Magic. Ether. What-ch-ma-call-it. It has many names yet in each world even in worlds where magic doesn't exist there is always a Titan of Ether. And each of these Titans had their own heroes to save their world if it was needed to be saved....
Magic. Ether. What-ch-ma-call-it. It has many names yet in each world, even in worlds where magic doesn't exist, there is always a Titan of Ether. And each of these Titans had their own heroes to save their world if it was needed to be saved. However, Equestria which had no Titan of Ether was in danger from a very real and dangerous threat, the Earth's Titan of Ether could not stand by and watch a world so close to his own be destroyed. So choosing a few heroes and imbuing them with powers, gear and magic similar to a Pen & Paper RPG, he sent them out to save Equestria.
Terry was the first of these Heroes to be sent out. More was soon to follow. Can Terry unite these heroes, both from Earth and Equestria to combat this threat? Well if you want to know, turn the page and read on.
For this is their story.
* * * * *
This Story contains mild Gore, Lots of swearing and is a crossover. You have been warned.
The Story was originally New Life for an Old Golem which had gone may revisions and re-imaginations. This one was the one I stuck with and started to write on. This story is taking over the New Life for an Old Golem.
The story is based on the idea that since Equestria is a land of magic and myth. Thus raiding the Pathfinder Bestiary Books and Races books would provide the nice setting for the stories.
And yes. Before you all point it out, there is a bit of Ultima in it.
Credit to Holy for helping me edit and shape the story even though now he is not the editor anymore. Still some props to you mate! Thank you all for reading it. Even if you don't like the new direction for it.
Its all started with a weird looking GM.... (OLD Story)
Life was good for a man named Terry Chang. He was a stereotypical short Asian American with the black hair and blue eyes he got from his mother. He was the kind of guy where you would like after meeting up with him for the first time. While a bit geeky and a brony to boot he is always pleasant around those he hang out with especially his rather nerdy friends.
However, Terry felt that there was not enough excitement in his life. He was always rather careful and rarely did anything reckless. Sure he had tried to get some excitement out of pen and paper rpgs like Shadowrun and Pathfinder but they eventually lost its luster. That is until last Saturday at the comic store.... where it all started.
* * * * *
"And the troll goes down for the count," said Grey from behind the Gm screen," Well i think we can stop here for a break. What do you think guys?"
"Yeah," said Arnold, " I'm getting a bit peckish, anyone wants anything from the Chinese place?"
"Er Arnold," said Zack," You do remember why Kevin banned food from the store right?"
"I said I was sorry!" said Arnold," I didn't mean to spill the soup over his laptop. Jeez what a tight ass."
"I'm right here you know," said Kevin the store owner from behind the counter.
Terry just rolled his eyes while the other got up and tried to convince Arnold to just let it go and all of them to go to the Chinese restaurant and eat there. When he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"You coming Terry?" asked Grey.
"No thanks guys," said Terry," I'm not hungry. I'll just hang here and wait."
"You sure mate?" asked Zack which prompt Terry to nod in reply," OK mate, just ring me if you want anything."
"No wet foods," said Kevin before walking around the counter to arrange some books.
"Got it mate," said Zack as the rest exited the shop.
Terry got up from the table which was littered with dice and papers from their Pathfinder game and walked to the community board which Kevin maintained for the customers. Mostly just a large space on the wall where people would place anything they felt like it and Kevin took down the ones that either didn't make sense or to offensive to be on the board. Terry gave the board a quick scan when he noticed a small sticky note which just said,
For a great Pathfinder monster game leave a message and number with Kevin. Signed D1s Cordian
Scratching his head at the rather short message he turned and asked," Hey Kevin, whats with the sticky note?"
"Oh that thing?" said Kevin," Yeah some strange guy came in the other day and left it there. Gave me a number to contact him to about players. Most people just ignore it. I would suggest you do to. But hey its your life."
Terry looked at the note again an just shrugged. As he waited for the rest of his friends to return from the chinese restaurant, he decided to heck with it.
Turning to Kevin again, Terry said," Hey Kevin you still got my handphone number?"
"Yeah I do," said Kevin," Why you want to order something from the cataloger again?"
"Nah," replied Terry," Could you called that Cordian guy and say that he has a player? It could be interesting."
"No need kid," said Kevin gesturing to the door," The guy just walked in."
And indeed he did. The man that walked in was rather strange looking with goaty that was both board and white like a very bad dye job. Other than that he looked like as if he came back from a very important board meeting with sports jacket and tie. He looked at the two and said," What? Can't a guy just walk into his favourite comic shop?"
"Stop blowing sunshine up my ass," said Kevin," Nah just your timing couldn't be any more perfect. You got a player."
"Really? Where?" asked Mr Cordian.
"Him," said Kevin as he pointed to Terry.
"Oh goody," said Mr Cordian," At last, I was starting to get very very bored. Now shall we get started? or would you like some time to get things done first?"
"Er... sure," said Terry," so a monster game eh?"
"Yes using pathfinder creation rules if you don't mind." said Mr Cordian with a grin," You'll be starting at level 15 but i want you to at least have 5 levels in a class so CR 10 if you please."
"Sure," said Terry," May take a while though I need to read up on a lot of things first. That and I'm still in a game right now."
"Not a problem," said Mr Cordian and he pulled out a card," Here's my contact number and call me when your done ok? Then we'll arrange to meet back here so i can check your character ok?"
"Yeah sure," said Terry who was used to this GM stuff." ok then see you Mr Cordian"
"Please," said Mr Cordian as he walked out of the shop," Call me Dis."
"What a weird guy." said Terry as he started to plan his character in his head while he still had the chance.
* * * * *
Two days later...
Terry looked at his computer and looking at the Pathfinder SRD website and rubbed his eyes. There, he was done. While it was not a full monster and more of a alternate race. It was still somewhat monstrous enough. A samurai kitsune with his trusty steed Gold Honor. He then used the contact number provided to call Dis but even now he couldn't remember where he had seen Dis before. It had nagged him for the past two days but the memory still eluded him. Giving Dis a quick call saying that he had finished his character, Dis suggested that the next day after 2pm they should meet up and cobble the final details.
The next day, Terry went to the comic shop as planned and noticed something very strange. There was Kevin there of course, he owned the shop. But the shop was strangely empty. Save for Dis waiting at the table of course. He didn't look like he had any of the usual GM equipment but then again this is mostly just reviewing a character. As Terry went into the shop, Kevin walked up to the door and locked it.
"Hey whats gives Kevin," asked Terry
"What happened next doesn't leave this shop," said Kevin as he turned over the we're open sign to the the close side and bringing down the blinders for the windows.
"What the hell are you talking about?" said Terry
"Oh its quite simple," said Dis," we are playing Pathfinder. Now."
"Wait i though you just wanted to see my character? I didn't bring any dice." said Terry
"Oh where you are going, you don't need dice." answered Dis," You sure no one will miss him Kevin?"
"Yeah," said Kevin," A good boy but too cautious, prefect for your needs Discord."
"Wait wait wait," said Terry getting more and more confused," DISCORD?! You mean My little Pony: Friendship is Magic DISCORD?! No way your both nuts."
"Oh really," said Dis," Then why don't you close your left eye and look at me and Kevin?"
"OK fine then," said Terry and did as Dis asked. He saw Dis as THE draconequus from the show. Kevin however looked no different except that his eyes were solid black and had a strange aura. He couldn't believe it.
"What the heck is going on?!" demanded Terry.
"I win," said Kevin," You owe me five bits."
"Yeah yeah," said Discord," Rub it in why don't you. Well to answer your question, I'm giving you an adventure, it will fit your want for excitement and Equestria's need for a hero. Granted your not my first pick for the job but with the help of Kevin over there and using Pathfinder as a catalyst, well you get the idea."
"No way," said Terry," this can't be real."
"Too bad," said Kevin," This shop is real, Equestria's real, you are real. And unfortunately Discord is real."
"Hey," said Discord," You don't see me badmouthing you oh so great Titan of Ether."
"Oh stop calling me that," said Kevin," Ether doesn't exist in this world. Anyway you seen the character sheet yet Discord?"
"Yup," said Discord holding the character sheet and the file that was moments ago Terry was holding. Terry didn't know how Discord got his character sheet from him without him knowing but then again he still couldn't believe he was Discord.
"Not bad," said Discord," A monster playable race so he has full 15 levels in one class. Kitsune samurai. Oh you have a steed oh boy looks like you're going to have your hand full with the locals. I like it that you sure my own rules against me, its.... chaotic."
"Hey now," said Terry," I...I don't want to go to Equestira! I mean I have a life here!"
