The Rider Of Darkness

by GaleWind

Scroll 9

I couldn’t believe the letter that Twilight had sent me said. Princess Celestia was going to marry Prince Chaon. The benevolent and kind hearted ruler of Equestria was going to marry Discord, the god of chaos.

I stood there in stunned silence and not even moving. The others notice this and wondered what I read.

“Echo what’s wrong? What did the letter say?” Zepha asked out of concern.

I silently gave her the note and she took it. She and the others read through and they were shocked by what it said as well.

“The princess is getting married to that nutjob!” Zepha Proclaimed. I can only nod in agreement. Multiple thoughts were going through my mind but, one stood out among the rest.

“I’ve got to get back home right now!’’ I said with a sense of urgency in my voice. No way was I letting this happen.

“Whoa, slow down for a second, hotshot. You have to at least rest for a day. You two just helped us liberate our rightful ruler, you deserve it.” Tyfin said, trying to calm me down.

“I can’t rest now; I have to get back now to stop this!” I said in a hasty response.

“Calm down, dweeb. The letter said the wedding isn’t for another week.” Gilda so kindly said.

“Yeah and it’ll take four and a half days to get there. It’ll take three days to get back home and another day and half to reach the castle.” I explained.

“You’ll still have two days to work things out and besides didn’t we just come in yesterday evening and you had a plan worked out.” Zepha said.

“This is different, Zepha. I was already planning on coming here sooner or later to take care of Maelstrom. When you told me your father was captured, I knew sooner just became now. I promised nothing bad would happen to him and I meant it.” I paused for a minute to catch my breath and continued. “Now I have to save Princess Celestia from her own wedding! I mean, I knew those three had something planned but, I didn’t think it would be this and to top it off…” Before I could continue, Zepha slapped me to stop my rant.

“Echo, calm down. I know this is serious but, you need to focus. Remember, a calm mind wins battles. You’ll think of something.” She said.

I wanted to protest but, I knew she was right. I had to calm down and think.

The rest of the day was spent with the rebels celebrating in their own way. Zepha spent it catching up with her dad and Tyfin and Gilda were off drinking. I got an update Chief Thunderhooves and they just liberated the second facility with minimal injuries. There were a couple of them that challenged me to a drinking contest and let’s just say that I proved I could hold my own, if only by so much. We both found a spot for us to get some well-deserved sleep.

It was the middle of the night when I woke up. All the rebels were passed out on the floor. I looked next to me and Zepha was fast asleep with her arm draped over me. I carefully removed it and got up. I placed a kiss on her cheek and quietly made my way out of the base.

The entire town was quiet and it made it easier for me. I made my way to the ‘noble hunter’ and checked to make sure everything was in good condition. Everything checked out and I was about to start it up when I heard a voice.

“I had a feeling this is where you would go.” I turned around to find Tyfin standing there in the shore.

“How long were you following me?”

“Since you left the hideout. I’m just lucky I got up just to use the bathroom.” He replied. This guy had luck I wish I had.

“I saw that kiss you gave her. You’re just going to leave without saying good bye when she’s awake.” I blushed for a moment at his comment but, I recomposed fast.

“It’s for the best right now. She’s been sneaking around back home to avoid being caught. Now, it’s more dangerous for her with what’s going on. Besides, she needs spend more time with her dad.” I told him.

“You do know she’ll probably come after you when she wakes up, right?”

“That’s why I need you and the others to explain to her if I need her, I’ll contact her.”

“Is this still part of the favor I owe you?”

“No, you already paid in full. This is a favor from me.” I said as started up the boat’s engine.

“You really do love her, don’t you?” he said. I just nodded with a faint blush on my face.

“Then, I already know how you can repay me?”

“Really, what is it?” I asked as I got into the driver’s seat.

“Don’t you dare die over there.” He said with a smirk. I looked back and gave him a smirk of my own.

“I don’t plan on it.”

The three days it took me to get back to Baltimare couldn’t have gone by faster. When I docked my boat, I put it back into the hanger and went straight towards my sister’s house. Being close to midnight, I didn’t expect her to be up but, when I ranged the doorbell, there she was.

“Echo, you’re okay. I was worried about you.” She greeted me with a hug. I returned it and she brought me inside. She brought out coffee for both of us and I filled her in on what happen.

“Changelings, I can’t believe there as far as the Griffon Kingdom.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t think about it. Of course their queen would have to find some way to keep them busy. But this is nothing compared to what’s going on now.”

“So, you know about the royal wedding.”

“Twilight sent me an invitation yesterday. I gotta stop this from happening.”

