Twilight Sparkle is the Queen of the Crystal Empire.
Twilight never asked to be queen, nor does she want to be. But this is the path she chose. The path that keeps her friends, family, and everything she holds dear alive and well. If she doesn't like it then why is she in love with it?
Step in her shoes as the events of her life unfold before her. The past, present and future become a non-stop challenge as she tries to set things 'right'. Right, in her eye's at least. As this evil queen pushes for the future, she will choose between light and dark, corrupting herself and others around her. This is the tale of her struggle.
I am in the Starswirl The Bearded Wing in the Canterlot Library. I'm sitting on a soft pillow with an advanced magic book in front of me. I am deep in my studies, but not deep enough to notice the princess sitting next to me. Celestia's radiant beauty towered next to me, ready to answer any question I might have.
I look up to her with a big smile. She smiled back with a gentle love that only we share as student and teacher, pupil and master...as friends. That's the way it is. At least the way it should be. Before my eyes Celestia turns into an hysterical mess. Her mane is unkempt, cuts and bruises adorned her body, stress enveloped her being, and tears poured from her face in an unbearable sadness.
As I reach for the princess I found my body wasn't moving. No matter how hard I struggled I couldn't budge. It started to get hot. The kind of hot when you put your hood in a...in a fire. The flames came quick, burning the books and shelves around them. They came close to us focusing of Celestia. As the fire overtook her she screamed in pain. All I could do is watch her slowly die as I cried my heart out.
-------------------------
I awoke in a cold sweat, startled, but relieved. Wetness covered my sheets as I lay up in my bed chambers. I hadn't realized I was panting so hard but quickly took control. I brought a hoof up my face, trying to regain my composure, feeling wetness in one particular area. I must have been crying in my sleep last night.
“My Queen, are you alright?”
I look off to the side of my bed to see a crystal pony with the slave collar around its neck. I glared at my slave in hatred. Using my magic, I shot a low level magic missile at it, sending it across the room.
“Insect! Did I tell you to help!?! Make yourself useful and draw me a bath!” I yelled at the slave as it weakly got up.
“Yes my Queen.” It bowed and left in a rush to prepare my bath. An obvious limp was present as she walks out the room.
It took a minute to gather myself. The reality of the world was coming back to me. I glanced to my side to see an empty bed.
“Sombra must be out.” I noted to myself as I got out of bed, making my way to the door. “Guards!” Two dark crystal ponies in armor came in bowing as they began to talk.
“What do you wish, my Queen?”
“Have some of the slaves clean the sheets.”
“Right away, my Queen.” The guards hurried out the door.
I can't help but reflect on the events that led up to now. How the Crystal Empire fell, then Canterlot, the Everfree Forest and Ponyville. It was hard for every pony and is still hard to cope with. Even me being-
“My Queen, your bath is ready.” I don't bother looking to see if my slave was bowing.
“Good, now go fix me some breakfast for later. Also tell the train operators to get ready to move out. Understood?”
“As you wish, my Queen.” I heard her leave through the door.
I make my way to the bath in the next room while thinking about my slave. She is a good slave. She carries out my orders without question and, when I ask, advises me on what the others could use. Even with the abuse I put on them, they still say they have a better life with me around. I don't mind helping them too much. I might have been corrupted by dark magic but I still have a lot of what still makes me, me.
I look into the mirror of the bathroom before getting in. My once light purple eyes were replaced with red shimmering pupils, bright, green irises, and purple shades of dark, smoky magic flowing outwards. My mane is slightly messy but that’s about it as far as appearance goes. Inside I feel like a pony that was heavily broken after being tortured for months and dipped in fondue. A bath was needed.
I dip a hoof in the water; the temperature is perfect. Getting in the luxurious crystal tub I use my magic to pick up a scrub brush, some soap, an empty parchment, a quill and ink. As I start soaping up to get clean I start writing my letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,
This is not a letter from Sombra nor is this a formal letter. I am writing this today because I miss you and the girls. So much so that I decided to come visit you. I will be arriving by train at about one in the afternoon. Do not worry about breaking the treaty, it is completely legal for me to visit you. Just know I cannot reveal any information on Sombra or our empire. I look forward to my visit.
With great love and respect
Queen Twilight Sparkle
With that I roll up the letter and burn it with my magic. It took a day or two but I was able to learn the spell Celestia uses to send scrolls through to Spike. I made sure to finish my bath quickly so I can meet up with the others for the summit.
It was stupid, just the most elite of Sombra's alliance hold a meeting to talk about nothing. Nothing to me anyway.
After rinsing myself off, I step out grabbing a towel with my magic and dried off. Next was the mirror. I didn't take care of myself as much before, just some brushing and maybe some perfume if the occasion called for it. Now, was a little different. I did all that as well as one more thing, applying some dark purple lipstick.
Seeing my looks in order I walk out to the main room looking for my - there they are. I levitate my black hoof shoes over putting them on as well as levitating over my crown. It was the same Element of Harmony crown but I had the gold banding painted black. It matched my new look. A look Sombra loved all too much.
It was time to make my way out the door and to the council room. Every guard bows as I walk by. It felt empowering, slightly weird, but great nonetheless. The tapping of my hooves against the ground was the signal for all that I was getting close; for them to pay me respect. I turn the final corner to get to my destination. At the entrance of the large double doors are two dark crystal guards and my crystal slave with a small wheeled tray that had a plate with a round cover on top. Must be my breakfast. As I approach, the guards open the door. Inside was an oval like table surrounded by the Crystal Empire’s finest.
As they saw me they all turned and bowed as I enter. Only two were left standing. My eyes meet the second queen in the alliance, Chrysalis. She gave me a slight head bow and I do the same for her. Then I saw…him. The one that made my skin crawl, made me vomit on the spot, made me glare in hate, turn from light to dark, gag in disgust, blush bright red, want to coke until dead, and scream in pleasure.
Sombra, King of the Crystal Empire.
He taps the cushion next to him. I stared daggers at him for a second as a shiver runs through my spine.
“Rise.”
The empire's elite rose at my command turning back to the table as they get up. I make my way to my king thinking about how I truly feel about him. He makes me feel like a real mare every night. Like a real gentlecolt, he is nice to me, treats me well, and values my opinion. He has taught me everything I know about dark magic; how vast and powerful it can be. Whatever it is about him it makes me...well, let him do things to me at night is an understatement. I haven't narrowed it down yet. His power, the way he presents himself, the sheer amount of confidence, how fair he can be in a deal, being very well endowed, or just his natural good looks. Again I haven't narrowed down the long list just yet.
I take my seat next to him, inching slightly closer. Or bodies hiding the fact our tales were wrapping around each other. My slave sets the plate down in front of me, taking the lid off as she moves away. An apple, orange juice, eggs, and some steak. It was pony from the smell. That’s right! We recently had a slave executed. It was good protein and energy for the dark magic I was using on a daily basis. Not only that but it tasted so good.
“Now that we are all here we can begin. First order of business: the slave camp. General, how is it fairing.” Sombra starts off.
“Terrible sir. The slaves are as spoiled as ever. I believe we've seen more productive workers one thousand years ago. It's all because of those ‘luxuries’ they're getting.” The dark pony general looks at me. I didn't have to look up from my meal to know that.
“My King,” I ask not bothering to look up, “you still have the records of the past if I'm not mistaken. How much have the slaves’ work ethic and productivity improved since I came in?”
“It's about twenty five percent more and rises steadily every day.” Sombra says as he looks into a folder he had in front of him.
“And that's with all the ‘perks’ you despise so much.” This time I look at the general. “Eight hour shift changes, a building with bunk beds, healthier food, and bathroom facilities were added to boost the workforce. By the look of this it seems to have worked. So if you want to waste more of my time, please do. I want to make the day more interesting.”
They all became silent as they looked away at the same time. I could sense that Sombra gained some pride in that message. Chrysalis was the first to speak up.
“My my. How you have grown. I'm sure your king is proud to see his work come to life.”
I ignored that, not wanting to say something disrespectful. I learned early on about the complexities of politics from the princess. Now, it was more hooves on. In reality, I was just at these meetings so all the treaty protocols were met and not tampered with. They were fine, but there was still talk of pushing more forces in Equestria. Nothing ever changed as far as armed forces. As the boring meeting progressed into other topics, I couldn't help but go over the events that led up to this point.
The Crystal Empire was the first to go. From a combined force of changelings and dark crystal soldiers, it was too much for Cadance and Shining Armor. They struck hard and fast, hitting the most vital parts first, like the guard barracks and the Crystal Castle. They had to evacuate. Not many escaped. Chrysalis made sure the train and underground tunnels were down. The only ones who made it were Cadance and a hoofful of guards.
Once Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were warned of what happened, they were ready to make a counter attack. They weren't expecting a dark crystal dragon to stop them though. That monstrosity, along with some well-placed changeling spies, crippled the forces of the Royal and Lunar Guard. The Crystal Empire fell in one day, but Canterlot was taken in a few hours. The princesses escaped with some guards and less than ten civilians. The rest are now held captive by Chrysalis's hive. She holds them so she can feed her ever expanding hive with their love.
My friends and I were called in after the whole incident. I wasn't great on the battlefield, neither were most of my friends, but being a fairly new princess, I was needed to help Equestria in its time of need. The process called us to the closest city to Canterlot, which was Manehatten, to discuss a strategy. It was shocking really. The second biggest empire and the biggest city being taken in less than a week. The two villain’s weren't done yet. Not one week went by, they struck the city. Caught off guard for the third time and half the city was destroyed in mere hours.
Halfway from finishing off the city, the Queen and King themselves came out to the front lines and made a proposal. Sign the Treaty of Three Kingdoms or don't live to see next week.
Each of us princesses read it over, and over, and over again. How could we not? They gave us plenty of time to make up our minds but the terms of surrender were almost too great. In the end, all of us elected unanimously to sign it. Thus began the Dark Ages for Equestria. Shining Armor was set free; Sombra and Chrysalis backed off from the new borders of Equestria, both sides agreed not to act against each other in terms of conflict, and lastly, I became Sombra's new protégé and wife.
It was hard for everypony. Not so much for me; I can't really complain. More magic lessons, ponies that will do as I say, I can still see my friends whenever I wish, and the best sex a mare could ask for. ...I should move on before my wings stiffen.
Cadance took it the hardest. The stress drove her insane...at least for a little while. She wasn’t used to the life of war. I got word that she had recently been released from rehab and is doing a lot better. Shining is also helping her adjust to the recent changes. Celestia and Luna have been doing their best to calm and maintain order in what's left of Equestria but that didn't stop suicides from being at an all time high. Food isn't an issue any more since Canterlot doesn't need to be supplied and half of Manehatten was destroyed.
Out of all the chaos Discord wanted a piece of the proverbial pie. He had made the entirety of the Everfree Forest and Ponyville his personal playground. He spends most of his days toying with the residents and playing mind games on everypony. He is still, if it can be said, reformed, so he doesn't do much to uphold the process of farming or overall life for the small town. I'd say he doesn't do more because he doesn't want to be turned back to stone. That and I'm pretty sure he’s rutting Fluttershy.
I took the last bite of my breakfast. It seems the meeting is wrapping up now; not that I was paying much attention to begin with. Without the slightest hint, my slave places the lid back on the plate and takes it away from me. She comes back with a piece of paper in her mouth, placing it on the table in front of me, bowing as she left the room. I open it up. It seems the train is ready, complete with a massage therapist, chef, guard detachment, and a crystal dragon tucked away in the caboose. My slave really knows how to please me.
That dragon will come in handy too. They're tougher than diamonds, faster than a Wonderbolt at top speeds, stronger than a golem, quicker to anger than a hydra, and have a killer instinct that rivals that of an entire dragon horde. To top it off, they are completely obedient. Anytime the crystal train is on the move, pony bandits have a habit of attacking it. I don't blame them. Sombra was one of two beings who made their normal lives a living hell. But at the same time I don't have any mercy for them. The dragons were instrumental in taking Equestria. Without them Sombra wouldn't have conquered Equestria as easily as he did.
“If there's nothing else, then everypony is dismissed.” Sombra sounds like he is trying to hurry them along. What does he want now? I noticed a sly grin from Chrysalis before she made her way out the door.
“We shall see each other for next month’s meeting. In the meantime, take care.”
I knew what was going through both their heads. Sombra did the same thing after every meeting. He did the same demeaning and sadistic thing every time.
He molested me.
And I loved it.
As soon as everypony was out he put his hoof through my front hooves between my hind legs, kissing me at the same time. My wings flared instantly. I leaned into the kiss while touching the hoof that was giving me a rub. He finally pulled back after what seemed like hours. I couldn't tell nor did I care, I was in bliss higher than cloud nine.
“Where are you going today?”
“What does it matter to you?”
Pushing his hoof out from under me I start walking out the door. I stop in my tracks as he begins again.
“Once you get back from your visit I have something for you.”
“So will I. A bucket of vomit to throw at your head.”
His maniacal laugh piercing my ears making me cringe. Seems he wasn’t done talking yet.
“Before you leave, pass by the camp. You'll find something of interest.”
“You're still here so it's not your head on a spike.”
I take a deep breath, calming myself and lowering my wings back to my sides. Walking out the door, I was greeted by the guards and my slave bowing. Moving on to the main door, my slave followed behind. While walking, I decided to ask the obvious question.
“Have you heard about what happened down in the camp?”
“Yes but they are nothing but rumors my queen.”
“Guess I will have to find out the truth for myself.”
It was dark outside. Thunder clouds were covering the sky as light occasionally went off with the distant sound of thunder in the air. It was warm with a gentle breeze. Perfect weather today.
I make my way to the camp. It was a large fenced in area, complete with several barracks, a bathroom facility, and a mine where hundreds of crystal ponies were hard at work. By the time of day, they must have just changed shifts. Once in, I walk up to the nearest guard I see, who bows to me.
“I heard there was a matter that needed to be addressed.”
“Yes my queen. There was an attempted escape last night.”
“Is that so? Take me to the accused.” This had my full attention.
I was lead to the center of the camp. All the while, guards and workers bow to me. Seeing the ponies hard at work, sweating their flanks off, going through back breaking labor, it put a smile on my face. The guard stopped in front of a cage that held a nervous racked pony. As soon as he laid eyes on me, he bows.
“My queen, I-“
“Save it.” The prisoner shut up, clenching his eyes as he tried to bow even further. “How dare you disrespect me like this. I give you a bed, food, time off from work, and bathing facilities, and this is how you treat me? By throwing all of it back in my face?”
“Please my queen, I meant no disrespect. I was just-.” I used my magic to grip his throat so hard he couldn't even make a sound but not enough to snap it as I lifted him of the ground.
“You need to be taught a lesson in manners. Not just you but all of the slaves here.” I bend the bars of the cage to levitate the prisoner out, throwing him out in the center of the camp.
“SLAVES!” Everypony stops to look at me, including the guards. “A lessons needs to be taught in respect. It seems you have a hard time with the fact that I have made your lives much, much easier. Even with this knowledge, you feel the need to throw all of it back at me by trying to escape. I have decided to be merciful and give you a choice. I can take away your bathing facilities or I can take away your friend. What's it going to be?”
I stare out into the crowd, awaiting an answer. All I see are blank faces, looking in awe. I'm not entirely sure if it's the shock of having a choice at all or having to choose between a living pony or the one thing that's keeping them clean. It was about a minute in when I heard a pony step forward. I turn to the pony in question.
“ALL HAIL THE QUEEN! DOWN WITH THE TRAITOR!”
It wasn't long before all the slaves were saying that line. I look down on the escapee with a dark, if not evil, grin on my face as he was crying his heart out.
“Please my queen.”
I didn't give it a second thought. Lifting him up, I used my magic to slowly rip off his limbs. Starting with his hind legs then twisting his fore legs in every direction possible before tearing them off. His screams of pain are almost enough to get me off...I'm pretty sure I have I wingboner at this point. The blood loss was too much for him to stay conscious. As he hangs there, I tung one more time as his head rips from his torso, finally dropping the body. The mass of slaves were now screaming in praise.
“Back to work all of you!” I didn't need to repeat myself. Looking to the nearest guard, he immediately stood at attention. “You, take this corpse and use it to decorate the fence.”
I turn around and walk out the camp. The train was a few blocks away. I estimate the time of day to be about ten thirty in the morning. I should get to Manehatten just before one. The train comes into view. As I get on, the guards all bow to me.
“Slave, where is the masseuse?”
“This way, my queen.”
My slave leads me a few cabs down to one with a comfy table to lay on, six guards, and another crystal pony slave. I get up on the table, spreading my wings to the side. The slave got right to work, getting on the table as she started with my back.
“Why aren't we moving yet?”
With a bow, my slave runs to the front...I didn't realize that the execution was that hot. I can feel my neither’s against the silk cloth become slightly wet. Or was that because of Sombra, I can’t tell. The train begins moving. The slave definitely knows what she's doing. I should make her my second personal slave for making me turn to putty this early in the massage. Once my slave returns, she lights candles around the cab. They smell so good, like vanilla on a warm spring morning. I feel myself drift...I think...I'll just...
…
I wake in a slight daze, not sure of what woke me up. Something slams into the side of the train. It wasn't mine, as I didn't move very much. It must be bandits. I don't even need to say anything as I hear the guards already at work fixing the problem. Not that I want to, the masseuse is doing a very good job on making sure I stay down. Those-mmmmm-ministrations are doing the trick.
“My queen, the bandits are too much for us. We have unleashed the dragon.”
“Sounds good.” I say in a halfhearted daze.
The beautiful sound of soft distant screams of pain with crunching bones is music to my ears. It lolls me back to sleep.
I wake once more. The train doesn't seem to be moving anymore. The slave had stopped with the massage. That annoyed me a bit, but if we arrived, I would want her to stop.
“My queen we have arrived in Manehatten. The guards are outside clearing a path for you.”
I instantly wake up, jumping to my hooves with narrowed angry eyes. Walking out the nearest exit I saw my crystal guards in a fight with some of the royal pony guards. One is about to use their spear to stab it through a Royal Guard ponies throat. I grab it with my magic and push it to right through my own guard’s throat. Taking hold of him, I slam him into the side of the train, causing him to shatter into thousands of pieces. Everypony stops to look at me; even the few civilians stare in shock.
“INSECTS! I DID NOT GIVE THE COMMAND TO ATTACK! WE ARE NOT HERE TO FIGHT! GET BACK INSIDE THE TRAIN, BEFORE I DECIDE TO FEED YOU TO THE DRAGON!”
“Yes my queen!”
They sound off all at once, running inside. I take a second to look at the damage that was done. Some Royal Guards had been scuffed up a bit, but nothing to cry about. Then I saw the worst possible thing I could have ever laid my eyes on. It sent a chill down my spine and makes my blood run cold.
Princess Celestia has a black eye.
“Princess!”
The guards try to stop my advances but I just pushed them aside. Getting close to my long time mentor, I used a quick healing spell that work wonders right away. In seconds her face was back to being the beautiful image it once was. The guards stood down as they saw what I did. Celestia herself looked slightly stunned.
“That was a terrible entrance. Let me try it again.” I walk back to the train entrance, turning back to look at the princess, bowing as I start the greeting. “I, Queen Twilight Sparkle, am happy you could have me over princess.”
“Glad you could make it Queen Twilight.” She bows along with me.
I was silent at first but soon I couldn't hold it in anymore. I start laughing about the whole situation. Somehow it was just funny. Celestia herself joins my with a laugh of her own. Still giggling slightly, I start talking.
“Yep that still sounds weird. What do you say princess, want to get out of here?”
“I would like nothing better Twilight.”
We start to walk off, but I remember one little detail. Turning around, I see my slave in the train doorway. I motion for her to follow. She does so without hesitation. In seconds, the princess and myself are laughing about the good old times. How ursa minors were the biggest threat to Equestria and we sometimes pulled pranks on the Royal Guards. It always made me smile when I saw their reactions.
Walking alongside the streets of Manehatten, I’m aware that all the other ponies stare at me with confusion and fear. Some of them go so far as to run inside and hide. I didn't care about them, not anymore. I just wanted to see my friends. I haven't seen them in months and I just couldn't wait any longer. We came into view of the newly built Command Center. It was constructed not long after the treaty was signed, so the princesses would have a place to rule. It's more or less a multi functioning war room with many different sectors.
I was lead through the interior by Celestia. Traveling in and out of hallways made this place feel like a maze, I'm surprised she can even navigate in he...I think that was the same room we past by not two minutes ago. Anyway, we went to the room I was waiting for. It was a sort of lounge plus meeting room with a large sitting area complete with couches, a self-serve drink station, and tons of pillows. I didn't care about any of that because there was one thing that really stole my attention.
All of my friends were sitting down in the center staring back at me. I think I feel a single tear slide down my cheek. They all tackled me to the ground in a desperate attempt to smother me with affection. Well, all my Ponyville friends did. Spike, Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor stayed up before I was able to stand. Once the group disbanded, I nuzzle each of them. We sit down, about to start talking when Gem sets drinks in front of us all. Oh right, Gem is the name of my slave. How odd; it seems I still let my old self bleed through with my friends around.
There was plenty for everypony. Five drinks were left on the tray when everypony grabbed one, everypony except one. I levitate a drink over to Gem, offering a light smile. She bows in response. I might have gone off on her if she didn't, once we had left Equestria, of course. No matter where I was, I was always a little power hungry. My friends had gotten used to seeing crystal ponies bow to me. What they haven't seen is the way I treat them in the empire. They might not look at me the same...I might not want them to see me like that.
Either way, it was so good to see my friends again. They were all worried for me, but all the reassuring I could muster didn't help. I love that they still care about me like that. That's why they can never see me when I'm in the Crystal Empire. I never told them nor showed them what I transformed into. They might hate me for it. Every time I think of what they would do if they saw me like that...it makes my stomach turn. I don't want to think about that now.
-----------------------
It was time for my friends to say their farewells. They had to take the train back to Ponyville, which was a lot slower than my crystal train. I wave goodbye as they shut the door to the lounge room. It was me, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining.
“Now that they're gone, what is the real reason you came here?”
“Quick to the point aren't you, Tia?”
“Twilight, I know you came here for a different reason than to say hi. The last time you stopped by, the griffins were invading us. Even then, you barely stayed a day before leaving.”
“Can't say you’re wrong. ...It's about you this time. Nopony else, just you.”
“What about our sister?” Luna looked to be getting defensive.
“I had a dream about you. We were together, like before, in the Canterlot library. Then everything started to burn. I saw you on fire, along with everything around me, and I couldn't do anything to help you.” I said it as if it was just another sentence. The ponies before me have an expression of confusion and shock.
“...Luna...” Celestia only needed to say one word to ask a question worth a thousand.
“If I understand it right, Sombra will be coming after us.”
“But why? We're holding up our side of the treaty. Why would he attack us?” Shining can ask the most obvious of questions sometimes.
“I don't have an answer for you. He hasn't said anything on that subject.” I couldn't even recall anything from the meeting, not that I was paying much attention to begin with.
“Thank you for bringing this to us, Twilight.”
“Sure. But it's about time for me to go.” I stand up then, giving a bow, “I hope to see you again soon.” I walk towards the door and Gem opens it.
“Twilight!” Cadance calls out to me. I turn to see her one last time before I leave.
“Don't worry, if anything does happen, I'll be here to protect all of you.”
“What about the ponies of Equestria?” Celestia asks.
“I'm afraid it's too late for them.”
-----------------------
I was back on the train getting my blissful massage. My dinner was almost ready: Hay burger, fries, lemon water, and more steak. I was really getting used to the steak. How could I blame myself? How was I supposed to knowing ponies would taste so good? It wasn't long before we got to the Crystal Empire, mostly due to my long naps induced by the heavenly touch of the slave. I head off to the castle. I estimated the time to be about nine or so in the evening, Which meant only one thing.
Bedtime.
I am done with my slave for the day so I send her off. Entering the bed chambers, I hear Sombra just finishing up in the bathroom. I take off my shoes and crown and hop into bed. I think I’d like to skip it tonight; I'm too tired for it. Next thing I hear is his voice near the bed. Dam it! Why does he have to sound so damn sexy.
“How was your trip to meet Celestia?”
“That's princess to you, and it was fine.” I spit in anger and disgust.
“Good. Just thought I would ask seeing as we are going to invade tomorrow.” My eyes go wide at this news; I had to sit up and look at him. He didn't have any of his armor on. “Yes, you heard right.”
“But the treaty! They didn't do anything!”
“On the contrary, today is the one year anniversary of the treaty, and they haven't disbanded the Royal Guard. That was part of it. As such we have full right to invade.”
“You’re not going to kill my friends or the princesses. I'll make sure of that.”
Sombra users his dark magic to vaporize himself, turning into his trademark shadow being he is so famous for. In a flash he moves over to me, rematerializing on top of me. My head was pressed against the pillow by his nose. Not kissing me, just holding me back. And his...mmmmm...it was rubbing against mine. I could feel my wings start to unfold.
“Oh I am fully aware of that. I don't really care at this point. Keep your friends safe, I have everything I could want. My Empire, a beautiful queen, and Equestria at its knees. Everything else is just icing on the cake.”
He starts lowering himself onto me. As he does, his member makes his way in me. Why does he have to feel so good? I wrap my legs and wings around him as he bottomed out.
“Equestria will burn.” Somehow that whisper turns me on even more.
Everything around me fades to bliss, but there is one thing I can't help thinking. I think about it so hard that I have to say it out loud and it both chill's me to the bone and makes me hot at the same time. I look Sombra right in the eyes…
There was nothing but a haze. It felt almost like a dream yet it wasn't. I knew I wasn't in a dream as I started to wake up. I felt so tired to the point I couldn't move or even open my eyes, but I could still feel things around me. What became very noticeable was the sheet that was half covering me. Thin, loose, and wet. Don't tell me I wet the bed. I haven't done that since I was a foal. There must be an explanation.
I have to recall what happened yesterday... but nothing's coming to mind. It was all just a blur. All I can remember is being stuffed. No, that's not the right word. Full - that's it. Full of what? I tried to roll onto my back but to no avail. The wetness became very noticeable. It's mostly wet down near my nethers. There's no way I was that thirsty last... wait... it doesn't feel like normal pee.
“…”
Oh. Sombra. It's all coming back to me now. Actually, he did cum in me. Again and again, mmm and again. I can't help but review the events in my head. Every position he had me in, every hole he used, it just made me want him more. I was in heaven, and he was my dark and handsome guardian angel.
Just the memory made me wet all over again. Last night was more than magical. It was like he was trying to put me into a coma. It’s true that everypony around Sombra is a slave, even me. I'm just a different kind of slave, and I love it.
But there’s something that’s escaping me. His cum? No, it’s something else. Something that was said last night. For the life of me, I can't put my hoof on it. What was it?
…
…
…
“Equestria will burn.”
My eyes shot open quickly, adjusting to the very dim light migrating to my room from both the hallway and closed curtain window. I ran to the bathroom, or at least I would have if I didn't fall face first on the floor. My hind quarters were numb to the point I couldn't move them. Sombra did a number on me last night. Not to say I didn’t enjoy it then, just not so much now.
“My Queen!” It’s my slave.
She lifted me up and brought me to the bathroom. Like a good slave, I didn't have to say a word. However much I wanted to hit her for touching me without permission, I was equally if not more so grateful she was. Setting me down gently, she turned the faucet of the bathtub on, letting it fill with warm water.
“What else do you need, my queen?”
I had to think fast. Sombra was no doubt making his way to Equestria. That's if his army of crystal ponies haven't been ready for this day. Who am I kidding? They were always ready.
I needed to focus on retrieving my friends and making sure they don't get hurt, but how? The crystal guards were loyal and strong but they wouldn't be able to handle the distance from here to Ponyville without getting attacked by something. What about Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining? How am I going to get to them? I can’t go to Ponyville and Manehatten at once. Think Twilight, think. There must be something I can do.
