> Empress of Flame 2: Flickering Flame > by Pathious > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight couldn't just lay there not with that thing coming after her. She scampered to her hooves and began to run. Empress poked her head out of the portal. She began to run after Twilight only to be intercepted by Celestia. Celestia tackled Empress to the ground. Twilight heard this and looked back. "Celestia. Noooooo~!" Twilight turned to go help Celestia. "Run Twilight, Go NOW~!" Celestia's Horn began to glow in a bright and vibrant golden color. "Celestia, No she will kill you, Come run with me!" Twilight hollered. "Then at least I'd be dying for a good cause, NOW RUN~!" Celestia yelled as she shot a beam of energy at Empress. Empress responded with firing a Black magic beam at hers. Their magic beams locked up. "Step aside, Twilight has interfered with my plans one too many times already.... SHE NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH~!" Empress growled as her horn began to spark. She was putting fourth so much energy. Celestia was not a weak being. She knew how to fight when she needed to. "Your plan ends with me." Celestia flapped her wings and she flew up. She continued to keep her magical beam locked up with Empresses magic. "We will have to see about that!" Empresses hooves began to glow in a cyan glow. She lifted her front hooves and she used magic through them to grab the flying princess. "Come down birdy!" Empress thrust her hooves down. The magic forced Celestia to slam into the ground. Celestia growled as she was plowed into the ground. She slowly stood up again. "Sunset Shimmer I know your in there, Please my faithful student, please wake up. FFIGHT" Celestia shot a golden ball of energy at Empress. She only opened her mouth to swallow it. Empress smiled at Celestia and her faith in Sunset. "Sunset is gone, She will never return!" Empresses wings spread as far as they could go. "No your wrong, I know Sunset. When she loved something she would fight for it. TWILIGHT NEEDS HER, MORE THAN YOU!" Celestia said as her horn stopped glowing. "I will subdue for her return, I will not harm you and in turn hurt Sunset." "Your foolish, Sunset has nothing to fight for, Twilight abandoned her when she needed her the most~!" Empress disappeared only to reappear beside Celestia. "Your crown is mine!" "You don't understand. That portal is going to overload and kill us all anyways!" Celestiia yelled. "your magic essence has brought it to a breaking point." "enough with your scare tactics Celestia." Empress went to bite Celestia on the neck when Luna flew in. "Get your ugly face away from my sister!" Luna shot a blue beam of energy at Empress. The magical beam hit Empress smack dab in her side. She flew back into a wall. "We need twilight, Me and you cannot defeat her alone." Luna yelled as she shot a solid beam of energy at Empress, who responded by locking her magic up with Luna's. Celestia quickly combined her magic with Luna's by touching her horn to hers. Celestia shot a beam at Empress now as well. It was a three way lock up that was going nowhere. A magical stalemate. "Your sister was right, You two cannot defeat me. Your only hope is gone~!" Empress began to raise two hooves, she was attemoting to do a sneak attack. "You wrong, I'm right here!" Twilight landed between Luna and Celestia. Twilight quickly touched her horn to the other two alicorns horns. Twilight shot a beam from her horn and locked up with Empress in order to help defeat Empress. Twilights magic was enough to win the lock up. The force hit Empress and sent her back through the portal. As She went flying back it was noticeable that she was turning back to Sunset Shimmer. "Sunset?" Celestia had noticed this. "Twilight go after her!" Celestia said as she collapsed to her knees. "Are you going to be ok!?" Twilight yelled. Concern in her voice showed that she was unsure about leaving. "Go,GO NOW!" Celestia groaned. Twilight slowly looked at the portal only to slowly walk in. She entered the portal, The other side showed the world here was still scorched and burnt. Twilight looked over to see Sunset was not far. She was in the feedle position up against the statue. "Sunset Shimmer, Your b-back." Twilight quickly went up to her. The remaining part of empress were empresses eyes and wings. Sunset was half Empress half herself. She had no clothes on so she was shivering. Despite the world around them being incredibly hot. "W-hat d-did I do?" Sunset uttered as she began to cry. Why did I let this happen. Sunset looked at Twilight and then to the sparking portal. "What's wrong with that thing?" "Sunset, The portal is going to overload and explode, according to Celestia. There is nothing that can consume that amount of dark energy that will be released." Twilight sighs, as sunset looks at it. "I have caused to many problems for that to happen." Sunset began to stand up, she slowly spread the demonic wings that were still on her back. she began to hum as she began to sing a song. "I'm sick I think I'm sick, Sometimes I think I get like this, I bite my tongue, I clench my fists. Resist at first and then reverse." Sunset flapped her wings once as she started to sing. Her hair beginning to flow like fire slightly. "Sunset your to weak, what are you doing?!" Twilight yelled out as dust and rocks started to revolve around sunset. "The night knows me by name. Its shadow trained to dull the pain. All the black begins to blur. Resist at first and then immerse." Sunsets skin started to turn red. "It tires me, it makes me sad. To think of all the nights I've had. Eyes shut tightly, I shut down. Won't be that much longer now. In the quiet, in the dark. All my ideals fall apart. When they come for me again. Resist with everything I am" Sunset floated up slightly as cyan ring began to form around her body. "sunset stop!" Twilight yelled a she reached out for Sunset. She pulled her hand away quickly as the heat radiating off sunset was enough to burn from a distance. "It tires me, it makes me sad. To think of all the nights I've had. Eyes shut tightly, I shut down. Won't be that much longer now!" sunset throws her hands out to embrace Empress. "I'm sick, I think I'm sick. Sometimes I think I get like this. I bite my tongue, I clench my fist. Resist at first and then reverse. Life's a war, you pick your fight. I think mine picks me first most nights. If I should wake before I die. Then promise me you'll never get this sick inside~" a large beam of cyan energy engulfed Sunset as she fully and violently turned to empress. Who then took over with singing. "Can't undo a word I said. Years of struggle still ahead. All the trouble in my head. I wish I were good instead, Can't undo a word I said. Years of struggle still ahead. All the trouble in my head. I wish I were good instead." Empress sang as she quickly entered the portal to Equestria. When she crossed over she continued to sing. The portal was now red hot and seconds from exploding. Twilight exited and tumbled behind Empress. "I'm sick, I think I'm sick. Sometimes I think I get like this. I bite my tongue, I clench my fists Resist at first and then reverse. My adversary knows me well" Empress looks at Twilight and smiles "She's out for blood, too soon to tell. If I'll outsmart these lies of hell. And think my sick self back to health" Empress quickly grabbed the overloading portal and used her magic to blow a hole into the roof above her. She quickly opened her wings and flew up through the hole. "Sunset