To Be Malevolent

by The Bannerlord

11 - Inheritors

Grand Gallery reviewed the work laid before him. A landscape painting, finest of its kind. Vivid in detail, aspiring in beauty. A battlefield stretched across the canvas, within it, thousands of warriors clad in steel and crystal. At the centre, there stood two figures, one as pristine as the crystalline north and the other as stygian as the midnight descended down to their subordinates, facing in the direction of their foe, a dark horned figure towering above the shrouded battlefield. The work was labelled Final Confrontation. Though many understood its representation, few understood its true meaning.

Gallery handled the painting as if it was a volatile explosive, primed to wipe out Canterlot upon contact with the ground. This, this was his finest work. Here in the centre of Canterlot, where he took his residence. The bustling city was his safe haven, free from the tyranny of the outside world. Governed by the Princess of Love, the city had enjoyed relative prosperity similar to the Everfree Castle during its heyday. Trouble had stirred recently, throwing the city into minor disorganisation.

Gallery always wondered if his career would collapse into the dirt, he wasn’t exactly successful. But the Unicorn always tried his finest to impress the wealthy of Canterlot. Perhaps it was his proper etiquette that lured the nobility. Or perhaps it was the items of value, that’s what they cared about, wasn’t it? Then, the snowy Unicorn hissed. Looking out of the window, he saw them. Those buffoons of the Sun! Coming back to Canterlot after murdering another innocent Unicorn? Perhaps bothering the Princess once more with their paranoia? Growling in their direction. He despised those Solar Pendants, no one Unicorn with dark magic would be sane enough to approach one.

Their expressions told a different tale. A tangerine Pegasus and crimson Unicorn led the ensemble, fear plastered on their faces. Fear? Crusaders of the Sun can feel fear? Unheard of… Unless they fought a manticore or goddess forbid, Hydra. His mind searched all possibilities, there was a discrepancy. Hydra… No, there aren’t any Hydras in the Everfree anymore. He examined closely. There isn’t even a shred of relief in their expression. They have lost to something. But he was curious, not one had suffered any form of battle damage.

As the golden armour-clad returned to their Solar fortress situated west of the Canterlot centre, the white pelted Unicorn snapped from his thoughts, returning to his previous activity of paint watching. It was enchanting, he could almost see the figures move on their own accord.

The Unicorn hadn’t lived within these walls for long. Only recently did the portrait enthusiast move from the Everfree. A persistent presence drew him ever closer to its centre, near to the Capital of Equestria. Its inexplicable nature perplexed the dark magical Unicorn, and that terrified him. At its core, the Everfree contained a well filled with magic of all types. Yet whoever desires to access this well is destroyed without thought. Many have documented its behavioural pattern, almost as if it was a sentient being. The abhorrent King of Shade’s Dark Magic is known to leech whatever magic it desires, yet it isn’t sentient. It does not feel. It does not fear.

He heard a commotion outside. Once more, Gallery glanced at the window. Beyond the confines of his residence, a violent altercation was erupting. There, in the centre of Canterlot, the Princess of Love took her residence too. The morning parade was interrupted, by none other than the Crusaders of the Sun. Her supporters were being assaulted by those of the Sun. The simple tan-pelted, cerulean-maned and viridescent eyed Princess of Love herself was surrounded by the golden-clad Crusaders, an argument brewing between the two parties.

“If you would only realise the error of your ways!” A Solar Crusader yelled, raising his weapon as his comrades followed suit in approval.

“Error of our ways?! You are too blind to see the practical usage of such power, and you persecute us for simple actions! We have saved lives, and yet you still hunt us? We even have longer lifespans!” One supporter retaliated, his ensemble applauding.

“And what do you do during that time? Spend vast amounts of dark magic, ensuring that your bodies decay faster and killing you sooner, as well as committing to your abhorrent studies!” A Solar supporter exclaimed.

Gallery could distinguish two Crusaders speaking directly to the Princess, one with a pelt of crimson and the other a tangerine. They were clearly the leaders and most likely instigators of the quarrelling. Their chatter was drowned in the sea of squabble. The artistic Unicorn left his home, joining the crowd, prepared to de-escalate if possible. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen, and Gallery felt a sense of dread loom over him.

