> A Faceless Nightmare
>  by Phantomslayer230
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		It was a normal summer day in Ponyville. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Twilight was sitting in her new castle doing what loves most……reading. But she wasn’t just reading, she was studying. Since Twilight became the official princess of friendship, twilight has taking her studies to a whole new level. She has taken it upon herself to learn all that she can about all forms of magic, and she loved nothing more than some time alone to do just that.

“TWILIGHT, WHERE ARE YOU!?” of course that time was very rare.

“What is it Spike?” twilight asked, not wanting to put her studies on hold for somepony’s stupid problems…..again.

“Well…..you see…”

“Wait Spike, let me guess. Rarity needs me to give her advice on a dress, or maybe Applejack wants me get rid of some insect that are attacking the farm, or maybe Rainbow Dash wants to show off again, or…”

“TWILIGHT, SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND LISTEN TO ME!”

Twilight was taken aback by Spikes sudden outburst, but she soon realized that what she did was uncalled for.

“Hehehe…sorry Spike” Twilight apologized feeling rather embarrassed.

Spike let out a frustrated sigh before continuing.

“Actually, everypony’s been really worried about you. You spend all you time cooped up in here with your stupid books.”

“STUPID BOOKS!” Twilight was yelling again. “Spike books are not stupid, they are harbingers of knowledge and understanding, 
they’re a way for pony’s to experience that past and all of the wonders it held, their…..”

“ANYWAY, I actually came by to give you a letter from Cadence.”

Twilight instantly forgot about her rant and quickly snatched the letter from Spikes claw, nearly knocking him over in the process. She quickly ripped the letter open and started reading, and every word she read caused her smile to grow and grow, to the point where Spike was worried her face was going to rip in half. Finally she put the letter down and started celebrating.

“YAAAAY, YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES.”

“HAY! Dragon being left in the dark here. What’s it say?”

“Oh right. Spike this is big news. Go get the others and meet me back hear ASAP.”

“ASAP?” Spike asked while scratching his head.

Twilight just rolled her eyes. “It means As Soon As Possible. It’s a military thing; now get going.”

Twilight was practically shooing him out the door. Once Spike was outside he took off running. Twilight slumped up against the wall, pressing Cadences letter to her chest. Twilight opened her eyes and noticed the book she was reading. The darkness within: a reference guide to dark magic. Twilight simply tucked her book in her saddle bags that were nearby and walking into her throne room to await her friends.


******************

Spike returned to the castle as fast as he could, five ponies in tow. When Spike told them that twilight had big news he was instantly bombarded with questions that he couldn’t answer. Thankfully they were back at the castle and they would get their answers. The group walked into the castle throne room to find Twilight writing a response for Cadence’s letter. She didn’t notice them until Spiked ‘cleared’ his throat. Twilight turned and her happy grin grew into a huge smile.

“Oh finally your all here. Please take a seat everypony, and dragon.”

As everyone went to their thrones Applejack was the first to speak.

“Well Twi, what’s the big new ya got fer us.”

“Oh yes darling you must tell us all about it.”

Twilight was about to speak when her vision was suddenly clouded by a pink face and two light blue eye that stared into her own.

“Tell us! TELL US NOW!”

“Pinkie, back off and let her breath.”

“Fine Dashie but only cuz you asked nicely.”

Twilight finally had space to think. She regained her composure and cleared her throat before speaking.

“Spike, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash. At approximately 10:53 this morning, Spike gave a letter from Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire. The information held within said letter was astonishing to me. And therefore I had Spike get you all. The information within this letter was unexpected and is in no way a reflection of the Crystal Empire or her…..”

“OH FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA. STOP GIVING US A BRIEFING AND CUT TO THE CHASE WILL YA!!!!”

All eyes were now on Spike who was standing in front of his throne with an expression of anger that would cause Nightmare Moon to shake in her boots.

“Ok ok fine.” Twilight cleared her throat again. “Cadence has invited us all to attend the crystal fair. And she says that she has some really big news involving her and Shining Armor.”

Spike slapped his face with his hand. “That’s what you were freaking out over. And invitation the fair. Honestly I don’t see why that’s so important.”

Spike, the Crystal fair is where we were able to defeat king Sombra and liberate the Empire from his evil clutches. I for one would love to see how the fair id different now that he’s gone. Also I have some questions involving my studies that I want to ask Cadence.”

“Well I don’t why I need to go. I’ll just stay here and keep the castle clean.”

Twilight leaned right up next to Spikes ear and spoke, “I bet you would get the full-fledged royal treatment like you did during the Equestrian games.”

Spikes eyes suddenly opened wide and a huge grin spread over his face.

“Well what are waiting for, let’s go to the crystal empire!”


******************

It was a cold night in Fillydelphia, and the streets were surprisingly vacant. A dark brown earth pony with jet black mane was trotting along the sidewalk mumbling to himself. 

“Maybe I should just give up. I’ve been hunting these things since I was filly and I’m still no closer to even proving their existence then I was back then. Everypony mocks me cuz I believe in them. Maybe I should just hang up my gear and find a normal job.”
He stopped trotting and raised his head up before giving himself a pep-talk. 

“What the hay am I saying? I’m Phantom Seeker. I got my cutie mark while I was hunting these things. From this day forward I vow that I will prove the existence of supernatural entities.”

He punctuated his commitment by stomping his hoof on the ground.

“That’s a pretty tall order don’t you think?”

Phantom jumped back slightly, startled by the sudden noise. He looked in its direction only to see a dark alleyway next to him. He reached into his saddle bags and pulled out his trusty EMF meter as he walked toward the source of the voice.

“Ya it is but I’m up to the task. What’s it to you?”

A dark red unicorn with a two-tone black and silver mane and tail stepped out from the shadows and used his horn to illuminate the area.

“I was just curious.” He said while walking up to Phantom.

Phantom let out a long sigh, half from relief and half from frustration.

“Jeez man I thought you were a ghost or something. What are you doing back here anyway?”

The unicorn before him simply smiled and said, “Waiting for you.”

Phantoms suddenly felt his hooves go cold. He couldn’t move his legs. He started and the unicorn as he walked closer to him.

“What do you mean you were waiting for me?” Phantom said now truly scared.

“It funny really. You actually think you can tame the dark powers your hunting. You my friend, believe it or not, are ill-equipped to tame the dark energy you seek.”

The mysterious unicorn suddenly leapt forward, bringing his face mere inches away from Phantoms.

“Do you truly think you, or any creature in equestrian is ready for the darkness to rise. Do you think you can truly defend yourselves from it. You…..and all of your kind, can’t even imagine the full extend its power.” 

There was a sudden flash of red light from the unicorn. And Phantom suddenly found himself alone in the dark alley. He was terrified now. Upon realizing he could move, Phantom turned tail and ran as fast as he could toward the Fillydelphia City Police Department. As he did, A dark red unicorn watched from the shadows. He quietly snickered to himself before being covered in a dim red glow. He then walked out of his hiding place, only now he was a green Pegasus with a spiky blue mane and tail. As he flew off he said one thing. 
“And so it begins."

> chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After a hour and a half train ride from Ponyville to the Crystal Empire. Although to the dismay of about 96.5% of the other passengers. The usually peaceful train ride felt all the more longer thanks to 6 mares talking, arguing, and laughing. Oh sweet Celestia, the laughing. Also there happened to be one mare in particular who never shut up or stopped shouting. After what seemed like mere minutes ( or weeks depending on your point of view). The train came to screeching halt. Twilight and her friends took all of 40 seconds to gather their things. Yet when they finished every single pony on the train was already gone. Even the conductor was nowhere to be seen.

"Hmmmm. I guess pony's are excited for the fair." Twilight thought completely oblivious to her groups antics during the train ride.


******************


The Crystal Empire was always a beautiful city. With everything being shiny and made of crystal. Even the pony's who live here have coats and manes that are shiny and seem to be made of crystals. As the group walked the noticed that the entire city was decorated for the fair. Crystal Empire flags hung from every house and street lamp. Also various shops were being set up with many different good available for purchase. Throngs from crystal corn on the cob, and crystal berry pies. To hay woven hats and baskets, and crystal Flugelhorns. Remembering the last fair Twilight carefully avoided the flugelhorn stand. 

As Twilight and her friends approached the center of the city they approached the Crystal palace. The towering centerpiece of the entire city. A gigantic crystal structure standing around 50 to 60 feet tall. Give or take a few stories, no pony has bothers to measure it's height. Standing under the main supports of the castle were three guards. Two of them were obviously crystal pony's. With shiny coats and silver guards armor. However the third guard was different. He wasn't a crystal pony. In fact, he was a Pegasus. With a bright orange coat, and two-tone bright and dark blue mane and tail. He wore golden royal guards armor. Twilight recognized this guard instantly.

"Flash Sentry." Twilight spoke trying to maintain her royal composure. "I assume the three of you have been assigned as our escorts?"

Flash and the other guards bowed their heads before Flash spoke.

"Yes your highness. Princess Cadence has insisted that we accompany you for the duration of your stay. She has also requested your presence in the throne room." 

"Then lead on sirs." 

Flash and the other guards rose up and Flash motioned Twilight and her friends to follow. Though not before shooting Twilight and rather sly smile, causing her to blush ever so slightly.

