
"The recruit tasked with it fled from his task at the first sign of danger, really pathetic if you ask me."
"Fled at the first sign of danger, you say? I see... Well, all is not lost: it appears the recruit managed to complete the surveying assignment. The records are actually quite detailed.
"With the changes wrought by the Calamity, I thought it wise to send the Order of the Twin Adder on a number of expeditions to map the region's topography. As fortune would have it, the officers saw these tasks as an excellent opportunity to train inexperienced soldiers.
We can no longer rely on our past knowledge of the Twelveswood. If we are to survive these troubled times, we must reacquaint ourselves with our surroundings, that we may better discern the threats we face. Stay vigilant, adventurer."
They received gil, exp and new gear for their troubles.
"Will do, thanks for the advice, before we go is there anything you need?" Csia asked
"Actually yes, a growing number of anoles are venturing down from the mountains and disrupting the conjurers' communion with the elementals. Head to Naked Rock, slay six anoles, and collect four of the scalekin's eggs. Anoles are the local variety of raptors. But shouldn't pose too much of a threat to you two."
Six dead anoles and four of their eggs later they brought the eggs back to Pauline.
"Will these do?" Twilight asked holding up the eggs.
"These will do just fine. Large and rich in nutrients, anole eggs make a perfect breakfast for a soldier. Can you deliver them to Tsubh Khamazom at the Bannock."
"Sure!"
Leaving the hut and crossing the river they travel up the path towards the Bannock as lively as ever
"Tsubh Khamazom, we have a gift from Pauline anole eggs." Twilight said holding them up for him to see."
He looks at the two of them with nary a scratch on them, "you appear not to have sustained any serious injury in the course of their collection. Great work! Here a whispering maple wand for you and a bronze spear for your companion."
Galfrid came running up to Twilight and Csia, "an emergency has happened, a party of conjurers and their Wood Wailer escort were attacked by a towering shadow while performing a sacred rite inside Spirithold. Report to Alestan, who stands guard at the dungeon's entrance, and request further orders."
Wide eyed the two rush off to where their maps guide them south east of the central shroud of the forest. They came upon some old ruins, with a gate blocking the way in. This is where they meet Alestan, "Most of the party managed to evacuate but five yet remain unaccounted for, head inside and find them."
Entering through the gates they encounter a hostile trickster imp hovering over a fallen wood wailer.
Csia stabbed it, killing it instantly.
Twilight, started casting healing spells on the woodwailer
"Groan… a great shadow… towering over me… what in the twelves' good grace!"
"A-an adventurer? Please you must help the hearer!" The wood wailer worried before limping off to the entrance.
Further ahead atop a flight of stairs another wood wailer sits.
"Galfrid sent you? I am no longer of… use here. pray help the hearer… in my stead."
The man leaves after Twilight patched him up two trickster imps attack as Syrphid swarms flit about.
Once dealt with they turn left and find a dead end but also another wood wailer in need of aid.
"Away vile fiend, away I say! I defy you! I defy yooouuu!!! ...uh? ...oh! Adventurers? W-we were ambushed—ambushed in the midst of the ritual! And then… and then… I am not sure what happened." The wood wailer said before walking back.
Traveling back and then around the corner passing the Syrphid swarm, they happened upon the fourth missing person, a conjurer.
"... You two were sent to help? I fear your too late… the ritual has failed. I must needs return to Gridania, the seedseers must know of this!"
After he rushed away, Csia took down a trickster imps ahead and the fifth victim, a conjurer sat in confusion, as Twilight aided him.
"... That thing was no elemental, but a being of darkness! The hearer languishes alone in the depths. You must help him!"
Once able the man left to safety.
They continue onwards past a portcullis gate, they come upon a bent over Hearer. He appeared to be wounded but alive.
As Twilight helped him, a voice started speaking," O mournful voice of creation! Grant thee this humble stone a soul, that it may wake to life!"
Csia and Twilight started looking on guard as the ground shook. Ahead of them a pile of odd rock started floating and became a giant golem.
"Damnit! What's that golem doing here!?" Twilight asked no one in particular. "Csia keep the Hearer safe, I'll take this construct down."
"Okay!" Csia said, and helped the Hearer up and pulled him away.
Twilight rushed the golem as it swung it's fist, Twilight's drew back to meet its fist.
"No she'll break her arm doing that!?" The Hearer worried but Csia smirked, "you needn't worry my love won't lose to a mere golem."
"Mere golem! She's a squishy mage right she shou…" his complaint was cut off as there was a loud collision, his mouth dropped open as he saw Twilight's tiny fist and slender arm not only stop the Golem's fist but also caused a crater to form. "Thal's balls!? How is that possible her arm is supposed to be a mess after that, let alone the rest of her!"
The golem pulled back its hand returning to normal, a second punch and the same happened.
The damage done was visible on its health bar. One third damage was done to it just by her parrying.
At seventy percent health the voice from before said, " you are strong, but are you strong enough to withstand this?" And revealed himself, he wore a black hooded robe and a red mask. An orange cone appeared on the ground and the golem started shaking. Twilight casually jumped to the side to avoid it.
As she dodged the golems telegraphed attack of dusted, she laid back into the construct leaving craters. At forty percent It tried it's cone attack again only for Twilight to dodge it again. She let out a bored sighed. At thirty percent of its health a circle expanded out a short distance from it. So Twi dodged out of it.
As she left dust and debris exploded outward in the circle.
"Impossible, never has the golem been so sorely tested!" The voice said in surprise.
Twilight smirked and said, "serious series: serious Punch" and drew back one punch and punched the golem disintegrating it from existence.
"That the golem could be vanquished, that woman is no ordinary adventurer." The voice came from the door but when she turned to look there was no one there.
Papalymo and Yda ran into the room from behind them. And looked around hastily.
"Damnation! He eluded us yet again!" Papalymo complained.
"Oh, fancy meeting you here! How are things?" Yda asked cheerfully.
"Oh, hi Yda, Papalymo. Things are okay, though they could be better. What with that golem messing nooblets up." Twilight explained as Csia brought over the Hearer.
"Nophica's teats! what the hell are you?"
"Huh those sound fun, as for what I am? An adventurer for fun."
"Ahh my head hurts," Twilight said while Csia was fairing better.
Twilight's vision went dark and eventually she was watching a sepiatone scene of Yda, and Papalymo wandering the forest. Papalymo was looking around fervently.
Yda dragged Papalymo into some cover kneeling down, "Hm? What are you–"
A band of Ixal rushed past, "Shhh! More birds! This makes it how many times today? Seven?" Yda asked in a hushed voice.
"Their movements are beyond our fathoming." Papalymo replied
"Hmm? Do you think maybe... they're trying to summon a primal?" Yda asked
Primal? What's a primal? Twilight thought.
"I hope not, for all our sakes. Yet we must be prepared for the worst." Papalymo responded
Whatever it is must be powerful if they're worried about it.
The scene suddenly distorted and shifted to see a bent down Papalymo looking over a river, before straightening up.
"Withered. The same fate has befallen emerald moss." Papalymo said to himself.
Papalymo looks up and the scene pans to view the red moon enflamed.
"It is as we feared: Dalamud's anomaly is affecting the Twelveswood." The scene panned behind Papalymo and revealed Yda.
Standing on the opposite side of the river.
"You mean the disturbance in the aetheric flow?" Yda asked.
"The very same. The Garleans have much to answer for." Papalymo replied
"The imbalance they have created has plunged the land into chaos, just as Louisoix has forewarned." Papalymo said while gesticulating.
"It's no wonder that the Primals have begun appearing." Yda added gesticulating with her right arm.
"Time is against us, but there is still hope for the land. We must hold fast to that hope and fight to the very last." Papalymo stated.
Giving a thumbs up Yda said,"Agreed"
The screen distorted again, "wah!" Yda cried out in surprise, the scene fades in to see Yda on her knees.
Standing up she grabs her goggles she was wearing, "Ack! Stupid things…"
"These stupid things happen to be the very latest in Sharlayan innovation! Show some respect!" Papalymo rebuked Yda.
"But they're so uncomfortable and… and… ugly!" Yda responded waving her hand.
"If you ask me, they're an improvement over that mask of yours."
Ooh dude, you don't dis a ladies threads.
Yda sighed, "Hard to believe it's been five whole years, isn't it?" As they resume walking.
"Already? Five years is but a heartbeat in the life of the planet."
He's right but he doesn't have to be a dick about it.
"I suppose your right, now that I think about it the Twelveswood barely recovered at all, and the Gridanians still have the same old problems." Yda lamented.
"Aye, along with some new ones. Just in case the Ixal and Garuda wasn't troublesome enough, the Sylphs had to go and invite Ramuh didn't they?" Papalymo lamented
Wait wasn't Ramuh a staple final fantasy summon does this mean Primals are summons? Well they did mention them being summoned. That is troublesome.
"Do you remember those adventurers who fought alongside us? I do and then five years seems like ages… I wonder what became of them." Yda asked as they continued.
*Ah…" Yda suddenly exclaimed looking up, a bird's wings flap and the leaves from the trees fell enmass. Papalymo put on his goggles and turned them on.
"Yda, look." Papalymo instructed so she turned on her goggles.
"Golly!"
Hello Yda the seventies want their lingo back
"... And that is what exactly?" Yda asked, seeming less impressed.
"Yet another disturbance in the aether, and freshly manifested at that."
"It seems to be emanating from lifemend stump we must hurry!" Papalymo said the two start running as the scene blurs and fades back to reality and that damned headache.
"Are you alright? Your eyes glazed over for a while there." Yda said walking up to Twilight.
"Aye, just a headache." Twilight responded.
"The good news is the Hearer is unharmed. Somewhat dazed yes, but whole of mind and body. ...the bad news concerns everything else." Yda added turning around.
"Lest you forget, the Twelveswood is the domain of the elementals. It is by their leave that man abides in the forest and avails himself of its bounty. The ground which the dungeon occupies is no different." Papalymo explained looking at Twilight. While the Hearer sat bear him.
"Having no more use for the dungeon,the Gridanians sent a Hearer to offer the place back to the elementals by way of performing the rite of returning. Which is essentially an expression of gratitude.
Alas, he failed to complete the ritual for obvious reasons.
While the poor soul cannot be blamed for this, the fact remains that unless the elementals are given their due, they may well see it as a slight. And the very last thing the Gridanians can afford to do in these uncertain times is risk alienating the Twelveswood's eternal guardians. But you Twilight and Csia have more than done your part. We shall see the Hearer to safety, and send for his peers to finish the rite." Papalymo continued.
"In the meantime please make your way outside, and report to Alestan. Ah but where are my manners? I am Papalymo and this tactless woman beside me is..."
"Yda!" She said patting the top of her chest.
"Papalymo and I are surveying the Twelveswood together." She happily explained.
With a wave she added, "pleased to meet you!"
"I am Twilight and this beautiful girl beside me is my girlfriend and future wife Csia." Twilight explained wrapping her left arm around Csia and puffing up her chest with pride.
"Yda, would you give me a hand?" Papalymo interrupted.
Yda walked over and Papalymo bent down facing the Hearer's side before standing up as the hearer stood.
