//------------------------------// // Dark Loyalty // Story: Echoes of the Old World // by Ultima75000 //------------------------------// Chapter 11: Dark Loyalty “To the fairest it said, but it didn’t matter who was or wasn’t. If you made that decision you’d find out that you’d always lose… and so would the winner…” He didn’t come home unnoticed. How could he? He was lit up like a light bulb, brimming with magic. It took him the rest of the damn day to get home and sure most of the magic had worn off, he was hell bent on showing it off. The others looked at him and seethed with jealousy and hunger. He didn’t mind, nor did he care, they we’re beneath his notice for the moment. As he entered the bleakest parts of hive caves hundreds of beady bug eyes opened forming an alien visage of an emerald dotted sky. Loud chirping and grunts of excitement and amusement echoed down the passages. In the largest opening akin to a gigantic bee hive the sound was amplified tenfold. Between beating wings and ceaseless chirps one might think they we’re in a bee hive. Approaching the center spire of the open dome that shot high towards the open sky the crystallized changeling stopped as two singular eyes of emerald glass turned to his attention. “You return… what do you have for me?” “What you wanted and more…” Draco bowed as he presented both items to his Queen. Queen Chrysalis got up out of her throne and walked towards the shining changeling. She marveled at the magic that pulsed from his very skin. She almost licked his face wanting a taste but she stopped herself. Her impulses could be fed upon later. “Magnificent…” she said circling him “So this is what kind of magic the Crystal Empire employs… “ “There is so much more your highness.” Draco said placing both the pillar and the broken unicorn horn on the ground. “They wield an item called the Crystal Heart. It is an artifact that wields huge amounts of love and magical energy. The same energy that currently enrich me and my powers.” “And why did you not take it?” Chrysalis asked still gazing upon her servant with great interest. “My Queen, Princess Celestia has sent Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor to the Crystal Empire along with the annoying purple unicorn sister of his. They have retaken the Crystal Empire.” Draco said Chrysalis growled for a moment at the mentioning of the ponies. “Celestia… Cadence… and Twilight! They all have been thwarting my every action! They must be removed so that the hive can feed and grow once again!” “My Queen…” Draco said “Forgive me for speaking out but with Princess Cadence now in command of the Crystal Empire it will prove very difficult to attack either. Both are likely to defend the other…” “And why are you telling me the obvious?” Chrysalis sneered at her subject. “Because…” Draco poked the broken horn of King Sombra “it’s what we are going to do them.” Chrysalis looked at the little crystallized changeling for a moment, an awkward gaze for nearly five straight minutes causing the entire hive to silence itself awaiting her response. She then burst out laughing before demanding some sort of explanation: “Is this a joke? Perhaps the light of the crystal ponies have made your mind numb!” “No joke my Queen.” Draco said with a smile. He gritted his teeth as he concentrated the entirety of his crystal powers into his twisted horn. His already green eyes became bright and sickly as purple fumes flowed out of his eyes and blackish fumes covered his horn in a torch of black fire. The black fire robbed what warmth the hive contained, replacing it with a chilling cold. The rocks and pebbles on the ground shivered as if quivering in fear from the magic. Releasing his hold on the spell, the dark flames shot out in a ray of pitch black that soared into the sky and blackened out the stars for a brief moment. Hundreds of changelings watching from their nest quivered in awe and amazement as the ray soared across the night sky. The spell completely drained away the power given to him by the Crystal Heart and his body lost its crystal sheen. Despite its loss, Draco’s smile remained. “If I could do that, imagine what the entire hive can do?” Queen Chrysalis was now very interested but there was one problem. “How then, Enlighten me.” “The Crystal Ponies; they power the heart with the light of love, A power that we feed on!” Draco said “And how are we supposed to get the heart now that it’s being protected by said love?” Chrysalis continued to ask “Don’t forget that the very same power