Creed of the Champions: Chapter 1: The Frostfire Fox

By Terrarian Pony
WARNING: Content of this story may include violence, gore, modest romance, and references to several other video games and TV shows. If anyone is offended by any of the content listed above, than please turn back now. You have been warned.
Author's note: This is an original story, that wouldn't be possible without the encouragement and inspiration of my art friends! Credit to Comicwing, Marbley, Enigmew, and Super Ferret, for supporting me at every turn!
Introduction: Welcome to Mythrolhia, land of the champions. People from every race, country, and culture come together to defend the weak, and challenge the strong. These are known as champions. These champions follow a creed to defend the rights of the innocent, but there those who would threaten the champion's creed for order, others for chaos. The champion's creed provides stability in Mythrolhia, and the champions will defend it at any cost, for those who impose their will upon the people, shall meet their fate at the end of a well-forged blade. Enjoy!
Chapters
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Story:
Terrarian Pony presents...
Creed of the Champions
Chapter 1
The Frostfire Fox
...
Six weeks later...
The night was long. Longer than it ever should have been. A purple, three-tailed fox was inside a goblin fortress, being chased by heavily armed, and armored goblins. He'd been tasked with the objective of procuring an object, previously stolen from his tribe. Luckily, goblins do not have night vision, or he'd have been spotted much earlier.
Most of his body was covered in bright, purple fur, aside from his chin, belly, forepaw socks, the tips of his tails, and his ear fluff, which were all white. He had blue eyes, and blue markings on his face, a swirly squiggle on both of his cheeks, and two whisker-like markings on either side of the white on his chin. He also had a swirly squiggle on both sides of his torso.
Terran ran past a goblin house, a big crystal stone in his mouth. The houses each had furnaces attached to them. In most Goblin clans, they are forced to work where they live, and live where they work, and if they weren't smiths, they were soldiers. It should come as no surprise to anyone why they resent other types of settlements. But Terran couldn't stand around feeling sorry for them. This object was too important to the survival of his tribe. He couldn't hesitate if push came to shove. 
Terran used his magic to summon a wall of ice to block the goblins behind him. He heard the whiz of a wooden arrow passing his ear, and his heart skipped a beat as the soldiers behind him began chipping at the wall with their weapons. He ducked behind a small bolder. A light surrounded him, and he began to shift. When the transformation was complete, he looked like a human, with bright tan skin, and purple hair with purple fox ears. He wore a dark purple shirt and pants, with a slightly darker shade of purple overcoat. His three light purple tails still stuck behind him, and the markings from his fox form transferred to his humanoid form. He looked for just a moment to assess the situation. 
The stone wall was protected by three sniping archers on top of the wall. Goblins are usually either strong, intelligent, or very clever. Archers are chosen from the cleverness side, as the clever ones tend to have better precision, though not on the scale of more social species. Not to say that goblins aren't social, but many of them are tribal by nature, and shun outsiders. Two goblin sorcerers in purple robes appeared out of thin air in front of the gate, gathering energy to throw magic shadow balls at him. Few goblins study magic, but those in clans study shadow magic. Sorcery altogether is seen as a grey area in goblin cultures, and in that sense, why not use a greatly powerful type of magic? 
Arrows stuck to the bolder, but balls of shadow magic passed through, inflicting hurt on anyone behind it. Meanwhile, the wall behind him began to collapse. Luckily, Terran was quick, and nimble. He jumped over the bolder, and ran, dodging arrows and magic. He put two fingers in his mouth and whistled, signaling somebody. On que, a tiny fox with beautiful white wings flew over the archer's heads, and landed in front of the wall. The fox had a coat of white fur, and had a bunch tiny quartz crystals sticking from it. Three on her forehead, two below each eye, four running down her back, a large one at the tip of her tail, and one covering each of her feet, as if she were wearing crystal socks. She used her fur crystals to create a long flash to blind and confuse the archer and the sorcerers. 
Terran launched three throwing knives towards the archers, killing them instantly. The sorcerers recovered, but Terran quickly dispatched them with a freezing spell, freezing them solid, and proceeded towards the wooden gate. The gate was designed to move upwards by the pull of a lever at the top of the wall. If he could just get up to it...
Unfortunately fate had other ideas, as a large, wooden club-like object smashed through the gate, revealing a big, green, hairless giant. An orc, wearing nothing but a loincloth. Goblin clans sometimes would keep around a pet orc for protection, in exchange for cattle. Three full grown cows could satisfy them about half a year, but tribal goblins aren't known for their agriculture, so they send pillagers to steal the cattle from human farms. Orcs are known to be stupid, but really, really strong. But also slow and clumsy, which is what Terran was counting on.
