Chapter 2: Rage of An Alicorn
In his dark and gloomy throne chamber, Dark Curse is sitting on his throne chair while talking to Tech and his assassin, a dark blue Pegasus with a crimson mane in few braids wore and tail, he wore a demonic and scary mask, a black ninja suit with demon gauntlets and his Cutie Mark is Demonic Gauntlet: Demon Assassin. The other minions watch from nearby. Suddenly, a loud bang sounded.
"How many times do I have to tell that barbarian," Dark Curse scowls in annoyance.
The door opened like someone had kicked it very hard and full strength. Dark Curse encountered a light crimson Earth Pony that wore black armor and his head had long dark crimson strings, and his Cutie Mark is a Halberd and Black Dragon. He looked very angry and disappointed.
"What do you want, Devil Destroyer?!" Dark Curse demands to the newcomer more than he asked.
"I want an explanation from you! Why wasn't I sent to do the job?! I'm the strongest and powerful warrior among the Dark Ponies yet you sent that brat to do the job! What is the meaning of this?!" The Devil Destroyer demands to his leader angrily.
"Hey, maniac; Better get back to your cage, or else -" DJ begins to snaps but the Devil Destroyer gave him one Tartarus of a death glare.
"Or else what?!"
Shades gulped nervously, "Or else......."
"Or else we kick your butt?" Clumsy remarks nervously; Bad mistake.
Devil roared as he prepares to kick some flank, "I'll tear you imbeciles apart!"
Black Tiger growled, "Bring it on, barbarian! Angry crow takes fight!" The minion jumped up. "Eagle strikes his prey down!"
Black Tiger swooped down and straight at the Devil Destroyer. The villain huffed as he used his right hoof and grabbed Black Tiger's face. Devil Destroyer slammed him onto the floor hard.
"Ow......." Black Tiger groans in pain.
DJ cringes while commentating, "Ouch. That gotta hurt."
"Tell me about it." Clumsy said nervously. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to provoke the Devil Destroyer.
"Why do we have him as our member?" Shades ask his colleagues in concern.
"See? I'm a very powerful Dark Pony. I defeat and destroy anything that stands in the way! I can even destroy that shield!" The Devil Destroyer brags to Dark Curse angrily. "I should be sent there and deal with my enemies at once than waiting!"
Dark Curse growled, "Thunderstorm Lightning!"
Dark Curse launched his Thunderstorm Lightning at Devil Destroyer. He screamed in pain as the minion received thundering attacks from his lord for few minutes. Dark Curse ceased his attacks before the Devil Destroyer dropped to the floor hard.
"Imbecile; Do you even had any idea that what damage you would cause?! Those Mystic Shields of Equestria prevent any of our superior attacks, and even yours and Grimmore's, it's impossible to penetrate it!" Dark Curse explains clearly to the arrogant pony. "The only way to achieve that battle is sending a stealth and blending pony among them to seek and learn of our enemies' ways. Once we learn their statuses and ways, we strike from their backs, without them realizing the mistake that they had made. Shadow Dragon is fit for the mission than you are! You will had the chance, Devil."
Devil huffed despite groaning in pain, "This better be. I don't want my skills and brute powers be wasted in doing nothing."
Dark Curse licks his mouth, adding, "You will have the chance, Devil Destroyer. Now leave before I lose my Dark Mystic Phoenix Temper!"
Devil groaned, "Fine." Even Dark Curse's Dark Mystic Phoenix Temper is even more terrible than Tao's ever is.
"Just be happy that Butterflydancer is with you, or else, you know what happen next?"
Devil groaned, "Fine." He immediately left the throne chamber; Dark Curse has made his point. No need to contradict it further.
Dark Curse gave a death glare to the four minions, snapping, "I told you not to tell anyone about my counsel with Shadow Dragon alone." The villain wanted his counsel with Shadow Dragon to be private.
DJ shrugged while apologizing, "Sorry. I thought everyone in Dark Ponies like Shadow Dragon. So I thought to give them the heads up."
"Well, we still didn't know that Devil Destroyer could be very angry and jealous of it." Clumsy said, defending DJ's actions to his lord.
"Sorry for that, boss." Shades apologize sheepishly to the angry Dark Curse.
"Now leave." Dark Curse orders his minions while implying to not let this happen again in the near future.
"Yes, my master." Black Tiger said with a bow before he and the Dark Warriors Trio left the building."
"Where was I? Ah yes; About Grimmore. Grimmore will be watching me ever since his last visit. Sooner or later, he will learn our plans."
"So, what should we do?" Tech asks Grimmore in concern, fearing the worst.
"I did not hire you all just for living up to my general's expectation, but I expected you to be clever and fearless to your enemies, Tech. So I want you to invent powerful technology and a spell to prevent anyone especially Grimmore from coming to my realm again, but only Dark Mystic Ponies. Do I make myself clear?" Dark Curse snaps to Tech sternly. He doesn't want a repeat from Grimmore in the near future.
Tech saluted while exclaiming, "Yes sir! I won't let you down!" The mama's foal immediately left the place and heads out to do the task at hoof here.
Dark Curse turned to the Demon Assassin, adding, "As for you, I sensed in the future that we are about to have an unwanted guest. Deal with him, and interrogate him to tell us why he has come here for."
"As you wish, that fool will learn that in this realm, I'm the shadows' master." The Demon Assassin speaks at long last. He went backwards and phased through the wall, and disappeared in the shadows.
"So, make your move, Grimmore. I wonder what kind of methods will you learn my dark master plans."
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Pinkamena was reading and says, "Hmm, seems like Rainbow's cousin is here and has the last name like yours Golden Heart; is he related to you?"
Golden Heart pauses to think about the question. Then he shrugs while saying, "Um I am not sure about that little sister but who knows?"
"Indeed and seems like new trails are ahead for Ben and seems like there might be some danger and I sense that spies are watching the gang."
"Well ok."
The others nod as Pinkamena keeps reading a book. Things are going to come to a head.
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"And that's how we got the boxes and that's the bottom line." Rainbow explains to her cousin while the gang hangs out at the local park. Ben had arrived after promising to meet Hobo Ken later for the music store. He didn't want Twilight to worry if he himself heads off on his mission on his own.
"Ah, the mystery of the boxes, how mysterious," Brave Heart said to Rainbow and her friends proudly. "It will be a noble and interesting quest for all of ye."
"If we could find those keys," Applejack mumbles a bit in concern. "So far, we didn't find any info on them, y'all."
"Well, I don't have any info meself or I would track them down meself. Perhaps the Mystic Ponies has clues."
"No, even they don't know." Twilight said to Brave Heart with a sigh. "Sometimes..."
Suddenly some cruel laughing is heard. Rarity frowns deeply while saying, "Not those two again."
Sure enough, the group saw the usual sight: Diamond Tiara and her pal Silver Spoon mocking the main three CMC members Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Silver Spoon. Diamond Tiara taunts, "I mean, so far, none of you three got your cutie marks. Maybe it's because you may never get them."
Diamond Tiara pauses, waiting for Silver Spoon to respond. Then she frowns and nudges her, causing the latter to say, "Oh right; Lame blanky flanky!"
"Come on, can't y'all give it a rest fer once?" Apple Bloom asks the bullies with a frown.
"Yeah, I mean, Equestria just been through a big disaster. Save it for another time." Sweetie said to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in concern.
