Reaper Tales

by aapur

First published 22nd of August, 2012

The story of Four reapers in an alternative version of Equestria, and their fight against evil.

Equestria. It is the finest country of them all, where ponies live in peace an harmony. What Ponies don't know is why. It's easy. In the shadows of Equestria is the Reaper Organization operating, lead by Death. This organization is responsible for keeping the world free of danger, to prevent ponies from getting harmed.

This story follows the four reapers, Horror Movie, Darth Star, Blue Thunder and Miasmic Fog as they stand up against the evil forces that lurks in the shadows, threatening the safety of the villagers of Equestria. But even their powers might not be enough...

Prologue

Confidential Files – Clearance level 12 needed to read.

A short report on Reapers
A thousand years ago was Nightmare Moon banished to the moon. This didn’t mean she would be gone for good, and her presence was still strong through the cults. Because they were gathering power to summon her back, Celestia had no choice, so she looked to the only pony who could help. Death. The guardian of the soul stream. They made a deal. He would take the strongest souls that passed and offer them a new life if they would serve as his tools to stop the cults.
These were known as reapers. If they accepted, were their past life erased and they would gain new powers, and the ability to become an alicorn. But their powers were limited to a set of spells and a single weapon, and they were not allowed to show their reaper form to anypony, unless there was no other choice. This was because their non-reaper form had a spell that caused other ponies to forget them entirely, but if they saw the reaper form would this spell be broken for the one who saw them.
The first reapers were four. They were Blood Fangs, Eclipse, Daggerheart and Golden Sword. For many years were they hunting the cults down and destroying them, at all cost, and when the final attack was done did they think it was over.
But it wasn’t. There will always be darkness luring in the shadows. Evil things that want to destroy the very existence of Equestria. And as long as these exists will the reapers be there. The shadow organization that was at its peak a hundred years ago. Why they almost vanished is yet unknown, but a few reapers still walk, following the rules they have. These are the protectors of our world. Of our entire existence.

Ps. A report on what happened should be coming in soon. I got an interview with Reaper Team who had a major role in the biggest events. Their story will be added to this archive as it comes.

Crimson Quill – Univeristy of Canterlot

Deluge

The rain was pouring down like never before, thunder cutting through the night. Several parts of Equestria were taking a hard hit from this, suffering from flood and mud slides. It was chaotic other places, and it was clear that ponies were scared, as this was unnatural weather conditions.
Shining Armor was just outside Ponyville when one of the guard came up to him.
“Sir. Is the area cleared?” The guard looked around.
Shining nodded as a patrol passed by. “It’s all clear here, just like the orders said.”
The guard sent up a magic flare. Then he looked at Shining. “But why is this area supposed to be cleared.”
“They’re sending a reaper. A reaper needs space to prepare to prepare for an operation.” Shining looked at the sky as a lightning bolt flew by.
“A reaper?” The guard was looking confused.
Shining looked at him. “Yes. It’s one of the most well hidden secrets in Equestria. To even be involved in operations like this is a special clearance level needed.” He looked at the sky again. “You got yours last week, I presume.”
The guard nodded. “Yeah.” He looked a bit worried. “But what is a reaper, and why is one sent here?”
“It’s a last resort solution to threats.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “There would have been a team at the wedding if we had understood how serious the case was. This time are we taking no chances. Celestia fears that these conditions will cause so much chaos that Discord will return, and she suspects that there are someone behind it, using Cloudsdale as their basecamp.”
The guard wanted to reply, but a bolt of lightning revealed a shadowy figure. A pony who was pulling a large wagon. The guard looked scared as it came closer, walking by them at a slow pace. The pony the stopped, the wheels of the wagon sinking two inches into the mud.
The pony then turned to face Shining Armor and the guard. He then took off his cloak. Underneath was there a light red stallion with a short light brown mane and tail, a small brown moustache, and with a cutie mark that looked like a film roll with a double-A mashed into one letter.
“Only one?” The guard looked confused again. “And he’s so small…”
Shining looked serious. “Don’t let his looks deceive you. He’s one of the oldest reapers who’s still operating, as most of the reapers retired after an incident a hundred years ago.”
The pony looked at the guard. “New meat, eh? I guess you haven’t found the time to actually give him a proper briefing yet.”
Shining shook his head. “Didn’t get time.”
The pony nodded. “Ah well. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Director Cut. Part-time film maker, full-time reaper.” He turned to the wagon. “But excuse me. I need to get to work. Reports are saying that Discord’s statue might already be cracking. That’s why I came and not a full team.” He fetched a carved wooden box from the wagon. “All the other active reapers are at the scene there, trying to block out the chaotic energy.”
Shining and the guard took a few steps back as Director opened the box and put it on the ground. There was a screen under the lid with two speakers. It sparked to life as to red eyes appeared.
“Sir.” Director nodded. “I’m ready for my mission.”
“Good.” The voice as dark, making the speakers spark a bit. “The enemy should be using some sort of altar that have been hidden for a long time. That’s what the report I got in says at least.”
Director sighed. “Offering pony blood to mess up the weather? I thought it only was a myth, like the Rainbow Factory…”
The voice sighed. “Sadly is this one a fact. You better hurry. The others can’t block out the energy for much longer.”
“Yes sir.” Director picked up the stick that also was in the box, placing it mid-air. It was floating. He took a deep breath. “Transform!”
A magic circle appeared under him as he started glowing, his size growing as his mane and tail became flowing. The stick also changed shape, becoming a dual-bladed scythe. As the glow died down was he now a crimson alicorn with a black mane and tail that was filled with red stars, indigo eyes and a black light armor with bladed hoof guards. His scythe was indigo with a black shaft. He grabbed it with magic and strapped it to his back.
“New guy. You can call me Horror Movie.” He took flight, flying straight up and through the cloud layer. The guard just stood there, staring.

It was night as he passed the layer, the moon high up, making the clouds look like the sea of a dream world. Horror was gliding over the dreamscape that covered the chaos, keeping a high pace.
Not long after was Cloudsdale coming in sight. Something was off.
Horror remembered how it looked from earlier missions. The white clouds and the rainbow rivers. What he was seeing now was a city on black storm clouds and the rivers were blood red.
Horror landed, sighing. The place was deserted, and the streets quiet. He started walking through the streets, looking for clues on where to find the altar.
It didn’t take long before he heard someone. Two ponies were walking through the street. They were discussing.
Horror didn’t waste any time. He hid in the shadows as the first walled by before snatching the second guy with his scythe, placing the bladed end of his right hoof in the mouth and the bladed end of his left hoof on the neck of the pony. It was a Pegasus pony, and he was scared, knowing that if he moved or made one sound was he dead.
The other pony stopped as his partner had fallen silent. “Jaggered?” He turned, just to get the read of Horror’s back hoof up underside his jaw, the bladed bracer cutting clean through. The pony staggered backwards, falling as blood was flowing from the cut. He then got his neck cut by a second kick, falling silent.
Horror removed the hoof in Jaggered’s mouth. “Where is the altar.”
Jaggered was scared. “It’s… It’s under the weather factory!” He instantly started crying. “Please don’t kill me!”
“Very well…” Horror released him, but before Jaggered got to run away was Horror’s Scythe around his wings, cutting them off. “But I can’t risk having you come up and warn the others.” He turned and unfolded his wings. “Your fate will be decided by the royal guard.”
Jaggered watched as Horror took flight, looking at the wings. He closed his eyes. “Forgive me, master.”

Horror circled the weather factory a few rounds before he spotted the entrance. He landed outside it before heading inside.
It was dark, a single path leading into a room. But that was nothing compared to the stench. The smell of rotting corpses was filling the air, burning in his nose.
Horror didn’t give up and pushed onwards, entering a big room. There was two ponies in there. Both were Pegasus ponies, one stallion, who appeared to be the leader with his jet black color and red mane and tail, and one mare, who was strapped to the altar and critically wounded. She was light yellow with cyan and black mane.
The stallion turned. “Well what do we have here? A reaper?” He laughed. “Why should I be surprised. They would eventually send one of you here.”
Horror growled. “Stop this madness!”
The male laughed more “Stop? I think you are forgetting that it’s too late my friend.” He placed a ritual knife over the mare’s chest. “Prepare for dis…”
Horror had moved fast, planting the back of his right hoof in the neck of the stallion, the blade cutting his neck. The stallion collapsed on the floor instantly, tha blade falling and landing besides him.
He then cut the mare loose. She was barely able to move.
Horror sighed and lifted her onto his back. “What’s your name.” He left and took flight as he asked.
She opened her eyes a bit. “I’m… I’m Blue Thunder…”
Horror nodded and started going lower as the clouds started breaking up, as the altar no longer was fueled. “Very well then, Blue. I will make sure you survive. I promise.”
She laughed weakly. “Why do ponies always make promises they can’t keep…”
Horror froze when he heard her say that. He stopped and looked at her. She had closed her eyes.
She spoke again with a weak voice. “At least you stopped the storm, mister reaper dude…” She was smiling. “And I bet that we will meet again in the…” The smile suddenly faded as she went limp.
Horror sighed and closed his eyes. She was dead, and it was all because he hadn’t been fast enough. He sighed and started flying again.

Horror landed besides his wagon and placed the lifeless body of Blye on the ground. He then sat down.
Shining came over. “I guess you couldn’t save her…”
Horror sighed. “No.” He looked at her. “She was the offer they were using. They had been draining her for days to power the storm, and her death on the altar would open the flood gates.” He changed form, packing the box. “I got her off the altar, but she died on the way here…”
Shining looked at him. “But will you be okay?”
Director nodded. “Give me a few weeks. This isnæt the first time I have seen someone die…” He then strapped the harness to the wagon on. “But give her a worthy burial. She deserves it.”
Shining saluted him as he started walking, pulling the wagon away. “I’ll see that we’ll get it done. I promise.
Director nodded once as he trotted into the night, looking a bit sad. This was all in the life of a reaper. Life and death. It still hurt a lot when someone died, but they just had to cope with it.
The wagon vanished in the dark of the night.

A Hearts and Hooves Mightmare

Director Cut was pulling his wagon as he once again, a few months after the Cloudsdale incident was heading back to Ponyville. Things had cleared up there, and a memorial monument was made for those who had died, as it was clear that the storm was unnatural.
He stopped to take a breather, studying the landscape as birds were singing and the sun shining. The wagon was heavy as always, but he had been getting used to it by now. He had walked by several of the men who had survived the incident, but they didn't recognize him. Normally would this have been weird, as he had interviewed them when the rain had stopped, but for him was it usual. Nobody would remember a Reaper for more than a month. This was to prevent people from getting suspicious.
He turned as he heard hoof steps.
A mare was approaching him. She was light green with blue and white hair, and she had a yellow scarf with a flower charm hanging from it. Her cutiemark was a wing with a star hanging from it.
"You need any help? That wagon looks heavy." She asked him.
"Erh…" he looked at her. "Not really. I'm used to pulling this wagon anyways."
"You look exhausted." She pushed him away and started pulling.
Director was about to object, but he sighed and started walking besides her. "So who are you?"
"You can call me Mintie Star. And you?" she looked at him.
"Director Cut. You can call me DC if you want." He looked ahead, as they were approaching Ponyville.
She looked at him. "So what are you going to do here?"
"Well. I was going to interview people here." He nodded. "That's normally what I do."
"Sounds interesting." She chuckled lightly.
It took them about thirty minutes to reach Ponyville. Director then set up the wagon like he always did and prepared the equipment.
Mintie watched as he worked. "I have to go now, but do you want to meet up somewhere tonight?"
He nodded. "Maybe. We can meet up at the Sugarcube Corner around seven?"
"Sounds good." She smiled and headed off.
He turned and headed into the wagon. He had to work fast, as it was around mid-day already. He closed the openings and flipped up the lid of the carved wooden box. The screen flickered a bit again and the red eyes appeared.
"Ah. Horror. Good of you to call." The dark voice sparked a bit as usual.
"Anything new on the issue?" Director looked into the small camera.
"We know that the parasprites they've tinkered with are lethal and hungry for flesh. They were tested on someone. One of the other reapers only found the bones, and a note for us."
Director sighed. "Great… Flesh-eating parasprites is the last thing we need right now. You know where they are?"
The voice was silent for a bit. "I think they are planning on hiding them in the cake, but that will happen when the cake is out and ready, so you have to find them before that."
"Will do." Director smiles and the screen went black. He then fetched a special camera, secured it to a body mount rig he had for all his cameras, using the stick from the box as the locking pin. Except that this camera wasn't meant for filming. It had a few magical crystals inside it, which made the camera into a scanner where he could make it mark of any creature he wanted. He set it to highlight parasprites, and then he headed into the town.
It was really crowded, with people everywhere. The sun was shining and it was clear that love was in the air. Couples were walking together, chatting, and others were flirting with each other. He took up the camera and turned it on, starting to scan the area. He moved the camera, looking for yellow dots. Nothing. Not even a hint of yellow. He sighed and walked a bit away, now filming the park. No yellow at all.
"Damn." He didn't like it at all. Had they been able to hide the parasprites? No. That was impossible. They must be hiding somewhere, making a tunnel. The Evergreen Forest maybe?
He moved himself back to his wagon and took a new scan. He got a result. They appeared to be in a box as there were many spots making a box shape.
"Gotcha." He changed the filter to show other ponies. There were three of them, and one underground, obviously returning.
Director sighed once. He had to be smart to approach them and not cause suspicion about the fact that he was a reaper. And he had the perfect idea.

There were three of them, all unicorns, with a large wooden box behind them and a hole in the ground in front of them. The guy in the middle, who was the leader, grinned. He was pale, with no color except on his cutiemark, which obviously was a pentagram in a circle. "It's ready. The cake is there too, and the first bait is put in it."
The other two were both dark blue with black and cyan hair. They had the same cutiemark.
A fourth guy popped his head up from the hole. "We're ready to release them." He was brown, with orange hair and he also had the same cutiemark. He climbed up and they pushed the box over the hole.
"All set for some parasprite mayhem?" the leader grinned a pale and really creepy grin. That was when Director stepped in, acting like a lost nature photographer.
"Who's there!" the left blue unicorn took a step forward, acting threatening.
"Oh my…" Director looked up. "Oh forgive me. I'm lost. You can call me Director Cut."
"The leader took a step forward. "Well you just stepped into the wrong part of the forest." He prepared to cast a spell.
Director grinned. "I'm actually not lost…" the stick holding the camera in place slid out and landed on the ground in front of him. "Transform!"
The four just stared as he changed his shape, growing a horn and wings. The leader then growled. "I should have known that a reaper would be sent…"
Horror laughed. "Call me Horror Movie, or just HM for short."
The leader laughed. "But even a reaper isn't immortal."
"The same goes for you guys." Horror smiled, as the stick had become his dual-bladed scythe and it was now spinning in the air.
"Get Him!" The leader took a step back as his three companions attacked. They didn't stand a chance, as they didn't know what type of magic to use, and the scythe was too sharp for them.
"Oh my. It's only you left."
"It's over." The leader laughed and stepped on the release, and the underground tunnel was soon filled with hungry parasprites. "They'll cut the cake in ten minutes." He laughed and walked into the box.
Horror growled. He had to reach the cake before it was being cut, and that would be impossible as a normal pony. The leader was not his highest priority now. He had probably been eaten anyways. The only chance was to break one part of the code, which was to never be seen by normal civilians in his reaper shape. It was either that or bloodshed. He sighed and took flight, gaining altitude fast. He then headed for Ponyville.
On the ground was people having a great time, celebrating. Music was playing, and people were chatting, flirting and enjoying the evening. A couple had won the contest earlier and was the ones who were going to cut the cake. They were about to cut it. A loud crashing sound was heard and the ground shook, making them drop the knife. As the dust settled did the staring eyes of a large Alicorn meet the crowd. She was dark green/black, with several gold stars on her body and her hair was misty green filled with minty green glowing dots.
She growled. "Don't cut the cake!"
Horror came in for landing, crashing down on the other side. "Someone have been tinkering with it to fill it with deadly monsters!"
The mayor walked up on the stage where music had been playing on. "Who are you two?"
Horror sighed. "Nobody here are supposed to know it, so I won't tell."
All around were people getting upset. The other mysterious Alicorn was also looking at him a bit upset, and angry. "Whoever you are, back off. This is my task."
Horror growled. "Is this supposed to be a joke?"
They both growled. The crowd had gone silent now and formed a large circle around the two. This would only end with a battle.
Then the cake moved.
Horror growled. "They are breaking out!"
The mysterious one looked at him. "Then what do you suggest we go, after you stopped me from actually preventing this…"
"I have an idea, but I need you to help me out." He sighed. He could feel a hundred staring eyes all around them. "We need to teleport it into space, far away from here…"
"You got to be kidding me…" she laughed.
"Enough… All I want you to do is power the spell I'm casting now." He closed his eyes and a glowing circle appeared over the cake.
"Fine." She used her magic to power the circle. It changed into a vortex and opened as a portal. The cake vanished within a second.
Horror opened his eyes and the Vortex vanished. There was still the hole in the table that the unicorn group had used to get the parasprites inside. He then looked at the scene, where the mayor was. "We were never here, so don't tell others about this." He took flight and vanished fast. The unknown mare chose to follow him.
Horror landed in the Evergreen Forest, and the mare landed not far from him. "Who are you." He looked angry. "I know you're a reaper…"
She stared at him. "Call me Darth Star. I've been a reaper for twenty years now."
Horror sighed. "I should have guessed. An amateur." He shook his head. "You can call me Horror Movie. Have been a reaper for a hundred years now."
"I see…" she sighed.
Horror sighed too and changed shape back into Director Cut. "You obviously have a lot to learn."
"So you want me to accompany you?" She stared at him.
Director nodded. "I know your other identity already. Your cutiemark reveals it."
She sighed and changed down, into Mintie Star. "You got a sharp eye."
"Well yeah." He checked the time. "Oh. And it's almost seven. Remember that we have a meeting now."
Mintie nodded.
"But we're gonna hear this next time we see Death. I'm one hundred percent sure." He looked at the sky.
"I hope we'll be fine."
"We will." He nodded and the headed for Sugarcube Corner to get something to eat, and the next day were they heading off to Manehattan.

A Royal Disaster

A grey pony was trotting along the streets of Canterlot. He appeared to be lost, not knowing where to go and what he was supposed to do. All he knew was that it had something to do with the carved wooden box he was carrying. He didn't dare to open it, just in case it contained evil things. His cutiemark was a purple mountain with surrounding mist.
It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining and the birds singing. He took a stroll through the park, where he could look at what others did, not needing to worry about his own forgetfulness. He settled under a tree, watching as a light red and a mint green pony was working together to set up a large wagon containing a lot of weird equipment.
He sat there an hour, trying to remember what he had forgotten. He then sighed, got up and headed back into town. He was hungry, so he headed for a café to get a snack. He ordered and then he sat down at a table.
"There you are." A pegasus approached him. She had light yellow skin and cyan and black hair. Her cutiemark was a light blue lightning bolt.
"Who are you?" The stallion looked unsure.
She sighed. Death had told her this, so she was aware of his forgetfulness. "You can call me Blue Thunder. I've been sent to assist you."
He nodded. "You can call me Haze."
Blue Thunder looked at him for a moment. "We need to talk, privately." She pushed him out onto the street and into a back ally.
"Hey! What about my food!" Haze objected.
"Forget that now. I have food at the shelter." She walked down some stairs and opened a wooden door. Haze followed her closely.
"So what's all this about?" Haze looked around as she lit up the candles in the room.
She lit up the fireplace, and a black screen became visible in the flash. "Death have been worried that you always forget your tasks. He sent me to make sure you remember them."
"Uhm…" Haze looked a bit unfocused. "What's your name again?"
Blue sighed and turned on the screen. The red burning eyes of Death appeared.
"Looks like you found him." The speakers here were of a much better quality, so Death's voice didn't spark this time.
"I did." Blue nodded. "But his forgetfulness will be an issue."
"Don't worry about that. Just make him open his box when it's time to go to work." Death's eyes shifted from her, to Haze and then to the box he had been carrying.
Blue looked at the box. "Okay. So what's the problem?"
"A threat. Three earth ponies have been threatening to destroy the castle if Discord isn't released by midnight. They are saying that this just will be the beginning. I need you two to find them and stop them."
"Are there any more info on them?" Blue asked, wanting to know more.
Death chuckled. "Well. They all had a special cutiemark. A red pentagram in a circle. Apparently have another reaper raised a concern about this, as he have faced them before."
Blue looked at the screen. "Who?"
"You'll know him as Horror Movie." The screen blurred and then turned off.
Blue sighed. She had just been a reaper for a month, and she was already getting involved in deep cases.
"So…" Haze looked at her.
"We better get going." Blue fetched her carved wooden box, hiding it away and only bringing a pendant that was inside it.
Haze nodded and followed her as she headed for the forest under the castle. They headed for a cave, where rumors had said that there had been activity inside.
Inside was it moist. Water was dripping from the walls and it didn't smell that good. The air was slightly hazy and small streams of water were flowing on the ground.
Blue took a few steps forward and whispered. "Transform…"
Her eyes glowed white as she changed shape. Her skin became dark blue as here eyes started glowing indigo. Her mane became cloudy like a storm cloud, and her cutiemark became a storm cloud. She became an alicorn
Haze blinked.
Blue looked at him. "You may now call me Stormy Clouds." She nodded. "You should now open your box."
Haze sighed. "But what if it contains evil things?"
Stormy growled. "Do it!"
Haze stepped back. "Fine. Fine." He placed the box and opened it. A mist rose from it and surrounded him. It then pulled back, and an alicorn was standing in his place, lighter grey with a mane like fog. His eyes were indigo, and the cutiemark was a larger mountain surrounded in mist. He grinned. "And you may call me Miasmic Fog."
Stormy nodded. "We better get going."
The two reapers headed deeper within the cave. It was going a bit upwards, which made them realize that the cave was a whole system under the castle. They stopped as they heard voices.
"You three will never even be strong enough to do this." It was a male voice, and it was quite confident and slick
"You sure?" this voice sounded scared.
"Yeah." This was a female voice.
Then the unsure voice laughed.
Stormy peaked around the corner. She saw Horror Movie, and Darth Star facing three earth ponies. They looked like they were already defeated, but something didn't feel right. There was a disturbing feeling in the air.
Miasmic looked at her. "You feel it too? We should warn them."
Stormy nodded in agreement and the galloped in.
Horror was the first one to turn. "What the…"
Stormy stopped. "We're reapers, like you."
Miasmic stopped besides her.
Horror sighed. "And?"
Stormy looked at him. She was about to speak when a dark harsh laughter filled the cave.
"Well look what we have here. FOUR reapers? That must be a record." And alicorn landed. He had burning white hair and red hair. His skin was pitch black. He had the same cutiemark as the rest.
The four reapers turned.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself." The black alicorn grinned. The grin was the grin of an insane lunatic. "I'm Blood Fangs. I'm the leader for the Discordian Cult."
Horror narrowed his eyes. "The Discordian Cult?"
Blood growled. "Haven't any of you ever heard about it? Damn. I guess my followers didn't do a good job in Cloudsdale or Ponyville."
Horror growled. "They were all your guys?"
Blood laughed. "Yes, and you, my friend, have been a major thorn in my flank. You destroyed both my plans, and now I have to find more followers."
Stormy took a step forward. "Too bad your path ends here."
The four reapers prepared themselves to attack Blood.
"Oh no. I don't think so." Blood grinned, and the ground started shaking. "Because I'm now going to make the castle fall out, killing everyone inside."
The ground and walls around then started cracking. Large rocks fell down.
Meanwhile was the silent night in Canterlot disturbed as the ground started shaking. Ponies looked up at the castle with fearful expressions as the mountainside around the castle started cracking. Large rocks started falling down.
Inside was Blood Fangs laughing. "Well suck on this, tiny reapers!" he took flight. "But I must be off. You all should just enjoy this nice chaotic mayhem." He then vanished in a flash.
Horror looked at the others. "We have to stop this!"
"How?" Darth Star looked at him.
Stormy growled. "First task is to get out, alive!"
They all agreed, and they headed out through one of the cracks.
Horror nodded. "Okay. Darth star, and whoever you dark blue are, you have to protect the town no matter what. Me and the other one will be trying to stop the castle from falling!"
Stormy nodded. "Call me Stormy Clouds. The other one is called Miasmic Fog."
All four nodded and headed in their own direction.
Stormy and Darth headed down the side, quickly catching up with the boulders.
Darth sighed. "So what should we do?"
Stormy looked at the boulders. "We should blow them into tiny bits and spread them out."
Darth nodded. "Good plan." They then started blasting the falling rocks with magic, blowing them into gravel so nopony would get hurt.
Meanwhile was Horror and Miasmic heading for the castle.
"Now what do we do. Reverse time?" Miasmic asked sarcastically.
Horror laughed sarcastically back. "Nope. We have to stop it from falling, and the patch it back up…"
Miasmic just stared at him.
"Just cast some damn magical chains around the base." Horror was already setting up the fist ones, giving them some slack so they wouldn't break.
Miasmic sighed. "Like this'll ever work…" he then joined.
A deep rumbling sound was heard as the magical chains tightened and then the castle stopped tilting outwards. It was already off 30 degrees. The ground had also stopped shaking. The four reapers landed by the crack, looking at the damage.
"This is quite a show." Stormy looked at the castle, and all the glowing chains.
Miasmic sighed. "And what happened to the code? To never be seen or operate in a fashion that would get us or our operation noticed?"
Horror looked at the castle. "Sometimes are there exceptions."
Stormy looked at the castle too. "I wonder why nobody in there did anything…"
"They're probably sleeping. The earth ponies said something about contaminating the drinks with a slow sedative." Darth Star sighed.
Horror nodded. "Oh well. They're starting to wake up again, so we better be off."
The four reapers took flight and vanished into the forest.