flushed us all out of Canterlot!” “With this…” Draco gestured at the azure pillar before them. “This magical object has allowed me to pass its defenses unchallenged; it’s the perfect item for the job.” “Sneak in and disguise yourself as a Crystal Pony? The same tactic will fare no better for you then when I took on the appearance of Cadence.” “I don’t mean to sneak myself in.” Draco said “I mean to sneak THIS in.” He picked up the remains of King Sombra’s horn. The Changeling Queen grinned “You plan on resurrecting him…” “Oh not just him my Queen…” Draco replied with an equally evil grin “I believe an occasion like this calls for another guest of honor…” Canterlot seemed quiet without both Twilight and Shining Armor gone. Celestia felt it. Things we’re changing. Her faithful student was now living in Ponyville with many friends and her Captain of the Guard had married and became a ruler of an entire Empire. Her sister had returned to normal and all was well in Equestria. But all was not well with the Princess… Princess Celestia tirelessly carried through with her long list of duties; ranging from signatures to short speeches with her guards. Though life had returned to normal in the back of her head she felt something was coming. The mysterious winged unicorn had left a sense a doubt in her mind, something that wasn’t there before. ‘Fear’ But why was she afraid? What could possibly threaten them now? Celestia could only deeply sigh at her thoughts, alone on her throne. The day felt longer than usual for the rest of the afternoon. It took so long that Celestia thought she missed the curfew. As Princess Luna came down to watch over the night they both gave each other blank stares. Neither of them looked very pleased. As Celestia walked into her bed chambers she sad down on the carpet and lit the fireplace before pondering for a moment. After what seemed to be hours she pulled open one of her desk drawers revealing one of her student’s friendship reports. Curiously the Princess read the report again: Dear Princess Celestia Today I learned that sometimes Friendships can sometimes be difficult to understand at times and sometimes even the closest of friends are the hardest to convince. But you will always remain friends in the end; even if your reasons are true or not. Always keep your friends close and in this case perhaps your siblings closer. Signed Twilight Sparkle PS. I still can’t believe my brother married Cadence! That lucky stallion! Celestia could only smile at the report. Despite the changeling’s assault the wedding was a complete success. In fact possibly it wouldn’t have been the same without it. With the thought still fresh in her mind the Princess quickly started to dig through all of the filed friendship reports she had and began to read. Each report faded away her earlier worries; replacing them with happy memories and proud thoughts. After gazing through roughly half the pile there was a knock on the door. “Yes, come in?” “Sister... I’m sorry to bother you it’s just-“Princess Luna took a look at the large mess Celestia had made in her bed room. Reports covered the entire carpet and piles more we’re stacked on top of the bed and reading desk. “What are you doing in here?” Celestia blushed a little “I’m sorry Luna. I got carried away reading Twilight and her friend’s reports. I haven’t been myself lately.” “That’s also why I’m here…” the night princess added “I’m not exactly feeling the same either.” “Come. Sit down and read with me.” Celestia asked opening up a space underneath her white wings. “But my duty-“ “Please, we’ll both feel better.” She obliged not in the mood to argue. It started slowly at first but the two started to gain pace as the younger sister inquired about each and every report the others had made. Princess Luna had never exactly seen the friendship reports before; to her this was akin to a small revelation. Both of their moods lifted as they pulled out more and more reports, each story behind it better than the last. Both princesses giggled and laughed at the written antics of their subjects; Luna even shed a few tears on a couple. As the hours continued the two sisters continued further and further thinning out the pile until… “I was not expecting such a find from Pinkie Pie.” Princess Celestia said placing the ‘Too Many Pinkie Pies’ report back in its proper place. “Now this next one is written by Applebloom. It’s about her cousin Babs Seed. She-“ Celestia looked at her little sister; she had fallen peacefully asleep under her