"Kevin?" asked Discord.
"Terry's parents work away from home, he doesn't have a girlfriend because its to risky and I can easily wipe terry's existence with his normal friends as they don't know much about him because he is always so cautious. So yeah your pretty screw here Terry."
'Wait," said Terry," I... I can come back here right?"
"Only if that is what you want," said Discord," Once you have done what you needed to do there you'll be given a choice on whether or not you want to stay there or come back to this world. Of course even if you do comeback here there is no guarantee that Kevin and I wouldn't just send you back again."
"Don't worry kid," said Kevin," You'll do fine. Besides your not the only one we are going to send over... just the first."
"Wait," can you give me some time to think about this?"
"Nope," said Discord and Kevin as a rift started opening bellow Terry.
"Hey... W-wait!" said Terry as the rift opened around him and he was slowly sinking into it," What do I need to do over there?!"
'You'll find out yourself," said Kevin," Mind you I can't help you out from this side. I'll need to build a black gate for that."
And with that, Terry was fully submerged into the rift and was sent into Equestria.
"You sure you can't help him Kevin?" asked Discord as Kevin sealed the Rift.
"Yeah," said Kevin," I'm too big to fit though that and It'll take me a few more months for my black gate to be finished."
"Meh, whatever." said Discord," I just hope the kid can live up for the job."
"He will. And he will have a party of adventures to help him. We just got to find them. Now come on, we need to reopen the shop."
"Oh come on do i have too?" whined Discord.
"Yes now hurry up," said Kevin.
* * * * *
In Equestria...
"Oh my aching head...." said Terry as he stood up.
"You're head? What about mine?" said another voice.
"Who said that?" said Terry," Why am I furry? Oh my god don't tell me what happened at the shop..."
"Yeah, " said the voice," Discord and a fucking TItan of Ether sent you to Equestria. The name is Gold Honor and thanks to you, I'm now huge.
"What?" said Terry as he looked at the voice.
The voice belonging to a horse with a golden coat and a black mane and tail. It looked like the horses from Saddle Arabia. But it had a cuite mark which depict a shield with a fox face emblem.
"Ah great and you changed my cuite mark too," said Gold Honor," That is just great thanks a lot you great furry wind bag."
"My fault?!" said Terry," How is it my fault?! And how do you know whats going on?!"
"Discord filled me in," said Gold Honor," Before turning me into this."
"Oh..." said Terry," I guess your right."
"That's right," said Gold Honor," So pay me back by saving Equestria."
"Right," said Terry as he opened the pack next to him and took out his gear. The helm which could breath dragonthunder. his gauntlets of weapon mastery, his armor and other gears. He then set (much to Gold Honor's dismary) a saddle and set the banner of the fox on him as well. Once prepared and counting teh extra gold he had on him he asked Gold Honor.
"So you know where we need to go first?"
"Yeah," answered Gold Honor," Canterlot. We have to see the Princesses and then maybe visit the Adventure's guild."
"Right," said Terry as he got on Gold Honor's saddle," Well at least its a direction. Let's go."
"Just promise me one thing," said Gold Honor as he made their way to Canterlot," Don't say giddy up."
"Wow," said Terry," Now I know why Grey skipped the traveling section in the Pathfinder sessions."
"Because it is boring?" asked Gold Honor.
"No more like to time consuming," said Terry.
"Whatever," said Gold Honor," Well we are almost there. You ready for making everyone afraid of you?"
"Not really," Said Terry," But we need to see the Princesses... can you make sure I don't geek out?"
"No promises for that," said Gold Honor," After all I still don't believe that you guys have a tv show about us on Earth."
Terry and Gold Honor, during the trip, have been comparing notes of each others world and about each other. Apparently Gold Honor was a pony who just entered Equestria's Army as a private and training to be a scout when he was called by Discord for a important task which is being Terry's partner in this world.Being a Canterlotian himself, he knew the roads around the city very well.
As they approached the main gate of Canterlot, they were stopped by two pegasi guards wearing the uniform of the solar guard.
"HALT!" shouted one of the guards," State your names and business here? What the hell are you?!"
"Are you wearing a dragon's skull?!"
"Ah well not really," said Terry as he dismounted," I am Terry Chang, Samurai of the Fox Clan, Chosen of the Earthly Titan of Ether and this is my partner and friend Gold Honor of Canterlot."
"Wow," whispered Gold Honor," Hamming it up why don't ya."
"Shut up," said Terry whispering back," Besides when am I going to use all that roleplaying skilled I got with playing Pathfinder and Shadowrun with my friends?"
"Er...." said one of the guards," Ok... what is your business here fox."
"I need to see all of the Princesses here. Its of vital importance as I was sent by my world's Titan of Ether and DIscord."
At the word of Discord, the guards looked at each other and then yelled for the gate to be opened.
"Follow us and don't get lost," said one of the guards," and whatever you do don't talk to any of the nobles."
"Why," asked Terry," Because we are dangerous and an unknowable quality?"
"Eh?" said one of the guards," Oh no, some of them will make you want to strange them. Even we feel that."
"Yup," said Gold Honor," Especially Blueblood."
"Oh yes especially Blueblood," the other solar guard agreed.
Terry and Gold Honor both followed the solar guards through the streets of Canterlot. The streets were busy as usual with ponies shopping around for essential and luxury items. Some of them stared at the two but most went on with their day as if nothing was wrong. Terry noticed that some of the ponies around were actually putting effort to pretend as if nothing was wrong. HOwever their luck had run out when they came across Prince Blueblood and his 'personal guards.'
Princess Blueblood and his 'guards' were hashing a young mare when the group found them. The guards leered at Blueblood's party and one of them took a few steps fowards and yelled," Blueblood! What. In. Celestia's Name. Are. You. Doing. With. My. SIster!"
"Ah well," said Blueblood," Its none of your business."
"ThunderShock! Help me!" yelled the young mare.
Blueblood laughed," Oh and what can he do? if he lays a hand on me or any of my personal guard, he'll be fired faster than you can say Luna sexy flank."
His 'guards' laughed along with Blueblood and the solar guard called ThunderShock ears drooped in defeat when Terry walked by him and said," Well maybe he can't but maybe I can."
"And what in the name of Celestia are you?" asked Blueblood.
"A samurai," said Terry as torched his gauntlets and drew his katana out of it.
Many ponies who were witness to the whole event moved back from the two groups. The 'guards' shifted their stance as they glared at the kitsune. Blueblood just scoff and said," Deal with it."
Two of the eight "personal guards," rushed towards Terry and they were intercepted by Gold Honor as he rammed the two.
"Don't worry Terry, I got these two," said Gold Honor.
Terry nodded as he rushed the other six 'guards' and slashed at them with the back end of the blade, knocking them out. Blueblood's jaw was gasping wide as he saw his 'personal guards' knocked out is a flash. And two of his other 'guards' were covering from a Saddle Arabian. He then used his magic to draw his rapier and pointed it at Terry.
"En Garde foul beast!" shouted Blueblood.
"Foul beast?" said Terry and then he laughed and looked at Blueblood," I'm not the thing that is trying to rape a young girl. Now you will feel my wrath."
"Y-your Wrath?" said Blueblood with a whimper of fear.
"Yes," said Terry as he ready his blade towards Blueblood. And with one rush and slash with his katana, the pitiful excuse of a rapier snapped into two and half of Blueblood's mane was cut of. Blueblood seeing the 'damage' he had received fainted on the spot.
"Well that was fun," said Terry as he placed the blade back into his gauntlets. Terry looked over to Gold Honor and said," So how are those two?"
"Oh the fear of them getting trampled by me made them faint. And to think I was afraid of them back in training," answered Gold Honor.
"Well back then you weren't this big and you were still an enlisted pony. Now you're more of a free agent," said Terry.
"Good point," said Gold Honor as he looked over to ThunderShock, his partner and his sister," Well can we continue on?"
"You're not afraid of what Blueblood is going to do to you guys?" asked ThunderShock.
The two looked at each other and at the same time said," Nah."
ThunderShock looked at them dumbfounded and said," Well then.... I guess we better move on before Blueblood comes too."
"Yes we should," said Terry," The princesses are waiting. Or at least I hope so"
"Yes well," said ThunderShock," After this get out to them, they will be."
* * * * *
Half an hour later...
Terry and Gold Honor was sitting on a bench which was outside Princess Celestia's Office and were hoping that one of the princesses could explain why Terry was here and Discord was on Earth. After a few more minutes, ThunderShock walked out of the office and towards the two.
"Princess Celestia will see you now," said ThunderShock.