“You do know that it’s being held in the royal castle. How do you expect to get close enough to him without being caught?”

“I’ll think of something sis.”

“Just be careful Echo.” She said. I gave Aqua a reassuring hug and made my way out. I grabbed my bike and rolled it towards the train station. I was able to get a ticket on the late night train toward Canterlot. I got my bike in the cargo car and made my way to the passenger car. I found my seat and began pondering on the long trek to the kingdom.

The car was empty and I was the only one here. I got a daisy sandwich from the food cart and took the tome out of my backpack. If I’m going to fight the god of chaos, I’m going to need something to give me an advantage.

Most of these things I’ve learned when I first got it. There’s a transformation spell that might prove useful. Other than that, there’s nothing else. When I was about to close the book, a certain sentence caught my eye.

‘The true power of the gem lies within.’

I don’t know why but, something about it clicked. I asked Aqua to send Twilight a letter via magic saying that I should be there within two days. I needed to get some sleep. I was gonna need it.

The train got me there in the afternoon and it couldn’t have been sooner. I got off the train and got my bike out as well. I was lucky to find Rarity in the shopping district on my way to the castle.

“Echo Wave, darling, it’s so good to see you. How have you and your sister been doing.” She said when we found somewhere to sit.

“We were able to settle everything between us. However, I just had to come back in time for the wedding.”

“Oh yes, the wedding is going to be fabulous. The princess even asked me to make her dress. I can’t wait for the wedding tomorrow!” She said with excitement in her voice.

Wait…Tomorrow?!

“Uh, Rarity. What do you mean by ‘tomorrow’? I asked dreading the answer.

“I know you’re surprised by the sudden date change. We were as well but, the siblings and even the princesses agreed. The wedding is going to be held at noon when the sun is at its highest.” She explained with a smile and was hiding that I was a nervous wreck inside.

We finished up our chat and made our way to the castle. I met up with the others inside the palace. We caught up and went towards the throne room where the wedding would be held. It looked just like wedding hall between Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.

“Twilight, is your brother and Cadence showing up?”

“No, they still have to run the Crystal Empire but they send their best wishes.” She said. The girls were spread throughout the room. Fluttershy was conducting her song birds. Applejack and, surprisingly, Big Mac were heading out probably to the catering area, Rainbow was helping Pinkie set up the streamers and Twilight was checking everything off.

Before I could say anything, Rarity took me by the arm and dragged me off. She said that she had to get me fitted for a tuxedo. She took me to her room, got my measurements and ushered me out without so much as a say so. She said it’ll be in the room I was staying, next to Big Mac.

I spent the next hours going around the castle getting the layout or exit strategies if things went south. It was getting late I went towards the dining room. Dinner was difficult for me though. Celestia and Luna graced us with their presence. I saw the magic hue within their eyes and it pained me to know that even the princesses could become victims to their spell. They couldn’t stay long but they did say it was thoughtful to know we would be there. I glanced at Princess Celestia and for a second I thought she looked thicker. We finished eating and I went back to my room and found my tux on the bed. I placed it on a hanger and had a tough time going to sleep.

When I woke, I glanced at the clock to see that I had half an hour before the wedding. I got in my tux but, my thoughts were still going over of how can I do anything that doesn’t reveal who I am. I was brought out of my thoughts by somepony knocking on my door.

‘Who could that be?’ “Come in.” the door open and Big Mac walked in.

“Echo, I hope you gotta plan for this.” He said with nervousness in his voice.

“I don’t know what to do? The only option I have puts me on the pony hunt as not only my ‘other’ self but, as me.”

“There has to be some way for me to help you out?” He asked. I was about to tell him no right there but, then I remembered something.

“Actually, there might be something you can help me with.” I went to backpack and took out the tome. I told Mac to stand there and don’t move. I told him it wouldn’t hurt; at least I hope it won’t. I recited the spell and he glowed a dark blue. When it was over, he looked himself over and nothing had changed.

“Nothin’ happened.”

“Look in the mirror.” I said. He walked over, looked in the mirror and recoiled a bit. The reflection didn’t show him. It showed me.

“What did you do?”

“It’s an illusion spell I read up on the way here. It lets others see you as somepony as. The only ones it doesn’t affect are the caster and the pony the illusion is cast on.”

“How long will it last?”

“An hour and I hope that it’s enough.” After I told him where my seat was he left to get ready. The wedding was in ten minutes.

“I hope this works.”

As soon as the time came, the wedding began. The entire throne room was filled with nobles and regulars alike. The Pegasus ponies cleared the sky to let sun’s rays shine through the windows. Princess Luna and the girls were dressed in gowns fit for bride’s maids. Scythin and Morpha were on the opposite side of the wedding altar with their brother, Chaon, looking nervous. As soon as Luna gave the word, Fluttershy started conducting the song birds.

