Twilight had the worst dream last night.
She was flying over Canterlot, only it wasn't the Canterlot she knew. The castle was destroyed, the ground encased in fire and the sky a crimson red. Ponies, changelings, dragons, yaks, griffons, and hippogriffs were screaming and running in all directions. Shadowy figures that resembled ponies ran around breathing fire and destroying houses. They pulled down statues and towers, broke through doors and laid siege inside, and incinerated trees and crops for nothing more than pure malice.
Twilight felt great shock and despair at the sight—Why was this her nightmare? Failing a friendship test, her reformed friends returning to their old ways, even pony-eating monster quesadillas would suffice (yes, she's had that one before). But watching everypony she cared for, all the creatures she brought friendship between, all of them running from the flames that destroy their homes like wildfire shattered her heart.
She tried to fly down and save everyone, but her wings acted like they had a mind of their own. Instead, she flew into her throne room through a destroyed pane glass window. She saw her friends huddled together in terror in the center of the hall; Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Spike. Surrounding them in a circle were the same silhouettes as the ones from outside, their manes flowing out of them like a black flame.
Twilight TRIED to save her friends—to rush to their aid—but she couldn't move an inch. As the shadows opened their mouths, fire flashed from their throats and burned her friends till they were nothing but ash. The fires quickly died when there was nothing left, and the shadows evaporated into a large black mist as if their purpose was fulfilled.
Twilight's eyes filled with tears as her soul felt like it was being crushed by hammers. Her heart dropped out of her chest like a boulder. Her knees wobbled and gave out under the misery that enveloped her. As Twilight fell to her knees in despair, her tears dripping to the floor, the black mist swirled around until a wall of darkness laid behind her. It instilled in her a sense of dread and intimidation.
"They are coming, Twilight Sparkle," came a sudden voice. It echoed around the hall and even within her own mind. The voice sounded deep and masculine.
Twilight looked behind herself. What she saw made her heart race and her voice abandon her. Four pure red eyes glowed from the void in the mist, two above and two below. The eyes themselves were not what frightened her most, but rather the aura of discord and terror he seemed to emit. Two small orbs that bore similarity to the sun and moon floated by either side of his face.
"What you possess, they shall take. And what they take, I shall have. Surrender, and no blood shall be spilled. Resist, and it will spell doom for you, your friends, and your family." A glow appeared between his eyes. As it grew, it became a fire lighting the void. "Goodbye, Princess." The flame erupted like a volcano, burning both the black mist and Twilight herself in a white flash.
Twilight woke from her bed in a cold sweat, breathing heavily. She looked around her bedroom for whoever was in her dreams, when she found no trace she managed to breath easier. She looked to the right and saw Spike sleeping in his bed. His face looked happy and peaceful, free of fear and unease, so she assumed he was having a pleasant dream, unlike her. Twilight laid back down in her bed, resting her head on her pillow and staring at the ceiling.
Who was that? she pondered nervously. Out of ALL the evils she faced, none of them looked like him. Four red eyes, composed of darkness, a connection to fire . . . demon maybe? But they haven't been seen in thousands. And what about the shadowy figures that were setting everything ablaze? More demons? What did they want? Why were the sun and moon beside him? Were those what that demon wanted?
Maybe it was just a bad dream, she tried to convince herself. Ever since Luna retired, nightmares have been going unchecked. Try as she might though, Twilight couldn't shake off what she saw. She worried about the welfare of Equestria and it's residents. Her worries would keep her up all night.
Eventually, it was time for her to raise the sun. She got out of bed, looked out the window, and used the amulet to lower the moon. The moon was slightly red; it's a bad omen most don't see. As the moon slowly went into the horizon, Twilight felt there was something wrong with the sky. Before she could figure out what though, the night was disappearing and the day was breaking.
The sun rose and filled the sky with light, making the land of Equestria glow brightly. The mountains rose to the sky while the clouds formed amazing pictures. Ponyville and Canterlot shined like silver in the warm light. In the garden, the beautiful shrubs and flowers bloomed in the sun's embrace. The frozen statue of Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis were the only odd piece in it's beauty, but it also served as a reminder that the unity between all creatures to bring their defeat brought such majesty to the world.
Twilight worried that it might be the last beautiful day for a long time, as her nightmare and the bad omen were ANYTHING but good luck. She looked through the books in her room, but found nothing. Maybe there's something in the royal Canterlot library, maybe even in the . . .
She heard Spike yawn and turned around to see him; his arms and wings were outstretched as he sat up on his bed. "Good morning," he said in the middle of his yawn. He turned around to see her. "Did you sleep well Twilight?"
Twilight hadn't slept since 3 in the morning, when the nightmare woke her up. Despite this, she smiled at him with a heartfelt glee. "Of course, Spike," she lied. She wanted to tell Spike what she saw, but her friends were coming to the first Council of Friendship meeting; She decided she'd tell it to all of them when they arrived, so they could figure it out together.
A knock came at the door, probably royal guards. "Yes?" Twilight asked.
