> Trial Of The Crown (to be reworked)
>  by Bronyprophet
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 Stalker in The School (Reworked)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shortly after Twilight teleported to Utah, Sunset heard footsteps. She looked to where they were coming from, and she saw a scary looking young girl with black hair, and crimson eyes glowing in the dark. She was whistling a creepy tune and wielding a bloody knife as she walked towards her. Sunset yelled, “Who are you!?” The girl stopped and said, “Oh, another playmate. Let's play a game.”

“No, it's dangerous here; we need to go!” Sunset announced urgently to the girl. “But the fun is just beginning, we can't leave yet he, he, he.” The young girl chuckled evilly as she tasted the blood on the knife, before continuing “Miss Shroud won't like it if I don't have some fun, silly. So let's play a game.” The little girl then clicked her fingers and the hall suddenly went pitch black. Then she continued. “You can't leave unless you play.” The little girl said this as she played with her knife, tossing it from side to side. “What do you want to play?” Sunset said, knowing there was no escape. She could feel the presence of magic in the air. “Hide and seek, I’ll be it.” The little girl said. “Okay,” Sunset replied, and then the little girl started to count. “1 2 3 4 5...” As she started counting, Sunset ran off and tried to find somewhere to hide.

Once Sunset found her hiding place inside a school locker, she heard the little girl say, “Ready or not, here I come. He, he, he.” And as the little girl started to search for Sunset, she started to sing.



Ding Dong I know you can hear me,
Open up the door, 
I only want to play a little,

Ding Dong You can't keep me waiting,
It's already too late,
For you to try and run away,

I see you through the window, 
Our eyes are locked together, 
I can sense your horror,
Though I'd like to see it closer, 

Ding Dong, Here I come,
to find you Hurry up and run,
Let's play a little,
game and have fun,

Ding Dong Where is it you've gone to? 
Do you think you've won?
Our game of hide and seek has just begun, 

I hear your footsteps, 
Thumping loudly through the hallways,
I can hear your sharp breaths, 
You're not very good at hiding,

Just wait, you can't hide from me, 

I'm coming,

Just wait, you can't hide from me,

I'm coming,

Just wait, you can't hide from me, 

I'm coming,

Just wait, you can't hide from me, 

Knock Knock 
I am at your door now,
I am coming in, 
No need for me to ask permission,

Knock Knock 
I'm inside the classroom, 
now Where is it you've hid?
Our game of hide and seek's about to end,

I'm coming closer
Looking underneath your desk, but
You're not here, 
I wonder Could you be inside the locker?

Ding Dong, 
I have found you, 

Ding Dong, 
You were hiding here,

Now you're dead

Ding Dong 
Finally found you, dear 

Now you're dead, 

Ding Dong 
Looks like I have won, 

Now you're dead, 

Ding Dong, 
Pay the consequence,
Time to Die.






When the little girl found her, Sunset ran past her, knocking her on the floor. The little girl then said as she was running, “Oh yay, cat and mouse. Come here, little mousy he, he, he.” Sunset ran like mad away from the insane little girl, but the hallway was enchanted to be endless. “You can't run from me." The little girl chirped cheerfully. “This is my domain.” The little girl continued creepily.

Sunset stopped running to take a breath, and she thought to herself, “How am I going to get out of this mess?” While Sunset was catching her breath, she heard the little girl coming closer and closer. “I can hear you breathing, Sunny, I can smell your fear, my dear.” The little girl said with glee. “Shit” Sunset whispered to herself, before running out of another locker. “I found you, mousy.” The little girl said in a creepy sing-song tone, before chasing her again. “This is boring.” The little girl said as she stopped chasing Sunset. Then the little girl clicked her fingers, and suddenly, some ropes bound Sunset, causing her to trip over. 

The little girl started to whistle a tune that sounded like a tune from a horror movie. She slowly approached Sunset; she was only three feet away from Sunset now, and she was slowly gaining ground. Sunset had been struggling to get out of the ropes, filled with a fear that cannot be explained by words; she struggled with all her strength.

The girl got closer and closer, stalking the helpless Sunset Shimmer. The whistling got louder and louder and when she reached Sunset, she slowly crouched to Sunset's level. Once she was fully crouched, the little girl whispered in her ear, “Sunny, this is a new game; it's called doctor. Let's play heh, heh, heh.”

The little girl then slowly drew the knife across her face, cutting it slowly. Sunset screamed in agony. “That's right, Sunny, scream all you want he, he, he. No one can hear you.” The little girl chirped. Sunset raised her free hand and slapped the little girl's face. “Ow, you gave me a boo boo; that makes me mad.” Then the little girl clicked her fingers, and two metal spears pierced Sunset's hands.

Sunset screamed in anguish. “He, he, he. You have such a nice scream; this is so much fun. Let's make you scream a little more.” Suddenly, the little girl stabbed Sunset in the leg, and twisted the knife very slowly, causing Sunset to writhe and scream in agony, inflicting more pain from the spears in her hands. “That was a wonderful scream. Let's have a better one.” The little girl said while she kept twisting the knife in Sunset's leg. Then, the knife started to glow amber, and Sunset felt a burning sensation in her leg, where the knife was. She screamed once more, before passing out from the intense pain. “That’s no fun. Oh well, time to kill you. I wonder what your blood tastes like.” The little girl was about to impale Sunset in the chest when suddenly, a school chair, hit the girl in the face, breaking on impact.

“No one hurts my students.” Vice Principal Luna announced. “YOU BIG MEANY! THAT REALLY HURT!” The little girl said. “This will hurt a lot more.” Vice Principal Luna then threw the knife the little girl dropped at the little girl, impaling her in the chest. The little girl fell to the floor. When she did, she started to convulse, before turning into a pile of ash. “Good riddance.” Vice Principal Luna said before removing the spears from Sunset's hands. Then she ripped two pieces of her shirt off, wrapping up her hands, to stop the bleeding.




Sunset was in the sick bay on a stretcher. As her eyes fluttered open, she panicked and screamed before Vice Principal Luna calmed her down, by stroking her hair and saying, “It's okay Sunset Shimmer. She's gone now; you don't need to be worried, just get some sleep.” Sunset calmed down and asked, “Where did she go?” Luna explained what happened to Sunset. After she did, Sunset went back to sleep.
> Chapter 2 Grim Days (Reworked)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in Equestria, things took a turn for the bleak. Chaos had erupted after Twilight left. There were regular skirmishes on the border of Canterlot, the number of deaths had escalated, and the Twilight Guard were losing far more than what they could recruit. What was worse, was that a dark shroud had engulfed the land.

Ponies were living in fear now; they felt like if they stepped outside, they would become prey to something sinister. Much of the area in front of the front gate to Canterlot, had been burned to ashes; it was no longer as beautiful as it used to be. Equestria was now a place riddled with fear and chaos; the ponies of Equestria couldn't help but hope that Twilight would return soon, before all was lost.

In a previous battle a week ago, the head of the Twilight Guard had been injured by a cursed blade, and she was gradually dying from the injury. All of the doctors in Equestria tried to heal the injury, but failed. The only one who could possibly figure out what to do, was out of town. The only thing anypony could do was to wait for that unthinkable day when the captain of the Twilight Guard passed. The two ponies that were the most worried, were her parents, Princess Cadance, and Prince Shining Armour.

Flurry Heart had been recruited into the Twilight Guard at the age of 16, and by the age of 18, she had achieved her fathers' rank of Captain of the Guard. Although she was a princess, she pleaded with her auntie to let her join. Twilight eventually caved, allowing the young princess to join the Twilight Guard. Twilight was amazed by her power; she was the main contributor to the shield, shielding Canterlot. She was the one who helped Twilight create the shield in the first place. Flurry Heart was injured while she was protecting Pound Cake from certain death.

Pound Cake was 22 now, along with his best friends, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. who also joined the Twilight Guard at the age of 16, 2 years after they received their cutie marks. Pound Cake had developed a crush on Flurry Heart when she started her academy training as he was completing his final year in the academy. However, Flurry Heart didn't know that Pound Cake had a crush on her, nor did he know that she had a crush on him, until that fateful day when he was saved by Flurry Heart.

Flurry was sitting beside her stretcher sleeping; then he remembered the day he was saved by Flurry Heart vividly, and he was saddened by the damage she received on his behalf, and how she gave up her life for his. Although she was not dead yet, he had a feeling death would be here to claim her soon.

1 month ago...

Flurry Heart and Pound Cake had been patrolling through Ponyville, which was frequently done, due to the increasing voidling attacks, when a void portal opened up in front of them quite suddenly. When the two ponies saw this, Flurry ordered the inhabitants of Ponyville to lock their doors, and windows. Soon after she did, several voidlings exited the portal, wielding glowing swords and wearing black armor.  The two ponies drew their swords, ready to fight the small group; they were outnumbered 2 to 5. 

The voidling in the center of the group pointed to them with his sword, before ordering his comrades in his strange language. Flurry figured he was their leader before saying to Pound.

“On me!”

Pound Cake followed her orders, and stood at Flurries' back, with his sword drawn. The tension was thick enough in the air that it was almost suffocating, it wasn't long before the voidlings charged. The leader made a strange clicking sound with his mouth, and all the sudden, a green bolt fell from the heavens, exploding on the ground. The force separated Pound Cake from Flurry Heart. 

Pound recovered quickly with a combat roll. The leader of the group targeted Pound Cake first, while the other six surrounded Flurry.

The voidlings surrounded Flurry, and began their attack, slashing at Flurry Heart. She blocked the attacks with a blue magical bubble, then she detonated the shield, causing it to explode, separating the six voidlings from each other. She dispatched 3 that didn't recover in time, then blasted the fourth with a potent beam of magic, leaving two left.

She briefly looked over to Pound Cake; he was holding his own against the leader of the group. However, while she was distracted, one of the two remaining soldiers charged at her, and nearly cleaved her in two. She sidestepped the blow, causing the soldier's blade to get stuck in the ground. Flurry reacted quickly; she wheeled around and sliced the creatures head off, causing it to turn to ash. As the attacking Voidling fell, the last remaining Voidling entered a fray with Flurry.

While Flurry fought with the last voidling, Pound Cake kicked the leader of the group causing it to stumble back a few feet.   Enraged, the voidling leader bellowed a frightful war cry, then teleported in front of Pound, and delivered a vicious blow, knocking his sword out of his hoof as the voidling was about to deliver a fatal strike; Flurry dived at Pound, pushing him out of the way, and received the devastating blow in his sted.

Though she was bleeding out, she got up off of the ground, but the creature kicked her injured side before she could fully recover, causing her to slide further away. Flurry stabbed her sword in the ground, stopping herself. She used her sword to lift herself off of the ground. Once she was on all fours again, she pulled her sword out of the ground. She could sense the voidling, flanking her rear, she wheeled around, but it was too late for her to defend. she anticipated her demise at the claws of this creature, when suddenly, Pounds sword went flying end over end and impaled the voidlings' chest.

The voidling leader fell to the ground before turning into ash. Flurry shot a thankful look at Pound Cake, however in the shadows there was a 8th voidling that was approaching the unarmed Pound, flurry put her pain to the back of her mind, and teleported behind the voidling assassin slicing its' calf with her sword, causing the voidling to fall to its knees. it recovered swiftly and attempted to attack Flurry.

Flurry Heart blocked the blow with her sword. This caused her side to split, causing pain to ripple through her body. Once the pain subsided, she fired a beam of magic at the voidling, blowing its head off while their swords were locked.  After the voidling fell to the ground and turned to ash, flurry fainted from exhaustion and blood loss.

Pound Cake saw flurry collapse, then ran over to her.

"Why did you have to save me," he whispered before he carried her on his back, taking flight towards the Canterlot infirmary, as fast as his wings could carry him. He reached the infirmary and placed her on a stretcher, then called a nurse to her side. The nurse was shocked, but then quickly reacted by bandaging her wounds, to stop the bleeding.



an hour later, Flurry began to stir as her eyes struggled to open, they adjusted to the lighting in the room. She saw pound sleeping on the stretcher beside her. She instantly thought he had been hurt after she passed out. She got out of the stretcher, too fast, causing her to inflict pain on her injury. she fell over; Pound got up and said, “You're awake. I was so worried.” Pound helped Flurry off of the floor, and to the stretcher once again, 

“you idiot, why'd you have to save me?” Pound chastised with tears bordering in his eyes.

“Because I love you, Pound Cake.” Pound Cakes' jaw dropped. 

