//------------------------------// // Not everything in life are games // Story: Chaos: the Age of Spike // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Not everything in life are games Two squads, of both Lunar and Solar Guards, charged into the center of Mane-Hattan, in order to stop the strange disturbance, before it was too late, like in Saddle-Cramento. And before Saddle-Cramento, the Smokey Mountains, and Rockingtown. Lots of squad have been sent to stop the disturbances, but suddenly, they cut off all communication. But, it was clear that they only made the situation worse. In the end, the guards had no choice but close all the roads to those cities. What was going on? They found out soon. The biggest, most populated, and most modern city of Equestria was full of alicorns. Tall, mane-floating alicorns, just like their Princesses. “Look whose’ here?!” asked an alicorn, with aquamarine fur, and pink floating mane. “The Royal Guard! Envoys of our former rulers. Get out of here!” “MANEHATTAN IS NO LONGER UNDER THEIR CONTROL!” “From now on, Manehattan is an independent, and powerful nation!” “An entire nation of alicorns! GET OUT BEFORE WE KICK YOU OUT!!” “Yes, as our Mayor Mare says!” assured another alicorn. The personal assistant of the aquamarine alicorn. “From now on, she’ll be Empress, of the Free Nation of Mane-Hattan!!” But, unfortunately for this pony, the one nearest to him, was the mayor’s secretary. And he didn’t get along with his boss. “Why does she have to be the empress, huh?” The Mayor Mare turned to her secretary. “What I am hearing? Are you willing to defy me, Hoof Writing?” “Why not? I’m an alicorn too!” And, with his newfound power, Hoof Writing attacked the mayor. The aquamarine pony had to create a force-field, and shot an enemy beam to her attacker. Hoof Writing eluded the beam, and turned into his nightmarish form, in order to gain ore power. “I’ll banish you, mayor. TO THE SUN!!” The soldiers would intervene, but they knew they were no match for two powerful alicorns. Not even the Lunar Guard. Unfortunately, another pony noticed them, and grinned. “Well, well, well, what to do with these morons? I KNOW!” And he shot a powerful beam that sent them away. It was pathetic, the Royal Guards who were caught by the attack were all over the floor, completely unconscious, unable to defend themselves. And, the ones who weren’t hit, had no choice but escape, and hide between the debris, caused by the powerful alicorn’s attacks. And the problem was getting worse every second. The fight between the mayor and her assistant was only one of many. Small conflicts began all over the city, and combined with alicorn power, the destruction was uncontainable for anypony. Not even Celestia and Luna would be able stop these much ponies. Especially since every single one of them matched their power. Suddenly, a shadow passed over them, and next, the guards were covered in a black light. The soldiers covered themselves, thinking it was another angry alicorn. But, when they opened their eyes, they noticed that they have turned into alicorns too. “Are we alicorns?” “Why? What does it mean? Is this a test, or something?” This wasn’t unnoticed by the inhabitants of the city, who glared carefully at the group. “Are they alicorns too?” “What are they going to do?” The Guards looked for the one who attacked them first, and charged toward him, moving as one. “You’ll pay for what you did to us!” This only got things worse. The presence of the guards only increased the violence in the city. Nopony noticed that the weather was getting colder. Nopony except for one. Maud watched on the distance, and, with a shrug, she headed to another city. The city was getting colder every second. “It works.” said Maud dryly, as she took a coat, and a scarf from the remaining of a store. In the middle of all that destruction, Babs looked through the window of her penthouse. As she feared, the city was in ruins. “Well, considering what’s going on, I’m actually surprised that this building remains intact.” mumbled the earth pony. “Anyway, I must go!” Then, Babs better took her form of Night Seed. Her ‘Night-Sense’ would help her to avoid danger. Then, she ran to her wardrobe, where Spike have installed a crazy door. Mostly, it was used for their pranks, but it could be used for emergencies as well. Through the door, Babs appeared on her parents’ pent-house, sighing relieved that their building was complete too. “Mom! Dad!” called Babs. “Are you here? Are you alright?” “Barbara!” called the two new alicorns, running toward their daughter. “Sweet Celestia, you’re okay!” “What happened to you?” asked Babs. “Same thing that happened to everypony else.” said Babs’ mother, Miss Orange. “Why you haven’t changed?” “Wait, is this your doing?” asked Mister Orange. “This time, the God of Chaos overdid!” “It wasn’t us!” said Babs. “Spike wouldn’t do something like this without telling us first.” “Are you sure?” “Also, I would recognize my friends’ energy signature.” assured Babs. “Something really bad is going on.” The Oranges nodded. “Okay, what should we do now?” “First, let’s get the hay out of here.” said Babs. “You haven’t dismantled my old closet, right?” “No, why you ask?” asked Mister Orange. “Let’s go! There’s a crazy door at the bottom of it!” In Ponyville, Apple Bloom was resting