//------------------------------// // Reinforcements // Story: Twilight Gives Way to Dawn // by Lawpony //------------------------------// In the meeting hall of the great empire of Quinn, seven figures sat around a table. There was Commander Rainbow Dash, Lt. Pineshield, and Spike. On the other side of the table sat Lord Golan and three of his advisers. "You see Golan, my friend, fifteen years ago, before we met, my friend and somewhat sister-figure Twilight Sparkle took her place among the princesses. Five years ago, after I came back, she killed Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Last year, she killed her own brother and sister-in-law to take the Crystal Empire as well. Just last week, she took the Changeling Empire. Her forces are growing, and if we don't stop her now, she may take over the griffons, then you! If we don't act, nothing will stop her! Pony kind has faced some bad things; from Nightmare Moon, to Discord, to King Somba! But this menace is world endangering!" "I know, I have seen it happening and have reinforced my own def-did you say the Changelings were taken over? I haven't heard of this yet! This is not as I expected! Thank you for telling me this! We may be better prepared for the future!" "Wait! That's it?! You're just going to prepare yourselves?! What about Equestria man?! What about the Griffon Empire?! What about when I helped you on your journey to the throne? Does that mean nothing now?", Spike was pleading to his old friend. "That was one mission." "And you gained millions in support!" "I could have done it without any help!" "I SAVED YOUR LIFE!" "WHY MUST I HELP A RACE TO SURVIVE IF IT'S JUST GOING TO FORGET ABOUT IT?!" "Because I'll make sure you'll be remembered," Rainbow Dash spoke up. They all looked at Rainbow. "Yeah. When I overthrow the Queen, you'll be heroes, I'll make sure of it." "Heroes? You think us as greedy beasts like those things living out there?! Those are greed dragons! They are corrupted by it! We are civilized beings, that respect life! We wouldn't do it for fame!" "Then why won't you help us?!" "Because I put my family first! I worked hard to secure my own empire, why would I risk losing it to another?" "Because they will take it if you don't help us stop them!" Golan looked at his advisers. They looked at each other, nodded, then looked at him and nodded. "I suppose this could be worked out. I mean, I completely understand the need for help Equestria has, but I also fear for my own people. What should I do?", he turned back to the elders who he relied on for wisdom. They whispered in ancient tongue to each other. Finally, the oldest and wisest dragon stood and began to speak, his ancient voice slow and deep. "It would be wise to act now. If the griffons fall, we may have no chance. If we help this rebellion, we may find the world still safe tomorrow. If we hesitate, we may all die in fire and fury. The elders are suggesting you agree." "Your wisdom is beyond my young shortsightedness. I am sorry for being so arrogant with you ponies. I suppose I am just paranoid to take action outside of my own walls." "Oh, no fault given. You are simply looking after your family. But if you help us, the world could be to gain, safe and alive, while we sleep in peace," Pineshield added, gaining a respectful nod from his Commander. "I have reached a decision, as no doubt my elders have as well," they nodded at him. "Then I shall put forth my entire strength to aid your rebellion and help secure this world!" "Thank you so much Lord Golan! You won't regret helping us!", the Commander squeaked. "I hope not! I would like to see this world free of tyranny. You should return home and inform your troops we will be coming to your base in the morning." "No need, we can send them a letter. We had our base communication unicorn linked to Spike's fire so he could send it to her. They will be ready by tonight." "Good, give my soldiers an hour to prepare, and then we leave." As Twilight traveled in the endless void, she could see Applejack bleeding and bruised. She cried out to her friend, but no response came. She called her name until her throat hurt. Finally, she could feel her body returning to her. She was standing over Applejack, about to kill her. She tried to stop herself, but she just couldn't. "So, the mighty Applejack! What have you gotten yourself into this time?" Did I just say that?, she thought to herself. "It seems Ah've been caught. But no matter, Ah know how it'll end, so why don't ya just go ahead and do it?", she spat at her. Don't worry Applejack, I would never hurt you! You don't have to worry. "Yes, so do I. First I slice you, then I dice you, then I cook you up for the dogs!" What?! Is that my voice?! That can't be me...can it? "I am truly going to enjoy this! You have interfered long enough! And when I deliver your armor to Ponyville and show your blood painted on it, they will not only lose, but do so in misery! They will see what I did to their own, and when I do the same to Rainbow Dash, they will crumple!" NO! Time stopped and the voice she thought was hers entered her head. WHAT?! You can't kill my friend! But I already have! I've killed many ponies, and she will not be the last! Who are you?! Why, I am you of course! But, you can't be! I'm me! Exactly! And you are doing this! Nice job Twilight Sparkle, you're killing your friend! But...I don't understand! There is nothing to understand! Logic does not exist! There is only us, and what we want, right? No. What?, the word was growled. I said no! You will not kill Applejack! You won't, you won't, you won't! You don't want to do this. Yes I do! You're going to regret this. You will not kill her., her voice stern. Time continued, and Red Dawn continued talking to Applejack about how she was going to torture her. Twilight lost vision and fell back into the void.