After a short walk through the castle, Twilight and her friends were lead into the throne room, where Cadence was waiting for them. 

"Cadence!"

"Twilight, it's so good to see you again. And under such happy circumstances as well. I have so many questions to ask you. How have you been? How's your new castle?"

"Everything's great, but your letter said that you and Shining had some big news. Speaking of which where is Shining?"

Not long after twilight spoke, the doors to the throne room opened, and a large white unicorn clad in large gold and silver armor walked into the room. Twilight hardly recognized her brother in his new armor.

"Twily. ahh I missed you kid, how have you been." 

After shining spoke he gestured to the guards to wait outside.

"I've been great, but I'm not telling you anything until I finally hear your big news. We did spend and hour on the train to hear it."

"Well then sorry, kid. We already planned on telling you guys over dinner."

Twilight gave out a frustrated breath and hung her head in disappointment. She soon felt a soft hoof on her shoulder and looked up to see Cadence looking down at her.

"Hey look at the bright side. You get the hear our news eventually. Also now you have time to enjoy the fair. You know without trying to fend off King Sombra."

"Ya that sounds like great idea sugarcube. Lets go enjoy the fair."

"Ya come on. I've got a jousting tournament to win."

With that rainbow flew out the doors to the castle only to return with a rather embarrassed expression on her face.

"Ummmm, sorry but, Wheres the jousting gear?"

One of the crystal guards assigned to the group lead rainbow toward the barracks to get her fitted while the other walked off to enjoy the crystal fair.

After they left. Cadence gave a worried look to her husband.

"How do you think she'll react?"

"I think, she'll be happy. But to be honest......I don't know."


********************


The crystal fair was similar to how it was last time. Only this time it was much more lively. There were dozens of ponies running stands and selling goods. as well as hundreds ponies who were no longer clinically depressed. Everypony was doing something different. Rainbow headed off to the jousting match, fluttershy headed for the petting zoo that she ran last time. ( that is before she was hired to joust rainbow.) Rarity, Applejack, and Spike went to wander around the fair, and as for Pinkie. Twilight saw her heading for the flugelhorn stand, so Twilight thought it would be a good time to leave. She still had the book she was studying in her saddle bag, so she found a nice quiet hill side to just sit down and read. Twilight opened her book to the marked page and continued her reading.

	Dark magic is renowned for not only being the most mysterious and possibly the most powerful form of magic ever devised. But many experts claim  that is is also the most dangerous. Not nearly in the power is posses, but also in the very nature of the magic itself. While dark magic is still very much an unknown phenomenon, experts believe that dark magic has a dire consequence of it's use. Some believe that dark magic is so powerful because the magic itself actually feeds off of the soul of it's caster. Out of the few existing reports of ponies using dark magic, there is one that may support this theory. 

Approximately 53 years after the banishment of Nightmare Moon. And young unicorn stallion any the name of constellation was reported to have used dark magic against his mentor Star Swirl the Bearded. Reports state that the young unicorn was a kind and he tap stallion, but at some point during his studies with Star Swirl, he became more violent and cruel. One day he lashed out at his mentor using what can only be described as dark magic. Further examination of the incident shows that......

"Wouldn't rather read something less depressing?"

Twilight jumped at the sudden voice that came from next to her. She whipped her head around to see non-other than Flash Sentry sitting on the grass beside her.

"How long have you been sitting there?"

"Since about 30 seconds after you opened the book." Flash spoke as if it was no big deal. How ever Twilight look slightly annoyed.

"Ok first off, why are you up here? And second, why didn't you make your self known sooner?"

"We'll first, I was assigned as you escort. And we'll....." Flash started to speak in a softer tone as he scratched the back of his head with his hoof. "I guess I would like to spend more time with you."

Twilight looked at him with a shocked expression until Flash spoke again.

"And second, I just wanted to see your reaction to the while sudden, OMG there is a pony next to me, thing." Flash spoke with significantly more confidance now.

Twilight simply smiled and invited Flash to stay. The two of them sat on the hill and talked. They talked about how things were going. Their favorite hobbies and even a little bit about their "feelings" toward one another. The two of them talked for about two and a half hours. Only occasionally  being stopped by the sudden sound a brass instrument blaring through the streets of the fair. Finally a crystal guard found them and told them that it was time for dinner.

"Finally." Twilight thought to herself. "Now we'll finally get to hear Cadences big news.

******************

Princess Celestia was was seat upon her throne in Canterlot, enjoying some idle conversation with her sister Luna. Suddenly a Pegasus courier entered the throne room looking quite winded. Celestia motioned for him to come forward.

"Princess, i have *pant* a letter *pant* from the Fillydelphia *pant* police department."

Celestia took the letter. Not long after the courier collapsed on the floor. A few guards carried him out of the throne room and flare the infirmary. Celestia opened the letter read out loud so her sister could hear her.

Dear, princess Celestia

My name is sharif redwood. I'm thought it best that I inform you of a recent development here in Fillydelphia. Late last night, a earth pony entered the police station by the name of Phantom Seeker. He began rambling on about some "demonic unicorn" he swears he met. His rambling sounded like those of a mad man. However if he is telling the truth I can't let this incident go unanswered. Unfortunately, I don't have the slightest clue on what to do in this situation. If you could help our investigation in any way it would be much appreciated

Sincerly, sharif Redwood

Celestia lowered the letter, a puzzled expression on her face she turned to face Luna before they exchanged a single name.

"Twilight?"

"Twilight."
> chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The crystal Empire dinning hall was truly a sight to behold. A large room with high vaulted ceilings, crystal columns, and and a huge chandelier, hanging from the ceiling over the center of the huge table the stretched almost from end of the room to the other. Every one took their seats. Shining armor was a the end of the table, and Cadence was on one side of him while Twilight sat on the other. Everyone else filled in the other seats near by. Flash then decided his work was done and left for the mess hall where guards ate their meals. After a few minutes of idle chit-chat. Twilight finally asked the question that had been on her mind all day.

"Sooooo Cadence, What was the big news you and Shining have?"

Cadence suddenly fell silent and turned to shoot her husband a somewhat worried look. Shining replied with a nod and Cadence turned back to Twilight and spoke.

"Well Twilight, you see.....your brother and I are, well......"

Twilight began running through every possible answer in her head. Her mind raced as she tried to come up with the answer before it was spoken.

"Maybe their moving to Ponyville. No what am I thinking they have to stay here. ok ok, maybe....they got a new assignment from Celestia. No that can't be right, If it was that it wouldn't be so hard to say......Wait, hard to say. NO IT CAN'T BE."

Twilight sprung from her seat and stared into Cadence's dark purple eyes.

"Tell me your not getting a divorce!" Twilight spoke on the verge of tears. Shining spit up his drink when he hear the word 'divorce'.

"WAIT, WHAT WE'RE GETTING A DIVORCE!"

Cadence looked to her husband in shock.

"NO NO. Twilight we're not getting a divorce, we're having a foal. Twilight I'm pregnant, your going to be an aunt."

Suddenly the entire room was filled with the sudden sound of pony's spitting out their drinks. Every one on the room stared at Cadence before Pinkie broke the silence.

"Ok, let me get this straight. Your two are having a foal?"

"Well....yes"

Pinkie sudden pulled a cannon out seemingly nowhere and began shouting at the top of her lungs.

"THEN IT'S PARTY TIME. BABY SHOWER PARTY. WHOO-HOO!!"

Within seconds the entire room was covered in party decorations.....That is until Cadence pulled them down and shoved them back into the cannon from whence they came.

"Sorry Pinkie Pie but we can't have a party now. Shining and I haven't even told anyone other then you seven. We really don't want to make a big deal out of this, it's stressful enough as it is."

Twilight sat in her chair in deep contemplation. she didn't speak, she didn't move, she didn't even blink. Finally after a few minutes she said...

"I'm......going to be aunt?" She spoke barely above a whisper. Even Fluttershy had trouble hearing her.

"I'm going to be an aunt?" She spoke louder now.

"I'm going to be an aunt!" Now she was jumping around the room. Filled with pure joy and happiness.

"I can't believe it, you two are having a foal. I'm going to be an aunt. This is the greatest news ever." Twilight leaped forward and pulled her brother and step-sister into long happy hug. Tears were almost flowing freely now.

"I'm glad your happy Twilight. Your brother and I thought you might have a different reaction."

"What do you mean?"

"Well we thought you might be upset........for some reason."

"Upset? No no no I'm sooooooo happy. This is great. Nothing, I repeat, nothing can ruin this moment of pure magical..."

"buuuuuurrrrrrrb"

The entire room fell silent and Twilight's eyes began to twitch.

"SPIKE" Twilight gave a cold glare at the young dragon by her side.

"I can't believe you did that. We had such a magical moment and you just went and killed it. I mean honestly how can be so inconsiderate of...." As Twilight rambled on Spike just sat there waiting for her to finish.

"What do you have to say for yourself?"

Now Spike looked up at twilight and spoke.

"I've got nothing.......but apparently Princess Celestia has something to tell you." Spike lifted up his hand. He was holding a small scroll, wrapped closed with a red ribbon stamped with the equestrian royal seal. Twilight shrunk back a little and gave Spike an apologetic look.

"Heh, Sorry Spike."