“I think I love you too.” Pound Cake replied and after a short pause, he continued.

“Would you be my special somepony?” Flurry was surprised.

“Yes, I do.” After that, Pound Cake nuzzled her tenderly.

Present day...

Pound Cake woke up, hoping to see a change in Flurry but she was still sleeping with labored breaths from the excruciating pain she must have been experiencing. Pound heard the door open leading into Flurries' ward. It was nurse red heart,
she had finished with her diagnosis of this strange disease inflicted upon the young princess.

"Is she going to be ok?" pound cake asked nurse red heart.

"I'm afraid we have done everything we can, I don't think she will last much longer. I'm sorry Pound Cake." Nurse Red heart replied with a heavy tone, thick with sorrow.

Princess Cadence overheard nurse red heart as she entered her daughters' ward. 

“Liar, there must be more you can do for my filly. She's too young to die. She's only 18, and her special somepony, how will he cope?” Cadence replied through tears.

hearing the commotion coming from Flurries' ward Shining Armor and Luna entered the ward and saw Pound Cake in tears, and cadence breaking down.  

“We have done everything, Cadence,” Luna stated trying to comfort her friend, she was saddened by the loss of flurry heart, but she had to deal with loss before, this was no different. Luna was still mourning for her sisters' death who died 4 years ago, but she had to be strong, to hold the unrest at bay for Twilight, while she found reinforcements to help defend the realm, so they could find a way to save the tree of harmony.

“No...” Cadence said as she broke into tears. “It's okay, dear; all we can do is be there for her. I'll find my sister; she will be able to help her.” Shining Armour comforted, filled with love for his wife and his daughter.

Shining Armour left the infirmary and headed to the portal, to go to Equestria's sister dimension. He exited the portal in front of the school, where he bumped into Principal Luna and Sunset Shimmer.
> Chapter 3 Negotiations (Reworked)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the human world, Twilight had arrived at Utah. She was slightly disoriented at first; this place was different from where Equestria High was, there were people walking with guns, and it was currently in the midst of a war zone.

It donned on Twilight that this was happening because the tree of harmony was dying; the balance of harmony had been weakened and the powers of chaos had leaked into this world, causing tribulation to prosper in its place.

Twilight could hear the sound of gunfire in the distance, when three soldiers charged at her, wearing the same black armor as the creatures that attacked Equestria. Twilight knew this from the reports she was handed on a regular basis, when she was in Equestria.

The soldiers charged with their swords drawn. Twilight reacted quickly by detonating a car with her magic in the Voidlings' path, as they passed the car. Dazing the voidlings, scattering them asunder. 

While they were dazed by the explosion, Twilight summoned her blade, teleporting to each one of them and striking them down.

She heard something running towards her, thinking fast she used her magic to bend light around her, rendering her invisible. She watched as 5 soldiers rounded the corner, wearing black armbands, with a strange symbol on the armband. She couldn't make out what the symbol was. She wanted to get closer, but the flaw of this spell was that if she moved, she would become visible again.

The soldiers started walking her way, if they continued on that path, they would run into her in moments. She had her sword still, but they had what Twilight remembered as guns, AJ's doppelganger showed her, her father's shotgun and she had explained what it did, and how it worked. Twilight knew that she would not survive long if they discharged their firearms. Her magic was not faster than a bullet. The group of soldiers got closer to Twilight.

Twilight started to panic when suddenly out of nowhere, I slightly cyan skin toned person jumped from a building, landing on one of the soldiers, knocking him to the ground. The others turned around and were about to fire at her, but she was too quick; she flip kicked the closest one, knocking him out, drawing both her pistols in mid-air, and while she was upside down, gunshots rang throughout the field, hitting the remaining 3 in the head. She landed and wheeled around and executed the last 2. 

“Twilight Sparkle, reveal yourself, you're safe now.” Twilight uncloaked herself, revealing herself to the cyan person. 

“My name is Lyra; Sunset called me a short time ago, and told me to expect you. However, I didn't expect to save you. Follow me.” As Lyra spoke, she was reloading her guns. 

“Okay,” Twilight replied filling Lyra in, as they walked.

“So you're telling me, that you are a princess in another dimension, and these creatures that I have been fighting for the past month, were released by a crazed female horse, with wings and a horn, that destroyed these Elements of Harmony you speak of, and the reason there is a war going on, is due to a tree dying?

Do you know how far-fetched that sounds?” Lyra queried

“I know it does, but it's true, and I can show you what I mean if you don't believe me,” 

“Okay your majesty, by all means, please show me.” Lyra replied in disbelief with a hint of sarcasm.

“I will make you believe me.” Twilight forced her way into Lyras mind, and showed her flashes of Equestria, the battle, and of Nightmare Moon.

Lyra fell to the floor out of breath, from the massive surge of memories that Twilight shared with her. “What... did... you just do?” Lyra asked Twilight, getting up of the floor and wheeling around, pointing a single gun at Twilight.

“I shared my memories with you, with my magic.” Twilight replied, understanding the reason why Lyra was freaking out. 

“Alright, I believe you now, but do that again, and I will put a bullet between those beautiful eyes.” Lyra said, spinning her Glock before holstering it again, before continuing, “I'll take you to the Pentagon, and since we're on the same side, also I'm not CIA, I'm from an elite faction called the Crimson Elite. We are the best of the best, and on the government payroll.” 

“Okay, that explains the reason you are so good at using a gun.” soon Twilight and Lyra reached their destination, Lyra pressed a button on a remote, and out of nowhere, a helicopter revealed itself in front of them. “C'mon Twilight, we don't have all day,” Lyra stated. 

“O-Okay” Twilight said with hesitation, as she boarded the helicopter. She didn't understand how this metal object could fly. It didn’t have feathers or wings, and so Twilight was confused.

2 hours later…

Twilight and Lyra arrived at the Pentagon, and Twilight thought it was ironic that it was shaped like a pentagon.

“Unidentified aircraft, send your access code or we will shoot you down; you have 1 minute to comply.” The radio sounded. 

“Access Code; Alpha Zulu, two, one. Designate Chief Sergeant Lyra.” Lyra stated clearly on the radio. 

“Roger that, you have been cleared for landing approach hanger bay 2, welcome back, Lyra.” The radio sounded once more, and within moments, a hidden hanger revealed itself for the helicopter to land in.

After Twilight and Lyra landed in the hanger bay. They were greeted by an attendant, who asked, “Did you finish yo…” The attendant trailed off once he noticed Twilight. He ran to the alarm and was only three feet away, before a bola wrapped his legs together, causing him to fall flat on his face. 

“Don't worry Marrec, she is with me. My boss is expecting her.” Lyra said as she untied his legs. 

“Sorry Sergeant, please don't have me court marshaled!” Marrec pleaded, with a horrified look on his face. 

“It's okay Private, you didn’t know. You won't be court marshaled. C'mon Twilight, we are burning daylight.” Lyra said before looking at Twilight.

“Okay, lead the way,” Twilight replied, before following Lyra.

After a little bit of walking, Twilight and Lyra made it to the generals office. He was a rather strong looking man, with green eyes, and a Caucasian complexion. He wore a standard military jacket, and holstered to his belt, was a Standard issue M9 sidearm. 

“Twilight, I understand you want the government to ally themselves with you. However, I can't allow that until I see substantial proof. Show me what you showed Lyra.” After the general finished speaking,  

"I will show you, but please once I have shown you, don't draw your gun I mean you no harm." The general looked at Lyra, and Lyra nodded in approval.

"Fine, I will accept your request."  The general agreed

"Thank you for understanding my request. I warn you; you will feel some brief discomfort. As humans don't have magic, you will feel weak from the spell, but don't worry. No harm will come to you. Are you ready?" Twilight replied.

"Yes, I am." the general replied, bracing himself,

Twilight entered his mind and shared her memories with him. After Twilight showed him her memories, the general fell to the floor.

While the general got off of the floor, he started to reach for his sidearm, however he stopped when he remembered the promise he made Twilight. “We... must... react... quickly... I have seen enough, we will support you. We fight the same enemy. We will be in touch, and please call me Garen.” Garen bowed, catching his breath.

“Thank you, sir; it will be a pleasure to have your military forces at our side. We may yet win this war.” Twilight replied, 

“I hope so because if we don't, this will be the end for both human and Equine kind.” Garen agreed.

“You have already done a lot for the cause, but I have one last request. My friends in this dimension, have been captured and I need to save them. Will you help me?” Twilight pleaded.
> Chapter 4 Captured (Reworked)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hello, who are you two?” Shining Armour inquired. He thought he recognized the younger one with fiery hair, but he was unsure. 

“My name is Principal Luna, but you may call me Luna. What is your name, young sir?” Principal Luna replied. 

“And my name is Sunset Shimmer, but you may like to call me Sunset. I don't believe we have met, yet but I'm guessing you must be Shining Armor, Twilight's brother. I knew about you when I was a young filly, while I was training under Celestia; you were a guard in training, fresh out of the academy. Am I correct?” Sunset replied. 

“Yes, that's me. It's nice to meet you both. This is a little different to what I'm used to; this is my first time out of Equestria and in your world. Did Celestia tell you about me?”

Sunset replied, “Yes actually. She was fond of you, perhaps even smitten by you, but she would not indulge herself with such luxuries, and you were too young, so she banished those feelings for you.” Shining Armour was taken back by the revelation. 

He began to blush furiously, “Well, that’s definitely news to me. Heh heh... hah.” Shining Armour laughed awkwardly, before he remembered what he actually came to do. his flushed expression morphed into a serious one. “It was nice meeting you, but I have to find my sister urgently. My daughter is very ill, and she will die without her help. Do you know where she is?”

“That's terrible; the most recent place I can think of was where I sent her, and that's Utah, but after that, I don't know where she may be. You should probably start there. Hurry, your time is short. She would've of met Lyra by now. She will be leaving soon.”  Sunset replied in a serious tone, feeling worried about Twilight's nephew. 

After the conversation ended, Shining Armour started his mission to find his sister, to save his daughter from a grim future.

Shining Armour arrived at Utah, at the wrong place and time. He was surrounded by 12 soldiers, and 12 voidlings.

“Damn, I don't have the time for this.” Shining Armor thought to himself.

After he thought this, he summoned his sword. 

“As the edge of my blade glints in the sunlight, as the protector of the goddess, I command the regalia Final Spark to come to my aid.” After Shining Armour's announcement, a blinding white light blasted the twelve voidlings to ash, and knocked the twelve soldiers to the ground, disarming them.

The soldiers got up and charged at him; their combat knives were drawn. As the 12 soldiers charged, filled with an insatiable blood rage.

When the soldiers came into range Shining Armor roundhoused, the first three, then used that motion to perform a mid-air spin kick, taking out another three soldiers but the last six were too quick. While Shining Armour was in mid-air, the last six were right on top of him. He used a burst of magic to propel him further in the air, then he yelled, “Divine Judgement.”

Suddenly, a giant white sword fell from the sky, killing them. Shining Armour landed with a thud, hitting the ground far too hard, causing him to become temporarily dazed, and prone. He got up, and noticed that he felt extremely drained from the use of magic.

he soon realized that magic was weaker here, and it required more energy to cast the simplest of spells. He knew that he could not be irresponsible with his magic, or it would cost him greatly. 

Shining dispelled his sword and fell to the floor, once the toll of magic had been paid for. He got up feeling lethargic, and his vision was slightly blurred, he recovered his physical strength and started walking.

“That was careless.” Shining Armor kicked himself.

As Shining Armor rounded a bend, he saw another voidling portal open up before him. 

“it's going to be a long day.” He thought.

Shining Armor saw 6 voidlings appear out of the portal. He charged the voidlings unarmed, the voidlings noticed him and shot an arrow at him.

However, Shining was a professional soldier, so as he noticed that there was an arrow coming towards him. He jumped and spun; grabbing the arrow mid-flight, before landing, and wheeling around, throwing it back at the archer. He impaled it in the chest.

He made it to the other five voidlings, elbowing one of them, ripping the sword from the now dazed voidlings' claws, before beheading him. He saw another arrow coming at him; he used the stolen sword to cut it in two, splitting it cleanly down the middle, and hitting the two Voidlings that were flanking his rear. He had already killed four; only 1 archer and 1 soldier remained.