nooooooo!" Twilight said as she tried to fly after her only to b heald back by Celestia. "Can't undo a word I said. Years of struggle still ahead. All the trouble in my head" Empress closed her eyes and a tear fell "I wish I were good instead." the portal lit up and released a load of energy as it exploded. It lit up the sky like nothing else. In the end love was the victor. > Two Years > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been two years since Sunset Shimmer and the Empress of Flame had allegedly sacrificed themselves the rest of Equeastria. A new stain glass window was now in the hall of which all stain glass windows were. Sunsets was right beside the window that represented Princess twilights Coronation. Princess twilight found herself looking at Sunset window allot as of recently. She still couldn't get over the pain she felt she had caused to that pony. Much like today, Twilight found herself there. "Princess Twilight?" Celestia said as she walked up to the Pale, light grayish mulberry colored Alicorn. "Your needed in the meeting room of Canterlot castle today." Celestia said as she wrapped a wing around the smaller Alicorn. "You have been out here all day Twilight." "I'm sorry Celestia.." Twilight slowly shifted her gaze to her teacher. "I don't know why but for some reason I'm finding myself more and more drawn to this window pane." Twilight shook her head as the past memories began to flood the inner working of her mind. Twilight always thought about the day Sunset did what she did. It was hard for her to forget. Sunset loved her and she broke her. "Twilight we think we may know why your feeling this way....The light in the sky has returned~!" Celestias' tone of voice changed from calm to rather ecstatic. Twilights Eyes widened at the mention of the light. When those words slipped of Celestias tongue, Twilight could hardly believe it. Twilight was shaking in her own skin. She could hardly believe it. "B-but how is that possible. T-the light was created by the portal erupting?" Twilight couldn't wrap her mind around the thought of such a force returning. "Twilight that the thing... T-the light..." Celestia paused momentarily as if she was scared of something. "The light looks like the cutie mark of Sunset shimmer~!" Celestia had excitement in her voice. At the same time however she also had the hint of fear in her voice. "We have to postpone the meeting. There are much more important matters to discuss now~!" Twilight said as her wings spread. Twilight then took off running down the hall. She had to get outside to see this light for herself. Celestia reached out for Twilight as she ran off. Celestia had said something as well, but Twilight was way to far away now to be able to hear the words that Celestia had spoke. Twilight reached the large exit of the castle in no time at all. She pushed the large gateway like doors open. Her eyes immediately appeared to glow from the light that now reflected off of them. This light was bright enough that the night could not exist as long as it remained in the sky. Sunsets cutie mark plastered a portion of the sky. The light represented her cutie mark. Such a phenomenon like this did not come without some panic here and there. There were several ponies now rushing up to twilight with questions such as. What's going on? What is that? Is empress returning? "Everypony, please calm down. As of right now everything is under control." Twilight said to keep the public around her at ease. Though her answer to they're question only led to the ponies asking further more questions. "Princess Twilight~!" A pony yelled out as he was holding a camera. "Please tell us how exactly everything is under control!" The pony was quickly pushed aside as yet another pony barged in to ask her a question. "Everypony as of right now I can not answer your question...Maybe once the situation develops more... I can...ummm.. answer these." Twilight quickly took flight back to the Castle door. Twilight did not expect such a paparazzi so quickly. Twilight got the front door closed as quick as possible. She turned around to go find Celestia only to be met by the face of the Lullay moon princess Luna. "Princess Twilight. I see you got the news..?" Luna said in her usual tone of voice. Luna did not seem as shocked or surprised about this whole situation. At least not as shocked as Celestia appeared to be. "Yes..Luna I have been informed..What do you think is happening.?" Twilight said as this whole problem and it's possibilities started to get to her. "I'm afraid I already know what is coming after this." Lunas ears pinned back. "I caused this to happen." Lunas eyes shifted to look at the ground. "How? How did you cause this?" Twilight was more confused than ever. "Not long ago as I was shifting around in the dream world I stumbled across a dream that appeared to be coming from the mind of Sunset shimmer." Luna sighed. "I ventured into this dream when I shouldn't have. Sunset shimmer had been stuck in a sleep for two years according to the data I managed to collect. The dream never changed. When I entered it Sunset found me." Luna looked back into Twilights vibrant eyes. "She finally found out she was stuck in a dream. I WOKE HER UP~!" Lunas eyes started to fill with tears. "That doesn't tell me what's going to happen Luna. WHAT WAS SHE DREAMING~!" Twilight showed a tint of anger in her voice. Twilight was growing more and more concerned. She both wanted and didn't want Luna to answer that question. The possible answers scared her. "Princess twilight... She was dreaming about the day she found out that you were with flash sentry. She was seeing that over and over again. That was what caused her to turn into empress. Don't you remember. Don't you see what's going to happen. The Empress of Flame is coming back. She is coming back and there is....nothing... we can do." Lunas word hit twilight like a speeding train. All this stuff was already so dramatic. Could it really get any worse? > Flickering Flame > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The light in the sky was getting brighter as sunsets anger grew. Deep inside of this light hovered Sunset shimmer who was very much awake. Her eyes completely black, Black tears had been streaming down her face. Sunset was filled with so much hate that she was burning up inside. "I want out, Let me GOOOOOOO!" Sunset screamed as loud as she could. From this high up though there was no pony whom could hear her plea. "See no evil hear no evil....Feel n-no evil." Sunset kept repeating to herself. She was trying to calm down "Empress let me go. LET ME BE FREE~!" Sunset yelled out. The pain deep inside Sunset only grew worse as she screamed out. As she screamed out fangs slowly and painfully began to form in her mouth. Her head slowly looked down as her eyes closed. She was absolutely exhausted. The yellow shield of magical light that was holding her up there was starting to get darker. Sunset just wanted to get out. She had been stuck in one place for two years. Two agonizing and terrifying years. Sunsets entire body went limp as she began to drift into a dream state. Ever since she had been up here she had these off and on moments of sleep and consciousness. She had only been up her for twenty minutes now and she had already passed out ten times. Sunset was no in a much darker place. She looked around her dream. She looked behind her and all she saw was more darkness. Then when she looked forward again she saw empress. Empress was bound to a brick wall. She appeared