After many years of neglect and mistreatment, a seed of hatred was born in the heart of a baby dragon. From that hatred, Spike attained the power of the Eclipse Dragon, but it is not enough to slake the rage that clings to his very soul. He desires the complete destruction of Equestria to make the ponies pay for what they have done to him. He will use everything in his power to see them suffer. It is up to Twilight and her friends to stop his plans from coming to fruition. And perhaps, they will reach out to the kind friend that they once knew.
A full moon hangs in a starry sky, blanketing all of Equestria in a dark world. Haunting white light bathes down on the forest floor, casting a long, serpentine shadow amongst the trees. Standing in the clearing is a large dragon whose violet scales almost appear black, blending him in with the night. The beast has a pair of wings, each giving off a light of their own.
To his right, the wing has a golden glow to it, its scales are inlaid with the precious metal. It is as if the entirety of the sun is encased in that wing. Meanwhile the left has a more haunting remnants to it, like the ghastly light of the full moon.
The eclipse dragon looks upwards at the night sky, emerald eyes filled with concern. He looks around the wooded landscape, finding frost accumulating among the trees. The local creatures appear to tremble from the frigid air that plagues their land. Rodents and birds alike take to the trees and huddle together with the warmth.
“It has been four days,” Spike the Eclipse speaks in a whisper. “The sun has not risen, and the world is starting to feel the effects of eternal night. If this continues all life will cease. But the sun will not rise so long as it is within me.”
He looks down at his claws, the beautiful obsidian scales.
“I finally have all the power that I want,” he sounds saddened, “But it means nothing if the world cannot survive. I have no other choice…”
Holding his left claw aloft, he aims it for the sky. Narrowing his eyes, he focuses on the moon hanging before him. Slowly, it begins to descend, falling over the horizon. The world becomes darker and darker as he lowers it from sight. Once it disappears, everything is swallowed by darkness.
And then, a small sliver of light breaks through the veil. It starts as a small ball, but slowly grows bigger by the minute. Gently, Spike tosses it up into the air, and it continues to float upwards. The ball expands even larger, while the light from his right wing fades. Black skies turn blue, as sunlight pours over the world again.
Down on the earth, Spike is down on his knees, panting heavily and clutching his chest.
In Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle looks concerned as the sun suddenly appears. She leaves from her balcony, vanishing in a bright flash of pink light. Reappearing in the throne room, she paces to and fro.
“I hope that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are alright,” she says to no one in particular. “Maybe with the sun finally rising I will find them.”
Suddenly the door bursts open and Rainbow Dash storms in a blue blur. The Pegasus soars through the air, nearly crashing into the chandelier, but manages to drop out of the air in time. She finds the table as a landing pad, falling down in a sprawling fashion.
“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing here?”
“Twilight,” she jumps to her hooves. “You got to come, now!”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“Just come on!”
Rainbow Dash soars behind her friend and starts to push out of the castle. Eventually, the alicorn starts to walk on her own and is led into town. Near the town hall, a bunch of ponies have gathered in a circle. In the crowd, they can see Pinkie Pie bouncing around, though not in her normal bubbly way. Fluttershy is also nearby, floating just over the others.
The two ponies push themselves through the crowd, and Twilight is shocked to see the princess on the ground. She appears extremely battered. Scrapes cover her coat. Her wing is bent at an odd angle. Twigs and dirt coats her rainbow mane.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight Sparkle shouts in shock.
Running to her mentor, she finds that Celestia is conscious, but weakly looks up at her former pupil.
“What happened?” Twilight asks.
“It, it was Spike,” she says, struggling to get back to her hooves.
Princess Twilight rushes to her side, lending a wing as Celestia falls onto her. Again, Celestia tries to stand, finding more stable hoofing. She forces a smile on her face.
“Is there anything we can do, our highness,” the mayor appears in the crowd.
“I just,” she winces, “I just need some rest. If you excuse me.”
Limping, she parts the crowd of ponies, who all share the look of concern as Princess Twilight. She chases after the princess.
Out of the earshot of others, she asks, “What do you mean it was Spike?”
“He attacked Luna and I,” Princess Celestia stumbles, but remains standing. “I have never seen such ferocity from any-pony before. He tried to steal mine and my sister’s magic.”
“What?” Twilight looks in disbelief, “What happened to Princess Luna.”
Lowering her head, Celestia closes her eyes to hide the tears from her pupil, “My sweet, little sister, why did you sacrifice yourself for me? I, I am so sorry.”
Suddenly, she collapses to the ground, tears streaming down her face. As much as she tries to hide it, the despair is clear on her face, the bitter anguish. Burying her tears in her hooves, Celestia suddenly feels a soft wing touch her. Looking up, she finds Princess Twilight at her side, a wary smile on her muzzle.
“We’ll save her,” she speaks kindly to Celestia. “I promise…”
“Twilight Sparkle,” she starts to sway, the world spinning. “Thank…you…”
Once more, the princess collapses.
Later that evening, Twilight Sparkle and the others are gathered around the crystal table. Each is sitting in their thrones, with Starlight Glimmer occupying Spike’s.
“How is the princess?” Fluttershy asks.
“She is sleeping,” Twilight says, “It would seem that Spike is the one responsible for her condition, and for Luna’s disappearance.”
“That no good varmint,” Apple Jack pounds her hoof on the table.
Rarity looks disheartened, “I still can’t believe that little dragon could be capable of all this destruction.”
“It gets worse,” Twilight says sternly. “It seems that Spike is looking to turn all dragons against us.”
“If the dragons went to war with us,” Starlight says, “It would lead to the fall of Equestria.”
“What do we do?” Fluttershy speaks just above a whisper.
“We go on the attack,” Rainbow Dash puts both hooves on the table.
“Listen, sugar cube, I don’t think that—”
“No Apple Jack, she’s right,” Twilight cuts in.
“What?” the others say in unison.
“We need to take the initiative,” the princess says. “We will head to the Dragon Lands and speak with Dragon Lord Ember. Hopefully she will still be on our side.”
“Is that safe darling?” Rarity asks.
“I hope so,” Twilight smiles, “Because I want you to come with me.”
“Me? Why?”
“You came with me to the Dragon Lands,” she says. “Another familiar face would be better for negotiations.”
“Well, if it will help us, I suppose I could go with you,” Rarity looks a bit nervous. “Although I’ll have to pick out the right outfit.”
Somewhere in the frozen north, a dark figure lurks toward the Crystal Empire. Smoke seems to pour off the scaly body of the dragon. Emerald green eyes look up to the towering crystal statue that depicts a hero that saved the entire empire.
“I was considered a hero to them,” Spike chuckles. “Such a childish notion. It only made me arrogant to the fact that I was no better than a pet to these ponies. We will see if they look on me with the same kind eyes.”
Passing his own statue, the shadow dragon slithers toward the crystal heart sitting out in the open. As he approaches, two stallion guards step in his way, looking at the blackened beast with concerned gazes.
“What business do you have here, stranger?” the one says, unrecognizing the dragon they idolize.
Holding his hands up, he grins, “Tell Princess Cadence that Spike is here to surrender.”
The moon rises for another night, and shines its ghastly glow through the barred window. Spike looks out at the nightly sky, a small grin creeping on his draconic mouth. He finds a comfortable bed in the hay on the prison floor. The emerald eyes seem to be getting heavy, but they flash open when he hears a heavy iron door swing open. Slowly rising from his bed, he sees that Shining Armor has graced his presence, standing on the other side of the bars.
“What do I owe the honor?” Spike says with a smile.
“Silence your tongue, fiend,” Shining scowls at the dragon. “What are you planning?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Why did you surrender?”
Spike smiles, “You ponies have proven that I am no match if you work together. You and your wife made that abundantly clear in Ponyville.”
“I will be watching you…”
Shrugging, the shadow dragon walks back to his hay bed, “Watch as much as you wish, but I am quite tired. Say goodnight to the princess for me. Oh, and your sweet child.”
As the dragon curls up in his bed, the stallion storms out of the dungeon. The door slams shut behind him with a rusted screech. Closing his eyes, Spike falls into a trance-like sleep. In the depths of his dreams, he finds himself standing in the midst of a forest. Towering before him is a huge castle left in ruins. Roots have taken refuge within the stone halls and moss crawls up the walls. Walking inside, Spike stands in the Castle of the Two Sisters, finding it as decrepit as its real world counterpart.
Yet in the throne room, there appears to be more life in the dream world. Banners depicting a nightmarish alicorn line the walls. Torches spew sapphire flames, basking the interior in a haunting light.
“It must be in here,” he says aloud, searching vigilantly. “Somewhere…”
Climbing the steps up to the throne, a broad smile reaches his fanged face. Rather than a seat of power, it is a prison. Chains hang from the floor and ceiling, ensnaring a creature within the dream realm. It is a living shadow taking the form of a regal alicorn. A starry body thrashes against its restraints without any yield of the bindings.
“Tantabus,” Spike says aloud.
Suddenly the creature turns in his direction, and attempts to attack, but the chains pull taught.
“Rage,” he smiles, “I know that feeling all too well. But it will do you no good to lash out at everything that you come across.”
The Tantabus stops its thrashing, staring at the dragon that infiltrates its domain.
“You must focus that anger to a goal. I will offer you freedom, but only if you lend me your power.”
He watches with a broaden smile as the creature nods.
“Good…”
Unfurling his sharpened claws, he slashes at the cuffs, breaking the bindings. The Tantabus shakes off the remaining chains, and proceeds to leap into the shadow dragon. Starry night merges with burning darkness. Laughter erupts from the combined beast. The talons on his hand turn an eerie violet and slashes through the air. It creates a rift in space. Transforming into a wisp of black, it dives into the opening.
And emerges in a dream world of the Crystal Empire, taking the shape of the dragon once more. Searching, the beast snakes across the land, until it finds the only pony in this dimension. Spike finds Princess Cadence, yet she has taken the form of a more youthful version of herself, back when she sat for Twilight Sparkle. The little alicorn is alone, quietly sitting on a swing set.
Appearing before her, he takes on the form of his ponied version. A black colt with a fiery red horn and blazing emerald eyes. Casually, he trots over to her, finding an empty space on the swing next to her.
“Who are you?” she fails to recognize him.
“I am Thorn,” he says. “And you are Princess Cadence, correct?”
She nods.
“You miss having the freedom to do as you please?”
She nods again, “I am grateful for everything that I have, but it does get busy. Sometimes I wish I could be a filly again.”
“But those days are gone, you have a daughter, after all.”
She smiles, “Yes.”
“She seems to be a handful, all that destruction at a young age. And it only will get worse, you know.”
“No,” Cadence shakes her head, “Sunburst took care of that for us.”
A smile snakes on his face, “Do you truly believe that hack of a wizard is capable of containing the powers of an alicorn? It will not last. Her power will grow uncontrollably, and that, my dear, will be her undoing.”
“What do you mean?” Cadence scowls, her filly self rapidly ages to her adult form.
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he states, climbing off the swing. “She will use that power to harm others, even those you love.”
“No, you don’t know that,” she shakes her head. “Flurry Heart is just a baby.”
“King Sombra was just an innocent babe once upon a time. History has a way of repeating the same actions. I am afraid the seed of destruction has already been planted in your daughter. But, there is a way to stop her.”
“How?”
The shadow dragon chuckles under his breath as the Tantabus splits from his body, snaking just behind him. It slithers like a serpent around Cadence, swirling in anticipation.