A Tale of Blood

Death walked back and forth in his cave. The recent events at Canterlot had really been a large problem for the whole reaper organization. Reapers had to keep a lower profile than before, as people had started to get aware of their existence. All this because four reapers had broken the code. The four reapers had a very good reason for why they did it, and he had already talked to Celestia about it. The four didn't have to be punished for it.
He was black, with a black mane that had white stars in it. His eyes were burning red, and his cutiemark was a skull with a scythe. His wings were huge, tattered and really old. He had never been able to uphold them as good as his brother, Blood Fangs had. Yet could he still fly.
It had been over a thousand years since Celestia first had spoken with him, as Nightmare Moon still was controlling her followers from the moon. They made a deal where he would drag a few ponies that had died and offer them a second chance as a reaper. This had worked very well.
A reaper never aged either. They were young forever, but a spell cast over them would make ordinary ponies forget them within a month. But still. They weren't immortal. A reaper could be killed the same way a normal pony would, but they had enchanted speed and agility, so killing one was hard. Yet only one of the original one hundred reapers was still alive. That was his brother.

The sun was shining as the four ponies cooperated on setting the large wagon safely up. It was a quiet and quite away-hidden place, and not really many ponies visited it. Especially not on a day like this.
Most ponies were now visiting Canterlot instead, just to get a peak at the castle. It was still hanging in a 30 degrees tilt from the magic chains, and more had been added to make sure it didn't fall.
This was the perfect day for them to just relax as reapers, and that was the plan, so they all changed their shapes.
Horror settled by the riverbank, looking at his reflection. He sighed. "Blood Fangs…"
Stormy clouds trotted over, quickly joined by the rest. "You know him?"
Horror looked at them. "Sadly."
"Then tell us what you know. We need to know our enemy." Darth settled besides him.
"Sure, sure." Horror closed his eyes so he could remember.

It was getting dark, and the reapers were all watching as the cult members were dancing around the fireplace, trying to spawn something. This cult had been causing a lot of trouble around Equestria, and they were now trying to summon Nightmare Moon to cast the country into eternal night.
I was standing on a branch. I wasn't entirely sure, as this was his first mission. I was surrounded by many legends where several of them were among the one hundred original reapers. This was a big thing for me.
A black reaper landed besides me. "You look scared. What's the matter?" It was Death's brother, Blood Fangs. He was one of the first reapers, ever.
"Eh…" I sighed.
"I get it." Blood chuckled. "You're shy as you are surrounded by legends. Don't worry. You'll become a legend too. I'm sure."
Our goal was to crush the cult, once and for all.
Death landed besides us. "So it begins. The final battle." He nodded. And we attacked the cult members. The battle was intense and lasted for several hours, but we won without a large loss.
I hadn't really been doing much, as I still was unfamiliar with my powers. As I looked around did I spot Death. He was looking for someone.
He sighed as I walked up to him. "What's the issue?"
"Blood is missing." He actually sounded scared.
I sighed and looked a bit around. "I'm sure he's fine. Probably resting a bit."
Death sighed too and nodded. "Probably. But I have some stuff to attend to." He then vanished in a flash.
I sighed and sat down. That's when it happened. Several flashes and many reapers just dropped dead. The rest panicked and started running. I joined them. Someone had attacked while we had our guard down.
As we were galloping away could we hear screams of fear and pain. The attacker wasn't normal.
We stopped by a cliff. We knew that flying was not a good idea, so we started planning. It was then it happened. Within a flash was Blood Fangs standing before us. He grinned.
"Oh. Good to see that you guys are alive." His voice was slick and sarcastic.
"What's the point of this!" The one who had lead us to here stepped forward. "I thought you were one of us! We all thought so!" as he was speaking was he writing a message in the dust. "Jump"
Blood fangs could only laugh. "Oh. So that's what you think. Too bad it's not really like that." His grin was filled with madness ad he charged up an attack.
Only a few of us jumped, and we were among the few who survived. The damages we got kept us down for a whole year. Some others had survived too, so after a year could we start up again.

Horror opened his eyes again. The bright sun blinded him a bit.
"Sounds a bit farfetched if you ask me…" Miasmic yawned a bit.
Stormy growled and hit his side, hard. "Then you apparently haven't been paying attention before. This story is a fact, as we all are told about it. Names were never mentioned in it, and that's why you object."
Miasmic rolled his eyes. "So you are saying the this Blood Fang douche is Death's brother?"
Stormy growled more.
Horror and Darth got up and left the two alone.
Darth looked at him. "Does that make you a legend?"
"Not in my eyes." He shook his head. "I would have been a legend if I had stopped him, which is impossible. I'm one of the oldest active reapers instead."
"You mean…" Darth looked at him.
Horror looked at the lake they had set up a camp with. "Most of the ones from that event have later retired or vanished without a trace."
They talked about everything and nothing for an few hours, while Miasmic and Stormy kept shouting at each other on the other side where the lake turned into a river.
Horror sighed and looked at them. "Will they ever stop fighting?"
Darth laughed a bit. "I don't think so."
They laughed a bit and then headed for a nearby hill, where they settled down to watch the sunset. The day ended just as great as it had started.

Remembered

The wagon was set up once again at the usual spot between Ponyville and the Everfree Forest. They had just returned from a mission, which hadn't ended as well as planned. Both Miasmic and Stormy had been poisoned and were now in urgent need of a potion to reverse the effect. Horror had managed to gather a sample, and now were they at Ponyville to get an antidote.
Director Cut grabbed the carved wooden box he had and nodded at Mintie. "I need you to make sure nobody enters. If anyone finds these two will our cover be blown."
Inside was Miasmic and Stormy still in their reaper shape, as they were unable to change. They were both looking sick.
Director gathered his coins and then he headed into the Everfree Forest. The only person he knew who would hold the antidote lived in here.
He left the wagon and looked around. In the distance were ponies busy with their own business, which was a good thing because then wouldn't anyone interrupt him when he entered the forest.
The air was dark around him, and the forest was dense. At times could he hear an owl, or a bird, but he didn't see a lot. He walked for a few minutes before he saw the cottage. There were voices inside, so he stopped for a minute outside the door.
A minute later swung the door open and a light grey bat pony trotted out. He had a quite poofy darker mane and brown eyes, with square glasses, and his cutiemark was an airship.
"'sup." The stranger nodded and took flight, vanishing.
Director shrugged and headed inside. It was dark, and the shelves were filled with stuff on jars and bottles.
"So a reaper has come to see me." It was impossible to not recognize that accent.
Director nodded and dropped the box. His eyes flashed once and he took his reaper shape. "I need an antidote. Two of my teammates are poisoned." He dropped a knife. "Remains of the poison is on that."
A zebra came out and studied the knife. She then looked at him. "You have come a long way, Horror Movie."
Horror stepped back, startled. "How do you know my name."
"Other reapers told tales of whom fought Blood Fang and failed" She nodded. "Yet he has lived and some say he relived"
"So people still tell the tale. I'm trying to lay that behind me." Horror sighed. He did not like to talk about the massacre, and how he ha managed to survive.
"If you say so." The zebra looked at the knife again. "Give me a few hours and the remedy will be done."
Horror nodded and changed back, and then headed out.
He returned to the wagon. "Will they be okay for a while longer?"
Mintie nodded. "They'll survive a few more days before they'll be permanently hurt."
He smiled. "Glad to hear. The antidote will be done in a few hours. I'll head into town for a little while now to try to get supplies and some food."
Director then headed into Ponyville, heading to the market. It was crowded, as usual, and he carefully avoided bumping into anyone. He headed over to a stand that was selling apples.
He looked at the wares, thinking a bit.
"Heya. What can I get ya?"
Director almost jumped, startled. "Uhm…" he still hadn't decided. He looked up. The pony behind the counter was Applejack, who worked at the Sweet Apple Acers.
"Ah. I see. You ain't sure on what you want yet." She looked at him.
Director nodded. "Not at all. What can you recommend?"
She got out some items. "How 'bout an apple pie, caramel apple or some freshly picked apples?"
Director looked at them, and nodded. "How much for one pie, four caramel apples and a bag those fresh ones?"
"You'll get them for four bits." She packed them up for him.
Director nodded and put them in his carrying bag.
"Oh. By the way. Aren't you Director Cut?" she looked at him
He nodded. "How did you know?"
"You made that documentary about the aftermath of the events at Hearts and Hooves day. I think the mayor wants to see ya." She pointed at the town hall.
He smiled. "Thanks. I'll drop by on my way back to my wagon."
He then headed off, thinking. This was weird. Why did people remember him? The event had happened several months ago, and he would have been forgotten by now. He had to talk with Death about this, but that would have to wait. Someone wanted to see him so he had to do that first.
He walked into the town hall. There weren't many people here now, but he saw that the mayor was talking with some other ponies. They then headed off.
"You wanted to see me?" Director spoke as she turned.
"Oh. You're finally here." She looked at him.
He nodded. "So what do you want to know?"
"Well." She came down from the pavilion. "Firstly do I want to thank you for that documentary. Ponies have come from all around Equestria to see our town, wanting to know more."
Director nodded. "They tend to want to see areas where weird stuff have happened."
"But I want to know if you know anything about those two who appeared that night." She appeared to be curious. "I want to thank them too for saving our town."
Director shrugged. "I have no idea. Sorry."
"Ah don't worry." She smiled. "I have some stuff to take care of now, so I'll leave you to do your stuff. We all hope that you will come back for more events later." She then trotted away to do the usual mayor business.
Director sighed and headed back to the market for more stuff. He then returned to the wagon.
Haze and Blue was sitting outside, both looking dazed. Meanwhile was Mintie talking to the zebra. They then nodded and the zebra headed back into the forest.
"Ah. You're back." Mintie smiled. "You just missed Zecora."
"So that's her name?" Director nodded.
Mintie giggled. "Don't tell me that you didn't ask for her name when you were in there."
He shrugged. "I forgot. But when will the two be all fine?"
"Soon." Mintie giggled a bit more. "So what did you get?"
"A lot of good stuff." He smiled and got the stuff into the food shelf in the wagon. "Tonight will we have a great meal."
She smiled and nudged him playfully. "You look a bit worried."
He nodded. "I am. People here remembered me, and even my name."
Mintie stopped. "What?"
"It shouldn't be possible, but they did. Is the spell wearing off?" He was concerned.
Mintie sighed. "This is bad…"
He shook his head. "We shouldn't worry about it now. We have to get these two back, as they look quite distant right now."
Mintie nodded in agreement and they used the rest of the evening, trying to wake the dazed ones up.

Wings of Steel

Blood Fang laughed as he watched over Equestria from the modified cloud he used as a base. The feeling that he soon was going to destroy it was overwhelming. The only issue was that he needed the spark of chaos needed to start it.
Three ponies entered his chamber in the cloud base. One pegasus, one unicorn and an earth pony.
"Ah. There you three are. Finally." He smirked and looked at them. "Fleshwound, Backstab and Metalwings."
Fleshwound was the Earth Pony. He was dark red with red and black hair and red eyes. Besides him was Backstab standing. He was a dark green unicorn with green and black hair and also red eyes. Metalwings was standing besides them both. He was light grey with a metallic mane and wings made of razor sharp steel, and also red eyes. They all had a pentagram in a circle as their cutiemark.
Blood laughed a bit. "We all know that the last group leaders failed, but they didn't have the same training and powers as you guys."
Metalwings nodded. "They were weak and had no special abilities."
Blood nodded in agreement. "That's what we get for putting normal ones in the leader role."
Metalwings grinned. Even his teeth were made of steel.
"Anyways. We appear to have a reaper issue. A reaper named Horror movie have assembled a team of rookies and stopped several of our missions. It's really annoying, but he did." Blood growled. He hated that name so much. It was the name of a rookie who had survived the slaughter a hundred years ago.
The three whispered a bit, and Metalwings turned. "I can deal with him. And I'll cause some mayhem at the same time."
Blood smiled. "Please do so."
Metalwings grinned and took flight, vanishing fast.

Haze opened his eyes, staring into the night sky. He could hear the voices of the others and he got up. He turned and trotted over as they were sitting around a small fire.
"What happened?" He looked around, trying to focus on the surroundings.
"You were out cold for a while after we gave you that antidote." Director nodded. "But come over here and sit down with us. Blue was about to tell a story."
Behind them was Ponyville. It was a quiet place now as the night had fallen and everypony were asleep. The moon was high in the sky, and the stars shining brightly.
Blue grinned and stood up, letting the flames cast a shadow over her face. "Once upon a time, in the Everfree forest was there a Pony named Diamond Hooves. He was a miner, and had been mining for ages, when he one day found this shrine. What he didn't know was that this shrine was holding a demon spirit, and when he entered it was this spirit awakened. It rushed for him and…"
A scream came from the Ponyville. Then another one. Ponies were now waking up too, as more screams came, from different areas, one at a time.
"What the…" Director was the first one to stand up as a grey pegasus landed in front of them. He had steel wings, and the winds were covered in blood.
"Look what I found." The pegasus grinned. "Four unarmed reapers?"
"How did you know!" Director growled. He gestured that the others should get their equipment ready.
The pegasus laughed. "My master told me. He also told me to kill you, and this puny town too. Are you all ready to die? Just stand in a line and I'll…"
Director Cut kicked him, hard. "Just shut your piehole already!"
Behind them was the others getting their boxes ready, opening them and entering their reaper shape.
Darth Star was the first to return. "We'll hold him back. You should get yourself ready."
Director nodded and galloped over to the wagon. He opened the box. It flickered.
"What's doing on." It was Death.
"If I knew myself would I have told you. All I know is that we're attacked by a pegasus, with steel wings who've probably murdered several ponies already, and also knows that we are reapers."
Death growled. "His name is Metalwings. He has the highest price on his head that's yet been counted. He is fast, his wings are sharp and he enjoys murdering innocent ponies. And he's a member of the Discordian Cult."
Director sighed. He hated that cult so much. "If we're going to battle him now will it be a great risk. Ponies may see us."
Death sighed. "That doesn't matter now. We'll have to sacrifice our cover to stop him before he kills more ponies. Celestia have been notified and she'll come once he's been taken care of."
Director nodded and quickly entered his reaper shape, flying over to the others who were struggling to keep Metalwings away from them. "It's official. We don't have to hold back."
Miasmic looked at him. "Are you serious? What about the code?"
Stormy sighed. "Screw the code. There is more at stake than our identities now."
The all nodded and attacked Metalwings together.

The Mayor was looking around, worried. She had heard about the murders, and they were all confusing. Random ponies had been targeted, and sliced in half. Hopefully was this the only problem.
A stallion rushed in. "Mayor! We have a problem!"
"What is it? More murders?" she was not in the mood to hear about more dead ponies.
"No." he shook his head. "We have found the murderer, and he's battling four alicorns. I don't know who any of the four are, but I think we've seen two of them before."
"What!" She was almost instantly dashing for the door, soon following the mass of ponies that wanted to spectate the battle.

Horror Movie didn't like what he saw. More and more ponies were showing up to spectate the battle. They were all in danger here, but it didn't look like they minded.
"Damn!" Miasmic growled as yet another binding spell was cut apart by Metalwings' sharp wings. "We can't stop this asshole!"
Stormy sighed. "Well duh. His wings are sharp. The only way we can stop him is by killing him."
"Are you nuts? Slaughter someone in front of so many ponies?" Even Miasmic hated this idea.
"It's the only way." Horror sighed as he narrowly evaded a sharp wing.
Darth Star growled. "Stop talking and attack!"
Metalwings just laughed. "You are all slow. You will never hit…"
Miasmic cast a spell on him that sent him backwards into a tree. "You should shut up to…"
Stormy used the chance, and shot a bolt of lightning at his metal wings.
Metalwings was just recovering when it hit. He yelled in pain as his wings were immobilized. "What? No… No, no, no! This can't be happening!" he turned, just to be facing four angry reapers.
Darth Star growled. "Any last wishes?"
Metalwings started laughing. "Oh! The irony! You're all beasts! Monsters! And yet you say that sentence! It's hysterical!"
Horror Movie growled. "Stand back." His horn glowed, and so did Metalwings. "Reaper Spell number XIII. Incinerate."
Metalwings just grinned as his whole body dissolved into ashes, just to be carried away by the wind.
Horror turned to the others. "We have to get away, fast!" he used magic to secretly remove the wheel blocks on the wagon, so it started rolling away, into the Everfree Forest. "Off we go!"
All four reapers took flight before the Mayor or any of the villagers of Ponyville had reached them, vanishing over the Everfree Forest. They could see Celestia in the distance, but that wasn't their thing to worry about. They had done their job, and that was it. They landed by the cart, deep inside the forest, changing back to their normal shapes. This had been a tough battle.

Backstab walked into the throne room of the Discordian Cult base. "Blood. Metalwings have fallen."
Blood laughed. "And the wheels start turning. Prepare for phase two!"
Backstab nodded and bowed. "Right away!" he then galloped out, closing the door behind himself.

Underground

The underworld wasn't a nice place to be. Not only did it smell bad, but the sound from the souls of dead ponies filled the cave with an eerie sound. This was the place all the souls from the dead ponies had to pass through before they were sent onwards to a new universe. Here every soul passed through a waterfall that washed away all their memories, and their age, before they were separated into random gates that moved them to an unborn child, giving them a new life and a new family.
Death was in command down here, and he could select extra powerful souls and take them out, letting them decide if they wanted to cease existing and become a reaper. He was also responsible for making sure the stream didn't stop up, or send out reapers if the stream increased too much.
Metalwings looked around. "What is this place…"
"Welcome to the underworld." Death loomed over him.
"WOHA!" Metalwings stepped back. "Woha, Woha, Woha!"
Death laughed. "Not so cocky now, eh?"
Metalwings growled and unfolded his wings. "You better be ready, 'cause I'm gonna cut you up."
Death just laughed as and invisible force caught Metalwings and pinned him down onto the ground. "Don't try anything here. It's just going to hurt you more."
Metalwings grinned and struggled to get back up. "I'm already dear, aren't I? Then why are you holding me back?"
Death looked at him. "Because you hold information that is valuable to us."
Metalwings laughed, hard. "He's coming, and you can't stop him. Holding me back was a bad idea too, and you and your reapers will pay for that." He coughed and smiled as a deep rumbling was heard. "The end times are near. Equestria is doomed."
A loud crash was heard from above, and the stream of souls shot out in all directions, heading back for the surface instead of for the waterfall. The evil laugher of Blood Fangs filled the whole cave.

Director Cut sighed as he read the newspaper. "This can't be good…" he was reading an article about recent events. The title was clear: "Ghosts! Ghosts everywhere!"
Mintie looked at him. "What's the matter?"
Director pointed at the article. "Ghosts have been appearing all over Equestria. Spectral shadows of newly dead ponies. And every time someone dies will they come back. Panic is spreading. Panic and chaos."
Haze looked at the article. "What could have caused that?"
Director shook his head. "I don't know, but something must be messing with the soul stream, making it return to our world."
Blue was concerned. "This have been happening for over a week now, starting right after that earthquake. Death haven't even contacted us yet, and I haven't heard that they have any other reapers on the case either."
Director Cut was about to speak again when a member of the Royal Guard landed in front of them. "Message from Princess Celestia!" he dropped a scroll and took flight again.
They opened the scroll and read the message.

Dear Reapers.

I'm calling upon you as the real head of the Reaper Organization in these chaotic times. As you all might know was there an earthquake last week. This was not a natural one. It was created by the alicorn you all know as Blood fangs, and it was used to create a fissure into the Underworld, so obstruct and redirect the soul stream back to the surface. At the same time have Death now gone missing, and I need your ace team to go down and try to get him back. We need him if we are ever going to stop Blood Fangs and the Discordian Cult.

Signed: Princess Celestia

Blue looked at Director Cut. "You know where this earthquake originated from?"
"The Everfree Forest." Director Cut sighed.
"So we must back to Ponyville, again?" Blue didn't like this idea. "Won't all the ponies there recognize us by now?"
Director Cut sighed. "That's the price we must pay to save Equestria."
Mintie was already done packing all the equipment up. "Then let us get on the way! We have no time to loose!"