"Your highness," said a royal guard, definitely not that mysterious voice. "Breakfast has been served."
"Alright, I'm starving," Spike commented. "how about you Twilight?"
Twilight thought a nightmare that foretold doom would remove her appetite. Instead, she started wolfing down four chocolate chip pancakes, three slices of toast, and some cream coffee. Spike was helping himself to strawberry pancakes, apple cider, and a handful of topaz. Twilight assumed her anxiety and nervousness was causing her hunger, meanwhile Spike just ate like normal. The food was delicious, almost able to distract her from what she saw—almost.
The day went like normal, or as normal as the life of a princess can be. There were many letters regarding the shift in power and it changing certain controls; a moon later and these letters haven't decreased. Other than that were letters about collecting taxes, scheduling meetings with public officials, and improving society with the union and harmony between the different races. Twilight told one of the aides that nightmares have been running rampant and requests for a "Council of Dreams" that can take on Luna's former duties. The minister looked at her with interest as Twilight was creating a new council just a moon after already making one, but she carried her orders nonetheless.
When Twilight had time before the meeting, She went to the royal library. There were over a million books inside, there MUST be something about those shadows. There were books about poetry, magic, ancient relics, taxes, geographic history, Equestrian history, even cooking (do the cooks come here regularly). Her best hopes were a restricted section reserved for dangerous creatures, real and rumored. She found one that had information on magical beings; Even with her magic, the book felt heavy, like it had creatures from BEYOND Equestria and even the continent. She blew off the dust to read the title.
"Encyclopedia of Mysterious Beasts and Creatures." Twilight read. She opened the book and scrolled through the pages. Grootslang? No. Amphisbaena? No. Nuckalevee? Not likely. She stumbled upon a section for beings associated with fire, surely THAT had Information. She found pages for phoenixes, dragons, chimeras, kirin, fire salamanders, even things called fire elementals (have to look at that later).
She found a page labeled "Ares", only, half the page was burned. There were burn marks on the surrounding pages, but it was like someone tried to destroy this certain page. Why would they do this? Twilight thought to herself. Who could be so cruel and secretive to want to burn such an efficient book? She could only make out a bit of text and half the picture that showed their general appearance.
Ares are equine creatures created by the god kno . . .
manes that turn into fire when agitated and thei . . .
extraordinary magic mainly that of the fire variety. . . .
stronger with every generation, fire breathing, fire m . . .
resistance to mortal magic, fortified skeletons, an . . .
largely dependent upon their own wrath and the . . .
them with respect and, more importantly, to NEVER . . .
What Twilight was able to read did not improve her situation. These must be what I saw, She yelled in her mind. And that unknown monster is probably their god. But what's his name? And why does he want the sun and moon? As Twilight stared around the room in thought, she glimpsed at the clock and saw that more time had passed than she thought. Hastily, she grabbed the encyclopedia and trotted to the throne room.
It was past noon when Twilight and Spike went to the throne room to wait for their friends. The damage Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis inflicted was barely visible now; just a few cracks and holes. Her throne was gold and with red cushion, followed by a red carpet that unfolded towards the doors her friends would enter at any minute. A recently placed round table stood in front of Twilight's throne with some appetizers, its dark red wood gleaming like a crimson silver. The stained glass windows shined in the sunlight, faintly portraying color on the white floors. The newest one showed the cutie marks of Twilight and her friends, connected by a lightning bolt that strikes the Legion of Doom. Symbols of the different races resided between the two with zigzagging rainbow in the background.
"I can't wait to see them again," said Spike. "They probably did so much in the last moon." Twilight nodded as she waited on the throne, The heavy book beside her left, as she pondered the nightmare again. The demonic voice echoed in her head "They are coming, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight didn't want to encounter these ares, but she knew it was certain. She could only hope to have her friends safe when they do.
The doors suddenly opened to reveal her friends. Pinkie was jumping forward with utter joy, her mane looking like she just dipped in a pile of candy (which actually wasn't surprising). Rarity was wearing a fancy new dress that looked like she just left an exquisite funeral. Rainbow Dash was still wearing one of those Wonderbolt glasses on her forehead as she flew in. Fluttershy was also flying and talking to Applejack about some topic. Everyone of them were smiling like today would be the best day in a while; why did SHE have to be the one to tell them otherwise?
"Hi girls," Twilight said aloud. "You excited?"
"Oh, of course!" Pinkie yelped before anyone else could start. "I mean, this is our very first council meeting, how could I not be excited."
"I'm with pinkie," Rainbow replied. "I couldn't stop thinking about it all day."
"We haven't seen you for a full moon, darling," Rarity added. "We all missed you."
Fluttershy joined the conversation, "I'm quite happy were all together again."
"I agree Fluttershy," said Applejack. "We all got so much to talk about. Who's first?"