The voidling charged at him with his sword drawn; Shining Armour met him in the centre, lunging at him. The creature blocked the blow, and kneed him in the stomach, causing Shining to drop his sword, and fall to the floor. While he was falling, he swept the voidlings' legs out, causing it to fall to the floor, and drop its sword.

Shining heard an arrow flying through the air. He used his momentum he maintained after sweeping out the Voidlings legs to get up and catch the arrow, then he used the arrow he caught to stab the creature in the throat, turning it to ash before sliding back to where he killed the last archer, spinning while he slid, grabbing the bow, knocking an arrow, then firing it as he stopped spinning. The arrow soared through the air meeting its' mark. He threw the bow away, and retrieved a sword from the ground and started walking through war-torn Utah trying to find Twilight.

Shining Armor eventually made it to where Twilight had been. He saw Twilight and a cyan skin toned person walking with her; he suspected that was Lyra. He was about to catch up with them, but he was stopped by 6 Voidling portals. Fear had been etched on his face as he saw 72 voidlings appear out of the portals. He was outnumbered and Twilight and Lyra had been out of sight now. He did not know where they had gone to, but he could not escape, so he drew the stolen sword and summoned his sword.

He stood his ground, ready to take on the impossible odds. One thought channeled through his mind. “I'm sorry my love, I won't be coming back. This is one fight I won't win.” As he thought this, he bellowed a war cry filled with valor and determination, as he charged.

The voidlings heard this and charged back. The sound of steel soon clanged with steel, he slashed left and right killing wave after wave, but the numbers were too great. He fought relentlessly, taking out 3 at a time. Bloodcurdling cries resounded through Shining's ears, followed by the sound of whizzing of arrows soaring passed him.

The battle was brutal; Shining kept up the pace, slicing and dicing his targets with ease. He had taken out numerous foes, when he heard a vicious roar. He looked up and saw a giant enemy wearing standard black iron armor. The giant voidling wielded a mighty war hammer, and as the creature charged him, the ground shook like an earthquake. He nearly fell over a few times. The voidlings that failed to move were crushed underneath its enormous boots.

The giant voidling slammed its hammer right for Shining Armour. He jumped and rolled out of the way; the hammer left a crater in the ground as it made contact. Shining Armour ran up the hammer to the creature's face, cutting its chin with his sword, and leaving a single scratch on its face. The creature howled in pain. As it did, it became enraged and backhanded Shining Armour, sending him flying 7 feet away, causing him to cough up blood. He weakly got up again stumbling before charging at the beast again, darting underneath his legs, cutting his shins, and slicing the creature's tendons.

The creature fell to the floor shaking the ground as it landed. Shining fell to the floor from the vibrations from the creature's fall. Shining got up and ran up the downed creature's back and hacked at its neck, trying to kill it by severing its head.
He finally broke through the creature's skin after twenty odd slices. Shining then delivered a vicious blow, severing its' spinal chord, killing it. Shining could not relax for too long. The Voidlings began to charge at him once more. He was now extremely fatigued and injured. He was a lot slower now, and his sword felt like it weighed over 1000 kilograms.

As he was fighting, a voidling cut the rear of his knee, causing him to collapse. He stopped himself from falling fully, by using his sword. He recovered and killed the voidling that cut him, but as he did, a black arrow hit him in the shoulder, causing him to drop one of his swords. Then, a voidling ran up to him and bashed his head with a shield, causing him to become prone and dazed. He saw through blurred vision, a larger voidling pick up his sword and wield it as a trophy. Shining Armour soon fell to darkness as he finally passed out.



2 hours later…



Shining Armour woke up again, but he was in a strange area. It was dark, cold, and gloomy. He scanned around the room and figured out that he was in a cell of some sort. His eyes adapted to the light in the room; he noticed that his injuries were mended and he was rejuvenated. A familiar voice sounded. “Welcome back, Shining Armour. How was the rest? Ha, ha, ha.” The voice instantly clicked, and when he realized whose voice it was, he said, “Sombra!”
> Chapter 5 Tactical Decisions (edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Twilight and Shining had been in a different dimension, things only got worse in Equestria; the war zone had spread from locally in Ponyville and Canterlot, to neighbouring towns. Equestria was riddled with darkness now; the voidling attacks had doubled over the past week, and Luna had her hooves full dealing with the military front. The Changeling's had also joined forces with the Voidlings.

Luna had to find a game changer, somepony powerful enough to change the tide of battle, and she knew just the alicorn that could help her. However, it was risky, but she had to do something; too much Equine blood had been spilled over the past days

Luna walked down to the dungeon hosting Nightmare Moon. she rounded a bend and saw Nightmare Moon in her iron-clad cell. “Well, Well, Well... if it isn't the royal highness herself; honoring me with her presents. How may I serve your royal hind?” Nightmare Moon stated nonchalantly with a hint of bitterness and sarcasm.

“Well, you can start by showing respect,” Luna replied indignantly before continuing in a milder tone. “I did not come here to insult you or be spiteful. The reason I am here is to request your help, and to offer you a way out of your predicament.” Nightmare Moon was surprised at the request.

“Okay, I'm listening. What are you offering?” Nightmare Moon replied to Luna with a raised eyebrow. “For your help, I'll grant you your freedom, your magic and a pardon for the crimes you committed, and you and your daughters may live as official Equine civilians under Twilight and my protection. But in return, you must serve the military, as a Combat General.” Luna replied with nerves weighing heavily on her heart.

“You dare offer me freedom, protection and the dream of being treated equally by all the ponies in Equestria! The same offer you offered me 2000 years ago! Do you know what you put my daughters through?! You expect me to take the word of a traitor, and a LIAR?! Listen here you little witch, my daughters are fine right now, and you want me to drag them into this mess! How dare you offer such a thing?! Let alone putting me in danger!” Nightmare Moon replied, infuriated by the request.

“I'm sorry for ruining your girls' lives, and I'm sorry for manipulating you… I regret every day I caused them to suffer without their mother. I can't ask forgiveness from you, or from them.” Luna replied beginning to tear from the harm she had done with her jealousy 2000 years ago.

Luna continued. “Honestly, we are losing this fight and if you decide not to help, I fear the entirety of Equestria would be enslaved, and coming from somepony who won't ever have a chance to conceive a foal, this is a major issue... If you were a proper mother, then you would not want any danger to come to your daughters.

Nightmare Moon was once an alicorn like Luna and Celestia many years ago; she was the princess of the Everfree, but when the two sisters came, Nightmare Moon received a request from Luna asking for help to take the throne from Celestia. However, Luna was cunning; she knew that she would have to merge with Nightmare Moon using magic, but the thing she failed to account for was reversing the merge.

Nightmare Moon told Luna about how she had two daughters named Skye Mist and Night Shadow. Luna never said it, but at that young age she didn't care about repercussions, she only cared for what she wanted and desired. no matter who, or what the sacrifice was. Luna manipulated Nightmare Moon so that they would become close friends, eventually gaining Nightmare Moons' trust.

Then, she would get her to fulfill her plan to dethrone Celestia. However, her plan didn’t go as planned, and resulted in the banishment of both Luna, and Nightmare Moon, in effect forcing Nightmare Moon to abandon her foals for over a thousand years.

Nightmare Moon pondered the choices she had, however, she had her back against a wall. If she declined, her and her daughters may be able to survive by going into hiding. But on the other hoof if she helped win the war, then she'd be able to have a relatively normal life in a peaceful land, under the rule of two ponies she despised. Both choices didn't seem appealing, but in the end, she opted to help win the war. 

“I will help… But on one condition, you must meet my daughters and admit to them, that you were the reason I left for as long as I did, then you can apologize to them personally, but after that, I want nothing more to do with you. Do we have a deal, Luna?” Luna replied, still in tears, “Yes, I will acknowledge your request; it's long overdue. We have a deal. Guards, release Nightmare Moon.”

The guards replied, “Yes Princess Luna, at once.” As the guards replied, they unlocked the door and stepped back. Luna walked over to Nightmare Moon and said, “Are you ready?” When Luna said this, she heard a voice in her head. “I hope you know what you are doing, Lulu.” Luna recognized the voice and replied, “Yes Celestia, I have faith in Nightmare Moon.” 

“There is no time to wait. Hurry.” After Nightmare Moon replied, a midnight blue aura engulfed her, and Nightmare Moon could feel her powers returning, and Luna could feel her magic leaving her, and going to Nightmare Moon.

“Your powers have been returned. Thank you, hopefully, one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me.” Nightmare Moon replied, “I don't know, but if you hurt my daughters in any way, I'll kill you. Let us no longer dally; we must stop this war.” Luna replied, “Let's go, I'll fill you in on the military effort as we walk.” Soon after Luna returned Nightmare Moon's power, Luna and Nightmare left the dungeon to prepare to put an end to the vicious onslaught.





Twilight left Garen's office with Lyra. They were headed to the briefing room to meet the team that would be infiltrating the Void, to rescue their friends in an operation named Operation Shatter; the Crimson Elite would team up with Twilight.

As Twilight and Lyra entered the briefing room, the two saw 4 people standing with their weapons in close proximity to them. 

“This is my team,” Lyra stated to Twilight before continuing, “This is Ghost, she is our stealth infiltration expert.” Lyra introduced, gesturing to women who wore a completely black suit; even her eyes were covered underneath a black mask. “Hello.” Ghost replied.

Lyra continued. “This is our explosive expert, Rage. He specializes in explosives, and heavy ordnance.” Lyra gestured to a burly looking man with a black beard, with a single cut across one eye.

“It's great to see ya sexy. Want to play with mah bombs?” Rage said, attempting to seduce Twilight, while he lit up a cigar pretending to act cool. 

“He also believes he is irresistible to all women, however, he is just another stray.” Lyra winked at Twilight. 

“That's harsh, Ly.” Rage commented, pretending to be hurt. 

“This is Doc. He is our medical officer.” Lyra introduced, gesturing to a man wearing a standard military uniform with a weird pair of spectacles.

“Hello, Twilight. It is not every day I meet a princess.” Doc commented humbly,

“This is Lance; he is our intelligence officer.” Lyra introduced, gesturing to a young man wearing glasses. “Salutations your majesty, I would love to know how you can use magic and traverse through different dimensions. Do you have a book on it that I might be able to borrow? I'm a sucker for reading and learning things that are unexplained.” Lance inquired.

“Unfortunately, our marksman is not here. She has been captured by the same people... I mean voidlings that captured your friend. Her name is Twilight; I'm pretty sure she is your doppelgänger. She looks exactly identical to you.” Lyra stated, filled with a burning desire to save her. 

They had been good friends since childhood, and they even went to the same boot camp for gifted soldiers. “Yes I do know her Lyra, she is my friend too, and we will save her. We will save them all. Then we will stop this godforsaken war.”Twilight responded. 

Twilights comment earned a loud cheer in agreement.
> Chapter 6 Revelations (edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightmare Moon and Luna had discussed their strategy, and now they were on the front line fighting side by side. They were on the eve of battle, 50 Twilight Guards stood off with 50 Voidlings, both factions were armed to the teeth and fully armored, and the tension was heavy in the air, it was thick enough that a knife could cut it. Everypony was on edge; one false step, one bad choice and it would be the end of your life.

Chaos soon erupted, both factions charged each other with a vicious war cry; as they met in the middle, the ominous sounds of battle started ringing throughout the field.

Nightmare Moon fired three bolts of magic at once, dodging swords and arrows. She summoned her sword. “I am the bringer of everlasting night. I call upon the spectral blade Night Fury; bring forth the crimson moon, stained with the blood of my enemies.” Nightmare Moon ordered. 

The field went dark, a blood red moon rose, an aura of red magic surrounded her, that same magic soon exploded outwards releasing thousands of small magical needles, killing 15 Voidlings at once, turning them to ash. She teleported and sliced another three Voidlings killing them also.

Soon the battlefield was doused in blood, many voidlings had died already but the battle was not in their favor. They had lost momentum and were being pushed back; they had lost over half of their total force, whereas the voidlings had only lost a quarter of their overall force.

Luna looked around the battlefield, seeing the normally peace-loving ponies of Equestria being cut down without mercy, the world seemed to slow as she watched the carnage. Nightmare Moon had been growing weaker by the second this battle carried on, Luna, knew that she wouldn't last much longer.

She was broken from her thoughts as a voidling came bearing down at her with an ax. She blasted the ax out of its claws before kicking it to the ground, then wheeling around stabbing it in the chest, turning it to ash.