to be chained there. The demon was in a human form. Sunset ran over to her darker side. "Sunset h-how long has it been?" Empress said as she was looking towards the ground. "E-empress w-why are you bound like this? D-did I do this to you?" Sunset said confused. "Sssssssssuuuuuuunset........" empress said in a hiss as she slowly faded away. Sunset reached for her. Her amber like hooves turning into amber colored hands. Empress had fully disappeared. "No Empress... I need you come back." Sunsets head lowered in sadness. Sunset actually began to feel tears form in her eyes. Empress was evil but Sunset had no idea how to fend for herself without her. "EMPRESS COME BACK~!" Sunset yelled out as she suddenly woke up again. She was once again still in the mass of light that remained floating in the sky. Sunset was slowly being broken down into nothing but a sad depressive mare. Little did she know that Equestria was already planning something against her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Celestia was pacing back and fourth in her throne room. Guards surrounding her in a protective formation. Celestia was deeply and truly scared. She felt she had only one way to deal with this new problem that appeared to be getting progressively worse. "Guard prepare the squadron We must assault that light with all of our flying forces. Make it fall, I can not have any more panic." Celestia gave out a kill order. She hated ever having to use one, but she was scared she felt there was no better plan. The guards would not oppose her command. They simply nodded and headed of to become a weapon. Celestia lowered her head once they were gone. "Sunset.... forgive me for what I'm doing." She sighed as she looked over to see the throne room doors closing. Celestia looked out the window. She stared at the light in the sky. One last guard looked at her. "I'll go make sure the guards are all ready for the assault." The guard then slowly left the room. Celestia placed her hoof on the window and let out a singing note. "I am standing on the edge of returning or just running away. I am letting myself look the other way. And the hardest part in all of this is I don't think I know my way back, home. Is it worth the journey or do I let my heart settle here~!" Celestia closed her eyes letting a tear role down her cheek. "How cold have I become?" Celestias wings spread slowly as she sang. "I didn't want to. Lose you by what I'd done. Caught in the gray." Celestia turned and walked towards her throne as she sat she continued her song of sadness. She wasn't specifically singing for anypony she was singing situationally. "I don't wanna look you in the eyes you might call me away. I don't wanna give you the chance to make me stay. And the hardest part in all of this is I know my way back I don't want to Go and let you see all that has become of me~!" Celestia sat down her eyes shifted to look out the window. She could see her flying guards flying up towards the light. "I should've know, I should've known I didn't have a chance~!" Celestia closed her eyes and another tear fell down to the floor. "Now squadron, we have no ide what this thing can do so be careful. This thing could be deadly." A guard leader said to his squadron flying by him. "Lets get this job done clean and fast~!" The squad started flying in high gear. Sunsets dark eyes looked over in there direction. At first she saw it as a possible rescue mission. But then she saw that everypony there was armed. Sunset pawed at the sphere around her. The light was very solid. Which meant it must have been some magic sphere. "Come on Sunset think, think. Get mad~!" Sunset yelled at herself. She was getting frantic. she closed her eyes. "Twilight doesn't love you.... Twilight does not love you." Sunset said as if trying to get herself angry. "Twilight doesn't love you." Her efforts were hopeless. she just wasn't getting angry. "Alright stallions Don't hold back~!" The squad leader rand into the shield with his spear healed outwards. The spear went right through the sphere. The sharp end stabbing Sunset right in her upper shoulder. Sunset felt the pain surge through her body. Tears immediately filled her black eyes. She looked down to see the spear in her leg. She looked forward and she felt like time slowed down. A spear was breaking through the spear and headed directly for her face. Sunset began to instantly turn into a form she had once tried so hard to hold back. Within an instant Sunset turned form herself into the Empress of Flame. The spear was inches from slamming into her face when it began to melt. The glowing ball around her went completely black. All of the glowing essence had disappeared. The sphere baa to crumble into ash as Empress quickly flew out of it. Her massive wings knocking one of the guards out of the sky. Empress was then being quickly pursued by the rest of the squadron. Empress knew he couldn't out fly these stallions. She also knew they were bent on killing her and sunset. "Forgive me for what I'm about to do." Empress said to herself as she looked back at the guards behind her. "Give me your best shot~!" She quickly turned around as her horn glowed forcing fire at them like a flame thrower. Empress was grazed by a spear on her side as one guard managed to get by the flame as others were forced to fly back. She felt her darker blood start to drip a little. Empress turned and chased after the stallion who had managed to wound her. She tackled the guard out of the sky. Empress had her mouth around his neck as she and him began to plummet to the ground. Empress fell through the roof of Canterlot castle. Her grip on the pony still firm and tight. After she had tackled the pony through the building Empress laid nearly unconscious herself on the throne room floor. Celestia whom was still in her throne was wide eyed and staring at the scene. Empress slowly stood up as she turned towards Celestia in anger. She walked over to go attack her when A guard came down through the hole stabbing a spear directly into the side of the empresses chest. Empress let out a whimper as she started to collapse to the ground. a spear now in her side. Her dark cyan halo of eyes watching Celestia the whole time. Twilight Sparkle had entered the throne room at that very moment. Twilight was practically speechless. She never thought she would see empress again. "Celestia WHAT HAPPENED~!" Twilight rushed over not to Celestia but to Empress. "She was going to attack me twilight. S-she had to be dealt with~!" Celestia said as if trying to prove her point. Twilight on the other hoof was not buying it. Twilight walked away from Empress and then got in Celestias face. "When did we start killing our enemies. We are soused to try and fixed them with friendship." Twilight said as tears were filling her eyes. Now you may have killed Empress and Sunset~!" Twilight looked back at where Empress was laying two seconds ago. But Empress was not there anymore. Twilights eyes widen almost instantly. "Where is she. W-where d-did she go?" > Vanished > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Empress found herself rushing through the thick underbrush of the Everfree Forest. There was still black blood seeping from the side of her chest. Empresses dark black eyes. of which looked like only cyan halos. Her eyes were starting to cloud over. Empress collapsed as she ran. Her blood seeping onto the forest floor. Her eyes were near a closing, Her last breath was near. She felt a cold feeling start to come over her. She