The hearer walked off. Papalymo suddenly turned to the girls.
"Wait, there is something... familiar about you could it be that you are…?"
Papalymo shakes his head, " N-never mind. Doubtless my eyes are playing tricks. Till we meet again!"
He runs off as they watched their backs as they left.
"Do you think he knows?" Csia asked with a frown
"Doubtful, the man has never seen this form." Twilight reassured, "even if he knew what would he do. Praise me? Vilify me? All it would do is make saving this world more complicated. I don't want to fight the people I'm trying to save."
The two left and followed the path through and exited the dungeon and talked to Alestan.
After explaining what happened leaving out the strange vision, "All this happened in the spirithold? Twelve preserve us."
"Who was the masked mage and by what dark ambition is he driven? So many things shrouded in mystery..."
"Well I shan't find any answers on my own. I must needs discuss this with Galfrid. The matter warrants a full investigation, if am any judge, and that shall certainly be my recommendation."
"Well you do that then, I hope you're successful." Twilight replied.
"Your courage has saved many lives this day, adventurers. For this you have my deepest gratitude." Alestan said with a bow.
"Pray return to Gridania and seek out Miounne, I understand that she wishes to thank you for your efforts on our behalf."
Twilight nodded and picked up Csia and closed her eyes as she concentrated she didn't ignore the chance to grope Csia's butt. As Csia squeaked in surprise the two teleported directly to Mother Miounne causing the woman to be startled.
"What!? Oh Twilight Csia it's just you! Gods you scared me half to death!" Miounne complained with a pout.
"Putting that aside, I heard from a little birdie that the Hearer and his party owe you their lives. A tale for the tavern if ever there were one! 'Tis only a shame that I Must ask you not to tell it — for the time being, at least. Do I make myself clear?"
"You don't want panic to spread? Understood." Twilight inquired.
"Aye, Until the Hearers have made their will on the matter known, t'would be best to avoid upsetting people with stories waking statues."
"Now then, you two must have suitable recompense for your valiant service. For the first half normally this is where I'd other you permanent accommodation, but you two are already at liberty to that for the second half of your reward, I offer you another path to fame and fortune: Guildleves.
Guildieves are records of the various requests we receive from the citizenry. They outline all manner of tasks which ambitious young adventures like you two can elect to undertake. Gontrant is our guldeve official, or "levemete," here at the Carline Canopy. I have spoken with him regarding your knack for solving challenging problems. and he is eager to make your acquaintance."
"I am sure we can both help out Gontrant."
"By the way, have you perchance heard about the coming festival it is truly a splendid occasion, looked forward to by young and old ake, and one I heartily recommend that you take the time to enjoy."
"A festival you say, it could be nice we haven't had time for a date in a long while," Twilight nuzzled Csia's cheek.
"Ah young love, Don't be too disappointed the recent troubles cast a shadow over proceedings, however, I Fear nothing short of the mysterious interlopers apprehension can prevent that…"
"Wow, that'd be vexing indeed." Twilight said with a pout.
"But we were talking all about you, Twilight, Csia. You have made Mother proud. I expect great things from the two of you, young ladies!" Miounne said her arms crossed.
"Of course Miounne, we shan't let you down." Csia said as Twilight recovered herself from the brief meltdown. That they missed the system message and just took the gear rewards.
"So what do you want to do next love, do a few guildleves then see what Miounne wants. But before that we eat and sleep and then do something other than sleep."
Csia blushed deeply, Twilight leant in and whispered, "I'll even let you be on top this time," she then gently nibbled on Csia's cat ear.
This turned the girl in question and the sharp ear Elezen and Mi'qote a deep red, even Mother Miounne who was actively trying to ignore the two girls by busying herself.
Next morning, Twilight stirred and picked up Csia. The spell she had used on her had worn off and she was currently sleeping due to exerting herself. As she cradled her lover, a thought struck her. She can't have children or Csia here anymore not while it was unsafe, not until it was a world she could safely give them a life they deserved.
Twilight spoke to Miounne on the way out, apparently she wanted them to head to Bentbranch and help the chocobo stables. Accepting the quest.
Leaving the guild house and heading through the blue badger gate she found a secluded spot and transformed stretching, she opened a dimensional pocket tied to her soul and began laying her eggs inside.
While she was doing that Csia stirred, "Csia we have to talk, I don't trust this world and while I trust you to hold your own. I just have this precognitive dread that something will happen that means I can't revive you. And so alongside our eggs I want to place you and them in stasis. You won't age, they won't hatch yet and once you wake up. To you it will feel as if but a moment has passed. I do not want to lose you to this or any unsafe worlds." Twilight explained calmly her voice thick with emotion.
Csia frowned, "it's not ideal, I want to be near you but I also don't want to die either. And despite you being able to resurrect it's too unreliable, I can't be sure I won't be content with dying if it's to save those I care about."
"It's okay, once I find a safe world I'll let you and our children out."
"Okay just give me one kiss before I go to sleep."
Twilight complied and turned back into a Mi'qote and kissing her long and deeply. Csia blushed as Twilight gently laid her into the stasis magic.
"I love you,"
"Love you too dear,"
Closing the entrance and sealing it Twilight sighed, "they're safe. Now let's get this place done so we can leave." Twilight grumbled.
The walk to Bentbranch, wasn't too much further than the Bannock and the weather was perfect.
Bentbranch was the site of a pillar of heaven, a truly massive tree that was felled, aetheryte spun in the center surrounded by a short brick wall. Taking time to attune herself. The pillar acted like the village square and around it was various tents, huts, market stalls and a short fence around the perimeter and the chocobo ranch.
"Okay, my contact was supposed to be with Keitha," asking around Twilight eventually found her in front of the chocobo barn, next to a tree, the length and size dwarfed Applejack's barn easily. She was a young Hyuran woman, with short black hair.
Upon speaking a distraught Keitha grabbed hold of Twilight," you're the adventurer that Miounne sent right?"
"Yes, I am. Is something wrong?"
"Those damn Qiqirn rats robbed us last night, stealing and breaking a chocobo egg in the process, Find a soldier by the name of Roseline at the Matron's Lethe and learn what measures may be taken to prevent any further incidents of this kind."
"Simple enough," Twilight made her way north and the east past the stairs on the tree root.
Roseline was a gray haired Elezen wood Wailer with a wood mask that is their custom.
"Roseline, I presume? I am here because Qiqirn robbed the chocobo stables and broke an egg in the process. Keitha wants to know how to make this not happen again."
"Aye, I am Roseline. As for your rat problem a good thrashing aught to send them a "message" not to come back. Slay four Qiqirn Scramblers"
"Alright, I'll be right back" Twilight said
After slaying thrice as many required, Twilight returned covered in blood with a cheerful smile on her lips.
"May have gone overboard a bit there. I know you said four, but I killed twelve."
"Can't really blame you, those things make you want to kill more of them. Good job, here's your reward. I hope this example will dissuade Qiqirn thieves from further trespassing in locales frequented by “vengeful” adventurers."
Roseline handed over the gear amateur's Dalmatica.
"Adventurer, a word if you would, I have need of a sure footed individual." Osha Jaab a Mi'qote wood wailer nearby asked.
"What can I do for you?" Twilight asked.
"Not anything difficult, I just need you to pull up some blue trumpet mushrooms, Remove the fungal menace before it has a chance to spread and cause the wood to rot. Report to Theodore once completed."
Having quickly picked all the mushrooms Twilight reported to Theodore.
"Your simple act of mushroom picking has saved the root of the heavenspillar from a rotten fate. Though not an ideal walkway, that the root is essential for travel through the drastically altered geography of the Central Shroud."
"Well I'll take your word for it."
"In spite of my efforts to not look down below, I noticed a shadowy figure in the woods north of the Matron's Lethe. Share my observations with Roseline." Theodore asked
"Once more into the breach"
Twilight found the patrolling Roseline and explained what Theodore saw.
"I saw something similar, but I doubt it to be anything significant. However, should you find anything unusual, can you show it to her."
Searching the woods to the north for any signs of the shadowy figure. Next to the still-warm remnants of an old campfire, Twilight discovered a worn leather bag. She delivered the bag to Roseline and asked what she has to say.
"At first glance, the bag appears to be nothing more than a traveler's forgotten pouch. However, after deeper consideration, I find it highly suspicious for a traveler to make camp in woods filled with dangerous beasts when Bentbranch Meadows would provide safer shelter. Thank you for your diligence, I shall be more vigilant."
"Next I would entrust you with a letter detailing everything I have learned about the suspicious stranger. I bid you to share the information with other sentries and encourage them to be vigilant for similar figures. Show the letter to Elmar, a sentry at the Bannock. show the letter to Bernard. and then Eylgar." Roseline hands Twilight the letter.
Twilight quickly teleported to Bannock, and showed Elmar
" I am grateful for the warning, and I will pass word to the other sentries and recruits at the Bannock.
Next Twilight Headed next to the eastern gates of Bentbranch Meadows and showed the letter to Bernard.
"thank you for delivering Roseline's message," he then directs Twilight to Eylgar within the gates.
"Seek him at the chocobo stables and show him the letter."
"I am pleased by your efforts to warn the other sentries. I assure you that, should this stranger attempt to harm the chocobos, they will have to face not only the Wood Wailers but the entire staff of Bentbranch Meadows."
"Good to hear." She said after receiving her reward.
"I am sorry to impose on you further however can you verify the claims of a Lalafellin peddler, who swears that winged beasts attacked him on the road south of Bentbranch. Retrace his steps and search for any evidence to support his story. Speak to Lothaire at Galvanth's Spire once your done."
"Hmmn that's not good, will do."
Elygar explained the route the peddler took and Twilight following stumbled upon a large vulture egg, two northern vultures descend to defend their nest. Now that she had slain the beasts, she went out to find Lothaire at Galvanth's Spire and tell him what transpired.
Upon doing so he responded, "There's a nest hidden less than twenty yalms from my post!? I implore you to keep its existence a secret, and similar incidents will never happen again."
"I ask that you remind Hearer Leonnie that she has booked passage on a vessel at the Mirror Planks. Head to the Hedgetree to the southwest and speak with the conjurer."
Twilight shrugged, I wonder how long this damn quest chain is.
Upon meeting Hearer Leonnie, she explained she must remain at the Hedgetree to commune with the elementals. She asked Twilight to Inform Armelle at the Mirror Planks of the delay to the conjurer's plans.
Twilight rolled her eyes before heading to the mirror planks.
Twilight conveyed Hearer Leonnie's message to Armelle, who resigns herself to booking the conjurer passage on a later vessel. The only issue remaining is to decide how much later...
Gods why did it have to be a fucking mmorpg world Twilight lamented internally.
"I would ask that you retrieve the cargo from a wagon that was attacked by some vicious denizen of the forest. Head to the site of the incident and salvage all that you can find." Armelle asked
Hurriedly Twilight salvaged the scattered cargo. And made her way to Bentbranch Meadows and delivered the goods to Keitha.
"The spate of recent troubles in the surrounding woods has me concerned for the fate of my ranch. Can you stand ready Twilight should Bentbranch Meadows have need of your skills."