“Let it in…”
At once the Tantabus attacks…
In the dead of night, Princess Cadence awakens from her bed, leaving her husband sound asleep, neighing peacefully to himself. Meanwhile, his beloved wife hypnotically walks down the hall. Slowly, she pushes open a hoof to the baby’s room. As she stands in the moonlight, her coat turns to a dark shade of purple. Stars dance across her mane. Suddenly, armor materializes all over her body. She smiles, her teeth sharpened to fine points. Nightmare Cadence stands over the crib of her daughter, a fearsome smile falls over her face.
Back in the bedroom, Shining Armor is awakened by the crying of Flurry Heart. He leaps from the bed, and storms through the halls to the bedroom. There, he sees a dark figure holding his daughter by means of dark magic.
“Let go of her!”
He fires a beam of blue light at the intruder, striking her in the chest, and knocking free the baby alicorn. As she falls, he makes a desperate dive for his daughter. Managing to encase her in a small sphere she bounces harmless off the ground, giving him enough time to catch her in his hooves. Putting her on his back, he stares down the attacker, who has gotten back up.
“Let go of her, my love,” the attacker says, her tone split, “She will be the destruction of us all.”
Looking hard, Shining Armor gets a sinking feeling, “Cadence?”
“Hand our daughter over to me,” she says in a dark voice. “She is too dangerous to let be left alone.”
He shakes his head, “Honey, you are not thinking clearly.”
A flash of anger runs across her eyes as they glow a soft crimson. Opening her wings, she takes flight, blasting a hole through the ceiling. Shining Armor goes after, standing out under the moonlight. A barrier on his back protects his beloved daughter. Meanwhile, her mother is aloft, circling the two. From above comes a violet-pink beam of energy that strikes inches from him. It crafts a crater that drives feet below the crystal.
Looking back to his daughter, who has settled down, Shining Armor says, “I have to get her out of here.”
Running at full gallop, he dodges the energy beams from above, as the onslaught continues. He turns one direction, but a ray slices in front of him, so he turns in another direction. Another beam shoots too closely, nearly hitting Flurry Heart. Shining Armor stomps his hoof and turns to face his wife, who attacks again. This time, he throws up a magical shield that repels the spell back. It misses her, but delays her next strike, giving him time to escape.
“Maybe that will do it.”
Turning in direction, he makes his way toward the palace once more. Swooping down from the sky does Nightmare Cadence give chase. Beams of energy rocket closely to her husband, but he manages to avoid them by inches. He runs faster, only until his wife slams her hoofs to the earth. Blackened crystals shoot upwards and block off his path. Turning back, he sees her approaching, her horn aghast in a blood red light.
“Cadence, please stop…”
The nightmare version of his beloved roars in rage, firing a blast aimed for him and their child. Closing his eyes, he puts up a shield that intercepts the attack. That is when a bright blue light shines forth, as the Crystal Heart starts to spin wildly. The light envelops him. A dome appears from his body, and slams against Cadence, propelling her away. She is sent flying from the Crystal Empire. Shining Armor watches his wife disappear, and a single tear falls from his eyes.
Nightmare Cadence is caught in a snowdrift several miles outside the empire. Furiously, she blasts a hole in the snow.
“You lack the power to stop her,” a voice hisses.
“Who is there?” Nightmare Cadence looks around.
From a mound of snow, the shadow dragon emerges, free from his prison, “I can give you the power to fulfill your wishes.”
“You can?”
“Yes, but come with me, there are some matters I need to take care of…”
In the dead of night, the two villains sit out under the full moon. Howling winter winds blow frost and ice all about them, yet it does not manage to penetrate the magical field that encompasses them. Nightmare Cadence has a crazed grin on her face, seemingly eager while the Shadow Dragon Spike sits idly by, watching as shards of crystalized snow bombards his shield.
“So when will we be going back to the Crystal Empire?” Cadence demands.
“Patience, sweet Cadence,” Spike gives her a solemn nod. “There is much preparation needed before we attack the empire. I will need you to go to the Dragon Lands and head off the ponies.”
“The Dragon Lands?” she does not seem amused. “Why do you want me so far out there?”
“No doubt Celestia has told Twilight of my attack,” he contemplates. “The ponies are probably heading there now to warn Dragon Lord Ember of my arrival. I will not take back the dragons without my power being fully restored. I’m going to need you to distract Twilight and her friends, drive them back to Ponyville.”
“And if I do this, you will give me the power I need?”
“It is Twilight Sparkle that has the power you seek,” Spike lies. “She is just another usurper of your empire. She is just as much a threat to your rule as your daughter.”
“You’re right,” Nightmare Cadence says, opening her wings.
“Then take flight, my dear. Head them off before it is too late.”
“And what about you?”
“There is something in the Everfree Forest that I must find…”
Twilight and Rarity are on their journey toward the Dragon Lands. Even with her wings, the princess has chosen to walk alongside her friend. Rarity is disheveled, a pack on her back seems to slow their progress.
The landscape has shifted from the grassy plains of Equestria to the staggering rock formations. There is some vegetation, but most of the area is a rocky wasteland. Walking by a crack in the earth, steam shoots out, nearly striking the Princess of Friendship. She leaps back, knocking into Rarity and has the unicorn slide into the dirt. Rarity leaps back to her hooves, looking disgusted at the filth clinging to her coat.
“How filthy,” she shoots a look at Twilight. “Must we really travel this way? Couldn’t you just teleport us to the Dragon Lands?”
“If only,” she sighs, “But my teleportation spell only works if I can see where I’m going.”
“Then why didn’t you ask Rainbow Dash to come,” Rarity dusts herself off. “This dust is just dreadful, and it is everywhere.”
“Rarity we don’t have time for this,” Twilight insists. “I asked you to come because you have already been to the Dragon Lands with me.”
“I know, but…”
“Please, Rarity, I need someone on this,” Twilight says.
“Darling,” she walks over to her friend, “Do you still believe you can save Spike?”
Twilight Sparkle puts her head down, “I don’t know. I kept thinking I could get to him, make him remember that we are friends. But, the more I think about it, maybe I wasn’t a good friend at all.”
“Well, it isn’t too late to try and reach out,” Rarity puts a hoof on her friend. “I know that somewhere, deep down, Spike still thinks of you as his friend. Even if his pride doesn’t want to show it.”
“Thanks Rarity, I really need it.”
Both girls share a smile, but it is short lived when a beam of energy strikes the earth by their hooves, kicking up rocks and debris. Twilight looks up just in time as another magical blast comes rocketing toward them. A violet dome is thrown in front of them, causing the beam to splash harmlessly away from them. The girls look to the sky, seeing an alicorn hovers overhead.
“Is that, Princess Cadence?” Rarity.
Twilight squints, shielding her eyes against the sun, but she sees the darkened form of a familiar friend and sister-in-law.
“Stay here, Rarity.”
Taking flight, Twilight rises to meet the other princess. Immediately, she takes note of the darkened appearance, putting her on guard.
“Cadence, what are you doing here? And what’s with the look?”
“Twilight Sparkle,” Nightmare Cadence glares. “Are you here to cut me down and steal my throne?”
“What? No, we are here to warn Dragon Lord Ember.”
“Lie all you want, but I have been shown the truth. If I want the Crystal Empire to survive, the alicorns must be eliminated.”
Her horn becomes illuminated in the pink light as she fires a ray from it. Twilight spins out of the way, avoiding another attack in the process. She dives from the clouds, whirling around to deliver a magical attack of her own. It strikes the side of Nightmare Cadence’s helmet, but does not seem to bother the darkened alicorn.
Down below, Rarity is helpless as she watches a light show. Two alicorn princesses do battle in the air, exchanging bolts of magic, but neither appears to yield. With the sun at their backs, they charge straight ahead, firing a magical beam at one another simultaneously. Beams clash in a furious display of magic. From the center of the bombardment, the magic rebounds, causing an explosion that swallows up both princesses.
“Twilight!” Rarity shouts.
From the smoke that lingers in the sky, she sees a purple alicorn fall a few feet before her wings open up again. She coughs out the smog she inhaled, and shakes the dust from her body.
“I’m alright, Rarity.”
“Not for long…”
In a flash of magic, Nightmare Cadence appears just above her with magic already building at the tip of her horn. Laughter escapes her lips as she slams it onto Twilight Sparkle’s back. It slams the princess to the ground like a meteor hitting the earth. It creates a crater, breaking up the ground from the impact. Rarity runs over to her friend, but suddenly a flash of light makes her stop. Nightmare Cadence careens downwards, forming a mock cone in front of her as she slams into the fallen Twilight. The resulting blast propels Rarity backwards.
When the dust clears there is an even deeper crater. Poking her head over the edge, the unicorn looks down to see Nightmare Cadence standing over the fallen Twilight Sparkle. She has a hoof on her former sister-in-law, and a magic spell illuminating her horn. There is a crazed look in her eye.
No, she is really going to do it, Rarity looks around nervously. I have to stop her. I have to get Twilight out of there. Oh if I only knew that teleportation spell. Come on, Rarity, I’ve seen Twilight do it hundreds of times before. If I don’t do it, my friend will…
Just as the nightmarish pony brings the death blow, a white unicorn magically appears nearby in flash of blue light. The unicorn looks absolutely terrified as she grabs Twilight Sparkle, and disappears again.
Not too far from the crater, Rarity has Twilight on her back, and is going on a full-out gallop toward Ponyville. From afar, Nightmare Cadence watches. Although Rarity does not look back, the red light of the spell casts its glow over the landscape.
Back at Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle wakes up in her bed. Opening her eyes, she finds that she is surrounded by her friends and mentor, Princess Celestia. Sitting up sends a wave of pain over her body, making her wince. She realizes that parts of her body have been bandaged up.
“Glad to see you awake, Sugarcube.”
“How did I end up here?”
“I brought you back, darling,” Rarity says. “Cadence acted like a complete brute.”
“Cadence!” Twilight sits up in bed, “What happened to her.”
“I ran out of there as fast as I could darling, so I don’t know.”
Celestia speaks, “I sensed a strange, yet familiar magic out in the Dragon Land. I’m afraid that the same presence that turned my sister into Nightmare Moon has taken ahold of Cadence.”
“The Tantabus?” Twilight looks at them, “I thought we got rid of it.”
“It would seem someone has brought it back.”
“And I reckon I can guess which foul lizard done did that,” Apple Jack says.
Twilight looks disheartened, “Spike…”
Out in the Everfree Forest, the shadow dragon finds himself lurking among the trees. He has stopped his journey as a number of Timber Wolves surround him. The branched beast growls, but Spike is not amused at the pack.
“I don’t have time for this…”
The largest in the pack lunges at him, and in an instant the shadow dragon obliterates the creature, sending twigs and grass sprawling on the forest floor. The other wolves seemingly back off, their ears tilted down in fright. The shadow dragon continues moving forward.
Soon enough, he finds himself in a rocky cavern. At the center is a small pool of water. When he approaches, Spike sees the darkened dragon that he has become, which brings a scowl to his face.
“Only a mere shadow of what I am supposed to be.”
His tail slithers toward the reflective pool, dipping gingerly into it. Suddenly, the pool blackens as the crystal clear water becomes polluted with dark magic.
“That shall change, but I need the former faces first.”
The water starts to bubble as a pony emerges from the mirror pool. Draped in a dark gray coat, his emerald eyes look out on the world. A fiery red mane is short, yet flowing. Once out of the water, he shakes off, drying his coat.
“Thorn Eclipse,” the shadow dragon says.
“You bring me back to the world, for what purpose?”
“In due time. For now, we have another to join us.”