The doors opened and the CMC came out as the flower girls. Princess Celestia came from behind them and she looked even more stunning and beautiful than ever. She walked to the altar and had tears in her eyes.

“Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness this holy union of Princess Celestia and Prince Chaon. One is the princess of our lands and my sister and the other, a prince of a foreign land, brought together in holy matrimony. If there is somepony here that has a reason that these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.” Luna said. No one there had a reason to speak.

Before she could resume the speech, a gust of wind whipped through the throne room. The entire audience covered themselves to protect themselves from the wind. A voice could be heard in the wind.

"I have a reason."

The doors blew open with the guards being thrown in. I walked in with my ‘sky’ wings fully extended.

“Let’s take this outside, Chaon.” I flew right at him, grabbed by his collar and we were headed for the window.

‘CRASH’

We burst right through the stained glass window and threw him towards the royal gardens. He landed with a thud. I flew straight down and crafted two barriers because I was worried about the powers he had. He got up, dusted himself off and looked at me and the barriers surrounding us.

“I must say, I expected you to show someday but, did have to be on my wedding day. I was this close to having Celestia as a wife.” He said as he conjured a tea set. I drew my sword and began circling him.

“I wasn’t going to let the god of chaos marry her, you slimy draconequus.” I said. He took another sip of tea and just looked at me.

“Come now, Echo Wave. Surely you must have some manners.” He said with a smirk. I stopped moving and just stared at him in shock and horror.

“How did I know? I’ve been keeping my eye on you for the last three years. At first, I wanted to know who was attacking our creatures but, when I felt archaic magic, I figured one of the sisters dug up that relic, especially after that display we saw. When the girls brought you with them, everything clicked especially after they told us about your little stories.” He said. I was still stunned by this when another question presented itself.

“Before you ask no, I haven’t told them. Mostly because I wanted to see how far you would get. But, I guess you decided that the game must come to an end.”

‘BOOM’

“Apparently, my future wife and sister-in-law feel the same.” He said. I turned around and saw the princesses, the girls, the siblings and ten guards. Celestia and Luna were sending blast after blast of magic at the outer barrier and it look like it can only take so much.

“You know, it’s very bad to turn your back on your opponent.” Discord said net to me. Before I could react, I was blasted backwards by magic into a pedestal. He stood there with his hand smoking from a magic blast. The others were cheering for him as he turned around.

“Don’t worry; everyone. I shall deal with him shortly and the wedding shall resume.” He proclaimed. A bolt of magic went past his head and collided with the barrier. He turned around and saw me standing and wielding a staff however, the one that was most shocked was Twilight seeing the element of magic symbol on my head.

“I thought you said it was bad to turn your back to your opponent.” I said. He smirked and used his magic to conjure up a sword. I pulled out my blaster and started moving and shooting at him. He kept dodging and deflecting each blast I sent. I concentrated and sent a ball of energy right at him. He kept that same smirk and swung his sword, sending the energy right back at me. I braced myself but it still sent me flying and colliding with the barrier. I hit that and the ground so hard it cancelled my ‘Star’ form.

I stood up weakly but, I didn’t let it show. I got out another gem and got ready for round three.

My gauntlets appeared and I sprinted towards him with both fists. He sent out bolts of magic but I kept knocking them away. As soon as I got close, I threw my left fist at his sorry mug. When I connected, it went right through him. Before I can think of what happened, I was knocked back from the side.

“You’re not the only one that can use illusions. “ He said as he reappeared. I tumbled a bit before I landed on my back. I heard cheering and that just make the pain hurt more. I propped myself up to see him just a few feet away from me.

“I must say, you’ve put on quite the show for our crowd, especially with you getting knocked around.” He chuckled. I could only grow through the pain.

“I do believe it’s time for your final curtain call but, I think I’ll keep that belt buckle of yours for my child.” He said with a smile. As soon as he said child, my blood ran cold. I couldn’t say anything; I just looked behind him and stared at the princess as did everyone else while she blushed. It couldn’t be; there’s no way. Even with a helmet, he could tell where I was looking.

“She’s two months along if you were wondering. We were planning to announce at the reception but, I guess the cat’s out of the bag. However, as me being kind, I’ll let you have one more shot.” He said with a smile. I got up and tried to think of something but, what else could I do. None of my powers worked and he’s just toying with me. No, I promised that I would free Equestria from their curse and I meant it. I just need to dig deep and fight back.