from her long day, helping her family to administrate Sweet Apple Acres. She may be an Agent of Chaos, but still liked to spend time with her family, and support the business. But suddenly, her closets’ door opened, and her cousin (in her form of Chaos), followed by her uncle and aunt (transformed into alicorns), jumped out. “What the hay?” asked Apple Bloom. “This isn’t time for questions. Let’s go to Twilight’s Castle, now!” said Night, running as fast as she could, followed by her parents. Apple Bloom was tired, but she turned into Shadow, and joined her cousin, uncle and aunt. When they arrived to Twilight’s Castle, they found that the Princesses Luna and Celestia, and the rest of the Bearers were with them. “As I was saying,” Celestia said, “this crisis is unprecedented. We still have no idea of what’s going on, but, with the Elements of Harmony, I’m sure that…” “Ehem, sorry for interrupting you, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to show up there.” said Night Seed, walking in the Thrones Room. “Seriously, a war is coming.” “All of sudden, everypony in the city turned into alicorn.” explained Mister Orange, walking behind his daughter. “And, started fighting and…” “At this point, they will reduce the city to nothing but ruins in less than an hour.” added Miss Orange. Applejack’s jaw dropped. “Uncle Orange? Auntie? Are those ya’? What happened?” “Are you deaf? We have no idea!!” protested Miss Orange. “Sorry Applejack, but we’re really stressed! We just escaped from a warzone.” “A warzone? Is that bad?” asked Luna. Miss Orange glared at her. “Tell me something, have you fight with your sister with all your power?” Luna frowned, as she reminded her time as Nightmare Moon. “Yes.” “Imagine that, with more than a hundred alicorns!” protested Miss Orange. “I’m sorry, Princess Luna, but the city is in chaos right now.” Celestia frowned. “This is no chaos, this is destruction. However, don’t you two remember how it happened?” “Sorry, Princess Celestia.” said Mister Orange. “We woke up like this. We have no idea how this happened.” “What about you, Babs?” asked Applejack to her cousin. “Nope, I wasn’t affected I all. I guess it was because of my powers.” They all nodded. “This must be the doing of that employee of the Other One we were notified.” said Luna, darkly. “After Mister Michael warned us, we started to get reports not only for Rockingtown and Saddle-Cramento, but also the Smokey Mountains, Hoofenland, and who knows where else.” A door appeared out of nowhere, and Spike, Black, Dark and Mist appeared. “Huh, so you already know there’s one of the Other One’s employees causing trouble.” said the God of Chaos. Celestia smiled. “Just in time Spike, we were about to investigate what’s going on in Equestria.” “Happy to help!” said Spike. “However, we must open our eyes. I don’t know, I have a feeling this is only the beginning.” “What do you mean?” asked Twilight. “Of course it’s only the beginning! This destruction will only spread, and…” “Think about it!” said Sweetie Black. “This is awfully similar to our modus operandi! We create a prank, a highly notorious one, and let it spread. But, at the same time, we prepare something bigger, more annoying. This devastation is nothing but a distraction.” Everypony shivered. “Good Boss… YOU’RE RIGH!” shrieked Celestia. “We have to go to the affected places immediately!” said Luna, firmly. “Starting by Mane-Hattan!” “No, I’ll go to Rockingtown!” said Pinkie worriedly. “My sisters live there! I hae to make sure they’re okay!” “I understand!” said Twilight. “But I shall go with you. We don’t know what could happen to you!” “Let’s split.” said Night. “The Bearers of Harmony can go to Rockingtown, and the Team of Chaos to Mane-Hattan.” Spike nodded, and created two crazy doors. “These should take us to the outskirts of both cities. We have to be very careful.” “Luckily, the farm is far from the city.” mumbled Pinkie Pie, hoping that her sisters would be alright. Pinkie opened one of the doors, and the Bearers of Harmony prepared to follow her, along with Princess Celestia. As for Luna, she decided to join the Team of Chaos. “What about us?” asked Miss and Mister Orange. “You stay here. Out of trouble!” said Princess Twilight. The two new alicorns nodded, wondering how this was going to end. Rockingtown: Almost the entire town have been reduced to nothing. Only ashes, and small fires remained. Even the inhabitants have left, since they noticed that their fight destroyed everything. But, the destruction was nothing compared with the bigger cities. The alicorns have proven to be a plague that menaced to destroy everything. “You lead the way, Pinkie.” said Twilight softly. The sight intimidated even her. Pinkie nodded in silence, and guided her friends through the arid and rocky terrain of her family’s farm. It was as lonesome, and cold as always. “This is a good thing.” sighed Pinkie Pie relieved. “Are you sure?” asked Rainbow Dash. “This place seems desolated.” “Means that nothing have changed.” said Pinkie, smiling. Finally, she spotted her old home, and ran toward. “MARBLE! LIMESTONE!” Pinkie called, breaking into the house. A shriek in the dark received them, followed by a small groan. “It’s me, Pinkie! I brought my friends!” said the pink pony, turning on the lights. “Pinkie, I’m glad you’re here!” said