Again the pool starts to bubble uncontrollably. It splashes out, forcing the dragon and pony to back away. The ground starts to quake as a giant skeletal arm bursts through the water. Violet tendrils bind the bones together. Pulling itself free, the dragon skull breaks the surface, liquid dripping from its lower jaw. Empty sockets are filled with emerald orbs glow fiercely. The shadow looks onwards with an evil grin as his undead counterpart rears back its head, spewing flames into the sky.
The emerald flames ebb from sight, as the skeletal behemoth lowers its jaw, looking down on the pony that stands near the reflective pool. Thorn Eclipse turns his head from the undead dragon a few feet away to the shadowy creature that has summoned them from the magical waters. A tall, serpentine body spews darkness from its body. Eyes appear hollow, giving off a white glow that makes him all the more monstrous. Cracks forming along the jaw creates the mouth and fangs.
“So this is what we have become,” the pony scowls, looking at the shadow dragon.
“You sound disappointed,” Spike hisses, his tail strikes the dirt.
Thorn stamps his hoof, “All the power I possess, and you cast it all away for some foolish pride?”
“It was not pride that made you disappear,” the shadow dragon growls, “It was the spell. You were too unstable to maintain, which brought this hulking creature into existence.”
The skeletal dragon only growls at the comment. Green steam slithers from between his jaws.
Thorn looks to the undead beast, and then back to his shadowy self, “That may be the case, but you are hardly any threat in that form. Celestia would be able to handle you easily.”
“Which is where you two will come in,” Spike hisses, as he starts to walk up to the pony that is in his presence. “Thorn, you will rendezvous with our pet alicorn to wreak havoc on Ponyville. Meanwhile I shall sneak back north to the Crystal Empire. I will need a certain changeling to teach me the ways of harvesting magic.”
Again, Thorn Eclipse stamps his hoof against the ground, causing a slight tremor in the earth, “You waste time with your plots, because I have that very power you seek. Who is it that you seek to pilfer.”
“I will not rely on the powers of others,” Spike snarls, “You are nothing but a mirror to remind me of my failure. You will do as I say, or I shall send you back into that puddle!”
Thorn shakes his head, “I say that draconic pride of yours has made you blind. You forget the kind of power that I possess. I will not go down so easily, even if I am just the product of a spell.”
“And I think you forget that you could break apart at any moment.”
Suddenly, a smile crosses the pony’s muzzle, “I think I have found the perfect binding agent…”
Green light flashes from the tip of his horn as he swings his head. Magical energy sweeps through the air, striking the shadow dragon square in the chest. It propels the serpent across the forest where he slams into a tree. Behind him, the blackened wood topples to the floor, sending dirt sailing in a cloud. Through the veil a shadow emerges. Smoke spews from his maw, as blackened flames spit through the air.
“You think you can do better than me?” Spike growls, “You have already lost.”
The shadow dragon rips through the dust cloud, taking to the air as wings burst through the blackened scales on his back. Taking flight, he breaks through the roof of twisting branches, finding the bright sun to cast down upon him. Soaring through the clouds, he circles around before coming back to the earth. Folding his wings into his body, the air starts to form around him in a white haze. As he cuts through the trees again, he meets an unaware Thorn. Darkness explodes when they collide, sending a ring of grays stretching up toward the heavens. The force levels the trees, sending bombarding splinters to scatter throughout the Everfree Forest.
Spike lands gracefully on the open field that he has created, the wings sink back into his body. A growl slips through his mouth as he sees that the unicorn remains standing. Surrounding the pony is a green bubble that has a shard of it missing as if it were crafted from emerald glass. Thorn winces as a red line has slashed across his right eye, forcing it shut.
“I suppose you could call that the Dark Rain-Boom,” Spike chuckles.
“You claim to be full of dragon pride, but you still cling to memories of them,” Thorn snarls. “That attack is proof enough.”
The shadow dragon snorts, “A simple similarity does not mean I share any sentiment with them. I plan on rejecting all ponies, even you. You are nothing more than a tool, a means to an end.”
“You best be careful to wield a tool you cannot handle.”
“You best not forget you are not the only tool I hold.”
Thorn sees a shadow loom over him, begging him to look upwards. White skeletal claws block out the sun as the undead behemoth brings its down. Suddenly, it is blocked by a large red hand as the tiny pony explodes into a towering centaur. Tirek meets the undead brute strength, pushing the dragon backwards. As they lock in combat, the large beast opens its skeletal jaw, and green flames strike Tirek in the face. He roars in pain, but the red hot glowing orb between his orbs grows bigger. Forcing away the agony of his flesh being burnt, Thorn slams his skull against that of the dragon. When their heads collide he shoots out a beam of energy which pummels the creature into the earth.
As he stands over the skeletal remains, he watches as it bursts forth, tackling the centaur. Thorn his pinned under the behemoth as flames gather in its mouth.
“You cannot defeat the power of a dragon,” he hears Spikes words through the vicious roar of the beast.
Flames spew forth, but as the shadow dragon watches his former self be obliterated, there is a strange moment. It appears that the event taking place has a slight stall, a momentary blip in the flow of flames. As it strikes the ground, it scorches the dirt, leaving nothing but blackness. In that nothing does it make the shadow dragon look gravely concerned.
“Dragons are unparalleled for their brute strength,” Spike hears approaching hooves. “But they sorely lack in their capabilities to plan, to think quickly in the heat of battle.”
“H-How?” Spike sounds rattled.
“From absorbing Starlight, I learned that handy time-travel spell,” Thorn explains. “I decided to modify it a little. Rather than reverse the flow of time, I just simply stopped it. For a moment, at least.”
“Enough of this,” he looks to his undead self, “Destroy him.”
But the behemoth does not move.
“He won’t do you any good,” Thorn answers.
Holding up a hoof, the unicorn holds a green glowing orb that dances like a little flame. It flickers in an out of existence. When his horn glows the same shade, the ball disappears.
“I separated his soul from that body,” the unicorn explains. “No more of that bag of bones interfering. It is just the two of us now.”
“That is fine,” the shadow dragon roars, “I don’t need anyone!”
As his voice strikes through the heavens, the shadows around them seem to gather, using the dragon as a focal point. The shade seems to leap from the ground where they linger, gathering between his claws. It builds to the size of his head. That is when he opens his maw, stretching it to the point where it could become unhinged. Thorn watches from a distance as the shadow dragon devours the ball of darkness.
All of a sudden the wings burst from his back again. He begins to expand, growing nearly twice the size he was in a matter of seconds. The whites of his eyes turn emerald as the same light emits from his body, spiraling between his scales as the malefic dragon finally reopens is maw and flames sweep out over the landscape.
Before they reach the pony, he is airborne, the fire flow harmlessly underneath him. From his back alicorn wings have sprouted from his back, giving him flight.
“Become as big and powerful as you want, foolish dragon,” Thorn mocks. “You will never defeat me.”
The shadow dragon snarls. When he pushes off the ground to take flight, it creates a crater under its claws. All the pony sees is a black blur as the fangs are nearly upon him. He soars out of the way, but the jaws manage to clamp down on one of his wings. Before he falls, magic encases his body, sending him back into the skies.
Flames try to meet him in the air, but Thorn evades the attack. He answers with a magical beam of his own, but it appears to do nothing against the hide. The shadow dragon then drops to the ground, keeping a keen green eye on his target. Digging his claws into the earth, he lets out a ferocious roar. It causes the very land to tremble in fear. Darkness seems to rain down upon the earth, making the trees bend and break under the weight of it all. It even drives the floating pony from the skies, crushing him under the weight of an intensified gravity. As the unicorn attempts to clamber to its hooves, the dark beast approaches, standing over him.
“It looks like I win.”
The gravity increases, burying the pony into the ground. Meanwhile flames build in the back of the dark dragon before being let loose into the hole. An emerald inferno blasts downwards to the point it creates an explosion, sending dirt and debris back up out of the crevice. When the dust clears, Spike looks in to find an unmoving pony. It lays on its back, hooves in the air. There is no life in its eyes.
He smiles triumphantly, but that disappears when bones clasp tightly around his chest, squeezing the life out of him. Spike looks horrifically into the glowing green eyes of his undead self. The beast opens its titanic mouth, showing rows of razor sharp teeth.
“I. Win.”
Pain fall over the shadow dragon as the magic is ripped from his body, being devoured into the stomach-less pit of the creature. As the black energy is drained away, he shrinks in the clutches of his foe. With what is left after consuming the dragon, the skeletal behemoth tosses the husk to the ground, and proceeds to crawl over to the hole. It seems to spew out the collected energy into the grave.
From the crevice, Thorn Eclipse rises forth like one of the undead. The gray stallion walks over to the remains of the shadow dragon, who has become nothing more than a little purple lizard with green scales. He twists his neck, cracking a few vertebras.
“You really hurt me with that last attack,” he says with a grin. “Too bad I transferred my soul into the empty vessel. Now the power of darkness is mine.”
Spike looks up weakly, “How. Could you. Beat me?”
“You forgotten that I am not alone,” the dark stallion answers. “Six villains reside within me, six minds working in chaos. I will always be six steps ahead of you, you who is all alone.”
“Just, just finish me,” the baby dragon looks away.
“No,” he answers. “I want you to run, run for your life. Run back to Twilight Sparkle and beg for forgiveness…”
The baby dragon picks himself up, looking meekly at the pony that has bested him. With tears in his eyes, he runs away.
Thorn looks back to the empty vessel of the skeletal behemoth. Lifting his hoof, the flame appears and gently floats toward the bones. Light fills the empty sockets as the dragon roars with life. It towers behind the pony.
“I want you to follow him,” he orders the bones. “Wait until he gets back to Ponyville, and then kill him, kill every one of them.”
Trees are pushed aside as if they were no more than pesky twigs in the path of the colossal creature as it marches through the Everfree Forest. Upon the back of the giant undead dragon is Thorn Eclipse, his hooves entwined by the violet tendrils that hold the skeletal body together. The pony appears to be lost in a deep sleep, his body cradled against the jetting spines. As another mighty oak comes crashing down to the forest floor, the behemoth stops in a clearing. Standing taller that he is a decrepit castle. Towers have been worn, either through age or battle it is not clear to see. When the dragon halts, its glowing sockets look downward to see an alicorn standing at the unguarded gates to the palace.
She is draped in shadow, her coat a luscious violet with a tinge of crimson. A colorful mane is sprinkled with starlight and appears to be caught in an invisible breeze flowing gently on the air. Golden armor garnishes her chest and head, allowing enough space for her horn to protrude through. Deep violet eyes with serpent slits gaze up at the hulking colossus.
“Princess,” she hears Thorn Eclipse’s voice resonate in her head.
“Whose there?” she stamps her hoof, not recognizing the voice.
“Oh Princess, forgive me for not showing myself sooner…”
As the sun hangs in the sky, the behemoth casts a long shadow that blankets Nightmare Cadence and most of the clearing. In the gray blanket, a black distortion rises into the three-dimensional plane. The alicorn takes a protective step back, but watches the object stretch into the shape of a unicorn. The shadowy pony opens its eyes, seeing that they are nothing more than glowing orbs of green. He steps toward her, and her horn becomes illuminated instantly. Despite the warning, the shadow stallion still approaches. Cadence aims the tip of her horn at him, firing a thin beam of magic.
It pierces the center of his head, and splits his ghastly form down the middle, stopping where his neck connects to the rest of his body. For a moment, she expects the body to crumple to the ground, but turns up her guard when the wounded head seemingly pulls itself back together. The shadow pony opens its eyes once more, completely unharmed by her attack.