wings, her head partly buried in her coat and mane. The elder princess smiled before pulling down the covers from her bed on top of the both of them. She placed the last report back down on the desk before embracing her little sister close. “Goodnight, Princess Luna. I love you.” She gave a small kiss on the head before closing her own eyes. Outside the castle walls, a dozen night watching guards patrolled the walls. Though many we’re the garrison that guarded the night few we’re stationed at the gardens. Both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had taken to re-governing the Royal Guards themselves now that Shining Armor had become a Prince. Thought by no means unwise they knew little about the entire castle’s defense. There were barely any watchful eyes at the sculpture garden or the maze. Since Discord’s re-imprisonment Princess Celestia had his statue moved into the center of the maze as befitting his theme of chaos and confusion. There was little need to watch a statue and even less need since someone would likely get lost instead. But deep inside the recesses of the maze tiny chirping and soft hooves sounded from within… “Whose stupid idea was this?” “Doe’s it matter? It was ordered by the Queen…!” “And is that why I’m dressed like a sunflower…?” “What you complaining about? I’m a BUSH!” “Well you actually can’t be seen here… I look absolutely ridiculous!” “At least you can see… I got broken branches all over my face!” “Guys shut up before I pluck you…!” Three changelings stuck their heads over the maze wall. The first had a soldier’s camouflage helmet. The second was in a sunflower suit and the third one was quite literally dressed as a square bush! “No one’s watching?” The walking ‘bush’ said “Why don’t be just fly over the maze?” “Idiot…” The ‘sunflower’ said shoving the bush “They’d see us if we flew, besides I wouldn’t be caught dead flying in… this.” “We’re looking for a statue boys…” the ‘soldier’ said “So keep your traps shut and your eyes moving.” “Couldn’t we have taken that ugly one on top of the fountain?” The ‘sunflower’ asked “We’re looking for a specific statue.” The ‘solder’ replied “It’s a draconequus. It has the head of a pony with a body of many other creatures.” “Couldn’t we just break a few statues and glue them together?” the ‘bush’ asked rather impatiently “I don’t see why we’re here to steal a statue…” “This statue is different…” The ‘soldier’ answered before ducking behind the maze wall again. “It was placed by Princess Celestia in this maze for a reason. The Queen wants it and our orders are to get it and bring it back. You have the mirror right?” The ‘bush’ just about vomited a large mirror out of its body saying “Yup” before pulling it back in. “Can we go now? These branches are getting very itchy.” If any of the guards had a direct overhead view of the maze they would find a single changeling moving down the trail followed by a giant sunflower and green box of branches. The three split up and lost each other several times; especially the bush. Being pretty much all branches and leaves he was sometimes mistaken as part of the wall! Finally after a long while of searching they finally found themselves in the center square of the maze. There positioned on a stone pedestal towered over only by a stained glass memorial was the Statue of Discord; still in the state of shock the ponies left him in. “This is what the Queen wanted?” The ‘soldier’ questioned for a moment “I take it back… This is the ugly statue.” The ‘sunflower’ said “It looks better than you.” The ‘bush’ added. The ‘sunflower’ suddenly stuffed his hoof into the pile of branches and tugged the enormous mirror out. “No one asked boxy.” “Focus boys.” The ‘soldier’ said “When I activate the portal push that statue off its pedestal.” “That thing looks heavy. What if we miss and hit the floor instead?” The ‘sunflower’ asked “For your sake you’d had better bloody not…!” the ‘soldier’ growled before shoving the both of them away. Both the ‘sunflower’ and the ‘bush’ stood at the other side of the statue as the ‘soldier’ readied the large mirror on the other side. Laying it flat on the floor until it reflected the entire statue the ‘soldier’ tapped the mirror three times before it’s reflection changed to that of a bleak set of mountains… “Now…!” Both of them shoved as hard as they could, tilting the statue on one side until it fell flat over. It went through the mirrored surface like water, casting vibrations upon the vision. “Alright… let’s get out of here.” The ‘soldier’ said “Hide the mirror before going…” Both the sunflower and the soldier jumped into the mirror before it was simple gobbled up like a cookie into the ‘bush’s’ large volume. Inserting itself on the side of the plaza along row of bushes the changeling inside hopped into the mirror. On the other side of it dozens of changelings worked to pull the fallen statue up on it’s feet. With a giant thud the statue of Discord stood again, this time in field full of changelings. Many of them chirped and chattered at the sight of this strange and wondrous figure but the noise stopped as their Queen walked out from the hive. “We got it my Queen…!” A changeling nearby happily chirped Queen Chrysalis stood before the stone statue before her. She smiled a first but upon examining the statue all around her smile turned into a frown. “Not what I was… expecting…” she said “So what now Draco?” The changeling Draco followed out of the hive holding the pillar and the broken horn. “I heard that the Elements of Harmony imprisoned him a thousand years ago, and after he broke free he was sealed again by the same Elements. These Elements can prove to be a… problem should Princess Celestia use them like she tried before.” “Is it major threat?” Chrysalis asked “It’s a strong possibility… The unicorn and her friends had tried too use it before. I’m inclined to believe that it is.” Draco answered “So what do we need him for?” Chrysalis said looking back at the statue. Draco approached the statue slowly; sticking only the blue pillar up towards it. Its soft humming became louder and louder and the pulse became faster and brighter. Carefully the changeling touched the statue with the very tip of the pillar. Nothing. The pillar did nothing. Its glow and pulse was still rapidly going but nothing happened. Chrysalis looked at her servant with impatience. “I’m waiting…” she said “No… NO!” Draco yelled stomping the ground. He threw back the broken horn onto the ground and grasped the pillar as if he we’re trying to pry it open. “Why didn’t it work? It helped me at the Empire! Help me now!” “Draco…!” Chrysalis started to raise her voice and many of the other changelings began to chuckles. Others began to quiver away from their Queen. “I swear my Queen, in the glory of the hive I will-!” Suddenly the pillar’s blue light blazed as if ignited by torch, spitting out several currents of blue lightning coursing into the changeling’s body. Overwhelming power and force flooded through him and spilled out spiking towards the statue light chain lightning. Sparks of fire and electricity scorched the surface of the statue creating cracks and rift all over. Slowly the white glow of life began to appear behind the stoned face… The statue shattered to pieces, causing shards of rock and stone to fly everywhere possible. Queen Chrysalis covered her eyes from the flashing spectacle as her subjects fled and cowed in horror. As the dust and smoke cleared Draco was barely standing. He looked as if as someone had hit him with an oversized taser. Coughing up a buff of black smoke he said “That was not supposed to happen…” “Things that are not supposed to happen are the best kind of things that happen!” Queen Chrysalis gazed through the remainder of the smoke at where the statue was. There in all of his chaotic glory: Discord, the spirit of disharmony and chaos. “Well this is certainly a new audience.” He said dusting himself off “Much different indeed!” He took a better look around his surroundings. By this time hundreds of changelings had gathered on the dirt fields outside the hive and many more looked over from the skies and nests. He then caught a gaze of their Queen. “May I politely insist you tell me your name?” “I am Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings!” she said “Changeling! Well that definitely is a new twist on things isn’t it?” Discord cried rather happily, floating around the sky over his rocky remains. “I suppose that you are responsible for my new found freedom?” “Of course…” Chrysalis said rather confused than impressed by this spirit of chaos “Well my lady…” Discord said before giving a regal kiss on the hoof to the changeling Queen “I must say that such a decision, such an undertaking. Oh the looks on your faces! I can’t wait to see what old missy Celestia is going to look like when she sees me!” “That’s what I’ve brought you here for…” Queen Chrysalis said taking her hoof away from him “I want revenge on Celestia and her subject as well.” “Well then two birds of a feather must stick