Ponyville wasn't easy to recognize. Most of the buildings were damaged or collapsed. Ponies were now living on the street, making a shelter of whatever they could salvage from the ruins.
The four parked the wagon where they usually parked it. They got off quite fast, each carrying a box.
"What are we doing here again?" Haze looked confused.
Blue Thunder gave him a push. "Don't think about that. You'll see when we get there."
The four then headed into the forest, unaware of the fact that several ponies were following them from the village.

The fissure was a sight. It was huge, wide, long and deep. The smell of the underworld was staining the air too.
"Well here we are." Director placed the box on the ground, opened it and took out the stick. "Get ready everyone."
The others nodded and they all opened their boxes. They all changed into their reaper form at the same time.
"Alright. Down the crack we go." Horror Movie was the first to jump, followed by the others.
Just as soon as the last of them had leaped into the fissure was there sounds coming from the bushes. Three ponies came out.
"Can anyone explain what happened?" The Mayor was the one in front. "I'm confused."
"I've never read anything about this." Twilight Sparkle was one of the three too. "But there must be something about this somewhere."
"They're reapers, if that tells you anything." The last pony, a Bat Pony with a mechanical hoof nodded.
"True. When you mention it do I think I have read something about it." Twilight started to think.
The mayor sighed. "Who are you again? And what were you planning to do here?"
The bat pony looked down the fissure. "Call me Pilot Sky. I was here to meet Zecora, but I think her home may have been taken by the fissure."
Twilight pressed herself between them. "I remember! Reapers are ponies that have died, but have been awakened again by Death to make sure Equestria remained safe from Nightmare Moon's armies. They have a normal pony form so they can mingle with us, but when a battle called could they call upon a relic from their past to enter an alicorn shape so they can battle the evil." She took a breath. "We aren't supposed to know about them. That's what I read at least."
"How did you know, Pilot?" The Mayor was curious.
"I heard stories before. Parents sometimes told their children about them. I could hear the stories because I have a good hearing." Pilot nodded. "Anyways. What should we do?"
"We wait." The Mayor sat down.

The underworld was a mess. Large boulders were everywhere, large areas of the cave had collapsed and the soul stream just vanished instead of heading into the waterfall and onwards to the gates.
"Spread out. We must find him." Horror nodded. They spread out to look for him.
Darth Star looked around near the command center. It was a ruin too, and none of the devices there were working. No signs of him anywhere. Meanwhile was Horror checking near the waterfall, and Miasmic checking the area the stream came from. No signs of Death anywhere.
Stormy, however, landed by a hut near the gates. She landed and headed inside.
The hut was filled with plants, potions and equipment for potion making. Death was in there, in a bed. He was badly injured, and he wasn't awake. Five scrolls were on the table besides him.
Zecora was standing in the doorway to another room. "The five scrolls he is giving you. The middle one tells you what to do." She then turned and walked back into the other room.
Stormy sighed. "If you say so." She picked up the scrolls and headed back out, calling the others.
Horror arrived last. "So what did you find?"
Stormy placed the five scrolls between the four. "I found him, and he's probably alive. He's injured, but he left us these scrolls. And he should be safe, as he have a caretaker"
Horror nodded. "Which scroll to we read first?"
Stormy opened the middle scroll.

Dear Horror Movie, Darth Star, Miasmic Fog and Stormy Clouds.

If you are reading this, have the wheels of chaos been set in motion. Discord is about to break free, and all the souls are escaping the underworld. This event has been foreseen, but I didn't have the names back when the oracle told me. I am writing this as you are fighting Metalwings, as I know that his death will lead to this.
I know that you don't understand how I know that you are the ones who'll stop Blood, but the reason is simple. You are the four last reapers. Blood and his minions have killed the rest. Metalwings was sent to finish you four, but you defeated him.
Blood's plans are deeper than what you can expect. Reviving Discord is just a part of it. The worst comes after that, and that's when I want you four to attack.
What I want you to do is simple. Read one scroll each. These scrolls will give you the powers needed to take Blood out. You must work together.
Good Luck.

Signed: Death.

Nobody said anything. They just looked at the scrolls and took one each, opening them and reading them. The text vanished from each scroll as it was opened, planting itself in the reader's mind.
"We have to get moving." Horror was the one breaking the silence.
The others nodded and they flew up, landing on the edge. The skies were getting darker, even if it still wasn't even midday. The three who had followed them instantly met them.
"Well there you are." The Mayor was the first to speak.
"What do you want?" Miasmic scowled.
The Mayor sighed. "We just want to thank you for everything you all have done."
Horror was about to reply what the sky went black. "Aw crap! It's begun!!"
"What?" Twilight asked, curious.
Stormy prepared to take flight. "The beginning of the end, if we don't hurry."
The Mayor nodded. "Well then we should wish you all good luck. I think you'll need it."
Horror nodded as the others took flight. "Thanks." He then took flight too, vanishing fast.
Then it started raining.

The Beginning of the End

The rain was pouring down as they reached the place the Discord Statue once was. It was gone, but Discord was still there. He was dead. His body was lifeless, and so were his eyes.
"What happened?" Stormy looked at him.
"He had his powers and soul sucked out." Horror sighed. "The process demands four ponies."
"Then we should move on. There comes nothing productive from standing around a dead body." Miasmic looked around. "But where can they be?"
"Canterlot?" Darth Star looked at the castle. It was still suspended by the magical chains.
A guard came in for landing. "There you all are."
Horror looked at him. "What?"
"This is urgent." The guard caught his breath. "Four ponies, all really powerful, have occupied Canterlot Castle and imprisoned the princesses. They are planning to use the telescope there to drag the sun down from the sky to burn Equestria."
Horror nodded at the rest. "Then we have a plan. Destroy the telescope and stop the four."
They left, fast. The guard watched them go, grinning with an evil smile. "Perfect." His appearance changed, revealing that he was really Backstab.

Blood took his stance as the four reapers approached. He grinned. "Look what we got here. Four stubborn kids?"
They landed in front of him. Horror posed as the leader. "Look who's talking?"
Blood laughed long and good. "You're an idiot, and the rest of your team are idiots too. My powers are beyond what any of you puny reapers have. I can fry you instantly if I can." He smiled and cast a spell. The four reapers collapsed.

Horror woke up. He appeared to be alone in a dark cell. The walls were moist, and the air was humid. He had no idea of where he was, but he knew that he had to escape, fast. He tried to get up, just to discover that he was chained to the ground with a metal collar and strong chains.
Something moved.
Horror looked around. "Who's there?"
"Horror? Is that you?" It was Darth Star.
"Darth Star?" He tried to turn.
"Yes." She sounded scared. "Are you okay?"
Horror nodded. "I'm fine. Yourself?"
"I'm okay, but I saw them lead Princess Celestia and Princes Luna out ten minutes ago. I think they are going to kill them." She sounded sad.
Horror growled. "We have to get out, now!" he started struggling. It felt hopeless, but then one chain broke, and he managed to struggle himself free. He got up and cut Darth Star's chain. "We must find the others."
Darth Star nodded and they broke the bars, getting into the hall. They found the others after just a few minutes of searching, and managed to free them too.
"Finally!" Miasmic was glad he could get up. "Those chains were painful."
Horror nodded. "Don't think about that now. We must hurry before he kills Celestia and Luna."
"What!" even Miasmic wasn't prepared for that.
Horror sighed. "Let us just get moving!"
The nodded and moved fast, galloping through the halls. They soon reached the stairs to the courtyard, moving up them at a high speed. They opened the doors. Too late. Blood looked at them, grinning. "Looks like you guys are too late." In front of him were the lifeless bodies of both the princesses. "With their powers can I finally bring Equestria to an end!"
Horror growled. "Over our dead bodies!"
"Very well." Blood laughed and sent Metalwings at them. "Kill them."
Metalwings grinned and entered a dive, moving fast. The steel wings started making a trace in the air as they started humming from the strong wind. He grinned, revealing that he had metal teeth too.
Horror growled. "Spread out!"
The spread like flies, and Metalwings crashed into the ground, followed by the sound of breaking bones. He skidded along the ground before hitting the wall, falling silent.
Blood growled. "I knew he was weak, but this is pathetic." His eyes glowed once, and Metalwings evaporated into a bloody mist.
Horror laughed. "What's next?"
Backstab grinned. "It's my turn." He galloped at then, his horn first. He used magic to paralyze Horror as he aimed for him.
Darth Star growled. "Don't you dare!" She drove her horn into his side, shocking him with magic. She then dropped him, letting him collapse onto the ground, dead.
Blood looked at them. "How!"
Miasmic grinned. "Teamwork."
Blood growled deeply. "Too bad Fleshwound isn't here now."
"Fleshwound?" Stormy tilted her head.
Blood laughed. "He's busy, eating the royal guard."
Stormy grinded her teeth. "Damnit. You're all freaks."
Blood smiled: "But what do we say?" a huge meteor broke the clouds over Ponyville. "Ah. That's right. The End."
Horror growled. "Everypony! We must combine our magic. NOW!"
They all put their horns together and focused, activating the spell Death had given them. The magic combined, and everything became white.
Blood became silent. "W-w-w-w-what's this!"
Death's voice was heard. "This is the end of your line."
Blood growled, but he started dissolving, vanishing. "N-n-n-n-no!" he tried to fight it, but with no result. He looked scared. Then he vanished.
Horror sighed. "Then that's that. He's gone, for good."
Suddenly everything became black, and they felt that a force started dragging them in different directions. Miasmic and Stormy couldn't resist it, and was hurled away.
"What's going on!" Darth Star struggled.
"I don't know!" Horror growled and fought the force.
Darth star looked at him. He suddenly realized that she had feelings for him. Her job had made her ignore those before.
Horror reached out a hoof. "Grab hold!"
She did, and the pulled each other closer.
Horror tried to smile. "Whatever happens after this, will I that you'll remember me. I love you."
She was crying. "I love you too. Both sides of you."
They were about to kiss, when the force shredded them away from each other. Everything went black.

Director Cut woke up. He was in a hospital, and so was the rest of his film crew. They were all injured, but alive. He looked around, discovering that he had been tossed a hundred years back in time.
Rapid Explosions, his special effect man looked at him. "You sounded like you have been having a bad nightmare."
Director Cut sighed. "I have."
Rapid nodded. "At least you're awake now. The doctors feared that you would fall into coma and never wake up."
Director looked up. "I guess I was lucky then." He nodded, awaiting a response, but none came. He looked around, noticing that time had frozen.
Death came out of a vortex, followed by Celestia.
Death nodded. "We are here to thank you for what you did."
Celestia stood there, gracefully. "You and your hit team changed the flow of time itself, preventing the Reaper Massacre and the end of Equestria."
Director tilted his head. "But what's in it for me? I lost the one person I love."
Celestia nodded in agreement. "That is true, but I can grant you one wish for what you did."
Director sighed. "Then I wish I became a reaper, so I can live long enough to meet her again."
Death bowed. "As you wish. When time flows again will you no longer exist, and nobody will miss you."
Director looked at them. "What about the others?"
Celestia looked back at him. "They will all survive the incidents that originally killed them. And they'll get a wish too."
Director nodded. "Then send them my regards and say that I'll be waiting outside Ponyville with my cart in a hundred years from now."
Celestia nodded and she vanished, along with Death. Time started flowing again.
Rapid looked at him. "Good Day sir. Sorry if I have been bothering ya." He nodded and walked away.
Director sighed. Some things should never be fully changed. Now he just had to heal up and he would be out, doing reaper business once again.

[Side Chapter]Cherrywood

Mintie sighed. "Please tell me why we are here again…"
The four were setting up the cart camp just outside a dense forest, just besides a camp of archeologists.
"We're here because Death wanted us to overlook this excavation." Director Cut looked into the forest, looking at the entrance to an underground temple.
The temple had been overgrown, looking like a part of the forest, so nobody had found it before now. There had been a sound coming from it, which had attracted somepony's attention.
"I don't know what's so dangerous about this temple." Blue sighed. "Cherrywood is a popular camping area, and we would have known if things were happening here."
Director Cut sighed. "I think we're here to look for an external threat. If this temple is as important as I think it is, should we keep our eyes open for members from possible cults."
Mintie looked at them. "Don't tell me that this will evolve into another Discordian Cult incident. I don't want to be involved if that happens."
Blue laughed a bit. "I don't think so." She looked around. "Now where did Haze go…"
"Probably still sleeping." Director pointed at the wagon.
Mintie giggled. "You should wake him up. Wake up your stallion."
Director couldn't hold back a small laugh.
Blue blushed. "Oh come on you two!" she turned her back to them and trotted over to the wagon.
Director smiled. "She's still trying to deny that it's true?"
"She obviously don't like that we point it out." Mintie giggled and kissed his cheek. "At least we're not scared to say the truth."
Director nodded. "But as soon as they return do we have some work to do. Cults won't strike during the day so we're joining the crew as they are going to enter the temple."
They both giggled as they heard faint sounds of kissing coming from the wagon.
A few minutes later came Blue and Haze from it, Haze rigged with a camera.
Director nodded. "Got all the boxes inside the camera?"
Blue nodded in return. "All four present."
Mintie yawned. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Haze just tilted his head.

The hallway into the temple was damp, water dripping from the ceiling and vines and moss growing everywhere. The camera server as a flashlight, so they could see, and that was good.
As they proceeded deeper down were the walls changing. The stone was changing from a solid wall to a wall made of blocks, all the same size, the ones in the ceiling defying gravity itself. All the blocks were identical too.
"What's wrong with this place…" Blue was unsure. The change had been unpredicted. "This can't be architecture from old Equestria. It's too weird…"
Director sighed. "No wonder this place probably was overgrown."
They entered a large room. The staircase went down to the lower level, where an open portal was located. Only one archeologist was remaining.
Director Cut was the first to take a closer look. "What's going on here?"
The stallion, which was dark green with lime hair and a shovel as his cutiemark looked up. "Monsters! They are crawling on the other side! Nobody else escaped!" He was scared.
Blue sighed. "Looks like we have a worse problems than eventual cults then." She faced the stallion. "You should get out of here. We'll deal with it from this point."
He just nodded before galloping up and away.
Director nodded. "Alright. Get the boxes ready."
Blue rigged down the camera and took the boxes out, sending them to the respective owner. They opened their boxes and entered their reaper state.
"There we go. All set to enter the gate?" Horror Movie took the lead, as usual.
Miasmic smirked. You should go first then, so can I stay here and make sure these beautiful ladies stay safe."
Darth Star hissed. "Don't you even try hitting on me!"
Miasmic laughed. "Oh well. Was worth a try."
Stormy Clouds sighed. "Miasmic. Why do you always cause trouble."
"I don't know." He smirked.
Horror coughed. "You two should save the upcoming loving for later. We're on a serious mission here."
The speakers in his box sparked, and Death appeared on the screen. "It's true. If there are monster on the other side of that gate is that bad news."
Horror nodded. "Shall we investigate?"
Death nodded in agreement. "You and Miasmic should go in, but Darth and Stormy should watch this side, just in case any cult members should come in."
Horror grinned as the screen went black. "Then what are we waiting for?"

The other side of the portal looked like it was a mirrored version of the other room, here the portal server as a mirror, but there was one difference.
"This isn't right…" Horror looked at Miasmic, looking at his odd shape.
"Speak for yourself…" Miasmic stared back. They were both blocky, like they had entered a dimension where round shapes couldn't exist. There were torches on the wall, but they had no frame holding them in place.
"What is this place?" Horror looked around.
Miasmic sighed. "Whatever it is, should we proceed up this tunnel. Maybe we can see where we are."
Horror nodded and they proceeded, and after a minute were they outside. The entrance was in a Cliffside, looking over an alien landscape. It was all made from blocks. Animals, trees, stone, dirt and more. Even the sun was square. It looked beautiful, until it stretched into a wasteland with lava, a red rock and fire. The skies over that was black with smoke, and it was slowly spreading, like a virus. There were monsters spreading from it. Many monsters.
Horror looked at the sight. "This is bad. Especially if it'll spread through the gate."
"Then we should get out of here and warn the others?" Miasmic sighed. Not even he liked this.
"No." Horror had opened a chest by the entrance and was now reading the book he had found in it. "We have to find this person they call Kodi as he is according to this book, experienced when it comes to closing gates."
"Well that tells a lot…" Miasmic rolled his eyes. "Not like that's gonna help us anyways."
Horror took flight. "Then we better search."
Miasmic just sighed and took flight after him.
They both headed over the mountain and away from the corruption. They didn't know what they were looking for, but they had a name, which was more than nothing.
They flew in circles over a mountain range for a few minutes, looking for signs of live when the sound of an engine cut the air. It wasn't a small engine, even if it didn't sound exactly like an engine. Overhead was the shadows of a massive airship seen, entirely made out of blocks. It was defying the few laws of the world by gliding, like it wasn't a part of the grid the world was made of at all. It came down to their level, coming to a halt. A blue creature, a bit like a wolf standing on two legs greeted them.
"Good day gentlemen." He nodded. An eye patch covered his left eye.
"Good day to you too." Horror nodded in return. Behind him was Miasmic acting like he didn't care.
The creature looked up on them. "Why don't you two land? Isn't it exhausting to fly?"
Horror landed, while Miasmic scowled. "No thanks. I prefer to fly."
Horror sighed. "Can you forgive my friend for his rude behavior? He's been too long without the one he loves by his side." He rolled his eyes. "About an hour that is."
Miasmic hissed. "I heard that!"
Horror just grinned. "Now what's going on here?"
The creature chuckled. "We're preparing a frontal attack on Herobrine's armies."
"Who?" Horror was unsure. That was a new name.
"I see that you two are not from around here." The creature sighed. "Very well. I'm Kodi Blackpaw. The King of all skypirates. This is Minecraftia, and here we have the dark forces. This includes a douche named Herobrine. He's powerful, and he has now activated a device known as the Omega Unit. It tears down the border between the Overworld and the Nether, and later The End too. We're trying to stop him before he does. Now where are you two from?"
"We're from a land known as Equestria. It's through a gate not far from where we saw the land get tainted. I'm Horror Movie and that's Miasmic Fog." He pointed at Miasmic, who still was flying.
Kodi stopped. "The gate is still open? That's bad."
"What?" Horror looked at him.
"If he reaches the gate can he use it to make a fracture to your world, gaining a lot more power." Kodi sighed. "It's going to be the end of everything."
Several hunter airships passed by, fast, heading for the battlefield. They left a trail of steam behind them.
"Then what do we do?" Horror looked at the bypassing ships. More were coming each second.
"Blow up the gate, on your side." Kodi was already getting TNT ready. It looked like cubes, just like the rest of the world.
Horror just remained silent.
"Of course. I'll be taking care of that, as none of you guys know how to handle this stuff." Kodi whistled, and his crew assembled on deck. He turned to them. "Alright guys. This is the last time we speak, as I now have to close a gate. You are now under the command of that guy named Steve, as he's been the best man I've had."
One of them were about to object when he jumper off the ship, landing on a waiting Hunter.
Horror nodded at him and took flight, and all three left for the battlefield.

The stain had almost reached the entrance when they arrived. A rain of fireball started as soon as they came in sight. Miasmic and Horror had no problems evading the shots, but Kodi had more problems, as he was a bigger target. His ship was hit several times within a minute, and was already burning when he jumped, hitting ground just before the temple, taking a lot of damage.
"Holy Notch, that was close. Only half a heart left…" he got up and got in under cover fast, using the entrance.
Horror landed, followed by Miasmic. They looked at the battlefield that now was a mess of monsters and airships, and noticed a man. He had hollow white-glowing eyes, and he was just standing there, watching as the tainted land kept spreading, slowly.
"Get in here, now!" Kodi hissed behind them.
Miasmic rolled his eyes. "Sure, whatever…" A fireball flew past him. "Okay! Okay!" he galloped in, panicking.
Horror followed, as they all went deeper inside, the tainted land now starting to spread faster behind them, like it was reaching for the gate. They reached the gate and leapt through.

Horror and Miasmic got up, a bit confused.
"Get out!" They heard Kodi's voice behind them, and nodded before galloping out and into Cherrywood, changing back to their normal shapes, just as they got outside. Mintie Star and Blue Thunder was already outside, chatting as they came.
A series of loud explosions was the next in line, followed by the collapse of the whole center of the forest. The ground shook violently and the air was shredded by the crashing sound. Then silence followed.
A minute later was there movement in the entrance. A blue unicorn came up, with cyan hooves and a really odd cutiemark. He shook his head. "Now that's how we close a gate."
Director Cut looked at him. "But weren't you from that world?"
The pony nodded. "Yeah, but I adapt more than you two. And now that I'm stuck is it better to look like you all anyways." He reached out a hoof. "Call me Diamond Hooves. I was here once before, long ago. And if I'm not wrong are you four reapers."
"How did you know?" Director looked at him.
"They helped me get back last time I was here." Diamond nodded.
Director sighed. "So what now? Where will you live?"
"He can stay at my place." A bat pony came in for landing. It was Pilot Sky. "Much safer and easier than traveling with you four."
Blue looked at the newly arrived pony. "And how do you know about us?"
Pilot grinned unsure. "You can say that I was at the eye of the storm during the Discordian Cult events. I wasn't alone either. Both the Mayor and Twilight were there too.
Director grinded his teeth. "Great. Just great. Now they will start pestering us too…"
Pilot shrugged. "They promised to leave you alone."
Director nodded. "Very well then. But then we're off as this is solved."
The four reapers got ready and started heading off, but then Pilot whistled. "And remember. If any of you need help are we three ready to assist you."
Director just lifted his hoof and waved goodbye before heading off into the sunset with the other reapers.

[Side Chapter]Midnight

Director Cut sat outside, looking at the night sky. There wasn't a cloud in sight, and there were aurora lights flowing high up over them. They were a rare sight, and amazing whenever they came. He had been admiring then for five hours straight, so it was time to get some sleep.

The alarm clock rang 10:00 am, and Director poked his head out to see the valley bathing in the sun. This was not the case. The moon was still high up, and the aurora lights still dancing in the sky.
"What the…" He yawned and shook his head. This didn't make any sense at all.
He walked out and looked around. Behind him were the others waking up and exiting he cart, getting just as surprised as him.
"Have we been sleeping for too long?" Haze looked confused. "It's nighttime already, and I don't remember seeing the day yet."
Director sighed. "We should talk with Death. It's almost noon and the moon is still up."
The others nodded and Director went inside, fetching his box. He returned and set it up, opening it. The screen in the lid woke up.
"I'm almost not surprised to see that you four are calling." Death appeared on the screen in all his glory.
"What do you mean?" Director looked at him, and at the others.
"You should know." Death looked at them. "The night. Someone have frozen the moon and sun, making Celestia and Luna unable to change between night and day."
The four looked at each other, confused.
"It's true." Death sighed. "I was asked to get in contact with you four, as this is the kind of mission they know you are good at."
Mintie looked at the sky. "Can the aurora lights have something to do with this?"
Blue nodded in agreement. "I was wondering the same. They are all ending at the exact same location."
"Good observation girls." Death nodded. "That's all I have for you all for now. Time to start the mission." The screen went black.
"Alright." Director turned, just to see that the others had changed already. "Looks like you're all waiting for me… let me just…" he vanished into the wagon quickly and changed into Horror Movie. Then he got out.
"So what do we do?" Stormy looked at the others. "We can't just leave the camp. It might get looted."
Horror grinned. "Don't worry about that." He pointed at a camera that was running. "That camera creates a Perception Filter around the whole cliff here. It's like the cliff never was here, and yet ponies will avoid it at all cost, not knowing why, like it's natural."
Miasmic narrowed his eyes. "Then why can we see it?"
Horror just laughed. "This won't affect reapers. Not my version at least."
Darth just sighed. "Alright. Let's just get on with this. We have to stop this before it's too late."
The other three nodded, and then they took flight, flying in a diamond formation.