“There is no other way... I must use my regalia... Tia, forgive me.” She stated, her voice hoarse and filled with sorrow, before reciting her dark spell, “As darkness falls and the death bell tolls, I call forth the Reaper of Death, bring the fourth armageddon!” As Luna said this, a black aura surrounded the battlefield. 

While it was charging, she used her royal Canterlot voice and ordered, “Everyone retreat from here, hurry.” Luna's horn started to glow charcoal black, and the aura started to absorb into a black ball in the sky; a charging sound sounded, echoing throughout the battlefield.

After Luna's horn dimmed, she quickly teleported away. Once she was at a safe distance, she noticed some ponies caught in the middle of the spell, "no." she stated in a tiny voice, filled with the sorrowful weight of condemning her own to death.

her heart sunk as she saw the black ball plummet to the ground. A blinding flash broke the darkness, silent at first, however, it soon released, a loud horrific earth-shaking explosion, after the bright light dimmed the sun reappeared, revealing a large dust cloud and a smoldering crater. The field was silent and empty, no birds, no cries, just eerie silence. Everything that was once alive in the crater had died, leaving nothing behind.



1 Hour Later...



Luna awoke in the infirmary to see Nightmare Moon waiting beside her stretcher. “I know what you are going to ask, Nightmare Moon. What you saw in the battle was my regalia; The Reaper. It kills everything in a radius I choose, it doesn't discriminate... The first time I used it, I nearly destroyed Equestria and my sister. But I was lucky my sister canceled it out with her Regalia, saving Equestria. It's the rarest of all of the regalias. However, with such power comes great risk.” Luna explained. 

“So you have all that power, and you don't use it?” Nightmare Moon filled with both astonishment and fear.

“Yes, I swore to my sister, that I would never use that cursed regalia. To avoid the events that happened 900 years ago. It's extremely hard to control, and if I lapse in concentration for a split second, the aura will spread to an unimaginable radius. It has the potential to destroy the whole world.” Luna explained further.

“We are a lot alike, you and I, Luna. We are both scared of what we can do.” Nightmare Moon commented.







Soon after the briefing, Twilight's team arrived. Soon after the whole team arrived, Operation Shatter started.

The group of 8 arrived at the portal to the void. “When we enter here, I will warn you. The things you see here will be worse than your greatest Nightmare, and some of you will not make it out of the void. So when we enter, remain on guard.” Twilight stated darkly to the group. 

She was shaking with fear as she spoke every word. Twilight, Rage, Ghost, Lyra, Doc, and Lance, entered the portal. Once they arrived on the other side, it was dark, gloomy, and mysterious.

The group could feel darkness all around them; this was an evil place. Both the moon and the sun were raised at the same time. The moon was crimson; there were no stars, no foliage, just black cobblestone for miles on end, with strange creatures roaming.

Twilight and the others proceeded to traverse the void looking for a castle, when suddenly they heard a howl of pain coming from somewhere; they began to sprint towards where the anguishing cry came from.

Twilight knew who the scream belonged to; it was Flash Sentries' scream. 

“No... not again, I can't lose him again.” Twilight rounded a bend, and she saw a black castle in front of her. She had only briefly stopped when seven voidlings charged across the bridge upon undead horses, wielding black swords. Twilight simply stated, “Shatter,”  and the undead horses turned to ash, causing the voidling to fall, while they were falling, Ghost threw several shurikens, hitting them as they fell, turning them to ash.

They charged over the bridge filled with urgency. While they charged, arrows rained from the parapets. The group sprinted, dodging arrows. They came up to a dark oak door; Twilight blasted it with a bolt of magic, reducing the door into shards.

12 Voidlings were waiting for them. Lyra quickly drew her Glocks and unloaded a barrage of bullets, hitting all 12 in the head at once. When out of nowhere, a voidling jumped from the top landing, wielding a flail, landing in front of rage before hitting Rage with it, sending him flying into a wall on the other side of the room.

Ghost threw three Kunai at the voidling; they met there mark hitting the creature in its' chest. The Kunai started to sink into its' chest, before suddenly shooting out of its chest at Ghost. She drew her sword with lightning-quick reflexes, blocking all three.

Twilight fired six bolts of magic at the creature, but the creature blocked the magic with its' flail before slamming it on the ground, sending a line of dark magic through the ground, nearly hitting Twilight. She dodged the magic, and teleported behind the creature slicing it calf, causing it to fall.

Ghost took this moment to strike, disappearing with lightning speed, and reappearing above the creature's head about to slice it, but a magenta blast of magic hit her in the side, knocking her out as she hit the ground. Twilight noticed a bolt of magic flying towards her, she reacted quickly, by deflecting the blast with a magical shield, sending it back to the caster. Instead of meeting its' mark, it was absorbed by a magenta shield.

After the shield faded, standing there was one pony Twilight was suprised to see let alone attack her, it was her brother. “SHINY?!”
> Chapter 7 Broken Bonds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight stood there, looking towards the landing where her brother was, her mouth agape, shocked at the prospect that her brother was evil. She asked through tears, “Why are you like this, Brother? What happened to you?” Shining Armour looked different; his eyes were red, with smoke like green wisps coming from them. He looked more like a crystal pony now. “Twilight, my eyes have been opened to a greater light. King Sombra is not evil, he is good; it is Luna and Celestia that are evil. Join me Twi; I don't want to destroy you like the others.” Shining Armour said calmly, in a voice that was unlike his own.

“Sombra has lied to you Shiny... can't you see?” Twilight replied as her heart began to break further. “I do see Twilight; you are blinded by evil! If you won't follow me, then you are lost.” Shining replied. He began to charge his horn ready for an attack; he fired at his sister, the sister he swore to protect. Twilight blocked the blow. “Your breaking my heart, Shiny... don't do this... break free of Sombra. Your son and wife are waiting for you to return… Don't force my hand…” Twilight said as a pit in her stomach began to grow and her tears began to pour.

“Cadence, Radiant- Submit” Shining started to say before he was cut off as Sombra's voice boomed in his head. Shining lost control once again, seeing Twilight in a different light. She was evil looking, and her voice spoke only insults and curses. “Shiny, fight it.” Twilight yelled with the hope that her brother could fight Sombra's control. Shining Armour heard Twilight's plea. “Get... out... of... my... head... Sombra!” Shining fought back with his mind. The internal struggle was great, and his pain was greater. It felt as if his mind was being shattered, and ignited by flames.

“Obey me Shining Armour, kill her.” Sombra boomed. “N-no I-I wont hurt her.” Shining replied to Sombra. “SILENCE! SUBMIT TO YOUR KING!” Sombra boomed viciously. Soon after Shining heard this, his body began to change into a crystal pony; his eyes were now fully red with pin point pupils with green wisps floating from his eyes. Shining Armour shot a glare at Twilight before he spoke with venom. “You are no sister of mine, you are nothing more then an enemy going to crushed by the one true king! KING SOMBRA!”

Twilights heart shattered. Her brother had lost the internal struggle with Sombra, and now he was a threat to Equestria. Twilight had to swallow her emotions. Just like Celestia had to, for her sister when she banished Luna to the moon. Twilight felt tears stream down her muzzle from her eyes, as she began to charge her horn. While she charged her horn, she could not help but remember the song Luna sung to her when she was being taught how to rule.




The stars are very beautiful, above the palace walls,
They shine with equal splendour, still above far humbler halls.
I watch them from my window, but their bright entrancing glow,
Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago.

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow,
I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow.
But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred,
I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head.

Although I am the head of state, in truth I am the least,
The true Queen knows her people fed, before she sits to feast.
The good Queen knows her people safe, before she takes her rest,
Thinks twice and thrice and yet again, before she makes request.

For they are all my children, all, that I swore to defend,
It is my duty to become both Queen and trusted friend—
And of my children high and low, from beggar to above,
The dearest are my Heralds, who return my care with love.

The dearest are my Heralds, swift to spring to my command.
Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand
That land and people first have needs that I may not deny—
So I must send my dearest friends to danger—and to die.

A friend, a love, a child—it matters not, I know indeed,
That I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need.
They know, and they forgive me—doing more than I require,
With willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire.

These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the Queen can't shed,
The tears I weep in silence as I mourn my Heralds dead.
Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry—
And if you have compassion—let me send no more to die!



Then Twilight remembered what else Luna said. “The reason I sing this for you, is for you to understand the legacy, and the sacrifices for the succession you inherited.” Luna let the words she spoke sink, before she continued. “In your lifespan there will be many sacrifices you will have to endure. It is the mantle for the heir to take up. Do you understand Twilight?” Twilight had said she understood, however she now realised that she never fully understood the price until this day.

Twilight released the beam of magic at Shining Armour, with tears bordering her eyes. Shining blocked the beam, and as he did, she teleported, drawing her sword and started to bring her sword down for Shining Armour. Her tears streamed down her face as she aimed for her brother.

Shining saw the sword, and then he jumped on the sword, slamming it on the ground, before back flip kicking Twilight, sending her off of the landing. Twilight unfurled her wings, to alight herself before landing on the ground below. Her horn had been pre charged. She soon released the beam of magic at Shining Armour.

Shining dodged the blast, by jumping off of the landing to the bottom floor, drawing his own sword and blocking a magic spell from Crimson Shadow, reflecting it back at Crimson Shadow, knocking him out before teleporting in front of Lyra, Doc, and Lance, sending them flying to the wall with a magic barrier.before dashing to Scarlet Night. Shining was about to kill her, when she was suddenly blasted by a beam of magenta light, sending him to the floor where Ghost was.

Shining saw Twilight charging at him, and firing magical bolts at him, before she teleported behind Shining Armour, repulsing him into a wall with a magical barrier. He jumped on the wall and bounced off of the wall, sword drawn, pointed directly at Twilight. Twilight took flight and dodged the blow as Shining Armour was in mid air; Twilight closed her wings and dived down at her brother, landing on his back, sending him slamming to the ground. A grisly crack sounded as the ground cracked. Shining Armour then gasped, as he felt the point of cold steel entering his chest.

Shining Armour returned to normal and said, “Th-Thank you Twily; you are really the best s-sister... in the world, please look after Cadence... and Radiant Heart… Ra-Radiant he was struck by a c-c-cursed blade...Please save him… Rem-Remember that I… Will be your big brother... best friend for... ev-er.” As Shining breathed his last breath, his eyes shut. Twilight broke into tears, and cried over Shining Armour's corpse.

Her world had shattered; she wanted revenge for what Sombra did. Her tears streamed down her face steadily. She vowed to destroy Sombra for good, and everything he stood for. She put an invisibility spell over the group, and the corpse of her late brother, before continuing forward, to save everypony she could. Twilight had been grief stricken, and did not want any more blood on her hooves. She hoped she would not have to fight her friends as well. If she had to kill them for Equestria, and the human civilisation, she couldn't live with herself.
> Chapter 8 Luna's Apology
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightmare Moon and Luna had left the castle. They were headed to Ponyville to defend it against another invasion; they received information on the plans from the chief Intelligence Officer.

The 2 alicorns left Canterlot Castle towards the place where they had to defend, followed by a group of 25 Twilight Guards. They were thinking of what to expect there, and whether they would have enough forces to defend it from the invasion. Although they were out matched, with man power, they had to work with what they had, hoping Twilight would return shortly.

Equestria had nearly all but lost the other towns; there were only three places of refuge now: Ponyville, Manehattan, and Canterlot. Ponyville was the most defended spot of the three towns; it was a refugee camp for all the ponies that had lost their homes, and family. Fluttershy had been the care taker and organizer for the Ponyville refugee camp; her other friends had there own roles to play as well. Rainbow Dash was the Chief Intelligence Officer of the Twilight Guard.

She had been charged with running intelligence ops to gain knowledge on the enemies movement, because she was the fastest flyer. Rarity had been told to make sure that the refugees were all well clothed, and being taken care of. Apple Jack and her family had been tasked to provide rations, and supplies to the military, and refugees of war.

Pinkie's task was to bring up moral, and happiness levels in the refugee camps and medical camps by throwing parties, making jokes, and everything that makes Pinkie, Pinkie.