"About time," said Terry as he got up from the bench.
"Thanks Thundershock," said Gold Honor," I hope we didn't cause you to much problems."
"Even if you did," said ThunderShock with a grin," It would have been worth it. Now quit stalling and get in there I got to get back to my post."
Terry and Gold Honor nodded and walked into Celestia's office, and was greeted by Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight. Terry could barely contain his glee because of how big Twilight has gotten. While he didn't know when in the continuity this takes place but he assumed it was after season 3 and beyond. Twilight looked around the same size as Celestia, maybe a few inches shorter but roughly the same height.
"From what I have been told," said Celestia breaking Terry's daydream," I owe you a apology on behalf of the Noble House of the Unicorns and once my nephew wakes up I'll give him a stern talking to."
"While that is all fine and dandy your Highness," said Terry," I think he need to be thrown to the streets."
"While that is a very tempting suggestion, I don't have someone else ready to take over the job yet," said Celestia.
"Then there is still hope," said Gold Honor.
"While I don't agree with how the both of you handled it," said Twilight with a frown," It certainly did work. Now could the both of you introduce yourself?"
"Forgive my friend's rude manners," said Terry," I am Terry Chang, Samurai of the Fox Clan, Chosen of the Earthly Titan of Ether and my friend and I are here to figure out why my world's Titan of Ether and Discord set us up to save this world."
"Did you say your world's Titan of Ether?" asked Celestia
"Yup," said Terry.
"That is rather disturbing," said Celestia," But it does explain why Discord has been missing for the pass few months."
"Why is it rather disturbing Celestia?" asked Twilight.
"Well Twilight," answered Celestia," If another world's Titan of Ether is looking out for us that means something very big is going down."
"Er how big are we talking about here?" asked Terry.
"Big enough to threaten his universe's fabric of reality," said Celestia," Titans of Ether's main job is to keep that fabric intact in their world like a early warning system. And since our world's Titan of Ether is as dead as a door knob we wouldn't be as forewarned as you have done. Too bad I don't know the reason behind your being here or what your suppose to stop but it merits enough that you two will need as much help you can get."
"Ok Q & A time," said Terry," Firstly who was this world's Titan of Ether?"
"Sombra," said Celestia.
"Wait a minute," interrupted Twilight," Your talking about the Dark Wizard Sombra, the guy I help destroy years ago, that Sombra?"
"Yes," said Celestia," He was once on the side of good before he fell from grace."
"I see," said Terry," Second question, anything out of the ordinary... well except for me that is."
"Well the number of monster attacks have increased lately. Why don't you head on down to the Adventurer's guild and gather some information there and come back here for dinner?"
"Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight," said Gold Honor as he bowed low," We would be honored."
"Excellent," said Celestia," now if you would excuse us we do have some royal duties to attend."
"Bet you ten bits," said Twilight as she stood up," That Blueblood is awake and wants to whine and complain and demand stuff."
"I'll take that bet," said Celestia with a grin and both of them walked out of the Office.
"To the guild then Gold?" said Terry as he followed the princesses out of the office.
"Eeyup," said Gold Honor," Come on I know a few safe shortcuts we can take to get there faster."
"Good," said Terry," Because I think things are going to be a hell of a lot worse."
In a land far from our own, where unicorn, pegasi and earth ponies coexist under the watchful eyes of their goddesses…. A strange heavily armored and bidepal samurai and his noble steed are completely and must utterly lost.
“God damn it Gold,” cursed the samurai under his dragon shape helm,” You said this was the way to Canterlot! We have been lost in this good damn forest for three days!”
“Well your no help either,” Shouted the pony,” All you do is rider on my back and complain that we are lost or that your ass is sore!”
“Well I wouldn’t be complaining if you just got a move on!”
The two went on to bicker like an old married couple. However, that all came to a stop when they heard a loud high pinched scream. The noble steed known as Gold Honor galloped towards the source of the screem while the samurai seemed to have pulled out a bow out of one of his gauntlets. Nearing the location, the Samurai dismounted and both of them spied the area.They saw a young unicorn mare being threatened by a group of bandits. The Samurai, though a series of hand gestures, told Gold Honor that he will circle around and the two would pincer the bandits, hopefully forcing the bandits to surrender. Gold Honor nodded before the Samurai left his side, leaving Gold Honor to bide his time and wait for his partner's signal.
“St- Stay away! You nasty brutes!” shouted the mare in fear.
The bandits laugh as they parted a way for their leader to walk on though. The Bandit leader was covered in scars of various types, from slashing by steal and claws to normal scrapes and bruises.
“Heh. What kind of brat speaks like that nowadays eh boys?!” the bandit leader called to his men as he circled the mare,” I bet it’s one of them fancy Canterlotian ponies and you know those bring us a lot of ransom money right boys?!”
The bandits cheered at the prospect of getting a big pay day and quickly surrounded the mare. One of the bandits was about to take the mare’s saddle bags when Gold got his signal from the Samurai.
“HALT in the name of Celestia,” shouted Gold as he emerged from his hiding spot,” You are under arrests!”
The samurai then faceplamed, thinking that the idiot is being too 'heroic' and is going to get himself killed one of these days.
“Crap, you three!” shouted the bandit leader as he surveyed the area, “Kill him! The rest of you with me! Don’t let our meal ticket get away!”
The mare was covering in fear as the bandits grouped up on her and two of the bandits held her down. One of them slipped a small ring on her horn to prevent her from using magic. The bandit leader stood out of the group while he looked around for more signs of other ponies.
Meanwhile Gold was fighting the three bandits. Each of them was armed with spiked horseshoes which were a treat in itself but if it was not effective against Gold’s heavy armor. The warpony reared and slammed into one of the bandits into a tree and then shouted,” Any time now Terry!”
The Samurai didn't move out of his hiding place but drew his empty hand across the bow and the bow magically produced a energy arrow. Letting the arrow fly into the knee of one of the bandits surrounding the mare, he then swapped the bow for his katana. The bandit leader backpedaled a bit with the suddenly arrow shot into one of his ponies. The bandit in question scream in pain as he fell to the ground. The Samurai then rushed out of his hiding place and stood in front of the mare and facing the bandits. The bandit leader then ordered his bandits to charge the newcomer while he grabs the mare. His bandits hesitated as they eyed the strange bipedal creature but stilled obeyed their leader. As the Samurai dodge and parried, the bandit leader grabbed the mare and tried to hightail it out of there. The mare did her best to resist but with the inhibitor ring she couldn't stop the bandit who was a unicorn himself picking her up with his magic.
Gold continued to use his weight and armor to subdue his share of the bandits while the Samurai disabled the bandits with his katana while being careful enough to not kill the ponies. After the two heroes dealt with the bandits, the Samurai switched back to the magical bow and took aim. Letting the arrow fly again, the energy arrow stuck the inhibitor ring and shattering it, allowing the mare to fight back and escape the bandit leader's magical grasp.
The bandit leader was rather surprised at the sudden resistance and halted his retreat to survey the 'battlefield', seeing all of his ponies are on the ground and in various states of injuries and consciousness. He then decided to chase the newly escaped mare while tying to shake of the two heroes. After what seemed like a long time, he had finally shook off the heroes and had cornered the mare.
“Stop running away from me you bitch,” pant the Bandit Leader as he cornered the mare,” Or else I lose my patients and sell you off to the slavers.”
“Never,” said the mare,” I will see you and your ilk hang for attacking me.”
“Have your way.”
The bandit leader was about to grab her when Gold rammed into him and away from the mare. The samurai walked over to the mare and beckoned her to follow him.
“But what about your friend?” asked the mare as Gold and the bandit leader was squaring off.
“Oh I wouldn’t worry about Gold,” said the Samurai,” I’ll be more worried about the ass he is fighting.”
Gold and the bandit leader traded blows as they tested each other out. The bandit leader then pulled out a small knife with his magic but was quickly meet with a hoof to his face. Whenever the bandit leader tried to take some of his other hidden weapons out, he would get a hoof in the face by Gold. The warpony then rammed the bandit leader into a hollowed tree and the leader broke thought it and was left on the ground with the tree’s remains.
“Took you long enough,” said the samurai as he walked over to Gold,” I was beginning to think he was too much for you.”
“Oh shut up, you big stupid fox.”
“Temper temper,” teased the Samurai,” At least keep it in until we have settled with our guest.”
“How is she by the way?”
“Looks fine, some bruising but all in all not life threatening.”
“I’m right here you know,” said the mare butting into their little act,” And I would appreciate if both of you don't act like I'm not here."
“Happy to oblige miss…?”