Marble. “Oh no! You too!” said Pinkie Pie, looking at her sisters. “Yeah. Last night, we had a crazy night.” said Limestone angrily. “We thought it was all a dream, but then, we got awake because of the explosions coming from town.” “And haven’t leave the house since then.” Added Marble, shyly. “From last night, you say?” asked Princess Celestia. “And don’t you know what happened, by any chance?” Limestone groaned. “Yes. We had a visit from Maud. She did is to us.” Marble nodded. “She said a lot of weird stuff. Something about signing a contract, and that she can’t spare anypony. Oh, and that we should stay at the house, no matter what.” Everypony shivered. “Did you say Maud?” asked Pinkie Pie. “Our older sister?” “She’s like you.” explained Marble. “She haven’t age a day.” Celestia began to hyperventilate. “No, no, no, NO! Maud Pie, the most dangerous terrorist of all times?!” Pinkie Pie looked at her friends in awe. “But, it can’t be, right? She’s been disappeared for almost ten years!” Twilight looked worriedly at Celestia. “Signed a contract… ” “Yes, that’s what she said.” assured Marble. “The Other One.” said the Princess of the Sun. “OH NO!! She signed a contract with Him!!!” “NO, IT CAN’T BE!” cried Pinkie Pie. “THIS MUST BE A SICK JOKE!” “Pinkie…” said Twilight. “NO, I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT!” Limestone groaned. “SHUT UP ALREADY!” she shouted. “CARE TO EXPLAIN WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!” “Sorry, Marble, Limestone. It’s a long story…” They sat, as the girls explained everything to them. About Mister Boss, about the Other One… the contract system. When they finished, Pinkie Pie looked at her sisters’ horrified expression. “She… she… works for the Devil?” asked Limestone. “No, I refuse to believe it as well!” sobbed Marble. “My sister is no terrorist, and she surely isn’t… she isn’t working for the Devil!” “There’s no use to deny it, Marble Pie. I’m so sorry.” said Princess Celestia, with a frown. “Unbelievable, this situation is extremely bad! Maud Pie is incredibly dangerous all by herself. But now that she works for the Other One, we’re in a lot more trouble.” Pinkie stared at Celestia, shaking in fear, and disappeared behind a puff of pink smoke. “PINKIE, WAIT!” called the others. But she was too far already. She had to get to Mane-Hattan as quick as possible. She was the only one who could stop Maud. In the meantime, the Team of Chaos and Princess Luna had arrived to the metropolis, only to find that all the battles had stopped. The new alicorns couldn’t keep destroying their city, since there was no more city to destroy. “Oh no…” mumbled Luna. “Hey look!” called one of the rebellious alicorns. “One of our former rulers! And the God of Chaos!” “Come on! Let’s destroy them!!” Luna moved backwards. “I don’t want to hurt them. Spike, can you immobilize them?” “Leave it to me” said Spike, snapping his fingers. The black and purple energy of chaos surrounded the city, and before the alicorns could notice, they all were trapped in blocks of Jell-O, as big as buildings. However, with their alicorn powers they could easily destroy their fruit-flavored prisons. But, they still needed some time. “Black!” urged Spike. “On it!” The filly created a microphone, and sang a little. Her hypnotic voice managed to relax the ponies, at least for a little. “Give me that!” said Princess Luna, taking the microphone from Black. “Citizens of Mane-Hattan! Stop this nonsense! Don’t you realize what will happen if you continue like this?” “YOUR BELOVED STATUS-QUO WOULD BE BROKEN?” All that shouting warmed up the tempers, and the ponies were about to fight the newcomers, but Luna continued: “I don’t give a shit about the status-quo, I know it doesn’t last forever. What I want you to notice, is that, if you go on like this, there won’t be a Kingdom to rule! In the end, whoever wins this fight, will be the King or Queen of nothing!” Nopony knew what to say. Finally, they took a look around, and noticed that their beloved homes had been destroyed. Reduced to ashes. Injured ponies all over the place, in a deplorable state that even an alicorn would need a lot of time to recover. The entire city had been destroyed in less than a day. “What happened to us? Why did this happened?” Luna comforted them. “It’s alright. You were under the influence of some kind of mind control, along with your transformations. We don’t know who is behind this, yet, but I assure you, when we do find out, he or she will pay.” There were a lot of mumbling, in approval, and apologies. Everypony calmed down, finally. “And what should we do?” asked a pony. “Obviously, wait until we find the culprit, and then, work together to get everything back to normal.” said Black. “And what about the Jell-O?” asked another alicorn. Rumble face-hoofed. “Eat it, of course!” The now calmed ponies nodded, and began to eat the treat happily. The Team of Chaos, and Princess Luna, slowly walked away. “That was easy!” commented Shadow. “Too easy.” “Our job is only starting, young Shadow.” said Luna. “ This is just one city of many.” “A’ mean, it was too easy to break the mind-control!” explained Shadow. “Are ya’ sure that was the case? If they really were under the effects of mind control, not even Black’s hypnosis would work that well.” Luna froze in the spot. It