Luna and Nightmare Moon had been nearing their destination as they reached their destination it started to rain. Luna looked at the state of Ponyville and she was dumbfounded. Luna remembered when she was here last, it was filled with beauty and prosperity, but the turn of events had changed that. Ponies were sad, and the tolls of war could be seen throughout the entirety of Ponyville. Food was scarce and the population had dropped dramatically. After surveying the refugee camp, she said to Nightmare Moon as a tear reached her eye, “We need to stop this... it's too much. Too much pain, suffering, sadness, and sorrow.” Nightmare Moon replied,

“I know their pain. I have felt it long before them. I thought I had found a mate, but I found a warden in his place. I was stripped of my food, my freedom, and my happiness... he stole them from me, he stole them all from me. I ran when I found out I was pregnant with my two daughters. He chased me relentlessly, but when I finally escaped, I made my home in the forest you call the Everfree. My daughters have been living there for as long as I know, but its been so long I don't even know if they remember me, or even want too.

I thought I had attained freedom, but then I met you. You reminded me of myself when I was younger. When you told me about your sister, I wanted to help you... but I was a foal; you had your own intentions all along, and we were banished for 1000 years. When I arrived, I was filled with hope, but you still had me bound to you.

In a way I'm grateful to Twilight for separating me from you, but then she imprisoned me for what I had done. So yes I can feel their pain. I wonder how many loved ones they had lost when they fled.” Luna gave an understanding look to Nightmare Moon, before embracing her and saying with tears glistening in her eyes, “I'm sorry Nightmare Moon, I never knew... please forgive me. I have made too many mistakes in my lifetime.”

“You can fix your mistakes, isn't that what somepony said to me, not too long ago.” Nightmare Moon quoted playfully back to Luna with a chuckle, and a gentle smile. Something had been stirring inside Nightmare Moon; she could feel herself returning back to her original self. Luna had somehow melted the dark iron wall that had blocked her emotions. Luna had an expression of confusion on her face, as she saw the other side of Nightmare Moon. She had been confused because Nightmare Moon had always been dark, calculating, cruel, manipulating, and cold.

Luna had sensed a change in Nightmare's character, and she also noticed that Nightmare Moon's wing, had a small white feather on it.

Luna and Nightmare Moon made it to the border of Ponyville, and erected a shield around it, set up magical traps, then organised an ambush for the unexacting voidlings when they came to invade the land. Rainbow Dash's intel had been right on the mark; nothing had been here, it was silent... a little too silent. A series of voidlings started to exit their portals. The trap had been set by Nightmare Moon and Luna; they just had to wait for the moment to strike.

When suddenly, Luna saw Twilight Shroud exit the portal. Her eyes went wide in fear as she saw her appear. She was as powerful as Twilight Sparkle herself, then from another portal Chrysalis exited with an army of changeling at her toes; there were now over 100 soldiers and 2 alicorns. “Release!” Twilight Shroud announced. When she did, all of the magic traps Luna and Nightmare Moon had set were disabled.

Luna announced “Attack!” knowing full well that Twilight Shroud had somehow known about their strategy. It then dawned on Luna that the reason Chrysalis and Twilight Shroud were here, had been because Twilight Shroud, had been following them. She knew about Nightmare Moon and Luna joining forces; she knew that there were two alicorns, so she brought a second with her.

After the small contingent of soldiers jumped from their hiding places, they entered the fray, failing to catch any off guard. The battle surrounded Luna and Nightmare Moon. While it did, Twilight Shroud spoke to Luna. “Well, well, well, If it isn't little Luna with the regalia of death. My, my that’s quite the nasty trick you have. Unfortunately, I’m not here to chat. You are putting too much resistance up for my love, and so I must kill you. Sorry Luna but you will join your sister shortly.”

Luna replied fearlessly, although shaking on the inside. “My sister is already here with me, and her and I, will defeat you.” Twilight Shroud replied mockingly, “Oh you mean Luna eclipse. Ha, ha, ha, don't make me laugh. That is no match for the empress of Fear.” Soon after Twilight Shroud said this she fired a beam of magic at Luna. Luna blocked the beam of magic, then retaliated with her own magic.

Meanwhile, Nightmare Moon had been engaged by Chrysalis. “Nightmare Moon, it's been awhile hasn’t it dear sister. I hope my brother hasn’t killed your daughters yet, because he will ha, ha, ha.” Nightmare Moon replied with venom, “YOU, OR HIM, WONT TOUCH MY GIRLS, YOU VILE WITCH.” As Nightmare Moon said this, she fired a powerful beam of magic at Chrysalis. Chrysalis laughed as she deflected the beam.
> Chapter 9 Hidden Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight continued through the castle with her blade wielded by her side, when suddenly, she was ambushed by a group of voidlings. She teleported out of sight as the group entered the hallway. While they looked for her, she had already killed three with lightning fast reflexes; then she fired a beam of magic and killed the last voidling, turning it to ash.

The guards had been getting thicker the further she went down the path she chose. Twilight figured that she was on the right path. She saw a giant oak door with 20 voidling guards. She was out numbered but she was fuelled by something else; other than her mission, she had the fuel of vengeance. She would not die until her brother had been avenged.

Twilight charged alone into the battle against 20 voidlings; she raised her sword high before stopping once her blade was glowing. She thrust it into the ground, sending a white shock wave across the floor, knocking all of the voidlings to the ground, before teleporting and cutting 5 in half as she spun around, turning them to ash. Before she blocked an opposing blade with a shield she created, she detonated the shield, sending several into the air.

Twilight teleported to each one of the airborne guards, stabbing and slicing them, killing them as the fell to the ground, turning all 7 to ash. A second wave approached. She let loose six bolts of magic at her enemies, breaking each one of their swords, before teleporting behind them, and beheading them. The last two dropped their swords and tried to flee away from the vengeful Twilight, but they would not escape Twilight's wrath.

Twilight teleported in front of them, killing all but one voidling, so she could interrogate him. “Where is your dungeon?” As she said this, she cast a translation spell on the voidling. “Behind that big door, now please let me go; I don't want to die. I never wanted any of this, but King-" " Enough out of you, traitor.” The voidling was cut off as a purple slash cut him in half and a familiar voice taunted.

Twilight had been infuriated with the man who stood in front of her. Twilight's mane had steadily started glowing amber as she looked at him; her eye colour began to turn red. “Now Twilight, is that anyway to treat the father of your child?” Crimson Blood stated, pretending to be hurt.

He flipped down off of the ledge he was standing on, whirling around and landing in front of Twilight, sword pointed at her. Twilight launched a powerful beam at him, forcing him to block the blast with his sword. While Crimson Blood blocked the blast, Twilight teleported out of the way, now fully alight by a flaming aura, with her eyes completely red and her sword, ignited by flames. “Whoa, Twilight. I always loved that about you, the fiery attitude and your power.

Just like the time I killed Flash Sentry. Now that was a fight. That was also the day I gave you my seed, although forced. You still haven’t answered me; how is our boy you keep secret from the world?” Crimson Blood said to Twilight casually. “You won't hurt him, you won't see him, you won't even know his name, Blood!” Twilight shouted as she fired a giant beam, destroying an entire wall.  

Crimson Blood dodged the beam, and teleported behind Twilight, swinging his sword. Twilight parried the blow and retaliated back with her own vicious attack. Blood blocked it, but didn't expect to be hit by a magic blast from Twilight; he became dazed as he was sent flying through the air. Twilight teleported above him and kicked him in the sternum, then teleported behind him and kicked him in the back, sending him to the roof. Twilight teleported above him and was about to plunge her sword into his chest, when he flipped in mid air at the last second and deflected her sword with his.

He used the same motion to attempt to slice Twilight in two. Twilight blocked the blow before grabbing Crimson Blood, spiralling to the ground, releasing him before she hit the ground, and sending him slamming into the ground.

She had only just landed, when suddenly, Crimson Blood recovered and teleported behind Twilight, before Twilight could react. He round housed her, then teleported behind her and delivered a second strike. Before he could attack again, he saw Twilight teleport behind him, and fire a blast of magic at him, sending him to the wall across the room.

Twilight and Crimson Blood were beginning to get fatigued from the magic and skill they were using. They stopped fighting, panting steadily. “We need to end this; I can't take much more of this.” Twilight thought to herself.

Crimson Blood noticed Twilight thinking, and took this moment to strike. He vanished, and teleported above Twilight, about to strike her down. Twilight was broken from her thoughts as she noticed Blood bearing down on her. She knew it was too late to evade; she expected death soon, when suddenly, a gunshot echoed from some distance away, hitting Crimson Blood in the shoulder.

This caused Crimson Blood to drop his sword before recovering 5 feet away from Twilight. He whistled a tune as he noticed the group. Suddenly, the big black iron door leading to the dungeon where her friends were burst open, revealing a giant dragon, with glistening talons, pearl white teeth, charcoal coloured flames, and refracting black scales which painted the room in a crimson sheen. Crimson Blood's sword magically teleported to his hand, and as it did, the dragon roared, shooting a trail of black flames into the air. The dragon eyed Lyra with hatred before attempting to crush her mind with telekinesis.

Lyra collapsed to the ground as she heard a piercingly sharp noise enter her mind. Twilight had to quickly use more of her energy to cast a spell on the group, to protect them from the dragons oppressive mind. “Damn.” Twilight stated when she saw the dragon.

“Twilight, what is that thing?” Lyra asked, recovering from the pain the dragon inflicted on her. “It's a Dragon named Drake; it's Crimson Blood's companion. I have to warn you now: he is fierce fighter. He can kill you by looking at you, crushing your mind with his telekinesis.” Twilight explained, feeling a sense of foreboding doom and horror. She remembered what Drake did to Flash Sentry, and what Crimson Blood did to her, leaving her burdened with a young foal that had to be raised in secret by Zecora for safety, until the day Star Dusk can know what his true lineage is.
> Chapter 9.5 Fourth Wall Editions (You don't have to read this)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hi, bronies and pegasisters! This is Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy here bringing you the Fourth Wall Editions, and it's time to tell you all the craziness that has previously happened.” Pinkie started before continuing. “Okie dokie Lokie, let's begin.

So far what has happened in the first book, Nightmare Moon took over Luna, Twilight had a dream seeing everypony die around her, making her become so stressed that it made me look sane. Twilight ran all over Ponyville, warning her friends, and Celestia. Luna freaks out as her body begins to change, and she argues with a voice in her head. I thought I was crazy, but that's on a whole other level of crazy.

“Pinkie, could you tell them more about the story, if you want to anyway? Please?” Pinkie Pie continued, “Okie Dokie Lokie, where was I... oh yeah, soon after Twilight went berserk nearly killing Nightmare Moon and Luna. Really brony prophet you killing off the main cast I'm Seriously considering to murder you Brony Prophet, I know where you live, we are real too you know. *Whack*” Pinkie said as she slapped Brony Prophet again. “Why are you hurting me Pinkie? I'm just the writer. I thought you like to make people smile.” Brony Prophet said, as his face morphed into a sad expression. “I do, but you're being a meany pants to my friends-” “Pinkie!” Fluttershy said, as she cut Pinkie off before continuing. “I'm sorry Brony Prophet, your stories are great although scary.” Fluttershy stated, giving Pinkie 'The Stare'.

“Okie dokie Lokie, I will stop bullying Brony Prophet… Sorry.” Pinkie growled before continuing. “Twilight then goes berserk and I'm like, 'whoa' than Twilight is like 'I vow to destroy you Nightmare Moon' Then I'm like, 'you go get her Twilight!'-” “Can we skip this part? It's scary.” Fluttershy requested, starting to shake with fear. Pinkie continued, 

“Aw but it's the good part... okay. After Twilight goes berserk and fights Nightmare Moon, she nearly kills her. Then Twilight stops fighting and starts talking to herself, and I'm like, 'hey that’s my thing.' Twilight argues with the entity in her mind then yells 'get out of my head' and suddenly there's a flash of light.” Pinkie begins making sound effects with her mouth then continues. “And BAM! Now there are four alicorns then I'm like, 'Whaa?' and Twilight's like, 'What?' Nightmare Moon's like, 'Who are you?' Luna's like, “Wait where am I? How did I get here? WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SISTER'S CASTLE?! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SISTER?!' Luna is confused; Twilight's bemused and Nightmare Moon's also confused, and the new alicorn's like 'I am Twilight Shroud; fear me, I am the empress of darkness mwah, ha, ha, ha-”

“Pinkie, please don't do that laugh, it's scary.” Fluttershy commented, hiding underneath a desk. “Oki doki Loki, Twilight Shroud then teams up with Nightmare Moon and Twilight Sparkle teams up with Luna and I'm like 'this is getting confusing.' They all start brawling again, then there's beams of magic, swords, punches, and kicks going everywhere. Twilights Sparkle's fighting, then Twilight Shroud is fighting, then Nightmare Moon's fighting, then Luna's fighting and while this is going on, Twilight starts glowing, and her eyes change white and suddenly time stops. Twilight then sees dead ponies, including Celestia, and all of the ponies that had perished over the years.