"Uh, yeah, doesn't concern us." Diamond Tiara remarks with a scoff. The adults frown a bit...but Brave Heart is frowning even deeper as if he isn't pleased at all. In fact, the stallion isn't. "We're only little fillies so we still got our lives ahead of us."
"Your lives would've been cut short if Rainbow and the others haven't done the right thing." Scootaloo remarks to the bully.
"Yeah, giving up their Elements? That's taking the coward's way out."
"Yeah, what she said." Silver Spoon said quickly. In reality though, she is siding with Diamond Tiara due to loyalty and friendship though the filly is secretly not liking this. "Anyway...if you were them, you would, uh..."
"Oh let me Silver!" Diamond Tiara groans at her friend trying to figure out what to say before turning to the rivals. "You would never be Element holders because you are too cowardly to do the right thing anyway; Plus, stupid and...yes, blank flanky!"
The bullies kept on laughing. Twilight and her friends frown deeply. They were about to butt in but a certain male Alicorn beats them to it.
"How dare ye two!" Brave Heart roars angrily to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, causing them to stop laughing. They and the CMC were startled to see an Alicorn heading their way. "So ye brats think it’s fun to be cruel and heartless to ponies without cutie mark, eh?!"
"Hey, bug off, ugly!" Diamond Tiara snaps to Brave Heart with a scoff. "This is our affair, not yours."
"Watch it, he's Rainbow's cousin Brave Heart." Scootaloo warns Diamond Tiara in concern.
"Oh, well, that makes him ten times uglier! And where did he get that accent; From Planet Dork?"
Bad move, very bad move. Brave Heart growls as he suddenly uses his magic to lift the bullies into the air hard. The others gasp as the Alicorn then uses his magic to break a branch off a tree nearby, floating it over. What happens next? Well, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon found themselves floating with their behinds shown and...
"Whoa!" Pinkie exclaims in shock as Brave Heart uses the branch to spank the bullies' behind hard. The CMC's eyes widen in shock as they watch a punishment in action.
"Oh my," Fluttershy said in alarm. Spanking ponies seems a bit harsh, even for her. Even Rainbow is cringing.
When Brave Heart is done, he put the two bullying fillies down, they felt their flanks hurting big time. That branch really hurts!
Brave glares as he asks sternly, "That hurts doesn't it? Well, maybe that'll teach ye wee fillies not to bully those without cutie marks, make fun of other ponies' accents or disrespect yer elders. If I ever catch you doing that stuff again, I'll make ye wish yer were never born!"
"Ow....Ow...it's so hard to trot when you've got welts like these on your flank." Diamond Tiara groans in pain from the spanking that she endured.
Silver Spoon groans in agreement, "I probably won't be able to sit for a week because of it."
Diamond Tiara turns to Brave Heart with a vengeful look on her face, snarling, "You won't get away with this, Brave Heart! If it's the last thing Silver Spoon and I do...we'll get you for this!"
Brave Heart glares at Diamond, making her a bit nervous. He then spots Filthy Rich who just arrived and saw what has occurred from the bullying to right now; The Alicorn calls , "You there. Are you Diamond Tiara's father?"
"Yes, Brave Heart. I'm Filthy Rich, Diamond's dad." Filthy said with a nod.
"Then Mr. Rich, I suggest that you teach your daughter some PROPER respect towards her elders, or she will be spanked by me again and again and again. Are we clear?"
"I understand, Brave Heart. My daughter has never had anything resembling manners. I'll see to it that she learns them."
"I hope so, sir." Brave Heart said sternly. Diamond Tiara better learn or else!
"Ow! Daddy, you traitor," Diamond Tiara groans as her flank is still hurting like mad. "This funny voiced barbarian attacked me and you're-"
"Silence! When we get home, you are going to be grounded for a month." Filthy said sternly to his daughter.
"But-!"
"No buts, young filly! How's that, Brave Heart?"
"It'll do, sir." Brave Heart said with a chuckle. "Run along home, little bruised flanks."
As the Snotty Duo left with Diamond leaving with her upset father, Twilight in concern spoke to Rainbow, "Rainbow, you should have stopped him."
"I'd have loved to, Twilight, but Brave's family." Rainbow admits to Twilight with a shrug. "And besides, when he's angry, he won't stop until he's satisfied."
"Wow, that was...awesome!" Scootaloo squeals to Brave Heart in delight.
"Yeah, crazy though but awesome," Sweetie admits to Scootaloo in amazement.
"Aye, thanks lasses." Brave Heart said proudly.
"I don't think you should have done that, Brave Heart." Twilight spoke out to Brave Heart in concern. She worries of what would happen. The mare recalls how Tough Apple got into trouble after pulling Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon up the flagpole by their dresses and fears of what would happen to Rainbow's cousin.
"Why not; that's how we punish naughty children and bullies like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon back home."
"Yes, I understand that, but...that's not the way things work around here. Besides, your actions would have upset their rich and powerful fathers even though Filthy let Diamond's spanking slide this one time."
Brave Heart scoffs at this, "Bah! I eat rich snobs like them for breakfast back home."
"You eat rich snobs for breakfast?!" Pinkie yelps a bit shocked and disgusted by the comment.
"It's an expression, Pinkie. It means I deal with money grabbing ponies like them every day, and I'll bet Filthy Rich is like the rest of them; a bloody coward who is afraid to face me alone."
"Then you don't know Filthy Rich at all, Brave Heart." Twilight said to Brave Heart sternly. She knows that Filthy used to be a member of the cult that brought back Nyx.
"No, and I don't need to know him; they're all the same to me." Brave Heart said, brushing off what the princess just said.
"Well, an' Ah thought somepony Ah knew had quite 'de ego." Applejack comments, giving a smirk to another ego like pony AKA her pal Rainbow Dash.
"Very funny, Applejack," Rainbow remarks dryly to Applejack then turns to her cousin. "Listen, Brave Heart...maybe if you could just low for a while then Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon won't be able to find you and get their revenge on you."
"Let them try." Brave Heart challenges. He loves to see those brats do anything.
Then a mysterious voice, Fafnir's, is heard, "That's what you think, Brave Heart, son of Strong Wind; Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"
"You girls hear something?" Pinkie asks spooked when she thought that she heard a voice.
"No." The other members of the Mane Six remarked with shrugs.
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During the time, after being such a troublemaker, we find Tech working within his own quarters within the secret lair of the Dark Mystics. Tech usual works in his own work spot or his own evil lair, probably one of those so called ‘wannabe villains’ that wanna rule the world, in this case, Equestria. And what this wimpy mama’s colt lacks in sheer brute force, he tries to make up for it with his evil brain power. Especially when calling himself a couple of names, like ‘Tech, Evil Colt Genius’ or ‘Tech, The Prince Of Evil’ or ‘Tech, Emperor of Darkness’ & who knows how many other villain nicknames he comes up with. Right now he was busy working in developing some new bots & vehicles to serve with his evil needs, and get to be a part of the Dark Mystics to boost his evil career.
“Just you wait Equestria, if you thought those Machines of War those Flim-Flam Brothers made were bad, you don’t know Tech! And that’s me!” Tech was speaking off in making his evil announcement to the world. “I need something like a catchy catch phase. Something like….You’ve Got Tech Serve!” He spoke to stop to lift his goggles to reveal his red eyes to ponder a cool catch phase to use. “Yeah, almost sounds like a seller, not like if I fail & I get the; I’ve Been Out-Tech.” He stated a bad thing he hates folks to call him when he blunders a job. “Seriously, ponies keep underestimating me.” He spoke out while focusing on kiting a blow torch to continue his work.