had sense, a lot of sense. And it presented a darker picture of the current situation. But she didn’t had the time to think, since they all saw some strange lights on the distance. Magic explosions, somepony was battling on the distance. “Oh no, that’s our military cordon we set!!” And, she flew to stop the fight, followed by the Team of Chaos. It wasn’t a simple fight like the one in Mane-Hattan, it was a true war. And, since all the fighters were trained soldiers, it escalated to uncontainable levels. It all started because the lower ranks refused to follow orders not that they were alicorns, and the rest escalated quickly. Now, both Lunar and Solar Guards, were fighting mercilessly. “Oh great!” mumbled Dark. “STOP IT!” shouted Princess Luna, with her Royal Canterlot Voice. “Don’t you realize you’re under the influence of some kind of mind control? Stop before you kill each other!” But, for the first time since she got free from the moon, all her shouting were sofocated by the Guards’ screaming, and weapon-clashing. “WAKE UP!” shouted Luna. “OUR PRAISED SOLDIERS CANNOT BE FOOLED FOR SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS MIND CONTROL!” It was when an energetic trot came to scene. The Agents of Chaos turned, but relaxed when they noticed it was just Pinkie Pie. “What’s she doing here?” asked Mist. The pink pony stopped right before them, with an uncontrollable anger that surprised even the two Royal Guards in conflict, who stopped their fight immediately. “MAUUUUUUD!” shouted Pinkie Pie, looking around. “You cannot hide from me, Maud! My Pinkie-sense told me that you’re near here!!” Everypony around were too shocked to ask what the hay was going on with Pinkie. Also, the mare seemed strangely furious, with her eyes burning in pure anger. Something around her warned everypony to stay back. But, ignoring everypony around, including the Team of Chaos and the Princess, the pink pony began to look for her sister. At first, she thought that her Pinkie-sense would help her to find Maud quickly. But something was blocking her. It was the same feeling she had back when the girls faced Tirek, or Sombra, and the Storm King. An aura of pure malevolence that prevented her from using the Pinkie-sense at full. Luna and Spike sensed it too. “Is that the signature of one of the Other One’s agents?” asked Spike to the Princess. Luna nodded. “Yes. Our other foes have the same aura, but this is your first time near them as an employee, right?” Spike nodded, as he felt a chilling feeling running through his spine. The Agents just looked at their boss and the Princess, worried about them. “Just… she did said Maud, right?” asked Night Seed, with a shiver. “She did, but we’re not children anymore!” assured Mist. “Yes, whatever she does, we’ll stop her!” joined Dark. “As a team.” assured Shadow. “A team of Harmony and Chaos.” finished Black. As for Pinkie Pie, she got tired of looking for her sister in the crowd, and shouted again: “MAUD! I KNOW YOU’RE HERE! I WANT TO SEE YOU!” And finally, they saw her, walking from what was left of an elegant mansion on the city outskirts. As Marble and Limestone told the Bearers, she haven’t age a day. And she seemed more stoic, and dangerous than ever. And, as she used to, Maud was petting her pet rock as it was a cat. “I knew that sooner or later you’ll show up, Pinkie Pie.” said Maud, dryly. “Shut up!” shouted Pinkie Pie, wiping the tears from her eyes. “How dare you to do… well, all this?!” “You mean turn all this ponies into alicorns?” asked Maud. “And manipulate their minds to make them fight, destroying Equestria in the process!” shouted Spike. “Prepare to…” “To what?” asked Maud, indifferently. “For another of your pranks? Who do you think I am? Another of the Bearers of Harmony you use to annoy? Kid, not everything in life are games.” Spike grinned, and made a small nod to Shadow. The Agent of Chaos picked one of her black apples of chaos, and threw them toward Maud. The few weeds in the area began to grow uncontrollably, and came to life, trying to catch Maud. The earth pony limited to make a small nod. The mutant weeds weren’t affected by this, and caught her. But she didn’t mind. On the distance, after another blast of Black Light, the entire population of Marescu turned into alicorns. And, two seconds later, another fight started. Maud watched pleased, even if her face didn’t show any changes for anypony except Pinkie Pie. “We can go on like this the whole day. I don’t mind.” said Maud. The Team of Chaos exchanged a quick look, and charged against Maud. The earth pony got rid of the mutant weeds holding her, and pushed the group away with ease. Her strength wasn’t increased by the power of the Other One, as a pony who worked half of her life in a rock farm, she was monstrously strong. A pony tried to hold her from the back, but she didn’t mind. “You’ve never been able to compete with me in strength, Pinkie Pie. I highly recommend you to stop.” But Pinkie didn’t, and Maud had no choice but throw her away. Suddenly, a blue magic aura captured Maud. She turned, it was Princess Luna. “Huh, it is you.” said Maud. “Maud Pie! I command you to free the ponies from your mind control!” Maud shrugged, and made a quick nod. Another city population turned into alicorns, and started a fight. At this point, they would destroy