The confrontations between these two parties started peacefully. A word of sedition or two, perhaps insults, false accusations and maledictions. Then, violence. Combat Magic flared in the city of Canterlot. Such has not happened for centuries. Dark magic too billowed. Such is why the Crusaders still prowl Equestria. Gallery watched in shock and horror. They were killing each other, in the streets of Canterlot! Brothers and sisters, Unicorn, Pegasi and Earth pony!

The Princess by no means was a warrior. She merely practiced the practical non-combat-related spells and techniques of Dark magic, ironically created by the one pony who desperately needed combat magic the most. She was merely casting shield after shield to protect her supporters, seeking to end this without more bloodshed. But the Crusaders of the Sun cared little for those who practised the dark arts. They must be purged.

Suddenly, a bolt of Solar magic rippled through the Canterlot streets towards the Princess of Love, hissing as it drew closer to the young Alicorn. It impacted, an explosive reaction following suit. The Princess felt dust impact her pelt, but not a trace of Solar magic. She heard a sharp inhalation from the smoking pillar before her. Then, the column of smoke dissipated.

“Grand Gallery? The painter of Canterlot?” Spoke the stunned Princess as she backed off from the dissipated smoke pillar.

Gallery felt the rush of adrenaline coursing through his body. His pristine coat of white was now decorated with a black patch. The remnant of Dark Magic emanated from his horn, crackling and evaporating into the air around. It was excruciating, but he still stood. “Flee… Princess, flee from Canterlot, they will only hunt you here in Canterlot.” He rasped to her, one hoof giving away and collapsing him. “The Solar Crusaders won’t stop until you are dead…”

The Princess heeded his word, her remaining supporters withdrawing from the streets of Canterlot, much of the Crusaders and their supporters attempted pursuit, but were halted by the one-pony army of Gallery, using all of his magic to create a shield. The emanated magic was vile and detestable to the Solar supporters, its revolting sense repelled them. They had to wait, and Gallery made sure of that.

Eventually, he was overwhelmed. The shield bubble shattered, disappearing into the aether. Gallery was surrounded by the Crusaders, all jeering, scowling and glaring him daggers. He wasn’t in any condition to fight, having exhausted his supply of magic. He felt dread, they were going to kill him. Then, the white pelted Unicorn collapsed once more, slipping into the veil of unconsciousness.

Crimson Glaive slapped the white Unicorn’s head whilst ordering his retinue to disperse the disorderly militia of Solar supporters. He spat at the ironically pristine coat of the Dark Magician, dragging him by the hoof towards the Solar Fortress. His men began desecrating the art enthusiast’s residence, they cared little for those who practised the dark arts and especially not for their creations. Though, many items were of great value, such were tapestries of old, mostly archaic items which are no longer in production. Seasonal Wind especially admired the landscape paintings within the white Unicorn’s personal room.

Then, somepony whom Glaive hadn’t hoped to meet with had arrived, the Grand Master. A towering stallion clad in the finest plate and mail, he was intimidating sight to witness. An aging Earth pony, Grand Master Allegiant Light may have passed his prime, but he was one to command respect. And Glaive was terrified of him, even beyond the sight of the King of Shades remerging.

“Crimson Glaive,” He reprimanded, “Once more, you have disappointed the Order and its highest-ranking members. By provoking conflict between a sovereign, even if they are a figurehead, you have made a great enemy.” Allegiant continued, great disappointment in his voice.

“B-but, s-sir… H-have I n-not done as the Order d-desires?” Stuttered the crimson pelted Crusader, shrinking beneath his superior in absolute terror. Many of the retinue were astonished, Allegiant’s mere presence brought the theatrical and somewhat brutal Crimson Glaive to his knees.

“You indeed have, but against one of Equestria’s very own Princesses? Actions have consequences, you should already know that.” The armour-clad Allegiant spoke, lifting the Unicorn’s head and staring directly into his pupils. “Before you speak of witchcraft and burning at the pyre, understand that this situation could be resolved differently.” He scoffed, slapping Crimson and receiving a whimper from the Unicorn. “I am not going to allow you free reign over the Order. And for this action, you will suffer punishment. Be glad you aren’t going to be executed.”