“Is that a fact?” Spoke a different voice within the room at this time.
“Well yeah, I mean, those Dark Warrior Trio & Black Tiger, they treat me like a punching bag when I’m…” Suddenly, Tech froze when he heard himself respond to something, that was not his own voice. “Wait, who am I talking to?” He asked to look around, but saw nothing, all that was here was his tools & robotic parts. “DJ Red? Clumsy Rat; Shades; Are you stallions pulling my hoof?” He snapped off in annoyance, bad enough those guys like to beat him till he cries, but do they really gotta spook him?
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Spoke the voice again that ending up making Tech realize…those weren’t his colleagues.
Soon entering the scene from out of the shadow was some masked pony mercenary that we all know; Tartarus’ Assassin Unit, the Equestrian Eliminator.
“Waaaaaughhh; The Equestrian Eliminator,” Tech screamed off like a little filly before rushing over to the door to try to get it open, the term was try. “Help! Somebody! I’ve become an innocent victim of a mercury coming to rub me out! Heeee…gulp,” As Tech was about to scream again, a Shadow Claw snatch his mouth to pull him up over the ground, to stare with fearful eyes at the serious soldier of the mighty Demon god, Grimmore.
“I’ve magically soundproof the room, no one can hear you.” Equestrian Eliminator explained that he made sure, no one will know he’s here. “I’ve come to seek answers for my lord & master, Grimmore.” He issued to explain his reason being in the Dark Mystic’s lair; searching answers for his lord.
Soon the Shadow Claw was removed from Tech’s mouth, giving him the chance to breath while the soldier stallion dropped the guy on his flank, “Eheheheheh, what…s-s-sorta answers you seeking?” Tech chuckled nervously in wondering, what could Equestria’s best mercenary want with him to be of service?
“Tell me what you know about Dark Curse’s plans?” Equestrian Eliminator narrows his eyes to the snibbling pony in wanting an answer to the question.
“Wha, but I don’t know anything.” Tech protests out in not knowing anything of Dark Curse’s plans.
“Lying will only delay the enable and the assault…will screwer you,” Equestrian Eliminator spoke when he suddenly made many Shadow Spears surround Tech’s area, one signal from him and this foe is finished before he even makes a peep.
“Eep,” Tech squealed like a frighten mouse, he’s gotta be careful now. “Please don’t hurt me. Please, please! I bruise easily!” He got on the ground to be begging for this guy to not kill him, he’s got sensible skin.
“If you wish to stay in one piece, tell me….what are the Dark Mystics up to?” Equestrian Eliminator focus his eyes to Tech’s eyes in wanting this fool to tell him everything of this group’s plot.
“I don’t know, I just got recruited and Shadow Dragon’s gone under some cover for a secret spy mission.” Tech responded in not knowing much except about Shadow Dragon’s spy mission.
“Is that so? What for,” The Equestrian Eliminator raised an eyebrow in hearing this, so one of the Dark Mystic’s has decided to infiltrate Ponyville to be under enemy radar. Just like Fafnir except he isn't on a mission, just checking up on his 'friend' Brave Heart.
“Well…I don’t know, what do I get out of this for spilling the beans?” Tech shrug off to say he doesn’t know, but got an upset face in wanting to know, what does he get if he tells more than what he should?
“Your life…” Equestrian Eliminator spoke to have his Shadow Spears get closer to almost touch the sensible stallion.
“Okay, sounds a-okay to me.” Tech yelped to sheepishly smile in saying he sees the point, literally to his nose with a spear that is. “Shadow Dragon is disguised as a stallion named Chase, all to befriend the ponies & the heroes while trying to find the Mystic Shield.” Tech stated the basic plan of what he’s been told of what his idol villain is gonna be doing.
“My lord will be pleased with this news and there is nothing else you have left to share?” Equestrian Eliminator spoke to dispel his Shadow Assault spell to glare at the fool in wanting everything now.
“No, I told you everything!” Tech shook his hooves to say he told all that he knew.
“Then let this be known, Grimmore has ways of learning of any unexpected uprooting against him. None can defile the Law of Grimmore.” Equestrian Eliminator spoke in approaching Tech who began to crawl back in fear while this masked guy stared at him with such…cold eyes. And then red glow works came from the masked pony that seem to almost be reflected from the wimpy stallion seems vaguely unusual.
And with that, Equestrian Eliminator sank into the shadows and disappeared out of sight without anypony being aware of his presence. Once that scary stallion behind the mask left, did Tech slowly grab the knob and then rushed out. Course he ended up bumping into the Dark Warrior trio when Tech wasn’t looking.
“Yo, dude, watch the suit!” DJ Red protest to fix the suit that this guy just messes up for him.
“And the shades,” Shades remarked off to fix his shades that were knocked a bit unbalance on him.
“And my left hoof; or…was it by back or front one?” Clumsy Rat also was protesting, but was lost in not recalling which hoof was step on.
“Guys, you are NOT going to believe me! But I was harshly on the killer board of Equestria’s best Mercenary Soldier to Assassinate Me! The Equestrian Eliminator,” Tech stood up to pat his chest to worriedly explain the serious issue in what almost befall him.
Soon utter silence filled the air as the Dark Warrior trio stared at this guy with faces. Crickets chirp & unseen, but heard coughing is heard.
“You’re right, we don’t believe you. But I’ll tell ya this; you had us going there with that joke.” DJ Red spoke off to remotely state that that’s actually a pretty funny joke they almost bought.
“Like the Equestrian Eliamntor would be paid to end you, you’re not even worth his time.” Shade spoke off to taunt Tech in being the most pathetic villain, that a skilled mercenary be wasting effort on him.
“Yeah, that guy’s a pro in finishing off any pony, so how’d you come out all in one piece?” Clumsy Rat also spoke a dumb response, but still a good question none the less, "If that guy was here, that assassin guy would've grabbed him and questioned him."
“But-But, But-But….” Tech was gonna protest, but he saw that these guys wouldn’t believe him anyway. “Aaaaughhh, why is it so hard for me to get evil respect around here?” He slapped his forehead in seeing that no pony is respecting him, again. “I mean, I wanna help out in the evil plan with the Dark Mystics as much as the next bad guy.” He issued in what he’s wanting to do, be around the cool villains, and stuff.
“Yeah right, like Dark Curse even told you about what the true plan is from freeing Grimmore’s seal & planning to give Dark Elements to the Apocalypse Ponies.” Shades spoke off in finding that was hard to even believe, Tech is lucky to even be here much less be of some use to them of what Dark Curse is planning here.
“Besides, he says when that group of 13 guys serves their purpose, that’s the end of them & then Dark Curse will reach the opportunity to rob Grimmore of all his power. Guuff!” Clumsy Rat was explaining what their leader is actual gonna do, only to be jabbed in the gut by DJ Red.
“Dude, ex-nay on the explaining to the runt,” DJ Red spoke off with an annoyed tone that this guy was telling too much here.