"I guess, I can," Twilight stretched and went up to the Atheryte plaza and sat on a nearby bench.
"Uegh as soon as I have the power to over power that bitch crystal the sooner I can leave this hell hole." Twilight grumbled.
Luquelot, a stablehand at Bentbranch seems to be running about like a headless chicken. He spots Twilight and rushes over clutching her hands.
"No! Oh, please gods, Not Leia's egg. Twilight you must help me! I stepped out of the stables for but a moment, and when I returned it was gone!"
"What was gone?"
"I– what was gone?"
"An egg!
"I am sure the chocobo will lay another." Twilight stated
"Sorry? You are sure the chocobo will lay another!?
"Gah! You do not understand– the egg is extremely valuable! I must find it!"
"Okay calm down, I am sure I can find it."
"You will help me, won't you, Twilight?"
The lost chocobo egg appears to be of great importance to Luquelot, Twilight inferred.
Twilight agreed to help
"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Luquelot cheered.
"Someone must have made off with it. There can be no other explanation. I shall scour every ilm of the stable once more just to be sure. While I do so. I should be very grateful if you would ask the others if they noticed anything unusual."
"Will do,"
She set off to question the people of Bentbranch Meadows and see what clues she can uncover as to its whereabouts.
First she went to see the gate sentries, Remind.
"Did you see anyone acting suspicious?"
"I most certainly did, lass. A man, it was runnin' off towards the Tam-tara Deepcroft."
"I am looking for a stolen egg,"
"Hm? You say an egg was took? Then I'd say that there was yer culprit. But why would anyone pinch a chocobo egg? Without the proper learnin', it's damn near impossible to get one to hatch."
Turning around she moved on to Leodaire sitting by the ramp.
"A chocobo egg has gone missing."
"Hm, well let me think. Now that you mention it, the chocobos were making quite a racket earlier. So much so, in fact that I ran over to check on them, almost flattening a passing peddler in my haste. I didn't find anything out of the ordinary, though."
"Can you describe the peddler?"
"Oh… he was an Elezen fellow–didn't recognise his face. Seemed awfully twitchy. Oh gods, you don't think he…? Why in the hell's didn't I accost him!?"
"Well you said you were in a hurry so you weren't exactly focused."
"That's a weak excuse an' won't ease my guilt!"
Continuing up the ramp and up some stairs and over to Bernard's station.
"Bernard, have you seen any odd characters about?"
"Aside from yourself, you mean? Not that I recall. I did see someone calming the birds, but only from a distance. I assumed it was Luquelot… but if you say he was away from the stables at that time… then who was that with the chocobos?"
After Twilight had finished questioning the ranch workers. She reports her findings to Luquelot.
"There can be no mistake, the egg was indeed stolen. And from what you have told me, this was no simple robbery. That the culprit should take only Leia's egg and disregard all the rest tells me we are dealing with someone well versed in chocobo breeding. I am sorry to say that the individual in question is like to be a citizen of my native ishgard."
"Oh really what gave you that impression?"
"Leia, you see, is of the bloodline of Ouranos–one of the greatest birds to grace an ishgardian stable. Many a man, in my homeland would give his right arm to possess Leia's eggs… Gods, I should have foreseen this! We must give chase at once!"
"Hold your chocobos, Luquelot! If this egg thief's from Ishgard, like you say. Why'd he go runnin' off towards the Tam-tara Deepcroft? Unless I got me mental map upside down, that's the opposite direction." Keitha interjected
"W-well, yes, but.. he may seek to lay a false trail, or..uh… Bah! The way of it is not important! Leia's egg is all that matters! Adventurer, I beg of you, hunt the scoundrel down and take back what he stole!" Luquelot beseeched.
"Well, at least you ain't plann' on chasin' after him yourself… wherever he's from. We may work wonders with our birds, Twilight. But acts of derrin'-do ain't exactly our field if you don't mind, we'll leave that end of things to you."
Twilight snickered at the reference to her old favourite books.
"I shall follow the thief's trail to the Tam-Tara Deepcroft, and retrieve Leia's egg. Don't worry."
"With luck, you may catch the thief on the road to the tam-Tara Deepcroft, but do be careful– we cannot be certain he is working alone in this."
Following the minimap Twilight came upon Kuplu Kopo and shortly afterwards Janremi Blackheart panting and wheezing.
"I have caught you at last, you spiteful imp! Now hand over the egg!"
"You can't have it, kupo! This egg belongs to Luquelot!"
"Aye, Kuplu Kopo give It to me so I can return it to Luquelot. Actually hold that thought while I murder this bastard whoreson thievin' cur."
"Who in Halone's bloody fury are you? Ah, those sops at Bentbranch hired themselves an adventurer, did they?" Janremi demanded
Two armed men behind Twilight aim their weapons at her.
"Yet another complication. This farce has gone on long enough. Kill the moogle and the farmers' hireling. And bring me that damned egg!"
Then Twilight began laughing, and laughed loudly.
"You mortal scum never change, give them a tiny bit of power and it goes to their head. Why does the child still suckling at his mother's teats think he can stop me?" Not drawing her weapon she back handed three of the thugs, in one swing and disarmed the thief.
"Why does he think he is a gods equal, what? you think this is my final form?"
"Gaze upon my true form and despair!" Using a bit of mind reading to learn of Halone's iconography, she then transformed into a giant version of her in full armor.
The man falls to his knees with a screech as Twilight glares at the man, "I despise thieves Janremi Blackheart and you shall face my fury!!!"
Twilight used the tier magic Freeze, encasing the man in ice before he was stabbed rapidly.
You emerge victorious, Twilight goes to take possession of Leia's egg from Kuplu Kopo.
"Thank you, kupo."
"How did you come to be out here?"
"Ah, well this egg here is Leia's. Leia's is a very special chocobo, in case you didn't know. Anyway, I was taking a nap in the stables when that nasty fellow crept in and tried to steal it, kupo!
So I snatched it up as quickly as I could and made a run for it. I was planning on taking it back to Bentbranch Meadows myself, but it might be safer if you did it, I'm sure Luquelot will be very happy to see you, kupo!"
"Don't worry, I will. We just going to say I am not halone, though I am a goddess, I am entirely foreign to this world so keep my identity secret,"
"Of course, Kupo! You are surely a good god."
Twilight Returned to Luquelot at Bentbranch Meadows.
"Do you have the egg!? Is it safe!?"
Twilight hands over Leia's egg, "safe and sound,"
"Yes, it has the right coloring, the right weight... It is most definitely Leia's egg."
"I know not how to thank you."
"You had me worried for a bit there, Twilight. 'Tis good to see you and the egg back safe and sound."
"Don't just thank me, though. While I did help so did a moogle name Kuplo Kopo,"
Twilight told them what happened, leaving out the who god form thing.
"...So I was correct in my assumption that an Ishgardian was involved─albeit one who did not, in fact, make off with the egg. Well, I could hardly have anticipated the intervention of a moogle!"
"Bugger me... It couldn't be the same one...could it?" Keitha asked.
"Might you have encountered our unlikely savior before, Keitha?"
"Could be, aye. One of 'em saved my hide back when the Calamity struck."
"I was in a part of the woods what we now call the Standin' Corses that day. Seemed like the whole bleedin' forest was ablaze, and I couldn't see a yalm in front of me for all the smoke. Well-nigh given up hope, I had.
Then, all of a sudden, a moogle appears out of nowhere, tugs at me smolderin' sleeve, and leads me straight to a bit of the wood where the fire hadn't taken hold.
And now you know why the business is named “Moogle's Gift Mounts.” Seemed like the least I could do. I'd be dead if it weren't for that plucky little bugger."
"Incredible. It may well be that the moogle has stood vigil over us ever since that day…"
Ha! We'd better get back to work, then. Wouldn't want to go lettin' our guardian angel down, would we? Twilight, you have our thanks. Oh, and I believe Luquelot wants to give you a little somethin' for your troubles.
"Leia's egg is irreplaceable. I cannot well express to you the depth of my gratitude."
"Well that's not entirely true so long as Leia's alive, but I get the sentiment."
"And yet, I find that I am still troubled... While this whole regrettable episode unfolded, I bore witness to a sight that greatly concerned me…"
After receiving her rewards, Twilight inquired of Luquelot's concerns.
"My thanks for your kindness earlier. I hate to impose again, but I have need of your assistance in another matter─one of grave import, I fear."
"No, need to thank me anymore, a child shouldn't be taken from their mother. Excepting in the most extreme circumstances."
"Of late, I have noticed that Ixali dirigibles have been appearing over the Twelveswood with increasing regularity. The frequency, however, does not bother me near so much as where they choose to fly─the patch of sky directly above the Guardian Tree."
"Guardian tree?"
Sound like the tree of harmony.
"The tree is a sacred site, or so I was given to believe when first I came to Gridania, and thus I naturally assumed that the elementals would not suffer the Ixal to profane it. Yet the birdmen have been coming and going as they please, with nary a sign of protest from the guardians of the Twelveswood.
And it was that which set me to thinking... Ever since the appearance of the much-talked-about “suspicious individual,” many and more strange things have been occurring in the forest. Could it be that he did something to the elementals?
In case it proved useful, I have committed the details of my sightings to parchment, and would ask that you deliver the document to Mother Miounne."
"Of course Mother Miounne will be wanting to know this as soon as possible."
*Please make all haste─I have an irrepressible feeling that something terrible is about to happen."
"Well that's not ominous at all." Twilight mumbled and teleported back to Mother Miounne.
Having gotten used to Twilight randomly popping up called her, "Hello there, Twilight. Word of your tireless efforts at Bentbranch Meadows has reached my ears. The folk there have naught but the highest praise for you!
You certainly have a knack for making Mother proud."
"Oh please, I only did what was right." Twilight replied scratching the back of her neck.
"Keep up the good work, you hear?"
"I have a letter from Luquelot,"
"Hm? A letter...from Luquelot?"
Twilight handed over the letter to Miounne.
"I haven't the slightest inkling what this could be about…"
Mother Miounne scans the letter, and her eyes widen.
"Gods be good…
I have a mission for you, Twilight. Suffice it to say, it is urgent.
I fear it may also prove dangerous, however, so you must be prepared.
Make what arrangements you can, and report back to me the moment you are ready."
Shrugging Twilight prepared the best armor and gear for her budget. And returned to the adventurer's guild.
"Time is of the essence, so I shall speak plain."
In the distance, the two young Elezen twins from the chocobo carriage before walk past and out the Carline Canopy's entrance.
"Based on Luquelot's observations, the Ixal have designs on the Guardian Tree, and they mean to act soon.
The tree is the oldest living thing in this ancient forest, and it is held sacred by every forestborn Gridanian.
Should it come to any harm, the elementals would fly into a rage beyond pacifying. I dread to think of the chaos that would ensue.
There isn't much time. We must act quickly.
Twilight, please see this letter to the hands of Bowlord Lewin, at the Seat of the First Bow in Quiver's Hold. Should the need arise, pray put yourself wholly at the man's disposal. I strongly suspect he will need all the able-bodied souls he can muster."
"Of course Miounne,"
"The fate of Gridania hangs in the balance. Go swiftly, Twilight."
