> The Fall of Spike the Dragon
>  by Wrangle Wolfe
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Destruction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fire; a lovely warmth that surrounds this village, its green color dancing around beautifully. I felt warm looking at the flames... but I'd be lying if I said that my heart was content. No, behind the glorious green glow of flames is a broken, mentally unstable dragon. I know it’s true... I've descended into madness. Madness is not as everyone thinks it is. I don't know, I've always been different. Anyways, I feel as if I am free, as if reality was just holding me back from being happy. Reality is what has chained me and made me suffer for years. It was time to let go of the pain that I had once refused to leave.

And I did.

As I did, I have come to many realizations; one of them being that everypony is planning to get rid of me and anypony who gets in their way. It was clear when they all called me an animalistic beast that they were going to treat me as such. They'd either cage me or kill me. And if anypony tried to stop them... they'd do the same to them. It made sense. I heard somepony say that I should've done it. I should've died. And although I agree with them... it doesn't mean that Twilight does. She's all I've ever had. Although she has made so many mistakes and has hurt me so much, she loves me. I can tell she does... the look she gave me when she used to tuck me into bed, how proud she would sound whenever I achieved even the smallest of goals.

Then harmony happened. We had our bond, but she didn't know harmony and friendship until she met her friends. "I'm going out with my friends" she'd tell me as she was walking to go to a picnic while I was cleaning a library that nopony visited unless they had a problem for Twilight to handle. She never said 'our' friends... even when talking to me alone. And it's true, they were her friends. Fluttershy almost never spoke to me, Rainbow Dash hardly acknowledged me, Rarity was just pulling my strings like a puppet, Pinkie Pie never really tried to make me smile and Applejack ignored me even after I saved her life. Twilight worked me to death, but at least I existed to her. She is really the only thing I have.

Oh, I'm sorry, the one 'Spike' had. He died with my sanity, so once that part of me was gone, I was completely lost. Until I met my friends. My real friends.

What are you waiting for my friend?

One was named Confidence.

Yes... why wait? I haven't seen any blood spill yet.

Another was Darkness.

It's okay Spike, go ahead and do your thing. You'll be okay.

The last was Hope.

Well, at least that's what I called them and they didn't seem to mind. I've had many conversations with them. They always support me no matter what. They are real friends. Something I've always dreamed of having.

I listened to the terrified shrieks of ponies, foals crying and ponies falling. The smoke filled my nose as it rose in front of me as what was once the homes of many ponies turned to ash by my fire. Dropped items littered the ground. I had also torn down a few food stands and buildings in my rage. I frowned as I heard ponies calling me a monster and a beast. They were lucky I didn't burn them alive.

"Spike!" I heard a familiar voice yell.

"Leave me alone Twilight." I growled, turning towards the heartbroken mare.

"But Spike-"

"Spike!? Heh... I'm sorry to disappoint you Twilight, but Spike is dead! YOU KILLED HIM!"

Twilight stood there in shock, her pupils just tiny pinpricks. She took a step back and collapsed onto the charred remains of what was once Sugarcube Corner.

"And he's never coming back." I whispered coldly. But by the look of horror on her face, she heard every word loud and clear.

I turned around and walked away from the once happy and peaceful Ponyville, never looking back. I'd probably never see this place again. Good. Too any painful memories of how my life fell apart.

"Spike! Where are you go-"

"Listen very closely Twilight!" I whipped around and pinned her to the burnt grass. "Don't fucking follow me anywhere and don't call me Spike. I'm going away because I never want to see anypony's face ever again and I don't need you or your friends following me! Ponyville already wanted to kill me and when this news spreads, everypony else will want to kill me too. There's no turning back now, so don't you dare try to stop me!"

"S-spike," She choked out, struggling to breathe under my weight. "We... forgive you. J-just please stop! We can fix this!"

"There's nothing to be fixed," I put more weight on her, making her wheeze. "And I already told you... don't call me Spike!"

I let her go when her face started to turn blue, and kept walking. She didn't follow me. I didn't turn around. I didn't want to see her face twisted in pain and sorrow. 


Head towards Canterlot and kill those stupid nobles... Darkness ordered.

I don't know if I want to kill anypony...

You know that they want to kill you! What's stopping you from making those bastards pay?! 

Celestia and Luna...

Don't be an idiot! You have your own magic remember?

You're better than her! You'll be able to do this easily! Confidence spoke up.

I-If you say so...

That's the spirit! You're gonna be fine! Hope encouraged.

Next stop... Canterlot.


> A Trip to Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

My footsteps could be heard for a few miles as I headed towards Canterlot. I had grown a bit since that growth spurt I had a little while back, standing at about fifteen feet tall. I weighed at Celestia knows what and my claws... I could kill anypony or anything in less than two seconds just by poking them. My razor-sharp sharp teeth were clenched together tightly in anger as I walked through the grassy fields. All of these changes were terrifying and felt weird, but there's one thing that never changed: my eyes. They were still empty and emotionless, looking as if the life and color had faded out of them. But if you were to look closely, you could see beyond them. The fiery anger and determination that raged behind those dull, lifeless eyes. But nopony had bothered to look for a second. They ran and cursed at me. Their torches and weapons hadn't stood a chance. I never acknowledged them. Instead, I kept my dreary eyes locked on Canterlot. The seemingly impossible structure hanging in the most impossible place which could only be explained by magic. Without magic, it would've collapsed long ago. Or I could just go tear it off now. But I decided not to. I came for the nobles, and that's who'll die. Oh, and those who'll get in my way.

I heard the surprised gasps of ponies when I started to climb the mountain. My heavy weight made the mountain vibrate as I dug my claws into the earth. It only took me a few minutes to get to the middle, where Canterlot was located. I wasn't surprised to see that the streets were empty when I got there. After a while the ponies must've known exactly what to do when the ground rumbles, as it usually means that there's a huge villain approaching. Smart ponies.

"Idiots..." Darkness whispered in my head.

"Celestia! Luna! I know you're here!" I called out.

"Behind..."

I whipped around for the second time that day, this time with a familiar white alicorn struggling under my weight. She then attempted to stop me with her words. With herLies.

"Spike.. please stop this before somepony gets hurt!, If you stop now we can help you and-" She started, but I didn't plan on listening to her useless lies.

"There is no way to help me Celestia. I'm too far gone!"

"Spike, please just try! Try to calm down!" She begged.

"Calm down... CALM DOWN!?" I roared in her face. She flinched and shifted as if she really wanted to remove herself from her position. I didn't know or care why she hadn't teleported yet.

"Luna..."

I ignored Darkness.

"You want me to fucking calm down?! You try being ignored and abused for years, losing your home and your most cherished item, having the pony you love play you like a puppet and having ponies wanting your death! You try to live that life instead of having ponies bow to you every day! Luna's even had a harder life than you! Feel my pain before you EVER try to tell me to calm down!"

"Luna."

I could see the tears forming in Celestia's eyes as she struggled to keep her breath steady. She failed as her breaths came out uneven and ragged and she struggled to breathe under my weight. She couldn't form any words; her mouth just hung uselessly as she tried not to believe what was happening. Here I was, the dragon that used to love and respect her. Now I was just a dragon now filled with nothing other than neverending rage. I had to tell Twilight that Spike was gone, but Celestia knew. She knew that this was not the same dragon she'd seen grow up alongside Twilight, but a dragon that had lost everything from his innocence to his sanity. This was someone else. A dragon corrupted by sadness. anger, and darkness.

"Luna! Behind you!"

I felt heat on my back scales, and I turned around to see Princess Luna scowling at me. I turned around completely, still clenching her in my claws. Celestia had stopped wiggling weakly long ago. She just stayed in place, looking guilty.

"It is her fault that we've lived in pain for so many years... "Darkness sneered.

"Unhand my sister Spike!" Luna yelled. She looked as if she hadn't been expecting any of this to happen. She had told me one day that she was my friend too. But she never tried to help me. All she did was tell me useless stuff in one dream and left me alone. She never sent any letters or visited me to see if I was okay. She never cared. Nopony cared.

"Okay, I will unhand Celestia..." I said. I wasn't planning on hiding my intentions from her, because it wouldn't matter anyways. I would be straightforward and tell her exactly what I want.

"Really?" She asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I will... if you send your nobles to me." I finished. She looked confused and tilted her head.

"Why do you wish to see the nobles of Canterlot, Spike?" She asked, unsure of what I wanted. I squeezed Celestia a bit harder at her mentioning the name I went by before all this happened.

"I intend on killing the little bastards."

Luna gasped and stepped backwards.

"Spike... what happened to you?" She whispered.

"Celestia happened to me... that's what."

"Celestia has nothing to-"

"He's right..." Came a hoarse voice from my right claw.

Something in my mind clicked. I don't know how or why, but there was just as the voice from Celestia reached my ears, I jumped in surprise. I had never heard Celestia sound so... guilty and defeated. Her head always stood tall, even in the darkest moments. Now... now she hung her head, tears flowed freely from her eyes and her body was limp in my claw. A part of me loved hearing it.

"I-it is my fault. If I had just sent him to his mother... instead of taking him. If I had been thinking, none of this would have happened." Celestia spoke softly.

I ignored her.

"Give me your prissy and self-centred nobles NOW!" I roared. But I knew it was no use. They would probably try to fight me before they ever let me get near their little ponies.

"No. You unhand my sister and leave our ponies alone!" Luna yelled.

"You're not stopping me. Even if you say no, I'll kill those fuckers anyways. You don't have a choice!"

"I hoped it wouldn't come to this..." She flapped her wings preparing to fight me. I had different plans.

"Stop right there Luna, or I'll break her fucking horn off!" I threatened.

I could feel the heat of Celestia's horn charging a spell. I wasn't going to let her get off that easy though. I tugged her horn, making her lose her concentration, immediately diffusing the spell.

"Do that again, and it's off." I growled.

I didn't feel it again.

"So what's it going to be, Luna?" I said as I started to tilt my claw holding her horn. "You gonna hand over those useless ponies, or watch you sister get her horn torn off?"

"Protect our ponies, Luna. I'll be fine..." She called out weakly.

"S-stop this Spike! I... won't let you kill them."





All of the ponies of Ponyville looked at the burnt remains of what used to be their peaceful little town in sadness and anger. But their anger soon vanished as they saw a familiar purple alicorn in the middle of the destruction, tears flowing down her face, her eyes empty. Her friends surrounded her and they all got together into a hug, tears falling down all of their faces. A few ponies walked up to them to try and offer their support, but they were surprised when Twilight snapped her head at them, her face scrunched up in rage.

"Back the fuck off!" She screamed.

"But Princess Twilight-" A random pony tried to speak.

"I SAID BACK OFF!!!" She screamed again, this time using the royal canterlot voice for the first time.

Is was dead silent.

"Are you fucking proud of yourselves?! You got what you wanted! Spike is gone! You all couldn't show him any respect! I heard what some of you have said about him when you thought I wasn't listening. You all wanted him dead! You didn't give two fucks about the dragon who has helped me save Equestria and even saved my live once! If it weren't for him, you'd have to worry about more than just Ponyville being fucked up! You can all go FUCK YOURSELVES!" Twilight yelled, breathing hard as she finished.

"AAAAAAGGHHH!" A shriek of pain echoed out in the air. Everypony looked around wondering who could've made that noise until a white blur crashed in front of Twilight, causing dirt and ashes to fly into her face. When it cleared, everypony gasped and mothers covered their foals eyes.

Right there in a mini crater was Princess Celestia. Her long mane had stopped flowing and her forelegs were bent at an unnatural angle. But the worst of her injuries was her horn. Or, what was once her horn. Now it was a deep wound on her head, gushing blood everywhere. Her eyes frozen straight ahead, her mind unable to process the pain that she was in. Everypony was frozen in shock, and jumped when another white blur crashed into the ground, but this time it didn't make dirt fly up. Right there, stuck into the ground, was Celestia's bloodied horn.

> It Gets Worse...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Everypony was at a loss for words. Right there was their ruler's horn, a bloody mess on the ground. Princess Celestia herself was speechless; her mouth was open wide and her pupils were tiny pinpricks as she lay in the dirt in pain. 

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight yelled as she got over her shock.

Her mind tried to come up with ways to fix this, but it was blank. No matter how hard she tried, she got nothing. Finally, she couldn't think at all. It was too much; Spike's suicide attempt, the depression, sadness, pain, tears, rage and now this. She just couldn't take it any more. Twilight sat there for a long moment, staring out into space, doing absolutely nothing, until finally, she fell into the dirt beside her former mentor.





Luna stared at me in shock and disbelief. I hadn't hesitated to do it at all. In fact, I did it swiftly, with absolutely no emotion on my face. I hadn't even blinked. Luna stood there, staring at my empty eyes; I stared back. We were stuck like that, not saying a word, just... staring. That is until I acted suddenly. In only a few seconds, Luna was engulfed in my fire. She hadn't moved out of the way fast enough; her shock delayed her reaction, and there was no escape for her. She screamed in surprise and pain, trying to get out of the green flames, but it was no use. My inner magic kept her from moving and she was stuck.

"W-what is this?!" She yelled in shock.

"Magic." Was all I said back, and I felt my magic growing stronger. Soon, the feeling was gone, and Luna had stopped struggling.

Good, you weren't lying about my abilities, Darkness. Not that it would have mattered.

I would never lie to you, my friend. Now, send her to the middle of the Everfree...

Don't have to tell me twice.

Hmm... you seem to be more confident, friend... Confidence added. That's a good sign. Now with more of me, you will show no mercy. Without us, you'd be a coward. I guess Twilight was right about the magic of friendship.

Yeah, she was. Though, I have a feeling that her friendship won't help her now. Or, perhaps it will.

What do you mean by that, friend?

Maybe, if she just knew how to be friends with me and wasn't so dense... Maybe none of this would have happened.

But it has! So it doesn't matter anymore. The ponies have wronged you, and now you must teach them a lesson!

"Goodbye Luna. Have fun dying in the middle of a monster infested forest where you belong, you lying bitch!" Was my last words before I threw her down deep into the Everfree forest. I stood there quietly for a moment before turning around in the direction of where the ponies scattered off to. I didn't waste time looking for the bastard ponies. Instead, I began to crush and burn every house or mansion I saw. If forced the hiding ponies to scatter out, attempting to outrun my towering form and certain death, but I was too fast.I picked up the first pony I saw. All of the ponies looked prissy, so there was no telling which was nobles and which was not. I guessed I'd have to kill them all. Oh well. Can't say I didn't try to show a little restraint and mercy.

"So... you were one of the fuckers that wanted me dead, yes?" I growled. The stallion I was holding shook his head vigorously, crying tho whole time, begging to be released. "... Well, if you truly didn't, then you can thank the fuckers who did for this happening. I'll make sure it's agonizing and slow..." After my little 'speech', I engulfed him in my flames, I could control how my flames worked at any time. He'll be burning for at least an hour and when the flames stopped, he'll be in pain for another half an hour before he finally dies. I'll make sure he gets a clear view of everypony else burning to death as he dies. And they'll die quicker than him.

"Stop right now Spike!" I heard  familiar voice call from behind me. I turned my had around slowly and faced the pony who said that. I wasn't surprised to see Twilight's big brother, Shining Armor.

To be truthful, I didn't really want to hurt him. He was more of a friend to me than all of Twilight's friends combined. He had hung out with me when we still lived in Canterlot, always saying that there was too many mares around and that I needed a stallion in my life. He was like a big brother to me, and I felt a connection to him. Whenever I was down, he would be the pony I always went to first for advise. He played with me a lot, showed my how to play hoofball and we were inseparable. We had some good times, cracking jokes, and when I claimed I was old enough to and begged him for an hour, we spent time talking about what mares looked the best. I sent him a letter telling him what was happening back before I went on a rampage, but he said he was super busy dealing with being royalty and fixing up the Crystal Empire after the Sombra incident (Yes, they still had trouble with that), but he'd come as soon as he could. But he didn't come soon enough. 

Actually, now that I think of it, I kind of regret going on a rampage. I could've ran off to the Crystal Empire instead of doing this. I could've been with the ponies who looked up to me because I was their hero. I could've seen Shining Armor and talked to him again and tried to get things almost back to normal. But instead, I chose this route and I let him down. My only friend that wasn't just a voice in my head... I had somepony and I still did this. There's no way he'll be able to forgive me for this. My eyes widened and my heart dropped. I had absolutely nothing now. Now... due to my dumb actions... I had absolutely nopony. I was now alone in this world. There's nopony else that loves me anymore. It's over.

But I didn't cry. I just looked at Shining Armor with a sad look in my eyes.

"Go away." I whispered.

"No! You know I won't just-"

"I SAID GO AWAY!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. Shining Armor rubbed his ears.

"I was able to take down two goddesses, Shining! TWO! I really don't wan't to hurt you, so go away." I felt something well up inside me. It wasn't good.

"I refuse!" He yelled.

He was a stubborn fool.

"Go!"

"No!"

"GO!"

"It's not gonna happen!"

"GO DAMMIT!" 

My body began to shake and my head was pounding. I clenched my head in my claws and my eyes were shut tight. Something was burning me inside of me and out. I panted heavily, and opened my eyes, but seeing nothing but darkness. 

"LEAVE NOW!" My voice boomed, but it was deeper and scarier than my normal voice. I felt something cold and hot at the same time running up my body. All of a sudden, extreme pain pulsated through my entire body making me scream in agony. It was like my body was being ripped apart and put back together and then back apart. It was pure agony.