The orc roared menacingly, and swung his club towards Terran, who was quick enough to react, but not enough to evade it completely. The blow threw him back towards one of the frozen sorcerers, who shattered to pieces on impact.
"Ow." Terran complained. "Looks like he ran out of luck. Winter, can your crystal magic do something?"
The crystal-covered fox shrugged. "What do expect me to do? I just used an already draining spell. You want me to... what, use a prism beam, too?"
Terran heard the clanking of armor, and looked behind to see he was surrounded by six goblins, and a really angry orc. "Anything will do at this point!"
"Alright." Winter sighed. "I think I got enough energy for a shard splash, but only one."
"Topple that orc. I'll deal with the party!"
The crystal-covered vixen created a large, spiky crystal ball. The orc was too in awe of the shiny thing, it completely forgot about it's enemies. Winter threw the crystal ball at the orc. It exploded on impact, sending shards flying everywhere. A few shards nicked some of the goblins, giving Terran the opportunity to strike. He pulled his sword, a long, sharp katana, and cut through two goblins at once. Another came up with an axe tried to hit him, but he blocked with his sword, as another came behind him. Terran kicked the first one off of him, tried to dodge the second, but was grabbed, so he clashed heads with the goblin instead. While the goblin was stunned, two knives flew through the air in either direction, each piercing a goblin in either the knee or the chest. He then slapped the stunned goblin, knocking him unconscious, and then slashing at the last goblin, making a scratch in his armor, and then plunging the sword in his chest.
Terran could hear more goblins coming. Now was not the time to rest. "Did you set the trap?" he asked his smaller companion. She nodded. "Then let's get out of here." As they left, the goblins tried to run after them. Once they got to the collapsed gate, Terran pressed a button on a small remote detonator, and the explosion was big, and marvelous. 
...
Upon returning home, to a little place called Fox Haven, the gate guard called to him. 
“Terran, you're back!” he said. “Clementine, open the gate!" 
The gate opened sideways, and Terran walked in, finding himself surrounded by werefoxes. They were all waiting to see if he had completed his mission. Terran showed them all the moon crystal, and they clapped and cheered. Winter walked by his side. 
Winter wasn't just a fox, she was a magical familiar. Familiars in this world are magical creatures-for-hire who are known to serve, or simply act as pets to people, usually mages, in exchange for sustenance, weather it be food, blood, or even the magical energy from the contract owner. Familiars can be summoned when needed, by a specific spell they've entrusted to the person. It's true they are made to serve, but they are allowed to end their contract for any reason, be abuse, ethical issues, or even neglect of use. Knowing this, most owners will take steps to ensure that they understand the the needs of their familiars, and what they don't like, as it's always easy to find another who has need of their sort of companionship. Winter, however, seems content with Terran as an owner, if a little annoyed sometimes at his behavior.
Terran walked through the crowd, and towards the sanctuary plaza, where he found his good friend, Emma Lance, a werefox with eight tails, red fur, and brown eyes. Her eight tails were a reflection of her hard work in her studies into ancient magics, and the history of Mysticia. She was also a bit of a scientist, and liked to do experiments from time to time. She was one of the most powerful members of the tribe.
Emma was having an argument with two other high werefoxes, Henderson Burier, and Minerva Jules, who both also had eight tails. Henderson had green fur, dark green eyes, a green robe, and a tired expression just about all the time. He is impatient, and has a strictly low tolerance for laziness and incompetence, but has a great appreciation for tradition. Minerva had dark blue fur, amber eyes, and brown skin, and she wore light leather armor. She is also known locally as the Queen of Retribution. She earned this title after her former tribe was slaughtered by the Order of Light, and she hunted and killed all of the knights, and their commanding paladin, who were involved in what was known as the Bannondahl massacre. After doing so, she vowed to properly punish any who wrong her, or her new tribe. 
They were all standing around a pedestal, with a spiraling shape on top, where the moon crystal is made to sit. 
“The village would never agree to such an idea.” Henderson objected towards a statement from Emma he hadn’t heard. “It is a ridiculous notion to even think of leaving. This is our home."
“Is it really such an absurd idea,” Emma protested. “even when our own walls are being destroyed by the phage? What if the moon crystal is stolen again? What will we do?" 
“Then we take it back again." Minerva snapped. “Only a coward would abandon their home." 