“Swift Note,” said the mare as she gave both of them a neat bow,” Lady Swift Note of the House of the Unicorn.”
“Oh ho,” said the samurai with jest,” Look Goldy, we got nobility on our hands here.”
“You mean hooves.”
“Hands, hooves, paws, it’s all the same to me.”
Swift Note looked at the two with surprise and a bit of irritation,” Well I must reward the two of you for saving my life. What can I do you for misters…?”
“The name is Terry Chang,” said the samurai,” and this is my trusty steed Gold Honor.”
“Funny,” said Gold Honor,” I thought it was the other way around.”
“Yeah yeah laugh it up Goldy. As for a reward, you mind giving us a map to Canterlot? We have been lost for quite a long while now.”
“Not a problem, Sir Gold and Sir Terry. In fact I am on the way there myself, would it be alright for the both of you to accompany me the rest of the way?”
“We’ll be happy to milady.”
“Flank-kisser.”
“Jerk.”
Swift Note shook her head and led the two towards the closest Inn. Her view on the heroes who just saved her life now reduced to two idiots bickering.
**Swift Note POV**
Two hours. It took two hours before we reached the Rose Thorn Inn. Two hours of listening to my two “heroes” bicker and argue like a pair of senile old ponies! Admiringly it is rather curious about the one called Terry and what did Sir Gold mean about him being a “stupid fox” but my poor nerves are about to commit suicide! At least now we can all rest and I can get a few beers in me.
“Hey your ladyship,” called Terry as we walked over to the bar, setting his helm down on the table.
Whelp, there goes my peace and quite. Might as well see what the jester has to- wow so he is a fox.
“I see you noticed my charming good looks?”
“Er... yeah let’s go with that. What are you?”
Terry chucked as he accepted some cider form the slightly surprised barpony,” I’m a mystical being called a Kitsune. A humanoid fox, hailing from the far east but not this worlds east.
“Well Sir Terry-“
“Please drop the Sir. I’m no lord and I prefer not to act like one.”
“Right…. So Terry, what do you mean by not this world’s east?”
“Well, that is because I’m not native my darling. In fact I come from a whole other world where my current race is nothing but bookish fantasy. But it’s a long and boring story, so I’ll not say another word. That is unless you want to Swift,” said Terry with him wiggling his eyebrows at the end.
Well might as well indulge him, after all he wants to tell it.
“Well could you do me the honor?”
“Why certainly. It all began, two weeks ago actually….”
*****
I wasn't always like this you know? Er I mean as in I wasn't always a mystical fox-like creature. I was once something called a human, er think a hairless ape with no magic. Anyway so back then I what you would call a nerd, so naturally I spent most of my free time reading comics and playing games. One of the style of games I played was called Pathfinder, a pen and paper fantasy RPG. Now back to last Monday.... at least I think it was a Monday.
I walked into my favorite hobby/comic shop and greeted the owner, Kevin, and went looking at the community board.
"Looking for another gaming group Terry?" asked Kevin.
"Yeah pretty much, the last one bombed due to the Game Master getting a very time consuming job."
"Yeah well, that happens."
I just shrugged as he continue to survey the community reading all the notices and reading the looking for player notices until he came across a simple notice which read:
Looking for Players. Pathfinder Monster Game, inquire more with Kevin. Signed Mr Cordian
"Now this was interesting," I though aloud, for you see Mr Cordian is one of Kevin's friends but also the shop's financial accountant. Most of the time, the gaming groups and I see him come around the shop but we never saw him join or run a game.
"Yo Kevin, Is Mr Cordian really running a game?"
"Yeah he is, I'm going to be in it too but we need more players if we are going to get the game off the ground."
"Cool, mind if I give join?"
"Yeah sure, we are meeting this Thursday night so that Dirk can take a look at our character sheet."
"...Dirk?"
"Mr Cordian to you guys, anyway we'll be playing a level 15 monster game. You need to build a character that has at least 5 levels in any class, so you'll have to limit yourself to monsters that are CR 10 and bellow."
"Really? wow, any particular rules?"
"Not really, just don't be late."
I nodded and walked out to start making the character. With the power of the Pathfinder SRD website, I came up with what you see now, a Kitsune Samurai at the full level 15. So with the character made, I went about the week I usually do, going to class, having dinner with my family and the like. When the day came, I went to the store at the appointed time and saw both Mr Cordian and Kevin waiting for me. Now here was when I noticed that something was kinda off for you see, the shop was completely deserted. Now normally that is the case on a Thursday night but usually there is one or two employees working their shift. As soon as I am in the shop, Kevin proceeds to bring down the shutters.
"Hey Kevin, What gives?"
"What happens next can't be seen. I don't have enough power to make anyone who sees whats about to happen simply forget about it."
Wait WHAT?!
"Indeed," said Mr Cordian as he pulls out a few sheets of paper from THIN AIR," Now lets take a look at your character shall we? Ah a Kitsune Samurai eh? With a noble steed too! Oh my that will have some impact with the locals."
"Is he all ready to go?"
"Oh yes he is, in fact he can go right now."
"Wait a god damn second. Firstly how did you get that? It should still be in my bag. Secondly, what is going on here?" At this point I was mostly yelling at Kevin because when I turned to look at Mr Cordian next, he wasn't human anymore. Worse he had become Discord. Yes, Mother Fucking Discord. So naturally I was so screwed.
"Well my good human," said Discord as he lounged in mid air," One of the many Euqestrias need you help. Something is causing a ton of monsters to appear especially those not really native to their world. So after talking to Kevin about it, the best action is to send one of you players in there."
"But wait what about here? I have a family and you can't just SEND me anywhere you please?!"
"But I can," said Kevin who's eyes have turned into empty blackness," I'm what you would call a Titan of Ether, and so I control all of magic here and due to some circumstances, a few version of Equestria's as well. With this responsibility, I also can bend reality just a little bit, so I can make it as if you went away on some long term project."
"Wait if your so powerful, why don't you go instead I'm sure you can easily clear whatever is causing this right?"
"Nope, cause something as powerful as ME has to obey some rules. I can't just LEAVE my home dimension just like that now can I, if I do magic would seep in all over the place. And from what I seen, you really don't want random human to get magic, especially those 4chan fellows.To properly leave this dimension without causing some sort of problem, I need to build a Black Gate, which usually takes a few hundred years anyway. So this is the best I can do for now. Not to worry though, you will be sent into Equestria as your character so you will have all the skills and equipment you would need for the job."
Resigning to my fate I could only ask," Will I be able to come back?"
"Yup, Discord will find you once your done. And believe me, I WILL know when your done."
And with a snap of Kevin's fingers, I blacked out and woke up on Equestria. next to an unconscious Gold Honor.
*****
"And then what happened?" I asked as Terry took a sip of his drink.
"Well naturally I freaked out. Cause, one, All of that was real, two, I had a tail and three, I was in Equestria. But Goldy have the worse freak out. Apparently he IS a Royal Guard back in Canterlot and had just finished basic training. So as a pony, he was all set to go and went to bed. Next thing he knew, he was the size of a Saddle Arabian, had heavy armor and was next to a bipedal fox thing. So after freaking out and both of us almost killing each other, We both decided to get our collective butts back to Canterlot, and talk to your princesses. We need to figure out why Kevin sent me here to begin with. Something to do with the monsters here but we need more information before anything else."
"I see. Well if it would be helpful to you I can help you both get an audience with the princesses should it be necessary."
"That's kind of you Swift," said Terry as he tipped an imaginary hat.
"Oh it is nothing really," I lied as this will seriously use up a lot of owed favors," It's the least I can do since you both saved me. Why I would probably be at the hand of slavers if it wasn't for you two."
"Well we couldn't let a mare be treated like that, but Its getting late and we should leave early tomorrow morning."
"Agreed, well good night Terry." I got up and walked over to the stairs, and looked back at Terry as he continued to nurse his drink.
Hours ticked by as the lone guard waited at the gate to Canterlot, cursing that he now has to do a double shift. Granted he shouldn't have gotten into a drinking contest with his Sergent but at the time it was a good idea, then again anything seems like a good idea when you already had a few drinks in you.
Yawning, he stood at attention scanning the surrounding for any ponies but he would assume that no pony would be out this late at night. He was only half right. There a large rat as big as he was had wandered out of the nearby hill, moving fast across the road. At first he had to rub his eyes for he couldn't believe what he was seeing. A rat, that was unusually big, big enough to be able to take down a pony without any problem. But it was the thing which followed that stuck fear in his heart.