"Hey Rainbow Dash! Could you fly me around Ponyville for a while! I wan't to see how awesome it is to fly!"

"Oh, hey there Spike. Sorry, I ain't got any free time right now. See ya!"

...

"Hiya there Spike!"

"Hey there Pinkie! How's it going?"

"Great! I just made a new flavor of cupcakes today and they're super duper delicious!"

"Cool! Can I have so-"

"Oh, I have to go make some more muffins! We ran out and I almost forgot about them! See ya later Spike!"

"Oh... um, bye... I guess."

...

"Hey Fluttershy!"

"Oh, hi there Spike, how are you today."

"Good as always."

"Oh that's nice I-"

"Where's Angel going?"

"Oh no! Angel! Sorry Spike, but I must go and get Angel. I'll see you later!"

"Yeah... later... 

There was no later.

...

"Hey Applejack!"

"Sorry Spike. Can't talk. Gotta buck apples."

...

"Spike, you don't understand how it feels to love somepony only for them to love somepony else!"

...

"Spike, clean up while I'm gone!"

"Spike, come get this book."

"Spike, you stay here."

"Stay here."

"Spike."

"SPIKE!"

"SPIKE!!!" 





"SHUT UUUUP!!!" I yelled. "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"

"Spike?" Shining Armor was looking at me weirdly. I turned towards him in rage.

"SHUT UP!" 

The sound of breaking bones and tearing flesh reached my ears. It sounded so loud and I felt like I was about to go deaf. It only angered me even more.

"SHUT UP!"

Crunch!

It got even louder and it was the only thing I could hear. At least it was until...

"SPIKE!"

"I HATE THAT NAME!"

Crunch!

"I love you Spike!"

"NO YOU DON'T! NOPONY EVER DID."

CRUNCH!

"I care about you!"

"FUCK YOU!"

Suddenly, silence. Absolutely no noise was heard. I no longer could hear the crunch of bodies being crushed or that useless name being called. I couldn't hear that damned voice comeing from everywhere but nowhere at all. I couldn't even hear that fire that I knew was surrounding me that should have been crackling and popping. 

I opened my eyes and looked around me. The old me would've puked in disgust or have been traumatized for life. Now... I just stared. Right in front of me was a sea of dead bodies, blood and ashes scattered everywhere. I saw that stallion I picked up earlier and he looked traumatized. I looked beck to what used to be Shining Armor, now just a cold corpse laying in its own foul blood. I looked around some more and saw two more familiar faces. I fell on my knees.

"Mom... Dad..." I whispered. They were still breathing surprisingly, but they'd die in a few minutes. I blew my magical flames around their body and teleported them in front of Ponyville's hospital. Hopefully somepony'd find them and help them My fire had also healed them enough to make them last another 10 minutes. My head jerked upwards and I went through my memories. Did I destroy the hospital? I shrugged and turned back to Shining Armor and after hesitating, I teleported him to Ponyville too.

"Spike!"

"I HATE THAT NAME!"

That's enough friend. Darkness whispered. I wanted to cry so badly, but I forced myself not to. I wanted things to go back to normal.

But then again, when was anything ever normal in my life?





> Stuck In the Everfree
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Told From Luna's Perspective) 

Pain. All I could feel was pain when I woke up. I yawned, stretching my aching body and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. It was cold. That's pretty odd, I thought I was asleep in my... bed? No... no this was dirt and grass that I was laying on, I'm sure of it. I'm apparently in a forest... but there's absolutely no noise around me. But how did I get here? Did Celestia...

"I'll break her fucking horn off!"

No... no it couldn't be real.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?!"

Spike couldn't have...

"Goodbye Luna. Have fun dying in the middle of a monster infested forest where you belong, you lying bitch!"

He did. He had torn Celestia's horn clean off of her head without hesitation. He threw her all the way to Ponyville. Then, he threw me to the Everfree forest...

I got up aching everywhere on my body, my bones making popping noises as I stretched. Just how long had I been here? How much damage did Spike cause so far? I stretched my wings... well, I would've stretched them if I didn't feel a sharp pain in them. I screamed in agony.

"C-crap...Ah! T-they're broken...." I choked out while groaning in pain.

I sat there for a moment, stretching a bit more until the stiffness left my body. I then prepared a teleporting spell and let the energy out of my horn expecting to be in the castle until...

Fizzle!

"Wait, no... this can't be happening!" But no matter how hard I tried, my spell just fizzled off. I checked my horn for a magic suppressor, but found nothing there. What did he do to me?! 

I'd just have to... find a way out of the Everfree without magic or flight... or protection... and try not to get eaten by a monster. Suddenly, I heard rustling leaves to my right and froze up. While holding my breath, I slowly turned my head, hoping and praying that it wasn't a manticore. Luck wasn't on my side and I saw a lion paw emerge from the darkness, a soft thud could be heard as it made contact with the damp ground. Hopefully the beast didn't notice me. My heart raced as I watched it slowly inch forward as if it were stalking its prey. I felt tears form in my eyes. I couldn't die. Not like this. Not when Celesta might need me. Or the ponies of Equestria. I was shaking and my lungs started to burn. I didn't dare breathe as the smallest of things could get its attention. It stood there for a moment, looking around  My legs began to grow weak and I felt dizzy. I had to breathe. Everything got even darker and blurry as I attempted to hold by breath in longer, but it was no use. The urge to breathe was too great. 

An exhale and inhale later, the beast quickly turned its head in my direction. Tears fell out of my eyes as I just knew that I was going to become food. I couldn't run; I was still very stiff and in pain from laying in an uncomfortable position on the ground for the moon knows how long. My wings were useless, as they'd apparently been broken either from Spike or from the landing. My magic was useless at the moment and only fizzles when I attempt to use it. I was out of options. This moment will be the end of me.

Time went in slow motion as I saw the wild animal pounce towards me. I could make out all of its features, see its bright blue eyes, make out every single hair on its body. it was happening so slow that I could even see the wind rippling through its fur. The wind, even on me, was slowly and gently blowing the hair on both of our bodies. It was so close, I could now feel and smell its horrid breath. 

Everything happened so fast. A large blur of brown intercepted the manticore and pushed it aside. My heart stopped in shock. That... was way too close. Its teeth had actually scratched across my face, making warm blood trail down my muzzle. I looked to my right to see an even bigger manticore roar at my attacker, making it run away. I let out a sigh of relief until I realised that the bigger beast had probably came to get me and scared the other to have me all for itself. It came towards me, and I closed my eyes in fear, expecting to be eaten alive just to receive... a lick to the face? I opened my eyes in surprise and saw the beast licking my long mane with a big smile on its face.

"Why did you help me?" I whispered, not expecting an answer.

"Because you're one of those ponies!"

"WHAT IN THE MOON'S MANE?! How are you speaking to me?!" I screamed in shock.

"A touch of Discord's magic back when he was evil. Your magic didn't bring the Everfree back to normal at the end of his reign, so some of the animals here can actually speak. but of course, we're not very normal, because this is chaotic magic. Although I am usually calm and collected, I can get really hyper and excited at random times. But yeah, that's why the animals, weather and plants can get pretty chaotic here." He explained. It... actually made sense.

"U-um... o...kay? Well, thank you for saving my life!"

"Oh, that was nothing. I know that you ponies are nice. Especially that pink and yellow pony; when that thorn got stuck in my paw, it drove me mad because I couldn't get it out, and she helped me even though I attacked her friends. Speaking of that, I'll have to apologise to her soon." He mumbled.

"Well, do you know the way out of the forest?" I asked.

"Of course I do! I've lived here all of my life! But it'll take a week or more."

"A week or more?! H-how deep are we in the forest?"

"The very middle." 

My mouth dropped. Spike... really wanted me to die. The middle of the forest? This is where the most dangerous animals roamed, ready to kill. I would have to deal with way more than just a manticore now. No, there'd be hydras and chimeras and other horrible creatures around. I was lucky this manticore just happened to love ponies.

We started walking in what seemed like a random direction on the way to Ponyville hopefully. An awkward silence had fallen between us at that moment, until he turned his head to me for a moment.

"So, how'd you get lost way in the middle of the forest?" The manticore asked.


"It's a long story..."

"And we have a long way to walk." He said with a grin.

"Well, I had been signing some papers in Canterlot," I began, seeing green fire in front of me, swirling around us. "Just having a normal day full of work. Then my sister burst into my office, tears in her eyes, panicking like it was the end of the world..."

"Woah," The manticore said with a look of wonder on his face. "It's hard to imagine Celestia crying."

"Yes, I bet a lot of ponies would say that about both Celestia and I. But what most seem to forget is that we are ponies too, and we have feelings that can be hurt. Back to the story, I asked what was wrong and once she calmed down, she told me that we were being attacked. I knew it had to be horrible, because she was crying so hard. When I asked who it was, I was surprised to see that it was that dragon friend that her former student lived with. He had gown to the size of a large building and was trying to kill the ponies of Canterlot. I... didn't expect that look in his eyes. They looked so lifeless. A-any way, my sister and I tried to convince him to stop, and we hardly got to do anything to him and he attacked. He... broke Celestia's horn off..."

The manticore winced at that. I had to agree that it sounded really painful.

"... and threw me here, in hopes that I'd die. He did something to block my magic and broke my wings, so I was stuck here." I concluded my story.

"Well then! You need to get out of here fast! We can reduce the time by running." He said.

"But I can't run..."

"I know!" He exclaimed merrily and suddenly grabbed me with his mouth and flung me onto his back. "Hold on tight!"

I barely got a chance to get a good grip on his neck before he started moving full speed ahead.



> Plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Twilight!" Five voices rang through the air in panic. They didn't know what to do. The shock of seeing the most powerful and respected pony that made every day possible in such a state had made their minds come to a sudden halt. Everypony looked away from Celestia to Canterlot and what they saw made them gasp in horror. Right where Celestia had been flung from was the large form of the dragon they'd tried to attack, surrounded by green flames. 

"Well don't just sit there!" A random stallion yelled from the crowd, startling everypony. "There are injured ponies to care for!" That got everypony out of their shocked daze. The mane five rushed over to Twilight and Celestia, and scowled when other ponies attempted to help.

"Get. Away. Now." Applejack growled with a furious glare.

"But we only want to help..." A mare in the front of the crowd said softly.

"Ah think ya'll dun helped enough, don'tcha think!" She exclaimed and gestured to the piles of ashes that were once their homes.

"It's not our fault that monster decided to go on a rampage!" Said another stallion. 

"Don't you dare call Spike a monster! You all made him a monster! You are all the monsters!" Applejack yelled with a stomp of her hoof, then lowered her head in guilt. "And so are we..." 

"Come on ya'll, the Princesses need our help..." Applejack said in a defeated voice.

Nopony else said anything for a while, until Nurse Red Heart decided to speak up.

"Are you sure you don't need any professional help?"

"I'm a pony who gets hurt workin' on the farm all the time. Rainbow's a pony who crashes into buildings almost every day while doin' new stunts. Rarity is a pony who works with scissors and needles every day along with other heated and dangerous items. Fluttershy heals up animal wounds all the time. Pinkie Pie is Pinkie Pie. Now if we don't know how to heal up sum scars an' wounds, we'd most likely be dead by now as many times as we dun been injured. If we do need sum 'professional help', we always got Zecora. Now ya'll go tend to the other ponies who really need yer help."  

Applejack picked up Twilight and Celestia's horn while the other four lifted Celestia and headed towards the Everfree. All of them did know how to cure wounds, but since the supplies was burnt they would have to go to the only place that hadn't been attacked, which was Zecora's abode. The rest of Ponyville scattered around to find any ponies that were possibly trapped somewhere in all of the debris.

After arriving to Zecora's hut, they explained what happened to the shaman. She mixed a brew that would heal them, but could not restore Celestia's horn. It was after all of this that Twilight woke up.

"What happened to me?" She mumbled groggily as she attempted to sit up, but the pain made her regret the action.

"You must not move, Twilight just stay at rest. Trust me when I say it is for the best." Zecora said and gently pushed her back down onto the bed.

"What happened to me?" The asked once again once her head stopped pounding. 

"You fainted. We were worried sick about you and since we didn't have any supplies to help, we brought you here." Fluttershy explained to the confused lavender mare.

"No... supplies?" Fluttershy squeaked in surprise when she realized that she'd said too much. "Why wouldn't we have... Oh my Celestia! No... I-it can't be. It can't be real. It... it wasn't a nightmare?" Twilight's voice wavered as she began to cry.

"Ah'm sorry Twi..." Applejack said as she gently held the mare in her hooves. "We all are." 

They got into a big group hug and held it for a long time before parting and sitting in silence. I was awkward, until Fluttershy decided to speak up and say what was on everypony's mind.

"What do we do now?" She asked.

"Well... we have to stop him somehow." Applejack said.

"Indeed," Rarity agreed, speaking for the first time in hours. "But I don't want to hurt him. The poor dear has already been hurt enough."

"What about the rainbow power?" Rainbow Dash spoke up.

"Rainbow Dash! How dare you suggest such a thing after the cruel punishment it gave Tirek?! For heaven's sake he was banished to Tartarus!" Rarity said in horror.

"Well then, if I'm such a bad guy, you tell us how to stop him! You come up with something better even though the only thing we've ever used on a villain was the elements of harmony and a crystal heart that's all the way in the Crystal Empire! All of Ponyville who tried to attack him already proved that we can't fight against a fifteen foot tall dragon! He doesn't want to listen to a word we say because this is all of our faults!" Rainbow dash yelled, her voice starting to leave her. She had been crying and yelling too much. The room was silent for a moment. "So you tell me..." She whispered. "Tell me what other choice we have, Rarity."

"Y-y... you're right Rainbow Dash. I'm sorry, it... i-it's just th-that..." Rarity didn't finish and sobbed quietly. Everypony hung their heads low, their ears flat against their heads.

"I don't see no other choices either." Applejack said solemnly. 

Nopony had anything else to say on the matter. They all knew what they had to do. That still didn't mean they wanted to though.





"You know, my friend, you could rule this land if you wanted to..." Darkness whispered to me. I sighed once again at the suggestion.

"How many times I gotta tell you, I don't give a crap about ruling over these damned ponies! They're idiots anyways.

"So, what will you do? Kill all the ponies until you have nopony left?"

"I've been alone all this time. What would be so different?"

"Okay then, Spike. You can do as you wish. Now, what do you actually plan to do?"

"I'll just crush their towns and watch as they attempt to build themselves up again and crush them again. That is until they lose hope and give up, dying a slow and painful death or committing suicide until almost all of them are dead. The ponies left will live a long life of terror at my side. That is how I will spend my long dragon life. Watch ponies struggle and crush all of their hopes and happiness until I die."

"That's a dark path to walk down, boy." A familiar voice said behind me.

"Well, it looks like I've already walked down half of it, don't you think?" I said, not turning around.

"Yes, it would seem that you've done a large amount of disaster to the ponies and yourself, young drake." 

"Well, it is what I'm known for; causing problems."

My mismatched friend teleported in front of me, a concerned look on his face. 

"Spike... please don't do this. You may think that there's nothing worse than what you've already been through, but trust me when I say there's always something worse."

"It doesn't matter..." I chuckled coldly, darkness beginning to cloud my vision. "I can't feel anything anyway." I could've sworn I heard something faintly whispering, saying 'Yes... let the darkness consume you'.

"You know, I can't allow you to go that far. As much as I hate how these ponies have treated you, a lot of them are innocent, and I have to protect the innocent." Discord said grimly.

"You can do as you wish Discord. It doesn't matter though, no matter what you do, it won't change the fact that these ponies are in for a world of pain." 

"Please, stop this madness. Don't let the darkness consume you."

'Get rid of him... he's just like those ponies'.

"I'm not stopping. Now, I believe we will see each other soon. But for now, surprise mother fucker." Just as I said that, a green blade made out of fire stabbed through his chest from behind him. He floated there, his face frozen in shock and pain and he looked down at his chest, then back at me. After making a gurgling noise, probably from the thick blood that was most likely rising in his throat, he let out a weak scream as he plummeted to the ground. It took him at least half a minute to make the long decent to the ground. At the end of his fall, I could hear a loud thud and a couple of bones cracking.

"I'm sorry this happened to you, Discord. You were maybe the only one who understood. But you took their side. "I got closer to him and bent down so that my face was only a couple of feet away from his. "You got too close to them when they forgave you and let you roam free. "I stood back up, turning away from the draconequus. He didn't move or respond to anything I said. "But of course, they won't forgive me. I am worthless to them." I walked away. He'd be okay. It would take way more than that to kill the spirit of chaos. I just left him hurt and weakened. 

I knew exactly what I was going to do now. Soon, the ponies will experience what if feels like to live in pain and have no way out of it no matter how hard they try to escape. The pain shall be eternal.
> The Destruction of Equestria Part I : Baltimare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was no warning for the poor ponies in Baltimare, minding their own business and trotting around in blissful ignorance. They didn't know of the large drake making his way to them until they heard his heavy footsteps on the earth. Nopony was prepared for him as he towered above them all baring his fangs angrily. Screams rang through the air as the ponies ran and attempted to escape their inevitable deaths. Green fire spread quickly and soon, another town looked like hell on earth. Ponies started to get stuck on debris and burned in green flames, slowly burning off their fur and skin. The stallions tried to rush the mares out of the area, but were little help as they soon perished from one of the many dangers that were going on at once. If it wasn't the fire, it was something falling on them, or Spike either stepping on them like insects. Sometimes, it would be him clawing at other ponies, tearing their insides into shreds. For a few ponies, he'd put them in his mouth and spit them out and once they hit the ground, you could see many bite marks on their bodies. It was a truly disturbing scene that could make anyone sick to their stomachs. 