together!” Discord replied clapping his claw and paw together “So what’s the scheme then?” Draco had finally finished cleaning himself off and picked up the pillar and the broken horn. “We’re not ready yet my Queen.” He said “And who is this?” Discord asked looking at the much smaller changeling “You’re little butler?” “He is Draco.” Chrysalis said “One of my most faithful and brilliant agents. The best actually; he is responsible for your release.” “Yes… well congratulations Mr. Draco. You have won the grand prize: me!” Discord declared spinning around in circles. “You’re only part of it Discord…” Draco said slight panting from the overload he experienced earlier “I need you to help me with this…” the changeling stuck out the broken horn. “And what kind of ‘help’ could I give to that?” he asked “Magic, Dark Magic… Chaos, Disharmony, Unhappiness; your energy can help us reconstitute a powerful ally.” Draco explained “So you brought me back to bring somebody else back? Am I right?” Discord asked “More or less?” Draco answered a bit uneasy “But I assure you, this act will be worth it and you owe us a boon for releasing you.” Discord looked at the changeling for the moment and then back at Queen Chrysalis and the rest of the changelings. “Very well then; you play a fair game and this crowd seems very interested. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t at least have some fun?” Cracking his knuckles, claws or whatever Discord worked his powers onto the broken horn. As multi colored lights flashed in and out of his hands, the horn began to twitch. First slowly and then uncontrollably as purple haze started to flow from it like dry ice. Suddenly the horn shot up into the air as the purple mist solidified itself to the dark face of King Sombra making his appearance with a ghastly scream: “I LIVE!” Immediately the ghostly form of King Sombra glanced around rapidly at his surroundings. “Where am I?” he growled viewing both Queen Chrysalis and Discord. “Well, well, well, this is certainly an odd turn of events…” Discord said grinning “King Sombra…!” Chrysalis addressed the dark mass before them “I am Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings. This is Discord, the spirit of chaos.” “Charmed I’m sure!” Discord said sniffing rather loudly “I’ve heard you are a unicorn with a heart as black as night and ruled the Crystal Empire with an iron fist! You can be a powerful ally to our cause!” She continued “And why should I work for you or this chaotic amalgam of creatures?” King Sombra snarled at the both of them. “I take that as a compliment.” Discord said coyly “Do you remember… Princess Celestia?” Chrysalis asked “Celestia…” Sombra said softly before growling even louder than before “Celestia! It was because of her that I was turned into this!” “Yes! And she also sent her niece Princess Cadence and her husband Shining Armor to steal your empire from you again! She has damned you not once but twice!” King Sombra’s growl became a roar of anger “They will pay! They will all pay!” “Join us… we who have been scorned by those damnable ponies and we shall all have revenge!” “Yes…. Yes…!” Sombra started to grin, but his grin then turned into a frown “My body… my power, destroyed… I cannot go.” “We have a plan for that too.” Draco said holding the pillar up for all to see “You’ll have you’re body back.” King Sombra smiled with an evil glare. “What’s the plan then?” “Princess Celestia will be preparing Canterlot soon.” Queen Chrysalis said “The next Grand Galloping Gala approaches.” “A most perfect opportunity! Pure gold!” Discord exclaimed excited at the prospect. “More than that, this Gala is going to be bigger than usual.” Draco said “How so?” Queen Chrysalis asked “In honor of the Crystal Empire’s return…” Draco explained with a smile “I’ve found out that during the next Grand Galloping Gala… Canterlot will be host to the Equestrian World Summit.” Author's Notes Possibly my most "junky' chapter yet. My proofreader is out on ski vacation and MSWord proof reading is crap so I will apologize now is something in here is screwed up or otherwise weird. I kinda feel like I drew it out too much due to trying to save the more juicy stuff for later. Enjoy and I hope everyone had a good thanksgiving. Ultima75000 PS. I'm trying to commission someone to draw a picture/illustration for the World Summit part except I'm finding it difficult to pick/choose/find an artist who is willing and is not overly expensive. Will try for picture before the actual summit chapter :)