//------------------------------// // Chapter 3-The New Villain in Town // Story: The Knight of Equestria // by DawnLight //------------------------------// Meanwhile,at an Unknown Location... Two Airships were floating on the air heading to an unknown location,aboard the airship,is the evil scientist Professor N.Shroud who has been experimenting on some nerve gas until the Arkham Knight approached him with a lot of money to fund a project he's working on. The Professor has been checking half of the barrels full of nerve gas which he's been shipping it to the Arkham Knight's Hideout until the Militia Commander approached him. "Have you shipped a million of those things?!" "Yeah,how much more do you want?"He asked. "ALL OF THEM!!!Ship them all!We're gonna tear down Equestria with it!"He said and and laughing menacingly, After receiving a new attack from the new mysterious Arkham Knight,Princess Celestia sent Twilight Sparkle and her friends to the crime scene at Manehattan where the Royal Guard has made a shocking and terrible discovery on one of the Knight's victims. The Mane 6 were able to get to the crime scene in time as the guards were still observing the victim inside of a department store,some of the guards had shocked and worried faces as some of the guards were taking photos of the crime scene. "Princess Twilight,I'm glad you were able to get here in time."The Guard said,panting. "Of course,what seems to be the problem?"Twilight asked as she and her friends followed the guard to the department store. "It's crazy,you know." "What is?That a new villain came out of nowhere like a gust of wind?We'll find him and kick him in his booties!"Rainbow Dash exclaimed as everypony ignored her. "No,the victim.He was found lying on the floor...a-a-and--"The Guard stuttered. "And what?"Twilight asked. The Guard then moved closer and decided to say it in a whisper, "He was found smiling." The Group was confused.Why would the victim be smiling until his death? "Now why would the victim be smiling?"Applejack asked more confused in the group. "Witnesses say that the victim was buying a dress until he started laughing uncontrollably and collapsed on the floor and then that smile appeared on his face." The Guard led them inside and where the victim was resting inside a body bag,the guard then zipped open the body bag and revealed a black stallion with a rictus grin.The group looked scared at what they have just seen and Fluttershy ducked behind Rainbow Dash. "What in Tarnation?!"Applejack screamed in terror. The Guard nodded as the group continued to stare at the victim. "Is he expecting us?!IS IT HIS BIRTHDAY?!"Pinkie Pie snapped. "No,Pinkie,darling.The poor stallion died laughing."Rarity corrected. "How did this happen?"Twilight asked. "No idea." Then a nearby TV Screen lit up and it revealed a clown pushing a shopping cart. "All new improved Clown Product!With a new secret ingredient,Smylex." The Guard stared at the screen,"What in Tartarus?" "Now,let's go to our blind taste test." Two other mares with the same rictus grin appeared on the screen. "Love that Joker."They both said at the same time. The Groups continued to stare in the screen with confusion. "Where is it coming from?"The Guard asked. No response. Then,in the screen,they found a stallion tied and gagged up.A poor stallion was kidnapped by the clown! "Uh oh,you don't look happy.He's been using Brand X.But with Smylex?I get a grin,again and again and again." The Mares then stared at the smiling stallion. "Twilight...you don't think...?"Fluttershy whimpered. But Twilight ignored and continued watching the broadcast. "That ruby lips,so juicy.AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!I know what you're thinking,where the hell can I buy these products?Well,that's the joke.Chances are,you bought them already." "Love that Joker."The mare repeated the quote. The Clown then turned to the screen as his disguise dissolved and turned out to be the Arkham Knight. "And always remember,put on a happy face."He said with a menacing tone. The screen then turned static as Rainbow Dash's eyes twitched. "What in Tartarus was that about?!" Twilight