Glaive sighed in relief, before his equipment was stripped from his body, and the Master’s personal retinue took him to the Solar Fortress dungeons.

Seasonal Wind however was granted mercy by the Order, having informed them of the King of Shades’ return, Allegiant appointing him as the leader of Crimson’s retinue in the glaive-loving Unicorn’s place.

“Lieutenant Seasonal Wind, I, and by extension the remaining Order high command do suspect the Princess of Love of treacherous acts against the state. Indeed, earlier she had been found guilty of abusing dark magic, but we do suspect possible collaborators. I will send you and Lieutenant Platinum Star to hunt down her and her supporters, I want her alive. Kill the rest if need be.” Allegiant commanded, his subordinate nodding. “Regarding the Dark Unicorn, Chaos, I will be sending somepony else to monitor his actions.”

Seasonal Wind felt relief, yet something didn’t add up. The Princess of Love may have practised dark magic, but he didn’t have a grudge against the mare, his true foe being the King of Shades. She didn’t seem like the type to deceit and betray, especially not to the highest authority, the Princesses. He also desired Crimson’s release, however that would have to come later.

Chaos groaned as he awoke from unconsciousness. His first sight was blinding light, completely filling his vision. Light from the sun. His ears perked as he heard a classical piece of music played on the piano, vaguely similar to those within his memories, his false memories of Sol-3, Earth. It was soothing his mind, pushing aside the pain from his mind, a symphony that he connected to the end of the world. The great explosion of Earth, perhaps the Sun devours the entire planet. Beethoven’s seventh symphony, in Equestria. Despite its melancholic tone, it shone with its own allure. Beethoofen. He chuckled as he rose from his resting place.

Technological dark age, and yet they find time to invent the piano.

Immediately, the Dark Unicorn recognised his personal chambers, though it had been cleaned. His bed didn’t feel like a spider’s nest. The iridescent stained-glass window dazzled in the radiant sunlight. His chamber was calm, its melancholy was swept away by the melodious piano. He hummed to the tune, searching for its practitioner. There, in the solitary corner of his mist-blanketed room, an Earth pony mare of rosy hide and golden mane drummed her hooves against the keyboard.

The King of Shades let her continue uninterrupted, slipping into his regalia and stretching his body, popping his joints. Then, finally, the Beethoofen mare completed the seventh symphony, a sigh escaping her lips as she wiped her forehead.

“You play well, that was almost perfect.” He complimented, trotting over to the musical mare.

“T-thank you sir…” She replied, a slight fluster from the comment, “Almost? What did I fail?” She continued; disappointment clear in her voice.

“You did well for the majority of the piece, however you were distracted whilst I was putting on my regalia. Don’t let pesky distractions disturb your performance.” He explained, patting the mane of the mare. “Now, tell me; what is your name, and why are you in my home?” Chaos asked, quite concerned over the security of his ‘fortress’.

“First Symphony, sir. I, along with the Onyx Pact, the group of Unicorns who have directly followed in your hoofsteps have heeded the call of Sorcerer Arcane Scroll, who reportedly had created a sect of Unicorns to free you from the tomb.” She explained, bowing her head, only to have it lifted by the chin.

“No need to bow to me, Miss Symphony.” He spoke, continuing to pat the small Earth pony mare. “And how did an accomplished little Earth pony like you come to join the ensemble of Dark Magicians?” He questioned, perplexed by the minor detail, and he finally stopped patting the adorable little musical Pony.

“I am a trustworthy assistant to the group, including the fact that apparently I am great at playing the piano, despite its extremely recent invention-Wait… How have you heard of the piece of music I had played before? Perfect? You wouldn’t have even escaped…” She halted, big eyes staring at the Shade.

“O-oh…Erhm… Uh… Ah…” He wasn’t sure how to answer this question. “Intuition…?” He gingerly lied and slowly stepped backwards. Then, he was slapped. He was slapped. The King of Shades was slapped. The Dark Unicorn had been lightly slapped in the muzzle, though accidentally. The Earth pony was in horror, expecting punishment.

“I-I-uh… I’m sorry-“

“Boop.”