Twilight's like, 'what's going on? where am I?' and Celestia's like, 'you are the bridge between life and death, you are the true ruler of magic, and the ruler of Equestria.' Twilight comes out of this alternate dimension, and watches Twilight Shroud flee from the battle saying 'I will return.'

While this was going on, Luna unlocked her sister's special gift to her, the Luna Eclipse. Luna suddenly transforms into another pony entirely. Her coat turned white and her cutie mark had both the sun and the moon on it. She had one blue eye and one violet eye, and Nightmare Moon's like, 'I want this power.'

Nightmare Moon steals this power from Luna, then tries using the stolen power to kill Luna, but fortunately for Luna, she is saved by Celestia who sapped all of Nightmare Moon's magic away, defeating her.

If you thought that was everything, you're wrong, there's more. Twilight Shroud is spying on the ponies of Equestria, and talking to a *mysterious unicorn stallion with green wisps wafting from his eyes. C'mon Bronyprophet like we don't know its Sombra. Twilight Shroud is like, 'Enjoy your peace while you have it Twilight' and Twilight's like, 'I have a bad feeling about this.' Whoa, that's a lot to take in when you say it all at once.” Pinkie said, as she pretended to be exhausted.

“But there is more, Pinkie.” Fluttershy added. “Oh yeah, the sequel, I guess I forgot because of its lacking popularity.” Pinkie said as a light bulb turned on above her head. “Ouch Pinkie, that hurts.” Brony Prophet said, pretending to be hurt. “Sorry Brony Prophet it's the truth,” Pinkie Pie said, shrugging her shoulders. “You don't have to be mean about it. Just continue telling everypony about what has happened in the book series.” Brony Prophet said, becoming indignant.

“Oki Doki Loki. After the battle 4 years ago, Brony Prophet decides to be a meany pants and create a war for us. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXCELLENT WRITING!” *slap* “Will you stop Pinkie?” Brony Prophet replied, rubbing his face.

“No! Soon we find out that Equestria is under attack by something else sinister, we fight back, and Twilight's like, 'I need allies, I must talk to the humans, and ask for their aid.' Twilight then abandons Equestria, and I'm like 'your a great ruler Twilight, but it's alright we know that it was Brony Prophet who made you do it.'” Pinkie stated.

“Really...” Brony Prophet replied with an irritated tone. “Yes. As Twilight meets up with Sunset, the school's in ruins, and Principal Celestia's dead.” Pinkie explained before inquiring, “Seriously what do you have against Celestia, Brony Prophet? You big meany pants.” “I don't have anything against Celestia.” Brony Prophet replied. “Likely story, I'm watching you.” *Cough* *Cough* Fluttershy sounded, attempting to get Pinkie on track again. “Okie Dokie Lokie, this is not over Brony Prophet.” Pinkie stated while staring at Brony Prophet and gesturing that she is watching something. “I know, I wish it was.”

"Now where was I... Ah yes, that's right, the high school. As Twilight made her way to a passed out Sunset Shimmer, She's like, 'are you okay Sunset' Sunset wakes up and is like, 'Yeah I'm fine but our friends. They're in danger' Sunset gets up too fast and falls over, and Twilight's like. 'Not yet, you need to rest, you're injured. Our friends are fine, we will save them with the help of your government. Where can I find the government?' Sunset replies 'at the pentagon but they won't listen to you, you look like a teenager' and Twilight's like, 'I will show them. I'll show you.' Suddenly the world changes and I'm like, 'Me next, me next, I want a turn.'

Then all the sudden they're in the future, the world is destroyed, looking like a scene from the Terminator, and I'm like, 'This guy ripped off a movie' Twilight's like, 'this is what we can expect' Sunset is then attacked by some person that we know as Crimson Blood didn't see that coming pshhh... yeah right, I see everything, Dead Pool has nothing on the original.” “You called.” Dead Pool said as he suddenly appeared, riding on Wooden Toaster's back, before clicking his fingers, and a giant POOF word appeared, and Wooden Toaster was gone. “Great, just what I need, another person who likes to destroy the fourth-dimensional wall.” Brony Prophet stated sarcastically. “Aw, I love you to Brony Prophet.” Dead Pool taunted. Pinkie continued rolling her eyes.

“Twilight came from the future, and was like 'That was close, that's the reason I need your government's assistance.' Sunset's like, 'Go to the pentagon.' Then Twilight teleports away and Brony Prophet thought it would be fun to put a scary little girl in the mix, well why not. I'm like 'Man I hate you Brony Prophet.' And vice principal Luna then grabs a chair and ruins a perfectly good game of hide and seek by hitting the little girl in the face, before stabbing the little girl. All the while I'm like 'seriously what's wrong with you?'” Pinkie stated, irritation thick in her voice.

“Don't worry Brony Prophet, I like that part of the story; it's so much more fun to unalive villains.” Dead Pool commented. “After Twilight is attacked by a group of soldiers, aligned with the voidlings. She is saved by the person who has to meet her, Lyra. Great story there Brony Prophet you have such a keen imagination. I honestly don't know how Skye Mist handles your shocking grammar, and story writing. Actually, why don't we interview her." 

After a few moments of travel Skye Mists arrives through a portal. "Oh, that was so much fun. Let's just do that again, huh? It's just so very fun when someone summons you against your will and makes you go across the trans-dimensional plane without your acknowledgment." Skye Mist said sarcastically, after she exited the portal. "Hey, Skye Mist." Pinkie greeted "Hi Pinkie what can I do for you?" Skye Mist replied, still slightly irritated. "Well, how about an interview on what  your thoughts are for Bronyprophets story?" Pinkie asked "Well I think it's too dark, and his punctuation is so terrible. Even while he is typing this up, he has made several errors that I will have to fix *facepalm*" Skye Mist answered before slapping her own face. "Why are you guys so mean to Bronyprophet?" Fluttershy asked giving a sad Bronyprophet a hug  "I'm not being mean; I'm just being bluntly honest." Skye Mist replied.

"Your so kind Fluttershy." Brony Prophet said as he embraced Fluttershy. "Brony Prophet and Fluttershy sitting in a tree K.i.s.s.i.n.g." Dead Pool taunted causing Fluttershy to blush and causing brony prophet to attempt to hit Dead Pool "You missed haha." Dead pool stated. "Shut it Dead pool." Brony prophet said, filled with anger and embarrassment. "So Skye Mist, would you say you like the story?" Pinkie asked "I like the overreaching plot, but as I said the errors... *Facepalm*" Skye Mist sighed. "See what you do to this poor girl, you're making her head red *crunch*," Pinkie said, as she kicked Brony Prophet in the grind.

"OUUUUUUUUCH!!!" Brony Prophet howled in agony "ha, ha, ha, your junk just got crunched." Dead Pool commented. "Pinkie why do you have to hurt Bronyprophet so much, I'm so disappointed in you." Fluttershy stated with an assertive tone. "Aw, Fluttershy don't be like that." Pinkie said "No! you're being too mean!" Fluttershy chastised, "Thank you Fluttershy, but we must continue the overview. Pinkie please continue." Brony prophet stated getting back on track.

"Okie dokie lokie, Soon after Twilight meets up with her new friends, Shinning Armour arrives in the human world looking for a cure to save his boy... Brony Prophet you have problems, you stab children and curse foals. You are such a loving pony you should be the villain of this tale, you'd be a better fit. I thought Sombra was bad, but you're the evilest villain of this universe."  "I would agree with you, he would make a great villain." Skye commented. "Really guys give a guy a break, well a girl now thanks to you Pinkie..." Brony Prophet said in a high pitch tone.

"When Shining Armour has caught up to Twilight, he is ambushed and captured. Once again Brony Prophet decides to hurt another one of my friends... *whack*” Pinkie Pie slaps Brony Prophet again. “Ouch, why do you keep hitting me?” Brony Prophet said, feeling a bruise starting to appear on his face “Because she can.” Dead Pool answered. “Shut up Dead Pool, and Pinkie get on with it.” Brony Prophet stated.

“Oki Doki Loki. Equestria is now in ruins, and I'm like, 'Why are you doing this to us Brony Prophet.' Luna is like, 'I need help' Luna then frees Nightmare Moon, gives her powers back and joins Luna in a fight side by side. Whereas Twilight and her new group head to the void to save Twilight's and Sunset's friends. Once they enter the void, Twilight's like, 'some of you are going to die' and the others are like 'whaa.'

Soon after entering the black castle, the group is attacked by Shinning Armour, what a surprise” Pinkie Pie stated, rolling her eyes, before continuing. “Twilight's then like, 'It can't be' and the others are like 'ahhh' because they are knocked out.

All you Shinning Armour fans your going to love this. Wait for it… Wait for it... Twilight's forced to kill her own brother to save him. That makes total sense. You have to kill something to save it. I'm like 'cool story bro, needs more dragons' and would you look at that: a dragon appears... after the father of twilights secret foal revealed himself. Wait rewind. When did this happen, and she didn't tell her best friends about it…?” Pinkie Pie said as she became deflated from her bubbly self; as she did Fluttershy started to cry and Skye Mist tried to comfort them. Soon after their emotional breakdown, they couldn’t continue Fourth Wall Editions.

“Have no fear, Dead Pool is here.” Dead Pool stated, making a heroic gesture. “Great; there goes my story.” Brony Prophet sighed. “Soon after Twilight had defended her secrecy, she fought with that guy and she was nearly defeated by that guy. She began to lose the fight when suddenly she was saved by her friends Dead Pool, then she was like 'Oh Dead Pool you are my hero,' then we unalived the bad guys, and made babies. The end. Such a nice story.” Dead Pool concluded.

“That's not funny Dead Pool... now how about you say what actually happened...” Brony Prophet declared. “Oh alright my little, snook ems.” Dead Pool taunted. “DEAD POOL!” Brony Prophet yelled. “Where have I heard that line before... oh yeah from Fury.” Dead Pool put a Fury mask on before continuing. “He was like 'DEAD POOL!' and I was like 'FURY!' Ah good times, good times. Eh, I'm bored here. Bye bye snook-ems.” Dead Pool said, as a cloud of smoke appeared. After the smoke cleared, he was sitting on top of Celestia. Shortly after this random occurrence, he took off and rode Celestia into the sunset. “Pinkie I know you are sad, but can you please finish off the bulletin.” Brony Prophet asked politely.

“Okay... After Twilight defeated Shinning Armour, she arrived at the large door to the dungeon, and standing there was the one person she didn't want to meet again, the father of her secret son Star Dusk. Crimson Blood and Twilight fought. Twilight was losing when Lyra and the group saved her from a repeat from the past. That's the end of Fourth Wall Editions. Pinkie signing off.” Pinkie concluded. “Fluttershy um you know, signing off.” Fluttershy concluded. as Fourth Wall Editions concluded Skye Mist headed to the portal "Here we go again... yay..." Skye mist commented, with a blunt look on her face, before returning to where she came from.
> Chapter 10 Into The Fray
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyra and the group immediately entered the fray against Crimson Blood and his dragon. Bolts of magic shot through the air, bullets pierced the silence, and the sound of steel shells falling on the cobblestone floor could be heard throughout the room. Sword against talon, tooth against nail echoed as their weapons clashed. The battle roared, and cries of valour illustrated the battle. As the battle commenced, a new wave of voidlings joined Crimson Blood, and fought against the group.

Twilight slashed left and right as the voidlings poured out of the woodwork; they seemed endless. Twilight teleported to the first 6 she saw, and detonated a magical explosion, sending them flying. Lyra's guns thundered as she fired and fired at the endless supply of targets. Lyra round-housed three, reloading while she rotated. As she finished her rotation, she released another barrage of bullets, killing all three at once.

Ghost moved with such grace and finesse, cutting through the Voidlings with ease. She made it to where Crimson Blood was, sword drawn. Crimson Blood and Ghost jumped onto a nearby ledge locked in a fray, their swords clashed together in mid-air.

Crimson Blood's dragon started to attack the girls. Twilight would protect her new friends from the dragon's devastating fire breath with magic, and her friends would attempt to find an opening every time, so they could attack the dragon. Soon the castle had been filled with ash, as more voidlings entered the fray from all directions. Twilight looked up to where Ghost and Crimson Blood were fighting. Ghost had been outmatched by Blood's superior swordsmen ship, and she was struggling.