The sight that met them was rather surprising. On the top of the highest mountain in the region was it built a huge metal tower, which was breaking the upper air layers and it was from there it harvested the aurora lights. Huge cogs were spinning halfway on the outside and large pipes were pumping up water, and another had obviously been drilled deep into the ground and was harvesting heat. Steam was rising from the tower, and the sound of large machines was easy to hear, disturbing the air. It was scary.
There was one entrance, and it was located far down on the tower. Steam was flowing from it, and the sound of massive boilers was heard. The four reapers landed inside, seeing that the path split in two, both leading up. There were pipes leading through both corridors, some leaking steam, others lighting up the hallway with lava through glass. It was quite warm inside.
"Now what." Miasmic looked around.
Stormy pointed to the right. "You two can go up there, and I'll go to the left here with Darth. Deal?"
Miasmic growled, but Stormy replied with a cold stare, making him agree against his will.
The two mares giggled a bit as the Horror and Miasmic walked up the right path, already in a heavy discussion.
Darth shook her head. "Geez. Miasmic is more trouble than help at times."
"But yet he's a sexy beast." Stormy grinned widely.
Darth laughed. "He's nothing compared to Horror."
Stormy growled. "In your dreams!"
Darth was about to reply when Horror's voice was heard. "Now don't start fighting, you two! We have a mission to do!"
They both sighed and started walking up the left hallway.

Darth and Stormy used several hours to check every room on their way up. There was laboratories, factories, power plants and also large rooms with stuff they never had seen before, like one containing huge stacks of these black boxes with red, orange and green lights and wires running from them, and also rooms with large blue screens that were floating and without glass.
As they kept climbing the tower was there a new sound getting more and more noticeable. It was the sound of classic music. It was coming from even higher up, planting itself through the whole structure.
"What is that…" Darth looked up.
Stormy listened, carefully. "Music. Classic too."
"Indeed. We should move along then, and catch this villain before he does anything bad." Darth sighed and then they both started galloping upwards, following the music. They soon faced two massive steel doors. The doors were at least twenty meters tall and ten meters wide, and it was clear that they were locked.
"Now what…" Stormy growled.
Darth studied the doors. "Maybe a magic word is needed, like…" She took a deep breath and then yelled as loud as she could, trying to mimic the Royal Canterlot Voice. "I COMMAND THY TO OPEN!"
The whole tower started shaking as the sound of unlocking locks filled the room. The doors the started sliding open, slowly, making a sharp and deep grinding sound. The room inside was dark, except for the light from a device, revealing something that looked like an extractor. The shocking bit was that Horror Movie was strapped too it.
They started galloping in to try to help him, but as soon as they were inside was the doors shut behind them, filling the room with the sound of locking locks. Then music started playing. Classic music.
Then the laugh came. It was cold as ice, and heartless. Panels in the ceiling opened, revealing the aurora collector and the power override module overhead. Lights came on, revealing the madman behind it all.
It was an alicorn. He was grinning with a grin that revealed a set if really sharp fangs. He had a ring connected to his horn, which from there was connected to a rig that always was located over him. He was pitch black, with a mane like flaring fire, and his cutiemark was a pentagram in a circle.
Darth was the first to react. "No. Bucking. Way."
The alicorn grinned. "Oh hello my dearies. I didn't expect to see you all here."
Stormy growled. "How do you even exist?! We erased you from reality! We destroyed you!"
"Calm down, kids." He laughed. "You wouldn't understand what I had to go through to even be here. I lost almost all my magic powers when I escaped. I'm too weak to fight."
"He's lying!" Miasmic yelled from inside a cage. "That ring he have amplifies his magic! That's how he got us!"
The alicorn growled and pressed a button. A hatch opened under the cage, suspending it from a wire over one of the boilers. "Shut your trap or you'll be undone!"
Miasmic hissed in return, but chose to remain silent after that.
"So how did you do it, Blood. How did you escape your own removal?" Stormy wasn't looking pleased.
"Easy." Blood grinned. "I ran over to this new timeline as it was forming. As it wasn't done yet as I escaped wasn't it touched by the erase spell. I did loose most of my powers because of it, but thanks to the creation of this tower will I now restore them."
Darth growled. "Why would you even try…"
"Two reasons." Blood smirked. "I want to take over Equestria and become supreme dictator. And I also want to kidnap Octavia and marry her." He blushed.
All the reapers, except Horror who was out cold, stared at him. This came as a shock.
Blood looked at them. "What's the problem…"
Stormy growled. "Your wild fantasies. You really think you're going to get your powers restored? How do you even plan to do it? And kidnap a famous musician? You sicken me."
Blood growled. "How do you dare…" his horn sparked with the colors of the aurora, his whole expression changing. "I already have it all rigged. Just need to get enough aurora power." A gauge was showing the stored power. It was at 95% and rising slowly. "But aurora isn't enough. I have to fuse it with something to make it compatible with me, and that's why your friend over there is strapped to a soul extractor. I'll be using him to get the aurora primed and prepared for me." A wild grin appeared. "Now. You three should now prepare to die, starting with that loud-mouthed show-off in the cage over there." He pressed a button and the wire snapped, sending the cage into the tank of boiling water. Stormy didn't even hesitate. She cast herself into the tank, after the cage.
Blood laughed. "Was he even that much worth?"
Darth growled, preparing to cast a spell. "He's more worth than you'll ever be."
"Don't you dare!" Blood hissed like a snake.
Darth grinned. "Reaper spell number XXIV…"
A bolt of aurora shot from Blood's horn, exploding as it hit Darth. She was tossed into the wall higher up, and then collapsed on the floor. "Ouch. Looks like I was faster." He grinned as the gauge reached 100% and an alarm rang. "There we go. Nothing can go wring now." He powered up the extractor.
Darth growled and got up. She could barely stand as blood was leaking from several wounds. She turned to face Blood as he turned the extractor on. It charged up and…
The whole tower shook violently and sparks flew everywhere as several panels exploded. The extractor was knocked sideways, missing Horror and hitting another panel instead. The sound of several exploding tubes was heard and the sound of grinding metal, as the tower slowly started tilting, stopping at a 5% tilt.
Darth rushed to rescue Horror, but blood got in her way. "You're not going anywhere!" He was furious, his whole mane now flaring with the colors of the aurora.
Darth hissed. "Get lost, fool!" she kicked him, hard, smashing the ring and sending him into the panel that had been hit by the soul extractor, getting him into the extracting beam. He screamed in pain as his body was shredded to dust and his soul sucked away.
Darth growled and galloped over to Horror, flinging him upon her back and galloping out of the massive doors that now was falling out, hitting the outer wall. The impact shook the tower, and it started tilting again. The doors had now shredded an opening in the outer tower walls too, so she flew out and away from the tower, landing on a mountaintop a few kilometers away. She sighed and turned to see as the tower kept tilting. Several of the large pipes under it had been broken, spewing out lava at a high rate. The heat from the lava made the last support of the tower so soft that they bent, letting the tower fall.

It looked like it took ages. The tower was almost in air for over a minute before it hit the ground, collapsing as it did. Then the aurora broke free. First came the light. A blinding white fireball that was probably seen from all around Equestria. Then the sound came. It started as a deep boom, followed by a shredding-like explosion sound and then the loud boom that shook the snow from the mountains. Then the last thing came. The pressure wave. It was like being hit by hurricane-force winds, blowing the wastes clean for snow. Then it went silent, and the tower ruin was the only thing remaining, burning and flooded with lava.
Darth closed her eyes. She was sure that she never would see Miasmic and Stormy again now. She shed a tear.
"Why so sad?" It was Stormy's voice.
Darth turned to face her. "How did you survive? You both went into the boiler."
Stormy grinned. "I stopped the cage and broke him out. We then escaped and started breaking things down bellow."
Miasmic landed. "And looks like it worked. What happened to Blood?"
"Well…" Darth laughed. "I gave him a taste of his own things. The soul extractor to be more accurate."
Miasmic looked at Horror. "What about this one?"
Darth smiled. "Let him stay down for now. He'll recover soon. For now should we head for Canterlot. I think we might have some explaining to do soon."
"Let us get going then." Darth picked up Horror and took flight.
Miasmic and Stormy followed. Miasmic stopped. "One thing… where the heck did we park the wagon…
Darth and Stormy looked at each other. Then they all sighed before heading into the night, spending it to look for the wagon.

[Side Chapter]Rainfall

Part 1 - Raine
It had been raining for days now. Not the heavy kind of rain, but a light drizzle, which was enough to annoy anyone.
Pilot Sky sighed and looked outside. He was bored out of his mind by this. There was nothing to do, which left him inside, just staring at a wall. The bat pony sighed and headed into the garage, where Diamond Hooves was in the process of recharging his storage of flight crystals.
"Confound this weather." Pilot sighed.
Diamond nodded. "No weather to be out in, sadly. I want to have an adventure again."
Pilot nodded. "Same. It's just that nothing have been happening lately."
Diamond stopped working and fetched a scroll. "Well Derpy just dropped by with a scroll here. It's for you."
Pilot opened it and started reading. He then stopped. "You remember the ones who you were with back in Cherrywood?"
Diamond nodded.
"Apparently have one of them gone missing. The rest of his crew is looking for him now, and at the same time have there been reports of creatures appearing out of nowhere." Pilot read the scroll again. "Looks like all the reapers are now caught up in defending Equestria, so Celestia is actually asking us to see if we can locate the source of the problem."
Diamond Hooves finished charging the last crystal, and then packed them all into a box. "We better get going. I'm just done recharging out fuel too."
They both headed out of the cottage in the forest and headed back it, to where the airship was docked. It was a fairly large airship. The hull was made of steel, slim and long, with a wooden deck and a large balloon suspended over it. There were also two rear thrusters that were powered by the energy from the crystals. The ship was painted so it would be hard to see.
Diamond quickly filled the crystal storage tank with the recharged crystals, while Pilot prepared other things. They were about to power up the engines when the sound of hooves walking through the puddles, and somepony humming. As normal as this could have been, was it scary.
Diamond looked around. "What's going on."
Pilot listened. "Sounds like somepony's humming Rain, Rain, Go away…" he closed his eyes, using his ears. "And it's getting closer."
They looked around, looking for some signs of life. There were none. Just the bitter cold rain, the humming and the sound of hooves. The two headed into the forest, following the sound. They stopped just before a clearing.
There was something there. It was a zebra. He was grey, with light grey stripes over his back, around his ears and around his hooves. He had a white mane with a slightly cyan-green shine, and the inner part of his tail was wrapped in some kind of cloth. His cutiemark was some kind of tribal rain mark. The odd thing was that it looked like he had a chain chained to some sort of metal plate that was on his chest, and the chain was broken. He stopped as soon as he heard them.
Pilot was the first to come out. "I'm sorry if we interrupted you, but it's rare to see anypony else around here except Derpy or the reapers when they come by for a visit."
The zebra looked at him. "Are you here to make fun of me too?"
Pilot looked at the zebra. "Make fun of you? What do you mean? We don't even know you."
"Singing the song, just to chase me away." The zebra looked away.
Pilot sky tilted his head, confused. "I'm still confused, but." He reached out his hoof. "I'm Pilot Sky. And you are?"
The zebra used several minutes just to look at him, before he slowly lifted his hoof too. "Call me Raine. Now leave me alone…"
Pilot looked at him a bit more. "You appear to be troubled. We can help if you want." Behind him was Diamond coming out.
"In fact." Raine followed Diamond with his eyes. "Can you help me return to being a ghost?"
"A ghost?" Pilot tilted hid head.
"Yes." Raine sighed. "I could run away whenever someone started singing that song at me. I could vanish. But then a week ago were I suddenly not able to run. I was trapped in something that feels like a mortal body."
Pilot stopped. "A week ago?" he opened the scroll and started reading. "I don't know if there is any connection, but the monsters started appearing about a week ago, and Horror vanished a week ago too." He looked at Raine. "We can try to help, but there is a catch. We need extra help onboard our airship. Somepony to stay by the wheel. Can you do that?"
Raine thought for a minute. "Fine. Just don't sing if I start humming again."
Pilot and Diamond both nodded. "Then we have a deal."
The three then headed back for the ship, but they didn't speak. They headed onboard the ship, and then Pilot fired up the engine and closed the side-hatch in the hull. The airship took flight and they were off.

Part 2 – Rainy
The airship had been flying over the clouds for several days now. They had to do this to be able to navigate using the stars. Their target was a town named Summerhoof, located far south and east in Equestria. This town was known for it's sunny weather and friendly faces, and it was the only town, which wasn't covered by Reapers, as there were none in that region.
"We should be able to see it if we descend now." Pilot looked at the sky, and then at a technical chart. Diamond Hooves was sleeping now, and Raine was behind the wheel, as always. He looked up at the moon. "May Luna protect us from whatever we may meet…" He turned to Raine. "Prepare to descend."
Raine nodded and lowered a lever. The airship started descending, soon hitting the clouds and passing through. The rain started falling instantly, soaking the airship, the crew and everything else that wasn't protected. The wind picked up, nearly tossing the airship helplessly around. The sound and shaking tossed Diamond out of his bed, also knocking things around inside. Then they broke the bottom of the cloud layer and everything calmed down. This included the engines, and about everything else.
Diamond galloped out. "What the heck was that!"
Pilot got to his feet. "I don't know. Something creating a lot of turbulence as far as I know." He looked at the control panels of the ship. "Some form of energy as it blew the controls and killed the engine." He sighed as the ship now started descending helplessly, and fast. Raine started fighting the controls, but that didn't help a lot. It was Game Over for the ship.

A young mare was trotting through the ruins of a town. She was looking for survivors, without much luck. The rain had put out the fires, but smoke was still rising from the ruined houses, showing that this was fresh. She had found one already, but she wanted to find everyone. She hoped that she would find everyone. She sighed. This was hopeless.
She was about to return home when it happened. It came straight for her. The ground shook as it hit, tearing up the pavement as it kept moving. She closed her eyes.
The sound faded away.
She opened here eyes. It had stopped just before her, barely nudging the stones she was standing on. She was staring at a metal bow of an airship. It was damaged. She then looked up, spotting the heads of two ponies poking their heads over the railing. A unicorn and a bat pony.
"Hey. You okay down there?" The bat pony spoke first.
She didn't reply.
He tilted his head. "There is no need to be scared. We got some technical issues with our airship. I just hope nobody was hurt."
She tilted her head too.
"Oh just wait there, m'kay?" the bat pony vanished, and so did the unicorn. Then the sound of several locks was heard and the side hatch just fell out and hit the ground with a loud "BOING!" sound. Three ponies left the ship. The third was a zebra.
"Who are you." She asked them, still scared.
"Oh. I'm Pilot Sky." The bat pony grinned. "And this is unicorn here Diamond Hooves, and the zebra is called Raine." He nodded. "And who are you?"
"I'm Rainy Days." She glared at them. "But you all should learn to fly. It's a shame, really. What if someone was…"
Pilot placed a hoof on her lips. "The controls stopped responding, but that doesn't matter now. Where are we and what happened here?"
She wasn't exactly pleased, but she chose to calm down. "Welcome to Summerhoof, or what's left of it at least. We were attacked a few hours ago, by monsters and changelings. The guards sent by Celestia didn't stand a chance, but one did survive. They were sent when weird things started to happen over at the Rainfall Rift."
Diamond noted down the details.
Pilot nodded. "May we see this guard?"
She sighed. "Fine. Just don't wreck my library. It took some work to keep it safe."
Throughout the conversation was Raine just standing in the background, watching and observing the others.

The group walked through the streets. Ashes drifted from the burnt houses, just to be caught by the light drizzle and returning to street level, making the streets muddy and dirty. The four ponies walked for several minutes before the reached it. The library. It was a stone building, but most of it was damaged, except for one section.
"I guess you study health and such." Pilot looked at the sign, which said HEALTH in large letters. Inside was the books still neatly placed, and there were several beds there. A guard who was patched up occupied one. He was awake.
Rainy walked over to him and spoke with him. Then she nodded, letting the group come close.
The guard looked at them. "So you are the ponies that Celestia sent."
Pilot nodded. "Yes sir."
The guard coughed up blood. "Well it's too late now. The attack last night indicates that it's soon over."
"What?" Pilot looked concerned.
"The Rainfall Rift." He had a hard time speaking. "The changelings have been tampering with it, and it's now growing, cracking the very fabric of space here in our Equestria."
Pilot sighed. "What if we stop them?"
"Not possible. There are too many of them guarding it." The guard cringed in pain.
"But…" Pilot was about to protest.
"Go home!" The guard growled.
Pilot backed up. He didn't say anything else.
The guard turned to Rainy. "Thanks for caring for me, Rainy." He was now shoeing clear signs of pain. "But please. Go with them. My time is over. You did your best, and for that am I grateful." He closed his eyes and went silent.
Rainy looked at him.
Pilot sighed. "You did your best. You should be proud." He smiled. "He also had a spark in his eyes, which may give him a choice not many ponies get."
She just hugged him, as he was the nearest one, holding close and crying.
Meanwhile had Diamond taken out a crystal, and had now stored every book of the library section in it. He looked at them. "We better get going."
Pilot nodded. "We should go. It's not safe here anymore."
Rainy dried her tears. "Y… Yes."
Pilot looked at Raine. "Are you willing to stick with us?"
Raine sighed. "What else is there to do? According to him are we all going to vanish soon anyways."
Pilot hissed. "Stop sounding so negative. There is always a way. Always!"
"So naïve." Raine sighed. "We can't get to the rift, and therefore can't we stop it. Our chances are gone, and we might as well ask them to kindly kill us all."
Diamond shook his head. "Raine's right. Our chances are gone. Not even the best doctor in the world could save us if we tried to breach their barrier."
Pilot was about to reply when the silence outside was disturbed by a weird pulsing sound. Then it became silent.
A stallion came through the front door. He was slight brown, had brown hair and a hourglass as a cutiemark. He also had a red bow tie. "Did someone call for a Doctor?"

Part 3 – Rainfall
Diamond looked around. He was really confused. In all the time he had been in Equestria had he never seen anything as odd as this. He was inside a large circular room, almost like a dome. The walls were all brassy with small half-spheres on each panel. Several beams that were curved supported the whole structure's walls. In the center was there a platform with several control panels, all filled with random buttons and levers. There was also a screen. The center was made of a glass cylinder with several tubes inside. He turned and looked at Pilot, who was just as confused. The two others were confused too, but Raine wasn't really showing it.
The stallion grinned. "What did I tell you? It's bigger on the inside."
Pilot tilted his head. "So who are you?"
The stallion smirked. "I'm the Doctor."
"Doctor who?" Pilot was unsure.
"Just the Doctor." The Doctor laughed. "But people call me Doctor Whooves."
Diamond pushed Pilot away. "So where are we?"
Whooves smirked again. "Welcome onboard the TARDIS. It stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space."
"And what does it to?" Diamond asked. He also noticed that Raine had settled down on one of the platforms, just staring at the central cylinder.
"It travels in time, and space. It can take us anywhere at any time." Whooves chuckled.
Rainy took over for Diamond. "Then why don't we head back in time and prevent this from happening?"
Whooves stopped. "You can't. This event is a fixed happening. Changing it will get negative consequences."
Pilot nodded. "Makes sense. Can you get us inside their barrier then? To stop the events now?"
Whooves grinned and hit a switch. "Why didn't you ask earlier?" the TARDIS started making the sound it had been making when it arrived, the tubes in the central cylinder moving up and down, like they were opening and closing. The whole thing started shaking and almost tilting, and sparks flew everywhere.
"Is this supposed to happen?" Pilot was unsure.
Whooves laughed. He was having a great time. "Why yes. She can be a bit unstable, but she is safe, so don't worry."
After a minute settled the TARDIS and everything returned to normal.
"Here we are. Inside the barrier." Whooves opened the door, and they were by the foot of a hill. On the top was it clear that something was affecting the Rainfall Rift. It was dark, and the rain was heavy. The five ponies headed out.
Pilot stopped. "One thing, Whooves. Can you travel into other dimensions or planes through the rifts? A friend of mine vanished into one and I want him to return here."
Whooves though for a moment. "Will do. Where do you want him?"
Pilot smiled. "Just place him near Ponyville, and say that I sent you."
"Will do." Whooves nodded. "I'll return here when I'm done." He entered the TARDIS and it faded away along with the now familiar sound.
Pilot was about to head to the others when it returned.
Whooves poked his head out. "And done. It's just that time was flowing differently on the other side. He had been stuck there for years, looking for a way home. He's grateful."
Pilot nodded. "Then I guess you'll be joining us."
Whooves smiled. "Always ready for an adventure."
The five ponies now headed up the hill. They could soon see what the cause was. In the distance was there a changeling, and it was feeding on energy from the rift. This process was opening the rift, causing it to expand and crack and becoming a hazard.
The five headed closer. As they did was the rain falling more and more, all until they faced the changeling. It opened its eyes and looked at them.
"So… Somepony managed to breach our barrier and get in here. That's a surprise." It hissed. "But you are all too late. I'm too powerful to be stopped now, and I shall use this power to server my queen."
Diamond growled. "We'll see about that…" he prepared to attack.
The changeling hissed more, and Diamond collapsed, several wounds forming.
Pilot narrowed his eyes. "You monster!"
"I'm not a monster." The changeling glared at the bat pony. "I'm a mutated changeling. Instead of love will I feed on rift energy, and thanks to this rift have I become more powerful than any of you can imagine.
"How fascinating!" Whooves stepped forward, inspecting the changeling closely. "Indeed. You must have been subjected to Rift energy when you still were young. It must have changed you."
The changeling charged up an attack. "Well whatever happened doesn't concern any of you, because you'll all be dead."
Whooves took out a long metallic object with a button and something that looked like a light at the end. "You appear to be forgetting one thing. Using the supersonic screwdriver can I manipulate this type of rift energy."
The changeling stopped. "What!"
Whooves grinned. "I don't know what it'll do, but it's worth a try." He pressed the button. As soon as he did was the "Light" lighted up and the device made a high-pitched sound. The changeling screamed in pain as the energy burst out, burning it up from the inside. The barrier fell.
Pilot just stared. "What the…"
Whooves shrugged. "Now that was unexpected." He pointed it up and activated it. "Now the rift should mend itself, fixing all the damages."
Diamond cheered. "That's great news!"
Pilot stopped. "What about Raine."
They all turned to face Raine. He had already started fading away. He looked at them. "Thanks for your help. I may now return to what I was. My punishment may continue."
Pilot approached him. "Stop this! We can save you!"
"Save me?" Raine growled. "I was punished for a reason. Don't try to change that!"
Pilot was going to object, but he was too late. Raine had vanished, leaving behind wet hoof prints in the grass.
Whooves sighed. "I guess we could have saved him with the TARDIS, but it's too late now." He was about to say something more when the sound of changelings was heard.
Pilot turned. "Well this can't be good…"
The rest turned, watching as a huge swarm of changelings was heading for them, lead by Queen Chrysalis. Whooves sighed. "There is just one thing to do now…"
"Fight?" Diamond prepared a spell
Whooves turned. "RUN!"
The others didn't even object. They all started running for the TARDIS as fast as they could, the changelings not far behind. They didn't stop before they all were inside the TARDIS and the door was closed and locked.
Pilot shook his head. "Remind me to never accept quests from Celestia again, ever."
Whooves fired up the TARDIS and they were soon gone. He laughed a bit. "Next stop, Summerhoof!"
The TARDIS stopped and the doors opened. Summerhoof was once again basking in the sunlight, but it was also a ruin. Pilot quickly checked the airship. "Yep. It won't take me long to fix this." He headed inside.
Whooves looked at the rest. "So what are you all going to do now?"
Diamond grinned. "I'll be sticking with Pilot over there. He's just amazing."
"Me too." Rainy smiled, and blushed a bit.
Whooves nodded. "Alright. Then I guess I'll be off."
"I'll see you later then, Doctor." Diamond grinned.
"We will." Whooves headed back into the TARDIS and powered it up. It faded away, leaving behind a gust of wind and silence.
Then the silence was broken by the sound of airship engines.
Diamond cheered. "Aright. Looks like the airship is working again now."
She giggled. "What are we waiting for?"
Diamond just nodded and the both galloped onboard. The side hatch closed behind them and the airship took flight. It was later named Airship Raine, and later was it also made official that Pilot Sky and Rainy days got married. That was done during a summer night at Canterlot, and many ponies attended. But this was not the end of the story. There were yet many adventures to come, both for the reapers and the airship crew.