“You're one talk." 
Minerva scowled, pulling her spear and aiming it at Emma's throat. Emma stood unflinching. 
“My home is where my people are.” Minerva said. “These are my people. Everyone from my past is dead. I wasn't the one who abandoned our elder when he needed his most trusted companions." 
"The elder was killing us from within. He's the reason we're so secluded from the outside world. He made enemies on his own. Why should I have fought for the crusade of a madman?" 
“Ahem." Terran said, getting their attention. All attention was on Terran now. 
“Terran.” Emma smiled. She seemed so relieved to be talking to someone sane, or at least someone who wasn’t Henderson. “You made it back. Do... do you have it?"
Terran grinned, reaching for the crystal. "Did you expect any less of me?" 
Emma wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. The three high werefoxes looked in awe at the moon crystal. 
“Well what are you waiting for?” Henderson asked, holding out a hand. “Give it here!" Minerva put an arm out in front of him. 
“I believe that since it was Terran who brought the crystal back,” she said. “he should have the honor of placing the crystal." 
Henderson pulled back and shrugged. “It doesn't matter who does it. As long as it gets there." 
“Good job, Terran.” Emma complemented. “Now come on. It's time." 
Terran walked slowly towards the pedestal. As he did, he saw the veil of black smoke running through the forest, that had pierced through their borders. He frowned at it. The shadowphage was a terrestrial plague that consumed everything in it’s path, corrupting it, turning people against their friends and loved ones.
This crystal would fix everything. No more shadowphage. Terran placed the crystal on the pedestal, and stepped away as a beam of light reached from the crystal towards the night sky. Even Winter stood in awe, her eyes gleaming. 
Suddenly, the light began to flicker. Something was wrong. Without warning, the crystal exploded, shattering into a dozen pieces on the floor beneath the pedestal, a gasp coming from each werefox who bore witness to what had happened.
“Wh- what happened?" Emma asked.
“They... they must've tampered with it.” Terran replied, trying to make sense of the situation. “They tampered with it!"
“Help!” one of the village werefox shouted. “Shadowphage, spreading from the north!" 
Terran and a group of werefoxes armed with swords, bows and magic, huddled in front of the north part of Fox Haven. This part, unfortunately was where the wheat farm was growing. The black mist began engulfing the greenery, coming from the north. It crept slowly, but surely towards Terran and the rest of the werefoxes. Seconds later, a large, three-eyed monkey, with a black aura around it came flying out of the trees, which were beginning to convert from brown, to pale grey.
The corrupted, and mutated monkey let out a screech, as if letting out a battlecry. It spit something vile towards Terran, and he cut through it with his katana. When the monkey came right towards him, he cut through it with a single swing. More corrupted and mutated animals: rabbits, monkeys, birds, slimes, and even anthropomorphic figures, began to make their way out of the trees, barraging the werefoxes with body after body. The three leaders came rushing in as well, pushing back the offending evils, but to no avail. As the shadowphage spread, the creatures began to appear more frequently. 
“This isn't enough.” Emma said. “We need to combine our strength." 
“Agreed." Henderson responded.
“Let us do it. Everyone else, stand back."
The three leaders formed a line, Henderson in the middle, Emma to his left, Minerva at his right. Henderson put up a barrier, keeping the shadowphage and it’s corrupted minions at bay, while the two ladies gathered up magic for a powerful spell.
“Darkness Cleansing…” Emma chanted.
”Light Wave!” Minerva finished, almost dramatically. While most spells don’t always need to be verbalized, powerful spells are far more potent if yelled aloud. 
A wave of magic light pushed the shadowphage and it’s terrible minions back through the forest.
“There.” Emma said. That'll work, but it won't hold the shadowphage back for long. We need to evacuate everyone." 
“Preposterous!” Henderson exclaimed. “We are not leaving."
"I know a few werefoxes would want leave. The moon crystal is gone, we cannot stay here!"
“You are free to walk out of here, if you so desire.” Minerva chimed in. “But the rest of us will stand our ground." 
“Stand our ground against what?” Terran chastised. “Shadows? Air? You people are crazy if you think that that is even remotely a good idea. You can't put a sword to the shadowphage, you either walk away, or accept defeat." 
“There is no difference between those options."
“You only say this because you are so full of pride. Has it occurred to you that you are all letting yourselves die, because your ego is getting the best of you?"
“And has it occurred to you," Henderson asked. “that if we are to leave, we are only prolonging it’s grasp on our necks." 
