//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight: Counter-Plan // Story: Ducenti Septuaginta Septem // by Capacitor //------------------------------// Part One: The Prophecy, The Princess and The Portal Chapter Eight: Counter-Plan There have always been avid discussions about the nature of the universe. In worlds without magic, such discussions usually concerned the physical world and the question whether something existed apart from that. In worlds that had magic, where monsters could be summoned from the planes of Oblivion, Elder Things flew through the airless void using only wings or big blue alicorns walked the dreamscape, multiple planes of existence where a reality that had to be integrated into the cosmological system. There where many different designs for such cosmologies. Examples included onion-like structures with a primal, chaotic, magical source of everything at the centre and the physical world on the outside, onions with the physical world on the inside and the empty void on the outside, cosmic foam, floating bubbles, layered cake, eleven-dimensional strings, you name it. One problem with these planes was that, however you aligned them, your dimensional axes simply would not behave euclidean. Where the layman would expect perpendicular straight lines, the expert would speak of 'curved space-time' or 'astral feedback loops'. Some of the greatest experts on the matter would even speak of big balls of wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff. At the end of it, however, there was something nearly everyone could agree on: things were connected. When a butterfly flapped its wings on the southern hemisphere of a planet, it might cause a tornado on the northern hemisphere. When you look up in the sky, maybe you and your future best friends are all looking at the same rainbow. When an anvil falls onto your head, it might hurt. When the Alicorn Amulet was destroyed, it sent an almost imperceptible ripple through the physical, astral and metaphysical planes of Equestria, signalling those who could read the signs what had transpired. The conscious and subconscious reactions to this signal in turn caused further, albeit weaker ripples that resonated throughout Equestria, manifesting as a faint atmosphere of tension as the hungry, insane, crawling Things from the edge of reality pushed their hideous faces against the metaphorical window pane that separated reality from unreality, as they sensed a possible chance to gain the existence they longed for. They had sensed the monstrous mind that escaped the Amulet, and, instinctively grasping at least some of its intent, hoped for an opening in the dimensional barriers that kept them out. Deep below the Everfree Forest, a sophisticated apparatus designed to detect such ripples did as intended, and the automated announcement happily exclaimed the end of the schedule to the virtually nonexistent facility associates. The in fact only remaining associate cringed in horror as the voices in his head quintupled in volume. Up north in the Crystal Empire, the lingering traces of dark magic coalesced and enabled a blob of protoplasmic slime to wedge itself into existence. It landed on a rooftop with a dull and wet thud. On her throne up high in Canterlot, Princess Celestia was overcome by an inexplicable feeling of deja vu. Across the sea, a sack of rice toppled over. In Cloudsdale, a grey mailmare sneezed. In Ponyville, where the residents had, over the last three years, developed an almost Pinkie-Pie-like sense of danger (in fact, some of them actually used Pinkie Pie as an indicative for danger), the merchants packed their goods, mothers called their foals home and shops closed. By the time Princess Twilight Sparkle, her five companions and two guards were on their way back to the library, the first bets as to what catastrophe would happen had already been made. Twilight Sparkle was completely oblivious towards all of this. She had mainly been focused on gathering all of her friends. Rainbow Dash in particular had been difficult to get hold of. Her guards had absolutely refused to simply let her teleport up to her friend's cloud home to check if she was there, and neither her nor them had been willing to give in. In the end, their rather heated argument (most of the heat had been on the Princess' side, though) had caused Rainbow, who had been napping on a nearby cloud, to show up and ask what all the fuss was about. Luckily, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack proved much less time-intensive to find, probably because they lived on the ground and usually followed somewhat predictable daily routines that didn't involve falling asleep on random clouds after an exhausting training session. “So what's it that you need all of us for, Twilight?” Rainbow asked impatiently as they passed the guard-flanked door and entered the library. Twilight had so far been too worked up and hectic to explain what was going on, instead just pressing them to quickly come with her. The only kind of reason she had given so far had been along the lines of a quickly added “It's an emergency.” However, before Twilight had any chance to answer, a second voice, clear and calm, made itself heard. “I would like to know as well, princess. What do you need me for?” It was Princess Celestia, sitting at the table in the library with a cup of tea, looking regal as ever. Now, she rose and started moving over to the small band of Element bearers and royal guards, who all quickly bowed. Except Twilight. “I apologize for dropping the pleasantries, but hasn't Discord told you?” Celestia chuckled lightly. “No, he just ran up to my throne and told me the Princess Twilight Sparkle demanded to see me and my sister. I didn't even have time to respond before he teleported me.” She gave