A crystal dragon, that’s it! They can protect my friends from anything Equestria might throw at them. But all my friends won’t have enough room on its back... unless guards who are pulling chariots go along with the dragon. It’s the only way to get my friends back here. While that group goes to Ponyville, I can go to Manehatten and secure the princesses. This plan might not be perfect, but it's the best shot I have!
“Gather a detachment of pegasus guards with chariots to match. Secure a crystal dragon to go with them. Make sure they're on standby when I get there so I can pass on their orders.”
“By your will, my queen.” She was off.
I needed to get ready. Using my magic, it was easy to manipulate the water and soap around me. The brush in my fur caught several times on the cum stains that matted my fur. Why did he have to go overboard like that? My numb legs drew most of my concern. It was hard enough just to move, but to get my shoes on, almost impossible. Putting on my crown was the easy part.
Now I had to move to the - Wait! I have to go through my mental checklist. Even if I was going into a battlefield, I still needed to look good. What would Rarity think? Anyway, crown? Check. Hoof shoes? Check. Quill, ink, and parchment? Check. Good brushing? Check. Lipstick? Wait, why do I need that? There won’t be anypony I’ll need to fuss over. But Sombra is out there somewhere.
…
Lipstick... check.
I was able to stand on my hind legs now, but it didn’t make walking any less awkward. Thankfully all the guards in the castle had left for Equestria. Walking and writing my new list could be easier but it’s working nonetheless. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Spike... that should be all. I didn’t have time to go back, so I threw the quill and ink to the side; the slaves could clean it up later.
My hunger made itself known. After all, I did have a very active night, and I might need to use a lot of magic while I’m out. I stopped by the kitchen to grab some food. The slaves in there were surprised to see me but nonetheless gave me something to eat, so I didn’t care what they were doing. I had to eat it on the way to meet the detachment.
It took longer than I would have liked but I made it to the castle entrance. Being active must have jump started my legs because I could feel them come back to life. Good thing too, I didn’t want to look stupid in front of my own guards. I opened the front door. As expected a detachment of pegasi guards waited next to one of the giant crystal dragons. The guards were attached to their respective chariots. My slave stood nearby, already at a bow.
“My Queen, your guards are ready.” I didn’t have time to humor it now.
“Guards!”
“Yes, my queen!” they all said in unison.
“I have a mission for you of the highest priority. Who is the squad commander?”
“That would be me, my queen.” A lone crystal guard stepped forward.
“Take this.” I gave him my list of ponies. “You and your group are to go to Ponyville and gather everypony on that list. Your squad will protect them with your lives. If they have any requests or have anypony else they want to bring with them you will listen to them and follow any and all commands they give. Make sure above all else that no harm comes to them or it will be your life. Understood?”
“Perfectly, my queen.”
“Good. Now move out.”
They all flew off into the sky followed by the dragon. Now it’s my turn. Ponyville should be safe for now, but Manehatten sits on the front lines of the border. They would definitely get hit first. It’s too far to teleport. Flying would take too long… on my own anyway.
“Slave, how many dragons are left in the stables?”
“One more my queen.”
“He was expecting me to take them so I can save my friends. He really is a gentlecolt.” I turned back to the slave. “Stay inside. Get eight guest bedrooms ready for permanent guests with at least two ponies to a room. Two of those rooms are to be fit for royalty, and one made to accommodate animals with a baby dragon. Understand?”
“Yes, my queen.”
She runs off inside, but I need to get that dragon. Teleporting to the stables only took a second. I see the dragon unchained, saddled, and ready to fly. It looked at me then moved its head closer. They’re so adorable I can't refuse it a scratch on the chin.
“Aww who's a good flying cutie? Ok sweetie, I need you to take me somewhere. Can you do that for me?”
Of course, it would love to help. Those cute fireballs of death are loyal to a fault. They remind me of Rainbow Dash. Making a quick flight on top of its back I gently tap my hood. Within a couple of flaps, it’s airborne. Guided by me, we head for Manehatten. Straight to the princesses. Straight to the battlefield.
Straight to Sombra.
---------------------------
The flight to the big city took a half hour. Give or take ten seconds, but I wasn’t really counting. I had to focus on the city itself. The once peaceful city had been replaced by a war zone.
Dead bodies of royal and lunar guards littered the ground, with some scattered dark crystal ponies. Pegasi flew through the air combating their crystal enemies. Earth ponies and unicorns were on the ground trying in vain to halt the incoming invaders. Blood covered the cement pavement below. Sounds of magic, battle cries, metal to metal, and explosions echoed through the air. It was invigorating, to say the least.
As much as I wanted to join the fun, a pegasus flew towards me, sword in mouth ready to strike. With little effort, I grabbed him with my magic and brought him eye level to me. I took out the sword from his mouth, wanting to hear the sounds of agony when I start my torture.
“Awe. You think you can take me down with a tiny piece of metal. How cute.” Moments like this were a rare pleasure.
“Die, traitor!” He spat in my face but my reflexes were too sharp. I caught it in mid air then smothered it across his face. Better make this quick, I have ponies to save.
“Look into my eyes.” He looked at me and instantly fell into a deep trance. I dug through his mind trying to find his deepest fear. It wasn't hard at all. It was the general and cliche loss of his family scenario. How cute, he still thought his family will live. After a terror-induced vision, I let him go. The screams of agony produced are music to my ears. “He'll die when he hits the ground. Let's get moving.” The dragon carried on as commanded.
We headed straight for the Command Center where Princess Celestia and the others would be waiting. The dragon crashed through the front entrance with ease alerting everypony of an intruder. A small group of guards surrounded us, but the dragon killed them all with a quick sweep of its tail. The two main diarchs made themselves known.
“Ready Luna?”
“We are ready.”
“Let's kill this thing quick then help the other ponies.”
“STOP!” Both the princesses halt their magic as the dragon moved its head so they could see me. Very nice. They haven’t broken out their royal armor in the longest time. Well, minus the one year ago mark when this whole thing started, but they still looked good in their mystical suits.
“Twilight? What is thou doing here?”
“I noticed that we never do anything together anymore so I was wondering if we could have a picnic - I CAME TO GET YOU IDIOTS TO SAFETY! NOW GET ON!”
“Twilight, we can’t do that.”
“Why not?” Anger seeped from my voice.
“You know very well why. We will not just stand aside and watch Equestria burn to the ground. I will do my best to protect this land and the ponies within. No matter the cost. If that is why you came here, then I am afraid to disappoint you.”
Celestia can’t be getting all noble on me now. Of all times, why did it have to be now? “And you?” I asked Luna.
“We admit to sharing the same feelings as our sister. We will stay to protect all that we can no matter what. Our decision is final.”
I teleported in front of Celestia and gave her a big tight hug. One that said ‘you mean the world to me’. She, in turn, gave me the same feeling. I felt her armored hoof around my back and hear her sniff back a tear. It’s now or never.
“I'm sorry.”
“Don't be Twilight. You were doing what you thought was right I can't blame you for that. Nopony can.”
“No. I meant I'm sorry for this.”
Before she could react, much less say anything else, I transformed into the black abomination dark magic is so famous for. As I trapped her inside I put her into a deep sleep. She won't be waking up for a while. Luna gasped at the revelation. I guess she thought I was hurting her dear sister so she shot at me with magic bolts. I had no choice but to put her to sleep as well. It was slightly harder than before, must be because she was princess of the night but she fell asleep all the same.
For being all powerful rulers, they really don’t know how to defend against dark magic. I set them gently on the back of the dragon, took off their armor, materialized in front of the dragon, and threw the armor to the side.
“I need you to protect them until I get back as well as any other ponies that I send through. In the meantime have a snack.” A low growl sounded as acknowledgment. That, plus the sounds of crunching armor and bone.
Now to find the others. I had no way find what I want in this labyrinth, so I decided to blow a few holes in the walls. Room after room of nothing. There were some remaining guards that needed to be killed. I just had to find the room that had that one placard in the front. The one that had two very familiar names on it that I saw on my last visit. It felt too long before I came to a room with the pair of ponies I was looking for.
“Mom! Dad!”
“Twilight? Is that really you?” Couldn’t tell if Mom was excited or worried.
“Oh thank Celestia you're here. We thought somepony else was coming through.” Dad had always been more of a worry wart then mom.
“Listen, I don't have time to explain. Through all these holes I have a crystal dragon waiting. It will protect both of you until I get there.” They were about to say something, but I cut them off. “Please, I'll explain everything and more but I need you to get you to safety. Go to the dragon. I'll be there as soon as I'm done here.”
Reluctantly, they left the room headed towards their crystal protector. Just a few more things left then I could go. I blew more holes in this place and prayed that the next room would be the last. Before long, I found my way to the war room. At least it looked like the war room. What stood out to me were the five remaining Elements of Harmony. They were just as beautiful as the last time I laid eyes on them. The main door opened.
“The elements are in here. Quickly gather them so we can le-,” Cadence stood silently as two guards on each side of her did the same.
“Cadence, am I glad to see you. Do you mind helping me get these? I'm going to take them and you to safety.” She stands there. I expected some reaction, but all I got was a blank stare before she finally said something.
“Twilight… but how? What are you doing here?”
I could tell this was going to take too long for a stunned Cadence to comprehend. I needed to end this and get her out of here, or else she’ll keep asking questions being her usual, just as stupid, self. If I could just get her to answer one question, I can put her to sleep.
“Cadence, do you know where I can find Shining Armor?”
“He's on the battlefield holding off the crystal army.” So that’s what she thought is happening, does she? How I would love to be that ignorant. He’s more than likely caught and on his way to be tortured at this time. “What are you doing here?”
“I'll explain later, for now, I'm sorry.” I transformed back into the black mist again and enveloped the three ponies in my aura. I put Cadence to sleep and killed the two useless ponies. I might not have needed to kill them, but I didn’t want my record for at least three kills a day to end now.
I stayed in my form and grabbed the elements before returning to the dragon. My parents worried that I did something to the princesses, but it eased them when I said they were only asleep. It was time to find Shining before Sombra could. That was something I directed their attention to. I guided the dragon to the commander's post set up near the edge of the city carefully so the three princesses wouldn’t fall off. That meant we had to go slower… headache-inducing slower.
As we flew over parts of the city, most of it was on fire, set aflame by the invaders. A complete waste in my opinion. We could use those resources for new buildings or even better, expand our empire’s borders and make this another mining city. Instead, the idiot guards had to think with their weapons, not their heads. That’s why ponies like Sombra and I were in charge. Then again they were made with nothing but crystals and dark magic. I can see the post now. Good thing too, I thought about this war too much again. I glided off the dragon towards the commander's post.
“General.”
“Yes, my queen.” He gave me a bow. I would hate to have to kill him in front of my parents. “How may I assist you?”
“I need any and all information you have on Captain Shining Armor, the leader of the Royal Guard.”
“We have already captured him, my queen. Our victory is only a matter of time now.”
“Where is he being held?”
“King Sombra had already taken him away. Said something about having special plans for him. He never released those plans to us but-” Useless. I smashed his face apart with my magic.
The lifeless body collapsed to the ground. The others around started to back off. From the look on their faces, mine must have said I'm going to kill anything in sight. The rage I felt from failing to save my brother was proof enough for me.
“You.” I pointed a hoof at a random officer. “I don't care how you do it, just get three chariots ready for long distance travel in less than two minutes. NOW!” He scurried away like a rat from the slaughter. I pointed at another officer. “You. Order all troops to keep standing structures as they are.” He bowed to me but I didn’t have time for that. “NOW!” Again he ran off with his tail between his legs.
I waited for that insect on my loyal beast. My parents wanted to say something to me, but they were too hesitant. I talked first so they wouldn't have to.
“You want to ask me something?”
“Yes dear. What was the problem that made you… um… do that?” Mom pointed to the dead crystal general.
“Shining Armor isn't here anymore. He was taken away by Sombra, and I don't know what he's going to do to Shining. For all I know he might have already-” Dad stopped me in my tracks. I think he noticed tears begin to form. I know I felt them on the corners of my eyes.
“Now hold it right there missy. You've spent a year with Sombra, right? Do you trust him?”
“Yes.”
“Would you put your life in his hooves?”
“Yes.”
“Does he love you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then before you go on another one of your mental train wrecks, let's go see him before overthinking the situation.” Dad pulled me into a hug and I hug him back. Damn. Even now he’s still able to turn me into his little filly. “If he truly cares for you, he'll keep your brother alive and well.”
“What if he took our son away so there wouldn't be any confusion between him and the others?” Mom looked to us as she joined in on the hug.
“It's… possible I guess.”
“That's the spirit, Twilight. For now, it looks like your chariots are ready.”
There they were. Three chariots with two pegasi hooked up each. I gathered myself and, with much reluctance, let go of my parents. It was too late to keep the idiots from seeing but not too late to kill them if they said anything disrespectful.
“Good, now secure a princess to each chariot. After that’s done, you will follow me back to the empire. They are asleep so make sure they don't fall off, or it will be your head. Understood?”
“Yes, my queen.”
I levitated the princesses to the chariots. The pegasi made sure they wouldn't move. I made sure the straps were tight enough. They were. Taking off we made a beeline for the Crystal Empire. Along the way, I couldn't help but think how the ponies in Ponyville are doing. All I cared about was the six from that small town, my five best friends and my number one assistant. My parents were noticeably more relaxed around me now. Must be because they knew I was still their little book worm from magic kindergarten.
My brother came to the forefront of my thoughts. Question after question popped up in my head. What was Sombra doing to him? Would I actually see my BBBFF again? Where are they? Is he already dead and I just don’t know it yet? So many questions, not enough answers. Before I go all crazy, I focused my mind on something else. Anything else.
…
I wondered if Luna would make a good servant.
She probably would, with a little discipline, of course.
--------------------------
I hadn’t realized we made it to the empire until we landed in front of the castle. My slave came running out seconds later.
“My Queen the rooms are all set up just as you ordered.”
“You will show my parents to their new room. Once you're done, you will come back out. I'll give further instructions then.”
“Yes, my queen.” She turned to my parents and bowed. “Please follow me.”
I set a detail of slaves to go inside and get mattresses to carry the princesses inside. My slave came back out as the sleeping beauties were ready to be moved. The guards then followed her inside to their new rooms. Celestia and Luna to a room and Cadence to the other. I followed to make sure nothing happened to them. That and I didn't have anything better to do. I could only wait for the Ponyville squad to get back.
Celestia, Luna, and Cadence would be out for some time and perhaps the next day, but I can help my parents settle in. I didn’t have time as a guard approached me with the arrival of a pegasi squad. Yes! It’s about time they got back. I can take them to the rooms, get them settled in, and answer any questions they might have. All of us back together again. It’s started to feel just like the good old days, only in the Crystal Empire instead of some backwater town. I stepped outside to welcome my friends… Rainbow Dash and Soarin were hooked up to some random royal guard chariot with Scootaloo riding in the back.
Interesting. “Commander.” My voice as calm and serene as a leaf drifting through an autumn breeze.
“Yes, my queen.” He ran in front of me and bowed low. “What is it you require?”
I tapped my hoof on the ground twice, the call sign that it was time to feed. The crystal dragon that was with them looked to me as I flung the commander at it. The dragon ate him whole. Everypony, and I mean everypony, stood in awe.
“Squad. Front and center.” I didn't need to raise my voice. “Words cannot express the extreme rage I feel right now. Your mission was to bring the ponies on that list to me. Not have them help you bring others here.”
“But my queen we didn't have enough pegasi for-” I punched him in the chest, which shattered part of his sternum, that hurled him back about ten yards.
“DID I SAY YOU COULD SPEAK!” My own Canterlot Voice came to light. I slammed my hoof on the ground twice which made a crack in the pavement. Once the dragon ate the pony, along with a good chunk of the ground below, I continued. “IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH SUPPORT THEN TAKE OTHER PONIES WITH YOU! YOU COULD HAVE EASILY DONE SO BEFORE YOU LEFT! YOU COULD HAVE USED THE ATTACK PLANS AND WAITED FOR OTHER GUARDS TO SHOW UP! I NEVER GAVE YOU A TIME LIMIT SO YOU COULD HAVE WAITED FOR MORE PEGASI TO GET THERE! NOW MAKE YOURSELVES SCARCE BEFORE I FEED YOU ALL TO THE DRAGON!!!”
“Yes, my queen!” They flew off faster than I thought was possible. Then again, their lives were at stake. I looked at the horrified faces of my friends along with the ponies that came with them.
…
…
“Ha ha ha ha ha. Good one, Twilight. You almost had me there. Ha ha ha ha. So when is the dragon going to cough him back up?” I missed Pinkie, I truly did. Especially her innocence and ignorance. But the truth had to be made clear.
“Pinkie, they're dead. They're not coming back.” Realization of the situation hit her like a piano dropped by a clumsy pegasus. The look on her face said it all. I turned my attention to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow, I'm truly sorry you had to make the flight here. If I’d known they were that incompetent, then I would have given better instructions.”
“It's… ok Twi. Really. I just… um...” I should start with the basics before it gets too awkward or painful for her.
“All of you have rooms set up inside the castle. Come with me, and I'll show you to your new homes. If you brought anything with you, leave it here. I'll have the slaves bring it to the rooms for you.”
The ponies were a little scared to follow me. Not like I can blame them. I just murdered two ponies in front of them. I didn't care; my friends were here and alive. I'm happy. We arrived at the rooms that I had already preassigned. Applejack, Big Mac, Applebloom, and Granny Smith took one room. Pinkie Pie, the Cakes, and their kids took another. Fluttershy, Spike, and the animals she brought took the next. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and their parents took the one after that. Lastly, Rainbow Dash, Soarin, and Scootaloo.
My friends were quiet. The only time they spoke was to ask the slaves to help or talk to the kids, saying everything was going to be alright. It wasn’t, and the little bastards knew that. I couldn’t tell if the ponies were trying to convince the foals or themselves. Checking the progress on the princesses, I noticed all of them were still asleep in their respective rooms. Although, Cadence still looks adorable when she sleeps.
My slave, with the help of several others, gathered all of my friends’ belongings and took them to their rooms. The slaves then helped with getting everypony settled in including extra supplies that were needed. Everything had settled into an unnerving quiet. I started to get nervous on the possibility that Sombra wasn't going to show up. Then again, I had no idea if he was going to come back at all. The only other pony I wanted alive is with Sombra getting Celestia knows what form of torture done to him. I help out my friends to try and get my mind off Shining Armor, but with little success.
Then it happened. I walk out of Pinkie's room, headed for Applejack’s, and there they are. Sombra walked toward me with a slightly beat-up Shining Armor who had a magic inhibitor on his horn surrounded by several guards. I ran towards the stallion I had been waiting for and embraced him in a loving hug. He returned the gesture with a hug of his own. Relief flowed through me as I hold on tight, never wanting to let go.
“You did it; you really did it. Thank you for bringing him.”
“I just needed some key information before I could give him to you. Sorry for the long wait.” Sombra’s deep voice sent chills down my spine.
“How did you know?”
“What kind of King would I be if I can't even keep my queen happy. He may be my enemy, but he is your brother. That's reason enough to keep him alive.”
“You know I will have to repay you double for this.”
“You can make it up to me by coming with me tomorrow. My troops are almost done for the day, but I still have half of Equestria to conquer. Or would you rather stay with your friends?”
“They're alive. I can talk to them whenever I want, but I won't have another opportunity to watch destruction of this level for a while.” I gave him a deep, passionate kiss.
Oh yes. Does he know how to work that tongue or does he? I didn’t want to stop but I must at some point. Ending the volcano of bliss in my mouth, Sombra left for the battlefield. At least, I thought he did. What had my attention, for now, was the disgusted look on Shining’s face.
“You would leave your friends to watch the downfall of Equestria? How sick have you gotten since you left?”
“I don't have to explain myself. Come, I'll show you to your room. Cadence is sleeping right now.”
“She's here?! Is she-”
“Of course she is. So are Celestia and Luna. Like I said before, I won’t let anything happen to any of you. But they wouldn't cooperate, so I had to put them to sleep. They'll wake up in a day or two. In the meantime, organize your room how you want it and don't be afraid to get the slaves to help out.”
“I'll pass on that. So are we all prisoners now?”
“Not at all, I've said this to the others, and I'll say it to you. All of you are honored guests, and you will be treated as such. All slaves and guards will obey and respect you. If anypony disrespects you, just let me or my slave know, and I'll take care of the problem. Here's your room.” This room is truly pathetic and in terrible shape for royalty, but it would do for now. Cadence still lay peacefully on the bed. “Just let the slaves know when you want something. There will be some stationed in the hallway every second of every day.”
“I'd rather not.”
“Suit yourself. It's getting late. I'll put out more information on future plans after I come back from my vacation tomorrow.” Anger became very much present in his facial expressions. I didn't need to be a telepath to know what he thought. He was disgusted that I thought killing other ponies is considered a vacation. I attempted to lighten the mood before leaving by giving him a hug. “You'll always be my BBBFF. Don't ever forget that.” With some hesitation, he gave me a hug too.
I walked back to my room but discovered how hungry I had become. I stopped by the kitchen before getting some shut eye and had my servant retire for the night. She had a full day tomorrow. That is unless Spike wanted to be my number one assistant again. I’m not sure he would if he’d seen the things I do to ponies on a day to day basis but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
I opened the door to my chambers and I removed my royal attire. Crawling into bed, I couldn't help but feel a little cold. I didn't have my powerful stallion here to keep me warm. Knowing Sombra was out in the world wreaking havoc on the innocent made my spine tingle. What I would give to be next to him. Not to fret, I can wait a night to be with my king.
-------------------------------
Here I am next to Sombra. We sat together in the sky on a plush cloud and watched the ponies of Trottingham burn away. The sounds of innocent ponies screaming for their lives is music to my ears. The streets are filled with chaos and mayhem. Equestria never looked so good.
“So, what do you think?” Sombra asked, inching ever closer.
“It’s wonderful. Such a lovely birthday present.” My eyes sparkled with delight at the masterpiece below. I doubt anything could top this.
“I’m not done yet.” What? What else could be better than this? Well, aside from a good rutting. “From the new power I have acquired from Discord I can perform a few new ‘magic tricks’. Like so.”
What was he talking about? If there was something he held out on me, he would regret it. Not to be greedy or anything. Sombra started his spell which looks an awful lot like a hologram projection spell. As the spell continued, I can tell it became a lot more complex. At this point, even I couldn’t perform what he was doing, and I had the power of a god. Well, to be fair he had that too as well as the power of a lord of chaos.
As he finished his spell, he was shrouded in a cloud of smoke. The cloud was too small to move much. The wind at our altitude had been enough to clear away the choking fog but not before I received a lungful, forcing me into a coughing fit. It reminded me a lot of when I messed up a spell in the library. Regaining focus, I was able to see Somb-
Lord of chaos, spirit of disharmony, ruler of evil, and once a great tyrant among the pony kind...now reduced to a helpless creature before me. I was once one of his best friends but now I'm one of his worst enemies. He laid on the ground with his limbs spread out completely drained of energy. His tail, hands, and feet have all been cut off. I step forwards to get a better look at his pathetic face.
“Why don't you just kill me and get it over with.” Misery and defeat dripped from his voice.
“I'm not here to kill you unless you take this generous offer I'm going to give you.”
“What could I possibly want from you. Unless you give back my powers then I don't want anything from you.”
“Even if you get to be with Fluttershy again.” Discord showed interest now, albeit slightly, but interested none the less. “That's right, you can be with Fluttershy again. No strings attached. You'll be with her and talk to her whenever your heart desires. I'll even heal your limbs and tail.”
“...But…”
“But you must surrender your powers willingly here and now or else you die before nightfall. You have one minute to decide starting now.”
I couldn't tell if he was thinking or just wanted to have a few more seconds of whatever free will he had left. Doesn't matter to me. I gave him a time limit. Soon enough he opens his eyes looking back at me with a very distinct sadness. Almost like he's given up. That would make this deal all the sweeter.
“I accept your offer.”
“Good.” I envelope him in my magic and drag him so we are face to face. “Say goodbye to everything you knew.”
I open my mouth, ready to suck out the power Discord possessed. Tapping into the power of dark magic I began to drain the poor draconequus. All of his magic was leave his body never to be returned. The blood in my veins increased in pressure as my heart pumped fast enough to break my chest. All the powers of chaos itself flowing through my body. Pure magic in chaos form, it felt better than dark magic.
As the last remnants of Discord's magic left him I dropped the useless body, shuddering from the sheer force I just endured. I knew he was powerful but this...it was indescribable. I recovered enough to stand straight up so I could look into the eyes of my newest captive. With a quick spell, that I had to tone down significantly, I replaced his stumps with fully functioning limbs. He, in turn, took a minute to examine them with a surprised look.
“Not happy with the deal?” I'm sure my voice was a little shaky. I know my body was.
“No!” He answered rather quickly. “I mean it's not that. I just didn't think you would allow me to live.”
“I wouldn’t.” I turn to walk away, mainly for dramatic effect and to act awesome, as Rainbow would say. “But it would make Fluttershy cry.”
“...I see. What now?”
“I'm going back to the empire. You can join me if you want or stay here and watch the rest of Ponyville be enslaved. Your choice.”
He chose the latter of the two. Getting on my crystal dragon I set off for the Crystal Empire with my draconequus passenger. But the question remains, how will I give this power to Sombra? Dark magic transfer or a full make out session? Perhaps... Yes. It's perfect.
An all nighter.
--------------------------------------------
I wake with the same over-exhaustion that occurs every night I...do business with my king. This happened every time he bucked me brainless. He uses me, treats me like a tool, and releases his stress all over me. Mmmm, I wanna do it again. ...Anyway, getting up was going to be a nightmare. Luckily I didn’t need to try moving as I heard my slave chime in.
“Do you need assistance my queen?”
I tried talking. In all honestly I don't think I could talk if I really wanted to. Sombra really did a number on me last night. Combine that with a magic drain from a lord of chaos and I was spent. Talk about heaven on Equus. Last night was better than the honeymoon, if that was even possible. Come on, Twilight, focus. I don't think I can move my mouth just yet, but I had an alternative.
“Uuhh.” Simply graceful.
“Very well my queen. I shall alert a guard to come help then I'll start a bath for you.”
Ah yes, the bath. That thing is truly amazing. If I wanted, I could turn it on which would produce low pressure water jets that would massage my body. It wasn't the same as the masseuse I use on a somewhat regular basis, but it got the job done. One of the many perks of becoming the Queen of Darkness. Heavy hoofsteps entered from what I could tell was the hallway and came closer to my bedside.
“I am guard number 42 my queen. I will carry you to the bath.”
“Uhh.”
It easily picked me up with it’s wings and steadies me on its back as it walks. Guard 42 huh. That was one of the better, smarter guards we had. One of my personal guards and one of the next in line to become general. Getting closer I can hear the water running and the feel of the warm steam around me. Using the gentlest of motions, it eases me into the water. Dam, does that feel good. It must have added my usual conditioner with the fur coat rejuvenizer. My slave starts talking.
“My queen, for today’s schedule you have a meeting with the Royal Family including Cadence and your brot-"
“Princess. She still holds domain over love, so that would constitute her as a princess. That would still make my brother a prince. Don’t forget that.” Ok, so I still had enough energy. That or the rejuvenizer worked more than just my fur.
“Yes my queen. Please forgive me.”
“Continue.”
“As you wish my queen. The meeting is at 9 o’clock sharp. After that you have a meeting with the generals about the cleanup of Equestria at 3 in the afternoon.”
“Don’t see why I’m needed. The treaty was broken so there’s no need to go to those meetings anymore. They never involved me anyway. Tell them they can handle it without me. If they need somepony send them Princess Celestia.”
“By your will my queen. Other than that your schedule is clear for today. Although your friends did want to see you today.”
“I'll visit them when it’s time. Tell me, how is breakfast doing?”
--------------------------------------------
It was delicious as always. Meat on top of meat. I don’t think I'll ever get sick of that red, juice filled goodness. I'll need to settle down with the consumption of meat at some point. I don't think the population of crystal ponies can keep up with my eating habits.