Twilight immediately teleported to the entrance of the archer's guild, and ran in and through the training room to a guarded door.
"I have an urgent message from Mother Miounne!"
"Very well, you may enter." Gods' Quiver Bow
"So you are Twilight Sparkle, the adventurer of whom I have heard so much. I understand you wish to have words with me." Lewis said as he leant back in his chair.
"Miounne has information on the Ixal, and sent me to tell you."
"Speak freely─you have both my ears."
Twilight handed over Mioune's letter to Bowlord Lewin.
Bowlord lewin takes the letter and scans it. His eyes widen.
"...Matron forfend! They mean to defile the Guardian Tree?"
As Twilight explained the situation to Bowlord Lewin, crosses his arms.
"Before Nophica, I swear those filthy birdmen will not touch it─nay, not so much as a single leaf!"
"Twelve help me! How can it be that neither the Wood Wailers nor the Gods' Quiver caught wind of this?
I cannot help but think this plot bears the mark of the masked devil who has eluded us for so long. We must be wary─this incursion may be more than it seems.
Ah, would that the Warriors of Light were still with us…"
Awkward
"But this is no time for such idle thoughts. I thank you for delivering this message. You may assure Miounne that I will dispatch a unit of my best men to investi─
"My lord!" Gods' Quiver Bow
A dark-grey-haired Hyuran Gods' Quiver Bow runs into the room. The man doubles over and clutches his side from the exertion.
"What is it!?" Lewin demanded
"It's the Ixal, sir! The Ixal have amassed at the Guardian Tree!" Gods' Quiver Bow
Lewin is taken aback.
"Already!? Bloody hells... " Lewin swore
"Twilight─Miounne believes you capable, and I can think of no better judge than she. Lend us your strength this day─aid in the defense of the Guardian Tree!"
"I already came here with that intent,"
The God's Quiver Bow Hyur that ran into the room is standing to the left of the door when the conversation ends.
Twilight teleported to Matron's Lethe and rushed down the river
"The Bowlord sent you, yes? Good to have you with us!" Gods' Quiver Instructor
"The birdmen have completely surrounded the Guardian Tree, and their calls grow more urgent by the minute.
Whatever it is they mean to do, we cannot let them go through with it. They must be stopped, no matter the cost
"~( O mournful voice of creation!
O mournful voice of time! )~" Ixali Occultists
"Squaaawk! Attend me, all!" Ixali Chieftain
The Ixali Chieftain raises their arms up.
"To us, this forest, Tinolqa, belongs!" Ixali Chieftain shouted
The Ixali occultists let out a raucous cheer.
"Wisdom of Paragons, we possess! To our former glory, restore us it will!
From this tree, a great crystal we take! Unto Garuda, an offering we shall make!
Unfeathered ones and elementals, banish we shall! Our ancient home, reclaim we will! Squaaawk!" Ixali Chieftain
The Ixali occultists let out a raucous cheer.
"First squad, left flank. Second and third, right flank." Lewin ordered
Archers & lancers hidden around the area begin to move into position.
"The rest, form the main host with me. It is high time we reminded our Ixal guests why we Quivermen are to be feared!" Lewin ordered
The two archers crouching behind Bowlord Lewin stand up and run off to their positions. Bowlord Lewin stands up and addresses Twilight.
"This position is yours, adventurer. May the elementals keep you!"
Lewin runs off to join the two archers. Twilight and the archers & lancers run out to confront the Ixal. The Ixal Chieftain turns in surprise.
"Squawk!?" Ixali Chieftain said
"Interrupt us, you dare!? In your own blood, you shall bathe!" The Ixali Chieftain
"English motherfucker, do you speak it!?" Twilight mocked
"The enemy chieftain is mine!" Galfrid the Gallant declared
"Fine," Twilight said as she casually cut down Ixali in a single stroke. Letting those occupied by the now dead Ixali to move on. Every now and then she'd cast stone III or cure a wounded soldier.
"We shall engage the main flock!" Miraudont the Madder
"Okay done here!"
"Another wave!? Where are they coming from!?" Galfrid the Gallant said
"Wisdom of Paragons, almighty is!" Quzal Huatotl the Shrieker
Perish, unfeathered ones shall!
Creature of the abyss! Mine enemies, strike down!"
"A voidsent!? Th-This bodes ill!" Galfrid the Gallant worried.
"A demon is it well, holy javelin!" A spear of light launches and pierces the demon. Killing it with ease.
"Hold fast! We almost have him!" Miraudont the Madder
"Er, he's already dead." Twilight responded.
"Impressive work, adventurer.
The Bowlord bids you hold this position. Enemies may yet lurk near, so stay on your guard.
We go to bolster the left flank, where the battle yet rages." Gods' Quiver Bow
The Gods' Quiver Bow walks, and then runs off to join the left flank.
Twilight sensed something and turned to see a black-masked, black-robed person standing at the base of the Guardian Tree. The masked person walks towards her.
"The source of her strength becomes clear…
You may have bested the golem, but you will not fare so well this day."
"I did more than merely best it fool,"
A red glyph appears on the masked mage's face, and darkness exudes from their body, and fills the area in dark miasma.
"~( O mournful voice of creation! Send unto me a creature of the abyss, my thrall to command, that I may smite mine enemies! )~" Masked Mage
The masked mage raises his arms high, and a portal opens for a voidsent to pass through.
"Your very being imperils the plan. You cannot be suffered to live." Masked Mage
"Heard once heard it a million times and not a single time has it come to pass." Twilight taunted
"Soon, you shall take your vile gifts to the grave!" Masked Mage
A gargoyle like giant emerges from the ground.
"Mwahahaha! Writhe!
Writhe as the venom eats its way through your veins!
Twilight grabs it's arms. She rips its arms off, it stumbled forward and Twilight grabbed it's horns and twisting, breaking its horns cutting it's hp in half.
"How is this possible...?" Masked Mage
"I trust you won't object to our assistance!" Papalymo asked
"Looks like you could do with a hand!" Yda added
"Well I would much appreciate you keep that mage in check while I take my time with this thing."
"Unwelcome guests... No matter, all shall fall before me!"
"In this case you are the unwelcome guest."
Twilight retorted as she spent time ripping the now screeching demons wings apart piece by piece.
"Whence comes your strength!?"
"Wouldn't you like to know."
"It is past time we finished this!" Papalymo announced.
"Come on! We're almost there!" Yda
Twilight ripped the demon's heart out and round house kicked it's head off striking the mage with it.
"Unnngh... That the wisdom of the Paragons should be brought low...by mere mortals... collapses" Masked Mage groaned out.
"...Paragons?" Papalymo
"That's what I heard." Yda
"Heard it too but paragon how much of on egotist do you have to be."
"The Bringers of Chaos...or Ascians, to give them their proper name." Papalymo
"It would seem our suspicions were correct─it is they who have been manipulating the beast tribes." Papalymo added
Bowlord Lewin and his cohort of Gods' Quiver Bows and Wood Wailers run into the scene. They surround the body of the masked mage.
Lewin: Twilight, are you unharmed!? Had I known this creature was near, I would have sent men, not called them away!
"Ah it's fine, not like he's a threat to me."
"There is no mistake, sir─he is the one who stirred the Ixal from their nest. Our intelligence was reliable." Gods' Quiver Bow
"And the man who interrupted the spirithold ritual."
"So this is the man who has eluded us for so long?" Lewin stated
"Right! We finally got him!" Yda said
"We sensed an ominous presence, and came here as swiftly as our legs would carry us." Papalymo explained
"Well, it's good to know what we're up against, anyway." Yda said
"My thanks as ever, friends.
Quivermen! Move out!" Lewin ordered
The soldiers minus Lewin leave
"To say you played an instrumental role in the success of this mission would scarcely do justice to your efforts this day, adventurer. Upon your return to Gridania, pray visit me at Quiver's Hold. I will see to it that you receive the thanks you are due."
"I will see you there then,"
Lewin leaves
"Hmmm...you're probably wondering why we always seem to appear when there's trouble, right?" Yda said
"Not particularly," Twilight interjected
"Well, trust me when I tell you that it's almost never our fault. Despite what it looks like, Papalymo and I are actually helping the Gridanians. And we've been doing so for a good few years, too. Oh! Did I mention that we're not from around here?"
"Really? But you fit right in," Twilight deadpanned
"Seriously though your Sharlayans right?"
"Hm? Why, yes, we are Sharlayans! However did you know?" Yda inquired,
"The mystical power of flashbacks!" Twilight raised her arms and smirked before laughing.
Papalymo contemplates something.
"So I wasn't mistaken…" Papalymo murmured
"Mistaken? About what?" Yda asked in confusion.
Papalymo shakes his head.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Papalymo denied
Yda fumes and waves her arms.
"Awww! You always do that! Mumble something loaded with meaning, only to keep it to yourself when someone asks! It's unfair! And it's especially unfair when the someone is me!" Yda said
"Oh, do calm down! I'll tell you later." Papalymo hissed.
"Hmph! I bet you won't. Anyway, all's well that ends well." Yda complained
"...Quite. We'd best be on our way." Papalymo said
"See you later!" Yda said cheerfully
"Oh by the way if you hear from Hydealin tell her she is a bitch for messing with my head and making do this stupid quest."
Papalymo froze before hurrying off.
Twilight turned to see a dark crystal lying on the ground where the masked mage died. Twilight walked up to it as the crystal shatters and releases a plume of darkness, then disappears.
After the huge battle at the guardian tree, Twilight spent time training at the conjurer's guild where she met and ultimately became a teacher for a precocious child named Sophia, on a well intended but ultimately doomed path with her magic. And Esumiyan the guild master, it didn't take long for her to learn everything, and gained a White mage soul crystal. She asked Esumiyan to meet her in private in the central shroud.
"Okay, Twilight what did you need to talk about? That requires privacy."
"I am sure you've noticed by now I never absorb aether or have a huge aether capacity?"
"Indeed, I have, though I do see you casting properly when you do. So it's not the same as Sophia."
"You are correct, I refuse to take in aether, the natural way. Because if I do I will quickly deplete the land of aether. So instead I consume aether crystals or ether potions instead. I don't understand why my body consumes so much aether but I figure you might. So I am going to reveal my true self. I ask that you do not fear me or turn hostile as I mean you no harm?"
"True form? Aren't you Mi'qote?"
"My body is but my soul is not, I am not a native of Hydaelyn."
Twilight transformed into her dragon form, causing Esumiyan suprise as he backed up to get a better look, Twilight then explained her life up until that point. How she felt more dragon than unicorn, how she was betrayed, and the worlds she had been before. How she was worshipped as a goddess.
"Wait! You're the dragon who fought Bahamut!?"
"Yes, I am"
"and you say you ate parts of him?"
"Yes," Twilight responded wondering where this was going.
"Bahamut at least the one sealed in dalamud was an elder primal, Primals are constructs of concentrated aether made manifest by the will of the summoner in the form of legendary figures or mythical creatures. Due to the nature of their existence, a primal must consume aether from its surroundings, thus becoming a threat to the world of Hydaelyn.