The appetizers were a wonderful treat as they all conversed about what has happened in the last month. Rarity explained that her dark dress was because black was becoming the newest style. (black is the new black?) Pinkie had found a way to extract sugar from watermelons, mangoes, grapes, and bananas, and used it to add a fruity sweetness to her cupcakes. Applejack and her family were repainting the house and barn, which she said would take another three days to finish. Rainbow Dash's team had accepted a new member named Overcast, who she said is almost as fast her. Fluttershy even opened a few nests for some phoenixes and thunderbirds a while ago.
Everyone was ecstatic about what has happened to their lives, but not Twilight. She's had to deal with political meetings, hear petitions, discuss various new laws, attend important ceremonies, find ways to keep the leaders of other races from fighting each other, ALL in one moon. Being princess of Equestria is one of the most challenging things she has ever faced, and now some god wants to bring war for no reason.
She worried about her kingdom and everyone in it. Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart might end up being targets should war break out. Starlight and the School of Friendship might be their first attack if they want to hurt her into submission. Ponyville, the place where it all started, might be turned into ash before the next moon. Twilight didn't want that to happen, but she knew that she needed her friends' help.
"Girls, I need to tell you something." She said with a docile tone.
Her friends looked back at her with concern. "What's the problem, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.
"Is something bothering you?" Spike added.
She told her friends what she saw in her nightmare; from the land in arson, to the shadowy figures breathing fire, to the mysterious figure that threatened war upon her. She left out them being burned by the shadows, as well as when she went to the library and discovered what they were. She dared not remember seeing them killed, it haunt her to her core, but her voice refused to call them Ares like her throat wouldn't let her. (quite odd, isn't it)
Her friends were all uneased by her story, making the round table feel gloomy. "Maybe it was just a nightmare," Pinkie said, trying to lighten the mood. "Nightmares aren't dangerous, just scary." But through her expression, Twilight knew she was just making assumptions. If what she saw was true, then this dream is as dangerous as it is terrifying. Maybe more.
"But If he knows who we are," Rainbow said. "Then why would he attack us out of the blue? Surely he knows what we've accomplished together. We defeated Nightmare Moon, Chrysalis, Sombra, Tirek, the Storm King, Cozy Glow, And we even reformed a couple others."
"Indeed," Rarity added "And most of them even hid in the shadows to gain the element of surprise. Why would some dreadful deity outright say he was going to attack us before he did it? Shouldn't he know that will make us prepared and on guard?"
"If you ask me," Spike said. "That sounds like a great mistake on his part. I mean, why even start a fight in the first place if he knows how tough we are? Shouldn't he realize he's gonna lose?"
Twilight contemplated it. "Maybe he has such faith in his warriors that he doesn't believe he can't win. If he wants us to be on our hooves when his followers invade, he either wants us to be defeated at our strongest to show his superiority in power, or to intimidate us with the promise that his forces will overpower us as a way to persuade us into giving him the sun and moon." Her words made the table seem even more gloomy. "But what I really want to know is why he wants them so badly? What is his main goal?"
Pinkie joined in. "The Storm King wanted the power of all four princesses so no one could stop him from taking over the world, right? Maybe that's what he wants."
"But Celestia and Luna are retired. And he's not even after my magic, just the two celestial bodies."
"Let's not forget his soldiers," Fluttershy added. "They obviously follow his command like ants to a queen; there must be a reward for all of this. The changelings tried taking over equestria for land and food. Tirek wanted power. Cozy Glow abused friendship to gain control. What about these fire ponies?"
Rainbow Dash grabbed an appetizer. "Well, it's not like they're gonna just tell us outright. But we've placed plenty of enemies and have always had friends around to help us. I'm pretty sure Discord would be like a straight flush in this game."
"Umm . . . actually," Fluttershy complained, gaining everypony's attention. "I haven't seen or heard from him lately. He even missed our teatime yesterday. It's like he left without warning."
Dash ceased to eat the appetizer and showed visible worry on her face. She wasn't the only one. "You don't think he's actually scared, do you?" Rarity asked while Dash rested the appetizer on the table. "Because if the lord of chaos ran off in fear, how dangerous is this god."
Pinkie was about to speak when the doors suddenly burst open. Out came several guards, two of which closed the doors and used their magic to create an ethereal lock and chains. "Your highness, you must take shelter!" yelled one of the guards. "We have intruders we've never seen before heading to your position!"
Twilight and her friends were all shocked and panicking. The Ares were here NOW. "How many?" Twilight ordered.
"We've seen only four," the guard replied. "They've caused several injuries to our soldiers and have been advancing for the last five minutes. No casualties or fatal injuries so far."
Just as he said that, the door suddenly banged against the chains. It banged again, this time destroying the chains and swinging the doors open so hard they broke off their hinges and made a cloud of dust as they fell to the floor. As the dust cleared, four Ares walked through the destroyed doorway. The royal guards pointed their spears at the Ares, while Twilight and her friends stayed in place. The Ares in front stopped in his tracks and raised a hoof to halt the other three.
"Ah, Princess Twilight," the front one said. "We've come for a negotiation."