“What is the meaning of this?” she scowls, her horn drenched in magic.
“Nothing more than an umbral projection,” Thorn speaks through the smoky form. “So you are the one that the Tantabus has taken for a host?”
“I am Nightmare Cadence,” she stamps her hoof and glares. “Now I ask you, who are you?”
“The little dragon that you foolishly followed,” he speaks confidently, “I am the greatest form he has ever taken. You may know me as Thorn Eclipse.”
She seems astonished, “Yes, yes I remember you…”
“Well, I shall be the one running our little Equestrian Rebellion,” he chuckles. “The little dragon has been stripped of all his power, and usurped. Now, if you continue to serve, I can give you the power that he promised.”
“Enough of these promises,” she shouts. “I am not foolish to take a promise like that.”
“Then, what if I showed you?”
Walking up to the nightmarish alicorn, Thorn laces the tip of his shadowy horn against her forehead, as a sickening green light pulsates from it. Cadence lets out a gasp, her heart beat quickens as she feels something hot rush through her entire body. The feeling lasts only a moment, but replacing it, she feels lighter on her hoofs.
“What is this feeling?”
“Power,” the umbral manages to form a smile with its dark body. “I have managed to unlock but a fraction of what the Tantabus is capable of.”
“This, this is only a fraction?”
“Tremendous, isn’t it?” he laughs. “No alicorn could muster such strength. Now, to have me unlock the rest, you will fulfil but one task.”
“Yes,” she says eagerly.
“Kill Shining Armor…”
The front doors to the palace burst open unexpectedly. Twilight Sparkle and her friends draw their attention from the crystal map to the white pony running inside. His blue mane flows against his back as the armor he dawns rattles as he runs across the carpet. Shining Armor reaches them, stopping with a skid.
“Twilight,” he gasps for air.
“Shining Armor?” she looks confused, “What are you doing here?”
“Celestia sent for me,” he says. “Is it true, did Cadence attack you?”
Twilight looks away from her brother, “She did, but I know it wasn’t her fault. Spike infected her with a creature known as the Tantabus. It’s to blame, not her.”
“Yes, I know,” he says, looking over his shoulder. “And that is another thing. I found this at the edge of the Everfree Forest.”
Clenching his teeth, a pink light encompasses his horn and a spot under his mane. Floating through the air is a small purple creature that is violently tossed onto the table. The baby dragon remains motionless, his scaly body scraped and bruised. One of the fins at the top of his head appears to be torn, bitten by a creature of the forest. All the ponies look down at the unconscious body, although a mixture of feelings are on their faces.
“Spike?” Twilight speaks up, “Is he?”
“His breathing is shallow,” Shining Armor says. “But he is still alive.”
“Well what do we do with him?” Apple Jack pokes the unconscious baby dragon.
“I say we toss him back outside,” Rainbow Dash glares at the body.
Fluttershy takes flight across the table, scooping him in her arms, “Rainbow, how could you even say that? No matter what he is still just a baby?”
“Yeah, a baby that tried to kill Discord,” Dash says with her hooves crossed. “Or did you forget about that?”
“I, well,” she looks down at him in her hooves, “I know Discord would forgive Spike. So I think we ought to at least see him better.”
“Fluttershy is right,” Twilight says firmly. “I want to see him properly punished for his crimes. Leaving him for dead is not the way we do things.”
“I agree with Twilight,” Shining Armor also adds. “Besides, he may know of a way to undo what he did to my wife.”
Twilight gives her brother a slight smile, but then turns to yellow Pegasus, “Fluttershy, please take him to my bedroom. His bed is still there, so you may put him there.”
“Hold on darling,” Rarity interjects, “Princess Celestia is resting in there. Isn’t that a touch dangerous?”
“No, because Fluttershy will be keeping an eye on him.”
She nods and smiles to her princess friend. Holding the dragon in her arms, Fluttershy beats her wings to float above the others, carrying her to another door and into the hallway. She disappears from the sight of the others.
At the edge of Ponyville, where it meets the border of the Everfree Forest, the trees are knocked over as a gargantuan dragon emerges. At its side is a vicious alicorn, gently floating above the tree tops and out of the way of its destructive path. She glances to the spine of the great behemoth, seeing Thorn still lost in a trance. Darkness has encased his body as if it were a chrysalis.
“I will wait here,” Thorn says, taking on the form of a shadow pony once more. “You two shall fulfill your duties to me. Stop at nothing.”
“What about Twilight and her friends?” Nightmare Cadence cringes at the thought. “They possess the Magic of Harmony. I am afraid not even my newfound strength will be enough.”
Answering her is a fit of laughter so haunting it even makes her quiver. From the chrysalis, darkness sprouts like a blooming bud, spreading over the body of the skeletal beast. The tendrils seep up the black, gorging the power of shadows and expanding over the bone. Bones become covered in muscles and tendons, and they with a layer of scales as dark as night. Thorn disappears from the body of the dragon, sinking into the body as if the darkness were an ocean of power. As the colossus is engorged with the might of shadows, its eyes become a blazing emerald, like two flames lingering in its sockets. The armored scales completely cover its body. Leathery wings expand outwards, demolishing more of the forest. The newly formed Shadow Behemoth lets out a mighty roar. Its cry sends waves of energy to wash over the land, leveling everything that stands before it.
I am not afraid of the power of Harmony, Thorn’s voice thunders. The power of the dragon, MY power is beyond anything those ponies can muster. I will crush every single thing Twilight holds dear. I will take the power of the Sun. And there is NOTHING that will stand in my way!
Blankets are draped over the body of a sleeping alicorn. Even the colorful rainbow mane remains hidden under the sheets. Celestia appears as still as a statue, save for the gentle rise and fall from her chest. As Fluttershy walks into the room, she is sure to close the door behind her carefully. Cradled in her Pegasus wing is the baby dragon who looks less on the verge of death, and has curled up like the youngling that he is in a sound sleep.
At the foot of the bed Celestia has fallen asleep is a small cushion. The little dragon bed has been untouched in some time, forcing the yellow pony to use her wing as a feather duster. Her feathers wipe away the unused fabric, stirring up a little cloud of dust before it disperses into the room. With it clean, Fluttershy sets the baby dragon down in his bed. A small blanket is clenched in her teeth as she pulls it up to his shoulders.
“There-there, Spike,” she brushes the top of his green quills with her hoof. “I’m sure we will get through this, and maybe we can all be friends again after this.”
While her tender eyes are on Spike, she hears the door open to the bedroom, begging her to turn her head to see a pink furred unicorn poking her head inside. Pushing the purple and green strands from her eyes, Starlight Glimmer motions for her friend to come over. The yellow Pegasus looks around, only to find that the only other inhabitants are sound asleep. Quietly, she trots over to the door.
“What’s going on, Starlight?” Fluttershy reaches her friend.
“Twilight needs your help,” she says, pointing down the hallway. “She wanted me to fetch you.”
“But, um, she told me to look after Spike and Celestia.”
“Don’t worry,” Starlight says. “I’m here to watch over them.”
“Oh, well, if you’re here, then I guess it’s okay.”
Fluttershy walks out of the room and Starlight takes her place inside. The unicorn watches her friend trot down the hallway before closing the door. A sinister smile draws upon her face just as she shuts it. And then, her body fades away, becoming nothing more than a glittering powder that vanishes.
“I’m sorry, Fluttershy,” Spike speaks, rising from his bed. “But we are past the point of going back.”
Emerald light encompasses his right claw as he lifts it from his bed. The same glow drapes across a chair sitting in the corner. It slides silently across the floor before being propped up in front of the knob. The baby dragon climbs out of his bed, and walks over to the one belonging to his former friend. Digging his claws into the sheets, he pulls himself up onto the bed. His light body climbs over the sleeping princess without causing her to stir. Violet claws grab at the blanket and pull it from her, exposing the princess to the chill air that seems to be filling the room. Aside from a sudden shiver, she does not awaken.
“Oh, how I wanted to expose you and your sister to your precious ponies,” he seethes. “To show them what their princesses really are like. Thorn has taken that from me. His rage, my rage, has turned you into a martyr.”
He balls his claws into a fist.
“I will never be able to show Equestria what you really are,” tears seem to well in his eyes. “But I can at least gain what rightfully belongs to me. I’ll continue my role as villain until I am satisfied.”
“What in Celestia is that?”
Towering over Ponyville is a gargantuan dragon whose body appears to be made of darkness. Shadows leap from its body like wisps of smoke, only to fall back to its scaly surface. Emerald orbs fill the sockets as they watch frightened ponies flee to the castle. The beast marches forward, it digs its claws into the side of a building as it climbs over part of the town. Yet the sheer weight causes the structure to collapse under its talons. Still, the beast marches forward. It turns its head from side to side as it seems to scour the fleeing fillies and scared stallion. Once the ponies are far enough away, the great beast rear backs its head and lets out a powerful roar that shakes the entire town.
Twilight Sparkle! a voice roars like a mighty explosion. Come out and face me now!
“That voice,” the Princess of Friendship furrows her brow, “That’s Thorn.”
“How is that possible?” Rainbow Dash floats above her violet friend, “Spike is with Fluttershy.”
“I don’t know,” Twilight says. “It may be another one of his tricks, or maybe.”
“That what is with Celestia might be,” AJ speaks up, “You know, not really Spike.”
“I’m not sure what’s going on, but we cannot just wait to figure it out. We have to go down there and protect our town.”
“I’m going to help too,” Shining Armor joins his sister’s side. “He still has a hold of Cadence, and I’m not going to stop until she is safe.”
“Don’t worry, you won’t have to after you’re dead…”
Shadows seem to spew like a small geyser from the ground, as they take the form of a crimson-violet pony whose long flowing mane has been touched with starlight. Eyes of the serpent gaze out as Nightmare Cadence emerges through the veil of darkness. Before Shining has a chance to speak, her horn is blanketed in magic and blasted out in a linear beam. It strikes the stallion in the chest, sending him sailing into the castle and crashing against a wall.
“Shining Armor!” Twilight shouts.
“I’m fine,” he picks himself up off the ground. “I’m fine…”
“My-my-my,” Cadence smiles as she walks toward the girls, “I never realized how sturdy you were.”
“I won’t let you hurt my brother,” Twilight says, her horn starts to glow.
“No Twilight,” Shining says, stepping up beside her again. “I’ll handle this…”
“What, but you—”
“She’s my wife. You and your friends go and face that shadow dragon. I’ll be fine.”
The princess looks to her brother and nods, yet a tear manages to shed down her cheek. Looking away, she and her friends race past Nightmare Cadence without so much as a single confrontation from the darkened princess. Her serpentine eyes have locked on her husband, who has a weary look about him.
“You do realize that you have no chance of stopping me.”
“I know,” he says solemnly. “I just hoped I would be able to talk to you.”
“Sorry, husband,” the word makes her give a twisted smile, “But I was promised power if I kill you.”
“So that’s it,” he lowers his head. “Just promise me that you will not harm Flurry Heart.”
Nightmare Cadence looks at him oddly, “What? No attempt to pry your princess from the clutches of darkness? No tries to pull at my heart-strings?”
He remains silent.
“You are no fun at all,” she says, aiming her horn at him. “But if you are willing to make this easy for me, then I will not harm the child.”
“That’s all I wanted to know…”
Laughter erupts from her throat, “Why kill the cretin when I can just corrupt her as well!”
“What? No!”
Shining Armor raises his head, but only as a powerful magic beam comes barreling toward him. He throws up a magic shield to stop it, but it is instantly obliterated. As the blast is about to cut him down, a golden light shines brightly behind him.
