//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Out Into Hiding // Story: Equestria Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Nightmare // by sonicdash123 //------------------------------// At the Crystal Knight Temple, everyone gathered around as they watched the corpse of Star Swirl burn on the pyre. As silence filled the air, Cadence turned to Celestia as she watched the pyre. "I'm sorry, auntie," she said. "He was a great teacher and will be remembered in the temple's archive." A tear fell off of Celestia's cheek as she continued to watch the fire burn Star Swirl. --------------------- Later that night at Canterlot, Celestia stood at the balcony alongside Luna, Cadence, and Twilight as she prepared a speech for the citizens. "Citizens of Equestria," she started. "It has come to my attention that an old foe has returned from the shadows and took possession of my nephew Charming Thunder." The crowd gasped as they listened to her. "Further more I hereby decree that we all go into hiding so that we remain safe from his wrath and his army. "The caves beneath Canterlot will be safe," Cadence added. "Everypony, return to your homes and gather what you need and go there for the time being." The crowd then began to run back to their homes to do as the princesses request and gather at the cave and remain safe before anything happens. "You sure that it is wise?" Luna asked. "Of course. I've been there before. Remember?" Twilight starred in the distance where the Everfree forest is located. "Oh, my sweet Charming," Twilight said to herself. "There must be good in you. I know there is." She then felt Luna's hoof placed on her shoulder and turned to face her. "I know, Twilight. I worry for him too." --------------------- The misty form of Charming Thunder flew to an abandoned factory and landed in front of the entrance. He then used his magic to open the door and entered the factory. The door closed behind him as he proceeded through the hallway. He then came across a deactivated rolled up droideka and thought, "If this is a factory, then there must be a power switch somewhere." He then entered a room where all the droids were created. He then came across a door which led to the power room. He then opened the door and walked up to the power switch. He used his clawed arm to flip the switch and the factory came to life. Lights turned on and machinery sounded as the factory made droids. He then looked out the window as he watched the droidikas being created. He closed his eyes and opened them back up as he said, "I have been expecting you, Trixie." He then turned to face her with an evil grin. "Have you come to finish what your master started?" "No," she replied. "I have come to talk to you." "Oh. Now you want to negotiate your surrender. Too late, Trixie." "Charming, please. Come back to the light. Face up to what you have done. Let me help you." Charming Thunder laughed as he said, "Its too late for that. You are too late. You only want to help yourself." "You know that is not true." "We shall see." Charming Thunder pressed a button on the droid factory controls and the droidekas rolled up into a ball and rolled to the room where he is. They then unfolded and surrounded Trixie and pointed their ion blasters at her with their shields surrounding themselves. A magic field surrounded her and she bursts out a powerful magic that destroyed her surroundings. She then began to run away as Charming Thunder threw a tracking beacon on her. She then entered her ship and flew back to the crystal caves beneath Canterlot. Charming Thunder stepped outside of the factory and watched the ship fly away. He then transformed into mist and flew back to the castle of the two sisters. Once he arrived in the throne room, he walked up to Nightmare Moon's armor and glanced at it. "Soon the bearers of the Elements of Harmony will bow before my will," he said to himself as he levitated the helmet and placed it on his head. An explosion emitted and began to transform. The helmet now covered his whole face with a glowing horn on it. His body then suspended with a ball of pure energy between his torso and legs surrounded by sharp teeth. The armor color turned purple, red, and gold. He then looked at himself and began to laugh loudly in the room as his eyes began to glow. --------------------- Luna opened her eyes and glanced outside of the cave as she saw a magical blast in the distance. "So it begins," she said. She then saw Trixie's ship fly inside the cave and land. Trixie exited the cockpit and ran to her. "He has found a factory and is making a powerful army of droids." Luna gasped as Trixie asked, "What are we going to do now, your highness?" "Nothing for now." "Nothing?" "He has become more powerful and he will try to find us. Come. We must deliver this report to the others. They will know what to do." Trixie nodded in agreement as she followed Luna to go to Celestia and the others to tell them the news. --------------------- "I see," Celestia said. "So he has began his march to Canterlot and is looking for us. He also found a droid factory from the Lunar Wars. Droidekas are fast and dangerous we must be cautious." "And what of my husband, Trixie," Twilight asked. "Did you try to convince him to come back to us?" "I'm...sorry, princess," Trixie said. "I did my best." "I know how to bring him back to the light but it won't be easy," Celestia said. "What's it going to take?" Applejack asked. "I'm sure Twilight and the rest of our friends can take him and--" "No. Only one of you. Somepony who is brave enough to face him. Let me explain."