A moment of levity.

He gently tapped the little Pony on the nose after removing the cold steel of his horseshoe, his response being a surprised gasp. He quickly escaped the monotony of his personal quarters, leaving the shocked mare behind. Peculiar little adorable Earth pony. I need to lighten up, some more silliness in my life perhaps? Now, where are you Arcane? He pondered as he trotted through the shimmering halls of mirrors. I had no reign over the mindscape during my time under... Whatever influence that was… Harmony awaits…? Harmony?

‘Oh, how feeble you are, little Unicorn. Can’t even withstand a single shade? How utterly pathetic.’ A sharp pain presented itself in the Dark Unicorn’s mind.

‘B-but I have done as you desired! Have I n-not?’ Chaos’ eyes dilated with horror; the vivid memory was relapsing! He clutched his head, unleashing a painful hiss. Streaks of pain rippled through his scalp, slithering down his head.

‘Silence and stand up, whelpling! We’re not done yet.’ The Dark Unicorn felt light, as if he was lifted from the ground, yet, weight returned. ‘I said STAND!’ Yet he failed to stand. No, he plainly refused the command. ‘So be it, child.’ His entire body felt as if it was molten. His eyes dilated even further, body thrashing on the floor, breathing becoming faster. As a thousand faux-blades lacerated his pelt, laughter echoed through his mind.

‘N-no… I-I am b-better than th-that!’ The King of Shades stood back up, gritting his teeth. When would this end?

‘What did I just say-‘

‘E-enough of y-your blabbering!’ He growled at nothing in particular, smirking in triumph. ‘Bring on your shade-spawns!’ Readying himself in a combat-stance, the King of Shades received not another wave of pain and torment.

‘I’m impressed, you’ve finally learned. But still, you are far from your goals! And that, that is unacceptable. If you are to fulfil destiny, such I am unable to tell you, then we must continue this.’ He felt a pit of dread open within his mind. Yet again, a spike of excruciating pain. ‘I have shown you enough mercy, it is time for true punishment. I have reason to believe Harmony would enjoy that.’

Thankfully, the memory ceased at that moment, Chaos breathing a sigh of relief afterwards. What he had avoided was the single most agonising part of his torture. These memories, yet another reminder of his reason for causing torment. However, there was a discrepancy. Harmony would enjoy… He never told me that piece of information!

The King of Shades felt outraged, yet he restrained himself. Merely another memory, an archaic piece of information, he shouldn’t be worried. Harmony shouldn’t be so terrifying, should it?

Chaos continued his pondering, intrigued about those dreams, memories and visions rather than afraid. He was done being afraid, fearing the phantom pain. Still, it ravaged his mind. Still, he could hear the voices of his shade-controlled victims. The pain was perpetual, the voices eternally tormented his mind. He tried forgetting it, oh he tried! But alas, the pain stayed. He found the more magic he took, the more that Ponies feared him, it soothed the malady. It was the incentive that drove him to Dark magic, some exterior force required him to do so, to further some goal.

Before the Dark Unicorn even knew it, he had arrived to at the entrance to the main chamber. Looking in, he saw a congregation of Unicorns were speaking, one of them the Dark Unicorn recognised as Arcane Scroll. The stallion stood next to a larger and older Unicorn on a dais.

“If we are to dethrone the Tyrant Sun and end her reign of terror, then first we must focus on her fanatical Crusaders.” Came the voice of the older and larger stallion, who too had a cape and a coronet in place of a circlet.

“As soon as we have dealt with the fanatics, we have no doubt that our spies would be able to mis-direct their chain of command. Then, our Lord can be brought into the fold to face the Tyrant Sun once more. And then, we shall have peace! Peace in our time.” He declared, cheers coming from the ensemble of Dark Unicorn Mages.

And then, we shall have peace. Peace in our time.

Then, Chaos strutted into the chamber, mist announcing his presence. All Unicorns in the chamber snapped to attention, hoof placed onto their chest in a sort of bow, to which the Dark Unicorn waved a hoof at them. “At ease, fellow Dark Magicians.” He spoke, the inheritors of his magic obeying his order.

