//------------------------------// // Act 1: Part 2--Chapter 11 // Story: The Land of Equestria Saga Acts 1-5 // by derrick1714 //------------------------------// Unused Series 2 The Land of Equestria Saga Act 1 Part 2 Chapter 11 The Citizens Attack Opening his eyes Doji saw only a swirling vortex, watching as he continued to fall he began to think. He thought about all he had seen and lived. While also knowing that whatever lay beyond the vortex, would most likely be under Slappy’s control. Falling through he began to see openings inside the vortex, all along the sides there were worlds unlike any he had seen before. Watching as he passed multiple exits he finally saw one ablaze, watching as the world burned he noticed a lone soul running straight to a castle. Nearing the opening Doji pushed through with the goal of saving the creature, who appeared to be in distress? Landing on the ground Doji looked around and saw fires, as well as bodies all around. “What could have caused this much damage? What could have killed so many lives?” Looking at the destruction all around him Doji found the path the creature took, running in that direction he found it had entered the castle. Careful not to kill himself by being crushed, Doji slid by the door and ran to the doors at the end of the mostly intact hall. Carefully cracking it he saw the creature, a purple alicorn mare with a star on her flank. Looking in front of her he saw a man sitting in a broken throne. His head was hidden behind a hood that cloaked his face in shadows. As the flames roared from outside the throne room, and pieces of rubble fell from the hallway Doji watched the confrontation. “Welcome Twilight it’s a pleasure meeting you, how do you like the new world? You know what they say about Phoenix’s they rise from their ashes reborn, and so will this world. It is being reborn in flames right now, and while your friends may be gone. You don't have to worry, because you'll be joining them really soon.” As Doji watched the man he could feel the darkness in the air begin to move, he watched as the man stood and removed his hood revealing Twilight's face. As he smiled with her smile she stood tall, as he replaced his hood Doji could see the shadows slowly move toward the alicorn. However before Doji could act the alicorn spoke and Doji found they couldn't hear him. “Slappy’s not as a bad as I thought, he doesn't want to kill only enslave. He wants to rule the land not watch it burn, here I thought he was the worst foe we ever fought but I was wrong. You're by far the most horrible and darkened foe I have ever met, and I will not let you continue this madness even if I have to stop you by force.” Upon hearing Slappy’s name Doji recoiled, before pushing with all his might. As he pushed he tried to piece events together, realizing he was so very late Doji finally quit. Watching as Twilight galloped towards the man with her horn glowing, Doji saw the man snap his fingers causing tendrils made of shadows to wrap around her. As all four legs were bound, her horn was covered as well. Seeing her struggle brought Doji to the brink. “No no no. It can't end like this; I can't let anymore souls die because of that dummy.” As Doji used all his strength to punch the door, a voice chuckled before speaking. “Force won't do any good, you’re meant to watch events play out. No more no less, I'm truly sorry.” As Doji watched the alicorn struggle she began to speak. “You won't win, I know this isn't real and even if this is the future I will stop you. You won't get the chance to destroy Equestria, even if I have to stop you myself.” As the man bent down to finish her Doji cried out. “Please let me in, this isn't right. This is all my fault. Please let me fix it, please I can't let her die.” The man froze inches from Twilight’s neck as the disembodied voice responded. “I'm afraid she must Doji. This moment must happen, for that is her past self and she must know what is coming to stop this from ever happening” Looking inside the room Doji saw the man’s fangs still inches from Twilight's neck, frozen in place. “Where are you?” “I'm everywhere and anywhere Doji, I hold untold knowledge and have seen the damage Slappy will cause. Has caused from Twilight’s perspective, see this is my gift to her. A chance to rewrite history, and stop the man under the hood.” “So you're allowing a past Twilight to see the events of the future, so she may stop it?” “Exactly Doji, however your here because of how you play a part in this. Your story as well as hers connects in many ways, one way is by The Storm.” Looking into the room once more Doji saw the figures begin to move. “What storm?” “The Storm is a point in both your stories that lead to this point. The Storm started when Slappy arrived, and will end here.” As Doji watched the frozen figures began to move faster, he saw the man bite the alicorn while she fired a spell straight through his heart. As she lost more and more blood the man fell over coughing, clutching where his heart should have been he began to curse the ones who wronged him. Until finally both the man and Twilight were dead. As the alicorn faded away the doors opened to reveal the body of the one who was to cause so much pain. Looking into the hood Doji saw only darkness, and as he bent down to remove the hood he saw his face. Replacing the hood the voice continued. “A world in tatters, a dozen friends lost and a fate as old as time. Hidden behind a mask that reveals your face, that