The early morning sunlight filtered in through the bedroom window and beamed across Applejack’s face, causing her to stir and blink tiredly. She slowly raised her head and peered out the window at the castle grounds and walls below. At first she had no idea where she was and thought that she was still dreaming, but then the past day’s events fell upon her memory like an anvil. She sighed, stretched, and turned to look about the room. All of the other ponies still slept soundly; Fluttershy and Pinkie on one bed, Rarity on the other, Rainbow Dash in the large chair, and Twilight on the ground where she had dropped the night before. AJ rubbed her eyes and looked out the window again. The castle walls, grounds, and barracks no longer sparkled brightly in the sunshine, but instead gave off a dull, flickering glint due to their new coloration. The Royal Guards were also more out in force than usual, patrolling the walls and training for battle on the grounds below. There seemed to be more of them as well.
Applejack shook her head sadly and stepped away from the window. Things sure had changed overnight. She wondered what would happen to Ponyville now, as well as the Apple family farm. Unfortunately Psyron would probably try to recruit Big Macintosh for his army, seeing as he was a strong and competent stallion, and AJ certainly didn’t want that to happen anymore than she wanted Twilight and Rainbow Dash to join.
Fluttershy made a small sighing sound and rolled over, her eyelids flickering open. She sat up slowly and looked around for a moment, blinking her large teal eyes in the sunlight. “Wh-where am I? Is this...” she looked around. “...is this Canterlot?”
Applejack turned to her and smiled warmly. “Sure is sugarcube. We spent the night here, remember? I just gotta go get us some breakfast.”
Fluttershy briefly looked down at the snoring Pinkie Pie before looking back up at AJ. “Oh, I don’t really remember coming here, but if Princess Celestia is okay with it then, um, I suppose it’s okay...”
Applejack turned away and bit her lip. Fluttershy didn’t remember the past day’s events; AJ wasn’t sure of whether that was a good thing or not. She would have to find out sooner or later and-
AJ winced when she heard Fluttershy gasp. “Oh my, why is the room so dark and... and...” Her eyes widened in sudden horror as the memories of yesterday hit her like a tidal wave. Her body started to shake all over and she slipped under her covers, whispering fearfully, “I...I... remember that fiery creature and the Elements of Harmony not working but... but...” Tears leaked from her eyes and she huddled down deeper in the blankets. “...I thought it was all a bad dream...”
Applejack’s heart shivered in sympathy for the frightened pegasus and she walked over to her bed, gently resting a hoof on Fluttershy’s shaking head. “Now now, sugarcube, there’s nothin’ to be afraid of. We’re all safe and bein’ well taken care of, so there ain’t nothin’ to worry about.”
Just then there was a loud knocking at the door. Twilight woke up with a start, looking around and blinking tiredly. “Wha-what? Uh, wh-who’s there...?”
Applejack gave Fluttershy one last hug before trotting to the door. She opened it cautiously and peered out. “Who’s there?”
“Lord Psyron has requested that you all be served breakfast.” Applejack opened the door and a unicorn maid stepped in, telekinetically holding six trays of food. She set them down on a small table and sharply turned away, walking back down the hall as though in a trance. This commotion awakened the other three ponies, who got up groggily, taking in their unfamiliar surroundings. Applejack lifted the lid of one of the trays to see a delicious assortment of breakfast foods: toast, oatmeal, slices of apples and oranges, and an alfalfa and blueberry smoothie. It was strange how Psyron seemed to be treating them so well. Perhaps he wasn’t as bad as they had thought...
The moment she saw the food, Pinkie Pie bounded from her bed and pranced over to the trays as though she had not a care in the world. Twilight rubbed her aching head and shuffled over to the table, inquiring to Applejack, “Who gave us this food?”
AJ took a bite of apple and frowned slightly. “One o’ the maids did, but apparently Psyron gave ‘em the order to do it. I wonder why he’s treatin’ us so nice-like?”
Rainbow Dash stretched her wings and hovered over to the table, picking up her tray. “Probably cause he’s a nice guy and doesn’t want his top general to starve.”
Twilight moaned and grit her teeth. Rarity paused from brushing her mane to stare at Rainbow in puzzlement. “Top general? Whatever do you mean, darling?”
Rainbow Dash tried to speak through a mouthful of toast, but Twilight answered for her, “Last night Psyron offered me and Rainbow Dash positions as his chief battle mage and air force commander, respectively. He gave us the night to think about it, but Rainbow seems to be abandoning her Element and siding with him.” She glared at Rainbow Dash, who ignored her and continued eating.