“Wait, you mean Dark Curse is actually planning to take advantage of the Superior’s organization AND backstab the Dark Elf of Tartarus to become the only supreme ruler of Equestria without them around?” Tech responded off in almost gasping in shock, they are working with two of Equestria’s powerful army forces, only to manipulate them to their services is no longer needed, and worst, Dark Curse is gonna steal the power of the very powerful Demon God whose very existence none could eliminate. Question in Tech’s mind: HOW CRAZY IS THAT PLAN? MESSING WITH THE SUPERIOR, & WORST, GRIMMORE? IT’S SUICIDAL!
“Yo, in case you miss it, this here’s classified info, so don’t spill it! If you squeal this out to anybody, Dark Curse will have us inside out!” DJ Red came down to hush Tech to not be going to tell all of Equestria or their leader will kill them.
“Oh, right-right, I’ll not squeal! I can totally not do that if I keep my insides in check.” Tech responded in hearing this and will make sure he doesn’t spill the beans, “Heheh-heh?” He chuckled sheepishly while nervous, course then his eyes seems to…glimmer an extra fond red color.
“Say, why are your eyes glimmering?” Clumsy Rat asked in seeing Tech’s eyes shimmer a bit, puzzled if some light reflected off the guy somewhere.
“Oh, that must be my new eye spray to clear any dirt, gotta look great with perfect vision.” Tech responded with a smile in stating what he’s done to make sure he has perfect vision.
“Boy, you’re one weird kid, you know that?" Shades replied off in hearing that claim, they wonder how this guy even came to be with them.
“Right, anyway, see you guys. And I won’t squeal, promise.” As Tech was leaving, he seem to let off a sigh of relief from putting up a front face. “I hope.” As Tech said this, he did not notice the still red glow from his own eyes that blend in with his eye color, something seem…very unusually strange about what happened to this Goth stallion.
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Meanwhile within Tartarus, we see Grimmore on his throne and his magical inferno portal showed him something interesting. The very eyes from Tech showed the Dark Elf of Tartarus something while hearing what is happening with the Dark Mystics. The Overlord King knew that there was something fishy with Dark Curse trying to outstay him when he’s the one to always hold the cards and be all knowing, well not anymore. Now he’s sent someone that would spy to learn something, his power to continue to have the Equestrian Eliminator still be loyal to him was the strongest, no matter if other villains were trying to say otherwise. And now he pass that trait to know what’s going on to Tech and the power will be kept hidden from the Dark Msytic leader, he’ll never sense it nor know that the Dark Elf has someone spying on Dark Curse from the inside.
“So, that was your plan all along? Well, my ‘old’ colleague, you’ve kept thinking I’ve never grasp the situation.” Grimmore slowly spoke in being ever patient, ever calm & collective to see the secret truth reveal of what the Dark Mystics are up to. “On the contrary, it was all to lure you in a trap and now I know your little secret.” The Dark Elf issued in making things be as clear as crystal, the reason he’s seen losing his temper to Dark Curse, the reason why he’s hated when this particular Dark Mystic believed to hold more cards to play them him….was all a wonderful acting performance that would give the Dark Elf an Oscar award.
“That sneaky Dark Mystic will pay for this outrage! I shall go forth and KILL HIM myself! GRUUROOORRRUGHHH,” Ji-Ga-No snarled with rage as he was soon vastly speeding upwards to prepare to KILL Dark Curse when….
“Noooo,” Grimmore yelled off that reach the metallic dragon to stop a brief moment. “We’ll let him be.” The Dark Elf waved off with a cocky attitude in just…letting Dark Curse be without punishment.
“But my lord, you’ve uncovered what he’s truly up to, he’s deceiving us all.” Ji-Ga-No snapped off to protest to look to Grimmore, he despises Dark Curse and he & his inferior Dark Mystic are plotting to outdo them.
“And I’ll just play along; let him believe that I’m unaware of his little scheme.” Grimmore spoke with a superiority in claiming, he’ll let Dark Curse believe he doesn’t know to fool an enemy, one must fool himself. “Besides, he does not know…I am also planning something far greater for the future.” He smiled with a devious grin off his face in what he’s planning.
“Does this have anything to do with the upcoming of the creature known as the Hole, my lord?” Ji-Ga-No asked with a curious thought in his mind now.
“Yes, but more than that, the Hole has swallowed countless worlds, universes and many other lives & all the magic around.” Grimmore explained the boundaries that made the Hole be as it is. “He’s grown incredibly powerful but his lust is unending, but….I had already foreseen the coming.” He explained with a confident motion in what will be coming in the daily future.
“The coming,” Ji-Ga-No repeated with a curious face in being intrigue by this.
“Like how Dark Curse made up that charade about the Elements Prophecy, I have one that is most true.” Grimmore stated in having something he’ll also be doing that instead of making a false claim will be a true event that cannot be blocked from coming. “The Day of Hollow’s End,” He spoke with his eyes narrow with darkness glaring out from speaking these words that could strike terror in one’s heart.
“The Day of Hollow’s End, my lord,” Ji-Ga-No repeated in hearing this, is that the day the Hole shall enter their world to begin…devouring?
“It shall represent the Hole, a creature that is empty space inside and wants to fill it with everything without feelings or concern.” Grimmore explained how his prediction shall come into fruition, as unlike Dark Curse, he, as a Demon God, can see into the future, he knows what will play out & has always treated things like a board game to entertain him. “And while the Hole is approaching, I shall begin a preparation to give myself new vast powers that I never dreamt possible.” He spoke with a sinister grin off his face in having found something ‘new’ for him to do that will make him…even more powerful.
“Such as,” Ji-Ga-No raised an eyebrow in hearing this; this sounds serious, what could help make the Overlord King become more powerful even with him creating Copy Crystals of the Triforce.
Grimmore smiled in being asked this question as he spoke just this hidden statement. “To extent my reach furtherest then any living creature has ever ‘dare’ try. Not even Dark Curse could ever imagine such evil intentions. And the trigger moment will happen when the Hole is here.” That was his final claim, when the day comes that will be ‘The Day Of Hollow’s End’ will a new frightening terror come across Equestria, that will be as worst than even with the Hole.
"One thing I'm concerned about sir. It involves Dark Curse's minion the Demon Assassin. What if he finds out about what the Equestrian Eliminator did to Tech? And what if Agent 13 gets captured?"
"True, they may find out...but should Dark Curse or anyone else figures it out, the little surprise will disappear without a trace. As for the Equestrian Eliminator..."
Grimmore chuckles as he made a portal appear which shows the Equestrian Eliminator knocking out the Demon Assassin then leaving through a portal of his own.
"Well, he didn't become what he is for nothing." Grimmore remarks sinisterly, “Gruhahaahh-Whaaaahahahaaaahhh!” Soon the scene goes off to the distance of Grimmore’s palace, as his evil laughter is heard, signaling that the Dark Elf has something in mind, and none will know of it’s coming….not until it’s all too late. And with that, the scene goes dark while we are seemingly leaving the place.
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The gang hangs out nearby while the CMC looks admirably at Rainbow's cousin. Even Scootaloo is freaking out over the cousin of her long time idol.
"Wow! Yer're big, Mr. Brave Heart." Apple Bloom exclaims in amazement.
"Yeah...super big," Sweetie said with a smile.
"Are all Alicorn males as big as you are, Brave Heart?" Scootaloo asked Brave Heart anxiously.
Brave Heart chuckles as he explains, "I really wouldna know, girls, because I've never seen another male of my kind."