is this man's power.” Doji turned around and saw the shadows begin to combine, as they crawled up the wall and took shape the voice continued. “A fate that will lead both of you to confront the darkness. The Darkness that is sinking into Equestria, and the worlds beyond.” As the shadow took shape it smiled before speaking. “It's been awhile Vampire King, how's it been? Feels like forever since I last saw you, oh wait no it was just a few minutes ago.” As the shadow began to laugh it moves along the wall until it reached curtains, pulling the cord against the wall a statue was revealed. As Doji looked upon his future self the shadow began to peel itself from the wall, morphing into a 3D figure of a man the shadow laid a hand on the statue as Doji backed away. “How can this be? What happened to me?” As Doji stared into the horrified face stuck on his future selves face, the shadow began to laugh. “This was all thanks to you two, and now the best part is I'm free from my body. I'm pure darkness now, and I'll celebrate by consuming all that remains in internal shadows forever.” As the man made of shadows touched the statue, shadows crept over it until nothing was left. Doji could only watch as darkness spread out from the shadows feet, as the throne was swallowed whole Doji ran. Watching as the castle and fires began to disappear, Doji continued on until time froze once more. “This is a future where the man of darkness controls all, and later consumes all. It was only a matter of time before his dealings with darkness consumed him, so now you see what must be stopped?” Looking around Doji watched as a war appeared to happen, a war between what was left. Watching them struggle, he bowed his head before speaking. “I never could have known this was nothing like I thought it would be.” Smiling Doji began to laugh; as he laughed the voice questioned his sanity. Until Doji wiped a tear from his eye, and withdrew Slappy’s book. “This future isn't set in stone, and while I have faced many foes. I know I'll face many more, there's always light in the darkness and I'll prove to you. Whoever you are that good always triumphs over evil, and that I'll never give up until my final cursed breath.” The voice spoke in a whisper. “That final breath may be sooner than you think.” Doji smirked as the voice returned to the normal talking volume. “There's still time to set things right, events are only just now starting in the present, the dominos haven't all fallen yet. Hurry Doji, leave this future and set things right.” As time resumed Doji continued forward, racing to the rift he saw the shadow man rise in front of it. As he smiled Doji saw tendrils rise from shadows all around him, just as he believed he had lost he saw a bright glow. Looking around Doji saw the tendrils were gone, and a blue dragon with a flaming sword locked in a sword fight with the shadow man. Rushing towards the dragon it yelled back. “STOP.” Before clashing it's sword against the shadows sword. “My name is Ember the dragon lord, my friend Spike-” As a tendril grabbed her leg she sliced it in half just as her opponent's sword went down, catching herself and stopping the blow she continued. “-told me the great warrior of Equestria might one day return. That if he did than to protect him, save him so he could save us all. So go, be the savior you were always known as. Spike gave his life for me, and now I am giving it for him.” As Doji watched her struggle he nodded before jumping into the rift, as he fell he heard a scream and then felt something grab him. Looking at his arm he saw a tendril wrapping around and pulling him back, as a mouth appeared it began to speak. “This isn't over Doji; I want the pleasure of killing you twice. See once you’re gone I will then consume more than just Equestria, I'll consume everything you love. It's time for me to get my revenge, along with Dracula's.” As it pulled Doji closer to the opening Doji reached into his other pocket, grabbing a safety tool he questioned the tendril. “Who are you, what does any of this have to do with Dracula?” “What does any of this have to do with Dracula? Nothing really, I suppose I thought helping a friend would make me feel better. However I'm the guy who you left to rot forever in a void, it's always your fault.” “I suppose the rift has given you a version of me who hasn't met you yet, but I suppose that doesn't matter now. All that matters at this moment it this. Checkmate Shadow!” Raising his arm, Doji fired his flare gun scorching his body but destroying the tendril. As the tendril burned away the disembodied voice spoke once more. “Destiny's aren't set in stone; neither is the prospect of good and evil. We all do what we feel is right, even at the cost of another life.” As Doji fell, his body healed, and looking at his watch he saw time fast forward 3 days. Blinking once, twice and then three times he found himself in front of a baby dragon and unicorn all as a laugh echoed inside the rift along with one last sentence before it closed. “Everyone has darkness inside them including you Doji.” Awaking from his daydream, Doji looked at Spike wondering what future awaited them all. Grabbing his overcoat Doji walked down the hall, and heard a giggle from the library. As he opened the door, he heard Starlight scream. Awaking on the floor of the town hall Doji rushed to Starlight and began trying to wake her, looking around Doji remembered they had escaped the puppets of Slappy only moments ago. As