“Your eminence, I-I am humbled by your presence!” The coronet donning Unicorn spoke, falling onto his knees at the sight of Chaos, surprising his followers.

“Servant, what is this mess on my carpet?” Chaos demanded, hoof pointing towards the regalia donning sorcerer. “Why is it giving me the puppy dog eyes?” Staring into the sorcerer’s eyes, he found the Unicorn adorable, as opposed to the intimidating presence from before.

“Eidolon, our leader, the greatest Sorcerer of our pact, your eminence.” Arcane replied, barely glancing at the now shrunken Eidolon, clearly a fan of the ancient Lord of Fear. “Uhm- A-are you alright?” He spoke with concern, prodding the Unicorn’s head, his response being a comical roll on the floor.

Chaos lifted the Unicorn to his hooves, whom was still in a trance, chuckling. “Come now, treat me not as your god, but as your friend.” He turned his attention to Arcane Scroll, narrowing his eyes on the lavender Unicorn. “You will have some explaining to do, Arcane Scroll of the Onyx Pact.”

“Oh-er... Yes, your eminence.” The dark magic enthusiast responded, “Our pact was formed by the most powerful Unicorns who had adapted to dark magic centuries ago. Your people are being persecuted, your eminence. They were being slaughtered, hunted down into near extinction by the Solar Crusaders for their practise of your magic. The only way they survived was because of the Princess of Love, whom minded little about sullying herself with dark magic. Though, her influence over Canterlot wanes, the Crusaders will take actions soon, I have no doubt.” He morosely concluded, sighing at the prospect of their champion being removed as his resentment raised.

“And why should I risk banishment for another century? They are beneficial subjects, yes. But do I have to care for them? They should be able to take care of themselves, should they not?” Chaos rhetorically asked, much to the shock of the Pact’s members.

“T-they are your heirs! And you so carelessly throw their lives away?! W-why?” An astonished Unicorn demanded.

“This Princess of Love,” Chaos ignored the Unicorn, pushing the lesser mage to the side. “She intrigues me. Pray tell of her actions to save the sheep disguised in wolves’ rags. Tell me of how she had defied the Order of craven wolves.” He continued with predominant neutrality in voice, expression and posture.

“Ah yes. Of course, your emine-“

“Arcane Scroll,” Chaos cut through, “as you are the Unicorn that freed me from that blasted tomb, I consider you a friend. Address me by name, not as your sovereign.”

“As you wish, Chaos.” Arcane gladly began. “As the Governess of Canterlot, the Princess of Love is our champion, a mare who had chosen to spare us in the streets of Canterlot instead of submitting to Princess Celestia’s fanatical Crusaders. She defended us in the court against the Sun Princess, to the dismay of her foes. She is known to utilise two types of magics, your Dark Magic and Love magic, though she seldom uses the latter.” Concluding his explanation, Arcane placed a hoof on his lips and muttered. “She’s my personal hero.” To this, his comrades snickered.

“I see. A valiant attempt, but eventually she will fail. Celestia is more powerful than you could fathom, in physical, magical and mental prowess, and her influence still stretches across Equestria, as you so graciously granted me the information.” Chaos spoke, still the same neutral tone. He felt no connection to his own heirs, he cared so little about them. This was his second chance, why should he care? He had done as he desired, losing something of great importance in the process. Though, Arcane was perfect. He enjoyed the Unicorn, despite their short time together.

Arcane Scroll felt betrayed, he felt his own people was betrayed by the one whom granted them the power that casted them from society. Betrayed by the one who gave them possibilities beyond what they could achieve beforehand. Betrayed by the one he had freed from two centuries of solitary confinement.

He adopted a stoic expression, seriousness predominant, rigid and prepare to convince the Dark Unicorn otherwise. “Chaos, those who condemned us are the Solar Crusaders. They will stop at nothing to destroy you and your supporters. They stand against you; their very doctrine was created to destroy you and your supporters. At this very moment, Princess Celestia and her Crusaders schemes and plots for your destruction.”

Chaos hollered, “Do you believe that I am ignorant to that fact?” Rhetorically questioning his faithful servant, whom flinched from the gratuitous outburst. “I spend every moment of my second chance of freedom with an infernal head pain! I question my actions, the purpose of the voices, the memories, the torment I receive!” He paused; eyes locked onto his armoured hooves. “There are things of which I have done, none of you would’ve ever fathomed. Cruelty beyond reasoning.”