It’s almost nine, I don’t want to keep them waiting. My slave said 'meeting', so I can only assume she meant to be in the meeting hall. Hopefully she told the others where to go or else I’ll have to dish out another beating. It would be a shame too, it’s been so long since I’ve had to do that and she’s keeping a fine record above all the others. Entering the hall I see the four royal family members turn.
“Twily!” Shining yells as he runs up to me but he stops halfway through. He is looking right at me when he stops.
“What’s wrong? Remembered this isn’t a dream?” The slightest bit of anger showed on his face. “Relax dear brother I meant nothing by it.” I give him a quick nuzzle before moving onto my own seat next to Sombras, who is absent of course. “You called a meeting, so what did you want to discuss?”
“Well, we didn’t mean for this to be an official meeting, just a small talk.” I doubt you just wanted to 'talk' Celestia.
“Is that so? I will need to speak to my slave later about the difference between serious and casual. And by speak, I mean beat the actual meanings of the two words right into it. My slave does have a tendency to take things too seriously sometimes.” Looking back to the others- “Nevertheless you're here. What’s on your minds.”
“More to the point, it’s not what’s on our minds, but yours.” Celestia responds.
“Ahhh. I know what you're thinking. How do I really act when you're not around? How can you ‘help me’ to be a better pony? As you might be able to tell from ten seconds ago I have some discipline to enforce, which is only scratching the surface of what I'm normally like around my kingdom.”
“Twilight please we just want to help you.” Was Cadence pleading? It was a hell of a lot more annoying than it was cute. Either way I slam my hoof on the table to get my point across.
“No, you listen to me. You are in my domain so you can’t tell me how to act. If you wish to continue seeing me as a great student and a harmless filly then I suggest staying indoors for the majority of your stay. I don’t expect you two to understand.” I told Cadence and Shining. Then I look towards the former diarch sister’s. “But I'm sure you two know that the real world is more that just sunshine and harmony. You should have lived long enough to see it.”
“We are well aware of that Twilight, as evidence by you and your past.” Luna with the annoying dark ages speech again. Sometimes that really ticks me off.
“Luna, not now.” Celestia seems a little suspicious. “Harmony is all we want to know because it is what we want for our subjects.”
“Then start learning because this isn't a Saturday morning special were you teach others about friendship. This is the real world where everyone is cruel and the bad guy isn't reformed in thirty minutes. I think we’re done here.” Before I walked to the door, Celestia had something to say.
“Before you go,” I suppose I can humor her for a second, “Tell me...are you truely in love with Sombra.”
“That’s 'KING' Sombra to you.” I got my point across. I didn’t need to stay any longer.
-------------------------------------------
Not to sure who to start with first. All my friends could be anywere in the empire. I need to narrow down the search. None of them were in their rooms, even the apple family is all gone. I almost wish I didn't send my slave away. Guess I’ll start looking for them, one at a time of I must.
“…”
What time is it? Not even 10 o'clock. Why did it sound like there was someone in the bakery? There was no one in there at this time of day. I quickly cast an invisibility spell then snuck into the kitchen. What do you know, it’s Pinkie Pie and my slave. Seems they were in the middle of a bonding session. Might as well listen in.
“I told you my special talent was throwing parties and making ponies smile. What’s your’s?” Pinkie asked.
“I’m not so sure my queen will approve.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. I’m sure she won’t mind if you’re talking to me.” Pinkie was so wrong. If my slave ever talked out of turn I might beat her senseless, but I can’t do anything right now without blowing my cover.
“O-ok. Well my special talent is organization. Whether it’s a small or big task or even something that needs force, I can get it done.”
“Oooh. So that’s way Twilight likes you so much.” Pinkie, right now I don’t like 'you' so much.
“D-do you really think she likes me?”
“Of course. You might not be able to notice, but I know my friends.” You don’t know me as well as you think you pink headache. “She keeps you closer than anypony I’ve seen so far. Tell me does she make sure you're more taken care of than the other crystal ponies?”
“...Yes, actually. Some others that I’ve talked to sometimes say I’m shown a little too much favoritism. I sleep in my own bed in my own little room. All I have to do is mention my queen’s name and the guards will let me do anything.” I’ll need to have a talk with her about that, but I guess I see where Pinkie’s coming from.
“See. I know my friends, no matter how much dark magic they have in them. *Ding* Ah. The cupcakes are done!”
Cupcakes? Of course, I should’ve known. One of Pinkie’s way of coping with a difficult situation is baking. And throwing parties. And midnight snacks. And laundry. And...and I'm noticing a pattern. As my pink friend opened the oven the kitchen was filled with the delicious scent of sugary goods. In no time she cooled off the treats, slabbed some icing on top, and gave one to my slave.
“A-are you sure I can have one? What if Queen Twilight walks in on me?”
“You don’t need to get all worked up while I’m here. If anything happens I’ll take the blame. Relax, everything's going to be ok.”
“Alright, if you say so.” I saw her take a bite of the delicious treat.
By Celestia’s enormous flank, why? Even I wouldn’t torture somepony like this. I can’t think of taking one while still being invisible. What I wouldn't do to have one of Pinkie Pie's originals. Wait...are those? They are! Those are Pinkie’s Nasty Chocolate Surprise! Contrary to the name, they might just be the best, most delicious, absolutely mouth watering piece of sugar that party pony could possibly patented. She only baked those for one occasion and one occasion only. But who’s birthday could it be?
“Mmm, this is so tasty.” Gem? Really? I completely forgot she had one. I’ve forgotten a lot of things since I became queen haven’t I? “Pinkie Pie, your baking could turn the great King Sombra soft.” I sincerely doubt that, but it is a nice concept to think about.
“Now there’s an idea. Wonder if king meanie would loosen up a little if I gave him some of my Nasty Chocolate Surprise.” She is only one of five ponies and one dragon who could get away with saying that.
“Please miss Pie, don’t say that. If Queen Twilight found out you said something like that, she may punish me for not having stopped you.” Probably true.
“Gem…,” so they’ve been talking long enough for my slave to say her real name at least, “what is it with Twilight that makes you act like you do? It must not be your real self or the way you would normally act.”
“Well...it’s just that...my queen has made our lives so much better.”
“What do you mean, Gem?”
“Since she has come into power with our king, we have been able to live without fear, or at least with so little fear that our spirits have lifted, however slight. We’re sleeping in comfortable beds, we can clean ourselves in a real bathtub, and we’re being fed real food grown from the ground and baked from our own hooves. My queen has rescued us from a life of degradation and sorrow and filled it with as much peace as she could.”
“You must have a lot of respect for Twilight.” Pinkie held out her hoof to take my slave’s wrapper. “I don’t want to give you bad advice but here’s a little something I know about Twilight you might not know.” This is going to be good. “She is nice pony.” Maybe not.
“Twilight is a little awkward. She always was. But the trick is forcing yourself to be her friend. That’s what happened with me and the others, and Twilight warmed up to us really fast. If you want to make life for yourself and the other crystal ponies easier, then laugh with her, show her kindness, give her a present for her birthday, never lie, and stick with her no matter what.”
Wait...did she just say to act like the elements of harmony. Oh Pinkie, even now you never cease to amaze me. I guess that’s true in some aspect. My friends are the best thing that’s happen to me. I love my friends with all my heart and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them. And I really love where I am today.
What is Pinkie doi-CRAP! Pinkie threw the wrappers towards me which hit me in the head and then dropped to the ground. So, looking back I see the trash can directly behind me. In hindsight I should have stood anywhere but in front of one of the most used objects in a kitchen. The other two ponies in the kitchen stood shocked. The cat’s out of the bag now. I took off the illusion spell which made their heart rate double. I take one of the cupcakes in my magic and took a bite.
“Mmm. I’ve really missed your baking Pinkie.” It took my slave another few seconds before she rushed to me in a quick bow. It was quite cute. I took both wrappers and threw them into the trash before walking out. But not before saying something else. “I want to see you in my chambers before you retire for the night. Understood?”
“Yes, my queen.” A little too fast for my liking but I needed to hear it before leaving. She want’s to act like my friends then I’ll return the gesture ten fold.
-------------------------------------------
Seems my friends are scattered around the empire. I’ll just have to search for them. Shouldn’t be too difficult. Some new ponies roaming the empire won’t be too hard to spot. Especially if said ponies weren’t crystal ponies. Question is, where do I start? That became very clear when I noticed the small crowd down the street.
The crowd consisted of guards yelling at something in the center. If I had to take a guess, then this was a makeshift arena. I had to see who was fighting, but I wanted to see before I got close. They would stop what they were doing if I walked up to them from nowhere. A quick ear hustling spell would do the trick.
“Come at me rainbow bitch. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
“I ain’t scared of you rock head. Bring it on!”
A succession of swings and hits followed suit accompanied by some heavy insults. What did you do now Rainbow? Can’t be anything good. Then again I wouldn’t put it past her to do something stupid. Better break it up before the guards to something they regret. I walk up to the group, giving a slight cough to draw their attention.
“Who is it? Go bother somepon-,” the look on that guards face made the disrespect worth it, “-IT’S THE QUEEN!”
The group stopped yelling and immediately opened up a path to the center. Rainbow Dash was pinned by one of the guards. She was covered in bruises, cuts, and a black eye. The guard, being made of crystal, had almost no flaws. She never could resist a fight.
“Well?” They all bowed, even the one over Dash. Not her though. I didn't expect her to. “That’s better. You may continue.”
The guard that was serving the hits was now on the receiving end. Blow after blow Rainbow laid into it like she did with those bullies a few years back, only now with twenty times more skill. The guard stood there and took the beating like a good obedient pet. Every time it was about to strike back, it saw me and the rage behind my eyes.
“Come on! What are you waiting for? Hit me back you lousy piece of shit! Are you a coward or a stallion?” The guard was wearing thin from both Rainbow's verbal and physical assaults.
Soon it couldn't take the punishment anymore. With a final uppercut it fell to the ground not wanting to get up.
“What are you waiting for? Get up!” No response. “I said GET UP!” My prismatic friend began to stomp on the downed pony over and over again. Piece by crystal piece was chipped away from its hide. I think it learned its lesson.
“Rainbow Dash, stop!” I unfold a wing in front of her to make her stop just in case. Before she began cursing me out, I interrupted her by addressing the crowd. “Listen up insects. If you didn't know before then I'm telling you now, you will not harm any of my honored guests. If you are too thick to tell who they might be then go to the castle hall where you will find the list containing those names. If I have a repeat offense again from any guard they will be terminated on the spot. Is that understood?”
“Yes, my queen!”
“Good.” I fire up my dark magic using it to shatter the guard on the ground. “Leave before I do worse to you." I didn't need to repeat myself. "Rainbow, are you ok?”
“Yes! What made you think I needed your bucking help!?” Dash spit out some blood.
“Stop being a baby and get over here.” It only took a second for me to heal up her wounds. “There, now tell me what happened.”
“Fine. That bastard I fought was hasling Fluttershy. She flew off once it started getting bad. Me and her were trying to find Applejack. I'm sure you can figure out how well that turned out."
“Which direction did she fly?”
“She flew off that way.” Dash pointed towards the train station. It was also where the snowy forest was closest. “Knowing her, I think she was trying to find safety with the critters.”
“(sign) She might be kind but she can be completely stupid when she doesn’t think. Those forests are inhabited by some of the empire's most dangerous creatures.”
“WHAT!?! We have to help her!” She starts to fly off when I grab her in my magic and force her back down to the ground with a thud. “What are you doing!?!”
“Sit back and watch the progress that can happen in a year.”
This will be child’s play. I didn't even need to concentrate to teleport into the forest.
--------------------------------------------
I appear in the icy forest. The cold wind hit my coat like a frosty hammer burning away my body heat and restoring it with frigid air. The crystal snow blows along with the blistering winds making my fur stand on end. Goosebumps dot my body as does the Frozen North Mountains of Equus.
In other words, I’m cold.
Good thing I'm wearing my hoof shoes. I might have frozen solid here on the spot. But it’s nothing a warming shield can’t fix.
I cast the spell then walk off. I’ll need to have a way of tracking Fluttershy. A tracking spell should do the job, of course. Sure enough I found the scared pegasus who was crying in fear pressed up against a tree. Truly the sight of a miserable pony.
“Fluttershy, are you ok?” All I could hear was an almost nigh inaudible squeals and cries. “Fluttershy?”
Nothing. She must have closed off her mind because she’s so scared. It’s kind of amusing really. I find this sort of thing to my liking when I’m torturing others, not so much right now though. I have to get her out of this...funk or else she’s going to attract the killers of the forest.
…
Actually I want that to happen. I haven’t killed anything today, not counting that guard. I’ll have to warm her up a little for now. Wouldn’t want to have a popsicle as one of my friends. I warm her up then begin to talk to her in a soft, gentle voice.
"Fluttershy you’re safe. Please don’t cry.” She didn't look. I'll have to use slight force. A hoof to move her chin to face me will do. “Fluttershy, look. It’s me, Twilight.”
“T-Tw-Twilight? I-Is that r-eally you?” All she saw was me as a normal unicorn.
“Yes Fluttershy, it’s me. I’m here to protect you.”
“Oh tha-ank you. I’m so scared Twilight. Those guards...they wouldn’t stop harassing me...I didn’t kn-know what to do s-so I flew away.”
“Hush now dear friend. Before I teleport you to safety I have to show you something.” I slowly lifted my illusion to reveal my real form, an evil and dark magic, corrupted alicorn.
“T-Twilight?” The worry and confusion was spread across her face as my spell wore off. Even now I can see question upon question gather at the back of her mind. I could see a hint of fear as well.
“This is the real me. I’m Twilight Sparkle, a long time friend and Element of Harmony. I may look like a monster, like most of the things you see nowadays, but know that I will always be here for you. Everything can’t be perfect, that’s where evil comes in. Sombra does exist and you are living in a world he lives in with me as his queen.”
“Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. This is the real me and this is the real world. You have to get used to it...but you don’t have to go through it alone.” I could hear some of the creatures of the forest approach. “You must go now. I’ll take care of business here while I send you back to Rainbow Dash.”
“Wai-” I teleport my pegasus friend away before she could finish.
Now it was my turn. I can feel it already. The adrenaline pumped through my veins from a fight yet to come. Frost trolls, ice wraiths, wolf packs, and grey giants. As the first wave of enemies charged out of the frosty evergreens to meet my deadly gaze, I grabbed them in my magic, split their chest open, and poured their blood all over me. I’ve waited so long to to this, the ancient dark magic tradition of a blood bath.
The blood drips down my body in an intoxicating scent that chills me to the bone. I don’t even need the warming spell anymore. The hot blood is doing just fine on it’s own. It wasn't as good as the first time I performed the tradition with Sombra but it was still pretty damn good. As the red passion reaches my nethers, I can’t help but scream in pleasure
“AAAHHH!” ...I just came.
--------------------------------------------
“Twilight...” I teleported in the area near Rainbow. Her face said ‘what the buck happened’. “Do I have to ask?”
“Trust me when I say you don’t want to know. I’ll get cleaned up momentarily.” I shivered from what was left of my…mmm...my ritual. Good thing the smell of blood is so strong. Otherwise Rainbow might be able to smell my leftover ‘arousal’. “How is Fluttershy doing?”
“I’ve calmed her down some but I really didn’t need to do much. Seems like you took care of that part for me. Thanks for that, I guess.”
“My pleasure...Dashie.” Acting frisky gave her a light blush. I never really understood why Pinkie was the only one to say that. “Before you go, I’ll need you and Fluttershy to stop by my room later on tonight. Get with Pinkie Pie for the details.”
“Wait! Twilight...just how much did you change over the past year?”
“In my opinion, not enough.”
I teleport away before she could say anything else.
--------------------------------------------
After a quick wash, all the blood was gone. That tradition may have been anything but unwanted, but keeping the blood on my coat any longer and it would have stained. That explains why most dark magic users had a red fur coat. Then again, most of them were idiots. What was I doing again? Oh yeah, the apple family.
Using a tracking spell, which I seriously should have just used from the beginning, I found a large concentration of them at the slave camp. Not just most, but all of them. Wonder if it’s apple family stubbornness again. Either way I won’t learn the truth without going down there. That and if Applejack was getting beat then some more guards were going to get killed. If it wasn’t for their complete lack of a real functioning brain then they would be perfect.
I enter the base camp where the first guard who see’s me, bows, then leads me deeper into the camp. It was there I saw her. Applejack. It looked like she was trying to work while keeping the slaves from being harmed. It was amusing and awkward at the same time.
“Applejack,” she turns to look at me, “What are you doing?”
“Keeping the apple family together and well. That’s more than ah can say about you. Hey!” She runs off to stop a guard from attacking an apple member.
“You’re really butt hurt about this aren’t you.” Applejack proceeds to viciously walk towards me with a hate glare meaner than an angry dragon and slaps me across the face.
“How dare you! They're mah kin, mah family! Disrespect them and you disrespect me! And that is somethin ah will not tolerate! If mah family is working, then so will I! Got it!”
…
What was that!
I have to take a few seconds to realize what just happened. I never thought she would do something like that. The surprise written on my face told enough to all. She’s stubborn but not nearly as aggressive as Rainbow. Looking back with practiced neutrality, I see half of the camps guard force ready to attack the apple mare on my command. These guards were smarter than the others. Either word spread fast or they knew better than to hurt one of my friends in front of me. The weirdest part,
Applejack never showed any signs of flinching. Steadfast and firm as always.
“For your information these ponies are a necessary part of our work force. I gave you some favoritism. Don’t push your luck.”
Applejack got right in my face for what she was going to say next.
“Either the whole apple family stops or I go right back to work.”
Strong, motionless, and stubborn. I expect nothing less from the country mare of honesty I’ve grown to know. It won’t look good if I free a whole family from servitude and no one else. That’s about two hundred ponies, give or take a few ten or twenty. Haven’t really had an interest in the family as a whole to keep track of their numbers. Then again...the barracks were getting to be crowded now that we began taking prisoners instead of killing everypony. I’ll give it another few seconds to see if there’s meaning in her words.
“To bad. Looks like ah’m going back into the mine.” She begins to walk off.
“Wait. ...You’re all pardoned.”
“Aaaaand there it is. Yeehaw!”
I grip that mare hard enough to give her a good scare then drag her in front of me. She’s close enough so all she can see is my death glare. Had to make sure I got a point across, even if I didn’t really mean it.
“This is your one chance. If any apple member does something stupid I will not hesitate to inflict my own punishment. Understood?”
“Y-y-yes Twi. A-ah gotcha.”
“Good.” I drop her then proceed to walk away. “Make sure you find Pinkie after you clean up here. She’s in the castle and will tell you what’s going on.”
--------------------------------------------
Rarity. Thinking rationally, she would most likely be in one of the, nowadays, abandoned fashion stores. She always did like to make dresses as a way to relax...or think over gossip she heard...or create an activity for her family. I think I’m noticing another trend. It’s weird the type of things you figure out if you just think.
There’s two fashion stores in the immediate vicinity of the castle, ‘Glamor and Fame’ and ‘The Fashion Shack’.
...
Yeah, it was pretty obvious which one she must have gone to. Walking up to the better one, I see her milling about the store. Looks like she is trying to organize everything. For now it resembles her usual organized chaos she’s so fond of.
“Hey Rarity.” I say as I walk in the boutique.
“Ah! Oh Twilight, it’s you. I must get a new bell on that door, I’m used to hearing one when somepony comes in. Anyway, dear, what can I do for you?”
“Just wanted to check on my friends. See how you’re all fitting into the empire.”
“Well enough I suppose. To be quite honest dear, I don’t like what Sombra has done to Equestria. That’s putting it lightly. I can’t even think of the camp he has set up. I don’t know how you put up with all this drama. It would have broken anypony else by now.”
“Who said I'm not broke?” I say under my breath but it seems she heard me.
“What was that, dear?”
“I said you get use to it. Comes with living here. Do you need help cleaning?”
“I would love some help. It’s too dusty in here for my liking and it’s good to have some company to chat with.”
So we spent the next hour or so talking. I tried to steer Rarity away from the bad things around the empire. Instead we talked about how it was back in the old days. Meeting Discord for the first time, fighting off the parasprites, the gala, even how Spike turned into a giant and greedy version of himself. Speaking of, I still need to find him before Pinkie starts. This got her talking about their relationship.
Oddly enough, even though there was a significant age gap and a species difference, she still felt something for the little guy. Not quite as much as Spike feels for her, but it’s still something. We talked about a way to get them closer to each other's age so they could test their relationship. Becoming an alicorn, accelerating Spike’s aging for a short period, or maybe time travel. All of which were either too dangerous or out of reach.
This was surprising to me. I knew she felt something for the young dragon, but I never thought it was deep enough for the fashionista to consider options as dangerous as these. I offered dark magic lessons which are proven to slow the aging process but she outright dismissed it. Said something about wanting to still be herself. In the end she decided to let fate run its course for now. It’s about time for me to wrap things up here.
“Rarity, before I go, do you need ponies here to help?”
“I would love some help, darling. I might not have as much business as before but I could use some extra hooves for supplies and clean up.”
“Ok. I’ll have my slave find some ponies best suited to what you’re looking for.”
“Um...yes. Quite. Well then Twilight...I’ll see you later?” Awkwardness poured from her voice. Forgot my friends aren’t comfortable with slaves, or the use of them.
“When you're done here, link up with Pinkie Pie in a bit. She’ll be hosting something later in my room.”
“I’ll be there darling. You needn’t worry about me.”
--------------------------------------------
Where do I go to find a number one assistant? The library of course. When I get there I find a very interesting sight. There, standing outside on both sides of the entrance doors, were two changeling soldiers.
What would Chrysalis be doing here? She doesn’t normally come here unless it’s for the meetings. Now there was no need for that. I’m going in there, might as well see what she’s up to. As I walk up to the doors the changelings give a quick bow.
“Queen Twilight, we were instructed to tell you our queen is here as a quick visit and didn’t want to attract much attention.”
“It’s fine. I just want to talk.”
“As you wish. Our queen is just inside.”
Heading in, it didn’t take long to find the changeling queen. She was in the study area sitting down with a few books. As I get closer another changeling flies over to her with another book in hoof. I always found it funny whenever changelings flew. The sound was just so funny compared to ponies it always gave me a small chuckle inside. Chrysalis notices me.
“Ah, Twilight. Good to see a friendly face. Please, won’t you join me.”
“What brings a changeling queen out this way when there’s no meeting involved?” I ask as I take my seat across the table from the changeling queen.
“Before I answer yours, answer this. Have you returned yet?”
“What do you mean?”
“Just a psychological test, is all. Now for your answer, I’m looking up anything you have about changelings. I haven’t had the time to do so.”
“That’s it? That’s all you came for. Seems like a waste of a trip.”
“Not at all. If we are to continue our alliance then it would prove helpful that both sides knew more about each other. Your king has already planned a meeting to discuss the topic in a few weeks. Not only that, but some of the facts here are misleading.”
“What about Equestria’s libraries? They must have something on changelings.”
“Of course. I already had my minions purge everything that was remotely related to my kind. Now that knowledge will be lost in time, never to be used against us again. I was getting antsy about it too. Don’t want to think about what might have happened if I acted before the attack.”
“I see your point. Destroying everything about one subject can look suspicious to anypony with half a brain.”
“Please don’t. I have already gone through those scenarios far too many times. How have you been doing as of late? It must be exciting to be with your friends again.”
“Kind of.” I didn’t really know how to respond to that but it seems Chrysalis could sense my lack of enthusiasm.
“You don’t like seeing them again?”
“It’s not that. It’s just...”
“You don’t want your friends to see you as a monster.” I know she’s a master at body language but why did I have to pick now to lower my guard. She was now able to read me better than I can read a book. “Twilight, I have seen first hoof the bond you and your friends share. They will not disown you so easily.”
“...You think so?”
“Wow. You really are blind. No wonder you were given friendship reports as homework assignments.”
“Shut up.” I had to suffer some laughing at my expense. One of her changelings came over to whisper something. “Not anything good I’m guessing.”
“Running an empire is remarkably similar to running a hive.”
“That bad huh?”
“If you can believe it.” We shared a quick laugh before she continued. “It was good to talk with you, Twilight. I’m looking forward to our next get together. One last thing before I go, one of my minions claimed to have seen a purple dragon near the biography section.”
“Thanks for that. Hope to see you soon.”
A nod from both sides, followed by us walking our separate ways, and our little meet and greet was done. Spike must be organizing the books. I don’t think they’ve been dusted since the enslavement of the crystal ponies. The camp was getting pretty crowded. Maybe it would be a good idea to have some of them tend to the shops and stores around the empire. The one’s around the castle at least. I hate to see books in the state they're in now.
I find the little guy on a ladder putting away some books he carried in his arm. The astonishment of Spikes age finally caught up to me at that moment. Before he was barely three quarters the size of a pony and could only carry seven books at a time. Now he was a few inches taller than a pony, carried ten books with one arm easily, and had a tail as long as his body. I feel so happy for him...I think I feel a tear coming on. I straighten myself before grabbing his attention.
“Hey Spike.”
That’s one way to get him down. A shout of surprise was preceded by him fall off the ladder. Prior to him hitting the ground I grab him in my magic. As he opens his eyes I bring him closer for a big snuggle. It’s oddly comforting to feel his scales against my fur again.
“Come on Twilight. I missed you too but I’m not a baby anymore.” Even his voice gained more maturity.
“I know. That’s the sad part.”
“Very funny.” Sarcastic as ever I see. I let him go of my magical grip. “What brings you in this dusty place? Now that you're number two assistant's here you can’t stand to see a dirty library?”
“No, I just wanted to talk to you for a bit. You know, make sure you’re fitting in alright. Also did you say number two?”
“You heard right.” Spike began returning to books to their rightful place. “For just over a year now you’ve had Gem to be your assistant. In the brief time I’ve been here I noticed she’s one pony who’s good at getting things done. Probably because it’s her special talent.”
“I don’t mind having two assistants you know. It would be good to have you around again.”
“Thanks but no thanks Twilight. It’s for the best you have a new assistant. I’m growing up. Soon enough, most ponies will see me as a threat. I’m sure the princesses will figure out what to do with Equestria at some point. I’ll just stick by them for a while until I’m ready to move on.”
“If that’s what you really want, I can’t do much to stop you. But I am immortal now so I’ll expect you to stop by every now and again.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. So...mind helping out an old assistant with these books?”
“I would like nothing better, Spike.”
Ah, the good old day’s. I felt some small nostalgia while putting away these dusty old books. The dragon and pony back to dusting off books in a library. I feel a bit weird. Like I want to cry. Why am I sad? The answer hits me as I finish the question. Because I want things to go back to the way they were before.
But why? I love where I am now. I love my position, my authority, my stallion, and my empire. Why is this hurting me so much?
I can’t do this anymore, I have to go.
--------------------------------------------
It took longer than expected but I left the library. Not before telling Spike about what is happening later. I couldn’t stick around him much longer. Tears would have formed. I have to get this over with before I meet up with the others.
I have to find...her.
How could I? I was never the one to find her. She always found me. Whenever I needed somepony to talk to or just needed to let out some steam she would be there. Hopefully she knew about my feelings now.
She always knew when to show her face, or rather, her cloaked and shrouded face. Everytime with that pony, full cloak, protection spells, and almost a dozen identity charms. It’s like she was keeping herself hidden from the world.
Before I could continue on my train of thought there she was. Quite as an assassin, fast as light, powerful as an alicorn, and wise as an old sage.
Shela.
“Queen Sparkle, good to see you again.” Same familiar voice that she somehow didn’t let me figure out.
“Good to see you again, Shela. Can we talk?”
“Please, Sparkle. What else do I have to do with my life? I am here to serve.” She gave a deep, respectful bow before continuing. “What is it you needed to speak of?”
“My friends.”