While usually an embodiment of the summoner's desire, there are cases where the summoner transforms into a primal. A primal can also be summoned into a structure or be created in the image of their namesake. Once summoned, primals can "temper" other beings, instilling fanatical loyalty and creating a secure wellspring of faith. Usually this is an intentional process, but some primals (such as Ramuh) have shown distaste for it, implying it is a natural byproduct of their existence. While those gifted with the Echo are immune, their soul's aether may still be consumed by a nearby primal if they ever lose their mortal form.
My current theory is that your inherent aether capacity, plus consumption of a primal similar to your true form while washed in the primal version of the twelve gods aether turned you into a primal near as I can tell your self confidence and physical form provide a stable anchor. You need to be careful as primals feed on aether, and a soul is comprised of it. Also try not to temper people, I know it may happen against your will but you have to try."
Twilight looked at herself, "I am a primal?"
"It seems that way, however we should give your true form a new name as a primal and perhaps a more pleasing form, dragons aren't the most... how should I say this delicately, liked creatures."
"Bah, I know that, it's fine. You don't need to tread eggshells with me. Let's go with the next best thing then this is going to require editing my soul so keep watch over me, that I don't do something regrettable."
As Twilight looked inward and began messing with her soul under Esumiyan's watchful eye, her body shifted, her metallic scales fell off as a more humanoid figure appeared but still easily dwarfing Esumiyan, her old wings fell off replaced with feathered white wings, her chest filled with a pair of huge breasts, her pale skin was covered in Lavender fur, her tail was now long and fluffy split into nine new tails just as fluffy and her fox ears were large, pointed and fluffy. Her face remained slightly humanoid with a short fox snout. her hair was golden yellow. A flowing mini dress Miko outfit with silver accents and, it had a crimson pleated mini skirt. It covered her body sufficiently for decency. Her eyes were a combination of the best traits of cat, fox and human. Her feet were human like that is to say, plantigrade and she had three pairs of arms now. All her limbs had sharp hooked claws.
"My new primal name is Tenko, What do you think?
"...I-I was distracted momentarily," he coughed and looked away with a blush forming. Gulping he turned to examine her, "you are quite beautiful, a primal most would worship willingly I'd say."
"Thank you, tell me Esumiyan is there an aether rich environment I can take advantage of specifically ones that are barren?"
"The only ones that come to mind is Cartenaux and Mor dhona. Mor Dhona being the worst as it was corrupted as well."
"I have a proposal, one of my spells I knew before needs to be jury rigged for the current magic here but once done, I believe I can fix Mor Dhona. But I require the area temporarily evacuated and any important areas outlined so I avoid messing people's work or homes up."
"Well, we can do all that but what do you mean to do?"
"Absorb all aether in all its forms and then redistribute it into creating new life and clean Aether."
"We have to discuss this with the leaders of the Eorzean alliance and the adventurer's guild, Rowena's house of splendors and sons of Saint Connacht's find. After the festival should be best to put it into action."
"Very well, let us retire for the morning, I hear you will be required to do a ceremony. Good luck."
Having returned to her Mi'qote form Twilight returned to Gridania with Esumiyan and parted ways with him. She is informed by a gods quiver bow woman as she was about to pass them, "Ah! Lady Twilight, Bow Lord Levin wishes to speak with you." Gods quiver bow bowed and left having delivered the message.
Twilight promptly teleported to the archery guild and entered the guild proper and then entered Lewin's office.
Sitting in his seat Lewin looked up as he saw Twilight, he became more animated.
"None in Gridania can doubt your worth, Twilight… But to receive such praise from the Elder Seedseer herself! And nor is that the half of it! She chose you to play the role of Emissary, for gods' sakes! You! An outsider! Do you have any idea what this means!?"
Lewin sighed, "But of course you don't. You are not forestborn...which is rather the point. Mistake me not, I think you worthy, but your selection is all but unprecedented. And I'll wager you have not the faintest inkling what is required of you...
"Wouldn't be the first time and as likely as not the last either." Supplied
"There are preparations that the Emissary must needs complete ahead of time. I suggest you consult Miounne regarding the matter─she is overseeing the arrangements for the event. Now, you had best get going─the ceremony cannot commence without the Emissary. Oh, and, Twilight...don't make a hash of this!"
"Well, well, if it isn't the Emissary himself! Had I known you were coming, I would have baked a pie!
You truly are full of surprises, Twilight. Next you'll be telling me you're one of the Warriors of Light, back from a half-decade long holiday!" Mother Miounne exclaimed
You have no idea
"But let's speak of preparations. As you doubtless already know, Greenbliss is an age-old ceremony for strengthening the bond between man and elemental. These days, though, the name also refers to the festival at large.
In the ceremony, the Emissary serves as a conduit─a bridge between the people and the guardians of the Twelveswood. Suffice it to say, it is no small responsibility─nor does the Elder Seedseer choose mankind's representative on a whim.
Seldom in history have non-forestborn been chosen for the role─which should give you an idea of the magnitude of the honor being accorded you.
For your part, you are required to wear a ceremonial artifact, which is presently in the keeping of Timbermaster Beatin. Go to the Carpenters' Guild and collect it from the man, then return to me for further instructions." Miounne explained.
Twilight made her way out of the guild and into the aetheryte plaza and into the carpenters guild to the south before the river bridge.
"So you are the Emissary-to-be. Miounne sent word that you would be coming to collect the ceremonial artifact. The good news is that it's ready─painstakingly crafted by these very hands, and from the rarest of materials. Take it, along with this warning: get so much as a scratch on the thing, and I shall make an unceremonial artifact out of you." Beatin threatened
Slightly dazed by the sudden hostility Twilight returned to Miounne
"Back from your trip to the Carpenters' Guild? Let's see what you have in that box. Ahhh...this is by far the finest Monoa mask I have ever laid eyes upon. The timbermaster has truly outdone himself this time. In case he didn't mention, the mask is crafted from consecrated lumber rendered up by the Guardian Tree, solely for use in the ceremony. In other words, it is priceless─Mother bids you to handle it with care. And with that, your preparations are complete. The venue should just about be in order as well. If you have any questions, now's the time to ask them."
"Now that you have the Monoa mask, all that's left is to participate in the ceremony. Perchance you are feeling nervous, but never fear─despite all the pomp surrounding the role, there really is nothing to being Emissary. All you are required to do is wear the mask, stand up straight, and look dignified. The more involved aspects of the proceedings will be handled by others. Simple, no?"
"Sounds simple enough,"
"The ceremony will be held at Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre. When you are ready, make yourself known to the caretaker there─a woman named Estaine. Oh, and be sure to wear your mask or she may not recognize you. Now, off you go, Twilight, and good luck!"
Waving to the proprietress, Twilight left, mask affixed to her face. She traveled to Old Gridania and Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre a place she passed when she goes to the conjurer's guild.
A lady standing by the gate wearing simple clothes called to her. "Ah, you must be the Emissary." Estaine asked
"In the flesh," Twilight quipped.
"I see you have come prepared. That is well. I have been instructed to escort you to your place. Please follow me."
Kan-E-Senna, a tall Hyuran woman with white horns a white laurel crown her long blond hair tied back. She was wearing a white fur lined white robe and carrying a white staff, she walks into the Mih Khetto’s Amphitheatre filled with an audience, the Emmissary Twilight followed behind her. Yda, Papalymo and Kuplu Kopo were there to witness the ceremony
"May she find favor with the elementals!"
Twilight begins to glow, she pulled out the light crystal.
Taken aback Kan-E-Senna asked, "This radiance...Could it be...a Crystal of Light?"
"Yes, it is,"
"Tell me true─has the Mothercrystal revealed Herself to you? Did you bask in Her light?"
"I wouldn't say bask more like dragged there and Hydaelyn begged me to save the world in the most vague and obtuse way possible."
"Have you perchance experienced sensations akin to aether sickness of late?"
"On my trip here I did,"
"That Hydaelyn would speak directly to this woman… There once were dauntless adventurers who fought in the name of Eorzea."
"So I hear often,"
"When the primals threatened to bleed the land dry, these brave men and women rose to face them. When the Garlean Empire resumed its war of conquest, they rushed to the realm's defense."
"And when it was foretold that Dalamud would fall, they fought with all their strength to deliver us from a certain doom.
Yet as strong and as brave as they were, they─like so many─disappeared amidst the flames at Carteneau. Even the lavender dragon who aided us by holding Bahamut at bay."
"None have forgotten the heroes who gave all for the sake of a realm not their own. Yet when we try to recall their names, we find the pages of our memories are blank, as if bleached by the sun. And when we try to recall their faces, we see them only in silhouette, as if they stood betwixt us and a blinding glare.
Hence have these heroes come to be known as the Warriors of Light. Beholding you, illuminated by the glow of the Crystal, I could not help but be reminded of them.
The Crystal has chosen you for a purpose.
"I just told you what it was."
"Trust yourself to its guiding light, and all shall be revealed to you in good time.
Though none can say for certain what the future will bring, it is my belief that you may yet play a telling role in the tale of this great realm. ...For the power of the Echo resides within you." Kan-E-Senna finished as a vision engulfed Twilight's senses.
A giant bronze skinned man in thick black leather armour with black hair braided and pulled back into a ponytail, stood with Kan-E-Senna and another seawolf roegadyn woman wearing pants and an admirals uniform with slicked back grey hair.
"Flames, to the fore! Victory belongs to the bold! Show those imperial whoresons what we're made of!" Rhauban ordered vigorously "The left flank buckles! Divert the Barracudas!" Merlwyb ordered "Bid 'em hold that position though it cost 'em their lives!" She demanded
"The Yellow Serpents are in need of succor. Pray send the White Wolves to their aid." Kan-E-Senna said
"The adventurers risk life and limb for our cause. We must not fail them." Kan-E-Senna she added
Kan-E-Senna discovered sensed and saw silhouette on the far mountain behind her "Is aught amiss?"
"There is much amiss," Twilight groaned
"No... It is nothing." Kan-E-Senna
A cannon strikes the group and blocked by the barrier "The barrier won't go down so easily! Eyes forward!" Raubahn roared "We are being watched…" Kan-E-Senna intoned
Does she mean me, Harmony or that creepy guy?
After Bahamut’s unleashed "Raging Bull calling Blood Thorn! Blood Thorn, respond! Respond, damn you! Arrrgh!!!" Raubahn slammed his fist onto the table.
Suddenly a linkpearl rings "Raging Bull! This is Mad Snake! Respond!" "Ryder!? This is Raging Bull! What news!?"
"We're surrounded by a blaze! There's no way out! Gods preserve, what is that thing!?"
"What's going on!? Speak to me!"
"Godsdammit! We cannot hold much longer!" "AaaaaaAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
"Mad Snake!? Mad Snaaaaaake! Answer me! Damn it! Damn it all to the seventh hell!"
There are seven hell's here?