[Side Chapter]Corrupted

The wind was bitter cold. It usually was in the icy regions north of Equestria. This was where the aurora normally was seen, and almost nopony lived here. Tonight was one of the nights the aurora was really active. The green and red lights were shifting slowly in the sky, lighting up the barren wasteland.
Two reapers emerged from the shadows behind a mountain. One was black as the night, with a flaring mane and tail and red eyes. The other was dark blue with a lighter mane and tail, and green eyes. They were both on a mission.
"Blood. I hate this place already. We should leave." The blue one shivered.
Blood laughed. "Oh come on, Eclipse. Are you really that easily taken out?"
Eclipse hissed. "No. But I don't see the point of why we even are here."
"Didn't you read the scroll?" Blood tilted his head. "My brother sent us here to investigate some weird happenings. We can't return before we're done."
"Fine…" Eclipse sighed. He hated missions like these.
The two reapers kept moving for about another hour before they reached their target. It was a tall mountain, much taller than the others. It was too windy around it for the snow to settle, so it was bare. There was a mist of snow streaming off both sides of it in the strong wings, whirling up on the backside.
"Now we have to reach the cave up there." Blood pointed up. The cave was in the mountainside, hidden by the whirling snow.
Eclipse grinded his teeth. "Great. More snow and wind."
Blood laughed. "You're no fun, Eclipse. Where is the spirit you had when you got to know about the mission?"
"It vanished." Eclipse sighed and took flight.
Blood followed. "Oh well. We're soon done."
They gained altitude fast. The wind got stronger as they ascended, and soon was the air filled with snow and ice. It soon got painful. The ice and snow felt like razor-sharp needles, piercing them as they flew. It was like flying through a rain of glass shards, and the larger particles left behind small wounds. Then they reached the cave, soon getting into a safe zone from the deadly winds.
Eclipse growled. He was bleeding from a deep cut between his eyes. "I'll have to demand some free time after this…"
Blood chuckled. "True. True." He had several smaller wounds, but he didn't really care.
"So what now." Eclipse looked around.
Blood opened and read the scroll. "We should head deeper into the cave. The source should be in there."
Eclipse nodded and started galloping into the cave, followed by Blood.
The sight that met them was surprising. It was a massive ice cave. It was spherical, the walls almost polished. Suspended in the middle was a large orb that looked like it was made of concentrated aurora.
"Mother of Celestia…" Eclipse was the first to enter. "What in Equestria is this?"
Blood entered. "Beats me. And I don't know what we are supposed to do with it either…"
Eclipse was about to speak, but then the cave was filled with a deep rumbling sound. The orb darkened, and then it shot out tendrils, aiming for Blood. As soon as it hit was the cave filled with a blinding light, and then it all went black.

Eclipse got up. It had probably gone several hours, and his wound had healed into a scar. He looked around. "Blood?"
There was no reply, but Eclipse felt that he was being watched. Something was looking at him. He turned.
Blood's grin was the first thing he saw. The grin of a maniac, and the wild expression that only could lead to bad things.
Eclipse backed up. "Blood… What the hell have gotten into you…"
Blood's eyes had a glow now. "I'm sorry, my friend." His horn started glowing. "I will return for you once Equestria is mine."
Eclipse's eyes widened, filled with fear. "Blood! Stop this!"
Blood grinned wider. "You'll be safe."
"BLOOD!" Eclipse roared, but that was all he got to say before everything went black.
Blood sighed. He faced Eclipse. "I'm sorry, my friend. You would have spoiled my plans." He grinned at the blue alicorn, yet knowing that his friend couldn't see that through one meter of solid ice.
Blood took flight, leaving Eclipse behind. He knew that Eclipse wouldn't move for the next few hundred years. Then again. It isn't easy to move when one have been frozen into a wall of ice.

"Blood!" Death looked at his brother, not looking pleased. "What the hay happened at your mission!"
Blood sighed. "I don't know. Eclipse proceeded to fast, and I couldn't save him."
Death growled. "And you didn't stop him?"
"I tried." Blood looked down, trying to look sad. He did a great job at it too. "But he didn't listen."
"And then we had the earthquake." Blood opened several files on the computer., several showing rockslides and fissures. "Whatever happened could be felt all over Equestria. Celestia want answers!"
Blood looked up. "I would have told you if I knew." He looked at the screens, focusing on one where there was much activity around. "But everything went black before I got there. When I woke up had the cave collapsed." He studied the screen some more. "Anyways. What happened there?" He pointed at it.
Death shook his head. "The rockslide took out a whole film team. Nopony survived. It was the only lethal part of the aftershock." He opened a file. "And just so you know it. I let the director choose between passing on and becoming a reaper. He chose to stay. His name is Horror Movie, so next time you see him should you say that you're sorry."
Blood sighed. "Fine…"
"But missions come first." Death changed the screens. "The current events have brought life back to the Nightmare cults. They're having a gathering to try to call back Nightmare Night tonight."
Blood studied all the data, and he had to fight himself to not start laughing. All the reapers would be at this event, and this was the perfect chance for him to kill them all.
"Alright." Death nodded. "We're heading out."

Darkness was falling over Cherrywood as the reapers gathered in the trees. The cult members had already lit the fireplace and had started dancing around it. The forest was silent tonight, and there wasn't even a single breeze. Just the sound from the fireplace.
Blood was floating silently in the sky, his hair dimmed down. So he wouldn't be seen. He noticed a new face. It was a dark red alicorn with a black misty mane filled with red stars. He landed besides the other reaper. "You look scared. What's the matter?"
"Eh…" the stranger sighed.
"I get it." Blood chuckled. "You're shy as you are surrounded by legends. Don't worry. You'll become a legend too. I'm sure."
Death landed besides them. He had taken a few sweeps to get a better overview of the situation. "So it begins." He sighed. "The final battle."
Then the reapers attacked. There were more cult members than anticipated, but the reapers were ready for that, and outnumbered the cult members.
Blood, however, pulled back and prepared for his own plan. He grinned. "The reaper organization dies tonight."

After hours had the forest calmed down. The cult members were all turned to ashes or captured, and the reapers had all gathered up again. Blood took flight, soon circling over the reapers. He grinned as his horn started glowing.
Several powerful magical missiles shot from his horn, hitting random reapers, killing them instantly. The response was instant. The reapers got up and scattered into small groups. "And the hunt begins…"
He knew that they panicked. If not had they been returning fire by now. He started chasing the smallest groups first, attacking fast and accurate. He also aimed for the veterans first. They were the toughest ones to kill due experience. He then stopped and though, noticing that a group had stopped by a cliff. "Perfect."
He teleported, appearing in front of them. He grinned, his grin showing clear signs of insanity. "Oh. Good to see that you guys are alive." His voice was slick and sarcastic. "What's the point of this!" A dark grey reaper stepped forward. He was one of the oldest reapers. "I thought you were one of us! We all thought so!"
Blood fangs could only laugh. "Oh. So that's what you think. Too bad it's not really like that." His grin was filled with madness ad he charged up an attack. As he was going to attack jumped several reapers off the cliff. This included the dark red one he had seen earlier. He didn't care. They would probably die from the fall. "Good bye, Moonbeam." He attacked, killing the remaining reapers of that group.
He then though for a moment. The rest of the reapers had probably been scattered out everywhere now, which meant it was pointless to even consider chasing them, so he left in a bright flash. The last thing he did was showing a wide grin to Moonbeam, and then he vanished.

Many years had passed now, and Blood had been spending then thinking. He was annoyed, as Death had relocated the whole soul stream system so he couldn't sneak in and attack. He had been spending this time in the old cave, making a cloud base. His plan was to hide out of reach, but yet so close that he could attack. He had yet to be bothered by reapers.
Several ponies came to his base. There were both earth ponies, unicorns and pegasuses, and they all had the same cutiemark. The leader bowed down for him. "Master."
Blood smiled. "Good to see you guys. Is everything set, Darkhoof?"
Darkhoof nodded. "The magic seals are all set, and we're all set to get the base out."
"And the possibilities for earthquakes?" Blood smiled.
"One hundred percent. Equestria will feel this." Darkhoof grinned.
Blood chuckled. "Then what are we waiting for? Get everypony onboard."
Darkhoof nodded and gave the rest the sign. They all marched onboard. He then followed blood as they headed inside, watching the hatch behind them close.
Blood laughed. "Fire away!"
The seals exploded, shaking the ground as they did. The quake that followed could be felt all across Equestria. It happened just as the Wonderbolt Derby was about to start, spreading panic through the crowd. Several ponies were tossed off the tribune and into their deaths. This was later known as the largest earthquake in almost a hundred years.
Blood was happy. His base flew silently into the air, vanishing out of sight. Everything was going as planned so far. This was good.

A few years later had he started executing missions from the base. His subjects were sent out to cause havoc across Equestria. One of the recent missions had taken down a large dam that had been made to control the flow of a river. This had lead to several things. Several smaller towns experienced power loss and the river became deadly. Several ponies had been taken by an unexpected undertow at the usual bathing spots, and reapers had been dispatched to investigate.
This wasn't relevant for him. He had his own business to take care of, and other evil plans to make. He looked at the area under the base. They were heading for a cold region, for a manor there. Blood had a few connections with the owner of the manor, and he was heading there to check on some business.
"Well who do we have here." Blood had barely entered the main hall when she appeared in front of him. A red pegasus with unmatched beauty.
"I'm just here to see how the doll project is going, Cassandra." Blood grinned. "And you just appear to look better and better."
Cassandra giggled a bit. "Well I'm going to try them out next week. Will limit them to target mares only for now. Mares and reapers. We'll see how much damage they can do in Trottingham before extending the attack area.
Blood smirked. "Just don't get yourself killed, okay?"
She gave him a push. "Oh don't worry. You should get going. I must return to my work."
"Fine." Blood headed out. "I'll be expecting a report in two weeks."
"That's a promise." She closed the doors behind him.
The report never came.

Blood was starting to get annoyed now. For years had his mission slowly started to fail, and it got harder to get new ideas. The recent failures had been the deadly parasprites and the use of an old altar in Cloudsdale. The worst bit was that the same reaper had disrupted both missions. A dark red one.
Blood hadn't given up. He was going to try again, and this time would he do it himself. The plan was simple. Destroy Canterlot, using the castle. He had stationed himself in the caves under the castle, and he was ready. All he needed was the message saying that the sleeping gas had been released in the castle.
Three earth ponies entered. They were the ones responsible for the gas. But before they got the chance to say anything was an explosion heard, and two reapers entered. A dark green mare and the same reaper who already had been destroying several of his missions. He growled. "Horror Movie…"
Then two more reapers entered. He was shocked. One of them was too familiar. That was the dark blue one. She reminded him a lot of the mare he had used as parasprites bait in the cake. The situation was getting tense. He had to break in.
He descended, grinning. "Well look what we have here. FOUR reapers? That must be a record."
The four reapers turned and faced him. The eyes of Horror Movie, Darth star, Miasmic Fog and Stormy Clouds were all focused on him.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself." The black alicorn grinned. The grin was the grin of an insane lunatic. "I'm Blood Fangs. I'm the leader for the Discordian Cult."
Horror narrowed his eyes. "The Discordian Cult?"
Blood growled. "Haven't any of you ever heard about it? Damn. I guess my followers didn't do a good job in Cloudsdale or Ponyville."
Horror growled. "They were all your guys?"
Blood laughed. "Yes, and you, my friend, have been a major thorn in my flank. You destroyed both my plans, and now I have to find more followers."
Stormy took a step forward. "Too bad your path ends here."
The four reapers prepared themselves to attack Blood.
"Oh no. I don't think so." Blood grinned, and the ground started shaking. "Because I'm now going to make the castle fall out, killing everyone inside."
The ground and walls around then started cracking. Large rocks fell down.
Meanwhile was the silent night in Canterlot disturbed as the ground started shaking. Ponies looked up at the castle with fearful expressions as the mountainside around the castle started cracking. Large rocks started falling down.
Inside was Blood Fangs laughing. "Well suck on this, tiny reapers!" he took flight. "But I must be off. You all should just enjoy this nice chaotic mayhem." He then returned to his base in a flash.
From the clouds was he watching as the reapers headed out. He was slightly disappointed. Horror didn't even recognize him.
He just sighed and watched as they once again saved the day.
Then the door to his room opened. A changeling entered. "Master. The three ponies you've asked for have come."
Blood smiled. "Finally. Lead them into my office."
The changeling bowed and left his room. Blood grinned. The new plan was about to unfold.

Blood was in his office again. In front of him was Metalwings, and underneath the base was there a huge fissure in the Everfree Forest. He was pleased. "I hope dying wasn't too much of a problem for you."
Metalwings grinned. "Of course not. Anything for you."
Blood nodded. "Good. The others are at the moment attacking Canterlot, and they should be done soon."
Metalwings laughed. "And soon Equestria ends."
Blood grinned and fired up the engines of the cloud. "Yes, my friend. Yes. We just have to stop somewhere first. This chaos should be enough to wake up Discord."
"What about Death?" Metal was unsure. "You didn't kill him."
Blood laughed more. "Leave the old coot to die. His wounds will kill him."
Metalwings nodded and they were off.

The rain was falling over Canterlot as Blood arrived. Things were about to unfold entirely. In front of him was Celestia and Luna, and he had killed them both, absorbing their powers. He was about to start when the door was rammed down. He was almost not surprised. It was the four reapers again. He thought he already had taken them down and locked them away, but it was obvious that they had escaped.
"Looks like you guys are too late." He grinned widely. "With their powers can I finally bring Equestria to an end!"
Horror growled. "Over our dead bodies!"
"Very well." Blood laughed and sent Metalwings at them. "Kill them."
He just watched as his companions failed. Backstab, his unicorn, was fried from the inside, while Metalwings had a really bad crash landing. This pissed him off, a lot. He replied with evaporating his dead teammates. Hegrowled deeply. "Too bad Fleshwound isn't here now."
"Fleshwound?" Stormy tilted her head.
Blood laughed. "He's busy, eating the royal guard."
Stormy grinded her teeth. "Damnit. You're all freaks."
Blood smiled. "But what do we say?" a huge meteor broke the clouds over Ponyville. "Ah. That's right. The End."
Horror growled. "Everypony! We must combine our magic. NOW!"
They all put their horns together and focused, activating the spell Death had given them. The magic combined, and everything became white.
Blood became silent. "W-w-w-w-what's this!"
Death's voice was heard. "This is the end of your line."
Blood growled, but he started dissolving, vanishing. "N-n-n-n-no!"
He had one chance. He still had his powers, so he did something he never knew he ever would do. He shredded open a rift to the forming timeline, tossing himself into it. It closed behind him, sucking out all of his powers and his energy.

Blood opened his eyes. He was unstable, and he felt powerless. He knew where he was. In front of him was there a massive ice wall. He looked up. "Well hello there, Eclipse. Looks like this mountain have been untouched by their reset." He grinned and headed for the entrance. "One thing. I won't leave this time. I'll make a base here so I can get my energy back. Then I'll release you so we can rule Equestria, together. You can be Prince Eclipse while I'm King Blood."
He laughed a bit. He knew what to do. He had to set up a machine that would collect aurora and convert it into magic, and he had to use a reaper soul to get it compatible for charging himself up.
Blood smiled and then he started building, something that would take at least a hundred years.

And so it did. A hundred years later was he done. The steam tower. It had taken him ages to finish, and now it was ready. Blood took one last trip down to the ice cave. He looked at the frozen Eclipse. "You know. You were like a son to me. You meant everything. That's why I didn't kill you back then."
Blood then returned to the control room. He opened a panel and looked at the lever. "Here goes nothing." He flipped it. The reaction took a few seconds, but then it started. The whole tower shook as the aurora absorber activated, slowly starting to fill the container. It would still take almost a day to fill it, so he also activated the sun/moon change override to lock Equestria in nighttime. Now he just had to wait for a reaper to appear.

It didn't take long, and to his surprise was there more than one reaper. It was four. And not any four reapers, but it was THE four reapers. This was perfect. He just watched as they spread out in two groups. Horror and Miasmic heading for the lower boiler room while Darth and Stormy started heading upwards.
Blood smiled. He hooked himself up to the tower so he could use the aurora power to win. He watched as horror and Miasmic entered the lower boiler room, and the he struck. A cage dropped over Miasmic while a massive claw gripped Horror, and they were both lifted up.
He then proceeded to lock Horror, who now was unconscious, onto a special chair, just in front of the soul extractor. "Too bad you're not awake."
Blood was rather happy now. He had captured two reapers, and he had soon reached one hundred percent, which was even better. He opened the shaft to the inside of one boiler. Miasmic's cage was suspended in it, resting on another hatch.
Miasmic noticed him, and growled. "You!"
Blood chuckled. "Look at that. Somepony actually recognizes me."
"Well duh." Miasmic rolled his eyes. "I expected that you were gone by now."
"Well…" Blood sighed. "You did kill me back then, or at least almost. But that doesn't matter now. I suggest that you shut up, or else will I drop you into the boiler."
Miasmic growled and watched as Blood turned on music. Classical music.
Blood then dimmed all the lights, except the ones on Horror.

It didn't take long. Voices were heard outside the door, and then one shouted. Blood flipped a switch and the massive metal doors opened. Darth and Stormy was waiting outside, and as soon as they noticed Horror were they both galloping. Blood flipped the switch again, and the doors closed. Then the music started and then lights came on.
Darth was the first to react. "No. Bucking. Way."
Blood grinned. "Oh hello my dearies. I didn't expect to see you all here."
Stormy growled. "How do you even exist?! We erased you from reality! We destroyed you!"
"Calm down, kids." He laughed. "You wouldn't understand what I had to go through to even be here. I lost almost all my magic powers when I escaped. I'm too weak to fight."
"He's lying!" Miasmic yelled from inside his cage. "That ring he have amplifies his magic! That's how he got us!"
Blood growled and pressed a button. The hatch opened under the cage, suspending it from a wire over one of the boilers. "Shut your trap or you'll be undone!"
Miasmic hissed in return, but chose to remain silent after that.
"So how did you do it, Blood. How did you escape your own removal?" Stormy wasn't looking pleased.
"Easy." Blood grinned. "I ran over to this new timeline as it was forming. As it wasn't done yet as I escaped wasn't it touched by the erase spell. I did loose most of my powers because of it, but thanks to the creation of this tower will I now restore them."
Darth growled. "Why would you even try…"
"Two reasons." Blood smirked. "I want to take over Equestria and become supreme dictator. And I also want to kidnap Octavia and marry her." He blushed.
All the reapers, except Horror who was out cold, stared at him. This came as a shock.
Blood looked at them. "What's the problem…"
Stormy growled. "Your wild fantasies. You really think you're going to get your powers restored? How do you even plan to do it? And kidnap a famous musician? You sicken me."
Blood growled. "How do you dare…" his horn sparked with the colors of the aurora, his whole expression changing. "I already have it all rigged. Just need to get enough aurora power." The gauge was showing the stored power. It was at 95% and rising slowly. "But aurora isn't enough. I have to fuse it with something to make it compatible with me, and that's why your friend over there is strapped to a soul extractor. I'll be using him to get the aurora primed and prepared for me." A wild grin appeared. "Now. You three should now prepare to die, starting with that loud-mouthed show-off in the cage over there." He pressed a button and the wire snapped, sending the cage into the tank of boiling water. Stormy didn't even hesitate. She cast herself into the tank, after the cage.
Blood laughed. "Was he even that much worth?"
Darth growled, preparing to cast a spell. "He's more worth than you'll ever be."
"Don't you dare!" Blood hissed like a snake.
Darth grinned. "Reaper spell number XXIV…"
A bolt of aurora shot from Blood's horn, exploding as it hit Darth. She was tossed into the wall higher up, and then collapsed on the floor. "Ouch. Looks like I was faster." He grinned as the gauge reached 100% and an alarm rang. "There we go. Nothing can go wring now." He powered up the extractor.
Darth growled and got up. She could barely stand as blood was leaking from several wounds. She turned to face Blood as he turned the extractor on. It charged up and…
The whole tower shook violently and sparks flew everywhere as several panels exploded. The extractor was knocked sideways, missing Horror and hitting another panel instead. The sound of several exploding tubes was heard and the sound of grinding metal, as the tower slowly started tilting, stopping at a 5% tilt.
Darth rushed to rescue Horror, but blood got in her way. "You're not going anywhere!" He was furious, his whole mane now flaring with the colors of the aurora.
Darth hissed. "Get lost, fool!" she kicked him, hard, smashing the ring and sending him into the panel that had been hit by the soul extractor, getting him into the extracting beam. He screamed in pain as his body was shredded to dust and his soul sucked away.