Twilight a warm, caring look that bordered on concern without being worrisome. “This is quite unlike you, Twilight. You know you could have just sent me a letter, do you not? If the matter is pressing, I will always have time for you.” “A letter, yes. Er—” Twilight shifted uncomfortably. She was already regretting sending Discord, even if it had been the fastest option. “You see, princess, that's somewhat part of the problem.” Pinkie gasped. “It's the combo, isn't it?” “Oh my, is it about Spike?” Fluttershy asked, concerned and completely ignoring Pinkie's outburst. “I sure hope he's all right.” She looked over at Twilight, worried and questioning. Twilight drew in a deep breath and sighed. “An obscure being from ancient times has taken control of Spike. It has absorbed the power of the Alicorn Amulet and, according to Discord, threatens all of Equestria.” “Taken control?” Rainbow asked, habitually floating about a wither's height above ground. “Is that something like that mind control thing that bug queen pulled off on your brother?” “No. It's not using a spell to control him. It is inside his body, directly possessing him.” “Do you know what kinda thing that thing is?” Applejack, who had just heard the term 'possession' in this particular context for the first time, asked, frowning. Twilight shook her head. “Not really. Discord claims he knows it, but he hasn't told me much. I only know some bits and pieces.” The air burst apart in a surge of magic that unnoticedly changed the colour of half the book covers in the library and Discord unfolded himself from formerly empty space. “I see that you already have begun briefing your little club without me.” He idly twirled through the air, ignoring that his manner of entering the building had nearly caused several heart attacks. “It doesn't matter, though. I already know everything you might tell me and Luna isn't coming. I couldn't find her anywhere inside Canterlot.” “As I could have told you, had you given me the chance.” As Celestia spoke, Discord turned towards her, wearing an expression that managed to be both uninterested and amused. “She's down in Fillydelphia, hunting a particularly nasty dreamcrawler.” When he didn't reply in any way but a stare that spoke volumes of how immensely boring he found Princess Luna's continuous efforts to protect the dreams of her subjects to be, Rarity spoke up, her voice betraying only thinly veiled disdain. “I can't say I'm glad you're here, Discord, but it would certainly be nice if you could tell us what exactly is happening to our poor Spike.” Discord's eyes flashed mischievously as he shifted his attention towards the Bearer of Generosity. It once again occurred to him how much she looked like a marshmallow. But, sadly, he was reformed now, and turning ponies into living foodstuffs was apparently not okay. “Well, it is actually pretty complicated.” He took on a thoughtful look, glancing upwards. “It involves subjects so mystical and magical that it isn't really a surprise you pretty little ponies have trouble understanding.” He grinned. It was a good grin. Very condescending. Many teeth. “Let me put it in a way those, er, less versed in the matters of the multiverse can get:” He lowered his face down to Rarity's eye level, completely occupying her field of vision. “There's an evil guy in Spike's head. This evil guy makes Spike do evil stuff. The evil guy wants to get big and strong so it can do big evil stuff. You are a bunch of goody four shoes and want to put a stop to that.” He flashed his toothy grin at the other Elements as well. “Any questions?” “I ain't gonna be believin' that somepony's evil just because you say so. So, how about you tell us all exactly what that thing is up to and how it's threatening Equestria?” Applejack shot a more than simply sceptical glare up to the spirit. He landed in front of her, wings flapping, and shrugged. “I don't really know what it plans in the long run since it might do literally anything inside or outside your imagination, but right now, it seeks to open the gates to pandemonium.” Once again, he gave her that grin, then quickly added “Oh, and let's not forget that it kidnapped Spike.” “On the matter of Spike, would you mind telling us why you don't save him?” Rarity asked somewhat accusingly. “I can't.” Discord smiled, strangely happy. “My chaos magic wouldn't work for that.” “Well,” Rarity sighed, “If that is true, I suppose it makes things a tad bit more complicated.” “I don't see what the big deal is,” Dash complained. “Whatever it is, we'll just give it a blast with the Elements, and all'll be fine!” “But if Discord says his magic won't work—” Twilight began, only to be interrupted by Rainbow Dash. “The Elements are, like, Discord's total opposite,” Rainbow Dash claimed. “If his magic doesn't work well, they will work extra well.” “Rainbow, I reckon we won't be needin' them for this one,” Applejack interjected. She had a bad feeling about the whole situation, especially Rainbow Dash' rash approach. “Using the Elements against Spike seems just a bit drastic, don't you think?” “I am afraid I agree with Applejack.” Princess Celestia gave Rainbow Dash a reprimanding look and carefully articulated her voice to gain a certain stern edge that would both chide and emphasize. “The Elements of Harmony are not something to be trifled with.” She turned to the Spirit of Disharmony, steeling herself and reinforcing the mask that hid her emotions. She hated to admit it, but facing him, even after all those centuries, she still felt like the insecure little filly that had fearfully stumbled across the twisted landscape of a mad god's kingdom. “Now, Discord, you still have not told us what we're up against.” Discord stretched and spun, grinning at her, the same grin he had worn so many years ago, a predatory grin