Twilight took the letter and opened it up. After reading it she gave a puzzled look to Cadence before handing the letter to her. Cadence took the letter and read it herself.

"Dear Twilight,
I understand that you and your friends are enjoying a trip to the Crystal Empire. However I have recently been informed of a possible rising crisis in Fillydelphia. I'm sorry to ask this of you, But I need you and Princess Cadence to come to Canterlot at once, so that we may discuss our next course of action in response to this troubling news. I hope to see both of you soon.
Sincerely, Princess Celestia

Cadence lowered the letter and looked at Twilight, who look straight back at her.

"I'm sorry but Twilight and I need to talk for second."

Twilight and Cadence left the dinning hall and went to Cadence's bedroom to talk in private.

"Well?" Twilight spoke with concern and confusion in her voice. "What do you think we should do?"

"I think there no question. If there is a crisis at hand it is our duty to convene as princesses and try to figure out what we should do. I can leave Shining in charge of things here, and your friends can stay till we return."

"Alright, I guess I'm just little upset that we have to get pulled into a crisis during one of our visits......again."

"Don't worry Twilight. Tell you what, well get this thing situated and then you and I can spend some quality time together."

"Really, you mean it?"

"Of course I do. Now come on we should go tell everypony so we can get going."


******************


After explaining the situation to everyone, Twilight and Cadence boarded a chariot and set off for Canterlot with Flash Sentry. Although Flash insisted he come for security reasons. Twilight couldn't help but feel like he had other motives. However, there were more important things to think about. Twilight couldn't stop thinking about Celestia's letter.

"Why would the princess want me there? I know I'm a princess and all but, I don't know how to react to this sort of thing. I don't even know where to start. Oh well, I bet the princess knows exactly what she's doing. Or at least, I hope she knows what she's doing." Twilight felt a gentle nudge on her shoulder, and turned to face Cadence who was giving her a reassuring look.

"Hey don't worry. I'm sure Princess Celestia knows exactly what she's doing. We'll get this thing sorted out and we'll be back in the Crystal Empire in no time."

Twilight gave her sister in-law a faint smile. "Thanks Cadence. Your right, I shouldn't worry so much."

The trip to Canterlot didn't take long. forty-five minutes at the most. As the chariot approached Canterlot Castle Twilight could see Princess Luna and about seven or eight other guards waiting for them. Once they landed, Luna walked up to them and spoke. Her voice seemed worried, or at the vary least stressed. 

"Twilight, Cadence. Thank you both for coming on such short notice. Come we must meed my sister to discuss this crisis."

"Princess Luna, wait" Twilight ran up to the Princess of the night before speaking. "Whats with all the guards? Why do you seem so worried?"

"*sigh* Because this crisis just get a lot more.......interesting."
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight gazed up at Luna in confusion.

"What so you mean.....more interesting?"

"I'll explain later. But now we have to meet my sister in the grand council room."

With that Luna's multitude of guards lead the three princesses through the corridors of Canterlot castle until they came to a large door way. There were guards posted on each side of the door, each with a spear in hoof. As the trio of royalty approached Luna opened the large doors and they walked in. Only to be greeted by Celestia and........."discord?"

"Ahhhhh twilight, so glad you could join us. I say the last time I saw you was? Let's see...... OH yes it was during the Tirek incident. That time when the two of us had a 'magical' moment. Get it, 'magical' cuz you know....."

"Discord be quiet!"

Celestia had risen from her seat and was giving Discord a stern look.

"Need I remind you that we are not here to catch-up. We are here to discuss a crisis!"

Discord wrenched his head back with a face of shear boredom on his face.

"uugg, So Boring Celestia. You really must learn to calm down and relax. Just do what I do, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, chug a gallon of chocolate milk and blow up a few trees or something. Trust me you'll
Feel just fine."

After about three seconds of silence discord received an audible 'thunk' as Celestia smacked him with her hoof.

"Owwwwww. Fine I'll be quiet."

"Ummmmm. I don't mean to interrupt but, why is discord here." Twilight looked up at the still hurting draconequus. "No offense."

Discord simply let out a short, emotionless sigh and continued to rub the back of his head.

Celestia motioned for everyone to sit down at the large circular table in the middle of the room. Once everyone was seated she began speaking.

"Well Twilight, to answer you previous question, Discord is here because he will be helping us with this crisis. But more on that later. For now, we have some new information, but first let's get you up to speed.

"Yesterday, I received a letter from Sheriff redwood of the Fillydelphia Police Department. He informed me that a pony named Phantom Seeker had come to the police station rambling on and on about rather strange topics. He spoke of darkness, strange creatures and so kind of 'demon pony'. He was apprehended by the Sheriff for questioning. While the Sheriff insists that his ramblings are that of a madman, I have also been informed that every doctor that has gone to seen him comes to the same conclusion. That he believe every single word he is saying.

"Earlier today, the Sheriff informed me that his 'prisoner' had a visitor. And now ever since that pony left, he has been more.......violent. I think we need to figure out what is going on here and quickly."

Twilight was very confused, despite understanding everything Celestia just explained.

"But why do we need to get involved. Shouldn't the police deal with this?"

"Twilight, pony's who are sane don't just wake up one day and go mad. There has to be a reason why this pony suddenly went insane. And there must be something important hidden within his ramblings. If there really is something larger at work here, we may be ill-prepared for it."

It was Cadences turn to speak. "Well, what should we do then. I don't know about you, but I don't think the sheriff will be to happy about four princesses deciding to visit the police station."

"Indeed, I believe I know what to do. Twilight?" Twilight looked up to Celestia and motioned for her to continue. "I want you to go to Fillydelphia and talk to this pony Phantom Seeker. I think that you, being the princess of friendship, is best suited for getting him to open up about his experiences."

"Alright, I can do that. But what about the rest of you?"

"Cadence, Luna, and myself will remain here. Once you get some information from Phantom Seeker, I want to send me a letter with your findings. With that we will attempt to figure out what is going on."

Twilight nodded in agreement, yet she was still confused about something. "And what about Discord. If he's here he must have a roll as well right?"

Celestia seemed to shrink slightly at this question. "Yes Twilght, he has a roll. But I don't think you'll like what I have in mind.
I want Discord to go with you to Filydelphia."

"WHAT?" Discord and Twilght both screamed. Albeit one out of shock and the other out of excitement.

"Really, I get to go on a trip with Twilight? Oh this is going to be so much fun."

"You want me to go on a trip with HIM. I know I accepted him as a friend and all,
But that doesn't mean I find him any less annoying!"

Celestia looked at twilight with a pleading expression on her face. "Please Twilight. Try to understand. Discord is able to sense a magical imbalance. If Phantom Seeker is being influenced by magic, Discord will be able to tell. Also discord may be able to help tell wither or not Phantom Seeker is lying to you."

"That still doesn't make him any less annoying." Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight could see Cadence attempting to stifle a giggle. Twilight silently scalded her for it.

"Oh come now my dear Twilight Sparkle, it'll be fun. Just you and me solving a mystery, I can see it now. Discord and Twilight, private investigators. OH, let's do good-cop bad-cop. I got dibs on being bad cop."

After a sudden bright flash of light Discord was clad in a dark blue officers uniform with many medals and pins denoting  rank and achievements. He also held a particularly large firearm. Luna and Cadence giggled quietly while Celestia simply smiled leaned toward Twilight. "Have fun."


****************


After the meeting with the princesses, Twilight decided she should get ready to head to Filydelphia. She ran home to get some supplies and now she waiting for a train to arrive. Strangely she hadn't seen Discord at all. While she knew he didn't like to do work, she also that he didn't want to incur Celestia's wrath. After about ten to fifteen minutes Twilight boarded her train, and settled into a small room in one of the cars. The room wasn't to large yet not to small. On one end of the room were two beds stacked on top of one another like bunk-beds. The other side of the room and small table, and a few storage compartments sat scattered around the room. Twilight decided to try and get a little rest before she had to spend a day with Discord. It wasn't long after she took her place on the bottom bed that she heard loud snoring coming from.......above her? Twilight got up and looked at the bed above her only to see the last creature she wanted to, Discord.

"Discord? How did you get here?"

Discord kept his eyes closed as he spoke. As if he was trying to sleep and talk at the same time.

"Hello, master of chaos here. I can do whatever I want.......well, almost whatever I want."

Now Discord snaped his fingers and appeared next to Twilight.

"So, what's our game plan boss?"

"Well, I was thinking we would go and talk to Phantom Seeker and see what he knows." 

Twilight spoke as though it would be that simple.

"Hmmmmm, well not a bad plan. But trust me when I say it won't be that easy. I say we go good-cop, bad-cop."

" I don't think so, Celestia wanted me to befriend Phantom. And I don't think yelling with a spear to his throat will help us."

"Alright fine, but we might as well have some kind of plan."

Twilight agreed, and Discord put his chaotic personality to the side so they could come up with a plan. However during the entire train ride, Twilight couldn't stop thinking about something Celestia said. 

"What if we are ill-prepared for this? What will happen to us?"

Twilight turned her gaze to the window and admired the passing scenery.

