Chapter 9
Returning the Favor
In the Crystal Empire, a Royal Guard trotted through the crystalline hallway. On his way, he passed by Fluttershy’s room, where he could barely hear the weeping of the mare inside. Strangely the guard stopped and peeked through the cracked open door. With his red and yellow eyes, he could see the mare crying in her bed with Snowy in her arms. The Ice Dragon was clearly barely trying to breathe while he was being hugged to death. Hugged? Looked more like strangled. He then quickly left the scene through the hallway.
As he pressed through the crystalline hall, Sunny came around the corner, and bumped into him. “Hey!” She fell onto her haunches, almost spilling the food she had on a tray, “Watch it, will ya?” The Guard only nodded to her and continued through the hall. Sunny oddly watched him as he left. “Well…I ain’t ever seen a Royal Guard quieter than that, not to mention clumsy.” She stood up and continued her path to Fluttershy’s Room. She knocked before entering. “Hey, Flutters.” Sunny greeted her with a sweet tone in her voice as she came in. “I brought you favorite dish; Fruit Cocktail! Mm!” Fluttershy soon stopped her bawling and lets go of Snowy, who rolled off the bed and gasped for air.
“Oxygen!” He breathed hard. Sunny gave the tray to Fluttershy lying on the bed.
“How you feelin’, hon?” She asked her, still concerned about her feelings.
“I fine…” Fluttershy told her as she ate from her bowl. “I miss Helpful…”
“I miss him too, dear,” Sunny patted her shoulder in sympathy, “But we have to keep looking ahead. It’s what he would’ve wanted.”
“Now I really wish Discord didn’t eat those Water Sapphires.” Fluttershy sniffed. “If I still had them we could’ve saved Helpful.”
“Perhaps things like this happen,” Sunny shrugged, “And when they do, it’s for a good reason.”
“How can you say that, Sunny!?” The Pegasus shouted at the dragon, who quickly stepped back in surprise. “Helpful’s dead, and it’s all my fault!” She wept, covering her eyes. Sunny carefully thought over her response before she spoke again.
“It’s not your fault, hon.”
“Yes, it is!” She muffled through her hooves. “I should’ve followed him.” As she spoke she uncovered her face. “I should’ve went jumped after him, never should have let him leave my side. He may be strong, but he isn’t immortal.” He covered her face again and sobbed once more. Sunny placed a claw on Flutters’ shoulder to comfort her.
“It’s not your fault, hon.” Sunny told her, “Even if you jumped in after the guy, you couldn’t have saved him. Heck, you might’ve killed yourself!”
“It would’ve been fine that way!” Flutters muffled through her hooves. “We could’ve both died together. Then I wouldn’t lose him ever.” She then uncovered her face once more, her gaze being thoughtful as she stared out to nowhere. Sunny grew uncomfortable and then gave a stern look.
“Flutters. Suicide isn’t an option.” She grabbed her attention. “Listen to yourself now. Thinking about killing yourself…” She then slapped the back of Flutters’ head.
“Ow!” Fluttershy rubbed the back of her head. “Sunny, that hurt.” She whimpered.
“Well good! Maybe that pain’s the sense setting in!” The baby dragon joked a bit, but she was still serious as she put her claws on her hips. Snowy then had regained his breathing and stood up.
“I’ll just…” Snowy spoke as he pointed to the door, “Just be outside.” He then exited the room, and shut the door.
“It still hurt, Sunny…” The Pegasus sniffed.
“Well, think, Flutters! You shouldn’t kill yourself because one: that’s selfish, and two: Helpful would never forgive you! You must realize that Helpful wants you to live on!” Sunny reasoned with the mare. “Don’t you ever think about that again! You scared me, you scared Snowy, and you would’ve gave Helpful a heart attack!” She then crossed her arms. Fluttershy eyes watered up again.
“Then… Then do I need to do?” The Pegasus asked her friend.
“All I ask you to do is stay alive.” The dragon put her claw back onto Fluttershy’s shoulder for comfort. “Helpful would want you to live on, even if he wasn’t around anymore. Just remember that Snowy’s with you, heck, all your friends are with you! So don’t be sad, okay?”