“Your passion, your fire, your resolve. It's so beautiful, I'll have to make you my favourite play thing.” Crimson Blood said as; he was beginning  to like Ghost even more, as he parried the blows with effortless ease. Suddenly, a bolt of red magic fired from the shadows. He erected a shield and blocked it “Well, look who decided to reveal himself; I knew he was not dead.” Crimson Blood thought to himself before continuing aloud, after pausing for several seconds. “Brother...”





Nightmare Moon and Luna stood off against Chrysalis and Twilight Shroud, in the silence before the storm. It began to rain, casting an eerie and tense feel on the field. The voidlings and changelings fought around them, but the battle in the background was muffled out, as the tension continue to build between the four alicorns. Suddenly a loud crack of thunder sounded, and echoed, but it was drowned out as the four alicorns charged, and fought against each other. The muffled battle noise flooded back to them; it was loud, chaotic, and horrifying. The sound of blood-curdling screams surrounded them. Steel slid against steel, the rain pelted their coats, and the thunder, thundered.

Luna was in a battle with Twilight Shroud; she teleported before striking viciously at her enemy. Twilight Shroud deflected it, then fired a beam of magic at Luna. Luna teleported to the skies and fired a beam back. Twilight Shroud teleported above Luna, sword kitting through the air, nearly cleaving Luna in half. Luna parried the strike, and defended herself, before retaliating with a magically imbued slash. Sending a magical slice to the ground, creating a crater as two spell caster Voidlings teleported carelessly into its path. The magic sliced them in two, turning them to ash. Twilight Shroud created a sigil in the sky, and out of the sigil shot black lightning, barely missing Luna.

Twilight Shroud then teleported to Luna, as she was dodging the black lightning, kicking her towards the ground. Luna recovered mid-air, and fired a beam of magic at Twilight Shroud. Twilight Shroud did not expect this, and was hit directly, sending her to the clouds, where Luna caused a bolt of natural lightning to hit Twilight Shroud, sending her to the ground. She hit the ground leaving a small crater in her place.

Nightmare Moon had been fighting with Chrysalis; she fired several beams of magic at Chrysalis. Chrysalis dodged each blast, by teleporting, before getting in close to Nightmare Moon, and kicking her into one of Twilight's castle walls, before following up with a beam of her green magic, blasting her through the wall.

Nightmare Moon rose from the ground, wiping away some blood that was on the corner of her mouth. She threw a piece of the crystal wall at Chrysalis when Chrysalis entered through the hole in the wall. She reacted quickly by shattering the piece of rubble, mid-flight.

Nightmare Moon was shocked to see one of the Twilight guard, in Chrysalis's place. Nightmare Moon realised too late what had transpired, when she was hit by a powerful bolt of magic; then Chrysalis teleported in front of her, kicking her into the air before teleporting above her, kicking her to the floor, cracking Twilight's marble floor. Nightmare Moon got up, and teleported above Chrysalis too quickly for her to counter, then blasted the real Chrysalis through a wall.





“Crimson Shadow it has been awhile, my older brother. What can I do for you? Let me guess you are going to attempt to capture me again aren’t you? You will fail.” Crimson Blood stated as he knocked out Ghost or so he thought, since suddenly Ghost charged from the ground nearly impaling Crimson Blood, but Drake made quick work of that by smashing her with his large tail, sending her to the ground and knocking her out good and proper this time.

“Rude girl, I'll have to beat that out of you. Interrupting a conversation tut, tut, tut.” Crimson Blood thought aloud. “No, I'm done trying to capture you. Princess Azure Sapphire has ordered your immediate execution; your chance for redemption, has long passed.” Crimson Shadow stated with a hint of sorrow in his tone.

“You're serious aren’t you brother?” Crimson Blood stated. Shortly after this, he heard the same voice he had in his mind, ever since the Trial of The Guard. “You can do this, you want to kill him, you must kill him, he betrayed you.” Crimson Blood then replied to the voice in his head. “As you wish, Empress Darklight.” Shortly after he spoke to the voice, his brother replied. “I'm no brother of yours, Blood; you lost that right when you betrayed the Queen.” Crimson Shadow then morphed into a cloud of shadow, and was about to assassinate his brother.

Crimson Blood knew exactly what his brother was about to do, and so he blocked the fatal blow before any harm could come to him, then kicked Shadow, sending him several feet away from him. Crimson Blood teleported, and brought his sword down, attempting to cleave his brother in two. Crimson Shadow blocked the blow, with his small steel dagger, before he cast a spell on his small blade, to enlarge it into a large black sword.

As he pushed his brother back, they stared at each other before Crimson Blood spoke. “Shall we dance brother?” After Crimson Blood said this, Shadow teleported using his shadow magic, leaving a shadow clone in his place. Crimson Blood saw his brother above him, bringing his sword down towards his head. When he blocked the blow, a giant shuriken was thrown at him from his brother's clone. Soon after that, his brother's clone charged at him.

“So that's how it's going be.” Crimson Blood thought as he dodged the deadly shuriken; suddenly his body morphed into a shadow figure, like his brother's. Then the two unicorns fought each other ferociously. Crimson Blood knew he could not play around. If he didn't take this seriously, his brother would kill him. He had to give it everything he had.





Twilight watched Crimson Blood and this strange pony fight each other. She was grateful when she saw this unicorn save Ghost from experiencing the same twisted fate, as what Twilight received many years ago. “Distracted are we, dear Twilight?” A voice suddenly said in her mind; her blood froze, she remembered this voice... and it was the one she didn't expect to hear. It was Sombra's.

Sombra had been lurking in the corners of Twilight's mind for some time now, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and no person, or pony, saw any signs of the rooted corruption. Twilight's eyes became clouded by green light, with shadowy wisps coming from them. Sombra started speaking to her subliminally, “Submit; join me, let me in.” The shady voice of Sombra's continued to grow louder in Twilight's mind, before saying, “We can heal your brother, bring him back from the dead; you will have more power than you can ever dream of. We can even bring Celestia back, your dear mentor, and your lover, Flash Sentry. Just submit to me; become one with fear.”

Twilight's heart sunk, and her world felt heavy, as he continued to speak in her mind. She was beginning to lose control; she could feel her mind beginning to darken. Twilight stood her ground and attempted to push him back with her own magic. She would try and try again, but she knew she was losing.

Twilight could feel her mental strength faltering under his mental onslaught. She felt his corruption strength growing steadily; Twilight knew she would be lost to fear and darkness soon, just like her brother.

She also hoped her friends in Equestria would find a way to stop her, or they too would be corrupted by his rule, and the world would be under his tyranny. The dark days of Equestria would start with the loss of Twilight, to the powers of darkness.

Twilight knew that soon she would be his to do whatever he wanted to do with her, and she wouldn’t be able to stop it. Twilight could only accept it. “Somepony save me.” Twilight whimpered in vain, feeling the corruption grow in her mind, and taking her over as her last few defenses broke.
> Chapter 11 Savior
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightmare Moon continued in the direction she shot Chrysalis, going through the new hole in the wall, but as she entered she was shocked to see 8 chrysalis clones in the one room. Nightmare Moon fired a wave of magic hitting all 8, but they simultaneously blocked the wave of magic with great ease. Shortly before they all converged onto Nightmare Moon, as they did, they all released powerful magic bolts in an attempt to hit her. But unfortunately for chrysalis Nightmare Moon was well versed in magical combat, with a lot more experienced then Chrysalis.

She dodged the first four bolts, and as she did, she fired another four bolts in retaliation. Hitting the first four, before blocking the second four blasts of magic. Before she could react, a ninth clone shot her from the roof, causing her to become prone. She was dazed, she saw the 5 remaining clones converge on her. Nightmare Moon waited for the right moment keeping her head level. As they got into range she released a burst of magic, surrounding her in a giant field of magical energy. Hitting the remaining 5 clones wiping them out, hitting the real Chrysalis.

Chrysalis expected such a strategy with an exceptional duellist like Nightmare Moon. Chrysalis countered her by shielding herself, before detonating the same shield, releasing several magic darts at Nightmare Moon, but to her shock she didn't land a single blow, except to Twilights Castle, leaving seven burn marks in its place.

She was further surprised as Luna came from the roof, pounding Chrysalis into the ground, sending her to the bottom floor of twilights castle. Chrysalis looked up at Luna extremely confused before speaking “Where did you come from Luna? No matter, you and Nightmare moon are as weak as each other, this just got interesting.” Luna replied coolly “You do not know who you are messing with, I'm not my sister.” Chrysalis became indignant at the insult to her power.

“Your both cut from the same cloth, and I will defeat you as I did your sister, on that botched operation on that damned wedding day.” Chrysalis growled, as she fired several magic darts before following up by teleporting, and kicking her to the floor, throwing a piece of marble wall.

Luna grabbed the wall mid flight using her telekinesis, throwing it back at Chrysalis. Chrysalis did not expect this, and was hit by the wall directly. Soon she was flattened against the roof before falling to the ground with the rubble from the shattered wall. She recovered before she hit the ground, alighting herself, partially healing, before being hit by a bolt of magic, and being sent into the floor.

Chrysalis recovered by teleporting above Luna, firing another six bolts of magic at her. Luna created a shield and reflected the blast back at Chrysalis, and as she did Nightmare moon appeared above Chrysalis, and fired another beam at her, knocking her into her previously fired bolts, and sending her up to Nightmare Moon again. While she was flying upward uncontrollably, she was kicked by Nightmare Moon.

While Nightmare and Luna were distracted, Twilight Shroud had fired a pulse of magic hitting them both. “Chrysalis no wonder you could not beat my former self, you cant even beat one royal sister and her pet. How pathetic. I was wondering where you two went, I guess I found you. Ah ha, ha, ha.” Twilight Shroud mocked. “So you think I'm weak little miss Sombras bitch. guess what? I'll show you, what you doubt.” Chrysalis said before continuing, after she got off of the floor “Luna, Nightmare Moon, I have had enough of this horse... Our battle can wait, but lets remove this cheap imitation of Twilight. Shall we?”

“Who would of thought you'd be the one to offer a truce. Agreed” Luna stated with an authority to her tone “I too will agree to your offer, Chrysalis.” Nightmare Moon added “Well then, we are in accord, we will post bone our battle and take out Sombras wench. This will be fun time to get a little pay back for the bitch that stole my Sombra away. Then he will surely take me back, and I will be his little princess again, yes he will, you will be dead, and no pony can stop me, he will be mine, all mine. Ha, ha, ha, ha.” Chrysalis replied psychotically obsessing over Sombra. Luna looked to the crazed Chrysalis, and thought to herself “I feel sorry for Sombra.

Actually no I don't. Though I will never understand what he saw in her...he...it.” Lunas train of thought was shattered when a blinding bolt of black magic exploded beside her, creating a small singularity sucking everything in a small radius to it. Luckily Luna dodged the blow “Oh your awake your majesty good, I was just making sure. Sombra gave me his treasured spell book as a wedding present, and I learnt a few things. Oops I was not suppose to tell Chrysi, oh well, the cats out of the bag ha, ha, ha.” Chrysalis heard this and became infuriated at the revelation. “YOU LITTLE WHORE.” Chrysalis shouted aggressively, as she shouted her eyes and body began to glow green, and she charged with a blazing fury for Twilight Shroud.

Chrysalis was the first to enter the fight with pure fury. She fired 8 Magical darts followed by another six bolts, and after she fired those. She teleported behind Twilight shroud and attempted to kick her, but Twilight Shroud morphed into a shadow, and the kick passed right through her before Chrysalises own spells hit her.

Twilight Shroud, in her shadow form surrounded chrysalis and released numerous black balls of magic, and after each one had met there mark. She teleported to a safe distance, and said “Detonate.”

Soon after she said this, she saw the balls stuck to chrysalis explode, leaving a black resonance around the injured Chrysalis, and soon the resonance imploded, before exploding once more, creating a giant creator and pushing back the other two alicorns, with its concussive shock wave. “As you can see you are no match for my power, the power of fear and darkness. This is true power, this is the power of the void, this is void magic.” Chrysalis struggled to get up. When she got up she saw Twilights Castle obliterated, and Nightmare Moon and Luna recovering from the explosion.

Chrysalis was amazed that she even survived that devastating blow. She could not understand how Twilight Shroud got so powerful so quickly, but her thoughts were soon answered when Twilight Shroud began to speak.