"I guess we'll find out.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight and Discord finally arrived at Fillydeplphia after an hour long train ride. Luckily for Twilight, Discord had fallen asleep about twenty minutes in. After departing from the train, Twilight and Discord began their search for the police station. Unfortunately, neither of them had been to Fillydelphia before, and neither of then thought to find out where the police station was before hand. So now they had to find it the old fashioned way. After about fifteen minutes of searching to no avail, Twilight decided to ask for directions. She spotted a green Pegasus stallion with a long dark blue mane and tail. His flank was adorned with a cutie mark depicting three dark clouds. One dropping rain, another with snow, and the last with a lightning bolt. Twilight walked up to him in hopes that he could point them in the right direction.

"Hello, sorry to bother you."

The stallion turned his head only to instantly drop it to the ground in a hasty bow for Equestria's newest princess.

"Your majesty, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You can stand up now. This isn't a formal meeting, just poking for directions."

The Pegasus slowly stood up with a surprised (yet slightly relieved) expression on his face.

"Oh we'll of course I'll be happy to help. My name's nimbus by the way, just nimbus. I'm the local whether manager."

"Well my dear friend..." Discord suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "Could you point us in the direction the local police station?"

Nimbus looked up at discord in confusion before pointing his hoof down the road.

"Just follow this road to it's end, then take a left and the police station about three blocks down on the right. If you don't mind me asking, why do you need to go to the police station?"

Twilight spoke up before discord had a chance.

"We need to see a pony who was recently arrested by Sharif Redwood. His name is Phantom Seeker."

"Wait your going to see Phantom?"

"Yes, do you know him?"

Nimbus quickly tinted his gaze to the sidewalk and shook his head lightly.

"Not anymore, ever since a few years ago he's been acting really weird. Going on and on about ghosts or specters or something like that. I swear he must have hit his bucking head on one of his 'hunts'. If you ask me, just don't bother with him. After what happened with the authority's, he just taken a dive off the deep end."

Nimbus started to walk away before uttering one final statement.

"Not be rude princess, but trust me when I say he's a lost cause."

After that Nimbus turned and flew off down the street. Leaving Discord and Twilight stunned on the side of the road.

"Well, he was charming wouldn't you say Twilight?"

Twilight was just standing there. She looked rather agitated.

"I hate pony's like that. Pony's who just turn their backs on others. Makes me sick."

"You know Twi. That's actually a little scary coming from the princess of friendship."

Twilight soon calmed down and the two of them walked off toured the police station. But a certain green Pegasus still had his eye on them.


****************


It didn't take long for Twilight and Discord to find the Fillydelphia police station. After location their destination, they quickly walked inside hoping to get down to business. As they walked in, Twilight asked the receptionist if they could see Sharif Redwood. After a few minutes the Sharif came down to the lobby to meet them.

"Ah, your highness. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I'm Sharif Redwood, the head officer here at the station. I presume you would like to get started?"

"Yes please. The sooner we can question Phantom Seeker, the sooner we can figure out what's going on."

"I have to tell you princess, when we first brought this guy in, I thought he was just a little nuts or maybe he was just drunk or high. But as the days have passed, things have gotten weirder."

"How so?"

The Sharif stops walking for a moment before take a set of keys out of his saddlebag and takes the two emissary's down a deprecate hall. They came to large metal door that the Sharif unlocked, opened, and gestured for them to go inside. Twilight and Discord found themselves in a prison cell. It was small but not extremely small. It has a barred window in the back of the room. A small bed up against the wall and a sink, mirror, and toilet in the opposing corner. However, as Twilight examined the room she noticed why the Sharif was talking about when he said things were weird. The entire room was covered in writing. Most of it scribbles but also entire ramblings have been carve into the stone of the walls. Twilight took a step forward to examine the writing more closely, and she read scared her.

"The darkness is coming and we are not prepared."
"I have seen death himself."
"The shadows have risen from the depths of Tartarus. And Hell rises with them."
"Our fate is at hand. Our world will burn."

As Twilight read these ramblings she became frightened. Twilight turns to see discord reading more writing on the other wall. This was enough to actually scare the chaos king into silence. Twilight turned to the Sharif with a new question in her mind.

"If this is Phantoms cell, then where is he now?"

"After all this happened." The Sharif gestured to all of the writing on the walls. "We moved him to the solitary confinement. Yet now he just yells his rambling rather then writing them."

Twilight turned to Discord who have her a slight nod before he spoke up.

"Sharif Redwood, we need to speak with Phantom Seeker immediately. When have to try and figure out what happened to him that caused all of this."

The Sharif merely nodded his head in approval before leading the Alicorn and Draqoniques towed the interrogation rooms. As they walked we stopped next to a security guard to ask him to retrieve Phantom from solitary confinement. After the guard left, Twilight and Discord walked into one of the rooms to prepare for their visitor. Before he left, the Sharif gave them one final statement.

"Now you two remember, this guy has gotten violent before. If anything happen we will be right outside ready to restrain him......best of luck to both of you, I'll be watching."

With the Sharif gone Twilight took her seat In a chair that was placed at a table in the center of the room. Meanwhile discord just leaned up against the wall behind Twilight. And with that the two of them just waiting for their guest to arrive. A few minutes passed as the two of them sat in silence. As time ticked on, Twilight eventually heard voices coming from the hallway. One sounded like the security guard who went to get Phantom. His voice was stern as he explained to the prisoner what he was allowed to do, and what he wasn't allowed to do. As the two of them came closer, Twilight could hear another voice. This one was softer and Twilight could only assume it belonged to Phantom. Twilight couldn't make out most of what he was saying. As the guard pony continued his lecture he told Phantom to not start ranting about his crazy hallucinations. This was met only with Phantom raising his voice, and uttering a chilling statement.

"I'M NOT CRAZY YOU IDIOT! THE DARKNESS IS COMING FOR US, AND IT SPELLS DEATH FOR US ALL!"

Discord leaned up next to Twilight and said, "This should be interesting."
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight and Discord sat in the Philadelphia police stations interrogation room waiting for Phantom Seeker to arrive. After overhearing his little outburst moments ago, the two interrogators were beginning to have second thoughts about their plan. But there was no time to recollect their thoughts. Now the time has come to meet with the 'mad pony', and now they would finally get some answers. As the door to the room opened Twilight finally got her fist glimpse of Phantom. His dark brown coat, his jet black mane, his bright hazel eyes. He looked like any ordinary pony. Yet once he entered the room, Twilight felt....strange. Like a sudden chill just swept into the room. She glanced back at Discord only to him give off a similar reaction. Phantom's guard entered behind him and bowed politely. 

"Your highness. The prisoner is here, as you instructed."

"Thank you. Please, leave us."

With a small nod the guard left the room. Phantom slowly approached the table Twilight sat at and took his seat across from her. The two of them shared a brief moment of silence before Phantom spoke in a calm tone that Twilight wasn't expecting after the outburst she just heard.

"Forgive me if I don't act as respectful as I should towered you. Being locked up in here has kind of shattered my trust of others."

"It's no problem Mr.Seeker. We just want to ask you some questions to try and better understand your......experience."

"You mean my encounter with death. Yes I remember. Let me guess, your the good-cop, and Discord is the bad-cop."

Discord gave of a barley audible curse that the pony had seen right through his plan. Twilight just smirked before she replied.

"No actually. I just want to hear about your experience from your point of view. Princess Celestia believes your encounter may not be as far-fetched as other believe it is."

"So your saying you believe me?"

"I'm saying I'm willing to listen."

"Fair enough. Go ahead, interrogate me."

Twilight didn't like being told this was an interrogation. But she shrugged off her uncomfortable feeling and began asking her questions.

"What happen that night? Where were you going? What were you doing?"

"Well, I was on my way home. I had just bought some new equipment for my ghost hunting and I was planning on using it the next day. As I was walking, I head a voice coming from a alleyway. Thinking it could be some kind of spectral being, I took out my trusty E.M.S and walked into the alley. As I traveled deeper into the alley, it got darker. Until I could see anything. I called out to the voice I heard, when a pony came out in front of me. A unicorn. He lit up the alley with his horn. Though it was still dark. I can't recall any distinguishing factors other then he was a unicorn. But he did have a pretty long mane."

"Ok." Twilight was jotting down as many notes as she could as Phantom talked. "Please, continue."

"Well he starting saying some pretty weird stuff. Stuff about, hunting darkness and being ill-prepared to face it.......then."

Phantom shuddered and brought his hooves to his temple.

"I'm sorry. It's just......to much to recall."

"It's ok Phantom. If you don't to recall anymore, I won't force you."

Despite what she just said, Twilight still need more information. And even if she couldn't get more information about the exact events. There still something she could do.

"Discord, can you help me out here?"

Discord walked to Twilight's side and rated his hands on the table. "What do you need Twilight."

"You can sense magical imbalances right? Can you take a look at Phantom and see there is any magic affecting him?"

Discord simply nodded with a smirk before he turned his attention the pony before him. Discord stared deep into his eyes. After a few seconds discord began feeling the ponies face with his lion paw and his eagle claw.

"Discord what are you....?"

"SHHHHHHH. I'm focusing."

As discord continued he eventually closed his eyes hand began felling Phantoms facial features. Finally discord let out a subtle gasp as he opened his eyes.

"Discord what it is? Did you find something?" Twilight eagerly questioned Discord.