It was dark. Really dark. Actually. It was black. Blood wasn't sure if he was falling or floating, but he heard voices.
"Blood…" it was Death. "Brother…"
Blood growled. "Where am I!"
"You are heading to your destination. Where you are sent to be punished." Death sighed.
Blood growled. "You can't do this!"
"Sorry." It was a different voice. It was Eclipse. "You were like a father too me, yes, but when you were corrupted."
"Eclipse…" Blood lost his expression.
"That's how it is. Every action has a reaction." Eclipse sighed. "You're permanently corrupted, and that'll never change."
Blood sighed. "Very well. It was nice knowing you, Eclipse."
"You too." Eclipse sounded a bit sad.
"One thing." Blood closed his eyes. "You know the four reapers? Join them. Future problem may need more help."
"Fine." Eclipse chuckled. "And take care."
Blood laughed. "You too."
Then everything went white around him, and he landed. He could hear death say one last thing. "Welcome to hell, Blood. Welcome to the dark world." Then it all faded away, and a door appeared. Blood sighed, and he walked out the door. It closed behind him and locked, for good.

[Side Chapter]A Pilot's Shadow

The hospital was the first thing Pilot Sky could remember.

He opened his eyes, groaning. His head was hurting, and his view was unclear. He was unable to focus on anything, and even trying would just make it hurt more. "Where… Where am i?"
He heard the sound of hooves. He wasn't able to recognize it. All he could understand at that point was that it was a nurse. She had a calm voice. "Relax. You are probably having the effects of a concussion. It usually causes minor loss of memories."
"Memories?" Pilot asked, unsure. "All I remember is waking up here…"
He could hear the nurse sigh. "Nothing at all?"
"Nothing…" Pilot sighed. His sight was still a blur.
He could hear the nurse sigh too. "You must have hit your head pretty hard then."
Pilot just closed his eyes. "It feels like I was just placed out there."
The nurse left the room without saying anything else.

A week later was he signed out from the hospital. He didn't know anything about the world he was in. Only that it was weird. He had been briefed at the hospital before leaving, so he knew what was meeting him. He had gotten special glasses that magically focused his sight, as it was clear that he couldn't do it himself. He had also seen how he looked like in a mirror.
He was a dark grey bat pony with rather large wings and a bit larger build. His glasses were square and his cutiemark was an airship. He was told that it probably meant that his specialty had something to do with airships.
But to work on airships did he need an area with space, so he spent a week, looking for somewhere to stay. It didn't take long before he found the place too. The house was located in Tealside Forest, which was located a few miles out of Ponyville, where he had been found.
The cottage was small, but it had space for what he needed. Bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom and a workstation. The backyard was large too, and he had a storage room for stuff. This was where he started experimenting.

"Good day." The landowner dropped by, like he sometimes did. He was an earth pony with expensive clothes, and silver mane and he was grey besides that.
Pilot looked up from the final work on the small airship prototype he was working on. "Oh hello, sir Landlord."
Sir Landlord had dropped by this time to see the launch of the first real airship in Equestria. "So when is it ready?"
Pilot chuckled. "She just needs some minor tweaks and then she'll be off." He worked on it as he spoke.
Landlord studied the engine. It was far too advanced for him. "I'll let you finish."
Pilot looked up. "And done." He filled a tube with some crystals he had ordered from the castle mages at Canterlot, all filled with magic. He then got onboard.
"Good luck." Landlord stepped back and nodded.
"Thanks." Pilot powered up the ship. The control panels, gauges and other units woke up. The ship then started gaining altitude. Everything was going good so far, and no error messages came.
Pilot grinned and activated the thrusters. The thrusters spewed out a rain of sparks and the whole dashboard went red. The whole ship started shaking from the thrusters as they started breaking apart. Pilot tried to shut them down, but something had happened and they had started an internal reaction, which kept them going, no matter how hard he hit the engine brakes. He looked at the Thruster Energy Gauge, and it was off the scale, and kept spinning too. The thrusters weren't going to hold up for much longer. Then they exploded, and the explosion could be seen all the way to Canterlot, and heard too.

Pilot woke up a week later, back in the hospital bed. The nurse was there again, as usual.
"What happened…" he sighed.
The nurse looked at him. "You don't remember?"
"I do." Pilot looked at his right hoof, discovering that it wasn't there. "How could they just explode? I had made sure that they would run properly." He looked at the nurse. "I need to get home, now."
"You're not going anywhere." The nurse gave him a stare.
Pilot growled. "Yes I am. I need to get something done, and that as soon as possible."
"What if something happens?" the nurse sighed.
"Then I'll be the one responsible."
The nurse looked at him. "Fine. Just be careful."

The flight home wasn't the easiest thing, as he was missing a hoof. He had to try several times to find the balance, and also to maintain it. As soon as he reached the cottage did he enter and gave the bookshelf a shove. It opened into a secret room, filled with black boxes with blinking lights, holographic screens and a set of mechanical stuff, including a set of hooves.
"Looks like this secret project will come in handy after all." He sighed and took up a metal plate from the right mechanical hoof. He uncovered the nerve connections, closed his eyes and drove the end into the stump that once had been his own hoof.
The pain was beyond when anypony could imagine.it was like every nerve was screaming, and it spread throughout his body, forcing him to collapse. His eyes were full of tears and he was biting his lip to not scream as the metal connection plate was securing itself into the bone and connecting the blood veins so blood could flow through the mechanical arm and keep it at body temperature.
It lasted for several minutes, but soon it calmed down. Pilot was almost crying, but he got up and connected the hoof to the plate, testing it. It was a success. He tried to walk, but stumbled around like he had been having too much cider. He kept trying, stumbling around, but he was getting used to the hoof now. The simple touch sensitivity system he had built into it was also waking up, giving him the basic senses, like pressure and temperature. Pilot smiled. "Yup. That's good. Now I can work again."
He trotted out and closed the shelf before heading outside. He also knew what had happened, and he intended to fix it.
Sir Landlord was waiting outside when Pilot exited the cabin. "Ah. Pilot. Good to see that you're up walking again."
Pilot nodded. "Yeah. Can't stay down for ever you know."
Landlord nodded in agreement, and then he noticed Pilot's hoof. "Now that's something I don't see every day. Looks like you got your hoof replaced."
Pilot grinned. "Yeah. It was a secret project before now."
"Looks like it's working well." Landlord nodded and studied it. "But you know what went wrong?"
"Well…" Pilot started thinking. "I think I was missing a magic flow limiter so I could prevent the magic flow from becoming too large, so what happened was that there was made a self sustained ball of energy in the thrusters, tearing them apart. The explosion came when the thrusters lost all energy in the containment field."
Landlord looked confused. "Energy containment field?"
Pilot chuckled. "It makes sure the energy doesn't touch the thruster's inner walls."
"Aaaah." Landlord nodded. "But I guess you are eager to get back to work. I got you the materials you need, and I hope it goes better this time."
Pilot grinned. "I won't let you down, Sir. The next ship will be a success."

And so another few years went by, working on a newer and greater ship. The magic flow limiter was installed so the thrusters wouldn't end up with a self-sustained orb inside, and a lot of new systems were made to prevent other things from failing.
Pilot was pleased at the day of launch. He had been running several ground tests of the critical systems, and they all worked. He turned as Sir Landlord came.
Sir Landlord was a lot older now. He was in a wheel chair, accompanied by two maids. He smiled. "Looks like you are ready."
Pilot nodded. "Yeah. And as soon as I'm done is the ship yours."
Landlord chuckled. "I have to disappoint you there." He grinned weakly. "I've grown old, and Death spoke to me last night. I begged to be allowed to see the ship's maiden voyage, but when it's done will he come to take me away. I want you to keep the ship, and the cabin too."
Pilot hesitated. "What?"
Landlord smiled. "So shall we get moving?"
Pilot nodded. "Sure. I just wonder. What would you say to be onboard this trip?"
"Sounds like a great idea." Landlord sighed. Flying had been a dream for him his while life. "But you should bring him too." He nodded at the large hooded pony who had appeared.
"Somepony you know?" Pilot tilted his head.
"Yeah." Landlord sounded sure.
Pilot opened the side hatch. "Alright. All onboard."
The others went onboard, but the hooded figure was the last one. It stopped for a moment and looked at Pilot, with red glowing eyes before it continued onboard. Pilot shuddered, as he almost knew what was under the hood.
The side hatch closed and Pilot started powering up the ship. The ship started lifting off the ground, going straight up. He then activated the thrusters. "Here goes." The airship accelerated, and was soon gaining altitude and speed, controlled. It didn't take long before they were over the clouds, stabilizing at a decent height.
Landlord looked happier than ever before. He was now living a dream he had been having since he had seen the first pegasus fly. The maids were also looking round in joy, but the hooded pony was just standing there.
Several pegasuses flew by, interested in the bypassing airship. They had never seen such a creation before, and were eager to take a closer look. This included several close-up flights by the Wonderbolts, who also landed and talked with Landlord as he was the one who had been paying for the project.
Then the evening came. Landlord smiled. "It have been a great experience, Pilot, but now my time has come."
The hooded figure started moving again. It had been standing like a statue the whole flight.
Pilot looked at him. "None of this would have happened without your help, Sir Landlord."
"You had an ambition I liked." Landlord chuckled. "And it became real."
The hooded figure stepped in behind him and took the cloak off. It was an alicorn, black as the night with a black mane and tail filled with white stars. His wings were huge and tattered, like they had been taking a lot of damage throughout the years, and his cutiemark was a skull and a scythe. He had glowing red eyes.
"Very well…" Landlord closed his eyes. "Thank you, Pilot Sky. It has been a pleasure knowing you." He then sank together in the wheelchair.
Pilot looked up at the alicorn. "You must be Death, right?"
The alicorn nodded.
"Good." He nodded. "So you can see everything about a pony, right?"
The alicorn nodded again.
"So who am I?" Pilot was determined now.
"That I cannot say." Death looked at him. "But the truth will be uncovered in time, when space fractures and the past catches up to you again."
Pilot looked at him. "But when!"
Death closed his eyes. "That is another tale." He vanished.

Landlord's funeral was big, and the airship was there too, where Pilot saluted him. Without Sir Landlord had the project never been a success, but now it was a running project, and he was able to estimate how much it would cost to make a ship, so he could start selling them.
Landlord did not have a family. He was an only child, and he had been to busy with other things to be able to focus on getting a family, so most of what he owned was donated to charity, except Pilot's part of the property, extra materials for airships and also money for his maids, so they could retire without loss.
Pilot also hosted the party on his airship where ponies could celebrate and remember what kind of pony Landlord had been. He had been known for being generous and kind, and he had always made other smile. His business had been made to benefit other ponies, and the money he didn't need were donated to the ponies who needed it the most.
After the party was he heading back home. It was about time to start working on airships, so more unicorns and earth ponies could get the feeling of flying. It was his special ability, and he was going to put it into good use.

[Eclipsed]The Lord and the Reaper

[A/N]: I've started a new main Storyline, and I'm planning on letting this be the last one. I can't promise anything though.

---

Lord Goldenhoof was a really rich pony. He lived in a large mansion not far from Cherrywood forest. He had a huge garden, with a small forest and a maze. He was actually considered to be the one of the richest ponies in Equestria. That was true, but there was something that kept him awake during the nights.
"Good sir Goldenhoof." A maid entered his room and turned the lights on. She was golden-brown with a golden mane and golden eyes. "Still problems sleeping I guess."
Lord Goldenhoof got up, groaning. He hated the morning, as he still was tired, but it was still better than the night. It had been happening for the last six months, ever since the Rainfall Event. He had been hearing sounds every night. Whispers, sneaking into his head, but he couldn't understand what they were saying.
He looked at himself in the mirror. His golden mane was flowing like always, complimenting his green coat and silver eyes. His gold bar cutie mark was still there too. He sighed in relief, as he thought the voices were trying to curse him or change him.
The maid looked at him. "One more thing. Your new servant is here."
"Servant?" Goldenhoof was confused. "I don't remember employing a…"
A dark blue stallion trotted in. He was a unicorn with a fuzzy mane and tail, and green eyes. His cutiemark was half a moon and he was wearing a tuxedo. "Good day sir. My name is Halfmoon."
Goldenhoof studied him. "So you must be my new servant."
Halfmoon nodded.
Goldenhoof looked up at him. "But you're awfully tall to be a regular pony."
Halfmoon shrugged. "Let's just say that I grew fast and a lot."
"Makes sense." Goldenhoof nodded.

And so a few weeks passed by. Halfmoon was doing a great job during the day. Goldenhoof liked this, because now he had fewer things to worry about. There was one thing, though. Halfmoon never slept. He wondered why the rather large stallion was awake every night, trotting silently around in his home, like he was looking for something. He chose to ask the servant during breakfast one day.
"Halfmoon. I have a question." Goldenhoof was just finished with a cup of coffee. He still winced a little, as he detested it so much. The only reason for why he was drinking it was to get energy enough to survive another day.
Halfmoon looked at him. "Do ask."
"Are you even sleeping at all?" Goldenhoof looked at him. "I hear you trot around every night."
"Well." Halfmoon shrugged. "That's true. I'm patrolling, looking for possible intruders or other things."
Goldenhoof nodded. "Makes sense."
Halfmoon smiled and nodded once before heading off to do his daily chores.

Another month passed, and Halfmoon was once again asked to come in for a meeting. Goldenhoof was sitting in an office chair when he came in.
"Good day." Goldenhoof nodded. "I have a few questions, and I want you to be honest."
Halfmoon nodded.
Gooldenhoof looked at him. "I have been hearing rumors about you having wings. Is that correct?"
"Wings?" Halfmoon was a bit shocked. He hadn't anticipated a question like this. "Who told you this?"
"That's not important." Goldenhoof studied him. "And there was another thing. I've noticed that you are always looking around when you don't have chores, like you are looking for something."
Halfmoon hesitated.
Goldenhoof took upon his serious expression. "And there was no Halfmoon in any of the pony regiters."
Halfmoon was now sweating.
"Who are you…"
A deep boom was heard, from deep within the mansion. Everything shook, but not much. Halfmoon knew exactly what was going on. He growled at Goldenhoof, who was confused. "Get out of here, Lord Goldenhoof! Your nightmares are about to get shapes!"
Goldenhoof stared at him. "W-w-w-w-what…."
Halfmoon shredded off his tuxedo, revealing his wings. "It's for your own good!"
"What… What are you…" Goldenhoof was in shock.
Halfmoon sighed. "Call me Eclipse. I'm a reaper, and I'm here to save your flank. Now leave!"
But Goldenhoof didn't move. Outside was it now black as the night, and in the doorway was there standing, something.
It was like a small mass of goo. Black and shiny, dripping and bubbly. It was devouring something. A mare.
Goldenhoof instantly recognized who it was. "It is May Winters. She was preparing to leave." The feeling he had was indescribable. "She had been looking forward to visiting her family the while week." He was heartbroken, as she now was dead.
Something happened as the blob of goo was done. It started morphing, taking her shape, sort of. The only difference was that it still was black goo, shiny and bubbly. It had no eyes and the mouth was almost not there due the tendrils of goo stretching between the upper and lower lip. It started walking for them, slowly.
Goldenhoof was frozen in place, shocked. He couldn't believe what he just had seen, and he refused to believe too. This thing had devoured one of his maids, and was now trying to become her.
Eclipse, however, knew what was coming. He kicked Goldenhoof up on his back and galloped away, just as the creature shot out tendrils of goo that dissolved the wall. He rounded the creature, which was halfway into the room, and headed into the hallway.
"What's happening!" Goldenhoof was shocked, but not speechless.
Eclipse growled. "Just be silent, okay? You're giving our location to It."
Goldenhoof looked around, scared. The mansion itself wasn't recognizable. Things had been tossed around, walls had been damaged and the floor was flooded with broken glass. He was surprised to see Eclipse gallop trough it without a care.
Eclipse continued into the kitchen and got the salt, spraying it all over the floor. He then took the bag and carried it in his mouth, ready to fight the thing.
"Salt?" Goldenhoof poked his head up, still sitting on Eclipse's back. "Are you sure that'll work?"
"Looks like you've managed to calm yourself down." Eclipse wanted to drop him off his back, but Goldenhoof held on, refusing to let go. Eclipse sighed. "It should work, as this creature is made up of slime. The salt should drain the fluids from it, hurting a lot and possibly killing it."
Goldenhoof nodded. "Makes sense."
"And as soon as It's dealt with can we head down into the basement and seal the rift, sending us back to Equestria and preventing more monsters from leaking through."
Goldenhoof was about to reply when It appeared in the doorway. It had a more solid structure now, and the salt didn't affect it as it entered the room.
Eclipse hissed at it. Goldenhoof squealed in fear. Whatever it was, was it becoming stronger, and its chemical structure was obviously not affected by salt.
"Hold on tight." Eclipse started galloping like never before. He could head the slime tendrils fly past him as he dodged them, Goldenhoof stuck to his back like a scared filly. He galloped out the door before closing it behind him and barricading it with anything he could find nearby.
"What now." Goldenhoof released his grip a bit.
"Easy." Eclipse sighed. "We close the rift and burn the mansion down."
"WHAT!" Goldenhoof growled.
Eclipse hit him with his tail. "It's the only choice left. The creature can't survive a fire."
Goldenhoof was unsure. "How do you know that."
"Well…" Eclipse trotted down the hall as the thing was trying to break through the door. "I managed to see that the tendrils that hit the fireplace were instantly evaporated. Fire is its weakness."
Goldenhoof growled. "Fine. But I want your organization to pay for damages."
"Relax. When all this is over won't you have to worry about me or the organization." Eclipse grinned.
"Good." Goldenhoof sighed in relief. "Let us get that rift closed, fast."
Eclipse nodded and they headed into the depths of the catacombs under the mansion.
Goldenhoof looked around, worried. "What do you think that thing is?"
"I don't know." Eclipse followed the energy from the rift deeper and deeper within the mansion. "But it appears to absorb living tissue to be able to take a form."
Goldenhoof closed his eyes. "Does that mean…"
Eclipse sighed. "Yes. It have probably caught all the maids, and devoured them, absorbing their living tissue to be able to become a pony, and possibly devour Equestria."
Goldenhoof sighed. This was bad news, no matter how he looked at the situation.
Eclipse shook him off. "We're here." He opened two large wooden doors. They lead into a large underground chamber. It was cylindrical, made of stone. A pathway lead along the side, into the depth. They didn't have to use it, though. The rift was in front of them, like a somepony had shredded the fabric of space in front of the. It was a massive fracture, shining dark red, and a whisper was coming from it.
Goldenhoof squealed again.
"What now…" Eclipse sighed and prepared to close the rift.
"The whispers…" Goldenhoof was scared. "I can hear them."
Eclipse nodded. "They are the whispers from the creature's victims. I can hear them too."
Goldenhoof looked at him. "Please… Make it stop."
Eclipse nodded. "Sure." He closed his eyes. "Reaper Spell number CXIV. Mend!"
A white flash appeared, and the whole room shook. Several rocks started falling as the whole rift started shaking and vibrating. White lines shot over it, like it was a wound being stitched, before they tightened, forcing the rift to close. As it closed were the whispers fading too. A bright white flash occurred as it was completely closed. The whispers died away.
"Well that's it." Eclipse nodded. "It's all good now."
"I wish." Goldenhoof had managed to get back up, and was now staring at the door. "We got a visitor."
The slime creature was there, blocking the way. Its hollow eyes watched them both. Then it shot out its tendrils, aiming for Goldenhoof.
"AAAAAAAAA!" Goldenhoof screamed in pain as he was hit, the tendrils melted his skin as they touched him, burning their way into his flesh. Eclipse was about to react when Goldenhoof opened his eyes and grinned. "I shall die with the mansion." Then he used his last drops of energy to hurl himself off the edge, dragging the monster with him. Then the sound of breaking bones and a splat was heard.
Eclipse growled. There was only one thing to do now. He started placing runes all around the room as he exited, leaving runes behind him as he went up. He walked outside, turning his head one last time, looking at the mansion. He sighed. "Reaper spell number XXXI. Erupt."
The runes exploded, blowing out the windows of the mansion, engulfing everything in a massive fireball that stretched several miles into the air. The structure itself collapsed from the pressure, crashing down into the crypts, becoming a crater.
Eclipse turned and walked away from the blazing ruin, vanishing into the darkness, ready to take care of the next rift.

---

[A/N]: So we're back with a new main storyline, this time following Eclipse as he takes upon the Reaper Business after being frozen in ice for 200 years(following his timeline). He was assigned the task to seal the fractures left behind by the Rainfall Rift. He is one of the few reapers who can't take upon a normal pony form, so he's forced to disguise himself in other ways, and he's also one of the few who knows the old reapers spells that were removed later due their power. Erupt and Mend are two of them.