A mare walked out them the nearby hill, her back hooves not touching the ground, her head shrewd is an odd angle as if something was keeping her afloat. Behind it various forms of undead were following, some almost having no meat left on it, others seemed to be slightly devoured. All approaching Canterlot on his shift. Leaving him to face the hoard of undead alone. It was then he woke up.
Private Forewarn Dreams looked up from his post to see his commander looking down on him.
"Sleeping on the job again Fore?"
"Sorry Commander Sure Shot. Been having the same bad dream for a while now. I can't seem to get any sleep."
"Maybe you better go take it up with Princess Luna, Fore. I can't keep you here if this keeps happening."
"Aye sir," said the private as he got up," I'll go see her now."
The old private got up from his post near the airship yard and walked towards the castle, the old pegasus almost reaching retirement age. Sure Shot looked towards his stepfather and wondered why he never received a promotion. After all, he had fought many battles and always came back alive. His birth father was Forewarn Dream's best friend and when he had died in the line of duty, Forewarn took him and his mother into his household.
Sure Shot looked towards his stepfather and muttered," Stubborn old fool, I really do hope it is nothing."
*****
Gold Honor was carrying Lady Shift Note nearing the end of the journey, as the three was about to arrive in Lower Canterlot. It seemed from the way they were heading they would arrive under Canterlot Castle which would mean Terry couldn't hide himself before meeting with the Princesses. He was also informed that it was within the Lower Canterlot region where Terry and Gold Honor could contact the local Adventurer's Guilds such as the famous, White Hall Guild and the more deceitful (and privately funded) Prestige Blue Guild.
Terry wondered as he walked beside his partner, thinking of what was the next step. After all the only Intel given to Terry was that there are non-native monsters popping up all over Equestira. It could be possible something or rather someone is encouraging the appearance. But the real head-scratcher is how to go about with the problem. Should he ally with the current adventurer guilds or should he and Gold tackle them alone.
Heck, Shift Note herself was just coming back from an investigation into the recent grave robbing cases where some graves (particularly graves which the pony in question had died tragically or by their own hooves) had been dug up and their contents missing. Shift Note had recently traveled from Manehatten which she decided to take the scenic route home. The result while not excellent as she was almost robbed but was not completely disastrous because she found Gold and himself. Maybe should things need be, Terry could find DIscord and ask for additional reinforcement.
"Ah at last, gentlecolt.. and gentlefox, I present to you, Lower Canterlot!"
Before the three was a large white marble wall with a number of guards patrolling, the gate which consisted of two heavy wooden doors and two iron bar gates, stood open with guard checking each visitor and merchant going in and out of Lower Canterlot. Shift Note urged the two to follow her lead as she hopped off Gold Honor's back.
"Good Afternoon gentlecolts, I, Lady Shift Note of the House of Unicorns have returned. May I present two companions which I have met-
"Goldy? Is that you?" asked one of the guards," By Celestia's Beard. Your huge now! Where have you been?"
"Hey Shell Shock, I'll explain later but for now me and my partner here are following Lady Swift Note."
"And your partner is...? I mean it definitely is not Equestrian."
"HE," butted Shift Note," Is the Honorable Samurai from the Fox Clan, Terry Chang. Either way, we wish to enter into Upper Canterlot and would prefer and escort if you would please?"
"I can introduce myself you know?"
"Oh hush."
"Got to check with the Captain first, milady." answered the other guard on duty," Although I need to ask why do you,Mr Chang, want to go to Upper Canterlot? Unless you work for Lady Note here, you technically are not allowed to go in... ah as battle ready as you are."
"Well, attire aside, I need to converse with the Princesses about the recent rise of monsters. I was sent for that particular purpose you see."
"Very well, I'll have Private Shell Shock here escort you to Lady Note's residence here in Lower Canterlot and once we get word from the higher ups We'll let you know."
"...I though you said you can get us in Swifty," whispered Terry," Plus I though nobles stayed in the Upper part of Canterlot?"
"I have an apartment here in Lower Canterlot because its easier than returning to Upper Canterlot whenever I return from an assignment. Its more like a place to crash before going up."
Nodding, Terry and the rest of the party followed Private Shell Shock though the gates and into Lower Canterlot, where the pony skill and heart mattered above their blood.
**Five Hours Later**
"Whats taking so long?!" shouted Swift Note," You think those dumb asses read my report the Council of Nobles would at LEAST let us into Upper Canterlot! Its almost dinner already and we are still stuck down here!"
"C-Calm down milady," assured Gold Honor," Maybe there are reviewing your report much more closer than usual? After all as you say your investigations onto the grave-robbing not gone anywhere."
"Still, at least the could at TELL us so we can get things done rather than just sit here."
"I have to agree with Swifty here Gold, its taking to long."
"Lady Swift Note," said a voice from the outside of the apartment door," This is Private Shell Shock, I got a summon for ya!"
"At last," exclaimed Swift Note as she used her magic to open the door," So can we go up into Upper Canterlot?"
"Er no milady," answered Shell Shock," Apparently the Council of Nobles will be having a meeting down at the Prestige Blue Guild. And all of you have been summoned to attend."
"WHAT?! Damn that BlueBlood! What does he want now?! He has no right to-"
"And the meeting is in five minutes."
"FUCK YOU BLUEBLOOD!"
*****
"Lady Swift Note," said Lord Noble Path BlueBlood as he sat behind his podium and flanked by most (not all) of the nobles and his son Prince True Way BlueBlood," While your report is extensive to say the least and is well written, I must say your investigations is a waste of royal funds."
"My lord," sneered Swift Note," The order for the investigation came directly from the Royal Princesses office. Which as YOU of all ponies know is second only to a direct order from the princesses themselves. And while I would usually bypass you and the rest of the council and personally deliver my report to their majesties office, I also gave the council courtesy of providing the report to the Council Of Nobles as well. This is because I have obtain information by the two gentlecolts behind me. They have grave news for the princesses themselves and if it were not because of your order that those of non-noble birth MUST have permission to enter Upper Canter-"
"Indeed which is why I am NOT allowing your entourage into the the Upper Crust. This is currently troubling times with the sudden rise of unusual monster-"
"Which is why I MUST be allowed to bring these two heroes to the Princesses IMMEDIATELY! For they posses some information about the growing threat and are proposing to deal with IT."
At this revelation the council started to murmur among themselves before Lord BlueBlood called for order," Even IF these two have any information, I am not going to allow some lowborn ruffian into Upper-"
"Father please," shouted Prince Blueblood," I'm sure despite their status and er species, no offense, this is to important to not-"
"Silence! I will NOT have my own son-"
"Won't let your own son do what, Lord Noble Path?" said an Alicorn who just entered the room," I was not informed that the Council was having a meeting especially in Lower Canterlot."
Princess Twilight walked into the room flanked by her secretary Scribbles, her assistant Spike and her personal guard Agito," If I'm not mistaken any major decisions which concerns the entirety of Equestria requires the presence of at least ONE of the Princesses."
Princess Twilight walked toward Lord BlueBlood and the Council," Before We address Lady Swift Note and her two adventures, I would like to bring up a few things before the Council, hopefully we can get these issues settled today."
In which she ripped them a new one.
*****
Private Forewarn Dream entered Princess Luna's chamber to see the lunar princess sipping a cup of coffee, smiling as she said sweet nothings about the creation of coffee. She turned to see the old pegasus and he bowed low.
"Prey tell what brings thee here my little pony? For it is unusual for we to see anypony before we are proper and in court."
"Sorry to bother you Princess Luna, but I do need your help. I am Forewarn Dream, a guard that has served Equestria for many, many years. I have survived dangerous missions and generally come out unscarred thanks to my unique ability. For you see for one reason or another, I get these... premonitions which tell me the future though my dreams. Most of which Involve me somehow. I have used this untrained skill to keep me and those I love alive although it has failed me at times. For the pass few nights I've been having the most disturbing dream of monsters and the undead. Each one showing that Canterlot being invaded by these monsters."
"Do thee wish these nightmares away?" asked Princess Luna
"No your highness, rather I seem to wake up before something happens. It is as if there is another part of my dream which just before I arrive at that point, I wake up."
"Ah so you wish for me to acompany thee and help thee. Very well. If thee wish we shall induce thee to sleep and we can confront thy nightmares immediately."
"Yes Princess Luna and I thank you."
*****
Private Forewarn was staring at the sight that was before him and Princess Luna, both with fear in their eyes. AS Forewarn explained to Luna before they dove in, he always said there was usually one group of invaders. This time they were watching multiple groups of invaders each different be they undead, construct, daemon, or horror. However their destinations was the same, Canterlot. Each group had a Bearer of Harmony strapped to their banners in various states of injury, one of which was dead. While Twilight and Rainbow Dash were not accounted for brought relief to Luna, to see poor rarity without her horn and legs... and the remains of Applejack...