“Chaos, spend some time alone, let out the anger elsewhere, where nopony else can be hurt. You are extremely unstable in this state, such is not good for your health.” Suggested the lavender Unicorn, whom slowly approached the Shade-Unicorn. “We can speak of this matter later.”

The Shade sighed, intaking breaths. “I… I-I… You are right.” He conceded, “I am rather unstable… I will clear my mind. I am going for a walk.” Decided the King of Shades, leaving behind his subjects. “By the way,” Chaos halted in place, waving his hoof in the direction of the corridor. “the Earth pony pianist deserves attention. That music soothes me.”

But there was something else that required to be addressed. “Arcane, what of the Spirit of Mischief, Discord?” Chaos awaited his answer expectantly.

“Oh-er… Ah yes, of course. He has almost been destroyed.”

“Destroyed as in…”

“Sent to Tartarus…?”

Chaos flinched, blinking, his mask of calm shattering into a million pieces.

“With what?”

“Their raw Alicorn magic? What bewilders you so?”

“What.”

It wasn’t his answer that perplexed, or even astonished the Dark Unicorn. No, it was something else entirely.

“More accurately, he has been banished to Tartarus, but he was almost completely vanquished by the Royal Sisters Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Unfortunately, Chaos, you missed their final bout, which happened a whole minute after you inexplicably collapsed to the floor muttering… Something…" The lavender Unicorn trailed off completely, his superior was blank.

Chaos couldn’t compute. An overload of information into his mind. “Stand back! All of you, stay away!” He cried desperately before collapsing to the floor and writhing. Fortunately, his all but one of his subjects heeded his word.

‘Purpose… Destiny… Purpose… Destiny… Purpose!’

The mantra reverberated in his mind. It was agonising, but he dared not to move. “No… Not at this time…”

‘But you shall fulfil your purpose.’

“Shut up… Shut up, shut up- Shut up!” He cried, form transitioning to that of his unrestrained Dark Magic silhouette. Rasping came from the Shade, with it, the crackling of bones. Thrashing accompanied by cries of agony. Magic seeped through the walls of the spire, impaling his form.

“Purpose… Destiny… Magic…” The now translucent Chaos hissed at the members of the Onyx Pact, lunging at the nearest Unicorn; Arcane Scroll. Rippling through the chamber, he struck the fast-thinking Unicorn’s shield, relentlessly clawing away at the incorporeal shield. The others stared in shock, any attempt of restraining the feral creature failed.

Arcane was by far the most shook of all the Unicorns, not only was he terrified beyond measure, but he knew this form of Chaos only desired his magic. The thing showed no restraint, no moral, no meaning beyond its goal. It would kill them all if not halted. The Unicorn realised he would be the only one able to stop this… Thing.

Suddenly, the room was flooded with a luminescent glow. The silhouette recoiled in agony, hissing and screeching. “More light!” Arcane barked, and his order was heeded by all. The entire chamber was enveloped in a blanket of radiance. Then, a ‘thump’ could be heard. Once more, rasping, panting.

Then, the Shade stormed out of the chamber, a trail of mist indicating its escape route. The ensemble of shook Unicorns merely blinked in astonishment. One attempted to follow their leader, but was held back by Arcane. Eidolon had finally snapped from his trance, gleefully prancing around the chamber.

“Where is his eminence?”

“Chaos is gone.”

‘Your people are being persecuted, your eminence.’ The King of Shades unleashed a great sigh, contemplating his next action. He felt truly vile, abandoning those he had corrupted to their fate. They supported him, they saved him. They needed their sovereign. Yet, Chaos felt discontent with his life of destruction. He desired solace, a two-century due long night of solace. Without worry, without pain, without fear.

If I am to die, the hope of tens of thousands will be crushed. But if I do not act, they will perish none the less. What am I to do? In truth, his mind became a pit. Information was needlessly emptied into this void, yet nothing was ever truly processed. The cries of terror constantly reverberated during his contemplation, those which haunted his mind, such made even a being such as him feel harrow and dread.