“Ahh. This will require some privacy. Allow me.” With a teleportation spell, that was clearly dark magic in origin, we ended up in one of the many abandoned buildings. After taking up a comfortable position, she spoke. “Please...continue.” I take a spot close to her, not too close however. She never was one to get too close to another.
“I have to get this off my chest before I see them again. Every time I see my friends, I have an urge to turn things back to normal. I look at my friends and my heart is filled with sadness that makes me cry. I have a need for things to go back to the way they were before. Before the return of Sombra and this whole mess started. Do you have some insight for me?”
“Hmm.” She paused after that.
Now I’m one to wait for answers but here, right now, my patience wasn’t holding out. I was getting far too anxious for my liking.
“Please Shela! I don't think I can look at them again without some help.” I was borderline begging for advice. Scratch that. I was begging.
“Sparkle,” she starts after my futile attempt at groveling, “this isn’t something I can really help with. They’re your friends. I can’t say I understand because that would be a lie and I can’t say it will be all better in the end. But I can say this, they are your friends, plain and simple.”
“I-it can’t be that simple.”
“It is. Your friends are the best things that have happened to you. Correct?” I offer a weak nod. “Not only that but your little group has pulled off amazing feats while the world was against you time and time again. All you have to do is talk to them and I know, as a fact, your friends will not only stay your friends but you they will keep loving you as well.”
Her words. Again. She did it again. With her around I might be able to confront my friends. I just hope they still accept me.
“Thanks Shela. I think I can face them now.”
“Anytime, Sparkle. If you’re much better now I’ll be going. I have preparations to make.”
With a teleportation spell she disappeared. Along with her body, all traces of her existence vanished. Every time she did, I’d wonder when she would show her face. I didn’t have much time to think about this now.
I had to be somewhere.
--------------------------------------------
I was walking through the castle heading toward my room. Unfortunately the guards had other plans for me. Sometimes I wonder what use they are.
“My queen, we need your assistance in the meeting room.” They hastily spoke in a bow.
“What’s in there that you can’t handle.” Irritation growing within me.
“It’s the princesses. They are getting out of control.”
“(sign) Fine. Take me to them.”
It only took a minute for us to get to the designated room. Opening the door the said alicorns were yelling at the general's, seemingly about the ponies we captured. I’ll need to listen in to make sure, but I didn’t get the chance.
Everypony stopped talking, or in this case yelling, and turn to me. The crystal ponies, both slave and dark crystal, bowed to me. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence just stared at me with a patience that was only rivaled by Sombra.
“Rise.” All obeyed “Now...what seems to be-”
“Twilight, these ponies are refusing to-”
“SHUT THE BUCK UP!!!” I screamed at Celestia, using my own version of the royal shout. She hastily backed up in fear. Her ears were pinned back, pupils shrunk, and she was in a position that made her look weak. It was adorable. “I...was...talking. General, what was it you were...discussing?”
“It was about the new slaves, my queen. The princesses want to take them away.”
“Well, Celestia? Care to explain?”
It took her a moment to gather herself. Not too surprised by her reaction. I never made any outburst directed at her and I always made sure never to swear around her. Key word here being ‘made’ sure. I couldn’t care less anymore.
“There’s...nothing to discuss. The ponies recently taken hostage are not ‘property’, nor do they belong here. I have seen your holding area for them and it has become quite crowded. It would be a favor to take them out of the Crystal Empire ourselves.”
“...”
After a minute of silence, and Celestia awkwardly looking around the room, I spoke up.
“Is that all you’re going to say or are you going to present a valid reason why you should take our new workforce.” Sunbutt looks back at me disgusted as did the other two alicorns. “What we have on our hooves is very correctable. All we need is for them to build a new barracks for the new slaves to sleep in and they can start working again.”
“Twilight...you can’t be serious?”
“I am. You are in my domain now. If you don’t like it then leave or shut up.” They take a look of defeat at this, while the generals grinned wide with a prideful smug. “I’d expect Cadence to be ignorant in these matters but not from you two.”
“As we've said before, we are out of practice in most ways of life. All we want to know for our subjects is harmony.” Damn it Luna, will you ever shut up with that Old Equestrian?
“And as I’ve said, start learning. Harmony is dead in the Crystal Empire.”
I see the prideful faces of the generals. I want to snap their necks just from looking at them. Before I step out the door, I turn to my former teacher and the other two.
“You three will want to come with me.”
Confused for a moment they followed all the same. I led them to my chambers where, upon opening the doors, we were greeted with the sight of a birthday party in progress. A couple ponies were dancing on a makeshift dance floor, some were having punch and making small talk, others were playing games Pinkie set up in the corner.
By the looks of things, the ponies who were attending consisted of all my friends, some apple family members, my slave, and some of her colleague slaves. What caught me off guard for a second were the few changelings that were present. But that didn’t really matter. As soon as everyone saw I was the one that entered the music stopped and the slaves bowed to me. My slave was the one to speak first.
“My queen, please don’t be angry with me. I meant no offence.”
“...” I paused for some tension, wanting to make her squirm a little. “Why are you bowing?”
"My queen?”
“This is your day. Don’t be so formal.”
“Yes my queen. As you wish.”
She painfully walked back to talk with her friends. Celestia walks up next to me and begins to speak.
“What’s this I spy? Haven’t changed all that much I see. Care to explain, my star pupil?”
“It’s not me who wanted this, at least not part of me. If you want to give credit to somepony, the credit goes to them.” I gestured towards my friends.
“Hmmm. It would seem your friends have a bigger influence on you than I anticipated.”
“Just...shut up and go...miggle or something. We’ll talk about the Equestrian ponies later.” They walked off but not before giving me a loving nuzzle. *blegh*
Now for the real reason I was here. I motioned for my friends to come over to a quietish part of the room, oddly enough on top of my bed, so I could talk to them.
“Darling, are you alright?”
“Yes I’m...well no...no I’m not so fine.”
“Oh goodness, what happened?”
“Come on. What could be so bad that the new badass Twilight can’t handle.” That was the last straw. I started to sob right there on the spot. “Wow-ok! Um, is it something I said?” Damn it Rainbow you're making it worse.
“I...it’s just that...I can’t help it.” They all smother me with a group hug. I can feel their loving embrace as they cling to me for dear life, almost as if they stopped loving me then I’d die from depression.
“Please dear, tell us what’s wrong?”
“Come on Twi, we’re here fer ya. You can tell us anythin. Ya know that right?”
“I...I…” Damn it, I can’t stop crying. I’m so pathetic.
“Twilight, spill what’s bothering you or I’ll beat it out of you!” Fluttershy made a death stare at Rainbow for saying that. Either way, it was enough of a push to finish.
“I’m scared.”
They all stopped to ponder those words. It’s almost as if they didn’t believe what I said. The quiet was starting to get me even more worried.
“But how can you be scared? What are you scared of that you of all ponies can’t deal with? A ghost clown? Sombra being a meanie to you? Is he being a big meanie pants! Say the word Twilight and your good pal Pinkie Pie will take care of him for you!” Before she continued her rant she was interrupted by Rarity.
“Pinkie, please. Twilight needs us to be serious. Plus I don’t think it’s him that’s the problem.” Her attention is redirected back to me. “Go on Twilight. What is it you’re scared of?”
“I’m...I’m scared of losing you girls. You’re the best ponies that came into my life. I don’t want to lose you.”
“Why would we abandon you?” Rainbow chimed in sending a bit of shock my way, even in my emotional state.
“Because of the pony I’ve become. I’m a monster now. How could you care about something like me?”
“You're still Twilight aren't you darling? Sure you've made some questionable decisions-”
“But none of that matter’s. Deep down you’re still the pony we know and love. No amount of time can change the way we feel about you.”
“Fluttershy is right sugercube. No matter what happens, we’ll always be yer friends. Ya got that partner?”
“Yeah...thanks girls. I guess I just needed to hear it for myself.” They gave me an even tighter, more passionate, hug, if that was even possible.
“Don’t forget about me. As awesome as the element of loyalty is, I think we all know I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Ok, that was a little funny. To my disapproval, they receded the hug. We talked for some time afterwards. It was mostly small talk, but it really helped to calm my nerves. At some point, Discord and Shining managed to make their way into the party. I was feeling better so I thought of mingling.
The slaves provided an extreme lack of conversation. I guess that’s to be expected. I just need to give it time until they warm up to me in that way. The changelings were a lot better conversationalists. We even gathered facts about each other to strengthen our relationship in our species gap. The princesses only tried to get info on Sombra. Figured as much.
They were impressed on how I was able to take care of Discord so easily so I gave them three tips. Know your enemies weakness, know how to exploit that weakness, and most importantly, have the guts to cut off any source of power your enemy has access to. In Discords case, his limbs to cast magic. Needless to say they were repulsed by the idea. They mentioned something about me returning or something but I wasn’t really paying attention. It wasn’t five minutes later that ‘he’ showed up.
The music stopped, due to my slave taking it off the needle. Must I beat the meaning of ‘your day’ into her as well. Oh well. I use my magic to put the needle back into place then walk up to the handsome stallion-I mean ugly monster. Yep, can’t even get my mind straight.
“If you’ve come here for trouble then you can turn around and walk away.”
“On the contrary, I was expecting something like this to occur.”
“Wait...you expected a party?”
“Maybe not a party specifically, but an event with you and your friends. You’re fond of them too much to not be doing something with them.”
“You knew...You knew about this and you didn’t stop them or kill them?”
“I thought you’d know me by now, Whatever makes my queen happy is what I will provide.”
Screw you. Screw you to Tartarus. I hate it when you do things like that. And by hate, I mean love you so much I want you to take me right here and now. But a hug will do. As I felt his warmth around my front quarter’s I felt a few tears begin to develop. He was kind enough to wipe them away for me once our little embrace was done.
“Are you going to join us?”
“No. This is for your slave. Me being here will only complicate things further.” Yeah right. You just didn’t want to associate yourself with the slaves and act soft. “I’ll be around the castle if you need me.”
That was that. Now back to the party. It started to die down seeings how Sombra showed his face. With everyone one retiring back to there own rooms it was time for me to get some shut eye. I was just missing one thing.
My pleasure tool of a stallion.
--------------------------------------------
The smoke cleared to reveal Sombra standing there as normal. I don’t get it. What was the spell supposed to do-
Oh my goddess. I have a feeling I’ll be saying that countless times within the next hour.
“Do you like it?”
“I had to alter the spell a few times to perfect the final project.”
“But I think you’ll find it to your liking.”
Each of the two Sombras spoke without missing a beat. It was as if they shared a mind. There go my wings. I felt them pomf out in less then a second. I was that turned on.
“Do my eyes deceive me?”
“Or are you that excited already.”
Oh dear, one of them was starting to circle around me. One behind and one in front. I-I-AAAHHH!
…
I came. He didn’t even start and I came.
The Sombra in front pushed me onto my hind legs only to be grabbed by the second Sombra so I was standing upright. I can feel it now. Double penetration. The thought is enough to get me off. Ah! I could hardly notice the Sombra in front lunge at me.
“Shhh. If you’re a good mare,”
“I’ll conjure up one more to plug that pretty mouth of your.”
In no time they both dug into me filling me up with gusto. As they begin to thrust back and forth I feel them sandwich me between them. I was caught between them with no chance of escape, just like it's supposed to be. With the combined might of my handsome stallions muscles, their length deep in me, and the warmth between the two, I couldn’t help but let it all out.
My slave? That insect better have a good reason for waking me. I guess she realizes I’m angry. She backs off in a bow and starts talking before I can blast her.
“My King asked me to wake you my Queen.” Rushing what she said in time before I can attack her. “He says there is a matter to attend to in the meeting hall concerning the movement of the princesses.”
I guess that’s a good enough reason to get out of bed. If it’s urgent then I don’t think I have time for a bath. The slaves are almost all asleep so I don’t really need to worry about looking dominant. I’ll just brush my mane, that should be enough.
After that it was a walk to the meeting hall. It felt like a long walk through the halls. As a trade off the darkness was comforting. The meeting hall lay just ahead. As I enter, Celestia and Luna were busy yelling at King Sombra while he was keeping a cool head as well as a confident smile. They were yelling about...something, I couldn’t tell at this point, they were both shouting over each other. They didn’t notice me until I sent a chair flying through the air and smashing against the wall. The room now mimicked a ghost town.
“Is there a reason you’re yelling at my king?”
“Twilight-.”
“That’s Queen Twilight to you, and you still haven’t answered my question.”
“We are leaving this wretched place and making a new colony with our subjects. Your ‘king’ is keeping us from taking back what is rightfully ours.”
“Shut up.” Luna grew a scowl at my disrespect. Then I look to my king. “What did they say?”
“They want to take all the ponies we captured from Equestria and create a settlement in the west. I was kind enough to make a counter offer. They can take one third of the captured ponies and move out but they still refuse.”
They were complaining about that? My king made those disrespectful insects the offer of a lifetime and they threw it back in his face by wanting more? How dare they act this way. Insulting my king is an insult towards me and that is something I can’t tolerate.
“My king said you can have one third of our Equestrian ponies and that’s what you are going to take. It’s either that or you can leave here empty hoofed.”
“Twilight-”
“My king has spoken!” I glared at them with hate in my eyes.
Luna was about to make a move but Celestia stopped her. It would seem that an extra thousand years of diplomacy has made her far wiser than her infant sister can ever be.
“Heel. That's a good girl Lulu.”
Again the night bitch was about to jump. Sunbutt intervened again but putting her hoof out in front of her sister. An obvious nodded ‘no’ and a moment to calm down was enough to subdue her. Celestia looked back to me.
“Thank you for your offer. We’ll leave at dawn. Let us leave them Sister.” With that, the two of them left the hall.
“Interesting,” Sombra walks up next to me, “I thought for sure you would take her side.”
“Why would you think that?”
“She was your former mentor and mother figure.”
“Former. Presently, you are my king and husband. My allegiance is to you, not to a failed princess.” He’s so bucking cocky as he tries to make a move on me before I push him away. “I don’t think so. You got me up early for this so you’re not getting any.”
“Fine by me I’ll just dine on some of that, mmm, fine plot later. But I can tell you’re stressed. What are you going to do?”
“Have some fun with my toy.”
“Don’t get too carried away.”
I’m sure he said something else but I was too focused on the fun yet to come. How was I going to play this time? I thought about it more and more as I made my way to the dungeon. It was all too soon that I made it to my destination, or was it not soon enough? Oh well.
“Open the door.”
The guards watching over the door began their work. Everything slowly came into view as the lead lined crystal door opened. There he was. That pathetic excuse for a leader. I enter the torture chamber and the door closes behind me. The crystals provide a surprising amount of light so no other source is necessary. I begin transmuting the air in the room into oxygen and force some of it down my prisoner's throat along with some dark magic. With a gasp of air life was restored.
“Oh good you’re up. I was hoping we could have some fun again. And when I say we, I of course mean me.”
“Please. When will yo-” I interrupted him with a paddle to the face.
“You know not to talk to your Queen like that. Onto the entertainment for the morning.” I walk to a random section of the wall that was lined with countless torture instruments. Most of them from the Dark Ages when torture was...a lot more fun. “Ah, let's start with this one.”
I grabbed the tool and my toy as he was about to hit me with something. When will he learn? No matter, I throw him the table near the back of the room and secure him with the straps. I shove the tool into his mouth and twist the knob a few times.
“Lesson number 205, this is called a choke pear or a pear of anguish. You can already feel the effects from when I twisted the screw here. You’re a smart enough pony, I’m sure you’ve already figured out what would happen if I continue right?” A swift nod came after. “Good. You know what I want, so don’t make me take it from you.”
I grabbed a few dozen spikes off another section of the wall.
“You remember these don’t you?” As he looked on in knowing horror I cast a spell to heat them up fast. “Your standard impaling spike.”
Shoving one through his stomach I was greeted with a beautiful sound. It sent a shiver down my spine. Oh yeah, starting off with a good one. This might become one of my top favorite sessions.
“Again.” Another spike came with it another scream of pleas-I mean pain. “That’s not enough, I want more.” Another stab. Again, again, and again. I got up real close. “What did you do wrong?” I remove the pear.
“I lead the resistance against you after Equestria was already conquered!”
Good thing dark magic can repair my hearing or I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this as much.
“And why did you do that?” Another spike was added to the pin cushion.
“AAAHHH-I was trying to get revenge for the pain you caused our families!”
“Who did you go to in hopes that they would help you fight back?” I didn’t add one this time so I could hear the name perfectly.
“Captain Armor! Your brother!”
“And,” I readied a spike in case I didn’t find his answer to my liking, “what did he say?”
“HE SAID NO! He didn’t want to go against his sister so he backed out! Instead of facing the enemy he ran to them like the scared coward he is! If I knew how weak he was I never would have joined the royal guard in the first place!” I backed off.
“Well done. I see you’ve been rehearsing your lines. That was much better than last time.” I pulled out all the spikes at once causing the best sound yet. “Mmm. Almost there. Onto lesson number 206.”
I attach two of the same tool to the side of the table. Grabbing his wings in my magic I pull them out so the tissue of the wing is inside the device. Fear gripped his face.
“These are called wing screws. It was originally called thumb screws but modified for the use of pegasi from a different species. You’ve gotten me this far in such a short time so I’ll make you a promise. Make me finish quick enough and I’ll end your suffering faster. Deal?” Another quick nod came from my toy. “Here we go.”
“AAAAAHHHHH!” He nearly blew out my ear drum as I cut off his balls and manhood. “Please kill me! I can’t take it any more! Please end the pain, whatever it takes!”
“Not enough.” I jumped onto the table standing over him. “Give me more!”
I tightened one of the wing screws completely which punctured the table and nearly ripping off half the wing. I was getting there, but I need more. I tightened the other screw just as tight if not more so. I was on the edge ready to burst.
Leaning down I put both hooves around his neck while having the music of ecstasy ring in my ears. Using my magic I grabbed his whole skull, and with one quick motion, I twisted it 180 degrees. I felt the bones snap and grind against my hooves. Once everything stopped moving, I continued to twist until the head popped off.
“AAAAAHHHHH!”
Feeling the blood drip down my chest and hooves cinched it for me. The warmth spread all over my body until the cool chamber air overtook me soon after. My climax died off slowly and I was left with a headless corpse below me. Time to piece him back to together again. I morph into my shadow form then surround his body, head and blood.
Same routine over and over again. Piecing him back together was always kinda fun and a chore at the same time. I always have to concentrate on the smallest details. Where do the blood vessels link? Where to the nerves go? Which way does the heart face? I always get that part wrong. Finally I got him back in one piece. All that’s left is bring him back to life, another reason I love dark magic, it can do almost anything including bring back the dead. I cast the proper spells and stood back to watch my hoofiwork.
“*gasp* You couldn’t bring me back any less painful could you?”
“Let me think...no. It’s more fun that way.” I materialize between him and the doorway, free of blood of course. “Besides, you need to feel alive again don’t you? Pain is a good indicator.”
“What now, leave me here to run out of oxygen until you want to ‘play’ again?”
“That’s the plan. Be a pal and clean my toy’s then put them back on the shelves will you?”
“Are you going to answer my question?”
“What question?”
“You know what I mean. The one question I ask everytime we do this show. Why did you marry Sombra and not me?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
I walk out the into the dungeon as the guards close the gate behind me. Before I could go much farther, Sombra stopped me for a chat. If only I had the guts to kill him.
“That was a fast session you had.”
“Your point?”
“Can’t a king make sure his queen is having a good time with her toys?”
“You can shove it. That’s what you can do.”
Sombra got right in my face which made me stop in my tracks. Damn he smells good. Like pure testosterone coated with blood on a warm spring morning. By the stars I want him to take me!
“I know what I can shove,” he get’s close to my ear and whispers, “and I know where I can shove it.”
My knees grew weak as I barely had the strength to stand. I had to leave while I still could. Walk-screw that, I was running out of there. I ran all the way to my bed chambers and slammed the door. I then realized how out of breath I was when I slumped against the door. Note to self, I need to work more on my physical stamina.
“Flash Sentry could never compare to you, my king.”
Ah, a slow wake up to soothing music. I don't remember this one. It must be one of Octavia's new pieces. Enough of that, I had a day planned out and I wasn't going to miss today for the world. Getting up I made my way to the bathroom.
“Good morning your highness.” Oh yes. Your highness. It was much more exciting than the bland ‘my queen’ the Crystal ponies puked out all the time.
“Good morning to you Octavia. Is that a new piece?”
“Indeed your highness. Inspired from New Equestria.”
“Beautiful. It truly is.” The slow Symphony combined with the high notes promoted happiness and energy. This was definitely a song to wake up to. “From now on use that one to wake me.”
“As you wish, your highness.”
Oh yes. I can feel it. Nothing could go wrong today. Not even if I said those words out loud while walking under several ladders and smashing a few mirrors. Today was going to be the best day ev-
“Oof!” A familiar weight pounces on me and begins to jump up and down.
“Get up get up get up! It’s time to get up mom.”
“Ok, ok. Stop jumping on me and I’ll get up.”
He did so which resulted in him being pinned to the bed with my magic. I then grabbed a few feathers hidden under the mattress and started tickling the little colt. Instantly he was dying of laughter.
“Hey! No fair! Stop that!” I did so, but not after torturing him a few seconds longer.
“Now what was so urgent that you needed to tackle me before I got out of bed?”
“Oh right. Queen Chrysalis just arrived.”
“Already? I better get a move on.”
“Hurry up. I don’t want to wait on you all day.”
“Then practice your magic while you wait.”
I tuned out the groan that I’m sure followed after. Instead I listened to the beautiful melody that flowed from the mahogany cello nearby. That pony knew her stuff. As I made myself presentable for the day I noticed that Octavia was playing another piece. I think this one was new as well.
This composition invoked a sense wonder that would bring about a great change. One of peace and prosperity. The beautiful instrumentals made their way inside me and soothed my very soul. Damn. Is this music going to make me soft?
I finished in good time and walked into the bedroom to see Dark Star practicing his dark magic. He really has come a long way in the art of dark magic. He notices me and runs out into the hallway. I’m about to walk after him when I hear Octavia speak up.
“Will that be all for today, your highness?”
“Yes, that'll be all. You may retire for the day.”
As I entered the dining room, I see two of the many girls I'll be spending the day with, Gem and Chrysalis. They look over to me with a playful smile. I have a bad feeling about this.
“Good morning...Queen Sparklebutt.” After the ‘comedic display’ by Chrysalis, the two girls along with my traitor of a son, starts laughing at me.
“You girls really need to stop with those inside jokes. You’re beginning to turn my own son against me.” Dark Star stopped laughing at this point.
“We’ll stop. Sometime. Maybe. Not anytime soon.” And Gem starts another small fit of laughter.
“Just shut it. The both of you. Onto more important things, where’s breakfast?”
I walk to my seat on the table as did my son. Almost on queue, a few servants walked through the kitchen doors with wheeled trays of food. As the servants past out the plates to each of us I could see my little one grow more and more anxious. Stake was set down in front of him and I could see that little bit of blood lust in his eye’s. Even at breakfast he’s still my little monster.
Gem had her usual crystal pony food. I still couldn’t pronounce that thing to save my life. Chrysalis didn’t have anything except for some orange juice. It was only for taste really. I’ve learned oh so much about changeling biology.
The only way they feed is through the magical impulses one pony uses on another. Since this is also biology based, the pony meant to receive the impulses don't feel anything other than maybe some of the hormones in their subconscious. So the term 'changelings feed off love' is politically correct but only in the magical sense. And there I go again. While in another of my mental rants the others noticed and started picking on me again.
I wasn't wrong, today was going to be a great day...just not for me.
Once we were done with everything in the castle, us girls set out for the train station. I sometimes wish Spike was still with me. ‘sign’ Just like before when he used to ride on my back. Not to worry though, it’s time for my visit to New Equestria. Hooves crossed hoping nothing will happen to stop us fr - and here comes a guard. This’ll be interesting.
“My queen, we've had an incident at the dragon stables that requires your attention.” It says in a hurried manner while bowing.
“Dark, I'll give you this one.”
“Guard, take me to the stables immediately.” He's can be so cute when he's trying to be serious. He'll get there in time.
“Of course, my prince. Follow me.”
The guard starts running off to the stables. Dark Star does as well. He still has a lot to learn.
“Dark.” I say in a sing song pitch which makes him stop and turn to me. “The empire isn't burning down nor will it by the time you walk over there. You are a prince, you must be aware of that role, especially in public.”
“Yes mother.” I could hear the sigh in his voice. He'll get past it at some point.
Walking to the stables we saw a dragon thrashing against the hold of about thirty guards attempting, and failing, to restraining the beast. Some dark crystal shards lay on the ground from previous ‘snacks’. My son looks to me and I give a nod to proceed. He in turn walks up to the dragon, front and center. It was about to chomp on him for another snack.
“STOP!” The dragon did so and even laid down once it recognized him as a master. He looked around the area as everypony around him bowed no longer needing to hold the winged beast. “You. What happened here?” He points to a guard.
“My prince, two of the slaves let loose the dragon after failing to secure the main latch on the door.”
“Where are these two slaves?”
“One is right there, my prince.” My son walks up to the slave who was also in a bow. I think it was scared for its life. Why else was it crying?
“You,” the slave looks up with tears running down his face, “what happened here?”
“M-my prince, we were finishing the feeding process for the dr-dragon when my wi...the other slave...was shoved by a guard into the gate. We didn't finish closing the main latch when the dragon hit it with its tail. Before we knew it the dragon was free. It...it ate-,” Dark put a hoof up to the sobbing thing. I guess he put the pieces together as well.
“Who was this guard that shoved the other slave that was with you?”
“Th-that one, my prince.” Wow. The guard that did the blaming was the one getting blamed. I love the irony.
Sucks to be the slave though. His wife was eaten by the dragon and he has to live with that, maybe. Time to see how Dark will deal with the situation. He grabs the guard in his magic and flings it in front of the dragon. Before anyone can react he stomps one hoof on the ground twice. The dragon then chomps on the guard completely unhindered. The others know better than to move from their bow.
“This goes to all of you, cost us any of my work force again and you'll get a lot worse than that. Now get back to work!”
“Yes, my prince!” A collected shout rang out.
“Take a week for yourself.” Dark was quiet, but I'm sure that's what he said to the slave.
“So how did I do? I did pretty good right?” He starts hopping around me in the cutest manner.
“Yes, yes. You did good. Keep in mind that when you become king, there is no wrong answer. As for me, I'd have thrown the slave in with the guard as well to save him from the misery of his late wife. Now that that's over, let's get to the train before anything else happens.”
“Before I forget to ask, have you returned?” Chrysalis asks me.
“Returned? From where?”
“Oh it's not you. Just a little squabble with the hive mind. Nothing to worry about.”
Hmm. That's been said to me before. Odd. Anyway, our trip to the train was uneventful this time. Once we boarded, the train began to move heading toward New Equestria. These new rails are so much smoother than those old ones in Old Equestria. Can't even feel a bump. The ride there was sure to be a very uneventful one. I know how to spice things up, Cards Against Ponies.
With half of the population of Old Equestria now dead, it was hard for the princesses to start up a colony. After all she only had a third of that half to work with and some still committed suicide. Even with all the odds stacked against them, the princesses managed to rebuild.
Just goes to show how much resiliency they have.
Getting off the train was smoother this time than before, my dark crystal guards certainly knew how to act appropriately. Although I can already feel the inevitable dea-ooof.
“Twilight!”
Yep I knew it. My very own friend death pile. This time it was Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Applejack. Only when I stood back up I saw Rainbow Dash standing next to Shining Armor in...a set of guard armor of her own. I knew she was in the Royal Guard but I was under the impression that she was kicked out shortly after. I mean, this is Rainbow Dash after all. Has the military become that lax in the past year or are they that low on pony power?
“Ummm, Rainbow? Are you ok?”
“Sir, permission for free motion, sir.”