“Thank you, Sunny.” Flutters then wiped her tears away. “I promise I won’t do that again.”
“Good.” Sunny said as she patted the mare’s shoulder. “If you need a talk, then I’m your dragon. Hey, we girls gotta look out each other somehow, right?” She laughed and so did Fluttershy. The Pegasus then nodded with a smile. After Fluttershy finished her food, Sunny picked up the tray and headed toward the door, where Snowy was opening for her. “Hey, Sunny.” Fluttershy grabbed Sunny’s attention.
Sunny stopped. “Yes?”
“Thanks for the food.”
“Don’t mention it,” Sunny smiled, “And if you’re feeling better enough, you can join the others in the throne room.”
“Okay, Sunny.” Fluttershy nodded and rolled out of her bed. “I’m coming.” In the throne room, Merciful, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were conversing amongst one another about the recent events.
“Why didn’t you talk with the others, Merciful?” Twilight asked him curious.
“I was more concerned about you.” Merciful answered her. “I stayed to help comfort you.” The Purple Alicorn smiled happily at Mercy.
“What’s taking them so long?” Rainbow crossed her arms as she balanced herself in midair impatiently.
“I am not certain, Rainbow Dash.” Merciful replied. “I shall see for myself.” The Dark Blue Alicorn walked toward the door, and then Pinkie Pie felt her Pinkie Sense kicking in.
“Uh, oh.” Pinkie exclaimed in surprise as her ears flopped, eyes fluttered, and knees shook and everypony noticed.
“Merciful!” Twilight grabbed his attention. “Watch out for opening doors!”
“Humph!” Merciful scoffed. “Mere supersiti--” Before he could use his magic to open the door, it opened and slammed into his face. Mercy staggered back and shook his head from the blow as Fluttershy, Snowy and Sunny entered the room.
“You okay, Mercy?” Applejack asked as she trotted over to him concerned.
“I’m fine.” The Alicorn told her.
“Oh, sorry, Merciful.” Fluttershy apoligized to the Alicorn as they entered the room.
“I forgive you, dear Fluttershy,” Mercy said; “It seems I still have much to learn.” Pinkie giggled as Fluttershy, Snowy and Sunny came in a little more and closed the door.
“How are you feeling, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her good friend.
“I’m fine.” Fluttershy sniffed. “Helpful would’ve wanted for me to keep smiling.” She smiled as much as she could, but her sadness ailed her to no end. Her eyes watered again, and Applejack gave her a comforting hug. “Thank you, Applejack.” She thanked the Earth Pony as her tears ceased.
“It’s no problem, Fluttershy.” Applejack nodded. She let go of the hug once Fluttershy felt stronger.
“I miss Helpful.” Flutters quivered her lip.
“So do we, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash told her with a little edge in her voice, “But sulking about his death won’t bring him back!” Sunny shot Rainbow a sharp look.
“I don’t understand how this could happen!” Fluttershy whimpered and cried again. She hugged onto Applejack for comfort, since she was the closet.
“Quite the charmer, aren’t you?” Snowy raised an eyebrow at Dashie, unhappy about what she said.
“I was just being honest.” Dash shrugged.
“Rainbow, there‘re two types of honesty: gentle and brutal honesty.” Applejack gave her a glare. Fluttershy hugged AJ tighter for comfort, almost making her friend lose her breath. “Be careful which you chose, Dash.” The Rainbow Pegasus only scoffed.
“Whatever. You sound like Merciful.” She began to situate herself onto her back in midair. Mercy then looked over his friends in concern.
“Is that really a bad thing?” He asked, but before they could answer, the doors opened again and Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor came in. Fluttershy soon calmed down, but held onto Applejack still.
“Ah, I see you’ve concluded the discussion then.” Merciful said as the doors closed.
“Celestia, what’s happening?” Twilight asked her. “What’s happened to Canterlot? Why was that thunderstorm so huge and powerful? Does it have to do with a certain entity from centuries ago? Is Roadburn okay? Where’s--?” She stopped her questionnaire once Celestia raised her hoof for silence.