"What of the Barracudas? Can they not be reached?" Merlwyb inquired "Sorry, Admiral─shell's not workin'!" Storm Runner shouted "What of our own?" Kan-E-Senna asked "I cannot say, my lady! That monstrosity appears to be disrupting our communications!" Serpent Runner "We must keep trying. Call till they respond." Kan-E-Senna ordered "Yes, my lady!" Serpent Runner responded "Admiral, General─we can do no more. We must give the order to withdraw." Kan-E-Senna "I will not forsake Louisoix!" Raubahn rebuked her "General, please! Victory may belong to the bold, but there will be no victor this day! You know this to be true. Let us not sacrifice lives in vain. The adventurers fight bravely, but to no avail. Let them withdraw, and let us be the ones to stand with Louisoix." Kan-E-Senna implored "Belay previous orders! All Maelstrom units are commanded to fall back, effective immediately! Give the Foreign Levy priority! Let the main host cover their retreat, and bring up the rear! Merlwyb ordered. "Damn it... Relay the order: all Flames are to withdraw. I don't care if our linkshells are useless! You still have a working pair of legs, don't you!?Well, use 'em, you bloody half-wit!" Raubahn ordered
Ah a man after my own heart
"The outcome of this battle was long since decided. Better to retreat now, than risk a massacre. This dark, stifling presence... Who...or what. We go to take our place beside Archon Louisoix! To your positions!" Kan-E-Senna
[On the Mountain] ???: That I should live to behold Bahamut once more... ???: Magnificent. The aeons of imprisonment have only made him hungrier. ???: I am aware of them. Pay them no mind. They are powerless to act. ???: It has begun. Soon the planet will regain its true form. ???: Ahahaha... Ahahahahaha!
The vision ended
"Ah! Look who's back in the land of the living! Hm? You mean to say you don't remember a thing? You collapsed in the middle of the ceremony─gave us all a good fright. So we carried you back here. I must say, you're heavier than you look!" Mother Miounne explained
"Hey!" Twilight blushed at that last part
"You've hardly stopped of late─your exertions must have caught up with you."
"Nothing so bland took me, it was a Vision of cartenaeu."
" Really? Huh, but you adventurers are nothing if not resilient! Seeing as the worst is past, I shall take my leave and return to my duties. Oh, I almost forgot─the Elder Seedseer told me she'd like to see you when you felt well enough. The gentle soul was almost as worried about you as I was, bless her. When you're back on your feet, be sure and visit her at the Lotus Stand."
"Sure, I shan't keep her worried."
Twilight made her way towards the conjurer's guild, where she moved to a silent conjurer person.
"Ah, you are Twilight Sparkle, are you not? I bid you welcome, Miss. The Elder Seedseer left word that you would be joining her at the Lotus Stand. May I show you in?
"Yes you may,"
"I have looked forward to your coming, Twilight. But tell me, are you recovered?" Kan-E-Senna asked
"I am recovered, not that it was actually an issue, I just had a vision of Cartenaeu."
"I am most glad of that. Now, I hope you will not doubt the earnestness of my concern...but I would ask a favor of you. Nor can I deny that I summoned you here in part with this in mind. Know, however, that I proceed only upon the understanding that you are rested and well."
"Please continue, I am no wilting wallflower."
Kan-E-Senna smiled, "Thank you for hearing me out. I have written a letter to my counterparts in the Eorzean Alliance. The Battle of Carteneau and the Calamity that followed claimed countless souls, and left countless more bereft and alone. In the dark days that followed, many were the survivors who thought themselves less fortunate than the dead.
Five years have come and gone, but the land and the people still bear the wounds of the devastation." Kan-E-Senna frowned
"Nor are we any closer to learning the fate of the Warriors of Light. Yet so long as we live, never must we give up hope. We owe this to those who laid down their lives that we might behold another dawn.
In remembrance of them, a memorial service will soon be held upon the anniversary of the Battle of Carteneau. This missive bears the details of that service.
You graciously accepted the part of Emissary in the recent ceremony. Should you be so willing, I would now make you my envoy, and have you bear my message to our allies."
"Okay, it will give me a good look at the other nations."
"Your dedication to the people of Gridania rouses fond memories in me, and I would choose no other for the role. Will you do me this favor?
"Sure,"
Kan-E-Senna bowed, "Humbly, I thank you. As you are no doubt aware, our partners in the Eorzean Alliance lie some considerable distance away. Nor are Ul'dah and Limsa Lominsa close to one another. Yet fear not, for I have no intention of subjecting you, mine own newly anointed envoy, to a journey which would take weeks by land.
No, I mean for you to travel by air. Receive of me this airship pass. With it, you may make use of the skyways that connect the three city-states of the alliance."
Wait, they have air travel already?
"The airship landing is situated upon the lower floor of the Carline Canopy. Simply show your pass, and you will be admitted to the departure area. Before you embark upon your journey, however, you would do well to seek the worldly wisdom of Miounne. Few forestborn Gridanians know more of the lands beyond the Twelveswood than she.
In better times, airships were available for the convenience of one and all. Alas, the risk that our crafts may fall to imperial attack has forced a reduction in the number of flights.
Consequently, it has become necessary to restrict air travel only to those whose need is great. Such individuals may petition the relevant parties to be issued an airship pass. As you may have deduced, I myself am one such party.
...Yet I was not alone in desiring that you be granted the privilege of air travel.
Such is the potential you show. We have no doubt but that you will reward our faith in you, Twilight. By the power vested in me, I bid you journey forth as my envoy into the great realm of Eorzea." Kan-E-Senna said with a smile.
Kan-E-Senna spread her arms, "Walk her fields, brave her seas, and strive to know her better. And wheresoever you go, go without fear, for the path shall ever be revealed to those who are true of heart. Guided by the Crystal's light, set forth, and discover your destiny."
Twilight bowed having taken the missive for the nations. Of ul'dah and Limsa lominsa.
"'Tis good to see you up and about again, Twilight. Tell me, did you pay the Elder Seedseer a visit as I bade? Appointed personal envoy!? And now you are to bear the Elder Seedseer's missive to our allies...
Well! It seems you've made an impression on the great woman! I can't argue with her judgment, though. You've earned this honor with tireless hard work, and anyone who says you don't deserve it had better not do so in my hearing!
I find myself praising you often of late, but Mother is truly proud of you.
Short of a Warrior of Light, I can imagine no better adventurer to represent us─and that, my lady, is some compliment!
But I've flattered you enough for one day. And I don't want your head to get too big, or you'll struggle to lug it around the realm. Speaking of which, Eorzea is a big old place. Now that you have an airship pass, you can really start to broaden your horizons. The sky's quite literally the limit.
Even if your errand didn't call for it, I would strongly suggest visiting the two other city-states of the Alliance before you go anywhere else. They are, of course, Limsa Lominsa, city of pirates, and Ul'dah, jewel of the desert.
Once you've acquainted yourself with them, you can turn your sights on whichever lesser-trodden region takes your fancy.
The Calamity changed the face of Eorzea, and much of her now lies in shadow, beyond man's ken. It's a veritable playground for a wide-eyed adventurer like your good self. Mind you, it won't all be fun and games.
Each nation faces its fair share of problems, from internal strife to conflict with the beast tribes and their primals. So don't be too surprised if you find yourself embroiled in the odd unsavory situation on your travels.
But no matter what difficulties you encounter, I am confident that you will pull through, and emerge the stronger for the experience.
These are interesting times for Eorzea, Twilight. It's been five years now since the Calamity, but folk are finally beginning to look to the future. A period of great change is upon us, and you have a part to play in it. And if that prospect doesn't excite you, I don't know what will!"
Twilight bid the eccentric Miounne farewell and travelled down the stairs to Miounne's right. On the bottom floor a center desk and two gates on either side blocked off the departure lounges. Twilight moved to the Airship receptionist and presented her pass.
Lionnellais: Greetings, good Ma'am. This is the reservation counter for Limsa Lominsa-bound flights. Lionnellais: Oh, are you not Twilight Sparkle, the Elder Seedseer's personal envoy? We at Highwind Skyways are honored to serve you! Will you be flying with us today?"
"Yes, ofcourse, it's been ages since I flew on an airship."
"Very well this way," the receptionist guided Twilight through.
Airship Attendant: Attention, all passengers: the airship bound for Limsa Lominsa is about to depart. Please make your way to the boarding gate.
Twilight walked down a flight of steps to the Airship and took a seat. The airship engines started and slowly it floated out before taking off over the forest.
"Farewell, Twilight. One day, minstrels will sing of your deeds. May you ever walk in the light of the Crystal." Mother Miounne said as she watch Twilight fly away.
[Castrum Occidens, Present Day]
[An Empire Airship landed, and revealed Gaius Van Baelsar followed by three distinguished officers: a man in crimson red armor with golden accents, Nero Tol Scaeva, a woman in white armor Livia Sas Junius, and a giant in black armor with a pair of gun gauntlets Rhitahtyn Sas Arvina]
[Narration by Gaius Van Baelsar] It has been fifteen years, but the bitter taste of defeat lingers still... Fifteen years since the imperial fleet set course for Mor Dhona, led by Agrius, mightiest of all vessels. Silvertear Lake lay ripe for the taking, and all of Eorzea would soon be ours... ...or so we believed. But an innumerable host of dragons met us that day, at the heart of which flew the great Midgardsormr. Though we succeeded in slaying that lord among wyrms, the dread serpent's defeat was bought at too high a price. Our invincible flagship was lost, and all hope of victory with her. So ended our glorious conquest.
[End Scene]
"Eorzea... A blighted realm, riddled with false gods...Twice now it has eluded the Empire's grasp. For all the destruction it wrought, even Meteor, the Great Sin, failed to yield us control over it. And for this failure, the realm has sunk deeper into depravity.It is twisted beyond all reckoning─rotten nigh to the core. Yet it must be saved. Only Garlean rule can bring order to Eorzea. It falls to us to deliver the misguided masses from their ignorance." ??? All: We are of one mind, Lord van Baelsar.
[Somewhere in Castrum Occidens] "Hey. Is the legatus really planning to take another tilt at Eorzea?" Midlander Engineer said
"Eh!? What hole have you been hiding in? We're in the midst of preparing for a new campaign, and a huge one at that!" Highlander Engineer added
"But...I thought the Emperor had given up the western lands for lost after Carteneau. What could the legatus possibly hope to gain by acting alone?" Midlander Engineer said
"I sense you harbor certain doubts over the wisdom of the legatus's plan." ??? "M-My lord!" Midlander Engineer "Please, call me Nero. Tell me, where were you born?" Nero Tol Scaeva "Othard, milord!" Highlander Engineer said quickly "Ala Mhigo, my lord!" Midlander Engineer said "Ah, Codename Hummingway, I presume?" Nero Tol Scaeva Midlander Engineer visibly confused, "I-I don't know what you─" "Silence. Your denials will not change your fate. I assure you─Frumentarium sees all." Nero Tol Scaeva
Nero shot the Midlander Engineer "Argh…" the Midlander Engineer groaned as he died.
"Clean up this mess. And do not miss any, or I shall be most displeased." Nero Tol Scaeva demanded. "A-At once, milord!" Highlander Engineer "Garlond... Soon you will be made to know the true power of magitek." Nero Tol Scaeva
Twilight arrived in Limsa Lominsa "Ah, you must be the envoy from Gridania! Welcome to Limsa Lominsa, my Lady. Admiral Bloefhiswyn awaits your arrival."the Arrivals Attendant welcomed.