“Permission grante-”
Nothing else registered around me besides the skittles pony that was trying to kill with hugs.
“Oh Twi, I'm soooooo happy to see you. This visit is going to be so awesome!” Finally she let me go. “So uh, yeah. Good to so you egg head.” Now there’s the Rainbow Dash I know and love.
“It’s good to see you too, all you girls.”
“Yes. Such a lovely welcome.” Chrysalis said from behind.
“Gem! Chrysi!” Pinkie Grabbed them both in a hug that should have crack both their spines but...nope. No snapping. Chrysalis didn’t seem to mind the affection.
“I do hope you ladies are ready for the girls night out.” Oh Rare’s, you have no idea.
“Of course, I can’t wait to spend time with all you girls like before. Captain Armor?”
“Yes, Queen Sparkle?”
“Ok now enough of the formalities, I’m commandeering your lieutenant for the day.”
“I thought as much.”
“Don’t look so blue, you’ll have an outstanding time as it is.”
“Doing what?”
“Watching after Dark Star.” As I said that, my little one materialized on my BBBFF’s back. “Have fun you two.”
“Yea Haw! Mush pony, mush!”
“Wait you can’t do that. I have to go back to my duties.”
It was already too late. The girls and I were on our way through the town. Shining will be fine. He’ll just drop Dark off with the other kids, most likely being watched by Cadence. I’ll check up on them later, for now I had some catching up to do.
Today has definitely been the best of the best. After a quick catch up over coffee we headed off to the newly established bowling alley. My team won of course. Lunch soon followed while we talked about the stallions in our lives.
Rainbow Dash was dating some up and coming newby in the guard, ‘tough on the training field and in bed’. That's what she says anyway. Fluttershy and Discord are officially a thing now, and it’s about time too. That pair were secret about the whole thing for too long. Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie were still riding the solo train. I suggested they give a threesome a try. Oh boy, the red hues on those faces were priceless.
Gem got herself hitched a while ago, but then again, I already knew that. Chrysalis was getting laid far too often to think of a ball and chain tieing her down. Benefits of being Queen of the Swarm I guess. I made a mental note to ask about that later. Lastly was me. As I went on and on about my knight in shining armor...EWWW! Ok never making that reference again. Anyway I noticed a trend, sex was getting to be more spread out as time went on. I’d have to fix that.
Next we traveled to the local bazaar for a shopping trip. I didn’t find anything I wanted. Not right away that is but I did buy a wagon load of alcohol and the like. There’s no way I’m not going to end this day on a high note.
We still had some time to kill before we could even think to start drinking so it was the castle for us. The guards were a little suspicious of letting me and Chrysalis through. Even with Rainbow telling them to stand down I could tell there was still some lingering anxiety.
Inside the castle, if you can call it a castle, the guards were still a bit uneasy around us. Maybe to the casual observer they were stoik, but not to me. All I saw was a bunch of children playing soldier. It wasn’t long before we found our way to the throne room. As I suspected, Celestia and Luna were busy with some paperwork and Cadance was playing with the kids. I noticed Dark Star was getting a little too close with that devil Flurry Heart. I’ve got to find a way to kill that devil spawn.
“Heeeeey.” I sang to the princesses.
The princesses stopped to greet us. Celestia and Luna looked a little weary and not too cheerful. Not surprising, really.
“Glad you could make it Twilight.” Cadence talked to me first.
“Well we were going to hit the clubs. It wouldn't be right if you didn't come with us.”
“I don't don't know about that.” Cadence tilts her head toward the other two princesses. “I’ll need to find somepony to watch the kids so I can go.”
“‘sign’, Fine. We’ll watch them while you’re out.” Celestia said very sarcastically.
“Yes. Alright girls let’s go.”
“Woah woah waoh. Hang on Cadance, this was far too easy. What are you planning Celestia?”
“I have a lot of things to do so leave before I change my mind.”
Wow, really? I thought it was going to take more than that to win her over. I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth...I have to stop with these metaphors.
The next few hours were awesome. We spent most of our time at the Swooning Stallion. After that, us mares began bar hopping around the city. Also Fluttershee was getting a little tipsy. Our was that me, I couldn't-can't tell. It was getting late by the time we called it a night. Or was it early? Nope, can't tell again. Our group was heading...somewhere. It was the trips there that worried me. I kept falling off-I mean over.
Ohhh. Who is that? Is that...yeah? Yeah. Shela.
“Hey, Shela! Hey! We're you going? I wanna talk.”
She kept walking away from me. I must have been forever since I began the walk to...to...that bitch that won't stop walking way.
“Come on Shela it's like, almost morning stop moving. Shela!” Yay she stops.
“It's time Sparkle.” Shela told me.
“Sparkler? You never call me that befo...hey I know you.”
“Yes you do.” I said to myself. “But it's time you go.” Was that me? I think it was. Or was it Chrysi?
“But I...it is? Thank you. I never thought that talking to myself would realize I'm smart.”
“Riiiight. Now hold still, the spell will just take a second.”
“TWILIGHT! STOP!”
Oh my sun butt. Celestia's here. And she’s FIRING A MAGIC AT ME! WHAT-
I wake in a daze. But...how? I have so many questions? Why did I black out? Why did Celestia attack me? How am I not drunk anymore? Where’s Sheela? Why did I black out for a second time after screaming?
Just...WHAT?
Ugh. I need to go back to the castle. Hopefully they can tell me what’s going on. If I don’t get some answers soon, somepony is going to die.
“Oh no. This isn’t possible.” The castle’s gone. No, poor choice of words. There was no castle to begin with; not even a sign ponies have been here. It's as if New Equestria never existed. I must go to the Crystal Empire. Things are bound to make sense if I go back.
“Ok, it’s been two years, I’ve calmed down and now I can rationalize recent events. I've also picked up a bad habit of talking to myself. Anyway, Celestia and Luna are nowhere to be found. I've searched the entire planet and still haven't found them. There isn’t any life on Equus worth mentioning. Nothing except the primitive pony village.”
“I’ve been spying on them ever since I’ve noticed them. They speak ancient Equestrian, something only those before the Discord Age spoke. I’m only somewhat familiar with the language so I’ve been listening to them for the time being.”
“Speaking of Discord, I haven't seen or sensed him either. You’d think a lord of chaos would be easy to find buuuut no. Magic is very underdeveloped, the weather is untamed as it roams free, Equus orbits the sun, Nightmare Moon's mutated creatures are nowhere to be found and everypony speaks a language that's been dead for thousands of years. All these signs point to one irrefutable conclusion...I’ve gone back in time.”
“And for once it’s not because of a self-induced, mental breakdown. By the star’s, I hated those.”
“Now I have only one objective, making them my subjects. It’s obvious really. No matter how I look at it I’m a god in their eyes. But the question becomes how do I do that? Easy. Descend from the sky, shout some nonsense, have the villagers kneel, and then they’ll become mine. I’ll need to get ready for my big performance.”
The sky. Dark, cloudy and roaring. I tear through a portion of clouds and slowly descend upon the village all the while keeping myself in the spotlight of the sun. Once the villagers noticed they looked up in awe as they surrounded my landing zone. I land and strike a pose worthy of god status. The village chief approaches.
“Who and what are you?” That ancient equestrian again. He’s very rude, but it’s time to show them the meaning of the word respect.
“What I am isn't important.” I use my magic to rip that old fart into pieces, nothing special, “But, what I want is for you to stop talking and listen! Your gods have abandoned you! That’s an incorrect notion. You’ve never had the gods to watch over you! Now you do! I am your god and you will worship me! Understood?”
I give it a few seconds before the village escalates from murmurs of fear into yells of anger. Still too easy, all I need to do is show more power. I transform into a shadow while growing ten times my normal size. Anger turned back to fear as the faces of horror were formed. My shadowy mass took the shape of a dragon.
“Listen well, peasants. I am beyond your comprehension. You will do well to please and worship me or it will be your end. Bow down to me and you'll live long enough to witness the start of my empire. Bow! Bow if you want to live!”
Like good little slaves they obeyed without question. Everypony bowed their heads in fear praying that I didn't eat them. It feels good to be in power again. I should start on building my empire right away.
“To counter, and ultimately stop, the bad habit of talking to myself, I've started keeping records of my empire. It'll be good to look back at what happened. Fireplace, glass of red wine… or blood, dark and stormy night with nothing better to do than reminisce.”
“My queen, what is red wine.”
“Shut the buck up insect. Who said you could talk?”
“To future self, I'm writing these records in the form of a spell called ‘Auto Write’. You should recall that it records my thoughts, actions, voices, and other voices. I’ve also named this era AT for After Twilight and before this era as BD meaning Before Disaster. It’s funny, foals of my era were taught After Tragedy and Before Discord. Wonder why?”
“Continuing, I've scoured the planet yet again for other intelligent life. There wasn't much to find. The only species worth noting are the gryphons, zebras, and dragons. No sign of diamond dogs, serpents, timber wolves, manticores, unicorns, or pegasi. Only earth ponies exist for the pony species. Which begs the question, what happened between now and modern day Equestria that changed so much?”
“I have the worst feeling that I'm going to find out. I only know of five major events that change life on Equus for all involved. In chronological order, they are the Discord Era, the pony civil war, the reign of the celestial sister’s, the crystal empire curse, and Nightmare Moon's banishment. Stars, each one of them are generations apart. How was I supposed to wait that long?”
“My queen, are you asking for entertainment?”
“I said shut up you… ‘sigh’ ok fine. What do you backwater ponies have to entertain me?”
The mare in question tapped her hooves together twice and shortly after a small group of ponies entered and started performing a fire dance.
“It’s decent I guess. Note to self, have slaves build a statue of myself to show loyalty…”
I felt a tear roll down my cheek at the mention of loyalty. I think I’m done for now
Entry complete.
-----------------------------------------------
Journal entry number 2 - 1AT
“I'm so boooorrred. I've had to open dawn court just to keep myself from going insane.”
“Are you ready for the next villager, my queen?”
“Yes. Send them in.”
The door opens to reveal a mare and her son. The mare was a light gray while the son was a darker hue than his mother. They stopped a few hooves shy of my throne.
“Speak.”
“My queen, we've come to you for support in our time of need. My husband...he died not too long ago falling off a cliff while on his daily food gathering. Without him we don't know what else to do. You see I'm not able to-”
“Stop right there. I get the picture. And no, I'm not going to help you.”
“B-b-but my queen-”
“Don't care what you have to say I came here to be worshipped, not to help the peasants. Be gone with you.”
“How dare you!”
The colt jumped in front of his mother and started yelling at me.
“What's the point of having subjects if you're not going to help them.”
“How dare I?” I teleport in front of the now terrified child. “Listen here you little shit! I'm the ruler of this insignificant piece of garbage you call a village and whatever I say goes! You have no power here, nor...will...you…”
I eyed the colt in greater detail now. As I walk around him I take in his features. Stopping in front of the scared colt I begin again.
“What is your name?”
“I-I-it’s Tr-Tristes, my qu-queen.”
“Tristes...that's Old Equestrian for somber.”
You know when things are too good to be true? This is one of those times. I’m sure I had a seductive grin on my face when I kissed the colt. Nopony was going to stop me. If they did I would kill them where they stood. It was a minute later when I released the little colt and gasped for air.
“Oh yes my king, it's definitely you!”
“K-king?”
“Why yes. Every queen needs to have her king. Take the mare and get her set up in a room of her own. You, little one...are coming with me.”
It’s wrong, I know, but it feels so right. I don’t know how long it has been since I’ve slept with Sombra but I plan on breaking that record tonight. Oh my, the journal is still writing. Better stop before things get rated r.
Entry complete.
------------------------------------------------
Journal entry number 3 - 1AT
“I just barely got off last night. And that was with the help of some magic. It's to be expected, Sombra still has a tiny...asset. Whatever the case, I turned that colt into a stallion last night. Can't wait until Sombra's all grown up.”
“That's not my name. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“To bad, that's your name from here on out so get used to it. Now that you're up we can start your basic magic lessons.”
“What's magic?”
“It's...you know...A better question is how am I going to teach unicorn magic to an earth pony? Maybe I should try to mutate you into a unicorn.”
“Mutate!?!”
“Don't be such a baby. It wouldn't work anyway. I've tried with a crystal pony once and... let’s just say it didn't end pretty. So, if we're going to make you into a great king you'll need to know how to use magic. Some dark magic basics can be learned without a horn so we'll start there.”
“Do I have to? I'm still tired.”
“You've become very lax around me in just one night.”
“It's obvious you want me alive. The way I see it no matter what I do you have to put up with.”
“You catch on quick. This might be faster than I thought.”
“After a few years of training I can say with full confidence that we have hit a dead end in Sombra's training. After learning the basics of what powers dark magic it's been nothing but an uphill battle. The only magic he’s able to do is Astral Projection and Levitation. Literally everything else is beyond his reach. Such a pity too, he was doing so well. Especially in the bedroom department.”
“I can hear you. Can you stop? I'm trying to focus.”
“Oh, my little monster has grown so much since we started training. Everything from manners to fucking. If I've taught him, he's mastered it. Still, there's been this lingering ache in the back of my head. Like a hammer is being held over a melon ready to smash it into pieces. Something is going to happen soon I can feel it.”
“Is that what you mean?”
I turn my head to where Sombra was pointing to see a giant eye in the sky looking at us. It was attached to a massive body that extended beyond my view.
“...Oh...my...goddess…” I think I just urinated on my inner thighs.
After I said that the head proceeds to the horizon. Not 10 seconds later I see the head pass over us yet again. That thing was coiling the planet thousands of feet above us for whatever reason. After that thing wrapped itself around Equus a few times, we see its head come for us underneath its body but stop just short of us. It opens one of its eyes and looks around before focusing on me.
“Who are you?” It says with a deep and menacing voice. If I already didn't know what a demon looked like, I would assume he was one.
“...T-Twi-Twiligh-ight...S-S-Sparkle…” Oh by the gods I sound pathetic.
“How is it that you possess a glimmer of my power?”
“Wh-what? Your...power? I-I don't unders-stand?”
“Why are you stuttering so much? Oh, I'm still in my traveling form. Give me a moment would you.” A bright light overtook my vision and I was blinded. As soon as the light came, it vanished leaving a... no...NO! This isn't right! How? “Ta da! How do you do Ms. Sparkle. I am the Lord of Chaos known as-”
“Discord!?!” Are you bucking kidding me right now? Discord is an alien?
“Well I was going to say something more poetic but that is one of my many names.” He snapped his fingers and brought forth a levitating tea set complete with treats. “Tea?”
“What? No! What I want to know is where have you been?”
“And I'd like to know how some random creature like you has my power.” He disappears and reappears next to me. As he continues to ramble on he inspects me for clues. “I've never seen you before, you're heavy on the dark magic unlike chaos magic, you're only one species, an alicorn at that, and you're most definitely out of place with your surroundings. Hmmm. If I had to take a shot in the dark I'd say I'm in the presence of-gasp-”, he disappears and reappears yet again this time with a suit, overcoat, and a... screwdriver? “a time traveler!”
“Yes, I am but not by choice. I was sent back by some unknown magics.”
“Well that's depressing.” Discord's clothes disappear. “I've never met a time traveler who didn't know how they traveled through time. Do you at least know how you came across my powers?”
“Spoilers.” I gave him an evil grin.
“Oh poo. Well if that's the case I'm not leaving this planet until I find out how.” He takes one of his eyes and sticks it on my head. “I've got my eye on you.”
“EWWW!” I grab it with my magic and shove it back into the proper socket.
“Fine you can keep your privacy. But I'm making some renovations to the boring place.”
He snapped his fingers and I'm lifted off my hooves by force propelling me sideways. Before I can tell what happened I notice a tree the path my body is heading. Oh buck, this is gonna hu-
…
-----------------------------------------------
Journal entry...uhg...number 5 - 5AT...hopefully
“I woke up a headache to find a gash on the side of my face. Blood was seeping out of my swollen noggin and the ringing in my ears was almost defining. It was easy enough to fix the wound but the pain and ringing are still present, just not as bad.”
“Sombra is nowhere to be found. I'm not even sure what happened to him once Discord showed up. If he did something to my king I swear I'm going to-ow ow ow.”
“Note to self, don't yell after you've just had your head cracked open.”
“I've looked for an hour already but haven't seen Sombra anywhere. He's not in the canyon where we train, the grove where we make love, not even in the village. And the village-oh the village. Everypony’s gone. It's like they packed their things and moved away. Guess with their dark overlord unconscious and unable to stop them they ran like chickens from the slaughter. I can't worry about them right now. I should focus on finding Sombra.”
“Maybe if I cast a locating spell...I... can-ow. No good. My head is still pounding. I won't like it but there's only one thing left I can do.”
I look to the sky and pray to the one life form I never thought I'd be praying to.
“Discord, if you're out there please...please give me Sombra. Please, I just want to know if he's alive. Please…” dammit I sound pathetic. Am I crying?
“Well well well. I didn't think you had it in you.” Discord materialized on front of me. “Not many dark magic users can set aside their own pride for something they want. I commend you Twilight.” He snapped his fingers and my stallion appeared next to me.
“Sombra!”
I going over his body making sure he's still in one piece. Aaaaand-yes. His manhood is still there. No wounds or scars to...oh my. Was this Discord's doing?
“Sombra. Wake up Sombra. It's me, Twilight.”
“Twilight? Uhg. M-my head...it’s pounding…”
“I'd hope so, you've got a horn sticking out of your head.”
“What?! Ow!”
“Shhh. It'll be ok. Just focus on resting. Discord I-” he's gone. I'll have to thank him later. For now, I've got my Sombra. That's all that counts.
Entry complete.
----------------------------------
Journal entry 6 - ???
“I just noticed this but the days are now significantly shorter. By that I mean an hour or so. This combined with the sudden force I experienced earlier has lead me to one conclusion, the planet has stopped orbiting the sun. Instead the sun and moon now orbit the planet.”
“Is that possible?” Sombra asked.
“With Discord, anything’s possible. The question remaining is, how else will he change the world?”
“You're from the future, right? Don't you know?”
“Well-”
“Yes, do share with the group.” I must have leapt several hooves in the air and shrieked liked a filly at Discord's surprise. I gathered myself with impeccable speed.
“What makes you think I'd tell you.”
“Nothing really, I'm just curious. A time traveler with inside knowledge on what I do to this planet.” He snaps his fingers to add a reporter's uniform, a newspaper under his arm and a pen and paper in his claw. “I want all the juicy details.”
“No. Look I've had first hoof knowledge on-” Discord starts snickering, “-is something funny?”
“First...hoof? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. You ponies and your puns. I’ve got to write that one down. Instead of anybody, do you say any…pony? Ha ha ha.”
“Anyway...I know exactly what happens to ponies that mess with the past. One little detail off and I can disrupt the future in unforeseen ways.”
“Isn't that what you're doing with me?” Dammit Sombra, not now.
“The kid makes a good point.” Discord loses the outfit and conjures a cucumber sandwich.
“The point is I'm trying to preserve the future how I remember it was when I was growing up as a filly. I don't suppose you'd help me.”
“You take my powers in the future. What makes you think I'd help?”
“Then if you don't mind I have a student to mentor.”
“We'll see about that.” Discord snaps his fingers and disappears. Hopefully for good.
“Hey Twilight, did you use magic before dark magic?”
“...Friendship…that's enough for today, I'm a bit tired.”
Entry complete.
-------------------------------------------
Journal entry 7 - ???
“Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Yes! It's happened. They're finally here. Changelings! I almost can't believe it. I'm not sure how it came to be but it's here!”
“Yeah and it nearly bit my ear off!” The changeling hissed at Sombra from within its cage. “Shut it bug!”
“I have so much more to do. Sombra, you'll need to complete your lessons on your own until further notice.”
“Why is that?”
“I need to shift my attention to building a changeling hive. That's gonna take a lot of my time. I need to create an anti-magic barrier, make sure Discord can't find us or the changelings, find ponies to breed with it, make a new queen to take-”
“Ok ok I get it. I've got a few spells to work on in the meantime. Go have fun with your new pet.”
“Oh, I plan to. I might create a new entry when I find out more about them.”
Entry complete.
------------------------------------------
Journal entry number 8 - ???
“Preliminary findings have yielded outstanding results. Once the changeling has calmed down I had an interview with him...her. As it turns out changelings can change their genders at will to suit their survival needs. The changeling informs me that their race has been stuck in Tartarus ever since hatching. He...she...it has been here for at least ten years and changelings live a maximum of twenty. Needless to say, I got a mate for...it as soon as possible.
“The eggs will most likely be my responsibility so I need to learn all I can about caring for changeling hatchlings before it dies. It's too bad Chrysalis isn't here to help. I have good news however; their biology is specifically designed for ultimate survival so in the next cluster of eggs their will most definitely be a new queen among them.”
“While I now have the start of a new changeling army, there are many questions that have been brought to my attention. Some include but are not limited to-
1. How did the changelings come to be? 2. What did they do to end up in Tartarus? 3. Am I strong enough to fight my way past Cerberus? 4. Are the others changelings still alive? 5. And most importantly, how long will my defenses hold up against Discord?
All this and more will hopefully be answered in time. I just hope I wasn’t too late to save them.”
Entry complete.
---------------------------------------------
Journal entry 9
“I'm gonna stop putting dates on these things. There’s no point since the date is non-existent at this point.
“I've invited Sombra to the hive to see the new hatchlings. Some are still in the process of hatching so we both get first hoof knowledge on that front. Sombra would like to take over?”
“Well, we had to magically silence the host as their body has been, and still is, being torn open by the hatchlings. The larvae look like a crossbreed between a beetle and an eel. There appears to be a dozen or so spawning from one egg which indicates that some are going to die as they hatch and grow up. Traits like this are meant to separate the wheat from the chaff.”
“In one word, how would you describe the scene?”
“Beautiful.”
Yes, another step in the right direction. Not much longer now and Sombra will be the great king I knew him as. Everything will come full circle.
“Have they all hatched yet?” The old changeling approaches us.
“A few eggs still remain.”
“Good...good…” It sounds a bit out of breath.
“Are you feeling well?”
“Just...reaching the end is all. I should be able to teach them to how to make a hive but that's it.”
“And feeding?”
“Your love is enough to sustain them until the new queen takes over. When that day comes, I'd suggest you leave. If you two are the only food source they have, they will become aggressive against you. Instinct will take over and they'll begin the hunt for love.”
“I haven't thought of that. I don't want to be trapped in a hive before my work is complete. Thanks King.”
“I'm no king. Just a lone changeling making sure the species lives on.”
“True enough.”
Entry complete.
-------------------------------------------
Journal entry
“Hey Twilight, it's Sombra. I thought it might be a good idea if I wrote my thoughts for your future self.”
“You've taught me allot in the time we’ve been together. Magic, technology, weather, space, war, and sex. Just a few things you've opened my eyes to and I'm so happy you did. I’m glad you came into my life.”
“I've almost stopped aging completely, but then again you must've known that. You must know everything that's going to happen. That's why I see sadness in your eyes whenever I bring up our future. Something's going to happen to me, I just know it. Yes, you are just as easy to read as your books. That's one of the many things I love about you.”
“Even though you know what's going to happen, you know I'll be able to handle it. You know my limits better than I do. And I know your limits better than you. Is that why you haven't said anything? Because you know I'll be ok? I don't want to bring it up and ruin a good thing we've got so I’ll leave things alone for now.”
“Buck! You're calling me for something. You sound...excited? I think I'll dominate you tonight, make you know who's gonna be in charge.”
“I love you, Twilight Sparkle.”
Entry complete.
-----------------------------------------------
Journal entry 10
“We've left the hive not too long ago for personal reasons-”
“Personal my flank. We weren't staying in a place made of changeling upchuck. That's beyond disgusting.”
“Anyways, the enchantments I placed over the hive should last a few decades depending on how fast the hive grows.”
“I don't understand why you need them.”
“I've told you before, they'll help test things later. I can't tell you anything else for continuity reasons.”
“Fine fine. But now we need somewhere to live. I'm not sleeping in another...do you sense that?”
“No. What is it?”
“A massive surge of power coming toward us.”
“Discord?”
“No. This definitely isn't chaos magic. It feels...I don't know how to describe it. Maybe...godly. Like your magic but...celestial in nature.”
“…”
“Twilight?”
“Oh...my...goddess. We need to leave.”
“Why? I'm sure we can take them. There’s only two of them.”
“Sombra, if you value your life get close to me now.”
He was shocked to say the least but complied all the same. I'd have to make it up to him later with some apology sex. For now, his safety was my number one priority. I can feel the magic getting close now. Scrying the planet I teleported Sombra to the other side of the planet. If one of us lives it must be him.
Before I could set up any kind of defense two streams of light emit from the sky then crash onto the planet. The force was enough to cause a category five earthquake. Some trees shook and the force pushed me back a few hooves. Composing myself in admirable speed, what was left standing in front of me were two figures. One a light blue alicorn with a lighter blue mane and tail. The second was a slightly taller, white alicorn with a long and pink mane and tail. The white one spoke first.
“Is that another alicorn?”
“Yes, but nothing was briefed about one of our own being here. Look closer.”
“She's been infected with the darkness. We should make her our second priority. What do you think?”
“We agree. First the Lord of Chaos is our concern. What should we-”
“Heh…”
“Did you say something?”
“Heh heh...”
“Is that meant to be a jest? We do not understand?”
“Neither do I, sister. Maybe-”
“Ha...ha ha ha...ha ha ha ha ha ha ha,” oh star's I can't help myself. Seeing them here must have made me snap. I can’t stop at this point. I sound like a psychotic scientist who discovered how to create artificial life.
“We don't have time for this little sister. We have a mission to complete.”
“Tia and Lulu, here at last.” They stopped walking away at their nicknames. “Oh yes, you heard right. Not only is Discord an alien but, to find out the both of you are aliens as well? This is too good to be true.”
“How does thou now of us? We have never seen thy face before.”
“Wouldn't you like to know. I'd tell you all the scandalous details but I don't want to spoil the surprise. TTFN.” I teleport away from them before they can retaliate. I must mask my presence before they track me.
From what they were saying they have bigger demons to slay. I'll be safe for the time being. I do feel like I cheated myself out of a huge opportunity there, but they’ll need the energy to defeat Discord and I can’t have them focusing on me. Not now at least. I have so much to plan for, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
Entry complete.
--------------------------------------------
Journal entry 11
“That was, undeniably, the most intensely epic thing I’ve seen in my entire life.” Oh Sombra, you may have some growing up to do but you’re still so adorable.
“I’d have to agree. I already knew Discord was going to win the first round but that didn’t stop me from being on the edge of my seat.”
“And they’re gonna be your mentor’s? No wonder you’re so good.”
“It was mostly Celestia that taught me about magic. You are the one that taught me how to fight.”
“In that case, it’s coming full circle.” Sombra leans in and gives me a deep kiss. He asserts himself by standing over me. While still, mmmmm, dominating me, he pulls back and asks. “One more question, what happens next?”
“The celestial sister will search for several magical artifacts called the Elements of Harmony. They will be the key in defeating Discord. I already know their location.”
“In that case, you go keep an eye on them and make sure they’re not stepping out of line.”
“And you?”
“It’s a surprise, you’ll have to wait and see.”
“Oh my, how mysterious.”
“You haven’t seen nothing yet.” We start kissing agai-
“Aaahhh! Yes, right there. Wait wait wait.”
“What?”
“The journal,”
Entry Complete
---------------------------------------
Journal Entry Number 12
Sombra has left me. Not permanently oh stars no. I should have made that clear first. Anyway, he left to complete his own mission. I think I already know what he’s doing but I want some mystery in my life.
I’ve been monitoring the two celestial sisters ever since the fight with Discord. They’ve been wandering the world, fighting Discord again when possible and receiving messages from an unknown source which I am still unable to locate. Finally, after half a year they found the Tree of Harmony and grabbed the artifacts. I really wanted to tell them where to find it but that would take away part of the fun.
