//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: In the Shadows // Story: The Impossible Choice // by FireMaster //------------------------------// Location: Unknown Time: Unknown "WHAT HAPPENED TO LEVELING THAT TRAIN?! TWILIGHT SPARKLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE FIRST CAPTURED CHESS PIECE. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CATALYST TO STRIKE FEAR INTO THE CONFUSED PONIES! INSTEAD WE HAVE YET ANOTHER PONY FLINGING MAGIC INTO OUR PLANS!" "Sir, I don't think you understand the complications of this failure. That pony that you are referring to isn't even from around here. My inside sources say he just showed up in Equestria a little over a week ago." "SHUT IT! YOU MAY HOLD VALUABLE INFORMATION, BUT YOUR MINIONS ARE USELESS IF WE DON'T TIME OUR EVERY MOVE PERFECTLY." "AS IT IS THEY NOW KNOW THAT THE URSA WAS UNLIKELY AN ACCIDENT. They spend almost all their days in a cave, and we almost ruined our ENTIRE OPERATION by putting a BEAR in the sunlight." "My Lord, what is our new time frame for doomsday?" "We've only been pushed back 3 days. The next phase will unfold next week. You know what to do! "AND YOU MISS, BETTER HAVE YOUR DRONES READY FOR YOUR PLAY!" "You can count on it. They won't know what hit them, until my laugh echoes through the air. I will be their- “-You are dismissed!” “How rude! If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t even likely be collaborating. You fools would have charged in blind and lost like you do best.” “Sure! And since you have lost twice please go make sure you prepare as much as possible.” The dark figure exited the open section of the cavern, leaving the other two behind. “Now that she’s finally gone... we must talk. She was speaking as if I didn’t know about this mysterious golden pony. I have been watching Canterlot and Ponyville with a close eye, and his magic is something I’m unfamiliar with. I’ve been around for centuries, and this thing thinks he can show up now and ruin my plans! I would like to deal with him before the grand finale. I'm entrusting you to bring him to me! I want his power! Be discreet however... he is staying with our favorite six ponies. Do not let the elements of harmony make you a failure again! We can’t have any outside disturbances! If you fail your chances to share Equestria’s rule are over. Do not disappoint! You have until sundown on the 22nd!” “My Lord... the future King does not DISAPPOINT! You would be wise to remember that! You will have his demise, and the elements will be scattered according to plan. It will fall on you to fulfill your mission in Canterlot. If you don’t have a party at that castle with the Princesses, you can bet your bits that I won’t hesitate to finish the job without you!” “Leave me! AND REMEMBER I DON’T LOSE!” With a huff, the room was left with one individual sitting atop a throne. What a bunch of fools. They all think they can be the head, but a good chess player must have rooks, and bishops too. We will win, but we may have sacrifices along the way. He sat in his chair enjoying the power he felt. It was a dark, wet environment, and frankly not his preferable seat to rule from, but he would soon have more than just a throne. The ponies will be confused by my moves that play out simultaneously. They won’t see any of the coming calamity, and in their distress I will emerge. They will be weak and helpless against my power! I won’t just be a lord... I will be the King! And when I take the power from every being in Equestria, even my ‘teammates’ will be forced to lower their heads to me. A stereotypical evil laugh resonated throughout the complex cave systems. “Muhaaaa... this will be FUN!”