Spike on the other hoof was hardly aware with what was going on. He blindly attacked anything that moved. As he attacked the helpless ponies, he screamed in agony and anger. He hated the crunching of their bodies as he continued to decapitate the heads off of ponies. It rang in his ears and he couldn't get it out of his head. His attacks were swift, but a lot of times he didn't fully kill the ponies. In his blind rage, he failed to see how many ponies he had injured but were still alive and crawling away. The main reason a lot of then died was because he stomped on a lot of them who couldn't run fast enough, or they had lost too much blood. Still, he inflicted injuries that would last a lifetime. 

The insane drake screamed in anger as he heard the ponies yell 'monster' near him. Of course they were wrong... or so he thought. 

"YOU ALL DESERVE TO DIE!" His menacing voice could be heard throughout the whole town. This frightened the ponies even more, encouraging them to run faster. When nopony thought it could be any scarier, hey heard his maniacal laughter ringing in their ears, a sound they'd never forget until the day they died. Everypony also realized, that said day was likely today.

Equestria was used to large demons and other threats showing up all of the time, but this was unheard of. None of the demons that reside in the depths of Tartarus had managed to kill anypony directly. Yes, ponies would die from whatever they changed with the magic or anything like that. For example, the windigos killed several ponies using a natural disaster and Discord killed others by driving them insane to the point that they killed themselves. But never did a villain directly cut through the flesh of ponies with their own claws. Spike was something foreign to all of ponykind. He did the unthinkable and his sins will be remembered for all of pony thousands of years to come. 





"Girls?"

Everypony turned their head to Twilight, who seemed to be looking out into nowhere with a look of dread on her face. 

"D-do any of you... remember how to even use the rainbow power?" She asked quietly.

A round of collective gasps sounded in Zecora's living room. They hadn't thought that through. None of them even knew how to activate their powers if they needed to. When they opened the chest it was an automatic response, but how do they do it without the chest? Each mare's heart dropped as they realized what this could mean for Equestria. Total destruction played through their minds.

"Our only choice is to talk him out of it." Applejack said.

"But he won't listen to us AJ. We're the reason he's like that, remember?" Rainbow dash said dejectedly. 

"Well, until we find out how to work the rainbow power, what else do you s'pose we do?"

"..." 

Nopony had another plan. They were running out of options. How would they deal with this new situation? They overthrew tyrants, gods and demons. But this was their corrupted friend, who actually dismembered Celestia's horn and destroyed their entire village. A dragon who will live for thousands of years, with scales that are rougher than diamond and can withstand almost any abuse who will not hesitate to destroy them all. How can you convince an insane dragon to stop attacking the ones who hurt him? The odds were that he'd either ignore them or kill them in his blind rage. 

They sat there for a long time, silently pondering what to do, until a brown stallion walked into the door with a white stallion on his back. He was breathing heavily and sweating, nearly collapsing from the unicorn's weight. He carefully set him onto the floor and regained his breath. That's when he finally decided to speak.

"Hello, I'm Time Turner and I couldn't help but notice your brother here was in front of where the hospital used to be." He said to Twilight, which prompted her to stop crying for a moment and look at the colt in front of her.

"Shiny!" She exclaimed and hurriedly knelt down to hug him, until she noticed that his heartbeat was really weak and slow. Tears formed in her eyes. He was dying quickly. Zecora knelt down and immediately gave him a potion. She sighed in relief.

"Luckily for you, he should be fine in an hour or two." Zecora told Twilight. Twilight smiled for the first time in weeks and cried happy tears, while holding onto her brother. 

"Excuse me ladies, but I'm afraid there are two more familiar faces here." Time Turner said as two ponies, a gray pegasus and a blue stallion walked in with two more ponies. The grey pegasus, Derpy Hooves, had gray mare and behind her, Noteworthy, was slowly dragging himself through the door with a stallion that had the same color scheme as him. Noteworthy collapsed onto the floor and slowly rolled the stallion off of his back, while he struggled to breathe. Derpy raised an eyebrow at him.

"We... uh... didn't walk that far, Noteworthy..." She said.

"What do you mean we didn't walk that far?! It felt like we were walking for hours!" He yelled.

"We only walked for ten minutes..."

"But I was carrying a full-grown stallion on my back!"

"And I was carrying a full-grown mare... You're really out of shape."

"Hey, I'm a book writer, not a body builder!"

"But still-"

"Okay you two," Time Turner interrupted. "stop bickering, we have more urgent things to worry about." He pointed to the ponies they carried.

"Oh, right, sorry Doctor." Derpy apologized.

"Why does everypony insist on calling me that? I'm not even a-"

"Uh, Doctor... you're starting to get off topic too..."

"Huh... oh! Er... sorry everypony. Now, back to business. Um, I managed to help them a little bit using what we had to work with... which wasn't much... but they are in bad shape at the moment and do require much better medical assistance than we could offer to them." He explained to Zecora. The shaman nodded and after examining their injuries, went to go mix up a brew on the other side of the room. 

Twilight began to cry harder than before. She couldn't believe that she had angered Spike enough for him to do this to their own parents and brother. Time Turned turned towards the distraught princess and gave her a look of sympathy.

"I'm sorry that all of this had to happen to you Princess Twilight. Neither you or your assistant deserved to go through any of this pain." Time Turner said sadly.

"Spike never deserved it... But I... I do. I treated him wrong and it's all my fault... And now-"

"Please don't say that." Time Turner said. "We all make our mistakes. You didn't intend for this to happen. I'm sure that we'll find some way to get things close to normal again. It will be a long, hard struggle, but somehow we'll all pull through."

"'We'? You mean you'll help us?" Twilight asked, wiping away her tears. Time Turner nodded. "But, we don't want anypony else to get hurt because of our mistake."

"Oh we'll be fine!" Time Turner said, waving his hoof dismissively. "Derpy and I can handle it! Though I can't say the same for Noteworthy, though."

Noteworthy had just managed to breathe normally and glared at Time Turner. "What do you mean by that. I think I'd do just fine."

"You couldn't even handle a ten minute walk." Derpy interjected.

"Er... right. Now I think I have a way to solve this dilemma... though it could go wrong in many ways." Time Turner said.

"What's that?" Asked Applejack, who was quietly listening to everything that happened. 

"We could take my TARDIS, which can go back in time but... you see, the TARDIS has a mind of it's own, meaning it could send us somewhere we don't want to go."

"Why don't we try something that'll keep us in this time period?" 

"Well, we could always try and... convince him to stop?" 

"That's what we were gonna do the firs time. And if that didn't work we were gonna try to find out how to use rainbow power. After that, we had nothing, so it's good to know we have another option." 

"Wait, you have a TIME MACHINE?!?!" Noteworthy yelled in surprise when he finally comprehended what Time Turner said.

"Ow... Yes I do, would you please stop yelling?" Time Turner said, rubbing his ear.

"Er... sorry."

So the ponies sat there and planned out what they needed to do and though of some more ideas. Hopefully for Equestria, they will succeed. 






Where Spike is currently causing chaos:


 


> Meeting Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I looked at the flames as they danced gracefully across the city, crawling up broken walls and slithering around debris. Blood stained the dirt below and corpses littered the town, some burning, others spilling blood. A few bodies twitched, as if they were refusing to die, but I knew that they would stop soon. It wouldn't even take a full minute for their defiance to die down along with their breath and life. One single tear fell down my face as I surveyed the damage done to the town.

I never thought that I'd see anything like this in my life... I'm a monster...

No, my friend, the ponies are the monster. They did this to themselves. THEY caused all of this damage and death

Yeah... yeah, you're right! It's their fault!

Yes... never blame yourself for their foolishness...

I stayed silent as I headed to the next town. I didn't know why, but I've been starting to have a few regrets. Should I be doing this? Is it really worth all of these ponies dying? Ponies that don't even know or hurt me? I... had been trying to avoid innocent ponies, but now...

But now, it's time to act.

Right. Now, is the time to act.





"Oh... oh my Celestia..."

"I think... I think I'm gonna be sick."

"I can't believe how many corpses..."

Everypony looked on in horror at the scene in front of them. Flames burnt dead ponies to a crisp, filling the air with a horridly pungent stench that invaded their unlucky nostrils. A few ponies were crawling at a snail's pace as many of them had broken legs of had lost a leg or two. Or all. It was a bloodbath, a thoroughly disturbing scene that nopony could ever hope to forget. The group of ponies ignored the dead bodies the best they could, and followed Spike's large footsteps. They could soon see his tall form standing motionless in a field. They all rushed over as quietly as possible, as not to give themselves away. 

"These ponies... will pay." They heard him mumble to nopony. "I will shatter their bodies like they shattered my heart. If I can't find happiness, they can't either, since they caused my misery. I'll show them how it feels to fall and not rise up again."

"Oh Spike..." Whispered Twilight as she began to cry. The others were either crying with her or trying to hold back their tears.

"Twilight?!" Spike whipped around in their direction. Everyone stayed silent, forcing themselves to stop crying as if their life depended on it. Which it probably did.

"Where are you... why are you following me?!" He yelled. Then there was silence. Then Noteworthy sneezed.

"I know you and your friends are there... stop hiding from me!" He roared.

Twilight was the first to walk out, and her friends followed. They all cried as they made their way to the insane drake. This wan't even Spike any more. They had turned him into a monster, warped him beyond recognition and hurt his poor heart. No more was kind, loving and loyal dragon they all once new. He was now an empty shell of what he used to be.

Twilight looked at him with pleading eyes, and he glared back. They looked at each other for a long time, before Spike spoke up. "Why are you here? Don't you have a hornless alicorn to help?" He growled.

"Spike..."

"What did I tell you about that name?!" Spike roared. "You may call me... Darkness." He said, his green pupils turning red.

"P-please stop this! I never wanted this to happen!" Twilight cried.

"You never wanted ME to happen. If I weren't here, you'd still be happy without me! I'm not important to you..." 

"You are, Sp-... D... Darkness." Twilight stuttered, She didn't want to call him that name, but she also didn't want to anger him. "You mean so much to me. I just want things to go back to normal!"

"Why, so you can abuse me and use me?!"

"No! So I can make up for what I did to you!" Twilight said, getting closer.

"Why would you want to help me now?! Why would you go through the trouble when so many INNOCENT ponies have died?!"

"Because, S-Spike," She slipped up, but she didn't care. "I love you!"

"N-no! Shut up you lying bitch!" He screamed.

"You are my family! My brother! I love you with all of my heart, I swear it!"

"No no no... SHUT UP!!!"

"I care about you, Spike! Please end this!"

"Shut up! A-and don't get any closer!"

"I was wrong! I don't care how much damage has been done, I just want to fix this! I want to help you, because I really love and care for you!"

"It's too bad, because I don't love you! I did, but you broke my heart and my mind! This is all of your fault and you are just a worthless piece of SHIT!!!" He screamed at the top of his lungs and blanked out for a moment, not seeing what he did in his anger. He could faintly remember Darkness's words. She's being troublesome. Get rid of her...

Twilight stared at Spike in shock and fear, then slowly looked down. His claws had planted themselves deep inside of her chest. With how a pony's body was made, that meant he had hit nearly every organ in one swipe. 

"I'm so sorry, Spike." Were her last words before she closed her eyes for the last time.



> The Destruction of Equestria Part II: Fillydelphia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next town. Oblivious ponies trotting happily. Different place, same scene playing in front of me. No matter how far I walk, I see the same thing. Doesn't matter. Soon, I'll be seeing the same emptiness of the other towns. Different scenery, everywhere. At least until it's familiar. I don't care any more. My care had died with my family. I no longer cared the moment Twilight Sparkle took her final breathe. I stood at the edge of Fillydelphia, near a stream by a cluster of trees. The wind blew against my rough scales, drying my sister's blood onto them. I had surprised myself earlier. I had weeped. Like I had as a little child when I hadn't gotten my way. I cried and cried for hours until there were no more tears. Then I got up, and went continued my blind journey into hell.

I sighed as I looked out into the distance, scanning the blue and green that stretched on for miles. It no longer looked beautiful and wondrous as it had before. Now, it meant nothing to me, even though I had spent most of my life hoping to fly up and see it even better. I had imagined it would be a breathtaking . Now, it hardly existed to me. I sighed, a puff of smoke trailing from my nose. I couldn't believe she was gone. The one who helped bring me into this world... was gone. Just like that. 

A dark smile went across my face. 

You don't need her, friend. You never needed her. You've needed true friends, and now you have that. You may feel misery, but we'll be there to share the pain with you.



Darkness was right. I didn't need Her... or the others... I needed somepony who cared for me. And even when Spike stopped caring, I had... Darkness by my side. And with Darkness, I was guided by his strings, but I don't mind. I've never felt so free before. I felt magic surround me as the sky turned dark and the ponies that were trotting happily through the town were now walking slowly with grim looks on their faces. Some, however, had looks of fear and anger and ran away or sat in place, looking longingly at the ground. I walked towards the grim ponies and began to sing.


I am in control
I haven't lost my mind
I'm picking up the pieces 
Of the past you left behind

I dom't need your condescending 
Words about me looking lonely
I don't need your arms to hold me
'Cause misery is waiting on me

I am not alone!


Screams...


Not beaten down just yet!


Torture...


I am not afraid, of the voices in my head!


Cries of agony...


Down the darkest road
Something follows me
I am not alone
'Cause misery, loves my company!


I heard the ponies echo my words as I slaughtered them. Some of them accepted their deaths and didn't run. Others writhed and yelled back, spitting in my face or insulting me before they died. I almost didn't realize their actions, but burned and slaughtered them all the same. It was as if they had also stopped caring.


Leave me in the cold
You better run away
I'm gonna dig a hole
And bury all the memories we've made

I don't need your condescending
Words about me looking lonely
I don't need your arms to hold me
Cause misery is waiting on me

I am not alone!


Laughter...


Not beaten down just yet!


Smiles...


I am not afraid, of the voices in my head!


Mixing with the flames...


Down the darkest road,
Something follows me
I am not alone
'Cause misery, loves my company!


Crack after crack echoed in my ears. Shouts of pain and tearing flesh filled the air as blood stained the ground. This was it... this was my life. This would go in until I died or somepony somehow managed to stop me. Misery embraced me with warm arms and controlled everything I did and I didn't fight it. I didn't have the mental strength to fight the darkness, and I didn't want to either. 


I am not alone!


WE ARE ONE...


Not beaten down just yet!


YOU ARE MINE!


I am not afraid, of the voices in my head!


I AM MORE!


Down the darkest road...


IT'S ME!


Something follows me...


IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ME!


I am not alone,
Cause misery loves my company!


YOU HAVE NOTHING NOW! IT'S ALL MINE! I AM YOU! YOU... ARE... NOTHING!

And then here was nothing. I thought I was gone before, but now, I was locked deep within my mind without any escape. I was so far gone... there was no way I could be saved now.

But it's okay.

I'm used to being caged...






> Stuck in the Everfree (Part two)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were rushing through the forest, trees flying past us and the ground blurry, until everything stopped. I looked at the manticore, whose back I was still resting on, as he scanned the forest and flicked his ears.

"What's wr-" I tried to ask, but he quickly cut me off with a 'shush'. I wondered what could be so bad until I saw two red eyes glowing in the darkness. I looked closer, trying to figure out what it was until everything turned black and cold.

It was if I were in a dreamless sleep, the kind where you don't realize that you are sleeping, until the manticore's concerned face invaded my vision. I blinked a few times, wondering what just happened. The manticore seemed to read my mind as I woke up.

"A cockatrice." He stated.

I wanted to facehoof. I easily got a cockatrice to turn me into stone.

"How foolish of me to not see that coming." I muttered.

"I wasn't exactly expecting it either, I just knew that I heard something in the  bushes and I tried to pinpoint where it was." He said, picking me up in his maw and gently placing me onto his back. "We must be more careful in the future. Otherwise, you might not survive." 

I nodded, relaxing as he began to slowly continue walking in the direction we were headed before. I let out a stressed sigh and a tear came out of my eye. "I can't believe this is happening. After so much, I cannot believe this is happening."

"Must be hard."

"And I can't help but think... did I trigger this?" 

"What?!"

"Equestria was in peace for a thousand years. The time I was gone. Before that, we had to deal with Discord, Sombra, Tirek, The Sirens, so many other villains and demons. Then I left and there was harmony. Now, when I come back after being banished on the moon, they all want to come back and attack our innocent ponies. Then Chrysalis attacks, and now one of our poor little subjects has become a huge murderous insane beast who cannot control his rage and sorrow. Did my magic somehow disrupt and awaken these beasts when I came back? It did take a lot of magic to bring me back... I don't even know any more."

"Do you realize how insane you're sounding right now?"

"I've been stuck on the moon for a thousand years, ostracized  by everypony, fought evil beasts, watched hundreds of ponies die, some by my hooves and now I've had to watch helplessly as my sister's horn was torn right off of her head! I don't just sound insane... I am insane." I said quietly. There was a moment of silence before I started talking once more. "But I have to keep up this proper, regal act but to be truthful, I want to scream in rage. There are some days, where I struggle to keep my mind intact so that I can lower the moon. Casting magic is a mental task after all..."

"Wait a second... You and Celestia both raise the moon and sun right?" 

"Yes that is common knowledge."