I’m watching the sisters now. They’re about to go up against Discord for the last…it is the last time. I’m the one who goes against him in the future. Doesn’t look like the journal is picking up their voices I’ll need to get closer.
…
“Playtime is over for you, Discord.”
“Oh, I doubt that. Mmm, hungry?” He tosses some seedlings at the princesses who stand firm. “Suit yourselves.” The sisters use telekinesis to bring out the six Elements of Harmony. “Oh, what have you got there?”
“The Elements of Harmony.”
“With them we shall defeat you.”
“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. You should see yourselves right now. The expressions on your face, so intense. So sure of yourselves. Ha ha ha.” The beam fires itself into the air and then straight for discord. “Hilarious. Ha ha ha.”
With a final laugh, Discord is turned to stone. The two sisters put the stones away and take a moment to collect themselves. Now is the time to plan for the next phase in the timeline. The pony civil war. How does this work out anyway? The sisters are already here, wouldn’t they just take over ruling the ponies. As always, only time will…what is that glow. Looks like Celestia is conjuring a virtual wormhole but on a much, much less powerful scale. Whatever it is a head starts to form. It’s looks like another alicorn with white fur and a brownish-red mane. This new alicorn starts talking.
“Report.” Maybe ‘talking’ was the wrong word.
“Discord has been defeated.” Celestia says.
“Very good. I expect you back at HQ in a forte night.”
“Wait, there’s more.”
“There’s always more. What is it this time?” Wow. Way to be professional. Here I was getting the impression that this new mare was the serious type.
“We have encountered another alicorn that has been infected with the darkness. The origin of this alicorn is currently unknown as well as her location.” Odd how Luna is the one to start off with the ‘dark’ theme. I think I see an opening for a future villain.
“Do you mean the alicorn that is currently listening to our conversation right now.” Her head turns…to…me. I have no choice but to respect somepony who can sense me who knows how many lightyears away.
“What!?” The two sisters shout in surprise as they also turn towards me.
The jig is up now. I walk out of the brush I was hiding in and start going over how this situation will play out in my head. Celestia is about to attack me but I have a counter for that.
“I don’t think the creatures of this world with survive if we were to fight.”
“Celestia! Calm yourself!” Yes! That new pony does care about life. It was a long shot but I’m glad I took the gamble. Celestia eventually stops her flow of magic. “What do you mean by this?”
“There are exactly six established races on this planet that will die if these little puppets of yours and I were to fight. The gryphons, zebras, dragons, and no less than three pony races. I don’t think you want them to die, unless you do in which case I’ll gladly take you on.” I can’t let them know about the changelings in case they’re after them too. She doesn’t say anything for a minute. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue.”
“Do not speak to her that way!”
“Whoa Lulu. Didn’t realize it was such a touchy…no. It’s more than that.”
“Fine.” That new alicorn cut me off before I could continue my thought. “You win this time. But know this, you will be watched.”
“But who will be covering down for us?”
“No one. Sorry you two.” This alicorn is their superior? No wonder they stuck around so long.
“Aww. But we don’t want to stay here any longer.” Luna is starting to sound like a kid. Oh. OH! No. I’ve got a good thing going here so I might want to keep quiet.
“Luna, you will do what you are told. We’ll speak of this again under…more private conditions. For now, you are not to engage in battle. Understood?”
“Yes”
“…”
“Luna?”
“Fine. We understand.” A rebellious side. Something else I can work with in the future.
“Good. By the way, you girls look good with your new mane colors.” As the head disappears I picked up what she said and notice it too.
Their manes and tails look different. Well normal for me but it is new to them. They must have changed when they used the Elements of Harmony. Which begs the question, why didn’t I get a makeover when I used the artifacts? I only used them a dozen times. They seem adequately distracted so I make myself scarce. These new developments are worth ponding about. I have so many new factors to calculate for I might have to rework my plans. Until then, I have a civil war to oversee.
Entry complete.
-----------------------------------------
Journal entry number 13
Wow that civil war was less thrilling than the history books make it out to be. I guess I should start from the beginning for reading sake. Well, I never knew that Celestia and Luna went to each of the three races pretending to be gods of peace. I guess tales of my rule still linger in the pony culture.
From what I can gather none of the tribes wanted anything to do with them which is something I can see. My rule was nothing short of torture for them. That and the sisters have both wings and horns while each race hates the others for…reasons. I blame myself for not finding that out but it was just so boring.
A few years into the war, the tribes finally sent their scouts to find new lands to cultivate. Which is when all three meet at once, friendshipped the fuck out of the wendigos, and began the rule of Equestria. This time when the alicorn duo came forth, the ponies accepted them as their ruler. Before I knew it, towns were forming and ponies weren’t prejudice.
Like I said, boring. It’s been about ten years now and there hasn’t been any sign of Sombra since he’s left. It might be a good idea to check up on him. The best place to start might be the frozen north. I haven’t been able to sense him and I don’t know if that’s a good or bad sign.
I’ll head up there in the morning. For now, I’m too tired.
Entry complete.
------------------------------------------
Journal entry number 14
“Hey. Ahh.”
“Still sensitive there I see.”
“Sombra stop it, I have to record.”
“Then hurry up. I have a kingdom to show you.”
“Anyway, Sombra showed up this morning and gave me a greeting worthy of a queen. And might I add you sound much sexier now.”
“Opposed to my pizza faced, immature self?”
“Very much so, yes. Now I believe you have a kingdom to show me?”
“Follow me your highness.” My king teleports me with him to-*gasp*…by the stars… “Do you like it?”
“Sombra…it’s perfect.”
Before me stood the Crystal Kingdom. Every building, mine, and pony where they were before this whole mess started. Slaves moaning about work, crystal guards beating the insolent ones, and the castle-oh the castle. It looks the same as the day I left. Even the weather is the same. Even though the empire looks the same I can’t help but marvel at how new it is.
One thing does stand out. Besides the guards, all the ponies aren’t made of crystal. They’re still the same flesh and blood as any other. Wonder if that’s due to the curse Sombra uses for his thousand year imprisonment.
“Come, I’ll show you the rest.”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. This is as far as I go. Sombra, this is a crucial part in history and none of it involves me.”
“I see. Suppose you have your reasons.”
“I do.”
“But I can’t know them.”
“Not yet.”
“Right.” He turns to walk away. I can’t let him leave like this.
“Sombra wait!” I give him a passionate kiss as he turns back to me. He returns the gesture tenfold. It felt like an hour before I broke off the kiss. “The next few centuries are going to be hard. You’ll be challenged from multiple sources by forces you won’t understand. You will struggle. You will win. You will lose. Trust that everything will come full circle and it will. Above all else keep these words in mind. I will return. Can you do that for me?”
“I can manage.”
“I’ll see you in time…my love.”
I teleport away before he can say anything else. Oh who am I kidding, I left before he could see me cry. He knows something bad is coming. Whether he knows he’s going to die or not is irrelevant at this point. For once I truly don’t know how to take upcoming events. Only time will tell.
Things have been going smoothly. Sombra is building up his kingdom, the Royal Guard is growing in numbers, the crystal ponies are looking more and more like the crystal ponies I remember, and most of the Equestrian cities have been or are currently being established. Nothing but smooth sailing from here on out...ha ha ha. Yeah right.
With all that's happened lately, some good has come out of recent events. Celestia and Luna learned how to control the sun and the moon. Just like the old days. The pegasi are operating and maintaining the weather. Just like the old days. And pony social classes are already showing themselves. Just like...wait. I'm describing things as if somepony else is reading my thoughts.
...
Nah.
Speaking of the two sisters, they have been on my tail ever since the meeting with their mother. I'm able to divert their attention away from Sombra, but his power is growing too rapidly. It wouldn't be long before they would set their sights on him. I could keep the focus on them, but this is a part of history that must repeat itself. Letting go of Sombra for the second time, willingly for that matter, is proving to be a test of will.
One thing I've never bothered to learn is acting. I might want to hurry with that so I don't raise any suspicion when the time comes for a performance.
"There you are."
------------------------------
I stand on a cliff overlooking the Crystal Empire. Or is it the Diamond Empire. Those two always confused me. Good thing I have a signal to look for before I swoop in to 'help' Lord Sombra. That doesn't sound right. I'll just stick with Sombra. What's taking so long anyway? If it wasn't for this coat of fur, then I might have frozen already.
The Signal! I spread my wings and fly down to the castle and just like she said it would be, the castle was swallowed whole by the ground. Not just the castle but the rest of the empire as well. I could sense a very powerful spell at work. I heard Sombra was good, but I didn't think he could invent a curse on the fly. Once everything was calm, I landed on the ground and 'stumbled' with a less than graceful landing.
"Sombra...SOMBRA!"
"So, thou decided to show thyself" It was Luna. She was standing next to Celestia. I hope I don't have to fight them.
"What do you want now?"
"We want to eradicate your kind." She was getting ready to stab me with her spear. I flinched more out of reflex than rehearsal.
"Luna! Stop!"
"Why should we, sister?"
"We've already lost one battle today. There's no need to waste another. Especially to somepony we can be reform."
"Reformed?" I ask in absolute questionable disbelief to the white alicorn.
"We were sent to Equus with one goal. Now our goals have multiplied tenfold, a new objective being the reformation of any creature infected with dark magic." Celestia sounds like a real bore.
"What makes you think I'll join you? You just killed my king."
"Thy must not have been a dark magic user for long. Sombra is defeated but not dead. It is unfortunate to say that he has cursed the entire empire to the same fate."
"Y-you mean-"
"Yes. We can help you both become better ponies if you'd let us. All you need to do is accept our aid." Celestia held out a hoof, but I shrunk back slightly. My face the essence of worry and indecision. "I see you need time to think. Please take as long as you need. You know where to find us if you seek further guidance." The older of the two sisters took off in flight.
"If we were you then we'd take our sister up on that offer. We wouldn't be so kind." Ooo, I see what she means by having a dark side.
With a flap of her dark blue wings, the younger sister followed behind. A moment later, I hear a set of hoof steps walking toward me and a lavender alicorn came into view. We both smiled at each other.
"That was almost too easy." A green flame enveloped me leaving the original Twilight to watch as I revert to my true form.
-------------------------------
I turn around in haste, startled at the sound of somepony who snuck up on me. I almost can't believe my eye's. There stood three changelings, two average drones and one queen, a queen I knew far too well.
"Hello, Twilight."
...
"I was told you came from the future. If that is correct I-"
I cut her off from her speech by teleporting to her in a hug. It obviously threw her off guard since she stopped talking. After a moment she put one hoof around me as well. After a few seconds, I was able to gather myself and take a few steps back.
"Sorry, I'm not sure what came over me.
"That's perfectly alright. It answers a few things I wanted to ask you."
"Such as?"
"You showed affection for me like no other has. The love I gathered from you can only mean you've known me for quite some time and didn't mind changelings. You know me on a personal level that much is true but as deep as that love goes I don't quite know yet. In the future I'm either one incredibly old and frail changeling, or you grant me the request I came here for."
"You got all that from a hug?"
"I see you don't know changelings that well, I'll have to correct that in the future." I roll my eyes at her statement.
"So what is it you came here for?"
"Like you don't already know."
"Humor me. It is my first time going through Equestrian history on a personal level."
"Very well. I wish to become immortal. To become the queen of the changelings forever."
"Immortality. Is that all?"
"So it's not difficult for you."
"Not at all. To be honest, it's all a matter of stopping your body clock, so you stop aging. Simple. But..."
"I didn't expect this kind of favor to come without a price. Name your wish, and I shall do my very best to grant it."
"In exchange for making you immortal, you are to answer to me. Your hive will still take orders from you, and you will be able to operate however you see fit, but you and the hive as a whole will be servants of the Dark Lord Twilight Sparkle. If I say investigate a pony, you will investigate. If I say impersonate, you will impersonate. Understood?"
"Of course."
"So you and your hive are going to be at my beck and call, just like that?"
"As I've said, you must know me on a personal level so whatever you want from us isn't something we can't do. Now, what is it you request?"
At this, she bows to me, and the other two changelings follow suit. Interesting, she's never bowed to me before. I find this quite bizarre. She's my friend in the future, but of course, she doesn't know this. If I don't stop this now, it'll go on for who knows how long.
"Stop that." She looks up at me. "As flattered as I am to have another bow to me, it doesn't suit you."
"Very well. Now I believe you said something about impersonating somepony."
---------------------------
The two creatures left standing a changeling queen and me. We began to laugh at the previous events.
"That was all too easy. It"s like those two have never seen my kind before. Are you sure the sisters become great rulers in the future" Chrysalis asks.
"Yes. Celestia and Luna don't know how to counter changelings yet but they will in time. It's best you lay low for now and keep watch over Equestria. You can acquire a fair bit of love from the ponies that live there."
"Mmm. I think I'll take you up on that offer. But first, you still owe me something."
"Immortality it is. Whatever you do, don't use your magic to fight back. It could backfire and kill you."
"Wait-what?"
Before Chrysi could react, I morphed into my shadow form and charged straight into her. I overwhelmed her in mere moments but didn't start the process until she stopped projecting magic into her horn. If I started before that, the backlash of magic would be fatal.
First I needed to halt the aging process. To do this, I adjust her brain chemistry so her cells would still renew and die but wouldn't grow any further. Next was to remove her soul from the time stream. Everypony is connected to it in spirit as part of the circle of life. It's just a balance the universe uses to make sure nothing lasts forever. The spell to disconnect her is similar to how I became an alicorn but modified for use on a changeling.
Finally, I had to fortify her body and mind to withstand the endless years of abuse they would have taken. A mortal body can only take so much punishment before it starts to break down and a mind can only hold so much knowledge or memories before the host goes insane. With these fortifications, Chrysi won't have any problems throughout her rule as queen.
With the final step of the spell complete and her body drained of energy, I lowered the unconscious changeling on the snowy ground. Returning to my physical form, I took a pause to admire my hoofywork. Guess it's time to address the group of ponies behind me.
"Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to introduce yourselves?"
"Apologies, Queen Twilight. We didn't want to disturb you while you were casting a spell."
"Quite alright" I face them directly, and they bow before me. The ponies in question was a group of ten unicorns with hooded cloaks. "Do carry on."
"We are King Sombra's disciples. He taught us the ways of dark magic before giving us a mission to find you before his tragic end."
"No doubt he wants me to keep the dark magic lineage alive while he's gone. Very well. I'll be your mentor until Sombra's return."
"What!" The group stands up in shock. "You mean King Sombra isn't dead?"
"Far from it. Sombra is alive, albeit in a very small way. You, on the other hoof, might not be alive to see his return" I have no memory of any group of dark magic users. Whatever happens to them I have to make sure they stay alive. "For now we must leave this place, and make sure to grab Chrysalis. A changeling can't survive for long in weather like this."
We'll need a place to stay, one that's away from the prying eyes of other ponies.
-----------------------------
It was some months later, and my small army has established a base in which we can operate from. I have my own private room, I have plenty of free time to conduct experiments, I barely have to teach or manage the dark magic disciples, and I have the two sisters fooled. This setup I've got is almost too perfect. Reminds me of the saying 'if something's too good to be true it probably is.' I just have to keep my guard up.
Star's, I'm late for my lesson with Celestia. I have to gather my things quickly. It's come to my attention that I would never have been late before the whole dark magic thing. Odd. Anyway, it takes me a moment to teleport into the castle. I had to sneak around since none of the guards knew who I was. If I were spotted, Celestia would have a lot of explaining to do. Before I could make it to the sun goddess's room-
"Ahem." I jumped in surprise at this. Spinning around I'm greeted by the sun herself. "You're late."
"Y-yes well I-I was just getting some-," she let out a sigh.
"Never mind that. I have already begun rearranging my schedule to accommodate your tardiness. Why haven't you cast your illusion spell yet?"
"Oh yeah, right" I said a small blush of embarrassment. Now I look like an average unicorn that hasn't been 'corrupted' by dark magic. "So what do you have planned for today's lesson?"
"It's not so much a lesson as it is a study for the both of us."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Walk with me, Twilight."
She leads me down the halls of the castle. I must say, this place looks so much better now. Not just the halls, but every room we pass by is decorated in the same, by unique, night and day theme. Half deep night blue and half bright sunny yellow. Banners of the sun and moon hang on their respective sides as well as different colored torches which by themselves emit a blue and yellow flame. You'd think the two would clash with each other, but the angles and length of the torches made the lighting work perfectly. Even the guards are sporting blue and yellow armor. I'll have to make this castle my vacation home when the time comes. Oh buck, she's talking to me again.
"I'm sorry, could you start over. I didn't catch that" She gives me a disappointed look and starts again.
"In short we are still researching the magic of the Elements of Harmony. One thing we have found is that the six elements each represent a trait of harmony. Three of the traits we have been able to decipher are Loyalty, Kindness, and Honesty."
"Interesting, you learned all that already?"
"For now yes. But since you're from the future I was hoping you could tell us more."
"Oh no, I'm already messing with the past enough by becoming your student. Who knows what would happen if I said anything about the elements before the proper time."
"Thou sounds like a traitor to us." Both Celestia and I look forward to see Luna glaring at me. At some point, we made it to the throne room where the elements were on some stand in the center of the chamber. "It would be wise if all information was brought forward to solidify thee as earnest and trustworthy."
"Trust works two ways, and right now I don't feel like you're very trusting to me."
"Why thou has-"
"Luna that's enough! Twilight, we talked about this!" There goes Tia scolding us again.
"Sorry, I can't help it. Strife is a big part of dark magic which, might I remind you, has been a big part of my life for years."
"Twilight, I'm trying to be understanding here, but I need some give or else this reformation won't work."
"I'll try harder." I say with a defeated sign.
"Thank you. And you Luna-"
"Us? We are not the ones trying to work on a failing project."
"Luna, that is uncalled for."
"So is this conversation. We are leaving." Yes. My ambient magic is infecting her just like I planned. I wouldn't be surprised if the night princess started to manipulate others into the creatures of nightmares I know of in the future.
"Don't mind her. Running a new kingdom can be stressful on a pony."
"It's ok; I'm used to being shunned by others."
"Not here you won't be. Trust me; we'll get you back in loving spirits in no time." The sympathy card. Works every time with her.
------------------------------------
I can feel it. The transformation from light to dark is complete. Nightmare Moon is born. The feeling of nightly evil is heavy in the air, and the battle for Equestria's rule will begin shortly. I have to get ready for this show, after all, an event like this only happens once in a lifetime. One of my top students enters my room.
"Master Twilight, I sense a disturbance in the air. Was that you?"
"No Shade, it's from a dear friend of mine. I've finally infected her, and now I'm going to reap my rewards. Would you like to come with me."
"It would be an honor, my queen."
"Get close to me I'm about to teleport."
I teleport us to a cloud a thousand hooves above the castle while also casting a cloud walking spell on my pupil and a zoom enhancement spell on our eyes. We could see everything now.
Below us, Nightmare Moon was finishing up her transformation of the forest around them. Dammit, I knew I missed Luna's turn to the dark side, but it's still a memory I can live without. The real part was about to begin.
"Master Twilight-"
"We're alone. There's no need to be formal. And make it quick I have to see this."
"As you wish...Twilight...What is it you plan to gain from this?"
"The pleasure of watching Celestia's grief as it's born for the first time. It's moments like this that make the long wait worthwhile."
My pupil, Shade mumbled something but I wasn't paying attention. What I was truly focused on was the scene down below. By the look of things Nightmare Moon was finished with her corruption of the forest around her. I can see all the creatures from the future breathe life for the first time. Timber wolves, hydras, manticores, thestrals, and so much more. The Royal Guard ponies are going to have their hooves full with this deadly line of offenders.
The Royal Guard tripled their offensive numbers but when the nightmarish creatures begin attacking they would do little to thin the number of monsters. Nightmare Moon, on the other hoof, flew straight for the castle. Straight for Celestia. Once the solar sister faces down her lunar opposite they talk for a moment. At least I believe they were talking. After their round of chatter the fighting begins. Nightmare Moon was the first to strike putting Celestia on a strong defensive.
The initial clash of the sisters was amazing. The shockwave that irrupted spread as far as I could see. It almost knocked me off the cloud I was sitting on. Oh how I wish I was down there, in the middle of the two goddesses both attacking and defending, but I had to stand my ground. To get through this I had to be on Celestia's side. Looking down at the battle didn't assure me of the outcome I wanted.
This is getting worse and worse the more the battle continues. Nightmare Moon is using deadly force but Celestia isn't. What a time to be sentimental. She's going to get herself killed this way. Celestia's not even near the Elements. How is she supposed to win if she won't banish her sister? Maybe she can't. Or maybe she's preventing herself from even thinking of that possibility. No choice, I have to join the fight after all.
"Shade stay here, I have to...Shade?" I look over the edge of the cloud and spot his body on the ground, limp and unmoving. Guess the shockwave was enough to push him off the cloud. "What a waste of potential. If you couldn't even save yourself then you deserve that." Time to be a hero.
I descend at a rapid speed that would make Rainbow Dash impressed. I go to the only place I thought the Elements would still be located, the Throne Room. I rip the floor apart and grab the six jewels in my magic then teleport near Celestia's magic signature. Sunbutt was on the ground in defeat as Nightmare Moon was prematurely celebrating with an evil laugh. This is why evil never wins, because they always stop to do the laugh. Well that or reveal their plans.
"Celestia!" Both alicorns look to me. "Catch!"
I throw the Elements to her as Nightmare Moon swoops down to stop us. I can see the instinct in Celestia's eyes. There was no emotion, only a single desperate fight or flight response. Before I can comprehend what was happening, a blinding light emits with a powerful explosion sending me hurtling backwards. I think I hit a wall but was to dazed to realize. I take in my surroundings once I'm able to gather myself.
Celestia is crying, the Mare in the Moon was visible, and the elements were scattered on the floor. I dare myself to walk up to the white alicorn. No! I should make sure things outside are okay first. Scanning around the castle with my magic revealed a...manageable situation. To my surprise almost all of Nightmare Moon's creatures were retreating. Now was a good a time as any.
"Celestia?" Nothing. Come on Twilight. Get Celestia on your side. So what if you're the one who provided the Elements to Celestia. So what if you're corrupted by dark magic. So what if see's the main reason the alicorn sister were separated for a thousand years. Celestia needs comfort...however fake it might be. "Celestia I-"
"Leave me be." Celestia forced out before she could choke back the words.
This isn't good. She needs to know I'm with her to the end, even if I'm secretly against her. If I go it'll start another downwards spiral into anger and betrayal. I must swallow my pride.
Stepping forward I cuddled up next to the crying alicorn. Celestia flinches back in surprise. She was about to protest, probably in anger, but I cut her off in time. I wrap my wing around her and was able to snuggle up against her further. Reluctantly, she accepts the embrace. I can feel a small heat rise into my cheeks...and my heart. Damn, I have to leave but I can't, Not when Celestia needs me. Am I getting soft?
"I-I have to t-tent to my kingdom." Celestia starts as she leaves me on the ground. "I ha-have to...be a pr-prince-ess to the...ponies-"
"No." Celestia had a delayed reaction to my rejection. "I'll take care of things for now."
"B-but ho-"
Before she can say anything I use my dark magic to shapeshift into a perfect copy of my former teacher. Celestia looks to me in shock. She was about to speak again but I had to shut her down before thoughts of rebuttal they could form. It'll be fun to send the almighty goddess to her room.
"Celestia," I say in her own voice, "go rest up. There's no way you can be a proper leader in your current condition. I'll see to Equestria in your stead until you're up to the task again."
"B-but-"
I had enough arguing, or talking while watching her stand there heart broken, so I teleport her to her chambers. All I had to do was reorganize the guard and reassure the ponies of the situation. Easy...right?
--------------------------
"The first meeting of the Dark Magic Alliance will commence. Would anyone like to start things off?" I say to my subordinates.
All the major leaders of the alliance have gathered for the first time in an official meeting located in the dungeons of the Castle of the Two Sisters. I look around to the others seeing who will speak up first.
"I'd like to start, if you don't mind?" Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings asks. "You once said that you'll need us for something that you never specified. I'd like to know what that entails."
"You can't be serious?" Space Rift, the current leader of the Dark Magic Cultists, asks in a condescending tone. "Even if our future queen came from said future, there's still no way to predict when to plan out a coup."
"Space, stow your mouth when you don't have the floor. Yes, Chrysalis, It's about time I told you." I direct her attention to the scale model of Equestria on the table we were surrounding. More specifically, the model of the newly built Canterlot. "In time there will be a marriage between a princess and a member of the royal guard. Before the ceremony you'll send a threat to the castle so that we can test their reaction and defenses."
"I see. That'll do for now. I will be able to focus training my changelings for the upcoming event."
"I'm all for thinking ahead but preparing for an event a few centuries ahead of time seems like overkill." I'm still not sure how Space is the leader of the cult. His magic abilities might be the best yet, but he's dumber than a bag of rocks. Chryssi shows him up again by revealing her intellect.
"There are many things that we must prepare for. Infiltrating the guard, replacing key leaders with changelings, continue to perfect the art of espionage, and gather every piece of information associated with an event like this one."
"Do you have anything else you'd like to say, Space Rift?" I ask with a bit of annoyed, anger.
"...No, my queen." Defeat present in his voice.
"Darkstalker. Torch. You two have been awfully quiet thus far. Do you want to add anything?"
My newest allies, Darkstalker, leader of the renegade thestrals, and Torch, soon to be the new Dragon Lord, were keeping to themselves.
"I'M ONLY HERE BECAUSE YOU PROMISED ME THAT YOU'D HELP ME BECOME LORD OF DRAGONS! UNLESS YOU WANT TO DISCUSS HOW EXACTLY YOU ARE GOING TO HELP THEN I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY!"
"..."
We were all a little shaken from his reply. I already knew how loud he spoke but it seems like the stone environment of the dungeon enhanced the volume several times. It was another moment before I gathered myself.
"Ok? What about you Darkstalker?"
"Before we continue I want to make my feelings very clear. Us thestrals that joined are dedicated to the return of Nightmare Moon. As we understand the situation it was you who 'persuaded' Luna to change, am I right?"
"Yes that was me." New as a species and to the world and they already know something as secret as that? They are good.
"We will stand with you as long as you mean to bring her back in the future."
"I mean to do just that so you need not worry. If no one has anything else to voice then I'll move to the first piece of business. Torch, I'll be ready to help you in three months time. I need to take a vacation from Celestia anyway."
"THAT'S GOOD TO HEAR!"
"Um...yes. I must make one thing clear, I don't care what happens to the current dragon lord but I require those closest to him to be spared."
"WHY WOULD A LITTLE PONY LIKE YOURSELF NEED DRAGONS? NORMALLY PONIES OF ANY STRENGTH OR SKILL ARE NO MATCH FOR A DRAGON!"
"I need them for some experiments. Nothing you need to know about." I had to rub my ears to try and stifle the headache that was beginning to develop. Torch was about to talk again but I wasn't going to let that happen. "You'll have the dragon throne! Unless you have something else you really want to say then you may speak!" My response was a nod in agreement.
"Very well. Darkstalker, I won't have need of you for a long time. For now you'll need to hide yourselves from everyone. Do you have a place to do that?"
"We have a settlement in the caverns of Ghastly Gorge."
"In the years to come, there will be pony cities and town around the gorge. Will you be able to keep yourselves hidden?"
"We will. A few dead ponies, a rumor of deadly creatures, and soon no creature will want to go near that place."
"Sounds good to me. Space Rift, according to my records, the cult is continuing to grow their skills at a steady pace. I have nothing for you, just make sure to keep on the current path."
"Understood, my Queen."
"Finally, you Chrysalis. Hmmm...the attack isn't until farther into the future so we'll get together later on the details on the attack."
"As you wish. But are we still on for tea this weekend?" The Changeling Queen asks me.
"Of course." I see a razed eyebrow from the corner of my peripheral vision. "What's the matter Darkstalker, jealous?"