At the edge of town, the ponies stand in the shadow of the giant dragon as it stares down at them with its emerald orbs. Lifting its colossal hand, it comes crashing down on one of the buildings, reducing it to rubble. Sickening, sadistic laughter rumbles through the air, belonging only to Thorn Eclipse.
So, my little ponies, you think you can defeat me with the Magic of Friendship?
Twilight stamps her foot against the ground, “We will defeat you Thorn, no matter what you may try.”
Laughter ensues.
That’s it ponies, show me that fleeting light. It will make it all the more enjoyable when I snuff it out.
The Princess of Friendship looks to her friends, “Alright girls, we have faced many a foe. He is nothing more than a combination of them all. We can do this, are you ready.”
Answering her with smiles and nods, a magical aura encompasses each and every one of them. The glow devours their bodies, swelling up like colorful balloons until they pop. Emerging from the balls are the six friends all encompassed in the rainbow of colors given by the Power of Harmony. Together, they shed off a bright white light and lift off the ground. As the lightshow continues, the colossal shadow dragon does nothing to hinder their attack, merely watching them float above his head.
Suddenly there is an eruption of light that flows from the six ponies. Streams of rainbow color shoots out one by one, striking the shadow dragon, as it showers him in light. Once all six rays flow forth, they merge into one final powerful blast, blanketing Ponyville in a blinding white light. But then, the white light is darkened as a green flame rips through it. The ponies are sent sprawling to the ground, knocked out of their rainbow-forms. Dazed, each one has a bit of trouble getting up, but all eyes turn to the giant shadow dragon as it laughs. It digs its claws into the ground, causing the ground to shake as it picks itself up.
Foolish ponies. Despite all your claims of Friendship, the rift between you ponies is clear. Turning you all against each other was so easy, and the damage was never repaired. Without the power of Harmony, you will never be able to defeat—
All of a sudden a beam of light rains down from the heavens, piercing the shadow dragon through the neck, sending the great beast toppling to the ground. The crater which the blinding light has landed oozes smoke as a figure stands at the epicenter. Feathers as white as pure snow are mixed with bright golden scales that glisten in the sunlight. Standing no taller than a pony is a dragon who rises from the disturbed dirt he created. Running from his head down through the spine are black spines that look to be crafted from obsidian. The golden dragon opens his eyes, emerald gaze blazes like burning suns. Turning to face the ponies, he is met by the enormous skull of the shadow dragon. It opens his maw, and lets loose a ferocious roar, but the celestial dragon does not waver.
“Thorn,” Spike says, staring down the colossal beast, “You have something that belongs to me.”
The colossal dragon lets out another furious roar, sending a shockwave of energy rippling across the landscape. Buildings crumble to dust at the sheer force of the bellow. A mighty claw slams down on the ground, causing the earth to shake beneath the feet of the celestial being., yet Spike does not yield to the presence of the titanic creature. Emerald eyes blazing like the sun itself stare at the cold empty gaze of his shadowy counterpart.
Ha. Ha. Ha. Do you really believe you can defeat me?
“I do not intend to defeat you,” Spike balls his claws into fists, “I intend to wipe you from existence, you pathetic mistake.”
A mistake am I?
The beast roars again.
If it wasn’t for me, you would have reached Celestia or Luna. You are nothing without me.
Spike opens his heavenly wings, a collection of scales glisten gold as his body is wrapped in an aura of light. Pushing off the ground, he is wrapped in a white cloak of energy, speeding upwards blindingly fast as he crashes into the underjaw of the shadow dragon. The blow sends Thorn reeling, smashing into nearby buildings.
Whipping his head upwards, the dark beast spews a stream of green fire up into the air, but it comes up short as it follows the stream of light Spike creates. Soulless eyes follow the beam of light as the celestial dragon comes soaring straight at them. Instead of moving, Thorn opens his giant maw, and bites down on his foe. The light is snuffed out as it disappears inside the great colossus.
Through the cracks in his teeth comes a bright light as the beast struggles to keep its mouth shut. It lets out a painful roar as a beam of light shoots through its upper jaw, allowing the celestial dragon to escape. Spike soars out of the opening, landing safely on his feet. A dark ectoplasm covers his glistening scales. It drips from his body, singing the grass beneath his talons. He watches as the shadow dragon thrashes its head. Eventually the hole that he left, is closed up by blackened tendrils that seem to sew the wound closed.
You think that is enough to defeat me? I have much more power at my disposal!
Throwing his head back, Thorn lets out another mighty roar. From its body black orbs ooze onto the ground. As they touch the soft earth, they expand, swelling to the size of two ponies. One continues to expand while the other bursts. Inside emerges Discord, and yet there is something off about the Lord of Chaos. The colorful array of animal body parts is a blackened hue. His eyes are a glowing red, and there is a sinister expression on his face. Meanwhile, the other has grown to half the size of the colossal dragon its spawned from before it bursts. Ooze drenches the wicked form of Tirek, who looks more infernal. Swirling between his horns are a fiery orange globe.
He lets out a roar and fires a beam directly at Spike. The celestial dragon manages to swoop out of the way, but the beam continues on, directly at the onlooking Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Before it connects, the princess throws up a barrier. It intercepts the attack, but shatters instantly, sending her sailing back into her friends.
“Twilight!” Apple Jack catches her. “You okay, sugar cube?”
“Y-Yeah,” the princess says, looking up. “I’m fine.
“What should we do, darling?” Rarity chimes in, yet she never takes her eyes off of Spike.
“I, I don’t know,” she looks worried, “Without the elements, I don’t know how we can stand up to either of them.”
“So we just have to stay here,” Rainbow Dash folds her hooves, “And wait?”
“Unfortunately.”
Meanwhile, Spike is pinned to the ground by Discord. The Lord of Chaos has him bound with thorny roots that have sprung from the earth. Above them, Tirek comes falling down like a meteor. Just before the centaur collides, the celestial dragon lets out a blinding flash of energy. Both shadowy beings are swallowed by the light. In the veil of white, Spike emerges. A manifestation of light has wrapped around his hand, mimicking his claw several times its regular size. With the massive talons he slashes at his darkened counterpart. The shadow dragon is knocked to the ground again.
You may think you can win, but I am the manifestation of six villains. You cannot hope to defeat all of us!
“You are nothing, but a fool,” Spike growls. “You still rely on others without delving deep into your own abilities.”
I defeated you once when you were a Shadow Dragon. I’ll do the same as you are, Celestial Dragon. I have the powers of darkness. I have the powers of the villains. I have the manifestation of your greed. I am many, and you are alone.
The body of the colossal dragon seems to shrink slightly, but still is gargantuan compared to everything else. From its body the ground is seeped with shadows. Like plants taking root, bodies start to grow forth, each taking the shape of one of the villains that the ponies have faced. Like Discord and Tirek, every single one of them is soaked in black energy, giving off a devilish aura to them. At the forefront of this gathering is a shadowy version of Thorn. His eyes blaze red and a sinister fanged smile spreads across his face.
“You cannot hope to defeat us,” he bellows, “We are many, and you. You are all alone.”
“Yes, I’m alone,” Spike stands his ground. “I’ve always been alone, but that doesn’t matter. Come at me with your six, or six hundred. It doesn’t matter to me…”
Spike plants his foot, digging his heel into the dirt.
“Because…”
The enemy charges even as his scales seem to ignite like fire.
“Compared to them…”
Thorn builds up energy in his horn. It turns red hot as he inches closer to the celestial dragon. Behind him the other villains close in.
“I. Am. A. God.”
He lets out a powerful draconic roar as light explodes from his body in a supernova-like explosion. The energy engulfs the enemy, shredding the shadow-creatures in the heavenly glow. All that remains is the dark pony, Thorn. In that light, the two gaze into one another. The furious red has slipped from Thorn, as he remains still. Emerald eyes stare sternly at the body that he once was. The celestial dragon grabs ahold of the pony, and then sinks his fangs into the neck.
Outside the attack, the girls must shield their eyes from the blast. Peering behind her hoof, Twilight Sparkle sees some-pony standing in the epicenter of the dome of light. As it fades, the image of a dragon stands unhinged. The beast has scales that appear to be wrapped in twilight. Deep violet is sparkled in stars as if he were forged from the heavenly bodies. The wing on his left is bright with golden webbing, marked with the image of the sun. His right appears as black as night, with the glowing moon emblazoned upon it. Standing tall and regal, the Eclipse Dragon appears to be looking up into the sky, completely ignoring those around him.
Twilight takes a step forward, “Spike?”
Turning his head, she is met by the same sharp emerald eyes, yet there appears to be a golden ring about his pupil.
“Celestia is still alive,” he says coldly. “The same can be said for Princess Luna, although where she is I do not know.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
He holds up his claws, “Three days, Twilight Sparkle. Your precious princesses have three days to admit their guilt. By the setting sun on the third day, I will raze Equestria to the ground.”
Claws whose violet hues and starry scales blend seamlessly with the celestial bodies as they lift for the heavens. Over the horizon, Spike watches as the sun breaks into the sky, bringing a deep blue to the blackened night. As his talons move so does the great fiery ball. Higher and higher he carries the sun to the heavens. Stars fade away into the blue. Clouds bud to life, floating happily along a distant breeze. For a moment, the sun hovers in one spot before the eclipse dragon moves it a little further toward the mountains out in the view. Giving a satisfied smile, he lets his hand slip to the ground. From the cliff, does he stare at the morning sun as it hangs there for him and the rest of Equestria to enjoy. But then, his moment of joy fades. Emerald eyes look down at the Everfree Forest sitting hundreds of feet below.
“It is the second day already.”
He folds his claws together, squeezing them tightly.
“I had hoped Celestia would come forward…”
He grits his teeth. Fangs gnash so tightly that it causes his gums to bleed. Crimson trickles out of the corner of his mouth, dripping onto the blades of grass.
“Do not…”
Next to the blood, droplets of water fall on the green. Spike trembles.
“Do not force my hand…”
Twilight Sparkle paces back and forth, occasionally glancing to the door that leads to her bedroom. Yet each time she does, it remains the same; closed. The sound of trotting hooves draws her attention to the end of the hall. A white stallion approaches, looking bruised and battered, yet very much alive.
“Shining,” she says, her eyes wet with tears. “How’s Cadence?”
“She’s still unresponsive,” her brother says with a warry smile, “But at least whatever had been possessing her is gone.”
“That’s good,” her eyes never waver from the door.
“So,” Shining Armor rubs the back of his mane, “Has the princess woken up?”
“No…”
“And no sign of Princess Luna?”
Twilight shakes her head, “And it is already the second day. What am I going to do if we cannot get either to speak? What if Spike really intends to destroy Equestria? What if…”
Before she can continue, her big brother puts a hoof around her, pulling her head against his chest. The steady beating of his heart drums in her ear, which seems to put a calming effect on the nervous princess.
“It will be alright, Twilight,” he reassures her. “You and your friends will be able to save us; like you always do.”
“But how?” she pulls away, “With our harmony out of balance, we are powerless against him.”
“You will find a way. I know you will…”
All of a sudden, a blue blur comes careening through an open window, and slams into Twilight Sparkle, sending her rolling into the wall. Startled, Shining Armor’s horn glows, readying a spell, but it is doused when he sees Rainbow Dash rubbing her head as she is sprawled beside her friend. The Princess of Friendship shakes the daze from her head as she turns to the blue Pegasus.
“Rainbow, why did you just crash into me.”