"You and Celestia...?"

I frowned for a moment and I jumped as I realized what he meant. How could I have been so blind? "Th-the sun... She has no horn... I have to do it! I have to raise and lower the sun! Oh no... this.... is bad." 

"What's wrong? Can't you...?"

"I've never raised or lowered both of them before. Celestia... is connected to the sun in such a way that it's easy for her to raise it. She had trouble raising the moon... but she has more power than me. While I'm a better fighter, her magical prowess is very impressive. How...how will I do both?"

"I think you've forgotten something, Luna." The manticore said, now looking at her in panic.

"Wh...wha-" And then it hit me. "I... I-it doesn't matter if I can't control both... my magic still won't work... I forgot.... I never... We're going to die! It will get too hot! We will burn to death! The radiation from the sun will damage and kill us off!" I panicked "And the other side of Equus... will freeze." 

"Hey, don't think like that. Look, we'll find a way to get your magic back. And hey, didn't the unicorns do it before you and Celestia did? And we still have Discord. We have some hope." The manticore assured me. I calmed down.

"I guess the stress is getting to me..." I said. "I can't think rationally at all..." 

"It's fine, Luna." 

There was a moment of silence as I thought. But I didn't want to think. The more I thought about what was happening, about the present, the future and life itself, the more depressed I get. I thought about the ponies who were screaming in agony as they tried to crawl away from green flames, their blood spilling out of them, eyes open wide and crying for me to save them. But I couldn't. I sat there, useless, and then I was tossed like a ragdoll.

"It's not fine."

"Luna, listen..."

"NO, YOU LISTEN! Listen really closely! My ponies are burning to death out there and it's my responsibility to protect them! And I CAN'T! I can't save them! They're dying, all of them! And you know what the worst part is? It's my fault! I gave him a message and hoped he would understand it. I didn't tell him directly what to do, because I figured he would learn a lesson after it! And he never understood it! AND I DIDN'T TELL HIM! I knew he was smart, but sometimes anger clouds your intelligence! OF ALL PONIES I SHOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD! I SHOULD HAVE HELPED HIM! SO MANY PONIES ARE DYING BECAUSE OF ME!"

"LUNA! Shush!"

"No! I can't shush! I need to say this. I've been bottling all of my problems. I turned into Nightmare Moon because I didn't talk about what was wrong!"

"Luna..."

"Ponies are dying gruesome deaths because I just couldn't open my mouth!"

"Luna!"

"I'VE RUINED SO MANY LIVES BECAUSE OF MY IDIOCITY!"

A loud roar echoed through the forest. It went on for about twenty seconds before the forest was completely quiet. I couldn't even hear and of the forest critters making noise. I looked to see the manticore frowning at me.

"It's not your fault, okay?! Stop blaming yourself! I hate it when ponies blame themselves! That's what I did when my best friend died, but I was blinded by sadness and anger..."

"W-what?"

"Yes, I had a friend. He was one of the few sentient timberwolves out there. We've been through everything together. I had been frozen in fear and I hadn't said anything and he died. A hydra killed him. It was the first one I had seen and it terrified me... I had been enraged, I wanted to kill that monster!" He yelled. "But it was starving... It doesn't excuse its actions but... well, it was either my friend or it. And it won."

He sighed as a tear ran down his face. "Since there weren't many sentient creatures out here, and I didn't want to get any more friends, I stayed out here, isolated and alone..." The manticore then looked at me "But you're the first creature I spoken to in years... hundreds and hundreds of years... I feel your pain, Luna." He said softly.

"I-I'm sorry about what happened... You're... you're right. I shouldn't blame myself. It won't make the situation any better..."

"Great. I'm glad you finally realized." He smiled. "Now, it's getting pretty late. The everfree is full of vicious nocturnal animals, and it's worse in here now than in the daytime. Let's go find us a cave shall we?" He said, going around the forest in search for a nearby cave. I yawned and fell asleep. My magic was drained, and so I was drowsy throughout the entire talk. At the last minute I realized something...

When I do into the dream realm, I'll see how many ponies did not survive under Spike's wrath.
> Stuck
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No words were said as the group of ponies stared at Twilight's corpse with looks of horror on their face. Fluttershy had a blank look on her face for a long time before fainting, along with Rarity. Pinkie had a sad look on her face as her mane deflated.

"Sh-she's not..." Pinkie whispered, her mind refusing to believe that her friend had died right in front of her face like that.

"She's... gone..." Rainbow Dash said quietly in disbelief. "I can't believe it."

Applejack simply removed her hat silently and closed her eyes sadly. 

"D-don't fret, girls!" Time Turner said. "I-if we go back in time, w-we can keep this from actually happening!"

"B-but it did happen. We witnessed our friend die... We can't erase this from our minds." Rainbow said as tears fell from her eyes. "No matter what we turn this future into, we will always remember this. We'll always feel the pain of losing a friend." 

"Listen, we still have to save everypony's lives and Twilight's. You will still remember this, but having them back is worth the struggle." Time Turned said, then turned around. "Come on girls, we've still got a chance to reverse this mistake." 

The girls nodded and they all rushed their way through the ruined streets of Baltimare, trying to ignore the pain and sadness in their hearts.





So much power... I remember a time where I was but a speck, weak and puny in the back of this dragon's mind. But now... I could physically feel things. The feeling was incredible, yet indescribable. I haven't felt this feeling before, and it was going to take some time to get used to my new form, but it didn't matter. I can accomplish all that I wanted to, and the world will bow to me, in regret of what they've done.

There were a number of things I could do now that I was in control. That stupid dragon wanted to just kill the ponies and go some other place to rot in misery. Not on my watch. I smiled as I rushed to Canterlot to make preparations for my reign in Equestria. These ponies would be slaves, feeling miserable and guilty in every horrible day they have to live. 

There was this nagging... I don't know what to call it... 'Goodness' in the back of my head, begging me not to do this. But it's dull and I can ignore it. I believe it's the insane dragon that I've locked deep within his mind. It doesn't matter, I could hardly recognize it existed. Though if I were to actually listen to it's whining, it would quickly drive me insane. 

You monster! You will be destroyed! I thought you were good, but you're nothing but a-

No, no. It's fine. I created him... those must be my real intentions. I'm just such a coward that I can't handle carrying them out. I was weak so... he decided to make me stronger.

He weakened me and I almost don't exist! He wants to get rid of me so that you will die! You won't exist, only that monster!

He only wants to get back at them for hurting me. He's only protecting me.

He's evil! He took advantage of you! You've gotta break out of your own insanity, for the sake of the ones you love!

They're dead. What reason is there to live any more?

To protect the innocent! There are still ponies out there that you love, and they're all alive and hoping you can come to your senses so they can help you! You can do this! Just break free of his hold!

Shut up! Just... just shut up. He makes me feel happy okay. I... was unsure of him at first-

Which you should still be!

-But ever since he's stayed with me, through all of my pain when I had my diary, I've grown to like him. Even love him.

That's like being in love with the devil! He's... he's corrupted you! You don't 'love' him! He's simply the only thing that you cling on with desperation when you feel like there's nowhere to go and nopony else to hold onto. He is only your shield from reality. Little did you know that this shield wasn't helping you, but hurting you. You've got to get rid of him!

No, he makes me feel safe, happy, and loved! I don't care what he does, he can use me all he wants, but I love him too much to let him go.

The more you say that to yourself... the weaker I get. When I disappear, nopony will be able to save you. We will die together.

No... Darkness will save me. As long as have him everything will be fine. As for your death, that's good to know. You won't try to take my protection away from me. You're the monster, and every time I've listened to you, I've always gotten pain. Now, it's about time we've parted ways. I am tired of your nonsense.

I feel so sorry for you. But I'm not gonna give up. I'm gonna try to get you to your senses until my last drop of life.

Good luck with that, you fool.





It had taken so long. Tears, running, fainting, struggling... all of this has happened for them to go so far. But now, after all of the work they did, they arrived on the mountain near Canterlot and the TARDIS was...

"NOT HERE?! B-but... that's impossible, that's where I left it! I remember clearly walking out at this exact location and losing my Sonic Srewdriver not to far from here..."

"You lost your Sonic Screwdriver?" Derpy asked, looking around on the ground.

"Wouldn't be the first time. Still, this is horrible! We need the TARDIS to stop this from happening! I can't believe it's lost!" Time Turner yelled.

"Nope, it's down there." Pinkie said from the edge of a steep hill. She pointed down at the TARDIS that had fell on its side at the bottom of said hill.

"Oh for the love of..." Time Turner sighed. "Come on everypony. To the TARDIS." He said in a tired voice, making his way down the hill carefully. Everypony else followed and made it down safely, with the exception of Noteworthy, who had clumsily tripped and tumbled down the hill.

"I'm fine..." He mumbled, spitting out a tooth. "That's not growing back, is it...?" He sighed.

"Come on, everyone. I need your help. We all need to work together and pick the TARDIS up. We can't have it on its side." Time Turner said.

"It's kinda... small." Rainbow Dash said,  looking at it with a raised eyebrow. 

"It's bigger in the inside." He mumbled, walking up to the TARDIS. Everypony else came to his side. "Alright we all lift on three. One... two... three!" Immediately, everypony pushed with all of their strength. They grunted as they struggled to lift the Police Box. 

"How much does this thing weigh?!" Rainbow Dash grunted, starting to use her powerful wings to help her push.

"I have no idea, just keep pushing!" He said, proud to be an earth pony at the moment.

After a while of pushing, they finally got the TARDIS sitting in the right direction. Everypony had dropped to the ground, panting in exhaustion. "I'm never doing that again." Time wheezed tiredly. "Come on everypony..." He said, standing up on his weak hooves. Everypony nodded and walked into the TARDIS. As they entered, everyone looked around in astonishment.

"Wow. You weren't kidding when you said it was bigger in the inside." Rainbow Dash said, her eyes wandering the large room.

"So... where should we travel to?" Derpy asked.

There was silence. They wanted to stop the calamity from happening once again, but they did want to still have Spike with them . If they went to the wrong time in the past, they could ruin everything. "Maybe we should warn Celestia a little after the time that Twilight moved into Ponyville?" Rarity suggested, wiping her red eyes.

"That... doesn't sound so bad-"Rainbow Dash said, but was interrupted by a loud thud.

"What... was that...?" Fluttershy whispered in fear.

"I don't know... I'm gonna go check..." Time Turner said. He opened the TARDIS's door and looked up to see purple.

"Everypony! RUN!" Time screamed, running away from the TARDIS. The other ponies complied, except for Derpy who tripped and fell to the floor. Everypony evacuated, looking in fear as they saw 'Spike' towering over their only solution to the tragedy. "DITZY! NO!!!" The timelord screamed in terror as he ran back to the TARDIS, only for Spike to grin and quickly flatten it along with the mare inside of it. "No... NO! NO NO NO! Please... please no...!" He cried as Spike stepped away from it to reveal the flattened box. 

"This is for trying to get rid of me..." Darkness frowned. "I won't ever kill you, Time Turner, was it?" A bright light surrounded Time as Darkness's fist glowed red. "No... you get to watch as the ones you love die in your face!" The light also surrounded the mane 5 and Noteworthy. "Don't feel like you're left out either." He growled, his eyes and scales now glowing red to. The group of ponies screamed in agony as they felt their bodies changing. 

When he finished, the ponies fell to the ground, coughing and groaning in pain. Darkness panted and nearly fell in exhaustion.

"That... was draining..." He wheezed. "But it doesn't matter... You are now my slaves... and you cannot die, even if you want to..." 

Because now, you have the scales of a dragon...
> No Hope
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darkness roughly threw the group down to the hard dirt beneath them. His manic smile grew as he saw them all still moving. His magic had worked. They may still look like ponies, but they were as rough as a dragon, with the same skills and instincts. He roared triumphantly and looked down at the group of terrified ponies.

"Now, my minions.... You shall alert every pony still living in Equestria that I am their new ruler! They shall bow down to me, and nobody, not even their strongest defense in can stop me." 

"N-never! Just stop this al-AAAAAAAGH!" Noteworthy screamed in agony as his blood literally boiled inside of him. 

"You. Will. Do. As. I. SAY!" He scratched Noteworthy across his face, leaving large scars behind.

Darkness smiled and looked at the group of ponies. "Weaklings..." He growled. "I can use my flames to do whatever I want. I can affect the world around me. Just think, this is all Twilight's fault. Your friend is the reason why all of this is happening."

"N-no! Twilight did nothing-" Rainbow argued.

"She gave me power! Twilight is the reason why I have all of this magic! I can feel it. She has more magic than you could ever imagine. On her first try, that mare has moved both the moon and sun with no practice at all. Believe it or not, she has more power inside of her than even she knows. More power than Both Celestia and Luna combined." Darkness laughed coldly. "That mare poured so much magic into me when she hatched me. I have enough power to be considered a god."

The group stayed silent as they stared at this stranger. Spike wasn't greedy. Spike didn't like being a monster. Spike wouldn't abuse his power.

This wasn't spike.

His friends had to remind themselves of that. They brought out the worst in their friend. None of them ever thought that he could ever be this  out of control. Now, he couldn't be stopped.

"Now, I believe I gave you all an order..." He growled. "GO!" 

Reluctantly, they rushed away from the insane dragon, not even crying anymore as their hearts broke more as things got worse. Soon, they'd be just like him. Lost and broken, never to be found again.

They had to be strong.

But how?





Shining woke up with a groan as he held his head. It had a horrible pulsing pain that didn't seem like it would be leaving any time soon. He stretched, only to be unfortunate to feel even more pain all over his body. "Agh... w-where am I?" He looked around. He could see his parents across the room, still unconscious and snoring lightly. "M-mom... Dad...?" He called out weakly. They didn't even stir. 

He looked around some more and then wished he had just went back to sleep.

Right in front of him was Celestia, but she was... a very disturbing sight to see. She had an empty look in her eyes, looking forward into nowhere as she sat on her mat. Her eyes were bloodshot and she trembled slightly.

"P-princess Celestia...?" Shining whispered to himself. Celestia didn't move an inch. "Celestia?" He said a little louder. She looked over to him slowly, the look in her eyes never changing. Then, she let out an incoherent grunt. "W-what?" Shining asked, mostly to himself. Celestia pointed to her hornless head and laughed loudly. She continued laughing for the longest time with Shining staring in horror at the poor mare. After a while of her maniacal laughter, they slowly became screams. The disturbing screams then started to become loud sobs. Celestia wailed  in horror and sadness, mourning for her poor subjects. She couldn't help them. She let so many lives just slip through her hooves by a loved one. She was weak, and she told herself that over a thousand times.  She sobbed and turned to Shining with a look of pain on her face and emptiness in her eyes. The mare spouted out gibberish and sound of pain, though one thing was said loud and clear. 

"It's all gone." She cried tearfully.

Shining got up, ignoring the horrible stabbing pain that pulsed through his body and hugged the crying mare. Celestia didn't hug back. She only cried, thinking about how useless she was.

"It's okay, Celestia. Somehow, someway, this will all be over. Somepony can stop this, I just know it." He said, running a hoof through Celestia's flowing mane.  She shook her head, blubbering out more gibberish as more tears fell out of her eyes. Shining sighed, hugging her a little tighter, gently petting her head. "Shh... it's alright. We're gonna get through this. Everything's gonna be fine." he said soothingly.  They sat together, with Shining quietly calming the princess, and Celestia crying her heart out. Little did they know that things were only getting worse.





I have to get up. I must put an end to this. Come on, I'm strong, I can do this!

Oh who am I kidding? I can't stop him. I'm not even at full strength right now! What could I possibly do to stop him? 

You know exactly what you can do to stop him.

As if I'll ever do something like that! They'd still have their horrible memories. These ponies are fragile! They'll be reliving this for the rest of their lives!

But at least they'd actually be able to remember it instead of just dying off. You can save so many lives with just that one spell. You can stop this.

But at what cost? These ponies will remember having their limbs torn apart and their families dying right in their faces. Not to mention what will happen to me if I do such a reckless thing. There is a reason why Star Swirl abandoned this spell!

So you're gonna let all of Equestria die off because you don't want to disturb the ones who already have? You're pathetic.

I... I... fine. I'll do it. But I have to gather my strength first. I am very, very weak at the moment.

Good. You finally decide to be a true 'good guy'.

You know what, little nagging voice in my head, I'm gonna abandon you some day. You really do not help my sanity.

But I help you make tough decisions like this, don't I?

Yeah, like that time you came up with a brilliant plan that turned me into stone...

You know, I was created in your head. I get any of my stupidity from you.

...Shut up.
> Clinging
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pull yourself together!

Hope... just shut up... why aren't you dead yet.

B-because... I can't give up on you... Spike.

Could you just leave me alone?

Not gonna happen!

You really believe everything will be fine if I stop this?

Of course I do!

You're one ignorant fool.





"Wh-what? You're an element of harmony! How could you give up on us?!"

"Listen, sir, there's nothing we can do. He's too overpowered and we can't fight him." A stressed Rarity sighed for what must have been the tenth time as she had the same conversation with a different pony.

"Use that big rainbow beam you usually use! Do something! Save us!" The citizen pleaded.

"We can use the elements of harmony when ONE OF THE SPIRITS IS DEAD!" Rarity yelled into the stallion's face. He and the surrounding ponies zipped their mouths shut. "Now, alert everypony else in Manehattan, NOW!" 