"I just didn't expect you to socialize with any of us, you being an immortal and all."
"I did make her immortal as well. She is in my future so I'm going to preserve her. Are you looking to be immortal as well?"
"No thanks. I'd rather live my life as I am now."
"Fine with me. I believe that was the last thing on the agenda so it's time to finish things here. If no one has any last minute comments..."
Nothing
"Then I declare the first meeting of the Dark Magic Alliance over."
-----------------------
This is ridiculous. It's been over five years and Celestia just sits in her tower staring at the moon. I've had to impersonate that bitch for most of those five years and it's starting to give me an identity crisis. I didn't think I'd have to make the big reveal but now I have no choice. If I don't, Celestia will go down in history as the worst ruler in Equestria.
I walk up to the those elegant doors that is engraved with the emblem of the sun and knocked.
"Celestia? Are you in there?" Nothing. "Who am I kidding? Of course you're in there. I'm coming in."
I enter the room and shut the door behind me. There she is, on the balcony that overlooks the city but with her head tilted up to the moon. At least she isn't crying anymore. Makes you wonder how long they have actually been alive if she can't get over the heartbreak of losing her sister. I sit next to Celestia and let the cool night air settle for a moment.
"Your sister's not dead." Oh! Okay! So that got her attention but my last week's fake attempted suicide barely got a glance?
"What?"
"Luna isn't dead. She's very much alive and will return in a thousand years."
"Why didn't you mention this before!?"
"Because it's part of the future! I've told you more than once that mentioning things before their time came is dangerous but," I take a breath to calm myself, "You haven't returned to the Celestia I know so I had to say something before the future changes for the worst."
The air was still and thick with emotion. Or maybe that was my worry of changing the future again, who knows. I wait sitting next to Celestia for her mind to realize what I sai-Aaaahhh! Hugging! Why!
"Thank you, Twilight! Thank you so much!"
"You can thank me without the hugging!"
"Sorry." Reluctantly, she let me go. "I have to be honest, I thought you gave me to tools to kill my sister this whole time. I had almost lost hope in you as a pony but I really should have known better. You did come from the future after all. "New tears began to flow freely. Only this time I knew they were tears of joy. "A thousand years? Did I hear that right?"
"On the longest day in the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape."
"Sounds like you read that in a book."
"I did. A book that was written by you." Realization dawned on me as I said those words. Celestia knew what was going to happen because somepony told her about it. I told her. I turn my head to her. She's looking back at me with a face I knew meant understanding. "It seems I do have to tell you about the future."
"I agree. Do you know what you need to tell me?"
"I do. It all starts with a book from Starswirl the Bearded...and a sonic rainboom."
“Twilight!” I wake with a startle as one of Chrysalis’s changelings woke me. Wind… Something I don’t care. Before I could blast him with my magic he quickly spoke up. “You need to get up before you’re late to class again. For the fifth time in a row.”
“Oh… right.”
I hate this routine I’m in. Wake up, learn things I already know, eat at some point in the day, return here, plan for the future, sleep, and repeat. But I had to put up with this charade in order to keep the timeline intact as much as possible. But for now I had to get moving. I strapped my prepacked saddle bags to my side, put on an illusion to hide my eyes, and teleport to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Not killing the changeling for entering my room should be enough thanks for waking me in time for class.
I reappear in an empty hallway. That itself would raise a red flag but I also didn’t hear a sound, not even a mouse or hoofsteps. I took a few steps toward the nearest twist in the hall and peak around the edge. Still there was nothing and nopony anround. “This is strange but maybe I can sneak into class without Celestia knowing.” I whispered to myself as I step back into something. Whatever it was scared me half to death. I squeaked in shock and drew my head back in alarm.
“Before I know what?” That voice came in clear as day from behind me. I turn my head up to find Celestia herself looking down at me with contempt. “You’re late… again. Also your teleporting pattern is getting predictable.” That explains why there’s nopony around.
I stepped forward and turned around to face sunbutt. I felt a little disrespected at that notion. So I gave her a scowl and replied with slight venom in my tone. “Predictable? I’ll show you predicab-” She practically shoved her hoof in my mouth with simultaneously shut me up and cancelled my concentration in casting my next spell.
“Twilight, we talked about this.” She removed her hoof from my mouth. “Good thing I cleared my schedule to compensate for your late arrivals. Now follow me. It’s time for your next friendship lesson.” Is she condescending me or am I just paranoid?
I admit to getting too carried away. It’s obvious the stress has taken its toll through the years. No Sombra, conforming the changelings to my side, fooling Celestia, and corrupting Luna seems to have put more pressure on me than I realized. Despite all that I must keep a level head. I begrudgingly follow Celestia to our little classroom she had set up for another boring class in magic that I already know. It’s a pain just to act ignorant which is something I didn’t think I would ever have to do.
Some hours later and this torture is finally over for the day. In no time at all I rush over to the castle library to conduct some research of my own. Once I open the doors all my plans for reading and planning had flown out the window as one particular pony caught my eye, Starswirl the bearded. This is our first encounter so I needed to make an impression. I trot past him to the advanced magic section and can already hear the questions he could ask a young... young looking mare like me.
He audibly cleared his throat and I turned to see him staring with furrowed brows. “Miss, maybe you should go to a section of books about levitation or such. Those are obviously too advanced for you.” The complete superiority in his tone was almost enough to choke him to death. He turned back around to his scribbles as if we were done talking.
I grab a book on solar magic with my own, hoping that Celestia was his favorite student, and place it onto the table next to him with an indignant thud. More than likely most magic was theoretical at this part of history so I could divulge anything too complicated. I hopped onto the bench next to Starswirl and began to put him in his place. “I am pretty sure that I can read these since this is a public library. Besides, I'm trying to figure out how it took the entire unicorn race to raise the sun when Celestia could accomplish such a task herself.”
His gaze turned more curious than livid. “That’s a big question for someone,” he looked me over seeing I’m not just another unicorn with my superior posture and saddlebags full of books, “of your skills? Where are you in your studies?”
“Well I can teleport, produce magic blasts, conjure elements, and soon whatever Celestia will be teaching me next.” A smug grin plastered my face.
Starswirl on the other hoof grew both impressed and curious. “Celestia is teaching you?” A small chuckle left his throat. “I shouldn’t be so surprised that my students are teaching others. They’re both above me in magical studies.”
I had to fain surprise which had been easier thanks to Chrysalis. “So you’re their mentor? I heard something about that but didn’t believe it until now. They must really respect you.”
He looked from one side to another. I gave the room a magical poke and the few ponies that also occupied the library were interested in their own activites. “Want to see something I’ve been working on?” A ‘oh face’ and a head shake later he removed a piece of paper from one of the books nearby. “This is something I’ve been working on for a few years.”
There is was. The missing piece of the puzzle for all my plans. “Is that… time travel?” I said breathlessly.
“Well the start of time travel. My theory is that-” I pulled his face till we both stared into each others eyes. Mind control was so much easier with direct eye contact and with this time periods knowledge of magic protection, subduing Starswirl had been too easy.
Now I have work to do if I want to finish these calculations but for now I have to hide it. I quickly grab the paper and run to the back of the library. Thankfully it’s dark and noponies around, perfect for hiding an important document for now. A scream sounded from the bench. Dammit all. I left Starswirl sitting there like an idiot. I ran to where Starswirl sat to see him with a blank face, dark magic eyes, and Clover the Clever desperately try to shake him out of the mind control.
Her gaze shot to me which she screamed again. “Guards! Get the princesses! There’s a monster! She tried to attack Starswirl!”
Oh fuck me. My disguise lifted when I mind raped shithead.
--------------------------------
I sat in the middle of the throne room with my normal eyed disguise. Celestia and Luna sat on their thrones with Starswirl recovering in the back. Celestia didn’t look mad, just disappointed. Luna just wanted to rip me in half. That much became apparent.
A heavy sigh escaped Celestia. “Twilight… I’m trying but I need you to work with me. Why didn’t you say these temptations were still around?”
“Temptations?” Luna said as if the word itself were toxic. “This is an evil pony. I have been patient Celestia but what will it take for you to see that thing is just playing with your emotions!?” Luna pointed at me on the mention of a ‘thing’. I backed away a step and lowered my head making sure to seem very scared and submissive.
“Luna! This is not the time nor place to act like that. We’ll talk about this later.” Celestia again put the hammer down on Luna for the uptenth time. Proof that they were butting heads which bode well for me.
Luna didn’t miss a beat. “Later? It’s always later with you! If not now then when?!” She stood up and began walking out the throne room. She had to walk past me to leave so I trained my eyes on her in case she broke early. Her hate filled scoul isn't what drew my attention but her slightly sharper than normal teeth. Nothing that could bite into meat much less gems but they weren’t standard molars. I’d estimate between ten months to a year before Luna succumbs to the darkness. “Come, Starswirl. Let us get you checked out further.”
“Agreed princess.” I didn’t turn around to look at him but from the subtle eye movements from Celestia told me he glared at me as well.
When they both left it was just me and Celestia. Fake tears formed at the corners of my eyes. “C-Celestia I-”
She held up a hoof which made me stop immediately. She let out a defeated sigh. “Twilight… nothing you did today is unredeemable.” I lowered my head and produced a few sobs. From the sounds she got up and walked toward me cause I soon felt a hoof around me. “Please Twilight. I can see this is hard for you but I need you to come to me for these issues. That’s just one reason why I’m here. If you come to me whenever these thoughts and desires come up I promise I won’t be mad and I will do anything I can to help. Would you do that for me?”
With a faked heavy heart I nod into her snow white coat. I’ll have to time this just right or risk getting involved with historical events and no one wants that.
Today's the day. The day of the sonic rainboom. I've debated where I wanted to be during the event for years now and I've settled for Canterlot. I have to use my remaining time in the past to the fullest extent and this will accomplish several this; gaining more trust from Celestia, solidifying past me as the princesses person student, and to keep past events as unchanged as possible. I can always watch the rainboom at the young fliers competition later. This is the one moment I wouldn't want to to change for the world.
Let's see, considering the time of day, the rainboom is going to happen in an hour. Now I could search for the princess or...there. A message to meet me at the local cafe. I should see her soon. I think I'll get a head start on a cup of tea.
------------------
"Hello Twi-Moon Dancer." I'm almost surprised as Celestia walks up from behind me.
"Oh hello princess. Are you here for the tea?" I think I've come a long way with my acting skills. Still, it's not like anyone else knows about me.
"Yes I am." A waiter walks up to her and bows. Oh yeah I forgot to do that...it should be fine.
"H-hello Princess Celestia. What would you like to drink?"
"I'll have some Earl Grey please." The waiter bows again and retreats into the cafe. "So Moon Dancer, I've heard an interesting rumor recently I've been meaning to discuss with somepony."
"Well princess, I'm free if you'd like to talk to me."
"I'd like that very much. This rumor is said to have an event called a sonic rainboom that's foreshadowed to happen today of all days. Would you have any insight into this strange phenomenon?"
"As a matter of fact I do. My studies also support the possibility of a rainboom happening today." I move a napkin over to her with my hoof which says 'any minute now'. "My research also states that when a dragon presents itself, a goddess will come to quell a demon."
"I think you may be mistaken Moon Dancer. There is no demon involved, only a young soul that could be led astray." Ok, she caught off guard with that. I was stammered before I continued with the conversation. Good one Tia.
"Ye-yes, anyway, the goddess will take the soul under her wing and teach her the way of the world. That's what my research tells me."
"You must have a gift for history Ms. Dancer." Ok these implied talks are getting a little old. It's a good thing the rainboom explodes at that point.
First was the shock, then the sound, and finally the rainbow blast across the sky. Everypony was as shocked by this as the princess was, but I just looked up in awe. It was the literal first time in Equestrias history that this event happened. Before I could take notice, Celestia had reached over with her hoof to wipe a tear from my cheek. Oh buck, I can't show weakness now. As fate would have it, a purple dragon pops his head out of a tower from the school nearby. Celestia looks to me and I give her the signal that let's her know it's time. As she flies away I try and pull myself together from that small emotional ride. She can take things from here, I'll get with her later for the mare on the moon.
-------------------
There I-she-goes in the chariot to Ponyville. I really should go and make sure everything will be fine. It's only natural to guarantee one's own survival, right? I'm about to cast a teleport spell-
"Hold it right there, Moon Dancer." Oh come on. Can't she give me a break.
"What is it?" A guard gives me 'the look'. How I want to choke the life out of him. "Uh...princess?"
"I know exactly what you plan on doing and you can't go."
"But what about-"
"If it's truly meant to be, then yo-Twilight will have no problems."
"But there will be problems. I know there will be."
"And yet, you are still here. Everything will be fine. Have faith in Twilight like I do." I just resorted to mumbling to myself in fake defeat. I'll just slip away while her guard is down. "And no leaving my side for the next two days."
"You've have got to be kidding me?"
"Must I get the inhibitor ring?"
"...You win this time."
------------------
Finally I was able to convince Sunbutt to let me leave the castle. It's such a relief to not have to keep up that illusion spell. Downside, I can't go near other ponies in my dark alicorn state. Everything is still going as planned so I find myself in a rare situation called BORED OUT OF MY MIND! I need to find something to do. As I lay on a random grassy hill I take notice of the gorgeous night that is host to the moon and stars. Maybe I can take up my old hobby of stargazing. That was fun.
Hmm? I hear somepony running this way. Now they've stopped and...I think I hear them crying. I peek over the top of the hill-no way. Is it that time already! I didn't realize. Guess anypony loses track of time over thousands of years. A few yards away from me, crying her heart out, is none other than Trixie Lulamoon.
"Stupid Twilight. Way does this have to happen to Trixie. It's all her fault that Trixie don't have a home anymore. Buck that Twilight to Tartarus."
"I'm sorry for treating you that way." She reels in shock at my voice. I don't hold back any visual of myself as I approach her. "Hello Trixie."
"Sparkle? What are you-how-alicorn? WHAT?" I quiet her down with a boop to the snout.
"Shhh. It's okay Trixie. I know I hurt you, but I'm here to help you now." I remove my hoof.
"How is this possible? Trixie just saw you in Ponyville. Trixie is very confused."
"You don't have to worry about anything from now on. I'm going to be your teacher from this day forward." I should expect her to retaliate.
"What!? You humiliate Trixie, turn her home into a pile of kindling, run her out of town, and now you want to take pity on her!?! Give Trixie one reason why she shouldn't send you crawling back to your beloved princess!"
"Because I can teach you this." I use my dark magic to morph into a shadow dragon twenty times my normal size. While I need Trixie to be composed and aware, I wait for a response as I study the faces she's making. Adorably awkward. "Listen closely Trixie," I say in my now demonic voice, "I come from both the past and the future. I know what's going to happen and can help you achieve truly great and powerful things. All I ask in return is to become my faithful student. Well Trixie Lulamoon? Do you accept my offer?" As much as I scare her now, she pulled herself together with admirable speed.
"H-how d-does Trixie know you sp-peak th-th-the truth?"
"A wise question, Trixie. I expect no less from my future student."
"Possible student." For the tiny mare staring down a dragon twenty times her size, she's very bold.
"What if I were to disclose to you, the location of a very powerful artifact that will make you almost as powerful as Celestia herself?" She perks up greatly at this news.
"Trixie is listening."
---------------
I stand next to my past self who was laying in the bed at Golden Oaks Library. I look over to the side and see Applejack and Rarity in the next bed. Casting a noise cancelling and sleep spell around past me, I climb onto the bed and look down at myself with a predatory grin.
"I'm going to enjoy this."
------------------
Another boring day in Ponyville. I really have to find something to take up my time. It's like I'm waiting for any excuse to make things interesting. Now that I look back at my life, it was just a rollercoaster of confused excitement like a Saturday morning cartoon. Oddly meta of me to think that.
I think I'll take that cluster of music as a good way to distracted myself from my possible epiphany. Heading to the sound in the distance I find a parade of parasprites.
I almost forget about those adorable things are. I need to grab one of those little devils. Maybe they can be controlled with dark magic. I'll give them to the cult and see what they can do with them.
------------------
Yes! I can"t wait for the moment. As I stand next to Celestia on the cloud balcony while wearing a set of royal guard armor, I stare at the fliers as they perform their aerial tricks.
"How are you doing Golden Glow?" Celestia asks me. "Are you enjoying the show?" Time to harness my inner royal guard and act like an uptight, pretentious, stick in the mud.
"I'm enjoying the show very much, princess. I'm most excited for the last performance."
"Is that so? Now I don't think I can wait. I wonder if the last flier has something to do with a certain myth I've heard from my friend Moon Dancer."
"Princess, there they are. The two last ponies of the competition."
Rarity and Rainbow fly out into the arena. The ponies start their routine and of course, it was as I remembered. Rainbow Dash was terrible and Rarity, painted up as a Las Pegasus whore, was dancing in the sky. It must be the anticipation, but time was passing like a snail. Was their act always this awkward?
Finally the moment has arrived. Rarity was plummeting straight to the ground and soon knocked out the Wonderbolts. It's a wonder they still receive government funding if they can't handle one pony.
And there she goes. Rainbow began flying towards the falling group of ponies. The speed cone. She's almost there. Any second now-Yes! Oh, it's just as beautiful as I remember.
"Oh my. So that's the Sonic Rainboom." Celestias comment pulled me back into reality to find that I'm acting like a school filly. "Now I know why you wanted to be here."
It'll be time to leave soon. As the celebration winds down and Rainbow leaves to hang out with the Wonderbolts, I'm left wondering how I could have lived without friends like them.
-----------------
"Twilight, aren't you going to attend the Gala?" Celestia asks me.
"You know just as well as I do that the Gala is a waste of time. The only mystery I can't figure out is why you keep it going."
"I would like some company."
"You will have the other me to keep you company. I'll go work on my studies instead."
"If you're that determined. Make sure to get some sleep. You know how you get with only a few hours."
Celestia walks off into the castle. I stayed in the castle gardens. With Tia gone, I wander around to find my target. I eventually find who, or in this case what, I'm looking for.
"Hello, Discord. No no please, don't move." The stone statue stood still as always. "I've come to have a chat. It may interest you to know that my past self is now alive. You may still hate me but as a sign of friendship I'll let you in on a secret. Celestia is no longer connected to the elements, my friends and I are. If you want don't want me to take your Magic, then you'll need to hide them the moment you break free."
That should be all he needs to know to get events going. He's about to break free in a few days so I'd best hide my life signs from him.
"I'll see you around Discord. Just remember that it wasn't me who imprisoned you in stone for a thousand years."
That should be enough incentive for him to not kill me.
-----------------
"Luna? Are you in here?"
"Hello Twilight." Luna sat at the balcony with her royal regalia fully off and on the nightstand. "Is there something you wish to discuss?"
"I realize that Nightmare Night is in a few days and I thought I would give you some advice."
"Is that all you came to see us for?" As I sat next to her she kept her gaze at the stars above.
"Truth be told I'm here for two reasons," come on Twilight, just swallow your pride, "princess. I'm...I'm sorry for what happened."
"We don't know what thou means. Clarify." Still not looking at me.
"I did some research while you were...gone...and I came to the conclusion that my magic had been passively poisoning you. While I didn't have full control back then, I have learned to control it now. I realize that I'm at fault here but I'm trying to make amends any way I can. Please princess, let me help you adjust to life in Equestria."
"We don't know what you're talking about. We are integrating rather nicely."
"I'm from the future. You can't fool me." I could see her ears wilt slightly at that. "Princess, all I ask is a chance to make things up to you. I know how you can make friends with the ponies of Equestria. Let us help you so you don't feel so isolated."
"Oh?" Now that she looks to me, I know I've caught her attention. "And how does one accomplish that?"
"Have you been to a town called Ponyville yet?"
--------------------
It's almost too perfect. Time line events are lining up, past me is learning about friendship, the Dark Alliance is gaining ground, Trixie is learning self control, and Celestia invited me for tea. But then again, I'm reminded of the motto, 'if it's too good to be true it probably is'. Today, for once, I'm not letting any irrational fears stop me from having a great day.
I trot along the palace corridors until I stumble across Celestias room. Opening it up I call out to the sun goddess.
"Tia. Tia? Are you ready for afternoon tea?"
"In here, Twilight."
I hear Sunbutts voice from around the corner. Walking past the wall-what's Cadence doing here! Oh buck. I have to change before she sees m-
"Thinking of going somewhere?" I twist my head to see Discord! There's no way he's free! "I'm afraid you're not going anywhere."
"Twilight," Celestia calls me, "we need to talk."
This isn't good. Things are progressing too fast. Cadence, oh stars, and Luna too!?! Already too many ponies know my secret. How do I stop this? Teleport! Yes! Teleport out and figure out a pla-I smack against the glass panel that leads to the balcony.
I can't get out. Discord! It has to be! I can't-must leave-heart pounding-walls closing in! No! There are wings around me. Celestia? White wings are the only thing that registers in my brain as I have a mental break down.
"Ssshhh. It's ok Twilight. We're here for you. Breathe in...and out. We're here to help you Twilight. Calm yourself."
Ok. In...out...in...out. Just like those exercises Cadence taught you a few thousand years ago. Gather yourself Twilight. So the princesses plus Discord are in one room and they, or at least Celestia, are pulling me into a hug to help me keep calm. There you go... keep calm and find out what they want from you before you spill the whole plan.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
"We know Twilight. We know you have been manipulating us from the beginning."
"I-I didn-"
"Turning us into Nightmare Moon and separating us from our sister."
"Assigning me as your foal sitter and kick starting my leadership to become ruler of the Crystal Empire."
"Misguiding me to attack the alicorn sisters who turned me into stone for a thousand years."
Oh buck, they know everything. I don't know why that's a surprise. Given enough time, this group is capable of solving any problem. Especially since said group held a lord of chaos, two old alicorns, and one knew alicorn, all of which have different backgrounds and experiences. Once my tears dried enough and I was able to think clearly enough, I began to come up with a convincing lie.
"I had to shape to future if I was going to change myself."
"What do you mean by that Twilight?" Tia even caressed my face with her hoof. Her kindness almost makes me feel guilty.
"I was originally a unicorn who became an alicorn with the help of Sombra and his magic when he made me his queen." My acting skills are beyond stellar thanks to Chrysi. "Ever since you took me in, I've held a grudge against dark magic that grew over time. I thought if I overwhelmed my life with positive influence then this wouldn't happen to me. I didn't mean to change events so much but I couldn't go back to what I was before. Please. I...I..."
All I did was deteriorate into sobs and moans from then on while burying my face into Celestias chest. It must have worked because after some time she pulled her face away from her and spoke up.
"I don't mean to burden you further but we need to know what happens next if we are to help you."
-----------------
"Liar!"
"Luna, I thought you learned to control yourself."
"That traitor has been lying to us this whole time. How do we know that she isn't lying now?"
"In a way, I wish I was." Maybe if I explain this a different way she finally get off my back. "Equestria is going to face several dark threats soon. My role in those events are going to be pivotal in shaping the future of Equestria...and myself."
"According to thee. How do we know if you are truthful or correct in your prediction?"
"I have to agree with Luna on this one." Discord has been surprisingly subdued throughout this endeavour. Although the lawn chair he was laying on while hovering in midair clothed in summer attire, wasn't saying much. "I'm all for making a fuss but this whole thing seems a bit contrived for my taste. Also you still never told me how you came into my magical signature."
"That's...uh...a bit complicated."
"Skating around the issue usually is." He manifested a set of ice skates that strode their way past me and into oblivion.
"We'll get back to that later, Discord. For now I want to know about my upcoming wedding." Cadence looks to me.
"I thought you're the one who wanted a wedding."
"Shining is handsome and we've been dating for a year, but I never thought of marrying him this early in our relationship."
"Cadence, I know you love him, he knows you love him, you know you love him. Just go for it. I've already spent a few thousand years without a sister and I'm not waiting any longer."
“But...do you know if it works out?"
"You two end up ruling an empire of you own, have a foal, and live in marital bliss. It's safe to say that things work out between you two."
"I guess it's not a bad thing if I marry ahead of time." A blush was finally visible on Cadences face.
"That brings us to our next topic." Celestia pulls my attention to her. "The Crystal Empire is coming back?" Really? Didn't she see the signs? I guess she's grown lax in her time of peace.
"Yes. In the first time line, Kin...Sombra takes me as an apprentice and wife." Is it wrong to feel good when I lie to my primary mother figure? Don't care either way. "It's there that he is able to give pause to your armies before we both advance on Equestria."
"And we don't know if that is truth or lie!" Luna chimes in.
"Luna...what will it take to convince you that I'm on your side?"
"You have gone against Equestria once before and might still be plotting our downfall. We don't believe we shall ever trust thee but, if you truly want to start then wear this." She pulls out a small metal circle with her magic. "This magic inhibitor ring will cancel any magic the user will cast. Wear this and we shall start trusting you."
"Sister! You can't expect Twilight to-.†I push Celestias wing away from me and walk towards Luna. "Twilight, stop. You don't have to prove anything."
"But I do. With my magic and long life span, I can do anything, including topple Equestria. Removing my magic will limit my abilities immensely if not entirely. If that's what it takes to prove myself then so be it."
I stopped in front of Luna presenting my horn to her. She placed the inhibitor on my horn. Once pushed down as far as it would naturally go, she used her magic to fastened it to my horn. Even without my magic I could sense that it would take Lunas magical signature to remove the inhibitor. It's been an awfully long time since I've felt like a little foal on time out.
"We are surprised Twilight. We did not expect thee to submit to us so willingly."
"As I've been trying to say, princess, I'm doing what I can to steer myself and Equestria in the right direction."
"You may call us Luna, dearest Twilight." Is this, yes it is. Luna and I are sharing a moment. Its...nice.
"If you're done contemplating life, I'd like to know about me." Discord broke the moment by summoning chimes in front of our faces.
"I came upon all of Sombras magic when he was teaching me. How he came upon them all, I don't know. His magic contained many different signature like yours and...Celestias." I couldn't look at her when I said that.
"What? But how come I couldn't tell?"
"Let's face it Celestia," Discord spoke up, "you were never the most gifted at magical sensitivity. The next thing I'd like to bring up is, how does this Sombra manage to steal our magic?"
"That doesn't matter any more." Discord gives me a cynical look so I immediately go back to the topic. "I'm not implying it's not important but for the fact that it's not going to happen we shouldn't dwell on the fact. We can waste our time or put it to better use."
"What does thou suggest, Twilight?"
"We need to focus on upcoming events. The wedding and the return of the Crystal Empire."
-------------------
"Shut up! All of you just SHUT THE BUCK UP!" I walk into our little meeting room to a scene I swear Discord had a hand in creating. "Take your seats so we can get started."
"Are you sure this is a good idea? The sisters are already on to you and our plan."
"I know Chrysalis. That's exactly why we need to get this meeting underway. I'm already taking a great risk in coming here while a changeling takes my place at the palace." I sit down at the head of the table. "Commence the fifth meeting of the Dark Alliance."
"Good. I'd like to bring up a few things of my own. Why are we caring for a bunch of insects and beast? We need to focus on learning dark magic, not worry if we're going to be eaten by parasprites or dragons!"
"What about us? Half of our clan has left us to join the night princess. We had to find a new home because of that!"
"The upcoming wedding should be priority number one!"
"SHUT UP BEFORE I KILL ALL OF YOU!" Finally they shut their traps. The royal voice does come in handy sometimes. "We will do this like we always have, orderly and cooperatively. Chryssi, the wedding will be last so all notes are fresh in your mind and not muddled by anything else. The first order of business is to find a new home for the thestrals. Starflight, where is the clan now?"
"My queen, we are currently in the Everfree Forest. Weather, wild creatures, and food are all issues we're facing. If things don't change soon, you will no longer have a clan of thestrals."
"We are to close to major events to mount an offensive against any other settlement. For now we need to get the clan some shelter and we can worry about a permanent solution later. Chrysalis?"