However suddenly the dream shifted. Now next to them was a strange bipedal thing, with eyes that glowed with the emptyness of the void. It turned and looked towards the two.
"So what do you think? Horrible isn't it?"
"Is this your doing?" asked Princess Luna.
"In the words of Big Macintosh, eeenope," answered the creature," In fact, I have already sent one of the few how can stop this all from happening."
"Who are thee?"
"The question is not the who but the what. And I am the Titan of Ether. For your world and mine. Anyway shall we get to the matter at hand or should I say hoof?"
"Indeed. What pray tell is going on?"
"Something or someone is influencing this world with creatures and monsters that do not belong. See that female daemon with the chain? That is a Lady of the Chains, a daemon from Hell itself. Which is not the same as your Tartarus. That thing over there is called well an Elder Thing. You get the general idea do you not Lu? So in my way to counter the bloody thing, I brought a few adventurers who are experience in this sort of thing."
The dream shifter to one where is mostly the same save for all the bearers standing beside Luna and Forewarn. Waiting bellow was an image of Forewarn which surprised him. Flanking him was the unicorn noble which his stepson have been pining for, a strange bipedaled fox in armor and armed to the teeth, a Saddle Arabian in heavy armor and a few more strange bipedaled creatures in shadows. The group readied their arms and charged at the hoard of monsters and wadded though them as if their were just wading though a swamp with effort. Stiking each monster in the way while on the Canterlot Wall arrows, spells and spears rained from the sky. Prince True Way BlueBlood could be seen giving orders to the troops and coordinating between the solders and the adventures. However, the dream faded there and then, leaving the three in darkness save for the light the Titan conjured.
"What happens after that is a mystery even to me. But needless to say its a better outcome than what it was previously isn't it?"
"We thank thee for thy intervention but pray tell why don't thee join the fray?"
"I'm a Titan. There are rules I have to follow and believe me I don't like using human or pony lives like their chest pieces."
"I see."
"But fear not, my adventurers can handle it. Even if they do seems a little crazy. Now its time to go."
At that Luna found herself back in the real world and Foreward Dream was waking up. Once they looked into each others eyes, they rushed off to find Celestia.
*****
"... and that concludes the council for today I think." concluded Princess Twilight as the council of nobles remains in shambles. A few had permanent looks of honor and dismay while some sniggered at Lord BlueBlood expression which was caught somewhere between Complete Rage and Utter Helplessness." Now let us hear what Lady Swift Note has to say shall we?"
"Indeed Princess Twilight, We seek an audience with you princess. We may have some knowledge about the sudden rise in monsters."
"Indeed," said Terry," I know some of these monsters and if you look closely Princess, I am more equip to deal with them. Me and my partner Gold Honor here, are here to help get to the bottom of things as it were."
"What else can you tel us?"
"We can't say anything more in... present company. Shall we adjourn to Celestia's office?"
"Yes lets. It saves us the trouble to repeating ourselves."
"Those BASTARDS! Another dead end with some idiot looking for sex. God why do these idiots just think with their dicks," sighed the girl as she tipped her bottle of beer and drained it's contents. The girl, who looked like she was in her mid twenties was piss angry and was trying to come down with a drink or ten. Its lucky for her that she has a good tolerance for alcohol or else she would be surling her words.
"Miss," said the bartender," Haven't you had enough?"
"With this swill? I'm not even buzzed. So hit me with another!"
"Don't worry, I got it." said a man who had come up behind her, handing the bartender a twenty dollars. The man who looked pretty average but definitely not one of the drinking crowd, he looked at her and asked as the bartender passed her a bottle," So what's your deal? Not many drink ten bottles of beer and still stay this angry."
"Piss off."
"Hey no need to get angry, not that you already aren't. Come on, it's not like anyone else will listen."
This guy was getting on my nerves but he is right. NO man is going to hear what the fuck I have to say other than staring at my breast like some sort of slut," Fine you want to know my deal? You got to treat me to something other than cheep beer and give me your name."
"Deal. Barkeep, Firestarter, shaken please." said the man. I haven't heard of that drink before but when the bartender took out what looked like two types of vodka (or at least I think its vodka, both bottle held the iconic transparent liquid) and added a shot of red liqueur followed by a garnish of green pepper and handed it to me. The drink didn't look funny and I certainly didn't see the bartender slip anything in the cocktail glass. With the drink in hand, I followed the man to a table that is out of the way from the bar and the rest of these fools. The drink was nice and sharp, as well as hell of a spicy but my latina butt could handle it without a problem. Plus if this guy is not on the level I can always throw it in his face and watch him writhe in agony.
"The name's Kevin and I run a game-slash-hobby-slash-comic shop down the block. I come here once in a while since most places doesn't stock Shandy and I know the owner, Morgana and her husband, Dis."
So this place is run by a woman eh? No wonder this place hasn't gone under yet, I looked at him and took another sip of the drink. Kevin just waited for me to start and was just looking at me, for some reason I find his eyes... somewhat blanked out. As if the man's eyes had no pupils or something but then again I did drink a lot.
"Ok, my deal starts right at the beginning so it tends to be a bit long," God why am I even saying this. Maybe he did spike my drink somehow," Me and my family are pretty tight, especially between me and my younger brother, Milo. When he started to play pen and paper rpgs such as Dungeons and Dragons and the like, I decided to accompany him and to make sure no one messes with my baby brother. Except me of course. Well that was all fine and dandy, since then me and my bro have been hooked on pen and paper rpgs and meet a few people who have been our friends for the longest of times. But a couple of weeks ago, Milo sends me a message that he was going to some LARP and didn't want me to come along. Two days later and I am told by one of my friend who was at that LARP, he wasn't there. Bryan, bless his gay ass, help me double check their registry and ask around if anyone saw him. No one did, and now I've been jumping from coast to coast looking for him but men take one look at my body and.. well you can guess the rest."
"I see," said Kevin with actual concern," and what does your brother look like? I can put up something in my store in case someone actually sees something?"
Ok this guys is definitely on the level. i took out a recent picture of my younger brother and showed it to him. Kevin took a good look at it and his eyebrows shot straight up. He looked at me and said with the utmost clarity and concern," You better come with me."
"And why should I?"
"Because I HAVE seen your brother, and it isn't good."
*****
An hour later, Kevin finally stops driving as the car stops near an old mansion that looks like it's been neglected for to long. Getting out, he mentions to me to follow. While it was a bad idea, if it could get me closer to Milo then it would be worth it.
During the car ride, Kevin didn't speak a word, so when we entered the house (which by the way looked like it was brand spanking new on the inside) I jumped a little when Kevin spoke.
"Second floor, third door on the right, don't mind the idiot in the nightgown."
"I HEARD THAT YOU ASS!" shouted a voice from above.
Now I was one hell of a confused, but I followed his direction and opened the indicated door to see a old man with a rather long beard standing over my brother. Rushing to him, I found myself suddenly held back by Kevin.
"What the Fuck?! Let go you bastard!"
"Come down," said Kevin," You were about to do something very very foolish."
"What are you.... oh my god." By now I had a good look at my younger brother. His body was the same as it always was, skinny but well built. But his face, looked like someone took the worst monster imagined and super glued it on. Worse it was shifting and changing back and forth, from his disfigured face to some sort of demonic creature. The straps that held him down were made of iron and even that was barely holding on. I turned and looked at Kevin who had a look of concern and asked," What happened to him? WHAT DID THIS TO MY BABY BROTHER!"
"A bitch, named Lamashtu."
I froze as I looked at Kevin then back at my brother, I knew of Lamashtu, she was a deity from the Pathfinder game that Milo plays once in a while. She was in charge of misshapen and malformed creatures but what had it to do with my brother. Furthermore are they real? Are the monsters and creatures and gods from those games real?
The old man walked towards the door and said to me," Don't worry lass, I've done everything in my power to make sure Lamashtu didn't completely change your brother into a monster, and it only a matter of time before my friends bring me the ingredients which can save him."
I sank to my knees as I watch my little baby brother twist and turn in the bed he was strapped to, helpless for once in my life. I turned to Kevin yet again to see that I was right. The bastard didn't have any pupils, in fact all that was in there was darkness and stars. I got up and looked at him," How can I help?"
"Well there isn't much you can do here." replied Kevin as he lead me out and into his library. There I got a shock when I saw a werewolf arranging books in it. Although it did look a bit comical to see a werewolf wearing reading glasses. Kevin continued talking once the werewolf place a set of book on the table," We got things handled here, your brother was the first and only incident and while the ingredients are rare as a nudist in a Catholic convent, the curse can be reversed. But I could use your help in another world entirely."