“You are right to ask, Twilight.” Celestia assured her. “That thunderstorm wasn’t natural, no. It was made by incredible magic, and I fear Canterlot may be lost to us…” She closed her eyes to block out the thought and sighed for peace. “There is a greater being out there, yes, from generations ago.”
“Who is he, Celestia?” Applejack asked her while Fluttershy let go of her.
“His name is Kronos,” Celestia answered, “The Lord of the Titans.”
“Kronos?” Twilight tilted her head, she didn’t recognize the name.
“Yes.”
“Who’s Kronos?” Twilight asked her.
“Kronos is a being of great chaos and evil.” Celestia explained to her. “He is not like creature any of you know.”
“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked her, confused.
“May I?” Merciful asked his sister, and she nodded. He then gently cleared his throat. “Kronos is a creature called a human.”
“A hoomin?” Pinkie Pie tried to repeat the word, confused.
“No, Pinkie. Human. They are creatures that neither fly nor use magic, but they can create.” Mercy explained further. “They were creators of many great things, music, construction, dance, and even art.”
“Do they have Cutie Marks like us, Mercy?” Pinkie asked him, pointing to her flank.
“No, they do not, Pinkie Pie.” The prince shook his head.
“Then how do they possess talents?” Rainbow Dash asked him.
“They possess a great deal of talents, like us,” Celestia then told them, “Their talents’ symbolism is through what they create and do.”
“They constantly wear clothing; something which we cannot understand.” Luna added, “But they were gentle and loving creatures…until Kronos came.”
“What did he do?” Twilight asked her.
“Kronos had humanity enslave ponies all within his empire, to feed his greed and lust for power,” The Sun Princess continued, “Leaving them to scramble for crumbs under the table.”
“That’s awful!” Twilight told them, and Celestia nodded.
“It truly was a dark age for us ponies, Twilight,” Merciful told her.
“So what you’re saying is that Kronos has returned to enslave us all and to rebuild his empire?” The Purple Alicorn assumed.
“Not quite, Twilight.” Cadance told her with a little uneasiness as if there was something more. She looked at her old Foal-sitter oddly.
“What do you mean?”
“A war started between the Kronic Empire and a peaceful town named Hope.” Celestia continued, “After Hope had overpowered Kronos, Magi, your ancestor, had exiled the devil and his servants into another realm, along with humanity.”
“But why also humanity?” Rainbow asked them. “I mean, Kronos was ordering them to do all the dirty work, and they were loving creatures too, right? So why did they get exiled for being innocent?”
“That is true, Rainbow Dash,” Merciful answered her, “The humans were indeed innocent for they couldn’t resist Kronos.”
“Why couldn’t they fight him?” Applejack asked him confused.
“Kronos is the Lord of the Titans, so that meant that he controlled the monsters of the world.” Mercy answered his beloved, “The humans were too scared to resist his horrid power.”
“But how did Hope win then?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused. The royals all exchanged looks of confusion. Then Celestia spoke up.
“That we do not know.” Celestia answered her, “But we do know that before humanity was exiled into the other world, they wanted to.”
“But why?” Twilight asked her.
“Humans were not only loving, but they were often prone to guilt once they do something wrong. It would soon consume them until they admit their misdeed.” Luna explained. “They felt so guilty for not being able to resist Kronos they requested their punishment, and Magi accepted because didn’t like to see them so saddened. So he sent them into the portal and they were gone forever.”
“So how did Kronos return?” Dashie asked them, curious.
“It would seem that somepony could have freed him from his prison between dimensions. He did try to return, but was then locked in-between worlds.” Merciful explained. “I would not mistake it that Kronos would now pay homage to this pony and treat it like an ally.”
“Or he would’ve killed it…” Luna added thoughtfully. “Either way, I doubt this pony would be useful to our plan.”
“And furthermore, I’m afraid that we must keep you in the castle for the time being.” Cadance told them.
“What? Why?” Rainbow Dash flew up to Cadance, making her a bit uneasy. “We can take Kronos on our own!”