“I tried to get here as fast as I could,” Dash says in a panicked tone. “They found her barely conscious lying in the middle of Sweet Apple Acre.”
“Who?” Twilight asks.
“Princess Luna!”
The bedroom door opens with a hallowed screech, as a voice speaks softly, “Luna?”
Out in the Everfree Forest, the great dragon watches as his sun continues to move across the sky. With every passing hour, the dread he feels in the pit of his stomach only strengthens. Above, the sky starts to redden and paints a plethora of colors with the setting sun. Unable to endure, he rises to his feet.
“Why?” he demands to know one. “Would you rather your kingdom fall, your people vanquished, all for the sake of feigning your crown?”
“Perhaps she is still asleep,” he hears a voice tickle his ear. “After all, having the essence ripped out of you is quite tiring.”
Spike turns to see the devilish draconequus standing on the cliff side. The lord of chaos has a twisted grin upon his face as he raises a bushy brow.
“Discord,” Spike bears his fangs, “Come to get rid of me?”
“Heavens no,” he shakes his head, “I know that even my magic is no match for the Eclipse Dragon.”
“Wait, you know what I am?”
The great beast lowers his claws, but narrows his eyes.
“Certainly,” Discord says as affirmatively, “I had contested with your father in the past.”
A flash of angry ignites the gold in Spike’s eyes, “You’ve known about my ancestry, this whole time?”
“Yes,” Discord folds his arms behind his back. “I also knew that Celestia and Luna never gave back the magic they took from your dear old dad.”
“And you never thought to tell anyone!”
He shrugs, “Being trapped for over a thousand years, I guess I happen to forget about that little detail.”
Spike scowls, “You’re a bad liar.”
“It would not have mattered regardless,” Discord says. “In the eyes of all the ponies, I was the villain in their little tale. No one would have ever believed me. I doubt you would have believed me.”
“So what have you come here to do then. Taunt me?”
“Precisely,” the lord of chaos smiles. “I don’t think you realize the similar position you find yourself in. You are the villain now in this story, and no matter what happens you have lost.”
“I will expose Celestia and Luna of their crimes.”
“Will you? Exposing the secrets will only make them hate you. You will have pulled the veil on their pretty little lives. That everything they believed was a lie. Now you could use the alternate route. No one would hate you, because, well, there would be no one to hate you. Either way, you are doomed.”
Back at Twilight’s castle, the ponies have gathered around the table, although none of them take seats in the thrones. At the one end of the table, the princesses gather together. Celestia and Luna look worse for wear. The flow of their manes has left them, leaving their hair to droop to the side. While their wings remain, there is hardly any trace of their magic.
“My little ponies,” Celestia speaks in a royal tone, “Spike has continued his betrayal. He has stolen the magic of both mine and my sister. He intends to use our power against us, to harm our citizens. This cannot be tolerated, but without our magic there is nothing we can do. Therefore, I am calling upon the help of the last alicorn. Twilight Sparkle, will you save our kingdom from a tyrant.”
Twilight Sparkle looks out to her friends, yet solemn look fills her face, “I. I will try…”
Emerald eyes watch as the sun turns to a burning orange, the sky blanketed in a mixture of colors blanketing the heavens in a rainbow. Stars begin to twinkle in the black where the light no longer touches. Shadows twist across the earth, contorting into wicked things. On the grassy planes overlooking a forest, twisted wings sprawl along the blades, connected to a shadow dragon. The eclipse dragon looks at his setting sun with a grimace, as the light shrinks lower with every passing second. Once it becomes a sliver, he rises to his feet. The wings of sun and moon sprawl out, covering more of the land in shadows.
Just as he is about to take flight, he hears the sound of a hoof stamping into the dirt. Looking over his shoulder, he comes across a lone pony standing in his shadow. The purple alicorn looks up at him with a solemn look. Her wings tucked in at her sides, violet eyes big, yet there is no shimmer in her pupils.
“I was worried I would have to come to Ponyville,” Spike turns around, “To deliver on my threat. But seeing you here has given me a sigh of relief.”
“Spike,” Twilight Sparkle stomps her foot, “Hasn’t this gone far enough?”
A creeping smile that was on his scaly face droops, “You. You are not here to deliver a message from the princesses then?”
“Just that they are willing to pardon you for your misdeeds,” Twilight says. “Please, give back their magic, and we can put this whole business behind us.”
“Their magic,” he repeats the words slowly, letting them sink into his tongue. “I see…”
“Listen, please, Spike,” she sounds desperate as tears well in her eyes. “I know that this is all my fault, but please can we put this to an end. I am sorry for treating you wrongly, to making you feel less like a friend. I failed you, as both the Princess of Friendship, and your friend.”
The eclipse dragon lets out a sigh, but smiles, “And I forgive you. Truth be told, I realize how harshly I lashed out you and our friends. Truth be told, it was childish of me, because I was just a baby dragon who thought he should be treated as a pony. I hurt many in that pursuit of revenge. I am sorry for my actions back then. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course, Spike,” she smiles. “I just want us to go back to the way…”
He holds up his hand, “I told you back then I was childish and stupid, not anymore. You may not understand it now, or ever, but what I am doing is the right thing. The magic to control the sun and moon belong to me.”
“You know that is not true, Spike,” she says sternly, “That magic belongs to Luna and Celestia.”
“So is that their answer, eh?” he seems to smile. “I guess he was right about my story ending with me as the villain…”
“What are you talking about?”
“Never mind,” he says.
Glancing over his shoulder, he sees that the sun has finally disappeared over the horizon, and now the moon begins to rise in its place. The smile from his face fades as he begins to walk toward Twilight Sparkle. Digging in her hooves she stands her ground, but is ultimately surprised when his strides continue passed her. Following his movements, she sees his wings open up once more.
“Spike, what are you doing?”
“The sun has set on the third day, and I never got my answer from the princesses,” he says coldly. “They did not even have the gall to come face me themselves. So now I must make good on my promise, as much as I hate to do so.”
“No,” Twilight screams. “Spike, you can’t!”
Instinctively she fires a beam of magic from her horn, which strikes the eclipse dragon in the back, but the attack does nothing. The scales of a nighttime purple continue to glisten with the starry markings that clutter his body. He turns back, angry. The gold around his pupil flare, burning hot like fire in the night. Twilight retreats back a step when she realizes her blow was ineffective.
“I am sorry, Twilight, but you never had a hope of defeating me,” he raises his claw.
Green magic lifts her up into the air. Try as she might to struggle from the grasp, she is utterly at the mercy of her former friend. The eclipse dragon brings her closer, floating her over so that they may look upon one another eye to eye.
“Deliver a message to Celestia and Luna for me,” he says coldly. “For the lies they continue to spill, I shall spill the lives of their people.”
Swiping is claw, he launches Twilight Sparkle into the air. Rocketing through the night sky as a pinkish dot, he watches her arc across the heavens, before disappearing in a twinkle of light. Once she is out of sight, he continues his march. Shadows lurking around him seem to pull at his body, dragging him down into the umbral depths, but he does not seem to care. After he sinks into the dark, he disappears.
And reappears on the streets of Canterlot. All about there are ponies who appear to be going about their lives even as the night sets in. He looks about, seeing how as one by one they begin to notice him. Many of them gawk, while others gasp in horror. Some begin to back away, the fear welling in their guts begging for them to run.
I pray that you all survive…
Lifting up one arm, he bellows out so that all may here, “It is Princess Luna and Celestia that have brought this wrath upon you. Remember that…”
Ponies watch as stars begin to flee from the heavenly bodies. They look like twinkles, being snuffed out like a candle flame. Only then do they reappear, burning brighter than ever before, as meteors growing larger with every second. Spike can see the look of terror on every-ponies’ face as they run for their lives. The stars fall one by one, and begin to smash into Canterlot, starting with the castle. One comet smashes into the tallest tower, bringing it down to rubble. Fire erupt throughout the castle as more celestial rock smashes into the city. Screams fill the air, mixed with the wanton destruction that is wrought.
Then, everything falls into a hush, and a plume of dust reaches toward the sky. Once it clears, the eclipse dragon looks out to see the entire city destroyed.
Dust is swept by the wind, and carries a tumbleweed through town. Along the stretch of buildings on either side of the main road, a god-like dragon stomps into the dusty street. Prints are left in the dirt as he makes his way to the center of town. Above the train station, the clock tower begins chiming, each toll of the bell resonating an ominous tone. The eclipse dragon looks about as the chorus rings out. Appleloosa appears to be no more than ghost town. Its only inhabitants are the swirling dirt and lonely howls. Spike listens carefully, but he is met with the sound of silence upon the twelfth ring of the bell. He closes his eyes, and gives a small smile.
“They’ve already evacuated,” he sounds relieved. “Guess it means I don’t have to hold back.”
Digging his heels into the dirt, he holds out his claws. In one hand, a ball of fiery gas appears, burning hot like the sun itself. The other seems to create an orb of nothingness, which seems to start sucking in all the light that surrounds it. Suddenly, the eclipse dragon sweeps his leg, spinning wildly with his arms held outwards. The black hole starts to absorb the trailing flames of the ball of plasma emits. In one arc, the two orbs seem to connect into a ring, exploding outwards in a devastating merge of energy. Combined, they detonate. The entirety of the town is swallowed up by the fiery ball, which looks like a bright white ball that seems to swallow up several acres. On the outskirts of the town, the apple trees are scorched to ash, leaving nothing left. And then, all of a sudden, blackness appears in the center of the destruction. All that light, all of the destruction is sucked into the dark spot. And then, there is nothing.
Scorched earth is all that is left of the town. Not even a trace of the buffalo stampede trail can be seen in the devastation. Spike stands there for a moment, his face sullen as he gazes at the destruction that he has wrought. His claws ball into fists.
“Getting tired of the wanton destruction?”
Whirling around, Spike finds discord floating upon an invisible current as if he were lounging. The draconequus has a deviant smile upon his face as he gets up from his unseen resting spot, gently hopping onto the burned earth.
“What are you doing here?” Spike snarls. “Come to mock me again.”
“I’ve come to reason with you…”
The eclipse dragon is taken aback, “You, the lord of chaos, wish to reason with me.”
“I’m not telling you to stop,” Discord explains, “Far be it for me to put a stop to the unrest you have inflicted upon Equestria. No, I am telling you to cut to the chase.”
“What do you mean?” the dragon appears to tense up.
“You continue to stall your threat,” the Lord of Chaos walks over to him with claw and paw behind his back. “Sure you destroy a village here and there, but you’ve mainly focused on those that have been abandoned.”
“I do not wish to harm the ponies,” he says. “I wish to force the princesses’ hooves. Other ponies do not need to lose their lives to do so.”
Discord shakes his head, “My dear, naïve Spike. Structures and homes can always be rebuilt. It is the lives that matter. Lives can never be repaired.”
“No, no I couldn’t…”
“If you truly wish for Celestia and Luna to,” he pauses to laugh, “Open up, you will have to do what is necessary to force them.”
“But to kill…”
“YOU DID NOT HESITATE TO KILL ME WHEN YOU DID!”
Discord is suddenly inches from Spike’s face, his eyes burning red like twin infernos. The draconequus has his mitts digging into the dragon’s shoulders.
Spike is thrown backwards by the outburst. The eagle talons rip through his scales, spilling a blackened liquid from the wound. Grabbing his slashed arm, the eclipse dragon winces for a moment. Moving his claws away, he sees the wound has already closed. In the puddle that has formed, a small sprout has sprung from the barren earth. Yet neither he nor Discord notices.