just stared at the screen. "Twilight,Sugar Cube?"Applejack tried snapping her out of her trance as Twilight shook her head and blinked. "I gotta go." "What?" "I gotta go,you guys do the crime scene,I'll be investigating the Knight." The group nodded as Twilight left the department store. Meanwhile at the Legion of Doom... The Arkham Knight has been checking the barrels containing random chemicals with a small notebook until his Lieutenant approached him with folders of the Element bearers with a tired look on his face. "Sir,here's the files you wanted of the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony."He said handing the files to the commander. The Knight swiped the files away from his lieutenant. "Thanks." The Arkham Knight opened the first file which contained Twilight Sparkle's info. "Twilight Sparkle,Formerly a Unicorn now an Alicorn,The Element of Magic,Princess of Friendship...WHAT THE FUCK?!"He exclaimed with rage in his voice. "Sir,language."The Lieutenant reminded with seriousness. "Yeah,thanks for reminding me...I mean literally,why would the Princess choose a peasant as an Alicorn?!AND THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP!!!"He slammed his hooves on the table. "Sir,calm down..."The Lieutenant said trying to relax the commander,as he breathe in and out. "Okay,who's next...Rainbow Dash,member of the Wonderbolts,The Element of Loyalty....Note to Self:can be cocky and arrogant at any point....This peasant doesn't deserve to bear the Element of Loyalty."He scoffed as the Lieutenant nodded in agreement. "Okay...Applejack,the Element of Honesty,the Daughter of the late Pear Butter and Bright Mac,Runs the Apple Orchard....the Element of Honesty shouldn't be in the possession of a farm girl."He said with a bit of disgust. "Fluttershy,the Element of Kindness,runs the Animal Sanctuary....can be shy and timid every time...Note to Self:Do not piss her off..."The Commander raised an eyebrow as he looked at the lieutenant. "I don't know."The Lieutenant mumbled. "Pinkie Pie...Element of Laughter,Master Party Planner,Baker,Uncontrollable Laughter,Emotionally Unstable,and can be very,very annoying.Who would wanna hang out with somepony like her?" The Lieutenant just looked at the commander and shrugged.And then he opened the last file, "Hmm....Holy Mamma,who is she?"The Arkham Knight asked like he's in-love. "That's Rarity,the Element of Generosity,the Self-Proclaimed No.#1 Fashionista of Equestria."The Lieutenant replied. "Oh my God,why would a beautiful mare like her bear the Element of Generosity?Ooh...I think I lubricated myself...Lieutenant,go make a phone call." The Lieutenant smiled and nodded and left the love-struck villain as he started to waltz in the room. "Oh,dear Rarity.Soon you will be mine." Spike was cleaning up Twilight's mess and books after her late-night study and poured some water in his glass until Twilight burst in the room. "Spike,can I have a glass of...water?"She took the glass from Spike's claws. Twilight then sat down at her sofa with her hoof on her head. "Rarity told me what happened in Manehattan."Spike said. No response. "And she told you to meet her later at the Carousel Boutique for the dress fitting." Twilight gave him a tired look. "Spike...why don't you marry her?"She asked. The Young Dragon was dumbfound. "That's not exactly what I meant but--" "I know,it's just...that...I'm not ready to rule Equestria and say goodbye to everyone in Ponyville.I'm not ready."She said with a frown. Spike then got up in the sofa and placed his claw on her shoulder. "If not now,when?"He asked. "I don't know." Then Twilight remembered what she was doing back here. "Spike,can you get me every stallion files in the Canterlot Archives?" "What for?"He asked. "Uh...nothing,just research..." Spike nodded and left the stressed Alicorn alone. Meanwhile at the Legion of Doom... The Arkham Knight and his men are preparing for a little evil for tonight as the Knight's Lieutenants placed art supplies and assault rifles and shotguns in the back of the jeepneys as the Knight was working something on his gauntlet until some thing or some pony was tugging on his other