‘Thump’

What was that? I reached into my gem case and pulled out the circular grey gem with my cutie mark on it and it was resonating but; I it does is help me transform, what good can it do. Then, I remembered that phrase from the tome.

‘The power of the gem lies within’

Well I hope you got more power than I thought you had. I pulled the handle out, placed it in, hoped for the best and slammed it back in.

The gem began to spin and bright light appeared. When it faded, a round grey shield appeared on my right arm with the gem placed on the center. The odd thing was that there was a handle on the left side.

“Interesting, it appears your last card is defense. Well, let’s see how strong it is.” He said as brought his sword down. I brought the shield up and they collided.

‘SCREEEEEECCCCCHHHHH’

“AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!” He screamed as he dropped his sword to cover his ears. The others were doing the same trying to block the piercing sound except for me. Sound, couldn’t have asked for a better weapon. I rushed towards him and bashed my shield right into his chest.

‘BOOM’

Pure sound blasted right through him and sent him backwards. Now that I have some time, I took a closer look at the shield. When I grabbed the handle, it pulled out and there were multiple slots. If this does what I think this does, than this is a new level of power. I took out the purple gem, placed it in and slammed it back in.

The upper part of the shield turned purple. Discord got his breath back and glared at me. I pointed my shield at him and concentrated. A ball of energy formed in the center and released a beam of pure magic and sound at him. He brought up a shield but the beam ripped right through it and sent him colliding into the barrier over the crowd. They were all shocked and scared at will happen next. When the beam ended, he fell and crashed into the ground.

Something landed next to me and I looked down at what it was. It was his wedding ring with the band gone. A clear, rectangle like gem with cornered ages. I held it up to the sun and chanted a few words. It glowed with energy and felt warm to the touch. I pulled the driver’s handle out, placed the gem in and slammed it in.

The gem began and a blinding light engulfed the area. When the light died down, no one was more shocked at what they saw than Celestia herself. I stood there holding a broadsword with a white handle and the gem in the middle. However, the most dominate feature was the mark of the sun on the top of my helmet.

“How is that possible?” She said as a whisper. I stared at Discord with hateful eyes and knew what had to be done. I took out the crescent gem, pulled the handle back out, placed it in and slammed it in.

The gem spun and darkness surrounded my chest and the dark blue chest plate appeared and sword the remained. The only difference made was that half of the sun’s mark was gone and was replaced with half of the moon mark. I guess if the powers are compatible, they combine.

“You were wrong about one thing. It’s not my final curtain call, it’s yours. You are one of the three that have caused so much pain to Equestria and its residents. Now, prepare for your judgment.” I proclaimed. I grabbed the handle, pulled out and pushed it back in.

The shadows from my chest plate formed at the tip of my blade along with the light of the sword. The two powers covered the blade and swirled with energy. Discord conjured his sword and rushed me. I did the same and prepared to end this.

“May the forces of Light and Darkness, Eliminate this evil.” I swung down my sword at the same time he tried to block it with his my sword went right through it and him as I went past. Our backs were facing each other, not moving. He turned around to look at himself and besides his sword being in two, he didn’t have a scratch on him.

“You might want to get a new sword if you plan on killing me.” He said while failing holding back his laughter. I turned around and simply looked at him.

“Who said anything about killing you?” was all I said to him. He looked confused and when he tried to move, he couldn’t. He looked down and he stared in horror. From his knees down, they were completely stone and it was moving up.

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?!” He shouted as his legs were completely stone now. I only replied in a cold manner.

“I’m putting you back where you belong, a stone prison. This time though, nothing will help you escape again.” I said as the petrification had reached his chest. He struggled in vain and gave one last yell before the spell encased his head.

There was nothing but silence over the entire area. I turned to look at the crowd in time to see Celestia fall to her knees. No one could come up with anything to say. Even though she was under a spell, I could still see the heartbreak and pain in the princesses’ eyes.

‘Forgive me, your majesty.’ I sadly thought to myself. The shadows composed around me and I vanished without a trace.

I was able to switch places with Mac just before the spell wore off. The castle was crawling with guards trying to find me. Princess Luna was overseeing things herself. Everypony offered their condolences to the princess and the siblings. Celestia excused herself to retire to her room and no one was to disturb her. I noticed she tensed up a bit when Scythin touched her shoulder but shrugged it off. The girls decided to stay in the castle for a few days for support and to help in the hunt. I truly wish that this nightmare won’t last.

In the royal bedchambers, Celestia stood looking out the window over the royal gardens. Even though she had tears in her eyes, she had a small smile.

“Well done, my little pony.”