Starlight began to wake, Spike also began to stir. “Ah. what happened?” Spike asked as he held his head. Checking to make sure he still had the books, Doji began helping Starlight up. As she began to remember, Spike finally did. “Oh that's right we did a fast teleportation spell, well that could've went a lot worse.” “I'm sorry you guys, my mind is fuzzy but I remember trying to find the quickest destination. Far enough from the army but close enough to make it too. However my memories of this place aren't that great or should I say picture perfect. So the trip was less than comfortable, but now we can head to Canterlot and stop that dummy.” As Starlight checked the exit, Doji smiled at her resolve and together they exited and began their journey through the everfree forest. The most dangerous and uninhabitable place in all of Equestria, which is also home to Zecora. *2 Hours Later* “NEVER TOUCH THE PLANTS DOJI!” “HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT YOU HAD PLANTS THAT WOULD KILL?” Running as fast as they could Starlight shot spell after spell at the vines, all as Spike held onto her for dear life. While Doji turned the map sideways and then upside down, before flipping it back. “If you’re going to make a map, at least try to make it understandable. This writing is complete chicken scratch, I mean come on at least try and make it understandable.” As Doji turned, so did Starlight and Spike, just as a wood wolf jumped at them. Ducking it landed behind them, only to be caught by the vines. As Doji handed the map to Starlight, a howl rang out as well as a cry. *3 Hours Later* “DOJI WATCH OUT FOR THAT-.” As Doji rose up from running straight into a cliff, he turned to find they were surrounded by creatures made of wood. Thinking quickly Doji pulled out his empty flare gun, and instructed Spike to blow. Firing the trapped ball of fire the wolf creatures left, pulling out the map they got from Zecora 4 hours ago Starlight found they just needed to climb the cliff to escape the Everfree. “Well that was a fun 5 hours wouldn't you say?” As Doji smiled at his funny remark, Starlight stomped his foot and spike stomped his other foot. “Okay okay, maybe going down the path with signs of death was a bad idea. However I was under the impression we needed to go straight, not loop here and there.” *2 Hours Later* “So this is the Canterlot Castle? Well it's not half bad, so now this is my only question where is the library?” As Spike and Starlight grumbled at his unending energy, they began carefully heading towards the library. Turning the final corner they found themselves face to face with the citizens of Canterlot. “I blame you Doji.” “Why blame me Starlight?” “Because if you had hoofed the map to me earlier, we would’ve gotten here sooner.” “Starlight, Doji we have more important things to deal with then getting on each other’s cases.” “I personally agree with the baby dragon.” Starlight looked at their savior and wondered if they really even needed him, or maybe it was the exhaustion and tiredness from today's events that was getting to her. However reflection time needed to wait, what with 20 citizens of Canterlot ready to behead all three none-puppets. *30 minutes later* “Shouldn't the sun be going down by now Starlight?” “Normally yes but Slappy now controls the sun and moon, so maybe he wants us gone before another day begins.” “Well at least we were able to get here inside the library, what were you wanting anyway Doji?” Spike watched as Doji smiled at his question, thinking back to how Starlight froze the citizen’s hooves and how they arrived here. “Well dear Spike there's a book here that can help us, also have you noticed how some books are gone? The reason is because Slappy is building himself a book throne, one that is a reminder of what he no longer has to fear. I'm depositing a book for his throne, and taking a book. It's really simple in all true reality dear Spike, and-. Yes this is it; here Starlight read page 269 should be the second spell if I'm not mistaken.” Tossing the book to Starlight, she caught it and began turning the pages. While Spike watched Doji as he laid their salvation among other book, before placing the other black book in his main pocket on his coat. “Doji what is this?” Doji smiled before speaking “Spoilers dear Starlight, Spoilers.” “Wait how did you know it was here anyway?” Doji smirked before pointing to the book and saying. “Because Twilight had an exact copy, that might I add was delicious.” Spike and Twilight both stared at the red cover of the book, before Starlight reread the spell a bit more. “This spell could work, but it looks very complicated. Why didn't you show me it at the Friendship Castle?” Doji chuckled as he began walking to the door, before replying with. “Because it's more fun this way, and I had a delivery anyway.” Opening the door Doji barely blinked before he was blasted into a bookshelf, and found himself with a hole in his body inches from his stomach. “Why is it I'm always getting stabbed or blasted, cooked or burned here?” Starlight dropped her book, as Spike watched Doji fly. As the smoke cleared Doji, Starlight and Spike all saw 5 mares and a floating TV screen. “Hello Doji my old friend, did you miss me?” As the dummy on the screen laughed, Doji coughed and found himself weak. As Starlight took a defensive stance, Spike tried to help Doji up. All while the dummy smirked before ordering his fallen foes to be exterminated. *2 Hours Before* “Come