"You've never seen another male alicorn, Brave Heart?" Nyx asked Brave Heart in surprise. Then again, he probably never met Golden Heart either.
"Never, Nyx; because it's exceedingly rare for a male Alicorn to be born in this world; I've always believed meself to be the only male of my kind." Brave Heart admits to Nyx with a shrug.
"That must seem like a pretty lonely existence, Brave Heart." Pipsqueak asks, feeling sorry for Brave Heart. He believes himself to be the only male Alicorn in this world.
"Yes, it was. All my life, I was treated like an outcast...due to what I am; for unlike most Alicorns, who become ones themselves, I was born as I am." Brave Heart admits with a sigh.
"Well, stick around. We could introduce you to Golden Heart, another male Alicorn sometime." Rarity offers to Brave Heart politely.
"Ah, that's very generous of ya, lass." Brave Heart said with a smile, "Very fitting, too, since ye're the holder of the Element of Generosity."
"Just do one favor." Pinkie said hopefully.
"What?" Brave Heart asked Pinkie curiously.
"Say 'I'm givin' her all she got, captain'." Pinkie said, making a squee noise in the progress.
Hearing this got Brave Heart to glare dryly at Pinkie in annoyance and unamusement.
"What? I thought it would be funny to be hearing it from a Scottish pony!" Pinkie insists sheepishly.
Nearby, 'Chase' is frowning as he watches the group. Fafnir appears behind him, asking, "Having trouble, Shadow Dragon?"
"Fafnir, just Chase; I can't go around with my real name right now." Chase/Shadow Dragon hiss to Fafnir in annoyance.
"So I notice." Fafnir chuckles in amusement. "Still wanting to get closer?"
"I can't risk Brave Heart being suspicious of me." 'Chase' snaps to Fafnir in annoyance. "I need for him to get away somehow."
"Oh, no worries. A certain little filly friend has send a note to Mama Heart." Fafnir assures to Shadow Dragon in amusement. "Any minute now, we are about to see one angry Alicorn."
"Can you do that?" Shadow Dragon asked Fafnir surprised.
"Well, I do have a powerful sway over many evil beings...even bullies aren't resistant to my lies." Fafnir explains slyly. "Being a master of disguises helps in my line of work."
Back to the normal group, Tao and his family came over with Jade saying, "Hey everypony."
"Hey Jade!" The CMC exclaims to their friend happily.
"Listen, the Equestria Games will soon be upon us." Jade said with a smile. "Are you excited?"
"Yew darn tootin' we are, Jade!" Apple Bloom replied excitedly.
“I'm so excited that I could burst!" Sweetie giggles a bit.
"Yep, nothing can ruin our day for sure!" Scootaloo exclaims eagerly.
"Yoo-hoo!" A familiar voice calls out, making Tao wants so much to hit himself with a cane.
"Ugh, not you again," Tao exclaims with a groan as Mama Heart appears. "What do you wish to harass us for now?!"
"I got to say, I heard how Brave Heart has punishing those two brats for what they did." Mama Heart exclaims with a gleeful look.
"Well, I did teach them a lesson, did I?" Brave Heart asked proudly, making most of the others groan in concern.
"Right about that..." Twilight said in concern.
"And I see you are all right." Mama Heart said suddenly, much to the concern of the others.
"Huh? What do ye mean?" Brave Heart asked Mama Heart puzzled, not sure what Mighty's mom was referring to.
"Well, I'm glad that the two Dragons and little Nightmare Moon didn't harm you yet." Mama Heart comments, making most of the group gasp in alarm.
"What? What do ye mean, Mama Heart?" Brave Heart asked the Mystic Pony. Rainbow waves her hooves frantically, signaling the mare to stop.
"What? I mean the two Dragons: Lorcan's brother and the Moon Dragon." Mama Heart said, pointing to both Spike and Phobos, making them both yelp.
"What; Those two are Dragons?! With one of them being the brother of a monster who almost destroyed us all?!" Brave Heart roars out madly.
"Hang on, calm down." Spike said nervously.
"And little Nightmare Moon; why, she's right there," Mama Heart said to Brave Heart while motioning to the nervous Nyx.
"What; She was what?!" Brave Heart roars out madly, "Rainbow Dash, why didn't you tell me?!"
"We were going to tell you, honest!" Rainbow exclaims in concern to her cousin. "Spike, Phobos and Nyx aren't bad, really. Nyx has changed big time!"
"She means it, Brave Heart!" Twilight said in concern, "She did so much to protect Ponyville from the Everfree Forest, and she's been raised by me!"
"Great and I supposed next thing you will tell us, Nyx's daddy was a Demon Pony." Phobos groans but at a very bad time.
"PHOBOS," Nyx exclaims in alarm.
"Demon Pony; I was in the presence of an association of darkness?!" Brave Heart demands sternly.
"I wasn't bad when I was a Demon Pony! Just lost control at times in that form!" Ben said, trying his best to calm down Brave Heart.
"Yeah, Brave Heart! Please!" Fluttershy begged in despair.
Tao slaps himself on the forehead with a hoof, scowling, "What did I tell you?! Whenever this pony's here, she gives and caused Brave Heart some troubles! I told you that she's up to no good!"
"Funny pony should watch his tongues when speaking to a mare like me!" Mama Heart snaps sternly to Tao.
Twilight groaned, "Not this again. I already said no fighting in Ponyville. But still, you're Brave Heart's Mystic Guardian. Don't you think you should talk or advise him about what he did is wrong?" The mare was hoping to get away from the subject of the Dragons, Nyx and Ben's past for once.
"There is nothing wrong with what he does. In fact, I mostly agreed with his punishment." Mama Heart scoffs while crossing her upper forearms. "Whoever dares to challenge our authority must be punished!"
Brave Heart chuckled in amusement, "I like your style."
"No!" Dragon Kick exclaims in concern.
"You can't be serious!" Jade exclaims. Mama Heart and Brave Heart are going a bit too far.
"Mommy...." Mighty said in worry of what his mother's doing.
"Hush!" Mama Heart shushes her son, quieting him down.
"I gotta say, you're right about one thing." Rainbow said to Rarity with a sigh.
"Indeed . Mighty's mother is very rude than I thought." Rarity said with a frown. Why must some Mystic Ponies be like this?
"I told you so." Tao said with a nod while giving an angry look to Mama Heart.
"Now you listen here, pretty princess, just because you became an alicorn, it doesn't mean that you had authority against me. I'm a Mystic Pony!" Mama Heart snaps to Twilight, making her frown a bit.
"What; you can't do that?! Equestrian Ponies had rights too!" Ben exclaims in protest. What gives this mare the right to decide what she and Brave Heart can do around here?!
"Like the Nightmare Moon Resurrection Incident?!" Mama Heart snaps to Ben right back.
"Wait! What do you mean about that?!" Spike demands to Mama Heart more than she asked.
"Yeah, it's not like you Mystic Ponies really want to kill Nyx or something!" Phobos exclaims, waving off the idea. After all, the Mystic Council wouldn't wish death on Nyx, right? "They knew that Nyx is a good girl when she was born."
"Yew said it." Applejack said in agreement.
"So watch your mouth, lady!" Pinkie snaps to Mama Heart in defiance.
"Can't you at least be nice like you did before?" Fluttershy asked sternly. Mama Heart was doing better until she went and brought up the fact that Spike and Phobos were Dragons and Nyx was once Nightmare Moon!