"Many of my changelings have left the hive to prepare for the wedding so I have ample room for a thestral clan. Eh...not to say that I have room a small-"
"It's ok, get it. And thanks for this." Starflight turns his attention to me. "Do you mind?"
"Go."
The thestral chief runs out of the dungeon to save his tribe. Chrysalis signals for one of her drones to follow him.
"Now let's continue with the meeting. Chrono Chime, how are things going with our new pets?"
"I think you know exactly how it's going. We're losing a pony to these monsters every week or so. If we don't get these things under control you will no longer have a dark magic cult."
"I beg to differ. You have been through Equestrias history first hoof correct? Do you remember a pony named Charles Pony?"
"The one who coined the term Ponyism? ...no. That's...we are dying out there because of some pets you don't want to care for!"
"Choose your next words very carefully." Chrono wilts at my berating tone. "Have you forgotten what your purpose is on this planet. You came to us in the hopes to become stronger and to serve us. If you want to stay alive long enough to get that strength, I suggest you step in line. Any questions?"
"No...my queen." Utter defeat in cult leaders voice.
I'll have to lift his spirits somehow. Chrono always had more of a fascination with the time side of dark magic. It'll be risky letting him know how to travel through time so he'll have to settle for a different spell.
"Trixie, you're being uncharacteristically quiet tonight. Anything you want to say?"
"..."
"Trixie?"
"Ahem" I think I'm to blame for this." Chrysi spoke up. "She wouldn't shut her snout so I used my magic to control her mind and made her shut up."
"Well...just let her talk for a few minutes and then you can make her go back to being a half vegetable."
"You're not angry?"
"Not really. I know more than anypony how annoying she can be, but she does deserve a say at these meetings. With that Trixie is taken out of her comatose state to-
"How dare you mind control the great and powerful-"
"TRIXIE!" She's so cute when she's cowering. "If you can't keep that ego of yours in check Chrysalis here with have to put you back into a coma."
"...Trixie...wishes to make her distaste for her current situation known. You had Trixie out finding this stupid Alicorn Amulet and you won't even let her wear it. At least tell Trixie why you won't let her wear the amulet."
"Because you still need to learn control. Your dark magic training has come along smoothly and, trust me when I say this, you will get access to the amulet soon. You just need a little more training."
"But, sign if you truly believe that Trixie must wait then so be it, but she won't like it."
I notice a sly look on Chrysi and mouth a quick thank you. I have a few more lessons to teach her about control and restraint before she can wear the amulet. After that we'll need to go over how to help past me through a few issues.
"It's time we talk about the wedding."
"Finally. Before I tell you about my drones, I'll need to know more about the coup."
"There is one thing." I have to tell her. To change things for the better, to make sure no pony dies or gets hurt. That is the one thing I have to be clear about. "This operation is strictly to test Equestrias defenses and effectiveness. No pony will be hurt during the invasion."
--------------------
"Twilight, please stop! I'm sorry."
"Were you sorry when you knocked Celestia out and stuffed her into a cocoon? Were you sorry when you kidnapped Cadence and left her to rot in the catacombs without food or water?" I levitated Chrysalis in the air and slammed into the ground. "They almost died you bitch! What did I tell you about the mission!?!
That nopony would get hurt." Her voice was ragged and full of pain.
"That's right, but no. You decide it was ok to reveal yourself and take on the literal ruler of Equestria! I should do much more than this to punish you for disobeying me!" I look over at the small number of changelings that were near Chrysalis when they landed.
"No Twilight, please! Leave them out of this!"
"It's only because I know they're your children that I'm leaving them out of this!" My attention is back on the queen. "What thought crossed your mind that made it seem ok to go against my orders!"
"It wasn't me! It was Sombra! He's the one who gave me additional orders. He wanted me to try and kill the princesses."
...Wha...Sombra...he's back? Is it really that time? I didn't see the signs. How? When? He came back...finally...and the first thing he does is go behind my back and try to kill Celestia!?!
"That...insufferable, wretched, fiend! I'm going to make that sorry excuse for a stallion wish he stayed cursed!"
"Wait! What about my hive? That banishment spell left me weaker than normal. What if they come looking for me?"
"They are, or at least they think they are. To gain their trust even more I've sent them to your hive to be exterminated. In the meantime, regroup and get ready for another assault. We strike again in a year's time. As for me...I've got a pony to castrate."
--------------------
"Find Princess Cadence and Shining Armor." The guards finally leave the throne room while Celestia starts to write a letter. "My dearest Twilight, you must come to Canterlot at once."
"Help...me." Celestia looks up from her letter.
I was beaten, battered and bruised from head to hoof. I couldn't move a muscle without it feeling like I got bucked a hundred times by Applejack. Two of my legs were in the air from sprained ankles. The left wing was still in its socket but my right wing was dangling at my side. One of my ears was cut in half and some of my teeth are missing. The part that hurt the worst, was seeing the horrified look Celestia had on her face.
"Celestia." I collapse to the ground as the white goddess come to my aid.
"Twilight, what happened to you?"
"So-mbra. He's back." Even if I didn't want to, I doubt I could hold back these tears. I can't even speak normally with choking back and crying like a filly getting bullied. "Some-thing happened when I-I went to see him. I thou-ght I could convince him to cha-nge but he...he...all that's left of him is an animal!"
"Shhh shhh shhh. It's going to be okay Twilight. I'm going to take care of you." She starts petting my mane. "I'm here for...you." She sees it. "Twilight...did Sombra...violate you?"
The only thing my body would let me do is cry harder as sobs of pain wracked my body. Celestia just holds me closer and tighter. She teleports us to her private bathroom where she turns the faucet on.
"It'll be alright Twilight. I won't let him get away with this." I pull my hooves away from my face enough to see rage incarnate in Celestias eye's. She's going to kill him.
"No! You can't!"
"Twilight, Sombra ra-!" She had to compose herself, probably knowing I didn't need to be yelled at right now. "Twilight, Sombra has done some unspeakable things in the past, but I will not let him get away with this."
"That won't change things...you have to stick to the plan."
"But what about-?"
"I know Celestia! I am fully aware of what's at stake! But if you really want to change the future then Twilight has to stop Sombra herself! It's the only way! It's the only way."
"Very well. I have preparations to make. I'll get Luna to help you in my stead."
"I don't need help."
"And I don't care. You have just experienced what nopony should ever have to go through. I won't leave you to deal with this yourself. And don't think I haven't noticed the missing inhibitor ring. We're going to have a long talk about that when I get back." Celestia didn't wait for a response before she left.
Oh no, I never thought about the possibility that Celestia would find out. Damn it. I really bucked up now. I have to leave before she comes back. Wait...no. Being rash is how I'm in this situation to begin with. Think this out.
If I leave the sisters will re-evaluate how to handle past me. If the can't find me they might do everything in there power to prevent my return. I have to be here. No matter what gets brought up or how awkward things will get, I have to convince them this is for the best. I know I'm going to lose some ground with Luna but that's a sacrifice I have to take.
The Crystal Empire is the last event I need to get through. Once Celestia turns me into an alicorn I can leave. As long as that happens I'm done, finished, on vacation. Celestia, Luna, Discord, and Cadence can't see me again until after past me traveled through time.
You're almost there Twilight...just don't choose the wrong side.
-Before Twilight met with Celestia about Sombra’s return -
I teleported into a hallway where I immediately spotted two dark crystal guards. Seems they were patrolling before they pointed their spears in my direction. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
Almost forgot this would be the first time I’m in the Crystal Empire. Still can’t let them boss me around from the start. They’ll learn my name before I’m done with them. I conjured a big spectacle of dark magic that pushed them up against the wall and shook the halls with lightning. The surprise mixed with fear etched on their faces felt good. “I AM QUEEN TWILIGHT OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE AND YOU WILL TAKE ME TO MY KING!!!”
“Twilight?”
My name in that familiar voice calmed me in an instant. My dark magic subsided and cleared from the halls. There he stood, my stallion in all his majestic armor. “Sombra?” I hate to admit it but tears formed in the corners of my eyes as I almost choked out his name. Before I could think I started running towards him. “My love I missed you so… much…” My voice and running died down when I heard groans of what I thought were rage coming from Sombra. His eyes turned a bright red and green which I’ve never seen before. This actually started to scare me. “Sombra?”
I took a hoof step back. For once in a long time I was worried about what would happen to me. Sombra quickly shifted into his shadow form then came barreling towards me at an unreal speed. Before he swallowed me in his form I could have sworn teeth emerged from the shadows to instill even more fear in my very soul. As soon as I was enveloped all my senses vanished. I couldn’t tell up from down or real from fake. All I could feel was an empty void that trapped me in a constant swirl of black and numbness. Out of the dark one sensation stood out, my neithers became increasingly hot and bothered. As if the darkness caressed and rubbed all the right places. Before I knew how to truly feel about this I had been dropped onto something soft yet familiar. A brief glance around told me I laid on my old crystal chamber bed. Sombra crept up quickly and roughly stood over me. His eye and scowl still showed he might kill me.
As calmly as I could muster I whispered to him. “My love, please. It’s me Twili-ahhh.” I looked down between our bodies to see Sombra’s still growing dick pressing against my pussy. Then I knew he didn’t want to hurt me, not really, he was just experiencing a thousand years of pent up sexual frustration like me. And I wouldn’t stop him. I wrapped my forehooves around his neck and spread my hind legs. “I’m all yours.”
As soon as my sexual consent triggered in his mind he slammed his dick as far deep into my pussy as he could go. I let out a scream of pain and pleasure that echoed through the room. Now I know why he played with me before we got started, the wetness I currently had gave way for his raw girth more easily than if I were dry.
With little more than a few seconds for my pussy to adjust to his full length he started thrusting in and out with great vigor. Within thirty seconds I already came all over his dick but that didn’t stop his thrusts. They continuously drove me over the edge giving me multiple orgasms, something I’ve missed and needed for a whole millenia. Before I knew it Sombra pushed his full length into me once again and held it there which is when his hot cum poured into me. I could feel every load of his pump into my empty womb and it filled me with such ecstasy that my tongue rolled out my mouth and my eyes roll up. I missed his dick and warmth fill me to the brim. He must’ve missed me just as much cause he kept cumming in me to the point most of his cum squirted out my pussy, onto our thighs, and onto the sheets.
When it seemed the last of his cum emptied into me I took a moment to breath. “Oh… Sombra, that was amazing. Can we conti-nue!” He lifted me up with one foreloof and put me belly down back up. “I take that as a y-AAAAHHHHH!!!” Before I could finish he shoved his well endowed cock in my ass. Whenever we did this it felt good but even with our combined juices it felt painful. “Sombra! Please, it hurts! AAAHHH!”
He started thrusting in my plot just as hard and fast as he did my pussy. This time, all I felt was pain. My screams of pain didn’t seem to get through to Sombra as he kept pumping his cock into my flank without hesitation. A coppery smell poured into my nostrils, besides that of musky cum. Considering the intense pain in my ass I had to check in case it was there. A glance to the side proved my suspicions right. Blood pooled at a spot on the blankets below and I knew it was from me. Despite all the roughness, the pain, and the blood, I wanted him to keep going. I craved his touch for so long I didn’t care that I was bleeding out my ass as long as Sombra was the one doing it. He continued to thrust away and I bit the pillow in an effort to quiet my constant wails. Tears streamed down my face but relief eventually showed itself. The thrusts of pain gave way to pleasure; slowly but surely. All I could feel was pleasure when Sombra buried his cock in my flank and came with such force the juice almost immediately pushed its way out. I clenched my butt cheeks to try to keep his cum in me but it was ultimately in vain.
I decided to relax my body and succumb to his forceful cock. A minute later I regained my breath and his dick stopped pouring cum into me which just ended up on the bed. “Oh, Sombra. I’ve missed your touch.”
Before I could talk or think dark magic veins wrapped themselves around me. All together they clamped my hooves together, shut my mouth tight, created a magic inhibitor around my horn, shielded my eyes, and strapped my wings to my sides. I was completely without motion or sight. It seems Sombra wasn’t done with me which I greatly appreciated.
His warm breath tickled my ear as he spoke. “Sorry love. I just couldn’t help myself with such time apart.” I tried to whimpered back that I didn’t care but it didn’t sound so good. “Ssssshhhhhh. If you want me to focus on your pleasure then you’ll stay silent and do what I say. Understand?”
My silence spoke volumes.
“Excellent.” Suddenly the doors sounded like they opened but were promptly shut by a burst of magic. From the shutting impact the doors might have been seriously cracked but that was an issue for later. “Keep your filthy hooves out of this room! Continue on with your duties!” Sombra bellowed with gusto to which the guards responded with an obedient ‘Yes King Sombra’ from the other side of the door.
His warm breath came back to my ear which sent a tingle down my spine. “Sorry about that Twilight. How about I make it up to you? Moan if you want me to lick your clit until you cum.” I immediately moaned like a mad mare for a brief second. I wouldn’t pass this up. His soft breath filled laughs blew into my ear sending me more tingles. “As you wish beautiful. Lay there like a good obedient mare and I’ll take care of you.”
His warmth around my neck and ear left but I didn’t dare move or make a sound. I didn’t want to disappoint him and risk my own pleasure. Soon however a hot and wet tongue lapped at my clit. I remained silent yet moved my legs, that were all still magically tied together, up and away from the bed to give him more room to work. I’m glad he took the sign cause Sombra licked me more vigorously and even sucked on my clit at times. How badly I wanted to scream his name to the stars but, true to my stallions wishes, I remained silent. Though it didn’t take long for me to cum all over his muzzle with his godly tongue. To this day I think that thing is magically endowed.
His whispering heat returned to my ears. “Did you like that?” I answered with a vigorous nod. “Good. Now I’ll take another go at your pussy. But this time it’ll be nice and slow. I’ll allow you to moan, but only rarely. Understood?”
With another nod he left my neck only for the heat to be replaced with a poke to my pussy with his cock. Oh yes. I always loved it when he fucked me gently. His cock slowly inserts itself into my pussy and I let out a small moan of pleasure. Mainly to test the waters and to release some of the pent up feelings I have. Every agonizing inch that pushed further in me felt far too fast yet my walls clamped around him all the same. All goes well and Sombra starts slowly pulling out and pushing into me. For every few inches he pushed his cock into me he angled his cock to a different position to itch every inch of my pussy. Only when he pulls out, leaving just the tip, does he adjust himself in order to tackle another part of me and I love it every time. It seems he pushes against my most sensitive spots most of the time and we both know he’s doing it on purpose.
During my fourth orgasm he stopped his slow thrusts and leaned in to whisper in my ear yet again. “I don’t think you’re enjoying yourself as much as you should. Maybe I should take things up a notch. What do you think?” I meant to moan ‘yes’ but of course he could take that anyway he wanted. “I agree. You should be choked and fucked at the same time.” If my eyes were free I’m sure my pupils would expand to their limit.
Sombra shoved his cock fully in my aching pussy. I loved when his cock was in me but this time it shifted with him. Instead of Sombra being beside me he was on top of me. Not only did I get warmer from his body but my pussy felt every twist of his length.
More magic tendrils wrapped around my neck ready to choke me out. Just the feeling of having them wrapped around gave me a rush. With the same hard and fast thrusts when we started, Sombra went to town on my pussy. A moment later my moans were cut off when the tendrils gripped me. I involuntarily moaned from that and they tightened their grasp further. Now I couldn’t even breathe they were so tight. That only brought me to an even greater bliss filled high. I can’t take all this pleasure… Sombra…
I inhaled sharply as the magic tendrils released themselves from my neck and mouth. I had a small coughing fit but tried more to breathe than anything. Sombra still pounded my pussy which I was eternally grateful.
“Want me to keep going?” I could hear the smug grin Sombra made.
“Don’t you dare fucking stop! Keep-AH-going. Oh fuck yes.”
Sombra stopped thrusting and smacked my flank hard which had me screaming. “That’s not how you address your master.” He smacked my flank harder this time and I tried to muffle my cries. “Let’s try that again. Want me to keep going?”
“Please master. Please shove your massive cock deep into my pussy.” I wiggled my flank in hopes of edging him on but all that did was make him smack my ass again. “I’m sorry, master. Please punish this worthless mare with your cock.”
“That’s more like it.” Another even harder slap graced my flank. “Now cum for my like a good mare.” He continued his thrusting.
Pain emanated from my sore flank every time he pushed against it with his balls but that only added to the pleasure. As the tendrils slowly started closing around me again a severe pain shot from my neck. Sombra bit into me through the magic. He clamped down so hard that I could feel something run down my coat. Something tells me it’s not saliva. Oh fuck. I’m riding a pleasure wave so high I haven’t felt since our honeymoon. I think I bit my tongue… blood… keep fucking…
I came to with a gasp. All the dark magic tendrils vanished and I could see. The first thing I could feel were the loads of cum my Sombra was pumping into me. The second was the death grip he had on my neck and body. He held my barrel hard enough that I might have micro fractures on my ribs but I didn’t care about that. My tongue lulled out and I came over and over on his dick and the bed. We both collapsed on the bed both completely spent. We simply laid cuddled together and getting our breathing back to normal.
“I’ve missed you.” Sombra whispered from behind.
“I’ve spent so long without your touch I almost forgot how good your dick was.”
A haughty laugh left him. “I did quite a number on your body. You’re bleeding badly. Let me-”
“No!” I had to cut him off before he could heal me. “I was hoping for this. With these bruises I can go to Celestia and spin this in my favor. Besides, my plan still has a few more steps. Which reminds me I need a favor.”
“Anything for you love.” He gave my ear a kiss then a nibble. Such a tease.
“My past self and my friends will come and try to stop you. I need you to lose. You’ll go into hiding for a few years and spy on the Crystal Empire before making your move.”
Silence hung between us for a minute before he spoke. “Are you sure? It’s already been a thousand years.”
I tried to turn around but my body forced me to keep mostly still. Not that I was complaining much. Sombra was still in me even if it were slowly retreating. As a compromise I shifted my head to stare into his eyes. His eye’s alone show how concerned about the plan he was. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end. You’ll get the Crystal Empire.”
He gave a reassuring smile. “Very well. I’ll follow your lead.”
“Thank you Sombra. Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a performance I must attend with Celestia.”
Outstanding. It hasn’t been a day since past me defeated Sombra for the first time in the Crystal Empire. But that hasn’t stopped Celestia from turning me into a prisoner for the time being. Now I wear a unicorn illusion disguise and act as her personal assistant. I feel so degraded as this white coated brown maned pony. Gone are my luscious violet fur coat and mane and hello to being next to Celestia for most, if not the entire day. Even through organizing her schedule and paperwork, which I’m still great at, there were rarely two times in the day where I can find relief; at night in my dinky little room where I could sleep and my morning coffee run to this little gourmet cafe just outside the castle walls.
I step in and see my friend working the counter. I wave to her. “Hey bestie! Over here!”
Her attention comes to me with a smile. “Late, as always.” She turns to her drone-coworker. “Hey Keurig, I’m on break.” She trots over to our usual table with three coffees in her bright green magic. “So, come on spill. Where’s Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome?” She took her one coffee and started sipping.
“Oh yeah… that.” I begrudgingly said as I took the cooler of my two coffees. The other, hotter coffee, being for Princess Celestia when I’d get it to her later. “He was defeated by me. And before you ask, yes, that was the plan. This is how the past events went before so I need to make sure they happen again.”
“Hmm. So that’s why you’re acting as Celestia’s little puppet. One too many times disappearing and she’s lost her trust in you. How long do you have to keep this act going?” She asked curiously.
“About ten years. These last years are a little blurred as to what I need to do. Last I knew we were all having a fun night on the town… then I think I saw myself.” I rubbed my head trying to make the start of a headache go away. “That must be the time spell I cast on myself but there’s so many variables to take into account.”
Chryssi went into full thinking mode. “So the question becomes when should you leave Celestia’s side. Everything else can be worked around correct? So the wild card becomes ‘how she’ll act once you leave her side’.” I look up to see a sly smile on her face. “Which means you can-no, must leave her when she has the least options to act against you. And when is that?”
A defeated sigh signaled my acknowledgement of the answer. “Of course I’ve thought about that. When both armies attack Equestria. Sombra and yourself will crush the ponies, then partly stop halfway through attacking Canterlot. I’ll escape during the assault, then go into hiding until I’m able to return to the throne.” My words faltered as I continued.
Chrysalis didn’t seem as enthusiastic anymore. “What’s wrong? Isn’t this what you wanted for the longest time?”
“I… did. Now I’m not sure.” I took a long few sips just so I didn’t have to speak.
I could still see the utter surprise in Chrysalis’s eyes. “What? You set this whole thing up. You saved my race from extinction, brought Discord and the princesses here, and literally made Sombra into the pony he is today. You’re just going to give all that up?” Disbelief rang all through her voice and I couldn’t blame her.
“...”
She continued in my silence. “Twilight, the most important thing right now is the spell. If your past self ends up staying here with you… well you know the laws of time and you’ve been pushing it for years as is. I’ve got to get back to the counter but do me a favor, think about what you want. The point of no return is approaching so you need to figure out which path to take.” She tossed her empty cup into the trash before walking back to the counters.
She’s right. My mind has been pulled in a few too many directions. I want everything and everyone in my life but it’s obvious that I can’t. Sombra and the princesses will never accept each other that much I do know. Shit, I’m running late for Celestia’s morning meeting. I grab my second still hot coffee and make my way to the throne room.
----------------------
Time passed without any sign of trouble. I did see my princess coronation and Discord becoming reformed thanks to Fluttershy. Those were neat to watch. Still I couldn’t help but feel a sense of impending dread in the near future. Something wasn’t right and I could feel it deep down.
One night I sat on my bed from inside my castle room, being the princess's assistant still, and I drew in a notebook to waste time. With the time spell complete all that needed to be done was to wait for the attack. If everything goes the same then the Crystal Empire will fall first but Equestria won’t know about it until Cadence escapes with a few ponies. That’ll be when-
“Ooo. What is that?” I jump from my bed somehow ending up on the floor with a possible bruise from landing on something. Discord stood over my bed with my book in his claws. “Is this that somber pony I’m hearing so much about? I see why you like him if he’s this much of a looker.”
“Wha-h-y-Hey! Give it back!” I rip the book out of his grasp easily with my magic. “What do you want?” No reason hiding my identity from somepony like him. At this point in time he’s too powerful to try tricking. But that’s just it, I cast multiple spells to keep him from finding me.
“Answers.” His gleeful smile left with only a scowl remaining. He snapped a claw and my disguise vanished and I was lifted into the air by his magic. He choked me but still left room for me to talk. “I’ve been a very patient chaos lord letting you run about long before having been trapped in stone for a thousand years. Tell me, how do you have traces of my magic in you?”
“Ah!” The hold over my throat had been tighter than I thought. “I’m from the future. An alley of mine stole your powers so you wouldn’t pose a threat.” Not a blatant lie but I needed him to let me live. I’ll need something else to coax him into stepping down. “I can assure you Fluttershy is never harmed. I’d never let that happen to one of my friends.”
Discord squinted his eyes in hopes of catching me in the act. Jokes on him, Chrysalis made sure I’m in control in these situations with plenty of subtle acting classes. Satisfied he let me drop to the floor. “Fine. So you’re not the pony directly responsible but that only means I’m going to keep a close eye on you.”
“Uh… thanks.” My croaky throat didn’t hurt so bad but still made me sound like I passed through a gas chamber.
I wanted to ask more questions but Celetia burst into the room. “Twilight, we ha… what’s going on here?” Her dread turned into curiosity for the briefest of seconds seeing Discord in my room. “Twilight.” I already knew the stack of questions that were beginning to pile up in her mind but couldn’t answer any of them.
“I’m sorry.” That's all I could say. I willingly held information from her that would save ponies' lives and now she came to me for help that I wouldn’t give her. With a heavy heart, and body full of regret, I teleported out of the castle. Before I left I heard an explosion in the distance which I assume was the beginning of the attack on Equestria.
I materialized in the Everfree Forest. Surrounded by trees and other dense plants only one light blue figure stood out. “It’s about time. The Great and Powerful Trixie was about to give up and leave.” Trixie stood in front of me with the Alicorn Amulet and brown cloak she always had. “Trixie assumes you settled everything with the princesses.”
“No. And I...” I walked passed her and slammed my head into the nearest tree. “I don’t know what I want to do anymore. By the stars, why did Celestia have to take me in, now I don’t know what I want.”
“What you want? You’ve been planning this whole charade for thousands of years and now you’re just… changing the plan?”
I couldn’t disagree with Trixie’s berating questions. Somewhere down the line I lost myself, who I truly am as a pony. Sombra enslaving me, Celestia taking me as a student, Chrysalis becoming a friend, and turning Luna into a demon. It wasn’t bad enough that my head had turned into a blender of confusion but now my actions didn’t line up with my original plan. Stuck between being a princess and a queen with Equestria caught in the middle. “I truly am a selfish pony.”
I lifted my head to look up, an exasperated sigh leaving me. “You can start helping me at any time.”
“Of course it’s up to the Great and Powerful Trixie to save the day. You want one don’t you but you can’t decide. That’s where this spell comes in handy.” I look over to see the time travel spell in Trixie's magic. “Why settle for one?” She said with a cheeky grin.
“Trixie, that’s for sending me-future me-into the past. It can’t...” The wheels began to turn. What Trixie had been implying lining up like a well kept clock before the chime rang like a gong. “Trixie, you’re a genius!” I grab the spell in my magic and start scanning over the equations, seeing exactly what I needed to change.
“Trixie does have her moments.” Her smugness was showing. She may have acted like her ego was the size of the sun but I knew I kept her around for a reason.
I knew what I wanted but I needed to cut a few loose ends if my plans were to go through. I had been tempting time itself to… correct my being here along with my past self for too long already. That needed correcting.
“Ok Trixie, I’ll go back to Canterlot and cast the spell once I’ve changed it around. That shouldn’t take too long. I need you to do what you’ve always wanted to do. Once you’ve done that, meet me in Canterlot. Understood?”
--------------------------
The spell was complete but the magical exertion left my body tingling and I collapsed to the forest ground. I attempted to get up but end up dropping back down. I need to recover quickly in order to set off my plan. Where is Trixie? It doesn’t take that long to- oh here she is.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie has returned. You don’t look so good.”
“Cast… recovery… spell.” I struggled to get that much out but thankfully Trixie got my meaning and helped me recover some strength. I stood up on shaky legs. “Are the spells all in place?”
“Of course they are. But are you sure about this? You’ll eventually...” I already knew what Trixie would say and didn’t want her to finish that thought.
“Good. Let’s get moving. Canterlot’s defenses won’t last forever.” As Trixie teleported us away I was struck with a heavy case of deja vu.
--------------------------
The spell was complete but the magical exertion left my body tingling and I collapsed to the forest ground. I attempted to get up but end up dropping back down. I need to recover quickly in order to set off my plan. Where is Trixie? It doesn’t take that long to- oh here she is.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie has returned. You don’t look so good.”
“Cast… recovery… spell.” I struggled to get that much out but thankfully Trixie got my meaning and helped me recover some strength. I stood up on shaky legs. “Are the spells all in place?”
“Of course they are.”
“Good. Let’s get moving. Canterlot isn’t going to last forever.” As Trixie teleported us away I was struck with a heavy case of deja vu.
--------------------------
The spell was complete but the magical exertion left my body tingling and I collapsed to the forest ground. I attempted to get up but end up dropping back down. I need to recover quickly in order to set off my plan. Where is Trixie? It doesn’t take that long to- oh here she is.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie has returned. You don’t look so good.”
“Cast… recovery… spell.” I struggled to get that much out but thankfully Trixie got my meaning and helped me recover some strength. I stood up on shaky legs. “Are the spells cast on her?”
“Of course. Her morality will become corrupted in time, guaranteed.”
“Good. Let’s get moving. I don’t want to stick around when Discord takes over the Everfree Forest.” As Trixie teleported us away I was struck with a heavy case of deja vu.