The ponies nodded dumbly and ran into the city to let everyone else know of the tragedy that nobody could've ever expected. Several ponies yelled, others cried, some refused to believe what they had been told. The news began spreading like wildfire as the group of ponies traveled around Equestria to give ponies the bad news. It had come to the point where it was known before the element bearers and their friends could let the next town know. Ponies would crowd around them and throw things at them. Rumors of them siding with the enemy and not caring about the defenseless citizens had already been formed. 

It angered them. They felt a fire that they had never felt before, deep inside themselves. But, instead of fighting the civilians, they slinked into the shadows where they wouldn’t be seen or heard.

“Listen here, yall.” Applejack spoke up after a long moment of silence, They were in the corner of a dark alley somewhere in Vanhoover. “News has prob’ly spread all ‘cross Equestria by now. I dunno ‘bout yall, but I’m goin’ home to mah family to see if they’re alright. Yall can come if ya want to.” She got up and walked away. Everypony stared for a moment before Rarity sighed.

“I guess there’s no hope for Equestria, but I’ve still got to look after my sister. I bet she’s scared and distraught, so I must be on my way.” Rarity said as she followed. Pinkie pie, who hadn’t said anything for an eerily long period of time, simply stood up and followed Rarity and Applejack.

“I need to see if the animals are okay.” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Gotta check on Cloudsdale.”

“Gonna see if any of my belongings are intact.”

“...” Time said nothing as everyone got up.

"Time... Why don't you come with me bud? I know how you feel... Empty and worthless. But you've gotta move on." Noteworthy said with a sympathetic look on his face. 

"I-I can't move on... I just can't..." He cried.

"It's gonna take some time... a lot of time... but life moves on. You've gotta move with it. I'm not rushing you or anything, I know this is gonna be tough on you for a while. Just... be careful. You've got a whole life ahead of you." He said to the whimpering stallion. Time nodded and stood up. "Now come on. We're gonna take a nice, long walk." Noteworthy said, walking away as Time Turner followed.





I could hardly believe it. Everything was going as planned! I've taken control of this sorry dragon, I've risen higher than anyone else ever has! I am the ruler of this pathetic land! I laughed as loud as possible, so everypony who could hear would cower in fear. Everypony knew I couldn't be stopped. I was practically invincible! Even that weak so-called 'God of chaos' couldn't come close to stopping me! As I wandered around Canterlot, smiling as I looked at all of the destruction I had caused, I heard a noise. I turned my head in the direction of it and really listened. It sounded like... crying. More specifically, a foal crying.

After looking around a bit, I saw her. She was a pink earth pony with a dark grey, almost black mane. She wailed as she hugged two ponies who looked similar to her. One stallion with a grey mane and a red coat and one white mare with a black mane. They were bleeding heavily and appeared to be dead as the filly's tears fell onto them. She looked back at me and flinched, crying harder.

"Wh-why did you do this mister monster?" She cried. "Why did you make them go away?"

I looked down at her and stared. What was I doing? I have no heart! I should just squash her into nothing! I don't even know this little filly. She means NOTHING!


"They're in a better place, little filly. This world... is very dangerous." I told her.

"B-but how will I make it out here? They're not here to help me!" She whimpered.

What's this feeling? Whatever it is, it's bothering me and it needs to go away.

"...Come with me." Wait... what?! 

"You'll help me?" She sniffled, rubbing her eyes. I nodded and walked away, hearing her hoofsteps behind me.

What did I do? I didn't want to do that! I wanted to crush her!

I couldn't let you do that.

Dammit Hope! You've been a thorn in my side for far too long! Why aren't you dead yet?

I'm not giving up, you monster!

Burn in hell! 

Only after you do, coward!

Coward? Me? Ha! 

You think you're tough, taking control of an already weakened mind?

I'm ignoring you, weakling.

With that, I made my way to Celestia's castle. It needed a makeover.
> Stuck In the Everfree (Part three)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

So many...

Too many...

Why so much...

Death? I can't breathe. How could I when hundreds of familiar doors had disappeared? Some of them had lived very wonderful, long lives. Others... were just foals. Newborns, toddlers, teenagers... so many children have died. They hadn't grown up and experienced life in all its glory. Their lives were cut short because of one dragon. I gasped as I saw another door disappear. I didn't want to believe it, but it was none other than Derpy Hooves. She was... such a wonderful, sweet and innocent mare. She was somepony who knew what it was like to not fit in. She made me feel like somepony cared. Why did she have to go...

I looked to see that most of the ponies in Ponyville had survived. His home... No matter how heartless he tries to be, he can't ignore the fact that he does indeed have a heart. He loves his home and everypony in it. Maybe... there is still hope for Equestria. Perhaps he will snap out of it when he realizes that it's not worth it.  I saw a few doors disappearing in front of me and cringed. "Or maybe not..." I mumbled. I looked to my left and, with hesitation, walked inside the door. What I saw... I just wanted to run back out of the dream and pretend that I hadn't seen such a thing. But I couldn't. I was stuck in fear and horror at the sight in front of me.

I saw Spike... his eyes were glowing red and fire blew from his mouth and nostrils as he ran through a town that was destroyed. Homes were burnt to a crisp, debris was scattered everywhere, and ponies ran. Some were on fire, others had missing limbs, and others looked like running corpses. This was the dream of a foal. No... not a dream, a memory.  A horrible, horrible memory. 

I decided that I didn't want to go through another door. I was afraid of what could possibly be there for me to witness. I couldn't bear seeing so many of my innocent subjects dying so tragically. It was too much to take. Too painful to watch...

I was finally able to get out of that nightmare with a sigh. A few tears fell down my face seeing that horrific scene. 

"You see them suffering..." A deep, sinister voice echoed everywhere.

"Wh-who?"

"That's how I feel inside..." The voice growled.

"S-spike...?"

"For every life I have crushed under my claws... for all of the blood that is on me... It represents the blood of one that nopony cared about... the life that you have taken so cold-heartedly because you didn't think he had feelings..."

I looked down and saw blood on me. It was freezing cold.

"That is Spike's blood... you killed him. You are responsible."

"No..."

"Along with Twilight...." An image of Twilight appeared in front of me. She was... dead. "And her friends..." I then saw the rest of Twilight's friends huddled together and crying. "And all of Equestria..." I saw a very gruesome image of Equestria. A large portion of Equestria was destroyed. It was empty and dreary as green flames slowly began spreading around the country. 

"S-spike... I'm sorry."

"I don't want to hear that nonsense!" Darkness yelled. 

"But I really am sorry! I'm sorry I didn't help! I'm sorry I couldn't stop this!" I cried.

"It's too late  for sorry. Now all of your subjects shall burn in my fire... you can't save them. You are a monster." He growled.

Monster... no! I-I'm not a monster. Am I?

"A horrible, disgusting, monster!"

No... I am not a monster!

"No matter how much you try to fight the truth..." A mirror appeared in front of me. It showed me... but I looked horrible. I was black, had fanged teeth, and I had dragon eyes. I...

I was a Nightmare.

"You will always be a monster. You never cared about how others felt. Only yourself..."

"NO!" I had nightmare's voice.

"You ignore others. You hurt others. You kill others. Nopony else matters to you. All that exists to you is yourself."

I could see clones of myself surrounding me. They all smiled maliciously. They all focused on me, their evil eyes never looking away.

"No..." I croaked. My voice was weakened as I cried.

"To you.... all that you can see... all you ever care about... is yourself..." Darkness' voice whispered sisterly in my ears.

"No... no... no... it's not true..." I said, crying silently. "I-It's not true, I curled up in a ball as I cried.

"Luna..."

"Leave me alone!"

"Luna!"

"Go away!"

LUNA!





"Luna!"

"H-huh?" I woke up to see the manticore's worried face.

"Are you alright?" He asked me with a look of concern on his face.

"Y-yeah..." I stuttered quietly.

"You're crying..." He said, not believing my lie. "What's wrong?"

"I-I..." I swallowed, trying to stop crying. The manticore frowned and hugged me in his large paws.

"It's alright... you can tell me what's wrong. " He cooed. I blushed in embarrassment, feeling like a little foal.

"I don't want to be a monster..." I cried. 

"But you're not a monster." He insisted.

"I am! I let those ponies die... I only thought about myself... I could have stopped this." 

"You didn't know this was going to happen, Luna. This was a mistake." 

"MY mistake. Look at what that mistake caused."

"I know it's horrible, but you didn't plan this. You didn't want this to happen. No matter how you look at it, you are still a nice, kind, beautiful mare. Not a monster." He hugged me tighter. 

"Do you really think so?" I asked.

He looked down at me and nodded. "I know so." He said.

We sat there for a moment looking at each other before I shook my head and looked away with a small blush. "W-we should probably get going." I said hastily. 

"Uh... yeah." He said, putting me on his back.

As we rushed through the forest, I wondered what that was all about.
> Crusade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh gods.... oh gods no! No please no..."

"Ah'm s-so sorry... it's all mah fault..."

"D-don't say that!"

"But it is... ah was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Causin' trouble like always."

"That don't matter, don't blame it on yerself! Blame me! It was me!"

"Hey sis...?"

"Y-yeah?"

"Do me a favor will ya."

"Anything... absolutely anything, sis!"

"Smile."





"You can't die! You just can't! Please don't leave me!"

"There's nothing we can do."

"No, there has to be a way!"

"I really wish I didn't have to die... but there's one favor I have to ask you..."

"You're not going to die... but what is it, darling?"

"If Spike ever goes back to his normal self... tell him that I..."

"You what darling?"

"Tell him that I like... no, tell him I love him, please."





"This... is so not cool..."

"Don't cry, you're too awesome to cry." 

"I'm not awesome, kid..."

"Yes you are! You're the awesomest pony ever."

"Kid... I know you idolize me... and I hate to be such a mess of tears and emptiness in your final moments, but..."

"I-it's okay. I'm gonna miss you too. I'm scared, really scared, but there's nothing I can do."

"I understand kid... be brave. I'm scared of every monster that I face..."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really. But I always face them with my head held high."

"Hey R-... sis?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you..."
> Hesitation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Argh... this is horrible. All I had to do was crush that filly, just like I crushed a bunch of other fillies. What makes her different? Hmph... I should just kill her right now...

But I couldn't. Every time I turned around to destroy her, I looked into her tear filled eyes and turned back away. But that's okay. Once Hope and Spike die like Confidence did, I will be able to do whatever I want. Nothing will hold me back. And judging on how their voices get weaker and weaker with time, it shall be soon. This filly would be dead.

But wait.

I looked behind me at the little filly. She was staring at me. I could see in her eyes that she trusted me. If I were to rule over this land, I'd need some ponies to be loyal to me. I had an idea. 

We were already near the castle. It was untouched, so there were likely survivors in there. But I wasn't going to go into there. The little filly tilted her head, wondering why I stopped.

"Come with me..." I said, grabbing the little filly.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"We're going to help out some more young ponies, just like you." I answered.

 I spread out my wings and took off, scanning the debris and fire for any more children. They were so innocent, so gullible. I could tell them to do anything and they wouldn't think twice about it. If I am patient... if I take them in, I can raise them to be on my side. They will be loyal to me and I will turn them in to heartless fighters. 

I could imagine it, raising these lost foals, training them as they grow up, and they follow my orders, slaughtering anyone who dares to disobey me. 

Really? That's your plan? You're gonna turn these innocent children into heartless murderers? That's so... horrible, even for you. 

I need an army, ponies who are loyal to me. The next generation of ponies are sure to bow down to me. But first, I have to take care of this generation. And what better way to start than with the children?

You're not gonna get away with this, you monster!

I already did. I'll raise these gullible foals like my own. Teach them everything I know. Take care of them. And in return, they shall serve me.

Ha... wow... I can't believe it.

You can't believe what?

Hehe... nothing. You keep doing what you do. Don't mind me.

...Moron.

I know you. You have a heart...





"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!" A scream erupted from the edge of Ponyville. It came from a very unexpected pony, Fluttershy. She stood at her cottage, staring at her dead animals. The one closest to her was Angel Bunny, who was nearly unrecognizable in his mangled state. Half of his face was torn apart with blood oozing out of it. Tears were falling out of Fluttershy's eyes as she she looked at each of her animal friends. One kitten dragged herself towards her, meowing in pain because half of her body was flattened. "Sh-she's suffering." The kitten looked up at Fluttershy, begging her to end her suffering. Fluttershy walked up to her and with all of the strength she could muster, she crushed the kitten's head under her hoof. There was a sickening crunch before the kitten immediately ceased all movement. Fluttershy only stared at the now dead kitten before flapping her wings. She flew as fast as possible, higher and higher into the air. Once she figured she was high enough, she closed her eyes and stopped flapping. "I'm sorry." She whispered as she fell from the sky. She took her final breath and hit the ground, dying quickly afterwards.

Pinkie only sat down and watched this happen. She grinned as she heard the snap of Fluttershy's bones. She walked up to Fluttershy and sat down next to her deceased friend. With a chuckle, she picked up Fluttershy's corpse and hugged it. "You don't have to suffer anymore." Pinkie whispered into her friends ear. "I love you Fluttershy. That's why I watched and let you fall." She giggled. "You don't deserve to continue living in this cruel world. You should be at peace." Pinkie stroked Fluttershy's mane gently with a large smile as tears fell gown her face. "You're free."

Applejack sat on a lone hill in Sweet Apple Acres. From there, she could see all of the trees stretched out on a large field. Beside her sat a large red stallion, Big Macintosh. Unlike his sister, he cried openly as tears streamed down his face. Their grandmother and little sister had just died right in his face. He had never been so torn apart in his life. Applejack sighed and hugged her brother. He hugged back, mourning the loss of his family. Besides Big Macintosh's quiet sniffles, it was silent as they held each other on that hill, trying to wake up from this horrible nightmare.

"Oh sister, I don't know what's going to happen..." Rarity said to Sweetie Belle who was 'asleep'. "Everything's just been so hectic and stressful. That's why I'm so glad I've got you, Sweetie." Rarity smiled and hugged her sister. She flinched at the cold temperature of her sister's dead body, but ignored it with a sigh. "At least I've still got..." Rarity began crying as she held Sweetie's body tightly in her hooves. She tried to ignore the fact that her little sister had died in her hooves, but there was no way she could ever ignore that. Her body shook as she cried. "I don't have you anymore... Y-your gone!"

Rainbow Dash flew. She kept flying for hours. She flew until the sky was dark. She never stopped. Dash was trying to ignored all of the mess that was happening. She tried to ignore the fact that she was so tired from the lack of sleep the past few months. She tried to ignore the fact that it was all her fault. In anger, sadness and frustration, she did a Sonic Rainboom, brightening up the sky in a large array of colors. "I deserve this pain." Was her last words as she fell asleep for the first time in a month and plummeted to the ground at the speed of sound.





No, no this can't be happening...

Yeah, tragic... it seems as if you only have enough to do the spell.

No, no this won't do. I need extra to make sure it works, a little more to make sure it's safe, then a lot of extra to make sure I can live through it. This spell, if not done correctly, could possibly kill everypony. That's why Sombra never cast it. Even when he knew he was going to be defeated he didn't dare cast this spell. 

And why are you saying this like I don't know.

U-um, because I'm Discord. Now, I need to find another way to get magic.

Yep... Equestria's screwed.

Shut up! Somehow, I'll find a way. I will save Equestria. Even if it kills me.
> The New Generation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I frowned at how many homeless and parentless foals I had found. In front of me were fifty children, all looking up at me with curiosity and fear. Some were crying, others sat with a disturbed look on their face, but most only stared, wondering what I was going to do with them. I stared back, also wondering what I was going to do with them. I knew my long-term plan, but right now I had a large group of foals that I had to take care of. I closed my eyes, thinking of a plan. I could use an extra set of hooves...

"What in tarnation? How'd I get here?" 

"Why am I in Canterlot?"

"What the hay?!"

In front of me were four mares, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. I raised an eyebrow at the missing mare. Where was Fluttershy? I shook my head. I would worry about that later. For now, they were going to help me out. 

"Girls... I have a job for you all." I told them.

"W-what is it, Spike?" Rarity asked. 

"In front of you is a large group of foals that I saved from around Equestria." I motioned towards the curious foals. "You're going to get them all a room in this castle. I'm sure they're tired. After doing this, tell them the rules."

The rules are to do as I say and don't run away...

The four mares nodded and began to walk the children to the large amount of guest rooms in the castle.I grinned as they followed my orders immediately. They knew not to mess with me. I'm too powerful. At any moment, I could crush them into nothing. It felt so great to be in control.

"Mister monster..." The little filly that I had saved first came up to me. 

"Please, call me Darkness." I said to her.

"U-um... Mister Darkness. I just wanted to ask, why are you helping us?" She asked, looking up at me with a confused look in her eyes.

"Because, it was the right thing to do. I couldn't let you all die out there. I care about you all..." I lied to her.

"You do? Then why did you destroy so many ponies?" She asked.

"Because they all hurt me. I had to get back at them." I said. The filly frowned. "But you children didn't do a thing. That's why I'm helping you all."

"Doesn't that make you just as bad, Mister Darkness?" The filly asked, then shook once she realized what she had said. "I-I mean... I..."

"What is your name, little filly..." I asked her

"L-love Charm." She stuttered.

"Love Charm... There's a lot of stuff that I went through. It didn't matter how bad I became..." I told the filly. "Now, why don't you go find yourself a room, Love?"

"O-okay." She nodded and began walking away from me. I looked down at my claws. Was I really just as bad? No, no, these ponies were harsh, cruel monsters. They were obviously worse. They all deserved this pain. I did what I had to do... what Spike couldn't bring himself to do.