"That's because I go easy on you! In fact, this is too easy. All of you are not taking your duty seriously!" Mama Heart exclaims, upsetting the sensitive ones. "I can't believe that my son work for Billy goat who wouldn't do a thing about Nightmare Moon when she first came to this world."
Most of the group looks shocked and alarmed. What is Mama Heart talking about? 'Wouldn't do a thing about Nightmare Moon'?!
"Wait. What do you mean Tao wouldn't do a thing about Nyx?" Twilight asked Mama Heart in alarm.
Mama Heart gasped to Tao, "You'd never told them?!"
Tao sighed, he didn't want to admit this but it's too late now. The old pony explains, "Twilight. I know it's hard to believe. But before we met at the 'End of Equestria', I was assigned by Mystic Council to eliminate the threat: Nyx."
Everyone but Mama Heart, Tao's family and Brave Heart yells out in shock, anger, horror or the combination of all three, "WHAT?!"
"You want Tao to KILL MY DAUGHTER?!" Twilight yelled at Mama Heart in shock and rage; how could she think of such a horrible thing?!
"You can't do that! She's our friend!" Apple Bloom protested in concern as she, Sweetie and Scootaloo all hugged Nyx while glaring at Mama Heart.
"And a hero," Scootaloo added angrily, recalling how she defended Ponyville from the creatures of the Everfree Forest.
"No, no, I didn't say I wanted to kill her. It was Tao who was assigned to do the job." Mama Heart corrects Twilight, much to her shock. Her ally from the 'End of Equestria' was going to kill Nyx?!
"Why, Mr. Tao?" Nyx asked Tao, hurt. Her old friend supported her and kept her from being evil...but he was supposed to kill her?!
"How could you?!" Rainbow snaps to Tao, getting in his face a bit. "Okay, maybe a little. But those evil things are in the past, Tao. Nyx's a good girl now!"
"This can't be real." Fluttershy said in fright and worry. This cannot be true.
"Yeah! I saw with my own eyes. Nyx risked everything to save everypony in Ponyville!" Spike insists to Tao, still shocked over what he heard.
"Nyx even realize 'de mistake 'dat she made!" Applejack exclaims, pointing out how Nyx realizes the errors or her way during that time.
"It's true. I also see that Nyx is very different than Nightmare Moon too." Rarity said in concern. Why would Tao wishes to kill her before?!
"Tao, how and why Mystic Council wanted to do it," Ben asked Tao. Why would the Mystic Council wishes for Nyx's demise in the first place? Don't they know the truth? "Surely, they know it."
Tao sighed, "It's complicated, Ben." He goes into a story of the past...
Flashback
The Mystic Council has got word of the return of Nightmare Moon. Something must be done or all is lost. They summoned Tao, informing him of what they found out.
Tao narrates, "It begins some years back before Discord's escape. This was about our Mystic Sense. We sensed that the enemy we thought is gone, but clearly Tso Lan prepared for a second trick for revenge on Celestia and Equestria."
Jade Emperor and 10 Mystic Ponies, dressed in white cloaks are having a meeting about Nightmare Moon. Jade Emperor pointed at Tao who removed his hood while Azure Phoenix and Susano did as well.
Azure Phoenix is the first to speak, "We've received reports that Nightmare Moon may have returned."
"Do you know what this mean?" Susano asked sternly, fearing the worst.
Tao nods, answering, "Yes, lords. I will deal with her. And this time, she would not be a threat for the next day." The Mystic Pony must stop the evil Demon once and for all.
The rest of Mystic Ponies in their white hooded cloaks nodded their heads. The Jade Emperor spoke, "Then it is settled. Find this monster and kill her before she kills anyone, and even finding us."
Tao nods. Azure adds, "Remember, show her no mercy. She must pay for what she had done to my daughter." The Mystic Pony has never forgotten or forgave what Nightmare Moon did to his daughter centuries ago.
"It would be done." Tao said with a bow as he disappeared in smoke.
"As you already know the story, I seek and look for my target. I only want to avenge Luna's shame, so she can moved on, and of course for my fellow Mystic Ponies, which were killed and attacked by her. And you know what happened next when Nyx entered the old castle of Celestia and Luna."
Tao, in his white cloak, is seeking and finding his target: Nightmare Moon Reincarnation. He found Nyx in the throne chamber and on the floor. Tao took his Mystic Sword out and approached her slowly. This must be done soon.
"I was about to finish her off. I've noticed and sensed something about you."
Just before Tao could do something, he heard something unexpected: the filly is crying, upset and mumbling in regrets.
"What the -" Tao asked in surprise. This has never happened before.
Nyx sobbed, "Please, I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to! I really didn't mean to hurt Twilight! I would never hurt her. I couldn't have. I don't know why......."
"What?" Tao asked in stun. Nightmare Moon...is regretting what she has done to Twilight?
"I don't know what I think of Twilight. But she's the only one who understands me and never left me." Nyx sobs in sadness. Tao looks speechless. The way that this filly is acting, it's like she's treating Twilight like a guardian...or a mother.
"By Lauren's words....... This cannot be......" Tao said stunned. He should finish Nyx off...but the Mystic Pony can't. There's something different about 'Nightmare Moon' this time.
Tao shook his head off as he puts his sword back into his sheath. He then approached Nyx as he patted on her mane. Nyx gasped as she turned and saw mysterious pony in white cloak.
"Who are you?" Nyx asked the cloaked one in worry. Is he like that mysterious Demon who is, unknown to her, Tso Lan.
"Tell me, child. What do you think of Twilight Sparkle?" Tao spoke gently to Twilight.
Nyx sniffs as she explained, "To be honest, I thought she hates me when she saw me. I don't know why. She thinks I've been reminding her of someone else. If I had to be honest, she's like a mother to me or something."
Tao thought for the moment before he smiled. The Mystic Pony spoke, "Then, I suggest you treat her like one, little one. Remember, she will always be with you and in your heart. Always know that mother's love will be with you."
Nyx sniffed, asking, "Really?" She would like to think that.
Suddenly, the familiar voice of Twilight is heard yelling, "NYX?! Where are you?!" Tao decides to leave before he is discovered. Twilight shall handle this from here.
"Always remember that. No matter what future lies hold in you, you will and always have love in you." The Mystic Pony said as Tao disappeared like a ghost phasing out from the living.
"I'd never had realize and thought that reincarnation of Nightmare Moon had a heart. This is something that no Demon Lords could have. But I suspect that Twilight's blood within you had made you to have feelings, heart and love."
Nyx narrates in shock, "That was you?! We actually met?!" Come to think about it, the filly blocks out the memory of meeting Tao...until now.
Tao narrates, "That's right."
Rainbow narrates in concern, "What about the Mystic Council?"
Applejack narrates in agreement, "Yew do realize 'dat they're not happy wit' yer decision."
The Mystic Council, and even Azure Phoenix, glared at Mystic Tao as he reported of what he had learned about Nyx. As expected, the council members weren't happy indeed but calm down after the explanation.
Tao narrates, "They were. But I had managed to prove to them that if Nyx truly succeed in proving that she had love for her family and friends, she may be considered as a part of the Light. But if not, I left with one choice."
Nyx narrates, "But I failed you, all because of my hatred towards my own mother." The filly should be killed for what she has done to Equestria and Twilight during her rule as Nightmare Moon.