"Well Twilight, I can tell you thing. This earth pony has more magic surrounding him then he should. There is defiantly something magical going on with him. However it's so small and subtle the i can't tell what it is. I almost didn't even notice it."

As Twilight scribbled down notes, Phantom was completely lost.

"Wait what are you saying?"

"I'm saying, there is magic influencing something about you. I can't tell what, or where the magic came from. But it is defiantly there."

"I don't understand."

Twilight finally to she notes and decided to clarify what discord found.

"Well, you see. We believed that your....'visions of darkness' may have been caused by some outside magical force. So, my theory is that the magic that discord can sense in you, is actually causing you 'insanity'."

"So your saying I just dreamed everything?"

"I'm saying, I think the unicorn you encountered planed all this. And he wanted people to think you went mad. What I don't know, is why."

As Twilight pondered her findings, Phantom was simply glad to her he wasn't losing his sanity. As the two of them sat there satisfied, Discord remembered one little detail that was important.

"Ummmm Twilight, if the unicorn Phantom met did all this? How can we stop him if we can't find him?"

Twilight pondered this question for a few moments before her face suddenly lit up.

"I've got it, I know exactly what to do."

Twilight rummaged through her saddle bags until she pulled out a large and dusty spell-book. Entitled "obscure spells for the magically adept."

Discord leaned up against his wall as he waited for Twilight's plan to unfold. "This should be good." He muttered to himself as a bag of popcorn appeared out of nowhere.

Phantom looked slightly worried as he read the books title.

"Ummmm, what are we going to do with this?"

Twilight flipped the book open to a certain book-marked page. "There is a spell in the book that could help us identify the pony you met in the alley that day."

"What kind of spell?" Phantom asked. The skepticism in his voice could almost be seen.

"This spell will allow be me to look into your memories. I will see exactly what you saw. That way, I can see if I can recall the unicorn when I see him."

"So let me get this straight. Your going to experience my experience from my point of view first-hand?"

"Yes." Twilight was beaming with pride as Phantom explained her plan.

"Ummmmmmm, won't that be dangerous. Or at the very least won't it give us a  really bad migraine."

"It shouldn't. As long as both of us remain completely focused. Nothing bad should happen. And if something does happen, I will brake the spell immediately."

Not wanting to argue with the princess, Phantom just nodded and began to clear his mind in preparation for Twilight's spell. As they sat together, Twilight's horn began to glow. As a stream of light purple aura starched from her horn, to Phantoms forehead. Soon enough, Twilight sight went pitch black. After a few seconds, she could feel a cold breeze blowing against her coat and she began to feel the hard concrete beneath her hooves.


******************


Twilight opened her eyes to find herself in the city. it was dark and she felt.....different. Twilight tried to light up her horn but nothing happened. She went to stretch her wings but failed to notice that they had disappeared. In a slight panic Twilight ran to the nearest shop and looked into the glass window at her reflection. Her questions vanished as soon as she saw herself. She was no longer her usual Alicorn self. She was a dark brown earth pony with a jet black mane and to top things off, she was stallion none the less. Twilight could hardly contain her excitement from correctly executing her spell. She walked down the sidewalk with a spring in her step, completely forgetting about why she was there in the first place. That is, until she heard a voice coming from a dark alleyway next to her. the voice was quiet and weak. It almost sounded like a whimper.

"Please, help me"

Twilight nearly sprinted into the alley. Yet she stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the source of the voice. a unicorn stallion stood in front of her. he was slightly smaller then her brother. Twilight couldn't make out any identifying features except for his red coat, and his dark blue eyes. his voice was deeper now. sounding more powerful.

"Well your even more predicable then I thought. Tell me, what was going through your mind thirty seconds ago?"

Twilight instantly remember what her mission was and put on a more serious face. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"Why I just wanted to meet you. After all it's not every day you get to speak with royalty." He said that last word in a rather sly tone of voice. As if he was mocking Twilight for no understanding something.

"What......How do you know who I am?"

"I know exactly who you are Ms.Sparkle. But that's not the question is it? The question is who I am right?"

"Yes, and I intend to find out who you are."

"Well good luck, cuz you'll never find out. I won't tell you and I'm a ghost in the real world."

Twilight was confused by this last statement. "The real world?"

"Oh did you forget you in Phantom Seekers memories all ready?"

"How do you know that?"

"Well it's really simple actually. I met Phantom, implanted a memory into his head and protected it with a spell that only you could brake through. After that I drove him mad knowing that Celestia would send you to fix things. Now let me ask you something. What do you think I am?"

"Your a unicorn, I can see that."

"sigh Such a shame. Blinded by what your eyes are telling you."

"Then correct me, what are you?"

"Oh Twilight you'll learn what I am soon enough."

The unicorn walked closer to her, and his eyes shifted from their blue color to a deep, dark red.

"You'll find out who I am.......When your world BURNS!"

The unicorn stomped on the ground and fire flared up everywhere. yet the stallion remained just as dark and shadowy.

"And when your world is consumed by fire......you shall burn with it."

The stallion eyes burst into flames. and just as the fire around her began to burn her coat she was then yanked from her dream, and she found herself back in the police station screaming. The doors to that small room burst open as Sharif Redwood and several guards ran in.

"Princess are you all right?"

As Twilight continued screaming, Discord grabbed her shoulder, turned her around and gave her a firm slap to the face.

"TWILIGHT CALM DOWN!" Discords action were met with a shocked expression and a now silent princess.

As Twilight began to calm down she finally spoke. " Thanks Discord, I needed that."

"What happened in there? What did you see?"

Phantom was standing and looking at Twilight with a worried expression. Twilight stood up and began walking to the door.

"No time explain I have to write a letter to Princess Celestia at once."

Phantom grabbed her leg and help her in place. "Your not going anywhere until I get an answer."

"Twilight pried her leg free before speaking. "I couldn't see him well enough to tell who he was. But he did tell be something."

"What?" everyone asked i unison.

"He said I would meet him. When our world burns."
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After Twilight's encounter with Phantom Seeker's nightmares, she wrote a letter to Princess Celestia informing her of her findings and that she would return to Canterlot in order to explain her findings in greater detail.

As Twilight and Discord made there way to the train station, they had a rather odd encounter with somepony. While the two of them waited for their train, a gray earth pony with a black mane and tail walked up to them. She seemed rather mysterious. Her mane was pulled down over her face to where only one eye was visible. As she walked she never looked away from Twilight. She simply stared at her until she was within distance to kick up a conversation. When she spoke, her voice was rather low pitched for a mare. It sounded 'cold' and 'raspy', almost as if her throat was constricted.

"Pardon me but, you wouldn't happen to be Princess Twilight Sparkle would you?"

"ummmmmmm.......yes." Twilight spoke cautiously, as she didn't know what to expect from the mysterious mare. With Twilight's response the mare walked closer and began circling Twilight.

"I thought so. I have never seen a alicorn in person before. I must say you are truly an incredible creature."

"ummmmmm, okay?" As Twilight backed away, the mare decided she had seen her fill and began to walk the other way.

"very well princess. I can see your uncomfortable. Just remember, being princess is a daunting responsibility, and you'll no doubt be tested in your new position. trust me." With that the gray mare walked back into the city, but not before turning back to give Twilight a sly smile

"Who was that?" Twilight turned to see Discord by her side, with a confused look on his face. Twilight looked back to the mare she had just met.

"I have no idea. But i do know one thing. That mare, scares me."

"I can vouch for that."

A few minutes later, the train to Canterlot arrived. Twilight and Discord boarded and began their journey back to the princesses with the information they gathered. Twilight could hardly wait to get back. She was certain that the princesses could make something out of what she had gathered.


****************


After a short nap on the train, Twilight and Discord arrived in Canterlot. As they exited the train Discord turned to his companion.

"The princesses are waiting for us. We should meet them as soon as we can. Just give me the word and I can have us there in literally half a second flat."

Twilight started walking before she gave Discord her answer.

"No, you go on ahead. I want to take another look over my note before I present them. I'll just walk."

Not wanting to start an argument Discord simply nodded, and with a snap of his fingers he was gone a short flash of white light. Twilight continued her trek through Canterlot. Her gaze was planted firmly on the parchment in front of her. She must have been looking over her notes for almost fifteen minutes. She was so preoccupied that she never noticed the pony walking toward her from the right. That is....until it was to late. The two ponies collided with one another. Twilight was the first to collect herself, and she quickly rushed to aid of the pony she ran into. He was a unicorn stallion. With a dark red coat and two-tone black and silver mane and tail. His cutie mark was covered by the long white lab coat he was wearing.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. Are you all right?"

The stallion got to his feet and shook his head a bit before answering. He spoke in an accent that Twilight couldn't recognize.

"No problem love. After all your not the only pony at fault in this little predicament. I must say, out of all the chaps I work with, none are quite as much of a klutz as myself."

Twilight blushed slightly when the stallion before her called her 'love'. However she pushed the though to back of her mind as the stallion spoke up again.

"Well love, if you don't mind me asking? When had ya so caught up that ya didn't see this handsome neurologist coming your way?"

"Well I was on my way to the castle. I have to speak with the princesses."

"Ahh, I see. Well best not to keep em waiting then. Cheerio love."

As the stallion began to depart Twilight turned to ask just one question that had come to mind.