“Prolongation is a better chance to find a more permanent solution." Terran said.
“And how many times will we have to move our location before that happens? We are staying put, and that is final. Those who disagree, can agree to permanent exile." 
“Enough.” Emma cried. “The more we bicker amongst each other, the faster the shadowphage spreads. It feeds on our negative actions and emotions." 
“In that case,” Minerva said. “I suggest the three of us stay as far away from each other as possible to avoid any extra tension." 
“Fine by me." 
“Fine.” Terran began. “If you insist on staying, then I'm going to go out to find another moon crystal." 
“Are you mad!?” Henderson asked. “You'll run the risk of exposing our sanctuary!" 
“We don’t have another option.” Minerva said matter of factly. “Besides, Terran was trained for this. He is more than capable of protecting the location of our home."
“It's dangerous to go alone, though.” Emma said. “I think there may be some stuff in the armory that could keep you alive."
“Take as much food as you can carry as well.” Henderson added. “We have plenty, so I'm sure we can survive a few missing morsels. And whatever happens, whatever you do... do not get consumed by the shadowphage. The shadowphage itself is dangerous... corrupted souls are even more so."
“I understand the danger.” Terran told him. “This isn't the first time I've braved outside the sanctuary."
...
Emma brought Terran to a large, hollowed out tree, which housed an armory of weapons, armor, and other things. Emma pulled a katana from the wall, and placed it in Terran's hands. "This katana was used by a great werefox warrior named Alastar." Emma said. "He was a champion during the great Calamity, and one of my ancestors."
The Calamity was a tale known to all Mythrolhians. It was an age of heroes who died fighting terrible monsters, spawned from the cruelest depths of the Underworld. Many say it was the wrath of gods, but the truth was far less dramatic. The Calamity was actually summoned by a terrible wizard attempting to play god. While most would see tragedy in the Calamity, Terran always knew that there was some good that came from it as well. From the Calamity rose a creed, the Creed of the Champions.
The Creed of the Champion was written as follows: "To protect the innocent, without getting involved in their business. To defend Mythrolhia first, no matter the cost. To live, fight, and die with bravery, and accept those who challenge us. To condemn moral injustice, even when other champions have gone rogue. To protect our brothers and sisters in arms, to our dying breath. To defend the freedom of Mythrolhia, and the Creed of the Champions. For those who impose their will upon the people, shall meet their fate at the end of a well-forged blade."
Still, there are many who would speak against champions, most usually outlanders, who call them "brutal vigilantes", and "local militia men". It's true that many champions have taken up swords, guns, and magic and used these tools in a violent nature, but many of those story are one-sided, causing fear and anger. And many of those syories are true, leading many to turn to anti-champion hate groups, like the Order of Light, or the Enforcers of Far North Organization. Champions have always dealt with their own, and have always taken responsibility for the ones who go rogue, usually by hunting them down. Although their fates are decided in a civilian court, it is the champion’s who caught them who bare the right to punish them.
"I had no idea you came from a champion lineage." Terran stated.
"Henderson doesn't like when I talk about it."
"Henderson doesn't control you. Don't let him."
"I don't. But it's not a very popular conversation here. You know that better than anyone."
"Yeah. Everyone seems to thinks I'm some kind of wannabe champion. But I don't do what I do for some creed."
"I know. Here, you'll want to take this with you as well."
Emma handed Terran a mirror. It looked like a simple mirror, with a silver, oval frame, small enough to fit into a storage bag, or one of the large pockets inside Terran's long coat. It was actually a magic mirror, capable of magically transporting anyone who looks into it, back to wherever they call home. Terran never really felt at home in the Haven, though, but it was the closest thing he had to a home. He'd always felt like an outcast, even though everything he did was for the tribe. Many of the tribe members wore either robes, or light leathers for sneaking through the forest. Terran wore a purple shirt, some long pants, and an overcoat that went down to his knees. Emma was also different in that regard, as she wore light brown pants, and a long sleeve shirt, short enough to show midriff. She liked using magic, but she was also adept in hand-to-hand combat, and has even beaten Terran a few times while sparring. 
Terran wasn't always a part of Fox Haven. He was born in a tundra region of Mythrolhia, but somethings bad happened when he was little, before he was even old enough to split his tails. Most types of werefoxes are gifted with the ability to grow in magic potential by magically splitting and duplicating their tails up to a maximum of eight times, allowing for them to have up to nine tails in their lifetime. Some however, do not have this ability, and are limited in their magic potential, or they simply don't have any magic beyond the ability to shift. Some werefoxes have the ability to shift into any form they want, with their original form being a half fox, half human relation. 