“The Titan Lord’s got you all pacified, Rainbow Dash,” Shining Armor reasoned, “You won’t be able to do anything unless the Elements of Harmony still worked.”
“Then we’ll go back to the Underworld to save, Helpful!” Rainbow shouted with pride.
“It’s much too dangerous, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia told her, “We could be risking your lives.”
“It’s not like that’s new.” Applejack said with a smile. “We’ve laid our lives down to save Equestria many times.”
“And Helpful’s risked his life for ours.” Fluttershy sniffed, remembering how he saved her in that volcano, from the Sky Dragon, and falling from the sky.
“Please, Your Majesties.” Twilight beckoned. “Let us repay the favor.” Celestia was silent over the matter.
“What do you think, Merciful?” Luna asked her brother. Merciful thought long and hard. This wasn’t the first time Helpful died, but it certainly isn’t the last. If what they’ve told him about his brother is true, then his body should’ve been given to them as proof of his death, but since the Elements died, they wouldn’t need that. Just how did he die? And what has become of Rarity? She was with him when they left, could she be dead too? No. Discord would’ve told them that she was dead, including Spike. The poor baby dragon’s body was possessed by a murderous demon. There must be a way to free him, and Discord… What has got him to change sides in such little time? And what is this new power he has acquired? And why weren’t his sisters prepared for this? Let alone tell either him or their brother. He only has so little to what is going on, and he knows that there a huger picture than this. He’ll have to find out eventually. Maybe they can travel to the Underworld and find answers there. Perhaps the journey will answer more questions than what he has. “Sister, I believe we should let them go.” Merciful finally answered.
“Brother, are you certain?” Celestia asked him with concern.
“Do not be alarmed.” Merciful assured them. “I will accompany them.”
“I guess I should go too.” Shining Armor added. “They’ll need all the help they can get.”
“Oh, dear. I couldn’t…” Candace said, concerned.
“It’s okay, dear.” Shining Armor told her. “I’ll be safe.” Merciful remembered what all Shining Armor went through before and sighed to let go of his disapproval. Armor may have been captured before, but that’s because it was Envious—they’re facing Kronos, Lord of the Titans. He wouldn’t control Shining Armor, and knowing Armor, he has grown stronger since his last experience…he could see it in his eyes. “Very well, Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said finally. “We will allow you to depart for the Underworld to save Prince Joyful.”
“Yahoo!” They all cheered except for Merciful and Shining Armor.
“I’ll go pack my things.” Shining Armor told Cadance and they nuzzled before he left.
“Ooooo! This is so exciting!” Pinkie Pie squealed.
“I know what you mean, Pinkie Pie!” Applejack could almost contain her excitement too. “For once, we’re rescuing Helpful for a change.”
“This is gonna be fun!” Rainbow Dash shouted and the others laughed too. Twilight laughed too, and noticed that Celestia, Luna and Cadance were leaving the room. She caught them in the hallway. “Wait! Princess Celestia, wait!” She caught up to the Princesses.
“Yes, Twilight?” Celestia answered after she stopped and turned to her pupil.
“I need to ask. Why wasn’t Canterlot prepared for the catastrophe?” Twilight asked her curious. Celestia and Luna only exchanged looks to one another, at first, and they turned back to Twilight. “My sister and I both saw this coming some time ago.” Celestia told her. “We knew that there was no defense that could prevent this, so our best option was to let it do so.”
“But why would you do something so careless?” Twilight asked them again after a brief gasp of shock. “You could’ve killed everypony in Canterlot because of that!”
“That’s why we made the secret evacuation route to the Crystal Empire.” Luna explained. “We understood that lives would be lost so we made a failsafe.” Twilight soon began to understand.
“But how did you know this would come?” Twilight asked again.
“There is a prophecy, Twilight.” Celestia told her.
“Another one?” Twilight asked her confused. “But I thought we already went through one before.”
“I had found Magi’s old wing in my library and inside was three new prophecies.” Celestia answered her. “This one was the first. It explained that Kronos was to return and enslave everything, but four heroes would emerge and fight Kronos.”
“Who are these heroes?”