"Oh, before you go. What's neurology like?"

As the stallion turned around his face just lit up.

"Well ya see love. Neurology is not just my job. It's my passion. The feeling of studying and understand the complexity of a ponies mind is incredible. Ya often learn more about a pony then they know about themselves. Their hopes, their dreams, their wants, their fears, their deepest darkest secrets. It's all your disposal. And the feeling is just glorious."

"Well, that is......interesting. By the way, whats your name?"

"Names Crimson love. Not 'Crimson Love', just Crimson." The stallion turned his gaze to the watch on his wrist and all the joy in his face faded.

"Ah bollocks. I just recalled why I was running myself. Cheerio love."

With that the unicorn stallion ran off at full gallop. As he faded from view, Twilight resumed her walk to the castle, with her recent encounter fresh in her mind.

"What a strange pony. Well, I learned a bit about neurology, so I'm happy."

Twilight continued her walk for no more then ten minutes. She the. Arrived at the castle and entered the grand council room. The very same room where her assignment was given to her. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Discord were all seated waiting for her. Twilight smiled and took her seat along the large round table. She remove her notes and informed the princesses of her findings.


****************


After a good night sleep, Twilight, Discord, and the rest of the princesses gathered in the Canterlot throne room. They gathered together to discuss what Twilight explained the previous day.

Twilight was the first to speak. "Well we had all night. Does anyone know anything about what happened to Phantom Seeker?"

Celestia looked around the room, only to see sad faces that simply locked onto the hard tile floor.

"I'm sorry Twilight, but we searched the archives all night. We were unable to find anything regarding events you described last night. I'm sorry but we have no idea who or what is behind this."

Twilight was shocked by her old mentors statement. "What do you mean. I thought the whole reason I went to see Phantom was so we could figure out what was behind all this?"

"I'm sorry. The closest thing I could find in the archive was a reference to spell used by Star Swirl the Bearded to dispel dark magic."

"Well then what do we do?"

Celestia just shook her head. " I don't know."

As the equestrian royalty continued their discussion, a pony was approaching the throne room. As the stallion drew closer the two royal guards that guarded the throne room tightly grasped their spears. One spoke in a deep and threatening tone.

"Halt, state your business!"

The pony head rose, revealing his red unicorn coat, as well as his black and silver mane. As the stallion glared at The guards a wicked smile crept across his face. In addition, he also had an unsettling red hue in his eyes.

"Ahh don't you worry none chaps. I just got ta see the princesses."

As he focused his gaze on one of the guarded, a subtle red flash could be see in his eyes, as his smile grew even more devious.

"And I don't intend to keep them waiting."
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight and the rest of equestria's royalty continued their discussion about what happened to Phantom Seeker, and they were going to do about it. However, their discussion was going nowhere since none of them have been able to find anything regarding Twilight's findings. After a few minutes of silence Twilight spoke up.

"So, we know something is going on. But we don't know what, and we don't know how to stop it. So what do we do know?"

Celestia was the next to speak. "I believe we should continue searching for answers. However we can't risk ponies getting suspicious of our activity. It could cause citizens to panic if they discovered what is going on. I say we go our deprecate ways for now. Twilight, you and Cadence can search the Crystal Empire library for any information regarding you findings. Luna, Discord and I will continue to search the archives here in Canterlot."

"But what if something happens before we figure out who's behind all this."

"We will keep and eye on things. I have already spoken with the captain of the guard here in Canterlot, as well as Flash Sentry. I have informed them on the situation and have instructed them to keep a close eye on things. I have also called the Wonderbolt captains here to inform them of the situation as well. They should be here soon. With the guard keeping an eye on the cities, and the five of us looking for the culprit, we should be able to find a way to stop this before anything else happens. Or at least I hope that's the case."

Twilight was silent for a few seconds. Pondering on what her former mentor had informed her of. It was a good plan. And it should work fine. But Twilight just had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. However, Celestia had never led her the wrong the way before. Sure she had been cryptic or she withheld information from Twilight. But is was all to help her grow in the end. "Alright then. I guess we should head our then."

Celestia nodded and turned her gaze to Flash Sentry and another royal guard who were posted near the large double doors of the council room. As the five royals made their way to the doors so did the guards. However they suddenly stopped and gazed at the doors with confused expressions.

"Your highness wait!" Flash instructed the royals as her took a few steps back toward the princesses and Discord. He was standing with his head and chest low to the ground, ready for a
Fight. As he took his place near the five royals, the other guard walked closer to the door. Among the silence Twilight could here something coming from the other side of the doors. It sounded like a struggle. Ponies were grunting and it sounded like they were being thrown against the walls as well. 

Suddenly the commotion ceased, and silence again gripped the large council room. With this new silence, the unicorn guard slowly worked his way to the large doors. Once he was close enough he lifted his spear with his magic and prepared to open the doors. However before he had the chance, the doors were consumed by a dark red aura, and they flung open, knocking the unicorn to the ground and causing him to slide along the hard floor, Stopping just in front of Flash. The unconscious guard wasn't moving and his head was bleeding slightly. Twilight looked up from the guard and looked at the open doors. She saw a single pony in the doorway. She recognized this pony. His dark red coat, his black and silver mane and tail, and his long white lab coat. When he looked up she saw that it was indeed the same pony she met nearly half an hour ago.

"Crimson!?"

"The same love."

"I....I don't understand. What are you doing here? What did you do to those guards?"

"Well, I had to come and talk to ya, but those blokes out there wouldn't let me. So I kicked their flanks, snapped their necks, and welcomed myself to this little get together."

"You....killed them?"

"Indeed. I'm not proud of it, well much anyway. But it just had to be done."

As Twilight sat there speechless Celestia turned to her and asked the question the plagued everyone in the room. "Twilight, you know this pony?"

"Well, sort of. We bumped into each other while I was on my way here this morning. We talked for bit be parted ways. All I know about him is that he's a neurologist."

Crimson simply chuckled at Twilight's remark. "That's what I wanted ya to think love. I didn't want ya to catch onto anything prematurely."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh come now love. Ya can't really believe that all of your encounters over the past few days have been simple coincidences now can ya."

Twilight thought for a moment. What did he mean? Crimson spoke before she could respond to his question.

"Ya see love. We actually met a little while ago. Actually we met in Fillydelphia."

"What are you talking about? I never met you in Fillydelphia."

"Ahhh but you did love. Though, I didn't look like this. Think back. You met three different ponies from when you arrive in Fillydelphia, and when you got back here to the castle. What encounters did you have that all were similar in one way or another?"

Twilight pondered for a moment. Remembering every pony she met since she left Canterlot. Trying to find a connection. Finally she remembered three ponies that she met. The first was Nimbus. A green coated Pegasus. She remembers that after her encounter with him, the rate she felt mad Discord feel slightly scared. Next was the mysterious mare at the gain station. That mare was creepy, and her presence frightened Twilight. Finally there was Crimson. His explanation about neurology filled Twilight with a small amount of fear.

"You, you were all three of those ponies? Nimbus, the gray mare and, well.....you?"

"Bravo love. Your smarter then a thought."

"But how could you be all of those ponies. Who
Are you."

"I'll tell you what love. I'll give you two guesses. Then I'll tell ya."

Flash took a step forward tied to look as threatening as possible. "Or I
Can just knock you out and drag you sorry flank to the dungeon."

Crimson just look annoyed. "Flash, Flash, Flash. This conversation doesn't concern you." Flash was then covered in a dark red aura, before being lifted into the air. "Now then, leave us." Flash was then flung to the back of the room where he smashed into Celestia's large golden throne. Breaking the top off, and causing Flash to land roughly in the seat. As he lay there unconscious, ever pony stared at him with horrified expressions. Twilight was the only one who could find her voice and speak.

"FLASH!!!" Twilight ran to the injured guard to make sure he was alright. He was berthing and he had a pulse. However his left fore-leg looked broken, his ribs were quite bruised, and he had a few cuts on his chest that were bleeding slightly. Before Twilight could try to help him she was lifted by the same red aura that had thrown Flash, and she was carried back to the rest of they royals.

"Now the, with him out of the way lets get back to business shall we? You have three guesses to try and fingers out who I am."

As the equestrian leaders talked Amongst themselves to try and identify the unicorn before them, Twilight simply stood there. Her gaze locked on the tile floor. Until finally she looked up to the unicorn stallion and did what she did best.......lectured him.

"I don't care who, or what you think you are. I know exactly what you are. Your a monster. A cold hearted monster. With absolutely no regard for the well being of others. So I'm going to tell you something and I am not going to repeat myself. You are going to tell us who you really are, or so help me I will not hesitate to beat you senseless until you tell me what I want to know."

Everyone was silent. Crimson look at Twilight in shock for a few seconds. However eventually he simply shrugged and said "alright love, have it your way."