Such put him to unease. Such made him fear. As vulnerable as a newborn foal, swarmed by starved vultures. These few moments away from that accursed fortress should’ve cleared him from worry, yet he only felt more weight placed onto him. More pain. More… No… I shall help them; they are my heirs. They are the sons and daughters of shades, heralds of a golden age. Perhaps I could truly right my wrongs. No… No, no. Harmony is more important. Ending this infernal pain is more important. End-

He never finished that line of thought. There, in the distance, beams of solar magic. He wanted to growl, to hiss and howl. He decided against that. Where I trot, conflict trots. So be it.

Then, dark magic billowed into the skies, accompanying it, a rosy coloured magic flared. Chaos felt gravitated towards it. His heirs were once more being hunted down. The King of Shades had enough. Enough with the Solar Crusaders and their superstitious dogma. Turning to mist, he soared through the forest in pursuit of those who had wronged his inheritors. The thought of war penetrated his mind, once more, the ceaseless bloodshed and meaningless conflict. Once more, he would involve himself. Once more.

Once more, they shall know fear. Fear of me, of my sons, of my daughters. They shall taste it.

Platinum Star’s eyes dilated. Had he known that the Princess of Love was such a threat, he would’ve prepared an ambush primed directly for her instead of the dark worshippers and spell-casters of Chaos. His Crusaders were facing a force beyond their capabilities. Despite her relatively passive nature prior, the Princess of Love’s heart had become black with vengeance. She had failed. Failed to protect those she had sworn to save from the grasp of the Sun. Failure only fuelled her bitterness towards them. Fuelled her tenacity. She combined Love and Dark magic into an amalgamation of pure terror, magnitudes beyond the simpler Dark Magic utilised by the Shade’s descendants.

Where was Seasonal Wind? Where were the reinforcements? Where- “Oh no…” The Earth pony muttered in great distress. There, in the distance; the rolling mist. A sight dreaded by many veterans of the Solar-Lunar Eclipse; whose descendants shared their sentiment. Mist indicated the arrival of only one Pony. Chaos. “Regroup-hrrk!” Suddenly caught off-guard, he was swiftly knocked to the floor by the Princess of Love, whom pointed a spear directly at his neck.

“You deserve no pity for your actions.” She spat at the golden plate, stomping her hoof into the Crusader’s armour. A sickening crack of his ribs failed to satisfy the vengeful Princess. She callously pressed harder onto the plate armour. “Lest you forget what the children of dark magic suffered.” Hissed the Princess, magic gathering at the tip of her horn.

Then, the mist washed over all combatants on the road, enveloping them in the thick unforgiving miasma. Only the Crusaders suffered. Only they cried for mercy. Only them. Yet none cared for their voices, none cared for their screams. They lived their worst nightmares in mere seconds. Yet, it felt like a millennium had passed.

There was no bellowing or rasping laughter from Chaos. No laughter from his followers. They were merely pleased to have survived. They were exhausted. Having eluded the Crusaders for long enough. Many were dying, many more suffered severe injuries. They had won a Pyrrhic victory. The Princess of Love could only do so much against an overwhelming onslaught of trained fanatics armed and armoured for war.

Atop the unconscious form of the commander, stood the Princess, Or rather, former Princess of Equestria. Tears formed in her viridescent eyes, and she wept for the fallen. Her followers joined her in mourning as a cascade of rain collapsed onto the corpse field. Their wail echoed through the forest, a ceaseless cry for loved ones, for family and friends. Echoing the loss of so many before them. From Canterlot, to the fields before it where so many lost their lives to Chaos, to the Crusaders. from the Solar to Lunar Empires, to the extinction of the Shades.

Chaos manifested himself before the weeping Princess, adopting a stoic expression. He made no effort to mourn, to weep. Merely observing the field, reminiscent of those countless times he had committed such atrocity. His horn ignited, gently removing his cape and placing it onto the cerulean-maned Princess, whom gave him a surprised glance through her tears. He conjured a handkerchief, giving it to the Princess gave a respectful bow.

“Pray tell Princess, what is your name?” He looked on expectantly.

“Chrysalis.”