“That we do not know.” Luna said, “But we do know that one is an Earth Pony, another is a unicorn, and the third is a Pegasus and the last: an Alicorn. The details are still unclear.”
“The final passage is in an ancient text we cannot decipher.” Celestia explained. “I had assigned Magi to decipher it, but somehow he won’t.”
“Why not?” Twilight asked, confused.
“That we don’t know either.” Cadance answered her. Twilight was at least somewhat relieved to know that the princesses were in the dark on some things too, but it also raises some new questions. Why wouldn’t Magi decipher that last passage? At least, they know where to go first. Maybe they’ll find more information on the trip. “Thank you, Princesses.”
“Remember, Twilight Sparkle. The journey you walk will not be easy.” Luna warned her. “Kronos’ army is humungous in number and can attack at any given moment. They can be any element at all, so don’t be careless.”
“Thank you, Luna.” Twilight thanked her. “I should get things prepared then.”
“Yes, you must.” Celestia agreed with her as she left them.
Meanwhile, in the Crystal Hall, Flight Lock stood at attention as Pony Joe, Jacko Lantern, Fancypants, Luckyshoes, Soarin’, and Turnip Top gathered around with him. “We have to go back, guys.” Pony Joe told them all. “Roadburn is going to need help back here.”
“I have absolutely no problem with that, but you saw what happened out there.” Jacko argued.
“And that thunderstorm was too powerful. Do you know what might’ve been able to control such a monstrosity?” Soarin’ asked him. “I sure don’t.”
“Listen to yourself, mates!” Luckyshoes barked at them both. “We made an accord with Roadburn and we were to keep our word! Do you know what you sound like right now? A bunch of spineless cowards to me!”
“Well put, brother.” Fancypants agreed.
“Fancy, you can’t be serious.” Jacko started to protest, but he was silenced by a sharp look from Fancypants.
“We vowed to protect him, and we shall protect him, even if this land is being taken over by titans.” Fancypants told him. “We fought before, and we can fight again.”
“Yeah, don’t remind me.” Jacko rubbed his head from the memory of being turned into one of Envious’ minions. “Fine, Fancy. I’m with you, but only because I’m a colt of my word.”
“You have my help, too.” Soarin’ agreed. They all looked at Turnip Top, who stared back.
“Oh!” He exclaimed in surprise, realizing that they were wondering if would come. “I’m coming!”
“Then it’s settled.” Flight Lock nodded. “We will depart to search for Roadburn, but first you look a little light on weapons.” He turned around. “Follow me.” They follow Flight Lock into the armory and there the colts equipped themselves with whatever weapons necessary.
“Hey, Flight Lock.” Jacko grabbed the Royal Guard Captain’s attention. “Aren’t you supposed to be here protecting the princesses?”
“Don’t worry, Jacko.” Flight Lock assured him. “I think Turnip Top can help cover our tracks.” Turnip turned around just Flight Lock said that.
“Do what?” He exclaimed in surprise.
“You’re going to keep the princess’ suspicions at bay while we go search for Roadburn.” Fancypants explained to the colt. “You are Celestia’s Personal Guard after all.” Once all gear was ready they started toward the exit, and Turnip followed them all toward the entrance of the Crystal Empire. They all wore Royal Guard’s armor and each had weapons equipped for battle.
“But what am I supposed to tell her while you’re all gone, Sir!” Turnip begged for an answer, “I’m not the sharpest tool in the crayon box.” Jacko and Soarin’ could almost burst in laughter.
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something, Turnip.” Flight Lock assured him as they came up to the gate and there were many Royal Guards standing watch with weapons at hoof.
“Halt!” One Guard shouted at them. “This is a restricted area.”
“Don’t worry, Private,” Flight Lock told him, “They’re with me.”
“But, Sir…” The Guard protested. “The princess’ orders were to keep anypony coming from the Crystal Empire in. You weren’t an exception.”
“Well, there’s some ponies left outside in Equestria and we must save them.” Flight Lock explained. “You have to let us pass.”