Equestria in a matter of hours. Spike charged his black and purple energy of chaos, and faced Maud. “Stop it right now!” said Spike. “We’re serious.” “Aren’t you even a little flattered?” asked Maud, emotionlessly. “A simple action that turns upside-down city after city, while I just sit and wait for the do-gooders show up to try to stop me, as the destruction expands to one city to another. Sounds familiar?” Dark menacingly extended her wings. “Don’t you dare to compare yourself with us!” Maud stared at her. “But you know it’s true. It’s the exact same routine you play with your sisters, a game you’ve been playing over and over for the last eleven years. This is a tribute to your silliness, why don’t you enjoy it?” Luna mad appear a sword, and placed the tip on Maud’s neck. “I gave you an order, Maud Pie. Stop talking and free ponies from your mind control in this instant, or…” Maud raised an eyebrow. “Oh, right. You still believe I used mind control to create this chaos.” “What?” gasped the Princess. “I just told Boulder that, the worse enemy of the ponykind, is the ponykind itself. All these battles are the result of ponies’ own stupidity combined with overwhelming power. I don’t need to brainwash anypony.” Maud closed her eyes, releasing an aura of black light, getting free from Luna’s magic hold, and got away from the Princess with a quick backflip. Luna shot a magic beam to Maud, but she blocked it with her black light aura. “It won’t be that easy, alicon.” said Maud. Luna frowned, and aimed her sword back to the terrorist. “The difference is, that you’re alone.” The Team of Chaos joined the Princess, preparing their powers. So, facing the incoming threat, Maud simply tilted her head, causing another city to fall under her influence. “Stop it!” commanded Spike. Maud shrugged briefly. “It cannot be stopped, not at this point.” The group stood before Maud, looking at her, when the rest of the Element Bearers came to join them. “Pinkie!” called Twilight. The pink pony came to join her friends. “Oh, Twilight!” Twilight embraced her friend under her wings, and turned to face the menace. “Maud Pie!” “The entirely of the group have arrived.” said Maud calmly. “A cute demonstration of friendship between races. Disgusting.” “Maud, I don’t like to hear you talking like that!” cried Marble, coming from behind the group. “Please, stop! This is not the sister I remember!” “Yes, Maud, please! You are the shame of the Pie family!” joined her Limestone. “This is your chance to prove we’re wrong! You are not like this!” Maud stared at her sisters, and frowned briefly. But it was very significant gesture coming from Maud. “I told you to stay home. I don’t want you to get involved with the real danger.” “Real danger? What real danger?” asked Applejack. Maud shrugged, as cold as she was. “It’s getting colder, right?” “What are you talking about?” asked Luna. Maud glared at her, and her sister, and Twilight. “You know how much I dislike alicorns? They’re the only reason ponies force themselves to live together, instead of each race on their own, as it should be. When this ends, nopony would want an alicorn near them, and things will get back to its natural course. Birdbrains and hornies away from the superior earth ponies.” “So, according to you, we are the real danger.” said Luna. “This is all about your delusions about the earth pony superiority? Celestia shook her head sadly. “Maud Pie, do you realize that you’re not an earth pony anymore, right?” asked the Princess of the Sun. “Not after you signed with the Other One. You’re not even a pony now, you are…” Maud nodded. “Yes, I know what I’ve became. But, if sacrificing my perfect nature means I can change the world to my vision, so be it.” “Your personal goals means nothing to Him!” shouted Luna. “You are nothing but an instrument now!” Maud nodded. “I’ll free the ponykind from you, and that’s all that matters!” Spike showed her his teeth. “I had enough of you! Twilight!” Twilight nooded, and took a step forward, holding Spike’s right claw on her hoof, as Sweetie Black held the left. Rarity held her sister’s hoof, and Dark hold hers. One by one, the Elements of Harmony and Team of Chaos took a step forward, summoning the Magic of Friendship. “You cannot win this, Maud, not with the Magic of Friendship on our side. Together, we’ll stop you.” “Even if you’re my own sister.” mumbled Pinke softly. ManeHattan got colder, as Maud closed her eyes, bored. And it didn’t went unnoticed by the Royal Sisters. “It won’t be that easy, right? You have another plan!” Maud nodded. “Yes, I did exactly what our God of Chaos does. This destruction, is a distraction. My real plan begins with this cold.” The Empire got colder, as everypony shivered both from the cold, and Maud’s words. What was she really up to?” (line) Crystal Empire: Princess Flurry Heart could see her breath. It was always cold on the Empire, but today was a lot colder. The Crystal Heart was warm, meaning that it was working. But, the amount of cold was more than the crystal ponies’ love could handle. It was when Maud’s black light covered the Empire, and turned everypony into alicorns. Now that they held all the power of their Princesses, it didn’t take long until the fight started; with lots of ponies began to self-proclaim to be the new Princess, Prince, Emperor, or