Rarity pursed her lips in thought. “Why would you ever want to join an army? That requires a commitment to constant fighting, and that could eventually lead to you-“
Twilight cleared her throat and stared hard at her. “Ahem! Why don’t we change the subject...”
Fluttershy’s timid voice sounded from under the covers of her bed. “Oh, I hope he doesn’t ask me to join an army...”
Rainbow Dash turned to her. “Nah, Lord Psyron knows better than to choose a shy little weakling like you.”
“Rainbow!” This time it was Applejack who glared at Rainbow Dash. “Fluttershy’s already scared and confused enough as it is; you don’t need to go makin’ her feel bad even more!”
Rainbow Dash snorted and turned away with her food tray, remaining strangely silent. Twilight narrowed her eyes and stared at her for a few moments, then shook her head wearily and walked over to Fluttershy. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, if we all stick together in this, everything will be just fine, you’ll see. We just have to rely on the elements within us and not the ones that we can wear.”
Fluttershy smiled slightly and Twilight telekinetically brought a food tray over to her. “Now go ahead and eat some breakfast; let the rest of us sort this all out.”
Pinkie Pie burped and shoved her plate away spotless, giggling. “I’m just glad Mr. Fireface didn’t change the good food! Even evil overlords know tasty treats when they see them!”
The others smiled and chuckled, except for Rainbow Dash, who simply sat brooding over her food.
When they had all finished, Twilight stacked the trays and called the other ponies to attention. “Alright girls, listen up. Expect everything you know about Canterlot and this castle to be drastically changed. I don’t know exactly what Psyron has done, or what he has in store for us, but I do know that if we stick together and remain loyal to each other-” She glanced at Dash. “-then we can get through this, no matter what happens.” She paused for a moment before continuing carefully and with a quieter voice. “Now, I kind of know what Psyron’s plans are in the long run, and they’re not good. He seems to think that we equines are superior to all others and that every other tribe and race should be conquered by us.” She paused again and looked at Applejack. “This probably includes those such as Chief Thunderhooves’s buffalo tribe. I don’t think that they’ll take too kindly to being conquered, and will definitely fight back, so somepony needs to get to Appleoosa and warn the tribe.”
AJ nodded slowly and then motioned over to the window. “You’re right there, but it’s probably easier said than done. There’s more guards crawlin’ ‘round here than ants on a candied apple.”
The ponies all went to the window and stared down in awe at the castle grounds and walls, now transformed into a fortress for battle. Rarity shook her head in disgust. “Look at it; once the center of aristocratic beauty and elegance now turned into a filthy house of war. Simply despicable!”
At that moment there was another loud knock at the door, startling everypony. Twilight answered, “Come in!”
The door opened and two guards stepped in. One of them looked at Twilight and spoke flatly, “Lord Psyron had requested an audience with you...”
Twilight sighed and motioned to Rainbow Dash. “Come on then, Rainbow. It’s time to face the music.”
She stopped in her tracks as the guard continued: “All of you.”
Psyron stood out on a balcony of the castle, overlooking the grounds below and smugly watching his troops marching and practicing maneuvers below. His dream would finally be fulfilled; after thousands of years of planning, preparing, and waiting, it had all come down to this. It was a good thing that he had practiced the psionic cloning spell for years on end, as the royal guard count had been disappointingly small. A knock sounded on the doors behind him and he opened them with his magic, smiling to himself as he spoke cheerfully, “Ah, so glad that you could make it. I trust that you have all been enjoying your stay here thus far?”
The six ponies stepped out on the balcony, flanked by the two guards. Twilight decided to play it safe and replied, “Yes we have, sire. The room and food that you gave us were most wonderful.”
Pinkie Pie grinned. “The food was more than wonderful; it was yummylicious!”
Psyron turned around and smiled warmly at her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had my chefs prepare the best food only for you.”
His gaze panned across the six, watching them closely and taking in their reactions. Twilight remained calm and composed, looking up at him without fear. Pinkie Pie smiled and looked up at the morning sky cheerfully. Applejack stood back a bit nervously. Rarity tried to keep her composure as well, holding her head up elegantly. Fluttershy crouched back behind Applejack, staring anxiously at the ground. And Rainbow Dash stared up at Psyron in awe and admiration. Perfect...