looked up to see a zebra standing over her. The zebra appeared to be changing shape. Empresses eyes shut tightly as she passed out. She was brought somewhere deeper into the woods. Her eyes slowly opened to see a whit changeling looking at her. This white changeling had an orange and blue mane his tail complimenting his mane. "Aren't you a interesting character. Ah yes I've seen you before." The changeling said as he looked into her eyes. "Your empress of flame embodiment of darkness... correct me if I'm wrong." The Changeling said fast and calmly. "W-who are you?" Empress said as she placed a hoof on her side where the spear once was. She felt that there was no wound anymore. She felt pain there but where was the wound. "Sorry I should have introduced myself..." he coughed. "The name is white lighting, A freak changeling who's carapace was white instead of black. Also I have a mane. Tell me how many drones you see with a mane." White lighting rolled his eyes. "Oh and don't get me started on the regular Pegasus wings... I'm a freak and so are you.." White smiles. "We both want one thing. Those who caused us harm to pay." His eyes flash in a green luminescence. "H-how do you know how I feel?" Empress tilted her head in confusion. "You don't know what I am. Or what I want." Empress bared her fangs at this changeling freak. "Well when I was healing you of your terrible injury. I happened to ick up on your magical essence. I have smelled such a presence before. One of the element of harmony. You see I walk past the tree of harmony on a daily basis. You smell just like the element of magic....... Only in a darker format." White lighting spread his feathered wings. as he spoke. His eyes were still glowing green. Wanna explain how you managed to become what you are?" White said as it was becoming obvious he wanted to see how one becomes so enraged with such dark magic. "I'd rather kiss the sin on Celestia's lips then talk to a magic hungry changeling." Empress said in a condescending tone. My creation has no importance to you or any creature in this pitiful world." Empress said as she kept her eyes on White. "Fair enough fair enough. Maybe nothing in this world deserves to know about your creation. On the other hoof how come the creatures of this other world got to witness it." White lighting said as he levitated up a piece of a frame that belonged to the portal to the other world. "How the hell did you get your hooves on that?" Empress said as her eyes widened in interest. "Oh~ seems like I finally got your dirty attention." White lighting said as he tossed the piece behind him. "I have all the pieces... I was a little to close to a certain explosion several years ago." White lighting said as a sly smile was growing bigger on his face. "I can give you something from it in return of the story of your creation~!" White held out a glowing sphere in front of Empress. "what could you possibly give me that would be of any worth." Empress spread her massive demonic wings as she was growing both more curious and angry. "Oh nothing overly big...just the ability to travel to the other world at your will. I will give you the magic the portal left behind~!" White said as he now held the glowing ball in his mouth. His wings slowly folding. as he glared at Empress in a tempting manor. "Your not capable of doing such things you simpleton~!" Empress finally stood up raising her voice. Her Mane and tail began to flow more rapidly like flame. She was growing more and more angry with this Changeling freak. "Your right I don't. You do on the other hoof. I will give you this so you can use it...Just tell me how you turned into Empress. Tell me this Sunset shimmer." White lighting said Sunsets name. He knew a little more then he was letting out. The name got to Empress in an emotional way. "Fine you wish to know you twit... Fine I will tell you. Sunset put on the element of harmony. When she did she awoke me. An inactive curse she had always had. The evil she always had deep down inside her. I am as powerful as that Element I am the Empress of Flame. " Empress said as she huffed out black smoke through her nose. White lighting appeared to be making a mental note on the topic. He then levitated the glowing orb to Empress. "consider this a gift for your time. Consider it me giving you the power to bring justice to a world... Or worlds that have done nothing but wrong things like me and you." White lighting smiled as he took a seat in a rocking chair. "your welcome to leave now." White said as he looked at Empress. Empress stood there briefly and then slowly made her way to the exit of the building she was in. Her dark eyes looked at the orb she had received. Her eyes lit up and the ball started to levitate. It's magic beginning to fuse with Empress. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twilight Sparkle was pacing back and fourth. She wanted to know what was going on. She wanted to know what was coming next. Why had Celestia resorted to murder while she was in a state of nothing but primal fear. There were so many questions that were attacking the core of Twilights mind. All of these questions she had no way of answering. She was so mad and scared herself, there was no way she could get her mind calm enough o actually focus. She wanted her friends whom were in ponyville. Twilight couldn't leave Canterlot. Not with Celestia having a nervous breakdown. "Spike I need you to go to ponyville and have the girls come to Canterlot. I need them here now~!" Twilight said in a slight yelling voice. "Sorry for yelling Spike I'm just so upset with what has happened today." Twilights head looked to the floor as she began to be filled with a sort of sadness. Twilight I understand your sadness. I didn't want to see Celestia step so low." Spike shook his head in a disapproving manor. "I was just as shocked as you were." "Thanks Spike. I'm so glad your always here for me." Twilight smiled at the small Dragon. "It's what I'm here for Twilight. Now I can't waste my time here I have a letter to deliver." Spike said in a can do spirited voice. Twilight watched as Spike ran out of the room and out of sight. Twilight sighed as she started to hum slightly. A singing note escaped her throat as she placed her front hooves against the wall. "Oh how I've longed oh how I've waited. To see your face again. How I always waited to hear your voice again." She slowly went back on all fours. "Never did I think I'd see the day your blood on the floor. Life leaves a scar one I wish to heal but I can't heal you when you've vanished." Twilight held her note on the word vanished as she slowly closed her eyes. "I've made mistakes but so have you. I hold them close for the opportunity of forgiveness. but I can clean the slat if you vanished no I can't clean the slate if you've done nothing but vanish. So till I see your face I have nothing but these mistakes. No nothing but these mistakes to keep me company." Twilight started to walk down the hall of equestrian history. She stopped and looked at the one that showed Sunset's sacrifice. "Why do you ask for love when you cant even give it... How can you expect me to show it when you went and blew it. You killed the love deep down yet it keeps coming back up. Why can't I shale it? Why can't I was it away with all the sins of my mistakes. Why do you leave me here? Why did you leave me to take care of your problems to take care of your problem. I can't stand you but I can't live without your touch. I love you." Twilight ended her song in