puppet, I know the time of my enemy’s arrival is soon. So I want to prep for their doom.” As Slappy walked towards the door the puppet followed, while its eyes shimmered green for a moment. Following the path to the dungeons Slappy pulled out his wand and checked the energy readings, stashing the wand back inside his sleeve Slappy commanded the puppet to open the door. As he walked down the steps the puppet smiled as its horn glowed green, and the door shut behind it. “Well isn't this a surprise, little Clappy has arrived to put on a jolly good show.” As Discord smiled at the approaching dummy, he saw the puppet stop by the door as green flames over took its body. Returning his gaze to Slappy he watched as Slappy scanned the prison bars, and then turn his light bulb to blue. As the tip touched the bars a magic inhibitor worked its way into the cell, infusing the bars and very floor with magic canceling properties. Slappy backed away with a smile, as he watched Discord's mark finally fade. “No. You didn't just do that, you’re not that clever. I'm the clever one, I AM not you.” As Discord snapped his talons sparks went off, but no dancing pigs. “Works like a charm, your natural chaotic energy can't be contained forever. Well not sealed anyway, so I bottled you with your powers.” As Slappy watched Discord slump to the ground, he turned to face Twilight and Shining only to find a very large bug in his way. “Who are you?” “I'm the queen who has come to crush the bug who dares control her hive, I'm Queen Chrysalis and I never lose.” As the dummy pointed his wand at her, she pointed her horn at him. “Actually we beat you before, remember the wedding.” Twilight spoke up from her cell with her brother, as everyone turned to her she continued. “You locked Cadence below the castle, and took her place. I knew from the start you weren't her, yet no one believed me. You locked me up with her, the wedding continued up until the point me and Cadence arrived. I and my friends failed to get the elements of harmony, but Cadence’s and my brother love was so strong it blasted you and your hive into the badlands.” As Twilight finished the dummy smirked, before laughing while the queen shot death glares at the alicorn. “The magic of friendship failed, but the magic of love succeeded. Oh this is rich; I'm in a world where emotions are truly weapons. However this proves my reasoning, that you lot are not worthy of freedom. You fight, enslave and kill. I bring peace, complete freedom and everlasting life. Who wouldn't want that?” Slappy smiled as Chrysalis stared at him, along with Discord, Shining and Twilight. “Your right I do it out of my hatred and pure want for revenge, but hey nobody's perfect.” Pointing his wand at Chrysalis Slappy fired, as Chrysalis fired her beam of magic. As the two energies collided waves of unstable energy crashed around the walls, until finally Slappy pressed a button releasing the full power of his weapon. Chrysalis could only watch as the beam got closer and closer until finally she was hit, she could feel the dummy taking hold and in one last ditch effort teleported away with half a cutie mark on her hip. “Mark my words Slappy, this isn't over.” As she glared at her mark, Chrysalis fell unconscious while her mark glowed a faded green. Slappy stared at the scorch marks before laughing at her apparent demise, as Twilight and Shining stared at the marks with dread. Meanwhile Discord watched the marks with interest, piecing together what really happened. As Slappy wiped a non-existent tear from under his eye, he approached Twilight and Shining. “What do you want now?” Shining spit the words out with enough venom, to make the dummy place his little wooden hand on his chest. “I'm wounded Shining. I only wanted to read you two a bedtime story.” Smiling Slappy pointed his wand at Twilight before continuing. “Once upon a time there was a poor wooden boy, whose only fault was he wanted to play games. He tries to play nice, but was pushed away.” Firing at Twilight, Slappy continued as she fell asleep while Shining tried to wake her. “Feeling hurt he set out for revenge, however he was betrayed and as such he set out to make the world pay.” Firing at Shining he watched the stallion dodge, continuing his story Slappy smiled. “The wooden boy would be released and almost get his revenge many times, however every time a hero would stop him. Finally he escaped into a world with magic, and set out on a quest to finally get revenge.” Firing at Shining Slappy’s smirk vanished. “Stay still dummy, I'm almost at the climax.” Firing one last time Shining felt himself fall, as both brother and sister slept. Slappy used his magic to send them to the throne room, before using his magic to conjure three floating TVs. *30 Minutes Before* As Slappy watched Shining and Twilight begin to stir, he saw them notice their chains. “This is my time, I won't lose.” Looking forward Slappy addressed 5 mares, all while Twilight starred with tear coming out of her eyes. “I want you five to go to the library and kill Doji, Starlight and Spike. End the ones who stand in my way.” As they marched out with a TV behind them, Slappy smiled at the camera by his throne. “The Climax of my story approaches, and it'll be a real doozy.” Laughing Slappy watched as Twilight and Shining could only look upon the monster known as Slappy, as Slappy magically made another TV he saw Doji. “Hello old friend, let's tango.” As a laugh rang out so did the word Exterminate.