"What do you mean?"
"Lamashtu had her eyes on this world for a while, heck that's how she found and infected your brother. But after that, something made a deal with her, I don't know who or what yet, my only agent there isn't working as fast as I would like. So now she is infecting the other world which is also under my protection. If you want to help Clara, then help me in that world."
"How did yo-"
"Know your name? Well you don't get to be the Titan of all fucking Ether for nothing, there are a few perks... the mansion not withstanding."
I though for a while before picking a book off the table," If it allows me to get revenge at Lamashtu, then count me in."
"Well then, start rolling up a character Clara, after all she is stat-ed and thus-"
"I can kill it."
*****
Celestia was reading the most recent proposal made by General Atlas regarding the mobilization of the Royal Solar Guard against the rising monster threat. The rather long winded proposal sounded rather tempting, all the messages between the lines made Celestia's head hurt. While it would help destroy the threat immediately, it wuld also allow many of the nobles to wrestle more power away from Celestia and Luna. As she was about to write a reply back to the stoic general, her sister let herself in.
"Tia I must speak with you, it is of grave importance."
Celestia placed the blank paper down and looked into her sister's eyes. Luna had that look that mean there is actual danger ahoof. Beside her however was what caught her attention. The old pegasus was breathing heavily and looked like he had ran all the way behind Luna.
Snapping her attention back to her sister, Celestia asked," What's wrong Lu? Did something happend?"
"Nay sister but something horrible is about to happen. We were visited by a creature of power and magic, one which controls our Ether and it gave us a visions of our future."
"This creature, was it tall, somewhat an hairless ape and sarcastic as all hell?"
"Yes sister! Has the creature visited you to?"
"No Lu, he was from a time so long ago. I can't believe he came back and didn't even say hi to me. But there are those void-damned rules of his. But if he went and told you about what was coming then it must be important. Tell me Lu, what did you see?"
"I sa-"
"Princess! Oh hello Luna, er nevermind, Princess! I found someone I would like you to meet!" said Twilight as she escorted Swift Note, Gold Honour and Terry into the room," This is-"
"YOU! You are the creature that I saw in my vision! Pray tell what news do you bring?!" shouted Luna as she interrupted Twilight.
"Oh this is going to take some explaining," sighed Terry as he beckoned everyone to get conformable and took a chair for himself," Now where to start...."
*****
"...what," said Twilight as she finished scribbling everything Terry and Luna had to say.
"Yeah you heard me, all of the non-native monsters are all from a game we have back in my world. Or at least that what I assume, the jerk that sent me here and changed Gold didn't explain much. Nevertheless, I am familiar with many of them and I know how to deal with them."
"I see, well if Kevin sent you then the situations must be even more dire than I had though," said Celestia," Now how can I help?"
"Well" said Terry," A place to start would be nice, I need to take a look at any reports which can point us to the right direction and as well as give us a few clues as to who and what we may be facing. Futhermore, following what Luna has told us, I think we should also go to Ponyvile or at least the surrounding area to see if there is any of the... creatures Luna described."
"I agree," said Swift Note," I can handle the reports and complilation without any problems Terry, so you and Gold can go to Ponyvile."
"And I'm coming with you!" said Twilight," That is my home and I'll be damned if-"
"Stay thy hoof Twilight! Your friends will be fine, the Titan has meddled enough to change the course of the future! Furthermore I believe it would be safer to evacuate the town intermediately and bring your friends here where it is safe."
"Yeah Twilight," said Spike," And remember deep calm breaths."
Twilight took a deep breath and sighed," Yeah your right, Princess by your leave I'll start organizing the evacuations and the space for the Ponyvilians."
Twilight walked out f the room which was followed by Spike and Swift Note, leaving the two adventurers with the two alicorns and the old peguses. Before Celestia could speak, a new figure walked into the room and said," You really need to beef up the security in this place. I had absolutely no trouble sneaking from Lower Canterlot into this very room."
Terry instinctively drew out his true crystalline katana and pointed it at the new figure, before sheathing it," How long have you been in Equestria?"
"Oh not much, was dropped in at sunset last night."
"You two know each other?" asked Celestia.
"Nope, the name is Clara by the way. And I plan to kill myself a very specific daemon."
"A Demon?" asked Terry as he leaned back in the chair, the newcomer called Clara took a chair as the two princesses stared at her.
"Yeah, one named Lamashtu. Or at least her agents here," answered Clara.
"Well at least we know who is supplying the daemons, now we got to know who is supplying the undead and the outsiders," said Terry as he look almighty nonchalant about the newcomer.
"And you are miss?" asked Celestia," And what exactly are you?"
"Ah the name is Clara, as you can tell I'm from the same place as Terry-boy over here. Kevin had briefed me on who he had already sent. As for what I am I'm a race called the Vishkanyas, a beautiful yet deadly humanoid race. Almost everything about me is poison. My class is a rouge who specialize in using poison."
"Very well.... Clara, and tell me who is Lamashtu?" asked Luna
"I'll answer that," said Terry," She is a big powerful ex-demon lord, also known as the mother of monsters, the demon mother, oh yeah and she who curse children with disfigurement. AKA someone who is hard to kill and easy to make angry. So why are you going after her Clara?"
" Simple, she messed with my family and I mess her up. After all if it is stat-ed..."
"Ah your one of those players, if it is stat-ed you can kill it rule. Now what I want to know is what is she doing here of all places," reasons Terry," Also are we getting any more help?"
"As far as Kevin knows? Looks like she wants to play in untouched territory. So she will commit some low to medium level daemons but nothing big. As for help, Kevin looking for a healer-type player. But its been taking a while," said Clara," But seriously, defending a world full of ponies? What must that bastard be thinking."
"The rules in exchange of limitless power," said Celestia," Its one of the few things Kevin has to do as the Titan of Ether."
"Right anyway, so the plan is to get to Ponyvile, help with the evac and find some clues." said Golden Honor.
"Sounds like a plan."
**Elsewhere**
Trixie was really down of her luck lately. Trixie means really down on her luck. From being booed out of her previous town, to having the last of the money stolen by bandits. So now she will have to venture towards Ponyvile, the start of all of her bad luck and maybe make some bits there. Along the way however, she was aproched by a strange being. The being in question was a walking bipedaled skeleton that was wearing robes.
"What are you?" she asked with a tint of fear.
"Ah the great and powerful Trixie. I've been watching your progress for quite a while. But tell me, is being a showmare truly your calling?"
"Trixie doesn't follow..."
"With your magical prowess, you should be of higher stations, in fact you should be holding a higher dream. And I can help you."
"And if you help Trixie, what would Trixie would become?"
The ride by train to Ponyville was uneventful to say the least, expect for the fact the Royal Guard were running around like their mane was on fire to coordinate the evacuation of an entire town. When Celestia proposed to her Council of Nobles, she was met with outrage and opposition especially from Duke Bloodblue and his 'friends'. However, it was quickly silenced by Princess Celestia with support from her own Council of Government with their enactment of the Emergency State, giving Princess Celestia and Princess Luna full control over the government until the emergency has been dealt with.
Terry, Clara, Gold Honor, and Swift Note reached Ponyvile without much incident save for Terry losing his lunch on the train (" Modern trains don't sway this much - urp!") and looked at a rather empty Ponyvile.
"It's a shame that we have to be here when it's inhabitants are all gone," sighed Swift Note," This is a very lively place and seeing so..... quite and empty seems so wrong."
"Whatever, the sooner we find some clues the sooner I can kill that bitch," answered Clara as she marched forward.
"Don't mind her to much Swifty," said Terry as the group walked forward," She is doing this more for her family than anything."
"I see, and I understand. I would be furious as well if my family was attacked for no reason."
"Same here," chimed Gold," But we got to find some clue as we advance for now."
"I suggest we split the party, that way we can cover more ground. I mean while this is now an empty town, its rather large, especially with that giant looking eyesore in the middle," suggested Terry with a nod from Clara.
"That so called Giant Eyesore is Princess Twilight's castle," replied Swift Note," And that would be the first place I would look."
"Oh how so miss Unicorn?" asked Clara with her arms crossed.
"That castle was made by a special type of magic and can be used as a giant magical antenna, or at least that's what Princess Twilight said it could be used. If some evil pony got into it...."
"Say no more, but how do we split up? By home dimensions or half and half?" asked Gold Honor.