Psyron smiled again and turned back around, motioning to the grounds below. “Do you see that?” They all peered over, gazing in wonder and apprehension at the myriads of soldiers down below. “That is my goal for Equestria: To have my armies spread throughout, keeping the law and order in my name and conquering all other creatures who do not submit to my throne.” He sighed jubilantly and turned back to them. “But I digress. I suppose you’re all wondering why I called you here, yes?” Without letting them answer, he continued, “All of you have gifts and powers that are very important to me. I wish to use these abilities to my advantage, while also providing you with the care you need.” He briefly glanced at Twilight before turning to Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “You two earth ponies, Applejack and Pinkie Pie I believe, will return to your home in Ponyville.”
The other four turned to look at Applejack and Pinkie, who simply stared at Psyron in shock for a moment. AJ stuttered, “W-why thank you kindly, Yer Highness...” She pointed to the other four ponies. “But will they be coming along with us?”
He shook his head. “No. I have need of them here. Ponyville is to be a headquarters for my army, as well as an important rationing station. It has come to my knowledge that both of you prepare food for a living, and that Applejack in particular lives on an apple farm, is this not correct?”
AJ nodded and Pinkie scratched her head. “You want me to make cupcakes for your army?”
Psyron shrugged. “I care not what food it is, just that it is done. You two will be leaving for Ponyville today, along with a squadron of my soldiers. Life as you know it there will be drastically changed, but all for the better.” He then turned to Rarity and Fluttershy. “You two represent the Elements of Generosity and Kindness, and although those traits are useless and even detrimental in war, you will both be having a very important task ahead of you.”
Rarity smiled as best she could and bowed, “Whatever you ask of us, sire. What exactly are we to do?”
“You are to watch over and care for my youngest daughter, Obsidia. She is a very delicate creature and requires constant soothing and protecting.” His eyes narrowed and his voice lowered. “You see, the power that she wields is incontinent; once she unleashes it, she cannot control it. I have always been with her to help aid her in controlling and subduing her power, but on her own she cannot stop it. If left unchecked, the wave of obsidian glaze that she releases could potentially encase all of Equestria, killing everything in its wake.”
He let that horrifying notion sink in for a moment, then pointed a flaming hoof at Rarity and Fluttershy, causing them both to start. “It is your job to make sure that she stays in a composed state of mind and soul. I will be occupied with the coming battles, and thus will not have time to control her; you two must do this for me. Do not let her become overly upset, angered, frightened, or emotional in any way. Comfort and care for her as though your lives depended on it. Do you understand?”
Rarity gulped and nodded. She was certainly glad that Psyron was not tasking them with anything too difficult or uncomfortable, but the way he put it, it seemed as though the fate of Equestria could be resting in the hooves of herself and Fluttershy. She looked back at the timid pegasus, who stood back, quivering slightly and staring up at Psyron in anxiety. The unicorn walked over to her and placed a comforting hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder before turning to Psyron and answering boldly, “We will accept your most generous orders, sire. You can be sure that we will not disappoint you and will follow your instruction to the letter.”
Psyron nodded. “Good. Very good.” He turned away from them and once again faced the grounds below. “The four that I have already spoken to may leave my presence to attend to your duties. A train is departing for Ponyville in fifteen minutes, so you’d best be ready.”
They all stood still for a moment, pondering his instructions, then Applejack spoke up, “Wait a minute, are you sayin’ that you’re splitin’ us up fer good? Uh, Yer Highness...”
He turned to her with narrowed eyes. “Yes, I am. Is there a problem with that?”
AJ glanced around at the others and caught Twilight’s eye. Twilight shook her head slightly and AJ bit her lip and frowned. “Uh, no Yer Highness, I was just wonderin’ is all.”
“You will see each other eventually, but for now you will do as I say and attend to your duties. Now go.”
The ponies looked around at each other in sorrow. Two guards came up to AJ and Pinkie to escort them away. AJ tried to blink away tears as she waved goodbye to the others, “Ya’ll take care of yourselves, y’hear! We’ll tell everypony back home that you’re safe an’ well.”
Tears sprayed from Pinkie’s eyes as she hugged each of the others in turn, sobbing, “I’ll miss you guys so much!” She turned to hug Applejack goodbye, but AJ shoved her off. “Pinkie, I’m comin’ with you!”
“Oh yeah! Haha, silly me!”