that seemed to say 'My, what have we got here?' “Why, it's a mind-being, a spirit of some sort, if you want to call it that way.” She gave a curt nod to signal she had understood. “You mentioned you can not deal with this being on your own. Is it also resistant to normal spells?” If it was completely impervious to magic, dealing with it would be very troublesome, considering it was a spirit. Discord's eyes flashed. “Oh, really?” he mocked. “Not even you, Celestia, can tell the difference between my chaos and your everyday pony magic? No, your boring spells should work just fine.” She ignored the jab and suppressed a sigh. He was doing a great job at being insufferable, but she would not give him the pleasure of showing him he got through to her. “You should know that I am not willing to judge a being based solely on your account, Discord.” He gave her an indignant look, but didn't say anything. She slightly raised her voice as she continued and let her gaze wander across Twilight and her friends. “This spirit will be given a chance to explain itself and its actions. If it is willing to cooperate, I will take every opportunity to settle this conflict amicably. If, however the spirit's motives prove to be as unsound as Discord claims and if it refuses to cooperate and release Spike, then I will forcefully exorcise it from his body.” Her horn lit with golden magic as she reached across the room and brought forth the Elements of Harmony from their case beside the staircase to the upper floors, floating them towards their bearers. “Twilight, you and your friends will stand by with the Elements, as a precaution if anything goes awry. I believe you can judge by yourself when to use them.” At the least, they would keep Discord in check. She still didn't fully trust him, especially now, in such a situation. “Aren't you forgetting something, Celestia?” Discord droned, disturbing her thoughts. Only a thousand years of practice prevented her face from slipping into confusion. “And what would that be?” Discord steepled his fingers, smiling so sickeningly sweet the sofa clerk across the street got diabetes. “Well, I don't know about you, but I don't have the slightest idea where to find our little fire-breathing friend.” Surprisingly, Twilight spoke up. “Actually, I might have an idea.” “You do?” Discord coiled around, directing the demonic intensity of his gaze away from a relieved Celestia to a somewhat nervous Twilight Sparkle. She nodded. “You see, there was this pony who intruded my library today. I believe he is a part of all this,” Twilight explained. “Ooh!” came Pinkie Pie's excited voice. “You mean Mister MacMad-Eye!” “Mister MacMad-Eye?” Rainbow asked, half believing she had misheard the name her pink friend had used. “Yeah,” Pinkie confirmed. “He didn't have a name, so I made one up for him.” “Ahem!” Twilight frowned at the two mares. She didn't particularly like being interrupted. When they gave her an apologetic look, she resumed her monologue, now certain to have their attention. “Anyway, one of my guards followed the trespasser to the Everfree Forest. I think this is where we might find Spike, too.” “Um, excuse me, Twilight, but how are we going to find Spike in there?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “I mean, it's so big, and so dark, and so scary.” She was clearly not very keen on filching through the cursed woods for a small, possessed dragon. Princess Celestia's mind raced. The Everfree Forest, so many memories connected her to this place. She even remembered the time when it had been pleasant and peaceful, not wild and disturbing. It has absorbed the power of the Alicorn Amulet and, according to Discord, threatens all of Equestria, Twilight's words echoed in her mind. ...the Alicorn Amulet... ...all of Equestria... Her stomach clenched as two yellow eyes rose from the depths of her memories, filled with despair and burning with hatred, flashing red with malevolent magic. And then, flames consumed the eyes, and everything else. With some, I could not have mercy. Reluctantly, she spoke up. “I believe—” “Isn't it—” She blinked, her thoughts momentarily lost. Turning her head, she found Discord regarding her in mildly perturbed amusement. They had both started speaking at the same time. Celestia smiled politely. “You go first, I insist.” Discord raised his paw and claw as if to shield himself from her courteousness. “Celestia, please. I am curious whether you had the same idea as I.” “As you wish.” Celestia gave him a nod. There wasn't really any point to arguing about this, anyway. She turned back to the Bearers of Harmony. “If this spirit is related to the Alicorn Amulet, it will have ventured to mine and Luna's old castle. In the distant past, an organisation of dark magicians used to have their headquarters in the city formerly surrounding the castle. They have used the Amulet in the past and I fear they might be connected to all this.” Audibly gasping, Discord covered his mouth in a hyperbolic display of shock. “What a surprise! I wanted to suggest the very same thing!” Making a fantastic recovery from what definitely had nearly been a heart attack, he added a cheerful “Let's go!” His paw produced a snap like a whiplash and the world was consumed by a synaesthetic blast of magical energy. Once again, the library was empty and quiet. However, unsuspectingly guarding its front door stood a unicorn and a pegasus, donned in the armour of the Royal Guard, who had yet to realise that the princess they were supposed to be guarding had just been whisked away by one of the most dangerous beings in all of Equestria. They would find out about ten minutes later, when a pegasus messenger arrived from Canterlot to tell Her Royal Highness Princess Twilight Sparkle that Princess Celestia had been abducted by Discord.