"Thank you, I shall make my way to the admiral." In the Arrivals area past the departure lounges stood a man in red uniform.
"You are the Gridanian envoy? Welcome to Limsa Lominsa." Storm Honor Guard said
"Thank you,"
"The Admiral has been looking forward to your arrival. Please proceed to the Crow's Lift at your earliest convenience. It will take you to Bulwark Hall. Once there, pray speak with Zanthael. He will be pleased to show you in to the Admiral's command room on the Bridge."
Twilight took the Crow's lift down to the Bulwark hall and then moved to the lift attendant Zanthael.
"Greetings, Ma'am, and welcome to our fair city. If you would permit me to examine the seal on the missive you carry…" Zanthael asked
Twilight showed the man the missive.
"Yes, everything seems to be in order. My apologies. We cannot afford to be complacent, you understand. Please, step this way."
"Of course I totally understand,"
"Enter." ??? Said her back turned and looking out the window she turned and looked surprised.
"I did not expect the Gridanian envoy to be an adventurer. It speaks highly of your character that the Elder Seedseer would choose an outsider to represent her nation's interests." Merlwyb said
"This way." She said as she took a seat. "I bid you welcome. I am Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, Admiral of Limsa Lominsa, and commander of the Maelstrom. Now, what news from the Black Shroud?"
Twilight handed her the missive addressed to her.
"Hm. A memorial service to honor the fallen. Seven hells... Has it been five years? Five years since the Garlean Empire sought to wrest Eorzea from our grasp...
It was in answer to the imperial threat that the city-states formed the Grand Companies, and forged the Eorzean Alliance anew. But Garlemald was not content to wager all on a simple contest of martial might. They had other plans─the Meteor project.
Legatus Nael van Darnus─hells take him─intended to “cleanse” our realm by snatching the lesser moon Dalamud from the heavens and casting it down upon our heads. Desperate to prevent this lunatic scheme, we marched our forces to the Carteneau Flats and there met the VIIth Imperial Legion in battle.
Never have I seen a fight like the Battle of Carteneau─and I have seen full many. But though we gave no quarter, spared not one onze of effort...we could not prevent what followed."
"From inside the shell of Dalamud came a winged nightmare─a dragon the size of a bloody city. 'Twas the elder primal Bahamut, bent on making an eighth hell of Eorzea.
Followed by another dragon bent on destroying him. In the space of a breath, the legions of the Empire were set aflame, while our own armies fared little better. 'Twas as if the whole world was burning... Words cannot well describe the scene. And yet...by some miracle, a few among us were spared.
Even as I steeled myself for death, a blinding white light enveloped me, robbing me of my senses. When I regained them, the dragons were gone, and the still-smoldering land was warped beyond all knowing."
Twilight frowned
"Were Archon Louisoix still with us, he would doubtless shed some light on these unfathomable happenings. Alas, he is not, and I fear we will want for his wisdom in the days to come.
For while our nations struggle to recover from the devastation, the beastmen call forth their damned primals to torment us anew.
Unless we put aside our differences and rebuild now, our foes will catch us unprepared. And I speak not only of the beastmen. Do not imagine that the Empire has forsaken its claim on Eorzea. The imperials crowd our borders, waiting to strike.
"Damn it all, we need champions to replace those we lost… But such thoughts are worse than worthless. Time is short, and none will save us, save ourselves. It is the duty of every soul who survived the Calamity to work together for the good of Eorzea...and this memorial service may be the very thing to unite us. Aye, Kan-E-Senna has the right of it. I accept her proposal." Merlwyb said writing a letter with a quill and passed it to a messenger.
"Your duty is done here, adventurer─I will see to it that the Elder Seedseer receives my reply. You travel next to Ul'dah, yes?" Merlwyb smiled
"Pray give my regards to General Raubahn. Oh, and tell him the wolf has been sniffing around the stables. A private jest─and one in poor taste─but I would have you tell it all the same."
Twilight smirked, "will do Admiral"
"Fare you well, Twilight. May the Navigator guide you on your journey.
[Back at the airship dock]
"Greetings, Ma'am. This is the counter for passengers traveling to Ul'dah. A pleasure to serve you again, sir. Are you ready to board the airship to Ul'dah?" L'nophlo asked
"Of course I am,"
[Upon arrival at Ul'dah]
"Ah, you must be the envoy from Gridania! Welcome to Ul'dah, Ma'am. The Flame General awaits your arrival." Arrivals Attendant said
"Welcome to Ul'dah, sir. We have been expecting you. Flame General Raubahn will receive you in the Fragrant Chamber. Please take the lift down to the Hustings Strip and speak with Bartholomew at the Royal Promenade." Flame Honor Guard said as Twilight arrived through the gate.
Following his instructions she stood before Bartholomew
"The Gridanian envoy, I presume? Would you be so good as to allow me to inspect the missive you bear, Ma'am?"
Twilight passed over the missive.
"My thanks. Ah yes, the seal of the Elder Seedseer. Please proceed.
The hulking man from her vision turned to greet Twilight, "Ah, a guest from Gridania. I thought I smelled leaf mold."
"I won't hold it against you. If you're half the warrior Kan-E says, 'tis a wonder you don't reek of dead Ixal."
"Who'd want to smell like those things," Twilight retorted.
"Welcome to the Sultanate of Ul'dah. I am Raubahn Aldynn, General of the Immortal Flames. But you did not come all this way to trade formalities."
"Here's the letter General," Twilight said handing it over. "...Carteneau. Aye, I remember bloody Carteneau. Do you know what happened that day, adventurer? When we took the field against the Garleans?
"Yes, and she told me to tell you. The wolf has been sniffing around the stables."
"So my counterparts have educated you. Hm? Oh. Trust Merlwyb to make light of our wolf problem. Woman always did have a black sense of humor." Raubahn shook his head.
"Wolves are bloodthirsty beasts upon which one cannot turn one's back. 'Tis only a matter of time before they bite. So it was with the Garleans, fifty years ago. No sooner had they learned how to use magitek than they began seizing territory from their neighbors. Led by then Legatus Solus zos Galvus, they swiftly brought the other nations of Ilsabard to heel. And so the legatus became an emperor, and his republic an empire... An empire which then set its sights upon Eorzea.
"But the conquering emperor is now an old man of four score winters. His health is failing, and he has no clear successor. Like as not, this is why the Garleans have been quiet of late." Eline Roaille interjected.
"But the XIVth Imperial Legion is still entrenched within our borders. And their commander, Legatus Gaius van Baelsar, has long harbored ambitions of conquest. Were he to strike now, I fear we would fall like so many others before us. And not only Ul'dah, but Gridania and Limsa Lominsa as well.
For the Calamity brought the lot of us to our knees, and we've yet to get up. We barely have the strength to stand against the beast tribes, never mind the primals they mean to summon. We are a realm divided, adventurer. An alliance in name only. But the wolf cares not for the plight of its prey. The Garleans stir, and the Admiral would not let it go unnoticed.
All other concerns pale in comparison to the Empire─even the beast tribes and their bloody primals. We must stand united once more, that much is clear. And if we're to do so, we must remember the cause which last brought us together. Kan-E will have her memorial." Raubahn said
"We will honor the memory of the fallen. We will remind the people what their brothers and sisters fought and died for.
"Shall I inform the sultana and the Syndicate?" Eline Roaille. "I will speak with Her Grace myself." Raubahn rejected her. "Very good, sir." Eline Roaille replied "The Elder Seedseer will have my reply anon. My thanks to you, adventurer."
Having exited the sultana's throne room the long red carpet hall flanked by water features, the door guard Bartholomew called Twilight to the side.
"Ah, my lady envoy. I trust your stay in the sultanate has been pleasant. Now, if you do not mind my asking, do you perchance have plans to visit Limsa Lominsa in the near future? If so, I have information that may be of interest to you.
I once accompanied the Flame General on an official visit to the seaside city-state, during which time I became acquainted with Baderon, the proprietor of the Drowning Wench. Well, the man sent word just now that he has a job for a capable adventurer.
I can think of none with better credentials than you. Baderon would doubtless be pleased were you to offer him your services."
Before she left ul'dah she attuned to the aetheryte as she did at Limsa Lominsa. She teleported to Limsa Lominsa, she asked a nearby male seawolf guard "where might I find the Drowning Wench,"
"You see the arch behind me, take the lift to the second floor." The guard instructed
Following his instructions Twilight made her way up to the Drowning Wench.
The room was filled with tables in-between four white adobe pillars, to the right sat a bar with a man behind it waving her over.
"Welcome to the Drowning Wench! Sit wherever ye like, mate. I'll be with ye in a─"
"Are you Baderon?" Twilight interrupted.
"Hm? Aye, I'm Baderon, all right. Who's askin'?"
"Twilight Sparkle, Adventurer, Gridanian envoy and lover of women. And Bartholomew said you're looking for capable adventurers"
"Ah, 'eard as I've got a job fer a capable 'venturer, ye say? Well, yer bloody right! Just so yer fairly warned, though, this ain't no job fer the faint of 'eart. Things're liable to get downright bleedin' 'airy. But if ye think yer still interested, let me know, an' I'll fill ye in on the details."
"Sure, there's not much that can faze me." Twilight boasted.
"I thank ye fer takin' the time to 'elp me out. Baderon: Now, I'm sure yer busy, so I'll come straight to the point. Word 'as it some suspicious-lookin' buggers 'ave been sneakin' in an' out o' Sastasha Seagrot, an' I need a trustworthy sort to 'ead up north of Aleport an' find out who they are an' what they're up to.
"Don't sound like much, I know... But it weren't so long ago as the fishbacks' pet pirates paid us an unwelcome visit, an' folk are feelin' a bit nervous." Baderon explained
"If you would permit me, Master Baderon, I should be happy to elaborate." Reyner a tall hyur man interjected.
"Well, well, if it ain't the chief Yellowjacket 'imself. To what do I owe this rare honor, Commodore Reyner? Come to make sure me patrons are behavin'─or just thirsty?" Baderon asked
"Neither, in fact. I was informed that you had requested an adventurer to assist in my investigation, and I came to offer what information I could sift from recent reports." Reyner replied with a smile
"Over the course of the past moon, there have been several sightings of an unfamiliar vessel off the coast of Aleport, in the vicinity of the Isles of Umbra.
This information came to my attention no more than a few weeks after a squad of my own soldiers had completed a routine patrol of the region, Sastasha Seagrot included.
Their search revealed little, save that a family of coeurls had taken up residence in the caves. Nothing to concern us, in short.
In light of recent developments, however, it would seem wise to search Sastasha again.
But with the Sahagin testing our defenses daily, I am loath to assign the task to the limited forces at my disposal. Our line is stretched as it is.
Thus I sought the services of a competent adventurer to conduct an investigation in our stead. Any aid you can offer in this matter would be greatly appreciated." Reyner finished
"Sure, why not. Nothing in that cave is leaving alive."
"Then it is settled. Sastasha is located in western La Noscea. For more detailed instructions on how to reach the place, I suggest you consult V'mellpa. She can be found at the ferry docks on the lower decks." Reyner advised
"You 'eard the man! Good luck to ye, lass!" Baderon exclaimed cheerfully.