“I’m sorry, Sir,” The Guard apologized, “But the Prin—”
“I gave you an order, Private.” The Guard then nodded and they opened the gate. The boys all turned back to Turnip Top.
“So this is good bye?” Turnip asked.
“Aye, it is, Turnip.” Luckyshoes nodded. “Good luck, laddie!”
“You too,” Turnip Top saluted. “Please, make it back safely!”
“You can count on us!” Jacko saluted and as did the others. They left and the gate closed. Turnip Top just stood there with a blank expression as the time passed by.
Meanwhile, Spike moans as he turns over to his side in midair. He soon realized that he was floating and he opened his eyes and finds himself in a dark void. “What the? Where am I?” Spike shouted in surprise and fear. He was floating inside of nothing. What is this place? All there was here was silence. Spike began to grow worried, and regretful. “This all my fault.” Spike crossed his arms, scared. “I shouldn’t have done that. Gems of Power? What was I thinking? What would I even do with those? If only I can go back and fix everything.” He looked around for any sign of an exit, but there wasn’t anything but darkness. He was all alone in a dark void. Sadness swooped upon him and he began to cry. He curled up into a small ball and cried--his tears coming out from his eyes and floating about him.
He noticed his and he began to put the liquid together into a ball. Seeing his reflection off the ball, he remembered his life before this and as he remembered this, the liquid solidified and grew. Soon Spike found himself in Ponyville again in seconds. “Whoa!” He exclaimed in surprise. “Am I…? Am I back?” He looked around, eager for somepony, anypony to come out. Silence settled as he looked up and saw that the sky was still that black void, but it quickly turned back to the sky. “I’m in that void…” Spike realized. “I guess it changes wherever I remember something. Hm…” He puts his claws together to his forehead and concentrated to remember the ponies from Ponyville. “Spike.” Rarity tried to grab his attention. “What are you doing?”
“I’m concentrating, Rarity.” Spike told her. “I need to make more ponies so I won’t be alone.”
“Spike.” Rarity patted his head. “There’s already ponies here, dearie.”
“No there isn’t.” Spike opened his eyes and sure enough, there ponies all over Ponyville…only …that…they all…had white coats and purple hair…just like Rarity… Spike just gaped in surprise. Is that all he can think about besides Ponyville? Each pony reminded Spike of Rarity, but they each had a different mane style and Cutie Mark. One looked like Applejack, but her color scheme was like Rarity’s. She passed by them with her apple cart toward the market. Spike kept gaping in surprise. “Are you alright, Spiky?” The Rarity he created asked him. Spike shook his head to get rid of his surprise.
“Why does everypony look like you?” Spike asked. “I mean, well, not exactly, like you, but like you, by color scheme-wise.”
“What do you mean, Spiky?” Rarity asked him confused. “Everypony has always looked like this.”
“Well…I guess I can get used to it.” Spike thought to himself. Then the Rarity-colored Twilight walked over to him and Rarity with a broad grin.
“Hello, Spiky Wikey!” She grabbed the baby dragon’s face and squished it. “How’s my chubby-cheeked, little helper?” Spike freed himself from her grasp as he exclaimed in surprise!
“Twilight! What’s happened to you?” Spike fell on his haunches.
“What do you mean, Spiky?” The fake Twilight asked him, confused. “I’ve always looked like this. I haven’t changed.” Spike stood up.
“Well, yeah…I know…but why?” Spike asked her confused.
“Hey, Rarity.” Twilight grabbed Rarity’s attention. “Spiky’s acting weird. Is he okay?”
“I’m not sure, Twilight Sparity, but—” Rarity was interrupted by Spike.
“Whoa, whoa, wait, wait, whoa!” Spike stopped them. “Twilight ‘Sparity’?”
“Yes.” Sparity answered him. Spike looked over to Applejack. “Then if your name is Sparity, then what is hers?”
“That’s Rarijack, Spike.” Rarity told him. Spike gaped at everypony around him with wide-eyes. “Spiky?” Rarity tried to reach for him, but then he screamed and bolted out of fear.
“Where’s he going?” Sparity asked her.
“Oh, he’ll be back.” Rarity told her. “He never could resist our beauty."