similar. The power-drunken ponies began to destroy their beloved homes, much to the Royal Family’s horror. That was the last stand, the Empire was the last city remaining, and, with them also in conflict, there was nothing holding back the Windingos anymore. They arrived like a hurricane, willing to devastate everything on their way. No pony had a chance before them. Except for the Royal Family. Shining created the strongest shield he could summon, but it didn’t last for a second. Not even with his new alicorn powers. “CADENCE, FLURRY, I NEED SOME HELP!” shouted the general. Mother and daughter exchanged a look, and combined their powers on the Crystal Heart. The Love Shockwave did repelled the Windigos a little, but the conflict was making them stronger than ever, so they limited to spare the Royal Family, and continue their way expanding their freezing aura of death. At first, the new alicorns screamed in fear when they realized they were freezing, but didn’t had the time to even react. Some of them could take a glance of the mythical creatures, and, just closed their eyes, resigning to their fates, knowing that the mere presence of the Windingos meant doom. (line) The group in Mane-Hattan, stared at Maud, waiting for her to speak. But it was too late, a thick coat of ice covered the ruins of the city. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, MAUD PIE?” asked Luna and Celestia horrified. Maud petted her rock, and began to walk away, knowing that her enemies would be too busy to follow her. As for Limestone and Marble, Maud knew that they were safe with the others. “I warned you two to stay back.” Said Maud, with a sigh. The Windigos attacked Maud at bare sight. The mare stank to conflict. But Maud took her employee ID from her dress, and showed to them. The ice spirits made a horrified neigh, and charged to the group of Harmony and Chaos. Spike jumped right before the group, extending his arms, and creating a black and purple force-field in protective attitude. Soon, Twilight, Luna, Celestia, Black and Rarity joined in. The ice started to cover the protective bubble, when suddenly Twilight had an idea, and hummed a Hearts Warming Eve Carol. One more time, the aura of Love and Friendship pushed the Windigos away. And, like in the Crystal Empire, they limited to spare them. They were so strong right now, that this little nuisance barely bothered them. Finally, they left, and nopony could believe it “So, we were defeated?” asked Spike, scared. Celestia angrily kicked a bunch of snow. “Yes, yes we were. BOSS DANG IT! Genius level intelligence! Of all things, why did this sociopath had to have that?!” “I can’t believe a stupid racist caused the end of Equestria. A STUPID RACIST!” shouted Luna. The Windngos turned to them, but then, Celestia cried in frustration, and Luna comforted her. They rolled their eyes annoyed, and flew away. Everypony hugged each other, trying to warm up, and, comforting each other. Especially Marble and Limestone. Without saying a word, they all moved back to the Castle of Friendship. “So this is it?” asked Mist. “We failed? The lunatic beat us with your own weapons? NO, I WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS!” “We are not defeated. Not yet!” said Twilight, firmly. “This is only a strategic retreat, Mist. This is not the first time we need to do something like this.” “You made us regroup and rethink our strategies several times.” said Fluttershy. “This is just like Maud said, she’s using the same strategy of you.” “And that’s why she would fail, eventually.” said Rainbow Dash. “We have dealt with it for long enough now. Just, think, what can we do.” Rarity turned to the Pie sisters. “You know her better than anypony. Tell us, there’s something we can do against her?” Pinkie Pie nodded sadly. “Not that I can think of. Maud is terribly smart. She fooled us easily.” “Yes! We are doomed!” cried Marble. “I just wanna know why!” said Limestone, as she kicked the walls. “Maud is a genius, there’s no doubt about that. With an intellect like hers, she could do whatever she wanted.” “Be whoever she wants to be!” added Pinkie, sobbing. “Why did she chose this?” asked Marble. The three sisters hugged, as the others watched in silence. Suddenly, a strange glow appeared in the center of the Castle. They turned, but were calmed. They could feel some sensation of peace coming from that glow. Peace and… warm. The glow, then, turned into three spectral ponies. And Twilight was the first one to recognize them. “The Hearts Warming Spirits!” she gasped. Past, Present, and Future nodded. “Hello there, little ponies.” “You got us looking for the last corner that haven’t covered with the ice-death that are the Windigos.” “The last corner that haven’t been affected by Maud Pie’s madness. We would talked to her, like we did with Snowfall Frost in the past. But the Other One’s employees are out of our jurisdiction.” “So, what can we do then? You are the Spirits of Hearts Warming! Can’t you think on something?” asked Luna. “We’re sorry. Maud is a terrible pony. And now, that she have transformed into a messenger of doom, there’s nothing WE can do about it.” “Okay, you’re powerless against her, we get it. What about us?” insisted Spike. The Spirits shrugged. Groaning, Spike turned to the Bearers of Harmony. “Okay, you said you are used