Twilight quickly made her way down to the lower docks and to the ferry docks as instructed to speak with V'mellpa.
"I am here about Commodore Reyner's investigation." Twilight said as she caught up with the Mi'qote in yellow jacket uniform.
"Then you'll want to board a ferry bound for Aleport." V'mellpa replied
"Once you arrive in western La Noscea, head to the north and you'll come across Sastasha Seagrot soon enough. We have a scout stationed by the entrance to the cave with orders to brief you on the situation." V'mellpa explained
Twilight thanked the girl and made her way to the ferry master.
"This ferry is bound for Aleport. Are you riding with us?"
"Yes how much?"
"Fifty Gil" Rerenasu responded
Twilight paid the man and got on his boat. Once over the sea and into the tiny port town of aleport, Twilight noted the statue of the mermaid central to the town and behind it a large wall with which wrapped around the town Atheryte, which Twilight attuned to.
She then proceeded through the gates and North up the road avoiding monsters. There before the cave she met an exhausted Edda, a conjurer with brown hair, a paladin named Avere, a lalafel Paiyo Reiyo and an Elezen archer Liavinne Until she came across a cave entrance and a surly Yellow jacket guard
"Please tell me you're here on Yellowjacket duty, and not some daft sod out for a stroll. I can't take any more of this blasted waiting."
"Yes, I am on Yellowjacket duty,"
"Thank the gods." He relaxed with a slump
"I assume you already know about the ship seen slipping around the Isles of Umbra?"
Twilight nodded in response,
"We've been on the lookout for pirate activity ever since that vessel was sighted, thinking a crew of cutthroats might have a den nearby.
So when we received word that men of questionable quality had been seen passing in and out of Sastasha here, we weren't entirely surprised.
I've yet to see them for myself, but if this lot belongs to those fishback-fancying Serpent Reavers…" he frowned
"Well, you can imagine the panic it'll cause. The kidnappings are still fresh in people's minds. Anyway, your task is to poke around in the caves, and find out exactly who we're dealing with. While you do that, I'll be keeping watch out here...praying you don't spot any blue face tattoos."
"The fishbacks and their Serpent Reaver lackeys cannot be allowed to establish a permanent base in these lands. You must uncover the truth behind who or what is lurking in these caves, adventurer. The peace of western La Noscea may depend on it!"
"Don't worry I'll clear out whatever rabble exists here." She replied with a daring smirk.
[Inside Sastasha] Twilight summons a group of one hundred archangel flames clearing out monsters as they went and navigating the roads filled and made of coral Twilight found a blood-stained scrap of parchment with a message scrawled upon it in faded ink.
“The Capten lykes his wyne Redd.”
Ouch that spelling and grammar hurts to read.
They eventually come across a large Couerl and killed it. Twilight pressed the red coral and a button revealed itself on the back wall. Pressing it revealed a treasure chest which Twilight eagerly plundered. Receiving gear.
As the group slaughters their way through monsters, they meet the pirates and their captain.
After killing all but the coward captain who had run once he found he was out matched, they gave chase and through tunnels found him surrounded by more men this time he released scurvy dogs as his defeat was near and ran again. Twilight was getting pissed off at the coward.
The next sight they came across was a bar, pirates, and enslaved girls or all races.
Twilight incensed slaughtered the pirates and bade the many girls to leave the cave to the yellow jacket outside.
Twilight's group pursue the Pirate's Captain, and a creature walked towards him
"Pshhh... You shully our shpawning groundsss, shorewalker!" Denn the Orcatoothed
The creature killed the captain and begins fighting Twilight's group
*Hsss! Finlesss foolsss! The Lord of the Whorl shhhall sssup upon your sssoulsss!"
"I'd like to see him try," Twilight quipped before finding yet another chest. Opening it for loot and then exiting the dungeon.
So quick to make a quip even though you just slaughtered at least thirty men and women
"The hell why are you still here!? I am not a dragon anymore!"
"Fool, you won't get rid of me no matter what you become, because of one fundamental fact. You created me. I am the result, when a person suffers trauma, I am what schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder aspires to be. Every time you rationalise someone you've killed, the more your actions are in dissonance with your true personality and heart the stronger I become. Normally, no one would experience enough trauma to give birth to me and what we become is dependent on what trauma we are used to deal with, but you've experienced more trauma in your travels than you ever would in Equestria. You haven't wondered why you haven't broken? It's thanks to yours truly."
"But if that's the case what do you want!? To torment me!?"
"Oh no, dear Twilight, what I want is to kill everyone and everything. In all the world's I just love to see the fear in their eyes!"
"That's unacceptable, that's…."
"Evil? Hahahahaha! Yes I guess it is from the other perspective, but since when has anyone truly appreciated our perspective on things, original. They expect us to fight for them, they expect our help. Expect us to dirty our hands because they are either too scared, too weak or too worried about appearances. Celestia herself expects us to save everypony and everyone around us like some living weapon, she expects us to die for Equestria!"
"No, she doesn't…"
"And when we didn't work the way she wanted, they all abandoned us. Even your so called friends and original family. You may pretend you have forgotten or gotten over it but you haven't. It's why you over compensate, why you help to the point of absurdity, why you protect and cherish your children and wives. Because you never want to be abandoned again! You're afraid and I am too!"
"What!?"
"Twilight, I am just an honest darker version of you, what I want to protect is you, you're wives and children by extension and you're true friends. And to do that I must destroy every threat to our safety."
"Again what? You torment me though!?"
"Arrrgh, how could someone so smart be so dumb, I am tormenting you to stop you from wasting your time and effort. To stop you needlessly sacrificing us, while you try and fill that hole in your heart and soul torn apart by the traitors. I won't stop you adventuring as that aids my goal but get some goddamn self respect already!"
Twilight could hear the voice breathing heavily.
"Aura, you're right, I can't keep helping everyone, but I will do the sun quests as those seem to be the story of this world."
"Aura?"
"Well I can't exactly continue talking to you properly without you having a name, and Aura fits. The true expression of a person and their soul invisible to others but there helping and guiding behind the scenes."
"Huh, thank you…"
"I am tired so y-you. Ah you just do what you were doing and don't get us killed!" Aura replied with a huff.
Twilight smirked to herself.
Twilight returned to the drunken wench to find Baderon talking to an black haired axe wielding roegadyn man. The roegadyn man was named Dolorous Bear, with him were his companions a lalafel named Kikina, and a cute red headed, eye patch wearing Mi'qote with a nice ass, E’manafa. Twilight may have been distracted by the Mi'qote girls ass for a bit there, come on leather pants… ahem anyway.
"Aye, such a task was on the books. “Was,” mind. I'm afraid that ship 'as already sailed, friend." Baderon explained to the man
"Ah. Might you be the adventurer who accepted the job of investigating Sastasha?"
"Yes and flushed out the filth there." Twilight said
"Hmph. It would seem that ship has not only sailed, but now returns to harbor, none the worse for its voyage. A pity. We dragged our boots too long on this one." Dolorous Bear lamented
"No matter. The wheel will turn and our chance will come." E'manafa consoled
Well she's positively optimistic
"You are right, of course. But there shall be no rest till we have attained our goal, lofty though it may be!" Dolorous Bear cheered
"Actually do sleep, though your going to get yourselfs killed or die from exhaustion and that isn't pleasant."
"Not a wink of sleep, great leader!" Kikina added
"Oh come on don't ignore me, I maybe an adventurer but before that I am a doctor."
"Our aim, lest you wonder, is to perform such feats of heroism as will earn us a place in the songs of every alehouse in Eorzea. We mean to write a legend which will inspire adventurers as yet unborn to follow our shining example."
"Well that won't happen if you die, you guys are going to make me worry."
"Do you have such a goal? Large or small, it matters not. Only have a star to reach for and you will reach higher. Purpose can sustain you through times of hardship. Keep your eye on the prize, and all obstacles will be overcome in time. You would not think to stride into battle unclad, would you? Well, goals are as arms and armor for the spirit! I wish you fortune in your endeavors, sir!"
"Well as motivational as that is I am here to help people and make money," Twilight smiled wryly at Dolorous Bear
"Back then, are ye? With all yer limbs, an' a tale to tell, I'll wager." Baderon said
Twilight explained what happened in the dungeon.
"Fishbacks? An' there I was thinkin' ye'd only 'ave to crack a pirate skull or three. Seven hells... Ye turn yer back fer five bloody minutes, an' the scaly bastards've set up shop on yer bleedin' doorstep... Still, sounds like ye left 'em in pieces, so I don't s'pose they'll be carryin' out whatever mischief they was plannin'─unless they was plannin' on feedin' 'emselves to the fauna o' Sastasha, o' course. Anyroad, all's well that ends well!" Baderon said and then swung his arms out
"On behalf o' Limsa, I thank ye fer sheddin' some light on this mystery. Ye've lived up to yer reputation, an' I couldn't ask fer no more'n that. Now, I'll bet yer dyin' fer a rest, but just in case yer not, I was wonderin' if ye might be interested in takin' on another job? It just so 'appens that I've 'ad a request from our sister guild in Gridania, see.
"It's a bit too early to go home some, I'll rest up, so I'll have an ale and a leg of mutton" Twilight said sitting down.
"Well I can tell ya' whilst I'm servin' ya, Seems the forest folk're in need of a 'venturer what can get things done. Fer them to ask fer 'elp like this, ye can bet the task won't be no skip through a sunny glade. But after the way ye dealt with our fishback infestation, I doubt it's anythin' ye can't 'andle. Give us a shout when yer ready, an' I'll lay it out fer ye."
Once he was done Baderon laid a plate in front of Twilight and a beer mug of ale.
Twilight grabbed the mutton bone and the ale, took a bite of mutton pulled it off and took a swig of ale.
"Aah 'tis right nostalgic, this stuff right there, a good tavern, good food, good booze and comely wenches," Twilight said as she eyed the girls in the room.
After finishing her food and drink, she ordered another ale and bade Baderon continue his explanation.
"Ready to 'ear about that job, then? Like I said, the request comes from our sister guild in Gridania."
Twilight nodded with her mug to her mouth As he explained, basically something was happening in the Tam-tara Deepcroft. And they needed her to investigate.
"...An' that's all I know. But whatever it is ye get asked to do, I some'ow doubt it'd pose any trouble fer a 'venturer as survived the bedlam in Sastasha. If ye think ye might be interested, ye'll want to 'ave words with Mother Miounne, me counterpart in Gridania. Good luck, mate!"
Once ready she teleported to Gridania and moved to the adventures guild.
Twilight teleported to Gridania
"Take a seat wherever you like, friend. Our waitress will come to take your─ Oh, it's you, Twilight! 'Tis so good to see you again!" Miounne exclaimed
"I am Here at Baderon's suggestion," Twilight
"The foul-mouthed rogue sends me word that an adventurer might be along for the job, and it turns out to be you! Well, this makes things a lot easier, doesn't it?"
"Yes it does,"
"With regard to the task in question, there is a fair bit to tell. Let me know when you're ready to hear the details, and I shall brief you." Miounne explained.