[Eclipsed]Cold Hearted

Eclipse hated missions like these. He utterly hated the cold so much, not only because each grain of snow was like a razor blade, but it also reminded him of being frozen solid for two hundred years, just because Blood had been possessed by that aurora thing. And now he was back, waiting by the ruins of the steam tower. He was waiting for four other reapers who had been assigned the same mission as himself.
Sounds were heard, and four ponies appeared around the mountain. Three of them were replacing some missing wheels of a large wagon while the fourth were dragging it. They stopped and the one dragging it, a lime pegasus mare with purple hair and a gold necklace quickly rigged a few tripods under the missing wheels so the others finally could rest. They all collapsed on the ground.
Well. All except one. A light red earth pony stallion with a light brown mane and tail and with a thin moustache was still standing, securing the three tripods so they wouldn't collapse. He then turned to Eclipse. "Sorry that we're late. Three of our wheels broke, and we ran out of replacements." He chuckled. "And it was also too late to call in Pilot Sky and Diamond Hooves for air support."
Eclipse nodded. "I guess you're Director Cut. A famous survivor of Blood's first attack."
"Famous?" Director shook his head. "I don't want to be famous. I'm fine with being unknown, really."
"I see." Eclipse studied him. "And I guess Pilot and Diamond are reapers too."
"They aren't." Director shrugged. "But they were involved in the Rainfall event, and also the Cherrywood event."
Eclipse nodded. "Anyways. When will the others be ready?"
Director looked at them. "Just a few minutes. You should come inside while you wait. No need to stay in the cold."
Eclipse couldn't agree more. He also lifted the three others inside with magic. Then he entered himself.
The inside of the wagon was a lot tidier than he had expected. On the left was the whole side taken up by an oven and a rack that contained different kinds of film equipment, four reaper boxes, all made of beautifully carved wood, books, maps and other navigation equipment. Then there were four beds on the other side, all on the floor. It was clear that the four had to sleep close to each other, but that would only strengthen their bonds. A fifth hammock was suspended, and it was clear that they were intending on keeping him on the team.
Eclipse studied the four boxes. "These are all beautiful."
Director looked at them. "They are. And they're all different."
Eclipse nodded. "That's right. A reaper's box is unique. It's your fingerprint in the organization. Its carved and shaped by your soul when you die and get selected for reaper service, and when you die as a reaper will it turn to ashes." He looked at Director's box. "Just remember. This is your most priced belonging. If the box is broken will you die, as it's chained to your soul. It's everything that makes you a reaper."
Director was a bit surprised to hear this. "Now that's something new."
"That's right." Eclipse sighed. "It's a detail that's normally kept a secret, mostly thanks to the whole Blood Fangs case. You four are lucky that he didn't find your boxes."
Director shrugged. "I guess he never knew that we had a wagon."
Eclipse wanted to reply, but then the rest woke up, and were up on their hooves within seconds. It didn't look like they had been out cold at all either, except for Haze who was as confused as he always was. It was hard enough for him to remember his own name.
"This is the gang." Director grinned and nodded at them. "First we have Mintie Star. She's the first one who actually joined." Mintie smiled and bowed a bit. "And then we have Blue Thunder, who joined a few weeks later. Blue Thunder chuckled. "And also Haze. He came when Blue came." Haze didn't do anything, like he hadn't heard them at all.
Blue shoved Director aside. "And this guy here is Director Cut. He's our leader, whenever he likes it or not. Not even Haze dares to argue with that when he's in his reaper form."
"Hay! I'm not!" Director protested, but Blue shoved a hoof into his mouth.
She grinned. "Sorry about that. He sort of doesn't like leading, but there is nopony more qualified for the job than him."
Director grumbled and walked over to Mintie, who patted his back and smiled.
"Anyways." Eclipse nodded. "Shall we get ready?"
Everypony cheered, except Haze who said "What?" in a really confused tone.
The four reapers did their things to become reapers, Haze with a little help, and then they all headed out. Horror looked at Eclipse. "So what kind of rift are we talking about?"
Eclipse thought. "I honestly don't know, but I have heard rumors about time being distorted close to the rift.
"Well that's interesting." Horror looked around.
Stormy interrupted. "Enough talking you two. We have a mission to do, and that fast. I want to get out of here." She shivered. "I feel that we're being watched, and I don't like that."
Horror growled. "I can feel it too…"
"Well then." Eclipse nodded. "Shall we find out what's watching us?"
Darth star almost set a hoof in Eclipse's face. "You guys are so easily distracted. It's probably the presence of the rift that's making the feeling."
Miasmic nodded. "Yeah. We better seal it fast and then leave this hell."
"Yeah." Horror looked around. "So where is this damn rift?"
Eclipse pointed up. The aurora looked stirred, forming a vortex around a single area of the sky, like this area was sucking it in.
Miasmic sighed. "Now that's not a surprise. That's where the spire of the tower was. I knew it would have some negative effects."
Eclipse nodded. "Yeah. It made a weak spot that was shredded up by the Rainfall Rift."
"Well then…" Stormy nodded. "Shall we fly up and close that thing?"
Eclipse took flight. "Yeah. We should be quick."
The others took flight too and followed Eclipse as he rose upwards. The air soon became filled with microscopic ice shards, but the five reapers ignored the pain. They then surrounded the rift.
"What now!" Horror yelled over the wind.
"You guys focus your magic on me!" Eclipse prepared to cast a spell. "I'll seal the gate!"
They nodded and focused on Eclipse, transferring their magic to him. He then cast the spell.
The rift suddenly sent out a lot of energy before it imploded, sucking in the aurora. Then another explosion occurred, and the rift was sealed. An orb was floating in the air, shining with the colors of the aurora.
Eclipse studied it. He almost instantly backed away. "Dear Celestia!"
Stormy looked in his direction. "What?!"
Eclipse growled. "It's a corrupted core, and It's about to explode!"
The orb suddenly sent out a bright light, but before it got to explode was it hit by a spell, making it vanish.
Eclipse just stared at it. "What in the name of…"
"Somepony's down there!" Darth interrupted him and pointed down with her hoof.
Horror looked down first, and he instantly grinded his teeth. "Oh for the love of Celestia! It's Him!"
"Who?!" Eclipse looked confused.
Darth sighed. "Look down and see for yourself!"
Eclipse looked down. He was going to say something, but then the four were already diving down, looking like they were about to attack. He cursed and joined them.
They landed at the same time, whirling the snow into the air. The snow quickly settled.
"Well hello my pretties." The slick voice was impossible to not recognize. The same went for the flaring mane and tail, and the jet-black body.
Horror growled. "How in Equestria are you here, Blood! We killed you!"
Blood chuckled. "You killed me alright. Twice actually. And yet here I am, again."
"So you just can't get enough of dying, eh?" Miasmic laughed sarcastically.
Blood shrugged. "Of course, but let me at least tell you all that I just saved you all from becoming like me."
The four tilted their heads, while Eclipse growled. "What do you mean!"
Blood coughed. "Allow me to explain. That thing was a corrupted core, yes, but a powerful one. You may have though you were safe, but you were still within blast range."
"And?" Eclipse unfolded his wings to prevent the four from unleashing possible attacks.
"A bit more than a hundred years ago will it explode, corrupting a reaper who was on a mission at this exact location." Blood yawned. "I had to do it, or time itself would be shredded to bits by a paradox, the timelines resetting themselves to fix the paradox."
Horror pushed himself past Eclipse. "So you mean you corrupted yourself, just to save everypony?"
Blood nodded. "Indeed."
"But isn't that a good thing?" Horror was confused.
"Well of course!" Blood rolled his eyes.
Eclipse was about to interrupt, but instead ended up getting Horror's back hoof up his mouth.
"Then please explain when an evil pony like you can do a good thing…." Horror was not amused.
"Easy." Blood grinned a grin that sparkled like the night sky during a meteor shower. "That core was my corruption. And before you ask, yes, it's a paradox too, but it's not big enough to actually be a problem."
Horror stared at him, also pulling his back hoof out of Eclipse's mouth. He then turned and moved over to the others. They started discussing something.
Blood looked at Eclipse. "You okay?"
Eclipse growled. "I'm fine, but my mouth hurts… Death never warned me about this…"
Blood chuckled. "But I bet he have told you about their skill. You can't find better reapers even if you traveled through time."
"How do you know…" Eclipse hissed.
"Calm down dude." Blood backed a bit away. "They've defeated me twice already. That's quite the task."
Eclipse was about to reply when Horror once again pushed him aside. "We have come to an agreement. You shall be allowed to live for now, but to be safe will we have to take you with us."
Eclipse pushed back. "What?!"
Horror grinned, just to get his face bashed in with two well-placed back-hooves.
Eclipse growled. "We don't even have beds enough!"
Stormy tackled Eclipse. "Calm down!"
"Hmm." Blood though. "We can always share a bed, like good old days."
Silence followed.
Blood sighed. "Eclipse. Can't you ever forgive me?"
Eclipse got back up. "Follow me, Blood." His voice was cold as ice. "And you four can stay here…"

Several hours passed before the two returned. They both looks fairly beat up, but their tone were a lot happier than before.
Eclipse was actually grinning.
Horror shrugged. "I guess you two had a duel to settle thing, right?"
Eclipse nodded. "And we've also set things back the way they were before this all happened."
Blood smirked. "Even that thing, right?"
Eclipse smiled. "Yeah."
"That's good. But we should be moving now. The next rift has been found now." Horror sighed. "But who'll be using the hammock?"
Both Blood and Eclipse smiled.
Darth nudged Horror. "Enough questions. We better get going."
The four younger reapers changed back while Blood and Eclipse headed into the wagon, which now had new wheels made from scrap metal.
Director looked at Blue and Mintie. "Do you think that the are…"
Both the fillies nodded.
Mintie giggled. "And I find it cute, actually."
Director nodded in return and then he started pulling the wagon, setting the path to new adventures ahead of them, with a new and large gang, leaving the Ice Wastes for the very last time.

[Eclipsed]Age Crisis

Special Announcement:
We now have a Merch store and a place where music will be posted. make sure you all visit those two stores X3
RedBubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/reaperkro
Bandcamp: http://reaper-tales.bandcamp.com/
Most of the money from here will be used on more music theme commissions and such.

---

Pilot Sky was testing his airship as he had just finished a few engine updates. Airship Raine was supposed to be faster now, and that without demanding any extra power.
Pilot was in the engine, checking the values while Diamond Hooves was piloting the airship. Things were looking good as the ship was nearly twice as fast now, and the values were stable.
"Pilot?" Diamond called over the Intercom.
"Yes?" Pilot replied.
"You should come and see this." Diamond sounded worried. "Weird things are happening."
Pilot didn't even reply. He galloped up on deck and out on the viewing platform that could be extended out. He looked up.
The sky was a mess, a large dark vortex forming, sending out shock waves that soon hit the ship, shaking it violently. Sparks flew from the engines as components inside exploded. Then six figures fell from the sky as the vortex stopped and started dissolving.
Pilot saw that the figures would pass by the airship, so he extended a net and caught them.
"What in the name of Celestia…" Pilot rubbed his head as he saw what he had caught. "How am I supposed to even explain this."

Horror was the first one to wake up, surprised to find Pilot Sky watching over him. He jumped up, but had problems maintaining his balance. He cursed.
"Calm down, dude." Pilot shook his head.
Then Horror realized that Pilot was larger than himself. He stood silent and stared up at the Bat Pony. "When did you grow so large?"
Pilot couldn't hide a chuckle. "Horror. I haven't grown an inch. You're the one who've changed."
"WHAT!" Horror stumbled backwards, stumbling over Eclipse. He instantly realized that Eclipse was smaller too, and looked a lot younger.
Pilot sighed. "What happened up there…"
"Well…" Horror looked up at Pilot. "Somepony had to not be cooperative and misfired a bolt that tossed the rift out of balance." He looked at Miasmic.
"And I guess that you don't remember anything else, right?" Pilot looked at the sleeping bunch behind the young Horror.
"Nope." Horror looked at the rest, who all now were waking up.
Pilot rubbed his head. "This is bad. We better get you all to a safer place for now."
"Where?" Horror tilted his head, which was a lot cuter than usually.
Pilot pressed a button on the intercom. "Diamond. Can you call in assistance? We need to get to Canterlot as fast as possible. If anypony asks, tell them that it's urgent."
"Gotcha." Diamond replied. "Calling for help now."

The trip to Canterlot took over five hours, mostly as the airship was quite heavy. The entire way were local pegasuses flying up to help, taking over for those who were exhausted. The last stretch over Canterlot was actually done by the Wonderbolts before the ship was securely moored to the castle.
Death was the first one to board the ship after the section of the castle had been cleared for guards and other ponies. He greeted Pilot.
"Where are they?" Death was concerned.
"They're under deck, but…" Pilot was interrupted by small hooves.
"BROTHER!" A small colt jumped onto Pilots lack, galloped up to his head and leapt at Death just to cling onto his neck like a parasite.
Death was surprised, while Pilot was confused.
Eclipse poked his head up. "Sorry sir. I couldn't hold him back. Honestly."
Death looked down, realizing that it was Blood who was clinging to his neck. He just sighed and shook the colt off. "And why didn't any of you tell me about him earlier?"
Horror poked up. "We thought Eclipse had done it."
Eclipse growled and planted a hoof with some force on Horror's head, hitting him back under deck. "Stop blaming me! I though you were the one, as you are the group leader after all!"
Horror laughed. "Cry some more!"
Eclipse roared in anger and jumped down.
Pilot shook his head. "For the love of Celestia. Will they never make peace?"
Death was about to reply, while Diamond was busy with breaking up the fight when three more alicorns came onboard. Celestia, Luna and Cadence.
"So what happened here." Celestia looked at Pilot, Death and Blood.
Pilot shrugged. "Something with a rift causing the reapers here to…"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Diamond's voice interrupted him. "Get them off!" Diamond came galloping up, the reapers clinging to him. "Why me!"
Death coughed and Diamond stopped, just as the reapers let go and quickly assembled on a line. Even Blood dropped down from his neck and stood besides the rest.
Pilot nodded. "Now where was I… Oh yes. The rift. Apparently was the closing spell not cast properly, so the rift closed, but sent out a lot of energy as it did. This apparently caused an age reversal, turning all six into youngsters. And I'll be damned. They act like they are school-aged too." Pilot shrugged. "But if you'll excuse me. I have to fix the thrusters so this ship can fly again." He then trotted off, not even waiting for a reply.
Death looked at Celestia. "What should we do?"
Celestia looked at the reapers. "Well. We should put them somewhere safe until a solution is found."
Horror coughed. "Excuse me." He was looking serious. "Why can't you let us solve the problem?"
Death sighed. "You all have nowhere near enough magic to do it. Besides. I think you are going to have a great time here."
Horror sighed, just to get bumped by Eclipse. "I agree. We are just causing too much trouble anyways."
Death looked at Celestia again. "So who shall take care of them?"
Cadence raised a hoof. "You know. I can take care of them. I have experience with foalsitting after all, and besides. I will have Luna to help me with this."
Luna coughed, almost like she had been insulted. "ART THOU SUGGESTING THAT I HELP THY WATCH THESE FOALS?!"
Celestia lifted an eyebrow. "Luna… No need for the Royal Canterlot Voice here…"
Luna placed a hoof in front of her mouth. "Sorry…."
Celestia looked at the reapers. "Well you better get going. I promise. Cadence and Luna will be taking good care of you all."
Horror nodded. "Come along fellas. Looks like we have a small vacation at hoof."
The rest chuckled and they all followed Cadence back inside.
Death looked at the sky. "What should we do. We can't just fly out and look for clues, and all remaining reapers are busy on missions."
"Hmm…" Celestia though for a moment, and then the airship shook a bit, followed by the sound of the thrusters powering up. "We could always ask Pilot for help, now that his airship is flying again."
Death nodded. "Sure."

One hour later was Airship Raine on it's way again. The destination was Summerhoof and the Rainfall Rift. This was to try to gather clues so they could find a way to reverse the effect. Magic wouldn't be enough.
The airship was going full speed, and it was flying lower than usual. The land underneath flew by at an impressive rate and the wind was so strong that nopony was on deck. Not even Pilot, who was seeking shelter in the control house, using a new steering system to steer the ship.
Summerhoof was approaching fast, soon coming into view as the scorched land became all they could see from the ship. This was once a sunny land, but after the changelings had attacked during the Rainfall Event had the land been infertile and dead. Summerhoof was still a ruin too, and the clear landing marks of the airship were still there.
Pilot landed then airship where he had landed it before, and opened the side hatch. All four walked out.
Death looked at Pilot and Diamond. "I'll head up to the rift with Celestia and see what we can find there. Can you two check the library for clues? Or any local observatories?"
Pilot saluted. "Yes sir. And be careful up there. Last time we were there, were we almost killed by changelings."
Death nodded. "If they are there now should they flee then."
Pilot chuckled. "Well you two better get going then."
Death and Celestia took flight and headed for the hill and for the Rainfall Rift, which was showing itself as a large shred in reality itself, rain falling out of it like blood from an open wound.
Pilot nodded at Diamond and they both headed into the library, starting to check anything that was readable. It wasn't much, as most of the books were either burnt to ashes or damaged by water. The medicine section had also been cleared upon departure, so there was no help there either.
Some books fell off a shelf behind them.
Pilot turned. "Who's there!"
No reply.
Diamond sighed and grabbed the shelf with magic, sliding it out of the way.
They were bot shocked when they saw what was standing behind it. A changeling. Not any changeling either. It was the same changeling that had been responsible for the Rainfall Event. It was a bit smaller than a regular changeling, and it's mane, eyes and tail were orange-red. It had the regular Changeling-color besides that.
"Please don't kill me!" It was scared.
Pilot growled. "How are you even alive!" He lifted a hoof to strike it. "We saw you die!"
The changeling looked up. "I'll tell you if you promise to not hurt me…"
Pilot sighed and lowered the hoof again. "Fine…"
The changeling sighed in relief. "The truth is that I did die…" It was looking down. "But somehow the rift energy regenerated me."
Pilot was unsure. "Didn't we seal the rift?"
The changeling shook its head. "Then why is it still there?"
Pilot didn't reply. He knew there was something odd when he saw the rift there.
The changeling nodded. "Yeah. There is something inside it, forcing it open. Some baby reapers will probably be the least of your concerns soon."
Diamond narrowed his eyes. "How did you know about the reapers…"
"I overheard you two." It laughed a bit. "Anyways. I can help, but in return do I want permission to live in Equestria like a normal pony."
Pilot shrugged. "You'll have to take that up with Celestia, mister."
"Ahem." The changeling coughed. "I'm a female, just so you know that…"
Pilot went silent.
"Call me Void Surfer." She grinned.

Death studied Void closely. "Are you sure we can trust her?"
Pilot shrugged. "What else is there to do? She knows the rift better than any of us."
Death sighed. "But she's a changeling."
"That may be right." Void interrupted. "But when I tried to return from the failed mission a year ago after being regenerated was I chased away again, called an outcast for not serving my duty. I have been wandering Summerhoof ever since, feeding of the energy in the air."
Celestia coughed. "And you said something else too. About the Rainfall Rift."
Void nodded. "Yeah. I felt that there was something in there. Like a large machine or something, forcing the rift open, like it's trying to break through."
Nopony said anything. Mostly because nopony had anything to say.
"Also…" Void interrupted the silence. "I have taken time to study the rift the last year, and I've noticed that it's been steadily growing in size." She placed a pile of papers on the table in the lounge of Airship Raine. Each paper had a date and had a hole cut in the shape of the rift. And just like she had told, was the size of the hole increasing for each paper, at an alarming rate too.
Death nodded. "So what do we do about it? I don't think any reapers will be able to head inside and seal it from there."
Void shrugged. "True that. The energy inside would tear them to bits. The same goes for whatever's inside, so it's probably using some sort of energy stabilization device. Destroy that and the rift will probably close."
Pilot sighed. "Sounds like a suicide mission."
"It is." Void chuckled, like she enjoyed thinking about it. "If you're lucky will you die instantly and your soul will be torn into pieces. If you're unlucky, however, will you float around the void until you starve to death." She shrugged. "It might also exist other realities, though. The machine proves that. You might hit one if you're really lucky, but that I doubt."
Death pushed Pilot away. "We can talk about that later. Now we have to focus on the reapers. Why do you think you can help?"
Void grinned. "Easy. They're probably saturated in Rift Energy that I can reverse. It's easy as that."
Death nodded. "Good. We better get going then."
Pilot nodded and headed up and powered up the thrusters. The ship gained speed fast.

It took them less than an hour to reach Canterlot, and as soon as the airship was securely docked was Celestia, Death and Void trotting off. Cadence met them.
Death looked around. "Where are Luna and the reapers?"
"They were tired and went to sleep." Cadence smiled.
"Do you even have enough beds for them all here?" Death was wondering, as he didn't expect that there were many beds in this part of the castle.
"Not really, but that wasn't a problem." Cadence shrugged. "Luna have been watching over them well, and let them use her bed. Last time I checked where they all cuddled up together, sleeping soundly."
Celestia walked up besides Death. "You better go wake them up then." She looked at Death. "And you should get going now."
Death nodded. "Alright. I'll dispatch a squad to Summerhoof now too, so they can watch over the rift, making sure to report in if any changes happen." He vanished in a flash.

Five minutes later were all the reapers assembled on a line. Void studied them, feeling the energy that saturated them.
"Just as I thought…" She closed her eyes, coming in tune with the energy.
The energy started glowing, radiating off like the gas from the sun. It surrounded them like a red haze, slowly drifting away. Suddenly it froze, before starting to flow in reverse. Sparks flew as the effect of the rift was reversed, the reapers now glowing bright white as they grew older over ten seconds. Then the energy perished and the glow vanished. Void collapsed from exhaustion.
Horror quickly galloped over and checked her. "She'll be fine. Just need to rest."
Pilot nodded. "Alright. Just remember to thank her later."
Horror grinned. "Yes sir."
Celestia coughed once in a royal manner to get everypony's attention. "Now that this is done should you all get back to work. There are still rifts that needs sealing, but if you find one that isn't dangerous, keep it open. We'll let Void live there instead."
Horror gave a nod. "Shall do." He gave the others a signal. "Let us go. We have a wagon to locate and rifts to seal."
Just as they were about to take off did Pilot take their attention. "You can come with me, so you don't have to fly."
Eclipse nodded. "I don't know who you are, but as it looks like you work for the reapers, and what you did shall we accept that offer."
Pilot and Diamond carried Void onboard while the reapers followed. Then the engines were powered up and the ship was once again in flight, heading for new adventures, new dangers and new experiences.

---

Sorry if the end is a bit rushed. I was High on coffee and was lacking good ideas for how to end the chapter. Might be revoked later.

[Eclipsed]Talonsberg

Part 1 – Talonsberg

Airship Raine was flying steadily ahead, staying low as it passed over the jagged mountains below. Rows and rows of sharp mountains, less and less worn down by time could be seen as they approached the destination. The airship was keeping a steady pace, the engines barely making a sound as she pushed on.
In the side-loading cargo bay, the old wagon had been stored. It was just one part of the transport. On deck, several Director was looking ahead, studying the mountain structure. He had noted the unusual shapes of the ranges, their formation almost being crater-like in structure. However, this wasn’t a trip to study geology.
“So what do you think?” Blue asked. “Is it a real threat, or just rumors.”
Director sighed, stepping away from the railing. “If it was just a rumor, the boss wouldn’t have sent all of us. He’d send Eclipse.”
“I guess you’re right.” She looked fairly miffed, having to travel so far away again. “What threats are we even talking about?”
“Supposedly someone plans to cast Equestria into eternal darkness. The threat was traced back to a remote gryphon city known as Talonsberg.” He wasn’t too happy about it either. It was furthest away they had been for ages.
“Let’s not start pouting.” Eclipse had joined them. “We’re arriving shortly, and I’ve been informed that someone is going to meet us.” He retained his calm and composed tone, looking ahead. “And Talonsberg, huh. I’ve only heard rumors of this place.”
Director was about to ask when Pilot sounded the bell. “We’re coming in for landing!” The bat pony shouted, before bringing the airship over the last row of mountains. Ahead of them, a massive round valley appeared, the jagged peaks going all around it like a crown. In a few areas, hotsprings could be seen, bubbling away. In the middle, a tall and wide mesa-like peak could be seen, a decently sized city having been built on it. Airship docks and all could be seen.
As they got closer, it was possible to see gryphons too, flying around, going about with their usual business. The airship wasn’t attracting any unusual attention either, so it was not a huge problem. Eclipse went back below deck as they prepared to dock, Mintie and Haze coming up to help with the mooring lines.
Five minutes later, Pilot returned to the others. “You’ve been cleared for disembarking. Your friends should stay on board though, to not attract any unwanted attention.”
“That was the plan.” Director nodded. “They’ll likely find a room to spend some quality time in anyways, so don’t worry.” He then stretched. “Alright team. Grab your stuff. We’re disembarking.”
They then left the airship, leaving Pilot to do his trading while they went to investigate. The four continued down to the market, deciding to check that out first. Director and Blue spent a lot of time scouting the market stalls, while Mintie watched ahead. Haze was somewhat keeping an eye back.
It was a bustling city, lively as it could be, despite being so remote. Guards could be seen, keeping an eye on the crowd, while citizens were going about on their business. Things didn’t seem too much out of the ordinary as far as they could see.