Tao narrates in assuration, "True, but you did something that you know you cannot turn back."
Despite being Nightmare Moon, Nyx saved Twilight Sparkle from her execution, removed and destroyed the 'blessings' from Spell Nexus and colleagues, and defeating the monsters. Tao smiled at the scene, even though there's some bad parts from the past.
"You came home and save it. As I had said to you, Nyx, you had proven that you are not the Nightmare Moon that I remember."
Flashback ends
Everypony, well almost, were speechless and surprised. Tao was going to kill Nyx...but he chose not to upon realizing that Nyx isn't whom she once was. The Mystic Pony didn't have the heart to do so. Perhaps Tao isn't bad after all.
Apple Bloom finally spoke, "Whoa. If yew hadn't stop fro' attacking Nyx before she became Nightmare Moon, who knows what happened 'ta Ponyville an' Equestria," The CMC would've lost their good friend, Twilight would've lost a daughter...and Equestria would've fallen later.
Sweetie Belle smiles as she speaks, "Yeah. You're the nicest pony that we ever had."
"You said it. I'd say Tao's the right pony for our Mystic Guardian than Mrs. Heart." Scootaloo remarks with a laugh.
"Couldn't have said it better myself, Scootaloo." Rainbow laughed as she and Scootaloo give each other a hoof bump.
Not every pony is in agreement though. Mama Heart scowls, "Oh?! So you think he's better than me? He can't even win Mahjong!"
"That's because you're cheating! Besides, why are we talking about our rivalry?! This is Equestria, Dragon lady! Respect the mortals!" Tao demands to Mama Heart furiously, upset with her.
Mama scoffed, "The only respect I give if these mortals learn to respect us first, Billy goat!"
"These ponies risk everything to defend and save their world! I've seen their progress with my own eyes! And I was right! They are the heir of Elements of Harmony!" Tao exclaims in triumph.
"Elements, Schmelements! If they truly what you had said, why didn't they finish the enemies off like Discord or Chrysalis!" Mama Heart scowl, pondering why the Mane Six didn't went and get rid of Discord or Chrysalis in the first place. "I don't trust that stupid snake!"
"I heard that!" Discord snaps as he appeared, getting upset over what Mama Heart just called him.
"Discord reformed!" Fluttershy insists, defending her friend.
"Hardly for that lazy snake," Mama Heart exclaim in dismissal.
"Lazy snake; for goodness sake; who do you think you are to insult to," The Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony demands as he raise above the insulting pony.
Mama Heart pulled Discord's beard down while glaring at him. The angry Mystic Pony snaps, "I'm one mother hard to be pleased with."
Discord gulped before he chuckled uneasily, "I think I'm gonna be careful of what I said." Satisfied, Mama Heart released his beard. The chimera scowls quietly. She is going to pay for that later.
"Leave my friend alone!" Fluttershy exclaims to Mama Heart sternly.
"What; you're taking easy on that brat, are you?!" Mama Heart asks Fluttershy, shocked that she is defending Discord despite what he did before.
Rainbow pauses then answers, "Maybe."
"But Fluttershy's right, Discord did reformed, in progress. But he did help us." Twilight insists. Discord may have been hard to trust but he's learning.
"Whatever! I knew I should have make Mighty Heart work for Azure Phoenix." Mama Heart scowls a bit, regretting having Mighty hanging with Tao now.
"Azure already had bodyguards!" Tao snaps to Mama Heart right back.
"Better than yours; you sell junk!" Mama insults Tao some more.
Everyone but Brave Heart snaps, "Antiques!"
"I can't believe I was going to say this! But Tao's right. You are nothing but trouble. Be respectful to us, and even the kids." Twilight demands to Mama Heart, getting upset. Things were doing better until she went and acted like that!
Mama Heart huffed, "When Brave Heart makes the rules, he means it. And I, for once, agree with his ideal, especially involving that irresponsible princess. I can't believe that Princess Celestia took that brat in as her son. Unbelievable!"
"You can't talk about my mother that way!" Ben exclaims furious. No one talks about his mother like that!
"Yeah, don't talk about Grandma that way!" Nyx shouted angrily.
"Whatever. BAH; you’re yelling and screaming are giving me big headache!" Mama Heart snaps as she trots off, not wanting to deal with anymore of this.
"We don't need your troubles!" Tao yells right back at Mama Heart angrily.
Mighty sigh while shaking his head, "Mother, why?"
"Way to go, lads and lasses! Ye made my Mystic Pony angry! Thank ye very much." Brave Heart snaps sarcastically to his cousin and her friends.
"Tao, I want to say I'm sorry for being rude to you. I just thought you're fighting to prove that you're right. And I didn't listen because-" Twilight begins to say, apologizing for her reaction towards him earlier.
Tao interrupts Twilight with a sigh, "I understand, Twilight. Besides, you have your rights to argue about what I did with Mighty's mother. I wish there is a way to get through her thick headed skull of hers."
"Somehow; But for now, we need to deal with something else first." Ben said, recalling something else.
"Yeah, my cousin...." Rainbow remarks in concern.
"Oh yes, back to me...mind telling me when the Tartarus ye were going to tell me about the Dragons, Nyx being Nightmare Moon and Ben being a Demon Pony?!" Brave Heart demands to his cousin. "And while I be at it, why do you ponies even become friends with them?!"
"Well, my friends and I were going to do so and hopes that you are calm down by then." Rainbow explains in worry.
"These...ponies...are your friends?" Brave Heart asked with a frown towards the ones who are friends with Dragons, Nyx and Ben. "You're joking, right?"
"But Brave Heart...get a chance to know them and-" Rainbow begins to say but Brave Heart cuts her off angrily.
"No!" Brave Heart snaps right back to Rainbow.
"No? What are you talking about?" Rainbow asked in worry and sadness. She was hoping that her cousin would calm down and understand.
"You, me and Lucky Clover know that I have no love for friends of Dragons or anyone associated with Fafnir." Brave Heart explains as everypony else listens in. "To me...if they have befriended a Dragon and or fallen in love with monsters...they are no friends of mine. Rainbow...you have gone...too...soft. Until you stop being friends with these...traitors...you are no...cousin of mine; Hmph!"
With that, Brave Heart storms off. Rainbow tries to call him back, "Brave Heart? Brave Heart, please. Please come back!" The Pegasus lands in sadness. "Brave Heart..."
'Chase' looks amused from his hiding spot. Fafnir remarks cruelly, "You see? It's how I predicted it to be. Now you can make your move whenever you want without Brave Heart getting suspicious."
"Yes, I can." 'Chase' said in a sinister tone. Without Brave Heart around to meddle, it's time to 'befriend' the enemies.
--------------------
The group looks concerned. Brave Heart and Mama Heart has left, both are angry with them indeed , especially the Alicorn with his cousin. What a sad day that this works into when relatives end up turning against one another.
As the group tries to figure out how to solve this latest problem, Twilight and her friends heard music from someone else. They turned and saw a new pony in Ponyville: Chase the Warrior, who is playing a flute with a song.
"Oh! I know this song! This song is from Red Cliff Part 2's song called 'River of No Return'. Its song sounds good and best when it tries to calm you down from battles or problems!" Pinkie exclaims happily, much to her friends' amusement.
"Yeah; me too; But who's that?" Nyx ask happily, wondering who the newcomer is.