to this situation. What can we do?” The girls exchanged a worried look. “YOU ARE THE EXPERTS, TELL US SOMETHING!” shouted Spike. “Spike, this things take time!” said Twilight. “Try to calm down! Want to call the Windigos again?” Spike groaned, as he sat angrily. Black came to comfort him, and he embraced his marefriend under his powerful arm. What to do? How they could defeat them? “Maud was always dad’s favorite.” said Marble suddenly. “Each time he spoke about her, he had that glow in his eyes. They were so alike… stoic, and straight-to-the-point.” “When we heard about the charges against her, he was devastated.” said Limestone put a hoof around Marble’s neck. “That’s why he tried to forget Maud as fast as he could. It hurt less that way. But he never stopped suffering, to ask himself what he did wrong.” added Pinkie Pie. “If only he could talk to her. I’m pretty sure he would be the only pony she listens to.” The three Spirits looked at her. “If we get him, can you make her stop this nonsense?” asked Past. “I’m sure!” said Pinkie, suddenly excited. “Then, let’s go. There’s no time to lose!” urged Present. “The Windigos must be stopped.” finished Future. … “Costumer Service, what can I do for you?” asked one of the receptionists/prayer receivers from Mister Boss’ office. “Oh, hello there, Present. How’s the situation in Equestria going?” “…” “Still working on it, huh? No, no, I understand. Let me communicate you with the department of the deceased.” She typed a few things on her computer. “Okay, is there anything else I can do for you? No? Thank you for calling Costumer Service. Your prays are important for us. Have a nice day, and good luck with Maud Pie!” … The group walked through the mass of ice and snow with ease. It melted at the warm of their friendship. Pinkie guided the group, using her Pinkie-sense to guide them to her sister. Finally, she stopped, and pointed a hoof to a hill nearby. “MAUD! THIS ENDS NOW!” they all shouted in the unison. “It have ended a couple of hours ago.” Said the terrorist, walking toward them. “All Equestria is under a thick coat of ice. Even if you defeat me, the damage is already done. Everypony would hate alicorns.” “Not everypony is like you.” said Celestia. “Maybe not hate them. Only really, really, dislike them. What are you gonna do when your own people kick you out? Show them the kind of monsters you really are, and reduce them by force. Or, leave. However this ends, I win.” “You are a really sick pony, Maud Pie.” said Celestia frowning. “Indeed. My only question is why.” said a new voice behind Maud. Maud paled. “NO! If this is a trick, stop it right now!” shouted Maud Pie. For the first time, they saw her lost control. “Is not a trick.” Said that voice. The voice Igneous Rock. “Why Maud?” Maud finally turned, facing her father’s spirit. “This is impossible.” “Why Maud?” asked Igneous again. “This is low, even for you, alicorns!” insisted the terrorist. The spirit approached to his older daughter, and tried to touch her chin. His hoof passed through it, but the gesture was clear. “Look at me, Maud!” said Igneous. The terrorist shivered. “No, why do they had to brought you from everypony?” Igneous didn’t say anything. Instead, he hugged Maud. Or tried to. Once again, he passed through her as he was air. “I never was good with feelings.” sobbed Igneous. “When you were growing up, I just assumed you were like me. I failed as a parent when I didn’t noticed what you were becoming. Forgive me, my daughter.” “Why are you apologizing?” asked Maud. “You were an excellent father! I know!” Igneous cleaned a spectral tear from his ghost-eye. “Was I, Maud? I was incapable to understand you, to see what was really going on with you. If only I looked deeper, I would realize on time. I would help you. Instead, I was so busy with the farm that I wasn’t there when you needed me the most.” “Dad, you didn’t do anything wrong. Please, don’t say that!” said Maud, visibly agitated. Much to the surprise to everypony. “Maud.” Said Igneous. His tone was dry, and emotionless. But Maud could easily tell he was sad. “Dad, I know I made a bad decition about taking this position, and I accept that. But my intentions were pure!” said Maud. “You were the one who told me about how we, earth ponies, were all about the community. Community before ourselves! All I did was to protect that tradition.” Igneous Rock sighed, as the rest of the ponies watched in silence. “The community?” he finally asked. “I noticed that there were few young ponies in the town, and fewer cared about the community. Their minds were poisoned by the hornies’ and birdbrains’ selfishness, and all they cared about was to leave town. I never cared, until, they took Pinkie Pie! I lowered my guard, and, before I knew, my sister was taken away from be because of them, and their ideas! And then, I understood that I had to stop the inferior races from disturbing the minds of our community. I had to separate the pony races, to the way it always should. I WAS SAVING US, EARTH PONIES!” “This is exactly what I meant. We should talked more, that way, I would realize something was wrong with you. We help each other, in the community, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting things for yourself. Also, the feeling of community had been spread to the other races. Just ask your