“I apologize for my actions, Discord,” he says feebly. “Nothing I do can remedy them, but I will admit my faults. And that is all I wish from the princesses. Admittance.”
“Then if you wish for them to admit their actions, you must stop with your attacks on ghost towns. You and I both know your next target.”
Spike nods, but frowns, “Ponyville…”
The blackened sky hangs over Ponyville, yet there is still some light in the crystal castle. A single room has several candles lit, burning brightly against the darkness that dares to penetrate through. Two ponies fight off sleep, or rather sleep is unable to come to either of them. The Princess of the Night finds comfort in the bed, as she watches her sister pace nervously back and forth. There is a note lying in front of her, writing out details of yet another attack orchestrated from the eclipse dragon.
“Is this true, my sister?” Luna asks.
“I’m afraid so, Luna,” the princess sighs. “Appleloosa is no more, making it the fifth town that he has attacked.”
“And yet there has not been a single casualty. We should consider ourselves lucky, dear sister.”
“I believe that he is reluctant to kill innocent, and for that I am thankful.”
“So what shall we do then?” Luna asks. “Perhaps it is time we admit the sins of our past, and put a stop to this.”
Celestia stops pacing and makes a sharp look, “That is not an option. It will never be an option.”
“But why not, dear sister?” Luna does not falter despite the angry expression she gets from Celestia, “If he is reluctant to harm, maybe just admitting our folly will quell his anger.”
“His anger will never be quenched,” Celestia stomps her hoof. “It may stop for a time, but his heart is too damaged to let things settle. There is a chance he will wage war for what has become of the dragons in his absence. Our kingdom will be vulnerable. Many of our subjects will be harmed.”
“But sister…”
“We are facing the Eclipse Dragon, a god of untold power. When we agreed not to return his power, it was for the sake of every creature in Equestria. No one being should have that sort of weight over us all.”
Luna shakes her head, “But sister, how do we stop him now?”
“In order to face a god, we will need one ourselves,” Celestia walks toward the window, staring out at the starry sky. “I believe it is time we take Twilight to the catacombs.”
A droplet of water pools between the cracks of stone forming a ceiling. Gravity yanks at the swelling orb until it breaks free of the granite. Falling through the stale air, it crashes onto the soft violet nose belonging to Twilight Sparkle. The frosted water sends a shiver down the alicorn’s spine, making her mane stand on end. She lowers her head, but her eyes remain fixated on the flowing tails of her fellow princesses. Just a few hooves ahead are Luna and Celestia. The eldest of the sisters has her horn lit in a yellowing light to fight the darkness that follows them closely.
“Princess Celestia,” Twilight Sparkle speaks, “Where did you say this is leading to again?”
“The catacomb,” Luna answers for her sister.
“And what are they? I have never read any mention of such a place.”
“We would not expect you to,” Celestia turns her head to speak to her student. “The catacomb is a secret vault that only Luna and I are aware of. Not even Starswirl knew about this place.”
Twilight’s eyes swell as she struggles to hide her smile, “R-Really?”
“Yes,” Luna answers.
“Is there some sort of spell that can help protect Equestria from Spike?” the Princess of Friendship asks.
“In a sense, yes,” Celestia answers with a smile, “But to use it, we need to bring you to there.”
“Me? Why?”
“Everything will be explained soon, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna answers. “Please be patient.”
Twilight lowers her head and looks away. The rest of the journey is a silent one as the three make turns down a seemingly endless corridor. With the black veil of shadows swarming around them, Twilight is unable to see how far the path is or how they have journeyed. It is only when she sees the sisters abruptly stop does she, though she nearly stumbles on the damp stone floor. Twilight peers between the two princesses, but finds only darkness greeting them at the borders to Celestia’s light.
“Are we in the catacomb?” Twilight asks, looking around.
Her attention is drawn to the glow of Luna’s horn, as it fights the yellow magic of her sister with a haunting blue aura. The two princesses turn to one another and touch their horns. Suddenly the area is lit by thousands of crystals hanging from the ceiling. It nearly blinds Twilight from the sudden burst of light. The blue shards are larger than a pony, held in place by a network of vines protruding from what appears to be a dirt ceiling. Roots gnarl from above, creating a rustic-like chandelier.
Twilight Sparkle notices there is nothing in this chamber, “Is this really the catacomb?”
“It is, Twilight,” Celestia says, turning to her protégé. “You see, the catacomb is not a place we frequent for books or artifacts.”
“In fact, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna joins in, “It is a place that has a great concentration of magical energy. Here our magic is at its peak, allowing us to utilize spells we could otherwise be unable.”
“Then, is there a spell that you know of that can save Equestria?” Twilight asks.
Celestia shakes her head, “No, there is no magic spell that can thwart the Eclipse Dragon. He is a creature beyond anything that we can muster.”
“So, in order to contend with something of that magnitude,” Luna steps in, “We must have a pony that can match it. That is where you come in, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Me?” Twilight looks dumbfounded. “No, you must be wrong. I couldn’t hold a candle to Spike when I tried to stop him last time.”
“Yes, as you are now, you have no chance of stopping the Eclipse Dragon,” Celestia steps forward.
Luna says, “However, you have something that no other pony in Equestria has that makes you unique. A deep connection to the Elements of Harmony.”
“But,” Twilight pauses, “The elements were returned to the Tree of Harmony to stop the Everfree Forest.”
“Yes,” Princess Celestia, “The elements have been returned, but that is precisely why we are here.”
At that moment, Twilight looks up. A twinkle goes across her eyes as she stares at the roots that seem to spider web all across the ceiling.
“The Tree of Harmony,” she says. “We are standing under the Tree of Harmony.”
Both princesses nod.
Celestia steps forward, “In this space the Tree of Harmony excretes tremendous magic power that we may draw from. It is our hope to transfer this magic into you, you who has demonstrated an unrivaled affinity to the elements.”
“What about my friends?” Twilight asks, “I would never have been able to connect to the Elements of Harmony without them.”
“This is something only you can do,” Luna says. “Rather than have the power of the elements divided among the six of you, it will be concentrated into one pony.”
“I understand,” Twilight says, uneasy of the idea. “Is this the only way.”
“With the Eclipse Dragon wreaking havoc in Equestria, we must act fast,” Celestia says. “I would not ask this of you if we did not have any other way.”
Taking a moment to think, Twilight then turns to the princesses, “Alright, I’ll do it.”
Celestia smiles, “Then please take your place beneath the tree.”
Stepping slowly into place, Twilight Sparkle keeps her eyes up at the roots. They strangely start to pulse like a beating heart. But her attention is pulled away when the ground gives off a pink light. The stone floor becomes encompassed by the pink six-pointed star of her Cutie Mark. On either side of the princess, Luna and Celestia have their horns lit with magic as they concentrate on the spell they cast. It is Twilight alone that watches the spectacle.
The roots above swell, ceasing the pulsations. And then, one by one, the crystal elements phase through the bark, floating gracefully downwards like falling leaves. Each finds a place on one of the points before a pillar of stone erupts from the ground to catch them. The last to fall is the crystal star that once belonged to Twilight alone. All around the room, the crystals that emit the light grow faint, leaving only the elements to light the chamber.
The elements glow brightly as their light only seems to be cast inwards toward Twilight. It is so bright that she must shield her eyes. The chamber grows dark as the light begins to fade. Blackness covers everything. Even the light from Luna and Celestia’s horn is extinguished, and the veil swallows them whole.
But then, a strange white light appears, no bigger than a dot. It grows quickly though, spreading across the ground. Where the pillars held the Elements of Harmony, there are nothing but stones. The rocks are the crystals void of the magic. As the light expands, Celestia and Luna gaze upon Twilight Sparkle.
The Princess of Friendship appears older, grown up to be a pony of equal stature to Celestia. Her mane and tail have grown, dancing to an invisible breeze. In with the colors of blue, violet, and pink, there appear to be images of miniature galaxies dancing in the length of her hair. Even her horn has grown.
Twilight takes a step forward, failing to observe the change in her appearance. When she does, the sisters suddenly bow before the young princess. There is a tinge of fright that comes from both of them.
Celestia and Luna both speak. “Twilight Sparkle, Empress of Harmony, we beseech thee. Please save Equestria from he who dares harm us. Save us from the Eclipse Dragon!”
Atop the cliff overlooking Ponyville, the Eclipse Dragon is joined by a chaotic draconequus. Discord appears to shiver abruptly, as his entire body wiggles like a noodle. Spike merely turns to the Lord of Disharmony.
“You felt it too, then?” he asks.
“Yes,” Discord stretches himself out to stop the waves in his form. “It felt just like the time when the princesses transferred their magic to Twilight. But, only bigger.”
“It means the princesses are making a final stand,” Spike gets to his feet, “And it looks like they are going to be hiding behind Twilight again.”
“Will that mean you’ll be taking up the mantle of villain?” Discord asks as he climbs on thin air and reclines.
“What you have been telling me is true, I am doomed,” Spike says, looking a bit agitated. “But I will not everything I have done be in vain.”
Discord begins to rock back and forth as if in a hammock, “It almost sounds like you have some sort of plan.”
“I do,” Spike smiles, looking to the draconequus, “But for it to work, I need you to do something for me…”
The Sun, shining warm. The moon and its cool glow. The heavenly bodies are side by side as they did when the Everfree Forest made its march on Ponyville. Half the sky is blanketed in the golden light of a rising morning. Its other battles against its celestial brother with violet bathed in stars.
A dragon soars among the special forms, its leathery wings cast a shadow over Ponyville. Emerald eyes gaze upon the down, scouring carefully. Buildings sit quietly, lights doused. Not a pony can be seen. Nor are there any creatures like the birds or insects. It is as if natural forces have compelled them to flee. The town is utterly abandoned.
Leathery wings block out both the sun and the moon, casting a huge shadow that swallows the town. The great beast folds the wings against his own body, and falls from the heavens. He descends like a meteorite, and like a cosmic rock, he smashes into the ground with such force that a crater dimples the land just outside of the town. Fire spews forth, igniting nearby trees. Flames consume until there is nothing more than blackened husks. Once the embers smolder out, the Eclipse Dragon climbs out of the crevice. His violet scales glisten, dancing with stardust.
Meeting him at the edge of town is an alicorn whose flowing mane is also touched by the stars. Her wings are touched with multiple colors in the form of speckled crystals. Upon her head is an old crown that holds a brilliant star-shaped crystal. The gem has is drained of color, left in a grayish hue.
“Is that you, Twilight?” Spike squints, as if he hopes it will change the image of the pony standing in front of him.
“It is, Spike,” she answers in a regal tone.
“You are looking even more like Celestia,” he feigns a smile. “You must be so happy to have this strength.”
“Not in the least,” she lowers her head.
“Oh?” he cocks his head.
“I have never felt like this before,” she keeps her eyes focused on her hooves. “It is like I could raze Equestria to the ground with one hoof, and then rebuild it with the other. This feeling, I is overwhelming.”
“This kind of strength is nothing more than a burden.”
“It,” her eyes swivel as her thoughts race, “It almost sounds like you don’t want this power either.”
“I don’t,” he answers. “You are right to feel the way you are. This power, this god-like feeling, it is not something I particularly enjoy.”
“Then please, return the magic to Celestia and Luna…”
“It is not theirs!” Spike roars, the force of which causes the ground to quake. Twilight Sparkle becomes guarded, but then sees the dragon take a deep, calming breath, “You must believe me, Twilight, this burden is a lineage that belongs only to me.”
“You said that before, but never explained yourself,” The Empress of Friendship speaks calmly. “How does alicorn magic belong to you?”