"Must be a new one," Rainbow said puzzled. She never saw this pony before; must be a newcomer.
"Let's find out." Ben said with a nod as he and the others came over to the new pony. Maybe he is friendly.
"Hopefully he is friendlier than Brave Heart and Mrs. Heart." Nyx said, recalling how rude and nasty Brave Heart and Mama Heart were towards everyone.
Rainbow sighed, "Sorry, guys." She didn't mean for this visit to get out of hoof here.
Mighty sighed as he adds, "I'm sorry for what my mother did."
"It's okay. Come on. Wait, where's Tao?" Twilight ask, puzzled. Tao is missing, where did he gallop off to now?
"He was here a few seconds ago." Applejack said with a frown. Tao seems to up and vanish.
"Strange. I thought he's done with that." Phobos remarks with a frown. He was hoping that Tao would stop with the disappearing act by now.
"Must be very angry with what happened, especially involving both Brave Heart and Mighty's mother." Rarity said with a scoff. Tao has every right to be angry when one can think of it.
"They never change. Great..... Anyway, I better check on my uncle. Hopefully, he's gonna use his Mystic Phoenix Temper to vent his anger." Dragon Kick said as he trots off to check on Tao and hopes that his mentioned temper don't blow up Ponyville or anypony else.
Dragon Kick disappeared from sights. Jade rolls her eyes as she comments, "Hopefully, it's better than before."
"Let's go." Twilight said. Chase continued to play the song. As he continued to do so, the music entered Twilight and her friends' ears. They listened as their looks suddenly became peaceful and happy as if they had forgotten the bad things.
"This reminds me of Tao's song whenever we are done." Spike said, recalling the song that Tao has done before.
"Yeah; Like before Hsi Wu and Sonambula from Omnidrex Kingdom. This song is good." Phobos remarks in agreement.
4 minutes later, Chase finishes the song. The newcomer stopped as he turned to Twilight and her friends, greeting them, "Greetings."
"Hey there, you must be new here." Pinkie said, waving a hoof to Chase.
Chase chuckled nicely, "Aren't you the optimism? I'm impressed. But how rude of me; Call me Chase."
Chase held his hoof out to Ben. The stallion shook his as he spoke to begin the introductions, "Nice to meet you, Chase. And my name is......."
"You must be Benjamin Mare. I am honored to meet you in pony, especially the one who holds the rarest items in the land of harmony: the Triforce Elements. In fact, I know all of you."
Pinkie gasped, "Are you psychic?" Wow, whoever this newcomer is, must be psychic big time!
"No. It's in a newspaper." Chase quickly fibs and ends it there, hoping that the answer is good enough for the others...which surprisingly it is. "I know each and every one of you. I'm impressed to meet you here, especially this little one. Nyx, is it?"
Chase patted Nyx's head. The filly giggled, "Yup, that's me. So, you're not going to call me something?"
"Isn't Nyx your name?"
"Yeah. Just asking."
"Nice place here." Chase said, pretending to have an interest in Ponyville. It's only to make the ponies think that the place is a good place of interest.
"Yeah; so what you're good at? By the looks of your Cutie Mark, I'd say you've got some skills in fighting." Rainbow said, noting Chase's cutie mark and suspects that it's because that he's good at fighting.
"Rainbow Dash," Twilight scolds Rainbow for being rude. After all, if Chase doesn't wish to discuss why he has his cutie mark, it is his business alone!
"'Dat's rude." Applejack remarks with a frown, sharing Twilight's thought.
"No; it's okay, ladies. I'm fine. In fact, I was retired from Martial Arts Championship for peace and quiet. In fact, I heard about Ponyville has a peace and quiet place, and of course nature for me to enjoy." Chase explains his reason for being here...which isn't the real truth but hopefully it's enough to buy these fools' trust.
"That's right, Mr. Chase." Fluttershy said to Chase with a smile.
"Please, call me Chase, my friends. So, what's with the sad and disappointed looking looks?"
Twilight sighs, explaining, "We just had some problems with our visitors. That's all." The mare hopes that Brave Heart can be reasoned with soon enough.
"Hmm... Is it because they did not respect your rights and ways?" Chase asks, pretending to guess though he and Fafnir saw what happened a few minutes or so ago.
"Yeah; how did you know?" Nyx ask Chase puzzled.
"My experience, little one; But I rather not get involved. Speaking of which, may I know if Ponyville has any place to stay?"
"Well, there is. But with Applejack's help, I'm sure we can help you with that, Chase." Twilight said to Chase, offering the stallion a place to stay for a while since he will be staying in Ponyville anyway.
"I am honored." Chase said with a secret smirk. Wonderful, he has won these ponies' trust. Everything is going well, according to plan...
Nyx pauses as she sneaks off a bit. The filly got to find Brave Heart, convince him that she, the Dragons and Ben aren't so bad after all....and find out the reason why he's acting like that.
---------
Brave Heart groans as he trots through the park. The Alicorn prefers to be left alone, not be around any Dragons, beings of darkness and anypony who are friends with them, especially anyone who insults Mama Heart. No one just understands why he hates the mentioned parts.
Brave Heart sighs, he thought Rainbow would've known better...but something inside made him felt guilty. His cousin has a good reason to be friends with the rest of the Mane Six, along with Spike, Phobos, Ben and Nyx; Perhaps...
"Mister Brave Heart?" A little voice spoke up. Brave Heart turns and saw Nyx, looking up at him in worry.
"Go a-bloody-way!" Brave Heart snaps angrily to Nyx. Why must this little Nightmare Moon waste his time?! "I have no interest in Demons, Dragons or anyone associated with evil. And that includes you, Little Miss Nightmare Moon."
"Mister Brave Heart...I may have been created by evil but that doesn't mean that I am evil. Why do you have so much hatred towards me, my daddy, Spike and Phobos?"
Brave Heart sighs in defeat and surprise, "You really want to know, don't you?"
Nyx nods as she pleads, "Please?" Brave Heart sighs but knew that maybe if he shares his story with Nyx, she will understand why.
"All right; my mother, Morning Light...was killed by a Dragon when I was just a foal."
"That must have been terrible to lose your monster that way."
"Perhaps...but I barely remember her and I barely knew her. I was raised by my father, Strong Wind, who taught me everything I know today. But...my heart was...still stained with hate for all Dragons because of my mother's death. I guess, I just...took my anger out on Spike and Phobos...unjustly." Brave Heart said in sadness and regret. While he knew of Spike's connection to Lorcan, perhaps the Alicorn was wrong to hate him and Phobos for his reasons.
"But why such...distrust towards me and my daddy?" Nyx ask Brave Heart in concern. What does his reason has to do with the distrust towards Nyx and Ben?
"Because...my nemesis, Fafnir the Cruel...has a powerful sway over many evil beings, whether they are willingly evil or not; even those who have turned from the dark side are not so easily resistant to Fafnir's lies. Nyx...I just...thought I was protecting Rainbow from turning into one of Fafnir's mindless slaves, when in actuality....I was not thinking straight. I'm sorry."
"I'm not the only one you should be apologizing to, Brave Heart."
"Sadly, you're right." Brave Heart said in sadness and regret. He made himself look like a blasted fool in front of his cousin and her cousins. Ben and Nyx aren't evil at all and so are Spike and Phobos. In their eyes, he became the bad guys.
Brave Heart knew that he must apologize and make things right again.