Part 2 – Prince of Shadows

Watching from the shadows was a pegasi mare. She was sticking out of sight as the four left, and she started following them as they went through the city. Her dark ashen coat, and ashen and purple mane and tail didn’t stand out too much, and she’d switch from staying in the shadows, to blending with the crowd. She was managing to remain unnoticed, or so she thought.
Haze suddenly broke off from the group, seemingly wandering on his own now. He went down a side passage, into a back alley. This had caught her attention, and she decided to follow him, rather than stick to the others. She continued down, reaching a dead end. Haze was nowhere to be seen, but a light mist was in the alley instead. “Huh?”
“You really shouldn’t trail strangers…” The voice came from behind her.
She quickly turned, facing the alicorn who now was looming over her. “What if I wasn’t?”
“Then you wouldn’t have followed me.” Miasmic looked to her, his eyes having a very unamused gaze. “But hey, I can’t really do anything with my, irresistible charm.” His voice had a lightly snarky tone to it.
“Oh, gee. I can’t keep my eyes off you.” She rolled her eyes.
Miasmic had his weapon drawn, the chain already surrounding the mare as he held on to the blade, ready to tighten them up. “Now be a good mare, and tell me what you’re up to.”
She chuckled, her eyes having a flash of red. “I always thought a Reaper was a dead serious agent. For once, I’m glad I was wrong.” She stretched, flipping a metal case out from under her hoodie. With a flash of red, she was gone, a Changeling price in her stead. His mane was crimson, his eyes too. And he had a scythe, looking unmistakably like the one Horror had. “But enough games. It was I who helped trace back the letter to here. Or rather, one of my many agents. We need your help.”
“First you’re going to explain how you got that weapon. It’s not-“ Miasmic was interrupted when the changeling drove the blade into the ground.
“It’s not mine?” He asked. “You’re wrong. This is the original. What your leader has is but a copy, one crafted as a sign of friendship with the Equestrian Throne by one of our ancestors. I’m surprised to see it ended up in the hooves of a Reaper. Pleasantly so too.”
“Enough talk.” Horror had appeared now, Darth and Stormy alongside him. “If you’re friends with the throne, why do you hide in the shadows, rather than coming right to us?”
“And here he is...” Mumbled Miasmic, wrapping up the chain again and moving over to the others.
The changeling laughed. “That was a thousand years ago. Since then, they forgot we even existed. To be safe, I even had every file on us destroyed.” He bowed. “Regardless. Call me Lord Serendipity. Captain of the Crimson Hive, and eldest son of Queen Crimson.”
“That’s a lot of crimson.” Darth pointed out.
Seren glared to her. “If you dare insult my mother’s name, I’ll make you regret it.”
Horror sighed, stepping in between them. “In the name of Celestia, stop bickering! This is getting us nowhere.”
“He’s right.” Seren nodded. “Anyways, let’s talk. I can show you the way to my office, so it’s easier to do so.”
“So you’ll explain how these ponies plan to blot out the sun?” Stormy inquired.
Seren laughed. “Tell? I will show you what they plan to do. Of course, promise me to leave certain parts out of the report.”
“Fine.” Horror sighed. He didn’t like this guy, but they had no choice.
Seren nodded. “Fantastic. Follow me.”

Part 3 – Hive of Fire and Brimstone

The group was lead through back alleys and hidden passages, and down to the foot of the peak that the city was built on. They continued through the dense forest underneath it, before reaching the start of the mountain range. In front of them, what looked like an abandoned mine could be seen.
“I’m curious. Why is this valley like this?” Stormy asked. She was curious about it. “Did something massive fall from space to create it?”
“That would have been the reassuring explanation.” Seren sighed, leading them down the mines. “But be patient. You’ll see soon enough.”
They continued down a maze of tunnels, going deeper and deeper for what felt like miles. Eventually, the tunnels stopped splitting, and only one lead deeper. The group was getting worried, as there was the feeling of something powerful ahead.
And that’s when they entered the great cave. A massive open cavern, half a mile wide, and over a mile long. Most of the floor of it was a massive lake of magma, boiling away aggressively. Along the walls, a city was carved into the very bedrock, bustling with life as changeling could be seen flying around. On the other side, an ancient temple could be seen, and several magically warded barges could be seen, transporting crates over the magma. On top of that, a faintly visible magical seal could be seen over the magma, and a massive, rune-covered rock was hanging in the middle of the cave ceiling, over the lake.
“Here we are.” Seren remained calm. “The Crimson Hive. We protect the seal on this lake of magma.”
Horror looked over it, looking more terrified than amazed. “And just why is there a massive magma lake and a seal here?”
“The seal is here because the crater above was created in the latest of a series of cataclysmic eruptions. All caused by this volcano.” Seren nodded, walking towards the lake. “And she’s overdue to blow again. Nearly a thousand years overdue.”
Stormy approached the lake too. “So if the seal breaks…”
“The world as you know it will change dramatically. Talonsberg will be vaporized, the immediate area turned into a hellscape, and the ashes will blot out the sun across the world.” It was another voice. A changeling queen appeared before them. “And that’s why we saw it fit to reveal ourselves. The threat that was sent was made by someone who knows about our Hive, and the seal. They intend to break it, so they can plunge the world into chaos.”
“Yet, with the security you have, why can’t you stop them.” Miasmic sounded annoyed. “You’re the guardians after all. It shouldn’t be our job to do your job for you.”
“Unless the threat is of the supernatural kind.” Horror pointed out. “It’s been a rather annoying occurrence ever since that one incident.”
The others nodded silently, knowing too well the result of the Rainfall Incident.
Seren gave them a folder, labeled “Viktor Drakenclaw”, and another labeled “The 13th Legion”. “This is what we have on those making the threats. We sent a group to deal with them, but they have developed weapons I have never seen.”
Horror was reading through the files on the 13th, and he looked concerned. “So they’re using magical launchers with a near endless pool of magic?”
“Drawn from a strange hole in the fabric of reality.” Seren took out a file photo.
“A rift.” Horror cursed loudly. “Of course it’s a rift. Eclipse is going to flip a table.”
Darth was pacing. “Is that all? I would prefer if we left already. This place is a bit too Hellish, even for my tastes.”
“Very well.” Seren nodded. “I’ll be coming with you.”
Horror looked concerned. “You sure?”
“Of course!” He exclaimed. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world.”
Horror rolled his eyes. He didn’t know what to say, but he shrugged. “Sure, but please stay out of the way when we fight.”
“I’ll try.” Seren disguised again, before heading back out with them.

Part 4 – The Golden Core

“So let me see if I got this right. A rift opened up nearly a year ago now in the camp of this legion, and they started getting a bit, crazy?” Eclipse sounded rather annoyed. He hated dealing with rifts, as it usually involved dealing with something nasty too.
Seren nodded. “Yup.” He looked outside the airship window, watching the mountains under them. “And then they got the bright idea to cast the world into chaos.”
“Why am I not even surprised.” Miasmic shrugged. “At least it’s action for once.”
Horror was about to say something when the airship shifted course, starting to go lower. “We’re coming in for landing at a safe distance. Please hold o-“ Pilot could be heard over the speakers, but was cut off before he could finish. The whole airship shook as an explosion was heard, and it quickly went from a controlled descent to an uncontrolled one. It crashed into a lake, which prevented it from taking serious damage.
Blood came down seconds later, carrying Pilot on his back. “Those magic weapons in the report? They’re seriously long-range. It’s a miracle he wasn’t killed up there. Or seriously injured in that case.” He placed the bat pony on a couch, before getting to work with bandages. “I’ll be staying here to watch over him. You lot better get moving to deal with that rift.”
Seren got up, nodding. “Sounds like a good idea.” He looked briefly to Pilot, narrowing his eyes before Horror gave him a nudge.
“He’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Horror headed out, followed by the others.
They headed off the ship, and started moving through the forest and towards the fort. The aura of the rift could already be felt, and it was a nasty one. The whole walk, Eclipse said nothing. He looked rather unamused by the thought of dealing with another rift. Seren had also not said a thing, something clearly on his mind.
They pushed closer towards the fort, and soon they were beneath the walls. Seren stretched. “Are you ready to storm the fort? We’re too close for the big guns to harm us, and I assume your combat skill should overpower the lesser stuff.”
“Unless they got a nasty surprise, we should do good.” Darth chuckled, revving up the chainsaw. “At least this puppy gets to see some action again. She’s been longing for a neck to sink her teeth into.”
Horror started moving up the stairs. “Let’s go. Primary objective is to secure the rift, and then seal it.”
“Secondary objective is to fry Viktor. His treason is unacceptable.” Seren added.
“Can’t make promises, but it sounds like a fun challenge.” Miasmic chuckled.
They moved onwards, arriving at the gates. To their surprise, they were open and unguarded. Seren looked suspicious, scanning the open plaza inside. Stone buildings and cards of weapons and gunpowder barrels could be seen. The rift was also visible, a crack in the fabric of space. There was not a single character in sight.
“This doesn’t feel right…” Seren growled, tossing a rock in. As it got closer, it seemed to vanish. He took another and tossed it harder, aiming it above the back wall. It seemed to vanish, and then appear again as it left the fort. “That’s interesting.”
“Is it a problem?” Stormy asked, watching it.
“Unlikely. The rift seems to be causing a degree of Dimensional Distortion.” Seren walked forward. “And the welcome party is likely waiting inside, hoping to catch us by surprise.”
Horror laughed. “Then we give them a surprise of their own.” He grabbed a barrel of gunpowder.
“I like your way of thinking.” Seren chuckled. He set fire to the fuse that was poking out.
“Allow me to help.” Stormy grabbed the barrel and tossed it towards the rift. Seconds later, splinters, smoke, and dead gryphons came flying out.
“Now!” Horror ordered, charging inside. The others followed, meeting the remaining troops with surprising viciousness.
The fight that broke loose was quite one-sided. The troops were crushed by the combined might of the five reapers, and even Seren looked amazed. That’s when Viktor revealed himself, standing under the rift.
He was holding a golden orb, chuckling. “Well would you look at that. “Brother” has finally come to see me.” He cackled. As he held the orb, his blood veins were glowing gold from the arm, pulsating with power. “If you’re here to defeat me again, I regret to inform you that it’s not going to happen.” He raised the orb, the glowing blood veins starting to spread. “Never again will I be second to you. I will become a God, and my first act will be to let the world purge itself!”
Seren didn’t think. He just ran right for him, blade ready. “I will not let you do this!”
“Oh but you don’t have a choice.” Viktor laughed as a bright light enveloped him. The blast of energy sent Seren flying backwards, crashing into the dimensional barrier which now was solid. “And to see that you brought pets, how kind. I will enjoy stomping them all, like insects.”
The light faded, and before them, a massive gryphon stood. The rift was now between his head feathers, moving with his head. He had six wings too, shining white, and he was standing on two legs, rather than four. In his free hands, two massive blades were being held. On top of that, the outside of the barrier had faded, and they were now on an island floating in a magical space.
“Bow before me, or perish!” He roared.
Eclipse stepped back, standing with Seren. “I will protect him. You four deal with that, thing!”
“With pleasure.” Darth laughed, going for Viktor with her chainsaw.
Stormy and Horror both followed, while Miasmic sighed. “Brutes.” He then went around the side instead, aiming to deal cheap blows to the godlike being Viktor had become.
It was not an easy fight, and they took several blows while trying to wear him down. But it was soon revealed that he had a serious weak spot, and that was the orb that now was embedded in his chest, gruesome golden veins pulsating from. A plan was quickly set up.
Miasmic was the first to act, getting his blade and chain around Viktor’s neck. He tightened it, pulling his head backwards as Horror and Stormy went for his arms, holding them away from the chest. Lastly, Stormy took to the air, before driving the chainsaw into the orb. As it went deeper, a golden liquid burst out violently, almost like gold, and Viktor screamed in agony. As he did, the dimensional bubble collapsed, and soon things returned to normal. The rift was now in the air again, and Viktor laid limp on the ground below it.
Eclipse got up, casting Mend on the rift. It sealed shut, its aura fading. “That’s over.”
Viktor stirred, coughing up blood. “So this is how it ends…” He tried to get up, but he collapsed. “Guess I will always be… Number two…”
Seren was up again now too, walking over to him with help from Eclipse. “Had you only told me, I would have helped you get strong enough to match me.” He raised the scythe. “But this is the price you pay for treason, brother. It pains me to do this.” He then struck the blade down, beheading the gryphon. He then put a hand to his chest. “Bring the body to the Hive. Despite what he did, he deserves a proper burial.” With that, he started making his way back to the airship.

Part 5 – Queen’s Awakening

“He’s not getting better.” Blood was speaking to the others. “Despite minimal physical injury, he’s losing energy, fast. It’s as if the weapon that hit him is burning up his energy, and if we don’t help him, he’s dead.”
Horror looked at him, looking concerned. “But what do we do? The only doctor we know is Rainy, and she’s been out of town since they broke up.”
“I have another suggestion.” Seren stepped in. “But it’ll only work if my intuition is right.”
“Oh?” Horror looked to him. “What do you suggest?” He was open for any suggestion.
Seren stepped towards the door. “Bring him to my mother. She’ll know what to do.”
Horror just nodded. “I trust you.” He left to tell Eclipse. The others remained, looking concerned. In the little time they knew Pilot, they had deemed him a very important ally. If he died, they’d have fewer options of transport.
Eclipse was already flying the airship, heading back into the valley and towards the mines. He knew it was urgent, and he almost crashed the airship as he came in faster than he should. Outside, several hivelings were already waiting, and helped carry out both the carpet-wrapped corpse of Viktor, and Pilot. Pilot was rushed down faster, the others urged to follow.
They arrived back in the Hive, where a barge already was waiting. The queen was onboard, waiting. The barge then started moving as soon as they were on board.
“Mind explaining the plan now?” Horror asked.
“How much do you know of changeling hives?” Seren asked.
“As good as nothing.” Horror shook his head. “We don’t have access to info at that clearance level. Only special investigators do.”
Seren sighed. “Then I doubt you know of the Sky Hive.”
“The Sky Hive?” Stormy asked. “Never heard of it.”
“Not surprising. It vanished off the face of Equestria 15 years ago.” Seren closed his eyes. “We were allies, and had limited access to their data. They were investigating rifts, and to find ways to detect and seal them, but then one day, they were gone. Not eradicated. It was as if they had never existed in the first place.”
“A dimensional shift, maybe?” Eclipse suggested. “I have experienced those a few times. The last was the one we just hit.”
“A plausible theory.” Seren nodded. “But to the point, your friend might be a remnant of this Hive.”
The others fell silent. “And you believe so, because why?” Miasmic sounded critical. There was literally no evidence to prove this.
“What do you know about him?” Seren asked.
“That he has no memory of what happened before he woke up in the Ponyville Hospital. That was-“ Horror fell silent, looking shocked.
“15 years ago…” Stormy looked to Pilot. “But why the memory loss.”
“Could be a side effect.” Seren nodded as they arrived. Pilot was carried to a chamber, where Crimson had prepared a pod.
“If my son is right, he’ll be essentially reborn. It will kill the spell.” She nodded. She helped Seren with slipping Pilot into the pod. “For now, meet me in the throne room.”
The group followed her back outside, and over to the temple. As they passed the massive metal doors, they entered a large rom. The floor had a long, red carpet, pillars on either side bearing the Hive’s banner, along with the banner of Talonsberg. A throne could be seen, and behind it a massive carved stone tablet, showing the story of the Hive.
“It’ll take a week. You should check back then.” Crimson settled down. “Please take care of the airship too. It’s truly a beautiful piece of work.”
Horror stepped forth. “I have one question.”
“Hmm?” She raised an eyebrow. “Do ask.”
“How much do you really know.” He looked concerned. “You know more than we know, and clearly have ears to the wind.”
She laughed. “Maybe one day I’ll tell. Until then, it’ll remain a mystery.” She then got up again, leaving the team to themselves. She had one of the hivelings show them to a place to rest for the night. They needed it after all.

Author's Notes:

So after 6 years of writer's block, I'm kinda back in action. The original Chapter 4 has been scrapped in favor of this, which introduces some more recent lore stuff I have worked on. To be specific: The Crimson Hive, Talonsberg, the Supervolcano, and hints at something more.

I might wrote longer now, but my writing is still as bad as always. Regardless, enjoy :'D

[Side Story]Project Skybreak

Part 1 – Starlight

“Rift Stability is at 99%” The changeling prince spoke, watching as they were scanning the rift that lately had appeared in their Hive. He had a full team working with him, and watching from the side was a bat pony.
He, and all his companions were changelings, dark grey hide and with a darker grey mane with purple streaks. They all had brown eyes, and were investigating the rift. The Bat Pony, meanwhile, was albino, with almost black hair. She was clearly expecting children soon, and was managing the first aid station.
The Hive in question was fairly advanced, using technological equipment and more to study the rift. The main point of the research was to figure out why these appeared, and what risk they posed, and also if they could be used in any ways. Some info was being sent to allied Hives.
The prince finished the studying for the day, and walked over to the bat pony. “How are you holding up, Vanilla?” He sounded worried as he gave her a kiss.
“I’m fine, Starlight.” She smiled softly. “Not many days left now, and you’ll be a father.” She returned the kiss, heading into the halls with him.
“I can’t wait.” He was giddy, looking forward to this. “But did the research crew I dispatched to Summerhoof report back yet?”
“You’re as quick to snap back to business as the others, I see.” Vanilla chuckled. “Bit a report did arrive in the morning. Apparently the equipment they were sent there to test is detecting an anomaly in the fabric of reality there.”
Starlight had a concerned look. “Then my hypothesis is right. Summerhoof is a prime spot for a major rift incident. I’ll have to send a warning to Canterlot.”
“Can it wait?” Vanilla asked as they arrived at their private chambers.
Starlight nodded. “I suppose so. I’ll leave the team there for now to monitor any changes.” He opened the metal door, helping her inside their room. It was part-office, part bedroom, with a large and nice bed for them to use. Bookshelves lined one wall, full of research, blueprints, manuals, and more.
“For now, we both need rest.” She pulled him onto bed to snuggle.
Starlight just squeaked as he was dragged close. She was right after all. He needed to spend more time to relax.

Part 2 – Project Skybreak

News arrived from Summehoof a month later. Starlight had just put his son in bed for the night when it arrived. The message was clear. Signs of rift formation were appearing, and if not dealt with, could pose a major risk.
“So it’s happening?” Queen Nebula had joined Starlight. She was tall and exceptionally beautiful, her presence soothing to anyone around her.
Starlight nodded. “It’s time to start Project Skybreak. If we don’t get something done, out very world might be torn apart.”
Nebula hummed. “It is indeed an issue…”
Starlight opened the folder he had on his bench, detailing a device that was designed to close rifts. “We still got at least ten years of research ahead of us, but I believe we’ll figure this out before it’s too late.”
“I’ll send it to the Development Department.” Nebula smiled softly. “You got a family to take care of, so don’t spend too much time on this.”
Starlight pouted, but Nebula lifted him out with magic and closed the door on him. “I guess you’re right…” He sighed, heading back to his room.
Vanilla was waiting for him, pulling him close as soon as the door was closed. “So how did things go?”
“Bad.” He rubbed his head. He looked deeply concerned. “The Summerhoof Rift Site has been showing signs of growing.”
“That’s indeed concerning…” Vanilla nodded. “But don’t forget us though.” She walked over to the infant, looking at him. “Pilot needs you just as much as the world does.”
Starlight smiled softly, giving her a smooch. “I know. Don’t worry.” He kept her close as he looked to their child. “And you know, I can feel that Pilot will do great things. Call it a hunch.”
“Of course he’s going to be important.” Vanilla laughed softly. “Nopony ever isn’t important to somepony.”
Starlight grinned a bit. “Of course.”
“For now, let us rest too. It’s been a long day.” Vanilla smiled, heading to bed.
Starlight nodded, before joining her. “You know, I couldn’t help but to mention you and Pilot in my last letter.” He held her close.
“I’m surprised you took this long to do so.” She chuckled.
He blushed a bit. She knew him too well. “She gave us her blessing. She went over the report with an unnamed associate, and didn’t expect it. She said the footnote was taken well though.” He chuckled.
“That’s good.” Vanilla chuckled softly. “But for now, let’s sleep.”

Part 3 – Skyfall

In the rift chamber, it was more lively than ever before. Changelings were rushing back and forth, setting up equipment, cables, and more. It was finally time to test the Rift Sealer. Among the onlookers was a 14 years old bat pony, standing with his mother. “So it’s finally time?” He sounded excited.
“Indeed.” Vanilla chuckled softly. “If this works, your father will be a hero.”
Pilot chuckled. “Of course it’ll work. Dad is a genius.”
“And it has rubbed off on you.” Vanilla snickered. “I have seen the steam engines you’ve made. I’m very impressed.”
Pilot chuckled a bit. “My little side projects? I made them using spare parts in the workshop.”
Vanilla nodded. She was, in fact, very proud. “And I would love to stay, but I have been asked to send a report to Canterlot.”
Pilot grinned. “Of course. You both are always so busy.”
Vanilla riffled his hair. “Don’t worry though, I’ll be back in two days.” She kissed his forehead. “Make sure dad gets enough sleep, okay?”
“Can’t promise, but I’ll try.” He waved as she left, before returning his focus to the project.
An hour later, the system was ready. Starlight worked on charging the sealer, looking calm. He was the only one in the rift containment chamber, charging up the system. “Hope this works…” He mumbled as he finished charging it. “If not, hopefully the Rainfall Rift containment system doesn’t fail.” He mumbled to himself.
Just a few years earlier, the rift site at Summerhoof had shredded open, releasing a massive pour of rain. A containment facility had been established to prevent it from reaching outside and causing havoc.
Starlight took aim at the rift. “Please work…” He then pulled the trigger.
The rift flared up as he hit it, the whole facility shaking violently. In fact, multiple tunnels collapsed from the force that was released, power going out. Panic also spread, as the Throne Room was one of the places that collapsed, and the fear that their queen had been killed in the cave-in spread throughout the members.
Starlight woke up, his ears ringing. The rift seemed to be gone, but something was wrong. He got out into the viewing room, seeing that several stones had collapsed. Among those hit was his own son, who currently laid unconscious, hanging over the railing. A feeling of dread was filling him. “Please, no…” He realized what had happened, and he could hear the sounds of more stones falling. He didn’t have tome to save more, so he picked up his son and ran for the exit, barely getting out before the whole facility collapsed.
The world outside was even worse off. All colors were missing, and shadows were solid black. As he walked, he could feel that he was drying up. “We failed?” He was scared, feeling that every step he took was painful. He still carried the Rift Sealer. He eventually reached where he knew Ponyville was, placing Pilot on the ground. “I’m sorry, my son…” He reconfigured the sealer, aiming at Pilot. “Please, live on. Hopefully your mother will find you…” He then fired. With a flash, Pilot was gone. He then sat down, closing his eyes as a tear rolled down his cheek. “I’m sorry…” He felt his body turn to dust, and soon, he too was gone.
Pilot was found half an hour later in the middle of Ponyville, and brought to the nearest hospital. Her survival never reached Vanilla, who left central Equestria not long after the Hive’s fall. But from that moment, Pilot’s fate was set.

Author's Notes:

Starlight Sky was a character I conceptualized before the character with the same name appeared in the show. He oritinates from not long after Pilot became a changeling in another canon I have, which later became the main canon.

But yeah enjoy this mess of a hidden backstory