“Ha, ha, ha, Chrysalis when I married Sombra and mated with him, I was gifted by his power. even now his seed grows inside me, and this foal growing inside of me will be more powerful then Sombra himself. We will be the true rulers of Equestria, the last and only royal family left to rule. We will destroy everypony who stands before us, dungeons will not be needed, peace will be forced on the nations. You could have been apart of that Chrysi, but you chose the wrong side, and now its time to die.” Twilight Shroud stated abruptly, and directly to Chrysalis.

Chrysalis heard what Twilight Shroud said, and as she did her heart broke, and her rage was mighty. She began to levitate chuckling evilly, as she rose 10 green orbs began to rotate around her. Chrysalises eyes began to glow bright emerald, an aura developed, and the ground shattered underneath her. As Nightmare Moon recovered along with Luna, they watched as the transformation began to take over chrysalis, and her magical pressure was almost crushing Luna and Nightmare Moon. The magic felt heavy, it was not only charging Chrysalis, but also draining Luna and Nightmare of their magic.

“Well you may have power, but I have more.” As Chrysalis said this she released a devastating beam of magic that had green lightning forking off of the beam. Twilight Shroud reacted by dodging the blast, but as she did the bolt of magic turned towards her, following whatever direction she went. This surprised Twilight Shroud, but unable to react any further, she was hit by the beam, and sent skyward.

She recovered and used her new found altitude to her advantage, she used the momentum propelling her, caused by the beam, to propel her further skyward, before using the power from the beam to surround her. Before creating four sigils, and diving through them, multiplying her speed, aiming right for Chrysalis. She travelled at such a fast pace that it created a sonic boom. As she punched Chrysalis she used the absorbed power to enhance it. As Chrysalis received the hit in full. She was sent to the ground shattering the floor, leaving a massive smouldering hole in her wake.

“HA, HA, HA, you thought a mediocre parlour trick was power. HA you are no match for me. Sombra, me and my unborn foal, together we are the true rulers of Equestria. The only family worthy of the rank not eve-”

As Twilight shroud was monologuing, a blast of cyan magic broke her sentence, cutting her off. “No you are not a royal, the true Twilight is, your just a pathetic Twin copy of her.” As Nightmare Moon and Luna turned their heads, they were surprised to see Princess Cadence at the ready to engage Twilight Shroud. “Luna, Nightmare Moon, are you okay?” Cadence asked filled with concern “we have pretty much recovered now, as for Chrysalis she will be out for a while.” Luna replied on behalf of Nightmare moon and her “That's good, prepare yourself. This is going to be a long day.

Twilight Shroud its time to remove your tyranny from Equestria. The ponies of Equestria have suffered enough, from you and Sombra.” Cadence stated with authority “you...? defeat me…? The empress of Equestria…? HA, HA, HA. Your power is nothing, you have no right to rule, I will make sure your dear boy Radiant Heart becomes my slave. He will serve me well and I'll force him to watch as his precious Scootaloo gets executed before him, for treason against Sombra.”

“You will not touch my son, or my daughter in law, and you will not rule, you will be executed right here and now, but before I end you, I will force you to remove the curse from Radiant” Cadence Stated with royal authority and the power of love for her son and daughter in law. “You will try.” Twilight Shroud replied with arrogance. As the two alicorns stopped talking cadence Luna Nightmare Moon and Twilight Shroud charged at each other and as they met; the fury of battle erupted between the Shrouded queen, the last ancient sister, the Crystal Empress, and an old villain turned ally.
> Chapter 12 Labyrinth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While cadence, Nightmare Moon, and Luna were in an epic contest with the evil Twilight Shroud. Twilight had lost the mental struggle with Sombra, he had proved too powerful to contest; she had all but lost control. Until Celestia came to her in a spirit form halting everything around her. “My dear Twilight it's not your time yet. I can but only give you one more chance to defeat him. I know you can Twilight. Make your old mentor proud.” After Celestia faded away, Twilight was magicked away into a spirit realm, which Twilight figured was her mind.

Twilight looked around this new dimension, and she noticed a white tree planted in the middle of the courtyard she was standing in. She also noticed that her mind was twisted. She could hear Sombras voice in her mind, echoing on the wind. Twilight returned her sight to the tree, and she noticed it was darkening with each passing second.

She figured that this tree resembled the core of her mind. Twilight knew what she had to do to stop this from happening, she had to find the roots of corruption that Sombra had planted in her mind, and she had to remove them to save herself from Sombras will.

Twilight knew it was not going to be easy. She entered the north entrance to the Labyrinth that her mind had been twisted into. She did not have much time, her minds condition had been gradually worsening, turning into a shrouded landscape desolate of life, with nothing but rooted evil. The sky had been growing darker by the minute, and her inner world was gradually losing its light.

She had noticed 3 beams of red light shooting into the darkening sky. Twilight had deduced that these red beams served as beacons to the roots of corruption that Sombra had planted into her mind.

Twilight began to sprint through the twists and turns as fast as her hooves could carry her, she eventually found a dark crystal surrounded by a wall of red magic. Twilight figured that she had found one of Sombras' seeds of Corruption.

Twilight hesitantly passed through the ring of magic, unsure what to expect from this type of magic. She soon found out when she entered through its threshold. Twilight was suddenly hit by a wave of dark magic, it had been intoxicating, she found it hard to breath, she began to feel heavy, then suddenly Sombra appeared before her. “Twilight why fight? Give into your fear, let it flow, embrace your true potential, let me guide you, embrace the darkness.” Sombra stated with a seducing tone. “N-No, I-I wont give in-in-to you...” Twilight Struggled to say under the oppressing dark energy, before passing out. “So be it Twilight, Contest me all you want. You will fall to my influence, Just like your pathetic brother, and soon, all of Equestria.”

Twilight could not remember passing out, or that she was in her mind, nor could she remember the past. She was in Ponyville again, and life was the same as it always was.

Pinkie was going about her random business, doing something with a trumpet and a party cannon. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were doing the duties as the council of friendship, helping, Lyra and Bon-Bon solve a dispute, Rainbow Dash had been going about her awesome way of handling the weather, Apple Jack was selling cider in the market. Fluttershy was gingerly helping a pair of ducks to a pond, Rarity was in her shop making dresses, Spike was gawking at Rarity.

Twilight approached spike to say hi, but to her surprise, the ponies looked at her with fear, as she walked through Ponyville. Some ran inside, shutting the door, and locking the windows. When Twilight noticed this it peaked Twilights' curiosity. Twilight made it to spike and said “Hello Spike what’s going on, why is everypony hiding?” Spike turned around and had an expression of fear, as he cringed. “ahh-um Empress Sparkle I-I was doing um... nothing at all, I'm just um... standing around, please don't execute me.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Ah Spike? are you feeling alright?”

Spike began to sweat in her presence, the ponies around the area began to all become fearful some trembling in her presence. “I–I am if you want me to be” Twilight replied perplexed. “Why are you acting like this?” Rarity came rushing out of her shop, before speaking with as much fearlessness she could muster. “Twilight I cant let you hurt spikey wikey, if you want to hurt spikey wikey, you will have to go through me!” Rarity began to charge her horn with shaky legs.

Rarity new if she were to fight an alicorn she would lose without Twilight breaking a sweat she had feared for her life. “WHAT'S GOING ON WHY WOULD I HURT MY FRIENDS?!” Twilight replied as she through her hooves in the air, and as she did a nearby Twilight guard said, “That's the sign.” and soon after he said that, two pegasai guards dived from a nearby cloud 1 pouncing on Spike, tackling him to the ground, the other tackling Rarity before saying. “You are under arrest, from order of Empress Sparkle. Empress we have them, we will take them immediately to the dungeon for punishment!” As the guard said this they took off faster then Twilight could speak.

Twilight became confused and began to wonder what was going on? How come they feared her? how come her guard took them away? Twilight thought to herself “what's going on here” Twilight went to her castle and to where the dungeon was, she saw Spike and Rarity in tears, strung up by chains on the wall. “Some Princess of Friendship you turned out to be. I did not know that's what friends do, and you thought my equality was evil.” A voice Twilight remembered all to well, it was Starlight Glimmers' voice. “wait why are you here, aren't we friends?” Twilight asked confused “HA, HA, you are such a comedian. is this one of your strange and sinister ways to torture me, does my sadness make you happy Twilight? As if I could be friends with a tyrant, I prefered Sombra he was a good king. You rule with an iron fist, just like your mentor Celestia. You and your dear mentor killed the only good rulers we had, Queen Luna and King Sombra.” Starlight replied snarkily, before spitting at Twilight.

Twilight could remember faintly, the great battle that unfolded with Luna and Sombra. She could faintly remember driving her pink sword through Sombras chest, and burning down the castle they resided in. “Your lying, Sombra was evil, he was a tyrant.” Starlight glimmer replied with a tone of disbelief “you keep believing that your highness. You have no friends, you will die alone, and when you do, I will dance on your grave. If you're even given one. Still don't believe me, why don't you ask Apple Jack, I'm sure she will be honest.” As she finished her sentence, two guards took her away.

Twilight thought to herself. “I need to find out what's going on, this does not make sense.” Twilight began to go to sweet apple acres wearing a black hood, to avoid being Recognised. Once Twilight made it to Sweet Apple Acres she found Apple Jack bucking apples, and she asked Apple Jack altering her voice with magic. “I'm new in town, and I was wondering is it true, that Twilight is evil, and that she killed her mentor, Luna, and Sombra?” AJ replied to Twilight “Sur'nough Stranger.” Twilight replied “Thank you, I best be going.” After Twilight replied she galloped off, cloak waving in the air. “Strange gal” Apple Jack thought to herself.

After Twilight entered the Everfree with full belief that she was a tyrant, and that she had no friends. She heard a voice that sounded familiar to her “you have no friends, No one to care for you. You killed your mentor, you don't know how to rule justly, I can teach you. Just submit to me, you will have more friends, you will be the best ruler Equestria has ever seen. If you don't believe me let me show you what you could be, if you obey me.” Soon after the voice that Twilight could not remember left her mind, she saw an image of the ponies of Equestria, treating her as they treated Celestia in her mind, with love and friendship, and her friends were her friends again.

Twilight had been feeling alone, and not herself in the current state the ponies viewed her as. She desperately wanted her friends back. “Embrace your fear, close your eyes, goto that place where you feel safe, tell yourself you'll be fine, obey my will and you will receive all that you desire, submit to my voice, let me take your pain away, don't fight any more, go to sleep. Let me look after your problems.” Twilight began to allow herself to be lulled into submission by the voice when another voice entered her mind. “Twilight don't listen, it's a trap” then the first voice sounded again.

“Are you sure you don't want to listen, it's the only way to get your dear friends back, and the respect you deserve, as the only appointed heir to the throne. Isn't that what Celestia wanted for you? She wanted you to be the just ruler, she taught you to be. You don't want to disappoint your mentor right? so why don't you let me take the reigns of mentor, and teach you the way? All you have to do, is close your eyes, trust my words and tell yourself you will be fine, obey my instructions, lower your defences, let me in, follow my voice.” then the second voice entered her mind again “Listen to the voice carefully, remember who it is you must defeat? Who is your real enemy.”

Then first voice echoed in her mind again “why would you listen to a voice you scarcely recognise? maybe its Sombra? maybe he is trying to corrupt you? you should listen to me Twilight. I'm your friend, not your enemy.” then all of her friends started speaking in her mind chanting “follow him, listen to him, obey him.” Twilight collapsed to the ground, reaching to her head in attempt to stop the many voices running in her mind. The second voice echoed again in a motherly tone. “Twilight Listen to my voice, and only mine. Who are you? What are you doing? Who is your enemy? Remember me Twilight, you must!”

Twilight tried to concentrate on the voice that was speaking to her, but it was masked out by the thousands of voices chanting in her mind, then Twilight spoke in a tone unlike her own, it was all most drone like. “I have no name, my enemy is Luna, Nightmare Moon, Cadence, and all who oppose Sombras sovereignty, all hail Sombra, his rule is Eternal.”After Twilight finished speaking she began to develop smoke like wisps in the corners of her eyes. Twilight started to plummet to darkness, the second voice shouted, briefly snapping Twilight out of her trance. “TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT, NO. I'M COMING, HOLD ON.” Twilight struggled to reply in her normal tone. “H-hurry I cant withstand his... his influence any-anymore.”