an angry tone of voice. Twilight started to cry as emotion was filling her body. Celestia was not far down the hall listening to the song in secret. She was up to something and it wasn't good. Celestia started to walk away to get away from the scene. She didn't want to feel for her faithful student. She didn't want to give her comfort. In Celestias mind, If Twilight could love Sunset she was not worth comforting. Why such hate for Sunset so suddenly? "S-sister are you watching her?" Luna said as she came into visibility in front of Celestia. "why does thou not comfort the young mare while she feels despair?" Luna said as she tilted her head. "Luna why are you always getting in my business?" Celestia said as she began to walk down the hall away from Twilight. "I would think you would have learned by now that what I do is my business." Celestia said as she opened a door and entered the room. "Sister you have everypony concerned. Including thigh self. I Am concerned after you murderous actions towards another today." Luna said as she slowly spread her wings. "Your actions do not make the public look positively at our role as royalty." Lunas spoke in a serious tone. She wanted to make sure Celestia was aware of the commotion she was causing. "Luna I am very much aware of my actions and the after effects they could have on Equestria. That thing had to die though. She was a Danger to us all last we saw her. How could she change." Celestia said in an equally serious voice. "I did what I felt was needed. I did this not for me but for the overall wellbeing of every creature. I did this for Equestria." Celestia raised her voice. "And if your against that wellbeing Luna... Then Equestria has no use for you.." Celestia forced herself to be cruel. She quickly turned away to walk out of Lunas sight. Celestias eyes were quickly filling with tears after she had been so crude. She was scared and she was desperate to destroy what was causing her to feel so weak. She would stop at nothing to raise her overall wellbeing. She wasn't gonna stop till Sunset Shimmer and her darkness was destroyed. As dark as her thoughts were she still felt that what she felt deep down was what was good for Equestria. Would the rest of the worlds rulers agree? Or is Celestia about to cause the worst case scenario? > Canterlot High > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The human world sure had changed. Empress and sunset just had no idea. Not until they got there. Empress couldn't help but use the power she was just given. Empress appeared by the statue of Canterlot high. Empress looked around her. There was no one outside. Not even a hint that anyone has been here. She looked up to see the original flag nearby the school was replaced with a golden flag with the initials AD imprinted on it. Empress looked confused as she felt her energy beginning to drain. She felt like she was going to pass out. Things kept getting worse and worse for her. Empress began to slowly turn back to Sunset Shimmer. She was moments away from passing out when she heard a soft voice. Then she was out like a light. Sunset soon woke up. She was tied to a chair in the school office. She looked up and in front of her to see vice-principal Luna. Luna was sitting in a rolling chair with her arms crossed. She did not speak a word. She only stared. "H-how did I get back here?" Sunset said as she felt pain throbbing through her body. "You will have to discuss that with our leader mistress Dazzle." Luna said in a rather monotone voice. "M-mistress Dazzle?" Sunset said with extreme confusion in her voice. "Who is this mistress Dazzle?" "That would be me~!" The door swung open as a lady walked in. She had long an puffy orange hair. Sunset looked at this person with confusion. She had never seen her before. Not to mention Sunset was already confused as to how the hell she was in the human world. She had no recollection of anything that had happened after she became Empress. "Who are you?" Sunset said as she began to sound even more confused "You'll have to excuse my subjects they're idiots." The lady smiles as she steps into the light. her raspberry eyes gleaming in the light. "They call me mistress Dazzle, You may call me Adagio.... Adagio Dazzle." Adagio says waving her arm around as she spoke. "they are not to bright anymore. I think I have you to thank for that." Adagio said as she placed on finger under Sunsets chin. "If you hadn't turned into that demon thing I may never have had such a hold on this pitiful world." "What are you. How can you be in control of this world." Sunset said as she felt anger begin to flow through her veins. She struggled as she tried to get out of the restraints that were holding her in the chair. "Oh... Another explanation is in hand.. I'm no human... That is why this worlds was able to be taken over by me." Adagio gave a slightly twisted smile to Sunset. "But hey don't worry about it. I could use you and your little Friend.... What was her name? Empress of something." Adagio said as she began to pace a little. "Oh yes.. Empress of Flame wasn't that the name?" "Yes that is her name. She on the other hand will never side with someone out of random desire. She is better than that." Sunset growled at her assailant as her teeth started to turn into fangs of Empress. "Now untie me before I let her tear you apart~!" "Apparently she has no idea what I have to offer. I saw how she was on that roof that one faithful day. I saw the lust she had when she looked at Twilight. Do you remember that or was that all to blurry for you?" Adagio said in her casual cocky tone of voice. Sunset thought back to the time. She thought as hard as she could she felt her mind begin to drift into a kind of sleep. as the memory began to play to her. "You know I'm starting to see why She was so attracted to you." A deep and demonic purr escaped Empresses throat. Empress placed one of her clawed hands on Twilights stomach. Her hand glowed and it burned the top Twilight was wearing clean off. Without burning of Twilights Bra or burning Twilights skin. Twilights eyes widened at the Empresses sudden change in attitude. "Stop! You cant just....." Twilights eyes widened more as Empress kissed Twilight on the neck. Twilight felt a warm tingly sensation serge through her body in response to the demonic and fiery kiss. Twilight couldn't help but like that feeling. "I believe your body says otherwise." Empress said as her fangs slightly scratched Twilight on her neck. "You Princess Twilight are the reason this is all happening. Why not become a part of it?" "NO, I will not fall victim to your cruel joke!" Twilight tried getting out of the grasp of Empress. "You will not succeed in your plan! The magic of friendship will defeat you. All of these people all of the ponies in Equestria will unite as one. They will defeat you." Twilight smiled as she spoke her words of friendship. Empresses hair began to flicker more rapidly like a raging fire. She was now getting agitated. "If that was true they would have won already, so enough of your fake wisdom." Empress turned Twilight around so she could look her in the eyes. Empress placed a claw in-between the divider of both bra cups. She quickly cut it with one curl of her finger. Twilight quickly caught it so it wouldn't fall. "Your in denial Empress, you know I'm right. You know that they will stand no chance if I were to side with you. That is your only reason for tying to tempt me." Twilight said as she held her bra to her chest. Empress then brought Twi