hoof. He looked down to find a half-asleep Cozy Glow rubbing her eyes. "Boss,where are you going?" The Arkham Knight then smiled and looked at the filly. "Daddy's going to make some art.Do you wanna come?"He asked the filly. She slowly nodded in response. Spike then received mail from Rarity and called out. "Hey,Twilight!Rarity invited us to dinner at that new restaurant at Canterlot!AT 6:00 IN THE EVENING!!!"Spike yelled from the living room. Twilight who was busy investigating the Arkham Knight's true identity in her study room,spat back, "Okay!But--Wait a minute,Spike,Rarity didn't mention anything about having dinner tonight...Unless..." That was when realization struck her, "Twilight,you don't think--" "IT'S A TRAP!" Meanwhile in Canterlot... Rarity was already at the diner/museum and waiting on the table and drowning herself on some wine while waiting for her other friends,then the waiter came up to her with a small gift-like package with a note that says 'urgent' on the front. "Uh,Miss Rarity,this just came up for you."The waiter said as he placed the package on her table and decided to leave the mare alone.Curious,the fashionista opened the box and revealed an M50 Gas Mask and behind the note it said, URGENT!!! PUT THIS ON IMMEDIATELY! -Your Secret Admirer,A.K. Then,out of nowhere,the same nerve gas that killed the victim back at Manehattan also dispersed throughout the restaurant but instead of killing them it made them knock out unconscious,luckily Rarity placed the Gas Mask in time before the chemical could reach her nostrils. And suddenly,the entrance of the restaurant burst open and slammed shut and as the gas dispersed revealed the Arkham Knight and his Lieutenants carrying art supplies and the Legion of Doom (except the Storm King) with evil smiles on their face. "Gentlemen,let's broaden our minds.Tirek?" Tirek pressed a button on the boombox he's carrying and started playing 80's music. The Lieutenants started dancing and placed the art supplies on the floor as the Arkham Knight walked past a pony version of the Mona Lisa. "Give it a shave."He commanded Chrysalis as she opened a can of purple paint and threw it at the painting. The Queen laughed maniacally,clearly she was enjoying this. The Lieutenant #1 was spraying paint on a painting of The Mane 6 and sprayed funny faces. The Lieutenant #2 danced like a ballerina and painted the painting of Princess Luna and made her look like a clown. The Lieutenant #3 messed his hooves with blue paint and pasted his messy hooves on a painting. The Lieutenant #4 threw knives at every sculpture with an evi laugh. Cozy Glow then held a paint brush and painted a little house and a little tree and a big sun. "Isn't that a little too sweet?"Chrysalis asked. Cozy Glow shook her head in response. The Arkham Knight then proceeded to walk upstairs as his lieutenants and cronies followed him,Lieutenant #4 passed a spray can to the commander as the Knight sprayed his logo on the painting. Chrysalis then threw orange paint on the Celestia Sculpture and laughing insanely. Then,Lieutenant #1 tried to destroy a sculpture of an Alicorn with a Knife only for the Knight to stop him. "Wait.Leave this one,Lieutenant.I kinda like it." The Arkham Knight then turned his gaze towards a Rarity who was wearing a gas mask.He ran towards her seat as Tirek rushed to his side and The Knight turned off the boombox and switched to Fur Elise. Chrysalis and Cozy Glow joined in the table and the Lieutenants stand guard on their commander. "You can take that off now." Rarity then slowly and carefully removed her mask and looked at the three villains with eyes wide and shocked. Lieutenant #5 carefully placed a golden candelabra on the table. "Thank you,Lieutenant." He then pulled out a blowtorch and smoekd up the candles which Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "You're beautiful.In an old fashioned way,though." He noticed the portfolio in front of him and opened it and looked through it,whoch were photos of dresses. "Is this what you do for a living?" She nodded slowly in response. "Mmhhmmm....ooh...the dress...the gown...you give it all such a glow,I don't