But Terran was an arctic werefox, which meant he was born with ability to create ice out of thin air, as long as he had access to the mana flow. The mana flow is the unseen flow of mystical energy that allows magic users to concentrate that energy into a physical or visual form, weather it be natural magic, magic that comes naturally to the user, like Terran uses, or alternative magic, magic that comes from material sources such as staffs, or tomes.
Interestingly, Terran also had the ability to create frostflames, an unusual type of flame that glows icy blue instead of orange and red, and is a concentration of heat and cold, forcing anyone unfortunate enough to cross him to suffer twice as much as regular flames.
Terran also didn't rely solely on faith for everything. Although Terran did have respect for the artful ways of ancient deities, he did not believe that they were in control of his fate, as where many of his tribe mates believed that everything is decided by the power of the gods. Emma seems to agree with Terran, even when Henderson doesn't. Minerva doesn't believe in that stuff at all, which was understandable. Her entire tribe was wiped from the map by the Order of Light, and only by her spear, and her shear strength and will to avenge her tribe, did she survive. Nothing is by mere chance in her eyes.
Terran placed the mirror into one of his inner coat pockets, and turned back to Emma.
"I'll make sure to put it to good use." Terran said. But Emma was still worried. They began exiting the armory, and walking towards the Haven exit. 
"Are you sure you want to go alone?" Emma asked. "You can take one of us three with you." 
Terran shook his head as they reach the Haven exit. "You're the only one I trust to take care of the village. I wouldn't dare take Minerva. She's too hotheaded. Henderson... he can go suck an egg. As for the others, they're all needed here. To protect Fox Haven." 
"Okay, well.. be safe. We're counting on you." Terran felt uneasiness at those words. Emma playfully punched Terran in the arm. "But hey! If you get the chance, don't be shy about meeting a nice vixen."
Terran rolled his eyes, attempting to hide his embarrassment. Though they aren't related, Terran had always seen Emma as a sibling rather than a crush, and she shared the sentiment as well, and they would treat each other as such. Emma, the older sister, and Terran, the younger brother she liked to tease. If she had favorites on what she liked to tease him with, this was second on the list, right next to the fact that he would always have fewer tails than her. 
Terran wasn't even interested that much in finding a "nice vixen", or committing to any kind of relationship for that matter. Many werefoxes are often very seductive, especially wild ones, and use charm spells to get what they desire. But werefoxes are not susceptible to charm spells, weather it comes from another werefox or not. Werefoxes, however mischievous, can also be feirce protectors of anyone they deem trustworthy.
"Well, that's a nice suggestion." Terran replied. "I see you haven't found yourself a tough, swift dog yet."
"Ha!" Emma laughed. "No man could afford these tails." 
She bended forward, showing all eight tails behind her. Terran rolled his eyes again. "Just, stay outta trouble." 
Emma grinned. "We're fox people. Trouble... is in our nature." 
Emma turned, slowly drifting into her fox form, and climbing up a tree. Her fox form was double the size of his, in order to hold all those tails. Terran shook his head, chuckling softly. He turned to the forest in front of him. It was so green. If he doesn't act fast, all of this will be consumed by shadowphage.
The properties of shadow corruption alone can drive a man mad. It not only consumes hosts, but also forces their minds to adapt to a different perspective. If the host's will is strong enough, they can resist the corruption, but not easily. 
Terran decided not to look back at the gate as it closed. Instead, he started walking alone, into the forest, without a second thought. If he was right, there was a settlement that was just a few hours walk from here. He just had to pass through the wild forests. As he went through, he heard a growling stomach from his left.
"I'm hungry." Winter announced, looking up at him walking beside him, her wings folded to her sides. Terran reached into his pocket and pulled out a few tasty, red berries, and thew one up for her. She jumped and caught it with her mouth, and munched happily on it.
"It's gonna be a long journey." Terran said. "Might not even find what we need."
Winter licked her lips as she swallowed the delicious berry. "As long as I keep getting those tasty berries, I'm good." she said with satisfaction.
"This is the first time in a while, we'll be going outside of the forest. The unknown. It's scary, but exciting."
Winter hopped up onto his shoulder, and made herself comfortable. "And we'll make it through together!”
Terran fed her another berry, and continued walking through the forest. On the other side of the forest, looking over a bluff, they saw what looked like a town. A large sign with missing letters in the front read "We ome to uorn svil e".
To be continued...