//------------------------------//
// The Preparations 
// Story: He Who Loves Nightmares 
// by xCrossx 
//------------------------------//


The Preparations



I have had a thousand years to prepare for this. I have studied forbidden arts and innovate new ways of using my magic. And I plan to use it all to commit capital crimes. The time has come to place the pieces and wait for the game to begin.

I use my magic to fly to Canterlot first, slipping into the castle without getting found out. Outside of Celestia's room, beyond the sight of her guards, I weave my magic into her door as I turn it into a special spell. This spell will activate when Celestia touches it with hoof or magic, sending her into an alternate universe. This will occupy her for a while, stopping her from showing up at the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow. She would leave the castle so she can teleport, but she can't even leave her room now. I quickly slip out and head to Ponyville, where the Celebration will take place.

There, I watch the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, learning their true weakness. Rainbow Dash has an immense pride in herself, easily used against her. But she is the Element of Loyalty, and won't easily be drawn away. Pinkie Pie is purely crazy, being the Element of Laughter. She would laugh away anything if it meant bringing happiness. Rarity is a stuck-up beauty queen, hating anything that doesn't look stylish to her. But she is the Element of Generosity, giving up beauty for others at times. Fluttershy is, well, shy, shirking from everypony. But she is the Element of Kindness, jumping to help friends or animals. Applejack is a hard work who doesn't like lazy bums and loves a challenge. Being the Element of Honesty, she would never be caught lying. And Twilight Sparkle... she is rejecting Ponyville... I can't get anything off of her. All I know is that she is brilliant and Celestia's most trusted student.

As the sun sets, I turn my back to Ponyville, heading along the path through the Everfree Forest that leads to the castle ruins within. The first trap: the offer to join the Wonderbolts now or never. Along with it is the promise that she can visit her friends between performances. The second is a hurt animal that needs excessive care. The third, a party. One that Pinkie could never refuse. The fourth, a fashion show that would be distasteful, demanding to be refitted. And the fifth, a competitor challenging Applejack to a battle of athleticism. Without enough knowledge on Twilight, I can't make a trap for her. But she can't do anything without the other Bearers.

Finally, I arrive at the Everfree Castle. I quickly go to the throne room, where a giant, ancient pedestal rests, holding the six Elements. I concentrate my magic, carefully wrapping the Elements in a thin but immensely powerful viel, making it so not even the most powerful of magic can pass through to or from the stones. Even if the Bearers make it here, the Elements will be mere stones for them. Not that they will.

I turn back, making it to Ponyville as the time comes for the Celebration. I join the ponies in the town hall, moving to the front. Everything is ready. The time is upon us. Nightmare Moon will return, Celestia and the Bearers are out of the way, and I will bring Princess Luna back. In time, everything will be perfect.