"Swifty, you and I will give the town a once over. I will need a guide though the place and you can support me with your magic while I be a meat shield. Clara you take Gold for the same reason, except you head straight for the castle. If you find anything, proceed with caution, and if you find a bystander, get that pony or whatever out and to the train station," ordered Terry.
"So half and half it is."
"Ok Sir Terry."
"Right, careful you oversized fox."
*****
Clara and Gold make their way to the castle but they noticed something rather weird. Along the way they saw broken carts, and carnival decor. As they closed to the castle, they saw a stage show that was being ripped apart by zomponies. There a mare is hanging onto a tall pole screaming.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie didn't sign up for this!" shouted the mare as the dodged a flying hoof," HEY! No throwing bodyparts at the Great and Powerful Trixie! Trixie only has one cape left and she will not let you dirty it further!"
"Well tough luck kiddo!" shouted a voice," I need a sacrifice to finish making the portal and your the only pony around! So be a good student and just give up already!"
"Trixie regrets ever meeting you!"
"Tch, the undead, well looks like my poison isn't going to help here," said Clara," Gold you save the mare, I'll beat the undead up."
"Roger Roger."
Gold rushed towards the undead that was surrounding Trixie tackling one of them. Clara proceeded to take out one of her heavyer duty weapons, a poison tipped cutlass and beheaded one of the zomponies.
"What's this, what's this? Adventurers Here? Oh I'm going to have so much more fun."
"Hey Trixie!" shouted Clara as she slashes at another Zompony," Somewhere in the two are our comrades, I need you to find them for us and then get your ass out of here!"
"Trixie will and Trixie is not an ass!" said Trixie as they cleared the last of the zomponies around the pole.
"Oh you Adventurers. Always throwing wrenches into the system but that what makes you all so fun. After all a plan that goes smoothly is so boring."
"Oh great your own of those idiots. Tell me, why on earth would you want to attack this world anyway?"
"Why else Adventurer? Because its there. Granted there are no wars or famine here that I can exploit for minions but it was a good idea at first. After all, I have no worries about you adventurers at least not until now." said the voice as the lich it belongs to exited the castle entrance," At least not until I found this world dreadfully boring!"
"What the hell is he talking about Clara?!"
"He's a adrenaline junkie. The kinda that likes to make trouble or get into fights. Worse since he is a lich he can die and come back so long his phylactery is not destroyed."
"Oh you wound me with your words. Well let me return the favor and wound you for real..." the lich then summoned a weapon which was a rather deadly looking halberd," Nice isn't it? Now lets see if you can prove yourself a challege!"
At the moment, two things happened, firstly a ray of light blasted the lich from behind him. This ray of light took the form of a spear while the other thing was a arrow to the forehead.
"Foul...... play......" said the lich before becoming dust. Yet Clara knew the lich would be back unless they could find his phylactery.
"....What happend?" asked Gold Honor as the Zomponies collapses around him. By now Terry, Swift, and Trixie has returned to the spot with Terry having shot an arrow from his powerful bow.
"Oh your so CUTE!!!!!!" said a being of metal who rushed and grabbed Trixie and squeed," When Kevin told me this world is filled with ponies I though they would be more like animals not cute looking plush toys!!!!"
Terry, Swift and Gold Honor walked closer to the creature as Trixie suffered 4d8 squee damage and 1d4 squeezing damage.
There are times in memorial when the forces of good and just fought hand in hand with the dark and evil to keep the world from ending. Unfortunately, sometimes things do not turn out that way. In a world that is filled with monsters and creatures that wish nothing but wanton destruction, things get built for multiple purposes.
So was created the Ironborn race in a world where magic, divinity, and technology tends to intermix. Made by the remnants of those still living, the Ironborn would be the new vanguard to carve out a new world for the living. Yet as the years went by the world they were going to save died in a slow death where magic faded, the divine left and knowledge of technology was swept away by the winds of time. The remnants of the living soon became the dying and then the dead.
A lone Ironborn Cleric stayed kneeling, praying in a ruin of a church, or at least what was left of it. Rust coating her arms as the rain and the dust clung to her as the days and months went by. Since her divine patron left for better worlds, her powers were stripped away and she was forced to watch helplessly as her healing magic failed and her masters turned to dust.
Yet she never stopped praying, never stop hoping that someday her patron would return and give her one last chance to destroy the evil of this world. With her powers of healing and her lance of light, she would try one last time to destroy the creature.
She stood and picked up the rusted heavy mace she carried in place of her usual divine magical weapon. Turning to the strange creature that dares intrude into her sanctuary. She was very surprised to see a human, one of the first of the races of this world to be wiped out, standing there waiting for her.
"Sup," he said, "What's a little thing like you doing in a place like this?"
"I must be dreaming," said the Ironborn," Your kind died centuries ago."
"So then do you dream of electric sheep?" said the human. No. Whatever this thing is was not human, at least it didn't feel like a human by her standards. It felt.... like it didn't belong here.
The human-like creature sighed as it walked closer," Your world here is dead. Destroyed by a creature that no one here could understand or even comprehend. Yesterday, an Ironborn was crushed by a mountain breaking apart by the creature. You are the last Ironborn of Lonstaris."
The Ironborn dropped her mace when she heard the news. If she was the last Ironborn, then many of her brothers and sisters were destroyed, either by time or by the creature. She then looked at the creature then asked," And are you the reaper? To come and take me as well?"
The human-like creature laughed," The Reaper? HA! I'm not like that drab and boring asshat. But I am here to take you away. Your world was destroyed by negligence and just so happened to be in the path of one hell of an elder god that was just passing by. I'm here to give you another chance."
"..... I have no magic nor the strength to fight anymore. What use am I now?"
The human-like creature then surged magic into her, not only restoring her old appearance when she was first created in the image of her divine patron, but also restoring many of her magical powers and abilities.
"I think I can find a use for you," said the human-like creature," I am a Titan, and I require your services to save a world. Do you accept little one?"
The Ironborn, picking up her restored heavy mace rose it up and shouted "YES!"
*****
"They call me Zetaria Lonstaris! The Healing Warrior! The Ironborn of the Ether!"
"....ow," said Trixie as Zetaria shouted her name and her titles.
"Please tell me she is not Lawful Good," lamented Clara," That is the last thing I need."
Chapter 7: The Party goes into the "deathtrap" Castle.
"I am not Lawful Good or whatever that means fair Rogue!" said Zetaria," For I am good and just and all things smashy!"
Terry kept his bow as he continued to look around the parameter of the castle," Ok so other than a lich which is fucking fantastic. Did anyone see anything around the town?"
"Trixie...helped the... you called it a lich?" nervously explained Trixie once Zetaria let go of the magician," It set up some sort of portal ritual inside the castle wanting to something into this world. It needed a sacrifice which the lich then turned on Trixie."
"Do you always speak in the thirds person," asked Clara as she prepared some of her gear," Cause it's annoying."
"Trixie shall speak how she prefers to, thank you very much." Trixie huffed at the pale-skinned rogue.
"This Castle is pretty and is made of Crystal....I Like it!" said Zetaria.
"So how do we do this?" asked Terry as he pulled out his katana," You think there will be deathtraps in the castle?"
"Of course not!" shouted Swift Note," This is the castle of Princess Twilight Sparkle! She would..."
"Yes there are," butted in Trixie," Trixie and that... thing has been in the castle for a week already. Trixie and the creature has already set up a few traps for the Elements of Harmony should they wanted their castle back."
"So its already owned? Damn. I wanted my own castle," tsked Zetaria.
"is it me or is Zetaria very... child-like?" asked Gold Honour.
"I guess? Either that or maybe dimensional travel affected her somehow," answered Terry," I mean, in many cases she is an artificial being after all."
"Whatever the case is," butted in Clara," There is a potentially dangerous castle here designed to kill the Elements of Harmony (whatever that means). We need to go in there, search of the lich's phylactery and clean up the ritual that Trixie set up."
"TRIXIE DID NOT SET UP AN UNHOLY RITUAL! TRIXIE ONLY HELPED."
"Whatever," said Clara," So marching order?"
"Well Clara has to be in the front. Cause we need your trap detecting abilities and trap disarming skills. I guess GOld Honour goes next? He is the tank. My self then Swift Note and Zetaria can take up the rear."\
"Got it Terry," said Gold Honour," What's a tank by the way?"
"HEY! Trixie would like to help too! At least let Trixie clean up the mess she made. Also Trixie knows shortcuts to bypass some of the traps that Trixie can remember!"
"Fine, we will take the whinny one," said Clara," But I don't trust Trixie... Zetaria! Your on Hugging duty!"
"Yay!"
"Arg No not the hugs! Keep back foul metallic demon!"