They waved their last goodbyes over their shoulder as the guards led them out. Rarity and Fluttershy were next to leave, and they hugged Twilight and Rainbow Dash goodbye. Twilight patted Fluttershy’s hoof gently and smiled, “Don’t worry, Fluttershy, we’ll be seeing each other often, I’m sure. After all, we’re staying in the castle as well.” Fluttershy smiled sadly and followed Rarity out the door along with another pair of guards.
When the doors had closed, Twilight and Rainbow turned back to Psyron, who still stood with his back to them. There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment, then he spoke, his voice now low and tinged with the same dangerously calm air as the night before. “I assume that you had time to think about the offer I gave to you last night.”
Twilight suppressed a shudder of anger before replying calmly, “Yes, we have. And we have made a decision.” She glared hard at Rainbow Dash, who glanced at her briefly and turned her head away.
Psyron smiled slightly to himself before turning around to face them. “And what might your decision be?”
Twilight took a deep breath to muster up her courage and answered with a hard voice, “We are not going to serve in your army and fight others to prove superiority. We can help in other ways, but I refuse to take part in a useless war against the rest of the world. We decline your offer.”
There was a long, terrifying silence that followed. Psyron’s burning eyes gazed down at Twilight with white hot intensity, his face unreadable. Rainbow Dash sighed and looked strangely at Twilight before turning away again. Twilight bit her lip and shifted uncomfortably a little, but remained firm. Suddenly Psyron smiled. It was the same deadly, maniacal grin that they had seen the night before, only this time it seemed directed at her. The flaming alicorn chuckled darkly under his breath, sending a chill up Twilight’s spine.”
“Oh, I don’t think you quite understand. This was never a matter of whether or not you were going to serve me; it was a matter of whether you were going to do it willingly.”
The emphasis on this last word made Twilight’s heart sink and her eyes widen in horror. Psyron laughed harshly and bent down to face her. “I am going to ask you again: Are you going to serve in my army to help me conquer Equestria and the land beyond?”
Twilight had no idea of how to respond. She looked quickly at Rainbow Dash, who simply stood by, looking around as though nothing strange was happening at all. The sudden realization hit Twilight like a bolt from the blue. She leaped forward and snarled at Psyron, “What did you do to Rainbow Dash?!”
Psyron rose up again and stared flatly at her, his wings unfurling slightly for intimidation. “I knew from the moment that you tried to use the Elements against me, that Rainbow Dash here would be the most difficult to win over, given her intense loyalty to Celestia. So ever since then I have been implanting small psychic pins of information into her mind, slowly but surely convincing her that her loyalty rested in me alone.” He looked at the pegasus and grinned. “As of now, her mind belongs fully to me. She will soon be leading my air force.”
Energy began to spark off of Twilight’s horn as she glared hatred at Psyron and ground her teeth, whispering menacingly, “Let go of her mind. Now.”
Psyron looked down at her and snorted derisively. “Or what? You’re going to blast me with some magic bolts? Please, don’t embarrass yourself.”
Twilight couldn’t stand it any longer. With a yell of rage she fired out the beam of energy at Psyron. He raised a hoof slightly and a small pillar of fire shot up from the floor, blocking the beam with ease. At the same time, Twilight leaped over to Rainbow Dash and grabbed her, horn glowing again as she prepared to teleport out. They disappeared in a blast of light, but soon reappeared right where they had been before.
Psyron stepped closer to them and sneered as a dome of magic energy materialized around the balcony, completely sealing them in. “There’s no way for you to escape, my dear. Please just accept your fate one way or another.”
Rainbow Dash pulled herself away from Twilight and flew over beside Psyron, glaring at Twilight as she did. The unicorn stared in despair at them, sweat dripping from her brow and energy crackling weakly from her horn. Psyron’s question came again. “Will you join my army?”
The purple unicorn lowered her head and squeezed her eyelids tight, her body shuddering uncontrollably. After a long, tense moment she raised her head and opened her eyes, glaring at Psyron with pure defiance.
“No.”
The flaming alicorn’s face remained stern and impassive as he nodded slowly. “Very well then. Rainbow Dash, subdue her.”
Before Twilight could move, Dash hit her like a cannonball, throwing her backwards and knocking her to the ground. Twilight lay there on her back, the wind knocked out of her and her body aching. She watched helplessly as Psyron loomed up above her. He placed a hoof firmly on her belly, pinning her, before lowering his head, horn glowing ominously. “I am afraid that you leave me no choice, Twilight Sparkle. Welcome to my army.”
His horn lowered down further and gently touched the tip of Twilight’s own horn. There was a flash of magic energy and then.....
.... blackness.