Stop lying to yourself. You know what you're doing is wrong.

No. What I am doing may be harsh and possibly evil, but it's the right thing to do.

You're hurting the innocent... how is that the right thing to do? The princesses and your friends are the ones who hurt you, not all of Equestria. All you're doing is taking out all of your anger on ponies who didn't do a thing to you.

Silence... I'm just showing them what happens when they fuck with the wrong dragon.

You better not hurt those children...

I wouldn't dream of it, Dying Hope. 

Don't call me that!

Too late, Dying Hope.

Just go find the surviving ponies who hid in this castle.

You almost sound like you're giving me orders.

I walked around the castle, slowly making my way to the survivors. I could sense a group of ponies in really low section of the castle. Soon, after going down many staircases, I found myself in front of a door labeled "Safe Room". It was obvious that the ponies would pile up in here. I burst into the door, hearing the screams of scared ponies. I smiled, looking around in the dark room. There was a large group of ponies huddled together. Some were crying while the rest tried to be brave. I could smell all of their fear.

"I want every single one of you to step out of this room. Now." I ordered. Some hesitantly made their way out of the room while others rushed out. A few staying in place. "Move it!" I yelled at the few who stayed behind. They ran out as fast as they could. I counted 35 ponies. 

"Wh-who are you?" one stallion dared to ask me in a shaky voice.

"My name... is Darkness." I told him.

"What are you gonna do to us?" Asked a mare that was beside him.

"Oh nothing much, just force you so be my slave and never allow you to leave." I told her. The ponies looked at me in horror as I laughed.

"Not on our watch!" Said a deep voice behind me. I felt a spear bounce off of my back and fall to the ground. I looked behind me to see ten Royal Guards and fifteen Lunar Guards. I laughed at their weak attempt to stop me. 

"What are you gonna do? Slay me?" I howled in laughter at how ridiculous that sounded. That's when a spear hit me in the eye. "AAAAAGGGGHHH!!! SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!" I roared in pain as I yanked it out, along with my eye. Blood rolled out of my left eye as I sent a death glare at the guards. I heard them all gulp and one of them actually pissed themselves as I stood up at my full height with a look of rage on my face. "I SHOULD KILL YOU ALL!" I roared in their faces. Another guard couldn't hold in their bladder. "But I am not... I need you all." Many sighs of relief resounded amongst the guards. "But you shall all be my slaves!" Yelps of fear came out of half of them as they heard that. I just loved scaring these 'tough' guys so much.

"Th-th-the pr-princesses w-will stop you... a-and the e-elements of harmony!" One of the guards stuttered.

"Oh. The elements of harmony, you say? Well, without one element, the rest are useless. I killed the element of magic." I told him.

"B-but P-princess Celestia and-"

"I tore Celestia's horn off and absorbed Luna's magic before throwing her into the middle of the Everfree forest, where she'll surely be killed by some giant monster." I interrupted him.

"O-oh god... y-you're a monster! You're the worst thing to ever attack Equestria!" He screamed in terror.

"You're a monster. And it's time you all learned a lesson."





"U-um, Miss..."

"Applejack."

"M-miss Applejack... Why is Mister Darkness so angry at everypony?" 

"He's not really angry at ev'rypony. He's angry at me and his so called 'friends', along with himself."

"But why does he hurt so many other ponies then?"

"Because he has convinced himself it's ev'ryponys fault. But deep inside, he knows that it's not true. But he feels as if he needs to take that anger out on others."

"Why did his friends hurt him?"

"W-we hurt him without even realizing it. We just ignored the little feller until he couldn't take it any more."

"Why would you do that?"

"Why are ya asking so many questions?"

"Because Mister Darkness doesn't seem so bad. I think that maybe if we all just try to be nice to him, we can help him."

"We've already tried to be nice and make up for our mistake but... he won't accept no friendship from anypony no more. It's a lost cause, uh..."

"Love Charm."

"Love Charm. You can try, but you listen closely young filly. Don't get hurt. That's the last thing ya wanna do. Ya hear me?"

"Yes Miss Applejack."

"You can jus' call me Applejack. Now you go on in that room of yours and try to sleep tonight, alright."

"Yes miss... yes Applejack."

"Alright. G'night sugarcube."

"Goodnight Applejack."





"Why is all of this happening?"

"It's... kind of complicated, Darling."

"Darkness is so mean..."

"W-well, darling, the only reason he's so mean is because he had friends who treated him wrongly."

"I hope his 'friends' die just like my family did."

"... This is your room, sweetie."

"Thanks Miss Rarity."

"You're welcome, Shielded Ire..."

*Slam*

"I want me to die too..."





"I hope my little sister is okay... I never found her in the debris..."

"I hope she is too, kid."

"Darkness sure is nice helping us out like this. I'm sure that all of the fillies and colts wouldn't have made it out there with no home and no family."

"Yeah. Nice."

"What do you think Darkness is gonna do?"

"I dunno, kid."

"What's wrong, Ma'am?"

"It's Rainbow Dash. And nothing's wrong, I'm fine."

"Then why are you crying, Rainbow Dash?"

"Just ignore it, little guy."

"But I want to help."

"You can't reverse this whole tragedy, so you can't help!"

"..."

"I'm sorry for yelling at ya, kiddo. You don't deserve that when you were only trying to help. It's just that a lot of things have been happening, and it's really getting to me."

"It's okay. I know it's really tough. It's hard for me too. My dad is gone. So is my baby brother. They never made it after Darkness tore everything down."

"I'm sorry to hear that kid."

"I just wish that I can help."

"Listen, Harmonic..."

"I would prefer if you called me by my last name, if you wouldn't mind."

"Zeal... the best thing you could probably do right now is... try to stay positive. We all need somepony who isn't always crying or frowning. We lost the one pony who's usually there for us. Maybe you could take her place."

"Oh... yeah, I'll do my best!"

"There ya go, kiddo! Now, you should get into the room and get some rest. You need it."

"Thanks Rainbow Dash. See you tomorrow!"

"See ya, bud."





"U-um... Miss?"

"Pinkamena."

"M-Miss Pinkamena?"

"Just Pinkamena."

"Um... Pinkamena? If we're in Canterlot's castle, then where are the princesses?"

"I don't know where Luna is. Celestia was defeated. Darkness pulled her horn off and flung her limp body to Ponyville. I don't know if she lived."

"Oh."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Why do you look so sad, Pinkamena?"

"Because I am sad. All of my friends are suffering, the pony I love has died, and I couldn't do a thing to help." 

"Oh... that sucks."

"You're right filly, it does."

"My name is Midnight Jade..."

"I didn't ask for your name."

"But you said 'Filly' so I just let you know."

"We're at your room, filly. Goodnight."

"...Goodnight."
> Under the Stars
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am tough. I am indestructible. Like a diamond. Sure I'm covered in blood, tears, hate and dirt. But despite how filthy I am, I'm still a diamond. I'm the best out there. A rare diamond that nopony's ever seen before. I've just been cursed. Cursed by monsters who have covered me with such horrible things, and others have seen me in my disgusting state, so that's how they see me, disgusting, pitiful, not worth looking at. But I will show them... I'll show them how bright I shine. Nopony will ignore me. Even if they fear me, my presence will be a thing that nopony could ever forget. Everypony will know the name 'Darkness'. They will cringe at hearing my very name being spoken, thought about, or shown. 

I'm doing right. This is the route I'm supposed to travel down. This is what needs to be done. I looked down at my hand and from it a single flame ignited in my palm. It was a simple flame. It was small, weak, not something anyone would think twice about. I snorted. That's what Spike was. I had to take over in order to give that dragon a purpose. I am doing right! This is what these ponies deserve.

The only one you're lying to is yourself, Darkness. You're just plain evil. There's no justification for your actions...

You're wrong. I gave that dragon power and respect! I'm doing him a favor.

No, you gave him pain and miserly. Nopony respects him, they only fear him. That's not what he wanted.

Fuck you. Those ponies deserve to fear him! They deserve to hurt!

Not the innocent ones. Maybe Twilight and her friends, but not the whole nation! You've killed innocent children and innocent adults that have done nothing to Spike! 

It's only to teach everypony a lesson... Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to enjoy this dark, quiet night...

I looked back up to the beautiful bright specks. The stars, in their multitude, were astonishing. I'd like to think that they represented me before I was in control of Spike, before he was insane. I was there, you could definitely tell. I was small, nothing but a speck in the scattered brain of my friend. But, like a star, despite my cool appearance, I was actually burning and boiling with energy. But I was still merely a speck, a thought, something little, yet I was strong. I stayed with Spike. I guided him. He followed me, just like ponies would follow the stars, and he was on the right path. I have guided this dragon the right way. I haven't lied to him. I never turned him in the wrong direction, ever. He just had to follow me, and he knew he would be alright. He grew comfortable with me. We became close. And it came to a point were we became one. Nothing could separate us. Absolutely nothing.





From my room, I looked out at the moon. It was shining brightly over the darkness, painting the stone debris below silver. The cool air of the night gently made it's way through my room, making me shiver slightly. I sighed, never taking my eyes away from the moon. A tear fell down my face... I missed my parents already. I'd have to be a big girl though, because they're gone and they'll never come back. I wondered if my brother was still alive and if he was, was he alright? I know that he's an easily startles pony... he probably had a heart attack when Darkness attacked. He... probably didn't survive. I'll try to find him. One day, we'll meet again.

I wish I could help Darkness... He seemed really scared. I know he would never admit it, but there's something that's rattling him inside, and it's making him feel weak. I can see it in his eyes. When I look at them, I can see the effort he puts into looking tough, trying to conceal all of his emotions. He doesn't want to admit it to himself either. He hurts so badly... and I wish there was something I could do. But he's a large, stubborn dragon and I'm only a weak little filly. What difference could I ever make?

My eyes drooped. I yawned and got into my bed. Although my thoughts were racing, I couldn't help but be exhausted after today's events. With a sigh, I closed my eyes, not feeling the tear fall from my face as I fell into a restless sleep. I'd worry about this tomorrow.





What is that dragon doing? His actions are just so... chaotic. This is the one time that I don't want to see any chaos...

You're losing that spark, Discord. You're becoming a wimp. Over a thousand years ago, this wouldn't have bothered you.

Yes, but I have friends now. One of my friends is now a rampaging monster and the others are dead. Sure most of them are breathing, but inside they are empty, hollow and a shell of what they used to be. This is just terrible. I didn't do anything and now I'm stuck in a situation that either means the death of me, or the death of everypony including myself. 

You could just do nothing and see how this turns out. It could get really wild out there. There's nothing you could do anyway. Might as well enjoy the chaos.

You've gotta be kidding me. I thought you shut up about betraying my friends a long time ago.

Nah, I was tired of your weak side complaining about how wrong and bad that is...

That's because it is wrong and bad...

Since when did you begin caring about right and wrong?! Why do you care about what's good or bad?! You have a chance to be free right now! Celestia and Luna are useless, along with the elements of harmony. You've been pinned down by rules and order. All I'm saying is that you're letting those ponies control you, despite having more power than them, You're supposed to do what you want, not what they tell you to do!

Listen, chaotic evil side of me, you've made a valid point. I am supposed to do what I want, not what they tell me to do. And you know what? I want to listen to them! I want to treat them right. I want to keep my friends. You're just this small part of me that has never left since I became  evil. You're practically the thing that's controlling Spike right now! I really, really hate you and I shall never listen to a word you say. If I were able to, I would get rid of you for good. You're nothing but a pathetic monster...

I'm the one who gave you this power! I am the anger that fueled you to keep going. You got your revenge! You made ponies suffer! 

And I regret every moment. Not only did you make them suffer... you made me suffer too...

Listen here, Dis-

No, you listen! You're gonna shut up because I told you to and I have power over you! My life has been so much better once you stopped controlling me. I am going to do the same for Spike!

You're gonna fail.

No I'm not... even if it will kill me, I will save Spike. I will do everything in my power to make sure he regains control of himself. No matter what.

Ugh, you're sappy...

Eh... you know, that might be one thing I can agree with you on...
> Stuck in the Everfree (Part Four)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trees. Bushes. Grass. Trees. Flowers. Critters. More Trees.

"I'm so tired of trees. How could you stand living in this forest for so long." I said, resting on the manticore's back. He looked back at me with that wonderful little smile of his.

"There's nothing wrong with trees. Besides, the Everfree is my home. I like it here." He replied, his smile growing slightly. "They serve many purposes in this world. How would we ever live without them?"

"Well, of course they're really important. But seeing nothing but trees for your whole life can't be too great." I said with a small sigh.

"Looking at them gives you time to think." He said. 

"What do you think about when you look at them then?" I asked. He had a distant look in his eyes as he stared at the trees that towered above us.

"I think about life and all that's in it. How beautiful and dynamic a seemingly boring creature can be." He says. He paused and looked to his left, pointing at a nearby tree. "Look at that tree over there." I followed his paw and looked at the tree. It looked like any normal tree. Nothing too special about it. "Now look at this one over here." He pointed at another tree and it was gnarled and old, possibly close to dying.  He walked over to the first tree, resting his paw on it. "This tree looks so boring. It's a tree that someone would see as any old tree. But this tree has been through adventures, friendships, and love."

"What do you mean? How can you tell?" I asked, not seeing how it went through such things. 

"Look here." He pointed at a part of the bark that was chipped away. I squinted at the spot, trying to figure out what was so significant about it. After a few moments, my eyes widened a little. "You see it, don't you? It must've been hundreds of years back, but two creatures who were in love have carved into this tree. They've put their emotions and soul into this carving. The love behind these scratches is immense and will never leave this tree." He had a nostalgic look in his eyes for a moment before moving to the other tree. "This tree has seen many things. The stories it could tell are countless. In its long life, many creatures called it home. Other creatures used it as a spot to rest and relax.. Some even hurt this tree. But it never complained. Never stopped shielding this forest's many creatures. Its always been there and has lived a long life of doing absolutely nothing but helping others its whole life. Despite its somewhat off-putting appearance, all who have spent their lives near it all the time have come to love it. It's like one of the many mothers of the forest. Pretty soon, this mother can rest knowing that she's helped the creatures, her children, through most of her life. She is sentient. She hears my words, and I hope she knows how much she's appreciated."  The manticore gently stroked the bark of the old tree. "She's like a mother to me. She has been with me for as long as I can remember. Now, she can't hold up much longer." He sighed.  He stayed silent for a while, not moving an inch. I wanted to say something, but I didn't know what to say and I wasn't sure if this was a good moment to speak up. By the time I had made up my mind on speaking, he moved away from the tree and began walking back in the path we were going in before I mentioned the trees. I didn't say a word and he looked back with a goofy grin. "Hey, I've stopped reminiscing about my past. We can talk about normal things now!" He chuckled.

"Um okay... do you have some kind of deep feelings about the grass too?" I asked jokingly with a small chuckle.

"Oh yes, of course. How could I forget to mention the grass? Every little grass blade tells a deep, sometimes even cryptic story of their own..." He said, softly patting the grass in front of him. I deadpanned and he laughed loudly. "Oh I'm kidding. But I can say that I absolutely love nature, and I don't mind being surrounded by it at all times. It's absolutely gorgeous."

"I can agree with you there. Nature can be absolutely breathtaking when you really take the time to appreciate it." I agreed.

He nodded and was silent for a moment. "Say, what're you gonna do when you get out of here?" He asked. 

"I  was going to just... wing it, I suppose. There's not very many options after all." I said

"Hmm... you know, after hundreds of years, I believe I could use some time out of the Everfree. Mind if I tag along as you 'wing it'?" He asked, looking back at me with a small, gentle smile.

"Sure. I could use the company of a good friend." I smiled back and nodded.

GRRRRRRRRRRR!

"W-what's that noise?" I asked in fear, looking around the forest.

"That, my dear, would be the vicious growling of my stomach." The manticore said with a chuckle.

"That was your stomach?!" I asked incredulously. "That sounded like the growling of an ursa major!"

"I know, isn't it great? It scares off predators so well! Unfortunately, It means that I'm very hungry." He looked back at me with a wicked smile. "And with a pony on my back, I don't have to got through the trouble of hunting!" He pulled me off of his back and opened his mouth, coming close to me as if he were going to eat me whole. I closed my eyes, just knowing I wasn't going to make it. Perhaps I deserved this fate. I'd failed my ponies, let several of them die, and hurt them. It wasn't like I was helping anypony. What use was I? I felt the heat of his breath come closer, closer...

And a large tongue lapped the side of my face.

"W-what are you doing?" I asked as he licked my face again.

"Scaring you into believing I was going to eat you even though you should know that that's preposterous." He said with a chuckle. "I'd never actually do that to ya."

I snorted and flicked my hoof at his nose, making him quickly back away and hold his nose. I rolled my eyes and got on his back again, not saying a word. 

"Oh come on, I thought it was funny!" He pouted. I remained silent. "Really? The silent treatment?" He sighed and continued walking forward, this time looking around for any small critters that he could hunt. "What's so bad about my little prank?"

"It's not the prank..." I mumbled. "It's the thoughts I had when you were playing that prank."

"What thoughts did you have, then?" He asked.

"I thought that I deserved to die. After all of the horrible things I've done, I didn't care about you eating me."I sighed.

The manticore froze in place and looked back at me with the most serious look I'd ever seen on his face.

"You don't deserve to die. You are important in the world and you fight to do good. If that doesn't make you worthy of breathing, I don't know what does." He said.