closer to her. "Oh really? Is that what you truly believe?" Empress laughs only to slowly wipe a tear from her own eye. "My your soooo wrong Princess." Empress takes three claws and uses them to caress Twilight right cheek. "Stop touching me!" Twilight tried moving her head away from the demonic hand. "You want me to stop!" Empress starts to get even more aggravated. "Fine I'll respect you enough to not touch you with my hands." Empress then quickly locked her red lips with Twilights mulberry colored lips. Sunset eyes opened again. "Yes I remember." sunset gave a sigh as she looked to the floor. She felt as if her own lips were on fire. "She wants what you seem to want. You want...Love" Adagio sensually whispers in her ear. sunset looked up at Adagio as her eyes started to turn into Empress eyes. "What's actually in it for me. What's your plan?" Sunsets voice was no longer her own. It was none other than Empresses voice. Adagio's crooked smile turned more sinister. "My plan is to bring my ruling back into equestrian. But there is no way I can weaken that world like you did to this world," Adagio chuckles and puts a finger over her own lip. "If you help me take over the world that banished me and threw you away.... I can help you get Twilight Sparkles love." Adagio says as a snake tongue slithers out of her own mouth. she licks her own lips slowly. "I am so glad you randomly decided to show up." "I......I except your offer." Sunset smiles as her skin slowly turned red. "What exactly do you want me to do to Equestria?" "I want you to give it all your power all of your might. Give it everything your magic is capable of doing. Your the darkness from the element of magic imagine what you can do." Adagio says as she caresses her cheek. "Luna untie our friend, she is no threat to us. She's gonna pay our equestrian friends a fiery visit." Adagio had the biggest smile on her face as Luna began to untie a flickering flame that was now growing into an inferno. > Cordetta of lies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Empress being in cooperation with Adagio was nothing but bad news for Equestria. Sunset Shimmer could feel the hate that Empress was feeling. Deep down she could feel something else coming from Empress. While Empress was in control Sunset was very much there. She could see everything that happened while she was out. Unfortunately this time Sunset was in a dream like state. This allowed Empress to torment her with whatever terrible dream she wanted Sunset to see. Sunset looked around her; all she could see was darkness. She looked to her right and then to her left. When sunset looked forward again she saw twilight standing in the darkness. Sunset knew she was dreaming. She on the other hand had never seen Twilight in one of the dreams she had. Twilight was in human form. “Twilight I’m over here~!” Sunset shouted to her. Twilight did not answer her. Twilight only looked up with tears in her eyes. Twilight was crying. Sunset hadn’t noticed it right away but Twilight had a red colored hand on her shoulder. The hand was of none other than Empress. Sunset started to run towards Twilight, Empress now fully visible standing behind Twilight. “Noo, no, no Sunset I wouldn’t come any closer. After all you won’t be able to help her.” Empress let out a small chuckle “Empress let her go. Why do you want everything I want?” Sunset was both upset and confused. Tears started to form in the vibrant cyan eyes that were staring into the dark halos of Empress’s eyes. “Sunset Shimmer I’m only showing you my plan. This one will benefit us both.” Empress’s usual misty eyes now had a solid looking blue that was glowing around them. Empress caressed Twilights cheek as she turned the dream entities head towards her. Empress slowly press her dark red lips against twilights mulberry colored lips. All of Twilights veins started to glow as Empress held the kiss against Twilight. Sunset saw Twilights skin turn to a slightly darker shade of purple. The same cyan halos around Empresses eyes transferred over to Twilight’s eyes. A Glowing horn shot out of Twilights forehead as massive angelic yet dark wings sprouted from the shoulder blades of Miss Sparkle. Lastly flame engulfed the two of them momentarily. When the fire cleared Sunset saw only Twilight in a form she had never seen. Empress stood behind Sunset Shimmer. She placed a hand on her shoulder slowly. “Meet Midnight Sparkle our Soon to be.” Empress started to laugh. Her laugh echoing around sunset. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight was pacing the halls of Canterlot. Equestria was having heavy magical shifts since her and Celestia last saw Empress. Twilight knew she wasn’t dead for this exact reason. The thought of her still being alive was only making Celestia more and more impatient. She was becoming noticeably scared now. Twilight couldn’t stand to see her teacher in such peril. Twilight had never expected this to happen. She had always hoped Sunset would return. She hoped that she would come back asking for guidance and help. Obviously this is not what had happened. Twilight and Luna had been in charge of keeping Celestia from breaking down and sending her militia out on Equestria in search of Empress. Luna and Twilight had the same concerns. They were scared for Celestias stability. Twilight was also concerned about what would happen If Empress returned in the castle again. After being stabbed in the side by a spear, there was no doubt she would be out for blood. “Princess Twilight~!” a guard started to run down the hall. “There is a problem at the front gate. Citizens are trying to storm the castle.. The sky….. It’s gone black~!” The guard turned and ran for the entrance of the castle. He looked back as if asking for Twilight to follow. Thunder could be heard as Twilight started to run after the guard. Her hooves clapping against the hard floor of the castle, they quickly made it to the entrance. Screams were heard from outside. Those screams quickly and suddenly stopped. Twilight looked concerned. “Open the door at once…What is going on out there~!” Twilight for once raised her voice while entering command mode. The guard nodded and slowly opened the door. Once the door was open a crack, a head poked through. It was the Empress of flame. She had red makeup around her eyes as she looked at Twilight. “I’ve come to speak with the princesses, on matters that will decide the fate of Equestria.” Empress said with a soft smile on her face. She was there to negotiate. Twilight’s heart was skipping many beats as she saw empress. She was both scared and star-struck. “You may come in.” Twilight said before any other pony could respond. “We will negotiate.” Twilight gave a nervous smile back to Empress. The guard now opened the door all the way. Empress walked in all the way her pony head looking around. “Anypony going to spear me before the nights end?” Empress chuckled“Empress what did you do to the ponies screaming outside?” Twilight questioned for she hoped she had not brought harm to them. “Don’t worry dear princess. They merely have their mouths zipped.” Empress’s dark halo like eyes flashed and the screams returned. “I’m not a monster Twilight.” Empress chuckled as she waited for twilight to lead her to where they could discuss what needed to be discussed. “F-follow me E-empress, I suppose we have allot to talk about." Twilight looked out one of the windows in the sky. The sky was black with a cyan array of light flowing through the black clouds. “On our walk there