After that, crimson's eyes began to glow red and his horn glowed as well. As time went on the royals could feel the magic in the room building. It created strong winds and a cold chill in the large throne room. Soon, the stallions eye shifted from their original red color to a pure bright white. After a few seconds his back had a black streak appear on it. It slowly opened wider, as if his flesh was being ripped open. And the flesh was being pulled apart, what looked like black smoke began to rise from the inside of the red coated unicorn. After all the smoke rose from the unicorns body. The empty skin fell flat on the floor. The smoke remained in a cluster above the lifeless skin. Slowly it moved.
Forming into a specific shape. It formed the shape a torso. Like that of a young dragon. It had a large chest, a head, and two long arms that each ended in a large, almost claw looking hand. The lower portion of the body simply settled into a smoky, ghost like tail as the figure floated in the air. The creatures torso began to materialize armor on itself. It was dark, worn, and rusty. At his wrists he created a large piece of metal that protruded out from his body. Finally the figure seemed complete. And he finally opened his eyes. His eyes were a pure, menacing white. Those eyes could stare into one very soul. And despite having no visible mouth the figure began to laugh. His voice was low, deep, and dark. As he spoke his voice had a sort of hushed tone almost as though was whispering. Finally his laughter ceased as he looked at the ponies below him.

"I.......am Nocturne."
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Discord all stood in awe at the creature that was before them. None of them had ever seen or heard of Nocturne. Or anything like him for that matter. The only encounter they've had that even comes close to this is their battle against King Sombra, and he was dead. Or at least, everyone thought he was dead. The group continued to stare at the smokey figure. And Nocturne stared right back. After what seemed like hours, the silence was finally broken by Nocturne. Who surprisingly was laughing. His laugh was deep and menacing, like his voice. What started as a slight chuckle soon grew into to the loudest and most demonic laugh any of the royals had ever heard.

"HAHAHAHAHA, what is it? Never heard of me before?"

Celestia, being the first to regain her composure, stepped forward to confront Nocturne.

"Why? Should we have heard of you?"

"I thought maybe there was chance you could have. Though I'm not surprised you haven't. After all, the last time I was here was eons ago." He motioned toward Celestia and Luna as he continued to speak. "After all the two of you were still sitting in a crib."

"Are you saying you came to Equestria before? And when you did my sister and I were mere foals?"

"Why yes. But I must say I'm surprised you parents didn't tell you about me after all the trouble I caused. Then again, those two maggots were never good rulers."

The entire room was filled with one combined 'gasp' before falling into silence again. However Celestia's rage was beginning to boil over.

"How dare you..........HOW DARE YOU" Celestia yelled as she stomped her hooves into the floor so hard she punched holes into the tiles. "How dare you insult my mother and father! You are a criminal. A monster and an abomination! I will have your head on a platter for what you have done! And so help me I will send you to the depths of hell for what you have.... *MMMPH*" Celestia's yelling was halted when Nocturne clapped his hand around her muzzle.

"Oh shut up you worthless wretch. I speak the truth and if you can't handle it, then get out of my way."

With that Nocturne lifted Celestia and threw her against that wall in the back of the room. With a loud CRACK she slammed into the wall and fell to the ground. She sat there motionless. However as Luna examined her sister she noticed Celestia's chest would slowly rise, and then fall. She was alive. Unconscious, but alive. 

"No that she's out of the way, lets get down to business." Nocturne turned to Twilight and began moving toward her. "I have plans for you Ms.Sparkle."

As Nocturne approached Twilight, Luna, Cadence and Discord stepped in front of her. Cadence was the first to speak. "If you want Twilight, you'll have to go through us."

Nocturne glared at the royals for a short time. After a few seconds he simply shrugged and said, "Fine." With a flick of his wrists, Luna and Discord were thrown in different directions. Discord flew to the side wall, and smashed into one of the many stain glass windows. Luna was thrown to the back wall next to her sister.  Now Cadence was Twilight's only line of defense. She look like she was ready to fight, and her wing was draped over Twilight's back.

"You will not harm my sister in law. If you want to get to her you'll have to kill me first."

Nocturne sighed. "I can't kill you princess. I have other plans for you. Now.......beat it." With that Nocturne lifted arm and used the piece of metal on his wrist to strike Cadence on the head. With that she fell to the ground unconscious. Shocked, Twilight examined Cadence to see if she was alright. She had a small cut where she was struck and it was bleeding slightly.

Twilight was crying now. "Why are you doing this? Why are you here? Why are you hurting ponies? What did we do to you?"

Nocturne  was silent for a few moments but soon he let out a soft chuckle before speaking. "YOU haven't done anything but interfere with my plans. As for what I'm doing and why? Only one word can explain my motives...........revenge."

Twilight perked up a bit due to curiosity. She sat on the steps leading to the large throne where Flash was still lying. As Twilight sat, Nocturne explained his past to the young alicorn.

"If you recall Twilight, I have been here before. And I knew Celestia's parents. You see, almost 3000 years ago. I came to Equestria. I was looking for power. A position of authority. And I was willing to do anything to achieve my goal. So, I went before the Celestia's parents. They saw me as a beast who would only take advantage of their generosity. Hehehe, I guess they were right. I attacked Equestria. And gained power by feeding on the fear of others."

Twilight pondered all she was hearing. He gains power be feeding on fear. That would explain a few things. Like how he acted when he was disguised as those other ponies. He was trying to scare me. But it doesn't explain why he is just now returning. Or where he even went for 3000 years.

"*sigh* but all that was ruined by the rulers and the unicorn known as Arcane Constellation. I should have known that a unicorn with his magical prowess would find some way to stop me."

Arcane Constellation, where have I heard that name? "And how exactly did me manage to do that? You seem to have over powered even the strongest magical beings Equestria."

"hehehe, I see what your doing Ms.Sparkle. Flattery will get you nowhere, I'm not that gullible."

"W-what are you talking about?" Twilight was trying desperately to hide her nervousness from Nocturne, but to no avail.

"I apologize princess, but I have already said to much." Nocturne grabbed twilight around the throat and lifter her into the air. "Now I thinks its about I........put you to rest." 

Nocturne laughed as his grip tightened around Twilight's neck. She could feel the strain on her windpipe making it hard to breath. Soon her sight began to fade. But before Twilight lost consciousness, Nocturne released her from his grasp, and Twilight fell to the floor. Once She caught her breath, Twilight look up to see what happened. Nocturne was clutching his right shoulder with his hand, and Twilight noticed a faint trail of smoke coming from his shoulder. As Nocturne turned around Twilight turned her gaze to the other end of the room. There, in the middle of the room, stood the unicorn guard who had been knocked out when Nocturne first entered the room. He was panting, his head bleeding quite a bit, and a soft gold aura surrounded his horn.

"Back away from the princess monster." The guard spoke in a weak yet stern voice.

Nocturne turned around was stood there silent, staring at the now conscious guard. While he was distracted, Twilight crawled her way over to Flash who was still out cold on the broken throne. Twilight quickly examined him. He was bleeding a bit here and there and right foreleg looked to be bending the wrong way. However Twilight evaluation was cut short when she heard a short yelp and an pained scream from behind her. Twilight turned to see Nocturne stabbing the guard who had saved her. The metal block on Nocturne's wrist has extended into a long blade with lots of curves and such. The blade had stabbed compleatly through the guard was stained red. Well it was colored red before, but now it was even more red. Nocturne spoke as he held his blade in the guard pony's chest.

"I really wish you hadn't done that. I was hopping that the purple princess would be my blade's first victim." Nocturne then withdrew his arm blade and collapsed it back to how it was before. "Although, I suppose the other one is still fresh." He turned his gaze to Twilight, who lowered her head onto Flash's chest in fear.

"Now then," Nocturne extended his other blade, which was still clean. "Back to business." Nocturne flew forward at an extreme speed, poised and ready to kill. However before his blade made contact with his target, there was flash of baby blue light and Nocturne found his blade imbedded in the now even more broken throne.

Nocturne looked around in confusion. As he searched for how his prey escaped, he noticed a pink alicorn. She was laying on the ground, with her head up, and the same baby blue color surrounding her horn. Nocturne chuckled, and walked up to the pink alicorn. Upon reaching her he brought his fist down on her head, knocking her out for a second time. 

"Wherever you sent them won't matter. I will find them in time. Until then, it's time to put my plan into motion."
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight had her eyes closed, as she was certain she was about to meet her demise. Yet it never came. Slowly she opened her eyes and noticed that she was no longer in canterlot castle. The shiny white walls and floor, along with how everything was bright and reflective, told Twilight exactly where she was. She was back in the Crystal Empire. As the young princess regained her senses, she noticed another pony beneath her. Seeing the Pegasus stallions orange coat, blue mane, and golden guards armor, she quickly placed the pony as Flash. He was still unconscious and bleeding from his impact with Celestia's throne.

"P-Princess Twilight? Is that you?"

Twilight turned to see two crystal guards looking at her with concerned and confused expressions. Seeing as how her fatigue was catching up to her, Twilight could only say one thing before resting her head back onto Flash's chest and slipping from consciousness.

"Please, get my brother."

With that one guard sprinted off down the hall, while the other stayed with the princess and guard.

Shining Armor was in his bedroom sleeping. It was almost midnight in the Crystal Empire and the day was rather uneventful. However he was stirred from his slumber when he heard frantic knocking on his door.

He grumbled something to himself before responding. "Who is it?"

"Your highness, sorry to wake you but it's urgent. You have to come with me right away."

"What is so important the it can't wait until....."

"Your highness there is no time!" Shining armor sprung to the door, taken back by the guards sudden outburst. He opened the door stared blankly into the guards silver eyes.

"My apologizes, but there is no time to explain. You must come with me at once."