"But I always fail... and when I fail, innocent ponies get hurt. Why should I keep living if all I ever do is hurt other ponies?" I asked with a sigh. The manticore frowned and pushed me off of his back. He turned around and looked at me in the eyes.

"Yeah, so everything isn't going right. Big deal. That doesn't mean be selfish!" He yelled. "How will your sister feel when she finds out? If your ponies have some hind of hope, how do you think they'll feel when they found out one of their princesses, a powerful alicorn not only failed, but gave up on them? Have you ever thought of how many ponies care?!" 

"I doubt they have any kind of hope! Their friends and family and children are dying out there! There's no changing that! How many ponies will even care when they hear that I've died? I never did them any good! So what if their useless Princess of the Night has died? I'm sure they'd rather have their dad family back than me! And my sister? She sent me to the moon for a thousand years! Did she not expect me to go mad during that time?! It seems to me that she didn't really care, seeing as she never even asked me if I had suicidal thoughts despite everything I went through! What is the point-" My rant was cut off by a pair of lips being shoved against me. My eyes widened and was I surprised to see the manticore kissing me. My heart raced and it seemed as if the kiss was going to last forever, and I wasn't complaining. I felt warm inside and wished the feeling would never go away. Unfortunately, the kiss had ended right after that thought. 

"You speak nonsense. I don't want to hear those petty excuses. You deserve to live." He snorted, letting out a small growl before walking away, not bothering to put me on his back this time. I sighed. He had simply done that to shut me up. But why did it have to be a kiss of all things? I shook my head. He may be wise, but he was still a bit of a nut. 

I began following him in silence, thinking about his words. I really was being selfish, only thinking about myself. Luckily, I had a good friend to lead me in the right direction.
> Empty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

An entire day had gone past since Shining woke up and comforted Celestia. He spent most of his day continuing to comfort her and talking with Zecora. The captain sighed, taking another sip of wonderful herbal tea that Zecora gave him, completely rested until someone had the gall to knock on the door and bring his headache back. Zecora stood up silently and walked over to the door. When Zecora came back, a saddened Noteworthy slowly walked into the tree behind the shaman. Noteworthy sat down and closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths before speaking. 

"I have some horrible, horrible news..." Noteworthy said quietly as one tear fell down his face. "Shining... I'm so sorry but... Twilight's no longer with us."

There was an uncomfortable silence for an entire minute before Shining spoke up with a shaky voice. "Tell me... right now... that you don't mean what I think you mean."

"I... I... I'm sorry." Noteworthy whispered.

"Twilight died... You let this happen to her?!" Shining yelled in despair and anger.

"S-spike killed her in mere seconds... with one swipe of his claw..." He said quietly with a sad sigh.

"Oh... Oh my gods... he... he actually did that? To Twilight? My little bro...? N-no, you're lying!" He yelled weakly as he fell to his haunches.

"I'm so, so sorry, but it's the truth..." Noteworthy looked away from Shining.

"Wh-what'd you say happen to my little girl?" Said a voice from the other side of the room. Shining and Noteworthy looked other to see that Twilight Velvet and Night Light, Twilight's parents, had awakened. Velvet had a look of horror on her face and Night, the pony who spoke up, looked at Noteworthy in disbelief.

"I'm so sorry... but I-I'm afraid Spike has... has murdered your daughter." Noteworthy could barely get the words out of his mouth. 

Velvet began wailing and Night Light also cried as he held his wife. Their little girl had died too young. She had been denied the chance to really grow up, fall in love, get married, have a family, and live life to the fullest. Shining walked over and hugged both of his parents. Instead of crying, he sat there, refusing to believe that his little sister was killed. By his own little brother of all creatures. Things were only getting worse. Shining had tried to be hopeful. He tried to believe that it would get better. But he realized that he had only been lying to himself. In a situation like this... it doesn't get better. It just gets worse and worse until you can't take it any more. You lose your happiness, your hope, and finally, your will to live. When you have nobody else to hold you up... all you can do is fall.





"Y-you want us to do wh-what?!"

"I said TRAIN THEM! Can you not hear, you imbecile?!"

The royal guards looked away from me nervously with awkward looks on their faces. They were such idiots. More worthless than cheap garden gnomes. Are they even good when it comes to combat? Knowing them, they'll hardly know how to dodge an attack. I want my children to be stronger than that. My children will not be weak. They will be fighters. 

Your children? Do you realize... how dumb you sound?

Sounds like you're getting weaker... Soon, I won't have to listen to your stupid babbling.

I won't... go away until you release Spike

I think I'll drown you out now. You're too weak to fight back.

"B-but Darkness, sir, they are only little foals..." Said one of the guards.

"What's your name, pony?" I asked the guard.

"S-s-silver Wings..." He stuttered.

"Silver Wings... Nice name. Though I think that it could be changed to 'Red Wings' as I put blood and scratches all over them. Or, even better, 'No Wings'." I said, raising my claws threateningly. 

"No! No! No! I-I-I'm so very sorry sir! We'll teach them to the best of our abilities!" He exclaimed.

"Good... now get out of my sight, you disgusting maggots!" I yelled. They immediately ran away from me as fast as they could. I sighed and walked over to a large window. From it, I could view all of Canterlot. There was nothing but debris and ashes all over the place. I sighed as I saw a few corpses littering the streets. Nopony had stood a chance. They ran, they fought, they pleaded for mercy... but nopony survived. I thought about Twilight and swallowed. Why... did I even care that she was dead? She's the filly who hatched me... I never asked to be hatched. I wish it had never happened. But... she was one of the only ponies who cared... if only just a little. 

Wait... no! Spike, stop controlling my thoughts! Spike! S-spike...?

He's not there... I'm going crazy... I've gotta do something about this. Perhaps I could bury her? Maybe... if I did that... it wouldn't bother me. Maybe leaving her corpse just laying out in the open and letting the one pony who cared to rot out in the open for scavengers to eat wasn't the best idea. I did originate from Spike... and he cares so much about Twilight. No wonder the fact that her body is just rotting out in the open in a large field is bothering him.

I spread my wings and flew east. It took about an hour of flying before I found the spot where I... killed Twilight. I looked at her face, which was twisted in a look of shock, guilt and pain. Blood was smeared all over the underside of her body, and a large, bloody hole was left where I attacked her. I sighed and grabbed her in my claws and took off again. I hadn't planned on goin back there, but I gad to do this. Otherwise, I'd go crazy. The nagging voice in my brain that told me to do this... wouldn't stop until I satisfied it. I wasn't eager to go back... once it was in sight, I immediately wished to turn around. But... I'm not supposed to care. I'm a heartless monster. But then... why do I care about what used to be a happy, joyful place? Why do I care about...

Ponyville?
> Interlude: Peony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had to hurry! It wasn't safe here! My hooves burned, my lungs hurt, my heart was thumping wildly in my chest. But I didn't stop. I couldn't stop. If I stopped, I wouldn't escape. I refused to let myself die or be a slave. No, that can't happen! Not to me! I hadn't done a thing to deserve this. I was just a normal pony minding my own business. After about an hour of running, I couldn't go no further. I had just used all of my energy.

"No... no! NO, NO, NO!!!" I screamed. I had to keep going. 

I forced myself to keep walking, ignoring my protesting hooves and my burning lungs. My heart was now the only thing I could hear as I kept going. Oh, it hurt so bad. But no matter what, I couldn't stop. If I stopped, that would mean a lifetime of pain. No, that would mean I'd die.

I could see it. Yes, once I left Equestria, I could be free. Or at least be in a safer place. Either way, that was better than staying where ponies were being torn to shreds. I'm so close, so very close. The land beyond Equestria. Perhaps I would see zebras. Or griffons. I didn't know where I was heading. Griffonia, Zebrica, the Crystal Empire, I don't know. All I know is that it's so much better than Equestria now. Equestria is hell. All I wanted was to go out and drink some tea. Went to a nice little cafe, had some Earl Grey, and was having a lovely morning. Then the screams came. Oh the screams. They rang in my ears... I could hear the terror in them. I could hear flesh ripping apart. I...

I just ran. Left behind those I loved. All of my friends, family... even my coltfriend. Because I was scared. I kind of regret it.. but there was no turning back now. They were surely... dead by now. I shook my head. No, I couldn't think about that right now. Not when I was so close to escaping. I can't distract myself. I've gotta keep going. I've gotta-

I bumped into something. When I looked in front of me, I saw a large wall of fire in front of me. What?

I tried to pass through again, but I ended up bumping into it again, like it was a brick wall. I dragged myself ten feet to the left and tried to pass  through there. It was the same. I pounded weakly on the flame wall, but it was solid. We... we were trapped. There is no escaping. We're all gonna die!

I cried and collapsed on the dirt beneath me. Everyone I loved were goners for sure. I'm too young to die. But I'm sure that monster killed young ponies too. It didn't care. It didn't have a heart. Even the elements couldn't stop it. There's... no hope for us. 

The fire slowly came forward, then surrounded me and soon I was engulfed in the green flames. I didn't try to run as I felt my fur and skin burning. I was going to die anyway.

I am Peony...

And nopony will be alive to remember that name.
> Feelings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I looked down at the spot where Twilight had been buried. It was right where the library once stood before Tirek demolished it. I had taken a clawful of bits and melted them, molding the gold into a tombstone afterwards. A nameless tombstone. I stuck it in the ground next to where I buried her. That should do it. The nagging feeling went a way mostly, but I could still feel it, if only just a little bit. I sighed and shook my head. I had done all I could do.

I arrived back at the castle a few hours later and sighed. I felt so... incomplete. What was wrong with me? I should be feeling nothing. Absolutely nothing. Maybe anger... maybe hate... but besides that, I should be emotionless, stoic, cold. Oh well... the other parts of me weren't dead yet. The ones that were there before me... That could be the problem. Yeah... I'd wait until those useless fools died away. Then I wouldn't have to deal with these stupid feelings any more.

"M-mister Darkness...?" A filly's voice called from my right. I turned around to see that one little filly that thought she knew everything, Love Charm. I crossed my arms and glared at her, but surprisingly, she didn't cower in fear. I liked her bravery. She would be a strong fighter, fit to be part of my loyal army.

"Yes, Love Charm was it?" I asked and she nodded with a small smile.

"Um... can I leave this castle?" She asked. I raised an eyebrow. Did she really think she could get away that easily? 

"Don't you remember the rules? No leaving the castle, little filly. It's not happening." I growled to her.

"But... I don't like being indoors all day..." She whined.

"Not my problem." I muttered.

"Please?" She pouted and let her eyes get watery.

"No." I said. 

She'll give up soon.





Does she have a fucking 'Off' switch or something? If so, someone needs to kindly show it to me before I rip this filly's head off!


"Please!?"

"No."

She just won't stop. I think I've told her 'no' about a thousand times. I'm not even exaggerating. The only word that has come out of her mouth for hours has only been 'please'.

"Please?!"

"No."

All day, she's asked me the same question. All. Freaking. Day. She would not take 'no' for an answer. And it was killing of the last speck of sanity I had left. I couldn't take this any longer!


"Please?!"

"Fine goddammit!" I shouted in her face. She only smiled. That was the last thing I wanted to see right now. Her smile was so damn annoying! "But only with me. We can't have you escaping." I said, crossing my arms.

"Yay! Thank you Mister Darkness! You're so nice!" She exclaimed with a cute smile as her tiny hooves attempted to wrap around my leg. I growled in irritation. 

"I'm not nice, kid. It was either this or tearing your tongue out of your mouth..." I told her. Her eyes widened slightly in fear. She was trying to hold back her fear. How cute.

Why would you say that to her?! She's... She's only a little foal!

So? Why should I care?

Sometimes... it's hard to believe that you're not a heartless monster. 

I am a heartless monster, you idiot. 

You keep believing that, and it'll lead to your downfall.

I snorted and ignored him for the moment. It seemed like she got over what I said because she was now smiling again.

"Can we fly?" She asked excitedly. It irritated me that she was so... optimistic. 

"Yeah, whatever." I nodded reluctantly, knowing she would beg me to fly too. She was so persistent and it was annoying. I picked her up and gently sat her on top of my head.  "Hold my horn tightly." I told her. She nodded and grabbed one of the long horns protruding from my head. I walked outside onto a large balcony and spread my long wings. After a flap or two of preparation, I took off into the sky.  The wind against my scales felt great. My lips twitched a little, but the frown never left my face. This filly managed to make me come outside and fly, just for her. Am I getting soft? 

We flew for about half an hour. She had giggled and cheered the entire time. After a while I got used to it and even did a few tricks in the air. I suppose it was a bit... fun. A little better than being in that castle all day. 

I decided to rest on top of the mountain that Canterlot was built on. Love had calked away from my horn and sat an top of my muzzle.

"It's pretty up here. I can see so much from here!" She exclaimed. The wind gently blew her soft main and tail as she looked up into the sky. 
"I guess." I muttered, looking down at all the destruction that I had caused. I could tell that she was doing her best not to look down there. She just wanted to be optimistic. And I hated it.

"Isn't it about time for the sun to set? How does that happen even when we don't have the princesses?" She asked.

"I'm more powerful than the princesses, Love. Watch." I said. I concentrated and gripped the sun with my power. Slowly, but surely, the sun began setting. Withing minutes, the sky was bathed in red, purple, orange and yellow hues. It was a beautiful sight. The only beauty I could ever create... and it was with stolen power. 

"Wow... it looks amazing!" She leaned forward a little loving the vibrant colors of the sky. 

Once again my lips twitched a little. "Yes, I suppose it is a bit pretty." A little smile was slowly growing on my face until...

Enjoying yourself?

What do you mean? This is annoying!

That smile says otherwise.

I don't have to listen to you! Just... shut up!

You're not emotionless. You have a heart.

Tell that to the hundreds of ponies I murdered.

You regret every single death.

No! I love it! They deserved it! Shut up!

You wish you could undo it all.

No I don't! Things should stay as they are! I'm happy with how things are going! I'm in control! I-

If that's true, then...

"Why are you crying, Mister Darkness?" Love asked. She was looking into my eyes with concern. I blinked. Was I really crying? That couldn't be possible.


"I'm not... crying." I said weakly. 

Love began petting the spines on top of my head. "It's okay. I'm here with you." She cooed.

I felt like an idiot. I sighed, and whispered. "Thank you."

"What was that?" She asked. I could hear the smile in her voice.

"I said... Let's go home." 
> Anger
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up with a yawn and let out a long sigh. Without opening my eyes, I held the sun in my magic once again and slowly pulled the sun up over the horizon. After I successfully created a beautiful morning, I opened my eyes to see another pair staring right into my own. 

"Good morning!"

"Gah!" I yelped with a flinch. I blinked and realized that this little filly, Love Charm, managed to startle me. How embarrassing. I blushed and frowned. "What do you think you're doing? How did you get here?" 

"You let me sleep with you because I didn't remember where my room was and you were too tired to find it for me." She said innocently with a sweet smile.

"...Okay..." I sighed and stretched my body. "How about you go in the kitchen and tell the chef slaves what you want for breakfast?" I suggested. 

"Okay mister darkness... I guess I'm a bit hungry." She said, her ears drooping as she heard the word 'slaves'. She had a look in her eyes... it was almost as if they held disappointment. I snorted and ignored her as she walked away.

She's such an annoying kid...





I sighed as I walked through the large, empty hallways of the castle. Normally, there would be guards at every door or walking around running errands. Now, it was just lifeless. Though prissy nobles were annoying, walking with their snouts facing the ceiling, at least they make this place full of life and color. The emptiness felt unnatural, and even slightly creepy. I let my thoughts wander until I heard a noise. It sounded like muffled hooves and yelling. It quickly got louder until suddenly, a hundreds of ponies began pouring through the palace's doors with looks of rage on their faces. I gasped at they completely trampled me, pushing me and stomping on me. I screamed, but nopony could hear me over the stomping and shouting. After what seemed like forever, I finally got away from that mob. with tears falling down my face, I curled up in pain and covered my ears.

When the rumbling ceased I uncovered my ears and looked around. I was greeted to the same emptiness as before. I waited a few moments before attempting to get up. I winced as my bruised hooves touched the floor and pressure was applied. I could taste blood in my mouth and I was missing a couple teeth. I whimpered and started walking to the throne room, where Darkness would most likely be at this time. I was very slow, but I didn't let that stop me. I wanted to know what they would do to Darkness. I only hoped that they wouldn't hurt him. He doesn't deserve to hurt any more.





I yawned and glared down at the mob below me. They were very angry indeed, but unfortunately for them, they wouldn't be able to do anything against me. I sat there and stared at them, waiting for one of them to be brave and speak up. Unfortunately, nopony dared to. My frown deepened and opened my mouth to speak.

"You are one dead dragon." The pony in front finally spoke.

"It was about time you said something, coward."

"I am no coward, you monster." He growled.

"State your name, tough guy." I ordered.

"Graphene Scimitar." 

"Listen here Graphene, no pony could ever defeat me. I've overpowered most of the royal guard on my own. I've taken down cities, killed hundreds, got rid of your stupid princesses... And you think you're so tough?" I asked, stepping closer to the crowd.

"We care not about what atrocious acts you have committed! We will prevail!" He yelled.

My frown deepened.

"Try to defeat me. Right now." I said.

"Alright, ready yourself, monster!" Graphene shouted and raised his scimitar sword into the air. Dozens of cheers erupted behind him as they all raised their weapons.

"ATTACK!!!" 