I’d like to know if you are the cause of our skies current look.” Twilight said. Her hooves were shaking. She hadn’t been near Empress since before the portal exploded. “Of course…Who else could create such a piece of work?” Empress said rather casually as her massive demon wings were folded at her slim sides. “What happened to wishing you were good instead?” Twilight stopped walking as her wings slowly spread. Empress stopped in her tracks remembering the song she had helped sing before she and sunset sacrificed themselves for Equestria. “Being good got me stabbed in the side with a spear. Sunset and I were merely regenerating up there. Celestia only saw us as evil so she was bent on destroying what she feared~!” Empress stomped her right hoof as her wings began to spread. Empress slowly let out a singing note. “Another day, another waste of my heart, It only beats when it wants to.” Empress lowered her head. “I’ve done what I can to try and change but no matter what I do the world seems to hate me.” Twilight saw this as an opportunity to switch empress’s mind set. Twilight put a hoof on her shoulder and started to sing. “We all make mistakes it’s what we do. There nothing more I can ask of you. We both messed up so don’t give up there is good in you.” Twilight sang softly. “If that were true what would you do? After all that I’ve done to you. I broke your heart I burned two worlds. What makes you think I can change?” Empress slowly folded her wings as she was starting to forget what Adagio had sent her here to do. “The past the past don’t let it tell you how to be. Your yourself” “You’ve pushed me one to many times. I don’t think I can take it. I know you think your special but honey you aren’t nothing.” Empress said as her demonic wings started to spread again. “You want change you want me gone. Have precious little sunset under your wing. You won’t control you want power. Sorry honey but not today.” Empress let magic flow through her horn. The magic shot out and almost hit Twilight in the chest. Instead of hitting her it ricochet off a golden magical shield. This shield was being projected by none other than Celestia. “So you’ve returned dear Empress. Leave young twilight alone.” Celestia said as she was slowly walking in Twilights direction. “If it isn’t miss murder.” Empress said as she slowly turned towards Celestia. A deep chested purr escaped Empress’s throat. “I’m surprised you would have the nerve to label me as such. Empress you are not in power here. If your only purpose is to cause havoc here, your power will hinder against that of the power of love and Friendship.” Celestia said as she narrowed her gaze at Empress. Empress let more magic flow through her horn. A black mist slowly started to form around her eyes. “I wouldn’t bet on it. You barely won a battle against me last time. It TOOK THREE ALICORNS TO OVERPOWER ME~!” Empress said as she could feel her own anger ready to burst out of her. > Flickering flame rise of Daydream > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia began to circle around Empress. Celestia made sure to keep her eye on the possible enemy. She wasn’t about to let her escape. She had made many mistakes already but she wasn’t about to do it again. “Empress you are good..We all saw it two years ago..You stopped the portal from killing us all.” Celestia stomped her right hoof as she now turned to face Empress. “Who are you to tell me what I am. You are nothing to me but the white mare whom raises the sun. You abandoned Sunset years ago.” Empress said as she hissed at Celestia. “Inever abandoned her.” Celestia lowerd her head and closed her eyes. She then raised her head and stared into empresses eyes. “I’m not about to abandone you either.” Celestia got into a less threatening stance. “We want what is best for you. That thing is the good inside you Empress. The love you showed for Twilight. The hope you gave me when you made that sacrifice.” “Quiet you want nothing unless it benefits you in some way. You wanted discord and now that you know I’m more powerful then he is you want me for the same reason you wanted him.” Empress hisses again and she was slowly growing more agitated. “Besides, Do you really think I would have come to attack Equestria by myself again.” Empress began to smile wickedly as the dark sky outside began to have a portion of it turn into a portal. Empress was using her new portal abilities to bring the sirens into this world. “Empress whatever you are doing you don’t have to do!” Twilight said as she felt the need to try and help the situation. “Your better than this I know this now.” “you know nothing Twilight.” Empress slammed one of her hooves on the floor. A crack shot across the marble floor. This crack formed another portal. Almost immediately after the portal was big enough a blue reptilian head poked out of the portal. Sonata dusk was the first to exit. Then Aria followed after her. Lastly the golden head of Adagio Dazzle came out f the portal “Very good Empress.” Adagio said as she floated above the ground using her magic. Adagio looked at Celestia. “Well, well, well if it isn’t a powerful Alicorn.” Adagio chuckled as she felt the need to sing a song soon. She wanted as much Equestrian magic as possible. “Be prepaired ponies for this day will be your last.” Adagio chuckled as her companion floated next to her. Twilight and Celestia both had their mouths a gap. “T-the S-sirens.” Twilight said with a stutter. “Y-you brought them here~!” Twilight looked at Empress as she felt anger surge through her. Twilight ran and jumped at Empress. Twilight was moments away from hitting her when Adagios massive tail swatted her away and into the hard thick marble wall nearby. Twilight hit the wall with a thud. When she hit the ground she wasn’t moving anymore. Ejmpress was staring at Twilight a Heartbeat thudding in the deepest reaches of Empresses mind. Empresses eyes turned from the dark halos to the familiar eyes of Sunset Shimmer. As Adagio was already causing havoc Empress slowly walked over to the mare on the ground. Twilight still wasn’t moving. Empress placed a hoof on Twilight’s chest. Empress immediately felt a very weak heartbeat. She thought Twilight was going to die. Empress looked at the ceiling and screamed. Her coat turned from light red to the amber color of Sunset Shimmer. Empress fell to the ground as pain started to surge through her. “Adagio Dazzle.” Empress said as smoke was now spewing out of her nostrals. Magical Flame at the corners of her eyes as All of her magical abilities were starting to power up. Empress screamed out again as her fangs painfully started to disappear. Adagio looked over at Empress in confusion. Celestia smiled as she knew what was happening. “You killed her!” Empress screamed out as the tears she was crying were immediately evaporating. “W-what is happening to you Empress?” Adagio said as her focus was now on the entity whos power levels were filling the room with a very unstable feeling. Discord immediately teleported into the room as he could feel the mass of magical imbalances. “What is happening.” Discord yelled out as he appeared. “That amount of imbalance is going to cause some problems~!” Discord covered his eyes as Empress was now resonating light that was hurting his eyes. Empress was turning into a magic magnet. Discord went to snap as his magic slipped right from his fingers and into Empress. No pony could tell but in reality Discord went to to help he willingly let his magic be taken. “That is a positive Energy… I don’t want to be here when calamity happens.” Discord quickly left the room but before he could fully leav Adagio dazzle stopped him with her large tail. “Leave my FRIENDS ALONE.