sister’s friends!” “And Maud!” cried Pinkie Pie. “I chose my own way and left. I never realized our family union was the only thing holding you together. I shouldn’t leave when you needed me the most! Please!” “We never realized your apathy was a red hearing of something dangerous.” “We would helped you.” said Pinkie pie. “”I don’t need help! I never did!” said Maud. “That’s what we all thought, and look what you’ve done. You turned Equestria into a icy wasteland, and you’re working with the evilest being in the existence. Maud, all this time I’ve nothing but a poor excuse for a father. This is the result.” “You were working for the family. That’s the earth pony spirit!” said Maud. “No, that’s any parents’ duty. Not only earth ponies.” answered Igneous. “Your sister would be miserable at that farm, and that’s we knew we had to let her go. A parent always want to their children to be happy, and I want you to be happy as well Maud. But it’s too late now.” Maud didn’t say anything, but everypony noticed she was losing control of herself. “It was too late since that day.” sighed Igneous. “When the Royal Guard came looking for you, telling all what you’ve done. I refused to believe them, but then, the carriage exploded… with ponies still inside… and I only knew one pony capable to make an explosive that perfect. That was the day I knew I failed you. I’m sorry my dear!” “Don’t blame yourself!” cried Maud. “This has nothing to do with you, I am a sociopath… this is all about me. This is… this is…” Finally, Maud fell on her knees, with her forehooves on her head, screaming. The Windigos shivered, feeling that their time was over. No! Was that regret what they were feeling? No! THEY HAD TO STOP HER NO MATTER WHAT. They charged toward Maud, but this time, it was too late for them. Slowly, the Pie sisters hugged her sister, as the Bearers of Harmony and the Team of Chaos approached. Maud didn’t care, she sobbed, and looked to her sisters’ eyes for the last time, and nodded. The group began to sign a Hearts Warming Carol… and the Power of Friendship recharged, and, combined with Maud’s pure regret, it pushed them away. There were few things as powerful as Friendship… and regret and forgiveness were. “What have I done?” asked Maud. The Windigos neighed in fear, as the Power of Harmony, Chaos, Sun and Moon activated instantly. Combined with the Love from the Empire, and Maud’s regret, that was enough for them to make them retreat, heavily guarded by the Hearts Warming Spirits. The wave of Harmony and Chaos extended all over Equestria, repairing what Maud did, turning everypony back to normal; as the Windigos’ retreat took the cold away. Wiping a last tear from his ghostly eyes, Igneous Rock went back to Eternity. “I’m so sorry, my daughter. Goodbye, forever. This is the last time I will see you.” Yes, everything got back to normal, except for something. Now, all what was left of Maud, was a stone statue. Pinkie, Marble and Limestone began to cry at their sister’s fate. “Why? She regretted? SHE REGRETTED!” cried Pinkie. “She didn’t deserved this!” said Liestone. Celestia shook her head. “I am so sorry, Pinkamena Diane Pie. But, it can’t be helped. Once an employee of the Other One, you will always be one. No matter how deeply she regretted, at the very moment she signed the contract, she transformed into something completely incompatible with the Magic of Friendship. The Pie sisters hugged again, as they cried. One by one the others approached, and hugged them. Equestria was in peace, but, at a huge price. … Maud opened her eyes. She was floating in a blank space. Indifferent as only herself, she shrugged, and looked around. She found Tirek, Storm King and Sombra playing poker. “What is this place?” asked Maud. “This is where you are sent after they goodies seal you away.” Explained the Storm King. “And, we do anything to kill time.” Tirek showed his cards. “Full house.” Sombra shrugged again, and began to shuffle the cards. “Wanna join?” “Then, we’re planning on play Dungeons and Dragons from scratch.” “For real?” asked Maud. “Yeah, we don’t have much to do in here anyway.” Maud shrugged again, and floated toward them. “Yeah, why not?” … There had been four months since the incident, and everything was going pretty smoothly. Equestria was still under reconstruction, but they were advancing fast, and thing would be back to normal in another month and a half. Friendship in Equestria was stronger than ever. Since the Windigo’s return, and the fight that almost doomed them all, nopony wanted to fight anymore. As for the Team of Chaos, they kept a low profile from a while. They had to wait until the Bearer of Laughter fully recovered from her depression. And, finally, one day everything started normally. Pinkie Pie was running to make an errand for Missis Cake, when suddenly, she sank on the ground, as it was water. “What’s going on here?” asked the pink pony. “Vacation time is over!” announced Spike, on his floating throne, with Black at his side. “Are you ready for some good old chaos?” “Not everything in life are games, but, we get paid for that!” said Black. She smiled. “You better be ready, because we won’t let you win that easy, Masters of Chaos!” smirked Pinkie Pie. Spike charged his black and purple energy on Chaos, and snapped his claws. They were back on the game.