I yawned and waited for them to fail, but was surprised hen I felt a bit of pain. My eyes widened as I looked down and saw that Graphene's sword has managed to slice through my rough scales. So, he wanted to me a tough guy, did he? I snorted and sung my claw at him. Unfortunately, it didn't hurt him, and I earned another cut on my hand. Blood dripped from my hand and I glared at him. Who did he think he was, actually wounding someone like me? He must have a death wish. 

Graphene and the mob behind him all changed at me at once. Did they really think that the large amount of ponies would make a difference. I chuckled and blew fire at them. The unicorns of the group all flinched and slowed down as my powerful flames showered over them. They must have had a fire-repellent spell set on them. That would've been useful for any normal dragon. I could tell, their spell was very strong. But it had no effect against my fire, due to the amount of magic in my flames. Graphene frowned and flew up at my head. I turned my head as he attacked, but he managed to slash off a piece of one of the fins on the side of my head. I whipped my head towards him and bit his foreleg.

"G-gah!" he yelled and lost his focus. I took the opportunity to attack him again. He managed to move out of the way last minute, but I still got to graze his wing. Graphene yelped in pain and plummeted to the ground with blood oozing out of his wing. He landed with an 'oof' onto the floor. 

"Hm... time to end this..." I  blew my fire across all of them and sent jolts of magic through them. I heard grunts and whinnies of pain from all of them, as if they were getting electrocuted. 

All of the ponies just stopped where they were, refusing to move so they wouldn't be in more pain. I whistled and soon, some guards arrived. 

"Alright you garden gnomes, I know you weren't hired to stand there and look pretty! Be useful for once and take these fools to the dungeon..." I ordered.

"Yes master Darkness!" They said, and got right to work. I sighed and pointed at a random guard.

"And you..."

"Y-yes master?" He asked, his voice slightly quivering in fear.

"Go check on my little ones." I ordered.

"Yes master..." He turned to go do his job, until I said one last thing.

"If any of them has a single hair out of place, just know that I haven't had breakfast yet today, and I think you'd make a nice meal..." I threatened.

He nearly choked on his own saliva and yelped in fear as he rushed to go check on the children.





"Oh no... oh no! Oh no! Oh no! Noooo!" I heard a voice shout and begin crying. I looked down the hall and saw a royal guard who was shaking where he stood. "I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die! Oh Celestia, please let me be hallucinating!" He yelled.

"Wh-what's wrong?" I asked the guard.

"They hurt you.... N-now master Darkness is gonna eat me alive!" He said.

"Oh no..." I frowned. That sounded horrifying. "Maybe I could convince him to let you live?"

"Oh please, he's a monster! Do you actually think that a little filly such as you could change his mind?" He asked skeptically. "I'm doomed I tell ya! Dooomed!" He went back to crying.

My eye twitched a little. I knew he was just really upset, but he saw me as weak! I'm not weak! I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. Just like I was able to go outside yesterday. I rolled my eyes sighed.

"Where is he?" I asked the sobbing guard.

"H-he's in the throne room... w-why?" He asked.

"I'm going to him right now..." I said and began walking to the throne room.

"W-what? You're just gonna go there and quicken my death?" He shakily asked.

"Nope. I'm gonna tell him not to kill you." I said in a matter-of-factly tone.

"A-are you insane!? You c-can't just tell master darkness what to do! He'll surely eat you too!" The guard screamed.

"Stop screaming. Let's go." I growled.

I was surprised that he actually followed me. Then again, he thought he was going to die anyway. That's also why he started panicking. Still, despite him thinking he was going to die, it didn't change the fact that he was being very annoying.  

Soon, I made it to the throne room. I peeked inside and saw a bunch of unconscious bodies on the floor in front of Darkness. I recognized a few or them who had trampled me earlier. I huffed and frowned. Usually, I felt sorry for other ponies who got hurt. Especially when they're trying to defend other ponies. But for them to completely ignore me and walk all over me like that? They definitely deserved it...

"Mister Darkness?" Walked into the room as normal as possible.

"Oh... hello there Lov-" Darkness stopped when he saw the bruises and scratches all over me. "What happened to you?" He asked in a slightly concerned voice.

"Well... I was walking to the kitchen to get something to eat when those ponies over there just trampled me..." I told him.

A small trail of black smoke drifted out of his nostrils as he tightened his fists in anger.

"What is taking you imbeciles so long to get these fuckers OUT OF MY SIGHT!!!" He roared loudly.  The guards all flinched and rushed to get the unconscious ponies into the dungeon. He then looked at the guard that was trembling in fear behind me. "Now... I believe I let you know what was going to happen, didn't I?" Darkness growled at the annoying stallion.

"Y-yes master Darkness..." The pony sighed and accepted his fate.

"Mister Darkness, please don't eat him." I said.

"Why shouldn't I?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"He didn't do anything."

"...So what?"

"So please don't do it. He really doesn't deserve it."

"...Er... Very well.... if it bothers you so much." He said hesitantly before looking over to the shivering guard. "You. Get over here. Now."

The guard gulped and did as mister Darkness asked. Mister Darkness spent some time glaring at the guard before suddenly swiped his claw at him three times. There was silence once more. It was then that the guard's left ear, left front hoof, and most of his hair fell to the floor. A few more moments passed before the guard also fell to the floor in shock, his face still contorted in fear. I simply stared at the act, unsure of how I felt about it. Darkness chuckled.

"You said not to eat him, and I believe you wanted him to live. I did as you asked. He is still breathing, and he isn't in my mouth." He said.

I frowned.

"Oh, don't you give me that look." He snorted."Foals these days just wanting to be spoiled... Come now, let's get you patched up" he said. I looked at him expectantly and he shook his head. "Walk yourself." I sighed and limped to the throne room's entrance/exit. Mister Darkness followed with a frown on his face. 

"Next time, don't expect me to be so merciful." He said.

"Why do you always have to kill other ponies, when they can help you? You're killing allies!" I complained.

Mister Darkness sighed. "Because I can."

"That's not an excuse, Mister Darkness..." I mumbled.

Mister Darkness blinked and glared at me.

"Just who do you think you are talking to me like that?"

Oops... I think I got too comfortable. Just because he let me go out yesterday doesn't mean I can control him... yet. I thought and began to scold myself.

"I'm your superior and your master... I refuse to let you talk to me like you have authority over me!" He roared.

I flinched as he snorted and turned around. He blew his magical fire out into the air, and it traveled to the guard that was still unconscious.  The fire then made its way into his mouth, and the guard slowly opened his eyes.

"Wake up. Now. And get over here." Mister Darkness commanded. The guard quickly woke up at his voice and begun hobbling and stumbling across the room to us. It took him a long time with his missing hoof, but he eventually made it. He looked expectantly at Darkness and waited for his next command. "This filly thinks that she's in control. She believes that she actually has power over me. I think I have been a bit too... nice. Not any longer. Take this, you useless slave." He said with a frown. Darkness handed the pony one of the weapons that somepony in the angry mob had used. It was a gardening bow rake.

The guard did as he was told and grabbed the rake from him.

"Using the handle of this rake, I want you to beat some sense into her." 

"Wh-what?!" Both I and the guard exclaimed.

"I-I can't do that to a little fill-"

"Do you want to die?" Darkness threatened.

I felt a horribly stinging pain on my bottom almost instantly after that threat. I screamed out in pain as tears filled my eyes. The same pain came again and again, harder and harder as I could faintly hear Mister Darkness telling him to put more strength into his blows. After what seemed like an eternity of stinging, it finally stopped. I was left gasping and crying on the ground. Weak. Like always. I tried to stop the tears, but I wasn't even able to slow them down. The pain was simply too much.

"Go patch her up." Darkness told the guard. He nodded and, despite his injuries,  managed to get me onto his back  and begin walking away from Mister Darkness.





That filly... there's something about her. She's not like any normal foal her age.

Well, that's obvious... she's too smart!

What do you mean 'smart'? She got trampled and was worried about the enemy!

Well, while I was breaking down some invisible walls, I happened to literally see her thoughts!

Why are you using up your energy?

Well, I just thought that what she was doing made no sense. So I tried to make sense of it!

You tried to make sense of something. Discord, you fool...

Anyways, while I was reading, I noticed something. She's really up to something. I think she's trying to...

Trying to what?

I can't say it, you silly little voice.

Why? I'm you!

I'm not gonna spoil it! You'll have to see for yourself.

...Sometimes, I think your IQ is in the negatives.

What do you mean in the negative? My IQ is 31415926538979!

...It's not...

It is. My IQ is whatever I want it to be. Because I said so. 

I knew I should've picked someone like Tirek to torment instead of you thousands of years ago...
> The Chaos Has Just Begun...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's been too long..." One mare said in the front of a large crowd. They had all been waiting for hours outside of the castle. A mob had been sent in there earlier to get rid of the evil tyrant monster, Darkness, but it didn't seem like they had been very successful. 

"I told you them crazy ponies wouldn't accomplish nothing'!" A stallion complained with a snort.

"But... But... They promised they would be victorious!" Another mare complained and began crying.

"What did we expect? Even the two most powerful goddesses and the elements of harmony couldn't defeat 'im! You expect some crazy pony with a sword to do anything? I'm sure he's been eaten by now by that dragon!" The stallion from before said, shaking his head.

"Oh my Celestia! Th-there he is now..." Somepony screamed in fear.

The ground trembled as a large purple figure sauntered through the large castle doors, glaring at the crowd  below. 

"You ponies sicken me..." He growled. "You think you're so innocent... So nice... Yet you care not of others, but only of yourselves." 

The crowd stayed silent, opting to only stare up in fear. 

"I'm very frustrated... You all may go home, if it is not destroyed. If it is, it's not my problem." He told the ponies. Nopony moved.

"I said GO NOW!"

The rumbling of the ground only lasted for seconds before they faded away as the ponies hurried away from Darkness. 

Hmm... Lately, you haven't been killing ponies. You must be growing soft...

Soft...? Hmph. As if I would ever go back to being soft.

But I believe you're supposed to be a cold, heartless monster... Or so you said once before...

Yes, that is true, but if I killed everyone, that would be boring. Who would I torment? 

...If you say so.

If Darkness were to be honest to himself he had been a bit indulgent to the ponies. He wasn't the same ruthless murder he had once been not too long ago. He wondered what could have possibly changed. The dragon chuckled to himself. He had all of the time in the world to ponder. There was no need to worry too much about it.

As he sat there, mulling over the past, he heard tiny hoofsteps coming his way. He let out an annoyed growl, yet a small smile tugged at his lips. He had no idea why Love's presence made him smile, but just her aura alone was enough to distract him from the reality of his situation. That sweet smile, and innocent voice just demanded happiness and attention, and it was greatly affecting him. He didn't want to admit it, and he definitely fought it, but at the same time, was definitely warming up to it. 

"Was there something you wanted...?" Darkness asked the little filly.

"I wanted to spend time with you." She said.

The young dragon chuckled. "You always spend time with me. Haven't you made friends with any other children in here...?" He asked, curious as to why a filly like her didn't have lots of friends she was busy playing with.

Love sighed, and gently shuffled her hooves. "Um... not really..." She mumbled. "I don't need them. I've got you. You're my friend, right?" 

Darkness' toughened demeanor faltered a bit. "Er... yes, that is true. But you need some friends your own age, don't you...?"

"No. I'm fine.  Really, I'm okay with only you." Darkness let out a small sigh. 

What is the real reason why you won't make friends, Love?" 

She looked away, swallowing. "H-honestly... I'm scared..." Her words were quiet, and hesitant.

"Scared? Why are you scared? What is there to fear?" He asked in a perplexed manner.

"I'm scared I might... lose them too."

His heart dropped. "Too...?" he asked barely above a whisper.

"I... they're... gone away. Y-you..." She began crying softly. "They couldn't escape... What if the same thing happens..." the rest of her words were unintelligible as her soft sniffles turned into heavy sobbing.

Darkness felt like utter crap. She still wanted to be friends with him after all that he had done to her. He couldn't understand it, but somehow that have him a feeling of utter sorrow. He became dolorous, and felt... sympathy for this young pony. Did she really deserve such a travesty to happen to her? Did he really have to go that far to show everypony the error of their ways? 

Of course... It was all necessary. It may have been painful for them, but everyone deserved to feel that pain. They were going to send me away, possibly kill me when I was weak. But no... I am strong, superior, and just. 

"Well, Love, that is why we must be strong..." He held her head up so he could look her in the eyes. "We all lose things that are precious to us..." The image of Twilight's cold, limp corpse flashed into his mind. "Yet we have to learn to go on, and be stronger. Move onto better things that will ultimately benefit us." He said.

She looked up at him with teary eyes. "B-but..."

"Shh..." He interrupted. "I don't want to hear any doubting. You are a strong filly, okay?" 

Love nodded her head slowly.

"You can get through this. Now, why don't you go see how well the other fillies and colts are doing with their training...?" He asked, patting her hear gently.

"O-okay." She mumbled, and walked away.

Darkness stared at her for a long time as she slowly made her way to the training field. He felt a bit better, and hoped his words had helped her. 

"She's gonna do well. She has plenty of potential..." He mumbled to himself, and turned to look outside at the sky. The soft blue with puffy patches of white littering it calmed him. He was left with only his thoughts to entertain him as he waited for nothing in particular to occur. The gentle breeze brought a smile to his face and he sighed contently.

She will be perfect...





I let out a long exhale as I stood in front of two large doors. Beyond those doors would be a bunch of royal guards and kids my age sparring and exercising. I didn't know what I would say, or how I'd approach them, but to please Mister Darkness, I'd definitely do my best. 

I cautiously opened one of the doors and peeked into the room. Inside, just as she had suspected, there was a bunch of training. Yet there was somepony sitting off to the side, drinking water out of a large bottle. I sighed, and walked over to the pony, who happened to be a colt upon closer inspection. He had light auburn fur and a slightly unkempt sky blue mane that covered his eyes, with a screwdriver that was covered in oil as a cutiemark. He had what seemed to have a bit of a dopey smile on his face, and chuckled lightly under his breath.

"Oh, hey there!" He said and turned his head towards me. I flinched slightly. How in Equestria did he see me?

"U-um... hi." I mumbled shyly. His grin grew a little.

"I've heard a lot of rumors about you. You're that brave pony who wasn't scared of that monster! I even heard you befriended him!" 

The excitement in his voice slightly unnerved me. What was with him? And why were there rumors going around about me?

"U-um... yeah... I did." I said, unsure as to why he'd be so happy about such a thing. Didn't most of the ponies he kidnapped hate him?

"Wow... you're really cool. What's your name?" he asked, his smile shimmering in the sun's brilliant light.

"Love Charm... and yours?" 

"Contrivance Script. Though I'm commonly called 'Con'. It's nice to meet you, Love!" He smiled and let out a quiet chuckle.

"Y-yeah... nice to meet you too." I said, though I wasn't sure about the meeting being very 'nice'. 

"Ey. Ya see that guy over there?" Con pointed his hoof over to a navy blue unicorn colt with a long soft green colored mane and tail. His sky blue eyes were locked on his opponent as he attacked a guard with all of his might. I had to admit, he was doing quite well.

"He seems determined to win that fight..." I commented. Con chuckled darkly. 

"He's determined to win a bigger fight..." He said quietly.

I stared at him. "Why does he want to fight Mr. Darkness?" I asked. I had a feeling I knew why already.

"Hm... I know you're smart..." He said. "But maybe you need to hear it from someone else. His family is gone..."

"I figured. I forgave him for what he did for me." I said. 

"Yes, but some ponies don't forgive as easily as others..." he said. I never really understood how someone could hold a grudge like that. It didn't make sense. I do my best to see the good in others, forgive them and move on. How could someone get their mind so wrapped around something, and not be able to escape it? It was so simple to me...

"I guess so." I muttered. 

He pulled his hair away from his face to look me in the eyes, and his smile widened. "You're a really cool filly. I hope I can hang out with you a lot."

I stared back at him. He really seemed to like me... it wasn't like all of my other 'friends'. All I could see in their eyes for me was pity, not love and kindness... But those bright purple eyes showed a genuine interest in me, rather than my setbacks. I smiled and sat next to him.

"I'm sure we can." I told him.

"Cool!"





The two became fast friends, and spent most of their time with each other, when they weren't training. As they grew closer, they met five other friends, who would also go out of their way to be with each other. The seven were always seen together laughing, playing, and causing mischief around the castle. They were rarely seen apart, when they weren't busy with training, and held a strong friendship for many years to come.

Darkness was happy for the children, as he watched them grow and be happy with each other.  Every once in a while, Love would go to Darkness, whether it was to relax in the evening sun, or talk about stuff. Sometimes, Darkness would help solve friendship problems to help her and her friends. Her a few of her friends, while happy and accepting of Love, were slightly hostile and bitter towards Darkness. The rest forgave him, and sometimes even went to him for help, when they needed it. 

As time went by, the ponies were able to slowly rebuild their towns. It didn't look the best, but it wasn't just a big pile of Debris anymore. Darkness ruled over them, and they obeyed his every command. Some did what he said, no questions asked. But there was definitely a resistance. They had tried to attack and defeat him a multitude of times, but nopony has yet to succeed. It was a dark, and depressing time for Equestria, and it didn't seem to be getting any better. If anything, as every day slowly trudged by, it was almost as if things got worse.

However, there is one source that may be able to end all of the misery. One that is the most magical and powerful to exist. Though there still remains one question.

Will the source be up to the challenge?