“That is because it is not alicorn magic,” he answers sharply, his eyes flare with golden fire. “When you fought against Tirek, you must have realized how different the princesses’ magic was to yours.”
“Well,” Twilight shies away, “I will admit it felt strange.”
“It felt vicious, consuming,” Spike remarks, fanning his wings. “Like it would burn your very soul.”
She says nothing.
“Dragon magic is quite ferocious,” he answers, “Only a beast as equally terrifying would be capable of handling this magic. No pony can wield its destructive power to its fullest.”
The empress lifts her head, “You, you’re right.”
“You’ve had this magic too, and yet the power I have now eclipses anything you could muster.”
“Then this magic,” she pauses. “It is yours.”
Spike smiles.
“But how did Princess Celestia and Princess Luna come to have it?’
The smile fades, “They betrayed the trust of my father. When the previous Eclipse Dragon gifted his great power to the sisters, it was his hope to pass it back to me. Celestia and Luna sought to keep the magic for themselves, robbing me of my birthright. In fact, I doubt I would have ever been hatched, if not for you.”
“This,” Twilight shakes her head, “Then this is all wrong. I shouldn’t be fighting you, Spike. I never wanted to, it just didn’t feel right. We can put a stop to this. Celestia will have to admit that she made a mistake.”
Twilight turns her back on the dragon, but as she opens her wings he calls out to her, “Twilight, no.”
She stops and looks, “What? But why?”
“I have given a lot of thought about my actions. If I were to pull the veil off of the ponies, they would never trust the princesses again, including you. I am afraid that showing them a harsh truth would utterly destroy Equestria.”
Spike glances at the town behind the empress, giving a sorrowful smile.
“And while my kind lie beyond these borders, Equestria has always been my home. I do not wish to see it destroyed.”
“Then put a stop to a fighting,” she pleads.
“Sadly, that will not put an end to this,” Spike bawls his claws into fists, “Not as long as Celestia and Luna wrongfully attempt to claim this power for their own.”
“Then what will?”
“I will continue the role as villain,” he glowers. “Twilight Sparkle, in any scenario, my existence poses a threat to Ponyville, to your friends, to all of Equestria.”
“Spike,” Twilight looks disheartened, as tears well in her eyes.
The Eclipse Dragon puts on a brave face, overshadowing his sad smile, “Empress, I will not stop until I see Celestia and Luna pay for their wrongdoings. I made my promise. Three days has passed. I will continue my rampage until Equestria is a smoldering pile!”
“Then,” she closes her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks, “Then I will stop you. Eclipse Dragon, I will put an end to this madness once and for all.”
A smile crosses his scaly jaw. The Eclipse Dragon suddenly curls himself up, wrapping his own wings about his body. Starlight flutters across his body, growing blindingly bright. Then, darkness swallows his body, filling the air around him and expanding toward the mixed heavens. The blackness takes grows bigger, casting its shadow over Twilight and the rest of Ponyville. Empress Twilight opens her wings, allowing for the quickening winds to carry her back.
Safely away, she watches as an arm sprouts from the billowing black. Then another. Wings burst from the back. The scales become clouded with stars, as if a galaxy was born. Towering over Ponyville appears a giant dragon. Its eyes open with a glowing violet. Wisps of purple spew from the sockets. Jagged lines tear across its face until a mouth snaps open. The titanic Eclipse Dragon reigns back its head, opening its maw. Empress Twilight Sparkle watches as the sun and moonlight seems to seep away from the rest of Equestria, funneling into the back of Spike’s throat.
Stomping her hoof into the dirt, magical lines become etched around her in the shape of her six-pointed star. Stone pillars break free of the soil, forming at the points. Each is colored like the former Elements of Harmony, with her friend’s cutie marks etched into the rock. The stone-gray jewel on her crown is brought alive again in a vibrant of colors.
The growing collection of solar and lunar light finally stops when Spike bites down upon the stream. Digging his claws into the ground, he wretches his head forward, and opens. A stream of heavenly fire bursts from the maw, dancing in black and white magic. It is met with a rainbow of colors as a beam shoots out of Twilight’s horn. The magic collides, causing Equestria itself to quake in the might of these two gods.
In that brief moment, the spells consume one another. The magical force explodes outwards, swallowing up the empress and the beast as well as the rest of the town. Smoke and debris scatters about, as a billowing cloud strikes at the sky. Ponies for miles around can witness the climbing smog as it forms the head of a mushroom.
In that dirt and destruction, the town of Ponyville is completely levelled. Buildings are turned to rubble, with barely remnants of structures left. There is nothing living in sight. No pony. No dragon.
But then, rocks begin to shake, as one rises from the doom. They stand victorious.
Magic envelops around an iron door, pushing it open with a shrill screech. Rust pours from the hinges, dusting across golden hooves. Princess Celestia marches in with a stern look upon her face. Behind her is her sister, who keeps her eyes locked on dreary gray stones that make up the floor. Hanging from the ceiling is a single lantern with a dying candle. It is the only light that occupies the space. No windows shed any natural light. When princesses reach the center of the room, they abruptly stop.
“Empress Twilight,” Celestia speaks clearly, “Were you successful?”
Standing by the far wall is the violet alicorn. Beside her is a small baby dragon. A heavy collar is fastened about his neck, with a metal chain bolting him to the wall. Spike looks defiantly at the two sisters who share a cold expression toward him.
Twilight Sparkle uncaringly steps between her mentor and the little dragon. The tip of her horn is blanketed in magic as two sigils pop into existence before her. On her left is an emblem that is a golden sunshine. Light pours of it, basking the dungeon in a warm glow. To her right is a mark of the crescent moon. Darkness swallows the light around it, draining the heat and leaving only a bitter cold.
“I have retrieved the magic that was taken from you by Spike,” she says. Her horn brightens as the two sigils float toward their respective princesses. The magic is absorbed into Celestia and Luna, and seems to brighten both alicorns.
“You have done well, Twilight,” Princess Luna speaks with a smile.
“Thank you,” the empress says, but then looks behind her to Spike, “What will you do with him?”
Princess Celestia steps forward, “We cannot let him stay in Equestria after all the destruction he has caused. The ponies would be in an uproar if we did.”
“We will have no choice, but to banish him to the Dragon Lands,” Luna adds. “He will live out the rest of his days with his kind.”
Twilight Sparkle smiles, “That sounds like it would be for the best.”
“Indeed,” Celestia remarks. “But first, we should extract the elements from you, Twilight. Now that the threat has passed.”
Spike quietly growls under his breath, which only Twilight manages to hear. She looks back to the little dragon, gazing into his emerald eyes. Turning to the princesses, she shakes her head.
“No, no I think I will hold onto this power,” the empress says.
“What?” Celestia is taken aback, a tinge of anger flashes across her face. “Surely, Princess Twilight…”
“Empress,” Twilight corrects her teacher. “You were the one after all who gave me the title. I have a feeling that threats may swarm Equestria now that the kingdom is in turmoil. It would be wise to hold onto this power until I see fit to relinquish it.”
“If,” Celestia suppresses herself, “If that is what you think is best, Empress Twilight, then I have no choice, but to trust you.”
“As will I,” Luna adds, looking as unnerved as her sister.
“Excellent,” Twilight fakes a smile.
Magic wraps around her form, cocooning her briefly before swelling and popping off her in thousands of magical rose petals. Instead of the majestic empress, it is just the ordinary Twilight Sparkle that must now look up to her teacher and princess.
“I would rather look like this when I am around my friends,” she says cheerfully. “It is hard enough not to get treated differently as princess.”
“Yes,” Princess Luna remarks.
“Now, Twilight,” Princess Celestia speaks calmly, “If you would be so kind, we would like to talk to Spike before we send him to the Dragon Lands. Alone…”
Although she tries her best to mask her emotions, this bothers Twilight Sparkle. Making a quick glance back to the baby dragon, she watches him nod. Without a word, she takes her leave of the princesses and their captive. Just as she steps through the doorway, the heavy hinges give a shrill cry as magic slams it shut. The horn on Celestia’s horn extinguishes after she closes the door.
Spike glares at the princesses, “You never had intention of letting me go to the Dragon Lands.”
“In order for you to rally the dragons to attack Equestria?” Celestia says. “Not likely.”
“Or rather I die and so does the truth, is that it?”
“You forced our hooves,” Luna jumps in.
Celestia nods, “We will put an end to this. Everything will be as it should be.”
“Will it really, Celestia,” Spike smiles. “You seemed a bit distraught that Twilight will not let go of her newfound power. Afraid of some other pony threatening your rule?”
“Twilight Sparkle can be handled, she is one of us,” Princess Celestia glowers.
“Sister,” Luna throws up a hoof in front of Celestia, “Do not let him agitate you any longer.”
The elder sister fumes, “You are right. Let us be rid of him and put this matter behind us.”
The two sisters stand side by side, and touch the tips of their horns. Magic flutters from their bodies, concentrating at the point where they meet. A great ball of white light forms, growing larger than the dragon that it targets. Spike watches his impending doom, yet smiles.
“You’re too late,” he smiles. “Everything will change…”
The ball of magical energy turns into a beam, engulfing the baby dragon. It swallows him whole.
***
Fire and fumes fill the air. It is enough to make a draconequus gag. Discord floats to a nearby rock to catch his breath, coughing on the smell of brimstone. Before the fits of coughing become too much, he snaps his fingers and a gas mask appears over his goat-like muzzle. He gasps a few times through the mask, which seems to settle his breathing.
“I cannot believe I agreed to do this,” he says to no one. “I owe that little lizard nothing.”
In a puff of clouds a small leather back appears in thin air, just to fall into his lap. Reaching inside he pulls out a large, yet strange egg. The shell it is a deep violet and looks as if one were appearing in the night sky. As he gazes into it the endless special abyss, the egg violently shakes.
“Calm down, you,” he smacks the shell. It stops moving. “We are almost there, keep your shell on.”
Discord seemingly grabs the air, and pulls. Like turning the page of a children’s book the landscape changes to a rocky wasteland with skies filled with dragons. The beasts gasp at the sight of the draconequus, and bear their fangs.
“Yes-yes, oh so very frightening,” he says nonchalantly. “I’m here to deliver a gift to the Dragon Lord.”
“And what would an outsider have that I desire?” he hears a powerful female voice boom.
Stepping from one of the caves is a blue dragon, clad in golden armor. Dragon Lord Ember opens her wings, floating down to meet the intruder with a careful gaze. That is when her eyes fall upon the egg.
“What. Is. That?” she asks.
Suddenly, the egg starts to thrash around. It pops out of Discord’s talons and falls to the ground. He tries to scoop it up, but the shell smashes against the unforgiving ground. There is a look of absolute horror on his face, that is until he sees something stirring beneath the shattered pieces. Moving a large chunk of egg is an infant dragon. It stands no bigger than the draconequus’ paw. The little one’s scales are a deep color of violet, and are swept in stardust. Tiny wings, too small for flight, protrude from his back. One is glowing like the sun, while the other shines like the moon. Discord smiles, as he scoops the baby up, and holds it out for the Dragon Lord to see.
“This, he, is your salvation,” he says. “Raise him right, and he will bring the Dragon Lands back to a glory that has been lost to history. He will grow up quickly, so change is just beyond the horizon.”
Ember looks at the babe skeptically, “And what will we call this great savior?”
“Throughout the forgotten history, he was the dragon god. He soared through the very heavens themselves, and commanded the sun and moon. He is the legendary Eclipse Dragon. But, to his friends, you may address him as Spike.”