~!” Empress yelled out as a read streak formed under her eyes. Her wings ingighting in a light as they were no longer demonic wings but wings of light. Empress slowly raised her head to look right at Adagio. Empress growled as she started to float up in the air. Empress took a deep breath as the smoke no longer flowed through her lungs. Empress W-what happened to you~!?” Adagio yelled out to her as she growled back at her. “My name is not Empress you will Address me fully.” Empress growled. “My name…. Is Daydream Shimmer The empress of flame.” Daydream slowly looked at Celestia and smiled. “You killed the one mare I cared for.” Daydream looked back at Twilight who was not dead. Unfortunately Daydream did not know this. Adagio nodded to Sonata for her to attack Miss Daydream. Sonata giggled as she floated up a little higher. She went and floated slash swam right at Daydream. Daydream was not ready as she then got tackled into a marble wall. Sonata held her against it crushing her internal bones slightly. Adagio chuckled as she watched. Celestia was about to help when Daydream used her magic to retrain Celestia. Daydream raised her hooves and then softly touched Sonatas nose. Sonata felt a vibration in the air as magic suddenly shot from Daydreams hooves and through her body. The golden magic made Sonata let go and crash to the floor. “oww Adagio T-that h-hurts” Sonata said as she began to lose consciousness. Daydream Shimmer looked up at the other two sirens. "You hurt Twilight. n-now you pay." her hooves started to glows in a golden essence > My love will carry on > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daydream was really enraged. She was ready to take Adagio and Aria on. "If you fight me you will lose." Adagio says as her fins started to glow with magic. "Then I guess we will see if your right~!" Daydream Shimmer flew right at Adagio tackling the large reptile right through one of the castle walls. Daydream thrust her hands outwards creating a portal that she and Adagio went flying into the portal to the human world. Just as she went flying through Twilights eyes opened. Daydream and Adagio went flying into a wall on the other side of the portal. Adagio was now a half siren half siren form. While Sunset was in her form not yet seen in the human world. Daydream had a beautiful white dress and some golden leggings. Her wings were burning bright. Daydream growled loudly and her face turned briefly back to her demonic look but then back to the kinder looking face of Daydream. "Your unstable...Your still that monster down deep." Adagio said as she slowly started to float up in the air. Her hair starting to flow as magic was flowing through her body. "you want to fight me in a world I rule. your in for one hell of a fight~!" Adagio held out her hands in a way that was luring. "come on sweetheart lay down your fight and join me." Adagio grinned and started to float towards Daydream. Daydream was almost convinced. She decided to let this luring siren get a little closer. Adagio slowly approached her legs dangling as she floated towards her. Adagio reached her and placed a hand under her chin. "Listen to the sound of my voice. Listen to me you don't have a choice. Lost in yourself you feel that you will fall. If you fail you will be forgotten and lost if you win you save the day~!" Adagio began to sing. "Don't listen to anyone but me I'm the one who knows what your meant to be. Feel don't conceal let it outtttt" Adagio held her note briefly. "We all have lost thing given thing to be where we are......" Daydream put a hand on Adagios lips to interrupt her. Daydream then started to sing her own serenade. "My mind's a kaleidoscope, it thinks too fast. Blurs all the colors 'til I can't see past. The last mistake, the choice I made. Staring in the mirror with myself to blame. Sometimes I'm afraid of the thoughts inside. Nowhere to hide inside my mind." Daydream sang loudly as she did the people that followed under Adagio's rule started to come outside in confusion. Almost as if Daydream was setting them free. "I'm scared that you'll compare and I'll look a lifetime past repair. I second guess myself to death, I re-solicit every step. What if my words are meaningless? What if my heart's misleading this? I try to capture every moment as it comes to me. Bottle up the memories and let them keep me company" Daydream started to float up higher in the air as rays of light started peering though the dark clouded sky. "When the hope of morning starts to fade in me I don't dare let darkness have its way with me.....And the hope of morning makes me worth the fight. I will not be giving in tonight." Daydream sang as she now looked down upon Adagio who was beginning to feel threatened. "When I'm old and grey, or thirty, or whatever happens first, I'll need you to reassure me I didn't waste a verse. Or worse, what if my life's work is reduced to just myself Like never let you get a word in, while I dissect my mental health." she sings as she places her a hand on her own temple. Her singing quickly cut short was Adagio's eyes turned red and she had a sharp object in her hand. Adagio teleported with sound and in moments she had stabbed Daydream right in the chest. Daydream was cut of guard and was unable to stop it. Daydream Was dying and she started to fall to the ground. She hit the ground a crowed of people quickly surrounding her. Adagio floated down and landed by her. She was quickly grabbed by the crowed of people who were clearly no longer under her spell. they pinned her to the ground to take care of her. Daydream now lay by herself on the cold ground. This is when Twilight sparkle came through the still formed portal. Twilight saw Daydream or aka Sunset shimmer. She rushed over to her and quickly held her in her arms. "Sunset nononon what h-happened." Twilight said as she saw the blood pooling on the concrete ground. Adagio being defeated not far away by the ones she had controlled for so long. "T-twilight y-your alive" Daydream started to turn back to her regular form as she was dying. "Sunset let me get you out of here." Twilight said as she tried to pick her up. Sunset shook her head as if to say no as the portal was obviously closing as she was dying. "n-no twilight the portal is closing. Y-you need to go." she placed a hand on Twilights cheek as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I never wanted to hurt you I just loved you." sunset said as a small stream of blood came from her mouth. "Sunset I let you down to many times I have to get you out of here~!" Twilight said as she cried into sunset chest. "Sunset I love you I'm sorry I never let you know but I love you I love you." Twilight held her hands. "I l-l-love you tooo" she starts to cry deeply. "I love you so.......much...go.." sunsets eyes started to close as she went limp the portal started to overload as it was going to close. "Nnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sunset nooooo please don't be gone nooooo." Twilight screamed "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo." she was sucked through the portal and back in Equestria. Twilight laid on the ground crying hard. "no. why, WHY." Twilight cried as her tears pooled on the ground. "Your love will live on... your love.. will move on..." her ears pinned back and she laid on the ground. "Your love."