even know if it's art.But I like it." She then forced a smile on her face as she gazed on the villainous trio with a bloodlust look on their eyes. "Let me tell you something,sweetheart.I was in a bad place until I realized why I was destined for greatness,you know how stallions and mares are concerned about appearances.This guy is attractive,that stupid stallion is not.Well,that is all behind me,Rares.I do now what other ponies dream,I make art until I die.See?" He chuckled. "I am Equestria's First Homicidal Villain." Rarity gave him a look. "What do you want?"She asked. "Oh nothing personal,nothing more.I just want Celestia dead." "You must be joking." The boombox then stopped playing as he gave the mare an evil glare. "Do I look like I'm joking?" Rarity shook her head in response until the doors slammed open and the Mane 5 including Spike burst inside the restaurant. "Rarity!We're here to rescue you!"Rainbow exclaimed as the Arkham Knight glared at the mares and his Lieutenants. "I TOLD YOU TO GUARD THE DAMN DOOR!"He yelled. "Sorry,sir!Won't happen again!"Lieutenant #3 yelled with a paint brush floating with his horn. "IT BETTER BE!" The Mane 5 then rushed upstairs as the soldiers held them at gunpoint and the Arkham Knight pulling out his dual pistols. "Who are you?"Twilight asked. "Oh,where are my manners?The name's Arkham Knight,and you must be the very beautiful Twilight Sparkle." Twilight blushed after hearing those words but quickly shook her head. "Listen,we don't wanna hurt you,but you need to surrender and you won't be harmed."Twilight replied calmly. "Do I look like an idiot?Hell,no.How about you surrender to us and you won't be harmed?" Rainbow Dash then stood in front,tightening her hooves. "Oh yeah?!You and what army?" The Legion revealed themselves to the mares and their eyes widened in surprise and shock.Their greatest enemies united as one against them. "Hello,Twilight Sparkle.Missed me?"Chrysalis asked with a hungry glare. "I'm baaaccckkkkk....."Cozy Glow smiled evilly. Tirek just tightened his fists as the Mane 5 looked at Rainbow Dash with a glare. "What?" "You just had to ask."Applejack retorted. The Lieutenants were still holding them at gunpoint,the Mane 5 knew they don't stand a chance against four villains and soldiers with unknown weaponry. "What do you want?"Twilight asked. "Leave me alone so I can go plan my vengeance on Princess Celestia,now run along now." "What do you want with Celestia?"Rainbow Dash asked. The Knight sighed lowering his gun. "None of your business,okay?Now,do us all a favor and let us go." "No way,buster!We're taking you down!" The Arkham Knight simply chuckled. "I'll repeat,let us go or they die." Wait.Who's they? "What are you talkin' about,you darn vermin'?" "The Cutie Mark Crusaders." Those words rang in Rarity,Applejack,and Rainbow's ears. "What have you done with my sister,you ruffian?!"Rarity exclaimed. The glass from the ceiling crashed open and a transport helicopter threw done ropes for the soldiers and villains. The soldiers and the Legion grabbed ahold of the rope and was immediately transpirted inside the chopper. The Arkham Knight then gazed at Rarity,Applejack,and Rainbow Dash who all gave him a bitter glare. "You won't get away with this,you bucket of bolts!"Rainbow Dash yelled tightening her hooves. "We'll find you!"Applejack yelled. "Nothing hurts like losing a part of the family,knowing that there is no one left to blame but yourselves." The Arkham Knight then pulled out his zip-kick and immediately grapnel on the helicopter as the chopper flew away leaving the angry and shocked mares. "Where does he get those he get those wonderful toys?"Pinkie Pie asked. Fluttershy then proceeded to calm down the other three after learning the kidnapping of their sisters. "Twilight!We need to go back to Ponyville,immediately!"Rarity begged. "That vermin may have left a clue somthin' that would lead us to him!"Applejack yelled. "And when I find him,I'm gonna enjoy beating him up!"The Cyan Pegasus yelled tightening her hooves. Twilight and her friends followed her and returned immediately in order to track down the CMC and the Arkham Knight.