With a quick nod shining armor followed the guard down the hall at full gallop. Within a few minutes the arrived where Twilight and Flash were lying on the floor, both unconscious. The guard who had stayed with them was bent over trying to make sure they were alright.

"TWILY!" Upon hearing Shining's scream the guard backed away and gave a quick salute as the prince rushed toward his little sister and most trusted guard. After a quick examination he was relieved to know that they were still alive. However flash was in bad shape and Twilight looked as though she had been through a lot. Turning to his guards shining gave one simple order.

"Get them to the infirmary now!"


****************


After Princess Cadence sent Twilight to the crystal empire, Nocturne got to work on the next phase of his plan. This included using his magic to literally chain Celestia, Luna, cadence, and Discord to the ceiling and back wall of the throne room. All four of them were unconscious and bound in enchanted black chains that suppressed their magic. He also put out most of the torches in the room, only the throne and area in front of it was lit. The rest of the room was engulfed in total darkness. He had shut the door to the throne room and now he waited. It had been nearly ten minutes since he first revealed himself, so now more guards should be on their way to try and kill him. Or at the very least apprehend him.

Now, he 'sat' on Celestia's shattered throne and waited. After a few minutes he heard the sound of hooves outside the large golden doors of the throne room. From the sound of it there must be nearly thirty ponies outside those doors. They began banging on the door trying to get it open. Nocturne had placed some rubble in front of the door to make sure no one got in before he was ready. After a few more loud bangs, the doors to the throne room were thrown open and guards began to funnel into
The room. Most of them unicorns, a few pegasi, and two large earth ponies.

As the guards rushed in a took their positions in front of Nocturne, four more guards slowly entered the room. Two unicorns, one with and snow white coat, and the other with a bright red coat. One Pegasus with a pale coat and deep red eyes, and a large earth pony with jet black coat. All four of them had more armor then the other guards, three had long colored capes that dragged behind them, while the head unicorn had a set of purple armor and a long gold cloak. As the four of them entered Nocturne began to clap his hands and spoke to them. 

"Well done, well done. It only took you ten minutes to get here." The sarcasm in Nocturnes voice was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. "Really though what took you so long?"

The unicorn in purple armor stepped forward and spoke. "What have you done to the princesses?"

"See for yourself."

With a wave of his hand the torches in the room lit up and revealed the status of the equestrian royalty. Celestia and Luna were pined to the wall behind the throne by their hooves and wings. Discord and Cadence were hanging from the ceiling by their waist. Nocturne began to laugh slightly as he saw the shock and fear in the eyes of the guards. The lead pony just grew angry.

"You fiend. You monster! As the captain of the Canterlot royal guard i order you to release you prisoners. Surrender yourself and you will be given a fair trial."

At this Nocturne began to laugh hysterically. "Oh captain my captain. What makes you think I would do that?"

"Look around you. There are thirty-four of us in here, and only one of you. Your outnumbered."

Nocturne just chuckled. "Oh dear captain. You should get your facts right." Nocturne pushed his hand out in front of him and dozens of black chain shot from his palms. 	The chains flew around the room killing off the royal guards. They were impaled, crushed, suffocated, and beaten to death. All thirty of the standard guards were killed in mere seconds. After that the chain pinned the captain and the three remaining guards to the floor. Then Nocturne cast a spell the prevented the unicorns from using their magic.

Nocturne started to laugh again. "You see captain, now there are only four of you and thirty corpses painting the room with their blood."

"You monster. Your murdered them!"

"Don't act like your not to blame captain. You're the one who brought them to their grave."

The captain lowered his head. He knew that Nocturne was telling the truth. It was his fault his troops were dead. As he wallowed in self pity Nocturne came up off the throne and traveled up to the four remaining guards before stopping in front of the captain.

He took a deep breath and spoke. "Can you feel that. There is fear lingering in this room. Weather it is from you or the ponies I killed I can't tell. But it is extremely potent." Nocturne turned to the four guards who were looking at him in fear and confusion. Nocturne stood up tall before speaking. "I have need for the four of you."

The Pegasus guard spoke from behind his captain. "What makes you think we will do anything for you."

"Because I can give you what every living thing in this world wants most.......power. Power beyond imagining."

"And why would you do that?" The Earth pony guard said.

"Because if I am to build my new empire, I need some ponies to help me."

"We would rather take our own lives then pledge our allegiance to you." The other unicorn spoke this time.

Nocturne chuckled for a moment. "You say that now. But once you taste the power I can give you, you will be begging for more. You will pledge your souls to me. And in turn I will grant you the strength of gods!" Nocturne placed his hand on the head of the captain who stood in front of him. "See for yourselves."

With that the captains entire body was covered in a black shroud. His body then began to change. His body was changing into a more humanoid state, and all the while the captain screamed in agony. It sounded like he was being ripped limb from limb. And all the while Nocturne laughed. "Oh and I forgot to mention, this process tends to hurt. A lot!"
> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Nocturne stood in the middle of canterlot castle's throne room, laughing hysterically. His laughs were met only by the agonizing screams of the captain of the royal guard, who was currently covered in a black shroud, and was being transformed into.......something else. His hind legs grew longer as he stood on them, his torso lengthened and changed into a more human like shape. His fore legs took the form of arms and his hooves became hands and feet. After a few minutes of this terrifying process, the captain stopped screaming, and the shroud around him dissipated, revealing his new form.

He looked like a human from ancient myth. His bright white coat was replaced with dark colored skin. Not quite black but still rather dark. His armor reformed as well. It was a suit of mainly leather and chain-mail, with armor plating on his chest, arms, and legs. His armor was dark and looked old and worn. A few places had rust on them and were chipped or broken. His helmet was jagged and slightly resembled a crown of sorts.

The three remaining guards stared at their commander in shock and disbelief. The captain rose to his feet giving everyone a full view of his new body. He easily stood about 6 and a half feet tall, with height to rival Celestia herself. The captain, regaining his senses, examined his new form. He looked from his hands, down his arms, and to his feet. His expression was blank as he looked himself over.

"C-Captain, are you alright?" One of the guards behind him asked.

The captain was quite for a few seconds. "My body, it feels.......strange." His voice was no longer masculine and raspy like before. Now it was deep, sinister, and even seemed to have a bit of an echo despite the throne rooms lack of acoustics.

"Well captain?" Nocturne chuckled. "How do you feel?"

"Strange. But this body feels, strong. I feel power coursing through my veins as though it's my own blood. I feel as though i can conquer worlds." His voice became more powerful as he spoke.

"Do you like your gift captain?"

"I do. This power is unlike anything i have felt before. I-I want more."

"And you shall have it, if you follow me."

"Don't do it captain!" The earth pony behind him yelled.

"Remember who you really are!" Screamed the Pegasus guard.

"Remember your oath, your duty!" Begged the unicorn.

"My oath and duty are nothing now!" The captain boomed as he turned to his former comrades. "Who i once was is dead now. And you three will either follow your captain willingly, or i will force you to concede myself!"

Nocturne rested a hand on the captains shoulder. "Calm yourself captain. No need to get violent. I need all four of you in perfect health for my plan to continue."

"Then how do we change them as well?"

"We do the same thing i did to you." Nocturne covered the other three guards in the same shroud the consumed the captain we he was transformed. "We give them the gift without their consent."

As the guards screamed, and their bodies changed. Nocturne and the captain looked at them. While Nocturne began to laugh demonically, the captain simply smiled.


****************


Twilight moaned as she began to regain consciousness. Her head hurt a little and she felt weak. As she opened her eyes she heard the faint sound of a heart monitor beeping along to a steady rhythm. She tried to sit up on the bed she was resting on when a doctor soon rushed over and held her back down on the bed.

"Princess please stay down, your still very weak." Twilight recognized the doctor as a crystal pony. Despite having a good idea of where she was, she still asked the same cliche question that everyone asks when they wake up in the hospital.

"Where an I?"

"Your in the infirmary kiddo." Twilight turned her head to see her brother standing in the doorway.

"Shining." Twilight tried to sit up again as her brother approached, but he ran up and held her down just as the doctor had before.

"Whoa there kid. You need to rest."

Twilight sat back down and looked around the room. It was a long white room with rows of beds along each wall. There were curtains separating each bed station, and they were all open except for the one to twilight's left. twilight turned her attention back to her brother.

"How long have i been out?"

"Not long. About half an hour, forty-five minutes."

"How did i get here?"

"I was hoping you could tell me. My guards just found you and Flash in the middle of the hall. You appeared out of nowhere."

Twilight suddenly remembered that she had not seen her companion, and panic began to set it. "Flash! Where is he? Is he alright?"

"Shh, yes he is alright. He was pretty beat up when we found you, but we got him patched up and he is stable. Tell you what. You get some rest and relax for a bit. Once Flash wakes up, i want to ask you two some questions. Sound good?"

Twilight just nodded and laid her head back down to her pillow. Shining walked out the door and said something to ponies outside. It wasn't two seconds before Twilight's friends rushed in and bombarded her with questions ranging from 'Are you alright?' To 'What happened?'. Shining just took a look at the injured guard who was resting in the stall next to Twilight's.

"What did happen?" Shining looked out a nearby window. "And if you two are here, then where are Cadence and the others?"